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By Alimat Aliyeva

Vietnams Ministry of Public Security has proposed creating a national database center to combat fake news and false information, AzerNEWS reports, citing foreign media.

The draft decree distinguishes between fake news, defined as completely fabricated content, and false information, which refers to content that is partially untrue.

The proposed center would receive reports, complaints, and denunciations related to fake and false information, publicly announce verified cases, issue warnings, and provide guidance and clarifications to the public. It will also coordinate data sharing and labeling of misinformation among ministries, agencies, and local authorities to ensure consistency nationwide.

Under the plan, the Ministry has suggested applying the maximum fines allowed by the Law on Handling Administrative Violations - up to 100 million Vietnamese dong ($3,850) for individuals and 200 million dong ($7,700) for organizations found spreading fake or false information.

Similar initiatives in other countries have shown that centralized misinformation monitoring can significantly reduce the spread of harmful content when paired with public education campaigns. Experts note that combining strict enforcement with digital literacy programs could help Vietnamese citizens critically evaluate online content, making the Internet a safer and more trustworthy space.
A mentally ill man who later killed three people was released by medics who flagged the 'over-representation' of young black men in detention, an inquiry has heard.

Schizophrenic Valdo Calocane slaughtered fellow university students Barnaby Webber and Grace O'Malley-Kumar, both 19, and 65-year-old Ian Coates in a random stabbing spree in Nottingham in June 2023.

Three pedestrians were also seriously hurt when Calocane stole Mr Coates's van and drove it at members of the public before he was stopped by police.

He had a long history of contact with NHS mental health services and is serving an indefinite hospital order after admitting manslaughter with diminished responsibility.

An inquiry starting today will explore 34-year-old Calocane's history of violence and worrying behaviour, amid concerns repeated institutional failings may have left him free to kill.

This includes visiting MI5 headquarters demanding to speak with officials, and bringing a hammer to a hospital ward - as well as concerns he was not taking medication properly after being sectioned multiple times.

His behaviour was so troubling that a doctor warned in July 2020 that Calocane 'will end up killing someone', yet he was discharged two weeks later.

The victims' families said they want the inquiry to hold individuals and institutions to account, saying: 'We want it to expose systemic neglect with a thorough examination of the missed opportunities by mental health services, law enforcement, and judicial bodies.'

The three people killed by a mentally ill man in Nottingham in 2023 are: (left to right) Ian Coates, Barnaby Webber and Grace O'Malley-Kumar

Valdo Calocane has been handed an indefinite hospital order for the killing spree

In her opening statement, inquiry chairman senior retired judge Deborah Taylor sitting in London said the probe will 'examine what could and should have been done, and the effects of key actions, omissions and decisions'.

She added: 'Words of condolence, sympathy and apology can be given substance by commitment to establishing the detailed facts and bringing clarity to what happened and how it may be prevented from happening again.

'It's therefore important that all recognise that the engine of change is powered by frankness, by reflection, rather than deflection, by insight and by acceptance of both personal and collective responsibility where required.'

In her opening remarks, Rachel Langdale KC, counsel to the inquiry, suggested some 'key themes emerge from these investigations and reports' and said 'whether described currently as learning points, failings or criticisms, they provide a baseline critique upon which we will build'.

She added: 'The approach to risk assessment, the dynamic nature of risk and the need to have a clear and accurate history are all key themes.

'When should the risk (Calocane) presented in the community have been recognised and what should have been done about it? Was there any attempt to reduce the risk?'

She outlined multiple occasions where police were involved after Calocane became violent - this included leaving a woman with a major back injury after she leapt from a first floor window to escape him.

Five students also moved out of their houseshare after becoming so concerned about Calocane's violent unpredictability, the inquiry heard. But he never faced conviction until he struck in 2023.

Ms O'Malley-Kumar was just 19 when she was killed

Mr Webber, also 19, was a fellow university student

School caretaker Mr Coates, 65, was brutally killed by Calocane

Calocane's mother repeatedly flagged her own concerns about her son's behaviour, and he was sectioned four times.

The inquiry heard on one occasion a team of medical professionals 'considered the research evidence that shows over-representation of young black males in detention' and decided to release him back into the community.

Ms Langdale said, however, that Calocane was indeed detained on four occasions and 'five of his seven mental health assessments recommended detention'.

She added: 'As to whether specifically in (Calocane's) case there is any evidence that restrictive practices were not used because he was black, this question has, in accordance with the published questions, been put to a significant number of the professionals who were dealing with him.

'The evidence thus far received by the Inquiry does not suggest it was.'

Calocane also failed to attend meetings as his mental state fluctuated.

And Ms Langdale suggested there was an 'astonishing failure of information sharing' where the University of Nottingham were unaware the medical reason Masters student Calocane had been absent for months.

The actions of prosecutors, police staff and medical professionals will be scrutinised by the statutory public inquiry.

Ms Langdale described how Calocane was waiting in the shadows to ambush Mr Webber and Ms O'Malley-Kumar on the night he struck, going equipped to the scene with a Boker dagger, a Gerber survival knife, a large pointed knife and a mental scaffolding pole.

He later called his brother, saying: 'This will be the last time we speak.'

Calocane was sentenced to an indefinite hospital order in January 2024 after admitting manslaughter by diminished responsibility and three counts of attempted murder - something which has been widely criticised by the victims' families.

Calocane, pictured here as a child, may never be released

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) previously prepared a report which concluded that officers failed to properly investigate an assault on warehouse workers by Calocane which could have stopped his killing spree a month later.

An NHS review last year found Calocane was not forced to take long-lasting antipsychotic medication before his rampage because he was scared of needles.

When the inquiry was announced, the Ministry of Justice said the management of Calocane's risk to others in the lead-up to the attacks and public servants accessing information without authorisation will form part of the inquiry.

Speaking before the start of the inquiry, Mr Webber's mother Emma Webber told reporters: 'We've seen reviews, we've read reports - none of which have served their purpose. Virtually all of which are useless.

'Apologies do not keep the public safe, but change does. This inquiry must not become a procedural exercise.'

And in a statement ahead of the inquiry this morning, the families of Mr Webber, Ms O'Malley-Kumar and Mr Coates said: 'This inquiry represents a critical turning point in our pursuit of truth and justice.

'For too long, we have been met with failure and silence.

'This inquiry is not just about looking back; it is about holding those who neglected their jobs to account.

'We will no longer accept the institutional shielding of individuals who failed our loved ones.'

The statement continued: 'We hope that it brings individual and institutional accountability, holding to account not just the organisations that failed in their duty of care, but the specific individuals whose decisions allowed these events to unfold.

'We want it to expose systemic neglect with a thorough examination of the missed opportunities by mental health services, law enforcement, and judicial bodies.

'Finally, we want it to address what we view as a miscarriage of justice with Calocane being sentenced to a hospital order.

'We want to challenge the legal framework and decision making which we feel led to an enormous miscarriage of justice that could see the killer of our loved ones released in as little as a few years.'

The inquiry is expected to hear from more than 100 witnesses and will run for four months, with the final report back in May next year.

The chairman said Calocane would be referred to throughout by his initials, VC.
She is the wealthy Utah mom accused of murdering her husband by lacing a Moscow Mule cocktail with fentanyl  and then infamously penning a children's book about coping with grief in the aftermath.

Now Kouri Richins is finally set to get her day in court and will face a jury in the swanky ski town of Park City starting Monday.

Richins, 35, has repeatedly claimed she is innocent of the charges against her which include aggravated murder, attempted criminal homicide, two counts of fraudulent insurance claims and forgery.

On Thursday, after jury selection wrapped up, her attorneys released a statement reiterating her innocence, adding: 'What the public has been told bears little resemblance to the truth.'

The missive went on: 'Kouri has waited nearly three years for this moment: the opportunity to have the facts of this case heard by a jury, free from the prosecution's narrative that has dominated headlines since her arrest.

'Now the state must prove the allegations beyond a reasonable doubt. What the public has been told bears little resemblance to the truth.

'We welcome the courtroom, where evidence is bound by rules, not sensational coverage. Kouri is a mother who wants to go home to her children. We are confident this jury will make that possible.'

But cops and Summit County prosecutors have a very different view of the mom-of-three's actions and say Richins killed her husband in 2022 after racking up debts of $250,000 so she could cash in on a $2million life insurance policy she placed on him months before his death.

Kouri Richins, 35, the Utah mother accused of fatally poisoning her husband with a fentanyl-laced Moscow Mule, is finally set to get her day in court as her trial kicks off Monday

The mom-of-three has vehemently denied the charges against her which include aggravated murder, attempted criminal homicide, two counts of fraudulent insurance claims and forgery

Once a mom-of-three living in the picturesque Utah town of Kamas, Richins now occupies cell four in the Summit County Jail's Behavioral Health Unit  a section of the lock-up dedicated to those with mental health and addiction problems.

Police say the roots of the murder drama date back to 2013 when Richins married businessman Eric  who was just 39 when he died  and signed a prenup.

The legal document said Richins could claim some of his assets such as his 50 percent stake in a masonry business if he died before her  but that in the event of a divorce, she would get nothing.

Nonetheless, the marriage began as a happy one with the couple swiftly having three sons together, and Richins continued in her high-powered career as a realtor.

But the relationship ran into trouble less than three years after the wedding, with Richins racking up debt as she flipped homes to sell  culminating, in March 2019, with her opening a bank account with a $250,000 line of credit without telling her husband.

Eric only realized what had happened a year later when he discovered the bank account, a $100,000 withdrawal from his own account and $30,000 in debt on his credit card.

According to his sister Katie, Richins ultimately racked up $494,000 worth of debt which she promised to pay back but never did.

Furious, Eric consulted divorce lawyers and placed all of his assets in a trust for his children that was controlled by his sister and made the trust the beneficiary of his $500,000 life insurance policy.

Richins is currently being held in the Summit County Jail's Behavioral Health Unit where inmates with mental health and addiction issues are locked up

Once a mom-of-three living a seemingly idyllic life in Kamas, Utah, Richins is now accused of plotting to kill her husband over mounting debts, allegedly planning to use his life insurance payout to fund her lifestyle and house-flipping business

Investigators say Richins used a secret home equity line valuing $250,000 to prop up her failing real estate dreams behind husband Erics back

According to a family spokesman who spoke to the Daily Mail in May 2023, Eric had always feared Richins would 'kill him for money' and suspected she had been cheating on him throughout the 10-year union.

After learning about her secret debt totaling $494,000, Eric secretly put his sister Katie in charge of a trust holding all his assets for his children and a $500,000 life insurance policy

Greg Skordas told the Daily Mail: There are three reasons Eric stayed: One is 10 years old; one is nine and the third is six.

'He lived for his three boys and unfortunately he died for them too.'

Despite that, the marriage staggered on but in January 2022, Richins was allegedly caught changing the beneficiary of Eric's life insurance payout to herself and upping the premium to $2million.

After her ruse was discovered and the beneficiary switched back to his business partner, the prosecution says the glamorous mom changed tack and purchased 15 to 20 fentanyl pills from a friend, having asked her for 'some of that Michael Jackson stuff'.

On Valentine's Day, the pair had dinner together with Eric becoming violently ill afterwards  even telling a friend he thought his wife had tried to poison him.

Skordas continued: 'Eric was considering divorce at the time he died. It was something he and Kouri had both discussed.

'They had argued over financial issues, and both appeared to be a little more realistic about that prospect.'

Shortly after her husband's death, the mother of three self-published a children's book titled 'Are You with Me?' about an angel wing-clad deceased father watching over his sons

Richins has made repeated pleas of her innocence and has been subjected to numerous claims of witness tampering, culminating in the 'Walk the Dog' letter that prosecutors claim was a bid to tell her family members what to say in court.

He added: 'The sad truth is Eric was worth more to Kouri dead than divorced.'

On March 3, 2022, Richins said she and her husband were celebrating the sale of a house when she made him a Moscow Mule  a cocktail of vodka, ginger beer and lime juice  and took it to him in bed where he drank it and also consumed a THC gummy.

In Richins's account, she then went to bed and woke up the following day to find him dead  immediately calling 911 after the discovery.

An autopsy found he had died of a massive fentanyl overdose and had five times the lethal dose in his system.

Richins, meanwhile, carried on with her life  taking trips to Spain and Mexico and releasing a children's book about grief called Are You With Me? In March 2023, that turned her into a local celebrity.

The following month, she penned a note to the Summit County Sheriff's Department complaining that the ongoing investigation was affecting her life.

Then, in May the same year, she was arrested and charged with Eric's murder, which she has continued to deny.

Eric's family, meanwhile, say they suspected she was to blame for his death from the start  pointing to a civil lawsuit she filed a month after her arrest arguing that the prenup she signed back in 2013 meant she should be handed a chunk of the assets in her late husband's estate.

Richins has been locked up ever since with the case wending torturously through the courts, with claims of witness tampering on her part and a farcical episode that concerned a 'Walk the Dog' letter allegedly telling family members what to say in court.

She has also made repeated failed bids for release and argued for months to get the trial moved from Summit County to Salt Lake City, as well as replacing her entire defense team.

Now, with a five-week trial gearing up to start Monday, a verdict and an end to the long-running saga is finally on the horizon.
A phone consultation with a private lie-detector company was the final straw in Kathleen Funchions six-year-long abusive relationship, the MEP has revealed.

As she listened nervously on the phone to how the process would work and where she would take the lie detector, the then Sinn Fein TD said she knew it was all wrong.

In an interview with the Irish Mail on Sunday, the brave mother-of-two details how  with the support of family, a close circle of friends and a womens refuge  she finally broke free from Sean Tyrells control.

She also praised kind gardai from Kilkennys Garda Protective Services Bureau who later ensured she got justice for the abuse she had suffered at the hands of the former Sinn Fein councillor.

Speaking after her controlling ex-partner had his four-month prison sentence increased by a month, Ms Funchion told how for years, she found herself walking on eggshells.

She would even become nervous and anxious when the Dail schedule changed or her day didnt go as planned, because she knew it was going to create an issue.

Tyrell never told her there was an issue, but he made it clear she knew she was the problem. Instead, she was subjected to silent treatment and frozen out for days.

Sinn Fein MEP Kathleen Funchion at The Parade, Kilkenny Castle. Funchion's controlling ex-partner had his sentence extended by a month after he appealed the severity of the sentence from a lower court

It was very emotionally draining, I felt like I always had to be a number of steps above, the Ireland South MEP recalls.

With the benefit of hindsight, Ms Funchion said there was an issue around jealousy early on that was very hard for her to understand.

Their relationship broke down on several occasions, but the mother of two children from a prior relationship said that she had really loved Tyrell and that she wanted to make it work.

But eventually, she knew the relationship was at a point where it was obvious there was no return.

I am nearly embarrassed now when I think about it [the lie detector], because we did a phone consultation with this man who does lie-detector tests.

I did this phone consultation about how it all works and where you go and all the rest of it.

Sean had found this company based in Galway. I was thinking this was not good.

I remember being so nervous on that phone call because I knew it was ridiculous and wrong, and I felt I knew I had to get myself out of this, but I didnt really know how to do it at that point.

The 44-year-old also discovered Tyrell had exported her WhatsApp chats from her phone to his after she voluntarily handed her mobile to him.

Funchion realised that her ex-partner Sean Tyrell had exported her WhatsApp chats

She said he began contacting her friends, their partners and journalists after she texted him to say she was not going to go through with the lie-detector test.

After I handed over my phone and he went through that, and when I realised that was still not good enough, I was thinking then, this is never going to end.

And then there was the thing around the lie-detector test. It also emerged then he had gone through my phone, he had exported my WhatsApp chats.

'I had given him my phone and that was me saying I had nothing to hide, but I didnt realise he had taken information off it.

I knew then it was something I couldnt live with and I reached out to Amber [domestic violence shelter]. I contacted them and the gardai then.

Last Monday, Tyrrell, of Cypress Grove, Loughboy, Kilkenny, had his prison sentence for offences under the Harassment, Harmful Communications and Related Offences Act increased by a month on appeal.

He was previously given a four-month custodial sentence, with a separate four-month jail term suspended for two years, for offences under the legislation, also known as Cocos Law.

Ms Funchion spoke of the relief she feels now that the emotionally draining relationship and its aftermath life has finally concluded.

I went to the guards in August 2022. He was arrested in December 2022 and it was in May 2024 the DPP [Director of Public Prosecutions] came back with a decision.

The case was March 2025 and the sentencing was April 2025, and then I had to wait almost another year for the appeal.

It has been exhausting.

Looking back at the relationship, she stressed how difficult it was to get to the point where she knew she needed to get out for good.

The politician also acknowledges she has a good bit of recovering to do now the case has concluded.

I had my two children, I had been married and gone through a separation. I felt I did everything right.

'We were friends and it grew from that, I think thats what makes me really doubt myself now because Id done everything right.

You end up saying to yourself, how do you ever know, how do you ever move on and trust again?.

When you think that you were doing it right, and it all went so very horribly wrong.

Ms Funchion said that she wants women who are in similar situations to trust their instincts and recognise the early red flags in abusive relationships.

Its hard to see it when youre in it, it creeps in over time and you second-guess yourself.

There were good times in the relationship too. It wasnt like every single day was terrible  we had some great times.

But when I look back on it, some of our best times was when it was just the two of us  and maybe thats because he knew where I was and what I was doing.

I probably still have a good bit of recovering to do for my own confidence, she acknowledged.

Ms Funchion said she was unable to sleep in the nights approaching court hearings.

She also told of how at times she even changed her movements around Kilkenny while the case was ongoing because she was consciously trying not to run into him.

Its only hitting me, now that it is done. It has been exhausting.

Id try not to think about it, but Id wonder is he going to get off, or whats going to happen, so its great not to have that anymore.

Sean Tyrell, 39, was given a five-month jail term and a separate five-month suspended sentence under Section 4 of the Harassment, Harmful Communications and Related Offences Act 2020

Ms Funchion said her family and close group of friends were really important in helping her through the process.

My family were really good, and a group of friends from college I have had long before I was in politics. I feel like they know me for such a long time and are really important friendships to me, and they 100 per cent stood by me.

I was really lucky to have that level of support.

She also praised Amber Womens Refuge for providing professional support and thanked the fantastic Garda Protective Services Bureau in Kilkenny.

They were objective but incredibly kind and supportive.

Because in [going through] all of this, our confidence is so low you wonder, are you being a nuisance  so for them to so lovely at that time is so important.

I dont think people realise how rampant this behaviour is, particularly the controlling behaviour.
The killer of a married charity CEO has stunningly avoided jail time after a judge accepted his insanity plea despite claims he 'meticulously planned' the murder of his ex's husband.

Joshua Daniel Danehower, 37, admitted to fatally shooting DonorSee founder Gret Glyer, 32, dead in his Fairfax, Virginia home in June 2022, but pleaded not guilty to murder charges by reason of insanity.

Danehower created a chillingly detailed plan to pull off the killing, including noting to himself that he would need a mask and ski goggles, that he would shoot Glyer with 'quick fire' and a 'finishing shot', and that he would then need to put his clothes in a trash bag and get on a highway 'as soon as possible.'

But ahead of his scheduled murder trial, Fairfax County Circuit Court Judge Stephen Shannon went against Glyer's family's wishes and accepted Danehower's insanity plea.

The plea will allow him to avoid jail time and be housed in a mental health facility, with a chance at release at a yearly review - a possibility that Glyer's family said would leave them fearing for their lives.

Danehower killed Glyer by shooting him 10 times next to his wife while their two young children slept next door, and prosecutors said he had planned the horror for some time after becoming 'obsessed' with Glyer's wife Heather.

Glyer's family said the two had briefly dated a decade prior, and Danehower, who at the time was a FedEx worker, then saw her again at a church function and hatched his plot.

Gret Glyer, 32, the founder of charity DonorSee, was shot dead in June 2022 as he slept in bed next to his wife Heather (seen with their two young children) by a man who had become 'obsessed' with her

Joshua Daniel Danehower, 37, admitted to fatally shooting Glyer, but the judge in his case sparked anger from the victim's family by accepting a not guilty by reason of insanity plea

Before the murder, Danehower created a chillingly detailed plot he titled 'The Plan', where he detailed how to carry out and get away with the killing

Prosecutors said Danehower meticulously plotted the murder of Glyer in a document he titled 'The Plan'.

The document included phases for how to get away with the murder, including clearing his phone and computer beforehand, loading his firearm in his car, unloading with a 'finishing shot' before hopping a back fence and changing clothes.

Psychiatrists said in a report to the court that Danehower was severely mentally ill, and after becoming 'obsessed' with Glyer's wife he spiralled into hallucinations - including believing Glyer was part of the 'illuminati'.

Glyer's family slammed the judge for accepting the insanity plea, as they pointed to clear premeditation in the murder.

'There was a premeditated nature to his crime. The killer planned the attack with a step-by-step procedure of how he was going to both kill my brother and get away with it,' his sister Gizan Glyer said.

'He admits to this and yet he's using his mental health problems as an excuse to avoid any punitive punishment for his crimes, and that is not right,' she said.

'When there is no punishment for a premeditated murder, there's no hope in the criminal justice system.'

Glyer was the founder and CEO of nonprofit charity DonorSee

Danehower snuck into the family home in Fairfax, Virginia (pictured) and shot Glyer 10 times while he slept next to his wife

Glyer's sister Gizan slammed the justice system following the acceptance of the insanity plea

Under Virginia law, Danehower will be committed to a psychiatric hospital, and his status will be evaluated annually for the next five years, and every two years thereafter - with each evaluation presenting a legal opportunity for his release if he is deemed no longer a threat to himself or others, per WUSA9.

The possibility of Danehower's release led Glyer's family to say they not only fear for their own lives and that of his two children, but for the entire community.

'If you encounter Danehower on the streets, believe me, you are not safe,' Glyer's mother Silvia said.

'Just like on June 24, 2022,' his sister Gizan Glyer added after the plea was accepted. 'Evil has won today.'

In a statement following the plea, the Commonwealth of Virginia said: 'The Glyer familys hurt and disappointment is completely valid and more than understandable.

'Our clinical expert had previously found the defendant to be legally insane at the time of the offense, which now makes two independent experts who have reached that conclusion; these findings mean the Commonwealth would be unable to meet our burden of proof at a trial.

'Individuals who are found to be legally insane are remanded indefinitely to a Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services facility.'
Ireland is a nation of dog lovers. Dogs are embedded in our homes, families and communities.

Yet behind the images of playful puppies lies a difficult truth; largescale commercial dog breeding has become a systemic animal welfare problem that Ireland has yet to confront.

Dog breeding is lawful. There is consumer demand for puppies, and responsible smallscale breeders maintain high standards. But scale matters.

When breeding moves from domestic settings into industrial operations housing dozens  or hundreds  of breeding females, the risks to welfare increase dramatically.

The consequences extend beyond the sheds.

The ready availability of commercially produced dogs influences pricing, encourages impulse purchasing, fuels online sales and contributes to abandonment when expectations are unmet.

Rescue centres are under pressure daily. The problem is not just individual establishments; it shapes the wider culture of dog ownership in Ireland.

In Britain, the Breeding of Dogs Act 1973 introduced licensing requirements for breeding establishments more than 50 years ago  by contrast, Ireland did not enact comparable legislation until the Dog Breeding Establishments Act 2010 came into force.

Daisy, who was bought from a puppy farm run by Five Star Paws, which is registered for 300 breeding bitches. Daisy died within 48 hours of her being brought home

By 2010, highvolume breeding was normalised. Ireland had developed a significant export trade in puppies, particularly to the UK.

The 2010 Act was intended to regulate the sector. However, because it was introduced after the industry had expanded, authorities have been playing catchup ever since.

As of 2018, 91 commercial dog breeding establishments were registered in Ireland. Twenty were licensed to keep up to 100 breeding females or more.

The largest remains registered for up to 300 breeding females. Whatever the legal position, serious questions must be asked about whether the physical and psychological needs of dogs can be met at that scale.

Dogs are not livestock. They are highly social animals with complex behavioural needs.

Exercise, enrichment, human interaction, early socialisation and stable environments are fundamental to their wellbeing.

Replicating those conditions in large, productiondriven establishments is inherently challenging.

While the 2010 Act provides for inspection and enforcement, statutory tools are limited. Improvement Notices can be issued where deficiencies are identified, but they have no effect while an appeal is ongoing.

More significantly, failure to comply with an Improvement Notice is not, in itself, a criminal offence.

The Act also lacks clear seizure powers. Instead, operators may be directed to arrange rehousing at their own expense.

Even local authorities committed to raising standards found the legislation difficult to use effectively.

There has been inconsistent enforcement, but legal weaknesses are equally significant.

A 2017 study by Franklin McMillan in the United States found dogs bred in highvolume commercial establishments showed increased rates of behavioural and emotional problems, compared to dogs bred in domestic environments.

While Irish data remains limited, these findings align with longstanding concerns expressed by veterinary surgeons and welfare organisations.

So what can be done? First, the NSPCA believes a full review of the Dog Breeding Establishments Act 2010 is overdue.

Lucky puppy farmer won a car This is Raymond Cullivan Jnr, who is registered to breed 300 bitches a year with Cavan County Council. 38yearold Raymond Cullivan Jnr  who had to pay more than 100,000 to the taxman after he was listed a tax defaulter in 2024  struck gold again in November of that year when he won a Range Rover Sport from an online competition The Irish Mail on Sunday revealed last week how his puppy farm  which was accused of horrific cruelty in the Dail  continues to reap massive profits almost a decade after the controversial practice was exposed by BBCs Panorama programme. Mr Cullivan is listed as director of Five Star Paws, which recorded profits of almost half a million euro in the companys most recent financial statement for the year ended February 2025. The 38yearold  who had to pay more than 100,000 to the taxman after he was listed a tax defaulter in 2024  struck gold again in November of that year when he won a Range Rover Sport. He was pictured picking up keys for his new top of the range car after paying just 99c to enter an online competition.  REPORTING BY Debbie McCANN Advertisement

Responsibility for the Act has recently transferred to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, creating an appropriate policy home for reform.

The Social Democrats Dog Welfare (Amendment) Bill, introduced by Jennifer Whitmore, received crossparty support in the Dail.

The Government agreed to a ninemonth amendment period for consultation and the development of a new Animal Welfare Strategy 20262030.

The NSPCA welcomed Deputy Whitmores Bill and supports its provisions, including a cap on the number of dogs permitted on any one premises.

Such a measure was recommended by the Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine in its 2022 report on issues impacting dog welfare.

International precedent exists: in November 2024, New South Wales introduced a cap of 20 adult female dogs per premises.

Second, the NSPCA also advocates for a dedicated and properly resourced national inspectorate to regulate dogbreeding establishments because oversight currently rests with local authorities whose resources and enforcement priorities vary.

But, third, responsibility also rests with us as dog owners and prospective dog owners.

Lakeview Pets is a Registered Breeder on the Department of Agriculture list of approved breeders. They are the puppy farm that sold Daisy, who died with 48 hours

Responsible ownership includes preventing accidental litters and reducing the number of unwanted dogs entering the system.

Prospective owners must exercise caution and ethical judgement when sourcing a puppy.

That means asking questions, seeing where and how the dog was bred, and being prepared to walk away if standards do not appear satisfactory.

Convenience and low cost should never outweigh welfare considerations.

There are thousands of dogs in rescue centres across Ireland, most are healthy, sociable and in need of permanent homes.

People should consider adoption before purchasing a puppy.

If we want to reduce the harms associated with largescale breeding, we must also examine our own role in sustaining the market.

For a country that prides itself on its love of dogs, that responsibility belongs to all of us.

Conor Dowling is the Chief Inspector of the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA)
Activists accused of engaging in a 'Jew hunt' as they planned to go door-to-door asking locals to boycott Israeli products were stopped after counter-protesters forced them to hide in a pub.

Members the Bristol Apartheid-Free Zone (AFZ) campaign had planned a door-knock encouraging people to boycott Israeli businesses amid the country's ongoing war with Hamas in Gaza.

But more than a dozen activists turned up outside of Sainsbury's at the pre-planned event and accused the group of engaging in a 'Jew hunt'.

And chants of 'Palestine will be free', 'Israel is a terror state' and 'occupation no more' were met with shouts of 'stop the Jew hunt'.

Footage taken at the scene appears to show the two groups clashing while chanting and holding flags, with a police presence in the area.

The AFZ campaigners ended up in a pub, while activists shouted 'Jew hunt' and 'Nazis' outside.

The canvassers stopped their planned door knocks to avoid confrontation as well as shouting outside people's homes.

Holding a placard, Susan, who did not want to show her face or share her surname, told the Daily Mail she was terrified of 'Jew hunts'.

Members the Bristol Apartheid-Free Zone (AFZ) campaign had planned a door-knock encouraging people to boycott Israeli businesses amid the country's ongoing war with Hamas in Gaza

Critics say that groups like these may actually encourage antisemitism - or leave Jewish people frightened if they are confronted on their own doorsteps

More than a dozen activists turned up outside of Sainsbury's at the pre-planned event and accused the group of engaging in a 'Jew hunt'

She said: 'I am the daughter of a Holocaust survivor and a concerned citizen. I am very worried about Left-wing and Islamic organisations dedicated to Jew hunts.

'I feel a duty to be here so that haters know people don't have the support of the general public.

'As a child of a Holocaust survivor, I grew up hearing these stories with people saying exactly the same thing.

'This chills me to the bone. I'm standing here for my children, who are going to be here for much longer than I am.'

The AFZ activists say they are advocating for a boycott of Israeli products because Israel 'thrives on international support'.

But critics say that groups like these may actually encourage antisemitism - or leave Jewish people frightened if they are confronted on their own doorsteps.

Resident Sally Campbell, whose mother was a Jewish refugee, was passing by when she saw the protest outside Sainsbury's supermarket.

She said: 'I wouldn't want someone knocking on my door. I think it's intimidating and I can choose what and where I buy from.'

Mark Birbeck, founder of 'Our Fight' - a group said to be reclaiming Bristol's streets from the targeted harassment of Jews  told the Daily Mail the door knocks were a 'purity test'.

Mark Birbeck, founder of 'Our Fight' - a group said to be reclaiming Bristol's streets from the targeted harassment of Jews  told the Daily Mail the door knocks were a 'purity test'

Pro-Israel protester outside of the Golden Lion pub in Horfield Bristol

The AFZ activists say they are advocating for a boycott of Israeli products because Israel 'thrives on international support'

Chants of 'Palestine will be free', ' Israel is a terror state' and 'occupation no more' were met with shouts of 'stop the Jew hunt'

Police standing outside of the Golden Lion pub in Horfield Bristol, where pro-Palestinian protesters had gathered

He said: 'People are organising activities where they knock on doors of local residents and ask people where they stand on Israel and Gaza. This is not just collecting information about where people stand, it's a purity test.

'We didn't oppose marches in London. We're not against freedom of speech but we think this is harassment.'

He said the attacks in Bondi Beach and Manchester showed the rise of antisemitism and that he himself had been spat on and punched.

Alison Wren, 79, a retired science teacher, is not Jewish but wanted to speak out against harassment of the Jewish community in Bristol.

She said: 'It's just ridiculous, knocking on people's doors and writing down whether they agree to boycott Israel.'

The group says it is expressing solidarity with Palestinians who have been killed and displaced in Gaza, taking inspiration from the Anti-Apartheid Movement that targeted South Africa in the latter half of the 20th century.

The Daily Mail spoke to pro-Palestine supporters, who said they were not antisemitic but simply against genocide in Gaza.

Law student Leo Hill, who made it clear he was speaking as an individual and not on behalf of AFZ, said: 'It's not hateful, it's not anti-Jewish, it's not even anti-Israel. It's just about having a heart - standing against genocide and apartheid.'

Another pro-Palestine supporter called Ryan, who also clarified he was not speaking as a member of AFZ, said: 'I think you should separate state from religion. I understand the historical fear and antisemitism is a horrible thing.'

He said there were large groups of Jewish people supporting Palestine and the actions of the Israeli government should be viewed separately from the actions of Jewish people as a whole.

Law student Leo Hill, who made it clear he was speaking as an individual and not on behalf of AFZ, said: 'It's not hateful, it's not anti-Jewish, it's not even anti-Israel. It's just about having a heart - standing against genocide and apartheid'

The group says it is expressing solidarity with Palestinians who have been killed and displaced in Gaza, taking inspiration from the Anti-Apartheid Movement that targeted South Africa in the latter half of the 20th century

One member of the counter protest got up close to the faces of AFZ campaigners, shouting 'f*ck you' and 'show us your faces'. He added they were using phones with Israeli technology

The Daily Mail spoke to pro-Palestine supporters, who said they were not antisemitic but simply against genocide in Gaza

One pro Palestine supporter called Ryan, who also clarified he was not speaking as a member of AFZ, said: 'I think you should separate state from religion. I understand the historical fear and antisemitism is a horrible thing'

One member of the counter protest got up close to the faces of AFZ campaigners, shouting 'f*** you' and 'show us your faces'. He added they were using phones with Israeli technology.

A police officer took him aside to calm the situation.

People passing by and witnessing the unfolding events said there was a lot shouting and not enough conversation.

Passerby Jasmine Frank said: 'I came here to learn about these issues. People are shouting and I don't know how this is supposed to help peace.'
A young mother and two fathers were killed in a three-car crash in Northern Ireland on Saturday that saw three others raced to hospital.

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.

The trio killed in a devastating three-vehicle crash on Saturday night have been named locally as 31-year-old father Conor Quinn, 23-year-old mother Laura Hoy, and 48-year-old John Guy.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland confirmed on Sunday that there were three fatalities after the 'serious' road traffic collision in the Armagh Road area outside Moy on February 21.

Emergency services rushed to the scene in County Tyrone at about 10.20pm on Saturday.

Three of those injured are still in hospital receiving medical attention, as tributes poured in on social media for Conor and Laura and John.

Conor's sister took to social media to share the tragic news about her brother's passing, calling him a 'cherished father, brother and son'.

She said: 'He will always be loved and missed.'

Conor Quinn, 31, who was a father of four, was killed in a crash in Moy, Northern Ireland, on Saturday night

Twenty-three-year-old mother Laura Hoy, who has a daughter, was also pronounced dead at the scene

John Guy, 48, who was a father-of-six, had been living in the Keady area and was originally from Dublin

One perssaid on Facebook: 'Beloved son of Bernie (nee Gates) and Hugh.

'Cherished father of Riley, Garry, Cathair, Turlough.

'Much-loved brother of Roisin (Dean Marshall), Padraig (Alanna), Cathal (Roxanne).

'Grandson of John and Mary Gates and the late Paddy and Mary Ellen Quinn R.I.P.

'Very deeply regretted by his sorrowing sons, mother, father, sister, brothers, grandparents, sisters in law, brother in law, niece, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, Nicole Colhoun, Grainne Morrow and the extended Quinn and Gates family circle and friends.'

Facebook user Aine Drain said: 'Laura was one of my makeup clients and she was a lovely girl. Sending my love to all of her family at this extremely hard time.'

Another Facebook user, Naomi Pearson, added: 'Rest in peace Laura Hoy. Can't believe it thinking of your little girl and family at this tragic time'.

John Guy was a father-of-six, and had been living in the Keady area and was originally from Dublin.

He is described in a death notice as the 'dearly beloved daddy to Troy, Maddie, Carla, Tiana, Brogan and Morgan Cherished son of Harry and Caroline and loving brother to Regina, Aisling and Christopher'.

Sinn Fein MLA (Member of the Legislative Assembly) Cathal Boylan said the town of Keady was in shock.

He added: 'My thoughts are with John's family, friends and the wider community at this incredibly difficult time. Our community is in shock following this heartbreaking tragedy.

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.

'My thanks go to the PSNI and emergency services who attended the scene and transferred those affected for medical treatment.'

The crash involved three cars - a red BMW, a grey Volkswagen and a white Audi

The Police Service of Northern Ireland confirmed on Sunday that there were three fatalities after the 'serious' road traffic collision in the Armagh Road area outside Moy on February 21

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, Councillor Thomas O'Hanlon said: 'This is a devastating tragedy for everyone involved. 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.

'Our thoughts and prayers are also with the first responders from all emergency services who attended the scene and were faced with such harrowing circumstances.'

A press conference was held at the scene of the crash on Sunday afternoon. Assistant Chief Constable, Mr Beck said: 'At around 10.20pm, Police received a report of a three-vehicle collision involving a red BMW, a grey Volkswagen and a white Audi.

'Officers attended, along with colleagues from other emergency services, however, two men, aged 31 and 48, and a woman, aged 23, were sadly pronounced deceased at the scene.

'Four other people sustained injuries, three of whom are receiving medical treatment.

'Enquiries are continuing and anyone who was in the area and may have witnessed the incident or who has dashcam footage or any other information, should contact police on 101 quoting reference number 1654  21/02/26.'
The new fiance of former NRL star Braith Anasta's ex-girlfriend Rachael Lee has had all charges withdrawn over an alleged $12million meth and cocaine operation, on the same day she is due to give birth to their first baby.

Evan Faulks, 40, was extradited from Queensland in 2023 following an 18-month investigation into drug consignments intercepted by US authorities.

Faulks, who police allege is a 'high-ranking member' of the Bra Boys, was originally accused of running a criminal operation which imported and distributed drugs worth $12.6million around Sydney.

In March 2024, police withdrew a charge that Faulks had knowingly directed the activities of a criminal group, and another that he knowingly dealt with the proceeds of crime with intent to conceal.

He pleaded not guilty to dealing with property worth $266,954 which was suspected to be the proceeds of a crime between September 2016 and May 2017.

On Monday, by mutual agreement with prosecutors, that last charge was withdrawn and dismissed at a brief hearing not attended by Faulks, who was preparing with Lee to welcome their first child together.

Faulks' lawyer Greg Gould revealed the news to the Daily Mail and said his client was very happy with the outcome.

It will be Lee's third child and a younger sibling for seven-year-old Gigi, whom she shared with Anasta, and Addison, 15.

Rachael Lee is due to give birth to her first child on Monday - the same day her baby's father, pro surfer Evan Faulks had final charges cleared against him over an alleged $12m drug operation

Former NRL star Braith Anasta's ex-girlfriend Rachael Lee

Anasta and Lee confirmed their separation in November 2022 after people noticed they had stopped following each other on Instagram and that she was no longer wearing her engagement ring.

A month later, Lee debuted her romance with Blake Hillen, a bricklayer and amateur boxer from the Sutherland Shire in Sydney's south.

At the time, Lee posted a picture on Instagram of herself at the beach with Hillen as they shared a bottle of wine and watched the sunset.

A source told the Daily Mail in 2023 that Lee and Hillen were 'inseparable', but the relationship ended soon after.

Faulks and Lee's romance was first revealed in March 2024, and three years after her split with Anasta, Lee and Faulks revealed their engagement.

The mother-of-two announced the news in an Instagram post, sharing a video and pictures of Evan proposing during a trip to Uluru.

In the clip, Evan is seen getting down on one knee at sunset with the iconic landmark in the background.

Lee described the romance as 'so beautiful and deep' and said Evan was an 'amazing presence in the lives' of her children.

Rachael Lee getting engaged to Braith Anasta in 2022

Rachael Lee and Evan Faulks (pictured) became engaged last year after a trip to Ulruru where he got down on one knee and proposed to her

Rachael Lee when she was engaged to ex NRL star Braith Anasta, with children, Aleeia, his daughter with Jodi Gordon, Rachael's son Addison and the daughter they share together, Gigi (right)

'My relationship with Evan is something I've never had before,' she said.

'I feel so beyond lucky to have him in mine, Addi and Gigi's lives. Evan is such an honest, loyal and kind soul and a really great father and partner.'

She also hinted they have 'really exciting future plans happening together', later confirming she was pregnant with 'baby Faulks on the way'.

Faulks' lawyer Greg Gould said at the Downing Centre Court the decision to drop all charges was a good result for his client.

He added that the investigation into the pro surfer had been a 'waste of time and money'.

Faulks had been subjected to strict bail conditions, including reporting to Maroubra police station between 8am and 8pm every Monday, Wednesday and Friday and not going within 500m of any point of international departure.
A New York City professor sparked outrage after being caught on a hot mic making 'abhorrent remarks' about black students.

Hunter College Associate Professor Allyson Friedman virtually joined a Community Education Council Meeting earlier this month to discuss Zohran Mamdani's pitch to close or relocate some public schools.

As a black eighth-grade student spoke up about her love for her teachers and her disappointment at the prospect of her school shutting down, Friedman inadvertently cut in, according to the New York Times.

'They're too dumb to know they're in a bad school,' she said. 'If you train a black person well enough, they'll know to use the back. You don't have to tell them anymore.'

Her mention of 'the back' appeared to be in response to an earlier reference to a quote from renowned African American historian Carter G. Woodson: 'If you make a man think that he is justly an outcast, you do not have to order him to the back door. He will go without being told.'

The pending closures could affect three Upper West Side schools, prompting concerns over unnecessary disruptions, which families gathered to debate.

In video footage of the virtual meet-up, which the council uploaded this week, meeting attendees looked visibly shocked by Friedman's commentary.

'What youre saying is absolutely hearable here,' one person said. 'Youve got to stop.'

In a statement obtained by the Daily Mail, a Hunter College spokesperson called Friedman's remarks 'abhorrent.'

Allyson Friedman is a tenured professor at Hunter College who works in the Department of Biological Sciences

Hunter College called Friedman's remarks during the meeting 'abhorrant'

'In service to Hunter College, we expect our community members actions and words to comport with our institutional identity, values, and policies,' they said.

'We stand firm in our enduring commitment to sustain an inclusive educational environment that is free of discrimination of any kind, in which people of all identities will feel welcome and can thrive.'

The Upper East Side university said they would be 'reviewing the situation under the university's applicable conduct and nondiscrimination policies.'

After Friedman's shocking commentary, the school district's interim superintendent, Reginald Higgins, emailed district parents blasting her 'demeaning assumptions' without naming her.

The video was posted that week by the Community Education Council for District Three, sparking further, infuriated discussion throughout the city.

Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman Sigal posted his reaction to Friedman's remarks on Friday.

'The anti-black comments made at the February 10 meeting of CEC3 are outrageous and have no place anywhere, especially in civic discourse,' he said.

'It is particularly despicable that these vile words were uttered while children were giving testimony at the meeting, exposing them to this hatred.'

Meeting attendees were visibly shocked and confused by Friedman's remarks

Families gathered to discuss a proposal from Zohran Mamdani which would close or relocated some New York City public schools

City Council Education Chair Rita Joseph called the comments 'unacceptable.'

'I am deeply disturbed by the blatantly racist and harmful remarks made during the CEC3 meeting...,' she said. '...There is absolutely no place for this type of language in any space and certainly not in a forum centered on our children and their education.'

City Council member Rita Joseph said the incident spoke to a 'deeper and enduring issue within our New York City public school system: systemic racism that continues to show up in policies, practices and as we saw, in rhetoric.'

According to the New York City Public Schools website, just under 20 percent of students identify as black.

Many districts impacted by pending mergers, closures or relocations frequently educate a majority of students of color.

Friedman, a tenured employee of the Department of Biological Sciences, claimed that she was addressing her child and did not realize her microphone was still on at the time.

In an email obtained by the Times, Friedman said she was 'trying to explain the concept of systemic racism by referencing an example of an obviously racist trope.'

The larger context of her commentary was reportedly not picked up by her microphone. She seemed to reference something Higgins said earlier in the meeting.

The meeting was held to discuss proposed policies that would relocate and even close some New York City public schools

Higgins quoted black historian and author Carter G. Woodson, reported the West Side Rag.

'If you make a man think that he is justly an outcast, you do not have to order him to the back door,' Woodson said, in part. 'He will go without being told.'

'My complete comments make clear these abhorrent views are not my own, nor were they directed at any student or group,' Friedman said.

'I fully support these courageous students in their efforts to stop school closures. However, I recognize these comments caused harm and pain, while that was not my intent, I do truly apologize.'

Friedman sent personal apologies to the superintendent, the school and the education council in the fallout of her alarming remarks.

The Daily Mail contacted Friedman and the Community Education Council for District Three for comment.
A 'fromage affray' erupted at France's premier farming show on Sunday night, resulting in 15 arrests after a violent dispute saw exhibitors and visitors turn heavy cheeseboards into improvised weapons.

The extraordinary violence at the world-famous Salon d'Agriculture mainly involved young men, with some wearing chefs' aprons.

Police and paramilitary officers were among those injured during the brawling.

An officer at the scene said: 'The fighting started at around 6.30pm, in Hall 4 of the salon

'It seemed to between stall holders and visitors. Fifteen of those involved are in custody, and some are being treated for minor injuries. Police and gendarmes who tried to intervene were also heard.'

A video posted online and broadcast by BFM, the rolling TV news channel, shows a group fighting around a nougat stand.

Punches and kicks were exchanged, while others used the cooking implements to hit people around the head.

At one point, a blade used to cut nougat was held aloft, before being discarded.

A video posted online and broadcast by BFM, the rolling TV news channel, shows a group fighting around a nougat stand

The President of France, Emmanuel Macron, is among those who regularly visit the Salon d'Agriculture. He is pictured visiting the opening of the International Agricultural Show (Salon De L'Agriculture) at Paris Expo Porte De Versailles in Paris

Vast showrooms exhibit the best French food and wine, along with more than 4,000 farm animals, tractors and other farming equipment. (pictured is Gabriel Attal, Secretary General of the Renaissance Party and President of the Ensemble pour la Republique - EPR group)

#SIA : une bagarre generale a eclate au Salon international de lAgriculture. 15 personnes ont ete interpellees, indique une source policiere. Selon les informations d@Europe1, laltercation a eclate apres un crachat sur un stand de nougat. pic.twitter.com/xrhFO07nbk  Jean-Baptiste Marty (@jbaptistemarty) February 22, 2026

Another visitor to the Salon said: 'People were being very boisterous. It may be that they had been drinking all day  something that is very common at the Show.'

The President of France, Emmanuel Macron, is among those who regularly visit the Salon d'Agriculture, which is held every year at an exhibition centre at Porte de Versailles, in the west of Paris.

Vast showrooms exhibit the best French food and wine, along with more than 4,000 farm animals, tractors and other farming equipment.

The idea is to transform the area into 'the biggest farm in France', according to organisers.

Around 600,000 people attend every year, and it typically hosts over 1,000 exhibitors

French politicians see this event, which is broadcast all over the world, as a show, as they strive to impress voters in a traditionally agricultural nation.

Mr Macron holds the current record for the longest a president has spent at the Salon, enjoying a full 13-hour stretch in 2024.

He said he wanted to meet 'anybody who wants to have an exchange of views'.

There have been years of protests by farmers angry about low earnings, increasing bureaucracy, the imposition of environmental regulations, and what they see as unfair competition from abroad.
Greenland rejected Donald Trump's offer to send a 'great hospital boat' to the territory after the Danish military evacuated a US crew member from a submarine for medical care.

Trump made the perplexing offer to send a hospital boat on his Truth Social on Saturday as a joint effort with Louisiana Governor 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!!!' Trump wrote.

However, both US Navy's hospital ships are currently docked at a shipyard in Alabama.

Trump's announcement prompted a defense of Denmark and Greenlands health care system from their leaders, and became the latest point of friction with the American leader who has frequently talked about seizing the massive Arctic territory.

'It's a no thank you from here,' said Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen.

Nielsen added that because of the territory's medical care system, it wasn't necessary.

'We have a public health care system where treatment is free for citizens. That is a deliberate choice - and a fundamental part of our society,' Nielsen said.

Greenland rejected Donald Trump's offer to send a 'great hospital boat' to the territory after the Danish military evacuated a crew member from a US submarine for medical care

'It's a no thank you from here,' said Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen, who took the opportunity to slam the US' healthcare system

He then ripped the United States' system: 'That is not how it works in the USA, where it costs money to see a doctor.'

He added, in a note of exasperation, that Greenland is always open to dialogue and cooperation.

'But please talk to us instead of just making more or less random statements on social media,' he said.

Trump's social media post about a hospital ship came after Denmark's military said its Arctic command forces on Saturday evacuated a crew member of a US submarine off the coast of Greenland for urgent medical treatment.

The Danish Joint Arctic Command, on its Facebook page, said the crew member was evacuated some 7 nautical miles (8 miles) off Nuuk - the capital of the vast, ice-covered territory - and transferred to a hospital in the city.

The crew member was retrieved by a Danish Seahawk helicopter that had been deployed on an inspection ship.

Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen, speaking to public broadcaster DR, said Danish authorities had not been informed that the US ship was on its way.

The Pentagon referred questions about the status of the US Navys two hospital ships, the USNS Mercy and USNS Comfort, to the White House.

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for more information.

The president posted the offer to his Truth Social on Saturday as a joint effort with Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry (pictured)

The historically strong bilateral ties after World War II between NATO allies Denmark and the United States have come under severe strain in recent months as Trump ratcheted up talk of a possible US takeover of the mineral-rich and strategically located Arctic island

Both ships are currently at a shipyard in Mobile, Alabama, according to social media posts from the shipyard, which also posted photos of them next to each other.

When asked about the status of the ships and the president's post, the Navy referred questions to the White House.

The historically strong bilateral ties after World War II between NATO allies Denmark and the United States have come under severe strain in recent months as Trump ratcheted up talk of a possible US takeover of the mineral-rich and strategically located Arctic island.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen defended Denmarks health care system on Sunday, writing on Facebook that she was '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,' she said, before adding: 'Happy Sunday to you all' in front of a blushing, smiling emoji.

Aaja Chemnitz, one of the two Greenlandic politicians in the Danish parliament, wrote on Facebook that 'Donald Trump wants to send a poorly maintained hospital ship to Greenland. It seems rather desperate and does not contribute to the permanent and sustainable strengthening of the health care system that we need.'

'Another day. Another crazy news story,' she wrote in front of a smiley face emoji.
Pauline Hanson has been referred to police under Labor's new hate speech laws for claiming there are 'no good Muslims' in Australia.

The Australian Federal Police confirmed last week they had received 'reports of a crime' in relation to the One Nation leader's inflammatory comments about Muslim people.

While it's not known who filed the police report, Hanson has now accused her political opponents of trying to 'put her back in jail', referring to her brief stint behind bars in 2003 for election fraud, which was later successfully appealed.

'Let me send a very clear message to those within Labor and the left side of politics. Stop gaslighting the Australian public,' Hanson said in a social media post.

'If Australia doesn't speak up now - our nation will fall victim to the same issues being experienced across Europe, the UK, Canada and other western societies.'

While Hanson has offered a partial apology for her original comments, she later singled out the western Sydney suburb of Lakemba, known for its high Muslim population, as somewhere people 'feel unwanted' and do 'not want to be'.

The new hate speech laws, which were legislated in January in response to the Bondi Beach terror attack, can carry jail terms for anyone advocating or threatening violence against a targeted person or group distinguished by race, religion, sex, nationality or ethnic origin.

These offences attract a maximum penalty of 5 years' imprisonment, and if the conduct would also threaten the peace, order and good government of the Commonwealth, a maximum penalty of 7 years' imprisonment.

Pauline Hanson has accused her political opponents of trying to put her 'back in jail'

Hanson spent 78 days behind bars in 2003 after she was wrongly convicted for election fraud (pictured with her son after she was released from Brisbane Women's Correctional Facility)

The Daily Mail is not suggesting Hanson has committed these offences.

2GB's Ben Fordham slammed the reports on Monday and questioned the use of AFP officers to assess political commentary.

'Why are we sending in the AFP to investigate a TV interview with a politician? Don't the cops have enough to deal with?' Fordham said.

'There's serious organised crime, national security threats and online exploitation networks, to name just a few.'

'I'm not saying we should tolerate hatred, but we should think carefully about expanding the reach of criminal law into political expression.

'We could see politics become a dangerous game of dobbing in your political enemy because you don't like what they're saying, or the way they're saying it.'

While the Albanese Government's proposal to criminalise inciting racial hatred in the new hate speech laws was ultimately scrapped, Hanson's comments could still be subject to review by any jurisdiction where the comments were broadcast.

In NSW, it is a criminal offence to publicly threaten or incite violence towards a person or group of people on numerous grounds, including people's religious beliefs and affiliations. It is also an offence to publicly incite hatred on the grounds of race.

The AFP has received reports of crime in relation to Hanson's comments last week

Anthony Albanese said its up to police to determine whether Hanson's comments breached hate laws

Hanson's comments were widely slammed across the political spectrum, including by Canterbury-Bankstown Mayor Bilal El-Hayek, a Nationals senator and former members of her own party.

El-Hayek told the ABC on Friday: 'It's an open and shut case. What she said was highly inflammatory... clearly, her target was clearly the Muslim people. And I have no doubt that her remarks will incite someone.'

Nationals senator, Matt Canavan, branded Hanson's comments as 'divisive, inflammatory and un-Australian' and called for her to step down as party leader.

Former One Nation candidate, Emma Eros, also weighed in, accusing Hanson of dividing Australians and embarrassing party supporters.

'It's just a ridiculous statement to make, Pauline's never really been articulate,' she said.

'Don't give a half-a***d apology. Articulate your views properly and mean them.'

An AFP spokesperson told the Daily Mail officers were aware of comments made during a media interview last week.

'The AFP as received reports of crime in relation to this matter. Further comment will be made at an appropriate time.'

It's understood 21 individuals have been charged since the AFP's National Security Investigations teams were established in September.

The teams target groups and individuals causing high levels of harm to Australias social cohesion.
A longserving train driver sacked for giving the Nazi salute while on duty has lost his legal battle to overturn the dismissal.

The Fair Work Commission upheld rail operator Pacific National's decision to dismiss Eric Jordan, finding 'clear and compelling' CCTV footage showed he performed the gesture twice.

Mr Jordan denied giving the salute, telling the Commission he had either made 'a gesture of camaraderie between train crew' or an 'all clear' hand signal used in the rail industry to indicate the tracks ahead are unobstructed.

He argued that raising his arm with a flat palm was consistent with the allclear signal and was not evidence of a Nazi salute.

Drivers from SCT Logistics who witnessed the gesture lodged complaints and were offered counselling, while Sydney Trains referred the matter to NSW Police.

Pacific National dismissed Mr Jordan for serious misconduct after alleging he made the gesture twice at Mittagong Railway Station in NSW's Southern Highlands on March 6, 2025, as an Aurizon service passed through the station.

The company said the antisemitic gesture, directed at drivers from other rail operators and potentially visible to the public, brought the company into disrepute and damaged its brand and reputation.

In his defence, Mr Jordan said the accusation upset him 'greatly' and he found it 'incredibly offensive'.

CCTV footage from the Mittagong train station of Eric Jordan (pictured) allegedly giving the Nazi salute provided to the FWC

'Raising one's arm alone is not evidence of a Roman salute, and should not be interpreted as such,' he said.

'I find this accusation to be very insulting, as I consider myself to be a person who is accepting of all cultures.

'My mentor and the man who introduced me to my career in the rail industry follows the Jewish faith and that I hold the utmost respect to him.'

Mr Jordan said Campbelltown Police investigated the incident and, after reviewing the footage, advised it was not a Nazi salute and they would take no further action.

However, Pacific National said the police officer's evidence was that, if it were his call, he would probably have charged the driver, and that the matter only failed to proceed because no witness was willing to give a statement, undermining Mr Jordan's reliance on the absence of prosecution.

For three weeks the constable attempted to obtain witness statements but was unsuccessful.

Pacific National described the Nazi salute as likely 'the most offensive physical gesture' in the contemporary Australian workplace and said it constituted a valid reason for dismissal.

A Sydney Trains compliance officer said he would never instruct a student to perform the allclear signal in the manner Mr Jordan did, and that the gesture looked similar to a Nazi salute.

Mr Jordan denied performing the salute, telling the Commission he had either made 'a gesture of camaraderie between train crew' or an 'all clear' hand signal used in the rail industry to indicate the tracks ahead are unobstructed

Deputy president Bryce Cross said Mr Jordan's claim that the same gesture was performed 'thousands of times a day' by all rail workers was 'fanciful'.

'I do not consider (Mr Jordan) to be a person who harbours Nazi sympathies or advocates such ideology,' he said.

'He simply made two extremely inappropriate gestures seemingly, particularly noting that he smiled before the first gesture, as jokes.

'If any rail worker had performed the same gesture as in the incidents, being extending their right or left arm at 45 degree angle from his or her body fully extended, I would expect they would be subject to disciplinary proceedings.'

The Nazi salute is explicitly banned nationwide, including in NSW, with mandatory jail time.
Reform UK will pledge to restore Britain's Christian heritage by stopping churches being turned into mosques and deporting almost 300,000 illegal migrants every year.

Nigel Farage's party will today vow to create a British version of Donald Trump's US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) unit to deport up to 288,000 migrants per year.

The 'UK Deportation Command' would have capacity to detain up to 24,000 migrants at any time and will run five deportation flights a day if Reform wins power, the party will announce.

Zia Yusuf will outline Reform's plans for a 'radical overhaul' of the immigration system, with Britain's borders put on a war footing due to the 'national security emergency' created by the 'invasion' of illegal migrants.

The party's pick for home secretary will use a speech in Dover today to outline Reform's joined-up approach to immigration, policing and national security that will include a 'zero-tolerance' approach to Islamist extremism and reforms to Britain's counter-terror programme.

It comes after controversies in the US following two fatal shootings of seemingly innocent civilians involving Mr Trump's ICE agents and Border Patrol officials in January.

Part of Reform's plans to 'protect Britain's Christian heritage' include granting immediate listed status to all churches to legally prevent their conversion into mosques or other places of worship.

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.

Zia Yusuf said Reform UK will establish the 'UK Deportation Command' - a British version of Donald Trump's US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) unit

Small boat migrants attempting to cross the Channel from France in January

'The social contract has not merely been broken; it's been shattered.

'Under a Reform government, His Majesty's Parliament will be sovereign once again.'

The proposals include leaving the European Convention on Human Rights and passing the 'Illegal Migration Mass Deportation Act' to compel the home secretary to deport illegal migrants and block judges from intervening.

Reform also plans to impose visa bans on Pakistan, Somalia, Eritrea, Syria, Afghanistan and Sudan if they refuse to take back illegal migrants.

But last night Labour chairman Anna Turley hit back, saying: 'Britain is a proud, tolerant and diverse nation, which stands in opposition to the kind of divisive politics stoked by Reform.'
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor annoyed figures around the world and kept such 'dubious' company while acting as trade envoy that Whitehall officials raised concerns, it has emerged.

Insiders from the former coalition government claimed yesterday that Andrew was widely viewed as a liability, but terminating his official role was considered politically sensitive because it risked dragging Buckingham Palace into a row.

Vince Cable, who was business secretary in 2011, said the former Duke of York, who took up the envoy post in 2001, 'was thought to be a bit of a freeloader who wasn't very useful, and we'd rather not have any dealings with him'.

'But because he was royalty, the official line was that, of course, he was doing a wonderful job,' he told The Observer.

Another former Whitehall grandee said ambassadors would often complain about staging big receptions, just for Andrew to 'arrive late and only talk to the young women and then leave early'.

In contrast to other royals, who often left 'everyone feeling delighted', the former prince had a personality that 'often left bruises behind', the official claimed.

A decision was taken to ultimately sever links with Andrew in 2011 after a photo emerged of him with his arm around Virginia Giuffre, who has alleged she was sexually exploited by the prince.

The Mail on Sunday yesterday revealed the Government was warned by a British ambassador as far back as 2002 that Andrew's behaviour as a trade ambassador was damaging the country and the Royal Family.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor (centre) in Bahrain in 2014 in his role as a trade envoy, flanked by Prince Abdullah bin Hamad Al Khalifa (left) and Crown Prince and Bahraini Prime Minister Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa (right)

Andrew meets Nguyen Dy Nien, then Vietnam's Foreign Minister, in Hanoi at the start of a three-day visit to the Communist country in June 2006

Peter Mandelson (left) and Andrew at the EU Commission's headquarters in Brussels EU in 2007

Andrew was recommended for the envoy role by New Labour architect Peter Mandelson, whose own reputation is in tatters after the release of the Epstein files.

Leaked diplomatic papers showed that Patrick Nixon, then ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, said of Andrew's visit to the region in November 2001: 'I was particularly alarmed by some crass and offensive remarks about Saudi Arabia and its oil which he made to distinguished Emiratis.'

Mr Nixon also warned that Andrew had rudely disregarded dignitaries, including an Emirati royal, during an embassy reception and claimed he had 'damaged rather than enhanced our standing and that of the Royal Family'.

Yet despite his concerns reaching the head of the diplomatic service at the Foreign Office in London, it would be nearly ten years before Andrew was forced to quit the role over his links to paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein.

It was reported Andrew eventually agreed to give up the trade position following a conversation between David Cameron and the late Queen.

There had, by this time, been feedback from numerous ambassadors and consuls that Andrew's presence was actually counterproductive, according to reports.

One senior figure in the coalition government said officials had raised the alarm about the former prince's 'dubious friends'.

The revelations will fuel questions about why Andrew's behaviour and activities were not subjected to closer scrutiny sooner.

A disturbing image from the Epstein files shows Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor crouching on all fours over a female lying on the floor

Mr Cable expressed outrage at learning Andrew had visited China ahead of an important government trip in November 2010, saying he now realises he 'seems to have been there the previous month doing his own negotiations and that nobody had told us about it'.

Emails released by the US Department of Justice showed Andrew took one of Epstein's closest confidants, David Stern, on the trip to China in 2010.

The trips were designed to promote British business and attract investment on taxpayer-funded trips overseas.

They were meant to be organised by the Government, but in an apparent breach of protocol, the emails reveal that Mr Stern was asked to 'help' plan the China visit.
Westminster is set to push for greater scrutiny of the Royal Family.

MPs will return to Parliament today following a week-long recess with a clamour for answers over the Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor scandal.

The former prince is under investigation for allegedly leaking confidential information to paedophile Jeffrey Epstein and other wealthy contacts while serving as the UK's trade envoy.

As the Commons sits today for the first time since his arrest, MPs across parties are preparing to press for answers over how he was able to represent the nation for a decade with seemingly minimal oversight.

Despite concerns over his questionable friendships, Andrew was allowed to travel the world on the public purse virtually unfettered from 2001 to 2011.

His downfall has triggered renewed calls for greater transparency around the Royal Family, which remains largely exempt from Freedom of Information requests and wider scrutiny by Parliament.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson yesterday refused to rule out a judge-led inquiry into the former duke.

'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,' she told GB News. 'We do believe all options should be open for consideration. This is extremely serious.'

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson yesterday refused to rule out a judge-led inquiry into the former duke

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was allowed to travel the world on the public purse virtually unfettered from 2001 to 2011

King Charles, who has given the police his full support, had tried to contain the issues around his brother by stripping Andrew of his titles and evicting him from Royal Lodge, in Windsor

Under long-established conventions set out in the Erskine May  the parliamentary rulebook  MPs have traditionally been discouraged from casting reflections on the monarchy.

The Liberal Democrats are considering using an opposition day debate tomorrow to force a Commons vote seeking to overhaul the rules.

Labour-types are also making similar noises and a former Tory minister this weekend called for the public to be assured that Parliament is doing its utmost.

Critics say the arcane rules have fostered a culture of deference which shielded Andrew from scrutiny when trade envoy.

'People are increasingly feeling that there's one rule for those in power and another for everyone else,' said Liberal Democrat Cabinet Office spokesperson, Lisa Smart MP.

'This crisis must trigger a top-to-bottom clean-up operation of public life,' she added.

Labour MP Rachael Maskell also called for conventions to be cast aside. 'We cannot allow privilege to prevent scrutiny,' she said.

Former Liberal Democrat minister Norman Baker agreed that parliamentary rules need to be 'loosened' to allow for proper debate in the Commons.

He added: 'The Royal Family whether you're a monarchist or a republican, is part of the public sector. They perform public duties and are paid with public money, therefore they are no different to civil service, a local council or the NHS and they shouldn't be exempt as they have effectively become.'

The former MP, who penned Royal Mint, National Debt, on the monarchy's finances, added: 'Andrew has opened the flood gates; people are now looking at a whole range of royal matters.'

King Charles, who has given the police his full support, had tried to contain the issues around his brother by stripping Andrew of his titles and evicting him from Royal Lodge, in Windsor. But the monarch is now facing pressure to account for what the household knew about Andrew's conduct.

The Mail on Sunday revealed that the King was warned that the family name was being 'abused' by Andrew's contacts.

In a bombshell email, a whistleblower told the Palace as long ago as 2019, when Charles was still Prince of Wales and his mother was on the throne, that Andrew had secret financial links to controversial millionaire financier David Rowland, who was exploiting his royal links.

Ms Smart said full transparency needed to start with Andrew testifying to a parliamentary committee once the police inquiry concludes. She also called for a 'full statutory inquiry' to find out what allowed 'such generational levels of corruption to fester'.

MPs are expected to raise urgent questions this afternoon about removing Andrew from the line of succession, as well as call for the King to release all communications linked to Epstein.

Any independent inquiry would be designed to establish the facts of Andrew's links with Epstein, as well as the wider issues or failures in his position as trade envoy.

The former security minister Tom Tugendhat, said the disgraced royal and Labour peer Peter Mandelson, who is accused of leaking information to Epstein while business secretary, should also face a parliamentary treason investigation.

'Parliament must send a clear message  Britain will defend itself from every threat, even if it comes from the very top,' the Tory MP told The Sun.

The business and trade committee, which is due to discuss its options tomorrow, is considering launching a parliamentary probe into the former prince.
A violinist turned undercover investigator to get justice after being left disabled by a faulty Pilates machine.

Maya Meron, 45, played for top orchestras in venues across the world until a serious accident at a gym ended her career.

The mother-of-three was doing the downward-facing dog exercise on a Pilates machine when it gave way, plummeting her downwards and forwards with a huge force.

Ms Meron suffered a fractured left elbow and serious abdominal injuries and has been left with long-term nerve damage. She is unable to play the violin and often needs to use a wheelchair to get around.

But Jess Schuring, the owner of the Pilates studio, Heartcore, whose clients have included the Duchess of Sussex and Victoria Beckham, denied responsibility and disputed the claim that the machine was faulty.

So Ms Meron went undercover to visit Mrs Schurings chain of studios across London to collect evidence to support her case for compensation.

Now, after seven years, she has finally pinned her injuries to a faulty Pilates machine and, as a result, has been paid substantial damages in a confidential settlement.

Ms Merons ordeal began in March 2019 while visiting Heartcores studio in Hampstead, north London, near to where she lives.

Former violinist Maya Meron, 45, (pictured) was left disabled when a faulty Pilates machine collapsed under her

Ms Meron (pictured with her instrument in 2019) performed with top orchestras in venues across the world before her accident, which left her unable to play as she suffers from long-term damage to two nerves in her left arm and cannot separate two fingers on her left hand

After giving birth to twin boys, she signed up for Pilates classes on the Coreformer machines which Mrs Schuring boasts of having designed to a unique formula.

During her 44th class, the support bar on the machine she was using suddenly gave way.

Ms Meron told the Daily Mail: The machine was supposed to be locked in place and, when it gave way, I was catapulted forwards.

I felt like Id been violently punched in the stomach and I heard my elbow break above the sound of the machine crashing. It is a sound I can never forget.

Ms Meron said she then lost consciousness. She added: I knew my career as a violinist was over. I was hurried to hospital before I could gather evidence and two days later Mrs Schuring, the owner and creator of the machine, basically told me [the incident] never happened.

Mrs Schuring denied her machines were faulty and blamed Ms Merons negligence. So the musician adopted assumed names and posed as an inept beginner to book classes at Heartcores studios across London. Her injuries are progressive and, at that time, she was not using a wheelchair.

She told staff that a finger injury was preventing her from doing exercise and she just wanted some instructions on how to use the Coreformer machines.

Sometimes, Ms Meron had to use her phone as a torch while carrying out her investigations in the dimly-lit studios.

Secretly recording her visits, she took pictures, saying they were selfies for social media, and found evidence of flaws in about 50 machines which could cause them to dangerously malfunction.

Jess Schuring (pictured), the owner of the Heartcore Pilates studio where the accident occurred, denied responsibility and disputed the claim that the machine was faulty - leading Ms Meron to turn undercover investigator to prove her claims

Mrs Schurings lawyers tried to claim that the covertly obtained evidence infringed her human rights by intruding on her home.

Ms Merons treatment has so far involved 400 medical appointments and she is now recovering from her latest operation. She has undergone elbow and reconstructive abdominal surgery.

She is unable to play violin as she suffers from long-term nerve damage to two nerves in her left arm and cannot separate two fingers on her left hand.

Ms Meron said: Doctors then could not understand my injuries. A High Court judge  my neighbour  told me to give up.

But I chose to fight, operating as secret investigator and eventually I was successful.

The musician had previously played the violin for orchestras including the London Symphony Orchestra and Philharmonia and at top venues across the world including the Royal Albert Hall and the Sydney Opera House.

Ms Meron, whose marriage ended amid the stress of her ordeal, said: I can never play again in an orchestra but I hope, some day, to play the violin with my children.

She is now studying music and cognitive neuroscience in the US.

Jonathan Goldberg KC said: 'I am a longstanding family friend of this brilliant young musician and I was the first person to advise her after the tragic accident. Thereafter I stayed by her side for seven years without fee. The world of music has lost a violist of international standing, and she has lost the use of much of her body as well as her glittering career, but I believe her extraordinary courage and resilience will help her lead a good and useful life in future nonetheless.'

There is nothing wrong with Ms Meron's legs, but the nerve damage has affected her core strength and balance - which was not properly diagnosed for four years. She only resorted to a wheelchair relatively recently.

Mr Goldberg said: She had hundreds of doctors appointments in the first four years. After many, many scans and X-rays, and MRIs, the worlds top abdominal surgeon, Professor Chen in Los Angeles, opened her up and found that under the muscle of the abdomen - which couldnt be seen by scans and MRIs and which nobody had diagnosed correctly - the nerves had sheered off in the twisting of the fall when the bar collapsed. So the nerves that support your core, and support your being able to walk or run, had sheered off. He repaired it as best he could, but she will never walk properly or run, and thats the reason she needs to use the wheelchair most of the time.'

A legal spokesman for Mrs Schuring, whose eight studios still use the Coreformer machines, said: The claim was resolved by Heartcores insurers on a commercial basis.

Heartcore remains committed to the safety and wellbeing of all its members and continues to review its equipment in accordance with industry standards.
EXCLUSIVE King Charles' state visit to US should be delayed until Iran war is over and 'tensions die down' between Trump and Starmer, Whitehall insiders say


Ukraine's defiant president has insisted his country will not be forced into surrendering land to Moscow  declaring 'will we lose? Of course not' as he marked four years since Russia's full-scale invasion.

Speaking to the BBC in Kyiv at the weekend, Volodymyr Zelensky struck a tone of unwavering resistance, dismissing claims that Ukraine must concede territory to secure peace and warning that Vladimir Putin has already ignited a global conflict.

'I believe that Putin has already started it,' he said, referring to World War Three. 'The question is how much territory he will be able to seize and how to stop him... Russia wants to impose on the world a different way of life and change the lives people have chosen for themselves.'

Moscow continues to demand that Ukraine formally hand over swathes of territory in the east and south, including areas of Donetsk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia  regions that have been battered by some of the fiercest fighting of the war.

But Zelensky rejected the idea that surrendering land would be a price worth paying for a ceasefire.

'I see this differently. I don't look at it simply as land. I see it as abandonment - weakening our positions, abandoning hundreds of thousands of our people who live there. That is how I see it. And I am sure that this "withdrawal" would divide our society.'

He argued that any deal satisfying the Kremlin would only be temporary. Putin, he said, 'would probably satisfy him for a while... he needs a pause... but once he recovers' the war would resume. In his view, Russia could rebuild its strength within a couple of years.

Volodymyr Zelensky has dismissed claims that Ukraine must concede territory to secure peace

The United States has been pushing for an end to the nearly four-year war, but has so far failed to broker a compromise between Moscow and Kyiv

Servicemen from the strike drone platoon at an undisclosed location in the Donetsk region, eastern Ukraine. Moscow continues to demand that Ukraine formally hand over swathes of territory in the east and south, including areas of Donetsk

'Where would he go next? We do not know, but that he would want to continue [the war] is a fact.'

Some Western officials and analysts believe Ukraine cannot reclaim all occupied territory and that concessions are inevitable. US President Donald Trump has previously suggested territorial compromise could unlock a ceasefire.

But Zelensky remains undeterred: 'Will we lose? Of course not, because we are fighting for Ukraine's independence.'

Victory, he argued, is not just about battlefield lines but about preventing a wider catastrophe.

'I believe that stopping Putin today and preventing him from occupying Ukraine is a victory for the whole world. Because Putin will not stop at Ukraine.'

While he maintained that Ukraine would ultimately restore its internationally recognised borders, he acknowledged the brutal cost of trying to do so immediately.

'We'll do it. That is absolutely clear. It is only a matter of time What is land without people? Honestly, nothing.'

Relations with Washington have been strained since Zelensky's fraught visit to the White House last year, when a heated public exchange with Trump and Vice-President JD Vance signalled a sharp shift from the staunch backing offered under Joe Biden.

Although US military shipments have been curtailed, Kyiv still relies heavily on American intelligence and weapons funded by European allies.

Defence Secretary John Healey speaks with troops in Norway earlier this month

Soldiers from the 2nd Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment around their Jackal vehicles on the Tapa range in Estonia where British soldiers are taking part in Exercise Winter Camp

It comes as US-mediated peace talks on Ukraine collapsed in less than two hours last week after Zelensky claimed it was unfair that Donald Trump was placing more pressure on his country than on Russia.

The second day of talks concluded last Wednesday, though neither side signalled they were any closer to ending Europe's deadliest conflict since World War II.

The talks wrapped up after just two hours, much shorter than the six hours of meetings on Tuesday, according to the head of Russia's delegation.

Neither side elaborated on what they discussed or whether they had agreed on anything, but both signalled the discussions had been tricky.

Trump put pressure on Ukraine to make a deal, saying they 'better come to the table, fast'.

But Zelensky told Axios that it was 'not fair' that Ukraine - and not Russia - was facing more pressure, adding that lasting peace would not be achieved if 'victory' was just handed to Moscow.

'I hope it is just his tactics and not the decision,' Zelensky said.

The Ukrainian leader said later he was ready to move 'quickly' towards a deal but questioned whether Russia was serious about peace.

Russia is pushing for full control of Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region as part of any deal, and has threatened to take it by force

US-mediated peace talks on Ukraine take place in Geneva in February

He stressed that any long-term security guarantees from Washington must be enshrined through US institutions rather than dependent on a single leader. 'Congress is needed,' he said, arguing that while presidents change, institutions endure.

Under martial law, elections scheduled for 2024 were postponed. Moscow has repeatedly branded Zelensky illegitimate  a line that has found echoes in some American political circles.

The Ukrainian leader said he has yet to decide whether he would run again: 'I might run and might not.'

However, he suggested elections could be organised if it were genuinely required to end the war and if Ukraine first secured binding security guarantees.

'If this is a condition for ending the war, let's do it,' he said, before challenging critics to be honest about their intentions. 'You need to decide one thing: you want to get rid of me or you want to hold elections?  Hold them in a way that the Ukrainian people will recognise.'

Four years into Europe's deadliest conflict since the Second World War, Zelensky's message remains unchanged: no retreat, no capitulation  and no belief that appeasing the Kremlin would bring lasting peace.
Disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein hid hard drives and photos from authorities in multiple storage lockers across the country, a report said.

The pedophile rented at least six units, the majority of which were in Florida, paying thousands between 2003 and 2019, according to an investigation by The Telegraph.

The lockers may have remained uncovered by US authorities, suggesting they held never-before-seen evidence in Epstein's long string of horrific crimes.

The outlet obtained files and credit card statements detailing Epstein's various secret hiding places for computers, CDs, pictures and files.

His lockers could point to answers after authorities long suspected that Epstein received insider information about raids of his properties.

Former Palm Beach Police Chief Michael Reiter told NBC that during a 2005 search, the sex offender's place 'had been cleaned up.'

Epstein allegedly recruited detectives to move documents, photographs and computers to one of his multiple storage lockers.

Uncovered credit card statements suggested that he paid a private detective agency $38,500 from January to May 2010 alone.

A new report revealed Jeffery Epstein kept multiple 'secret' storage units across the US

New documents make mention of computers, hard drives and photos stores and transferred between units

Storage contents reportedly included computers from his private Caribbean island, Little Saint James, which investigators were reportedly told to move and wipe.

Staff discussed taking computers and CDs from his private island and placing them in secret vaults.

Emails revealed with the Department of Justice's latest releases made mention of storage unit transfers between Epstein and his associates.

In August 2009, a representative for the private detective agency asked Epstein for advice on what to do with the contents locked in a unit.

'Over the weekend I learned that plaintiff's counsel are looking to get from me the computers and paperwork I took from Jeff's house prior to the Search Warrant,' it read.

'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 [Epstein's lawyer] or back to Jeff, etc.?'

In 2009, Epstein emailed a second representative, asking about an unnamed person's picture.

'You were going to send me a copy of [redacted's] picture,' Epstein said.

'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,' the recipient replied.

One unit was reportedly just minutes from Epstein's New York City home

Staff reportedly was hired to open up units in Epstein's name and move files between them. Pictured a items found in his New York City home

Much of Epstein's multiple properties contained storage spaces of their own. Pictured is a closet of his New York City Home

Florida units were traced just miles from his Sunshine State home outside of Palm Beach and Delray Beach.

Epstein allegedly began leasing one locker at Uncle Bob's in Florida in 2003, paying $374.13 per month until March 2015. Smaller payments continued until 2016.

At least one Florida unit, which he used between 2009 and 2011, was accessible to patrons 24 hours a day and was capable of storing vehicles.

Payments pointed to more units in Florida, which Epstein leased across a decade.

One detailed monthly payment of $140 for a Royal Palm Beach location until 2019.

He also asked investigators to rent out a unit on his behalf in New York beginning in 2010 at around $500 per month.

Another unit, just five minutes from his New York City mansion, mainly contained furniture, equipment and computers.

Epstein corresponded with associates about the contents of his storage units multiple times

Epstein reportedly inquired about a storage unit near his New Mexico ranch

Pictures taken by staff in 2012 from one of the units showed furniture and cardboard boxes jammed in the cluttered unit.

Files also suggested Epstein was interested in a 'secret storage unit' near his New Mexico ranch.

Epstein owned five properties in the United States and France.

Photographs taken in 2019 of police raids showed that many had additional sprawling storage spaces, which begs the question of why Epstein needed additional hiding places.

It's unclear what happened to the contents of each unit after Epstein died by suicide in 2019.

In Florida, storage facility owners can auction off abandoned materials after 90 days without payment.
Before flying to Syria to swear allegiance to Islamic State, Kirsty Rosse-Emile told her Melbourne housemate: 'I don't want to go back to school, I want to go and make bombs.'

Now, about 16 years after that conversation in the living room, Rosse-Emile's former housemate is sounding the alarm about her imminent return to Australia as one of the 11 Australian 'ISIS brides' on the verge of escaping a Syrian refugee camp.

Sara* vividly remembers the moment Rosse-Emile, then about 17 and known by her Islamic name Asma, divulged her violent ambitions during an otherwise ordinary conversation.

Sara is now alarmed the Albanese government will let Rosse-Emile and the other ISIS brides back into the country due to the risk of another terror attack like the Bondi Beach massacre, where 15 Jewish people were killed by Islamic extremists on December 14.

'When she said she wanted to make bombs, I was shocked and I didn't know what to say,' Sara said.

'You don't expect someone to say that.'

Sara lived with Rosse-Emile and her Moroccan Islamic State fighter husband Nabil Kadmiry in south-east Melbourne in late 2010 - before they relocated to Syria in 2014.

Previous reports said the pair married when Rosse-Emile was 19, but Sara said Rosse-Emile was just 14 when she tied the knot with Kadmiry, who was in his 30s.

Kirsty Rosse-Emile, who married a future IS fighter when she was 14 years old

Kirsty Rosse-Emile is pictured, left, on a bus heading to Damascus airport last week, in a failed attempt to flee Syria

Kirsty Rosse-Emile is pictured in a niqab before she left Australia for Syria with her husband

Now Rosse-Emile - whose Facebook cover photo once read 'Jihad is the only solution' - is pleading with authorities to let her return home.

She asked the Australian government in an ABC interview last year: 'Can you just come and get me?'

Sara said that would be a big mistake.

It doesn't matter if Rosse-Emile really did intend to live a quiet life in Australia, it would be difficult for her to expunge her extremist beliefs, she said.

'This wasn't her mentality when she was 14, this was when she was a married woman, and it wasn't something that she made up on the spot,' she said.

'It was in response to a question about going to school to study.

'Even if she doesn't want to do that anymore, she would still have that mentality and we don't want that here.'

Rosse-Emile refused to tell the ABC in an interview last year how she ended up in the warzone. She claimed the explanation 'could create problems for me'.

Kirsty Rosse-Emile was known by her Islamic name, Asma, after she got married

Pictured: Kirsty Rosse-Emile, crying while telling the ABC she was tricked into going to Syria

Kirsty Rosse-Emile is pictured, left, with other ISIS brides attempting to travel from Al Roj refugee camp, in Syria's northeast, to the capital Damascus last week

Bizarre texts and terror links

Sara's often had stressful encounters with Rosse-Emile and her husband Kadmiry.

The couple rented the self-contained unit out the back of Sara's house towards the end of 2010, but abruptly moved out in early 2011 when Sara was overseas in Pakistan.

The couple had agreed to feed Sara's dog while she was away, but a string of messages show Rosse-Emile trying to shirk responsibility.

Sara had only just converted to Islam when she met Rosse-Emile, and said she appeared devout and trustworthy partly because she wore a niqab - a long garment worn by some Muslim women, showing only the eyes.

In late-January 2011, Rosse-Emile asked Sara how her holiday was going, promised to pay the internet bill, and said it was 'sad' to hear about a bomb that detonated in Pakistan when Sara was there.

In another message days later, Rosse-Emile announced she and Kadmiry had moved out, and said they couldn't feed her dog anymore.

'Salam sister I just want to let you know we cannot keep coming everyday to feed [the dog] because we live a bit far away petrol is expensive now and rising,' Rosse-Emile wrote.

Pictured: A screenshot of a conversation between Kirsty Rosse-Emile and her former housemate

Kirsty Rosse-Emile told her housemate she was moving out with her husband, while her housemate was on holidays

'Plus we are very busy some days we cannot come and we have to constently [sic] buy her food let me know asap when u have found someone to take her inshallah salam.'

Sara told the Daily Mail that Rosse-Emile and her husband had only moved five minutes down the road, to a controversial Islamic study centre called Al-Furqan.

The centre was closed years later in 2016, when a number of members were raided by counter-terrorism police - one was shot and killed by police, while two others joined IS in Syria.

Sara replied: 'This was yours and Nabil's responsibility, you are Muslim and you gave me your word you would care for her while I was away, Nabil should be going to check on my house every day and getting the mail and feeding her.

In a response laden with spelling errors, Rosse-Emile said it wasn't her responsibility to feed the dog.

'I payed [the internet bill] on saturday we have the recite [receipt] for the internet. we didn't give the word we said while were at your house we would look after her and cut the grass now we moved its not our responsability,' she wrote.

'Your sister should come and do the stuff because were very busy and nabil is going to start working inshallah and its to hard to come everyday to feed her its not that we dont want to do it its to hard.'

The dog was fed until Sara returned, but Rosse-Emile and Kadmiry never paid the $600 they owed for rent.

Pictured: Kirsty Rosse-Emile telling Sara that she can't drive five minutes down the road to feed a dog, like she promised

Pictured: A screenshot of a message from Kirsty Rosse-Emile to her housemate, saying the dog isn't her responsibility anymore because she moved out, while her housemate was overseas

Travelling to Syria

Rosse-Emile and Kadmiry moved to Al-Furqan in Springvale South after leaving Sara's place, before they went to Syria in 2014.

In mid-2013, she wrote a series of Facebook posts tagging several people, saying, 'I miss everyone already!'

Sara said the couple had some help making the travel arrangements, which included signing documents to release his superannuation funds.

With those funds, they were able to pay for the trip.

They reportedly told her father, Guy Rosse-Emile, that they were going to live in Morocco because Kadmiry's family owned property in Casablanca.

'I said, "well, she's going to have a good life" and then lo and behold, seven or eight months later she rang her mum on WhatsApp and said that she's in Syria,' he told The Nightly last year.

Sara didn't hear about either of them again, until she found out Rosse-Emile was in a refugee camp following the territorial defeat of IS in 2019.

Pictured: Kirsty Rosse-Emile wearing a niqab

Pictured: A series of bizarre Facebook posts by Kirsty Rosse-Emile the year before she moved to Syria

She heard that some of Rosse-Emile's children, who were all born in Syria, had died.

The Guardian previously reported Rosse-Emile's daughter Amirah was at risk of losing her fingers to frostbite in 2020, when she was three, after temperatures at the al-Hawl camp in Syria plunged below zero.

Kadmiry became an IS fighter. His Australian citizenship was revoked in 2019 and he was held in a Kurdish jail, where he is believed to still languish.

'Can you just come and get me?'

In her message to the Albanese government last year, Rosse-Emile said: 'Hello, I'm here. Can you just come and get me, finally, and my children and all the other Australians here?

'We're ready to start our lives afresh.'

She had previously claimed she was tricked into going to Syria, but her father said last year that his daughter was lying.

'When she said, "Oh, I was tricked" and all that, it's not true,' he told The Nightly.

Pictured: Women buying food at the Iraqi market in Al Hawl refugee camp in Syria

Pictured: Roj Camp in eastern Syria, where Rosse-Emile and other Australians are detained

'In the way of Islam, when we go and fight for the cause of Allah, either you're victorious or you are vanquished, but you don't surrender, because it's one of the greatest sins that somebody could [commit].

'I'm a Muslim. I tell the truth. I am not going to lie to anybody. Allah will punish me if I lie.'

He said the Australian government should settle the refugees in a Muslim country like Turkey.

'That's what she wanted - she wanted to be in a Muslim country' where Sharia law would always be enforced, he told the publication.

Other Australians fighting to come home include Nesrine Zahab and her aunt Aminah Zahab and cousin Sumaya Zahab, along with Kawsar Abbas and her daughters Zeinab and Zahra Ahmed, Janai Safar, Hodan Abby, Kawsar Kanj and Hyam Raad.

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said Wednesday that one of the women is the subject of a temporary exclusion order on national security grounds, which could ban her from entering Australia for two years.

The identity of that woman remains unclear.

As for Sara, she wants the world to know the Rosse-Emile she once knew - and the risks the country could be taking in accepting her back.

'If anything happens and I didn't say anything, how can I face any of my family?' she asked.

*Name has been changed.
A pub landlord who offered punters lifts home in his black cab has been banned by the local council from providing the service.

Paul Hartfield, who owns the Flying Horse in Smarden in Ashford, Kent, has raised hundreds of pounds for charity by asking customers to make small donations to the Motor Neurone Disease Association for using his cab.

He did not make a profit from the taxi service, which he hoped would help punters get home safely, and chose the charity because one of his regulars had been diagnosed with the disease.

Mr Hartfield had raised at least 700 and drove around 100 customers homes since he started providing the free rides in November last year.

But Ashford Borough Council decided to shut the not-for-profit service down on Friday after a local newspaper article highlighted the landlord's charitable work, according to reports.

Mr Hartfield was told by the authority's licensing team that he was subject to 'requirements for local authority licensing' because his black cab was a 'private hire vehicle' - despite the landlord not personally benefitting financially.

He explained that customers of The Flying Horse - which dates back to 1790 - were simply asked to make a charitable donation for using the taxi.

But a council official reportedly wrote back, telling him a person can 'be said to derive commercial benefit' - even if a payment isn't made to him.

Pub landlord Paul Hartfield, who runs The Flying Horse in Smarden, near Ashford, Kent

The black cab helped to raise at least 700 for charity

Mr Hartfield told The Telegraph: 'It's mean-spirited that we are doing this for charity and I'm not quite sure what I'm going to do, to be honest.

'With the Government increasing business rates and rising costs, it just feels like it's all going against us pubs at the moment.'

Flying Horse customer Paul Upton told the newspaper the council's decision was 'pure jobsworth nonsense'.

Mr Hartfield previously said of his taxi: 'I bought it especially for the pub. I used to own a black cab garage, so I know cabs.

'This pub has done a lot for charity, and we have some great customers in the village. There are a lot of lovely people who come here.

'So, when they ring up and book a table, I ask them if they want a lift home. And if they say yes, they make a donation to charity.'

The Flying Horse had previously been run by Mr Hartfield's daughter Natasha before he took over.

He said the aim of the taxi service was to keep the pub's 'community-first' spirit alive.

Mr Hartfield said the council's decision to put a stop to the service was 'mean-spirited'

'This pub has done a lot for charity, and we have some great customers in the village,' Mr Hartfield said.

'There are a lot of lovely people who come here.'

The pub owner had also been known to pick customers up from their homes.

The cab previously took part in the village Tractor Run just before Christmas, decked out in Christmas lights, alongside dozens of tractors, which raised almost 7,000 for motor neurone disease.

Mr Hartfield had plans to raise money for the MND Association for a six-month period before choosing a new charity.

But those plans will have been thwarted after the council's ban.

A spokesperson for Ashford Borough Council told the Daily Mail: 'We recognise the good intentions behind the "pub taxi" service that has been offered by The Flying Horse, Smarden and their charitable community fundraising for the MND Association which remains one of our Mayor's charities for 2025/26.

'However the council must balance good intentions with our regulatory responsibilities as the Licensing Authority and as soon as it came to our attention, the business was informally contacted to find out more.

'On confirming the service amounted to private hire, the business was initially asked to cease the service in absence of the relevant licences.'

The spokesperson said the council had provided the business with details about private hire licensing in order to comply with current legislation - and that it is 'open to assisting' the pub if Mr Hartfield applies for the licence.

They added that the purpose of private hire licensing is to ensure that drivers, vehicles and operators are safe and suitable, so that that unregulated transport services do not pose a risk to the safety of passengers or the wider public.

This includes performing checks relating to the driver's background, vehicle standards and ensuring that the vehicle is appropriately insured.
A 10.7million specialist school has been left severely damaged after a huge blaze tore through the building for hours on Sunday afternoon.

Around 15 fire engines and specialist appliances rushed to The Promise School in Okehampton, Devon, after emergency services were alerted to the inferno at about 3.30pm.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue said it received multiple reports of 'flames' and 'thick black smoke' rising from the site as the fire took hold.

By 5.45pm crews were still at the scene, with the service confirming the blaze was creating a 'significant smoke plume' visible across the area. The building has been described as severely damaged.

Police warned residents living nearby to keep their windows and doors shut as a precaution, while motorists were urged to steer clear.

Devon and Cornwall Police asked anyone in the Stockley Hamlet area to close up their homes and avoid travelling into the area if possible.

Local resident Glennon Walters said his three-year-old son first spotted the smoke from their home.

He said: 'It was dark smoke, so that normally means something industrial. So we knew it was up in the industrial estate just from the smoke, but we didn't realise it was the new school until we took the pictures.'

Around 15 fire engines and specialist appliances rushed to The Promise School in Okehampton, Devon

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue said it received multiple reports of 'flames' and 'thick black smoke' rising from the site as the fire took hold

By 5:45pm crews were still at the scene, with the service confirming the blaze was creating a 'significant smoke plume' visible across the area

Despite the scale of the inferno, no injuries have been reported.

Sgt Tom Ottley said there was 'significant damage to the entire school'.

'[It is] quite a significant-sized blaze, fire have it under control, we don't believe there's any further risk to property or any casualties at the moment, so it's just about trying to control the damage and assess the damage thereafter,' he added.

Officers are now liaising with the school, and parents are expected to be contacted overnight with details of plans for the coming days.

Sgt Ottley also urged anyone who works in the area to check for updates on Monday before travelling, as crews continue damping down the scene.

The Promise School, which only opened in 2022, is a specialist academy for pupils with social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) needs.

The cause of the fire is not yet known.
A pot-smoking ex-private schoolboy who met a troubled teen online repeatedly bit the girl on the neck and burnt her with a lit cigarette as part of a 'sobriety' pact.

Details of what a magistrate called a 'very, very bizarre' series of attacks Ethan Ungerboeck committed on the 16-year-old can now be revealed with the release of a seven-page statement of facts.

After one incident in which he sank his teeth into the girl's neck Ungerboeck 'giggled excessively' once he eventually released his grip.

Ungerboeck escaped conviction for the assaults last Friday, having cited his poor mental health and cannabis use when he faced Sydney's Downing Centre Local Court.

The 20-year-old was charged in October last year with three counts of assault occasioning bodily harm and one count of common assault.

Ungerboeck, who previously admitted to threatening to kill and mutilate another girlfriend if she cheated on him, still has no criminal record.

In the earlier case, he had pleaded guilty to stalking and intimidating a woman with violent texts threatening to 'crush her spine', dissect her feet and suspend her from hooks.

Ungerboeck was diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) when he was eight and bullied at Sydney's $54,000-a-year Scots College.

Pot-smoking ex-private schoolboy Ethan Ungerboeck (above) met a troubled teenager online and repeatedly bit the girl on the neck and wrist. He then burnt her with a lit cigarette as part of a 'sobriety' pact

Ethan Ungerboeck met a 16-year-old girl in June last year while they were playing the online video game Fortnite

According to a statement of facts tendered in court, Ungerboeck met a 16-year-old girl in June last year while they were playing the online video game Fortnite.

'In their early conversations the victim told the accused she had issues with self-harm,' the statement said. 'The accused appeared to be knowledgeable about the subject.'

Ungerboeck also told the girl he was being investigated by the Australian Federal Police. That investigation later resulted in Ungerboeck being charged with 17 offences related to the alleged production, distribution and possession of child abuse material.

About midnight on one occasion in June last year Ungerboeck and the girl were at the $6million home he shares with his parents at Maroubra in Sydney's east.

Both were sitting on Ungerboeck's bed watching YouTube videos on his laptop and he was intoxicated after smoking cannabis.

'Suddenly, without any warning the accused opened his mouth and gripped the right side of the victim's neck with his teeth,' the statement of facts said.

The girl felt immediate pain and asked what Ungerboeck was doing but he kept his teeth gripped on her neck for one or two seconds.

Ungerboeck was diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) when he was eight and bullied at Sydney's $54,000-a-year Scots College (above)

'Eventually the accused released the victim's neck from his teeth,' the statement of facts said. 'The accused then giggled excessively.'

The next day while the pair watched YouTube videos in his bedroom, Ungerboeck - who had again been smoking pot - opened his mouth and sank his teeth into the girl's wrist.

'The accused's top teeth were pressing tightly against the outside of the victim's wrist, while the accused's bottom teeth were pressing tightly against the inside of the victim's wrist,' the statement of facts said.

The girl told Ungerboeck he was causing her pain and when he finally released his grip she had multiple red marks on her wrist.

'The victim felt scared and confused and did not know what to do,' the statement of facts said.

About two weeks later, Ungerboeck and the girl went to South Coogee about midnight. They walked down a steep set of stairs and found a small cave where they set up a tent.

The pair watched the ocean through a window while Ungerboeck drank two cans of beer.

'Suddenly, without any warning the accused opened his mouth and gripped the left side of the victim's neck with his teeth,' the statement of facts said.

Solicitor Michael Bowe said Ungerboeck (above) was a 'reasonably young man' with a well-documented history of mental illness whose problems were made worse at Scots College

'The accused's teeth remained latched on the victim's neck, as he was slowly and deliberately tightening his grip.'

The bite left multiple marks and the girl's neck throbbed for two hours before she fell asleep. She woke about 5am and was numb down the left side of her face for the next two weeks.

Within days of the last bite attack Ungerboeck and the girl set out for Newcastle to visit his godmother on a road trip. They stopped at a rest area near Mooney Mooney on the Central Coast and stayed overnight after doing some fishing.

The next afternoon Ungerboeck was smoking while he and the girl discussed giving up their respective addictions.

'The pair decided that the accused would stop smoking while the victim would stop self-harm,' the statement of facts said.

'The accused suggested they formalise this by making a mark of sobriety. The accused decided that his mark of sobriety was to be left on the victim's wrist by burning it with a lit cigarette.'

One or two days later, a blister had formed where Ungerboeck had burnt the girl's wrist. Ungerboeck insisted on popping the blister with a knife and the wound became infected.

According to the statement of facts, the girl became increasingly fearful and traumatised by Ungerboeck's behaviour but kept it secret.

In March last year Ungerboeck sent his girlfriend a message that read: 'I'll crush your spine, if you cheat then dissect your feet, attach hooks and hang you upside-down from the feet'

Several days after the blister incident the girl broke down and told her friends about the attacks. They advised her to end the relationship with Ungerboeck, which she did.

The girl had suffered 'severe physical and psychological trauma' and reported Ungerboeck to police.

'Police asked the victim as to her reasons for remaining in the relationship with the accused despite the violence and abuse she was subjected to,' the statement of facts said.

'The victim advised that she did this due to an emotional bond she has already formed with the accused, where her battles with self-harm played a significant role.'

Ungerboeck admitted the four assaults but managed to have them dealt with under Section 14 of the Mental Health and Cognitive Impairment Forensic Provisions Act.

Solicitor Michael Bowe said his client was a 'reasonably young man' with a well-documented history of mental illness, whose problems were made worse at Scots College.

Ungerboeck had been bullied so badly at the Bellevue Hill school he avoided other boys in the grounds during breaks and instead hid in the library.

He had not coped well with the Covid pandemic, and his depression culminated in a suicide attempt.

Ungerboeck appeared at court on crutches on February 9 after breaking his toe

Until recently, Ungerboeck had not been taking his prescribed medication and was a heavy user of cannabis. He had been diagnosed with ADHD, oppositional defiance disorder (ODD) and depression.

'He's got a very big brain and a very complex brain,' Mr Bowe said.

'As he's matured, life has just become more difficult.'

Of the assaults on the girl, Mr Bowe said Ungerboeck's offending had been 'serious' but 'very strange' and that he did not understand why it occurred.

'Young Mr Ungerboeck clearly took it too far,' Mr Bowe said.

'How and why a mind kind of works in the way that it does is difficult to understand.'

Magistrate Ann Lambino accepted Ungerboeck's various diagnoses and said it was appropriate to deal with the charges under the mental health provisions of the law.

She said it appeared Ungerboeck's victim also had 'significant mental health issues' which might have led to a 'mutual understanding' between the pair.

Ms Lambino was not satisfied Ungerboeck's actions had been premeditated or that he intended to harm the woman.

'The facts are very, very bizarre,' she said.

Ms Lambino dismissed the charges and ordered Ungerboeck to comply with a treatment plan, including psychiatric appointments and medication for 12 months.

The earlier stalking and intimidation charge was dismissed on February 9 due to Ungerboeck's ADHD, ODD, depression and youth.

Ungerboeck's child exploitation material charges will return to Downing Centre Local Court later this month.
Why do we need high rates of immigration, according to the South Australian Premier, Peter Malinauskas?

Because who else is going to 'feed you and bathe you and wipe your bum when you're 90'.

He's only making his point that way because, again according to the Premier: 'It ain't going to be your kids.

'If I get my way they're going to be working on submarines with high paying jobs so they can afford their own home.'

Malinauskas may have thought he was being candid with his audience when he made these comments late last week.

What he was really doing was revealing how easily the immigration debate can slip from economics into something uglier: a hierarchy of who is here to do what for whom.

His line, a retort to One Nation on the campaign trail in South Australia, was meant to shame sceptics into conceding that migration is necessary. The elderly and infirm do need their bums wiped.

But it also happens to be a perfect example of saying the quiet part out loud, and in a policy sense I'm here to tell you it's wrong anyway.

South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas sparked blowback from the left and the right after suggesting the reason for Australia's immigration rate is to 'feed you and bathe you and wipe your bum when you're 90'

Malinauskas has reduced a cohort of future citizens, workers, neighbours, parents and taxpayers to a function. Not contributors to society, not participants.

Not people building a life here, but bodies imported to perform intimate labour for the rest of us.

That is the prejudice at the heart of what he said. But it's not what immigration is supposed to represent.

If that's all you're after use work visas and tell your union mates to get out of the way. It shouldn't be the policy purpose of immigration.

The Premier's assumption is that the social contract is essentially transactional and one-directional: Australia gets care labour, migrants get entry, and everyone should be grateful and stay quiet.

The racial subtext doesn't need to be stated for the listener to hear it. Contemporary migration is visibly diverse.

A remark like that inevitably invites a picture of people from different ethnic backgrounds doing the lowest status, most intimate tasks for an older, largely Australian born population that imagines itself entitled to better jobs.

Malinauskas might insist he's praising migrants' contributions, but the picture he painted is one of servility.

For the right wing, Malinauskas's position plays out as disdain: an elite figure sneering at even the thought of reducing immigration rates

It's also deeply unfair to the aged care workforce, by the way, which Malinauskas casually converted into a crude gag.

Aged care is not just wiping bums with a wage attached it. It's often complex, and the workforce performs under pressure.

The tasks include administering medication, managing infections, providing dementia support, helping with mobility and falls, de-escalating bad behaviour and offering palliative care.

And then there is the emotional labour of dealing daily with frailty, confusion and grief. Even when the tasks are basic, the judgement and resilience required to perform them are not.

I haven't just studied aged care as part of the public policy debate - also lecturing on it at university. As a child I watched my mother run an aged care facility in Sydney as the matron, for over 10 years. We lived on site.

The Premier's comments are so diminishing of the workforce and what they do.

If governments are serious about lifting the status of care work and attracting more people into it, a Premier caricaturing the job as toileting does the opposite.

It reinforces the very cultural contempt that keeps wages down and turnover high. Issues he, by the way, can play a role in fixing if he could be bothered.

Instead, his comments fall into that rare category that manages to alienate multiple audiences at once for different reasons, which is usually a sign of sloppy thinking dressed up as bravery.

For the right wing, it plays out as disdain: an elite figure sneering at even the thought of reducing immigration rates.

It feeds the anger potential One Nation voters feel about being lectured down to by people who claim to know better.

On the left, the remarks offend in a different way. They sound like the technocratic version of exploitation: if the job is hard, undervalued and poorly remunerated, import people to do it and call the arrangement pragmatic.

Malinauskas (pictured with wife Annabel) said he wants Australians to be 'working on submarines with high paying jobs so they can afford their own home', rather than aged care

And it is offensive to migrants on a more basic level too. Even if many migrants proudly work in aged care, as they do, being publicly cast as the nation's future personal attendants is humiliating.

It narrows their identity to a service role and smuggles in the idea that their highest social purpose is to clean up after 'real' Australians.

That is not integration, it's stratification.

Worse, Malinauskas' framing, if you look past the offensiveness of his wording, isn't even right in a policy sense, or at least it doesn't have to be.

If the point is simply that some sectors need overseas workers because locals won't do it, it doesn't logically follow that the only answer is permanent immigration on the scale implied.

Australia already runs targeted visa settings and labour mobility arrangements to meet workforce gaps in various sectors, without pretending every shortage is solved by a bigger permanent migration intake.

If the Premier's true objective is staffing, the debate is about smarter labour policy, training, productivity, wages and conditions, not browbeating voters with a crude image of their future dependency.

Why is aged care so reliant on migrant labour in the first place?

The honest answer is not because Australians don't care about the elderly. It's because the job is hard, underpaid, often casualised and routinely treated as low status.

Fix those fundamentals and more locals will get involved. Migration may still play a role, but it stops being the moral cudgel Malinauskas tried to make it.

At any rate, the Premier picked the wrong fight. The One Nation argument about immigration is rarely just a spreadsheet set of questions about workforce numbers.

It is about housing pressure, infrastructure lag, the pace of demographic change, service strain and cultural cohesion. Sometimes expressed reasonably, sometimes crudely.

Malinauskas chose to answer that sprawling set of anxieties with a single, sneering vignette. Shame on him.
C-SPAN put the rumors to rest after a convincing Trump impersonator called in to criticize the Supreme Court.

The network released a statement on Sunday, addressing the caller from Virginia by the name John Barron, who phoned in to discuss the Supreme Court's decision to block the president's sweeping tariff policies.

Many viewers noticed that Barron's voice and cadence were almost identical to Trump's and were convinced he called under a pseudonym.

But C-SPAN said the president was far too busy at the time to pick up the phone.

'Because so many of you are talking about Friday's C-SPAN caller who identified himself as "John Barron," we want to put this to rest: it was not the president,' their statement read.

'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.

'Tune into C-SPAN for the actual president at the State of the Union Address on Tuesday night.'

Host Greta Brawner spoke to multiple viewers - including 'John Barron' - on Friday about the Supreme Court's controversial ruling.

Some fans theorized Trump called C-SPAN to criticize the Supreme Court's decision to block his tariff policies

The caller phoned in Friday to speak with Greta Brawner on the decision released that morning

'John in Virginia, Republican, let's hear from you,' she said, introducing the misleading guest.

Not only was Barron's voice strikingly similar to the president's, but he used the same alias that Trump reportedly fed to reporters in the 80s and 90s, per the Washington Post.

'Look, this is the worst decision you ever made in your life, practically. And Jack's going to agree with me, right, but this is a terrible decision,' Barron said.

'You have Hakeem Jeffries, who... he's a dope. And you have Chuck Schumer, who can't cook a cheeseburger. Of course, these people are happy. But true Americans will not be happy.'

He then seemed to refer to previous callers and guests on the show.

'And you have the woman earlier  I assume she's a woman, she's a Democrat,' he continued. 'But she's  devastated by this.'

Trump stopped using John Barron when he had to admit to using the fake name under oath in 1990.

The call came after the Supreme Court voted six to three against Trump's tariffs

The president was hosting the National Governors' Association on Friday ahead of the Governors' Dinner the following evening.

The event was already marred by controversy after Trump blocked Governors Jared Polis and Wes Moore from coming, only to re-extend their invitations.

Still, one dutiful doubter spelled out the president's schedule that day and insisted he could have squeezed in a phone call.

'SCOTUS ruling announced about 10 while Trump was meeting with governors,' they wrote.

'At 12:45, he started his briefing. It ended at 2.06. He went into the Oval Office until 4.34.

'John Barron called C-SPAN at 3.19. Caller ID said where the phone was registered, not where it came from. I call BS.'

Others were so convinced by Barron's impersonation that they argued the segment was pre-recorded or that Trump had slipped away with a burner phone in the bathroom.

The caller had a shockingly similar voice to the president and even used a pseudonym that Trump has been known to employ in the past

Despite not airing his grievances on C-SPAN, the president did get in some blows at the Supreme Court on social media shortly after their six-to-three vote on Friday.

Trump appointees Amy Coney Barrett and Neil Gorsuch were among those who voted against him, ruling that his policy was not allowed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.

They were joined by justices Elena Kagan, Sonia Sotomayor, John Roberts and Ketanji Brown Jackson.

In response, Trump called the justices who voted against him 'very unpatriotic' and publicly fired back on Truth Social.

'What happened today with the two United States Supreme Court Justices that I appointed against great opposition, Neil Gorsuch and Amy Coney Barrett, whether people like it or not, never seems to happen with Democrats,' he wrote.

'They vote against the Republicans, and never against themselves, almost every single time, no matter how good a case we have.'
American tourists visiting Puerto Vallarta have started to complain online about being stuck at luxury resorts as cartel violence ripped through the area.

Terrifying photos and videos from Mexico showed tourists and airport personnel alike running as armed cartel members took over the airport.

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.

Smoke was also seen billowing to the sky after cartel members set fire to idle vehicles, as the US State Department issued a security alert telling American tourists to shelter in place, avoid crowds, and minimize their movements.

The violence began in retaliation to the Mexican Army killing Nemesio 'El Mencho' Oseguera Cervantes in Tapalpa, which is about 170 miles southeast of Puerto Vallarta, in the state of Jalisco.

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.

But as violence gripped the region, influencers took to social media to bemoan how they were stuck in the tourist hotspot.

'We were supposed to leave this morning, and right as our shuttle came, our shuttle never showed up because they could not leave the airport due to a shutdown, due to cartel retaliation,' makeup artist and mom influencer Kaila R Gibson shared in a video on Instagram.

'So I really want to cry, I miss my baby,' she continued. 'It's really scary, honestly. I have no idea how long we're going to be here for. And it's just quite terrifying.'

Violence gripped the Mexican state of Jalisco on Sunday following the death of cartel leader Nemesio 'El Mencho' Oseguera Cervantes. A burnt-out bus allegedly set on fire by cartel members is pictured on a highway

Smoke billowed at a distance in the popular tourist hotspot

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

'So if you could pray, I would super appreciate that - and pray for all the other girls that are also stuck here,' she told her 275,000 followers.

In a follow-up post, she added that she is also 'so sad for the families here as well.'

'I've never felt unsafe here because the cartel stays out of the tourist areas,' she said.

Still, Gibson said she was 'praying we make it home to our babies soon and the people here are safe.'

Meanwhile, on TikTok another makeup artist said she was left stranded following a makeup retreat.

She said she had received a text from the airline that 'basically there will be no travel through February 26 due to "civil unrest."'

In another video, she lamented that she will be 'here until we're not here.'

As night then descended, the makeup artist told her followers how the resort 'closed all the restaurants except for the buffet, and they said room service was available, but there was no availability.

'So I'm rationing deserts, I'm eating my feelings and I'm drinking all night,' the influencer, with more than 78,300 followers said.

Firefighters extinguish a burning bus set on fire by cartel members

National Guard stood watch on the side of a highway connecting Mexico City with the state of Puebla after alleged cartel members set fire to a bus

Firefighters were seen extinguishing a burning vehicle set on fire on Sunday

She added that even if her flight was able to depart on Monday, she does not know whether she would feel safe.

'So until then I will eat desert and keep y'all posted.'

But others tried to make the best of their misfortune, with Tarik Hagen filming himself dancing in his room.

'Currently trapped in Puerto Vallarta because the cartel has shut down the city,' he wrote in text overlayed on the video, which he captioned: 'Can't leave our hotel and the airport is closed.'

Mexican National Guard agents have since secured the airport in Puerto Vallarta, Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacifico, which runs the Puerto Vallarta airport, said Sunday night.

'However, by decision of the airlines, today  all international operations and most domestic flights are cancelled,' it added.

Burnt-down cars littered the highways in Jalisco following the raid to kill El Mencho

Smoke was seen billowing from burning vehicles in the tourist hotspot

Videos taken by travelers at Guadalajara International Airport in Jalisco show smoke rising from the runways

The news came as La Jornada, one of Mexico City's largest newspapers, reported that a total of 26 people were killed in the chaos on Sunday.

Most of the fatalities occurred within federal and state security forces, which saw 17 agents killed on Sunday.

Eight alleged members of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel were also reportedly killed.

Twenty-five people have also been arrested in Jalisco, state officials announced Sunday night.

Eleven were arrested for alleged participation in violent acts and 14 others were arrested for alleged acts of looting or pillaging.

Still, US Senator Gary Peters urged tourists on social media to sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, which allows the State Department to contact Americans in case of an emergency.
The veteran journalist will finish up at the ABC on Friday

Departing ABC presenter Michael Rowland has clarified questions over his wife's health, just hours after he announced he was quitting the network after 39 years.

On Monday, Rowland announced he'd be finishing up at the national broadcaster this week to spend more time with his wife Nicola 'who has been unwell over the last year or so'.

In an Instagram post on Monday afternoon, Rowland shared a recent picture of the couple and clarified he wasn't leaving his job to care for her.

'Thanks, by the way, for all the lovely messages to my wife, Nicki. Some of the headlines today have suggested she is at death's door,' he said.

'Yes, Nicki has been unwell over the last year or so but is well and truly bouncing back. Proof of life from a wedding in Warrnambool on Saturday!'

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.

Michael Rowland has clarified questions over his wife Nicola's ill health after announcing he was quitting the ABC

Rowland, whose worked at the ABC since 1987, will finish up at the broadcaster on Friday

'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.

'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 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.'
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez dismissed those who argued she has a poor grasp of foreign policy during a personal Instagram story with her fiance snoring in the background.

Ocasio-Cortez has been scrambling after a dismal showing at the Munich Security Conference in Germany that saw her criticized for word salad answers and a lack of knowledge on international subjects.

In an Instagram story, the audibly hoarse left-wing Democrat scoffed at her haters, though it was clear at least one person in her audience wasn't listening.

As she responded to a prompt to 'just understand foreign policy before running for president,' someone is clearly heard snoring, presumably Ocasio-Cortez's fiance Riley Roberts.

She quipped: 'If you think I don't understand foreign policy, because of out of hours of discourse about international affairs, I pause to think about one of the most sensitive geopolitical issues that currently exist on earth, I'm afraid the issue is not my understanding.'

'Perhaps the problem is you've gotten adjusted to a president that never thinks before he speaks,' Ocasio-Cortez said as Roberts continued to snooze behind her.

She drew criticism from both sides of the aisle when she gave a garbled answer when asked about how the US would defend Taiwan in the event of a Chinese invasion.

Ocasio-Cortez, who represents parts of the Bronx and Queens, said: 'Um, you know, I think that I, uh, this is such a, you know, I think that this is a, um, this is of course, a, uh, very longstanding, um, policy of the United States,' she began.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez dismissed those who argued she has a poor grasp of foreign policy during a personal Instagram story with her fiance snoring in the background

As she responded to a prompt to 'just understand foreign policy before running for president,' someone is clearly heard snoring, presumably Ocasio-Cortez's fiance Riley Roberts (pictured right)

'And I think what we are hoping for is that we make sure we never get to that point and we want to make sure that we are moving all of our economic, research and our global positions to avoid any such confrontation and for that question to even arise,' she finished.

That was her response to the question, 'Would and should the US actually commit US troops to defend Taiwan if China were to move?'

Ocasio-Cortez's stumble came as she tried to boost her foreign policy chops and will likely come back to haunt her should she ultimately decide to make a White House run.

Other panelists included Matthew Whitaker, the US Ambassador to NATO since April of last year, and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer.

Ocasio-Cortez was likely hoping for a decisive performance in Munich, while also seeking to make a stark contrast with Vice President JD Vance's appearance at the conference last year.

Last February, Vance castigated European countries for their supposed efforts to erode free speech and free expression, while also demanding they spend more of their own budgets on national defense.

If Ocasio-Cortez runs for president, Vance could be her opponent. In fact, she celebrated a poll in December that had her beating him 51 percent to 49 percent.

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York gave halting answers at times to foreign policy questions posed to her during panels at the Munich Security Conference on Friday

She struck a different tone to Vance during her two panels, arguing that the growing gap between the rich and the poor is what is giving way to the rise of authoritarianism around the world.

'Extreme levels of income inequality lead to social instability,' she said, adding that countries should get their 'economic houses in order and deliver material gains for the working class, or else we will fall to a more isolated world governed by authoritarians.'

On other foreign policy questions, Ocasio-Cortez was able to give answers that weren't as halting.

When asked about whether the US should initiate strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities if diplomacy fails, she was quick to call that 'a dramatic escalation no one in the world wants to see'.

'Right now, what the Iranian regime is doing particularly with respect to protesters is a horrific slaughter of, some estimates have it at tens of thousands of people,' she said. 'I think that jumping into strikes is, I think that right now we have so much, to me, there's still so much runway, so much that we can do to avoid that scenario.'

On the topic of the US providing aid to Israel, Ocasio-Cortez was perhaps the most clear.

'I think that the United States has an obligation to uphold its own laws, particularly Leahy Laws,' she began.

The Leahy Laws, named after Senator Patrick Leahy, are statutes within the US code that prohibit the Departments of State and Defense from funding or training foreign militaries that commit gross violations of human rights.

'The idea of completely unconditional aid no matter what one does, does not make sense. I think it enabled a genocide in Gaza, and I think that we have thousands of women and children dead that was completely avoidable,' Ocasio-Cortez continued.

The topic of her possibly running for president was baked into many of the questions she received on Friday, but she consistently did not take the bait.

Katrin Bennhold, a New York Times reporter who moderated one of the panels Ocasio-Cortez was on, asked her if she would impose a wealth tax or a billionaire's tax if she became president.

Ocasio-Cortez laughed and shook her head. 'I don't think...we have to wait for any one president to impose a wealth tax. I think it needs to be done expeditiously.'

The 36-year-old congresswoman, who met the Constitutions minimum age requirement to run for president last year, has not announced her intention to run.

She is hugely popular among progressives, but faces an uphill battle to win centrist Democrats and undecided voters should she run for president.

There is also speculation she will run a primary campaign against Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.
One Nation has stormed ahead to first place and overtaken Labor as its popularity surges in NSW, according to a new poll.

Roy Morgan state polling revealed Pauline Hanson's party would receive 30 per cent of the primary vote - compared to just 25 per cent for the ALP - if an election was held today.

The Liberal-National Colaition followed far behind on 19 per cent, while minor parties and independents accounted for the remaining 26 per cent.

Such a poll would likely end in a hung parliament.

In the three-party preferred stakes, Labor is at 44 per cent, One Nation at 33.5 per cent and the LNP at 22.5 per cent.

Chris Minns is still the preferred state premier when respondents were given the option to choose between him or Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane.

'A look at the demographic results shows Premier Chris Minns leading amongst both genders, all four key age groups, in both Sydney and Country New South Wales, and amongst ALP supporters, Greens supporters, One Nation supporters, and supporters of independent and Other Parties,' Roy Morgan said.

Fifty-six per cent said Minns had done a good job during his first term, and 25 per cent disagreed.

One Nation has overtaken Labor as popularity surges in NSW, according to a new poll

The results come after One Nation soared ahead into first place in Victoria, a state where an election is due later this year.

The survey, conducted between 13 and 16 February, showed One Nation at 26.5 per cent, narrowly ahead of Labor on 25.5 per cent, while the LiberalNational Coalition trails at 21.5 per cent.

The Greens sat on 13.5 per cent, with 13 per cent backing independents and minor parties, setting the scene for a potential hung state parliament if an election were held today.

Despite One Nation's surprise primary vote lead, Premier Jacinta Allan's Labor party still came out ahead on preferences.

On a classic two-party-preferred basis, Labor leads 52 to 48 against the Jess Wilson's Coalition and 52.5 to 47.5 against One Nation.

On a three-party-preferred measure, Labor holds 44.5 per cent, ahead of One Nation on 29.5 per cent and the Coalition on 26 per cent.

In a hypothetical run-off between the Coalition and One Nation, the Liberals and Nationals would win decisively, 56 to 44, thanks to Labor voters preferencing One Nation last.

Allan faces grim results, with 51 per cent of voters saying Wilson would make a better premier, compared to just 42.5 per cent for Allan.

Chris Minns is still the preferred state premier when respondents were given the option to choose between him or Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane

Wilson leads among men, all major age groups, and in both Melbourne and regional Victoria.

Allan's personal approval rating sits at just 30.5 per cent, while 67.5 per cent of respondents disapprove of her performance.

Wilson enjoys a 53 per cent approval rating.

The poll surveyed 2,462 Victorians.
Mexican forces seized rocket launchers as they conducted a deadly raid on a major cartel leader Sunday, sparking violence and chaos in a seaside resort town.

A shootout in the western state of Jalisco on Sunday left drug lord Ruben 'Nemesio' Oseguera, commonly known as 'El Mencho,' 59, mortally wounded, Mexico's defense ministry confirmed.

The notorious drug boss was the head of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) - one of Mexico's most powerful drug-running organizations which has been accused of trafficking methamphetamine and fentanyl to the US.

Oseguera's killing unleashed a wave of violence and chaos across the streets of Jalisco.

In the resort area of Puerto Vallarta, tourists described a 'war zone' as they posted pictures of smoke plumes rising in the sky from the beach.

Oseguera was one of America's most wanted criminals. The US Drug Enforcement Agency offered a reward of $15 million for info leading to his arrest.

The Trump Administration declared the Jalisco cartel a terrorist organization. Former officials described the group as operating more like a paramilitary organization than a traditional trafficking gang, according to Fox News.

Former Drug Enforcement Agency officials also said the group commanded large numbers of gunmen and organized itself in a way that allowed it to deploy force quickly and visibly.

Mexican military officials conducted a raid on Sunday that killed Ruben 'Nemesio' Oseguera, commonly known as 'El Mencho,' 59, the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel

The Mexican National Guard participated in the raid and conducted patrols as violence erupted across the country

American authorities have long sought to capture Oseguera, offering a reward of up to $15 million for information leading to his arrest in December 2024. Former US Attorney General Jeff Sessions is pictured announcing enforcement actions against the cartel in 2018

It would use coordinated roadblocks, armed convoys and structured enforcement wings to assert control in urban areas, as they expanded their reach and arsenals.

Those arsenals have apparently become so large that they included rocket launchers capable of shooting down aircrafts, as well as armored vehicles and heavy weapons that are more commonly associated with militaries, all of which were seized in the raid on Sunday.

But Mexican authorities had already known the group had massive weapons caches, after previously linking CJNG to a 2015 attack in which a cartel gunman used a rocket-propelled grenade to bring down a Mexican military helicopter.

The government has since increasingly relied on military forces - rather than local police - to confront senior cartel figures.

The raid on Sunday, for example, was carried out by Mexican Special Forces, with aircraft assistance from the Air Force and National Guard rapid-reaction units.

They were acting on US intelligence from a new US-military-led task force specializing in intelligence collection on drug cartels, called the Joint Interagency Task Force-Counter Cartel. It was launched late last year with the goal of mapping out networks of drug cartel members on both sides of the US-Mexico border.

In a post on X, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said that the Trump administration 'commends and thanks the Mexican military for their cooperation and successful execution of this operation' in Tapalpa, which saw three other cartel members killed, three wounded and two arrested.

Oseguera, a former police officer, founded and oversaw the rapid rise of the CJNG, which started as a splinter group of the notorious Sinaloa Cartel. He is pictured with his children

The cartel has expanded into one of Mexico's most powerful cartels, with up to 20,000 members by American government estimates

Former officials have described the group as operating more like a paramilitary organization than a traditional trafficking gang

She noted that El Mencho was a 'top target for the Mexican and United States government as one of the top traffickers of fentanyl into our homeland.'

'Last year, President Trump rightfully designated the Jalisco New Generation Cartel as a Foreign Terrorist Organization - because that's exactly what they are,' Leavitt wrote.

'President Trump has been very clear - the United States will ensure narcoterrorists sending deadly drugs to our homeland are forced to face the wrath of justice they have long deserved.'

Oseguera, a former police officer, founded and oversaw the rapid rise of the CJNG, which started as a splinter group of the notorious Sinaloa Cartel.

It has since 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 as it takes in billions of dollars in revenue annually, according to The New York Times.

The cartel, with up to 20,000 members by American government estimates, pioneered use of drones in attacks against civilians in remote regions of western Mexico as part of its rapid territorial expansion.

It would also conduct public executions and put the bodies on display, often publicizing the violence on social media, and would attack and assassinate Mexican politicians, judges and law enforcement officers.

Cartel members torched vehicles following the news of Oseguera's death

Smoke is seen billowing from burning vehicles in the tourist hotspot of Puerto Vallarta

Following Oseguera's death, US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau, who previously served as the ambassador to Mexico in Trump's first term, hailed the news as a 'great development' for the US and Mexico, as well as the rest of Latin America.

But as Oseguera's corpse arrived in Mexico City on Sunday afternoon in a heavily guarded convoy of National Guard troops, violence erupted across the country, with torched cars and gunmen blocking highways in more than half a dozen states.

Terrifying photos and videos from Mexico showed tourists and airport personnel alike running as armed cartel members took over the airport.

Air Canada, United Airlines, Aeromexico and American Airlines suspended flights in the area, leading some influencers to bemoan how they were left struck in the tourist hotspot.

'We were supposed to leave this morning, and right as our shuttle came, our shuttle never showed up because they could not leave the airport due to a shutdown, due to cartel retaliation,' makeup artist and mom influencer Kaila R Gibson shared in a video on Instagram.

'So I really want to cry, I miss my baby,' she continued. 'It's really scary, honestly. I have no idea how long we're going to be here for. And it's just quite terrifying.'

Tourists are seen gathering at the Guadalajara International Airport, as multiple flights were diverted or cancelled

'So if you could pray, I would super appreciate that - and pray for all the other girls that are also stuck here,' she told her 275,000 followers.

Another makeup artist also told her followers how the resort 'closed all the restaurants except for the buffet, and they said room service was available, but there was no availability.

'So I'm rationing deserts, I'm eating my feelings and I'm drinking all night,' the influencer, with more than 78,300 followers said.

A total of 26 people were killed in the chaos on Sunday, La Jornada, one of Mexico City's largest newspapers, reported.

It said that most of the fatalities occurred within federal and state security forces, which saw 17 agents killed.

Eight alleged members of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel were also reportedly killed.

Twenty-five people have also been arrested in Jalisco, state officials announced Sunday night.

Eleven were arrested for alleged participation in violent acts and 14 others were arrested for alleged acts of looting or pillaging.

Security experts now worry 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.

A firefighter extinguishes a burning bus set on fire by organized crime groups on Sunday

A burnt-out truck collapsed to the ground on a highway in Jalisco

A view of the site where Mexican Army troops killed Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as 'El Mencho,' leader of the Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generacion

Yet Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum stressed that activities in most areas of the country were proceeding as usual, even as schools in various states across Mexico protectively canceled classes for Monday.

The Mexican president has been facing increased pressure from the Trump administration to intensify her offensive against drug cartels blamed for producing and smuggling drugs, particularly the synthetic opioid fentanyl, across the border to the US.

In January, following the US capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, Trump even declared that 'the cartels are running Mexico,' and warned 'we are going to start now hitting land with regard to the cartels.'

Sheinbaum has said she would strengthen efforts to cooperate with the US to fight cartels, but vowed to uphold Mexico's sovereignty and warned against any unilateral military action by the US in Mexico.
A frustrated tradie has lashed out at Gen Z for refusing to do manual labour at the same time as Gen X are retiring, leaving major industries understaffed.

Steven Sousamlis, the owner of Jim's Bathrooms and Resurfacing in Sydney, on Monday blamed young Aussies for the country's shortage of trade workers.

Mr Sousamlis explained most tradies are 'forced' to retire in their 60s, even if they want to keep working, because their bodies can no longer keep up with the demanding work.

Data from Master Builders Australia found the construction sector needs at least 130,000 more workers in order to build the government's target of 1.2 million additional homes by 2029.

However, in the last financial year, trade apprenticeships in Australia dropped by 7.3 per cent, according to the National Centre for Vocational Education Research.

Mr Sousamlis argued young people heading into the workforce are leaning towards office jobs in which they can earn more and work longer.

'A lot of people are moving away from construction; they don't want to work hard, and they make enough money at an office job,' Mr Sousamlis told News.com.au.

'The gap between what a licensed tradie is getting paid versus an office worker used to be a substantial gap but now... all the other professions have caught up. For $100,000 why wouldn't I just go sit at a desk?'

Steven Sousamlis (above), a Sydney tradie, warned Australian trades are in massive trouble with Gen X retiring and less Gen Z workers interested in physical labour

Mr Sousamlis attributed the lull in apprentices to an increase in office salaries

As another example of trade shortages, Apprenticeships Are Us LTD reported an incredible 60 per cent of automotive apprentices were quitting before finishing their apprenticeships.

While a study from Monash University found that 70 per cent of Australian teenagers aged between 15 and 19 intended to go to university rather than learn a trade.

Information from job platform SEEK appears to back up Mr Sousamlis' claim that there's no longer a major financial incentive for young workers to choose a trade.

The average salary for a builder in Australia, according to SEEK, was between $85,000 and $105,000 while the average salary for an executive assistant, a typical office job, was $90,000 to $110,000.

Mr Sousamlis claimed the lull of available tradies is already becoming apparent with businesses often struggling to send workers out for quotes.

'When I quote jobs, clients will always tell me they often couldn't get someone out to come and even quote the job and thank me for coming,' he said.

'I could never understand it, but for someone to not quote something, it just means they think the project is too small and there is not enough money in it.'

Mr Sousamlis' concerns are an echo of those shared by carpenter Josh Alcorn who in June warned many businesses can't hire the few young Australians interested in apprenticeships because they 'are too expensive to hire'.

Mr Sousamlis highlighted many tradies are forced to retire in their.60s, while office workers can stay in their jobs longer

'People love to talk about the trade shortage, but no one's talking about why,' Mr Alcorn said in a video.

'From my experience, there are two big reasons: apprentices are too expensive to hire and young people have other ways of making money these days.'

As the owner of a business, Mr Alcorn said there were several disadvantages to hiring apprentice tradies.

'I've crunched the numbers and when you factor in annual leave, TAFE days, sick leave, public holidays, RDOs, rain days - a first-year apprentice ends up costing you the same as what it would to have a subby (subcontractor) for $50 an hour,' he said.

'That doesn't include overheads, insurance, payroll, all that other s***.

'So as a boss, you've got two options. You can either take on an apprentice who doesn't know anything or a subby who's got a car, tools and can work unsupervised.

'From a pure financial perspective, what would you do?'

With no financial incentive for business owners to hire apprentices, the size of the next generation of tradies could be drastically smaller.

Josh Alcorn (above), the owner of a luxury cabin building business in Wollongong, in June claimed fewer apprentices are being hired because they're 'too expensive'

'Obviously, I did my time as an apprentice and I believe in training the next generation, but I can see why people aren't hiring apprentices,' Mr Alcorn said.

'Some people will tell you it's because they don't make them like they used to.

'Maybe they're right, but I'm sure there are some young guns out there who won't get a shot because it just costs too much to hire them.

'And until that changes, we'll continue to hear them go on and talk about how the trades are dying,' he said.
An NHS nurse who was suspended after she referred to a transgender paedophile patient as 'Mr' has been allowed to return to work today.

Jennifer Melle, 41, was forced out of St Helier Hospital in Carshalton, Surrey, in May 2024 after a 6ft male sex offender with a beard objected to the masculine title.

During the incident, Ms Melle was subjected to screaming racist abuse and threats of violence from the patient.

She was then accused of a potential patient data breach by Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust for speaking about the incident - despite the person's identity remaining unknown.

The single mother-of-two was suspended, disciplined, and finally reinstated after public outcry and protests by groups including the Darlington nurses - who won their case against an NHS hospital that allowed a male-born colleague to use women's changing rooms.

Today, Ms Melle is set to return to hospital to work alongside her colleagues on the frontline.

She told the Express: 'While I am glad to be returning to work, I must be honest: this is not over.

'For nearly a year I have been suspended simply for telling the truth: that I was racially abused and physically threatened after using biologically accurate language to refer to a male patient. I was treated as the criminal.'

Jennifer Melle, 41, (pictured) at an NHS disciplinary panel in Epsom last month

Ms Melle referred to a transgender paedophile patient who identifies as a women as 'Mr'

Ms Melle had served as a nurse for 12 years before the incident, which saw the sex offender - known as Patient X - turn up chained to guards from a men's prison to receive treatment for a urinary infection.

As he was fitted with a catheter, he objected to being called 'Mr' and launched a torrent of racial abuse towards the nurse.

Ms Melle was transferred to another ward as investigations took place, before being handed a written warning in December 2024 following a disciplinary hearing.

The Trust later suspended the mother for nine months in April 2025 while investigating allegations she had publicly disclosed details of the incident.

Ms Melle, a Christian, is taking the trust to an employment tribunal, claiming she was the victim of harassment, discrimination, and breaches of freedom of thought and religion.

She still faces two outstanding Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) fitness-to-practice investigations over 'misgendering' the paedophile. Her union, the Royal College of Nursing, refused to support her, it is understood.

Ms Melle said: 'Two NMC cases remain open, and a full employment tribunal is scheduled for April.'

More than 18,000 people signed a petition calling for Ms Melle to be cleared of wrongdoing, it was reported last month.

Among her supporters was shadow equalities minister Claire Coutinho, who described Ms Melle as 'one of the bravest women I have ever met'.

'Her case is proof of how the NHS has been captured by a radical gender ideology that puts women at the bottom of the pile,' she said. 'In being punished for "misgendering" a convicted paedophile, she has been repeatedly failed by her employers and trade unions.

She was then suspended, disciplined, and finally reinstated after public outcry and protests by groups including the Darlington nurses

Ms Melle's supporters included (from left): Fife nurse Sandie Peggie, Rebecca Paul MP, Darlington nurse Bethany Hutchison, Jim Shannon MP, Mims Davies MP, Claire Coutinho MP, Darlington nurse Lisa Lockey and Rosie Duffield MP

'She is a dedicated nurse with 13 years of faultless service. The NHS should not be punishing hard-working nurses who know biological sex is real.'

Others fighting Ms Melle's corner were MPs Rebecca Paul, Jim Shannon, Mims Davies, Rosie Duffield and NHS Fife nurse Sandie Peggie, who was suspended from her job at Kirkcaldy hospital's A&E department after complaining about transgender doctor Beth Upton using a women's changing room.

Following her crunch hearing, from which press and public were excluded, Ms Melle said she was 'deeply relieved and grateful'.

'This has been an incredibly long and painful journey,' she said. 'I want to give thanks, first and foremost, to Jesus, who has sustained me every step of the way.

'I also want to express my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has stood with me, prayed for me, and supported me through the darkest moments. Your encouragement has meant more than you will ever know.'

Andrea Williams, Chief Executive of the Christian Legal Centre, said today: 'Jennifer's reinstatement is welcome, but it is justice delayed and only partially delivered. The Trust was poised to dismiss a dedicated Christian nurse for the "crime" of telling the truth about the racial abuse and physical threats she suffered at the hands of a convicted paedophile.

'It took national media pressure, the intervention of an MP, and the weight of public outrage to force them to do the right thing.'

After her reinstatement, Epsom and St Helier Hospitals NHS Trust said: 'Racial abuse of our staff is never acceptable, nor is discussing a patients private medical information publicly. We are sorry Ms Melle had this experience and we issued a written warning to this patient, but we expect all staff to maintain patient confidentiality at all times.'
The intended target in the kidnapping of missing grandfather Chris Baghsarian has been identified, as a focused police search continues in Sydney's northwest.

Mr Baghsarian, 85, was snatched from his home in North Ryde in what police believed to be a case of mistaken identity about 5am on February 13.

On Monday the apparent true target of the kidnapping was revealed to be a relative of wealthy Sydney businessman Dimitri Stepanyan.

It's understood the kidnappers contacted Mr Stepanyan demanding a $50million ransom for the release of his relative in the hours after Mr Baghsarian was snatched.

Messages between the businessman and kidnappers over Threema, an encrypted messaging app, showed pictures and footage of Mr Baghsarian, to which Stepanyan said the criminals 'plugged the wrong bloke', The Daily Telegraph reported.

Those images showed Mr Baghsarian lying on the floor while tied up and are believed to have been taken on the floor of an empty home in Dural, which was searched by police late last week.

Robbery and Serious Crime Squad Commander Andrew Marks on Monday confirmed police had checked the 'intended targets' of the kidnapping were 'safe'.

'The main focus of our investigation is to find Mr Baghsarian, and those that are responsible for his disappearance and for kidnapping him,' he said.

Relatives of Sydney businessman Dimitri Stepanyan (above) are understood to have been the targets of a bungled kidnapping in Sydney's north

Chris Baghsarian (above) was taken from his home on February 13 in what police believe to be a case of mistaken identity

A large-scale police operation was underway on Cattai Ridge Road, Glenorie, (above) on Sunday and Monday

Stepanyan spent seven years in jail for armed robbery of the Forestville RSL club in 2009.

The family's legal battles continued in 2018 when an unexplained $200,000 was found in Stepanyan's sister's bedroom, in their North Ryde family home.

She pleaded guilty to dealing with proceeds of crime and was handed a fine and placed on a good behaviour bond.

It's understood a relative of Mr Stepanyan resides on the same street as Mr Baghsarian.

Commander Marks said: 'Those that were the intended targets, I'm led to believe that they're safe - they're not in danger'.

Police have remained tight-lipped on any motive behind the incident and the suspected condition of Mr Baghsarian.

Renewed hope in the form of a search at a new property emerged late on Sunday.

A NSW Police helicopter was seen circling Cattai Ridge Road in Glenorie, which is 30km north-west of North Ryde, as part of the large-scale operation. Officers remained at the search site on Monday.

Sydney businessman Dimitri Stepanyan

Police are still searching for Mr Baghsarian

Mr Stepanyan is pictured with his sister Katiusha

Stepanyan is the founder of clothing brand Proper Streetwear, which has been promoted by members of the Alameddine gang.

ASIC business records for the company do not mention him.

Daily Mail does not suggest Stepanyan or any members of his family are involved with the Alameddines.

It is unclear why he or his relatives would be targeted by kidnappers, aside from his wealth.

Daily Mail has contacted Stepanyan for comment.
NHS staff have been told they can use the pronouns 'Xey/Xem' at work as part of a plan to boost 'inclusion in the workplace'.

The gender-neutral pronouns - often used within nonbinary and trans communities - can be used as alternatives to I/me, She/her, He/him, They/them, Ze/Zir or It/Its depending on the colleague's preference.

King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust in south London also told staff they should apologise if they accidentally use the 'wrong' pronouns.

The trust said it was each person's responsibility to 'identify what their pronouns are', explaining the aim was to 'create an inclusive environment and demonstrate inclusion in the workplace'.

And if pronouns 'aren't important to you', the trust added, it is 'even more important to use them'.

The training presentation, from February last year, also encouraged employees to correct others if they hear them using the wrong pronouns to address someone.

The trust also urged workers to use gender-neutral language - including sibling instead of brother or sister, and team or folks instead of ladies and gentleman.

Women's rights groups have condemned the presentation, branding it 'virtue-signalling which could affect patients'.

Fiona McAnena, director of sex-based rights charity Sex Matters, said the guidance was a 'ridiculous distraction for NHS staff'

The presentation came before the landmark Supreme Court ruling which happened last year, which stated the definition of a woman was determined by biological sex.

Fiona McAnena, director of sex-based rights charity Sex Matters, told the Telegraph: 'This is enforced speech and a ridiculous distraction for NHS staff. This isn't just harmless virtue-signalling  it could put patients at risk.

'Clinicians need to be free to refer to people as male or female. Often, it is medically necessary.

'But instead of focusing on the right care for the patients, NHS staff are being told they have to adopt meaningless words like 'xie' and 'xir', and to apologise if they get it wrong.'

The presentation came to light after Christian NHS nurse Jennifer Melle, 41, was suspended after she referred to a transgender paedophile patient as 'Mr'.

Ms Melle was forced out of St Helier Hospital in Carshalton, Surrey, in May 2024 after a 6ft male sex offender with a beard objected to the masculine title.

During the incident, Ms Melle was subjected to screaming racist abuse and threats of violence from the patient.

Nurse Jennifer Melle (pictured) was suspended after she referred to a transgender paedophile patient who identifies as a women as 'Mr'

Join the debate Do YOU think this helps patients feel safer?

She was then accused of a potential patient data breach by Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust for speaking about the incident - despite the person's identity remaining unknown.

She was later suspended, disciplined, and finally reinstated after public outcry and protests by groups including the Darlington nurses - who won their case against an NHS hospital that allowed a male-born colleague to use women's changing rooms.

Today, single mother-of-two Ms Melle is set to return to hospital to work alongside her colleagues on the frontline.

She told the Daily Express: 'While I am glad to be returning to work, I must be honest: this is not over.

'For nearly a year I have been suspended simply for telling the truth: that I was racially abused and physically threatened after using biologically accurate language to refer to a male patient. I was treated as the criminal.'

In the freedom of information request seen by The Telegraph, representatives for King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust said: 'This training pre-dates the Supreme Court ruling. It is not specific to the updated interpretation of the law and is instead designed to help differentiate the difference in terminology used between sex and gender.'

A King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust spokesperson said: 'Our aim is to ensure our hospitals are welcoming and safe environments for everyone, where individuals feel respected and able to access the care they need at all times.'
A property developer has signed a deal with the family-run business of US President Donald Trump to build a tower on the Gold Coast.

The proposed 91-storey, six-star hotel will be 335m high, which is taller than any skyscraper in the country.

Altus chief executive David Young said the building would be a landmark property for Surfers Paradise which would aim to be built before the 2032 Olympics, though it is still in the concept phase.

'Trump International Hotel & Tower, Gold Coast is our first official project in Australia,' Eric Trump, executive vice president of the Trump Organization, said.

The proposal for 3 Trickett St is far from a done deal, with the Gold Coast City Council confirming that a development application had yet to be received.

Acting Gold Coast mayor Mark Hammell said in a statement that the Gold Coast welcomed investment in the city, as it displayed confidence and helped drive jobs.

'A formal development application will be required, and we look forward to considering the application once it is received,' he said.

A Change.org petition opposing the project, however, had amassed more than 20,000 names in just a few hours since the project was announced on Monday.

The Trump tower on the Gold Coast is proposed as Australia's tallest building (pictured centre)

Executive vice president of the Trump Organization Eric Trump (left) and Altus chief executive David Young (right)

A render of the tower that is said to include a private beach

The developer said the tower would follow the same Trump template used for properties currently being built in Jeddah and Saudi Arabia.

'It will feature a 285-room luxury hotel bearing the trademark Trump logo, anchoring the 91-storey development,' a statement on the project reads.

'The project will also include 272 luxury residential apartments, a three-level podium with an exclusive Beach Club, and over 3400 sqm of premium commercial, retail, and dining space, revitalizing the central Surfers Paradise precinct.'

Mr Hammell is acting mayor while Tom Tate is overseas.

A Gold Coast Council spokesperson said Mr Tate had attended a meeting with the Trump Organization in the US on February 13.
A Brit is among 19 people killed after a passenger bus fell 650 feet from a hilly road into a ravine in west Nepal before dawn on Monday.

Only nine of the dead have been identified so far, the police said, adding that the bus was carrying 44 people in all.

A New Zealander and a Chinese national were among the 25 injured when the bus, headed to the Nepali capital, Kathmandu, from the town of Pokhara, fell 650 feet from the road at Behighat in Dhading district, 50 miles west of Kathmandu.

China's official Xinhua News Agency reported earlier that one other Chinese national was missing.

'Out of 44, in total 19 people died, and 25 are undergoing treatment,' senior local police officer Prakash Dahal said, confirming one British citizen was among the dead.



Mohan Prasad Neupane, information officer at the district administration office, said the rescue operation had been completed by dawn.

'The injured are undergoing treatment,' Neupane said.

Authorities are now investigating the cause of the accident.

A Brit is among 19 people killed after a passenger bus fell 650 feet from a hilly road in west Nepal

Hundreds die in road crashes in Nepal annually

Road accidents are common in mostly mountainous Nepal where the conditions of roads are poor.

Hundreds die in road crashes in Nepal annually.

Earlier this month, a bus carrying a wedding party fell off a slope of a mountain road in west Nepal in a devastating crash that killed at least 13 people while 34 more were injured.

And in August 2024, 14 people were killed after a bus carrying dozens of worshippers tumbled 500 feet into a ravine in the Marsyangdi river.

Sixteen others were injured and the top part of the bus, which was carrying at least 40 Indian pilgrims, was ripped open in the crash.

Road accidents are common in mostly mountainous Nepal where the conditions of roads are poor

The bus was travelling from the tourist city of Pokhara to the capital Kathmandu when the accident occurred in the central district of Tanahun.

There were 43 people on the bus and all of them were Indian nationals, according to the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu.

A military helicopter was deployed to help transport the rescued passengers as the police and army helped pull people from the wreckage.

A month before, two buses with 59 passengers on board were swept into a river by a landslide in the nearby district of Chitwan.
Keir Starmer's plans to build 1.5 million new homes before the next election have been hit by a new blow as the UK faces a shortage of scaffolders.

At least 6,000 new scaffolders are needed each month to keep to Labour's building targets and to replace retiring workers, according to the National Access and Scaffolding Confederation (NASC).

Housebuilding will need to reach levels not seen in more than 50 years in order to fulfil the ambitious quota, bringing with it a need for more skilled workers from an already shrinking pool.

Labour vowed ahead of the general election to overhaul the planning system, and build 1.5 million new homes across the UK over the course of a parliament.

NASC's chief executive Clive Dickin warned 'talent is a real problem', and predicted a housebuilding crisis with seven per cent of the skilled workforce are expected to retire by 2029.

There are less than 34,000 scaffolders working in the UK today, according to data provider Ibis World.

The dwindling numbers of skilled workers places further pressure on Sir Keir, who pledged to build 300,000 new homes a year - and against a backdrop of widespread labour shortages across the UK's construction industry.

David Parry, a senior parliamentary and public affairs officer at the Chartered Institute of Building, told The Daily Telegraph: 'The shortage of scaffolders is a prime example of the skills and worker shortages being faced across every aspect of the construction industry.

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Sir Keir Starmer (pictured today in Downing Street) vowed ahead of the general election to overhaul the planning system, and build 1.5 million new homes across the UK over the course of a parliament

'We have long said these shortages will most certainly impact delivery of the Government's housing and infrastructure targets'.

A spokesman said the Government was 'taking decisive action to tackle years of underinvestment in skills by investing 625million to attract and train the next generation of construction workers, including scaffolders'.

This comes as the Government faces growing pressures in London amid a collapse in housebuilding in the capital, prompting the drawing up of emergency plans last year.

Housing Secretary Steve Reed and Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan drafted the emergency reforms last October, which included reducing the percentage of affordable homes required for a site from 35 per cent to 20 per cent.

This included developers being promised a fast-tracked application if they agreed to build 20 per cent of affordable housing in their plans.

Sir Sadiq's proposals have faced criticism from builders, who deem them - and the required speed of building - unrealistic.

Lord Bailey of Paddington, who is the housing representative for City Hall Conservatives, has called for the minister to 'confirm' his 'intention to see [the reforms] through'.

In the letter seen by The Daily Telegraph, Lord Bailey said: 'We want to see houses built in London, because every delay is another family left in temporary accommodation or struggling under sky-high housing costs.

Sir Sadiq Khan (pictured) drafted emergency housebuilding reforms last October amid a collapse in housebuilding in the capital

At least 6,000 new scaffolders are needed each month to keep to Labour's building targets and to replace retiring workers

'Arguing about the percentage of houses which are subsided is worthless if nothing happens - 100 per cent of nothing is nothing.'

As part of the 1.5 million house target, Labour pledged to build 88,000 homes a year in London.

However the capital faces its own crisis, as housebuilding in London fell by 84 per cent since 2015.

Work began on only 5,547 homes in 2025 by the private sector, according to figures from Molior.

The research also revealed only 18,326 homes are set to be completed in London by the end of the year.

This follows Sir Sadiq's commentary in 2016 that London needed to build more than 66,000 new homes per year to meet demand, and more than half of the houses should be affordable.

A spokesman from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government said: 'We have inherited a housing crisis, and while this won't happen overnight, we are focused on getting spades in the ground to build 1.5 million homes.

'That's why we are taking decisive action to tackle years of underinvestment in skills by investing 625million to attract and train the next generation of construction workers, including scaffolders.'

A spokesman for the Mayor of London said: 'This package of measures will accelerate housebuilding across London. The Mayor's plans are bold, unashamedly pro housebuilding, and respond directly to many of the concerns expressed by the housebuilding sector.'
A Christian street preacher was arrested on suspicion of 'inciting religious hatred' after he delivered a sermon 'on Islam and transgender ideology'.

Dia Moodley's legal counsel ADF UK, which is part of faith-based legal organisation Alliance Defending Freedom, said the 58-year-old pastor was detained for eight hours in November last year.

The group argues that the pastor's case reflects what it describes as a broader pattern of police action that risks criminalising lawful religious expression.

He was released on bail conditions that temporarily barred him from entering Bristol during the Christmas period.

His legal counsel, Jeremiah Igunnubole, said Moodley's arrest for 'peacefully commenting on Islam and transgender ideology' shows police are using public order legislation to impose 'de facto blasphemy laws' in Britain.

After the incident in November, Avon and Somerset Police visited Moodley again in January and invited him to attend a voluntary interview under caution.

This is the second time Moodley has been arrested, with the street preacher facing police action in March 2024.

It follows previous disputes with police over restrictions placed on his public comments about other religions.

Christian street preacher Dia Moodley, 58, was arrested on suspicion of 'inciting religious hatred' after he delivered a sermon 'on Islam and transgender ideology'

Mr Moodley's legal counsel, ADF UK, said the 58-year-old pastor was detained for eight hours in November last year

Pastor Moodley said: 'This latest arrest has had a profoundly negative effect on me and has been extremely challenging personally.

'I am a law-abiding citizen and it feels surreal that the police have criminalised me so harshly and repeatedly merely for peacefully expressing my Christian views in the public square.

'Unfortunately, I believe that the police view me, a Christian pastor, as an easy target and are afraid of others being offended by my lawful speech. This is two-tier policing in action.'

A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police said: 'A 58-year-old man was arrested at about 2.30pm on Saturday 22 November in Broadmead, Bristol, on suspicion of assault by beating and of a racially/religiously aggravated public order offence.

'He was later released on police bail until the end of December, with a condition not to attend areas of Bristol city centre, including Broadmead.

'These conditions, however, were ultimately lifted by a supervisory officer in mid-December following representations from the arrested man.'

The public order offence referenced by police falls under the Public Order Act 1986.

This is the second time Moodley has been arrested over his street preaching, according to ADF UK, which is the British arm of the faith-based legal organisation Alliance Defending Freedom

Mr Igunnubole said: 'This is far from an isolated incident. It is part of a clear pattern of behaviour from Avon and Somerset Police, who for years have targeted Pastor Dia for his peaceful expression in the public square and have failed in their duty to investigate serious crimes committed against him, by those who objected to his speech.

'The police must stop their two-tier approach of criminalising lawful speech. There has long been a pressing need for Parliament to pass legislation to ensure the right to freedom of expression is robustly protected in this country.

'Pastor Dia's case is all the more pressing as the government finalises its broad and ambiguous definition of "anti-Muslim hatred", which risks censoring legitimate speech related to Islam.

'Pastor Dia's case shows how authorities can misconstrue peaceful comments on Islam as 'hateful' and criminal.

'This misconstruction will be repeated unless clarity is provided to preserve the ability of citizens to peacefully comment, discuss and criticise in accordance with their core beliefs.'
President Donald Trump is said to be considering assassinating the son of Iran's supreme leader as brave protesters have marched again in Tehran, chanting 'death to Ayatollah' over the weekend.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's 55-year-old son, Mojtaba Khamenei, is his father's most likely successor due to close ties with the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) - a powerful branch of the armed forces designated a terrorist group by the US.

While Trump's reported assassination threat looms from above, students at the Sharif University of Technology are back on the streets and were chanting 'death to Khamenei' and 'shameless, shameless' last Saturday, anti-government media site Iran International said.

Protests began against the Ayatollah's regime over economic grievances in December 2025 but were violently suppressed, with some estimates saying 30,000 demonstrators were killed by pro-government security forces.

More conservative estimates from the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency say at least 6,876 people have been killed, alongside 50,000 arrests.

The US Navy 'armada' has been gathering on Iranian shores in the Persian Gulf as Trump supported the protesters, saying 'help is on its way' on January 22, with more than a third of American personnel now actively deployed in the region.

The White House has been considering launching 'limited' military strikes since last Friday to force them to the negotiating table and curb their nuclear programme.

If these negotiations should fail, the assassination of Mojtaba and his father is one option being considered by the president, aiming at wholesale regime change.

Donald Trump is considering assassinating Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's 55-year-old son, Mojtaba Khamenei, US officials told Axios

Meanwhile, brave protesters have been chanting 'death to Khamenei' in the streets of Tehran after thousands were killed by pro-government security forces

A senior US official told Axios: 'They have something for every scenario. One scenario takes out the Ayatollah and his son and the mullahs.'

Footage over the weekend showed a large group of student protesters dressed in all black and wearing face coverings as they marched and chanted slogans against the supreme leader.

However, the activists then became involved in clashes with members of the Basij, a volunteer internal police force that is a branch of the IRGC, according to anti-government media.

Video footage showed the moment the two groups began throwing punches at each other.

The US has now assembled the largest amount of airpower in the Middle East since the 2003 Iraq War. More than two-thirds of the available E-3 Sentry reconnaissance planes have also been deployed to the region, which analysts take as a sign that President Trump is prepared to launch military action.

America 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.

Mojtaba Khamenei (left), 55, is Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's son and most likely successor. President Trump is considering assassinating him and his father with a view for wholesale regime change

Video footage from last weekend showed protesters clashing with members of the Basij, a volunteer internal police force that is a branch of the IRGC

More than a third of US Navy forces have now gathered on Iranian shores with Donald Trump threatening 'limited' strikes to bring them to the negotiating table on curbing their nuclear programme

The White House has said it was open to Iran continuing a scaled-back enrichment programme as a compromise in order to avoid war between the nations, a senior US official confirmed with Axios. But regulations on this deal would have to be very strict to convince sceptics.

The US official said: [Mr 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 can't refuse. The Iranians keep missing the windows. If they play games, there won't be a lot of patience.'

Last Thursday, President Trump gave the Iranian regime 'ten to 15 days' to come to a deal. Meanwhile, the world's largest aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald Ford, entered the Mediterranean Sea and will be within range within that time frame.

Major military moves are underway in Qatar, where hundreds of personnel are relocating ahead of a possible strike, a US official told ABC News last Saturday.

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.

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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 and February 1

USS Abraham Lincoln sails alongside USS Frank E Petersen Jr and USNS Carl Brashear in the Arabian Sea on February 6

More than 60 attack aircraft were also captured on satellite imagery on Friday at a US base in Jordan - triple the usual number.

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.

The medic 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.

Dr R also shared images with The Jerusalem Post 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.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor charged taxpayers for massages while working as the UK's trade envoy, a retired civil servant has claimed.

The former member of staff, who worked in the UK's trade department in the early 2000s, said the disgraced royal successfully expensed the treatment as well as excessive travel costs during his time in the role between 2001 and 2011.

The civil servant alleged he was so annoyed by Andrew's request that he'd refused to pay for the massage, but was 'overruled' by senior staff.

'I thought it was wrong I'd said we mustn't pay it, but we ended up paying it anyway,' he told the BBC.

The Department for Business and Trade declined to comment on the claim. Andrew has always denied any personal gain from his role as trade envoy.

But a former senior Whitehall official, who oversaw finances, said he saw similar expenses for Andrew's trips, adding he had 'absolutely no doubt' about the massage claims.

The allegations come after Andrew was arrested amid an early morning raid on his Wood Farm home in Sandringham on Thursday - with calls for King Charles to admit how much he knew of his brother's alleged wrongdoing.

The former Duke of York is accused of sharing sensitive information with paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein during his time as special representative for international trade and investment.

Since his arrest, fresh allegations against Andrew include:

The picture of him on all fours over a woman is from his 2010 'goodbye' trip to Epstein's New York apartment

His right-hand man David Stern joked about having sex on Epstein's island after the billionaire was convicted of soliciting a minor for prostitution

Epstein tried to broker a deal with an American investment firm that would have netted Andrew a 1million advance

Andrew photographed leaving Aylsham Police Station in Norfolk following his arrest on Thursday

Andrew (centre) in Bahrain in 2014 in his role as a trade envoy, flanked by Prince Abdullah bin Hamad Al Khalifa (left) and Crown Prince and Bahraini Prime Minister Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa (right)

Andrew meets Nguyen Dy Nien, then Vietnam's Foreign Minister, in Hanoi at the start of a three-day visit to the Communist country in June 2006

In a video-taped interview under oath in 2009, Epstein's former Florida housekeeper Juan Alessi said Andrew would have 'daily massages' when he visited.

Speaking about the alleged use of taxpayers' money for massages during his time as the UK's trade envoy, the whistleblower said: 'I can't say it would have stopped him, but we should have flagged that something was wrong.'

The separate Whitehall official, who said Andrew claimed for excessive flights, hotel rooms and charges for his entourage, said: 'I couldn't believe it... it was like it wasn't real money, they weren't spending any of their own money.'

Andrew's role as trade representative was unpaid, but he received taxpayer funding for his overseas trips, as well as the support of civil servants.

In 2010, the former prince's right-hand man David Stern joked about having sex on Jeffrey Epstein's island, emails released by the US Department of Justice revealed.

German investor Mr Stern, who went on to become Andrew's closest business advisor, sent the email after Epstein was convicted of soliciting a minor for prostitution, The Telegraph reported.

In their correspondence, Mr Stern and Epstein often used the letter 'P' as a derogatory term to describe young women - with emails from November 2010 showing they also used the term when discussing having sex on the billionaire's island.

Mr Stern wrote that if he wanted sex, he would go to Little Saint James, referred to as LSJ, Epstein's hideaway in the US Virgin Islands.

The 72-acre island is at the centre of some of the most serious allegations of abuse from Epstein's underage victims.

In the same year, Andrew was allegedly photographed on all fours over a woman on the floor during his 'goodbye' trip to Epstein's apartment in New York.

Amid the release of the Epstein files, a photo of the former duke bending over the woman was released.

The photo was likely from Andrew's five-day visit to New York in 2010, a Sun on Sunday investigation revealed on Saturday, which Andrew claimed was the last time he had contact with his paedophile friend.

David Stern (left) with former prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and his ex wife Sarah Ferguson in a picture released in January by the US Department of Justice

Following Andrew's arrest, emails released by the US Department of Justice also appeared to reveal how Epstein tried to broker a deal with an American investment firm that would have netted the duke a 1million advance.

The former prince would have also received a 40 per cent cut of future profits in the link-up with Cantor Fitzgerald, with the same amount going to the firm and the remaining 20 per cent to German business consultant David Stern, according to one proposed version.

The plan to use Andrew's connections to introduce 'asset management firms, sovereign wealth funds, institutional investors and high net worth individuals', reported by the Daily Telegraph, was discussed by Epstein and Stern in autumn 2013.

This was almost three years after the then Duke of York claimed to have severed ties with the billionaire.

The ten-year agreement, which did not ultimately go ahead, would have seen the advance paid to Urramoor, a company owned by Andrew through a trust. Fees from introductions would have paid off the loan.

In email exchanges between Epstein and Stern, the men discussed the terms of the deal.

Stern wrote at one point: 'Instead of 50/50, can we do 40/40/20? 20 for me?'

He added: 'This is original PA idea.'

Epstein replied 'yes' and Stern wrote 'dankeschon'.

The terms were reportedly sent over by Howard Lutnick, the chairman and chief executive of Cantor Fitzgerald, who is now Donald Trump's secretary of commerce and has faced scrutiny for his links to Epstein.

David Stern seen sitting beside the late Queen Elizabeth during Andrew's Pitch@Palace launch at St James's Palace in London in 2014

The draft agreement also appears to say Andrew would have to waive sovereign immunity for any breaches of the agreement.

This would allow legal action against him if there were a dispute. Andrew has always denied wrongdoing in relation to the Epstein case.

Stern recently resigned from his post at the University of Cambridge's Judge Business School.

He stepped down with 'immediate effect' after the school was asked about his relationship with the disgraced financier.

Following the string of fresh allegations and evidence against Andrew, the Royal Family is facing calls to reveal how much they knew about his behaviour prior to his arrest.

The Mail on Sunday revealed how Charles was warned as long ago as 2019 that the Royal Family's name was being 'abused' by Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor'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 paedophile.

The Daily Mail has contacted Andrew for comment. The Department for Business and Trade declined to comment.
An innocent grandfather was wrongly accused of being a thief after facial recognition technology suggested he had stolen items.

Ian Clayton, 67, said he was told to leave a Chester Home Bargains shop after the technology claimed he was involved in a theft he said had nothing to do with him.

After being asked to leave, Mr Clayton contacted security company Facewatch, which sent him his photo with words saying he had put items into a bag and stolen them.

The facial recognition technology flags suspicious movements such as goods being stuffed into bags and sends a message to workers with footage and where the behaviour is happening.

It also sends an alert to staff if a so-called subject of interest on a watchlist enters a shop.

But Facewatch admitted Mr Clayton should not have appeared on its system, saying it had permanently removed his image and 'the associated record'.

Home Bargains has been asked for comment.

The grandfather said he thought he was 'going to be sick' when he was asked to leave in front of a group of people.

Ian Clayton said he was told to leave a Home Bargains shop in Chester after facial recognition technology claimed he had stolen items

'That feeling didn't go away all day and it didn't go away the next day,' he said.

Mr Clayton told the BBC his experience made him feel 'helpless'.

'I've got a perfect clean record - always have had, pride myself in that,' he said.

'I'm not a shoplifter and I really resent being targeted as one and having my face on a system that I can't even have removed.'

Mr Clayton has also been in touch with police and Home Bargains asking to view any CCTV footage, saying he just wanted 'to feel safe' going into shops again.

He has also asked for an apology.

A Facewatch spokesperson said Home Bargains had 'completed a full review of the incident' and that it took its system's accuracy extremely seriously, acting promptly where a record did not meet the required standard.

Mr Clayton's experience came as figures last month revealed facial recognition cameras were flagging record numbers of crime suspects in the UK, including more than 2,000 a day in the week leading up to Christmas.

Mr Clayton was accused in Chester's Home Bargains shop (pictured)

But campaign groups have warned of invasions of privacy and wrongful 'blacklisting' of innocent people accused of shoplifting.

Privacy campaign group Big Brother Watch has raised concerns about cases including a 64-year-old woman accused of stealing less than 1 worth of paracetamol and blacklisted from shops in her area and a man alleged to have shoplifted from a store in Cardiff before being cleared by a CCTV review.

And last year Danielle Horan, from Manchester, was ordered out of two separate shops after being falsely accused of stealing toilet roll - prompting her to call for a ban on AI anti-theft technology.

She told ITV's Good Morning Britain how she was accused of taking items worth 10, with a description added to a facial recognition watchlist.

The alert said: 'Female enters store pushing a trolley. She picks items put them inside the trolley including multi packs of tissue papers. She heads to the till declares items to pay but fails to pay for the two packs of papers which are still inside the trolley. Crime committed. Leaves with items.'

Ms Horan had bought and paid for the toilet roll on a previous visit.

Facewatch said of her case: 'Let's be clear, Danielle did not commit a crime.

'But we were informed by a member of staff that a crime has been committed. We're now making inquiries with the member of staff and their manager.'

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Big Brother Watch director Silkie Carlo told the Daily Mail: 'Shoplifters should be held to account but the proper way to do that in a democracy is through the criminal justice system rather than private AI systems that are dangerously faulty, putting the general public at risk.

'Members of the public are now being put on secret watchlists, without their knowledge and without being shown any evidence, and then electronically blacklisted from their high streets.'

Last July Facewatch sent 43,602 alerts to subscribed retailers, more than double the 18,564 sent out in the same month of the previous year.

It has previously defended its role in helping crack down on shoplifters, with chief executive Nick Fisher saying last year: 'We only store and retain data of known repeat offenders, of which it's been deemed to be proportionate and responsible to do so.

'I think in the world that we are currently operating in, as long as the technology is used and managed in a responsible, proportionate way, I can only see it being a force for good.'

The company has also insisted its 'sharing of images is only of witnessed and evidenced offenders and complies with the principles of data minimisation and proportionality' and that 'only individuals reasonably suspected of having committed offences are on the database, not regular shoppers'.

The Daily Mail contacted Facewatch for further comment.
The BBC has sparked a major backlash over its BAFTAs coverage after broadcasting a racial slur shouted during one speech - while editing out 'Free Palestine' from another.

BAFTAs host Alan Cumming was forced to apologise to viewers after Tourette's activist John Davidson was heard yelling the N-word during a presentation by black actors Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo.

Davidson, the subject of the film 'I Swear' about a man with Tourette Syndrome, was heard making several involuntary outbursts during the awards ceremony at London's Royal Festive Hall on Sunday night.

While Sinners stars Jordan and Lindo didn't react to the N-word slur, Cumming later said 'we apologise if it has caused offence' and Davidson made the decision to leave the ceremony in the second half of the show.

Despite there being a two-hour time delay on the BBC's coverage, the racial slur was aired to millions tuning in from home and could still be heard on iPlayer on Monday morning.

The BBC initially apologised for 'any offence caused' but has now admitted the slur should have been 'edited out prior to broadcast'. The awards ceremony has disappeared off iPlayer while the BBC removes the N-word outburst.

It comes as a Sinners production designer alleged she was also subjected to Davidsons involuntary racial slurs, adding that the situation was made worse by 'the throw away apology of "if you were offended"'.

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch today accused the BBC of making a 'horrible mistake' and called for the Corporation to explain why the slur was not 'bleeped out'.

In contrast, the BBC edited out 'Free Palestine' from an acceptance speech made by filmmaker Akinola Davies Jr. after My Father's Shadow won the BAFTA for outstanding British debut.

In the days before the BAFTAs, it emerged that the BBC was going to be monitoring politically charged speeches after it was embroiled in a scandal last year when it streamed Bob Vylan chanting 'death to the IDF' at Glastonbury.

BAFTAs host Alan Cumming was forced to apologise to viewers after Tourette's activist John Davidson was heard yelling the N-word during a presentation by black actors Michael B. Jordan (left) and Delroy Lindo (right)

In contrast, the BBC edited out 'Free Palestine' from an acceptance speech made by filmmaker Akinola Davies Jr. (pictured)

Davies Jr. closed his speech by dedicating the award to 'all those whose parents migrated to obtain a better life for their children'.

He added: 'To the economic migrant. The conflict migrant. Those under occupation, dictatorship, persecution, and those experiencing genocide. You matter. Your stories matter more than ever. Your dreams are an act of resistance.

'To those watching at home, archive your loved ones. Archive your stories yesterday, today, and forever. For Nigeria, for London, the Congo, Sudan, free Palestine, thank you.'

This part of his speech was removed from the BBC, with viewers instead featuring Davies Jr. thanking his family and his brother, Wale, for 'nurturing this spark'.

A BBC spokesperson said: 'The live event is three hours and it has to be reduced to two hours for its on-air slot. The same happened to other speeches made during the night and all edits were made to ensure the programme was delivered to time. All winners' speeches will be available to watch via Bafta's YouTube channel.'

Viewers have reacted furiously online to the N-word being kept in, but Free Palestine being edited out.

One said: 'So let me get this straight: There is a 2hr delay between the BAFTA event & the BBC airing it. In that time they managed to edit out a woman saying 'Free Palestine' but didn't edit out the man with Tourette's shouting the N word at 2 black people? Is that where we are?'

Another wrote: 'I'm devastated that Delroy Lindo & Michael B. Jordan experienced this. I feel for John too & whilst it was involuntary, I do hope to hear a public apology from him soon. What I cannot abide is the BBC/Bafta airing that moment but cutting Adinola Davies saying 'Free Palestine'.'

A third said: 'My only public sentiment i'll share is if a program was on a two hour delay and a different winner had their acceptance speech edited in post for saying 'free palestine,' there was no reason other than harm and embarrassment to keep the clip of john davidson shouting the n-word at michael b. jordan and delroy lindo, unintentionally or otherwise.'

And a fourth fumed: 'John Davidson should apologise even though I don't agree with dismissing his disability as a reason. The BBC should be raked over the coals. They need to explain why 'n*****' could be aired but 'free palestine' couldn't.'

Meanwhile, Hannah Bleacher - a production designer on Sinners - said: 'I keep trying to write about what happened at the BAFTAs, and I can't find the words. The situation is almost impossible, but it happened 3 times that night, and one of the three times was directed at myself on the way to dinner after the show.

'And a third time at a Black woman. I understand and deeply know why this is an impossible situation. I know we must handle this with grace and continue to push through. But what made the situation worse was the throw away apology of "if you were offended".

'At the end of the show. Of course we were offended...but our frequency, our spiritual vibration is tuned to a higher level than what happened. I am not steal, this did not bounce off of me, but I exist above it. It can't take away from who I am as an artist.'

It comes after the BBC last year came under fire for streaming Bob Vylan's Glastonbury set, which included the band chanting 'Death to the IDF'.

The performance sparked widespread backlash, with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer describing the chants as 'appalling'.

The BBC later admitted to breaking editorial guidelines and former director-general Tim Davie was forced to apologise to the Commons' culture select committee, and told staff the broadcast was 'deeply-offensive' and 'totally unacceptance.'

After coming under fire again following Sunday's BAFTAs, the BBC has apologised for 'any offence caused' after a racial slur was broadcast.

A BBC spokesperson said: 'Some viewers may have heard strong and offensive language during the BAFTA Film Awards. This arose from involuntary verbal tics associated with Tourette syndrome, and as explained during the ceremony it was not intentional.

'We apologise that this was not edited out prior to broadcast and it will now be removed from the version on BBC iPlayer.'

Viewers reacted furiously after the BBC edited out 'Free Palestine' but kept in the N-word slur

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

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

Join the debate Is showing reality more important than avoiding offence?

During the broadcast, Cumming issued an apology for the language viewers may hear.

He said: 'You may have heard some strong and offensive language tonight. If you have seen the film I Swear, you will know that film is about the experience of a person with Tourette syndrome.

'Tourette syndrome is a disability and the tics you have heard tonight are involuntary, which means the person who has Tourette syndrome has no control over their language. We apologise if you were offended.'

I Swear stars Robert Aramayo, and tells the story of Scottish campaigner for Tourette syndrome, John Davidson, who developed the condition when he was 12, and was in the audience for at least part of the ceremony.

Aramayo won best actor and the EE Rising Star for his performance in the film, which also won best casting.

Speaking on Times Radio, Ed Palmer, vice chairman of Tourettes Action said the BBC should have considered bleeping out the slur.

He said: 'This is really one of the most acute examples of where something that is a disability can cause quite understandably huge amounts of offence to someone.

'So, if it's being pre-recorded now, then bleeping it out, for example, might be a reasonable compromise. But I think it has to be taken on a case-by-case kind of decision and scenario.

'But I'm very, very mindful of the people that would have quite understandably been hugely offended by whatever word was said, or an offensive word that's used by somebody with tics and Tourettes.'

Palmer went on to say he thought 'it is important to show compassion and understand that it is involuntary' and added that 'causing offence is often very distressing to people who have this condition'.

Tourettes Action said it was 'incredibly proud' of Davidson and those involved in the film I Swear, which tells the story of his life, having developed the condition when he was 12.

A spokesperson for the charity said: 'We also want to address the negative comments that have surfaced following John's involuntary vocal tics during the ceremony.

'We deeply understand that these words can cause hurt but, at the same time, it is vital that the public understands a fundamental truth about Tourette syndrome, tics are involuntary. They are not a reflection of a person's beliefs, intentions or character.

'People with Tourette's can say words or phrases they do not mean, do not endorse and feel great distress about afterwards.

'These symptoms are neurological, not intentional, and they are something John - like many others with Tourette's - lives with every single day.'

It went on to say that it had found the 'backlash' to the incident 'deeply saddening' and added that Davidson had made a decision to leave the ceremony early.

Ms Badenoch said on Good Morning Britain today: 'I think because this was the BAFTAs this is now going to escalate. Someone with Tourette's said something they shouldn't have done, we are not going to blame their disability.

'But it should have been bleeped. I was told there were two other things bleeped, people shouting 'Free Palestine'.'

The Tory leader added: 'The BBC made a mistake, a horrible mistake. I think the two actors who were standing there would have been the most embarrassed because they wouldn't have known what was going on.

'Delroy Lindo, Michael B. Jordan, they are the one's that need the biggest apology. This is a huge, huge mistake... An apology is important but they need to explain why it wasn't bleeped out.'

The ceremony saw Sinners director Ryan Coogler become the first black winner of the Bafta for best original screenplay for the film, which also won best supporting actress for Wunmi Mosaku and original score.
Jeffrey Epstein's sprawling Zorro Ranch has long been reported to have served as one of his private playgrounds for sexual abuse and trafficking.

From looking to carry out human experiments, create a super-race breeding facility using his DNA, and even allegedly burying the bodies of girls who had been strangled to death during 'rough, fetish sex', victims have long said the property in New Mexico has been overlooked by authorities.

The 7,500-acre estate, also referred to as the Playboy Ranch, has come under intense recent scrutiny after it made thousands of appearances in the disturbing Epstein files, released by the US Department of Justice on January 30.

Investigators previously searched Epstein's New York and Palm Beach homes, his island, and even his Paris apartment. But no formal raid is believed to have ever taken place at Zorro Ranch.

This is despite allegations that the paedophile had planned to seed the human race with his DNA by impregnating women at the ranch and had three computer rooms the 'size of houses' where he would spy on his famous guests.

On multiple occasions beginning in the early 2000s, Epstein allegedly told scientists and businessmen about his ambitions to use the enormous property as a base where women would be inseminated with his sperm and give birth to his babies.

It was also alleged that Epstein's disturbing goal was to have 20 women at a time impregnated at Zorro Ranch.

He is said to have based his idea on accounts of the Repository for Germinal Choice, which was to be stocked with the sperm of Nobel laureates who wanted to strengthen the human gene pool.

Jeffrey Epstein's sprawling Zorro Ranch (pictured) has long been reported to have served as one of his private playgrounds for sexual abuse and trafficking

Jeffrey Epstein ordered the burial of two 'foreign girls' near his ranch after they were strangled to death during 'rough, fetish sex', a person claiming to be a former worker has alleged

Pictured: The master bedroom of Jeffrey Epstein's mysterious New Mexico ranch

This massive chandelier is one of the many furnishings that once belonged in Jeffrey Epstein's ranch

In November last year, witnesses claimed the disgraced financier had used the secluded compound to then physically conduct nonconsensual medical procedures to advance his alleged interest in selective breeding.

'We have people coming forward saying they were drugged, had sex organs and sperm harvested from their bodies, and woke up around medical equipment not knowing where they were or what happened to them,' New Mexico state Representative Andrea Romero told the Daily Mail.

Romero is now one of several lawmakers calling for a state 'truth commission' to investigate potential sexual and medical abuses on the isolated ranch.

As far-fetched as they may sound, the chilling accounts echo long-circulating claims about Epstein's obsession with eugenics and his desire to engineer genetically 'superior' children.

Epstein used Zorro Ranch as an isolated getaway and playground for VIP guests who were able to come and go more discreetly than they could even to Little St James, his private Caribbean island off St Thomas.

Civil filings claim that the compound hosted the former Prince Andrew, who was accused by Virginia Giuffre, who produced photographs and written statements showing she visited the compound during the time she was trafficked as a teenager between 2000 and 2002.

'My job was to entertain him endlessly, whether that meant having to bestow him my body during an erotic massage or simply take him horseback riding,' Giuffre wrote in an unpublished manuscript called The Billionaire's Playboy Club, which was contained in unsealed court documents in 2019.

Mountbatten-Windsor has not publicly acknowledged visiting Zorro and has consistently denied Giuffre's abuse allegations.

There have been unverified claims by contractors and journalists that Bill Clinton and other prominent figures, including Woody Allen and Noam Chomsky, also spent time on the property.

There is no suggestion that they were aware of the alleged wrongdoing by Epstein

Maria Farmer, a former employee of Epstein, said she and her younger sister Annie visited Zorro Ranch in 1996 under the guise of an art commission.

Farmer alleged she was sexually assaulted by Epstein and his partner, Ghislaine Maxwell, who in 2021 was found guilty of child sex trafficking and is serving a 20-year sentence in federal prison.

Annie said she was 15 when flown to the property and directed by Epstein and Maxwell to take off all her clothes and get on a massage table.'

Farmer also claimed that the ranch housed three huge computer rooms, which were 'bigger than houses' to spy on Epstein's elite roster of guests.

'All of Epstein's residences had these mechanical rooms and tunnel systems. I know this because Epstein told me,' Farmer told The Sun in 2021.

The library in Jeffrey Epstein's New Mexico ranch

Pictured: The dining room in Epstein's Zorro Ranch which included an airstrip, antique railroad car and train tracks

The 7,500-acre estate, also referred to as the Playboy Ranch, has come under intense recent scrutiny after it made thousands of appearances in the disturbing Epstein files, released by the US Department of Justice on January 30

Epstein used Zorro Ranch as an isolated getaway and playground for VIP guests who were able to come and go more discreetly than they could even to Little St James, his private Caribbean island off St Thomas

'These rooms were enormous - bigger than houses. I have no idea why anyone needs so many computers in one room.

All of Epstein's estates had 'pinhole cameras' used to record everything, that were invisible to the naked eye unless you were looking right at them, Farmer said.

In 2021, an Albuquerque radio station host revealed that an architect and former IT contractor who worked on Epstein's internet communications and security from 1999 to 2007 had called in to tell all on the mysterious property.

The architect had even provided inside photographs of the ranch and revealed other unusual features of Epstein's estate.

One such feature, which the architect told the host, Aragon, was something he would never forget - a six-foot naked portrait of Ghislaine Maxwell holding a gold dagger that had been hung in the basement elevator hallway.

The portrait of Maxwell - with her legs reportedly spread - was the first thing that any guests or victims would see on their way down to the basement and pool areas.

This, the radio host said, was designed to intimidate the victims being brought to the ranch for Epstein.

Aragon also said that the plans reveal the ranch had an unusual number of bedrooms - just four - which, for a house over 33,000sq ft in size, seems like a small amount.

'These plans give us a firmer idea of what was going on at the ranch,' Aragon said.

'All of that in the basement feels more like a dungeon with the nebulous mechanical rooms,' he added.

The plans showed that Epstein's master bedroom takes up most of the space on the first floor, while on the same level, there were two relatively tiny en-suite bedrooms and a fourth 'staff bedroom' on the first floor.

Every room - from the closets to the bathrooms - appeared to have a 'vestibule', which Aragon suggested were holding area for the women before they visited Epstein.

'The maze of rooms, doors, vestibules, waiting areas, and doors, there's no doubt were used to maximum effect to trap and contain the victims until they were needed for Epstein's rituals,' Aragon said.

'There appears to be no escape. Can you imagine how that would feel for young teenage girls? They must have felt so hopeless and vulnerable.'

More recently, it has been alleged that Epstein had ordered two 'foreign girls' who had been strangled to death during 'rough, fetish sex' to be buried near the ranch, according to an email released in the latest Epstein files.

The three-level main house was designed by Alberto Pinto and includes a gym, a large indoor pool, a library and a living room

There are also equestrian facilities, which include an eight-stall barn with a tack room, an arena for equestrian activities and an exterior-gated horse run

Zorro Ranch, one of the properties of financier Jeffrey Epstein, is seen in an aerial view near Stanley, New Mexico

The email, sent by a person claiming to have worked for Epstein, also includes links purporting to show the late paedophile engaging in sex with underage girls.

The correspondence, first sent to a man named Eddy Aragon on November 21, 2019, before being forwarded to the FBI, was released as part of three million documents from the Epstein files.

In the email, titled 'Confidential: Jeffrey Epstein', the person, whose name has been redacted, claimed to have 'been there and seen it all, as a former staff at the Zorro.'

They alleged the girls were buried on the orders of Epstein and 'Madam G', believed to be Ghislaine Maxwell, at Zorro Ranch.

In the email, they wrote: 'Edward. This is sensitive, so it will be the first and last email depending on your discretion.

'You can choose to take it or trash it, but this comes from a person that has been there and seen it all, as a former staff at the Zorro.

'The material below was taken from Jeffrey Epstein home as my insurance in case of future litigation against Epstein. SORRY NO QUESTIONS.

They added: 'What is damning about Jeffrey Epstein is yet to be written. Did you know somewhere in the hills outside the Zorro, two foreign girls were buried on orders of Jeffrey and Madam G? Both died by strangulation during rough, fetish sex.'

The sender also included links to videos that claimed to show Epstein having sex with minors, threesomes, and sex with underage girls.

The email was forwarded to the FBI just three months after Epstein died while being held at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in New York City.

A former police officer who patrolled the area around the ranch for 15 years also told the FBI he was worried that evidence was being destroyed on the estate, as seen in a document.

The document, dated July 19, 2019, just days after Epstein's arrest, was an FBI report log that included details of a call taken from a retired New Mexico State police officer, whose name has been redacted.

The former cop said he noticed the barn had a chimney and a 'sally port'  a secure entryway with multiple doors, set up so only one could be opened at a time.

A report of the call reads: 'The property which is on Zorro Ranch Road, Stanley, NM, his recently had a large barn constructed.

'The barn is suspicious as there is a garage door that appears to be a sally port, and there is a chimney.

'[Redacted name] is concerned the property could potentially have an incinerator concealed within the barn.

'An old 1970s mobile home was recently put right behind the barn, which believes does not follow Santa Fe County regulations.

'[Redacted name] explained that there is a lot of security for the properties including cameras, sally ports, and other security measures.

The email, sent on November 21, 2019 to Eddy Aragon, was forward to the FBI

The person who sent the email alleged the girls were buried on the orders of Epstein and 'Madam G', believed to be Ghislaine Maxwell

'[Redacted name] explained that the barn that was constructed doesn't look like a barn you would use for ranching.

'[Redacted name] wanted to report the information to the FBI because he is concerned evidence could be destroyed here.'

The ex-officer also told the FBI there had been 'a lot of high-profile people seen frequently' at the ranch.

According to the report, the retired policeman said he had heard 'rumours' about Epstein using the property for 'recruiting girls to visit'.

The ex-cop's call to the FBI came just days after Epstein was arrested on sex trafficking charges on July 6, 2019, and weeks before his death on August 10.

New Mexico's attorney general has now reopened the investigation into Epsteins former Zorro Ranch.

Attorney General Raul Torrez's office said last week that the decision was made after reviewing information recently released by the US Justice Department.

Although New Mexicos initial case was closed in 2019 at the request of federal prosecutors in New York, state prosecutors say now that 'revelations outlined in the previously sealed FBI files warrant further examination.'

The New Mexico Department of Justice said special agents and prosecutors at the agency will be seeking immediate access to the complete, unredacted federal case file and intend to work with other law enforcement partners, as well as a new truth commission established by state lawmakers to look into activities at the ranch.

'As with any potential criminal matter, we will follow the facts wherever they lead, carefully evaluate jurisdictional considerations, and take appropriate investigative action, including the collection and preservation of any relevant evidence that remains available,' the New Mexico Department of Justice said in a statement.

Documents released as part of the Epstein files also show the paedophile financier intended to leave his Zorro estate to his Belarusian girlfriend, Karyna Shuliak.

Epstein bought Zorro Ranch in 1993 from Bruce King, a former three-time New Mexico governor.

The 13 square miles of high desert include a 26,700-square-foot luxury hacienda, guest lodges and staff dwellings, several outbuildings, a firehouse, horse stables, a seven-bay heated garage, a greenhouse to grow fresh produce, a cattle grazing operation, and a private airstrip, hangar, and helipad.

Epstein owned the property until he died in a New York federal prison. His estate listed it in 2021 for $27.5million.

That price was later dropped to $18 million, and the ranch was sold for an undisclosed price in 2023 to a limited liability corporation that renamed the property the San Rafael Ranch, but whose owner is shrouded in secrecy.
El Mencho's ruthless cartel has long been considered one of the most brutal in Mexico, with its bloodthirsty leader using extreme torture and violence to instill fear into rivals.

Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) boss Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, 59, was killed on Sunday in a joint Mexican military and US-backed operation in Tapalpa, a town of 20,000 people in the Sierra Madre mountains.

During his merciless rule, kingpin El Mencho displayed a savagery many deemed extreme even by narco standards.

In one particularly gruesome act in 2020, CJNG hitmen tortured a half-naked man before standing on his head and cutting open his chest with a knife.

As the victim screamed in agony, a cartel member can be heard shouting: 'So you can see that's how we Jalisco people are... we're going to exterminate you all.' Another adds: 'Pure Mencho's people, we are the Jaliscos'.

The operative who brutally cut open the victim's chest then began to pull out his organs before eating them for the camera as others around him laughed.

CJNG have also been implicated in a series of massacres, including the torture and murder of 35 people whose bodies were found dumped in the streets of Veracruz during an evening rush hour in 2011.

El Mencho's CJNG cartel has long been considered one of the most brutal in Mexico

In a gory video shows members of the CJNG cartel beheading an unnamed man

Four beheaded men were seen hanging from a highway overpass last year in Mexican cartel war massacres

Nemesio 'El Mencho' Oseguera Cervantes was killed by Mexican federal forces on Sunday

Just two years later, CJNG operatives allegedly raped, killed, and set fire to a 10-year-old girl whom they mistakenly believed was a rival's daughter.

In 2015, CJNG assassins executed a man and his elementary-school-age son by detonating sticks of dynamite duct-taped to their bodies, laughing as they filmed the ghastly scene with their phones.

'This is ISIS stuff,' one DEA agent who has investigated the cartel told Rolling Stone in 2017. 'The manner in which they kill people, the sheer numbers  it's unparalleled even in Mexico.'

In one video circulating on social media following El Mencho's death, an alleged member of the rival MF Cartel can be seen tied to a tree in Sinaloa.

The brutal clip, from November last year, shows an apparent CJNG hitman preparing a flamethrower before spraying the bound man with a stream of fire. The MF member is quickly engulfed in the orange flames.

'We've seen it become very bloody, and a lot of people attribute that to El Mencho himself,' said Scott Stewart, a senior cartel analyst. 'Wherever they try to muscle in, it creates bodies.'

Captured CJNG members have also previously testified about how El Mencho hates disobedience and likes to make his victims beg forgiveness before killing them.

'This is a guy who'll execute your whole family based on not much more than a rumour,' a source told Rolling Stone.

'He just has zero regard for human life.'

Last March, forensic teams made a discovery that chilled even hardened investigators - a secret compound near Teuchitlan, Jalisco, where the CJNG allegedly ran a full-scale 'extermination site'.

Buried beneath the Izaguirre ranch, authorities found three massive crematory ovens.

They contained piles of charred human bones, and a haunting mountain of belongings - over 200 pairs of shoes, purses, belts, and even children's toys.

Experts believe victims were kidnapped, tortured, and burned alive, or after being executed, to destroy evidence of mass killings.

Just a few weeks prior, authorities in Zapopan, a suburb of Guadalajara, unearthed 169 black bags at a construction site, all filled with dismembered human remains.

The bags were hidden near the CJNG territory, where disappearances are widespread.

Activists said families reported dozens of missing young people in the area in just a matter of months.

In October 2024, the town of Ojuelos, Jalisco, woke up to yet another horror - the decapitated bodies of five men dumped by a dirt road.

Their heads were found in a separate sack, left beside a cardboard sign with a blood-soaked warning from CJNG.

Two men were found strangled to death last year at Acapulco beach - police say cartel members 'tortured' them 'around the neck'

Two hundred pairs of shoes were discovered at Izaguirre ranch, the skeletal remains of dozens of people were found

The body of a high-ranking Sinaloa cartel member, who had been kidnapped and murdered, was found on a highway surrounded by boxes of fenantyl and other drugs

Locals said they heard screaming the night before, followed by cars speeding away.

Police were called after plastic bags containing the body parts were discovered by drivers.

Authorities immediately deduced that the fact that the bodies were dumped in such a public place, as well as the sheer brutality of the killings, was a strong indication that the cartel was involved.

Its leader, El Mencho, was on Sunday killed in a joint operation between US and Mexican military forces.

The kingpin was flanked by loyalists armed with heat-seeking grenade launchers capable of piercing tank armor.

The CJNG is considered one of Mexico's most powerful drug cartels that plays a key role in trafficking methamphetamine and fentanyl to the US.

El Mencho's brutal control of the drug-trafficking routes from Latin America to the US, using speedboats and submersibles to ship cocaine and methamphetamine from Colombia and Ecuador via the Pacific, is thought to have made him billions.

Following his death, authorities have said they are actively working on containing the cartel's reactions and reinforcing security after the highest-profile blow against cartels since the recapture of former Sinaloa cartel boss Joaquin 'El Chapo' Guzman a decade ago.

El Mencho, who was also one of the United States' most wanted fugitives, was killed during an attempt to capture him, as his followers attempted to fight off Mexican troops.

Mexico's Defense Department said in a statement that the army launched an operation in the southern part of Jalisco state to capture Cervantes, involving the Mexican Air Force and special forces.

The cartel counterattacked, and in the ensuing confrontation, federal forces killed four members of the criminal group and wounded three others, including its leader, who died later during transfer by air to Mexico City, according to the statement.

El Mencho was originally from the western state of Michoacan. His ties to organised crime went back at least three decades.

A firefighter extinguishes a burning bus set on fire by organised crime groups in response to an operation in Jalisco to arrest a high-priority security target, at one of the main avenues in Zapopan, state of Jalisco, Mexico, on February 22, 2026

Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes a.ka. El Mencho, reputed leader of the Jalisco New Generation cartel, with his son Ruben Oseguera Gonzalez, known as El Menchito

A National Guard convoy in Mexico City, Mexico, on February 22, 2026, escorts a Rhino, an armored tactical vehicle used for high-impact operations and critical security situations, after federal forces kill Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes

A firefighter extinguishes a burning bus set on fire by organised crime groups

In 1994, he was tried for trafficking heroin in the US and sent to prison for three years. Upon returning to Mexico, he quickly rose through Mexico's drug trafficking underworld.

Around 2009, he founded the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, which became Mexico's fastest-growing criminal organisation, moving cocaine, methamphetamines, fentanyl, and migrants to the United States, and innovating in violence with the use of drones and improvised explosive devices.

The Jalisco cartel had carried out daring attacks on the Mexican army, pioneering the use of drones and even going into battle with the state armed with helicopters.

In 2020, it assassinated the head of Mexico City's police force using grenades and high-powered rifles.

It recruited aggressively, experimenting with new ways to reach potential members online, and generated revenue through fuel theft, extortion, and timeshare fraud, among other activities.

The Jalisco cartel has a presence in at least 21 of Mexico's 32 states and is active in almost all of the United States, according to the US Drug Enforcement Administration. But it is also a global organization, and the loss of its leader could be felt well beyond Mexico.

'El Mencho controlled everything; he was like a country's dictator,' Mike Vigil, former chief of international operations for the DEA, said.
Britain could be hit with a compensation bill of billions of pounds if it pulls out of Sir Keir Starmer's Chagos 'surrender deal', officials fear.

Concerns have been raised that Mauritius could sue if Sir Keir ditches the plan to hand over the British Indian Ocean Territory.

The government is expected to pay up to 35billion over the course of the next century to rent back the strategically important airbase on Diego Garcia.

But the deal agreed with Mauritius was very front-loaded, with prime minister Navin Ramgoolam wanting to use the windfall from UK taxpayers to solve his country's financial problems.

Last year he unveiled plans to use almost 500million from the payments to help clear its national debt, which is currently equal to more than 80 per cent of its GDP

This will allow the east African country to abolish income tax entirely for 81 per cent of employed Mauritians and raise minimum salaries.

But last week the move to get the bill approving the treaty through Parliament was halted after Donald Trump's latest erratic outburst saw him criticise the handover.

The Prime Minister's spokesman today said the deal would not go ahead without US support, but added: 'We've sought and received US approval for the deal over many months, we're discussing next steps with them.'

If the president's wrath forces a UK U-turn, the loss of this money could lead Mauritius to launch its latest legal case against the UK, with fears of a massive compensation bill, the Telegraph reported.

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.

The government is expected to pay up to 35billion over the course of the next century to rent back the strategically important airbase on Diego Garcia.

But the deal agreed with Mauritius was very front-loaded, with prime minister Navin Ramgoolam wanting to use the windfall from UK taxpayers to solve his country's financial problems.

If Donald Trump's latest turn against the deal forces a UK U-turn, the loss of this money could lead Mauritius to launch its latest legal case against the UK, with fears of a massive compensation bill, the Telegraph reported.

Join the debate Should Britain press ahead with the Chagos deal?

The Times has reported that Mr Trump's latest U-turn on his previous support for the agreement is because of Britain's refusal to give the White House the green light to use the base or RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire for a potential military campaign against Iran.

The Government's position is said to be due to concerns over a breach of international law, which does not distinguish between a nation carrying out an attack and one that provides support with 'knowledge of the circumstances of the internationally wrongful act'.

That message was reiterated by Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper at the weekend when she met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington, DC.

She told her counterpart that Britain favoured diplomatic and economic pressure on Iran.

With Tehran saying it will have a nuclear deal draft ready in a few days, former top brass last night joined the Conservative Party in criticising the Governments view after Tory defence spokesman James Cartlidge said Irans nuclear programme poses a grave threat to Britain and our allies.

Senior military figures have urged Sir Keir Starmer to put national security first and let Donald Trump use British bases for an attack on Iran.
A windsurfing doctor was savagely mauled to death in a shark attack while his horrified family watched from the beach on a holiday paradise island.

The 55-year-old was catching waves on a popular beach on New Caledonia - a French territory in the South Pacific, east of Australia - when he suddenly was seen thrashing around in the water.

A shark had ambushed him and was throwing him around by its jaws, clamping its razor-sharp teeth into his arms and legs.

The doctor, who has not yet been named, was sadly fatally injured as his family looked on. His body was later found floating in a nearby lagoon by sailors out on their boats on Sunday afternoon, local firefighters reported.

The sailors had pulled him out of the water and attempted to revive him, but it was too late. Medics confirmed he was dead shortly after they arrived, Nouvelle-Caledonie Prevention Requin (New Caledonia Shark Prevention) said.

Officials deemed the wounds to his right forearm, leg and left tibia were consistent with a shark attack. His windsurfing board was also found with a chunk taken out of it, appearing to be a sharkbite, The Sun said.

More than a dozen police officers rushed to the horrifying scene to protect other beachgoers. They closed the sands while specialist teams were sent to look after the grief-stricken victim's family, local cops said.

A post-mortem is currently underway to officially confirm the cause of the doctor's death.

The 55-year-old doctor was mauled to death by a shark off the coast of New Caledonia while his family watched the horrifying attack

Police cordoned off the beach to protect other holiday makers and sent specialist officers to look after the family

Noumea prosecutor Yves Dupas said: 'We do not yet know how the attack unfolded. We are trying to determine the circumstances.'

Nouvelle-Caledonie Prevention Requin said: 'A man lost his life after a shark attack, in the area of the Chateau Royal beach, in Noumea.

'Late Sunday afternoon, rescue teams were at the scene and the beach was evacuated.'

The beach near the capital Noumea had been particularly busy over the weekend, despite the island often being described as a shark hotspot.

A number of fatal shark attacks have happened here. As recently as 2023, a 59-year-old Australian tourist was also killed by a shark in New Caledonian waters after it mauled him several times on his arms and legs.

It was all captured on horrifying CCTV footage which showed the man splashing around during the deadly attack.

Sailors found the doctor's body later with massive wounds to the arms and legs

The beach, near the capital Noumea was 'particularly busy' over the weekend, despite a serious shark attack on a 49-year-old days before that left them seriously injured. Officials warn against sharks on the tourism board website

Jet skiers raced in to save him but he had already been too badly hurt for emergency services to be able save him on the beach.

Only days before the doctor was killed, a 49-year-old swimmer was seriously injured in another shark attack.

Officials are aware of these dangers and there are warnings on the territories travel website about sharks.

It reads: 'Avoid swimming at certain times of day, such as dawn, dusk, or after heavy rainfall, when water visibility is low and sharks are more likely to be hunting.'

They also advise against swimming or engaging in watersports alone as the extreme movements can attract predators.
This is the moment a Muslim male shouts at a Christian street preacher in Whitechapel 'we don't want to worship a Jewish man'.

The man wearing sunglasses and a black, blue, and white tracksuit top repeatedly bellows the derogatory remark.

He quips, 'we don't believe in a Jew' in unsavoury and chaotic scenes which were captured on video by YouTuber Auditing Britain in Whitechapel Road last week.

The barb was made just moments before a female Met Police officer had defended the preacher's freedom of speech when a group of males had surrounded her to complain the evangelist was 'in a Muslim area'.

'Why do you come here and want us to worship a Jewish man? I don't understand. Listen, we don't want to worship a Jewish man,' the man says to the preacher.

'You come here and want to tell us to worship a Jewish man. Yeah, go and worship your Jewish man.

'You believe in a mystical dying God. A man God. We don't believe in a Jew.'

The Christian argues he has come to the area to 'preach true salvation'. He continues to speak through a microphone, where he quotes extracts from the Koran and questions Islam.

This is the moment a Muslim male (right) shouts at a Christian street preacher (left) in Whitechapel 'we don't want to worship a Jewish man'

The man wearing sunglasses and a black, blue, and white tracksuit top repeatedly bellows the derogatory remark

He quips, 'we don't believe in a Jew' in unsavoury and chaotic scenes which were captured on video in Whitechapel Road last week

In response, the Muslim man repeatedly shouts, 'Your god is a Jew. We have some slaves of Jews here.'

Nigel Farage this morning added to the growing voices in support of the female officer who has been widely praised for how she handled the row.

Speaking on Jeremy Kyle's Breakfast Show on Talk, the Reform UK leader said: 'She deserves to be honoured. I watched that video. She was calm, she was logical. Goodness me, what a credit she was to the Metropolitan Police.

'What a credit she was to herself, and what a credit she was to plain common sense and what we like to think of as a free country. She did absolutely brilliantly. I wish more were like her.'

The confrontation saw the 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 situation at times threatened to boil over, with footage from the encounter on the day before Ramadan began being widely shared on social media.

It came just moments before a female Met Police officer had defended the preacher's freedom of speech when a group of males had surrounded her to complain that the evangelist was 'in a Muslim area'

The Christian argued he came to the area to 'preach true salvation'. He continues to speak through a microphone, where he quotes extracts from the Koran and questions Islam

A male clutching a microphone and Bible can be heard preaching the Gospel in the viral footage, which is believed to have happened last Monday.

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.

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.'

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 Met Police told the Daily Mail it would not be commenting on the video.

Meanwhile, BBC Clothes Show star Jeff Banks has said Whitechapel is like 'a different country and language'.

The fashion designer visited his 'old stomping ground' last week following Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe's controversial comments about Britain being 'colonised by immigrants'.

In a video posted on his Facebook and Instagram, 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'.
Huge numbers of young people are getting 'trapped in a world of benefits', a Labour adviser has warned.

The stark message was delivered by Alan Milburn, who is leading a government review into surging numbers of so-called NEETs - youths not in education, employment or training.

He said that with a million people in the category the problem now went beyond unemployment, as the younger generation was 'detached' from the jobs market. And the dilemma could deepen as the effects of AI are felt.

The intervention comes after Keir Starmer backed off efforts to curb welfare spending in the face of a revolt from Labour MPs.

The rising cost of handouts have been putting pressure on the public finances, while working-age inactivity remains a significant problem after Covid.

Alan Milburn is leading a government review into spiralling numbers of so-called NEETs - youths not in education, employment or training

There are particular concerns about the number of NEETs, which spiked during the pandemic and has not returned to previous levels.

Speaking on the BBC's Westminster Hour, Mr Milburn - a former New Labour minister - bluntly described the issue as a 'crisis'.

'It's now a million young people across the country who are not in education employment or training,' he said.

'If they formed a city that would be the third biggest in the UK, and it's getting worse not getting better.'

Mr Milburn said 'there is almost a downward escalator for too many young people, they've got poor health, poor education'.

'You may get a SEND diagnosis, then people end up on child disability living allowance, and if you're not careful then you find people are trapped in a world of benefits,' he added.

Mr Milburn said that 'youth detachment' posed a major risk to the UK's economy.

'You've got 61 per cent of this one million cohort of young people not in education, employment and training who are not economically inactive, they're not looking for work,' he said.

'This is no longer a problem purely about youth unemployment, it's a problem about youth detachment from the labour market.'

The number of NEETs spiked during the pandemic and has not returned to previous levels

Mr Milburn said the current school curriculum did not prepare young people for life, and warned that factors like AI could make the issues even worse.

'The way that the curriculum currently works is it focusses two much on qualifications and not enough on attributes,' he said.

'The future labour market is going to be a very, very fast-changing one. Is the education system really equipped to prepare young people for the future? I think the answer honestly right now is probably not.'
The wife of the former managing director of legendary music equipment firm Marshall Amps died from an aggressive form of cancer caused in her childhood when she hugged her beloved father as he came home from work, an inquest heard.

Elaine Ellery, 67, would run to Walenty Snoch when he got in from the factory which employed him and inadvertently inhaled asbestos fibres his clothes had come into contact with.

She also visited the premises and, in a statement given before her death, described how she remembers a substance which looked like snow on the floor.

The mother-of-two - who was married to second husband Jonathan, 68, the MD of Marshall Amps until the early 2020s - had no known contact with the material during her adult life, her inquest heard, and must have been exposed to it through her fathers job.

A coroner has ruled her death last year was the result of an industrial disease after hearing about her childhood experiences in Bedfordshire.

In her statement, she recalled how her father was an unskilled labourer at a factory from 1949 until he was made redundant in 1974.

When I attended junior school in those days we came home at lunchtime, she said.

My father also came home from work at lunchtime and we all had a meal together.

Elaine Ellery pictured with her husband Jonathan, former managing director at Marshall Amps, as they arrived at an event in Las Vegas in 2015

When he came home at lunchtime he was in his work clothes because he did not have time to change.

I did not pay much attention to his overalls but I remember that he just wore his own clothes to work which were suitable for labouring duties.

I was very close to my dad and as soon as he came home I would go up to him and hug him. I was still very young and it was exciting when my father came home.

Mrs Ellery had also helped her mother wash the contaminated work clothes, she revealed.

My mother did all of the clothes washing in a twin tub and hung them on the line outside and I used to help her regularly, she said.

I would help my mother load the clothes into the wash basket, including my fathers work clothes.

Visits the factory between the age of eight and 14 for its annual Christmas party may also have brought her into contact with deadly asbestos, the inquest was told.

I was always excited to go there because there was a substance which looked like snow on the ground, she added.

Elaine Ellery, who died aged 67, would run to her father, Walenty Snoch, when he got in from the factory where he worked and inadvertently inhaled asbestos fibres his clothes had come into contact with

It was not snow but had a similar appearance and, in hindsight, I believe it must have been asbestos on the ground from the factorys operations.

Mrs Ellerys father was diagnosed with cancer in 1982 and died aged 59 the following year.

A coroner ruled at the time that his death had also been caused by industrial disease resulting from asbestos exposure.

It has also been her mothers worst fear that asbestos was harmful, Mrs Ellery said in her statement, and she had been absolutely floored and devastated when she was diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma in October 2024.

The aggressive cancer - which develops in the lining on the outer surface of some organs, particularly the lungs  is detected in around 2,700 people every year.

Most victims are aged 75 or over and who worked with asbestos before its use was restricted and then banned in 1999.

Symptoms including shortness of breath, fatigue, persistent cough, night sweats and loss of appetite, develop gradually over time.

There is no cure and, as it is normally caught late, the treatments are usually limited to chemotherapy or radiotherapy to try and prolong the patients life.

American guitarist and songwriter Eddie Van Halen in front of a stack of Marshall amps before a Van Halen concert in 1978

Mrs Ellery, who retired as a personal assistant in April 2019 and lived in a detached property in Bacton, Norfolk, died at Priscilla Bacon Lodge hospice in Norwich on August 6 last year.

Concluding her death was the result of an industrial disease, area coroner Johanna Thompson said: She died from exposure to asbestos as a child.

Addressing her family during the hearing at Norfolk Coroners Court, she added: I would like to offer my most sincere condolences. I am so sorry for your loss.

Charity Mesothelioma UK says that nine out of ten cases of the disease are thought to be caused by exposure to asbestos.

Families were often exposed through fibres and dust brought home on workers clothing before stricter workplace protections were introduced.

Mr Ellery worked with Jim Marshall, who founded the famous British company in London in 1962 and which makes amplifiers, speaker cabinets and effects pedals.

He was managing director of the company and joined the board of Marshall Group in 2019 after a merger with Swedish company Zound Industries.

The business was acquired by China-based HongShan Capital Group in January last year in a deal worth more than 750 million.

Led Zeppelin's Jimmy Page signs a Marshall amp at the Classic Rock Awards afterparty in London in 2009

Stars to use Marshall equipment have included Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page Eddie Van Halen and Slash of Guns N Roses.

Guitarist Nigel Tufnell, played by Christopher Guest, famously had a Marshall Amp that went 'up to 11' in 1984 mockumentary This Is Spinal Tap.
Prince William's diplomatic outburst about his own mental health at the BAFTAs was a sign of his deep 'frustration' over Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's arrest, fears for his father's health and his desire to say more.

The Prince and Princess of Wales are clearly 'itching' to further publicly distance themselves more from the future king's errant uncle, a royal source has said.

The couple are also becoming increasingly concerned about the impact Andrews arrest is having on the Kings health as he continues to fight cancer, another well-placed source claimed.

'He is exhausted and it's draining for him', they said.

William last night admitted he was 'not in a calm state' as the extraordinary Andrew drama engulfs the Royal Family, with some claiming the future of the institution is in peril.

Police searches continue at Royal Lodge, Windsor, today while Andrew remains on bail, and in hiding, at Wood Farm on the Sandringham estate.

Making his first public appearance since the sensational arrest of his uncle, Prince William accompanied wife Kate to the Bafta awards in London.

William and Kate are worried about the impact Andrew's arrest will have on the King's health

The Princess of Wales and her husband are 'itching' to say more to distance themselves from Andrew

Andrew was arrested last week, sparking a crisis for him and for the wider Royal Family

Their glamorous appearance signalled a determination to put the Royal Family's difficulties to one side, but it appeared that issues around Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor were not far from William's mind.

William is frustrated because its still likely to be a problem on his plate when he eventually becomes King, a royal insider has told the Daily Mail today.

Im sure the Prince and Princess of Wales have been itching to say something publicly to distance themselves but they have to be cautious because of the police investigation.

I think William and Kate are acutely aware that this is a scandal that wont be going away for a long time. Its a mess left by Andrew and the late Queen and, although His Majesty is very much in charge, William is frustrated.

William was clearly very happy to have his wife by his side.

Kate told Bafta members last night that unlike her husband, she had watched Hamnet on Saturday night and was left in 'floods of tears'.

'I thought it was a bad idea, actually,' the princess joked about watching the story of the tragic death in childhood of William Shakespeare's son.

'I ended up with very puffy eyes.'

Kate recycled one of her favourite rose-coloured Gucci dresses, finished off with a maroon belt - while William donned a matching blazer.

The Princess looked so elegant but you can see that this is all causing strain and thats the last thing she needs, the Mails source said.

And while the Princess remained silent on the ongoing issues involving Andrew, royal sources have said the couples main concerns surround the health of the King, who is still battling cancer.

A second source told the Daily Mail: Obviously William is not feeling calm and he would have spoken on behalf of them both.

Its a terrible situation and they are very concerned about the health of the King and the impact this will be having on him. He is exhausted and it's draining for him.

Also as parents of young children, to be reading all of this is pretty awful and they are clearly concerned.

William let this slip out last during a conversation and he would have done that on purpose, that is very clear. But Catherine has kept very quiet.

The Prince and Princess appearance at the BAFTAs last night comes amid calls for the King to reveal how much he knew about Andrews alleged misconduct prior to his arrest over allegations of misconduct in public office.

The Mail on Sunday revealed over the weekend that the monarch was warned that the Royal Familys name was being abused by his younger brothers business associates.

In an unprecedented statement following Andrews arrest, Buckingham Palace confirmed the Kings 'wholehearted support and co-operation' with the investigation.

The King pictured at church yesterday

Police arrive to search Royal Lodge Windsor for a third day

Join the debate Should more transparency be demanded from the Palace?

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.
A migrant cleaner has been hailed a hero after he caught a seven-year-old boy plunging from an 80ft apartment window in Russia.

A video show the terrifying moment the child, Sasha, falls from the seventh floor of a St Petersburg flatblock window.

Neighbours had seen the little boy -whose mother is an influencer - teetering on the windowsill and shouted at him to get back inside while trying to raise the alarm.

Uzbek cleaner Khairullo Ibadullayev, 37, saw the commotion and acted immediately. He found himself directly beneath Sasha as he fell from the high-rise window on Petrozavodskaya Street.

The caretaker manages to catch the boy and they both collapse together in a snowdrift. But the trouble was not yet over as the hero realised the boy wasn't breathing.

Meanwhile, the boy's mother Nadezhda Amrani, 47 - who has more than 50,000 social media followers - reportedly didn't know her son was missing until around 10 minutes after the fall.

Mr Ibadullayev, who works as a caretaker at the building, said: 'I was crying and shouting, but no one was taking the child away from the window.'

A video shows the terrifying moment Sash, 7, plumet 80ft from the seventh floor window but is caught by hero Khairullo Ibadullayev, 37

Sasha was left with fractures to his lower legs and other injuries and Mr Ibadullayev injured his ribs in the impact

Sasha's mother, influencer Nadezhda Amrani, 47, did not realise Sasha was missing for 10 minutes after his terrifying fall. Authorities are now investigating the circumstances

He added: 'He was playing on the windowsill. I shouted for him to come inside, but he didn't hear me. Then he fell. I caught him, his legs hit here, and I fell too.

'It was clear the boy wasn't breathing. I started massaging his chest, and then I heard him gasp. After that, he was alright.'

The boy struck Mr Ibadullayev in the chest as he fell and both tumbled into the snow.

The boy's mother Mrs Amrani had only briefly gone into the kitchen while her son was playing on a tablet at the window.

When she returned to her son, she was met with the horrifying sight of an empty open window and her son no where to be seen.

Mrs Amrani calls herself a social media 'strategy architect' declaring: 'I motivate women to make choices. I generously share my experiences.'

While the mother was left confused seven floors above, Mr Ibadullayev was saving her son's life by performing chest compressions until emergency services arrived.

Sasha was rushed to hospital where he remains in intensive care but in a stable condition.

Sasha had been playing on a tablet at the window sill and could not hear Mr Ibadullayev and neighbours shouting to him to get back inside before he slipped and fell

Mr Ibadullayev came to Russia from Uzbekistan four months ago to earn money for his family back home and to save enough money for a car

Doctors said that he suffered fractures to his lower legs and other injuries, local media reported.

Mr Ibadullayev also injured his ribs during the heroic act but was able to walk away.

'If the child is okay, then I'll be okay too,' he said.

Hero Mr Ibadullayev arrived in Russia from Uzbekistan four months ago to earn money to support his family back home, where he has four children and elderly parents.

He had hoped to save enough money to buy a car.

Emergency services said no window restrictors had been installed in the apartment. Authorities are reviewing the circumstances of the incident after the mother hadn't realised her son was missing for 10 minutes after the 80ft fall.
Britain's supermarkets are facing shortages of several popular fruits and vegetables on the shelves after months of torrential rainfall in the UK and Europe.

Strawberry crops have been particularly badly hit with gaps noted in the fresh aisles at Tesco, Lidl, Sainsbury's and Asda in recent days, according to Assosia data.

Raspberry shortages have also been reported at Morrisons and Lidl, as well as lower supply of avocados and peppers in stores, based on the analysis by The Grocer.

This follows an extremely wet start to the year across areas of Spain and Morocco which supply a large amount of fresh produce to the UK at this time of year.

Supply constraints have been exacerbated by the extreme downpours in Britain, with UK growers battling with saturated ground and major flooding in recent weeks.

Abel & Cole said low light levels were also impacting production, with smaller-than-expected crops of purple sprouting broccoli, January King cabbages and bok choy.

The UK firm's fresh produce and quality control buying manager Caroline Dodds said Spanish oranges and clementines will also 'finish earlier this year' due to the rain.

Industry insiders fear the supply issues will only get worse if the incessant rain continues because this would make it harder to plant crops for the next season.

A field submerged in floodwater in the Sidi Slimane region of Morocco on February 13

A farm surrounded by flooding after Storm Marta hit Jerez de la Frontera in Spain on February 8

Up to 40,000 hectares of farmland have been hit by storms and floods across the two countries, leading to an estimated 30million of losses for farmers in Spain alone.

Strawberry producing association Freshuelva believes exports could be down by half year-on-year after the storms affected crops, production and handling infrastructure.

Spain has faced a series of big storms, including Marta, Kristin and Leonardo which brought deadly flooding and major damage after all hitting in the space of two weeks.

A UK Fresh Produce Consortium spokesperson said: 'Shoppers may see price increases as the market adjusts to limited supply. We urge consumers to be aware, but panic buying will only make matters worse.'

Nicholas Marston, chairman of industry body British Berry Growers, told the Daily Mail: 'Extreme weather in key sourcing regions such as Spain and Morocco is a stark reminder of just how exposed the UK berry supply chain can be at this time of year.

'When almost all of our winter strawberries are imported, disruption on this scale inevitably tightens availability, increases costs and creates real challenges for retailers and shoppers alike.

'For British growers, it underlines both the importance of building greater resilience in our domestic production and the need for the right policy environment to support investment in protected cropping, labour and energy.

'With the UK season still some months away, the immediate pressure will be on maintaining consistent supply, but longer term this is a clear signal that strengthening home-grown capacity is critical for food security, price stability and ensuring consumers can continue to access fresh British berries.'

Empty fruit and vegetable shelves at a UK supermarket during a previous shortage in 2023

Edward Velasco, managing director of Kent-based fresh produce importer Rodanto, told the Telegraph: 'It's a complete disaster.

'We've got farmers who would normally be loading multiple lorries' worth a day, but some of them haven't been loading anything at all.'

The Environment Agency had 52 flood warnings and 121 flood alerts in place for England today following weeks of torrential rain since the start of this year.

It has been an extremely wet winter in the UK, with rainfall above the average for the last 30 years, but for some it has been much wetter than others.

The Met Office said eastern Scotland has experienced 114 per cent of its rainfall for meteorological winter so far, while northern and north-western Scotland have had just 60 per cent.

The Met Office has said last month was one of the wettest Januarys on record for Britain

Similarly, the Midlands is on 140 per cent of its expected rainfall while North West England is on 90 per cent.

The Met Office previously said that last month was one of the wettest Januarys on record in Britain  with 17 per cent more rain than usual.

Andrew Opie, director of food and sustainability at the British Retail Consortium, told the Daily Mail: 'Difficult weather conditions in southern Europe and northern Africa have impacted the harvest for some crops.

'However, food retailers are adept at managing disruption and will take all necessary measures, including sourcing from alternative sources, to minimise any impact on customers.'

The Mail has contacted all the named supermarkets for comment.
A disturbing link has been found between a devastating eye condition and tattoos.

Some 40 Australians with tattoos have recently reported suffering tattoo-associated uveitis, an inflammation of the middle layer of the eye which can result in pain and blurred vision. Severe cases can result in permanent vision loss.

Nelize Pretorius initially thought she was suffering from a bad case of conjunctivitis when she began noticing the symptoms of uveitis.

However, she and her doctor were forced to look for other answers when her conjunctivitis test returned a negative result.

'I could hardly see. I was losing my vision and nobody was able to tell me why,' Ms Pretorius told the ABC earlier this month.

Only after more tests did she learn it was her years-old tattoo that had caused her vision issues.

'You get a tattoo, and you think the risk is that you might regret it later in life - you could potentially lose your vision,' she said.

Tattoo-associated uveitis is believed to be caused by a delayed hypersensitivity to tattoo pigments.

Nelize Pretorius (above) suffered from tattoo-associated uveitis

Tattoo-associated uveitis is believed to be caused by a delayed hypersensitivity to tattoo ink

Cases can occur from six months to several years after a patient gets a tattoo and may only surface after they experience a 'trigger event'.

These can include laser tattoo removal, which forces the ink into the bloodstream.

Symptoms of uveitis include blurred vision, light sensitivity, pain and decreased vision.

Ophthalmologist Josephine Richards, who treated Ms Pretorius, said experts 'do not know why the eye gets caught in the crossfire' of the delayed reaction.

'There is something about the immune reaction that targets the eye. I only became aware of it about four or five years ago,' she said.

'Then I had all these patients all of a sudden.'

Ms Pretorius was one of the first patients Dr Richards treated for tattoo-associated uveitis in Perth.

'It's just lucky that she knew about it because if she wasn't there on that day, I may still not know what the issue is,' Ms Pretorius said.

Ms Pretorius (above) thought she was suffering conjunctivitis before she was diagnosed as one of Perth's few tattoo-associated uveitis patients

A total of 40 new cases of tattoo-associated uveitis have been recorded in Australia, the Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology journal reported.

That figure is double the amount recorded across the globe in 2010.

Research into what causes the body to react poorly to tattoos is still underway, though there has been indication that black ink causes the most inflammation.

It's followed by pink and red tattoo ink, which have one case each.
An Afghan knifeman has attacked multiple people at a Jehovah's Witness stand in a German train station.

The 35-year-old attacker was then overpowered by heroic civilians at Wurzburg Central Station who rushed to the victims' aid.

Police are treating it as an attempted homicide and have arrested a suspect in connection with the attack who is now in custody.

Bavarian Police reports say the suspect was in the entrance hall of the Wurzburg Central Station at around 7.50am. Wurzburg is located in central Germany, east of Frankfurt in the Bavaria region.

He approached the Jehovah's Witness stand and then stabbed at a 68-year-old man and physically attacked a 55-year-old and a 51-year-old, police said.

A spokesperson for Bavarian Police said: 'Several passersby, including a plainclothes police officer, immediately intervened and were able to subdue the 35-year-old.

'A patrol from the Federal Police arrived shortly after the initial emergency call and was able to provisionally arrest the suspect. Several patrols from the Wurzburg police also responded promptly to the scene.'

A 35-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the triple knife attack at Wurzburg Central Station in Bavaria, Germany, as police treat it as an attempted homicide (pictured)

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Three of those attacked by the suspect sustained minor injuries, police confirmed. They did not suffer any cuts or stab wounds and are currently receiving medical attention by emergency services.

The area has now been cordoned off and the Wurzburg Criminal Police have begun investigations at the scene.

Jehovah's Witnesses are a Christian denomination known for door-to-door evangelism and public preaching and strict Bible-based beliefs. The religious community was banned under the Nazi regime after being founded in the USA in the late 19th century. There are around eight million members worldwide.

Officers are taking CCTV footage from the main train station cameras and the 35-year-old suspect's apartment is currently being searched.

Witnesses in the area are also being questioned by police, who have been asking if anyone noticed the suspect in the lead up to the attack or in the nearby Kaiserstrae area.

They are also investigating the man's 'exclamations' and 'gestures' he made during the attack.

Local train services have not been affected by the attack, a police spokesperson said.

Police have cordoned off the area of the attack and are now searching the 35-year-old suspect's apartment

Local police service Polizei Unterfranken reported that, following the arrest, 'there is currently no danger to the public.'

The attack is reminiscent of another stabbing in Wurzburg in June 2021. A mentally ill refugee killed three women and injured nine other people after he indiscriminately stabbed unsuspecting passersby in the city centre.

German authorities blocked the Somali attacker Abdirahman Jibril from deportation in November 2025 over fears he could return to Germany from Somalia unsupervised and commit further violent crimes, Brussels Signal said.

He killed three women aged 25, 49, and 82 in his random attacks on June 25, 2021. One of the victims he stabbed to death was shielding her 11-year-old daughter from the assailant, Hiraan Online said.

He yelled 'Allahu Akbar' as he stabbed the women, local reports said at the time.
The Green Party is being blasted over its 'sectarian' by-election campaign in Gorton and Denton ahead of polling day.

Both Zack Polanski, the Green leader, and Hannah Spencer, the party's by-election candidate, have been criticised for speaking to an 'extremist' Muslim media platform.

The party has also come under fire for publishing leaflets in Urdu calling on local voters to 'punish Labour for Gaza'.

The Gorton and Denton by-election is being fiercely contested by the Greens, Labour and Reform UK, with local voters heading to polling stations from 7am on Thursday.

The contest in the Greater Manchester seat was triggered by the resignation of former Labour minister Andrew Gwynne from the House of Commons.

A defeat for Labour in the by-election to either the Greens or Reform will likely plunge Sir Keir Starmer's premiership into a fresh crisis.

The Prime Minister last month dramatically blocked Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham, seen as a likely replacement for Sir Keir, from being Labour's candidate.

The Greens have emerged as the bookies' favourite to win the three-way contest in Gorton and Denton.

Both Zack Polanski, the Green leader, and Hannah Spencer, the party's by-election candidate (pictured), have been criticised for speaking to the 5Pillars media platform

Green campaign literature includes Urdu translations of messages including this one insisting it is the only party that can beat Reform UK

But the party's campaign has attracted criticism after Mr Polanski, Ms Spencer and Mothin Ali, the party's deputy leader, all appeared in a video by 5Pillars.

5Pillars, which describes itself as a Muslim community media platform, was twice reprimanded by press regulator Impress in 2024 over interviews in which far-Right figures made anti-Semitic and homophobic comments.

At the time, Impress said the comments had been met with 'insufficient challenge'.

The Greens have also been hit by a row over 'sectarian' leaflets in Urdu calling on local voters to 'punish Labour for Gaza' in the by-election.

A translation of the leaflet states: 'Give the faltering walls a push. Labour must be punished for Gaza.

'We have to defeat Reform and vote for the Greens. To give the Muslims a strong voice, give your vote to the Greens.'

A Green spokesperson said: '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.'

Senior Tory MP Neil O'Brien said: 'The Greens benefit from an unfair perception that they are 'sandal-wearing hippies' when in reality they are a mix of really sinister commies and really sinister Islamists.'

Labour peer Lord Katz attacked the Greens' 'sectarian' approach to campaigning.

But Mr Ali on Monday denied the accusations of 'sectarianism' in the Greens' campaign leaflets, telling The Canary website: 'We've used English, we've used Banlga, we've used Arabic - trying to make this campaign as inclusive as possible.

'We've tried to appeal to people form all kinds of backgrounds, Some of the slogans are based off Bangladeshi or Pakistani typical political slogans.

'The same slogans have been used to find a message that people can resonate with. That's just about inclusivity.'

The Green Party had initially promoted Mr Polanski's interview with 5Pillars on social media, but subsequently deleted its post.

Asked about the interview on Friday, Mr Polanski said: 'Where people don't reflect those values, those are people that I won't consider speaking to again.

'At the same time, I have microphones put in my face all the time. I don't always know who I'm talking to.'

He added: 'It won't escape your attention that I'm a Jewish gay man.

'In fact, I'm one of five Jewish people who have ever been in leadership positions in British political history, so I take antisemitism really seriously.

'I obviously take homophobia seriously as I take Islamophobia or any form of hate crime or racism seriously and it's really important that's the first place we start.'

A Green Party spokesperson said: 'At a busy action day, Green representatives spoke freely to everyone there who wanted to hear from them.

'No one viewing the interviews could possibly conclude there was anything anti-Semitic about their interviews.'

A spokesperson for the Jewish Labour Movement said: '5 Pillars should not be touched with a barge pole.

'With a history of outright anti-Semitism, homophobia and extremism, no political party aiming to become mainstream should be anywhere near them.'

Lord Walney, the crossbench peer who is co-chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Defending Democracy, said: 'This hate-filled sectarianism is the dark reality behind the Greens' shiny progressive veneer.

'Like so much of the far-Left, they are falling into bed with Islamists who hate our country rather than offering any hope for the future.'

5Pillars editor Roshan Salih did not comment in detail on the interview, but said there was 'a campaign now to destroy the Green vote in Gorton and Denton because it's clear that they stand a good chance of winning'.

He added: 'Forces intent on damaging the Greens want to undermine their support base by amplifying these types of stories.'

As well as being censured twice in 2024, 5Pillars was reprimanded by Impress in 2021 after its deputy editor said same-sex relations were a 'crime against god'.

The outlet left Impress in November 2024, saying the regulator was 'run by liberals whose values are not compatible with Islamic norms' and had received repeated complaints 'especially from our detractors in the pro-Israel and pro-LGBT lobby'.
A suspected rapist has been accidentally set free from prison and managed to flee the country just weeks before being due to stand trial, it has been revealed.

The man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was being held in custody in a UK prison while charged with multiple allegations of rape, sexual assault and violence against a woman.

After a pre-trial hearing in early February, a court official accidentally told the prison that the defendant could be set free on bail, triggering his release from jail. He then left the country shortly after regaining his freedom.

Details of the case emerged as a top London judge called on the Government to intervene to help ensure the man returns to stand trial.

Judge Martin Edmunds, the Recorder of Kensington and Chelsea in west London, spoke out in a ruling.

He said: 'Although such errors are extremely rare, and indeed this is the only instance I am aware of when there has been an erroneous release of a prisoner held in custody to this court, we take this error extremely seriously.

'We will fully investigate how it occurred and what steps can be put in place to prevent it occurring again.'

Isleworth Crown Court heard the defendant, who denies all the charges against him, was remanded in custody after being charged with multiple counts of rape and was originally due to stand trial this June.

Details of the case have been heard at Isleworth Crown Court in west London

He appeared in court on January 26 for a hearing to consider whether his trial date should be brought forward to March.

At a further hearing on February 6, when the defendant was not brought to court from prison, a blunder was made that led to his accidental release.

The judge said: 'By error on the part of HMCTS (HM Courts & Tribunals Service) at the court, the court issued a notice of grant of bail.'

He said there appeared to be confusion because the defendant faces a second criminal case in which he has been granted bail.

Mr Edmunds added: 'A mistake was made assuming he was on bail on both matters.'

The defendant's barrister told the court last Friday that her client left the UK for a European country after his mistaken jail release - adding that, although he says he wants to return to face a trial, he is unable to travel.

'He is now in a position where he is unable to return to the jurisdiction,' she said.

'He is unable - without further assistance from the state - to return to the country.'

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The court was told he left the UK on the passport issued by the country where he originates, and cannot now obtain a visa to return because his British passport is still held by the police and he also cannot say on which date he will return.

The judge said: 'What I consider is required is confirmation from Foreign or Home Office that confirms that arrangements are in place, that if the defendant chooses to engage with them, will allow him to return to the UK.

'In short, a clear and practical plan.'

A further court hearing is due to take place on Tuesday to determine whether the trial next month can go ahead and whether the defendant will be able to return to the UK.

A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: 'An individual was mistakenly released on bail on Friday 6 February. His Majestys Courts and Tribunal Service is investigating this matter, and we are urgently working with the police to return them to custody.

'We understand the distress errors such as this can cause to those affected and instances like this have exposed deep-rooted issues across the broken justice system the Government inherited.

'Were determined to bear down on these mistakes and keep the public safe, which is why Dame Lynne Owens is undertaking an independent investigation which we expect to report back in the coming weeks, and we are investing millions to modernise technology to replace archaic paper-based systems.'

The problem of prisoners being accidentally released came into sharp focus last autumn when it emerged that HMP Wandsworth had wrongly freed a convicted sex offender as well as a fraudster.

Convicted fraudster William 'Billy' Smith, 35, was wrongly released but returned to the scandal-hit jail after a three-day manhunt.

The fugitive was filmed stepping out of a white van and returning to HMP Wandsworth, where he smoked a cigarette and smiled at TV crews before strolling back into the prison gates to begin his 45-month sentence.

His accidental release was confirmed just hours after a manhunt was launched for Algerian sex offender Brahim Kaddour-Cherif, 24, who was at large since being mistakenly freed from the south London prison on October 29.

Fraudster William 'Billy' Smith, 35, smiled to cameras as he handed himself back into HMP Wandsworth

Brahim Kaddour-Cherif is pictured when being rearrested in November 2025 after he was accidentally released from prison

At the time of his release Kaddour-Cherif - who has been overstaying his visa in the UK since 2020 and he was convicted in 2024 for exposing himself in a London park - was supposed to be held in custody awaiting trial.

He was facing three live criminal cases and was under investigation for a fourth offence.

After being rearrested last November, he was last month sentenced to 26 weeks in prison for assaulting two police officers at Blackhorse Road Underground station, east London, on July 20 2025.

Official figures showed that in the year to March 2025, 262 inmates had been mistakenly let out - a 128 per cent increase on the 115 in the previous 12 months.

The Government responded to the crisis with promises to improve systems in prisons that deal with releases.

An independent review has been set up, led by Dame Lynne Owens, which is looking at release errors and improving transparency on release data.

Releases in error can include misplaced warrants for imprisonment or remand, sentence miscalculations or can be as a result of mistakes by courts or other authorities, according to the Ministry of Justice.

Some 262 inmates were mistakenly let out in the year to March 2025 - a 128 per cent increase on the 115 in the previous 12 months, Government figures also show.

Kaddour-Cherif has since been sentenced to 26 weeks in prison for assaulting two police officers at Blackhorse Road Underground station, east London, on July 20 2025

Kaddour-Cherif;s accidental release was one of many such incidents last year which caused a crisis within the Labour government and led to calls for tougher security measures

It follows earlier official data showing there were a record 262 releases in error in 2024-25, of which 87 were violent offenders and three had convictions for sexual offences.

And another 91 were freed in error from April 1 to October 31 last year, it was later revealed.

Mark Drury, a member of the Prison Governors' Association, warned at the time there had been a 'sudden' rise in absconders from open prisons in recent years, adding that there is an 'increased risk to the public'.

He explained that, due to attempts to tackle prison overcrowding, 'there are a large number of prisoners in open prisons now that we would not have considered suitable two or three years ago'.
Reform UK's Zia Yusuf has said Britain is being 'invaded' by illegal migrants as he vowed to deport 288,000 every year.

The party's new home affairs spokesman unveiled the ambitious target today in a major speech on immigration policy.

Mr Yusuf unveiled a series of Trump-style proposals, including the creation of the 'UK Deportation Command' - a British version of America's controversial US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) unit.

He said the unit would 'track down, detain and deport' people in the country illegally, aiming for up to 288,000 people each year.

But Mr Yusuf said it is 'not true' that the unit will face the same issues as America's, which saw an immigration crackdown in Minnesota lead to mass detentions, protests and two deaths.

Mr Yusuf said it was 'very tempting' and 'somewhat inevitable' for people to make the comparison between Reform's model and the US, but said the UK does not have the same problems with firearms and policing is 'much more' done by consent.

Speaking at a press conference in Dover, he said: 'So you know this notion that we're going to have the same issues that come sharply into focus internationally as a result of Trump's Ice programme - it's just not true, we would not expect UK Deportation Command to carry weapons. It's not going to be the case.

'But I also want to be clear that if you're in this country illegally, they will detect you and they will detain you and they'll deport you.'

Zia Yusuf told an audience in Dover that Britain was being 'invaded' by illegal immigrants

His other policy proposals include -

An 'Illegal Migration Mass Deportation Act' to legally compel the Home Secretary to deport illegal migrants and stop judges from intervening;

The replacement of indefinite leave to remain with a renewable five-year work visa and dedicated spouse visa;

A 'Polanski Law' to make 'aiding and abetting illegal entry into the UK a criminal offence, regardless of intent';

Stripping foreign nationals of any entitlement to Universal Credit payments;

Automatic home searches for anyone referred to the Prevent counter-terrorism programme by three 'separate, corroborating authorities';

A 'vast expansion' of stop and search powers, including 'saturation policing' in high-crime areas;

Removing DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion' mandates for police to focus on 'core duties';

Immediate listed status granted to all churches to 'legally prevent their conversion into mosques or other places of worship';

Proscribing the Muslim Brotherhood and Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as terrorist organisations;

A use of emergency powers to build 'massive' new prison capacity.

He added: 'If your question is: are we going to have the kind of situation that we saw in Minnesota in Britain as a result of our deportation programme? No.'

Liberal Democrat home affairs spokesman Max Wilkinson had said Reform's 'Trump-inspired plans for an Ice-style force will only bring chaos and disorder to Britain's streets, not the order and control our immigration system needs'.

Reform will also impose 'visa freezes' on Pakistan, Somalia, Eritrea, Syria, Afghanistan and Sudan if the countries refuse to take back migrants with no legal right to stay in Britain, Mr Yusuf announced.

He also promised Britain would withdraw from the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) to stop the rights of foreign criminals being 'prioritised' over British people.

After the plans were advanced in advance yesterday, Labour chairman Anna Turley accused Reform of wanting to 'divide our country'.

Mr Yusuf told an audience in Dover that Reform would expect to deport more than 600,000 in its first term in government.

Defending his use of language, Mr Yusuf told the audience: 'I know many in the establishment gasp at that word.

'They may well clutch their pearls in the television studios, but the dictionary definition of invasion is an incursion by a large number of people in an unwanted way.

'Make no mistake, as home secretary, I will end and indeed reverse this invasion, because the patience of the British people is now exhausted.'

Mr Yusuf said the UK Deportation Command would have capacity to detain up to 24,000 migrants at any time.

It comes after controversies in the US following two fatal shootings of seemingly innocent civilians involving Mr Trump's ICE agents and Border Patrol officials in January.

Mr Yusuf vowed to run five deportation flights a day if Reform wins power and said an RAF Voyager would be kept on standby in case of technical difficulties.

The spokesman also announced Reform's plans to 'protect Britain's Christian heritage'.

He said this would include granting immediate listed status to all churches to legally prevent their conversion into mosques or other places of worship.

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Mr Yusuf has said the rights of British citizens are being placed 'beneath those of criminals' because of the ECHR and listed what he said were examples of judges blocking the deportation of illegal migrants who had committed crimes.

'How many more people must die at the hands of those who should never have been in our country in the first place?' he said.

'How many more victims' families must be devastated in this way when their rights are placed beneath those of criminals?

'The answer is none, Vote Reform. We will leave the ECHR and end this madness.'

Last year, Mr Yusuf briefly quit the party after he criticised a proposal by one of its MPs to ban burkas as 'dumb'.

But asked today if he supported a burka ban, Mr Yusuf said: 'I personally support a ban on all face coverings in public... that's actually a piece of legislation that has multiple bonuses to it because it's going to aid integrations, it's also going to help people feel safe.'

Last night Labour's Anna Turley hit back at Reform's proposals, saying: 'Britain is a proud, tolerant and diverse nation, which stands in opposition to the kind of divisive politics stoked by Reform.'
Australia's Prime Minister has told Sir Keir Starmer he would back plans to remove Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from the line of royal succession.

It comes as British ministers are understood to be considering legislation to remove Andrew from the line of succession once a police investigation has concluded.

The former prince was dramatically arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office on Thursday, with police raiding his properties in Sandringham, Norfolk and Windsor, Berkshire.

Andrew is accused of sharing sensitive information with paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein while he was working as the UK's trade envoy.

He was released under investigation after 11 hours of questioning, with searches of his former Royal Lodge home in Windsor continuing today.

The ex-Duke of York is currently eighth in line to the throne, behind Prince William and his three children, George, Charlotte and Louis, and Prince Harry and his two children, Archie and Lilibet.

In a letter to his UK counterpart, Australian PM Anthony Albanese wrote: 'In light of recent events concerning Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, I am writing to confirm that my government would agree to any proposal to remove him from the line of royal succession.

'I agree with His Majesty that the law must now take its full course and there must be a full, fair and proper investigation. These are grave allegations and Australians take them seriously.'

Andrew photographed leaving Aylsham Police Station in Norfolk following his arrest on Thursday

Police arrive to search Royal Lodge on Monday morning after Andrew was released under investigation

Asked about the letter, Sir Keir Starmer's official spokesman said: 'The Government has received the letter.

'We are considering whether further steps are required in relation to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and we are not ruling anything out.

'But given the ongoing police investigation it would not be appropriate for the Government to comment further at this stage.'

He added that Australia was the only one of the other 14 Commonwealth realms so far to have indicated it would support removing Andrew from the line of succession.

After Andrew's arrest, King 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.'

The Prince and Princess of Wales are said to support the King's unprecedented statement following the arrest of William's uncle Andrew at Sandringham on Thursday.

It comes as a retired civil servant today claimed Andrew charged taxpayers for massages while working as the UK's trade envoy.

The former member of staff, who worked in the UK's trade department in the early 2000s, said the disgraced royal successfully expensed the treatment as well as excessive travel costs during his time in the role between 2001 and 2011.

The civil servant alleged he was so annoyed by Andrew's request that he'd refused to pay for the massage, but was 'overruled' by senior staff.

'I thought it was wrong I'd said we mustn't pay it, but we ended up paying it anyway,' he told the BBC.

The Department for Business and Trade declined to comment on the claim. Andrew has always denied any personal gain from his role as trade envoy.

But a former senior Whitehall official, who oversaw finances, said he saw similar expenses for Andrew's trips, adding he had 'absolutely no doubt' about the massage claims.

Andrew (centre) in Bahrain in 2014 in his role as a trade envoy, flanked by Prince Abdullah bin Hamad Al Khalifa (left) and Crown Prince and Bahraini Prime Minister Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa (right)

Kemi Badenoch has said the Department for Business and Trade should open its files on Andrew if they relate to 'allegations of misconduct in public office'.

The Conservative leader, a former business secretary, was asked if she would support the department opening its files on Andrew, who served as trade envoy between 2001 and 2011.

She told the Press Association: 'I'm quite sure that the police will be asking for those files in due course. If they haven't already, there should be full transparency. As trade secretary, I know that the trade envoy rule is quite a low level role.

'Prince Andrew would have been given that because it could open doors, but if there is anything in these allegations of misconduct in public office, then all the files should be released and investigated.'

Mrs Badenoch was also asked if she supported calls from her Tory colleague Tom Tugendhat for a special parliamentary committee aimed at investigating Andrew and Lord Peter Mandelson's links to Epstein.

She said it was important to allow the police investigation into Andrew to 'run its course', and added: 'It is extraordinary that right now the King has allowed the law to run its course while the Prime Minister is not releasing any files.

'He sacked the cabinet secretary who was overseeing the release of the files. Parliament has a duty to make sure that the Government is held to account.

'We should not allow what's happening with Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor to distract from the fact that the Prime Minister himself has a lot of questions to answer.'
A former chef was found dead after being beaten 'over many weeks' and made to sleep in a garage next to dogs, a court heard.

Dimitrious Tsavdaris, 55, was found lying in a foetal position on the bedroom floor of a flat in Hackney, east London, on January 29 2024.

Jurors at the Old Bailey heard he had become addicted to crack cocaine after his brother died and fell under the influence of Bamidele Fawehinmi, a drug dealer who exploited and beat him.

Mr Tsavdaris, also known as Jimmy, was found with fractures to his ribs, face and breastbone and bleeds to his brain.

He weighed just 53kg (8st), the court heard.

Fawehinmi, 33, denies manslaughter, keeping Mr Tsavdaris in servitude and causing grievous bodily harm with intent by fracturing his left cheek and jawbone seven weeks before he died.

Mr Tsavdaris, a father of one, had worked as a chef and taxi driver before becoming addicted to crack cocaine after his brother's sudden death.

Prosecuting, Caroline Carberry KC said Fawehinmi was a 'drug dealer who preys on vulnerable older men, men who struggle themselves with drug addiction'.

Jurors heard Dimitrious Tsavdaris (pictured) was exploited and beaten by Bamidele Fawehinmi after his brother's sudden death led to him spiralling into a crack cocaine addiction

She said he 'fed their drug addiction' while 'he beat them' and 'kept them in fear so they would do his bidding'.

He used these men, who lived in 'squalor', to 'help prepare and package and supply his drugs and to drive him around', she added.

In the weeks leading up to his death Mr Tsavdaris was attacked at the defendant's home in Wickford, Essex.

Ms Carberry said he was Fawehinmi's 'lackey' there and 'slept on a mattress on the floor of a garage where the defendant kept his dogs'.

Mr Tsavdaris was subjected to 'multiple violent beatings over many weeks', she said.

The Hackney flat where his body was found, 30 miles from Fawehinmi's address, belonged to another vulnerable man called Anthony Anuforo.

Ms Carberry said Fawehinmi used Mr Anuforo's address for drug dealing and gave him crack cocaine in return.

Mr Anuforo was 'cuckooed' by Fawehinmi, meaning he 'was used, his address was used for criminal purposes, in this case to facilitate his trade in the supply of drugs'.

The Hackney street where Mr Tsavdaris was found dead in January 2024 with 'significant injuries'

When he was found Ms Carberry said Mr Tsavdaris had 'sustained significant injuries'.

She said there were 'multiple fractures to his ribs, fractures to his face, his eye socket, his jaw bone, a fracture to his breastbone and both old and fresh bleeds between his skull and brain as well as internal injuries'.

A 'thin and frail man', Ms Carberry said Mr Tsavdaris could have been 'dead or dying for several days'.

But she said his life 'wasn't always that way'.

'He had been a chef, he had been a taxi driver, he had been married, he had a son, but his world unravelled a number of years ago following the sudden death of his brother and he became addicted to crack cocaine,' she said.

After Mr Tsavdaris died, Fawehinmi tried to flee to Lagos, Nigeria, but his father called police, who stopped him at Heathrow Airport.

Ms Carberry said: 'The police were alerted to Dimitrios's death by this defendant's own father who, upon learning from his son that there was a dead body in a flat associated with his son, did the right thing and reported Jimmy's death to the police.

'Meanwhile his son, knowing that he had killed a man, tried to flee the country via Heathrow airport to Lagos in Nigeria.'

Fawehinmi denies manslaughter, causing grievous bodily harm to Mr Tsavdaris and keeping him in servitude, under the Modern Slavery Act 2015.

The trial continues.
An American couple on their first trip away from their four-year-old son have told their family members where their wills are hidden after becoming trapped in Mexico.

The unnamed individuals were on vacation in Puerto Vallarta when the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel was killed by the Mexican military on Sunday, prompting widespread violence across the region.

'I had to call my mom today and, you know, just tell her, "Look, here's where my will is. We just created this. I don't want you to panic, but I may need you to stay a couple [of] days extra with my son",' the concerned father told Fox Digital.

'This is the first time we've ever been away from him. My wife was saying, "We're never leaving him again".'

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 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.

But tourists trapped at resorts in those cities have warned that the hotels are down to 'the last bit of food,' with one guest claiming they are 'just sort of surviving off granola bars.'

Guests reported that hotel kitchens and nearby restaurants are shut down, according to CNN, leaving many worried about where they will get meals in the coming days.

Some vacationers who had early Sunday morning flights managed to get home, but others are now locked down at the airport after most domestic and international flights were canceled in both Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta.

Plumes of smoke rise after violent reactions to the killing of the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, on Sunday

Smoke billows from burning vehicles amid the uproar in Puerto Vallarta, western Mexico

Members of the National Guard move pedestrians along in Mexico City on Sunday

Most domestic and international flights were canceled at Puerto Vallarta airport on Sunday

Members of the Mexican Army and state police inspect vehicles in the resort city of Cancun, Quintana Roo, on Sunday

Cartel boss Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, known as El Mencho, was killed during a shoot-out in his home state of Jalisco as the Mexican military attempted to capture him.

Oseguera Cervantes was the leader of one of the fastest-growing criminal networks in Mexico, notorious for trafficking fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine to the US and staging brazen attacks against government officials who challenged it.

Following his death, gunmen unleashed violence across the country. Cars burned out by cartel members blocked roads in 20 Mexican states and left smoke billowing into the air.

People locked themselves in their homes in Guadalajara, Mexico's second-largest city and Jalisco's capital, and school was canceled Monday in several states as security forces were placed on alert all over the country.

Guatemala also reinforced security on its border with Mexico.

American tourists have now found themselves trapped in the country, witnessing what they have described as 'war breaking out in the streets.'

One vacationer, who was forced to evacuate from his rented Airbnb in Puerto Vallarta, told Fox Digital how he woke up to the sound of blaring car horns and saw six vehicles completely engulfed in flames.

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Passengers wait at Puerto Vallarta airport, which is operating with limited personnel

While no airports are closed, a majority of flights have been canceled and roadblocks are impacting airline operations. Travelers are seen on the runway at Puerto Vallarta airport

Firefighters work to extinguish flames from buses set on fire by members of organized crime in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, on Sunday

Tourists watch a column of smoke amid ongoing violence in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, on Sunday

A burning vehicle in Tijuana, Mexico, on Sunday, following the death of Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes

'They told the people to leave,' he said of the suspected cartel members who were dousing the cars with fuel. 'Then they were taking the gas and pouring the gas on the vehicle and waiting until everybody was clear before they were setting it on fire.'

American tourist Katy Holloman, from El Dorado Hills, took to Facebook to speak about her ordeal after she was told to shelter in her hotel as it was safer than attempting to reach the airport.

'The road is closed due to the cartel. There are no flights going out of the airport to the States. We've rescheduled them for tomorrow afternoon, really hoping we make it home,' she said in a video.

'Just going to pray we make it home tomorrow. This is unprecedented here; the hotel staff have been saying this has never happened before.'

Another tourist, Dan Smith, from the Palm Springs area, shared a video that appeared to show him running down a staircase as alarms rang in the background, while a Mexican woman ordered him outside.

He said in the clip: 'We're evacuating the building, propane tanks have exploded. Hoping the building doesn't catch on fire.'

His brother Richard uploaded more footage from Daniel showing a bus in flames and other blazing vehicles blocking the roads of Puerto Vallarta.

He said: 'Please keep good thoughts for my brother Daniel. Puerto Vallarta is under siege. He is stuck downtown, and all roads in and out are closed off. He can't get home.

'Luckily, there are some friends downtown where he can hang out. Although it's been evacuated once already. The drug cartel is p****d off.'

A San Diego tourist, James Stephens, posted chilling footage of a Costco store up in flames and revealed the whole city had been locked down.

He said: 'Stuck in Puerto Vallarta as the cartel is attempting to take over the city. Entire city shut down. Can't get out. Crazy right? We're safe.'

American tourist Katy Holloman, from El Dorado Hills, was told to shelter in her hotel, as it was safer than attempting to reach the airport

Dan Smith, from the Palm Springs area, shared a clip of what appeared to be him running down a staircase as alarms rang out in the background

Army soldiers patrol guard the National Palace ahead of the daily, morning news conference by Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum in Mexico City on Monday

A charred vehicle sits at a damaged supermarket in Guadalajara, Jalisco state on Sunday

The US Embassy in Mexico has urged Americans to shelter in place, minimize unnecessary movements and avoid areas with law enforcement activity.

The embassy noted that while no airports are closed, a majority of flights have been cancelled and roadblocks are impacting airline operations. Airports are also operating with limited personnel because of the burst of violence.

All ride share services were suspended in Puerto Vallarta and operations have been temporarily curtailed on toll roads across the region due to blockades.

The killing of Oseguera Cervantes could give the Mexican government a boost in its dealings with the Trump administration, which has been threatening tariffs or unilateral military action if Mexico does not show results in the fight against the cartels.

But the long-term effect on Mexico's security landscape remains unclear.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has urged calm and local authorities announced late Sunday they had cleared most of the more than 250 cartel roadblocks across 20 states.

Many locals and tourists alike remain hunkered down and on edge as they wait to see the powerful cartel's reaction to their leader's death.

The White House has confirmed that the US provided intelligence support to the operation to capture the cartel leader and applauded Mexico's army for taking down a man who was one of the most wanted criminals in both countries.

Nemesio 'El Mencho' Oseguera Cervantes was killed by Mexican federal forces on Sunday, according to high-ranking officials who spoke with local publications

National Guards patrol the area outside of the General Prosecutor's headquarters in Mexico City on Sunday after the killing of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel leader

A view of a burning truck, allegedly set on fire by organized crime groups in response to an operation to arrest El Mencho which led to his death

Pedestrians walk past a charred vehicle after it was set on fire, on a road in Cointzio, Michoacan state, Mexico on Sunday

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said via X that '"El Mencho" was a top target for the Mexican and United States government as one of the top traffickers of fentanyl into our homeland,' and commended Mexico's military for its work.

US Ambassador Ron Johnson recognized the success of the Mexican armed forces and their sacrifice in a statement late Sunday. He added that 'under the leadership of President Trump and President Sheinbaum, bilateral cooperation has reached unprecedented levels.'

Oseguera Cervantes, who was wounded in the operation to capture him Sunday in Tapalpa, Jalisco, about a two-hour drive southwest of Guadalajara, died while being flown to Mexico City, the Defense Department said in a statement.

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.

The US State Department had offered a reward of up to $15 million for information leading to the arrest of Oseguera Cervantes.

The Jalisco New Generation Cartel is one of the most powerful and fastest growing criminal organizations in Mexico and began operating around 2009. In February 2025, the Trump administration designated the cartel as a foreign terrorist organization.
Nick Reiner could possibly enter a plea today in his third court appearance over the grisly murders of his parents.

The 32-year-old son of legendary director Rob Reiner and photographer Michele Reiner is due back in court at 8am Pacific Time for his arraignment hearing.

He has been locked up inside the Twin Towers Correctional Facility in Los Angeles, California, after his parents were found stabbed to death inside their $13.5 million Brentwood home on December 14.

He was arrested and held without bail hours after their bodies were found and charged with two counts of first-degree murder in the days that followed.

The appearance could last all of a few minutes if he enters a plea, but his public defender could potentially use the time to start building an insanity defense.

Nick has long dealt with mental health issues, as it was previously claimed that he had been placed in a mental health conservatorship five years before allegedly murdering his parents.

He also switched his schizophrenia medication about a month before his parents were found dead by his sister, Romy.

Because of this, his lawyer, Kimberly Greene, could possibly point toward his mental instability, a Los Angeles-based legal expert told the New York Post.

Nick Reiner is set to appear in court on Monday for his arraignment in connection with his parents' murders

Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele, were found stabbed to death just hours before Nick was arrested and held without bail

'One reason to roll out a mental defense now is that, by waiting, it can undermine the credibility of an argument later, causing people to ask, If hes so bad off mentally, why didnt you raise the issue earlier?"' lawyer Royal Oakes told the outlet.

Oakes said Nick's legal team might even state that he cannot understand the court proceedings in his case.

'They can play the competency card. That can stop the case cold and trigger psychiatric evaluations,' Oakes added.

Despite the arraignment happening in just a few hours, Greene could very well have Nick plead not guilty and use the potential mental health strategy later on, the attorney suggested.

Oakes said: 'They can play the competency card. That can stop the case cold and trigger psychiatric evaluations.'

Nick's plea has been postponed twice since the murder case began.

He originally hired hotshot lawyer Alan Jackson, who represented Karen Read and Harvey Weinstein, to defend him.

But just weeks later, Jackson sensationally removed himself from Nick's case.

Rob and Michele Reiner were found dead inside their $13.5 million Brentwood, Los Angeles home on December 14

At a press conference following a January court hearing, Jackson said: 'Circumstances beyond our control ... and beyond Nick's control have dictated that, sadly, it has made it impossible for us to continue our representation of Nick.'

Nick's latest court appearance comes just days after comedian Conan O'Brien broke his silence on his parents' deaths.

Just hours before Rob and Michele were found, the filmmaker was seen clashing with Nick at O'Brien's holiday party.

'It's just so awful,' O'Brien, 62, said in an interview with The New Yorker on Friday.

'I knew Rob and Michele, and then increasingly got closer and closer to them,' he said, adding that he and his wife, Liza Powel O'Brien, 'were seeing them a lot.'

'They were just such lovely people. And to have that experience of saying goodnight to somebody and having them leave and then find out the next day that theyre gone. I think I was in shock for quite a while afterward. I mean, there's no other word for it.

'And I think about how Rob felt about things that are happening in the country, how involved he was, how much he put himself out there  and to have that voice go quiet in an instant is still hard for me to comprehend,' O'Brien added.

It was reported that all three Reiners attended O'Brien's December 13 holiday party, where the filmmaker and his son were involved in a 'very loud argument.'

He originally hired Alan Jackson to defend him, but weeks later, the hotshot lawyer pulled out

It was also recently revealed that Nick has been acting 'almost childlike' in jail and that he is 'not competent to stand trial right now.'

TMZ executive producer Harvey Levin told Fox & Friends last week: 'He is almost childlike in jail, we're told.

'He can't process the consequences of what he's done. He knows what he did.

'He just can't understand where he is right now, and I know that sounds crazy, but he is out of his head right now,' Levin added.

Levin said that the killings were 'incredibly brutal'. 'We know people in the medical examiner's office who are traumatized just by the pictures,' he said.

The TMZ producer added that the killings had 'all the markings of a meth murder' and that Nick had been using the hard drug at the time.
A Delta Air Lines airplane set the runway grass on fire as it took off from a Georgia international airport bound for Atlanta, as passengers onboard feared for their lives.

Delta Flight 1067 quickly returned to Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport on Sunday evening after its engine blew out during liftoff.

On board, the pilot of the flight was heard declaring an emergency on the Boeing 737-900, according to air traffic control audio heard by ABC affiliate WJCL.

'Everything ok? I saw a pretty large flame on takeoff,' the air traffic controller asked.

'We lost left engine straight out here for Delta 1067,' the pilot responded.

Another aircraft on the ground was instructed to move away after reports of the runway grass being set alight, as the controller was heard saying: 'Were going to get a fire truck out there, that whole taxiway is on fire.'

The pilot on Flight 1067 asked if the fire was a result of the aircraft's engine failure during takeoff, to which the controller said: 'Unfortunately, when the engine blew, it set the whole grass on the left side of the airport on fire.'

Just after 6.30pm, emergency crews responded to the fire which did not affect the runway or any other flights out of the airport, the outlet reported.

As the plane landed back onto the runway, Thatcher recalled a dramatic and chaotic scene of emergency crews and fire lining the runway that no one on board 'fully expected'

Thatcher and his wife, Tanya, were on board holding hands as they feared for their lives on the Delta flight

Passenger Geoff Thatcher shared a photo of himself with Delta pilots Captain Evans Boeve and First Officer Hochstetler who were flying Flight 1067 as the fire erupted

Geoff Thatcher, a seasoned Delta Air Lines passenger onboard the terrifying flight, told the Daily Mail that everything seemed routine at first but a sudden loud noise during take off caused him and his wife to fear for their lives.

'Ive flown more than 3 million miles on Delta and everything was normal. Just as we reached peek speed on the runway, we all heard a loud high-pitched POP,' Thatcher said.

Thatcher described their gradual climb into the air, and said: 'We ever so slowly gained altitude while my wife comforted the woman next to us.

'I took my wife Tanyas had and we said, "Well, if we are going to go, Id rather go together." We then talked about how our kids would be fine.'

'It was eerily quiet because of the left engine loss,' he continued. According to Thatcher, the flight's passengers had been warned before takeoff that winds were high.

'The gate agent had actually announced before we boarded, "If you are expecting a smooth flight to Atlanta, today is not the day for you,"' the designer recalled.

Thatcher said a pilot from another airline, who was sat behind him and his wife, got up to inspect the engine while the rest of the flight's passengers began to calm down.

'As we headed into our final descent, the captain came on one more time and said, and this was our favorite part, Just wanted to let you know that as we land youll see a grass fire next to the runway. This is normal in situations like this and nothing to worry about."'

Flames and billowing smoke were seen along the runway from a video taken by a passenger onboard Flight 1067

Delta Flight 1067 turned around almost immediately after taking off from Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport on Sunday evening at around 6.45pm after its left engine blew out

But what Thatcher and every other passenger saw as they landed back onto the runway was a truly dramatic scene 'that none of us fully expected.'

'I mean, we landed and rolled past a burning runway with fire trucks lights blaring. We then stopped in the middle of the runway and the captain came on again and said, Again, this is normal,"' he continued, adding that the pilot explained that the aircraft's tires would need to be inspected.

As the scene settled, the captain emerged from the cockpit and spoke to the aircraft passengers. Thatcher, recalling one line from their flight crew that stood out, said: 'I know everyone appreciated this line the most, 'Im sure you were nervous for a few moments there and, if I'm being honest, we were a little nervous for a tiny bit as well."'

'When he finished talking, the plane broke out in applause. We all felt the same thing: The captain was an experienced professional and had the white hair to prove it,' the passenger said.

Around twenty minutes later, the aircraft was towed back to the gate and its passengers deplaned to be greeted by emergency services, Thatcher recalled.

A fire erupted as the runway's grass was set alight by the blown engine as the Delta flight took off the ground at around 6.30pm

Thatcher explained that no one saw any flames on board the flight, and theorized that all the 'sparks' from the engine failure must have shot out during takeoff. He obtained video of the fire on the ground as they circled above the runway onboard the aircraft.

'A big thank you to Delta Airlines Captain Boeve and First Officer Hochstetler. Professionalism personified,' Thatcher, who said he remains a big fan of the airline, wrote on Facebook.

'And they got a huge round of applause from the passengers as they took the microphone to communicate after they aviated and navigated us back safely to the Savannah Hilton Head International Airport after a blown engine.'

At around 7.15pm the flight landed back at Savannah airport with its 179 passengers, two pilots and four flight attendants.

Delta confirmed in a statement to the Daily Mail that a replacement aircraft was used later on Sunday evening to complete the flight.

'Delta flight 1067 from Savannah to Atlanta returned to the airport soon after takeoff Sunday evening, following a mechanical issue with the aircraft's left engine,' the statement said.

'The Boeing 737-900 landed safely and was met by ARFF, then customers deplaned normally at the gate.

'The safety of our customers and crew is our highest priority. We apologize to our customers for this delay in their travels.'

The Federal Aviation Administration said in a statement on Monday that an investigation into the incident would ensue.

'Delta Air Lines Flight 1067 safely returned to Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport around 7:15 p.m. local time on Sunday, Feb. 22, after an engine failed on departure. The Boeing 737 was headed to Atlanta. The FAA will investigate,' the statement said.
The family of a young mother killed by her jealous ex-partner have fought back tears as they challenged men to 'do better' in the fight against domestic violence.

Mary Benedito, 25, died in hospital after being beaten and strangled by Reo Te Whetu Marama Marsh while on a Gold Coast holiday on November 27, 2021.

Her family endured long hours moving between hope and dread as she lay in intensive care for three days before the heartbreaking decision to turn off life support.

They gathered outside Brisbane Supreme Court on Monday to deliver a powerful message after Marsh, 39, received a life sentence for murder.

'Women are still dying. Women are still faced with so much trauma and hurt and pain because of men who have not fixed themselves,' Ms Benedito's cousin Josiah Benedito-Taotafa said.

'I want men to call out shitty behaviours with their friends.

'I want men to grow some balls and start doing better with their communities.'

Domestic violence would continue until every person could 'educate themselves and do better', he said.

Mary Benedito, 25, died in hospital after being beaten and strangled by Reo Te Whetu Marama Marsh while on a Gold Coast holiday

Her family gathered outside Brisbane Supreme Court on Monday to deliver a powerful message

Marsh, 39, received a life sentence for murder after he beat his ex-partner at a hotel and fled with their son

He said he wanted to 'encourage the government to keep fighting for people's safety, in their community, in their relationships, and in their minds'.

Marsh had dragged Ms Benedito back into a Gold Coast hotel room when she attempted to leave before he bashed and strangled her.

He then took their 11-month-old son and left her to die without seeking help for her.

Ms Benedito had been subject to blunt force assaults and died of a brain injury caused by manual strangulation.

'She had significant bruising to (her) arms, forearms, shoulders and fingers referred to as defensive injuries,' crown prosecutor Nathan Crane said.

The couple were separated and had been arguing about Ms Benedito's plan to move to New Zealand with their son.

Marsh was also jealous over Ms Benedito seeing other men.

The couple could be seen on CCTV earlier in their Gold Coast holiday swimming and shopping.

Ms Benedito was remembered as 'humorous, totally confident in her values and deeply compassionate'

Marsh fled their hotel room after fatally wounding Ms Benedito and travelled to a Brisbane suburb while attempting to evade a police search. He was found hiding in a storage unit.

Mr Crane said Marsh pleaded guilty to murder on the basis he assaulted Ms Benedito with intent to cause her grievous bodily harm.

Ms Benedito was remembered as 'humorous, totally confident in her values and deeply compassionate', Mr Benedito-Taotafa said in a victim impact statement.

'My family has seen their faith shaken, their health decline and a collective struggle to navigate grief, shock and trauma.'

Ms Benedito's sister said she never thought she would have to bury her younger sibling.

'Her greatest achievement was being a mum and he took that from her,' she said.

Ms Benedito's aunty Maria, who had helped raise her as a child, said she would always be heartbroken.

'Seeing her black and blue with tubes keeping her alive broke our family into pieces,' she said.

Ms Benedito's cousin Josiah Benedito-Taotafa saidhe wanted to call out men's 'shitty behaviours' with their friends

Marsh had regrets and self-hatred for taking what could not be replaced, he wrote in a letter to Ms Benedito's family.

'The unfairness of my actions are too severe to ask for forgiveness,' he said.

Marsh's barrister said his guilty pleas had saved the family the trauma of a trial and he was genuinely remorseful.

Marsh made a cowardly escape before paramedics arrived, Justice Crowley said.

'All this happened because you became angry ... you sought to control her life.'

Marsh will be eligible for parole in under 16 years due to four years already served in custody.

1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)

Lifeline 13 11 14

Men's Referral Service 1300 766 491
Downing Street today refused to rule out retaliation to Donald Trump's latest trade assault.

The US president has vowed to impose 15 per cent tariff on imports from around the world after the Supreme Court dramatically struck down his 'liberation day' levies on Friday.

Businesses have warned the UK will be among the worst hit, as previously it only faced 10 per cent.

No10 said it had received assurances that the move will not affect preferential arrangements Keir Starmer negotiated on steel, cars and pharmaceuticals.

But costs on UK goods exported to the US are still expected to increase by up to 3billion.

No10 said it had received assurances that the move by Donald Trump will not affect preferential arrangements Keir Starmer negotiated on steel, cars and pharmaceuticals (pictured together last year)

The PM's spokesman said Business Secretary Peter Kyle had spoken to his counterpart Jamieson Greer to 'underline his concerns'.

They said discussions were 'continuing at all levels' to understand how Trump's new tariffs will work but the UK did not 'expect this to affect the majority of trade'.

The spokesman added that 'no one wants to see a trade war', but stressed 'nothing is off the table at this stage'.

There are fears a furious Mr Trump will also step up pressure for the UK to make concessions on issues such as chlorinated chicken, pharmaceutical costs and tech firms.

Sir Keir has steered well clear of retaliation for US tariffs so far, to avoid sparking an even more damaging tit for tat. Instead he has argued that free trade benefits both sides.

Mr Greer, the US trade representative, told CBS the deal struck with Britain would remain in place.

'The deals were not premised on whether or not the emergency tariff litigation would rise or fall,' he said.

'These deals are going to be good deals. We expect to stand by them. We expect our partners to stand by them.'

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.
A grief-stricken mother has said she is proud of her 16-year-old son, who was shot and killed by a Florida deputy while he was allegedly armed and shoplifting.

Jairus Jones was gunned down by an off-duty Osceola County officer during a Walmart shoplifting incident on Thursday, Sheriff Chris Blackman said in a press release.

'My son Jairus, who everyone knew and loved as JJ, was a bright beautiful light in this world,' Naporsha Jones Spruill told WESH.

'As his mother, I am beyond proud of the young man he was becoming. He was full of life, full of love, and full of dreams.

'Our hearts are shattered, but we want the world to remember JJ for his smile, his energy, and the love he gave so freely.'

The deputy, working off-duty as Walmart security, was alerted that three people were trying to steal.

Upon confronting the three suspects, he noticed one was armed with a handgun.

Jones allegedly tried to run from the deputy and rushed toward other customers, prompting the officer to open fire, according to the OCSO.

Jairus Jones, 16, was the armed suspect who was fatally shot during a Florida Walmart shoplifting incident

The 16-year-old with his mother, Naporsha Jones Spruill, who spoke to local outlet WESH about her son's character

Investigators said the off-duty officer feared for the lives of other shoppers, prompting him to shoot, per FOX35.

Sheriff Blackmon wouldnt confirm if the suspect aimed at the deputy but said surveillance video had been obtained.

The other two shoplifting suspects - a juvenile and a man in his 20s - have been identified but not publicly named, Channel 9 reported. They were not arrested or charged.

'Wherever we go, we're there to ensure the safety of the public. That's our number one goal - they have to feel safe and be safe,' Law enforcement training officer Steve Kelly told FOX35.

'If there's a guy running with a gun, we have to take action... to save their lives,' he explained, describing the thought process behind the deputys decision.

Three armed 'good Samaritans' were on the scene and offered to assist the deputy, one of them spoke to Channel 9 about the ordeal.

Corrections officer Yamil Villanueva said the off-duty officer repeatedly told Jones to stop, but he wouldnt listen.

'Then he tried to pull out his gun and run,' he said. 'The gun fell. The [deputy] directed him not to pick up the gun, and leave the gun on the floor. He didnt comply.'

Villanueva said he heard shots, and recalled, 'I was like, wow. This is really happening. Im going to have to use my firearm to protect the people around me to make sure nobody gets hurt.'

Video obtained by the outlet showed security in what appeared to be a stand-off with one of the suspects in the Walmart

The incident unfolded at around 8pm on Thursday at the Walmart in Osceola County

He pulled out his concealed gun but never fired, instead getting the deputys attention to speak with him.

As Villanueva identified himself and the deputy let him approach, customers and employees were fleeing the store.

'I was relieved, but I didnt know what was going on until [I] drew my firearm and peeped the corner,' he said. 'I realized the suspect had got shot.'

The shooting is under investigation and the deputy is on paid leave, per standard protocol.

Jones' mother still has questions about what happened, per WESH. The Daily Mail reached out to the Sheriff's Office for comment.
The BBC has removed an article that suggested a care home boss stole 250,000 from residents after finding it hard to get help for his gambling addiction because he is gay.

Readers reacted with fury after convicted fraudster Ben Howard was 'portrayed as the victim'.

He was jailed in 2024 for three years and four months after admitting to stealing more than a quarter of a million pounds from vulnerable people.

But in an article published by the licence payer-funded organisation, Howard said he felt judged when he went to get help for his addiction a year before he first committed his crimes.

The BBC took down the article as 'it didn't meet our usual editorial standards', hours after the Daily Mail asked the corporation about the backlash.

'Someone would say, "Do you have a wife? Do you have a girlfriend?",' Howard told the BBC in the now-unpublished story.

'It makes you fearful to say, "Actually, I've got a boyfriend". You don't open up as much. You just close off.'

BBC Sussex posted a link to the story on X, but it was inundated with negative comments.

'He stole money from vulnerable people. This man isnt a victim hes a thief,' one person wrote.

The BBC has come under fire over an article that suggests care home boss Ben Howard who stole 250,000 from residents to fund his gambling addiction found it hard to get any support because he is gay

Howard said he felt judged when he went to get help for his addiction a year before he first committed his crimes

Another X user wrote alongside an eye-roll emoji: 'Hes the true victim here, isnt he?

'Obviously not the vulnerable people from whom he stole A QUARTER OF A MILLION POUNDS.'

In its report, the BBC pointed to a Bournemouth University study, which found some LGBT+ people feared being judged when seeking support for gambling addiction.

The study involved 31 LGBT people aged between 20 and 59 from across the UK.

Howard is listed as a speaker for the upcoming Workplace Event at the NEC Birmingham in April.

His bio reads that he 'has experienced 14 years of gambling harms, finding recovery in 2020 through the help of GambleAware commissioned treatment and support network'.

Howard used residents' bank cards to steal their cash from ATMs and pretended to be them to access their money and redirect statements to his home for nearly three years between September 2017 and August 2020.

He also created bogus trips and events to collect funds from residents.

Readers have reacted with fury after convicted fraudster Howard was 'portrayed as the victim'

Howard was caught when a resident asked to access their funds. It prompted him to resign from his job and hand himself in to the police where he 'showed remorse' after gambling away 147,000 in two days.

After he was sentenced at Northampton Crown Court, Detective Constable Emma England said Howard had 'took full advantage' of his residents' vulnerabilities.

Howard was later declared bankrupt and lost his home and relationship.

He was released after just 10 months of his sentence and told the BBC that being jailed 'was the worst and best thing that happened to me and it forced me into recovery'.

Howard now works at Brighton and Hove LGBT Switchboard, which provides support for LGBTQ+ people.

After removing the article, the BBC posted the following statement on its Corrections and Clarifications page.

It wrote: 'We posted an online article about a gay man who said he felt unable to access gambling addiction services and some research into others who felt similar. The article did not meet our editorial standards.

'It included the mans criminal offending but did not provide sufficient context or take account of the likely impact on victims of his contribution. We have removed the article from the website.'
A self-proclaimed 'scholar of the far right' was blasted on social media after she 'fled' the United States to Canada.

Nope Brigade is an academic researcher who studies conservative and right-wing ideologies, and recently 'fled' from the current Trump administration to Vancouver - one of the world's priciest cities.

Brigade posted a social media video begging for help after she and her family moved from Los Angeles, only to be hit with an even worse affordability crisis.

'For those who don't know, the housing crisis here is way worse than the US,' she said in the video.

'I lived in LA for six years and I have not faced rent as bad as here.'

Brigade explained that she, her partner, and their pets moved to Vancouver on a visitor visa, which prevents them from working.

They relocated with savings set aside, but are quickly burning through the funds and struggling to afford skyrocketing rent.

'In Canada, I think the cost of living crisis is worse here,' she said.

The 'far-right scholar,' who goes by the name Nope Brigade, posted a TikTok video asking for help with housing after she 'fled' the US to Canada

BREAKING - Leftists who fled to Canada are now begging online for free housing after discovering the cost of living and health care are worse than in the US, saying they cannot work on visas, are burning through their savings, and are struggling to afford skyrocketing rent. pic.twitter.com/b3IWzviw0c  Right Angle News Network (@Rightanglenews) February 22, 2026

'Especially when you are shut out of the healthcare system and can't access any of the resources that Canadians have access to.

'And that's understandable, I'm not a citizen of the country, but it is making the financial situation dire.'

Most visitor visas allow stays of up to six months, and work permits are only granted to those with a temporary resident permit valid for six months or longer, according to the Government of Canada.

After bemoaning the situation, she asked for a place to stay, specifying that they wanted more than just a room - ideally for free or at below-market rates.

The scholar's video struck a nerve, with many Canadians and Americans slamming her for publicly groveling for a place to live on social media.

One user wrote on TikTok: 'Ma'am, no matter what happens please stay there. Signed, the United States of America,' with a Canadian replying: 'You kidding? We don't want her either!'

'All I heard was a lot of criticism regarding the place you chose to flee to, then after the criticism was the request for money,' another outraged user wrote.

Many slammed Brigade for not researching the citys costs beforehand - Vancouver is the least affordable city in Canada and was ranked fifth among the priciest housing markets worldwide.

Vancouver skyline, this location is the least affordable city in Canada as well as the third least affordable of the 94 markets

The top 20 least affordable cities to buy a home in 1. San Jose, California, US 2. Los Angeles, California, US 3. Long Beach, California, US 4. San Diego, California, US 5. Vancouver, Canada 6. Paris, France 7. Porto, Portugal 8. New York, US 9. Miami, Florida, US 10. San Francisco, California, US 11. Lisbon, Portugal 12. Toronto, Canada 13. Mississauga, Canada 14. Nice, France 15. Brampton, Canada 16. Madrid, Spain 17. Boston, Massachusetts, US 18. London, UK 19. Oakland, California, US 20. Barcelona, Spain Advertisement

'They literally moved to the most expensive postal code in Canada with the highest demand for housing,' one user wrote.

'A Google search beforehand could have told you this. A million news articles have been written in the last 15 years about it,' they added.

Brigade also drew criticism for asking for help, even though countless other Canadians face the same hardships.

'Yeah so many Canadians are without a roof over their head due to finances, but sure this makes a ton of sense to ask,' another user posted.
An armourer who used his Lake District motorcycle repair garage as cover to supply deadly firearms to criminal gangs across the country has been jailed for 22 years.

Mechanic Dudley Brennan, 31, had boasted that engineering skill 'quite literally runs in my blood' when he opened the business in Kendal.

The Cumbria market town is famed for its sweet slabs of mintcake as well as being the birthplace of Postman Pat.

But behind the scenes, his garage was converting blank-firing guns into deadly weapons for gangsters based as far away as Somerset.

At the same time, the self-styled 'spanner monkey' was also plotting to set up a Breaking Bad-style crystal meth laboratory targeting vulnerable addicts.

However Brennan's secret criminal empire came crashing down when armed police swooped on his headquarters and ordered him outside at gunpoint.

Officers from the National Crime Agency took no chances, with a cordon placed around the industrial estate where he was based and an Army bomb disposal team on hand.

Searches of the garage revealed a firearms conversion factory where a Makarov-style semi-automatic pistol was in the process of being converted to fire 9mm ammunition, along with bullets and a silencer.

Armourer Dudley Brennan, 31, used his Lake District motorcycle repair garage as cover to supply deadly firearms to criminal gangs across the country

Brennan was arrested at gunpoint at his garage in Cumbria in March 2024, with investigators uncovering a firearms conversion factory

A Makarov-style semi-automatic pistol found at Brennan's garage along with bullets and a silencer was in the process of being converted to fire 9mm ammunition

Investigators found he had converted at least two submachine guns as well as a number of other pistols.

Brennan worked closely with Liverpool criminal Peter Weston, 40, who coordinated their organised crime group.

The duo hoped to make significant profit by converting top-venting blank firearms for gangs to use in feuds and turf-wars with other criminals.

A search of Brennans home in Kendal revealed a small crystal meth production lab in his kitchen, with messages showing he and Weston had discussed mass producing the Class A drug.

Brennan believed they could produce as much as 100 litres in a 12-hour period in a custom-built design that would be housed in a catering trailer and could be moved around.

He sent Weston a screenshot of an advertisement for a 1989 Chevrolet GMC Allegro for sale.

Weston, who was jailed in 2013 for 11 years for conspiracy to supply cocaine, responded by referencing the Netflix TV series about a chemistry teacher who turns to manufacturing crystal meth, writing: 'Ha, Breaking Bad.'

Brennan said he could claim the vehicle was for his business and stick it 'to the government as a business tax write-off'.

Mechanic Dudley Brennan, 31, was today jailed for 22 years after admitting conspiring to sell or transfer prohibited weapons as well as plotting to set up a Breaking Bad-style crystal meth laboratory

Peter Weston, 40, (left) was jailed for 26 years and nine months while Daniel Fitzgerald, 32, (right) was given an eight-year sentence

Ryan Pilling, 29, (left) was jailed for 13 years and seven months while Joshua Ee, 27, (right) was given a 13 years and six months sentence

Police swooped after Brennan took delivery of ten Turkish-made Ekol top-venting blank firearms (pictured) to his garage in Kendal, Cumbria

The pair did not have time to implement the plan before NCA officers arrested them in March 2024.

Both later admitted conspiring to sell or transfer prohibited weapons and conspiracy to supply Class A drugs.

Today at Bolton Crown Court, Brennan was sentenced to 22 years and three months in jail while Weston, 40, of Norris Green, Liverpool, was given a sentence of 26 years and nine months.

Afterwards NCA branch commander Cat McHugh said: 'Brennan and the group were only interested in making money and didnt care at all about the harm these firearms could do in our communities.

'They were a real danger to the public.

'Tackling the criminal use of firearms is an NCA priority and we will continue doing everything in our power to achieve that.'

When Brennan took over the former classic cars garage in 2021 with his mother as co-director after spending a decade in Australia, the pair spoke of how repairing vehicles was in his blood.

'Ever since he has been able to walk and talk he has been able to make engines and do things up,' Deborah Reese told a local news website.

Brennan added: 'Sadly the skills I possess are no longer taught anywhere.

'I come from a long line of world class engineers on both sides of my family so this quite literally runs in my blood.'

However he neglected to mention that he had amassed convictions for possession of a firearm and ammunition while living in Australia.

Officers from the NCA - dubbed Britain's FBI - were monitoring the gang and witnessed him taking delivery of 10 Turkish-made Ekol top-venting blank firearms to his Fell View Trading Park garage.

Weston had arranged a meeting at a car park in Lancaster for Brennan to take delivery of the guns from co-conspirators Daniel Fitzgerald and Ryan Pilling.

Investigators established they had purchased and converted 17 firearms - 12 of which have been recovered.

Weston was the gang's sales broker, putting other offenders in touch with armourer Brennan and facilitating the firearms onwards sale.

Pilling, 29, of Ashton, and Fitzgerald, 32, of Wigan, both admitted conspiring to sell or transfer prohibited weapons, and were jailed for 13 years and seven months and eight years respectively.

Joshua Ee, 27, of Doncaster, South Yorkshire, admitted the same offence for his role in handling the weapons and was jailed for 13 years and six months.

In February last year nearly 3,000 Turkish-made top-venting blank firearms (TVBFs) were surrendered in an amnesty organised by the NCA and National Police Chiefs Council.

Tests showed the firearms were readily convertible with common DIY tools without specialist skill and therefore illegal under the Firearms Act 1982.

Possession of one of the guns could result in a 10-year prison sentence.

A similar amnesty is currently underway for five types of Italian-made Bruni TVBFs.
The largest sewage spill in US history has swamped the Potomac River, creating major problems for the equity-focused DC Water company.

The six-foot-wide Potomac Interceptor sewer line in Montgomery County, Maryland collapsed back in January.

This resulted in nearly 300 million gallons of wastewater plaguing the river in just 10 days, contaminating the waterway that runs directly through Washington, DC.

Trump called it a 'massive ecological disaster,' as many have pointed fingers at DC Water and its CEO David Gadis, the spearhead behind the DEI initiatives at the company.

Gadis previously served for 20 years as Executive Vice President of Veolia North America, which recently paid a $53 million civil settlement for its role in contributing to the Flint water crisis.

After taking over DC Water in 2022, he said the company had been 'predominantly white male' in its executive ranks, while roughly 70 percent of its overall utility workforce consisted of people of color.

Since then, Gadis has said the executive team should 'look like' the workforce and the community it serves.

The companys executive ranks have grown more diverse, and hefty equity-focused programs have been rolled out.

David Gadis, CEO & General Manager of DC Water, speaks at a news conference offering an update on the Potomac Interceptor break

Workers walk along the Clara Barton Parkway during the repair of the Potomac Interceptor

Some speculate that the company should have prioritized infrastructure repairs over equity initiatives, as local residents are now bearing the brunt of the massive sewage spill.

DC Water tested the river and found E coli levels hundreds of times above EPA limits, turning the Potomac into a festering hazard, NBC reported.

The company warned residents to steer clear of the toxic waters, while Montgomery County Fire & Rescue in Maryland ordered first responders to treat any Potomac spill emergencies as 'Hazmat calls.'

Repair crews aim to restore the pipeline by mid-March, but full repairs could take nine to 10 months.

The sewage isnt the only toxic element - President Trump has blamed Democrats for the spill, saying the federal government will step in because Marylands response has been too slow.

Trump said it's Maryland Democratic Governor Wes Moore's fault that the Potomac River has turned 'the heart of Washington into a disaster zone.'

'I cannot allow incompetent Local 'Leadership' to turn the River in the Heart of Washington into a Disaster Zone,' he wrote on Truth Social.

'The Federal Government has no choice, but to step in. FEMA, which is currently being defunded by the Democrats, will play a key role in coordinating the response.'

Temporary pipes divert sewage into the C&O Canal in order to repair the Potomac Interceptor

A collapse along a sewage line in Montgomery, Maryland in January resulted in a spill of approximately 300 million gallons of wastewater into the River

President Donald Trump announced that FEMA authorities will take over DC sewage spill mitigation

This follows Trumps call for local authorities to lead disaster response, with the federal government providing only requested funding for relief and cleanup.

'For the last four weeks, the Trump Administration has failed to act, shirking its responsibility and putting people's health at risk,' Ammar Moussa, a spokesperson for Governor Moore, told the Daily Mail.

'The Potomac isn't a talking point, and the people of the region deserve serious leadership that meets the moment,' Moussa added.

The President has not spoken with Moore, rather the spat continues to be litigated through public statements and social media posts.

Marylands governors spokesperson called for federal intervention, but Trump placed the blame on the metro-area states, insisting, 'the federal government is not at all involved.'

'Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC, who are responsible for the massive sewage spill in the Potomac River, must get to work, IMMEDIATELY,' the president wrote in a follow-up post to Truth Social on Tuesday.

He demanded: 'If they can't do the job, they have to call me and ask, politely, to get it fixed... I am awaiting your call.'
This is the moment a determined woodpecker broke a Ring camera after spending 15 minutes attacking it.

Stephen Brough, 71, was surprised to see the bird pecking the Stick Up Cam outside his home in Tonbridge, Kent, when he tuned into the livestream recently.

He has since affectionately named the red-headed woodpecker Rambo, likely after the violent soldier played by US star Sylvester Stallone.

Footage of the adorable moment shows Rambo posing for a close up as he relentlessly pecks away at the camera - before it eventually breaks.

'He was attacking for approximately 10-15 minutes before he finally broke it,' Mr Brough said.

'I didn't think woodpeckers would be interested in anything other than a tree!'

He added that Rambo was far more persistent than any spider, wasp or moth that flocks to the lights of his high-mounted Ring cameras.

Stephen admitted he was initially upset, stating that the camera 'is really useful for seeing if I have visitors or deliveries.'

A determined woodpecker was spotted pecking at a Ring camera in adorable footage captured this week

After 15 minutes pecking away at the camera - the bird eventually managed to break it

Ring provided Stephen with a new camera to replace the one lost to the bird's antics, ensuring he can continue keeping an eye on his home.

According to The Wildlife Trust, Rambo's distinctive red head means that he is a 'great spotted woodpecker', often mistaken for their rare relative, the 'lesser spotted woodpecker'.

In comparison to other types of woodpeckers the great spotted are the best drummers by a long way, being able to beat their beaks against hollow branches or tree trunks at a stunning 40 hits per second.

Its larger, stronger bill, the strong black line leading onto the chest, and the white shoulder patch, amongst other features, all reveal it to be a great spot.
Gavin Newsom is facing fury over his latest comments attempting to appeal to black voters.

Newsom attended an event in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday to promote his memoir, Young Man in a Hurry, as speculation grows that he may run for president in 2028.

The California governor was asked about his lifelong struggle with dyslexia to which he responded: 'I'm not trying to impress you. I'm just trying to impress upon you. I'm like you. I'm no better than you.'

'You know, I'm a 960 SAT guy...you've never seen me read a speech because I cannot read - a speech.'

Rapper Nicki Minaj, an outspoken supporter of Donald Trump, responded to the clip by claiming Newsom was trying to appeal to black voters by telling 'them how stupid he is & that he cant read.'

Minaj then accused the governor of slowing down his speech by talking in a 'sporadic cadence.'

'Hes not just TELLING them that theyre all probably stupid & probably cant read, hes LITERALLY SLOW-ING-DOWN-HIS-SPEECH to make them understand the words that are coming out of his mouth!!!! As if theyre children!!!!'

Newsom's spokesperson responded right-wing outrage by telling the Daily Mail: 'First MAGA mocked his dyslexia and now theyre calling him racist for talking about his low SAT scores. This is fake MAGA-manufactured outrage.'

'The Governor has said this publicly for years  including with Charlie Kirk and dozens of other audiences. The same people who excused or ignored Trumps racist ape video can go f**k themselves.'

Gavin Newsom is facing backlash after claiming he struggles to read prepared speeches

Newsom's latest memoir traces his early political rise in California as the mayor of San Francisco

Rapper Nicki Minaj accused Newsom of trying to appeal to black voters by claiming he does not know how to read

Join the debate Did Newsom misjudge his audience with this remark?

Other conservative media personalities also piled on Newsom for sharing his difficulties reading.

'This clip will haunt him forever,' wrote former Fox News anchor Megyn Kelly.

Conservative firebrand Mark Levin claimed, 'If any Republican said what this moron Newscum said their political careers would be over. Lets see how the Democrats and their media react.'

Newsom is widely viewed as a leading contender for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2028, as the party searches for direction following defeat in 2024.

Prediction markets and early Democratic voter polling show Newsom leading the field of potential contenders, along with former Vice President Kamala Harris.

His latest memoir, Young Man in a Hurry, will be released on Tuesday. The governor's book tour has upcoming stops in major blue state, including California and New York.

The book traces Newsom's political rise in California as the mayor of San Francisco, while also providing candid account of his childhood.
Two fire engines were today spotted entering the Royal Family's Sandringham estate near to where Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is believed to be holed up after his arrest.

Fire crews with blue lights on scrambled to an entrance near Wood Farm, near the Norfolk village of Wolferton, where Andrew has been living since he was forced out of his 30-room Royal Lodge mansion in Windsor.

One was seen driving up the lane past Wolferton Church at around 12.25pm, with another response vehicle following behind. A second fire engine arrived shortly afterwards.

However, both fire engines left after around 10 minutes in a convoy with the fire response vehicle.

A spokesman for Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service told the Daily Mail: 'We were called to an address in Wolferton, which was to an automatic fire alarm activation, so this was a false alarm. Crews from Sandringham and Kings Lynn attended.'

Andrew was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office on Thursday, with police raiding his properties in Sandringham, Norfolk, and Windsor, Berkshire.

He is accused of sharing sensitive information with paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein while he was working as the UK's trade envoy.

He was released under investigation after 11 hours of questioning, with searches of his former Royal Lodge home continuing today.

Two fire engines were today spotted entering the Royal Family's Sandringham estate near to where Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is believed to be holing up after his arrest

Fire crews with blue lights on scrambled to an entrance near Wood Farm, where Andrew has been living since he was forced out of his 30-room Royal Lodge mansion in Windsor

Andrew photographed leaving Aylsham Police Station in Norfolk following his arrest on Thursday

Andrew has been holed up at Wood Farm since he was last pictured trying to hide in the back of a car after being released from custody on Thursday evening.

His security team has been seen driving around the village this morning but the former prince has not been spotted.

He has now been living at Wood Farm for three weeks and is expected to move to Marsh Farm in April after renovations are complete

It comes as Australia's Prime Minister has told Sir Keir Starmer he would back plans to remove Andrew from the line of royal succession. The ex-Duke of York is currently eighth in line to the throne, behind Prince William and his three children, George, Charlotte and Louis, and Prince Harry , and his two children, Archie and Lilibet.

In a letter to his UK counterpart, Australian PM Anthony Albanese wrote: 'In light of recent events concerning Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, I am writing to confirm that my government would agree to any proposal to remove him from the line of royal succession.

'I agree with His Majesty that the law must now take its full course and there must be a full, fair and proper investigation. These are grave allegations and Australians take them seriously.'

Asked about the letter, Sir Keir Starmer's official spokesman said: 'The Government has received the letter.

'We are considering whether further steps are required in relation to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and we are not ruling anything out.

'But given the ongoing police investigation it would not be appropriate for the Government to comment further at this stage.'

He added that Australia was the only one of the other 14 Commonwealth realms so far to have indicated it would support removing Andrew from the line of succession.

After Andrew's arrest, King 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'.

The Prince and Princess of Wales are said to support the King's unprecedented statement following the arrest of William's uncle Andrew at Sandringham on Thursday.

Police arrive to search Royal Lodge on Monday morning after Andrew was released under investigation

Andrew (centre) in Bahrain in 2014 in his role as a trade envoy, flanked by Prince Abdullah bin Hamad Al Khalifa (left) and Crown Prince and Bahraini Prime Minister Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa (right)

It comes as a retired civil servant today claimed Andrew charged taxpayers for massages while working as the UK's trade envoy.

The former member of staff, who worked in the UK's trade department in the early 2000s, said the disgraced royal successfully expensed the treatment as well as excessive travel costs during his time in the role between 2001 and 2011.

The civil servant alleged he was so annoyed by Andrew's request that he'd refused to pay for the massage, but was 'overruled' by senior staff.

'I thought it was wrong I'd said we mustn't pay it, but we ended up paying it anyway,' he told the BBC.

The Department for Business and Trade declined to comment on the claim. Andrew has always denied any personal gain from his role as trade envoy.

But a former senior Whitehall official, who oversaw finances, said he saw similar expenses for Andrew's trips, adding he had 'absolutely no doubt' about the massage claims.

Kemi Badenoch has said the Department for Business and Trade should open its files on Andrew if they relate to 'allegations of misconduct in public office'.

The Conservative leader, a former business secretary, was asked if she would support the department opening its files on Andrew, who served as trade envoy between 2001 and 2011.

She told the Press Association: 'I'm quite sure that the police will be asking for those files in due course. If they haven't already, there should be full transparency. As trade secretary, I know that the trade envoy rule is quite a low level role.

'Prince Andrew would have been given that because it could open doors, but if there is anything in these allegations of misconduct in public office, then all the files should be released and investigated.'

Mrs Badenoch was also asked if she supported calls from her Tory colleague Tom Tugendhat for a special parliamentary committee aimed at investigating Andrew and Lord Peter Mandelson's links to Epstein.

She said it was important to allow the police investigation into Andrew to 'run its course', and added: 'It is extraordinary that right now the King has allowed the law to run its course while the Prime Minister is not releasing any files.

'He sacked the cabinet secretary who was overseeing the release of the files. Parliament has a duty to make sure that the Government is held to account.

'We should not allow what's happening with Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor to distract from the fact that the Prime Minister himself has a lot of questions to answer.'
An NHS trust spent more than 600,000 defending a policy which saw female nurses share a changing room with a transgender woman.

County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust splurged 603,000 of taxpayer money on a legal battle against eight nurses who objected to trans nurse Rose Henderson using the single sex area.

Judges later ruled the trust 'violated the dignity' of the nurses who worked at Darlington Memorial Hospital, while bosses failed to address their concerns.

In a report to the trust's board, chief executive Steve Russell confirmed the six-figure cost of the litigation, and confirmed there would be no appeal to the findings.

Bethany Hutchison, one of the Darlington nurses who issues the complaint, branded the money spent at the expense of the taxpayer 'appalling'.

'No nurse should have to fight this hard for such a simple matter of dignity, privacy and safety,' she said.

'It is appalling to see more than 600,000 spent by County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust resisting something for years as basic as women having the right to get changed without a man present in the female staff changing rooms.'

Ms Hutchinson added: 'We come to work to care for patients, not to enter battles over whether female only spaces should remain female. To know that this enormous sum of public money has been spent resisting what should be common sense is deeply upsetting for those of us on the frontline.'

Darlington nurse Bethany Hutchinson (second left) branded the 603,000 spent at the expense of the taxpayer 'appalling'

In January, the tribunal ruled that bosses at the hospital created a 'hostile environment' for female nurses, for which the trust later apologised.

Allegations made by the nurses about Henderson's behaviour were dismissed and found to be 'not well founded'.

The tribunal concluded that allowing a biological male to use the female changing room violated the nurses' dignity.

It also found the Trust failed to maintain its obligations under the Equality Act and overlooked safeguarding concerns.

The panel stated: 'The policy of permitting biological males who identify as women to use a female changing room was not "lawful".'

After learning of the six-figure sum, Andrea Williams, Chief Executive of the Christian Legal Centre, said today: 'It is shocking and unacceptable that more than 600,000 of taxpayers' money has been spent by an NHS trust fighting its own nurses rather than listening to them.

'This sum represents not just a waste of public resources, but a deep moral failure in leadership.

'Instead of protecting the dignity, privacy and wellbeing of staff, the Trust poured vast funds into defending an unlawful policy that the tribunal found had violated nurses' dignity and created a hostile working environment.'

Helen Joyce, director of advocacy at sex-based rights charity Sex Matters, told The Telegraph: 'The outrageous sum of 600,000 spent by NHS Darlington Trust to defend its policy of allowing trans-identifying men into female changing rooms highlights the sheer, unjustifiable waste of public resources caused by trans ideology in workplaces all over the UK.'

NHS nurse Jennifer Melle (front centre), who was suspended after she referred to a transgender paedophile patient as 'Mr', was allowed to return to work today

Ms Melle addressed the sex offender patient who identifies as a women using a masculine title

Mr Russell said: 'We recognise the legal costs are a significant sum and understand the concern this will cause. The board is undertaking a review to ensure we capture and act on the learning.

'We will not be appealing the tribunal's decision and our focus now is on implementing the judgment outcome and ensuring we provide safe, supportive spaces for all our colleagues while delivering high-quality care for our patients.'

The revelation comes as NHS nurse Jennifer Melle, who was suspended after she referred to a transgender paedophile patient as 'Mr', was allowed to return to work today.

Ms Melle, 41, was forced out of St Helier Hospital in Carshalton, Surrey, in May 2024 after a 6ft male sex offender with a beard objected to the masculine title.

She had served as a nurse for 12 years before the incident, which saw the sex offender - known as Patient X - turn up chained to guards from a men's prison to receive treatment for a urinary infection.

As he was fitted with a catheter, he objected to being called 'Mr' and launched a torrent of racial abuse towards the nurse.

Ms Melle was transferred to another ward as investigations took place, before being handed a written warning in December 2024 following a disciplinary hearing.

The Trust later suspended the mother for nine months in April 2025 while investigating allegations she had publicly disclosed details of the incident.

Today, Ms Melle was able to return to hospital to work alongside her colleagues on the frontline.

She told the Express: 'While I am glad to be returning to work, I must be honest: this is not over.

'For nearly a year I have been suspended simply for telling the truth: that I was racially abused and physically threatened after using biologically accurate language to refer to a male patient. I was treated as the criminal.'

The Daily Mail has contacted County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust for comment.
A Labour minister is now being probed by Sir Keir Starmer's ethics tsar over their alleged role in a 'smear campaign' targeting journalists.

Josh Simons, the Cabinet Office minister, will be investigated by Sir Laurie Magnus, who is the Prime Minister's independent adviser on ministerial standards.

The inquiry by Sir Laurie was announced on Monday only hours after Downing Street said Sir Keir continues to have full confidence in Mr Simons.

Mr Simons, who is also Labour MP for Makerfield, is facing questions over his time in charge of the Labour Together think tank between 2022 and 2024.

The group, which helped Sir Keir get elected as Labour leader, is said to have hired a PR firm to investigate journalists reporting on its funding.

APCO Worldwide is reported to have been paid 36,000 to examine the personal, political and religious 'backgrounds and motivations' of reporters in 2023.

The investigation is said to have taken place after stories were published about Labour Together's failure to declare more than 700,000 in donations.

A 58-page dossier by APCO is reported to have included pages of deeply personal and false claims about Sunday Times' Whitehall editor Gabriel Pogrund.

Darren Jones, the Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister, on Monday told the House of Commons that Sir Keir had asked Sir Laurie to investigate Mr Simons following the conclusion of a fact-finding exercise by the Cabinet Office's propriety and ethics team (PET).

The PM will 'make a judgement' about Mr Simons' future once he has received advice from Sir Laurie, Mr Jones said. He told MPs the advice from Sir Laurie will 'happen very soon'.

A Labour minister is now being probed by Sir Keir Starmer's ethics tsar over their alleged role in a 'smear campaign' targeting journalists

Josh Simons (pictured), the Cabinet Office minister, will be investigated by Sir Laurie Magnus, who is the Prime Minister's independent adviser on ministerial standards

Senior Tory MP Alex Burghart, the shadow chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, said it was 'difficult to see' Mr Simons' position is tenable.

'This looks to all intents and purposes like a deliberate attempt to smear and intimidate journalists whose only crime had been to report that Labour Together had broken electoral law,' he said of the allegations against Mr Simons.

Mr Simons was earlier reported to have accidentally messaged details of his case to a WhatsApp group of Labour MPs.

In an apparent reference to Labour Chief Whip Jonathan Reynolds, he is said to have written: 'Jonny rang, PM will ask Laurie to look in to it. Aim is to move fast. But PET did find I had not broken the code.'

Mr Simons, a strong ally of Sir Keir, has previously said it was 'nonsense' to claim he wanted to investigate journalists.

He also claimed to be 'surprised and shocked' by APCO's decision to include 'unnecessary information' on Mr Pogrund, as it had 'extended beyond the contract'.

But leaked details of the contract confirmed APCO was asked to investigate the 'sourcing, funding and origins' of a newspaper article about Labour Together's donations.

In a confirmation letter to Mr Simons, the firm promised to 'provide a body of evidence that could be packaged up for use in the media'.

It has also been claimed that Mr Simons passed the findings of the inquiry to the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), suggesting that it investigate whether Labour Together had been targeted by a Russian operation to undermine Sir Keir.

A spokesperson for Mr Simons denied the allegations. 'These claims are untrue,' they said.

The claims have piled pressure on Mr Simons, who is facing calls to resign.

More than 20 Labour MPs had written to the PM and Hollie Ridley, Labour's general secretary, to demand an independent investigation into Labour Together's actions.

In a letter seen by the Telegraph, the MPs said: 'We note concerns that any investigation led or overseen by Government departments containing individuals with past or present links to Labour Together risks undermining public trust, regardless of eventual findings.

'Even the perception of partiality can cause lasting damage to confidence in our democratic institutions.'

They added: 'At a time when trust in politics remains fragile, it is imperative that these allegations are addressed in a manner that upholds the highest standards of integrity and accountability.'

Rachael Maskell, the Labour MP for York Central and a signatory to the letter, said: 'It is vital that we defend the freedom of journalists and I am appalled that Labour Together sought to undermine them.

'Only an independent inquiry could instil confidence. I want integrity and transparency at the heart of politics so the Cabinet Office cannot investigate Labour Together when its former director remains a minister in the Cabinet Office.'

The PM's official spokesman said: 'Journalism and the free press are fundamental to any democracy and any reporters must be able to do their jobs without fear of favour.

'It's right that there's an internal process led by officials in the PET team to establish the facts of the matter.'

Asked if Sir Keir continued to have full confidence in Mr Simons, the PM's spokesman replied: 'Yes.'

Labour Together was fined 14,250 in September 2021 over late reporting of donations, totalling 730,000 between 2017 and 2020, after referring itself to the Electoral Commission.

APCO has said it is undertaking a 'detailed internal review of the project'.
Donald Trump dramatically paused solemn remarks at the White House with an unusual comment.

The president was honoring the families of victims killed at the hands of illegal immigrants, including 22-year-old nursing student Laken Riley and others.

But he abruptly changed course when he spotted one of the angel family mothers in the crowd wearing glasses.

It was Patty Morin, the mother of Rachel Morin, 37, who was raped and murdered by El Salvadoran illegal immigrant Victor Martinez-Hernandez, 24, while she was hiking in Bel Air, Maryland in 2023.

'Are your eyes OK?' Trump questioned as he looked at the crowd of angel families gathered at the White House on Monday.

'I gave her money to get her eyes fixed. A lot of money to get her eyes fixed,' Trump explained to those who didn't already know. 'That doctor ripped me off, but that's OK.'

Morin said that she was having surgery on Wednesday.

'Well, you get them done,' Trump instructed. 'She's almost blind  cataracts.'

Donald Trump interrupted his own remarks during an event with angel families on Monday, February 23, 2026 to have a conversation with one mother who he said he gave money for a cataracts correction operation

Trump said that gave Patty Morin (pictured), the mother of a woman killed by an illegal immigrant, money to get eye surgery

'I hope you have a good doctor. He's an expensive doctor, top of the line,' he added, saying he was surprised she was still wearing glasses after he gave her money for the surgery.

It came after Trump stopped himself from continuing to talk about how New York City volunteer snow-shovelers needed government ID as he complained that the state doesn't require voters to do the same.

'It's so crazy, you know the mayor of New York  and he's a very nice person, I met him  but his ideology's not too good. But we're having a massive snow storm right now. And I've heard that he's asked people to come out and shovel the snow,' Trump rambled.

'Ok, so you get a shovel and you start shoveling, right? What the hell, you're not going to help too much, but you can help and  hello darling, how are you?' he said, abruptly interrupted his tangent.

'No, right behind you. Look, my friend, right? Are you OK? Yes, you. Are you OK?' he said beginning an exchange with Morin.

It wasn't the only time his remarks went off topic.

The president also compared himself to those he says are the most consequential presidents, including John F. Kennedy and Abraham Lincoln, both of whom were assassinated.

Trump welcomed angel families onto the stage as a he signed the National Angel Family Day Proclamation

'They only go after consequential [presidents],' Trump realized. 'So maybe I want to be a little bit less consequential. Can we hold it back a little bit?'

'Let's be a normal president for a little while,' he added.

Later in his remarks at the White House on Monday, Trump said: 'I don't know how long I'll be around. Got a lot of people gunning for me, don't I?'

It comes after an armed man was shot and killed by authorities when he raised a shotgun after breaching the security perimeter at Trump's Mar-a-Lago club over the weekend.

Trump was not in Florida at the time of the incident and was instead spending a rare weekend in Washington, DC.
Donald Trump, outraged with the Supreme Court's decision to strike down his tariff plan, is worried that the Court will strike down his pending birthright citizenship case to benefit China.

'Our incompetent Supreme Court did a great job for the wrong people,' the President ranted on Truth Social.

He added the conservative justices who voted against him should 'be ashamed of themselves.'

The justices struck down most of the President's sprawling tariff regime on Friday, ruling 6-3 that Trump's invoking of an emergency act to implement levies was illegal.

The court's rejection comes despite the President having the benefit of a conservative majority. He appointed three Supreme Court Justices in his first term - Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett.

Despite the Court's 6-3 rightward lean, Gorsuch and Barrett ruled against the President on Friday, while Kavanaugh penned the dissent.

The move may force the White House to repay the $175 billion in revenues it received from the plan. It also effectively halts the administration's plans to send 'Trump checks' to citizens using tariff revenue.

'The next thing you know, they will rule in favor of China and others, who are making an absolute fortune on birthright citizenship,' the president's post continued.

President Donald Trump has expressed concern that the Supreme Court will rule against his birthright citizenship executive order after striking down most of his tariff plans

The Supreme Court took up the president's birthright citizenship case in December

'But this Supreme Court will find a way to come to the wrong conclusion, one that again will make China, and various other nations, happy and rich.'

Trump signed an executive order ending birthright citizenship in the US last year. It has been tied up in the courts ever since, and the Supreme Court is set to rule on the legality of his order in the coming weeks.

The president posted repeatedly about the Supreme Court and its tariff decision on Monday, sending veiled threats to US trading partners, some of the justices, and to Congress.

'Any Country that wants to play games with the ridiculous Supreme Court decision, especially those that have Ripped Off the U.S.A. for years, and even decades, will be met with a much higher Tariff, and worse, than that which they just recently agreed to. BUYER BEWARE!!!' the Republican wrote in another Truth Social post.

In a third post, the president stated he does 'not have to go back to Congress to get approval' for tariffs, claiming that the latest Supreme Court decision 'reaffirmed' that he does not need to consult Congress to restart his tariff regime.

On Saturday, Trump took to Truth Social to announce a new global 15 percent tariff in the wake of the Supreme Court decision.

The following day, US Trade Representative Jameison Greer told ABC's 'This Week' that the administration has already found ways to 'reconstruct' the administration's tariff plans.

'The legal tool to implement it - that might change, but the policy hasn't changed,' Greer said.

President Trump held a press conference on Friday to address the Supreme Court's decision

Though the Supreme Court overruled Trump's use of varying tariffs, the president is still able to implement tariffs using other vehicles.

Last week, the president invoked Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 in order to impose his 15 percent global tariff rate.

However, the tariffs will expire after 150 years without Congressional approval.

Democrats in Congress are already angling to stop the president from kick-starting his tariff plan again.

'Trumps illegal tax scheme has already done lasting damage to American families, small businesses and manufacturers who have been hammered by wave after wave of new Trump tariffs,' Senator Ron Wyden, the top Democrat on the Senate Finance Committee, wrote in a statement.

'Senate Democrats will continue fighting to rein in Donald Trumps price-hiking trade and economic policies. A crucial first step is helping people who need it most, by putting money back in the pockets of small businesses and manufacturers as soon as possible,' he continued.
A former techno DJ who sold counterfeit aircraft engine parts to major airlines, causing planes to be grounded and costing companies more than 39 million, has been jailed.

Jose Alejandro Zamora Yrala, 38, admitted to forging more than 60,000 authenticity certificates for engine parts on his home computer between 2019 and 2023.

Faulty parts were sold from his garage to major airlines, including Tui and Ryanair, and were fitted into the world's most widely used passenger engine, the CFM56.

In August 2023, planes around the world were grounded after aviation agencies from the UK, United States and the European Union issued safety alerts to airlines that may have purchased or installed the parts from his company, AOG Technics.

Zamora Yrala had worked in the aviation industry from 2011 and set up AOG in 2015 as the sole director, having reportedly previously been a techno DJ.

The Venezuelan was operating out of his garage in Virginia Water in Surrey, where he was buying engine blades, bolts and washers before selling them on to major companies with fraudulent authorised release certificates (ARCs).

Zamora Yrala, who also has British citizenship, admitted a single count of fraudulent trading last December.

At Southwark Crown Court today, he was jailed for four years and eight months.

Jose Alejandro Zamora Yrala, 38, has been jailed for defrauding airlines while operating UK-based AOG Technics between January 2019 and December 2023

Zamora Yrala was told his 'audacious fraud' threatened trust in the aviation industry and 'risked public safety on a global scale', the Serious Fraud Office said.

Ethiopian Airlines and American Airlines were two of the largest companies which either bought parts or ended up with parts sold by AOG.

Faras Baloch, prosecuting, said: 'The fraud led to a loss of trust in the airline industry as a whole.

'Over a period of around four-and-a-half years, Zamora Yrala defrauded customers and potential customers of AOG Technics Ltd by falsifying documentation regarding the origin, provenance, condition, and status of aircraft engine parts the company had supplied or attempted to supply.

'Many of these parts were used in or intended for use in the CFM56, the leading engine in commercial aircraft, which powers Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 planes.

'In total, AOG sold 5,627 individual parts with false documentation to Ethiopian Airlines for approximately 1.1 million, including seals, bushings, vanes, bolts, and washers,' said Mr Baloch.

The world's largest airline, American Airlines, did not buy directly from AOG, but still found the unapproved parts in 28 of its engines, causing the company losses of more than 21 million.

Ethiopian Airlines, purchased parts worth 1.4m, while Aero Norway, suffered 1.78m in losses due to the forged documents supplied by AOG, the court heard.

The Venezuelan was operating out of his garage in Virginia Water in Surrey, where he was buying engine blades, bolts and washers before selling them on to major companies with fraudulent certificates

The offences resulted in more than 60,000 suspect engine parts entering the global aviation supply chain.

In total, the faulty parts cost airlines across the world 39.3 million.

Mr Baloch said that the true figure could be much larger as it 'does not include losses incurred by airlines and other aviation companies from whom statements and reports have not been obtained, nor does it include the loss of future business to companies supplied with parts accompanied by false documents'.

Zamora Yrala had worked in the aviation industry since 2011, and set up AOG in February 2015 as its sole director and shareholder.

The court heard that the number of AOG employees was 'unclear' as only four people were ever listed on the payroll.

Those listed included Zamora Yrala, his then wife, her brother and the family's nanny.

However, clients received emails from AOG employees named 'Michael Smith' and 'Johnny Rico'.

Mr Baloch said there was 'no record of individuals with these names ever having been paid by AOG, casting doubt on their existence'.

The former techno DJ sold almost 7 million worth of counterfeit aircraft engine parts from his home garage to major airlines

ARCs are required by aviation authorities to prove the quality and age of a product.

The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) found that Zamora Yrala used French company Safran Aerosystems on thousands of authenticity certificates, even though it never sold parts to him.

During the period between 2019 and 2023, 90 per cent of AOG's revenue relied on the forged documents, the court heard.

Mr Baloch said: 'AOG was an aircraft parts broker: it bought and sold aircraft parts, primarily CFM56 engine parts manufactured by CFM International (CFMI), a joint venture between the French company Safran Aircraft Engines (Safran) and America's GE Aerospace (GE).

'The parts sold by AOG included nuts, bolts, bushings, seals, washers, dampers, and blades for CFM56 engines.

'AOG's customers included airlines, maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) companies and other aircraft brokers.

'This meant that parts sold by AOG could ultimately be used in the aircraft of airlines that were not AOG's direct customers.'

'Zamora Yrala identified and exploited the trust that purchasers of aircraft parts placed in the certificates and other documents they received.

'He created false ARCs issued in accordance with EU, US, UK, Singaporean and Chinese regulations, which were almost indistinguishable from genuine certificates.'

The world's largest airline, American Airlines, found the unapproved parts in 28 of its engines, causing the company losses of more than 21 million.

Zamora Yrala was finally caught when a bolt supplied to the Portuguese Airline TAP from his company would not fit on an engine, the SFO said.

This led to an investigation into the ARC documents, which found they were made fraudulently.

The discovery then led to the grounding of planes across the world on August 4, 2023, causing travel chaos.

Zamora Yrala's home was searched on December 6 2023.

He provided a statement at the time, which read: 'AOG Technics Ltd sometimes (but not always) sold aircraft parts as parts manufactured by Original Equipment Manufacturers when that was not the case.'

He also admitted responsibility for the falsified certificates.

If the faulty part had not been flagged, it is unclear when Zamora Yrala's offending may have been stopped.

Small broker companies dealing in aviation parts are relatively common, as the demand for specific parts at specific times can turn a significant profit.

A Portuguese investigation into others involved in the offending is ongoing and three people are in custody.

Ethiopian Airlines purchased parts worth 1.4m from Zamora Yrala's company

Mr Baloch explained how Zamora Yrala was able to forge ARCs, by 'giving a false impression of the origin and condition of the parts he sold or offered for sale.

He said: 'Some of the ARCs that Zamora Yrala falsified were genuine ARCs sourced from an employee of the Portuguese Airline TAP, Goncalo Nuno Trinchante, a "preparation, planning, and procurement technician" working in logistics at TAP Maintenance and Engineering.

'During this period, Trinchante sent copies of around 140 apparently genuine ARCs to Zamora Yrala, who altered some of the details and sent them to AOG's customers with parts of unverified origin.'

Zamora Yrala also began creating his own certificates, helped by a Spanish graphic designer, who sent him two different 'font' files for him to install to open 'editable' PDFs.

He then used them to falsify memos of shipment.

'Zamora Yrala was also assisted by Joao Almeida between December 2020 and March 2022,' said the prosecutor.

He added: 'In Skype messages sent between Zamora Yrala and Almeida, they discussed forging documents.

On 7 December 2020, Almeida messaged: 'I created a cert for one of the breakers but the font isn't great. Do you think you could help me edit it?'

Zamora Yrala replied: 'absolutely I'll help you.'

Nick Ephgrave, director of the SFO, earlier said: 'Planes were grounded, and significant disruption was caused, today's charges are the outcome of a focused and fast-paced investigation.

'I'm proud that we've acted swiftly, together with our European partners, to bring this important case to charge in just 19 months.'

Emma Luxton, Director of Operations at the Serious Fraud Office, earlier said: 'This significant and audacious fraud threatened trust in the aviation industry and risked public safety on a global scale.

'I'm extremely proud that we've acted swiftly to secure this conviction and wish to thank law enforcement partners in Portugal for their speedy and critical assistance.'

A UK CAA spokesperson said: 'We welcome the progress made by the Serious Fraud Office in its investigation into AOG Technics.

'In August 2023, we acted swiftly to alert UK aviation organisations to the potential supply of unapproved parts and worked closely with international regulators to safeguard aviation safety. We continue to support the SFO and remain committed to upholding the highest safety standards.'

Mr Justice Picken told Zamora Yrala: 'The total loss is put at 39.3m. It follows there are likely to have been further losses than those identified by the SFO.'

'The bulk of the losses are attributed to American Airlines, the largest airline in the world.

'You exploited the trust that purchasers of airplane parts placed in these certificates.

'Your offending entailed fraudulent activity over a sustained period. There were a large number of victims. The losses were clearly considerable.

'Some of the victims in this case suffered reputational damage and a loss of established customers.'

The judge added: 'You gave the impression to outsiders that AOG was a much more substantial company than it was. What you did was reckless at best and utterly inexcusable.'

He said the Venezuelan fraudster's offences 'completely undermined the framework of the system designed to protect millions of people.'

Zamora Yrala was jailed for four years and eight months and disqualified from acting as a company director for eight years.
For help and support contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline on 988

A married Texas congressman pestered his aide for sexy photos and quizzed her about her favorite sex positions - before she burned herself to death after their alleged affair ended.

Text messages obtained by the Daily Mail reveal an explicit late-night exchange between US Representative Tony Gonzales and Regina Aviles in May 2024 - 16 months before she died by suicide.

In a text sent at 12.15am, the father of six wrote: 'Send me a sexy pic.'

Aviles, then-director of his regional district office in Uvalde, replied that she'd had a rough week and 'you don't really want a hot picture of me.'

The texts became increasingly pushy. 'Yes I do,' Gonzales replied, adding, 'Hurry.'

'No, I just don't like taking pictures of myself,' Aviles responded a few minutes later.

'I'm just such a visual person,' Gonzales persisted.

The congressman went on to ask Aviles about her favorite sexual positions, including a crass one-word message: 'A***?'

Regina Aviles died after setting herself on fire in September 2025 - more than a year after her alleged affair was exposed by her husband

Text messages obtained by the Daily Mail reveal a sexually explicit late-night exchange between Representative Tony Gonzales and Aviles in May 2024, 16 months before her suicide

'Never,' Aviles responded. Twice, she warned him he was going 'too far.' The texts went on until 1am.

Their alleged affair was exposed by Aviles's husband, Adrian, in June 2024 and first reported by the Daily Mail in October 2025, weeks after her death.

In a cringe-inducing group text sent by Mr Aviles to Gonzales's staffers, the angry spouse revealed he was divorcing his wife after finding out about their romantic relationship:

'Just a heads up this is Adriana Aviles, Reginas [sic] soon to be ex husband I just wanted to inform all of you that we will be getting a divorced [sic] after my discovery of text messages and pictures that she's been having an affair on me with your boss Tony Gonzales for some time now, Feel [sic] free to reach out if you want more of an explanation.'

Gonzales denied the relationship in November 2025, suggesting the Daily Mail's reporting was 'untruthful.' He has since accused her ex-husband of trying to blackmail him.

Mr Aviles tried to negotiate a confidential settlement with the congressman over the affair and his wife's death before going public.

The newly unearthed messages were extracted from Aviles's cellphone by a forensic team working with her husband's legal team.

Representatives for Gonzales did not immediately respond to the Daily Mail's request for comment.

The lawmaker is seeking a fourth House term and faces a closely contested primary on March 3. Early voting has been underway since February 17.

Gonzales (left) and Aviles (right) with Elon Musk in Texas in September 2023

Aviles was the mother of an eight-year-old boy and reportedly suffered from spiraling depression

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The relationship may have been in breach of US House ethics rules that bar romantic relations with staff members. Gonzales has been under federal investigation over the alleged affair since last year, according to Aviles's ex-husband.

The 35-year-old killed herself in September 2025 by dousing herself in gasoline and setting herself on fire in her backyard.

She had an eight-year-old boy and reportedly suffered from spiraling depression after her affair with Gonzales ended and her husband moved out.

In the May 2024 text exchange, Gonzales also admitted finding her 'hot' long before their affair began.

'Please tell me you didn't just hire me because I was hot,' she said.

In another message, she urged him to go to sleep and questioned whether he was drunk.

Further texts obtained by the San Antonio Express-News reportedly show that despite Aviles's hesitation, she arranged to meet Gonzales two days later while he campaigned in the Uvalde area.

According to the newspaper, Gonzales texted that it 'will be lots of fun,' adding that they should be at the agreed location 'at check-in time.'

Gonzales, with his wife and six children, presented himself as a family man

Aviles's husband, Adrian, found out about his wife's relationship in June 2024

When the Daily Mail first approached Gonzales about the alleged affair in September, he did not deny it.

Then, in November, he claimed: 'The rumors are completely untruthful. I am generally untrusting of these outlets.'

Gonzales regularly granted interviews to the Daily Mail until we started reporting on his relationship with Aviles.

The romantic relationship allegedly began in 2022, former staffers told this publication anonymously for fear of retaliation.

Mr Aviles believes Gonzales made the first move and was rebuffed by his wife, who felt pressured to lean in due to his influence.

After the alleged affair became public in Gonzales's office, the congressman stopped talking to Aviles but did not fire her.

Instead, she was told to take a paid month off work and was gradually blacklisted upon her return, losing increasing responsibilities, her husband said.

Mr Aviles revealed that she was 'spiraling.' The couple could not reconcile and he moved out with their son.

For help and support contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline on 988
A British Airways cabin crew member who was sacked after being accused of masturbating in the crew rest area was unfairly dismissed, a tribunal has ruled.

Okan Dalkiran was arrested aboard a flight in August 2023 after a female colleague reported seeing him masturbating in a Heathrow Airport 'rest centre'.

The pair had been sleeping in beds next to each other in the bunking room when the woman heard a 'loud clapping sound' from Mr Dalkiran's bed and looked over to see the sheets pulled up to his waist.

She alleged that the cabin crew member had been peering through the bed dividers at her, and reported him.

Mr Dalkiran was arrested two weeks later in front of customers at Heathrow - and ultimately fired.

However, a criminal court found him not guilty. He has since taken the case to an employment tribunal, which found he had been unfairly dismissed because there was not sufficient evidence to believe the allegation.

Mr Dalkiran and the woman who complained had been staying in a large open-plan bunking room in Heathrow Airport when the incident was said to have occurred.

After spotting Mr Dalkiran allegedly pleasuring himself, the woman left the room and met a colleague just outside.

Okan Dalkiran was arrested aboard a flight in August 2023 after a female colleague reported seeing him masturbating

She told her colleague what she had seen and he said he had not seen it. They went back inside and found Mr Dalkiran asleep so she moved beds.

She texted a friend about 10 minutes later telling her what she alleged to have spotted, and the next day reported the incident to a manager and an investigation began.

After being led through the airport in handcuffs, the BA worker was subsequently charged by police with intending to cause alarm and distress.

He was told by his employer that he was accused of a breach of dignity at work for being arrested in front of customers at Heathrow.

Mr Dalkiran had a meeting at work later that month where he told the investigating manager: 'I do not know who [X] is, it's possible it happened there but it wasn't me.'

He added that he had even been a part of an identity parade - where X had not picked him out.

Mr Dalkiran informed BA that his trial would be at Uxbridge Magistrates on November 20, 2023, but BA did not send anyone to observe or note the hearing.

He was found not guilty, after Magistrates took into account the body-worn camera footage of the location, the lighting, and that the partitions had blankets covering and therefore restricted visibility.

Mr Dalkiran was found not guilty of intending to cause alarm and distress at Uxbridge Magistrates' Court

They also took into account that there were others in the room who did not see or hear what X said he did.

They gave a not guilty verdict on the basis of 'beyond reasonable doubt' - whereas BA's own procedures went by the 'balance of probabilities'.

The disciplinary manager concluded that she believed X because, 'what she witnessed had affected her and she had messaged her friend at the time'.

She said that she believed X more than she did Mr Dalkiran 'based on everything that has been investigated and presented to her'. She concluded that what X said happened did occur.

She also said that being escorted in BA uniform and placed in a police transport 'would have been likely to draw the attention of customers in a negative light'.

Mr Dalkiran was fired on April 9, 2024, and his two subsequent appeals both upheld his dismissal.

The crew member took his former employer to an Employment Tribunal in Watford, where Employment Judge Sally Cowen said that the investigation had wrongly 'relied on the fact that X seemed upset' as evidence.

The claim of unfair dismissal was upheld, with compensation to be set at a later date.

Judge Cowen said: 'The issue in this case is whether [BA] had reasonable grounds based on a reasonable investigation to determine that [Mr Dalkiran] was guilty of the allegations.

'They also knew that she had not been believed at the Magistrates court - as [Mr Dalkiran] had told them so. They knew that no one else in the room had heard/seen anything.

'They knew that the lighting in the room was quite dark and conducive to rest/sleep.

'The stewardess [the investigator] outcome letter makes it clear... that she relied on the fact that X seemed to be upset about it. She believed this indicated credibility. This is not sufficient to reason on its own to find that X should be believed.

'She failed to test the credibility of X's version of events. She failed to obtain any details from the Magistrates court in order to investigate whether what was being said by [Mr Dalkiran] was accurate.'

The employment judge found that the stewardess had not properly tested the evidence before her before accepting it.

She continued: 'In relation to the allegation of reputational damage, the stewardess did not base her conclusion on the evidence before her.

'She did not mention that there were no passengers on the plane when [Mr Dalkiran] was approached by the police. Nor that he was not handcuffed and led away [from the plane]. Nor the location of where he was searched or put into a police van.

'The decision on this point appeared to rather lead on from her views about [Mr Dalkiran's] guilt, rather than looking at the evidence and circumstances.

'The Tribunal therefore concluded that [Mr Dalkiran] had been unfairly dismissed as the belief of the stewardess was not reasonable and her decision was unsafe. The further appeal processes have not rectified those mistakes.'
A schoolboy who idolised the Nazis and Adolf Hitler from childhood has been found guilty of terrorism offences.

The 16-year-old, who cannot be named because of his age, posed in a Nazi cap and wearing a moustache resembling Hitlers when he was just nine and by 15 had amassed an arsenal of weapons at the remote cottage he shared with his geologist father in Northumberland.

After he joined a proscribed neo-Nazi group online, the property was raided by counter-terror police on February 20 last year and officers found a crossbow, five knives, two military tactical vests, military webbing, military helmets, two skull masks and a German camouflaged military jacket in the boys bedroom.

The room was also decorated with white supremacist paraphernalia including a flag of Rhodesia and a Nazi SS officer's cap.

An air shotgun hanging on the wall had the words 'natural selection' and 'George Floyd' scrawled on the barrel, in reference to the black man murdered by a white police officer in Minneapolis in 2020.

When the boys devices were analysed, a video on his laptop showed a male wearing a skull mask, hat and goggles and holding a rifle.

At his trial at Leeds Crown Court, prosecutors said the teenager was filled with hate and racism.

This led him to join neo-Nazi paramilitary hate group The Base which encouraged its followers to ignite a race war, the court heard.

He was also said to have researched a synagogue in Newcastle as the potential target of a far-right terror attack.

However giving evidence, the boy, who was often emotional and had to take regular breaks, told jurors that he was only playing a character online because he was bullied at school and wanted to fit in with others sharing incendiary material.

He said he had an interest in history and the military from a young age and would 'play at being a soldier' and later began to collect 'military memorabilia.'

The teenager, now 16, has been convicted of possessing and sharing terrorist documents relating to banned neo-Nazi group 'The Base'

A video downloaded from the boy's laptop showed a figure holding a rifle and wearing a skeleton mask

Earlier this month, he was unanimously convicted of membership of a proscribed terrorist organisation as well as possessing and sharing terrorist documents.

This related to the boy placing posters around a Northumberland town saying: Save your race, join The Base.

The jury was unable to reach a verdict on the most serious charge of preparing acts of terrorism.

At a hearing today, the Crown Prosecution Service confirmed it would not be seeking a retrial and lifted reporting restrictions which had prevented reporting of his convictions.

The boy, who attended the hearing via video-link, will be sentenced next month.

The youths trial heard he had become obsessed with mass killers and had downloaded a list of the equipment used by Brenton Tarrant, who killed 51 people at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand in 2019.

Opening the case to the jury, prosecutor Michelle Heeley KC said: 'He believed in a race war, in white supremacy and he planned to carry out acts of terrorism in furtherance of his beliefs.'

Jurors were shown a diary belonging to the teen in which he described how he was bullied at school and hated by female pupils.

In one entry, written on January 30 2023, when he was aged 13, the boy wrote: 'I swear to God I hate my f**king school.

'I want to do horrible things to the people in my school. They are just stupid, loud and just overall obnoxious npcs [non-playing characters]. Some of them should be shot.'

He went on to list a 'Mass Murder Ranking' topped by Anders Breivik who killed 77 people in Norway, writing: 'Ultimately he the best he killed the most amount of people to get his point across to people in the world.'

Jurors were shown images taken by police of the boy's bedroom, where weapons and far-right memorabilia were on display

A Nazi SS officer's cap was found in the boy's bedroom, described as his 'sanctuary' and shown to the court

Second on the list were Columbine High School shooters Dylan Klebold and Eric Harris, who killed 14 people.

The court heard the teen never watched television and instead spent his time after school in the sanctuary of his bedroom on the internet, watching YouTube videos and playing a computer game called Counter-Strike, in which players can pretend to be terrorists.

But describing his online conversations, the teenager told the jury he was simply engaging in online roleplay.

I felt like I was getting addicted a bit, he said. It didnt feel like real life, it was a completely different world. I didn't really know how to stop. It felt exciting.

The trial heard that the boys hatred escalated rapidly and he was in conversations on the encrypted Telegram messaging app with a Russian claiming to be the leader of The Base.

He would film himself making Nazi salutes, firing a crossbow purchased for him by his mother and told the Russian user that he hated keyboard warriors and wanted to see real action in the hope of returning to a small, agricultural society with traditional values of race and family.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, one neighbour in the schoolboys rural village, where shooting and outdoor pursuits are commonplace, said there were few young people in the area and talking online would have provided the youth with an escape.

You can see how the situation might have developed purely because of the area we live in, he said.

I can see kids in their bedrooms being led on because there is nothing else to do. Was he getting carried away like you might do in a game, when you are shooting the world up?
Sleepover killer Damien Bendall has been jailed for life for a second time after launching a frenzied claw hammer attack on a fellow prisoner inside a maximum-security jail.

The quadruple murderer - already condemned to die behind bars for slaughtering his pregnant girlfriend and three children in a sickening bedtime massacre - smashed his victim over the head with the workshop tool at HMP Frankland in County Durham.

The former cage fighter, 36, was jailed for life with no prospect of parole following the 'truly evil' murders and rape of his daughter in Killamarsh, Derbyshire, in September 2021.

Today, he was handed another life sentence after admitting attempting to murder prisoner Michael Mullaney in what was described by a judge as an 'act of extreme violence'.

Teesside Crown Court heard how Bendall struck Mullaney four times 'with full force' with a claw hammer in the prison workshop, with the blows causing skull fractures and internal bleeding.

Judge Francis Laird, KC, the Recorder of Middlesbrough, said Bendall carried out the 'premeditated and planned' attack in a plot to engineer a transfer to the prison's segregation unit.

He said Bendall would serve life with a minimum term of 15 years before he could be considered for parole.

However, he added: 'Because of the whole-life term you are currently serving, in all likelihood you will never be released from custody.'

Damien Bendall has been jailed for life with a minimum term of 15 years for attempting to murder an inmate in prison

Lacey Bennett with her brother John Paul Bennett and their mother Terri Harris. They were murdered by Bendall in 2021

Laceys friend Connie Gent, 11, was also murdered by Bendall at the house

The court heard that Bendall had been on 'friendly terms' with Mullaney at HMP Frankland when he launched the 'ferocious' and 'unprovoked' attack in May 2024.

Prison officers feared Mullaney had been instantly killed, with blood pouring across the workshop floor.

Judge Laird said: 'You approached him, carrying a concealed hammer.

'Without any provocation or warning, you struck Michael Mullaney to the head with the hammer.

'It was a full force blow and it struck his head from behind. The blow rendered him unconscious and he slumped down.

'You then struck another three forceful blows with the hammer to his head.'

After restraining and handcuffing Bendall, a prison officer asked him why he had carried out the attack. Bendall replied: 'I don't know.'

Mullaney was taken to the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle, where he remained under observation for four nights.

In a statement read to the court, he said he was 'in shock' at being attacked by someone he had 'considered a friend' and was left 'fearful of further attacks'.

Bendall, who appeared in court by video-link from the segregation unit at HMP Wakefield, later claimed he carried out the assault in a calculated bid to be moved into an isolation unit and avoid mixing with other inmates.

His barrister, Vanessa Marshall, KC, said: 'He made a decision to commit the offence so that he could engineer a transfer to the segregation unit of the prison.'

'One thing that Mr Bendall would like me to express is that he held no contempt from Mr Mullaney despite what he did. They were friends and he wanted to convey his regret and apologies.'

Chandos Crescent in Killamarsh, Derbyshire, where the bodies of John Paul, Lacey, their mother Terri Harris and Lacey's friend Connie Gent were discovered

Bendall was handed a whole-life tariff at Derby Crown Court in December 2022 for the murders of his partner Terri Harris, 35, her son John Paul Bennett, 13, her daughter Lacey Bennett, 11, and Lacey's friend Connie Gent, also 11, who had been staying for a sleepover.

The violent psychopath went room to room bludgeoning each victim with a claw hammer and raped Lacey as she lay dying.

After the killings, Bendall took John Paul's Xbox and exchanged it for drugs before calling 999 to confess.

Bodycam footage later captured him telling officers: 'Bet you don't usually get four murders in Killamarsh, do you? Well, five because my missus was having a baby.'

He later claimed he had blacked out after taking up to four bags of cocaine and initially did not remember the massacre.

Sentencing him to die behind bars, Mr Justice Nigel Sweeney described the crimes as displaying 'extreme brutality' and labelled the rape of Lacey 'the grossest breach of trust'.

A subsequent inquest found there had been 51 'very stark' failures by the Probation Service in the lead-up to the killings, with overworked and inexperienced staff missing multiple opportunities to intervene.

Bendall, originally from Swindon, Wiltshire, had a history of serious violent offending dating back to 2004, yet had been assessed as 'low risk'.
Labour's Ed Miliband has been warned that Britain's AI revolution could scupper his Net Zero dreams.

The Energy Secretary was told the vast data centres needed for AI systems will require more energy than is currently used by the whole country.

Ofgem, the energy regulator, revealed that a 'significant portion' of projects in the queue for connections to the UK's electricity grid are data centres.

Around 140 data centres were found to have come forward for grid connections, requiring 50 gigawatts of capacity at peak time.

But Ofgem noted how, by comparison, peak electricity demand across the whole of Britain on 11 February was just 45 gigawatts.

The regulator added a majority of the data centre schemes were expected to be offered priority connections to the grid.

The findings will cast fresh doubt over Mr Miliband's ambitions to decarbonise the electricity grid by 2030.

Hinkley Point C, Britain's first new nuclear plant in a generation, is expected to produce only 3.2GW of electricity when completed.

Labour's Ed Miliband has been warned that Britain's AI revolution could scupper his Net Zero dreams

The Energy Secretary was told the vast data centres needed for AI systems will require more energy than is currently used by the whole country

Around 140 data centres were found to have come forward for grid connections, requiring 50 gigawatts of capacity at peak time

The boss of Nvidia, the tech giant that dominates the market for AI chips, last year said new gas-fired power stations were needed to fulfil the Government's AI goals.

Toby Perkins, the Labour chairman of the House of Commons' Environmental Audit Committee, called for a 'national conversation' on data centres.

'It feels like a decision has been taken that data centres are integral and important and happening without really any kind of national conversation about what the implications will be,' he told The Times.

'And one of those absolutely key ones is energy demand.'

Mr Perkins said he feared data centres competing for grid connections could squeeze out clean energy projects also seeking a connection.

'One of the things that is preventing other sectors from decarbonising, preventing businesses from putting solar panels on all their roofs for example, is access to the grid,' he added.

The newspaper reported that Mr Perkins has written to Mr Miliband asking whether the extra demand from data centres has been sufficiently factored in to a proposed target of cutting emissions by 87 per cent by 2040.

Oliver Hayes, of environmental charity Global Action Plan, said: 'The choice is stark: stick to legally binding carbon budgets, unlocking even more green growth in the process, or unleash colossal data centres on UK communities and watch emissions soar. It's one or the other.'

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has previously hailed the potential of AI to 'turbocharge' economic growth and 'drive incredible change in our country'.

A Government spokesperson said: 'Data centres are a vital part of our economy and our everyday lives - helping us interact with the services we need, while driving growth and renewal for communities.

'Our AI Growth Zones are driving their development in areas with new clean power generation such as North Wales, the home of our first small modular reactors.

'Data centres would only be connected where the grid can support them.

'The AI Energy Council is exploring opportunities to attract investment in new clean power sources for the industry, as we work with Ofgem and network companies to free up grid capacity.'
The eyes of America - and much of the world - will be fixed on Donald Trump on Tuesday night as he strides to the Speakers rostrum to deliver his historic fifth State of the Union.

It comes at a moment of explosive global tension. The standoff with Iran is edging toward boiling point.

Cartel violence is tearing through Mexican tourist hotspots. And back home, the White House is sharpening its message with the high-stakes November midterms looming large.

This is shaping up to be one of the most consequential - and closely watched - speeches of Trumps presidency.

In partnership with 2WAY, the Daily Mail will be broadcasting live throughout the address, dissecting every line, every pause, and every reaction as the drama unfolds in real time.

Daily Mail readers and the 2WAY community are invited to join the conversation live and put their questions directly to our panel on one of the biggest nights in American politics.

To take part, sign up here: http://2way.tv/SOTU.

2WAY founder and political commentator Mark Halperin will be joined by Daily Mail US Executive Editor Wills Robinson, Chief Campaign Correspondent Nikki Schwab, and political reporter Jon Raasch as they analyze Trumps speech moment by moment - and take your questions - when the president takes the rostrum at 9pm Eastern.

Watch Daily Mail X 2WAY's Coverage of State Of The Union

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The interactive live video platform will be devoted to unique conversations, unbiased discourse, and open debate.

The show will feature immediate reaction, analysis, and live community participation, allowing viewers to join the conversation directly via video and commentary.

We'll see you there.
In the anarchical world of Mexico's drug cartels they call her 'La Jefa' - The Boss.

Now, as the widow of Mexico's most-wanted drug lord she stands at the center of the storm in a country convulsed by spasms of cartel violence.

Rosalinda Gonzalez Valencia, 63, married Nemesio Oseguera, the brutal mastermind known as 'El Mencho,' in 1996.

On Sunday, El Mencho, 59, leader of the savage Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), who had a $15 billion bounty on his head, was killed by soldiers in Jalisco state.

Mexico was on high alert Monday with schools closed, travelers stranded, airports in chaos, and gas stations in flames as El Mencho's henchmen launched violent revenge rampages.

Mexican Defense Secretary Ricardo Trevilla revealed that it was a visit from a 'romantic partner' that led to El Mencho's capture.

Following the visit, an associate of the woman told authorities where to find El Mencho, and special forces stormed his lair.

Trevilla did not name the woman and it was unclear if it was Rosalinda. The couple, who had three children, separated in 2018, according to local reports, and he had been linked to other women.

Rosalinda Gonzalez Valencia, wife of drug lord Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, alias 'El Mencho'

Although it is unlikely in the male-dominated cartel world, Rosalinda could now be the best positioned person to take over her late husband's power.

Such a scenario would mirror Hollywood dramas like "Griselda" - the Netflix production starring Sofia Vergara - and the Oscar-winning movie "Traffic," starring Catherine Zeta -ones.

Rosalinda is already no stranger to the law.

She was first arrested and released in 2018, and then captured by the Mexican army in 2021.

The Mexican government described her detention then as a 'significant blow to the financial structure of organized crime' and accused her of involvement in 'the illicit financial operation of an organized crime group.'

At the time, Mike Vigil, former international operations chief for the US Drug Enforcement Administration, called her a 'narco queen.'

'She has all of the keys, all of the confidence of El Mencho, all of the information, and was responsible for laundering the cartels money,' Vigil said.

Following the 2021 arrest Rosalinda, reputedly a clever businesswoman, was jailed for five years for money laundering.

She was released early last year for good behavior, according to news reports in Mexico. Her present whereabouts are not known.

Jessica Oseguera, daughter of Mexican cartel boss El Mencho, served a j30-month jail sentence in the US

Smoke billows from burning vehicles amid a wave of violence in Mexico following the killing of 'El Mencho' by security forces

Nemesio 'El Mencho' Oseguera Cervantes was killed by Mexican federal forces on Sunday, leading to chaos across Mexico

When she was arrested in 2021 two of her three children were already behind bars in the US.

That included daughter Jessica Johanna Oseguera Gonzalez - known as 'La Negra.'

Jessica, a dual US and Mexican citizen, was born in San Francisco but studied at university in Mexico.

She was arrested in 2020 in Washington DC when she attended a court hearing involving her brother.

She was charged with money laundering under the Kingpin Act, pleading guilty to five counts, and was jailed for 30 months.

According to the Department of Justice she owned or helped run six businesses sanctioned by the US, including two sushi companies and a tequila operation.

At the time, a DOJ official said: 'We will aggressively investigate and criminally prosecute those who willfully violate Treasury Department sanctions under the Kingpin Act, as a key component of our broader strategy to dismantle and disrupt foreign drug cartels.'

'La Negra' was released from jail in 2022.

El Mencho's daughter Jessica was jailed for 30 months for money laundering

El Mencho pictured with his son and one of his daughters

A truck passes by a burned bus set on fire by organized crime groups in response to El Mencho's death

Sofia Vergara at the premiere of "Griselda" in which she played a female cartel boss

Her brother, Rosalinda's son Ruben Oseguera Gonzalez - known as 'Menchito' or 'Little Mencho' - had been extradited to the US in 2020 on drug trafficking charges.

He was ultimately jailed for life and ordered to forfeit over $6 billion in drug trafficking proceeds.

He was considered by the DOJ to be CJNGs second-in-command, responsible for trafficking more than 50 tons of cocaine.

Rosalinda and El Mencho's other daughter Laisha has had a much lower public profile.

According to local reports, El Mencho and Rosalinda separated eight years ago, but the exacts status of their marriage remains unclear.

Rosalinda grew up the eldest of up to 18 siblings, and is the niece of a powerful 1990s figure called 'El Maradona,' who founded the the Milenio cartel.

Originally avocado farmers, members of the clan diversified into marijuana, and then morphed into a money laundering cartel known as

El Mencho's cartel had trafficking routes across five continents

Catherine Zeta-Jones played a drug lord's wife in 'Traffic"

Los Cuinis, named after a type of squirrel that reproduces quickly.

According to the DOJ it 'financed the founding and growth of' CJNG through a burgeoning business empire that comprised restaurants, hotels, beauty salons and more.

That operation was headed by three of Rosalinda's brothers, according to the DOJ.

Last year, one of them was sentenced to 30 years in jail in the US.

Meanwhile, the CJNG, headed by El Mencho, became arguably Mexicos most powerful and violent cartel.

It made its reputation with brazen attacks on Mexicos security forces, including an assassination attempt on Mexico Citys police chief that wounded him and left three people dead.

In 2015, cartel gunmen shot down a Mexican military helicopter with a rocket-propelled grenade, and it has also been accused of drone attacks on law enforcement.

It has ruthlessly expanded its territory beyond the state of Jalisco, spurring bloodshed in states including Guanajuato and Michoacan, as well as reaching its tentacles into Mexicos Caribbean beach resorts.

The cartel went on to set up drug trafficking routes across five continents.

Its main business is trafficking drugs to the US, especially methamphetamine and fentanyl.

According to the DOJ it is traffics hundreds of tons of cocaine, methamphetamine, and fentanyl into the US and other countries, and is known for 'extreme violence, murders, torture, and corruption.'

President of Mexico Claudia Sheinbaum speaks at Palacio Nacional on February 23, 2026 in Mexico City, Mexico

The most orderly successions in cartels tend to come when a relative takes over, according to experts.

But the prospect of La Jefa assuming control in the male-dominated world of the cartels would be is unlikely, especially if they are no longer married.

David Saucedo, a security consultant, said: 'This is similar to what happened with the capture of Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman.

'The commanders of this criminal organization will reach an agreement on who will take over the position; if they fail to reach one, a civil war will break out within the organization.'

'The CJNG is a pyramidal organization, Mencho exercised undisputed command.'

Since her release from prison last year, Rosalinda has seemingly vanished.

Experts say that El Menchos stepson, Juan Carlos Valencia Gonzalez, could now succeed him.

Speaking to El Pais, Victor Manuel Sanchez Valdes, professor and researcher at the Autonomous University of Coahuila specializing in organized crime, said: The most logical successor now is Juan Carlos Valencia Gonzalez, his stepson.

He said other figures who could compete for the position include Audias Flores Silva, another major figure in the cartel who oversees operations in Michoacan, Zacatecas, and Nayarit, as well as Gonzalo Mendoza Gaytan, who manages the ports.

Ricardo Ruiz Velasco, who is identified in the press as the leader of the cartels Elite Group could also be a candidate.
Peter Mandelson has been arrested at his London home and taken into custody as part of an investigation into alleged misconduct in public office.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed a 72-year-old man was arrested on Monday afternoon following searches at two properties in London and Wiltshire.

Detectives arrived at Mandelson's Regent's Park address at around 4.15pm in two unmarked vehicles.

After spending around half an hour inside, he was seen leaving the property and getting into a police car flanked by officers.

Scotland Yard said: 'Officers have arrested a 72-year-old man on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

'He was arrested at an address in Camden on Monday, 23 February and has been taken to a London police station for interview.

'This follows search warrants at two addresses in the Wiltshire and Camden areas.'

The arrest comes a fortnight after officers searched Mandelson's homes.

He had been spotted at both addresses in recent days after keeping a low profile following the release of the second batch of Epstein files.

Peter Mandelson has been arrested by police at his London home

The former Labour grandee was seen getting into a vehicle flanked by detectives on Monday afternoon

Three officers turned up in two unmarked vehicles at Mandelson's address in Regent's Park, north-west London at around 4.15pm

The Epstein files have shown Mandelson sharing lewd and off-the-cuff messages with the late child abuser, including joking about 'well-hung young men' when he was a Cabinet minister.

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has said tonight that Mandelson's arrest is 'the defining moment of Keir Starmer's premiership'.

She added: 'It's a matter of when [Starmer] goes, not if he goes. I asked him if he had full confidence in Peter Mandelson, just a few months ago, and he said yes, despite all of these allegations being known, only to see the man arrested shows that the prime minister has terrible judgement.

'He's weak. He has not released the information around the [Mandelson] files, though he sacks the person who is supposed to be overseeing the release. I think that shows what kind of person the prime minister is.'

Earlier in February police officers arrived outside Mandelson's 7.6million house near Regent's Park - which the politician bought in 2011 following advice from Epstein.

The officers knocked on the door and entered the house, with one of them wearing what appeared to be a small body camera.

The officers were seen collecting items from their car, including a blue box and a large bag, before re-entering the property.

Mandelson's arrest comes days after Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was taken into custody on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

Emails released by the US Department of Justice appeared to show the former duke sharing reports of official visits to Hong Kong, Vietnam and Singapore.

One email, dated November 2010, appeared to be forwarded by Andrew five minutes after being sent by his then-special adviser, Amir Patel.

Another, on Christmas Eve 2010, appeared to send Epstein a confidential brief on investment opportunities in the reconstruction of Helmand Province, Afghanistan.

He was released on Thursday evening after 12 hours in custody. The former Duke of York has previously denied any wrongdoing.

Andrew is pictured leaving Aylsham police station in Norfolk shortly after 7pm last Thursday

Police officers in plain clothes arrived at Wood Farm on February 19 to arrest Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor

The Metropolitan Police earlier this month launched an investigation following allegations that Mandelson sent market-sensitive information to Epstein while he was business secretary in Gordon Brown's government during the financial crisis.

Scotland Yard said its probe into Mandelson over alleged misconduct in public office would 'take some time' after officers finished searching his homes in London and Wiltshire.

Mandelson has denied the Epstein files show he broke any laws or acted for personal gain. He has repeatedly said he regrets his friendship with Epstein.

A stream of high-profile lawyers have also been seen visiting his home in recent weeks, including Ian Burton KC, who has previously represented Kevin Spacey, Sir Cliff Richard, Max Clifford and Mohamed Al-Fayed.

He was previously hired by Sir Cliff Richard in 2014, after an allegation of sexual assault was made against him. The allegations were dropped, and the singer was never charged or arrested.

The top lawyer also advised Max Clifford following his arrest on indecent assault charges. The celebrity publicist was eventually convicted and jailed for eight years.

It comes after MPs were told the first tranche of documents related to Mandelson's appointment as the US ambassador is expected to be released within weeks.

Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister Darren Jones told the Commons that the first release demanded by MPs on February 4 would happen 'very shortly in early March'.

Documents released in the US Epstein Files showed he leaked information to the billionaire child abuser while he was a government minister during the Blair era.

That led to calls for details of how he came to be made the UK's top official in Washington last year to be made public.

However, shadow Cabinet Office minister Mike Wood criticised the delay, saying it would mean a month or so had passed since a so-called 'humble address' was passed by MPs - including Labour - to force the government to act.

'That is not a polite suggestion, it is a formal commend from parliament to the executive,' he said.

'Three weeks later the government's progress moves with the urgency of a tired sloth on a Bank Holiday Monday.'

Mandelson is pictured and mentioned many times throughout the released Epstein files

Peter Mandelson (left) previously claimed he was 'kept separate' from the 'sexual side' of paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein (right)

Mandelson earlier this month bowed to public pressure and resigned his seat in the House of Lords.

His former lobbying business collapsed into administration last Friday after an exodus of clients following revelations about his links to Jeffrey Epstein.

Global Counsel, which has offices in cities including London, Berlin, Doha and Washington DC, announced it had stopped trading - with the majority of its 80-strong UK staff made redundant.

The Metropolitan Police earlier this month launched an investigation following allegations that Mandelson sent market-sensitive information to Epstein while he was business secretary in Gordon Brown's government during the financial crisis.

Scotland Yard said its probe into Mandelson over alleged misconduct in public office would 'take some time' after officers finished searching his homes in London and Wiltshire.

Mandelson has denied the Epstein files show he broke any laws or acted for personal gain. He has repeatedly said he regrets his friendship with Epstein.

Sir Keir is facing the worst crisis of his 18-month premiership following the revelations about Mandelson's friendship with paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

Many Labour MPs have been openly questioning Sir Keir's chances of remaining in Downing Street amid the scandal that has engulfed his Government.

It ultimately led to the resignation of Morgan McSweeney earlier this month - viewed as a 'mentee' of Mandelson - over No10's decision to appoint the ex-Cabinet minister as US ambassador.

Sir Keir has now lost two chiefs of staff during his time in Downing Street, following the acrimonious exit of Sue Gray in October 2024.
Reform UK has hinted it will introduce a burka ban if the party wins the next General Election.

Zia Yusuf said on Monday he would 'personally support' a ban on face coverings in public, which would include the garment worn by Muslim women.

He told reporters in Dover: 'I personally support a ban on all face coverings in public that's actually a piece of legislation that has multiple bonuses to it because it's going to aid integrations, it's also going to help people feel safe.'

The party's newly appointed 'shadow home secretary', who is a practicing Muslim, added: 'If you're walking down a pavement and someone is walking in the opposite direction towards you at dusk, and they are wearing a hoodie and a balaclava, or worse, you generally cross the road.

'In this era of massive CCTV per capita in London, or any city in the world, the people who can opt out of that surveillance, ridiculously, are the people who wear those face coverings.'

Reform leader Nigel Farage also criticised face coverings. He told a story about how an Antifa mob wearing face masks allegedly started breaking windows during an event in Newcastle.

But the party has not developed a policy on face coverings being worn in public.

Yusuf also used the event on Monday to say Britain is being 'invaded' by illegal migrants as he vowed to deport 288,000 every year.

Zia Yusuf, pictured on Monday, said he would 'personally support' a ban on face coverings in public

Two women dressed in burkas walking on King's Road in west London

He unveiled a series of Trump-style proposals, including the creation of the 'UK Deportation Command' - a British version of America's controversial US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency.

The unit will 'track down, detain and deport' people in the country illegally, he said.

Yusuf's comments on face coverings come after he quit his role as Reform chairman last year following a row over outlawing the burka.

He slammed Reform MP Sarah Pochin for asking a 'dumb' question in the House of Commons when she challenged the Prime Minister about banning the garment.

Then, just 48 hours after he quit, Mr Yusuf rejoined the party.

In October last year Portugal became the latest European country to introduce a burka ban after its parliament banned face coverings for 'gender or religious' reasons in public.

It joined 13 other nations across the continent who have brought in full or partial bans on the garment, including: Austria; France; Belgium; Denmark; Bulgaria; The Netherlands (in public schools, hospitals and on public transport); Germany (which has partial bans in some states); Italy (in some localities); Spain (in some areas of Catalonia); Russia (in the Stavropol Krai region); Norway (in nurseries, public schools and universities); Kosovo (in publics schools); and Bosnia and Herzegovina (in courts).
An Ohio woman spent a night in a jail cell after she got drunk on hand sanitizer and punched a police officer in the face.

Jade Cain, 18, was taken into custody following a domestic disturbance at her boyfriend Alan King's family home in Canton on February 16.

'What's your issue?' an officer is heard shouting at the teen in video obtained by the Daily Mail.

'Jade,' she responds, prompting the officer to ask the question a second time. She replied yet again by stating her first name.

That's when a woman, believed to be King's mother, told the officer: 'She's drunk, I don't know where she got it from.'

The officer tried to drag her away from the residence and into a patrol car, but Cain threw herself onto the ground in apparent protest.

When police finally got her inside the car, she shouted 'my shoe came off' and smacked an officer in the face, the footage showed. He then slammed the car door shut.

Jade Cain, 18, been charged with assaulting a peace officer and vandalism, and is due back in court on Tuesday. Her bond has been set at $50,000

She was taken into custody following a domestic disturbance at her boyfriend Alan King's family home in Canton on February 16.

Cain was taken to Stark County Jail and placed in a holding cell, police said.

She was 'continuously kicking the door and banging her head on the door,' the incident report stated.

Cain managed to slip her left hand out of the handcuffs and 'began slamming the cuffs repeatedly against the window of the door.'

The 'excessive slamming on the glass' caused it to break and send shards falling to the ground, authorities said.

She has since been charged with assaulting a peace officer and vandalism, and is due back in court on Tuesday. Her bond has been set at $50,000.

Police said this was the second time that officers were called to the residence due to a disturbance caused by Cain and King.

Officers on the scene determined that there was no physical violence or threat of violence between the pair.

The officer tried to drag her away from the residence and into a patrol car

But Cain threw herself onto the ground in apparent protest

When police finally got her inside the car, she shouted 'my shoe came off' and smacked an officer in the face, the footage showed. He then slammed the car door shut

The amount of alcohol in hand sanitizer ranges between 40 and 95 percent, according to Poison Control.

Wine and beer only contain around 10 to 15 percent ethyl alcohol.

Drinking hand sanitizer can cause nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, blindness, seizures, comas, damage to the central nervous system and even death.

Officials recommend calling your local poison control center immediately if you ingest hand sanitizer.
Utah Republican Senator Mike Lee has deleted a post seemingly comparing ICE agents to members of Mexican cartels.

Cartels have been causing chaos around Mexico since Sunday, when the Mexican army killed the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, also known as 'El Mencho.'

'Cartel hitmen wear masks. Leftists aren't complaining,' Lee wrote in a Sunday post on X in which he also shared an image of cartel members at a gas station.

Lee's post was quickly criticized by his Democratic colleagues in the US Senate, who say it's a blatant contradiction.

Democrats and Republicans alike on Capitol Hill have been critical of President Donald Trump's ICE raids following the shooting of Alex Pretti by Border Patrol agents in Minneapolis last month.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, a New York Democrat, responded, 'Yes. Cartel hitmen wear masks. That's why ICE shouldn't.'

'Oh dear Mike,' Connecticut Senator Chris Murphy wrote, adding, 'I literally couldn't make our argument better than you do. The bad guys wear masks. The good guys don't.'

Hawaii Democrat Brian Schatz also chimed in, pointing out that other law enforcement agencies do not wear masks while ICE does.

Utah Republican Mike Lee speaks to reporters in 2022 in Salt Lake City

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, a New York Democrat, responded to Lee, 'Yes. Cartel hitmen wear masks. That's why ICE shouldn't'

View of a burning bus set on fire by organised crime groups in response to an operation in Jalisco to arrest a high-priority security target, at one of the main avenues in Zapopan, state of Jalisco, Mexico, on February 22, 2026

'Mike, I would like ICE to have the same standards as a local police department, not cartel hitmen,' Schatz wrote.

ICE agents wearing masks is a key sticking point in the current round of debates about Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding, which has now lapsed for a third time in six months.

Schumer has rolled out a list of things needed to secure a vote for DHS funding from members of his caucus, which included a request to 'end roving patrols,' 'masks off, body cameras on,' and a need to 'tighten the rules governing the use of warrants and require ICE coordination with state and local law enforcement.'

Spending bills require 60 votes, meaning Republicans  who hold just 53 Senate seats  need Democratic support even if their entire caucus backs House-passed measures.

Hawaii Democrat Brian Schatz also pointed out Lee's hypocrisy

Connecticut Democrat Chris Murphy chided his GOP collegue

An ICE agent holding a taser points at a woman holding a phone after one of their vehicles got a flat tire on Penn Avenue on February 5, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota

People gather at a memorial for Alex Pretti who was shot and killed by an ICE agent last month on February 12, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota

Seven Democratic senators previously sided with Republicans in November to end the shutdown: Catherine Cortez Masto, Dick Durbin, John Fetterman, Maggie Hassan, Tim Kaine, Jacky Rosen, and Jeanne Shaheen. Independent Angus King of Maine, who caucuses with Democrats, joined them.

Fetterman in particular has been toeing a fine line, both defending the work of ICE agents 'deporting criminal migrants in our country', while also calling for Noem to be ousted and for the agency to come under 'new leadership.'

Senator Lee's office did not respond to a request for comment from the Daily Mail.
The ECHR puts the rights of British citizens 'beneath those of criminals', Reform UK's pick for home secretary has said.

Zia Yusuf said his party would withdraw from the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) to stop the rights of foreign criminals being 'prioritised' over British people.

In his first speech since being appointed home affairs spokesman, he set out plans to tackle what he branded an 'invasion' of illegal migrants and deport 288,000 every year.

He said the party would leave the ECHR as he cited the case of an Iraqi asylum seeker who killed a British girl but was allowed to remain in the UK by British judges.

'How many more people must die at the hands of those who should never have been in our country in the first place?' he said.

'How many more victims' families must be devastated in this way when their rights are placed beneath those of criminals?'

The party also announced a new policy called the 'Polanski Law' after the Green Party leader who has called for small boat migrants to be allowed to live and work in the UK.

Zia Yusuf, pictured on Monday, told an audience in Dover that Britain was being 'invaded' by illegal immigrants

Zack Polanski has visited camps in Calais and urged the UK Government to spend 500 million to help migrants there.

Reform said its new law would make encouraging or assisting anyone to illegally enter the UK a criminal offence punishable by up to two years in prison, regardless of their intention.

Elsewhere in the press conference, Mr Yusuf said that he backed a ban on 'all face coverings in public' after he was asked whether he supported a burqa ban.

Last year, Mr Yusuf, a practising Muslim, briefly quit the party after he described a question to the Prime Minister about a ban on burqas as 'dumb'.

He told the press conference: 'I personally support a ban on all face coverings in public that's actually a piece of legislation that has multiple bonuses to it because it's going to aid integration, it's also going to help people feel safe.'

It came after the party's new education and equalities spokesman, former Tory minister Suella Braverman, renewed her call for a burqa ban.

Speaking in Dover - the town most associated with the small boats crisis - Mr Yusuf set out his plans to deport all illegal migrants in the UK.

Describing it as an invasion, he said: 'I know many in the establishment gasp at that word.

'They may well clutch their pearls in the television studios, but the dictionary definition of invasion is an incursion by a large number of people in an unwanted way.'

He added that the party expected to deport more than 600,000 in its first term in government. There would be five deportation flights a day, he added.

Mr Yusuf said he would impose 'visa freezes' on Pakistan, Afghanistan and Syria if they refuse to take back migrants the UK turns away.

He also pledged to create a new 'UK Deportation Command' - a British version of Donald Trump's America's controversial US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) unit.

He said the unit would 'track down, detain and deport' people in the country illegally.

He said it was 'not true' that the UK version would face the same issues as the American one after an immigration crackdown in Minnesota led to mass detentions, protests and two deaths.

Under the party's plans, the Home Secretary would be legally compelled to deport illegal migrants, foreign nationals would be stripped of benefits and stop and search would be expanded.

Other plans would include automatic home searches for anyone referred to the Prevent anti-terrorism strategy.

Listed status would be given to all churches to prevent them being turned into mosques to protect the UK's Christian heritage, Mr Yusuf added.

Shadow home secretary Chris Phlip said Mr Yusuf has 'nothing new to offer beyond copying and pasting Conservative plans'.

Labour Party chair Anna Turley said: 'Britain is a proud, tolerant and diverse nation, which stands in opposition to the kind of divisive politics stoked by Reform.'
More than half of local authorities are still failing to comply with the 'crystal clear' Supreme Court ruling on biological sex almost a year after the landmark judgment.

Some 159 of the 317 councils in England are still 'waiting for guidance', despite the Equalities Minister saying that the ruling was 'crystal, crystal clear'.

Just 19 local authorities are confident their policies are legally compliant and at least 17 councils have policies which are 'likely to be unlawful', according to a new report.

Astonishingly, some councils even 'made it clear they did not agree with the Supreme Court judgment' and have maintained trans-inclusive policies, it adds.

It comes as Bridget Phillipson said on Sunday that the landmark ruling 'set out very, very clearly what sex means', adding: 'It means biological sex.'

The Equalities Minister told Sky News: 'My message to employers, for the avoidance of any doubt, is that they should understand the Supreme Court ruling and take action.'

Women's rights groups have criticised the 'delay and inertia' and said councils are showing a 'scandalous disregard for the rights, safety and dignity of women and girls'.

The Women's Rights Network (WRN) submitted Freedom of Information requests to 317 councils, unitary authorities and London boroughs to produce the report. Its investigation found that more than half are 'misunderstanding or misrepresenting' the law.

A new report by the Women's Rights Network (WRN) highlights the 'delay and inertia' of councils that are showing a 'scandalous disregard for the rights, safety and dignity of women and girls'

Equalities Minister Bridget Phillipson (pictured) said that last April's landmark Supreme Court gender ruling is 'crystal, crystal clear' that sex 'means biological sex'

As a result, they are 'failing female employees and service users and exposing themselves to potentially expensive litigation', the report adds.

Councils deliver services for women and girls including education and children's services, leisure centres, rape and domestic violence services and accommodation for vulnerable, homeless women.

WRN founder Heather Binning said it is 'shameful' that so many local authorities are still failing to comply with the judgment as they have a 'moral and legal duty to protect women's rights'.

She added: 'It is now 10 months since the Supreme Court confirmed what every right-thinking person has always known - sex means sex, not a self-declared gender identity. There is no need for further guidance, the law is the law.'

WRN has highlighted more than a dozen councils whose policies are 'problematic' or 'fail to uphold women's rights'. Among them is Coventry Council, which the report states has 'no plans to review its policies and practices in light of the Supreme Court judgment'.

Norwich Council 'told its staff to keep using the toilets with which they feel most comfortable', the report adds, while the London Borough of Haringey said it 'has no plans to review its policies'.

Cath Dyson, one of the report's authors said, the findings left her 'horrified'. She added: 'This is wrong on so many levels. Local authorities are failing the women they represent, they are failing the women who work for them and they are failing the women who use their services.'

The UK's highest court ruled unanimously last April that sex in the Equality Act refers to biological women and men and not to self-identification or a gender recognition certificate (GRC).

Following this the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) issued interim guidance to ensure that service providers enforce single-sex spaces based on biology. However this was later withdrawn after updated guidance was submitted to ministers.

Organisations are still awaiting final guidance from the EHRC, which requires ministerial approval and would only come into force 40 days after the Government has laid the draft code in Parliament.

Ms Phillipson is yet to announce if it will be accepted or when it will be laid before Parliament. The Equalities Minister has faced accusations that she is blocking the guidance after she failed to sign it off for more than four months, accusations that she denies.

In conclusion the report states: 'An obvious first step is for Ms Phillipson to do her job and publish the EHRC guidance. There is no excuse or good reason for further delay, because the sooner the EHRC guidance is shared, the sooner this mess can be fixed.'

Coventry Council, Norwich Council and the London Borough of Haringey did not respond to requests for comment.
A woman who was dubbed the 'langoustine lifter' after stealing 200 worth of shellfish from outside a Michelin star restaurant has avoided prison.

Ekaterina Frolova, 46, was convicted last month for the theft and was fined a total of 350.

CCTV posted online last year showed a woman grabbing a box of langoustines that had been delivered and left outside a high-end restaurant called Elystan Street in Chelsea, London.

The footage was shared online by furious chef Phil Howard, who owns the restaurant, after discovering the day's shellfish delivery had vanished.

Calling the person responsible a 'low-life scum bag', he raged on Instagram in November: 'Caught stealing our precious langoustines this morning  you low-life scum bag. Hope you rot in hell with your other hard working mates.'

Restaurant staff said the missing delivery contained around 200 of high-quality langoustines intended for the restaurant's lunch service.

More footage then emerged of similar incidents in the area  including a theft at upmarket florist Petals at Bibendum that is just a short walk from the restaurant.

The Metropolitan Police said today that Frolova, of Lucan Place, pleaded guilty to theft and burglary charges related to both the restaurant and the florist in December last year.

CCTV captured the woman, dressed in jeans and what appear to be slippers, walking up to the front of Elystan Street and stealing a box of langoustines

The missing delivery contained around 200 of high-quality langoustines intended for the restaurant's lunch service

She was remanded in custody and appeared at Westminster Magistrates' court on January 5, where she was fined 350.

As well as the thefts from the florist and the restaurant, Frolova admitted to theft from a pharmacy on Beauchamp Place and another theft from a pharmacy six days later.

Speaking previously, Max Cansdale, who has co-owned Petals at Bibendum for five years, said theft was hitting his business hard.

He said: 'All that can be done for small businesses that face this shoplifting epidemic is to put preventative measures in place.

'All of our products are now secured with fishing wire  so if you pick something up and run off with it...that won't work because you won't be able to tug on it, you'll be stuck and then a staff member will confront you.

'We've got a security guard and at night my team spend a lot more time packing away the whole shop completely away from the gate.

'Even if you had a two-metre broom pushed through the gate, you wouldn't hook anything.

'It's a lot more work for the team. We have team members that come in half an hour earlier to open up, they work later so that they can pack away.'

The footage was posted online by furious chef Phil Howard, who owns the restaurant (pictured), after discovering the day's shellfish delivery had vanished

Elystan Street general manager Becky McLaughlin told the BBC after the theft: 'Its just somebody that is clearly trying their luck and doesnt really realise the impact something small to them has on an independent restaurant.

'There is a massive domino effect and its a cost that now just has to be swallowed.

'I don't know what they'll do with them but they'll have a very lovely supper,' she said, noting the woman clearly read the label on the box.

'You can tell in the footage that she can see what's written on the box, the contents of what's inside it, and if they were smart then they would know how much it was worth.'

A spokesman for the Metropolitan Police said: 'Ekaterina Frolova of Lucan Place appeared at Westminster Magistrates Court on Monday, 15 December 2025 where she pleaded guilty to theft and burglary.'

The Met added that she was arrested on 12 December and was remanded in custody.
Gavin Newsom laid into a Fox News primetime host after the California governor was accused of racism.

Newsom is facing accusations of racism from conservative media figures after telling an audience of black voters he was 'like you' while claiming he received a low SAT score and struggles with reading.

Conservative firebrand Sean Hannity reacted to Newsom's comments on X by writing, 'Thinks a 960 SAT Makes Him "Like" Black Americans. Let That Sink In.'

Newsom fired back at Hannity with a profanity-laced rant, accusing the Fox host of defending Donald Trump after the president shared a video depicting Barack Obama as an ape.

'You didnt give a sh** about the President of the United States of America posting an ape video of President Obama or calling African nations shitholes  but youre going to call me racist for talking about my lifelong struggle with dyslexia?' Newsom wrote.

'Spare me your fake f**king outrage, Sean.'

Newsom attended an event in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday to promote his memoir, Young Man in a Hurry, as speculation grows that he may run for president in 2028.

The California governor was asked about his lifelong struggle with dyslexia, to which he responded: 'I'm not trying to impress you. I'm just trying to impress upon you. I'm like you. I'm no better than you.'

Gavin Newsom is facing backlash after claiming he struggles to read prepared speeches

Rapper Nicki Minaj accused Newsom of trying to appeal to black voters by claiming he does not know how to read

Newsom bashed Hannity in a profanity-laced reply over his controversial comments

'You know, I'm a 960 SAT guy... you've never seen me read a speech because I cannot read - a speech.'

Rapper Nicki Minaj, an outspoken Trump supporter, responded to the clip by claiming Newsom was trying to appeal to black voters by telling 'them how stupid he is & that he cant read.'

Minaj then accused the governor of slowing down his speech by talking in a 'sporadic cadence.'

'Hes not just TELLING them that theyre all probably stupid & probably cant read, hes LITERALLY SLOW-ING-DOWN-HIS-SPEECH to make them understand the words that are coming out of his mouth!!!! As if theyre children!!!!'

Newsom's spokesperson responded to conservative outrage by telling the Daily Mail: 'First MAGA mocked his dyslexia and now theyre calling him racist for talking about his low SAT scores. This is fake MAGA-manufactured outrage.'

'The Governor has said this publicly for years  including with Charlie Kirk and dozens of other audiences. The same people who excused or ignored Trumps racist ape video can go f**k themselves.'

Other conservative media personalities also piled on Newsom for sharing his difficulties reading.

'This clip will haunt him forever,' wrote former Fox News anchor Megyn Kelly.

Newsom's latest memoir traces his early political rise in California as the mayor of San Francisco

Conservative firebrand Mark Levin claimed, 'If any Republican said what this moron Newscum said, their political careers would be over. Lets see how the Democrats and their media react.'

Newsom is widely viewed as a leading contender for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2028, as the party searches for direction following defeat in 2024.

Prediction markets and early Democratic voter polling show Newsom leading the field, along with former Vice President Kamala Harris.

His latest memoir, Young Man in a Hurry, will be released on Tuesday. The governor's book tour has upcoming stops in major blue states, including California and New York.

The book traces Newsom's political rise in California as the mayor of San Francisco, while also providing a candid account of his childhood.
An eerie 911 call was played to jurors trying a cheating 'grief author' accused of killing her husband with a fentanyl-spiked Moscow Mule that recorded her sobs as she told the operator her spouse was lying cold and motionless in their bed.

Kouri Ritchins, 35, is accused of the March 2022 murder of her husband Eric who was 39 when he was found dead at their home in Kamas, Utah .

After years of legal wrangling, the case finally got underway in Park City, Utah on Monday morning.

Prosecutors told the jury Ritchins had been in an unhappy marriage and was having an affair with an Iraq war veteran called Robert Josh Grossmann at the time of her husbands death.

But the defense, which opened their statement with the 911 call, said that while the marriage had its ups and downs, there was no evidence whatsoever that Ritchins provided her husband with the fentanyl that killed him.

Ritchins herself sat silently throughout the opening arguments, occasionally shifting from side to side as the prosecution laid out their case.

Dressed in a white blouse and black blazer and with her hair scraped back in a bun, she looked down at the table as the call was played while her attorney Kathryn Nester described it as the moment a wife became a widow.

A few months before her arrest in May 2023, Richins self-published a childrens book Are You with Me? about a father with angel wings watching over his son after dying.

Kouri Richins is pictured Monday as she stood trial for the 2022 murder of her husband Eric

Richins is pictured with her late husband Eric. She cheated on him and allegedly took out $2 million in life insurance policies behind his back

The tome, which Richins promoted on a local TV station, could be used by prosecutors to suggest she plotted the murder of Eric and went to great lengths to cover it up.

Richins took out $2 million in life insurance policies on her husband without his knowledge before his death, prosecutors say.

She is said to have been $1.8 million in debt at the time of his passing. Richins and Eric were building an enormous $2 million mansion on 10 acres of land at the time of his death.

Veteran defense attorney Nester is no stranger to a high-profile case and is also on the defense team for Tyler Robinson  the man accused of murdering Charlie Kirk.

Meanwhile, the Park City Justice Court has seen its own share of high-profile trials and was the venue for the civil case against Gwyneth Paltrow in which the A-list star ultimately prevailed over a man who claimed she had seriously injured him in a ski accident.

The Ritchens case has been wending its way through court for several years, with the mom-of-three arrested in May 2023 and charged with aggravated first-degree murder as well as attempted murder.

Dressed in a neat charcoal suit with a light-gray patterned tie, prosecutor Brad Bloodworth said Ritchens had killed her husband for financial gain and to escape an unhappy marriage.

He also claimed she had been too overwhelmed with guilt to face her sons and Erics father on the day he died and repeatedly googled how to scrub clean an iPhone remotely.

Richins was cheating with Joshua Grossman, pictured, at the time of Eric's death

A few months before her arrest in May 2023, Richins self-published a childrens book Are You with Me? about a father with angel wings watching over his son after dying

Richins and Eric were building an enormous $2 million mansion on 10 acres of land at the time of his death

She is also said to have searched whether police can force you to take a polygraph test.

Texts between Grossmann and Ritchins were also brought up, with the mom-of-three telling her lover that she missed him and wanted a divorce in one.

Another saw the pair discuss a luxury all-inclusive trip she had booked for herself and her new man in St Marten in the Caribbean - scheduled for a month after Erics death.

Nester, meanwhile, said that while Ritchins had purchased street drugs via a housekeeper, the purchase had been for oxycodone and not fentanyl/ court she.

Nester told the court she did it with Erics knowledge and to help him with pain caused by a Lyme Disease diagnosis.

She also said that Eric had been in Mexico two weeks before his death, asking the court: And where does fentanyl come into this country from? Mexico.

The case is now continuing with the examination of witnesses, starting with Erics grieving father Eugene. Grossmann is also scheduled to appear.
Australia will support a plan to remove Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from ever becoming king, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has confirmed overnight.

The embattled former prince was stripped of his titles by King Charles III last year over his ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, however he remains eighth in line to the throne.

As calls grow for the British government to strip Mountbatten-Windsor of his succession rights after his arrest last week, Albanese has written to his UK counterpart, Keir Starmer, to confirm Australia wants no chance of him becoming our head of state.

'In light of recent events concerning Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, I am writing to confirm that my government would agree to any proposal to remove him from the line of royal succession,' Albanese wrote.

'I agree with His Majesty that the law must now take its full course and there must be a full, fair and proper investigation.

'These are grave allegations and Australians take them seriously.'

On Tuesday morning, Albanese went further, telling ABC Radio that 'Australians are disgusted by all of the revelations about the Epstein files and the connections between Epstein and various public figures.'

A change to the line of succession will likely require legislation from the UK and all other countries where King Charles is head of state - including Australia.

Anthony Albanese is the first leader of a Commonwealth country to confirm support of laws to strip Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor of his succession rights

He described the allegations against Andrew as 'grave' in a letter to British PM Keir Starmer

The disgraced royal was arrested last week under suspicion of misconduct in public office

Albanese said he had also written to Australia's states and territories about the matter, which will also need to pass legislation to help strip Mountbatten-Windsor's succession rights.

'We initiated it. Australia likes being first,' Albanese said, before maintaining there were no plans to reignite the Republican debate.

'I'm a Republican. His Majesty King Charles is very aware of that as well, but the government doesn't have any plans to hold a referendum.'

Albanese is also expected to write to the leaders of the other 14 Commonwealth nations on Tuesday about the matter.

A spokesman for the British PM confirmed receipt of Albanese's letter.

'We are considering whether further steps are required in relation to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and we are not ruling anything out,' the spokesman added.

'But given the ongoing police investigation it would not be appropriate for the Government to comment further at this stage.'

The disgraced royal was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office on Thursday, with police raiding his properties in Sandringham, Norfolk and Windsor, Berkshire.

Police raided Mountbatten-Windsor's properties in Sandringham, Norfolk and Windsor

Mountbatten-Windsor was released under investigation after 11 hours of questioning.

He stands accused of sharing sensitive information with Epstein while he was working as the UK's trade envoy.

At least nine police forces in the UK are believed to have launched investigations into accusations made against Mountbatten-Windsor.

He has not been charged with any offence.
The plan to house hundreds of asylum seekers at a military base in Inverness is one of the Home Offices most hare-brained ideas.

Granted, competition is fierce, but even by the low standards of the most disaster-prone government department its barmy, and reckless.

For those who have forgotten the details, the proposal is to accommodate 300 asylum seekers at Cameron Barracks in the centre of Inverness.

Sir Keir Starmer is determined to put a stop to protests outside hotels where many of them currently live, by hook or by crook.

Hence the bid to despatch some of them to the Highlands to live in a barracks, though it doesnt seem to have occurred to anyone that its just as easy to protest outside an Army installation as it is near a hotel.

Predictably, many local residents are concerned about the potential impact and theres precious little reassurance from the civil servants supposedly in charge of the process.

As the Mail revealed yesterday, cash-strapped NHS Highland also now faces a bill of more than 1.3million to facilitate the base, including the provision of sexual health clinics, vaccinations, and mental health support.

Cameron Barracks has been earmarked to house up to 300 asylum seekers

Prime Minister Keir Startmer is determined to put a stop to protests outside asylum hotels

Sadeq Nikzad was jailed for nine years for rape of teenage girl in Falkirk

The sum includes 25,665 for monthly sexual health clinics offering blood-borne virus screening at weekends, with condoms available.

Another 87,067 will go on mental health services, with dedicated support provided to residents 365 days a year, while 115,740 will be required for extra capacity for translation services.

The biggest individual cost is for the workforce required, at 629,298.

This comes at a time when the board is having to make cuts in an effort to reduce its forecast deficit from 115million to 40million.

In 202425, NHS Highland recorded the longest waiting times for adult mental health treatment in Scotland, with some patients waiting more than seven years to start treatment.

For those languishing on waiting lists and desperate for help, its a bitter pill to swallow that thousands will be spent on mental health support for migrants.

There will also be two nurses and an admin assistant at the barracks  and a social worker to address support and protection issues.

Again, at a time of acute social worker shortages its another burden for the public purse which many will find hard to bear.

Last October it emerged that taxpayers will be billed more than 1million to revamp the barracks  so the costs are racking up.

As for security on-site, theres a Home Office fact sheet online which doesnt provide a lot of comfort.

Were told that all asylum claimants are subject to mandatory security checks to confirm their identity and to link it to their biometric details for the purpose of immigration, security and criminality checks.

The website states that this will include checks of databases for, amongst other things, convictions, pending prosecutions, wanted or missing reports as well as fingerprints and photographs.

Well, thats all right, then, except that its hard to see how those checks will work on small boat migrants, usually from chaotic or war-torn countries without much semblance of stable government or officialdom.

Were being asked to take a lot on trust and yet we know from long experience that things can go spectacularly wrong.

You might remember the story of Sadeq Nikzad who raped a 15-year-old girl after claiming asylum in Britain. He had lived as a tourist in three European cities before arriving in the UK.

The Mail on Sunday revealed he travelled through at least three safe countries before arriving in Falkirk, where he attacked a schoolgirl just yards from his migrant hostel. He was jailed for nine years for rape.

Extraordinary images suggested that Nikzads trip through Italy, Germany and France before arriving on British soil was more of a luxury tourist adventure than a fight to flee persecution or danger.

The Home Office also states that if criminal activity occurs on site, the provider running [it] will have robust processes in place to report incidents to the police.

Mind you, police have opted out of fully investigating thousands of minor crimes, as we revealed last week, so Police Scotland may not be much help, depending on the nature of the complaint.

The site is also a strict no alcohol zone, and the Home Office will continue to ensure the no alcohol rule is enforced.

That said, the barracks will be run by an experienced, specialist asylum accommodation provider, so presumably it will get the blame if or when theres a problem, in the best traditions of Whitehall buck-passing.

The SNP has championed mass immigration for years, and John Swinney has accused some people who protested outside the barracks of expressing racist views.

Now its racist to raise concern about sending hundreds of asylum seekers to a city with a population of around 60,000, after minimal or non-existent consultation. Yet even the First Minister said the Home Office plans had been drawn up on the back of an envelope  though in fairness the same is true of most Nationalist policies.

The SNP council in Glasgow is in the midst of a housing crisis as it scrambles to find accommodation for migrants in the UKs asylum capital.

It will need to slash services or hike taxes to pay for putting up a lot of them in hotels, where theyre not eligible for housing benefit.

Yet for many years the SNP in the city and at a national level was a firm advocate of the multicultural benefits of asylum and immigration.

Its now reaping what it sowed as Glasgow has become a magnet for small boat migrants, taking advantage of lax SNP laws obliging local authorities to provide accommodation for the homeless, regardless of where theyve come from.

The SNPs stance is echoed by the madcap Greens, who might prop up an SNP government at Holyrood after the election in May in a reprise of the ill-fated double act which followed the last Holyrood vote, back in 2021.

John Swinney's SNP fervently supports mass immigration

Last year Green MSP Ariane Burgess said Scotland needs at least one million more immigrants to work the land and tackle climate change.

She admitted it would create a challenge for the Highlands  which may not be ready for the multicultural impact of a mass influx (though theyre about to get a taste of it in Inverness).

Ms Burgess said migrants may be better suited to farming than indigenous Scots and the country must be welcoming.

The truth is that all political parties have failed us and were saddled with governments which lost control of our borders  or refused to speak out when it was happening.

Confronted with the toxic fallout, they try to rewrite history, blame everyone else  or tell off the voters for being racist.

Now were all having to pick up the pieces, including residents of one of the UKs smallest cities  whether they like it or not.
School heads must be given the power to expel violent pupils amid horrific levels of classroom attacks, the Scottish Tories have said.

The renewed call for action comes after an EIS survey found more than a quarter of teachers in Aberdeen were assaulted in the past year, despite a bid to crack down on classroom thugs.

The Conservatives said it underlined the violence epidemic across Scotland, and said heads  not council officials  should decide on permanent exclusions.

The survey of around 800 EIS members in the city recorded incidents including being struck by objects, kicking, biting and spitting.

Aberdeen City Council drew up an action plan to cut attacks on teachers in March 2024 after staff raised serious concerns.

But EIS branch secretary Ron Constable told the BBC yesterday that violence remained a major issue. He said: We still have teachers experiencing, on a daily basis, objects being thrown at them and being pushed, punched, slapped, kicked and bitten.

A survey found more than a quarter of teachers in Aberdeen were assaulted in the past year

SNP education secretary Jenny Gilruth last year published guidance on pupil violence that said exclusion should be a last resort

Scottish Tory education spokesman Miles Briggs said headteachers must be given the powers to tackle it an 'epidemic' of classroom violence

At least five teachers needed medical treatment each working day after being attacked in Scotlands schools over the past six years, according to official figures.

Yet despite teachers reporting a surge in bad behaviour, not one disruptive pupil was permanently excluded last year.

When the SNP came to power in 2007, there were 164 expulsions that year.

SNP education secretary Jenny Gilruth last year published guidance on pupil violence that said exclusion should be a last resort.

EIS branch secretary Ron Constable teachers experienced objects being thrown at them and being pushed, punched, slapped, kicked and bitten on a daily basis

Scottish Tory education spokesman Miles Briggs said: These horrific statistics underline the scale of the classroom violence epidemic under the SNP  and the urgent need for headteachers to be given the powers to tackle it.

Our proposal to give headteachers, rather than councils, the power to permanently exclude the most disruptive pupils must be adopted.

The situation in Aberdeen is being replicated across Scotland. While councils and SNP ministers wring their hands, terrified teachers are literally under attack. This is intolerable and cannot continue.

An Aberdeen City Council spokesman said: We look forward to meeting EIS colleagues to consider how best to respond to the survey findings. A Scottish Government spokesman said: Exclusions remain an option for headteachers to use.
The sister of a woman murdered by her husband nearly 30 years ago has told of the familys torturous journey and determination to ensure she is never forgotten ahead of a new documentary.

Carol Gillies believes part of Nat Frasers plan was that people would soon forget about her sister Arlene Fraser after he killed her and disposed of her body in 1998, sparking one of Scotlands biggest missing persons investigations.

But the 63-year-old said with the help of detectives and continued media coverage, interest in her sisters case has never faded.

Mrs Gillies said: I feel he is counting on us tiring or giving up, but until Arlenes remains are located, I see it as my responsibility to ensure that Arlene is never forgotten.

She was speaking ahead of tonights airing of BBC documentary Murder Case: The Hunt for Arlene Frasers Killer, which she agreed to take part in to shine a light on crucial matters such as violence against woman and the parole process.

The filming took place last August in the same week she met justice minister Angela Constance to discuss Suzannes Law, which was passed in the Scottish parliament last year and will mean killers are forced to disclose the location of their victims remains or face spending the rest of their lives in jail.

Mrs Gillies and her elderly parents have been unable to give the mother-of-two a proper funeral as her killer refuses to reveal what he did with her body.

Fraser is due for parole in two years and she said that while the new law had given them some hope that they would finally get closure, she stressed: Further changes are needed, and this can only be done by listening to victims and their families.

Nat Fraser and Arlen at their wedding at South Parish Church in Elgin

Arlene Fraser disappeared from her home in Elgin in April 1998. Her husband Nat Fraser was jailed for life at Edinburgh High Court after being found guilty of her murder

Carol Gillies, Arlene Fraser's sister, says she will never give up until her remains are located

She admitted she had to think long and hard about taking part in the BBC programme, which highlights the familys unbreakable determination to uncover the truth, saying she was potentially in danger of retraumatising myself.

But she said: I believe part of Nat Frasers plan was that people would soon forget about Arlene.

The grandmother-of-two added: It is immensely comforting for the family to know that interest in Arlene has never faded. We are very grateful that people are still behind us and support our hunt for the truth.

She said the documentary outlines the horrendous torturous journey that Arlenes murder has taken us on but added thanks to the efforts of the police, the media and the justice system we have overcome every hurdle and Nat Fraser was convicted and imprisoned twice despite there being no body.

Fraser was jailed for murdering his wife, who had made plans to divorce him, in 2003 after his friend Hector Dick turned on him in court to escape charges.

That conviction was later quashed but Fraser was retried in 2012 and found guilty of paying a hitman 15,000 to kill Mrs Fraser.

He wanted to dodge a divorce that would have cost him 250,000 and the custody of their children. To this day he has refused to give her family closure by revealing where her remains are.

Mrs Gillies said as the years passed she always worried that the final hurdle of the parole system, would let us down, as without further information as to Arlenes whereabouts his release would mean a continuation of the crime and a loss of hope of ever gaining further information or finding Arlene.

Nat Fraser was found guilty of murdering his wife, Arlene

The last time was last seen was on April 28 1998 after waving her two children, aged 10 and five, off to school.

Mrs Gillies said: Those involved in Arlenes murder dumped her somewhere and continue to deny her the right to a respectful resting place.

We feel incredibly sad that a life watching her children grow up has been taken from her by this brutal crime.

Former detective superintendent Alan Smith, who worked on the murder investigation, also took part in the documentary. He said: The agony here is the family dont have a headstone, they dont have a grave that they can visit.

That for me is an extension of the torture that Nat Fraser has exerted on this family.

But Mrs Gillies said the DSs professional support and backing, often shouldering the media attention, has enabled her to continue to voice the need for change in the parole system and keep Arlenes name alive.

Murder Case: The Hunt For Arlene Frasers Killer is available on BBC iPlayer. It will also air on BBC Scotland tonight at 9pm and BBC Two on Thursday at 9pm.
Chilling new 911 audio captured a pediatrician who allegedly murdered her daughter calmly telling dispatchers that her child had accidentally fallen into a swimming pool and was 'not moving.'

Dr Neha Gupta, 36, was heard telling 911 that she woke up in their rental home in El Porta, Florida to find her daughter Aria Talathi, 4, at the bottom of their swimming pool on June 27, 2025.

The Oklahoma pediatrician said she believed her daughter accidentally fell into the pool, and told the dispatcher: 'I tried to get her out.'

'We were sleeping and I heard some noise. She was in the pool, I tried to save her but I don't know how to swim. She went down in the pool,' she calmly explained.

Asked if she or anybody else was able to get her daughter out of the pool, Gupta replied it was 'just me' at the home, and said: 'I tried my best to get her out.'

She then told 911 that her daughter was not conscious, saying: 'No, she's at the bottom of the pool... She's not moving.'

As Gupta told 911 again she couldn't save her daughter because she couldn't swim, the dispatcher pleaded with her that she 'has to try' to bring her out of the water.

'Is there like a stick, like a pool stick, like if you're cleaning out the pool?' the dispatcher asked. 'You need to try to get her out of the water.'

Prosecutors allege that Gupta staged the scene as an accidental drowning, but claim evidence suggests she smothered her daughter to death before placing her in the water.

Chilling new 911 audio captured the moment pediatrician Dr Neha Gupta calmly told dispatchers her daughter Aria Talathi, 4, (pictured) accidentally fell into a swimming pool and was 'not moving.' Gupta has since been charged with Aria's murder

Gupta was a pediatrician in Oklahoma, and prosecutors allege she smothered her daughter and staged it to look like a drowning due to her bitter custody battle with her ex-husband. She has pleaded not guilty

Gupta is facing first-degree murder charges, which were briefly downgraded to manslaughter in August before prosecutors opted to escalate the charges again to murder.

She and her daughter were visiting Florida from their home in Oklahoma when the tragedy unfolded. Following the death of her daughter at the rental home, Gupta returned to her home for two weeks before she was was arrested and extradited on July 2.

Prosecutors allege that she killed her daughter as she was in the midst of a bitter custody battle with her ex-husband.

Gupta has denied killing her daughter, and the doctor's attorney Michael Mirer told NBC6 last year that she insists her daughter's death was a tragic accident, arguing investigators 'rushed to judgment' in arresting her.

'Our position from day one has been that Dr. Gupta did not intentionally harm her child, that her child tragically got out of the locked door and fell into the pool, accidentally,' Mirer said.

Gupta told police her daughter drowned after accidentally falling in the pool, but a medical examiner found that her lungs were dry, prosecutors say

Gupta told 911 dispatchers her daughter fell in the pool and she couldn't help her because she 'couldn't swim'

Gupta has denied killing her daughter, and her attorney insisted her daughter's death was a tragic accident and that investigators 'rushed to judgment' in arresting her

Prosecutors had previously alleged that Gupta had waited 10 minutes before calling 911 when she found her daughter in the pool.

Gupta's attorney argued that she was using the time to try and save her daughter from the pool, with the newly revealed 911 audio showing she had told dispatchers she tried to wade into the water, but couldn't swim.

When questioned about the tragedy, Gupta claimed her daughter was up late and fell into the pool after having a late dinner.

A medical examiner later found that Aria had no food in her stomach, and her lungs were dry - indicating that she did not drown, prosecutors said.

Mirer argued that medical examiners could not establish an official cause of death, and said prosecutors alleging that Gupta smothered her daughter was premature before an official ruling.

Surveillance footage showed the mother and daughter on their vacation in Aria's final days, including Gupta carrying her daughter inside as they arrived at the rental home, appearing to lovingly hug her and showing no signs of the horror that would unfold days later

When she was arrested at her Oklahoma home weeks after her daughter's death, Gupta was seen in bodycam footage hiding in a laundry room when police raided her property

It comes as surveillance footage first released by Local10 showed the mother and daughter on their vacation in Aria's final days, including Gupta changing her daughter's diaper in their driveway hours before allegedly murdering her.

Other surveillance showed Gupta carrying her daughter inside as they arrived at the home, appearing to lovingly hug her and showing no signs of the horror that would unfold days later.

Video from the home security system then showed a huge law enforcement presence descended on the home after Gupta's 911 call, including several cop cars and a firetruck.

Aria was then stretchered out of the home and raced to hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

When she was arrested at her Oklahoma home weeks later, Gupta was seen in bodycam footage hiding in a laundry room when police raided her property.

Gupta remains behind bars in Florida ahead of he trial, which has not been scheduled.
This is the moment a grandmother had 450 stolen from her handbag in a lightning-quick distraction theft outside a busy discount store.

CCTV footage given to the Daily Mail shows two women - one wearing a headscarf - targeting Elaine Parkes, 66, as she crouched down to examine a box of goods outside MC Bargains in Acocks Green just after midday on Saturday.

Within seconds, one woman stands close beside her while the other reaches into her open bag and removes her purse.

Mrs Parkes, a grandmother of one who cares full-time for her 36-year-old daughter who has autism, did not realise what had happened until minutes later when she noticed her handbag was open and the purse - containing part of her pension and benefit payments - had vanished.

'It all happened in a flash', she told the Mail. 'I remember one of the women was right by my side and I was thinking "oh you're a bit close".

'As I bent down slightly to have a look at some wooden coasters in a box, the second woman has dipped into my bag and taken the purse.

'I didn't notice a thing at the time. I only knew something had happened a few minutes later when I noticed my bag was open. I looked to find my purse but realised it had vanished.

'I went back into the shop to see if anybody had handed it in but nobody had. The owner then checked the CCTV and later showed me the security camera footage.

CCTV footage given to the Daily Mail shows two women - one wearing a headscarf - targeting Elaine Parkes, 66, as she crouched down to examine a box of goods outside MC Bargains in Acocks Green just after midday on Saturday

Elaine Parkes (pictured on the right), a grandmother of one who cares full-time for her 36-year-old daughter who has autism, did not realise what had happened until minutes later when she noticed her handbag was open and the purse had vanished

'To be honest with you I felt sick when I saw it.

'I had 450 in that purse that was partly my pension and partly benefit payments belonging to my daughter who is disabled and lives with me. I look after her money as well.

'Normally I wouldn't keep her cash on me but I'd forgotten to take it out of my purse when I drew the money out the previous day.

'I was a bit stuck, I had to go food shopping later that day but fortunately a lovely lady in the shop who had seen what had gone on kindly gave me 20.'

The store owner, Mark Convey, took pity on Mrs Parkes and held a whip-round among staff and customers and managed to raise 450 for her.

The retired admin worker, who lives close to the store, added: 'Mark was brilliant, he organised a donation and added in a bit himself and got me the 450 that had been taken. I'm really grateful to everyone and it restored my faith in humanity.

'I just want these women caught now before then can steal from someone else. They shouldn't be allowed to get away with it. What they did was disgusting.'

Mr Convey said he was happy to help and told how he had seen the suspected pickpockets in his store before.

The two suspects (pictured) who store owner, Mark Convey, said have been banned

He said: 'They're banned now and if I see them I'll call the police. What they did was shameful.

'They waited for Elaine to come out the shop and you can see on the footage how one of them sidles up to her to create a distraction while her accomplice leans in and takes the purse.

'Elaine is a valued regular and we were keen to give her the money back. We're a warm hearted community and look after our own.

'Those two women need to be found as soon as possible. I've been told that Elaine isn't their first victim and probably won't be their last if they're not caught soon.'

A spokesperson for West Midlands Police said: 'We're investigating after a purse was stolen from a woman while she was shopping at a store on Olton Boulevard, Birmingham, at 12.15pm on 14 February.

'Officers are in the process of carrying out CCTV enquiries to find those responsible.'
Qabil Ashirov



The Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Mexico has issued an official advisory to Azerbaijani citizens in response to ongoing unrest in several regions of the country, AzerNEWS reports, citing a post shared by the embassy on its official X account.

The post notes that Azerbaijani nationals currently traveling or temporarily residing in Mexico are urged to exercise heightened caution due to a deterioration in the security situation in certain areas.

The advisory specifically calls on citizens to closely follow and strictly comply with safety recommendations issued by local authorities in the state of Jalisco, as well as in neighboring states including Michoacan, Guanajuato, Colima, Aguascalientes, Zacatecas, and Nayarit.

Citizens are advised to remain vigilant, observe personal safety measures, avoid mass gatherings and high-risk areas, and rely exclusively on information disseminated through official sources.

In case of emergency, Azerbaijani nationals may contact the Consular Section of the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Mexico via the following hotline numbers:

+52 5511 907 092

+52 5555 404 109

The embassy emphasized the importance of adhering strictly to local security guidance as authorities continue to monitor developments across affected regions.

Background

The killing of Nemesio El Mencho Oseguera Cervantes triggered unrest in 20 of Mexicos 32 states, with suspected gang members torching buses and businesses, blocking roads and clashing with security forces, AzerNEWS reports.

Mexicos Security Cabinet said 252 blockades were reported in states right across the country, and included what it called localized incidents and isolated blockades.

Oseguera died on the way to hospital after being wounded during a Mexican military operation targeting him in Tapalpa in the western state of Jalisco, the power base of his Jalisco New Generation Cartel.

The military operation triggered a series of violent events across the state of Jalisco. Guadalajara, the state capital and Mexicos second-largest city, was almost completely shut down on Sunday, the Associated Press reported.

And video obtained by CNN showed multiple fires burning and plumes of smoke rising across Puerto Vallarta, a resort town popular with US tourists on Mexicos west coast.

Pablo Lemus Navarro, Jaliscos governor, earlier said violence had spread to at least five states.

The US has urged Americans in several Mexican states, including popular vacation spots in Jalisco, Baja California, and Quintana Roo, to shelter in place.
Republicans in Congress are turning on their colleague who allegedly petitioned one of his staffers for explicit images during their reported affair before she committed suicide.

Congressman Tony Gonzales, 45, a Texas Republican, has been thrust into the limelight for his alleged affair with his staffer, Regina Aviles, 35. Gonzales denied that he was in a relationship with Aviles in November, and he has since accused Aviles' widower, Adrian, of blackmailing the lawmaker.

Aviles, a former staffer for Gonzales based in Texas, died in September after setting herself on fire. Shortly after her death, the Daily Mail was the first to report that the two were embroiled in an alleged affair in October.

This week, text messages from Aviles' cell phone were published, showing the extent of their alleged relationship.

'@RepTonyGonzales, RESIGN!' Republican Congresswoman Lauren Boebert of Colorado posted on social media Monday, alongside alleged pictures of sexually-charged texts between Gonzales and Aviles.

Those messages allegedly show sexually explicit requests the congressman made of his staffer, including asking her about her bedroom preferences and for her to send steamy pictures to him, her boss.

'Congressman Gonzales must address these allegations and resign,' Congresswoman Nancy Mace of South Carolina reacted on X.

'America deserves better,' Texas Republican Congressman Brandon Gill posted on X after the messages were published. 'Tony should drop out of the race.'

Congressman Tony Gonzales is facing pressure to resign after sexually-charged text messages were published, allegedly showing the lawmaker inquiring about his late staffer's sexual preferences. Gonzales also allegedly asked her to send him 'a sexy pic'

Regina Aviles, 35, worked as Gonzales' Texas staff when the two allegedly had an affair. She died by suicide in September after setting herself on fire

Republicans Boebert and Luna have called on Gonzales to either resign or drop his reelection bid

Florida Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna later piled on, writing on X: 'I agree. It is time for Tony to let someone else represent the great people of TX. Tony, you should drop out of the race.'

The alleged affair is a potential pitfall for Gonzales ahead of his primary election on March 3. Early voting in the race began on February 17.

Calls for the congressman to resign, or at least not run for reelection, will give ammo to Gonzales' Republican primary opponent, Brandon Herrera, who has also called on the Texas Republican to give up his seat amid the scandal.

GOP leadership on Capitol Hill has also expressed concern over the story.

'There are serious accusations, and it must be taken seriously, and I've told him he's got to address that with his constituents,' Speaker Mike Johnson said on Monday.

Republicans currently maintain a minuscule 218 - 214 majority in the House of Representatives, meaning they can only lose two GOP supporters on any party-line vote and still pass legislation.

Gonzales' alleged affair has caught the eyes of congressional investigators, too.

The Office of Congressional Conduct (OCC) has reportedly wrapped up a probe into the Republican's relationship, two sources told NBC News.

Gonzales posed as a family man in his campaign photo, showing his six children with his wife, Angel Gonzales, who served on the congressman's 2020 campaign as treasurer and custodian of records

Gonzales (left) and Aviles (right) with Elon Musk in Texas in September 2023

However, the finalized report cannot be published within a 60-day window of an election, according to House rules.

'Send me a sexy pic,' a May 2024 text message sent by Gonzales to Aviles at 12:15 am reads.

Aviles later replied that she had a long week and 'you don't really want a hit picture of me.'

The congressman appears pushy in the exchange, rebuffing Aviles' attempt to forgo the picture exchange.

'No, I just don't like taking pictures of myself,' Aviles told the lawmaker. He later pushed back, writing, 'I am just such a visual person.'

The Republican later asked candidly about which sexual positions his staffer prefers.

'A***?' he asked her.

'Never,' Aviles responded. 'This is too far Tony.'

Gonzales' office did not respond to the Daily Mail's request for comment.
Peter Mandelson was in a police cell on Monday after being arrested at his London home.

Ashen-faced, the disgraced former minister was led away by detectives who have spent weeks investigating allegations that he leaked sensitive information to paedophile Jeffrey Epstein during his time as business secretary.

His arrest, on suspicion of misconduct in public office, came four days after police sensationally arrested Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor on similar allegations.

The 72-year-old architect of New Labour left his 7.6million Regents Park home flanked by suit-clad officers yesterday afternoon, clenching his jaw as he was ushered into the back of a police car.

The arrest will heap pressure on Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who has faced a furious backlash for approving Mandelson as ambassador to Washington before the peer was subject to an in-depth national security vetting.

It had been known prior to the appointment in December 2024 that Labour's self-confessed 'Prince of Darkness' enjoyed a close friendship with the convicted sex offender.

The Government are now under pressure to release the files relating to his controversial posting.

Peter Mandelson was in a police cell on Monday after being arrested at his London home (above)

Three officers turned up in two unmarked vehicles at Mandelson's address in Regent's Park, north-west London at around 4:15pm

On Monday Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said: 'Mandelson's arrest is the defining moment of Keir Starmer's premiership.

'It wasn't long ago the PM looked me in the eye at PMQs and said he had 'full confidence' in Mandelson.

'Time to release the Mandelson files in full. We must know who knew what and when. No more delays.'

Officers arrived at Mandelson's home in three unmarked cars at around 4.15pm.

The Labour grandee, who has given up his seat in the Lords but retains his title, was formally arrested inside before leaving around half an hour later for questioning at a central London police station.

One of the plain clothed officers was seen wearing a body worn camera to video the arrest itself.

Police raided Mandelson's homes in London and Wiltshire a fortnight ago amid revelations in the three million pages of Epstein Files released by the US Department of Justice.

Emails suggested that both Mandelson, as business secretary and de-facto deputy Prime Minister to Gordon Brown, and Andrew, while UK trade envoy, had passed potentially sensitive information from official briefings to Epstein.

Neither man has commented on the claims but they are understood to deny any wrong-doing.

Scotland Yard's central specialist crime division have spent weeks pouring over evidence from the US files, government documents and boxes of papers seized in the earlier raids on Mandelson's homes.

Documents released by the US Department of Justice suggest Mandelson may have leaked information about potential policy measures, including an 'asset sales plan', a tax on bankers' bonuses and a bailout package for the euro the day before it was announced in 2010.

The former Labour grandee was seen getting into a vehicle flanked by detectives on Monday afternoon

In this photo, Lord Mandelson stands in white underwear talking to a woman in a bathing robe

Lord Mandelson is pictured and mentioned many times throughout the released Epstein files

Mr Brown has accused Mandelson of 'betrayal'.

In the hour before the extraordinary arrest, Sir Keir's right-hand man had insisted that the first of the files about Mandelson's appointment as US ambassador would shortly be published.

Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister Darren Jones told MPs that officials are still trawling through huge numbers of documents on the scandal but intend to release the first tranche in 'early March'.

He admitted it was 'clearly a process that will take some time' given the scale of the request and that the material is being carefully considered to see if it risks damaging 'national security or international relations'.

Scotland Yard has told the Government not to publish some exchanges between Downing Street and the New Labour grandee immediately for fear of prejudicing any potential prosecution, he added.

But Shadow Cabinet Office minister Mike Wood claimed that 'the Government's progress moves with the urgency of a tired sloth on a Bank Holiday Monday'.

He urged: 'It is time the Government stopped treating Parliament like an inconvenient interruption to their schedule, stopped giving every impression that they have priorities working out whose back to cover, and started providing some actual answers so that we can start to get to the bottom of this murky matter.'

Labour backbencher Andy McDonald referred to the disgraced peer as 'the lord of the files' adding: 'There are many people in this place and across the country who would not have touched Peter Mandelson with a bargepole and they're trying to get their head round why on earth this Government wasn't of the same view.'

Downing Street yesterday denied reports it had cut corners on Mandelson's security vetting in its haste to appoint him to Washington.

The disgraced peer's clearance to read top secret documents was fast-tracked in a matter of weeks, instead of the usual months.

A police officer carrying a blue box walks towards the front door of Peter Mandelson's house earlier in February when they were being searched

Peter Mandelson (left) previously claimed he was 'kept separate' from the 'sexual side' of paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein (right)

But No 10 said full checks had been carried out.

The PM's official spokesman told reporters: 'No part of the vetting process was skipped or removed. It is normal procedure for vetting sponsors to prioritise cases based on deployment deadlines.'

Earlier this month Mandelson bowed to public pressure and resigned his seat in the House of Lords.

Days later, police searched Mandelson's London home, which the politician bought in 2011 following advice from Epstein.

Following revelations in the Epstein emails, the former 'minister without portfolio' has claimed that he has 'no recollection' of receiving payments totalling $75,000 from the predator between 2003 and 2004.

Epstein is also said to have paid for an osteopathy course for Mandelson's husband, Reinaldo Avila Da Silva, in 2009, at the time the government was dealing with the financial crisis.

The former minister has denied breaking any laws or acting for personal gain.

Mandelson has repeatedly said he regrets the friendship, which continued after Epstein's conviction for soliciting sex from a minor in 2008.

Last night a spokesperson for Scotland Yard said: 'Officers have arrested a 72-year-old man on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

'He was arrested at an address in Camden and has been taken to a London police station for interview.

'This follows search warrants at two addresses in the Wiltshire and Camden areas.'
Bridget Phillipson is bad enough when snarling class war at Middle England. Shes even more unsettling when she tries to exude sweet positivity.

Scary Bridget came to the Commons to present her expensive, complicated reforms to the mad world of special needs teaching.

Beforehand she licked the inside of her upper lip, as boxers do before a fight. At the despatch box her mouth muscles did more pushing and pumping. Then a terrifying thing happened: Ms Phillipson cracked a hesitant, unfamiliar smile.

Bats fled. Distant werewolves yowled. Not since Margaret Beckett started singing a folk ballad at a charity concert 20 years ago has something so disconcerting occurred. Scary Bridget was smiling! It was like seeing a moose in the last furlong of the Grand National.

Education Secretary Ms Phillipson could not resist completely casting some bile at the Tories and private schools. She spat out a phrase about how class and connections should not matter. Independent schools that accepted special needs pupils were sucking money out of our education system into profit.

Having unburdened herself of those grudges she caught a grip of herself and adopted, instead, a floaty tone to describe an educational utopia in which every child in Britain would attend an excellent local school.

She envisaged a land where special needs experts would be on hand in every classroom, where parents would never need do battle with authority. Achieve! she cooed. Thrive! All this was going to happen in, cough, a decades time.

There was some basic electoral grooming of the teacher vote. Their maternity pay would be boosted. Suddenly there was four billion quid more in the kitty. Ms Phillipson intended to shape the society of tomorrow and halve the disadvantage gap. She continued: No school is an island. School days will be energised. We will fix the special needs system once and for all. And our parliamentary representatives believed her.

Bridget Phillipson could not resist casting some bile at the Tories and private schools, as she presented her expensive reforms to special needs teaching, says our columnist

The only dissenting voice was Reforms Suella Braverman who complained that the claimed improvements were planned years in the future rather than now. The Commons, shocked by Suellas scepticism, tsssked and tutted.

Saint Bridget, still baring her gnashers in that unfamiliar manner  it was like seeing a woman checking her teeth for post-prandial spinach  fluted on about a new national experts talent initiative, a national conversation, a smooth transition from 2030. We heard about the reasonable adjustment framework, various missions, embedding of expectations and inclusivity and endless new training and administrative palaver.

Will teachers really want this? My daughter-in-law recently taught at an academy school in Cheltenham. She quit because she had to devise six different lesson plans for every class, so crazy had special needs rules become. She and my son have emigrated to communist China, where the system feels freer.

And yet Labour MPs were in clover. They leaned back on the benches and gazed creamily at the ceiling. Here was a minister talking about spending ever more money, creating new centralised requirements, imposing embuggerances, funding new tiers of managers.

While most MPs seemed supportive of the Education Secretary, Reforms Suella Braverman was a lone dissenting voice

A more persuasive snapshot of political reality came earlier when Sir Keir Starmers poor trouble-shooter, Darren Jones, had to explain about an ethics probe into Josh Simons, who is minister for, er, public sector ethics. He used to run a dodgy outfit, Labour Together, which smeared newspaper journalists. It was unusually generous to numerous Starmerite ministers.

One of these was Mr Jones himself. Jonesy became v. huffy when accused of pocketing Labour Together cash. Not. A. Penny. he said primly. Turned out he had merely accepted 60 grands worth of free staff. Peanuts, mdears.

Leftwing Labour backbenchers let rip. They really hate the Starmer lot and still have it in for Morgan McSweeney, Sir Keirs ex chief-poisoner. His wife, a Labour Whip, was present throughout.

Brian Leishman (Lab, Alloa) said a rude word which had to be withdrawn. Andy McDonald (Lab, Middlesbrough) thought the Simons affair truly sordid. Rebecca Long-Bailey (Lab, Salford) compared Britain to a Press-hating dictatorship. The Left wont stop until Starmer is toast.
President Trump has blasted reports claiming his top general, Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine, advised him to abandon plans for an Iranian military campaign.

'Numerous stories from the Fake News Media have been circulating stating that General Daniel Caine, sometimes referred to as Razin, is against us going to War with Iran. The story does not attribute this vast wealth of knowledge to anyone, and is 100% incorrect,' Trump posted on Truth Social.

'General Caine, like all of us, would like not to see War but, if a decision is made on going against Iran at a Military level, it is his opinion that it will be something easily won.'

Trump rubbished reports of a rift with his top general, hailing 'Razin' Caine as a 'Great Fighter' who leads the world's most powerful military.

Blasting the media for 'purposefully' misrepresenting potential war plans, the President denied that Caine had ever advised against a campaign or suggested 'fake limited strikes' against Iran.

Trump insisted that his top commander is focused solely on winning and stands ready to 'lead the pack' if given the order to strike, effectively dismissing claims of internal cold feet.

Insiders, however, tell a different story.

Reports surfaced today by Axios and the Washington Post claim the General issued a chilling warning to the CommanderinChief, cautioning that a 'critical' shortage of ammo and a lack of backup from world allies could leave U.S. troops sitting ducks.

President Trump has blasted reports claiming his top general, Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine, advised him to abandon plans for an Iranian military campaign

Donald Trump is considering assassinating Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's 55yearold son, Mojtaba Khamenei, US officials told Axios

USS Abraham Lincoln sails alongside USS Frank E Petersen Jr and USNS Carl Brashear in the Arabian Sea on February 6

Sources familiar with the tense internal talks claim Caine warned that the mission is now fraught with significant risk to American lives.

Conversations from inside the White House reveal that Caine went headtohead with Trump and his top aides just days ago.

His warning was clear: America's munitions are in low supply, thanks to the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. With the U.S. defense shield spread thin, Caine cautioned that an Iran offensive is a gamble the military might not be equipped to win.

Caine isn't just a decorated commander  he's Trump's righthand man in the Situation Room. As the President's most trusted military advisor, his word carries immense weight in the Oval Office.

Trump's secret weapon in the Iran crisis is a 'small brain trust' of elite strategists, a US official told Axios. This select group is currently drafting a tactical playbook that will allow the President to strike at a time of his choosing  ensuring he holds all the cards while keeping American forces out of the line of fire.

Two sources explain that while Caine gave the Venezuela operation the green light, he is taking a much more hesitant approach to Iran, with one source even describing Caine as a 'reluctant warrior.'

They said that despite his hesitancy, Caine would ultimately agree to whatever the president wanted. He has reportedly been the only military leader to brief Trump in recent weeks on this matter.

'General Caine is a talented and highlyvalued member of President Trump's national security team. The President listens to a host of opinions on any given issue and decides based on what is best for US national security,' White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly said in a written statement.

Trump rubbished reports of a rift with his top general, hailing 'Razin' Caine as a 'Great Fighter' who leads the world's most powerful military

Video footage from last weekend showed protesters clashing with members of the Basij, a volunteer internal police force that is a branch of the IRGC

Mojtaba Khamenei (left), 55, is Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's son and most likely successor. President Trump is considering assassinating him and his father with a view for wholesale regime change

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 and February 1

Trump's negotiators Steve Witkoff and soninlaw Jared Kushner are planning to meet Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Thursday in Geneva.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio is reportedly paralyzed by indecision. Sources say the nation's top diplomat is sitting on the fence when it comes to Iran, spending a large portion of his time tackling Venezuela and Cuba.

One option Trump is said to be considering is the assassination of the son of Iran's supreme leader as brave protesters have marched again in Tehran, chanting 'death to Ayatollah' over the weekend.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's 55yearold son, Mojtaba Khamenei, is his father's most likely successor due to close ties with the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC)  a powerful branch of the armed forces designated a terrorist group by the US.

While Trump's reported assassination threat looms from above, students at the Sharif University of Technology are back on the streets and were chanting 'death to Khamenei' and 'shameless, shameless' last Saturday, antigovernment media site Iran International said.

Protests began against the Ayatollah's regime over economic grievances in December 2025 but were violently suppressed, with some estimates saying 30,000 demonstrators were killed by progovernment security forces.

More conservative estimates from the USbased Human Rights Activists News Agency say at least 6,876 people have been killed, alongside 50,000 arrests.

The US Navy 'armada' has been gathering on Iranian shores in the Persian Gulf as Trump supported the protesters, saying 'help is on its way' on January 22, with more than a third of American personnel now actively deployed in the region.

The White House has been considering launching 'limited' military strikes since last Friday to force them to the negotiating table and curb their nuclear programme.

If these negotiations should fail, the assassination of Mojtaba and his father is one option being considered by the president, aiming at wholesale regime change.
It has been a week of firsts for the man once known as Prince Andrew and for our monarchy. No senior royal has been arrested on such serious charges since the ill-fated Charles I in 1647.

Yet the biggest novelty of all is that it now seems  finally  that there is one law for the Windsors and for the rest of us, too.

It is perhaps an irony that Andrew  who denies all wrongdoing  has been questioned in relation to a Common Law offence, Misconduct in Public Office, for which the maximum sentence is life imprisonment.

Yet all too many questions remain for the police, Government and monarchy itself, and not least: why is it only now that Thames Valley Police are investigating the Kings brother?

As the Mail on Sunday revealed yesterday, even Charles was warned as long ago as 2019 that the Royal Familys name was being abused by Andrews business associations. According to emails seen by the paper, a whistleblower told the Palace he had secret financial links to controversial millionaire financier David Rowland  whom Andew, on numerous occasions, alerted to business opportunities arising from his work as trade envoy.

It also emerged over the weekend that Metropolitan Police officers were instructed to provide security for a celebrity dinner party at Jeffrey Epsteins New York home in 2010, following claims from a former senior protection officer that Met bodyguards may have wilfully turned a blind eye during visits to Epsteins private island.

These revelations add to a growing picture that those high up in the Establishment have known about Andrews alleged misdemeanours for decades. Its true that the millions of documents released by the US Department of Justice had a dramatic impact, exposing the true nature and scale of Andrews friendship with paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein.

The revelations of the last week add to a growing picture that those high up in the Establishment have known about Andrew's alleged misdemeanors for decades

According to emails seen by The Mail on Sunday, as early as 2019 a whisteblower told the Palace Andrew had secret financial links to controversial millionaire financier David Rowland

The public mood has changed due, not least, to emails suggesting that as Special Representative for International Trade and Investment between 2001 and 2011, Andrew alerted his associates to useful, inside information from which they might have been able to profit.

Thanks to the new Epstein files we know that, in 2010, he provided his banker friends Rowland and his son Jonathan with a secret Treasury document that might have helped them purchase a failing Icelandic bank, for example.

In the same year, Andrew supplied commercially sensitive information to Epstein amid the 45billion Government rescue of the Royal Bank of Scotland.

The released documents also suggest he passed on information about Aston Martin, including claims of internal tensions amid a slump in sales and that he disclosed details of confidential briefings hed received while on trade visits to south-east Asia and Libya.

Crucially, though, many of the revelations have not been new at all. Whether he is guilty of any crime or not, Andrews behaviour has been questionable for decades. We know this thanks to journalists who have been determined to scrutinise his association with Epstein and the young women in his circle, his unusual financial dealings, his friendship with foreign dictators and, of course, his behaviour as trade envoy.

My book, Entitled, raised more disturbing questions. I revealed that Andrew had taken a 3.85million commission for helping a Greek water company secure contracts in Kazakhstan; how he helped to fast-track a banking licence in the Middle East for David Rowlands Banque Havilland; and how he helped shoe-horn son Jonathan into meetings on a visit to China in 2010.

Yet the Palace, police and Establishment as a whole continued to look the other way, as they have done from the outset. It is now the best part of two decades since the facts about the Kings younger brother were first laid before the public  and with startling clarity. Yet officialdom did nothing.

Why was there neither a police investigation nor a royal inquiry when, in 2010, Andrews former wife, Sarah Ferguson, was filmed by the News of the World selling access to Prince Andrew?

Why was there no investigation when it was revealed Andrew had been paid 3million over the asking price for his first marital home, Sunninghill, even though the source of that money was from Kazakhstan, an oil-rich dictatorship, and the possibility of money laundering (with or without his knowledge) was very real?

Why was Sarah allowed to spend 30 years monetising her royal status for personal commercial gain?

Sunninghill Park, the former marital home of Andrew and Sarah which was sold for 3million over the asking price  and the money came from Kazakhstan, an oil-rich dictatorship

We need clarity about the Duchies of Lancaster and Cornwall, which pour billions into the pockets of the King and his heir, William

Why did nothing happen in 2022 when, in an unrelated fraud case, the High Court revealed Andrews family had received over 1million from a Turkish millionaire for which they could not account: 750,000 to Andrew, 245,000 to Sarah and 10,000 to Princess Eugenie?

Why were no questions asked when it emerged in 2019 that Pitch@Palace, a charity hosted in Buckingham Palace bringing entrepreneurs and investors together, had a clause giving Andrew a 2 per cent cut of any investment? Why was Sarah allowed to spend 30 years monetising her royal status for personal commercial gain?

The fact is, the royals have known about Andrews activities for years. Not only did they turn a blind eye, I believe they abetted it  as did some of the most powerful influences in British society. I suspect that diplomats, civil servants, policeman and former members of staff knew their careers would be curtailed if they tried to speak truth to power.

Of the 3,000 people I approached for my book, only 300 responded. Many of those who knew about Andrews activities simply replying not interested. When truthful stories were brought to the Palace by journalists, they were all too frequently denied. Legal threats were issued or strong-arm tactics and patronage deployed.

It is hardly encouraging to learn that Paul Page, a former policeman at Buckingham Palace  who had started revealing the staggering number of women smuggled in to meet Andrew  received a letter in December reminding him of his obligations of confidentiality.

And why now, we might ask, is it only Andrew who is being questioned by the police? Why not his ex wife and their two daughters? Why not the heads of the former UK Trade and Investment department, which sponsored his work as envoy?

Why is no one in touch with our former ambassadors in Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, China and Libya  all countries visited by Andrew in his envoy role.

Several things must happen now. The Foreign Office and Department of Business and Trade must release all the files relating to Andrews period as trade envoy, which are currently scheduled to remain out of reach until 2065.

We need parliamentary scrutiny of the royals and their finances and members of the Royal Family or Household must be asked to give evidence. We need a royal register of business interests and the unsealing of royal wills which have so remained firmly  and outrageously  closed.

Ive spent years calling for greater transparency over the royal archives and the way in which the royals brief the media. We need a reform of the royal exemptions in the Freedom of Information Act and clarity about the Duchies of Lancaster and Cornwall, which pour billions into the pockets of the King and his heir, William.

Finally, if the King is serious about cooperating with an investigation, he needs to ensure that protection officers, secretaries, equerries and valets talk to the police.

Without a new spirit of openness, the monarchy will not survive  neither will it deserve to.
The Princess of Wales glamorous BAFTAs look was a 'masterclass in understated power dressing' and a 'quietly strategic reminder of stability' following Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's arrest, a stylist has said.

Fashion expert Lisa Talbot told the Daily Mail that Kate's pink floor-length Gucci gown and romantically styled waves sent a powerful message amid a turbulent period for The Firm.

'In a moment where the Royal Family is under intense scrutiny, her appearance felt quietly strategic, a reminder of stability, grace and the composure expected of a future Queen,' she explained.

'It wasn't about drama; it was about presence.'

The expert revealed that 'the soft, flowing silhouette of her gown felt romantic yet incredibly poised, a beautiful balance of femininity and authority'.

'Kate's BAFTAs look was a masterclass in understated power dressing,' she shared.

'Nothing felt overdone. Her hair was glossy and softly styled, and the make-up fresh and refined, allowing her natural features to lead rather than compete with the dress.'

Accentuating her sophisticated look were some very regal accessories, including a pair of Greville chandelier earrings, which once belonged to the late Queen Elizabeth, and were designed by Cartier.

The Princess of Wales's glamorous BAFTAs look served a 'masterclass in understated power dressing', a stylist has said

Fashion expert Lisa Talbot told the Daily Mail that as well as being her first red carpet look in three years, Kate's pink floor-length Gucci gown and romantically styled waves were a way of repping The Firm

Originally owned by Dame Margaret Greville, the socialite daughter of a successful brewer, the jewels were given to Elizabeth as a wedding present from her parents, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth.

When Margaret died in 1942, she left a spectacular bequest of jewels to Elizabeth, the Queen Consort, later the Queen Mother. Margaret requested that the earrings be altered twice, adding 12 diamonds in 1922, followed by another 10 in 1929.

The design features a mixture of diamond cuts, such as half-moon, trapeze, square, baguette, baton and emerald.

And on Kate's right arm was another royal heirloom: a platinum and diamond bracelet, made by Philip Antrobus in 1947, which had been the then Prince Philip of Greeces engagement gift to his future wife.

Made from a tiara that had once belonged to his mother, Princess Alice of Battenberg, which she had received from her uncle Tsar Nicholas II of Russia  the piece had only ever been worn by the Queen Mother, before being spotted on Kate in 2015, at a state banquet for President Xi of China.

Accentuating her sophisticated look were some very regal accessories, including a pair of Greville chandelier earrings, which once belonged to the late Queen Elizabeth, and were designed by Cartier

The expert revealed that 'the soft, flowing silhouette of her gown felt romantic yet incredibly poised, a beautiful balance of femininity and authority'

Lisa said that 'in a moment where the Royal Family is under intense scrutiny, her appearance felt quietly strategic'

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

Join the debate Do YOU think the heirloom jewels were deliberate symbolism?

Also on full show was Kate's stunning engagement ring, which belonged to her late mother-in-law, Princess Diana.

Meanwhile, her husband Prince William wore a complementary dark red velvet 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 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 outing served as a reprieve from a turbulent time for the Royal Family.

In the latest developments following the tranche of explosive Epstein file revelations, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was pictured leaving police custody, following his arrest on Thursday on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

The former prince looked shellshocked as he cowered in the back of a car, leaving Aylsham police station in Norfolk shortly after 7pm on his return to Sandringham.

Andrew, who turned 66 last week, was detained by officers during an 8am raid on his new home at Wood Farm. In events that rocked the Royal Family, he became the first senior royal to be arrested in modern times.

Thames Valley Police confirmed the disgraced former prince had been taken into custody just after 10am on Thursday, marking one of the worst days for the family in recent history.

In a statement put out just minutes after Andrew's departure, Thames Valley Police said 'a man in his sixties' has been released under investigation - as images showed how the royal seemed to be trying to evade photographers following his bruising day in the cells.

Wide-eyed and with his hands clasped in front of him, Andrew cut a lonely figure as he ditched his traditional suit and tie attire in favour of a shirt and cardigan more suited to the setting that is so far removed from the upper echelons of luxury he is used to.

The photograph of the former prince, now stripped of all his titles and privileges, is sure to haunt the Royal Family in the days and weeks to come.

Police added that searches being conducted in Norfolk, relating to Andrew's new residence, Wood Farm, have concluded.

It is understood the former Duke of York was arrested in relation to allegations he passed sensitive information to convicted paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein while acting as a trade envoy for the British government.

King Charles 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 statement 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.'

William and Kate are understood to support the King.
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All eyes were on the Princess of Wales as she arrived at the 2026 BAFTA Film Awards at the Royal Festival Hall alongside her husband, Prince William.

Royal fans were delighted to see Kate rewear an ethereal Gucci gown debuted in 2019 - and if anything, it looked even more striking the second time around.

The two-tone pink chiffon design featured a soft off-the-shoulder neckline, a structured bodice and a flowing A-line skirt, delivering a true fairytale-worthy moment on the red carpet.

She elevated the look with glittering Oscar de la Renta court heels and a velvet Prada clutch, finishing with two meaningful royal heirlooms: the Greville Chandelier Earrings and Queen Mary's Diamond Choker Bracelet.

Elegant and romantic in dusty blush tones, the ensemble is the perfect inspiration for spring weddings, race days and special occasions.

If you're looking to recreate the look without the designer price tag, shop the best high street pink chiffon dresses below.
Calls for a judge-led inquiry into the Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor scandal are being considered today as Westminster pushes for greater scrutiny of the Royal Family.

The former prince is under investigation for allegedly leaking confidential information to Jeffrey Epstein and other wealthy contacts while serving as the UK's trade envoy.

MPs across parties are preparing to press for answers in Parliament over how Andrew was able to represent Britain for a decade with seemingly minimal oversight.

As the Commons sits today for the first time since his arrest, the case has triggered renewed calls for greater transparency around the royals who remains largely exempt from Freedom of Information requests and wider scrutiny by Parliament.

MPs are expected to raise urgent questions about removing Andrew from the line of succession, as well as call for the King to release all Epstein-linked communications.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has refused to rule out a judge-led inquiry. But you can now vote in the Daily Mail's latest poll  do you think there should be one?

Any independent probe would be designed to establish the facts of Andrews links with Epstein, as well as the wider issues or failures in his position as trade envoy.

In our last poll, Mail readers were asked: 'Should Andrew be removed from the royal line of succession?' Out of more than 23,000 votes, 95 per cent of you said 'yes' and 5 per cent said 'no'.
It was a double celebration for society stylist Olivia Buckingham on Sunday, as she announced she's expecting her first child on her 43rd birthday.

The Hong Kong-born British socialite, whose impressive portfolio includes Princess Beatrice, Poppy Delevingne, and Carey Mulligan, revealed the happy news on Sunday and told her followers she's looking forward to being 'just the two of us'.

'The best birthday gift I could ever dream of! I feel so incredibly grateful that I get to start this next chapter of life with a baby on the way,' she wrote, although she has not revealed further details of how the pregnancy came about.

She added in the caption: 'It's never too late [to] live the life of your dreams. #JustTheTwoOfUs #AnotherYearAroundTheSun.'

The stylist revealed the news, wearing a flowing 2,105 cream tulle dress from the brand Temily, in which she serves as creative director.

It was the same boho-esque gown that Buckingham chose to style the then-pregnant Poppy Delevingne in at last year's BAFTAs, with the model sporting the dress in a delicate pink shade.

Buckingham's followers flooded the comment section with well-wishes, including Beatrice's husband, Edo Mapelli Mozzi, who shared love heart face emojis.

The stylist, who counts Kate Moss as a close friend, spent her early childhood in Hong Kong before relocating to the UK and attending Heathfield School in Ascot.

Princess Beatrice's stylist Olivia Buckingham has announced she's expecting her first child (pictured together in November 2023)

The stylist took to Instagram to reveal the happy news, saying it's 'The best birthday gift I could ever dream of'

In addition to working as a contributing magazine editor at Vogue and Tatler, Buckingham is credited with Princess Beatrice's style makeover back in 2023.

At the time, Beatrice started to receive wider praise for her ensembles after being mocked for her mismatched looks and garish fascinators.

But with the help of Buckingham, Beatrice underwent a transformation, trading her awkward looks for sleek dresses and designer gear.

After marrying Edo, Beatrice adopted a much more refined approach to sartorial choices, with Vampire's Wife, Self Portrait, Monique Lhuillier and Emilia Wickstead among her go-to designers.

'I like to push my clients' boundaries but also stick to their authentic codes,' Olivia said.

'I don't want it to be one-sided, what I enjoy is giving them creative freedom, then we meet in the middle and come up with a magical look.'

Buckingham explained that she and Beatrice formed a styling relationship out of friendship.

'The whole process is collaborative when it comes down to choosing the final look,' she said.

Buckingham, who has also worked with Poppy Delevingne and Carrey Mulligan, posed in a 2,105 cream tulle dress from Temily

Pictured: Poppy Delevingne, Olivia Buckingham and Zanna Roberts Rassi in London earlier this month

'We discuss the event and what type of style would work even down to the finer details like jewellery and shoes.

'I know that we both believe that if a woman can feel empowered and confident by clothes then that's what they should be used for.'

Buckingham has also helped the princess widen her horizons by adding couture to the mix, as seen at the 2023 Jordanian royal wedding, when she wore a floor-length Reem Acra.

Meanwhile, Beatrice has shelved the unusual colours and quirky headpieces, which all-too-often had a touch of the pantomime dame about them, for a more streamlined approach.
Queen Camilla put on a brave face at a horse racing event in East Sussex as the police investigation into the disgraced former prince Andrew enters a new week.

Camilla, 78, attended Jamie's Race Day at Plumpton Racecourse near her childhood home on Monday, February 23.

The Queen was all smiles as she arrived at the racecourse that is located a stone's throw away from the seven-bedroom property where she grew up, with Camilla once describing the house as 'perfect in every way'.

Camilla, who is patron of Jamie's Farm, opted for a forest green coat that she paired with a brown skirt, a printed blouse and a fur-trimmed hat for today's visit.

She finished her look with a pair of brown suede boots, a black handbag, and a studded brooch pinned to the lapel of her coat.

She soon got stuck into race day, as Camilla was photographed watching the action unfold from the stands at Plumpton Racecourse in what will have been a welcome distraction from the scandal unfolding at her marital home.

Last week, her disgraced brother-in-law Andrew was arrested at his temporary home in Sandringham, following dramatic raids at Wood Farm as well as his former residence, Royal Lodge.

Andrew, 66, was released from custody under investigation for misconduct in public office during his time as a UK trade envoy.

It is understood the former Duke of York was arrested in relation to allegations he passed sensitive information to convicted paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein while acting as a trade envoy for the British government.

Queen Camilla put on a brave face at a horse racing event in East Sussex as the police investigation into the disgraced former prince Andrew enters a new week

Camilla, 78, attended Jamie's Race Day at Plumpton Racecourse near her childhood home on Monday, February 23

Members of the Royal Family remained focused on carrying on as normally as possible, as King Charles said the 'law must take its course' in an unprecedented statement about Andrew's arrest last Thursday.

Just hours later, the Queen was seen smiling for the cameras with veteran fashion editor Anna Wintour during an audience at St James's Palace to mark the start of London Fashion Week.

King Charles was seen later in the day sharing a laugh with Stella McCartney as they sat on the front row at Tolu Coker's fashion show on the same day.

However, Prince William admitted he is not 'in a calm state' to watch the BAFTA-nominated Hamnet as he joined the Princess of Wales for the awards show in London last night.

Although their glamorous appearance at the EE BAFTA Film Awards signalled the Royal Family's determination to put their difficulties aside, William, 43, revealed he wasn't in the right frame of mind to watch the Best Picture nominee.

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.

Meanwhile, Catherine, 44, delivered a 'masterclass in understated power dressing' as fashion expert Lisa Talbot told the Daily Mail that her pink floor-length Gucci gown sent a powerful message amid a turbulent time for The Firm.

The queen watched the races with rapt attention

She put on a very animated display while watching from the stands at Plumpton Racecourse

The Queen was all smiles as she arrived at the racecourse that is located a stone's throw away from the seven-bedroom property where she grew up, with Camilla once describing the house as 'perfect in every way

The races will be a welcome distraction from the scandal surrounding Queen Camilla's disgraced brother-in-law, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor

Camilla, who is patron of Jamie's Farm, opted for a forest green coat that she paired with a brown skirt, a printed blouse and a fur-trimmed hat for today's visit

She finished her look with a pair of brown suede boots, a black handbag, and a studded brooch pinned to the lapel of her coat

Camilla watching the races from the stands alongside veteran journalist Brough Scott (right)

She said it was a 'strategic reminder of stability', explaining: 'In a moment where the Royal Family is under intense scrutiny, her appearance felt quietly strategic, a reminder of stability, grace and the composure expected of a future Queen,' she explained.

'It wasn't about drama; it was about presence.'

The expert revealed that 'the soft, flowing silhouette of her gown felt romantic yet incredibly poised, a beautiful balance of femininity and authority'.

'Kate's BAFTAs look was a masterclass in understated power dressing,' she shared.

'Nothing felt overdone. Her hair was glossy and softly styled, and the make-up fresh and refined, allowing her natural features to lead rather than compete with the dress.'

Last night's outing would have served as a brief moment of respite for the Waleses.

In the latest developments following the tranche of explosive Epstein file revelations, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was pictured leaving police custody, following his unprecedented arrest on Thursday on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

The former prince looked shellshocked as he cowered in the back of a car leaving Aylsham police station in Norfolk shortly after 7pm on his return to Sandringham.

The queen kept warm with a pair of leather gloves and her hat

She soon got stuck into race day, as Camilla was photographed watching the action unfold

Queen Camilla with the winning connections after Enjoy D'allen won the Johnnie Boden Backs Jamie's Farm Amateur Jockeys' Handicap Chase at Plumpton Racecourse,

Trainer Neil King (left) and jockey Lily Jones received trophies from Queen Camilla

The Queen photographed in conversation with jockey Hezekiah March

Andrew, who turned 66 last week, was detained by officers during an 8am raid on his new home at Wood Farm. In events that rocked the Royal Family, he became the first senior royal to be arrested in modern times.

Thames Valley Police confirmed the disgraced former prince had been taken into custody just after 10am on Thursday, marking one of the worst days for the family in recent history.

In a statement put out just minutes after Andrew's departure, Thames Valley Police said 'a man in his sixties' has been released under investigation - as images showed how the royal seemed to be trying to evade photographers following his bruising day in the cells.

Wide-eyed and with his hands clasped in front of him, Andrew cut a lonely figure as he ditched his traditional suit and tie attire in favour of a shirt and cardigan more suited to the setting that is so far removed from the upper echelons of luxury he is used to.

The photograph of the former prince, now stripped of all his titles and privileges, is sure to haunt the Royal Family in the days and weeks to come.

Police added that searches being conducted in Norfolk, relating to Andrew's new residence, Wood Farm, have concluded.

It is understood the former Duke of York was arrested in relation to allegations he passed sensitive information to convicted paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein while acting as a trade envoy for the British government.

King Charles 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.'
It was business as usual for the Prince and Princess of Wales at the Baftas on Sunday night. Kate was wearing a chiffon Gucci gown she first debuted in 2019. And indeed it felt as though we were all inhabiting a time warp: before the momentous events of the past few years, weeks and dreadful, damning days.

Of course, for William, as president of Bafta (its a hard job, but someones got to do it), its obligatory to turn up in a dickie bow, read from an autocue then rub shoulders with Leonardo DiCaprio. Of course Wills had to be there: cry off in the week your uncle, the former Duke of York, was arrested, his homes searched in connection with accusations of misconduct in public office, and it will look as though you too have something to hide.

But the only allusion William made at the bash was to say, of the terribly tragic film Hamnet, I need to be in quite a calm state and I am not at the moment. I will save it.

Lets unpack that. Why not just say the movie  which went on to win Best British Film and its star, Jessie Buckley, Best Actress  that is all about the loss of a child was wonderful and moving?

Catherine at least managed: The children are starting to get interested in films and its a really great way to have hard conversations with them.

In the same week his uncle was carted off to a police station, our future king went on Radio 1 to talk about his own mental health as a search and rescue helicopter pilot.

During the panel discussion, Prince William said he thought it was a real national catastrophe that male suicide was not talked about enough. He reflected on his own feelings, saying: I take a long time trying to understand my emotions... and I feel like thats a really important process.... to check in with yourself.

It was business as usual for the Prince and Princess of Wales at the Baftas on Sunday night

In the same week his uncle was carted off to a police station, our future king went on Radio 1 to talk about his own mental health

Williams own mental health hardly seems like the focus after a week in which the nation has been in uproar discussing what young women suffered at the hands of - allegedly - the Andrew formerly known as Prince.

But the bewildering blind spots and inability to read the room dont end there. Yes, King Charles released a heartfelt, stern statement about his brother on Thursday, but it was consciously missing those all-important words: my brother. His next, inexplicable move was to turn up at  London Fashion Week, meeting designers hed never heard of, watching clothes neither he nor anyone in his circle would ever wear.

Camilla, hours after her brother-in-law was arrested, was in Westminster listening to young music scholars, doubtless bored out of her skull.

Meanwhile, the Princess Royal visited a prison, of all places, on the day her brother had his starched collar felt. On Friday she nobly stopped off at a crisp factory in Sheffield.

On Saturday, while we were all reading, open-mouthed, essays in newspapers telling us this could be the end of the monarchy, Catherine turned up, smiling and giggling, to watch the England rugby team lose to Ireland at Twickenham.

What she and William should have been doing is putting their heads together to come up with a statement far better than the one released by their spokesperson last week which claimed their thoughts remain focused on the victims.

For William, as president of Bafta, its obligatory to turn up and read from an autocue

There is no time like the present for the King - but even more so William and Catherine - to prove their value

Waving at cameras in a designer gown and jewels no longer cuts the mustard, Im afraid. These official rock-ups shouldnt just be counted; they need to be judged on how effective and relevant they are. What changes are made as a consequence?

I was aghast, during President Trumps state visit to the UK last year, that all Catherine could think to do with his wife Melania was to lead her onto a muddy field to patronise junior scouts who were aiming for their Go Wild badge. Once again, Kate was performing a diplomatic duty with all the global gravitas of the school run.

Maybe all she and the pampered William know is how to talk to children and navel gaze. But we are adults. We need not elliptical half statements but reassurance, facts, action.

I understand the couple have had a difficult 18 months. Its natural that they want some privacy and even normality. But I forgive them less for not being blunt and open than I do Charles, who is of his mothers era of never complain, never explain. Goodness, even the late Queen was more responsive and intuitive, stirring our spirits with a moving, televised address to the nation after Dianas death, and during the Covid lockdown.

William was the same after Catherine bravely, eventually, talked about her cancer diagnosis: his only utterances seemed constipated. He found 2024 to be the worst year of his life. On a TV travel show, he said it was the hardest year Ive ever had. Again, all about him. Not Catherine, and certainly not us.

There is no time like the present for the King - but even more so William and Catherine - to prove their value. Their immense privileges cannot be bought by gurning at a gala before retreating to their mansions and palaces. We are tired of reading between the lines.
Queen Camilla told French rape survivor Gisele Pelicot she had been left 'speechless' by both her bravery and the extent of the abuse committed against her as the two women met on Monday.

Her Majesty, a long-term campaigner on the issue of violence against women, invited Mme Pelicot for tea at Clarence House to discuss a new memoir she has written about her shocking case.

Ms Pelicot's ex-husband, Dominique Pelicot, was jailed for 20 years for drugging and raping her and allowing other men to assault her while she was unconscious, in a catalogue of abuse which lasted nearly a decade.

The 73-year-old, who bravely waived her right to anonymity as a survivor of sexual assault, said shame should fall on her abusers, not herself.

A staggering fifty men were found guilty of rape or sexual offences after a three-and-a-half-month trial in Avignon, which ended in December 2024.

Camilla, 77, met with Mme Pelicot at her official London residence as the campaigner's UK tour promoting the book drew to close.

She told her guest she read the memoir in just two days, unable to put it down.

During their 30-minute meeting the royal said: 'I read it in the last two days, I couldn't put it down.

Queen Camilla (left) told French rape survivor Gisele Pelicot (right) she was left 'speechless' by her bravery and the extent her abuse as they met on Monday

Her Majesty (left) invited Mme Pelicot (right) for tea at Clarence House to discuss Mme Pelicot's new memoir written about her shocking case

The Queen (left) also wrote to Mme Pelicot (right) privately last year to express her 'heartfelt admiration' for her 'extraordinary dignity and courage'

'I've met so many survivors of rape and sexual abuse I never thought I could be shocked by anything any more, but I was shocked at your case  it left me speechless.'

The Queen also wrote to her privately last year to express her 'heartfelt admiration' for her 'extraordinary dignity and courage'.

Mme Pelicot recently revealed details of the letter for the first time, saying it left her 'overwhelmed'.

It is now framed in her office, she said.

The launch of Hymn to Life: Shame Has to Change Sides, was held at London's Royal Festival Hall on Friday, with readings given by Hollywood actresses Kate Winslet, Dame Kristin Scott Thomas and Juliet Stevenson.
It may be America's smallest state, but what Rhode Island lacks in size, it more than makes up for in soaring home prices.

The latest housing data shows property prices have surged so dramatically that all eight of the state's cities are now considered unaffordable for the average American.

In 2025, analysts found that a household needs an annual income of about $130,000 to afford a median single-family home on a 30-year fixed mortgage - far exceeding the national median household income of roughly $86,000.

Renters are feeling the strain, too. A household income of approximately $60,000 is now required to comfortably afford an average two-bedroom unit. That figure is well above the typical renter salary of $48,343.

New Shoreham - the only town on Block Island - ranks as the most expensive place to live in the Ocean State, with median home prices hovering around $3.5 million.

Other affluent, high-cost areas include Jamestown, Little Compton, and Newport.

Jake Krimmel, a senior economist at Realtor.com, told the Daily Mail that the primary driver behind the eye-watering prices is a persistent shortage of supply.

Housing is generally considered affordable if it costs no more than 30 percent of a household's income.

It may be America's smallest state, but what Rhode Island lacks in size, it more than makes up for in soaring home prices. Pictured, a beach in Newport. Above, the South Winds coastal estate in Jamestown, currently on sale for $11.2 million

The latest housing data shows property prices have surged so dramatically that all eight of the state's cities are now considered unaffordable for the average American (pictured: a beach in Newport)

A household income of approximately $60,000 is now required to comfortably afford an average two-bedroom unit. That figure is well above the typical renter salary of $48,343 (pictured: Providence, Rhode Island)

'Inventory remains low, both due to the mortgage rate lock-in effect and because of strong demand, often from out-of-state buyers,' Krimmel explained.

'In January 2026, there were on average just over 1,100 active listings across the whole state.'

While the extent of the affordability crisis was detailed in the 2025 Housing Fact Book released by HousingWorks RI at Roger Williams University, more recent data from Realtor.com suggests there are still no signs of the market cooling.

Krimmel added: 'Median list prices in Rhode Island have been rising on an annual basis for 21 straight months; they were up 5.6 percent, landing at $540,000, in January 2026 - our latest data.'

He does not expect the upward trajectory to change anytime soon.

'When housing markets become unaffordable, it ultimately comes down to supply and demand,' he said.

'In Rhode Island, there's very little supply coming from existing homes and almost no new construction to speak of.

'Demand has remained resilient enough - despite higher financing costs - to far outstrip the limited supply.'

Taylor Swift purchased an $18 million mansion in Rhode Island's Westerly back in 2013 - she is pictured celebrating Fourth of July at the home with Gigi Hadid and Cara Delevigne in 2016

Jon Perroni, 30, grew up in Bristol, Rhode Island, but moved to New York several years ago to pursue a career in human resources. He says the latest housing data comes as no surprise after watching prices climb throughout his twenties

For many Rhode Islanders, rising property prices have pushed them to look elsewhere.

Jon Perroni, 30, grew up in Bristol, Rhode Island, but moved to New York several years ago to pursue a career in human resources.

He says the latest housing data comes as no surprise after watching prices climb throughout his twenties and seeing an influx of out-of-state buyers - including celebrities such as Taylor Swift, who purchased an $18 million mansion in Westerly back in 2013.

'Having grown up in Rhode Island, I know a lot of people who have struggled with the current housing market,' Perroni said.

'From my perspective, it seems like the previous generation was able to purchase homes at the age my generation is now.'

Although Perroni still has family in the state, he does not view it as a realistic place to settle down. He noted that salaries in Rhode Island tend to lag behind those in New York.

'This situation has led many young individuals like me to turn their attention to housing markets outside of Rhode Island,' he said.

'Back in the '80s and '90s, it was possible for the average family to afford a home in the state on a single income. Today, it has become much harder for first-time buyers to find opportunities. Rhode Island has limited available space - no surprise for the smallest US state - and zoning restrictions further reduce how much new construction can take place.'

Rhode Island has limited available space and zoning restrictions further reduce how much new construction can take place (pictured: Warwick Lighthouse in Rhode Island)

A three-bedroom penthouse at the Ocean House in Westerly where Swift has a property is currently on the market for $20 million

Jake Krimmel is a senior economist at Realtor.com

Still, there may be some hope on the horizon.

Chris Lewis, head of research at financial advice site FinanceBuzz, believes political momentum could eventually ease affordability pressures.

'We're hopeful there will be improvement in the coming years,' Lewis said.

'There has been a much stronger political push to lower housing costs in Rhode Island, including new initiatives aimed at increasing building permits and encouraging new construction. However, it's unclear how quickly those efforts will meaningfully impact the market.'

He added: 'Rhode Island is beautiful, with a rich history. It's easy to understand why demand remains so high.'

For residents determined to stay, Lewis suggests looking inland rather than along the coast.

'According to Zillow data, median home prices in Kent and Providence counties are 30 percent lower - or more - than in Newport and Washington counties, where average prices are around $700,000,' he said.
Real estate experts are sounding the alarm over what they describe as a reckless gamble by Zohran Mamdani that could destabilize New York Citys fragile housing market.

Last week, the left-wing mayor faced backlash after touting sweeping property taxes by 9.5 percent - a move that would hit millions of homeowners - despite promising only to make the rich pay more.

Mamdani swept into office in January after a commanding win in November's election on the back of pledges to take on the city's richest residents. A key campaign pledge was a flat 2 percent tax on individuals earning over $1 million.

But less than two months into his term, the 34-year-old has admitted it might not be as simple as he thought. On Tuesday he warned he may need to hike property tax rates in NYC by 9.5 percent to raise money.

Real estate insiders warn the proposal is a numbers-defying misstep that could push rents higher and speed up the exodus of taxpayers to lower-tax states such as Florida and Texas.

'Even the discussion of a 9.5 percent hike is enough to influence buyer behavior and cause irritations in the market,' Douglas Elliman's Ben Jacobs told Fox News Digital.

'Some buyers have considered Nassau, Westchester, Long Island, and even Florida or Texas as alternatives because they just don't agree with [NYC] politics.'

He continued: 'Higher corporate and wealth taxes can trigger a chain reaction. Reduced investment and relocation of high earners shrink the city's tax base, which often indirectly affects middle-class households. Even if they aren't the direct target, over time these economic ripples can influence affordability, property values and access to services.'

New York City's 'woke' mayor Zohran Mamdani has proposed sweeping property tax bumps despite his campaign promise to target the wealthy

Michelle Griffith of Douglas Elliman told the outlet: 'The mention of a 9.5 percent hike can pause decision-making, especially for those weighing options in the suburbs or out-of-state markets. We're already seeing clients seriously evaluate alternatives in Nassau, Westchester and beyond, factoring taxes heavily into affordability calculations.'

She continued: 'Ultimately, buyers want predictability. When policy proposals create uncertainty, whether on taxes, rent or regulations, it directly impacts the market. People are not just looking at the sticker price of a property.'

'Stability and transparency in tax and assessment policies are key to keeping NYC's middle-class families confident in making big housing decisions.'

Mamdani said the tax is a 'last resort' if the state's governor, Kathy Hochul, refuses to sign off on the his plan to raise income taxes on the wealthy.

In other words, if he cannot hammer the rich with higher income taxes, he is prepared to turn to the one lever he directly controls - property taxes.

That would not just hit penthouse owners in Manhattan. The property tax hike would hit three million single-family homes, co-ops, and condos as well as over 100,000 commercial buildings, Mamdani said.

The mayor even admitted that his solution would not only force higher taxes upon the wealthy, but also millions of working and middle-class New Yorkers.

'If we cannot follow this first path, we will be forced onto a much more damaging path of last resort - one where we have to use the only tools at the city's disposal: raising property taxes and raiding our reserves.'

Mamdani, who took office in January after crushing his opponents in November's mayoral election, garnered support from New Yorkers by pledging to take on the city's richest residents (pictured: Mamdani and his wife Rama Duawji during moving day at Gracie Mansion)

His campaign plans included a flat 2 percent tax on individuals earnings over $1 million, and a price freeze on the city's rent-stabilized apartments.

Mamdani made the excuse that NYC mayors have little power to raise taxes without approval from the governor. He said that a city property tax increase along with raiding the city's reserve funds was the only way to address an impending budget deficit that could reach $5.4 billion in two years.

'The second path is painful,' he added. 'We will continue to work with Albany to avoid it.'

The budget plan is the first one proposed by Mamdani since he became mayor. It totals $127 billion, which is $5 billion more than the current budget. The new budget would start on July 1 after changes and discussions with the City Council.

By law, the city must balance its budget, meaning it cannot spend more than it brings in. However, the mayor's first idea for balancing it did not seem like a last option.

Instead, it appeared to be a way to pressure Hochul to support his plan to raise taxes on people who earn $1 million or more each year.

Recently, Mamdani has tried not to upset the governor. She is a pro-business Democrat running for re-election this year, and even though they have different political views, they have formed a friendly working relationship.

The mayor recently supported Hochul's re-election and told supporters he would probably not attend a 'Tax the Rich' rally planned in Albany next week.

On Tuesday, while warning that property taxes might increase, Mamdani also praised the governor for giving New York City more financial help, including $1.5 billion announced Monday for various city services.

Join the debate How do you feel about working and middle-class New Yorkers facing higher taxes to cover the citys budget gap?

Mamdani made the excuse that NYC mayors have little power to raise taxes without approval from the state's governor Kathy Hochul (pictured left)

This proposed 9.5 percent increase would apply to three millions single-family homes, co-ops, and condos as well as over 100,000 commercial buildings

Even so, the idea of raising property taxes - something that has not happened since Michael R. Bloomberg was mayor - upset other city leaders, including the city comptroller, Mark D. Levine, and the City Council speaker, Julie Menin, who also has influence over the final budget.

Mamdani caused chaos in New York City before he even entered his mayoral role.

After his great success in the primary, the growing likelihood of a progressive mayor drove New Yorkers out of the city and into surrounding suburbs - or even other states.

According to realtors across multiple states, wealthy city-dwellers began searching for properties outside of the Big Apple as Mamdani got closer to office.

Some explored Westchester, a leafy suburb just outside of the city. 'We are absolutely seeing a correlation between Zohran Mamdani's surprise win in the Democratic primary and an uptick in real estate interest in Westchester,' Zach and Heather Harrison, real estate agents in the area, noted back in October.

'Since the summer, nearly every buyer from the city we have taken out to see homes in Westchester has mentioned the mayoral election as one of the drivers for shopping in the suburbs,' they told Realtor.com.

Others looked to the neighboring state of Connecticut, which offers neighborhoods with more right-leaning politics. Greenwich, Connecticut, emerged as a hot spot for those bracing for a 'woke' wave from City Hall.

Some went as far as Florida - house-hunting in the Palm Beach neighborhood, home to President Donald Trump's Mar-A-Lago estate. Indeed, real estate agents thousands in Palm Beach noticed an uptick of New Yorkers looking to buy homes in the area.
An old mansion in California is one of the last remnants of a 19th-century frontier town that has largely been forgotten.

The Phillips Mansion is located in the industrial part of Pomona, a city on the eastern edge of Los Angeles County. It was built in 1875, when the area was far less developed and part of a town known as Spadra that no longer exists.

The Second-Empire style building is a historical landmark that has survived earthquakes, avoided demolition and undergone various renovations over more than 150 years.

It was built by Louis Phillips, a Jewish immigrant from Poland who moved to the US in 1848 and settled in California two years later.

Phillips became a highly successful rancher and eventually purchased 12,000 acres of land outside of Los Angeles in 1862. By 1874, he owned a total of 20,000 acres in the area, along with 6,000 sheep and 300 head of cattle.

The land he owned comprised most of what would become modern-day Pomona, but at the time, the area was called Spadra.

Phillips played an important role in developing the town, as he sold parcels of land to newcomers who set up shops, hotels, a school and a post office.

The wealthy rancher even managed to convince the Southern Pacific Railroad to put a stop in Spadra, which further spurred development. By 1870, as many as 500 people lived in the town.

The Phillips Mansion is a Second-Empire style building and historical landmark that is one of the last surviving parts of a forgotten frontier town

The Phillips Mansion was built in 1875 by a Polish immigrant who became a wealthy rancher and spurred development of the surrounding area into a town called Spadra. The mansion is pictured in the 19th century

The Phillips Mansion was one of the first brick homes in the area, and it was the first to have gas lighting. The interior of a room in the mansion is pictured

Phillips also made wise investments in Los Angeles real estate as Spadra developed, buying up entire blocks in the city's downtown that yielded large returns.

He commissioned his mansion for an estimated $20,000 in 1875, which is equivalent to about $600,000 today.

It was one of the first brick homes in the area, and it was the first to have gas lighting. The mansion features eight rooms, 16-foot-high ceilings, six fireplaces and cherry and maple woodwork.

Phillips's successful real estate investments and sprawling ranches that produced wool, honey, hay and wheat made him incredibly prosperous.

In 1892, the Pomona Progress wrote that Phillips was the 'richest man in Los Angeles County' and was worth at least $3 million. That is equivalent to more than $100 million today.

By that time, Phillips's dream of developing Spadra was falling apart, as the Southern Pacific Railroad stop had moved about 25 miles east to Colton in 1883, which caused stagnation in the town.

But his work was not done. Phillips was one of the founders of Pomona College, which held its first classes in 1888 and continues to operate today. He worked as a trustee for the college for years.

The wealthy investor and rancher would not be around to support Spadra much longer, as he died in 1900. His wife, Esther, lived in their mansion until she also died in 1918.

Louis Phillips, a Jewish immigrant from Poland, is the one who built the mansion named after him. He became a highly successful rancher and real estate investor after moving to the US

The Historical Society of Pomona Valley saved the Phillips Mansion from demolition in 1974 and occasionally offers tours of the building. A Halloween event at the mansion is pictured

Phillips is buried in Spadra Cemetery, which is the only other part of the old frontier town that has survived. His tombstone, which has Corinthian columns carved into it, is pictured

The couple's descendants sold the home in the 1940s, and it was renovated into apartments. The building continued to be used for apartments until the 1960s, after which it was vacant for years.

In 1974, the mansion was nearly demolished, but the Historical Society of Pomona Valley purchased it for $45,000 and saved it from being destroyed.

The organization restored the building and had it registered with the National Registry of Historic Places.

Today, the Historical Society of Pomona Valley offers occasional tours of the mansion, as well as a nearby graveyard that is the only other part of Spadra that has survived and is appropriately named Spadra Cemetery.

Phillips is buried in Spadra Cemetery, and a grand tombstone with Corinthian columns carved into it marks his place of rest.
Elon Musk's brief comment about Jesus Christ has ignited waves of speculation across social media.

The billionaire responded to a post asking who would 'evangelize Elon Musk' with a simple statement last week: 'I agree with the teachings of Jesus.'

The remark drew mixed reactions on X, with some noting Musk's growing openness about faith, while others interpreted it as a possible signal of a future announcement or revelation.

One user wrote, 'Something really, really bad is about to come out about him,' while others defended Musk, dismissing such claims as unfounded.

'Every time someone appreciates the teachings of Jesus on compassion and truth, cynics jump to assume it's covering for some scandal,' another X user commented.

Musk has shared more about his faith journey in recent years. In 2022, he wrote on X: 'Jesus taught love, kindness and forgiveness. I used to think that turning the other cheek was weak & foolish, but I was the fool for not appreciating its profound wisdom.'

In December, he elaborated further during a podcast appearance, stating that he believes God exists.

'I believe this universe came from something. People have different labels [for God],' Musk explained.

Elon Musk responded to a post asking who would 'evangelize Elon Musk' with a simple statement: 'I agree with the teachings of Jesus'

His mother, Maye Musk, shared the post and reflected on the family's religious background.

'My three children were christened in the Methodist Church. I taught them at Episcopalian Sunday school. I went to a Protestant Sunday school and was married to a Christian minister. We were taught to love everyone,' she wrote.

Musk's faith journey has been long and complex. He has said he lost his religious belief around age 14 after questioning the meaning of life and the universe.

At the time, he described feeling depressed, uncertain about purpose, and was often labeled an atheist or agnostic.

In 2013, he told actor Rainn Wilson that while there are 'certainly things we don't understand about the universe,' he was 'less convinced that there's some superconsciousness watching over our every movement and kind of evaluating it against some criteria and deciding whether we're going to one place or another when we die. I think that's unlikely.'

By 2022 and 2023, Musk began expressing more alignment with Christian principles, though he remained non-religious.

'I would say I generally agree with the teachings of Christianity, but I'm not religious,' he said. On some occasions, he joked about being 'okay with going to hell,' signaling a detached or non-committal perspective.

Musk has frequently emphasized the ethical and moral teachings of Jesus rather than devotional aspects.

Join the debate What's YOUR take on Elon's Christian sentiments?

Musk has been more vocal in recent years about his faith journey, moving from a self-described atheist to somewhat of a believer in God

In December, he elaborated during a podcast appearance, stating that he believes God exists

In a 2024 interview with Jordan Peters, he said: 'While I'm not a particularly religious person, I do believe that the teachings of Jesus are good and wise.'

He added that he is 'a big believer in the principles of Christianity,' such as love thy neighbor and turn the other cheek.

A year later, Musk reflected on the origins of the universe and the concept of God.

'I'm open to the idea of God If you say, where did the universe come from? How is it created? I suppose there would be some entity that you could call God,' he said.

The billionaire described his approach as proportional to evidence: 'I'm open to believing in things proportionate to the information that I receive,' emphasizing a 'physics view of reality' rather than firm religious belief.

Musk's recent comment reignites a conversation about the billionaire's evolving relationship with faith.

While he has long expressed curiosity and ethical appreciation for religious teachings, his statements continue to draw attention for their combination of spiritual reflection and public ambiguity.

Social media users continue to debate whether his remarks signal a deeper personal revelation or simply reflect his ongoing exploration of philosophical and ethical questions.
The rain in the UK seems to have been never-ending  with some regions experiencing showers every single day this year.

Now scientists have warned that things are going to get even worse.

Britain is about to be hit with showers of 'blood rain', according to experts from the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS).

This is thanks to a plume of red Saharan dust, which is currently sweeping over Europe towards the UK.

When this dust mixes with Britain's persistent rain, the precipitation will take on a distinctive reddish colour  creating a phenomenon known as 'blood rain'.

Despite its alarming appearance, experts say there is no reason to be concerned by this sudden change.

The most dramatic consequence will likely be a thin film of dust left on cars and exposed surfaces once the rain has dried.

Mark Parrington, Senior Scientist at CAMS, told the Daily Mail: 'Our latest forecast indicates that it will mostly pass over southern England and the Channel at higher altitudes in the atmosphere but may result in some wet deposition at ground level if it mixes with weather forecasts also showing some rain.'

Britain is about to be hit with showers of 'blood rain', according to experts from the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS). This is thanks to a plume of red Saharan dust, which is currently sweeping over Europe towards the UK

When this dust mixes with Britain's persistent rain, the precipitation will take on a distinctive reddish colour  creating a phenomenon known as 'blood rain'. Pictured: blood rain in 2022

CAMS is tracking the large plume of aerosols as it makes its way across the North Atlantic.

The plume is largely made up of Saharan dust, with some smoke from seasonal biomass burning in Equatorial Africa.

As in other parts of the world, the wind can blow strongly over deserts  whipping up dust and sand high into the sky.

If the winds in the upper part of the atmosphere are blowing north, the dust can be carried as far as the UK.

Once it is lifted from the ground by strong winds, clouds of dust can reach very high altitudes and be transported worldwide, covering thousands of miles.

While it might sound intimidating, Mr Parrington reassures that this is actually something that happens fairly often.

'Largescale outflow of aerosols to the North Atlantic is not uncommon at this time of year, with seasonal biomass burning in Equatorial Africa typically reaching its peak between January and March, and Calima winds transporting Saharan dust over the ocean,' he explained.

'The high intensity of this particular episode is notable as our forecasts show a plume reaching northwestern parts of Europe.'

According to CAMS, the dust will likely arrive over the UK on Tuesday, where it will combine with the rain to form blood rain

While red skies and blood rain might sound rather apocalyptic, the only likely lasting impact will be on cars

According to CAMS, the dust will likely arrive over the UK on Tuesday, where it will combine with the rain to form blood rain.

'It looks likely to pass over in a couple of hours on Tuesday afternoon,' Mr Parrington said.

'Our latest forecast runs to the end of Tuesday but there is some indication there may be more crossing southern England on Wednesday.'

Alongside the red rain, the dust could also leave the skies themselves looking red.

'An aerosol optical depth value of 1 typically means hazy skies, and the values in the plume are relatively high,' Mr Parrington said.

'So it could cause more reddish/orange skies during Tuesday evening.'

While red skies and blood rain might sound rather apocalyptic, the only likely lasting impact will be on cars.

'It is possible that there could be some deposition to the ground which could leave some dusty residue on cars and windows as it passes over,' Mr Parrington added.

Alongside the red rain, the dust could also leave the skies themselves looking red. Pictured: a slightly 'off-colour' sky seen above Sheerness, Kent in 2022

The news comes shortly after the Met Office warned the wet weather could last until midMarch.

Sarah Davies, Head of Energy and Environment at the Met Office said: 'Wet weather has persisted for many areas over the past few weeks, with repeated Atlantic low pressure systems leaving ground conditions particularly saturated across southern parts of the UK.

'While it is likely to remain changeable over the next few weeks, with further wet weather at times, the focus for the wettest conditions is expected to shift to western hills, where we would normally expect it at this time of year.

'However, given some areas elsewhere remain sensitive following recent rain, any further spells of rain as we head into early spring has a higher chance of causing some impacts than normal for this type of setup.'
NASA's Artemis II moon mission has been delayed for a second time after several lastminute issues were spotted on the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket.

After successfully completing the second wet dress rehearsal last Thursday, hopes had been high that the historic moon mission would launch in March.

However, NASA administrator Jared Isaacman now says the March launch window is 'out of consideration'.

That means Artemis II will not take its crew  Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen  around the moon until April 1 at the very earliest.

Mr Isaacman says that the reason for the delay is an 'interruption in helium flow in the SLS interim cryogenic propulsion stage'.

The system worked during both wet dress rehearsals, but engineers were unable to get helium flow through the vehicle during routine maintenance on Saturday night.

Now, as the longawaited moon mission is pushed back once again, some frustrated fans have called for Elon Musk's SpaceX to step in with assistance.

Taking to X, one fan vented: 'Time to scrap the 1960s tech and innovate to build next gen space launch vehicles and to stay on par with SpaceX.'

NASA's Artemis II moon mission has been delayed for the second time, as lastminute technical issues are found in the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket

NASA administrator Jared Isaacman said that the issue had been caused by an 'interruption in helium flow in the SLS interim cryogenic propulsion stage'

Fedup space enthusiasts have taken to social media to vent their irritation over the persistent delays.

One commenter wrote: 'At this rate, the Chinese will soundly beat us to the Moon.'

Others explicitly suggested that SpaceX should be called on to lend assistance or even replace the SLS rocket altogether.

On X, which is owned by SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, one commenter wrote: '@SpaceX Those guys need a ride to the moon, please help them.'

Another asked: 'When will NASA stop the financial haemorrhaging and turn this program over to SpaceX?'

'Can we get out of this contract and save money with SpaceX,' suggested another.

In particular, a number of space fans suggested that the experimental Starship rocket could make a viable replacement.

Mr Isaacman (left) says that the setback will 'almost assuredly' affect the intended March launch date, ruling out the Artemis II launch until April

Mr Isaacman says the systems performed well during both wet dress rehearsals, but unexpectedly failed during a 'routine operation'

On X, frustrated space fans have called for Elon Musk's SpaceX to provide assistance to the Artemis II programme

Why does NASA use hydrogen fuel? The SLS rocket uses a mixture of liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen. Since hydrogen is such a small molecule, it is extremely prone to leaking. However, hydrogen is also cheap, naturally abundant, and produces a phenomenal amount of energy. According to NASA, this mix gives the 'highest specific impulse, or efficiency in relation to the amount of propellant consumed, of any known rocket propellant'. Another important factor is that the SLS rocket inherits a lot of its hardware and systems from the Shuttle era rockets. These engines were built to run on hydrogen, so NASA can't change fuels without an expensive redesign of the entire rocket and engine system. Advertisement

'I beginning to think that the SpaceX Starship will be launching astronauts to space before the Artemis program,' one commenter suggested.

While one added: 'Time to replace SLS with Falcon Heavy. Might even actually do it faster with Starship.'

For context, SpaceX has been contracted by NASA to provide a modified version of Starship for the lunar landing during the Artemis III mission.

In April 2021, NASA awarded Elon Musk's company a $2.9 billion contract to provide the first crewed lunar lander, but SpaceX is widely expected to miss the 2027 target date.

Last year, acting NASA administrator Sean Duffy threatened to open up the contract to other countries due to persistent delays, saying at the time: 'The problem is, they're behind.'

However, NASA's immediate problems are the ongoing delays afflicting the problemplagued SLS rocket.

Mr Isaacman says that the source of the problem could be located in one of the filers or quickdisconnect 'umbilicals' that pass gases between the ground and the rocket.

Alternatively, he says that the issue could have been caused by a 'failed check valve onboard the vehicle, which would be consistent with Artemis I'

Angry commenters lamented the costs of the SLS rocket and its persistent delays, arguing that the mission should be turned over to SpaceX

One commenter asked why America could 'get out of this contract' in order to save money with SpaceX

The SLS rocket will now need to roll back to the Vehicle Assembly Building at the Kennedy Launch Centre for repairs, meaning that another wet dress rehearsal is almost certain

After problems with the helium system were discovered overnight, NASA has now made the disappointing decision to roll SLS back to the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) at Kennedy Space Centre.

While the agency has a limited capacity to fix issues at the launch tower, more serious problems need to be addressed in the VAB, which gives engineers better access to the vehicle.

The vibrations caused by rolling the rocket in or out of the VAB risk loosening or disturbing seals and valves, meaning that one or two more wet dress rehearsals are almost certain.

After the success of the second wet dress rehearsal, the Artemis II crew entered quarantine in Houston, Texas, on Friday night.

During quarantine, the crew limit their exposure to other people so that they can stay in good health for the flight.

This procedure usually starts 14 days out from the launch date, but NASA has not said whether the crew will be able to leave quarantine before the April launch date.

Writing on X, Mr Isaacman added: 'I understand people are disappointed by this development. That disappointment is felt most by the team at NASA, who have been working tirelessly to prepare for this great endeavor.'
The bones of St Francis of Assisi have gone on display for the first time, capping an 800-year saga over his bodily remains.

The Franciscan Church has decided to put the remains on display for a month, to honour the 800th anniversary of St Francis' death in 1226.

The bones are being held in a slim, bulletproof Plexiglass case in the lower Basilica of St Francis, located in the Umbrian town of Assisi, Italy.

Over 400,000 people have registered to spend a few minutes with the bones, but Assisi is braced for half a million visitors before St Francis returns to his tomb on March 22.

The exposition of his bodily remains is particularly remarkable, given the somewhat tortured history of the body of St Francis.

St Francis was the son of a wealthy merchant, born in 1182, who gave up all his possessions to live as a mendicant friar.

His reputation for sanctity was so great that he was believed to have developed stigmata  wounds that imitate those of Christ on the cross  towards the end of his life.

However, his body was lost for hundreds of years, after it was secretly buried by one of his followers who feared it would be stolen during the fight over relics.

The bones are being held in a slim, bulletproof Plexiglass case in the lower Basilica of St Francis, located in the Umbrian town of Assisi, Italy

The bones of St Francis of Assisi have gone on display for the first time, bringing an end to the 800-year saga over his remains

Over 400,000 people have registered to spend a few minutes with the bones, but Assisi is braced for half a million visitors to the lower Basilica of St Francis (pictured)

During the Middle Ages, there was an extremely strong belief that the remains of saints had the power to cure illness, ward off catastrophe, and bring good fortune.

Pilgrims would flock by the thousands to the churches with the most exciting holy relics, bringing a steady stream of lucrative business with them.

This made the remains of a particularly holy saint big business, making the sale, theft and forgery of saints' remains common practice.

Even in life, believers are reported to have torn off pieces of St Francis' tunic as he passed, believing them to possess spiritual powers.

So, when he died, his followers secretly decided to hide St Francis' body so that it wouldn't be stolen or broken up into pieces and sold.

Professor William Short, of the Franciscan School of Theology at the University of San Diego, says: 'It was a matter of safety and economics.

'If you have a big saint, a new saint  and this guy had the potential to be a really big saint  whoever gets the body gets the pilgrims.'

When St Francis died on October 3, 1226, he was initially buried in a small Assisi church, San Giorgio. Within two years, Pope Gregory IX had canonised him and laid the cornerstone for a basilica to house his tomb.

St Francis' body was lost for hundreds of years, after it was secretly buried by one of his followers who feared it would be stolen during the fight over relics

St Francis, born around 1182, was the son of a wealthy merchant who gave up all his possessions to live as a mendicant friar. His dedication to charity is the inspiration for the current Pope Francis. Pictured: A painting depicting St Francis receiving stigmata dated to the 17th Century

The 5 steps to become a saint Fiveyear wait: Five years usually needs to have passed after someone's death for the process to begin. This allows for a period of reflection on the case. Servant of God: The bishop of the diocese where the person has died investigates whether their life was holy enough to be deemed a 'servant of God'. Life of heroic virtue: The Congregation for the Causes of Saints looks at the case. If they approve, it is passed onto the Pope, who declares the subject a person of 'heroic virtue'. Beatification: A miracle needs to happen to a person who has prayed to the person in question. Canonisation: A second miracle is attributed to the person who has been beatified. Advertisement

But on the eve of the transfer, St Francis' trusted aide, Brother Elias, took the body and secretly buried it in the basilica, fearing it could be stolen.

The body remained there, hidden in a column but unmarked, until 1818. That's when excavations discovered the remains, and Pope Pius VII confirmed the bones belonged to St Francis.

Now on display to visitors for the very first time, St Francis' remains amply demonstrate that the fascination with relics has hardly diminished since medieval times.

As the exposition opened to the public, a small army of 400 volunteers gathered to herd thousands of pilgrims through Assisi's cobbled streets.

One visitor named Silvanella Tamos, who travelled to Assisi from Pordenone, north of Venice, with a group of 54 people from her diocese, said: 'It's a body that's alive. It's not a dead body. He still has a lot to tell us today.'

While Fiorella Farina, a resident of northern Reggio Emilia who is so devoted to St Francis that she bought a country house in Assisi and named her children Francesco and Francesca, said: 'Just talking about it gives me goosebumps. It's an event I couldn't miss.'

While Assisi is famous for St Francis, a new saint is drawing a new generation of pilgrims: Carlo Acutis, who was canonised last year by Pope Leo XIV as the Catholic Churchs first millennial saint.

St 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.

St Francis' body wasn't found until 1818, when it was discovered buried behind a pillar inside the basilica

With so many pilgrims travelling to the lower Basilica of St Francis for a month, locals are concerned that there might be significant disruption for the town

Assisi Mayor Valter Stoppini says that he is 'a bit worried, but calm' about the number of pilgrims coming to the city. Pictured: Pilgrims queue outside the lower Basilica of St Francis

Last year alone saw a 30 per cent increase in the number of pilgrims, likely due to both Acutis's canonisation and the Holy Year.

Just as it was in the 12th century, this brings a massive economic blessing for the souvenir vendors, restaurants, hotels, and tour operators who make a living from the visiting pilgrims.

However, despite all the excitement, there are still concerns that the enormous influx of visitors will cause disruption for the town.

The sudden influx of worshippers will put enormous strain on the city's centre, with its narrow souvenir-lined streets and limited services.

But it will also test the patience of Assisi's residents, who are no strangers to mass influxes of pilgrims, but usually just for limited celebrations.

Assisi Mayor Valter Stoppini says: 'We're used to this kind of event, but that lasts for one, two or three days.

'This is something prolonged, for a month, so I'm a bit worried, but calm.'
A massive public archive of declassified US government files vanished just one day after President Trump ordered the release of all UFO-related documents.

The Black Vault, run by researcher and ufologist John Greenewald Jr, had its main server reportedly wiped clean on February 20, deleting hundreds of gigabytes worth of files on UFOs, declassified CIA projects, and major conspiracies, including the assassination of JFK.

Greenewald shared the news online, explaining that some server directories had their permissions, the safeguards on who can access or edit them, and the file ownership logs changed without explanation.

Black Vault has become a go-to resource for anyone wanting to see exactly what the government has quietly made public over the last 80 years.

Greenewald has spent three decades organizing information on hidden programs and little-known incidents that suggest the US has been involved in top secret efforts to recover and take advantage of alien technology.

Troves of declassified files the public can freely search through on the Black Vault detail military base reports, witness testimonies, and even CIA directives since the 1940s and 50s which have been unsealed without widespread public knowledge.

The researcher has also publicly revealed every time a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was returned by the CIA, FBI, and other government organizations with little or no response.

The timing of the potential sabotage came just hours after the president's history-making declaration, ordering the Pentagon to disclose anything 'related to alien and extraterrestrial life, unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP), and unidentified flying objects (UFOs).'

Hours after saying Barack Obama acted improperly by allegedly sharing classified information when he said that aliens exist, President Trump ordered the Pentagon to declassify all UFO files

Creator of The Black Vault, John Greenewald Jr, wrote on social media that the website containing 3.8 million declassified files was wiped hours after Trump's UFO order

In a statement released on X, Greenewald said he did not 'fully suspect foul play' but noted that he couldn't rule out the possibility because of the suspicious information he had received from the website hosting provider.

'[They] had no idea what happened, and on their side, they said it was a deletion, not corruption,' the researcher posted on Saturday.

In simpler terms, someone or something intentionally removed every single file from the Black Vault's server, deleting all the records released by the CIA and other groups, without fully shutting down the site so alarms wouldn't go off right away.

Until recently, the US government has flat-out denied that UFOs or extraterrestrial beings existed, maintaining for decades that there has never been any physical evidence recovered that proves something non-human has ever landed on Earth.

However, Trump's February 19 order came after he publicly criticized former President Barack Obama for saying in an interview that aliens were real. Trump claimed the 44th president had revealed 'classified information.'

Greenewald has previously filed over 11,000 FOIA requests with the US government to obtain these documents, including some declassified reports that date back to the alleged UFO crash landing at Roswell in 1947.

His investigations have also provided legitimate paper trails, detailing how former administrations and the intelligence community created secret task forces of high-ranking military and scientific officials to research UFO incidents.

These groups include the Majestic 12 (MJ-12), which was allegedly formed after the Roswell crash and worked for over two decades investigating sightings of alien spacecraft, working with non-human technology, and contacting extraterrestrials.

The Black Vault contains millions of pages of declassified information from the CIA and other sources on UFOs, secret government projects, and investigations into high-profile assassinations

The Black Vault's records stretch back to early files detailing the US government's actions following the alleged crash of a UFO in Roswell, New Mexico in 1947

Luckily for The Black Vault, Greenewald revealed that all of the more than 3.8 million files were backed up in secure locations and the site was restored soon after the mysterious wiping took place.

'It is a stark reminder to us all, me included. Keep backups. Keep them in multiple places. And never be intimidated by anything that comes our way, no matter what we expect may have happened,' the researcher wrote on X.

The Daily Mail has reached out to Greenewald for comment on the incident, which the researcher called a 'very oddly timed server maintenance.'

'In my honest opinion, I feel it was a very odd-timed server maintenance done by the hosting provider, that went awry,' Greenewald posted Saturday.

'They didn't catch it, and when I did, they didn't take blame, and there was no way to fully prove what happened, and by whom. Could I be wrong? Yes. Could it have been foul play? I can't rule it out.'

Data wipes like this can occur in a few ways, often without it being a malicious attack. However, these file wipes can be done intentionally by bad actors.

The most common problem happens when hosting companies perform routine updates or data cleanups.

If a software glitch, human error, or incompatible changes take place, it could accidentally delete files or alter permissions.

Hardware issues, such as failing hard drives, software bugs, or even power outages, could also corrupt or erase data. However, The Black Vault's host allegedly ruled out corruption, pointing to a deliberate erasing of the declassified files.

That leaves the possibility of hackers breaching the server through vulnerabilities, including weak passwords, outdated software, or phishing attacks.

Once in the system, the attackers might delete files to cause chaos, especially if the site deals with sensitive data that some groups might want suppressed.

Critics of the Trump Administration's promise to release all files tied to UFOs and extraterrestrial contact have claimed the move is merely a stunt to distract the public from other political controversies and nothing about aliens will actually be learned.

Many on social media have pointed to the previous releases of the documents detailing President Kennedy's assassination and the Jeffrey Epstein files both containing heavily redacted information that provided no definitive 'smoking gun.'
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Apple released its budget phone, the 599 iPhone 16e, back in February 2025 after months of feverish anticipation.

But not to be outdone, rival tech giant Google has released its own handset at an unbeatable price.

At first release, the the Pixel 9a was 499, 100 cheaper than Apples equivalent however in 2026, you can pick it up for 399, while the new Pixel 10a will once again cost 499.

The Pixel 9a is also described as a more accessible alternative to the firm's flagship Pixel 9 (799), which was released last year.

It has a 6.3-inch display, two rear cameras and more than 30 hours of battery life on a single charge.

Its packed with helpful AI tools such as Gemini  Googles chatbot which was built to rival OpenAIs ChatGPT, now on Apple phones.

It comes in four colours and has a 'sleek design' made with recycled materials, including aluminium, glass and plastic.

Google kindly sent the Daily Mail's Assistant Science and Technology Editor, Jonathan Chadwick, the device to test last year but in 2026, is it still worth it?

Google Pixel 9a

Google Pixel 9a      Product Specs Operating system Android 15

Battery life 30+ hours

Display size 6.3-inch

Colourways Pink, purple, white and black

Camera 48MP main, 13MP ultrawide and 13MP selfie

Chip Google Tensor G4 What we love Battery Over 30 hours with regular use

Design Sleek and lots of colour options

Our verdict

It's difficult to think what Google could have done better with Pixel 9a, which packs pretty much everything you'd want from a budget device into a neat package.

Although I'm cautious about AI generally, Pixel 9a has some fun and engaging generative tools that give Apple Intelligence a run for its money.

Pixel 9a's mighty battery delays the most tedious part of owning a smartphone (charging it), it uses recycled materials, it has a top AI chip, plus the whole phone looks fabulous.

But it also makes me feel like we're entering an era where we don't have to pay the best part of a grand for a really good smartphone.

Of course, 499 is a lot of money, but it's economical in comparison with Apple's iPhone 16 and Samsung's Galaxy S25 (both starting from 799), although its not quite as cheap as the Phone 3a Pro from British firm Nothing, which is 449.

Whether you're an Samsung lover or an iPhone diehard, Pixel 9a makes a good case to make the switch to Google phones  budget or otherwise.

How we test smartphones

When testing tech products like smartphones, we try them across multiple real-world settings, including the office, our homes and out and about.

We evaluate the devices based on the quality of their hardware and software, testing everything from the camera to the battery life, design, and display.

MailOnline tests out the new handset, described as a more accessible alternative to Googles flagship Pixel 9 (799)

Each smartphone goes through several days of hands-on testing, allowing us to provide an in-depth review to help consumers make informed decisions.

Google Pixel 9a review

Appearance

The Pixel 9a is available in four colours  pink, purple, white and black, or if you speak Googles language, peony, iris, porcelain and obsidian.

I inadvertently opt for peony, which is a striking pink  enough to make me look like the Daily Mail's biggest Barbie fan.

To cut the cost, Google has used plastic instead of glass for the back of Pixel 9a (but life in plastic is, as they say, fantastic).

However, so as not to make it look too chintzy, there's pink recycled aluminium going around the frame.

The Google Pixel 9 (pictured) was released last year. Note the distinctive rectangular camera bar across the back housing the cameras

Display

It has a nice crisp, 6.3-inch display with 2,424 by 1,080 pixels (that's the tiny, light-emitting dots in the screen), which is the same as the more expensive Pixel 9.

It also has the brightest display on an A-series ever  35 per cent brighter than Pixel 8a released a year ago.

Noticeably, Pixel 9a has a pretty thick bezel  the space going around the edge of the display  and a front-facing punch hole camera for selfies.

Im switching from a Samsung Galaxy phone, which means it takes me a good few hours to get used to the Pixels different gesture-based navigation system (with no controllable icons at the bottom).

But this adds an extra little bit of space to the display  although not being able to move the Google search bar from the bottom to the top is annoying.

Cameras

Noticeably, the biggest change compared with the Pixel 9 which was released August 2024  is the absence of the distinctive rectangular camera bar on the back.

Pixel 9a has a nice crisp, 6.3-inch display with 2,424 by 1,080 pixels (that's the tiny, light-emitting dots in the screen)

Instead, Pixel 9a has a glass pill-shaped camera module that is almost flat  which is great because it sits flush with whatever surface I'm resting it on.

Removal of the camera bar is reportedly to give Pixel 9a its own distinctive minimalist design but it may also be related to cutting costs.

Regardless, it houses a dual rear camera system  a 48MP main camera and a 13MP ultrawide camera  as well as the 13MP selfie camera on the front.

The sharpness and colour accuracy of my photos are seriously good, even in low light  surprising from such a (relatively) cheap handset  but for me the best thing about the camera experience is the AI software.

AI tools

The Pixel 9a has the same AI chip as the Pixel 9, Google Tensor 4, which means it's equipped for Google's AI photo editing tools such as Magic Eraser and Magic Editor.

I'm generally not a fan of Google's AI-powered image-editing  I think it undermines photography as a concept and can contribute to misinformation online.

However, Magic Editor  which makes more drastic changes to photos compared with Magic Eraser  is undeniably powerful technology.

Magic Editor, an AI-powered photo editing tool, makes complex edits like repositioning subjects and removing unwanted elements. It makes more drastic changes compared with Magic Eraser. This unedited image taken with Pixel 9a shows a historic street in Kent

With a few taps of the screen I can make all the buildings disappear replaced with wall, using data from the left-hand side of the original image

Magic Eraser and Magic Editor Magic Eraser and Magic Editor are two of Google's image-editing tools but they are slightly different. Magic Eraser works best for quick fixes on smaller portions of a photo, removing removing unwanted objects or distractions. Magic Editor is a more comprehensive tool that makes more complex edits, generative AI to reimagine photos, allowing you to move, resize, erase, and even change the appearance of objects and backgrounds. Source: Google Advertisement

With a few taps of the screen I can make entire buildings disappear, to be replaced by an AI-imagining of the surrounding environment.

And with Magic Eraser, my son has a great time watching me circle photobombers from our trip to the beach and seeing them vanish in a few seconds.

Pixel 9a also has a feature called Add Me, which combines two group photos into one, so everyone makes it into the photo  even the photographer.

As this is a Google phone, the tech giant's Gemini AI helper has a prominent place  accessible when I hold down the power button on the righthand side and verbally ask questions.

Gemini  which is already my chatbot of choice over ChatGPT  has a convincing, non-robotic AI voice with a southern English accent and gives me helpful news and weather updates.

But the Gemini experience on the Pixel 9a is different and less powerful than the one on the Pixel 9, due to the former's RAM limitations.

Battery

By far my favourite thing about the Pixel 9a is the beefy battery  5,100 milliampere-hour (mAh) which is an above-average amount of electrical capacity.

Pixel 9a is available in four colours - pink, purple, white and black, or if you speak Googles language, peony, iris, porcelain and obsidian

In the box: I inadvertently opt for peony, which is a striking pink - enough to make me look like MailOnlines biggest Barbie fan

This means it has more than 30 hours of running time with normal use, meaning I can go three days without having to plug it in.

For someone who's switching from an old Samsung which quickly bled power just from being on, this is a massive novelty.

Like any other lithium ion smartphone battery, Pixel 9as battery will degrade over time, although Google is introducing a software feature that should prolong its overall lifespan.

Known as battery health assistance, it will adjust the battery's maximum voltage in stages to manage battery performance to help maintain battery health.

This will result in small decreases in your batterys runtime as your battery ages as well as a slight change in battery charging performance.

How does it compare to similar products?

Compared with close rivals, the Pixel 9a holds its own exceptionally well in the mid-range space. Against its predecessor the Pixel 8a, the 9a boasts a bigger, brighter 6.3-inch display, longer battery life and slightly improved performance, making it the better all-round phone for most people.

Against the older Pixel 8 flagship, specs tests suggest the 8 might still beat the 9a on performance but the 9a has a brighter screen and larger battery. Both score similarly overall in comparisons online.

How does it rate online?

The Pixel 9a is generally well reviewed online. Most customer reviews give the phone 4+ out of five, with many 5/5 scores for performance, battery and ease of use - with lots of people calling it one of the best phones at the price.

Google Pixel 9a

Why trust us

Jonathan Chadwick is the Assistant Science and Technology Editor at MailOnline and has been testing products and writing reviews for a decade. He studied at the universities of Reading and Sydney before completing his journalism training in Brighton. He's previously written for Laboratory News, Tech Monitor and ZDNet.

FAQs

Should I buy the Pixel 10a or 9a?

If you already own the Pixel 9a theres probably no must-have reason to switch. The Pixel 10a keeps the same Tensor G4 heart and camera setup but adds tougher glass, a brighter screen, faster charging and satellite SOS.

For first-time buyers or people chasing the newest features, the 10a might worth the upgrade. If youre looking for the cheapest option though, the Pixel 9a is still worth it.

Are Pixel or Samsung phones better?

It depends on what you want. Pixel phones are easy to use, have decent battery life, long-term updates and are great for everyday photos and touch ups thanks to Googles AI camera features.

Samsung phones offer a wider variety of choice when it comes to size, specs and features but often the camera quality is lacking compared to Pixel phones.
An estimated 87 million Netflix users could lose access this weekend as the streaming service quietly phases out support for older devices.

It affects users who still watch Netflix on Sony's PlayStation 3 (PS3), according to a warning message shared online by viewers.

It states: 'Unfortunately, Netflix will no longer be available on this device after March 2, 2026. Visit netflix.com/compatibledevices to see a list of supported devices.'

Netflix has not issued an official announcement, but the PS3 was the final seventh-generation console to retain official support, making it the last device of its era affected by the company's updated compatibility policies.

Newer consoles, including the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5, are not impacted.

Users who still rely on the PS3 can continue streaming through most modern smart TVs, which typically include built-in Netflix apps, or through inexpensive streaming sticks that offer faster performance and broader app support than the nearly two-decade-old console.

Industry analysts have also warned that smart TVs more than a decade old may soon lose Netflix support as the company continues to retire legacy hardware.

It remains unclear exactly which smart TVs will be affected, but the move is consistent with Netflixs previous efforts to retire apps on older devices.

It affects users who still watch Netflix through Sony's PlayStation 3 (PS3), according to screenshots shared by viewers, which show a warning

About a year ago, Netflix retired support for older Fire TV devices after nearly a decade of service, TheStreet reported.

Two years prior, the streaming app was removed from aging smart TVs and from second and third-generation Apple TVs that do not run tvOS.

The PS3 sold approximately 87.4 million units worldwide during its production run, which ended around March 2017.

Although no longer manufactured, the console remains in use, with reports from late 2023 suggesting there are nearly two million monthly active users.

It continues to hold appeal as a legacy device among collectors and gaming enthusiasts.

In recent years, Netflix has gradually phased out support for outdated devices as part of an effort to streamline operations and focus on newer technologies.

In 2023, the service ended compatibility with Sony televisions sold between 2011 and 2013, followed the next year by dropping support for first-generation Apple TV devices, which had reached the end of their practical lifespan.

These changes underscore the rapid pace of innovation in the streaming industry, where advancements in video quality, interactive features and data security necessitate more capable hardware.

Netflix has not issued an official announcement, but the PS3 was the final seventh-generation console to retain official support, making it the last device of its era affected by the company's updated compatibility policies

Many older devices lack the processing power or software architecture necessary to handle high-definition streaming, interactive elements, or enhanced encryption protocols that safeguard user data and content.

Reports to cut PS3 service come just two months after Netflix ended the ability to cast video directly from your phone to a bigger screen, a move many frustrated users claim came without any warning.

Instead of beaming your show from your phone, users will only be able to cast video by grabbing their TV remote and browsing Netflix directly on the TV.

Casting is a handy way of sharing movies or shows with friends and family, or just enjoying a better view than on a small mobile device.

Popular tools like Google Chromecast make this easy by turning your phone into a remote control for the TV.

The change impacts both Android and iPhone users casting to most modern TVs or streaming sticks, such as the newer Chromecasts or Google TVs.

The only way Netflix users can continue casting is if they have older hardware like the original Chromecast from 2013 or early Google TV streamers with built-in Google Cast support.

However, casting will only work for customers who have Netflix's ad-free plans, which cost at least $18 per month - a major catch that has infuriated many of the streaming service's 300 million subscribers.
A two-year-old dog that was dumped at a Las Vegas airport by his owner has now found a new 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 dog was adopted by the officer who came to his rescue.

SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO

Together: Las Vegas police officer Skeeter Black and his newly adopted goldendoodle, Jet Blue

Las Vegas police officer Skeeter Black adopted the dog, 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 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.

New addition: Officer Black and his family posing outside the rescue agency, after the adoption of Jet Blue was finalized

How could you? Jet Blue was left behind at a Nevada airport

An adorable video showed a happy Jet Blue excitedly wagging his tail and playing with Black.

Another 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 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 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.

Smiles: Officer Black and his family held the two-year-old during the adoption finalization process

Not good: Germiran Bryson, 26, was arrested after allegedly dumping her puppy inside Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport

What! In footage released by the police department the dog looked on in confusion as his owner walked off without him

Not on: Las Vegas police released footage showing Bryson trying to get through Gate D1 (pictured), where officers 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 dog owner allegedly became 'hostile' and struggled with officers trying to detain her.

Once Bryson was booked, the 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.
Psychologists say the simple act of booking a holiday is enough to give us a big boost to our mental health and wellbeing.

They call it 'anticipatory consumption'  that dopamine hit that comes the minute you click 'book'. It's a shot of happiness that comes from knowing there is a sun-drenched holiday on your horizon and it's more powerful than buying material things, say psychologists.

Of course, the joy of a holiday is enhanced even further if you know you've managed to find that elusive combination of great quality and great value. And that's where Jet2holidays excels.

Start your holiday happiness today by booking a brilliant break with Jet2holidays

By wrapping up everything you need in one seamless package, the UK's number one tour operator makes your holiday effortless. And it has a fantastic collection of more than 70 sun-splashed destinations to choose from, too.

Here's how Jet2holidays makes a good trip a great one

Award-winning service (and a whole lot of extras)

With Jet2holidays, everything is included, every time. Your sunshine break will include accommodation in fabulous hotels, resorts and villas, return flights and return transfers***, 22kg baggage and 10kg hand luggage.

And then there's the service. Friendly Jet2holidays Customer Helpers are on hand at the airport and in your resort to guide you on your way, offer recommendations and even book experiences so you can get the most out of your stay.

You'll also travel with complete peace of mind, knowing you're booking with the UK's number one tour operator and a Which? Recommended Provider in seven categories.

And with 24/7 support and ABTA and ATOL-protected packages, your whole holiday is covered.

Your holiday, your way

Choose your dream holiday from a selection of over 70 sunny destinations. Fancy an all-out luxury getaway? Opt for a five-star stay with Indulgent Escapes by Jet2holidays, a collection of hand-picked five-star hotels in dazzling locations.

You'll also enjoy a whole host of VIP extras included, from private transfers and an increased 25kg baggage through to priority lane passes at the airport and in-flight drinks.

Travelling with extended family? Jet2Villas will offer the perfect home-from-home and you'll even get car hire included in your package, so you can explore at your own pace.

For fabulous hotels in vibrant destinations, VIBE by Jet2holidays is perfect for groups of friends. You can party all night and chill all day with glitzy pools, glamorous Bali beds and chic restaurants.

Prefer the idea of a city break? Then Jet2CityBreaks has got you covered with a selection of heart-of-the-action hotels. Think central locations, boutique design and rooftop bars for sunset drinks, all wrapped up with return flights, accommodation and 22kg baggage.

Whatever your idea of the perfect package holiday, there's a Jet2holiday for you. And now you can fly from more UK airports than ever before. Jet2 flies from 14 airports across the UK, including London Gatwick, available for the first time from this March.

Incredible value, every time

A holiday doesn't need to break the bank  and it feels even better when you've nabbed yourself a great deal!

When you book a Jet2holidays package, you'll enjoy a long list of benefits that make your holiday easier and all the more memorable. Secure your getaway with a low 60pp deposit* and pay the balance whenever you like up to 10 weeks before you travel, or spread the cost over three interest-free payments with PayPal^.

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And don't forget, kids under two always go free!

Here's some inspiration for your next Jet2holiday

Magical Marrakech

In exotic Morocco, four-star Hotel Club SunGO by Pickalbatros is on the outskirts of Palmeraie in the Marrakech area.

With stunning views of the Atlas Mountains from the resort, you'll enjoy a holiday in the bright, warm sunshine with the vibrant allure of Moroccan charm.

A fun-filled, palm tree-lined paradise under the Moroccan sun: Hotel Club SunGO by Pickalbatros

Palmeraie is the palm grove of Marrakech, a little green oasis just outside the city that you'll love returning to after exploring the narrow lanes of its historic medina, spice-scented soaks and old palaces.

But with 14 sparkling pools, nine bars and restaurants serving international cuisines, and a waterpark on site, you may never want to leave the resort

Delightful Dubrovnik

Hotel Bellevue in Dubrovnik Old Town is part of Jet2holidays' luxurious Indulgent Escapes collection.

Perched on a clifftop above the beautiful Miramare Bay, it's elevated in every way, with soft, neutral interiors, gorgeous views over the land and seascapes, first-class service and refined, a la carte restaurants.

Views for miles: Hotel Bellevue in Dubrovnik boasts fabulous service and lovely interiors

Relax in the steam room of the spa or take a dip in the warm indoor pool before heading down to the hotel's private section of the beach below. There is even a beach restaurant with its own cave.

Dubrovnik itself is a charming cobblestoned maze of ancient beauty, just over a mile away, and you're within strolling distance of shops, bars and restaurants.

Beautiful Budapest

Enjoy a fabulous city stay wrapped up in a great value package with Jet2CityBreaks.

Hotel Clark in Budapest City is a four-star residence right on the banks of the Danube and with all the elegance you expect from a Belle Epoque destination.

A weekend away like no other: Beautiful Budapest is the ultimate city break destination

From the gorgeous lobby to the stylish rooms with views over the river, to the indulgent sauna, expect a holiday filled with modern comfort in grand historic style.

You're within walking distance of Chain Bridge and Buda Castle, which is visible from the rooftop bar - perfect for romantic sundowners before dinner in the a la carte restaurant.

And you're in a great location by a tram stop to explore the city's quirky ruin-bars, boutique shops, and the stunning St Stephen's Basilica.

Book your Jet2holidays getaway Secure your next escape to the sun early in the Jet2holidays sale, and you'll enjoy unbeatable value. You can save 100 per person, that's 200 off per couple, or 400 off for a family of four**. You'll also enjoy the happiness boost that comes from knowing that a great holiday is on the horizon. With every Jet2holidays package, you'll enjoy accommodation to suit your budget - from three-star retreats to five-star glamour - with return flights and transfers***, 22kg baggage and 10kg hand luggage included. You'll enjoy that friendly Jet2holidays service from start to finish, with a team of Customer Helpers on hand to make sure your holiday is smooth and fabulous. Find out more and book your getaway in the Jet2holidays sale at Jet2holidays.com

* 60 deposit on bookings made ten weeks or more before departure. Full payment required by balance due date.

**100pp off Jet2holidays departing until 31 October 2027. Discount is not applied to Free Child Place holidays. Terms and conditions apply, please see the Jet2holidays website for details.

***Unless otherwise stated.

Excludes champagne which is payable. One drink per person, per flight. T&Cs apply.

^Spread the cost over three interest-free payments. Available when booked online, for holidays under 2,000, departing within ten weeks.

One free child place per two paying passengers. Subject to availability. T&Cs apply, please see www.Jet2holidays.com/promotions#FCP2025. Single Parent Discount: Promotional code J2HSPF60 must be added at the time of booking. Discount of 60 is a per booking saving and only applicable to bookings with one adult and at least one child. https://www.jet2holidays.com/promotions#30SINGLE for details.
We stepped away from Riyadh's busy thoroughfares and skyscrapers into a small, quiet sun-drenched courtyard. We were shown to a small side room. The floors and walls were covered in brightly-coloured carpets and throws.

There was a large, round rattan mat in the centre. A waiter in an elegant khaki thobe brought in large bags of food  and the feast began. This was a traditional Saudi restaurant called Najd Village. It was October 2019  a very significant time for the country.

I had been sent to Riyadh by the Daily Mail at very short notice. With a few clicks on my laptop, and a wait of only a few minutes, I had a brand-new Saudi e-Visa.

Al-Ahsa red bread, baked to perfection

The country was inviting the rest of the world to share its culture.

Food is also about sharing, especially in the Middle East. While we Brits squeeze ourselves around small tables, Saudis like to spread out their banquets, recline easily on their divans, eat delicious morsels of food, talk and take their time.

We opened up the delights prepared by the Najd Village chef. There was rice cooked with chicken and garnished with mixed vegetables. Then Matazeez, lamb and whole wheat dough circles cooked in tomato sauce with vegetables and tender meat. And the famous Jareesh,  Saudi's national dish  crushed whole wheat cooked in milk garnished with onion and lime.

It was delicious, just spicy enough: and you didn't feel weighed down by calories when we eventually stretched, sighed, thanked our hosts and left.

As I learned more about this vast country, I realised what I ate on that first memorable visit was one of many regional kinds of Saudi cooking.

Najd or 'Highlands'  sits within the central plateau of Saudi. It includes Riyadh, but also mountains, valleys, villages and orchards of date palms.

Food is all about sharing in the Middle East, and Saudis like to spread out and take their time

Food is for sharing and as more and more of us get to visit this remarkable land, so we will get to savour its varied flavours and culinary inspirations.

That tradition is shaped by the towering red dunes of the Empty Quarter to the fertile mountains of Asir, from the pearl-diving heritage of the Eastern Province to the cosmopolitan crossroads of Jeddah on the Red Sea coast.

There's Al-Margaouq, the hearty dough-based dish from Riyadh. Or try savoury Madini Rice, associated with the holy city of Medinah. And a favourite Ramadan dish is slow cooked Al-Saleeq lamb from Makkah. Or, for something similar from western Aseer province, Al-Haneeth, made with goat or lamb.

Al-Margaouq is a traditional Saudi stew made with meat and vegetables and pieces of dough

In Najran province in the south west, temperatures fall to single figures in the winter. A bowl of Al-Raqsh  bread and meat sealed and heated with palm fronds, is a popular dish as the cold weather arrives.

Further south still, from Jazan, comes a tempting oven-baked dish of meat and vegetables called Al-Maghsh. And if you have a liking for the stuffed vine leaves that feature in Mediterranean cooking, you'll enjoy Keubaibat Hail, stuffed grape leaves dipped into sauces from the central region.

Picturesque Al-Baha is justifiably proud of its Muqana bread, baked to perfection on a smooth, circular stone. For rice-based dishes, head east to Al-Ahsa for flavoursome Hassawi Rice.

Head north up the coast and you will likely encounter Al-Sayadiah, a fish and rice dish from Tabouk.

Still further north, Al-Mulayhiya is a traditional dish famous on the Northern Border: rice mixed with dried yogurt or laban. The dish is named Al-Mulayhiya due to its saltiness  Mulaih means 'salt' in Arabic.

As for desserts, Al-Kleja cakes flavoured with cardamom , ginger and cinnamon is a traditional gift for travellers. And when the rains come, it's the time to make Al-Bukayla, using the Samh seeds, roasted or dried in the sun and mixed with ghee and dates. That's from Al-Jouf  one of the most fertile parts of Saudi.

Datesof which Saudi Arabia produces 1.9 million tons annually are the country's edible gold. From the honey-sweet Sukkari to the caramel-like Khalas, fruits of the date palm punctuate every meal, every celebration, every moment of welcome. Most people prefer to eat them as nature intended, although you do see dates stuffed with nuts, dipped in chocolate and pressed into ma'amoul pastries,

Datesof which Saudi Arabia produces 1.9 m tons annually are the country's edible gold

You might also sample Kleija, wheat flour, honey and spices, cakes from the Qassim region just north of the Central Region. From beautiful, mountainous Hail, also in the north, comes Saudi's national dessert  Maqshush, made from brown flour, white flour, eggs, yeast, and milk, topped with honey or ghee.

Our familiar British jam will never taste the same after you have sampled Debyaza, dried apricots, cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, dried dates and roasted nuts. It's from the holy city of Makkah (Mecca) and is a big feature of Eid banquets, marking the end of Ramadan.

My mouth is already watering at the prospect of a visit to the Red Sea, where you get fresh fish dishes, alongside traditional dishes like Sayadeya, the classic fisherman's rice.

Aside from traditional recipes, the rise in fine dining has been especially rapid.

The Saudi food service market is projected to grow from $30.12 billion in 2025 to $44.67 billion by 2030, according to Mordor Intelligence.

Patrick Samaha, partner at Kearney Middle East and Africa, said the Kingdom's F&B sector grew 15 percent in 2025, creating hundreds of jobs through major restaurant openings.

But for Mayada Badr, chief executive of Saudi's Culinary Arts Commission, food always returns us to that simple human desire to share: 'Food is the simplest form of bridging cultures,' she says. 'I think it's the first thing you want to do when you meet a different culture or a different person. Before you even start working with someone, you share a meal, you get to know that person.'

'Food has no borders. When things travel through the spice routes or the trade routes, you kind of see how dishes originated from one area, spread to others, got influenced by different cultures and techniques.'

Find out more at the Ministry of Culture - Culinary Arts Commission culinary.moc.gov.sa/
Brits travelling in Mexico have been issued a warning after a surge of violence has erupted following the death of the leader of a drug cartel.

El Mencho, who was the head of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), one of Mexico's most powerful drug cartels, was killed yesterday.

The Mexican army announced it had killed Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, known as El Mencho, in the state of Jalisco.

As a result, the country has seen a wave of unrest, with roadblocks, vehicles set on fire and tourists scrambling for cover amid violent outbreaks near Guadalajara airport.

So, what's going on in Mexico and what do you need to know?

What travel warnings have been issued?

A wave of violence has erupted in Mexico, with many vehicles being burned

The UK Foreign Office issued an updated travel warning for Mexico this morning.

It said: '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.

'Authorities in Puerto Vallarta have issued a public advisory to stay indoors. Routes to airports may be blocked.

'There are reports of blockades on intercity roads across affected states.'

What should travellers in Mexico do?

As a result of the violence, travellers in the country should be extremely careful

The statement from the GOV.UK website added: 'You should exercise extreme caution, follow local authorities' advice, including orders to stay indoors and avoid nonessential travel in affected areas.'

It said: 'Please monitor local media and follow advice from authorities and local transport companies before making a decision to travel.

'If you do decide to travel, we recommend intercity road travel during daylight hours. Security incidents have also been reported in other parts of Mexico.

'As the situation develops, wherever you are in Mexico, you should stay alert and follow local security advice.'

Have any flights been cancelled?

Passengers were stranded at Guadalajara International Airport following flight suspensions and lack of transport

Many flights have been cancelled and one airport closed across the country, leaving tourists stranded.

Puerto Vallarta International Airport announced it had cancelled 'all international operations and most of the domestic flights' on Sunday.

In an official statement on X, the airport said: 'The airport is under the protection of personnel from the National Guard (GN) and the Ministry of National Defense (SEDENA), as part of ongoing coordination efforts with federal authorities.

'However, by decision of the airlines, today, Sunday February 22, 2026, all international operations and most of the domestic flights have been cancelled.'

At least 30 flights from US, Mexican and Canadian airports going to Puerto Vallarta have either returned or been diverted, the Independent reported.

Are any other airports affected?

Many travellers in the country have seen their plans disrupted

Passengers travelling through Guadalajara's international airport were informed it was operating with limited personel as a result of the violence.

The airport explained on X: 'It is important to clarify that no incidents have been reported inside the facilities, nor is there any risk to passengers, employees, or visitors.'

No flights from the hub have reportedly been cancelled or affected.

If I cancel, will I be covered by travel insurance?

Plumes of smoke rising after violent reactions to the killing of El Mencho

Since the Foreign Office does not advise against all travel to Mexico  only certain regions  you may not be covered by travel insurance if you cancel your trip.

Speak to your insurer if you have any concerns.

If you have a trip booked to an area unaffected by the latest escalation, it is unlikely that you will be able to claim your money back.

If you are in an area with a new warning, you can plan to leave and likely be compensated.
A futuristic hyperloop journey from London to Paris could slash travel time between London and Paris to just under 30 minutes.

The concept involves passenger pods travelling at more than 600mph through low-pressure tubes, which could further link London with Brussels in 20 minutes, Amsterdam in 22 minutes and Berlin in just over an hour.

Though it's been an engineering pipe dream for several years, the idea gained global attention in 2013 when Elon Musk published a white paper on it.

According to supporters, magnetic levitation - similar to maglev trains - would allow pods to glide without physical contact, reducing friction and energy use.

Theoretically, most of the energy normally lost to air resistance would disappear in the vacuum-like environment.

Europe has become a key testing ground for the innovative system with the 2024 opening of the European Hyperloop Center in Veendam, the Netherlands.

Engineers recently demonstrated a 'zero-moving parts' lane switch, which allowed pods to change routes without mechanical track changes - a major step toward building a real network.

Gavin Haines, travel writer for The Telegraph, recently visited the Dutch site, where he saw firsthand how the system operates.

A futuristic hyperloop journey from London to Paris has the potential to cut travel time between London and Paris to between 20 and 28 minutes

The system utilises magnetic levitation that allows pods to glide through tunnels without physical contact

Testing is currently underway at the European Hyperloop Center in Veendam, the Netherlands

The center's managing director, Kees Mark, told Haines that he has ridden in the test system himself, and describes the experience as closer to flying than traditional rail travel.

He said: 'To think that we could be having coffee in Paris in under an hour from now is a huge mindset shift.

'It's more like flying. That's one of the benefits of hyperloop - there's no wear from moving parts.'

However, the project faces significant hurdles. Maintaining a vacuum in large tubes is technically difficult, and funding full routes would require billions in investment.

In the United States, Virgin Hyperloop ended passenger operations in 2023 amid safety barriers, a complicated regulatory process and extensive financial challenges.

Richard Branson, one of the project's early investors, pulled out after the company failed to reach its goal of 700mph speeds - only reaching 107mph in its first human trial.

Capacity on the proposed hyperloop network is another concern; critics noted early passenger pods carry far fewer people than standard train carriages.

For now, hyperloop is still in the testing phase, with no confirmed construction dates.

The hyperloop, though still in the testing phase, is said to currently face a number of hurdles concerning maintenance, funding and capacity

According to industry experts, limited commercial routes could be introduced in the 2030s, but a 30-minute rail journey between London and Paris remains an ambitious future goal rather than a set plan.

Elsewhere, Japan is building what could become the world's fastest train, with speeds potentially reaching 603.5kmh.

The impressive new vehicle is still under development and will be known as the L0 Series - a Japanese maglev train.

The train uses magnetic levitation to lift off the track, while an electric motor will help to propel the carriages onwards - leading to groundbreaking speeds. So far, the project has reportedly cost a whopping 52 billion.
The Walsh Sisters (BBC 1)

Rating:

First prize for the most uninspired title this decade goes to The Walsh Sisters.

It sounds like a file in the back of a cabinet drawer in a school secretary's office, between the Venables Twins and the Yates Family.

All the less excusable, then, that this raucous, chaotic Irish drama is based on Marian Keyes's bestselling series of novels, with titles like Rachel's Holiday, My Brilliant Mistake and The Mystery Of Mercy Close  intriguing enough to make you feel the story has started as soon as you see the cover.

Plunging into a book by Ms Keyes can feel like listening to a woman with a strident voice and no filter at the next table in a restaurant. She's had a couple of drinks, she's worked up and slightly angry about something, but she's also enjoying herself. You know you shouldn't eavesdrop, but how can you help it?

Director Ian FitzGibbon captures that, with an opening episode that spends half its time in dodgy bars and nightclubs, and the other half at home with the five grown-up Walsh girls jostling, arguing, bantering and teasing.

The two middle sisters, Rachel and Anna (Caroline Menton and Louisa Harland), party hardest and share a cramped flat in Dublin. Both of them are emotional disaster zones but Anna is better at hiding it... and compared to Rachel, Keith Richards would look sober and responsible.

When we first meet them, in a sleazy club, Rachel has given her boyfriend Luke (Jay Duffy) the cold shoulder so she can chat up a stranger in the hope he'll share his cocaine.

Luke calls an ambulance next morning when he discovers her so hungover, she's comatose. Her response is to scold him savagely, accusing him of stifling her with selfish, needy affection.

The Walsh Sisters is a raucous, chaotic Irish drama

The TV series is hard to tear yourself away from

Later, she leaves him constant phone messages, lovebombing him and promising to mend her ways. It's a masterclass in manipulation.

When she drinks and snorts herself into a stupor again the following night, it seems as though she's going to wake up dead... and her behaviour has been so obnoxious, it's almost difficult to care.

But as the focus shifts to her sisters, we realise that all of them are struggling to cope. Rachel is failing more obviously than the others, but any of the five could have stumbled into her mess.

Claire (Danielle Galligan) is a resentful single mother. Maggie (Stefanie Preissner, who co-wrote the screenplay) is desperate for a baby. Helen (Mairead Tyers) can't afford to leave home, where she's spoilt by weak, doting Daddy Walsh (Aidan Quinn).

Mammy (Carrie Crowley) cannot be satisfied with anything, as though it would be a sin to feel happy for a moment.

Their dramas are so heady and addictive that, when the first part ended on a shocking cliffhanger, I couldn't help diving into the next. Like eavesdropping when you shouldn't, it's hard to tear yourself away.
The Lady (ITV)

Rating:

Anything you want... you got it! The eerie voice of Roy Orbison, echoing as Sarah Ferguson guzzles champagne and tries on rails of designer clothes, sums up the Fergie philosophy of life.

Her greed, her self-indulgent extravagance, her thoughtless contempt for anyone but herself, is skewered in The Lady  ITV's four-part drama telling how the former Duchess of York's personal dresser, Jane Andrews, battered and stabbed a boyfriend to death.

But Natalie Dormer, as Ferguson, also captures her self-destructive insecurity and her moments of pitiful vulnerability, as well as her infectious sense of fun. She's portrayed as a loveable monster.

The country did briefly adore her, after all, when she and her husband stood on the balcony at Buckingham Palace on their wedding day, Fergie planting a smacker on her prince's lips.

He's no longer a prince, and her affectionate nickname seems obscenely twee, now that we know the depths to which she was prepared to stoop for money.

This crime drama couldn't have been better timed  so close to the headlines that it almost feels like part of the news coverage.

Dormer clearly was not expecting the story to be so current. She has refused to promote the show, following revelations in the Jeffrey Epstein files that Ferguson remained sycophantically close to the billionaire paedophile even after he was jailed for child sexual abuse.

ITV's four-part drama The Lady tells how the former Duchess of York's personal dresser, Jane Andrews, battered and stabbed a boyfriend to death

Natalie Dormer, as Ferguson (right), captures the former Duchess of York's self-destructive insecurity and moments of pitiful vulnerability, as well as her infectious sense of fun, writes Christopher Stevens

She makes a barnstorming entrance, charging into a job interview at Buckingham Palace, obviously sloshed, raging about a tabloid picture spread that accused her of copying Diana's style.

Not quite drunk enough to be embarrassing, she's still too sozzled for the ladies-in-waiting to pretend they haven't noticed. This, we don't have to be told, is a normal state of affairs.

The interviewee is Jane Andrews, played with a conniving slyness by Mia McKenna-Bruce (seen earlier this year as amateur detective Bundle in Agatha Christie's Seven Dials).

Though her experience of high couture extends no further than selling bras in Marks and Sparks in Grimsby, the 21-year-old instantly gauges how to manipulate the duchess with a mixture of deference and chumminess.

Her duties include waking her with a cup of chamomile tea, and placing a folded bathrobe on a chair, 'so she can sit and pull it up around her'. No mention of squeezing toothpaste onto a brush, but that was implied.

Their friendship is sealed when Andrews finds Ferguson secretly stuffing her face with chocolate digestives. By Sunday's episode, they are best buddies, visiting a psychic together and sharing details of their lovers' bedroom performance.

The other courtiers regard Andrews as an outsider: Wrong school, wrong accent, wrong social class. They snigger at the way she says 'bath' and 'run'.

We begin to understand, though writer Debbie O'Malley is too clever to state this plainly, why Ferguson felt more comfortable with Andrews than with any of the palace regulars.

Ed Speleers (left) as Thomas Cressman and Mia McKenna-Bruce (right) as Jane Andrews in ITV's The Lady

Natalie Dormer as Sarah, then Duchess of York (left) and Mia McKenna-Bruce as Jane Andrews (right)

The duchess was a chancer and an imposter, and she suspected everyone of seeing right through her.

The girl from Grimsby was the only one who believed in her. They were outsiders together.

And it's impossible not to feel a sliver of sympathy for Ferguson when she emerges wide-eyed and slack-jawed from an audience with the Queen.

Her Majesty didn't often read the Riot Act to junior members of The Firm but, when she did, it left an impression.

We don't see the Queen, Andrew or any other Royals, apart from the back of Princess Di's head. Quite who Andrews is suspected of killing is also not spelled out, as the story jumps ten years, to a bloodied corpse in a bedroom and Philip Glenister as the investigating copper.

'Oh Jane,' sighs an older Sarah Ferguson, helping the police with their inquiries. 'How did it come to this?'

How indeed.
Two intruder couples entered the Married At First Sight experiment on Monday, and things got off to a rocky start for 'anti-woke' couple Tyson and Stephanie.

Former soldier Tyson Gordon, 30, tied the knot with real estate agent Stephanie Marshall, 32, and the red flags were quickly raised on both sides.

Before the ceremony, Tyson revealed his very forthright and unwavering beliefs, revealing he had absolutely no time for 'woke culture.'

Speaking about his perfect match, Tyson told producers: 'I want to make sure she has the same beliefs, the same values, the same morals and principles as me.

'I wouldn't want a woman that's woke with green hair and super overweight. I'm not into that,' he added.

The property investor also said that he would not be happy if paired with a feminist or a bride who 'hates' US President Donald Trump.

Two intruder couples entered the Married At First Sight experiment on Monday, and things got off to a rocky start for 'anti-woke' couple Tyson and Stephanie. Both pictured

His laundry list of turn-offs also included women with high body counts and women with children as he is: 'not here to look after someone's kids.'

Tyson also revealed that he had been married before, to a woman whom he had met in Utah. However, that union only lasted around a year.

He admitted that the couple split because his first wife was 'a bit messy around the house.'

It seemed that this could be a perfect pairing, with Stephanie revealing that she was definitely looking for a take-charge kind of guy.

Then it was time for the ceremony, which was attended by fellow MAFS couples Julia and Grayson, Rachel and Steven, and Alissa and David.

Things didn't get off to a good start with Tyson getting 'woke' vibes from Stephanie as she walked down the aisle.

'When you look at someone you can sort of tell,' he said.

Tyson's fears were soon allayed when he told Rebecca that he had no time for woke culture. His new bride replied with a relieved: 'Thank God.'

Things didn't get off to a good start with Tyson getting 'woke' vibes from Stephanie as she walked down the aisle

Still not placated, Tyson then took umbrage with the fact that he was paired with an older woman.

'I asked for someone younger,' he said. 'The fact she's 32, I'm not too happy about that. I was hoping to get a wife in her mid-20s.'

He was also less than impressed with Stephanie's vows, complaining that she displayed too much masculine energy and not enough 'submissiveness.'

Things went from bad to worse at the reception when Stephanie brought up an earlier conversation in which Tyson revealed he wanted five children.

Addressing a bridesmaid, she said: 'Apparently we're having five children, before addressing Tyson with: 'I don't know who you're having those five kids with.'

When the bridesmaid questioned Tyson on how children would fit into their busy schedules, he replied flatly: 'Get a maid'.

He also revealed to Stephanie that he thought child-rearing was no big deal.

'Honestly, how hard can it be? It's only this big,' he said, holding out his arms.

He was also less than impressed with Stephanie's vows, complaining that she displayed too much masculine energy and not enough 'submissiveness'

Speaking to producers, Stephanie said that she was shocked by Tyson's stance

'You've just got to feed it, take it to the toilet, and that's it.'

This seemed to impress Tyson's best man, who added: 'You'll be a great dad,' as Stephanie shook her head.

When Stephanie asked Tyson if he would consider taking on the house husband role, it was a hard: 'Hell, no.'

'You may as well ask me to wear a skirt around the house,' he said.

Speaking to producers, Stephanie said that she was shocked by Tyson's stance on parenting.

'I'm not some ultra feminist woman, but I do believe in equality,' she said.

'I'm quite surprised that someone like him has these views, it's giving manosphere.'

During some one-on-one time, Tyson reiterated his desire to never be a stay-at-home dad, adding that he was concerned by Stephanie's 'masculine energy'.

'Does the masculine energy make me unattractive to you?' she asked.

He replied: 'A little bit. I think there's nothing better than a woman that's submissive.'

This did not sit well with Stephanie, who told producers: 'We don't live in the bloody 1960s anymore.'

Married At First Sight continues at 7:30pm Tuesday on Nine.
Susanna Reid has been blasted by ITV viewers for making a 'totally uncaring, stupid and dismissive' live on Good Morning Britain.

The TV host was joined by Ed Balls to discuss the latest headlines on Monday morning, when talk soon turned to the BAFTA Film Awards, which took place in London on Sunday evening.

Susanna, 55, and co-host Ed, 58, discussed the shock moment a racial slur was heard during the broadcast of the awards, as Michael B Jordan and Delroy Lindo took to the stage to hand out one of the coveted awards.

Audiences heard the racial slur being shouted at the two Black actors and Sinners cast mates - which was soon revealed to have been shouted by John Davidson, a Tourette's campaigner whose life was recently televised in biopic I Swear.

The biopic, which was nominated at the awards, starred Robert Aramayo as John, and followed his twenties living in 1980s Scotland and his later campaigning to raise awareness for the syndrome.

John could be heard shouting 'shut the f**k up' and 'boring' at actors Michael and Delroy, before using the N-word in a series of involuntary shouts.

Susanna Reid has been blasted by ITV viewers for making a 'totally uncaring, stupid and dismissive' remark live on Good Morning Britain

The TV host was joined by Ed Balls to discuss the latest headlines on Monday morning, when talk soon turned to the BAFTA Film Awards

Show host Alan Cumming was quick to apologise for the use of offensive language as he addressed the star-studded room at London's Royal Festival Hall.

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.

A BBC spokesperson also told NBC News: 'Some viewers may have heard strong and offensive language during the Bafta Film Awards 2026.

'This arose from involuntary verbal tics associated with Tourette syndrome, and was not intentional. We apologise for any offence caused by the language heard.'

Reacting to the live moment, Susanna told Good Morning Britain audiences that she was still 'thinking about the language' - hitting out that it was 'completely unacceptable'.

Recognising that having Tourette's means those diagnosed with the condition cannot control their ticks, she then posed the question: 'There's plenty of people watching who say, "Why should a racial slur ever be accepted or simply brushed away?"'

Audiences heard the racial slur being shouted at the two Black actors and Sinners cast mates Michael B Jordan and Delroy Lindo

BAFTA host Alan Cumming thanked audience for Tourette's understanding as I Swear's John Davidson let out involuntary shouts during Sunday's ceremony

Ed disagreed, explaining: 'There's two different issues. If this racial slur was said at the awards ceremony, it shouldn't have been broadcast.

'The guy who has Tourette's  apologising for his disability is not fair or right. It's not in his control. If it was me, I would have bleeped out the racial slur and not had the apology.'

Susanna continued: 'But it's absolutely vital that you apologise for it. A racial slur is always something, presumably, that needs to be apologised for.'

Ed responded: 'They ought to have apologised for having it on the programme, but apologising for the gentleman with Tourette's, you can't apologise for his disability.'

Following a clip of Alan's apology shown to Good Morning Britain viewers, Susanna added: 'I think you should always apologise if an utterly offensive racial slur is used.'

Fans of the show were left in shock by the remarks, and took to social media to complain, with one writing: 'So it doesn't matter where, or from whom, the racial slur was issued?

'Even if it was written on a piece of paper or produced by AI or... shouted out by someone with Tourettes... Susanna says SOMEONE has to apologise?'

Another hit out: 'The actor in the film regarding Tourettes wins an award but Susanna states that we need to apologise for the consequence of that disability in real life.'

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

Fans of Good Morning Britain were left in shock by the remarks, and took to social media to complain

'If there was ever any doubt that Reid knows sweet FA about what she's talking about, her little rant on Tourette's (or should I say "the consequences" of the disability) should remove any shred of doubt left,' a third fumed.

They added: 'Someone get her a ladder for the huge hole she just dug herself.'

A fourth wrote: 'Susanna playing the ultimate virtue signalling clown once again! Does she know how Tourettes Syndrome ticks works? She knows that these ticks and outbursts cannot be helped right?'

'You shouldn't apologise for #TouretteSyndrome, it can't be helped. You should never apologise for an illness...no one asked to have the illness,' someone else added.

While a sixth penned: 'Sussana Reid being so dismissive of Tourette's is sad to see...'

'I suggest that Susanna Reid actually watches the previous documentaries about tourettes sufferer John Davidson as she appears totally uncaring and determined to not fully understand that John Davidson cannot control what he shouts and says,' another viewer went on.

'This man has a disability and he has an aggressive form of tourettes and he cannot stop the words regardless of how rude or Inappropriate they are coming out his mouth.

'You even see him in the documentaries explain how awful he feels about what he shouts and says...'

I Swear stars Robert Aramayo as campaigner John and depicts his younger years living in Glasgow, when he was first diagnosed with Tourette syndrome

Campaigner John, 54, was the inspiration behind movie I Swear

MailOnline have contacted ITV for comment.

Campaigner John, 54, was the inspiration behind movie I Swear, when he was diagnosed with Tourette syndrome at the age of 25, causing tics and outbursts involving swearing.

Before the ceremony began, a floor manager is reported to have told audience members: 'Id like to welcome John Davidson MBE from one of our nominated films, I Swear.

'John has Tourettes syndrome, so please be aware you might hear some involuntary noises or movements during the ceremony.'

The BAFTA Film Awards was pre-recorded and shown on screen after the ceremony on BBC One, with the comments made by Davidson left in the final broadcast.

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.

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

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.

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.

Good Morning Britain airs weekdays from 6am on ITV1 and ITVX
It's set to be a busy year for BBC viewers, as the broadcaster has announced three brand new series for viewers to tune into which are currently filming.

A Tudor-based period drama, a dark comedy and a political thriller are all currently in the works, shooting scenes across the UK.

The writers of hit policing drama Blue Lights are behind D-Notice, a thriller set in the world of investigative journalism and deeply rooted in politics.

D-notices are used across the UK and come in the form of requests journalists not to publish or broadcast information for reasons of national security - teasing where the drama could draw focus.

The six episodes, which mark the third BBC project for writers Adam Patterson and Declan Lawn after The Salisbury Poisonings and Blue Lights, have been teased to take a dive into 'how truth and power speak to one another'.

Writers Declan and Adam are both former investigative journalists, who met working on the BBC's Panorama, before moving into drama writing together.

It's set to be a busy year for BBC viewers, as the broadcaster has announced THREE brand new series for viewers to tune into which are currently filming

The writers of hit policing drama Blue Lights are behind D-Notice, a thriller set in the world of investigative journalism and deeply rooted in politics

Elsewhere, a new six-part drama called Shy & Lola is also in the works for BBC One, produced by the BAFTA and Emmy winning Clerkenwell Films, who are behind the likes of Baby Reindeer and The Death Of Bunny Munro.

Written by Apple Tree Yard's Amanda Coe, the dark comedy story follows two women who are forced to become allies when a murder entangles them.

They are thrown into the criminal underworld operating in a small coastal town in the North of England - and it soon transpires they have quite the talent for crime.

Building an operation that threatens to blow the bad guys out of the water, they have to decide whether to use their earnings towards a fresh start, or whether they should become the new bosses in town.

It will star The Night Manager's Hayley Squires as Shy, and The Diary of a Teenage Girl star Bel Powley as Lola - with filming due to start in Hull and Leeds this spring.

Screenwriter Amanda said of the six-part series: 'With such a rich and spiky central relationship at its core, Shy & Lola is a dream of a show to write, full of fun, action and emotion.

'I cant wait to see our hugely exciting cast and director bring it to life.'

Tudor period drama 1536 is also in the works - based on the play of the same name by Ava Pickett - for BBC One.

The six episodes, which mark the third BBC project for writers Adam Patterson and Declan Lawn after The Salisbury Poisonings and Blue Lights, have been teased to take a dive into 'how truth and power speak to one another'

a new six-part drama called Shy & Lola is also in the works for BBC One, produced by the BAFTA and Emmy winning Clerkenwell Films, who are behind the likes of Baby Reindeer

The eight episode series, written by How To Get To Heaven from Belfast and The Great writer Ava, will be set in the heart of Tudor England.

The story, which follows Anne Boleyn's arrest, will 'weave royal scandal with rural struggle'.

It centres around three young women, Anna, Mariella and Jane, in their rural Essex village and desperately waiting for their lives to start.

When news reaches them that King Henry VIII has had Anne Boleyn arrested, the three of them have no reason to suspect this will change their lives.

Attempting to navigate marriage, relationships, betrayals and births, they discover that being a woman in such volatile times is dangerous.

The BBC teased: 'A darkly comic and terrifyingly relevant story about friendship, sisterhood and a changing world, 1536 is a series that explores how the actions of a man in power changes the fate of working class women on the edges of the country.

'It asks if a King can murder his Queen, what does that mean for women elsewhere and how much have things really changed?'

Ava Pickett said: '1536 is something I am immensely proud of and I feel so lucky and privileged to have the chance to bring Anna, Jane and Mariella to a wider audience and to build out their lives even more.

'In a world where every decision made in the corridors of power ricochets through all of our lives, this story feels more relevant than ever. Im so grateful to Lindsay Salt for being such a champion of it from the start.'

Further details of all the new series will be announced in due course.
A first-look trailer for a new BBC series that has been tipped to be 'essential viewing for the whole family' has dropped - and given viewers a first look at its cast.

The eight-part drama, titled Crookhaven, is based on the novels of JJ Arcanjo, and follows students and teachers at a fictional school for promising thieves.

It will follow eight of the young international students going head to head in a competition to win the Crooked Cup, while battling it out with a terrifying enemy known as The Nameless.

The trailer sees Lucas Leach take on the leading role of Gabriel, while The Witcher star Carmel Laniado plays his rival, the headmaster's daughter, Penelope.

Vigil actor Dougray Scott takes the role of the school figurehead, Caspian Lockett, who can be seen addressing the students in the first look.

'If you've always felt like a misfit, a troublemaker, an outsider, you should fit in perfectly,' he can be seen telling them as they gather in the hallway.

A first-look trailer for a new BBC series that has been tipped to be 'essential viewing for the whole family' has dropped - and given viewers a first look at its cast

The trailer sees Lucas Leach take on the leading role of Gabriel, while The Witcher star Carmel Laniado plays his rival, the headmaster's daughter, Penelope

'You have been hand picked from the thousands of young crooks around the world to join our school... Luckily we can teach you how to use these dubious talents for good.

'We're called Crookhaven, and we are about to change your life.'

The wider cast also includes Trainspotting star Keith Allen, Coronation Street star Julie Hesmondhalgh and Industry actress Claire Forlani.

While the younger cast members include Adolescence's Amari Bacchus, Heartstopper's Leila Khan and Lazarus' Charlie Mann.

Death In Paradise's Genesis Lynea, Slow Horses' Naomi Wirthner and Doctor Who star Arthur Darvill will also feature in the series.

And former BBC and The News Agents journalist Emily Maitlis has a voice part.

A BBC representative said: 'Crookhaven is a brilliant example of the rich homegrown storytelling we're so proud to champion at the BBC. Its gripping mystery and standout cast make it a series designed to spark imaginations of all ages.

It will follow eight of the young international students going head to head in a competition to win the Crooked Cup

'If you've always felt like a misfit, a troublemaker, an outsider, you should fit in perfectly,' the school headmaster can be seen telling the students as they gather in the hallway

'We're incredibly excited to bring this to BBC One, CBBC and iPlayer later this spring, and we know it will be a show families will love watching together.'

It comes after the BBC announced that three new series are in the works - and due to start filming across the UK this spring.

The writers of hit policing drama Blue Lights are behind D-Notice, a thriller set in the world of investigative journalism and deeply rooted in politics.

D-notices are used across the UK and come in the form of requests journalists not to publish or broadcast information for reasons of national security - teasing where the drama could draw focus.

The six episodes, which mark the third BBC project for writers Adam Patterson and Declan Lawn after The Salisbury Poisonings and Blue Lights, have been teased to take a dive into 'how truth and power speak to one another'.

Writers Declan and Adam are both former investigative journalists, who met working on the BBC's Panorama, before moving into drama writing together.

Elsewhere, a new six-part drama called Shy & Lola is also in the works for BBC One, produced by the BAFTA and Emmy winning Clerkenwell Films, who are behind the likes of Baby Reindeer and The Death Of Bunny Munro.

It's set to be a busy year for BBC viewers, as the broadcaster has announced THREE brand new series for viewers to tune into which are currently filming

The writers of hit policing drama Blue Lights are behind D-Notice, a thriller set in the world of investigative journalism and deeply rooted in politics

Written by Apple Tree Yard's Amanda Coe, the dark comedy story follows two women who are forced to become allies when a murder entangles them.

They are thrown into the criminal underworld operating in a small coastal town in the North of England - and it soon transpires they have quite the talent for crime.

Building an operation that threatens to blow the bad guys out of the water, they have to decide whether to use their earnings towards a fresh start, or whether they should become the new bosses in town.

It will star The Night Manager's Hayley Squires as Shy, and The Diary of a Teenage Girl star Bel Powley as Lola - with filming due to start in Hull and Leeds this spring.

Screenwriter Amanda said of the six-part series: 'With such a rich and spiky central relationship at its core, Shy & Lola is a dream of a show to write, full of fun, action and emotion.

'I cant wait to see our hugely exciting cast and director bring it to life.'

Tudor period drama 1536 is also in the works - based on the play of the same name by Ava Pickett - for BBC One.

The eight episode series, written by How To Get To Heaven from Belfast and The Great writer Ava, will be set in the heart of Tudor England.

The story, which follows Anne Boleyn's arrest, will 'weave royal scandal with rural struggle'.

The six episodes, which mark the third BBC project for writers Adam Patterson and Declan Lawn after The Salisbury Poisonings and Blue Lights, have been teased to take a dive into 'how truth and power speak to one another'

a new six-part drama called Shy & Lola is also in the works for BBC One, produced by the BAFTA and Emmy winning Clerkenwell Films, who are behind the likes of Baby Reindeer

It centres around three young women, Anna, Mariella and Jane, in their rural Essex village and desperately waiting for their lives to start.

When news reaches them that King Henry VIII has had Anne Boleyn arrested, the three of them have no reason to suspect this will change their lives.

Attempting to navigate marriage, relationships, betrayals and births, they discover that being a woman in such volatile times is dangerous.

The BBC teased: 'A darkly comic and terrifyingly relevant story about friendship, sisterhood and a changing world, 1536 is a series that explores how the actions of a man in power changes the fate of working class women on the edges of the country.

'It asks if a King can murder his Queen, what does that mean for women elsewhere and how much have things really changed?'

Ava Pickett said: '1536 is something I am immensely proud of and I feel so lucky and privileged to have the chance to bring Anna, Jane and Mariella to a wider audience and to build out their lives even more.

'In a world where every decision made in the corridors of power ricochets through all of our lives, this story feels more relevant than ever. Im so grateful to Lindsay Salt for being such a champion of it from the start.'

Further details of all the new series will be announced in due course.

Crookhaven is coming soon to BBC One, CBBC and iPlayer.
Kyra Lizama tore into Curtis Pritchard for 'disrespecting' her on Valentine's Day before calling out Jack Keating during Love Island All Star's finale on Monday night.

The reality star, 28, who appeared on the show after her 2021 stint in the US version, hit out at Curtis after he reposted his sister-in-law asking fans to comment on his post to be his date.

Kyra, who had started a romance in Curtis in the villa, said the post was 'out of left field' as they had been lovey-dovey just days before.

She told Maya Jama: 'I was just like: 'What the f**k?'

Looking flustered, Curtis tried to explain why he did it. He said: 'I've spoken for a while that I want to find somebody and I want to settle down because I'm at the point at my life. My brother and sister-in-law were like, they want to help me find someone. They do really like you as well they put the post out.'

Kyra hit back: 'Clearly I was irrelevant in his mind and her's. We messaged every single day. I got zero communication from him, before and after the post.

Kyra Lizama tore into Curtis Pritchard for 'disrespecting' her on Valentine's Day during Love Island All Star's finale on Monday night

The reality star, 28, who appeared on the show after her 2021 stint in the US version, hit out at Curtis after he reposted his sister-in-law asking fans to comment to be his date

'My thing is, I don't take disrespect and that was absolutely disrespectful.'

While Curtis tried to say Kyra wasn't irrelevant, Maya pointed out: 'You were still looking for a Valentine's, Curtis'.

As the pair continued to bicker, Maya tried to move on, but Kyra was quick to also take aim at Jack Keating.

The reality star called him out for claiming she had sex with Curtis in the villa, prompting Jack, 26, to issue a grovelling apology.

Kyra was referring to Jack's interview on the Go Louds podcast Mi Casa Su Casa, where he said: 'Basically, Curtis and Kyra got into it one of the nights as well.

'I know and this is just my suspicions, Im not at-ting anybody but the first night they got coupled up, everybody had their new beds and stuff, we got into bed and obviously people are having their chats and everything.

'We woke up the next day and there were condoms beside every couples beds. That only happens when somebody had done it the night before.'

Kyra, who had started a romance in Curtis in the villa, said the post was 'out of left field' after they had been lovey-dovey just days before

Viewers praised Kyra for confronting Curtis and Jack on the show

Viewers praised Kyra for confronting Curtis and Jack on the show.

They wrote: 'Kyra holding back tonight was pure class. Curtis looking like he regretted every life choice';

'Karma came for Curtis in the form of Kyra' needs to be framed. Who else felt that tension?';

'The fact that Curtis slept with Kyra and then did that post on Instagram is so gross. That's so disrespectful. He has a lot of nerve talking about anyone else's situation in the villa';

'You could tell Kyra was holding back and wanted to call Curtis every name under the sun';

'it's very disrespectful jack revealed curtis & kyra's intimacy publicly';

'Kyra is definitely returning to Love Island she's a fire cracker! Dynamite';

'Kyra putting Curtis and Jack on blast on national TV and Maya stays instigating with The Office-style camera close up'.

Viewers praised Kyra for confronting Curtis and Jack on the show. They wrote: 'Kyra holding back tonight was pure class. Curtis looking like he regretted every life choice';

Just this past weekend Curtis's brother AJ's partner Zara posted a video of Curtis saying she was in charge of finding him a Valentine's date

Curtis reshared the video with Kyra commenting underneath: 'Ouch lol', as she made her feelings clear

The row between Kyra and Curtis first started when Curtis's brother AJ's partner Zara posted a video of Curtis saying she was in charge of finding him a Valentine's date.

Curtis reshared the video with Kyra then commenting underneath saying: 'Ouch lol', as she made her feelings clear.

A source then told The Sun: 'They said they'd see each other after the villa but everyone knew Curtis wasn't going to fly to Hawaii where Kyra lives.

'Then Curtis's brother's girlfriend did that post about him being single on Valentine's  so it's over between him and Kyra.

'She contacted him saying she'd booked her flight back to the UK but he told her not to bother coming to see him. It's over!'

Despite the tension, love was still in the air for other couples, with Samie Elishi and Ciaran Davies being crowned the winners later on in the show.
Married At First Sight bride Gia Fleur has broken her silence after co-star Danny Hewitt attempted to expose her 'real name' during a tense appearance on Stan's MAFS: After The Dinner Party.

Speaking exclusively to Daily Mail, the 35-year-old mother-of-one said she was left 'deeply hurt' after her castmates revealed her birth name, Gianna Fleur Symonds, on the spin-off series in what she believes was an attempt to shame her.

'It's a very sensitive topic,' Gia said.

'I actually changed my name because of a domestic violence situation I was in,' she continued.

'It was a very dangerous situation and things have happened to me in my past. So people bringing that up as something to laugh about and joke about is not okay.'

Gia explained that her decision to change her name was rooted in safety and privacy, not image.

Married At First Sight bride Gia Fleur (pictured) has broken her silence after co-star Danny Hewitt attempted to expose her 'real name' during a tense appearance on Stan's MAFS: After The Dinner Party

Speaking exclusively to Daily Mail, the mother-of-one, 35, said she was left 'deeply hurt' after her castmates revealed her birth name, Gianna Fleur Symonds, on the spin-off series in what she believes was an attempt to shame her. (Gia pictured arriving in Sydney)

'I never tried to hide that Gia wasn't my birth name,' she said.

'I didn't change it to be cool and have a stage name.

'My brother's also changed his name to maintain his privacy. It's something to do with my family and it's really insensitive that people are going around and doing this sort of stuff.'

The outspoken bride, who has previously admitted to engaging in bullying behaviour during the experiment, said she is now focused on accountability and growth rather than retaliation.

While she is aware that Danny and fellow bride Bec Zacharia have been speaking about her in the media, Gia insists she will not respond in kind.

'I'm not stooping to that level,' she said.

'I'm trying to move away from bullying. And I think when you're bullying on the show, which is what I was doing, which was not okay, I'm not gonna now in life months later, bully somebody else.'

Gia added that motherhood has shifted her perspective, revealing her daughter is at the forefront of her mind when it comes to how she handles public criticism.

'It's a very sensitive topic,' Gia said. (Gia supplied her driver's license as proof of her name)

Gia explained that her decision to change her name was rooted in safety and privacy, not image. (Pictured with her TV 'husband' Scott McCristal)

'I'm trying to be a role model for my daughter and show her that my behaviour wasn't okay, and I would hate for someone to do that to her,' she said.

'I don't really wanna answer anything else regarding Bec and Danny. I just think they're in their own lane. I'm in mine. I don't really care what they're doing.'

It comes after Bec also took a swipe at Gia during an unfiltered interview with Daily Mail last week, referring to the bride by her birth name.

'The moment I met Gia - actually, I'm going to say Cassandra because that's her real name,' she began.

'The moment I met Cassandra, I didn't like her. I feel like I should have trusted my intuition and my gut and stayed away from her.'

Gia also posted to social media to shut down rumours that she 'chickened' out of her appearance on the Stan series.

'Last week I was invited to appear and flew to Sydney with every intention of attending,' she said.

'Unfortunately, I was admitted to hospital due to being unwell and wasn't able to go ahead. I didn't "chicken out," I simply prioritised my health at the time.

'I've since been invited back to comment on others' behaviour.'

She continued: 'After reflecting on my own behaviour at the dinner party, I don't feel it's appropriate or aligned for me to sit there and critique anyone else. It wouldn't feel authentic for me to call out other people's actions as a way of deflecting from my own.'

Daily Mail can confirm that Gia did in fact fly into Sydney on February 14 ahead of her appearance before being rushed to St Vincent's Hospital.

Contact 1800RESPECT if you or anyone you know is being impacted by domestic, family or sexual violence.
David Bowie's daughter has revealed the harrowing details of being forcibly removed from her family home in the US and sent to multiple treatment centres, forcing her to be away from her father as he lost his battle with cancer.

Alexandria 'Lexi' Jones, 25, shared a video on Instagram on Thursday, explaining how her family had taken the decision for her to go to a treatment facility amid her battle with depression and an eating disorder.

When her father was diagnosed with liver cancer in 2014, Lexi said she hit 'breaking point' and turned to drink and drugs to cope. The music legend died in January 2016 aged 69, just two days after he released his final album Blackstar.

Lexi, whose mother is supermodel Iman, 70, described how she was just 14 when two men 'well over six feet tall' came to take her to a treatment facility.

She also recalled her father writing her a heartfelt letter when revealing the decision to send her to the facility, which read: 'I'm sorry we have to do this.'

Looking back on her childhood she said: 'Adults would talk to me differently than they would talk to other kids. Some were not interested in me as a person at all, and only as a proximity to something else.'

David Bowie's daughter Alexandria 'Lexi' Jones has revealed the harrowing details of being forcibly removed from her family home in the US and sent to multiple treatment centres

As a result she was away from her father as he lost his battle with cancer (Lexi as a child pictured with David)

Lexi explaining how she had struggled with the pressures of growing up in the spotlight and battled depression and an eating disorder before falling into drugs (pictured with mother Iman)

She added that she felt like she 'existed as an idea' rather than a real person, with constant projections and expectations from others.

She continued: 'Something hit me pretty young before I was around ten. I started seeing a therapist because my teachers noticed something was off, and so did my parents. That was around the time I had my first anxiety attack.

'I started to feel depressed. I was failing school. I had learning disabilities, that made everything feel harder, and I hated the way I looked. I developed bulimia when I was 12. I started self-harming when I was eleven.

'I felt stupid, incompetent, unworthy, useless, unloveable, and having successful parents only made it worse. It felt like I would never live up to them. I couldn't understand how I came from people that were thriving in every single direction while I was failing at everything.'

Following her father's diagnosis and turning to drink and drugs to cope, she said: 'Everyone around me was experimenting. But for me, it wasn't about fun. I wasn't experimenting, I was escaping.

'When the party ended for everybody else, I kept going, and I drank and got high alone. I became someone who lashed out. I was cruel to people who didn't treat me the way I wanted to be treated. I was begging to be respected by becoming something people feared, or at least noticed.'

Eventually, she said, an intervention occurred that was both unexpected and deeply traumatising.

She said: 'My dad read a letter he had written. I don't really remember what it said, but I do remember the last line and it said, "I'm sorry we have to do this".

She explained how she had struggled with the pressures of growing up in the spotlight and battled depression and an eating disorder

She also recalled her father writing her a heartfelt letter when revealing the decision to send her to the facility, which read: 'I'm sorry we have to do this'

'Then two men came through the door, and they were both well over six feet tall. They told me I could do this the easy way or the hard way. I chose the hard way. I resisted. I screamed. I held onto the table leg.

'They grabbed me, they put their hands on me, they pulled me away from everything I knew and I was screaming bloody murder. I was screaming for someone to help me, but no one did...

'I felt stripped of any right to stay in my own life. They got me back into a black SUV and shoved me inside. By the time the door shut, my parents were already gone. I was alone. I was in a car with two strange men that wouldn't tell me where we were going and I just sat there completely horrified and silent.'

Lexi said she spent 91 days at a 'wilderness therapy' programme living outdoors in winter conditions with no privacy, showering once a week, and being forced to count out loud every time she used a makeshift bathroom so staff could monitor her.

Wilderness therapy, also known as outdoor behavioural healthcare, is a highly controversial style of mental health treatment developed in the US for adolescents and young adults.

It combines intensive outdoor activities with counselling to purportedly address behavioural, emotional, and substance abuse issues.

Paris Hilton, 45, has become a prominent campaigner against such facilities after alleging she was abused as a teenager at Provo Canyon School in Utah in the 1990s. She testified before Congress in 2021 and successfully lobbied for the Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act, which passed in December 2024.

Lexi said of her arrival at the centre: 'They strip-searched me, they made sure I wasn't hiding anything in or on my body. They did kindly hold a sheet up in front of me while I was undressing so I wouldn't be exposed all the way.

Lexi said she spent 91 days at a 'wilderness therapy' programme living outdoors in winter conditions with no privacy, showering once a week

Paris Hilton, 45, has become a prominent campaigner against such facilities after alleging she was abused as a teenager at Provo Canyon School in Utah in the 1990s.

Fans and famous friends including Cara Delevingne were quick to show their support in the comments

'And they handed me clothes, which was a blue fleece, crew neck, snow pants, a kind of greenish jacket and hiking boots, and a giant a** backpack that was bigger than me at the time. I had never heard of anything like this before. I didn't know wilderness therapy existed. I was a city girl.'

She added of their way of living: 'We dug holes in the ground to be used as bathrooms far away from the site. And every time we used the bathroom, you had to count out loud so that staff would keep track of us.

'We made fires by stripping birch bark and striking flint and steel. We cooked our meals over those fires and learned how to tie knots to set up tarps and we would sleep under those tarps on a yoga mat and a sleeping bag.'

When new arrivals reached the programme, she said they were 'not allowed to talk to anybody in the group', adding: 'You're considered a potential safety risk until they can evaluate your behaviour and decide if you're fit to be incorporated in the group.'

After three months in wilderness therapy, Lexi was sent directly to a residential treatment centre in Utah for 13 months. 'I was strip-searched again,' she said. 'I had to be watched while I slept. I had to count every time I used the bathroom.'

It was there that she learned her father had died: 'I had the luxury of speaking to him two days before, on his birthday.

'I told him I loved him, and he said it back, and we both knew. Then I saw the post, the one that said something like, David Bowie passed away, surrounded by his whole family.

'It made me physically ill because, yeah, the whole family was there. Except for me.'

She continued: 'I've accepted it. I've tried not to internalise it or feel guilty but sometimes I still have those moments where I wish things were to be different.

'Processing his death became a whole new layer of the programme. They created a special phase for me called The Grief and Loss Phase. They structured my grief. They categorised it and assigned milestones and expectations.

'At the time, I thought that was normal. I had never lost anyone that close to me and I didn't know how to grieve. And that was my only frame of reference.'

After finally returning home from Utah shortly before turning 16, Lexi said she 'slipped back into old patterns' and was eventually sent away to another programme.

'This repetitive cycle of being sent away made everything start to blend together,' she explained. 'The ache of being away from my life, my people, myself, made me feel like a problem that was being passed off.'

Lexi acknowledged that her experiences have shaped who she is today, making her 'emotionally intelligent, introspective, not afraid to reflect on some of the harder things'.

She added: 'I was forced to look inward before I even had a chance to look outward. I had to understand emotions before I understood algebra. I had to become fluent in the language of healing before I even knew who I was.'

But she also described lasting effects: 'I still flinch sometimes when things feel too controlled and I still get the urge to scan the room for rules I haven't been told yet.'

Lexi released her debut album Xandri in April 2025. The 12-track record was created independently with Lexi writing, producing, and performing all the songs herself.

David and Iman married in 1992 and remained together until his death in 2016. Lexi has a half-brother, film director Duncan Jones, 54, from Bowie's first marriage to Angie Bowie.

Lexi said she was sharing her story 'to make this real so that it's not just a memory I carry in private'. She added: 'The point is to talk about what no one talks about: the parts of yourself you lose in the process of being fixed. The point is that this happened to me and to a lot of other kids that deserve better.

'I go back and forth with myself about it all the time, and I feel guilty for thinking badly of it. I try to justify it because I wasn't physically abused, at least not after the whole escorting situation.

'I know how lucky I am because that's not the case for a lot of kids. But still, the mental and emotional manipulation I experienced is something I will not forget. And I won't pretend it didn't happen because that is abuse too.'

Fans and famous friends were quick to send their support with Cara Delevingne commenting a string of love heart emojis.

Meanwhile other followers wrote: 'I really respect and thank you for this articulation of what is an intimate and vulnerable wisdom. May you continue to heal and thrive in your life and art': 'Sending infinite love and hugs to you, dear Lexi!': 'Sorry you went/are going through all of this stuff. You are awesome. Keep being your authentic self. Shine bright!'

If you have been affected by this article call CALM on 0800 58 58 58
Kyle Sandilands has listed his lavish six-bedroom, five-bathroom Sydney mansion for $5.9million, three years after he purchased it at almost half the price.

The radio star, 54, paid $3m for the 9,580 sqm semi-rural property in Glenorie, located in Sydneys North West Hills District, in August 2022.

Sandilands settled on the bushland-adjacent acreage shortly before he welcomed son Otto with Tegan Kynaston.

He bought the property in secret as a home for his family, but when his wife Tegan said she didn't want to live there, he decided to renovate it and then flip it for a profit, with the stunning property now listed with a price guide of $5.7m  $5.9m.

The home has undergone a significant transformation since its pre-renovation days.

In February last year, Sandilands revealed he was having the lavish property extensively made over.

Kyle Sandilands has listed his lavish six-bedroom, five-bathroom Sydney mansion for $5.9million. (Pictured with wife Tegan Kynaston)

The radio star, 54, paid $3m for the semi-rural property in Glenorie, located in Sydneys North West Hills District, in August 2022

The residence now boasts 832 sqm of internal living space  excluding alfresco areas  with a Georgian-inspired double-storey design.

A grand circular driveway leads to a courtyard, while a welcoming balcony above completes the stately arrival.

The property is perfect for raising a family, featuring multiple formal and informal living areas that are exquisitely designed.

At its centre sits a spacious dine-in kitchen, complemented by generous preparation and storage areas.

Meanwhile, a private study with a custom library and concealed storage ensures the property is perfect for both work and play.

Its semirural location ensures it has breathtaking nature views and scenic walking trails, while still being close to a variety of amenities.

It comes after it was revealed Kyle's longtime radio co-star Jackie O Henderson will step away from her KIIS FM breakfast role for 'several days', following a fiery on-air clash with him.

The radio queen, 51, was a no-show on Monday's Kyle & Jackie O show, with Sandilands confirming that Jackie would be taking a break from the popular show.

Sandilands settled on the bushland-adjacent acreage shortly before he welcomed son Otto with Tegan

The residence now boasts 832 sqm of internal living space

The property is perfect for raising a family, featuring multiple formal and informal living areas that are exquisitely designed

He revealed that he had only been in touch with Jackie over the phone.

The news comes after Jackie was moved to tears on Friday after Sandilands slammed her over her 'fixation' with astrology.

The pair were discussing the latest developments regarding Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, when Jackie proceeded to read out the disgraced royal's birth chart.

Sandilands then proceeded to lambast his co-star, claiming that her love for astrology was affecting her work.

'As I said, fascinating, but I don't think it should be at the detriment of everything else on the show  this relentless research,' he said.

Taken aback by the comment, Jackie protested, saying that she had just looked up the information on her phone.

This did not placate Sandilands, however, with the shock jock continuing to chastise Jackie.

'It's affecting other things, like your fixation on this has made you almost unworkable. You're off with the fairies with this s***t. It's mental,' he said.

Jackie then became audibly emotional, fighting back tears as she continued to defend herself.
Fans have been left fuming after attending an Ed Sheeran concert in Brisbane over the weekend, which they said was ruined by bad sound.

Taking their gripe to TikTok, one concertgoer said they had purchased 'restricted view' seating for one of three shows by the performer at Suncorp Stadium and had a negative experience - leading to a slew of other fans chiming in and agreeing.

In her post, the fan shared a view of the stage from their seats and claimed that there were no speakers used in that area of the concert space.

'Do not get restricted view tickets for Ed Sheeran, ' the TikToker said in the caption.

She added: 'The reverberation was insane, and he was completely incomprehensible.'

The disgruntled fan said that all she could hear, once Sheeran kicked off his set, was 'reverb'.

Fans have been left fuming after attending an Ed Sheeran concert in Brisbane over the weekend, which they said was ruined by bad sound. Pictured: The superstar performing in Ireland in 2025

Taking their gripe to TikTok , one concertgoer said they had purchased 'restricted view' seating for one of three shows by the performer at Suncorp Stadium and had a negative experience - leading to a slew of other fans chiming in and agreeing

'As soon as he started playing, everyone in our area started looking at each other and asking if anyone could understand anything,' she said in her post.

The TikToker, who has 10,900 followers, said that she left the arena after only a few songs and listened to the rest of the concert in the food hall of the stadium.

Over a hundred TikTok followers responded to the post, including a fan who said that the sound issues during the show were experienced in other parts of the arena.

'They managed to sort the reverberation out about 20 minutes into Ed Sheeran's set,' the fan explained.

'It appeared the side speaker had been off for all the supporting acts. I'm not sure if this was a technical difficulty.'

Another added: 'I could hear the reverb from the pit! I complained about it to my friends, honestly, it was so bad.'

'I think it was a problem with the venue,' a third concertgoer said.

'I was front row standing, and when he was talking, I could hear the delay in one of the speakers.'

'As soon as he started playing, everyone in our area started looking at each other and asking if anyone could understand anything,' a fan said in her post

Another concert attendee said that there were PA speakers for that part of the arena.

They explained: '[A] friend of mine sat in these seats too. Said the speakers, pointing that way, came on at about 8:30, an hour after he started.'

Daily Mail has approached Sheeran's promoters, Frontier Touring for comment.

It comes after Sheeran wowed fans with an unannounced performance in Sydney ahead of his shows at Accor Stadium earlier this month.

The 35-year-old hitmaker took the stage alongside Irish group Beoga, as the band did an encore for their own headline show at the local Paddington RSL.

Ed brought down the house as he sang lead on two songs, including the traditional folk tune Wild Mountain Thyme.

The superstar will next play at Marvel Stadium on February 26, 27 and 28.

Ed will then finish up his tour in Adelaide at the Adelaide Oval on March 5, marking over a month of touring across the country.
Sydney socialite Warren Ginsberg has tied the knot with his fiancee, Casey James.

The Ray White Real Estate agent shared images of their lavish seaside wedding to his Instagram Stories on Sunday.

Casey, 26, arrived for the nuptials in a Rolls-Royce, wearing a stunning white sleeveless wedding gown with a long train and veil.

Warren, 36, donned designer shades, looked dashing in a cream double-breasted suit, which he paired with a matching open-neck dress shirt.

The happy couple shared a post-ceremony picture of themselves welcoming their guests as they stood embracing on a balcony.

Guests enjoyed the extravagant wedding breakfast at large banquet tables, under frilled sun umbrellas, laid out on the lawn outside the reception venue overlooking a bay crowded with sailboats.

Sydney socialite Warren Ginsberg has tied the knot with his fiancee, Casey James. (Pictured)

Taking to his Instagram Stories on Sunday, the socialite shared images of the happy couples lavish seaside wedding. Casey arrived in a classic vintage Rolls-Royce

Calla lilies and grapes were spotted on the tables, which featured beautiful toasting glasses and expensive silverware.

The groom shared another post-ceremony snap in which the former 'bad boy' can be seen sweeping his new bride off her feet.

It comes after the pair announced their engagement in an Instagram post earlier this year.

In the images, Casey showed off her massive diamond ring as she cuddled up to her fiance.

The pair enjoyed festivities at a stunning beachside property with a spread of food available for guests.

They partied into the night with the bride-to-be sipping a cocktail and dancing on a balcony to celebrate.

'Off market' Warren wrote in his caption alongside a diamond ring emoji.

The socialite and real estate agent made headlines in 2016 when he enjoyed a brief romance with actress Jodi Gordon in 2016 following her split from ex-husband Braith Anasta.

Guests enjoyed the extravagant wedding breakfast at large banquet tables, under frilled sun umbrellas

The reception venue overlooking a bay crowded with sailboats

In 2021, he faced court after being charged with possessing cocaine at Bondi Beach.

NSW Police confirmed to Daily Mail at the time that he had been spotted by officers patrolling the Bondi Beach area on August 14.

Court documents show that the businessman bought two bags containing 1.3 grams of cocaine for $600.

He pleaded guilty to drug possession in Waverley Local Court on September 14 and was fined $500.

Magistrate Carolyn Huntsman noted that the real estate agent was suffering heartbreak at the time.
This season of Married At First Sight has descended into chaos - and not the kind producers can neatly package into a teaser.

What began with a messy Dinner Party #2 is now spiralling into betrayals and alumni pile-ons - with Chris Nield defying producers to reveal what really happened when his wife Brook Crompton abruptly walked off the Commitment Ceremony.

For the latest edition of MAFS Insider, Daily Mail senior reporter Ali Daher spoke to Chris about the shocking conclusion of Sunday night's episode...

The truth about Brook's 'abrupt' exit

Chris says the 'runaway bride' moment - which wasn't the first time Brook had tried to hightail it - was something entirely different behind the scenes.

To recap: during the show, Brook's exit was made to look like she simply walked out, leaving Chris blindsided and humiliated.

For the latest edition of MAFS Insider, Daily Mail senior reporter Ali Daher spoke to Chris Nield about the shocking conclusion of Sunday night's episode

Chris says Sunday night's 'runaway bride' moment - which wasn't the first time his wife Brook Crompton had tried to hightail it - was something entirely different behind the scenes

But according to Chris, they had actually made plans to leave the show at the same time on amicable terms - they had even booked their flights - until production intervened.

'We'd already decided,' Chris says. 'We told them in the morning that we were done. We were leaving.'

That wasn't what happened on screen, however.

Whatever plans they had were thrown out the window when expert Mel Schilling went for the jugular during the Commitment Ceremony, tearing shreds off Brook for her bullying behaviour at the recent Dinner Party.

In that moment, Brook decided she wanted out immediately - and wouldn't be waiting for Chris, who was none the wiser to her sudden change of plan.

When it dawned on him that Brook - who'd slipped off the couch under the guise of using the bathroom - wasn't coming back, he instantly knew how the producers would spin the narrative.

'As soon as they said she'd left, I knew what they were doing,' he says

'I stood up and said, "We're not f***ing doing this." I wasn't going to let her be framed as abandoning me.

Brook's exit was made to look like she just walked out, leaving Chris blindsided and humiliated

But according to Chris, they had actually made plans to leave show at the same time on amicable terms - they had even booked their flights - until production intervened

'I had booked a flight before Brook that weekend. We woke up and said, "This isn't for us. We're getting out of here."'

Chris claims that producers baulked at the idea of Chris and Brook both leaving the experiment early on good terms - which wouldn't have made for good TV.

'They don't want you just going, "Okay, we're done." That's not how it works,' he says.

From the moment Brook and Chris decided to quit, producers allegedly kept Chris in the dark about what was happening around him.

He wasn't even told his wife would be returning to last Wednesday's Dinner Party after she had previously - briefly - left the experiment.

'She was told not to tell anybody,' he says. 'I had no idea she was there.'

What followed, Chris tells me, was chaos.

Chris openly acknowledges he was in a bad mental state in the leadup to the nowinfamous Dinner Party.

'I was f***ed mentally,' he says bluntly. 'So many emotions. Brook's gone. I'm by myself. I just didn't feel like myself.'

He claims he began drinking in the morning to cope.

'I went to the bottle shop at like 10 in the morning. I bought a carton. By the time I got to the warehouse, I was blind.'

At one point, he says he refused to enter the party altogether.

'I said, :I'm f***ing not going in there."'

Chris was crying alone in a back room before being brought out to the table.

'I wasn't crying because Brook left me,' he insists. 'The whole thing was just messing with me.'

Brook would later express concerns about her own intoxication at the Dinner Party in a legal letter to the production company.

Chris acknowledges he was in a bad mental state in the lead-up to the Dinner Party

On November 4, she sent an email to EndemolShine Australia in which she questioned whether she should have been filmed in that state.

In response, an EndemolShine representative stated that alcohol consumption was supervised at all times and that they observed no clear indicators of impairment significant enough to justify removing the footage.

Despite this, Chris claims the environment of the show itself fuelled the chaos.

'You feel like a prisoner,' he says.

'You can't leave your apartment without texting someone. You're separated for hours. You don't know what's happening.'

He describes being placed alone in hotel rooms between filming segments with no timeframe for return.

'It could be 10 minutes. It could be three hours. You just sit there. You spiral.'

He also claims that certain moments shown on screen were engineered.

Regarding his bucks night entrance  which established his portrayal as a cocky 'villain'  Chris claims he was encouraged to stir things up.

'They said, "It's boring in there, can you go in and lighten it up?"'

He also says his wedding vows were rewritten multiple times.

'I went back and forth at least eight times. They wanted me to call myself a simp. I said, "There's no f***ing way I'm saying that."'

While he stands by his criticism of the MAFS producers, Chris also insists that he takes responsibility for his behaviour.

'If I've said it, that's me,' he says.

'That's not them portraying me as a villain. That's me.'

Still, he maintains the pressure-cooker environment amplified everything.

'You don't know what's right and what's wrong anymore. You just try to get through it.'

Meanwhile, the fallout has extended far beyond Brook and Chris...

Bec's lies exposed

Another bombshell is set to drop at the next Dinner Party this Wednesday.

Bec Zacharia will be confronted over her claim she hadn't had any recent contact with rival bride Gia Fleur - only for a photo to emerge of the pair enjoying cocktails together at Darling Harbour on August 31, before the party was filmed.

'Bec goes after Gia at the Dinner Party, insisting they weren't close. Then Gia reveals the photo,' an inside source tells me.

This outing between Bec Zacharia and Gia Fleur - on August 31, 2025, before this Wednesday's Dinner Party was filmed - proves Gia's claim the two never socialised off-camera was a lie

Tensions only escalate when Bec implies Gia has 'no friends' left in the experiment after the exits of Brook and Rebecca Zukowski exited - and suggests her only options left are the intruders.

'That didn't sit well,' says a spy. 'Because they'd literally had drinks the day before.'

I'm told Gia confronted Bec privately about her denial, questioning why she was acting like their lunch had never happened.

'There was a real sense of being thrown under the bus,' adds the source. 'From Gia's perspective, it looked like Bec was rewriting history to suit the moment.'

When the photo of the pair is brought up at the table, the atmosphere shifts instantly.

'It changes the tone,' says another cast member. 'Because once there's proof, it's not just hearsay anymore. The timeline speaks for itself.'

I'm told Gia confronted Bec privately about her denial, questioning why she was acting like their lunch at Darling Harbour (pictured) had never happened

Bec and Gia were seen meeting up with bride Melissa Akbay in Darling Harbour

The trio sipped cocktails, but Bec later denied spending time with Gia outside the experiment

Nine loses control

This year's cast, I'm told, are playing dirty.

Multiple insiders say the network is struggling to keep up with their antics, with several participants allegedly cut off from certain press opportunities as the network attempts to regain control of the narrative.

'They can't trust some of them,' one source says bluntly.

Interviews are reportedly being tightened and supervised, with fewer unscripted, facetoface media opportunities being granted. Even appearances connected to the Stan aftershow are said to be under closer watch.

'There's a real sense that they've lost control of parts of the cast,' an insider says. 'They're scrambling to contain it.'

Why the clampdown? Because this group, more than any who came before them, is determined to rewrite their own story.

'They're desperate to save face. They'll do anything to make themselves look better,' a source says.

Leaks, counter-leaks, strategic alliances - it's become a media chess game.

And former MAFS cast members aren't helping.

Alumni pile-on

Former bride Jamie Marinos (left) ran into Brook and Chris at Sydney Airport the day after they quit the show. 'I literally said, "Brook's gonna be the problem,"' admits Jamie

Former MAFS bride Jamie Marinos tells me she ran into Brook and Chris at Sydney Airport the day after they quit the show.

'It's funny. I left the airport and literally said, "Brook's gonna be the problem,"' she says.

'There were no issues. She wasn't rude. But my intuition does not lie on people.'

Daily Mail can reveal Nine has become increasingly concerned after discovering that several participants from seasons 10, 11 and 12 have been sliding into the DMs of the new cast members, eager to forge connections and stay relevant.

According to insiders, this year's cast were in contact with alumni early into filming.

'They were in last year's cast's DMs very early on,' a wellplaced source tells me. 'Some even reached out before they'd walked down the aisle.'

The network is said to be uneasy about the crossover.

'They've seen how some of these former cast members have become fame-hungry and are now trying to use the new stars to keep their name in the headlines. It's creating unnecessary distractions for the show,' says a source.

The warning has reportedly been blunt: keep the drama on screen - and keep the has-beens out of it.

And lastly... Gia's new feud

Gia is now embroiled in a feud with 2025 bride Awhina Rutene after filming a TikTok with Awhina's ex Adrian Araouzou  a move sources say left Awhina feeling betrayed.

'It wasn't just a fun video,' an insider says. 'There's real hurt there.'

But for Gia, it's not that deep. She just wanted a free meal.

New to DailyMail+? Here are our most-read stories from the past week

I saw Celeste Barber's marriage split coming years ago. I'll never forget that painful day in the Qantas lounge. It all makes sense now: AMANDA GOFF

MAFS INSIDER: The leaked emails Channel Nine don't want you to see: Brook sent a legal letter begging dinner party from hell be pulled from the air - producers' response will shock you

Sweet revenge for salon owner whose husband ran off with Kristin Fisher. Plus, hunky Kennards Hire heir responds to split talk - and Sydney's worst diva wants an intern: THE GROUP CHAT

The night MAFS lost control: How 'quiet drinks' at Icebergs ended with weekly drug tests, broken relationships and the cast in lockdown - and ALI DAHER witnessed everything

Revealed for the first time: the secret past of Gus Lamont's intensely private grandmother Josie - and how she is the scion of an influential and respected family

Expelled and labelled a 'monster': School insider reveals the tragic lives of the autistic Clune boys before they were killed by their 'sleep-deprived' parents in a quiet Mosman Park cul-de-sac

AMANDA PLATELL: No one seems to dare say it, but William is the monarchy's next big problem

Melbourne's 'It couple' split rocks high society as they wipe each other from Instagram less than two years after their lavish wedding - and one of them leaves Australia

MAFS INSIDER: Brook's desperate bid to wipe 'toxic' dinner party scenes after 'crossing a line' Plus, Gia's vicious new feud as she vows to 'dismantle' marriage

Grace Tame was untouchable. Now the forces that protected her are gone. What was once whispered about her can now be said out loud: PETER VAN ONSELEN
Project Runway alum Tim Gunn revealed that heartbreak led him to become celibate for the last 43 years.

The fashion consultant, 72, recalled how a cheating ex-boyfriend drove him to abstain from sex at the age of 29, while appearing on Chelsea Handler's podcast on Thursday.

Gunn thought he was handed a 'death sentence' when he discovered his longtime partner - the only person he had ever been with - was unfaithful during the early days of the AIDS crisis.

'I had a very serious nine-year relationship in Washington, DC, and I loved this person deeply and would have done anything for him,' he said.

'And I still remember the night that it all ended. We were in bed watching M*A*S*H and he said to me, "I have no patience for you any longer. I want you to leave."'

'I had my own apartment, but I had been living with him for years, and I left. I had to pull off because I was hyperventilating. I was beside myself with self-flagellation and self-pity, and it was awful.'

Project Runway alum Tim Gunn, 72, revealed that heartbreak led him to become celibate for the last 43 years; Gunn pictured in 2020

'And this is someone I worked with, so it wasn't as though I just would never see him again. And one of the things that he told me that night was that he'd been sleeping with just about everything that walked by, and I had been loyal and faithful to him,' Gunn went on.

'He was the only person I'd ever been with. And this is the advent of AIDS. It's 1982. The self-pity then turned to completely unbridled anger because I thought he may have given me a death sentence.'

Gunn added that he 'was tested every six months for ten years for HIV and thankfully I had a clean slate.'

However, the experience marred any chance of future sexual intimacy for Gunn.

'Whenever I was even tempted to engage in something that could become serious with someone, all this would come back like Niagara Falls, and it would just take the desire away.'

'And I have to say, being celibate and being someone who lives alone was a bit of an adjustment. But now I wouldn't have it any other way,' he concluded.

Gunn rose to fame in 2004 when he joined Project Runway, hosted by supermodel Heidi Klum, serving as mentor to aspiring designers and gaining recognition for his calm, supportive manner and iconic catchphrase, 'Make it work.'

During Thursday's podcast, Gunn revealed he is no longer part of the show because producers did not ask him to return.

'I'll be perfectly transparent about it. I wasn't invited to the party,' he said.

'My agent called the producers to say, "We understand Heidi signed up. We haven't heard a thing about Tim." And they said "We don't want him."'

Gunn said a cheating ex-boyfriend drove him to abstain from sex at the age of 29, while appearing on Chelsea Handler's podcast; Seen with Project Runway host Heidi Klum in 2016

The fashion consultant thought he was handed a 'death sentence' when he found out that his longtime partner was unfaithful during the early days of the AIDS crisis; Gunn seen in 2008

The experience marred any chance of future sexual intimacy for him. 'Whenever I was even tempted to engage in something that could become serious with someone, all this would come back like Niagara Falls, and it would just take the desire away,' he said; Seen in 2017

During Thursday's podcast, Gunn also revealed he is no longer part of Project Runway because producers 'didn't want him'; Seen with Klum in 2020

Gunn rose to fame in 2004 when he joined the show as a mentor to aspiring designers, gaining recognition for his supportive manner and iconic catchphrase, 'Make it work'

Gunn said the news was 'devastating' at first. 'But, as I said earlier, things happen for a reason. And I feel extremely lucky to have had 19 seasons of the show. 16 with Heidi. And I have a beautiful Emmy sitting on my kitchen counter. So, no complaints,' he added.

Last year, the show was renewed for season 22, which is set to debut in 2026.

Gunn was a long-time faculty member at Parsons School of Design from 1982 to 2007, leading the fashion design department from 2000 to 2007, before moving to Liz Claiborne as chief creative officer.

His popularity on Project Runway led to two spin-off series, Bravo's Tim Gunn's Guide to Style and Lifetime's Under the Gunn.
She continued her award season winning streak on Sunday night as she won the BAFTA for Lead Actress at the prestigious ceremony.

And Jessie Buckley, 36, delighted in her big night, as she arriving clutching her BAFTA in her hand, looking set to party as she arrived at the Universal and Focus Features afterparty at Oswald's in London.

Joined by her fellow nominees Kate Hudson and Emma Stone, the Irish actress underwent an outfit change as she climbed out of her car in a long-sleeved black midi dress with a ruffled hem.

Beaming from ear to ear, Jessie carried the gold mask gong in her hand as she proudly toted her honour, after picking up another award's win.

She completed the look with a pair of simple black heels after opting for an eye catching blue dress for the ceremony at the Royal Festival Hall.

The actress emotionally accepted the honour for her role in Chloe Zhao's Hamnet earlier in the evening, after being nominated alongside Kate for Song Sung Blue and Emma for Bugonia.

Kate wowed in a sequined red dress as she held hands with her long term partner Danny Fujikawa.

Jessie Buckley delighted in her big night, as she arriving clutching her BAFTA in her hand, looking set to party as she arrived at the Universal and Focus Features afterparty on Sunday

She changed into black mini dress following her Lead Actress win at the Universal BAFTA afterparty at Oswald's in London on Sunday night

Kate Hudson was also at the party after being nominated at the BAFTAs

Jessie was joined by her fellow nominees Kate (L) and Emma Stone (R) who were also nominated for their roles in Song Sung Blue and Bugonia respectively

Kate wrapped a camel coloured tailored coat over her shoulders to protect herself from the cold as she made her way to the venue.

Meanwhile Emma appeared in great spirits as she waved to fans while smiling from ear to ear.

The star changed into a black mini dress which she wore underneath a black coat.

The threesome were also joined by Hannah Waddingham, who threatened to steal the show in a stunning glittering red halter neck dress.

Kirsten Dunst joined her husband Jesse Plemons as she opted for an eye-catching baby pink jacket with billowing big sleeves.

During the ceremony Jessie emotionally recalled her journey from a Judi Dench wannabe with a 'nuclear bad fake tan' to the golden girl of awards season as she received the Leading Actress gong.

The star was casted as William Shakespeare's wife Agnes in the film, which is based on Maggie O'Farrell's book of the same name.

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.

Jessie held the award close to her chest

The Irish actress underwent an outfit change as she climbed out of her car in a long-sleeved black midi dress with a ruffled hem

Kate wowed in a sequined red dress as she held hands with her long term partner Danny Fujikawa

Kate wrapped a camel coloured tailored coat over her shoulders to protect herself from the cold as she made her way to the venue

Kate was pictured signing autographs for fans outside

The threesome were also joined by Hannah Waddingham, who threatened to steal the show in a stunning glittering red halter neck dress

Minnie Driver looked incredible in a bright red gown and diamond necklace

Emma appeared in great spirits as she waved to fans while smiling from ear to ear

Emma attended the afterparty alongside her mother Krista Stone

Emily Watson cut a glamorous figure in a dark grey strapless dress

Kirsten Dunst joined her husband Jesse Plemons as she opted for an eye-catching baby pink jacket with billowing big sleeves

Minnie Driver also arrived after already attending the British Vogue & GQ Party at Simpsons in the Strand

Isla Fisher was also in attendance as she wore a paisley patterned dress and leather jacket

Kate accessorised with a huge pair of diamond earrings

The actress looked dazzling in the dress as she wore her hair in a stylish up do

Nathalie Emmanuel looked elegant in a black shimmering dress and matching coat

Kirsten paired the statement jacket with a black fitted skirt which featured a high leg slit

Jessie Ware flashed up the peace sign as she made her way to the bash

Jemima Goldsmith was also in attendance

Jack O'Connell looked very dapper in a black tailored coat and black bow tie while Russell Tovey cut a suave figure in a navy suit and dark tie

Patsy Kensit attended the afterparty alongside Elizabeth Hurley's son Damian

Bridgerton star Rege-Jean Page arrived alongside his girlfriend Emily Brown

Kirsten Dunst attended alongside her husband and fellow actor Jesse Plemons

The actress suffered a wardrobe malfunction as her dress ripped at the back

Erin O'Connor donned a black dress with a matching coat and heels while Neelam Gill opted for a black mini dress with sheer stockings

'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. 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.'

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.'

She ended her speech with a tearful nod to her young daughter, telling the audience: 'I'd like to share this with my daughter, its the best role of my life being your mum.

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.

Yet 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.

She continued her award season winning streak on Sunday night as she won the BAFTA for Lead Actress at the prestigious ceremony

The actress emotionally accepted the honour for her role in Chloe Zhao's Hamnet, one of the two awards given to the film during the ceremony

'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.

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.
Bella Hadid narrowly avoided falling down while leaving the Chateau Marmont Hotel in Los Angeles on Saturday night.

The model, 29, tripped in heels while navigating the pavement on her way back to the car.

Thankfully, the runway star - who was pulled over by police last month before her boyfriend Adan Banuelos' public intoxication arrest - was able to steady herself on the back of the car and avoided a full tumble.

The Vogue cover girl looked chic in a clingy red halter top paired with blue jeans and a vintage Yves Saint Laurent woven black leather belt, retailing for over $700 on the secondhand market.

She completed the look with an oversized brown suede jacket and black pointed-toe heels.

Her eyes were shielded with a pair of orange-tinted sunglasses.

Bella Hadid, 29, narrowly avoided falling down while leaving the Chateau Marmont Hotel in Los Angeles on Saturday night

The model tripped in heels while navigating the pavement on her way back to the car

Her brunette tresses were parted in the middle and cascaded down in natural waves.

Hadid also took to her Instagram Stories to share a snap from the night out.

She was joined by fashion stylist Mimi Cuttrell as well as Noah Ruttenberg, a New Yorkbased designer known for his work in interior and architectural design.

After the night out, Hadid posted a mirror selfie to her social media on Sunday, looking comfortable in a grey Alo sweatsuit.

Earlier this week, Hadid was seen departing a Beverly Hills, California, marijuana dispensary with her agent and friend Joseph Thornton-Allan, and her dog.

She opted for a laid-back look while leaving The Artist Tree Dispensary Beverly Hills on a rainy day.

The star has long been open about her chronic neurological Lyme disease, at times sharing her treatments on social media.

In 2023, she took a five-month break from modeling to focus on managing the condition.

Last month Hadid and her cowboy boyfriend, 36, both faced brushes with the law.

Thankfully the runway star was able to steady herself on the back of the car and avoided a full tumble

Bella took to her Instagram Stories to share a snap from the night out. She was joined by fashion stylist Mimi Cuttrell as well as Noah Ruttenberg, a New Yorkbased designer

After the night out, Hadid posted a mirror selfie on Sunday, looking comfortable in a grey Alo sweatsuit

Hadid was pulled over in a traffic stop before her boyfriend was arrested for public intoxication, as per TMZ.

Banuelos, a horse trainer, was taken into custody at Parker County Jail on January 31 and released after posting $386 bond.

Hadid was reportedly pulled over at Gator's Cantina restaurant in Weatherford, Texas. Officers were then approached by Banuelos in the parking lot.

The arresting officer wrote that he 'immediately noted that Adan's speech was slurred and his eyes were bloodshot and glassy' when Banuelos approached him.

Banuelos reportedly told the officers he was concerned about his girlfriend, however the police observed a noticeable 'odor of an alcoholic beverage emanating from his breath.'

Banuelos then informed officers Hadid's cellphone had been left behind at the bar. He told them he 'followed' his girlfriend as he 'cared for her.'

Throughout the interaction, Banuelos' white truck was apparently still running. A white dog who apparently belonged to Hadid remained inside.

The officer ultimately took Banuelos into custody after he admitted to consuming 'four' beers throughout the day and took a field sobriety test.

Based on the test, the cop determined Banuelos was indeed intoxicated and took him in as a precautionary measure to prevent him from 'possibly driving a vehicle or posing a danger to himself or others.'

The officer noted in the document, 'I released Adan's property and his vehicle to his girlfriend, who was identified as Isabella Hadid, at his request.'

Hadid's cowboy boyfriend Adan Banuelos, 36, was arrested for alleged public intoxication in Weatherford, Texas, on January 31; Pictured in his mugshot

At the time of the arrest, the couple were rumored to have been split up. They first sparked dating rumors in October 2023; They are seen in 2024

While being questioned at the Parker County Jail, Banuelos also insisted he did not drive the truck to the bar however would not offer the name of the person who he alleged to have driven him.

At the time of the arrest, rumors had been swirling that he and Hadid had ended their romance, during which she had been leading a more private life in Texas.

They first sparked dating rumors in October 2023, when they were spotted together in Texas. By February 2024, the relationship had gone public on social media, with Hadid sharing affectionate snapshots of the pair wearing matching cowboy hats.

Throughout their time together, Hadid spoke openly about how grounding the relationship felt, particularly as she took some time out of the spotlight.

Banuelos is an accomplished cowboy and was voted into the NCHA Riders Hall of Fame at age 28, the youngest ever to be inducted.
Mickey Rourke was pictured in downtown Los Angeles on Sunday walking a trio of dogs, about two months after he made headlines following news he was being evicted from his home.

The Oscar-nominated actor, 73, was clad in an ash-gray sweatsuit with a zip-up hoodie and sweatpants as he was seen in Southern California.

The Wrestler star had a pair of clear-framed sunglasses resting on his head and carried a cup on the early morning outing in the City of Angels.

The actor, whose film catalog includes Diner, Rumble Fish and 9 Weeks, wore a pair of white Adidas martial arts mat training shoes.

Rourke, like a number of Hollywood stars, is mourning the loss of Eric Dane, days after the beloved actor died at 53 on Thursday following a battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease.

Rourke last November paid tribute to Dane on Instagram, calling him his 'friend,' 'talented' and 'very special' after the actor appeared on the show Brilliant Minds.

Mickey Rourke, 73, was pictured in downtown Los Angeles on Sunday walking a pair of dogs

Rourke described Dane's work on the show - in which he portrayed a man living with ALS - 'as a riveting performance.'

Earlier this month, Rourke said that Dane had been hospitalized and urged fans to pray for him before deleting the post, US Weekly reported.

'All we can do for Eric is pray hard and hope he's [not] suffering,' Rourke said.

He added, 'There is nothing [doctors] can do really just pray ... that's all any of us who love this man [can do] ... all my love and prayers, my brother.'

Rourke made headlines late last year after his landlord demanded he settle up $59,100 in unpaid rent - or leave the domicile immediately, according to documents reviewed by Daily Mail.

The Angel Heart actor on December 18 was presented with three-day notice to pay or leave, according to a legal complaint from plaintiff Eric T. Goldie.

Rourke, whose full name is Philip Rourke Jr., had resided in the three-bedroom Southern California home since March 30, at which time he inked a lease agreeing to pay monthly rent of $5,200.

Goldie said in the legal complaint, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court December 29, that the actor has 'failed to comply with the requirements of' the order he was given to settle up or move out.

The Wrestler star had a pair of clear framed sunglasses resting on his head on the early morning outing in the City of Angels

The actor, whose film catalog includes Diner, Rumble Fish and 9 Weeks, held a leash which three dogs were linked to

Goldie also asked the court to force the actor to cover the legal costs he spent in trying to recoup the rent; and for Rourke to forfeit the remainder of the rental agreement.

Rourke pushed back after one of his business associates set up a GoFundMe which drummed up around $100,000, saying he was unaware of what she was doing.

'That was some lady who worked for me did that s***,' Rourke told photographers during an outing in Los Angeles last month. 'I, you know, I know nothing.

'I'm embarrassed about it and I'm really pissed off about it, and one thing about me. I'll get even over it, all right, but it's not the right time, I'm sure.'

In the outing, Rourke also vented about the eviction, saying the property was in disrepair.

He said, 'The kitchen sink didn't run, there were two bathrooms, one bathroom had no water, there was no heat, the air conditioners don't work, and they had rats and mice.

'The house was built in the late twenties, and so the floor was all rotten, like under the sink, so the mice and rats will come up - and it's like, I don't want to live like this, you know.'
Jason Sudeikis and Olivia Wilde continued to co-parent on good terms as they met up for a Sunday afternoon lunch in Los Angeles.

Sudeikis, 50, and Wilde, 41, were seen taking their nine-year-old daughter Daisy to the Lyric Hyperion Theater and Cafe, and an eyewitness said they seemed to be getting along amicably.

The Ted Lasso actor, who is also father to his 11-year-old son Otis with Wilde, donned a blue hooded sweatshirt with brown pants with an off-white cap and black sneakers on the daytime outing.

The Emmy-winning actor had a pair of black-framed eyeglasses dangling from the neck of his sweater on a sunny day in Southern California.

Wilde, who starred in and directed 2022's Don't Worry Darling, donned a navy blue T-shirt with a yellow graphic that read, 'Reach out and touch someone,' a play on the vintage ad from AT&T.

The actress and filmmaker wore a pink New York ball cap and vintage jeans with mustard-yellow vintage sneakers with red stripes.

Jason Sudeikis, 50, and Olivia Wilde, 41, continued to co-parent on good terms as they met up for a Sunday afternoon lunch in Los Angeles

Wilde, who starred in and directed 2022's Don't Worry Darling, donned a navy blue T-shirt with a yellow graphic that read, 'Reach out and touch someone,' a play on the vintage ad from AT&T

The former couple began seeing one another after crossing paths at a Saturday Night Live finale party in 2011.

Wilde and Sudeikis announced their engagement in late 2012 and welcomed their kids in 2014 and 2016, prior to ending their seven-year engagement in November of 2020.

They are more than two years removed from settling their contentious child custody case in September of 2023.

Wilde and Sudeikis's one-time custody battle centered on where their children would live.

Wilde, who went on to date Harry Styles following her split from Sudeikis, wanted to keep their base in Los Angeles and sometimes London; while Sudeikis was partial to living in New York City.

The custody case appeared to take a nasty turn when Sudeikis's legal team served Wilde with custody papers on stage in Las Vegas in April 2022 at CinemaCon.

The actress said in subsequent court filings obtained by Daily Mail that she felt the manner of service was 'the most aggressive ... possible.'

She said being served at the high-profile industry event was 'clearly intended to threaten [her] and catch [her] off guard.'

Wilde and Sudeikis announcing their engagement in late 2012, and welcomed their two kids, prior to ending their seven-year engagement in November of 2020

Wilde said at the time that 'the fact that Jason would embarrass me professionally and put our personal conflict on public display in this manner is extremely contrary to our children's best interests.

'Since Jason has made it clear that we will not be able to work this out for our children's sake outside of the court system, I filed a petition for custody in Los Angeles.'

Sudeikis later explained in a court filing his rationale in having Wilde served while in the city of Las Vegas, alluding to the London abode where Wilde was staying with Styles at the time.

'I did not want service to take place at the home of Olivia's current partner because Otis and Daisy might be present,' he said. 'I did not want service to take place at the children's school because parents might be present.'

Sudeikis noted that the process server had previously been unable to serve Wilde at the hotel room she was staying in, and seized the moment to serve her while at the panel.

Sudeikis said that he felt 'great distress at the manner in which service was made' when learning the details.

He added: 'I understand that the process server had only done her job; however, I deeply regret what happened.

'Olivia's talk was an important event for Olivia, both professionally and personally, and I am very, very sorry that the incident marred her special moment.'
Ethan Hawke fought back tears as Robert Aramayo paid tribute to him during his acceptance speech for Best Actor at Sunday night's BAFTA Film Awards.

The actor, 33, beat out a host of huge names to win the coveted gong for his acclaimed performance in biopic, I Swear, based on campaigner John Davidson's life with severe Tourette's syndrome.

And while Ethan, 55, lost out on the prize for his role in Blue Moon, he was left teary-eyed as Robert took a moment to thank the Before Sunrise star for inspiring him at drama school.

Taking to the stage to accept the gong, the English star was overwhelmed with emotion, as his overjoyed father jumped up and down while cheering in excitement.

Acknowledging his fellow nominees - Leonardo DiCaprio, Michael B. Jordan, Jesse Plemons and widely-predicted winner, Timothee Chalamet - he revealed how Ethan had given an 'amazing talk' to his class at Juilliard, that had greatly impacted him.

Robert said: 'I absolutely cant believe this. I cant believe Im looking at people like you [Leonardo] never mind that Im stood here.

Ethan Hawke (right) fought back tears as Robert Aramayo (left) paid tribute to him during his acceptance speech for Best Actor at Sunday night's BAFTA Film Awards

And while Ethan, 55, lost out on the prize for his role in Blue Moon, he was left teary-eyed as Robert took a moment to thank the Before Sunrise star for inspiring him at drama school

'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 Juilliard and he gave an amazing talk on longevity as an actor, protecting your instrument and avoiding self destructive behaviours,' he recalled.

'And it had a great impact on every one in that room, so to be in this category with you tonight is incredible. Thank you Ethan!'

The camera panned to a touched Ethan in the audience, who hid his face in his hand as he teared-up, before sharing a warm smile and encouraging nod with Robert.

Originally from Hull, Robert has established himself in the public eye after parts in Game of Thrones and The Lord Of The Rings.

And the Best Actor gong wasn't the only trophy he took home on Sunday, as he also scooped the Rising Star Award, voted for by the public, against stiff competition from Miles Caton, Chase Infiniti, Archie Madekwe and Posy Sterling.

He said: Oh my word this is really scary last time I was at the BAFTAs I dropped the award, so I hope this goes better. Wow I can't believe this it really blows my mind.

'I want to acknowledge my family who support me all the time. I can see my dad up there and my mum and my sister and my amazing partner.

Taking to the stage to accept the gong, the English star was overwhelmed with emotion, as his overjoyed father jumped up and down while cheering in excitement

Acknowledging his fellow nominees - Leonardo DiCaprio, Michael B. Jordan, Jesse Plemons and widely-predicted winner, Timothee Chalamet - he revealed how Ethan had given an 'amazing talk' to his class at Juilliard, that had greatly impacted him

The camera panned to a touched Ethan in the audience, who hid his face in his hand as he teared-up, before sharing a warm smile and encouraging nod with Robert

'I love you all so much and my second family, my I Swear family, thank you so much for letting me tell your story. John Davidson is the most amazing person I have ever met.

After Robert won the EE Rising Star Award, host Alan Cumming took the opportunity to thank the audience for their understanding after John - the inspiration for I Swear - let out involuntary shouts due to his Tourette's during the ceremony.

He 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's syndrome.

'It is a disability and the ticks you have heard tonight are involuntary that means the person who has Tourette's syndrome has no control over their language and we apologise if it has caused offence.'

Meanwhile, One Battle After Another was the big winner of the 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, with Timothee missing out on Best Actor to Robert and his film Marty Supreme taking home zero awards, despite a whopping 11 nominations.

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.'

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

And the Best Actor gong wasn't the only trophy he took home on Sunday, as he also scooped the Rising Star Award, voted for by the public, against stiff competition from Miles Caton, Chase Infiniti, Archie Madekwe and Posy Sterling

After Robert won the EE Rising Star Award, host Alan Cumming took the opportunity to thank the audience for their understanding after John (seen) - the inspiration for I Swear - let out involuntary shouts due to his Tourette's during the ceremony

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'.

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. 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.'

Jessie Buckley won Best Actress honour for her role in Hamnet and is already tipped as a favourite to win the Oscar for Best Actress

However, Timothee missed out on Best Actor to Robert and his film Marty Supreme took home zero awards, despite a whopping 11 nominations

Sinners star Wunmi Mosaku was among the early winners as she received the award for Supporting Actress for her role in the Ryan Coogler film.

Wunmi, who is pregnant with her second child, thanked her husband, family and daughter from the stage, and said that her mother had 'beamed' her love at her 'to give me the freedom to make my choices'.

She said that playing priestess Annie in Sinners she had connected with a part of herself which she had 'dimmed as an immigrant trying to fit in'.

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.
Jack Black has shared a heartfelt tribute to his wife Tanya Haden as they celebrated their 20-year wedding anniversary.

The actor, 56, took to Instagram on Sunday and posted several snaps of the couple and their children Samuel, 19, and Thomas, 17, over the years.

In one photo, the pair pulled silly faces while looking into each other's eyes while another saw them laughing together while Tanya, 54, sat on Jack's lap.

Jack also posted snaps of the couple's sons when they were little and another of Tanya in a pool and sat on a swing in a tropical location.

Alongside the post, he wrote: '20 years! Happy anniversary my love. @tanyahaden'.

Jack and Tanya, who is an artist and musician, first met during high school in Santa Monica, California.

Jack Black has shared a heartfelt tribute to his wife Tanya Haden as they celebrated their 20-year wedding anniversary

The actor, 56, took to Instagram on Sunday and posted several snaps of the couple over the years

Jack also shared photos of their children Samuel, 19, and Thomas, 17, when they were kids

Alongside the post, he wrote: '20 years! Happy anniversary my love. @tanyahaden'

'I just was always in awe of them,' Jack said of Tanya and her sisters on Dax Shepard's Armchair Expert podcast.

'And we would cross paths, and I had a girlfriend, and she had a boyfriend and it was just a little talking here and there. And then that day came when neither of us had a significant other.'

'I had always been so kind of intimidated and never really wanted to really approach  she made the first move is the point.'

Jack told how they both attended a surprise birthday party for a mutual friend and Tanya approached him and asked if he wanted to get dinner and gave him her number.

'And I was like, oh my God. Heaven opened up above my head, because it was like, this is the thing that I would always want to happen,' he said.

The couple married in 2006, barely a year after they started dating.

'We started getting very serious, and the relationship hit the ground running,' Jack explained. 'It's like we were making up for lost time.'

Although they both wanted, children, Jack and Tanya were originally not planning on getting married, before the actor's brother made him change his mind.

Jack posted a snap of Tanya, who is a musician, playing the drums

Jack and Tanya first met during high school in Santa Monica, California

'I just was always in awe of them,' Jack said of Tanya and her sisters on Dax Shepard's Armchair Expert podcast

'And we would cross paths, and I had a girlfriend, and she had a boyfriend and it was just a little talking here and there. And then that day came when neither of us had a significant other'

'I had always been so kind of intimidated and never really wanted to really approach  she made the first move is the point,' he said

'We didn't get married because it was like, [we] don't really believe in the contract and that whole thing. Why is it necessary? And then as soon as she had a baby in her belly, my brother was like, 'What the hell are you  you marry her!' 'Jack said.

'I was like, you're right, dude. I got on bended knee and she laughed and said yes.'

He attributed the success of their relationship to having known each other for so long prior to dating.

'We didn't date or really even talk, but I remember her and her sister[s]. She's a triplet. And just loving the whole family. I just thought they had a real vibe,' he said.
A video of an Australian 'looksmaxxing' influencer getting his wig stolen during a livestream in a Brisbane street mall has reached 40 million viewers on X.

Known as Androgenic, he was on camera in Fortitude Valley when a young man snatched his cap to reveal the social media star's balding head.

He quickly pounced on the culprit and retrieved his cap, which had a long-haired wig sewn into it.

During the livestream shared on the Kick platform, Androgenic can be heard saying, 'I've just had a hair transplant bro,' and adding: 'That's gonna go as viral as f***'.

The influencer's prediction turned out to be spot on, with the cringeworthy clip reportedly viewed by tens of millions on X.

And the platform's followers have used the viral clip to slam Androgenic, who is part of an online body improvement cult for men known as 'looksmaxxing'.

A video of an Australian 'looksmaxxing' influencer getting his wig stolen during a livestream in a Brisbane street mall has reached 40 million viewers on X. Pictured: A scene from the video

Known as Androgenic, he was on camera in Fortitude Valley when a young man snatched his cap to reveal the social media star's balding head

'He looked like an entirely different person,' said one person, referring to the hunky social media star's posts which feature him with a full head of hair.

'There's genuinely no coming back from this,' added another, while a third commented: 'Laughing hard and feeling sorry for him at the same time.'

Androgenic posted his own response explaining that he had done nothing to hide the truth about his looks.

Appearing in the selfie at first in his wig and cap, Androgenic can be seen pulling off his hat and saying: 'I've been going extremely viral for having my wig snatched off.'

After mentioning how widely spread his clip has been shared, he continued: 'I don't think people realise that I have been publicly spamming about [being bald] for like two months.

'And I've literally, publicly made videos showing that I'm wearing a wig, like days ago.'

He added: 'I'm really glad this is going viral, no aura has been lost, I can tell you.'

During the brief clip, which has been viewed on X by over 456,000 viewers since it was posted on Sunday, Androgenic showed a dozen screen grabs of videos featuring his 'bad look' and wigs.

Androgenic is part of an online body improvement cult for men known as 'looksmaxxing'

Elsewhere on the thread, Androgenic confirmed he had a hair transplant four weeks ago, claiming it cost him '$271,000'.

'The problem isn't so much about wearing a wig,' someone responded.

'You were trying hard to be someone that you were not and got exposed for it.'

Another went on the attack: 'The best thing you could do is start being honest. You are leading a whole generation of men astray for "views".'

The viral trend known as 'looksmaxxing' involves a spectrum of 'self-improvement' measures - some as extreme as plastic surgery.

There's also 'softmaxxing', which urges boys to undertake expensive 12-step skincare routines.

Additionally there is 'starvemaxxing', which is about cutting food consumption, losing fat and thereby accentuating musculature or facial bone structure.

'Mewing' is a technique said to reshape the jawline by repositioning the tongue against the roof of the mouth (but which remains entirely unproven).

Astonishingly, even dangerous DIY methods such as 'bone-smashing'  breaking bones in the belief this will improve facial structure  are advocated online.

The term looksmaxxing was coined on obscure websites in 2014 and started with incel culture  a group of 'involuntarily celibate' men who blame women for denying them relationships.

Androgenic has an online following where he offers advice about men's looks.
She announced her split from husband Bradley Dack last month.

And Olivia Attwood continues to navigate single life as she shared details of life in her London flat - which she claimed is 'cursed' and needed help from a 'higher power'.

Taking to Instagram, she wrote: 'Can someone who is contacted by a higher power talk to the universe and tell me if I need to move out of this apartment pls lol. Since I moved in something breaks EVERY single day, I actually feel like its cursed.'

After sharing the initial message on Sunday, she then posted a screenshot of her purchase of sage on Amazon. Burning sage is an ancient Indigenous practice used to cleanse negative energy from people, objects, or spaces.

As well as pleading for help, Olivia, who holds a German passport, shared a video of her boozy family holiday in January to celebrate her father Kai's birthday in Hamburg, with the trip falling around the time her marital split came to be.

Olivia Attwood continues to navigate single life as she shared details of life in her London flat - which she claimed is 'cursed' and needed help from a 'higher power'

Olivia and Bradley are pictured in 2020. They announced their split last month after two and a half years of marriage

She posted an image from inside her flat and confessed she feared her home was 'cursed'

Olivia, who shot to fame on the third series of Love Island, where she reached the final with ex Chris Hughes, has been candid about her move from her marital home in Manchester to her new apartment in the capital.

While she has chronicled the pains of moving, including unpacking, her latest update saw the star share her concerns over a 'curse'.

Following her curse post, she revealed her methods to boosting her mood - by undergoing a spray tan. She shared a snap of a pop up tent and added a caption over the top reading: 'Instant mood corrector'.

She then shared the throwback video from her family holiday, in which she visited Chanel with her glamorous mum Jennifer before throwing a party on a boat, in which she downed shots, having earlier enjoyed cigarettes and a mojito.

In the video, she explained to fans that she is German on her dad's side and was christened in the city but stated that she rarely speaks about her 'very private' dad.

In her usual hilarious style, she told her leopard print-clad mother: 'You're looking like a ten out of ten hooker' - much to Jennifer's shock.

Olivia and Bradley tied the knot in June 2023 after becoming engaged in 2019. They left fans in shock when they announced their split last month.

OIivia looked as though she was going to be sick after taking a shot

She was seen downing shots during her dad's birthday

She was seen doing shots with friends and family

Olivia shared a video from her family holiday to Hamburg

In confirming her split, she wrote on Instagram: 'I keep opening Instagram to post but I don't know what to say or do?...

'lol vulnerability is not my bag!!! Especially on social media, it feels very much like bleeding in shark infested waters.. that R for another.

'I cry myself to sleep, then business as normal when the alarm goes off at 5am and it has been like that for a long time.'

She continued: 'But also so much change in such a short amount of time (you know I hate that (Taurus). I never expected to be moving into this apartment alone. And I'm in over my depth for sure.

'I want to be happy. I want Brad to be happy. Just one day at a time. For both of us. & anyone else who needs to read this.

'Normal programming and chatting will resume asap. Ps thank you, I feel your love immensely.'

She shared a clip showing her swinging her hair while dancing

During her German holiday she headed to Chanel with her mum
Robert Aramayo has jumped to the defence of Tourette's campaigner John Davidson who left the BAFTAs on Sunday after shouting racial slurs from the audience.

The actor, 33, who has collected a Best Actor BAFTA after playing John in the film I Swear, spoke out after the tics were heard during the Royal Festival Hall 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.

BAFTAs host Alan Cumming thanked the audience for their understanding after John let out repeated involuntary shouts.

Alan issued an apology to viewers after John was heard shouting the N-word during Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo's presentation. The slur can still be heard on the version of the ceremony on iPlayer at the time of writing.

Speaking after the ceremony, Robert was asked what his thoughts were on the situation and he insisted that the condition is a 'joint responsibility'.

Robert Aramayo has jumped to the defence of Tourette's campaigner John Davidson who left the BAFTAs on Sunday after shouting racial slurs in the audience (pictured together)

The actor, 33, who has just collected a Best Actor BAFTA after playing John in the film I Swear, spoke out after the expletive tics were heard at the ceremony

A BBC reporter said: 'You could hear him shouting and words people find offensive.'

Robert replied: 'First of all they are tics. He is ticking. We have to understand. The way we perceive Tourette's is a joint responsibility. It's not shouting obscenities.

'It's not being abusive. It's Tourette's. They are tics. If it can lead to a deeper understanding of Tourette's, and movies are part of that conversation, then it's an incredible thing.'

A BBC spokesperson said: 'Some viewers may have heard strong and offensive language during the BAFTA Film Awards 2026.

'This arose from involuntary verbal tics associated with Tourette syndrome, and was not intentional. We apologise for any offence caused by the language heard.'

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.

Speaking after the ceremony, Robert was asked what his thoughts were on the situation, and he insisted that the condition is a 'joint responsibility'

BAFTAs host Alan Cumming thanked the audience for their understanding after John 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

Addressing the shuots, 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 tics 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 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)

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

John was awarded an MBE - for his tireless 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 After 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, it's just a tremendous honour.

I Swear star Robert (pictured in the film) as campaigner John. The film depicts his younger years living in Glasgow, when he was first diagnosed with Tourette's

'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 Chalamet 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.
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For an effortlessly stylish and understated outfit, look no further than Victoria Beckham.

While the fashion designer, 51, may be known best for her tailored powersuits and elegant silk dresses, she makes casual wear look just as good.

She frequently ditches her more glamorous outfits to opt for a tried-and-tested jeans and a T-shirt combo, which she notably wore through much of her Netflix docuseries last year.

And the mother-of-four's most worn and her self-confessed 'favourite' jeans are the Alina style from her own eponymous fashion brand.

The cult-favourite jeans take their inspiration from classic 1970s shapes and are designed especially to elongate the look of the leg, so that everyone can get that statuesque model look.

Victoria has called them her 'go-to' jeans and fans are in full agreement, with the Alina being the brand's 'best-selling denim silhouette'.

For an effortlessly stylish and understated outfit, look no further than Victoria Beckham. While the fashion designer, 51, may be known best for her tailored powersuits and elegant silk dresses, she makes casual wear look just as good

She frequently ditches her more glamorous outfits to opt for a tried-and-tested jeans and a T-shirt combo, which she notably wore through much of her Netflix docuseries last year (seen)

However, made of 100 per cent cotton and embroidered with the trademark VB logo on the pocket, the jeans will set you back a pretty penny, retailing for a hefty 390.00.

But luckily for those of us wanting to copy Posh Spice's effortless style without breaking the bank, M&S have come through with a near-identical lookalike for just a fraction of the price.

Their 'High Waisted Patch Pocket Flared Jeans' are flying off the shelves after shoppers noticed their striking resemblance to Victoria's signature pair.

With their structured wide-leg cut, flattering high-rise waist, and oversized patch front pockets, even Posh Spice herself could be fooled.

Ticking every box for comfort, style, and versatility as well as being flattering and forgiving for most body types, they also cost just 10 per cent of the Alina Jeans, at just 40.

The resemblance is hard to deny, while just like Victoria's signature pair, M&S offer several colours, including the classic blue wash, a jet black and dark indigo mix.

While the high-street brand's version also comes in five different lengths - extra short, petite, regular, long and extra long - ensuring they're just right for every height.

And it will come as no surprise to learn the 'dupe' jeans are already winning rave reviews from eager shoppers, boasting an impressive 4.7 star rating based on 110 reviews.

One buyer gushed: 'I don't usually write reviews, but these jeans deserve it. They fit like they're made for me. They're right on trend. They are beyond flattering.

'I've had so many compliments and most assuming they'd cost me a fortune and not 40 ("Love the jeans. Are they from Bella freud?"). If you're thinking of buying them - do. But leave some for me.'

Another echoed: 'These jeans are fabulous! A slightly relaxed fit without being loose or wide leg. Lovely 70s feel to the design and incredibly comfortable', while a third added: 'Probably the best fitting jeans Ive had in a long time.'

While others declared they were 'perfect and timeless' as well as being 'well made, beautifully styled, true to size', with one person admitting they were planning to buy more in different colours.

And for those looking to splurge slightly more, Daily Mail has sourced several more dupes for the Alina Jean, from the likes of &Other Stories, Nobody's Child and Mint Velvet.
Honey Kinny Ross ensured all eyes were on her as she slipped into a very racy Karoline Vitto dress amid London Fashion Week on Sunday.

The daughter of TV presenter Jonathan Ross and screenwriter Jane Goldman, 28, left little to the imagination in the look which boasted daring cut-outs.

Honey's black dress featured a plunging neckline and slashes at her hip, with just thin silver chains to keep it all from falling open.

The influencer showcased her ample cleavage and curves while adding extra height to her frame with a pair of studded black platforms.

It comes after Honey celebrated her first Valentine's Day with boyfriend Gav Murphy, 40, after striking up a romance with the video producer last year.

The couple made their first red carpet appearance together in August, as they attended the UK Gala screening of film, Caught Stealing.

Honey Kinny Ross, 28, ensured all eyes were on her as she slipped into a very racy dress amid London Fashion Week on Sunday

The daughter of TV presenter Jonathan Ross and screenwriter Jane Goldman, 28, left little to the imagination in the look which boasted daring cut-outs

Since then, Honey has shared a number of loved-up snaps of them together to her social media, while YouTuber Gav is often found publicly gushing over his girlfriend in the comments.

While on Valentine's Day, the pair headed out for a romantic meal, with Gav sharing a snap of his stunning partner with the caption: 'Oh come on now' with a heart-eyed emoji.

And he publicly showed his adoration for her during a trip to Disneyland in Florida last year, by proudly sporting a T-shirt emblazoned with her name 'HONEY ROSS'.

While he appears to have received the seal of approval from Honey's parents, Jonathan and Jane, who could be seen posing with the couple in a snap at Disneyland, wearing matching Mickey Mouse-themed accessories.

Gav is known for his video production company and YouTube channel, RKG, which he hosts with pals Daniel Krupa and Rory Powers and sees them playing video games.

Interestingly, Jonathan is known for being an avid gamer, and established his own studio, Hotsauce Interactive, which has created mobile games like Catcha Catcha Aliens.

Passionate about the industry and a keen collector, he previously collaborated with Microsoft Studios and has contributed voice work to games like Fable and Halo.

Gav has even mentioned his girlfriend's famous father on his gaming channel, most recently in a Q&A video in December.

Honey's black dress featured a plunging neckline and slashes at her hip, with just thin silver chains to keep it all from falling open

It comes after Honey celebrated her first Valentine's Day with boyfriend Gav Murphy, 40, after striking up a romance with the video producer last year

The couple made their first red carpet appearance together in August, as they attended the UK Gala screening of film, Caught Stealing (seen)

He recalled an embarrassing moment where Jonathan had Googled him to find his birthdate only to discover his unflattering nickname.

Referencing his romance with Honey, he said: 'This year, I got a new girlfriend and it is quite interesting, her parents being the most online parents I've ever had to deal with.

'I remember she got a text from her dad going because I think we were going away and he had to look up the date of my birth. He searched for Gav Murphy RKG online and the first thing came up as "The Grotmeister".

'And then he started texting me as the as the Grot going like, "Do put Grotmeister on the airport thing?" I saw the text come through and I was just like, argh that just changes lots of things now, doesn't it?'

However, Gav added: 'Luckily he's quite grotty so it's fine.'

Jonathan hit the headlines in 2024, after he compared himself and wife Jane to a 'pair of dirty hamsters in straw' as he admitted he showers less than once a week.

While he appears to have received the seal of approval from Honey's parents, Jonathan and Jane, who could be seen posing with the couple in a snap at Disneyland

The comedian shared his detest of grooming while speaking on the Parenting Hell podcast, saying: 'Do you think I give enough of a s**t about anything to bother spending any extra time on grooming whatsoever?

'I resent the fact that I have to shower. I sometimes go at least a week without showering - at least. So does Jane sometimes. We're like a couple of hamsters in their own straw in that bed.'

Revealing when the last time he showered was, Jonathan said: 'It was yesterday. Why bother doing it two days in a row, what's wrong with you? I didn't do any exercise.'

He even confessed he once went two weeks without washing in the Florida heat because he thought he'd been in a swimming pool - but then discovered he still smelled badly.
Adam Rickitt has revealed he is making a music comeback and is back in the studio after signing a new record deal.

The former Coronation Street actor, 47, had a short-lived music career when he released his debut single I Breathe Again in 1999.

The song reached number five on the charts and the music video memorably featured Adam strip naked while being examined by doctors in a glass box.

He released one solo album, Good Times, which reached number 41 in the UK.

In a video shared to Instagram this week, Adam and his wife Katy Fawcett revealed he is back in the studio making new music.

Filming them on the way to the studio, former Good Morning Britain presenter Katy said: 'It's a very special day today. It's time to let the cat out of the bag.

Adam Rickitt has revealed he is making a music comeback and is back in the studio after signing a new record deal

The former Coronation Street actor, 47, had a short-lived music career when he released his debut single I Breathe Again in 1999 with the music video featuring him naked in a glass box

'A lot of you may have noticed Adam's been popping up doing a few gigs since Pride last year. Well today, what are we going to do Adam?

Looking bashful, Adam replied: 'We're going to record a new song.'

Katy told the camera: 'We're going to actually record new music. He's so modest he won't do this himself. He's been resigned and he's already been in the studio doing remakes of his older stuff.'

Adam said: 'We did a version of Breathe Again which was nice. Today, we've got a really good song idea.'

'Who's the song about?' Katy asked, to which he said: 'You baby.'

'Can I be your biggest groupie?' Katy asked.

'Yes. I've got to have one,' Adam said.

The video then cut to Adam recording in the studio with a music producer as Katy danced along to the music.

In a video shared to Instagram this week, Adam and his wife Katy Fawcett revealed he is back in the studio making new music

The video then cut to Adam recording in the studio with a music producer as Katy danced along to the music

Later in the clip, Adam said: 'It was what every kid dreams of but because of what was going on in here (pointing to his head) I didn't enjoy it. It always felt like a wasted opportunity, to not have had the time of my life.

'Now I'm older and this isn't gonna get any better. It means I can do something and actually enjoy it this time and I can do it with you and that will make it worth doing.'

Alongside the post, Adam wrote: 'So a thing happened!! Out of nowhere seems heavy breathing is back in fashion teamed up with a bit of singing and a few laughs along the way.

'Can't reveal the whole thing yet but NEW MUSIC incoming!! And this time we are doing it together, join us on this mad journey!'

Adam was best known for his acting work, but in recent years he and Katy have stepped away from the spotlight, running a craft beer and artisan gin bar called Dexter and Jones in their town of Knutsford.

Despite starting his career as a child model, Adam auditioned for the role of Nick Tilsey on Coronation Street back in 1997, admitting at the time he applied for the job as a joke.

Regardless Adam got the part, and he starred on Corrie for two years before leaving the soap to pursue an music career.

During his soap break, Adam released his album Good Times as part of a six-album record deal.

After his album only reached number 41, Adam was promptly dropped from his label.

What followed was a brief foray into politics, with the star approved as a prospective parliamentary candidate for the Conservative Party in 2005, despite admitting he only entered the race as part of a campaign to get more young people involved.

He failed to make a list of 20 candidates for the Folkestone and Hythe seat being vacated by Michael Howard, and decided to call his political career a day.

Adam returned briefly to Corrie in 2002 and for a longer spell from 2003 to 2004 when his character was involved in the soap's first gay kiss with Todd Grimshaw (Bruno Langley).

Despite beginning his career as a child model, Adam forayed into soaps when he auditioned for the role of Nick Tilsey on Coronation Street (pictured in 2004)

Adam made a return to soaps in 2017 when he joined the cast of Hollyoaks as Kyle Kelly, leaving the soap three years later when his character tragically died by suicide

Adam returned to acting with a three-year stint on New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street, which ended in 2010.

In 2014, he went back to music, joining the supergroup 5th Story, who took part in the second series of The Big Reunion, alongside Kenzie from Blazin' Squad, Dane Bowers from Another Level, Kavana and Gareth Gates.

Adam made a return to soaps in 2017 when he joined the cast of Hollyoaks as Kyle Kelly, leaving the soap three years later when his character tragically died by suicide, and in 2023 he briefly appeared in the BBC favourite Doctors.

Since his rise to fame, Adam has also spoken openly about his mental health struggles, which he said began when he was just 13 years old.

He previously said on Loose Women: 'Yeah, I did in some respects. It's quite out there in the public forum that I had issues as a teenager with an eating disorder.

'But what I don't think ever I've spoken about, or people have realised, is that actually my issues premeditated that and also went on a lot beyond that.

'I basically suffered from anxiety and depression from the ages of 13 to 30. So for 17 years of my life I was essentially suicidal.

'It comes in peaks and waves like it does for so many people, but still to this day the best portion of my adult life was spent suicidal.'

In 2023, Adam also revealed that he had been been scammed out of 'tens of thousands of pounds' from a cunning bank fraud.

Last year, Adam and Katy fulfilled a 'life long dream' of buying their 'home from home' in Sicily, and have shared a string of idyllic snaps from the island

Adam shared that he was a victim of an elaborate push payment scam, leaving him feeling 'stupid' and embarrassed'.

In the video, an emotional Adam told how he though he was rather 'savvy' when it came to security but admitted he was completely duped by who he believed was the fraud team at Barclay's bank, remarking: 'They knew EVERYTHING about me'.

The star admitted he could hardly look his wife Katy in the eye after being conned and said that though some people may 'laugh' at him, he wanted to warn others from making his mistake.

Adam has also shared that he suffers with Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS), which can cause decreased fertility, and feared for years he may be 'denying' Katy the chance to have children.

He said in 2021: 'There are parts of life we'll miss out on, but we're not naive. We tried to experience things other people couldn't careers, I love acting, Katy loves presenting and journalism, we have a business together, we have the dogs, so we don't feel like we're lacking in giving our love to something else.'

On deciding not to go down the IVF route, Katy said: 'We could have tried the IVF route and it made us sit down, we knew it would be a difficult and unlikely process because of the position we were in, so we decided to make use of the other things we can do.'

In between his onscreen soap stints, Adam opened a craft beer bottle shop, gin specialist and 'micro bar', in Knutsford with his GMB presenter wife, Katy.

And in recent months, Adam and Katy fulfilled a 'life long dream' of buying their 'home from home' in Sicily.

Adam was best known for his acting work, but in recent years he and his wife Katy have stepped away from the spotlight, running a craft beer and artisan gin bar

Katy recently revealed the couple - who regularly holiday in Sicily - were hoping to make the Mediterranean island a bigger part of their lives and hinted at a possible opportunity to grow their business there.

In June, the couple made their dream a reality as they announced they had officially bought a holiday home there.

Announcing the news on Instagram, Katy wrote: 'Arghhhh! What the hell just happened. We are giddy with excitement!

'After a ceremony much like a signing of the wedding register we are the proud owners of a tiny slice of heaven in the island weve come to know as the Happy Place: ortigia!'

He added: 'After years of obsessively binge watching @aplaceinthesunofficial I still never thought I'd be lucky enough to do this, and maybe we are actually crazy as weve remortgaged our own house to do so!

'But we came to the conclusion that life is too short and being able to save up the date nights and escape here when life gives you a breather rather than having to always plan ahead just felt like the ultimate dream  and worth accepting that the bulldogs will always own the only sofa at home for.

'We will give you all a proper tour very soon but for now we are off to go and shop for paint and hoovers in the sunshine!! How crazy is that?!!! Oh yeah and apparently we are now PART ORTIGIAN!! I may burst.'
A festive visit to Skegness might include fish and chips, a trip to Gibraltar Point, and, weather permitting, a potentially windy walk along the town's famous pier, with its panoramic view of the stormy North Sea.

It probably won't include riding horses at full pelt across sweeping golden sands, nor will it feature a stunning vista of mountains, visible beneath a cloudless blue sky - in the middle of December.

But Lee Andrews appeared to enjoy all of the above after claiming he'd returned to his Lincolnshire hometown for Christmas - despite being banned from leaving the United Arab Emirates.

Former glamour model Katie Price's fourth husband, who lives in Dubai, has shared dubious footage of a purported return to England with social media followers - prompting his furious ex-girlfriend to accuse him of lying.

Taking to her TikTok platform, Alana Percival continued a very public war of words with Andrews by mocking his recent social media posts, among them footage of the businessman racing horses along what he claims to be the Skegness coastline.

Remarkably, the sun is high and the sky is clear despite much of England being battered by torrential rain and fierce wind since the turn of the year.

Katie Price's fourth husband Lee Andrews has shared dubious footage of a purported return to England, despite being banned from leaving the United Arab Emirates

Social media posts include footage of the businessman racing horses along what he claims to be the Skegness coastline - with sunny blue skies and a distant mountain range

Reposting the clip, she carped: 'People of Skegness watching this asking where exactly is this tropical upgrade?'

A second video, in which Andrews claims to be freezing while driving in 'his mum's car' is also savaged by Percival, who previously accused him of being 'physically and mentally abusive' during their relationship.

Commenting on the clip, she writes: 'When you put on a wooly hat in an underground car park in Dubai to pretend you're in the UK.'

While Andrews has presented himself as a high-flying business mogul, the Daily Mail shattered the illusion by revealing that he has been banned from leaving Dubai after spending three weeks locked up in a UAE jail for allegedly forging his ex-girlfriend's signature.

Since then, several of his exes have spoken out, with Percival declaring in an interview that his new wife should 'run for the hills.'

She recently shared a scathing post where she accused him of 'taking everything you have until you have nothing left and have to rely on him.'

In a lengthy message, Percival also claimed Lee 'f****d over his own father many times,' and hit back at accusations she is 'jealous' of his marriage to Price.

She wrote: 'I am concerned because of his patterns and behaviour with women. I was just like Katie, ignored everyone. I WISH I LISTENED.

A second video, in which Andrews claims to be freezing while driving in 'his mum's car' is among those to be savaged by his ex-girlfriend Alana Percival, who accuses him of lying

In another video, Andrews claims to be sat in Skegness Arcade as he addresses his ex-girlfriend's past claims of abuse

'Get your facts right, please tell me what there is to be jealous and bitter about, vile vermin of a human. He is a scumbag that robs poor women for their money.

'Escorts himself out. Lies about everything that comes out of his mouth.

'Cars, house, who he lends money to, pretends to work with royals and every other ambassador in the world... promises with no delivery, always an excuse.

'F*****d up fantasies (if not what he has already done) (I cannot get into this on here). Mentally and physically hurts people he loves, arrogant, f****d his own father over many of times got him a travel ban too!!

'He has no remorse at all for anyone... the list could go on!!! Also not even your f****g hair line wants to be with you, EVERY PICTURE HE PUTS UP IS EDITED too. Nothing to be jealous about this ugly scummy disgusting piece of s**t. Again saying he is coming to the UK today - we'll watch this space.

It's understood that Andrews connected to Percival (pictured) on Facebook last March and showered her with a Louis Vuitton handbag and Cartier jewellery

Join the debate Should Katie have a baby with Lee?

In a lengthy message, Percival also claimed Lee 'f****d over his own father many times,' and hit back at accusations she is 'jealous' of his marriage to Price

'The most insecure person I've ever met, so bad that he will take everything from you so you rely on him.'

It's understood that Andrews connected to Percival on Facebook last March and showered her with a Louis Vuitton handbag, Cartier jewellery and transferred thousands of pounds.

He proposed in September and the set-up was identical to Price's engagement at the Jumeirah Burj Al Arab.

The ex glamour model and mother-of-five shocked fans when she married the so called businessman following a whirlwind 'one-week' romance.

Percival said as soon as she posted a picture of their engagement, she was contacted by his estranged Russian wife Cezara and two other exes, who claimed he was a 'liar'.

Despite their warnings, Percival said she thought their relationships had just ended badly as she 'never had someone basically tell me that they love me the way he does'.

Percival , who sold a house to Price 15 years ago and called off their engagement in November, told The Sun: 'Katie should run for the hills, Lee is a liar, a narcissist and I think he's a manipulator.

'Once I tried to leave him, he told me had a heart condition and was living on borrowed time. Lee doesn't know what's fact and what's fiction.'

Responding to Percival's claims on social media in February, Price called her an 'irrelevant little troll'

Katie is currently in Dubai with Lee, having initially returned to the UK after their nuptials, where he was due to follow her

Responding to Percival's claims on social media in February, Price, who claims to be pregnant by Andrews, wrote: 'I know rejection doesn't feel nice and I'm married to @wesleeeandrews the man you want and will never have again.

'Your constant lies and put-downs is clearly showing how bitter you are, go live your life little girl. I know the truth and your now embarrassing yourself, go and have the little respect for yourself that's left.

'I know all about you and who you are at least I'm the real woman he has found and deserves, but please just enjoy watching us build our empire as I'm having his child.

On Monday, Price posed with a pregnancy test after claiming she is 'having a child' with her new husband

'I'll enjoy the ride and big d**k energy now, I'm in the saddle, he's the most beautiful human I know who never took anything from you. I'm the real feminine woman he deserves, not the male version you are.

'Now disappear under that bridge you irrelevant little troll.'

On Monday, Price continued to maintain her claim by posing with a pregnancy test.

Captioning her latest social media post, she wrote: 'Hey guys so all the speculation, if you want to know the truth, subscribe and you'll see the answer.'
Paris Fury was forced to rush her daughter Athena to hospital on Sunday afternoon amid fears the four-year-old had broken her arm.

She took to Instagram to share an image of her daughter, one of the seven children she shares with boxer husband Tyson Fury, in a hospital waiting room.

Wearing Wicked pyjamas, Athena was sitting in a wheelchair with a Coke Zero, Flamin' Hit Doritos and a Christian Louboutin bag by her side.

Paris, 36, shared a caption reading: 'So this was our Sunday afternoon, Athena is ok. She fell and we thought she had broke her arm. The doctors said it's not but want to double check tomorrow but want to double check tomorrow but she still sore...

'Hopefully better tomorrow and confirm no brakes.' [sic]

Paris Fury was forced to rush her daughter Athena to hospital on Sunday afternoon amid fears the four-year-old had broken her arm

Paris and Tyson are parents to daughters Venezuela, 16, Valencia, eight, and Athena, and sons Prince John James, 15, Prince Tyson II, nine, Prince Adonis Amaziah, seven, and Prince Rico Paris, two

Paris and Tyson are parents to daughters Venezuela, 16, Valencia, eight, and Athena, and sons Prince John James, 15, Prince Tyson II, nine, Prince Adonis Amaziah, seven, and Prince Rico Paris, two.

The couple often keep fans up to date on their lives on social media, such as August last year when they tied the knot for the third time during a romantic ceremony in the Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur in the South of France.

Paris looked stunning in a fitted lace midi dress as she walked down the aisle at the Saint-Martin-Saint-Augustin Church with the boxer once again.

Sharing a series of stunning snaps to Instagram, Tyson wrote: 'Paris & I got married again third time lucky. We had the most beautiful day in sof [French flag] it holds a lot of special memories for us.'

Paris and Tyson first married in 2008 at St. Peter in Chains Catholic Church in Doncaster, South Yorkshire when she was just 19 and he was 21 before they later renewed their vows in April 2013 in New York City.

Athena (right) is pictured with her sister Valencia, eight

Tyson met Paris met when she was 15, and they didn't start dating until after Paris' 16th birthday.

Speaking about renewing their vows in January Paris told OK!: 'I don't want a big ceremony or a big wedding, I'd like something private with just me and him.

'It'll be nice to reaffirm our vows. If he had his way he'd have it like a circus  a whole Big Fat Gypsy Wedding again! But I think I'll go subtle.'

The couple's first wedding almost didn't happen after Tyson told Paris he wanted to rearrange their big day so he could compete in the Olympics.

She wrote in her book, Love and Fury: 'My fiance clearly didnt understand the amount of planning and organisation that went into a wedding.

'It was one conflict after another and after an ugly slanging match with him outside Mam's house, I decided to call time on the wedding and our relationship.'

The break-up was short-lived as Tyson sent an emotional text while he was holidaying in Ibiza.
Delroy Lindo has spoken out following a deeply uncomfortable moment at the 2026 BAFTA Awards, saying he wishes 'someone from BAFTA spoke to us afterwards' after the N-word was shouted while he and Michael B. Jordan were presenting on stage.

Lindo addressed the incident while speaking to Vanity Fair at one of the BAFTA after-parties, explaining that he and his Sinners co-star 'did what we had to do' in the moment as they presented the award for Best Visual Effects to Avatar: Fire and Ash.

The slur was shouted from the audience by John Davidson, who attended the ceremony as the subject of the nominated biopic I Swear, on Sunday evening, with microphones picking up the racist term.

Davidson has been diagnosed with Tourette syndrome, a neurological condition that causes involuntary vocal and physical tics.

As reported by Variety, Davidson had multiple audible outbursts throughout the ceremony.

The publication noted: 'A number of outbursts from Davidson could be heard throughout the BAFTA ceremony, including 'shut the f**k up' being shouted during an introductory speech from BAFTA chair Sara Putt and 'f**k you' when the directors of 'Boong,' which won the BAFTA for best children's and family film, accepted their award.'

Delroy Lindo has spoken out following a deeply uncomfortable moment at the 2026 BAFTA Awards, saying he wishes 'someone from BAFTA spoke to us afterwards' after the N-word was shouted at him and Michael B. Jordan

Sources told Variety that floor managers warned guests seated near Davidson about his condition, though they did not specify what types of vocal outbursts might occur.

According to multiple sources, neither nominees nor attendees were contacted by BAFTA or the BBC ahead of the show with any such warnings.

In the days following the ceremony, Oscar-winning production designer Hannah Beachler also came forward, saying she was targeted by the same slur during the evening.

Beachler, who became the first African American to win an Academy Award for Production Design in 2018 for Black Panther, took to X to share her experience.

'I keep trying to write about what happened at the BAFTAs, and I can't find the words,' she wrote. 'The situation is almost impossible, but it happened 3 times that night, and one of the three times was directed at myself on the way to dinner after the show.'

She added that the other person Davidson shouted at was also a Black woman and, while acknowledging it as an 'impossible situation,' criticized the response from BAFTA host Alan Cumming.

'I know we must handle this with grace and continue to push through. But what made the situation worse was the throw away apology of 'if you were offended' at the end of the show,' she said.

'Of course we were offended but our frequency, our spiritual vibration is tuned to a higher level than what happened. I am not steal, this did not bounce off of me, but I exist above it. It can't take away from who I am as an artist.'

Oscar-winning production designer Hannah Beachler says Torettes campaigner John Davidson also hurled the N-word at her during the BAFTA awards as she criticized the show's handling of the situation

Tourette campaigner John Davidson involuntarily shouted the N-word at the BAFTA Awards on Sunday night

In a statement to the Daily Mail, BAFTA acknowledged the 'very offensive language' heard during Sunday night's ceremony, saying it 'carries incomparable trauma and pain for so many' and apologising 'unreservedly to all those impacted.'

The organisation confirmed the outburst came from guest Davidson, who has Tourette syndrome, a condition that causes 'involuntary verbal tics' which are 'in no way a reflection of an individual's beliefs and are not intentional.'

BAFTA said it had taken steps to warn attendees that Davidson was in the room and that they 'may hear strong language, involuntary noises or movements during the ceremony,' but admitted that 'a loud tic in the form of a profoundly offensive term was heard' while Jordan and Lindo were on stage.

'Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were on stage at the time, and we apologise unreservedly to them, and to all those impacted. We would like to thank Michael and Delroy for their incredible dignity and professionalism,' the statement read.

BAFTA also confirmed Davidson 'chose to leave the auditorium' during the ceremony, saying it took 'full responsibility for putting our guests in a very difficult situation' and vowed to 'learn from this' while keeping inclusion 'at the core of all we do.'

Beachler became the first African American to win an Academy Award for Production Design in 2018 for Black Panther

Video clips of Davidson's involuntary outburst during Lindo and Jordan's presentation quickly went viral online, with Cumming later thanking the audience 'for their understanding' regarding Davidson's condition.

Addressing the situation from the stage at London's Royal Festival Hall, Cumming told the audience: '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 apologize if it has caused offence.'

Tourette syndrome is characterized by involuntary vocal and physical tics and affects roughly one in 100 children, according to NHS England.

Davidson later appeared to leave the ceremony during the second half of the show, as his outbursts were no longer audible. However, Variety reported that he left of his own accord and was not asked to leave, with a source stating he was an 'invited guest' and 'under no circumstances' would have been removed.

Davidson was previously awarded an MBE for his work raising awareness of Tourette syndrome. Recalling the proudest moment of his life when receiving the honor, he previously revealed that he involuntarily swore at Queen Elizabeth II and felt compelled to tell police officers at Holyrood Palace that he had 'a f***ing bomb!' during security checks.

The biopic I Swear, which depicts Davidson's younger years growing up in Glasgow and navigating his diagnosis, was nominated for Outstanding British Film but lost to Hamnet.

Its star Robert Aramayo won the BAFTA for Lead Actor, beating front-runners Leonardo DiCaprio and Timothee Chalamet, and also took home the EE Rising Star Award - the only publicly voted prize of the night.
Antia Rani looked worlds away from her comfy Countryfile tweed as she turned heads in a racy dress at the Raw Mango show amid London Fashion Week on Monday.

The TV host, 48, appeared to go braless beneath the daringly plunging cream number which also boasted a black ruffled neckline.

Shielding her eyes behind shades she completed the look with a leather biker jacket that fell casually down her shoulders.

Anita, who has presented the BBC country life show since 2015, added extra height to her frame with pointed patent heels and posed up a storm ahead of taking her seat in the front row.

Her appearance comes after she condemned Jacob Elordi for tortured anti-hero Heathcliff in the new Wuthering Heights, because the Australian actor is white.

The Celebrity Race Across The World star claims that Emily Bronte wrote Heathcliff as a non-white character in her 1847 gothic masterpiece.

Antia Rani, 48, looked worlds away from her comfy Countryfile tweed as she turned heads in a racy dress at the Raw Mango show amid London Fashion Week on Monday

The TV host appeared to go braless beneath the daringly plunging cream number which also boasted a black ruffled neckline (Pictured right on Countryfile)

'At the time, Britain was at the height of the colonial expansion,' says Yorkshire-born Rani. 'This tiny island was getting very rich from doing some very dark things around the world.

'Meanwhile in West Yorkshire, Emily and her two sisters were almost certainly not sitting around crocheting and dreaming of handsome princes.

'They knew all about this because they were educated, they were reading the papers, they were thinking, they were writing and they were raging, and it's in the characters in their books.

'They're women, they are independent, they're clever, they're passionate, they defy convention and they are questioning everything, particularly Victorian morality, which is why it's important that Heathcliff isn't white. It's on the page, and what it does it changes everything. Think about it.'

Heathcliff is described as 'dark-skinned' or 'gypsy in aspect', and as having 'black eyes' by Bronte, who also writes at one point that his 'face is as white as the wall behind him'.

Director Emerald Fennell, who won an Oscar for Promising Young Woman, has stressed that Wuthering Heights is her personal interpretation of how she imagined the novel as a teenager.

Anita and new boyfriend Alex Lavery made their public debut in September last year during London Fashion Week, where they were spotted beaming at each other.

Anita's new relationship comes two years after she ended her 14-year marriage to technology executive Bhupinder Rehal in September 2023.

Anita usually more comfortable dressed on the BBC show, which she has hosted since 2015

Rahi Chadda was the epitome of style as he shielded his eyes behind shades

Rishi Sunak's wealthy wife Akshata Murty cut a chic figure

Kirthanaa Naidu put on a leggy display in a pink mini dress

Model Simran Randhawa cut a more causal figure for the runway show

A year on, in September 2024, she said that 'life is good' and that she felt like she was entering 'chapter two' of her life.

She told Love Sunday Magazine: 'Life is good, I'm in a good place. I'm focusing on myself and my own wants.

'It's nice to be able to think about the second phase of my life. I've been calling it Chapter Two.'

Anita met her former husband at a rave in east London and married in a Sikh ceremony back in 2009, before splitting last September, believed to be as a result of their hectic schedules.

A source told The Mirror at the time: 'It's really sad but they've decided to separate. Their hectic schedules over the past couple of years have sadly meant they've drifted apart over time'.

Anita admitted she'd found 'freedom' after getting divorced in a candid piece for The Sunday Times, and explained how she has been navigating single life in her forties.

Anita, who was born and raised in Bradford, West Yorkshire by an Indian-born Hindu father and an Indian-born Sikh mother, also revealed how her upbringing had impacted her approach to life.

She confessed that her family believed divorce to be a 'cardinal sin', and while she admitted it 'isn't easy to talk about', she wanted to detail how she feels about her life now so 'that I am answerable to no one'.
Lee Andrews is finally ready to reveal his true self, at least in a manner of speaking, after opting to share a filter-free social media post.

The businessman became Katie Price's fourth husband little more than a week after meeting the former glamour model in Dubai, with the couple registering their marriage on February 17.

Andrews' Instagram content has since become synonymous with youth-enhancing Instagram filters that appear to even out his complexion and add volume to his thinning hair.

But he was keen to ring in the changes on Monday after responding to an online request to share content without additional enhancements, despite feeling insecure about making the move.

Taking to Instagram while sitting in a Dubai plaza with his new wife, Andrews, 43, revealed his filter-free appearance while claiming he is en route to the United Kingdom next week - a bizarre claim, given he is marooned in the United Arab Emirates due to an ongoing travel ban.

'So, we're trying to beat the system - you asked for one without filters,' he said, panning his phone across the bustling square. 'Just natural light guys.'

Lee Andrews has confirmed he is finally ready to let his social media followers see the real him, at least in a manner of speaking, after opting to share a filter-free social media post

The businessman became Katie Price's fourth husband little more than a week after meeting the former glamour model in Dubai, with the couple registering their marriage on February 17

'Everyone's different in real life aren't they? Everyone's smaller, bigger, they don't realise. Someone thought I was five foot six, I'm not, I'm six foot one, 93 KG.'

Curled up next to Andrews, Price adds: 'You actually look better in life than you do on camera.

'When we were talking on camera, before we met, and every time you turned your head and I'd see your profile, I'd think phwoar... you have got a very good profile.'

He added: 'Let's hope people see it in real life. They'll see it when I'm in the UK next week.'

The promise of a return to Britain comes just weeks after Andrews shared dubious footage of a purported festive trip to Skegness - prompting his furious ex-girlfriend to accuse him of lying.

Taking to her TikTok platform, Alana Percival continued a very public war of words with Andrews by mocking his recent social media posts, among them footage of the businessman racing horses along what he claims to be the Skegness coastline.

Remarkably, the sun is high and the sky is clear despite much of England being battered by torrential rain and fierce wind since the turn of the year.

Reposting the clip, she carped: 'People of Skegness watching this asking where exactly is this tropical upgrade?'

Price's fourth husband recently shared dubious footage of a purported return to England, despite being banned from leaving the United Arab Emirates

Social media posts include footage of the businessman racing horses along what he claims to be the Skegness coastline - with sunny blue skies and a distant mountain range

A second video, in which Andrews claims to be freezing while driving in 'his mum's car' is also savaged by Percival, who previously accused him of being 'physically and mentally abusive' during their relationship.

Commenting on the clip, she writes: 'When you put on a woolly hat in an underground car park in Dubai to pretend you're in the UK.'

While Andrews has presented himself as a high-flying business mogul, the Daily Mail shattered the illusion by revealing that he has been banned from leaving Dubai after spending three weeks locked up in a UAE jail for allegedly forging his ex-girlfriend's signature.

Since then, several of his exes have spoken out, with Percival declaring in an interview that his new wife should 'run for the hills'.

She recently shared a scathing post where she accused him of 'taking everything you have until you have nothing left and have to rely on him'.

In a lengthy message, Percival also claimed Lee 'f****d over his own father many times,' and hit back at accusations she is 'jealous' of his marriage to Price.

In another video, Andrews claims to be sitting in Skegness Arcade as he addresses his ex-girlfriend's past claims of abuse

She wrote: 'I am concerned because of his patterns and behaviour with women. I was just like Katie, ignored everyone. I WISH I LISTENED.

'Get your facts right, please tell me what there is to be jealous and bitter about, vile vermin of a human. He is a scumbag that robs poor women for their money.

'Escorts himself out. Lies about everything that comes out of his mouth.

'Cars, house, who he lends money to, pretends to work with royals and every other ambassador in the world... promises with no delivery, always an excuse.

'F*****d up fantasies (if not what he has already done) (I cannot get into this on here). Mentally and physically hurts people he loves, arrogant, f****d his own father over many of times got him a travel ban too!!

'He has no remorse at all for anyone... the list could go on!!! Also not even your f****g hair line wants to be with you, EVERY PICTURE HE PUTS UP IS EDITED too. Nothing to be jealous about this ugly scummy disgusting piece of s**t. Again saying he is coming to the UK today - we'll watch this space.

'The most insecure person I've ever met, so bad that he will take everything from you so you rely on him.'

It's understood that Andrews connected to Percival (pictured) on Facebook last March and showered her with a Louis Vuitton handbag and Cartier jewellery

Join the debate Should Katie have a baby with Lee?

In a lengthy message, Percival also claimed Lee 'f****d over his own father many times,' and hit back at accusations she is 'jealous' of his marriage to Price

It's understood that Andrews connected to Percival on Facebook last March and showered her with a Louis Vuitton handbag, Cartier jewellery and transferred thousands of pounds.

He proposed in September and the set-up was identical to Price's engagement at the Jumeirah Burj Al Arab.

The ex glamour model and mother-of-five shocked fans when she married the so called businessman following a whirlwind 'one-week' romance.

Percival said as soon as she posted a picture of their engagement, she was contacted by his estranged Russian wife Cezara and two other exes, who claimed he was a 'liar'.

Despite their warnings, Percival said she thought their relationships had just ended badly as she 'never had someone basically tell me that they love me the way he does'.

Responding to Percival's claims on social media in February, Price called her an 'irrelevant little troll'

Katie is currently in Dubai with Lee, having initially returned to the UK after their nuptials, where he was due to follow her

Percival, who sold a house to Price 15 years ago and called off her engagement to Andrews in November, told The Sun: 'Katie should run for the hills, Lee is a liar, a narcissist and I think he's a manipulator.

'Once I tried to leave him, he told me had a heart condition and was living on borrowed time. Lee doesn't know what's fact and what's fiction.'

Responding to Percival's claims on social media in February, Price, who claims to be pregnant by Andrews, wrote: 'I know rejection doesn't feel nice and I'm married to @wesleeeandrews the man you want and will never have again.

'Your constant lies and put-downs is clearly showing how bitter you are, go live your life little girl. I know the truth and your now embarrassing yourself, go and have the little respect for yourself that's left.

On Monday, Price posed with a pregnancy test after claiming she is 'having a child' with her new husband

'I know all about you and who you are at least I'm the real woman he has found and deserves, but please just enjoy watching us build our empire as I'm having his child.

'I'll enjoy the ride and big d**k energy now, I'm in the saddle, he's the most beautiful human I know who never took anything from you. I'm the real feminine woman he deserves, not the male version you are.

'Now disappear under that bridge you irrelevant little troll.'

On Monday, Price continued to maintain her claim by posing with a pregnancy test.

Captioning her latest social media post, she wrote: 'Hey guys so all the speculation, if you want to know the truth, subscribe and you'll see the answer.'
Hilary Duff revealed her sex life has only improved with age.

During a candid new interview with the Los Angeles Times, the former child star, 38, admitted she spent much of her 20s still trying to figure things out behind closed doors.

'I finally feel like I know a lot about sex,' she said while promoting her upcoming album. 'My whole 20s, sex was not always enjoyable. There was so much to figure out. Now, I finally understand it.'

The former Lizzie McGuire star added that the shift may come down to confidence and experience, quipping: 'Maybe that's a female thing, but I'm not ready to be put out to pasture.'

Duff's new record, Luck... or Something, marks her first album release in more than a decade and dives headfirst into themes of love, maturity, intimacy and self-reflection.

Last month, Duff turned heads with the release of her unapologetically racy single Roommates, which features explicit lyrics that quickly sparked conversation online.

Former teen star Hilary Duff is embracing a far more confident chapter of her life - and confirmed she is more comfortable than ever talking sex along the way

The chorus includes eyebrow-raising lines about late nights, dive bars and secret hookups - a far cry from the squeaky-clean image many fans first knew her for.

In the chorus, she sings about a sexual encounter in the 'back of the dive bar.'

'I only want the beginning, I don't want the end / Want the part where you say, 'Goddamn' / Back of the dive bar, giving you head /Then sneak home late, wake up your roommates,' laments the Disney Channel alum.

'I want the highlights, 10 out of 10 / The butterflies from holding your hand,' she serenades. 'Before we swept us under the bed / And we became practically roommates / I'm touching myself by the front door / But you don't even look my way no more.'

Later in the track, Duff recalls a time when she and her man werent 'practically roommates,' singing, 'I'm touching myself looking at porn / 'Cause you don't even look my way no more.'

Now a mother of four, Duff also addressed society's fixation on women aging, particularly those who grew up in the spotlight.

'People come up to me all the time and they're like, "Wow, you aged really well,"' she said. 'I'm like, "I'm only 38! Just because you've known me since I was 9"'

She added with a laugh: 'When do I start getting the discounts? I feel like 38 is not old, although when I thought about my parents at 40, they looked so different than we look now.'

During a candid new interview with the Los Angeles Times , the former teen star, 38, admitted she spent much of her 20s still trying to figure things out behind closed doors

Now, Duff revealed intimacy has only improved with age while joking that she's 'not ready to be put out to pasture'

'I finally feel like I know a lot about sex,' she said while promoting her upcoming album. 'My whole 20s, sex was not always enjoyable. There was so much to figure out'

Duff and her husband, Matthew Koma, met in 2015 while collaborating on the star's album Breathe In. Breathe Out.

They got engaged four years later and tied the knot in December 2019 during a private ceremony at their home in Los Angeles.

In 2021, Duff told People: 'We knew we just had to be together because we tried a bunch of times to be apart, and that didn't work out for either one of us.'

Duff shares daughters Banks, seven, Mae, four, and Townes, 21 months, with Koma.

She is also mom to son Luca, 13, from her previous marriage to Mike Comrie.
The Real Housewives of Orange County OG Vicki Gunvalson asked for prayers for her second home, Puerto Vallarta, on Sunday amid violent Mexican cartel retaliation.

'Hi everyone! I'm safe and not in Puerto Vallarta,' the Chicago-born 63-year-old - who boasts 2.4 million social media followers - wrote via Instastory.

'Thank you so much for all the messages and concern. It truly means a lot. Please join me in keeping everyone affected in your prayers. Sending love and heartfelt thoughts to all who need them right now.'

After 30 years of vacationing in the seaside resort town, Gunvalson (born Victoria Steinmetz) bought a second home there in June 2020 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Coto Insurance CEO's penthouse apartment features panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean from the comfort of her jacuzzi on the breezy patio of her high-rise.

In 2021, Gunvalson sold her famous five-bedroom Coto de Caza mansion for $3 million after over 26 years of living there.

The Real Housewives of Orange County OG Vicki Gunvalson asked for prayers for her second home, Puerto Vallarta, on Sunday amid violent Mexican cartel retaliation (pictured in 2024)

On Sunday, Mexican Army Special Forces planned and executed an operation to capture drug lord Nemesio Oseguera aka 'El Mencho' in Tapalpa, but he died while being transported to Mexico City by the military.

The Jalisco New Generation Cartel then unleashed a retaliatory wave of violence across 20 Mexican states, torching businesses and stranding tourists who crowded the airports where flights were halted.

On February 2, Gunvalson wrapped production on The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Roaring 20th, which premieres later this year on Bravo.

'So much love for these ladies. Being surrounded by these incredible women, each an OG in her own city, means more to me than I can say,' the grandmother-of-four wrote on February 1.

'What started as a little idea turned into something that changed reality TV forever, and these women helped make Housewives the iconic franchise it is today. We whooped it up hard, and this girls trip season is one you all are going to love. Forever grateful to be a part of this journey with such strong, amazing women.'

The blended ensemble also includes Luann de Lesseps, Porsha Williams, Teresa Giudice, Kyle Richards, Gizelle Bryant and Lisa Barlow.

Gunvalson will also be back for season 20 of The Real Housewives of Orange County after a long, rocky history with the franchise.

'Hi everyone! I'm safe and not in Puerto Vallarta,' the Chicago-born 63-year-old wrote via Instastory. 'Thank you so much for all the messages and concern. It truly means a lot. Please join me in keeping everyone affected in your prayers. Sending love and heartfelt thoughts to all who need them right now'

After 30 years of vacationing in the seaside resort town, Gunvalson (born Victoria Steinmetz) bought a second home there in June 2020 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic (pictured in 2020)

The Coto Insurance CEO's penthouse apartment features panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean from the comfort of her jacuzzi on the breezy patio of her high-rise (pictured in 2020)

On Sunday, Mexican Army Special Forces planned and executed an operation to capture drug lord Nemesio Oseguera aka 'El Mencho' in Tapalpa, but he died while being transported to Mexico City by the military

The Jalisco New Generation Cartel then unleashed a retaliatory wave of violence across 20 Mexican states, torching businesses and stranding tourists who crowded the airports where flights were halted

On February 2, Gunvalson wrapped production on The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Roaring 20th, which premieres later this year on Bravo

The grandmother-of-four will also be back for season 20 of The Real Housewives of Orange County after a long, rocky history with the franchise (pictured November 15)

The twice-divorced mother-of-two was in the very first iteration of The Real Housewives franchise back in 2006 alongside Jeana Keough, Jo De La Rosa, Lauri Waring and Kimberly Bryant.

After 13 seasons, Gunvalson was demoted to 'friend' status for the 14th season, in which she appeared in 12 episodes, and she officially quit the next year in 2020.

The Harper College grad was then downgraded even further to 'guest star' for season 17, appearing in just five episodes.

Gunvalson - who commands $125 on Cameo - is also every bit the influencer with paid partnerships for brands like Sunlighten Saunas, Q Care Plus and The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill.
Kim Cattrall and her new husband Russell Thomas made their first public appearance since secretly tying the knot as they attended Conner Ives' London Fashion Week show at Claridge's Hotel on Monday.

The Sex And The City star, 69, who walked down the aisle with the handsome BBC sound engineer, 54, in December, cut a chic figure in a faux fur trimmed coat.

Kim layered the beautifully embroidered look over a chic black ensemble which she teamed with a pair pointed leather boots.

Russell cut an equally stylish figure as he too dressed in black and wrapped up warm in a trench while cosying up to his gorgeous wife.

They were joined by the stunning model daughter of Kate Moss, Lila, 23, who turned heads in her kooky outfit.

The stunner wore a simple white T-shirt and pencil skirt which had both been embellished as she posed up a storm ahead of taking her seat in the front row.

Kim Cattrall and her new husband Russell Thomas made their first public appearance since secretly tying the knot as they attended Conner Ives' LFW show at Claridge's Hotel on Monday

The Sex and The City star, 69, who walked down the aisle with the handsome BBC sound engineer, 54, in December, cut a chic figure in a faux fur trimmed coat

Kim and Russell were first introduced at the BBC in London when she was appearing on an episode of Woman's Hour in 2016 to record an essay about insomnia.

They at Chelsea Old Town Hall in a ceremony that reportedly featured just 12 guests. You can read the full story here.

While speaking with The Times of London in June 2023, Kim gushed that she was 'very grateful' for her 'lovely' relationship.

She praised their 'nice life,' which came into focus after their initial meeting at the BBC.

She shared that Russell kept in touch with her after her appearance on the BBC Radio 4 show, and he followed her on Twitter (now X).

'He direct messaged me,' she told Glamour in 2018. 'It was very, very modern [and] its just been very easy.'

Things really began to heat up after he flew out to her home in Vancouver, Canada, to spend time with her.

'It was very brave of him because we didnt really know each other other than having a few meals together. But he came and we got along great,' she told People in 2020. 'And weve been together ever since!'

Kim layered the beautifully embroidered look over a chic black ensemble which she teamed with a pair pointed leather boots (Pictured with Lila Moss)

They were joined by the stunning model daughter of Kate Moss , Lila, 23, who turned heads in her kooky outfit

The stunner wore a simple white T-shirt and pencil skirt which had both been embellished

The stunner teased a glimpse of her toned midriff as she posed up a storm ahead of the show

(L-R) Kim Cattrall, Stephen Jones, Lila Moss and Alva Claire

Lila (L) cosied up for a snap with fellow model Kesewa Aboah (R)

Influencer Lola Clark put on a very racy display as she went braless beneath a vintage inspire fringe dress

Leaving little to the imagination she wrapped a faux fur shrug around her shoulders

Kim and Russell Thomas posed backstage

The actress bundled up in her furry trim coat

The pair looked in high spirits

Kim debuted her wedding band days before tying the knot as she and Russell attended London's Fashion Awards on December 1 (pictured)

Kim explained to The Times that, where her earlier relationships had been more 'instinctual,' her relationship with Thomas had a 'really gradual' progression.

'Our lives were so separate and so different,' Cattrall said. 'It's a nice life and I'm very grateful for that.'

Kim added that she and Russell had a 'true test' of their relationship when the coronavirus pandemic 'locked' them together, but now they move freely between the US, Canada and the UK.

'Im very comfortable around him,' She gushed to People in 2020.

'Hes a firecracker and hes got a wicked sense of humour. And hes easy on the eyes!'

Meanwhile Kim's former co-star Chris Noth took a swipe at his Sarah Jessica Parker while attending a charity event earlier this month.

The actor, 71, who is best known for playing Mr. Big in SATC, insisted he is 'lucky' that his character was killed off in the first episode of the widely-ridiculed spin-off, And Just Like That, following allegations of sexual assault from two women.

Lady Lola Bute (L) and Bella Tilbury (R) the niece of make-up mogul Charlotte Tilbury, were also in attendance

The glam ladies posed together before taking their front row seats

Lola was the epitome of chic as she slipped into a silky black gown with daring sideboob

Meanwhile Jordan Grant caught the eye in a animal print dress

(L-R) Annie Doble, Jazzy De Lisser, Bella Tilbury, Lola Bute and Olivia Pezzente

Noth exclusively told Daily Mail that he feels 'very good' he wasn't a bigger part of the now cancelled show, while attending the Blue Jacket Fashion Show in New York City, where he also walked the runway.

After his character was written off the show in the wake of the allegations, Parker, 60  along with the rest of the SATC cast  issued a statement making it clear that they stood with the women.

When asked if he had anything to say about what happened with Parker during a red carpet interview, he emphatically said 'no', before adding that it's 'over.'

Daily Mail has reached out to Parker's representative for comment.
Fantastic Four star Ioan Gruffudd told a court Monday of his horror at being publicly branded a 'child abuser, pedophile and drug addict' in Alice Evans's social media posts, as his trial against his ex-wife kicked off.

'It was devastating for me as a father to have that kind of false narrative out there,' the 52-year-old star said, on the first day of what is expected to be a grueling nine-day trial in which he is asking a judge to renew a restraining order against Evans, 57.

As Evans sat in the Los Angeles court, scrolling through phone texts and whispering with her attorney, Gruffudd recounted a barrage of incidents of harassment and abuse in which, he said, she:

Threatened to destroy him and his career by 'Amber Hearding' him (referring to Johnny Depp's bitter breakup with actress Amber Heard);

Hired a private detective to follow his new wife, Bianca Wallace;

Threatened him with physical violence;

Falsely claimed that he had been cheating with Wallace for three years before his marriage to Evans ended;

Threatened to accuse Wallace of a 'false crime so that she would be deported.'

Gruffudd, dressed in a dark blue suit and tie, shook his head and grimaced as he told the court that his former wife had told him in a text shortly after he filed for divorce that 'she was going to dedicate her life to fighting me.'

'I was incredibly upset and mortified,' he said, adding that, in other messages, she threatened to ruin his acting career, saying, 'You won't be an actor, baby, you'll just be begging for money.'

Ioan Gruffudd, 52, addressed the court on day one of his explosive nine-day trial against his ex-wife, Alice Evans, 57, on Monday, claiming her 'vicious' social media attacks that branded him a 'child abuser, pedophile and drug addict' impacted his relationship with his daughters

In court, Gruffudd described a series of harassment and abuse incidents by Evans, including attempts to destroy him and his career by 'Amber Hearding' him  referencing Johnny Depp's bitter breakup and trial with Amber Heard

On social media postings, he said, 'She accused me of being a child molester, a pedophile and a drug addict. She said I was out of my mind on sex and drugs and millennials.

'I was terrified by what that would do to my image and my career. I felt saddened and frustrated and helpless. It threatened my relationship with my children.

'I was very upset because I had been very generous in my support for the children and for Alice.'

Gruffudd accused Evans, who showed little emotion in a navy blue and white striped blouse that appeared to be on back to front, with her blonde hair tied in a bun, of creating a false narrative aimed at hurting his acting prospects.

He added: 'I was terrified, boy, what that would do [to] my image and my career. I felt saddened and frustrated and helpless... it threatened my relationship with my children.

'I was very upset because I had been very generous in my support for the children and for Alice.'

Gruffudd told the court that Evans's bitterness toward him after their split was so serious that 'she abandoned any idea of a settlement' and instead insisted that they sell their family home so that 'she would have the funds for litigation [to sue him].'

'She told me, "There's no going back now." I was devastated. I was scared. I was nervous. She was threatening my career and my future and how I was going to provide for my children.'

He said he was 'terrified' when Evans sent him a video that contained 'a threat of physical violence.'

Gruffudd called his wife, Bianca Wallace, 33, who he married in April last year, as a witness

He told the court that Evans's vitriol was also aimed at Wallace. 'Alice revealed to me that she had a private detective on Bianca,' he told the court, adding that Evans made up a 'false' story about Gruffudd cheating on her for three years before he filed for divorce.

Evans appeared on a TV talk show in which she told the same cheating 'false narrative,' and she was crying on the program, 'which was all an act,' Gruffudd went on. 'I know she was acting because when the show ended, she texted me and said, "How's it going? Want more?"

'I was very disturbed that she would go to these lengths to denigrate me and the way she was describing Bianca. I felt helpless.

'I was anxious that she would use my public image to create a scandal bigger than Brad and Angelina. I found that to be incredibly threatening.'

He said that in one text, Evans 'said she was going to create a false crime that Bianca perpetrated, and she would be deported.'

In another, he said she told him that he 'didn't have a clue how to bring up children' and threatened to 'call the police if he showed up to see his daughters.'

On one occasion, when he was dropping off his daughters after a scheduled visit, 'Alice began loudly berating and threatening and accusing me,' he said.

'She said she was going to destroy me and she was going to "Amber Heard" me. Then she said to the girls, "If daddy is ever weird or creepy with you in a physical way, please let me know."

Gruffudd and Evans reconvened on February 17 for a last-ditch bid to reach a truce, but talks ended in a stalemate. They are pictured arriving at a Los Angeles court in 2024

'Then she started screaming and yelling obscenities at the top of her lungs. She was so aggressive - out of control. It was very upsetting and disturbing.'

Gruffudds raven-haired new wife, Wallace, took the witness stand in the afternoon and recalled a harrowing string of social media posts by Evans that called her a ho, accused her of stealing her husband and revealed that Bianca suffers from multiple sclerosis.

The cruelty in her posts was horrendous, said Wallace, who wore a white jacket and black skin-tight pants and kept her composure during her testimony, despite the shocking content of the internet messages. They were outrageous.

Alice said that Ioan had been in a relationship with me for three years behind his familys back - I burst into tears when I read that because it was completely untrue.'

She and Gruffudd have always maintained that their relationship didnt start till after he filed for divorce from Evans.

Wallace added: She called me a stealer of husband - it was me who ruined her life and made her children cry.'

Gruffudd and Evans split in 2021 and went through a messy divorce that was finalized in 2023. Since then, they have been locked in a bitter feud over money and their daughters, Ella, 16, and Elsie, 12.

He accuses his ex of a 'relentless five-year campaign of harassment against him and Wallace, 33, with whom he had a baby girl, Mila, in November.

And he is asking the court to renew the restraining order that he and Wallace took out against Evans after they complained that she was 'stalking' them and trashing them online.

Evans denies any ongoing harassment and is asking Judge Michael Convey to refuse Gruffudd's request for a new restraining order.

She claims she is broke and wants the court to order Gruffudd to increase the $1,500 a month he gives her in spousal support and the $3,000 a month he pays in child support for their two girls.

Gruffudd says the youngsters have been 'poisoned and alienated' against him by their mother.

He wants to stop paying spousal support altogether, 'based upon Alice's 'persistent domestic abuse of him and her many violations of the [previous] restraining order.'

Gruffudd also maintains that he has already 'grossly overpaid' Evans in spousal support to the tune of $400,000.

On February 17, the two were given one final chance to end their bitter, years-long war before the trial kicked off.

Gruffudd is aiming to end spousal support and extend a restraining order to stop Evans from 'stalking' him and trashing him and Wallace, 33, with whom he has a three-month-old daughter

But the hearing ended at an impasse with neither side willing to give an inch, the Daily Mail can reveal.

The battling duo has met for several court-ordered settlement conferences, and while they reached an agreement on some issues, they could not bury the hatchet on two major points of contention.

During the final session, after hearing from their lawyers that they had had more 'meet-and-confer sessions' that also failed to end their disputes, Judge Convey urged Gruffudd and Evans to be 'civil' to one another and not to turn the upcoming trial into a knock-down-drag-out fight.

'You are represented by excellent attorneys  use those attorneys for the benefit of your family,' the judge told them.

'We don't need drama. We need to concentrate on the best interests of the children.'

According to filings related to the February 17 hearing, the drama has reached a boiling point due to several incidents over the years.

Gruffudd claims that, despite a previous three-year restraining order against her, Evans has waged an 'extensive and relentless five-year campaign of domestic abuse against him and Wallace.

Evans denies the accusations and opposes the restraining order, calling them 'simply not reasonable or credible.'

Her lawyer also argues that the recent comments she made on social media 'were not harassment - they were merely statements made by Alice about her life and current circumstances.'

Evans has also said she is struggling financially, claiming she and their daughters were evicted from their home for falling behind on rent. She also alleges she has been forced to sell her designer clothes and set up a GoFundMe account to raise money just to put food on the table.

Gruffudd and Evans, who have daughters Ella, 16, and Elsie, 13, finalized their divorce in 2023 and have since been locked in a bitter dispute over restraining orders, custody and money

But Gruffudd has disputed that account, claiming Evans 'purposely got herself evicted... to support her false public narrative of financial destitution in an attempt to further harm my reputation... as a fraudulent way to strong-arm me into paying more support than I can afford.'

He insists that Evans made more than $130,000 in 2024 and adds, 'Alice is capable of working full-time and earning a good living utilizing her many talents in a variety of jobs.'

Gruffudd reports earning about $575,000 annually, but Evans counters that he was making closer to $588,000 a year before their split.

She has also accused him of rarely, if ever, seeing their daughters, but Gruffudd claims she is to blame.

'Alice's intentional and extensive social media campaign to damage his earning capacity as an actor and over her jealousy of his wife Bianca Gruffudd have poisoned and alienated the girls' once-healthy relationship with their father,' his lawyer argues in the filing.

The former couple met on the set of 102 Dalmatians in 1999 and married in 2007

Gruffudd is demanding that Evans pay the $43,000 it cost him in legal fees to petition the court to renew the restraining order against her.

She has opposed the request, calling the amount 'unbelievable' and claiming she 'does not have the ability' to pay any more.

Evans and Gruffudd met on the set of the movie 102 Dalmatians more than 20 years ago. They fell in love and married in Mexico in 2007.

Gruffudd filed for divorce in March 2021, after Evans announced on social media that her husband of 14 years was leaving her. They were officially divorced in July 2023.
Holly Ramsay dressed to impress in a sexy black backless gown as she celebrated family friend Cruz Beckham's luxury 21st birthday bash.

The daughter of TV chef Gordon Ramsay, 26, took to Instagram to share a series of photos from the glamorous evening at The Maine in Mayfair.

Holly looked nothing short of sensational in the halterneck satin dress which showed off her amazing figure.

She added a pop of colour to the ensemble with a stylish lilac Victoria Beckham clutch and accessorised with a 7,950 Tiffany & Co. gold pearl ring.

Holly was all smiles as she posed up a storm solo in a green tiled room without new husband, Olympic swimmer Adam Peaty.

The TV personality also gave a glimpse of Victoria and David Beckham's youngest son's birthday meal which was complete with chicken wings and donuts.

She wrote: '12/10 menu'.

Holly Ramsay dressed to impress in a sexy black backless gown as she celebrated family friend Cruz Beckham's luxury 21st birthday bash

The daughter of TV chef Gordon Ramsay, 26, took to Instagram to share a series of photos from the glamorous evening at The Maine in Mayfair

It comes after Holly and husband Adam showed their support for her dad Gordon as they put on a united front at the TV chef's new Netflix show launch party on Monday.

The newlyweds looked happier than ever as they pushed aside their family drama with Adam's family to support Gordon and his new reality show.

Holly looked sensational in a burgundy strapless minidress which showed off her amazing figure as she posed with Adam at the bash held at Gordon's luxury Lucky Cat restaurant in London.

The influencer elevated her frame in a pair of silver heels and toted her belongings in a black handbag while British Olympic swimmer Adam donned a beige jumper and matching trousers.

The couple were all smiles as they posed on the red carpet and were joined by the Ramsays' close family friend Victoria Beckham.

Holly was also joined by some of her siblings, including Strictly star sister Tilly, 24, who looked incredible in a black gown and their six-year-old brother Oscar.

Gordon and wife Tana proudly posed with their children but noticeably missing was their daughter Megan, 27, Holly's twin brother Jack, 25, and two-year-old son Jesse.

During the night, the celebrity chef spoke to guests ahead of a special preview of his new Netflix reality show.

Holly looked nothing short of sensational in the halterneck satin dress which showed off her amazing figure

She added a pop of colour to the ensemble with a stylish lilac Victoria Beckham clutch and accessorised with a 7,950 Tiffany & Co. gold pearl ring

The TV personality also gave a glimpse of Victoria and David Beckham's youngest son's birthday meal which was complete with chicken wings and donuts

She wrote: '12/10 menu'

David and Victoria threw their youngest son Cruz a lavish early 21st birthday party at The MAINE in Mayfair, earlier this month as they celebrated with family and friends

Being Gordon Ramsay, which dropped on the streaming platform on Wednesday, follows his lead-up to opening his biggest restaurant ventures to date, the opening of five culinary experiences in one of Londons tallest buildings, 22 Bishopsgate.

The TV star will also open the doors to his home over a six-month window, where he balances challenges as a husband and father to six children.

It comes days after Gordon accused his son-in-law Adam's parents of 'self-propelling' negative stories ahead of their son's wedding after being labelled a 'bully' who 'pushed them too far'.

The celebrity chef watched eldest daughter Holly exchange vows with Olympic swimmer Adam in a lavish ceremony at Grade I listed Bath Abbey on December 27.

But the ceremony, which was attended by Ramsay's close friends David and Victoria Beckham, was overshadowed by an acrimonious family row that resulted in Peaty's own mother Caroline being ordered to stay away.

Gordon was subsequently labelled a bully by members of the Peaty family for claiming the fallout - the roots of which appear to lie in Caroline failing to get an invite for Holly's Soho Farmhouse hen-do - was 'self-inflicted'.

Responding to the claim, the chef, who walked his daughter down the aisle at Bath Abbey, told The Sun: 'I am certainly not a bully, and it is so appalling to even suggest there was any bullying,' he sighs.

'Thats absolute nonsense. It was sad to see that barrage of negativity that was self-propelled by them.

'But Adam is an incredible young lad and he and Holly are a wonderful, happy, young couple.'

Ramsay previously told the Daily Mail that he and his wife Tana had 'done nothing wrong' and despite reports suggesting otherwise had treated the Peaty family 'like royalty' during the build up to their son's wedding.

Newlyweds Holly and husband Adam Peaty looked happier than ever last week as they pushed aside their family drama with Adam's family to support Gordon and his new reality show

But one relative claimed the Ramsays' denial was a pack of lies and said the TV chef had now 'pushed the family too far'.

They said: 'How bl***y dare they. The sheer gall of them'.

'The Ramsays did not treat Caroline like royalty at all  they treated her as though she was nothing. They ignored her existence and not once did Mrs Ramsay return any of Caroline's texts.'

They told The Sun: 'The get together lunch they promised on the day of the engagement never materialised either.'

The Daily Mail have contacted Gordon Ramsay's representatives for comment.

Adam and Holly have returned home to the UK from their luxury honeymoon where they first jetted off on a 6,000-a-night trip to Mauritius, which was gifted to the couple by her famous parents, before heading to Australia and Singapore.

They tied the knot at Bath Abbey in December amid a bitter feud which saw his mother Caroline disinvited and sister Bethany the only relative in attendance.

Taking to his Stories Adam shared a loved-up snap of the newlyweds as he rocked a white vest and shades while sitting in a restaurant.

Meanwhile a beaming Holly teased a glimpse of her jaw-dropping figure in a crochet cover-up which she wore over a bright pink bikini.

The couple later tucked into a lavishly decorated dessert, complete with an edible photo of them on their wedding day.

Last week, Holly showed off her toned abs in a yellow bikini as she shared stunning beach snaps to social media.

Showing off her sun-kissed skin and glowing features, Holly looked happier than ever on her trip.

Adam married Holly Ramsay at Bath Abbey on December 27, but the service was overshadowed by a bitter fallout with his parents (pictured), who did not attend

The Daily Mail revealed earlier this month that Holly and Adam jetted off to the One&Only Le Saint Geran - one of the island's most prestigious five-star hotel and spa complexes.

The couple belatedly flew from London to Mauritius after delaying their 10-day escape while three-time Olympic gold medallist Adam took part in a swimming competition in Romania.

Shortly after arriving, the couple were seen hurrying down to the white sand beach, where Adam posed for selfies with locals.

One onlooker told the Daily Mail: 'They looked very loved-up and relaxed. Adam was happy to stop and chat and seemed in great spirits.'

Le Saint Geran, set on an idyllic private peninsula, offers suites that can soar in price to more than 6,000 a night.

The property, among the first luxury resorts built on the island in 1975, has attracted a glittering guest list over the years, including Nelson Mandela, George and Amal Clooney, Rihanna and the Prince and Princess of Wales.

Guests can even arrive by helicopter, landing on a pad just steps from the beach, while a chauffeur-driven luxury car service is also available.

Private villas on the palm tree dotted estate have reportedly sold for as much as $13.6million (10.1million).

The couple's no-expense-spared jaunt has been covered by Holly's father, Gordon, himself a repeat visitor to Le Saint Geran with wife, Tana.

Holly revealed to British Vogue that her parents had paid for the trip to Mauritius as a 'wedding present', in what could be viewed as a thinly veiled jibe at her husband's absent parents.

She said: 'We're going to Mauritius to just lie by the sea - that was our wedding present from my parents. I had to tell Adam we weren't basing our honeymoon around a 25-metre pool'

Prior to taking off from the UK, Holly shared a snap of her hand luggage showing off a Christian Dior handbag along with a pair of flippers and a snorkel.

She wrote: 'The most chic hand luggage, thanks to my husband.
Kylie Jenner wistfully remembered celebrity hairstylist Jesus Guerrero on the first anniversary of his tragic passing, at age 34, on Sunday.

The 28-year-old Kylie Cosmetics founder - who boasts 564.1 million social media followers - shared a b&w snap via Instastory captioned: '222 I miss you.'

Jenner had previously bought a small cake in honor her loyal glam squad member's heavenly birthday on August 23: 'Not a day goes by that we don't think about you @jesushair...you're forever loved and missed.'

Guerrero had reportedly shed 20lbs and was complaining of chills and hot flashes leading up to his unexpected death, which was caused by pneumonia and a fungal infection from AIDS-related complications.

The Kardashians producer-star and the son of immigrant parents' client Jennifer Lopez attended his Celebration of Life held in his native Houston, TX on March 30.

Kylie Jenner wistfully remembered celebrity hairstylist Jesus Guerrero on the first anniversary of his tragic passing, at age 34, on Sunday

The 28-year-old Kylie Cosmetics founder - who boasts 564.1 million social media followers - shared a b&w snap via Instastory captioned: '222 I miss you'

Last year, Guerrero's younger sister Gris confirmed in a GoFundMe update that Jenner offered to cover his 'funeral expenses and offering up all her help and support.'

As for the $96K the family raised from an $80K goal, Gris said the donations went 'toward the costs associated with securing his belongings home as well as other unexpected expenses to settle his assets.'

The Moment actress previously called Guerrero 'a true artist' whom she 'loved so much' in her original tribute, gushing: 'Jesus was more than my friend - he was a light in my life, a source of laughter, comfort, love, and unwavering support.

'I don't know how I would have made it through the last almost decade without him by my side. He had a way of making even the heaviest days feel lighter.'

Guerrero also handled the tresses of Katy Perry, Casandra 'Cassie' Fine, Rosalia, Demi Moore, Charli xcx, Camila Cabello, Dua Lipa, LISA, Jessica Alba and Shay Mitchell who wrote Sunday: 'Love you and miss you forever.'

Jenner will next serve arm-candy duties for her boyfriend Timothee Chalamet at the 32nd Actor Awards - airing March 1 on Netflix - where he's nominated for outstanding male actor in a leading role and outstanding cast in a motion picture.

The 30-year-old Marty Supreme star will also compete for two trophies - best picture and best actor in a leading role - at the 98th Academy Awards, which air March 15 on ABC/Hulu.

Jenner had previously bought a small cake in honor her loyal glam squad member's heavenly birthday on August 23: 'Not a day goes by that we don't think about you @jesushair...you're forever loved and missed'

Guerrero had reportedly shed 20lbs and was complaining of chills and hot flashes leading up to his unexpected death, which was caused by pneumonia and a fungal infection from AIDS-related complications

The Kardashians producer-star and the son of immigrant parents' client Jennifer Lopez (L, pictured in 2024) attended his Celebration of Life held in his native Houston, TX on March 30

Last year, Guerrero's younger sister Gris confirmed in a GoFundMe update that Jenner offered to cover his 'funeral expenses and offering up all her help and support'

The Moment actress previously called Guerrero 'a true artist' whom she 'loved so much' in her original tribute, gushing: 'Jesus was more than my friend - he was a light in my life, a source of laughter, comfort, love, and unwavering support'

Guerrero also handled the tresses of Katy Perry, Casandra 'Cassie' Fine, Rosalia, Demi Moore, Charli xcx, Camila Cabello, Dua Lipa, LISA, Jessica Alba and Shay Mitchell (L) who wrote Sunday: 'Love you and miss you forever'

Jenner will next serve arm-candy duties for her boyfriend Timothee Chalamet (L, pictured Sunday) at the 32nd Actor Awards - airing March 1 on Netflix - where he's up for two trophies

Chalamet thanked the Calabasas mother-of-two during his Critics Choice speech on January 4: 'To my partner of three years, thank you for our foundation, I love you.'

The coy couple - whose mutual friend is designer Haider Ackermann - met as far back as 2019 at Nobu Malibu, but they didn't confirm their romance until 2023.

The native New Yorker previously romanced his The King leading lady Lily-Rose Depp, Extrapolations actress Eiza Gonzalez and Madonna's eldest Lourdes Leon.
Rapper Luci4 has passed away at age 23.

A trailblazer in a niche genre of trap music called sigilkore, Luci4 - born James Dear - is behind the songs BodyPartz, All Eyez on Me, Ave Domina Lilith, and more.

His death was confirmed by his manager, Kayla G, who announced her client had died on Sunday, February 22.

The L.A. County Medical Examiner notes Luci4 passed at a private residence and with the cause of death being deferred.

Law enforcement sources told TMZ a crime scene was put in place by police when they arrived to the home where Luci4 had died, and his grandparents are now suspicious of his death.

The Los Angeles Fire Department arrived to the home at 11:40AM after receiving a medical call, however the individual had already passed when they arrived and police were contacted, the LAFD told TMZ.

Rapper Luci4 has passed away at age 23

A crime scene was established when police arrived, law enforcement sources told the publication.

An investigation is now underway and it's not yet known if foul play is being considered.

His grandparents have also said Luci4 died on February 22 while spending time at a friend's Los Angeles home. They are suspicious of his death.

They claimed that their grandson's wallet was emptied and that they had recently urged him to be mindful of his circle amid his rising fame.

Now they are awaiting an explanation from police.

Luci4's manager Kayla G revealed the loss with his followers, writing in a statement: 'I am devastated to inform you that today James, Luci4, axxturel has passed away. He was truly a leader. A king. And musician. And a genius.

'There's nobody like him and there will never be. We all loved him dearly. Rest easy.

'Please allow family and friends privacy and patience during this difficult time. Love you.'

A trailblazer in the sigilkore microgenre, Luci4 - born James Dear - is behind the songs BodyPartz, idk anymore, and more

In a statement shared with The Daily Mail, Kayla said of the loss: 'It has definitely been tough for friends and family.'

'I was the second person to find out he passed, I had to break the news to his mother and it was truly devastating. He was a self built artist who was such a kind and selfless person. As his manager and someone very close to him he was so creative and ambitious.

'We had so much love for each other, I was one of the only people in his life aside from a few friends that continued to look after him and gave efforts to make sure he had the right people around him. There will never be another artist who can create a genre (sigilkore) and change the course of music the same way he did.'

She added: 'In regards to his grandparents and the crime scene: Ive kept in close contact with the family since his passing. His death was sudden and is currently being investigated. We hadnt received the autopsy but the family and I have our thoughts/concerns but we are awaiting more information patiently so nobody comes to harmful conclusions.'

The Atlantic Records artist, who also goes by Axxturel and 4Jay, is described on his Spotify bio as a 'pioneer of Sigilkore,' a niche genre of trap music dating back to the late 2010s originating from Soundcloud's underground scene.

His signature style is marked by 'dark, brooding lo-fi atmosphere, intricate and disorienting production, and pitched-up vocals layered with various DAW effects and tricks,' according to his bio.

Visually, his art features heavy references to the devil, according to Pitchfork, with the visualizer for BodyPartz featuring a soldier unsuccessfully facing off against a demon.

Luci4's music won over TikTokers, with a few of his songs going viral on the platform - including BodyPartz, which was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America in 2024.
Countryfile star Anita Rani continued to showcase her glamorous Fashion Week transformation as she attended the star-studded Burberry show on Monday.

Hours after impressing in a daring dress, the presenter, 48, paid homage to the designer with her chic look for the show at 1 Old Billingsgate Walk in London.

Anita opted for a stylish grey trouser suit with one of Burberry's famous scarves draped over her shoulder.

The radio star accessorised her look with a tan leather handbag as she joined stars including Iris Law and Marisa Abela at the show.

Earlier in the day, Anita swapped her comfy Countryfile tweed for a racy dress at the Raw Mango show.

Anita, who has presented the BBC country life show since 2015, added extra height to her frame with pointed patent heels and posed up a storm ahead of taking her seat in the front row.

Countryfile star Anita Rani continued to showcase her glamorous Fashion Week transformation as she attended the star-studded Burberry show on Monday

Hours after impressing in a daring dress, the presenter paid homage to the designer with one of their signature scarves and a grey double-breasted suit for the show

Her appearance comes after she condemned Jacob Elordi for tortured anti-hero Heathcliff in the new Wuthering Heights, because the Australian actor is white.

The Celebrity Race Across The World star claims that Emily Bronte wrote Heathcliff as a non-white character in her 1847 gothic masterpiece.

'At the time, Britain was at the height of the colonial expansion,' says Yorkshire-born Rani. 'This tiny island was getting very rich from doing some very dark things around the world.

'Meanwhile in West Yorkshire, Emily and her two sisters were almost certainly not sitting around crocheting and dreaming of handsome princes.

'They knew all about this because they were educated, they were reading the papers, they were thinking, they were writing and they were raging, and it's in the characters in their books.

'They're women, they are independent, they're clever, they're passionate, they defy convention and they are questioning everything, particularly Victorian morality, which is why it's important that Heathcliff isn't white. It's on the page, and what it does it changes everything. Think about it.'

Heathcliff is described as 'dark-skinned' or 'gypsy in aspect', and as having 'black eyes' by Bronte, who also writes at one point that his 'face is as white as the wall behind him'.

Director Emerald Fennell, who won an Oscar for Promising Young Woman, has stressed that Wuthering Heights is her personal interpretation of how she imagined the novel as a teenager.

Earlier in the day, Anita swapped her comfy Countryfile tweed for a racy dress at the Raw Mango show

The TV host appeared to go braless beneath the daringly plunging cream number which also boasted a black ruffled neckline (Pictured right on Countryfile)

Anita and new boyfriend Alex Lavery made their public debut in September last year during London Fashion Week, where they were spotted beaming at each other.

Anita's new relationship comes two years after she ended her 14-year marriage to technology executive Bhupinder Rehal in September 2023.

A year on, in September 2024, she said that 'life is good' and that she felt like she was entering 'chapter two' of her life.

She told Love Sunday Magazine: 'Life is good, I'm in a good place. I'm focusing on myself and my own wants.

'It's nice to be able to think about the second phase of my life. I've been calling it Chapter Two.'

Anita met her former husband at a rave in east London and married in a Sikh ceremony back in 2009, before splitting last September, believed to be as a result of their hectic schedules.

Anita is dressed in more comfortable attire on the BBC show, which she has hosted since 2015

A source told The Mirror at the time: 'It's really sad but they've decided to separate. Their hectic schedules over the past couple of years have sadly meant they've drifted apart over time'.

Anita admitted she'd found 'freedom' after getting divorced in a candid piece for The Sunday Times, and explained how she has been navigating single life in her forties.

Anita, who was born and raised in Bradford, West Yorkshire by an Indian-born Hindu father and an Indian-born Sikh mother, also revealed how her upbringing had impacted her approach to life.

She confessed that her family believed divorce to be a 'cardinal sin', and while she admitted it 'isn't easy to talk about', she wanted to detail how she feels about her life now so 'that I am answerable to no one'.
New light has been shed on the financial struggles Eric Dane was facing as a result of his ALS battle - amid backlash over a GoFundMe launched in support of his daughters.

The Grey's Anatomy star's death at age 53 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.

A GoFundMe was created for Dane's two daughters following his death, and now a source close to the late actor's family has revealed why they moved ahead with the fundraiser.

TMZ reports that Dane had been hit with significant medical bills during his health ordeal, prompting friends to create the fundraiser for the sake of his daughters.

The Daily Mail has contacted a representative for Dane for comment but have not yet heard back.

Dane is survived by widow Rebecca Gayheart as well as their two teenage daughters Billie, 15, and Georgia, 13.

Eric Dane was reportedly facing major medical bills as he sought to overcome his battle with ALS ahead of his death at age 53; pictured June 2025

Although Dane split from Gayheart in 2017, they retained a close bond as they raised their daughters Billie, 15, and Georgia, 13, and never finalized the divorce, which they called off altogether just before he revealed he had ALS.

Gayheart posted a slew of photos remembering Dane over the weekend, as did his girlfriend Janell Shirtcliff.

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 $418,965 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 come to the defense of the fundraiser.

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.

Join the debate What's your take on the backlash against fundraisers for celebrities?

Dane's death at age 53 was announced last week and a GoFundMe was launched shortly thereafter in support of his daughters

Dane is survived by widow Rebecca Gayheart as well as their two teenage daughters Billie, 15, and Georgia, 13

'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.'

But the fundraiser faced backlash from those skeptical over the A-lister in need of financial assistance.

'This man is an actor who Im sure has money,' one noted on X.

'Im truly sorry that James Van Der Beek & Eric Dane passed away. But, whats with the GoFundMe for their families/children? Both were multimillionaires. Dont tell me neither of them had life insurance. Us non-elites figure out how to go on. So must they,' one wrote.

Over the weekend, a close friend of Dane defended the fundraiser.

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.'

A friend has since defended the GoFundMe launched in support of Dane's daughters

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.'

Gayheart also took to her Instagram stories to respond to the outpouring of support on the GoFundMe and typed out, 'Thank you to everyone.'

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.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor charged taxpayers for massages while working as the UK's trade envoy, a retired civil servant has claimed.

The former member of staff, who worked in the UK's trade department in the early 2000s, said the disgraced royal successfully expensed the treatment as well as excessive travel costs during his time in the role between 2001 and 2011.

The civil servant alleged he was so annoyed by Andrew's request that he'd refused to pay for the massage, but was 'overruled' by senior staff.

'I thought it was wrong I'd said we mustn't pay it, but we ended up paying it anyway,' he told the BBC.

The Department for Business and Trade declined to comment on the claim. Andrew has always denied any personal gain from his role as trade envoy.

But a former senior Whitehall official, who oversaw finances, said he saw similar expenses for Andrew's trips, adding he had 'absolutely no doubt' about the massage claims.

From envoy to suspect

The allegations come after Andrew was arrested amid an early morning raid on his Wood Farm home in Sandringham on Thursday - with calls for King Charles to admit how much he knew of his brother's alleged wrongdoing.

The former Duke of York is accused of sharing sensitive information with financier Jeffrey Epstein during his time as special representative for international trade and investment.

Since his arrest, fresh allegations against Andrew include:

The picture of him on all fours over a woman is from his 2010 'goodbye' trip to Epstein's New York apartment

His right-hand man David Stern joked about having sexual intercourse on Epstein's island after the billionaire was convicted of soliciting a minor for prostitution

Epstein tried to broker a deal with an American investment firm that would have netted Andrew a 1million advance

In a video-taped interview under oath in 2009, Epstein's former Florida housekeeper Juan Alessi said Andrew would have 'daily massages' when he visited.

Speaking about the alleged use of taxpayers' money for massages during his time as the UK's trade envoy, the whistleblower said: 'I can't say it would have stopped him, but we should have flagged that something was wrong.'

Massages on the map

The separate Whitehall official, who said Andrew claimed for excessive flights, hotel rooms and charges for his entourage, said: 'I couldn't believe it... it was like it wasn't real money, they weren't spending any of their own money.'

Andrew's role as trade representative was unpaid, but he received taxpayer funding for his overseas trips, as well as the support of civil servants.

In 2010, the former prince's right-hand man David Stern joked about having sexual intercourse on Jeffrey Epstein's island, emails released by the US Department of Justice revealed.

German investor Mr Stern, who went on to become Andrew's closest business advisor, sent the email after Epstein was convicted of soliciting a minor for prostitution, The Telegraph reported.

In their correspondence, Mr Stern and Epstein often used the letter 'P' as a derogatory term to describe young women - with emails from November 2010 showing they also used the term when discussing having sexual intercourse on the billionaire's island.

The Cantor Fitzgerald plot

Mr Stern wrote that if he wanted sexual intercourse, he would go to Little Saint James, referred to as LSJ, Epstein's hideaway in the US Virgin Islands.

The 72-acre island is at the centre of some of the most serious allegations of abuse from Epstein's underage victims.

In the same year, Andrew was allegedly photographed on all fours over a woman on the floor during his 'goodbye' trip to Epstein's apartment in New York.

Amid the release of the Epstein files, a photo of the former duke bending over the woman was released.

The photo was likely from Andrew's five-day visit to New York in 2010, a Sun on Sunday investigation revealed on Saturday, which Andrew claimed was the last time he had contact with his financier friend.

Following Andrew's arrest, emails released by the US Department of Justice also appeared to reveal how Epstein tried to broker a deal with an American investment firm that would have netted the duke a 1million advance.

The former prince would have also received a 40 per cent cut of future profits in the link-up with Cantor Fitzgerald, with the same amount going to the firm and the remaining 20 per cent to German business consultant David Stern, according to one proposed version.

Waiving immunity

The plan to use Andrew's connections to introduce 'asset management firms, sovereign wealth funds, institutional investors and high net worth individuals', reported by the Daily Telegraph, was discussed by Epstein and Stern in autumn 2013.

This was almost three years after the then Duke of York claimed to have severed ties with the billionaire.

The ten-year agreement, which did not ultimately go ahead, would have seen the advance paid to Urramoor, a company owned by Andrew through a trust.

Fees from introductions would have paid off the loan.

In email exchanges between Epstein and Stern, the men discussed the terms of the deal.

Stern wrote at one point: 'Instead of 50/50, can we do 40/40/20? 20 for me?'

He added: 'This is original PA idea.'

Epstein replied 'yes' and Stern wrote 'dankeschon'.

The terms were reportedly sent over by Howard Lutnick, the chairman and chief executive of Cantor Fitzgerald, who is now Donald Trump's secretary of commerce and has faced scrutiny for his links to Epstein.

The draft agreement also appears to say Andrew would have to waive sovereign immunity for any breaches of the agreement.

From Cambridge to the palace

This would allow legal action against him if there were a dispute.

Andrew has always denied wrongdoing in relation to the Epstein case.

Stern recently resigned from his post at the University of Cambridge's Judge Business School.

He stepped down with 'immediate effect' after the school was asked about his relationship with the disgraced financier.

Following the string of fresh allegations and evidence against Andrew, the Royal Family is facing calls to reveal how much they knew about his behaviour prior to his arrest.

The Mail on Sunday revealed how Charles was warned as long ago as 2019 that the Royal Family's name was being 'abused' by Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor'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 financier.

The Daily Mail has contacted Andrew for comment.

The Department for Business and Trade declined to comment.

Share your thoughts with us in the comments

Ghislaine Maxwell's family responds to Andrew's arrest saying they were 'astonished'

The family of Ghislaine Maxwell have said they were 'astonished' to see Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrested.

The convicted [sexual] trafficker's family called for 'transparency' and 'evidence' which they claimed the disgraced British socialite 'never received'.

They added that the former prince is 'entitled to the presumption of innocence and a fair process'.

Epstein's longtime girlfriend Maxwell is serving a 20-year prison sentence in Texas after she was convicted of trafficking young girls to Epstein in 2021. She is the only associate of his who has been jailed.

Andrew was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office on his 66th birthday yesterday after plain-clothed officers swooped on his Norfolk home in an 8am raid.

The shamed former royal spent 11 hours in police custody before being released under investigation, with his brother, the King, insisting Andrew should be subject to the full force of British justice, saying: 'The law must take its course.'

Maxwell's family posted on the X account titled Real Ghislaine, saying: 'Astonished to see Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrested today over alleged misconduct in public office linked to material from the so-called Epstein 'Files'.

'He is entitled to the presumption of innocence and a fair process - which our sister Ghislaine never received.

'We need transparency, evidence, and the same rules for everyone - not trial by media and political expediency.'

In millions of pages of documents released by the US Department of Justice, Andrew appeared to share reports of official visits to Hong Kong, Vietnam and Singapore with Epstein.

Continue reading about Maxwell's family here:
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.

Calls for Andrew to Be Kept Away From the Throne

You cannot have someone who has lied through his teeth to the British public, who maintained a close friendship with a convicted sexual offender, 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 sexual 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 sexual 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.

Indelible Images and the Question of Character

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 Tarnished Reputation the Monarchy Cannot Risk

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.

Why Removal Is About Principle, Not Probability

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.

A Voluntary Exit From the Line of Succession

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.
When it comes to burritos, size does matter.

In an economy where food seems to be ever-growing in price and not at all in size, it's certainly no time to 'go light on' anything.

Chipotle customers especially are hardly visiting the Mexican food chain for a small snack. It's far more likely that they want loaded bowls, stuffed burritos, and brimming tacos.

This is why one Chipotle customer - a struggling college student no less - was devastated to receive a burrito from the fast food joint that was barely the size of his palm.

The customer, who said they rarely treat themselves to Chipotle, was 'heated' after they spent $12.28 on the tiny burrito.

They shared two pictures of the underwhelming meal on Reddit, one in which the burrito was wrapped in gold foil, and one without.

'I am upset. I thought the [gold] wrapping made it look small but no,' the customer wrote.

The burrito was filled with one of Chipotle's signature proteins - barbacoa, a shredded beef dish known for its smoky and spicy flavor - and was purchased at a location in La Jolla, California.

A college student was devastated to receive a burrito from Chipotle that was barely the size of his palm

The customer, who said they rarely treat themselves to Chipotle, was 'heated' after they spent $12.28 on the tiny burrito

'I got barbacoa, rice, beans, cheese, lettuce, and salsa, just coming out of a midterm as well,' the customer said. 'Ive never had portions be a problem at chipotle and this is my first time.'

Others were equally outraged by the measly burrito.

'Yeah thats a f**king rip off, I hate Chipotle,' one user wrote.

'Nah I would 100% get replacement lol,' someone else said.

Another slammed the college student for getting their Mexican food from a chain: 'You're in California. So many local authentic taquerias why go to Chipotle?'

Someone else came up with a solution to the underwhelming portion size: 'Next time just get a bowl and a side tortilla then roll your own.'

As did another user: 'Next time, order through the app. You can select extra of everything that doesn't cost money. Also, order a burrito bowl with a tortilla on the side and make your own burrito with leftovers.'

While some have fumed over Chipotle's shrinking portions - others have welcomed them.

Chipotle's burritos are typically far larger than the one the customer received

Chipotle customers especially are hardly visiting the Mexican food chain for a small snack. It's far more likely that they want loaded bowls, stuffed burritos, and brimming tacos

The burrito was filled with one of Chipotle's signature proteins - barbacoa, a shredded beef dish known for its smoky and spicy flavor

Late last year, the chain launched a GLP-1-friendly menu with smaller, higher-protein options.

The menu featured various items like special protein cups and high-fiber bowls - such as the High Protein Cup with Adobo Chicken, a four-ounce side chicken 'packed with flavor' coming in at 180 calories and 32g of protein starting at $3.50.

'With the rise of GLP-1s and a broader focus on macronutrients, Chipotle's new High Protein Menu offers more ways for guests to get the protein they want in the portions that work for them, whether that is a lighter bite or a more substantial build,' a press release about the new items said.

Chipotle's CEO was slammed last week for saying on an earnings call that the company is seeing encouraging results from recently implemented price hikes, reinforcing management's confidence that they can continue raising prices in a measured way without significantly dampening demand.
Thousands of cut-price products line the shelves at Costco. But shoppers say one staple stands out for its value.

Fans of Costco say families stocking up on bocks Tillamook cheese can pay for the $65 annual membership fee on its own. That is because it is so much cheaper than normal stores.

Costco shoppers say they often find 2.5 pound blocks at Costco for $5.95.

When one member spotted the deal, they bought 17 blocks - 34 pounds in total - to cover their cheese needs for the year.

'You never see Tillamook Sharp Cheddar for less than $9 on its best sale, and it usually sells for $10 to $11,' the user wrote on Reddit, adding that the Costco price was far better than what they had seen at other retailers.

But even at Costco's normal regular price, it can pay for itself.

Experts at Business Insider recently compiled a list of the best Costco purchases for recouping the membership fee - and the Tillamook cheese made the cut.

They created a 'payback score' to measure how much of the $65 fee could be offset by buying a single item at Costco for one year instead of at a traditional retailer.

Thousands of cut-price products line the shelves at Costco. But loyal shoppers say one item in particular stands out for its value

Experts recently compiled a list of the best Costco purchases for recouping the membership fee - and the Tillamook cheese made the cut

A payback score of 100 means the savings cover the full fee, 200 means they cover twice the fee, and 50 means they cover half. This is a conservative estimate because it assumes you buy nothing else at Costco, which is unlikely.

According to the analysis, Costco typically sells 2.5-pound blocks of Tillamook cheddar for about $4 per pound - roughly $2.60 less than at typical grocery stores.

If a household consumes half a pound per week, or about 25 pounds per year, the annual savings nearly cover the cost of membership, resulting in a payback score of 102.

However, the biggest savings were found in the pet aisle. A 38-pound bag of Blue Buffalo dog food costs about $65 at Costco, compared with roughly $111 at a regular store.

That means the membership fee is effectively covered in fewer than two purchases. Buying the product 10 times per year would generate savings that far exceed the annual fee.

Costco also offers its highly rated Kirkland brand dog food for around $35 for a 40-pound bag.

Diapers rank next. A large pack of Huggies diapers costs about $50 at Costco, compared with approximately $70 for the same 156-count pack at other retailers.

At that price difference, the membership fee would be covered in fewer than four purchases.

Join the debate Is it fair that you need a membership just to access basic household savings like these at Costco?

Fans of the warehouse retailer recommend stocking up on Tillamook Medium or Sharp Cheddar, typically priced at around $11.23, though prices vary by location

While the $65 annual fee for a basic Costco membership can deter some shoppers, fans of the members-only warehouse club argue that stocking up on staples like cheddar cheese can quickly offset the cost

The $65 price of a Costco membership is enough to deter many people from shopping at the famously discounted emporium

Buying one pack per month would result in savings that exceed the fee several times over. Costco also sells its own Kirkland brand diapers at an even lower per-diaper cost.

Baby formula is another major money-saver. Large containers of Similac sell for around $55 at Costco - about $13 less than at typical stores.

The membership fee would be covered after five purchases, and buying one per month would yield a payback score of 240.

Costco also offers generic baby formula at roughly half the per-unit price, produced by the same supplier that manufactures store-brand formulas for other retailers.

Coffee beans are another standout bargain. Costco sells Starbucks Pike Place coffee for about $8.40 per pound, compared with roughly $12 elsewhere.

The savings would cover the membership fee after nine purchases, or 18 pounds.

For a household that drinks 30 pounds per year, the payback score reaches 166. The retailer also carries local and specialty coffees at competitive prices.

Bacon lovers can also stretch their dollars further. While preferences vary, comparable thick-cut bacon costs around $4.33 per pound at Costco versus about $8 per pound at a typical Midwest grocery store.

One of the biggest saving items on offer is pet food

Bacon is another great way to get the most bang for your buck with a Costco membership

With three pounds per pack, shoppers save roughly $11 per purchase - enough to cover the membership fee after six purchases.

A household buying 15 pounds annually, or five packs, would achieve a payback score of 85.

Other items with high payback scores include chicken stock, Greek yogurt, paper goods such as toilet tissue and paper towels, pasta, water filters, dishwasher pods, HVAC filters, contact lens solution, allergy medication, cooking oil, laundry detergent and vitamins.

Another popular way members maximize value is by visiting the warehouse's food court, where $1.50 buys Costco's signature hot dog and soda combo.

Purchasing roughly one combo per month - 14.4 per year -would also amount to $65 in savings compared with similar offerings at other fast-food chains.
Tipping culture in America is once again under the spotlight - and this time a viral Dennys receipt is at the center of the storm.

The incident centers on a server, who employed what some are calling a clever - and risky - tactic to boost their gratuity.

The customer told the server to 'round up to $70' on a check that originally totaled $55.25 before tax - with the rest as a tip. After tax, that would have left a tip of just over $10.

The server then applied a 25 percent employee discount, reducing the bill to $44.79. This meant the worker walked away with a $25.21 tip, while the restaurant received $13.84 less than it otherwise would have.

A photo of the receipt quickly went viral on X and Reddit, with some users slamming the employee's move and warning that it could be grounds for termination. Others, however, saw no issue.

'The customer stated willingness to pay $70. The customer paid exactly $70, as expected,' one commenter wrote on Reddit.

'The employee just scammed their boss out of $13.84 that would have gone to the restaurant. The customer has nothing to complain about here.

'The employer, well, they may not like it, or maybe the location manager doesn't give a damn - but not the customer.'

In a Reddit thread titled 'end tipping,' a user posted a photo of a Denny's check showing that a customer had asked a worker to round the total up to $70

Stock image of a Dennys server delivering plates to a family. The person pictured is not connected to the incident described in this story

Another Redditor added: 'Good! The business steals from the employees all the time using legal but immoral tactics.

'I don't encourage stealing, but if someone does it regardless, good on them. Besides, did they really steal? I mean the employee used a discount they are entitled to. But this time, instead of food, they got $.'

Meanwhile, someone else wrote: 'Im against tipping and im not even mad at this. Customer literally payed $70 regardless.'

The viral post comes amid broader scrutiny of tipping practices across the country.

Recently, another receipt shared online sparked backlash - but this time, it was the restaurant's official policy under fire.

Burdell, which was crowned the best restaurant in the country in 2025 by Food & Wine, has faced criticism over a message printed at the bottom of its receipts.

The Oakland establishment was praised for its 'totally fresh take on California soul food' and homestyle dishes serving up 'slow-simmered nostalgia.' But some diners have taken issue with its automatic 20 percent service charge - and the explanation accompanying it.

'Tipping in the US has an ugly past, allowing the continuation of underpaid labor,' the note reads.

'We don't like that history. Included on your check is a 20 percent service charge, which we use to pay hourly staff a consistent and livable wage - not dependent on archaic tipping customs or chance. No need to add anything else.'

Tipping culture in America is ever a hot topic. And now a recently surfaced restaurant receipt has reignited the debate. The incident centers on a server at Denny's

The automatic charge - and the reference to tipping's historical roots - sparked fury online.

In a now-deleted Reddit post that went viral, a customer shared a photo of a Burdell receipt highlighting the 20 percent service fee.

A similar complaint surfaced on Facebook from diners Andrian and Mirela, who posted a photo of their February 1 bill showing a total of $161 before the automatic charge was added.

Despite the backlash, Burdell owner and chef Geoff Davis told the Daily Mail that the policy is clearly communicated and that the restaurant does not request additional tips.

'For too long, restaurant workers have been vulnerable. In many states, people are paid a sub-minimum wage starting at $2.13 an hour,' he said, defending the decision.

'In this country, the origins of tipping are divisive, and tipping doesn't work. It places the risk of financial harm on the employee.'

Davis, who opened Burdell in 2023 following a successful run as a pop-up, said he has no plans to change the policy despite the criticism.

Burdell is far from alone. Across the US, a growing number of restaurants have adopted automatic 20 percent service charges, arguing that the model guarantees higher, more stable wages and moves away from the traditional tipping system.

While some diners view the practice as excessive, it is becoming an increasingly common - and sometimes mandatory - feature of dining out in America.
N-able (NYSE:NABL  Free Report) had its price objective cut by BMO Capital Markets from $9.50 to $5.50 in a research note issued to investors on Friday morning, MarketBeat reports. They currently have a market perform rating on the stock.

A number of other equities analysts also recently commented on the stock. B. Riley Financial assumed coverage on shares of N-able in a research note on Friday, January 23rd. They set a buy rating and a $10.00 target price on the stock. Royal Bank Of Canada lifted their price target on shares of N-able from $9.00 to $10.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Friday, November 7th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a sell (d) rating on shares of N-able in a report on Thursday, January 22nd. Wall Street Zen cut N-able from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research note on Saturday, December 6th. Finally, Zacks Research downgraded N-able from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday, January 27th. Four analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, three have issued a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $7.75.

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N-able Stock Performance

Shares of N-able stock opened at $4.78 on Friday. N-able has a one year low of $4.47 and a one year high of $10.41. The company has a market cap of $889.73 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -53.06 and a beta of 0.60. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.48, a quick ratio of 1.27 and a current ratio of 1.19. The businesss 50 day moving average price is $6.58 and its 200 day moving average price is $7.37.

N-able (NYSE:NABL  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, February 19th. The company reported $0.06 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.10 by ($0.04). N-able had a negative net margin of 3.33% and a positive return on equity of 3.17%. The company had revenue of $130.27 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $127.07 million. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company earned $0.10 earnings per share. The firms quarterly revenue was up 11.8% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, research analysts predict that N-able will post 0.27 EPS for the current year.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On N-able

Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. Sunriver Management LLC lifted its stake in shares of N-able by 39.7% in the second quarter. Sunriver Management LLC now owns 6,398,641 shares of the companys stock worth $51,829,000 after acquiring an additional 1,817,978 shares in the last quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP raised its position in shares of N-able by 7.0% in the 4th quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 4,296,098 shares of the companys stock valued at $32,136,000 after purchasing an additional 282,584 shares in the last quarter. ArrowMark Colorado Holdings LLC boosted its stake in shares of N-able by 3.3% during the 3rd quarter. ArrowMark Colorado Holdings LLC now owns 3,157,615 shares of the companys stock valued at $24,629,000 after buying an additional 100,539 shares during the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC grew its position in shares of N-able by 4.4% during the second quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 1,732,516 shares of the companys stock worth $14,035,000 after buying an additional 73,405 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Crescent Park Management L.P. raised its holdings in N-able by 0.8% in the second quarter. Crescent Park Management L.P. now owns 1,310,560 shares of the companys stock valued at $10,616,000 after acquiring an additional 10,071 shares in the last quarter. 96.35% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Key Headlines Impacting N-able

Here are the key news stories impacting N-able this week:

Positive Sentiment: Revenue beat and growth momentum: N-able reported Q4 revenue of $130.27M, +11.8% yearoveryear and above estimates, which investors viewed favorably and helped lift the stock. Article Title

Revenue beat and growth momentum: N-able reported Q4 revenue of $130.27M, +11.8% yearoveryear and above estimates, which investors viewed favorably and helped lift the stock. Positive Sentiment: Company guidance and ARR ambition: N-able set 2026 ARR target of $581M$586M and issued FY and Q1 revenue ranges (FY $554M$559M; Q1 $131M$132M) that were roughly in line or above consensus, supporting the growth narrative and AI/security tailwinds. Article Title

Company guidance and ARR ambition: N-able set 2026 ARR target of $581M$586M and issued FY and Q1 revenue ranges (FY $554M$559M; Q1 $131M$132M) that were roughly in line or above consensus, supporting the growth narrative and AI/security tailwinds. Neutral Sentiment: Investor materials and call access: Management released the earnings slide deck and the full earnings call transcript, which provide detail for investors to judge margin recovery and ARR cadence. Slide Deck Call Transcript

Investor materials and call access: Management released the earnings slide deck and the full earnings call transcript, which provide detail for investors to judge margin recovery and ARR cadence. Negative Sentiment: EPS miss and margin pressure: N-able reported EPS of $0.06 vs. consensus $0.10, and net margin remains negative, which tempers the upside from revenue strength. Article Title

EPS miss and margin pressure: N-able reported EPS of $0.06 vs. consensus $0.10, and net margin remains negative, which tempers the upside from revenue strength. Negative Sentiment: Analyst pricetarget cuts: Needham trimmed its PT from $10 to $8 but kept a Buy; BMO cut its PT from $9.50 to $5.50 and moved to Market Performsuggesting some skepticism on nearterm upside and valuation. Needham Coverage BMO Coverage

N-able Company Profile

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N-able (NYSE:NABL) is a cloud-based software provider specializing in solutions for managed service providers (MSPs). The companys platform offers remote monitoring and management (RMM), backup and disaster recovery, endpoint detection and response (EDR), security information and event management (SIEM), and automation tools. By integrating these services into a unified interface, N-able enables MSPs to streamline IT operations, enhance security posture, and deliver proactive maintenance across on-premises, cloud, and hybrid environments.

Headquartered in Toronto, Canada, N-able traces its origins to the managed services division of SolarWinds before completing a spin-off and initial public offering in mid-2021.

Further Reading

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Clarivate (NYSE:CLVT  Get Free Report) is projected to release its Q4 2025 results before the market opens on Tuesday, February 24th. Analysts expect Clarivate to post earnings of $0.16 per share and revenue of $604.7930 million for the quarter. Individuals may review the information on the companys upcoming Q4 2025 earning report for the latest details on the call scheduled for Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at 9:00 AM ET.

Clarivate Stock Performance

NYSE:CLVT opened at $1.76 on Monday. The companys 50-day moving average price is $2.86 and its 200-day moving average price is $3.49. The company has a current ratio of 0.87, a quick ratio of 0.87 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.90. The company has a market cap of $1.17 billion, a P/E ratio of -3.09 and a beta of 1.51. Clarivate has a twelve month low of $1.72 and a twelve month high of $4.98.

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Insiders Place Their Bets

In other Clarivate news, insider Bar Veinstein sold 309,902 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Monday, December 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $3.74, for a total transaction of $1,159,033.48. Following the completion of the sale, the insider owned 848,811 shares of the companys stock, valued at $3,174,553.14. This trade represents a 26.75% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Insiders own 23.18% of the companys stock.

Institutional Trading of Clarivate

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. Cetera Investment Advisers lifted its position in Clarivate by 11.2% in the second quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers now owns 26,034 shares of the companys stock valued at $112,000 after buying an additional 2,617 shares during the last quarter. California State Teachers Retirement System raised its stake in shares of Clarivate by 0.9% in the 2nd quarter. California State Teachers Retirement System now owns 303,147 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,304,000 after acquiring an additional 2,788 shares during the period. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. raised its stake in shares of Clarivate by 3.9% in the 3rd quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 77,275 shares of the companys stock valued at $296,000 after acquiring an additional 2,884 shares during the period. Hsbc Holdings PLC lifted its holdings in shares of Clarivate by 4.3% in the 2nd quarter. Hsbc Holdings PLC now owns 116,648 shares of the companys stock worth $500,000 after acquiring an additional 4,792 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Advisory Services Network LLC boosted its position in shares of Clarivate by 6.7% during the 3rd quarter. Advisory Services Network LLC now owns 85,200 shares of the companys stock worth $326,000 after purchasing an additional 5,371 shares during the period. 85.72% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

A number of research analysts have weighed in on the stock. Wall Street Zen raised shares of Clarivate from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Saturday, February 7th. The Goldman Sachs Group cut Clarivate from a buy rating to a neutral rating and cut their price target for the company from $4.20 to $3.60 in a report on Thursday, January 8th. Weiss Ratings reissued a sell (e+) rating on shares of Clarivate in a research note on Monday, December 29th. Finally, Morgan Stanley restated an underweight rating and issued a $3.00 target price (down from $5.00) on shares of Clarivate in a report on Wednesday, December 17th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Hold rating and two have assigned a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, Clarivate currently has an average rating of Reduce and an average price target of $3.70.

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About Clarivate

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Clarivate plc is a global information and analytics company that provides insights and workflow solutions to accelerate the pace of innovation. The company delivers proprietary data, analytics, and expertise to support research and development in the life sciences, intellectual property management, academic institutions, government agencies, and corporations. Its core offerings include citation and patent databases, drug pipeline analytics, trademark research tools, regulatory compliance solutions, and market intelligence platforms.

Originally part of Thomson Reuters Intellectual Property & Science division, Clarivate was established as an independent entity in 2016 following a spin-off transaction.

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ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP  Get Free Report) was downgraded by equities research analysts at Wall Street Zen from a hold rating to a sell rating in a report issued on Saturday.

A number of other research analysts have also recently issued reports on the stock. BMO Capital Markets lifted their price objective on shares of ConocoPhillips from $105.00 to $115.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Friday, February 6th. Mizuho lifted their price target on ConocoPhillips from $120.00 to $121.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Friday, December 12th. Argus boosted their price objective on ConocoPhillips from $111.00 to $128.00 and gave the stock a strong-buy rating in a report on Friday, February 13th. Wolfe Research raised their target price on ConocoPhillips from $122.00 to $123.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Monday, January 26th. Finally, Raymond James Financial lifted their target price on ConocoPhillips from $113.00 to $118.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Wednesday, February 11th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, sixteen 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, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $115.54.

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ConocoPhillips Stock Down 1.0%

Shares of NYSE:COP opened at $110.46 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.35, a quick ratio of 1.14 and a current ratio of 1.30. ConocoPhillips has a 52-week low of $79.88 and a 52-week high of $113.80. The businesss 50 day simple moving average is $99.89 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $94.79. The firm has a market cap of $136.50 billion, a P/E ratio of 17.42, a PEG ratio of 2.81 and a beta of 0.32.

ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, February 5th. The energy producer reported $1.02 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.23 by ($0.21). ConocoPhillips had a return on equity of 11.90% and a net margin of 12.98%.The firm had revenue of $13.86 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $14.35 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the company earned $1.98 earnings per share. ConocoPhillipss revenue for the quarter was down 3.7% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, research analysts forecast that ConocoPhillips will post 8.16 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Insider Activity

In other news, CEO Ryan Michael Lance sold 500,708 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, December 19th. The stock was sold at an average price of $92.50, for a total value of $46,315,490.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer owned 325,972 shares in the company, valued at $30,152,410. This trade represents a 60.57% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Corporate insiders own 0.24% of the companys stock.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On ConocoPhillips

A number of institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Tema Etfs LLC purchased a new position in shares of ConocoPhillips in the third quarter worth $1,804,000. D.A. Davidson & CO. increased its holdings in ConocoPhillips by 12.1% in the 3rd quarter. D.A. Davidson & CO. now owns 140,829 shares of the energy producers stock worth $13,321,000 after buying an additional 15,202 shares in the last quarter. Chilton Capital Management LLC increased its holdings in ConocoPhillips by 3.2% in the 3rd quarter. Chilton Capital Management LLC now owns 389,995 shares of the energy producers stock worth $36,890,000 after buying an additional 11,958 shares in the last quarter. AE Wealth Management LLC raised its position in ConocoPhillips by 107.5% in the 3rd quarter. AE Wealth Management LLC now owns 103,430 shares of the energy producers stock worth $9,783,000 after buying an additional 53,587 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Great Lakes Advisors LLC lifted its stake in ConocoPhillips by 5.6% during the 3rd quarter. Great Lakes Advisors LLC now owns 1,047,732 shares of the energy producers stock valued at $99,105,000 after acquiring an additional 55,901 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 82.36% of the companys stock.

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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Newmont, Barrick Mining, First Majestic Silver, Freeport-McMoRan, and Hecla Mining are the five Gold stocks to watch today, according to MarketBeats stock screener tool. Gold stocks are shares of companies that mine, explore for, refine, or otherwise produce gold (including majors, intermediate producers, and junior explorers). They give investors exposure to movements in the price of gold but also carry company-specific risksoperational, geopolitical, and financialso their returns can be more volatile or leveraged than the metal itself. These companies had the highest dollar trading volume of any Gold stocks within the last several days.

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Newmont (NEM)

Newmont Corporation engages in the production and exploration of gold. It also explores for copper, silver, zinc, and lead. The company has operations and/or assets in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Peru, Suriname, Argentina, Chile, Australia, Papua New Guinea, Ecuador, Fiji, and Ghana.

Barrick Mining (B)

Barrick Gold Corporation is a sector-leading gold and copper producer. Its shares trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol GOLD and on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol ABX.



In January 2019 Barrick merged with Randgold Resources and in July that year it combined its gold mines in Nevada, USA, with those of Newmont Corporation in a joint venture, Nevada Gold Mines, which is majority-owned and operated by Barrick.

Read Our Latest Research Report on B

First Majestic Silver (AG)

First Majestic Silver Corp. engages in the acquisition, exploration, development, and production of mineral properties with a focus on silver and gold production in North America. Its projects include the San Dimas mine covering an area of approximately 71,867 hectares located in Durango State, Mexico; the Santa Elena that covers an area of approximately 102,244 hectares located in Sonora State, Mexico; and the La Encantada covering an area of approximately 4,076 hectares located in Coahuila State, Mexico.

Read Our Latest Research Report on AG

Freeport-McMoRan (FCX)

Freeport-McMoRan Inc. engages in the mining of mineral properties in North America, South America, and Indonesia. It primarily explores for copper, gold, molybdenum, silver, and other metals. The company's assets include the Grasberg minerals district in Indonesia; Morenci, Bagdad, Safford, Sierrita, and Miami in Arizona; Chino and Tyrone in New Mexico; and Henderson and Climax in Colorado, North America, as well as Cerro Verde in Peru and El Abra in Chile.

Read Our Latest Research Report on FCX

Hecla Mining (HL)

Hecla Mining Company, together with its subsidiaries, provides precious and base metal properties in the United States, Canada, Japan, Korea, and China. The company mines for silver, gold, lead, and zinc concentrates, as well as carbon material containing silver and gold for custom smelters, metal traders, and third-party processors; and dore containing silver and gold.

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J D Wetherspoon plc (LON:JDW  Get Free Report) insider John Hutson bought 19 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, February 19th. The shares were purchased at an average cost of GBX 764 per share, for a total transaction of 145.16.

J D Wetherspoon Stock Performance

Shares of JDW opened at GBX 756.50 on Monday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 283.19, a current ratio of 0.35 and a quick ratio of 0.19. The firms 50 day moving average is GBX 726.62 and its 200-day moving average is GBX 692.56. J D Wetherspoon plc has a 12-month low of GBX 526 and a 12-month high of GBX 814.50. The stock has a market capitalization of 797.40 million, a P/E ratio of 13.32, a P/E/G ratio of 3.39 and a beta of 1.34.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several equities research analysts have recently weighed in on the company. Peel Hunt reissued a hold rating and set a GBX 700 price objective on shares of J D Wetherspoon in a research note on Wednesday, November 5th. Shore Capital Group reiterated a hold rating on shares of J D Wetherspoon in a research report on Wednesday, November 5th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Reduce and an average price target of GBX 595.

About J D Wetherspoon

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J D Wetherspoon owns and operates pubs and hotels throughout the UK and Ireland. The company aims to provide customers with good-quality food and drinks, served by well-trained and friendly staff, at reasonable prices.

The pubs are individually designed, and the company aims to maintain them in excellent condition.

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First Majestic Silver (NYSE:AG  Get Free Report) (TSE:FR) was upgraded by investment analysts at Wall Street Zen from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report issued on Saturday.

AG has been the subject of several other research reports. Cormark upgraded First Majestic Silver from a hold rating to a moderate buy rating in a research report on Thursday, November 6th. HC Wainwright boosted their target price on shares of First Majestic Silver to $30.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Friday. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c-) rating on shares of First Majestic Silver in a research note on Wednesday, January 21st. Scotiabank boosted their price target on shares of First Majestic Silver from $12.50 to $23.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a research note on Monday, January 26th. Finally, BMO Capital Markets reaffirmed a market perform rating on shares of First Majestic Silver in a report on Friday, January 16th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, three have given a Buy rating and three have issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $25.00.

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First Majestic Silver Trading Up 11.1%

First Majestic Silver stock opened at $27.54 on Friday. The company has a current ratio of 3.38, a quick ratio of 2.96 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.07. First Majestic Silver has a 12-month low of $5.09 and a 12-month high of $27.90. The firm has a market capitalization of $13.57 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 78.68 and a beta of 0.84. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $20.51 and a 200 day moving average of $14.84.

First Majestic Silver (NYSE:AG  Get Free Report) (TSE:FR) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, February 19th. The mining company reported $0.30 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.27 by $0.03. First Majestic Silver had a net margin of 13.12% and a return on equity of 7.41%. The firm had revenue of $463.92 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $561.30 million. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $0.03 earnings per share. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 169.2% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, research analysts predict that First Majestic Silver will post 0.54 earnings per share for the current year.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On First Majestic Silver

Several hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Royal Bank of Canada grew its holdings in shares of First Majestic Silver by 77.4% in the first quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 604,186 shares of the mining companys stock worth $4,042,000 after purchasing an additional 263,688 shares during the last quarter. UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC raised its stake in shares of First Majestic Silver by 355.7% during the first quarter. UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC now owns 1,193,589 shares of the mining companys stock valued at $7,985,000 after acquiring an additional 931,690 shares in the last quarter. CWM LLC boosted its holdings in shares of First Majestic Silver by 57.2% in the second quarter. CWM LLC now owns 5,114 shares of the mining companys stock valued at $42,000 after purchasing an additional 1,860 shares during the period. D.A. Davidson & CO. boosted its holdings in shares of First Majestic Silver by 12.8% in the second quarter. D.A. Davidson & CO. now owns 75,045 shares of the mining companys stock valued at $621,000 after purchasing an additional 8,509 shares during the period. Finally, Cardinal Point Capital Management ULC bought a new position in First Majestic Silver in the second quarter worth approximately $185,000. 27.16% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

Key Stories Impacting First Majestic Silver

Here are the key news stories impacting First Majestic Silver this week:

Positive Sentiment: Earnings beat & return to profitability  First Majestic reported Q4 EPS of $0.30 vs. $0.27 consensus and swung to profit for the year, which is the primary catalyst investors are rewarding. This underpins the rally and supports sentiment that operational leverage to silver is working in a rising-price environment. Earnings Press Release

Earnings beat & return to profitability  First Majestic reported Q4 EPS of $0.30 vs. $0.27 consensus and swung to profit for the year, which is the primary catalyst investors are rewarding. This underpins the rally and supports sentiment that operational leverage to silver is working in a rising-price environment. Positive Sentiment: Dividend hike  the company raised its quarterly payout ~59.6% to $0.0083 (annualized yield ~0.1%), signaling stronger cash flow and returning capital to shareholders, which supports the bullish narrative. Dividend & Results Release

Dividend hike  the company raised its quarterly payout ~59.6% to $0.0083 (annualized yield ~0.1%), signaling stronger cash flow and returning capital to shareholders, which supports the bullish narrative. Positive Sentiment: Unusually large call option activity  traders bought ~109,053 call options (+51% vs. average), indicating short-term bullish positioning that can amplify upside intraday/near-term. (No external link provided)

Unusually large call option activity  traders bought ~109,053 call options (+51% vs. average), indicating short-term bullish positioning that can amplify upside intraday/near-term. (No external link provided) Neutral Sentiment: Revenue missed expectations  Q4 revenue was $463.9M versus ~$561.3M consensus, a notable shortfall that tempers the EPS beat and reminds investors that volumes/realizations matter; keep an eye on guidance and silver price sensitivity. Earnings Snapshot

Revenue missed expectations  Q4 revenue was $463.9M versus ~$561.3M consensus, a notable shortfall that tempers the EPS beat and reminds investors that volumes/realizations matter; keep an eye on guidance and silver price sensitivity. Neutral Sentiment: Media coverage and investor notes highlighted the turnaround and dividend, helping momentum but also attracting short-term traders; monitor volume and whether buying is sustained. Example coverage: Yahoo Article and Insidermonkey Article

Media coverage and investor notes highlighted the turnaround and dividend, helping momentum but also attracting short-term traders; monitor volume and whether buying is sustained. Example coverage: and Negative Sentiment: Analyst downgrade  Seeking Alpha published a double downgrade note warning that leverage to silver can cut both ways, which could pressure sentiment if silver prices pull back or operational metrics disappoint. Seeking Alpha Downgrade

First Majestic Silver Company Profile

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First Majestic Silver Corp. (NYSE:AG) engages in the production of silver from its wholly owned operations in Mexico. Headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia, the company focuses on acquiring, developing and operating high-grade silver projects. Established in 2002, First Majestic has built a multi-mine portfolio to supply silver primarily for the global industrial and investment markets while generating by-products such as gold, lead and zinc concentrates.

First Majestics principal operations are located in the historic Mexican Silver Belt, with producing mines including La Encantada in Coahuila, Santa Elena in Sonora and La Parrilla in Durango.

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Kite Realty Group Trust (NYSE:KRG  Get Free Report) was upgraded by stock analysts at Wall Street Zen from a sell rating to a hold rating in a report issued on Saturday.

Other analysts also recently issued reports about the stock. Jefferies Financial Group reissued a hold rating and set a $24.00 target price (up from $23.00) on shares of Kite Realty Group Trust in a research note on Monday, December 15th. Weiss Ratings raised shares of Kite Realty Group Trust from a hold (c) rating to a buy (b-) rating in a research report on Wednesday. UBS Group reaffirmed a neutral rating and issued a $25.00 price target (up previously from $24.00) on shares of Kite Realty Group Trust in a research report on Thursday, January 8th. Robert W. Baird upped their price objective on shares of Kite Realty Group Trust from $25.00 to $27.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Wednesday, February 18th. Finally, Raymond James Financial lowered Kite Realty Group Trust from a strong-buy rating to a market perform rating in a report on Tuesday, November 11th. Three 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.com, Kite Realty Group Trust currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $25.63.

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Kite Realty Group Trust Stock Performance

Institutional Trading of Kite Realty Group Trust

KRG opened at $25.92 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.74, a current ratio of 0.74 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.98. The firm has a market cap of $5.36 billion, a PE ratio of 18.78, a P/E/G ratio of 6.51 and a beta of 0.91. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $24.01 and a 200-day simple moving average of $22.93. Kite Realty Group Trust has a fifty-two week low of $18.51 and a fifty-two week high of $26.13.

Several institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in KRG. State of Wyoming acquired a new position in shares of Kite Realty Group Trust in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $516,000. Candriam S.C.A. acquired a new stake in Kite Realty Group Trust in the 3rd quarter valued at $2,066,000. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. grew its position in Kite Realty Group Trust by 22.4% in the third quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 300,382 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $6,699,000 after acquiring an additional 54,914 shares during the period. AlphaQuest LLC raised its stake in Kite Realty Group Trust by 227.5% during the third quarter. AlphaQuest LLC now owns 62,930 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $1,403,000 after acquiring an additional 43,716 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Capital Fund Management S.A. acquired a new position in Kite Realty Group Trust during the second quarter worth $1,882,000. 90.81% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

About Kite Realty Group Trust

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Kite Realty Group Trust (NYSE: KRG) is a real estate investment trust that specializes in the ownership, development and management of open-air retail real estate. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, the company focuses on acquiring, developing and operating community and neighborhood shopping centers, as well as mixed-use properties that accommodate national, regional and local retailers.

Established in 1994, Kite Realty has grown its portfolio through strategic development projects, targeted acquisitions and selective dispositions.

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Washington Trust Advisors Inc. acquired a new position in Dimensional International High Profitability ETF (BATS:DIHP  Free Report) in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund acquired 49,088 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,492,000.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of DIHP. First Citizens Bank & Trust Co. bought a new stake in shares of Dimensional International High Profitability ETF during the 3rd quarter valued at about $558,000. Exencial Wealth Advisors LLC boosted its stake in Dimensional International High Profitability ETF by 12.8% in the third quarter. Exencial Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 463,370 shares of the companys stock valued at $14,086,000 after acquiring an additional 52,687 shares during the period. Financial Consulate Inc. boosted its stake in Dimensional International High Profitability ETF by 41.7% in the third quarter. Financial Consulate Inc. now owns 1,179,624 shares of the companys stock valued at $35,855,000 after acquiring an additional 347,006 shares during the period. Discipline Wealth Solutions LLC grew its holdings in shares of Dimensional International High Profitability ETF by 452.0% during the third quarter. Discipline Wealth Solutions LLC now owns 37,863 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,151,000 after purchasing an additional 31,004 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC raised its position in shares of Dimensional International High Profitability ETF by 11.3% during the 3rd quarter. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC now owns 4,879,012 shares of the companys stock worth $148,298,000 after purchasing an additional 494,735 shares during the period.

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Dimensional International High Profitability ETF Price Performance

Shares of BATS DIHP opened at $34.70 on Monday. The firm has a market capitalization of $4.88 billion, a PE ratio of 17.57 and a beta of 0.90. Dimensional International High Profitability ETF has a 1-year low of $24.00 and a 1-year high of $34.76. The businesss fifty day moving average price is $32.89 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $31.38.

About Dimensional International High Profitability ETF

The Dimensional International High Profitability ETF (DIHP) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in large cap equity. The fund invests in a broad and diverse group of non-US large-cap stocks from developed markets, actively selected based on perceived higher profitability relative to other large-cap companies in the same countries or region. DIHP was launched on Mar 23, 2022 and is managed by Dimensional.

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Want to see what other hedge funds are holding DIHP? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Dimensional International High Profitability ETF (BATS:DIHP  Free Report).

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Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (NYSE:AJG  Get Free Report) had its price target cut by investment analysts at Piper Sandler from $249.00 to $226.00 in a research note issued on Monday,Benzinga reports. The firm presently has a neutral rating on the financial services providers stock. Piper Sandlers price objective suggests a potential upside of 4.37% from the companys current price.

AJG has been the subject of several other research reports. Barclays lowered their target price on shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. from $250.00 to $247.00 and set an underweight rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, January 8th. Wall Street Zen raised shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Saturday. TD Cowen restated a buy rating on shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. in a research note on Friday, October 31st. Morgan Stanley set a $300.00 target price on Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. in a report on Friday, December 19th. Finally, Citigroup raised their price target on Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. from $277.00 to $280.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Monday, February 2nd. Six research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, twelve have assigned a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $282.76.

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View Our Latest Stock Analysis on AJG

Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Stock Down 0.8%

Shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. stock opened at $216.54 on Monday. The company has a quick ratio of 1.06, a current ratio of 1.06 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.52. The business has a 50-day moving average price of $246.39 and a 200 day moving average price of $268.08. Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. has a fifty-two week low of $195.00 and a fifty-two week high of $351.23. The firm has a market cap of $55.67 billion, a P/E ratio of 35.21, a P/E/G ratio of 1.17 and a beta of 0.66.

Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (NYSE:AJG  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, January 29th. The financial services provider reported $2.38 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.35 by $0.03. The company had revenue of $3.57 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.61 billion. Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. had a return on equity of 12.13% and a net margin of 11.84%.The businesss revenue was up 33.9% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $1.12 EPS. On average, sell-side analysts forecast that Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. will post 11.54 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Insider Buying and Selling at Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.

In related news, CFO Douglas K. Howell sold 5,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Monday, December 22nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $258.05, for a total value of $1,290,250.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer owned 95,777 shares in the company, valued at $24,715,254.85. This represents a 4.96% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, General Counsel Walter D. Bay sold 15,850 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Friday, December 19th. The stock was sold at an average price of $255.00, for a total transaction of $4,041,750.00. Following the sale, the general counsel owned 79,549 shares in the company, valued at $20,284,995. This trade represents a 16.61% decrease in their ownership of the stock. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Insiders have sold 24,850 shares of company stock valued at $6,364,440 in the last quarter. Corporate insiders own 1.30% of the companys stock.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in AJG. D.A. Davidson & CO. lifted its holdings in shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. by 1.2% in the second quarter. D.A. Davidson & CO. now owns 2,892 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $926,000 after buying an additional 35 shares during the period. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust raised its position in Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. by 6.5% in the second quarter. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust now owns 570 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $182,000 after acquiring an additional 35 shares in the last quarter. Dorsey & Whitney Trust CO LLC lifted its holdings in Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. by 1.4% in the 2nd quarter. Dorsey & Whitney Trust CO LLC now owns 2,623 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $840,000 after acquiring an additional 35 shares during the last quarter. CX Institutional boosted its position in shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. by 2.1% during the 3rd quarter. CX Institutional now owns 1,782 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $552,000 after purchasing an additional 36 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Citizens Financial Group Inc. RI grew its stake in shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. by 1.0% in the 3rd quarter. Citizens Financial Group Inc. RI now owns 3,958 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,226,000 after purchasing an additional 38 shares during the last quarter. 85.53% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

About Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.

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Arthur J. Gallagher & Co is a global insurance brokerage and risk management firm headquartered in Rolling Meadows, Illinois. Founded in 1927 by Arthur J. Gallagher, the company has grown from a regional broker into an international professional services organization that arranges insurance, provides consulting and designs risk-transfer solutions for commercial, industrial, public sector and individual clients.

The companys core activities include property and casualty insurance brokerage, employee benefits consulting and administration, and a range of risk management services.

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Shares of Blackstone Secured Lending Fund (NYSE:BXSL  Get Free Report) reached a new 52-week low during trading on Monday . The stock traded as low as $23.41 and last traded at $23.5550, with a volume of 1257145 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at $23.71.

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of research analysts have weighed in on the stock. Bank of America decreased their price objective on shares of Blackstone Secured Lending Fund from $33.50 to $29.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Friday, November 28th. Wells Fargo & Company lowered Blackstone Secured Lending Fund from an equal weight rating to an underweight rating and cut their price target for the company from $26.00 to $24.00 in a research note on Wednesday, January 7th. Wall Street Zen upgraded Blackstone Secured Lending Fund from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Saturday. B. Riley Financial dropped their price objective on Blackstone Secured Lending Fund from $32.00 to $30.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, November 12th. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada cut their price objective on Blackstone Secured Lending Fund from $32.00 to $29.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, November 12th. Six analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, two have assigned a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $29.13.

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Blackstone Secured Lending Fund Price Performance

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Blackstone Secured Lending Fund

The stock has a market capitalization of $5.44 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 8.85 and a beta of 0.41. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $26.06 and a 200-day moving average price of $27.11.

A number of hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of BXSL. Amplius Wealth Advisors LLC grew its stake in Blackstone Secured Lending Fund by 3.2% during the 2nd quarter. Amplius Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 528,412 shares of the companys stock worth $16,249,000 after purchasing an additional 16,610 shares in the last quarter. Mesirow Financial Investment Management Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Blackstone Secured Lending Fund by 112.6% in the 2nd quarter. Mesirow Financial Investment Management Inc. now owns 26,195 shares of the companys stock valued at $805,000 after buying an additional 13,875 shares during the period. Simon Quick Advisors LLC grew its position in shares of Blackstone Secured Lending Fund by 6.0% during the second quarter. Simon Quick Advisors LLC now owns 15,444 shares of the companys stock worth $475,000 after buying an additional 872 shares in the last quarter. Flagship Harbor Advisors LLC increased its stake in shares of Blackstone Secured Lending Fund by 8.4% during the second quarter. Flagship Harbor Advisors LLC now owns 8,316 shares of the companys stock worth $256,000 after buying an additional 644 shares during the period. Finally, Y Intercept Hong Kong Ltd acquired a new stake in Blackstone Secured Lending Fund in the second quarter valued at approximately $1,125,000. 36.49% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Blackstone Secured Lending Fund Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Blackstone Secured Lending Fund (NYSE: BXSL) is a closed-end management investment company sponsored by Blackstone Credit, the credit-oriented business of Blackstone Inc Launched in May 2020, BXSL seeks to deliver attractive risk-adjusted returns primarily through current income and, to a lesser extent, capital appreciation. The fund raises capital from institutional and retail investors and deploys it into a diversified portfolio of senior secured loans and other credit instruments.

The funds principal investment focus is on first-lien senior secured loans and unitranche debt extended to middle-market companies across North America.

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Vanguard Group Inc. raised its stake in Charles River Laboratories International, Inc. (NYSE:CRL  Free Report) by 0.5% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 5,839,743 shares of the medical research companys stock after buying an additional 27,989 shares during the quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. owned 11.87% of Charles River Laboratories International worth $913,686,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased its stake in shares of Charles River Laboratories International by 14.5% in the third quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 317,179 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $49,626,000 after acquiring an additional 40,073 shares during the last quarter. State of New Jersey Common Pension Fund D grew its stake in Charles River Laboratories International by 6.5% in the third quarter. State of New Jersey Common Pension Fund D now owns 17,922 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $2,804,000 after purchasing an additional 1,093 shares in the last quarter. Aberdeen Group plc grew its stake in Charles River Laboratories International by 58.9% in the third quarter. Aberdeen Group plc now owns 8,148 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $1,198,000 after purchasing an additional 3,021 shares in the last quarter. GF Fund Management CO. LTD. increased its position in Charles River Laboratories International by 10.3% in the 3rd quarter. GF Fund Management CO. LTD. now owns 1,348 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $211,000 after purchasing an additional 126 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Assetmark Inc. raised its stake in shares of Charles River Laboratories International by 20.4% during the 3rd quarter. Assetmark Inc. now owns 37,143 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $5,811,000 after purchasing an additional 6,301 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 98.91% of the companys stock.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several equities research analysts have recently issued reports on the company. Morgan Stanley set a $185.00 price target on Charles River Laboratories International in a report on Monday, December 1st. Robert W. Baird set a $193.00 price objective on shares of Charles River Laboratories International in a research report on Thursday. Bank of America upgraded shares of Charles River Laboratories International from a neutral rating to a buy rating and set a $225.00 target price for the company in a research note on Monday, December 15th. Citigroup increased their price target on shares of Charles River Laboratories International from $200.00 to $265.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Friday, January 16th. Finally, Barclays cut their price target on shares of Charles River Laboratories International from $215.00 to $200.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Thursday. Ten equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, four have issued a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $205.77.

Charles River Laboratories International Trading Up 3.1%

Shares of CRL stock opened at $169.26 on Monday. Charles River Laboratories International, Inc. has a 12 month low of $91.86 and a 12 month high of $228.88. The company has a market cap of $8.33 billion, a PE ratio of -57.18, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.16 and a beta of 1.63. The company has a quick ratio of 1.02, a current ratio of 1.29 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.67. The businesss 50 day moving average is $200.37 and its two-hundred day moving average is $179.62.

Charles River Laboratories International (NYSE:CRL  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, February 18th. The medical research company reported $2.39 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.33 by $0.06. The business had revenue of $994.23 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $986.98 million. Charles River Laboratories International had a negative net margin of 3.59% and a positive return on equity of 15.60%. Charles River Laboratories Internationals revenue for the quarter was down .8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the company earned $2.66 earnings per share. Charles River Laboratories International has set its FY 2026 guidance at 10.700-11.200 EPS. Equities analysts predict that Charles River Laboratories International, Inc. will post 9.36 EPS for the current year.

Charles River Laboratories International Company Profile

(Free Report)

Charles River Laboratories International, Inc is a leading provider of research models and preclinical and clinical support services for the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device industries. The companys core offerings include discovery, safety assessment, toxicology, and pathology services, as well as supply of laboratory animals and related diagnostics. Services extend across in vivo and in vitro testing, biologics testing, and support for advanced therapies, helping clients accelerate drug development from early discovery through regulatory submission.

Founded in 1947 in Wilmington, Massachusetts, Charles River has grown through strategic investments and acquisitions to establish a broad portfolio of capabilities.

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Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CRL? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Charles River Laboratories International, Inc. (NYSE:CRL  Free Report).

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Chatham Lodging Trust (NYSE:CLDT  Get Free Report) is anticipated to release its Q4 2025 results before the market opens on Wednesday, February 25th. Analysts expect Chatham Lodging Trust to post earnings of $0.16 per share and revenue of $67.2150 million for the quarter. Investors can find conference call details on the companys upcoming Q4 2025 earning report page for the latest details on the call scheduled for Wednesday, February 25, 2026 at 10:30 AM ET.

Chatham Lodging Trust Stock Performance

Shares of Chatham Lodging Trust stock opened at $7.46 on Monday. The company has a current ratio of 0.81, a quick ratio of 0.81 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.18. The company has a market cap of $361.86 million, a PE ratio of 745.80 and a beta of 1.14. The company has a 50 day moving average of $7.12 and a 200-day moving average of $6.94. Chatham Lodging Trust has a 1-year low of $5.83 and a 1-year high of $8.47.

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Chatham Lodging Trust Dividend Announcement

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, January 15th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, December 31st were paid a $0.09 dividend. This represents a $0.36 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.8%. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, December 31st. Chatham Lodging Trusts dividend payout ratio is presently 3,600.00%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several research analysts have commented on CLDT shares. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a sell (d) rating on shares of Chatham Lodging Trust in a report on Monday, December 29th. Zacks Research upgraded Chatham Lodging Trust from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday, February 17th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, one has issued a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $9.50.

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Institutional Trading of Chatham Lodging Trust

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of CLDT. Sculptor Capital LP purchased a new position in shares of Chatham Lodging Trust in the 2nd quarter worth about $14,901,000. Ameriprise Financial Inc. lifted its position in Chatham Lodging Trust by 413.3% in the 3rd quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. now owns 813,825 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $5,464,000 after buying an additional 655,265 shares during the last quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC boosted its stake in Chatham Lodging Trust by 394.2% in the second quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 486,346 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $3,390,000 after buying an additional 387,937 shares in the last quarter. Kennedy Capital Management LLC grew its position in Chatham Lodging Trust by 24.0% during the third quarter. Kennedy Capital Management LLC now owns 801,619 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $5,379,000 after acquiring an additional 155,023 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Bridgeway Capital Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of Chatham Lodging Trust during the second quarter worth approximately $906,000. 88.37% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

About Chatham Lodging Trust

(Get Free Report)

Chatham Lodging Trust is a self-advised, publicly traded real estate investment trust (REIT) focused primarily on investing in upscale, extended-stay hotels and premium-branded, select-service hotels. The company owns 39 hotels totaling 5,915 rooms/suites in 16 states and the District of Columbia.

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Torrid (NYSE:CURV  Get Free Report) and Stein Mart (OTCMKTS:SMRTQ  Get Free Report) are both retail/wholesale companies, but which is the better investment? We will compare the two companies based on the strength of their earnings, analyst recommendations, institutional ownership, risk, valuation, dividends and profitability.

Insider and Institutional Ownership

81.8% of Torrid shares are held by institutional investors. 9.8% of Torrid shares are held by insiders. Comparatively, 39.4% of Stein Mart shares are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, large money managers and endowments believe a stock will outperform the market over the long term.

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Profitability

This table compares Torrid and Stein Marts net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Torrid -0.18% -1.69% -0.43% Stein Mart N/A N/A N/A

Earnings & Valuation

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Torrid $1.10 billion 0.10 $16.32 million ($0.01) -109.50 Stein Mart N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

This table compares Torrid and Stein Marts revenue, earnings per share and valuation.

Torrid has higher revenue and earnings than Stein Mart.

Analyst Ratings

This is a summary of recent recommendations for Torrid and Stein Mart, as provided by MarketBeat.com.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Torrid 3 4 1 0 1.75 Stein Mart 0 0 0 0 0.00

Torrid currently has a consensus price target of $1.44, indicating a potential upside of 31.51%. Given Torrids stronger consensus rating and higher probable upside, equities analysts plainly believe Torrid is more favorable than Stein Mart.

Summary

Torrid beats Stein Mart on 5 of the 9 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Torrid

(Get Free Report)

Torrid Holdings Inc. operates in womens plus-size apparel and intimates market in North America. The company designs, develops, and merchandises its products under the Torrid, Torrid Curve, CURV, and Lovesick brand names. It is involved in the sale of tops, bottoms, dresses, denims, activewear, intimates, sleep wear, swim wear, and outerwear products; and non-apparel products comprising accessories, footwear, and beauty products. The company sells its products directly to consumers through its e-commerce platform and its physical stores. Torrid Holdings Inc. was incorporated in 2019 and is headquartered in City Of Industry, California.

About Stein Mart

(Get Free Report)

Stein Mart, Inc., a specialty omnichannel off-price retailer, offers designer and name-brand fashion apparels, home dAcor merchandise, accessories, and shoes at everyday discount prices in the United States. The company's stores also provides endless aisle, a mobile technology to locate products; a SMart Rewards loyalty program; co-branded and private label credit card programs; and electronic gift cards. As of June 3, 2020, it operated 281 stores in 30 states. The company also sells its products through an online retail selling site. Stein Mart, Inc. was founded in 1908 and is headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida. On August 12, 2020, Stein Mart, Inc., along with its affiliates, filed a voluntary petition for reorganization under Chapter 11 in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida.

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Shares of Crown Castle Inc. (NYSE:CCI  Get Free Report) have received a consensus rating of Hold from the twenty brokerages that are currently covering the firm, Marketbeat Ratings reports. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have given a hold rating, nine have given a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company. The average 12-month price objective among brokerages that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $100.0235.

A number of analysts have issued reports on the stock. New Street Research downgraded shares of Crown Castle from a buy rating to a neutral rating and set a $93.00 price target on the stock. in a report on Monday, January 5th. Wolfe Research cut Crown Castle from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Friday, February 6th. Royal Bank Of Canada decreased their target price on Crown Castle from $112.00 to $110.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, January 12th. BMO Capital Markets cut their price target on Crown Castle from $97.00 to $91.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Thursday, February 5th. Finally, UBS Group reduced their price objective on Crown Castle from $116.00 to $105.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, February 5th.

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View Our Latest Analysis on Crown Castle

Crown Castle Trading Up 1.8%

Institutional Trading of Crown Castle

NYSE CCI opened at $88.02 on Wednesday. Crown Castle has a 12 month low of $77.01 and a 12 month high of $115.76. The stock has a market cap of $38.33 billion, a PE ratio of 87.15, a P/E/G ratio of 0.45 and a beta of 0.96. The stocks 50 day moving average is $87.06 and its 200 day moving average is $92.27.

A number of large investors have recently made changes to their positions in CCI. Creative Financial Designs Inc. ADV lifted its holdings in shares of Crown Castle by 47.8% in the 2nd quarter. Creative Financial Designs Inc. ADV now owns 303 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $31,000 after acquiring an additional 98 shares during the last quarter. Whittier Trust Co. raised its position in Crown Castle by 5.6% during the second quarter. Whittier Trust Co. now owns 2,046 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $210,000 after purchasing an additional 109 shares during the period. Harbor Capital Advisors Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Crown Castle by 24.0% in the 3rd quarter. Harbor Capital Advisors Inc. now owns 599 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $58,000 after purchasing an additional 116 shares during the last quarter. NewSquare Capital LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Crown Castle by 74.5% in the 2nd quarter. NewSquare Capital LLC now owns 281 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $29,000 after purchasing an additional 120 shares during the period. Finally, Choreo LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Crown Castle by 1.1% in the 3rd quarter. Choreo LLC now owns 11,021 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $1,063,000 after purchasing an additional 120 shares during the period. 90.77% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

About Crown Castle

(Get Free Report)

Crown Castle is a U.S.-focused communications infrastructure company organized as a real estate investment trust (REIT) that owns, operates and leases shared wireless infrastructure. Its primary business consists of providing tower-based site leases, small cell networks and fiber solutions that support mobile voice and data transmission for wireless carriers, cable companies and other enterprise customers. The companys assets are positioned to enable network coverage and capacity, including the densification projects associated with 4G LTE and 5G deployments.

Its product and service offerings include ground-based tower sites that host multiple wireless operators, distributed small cell nodes and associated fiber backhaul used to connect sites into carrier networks, and site development and maintenance services.

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Zip Co Limited (ASX:ZIP  Get Free Report) insider Diane Smith-Gander acquired 26,041 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Friday, February 20th. The shares were purchased at an average price of A$1.89 per share, for a total transaction of A$49,217.49.

ZIP Price Performance

The company has a current ratio of 2.02, a quick ratio of 3.75 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 607.29. The firm has a market capitalization of $2.94 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 225.83 and a beta of 3.34.

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ZIP Company Profile

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Zip Co Limited engages in the provision of digital retail finance and payments solutions to consumers, and small and medium sized merchants (SMEs) in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the United States. The company offers Buy Now Pay Later services, which offer line of credit and installment products to consumers through online and in-store. It also provides unsecured loans and lines of credit to SMEs. The company was formerly known as ZipMoney Limited and changed its name to Zip Co Limited in December 2017.

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Electro Optic Systems (ASX:EOS) used its annual results presentation to outline a sharp increase in order intake during 2025, a continued push into counter-drone and space control markets, and a reshaped portfolio following the sale of EM Solutions and the planned acquisition of command-and-control provider MARSS.

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Market backdrop and strategic priorities

Group CEO Dr. Andreas Schwer said market conditions were superb, pointing to growing defense budgets and geopolitical tension as supportive tailwinds. He framed EOS strategic focus around two areas: counter-drone systems and space control or space warfare.

Schwer argued that modern conflict dynamics are driving demand for counter-drone capabilities, describing how drone and anti-drone warfare has become more dominant relative to missile strikes. EOS said its approach emphasizes hard kill solutions, with Schwer stating that soft kill becomes less and less effective in military context, as drones are more and more hardened.

EOS highlighted a broadened counter-drone portfolio that includes remote weapon systems, interceptor drones, high-energy laser weapons, and integrations for rockets and missiles. The company also emphasized the role of command-and-control software, describing MARSS NiDAR system as the brain behind any counter-drone system, particularly for defeating higher volumes of drones or swarms.

2025 financial performance

CFO and COO Clive Cuthell reported 2025 revenue of AUD 128.5 million, which was down compared to 2024. Management attributed the decline primarily to the divestment of EM Solutions and to major order intakes occurring later than expected, affecting the timing of revenue recognition.

Gross margin increased to 63%. Cuthell said the result included the benefit of a finalized Middle East contract (previously disclosed) and what he described as continued improvement in the underlying base gross margin. He cautioned that management does not expect 63% gross margin going forward, but said EOS is aiming for continued multi-year improvement, perhaps over 50% in 2026 versus historical levels.

Underlying EBITDA was a loss of AUD 24 million, which management linked mainly to lower revenue, with gross margin improvements offsetting some operating expense increases. Cuthell said EBIT included higher depreciation and amortization (including customer-funded CapEx) and AUD 9 million in non-recurring non-trading items, consisting of an ASIC-related penalty (about two-thirds) and acquisition costs related to MARSS (about one-third).

Finance costs improved after EOS repaid all debt in January 2025; the company reported it has no borrowings, though finance costs included a make-whole expense tied to the repayment. Cuthell also noted net profit after tax included a AUD 91 million gain on the sale of EM Solutions recorded in January 2025.

Order book surge and revenue rollout targets

Management repeatedly emphasized the expansion of the order book during 2025. EOS said it signed 18 contracts totaling AUD 420 million in order intake, compared with AUD 70 million and six orders in the prior year. This resulted in an unconditional order book of AUD 459 million at the end of December 2025.

Schwer and Cuthell both noted the order book figure excludes a highly conditional Korean high-energy laser contract (KRW 80 million), which management said is not included in internal planning. In Q&A, Cuthell confirmed the deposit and letter of credit conditions had not yet been met.

EOS did not issue revenue guidance, but provided a planning target for converting backlog into 2026 revenue. Cuthell said the company is aiming to realize 40% to 50% of the AUD 459 million order book in calendar 2026, equating to roughly AUD 180 million to AUD 230 million from the existing backlog, with additional revenue potential from new orders that can be delivered within the year. He said the outcome depends more on delivery timing than on new orders, and noted revenue is typically weighted toward the second half.

High-energy laser, space control, and expansion moves

Schwer described high-energy lasers as a major growth pillar beyond the remote weapon systems business. EOS said it achieved a commercialization milestone by becoming the first company to sign a 100 kW high-energy laser weapon export contract, citing a landmark deal with the Dutch government valued at EUR 71 million.

EOS said it opened a 20,000 sq ft serial high-energy laser production facility in Singapore on February 6, designed for 20 laser weapons per year with expansion potential to 40 per year. In Q&A, management said delivery timelines are driven by supply-chain lead times for key components, and that EOS is negotiating with the Dutch customer to accelerate delivery, potentially as early as the end of 2027.

On space control, Schwer said EOS ATLAS product range can be deployed in fixed installations or mobile configurations, with missions including dazzling sensors, disabling satellites by increasing laser power, and moving satellites or space debris. In response to an analyst question, Schwer said the fixed installation product is available now and could be sold without further development, estimating a system cost of around about $100 million. He said development is ongoing for a mobile solution, with a prototype expected by the end of 2027 or 2028.

EOS also highlighted geographic expansion and commercial partnerships, noting new offices and operations in Europe (including France, the UK, the Netherlands and Germany). Schwer described partnership agreements with Calidus in the Middle East, MSI in the UK (including licensed production), KNDS for European opportunities (including potential production in France), and Roketsan in Turkey for high-energy laser efforts.

MARSS acquisition and additional opportunities discussed

Management positioned the planned acquisition of MARSS as a core strategic move to strengthen EOS integrated counter-drone offering and embed AI-enabled command and control across EOS products. Schwer said MARSS has fielded more than 60 systems globally and provides a user-intuitive interface that EOS teams found easy to integrate in prior collaborations.

EOS said it announced the transaction on January 12, with an upfront cash payment of AUD 36 million plus an earn-out in shares and cash tied to order intake. Cuthell said EOS expects earn-outs to be funded from cash flow generated by those orders.

During Q&A, the company discussed several additional items:

German UTF tender: Schwer said Germany is seeking more than 3,000 remote weapon systems over the next 10 years and that Diehl and EOS are among three shortlisted bidders for the first phase. He said a final decision is expected in 2027, and management described total market potential of more than EUR 1 billion.

Schwer said Germany is seeking more than 3,000 remote weapon systems over the next 10 years and that Diehl and EOS are among three shortlisted bidders for the first phase. He said a final decision is expected in 2027, and management described total market potential of more than EUR 1 billion. M1 Abrams tank opportunity: Schwer said EOS was selected by the US government and General Dynamics as the sole partner to integrate an autonomous version of the R400 Slinger weapon station on the Abrams platform. He said EOS expects further slices of orders in 2026, with large-quantity orders from 2027 onward, and described longer-term market potential of up to $3 billion over 15 years.

Schwer said EOS was selected by the US government and General Dynamics as the sole partner to integrate an autonomous version of the R400 Slinger weapon station on the Abrams platform. He said EOS expects further slices of orders in 2026, with large-quantity orders from 2027 onward, and described longer-term market potential of up to $3 billion over 15 years. Laser development pathway: Schwer said current technology scales from 50 kW to 150 kW and that EOS is negotiating with governments to potentially sign a contract this year to develop a scalable 300 kW laser family, which he said could expand applications to counter-rocket, artillery and mortar missions and extend space warfare capability to higher orbits.

Schwer said current technology scales from 50 kW to 150 kW and that EOS is negotiating with governments to potentially sign a contract this year to develop a scalable 300 kW laser family, which he said could expand applications to counter-rocket, artillery and mortar missions and extend space warfare capability to higher orbits. CapEx expectations: Cuthell said the company does not provide CapEx guidance, but noted historical CapEx has typically been under AUD 20 million and that significant portions have been customer-funded under contracts.

EOS closed the presentation by reiterating its focus on disciplined cost management, including sensitivity to overhead growth, while continuing to invest selectively to support delivery speed and product competitiveness.

About Electro Optic Systems (ASX:EOS)

Electro Optic Systems Holdings Limited engages in the development, manufacture, and sale of telescopes and dome enclosures, laser satellite tracking systems, electro-optic fire control systems, and microwave satellite dishes and receivers. The company operates in Defence Systems and Space Systems segments. It develops, manufactures, and markets fire control, surveillance, and weapon systems to military customers; designs, manufactures, and supplies remote weapon systems, as well as provides related installation, integration, and support services; and designs, manufactures, delivers, and operates sensors for space domain awareness and space control.

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Shares of First Trust North American Energy Infrastructure Fund (NYSEARCA:EMLP  Get Free Report) hit a new 52-week high during trading on Monday . The stock traded as high as $43.08 and last traded at $43.4550, with a volume of 247316 shares. The stock had previously closed at $42.82.

First Trust North American Energy Infrastructure Fund Trading Up 0.2%

The stock has a market cap of $3.86 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 17.59 and a beta of 0.65. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $39.44 and its 200-day simple moving average is $38.56.

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Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. CWM LLC lifted its stake in First Trust North American Energy Infrastructure Fund by 23.3% during the second quarter. CWM LLC now owns 3,190 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $120,000 after purchasing an additional 602 shares during the last quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. lifted its position in shares of First Trust North American Energy Infrastructure Fund by 11.4% during the 2nd quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 383,625 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $14,390,000 after buying an additional 39,216 shares during the last quarter. Winebrenner Capital Management LLC boosted its stake in First Trust North American Energy Infrastructure Fund by 2.4% in the second quarter. Winebrenner Capital Management LLC now owns 17,223 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $646,000 after buying an additional 401 shares in the last quarter. Arkadios Wealth Advisors boosted its stake in First Trust North American Energy Infrastructure Fund by 52.1% in the second quarter. Arkadios Wealth Advisors now owns 43,685 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $1,639,000 after buying an additional 14,964 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Integrity Alliance LLC. bought a new position in First Trust North American Energy Infrastructure Fund in the second quarter valued at about $497,000.

First Trust North American Energy Infrastructure Fund Company Profile

The First Trust North American Energy Infrastructure Fund (EMLP) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the Alerian MLP index. The fund is an actively managed fund that invests in North American energy infrastructure MLPs and LLCs. EMLP was launched on Jun 21, 2012 and is managed by First Trust.

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Suncorp Group Limited (ASX:SUN  Get Free Report) insider Duncan West bought 20,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, February 19th. The shares were purchased at an average price of A$15.47 per share, for a total transaction of A$309,400.00.

Suncorp Group Stock Performance

The firm has a market capitalization of $25.04 billion, a PE ratio of 20.87, a PEG ratio of 0.96 and a beta of 0.74. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 18.24, a current ratio of 0.01 and a quick ratio of 0.14.

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Suncorp Group Announces Dividend

The firm also recently announced a Interim dividend, which will be paid on Monday, March 30th. Stockholders of record on Monday, March 30th will be paid a dividend of $0.17 per share. The ex-dividend date is Sunday, February 22nd. This represents a dividend yield of 111.0%. Suncorp Groups dividend payout ratio is 127.54%.

About Suncorp Group

Suncorp Group Limited provides insurance and banking products and services to retail, corporate, and commercial customers in Australia and New Zealand. The company operates through Consumer Insurance; Commercial and Personal Injury; and Suncorp New Zealand segments. The Consumer Insurance segment provides insurance products, including home and contents, motor, and boat insurance products. The Commercial and Personal Injury segment offers commercial motor, commercial property, marine, industrial special risks, public liability and professional indemnity, workers compensation, and compulsory third party products.

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Mister Car Wash (NYSE:MCW  Get Free Report)s stock had its neutral rating reiterated by stock analysts at JPMorgan Chase & Co. in a research note issued on Monday, MarketBeat Ratings reports. They currently have a $7.00 price target on the stock, down from their prior price target of $8.00. JPMorgan Chase & Co.s target price would suggest a potential downside of 0.43% from the stocks previous close.

A number of other equities research analysts also recently weighed in on MCW. Morgan Stanley set a $7.00 price target on shares of Mister Car Wash in a research report on Thursday. Wells Fargo & Company lowered Mister Car Wash from an overweight rating to an equal weight rating and set a $7.00 price objective on the stock. in a research note on Wednesday, February 18th. Zacks Research upgraded Mister Car Wash from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Monday, November 24th. Guggenheim lowered Mister Car Wash from a buy rating to a neutral rating in a report on Wednesday. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group set a $5.25 price target on Mister Car Wash in a research report on Friday, October 31st. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, thirteen have assigned a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Mister Car Wash has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $7.10.

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View Our Latest Analysis on MCW

Mister Car Wash Stock Up 0.9%

MCW stock opened at $7.03 on Monday. Mister Car Wash has a fifty-two week low of $4.61 and a fifty-two week high of $8.60. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.92, a current ratio of 0.53 and a quick ratio of 0.24. The stock has a market capitalization of $2.30 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 31.96, a PEG ratio of 1.65 and a beta of 1.46. The businesss fifty day moving average price is $5.88 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $5.54.

Mister Car Wash (NYSE:MCW  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, February 18th. The company reported $0.11 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.10 by $0.01. Mister Car Wash had a net margin of 7.06% and a return on equity of 10.49%. The business had revenue of $261.24 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $262.35 million. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $0.09 earnings per share. Mister Car Washs revenue was up 4.0% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, equities analysts anticipate that Mister Car Wash will post 0.33 earnings per share for the current year.

Institutional Trading of Mister Car Wash

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the business. Campbell & CO Investment Adviser LLC bought a new position in Mister Car Wash in the second quarter valued at about $404,000. Squarepoint Ops LLC boosted its stake in shares of Mister Car Wash by 269.8% in the 2nd quarter. Squarepoint Ops LLC now owns 390,568 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,347,000 after purchasing an additional 284,939 shares in the last quarter. Magnetar Financial LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Mister Car Wash in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $992,000. Versor Investments LP grew its holdings in shares of Mister Car Wash by 42.3% during the 2nd quarter. Versor Investments LP now owns 194,000 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,166,000 after purchasing an additional 57,700 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Integrated Quantitative Investments LLC acquired a new position in Mister Car Wash during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $761,000.

About Mister Car Wash

(Get Free Report)

Mister Car Wash, traded on the NYSE under the ticker MCW, is a leading provider of vehicle cleaning services in the United States. The company specializes in a tiered range of wash offerings, including express exterior washes, full-service interior and exterior cleaning, and premium detailing services. In addition to one-time washes, Mister Car Wash markets unlimited monthly membership plans that grant customers access to recurring washes at participating locations.

Founded in 1969 and headquartered in Houston, Texas, Mister Car Wash has grown from a single facility to one of the largest car wash chains in the country.

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Hamilton Insurance Group (NYSE:HG  Get Free Report) had its price target hoisted by research analysts at Keefe, Bruyette & Woods from $30.00 to $35.00 in a research note issued on Monday,Benzinga reports. The brokerage presently has an outperform rating on the stock. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods price objective would suggest a potential upside of 14.44% from the companys current price.

HG has been the topic of a number of other research reports. Citigroup reiterated an outperform rating on shares of Hamilton Insurance Group in a research note on Friday. Wells Fargo & Company lifted their target price on shares of Hamilton Insurance Group from $31.00 to $34.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Tuesday, January 13th. Zacks Research lowered shares of Hamilton Insurance Group from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Monday, February 2nd. BMO Capital Markets reaffirmed a market perform rating and set a $26.00 price objective on shares of Hamilton Insurance Group in a report on Tuesday, December 23rd. Finally, Citizens Jmp raised their target price on Hamilton Insurance Group from $32.00 to $35.00 and gave the stock a market outperform rating in a research report on Friday. Six investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and three have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $31.14.

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Read Our Latest Analysis on HG

Hamilton Insurance Group Trading Up 4.3%

Hamilton Insurance Group stock opened at $30.58 on Monday. The firm has a market capitalization of $3.01 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 5.49 and a beta of 0.70. Hamilton Insurance Group has a 52-week low of $16.80 and a 52-week high of $31.67. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $28.13 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $25.99. The company has a quick ratio of 0.66, a current ratio of 0.66 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.05.

Hamilton Insurance Group (NYSE:HG  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, February 19th. The company reported $1.65 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.69 by $0.96. Hamilton Insurance Group had a net margin of 19.85% and a return on equity of 19.84%. The business had revenue of $728.33 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $621.00 million. Sell-side analysts expect that Hamilton Insurance Group will post 4.1 earnings per share for the current year.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the business. Federated Hermes Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Hamilton Insurance Group by 30.5% in the 3rd quarter. Federated Hermes Inc. now owns 587,951 shares of the companys stock worth $14,581,000 after acquiring an additional 137,501 shares during the period. Inspire Investing LLC bought a new stake in Hamilton Insurance Group during the third quarter worth approximately $1,082,000. Great Lakes Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in Hamilton Insurance Group in the third quarter worth approximately $2,222,000. Seizert Capital Partners LLC acquired a new stake in Hamilton Insurance Group in the third quarter worth approximately $2,106,000. Finally, American Century Companies Inc. boosted its stake in Hamilton Insurance Group by 15.7% during the 2nd quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 2,214,591 shares of the companys stock valued at $47,879,000 after purchasing an additional 301,334 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 29.17% of the companys stock.

Hamilton Insurance Group Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Hamilton Insurance Group Ltd. is a Bermuda-based insurance and reinsurance holding company that trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol HG. The company focuses on specialty lines of property and casualty insurance and reinsurance, providing tailored solutions to clients around the world. Its underwriting platform is designed to address complex and niche risks across multiple industry sectors.

Established in 2016 and completing its initial public offering in 2017, Hamilton has concentrated on building a diversified portfolio of insurance and reinsurance products.

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LaFleur & Godfrey LLC boosted its stake in American Express Company (NYSE:AXP) by 17.3% during the 3rd quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The firm owned 42,369 shares of the payment services companys stock after buying an additional 6,248 shares during the quarter. American Express makes up about 1.7% of LaFleur & Godfrey LLCs holdings, making the stock its 20th biggest position. LaFleur & Godfrey LLCs holdings in American Express were worth $14,073,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission.

A number of other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in AXP. ZEGA Investments LLC bought a new stake in shares of American Express in the 3rd quarter worth about $1,080,000. Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Group Inc. increased its stake in American Express by 0.3% during the third quarter. Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Group Inc. now owns 1,598,743 shares of the payment services companys stock worth $531,038,000 after acquiring an additional 4,080 shares during the last quarter. Elite Wealth Management Inc. purchased a new stake in American Express during the third quarter valued at approximately $2,763,000. New York Life Investment Management LLC raised its position in American Express by 0.9% during the second quarter. New York Life Investment Management LLC now owns 82,883 shares of the payment services companys stock valued at $26,438,000 after purchasing an additional 764 shares during the period. Finally, Nordea Investment Management AB lifted its stake in shares of American Express by 2.8% in the 3rd quarter. Nordea Investment Management AB now owns 2,329,851 shares of the payment services companys stock valued at $778,380,000 after purchasing an additional 62,474 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 84.33% of the companys stock.

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American Express Stock Performance

Shares of NYSE:AXP opened at $345.99 on Monday. The firms 50 day simple moving average is $364.00 and its 200-day simple moving average is $348.82. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.68, a quick ratio of 1.58 and a current ratio of 1.59. American Express Company has a one year low of $220.43 and a one year high of $387.49. The firm has a market cap of $237.56 billion, a PE ratio of 22.48, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.46 and a beta of 1.14.

American Express Dividend Announcement

American Express ( NYSE:AXP Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Friday, January 30th. The payment services company reported $3.53 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $3.54 by ($0.01). The firm had revenue of ($17,139.00) million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $18.91 billion. American Express had a return on equity of 33.49% and a net margin of 15.00%.The firms revenue for the quarter was up 10.5% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the company earned $3.04 EPS. American Express has set its FY 2026 guidance at 17.300-17.900 EPS. As a group, equities analysts predict that American Express Company will post 15.33 EPS for the current year.

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, February 10th. Stockholders of record on Friday, January 2nd were paid a dividend of $0.82 per share. The ex-dividend date was Friday, January 2nd. This represents a $3.28 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.9%. American Expresss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 21.31%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several equities analysts have recently weighed in on AXP shares. Weiss Ratings raised American Express from a hold (c+) rating to a buy (b-) rating in a research report on Monday, December 29th. Wells Fargo & Company lifted their price objective on shares of American Express from $400.00 to $425.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, December 17th. BTIG Research reiterated a sell rating and set a $328.00 price objective on shares of American Express in a research report on Monday, February 2nd. Credit Suisse Group set a $328.00 target price on shares of American Express in a report on Monday, January 12th. Finally, TD Cowen reiterated a hold rating on shares of American Express in a report on Thursday, January 8th. Nine equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, fifteen have assigned a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, American Express presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $352.73.

Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on AXP

Key Stories Impacting American Express

Here are the key news stories impacting American Express this week:

Insider Transactions at American Express

In other news, insider Denise Pickett sold 23,385 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Thursday, February 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $356.91, for a total value of $8,346,340.35. Following the completion of the sale, the insider owned 7,754 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,767,480.14. The trade was a 75.10% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, insider Ravikumar Radhakrishnan sold 15,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, February 9th. The stock was sold at an average price of $356.58, for a total transaction of $5,348,700.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider directly owned 8,945 shares of the companys stock, valued at $3,189,608.10. The trade was a 62.64% decrease in their position. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Over the last three months, insiders have sold 73,944 shares of company stock valued at $26,114,366. Insiders own 0.20% of the companys stock.

American Express Profile

(Free Report)

American Express is a global financial services company primarily known for its payment card products, travel services and merchant network. Founded in 1850 as an express mail business, the company evolved through the 20th century into a payments and travel-focused organization. Its core activities include issuing consumer and commercial charge and credit cards, operating a global card acceptance and processing network, and providing travel-related services and customer loyalty programs.

American Express issues a range of products for individuals, small businesses and large corporations, including personal cards, business and corporate cards, and cobrand partnerships with airlines, hotels and retailers.

Further Reading

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LaFleur & Godfrey LLC lifted its holdings in shares of NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE:NEE  Free Report) by 28.8% in the 3rd quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The fund owned 125,954 shares of the utilities providers stock after purchasing an additional 28,173 shares during the period. LaFleur & Godfrey LLCs holdings in NextEra Energy were worth $9,508,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other large investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in NEE. Goodman Advisory Group LLC purchased a new stake in shares of NextEra Energy in the second quarter worth approximately $25,000. Tripletail Wealth Management LLC bought a new stake in NextEra Energy during the third quarter worth $25,000. Quaker Wealth Management LLC lifted its stake in NextEra Energy by 200.0% during the 2nd quarter. Quaker Wealth Management LLC now owns 386 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $27,000 after acquiring an additional 772 shares in the last quarter. Howard Hughes Medical Institute purchased a new position in NextEra Energy during the 2nd quarter worth $31,000. Finally, Rexford Capital Inc. bought a new stake in shares of NextEra Energy in the 2nd quarter worth $34,000. Institutional investors own 78.72% of the companys stock.

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Insider Activity

In other NextEra Energy news, CEO John W. Ketchum sold 99,603 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Monday, February 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of $89.34, for a total transaction of $8,898,532.02. Following the sale, the chief executive officer owned 305,933 shares of the companys stock, valued at $27,332,054.22. The trade was a 24.56% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. Also, EVP Ronald R. Reagan sold 18,620 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Wednesday, February 4th. The stock was sold at an average price of $90.00, for a total value of $1,675,800.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president directly owned 9,643 shares of the companys stock, valued at $867,870. The trade was a 65.88% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Insiders have sold a total of 159,049 shares of company stock valued at $14,194,542 over the last quarter. Company insiders own 0.18% of the companys stock.

NextEra Energy Stock Performance

NYSE:NEE opened at $92.07 on Monday. The company has a market capitalization of $191.83 billion, a P/E ratio of 27.98, a P/E/G ratio of 2.85 and a beta of 0.75. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $84.76 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $81.01. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.35, a current ratio of 0.60 and a quick ratio of 0.49. NextEra Energy, Inc. has a 1 year low of $61.72 and a 1 year high of $95.56.

NextEra Energy (NYSE:NEE  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, January 27th. The utilities provider reported $0.54 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.53 by $0.01. NextEra Energy had a return on equity of 12.18% and a net margin of 24.93%.The company had revenue of $6.50 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $7.07 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $0.53 EPS. The firms quarterly revenue was up 20.7% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, analysts expect that NextEra Energy, Inc. will post 3.68 earnings per share for the current year.

NextEra Energy Increases Dividend

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, March 16th. Stockholders of record on Friday, February 27th will be paid a $0.6232 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Friday, February 27th. This is a positive change from NextEra Energys previous quarterly dividend of $0.57. This represents a $2.49 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.7%. NextEra Energys dividend payout ratio is 69.00%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of research analysts recently weighed in on NEE shares. Wolfe Research raised their price target on shares of NextEra Energy from $87.00 to $94.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Monday, December 1st. Wells Fargo & Company upped their target price on NextEra Energy from $97.00 to $98.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Tuesday, January 20th. Citigroup reissued a buy rating and issued a $96.00 price objective (up previously from $84.00) on shares of NextEra Energy in a research report on Wednesday, October 29th. Seaport Research Partners decreased their target price on NextEra Energy from $56.00 to $55.00 and set a sell rating for the company in a research report on Monday, February 2nd. Finally, Morgan Stanley reiterated an overweight rating and set a $106.00 target price on shares of NextEra Energy in a research note on Friday. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, fourteen have given a Buy rating and four have given a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $93.05.

Read Our Latest Analysis on NextEra Energy

NextEra Energy Profile

(Free Report)

NextEra Energy, Inc (NYSE: NEE), headquartered in Juno Beach, Florida, is a leading clean energy company with both regulated utility operations and competitive renewable generation businesses. The companys principal operating subsidiaries include Florida Power & Light Company (FPL), a regulated electric utility serving customers in Florida, and NextEra Energy Resources, which develops, constructs, owns and operates a large portfolio of wind, solar and energy storage projects. Together these businesses provide electricity supply, transmission and distribution services as well as utility-scale renewable generation and related services.

NextEras activities cover the full lifecycle of power assets, from project development and construction to operation, maintenance and asset optimization.

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Lansforsakringar Fondforvaltning AB publ boosted its holdings in shares of Newmont Corporation (NYSE:NEM  Free Report) by 3.2% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 350,321 shares of the basic materials companys stock after purchasing an additional 10,821 shares during the quarter. Lansforsakringar Fondforvaltning AB publs holdings in Newmont were worth $29,536,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the business. Physician Wealth Advisors Inc. raised its position in shares of Newmont by 327.8% during the 3rd quarter. Physician Wealth Advisors Inc. now owns 308 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $26,000 after buying an additional 236 shares in the last quarter. Capital A Wealth Management LLC raised its position in Newmont by 1,648.3% during the second quarter. Capital A Wealth Management LLC now owns 507 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $30,000 after purchasing an additional 478 shares during the period. Caldwell Trust Co bought a new stake in shares of Newmont in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $31,000. Country Trust Bank purchased a new position in shares of Newmont in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $32,000. Finally, CoreFirst Bank & Trust purchased a new position in shares of Newmont in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $32,000. 68.85% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several analysts recently weighed in on the company. UBS Group restated a buy rating and set a $160.00 price target on shares of Newmont in a report on Friday, January 30th. Royal Bank Of Canada increased their target price on shares of Newmont from $120.00 to $125.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Tuesday, February 3rd. Macquarie Infrastructure lifted their price target on shares of Newmont from $115.00 to $126.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Friday, February 6th. Canaccord Genuity Group upped their price target on shares of Newmont from $115.00 to $140.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Friday, January 23rd. Finally, Wall Street Zen downgraded shares of Newmont from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research note on Sunday, November 2nd. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, fifteen have given a Buy rating and four have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Newmont currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $132.88.

Key Headlines Impacting Newmont

Here are the key news stories impacting Newmont this week:

Positive Sentiment: Beat expectations: Q4 EPS of $2.52 and revenue of $6.82B topped estimates, driven by higher realized gold prices and margin expansion. Read More.

Beat expectations: Q4 EPS of $2.52 and revenue of $6.82B topped estimates, driven by higher realized gold prices and margin expansion. Read More. Positive Sentiment: Record free cash flow and strong profitability in 2025 supported balance sheet and capital flexibility  a reason some investors remain constructive. Read More.

Record free cash flow and strong profitability in 2025 supported balance sheet and capital flexibility  a reason some investors remain constructive. Read More. Positive Sentiment: Dividend increase: the company raised the quarterly payout to $0.26 (4% increase), signaling continued shareholder returns. Read More.

Dividend increase: the company raised the quarterly payout to $0.26 (4% increase), signaling continued shareholder returns. Read More. Neutral Sentiment: Mineral reserves declined to 118.2M attributable gold ounces at yearend 2025 versus 134.1M in 2024  management attributes the drop mainly to divestments rather than operating shortfalls. Read More.

Mineral reserves declined to 118.2M attributable gold ounces at yearend 2025 versus 134.1M in 2024  management attributes the drop mainly to divestments rather than operating shortfalls. Read More. Neutral Sentiment: Analyst framing remains mixed-to-favorable: many firms still rate NEM buy/outperform and Zacks highlights it as a strong growth stock based on style scores, leaving upside potential for longerterm investors. Read More.

Analyst framing remains mixed-to-favorable: many firms still rate NEM buy/outperform and Zacks highlights it as a strong growth stock based on style scores, leaving upside potential for longerterm investors. Read More. Negative Sentiment: 2026 guidance disappointed: management forecast ~5.3M oz attributable gold production (below 2025), AISC around ~$1,680/oz and sizable sustaining/development capital spending  the softer outlook is the main nearterm headwind. Read More.

2026 guidance disappointed: management forecast ~5.3M oz attributable gold production (below 2025), AISC around ~$1,680/oz and sizable sustaining/development capital spending  the softer outlook is the main nearterm headwind. Read More. Negative Sentiment: Sellthenews reaction: after the strong quarter, investors focused on the muted 2026 outlook and the stock pulled back as a result. Read More.

Sellthenews reaction: after the strong quarter, investors focused on the muted 2026 outlook and the stock pulled back as a result. Read More. Negative Sentiment: Analyst/pricing moves and insider/institutional flows: BMO trimmed its price target (from $145 to $140) and filings show notable insider sales and large institutional reallocations (some big holders reduced positions), which likely added selling pressure. Read More.

Analyst/pricing moves and insider/institutional flows: BMO trimmed its price target (from $145 to $140) and filings show notable insider sales and large institutional reallocations (some big holders reduced positions), which likely added selling pressure. Read More. Negative Sentiment: Median analyst targets and positioning: recent medians/targets (Quiver/other services) show some targets below the current price, reinforcing mixed nearterm sentiment. Read More.

Newmont Trading Down 2.6%

Shares of NEM opened at $122.16 on Monday. The firm has a market capitalization of $132.89 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 19.12, a PEG ratio of 1.02 and a beta of 0.40. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.16, a current ratio of 2.29 and a quick ratio of 2.02. Newmont Corporation has a 1-year low of $41.23 and a 1-year high of $134.88. The company has a 50-day moving average of $113.12 and a 200 day moving average of $93.33.

Newmont (NYSE:NEM  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, February 19th. The basic materials company reported $2.52 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.81 by $0.71. The business had revenue of $6.82 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $6.18 billion. Newmont had a net margin of 31.25% and a return on equity of 23.28%. The companys quarterly revenue was up 20.6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the company posted $1.40 earnings per share. On average, research analysts expect that Newmont Corporation will post 3.45 EPS for the current year.

Newmont Increases Dividend

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, March 26th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, March 3rd will be paid a dividend of $0.26 per share. This is an increase from Newmonts previous quarterly dividend of $0.25. This represents a $1.04 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.9%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, March 3rd. Newmonts payout ratio is 15.65%.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In related news, Director Bruce R. Brook sold 2,080 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, December 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $92.36, for a total value of $192,108.80. Following the completion of the sale, the director directly owned 32,709 shares of the companys stock, valued at $3,021,003.24. This represents a 5.98% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. 0.05% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Newmont Company Profile

(Free Report)

Newmont Corporation (NYSE: NEM) is a leading global gold mining company engaged in the exploration, development, processing and reclamation of gold properties. The companys core business centers on the production of gold, with additional byproduct metals produced from its operations. Newmont operates a portfolio of longlived mines and development projects, and its activities span the full mine life cycle from early-stage exploration through to mining, milling and closure.

Founded in 1921 and headquartered in Greenwood Village, Colorado, Newmont has grown through organic development and strategic acquisitions.

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MainStreet Investment Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT  Free Report) in the third quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The firm purchased 6,044 shares of the healthcare product makers stock, valued at approximately $810,000.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of ABT. Vanguard Group Inc. boosted its stake in Abbott Laboratories by 1.8% in the 2nd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 172,800,851 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $23,502,644,000 after purchasing an additional 2,977,715 shares in the last quarter. State Street Corp raised its stake in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 0.9% in the second quarter. State Street Corp now owns 78,354,270 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $10,656,964,000 after purchasing an additional 689,517 shares during the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 3.8% during the second quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 38,293,067 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $5,184,589,000 after purchasing an additional 1,390,554 shares in the last quarter. Norges Bank purchased a new stake in shares of Abbott Laboratories during the second quarter valued at $3,026,180,000. Finally, Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA boosted its position in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 5.8% during the third quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA now owns 15,096,907 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $2,022,080,000 after buying an additional 821,325 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 75.18% of the companys stock.

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Insiders Place Their Bets

In related news, Director Daniel J. Starks acquired 10,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Wednesday, February 4th. The shares were acquired at an average cost of $108.73 per share, for a total transaction of $1,087,300.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director directly owned 6,738,817 shares in the company, valued at approximately $732,711,572.41. This trade represents a 0.15% increase in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. 0.46% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Abbott Laboratories Stock Up 0.0%

ABT opened at $112.21 on Monday. The company has a market capitalization of $195.11 billion, a PE ratio of 30.16, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.79 and a beta of 0.75. The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of $118.46 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $125.80. The company has a quick ratio of 1.24, a current ratio of 1.70 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.23. Abbott Laboratories has a 52 week low of $105.27 and a 52 week high of $141.23.

Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, January 22nd. The healthcare product maker reported $1.50 EPS for the quarter, hitting analysts consensus estimates of $1.50. Abbott Laboratories had a return on equity of 17.94% and a net margin of 14.72%.The company had revenue of $11.46 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $11.80 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $1.34 earnings per share. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 4.4% on a year-over-year basis. Abbott Laboratories has set its Q1 2026 guidance at 1.120-1.180 EPS and its FY 2026 guidance at 5.550-5.800 EPS. Analysts forecast that Abbott Laboratories will post 5.14 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Abbott Laboratories Announces Dividend

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, May 15th. Investors of record on Wednesday, April 15th will be given a $0.63 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, April 15th. This represents a $2.52 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.2%. Abbott Laboratoriess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 67.74%.

Abbott Laboratories News Roundup

Here are the key news stories impacting Abbott Laboratories this week:

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of equities research analysts have commented on ABT shares. Daiwa Securities Group cut their target price on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $136.00 to $113.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research report on Friday, January 30th. William Blair upgraded shares of Abbott Laboratories to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Thursday, November 20th. Weiss Ratings downgraded shares of Abbott Laboratories from a buy (b-) rating to a hold (c+) rating in a research report on Monday, January 26th. BTIG Research lowered their target price on Abbott Laboratories from $145.00 to $140.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, February 17th. Finally, Leerink Partners cut their price objective on Abbott Laboratories from $136.00 to $119.00 and set a market perform rating for the company in a research note on Friday, January 30th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, sixteen have given a Buy rating and four have issued a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $137.05.

Get Our Latest Research Report on ABT

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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Nickel Industries (ASX:NIC) used its annual results presentation to highlight record production across several operating areas despite what Managing Director Justin Werner described as a challenging year for nickel pricing and mining quota delays in Indonesia.

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Safety and ESG updates

Werner opened the call with safety performance, reporting 17.8 million safe man-hours worked during the year and more than 26.1 million man-hours since the companys last reported lost time injury in 2021. He said the companys LTIFR and TRIFR were significantly below the world steel average.

Financial results and RKAB-related impacts

On ESG, Werner said Nickel Industries continued to be a leader in Indonesia, citing multiple awards and improving third-party ratings, including recognition from CNBC and improved scores from S&P and other groups. He also referenced a Best Community Award at the Global CSR and ESG Summit in Vietnam.

The company reported revenue of $1.65 billion and adjusted EBITDA of $282.8 million for 2025. Werner attributed pressure on results to weaker prices, noting the LME nickel price was down 9.8% versus 2024 and the NPI price was down 2.8% versus 2024.

Werner also said Indonesias RKAB mining quota approvals and timing affected profitability, grade, and production volumes. He pointed to standby costs tied to quota constraints, including $1.5 million in standby costs to mining contractors late in 2024 that reduced fourth-quarter EBITDA, and later referenced about $21.3 million (also described as $21.5 million in Q&A) of standby charges in the December quarter related to RKAB extension timing. Werner estimated lost mining volume from the stoppage at roughly 4.5 million tonnes, translating to approximately $50 million to $60 million of lost EBITDA.

Nickel Industries paid a dividend of $0.015 per share in 2025. Net debt was cited at about $861.8 million during the presentation, with a balance sheet update at December 31 showing $357 million of cash, $1.2 billion of debt, and net debt of $866 million.

The companys debt was described as comprising $800 million of notes maturing in September 2030 and $123 million of syndicated bank loan facilities, with an additional undrawn $50 million. Nickel Industries also recorded an $8.1 million impairment charge related to limonite inventory sterilized for construction of the ENC tailings facility.

Operations: RKEF, HPAL, mining, and ENC progress

Werner said Nickel Industries set multiple operating records during the year, including record nickel and cobalt tonnes from its HPAL operation (HNC), record NPI production of 1,055,658 tonnes, and record mine production of 19.2 million wet metric tonnes, with ore sales of 9.9 million wet metric tonnes.

RKEF/NPI: Record NPI production of 1,055,658 tonnes. Cash costs declined 1.8% due to lower ore prices (linked to LME pricing) and lower power costs. The contracted price of $11,187 per tonne was lower than 2024, contributing to a decline in adjusted EBITDA per tonne by $261, which Werner said equated to about a 22% year-over-year drop.

Record NPI production of 1,055,658 tonnes. Cash costs declined 1.8% due to lower ore prices (linked to LME pricing) and lower power costs. The contracted price of $11,187 per tonne was lower than 2024, contributing to a decline in adjusted EBITDA per tonne by $261, which Werner said equated to about a 22% year-over-year drop. HPAL (HNC): Attributable production of 8,500 nickel tonnes and 802 cobalt tonnes. Werner said HNC was operating at around 40% above nameplate capacity. Cash cost increased slightly, largely due to higher sulfur raw costs. He said MHP contract prices rose 8% to about $14,990 per tonne and cited EBITDA per tonne margins of around $6,677 for 2025, with margins exceeding $10,000 per tonne in January.

Attributable production of 8,500 nickel tonnes and 802 cobalt tonnes. Werner said HNC was operating at around 40% above nameplate capacity. Cash cost increased slightly, largely due to higher sulfur raw costs. He said MHP contract prices rose 8% to about $14,990 per tonne and cited EBITDA per tonne margins of around $6,677 for 2025, with margins exceeding $10,000 per tonne in January. Mining: Mine operations delivered $91.6 million in EBITDA. Werner noted that while limonite nickel grade decreased, limonite contract pricing increased 31% due to demand from non-integrated Indonesian HPAL projects.

Mine operations delivered $91.6 million in EBITDA. Werner noted that while limonite nickel grade decreased, limonite contract pricing increased 31% due to demand from non-integrated Indonesian HPAL projects. ENC project: Werner said construction was progressing well and scheduled for commissioning in the first half of the year. He said an integrated refinery (for cathode and nickel/cobalt sulfate plants) was complete and the HPAL smelter was nearing completion. Mechanical tests had started on equipment including CCD circuits, thickening and precipitation tanks, slurry storage tanks, and reagent tanks, and the company had reallocated additional resources to support timely completion.

During Q&A, management said the company could not apply for the IUI (commercial production license) until mechanical completion and closure of investment capex by the government. First sales from ENC were probably targeting somewhere around July, with management describing typical residence times of 2-3 weeks from first ore feed to first HPAL product and about 40 days from feeding MHP into the cathode and sulfate refineries to produce refined products.

Refinancing, SeAH investment, and capital allocation

Werner described a bond refinancing in which Nickel Industries raised $800 million in five-year senior secured notes. He said the company reduced the coupon from 11.25% to 9% and removed amortization, adding that initial marketing targeted $500 million but attracted about $6 billion of orders. He also highlighted a more geographically diversified investor base, split roughly one-third each across North America, Europe, and Asia.

Werner also discussed the sale of a 10% interest in the ENC project to strategic partner SeAH, describing SeAH as a KOSDAQ-listed premium alloy supplier and super alloy supplier to SpaceX. Management said the transaction implied a $2.4 billion valuation for 100% of ENC, above the $2.3 billion Nickel Industries said it had invested.

In response to a question about the SeAH terms, management said SeAHs investment consisted of $30 million in equity (paid in full as of the call) and $210 million in debt. Werner said Nickel Industries provided guarantees related to that debt and would step into SeAHs position if SeAH defaulted. He added that Nickel Industries planned a further 2% increase in its ENC stake, with a remaining $46 million payment due by March 31, described as its final payment for ENC. Management said the structure also released $207 million of commitments the company otherwise would have made later in the year.

On capital allocation, Werner said near-term cash requirements included the remaining $46 million payment for the additional 2% of ENC and $20 million to $30 million of capex to progress the Sampala project, plus about $100 million of interest payments. He said the board would review capital returns and balance sheet priorities later in the year, including whether to revisit the dividend, consider a share buyback, and potential debt repayment, while continuing efforts to optimize the debt stack by lowering interest costs, reducing amortization, and pushing out maturities.

Outlook themes: quotas, price leverage, and catalysts

Werner pointed to what he called three major catalysts for 2026: increased RKAB quota at the Hengjaya Mine, commissioning and ramp-up of ENC, and development of the Sampala mine.

Management said it received approval for 14.3 million wet metric tonnes of ore sales for 2026. Werner said Nickel Industries was the only company that has achieved an increase, which he framed as an endorsement of the mines environmental and ESG track record. In Q&A, Werner said the quota would allow Nickel Industries to provide 100% of ENCs ore requirements for 2026 and continue supplying saprolite to its RKEF operations at IMIP, bringing those operations to about 60% self-sufficiency. He also said the company does not currently supply ore to HNC, which is sourced from a third party.

Werner emphasized improved market conditions early in 2026, stating the company delivered $50 million in EBITDA in January, driven by higher NPI margins. He said NPI margins rose about 150% from roughly $1,114 per tonne in the December quarter to $2,800 per tonne in January, while also noting the company had not yet captured that full NPI increase.

He also described Sampala as progressing through haul road construction and permitting, noting the company drilled more than 100,000 meters in 2025 and said it was very confident of a resource exceeding 1 billion wet metric tonnes. Nickel Industries has an MoU for supply of up to 14 million wet metric tonnes of ore from Sampala, and Werner said remaining capex to bring Sampala into production was about $20 million to $30 million. In Q&A, Werner said an initial quota target for Sampala would be about 6 million tonnes, with ramp-up required to meet the 14 million tonnes contemplated by the MoU, and said the project consists of three separate IUPs, allowing multiple individual quota applications.

Closing the call, Werner said Nickel Industries believed it was extremely well-placed for a stronger 2026, citing strengthening NPI and nickel pricing and the expected ENC commissioning, while noting 2025 had been difficult due to what he described as the lowest nickel price in the past couple of years.

About Nickel Industries (ASX:NIC)

Nickel Industries Limited engages in nickel ore mining, nickel pig iron, cobalt, and nickel matte production activities. It is also involved in the production of mixed hydroxide precipitate for use in the electric vehicle supply chain. The company was formerly known as Nickel Mines Limited and changed its name to Nickel Industries Limited in June 2022. Nickel Industries Limited was incorporated in 2007 and is based in Sydney, Australia.

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Payden & Rygel lowered its holdings in Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY  Free Report) by 80.2% during the third quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The fund owned 3,120 shares of the companys stock after selling 12,600 shares during the quarter. Payden & Rygels holdings in Eli Lilly and Company were worth $2,381,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in LLY. Clearstead Trust LLC boosted its holdings in Eli Lilly and Company by 38.4% in the third quarter. Clearstead Trust LLC now owns 6,726 shares of the companys stock valued at $5,132,000 after purchasing an additional 1,866 shares during the last quarter. Avalon Trust Co raised its stake in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 9.6% during the 3rd quarter. Avalon Trust Co now owns 966 shares of the companys stock valued at $737,000 after buying an additional 85 shares during the last quarter. Kovitz Investment Group Partners LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 7.8% in the 3rd quarter. Kovitz Investment Group Partners LLC now owns 71,907 shares of the companys stock valued at $54,865,000 after buying an additional 5,192 shares during the period. Alteri Wealth LLC boosted its stake in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 5.2% in the third quarter. Alteri Wealth LLC now owns 3,150 shares of the companys stock worth $2,404,000 after buying an additional 156 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Koshinski Asset Management Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 2.4% in the third quarter. Koshinski Asset Management Inc. now owns 4,785 shares of the companys stock worth $3,651,000 after buying an additional 112 shares during the last quarter. 82.53% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Eli Lilly and Company Trading Down 1.4%

LLY stock opened at $1,008.47 on Monday. The company has a current ratio of 1.58, a quick ratio of 1.19 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.54. Eli Lilly and Company has a 12-month low of $623.78 and a 12-month high of $1,133.95. The stock has a market cap of $951.35 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 43.94, a PEG ratio of 1.17 and a beta of 0.39. The businesss 50-day moving average is $1,054.83 and its 200 day moving average is $917.84.

Eli Lilly and Company Increases Dividend

Eli Lilly and Company ( NYSE:LLY Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, February 4th. The company reported $7.54 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $7.48 by $0.06. The business had revenue of $19.29 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $17.85 billion. Eli Lilly and Company had a return on equity of 102.94% and a net margin of 31.66%.The businesss revenue was up 42.6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $5.32 earnings per share. Eli Lilly and Company has set its FY 2026 guidance at 33.500-35.000 EPS. On average, sell-side analysts anticipate that Eli Lilly and Company will post 23.48 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 10th. Shareholders of record on Friday, February 13th will be issued a $1.73 dividend. This represents a $6.92 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.7%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, February 13th. This is an increase from Eli Lilly and Companys previous quarterly dividend of $1.50. Eli Lilly and Companys payout ratio is 30.15%.

More Eli Lilly and Company News

Here are the key news stories impacting Eli Lilly and Company this week:

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

LLY has been the subject of a number of analyst reports. Loop Capital set a $1,200.00 price target on Eli Lilly and Company in a report on Tuesday, February 10th. Cantor Fitzgerald boosted their target price on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $985.00 to $1,205.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday, February 5th. UBS Group restated a buy rating on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a research report on Monday, February 2nd. Wells Fargo & Company lifted their price objective on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $1,200.00 to $1,280.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Thursday, February 5th. Finally, Guggenheim lowered their target price on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $1,163.00 to $1,161.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, January 20th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twenty-two have issued a Buy rating and five have issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $1,228.54.

View Our Latest Stock Report on Eli Lilly and Company

About Eli Lilly and Company

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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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Wall Street Zen downgraded shares of Precision Drilling (NYSE:PDS  Free Report) (TSE:PD) from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report released on Sunday.

Several other analysts have also commented on PDS. Royal Bank Of Canada reaffirmed an outperform rating and set a $124.00 price target (up previously from $119.00) on shares of Precision Drilling in a research report on Friday, February 13th. BMO Capital Markets restated an outperform rating on shares of Precision Drilling in a research report on Thursday, February 12th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c-) rating on shares of Precision Drilling in a report on Wednesday, January 28th. ATB Cormark Capital Markets raised Precision Drilling to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Thursday, October 30th. Finally, TD Securities reaffirmed a hold rating on shares of Precision Drilling in a research report on Thursday, February 12th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, four have issued a Buy rating and three have given a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $114.50.

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Read Our Latest Research Report on Precision Drilling

Precision Drilling Stock Down 1.4%

NYSE PDS opened at $88.21 on Friday. The businesss fifty day simple moving average is $76.82 and its 200-day simple moving average is $64.82. The company has a quick ratio of 1.46, a current ratio of 1.62 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.43. The firm has a market cap of $1.14 billion, a PE ratio of -226.17 and a beta of 1.04. Precision Drilling has a 52 week low of $36.20 and a 52 week high of $92.40.

Precision Drilling (NYSE:PDS  Get Free Report) (TSE:PD) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, February 11th. The oil and gas company reported $1.37 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.11 by $0.26. Precision Drilling had a net margin of 0.05% and a return on equity of 4.12%. The firm had revenue of $349.37 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $489.80 million. As a group, equities analysts anticipate that Precision Drilling will post 7.1 earnings per share for the current year.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Precision Drilling

Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in PDS. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership grew its holdings in shares of Precision Drilling by 275.5% during the second quarter. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership now owns 387,598 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $18,338,000 after purchasing an additional 284,384 shares during the last quarter. Aegis Financial Corp boosted its position in shares of Precision Drilling by 10.2% in the 2nd quarter. Aegis Financial Corp now owns 215,396 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $10,182,000 after purchasing an additional 19,891 shares during the period. Beirne Wealth Consulting Services LLC purchased a new position in Precision Drilling during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $325,000. US Bancorp DE increased its position in Precision Drilling by 52.3% during the third quarter. US Bancorp DE now owns 1,188 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $67,000 after buying an additional 408 shares during the period. Finally, Raymond James Financial Inc. acquired a new position in Precision Drilling during the second quarter worth approximately $57,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 48.86% of the companys stock.

About Precision Drilling

(Get Free Report)

Precision Drilling Corporation (NYSE: PDS) is a Calgary, Albertabased oilfield services company that has provided drilling solutions since its founding in 1951. With more than seven decades of industry experience, the company delivers contract drilling services, directional and horizontal drilling, well servicing, and a suite of specialized equipment designed to meet the evolving needs of exploration and production companies worldwide.

The companys core business activities include operating a fleet of onshore drilling rigs, offering managed pressure drilling, measurement-while-drilling (MWD) and logging-while-drilling (LWD) services, and providing completion and workover rigs.

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China Zenix Auto International (OTCMKTS:ZXAIY  Get Free Report) and American Axle & Manufacturing (NYSE:DCH  Get Free Report) are both small-cap auto/tires/trucks companies, but which is the better stock? We will contrast the two businesses based on the strength of their valuation, dividends, institutional ownership, profitability, analyst recommendations, earnings and risk.

Volatility & Risk

China Zenix Auto International has a beta of 2.6, indicating that its stock price is 160% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, American Axle & Manufacturing has a beta of 1.6, indicating that its stock price is 60% more volatile than the S&P 500.

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Earnings & Valuation

This table compares China Zenix Auto International and American Axle & Manufacturings top-line revenue, earnings per share and valuation.

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio China Zenix Auto International $271.18 million 0.20 -$61.16 million ($2.23) -0.46 American Axle & Manufacturing $5.84 billion 0.28 -$19.70 million ($0.18) -38.78

American Axle & Manufacturing has higher revenue and earnings than China Zenix Auto International. American Axle & Manufacturing is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than China Zenix Auto International, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

Analyst Recommendations

This is a summary of current recommendations and price targets for China Zenix Auto International and American Axle & Manufacturing, as reported by MarketBeat.com.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score China Zenix Auto International 0 0 0 0 0.00 American Axle & Manufacturing 2 0 3 0 2.20

American Axle & Manufacturing has a consensus price target of $12.45, indicating a potential upside of 78.37%. Given American Axle & Manufacturings stronger consensus rating and higher probable upside, analysts plainly believe American Axle & Manufacturing is more favorable than China Zenix Auto International.

Profitability

This table compares China Zenix Auto International and American Axle & Manufacturings net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets China Zenix Auto International -41.87% -40.07% -24.13% American Axle & Manufacturing -0.34% 10.00% 1.17%

Insider and Institutional Ownership

91.4% of American Axle & Manufacturing shares are owned by institutional investors. 3.7% of American Axle & Manufacturing shares are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, endowments and large money managers believe a company is poised for long-term growth.

Summary

American Axle & Manufacturing beats China Zenix Auto International on 12 of the 14 factors compared between the two stocks.

About China Zenix Auto International

(Get Free Report)

China Zenix Auto International Ltd. engages in the design, manufacture, and sale of steel wheels for commercial vehicles. It operates through the following segments: PRC Aftermarket Sales, PRC OEM Sales, and International Sales. The PRC Aftermarket Sales segment produces and sells steel and aluminum wheels to distributors. The PRC OEM Sales segment produces and sells steel and aluminum wheels to vehicle manufacturers. The International Sales segment manufactures wheels to distributors and vehicle manufacturers outside China. The company was founded on July 11, 2008 and is headquartered in Zhangzhou, China.

About American Axle & Manufacturing

(Get Free Report)

American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc. is a leading supplier of driveline and drivetrain systems, modules and components for the light vehicle market world wide. It manufactures Driveline and Metal Forming technologies to support electric, hybrid and internal combustion vehicles. Its the primary supplier of driveline components to its major customers include General Motors, Stellantis and Ford. It also sells various products to Ford & Stellantis from Metal Forming segment. It has the 2 operating segments. Driveline segment comprises front & rear axles, driveshafts, differential assemblies, clutch modules, balance shaft systems, disconnecting driveline technology, and electric & hybrid driveline products and systems for light trucks, SUVs, crossover vehicles, passenger cars and commercial vehicles. Metal Forming segment comprises axle & transmission shafts, ring and pinion gears, differential gears & assemblies, connecting rods and variable valve timing products for OEM and Tier 1 automotive suppliers.

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Transatlantique Private Wealth LLC lessened its stake in shares of Salesforce Inc. (NYSE:CRM  Free Report) by 62.8% in the 3rd quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The institutional investor owned 3,678 shares of the CRM providers stock after selling 6,218 shares during the quarter. Transatlantique Private Wealth LLCs holdings in Salesforce were worth $872,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the stock. Aries Wealth Management boosted its position in shares of Salesforce by 26.3% during the 3rd quarter. Aries Wealth Management now owns 2,863 shares of the CRM providers stock worth $679,000 after purchasing an additional 597 shares during the period. Clearstead Advisors LLC boosted its position in shares of Salesforce by 1.1% during the third quarter. Clearstead Advisors LLC now owns 78,137 shares of the CRM providers stock worth $18,518,000 after buying an additional 817 shares during the period. Vulcan Value Partners LLC boosted its position in shares of Salesforce by 46.4% during the third quarter. Vulcan Value Partners LLC now owns 1,564,357 shares of the CRM providers stock worth $371,212,000 after buying an additional 496,033 shares during the period. Payden & Rygel raised its holdings in shares of Salesforce by 20.6% in the 3rd quarter. Payden & Rygel now owns 4,100 shares of the CRM providers stock valued at $972,000 after buying an additional 700 shares during the period. Finally, Zevin Asset Management LLC acquired a new position in Salesforce during the 3rd quarter worth about $319,000. 80.43% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

CRM has been the subject of a number of research reports. Robert W. Baird dropped their price objective on shares of Salesforce from $325.00 to $315.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Thursday, December 4th. UBS Group reduced their price objective on shares of Salesforce from $260.00 to $200.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, February 17th. Arete Research raised Salesforce to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Thursday, December 11th. Wolfe Research reissued an outperform rating on shares of Salesforce in a research report on Thursday, January 15th. Finally, Northland Securities lifted their target price on Salesforce from $264.00 to $267.00 and gave the company a market perform rating in a research note on Thursday, December 4th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twenty-seven have assigned a Buy rating, twelve have assigned a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $310.89.

Salesforce Trading Down 0.1%

Shares of Salesforce stock opened at $185.10 on Monday. Salesforce Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $180.24 and a fifty-two week high of $318.97. The businesss fifty day moving average is $230.69 and its two-hundred day moving average is $240.01. The company has a quick ratio of 0.98, a current ratio of 0.98 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.14. The firm has a market cap of $173.44 billion, a PE ratio of 24.71, a P/E/G ratio of 1.26 and a beta of 1.27.

Salesforce (NYSE:CRM  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, December 3rd. The CRM provider reported $3.25 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.86 by $0.39. The business had revenue of $10.26 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $10.27 billion. Salesforce had a return on equity of 14.41% and a net margin of 17.91%.The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 9.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $2.41 EPS. Salesforce has set its Q4 2026 guidance at 3.020-3.040 EPS. Analysts anticipate that Salesforce Inc. will post 7.46 earnings per share for the current year.

Salesforce Announces Dividend

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, January 8th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, December 18th were given a $0.416 dividend. This represents a $1.66 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.9%. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, December 18th. Salesforces dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 22.16%.

Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, Director G Mason Morfit bought 96,000 shares of Salesforce stock in a transaction dated Friday, December 5th. The stock was acquired at an average cost of $260.58 per share, with a total value of $25,015,680.00. Following the completion of the acquisition, the director directly owned 2,994,509 shares in the company, valued at approximately $780,309,155.22. This trade represents a 3.31% increase in their position. The purchase was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. Also, Director Neelie Kroes sold 3,893 shares of Salesforce stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, January 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $238.70, for a total transaction of $929,259.10. Following the transaction, the director owned 7,299 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,742,271.30. The trade was a 34.78% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. 3.00% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Salesforce Company Profile

(Free Report)

Salesforce, founded in 1999 and headquartered in San Francisco, is a global provider of cloud-based software focused on customer relationship management (CRM) and enterprise applications. The company popularized the software-as-a-service (SaaS) model for CRM and has built a broad portfolio of products designed to help organizations manage sales, service, marketing, commerce and analytics through a unified, cloud-first platform.

Core offerings include Sales Cloud for sales automation, Service Cloud for customer support, Marketing Cloud for digital marketing and engagement, and Commerce Cloud for e-commerce.

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Smurfit Westrock PLC (NYSE:SW  Get Free Report)s stock price gapped down before the market opened on Monday after an insider sold shares in the company. The stock had previously closed at $48.74, but opened at $46.13. Smurfit Westrock shares last traded at $45.4570, with a volume of 1,241,484 shares traded.

Specifically, CEO Anthony P. J. Smurfit sold 40,000 shares of Smurfit Westrock stock in a transaction dated Thursday, February 19th. The shares were sold at an average price of $51.54, for a total transaction of $2,061,600.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer owned 1,642,610 shares in the company, valued at approximately $84,660,119.40. The trade was a 2.38% 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, CFO Ken Bowles sold 10,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Thursday, February 19th. The shares were sold at an average price of $51.26, for a total value of $512,600.00. Following the sale, the chief financial officer owned 151,644 shares in the company, valued at approximately $7,773,271.44. This trade represents a 6.19% decrease in their position. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several brokerages recently issued reports on SW. Zacks Research raised shares of Smurfit Westrock from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Friday, January 9th. Barclays lifted their price objective on Smurfit Westrock from $47.00 to $56.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Tuesday, February 17th. Argus reduced their target price on Smurfit Westrock from $55.00 to $45.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, December 9th. Royal Bank Of Canada lifted their price target on Smurfit Westrock from $51.00 to $57.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Thursday, February 12th. Finally, Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c) rating on shares of Smurfit Westrock in a report on Monday, December 29th. Ten investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and two have issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $57.20.

Smurfit Westrock Stock Performance

The company has a fifty day moving average of $42.60 and a two-hundred day moving average of $41.44. The stock has a market capitalization of $23.77 billion, a P/E ratio of 34.22 and a beta of 1.09. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.73, a current ratio of 1.48 and a quick ratio of 0.95.

Smurfit Westrock (NYSE:SW  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, February 11th. The company reported $0.34 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.46 by ($0.12). Smurfit Westrock had a return on equity of 6.10% and a net margin of 2.24%.The business had revenue of $7.58 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $7.63 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted $0.28 earnings per share. The companys quarterly revenue was up .5% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, equities analysts anticipate that Smurfit Westrock PLC will post 3.25 EPS for the current year.

Smurfit Westrock Increases Dividend

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, March 18th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, February 17th will be paid a $0.4523 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, February 17th. This is a positive change from Smurfit Westrocks previous quarterly dividend of $0.43. This represents a $1.81 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.0%. Smurfit Westrocks dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 136.09%.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Smurfit Westrock

Several large investors have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. AQR Capital Management LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Smurfit Westrock by 90.5% in the first quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 13,425 shares of the companys stock valued at $593,000 after acquiring an additional 6,378 shares in the last quarter. Integrated Wealth Concepts LLC increased its position in shares of Smurfit Westrock by 6.7% during the 1st quarter. Integrated Wealth Concepts LLC now owns 5,501 shares of the companys stock valued at $248,000 after purchasing an additional 346 shares during the period. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. raised its stake in shares of Smurfit Westrock by 5.9% in the 1st quarter. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. now owns 48,559 shares of the companys stock worth $2,188,000 after buying an additional 2,698 shares in the last quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Smurfit Westrock by 192.3% in the first quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC now owns 13,264 shares of the companys stock valued at $598,000 after buying an additional 8,726 shares during the period. Finally, Woodline Partners LP boosted its stake in Smurfit Westrock by 40.8% during the first quarter. Woodline Partners LP now owns 41,772 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,882,000 after buying an additional 12,096 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 83.38% of the companys stock.

About Smurfit Westrock

(Get Free Report)

Smurfit Westrock Plc, together with its subsidiaries, manufactures, distributes, and sells containerboard, corrugated containers, and other paper-based packaging products in Ireland and internationally. The company produces containerboard that it converts into corrugated containers or sells to third parties, as well as produces other types of paper, such as consumer packaging board, sack paper, graphic paper, solid board and graphic board, and other paper-based packaging products, such as consumer packaging, solid board packaging, paper sacks, and other packaging products, including bag-in-box.

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Sun Life Financial Inc. (TSE:SLF  Get Free Report) (NYSE:SLF) announced a quarterly dividend on Wednesday, February 25th, TickerTech Dividends reports. Investors of record on Tuesday, March 31st will be given a dividend of 0.92 per share by the financial services provider on Tuesday, March 31st. This represents a c) annualized dividend and a yield of 4.1%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, February 25th.

Sun Life Financial Stock Performance

Shares of TSE SLF opened at C$90.84 on Monday. Sun Life Financial has a 12 month low of C$74.56 and a 12 month high of C$94.76. The company has a quick ratio of 84,866.00, a current ratio of 92.19 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 26.00. The company has a market cap of C$50.31 billion, a P/E ratio of 14.77, a P/E/G ratio of 1.33 and a beta of 0.73. The businesss 50 day moving average is C$87.25 and its two-hundred day moving average is C$84.35.

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Sun Life Financial (TSE:SLF  Get Free Report) (NYSE:SLF) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, February 11th. The financial services provider reported C$1.96 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. Sun Life Financial had a return on equity of 15.69% and a net margin of 7.58%. On average, equities analysts expect that Sun Life Financial will post 6.9230769 EPS for the current year.

Sun Life Financial Company Profile

Sun Life Financial is one of Canadas Big Three life insurance companies along with Great-West Lifeco and Manulife. Sun Life provides insurance, retirement, and wealth-management services to individual and corporate customers in Canada, the United States, and Asia. It also owns MFS Investment Management, a Boston-based asset-management firm. Sun Life generates about a third of its profit from asset-management operations.

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Trajan Wealth LLC raised its position in Procter & Gamble Company (The) (NYSE:PG  Free Report) by 4.0% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 123,414 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 4,768 shares during the quarter. Trajan Wealth LLCs holdings in Procter & Gamble were worth $18,963,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of the company. Halbert Hargrove Global Advisors LLC acquired a new position in Procter & Gamble during the third quarter worth approximately $25,000. Corundum Trust Company INC acquired a new position in shares of Procter & Gamble during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $32,000. Marquette Asset Management LLC bought a new stake in Procter & Gamble in the 3rd quarter valued at $37,000. Redmont Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in Procter & Gamble during the 3rd quarter valued at $40,000. Finally, Manning & Napier Advisors LLC bought a new position in Procter & Gamble during the third quarter worth $44,000. 65.77% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Insider Activity at Procter & Gamble

In other news, insider Moses Victor Javier Aguilar sold 15,169 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction 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 completion of the transaction, the insider owned 44,735 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $7,259,595.80. The trade was a 25.32% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, CEO Gary A. Coombe sold 36,093 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Thursday, February 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $162.33, for a total value of $5,858,976.69. Following the sale, the chief executive officer owned 34,994 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $5,680,576.02. This represents a 50.77% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Insiders have sold a total of 341,260 shares of company stock worth $54,256,985 in the last 90 days. Corporate insiders own 0.20% of the companys stock.

Procter & Gamble Stock Up 1.4%

NYSE PG opened at $160.77 on Monday. The company has a current ratio of 0.72, a quick ratio of 0.51 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.49. The company has a market cap of $373.62 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 23.82, a PEG ratio of 5.34 and a beta of 0.38. The company has a 50 day moving average of $149.02 and a 200-day moving average of $150.68. Procter & Gamble Company has a 1-year low of $137.62 and a 1-year high of $179.99.

Procter & Gamble (NYSE:PG  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, January 22nd. The company reported $1.88 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.86 by $0.02. The business had revenue of $22.21 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $22.36 billion. Procter & Gamble had a return on equity of 32.21% and a net margin of 19.30%.The firms quarterly revenue was up 1.5% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business posted $1.88 earnings per share. Procter & Gamble has set its FY 2026 guidance at 6.830-7.090 EPS. On average, equities research analysts expect that Procter & Gamble Company will post 6.91 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Procter & Gamble Dividend Announcement

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, February 17th. Stockholders of record on Friday, January 23rd were given a $1.0568 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Friday, January 23rd. This represents a $4.23 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.6%. Procter & Gambles payout ratio is presently 62.67%.

Analyst Ratings Changes

PG has been the topic of several research analyst reports. Dbs Bank raised shares of Procter & Gamble from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Friday, January 23rd. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft cut their price objective on shares of Procter & Gamble from $176.00 to $171.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Monday, December 8th. Erste Group Bank raised Procter & Gamble from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, February 18th. Barclays set a $155.00 target price on Procter & Gamble in a research note on Friday, January 16th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. upgraded Procter & Gamble from a neutral rating to an overweight rating and boosted their price target for the company from $157.00 to $165.00 in a research note on Friday, January 23rd. Fourteen analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and seven have assigned 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 $168.33.

View Our Latest Research Report on PG

Procter & Gamble Profile

(Free Report)

Procter & Gamble (NYSE: PG) is a multinational consumer goods company headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio. Founded in 1837 by William Procter and James Gamble, P&G has grown into one of the worlds largest producers of branded consumer packaged goods. The company focuses on developing, manufacturing and marketing a broad portfolio of household and personal care products sold to consumers and retailers worldwide.

P&Gs product offering spans several core business categories, including Beauty, Grooming, Health Care, Fabric & Home Care, and Baby, Feminine & Family Care.

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Trajan Wealth LLC grew its holdings in Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE:MA  Free Report) by 2.9% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 119,683 shares of the credit services providers stock after acquiring an additional 3,367 shares during the quarter. Mastercard accounts for 2.9% of Trajan Wealth LLCs portfolio, making the stock its 9th largest holding. Trajan Wealth LLCs holdings in Mastercard were worth $68,077,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of the stock. Laurel Wealth Advisors LLC increased its holdings in shares of Mastercard by 55,868.1% during the 2nd quarter. Laurel Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 13,421,148 shares of the credit services providers stock worth $7,541,880,000 after purchasing an additional 13,397,168 shares during the period. Norges Bank bought a new stake in shares of Mastercard in the second quarter valued at about $6,725,317,000. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA grew its position in Mastercard by 25.6% during the second quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA now owns 6,372,404 shares of the credit services providers stock worth $3,580,909,000 after buying an additional 1,299,977 shares in the last quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. increased its stake in Mastercard by 1.2% during the third quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 79,431,340 shares of the credit services providers stock valued at $45,181,341,000 after acquiring an additional 955,533 shares during the period. Finally, Geode Capital Management LLC raised its holdings in Mastercard by 2.8% in the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 19,760,552 shares of the credit services providers stock valued at $11,062,509,000 after acquiring an additional 542,841 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 97.28% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several analysts have recently weighed in on MA shares. Compass Point raised Mastercard from a neutral rating to a buy rating and lifted their price objective for the stock from $620.00 to $735.00 in a report on Tuesday, January 13th. The Goldman Sachs Group reiterated a buy rating and set a $739.00 price target on shares of Mastercard in a research note on Thursday, January 29th. Raymond James Financial reduced their price objective on shares of Mastercard from $707.00 to $631.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Thursday, January 29th. Macquarie Infrastructure upped their target price on shares of Mastercard from $660.00 to $675.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Friday, January 30th. Finally, HSBC raised shares of Mastercard from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Monday, December 8th. Six analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, sixteen have assigned a Buy rating and two have given a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Buy and an average price target of $669.27.

Mastercard Price Performance

Shares of Mastercard stock opened at $525.94 on Monday. The stock has a market capitalization of $469.04 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 31.84, a P/E/G ratio of 1.70 and a beta of 0.83. The firms 50-day moving average price is $551.10 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $561.64. The company has a current ratio of 1.03, a quick ratio of 1.03 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.36. Mastercard Incorporated has a 1-year low of $465.59 and a 1-year high of $601.77.

Mastercard (NYSE:MA  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, January 29th. The credit services provider reported $4.76 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $4.24 by $0.52. The company had revenue of $8.81 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $8.80 billion. Mastercard had a net margin of 45.65% and a return on equity of 203.92%. Mastercards quarterly revenue was up 17.5% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $3.82 earnings per share. On average, equities analysts predict that Mastercard Incorporated will post 15.91 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Mastercard Announces Dividend

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, May 8th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, April 9th will be paid a $0.87 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, April 9th. This represents a $3.48 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.7%. Mastercards payout ratio is currently 21.07%.

Mastercard Company Profile

(Free Report)

Mastercard Incorporated is a global payments technology company that operates a network connecting consumers, financial institutions, merchants, governments and businesses in more than 200 countries and territories. The company facilitates electronic payments and transaction processing for credit, debit and prepaid card products carrying the Mastercard brand, while also providing a range of payment-related services to issuers, acquirers and merchants. Its technology and network enable authorization, clearing and settlement of payments and support a broad set of use cases including point-of-sale, e-commerce and mobile payments.

Beyond core transaction processing, Mastercard offers a suite of value-added services such as fraud and risk management, identity and authentication tools, tokenization and digital wallet support, cross-border and commercial payment solutions, and data analytics and consulting services for merchants and financial partners.

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Verus Capital Partners LLC lowered its position in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF (BATS:EFV  Free Report) by 8.5% in the third quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The fund owned 74,418 shares of the companys stock after selling 6,941 shares during the quarter. Verus Capital Partners LLCs holdings in iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF were worth $5,048,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in the company. Gateway Wealth Partners LLC lifted its stake in iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF by 68.9% in the 2nd quarter. Gateway Wealth Partners LLC now owns 78,011 shares of the companys stock worth $4,952,000 after purchasing an additional 31,811 shares in the last quarter. First Horizon Corp acquired a new stake in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF in the third quarter valued at approximately $1,662,000. Fortis Capital Advisors LLC increased its holdings in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF by 32.6% in the third quarter. Fortis Capital Advisors LLC now owns 40,205 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,727,000 after purchasing an additional 9,890 shares during the last quarter. Gilbert Capital Group Inc. purchased a new position in iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF during the second quarter worth approximately $5,550,000. Finally, BAM Wealth Management LLC acquired a new position in iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF during the third quarter worth $588,000.

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iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF Stock Up 0.7%

Shares of BATS:EFV opened at $79.13 on Monday. iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF has a 52-week low of $51.87 and a 52-week high of $79.68. The stock has a market cap of $32.44 billion, a P/E ratio of 12.17 and a beta of 0.73. The business has a fifty day moving average of $74.24 and a two-hundred day moving average of $70.39.

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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Villanova Investment Management Co LLC bought a new position in TreeHouse Foods, Inc. (NYSE:THS  Free Report) during the third quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The firm bought 114,588 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,316,000. TreeHouse Foods makes up approximately 1.6% of Villanova Investment Management Co LLCs investment portfolio, making the stock its 26th biggest position.

A number of other large investors have also made changes to their positions in THS. Royal Bank of Canada lifted its position in TreeHouse Foods by 60.7% during the first quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 43,855 shares of the companys stock worth $1,188,000 after buying an additional 16,557 shares in the last quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of TreeHouse Foods in the 1st quarter worth $299,000. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. raised its holdings in shares of TreeHouse Foods by 3.1% during the 1st quarter. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. now owns 27,676 shares of the companys stock worth $750,000 after acquiring an additional 838 shares during the period. UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC boosted its position in shares of TreeHouse Foods by 1.4% during the 1st quarter. UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC now owns 118,895 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,221,000 after acquiring an additional 1,599 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Intech Investment Management LLC boosted its position in shares of TreeHouse Foods by 104.6% during the 1st quarter. Intech Investment Management LLC now owns 48,058 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,302,000 after acquiring an additional 24,564 shares during the last quarter. 99.81% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of equities analysts have commented on THS shares. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a sell (e+) rating on shares of TreeHouse Foods in a research note on Monday, December 29th. William Blair downgraded shares of TreeHouse Foods from an outperform rating to a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, November 11th. Stifel Nicolaus upped their price objective on TreeHouse Foods from $19.00 to $22.50 and gave the company a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, November 11th. Barclays increased their price objective on TreeHouse Foods from $21.00 to $23.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research report on Tuesday, November 11th. Finally, Truist Financial lifted their target price on TreeHouse Foods from $20.00 to $22.50 and gave the company a hold rating in a research report on Thursday, November 13th. Seven analysts have rated the stock with a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, TreeHouse Foods currently has an average rating of Reduce and a consensus target price of $23.40.

Insider Activity

In other TreeHouse Foods news, Director Jana Partners Management, Lp sold 1,959,221 shares of TreeHouse Foods stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, February 10th. The stock was sold at an average price of $24.48, for a total value of $47,961,730.08. Following the completion of the transaction, the director directly owned 3,862,116 shares of the companys stock, valued at $94,544,599.68. The trade was a 33.66% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. Also, major shareholder Silver Point Capital L.P. purchased 357,917 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Tuesday, February 10th. The shares were acquired at an average price of $24.54 per share, for a total transaction of $8,783,283.18. Following the completion of the purchase, the insider directly owned 5,408,000 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $132,712,320. This trade represents a 7.09% increase in their ownership of the stock. Additional details regarding this purchase are available in the official SEC disclosure. Insiders own 11.10% of the companys stock.

TreeHouse Foods Price Performance

TreeHouse Foods stock opened at $24.43 on Monday. The company has a market capitalization of $1.23 billion, a PE ratio of -5.09 and a beta of 0.18. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.18, a quick ratio of 0.40 and a current ratio of 1.29. TreeHouse Foods, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $15.85 and a fifty-two week high of $40.77. The firm has a 50 day moving average price of $24.13 and a 200 day moving average price of $21.43.

TreeHouse Foods Profile

(Free Report)

TreeHouse Foods, Inc (NYSE: THS) is a leading manufacturer and supplier of private-label packaged food and beverage products. Headquartered in Oak Brook, Illinois, the company partners with major grocery chains, club retailers and foodservice outlets to develop, produce and distribute a diverse portfolio of items under store brands and, in select categories, under its own labels.

Since its founding in 2005 through the consolidation of several specialty food businesses, TreeHouse Foods has grown primarily through strategic acquisitions and operational integration.

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Vulcan Value Partners LLC boosted its position in shares of Transdigm Group Incorporated (NYSE:TDG  Free Report) by 7.8% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 249,643 shares of the aerospace companys stock after acquiring an additional 18,048 shares during the period. Transdigm Group accounts for 6.0% of Vulcan Value Partners LLCs investment portfolio, making the stock its 6th biggest holding. Vulcan Value Partners LLC owned approximately 0.44% of Transdigm Group worth $328,977,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in TDG. Salomon & Ludwin LLC bought a new stake in Transdigm Group during the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $26,000. Bank of Jackson Hole Trust increased its position in Transdigm Group by 84.6% in the 2nd quarter. Bank of Jackson Hole Trust now owns 24 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $36,000 after buying an additional 11 shares during the period. Hantz Financial Services Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Transdigm Group by 1,250.0% during the second quarter. Hantz Financial Services Inc. now owns 27 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $41,000 after buying an additional 25 shares during the last quarter. Security National Bank bought a new stake in shares of Transdigm Group in the third quarter valued at approximately $53,000. Finally, Ameritas Advisory Services LLC grew its stake in shares of Transdigm Group by 38.7% in the third quarter. Ameritas Advisory Services LLC now owns 43 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $56,000 after acquiring an additional 12 shares during the last quarter. 95.78% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of analysts have weighed in on the stock. UBS Group reduced their price target on shares of Transdigm Group from $1,804.00 to $1,800.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, February 4th. BNP Paribas Exane started coverage on shares of Transdigm Group in a research report on Tuesday, November 18th. They set an outperform rating and a $1,775.00 price objective for the company. KeyCorp downgraded Transdigm Group from an overweight rating to a sector weight rating in a research report on Thursday, February 5th. Stifel Nicolaus reduced their price objective on Transdigm Group from $1,710.00 to $1,650.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, November 13th. Finally, Robert W. Baird reissued a neutral rating and set a $1,400.00 price objective on shares of Transdigm Group in a report on Wednesday, February 4th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eleven have given a Buy rating and six have issued a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $1,584.44.

Transdigm Group Stock Up 0.7%

Shares of TDG opened at $1,339.96 on Monday. The company has a 50-day moving average price of $1,349.97 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $1,334.82. The stock has a market cap of $75.67 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 43.11, a P/E/G ratio of 2.87 and a beta of 0.92. Transdigm Group Incorporated has a 12 month low of $1,183.60 and a 12 month high of $1,623.82.

Transdigm Group (NYSE:TDG  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Tuesday, February 3rd. The aerospace company reported $8.23 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $7.99 by $0.24. The business had revenue of $2.29 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.26 billion. Transdigm Group had a negative return on equity of 29.07% and a net margin of 20.50%.Transdigm Groups quarterly revenue was up 13.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $7.83 EPS. Transdigm Group has set its FY 2026 guidance at 37.420-39.340 EPS. Equities research analysts expect that Transdigm Group Incorporated will post 35.13 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In related news, Director Kevin M. Stein sold 36,925 shares of Transdigm Group stock in a transaction dated Monday, February 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $1,425.79, for a total transaction of $52,647,295.75. Following the completion of the transaction, the director directly owned 19,233 shares of the companys stock, valued at $27,422,219.07. This trade represents a 65.75% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, Director Robert J. Small sold 90,953 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, December 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of $1,335.72, for a total transaction of $121,487,741.16. Following the completion of the transaction, the director owned 68,139 shares in the company, valued at approximately $91,014,625.08. This trade represents a 57.17% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Over the last three months, insiders have sold 228,658 shares of company stock valued at $313,263,459. Company insiders own 3.20% of the companys stock.

Transdigm Group Profile

(Free Report)

TransDigm Group Incorporated is a designer, producer and supplier of engineered aircraft components and systems for commercial and military aerospace applications. The companys product portfolio covers a broad range of mission-critical parts and subsystems, including mechanical and electromechanical components, ignition and fuel system parts, sensors and actuators, cockpit and cabin systems, and other safety-critical hardware. TransDigm supplies original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) as well as the aftermarket, providing spare parts, repair and overhaul services and component support throughout an assets life cycle.

TransDigms operating model places emphasis on proprietary, niche components that are difficult to replace, and the company operates through a collection of independently run subsidiaries and brands that sell specialized products.

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Wayfair Inc. (NYSE:W  Get Free Report) shares fell 8.1% during trading on Monday after Wall Street Zen downgraded the stock from a buy rating to a hold rating. The company traded as low as $74.93 and last traded at $74.8620. 1,012,341 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 72% from the average session volume of 3,661,292 shares. The stock had previously closed at $81.43.

Several other equities analysts have also weighed in on the stock. UBS Group restated a buy rating on shares of Wayfair in a research report on Tuesday, February 17th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. dropped their price target on Wayfair from $114.00 to $105.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Friday. Wells Fargo & Company increased their price objective on Wayfair from $90.00 to $110.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 29th. Canaccord Genuity Group lifted their target price on Wayfair from $100.00 to $125.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, October 29th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group downgraded Wayfair from a buy rating to a hold rating and set a $94.00 target price for the company. in a report on Wednesday, December 3rd. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eighteen have assigned a Buy rating, eleven have assigned a Hold rating and two have issued a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Wayfair currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $106.17.

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View Our Latest Stock Analysis on Wayfair

Insider Transactions at Wayfair

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Wayfair

In other Wayfair news, CFO Kate Gulliver sold 36,497 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, January 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $106.50, for a total value of $3,886,930.50. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer owned 149,238 shares in the company, valued at $15,893,847. This represents a 19.65% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink . Also, CTO Fiona Tan sold 9,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Tuesday, January 13th. The stock was sold at an average price of $119.00, for a total transaction of $1,071,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief technology officer directly owned 200,328 shares in the company, valued at $23,839,032. This trade represents a 4.30% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. In the last 90 days, insiders sold 650,494 shares of company stock worth $68,353,313. 21.91% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Several institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Y Intercept Hong Kong Ltd bought a new position in Wayfair during the second quarter valued at approximately $1,512,000. Concurrent Investment Advisors LLC bought a new position in shares of Wayfair during the 3rd quarter valued at $3,332,000. Range Financial Group LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Wayfair in the 3rd quarter valued at $1,330,000. Great Lakes Advisors LLC bought a new stake in Wayfair in the third quarter worth $3,946,000. Finally, Hook Mill Capital Partners LP acquired a new position in Wayfair during the second quarter worth $39,965,000. 89.67% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Wayfair Stock Down 8.9%

The companys 50-day simple moving average is $101.66 and its 200 day simple moving average is $93.77. The stock has a market capitalization of $9.67 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -30.52, a P/E/G ratio of 7.78 and a beta of 3.36.

About Wayfair

(Get Free Report)

Wayfair Inc (NYSE: W) is an e-commerce company focused on home furnishings and decor. Through its platform, Wayfair offers a broad assortment of furniture, lighting, home textiles, kitchenware and decorative accessories. The companys portfolio includes flagship sites such as Wayfair.com, as well as specialty retail brands like Joss & Main, AllModern, Birch Lane and Perigold, each catering to distinct design styles and price points.

Founded in 2002 by Niraj Shah and Steve Conine under the name CSN Stores, the business rebranded as Wayfair in 2011 and went public in 2014.

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CenterBook Partners LP lessened its holdings in shares of Lsb Industries Inc. (NYSE:LXU  Free Report) by 88.5% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 29,340 shares of the conglomerates stock after selling 226,845 shares during the quarter. CenterBook Partners LPs holdings in Lsb Industries were worth $231,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

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Several other hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the business. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased its stake in Lsb Industries by 104.8% in the third quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 365,601 shares of the conglomerates stock valued at $2,881,000 after purchasing an additional 187,108 shares during the last quarter. Krilogy Financial LLC grew its holdings in Lsb Industries by 3.4% in the 3rd quarter. Krilogy Financial LLC now owns 207,543 shares of the conglomerates stock valued at $1,741,000 after buying an additional 6,750 shares during the period. Campbell & CO Investment Adviser LLC acquired a new position in shares of Lsb Industries during the 3rd quarter valued at about $650,000. SG Americas Securities LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Lsb Industries in the third quarter worth approximately $144,000. Finally, First Bank & Trust boosted its position in shares of Lsb Industries by 13.4% in the third quarter. First Bank & Trust now owns 16,239 shares of the conglomerates stock worth $128,000 after acquiring an additional 1,922 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 73.67% of the companys stock.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

LXU has been the topic of a number of research analyst reports. Zacks Research lowered shares of Lsb Industries from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Monday, February 2nd. UBS Group reaffirmed a neutral rating and issued a $9.75 target price (up from $9.50) on shares of Lsb Industries in a research report on Monday, January 12th. Royal Bank Of Canada reiterated an outperform rating and issued a $11.00 target price (up previously from $10.00) on shares of Lsb Industries in a report on Tuesday, January 20th. Wall Street Zen upgraded Lsb Industries from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Saturday, November 22nd. Finally, Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a sell (d-) rating on shares of Lsb Industries in a research note on Monday, December 29th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, two have assigned a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $10.25.

Lsb Industries Stock Performance

Lsb Industries stock opened at $10.06 on Monday. Lsb Industries Inc. has a 12-month low of $4.88 and a 12-month high of $10.44. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.89, a current ratio of 2.84 and a quick ratio of 2.63. The company has a market capitalization of $723.93 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -1,006.30 and a beta of 0.74. The firms fifty day moving average price is $9.30 and its 200 day moving average price is $8.79.

Insider Activity

In other news, Director Barry H. Golsen sold 118,953 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, January 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $9.19, for a total transaction of $1,093,178.07. Following the completion of the sale, the director owned 96,773 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $889,343.87. This trade represents a 55.14% 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 hyperlink. Also, SVP Kristy Carver sold 19,550 shares of Lsb Industries stock in a transaction on Wednesday, January 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $9.99, for a total transaction of $195,304.50. Following the completion of the sale, the senior vice president owned 52,613 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $525,603.87. This trade represents a 27.09% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. In the last quarter, insiders sold 610,823 shares of company stock worth $5,767,726. Insiders own 4.70% of the companys stock.

About Lsb Industries

(Free Report)

LSB Industries, Inc (NYSE: LXU) is an Oklahoma Citybased manufacturer of chemical products serving the agricultural, industrial and defense markets. The company operates primarily through two segments: Fertilizer Solutions and Commodities Solutions. Through its Fertilizer Solutions segment, LSB produces primary nitrogen productsincluding anhydrous ammonia and technical-grade ammonium nitratethat are sold to fertilizer distributors and agricultural retailers across North America. Its Commodities Solutions segment manufactures and sells nitric acid, sodium nitrate and other nitrate-based compounds for industrial applications such as mining, water treatment and specialty chemical production, as well as defense-related formulations used in munitions and pyrotechnics.

Incorporated in 1969, LSB Industries has grown from a single production site to multiple manufacturing facilities strategically located in the central United States.

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Fiera Capital Corp purchased a new position in Corning Incorporated (NYSE:GLW  Free Report) during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The firm purchased 5,000 shares of the electronics makers stock, valued at approximately $410,000.

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A number of other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in GLW. Strengthening Families & Communities LLC acquired a new position in shares of Corning during the third quarter valued at $27,000. Total Investment Management Inc. bought a new stake in Corning in the 2nd quarter valued at about $28,000. Cornerstone Planning Group LLC boosted its stake in Corning by 58.5% during the 3rd quarter. Cornerstone Planning Group LLC now owns 336 shares of the electronics makers stock valued at $30,000 after purchasing an additional 124 shares during the period. Financial Management Professionals Inc. grew its holdings in Corning by 111.1% in the 3rd quarter. Financial Management Professionals Inc. now owns 380 shares of the electronics makers stock worth $31,000 after buying an additional 200 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Twin Peaks Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new position in Corning during the 2nd quarter valued at about $36,000. 69.80% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

More Corning News

Here are the key news stories impacting Corning this week:

Corning Trading Up 7.3%

Shares of GLW opened at $139.53 on Monday. The company has a current ratio of 1.59, a quick ratio of 1.04 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.62. The stock has a market cap of $119.71 billion, a PE ratio of 75.83, a PEG ratio of 2.42 and a beta of 1.13. Corning Incorporated has a 1 year low of $37.31 and a 1 year high of $140.27. The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of $101.83 and a 200-day simple moving average of $87.48.

Corning (NYSE:GLW  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, January 28th. The electronics maker reported $0.72 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.71 by $0.01. The firm had revenue of $4.41 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $4.35 billion. Corning had a return on equity of 18.72% and a net margin of 10.21%.The businesss revenue was up 13.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $0.57 earnings per share. Corning has set its Q1 2026 guidance at 0.660-0.700 EPS. On average, sell-side analysts predict that Corning Incorporated will post 2.33 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Corning Dividend Announcement

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, March 30th. Shareholders of record on Friday, February 27th will be given a $0.28 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Friday, February 27th. This represents a $1.12 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.8%. Cornings payout ratio is 60.87%.

Insider Activity

In other news, COO Avery H. Nelson III sold 1,583 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, February 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $128.74, for a total transaction of $203,795.42. Following the completion of the sale, the chief operating officer owned 59,788 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $7,697,107.12. This trade represents a 2.58% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Also, SVP Li Fang sold 9,797 shares of Corning stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, February 4th. The shares were sold at an average price of $113.51, for a total transaction of $1,112,057.47. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. In the last three months, insiders sold 95,687 shares of company stock valued at $11,249,008. Corporate insiders own 0.32% of the companys stock.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of analysts have commented on GLW shares. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their price objective on shares of Corning from $100.00 to $115.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, January 28th. Wolfe Research set a $130.00 price target on Corning and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Tuesday, January 27th. Citigroup upped their target price on shares of Corning from $102.00 to $120.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, January 29th. Weiss Ratings upgraded shares of Corning from a hold (c+) rating to a buy (b-) rating in a report on Tuesday, February 17th. Finally, Oppenheimer set a $120.00 price objective on shares of Corning in a research report on Thursday, January 29th. Eleven research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and four have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $117.17.

Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on GLW

Corning Company Profile

(Free Report)

Corning Incorporated is a global manufacturer specializing in specialty glass, ceramics and related materials and technologies. Headquartered in Corning, New York, the company supplies engineered materials and components used across multiple industries, including consumer electronics, telecommunications, automotive emissions control, pharmaceutical and life sciences, and industrial and scientific applications. Corning emphasizes materials science and precision manufacturing to develop durable, high-performance glass and ceramic products.

Key product lines include specialty display glass used by television and mobile-device manufacturers, cover glass marketed under well-known trade names for smartphones and tablets, and optical fiber and cable and related hardware for telecommunications networks.

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Fiera Capital Corp lowered its holdings in shares of Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY  Free Report) by 97.8% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 556 shares of the companys stock after selling 24,933 shares during the quarter. Fiera Capital Corps holdings in Eli Lilly and Company were worth $424,000 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. Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group Inc. bought a new position in shares of Eli Lilly and Company during the second quarter worth $27,000. Evolution Wealth Management Inc. bought a new position in shares of Eli Lilly and Company during the 2nd quarter valued at about $29,000. Steph & Co. grew its position in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 290.0% during the third quarter. Steph & Co. now owns 39 shares of the companys stock valued at $30,000 after purchasing an additional 29 shares in the last quarter. Financial Gravity Companies Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Eli Lilly and Company in the second quarter worth about $31,000. Finally, Bare Financial Services Inc lifted its position 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 worth $31,000 after buying an additional 29 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 82.53% of the companys stock.

Key Stories Impacting Eli Lilly and Company

Here are the key news stories impacting Eli Lilly and Company this week:

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several equities analysts have weighed in on the company. Wolfe Research raised their price target on Eli Lilly and Company from $1,050.00 to $1,250.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Wednesday, December 3rd. Freedom Capital raised shares of Eli Lilly and Company from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Tuesday, February 10th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their price target on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $1,150.00 to $1,300.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday, February 5th. Leerink Partners increased their price objective on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $1,234.00 to $1,296.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, February 5th. Finally, Zacks Research cut shares of Eli Lilly and Company from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Friday, January 30th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twenty-two have issued a Buy rating and five have issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $1,228.54.

Read Our Latest Analysis on LLY

Eli Lilly and Company Stock Down 1.4%

Shares of LLY opened at $1,008.47 on Monday. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $1,054.83 and a 200-day moving average price of $917.84. The company has a current ratio of 1.58, a quick ratio of 1.19 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.54. The firm has a market capitalization of $951.35 billion, a P/E ratio of 43.94, a P/E/G ratio of 1.17 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 announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, February 4th. The company reported $7.54 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $7.48 by $0.06. The company had revenue of $19.29 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $17.85 billion. Eli Lilly and Company had a net margin of 31.66% and a return on equity of 102.94%. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 42.6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $5.32 EPS. Eli Lilly and Company has set its FY 2026 guidance at 33.500-35.000 EPS. Equities research analysts expect that Eli Lilly and Company will post 23.48 earnings per share for the current year.

Eli Lilly and Company Increases Dividend

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 10th. Shareholders of record on Friday, February 13th will be given a dividend of $1.73 per share. This is a boost from Eli Lilly and Companys previous quarterly dividend of $1.50. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, February 13th. This represents a $6.92 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.7%. Eli Lilly and Companys dividend payout ratio is presently 30.15%.

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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Lansforsakringar Fondforvaltning AB publ grew its position in Sempra Energy (NYSE:SRE  Free Report) by 5.7% in the third quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The fund owned 203,402 shares of the utilities providers stock after acquiring an additional 11,020 shares during the period. Lansforsakringar Fondforvaltning AB publs holdings in Sempra Energy were worth $18,302,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC.

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A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of the company. Vanguard Group Inc. raised its position in Sempra Energy by 14.2% in the third quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 75,725,594 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $6,813,784,000 after purchasing an additional 9,396,652 shares during the last quarter. State Street Corp increased its stake in shares of Sempra Energy by 3.7% in the second quarter. State Street Corp now owns 34,380,068 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $2,626,827,000 after buying an additional 1,214,931 shares during the period. Geode Capital Management LLC raised its holdings in Sempra Energy by 3.9% in the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 14,036,572 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $1,058,214,000 after buying an additional 525,750 shares during the last quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted its position in Sempra Energy by 106.3% during the 3rd quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 10,428,007 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $938,325,000 after buying an additional 5,374,277 shares during the period. Finally, Norges Bank bought a new stake in Sempra Energy during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $701,649,000. Institutional investors own 89.65% of the companys stock.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several equities analysts have recently issued reports on SRE shares. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c+) rating on shares of Sempra Energy in a research note on Wednesday, January 21st. UBS Group reaffirmed an outperform rating and set a $100.00 target price on shares of Sempra Energy in a research report on Thursday, January 22nd. Citigroup reiterated a neutral rating and issued a $99.00 price target (up previously from $80.00) on shares of Sempra Energy in a research report on Monday, November 24th. Morgan Stanley reissued an overweight rating and issued a $101.00 price target on shares of Sempra Energy in a research note on Friday. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company restated an overweight rating and set a $112.00 price objective (down from $115.00) on shares of Sempra Energy in a research report on Tuesday, January 20th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seven have issued a Buy rating and six have issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $96.17.

Sempra Energy Stock Up 0.5%

Shares of Sempra Energy stock opened at $93.48 on Monday. The stocks 50-day moving average is $88.96 and its 200 day moving average is $88.37. Sempra Energy has a one year low of $61.90 and a one year high of $95.74. The firm has a market cap of $61.01 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 28.67, a PEG ratio of 3.53 and a beta of 0.74. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.76, a current ratio of 1.59 and a quick ratio of 1.56.

About Sempra Energy

(Free Report)

Sempra Energy is a San Diegobased energy infrastructure company that develops, owns and operates businesses delivering electricity and natural gas. Its operations include regulated utility services that provide electric and gas distribution to residential, commercial and industrial customers, as well as nonregulated infrastructure businesses that develop and manage large-scale energy assets.

The companys product and service portfolio spans electricity and natural gas delivery, transmission and storage, liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities, power generation and electric transmission projects.

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Lansforsakringar Fondforvaltning AB publ grew its stake in CVS Health Corporation (NYSE:CVS  Free Report) by 2.3% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 398,612 shares of the pharmacy operators stock after acquiring an additional 8,992 shares during the quarter. Lansforsakringar Fondforvaltning AB publs holdings in CVS Health were worth $30,051,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

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Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the stock. Harbor Capital Advisors Inc. raised its holdings in CVS Health by 72.1% in the third quarter. Harbor Capital Advisors Inc. now owns 339 shares of the pharmacy operators stock worth $26,000 after buying an additional 142 shares during the last quarter. Corundum Trust Company INC bought a new stake in shares of CVS Health during the third quarter valued at approximately $29,000. Front Row Advisors LLC raised its holdings in CVS Health by 436.5% in the 2nd quarter. Front Row Advisors LLC now owns 456 shares of the pharmacy operators stock worth $31,000 after acquiring an additional 371 shares during the last quarter. Twin Peaks Wealth Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in CVS Health during the 2nd quarter valued at $36,000. Finally, SOA Wealth Advisors LLC. increased its holdings in shares of CVS Health by 36.9% in the 3rd quarter. SOA Wealth Advisors LLC. now owns 486 shares of the pharmacy operators stock worth $37,000 after purchasing an additional 131 shares in the last quarter. 80.66% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

CVS Health Price Performance

Shares of CVS Health stock opened at $76.64 on Monday. The stock has a market cap of $97.50 billion, a P/E ratio of 55.53, a P/E/G ratio of 0.80 and a beta of 0.50. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.80, a quick ratio of 0.63 and a current ratio of 0.84. The stocks fifty day moving average is $78.52 and its 200 day moving average is $76.87. CVS Health Corporation has a one year low of $58.35 and a one year high of $85.15.

CVS Health Announces Dividend

CVS Health ( NYSE:CVS Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, February 10th. The pharmacy operator reported $1.09 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.00 by $0.09. CVS Health had a return on equity of 11.31% and a net margin of 0.44%.The business had revenue of $105.69 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $103.67 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business posted $1.19 earnings per share. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 8.2% on a year-over-year basis. CVS Health has set its FY 2026 guidance at 5.940-6.140 EPS. Sell-side analysts anticipate that CVS Health Corporation will post 5.89 earnings per share for the current year.

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, February 2nd. Shareholders of record on Thursday, January 22nd were given a $0.665 dividend. This represents a $2.66 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.5%. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, January 22nd. CVS Healths dividend payout ratio is presently 192.75%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several equities research analysts recently commented on the company. TD Cowen increased their price objective on CVS Health from $100.00 to $105.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, December 10th. Barclays lifted their price target on shares of CVS Health from $87.00 to $93.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, December 10th. UBS Group restated an outperform rating on shares of CVS Health in a research report on Wednesday, December 10th. Argus cut their target price on shares of CVS Health from $91.00 to $90.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, January 28th. Finally, Sanford C. Bernstein reissued a market perform rating and set a $91.00 price target on shares of CVS Health in a report on Tuesday, January 6th. Nineteen investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and four have issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, CVS Health presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $94.91.

Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on CVS Health

About CVS Health

(Free Report)

CVS Health Corporation is a diversified healthcare company that operates a large network of retail pharmacies, pharmacy benefit management services and health care solutions. Headquartered in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, the company traces its roots to the early 1960s and has grown into an integrated provider of prescription drugs, overthecounter products, clinical services and health insurance offerings. Its operating model combines retail pharmacy locations and instore clinics with broader pharmacy and health plan capabilities.

Key business activities include CVS Pharmacy retail operations, MinuteClinic walkin medical clinics and HealthHUB locations that offer expanded clinical services.

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Lansforsakringar Fondforvaltning AB publ grew its holdings in Aflac Incorporated (NYSE:AFL  Free Report) by 5.3% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 169,359 shares of the financial services providers stock after acquiring an additional 8,573 shares during the period. Lansforsakringar Fondforvaltning AB publs holdings in Aflac were worth $18,917,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission.

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Other hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the company. True Wealth Design LLC grew its stake in Aflac by 188.5% during the 3rd quarter. True Wealth Design LLC now owns 225 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $25,000 after purchasing an additional 147 shares in the last quarter. Chilton Capital Management LLC acquired a new stake in Aflac in the 2nd quarter valued at about $26,000. Whipplewood Advisors LLC boosted its stake in shares of Aflac by 1,526.7% in the 2nd quarter. Whipplewood Advisors LLC now owns 244 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $26,000 after buying an additional 229 shares during the period. Darwin Wealth Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of Aflac during the second quarter worth about $33,000. Finally, Westside Investment Management Inc. grew its position in shares of Aflac by 100.0% during the third quarter. Westside Investment Management Inc. now owns 324 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $36,000 after buying an additional 162 shares in the last quarter. 67.44% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Insider Buying and Selling

In other Aflac news, EVP Steven Kent Beaver sold 5,492 shares of Aflac stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, December 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $109.53, for a total transaction of $601,538.76. Following the transaction, the executive vice president owned 38,368 shares of the companys stock, valued at $4,202,447.04. The trade was a 12.52% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. 0.80% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

AFL has been the topic of several analyst reports. TD Cowen reaffirmed a hold rating on shares of Aflac in a report on Monday, December 22nd. Evercore raised their price objective on shares of Aflac from $110.00 to $111.00 and gave the company an underperform rating in a report on Friday, November 7th. Barclays set a $101.00 target price on shares of Aflac and gave the stock an underweight rating in a research note on Thursday, January 8th. Raymond James Financial restated an outperform rating and issued a $119.00 price target (up from $110.00) on shares of Aflac in a research note on Tuesday, December 30th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their price target on Aflac from $101.00 to $105.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Monday, January 5th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, six have issued a Hold rating and three have issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Aflac currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $110.91.

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Aflac Price Performance

Shares of AFL opened at $114.07 on Monday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.29, a current ratio of 0.11 and a quick ratio of 0.11. Aflac Incorporated has a 1-year low of $96.95 and a 1-year high of $119.32. The stock has a market cap of $59.79 billion, a PE ratio of 16.58, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.73 and a beta of 0.67. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $111.29 and a 200 day moving average price of $109.74.

Aflac (NYSE:AFL  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, February 4th. The financial services provider reported $1.57 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.69 by ($0.12). Aflac had a return on equity of 14.35% and a net margin of 21.24%.The firm had revenue of $4.87 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.45 billion. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $1.57 EPS. The firms revenue for the quarter was down 9.6% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, sell-side analysts anticipate that Aflac Incorporated will post 6.88 EPS for the current year.

Aflac Profile

(Free Report)

Aflac Incorporated (American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus) is a provider of supplemental insurance products designed to help policyholders manage out-of-pocket health care and living expenses. The company underwrites a range of individual and group policies that typically pay cash benefits directly to insureds when covered events occur, enabling greater financial flexibility for medical treatment, hospital stays, critical illness, and related costs. Aflacs product mix includes supplemental health insurance, life insurance and other specialty coverages intended to complement primary medical plans.

Founded in the mid-20th century and headquartered in Columbus, Georgia, Aflac distributes its products through a combination of employer-sponsored programs, independent brokers and agents, and direct marketing.

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Lansforsakringar Fondforvaltning AB publ grew its holdings in Rockwell Automation, Inc. (NYSE:ROK  Free Report) by 7.1% in the third quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The fund owned 61,834 shares of the industrial products companys stock after buying an additional 4,086 shares during the period. Lansforsakringar Fondforvaltning AB publ owned 0.05% of Rockwell Automation worth $21,613,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

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A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in ROK. Thurston Springer Miller Herd & Titak Inc. raised its stake in Rockwell Automation by 468.8% during the 3rd quarter. Thurston Springer Miller Herd & Titak Inc. now owns 91 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $32,000 after acquiring an additional 75 shares during the last quarter. Rexford Capital Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Rockwell Automation in the second quarter valued at approximately $33,000. SBI Securities Co. Ltd. raised its stake in shares of Rockwell Automation by 48.7% during the second quarter. SBI Securities Co. Ltd. now owns 116 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $39,000 after purchasing an additional 38 shares during the last quarter. Financial Gravity Companies Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Rockwell Automation during the second quarter worth $40,000. Finally, Sachetta LLC increased its stake in Rockwell Automation by 900.0% in the 3rd quarter. Sachetta LLC now owns 120 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $42,000 after buying an additional 108 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 75.75% of the companys stock.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several research firms have recently commented on ROK. Rothschild & Co Redburn raised their target price on shares of Rockwell Automation from $335.00 to $365.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Wednesday, January 21st. Morgan Stanley restated an overweight rating and issued a $460.00 price objective on shares of Rockwell Automation in a research report on Sunday, February 8th. TD Cowen boosted their target price on Rockwell Automation from $330.00 to $350.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research report on Friday. Weiss Ratings raised Rockwell Automation from a hold (c+) rating to a buy (b-) rating in a report on Friday. Finally, Zacks Research lowered Rockwell Automation from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Monday, January 12th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, ten have assigned a Buy rating and ten have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, Rockwell Automation presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $418.33.

Insider Activity

In other Rockwell Automation news, SVP Matheus De A. G. Viera Bulho sold 2,370 shares of the stock in a transaction on Friday, December 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $403.45, for a total transaction of $956,176.50. Following the sale, the senior vice president owned 1,964 shares in the company, valued at approximately $792,375.80. This represents a 54.68% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. Also, CEO Blake D. Moret sold 5,564 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Wednesday, December 10th. The stock was sold at an average price of $402.02, for a total value of $2,236,839.28. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer directly owned 94,585 shares of the companys stock, valued at $38,025,061.70. The trade was a 5.56% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Over the last three months, insiders sold 25,531 shares of company stock worth $10,259,637. 0.76% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Rockwell Automation Stock Up 0.8%

Rockwell Automation stock opened at $398.63 on Monday. Rockwell Automation, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $215.00 and a fifty-two week high of $438.72. The firm has a market capitalization of $44.79 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 45.61, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.84 and a beta of 1.52. The stocks fifty day moving average is $406.80 and its two-hundred day moving average is $376.28. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.68, a quick ratio of 0.80 and a current ratio of 1.16.

Rockwell Automation (NYSE:ROK  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, February 5th. The industrial products company reported $2.75 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.46 by $0.29. Rockwell Automation had a net margin of 11.56% and a return on equity of 34.92%. The business had revenue of $2.11 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.08 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $1.83 EPS. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 11.9% compared to the same quarter last year. Rockwell Automation has set its FY 2026 guidance at 11.400-12.200 EPS. Analysts predict that Rockwell Automation, Inc. will post 9.35 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Rockwell Automation Announces Dividend

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 10th. Stockholders of record on Monday, February 23rd will be paid a dividend of $1.38 per share. This represents a $5.52 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.4%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, February 23rd. Rockwell Automations dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 63.16%.

More Rockwell Automation News

Here are the key news stories impacting Rockwell Automation this week:

Positive Sentiment: Zacks Research raised Rockwells FY2027 EPS view to $13.36 (from $12.71) and nudged FY2026 to $11.81, signaling stronger longerterm earnings expectations that can support valuation expansion and justify the stocks premium multiple.

Zacks Research raised Rockwells FY2027 EPS view to $13.36 (from $12.71) and nudged FY2026 to $11.81, signaling stronger longerterm earnings expectations that can support valuation expansion and justify the stocks premium multiple. Positive Sentiment: Zacks increased several quarterly estimates for 20262027 (notably Q2 2026 to $2.83 and multiple Q2Q4 2027 quarterly estimates), reinforcing a view of improving cadence into FY2027 and reducing nearterm forecast dispersion.

Zacks increased several quarterly estimates for 20262027 (notably Q2 2026 to $2.83 and multiple Q2Q4 2027 quarterly estimates), reinforcing a view of improving cadence into FY2027 and reducing nearterm forecast dispersion. Positive Sentiment: Customer win / product validation  Rockwell announced DLG Groups deployment of its Computerized Maintenance Management System, citing a targeted ~10% reduction in downtime; tangible customer deployments like this support recurring software/services revenue and crosssell potential. Rockwell Automation Announces DLG Groups Computerized Maintenance Management System Deployment to Drive 10% Downtime Reduction

Customer win / product validation  Rockwell announced DLG Groups deployment of its Computerized Maintenance Management System, citing a targeted ~10% reduction in downtime; tangible customer deployments like this support recurring software/services revenue and crosssell potential. Neutral Sentiment: Zacks retains a Hold rating on ROK  while estimates were moved around, the unchanged rating suggests analysts see upside balanced by valuation and execution risks in the near term.

Zacks retains a Hold rating on ROK  while estimates were moved around, the unchanged rating suggests analysts see upside balanced by valuation and execution risks in the near term. Neutral Sentiment: Investor commentary on valuation: a recent Yahoo Finance piece reviews whether ROKs multiyear gains leave less upside, useful for sentiment but not new company data. Is It Too Late To Consider Rockwell Automation (ROK) After Strong MultiYear Gains?

Investor commentary on valuation: a recent Yahoo Finance piece reviews whether ROKs multiyear gains leave less upside, useful for sentiment but not new company data. Negative Sentiment: Zacks trimmed Q4 2026 EPS materially (from $3.46 to $3.23)  a meaningful nearterm downgrade that could pressure next quarter sentiment and shortterm investor expectations.

Zacks trimmed Q4 2026 EPS materially (from $3.46 to $3.23)  a meaningful nearterm downgrade that could pressure next quarter sentiment and shortterm investor expectations. Negative Sentiment: Smaller cuts to Q1 2027 and Q3 2026 estimates indicate mixed nearterm momentum  while FY outlook was lifted, quartertoquarter revisions are uneven and introduce some execution risk for upcoming reports.

Rockwell Automation Profile

(Free Report)

Rockwell Automation is a global industrial automation and digital transformation company headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The firm designs, manufactures and supports control systems, industrial control hardware and software, and related services that help manufacturers and industrial operators automate processes, improve productivity and enable data-driven decision making. Rockwell traces its heritage to the Allen-Bradley and Rockwell automation businesses and positions itself as a provider of integrated automation solutions across discrete and process industries.

The companys product portfolio includes programmable logic controllers (PLCs), human-machine interfaces (HMIs), variable frequency drives, sensors, safety components and other industrial control hardware, often marketed under the Allen-Bradley brand.

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RFM Hotels has appointed veteran hotelier Ciaran ONeill as Managing Director of The Bedford Hotel ahead of its May launch.

Currently the Managing Director of the prestigious Bishops Gate Hotel in Derry, ONeill is a specialist in blending contemporary service with historic settings, ensuring a highly personalised experience at the new Belfast site. Ciaran brings a wealth of expertise in luxury hospitality and a proven record of blending heritage preservation with contemporary service.

Ciaran will oversee both The Bedford Hotel and Bishops Gate Hotel, working closely with their respective General Managers to maintain each propertys distinctive character while delivering operational excellence.

Speaking of his appointment, Ciaran ONeill said: I am delighted to be taking on this role to join The Bedford Hotel at this pivotal stage as we prepare to open for bookings in May.

"Bringing The Bedford Hotel to life gives us great confidence in replicating Bishops Gates excellence in a new, iconic setting. We are creating a hotel that blends heritage with first-class service. This marks the beginning of an exciting journey - one that will see tradition meet modern elegance and a new chapter for Northern Irelands hospitality industry.

The Hotels philosophy is rooted in the belief that independent, design-led properties deliver more personalised and memorable experiences. This ethos is exemplified by Bishops Gates continued success, including recognition in TripAdvisors Best of the Best Awards and long-standing membership in Irelands Blue Book.

Ciaran continues: People make the difference. The success of Bishops Gate has always been driven by our incredible team, and that same focus will guide The Bedford Hotel. With experienced General Managers Mike Gatt and JP McCafferty leading operations in both hotels, we have a leadership team united in its passion for excellence. I look forward to the continued success of Bishops Gate and to helping create something truly special with The Bedford Hotel.

Alison Rankin Frost, Chair of RFM Hotels said: We are delighted to have Ciaran on board as we prepare for this landmark opening. Ciaran brings a wealth of experience and a distinguished record of achievements. His expertise is set to contribute significantly to our pursuit of excellence, ensuring that our standards of service are of the highest calibre. We look forward to the positive impact this partnership will have on the quality and professionalism our guests deserve.

READ NEXT: Police treating assault on a boy in Derry city centre as a hate crime

Welcoming the appointment, Laura McCorry, CEO of Tourism NI said: Ciaran ONeill has been a cornerstone of the Northern Ireland hospitality industry for many years, notably through his award-winning work at Bishops Gate and his leadership on the Board of Tourism NI. His appointment to The Bedford Hotel comes at an exciting time for our capital city.

"Belfast continues to be recognised as a top city to visit, recognised for its vibrant culture and world-class hospitality. We are confident that under Ciaran's guidance, The Bedford will further strengthen our global appeal and provide visitors with the exceptional quality they expect from a premier destination.

Following its 18-month redevelopment, The Bedford Hotel will feature 82 luxury bedrooms, a destination restaurant and cafe bar, and private dining and event spaces, all within the historic 1904 Scottish Mutual Building. Located behind Belfast City Hall, the property forms part of the citys wider urban revitalisation, enriching Belfasts appeal for local and international visitors.
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A Draperstown man who left the area more than 60 years ago to work in the bar trade in Belfast has sadly passed away.

Kevin Cassidy owned the Hatfield House on Belfast's Ormeau Road and spent more than four decades working behind the bar there.

Announcing his death on the popular South Belfast bar's Facebook page, the Ballinascreen native's family wrote: Heroes come and go, but legends are forever.

They added: We are beyond heartbroken that our dad and leader Kevin passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on the 20th of February 2026 RIP KEVIN CASSIDY.

Kevin came to Belfast when he was just 18 years-old and he worked and managed many of the city's bars before he bought the Hatfield House in 1976.

His son Kieran joined him in the family business when he was just 12 years-old. His sons John and Stephen are also involved in the business.

Earlier this month, the Hatfield House announced that Kevin was due to celebrate 50 years running the bar.

This year is his 50th year of being our boss, the Doire man is the Hatfield House's commander and custodian of this amazing building. We thank you Kevin for everything.

Locally, sadness has also been expressed following Kevin's passing.

Sixtowns Community History and Heritage Group paid tribute saying: It is with deep regret that we hear of the passing of one of our longtime followers and Sixtowns man, Kevin Cassidy. Though he left to work in the bar trade in Belfast well over 60 years ago, he never forgot the place where he grew up.

Kevin's funeral will take place this Thursday at 11.30am in St Luke's Church, Belfast followed by burial in St Patricks, Sixtowns, Draperstown.
An arrest has been made following a report of a man with a gun in Toomebridge, Co Antrim.

Police said the incident happened in the Red Row area on Sunday evening.

A spokesperson said officers on mobile patrol in the area at around 7pm were alerted by two members of the public that a male in the vicinity had a gun.

Appeal for information following weekend arrests in Toomebridge. Details here: https://t.co/goK5yRU5eN pic.twitter.com/uTSYmga8cb  Police Service NI (@PoliceServiceNI) February 23, 2026

The officers subsequently stopped to speak with a group which had gathered outside one of the properties, they said.

Additional officers, including those from the Armed Response Unit (ARU), also attended the scene and, following inquiries, a 28-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm/imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.

He was also later arrested on suspicion of making threats to kill and remains in police custody at this time.

Police said the property was also searched, and suspected Class A drugs seized.

A second, 37-year-old man, was then arrested on suspicion of possession of a Class A controlled drug, they added.

He has since been released on bail to allow for further police inquiries.

Our inquiries are ongoing and we would appeal to anyone with information which might assist us to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 1263 of 22/02/26.
People in Fermanagh deserve the same likelihood to live as those across Northern Ireland, a demonstration has heard.

Several hundred people travelled to Belfast to advocate for emergency general surgery (EGS) healthcare services in the South West Acute Hospital (SWAH) in Enniskillen, County Fermanagh.

Campaigners from Save Our Acute Services (SOAS) pushed a hospital bed up the hill at Stormont as they delivered letters to MLAs calling on them to support their drive.

The Western Trust said SWAH remains an important acute hospital and highlighted that an independent review has found mortality rates in the catchment area have fallen in the period EGS has been paused.

Demonstrators carried signs reading time matters, 2 hours is too late while one man in a wheelchair sat beneath a sign saying this man will not make it to Altnagelvin.

Secretary of SOAS Helen Hamill said people in Fermanagh really woke up in July 2025 when the Western Trust proposed that all EGS be delivered from the Altnagelvin Hospital on a permanent basis, a decision they later agreed to pause.

There was a sort of a jolt factor, she said.

Staff were really upset about it. Patient stories started to come flooding out where there were terrible outcomes. Despite the fact that the Trust says theres positive improvements, it isnt the case on the ground.

Its not the case that were hearing from staff, and its not what were hearing from patients.

Ms Hamill said some people in Fermanagh would be hours away from Altnagelvin when in need of life-saving care.

You cant be a mummy and have a section in SWAH as an emergency and be packed up and taken to another hospital from your baby. These things are happening, she said.

She added: Its unsafe for us, thats how it feels  youre too far away. Youre much too far away to be assured of getting the same outcomes as everybody else.

The campaigner said her message to UUP Health Minister Mike Nesbitt is: We want the same services.

We want the same likelihood to live and to die in Fermanagh as there is anywhere else in Northern Ireland, and currently we dont, she added.

Representatives from Sinn Fein, the SDLP, UUP and DUP were present at the demonstration, where calls of we need the money were heard.

Sinn Fein MLA for Fermanagh and South Tyrone Jemma Dolan said there has been no progress on EGS services at SWAH since its suspension in 2022.

Asked if she would call on the finance minister, Sinn Feins John ODowd, to ring-fence funding for the service, she said the reason the service collapsed in the first place was because of not enough staff.

So our understanding was that the money was there, the staff werent, she said.

So were still calling on the health minister. The decision lies with the health minister. Its his department, and the final decision lies with him.

Asked where the failure at SWAH lies, UUP leader Jon Burrows said public services have been under-resourced and there has been real questions about the stewardship of public services by some at Stormont.

But we have a health minister who is gripping these issues, he said.

Thats why weve got more theatres open in the SWAH, thats why were cutting wait lists, thats why the health minister has delivered an extra 200,000 treatments this year, well ahead of the 70,000 target treatments that he was given by the Executive.

So look, we appreciate that we need to do better but the Ulster Unionist Party is absolutely committed, not just to the SWAH but driving up health opportunities.

DUP MLA for Fermanagh and South Tyrone Deborah Erskine said the hospital means a lot to each and every single one of us.

We need the health minister to commit to ensuring that emergency general surgery will come back to our rural hospital in Fermanagh, she told the crowd on the steps of Stormont.

If the trusts are saying that to the health minister, bring it back. Its simple.

So we will stand with you. We will do the best we can.

Believe you me, we are fighting as much as we can within that building.

In a statement, the Western Trust said the decision was made to end EGS due to an inability to maintain a safe and sustainable emergency general surgery rota after the resignation of their only consultant General Surgeon.

The Trust said: Delivering Emergency General Surgery at South West Acute Hospital would require full compliance with the Department of Health revised Emergency General Surgery standards.

This means that the previous commissioned service could not be re-instated and means that a different service would now be required.

This would necessitate significant additional investment for additional services. Such services have not been commissioned for SWAH, and it is our position that the Trust does not have the authority to commission such an extensive expansion of services in SWAH.

SWAH remains an important Acute Hospital within the Northern Ireland hospital network and its acute services provision has not changed.

The Trust added that they had met with SOAS in February and claimed they provided a detailed response on the SOAS Roadmap Recommendations and we have welcomed all future engagement with the group and wider community.

The Trust further revealed that an Independent Review by CHKS found improved outcomes for patients from December 2022 through to April 2025 with mortality reducing by 24% and readmissions by 22.5%.

They say those statistics reflect an improving picture in providing safer care and better recovery outcomes for patients across the Western Trust area.
Removal of 50:50 has had a negative impact on the number of Catholic recruits in policing, a Sinn Fein spokesperson has said.

Deirdre Hargey MLA, who sits on the policing board for the party, said the drop in recruits from nationalist backgrounds is not down to Sinn Fein ahead of a meeting with the forces Chief Constable Jon Boutcher.

Recruitment figures released by the PSNI last week showed that the percentage of new Catholic applicants to join the force was at its lowest in more than a decade.

Police said more than 4,000 people had applied for their latest student officer recruitment campaign, with 65.6% from a Protestant background, 26.7% from a Catholic background and 7.7% undetermined.

Between 2001 and 2011, there was a 50:50 recruitment initiative which meant there was one Catholic recruit for every one person from a Protestant or other background.

DUP leader Gavin Robinson said any return to the policy would be a mistake.

Speaking at Stormont Parliament buildings on Monday, Ms Hargey said the drop in numbers shows that the removal of 50:50 has had a negative impact.

Thats something that well be directly addressing with the Chief Constable today, and raising with him in terms of looking at 50:50 recruitment again to try and reverse that trend, she said.

She added: It worked back in 2001 to 2011 where (we saw) an increase from 8% to over 30% and we believe that we need to get back to that process of work going forward.

Asked if in their meeting Sinn Fein would be calling on Mr Boucher to reinstate 50:50, Ms Hargey said: We think that that is a policy, yes, that needs (sic) because it did have an impact when it was introduced the last time.

Ms Hargey highlighted Troubles legacy cases and more recently the investigation into the death of Belfast schoolboy Noah Donohoe as instances that have a damage and impact on policing if its not done in the right way.

Asked about initiatives taken by the police to try and improve relations with the nationalist community such as changing operational guidance on the removal of paramilitary flags, Ms Hargey said there is still concern and barriers in order to command that support.

When you speak to young people in nationalist/republican communities, the issues around legacy, the issues of not seeing visible policing on the ground within their community to respond to their needs, and also a culture are barriers that theyre highlighting, she said.

We want to work with the police in terms of removing those barriers, but they need to be doing more to understand the community, and this is something the police have said themselves previously, that they do need to understand the community, and in order to do that, we believe that more direct and consistent engagement needs to be done.

Asked how Sinn Fein have tried to engage with the nationalist community on policing, Ms Hargey said, we have been doing that.

Ive been very proactive at a Belfast level in terms of challenging sectarian manifestations, even from within my own community, and communities across the city as well, she said.

And we have had regular engagements with the PSNI and with other statutory agencies to deal with those issues.

But I think it is clear, I mean, the fact that were not seeing recruits, thats not down to Sinn Fein, thats down to that there are clear barriers there for members of the community that they dont feel at this point, that policing as a career for them, we need to understand what those barriers are.
Schools should aim to reduce over-reliance on one-to-one support where this is not the most effective approach, the Education Minister has said.

Paul Givan pledged that every child that requires one-to-one support will be guaranteed to retain it but made clear there is not an unending supply of one-to-one classroom assistance for all of our pupils.

On Monday, UK Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson set out major reforms to the special educational needs and disabilities (Send) system, saying the Government will take away that fight that so many parents often face in accessing legally-guaranteed support.

Set to begin from the end of this decade, the Department for Education has estimated the proportion of children with Send getting an education, health and care plan (EHCP) will start falling each year from 2030.

In September 2025, 34,011 pupils in Northern Ireland had a statement of Send, an increase of 85% in 10 years, according to the Education Authority (EA).

In the assembly, DUP MLA Gareth Wilson asked Mr Givan if there will be any lessons for Northern Ireland to learn from the planned Send reforms.

The Education Minister acknowledged that Northern Ireland is experiencing similar challenges to England with rising levels of need, increasing expenditure and limited improvement in outcomes for children.

Initial indications are that Send reforms in England align closely with the direction of travel thats already established here in Northern Ireland in the Send reform agenda, and also the five-year delivery plan, which I published last February, he said.

Both include a greater emphasis on inclusion and early intervention, tailored support for the individual needs of the child and specialist support delivered in locality-based terms.

He added: Also similar to our Send reform proposals, there is an emphasis on giving schools more autonomy to support children in different ways, promoting inclusive practice in all classrooms and reducing over-reliance on one-to-one support where this is not the most effective approach.

Last week the EA announced changes to the classroom assistant system which would focus on needs, with statements of Send specifying functional needs and the specialist actions required, and school leaders determining how to deliver support.

The body said the proposed changes should not be characterised as a measure to cut costs or reduce the current number of classroom assistants.

Sinn Fein MLA Cathy Mason said the EAs announcement caused shock and alarm to families.

Minister, you know that families fight tooth and nail to secure this provision for their child and to have it casually brought via social media on a Thursday evening is just not acceptable, she told the assembly chamber.

Can you set out what safeguards will be put in place to ensure that no child who currently receives one-to-one classroom support will have that provision reduced or reconfigured without a full formal assessment, or the clear consent of their parents, or do you think that their parents have closed minds too?

Mr Givan replied: Any child that requires one-to-one support will be guaranteed to retain one-to-one support where that is in the best interests of the child, and the process identifies that as being in the interest of the child, they can have an absolute guarantee that they will have one-to-one provision.

He added that school principals have been unable to recruit classroom assistants to have one-to-one provision and it has been proven that there can be more effective support for children in terms of their educational attainment.

He concluded: This is an important area that we need to try and navigate when it comes to supporting our children and young people, but presenting a position that there is an unending supply of one-to-one classroom assistance for all of our pupils is not based upon reality.
Colocation data centre services provider, ST Telemedia Global Data Centres (STT GDC) has announced the launch of its fourth data centre in the Indian city of Chennai in Tamil Nadu, marking the expansion of its second campus in the city at Siruseri, a southern suburb of Chennai.

The Siruseri campus is designed as a 45 MW AI-ready facility; the first phase of 7.2 MW is now operational. With 40 MW already operational at its Ambattur campus in northwestern Chennai, STT GDC India says it is continuing to scale its presence in one of India's fastest-growing digital markets.

Earlier this month, the company marked the groundbreaking of STT Chennai 4 within the Ambattur campus, unlocking a total development potential of approximately 130 MW, inclusive of the existing operational capacity.

The company says it has recently signed a strategic memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the government of Tamil Nadu, proposing an investment of INR42 billion (about US$462.1 million) to develop state-of-the-art, AI-ready data centre infrastructure in the state.

Beyond Chennai, STT GDC India says it is strengthening its presence across India's leading digital corridors. The company has signed strategic MoUs with the governments of Karnataka, Maharashtra, Telangana and Uttar Pradesh to develop large-scale, AI-ready data centre infrastructure, reinforcing its long-term commitment to building national digital capacity. In parallel, expansion plans are progressing across key markets including Mumbai, Noida, Pune Jaipur, Hyderabad and Bengaluru.

Today, with 30 data centres spanning 10 cities and over 400 MW of critical IT load capacity, STT GDC India says it operates one of the country's most extensive data centre platforms.

STT GDC India is also evaluating long-term strategic options to support its future expansion plans, including a potential initial public offering (IPO) targeted for the first half of 2027.

As we reported at the time, investment firm KKR and Singaporean telecoms firm Singtel fully acquired STT GDC earlier this month.
Nigerian operators have settled a long-running unstructured supplementary service data (USSD) payment dispute with commercial banks. It seems that, five years after the dispute began, all outstanding payments have now been made.

The Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), the official industry body for all providers of telecommunications and subsidiary services in Nigeria, said late last week that banks had cleared all outstanding balances related to USSD services. ALTON chairman Gbenga Adebayo said the repayment covered nearly 300 billion (about US$200 million).

USSD is a messaging protocol used by GSM cellular networks to enable instant, two-way communication between mobile phones and applications. It works without internet or data, making it ideal for mobile banking, balance checks and network services.

This issue apparently originated as a result of unpaid corporate invoicing for mobile banking sessions, leading to operators threatening several banks with disconnection.

And not just operators. Indeed, we reported in January 2025 that regulator the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) had issued an ultimatum for nine banks to pay up on their USSD codes or be disconnected before the end of that month.

News service ITWeb Africa reports that to prevent a repeat of this situation, an end-user billing framework has been adopted. Under this model, customers are charged directly from airtime balances rather than banks settling bulk invoices.

It explains that fees are set at 6.98 (about US$0.005) per 120-second session and only apply after users approve the charge and complete a successful transaction.

Despite the growing take-up of smartphones across the country USSD is still essential for reaching millions of Nigerians without smartphones or reliable internet, particularly in rural and low-income communities.
Google has announced an investment of US$500 million in the construction of submarine cables and an international digital exchange port for the Dominican Republic. This will apparently be the companys eighth digital exchange port in the world and the first in Latin America.

This is also said to be the first international submarine cable ring to the continental United States from the Dominican Republic.

The company will develop an open and neutral infrastructure with the capacity to host four new international submarine cables. A first phase will involve the installation of two new submarine cables between the Dominican Republic and the United States, which will be added to the existing one between the two countries. Construction will begin in March.

Dominican President Luis Abinader signed a decree late last week, declaring the construction of digital exchange ports and the installation, deployment, and operation of submarine cable systems a matter of high national priority.

Local press reports say the decree seeks to strengthen digital infrastructure, expand international connectivity, and position the Dominican Republic as a regional hub for artificial intelligence.

Indeed, the thinking is that a digital exchange port will place the Dominican Republic at the centre of information exchange between North America, Central America and South America.

The new infrastructure will make it possible to multiply by ten the number of fibre optic pairs that currently connect the two territories, in addition to offering diversified connectivity and reduced latency to the South Carolina and Virginia Google Cloud regions in the US.

According to the BNamericas news service, the country has five other submarine cables in operation that connect it with Caribbean territories and, from there, with the continent, although some are approaching the end of their useful life.

According to the government, internet traffic in the Dominican Republic has increased 500% in the last five years; more than 35% comes from the United States.

Artificial intelligence is undoubtedly a strong government focus. Last year the Dominican Republic signed an agreement with AI and accelerated computing company Nvidia, to establish a Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence (CEIA).

Also last year, the regulator Indotel and the Centro de Inteligencia Publica (CIP) signed a cooperation agreement to create an AI academy in the country, to accelerate training in AI.
The Karnataka government is weighing a major step that could change how children use technology in the state. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has begun consultations on whether social media and mobile phone use should be restricted for those below 16 years of age. The proposal was discussed during a vice chancellors conclave, where concerns were raised about addiction, online gaming, drugs, and the wider impact of smartphones on young minds. While no final decision has been taken, the government has signalled that it is serious about acting. If implemented, Karnataka could become the first Indian state to introduce such age-based restrictions on social media use.

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During the meeting with vice chancellors, Siddaramaiah sought their views on whether minors should face limits on mobile phone and social media access. He said many children are becoming addicted to digital platforms and are falling prey to harmful influences, including drugs. He pointed to steps taken by countries such as Australia, which has introduced restrictions on social media use for children under 16.

Also read: AI agents will transform every computer-based job, warns Anthropic engineer

Sources said the discussions are still at an early stage, but the government is determined to examine the issue closely. Concerns include the effect of excessive screen time on memory, imagination, social behaviour, physical fitness and academic performance. Officials believe early exposure to online content, including inappropriate material, is shaping childrens behaviour in troubling ways.

Also read: Apple iPhone 18 Pro may launch in deep red colour following oranges strong response

The government has already held internal consultations with departments such as Information Technology, Law and Home to understand whether a state-level law can be enacted or if action from the Union government would be required. Clarity is still awaited on the legal route and how such a ban could be enforced.

Also read: Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leaks in early hands-on, shows privacy display and more

IT and BT Minister Priyank Kharge recently told the Assembly that the state is studying global practices and consulting stakeholders to promote responsible use of artificial intelligence and social media. He described the issue as serious and said safeguards are needed to protect children.

Karnataka has also launched a campaign titled Mobile Bidi, Pustaka Hidi, encouraging students to reduce phone usage and pick up books instead. The School Education Department of Karnataka is working with other departments in the state to address digital addiction among schoolchildren and looking for what more they can do to ensure that the issue is addressed in the state.
After introducing the Signature, Motorola has now officially teased the Edge 70 Fusion in India. This comes after the company posted a teaser on X that said Coming Soon. In addition, e-commerce platform Flipkart has launched a microsite, implying that the device will be available soon. If confirmed, it will join the Motorola Edge 70 in the series and can boast impressive on-paper specifications while maintaining the Edge design language and slim profile. Heres everything we know so far about the Motorola Edge 70, including a possible release date, specifications, and price.

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While there are many leaks that the Motorola Edge 70 Fusion may launch in India this week, we believe the device may hit the retail shelves in the first week of March. However, the brand has not confirmed the launch details and availability at the moment.

Motorola Edge 70 Fusion specifications (Expected)

The Motorola Edge 70 is said to feature a 6.78-inch quad-curved OLED panel with 1.5K resolution and 144Hz refresh rate. It may offer 5,200 nits peak brightness and may feature Corning Gorilla Glass 7. The device is said to be powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 chipset and could get up to 8GB RAM and 256GB storage. It may feature a 7,000mAh silicon-carbon battery along with 68W fast charging.

Also read: Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra leaks in early hands-on, shows privacy display and more

In terms of the camera, the device could get a 50MP Sony LYTIA main sensor (likely LYT-700C) with OIS and a 13MP ultra-wide camera with macro support. On the front, you can expect a 32MP selfie shooter.

Motorola Edge 70 Fusion design (Expected)

The Motorola Edge 70 Fusion is said to offer a leather-inspired and textured finish and launch in Pantone-validated colours: Blue Surf, Country Air and Silhouette. It could also feature IP68 and IP69 water and dust resistance, along with MIL-STD-810H military-grade certification.

Motorola Edge 70 Fusion price in India (Expected)

The Motorola Edge 70 Fusion is expected to be priced at around Rs 29,999 for the base 8GB RAM and 256GB storage. However, these details are not confirmed at the moment.
Samsung is currently preparing to host its next Galaxy Unpacked event 2026, which is scheduled for February 25. At the event, the tech giant Samsung will unveil the Galaxy S26 series, which will most likely include three models- the Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26 Plus, and the Galaxy S26 Ultra.

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But even before the official reveal, the Galaxy S26 Ultra has already leaked in an early hands-on. Tech YouTuber Sahil Karoul shared images and short clips online, claiming he managed to purchase the device ahead of launch from Dubai. The photos show the phone being held in hand and compared with other flagship devices.

Also read: Nothing Phone 4a Pro and Phone 4a India launch next month: Check expected specs and price

From the leaked visuals, the Galaxy S26 Ultra appears to refine the design rather than completely change it. The white colour variant shown in the images looks clean and premium, with a flat frame and the familiar large camera layout seen in previous Ultra models. Though there is a noticeably raised camera island, which you will not see on the Galaxy S25 Ultra.

The biggest highlight from the leak is a new feature called privacy display. This feature seems to work similarly to the privacy screen protectors available in the market. Once enabled, the screen becomes hard to see from side angles and appears dark unless viewed straight on. This could help users keep messages, emails or sensitive information private while using the phone in public places. It is still unclear whether this feature can be limited to certain apps or areas of the screen, or if it works across the entire display.

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra specifications and features (Expected)

Rumours suggest the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra may feature a 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with QHD+ resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. The device is expected to be powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 globally, coupled with up to 16GB of RAM and storage options going up to 1TB. The phone could pack a 5,000mAh battery with support for 60W fast charging.

On the camera front, leaks point to a quad-camera setup that may include a 200MP primary sensor, a 50MP periscope lens with 5x optical zoom, a 50MP ultra-wide camera, and a 10MP telephoto lens offering 3x optical zoom.

Also read: Best Phones Under 30000

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra price in India (Expected)

The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is likely to start at Rs 1,29,999 in India, while higher variants could go up to nearly Rs 1.7 lakh, depending on the storage and RAM configuration.
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A new Irish-language campaign celebrating the County Louth has been launched by Louth County Council.

The campaign called 'StairLu' which celebrates the stories, folklore, culture and people of Louth will run across the local authority's social media channels in the lead up to St Patrick's Day.

Louth County Council said the campaign will showcase some of the most distinctive and lesser-known aspects of Louth's cultural landscape, including the countys vibrant murals, Louths forgotten Gaeltacht, and the growing PopUp Gaeltacht movement.

The campaign will also feature interviews, conducted as Gaeilge, with local historians and elected members, along with dedicated content to mark Louths Seachtain na Gaeilge and St Patricks Day celebrations.

Cllr Sean Kelly, Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council said the Irish language is at the heart of Louth's history and identity.

"It is a living link to our stories, our heritage, and our sense of place. It belongs to all of us, whether we speak it every day or are only beginning to explore it. As we approach our national holiday, there is no better moment to bring Irish to the forefront and use it, enjoy it, and celebrate it proudly, he said.

Read Next: House building in Louth begins 2026 on a positive note

Susan Deery, Irish Language Officer with Louth County Council, added:

Louth has a deep and enduring relationship with the Irish language, from its historic Gaeltacht roots to the various organisations who continue to speak and celebrate Irish today. Through #StairLu, the Council aims to honour that heritage, highlight the countys cultural identity, and show how the Irish language remains a living, meaningful part of life in Louth. We are proud to support and promote Irish as part of our ongoing commitment to serving our communities bilingually, she said.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.
Autism Louth have announced it will hold a protest amid plans by the Department of Education to conduct a review into SNA allocations.

The planned protest will take place on Wednesday, February 25th outside Ardee Monastery School.

Kitty Colbert, Committee member with Autism Louth said parents were left "distraught and anxious" about any potential cut to Special Needs staffing.

"A school can only be as good as the staffing they are allocated. Many schools have one SNA shared amongst several classes - thats just not good enough to begin with, never mind cutting those provisions," she said.

Ms Colbert pointed out the "irony" that Fianna Fail TD for Louth Erin McGreehan said parents "cannot live with uncertainty".

She said it is "absurd" and "enraging" that it is Deputy McGreehan's party in government.

"Our communities honestly feel like they are laughing at us at this stage. Schools currently have no idea if the cuts they were told to expect are happening," she said.

Read Next: House building in Louth begins 2026 on a positive note

Ms Colbert said all children benefit from having SNA's in the classroom and welcomed the "temporary U-turn".

"While they are there to only support those who need it, it goes without saying that the classroom runs a lot smoother when all students are able to take part and be included. The teacher can fully concentrate on their work of simply teaching the pupils."

"We welcome the news that the government have now taken a temporary U-turn, but I think we are all very cautious of their wording," she said.

Minster for Education Hildegarde Naughton announced last week, there would be a "pause" in the review, amid pushback from the public and opposition TDs.

It came despite reports that schools had received notification from the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) that jobs may be cut.
Sinn Fein TD for Louth Ruairi O Murchu has told the Dail that the government 'needs to get its act together' amid an ongoing row about Special Needs Assistants (SNA's) allocations.

It comes as the Minister for Education Hildegarde Naughton announced there would be a "pause" in the review of SNA allocations, despite it being reported 200 schools had already been contacted by the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) to inform them SNA jobs would be cut.

The Sinn Fein TD called on the Minister for Education Hildegarde Naughton to confirm no school would lose SNA support, before describing it as a "flawed process".

Deputy O Murchu said Last week, people were particularly exasperated about the reality of cuts to special needs assistant, SNA, numbers."

We all know the huge work that is done by SNAs. I know on a personal basis that my son Toirleach would not be able to operate if it was not for the SNAs he has had in both primary and secondary school."

"It is more than a pause we need; we need a rethink on the criteria. That should be a demand from everybody on this floor not only in opposition but even in government. While we welcome the pause, we need to see real movement," he said.

A Sinn Fein motion on the issue is set to go before the Dail later this week, which Deputy O Murchu said is a "chance to end this confusion and do the right thing".

Read Next: House Building in Louth begins 2026 on a positive note

Minister of State in the Department of Education Michael Moynihan said no school will lose SNA's "immediately".

"There was never any discussion that a school would lose its SNA immediately; it was always going to happen from 1 September, not now or at Easter or whatever. It was always within the school year 2026. That was very clear at all times."

"We are pausing it because there has been so much concern about the process. We have to be extremely confident in the process we put in place such that all school communities and education partners have confidence in it and that we can go forward with confidence in it," he said.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.
Louth Civil Defence hosted a special Volunteer Recognition and Medal Presentation Ceremony on Thursday, 19th February in the Oriel Centre, Dundalk Gaol.

The event, part of the national celebrations marking the 75th anniversary of Civil Defence in Ireland, honoured the commitment and service of volunteers who continue to play a vital role in emergency response and community resilience across County Louth.

Twentytwo volunteers received the Civil Defence 75Year Commemorative Medal at the event, joining a further twenty Louth volunteers who received their medals at a national ceremony in Maynooth last year. Louth Civil Defence Officer Chris Connolly acted as MC for the ceremony, with Louth County Council Chief Executive David Conway presenting the medals.

In his address, Mr. Conway highlighted the evolution of Civil Defence since its establishment in 1950 and praised the contribution of volunteers during critical events, including the COVID19 pandemic and Irelands humanitarian response to the war in Ukraine.

A special tribute was paid to Michael Kenny, whose remarkable 62 years of service were recognised as an extraordinary contribution to Civil Defence and the wider community.

Read Next: Louth County Council welcome over 22 million in road funding

Following the ceremony, David Conway, Chief Executive of Louth County Council, said:

This event is a reminder of the strength and generosity that define our Civil Defence volunteers. Their dedication, whether during national emergencies, severe weather events, or moments of quiet but vital community support, makes Louth a safer, stronger, and more resilient place. It is a privilege to recognise their service, and I extend my deepest thanks to each volunteer and their families for their continued service and commitment.

Louth Civil Defence is a volunteer-based organisation supported by Louth County Council and operating under the national Civil Defence framework of the Department of Defence. Its volunteers provide emergency response and community support services across County Louth, including search and rescue, first aid, flood response, severe weather assistance, and logistical support during major incidents.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.
Fianna Fail Senator Alison Comyn has condemned damage caused to the newly laid pitch at Oriel Park during Friday night's 1-1 draw between Dundalk and Drogheda United.

The damage was caused when flares were thrown from the Drogheda United fans onto the new artificial pitch leaving extensive damage.

A 12 year-old boy was also injured after being struck by one of the flares.

Senator Comyn, who is Seanad spokesperson for Sport, said she "utterly condemns the violence and vandalism" that took place during last week's Louth derby.

As a result, Minister for Sport Patrick O'Donovan has announced that funding for astro-turf pitches across the League of Ireland has now been paused.

Senator Comyn said she hopes the "full force of the law is meted out to those mindless thugs who carried out this attack".

She said the new pitch was an important investment in youth and community sport.

"The actions of a few Drogheda United fans have not only damaged the clubs facilities, but your own reputation," she said.

Read Next: Louth County Council welcome over 22 million in road funding

Both clubs issued a joint statement condemning the vandalism saying:

"Rivalry is part of what makes fixtures between Dundalk FC and Drogheda United FC so special. But it must always remain passionate, respectful and safe.

There is no justification for actions that put lives at risk or damage facilities used by young people and the wider community.

Both clubs will fully cooperate with An Garda Siochana in relation to any investigation and will engage constructively with the FAI disciplinary process.

Dundalk FC is currently assessing the full extent of the damage caused, and appropriate steps will be taken in response."

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.
Irish tourists are being warned against travelling to parts of Mexico as violence has caused road and airport closures.

The Department of Foreign Affairs has issued a statement to say the state of Jalisco and other urban areas, such as Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara are experiencing high levels of violence.

There have been reports of security operations and road blockages in other states, but particularly those bordering Jalisco.

"Irish citizens already in Jalisco or in any other affected area should shelter in place, avoid unnecessary movement, and follow the direction of the local authorities," the Department has said.

READ NEXT: Flights from Dublin to parts of USA cancelled amid snow storm on east coast

The warning comes following the death of Nemesio Oseguera, or "El Mencho", the mastermind of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel, according to an article by RTE.

His death has caused widespread retaliation violence.

The security alert is a level two out of four ratings, meaning tourists can expect higher risks than in Ireland.

It is also advised that you research the destination you are travelling to thoroughly and take necessary precautions while in Mexico.

Armed crime and violence have been growing in tourist areas, and while tourists are not usually the targets of these crimes, the growing number of gang and drug-related violence in tourist areas affects tourists directly.

Some key pieces of advice include not carrying any credit cards, travel tickets, or money together, leaving a copy of your passport at home, only take cash out during the day, holding personal belongings close by when in public places, and avoiding dark or uhnlit streets and stairways.
The final six months of 2025 saw a notable slowing in the rate of increase in residential property prices, easing to 2.87% from 5.05% in the first half of the year, bringing the overall annual figure for the year to 7.92%, according to the latest IPAV Residential Property Price Barometer just published.

The series records sale prices achieved by auctioneers for three and four-bedroom homes and two-bedroom apartments.

In Louth the increases in the latter six months of 2025 over the previous six-months were 4.35% for three-bedroom homes; 4.66% for four-bedrooms and 2.5% for two-bedroom apartments.

Latest data shows that while none of the 41 locations captured in the barometer were in negative territory, the level of increases across the three property types were remarkably close, with none exceeding 5.83%.

Unlike in previous data sets, there were no discernible changes in patterns across locations or property types. The top ten prices across the three categories ranged from 3.85% to 5.83%.

Genevieve McGuirk, IPAV Chief Executive said auctioneers report that properties are taking a little longer to sell. This is likely to reflect caution arising from the combined effects of continuing price increases since the covid pandemic in 2020 of, on average, about 45%, and latterly, increasing geopolitical tensions.

A recent Red C and Gallup International survey of 60 countries found that when asked about the worlds prospects for the year ahead compared with last, Ireland featured among the ten most pessimistic. A manifestation, perhaps, of a greater closeness to Boston rather than Berlin, she said.

Ms McGuirk said that without doubt landlords are exiting the market in advance of new rent legislation due to take effect on March 1st, with some agents reporting that up to 60% of sales are arising as a result of the new rules.

The fact that the legislative detail as set out in the Bill is more onerous than initially anticipated, for example, placing extremely strict conditions on smaller landlords wishing to end tenancies in order to sell their properties, could be problematic. This may have unintended consequences, she warned.

Read Next: Louth County Council welcome over 22 million in road funding

While landlord sales increase supply in the short term, the longer-term implications for the second-hand market are concerning, she said. A sustained reduction in rental stock may further limit options for tenants, while a weaker second-hand market could reduce choice and flexibility for buyers, including existing homeowners wishing to right-size.

She said that while Government is investing in new builds agents report many locations are lacking such development, including parts of the commuter belt.

This is potentially very worrying; we need a second-hand market, including in Dublin. A healthy second-hand market is essential, not least because it often provides more affordable options than new builds.
With his man-bun and beard, Cork man Gearoid might be labelled something of a hipster.

Will the 37-year-old find the love of his life on First Dates Ireland on RTE2 on Thursday at 9pm?

His date, Rachel, 32, from Monaghan, has been single for ten years and is sick of attending weddings that remind her how in love everyone else is.

Perhaps a Cork man will be the answer to her prayers?

Also, happily unmarried Gerry, 64, bravely ventures out of his comfort zone to meet fellow Meath person, Tai chi instructor Bernie, 70. Its been a while since her last romance but Bernies too bold to be looking for a saint!

Plus, super-stylish Moss, 20, of Wicklow, meets part-time bartender Ian,19, of Kildare. Both are over 6ft and  until now  neither has dated anyone that came close to their height. Will these fellow students hit the heights on their encounter?

Looking for a girl who can put him in his place, barman Jake, 22, of Cabinteely, meets forward and fearless Leah, 22, of Artane, who has a soft spot for the controversial mullet-moustache combo.
The poor bus service, coupled with the slow progress of a planned new road around the north city, are both posing challenges for staff, the boss of Apple in Cork has said.

Cathy Kearney, Apples vice-president of European Operations, called for further investment in Cork transport, roads infrastructure and housing, at Fridays event to mark the opening of the tech giants new Hollyhill 5 facility.

Referring to the planned Northern Distributor Road, a 14km route that will take commuters from the Carrigrohane Road on the citys westside to Glanmire in the east, crossing over the city via Hollyhill, Ms Kearney said it was an important element of future plans, because of the poor transport options for the facilitys 6,000 staff.

It is a challenge, we have been clear on that, she told The Echo, referencing commuter distances for staff. The 202 bus route goes directly into Apples campus, but there have long been reliability problems with Cork buses.

Ms Kearney said: We have our own bus fleet, because it was such a challenge for people.

We also really wanted to help from an environmental impact perspective because we had so many people coming in cars.

We are pushing public transport and trying to get that ramped up, and I know it is a government priority, but a lot of infrastructure work needs to happen to enable that. Ms Kearney added that the Taoiseach was aware of the importance of the Northern Distributor Road to Apple. People are commuting too long in the mornings, said Ms Kearney.

She said that the housing crisis is also an issue for staff.

Its always a challenge, she said. I think its a national challenge, its a challenge in many other countries. I think the policies will make a difference and hopefully we begin to see some light on that side as well.

She also noted the deep connections between Apple and the local Hollyhill community.

Its part of who we are, we live in Cork. Our team pretty much lives in the Cork area and so for us its really important that were not just inward-focussed but that were outward-focussed and that we contribute to the environment we operate in.

Speaking at the same event, Taoiseach Micheal Martin said the Apple team had been working constructively with Cork City Council to progress the Northern Distributor Road.

At the end of last year, Cork City Council formally selected the preferred route for the road after extensive public consultation, but said the tender process to actually build the project will not start until 2031.

The road has been included in the Governments National Development Plan, with estimated costs of between 200m and 500m.

The Taoiseach acknowleged that the current infrastructure was causing problems for the company:

Here in Apple in Cork, they have been very clear to us that this is a challenge, and they certainly want, as I do, for this project to be accelerated.

The Apple boss said the tech firm also works a lot with schools in the locality, including a TY programme which welcomes 100 students every week.

She continued: Were really lucky, we have a very strong volunteering programme, we are the strongest volunteering participation site of any in Apple which is something to be really proud of. The Apple matching programme really makes a difference to those charities.

Its not just the time, its also the money charities get. We contribute to about 600 charities across Ireland, but the local ones do really well, which is great, because its where we live.
While a funding allocation for the development of the long-awaited Mallow relief road has been welcomed, locals say interim measures are needed to tackle current chronic congestion in the North Cork town.

Some 600,000 has been allocated to the project under a 234m funding package for Corks national, regional, and local roads announced this week by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII).

John McDonnell of the Mallow Development Partnership told The Echo he believes the money will be used to take the project to the planning stage.

The road is going to take five years to build, weve been told. A lot more than the 600,000 will be needed, but this should take us to the next stage so its welcome, because weve been waiting a long time for this, he said.

Interim measures needed

In a statement on behalf of the Mallow Relief Road Alliance, Mr McDonnell and Mallow Chamber president Joyce A Good Hammond said interim measures are needed to address congestion in the town.

We welcome the allocation of 600k that progresses the Mallow relief road and represents a significant and positive step forward for this vital project, they said.

Traffic congestion in Mallow town is rapidly increasing, affecting business, community, and shoppers alike.

They said in addition to taking traffic out of the town, the relief road will improve air quality, support businesses and unlock Mallows potential as an important and growing tourism destination through better connecting the train station and providing smoother access attractions including Mallow Castle and Doneraile Park.

However, as mentioned previously, traffic congestion is expected to increase significantly over the next five years, requiring interim measures. These could include redirecting heavy traffic away from the town and bringing forward some active travel proposals.

Clarity needed

Cork North Central Labour TD Eoghan Kenny said that while funding was welcome, clarity was needed regarding long-term plans for the project. We need to see shovels in the ground as quickly as possible, he said.

There has been a piecemeal approach to the Mallow relief road now for many, many years. The project is absolutely necessary for the economic development of our town, and will contribute to industry and housing.

If we want to see housing development, infrastructure must match that. But its also so important for particularly our main street, which needs to be absolutely brought back to the best of its ability. That will only be done if we can take cars and HGVs off of the street. And that will be done by getting the relief road built.
Two men who assaulted a man in Cork city in 2023, leaving him with tinnitus, have been handed suspended sentences of three and a half years.

Judge Dermot Sheehan said it was with some reluctance that he was imposing fully suspended sentences for the attack on the injured party, which came out of the blue.

There seemed to be no reason for the assault other than drink, Judge Sheehan said.

Barrister Eugene Manley, representing Emmet Corkery of 4 Fairview, Fairfield Road, Farranree, said the young man had raised 15,000 compensation for the injured party and 2,000 for charity.

Alan ODwyer, barrister for co-accused, Evan Lordan, of 17 The View, Glean Na Ri, Tower, Blarney, said his client brought 7,000 compensation to court.

Both men apologised for their actions on the night of the assault. Neither had any previous convictions.

Judge Sheehan said: I am really concerned about behaviour like this on the streets of Cork when people are under the influence of alcohol or otherwise. Both [defendants] played their part in this assault they were punching and kicking the unfortunate injured party.

However, he noted the absence of previous convictions, and he suspended the sentences.

Both men pleaded guilty to a charge of assault causing harm at Oliver Plunkett St on August 7, 2023.
The mother of a young man, facing a sentence for the manslaughter of his grandmother, had been trying to organise a drug injection for her sons diagnosed schizophrenia but the treatment offer only arrived in the post two days after the killing.

Brian Nnamdi Ogbo appeared at Cork Circuit Criminal Court for sentencing for the manslaughter of his grandmother at the family home in Carrigaline one year ago.

Defence senior counsel Jane Hyland, said: This is a tragedy for the family and also a tragedy for Mr Ogbo.

Investigating Detective Garda Tom Delaney said: I would agree.

The mother and sister of the accused man presented references on Mr Ogbos behalf, testifying to his high level of intelligence, sensitive nature, diagnosed schizophrenia, and the care that he had shown for his grandmother over many years.

Ms Hyland said the Ogbo family are a highly accomplished family in Nigeria where several of them practise as doctors and surgeons.

Ms Hyland said the defendants mother, daughter of the deceased, made huge efforts in Cork to arrange an anti-psychotic depot injection for her son. As his mother, and also being a qualified social worker, she could see that his behaviour was deteriorating due to the absence of medication.

He got an appointment two days after his granny died, Ms Hyland said.

Brian Nmandi has been in custody since he caused his 82-year-old grandmothers death by dragging her down the stairs causing her to fall and go down head-first.

While not initially admitted to hospital, her condition later required hospitalisation and she died as a result of her injuries.

Judge Sinead Behan said that she needed to see details of a post-release psychiatric care plan for the accused, and sentencing was adjourned until March 4 for that purpose.

Testified

Detective Delaney testified that on February 23, 2025, a dispute arose at 17 Garrydhu Drive, where Brian Ogbo had been pacing around the house and shouted at his mother, Ruby Ogbo, to leave him alone. Ruby discovered the accused had eaten all the food and had destroyed the kitchen.

Ruby Ogbo took the wifi internet box out of the house. She stated that as she tried to walk out of the house, he pulled her back. She exited the house and was followed by the accused, who had a blue-handled scissors in his hand. He threatened to cut the wires in the house before putting the scissors on the ground. Ruby Ogbo picked up the scissors and brought it back into the house.

He pushed her to the ground in the kitchen and punched her into the head while she was on the ground. She was crying at this stage. The accused then went upstairs looking for his grandmother, who was in the bathroom. He shouted at her to open the door. Ruby fled the house to get help from a neighbour.

A short time after, the [now-]deceased emerged from the house in a distressed state. Brian Ogbo had broken down the bathroom door and dragged his grandmother, Stella Nnadi, out of the room.

After Brian Ogbo was arrested, he was taken to CUH, examined, discharged and given a letter to attend CUH on a voluntary basis.

Meanwhile, Stella Nnadis condition deteriorated, and on February 25, Ruby Ogbo requested an ambulance as her mother was not responding to her. She had a significant bleed in her brain, and her condition rapidly deteriorated, Det Garda Delaney said.

Questioned

Det Sergeant Simon Grace and Det Garda Delaney later questioned the accused.

He stated: I got angry. Started breaking things. I lost my cool. I took a knife, but I didnt stab anybody. I went upstairs to my granny. She was in the toilet. She told me she couldnt open it. I broke the door, dragged her out, dragged her down the stairs. She fell down the stairs and got up. I locked her out of the house.

The accused recalled: I can remember she was going face down, face first, down the stairs. I was holding her by the hand.

Dr Heidi Okkers, state pathologist, concluded that the cause of death was blunt force trauma to the head as a result of being pulled down the stairs.

The accused was remanded in custody to March 4 at Cork Circuit Criminal Court for sentencing.
Gardai are appealing for witnesses after an incident of criminal damage by fire at a home in a suburb of Cork city left three people hospitalised and a fourth person needing medical attention.

They are appealing to anyone who was in the Clarkes Road area of Ballyphehane between 6am and 7am this morning, and who may have information, to contact investigating Gardai.

Anyone with camera footage - including dash-cam - is asked to make that footage available.

Gardai and emergency services responded to the fire, which occurred at approximately 6.35am this morning, at a domestic residence on Clarkes Rd, Ballyphehane.

A spokesperson for Cork City Fire Brigade said three units of the service had attended the fire, and a nine-year-old child, a man in his late 20s, and a woman in her 40s were brought to Cork University Hospital (CUH) for treatment for smoke inhalation.

A fourth person, a man in his 50s, was treated for smoke inhalation at the scene.

The fire brigade spokesperson said the blaze was well established when fire service personnel arrived at the scene.

The front door of the house was on fire and there was a fire in the top of the stairs as well, they said.

Our officers were deployed into the house with hose and, wearing breathing apparatus, they extinguished the fire. The house was earlier preserved by gardai for a technical examination, gardai said, with investigations ongoing.

A spokesperson for An Garda Siochana told The Echo:

Gardai are appealing for witnesses following an incident of criminal damage by fire that was reported at a domestic residence in the Clarkes Road area of Ballyphehane, Cork city this Monday morning, February 23 at approximately 6.35 am.

Fire Services extinguished the fire.

A male in his 20s, a female child and a male in his 50s were conveyed to Cork University Hospital for treatment of injuries, they said.

A technical examination of the scene has been conducted.

Gardai are appealing for any witnesses to this incident to contact them. Anyone who was in the Clarkes Road area between 6am and 7am this morning, Monday February 23, and who may have any information is asked to contact investigating Gardai.

Anyone with camera footage - including dash-cam - is asked to make that footage available, the spokesperson said.

Gardai can be contacted at Bridewell Garda Station, Cork on 021 4943330, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any garda station.
Chair of the Cork City Council transport committee, Labour Party Councillor Peter Horgan, has received confirmation that a second round of public consultation on Luas Cork will take place in the next few months, with an expectation that the final route will be detailed before the end of 2026.

The sheer scale of the consultations received shows the appetite from the people of Cork for a light rail system, but more importantly a light rail system that works for the people of Cork, said Mr Horgan.

I welcome the swiftness in presenting the next round with amendments and look forward to the Cork public engaging on it again.

I reiterate we should be implementing spurs to the airport and towards Douglas and Carrigaline to future proof the light rail ecosystem along with enhancing the northside areas that wont be supported under the Cork Commuter Rail project.

Rail is by far the fastest moving alternative to single occupancy vehicles and the Cork Commuter Rail is a success story that I want to see replicated over the river on the southside especially.

Responding to Mr Horgan the NTA said in a statement: Luas Cork is a proposed light rail line running from Ballincollig to Mahon Point, connecting key destinations such as MTU, Cork University Hospital, UCC, Cork city centre, Kent Station, Cork Docklands, Blackrock and Mahon.

A non-statutory public consultation was launched in April 2025 on the Emerging Preferred Route for Luas Cork."

Submissions

Just over one thousand submissions were received in respect of that consultation, which have been reviewed and assessed by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) and their design team.

Arising from the consultation process, some amendments are anticipated to be made to the scheme proposals.

Following the development of those revised designs, it is intended that TII will undertake a second round of public consultation in quarter two of 2026, setting out a proposed Preferred Route.

It is expected that, following the finalisation of the preferred foute later this year, the project would progress to preparing the extensive documentation required for a Railway Order application to An Coimisiun Pleanala in tandem with developing the Preliminary Business Case for the project, as required by the Governments Infrastructure Guidelines.
By Claudia Savage, Press Association

People in Fermanagh deserve the same likelihood to live as those across Northern Ireland, a demonstration has heard.

Several hundred people travelled to Belfast to advocate for emergency general surgery (EGS) healthcare services in the South West Acute Hospital (SWAH) in Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh.

Campaigners from Save Our Acute Services (SOAS) pushed a hospital bed up the hill at Stormont as they delivered letters to MLAs calling on them to support their drive.

The campaign advocates for emergency general surgery services in Co Fermanagh (Liam McBurney/PA)

Demonstrators carried signs reading time matters, 2 hours is too late while one man in a wheelchair sat beneath a sign saying this man will not make it to Altnagelvin.

Secretary of SOAS Helen Hamill said people in Fermanagh really woke up in July 2025 when the Western Trust proposed that all EGS be delivered from the Altnagelvin Hospital on a permanent basis, a decision they later agreed to pause.

There was a sort of a jolt factor, she said.

Staff were really upset about it. Patient stories started to come flooding out where there were terrible outcomes. Despite the fact that the Trust says theres positive improvements, it isnt the case on the ground.

Its not the case that were hearing from staff, and its not what were hearing from patients.

Ms Hamill said some people in Fermanagh would be hours away from Altnagelvin when in need of life-saving care.

You cant be a mummy and have a section in SWAH as an emergency and be packed up and taken to another hospital from your baby. These things are happening, she said.

Helen Hamill called for action from MLAs (Liam McBurney/PA)

She added: Its unsafe for us, thats how it feels  youre too far away. Youre much too far away to be assured of getting the same outcomes as everybody else.

The campaigner said her message to UUP Health Minister Mike Nesbitt is: We want the same services.

We want the same likelihood to live and to die in Fermanagh as there is anywhere else in Northern Ireland, and currently we dont, she added.

The community group SOAS spoke to UUP leader Jon Burrows (Liam McBurney/PA)

Representatives from Sinn Fein, the SDLP, UUP, and DUP were present at the demonstration, where calls of we need the money were heard.

Sinn Fein MLA for Fermanagh and South Tyrone Jemma Dolan said there has been no progress on EGS services at SWAH since its suspension in 2022.

Asked if she would call on the finance minister, Sinn Feins John ODowd, to ring-fence funding for the service, she said the reason the service collapsed in the first place was because of not enough staff.

So our understanding was that the money was there, the staff werent, she said.

So were still calling on the health minister. The decision lies with the health minister. Its his department, and the final decision lies with him.

Sinn Feins Jemma Dolan said there has been no progress on EGS services at SWAH since 2022 (Liam McBurney/PA)

Asked where the failure at SWAH lies, UUP leader Jon Burrows said public services have been under-resourced and there has been real questions about the stewardship of public services by some at Stormont.

But we have a health minister who is gripping these issues, he said.

Thats why weve got more theatres open in the SWAH, thats why were cutting wait lists, thats why the health minister has delivered an extra 200,000 treatments this year, well ahead of the 70,000 target treatments that he was given by the Executive.

So look, we appreciate that we need to do better but the Ulster Unionist Party is absolutely committed, not just to the SWAH but driving up health opportunities.

Issues over emergency general surgery provision were highlighted (Liam McBurney/PA)

DUP MLA for Fermanagh and South Tyrone Deborah Erskine said the hospital means a lot to each and every single one of us.

We need the health minister to commit to ensuring that emergency general surgery will come back to our rural hospital in Fermanagh, she told the crowd on the steps of Stormont.

If the trusts are saying that to the health minister, bring it back. Its simple.

So we will stand with you. We will do the best we can.

Believe you me, we are fighting as much as we can within that building.
By Claudia Savage, Press Association

Removal of 50:50 has had a negative impact on the number of Catholic recruits in policing, a Sinn Fein spokesperson has said.

Deirdre Hargey MLA, who sits on the policing board for the party, said the drop in recruits from nationalist backgrounds is not down to Sinn Fein ahead of a meeting with the forces' Chief Constable Jon Boutcher.

Recruitment figures released by the PSNI last week showed that the percentage of new Catholic applicants to join the force was at its lowest in more than a decade.

Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) Chief Constable Jon Boutcher (Liam McBurney/PA)

Police said more than 4,000 people had applied for their latest student officer recruitment campaign, with 65.6 per cent from a Protestant background, 26.7 per cent from a Catholic background and 7.7 per cent undetermined.

Between 2001 and 2011, there was a 50:50 recruitment initiative which meant there was one Catholic recruit for every one person from a Protestant or other background.

DUP leader Gavin Robinson said any return to the policy would be a mistake.

Speaking at Stormont Parliament buildings on Monday, Ms Hargey said the drop in numbers shows that the removal of 50:50 has had a negative impact.

Thats something that well be directly addressing with the Chief Constable today, and raising with him in terms of looking at 50:50 recruitment again to try and reverse that trend, she said.

She added: It worked back in 2001 to 2011 where (we saw) an increase from 8 per cent to over 30 per cent and we believe that we need to get back to that process of work going forward.

Asked if in their meeting Sinn Fein would be calling on Mr Boucher to reinstate 50:50, Ms Hargey said: We think that that is a policy, yes, that needs (sic) because it did have an impact when it was introduced the last time.

Ms Hargey highlighted Troubles legacy cases and more recently the investigation into the death of Belfast schoolboy Noah Donohoe as instances that have a damage and impact on policing if its not done in the right way.

Sinn Fein MLA Deirdre Hargey speaking to the media at Parliament Buildings at Stormont in Belfast ahead of a meeting with PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher (Liam McBurney/PA)

Asked about initiatives taken by the police to try and improve relations with the nationalist community such as changing operational guidance on the removal of paramilitary flags, Ms Hargey said there is still concern and barriers in order to command that support.

When you speak to young people in nationalist/republican communities, the issues around legacy, the issues of not seeing visible policing on the ground within their community to respond to their needs, and also a culture are barriers that theyre highlighting, she said.

We want to work with the police in terms of removing those barriers, but they need to be doing more to understand the community, and this is something the police have said themselves previously, that they do need to understand the community, and in order to do that, we believe that more direct and consistent engagement needs to be done.

Asked how Sinn Fein have tried to engage with the nationalist community on policing, Ms Hargey said, we have been doing that.

Ive been very proactive at a Belfast level in terms of challenging sectarian manifestations, even from within my own community, and communities across the city as well, she said.

And we have had regular engagements with the PSNI and with other statutory agencies to deal with those issues.

But I think it is clear, I mean, the fact that were not seeing recruits, thats not down to Sinn Fein, thats down to that there are clear barriers there for members of the community that they dont feel at this point, that policing as a career for them, we need to understand what those barriers are.
(Photograph: @VATICAN MEDIA)Cardinal Pietro Parolin with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni at the ceremony marking the anniversary of the Lateran Pacts which establishes the Vatican as an independent state, at Palazzo Borromeo.

The Holy See "will not participate in U.S. President Donald Trump's Board of Peace because the Vatican says that it should be the United Nations that handles crisis situations.

"One concern," the Vatican's Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin explained, "is that at the international level it should above all be the UN that manages these crisis situations.

"This is one of the points on which we have insisted," Vatican News reported on Feb. 17.

He was responding to journalists' questions about Italy's participation as an observer in the Board of Peace,

Cardinal Parolin pointed out that "there are points that leave us somewhat perplexed. There are some critical points that would need to find explanations."

Parolin's comments came after attending an event with the Italian government to mark the anniversary of the Lateran Pacts, which created the Vatican City as a sovereign state nearly a century ago, according to CNN.

While Italy and the European Union have said they plan to attend the board as observers, the cardinal said the Vatican would not "participate in the Board of Peace because of its particular nature, which is evidently not that of other States."

The White House called the Vatican decision "deeply unfortunate."

"I don't think that peace should be partisan or political or controversial. And of course, the administration wants all those who were invited to join the board of peace to join," White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Feb.18.

"This is a legitimate organization where there are tens of member countries from around the world, and we think that's an unfortunate decision," she asserted.

The Vatican is not the only state to have declined invitations. Britain, France and Norway are not signing up.

Diplomats, officials and world leaders have expressed concerns over the expanded remit of the board, Trump's indefinite chairmanship and the potential damage it could cause to the UN's work, according to CNN.
Anthropic is issuing a call to action against AI "distillation attacks," after accusing three AI companies of misusing its Claude chatbot. On its website, Anthropic claimed that DeepSeek, Moonshot and MiniMax have been conducting "industrial-scale campaignsto illicitly extract Claudes capabilities to improve their own models."

Distillation in the AI world refers to when less capable models lean on the responses of more powerful ones to train themselves. While distillation isn't a bad thing across the board, Anthropic said that these types of attacks can be used in a more nefarious way. According to Anthropic, these three Chinese AI firms were responsible for more than "16 million exchanges with Claude through approximately 24,000 fraudulent accounts." From Anthropic's perspective, these competing companies were using Claude as a shortcut to develop more advanced AI models, which could also lead to circumventing certain safeguards.

Anthropic said in its post that it was able to link each of these distilling attack campaigns to the specific companies with "high confidence" thanks to IP address correlation, metadata requests and infrastructure indicators, along with corroborating with others in the AI industry who have noticed similar behaviors.

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Early last year, OpenAI made similar claims of rival firms distilling its models and banned suspected accounts in response. As for Anthropic, the company behind Claude said it would upgrade its system to make distillation attacks harder to do and easier to identify. While Anthropic is pointing fingers at these other firms, it's also facing a lawsuit from music publishers who accused the AI company of using illegal copies of songs to train its Claude chatbot.
Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi has revealed she has stage 1 cervical cancer and says she is likely to undergo a hysterectomy after an upcoming PET scan.

The 38-year-old Jersey Shore star shared the news in a TikTok video posted on Feb. 20, explaining that results from a recent cone biopsy confirmed adenocarcinoma, a type of cervical cancer that starts in the glandular cells of the cervix.

Polizzi said doctors caught the cancer early, calling the diagnosis "obviously not the news I was hoping for, but also not the worst news" because it was detected at stage 1. She stressed that early detection has given her strong treatment options and a good outlook, according to People.

Polizzi told fans that her next major step is a PET scan, which will show whether the cancer has spread beyond her cervix, including to her lymph nodes.

The scan result will guide her treatment plan, but she said she is already leaning toward surgery. "After that, I'm probably going to get the hysterectomy," she explained, noting that her oncologist outlined three main choices: chemotherapy, radiation, or a hysterectomy.

She added that she believes surgery is the "smart choice" and expects to keep her ovaries, though her cervix and uterus would be removed, and some lymph nodes may be taken, depending on what the scan shows, ABCNews4 reported.

The reality star first discussed a cancer scare in January, when she revealed that doctors had found cancerous cells at the top of her cervix after years of abnormal Pap smear results.

That discovery led to further testing, including the cone biopsy that confirmed her stage 1 diagnosis. Polizzi admitted she had delayed some gynecological exams in the past and said that decision now weighs heavily on her.

In her latest update, Polizzi described 2026 as "not panning out how [she] wanted it to," but said she feels "it could be very much worse" because doctors intervened early.

She urged followers, especially women, to stay on top of routine screenings, warning that once cervical cancer advances to stage 2, treatment often requires chemotherapy. "Get your appointments done," she told viewers, using her own experience to push for regular Pap smears and prompt follow-up when test results are abnormal, as per EOnline.
The family of Ghislaine Maxwell has spoken out after Prince Andrew was arrested and questioned over allegations of misconduct in public office, calling the development "astonishing" and urging authorities to ensure a fair process.

The comments came as police confirmed the former royal had been released from custody while the investigation continues.

According to People, Prince Andrew, the younger brother of King Charles III, was detained on Feb. 19 on suspicion he may have shared confidential information with financier Jeffrey Epstein during his time as a UK trade envoy.

Officials said the arrest is not linked to sexual misconduct claims, and Andrew has not been charged. He has previously denied wrongdoing connected to Epstein.

In a statement posted on social media, Maxwell's relatives said they were surprised by the arrest and stressed the importance of due process.

They wrote that Andrew "is entitled to the presumption of innocence and a fair process," adding a call for "transparency, evidence, and the same rules for everyone  not trial by media and political expediency."

Ghislaine Maxwells Family Says Theyre 'Astonished' by Former Prince Andrew's Arrest https://t.co/OCJxfVs6xj  People (@people) February 20, 2026

Prince Andrew Questioned for 11 Hours in Probe

Maxwell, who was convicted in 2021 of sex trafficking offenses tied to Epstein, is serving a 20-year prison sentence.

Prosecutors at her trial said she helped recruit underage girls for Epstein, making her the only associate of his to be jailed.

Authorities said Andrew was taken into custody at his residence on the Sandringham estate and questioned for roughly 11 hours before being released, Daily Mail reported. Police also carried out searches at another property linked to him.

The investigation focuses on claims that official documents and sensitive briefings were shared during his time in public office.

In a rare personal statement, King Charles addressed the situation, saying he had learned of the arrest "with the deepest concern." He added that the matter would be handled through "the full, fair and proper process" and emphasized, "the law must take its course."

The monarch also pledged the royal family's support and cooperation with investigators.
Leonardo DiCaprio's political satire "One Battle After Another" cemented its status as this awards season's frontrunner after winning Best Film and five other prizes at the 2026 BAFTA Film Awards in London on Sunday.

The film, directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, finished the night with six trophies, including Best Film, Director, Adapted Screenplay, Cinematography, Editing, and Best Supporting Actor for Sean Penn.

The BAFTAs at the Royal Festival Hall again served as Britain's top movie honors and a closely watched indicator ahead of the Oscars, with "One Battle After Another" entering the ceremony as the most nominated title on 14 nods and widely expected to perform strongly, according to The Guardian.

"One Battle After Another" is a darkly comic political thriller that follows a clash between a far-left revolutionary group and a white supremacist network led by Colonel Steven J. Lockjaw, played by Penn, with DiCaprio's character drawn into a growing cycle of violence, public attention, and personal risk as the conflict spreads across the United States.

The story uses elements of satire, large-scale confrontations, and a fatherdaughter relationship to show how rival factions harden their views while ordinary families struggle with the consequences of their choices, Cedars reported.

Anderson used his time on stage to reject the idea that cinema is in decline, saying that people who claim films are getting worse should come and speak to him in person. He also thanked his cast and crew, including DiCaprio, Penn, Chase Infinit, and Benicio del Toro, for supporting an ambitious production that he said demanded commitment from everyone involved.

Penn received Best Supporting Actor for his role as Lockjaw, marking a career first at the British awards after previous recognition for earlier films. The veteran actor was not in the room for the ceremony.

DiCaprio, however, did not take home Best Actor, with the prize going to Robert Aramayo for "I Swear," a drama about an activist living with Tourette's syndrome.

"One Battle After Another" prevailed over "Sinners," "Hamnet," "Marty Supreme," and "Sentimental Value" in the Best Film race, as per the New York Times.
"Scrubs" will return with a new revival on ABC on Feb. 25, 2026, with many original cast members back in both series-regular and recurring roles.

The revival will debut with two episodes starting at 8 p.m. on ABC, and each episode will be available to stream the next day on Hulu. ABC is positioning the show as a continuation of the original series, again set at Sacred Heart with a mix of familiar faces and new hospital staff.

Zach Braff is returning as Dr. John "J.D." Dorian, who will once more serve as the main point of view, according to Deadline. Donald Faison will again play Dr. Christopher Turk, reuniting with Braff to restore the central friendship that defined the earlier seasons. Sarah Chalke will be back as Dr. Elliot Reid as a series regular, rounding out the core trio.

Judy Reyes will return as Carla Espinosa in a recurring role because of commitments to another ABC project. John C. McGinley will appear again as Dr. Perry Cox, also in a recurring capacity, while he continues work on a separate series from creator Bill Lawrence.

Neil Flynn will reprise his role as the Janitor, and Christa Miller will return as Jordan Sullivan, adding more original ensemble members to the lineup, TVInsider reported.

The revival will also feature Robert Maschio back as Todd and Phill Lewis as Hooch, bringing back recurring characters that fans know from the original run. New cast members will expand the hospital's staff and introduce a younger group of doctors and interns.

Vanessa Bayer will play Sibby, who is in charge of a wellness program for employees, and Joel Kim Booster will play Dr. Eric Park.

The new intern class includes Ava Bunn as Serena, Jacob Dudman as Asher, David Gridley as Blake, Layla Mohammadi as Amara, and Amanda Morrow as Dashana. ABC's description stresses that while the medical world and interns have changed, the relationship between J.D. and Turk will stay at the center of the show's story, as per TVLine.
Shia LaBeouf was seen enjoying a public night out in New Orleans over the weekend, just days after his recent arrest, drawing fresh attention to the actor's personal life and legal troubles.

The sighting came as he spent time at a bar near Bourbon Street, where witnesses and footage showed him sharing kisses and holding hands with an unidentified brunette, Daily Mail reported.

The appearance quickly became a talking point because it followed his Tuesday arrest tied to a physical altercation involving two men during Mardi Gras celebrations.

Authorities later charged him with two counts of simple battery after the incident, which reportedly left one person with a possible nose injury.

Police reports also referenced allegations that he used offensive language during the confrontation.

Woman who bailed Shia LaBeouf out of New Orleans jail during Mardi Gras speaks:



"Bailed my boy out and made triple that!" pic.twitter.com/cf1V4jTugI  My Mixtapez (@mymixtapez) February 22, 2026

Shia LaBeouf Spotted in High Spirits

Despite the controversy, LaBeouf appeared relaxed during the outing. According to Page Six, witnesses said the actor "was drinking and seemed a little tipsy, but in great spirits," as he spent time with the woman on a balcony overlooking the busy bar.

The pair were also seen smiling, whispering to each other, and dancing together, giving the evening a notably light tone compared with the serious headlines earlier in the week.

The public display also comes after reports that LaBeouf and his wife, Mia Goth, quietly separated nearly a year ago.

The couple, who married in 2016 after meeting on the set of "Nymphomaniac: Vol. II," share a young daughter. Sources previously indicated the split followed ongoing challenges in their relationship.

Following his release from custody, LaBeouf kept a relatively visible presence in the city. He was photographed running and later attempting to attend church on Ash Wednesday, suggesting a mix of routine and reflection after the arrest.

The actor, known for roles in "Transformers" and "The Peanut Butter Falcon," has faced repeated public scrutiny over the years, and this latest incident adds to a long list of headlines tied to his off-screen behavior.
Prince William is said to be working on plans for a long-term royal makeover to update the monarchy and re-establish public trust after the controversy around his uncle, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.

In the past few months, the Prince of Wales has indicated that he wants the monarchy to be more transparent and in greater harmony with what the public expects. The royal family has been under intense scrutiny after Andrew's arrest and the subsequent investigations.

William has appeared for the first time in public with the Princess of Wales at the BAFTA awards days after his uncle was questioned for 11 hours over allegations related to misconduct in public office. The future king, who was there as BAFTA's president, was seen carrying on with royal commitments during the event despite the family being under the spotlight.

William's Vision for a More Accountable Monarchy

According to royal sources who spoke to The Mirror, William's long-term goal includes operating the monarchy with a "corporate-like structure" designed to increase accountability to the public. The plan would focus on clearer governance and defined responsibility within the institution.

The reforms, sources say, would not conflict with his support for King Charles during the ongoing situation involving Andrew. William is said to support his father's cooperation with authorities and the broader institutional response.

King Charles stated last week, "The law must take its course," as Buckingham Palace confirmed it would assist police with any files and records requested.

That statement followed the arrest of Andrew, who was questioned in connection with allegations involving the handling of confidential information. The developments have intensified debate about whether the monarchy remains fit for purpose.

William is also understood to believe that authority within the royal household should be less concentrated among longstanding courtiers, with greater transparency in decision-making.

Support for King Charles and Institutional Stability

Royal sources said William's plans would unfold alongside his support for the King during any investigations. According to one source, "There is a clear acknowledgment that the issues surrounding Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor have had an effect on public trust and there is united willingness to change that."

"The Prince of Wales has a clear focus and is determined to help the King in any way he can to restore that trust with the public and long term."

The source added, "Right now, the family and the country need stability, but there will come a time when he will bring in his own changes to ensure that accountability and purpose are front and center of not only his role but the role of the institution."

William has previously described his outlook as one focused on "change for good."

In an interview with Canadian actor Eugene Levy for the Reluctant Traveler series, William said of becoming king, per The Guardian, "I don't fear it....I enjoy that change".

Another source close to the prince said, "He wants to ensure the institution remains fit for purpose and is very focused on how that relates to the public."

The Prince and Princess of Wales have also supported efforts related to Andrew's status, including backing government moves to remove him from the line of succession. Any such change would require legislation and approval from all 14 Commonwealth realms.

Royal Foundation Model Inspires Future Structure

Sources say William's approach mirrors the structure used by the Royal Foundation, which includes a chief executive officer role and a more modern governance framework. That structure differs from how the monarchy has traditionally operated.

Another source noted William's leadership style when he assumed the Duchy of Cornwall following King Charles' accession.

"Both the Prince and Princess of Wales are in favour of a more corporate-like structure for the institution," the source said. "When he started at the Duchy his mission was to turn every stone over and question why things are done the way they are."

The same source emphasized, "Accountability is central to everything the Prince and Princess do and how they want to execute their vision of a modern monarchy. They want the monarchy to be known for all the right things, to be a vehicle for change for good and for the benefit of others. It must be fit for purpose."
The environmental group Verdemar holds little or no hope that the future treaty on Gibraltar will serve as a tool to end the environmental malpractice that systematically occurs in the British colony. New earth fills in sight, the persistence of anchorage zones and bunkering in protected waters, and constant waste discharges into the sea are some of the situations repeatedly denounced by the group before all authorities.

For conservationists, the information that has emerged so far always from Gibraltar about the future document that will regulate the colonys relationship with the EU framework points in the opposite direction: that these practices will continue despite the serious impact they cause in the Eastern Strait Special Area of Conservation (SAC), an area protected under European legislation and included in the Natura 2000 Network.

Gibraltar has scored a goal with the treaty. Its a Beckham goal straight into the top corner, sums up Antonio Munoz, spokesperson for the environmental group, after dozens of warnings to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and EU institutions. I attended three meetings on the treaty explaining Gibraltars systematic irregularities to Minister Albares. And every time I went to Madrid, I came back with the same answer. That they were being discussed, but its not known exactly which environmental issues were addressed or under what terms. We feel defenceless, adds Munoz, a member of a group with all alarm bells ringing.

On 25 September, Verdemar took its demands to the European Parliaments Committee on Petitions. Verdemar urged the European Commission to monitor compliance with EU rules in the Strait area in light of systematic violations of EU law and agreements signed between the United Kingdom and the Twenty-Seven. During the debate, the Commission acknowledged being aware that Gibraltars practices breach the UKs withdrawal agreement from the European Union in environmental matters and pointed to the future treaty on Gibraltar as a framework to resolve them. However, what is said in Europe is far from what ultimately happens", laments the environmental spokesperson.

Verdemar believes that the future treaty between the United Kingdom and the EU on Gibraltar, currently under legal review, must include the necessary legal mechanisms to guarantee the protection of the Natura 2000 Network, since affected citizens must have the environmental protection they so strongly demand.

The groups spokesperson compares Gibraltar to Orobanche densiflora, a parasitic species. Gibraltar is becoming a parasitic plant that is parasitising the Campo de Gibraltar region", he notes.

More land in the Bay

Gibraltar has just announced a new expansion involving land reclaimed from the sea in the northern area inside the Port, where it plans a surface of 47,000 square metres (4.7 hectares), opposite Harbour Views Road, for the construction of around 1,550 homes.

More than a year ago, the government signed a preliminary agreement with TNG Global Foundation to cover the projects cost in exchange for part of the land. This Vietnamese company is the same one building the controversial Eastside Project, a luxury complex also on reclaimed land but on the eastern side of the Rock, which includes an exclusive hotel, 1,200 sea-view homes, luxury shops and a marina for megayachts.

Gibraltar has already expanded by about 300 hectares reclaimed from the sea within the bay. And it does so with landfill of dubious origin. Gibraltar has a million tonnes accumulated in the East area. It was a dump with not only inert waste but all kinds. The worst lies underneath and weve been denouncing it since the 1990s. All of that will end up in sea reclamations", argues Munoz.

The environmentalist fears that, after the reclamations in waters adjacent to Gibraltars port for this new project, the next expansion will be the southern breakwater for a hydrocarbon supply plant. The growth of bunkering in Gibraltar is pushing its government to seek more infrastructure because they need physical space they dont have. All reclamations cause alterations in the Bay, in the form of changes in currents and other harm, Munoz stresses. Much of the rubble used in Eastside (and to be used for this project) comes from the excavation of the tunnel built under the airport.

Eastside's area project. / Erasmo Fenoy

Darren McComb, contractor for the TNG Global Foundation holding, denied in an interview with Europa Sur in June 2025 that the material used in the Eastside reclamations is contaminated. It is material that is absolutely not contaminated, because the entire mountain has been analysed and everything is inert or non-hazardous. There is and will be no environmental impact. Politically, moreover, its in our interest to do things right, he said.

Verdemar has taken legal action against the Eastside project for possible environmental offences which, after procedural back-and-forth in the courts, returned to its original jurisdiction, Court of First Instance and Instruction No. 2 in La Linea. As of today, we have no knowledge of further developments, the conservationist admits.

For its part, the Government of Gibraltar cited several independent studies in August 2025 to justify the eastern expansion. The administration argued (in response to opposition from the GSD) that the current project had undergone rigorous environmental assessments, backed by the European Union, and that it is being developed transparently through the planning process under the supervision of the Development and Planning Commission (DPC), an independent body.

The marina arm was carefully considered by the DPC following site visits and the deployment of a physical marker. Approval was granted with strict conditions, ensuring that parts of the seawall are replaced with low-level rock armour, which not only reduces visibility but also enhances biodiversity by creating new habitats for marine life. Sand replenishment at Catalan Bay is also planned.

Bunkering unchanged

Another clue about the treaty came in mid-February from Minister for Trade and the Port, Gemma Arias-Vasquez, during Gibraltars participation in International Energy Week held in the metropolis. There she told industry figures that the treaty between the United Kingdom and the European Union will have no impact on fuel supply operations in Gibraltar. For Verdemar, this statement effectively consolidates a model full of environmental aggressions.

Verdemar denounces that activities such as anchoring and bunkering supplying fuel to tankers take place in the waters of Algeciras Bay and on Gibraltars eastern side within the protected area, something expressly prohibited by Article 10 of the SAC Use Plan.

Munoz adds that Gibraltar has become the most important bunkering port in the Mediterranean, with more than 4.5 million tonnes of hydrocarbons transferred annually without required safety measures, minimal inspections and the promotion of irregular anchorages. Gibraltar is continuously intensifying, as the years go by, the movement of fuel with the risks of spills and other consequences involved, the environmental spokesperson adds.

A covert anchorage

This fuel transfer at sea entails the progressive colonisation of waters by Gibraltar, according to Verdemar. The group points to an alleged systematic breach of the regulations governing the Eastern Strait Special Area of Conservation (SAC), asserting that the Rock illegally occupies more than 20% of that protected space.

Munoz recalls that after the grounding of the vessel Fedra at Europa Point (2007), Gibraltar established a 400-hectare anchorage area in the eastern zone. Now, outside the disputed waters, which extend three miles east of Gibraltar, they have set up an external reserve anchorage of approximately 1,000 hectares within the Special Area of Conservation that serves as a waiting room for oil tankers, the environmentalist underlines.

The conservationist notes that his group already opposed the Port Authority and Maritime Captaincy of Algeciras project to create two anchorage areas off Sotogrande (where bunkering or repair operations would not be allowed). The Port of Algeciras had to comply with EU regulations and we filed objections against that initiative. Now, with what Gibraltar is doing, what happens to the Special Area of Conservation? Is it reduced? Is there any reason, or any agreement within those talks, for that Special Area of Conservation not to be protected by Natura 2000?, the Verdemar representative reflects.

Zona de Especial Conservacion del Estrecho y fondeaderos de Gibraltar. / Verdemar-Ecologistas en Accion

The environmental group once again appeals to EU institutions to halt the situation in the face of the Spanish Governments passivity regarding the transformation of the Alboran Sea into an area full of oil tankers, with an evident risk of accident, collision or spill whose consequences could be irreversible for beaches, biodiversity, fishing and tourism.

If the SAC use plans say that external anchorages cannot be established, nor ships with contaminating cargo hydrocarbons in this case accumulated there, and that fuel transfer cannot take place, and all of that is being breached, who is the authority that must speak up? We have always been told that if there is any agreement, Gibraltar must comply with all European regulations, exactly like any EU country. But we are seeing that this is not the case, Munoz complains.

For Verdemar, the optimism shown by several regional authorities contrasts with the environmental risks posed by a poorly drafted treaty. I see everyone very happy. I dont get into other issues, only environmental ones. But anchorages cannot be occupied and the Bay filled in without anyone saying absolutely anything", Munoz concludes.
A cold November rain slid from the dawning sky as a stiff wind blew the precipitation directly into my face. A golden retriever named Brandy sat beside me with an unblinking stare into the dense, misty-clouded overcast that was hanging low across the lake. Bud sat next to me trying to pour coffee from a dented Stanley thermos into two metal cups, his cold, shaky hands making the job difficult.

Brandys intense searching suddenly froze on a swirl of mist in the gloom. That apparition took on several distinct forms winging just a few feet over the choppy waves and seemed destined to jet directly over the decoys that wed tossed into the surf. Wedge-heads, Bud muttered as he unsuccessfully attempted to set the thermos upright.

He grabbed his old Browning A5, I snatched my double, and Brandy came to a taught attention with her almond eyes wide and riveted on the action. We were too slow, and the birds too quick. We sat back down on the saturated wood bench, and Bud tried to eke an ounce or two of hot liquid from the toppled thermos. With some obvious disgust, Brandy resumed scanning the sodden mist for movement.

That was my first close encounter with the largest of North Americas diving ducks. Known as wedge-heads, bull-cans or simply cans, the canvasback was also once known as The King of the marshes due to its popularity as a target for the market hunters punt guns of a bygone century. Today, the King has been deposed and the mallard now reigns as the most important duck in the hunters bag. Even so, the canvasback is revered by hunters and wildlife watchers around the country.

The canvasback male is identified by its red head, gleaming red eyes and dark front and rear separating its white middle. Their sloped forehead and large size help to distinguish them from other species. The hens are less conspicuous, but share that long, sloping profile of their head and beak.

While large in the world of ducks, that doesnt mean slow. The canvasback is one of the fastest flyers in the duck world, holding that unofficial record after being clocked zooming along at 70 miles per hour. This may be one of the reasons Bud and I sat through the rest of that bleak morning with a disillusioned dog.

Food clues

The canvasbacks scientific name, Aythya valisineria, offers a hint of what these and other diving ducks food preferences are and why The King was so duly crowned. Vallisneria americana is commonly called wild celery, water-celery, tape grass or eelgrass and is an important food source.

The plant also gives the bird a delicate, celery-like flavor which enhanced its commercial popularity and made it the most valuable bird that market gunners could peddle to swanky Chicago and New York restaurants. Fortunately, the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 outlawed market hunting just in time to save the canvasback and many other birds from following the passenger pigeons flight to oblivion.

Breeding primarily in the prairie pothole regions of North America, a series of wetlands and grasslands that are found in five states and three Canadian provinces, canvasbacks migrate along the Mississippi Flyway to winter in the Mid-Atlantic and the Lower Mississippi Valley. Some will also follow the Pacific Flyway to winter along the California coast.

Habitat loss

Market hunting no longer threatens the species, and todays hunters pay for much of the wetland conservation now taking place across the nation through their purchases of hunting licenses, federal and state duck and habitat stamps.

Unfortunately, the canvasback and other migratory waterfowl and wildlife still fall victim to habitat loss.

The drainage, filling and removal of wetlands within breeding and wintering areas, water pollution, loss of aquatic plants, destruction of riparian waterways, the threat of oil spills and uncovered oil pits all take their toll.

Conservation efforts can never be something that we once did but must be what we continue to improve and practice. Habitat conservation is what breathes life into our wild places. Thankfully, many states are adopting programs like the extraordinarily successful Buckeye States H2Ohio.

Water quality initiative

H2Ohio is Ohio Gov. Mike DeWines statewide water quality initiative designed to address complex issues impacting Ohios waters. Launched in 2019, it uses a comprehensive approach guided by science and data to reduce algal blooms, stop pollution and improve access to clean drinking water by supporting best farming practices, road salt runoff reduction, litter cleanup, dam removal, land conservation and water infrastructure revitalization. As a bonus, it creates and enhances habitat for many of Ohios wildlife species.

The program continues to be an overwhelming success thanks to its partnerships with the Department of Agriculture, Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Ohio EPA and the Ohio Lake Erie Commission. From ODNRs perspective, using H2Ohio projects have resulted in 499 wetland projects, 19,829 acres of wetlands developed or restored, 269 water quality incentive cooperators and helped develop 91 conservation partners who are assisting to complete these goals.

These affiliations and the work that theyre accomplishing will have an impact on wildlifes future for decades to come; a true legacy of what we can do as a team  ensuring that the canvasback and the mallard will still find rest in Ohios wild places. Ill leave it to them to fight for their seat on the kings throne.

Learn more about the H2Ohio program and the possibilities it offers for your area by visiting: h2.ohio.gov/.

A grown man walking in the rain with a sodden bird dog at his heels who can smile at you and say with the kind of conviction that brings the warmth out in the open, Id rather be here, doing this, right now, than anything else in the world, is the man who has discovered that the wealth of the world is not something that is merely bought and sold.

 Gene Hill
LIMA, Ohio  The Ohio Pork Council recognized the 2025 recipients of its annual awards during the Ohio Pork Congress on Feb. 4 in Lima. Presented during the OPC Awards Luncheon, the honors celebrate individuals, families and organizations whose leadership, accomplishments and dedication to Ohios pork industry set them apart from their peers.

Ohio Pork Industry Excellence Award

The Ohio Pork Councils most prestigious honor, the Pork Industry Excellence Award, was presented to the Hord Family of Hord Family Farms, headquartered in Bucyrus, Ohio. This award recognizes a pork farmer or farm family whose long-standing commitment and leadership have made a lasting impact at the state and national level.

Hord Family Farms is a multi-state pork production business guided by a hands-on leadership team that includes Pat, Janel, Duane, Colleen and Phil Hord, all of whom remain actively involved in the daily operations of the family enterprise. Together, they have built a culture rooted in integrity, innovation, sustainability and stewardship, which are values that continue to shape their business and influence the broader pork industry.

Under the Hord familys leadership, the operation has grown while maintaining a strong focus on employee development, animal care, environmental responsibility and community engagement. Their commitment to empowering people and preparing future leaders has helped set a high standard for modern pork production in Ohio and beyond.

Swine Managers of the Year

The Ohio Pork Council recognized two recipients with the Swine Manager of the Year Award for 2025, honoring individuals whose expertise and leadership elevate daily farm operations and animal care.

Chayo Rosario Salgado was recognized for her rapid advancement and measurable impact at farms operated by Fine Swine LLC. There, her leadership has improved sow care, reduced mortality rates and strengthened farm performance across multiple sites. Her dedication to mentoring others and raising production standards reflects a deep commitment to both people and pigs.

Alan Adam, with more than 30 years of industry experience, was honored with this award for his steady leadership at Heimerl Farms, based in Johnstown, Ohio. Known for his reliability and problem-solving skills, Adam plays a critical role in herd health, pig marketing and mentoring the next generation of farm leaders.

Other awards

The Pork Promoter of the Year Award was presented to the Cardington-Lincoln FFA Chapter for its innovative and hands-on approach to educating students and the local community about pork production. Through its hands-on Pig Project curriculum and extensive outreach efforts, the chapter successfully connected classroom learning with real-world agriculture, generating enthusiasm and awareness well beyond Morrow County.

The OPC Service Award was presented to Andreia Arruda, DVM, associate professor in the Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine at Ohio State University. She is widely respected for her tireless service to producers, applied research in swine health, and leadership in disease preparedness and biosecurity efforts that directly benefit Ohios pork industry. Arruda also serves on OPCs Swine Health Committee and actively mentors the next generation of swine veterinarians and researchers.

The Friend of Pork Award was presented to Jeff Karshner, vice president of United Producers Advanced Hog Marketing Division, in recognition of more than four decades of service supporting Ohio pork producers. His leadership in hog marketing and long-standing commitment to youth and industry service have made a lasting impact across the state.

The Ohio Pork Council was established in 1968 by pig farmers dedicated to promoting and advancing Ohios pork industry. Today, OPC represents approximately 2,500 members. For more information, visit www.OhioPork.org.
Scottish farmers have just months to tap into funding described as the best time in decades to convert to organic production, as a key government scheme reopens.

The Agri Environment Climate Scheme (AECS) begins accepting applications on Monday (23 February), offering financial support to farmers and crofters looking to transition to organic systems.

The window closes on 22 June for combined applications and 31 July for organic-only bids.

The reopening comes weeks after the launch of the UKs first nationally funded Scottish Organic Action Plan, designed to help meet the Scottish Governments ambition of doubling organic farmland to more than 200,000 hectares this year.

Industry figures point to rising consumer demand as further encouragement. Organic food and drink sales in Scotland have grown by 20.6% over the past five years, despite still accounting for a relatively small share of the overall market.

While the sector remains a niche part of Scotlands total agricultural output, advocates argue that steady growth and policy backing are creating stronger long-term prospects for producers.

Soil Association Scotland co-director David McKay said interest from farmers has been building.

In the past few years we have seen a rise in farmers seeking organic certification, he said, attributing that to policy support, political targets and growing public awareness of organic benefits.

Recent statistics reveal that in Scotland, while the market share is still small, organic food and drink has grown by 20.6% in five years, he added.

We believe right now is the best time in decades for farmers in Scotland to grab onto a market that is only growing.

Payments under AECS are intended to help offset the financial pressures of conversion, including potential short-term income loss during the transition period.

Organic producers also automatically qualify for support through the Basic Payment Scheme.

Organic systems meet whole-farm plan requirements on animal health, welfare and integrated pest management, reflecting standards that prioritise natural solutions over synthetic pesticides.

For some producers, the support has already proved transformative.

Nikki Yoxall, technical director of Pasture for Life and manager of the Rottal Estate livestock farm in the Angus Glens, said securing certification in September 2025 marked a major step forward.

Getting certified in September 2025 was a huge milestone for us, she said.

For farmers considering the move, AECS provides financial support that makes the shift easier. The environmental returns are immediate, and the scheme helps you manage the practical business challenges of converting.

She said wildlife improvements had been visible on the ground, including the return of curlew, a red-listed species that has declined significantly in recent decades.

The curlew is one we can now see in the spring, and this is a reminder of why we apply an organic approach, she said.

However, she acknowledged that supply chain gaps can present challenges, particularly where organic inputs are harder to source domestically.

The payment has been an important buffer to support the broader business transformation, she added.

At an event in November 2025, Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon pledged 200,000 to support the rollout of the Organic Action Plan, which comes into effect next week.

Soil Association Scotland and Soil Association Certification say they will work with retailers and public sector buyers to expand the availability of Scottish organic produce in shops, schools and hospitals across the UK.

With funding open and political backing in place, industry leaders say the coming months will be crucial in determining whether Scotland can meet its ambitious target to expand organic farmland.
Welsh farming leaders have fired a clear warning shot ahead of the next Senedd election, urging politicians to deliver certainty on funding, regulation and taxation  or risk undermining the future of rural Wales.

NFU Cymru and the Farmers Union of Wales (FUW) used a joint fringe event at the Welsh Conservative conference in Llandudno to set out seven shared priorities for the next Welsh Government, presenting a rare show of unity at a pivotal political moment.

With the next Senedd election on the horizon and the Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS) continuing to generate debate across the sector, both unions pressed for long-term stability and a stronger rural voice in Cardiff Bay.

The event was opened by Welsh Conservative Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Rural Affairs Sam Kurtz MS. FUW President Ian Rickman and NFU Cymru President Abi Reader then outlined ambitions spanning funding, food security, disease control and land use.

At the heart of the discussion was the future of the SFS  a policy that has faced sustained scrutiny from farmers concerned about its practical and financial impact.

Mr Rickman said the scheme has the potential to be a policy that supports Welsh farming to deliver for our environment, economy, and communities, but insisted the next administration must commit to developing it further and ensure it delivers fair rewards for the work farmers do every day.

Both unions argued that without fair, multi-year funding settlements, farmers will lack the confidence to invest for the future.

They also called for a dedicated Welsh Food Plan to strengthen domestic food production and bolster national food security  an issue they suggested should sit higher on the political agenda.

Cutting what they described as excessive on-farm bureaucracy was another key demand. The unions reiterated calls for a science-led strategy to eradicate bovine TB and renewed concerns about NVZ regulations, which they say continue to create unintended consequences for family-run businesses.

Alongside regulatory reform, both organisations stressed the need for a balanced approach to land use  one that meets environmental and social expectations without displacing productive agriculture.

The conference also provided an opportunity to reflect on the sectors 14-month dispute with the UK Government over inheritance tax reforms.

Both presidents thanked the Welsh Conservatives for their support during the campaign. Ms Reader described Decembers outcome as a fantastic result after a long, hard-fought campaign, highlighting the decision to raise the threshold at which IHT applies.

Whilst the policy of taxing business assets as if they are personal wealth remains misguided, she said, changes to the thresholds and transferability provisions now place most family farms in Wales outside the reach of this highly destructive tax.

Despite acknowledging significant pressures  from policy reform to disease and regulatory change  the unions insisted the industry is not short of solutions.

Every single person in Wales depends on the future of Welsh farming, whether for the food on their plate or the livelihoods sustained by the industry, Ms Reader said.

Farmers want to continue playing their part in a strong, sustainable and successful Wales, but they need the support and stability to do so.

Concluding the event, Mr Rickman said the unions would work with the next Welsh Government whatever its composition to ensure farming remains the beating heart of rural Wales; supporting our economy, our language, and our communities.

With the election approaching, both unions made clear they intend to keep farming  and its funding  firmly at the centre of the political debate.
With lambing season fast approaching, more than 100 farmers gathered in Skipton to tackle one of agricultures most persistent dangers  farm accidents.

The pre-lambing health and safety event, organised by the NFU and the Yorkshire Dales Farmer Network, focused on preventing workplace incidents and supporting both physical and mental wellbeing at one of the busiest times of the year.

Agriculture remains one of the UKs most dangerous industries, with dozens of fatalities recorded annually. Organisers said events like this are critical in helping reduce the toll.

Held at Skipton Auction Mart on 19 February, the session covered lone working, livestock handling, licence legislation, fire safety, essential first aid and farm security.

Representatives from the NFUs Health and Safety team, NFU Mutual Skipton, Craven Farm Vets, Carrs Billington and the North Yorkshire Rural Crime Team delivered practical workshops, while support charities were on hand to offer wellbeing advice.

The event formed part of the NFUs #Take5StayAlive campaign and was timed ahead of lambing, when long hours, fatigue and pressure can heighten risks on farm.

Yorkshire West Riding County Adviser Jennifer Costello said farmers often neglect their own wellbeing while focusing on livestock and business demands.

Farmers are often so busy looking after their livestock and business that they often forget to look after themselves. We need to change that, she said.

She stressed the importance of prevention. One accident on farm is one too many, she said, adding that ensuring farmers prioritise their mental health is just as important as physical safety.

NFU Farm Safety and Transport adviser Stuart Head said strengthening the industrys safety culture was essential to long-term resilience.

Farm safety is essential to the resilience and sustainability of the agricultural workforce, he said.

He added that if attendees implemented even one or two things learned at the event and shared them with others, it could help improve safety statistics that have marred farm safety for too long.

Yorkshire Dales Farmer Network Project Manager Carol Moffat said the impact of accidents is widely felt across rural communities.

Sadly, we all know someone who lost their lives in a farm accident, she said, acknowledging the daily pressures facing farming families.

She said the network was taking the initiative to encourage more open discussion around safety and wellbeing, with support from the Defra Welfare Fund.

Organisers hope the event will help strengthen a culture of safety across Yorkshire farms at a time when lambing pressures are intensifying, reinforcing the message that protecting lives must remain a top priority.
Tool theft is costing rural Britain millions and leaving farmers increasingly exposed, with fresh figures showing the problem remains significant.

NFU Mutual estimates rural crime cost the UK economy 44.1 million in 2024, covering offences from livestock rustling to the theft of vital agricultural machinery and tools.

Separate research by the insurer found nearly two-thirds of tradespeople have been victims of tool theft in the past 12 months.

The most common incidents included theft from sites (36%), tools stolen from vehicles (32%), vehicle theft (12%) and theft from business premises (11%).

With farms often storing high-value equipment in isolated locations, the impact on rural communities can be severe.

Zoe Knight, head of commercial at NFU Mutual, described tool theft as an epidemic that continues to cause major issues and distress to hard-working farmers and tradespeople up and down the country.

She warned that many workers depend entirely on their tools and vehicles to earn a living, and said stronger deterrents were needed.

Tougher laws on tool theft would help deter thieves and tackle this growing issue, she said.

Police say the issue is particularly acute in rural areas.

Andrew Huddleston, head of the National Rural Crime Unit and National Construction & Agri Theft Team, said tool theft remains a significant issue, adding that many farmers will either have experienced it themselves or know someone who has.

He said tools are frequently taken during wider incidents involving machinery.

Alongside burglaries it is also not uncommon when a quad bike or tractor is stolen for tools to be grabbed as well, he said, noting that chainsaws, drills, grinders and stone cutters are common targets.

Stolen tools can halt essential work during critical periods such as lambing, drilling or silaging, creating disruption far beyond the immediate financial loss.

While some stolen machinery is recovered each year, tools rarely are.

Whilst a significant amount of machinery is recovered every year, tools very rarely are, Mr Huddleston said, pointing to the extremely poor identity marking by manufacturers on even high value tools as a key factor.

Over the past two years, the National Rural Crime Unit and National Police Chiefs Council tool theft lead have called on manufacturers and Government to improve marking standards and introduce legislation.

In the meantime, farmers are being urged to tighten security. Mr Huddleston said basic measures remain effective deterrents.

Basic security measures do help, so locks, lights, CCTV and the old farm dog in the yard is still as good a deterrent as it always was, he said.

He advised farmers to buy machinery that is secure by design, avoid universal keys, consider tracking technology and use recognised marking systems such as the CESAR scheme.

However, he stressed that community vigilance is often the strongest defence.

The most significant impact you can make is by being part of your local Rural Watch Scheme, he said, adding that such initiatives have proven time and again to make the area you live in more hostile for criminals.

Without stronger identification standards and more robust deterrents, rural crime specialists warn that tool theft is likely to remain a persistent threat to farms and rural businesses.
Speculation is mounting in industry corridors about an intriguing on-screen pairing. If industry buzz is anything to go by, Sunny Deol and Vijay Varma are coming together for a high-intensity action thriller, and the excitement around this casting coup is already palpable.

A source close to the development revealed, "Sunny Deol and Vijay Varma are coming together for a high-octane action thriller that promises both intensity and scale. Its an interesting casting coup as the duo has never worked together before. The project blends powerful action with a gripping, layered story, and with Sunny and Vijay joining

hands, it's going to be an exciting watch for the audience."

This collaboration brings together two actors renowned for their contracting yet commanding presence. Sunny Deol, celebrated for iconic roles in films like Ghayal, Gadar, and Border, has long defined high-stakes action with raw power and emotional depth.

Vijay Varma shines in intense, nuanced performances in films like Gully Boy, Darlings, and Dahaad. Each role demonstrates his skill at uncovering nuance in complex characters, suiting bold, character-driven narratives.

Bringing these two dynamic forces together signals a film that might balance scale with substance. While details about the director and production timeline remain under wraps, insiders suggest that the narrative will go beyond stylised action, offering emotional heft and dramatic complexity alongside adrenaline-pumping sequences.





On the work front, Sunny Deol is gearing up for Lahore 1947, Gabru, and a significant portrayal of Lord Hanuman in Ramayana. Meanwhile, Vijay Varma has an eclectic lineup ahead with Matka King, an upcoming family drama, and Lust Stories 3 in the pipeline. With such diverse and ambitious projects on their respective rosters, their coming together for an action thriller only heightens anticipation, making it one of the most awaited collaborations to watch out for.

Also Read: Exclusive: Rajeev Khandelwal on Breaking Norms in The Industry: "I Had Quit My First Show..."
Actor Rajpal Yadav has returned to work after securing bail and has commenced shooting for the film Welcome to the Jungle, industry sources say. This marks one of his first professional commitments since his release from Tihar Jail, where he was held in connection with a legal matter that drew widespread media attention.

Following his bail, Yadav took some time off to rest and address personal matters. His decision to begin shooting soon after release demonstrates a renewed focus on his craft and a readiness to move forward with his career. Colleagues on set reportedly welcomed him back warmly, acknowledging both his talent and his resilience during a challenging period.

Welcome to the Jungle is described as a comedy-action entertainer that brings together a diverse cast of performers. While details about Yadavs role have not been officially disclosed by the makers, sources close to the production say his character brings comic energy and memorable moments to the film. With the project already underway, Yadavs presence on set has injected fresh enthusiasm among the team, who see his involvement as a valuable addition to the films dynamic.











Fans of Rajpal Yadav have taken to social media to share their excitement about his return to work. Many have responded with supportive messages following his bail, expressing that his unique comic timing and screen presence have long been appreciated in Hindi cinema. Comments ranged from encouragement for his continued success to expressions of anticipation for his performance in the new film.

Industry observers note that Yadavs career has been shaped by a wide range of roles, from comic relief parts to more nuanced character performances in films across genres. His ability to bring depth and humour to diverse characters has made him a recognisable figure in Bollywood, and his return to work is seen as a positive step in his professional journey.

As shooting progresses on Welcome to the Jungle, production insiders suggest that audiences can expect news and updates about the films release in coming months. For now, Yadavs early return to filming reflects both his commitment to his craft and the support he continues to receive from fans and peers alike.
Aamir Khan Productions recently announced the release date of the upcoming film, Lahore 1947. However, we are now getting to know that the makers are looking for a title change.





A report by Bollywood Hungama stated that while the title initially felt suitable, the makers now feel that there can be a better title that is more appropriate for the film. The publication quoted a source saying, "Lahore 1947 is based on the famous play Jis Lahore Nai Dekhya. Since the film is set in the Pakistani city and during the Independence period, the title Lahore 1947 was initially deemed suitable. But now the makers feel that there can be a better title that is apt for the story of the film."





The source continued, "Accordingly, they have come up with a few options. Another round of meetings will happen with the stakeholders, and if all are on the same page, the name of the film will undergo a change."

Meanwhile, the period drama will bring together Sunny Deol, director Rajkumar Santoshi and producer Aamir Khan for the first time. Opening up about the movie, Aamir shared that the late legend Dharmendra had already seen it. He added, "This was one of the favourite scripts of Dharam ji, and I am so glad he could see the film."

The film is based on Asghar Wajahats play titled Jis Lahore Nai Vekhya, O Jamya E Nai. However, they soon find out that a Hindu woman still lives there and refuses to leave.

It stars Sunny Deol, Shabana Azmi, Preity Zinta and Karan Deol in leading roles. Lahore 1947 marks Sunnys next project following his recent blockbuster successes, Border 2. The film is scheduled to be released on August 13, 2026, during the Independence Day week.



Also Read: Aamir Khans Lahore 1947 to Release on THIS Date
Das Borsenjahr 2026 ist fur viele Anleger ernuchternd gestartet. Tech-Werte straucheln, der Nasdaq 100 tritt auf der Stelle und ausgerechnet alte Favoriten wie Microsoft und SAP rutschen zweistellig ab. KI ist plotzlich kein Ruckenwind mehr, sondern ein Belastungsfaktor, weil Investoren beginnen, die finanzielle Nachhaltigkeit zu hinterfragen.



Gleichzeitig vollzieht sich an der Wall Street ein lautloser Favoritenwechsel. Wahrend viele auf Wachstum setzen, feiern Value-Titel mit verlasslichen Cashflows ihr Comeback: Telekommunikation, Industrie, Energie, Pharma  die Cashmaschinen der Realwirtschaft verdrangen hoch bewertete Hoffnungstrager.



In unserem aktuellen Spezialreport stellen wir funf Aktien vor, die genau in dieses neue Marktbild passen: solide, gunstig bewertet und mit attraktiver Dividende. Werte, die nicht nur laufende Ertrage liefern, sondern auch bei Marktkorrekturen Sicherheit bieten.



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Dieses exklusive PDF ist nur fur kurze Zeit gratis verfugbar.


EQS Newswire / 23/02/2026 / 10:26 UTC+8



Hong Kong, Feb. 20, 2026 - The Hong Kong Gold Exchange (HKGX) held its Chinese New Year market opening ceremony today. Attendees included, Mr Joseph H. L. Chan, Under Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury of Hong Kong SAR, Dr. Cheung Haywood, Chairman of HKGX and Mr. Gavin Zhao, Chief Product and Technology Officer of AGTech Holdings Limited (AGTech, HKEX stock code: 8279) backed by Alibaba Group.

Photo: Mr Joseph H. L. Chan, Under Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury of Hong Kong SAR, Dr. Cheung Haywood, Chairman of HKGX, Mr. Brian Fung, Chief Executive Officer of HKGX, Mr. Gavin Zhao, Chief Product and Technology Officer of AGTech and representatives from multiple gold merchants pose for a group photo.

Mr Joseph H. L. Chan, Under Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury of Hong Kong SAR, stated that to further diversify the development of international financial services, the Hong Kong SAR Government is committed to promoting Hong Kong as an international gold trading centre, attracting the storage, clearing and settlement of spot gold in the city, and driving the vigorous development of the industrial chain encompassing investment trading, derivative products, warehousing, insurance, trade and logistics.

In his remarks, Dr. Cheung, Chairman of HKGX said that Chief Executive of the Hong Kong SAR John Lee announced in the 2024 Policy Address the initiative to develop Hong Kong into an international gold trading centre. To support this policy, and to strengthen connections with the international gold industry in trade, transactions and logistics, HKGX has officially partnered with AGTech to develop an international precious metal trading platform, a clearing and settlement system, and a digital commodity blockchain.

Mr. Gavin Zhao, Chief Product and Technology Officer of AGTech, said: "We are very pleased to collaborate with HKGX to jointly build a one-stop trading services platform, leveraging our group's deep accumulation in digital finance, internationalization support, risk management, and platform governance. The platform will integrate spot and futures trading, digital gold, B2C trading, a clearing and settlement centre, OTC trading, membership management, a unified risk control system, offshore and onshore RMB. Featuring multi-currency pricing and settlement capabilities, multi-language support, and an open, compatible architecture design, it aims to enhance market operational efficiency and participation convenience, in collaboration with the Hong Kong SAR Government, to help Hong Kong further consolidate its position as an international gold trading centre."

Backed by Alibaba Group, AGTech has spent years building out its presence in financial technology, with businesses spanning physical and digital banking, digital payments and a range of financial services scenarios. Its Ant Bank (Macao) Limited continues to promote inclusive finance, while Macau Pass is a leading fintech company in Macao. AGTech has extensive experience in technology innovation, core-system development and digital operations for international, financial-grade platforms.

Once completed, HKGX's trading platform is expected to establish a more regulated, standardized market framework. Enhanced member oversight and the digitization of both on-exchange and over-the-counter trading would support the gold industry's upgrade and transition. As core capabilities continue to be strengthened, the platform is expected to support the exchange in exploring product innovation and achieving comprehensive upgrades spanning business models and organizational structure. The platform will also connect mainland Chinese's gold exchanges with the global gold market, aiming to attract broader participation from investors, thereby strengthening the HKGX's position and influence in the global gold market, while encouraging more ecosystem partners to collaborate in building a new gold-industry ecosystem.

The partnership is expected to help position Hong Kong as an international gold hub linking Eastern and Western markets by upgrading the city's gold-market digital infrastructure, and to support the development of a strong financial industry through innovation in digital finance.
- Combining K-Beauty technological expertise with Europe's clean & vegan manufacturing specialization Strengthening the foundation of 'Premium'

- Operating production bases in six countries across Asia, North America, and Europe Expanding the identity of 'K-Beauty'

- Maximizing R&D and marketing synergies between the two companies Expanding the global client base, including Europe

On February 20, 2026, at COSMAX's Pangyo headquarters in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, Kyung-soo Lee, Chairman of COSMAX Group (third from left); Kyoung Choi, Vice Chairman & CEO of COSMAX (fourth from left); Byung-joo Lee, Vice Chairman & CEO of COSMAX BTI (second from left); and Mauro Franzoni, CEO of Keminova (third from right), along with other officials from both companies, pose for a commemorative photo during the SPA signing ceremony.

SEOUL, South Korea, Feb. 23, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The world's No.1 cosmetics ODM (Original Development Manufacturing) Company COSMAX, has chosen Italy as its strategic base to expand its penetration into Europe, the home of cosmetics. COSMAX plans to solidify its global market dominance by securing a production base in Europe through the acquisition of a local ODM company.

On February 23, COSMAX announced that it has signed a Share Purchase Agreement (SPA) to acquire a 51% stake in the Italian cosmetics ODM company Keminova.

Established in 1985, Keminova holds solid technological expertise built up over 40 years. It is located in Brescia, about 100 kilometers from Milan. Importantly, it sits within the "Beauty Valley," the heart of the European cosmetics industry where many global cosmetics companies are concentrated, enabling easy utilization of the cosmetics value chain and hiring of skilled personnel.

Last year, Keminova recorded sales of approximately 10.5 million, with an annual production capacity (CAPA) of about 20 million units of skincare products. It is expected to become a key asset for COSMAX's expansion into the European market.

Through this acquisition, COSMAX seeks to leverage the strengths of both companies to create significant synergies. It will provide its unmatched K-Beauty technological capabilities and business know-how to Keminova, while Keminova will offer manufacturing expertise and networks firmly established in the European market, thereby enhancing COSMAX's competitiveness in the region.

Specifically, COSMAX will extend production bases previously concentrated in Korea, China, and the U.S. to Europe, enabling more agile responses to global K-Beauty demand. The company also plans to propose COSMAX's innovative formulations and technologies to Keminova's existing European clients and other local enterprises to create new revenue streams.

In terms of technology, diverse exchanges are anticipated. Keminova has strengthened its own research and innovation capacity since 2023, including the establishment of a microbiology laboratory. By cooperating with COSMAX's global research network-comprising around 1,100 researchers-the companies will accelerate the development of innovative products tailored to European market trends.

Keminova has specialized competitiveness in derma cosmetics, hair care, and medical device sectors. It holds a solid client base among leading derma/skincare brands and pharmaceutical companies in Italy. COSMAX plans to deepen collaboration with these existing clients and will also introduce Keminova's technical strengths to Korean customers, contributing to the technological advancement of K-Beauty.

Notably, Keminova possesses ISO 9001 (Quality Management Systems), ISO 22716 (Cosmetics GMP), and COSMOS (organic cosmetics) certifications, making it well positioned to satisfy the demanding standards of European consumers. With available space at its factory, COSMAX plans to expand facilities to actively respond to orders from European clients.

Lee Byungjoo, Vice Chairman and CEO of COSMAX BTI, stated, "The acquisition of Keminova is more than merely securing a physical production base; it is a strategic fusion of Europe's long-established cosmetics manufacturing expertise with the innovative capabilities of the world's largest ODM company. By integrating the strengths of both companies, we will rapidly boost our presence in the European market and further solidify our position as the global No.1 cosmetics ODM."

Meanwhile, COSMAX plans to satisfy the conditions precedent, including securing approval from the Italian government, by March, to finalize the transaction.

Media Contact:

Seongwoong Lee

PR Communications Team

Cosmax BTI

swlee@cosmax.com | +82 10-7728-0774

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/500f2888-5abe-499a-ac00-c19dd9a8afa2
NAGA recently reported preliminary FY25 figures that came in as a mixed bag with slightly softer than expected sales but stable OPEX. Further, the company provided a dnew guidance for FY26e. In detail:

Sales came in at  62.4m (-1% yoy), below our estimates of  64.4m, but in line with the reduced guidance of  62-66m, published in December 2025. The comapny reached the only the lower end of the guidance due to FX-effects that amount to c.  3m, related to the weak UDS. In general, topline in FY25 was burdened by a low average volatility environment that should have caused lower trading activity, that should have been been visible in a only flat number of closed trades (eNuW: 7.6m, vs 7.6m in FY24). Positively, number of registered users increased by 13% yoy and overall trading volume rose by 36% yoy to $ 334bn, hence, underlying platform attractiveness remained well perceived.

EBITDA stood at  3.3m (-61% yoy vs eNuW:  4.6m), which is at the lower end of the guidance range of  3-6m, clearly caused by the FX effects that burdened topline. While marketing spending increased by 18% to  28.2m, overall OPEX (ex marketing) declined slightly from  22.7m to  21.7m (vs eNuW:  21.5m), driven by synergy effects from the merger and increasing operational efficiency and automation.

Overall 2025 was a rather disappointing year characterized by a low volatility environment that weighed heavy on trading activity and revenues. Still, management improved processes and increased automation as well as operational efficiency. With increased marketing spending in a low volatility environment, NAGA invested anti-cyclically in client acquisition using lower CPA. With that NAGA looks well prepared for a phase of higher volatility to restart its growth engine. Note that the full effects of improved processes and efficiency will be visible from FY26 onwards.

In light of a good start into 2026 (revenues in January up 117% yoy), NAGA provided a new outlook for FY26, now expecting to reach sales of  68-75m and EBITDA of  10-15m. While the topline is in line with our expectation (eNuW:  70.3m), the EBITDA guidance looks ambitious (eNuW:  9.5m). Still, a normalized volatility level throughout 2026 as well as certain volatility spikes would change the picture. Further, a full year lower cost run-rate following efficiency gains, should additionally increase EBITDA levels. Still, we remain cautious for the moment and leave some room for potential upside in our estimates.

We reiterate BUY with a unchanged PT of  9.50 based on DCF.

ISIN: DE000A41YCM0
Following a multiple compression over the last years (2026e EV/EBITDA c. 37% below 5-year historic median), ZEAL's structural growth profile and earnings trajectory remain intact, creating an attractive entry point into the ongoing online penetration story.

The 2026 regulatory agenda looks pro incumbent and pro enforcement, which should be supportive for ZEAL. First, the evidence-based review of current regulation (GluStV) by the gambling regulator (GGL) is likely to result in minor adjustments at most (such as technical clarifications), as the joint body of Germany's 16 state lottery operators (DLTB) continues to portray the current framework as well calibrated.

Second, and the more important, regulatory cross read is positive enforcement momentum. In February, Baden-Wurttemberg approved moving forward with an amendment to the GluStV explicitly aimed at strengthening enforcement and supervision. The focus is on tougher action against illegal online offers. Every incremental enforcement step, including IP blocking as a policy tool, increases the odds of demand shifting into regulated channels. As Germany's leading online lottery broker with c. 44% market share, ZEAL looks set to be the primary beneficiary.

Beyond the regulatory tailwind, the core mid-term driver remains the shift of lottery demand into online channels. Online penetration in Germany can plausibly move beyond 50% mid-term (eNuW), up from 31% today, as the digital customer journey is simpler than offline. As the clear online leader, ZEAL should capture a disproportionate share of this migration and is seen to reach 50% market share mid-term. While ZEAL still invests c. 30% of sales into marketing, margins have meaningful upside once the market matures and growth spending normalises. With c. 60% of billings subscription driven, the revenue base is mostly recurring, supporting a step up in profitability when growth investments can be lowered.

At the same time, ZEAL's Dream House Raffle is emerging as a meaningful proprietary growth driver with structurally attractive economics and visible scaling potential. With only 4 raffles in 2025, ZEAL is expected to generate sales of  17m (8% of group, eNuW). We see a credible path to scaling the format up to  50m by 2030 (c. 20% of current group revenues, eNuW). Importantly, the format should carry a structurally higher margin than the core lottery brokerage business, driven by a significantly higher take rate on ticket billings (c. 46% vs. c. 17% for group).

ZEAL's execution has been consistently strong, with management converting customer growth into margin expansion and cash generation, providing confidence into future delivery. The company remains net cash positive, providing downside protection and ample flexibility for continued capital returns to shareholders.

BUY, PT  67, based on DCF. - analyst change -

ISIN: DE000ZEAL241
Die Stimmung an den Markten hat sich grundlegend gedreht. Wahrend Tech- und KI-Werte zunehmend mit Volatilitat und Bewertungsrisiken kampfen, erleben klassische Versorger ein unerwartetes Comeback. Laut IEA und EIA steigt der globale Strombedarf strukturell weiter, nicht nur wegen E-Mobilitat und Warmepumpen, sondern vor allem durch energiehungrige KI-Rechenzentren. Energie wird damit zur zentralen Infrastruktur des digitalen Zeitalters.



Gleichzeitig rucken in unsicheren Marktphasen stabile Cashflows, solide Bilanzen und regulierte Renditen wieder starker in den Fokus. Genau hier spielen Versorger ihre Starken aus: berechenbare Ertrage, robuste Nachfrage und hohe Dividenden  Qualitaten, die vielen Wachstumswerten aktuell fehlen.



Nach Jahren im Schatten der Tech-Rallye steigt nun das Interesse an Unternehmen, die Stabilitat mit langfristigen Wachstumsthemen wie Netzausbau, Dekarbonisierung und erneuerbaren Energien verbinden.



Im aktuellen Spezialreport stellen wir drei Versorger vor, die defensive Starke mit attraktivem Potenzial kombinieren.



Jetzt den kostenlosen Report sichern  bevor die nachste Versorgerwelle Fahrt aufnimmt!
Uncrewed Fighter Jet Takes Inspiration From Nimble Predator

SAN DIEGO, CA / ACCESS Newswire / February 23, 2026 / General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) is giving its U.S. Air Force Collaborative Combat Aircraft a new name: YFQ-42A Dark Merlin.

Dark merlins, deadly falcons known for their black feathers and devouring of other falcons as prey, often collaborate in groups for maximum effect against their targets. The Cornell Lab of Ornithology describes the merlin as a "small, fierce falcon that uses surprise attacks" to bring down its prey in flight. The dark merlin is native to the Pacific Northwest of the United States, often migrating into southern California, where bird spotters routinely report seeing them near the YFQ-42A's manufacturing home in San Diego.

The 1962 book "Profiles of the Future" imagined global technological marvels yet to change the world, offering that "any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic." It's no coincidence that the Dark Merlin name also reflects the wizardry of Merlin from Arthurian legend, paying homage to the somewhat supernatural new era of semi-autonomous air combat.

"Dark merlins are hunting machines, built for speed and aerodynamics," said GA-ASI President David R. Alexander. "They harass other falcons for fun, and they eat what they kill. The name sums up our new uncrewed fighter perfectly."

The U.S. Air Force official prefix "Y" denotes that the initial few aircraft are early, production-representative test models, while "F" denotes fighter and "Q" denotes uncrewed aircraft. When aircraft enter production, they drop the "Y" - for example, the YF-16 became the F-16 with the nickname "Fighting Falcon" - and GA-ASI expects its new CCA to become the FQ-42A with the nickname "Dark Merlin."

The Dark Merlin has been stacking up milestones and achievements since GA-ASI was selected by the U.S. Air Force in April 2024 to build production-representative flight test articles for the CCA program. In August 2025, YFQ-42A delivered the U.S. Air Force its first successful CCA flight and followed that this month with the service's first CCA flight using mission autonomy software. Between those milestones, GA-ASI has built and flown multiple Dark Merlins, conducting push-button autonomous takeoffs and landings and other accomplishments as the test program continues.

YFQ-42A Dark Merlin is a purpose-built CCA platform developed as part of GA-ASI's ongoing investment in next-generation autonomous combat aircraft. The aircraft's modular design enables rapid integration of mission systems. GA-ASI's autonomy architecture, demonstrated through multiple live flight tests, provides the foundation for human-machine teaming in complex combat scenarios.

GA-ASI has been building and flying uncrewed jets for nearly two decades, beginning with the company-funded, weaponized MQ-20 Avenger in 2008. Ongoing company investment in Avenger continues to yield results, as the aircraft routinely serves as a CCA surrogate for advanced autonomy development and testing in both government programs and company-funded research and development. The company's XQ-67A Off-Board Sensing Station jet, developed in collaboration with the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory, offers a cutting-edge model for autonomous collaborative platforms with advanced airborne sensing and served as a flying prototype for YFQ-42A Dark Merlin.

About GA-ASI

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., is the world's foremost builder of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). Logging more than 9 million flight hours, the Predator line of UAS has flown for over 30 years and includes MQ-9A Reaper, MQ-1C Gray Eagle, MQ-20 Avenger, and MQ-9B SkyGuardian/SeaGuardian. The company is dedicated to providing long-endurance, multi-mission solutions that deliver persistent situational awareness and rapid strike.

For more information, visit www.ga-asi.com.

Avenger, EagleEye, Gray Eagle, Lynx, Predator, Reaper, SeaGuardian, and SkyGuardian are trademarks of General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., registered in the United States and/or other countries.

# # #

GA-ASI Media Relations

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc.

ASI-MediaRelations@ga-asi.com

(858) 524-8101

SOURCE: General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc.

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/aerospace-and-defense/ga-asi-announces-yfq-42a-dark-merlin-1139718
FORT WORTH, Texas, Feb. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- oneworld today named seasoned aviation leader Ole Orver as its new chief executive officer. He will join the alliance on 1 April, 2026.

A Swedish national, Orver brings more than 20 years of industry experience to the role. He most recently served as Chief Commercial Officer at oneworld member airline Finnair, where he transformed the airline's commercial and network strategy and introduced major new revenue and loyalty initiatives.

"We are pleased to welcome Ole as CEO of oneworld as the alliance leads the world in redefining the full breadth of value it provides to member airlines and their customers," said Robert Isom, American Airlines Chief Executive Officer and current Chairman of oneworld's Governing Board. "With his proven track record of driving commercial performance, deep knowledge of airline partnerships, and extensive international experience, he will continue to deliver on the slate of forthcoming customer-first initiatives that further strengthen oneworld's position as the world's premium airline alliance."

Prior to Finnair, Orver served as Senior Vice President - Network Management at oneworld member Qatar Airways. Previously he served in leadership roles at Air Berlin, LOT Polish Airlines and SAS Scandinavian Airlines. He holds a degree in Economics from Mid Sweden University, and a certification from the Strategic Thinking and Leadership Growth Program at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

"I am honored to be joining oneworld at a pivotal moment for global travel," said Orver. "Together with our member airlines, we will continue the work to showcase the world's premium alliance, elevate the customer journey, and unlock new tools and technology. By combining our global reach with shared innovation and a relentless focus on excellence, I look forward to delivering even greater value to our members, their customers, and the communities we serve."

Orver replaces outgoing CEO Nathaniel Pieper who recently took on the chief commercial role at American Airlines. "On behalf of the Governing Board, we also extend our sincere thanks to Nat for his leadership and the significant contributions he made during his time as CEO," Isom said.

Orver will lead oneworld's continued mission to deliver enhanced customer benefits through greater member integration and advancements in technology. He will report to the alliance's Governing Board of member airline CEOs.

About oneworld

oneworld is a global airline alliance bringing together 15 of the world's leading airlines, who are committed to delivering the highest level of service and convenience to travellers. With a strong focus on innovative solutions, oneworld member airlines are working collectively to address their environmental impact and accelerate the adoption of Sustainable Aviation Fuel. The alliance's members serve nearly 1,000 destinations worldwide and include: Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Fiji Airways, Finnair, Iberia, Japan Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Oman Air, Qantas, Qatar Airways, Royal Air Maroc, Royal Jordanian and SriLankan Airlines.

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn

For media inquiries, please contact:

Chris Singley

chris.singley@oneworld.com

+1 (817) 308-1288

Katie Hulme

katie.hulme@oneworld.com

+44 7301 164252

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2653164/oneworld_Logo.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/oneworld-names-ole-orver-chief-executive-officer-302694176.html
Clearing a Local Landmark to Advance a New Vision for Brunswick's Waterfront

BRUNSWICK, GEORGIA / ACCESS Newswire / February 23, 2026 / Torras Properties today announced the planned demolition of the original Kut-Kwick Corp. manufacturing facility on Newcastle Street. The structure has been a landmark in the downtown area for nearly eight decades. Operations have been relocated to another downtown Brunswick location, and removal of the original building will prepare the site for future waterfront redevelopment.

"This is an important and thoughtful step forward," said Daren Pietsch, President of Torras Properties and Kut-Kwick. "Kut-Kwick has been part of Brunswick's industrial fabric for generations. More than 6,000 machines have been manufactured in this building since Bob Torras, Sr. acquired the company in the late 1970s. While moments like this are bittersweet given the history and people connected to this facility, we believe the Torras family's long-term vision will represent a meaningful upgrade for our community."

Following demolition, the site will be restored with grass cover and landscaping improvements to create a cleaner and more welcoming gateway into downtown Brunswick.

"Removing the structure is an important first step toward revitalizing this portion of the waterfront," said Michael Torras. "Our family remains committed to investing in Brunswick's future and doing everything we can to help move the city forward for everyone's benefit. We are grateful and excited to be part of the positive momentum here."

About Kut-Kwick Corp.

Kut-Kwick Corp. has long been recognized as a Brunswick-based manufacturer of specialized mowing and brush management equipment. Founded in the 1940s, the company built its reputation producing heavy-duty industrial mowers capable of operating on steep slopes and in demanding environments such as rights-of-way, highways, airports, and large-scale land management projects.

Over the decades, Kut-Kwick equipment became known for durability and niche performance, particularly in markets requiring slope-mowing capability beyond conventional equipment limits. The company has operated locally for generations and remains one of Brunswick's longest-standing manufacturing brands.

While the company is currently focused on supporting equipment owners through parts and service, Kut-Kwick continues to evaluate strategic opportunities to expand its product line and strengthen its position in this specialized equipment segment. The company is engaged in constructive discussions with an investment group regarding potential future growth initiatives. Updates will be provided as those discussions progress.

Contact Information

Michael Torras

Torras Properties, Inc.

(912) 324 7415

michael@torrasproperties.com

https://torrasproperties.com/

SOURCE: Torras Properties, Inc.

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/real-estate/torras-properties-announces-demolition-of-original-kut-kwick-facility-preparing-site-fo-1139870
Increase in funding for R&D activities, surge in awareness regarding gene therapy, and rise in prevalence of cancer, viral infections, and genetic disorders drive the growth of global viral vectors and plasmid DNA manufacturing market

PORTLAND, Ore., Feb. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Market Research published a report, titled, "Viral Vectors and Plasmid DNA Manufacturing Market by Product (Plasmid DNA, Viral Vectors, and Non-Viral Vectors) and Application (Cancers, Inherited Disorders, Viral Infections and Others): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2024 - 2033." According to the report, the global viral vectors and plasmid DNA manufacturing market size was valued at $5.3 billion in 2023, and is projected to reach $34.0 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 20.4% from 2024 to 2033.

Request Sample of the Report on Viral Vectors and Plasmid DNA Manufacturing Market Forecast 2034 - https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/A324540

Drivers, restraints, and opportunities

Increase in funding for R&D activities, surge in awareness regarding gene therapy, and rise in prevalence of cancer, viral infections, and genetic disorders drive the growth of the global viral vectors and plasmid DNA manufacturing market. However, high cost of gene therapies and risk of mutagenesis and other impediments impede the growth to certain extent. Nevertheless, upsurge in demand for synthetic genes and untapped markets in developing economies are anticipated to create lucrative opportunities in the industry.

The viral vectors segment to lead the trail by 2033-

Based on product, the viral vectors segment contributed to more than two-thirds of the global viral vectors and plasmid DNA manufacturing market revenue in 2023 and is expected to retain its dominance throughout the forecast period, owing to rise in prevalence of cancer. Simultaneously, the plasmid DNA segment is projected to grow throughout the forecast period. This is due to increase in various applications such as DNA vaccines and gene therapies against numerous infectious and acquired diseases & disorders, such as HIV, malaria, cancer, influenza, and enteric pathogens.

The cancer segment to maintain the lead-

Based on application, the cancer segment accounted for more than three-fifths of the global viral vectors and plasmid DNA manufacturing market revenue in 2033 and is expected to remain dominant till 2033, due to increase in prevalence of cancer and requirement for quality drugs and versatile therapies for the treatment. The inherited disorders segment is anticipated to exhibit the fastest CAGR of 27.1% from 2024 to 2033. Rise in incidences of inherited disorders has led to increase in R&D activities for development of therapies which, in turn, fuels the segment growth.

Which Segment Is Expected to Grow at the Fastest Rate?

The plasmid DNA segment is expected to grow at the fastest rate over the coming years. Plasmid DNA is an important raw material for both viral vector production and non-viral gene delivery approaches. It is also increasingly used in DNA vaccines, mRNA production workflows, and emerging gene-editing technologies. This surge in scope of applications is driving faster demand compared to traditional viral vector systems. There is growing interest in non-viral delivery systems that rely majorly on plasmid DNA. These technologies are appealing due to lower immunogenicity and simpler production requirements. This fuels investment and R&D activity in plasmid-centric platforms. This trend indirectly supports higher growth rates for plasmid DNA manufacturing.

Further, new applications rely on plasmids for template generation or direct administration. Thus, the demand for high-quality plasmid DNA is experiencing growth, thus, contributing to its faster growth trajectory.

Want to Explore More, Connect to our Analyst - https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/connect-to-analyst/A324540

North America to dominate in terms of revenue-

Based on region, North America generated the major share in 2023, holding nearly half of the global viral vectors and plasmid DNA manufacturing market, owing to the presence of modern healthcare facilities and high prevalence of cancer in the region. Asia-Pacific would showcase the highest CAGR during the forecast period. This is due to increase in healthcare expenditure, surge in government initiatives to modernize healthcare infrastructure, and rapid industrialization in the area.

Role of AI in Viral Vectors and Plasmid DNA

Artificial intelligence plays an important role in viral vectors and plasmid DNA manufacturing. It helps improve speed, accuracy, and scalability. One major impact of AI is in process optimization. Viral vector production involves complex biological systems where small changes in temperature, pH, or nutrient levels can affect yield. AI models analyze datasets from bioreactors and identify patterns that humans may not easily detect. These insights help manufacturers fine-tune conditions to improve viral yield and plasmid quality.

It also helps predict how genetic sequences will behave inside cells. This allows researchers to design more stable plasmids and efficient viral constructs before laboratory testing begins. Further, AI systems help monitor manufacturing data in real time and flag potential deviations before they become critical problems. This predictive capability reduces batch failures and improves compliance with good manufacturing practices.

Key players in the industry-

Catalent Pharma Solutions

Fujifilm Holdings Corporation

F. Hoffmann-LA Roche Ltd.

Johnson & Johnson

Sanofi Corporation

4D Molecular Therapeutics

Sirion Biotech GmbH

Voyager therapeutics

Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.

Cognate BioServices, Inc.

For Purchase Related Queries/Inquiry- https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/purchase-enquiry/A324540

How Can Businesses Strengthen Market Position and Expand Globally?

Companies can strengthen market position by establishing additional good manufacturing practices compliant facilities in strategic regions. Increase in capacity in Asia-Pacific and Europe helps capture new customers. Mergers and acquisitions enable companies to broaden their technology portfolios and enter adjacent markets quickly. Long-term strategic partnerships with biotechnology developers, academic research centers, and pharmaceutical firms provide steady demand and collaborative innovation opportunities. Partnerships can include co-development agreements, platform licensing, or shared manufacturing ventures. These collaborations help align product offerings with emerging therapeutic needs.

Continuous innovation in process optimization, analytics, and automation helps improve productivity and lower costs. Investments in platform technologies help enhance operational flexibility and future-proof manufacturing capabilities.

What Technological Innovations Are Creating New Growth Opportunities?

One major technological innovation in viral vectors and plasmid DNA manufacturing includes development of stable producer cell lines. Viral vectors are produced using transient transfection methods, which can be costly and variable. Stable cell lines provide consistent gene expression and higher yields, reducing cost per dose and improving scalability. Single-use bioreactor systems are also transforming the industry. These disposable systems reduce cleaning requirements, lower contamination risk, and shorten turnaround times between batches. They are especially useful for contract manufacturing organizations serving multiple clients. Continuous manufacturing is another promising advancement. Instead of producing in batches, continuous systems allow ongoing production with steady input and output. This approach increases efficiency and reduces waste.

Explore AMR's Extensive Ongoing Coverage on Life Science Industry:

Skincare Market: Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2023-2032

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Healthcare Staffing Market: Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2023-2032

Digital Pathology Market: Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2023-2032

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The global extracorporeal membrane oxygenation machine market is experiencing growth due to rise in the incidence of chronic diseases especially cardiac disease, and increase in focus of the key players toward innovative extracorporeal membrane oxygenation machine technologies.

WILMINGTON, Del., Feb. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Market Research published a report, titled, "Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Machine (ECMO) Market by Type (Veno-arterial, Veno-venous and Others), Components (Pumps, Oxygenator, Controllers and Others), and Application (Adult, Pediatric and Neonates): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2024-2033". According to the report, the extracorporeal membrane oxygenation machine (ECMO) market was valued at $504.2 million in 2023, and is estimated to reach $793.7 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 4.6% from 2024 to 2033.

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The global extracorporeal membrane oxygenation machine market is experiencing growth due to increase in the prevalence of severe respiratory diseases, including pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Modern life support systems have become essential due to the rise in incidence of heart failure, myocardial infarction, and other cardiovascular diseases. In addition, there are constant advancements in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation technology. Furthermore, development of portable and compact extracorporeal membrane oxygenation machines that can be used in various settings, including during patient transport and in field hospitals are driving the market growth.

Report coverage & details:

Report Coverage Details Forecast Period 2024-2033 Base Year 2023 Market Size in 2023 $504.23 million Market Size in 2033 $793.60 million CAGR 4.1 % No. of Pages in Report 280 Segments Covered Type, Component, Application, and Region. Drivers Increasing prevalence of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases.

Technological advancements in ECMO

Growth in demand for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in lung transplants. Opportunities Opportunities in developing economies Restraint High cost of ECMO procedures

Increase in utilization of oxygenators

The oxygenator is a crucial component of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation machine serves as an artificial lung to facilitate gas exchange. Advancements in design have resulted in small and portable oxygenators, facilitating easier transport of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation patients within and between healthcare facilities without interrupting life support.

Rise in adoption of Arterio-Venous machine

Arterio-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation machines provide several advantages in critical care, especially for patients with severe cardiac and respiratory failure. Arterio-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation machines are simpler to implement than other types because it does not require cannulation of a major vein and artery. It might be less invasive since other types involve arterial cannulation, which can be technically challenging and carries higher risks of complications like limb ischemia.

Adult segment to dominate the market in 2033

The demand for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation machine is expected to experience growth as adults are anticipated to suffer from severe respiratory conditions. In addition, the prevalence of heart failure, myocardial infarction, and other cardiovascular diseases is higher in the adult population, driving the demand for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation machines as a life-saving intervention. The aging global population, which is susceptible to severe cardiopulmonary conditions, significantly contributes to the demand for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation machines in the adult segment.

How Intense Is Market Competition and What Defines Competitive Advantage?

Competition in the extracorporeal membrane oxygenation machine market is moderate to high. Leading companies such as Medtronic plc, Getinge AB, Terumo Corporation, LivaNova PLC, and Fresenius Medical Care collectively dominate the market. These established players leverage their extensive distribution networks, long-standing clinical relationships, and broad product portfolios to secure large shares of global sales. Further, competition is driven by need for continuous technological innovation, evolving clinical requirements, and the growing importance of ease of use and patient safety. Companies compete not only on product performance and reliability but also on post-sales service, training programs, and clinical support for healthcare providers.

Companies with strong global distribution and localized support systems tend to perform better. Although price competition exists, especially in cost-sensitive regions, value-based differentiation often outweighs pure price considerations. Providers increasingly prefer solutions that offer long-term reliability, total lifecycle support, and lower overall cost of care.

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Regional Outlook

By region, North America held the largest market share in the terms of revenue in 2023 and is likely to dominate the market during the forecast period. This is attributed to its advanced technology infrastructure, strong demand and availability of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation machine, and availability of well-developed healthcare facilities.

However, the Asia-Pacific region is expected to witness rapid industrialization. A surge in the geriatric population, increase in the prevalence of cardiac diseases, and increase in healthcare expenditure are expected to lead the growth of the market. Significant investments in healthcare infrastructure, especially in developing regions, are leading to the establishment of advanced critical care units equipped with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation machines, primarily serving adult patients.

Key Players

Medtronic PLC

Sorin Group

Terumo Corporation

MAQUET Holding

Nipro Medical Corporation

Microport Scientific Corporation

Medos Medizintechnik AG

Getinge AB

Livanova PLC

Fresnius Medical Care

Recent Developments

In October 2021, Getinge launched the Rotaflow II extracorporeal life support system. The system, together with the Permanent Life Support (PLS) Set, offers up to 14 days of cardiopulmonary support in a compact, portable, safe, and reliable manner.

In summary, competition in the extracorporeal membrane oxygenation machine market is intense and defined by technological innovation, comprehensive service models, strong distribution networks, and proven clinical performance.

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How Do Government Policies and Regulations Impact Regional Market Growth?

Government policies and regulatory frameworks play an important role in shaping the growth of the extracorporeal membrane oxygenation machine market across different regions. Clear regulatory pathways, favorable reimbursement policies, and government healthcare investment significantly influence both market penetration and adoption rates. In North America, government support through streamlined regulatory approvals and reimbursement schemes encourages adoption of advanced critical care equipment like extracorporeal membrane oxygenation machine machines. In Europe, regulatory oversight is governed by the European Medical Device Regulation, which sets strict quality and safety standards for medical devices. In Asia-Pacific, policy initiatives around healthcare modernization and insurance coverage are expanding access to advanced therapies.

The report provides a detailed analysis of these key players in the global extracorporeal membrane oxygenation machine market. These players have adopted different strategies such as new product launches, collaborations, expansion, joint ventures, agreements, and others to increase their market share and maintain dominant shares in different regions. The report is valuable in highlighting business performance, operating segments, product portfolio, and strategic moves of market players to showcase the competitive scenario.

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Contact

David Correa

1209 Orange Street,

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Delaware 19801 USA.

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Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 23, 2026) - Perseverance Metals Inc. (TSXV: PMI) ("Perseverance", "PMI" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has expanded its previously announced private placement of units (see PMI NR Feb 11, 2026) from C$3,000,000 to up to C$3,500,000 (the "Offering"). The Offering will be comprised of:

i) up to 4,615,385 hard dollar units of the Company (the "HD Units") priced at C$0.65 per HD Unit for gross proceeds of up to C$3,000,000; and

ii) up to 641,025 Ontario flow-through units of the Company (the "Ontario FT Units") priced at C$0.78 per Ontario FT Unit for gross proceeds of up to C$500,000,

(collectively, the "Units").

Each Unit will be comprised of one common share of the Company (a "Share") and one-half of one common share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant will entitle the holder to acquire one additional common share of the Company (a "Warrant Share") at a price of C$0.95 for a period of 36 months from the date of issuance. The expiry date of the Warrants will be subject to acceleration such that, should the closing price of the Shares on the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV") equal or exceed C$1.30 for ten consecutive trading days, the Company may, within 15 business days of such event, accelerate the expiry date of the Warrants to a date that is 30 calendar days following the date on which notice of such acceleration is given by news release, with the new expiry date specified in such news release.

The Shares and Warrants comprising the Ontario FT Units, but not the underlying Warrant Shares, will each qualify as a "flow-through share" within the meaning of the Income Tax Act (Canada).

The Company intends to use the proceeds from the sale of the HD Units to fund the inaugural diamond drill campaign on the Voyageur project in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, continued exploration of the Lac Gayot Project in Quebec, and for general corporate purposes.

The gross proceeds from the sale of the Ontario FT Units will be used by the Company to fund "Canadian exploration expenses" related to the Armit Lake Project in Ontario that, as applicable: (i) will qualify as "flow-through critical mineral mining expenditures", as those terms are defined in the Income Tax Act (Canada); (ii) in respect of Ontario resident subscribers who are eligible individuals under the Taxation Act (Ontario), will also qualify as "eligible Ontario exploration expenditures" for the purposes of subsection 103(4) of the Taxation Act (Ontario) (collectively, the "Qualifying Expenditures"). All Qualifying Expenditures will be incurred on or before December 31, 2027, and renounced in favour of the subscribers effective no later than December 31, 2026.

The Company may pay finder's fees in connection with the Offering. All securities issued pursuant to the Offering will be subject to a statutory hold period of four months and one day in accordance with applicable securities laws. The Offering is subject to the approval of the TSXV.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to sell any securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available.

Appointment of Chief Financial Officer

The Company announces the appointment of Nicholas Furber as Chief Financial Officer of the Company effective February 28, 2026. The Company entered into a consulting agreement with Mr. Furber on February 6, 2026, pursuant to which Mr. Furber will serve as Chief Financial Officer of the Company as an independent contractor.

Nicholas Furber will replace Anil Jiwani, who has left his executive role at the Company.

Nicholas (Nick) Furber, CA (ICAEW), CFA is senior financial professional with over 25 years of experience providing consulting, management and financial advisory services for private and publicly traded companies, primarily focused on the mining industry. This included 10 years as Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary of Dynasty Metals & Mining Inc. ("Dynasty") when Dynasty evolved from gold exploration into a producer listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange.

Mr. Furber also brings over 10 years of accounting, mergers & acquisitions, valuations and due diligence experience in a variety of industries gained while working at PricewaterhouseCoopers. Mr. Furber was educated in the United Kingdom and has his Chartered Accountant (ICAEW) and Chartered Financial Analyst designations

"We sincerely thank Mr. Jiwani for his services in helping us grow and transition to a public company," said Michael Tucker, CEO. "We are excited to welcome Nick to the team and look forward to leveraging his extensive experience to help Perseverance take the next steps as the Company continues to grow."

About Perseverance Metals

Perseverance Metals is a critical minerals explorer with a project portfolio that is strategically located in key North American Ni-Cu-Co-PGE and hard rock lithium regions, including Quebec's prolific James Bay district and Michigan's productive Mid-Continent Rift.

Our strict science-driven approach and extensive track record of discovery as leveraged via an exceptional technical advisory board, coupled with an industry-leading team armed with next-generation exploration tools, provide us with a distinct competitive advantage. This offers a unique opportunity for investors to be exposed to a portfolio of projects with the potential for multiple discoveries. Perseverance's exploration assets include:

i). the Lac Gayot high-grade Ni-Cu-Co-PGE and lithium pegmatite project, which covers the entirety of the 30km Venus Greenstone Belt in Quebec, featuring multiple, very high-grade Ni-Cu-Co-PGE showings and zones along with numerous large spodumene-bearing pegmatites with consistent high lithium grades in channel sampling;

ii). the Voyageur Ni-Cu-Co-PGE project which covers 680 km2 of the Upper Peninsula in Michigan, 65 kilometres west of the only producing nickel mine in the United States is drill-ready, and;

iii). the Armit Lake Ni-Cu-Co project, which is the consolidated and underexplored western half of the nickel- and gold-rich Savant Lake Greenstone Belt in Ontario.

Additional information about Perseverance Metals can be found at www.perseverancemetals.com.

Neither TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. "Forward-looking information" includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to the activities, events or developments that the Company expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future, including the anticipated timing and completion of the Offering; the securities offered pursuant to the Offering, the potential payment of finders' fees in connection with the Offering; the intended use of proceeds from the Offering, including the timing of incurring all Qualifying Expenditures; and the receipt of regulatory approvals, including acceptance by the TSXV.

Generally, but not always, forward-looking information and statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes" or the negative connotation thereof or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved" or the negative connation thereof.

Such forward-looking information and statements are based on numerous assumptions, including among others, assumptions that the Offering will close as anticipated; that the Company will pay finders' fees as anticipated; that the Company will use proceeds from the Offering as anticipated; that all requisite approvals, including that of the TSXV, will be received; and all requisite information will be available in a timely manner

Although the assumptions made by the Company in providing forward-looking information or making forward-looking statements are considered reasonable by management at the time, there can be no assurance that such assumptions will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's plans or expectations include risks that the Offering will not close as anticipated or at all; that the Company will not use proceeds of the Offering as anticipated; that the Company will encounter unforeseen delays; that the Company will not receive all requisite regulatory approvals, including that of the TSXV.

Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking information or implied by forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information and statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated, estimated or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information.

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/284918

Source: Perseverance Metals Inc.
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA / ACCESS Newswire / February 23, 2026 / Haven Safety AI, the leading AI-native platform for proactive workplace safety in high-risk industries, today commended the U.S. House Committee on Education and the Workforce, Subcommittee on Workforce Protections, for its February 11, 2026 hearing titled "Building an AI-Ready America: Safer Workplaces Through Smarter Technology." The hearing underscored the transformative potential of artificial intelligence to shift occupational safety from reactive, incident-based approaches to predictive, data-driven prevention. This vision aligns closely with the core mission of Haven's innovative safety intelligence platform.

During the hearing, lawmakers and expert witnesses, including representatives from industry associations and technology leaders, highlighted how AI tools are already detecting hidden hazards, analyzing patterns to prevent incidents, and saving lives on an unprecedented scale. Testimony emphasized real-world applications such as in-vehicle cameras that identify unsafe behaviors like drowsy driving or tailgating, predictive analytics to forecast injury risks, and wearable technologies that alert workers to dangers like heat stress before they escalate.

There was a focus on the need for balanced policy that fosters innovation without compromising safety. Witnesses reinforced that AI augments human oversight, prolongs careers in labor-intensive fields, and reduces barriers for small businesses when regulations remain flexible rather than patchwork.

Haven Safety AI's mission directly embodies these priorities. By synthesizing data from incidents, sensors, interviews, and operational sources, Haven uncovers systemic risks, predicts potential serious events, and delivers actionable intelligence to prevent injuries before they occur. This AI co-pilot approach moves EHS (Environmental, Health, and Safety) teams beyond documentation and compliance toward true prevention. It aligns closely with the hearing's call for smarter, governed technology that prioritizes worker protection.

"Congressional recognition of AI's life-saving role in high-hazard workplaces is a pivotal moment for the safety industry," said a Haven Safety AI spokesperson. "At Haven, we are proud to lead this evolution by empowering organizations to predict and stop root causes of incidents, reduce serious injuries, and build stronger safety cultures. This hearing validates what we have seen in practice: when AI is applied responsibly and with human oversight, it does not replace safety professionals. It supercharges them to protect lives more effectively than ever before."

Haven Safety AI continues to innovate at the intersection of AI and occupational safety. The company helps enterprises in construction, manufacturing, logistics, and other high-risk sectors achieve measurable reductions in incident rates through predictive insights and streamlined investigations.

For more insights from the hearing, read Haven's full recap: "Safer Workplaces Through Smarter Technology" Hearing: What we learned from the "Building an AI-ready America: Safer Workplaces Through Smarter Technology" Congressional Hearing at https://www.havensafety.com/blog-news/index .

To learn how Haven's AI-native platform can transform your safety program, visit www.havensafety.com or contact us to schedule a demo.

About Haven Safety AI

Haven Safety AI, a product of Haven Safety Corporation, provides an AI-native platform for incident investigations, root cause analysis, and proactive risk reduction. By combining artificial intelligence with a structured industry knowledge graph, Haven helps organizations capture frontline insights, analyze systemic causes, and continuously improve safety performance. For more information, visit www.havensafety.com .

Media Contact: jane@havensafety.com

SOURCE: Haven Safety Corporation

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/computers-technology-and-internet/haven-safety-ai-applauds-congressional-focus-on-ai-powered-workpl-1140091
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 23, 2026) - Bahia Metals Corp. (CSE: BMT) ("Bahia Metals" or the "Company"), a mineral exploration company advancing the Mangueiros sulphide nickel-copper-cobalt project in Bahia State, Brazil, is pleased to announce that it will be presenting at the Centurion One Capital 9th Annual Toronto Growth Conference, an invitation-only event being held at the Four Seasons Hotel in Toronto's Yorkville neighbourhood on Thursday, March 5, 2026.

Stephen Goodman, CEO, and Tom Pressello, CFO, are scheduled to present on Thursday, March 5th, 2026. They will also be available for investor meetings and will be participating in a panel discussion. "We look forward to presenting at the Centurion One Capital Toronto Growth Conference and meeting with the investor community to discuss Bahia Metals' focus and planned work programs," said Stephen Goodman, CEO of Bahia Metals.

Bahia Metals began trading on the Canadian Securities Exchange with the symbol (CSE: BMT) following the successful completion of its $5,750,000 Initial Public Offering, including the full exercise of the overallotment option.

Centurion One Capital 9 th Annual Toronto Growth Conference

Format: Presentations, Panel Discussions and 1 X 1 Investor Meetings

Presentation Date: Thursday, March 5th, 2026

Time: 8:00 AM EDT - 5:00 PM EDT

Venue: Four Seasons Hotel

For more information and registration details, please visit: www.centuriononecapital.com/news-events.

About Centurion One Capital

Centurion One Capital's mission is to ignite the world's most visionary entrepreneurs to conquer the greatest challenges of tomorrow, fueling their ambitions with transformative capital, unparalleled expertise, and a global network of influential connections. Every interaction is guided by our core values of respect, integrity, commitment, excellence in execution, and uncompromising performance. We make principal investments, drawing on the time-honored principles of merchant banking, where aligned incentives forge enduring partnerships.

Centurion One Capital: A superior approach to investment banking.

For more information about Centurion One Capital, please visit www.centuriononecapital.com.

About Bahia Metals Corp.

Bahia Metals Corp. is a mining company focused on advancing its Mangueiros Project, a Nickel Sulphide - Copper Cobalt project located in Bahia State, Brazil.

The company recently completed the requirements to secure 100% of the Mangueiros Project, which was initially owned and advanced by investors related to Appian Capital Advisory Limited.

Follow Bahia Metals on LinkedIn

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements as well as historical information. Readers should not rely on information in this summary for any purpose other than for gaining general knowledge of the Company. The words "expected", "will", "will have", "will be", "estimated" and similar expressions are intended to be among the statements that identify forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that its expectations as reflected in any forward-looking statements are reasonable, such statements involve risks and uncertainties and no assurance can be given that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. Except as required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates, opinions or other factors should change.

Neither Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/284924

Source: Centurion One Capital Corp.
Austin, Texas--(Newsfile Corp. - February 23, 2026) - The nationally recognized trial firm Williams Caputo Injury Lawyers is highlighting the enduring significance of a landmark $35.9 million settlement secured for a construction worker who suffered catastrophic brain injuries due to a preventable fall.

Williams Caputo Injury Lawyers Secures $35.9 Million Settlement for Texas Construction Worker



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One of the largest settlements of its kind

The case, which remains one of the most substantial workplace injury recoveries in Texas, underscores a severe breach of fundamental safety protocols that has left the plaintiff in a coma for the last four years, necessitating a lifetime of specialized care.

According to the legal filing, the incident occurred when the worker fell from a roof while performing his assigned duties. Investigations led by the Texas construction accident attorneys at Williams & Caputo revealed that the site lacked essential fall protection and basic safety equipment required by industry standards. This systematic failure to provide a safe working environment resulted in life-altering consequences for the worker and his family.

"A worker arrived to perform his job, and basic safety measures, such as fall protection, simply were not in place," said the firm in a statement. "Four years later, our client remains in a coma and will require 24-hour care for the rest of his life because those fundamental standards were ignored. This settlement ensures his family has the resources to care for him and sends a clear message that cutting corners on worker safety is unacceptable."

The $35.9 million recovery is one of the largest of its kind in the region, designed to cover the astronomical costs of 24/7 medical supervision and long-term rehabilitative care. In cases involving traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and permanent disability, the financial burden on a family can exceed tens of millions of dollars over a lifetime.

About Williams Caputo:

Williams Caputo Injury Lawyers is a premier personal injury and wrongful death law firm with a reputation for securing record-breaking results in complex litigation. With a focus on catastrophic workplace injuries, commercial vehicle crashes, and wrongful death cases, the firm provides aggressive representation for those facing the most difficult circumstances of their lives.

For more information on their recent victories, visit www.williamscaputo.com.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/284162

Source: Plentisoft
From stadium tours to beauty empires, Americas richest women are redefining how fortunes are madebeyond tech and Wall Street

From stadium tours to beauty empires, Americas richest women are redefining how fortunes are madebeyond tech and Wall Street. File/AFP

For decades, the story of American billionaire wealth has been synonymous with Silicon Valley coders and Wall Street financiers. Fresh data, however, reveal a cultural pivot: among the 154 women now classified as billionaires in the United States, some of the most dynamic fortunes are being minted not on tech campusesbut on concert stages and in celebrity-driven consumer brands.

According to wealth-intelligence firm Altrata, Americas female billionairesthough far outnumbered by the countrys 981 mencommand a median net worth of just over $2 billion, roughly on par with their male counterparts. The data, spanning 2024 to early 2026, underscore how women at the apex of US wealth are narrowing the scale gap even as their paths to fortune diverge sharply.

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A tilt toward self-made wealth

The most striking shift is structural. Nearly 60 per cent of female billionaires in 2024 were at least partially self-made, up from about 40 per cent five years earlier. By contrast, nearly all male billionaires are classified as at least partially self-made.

For women, inheritance still mattersparticularly at the very topbut entrepreneurship, brand-building, and operational leadership are increasingly central to their wealth story.

The heiresses still dominate the summit

At the pinnacle sits Alice Walton, daughter of Walmart founder Sam Walton, with an estimated net worth of $138 billion.

Other women blend legacy with leadership. Helen Johnson-Leipold, heir to the S.C. Johnson fortune, runs Johnson Outdoors, combining inheritance with executive stewardship. Medical-device heir Ronda Stryker and oil heiress June Hunt similarly illustrate how inherited capital can coexist with independent public and professional identities.

Corporate powerhouses and private giants

Several women on the list have built or scaled businesses that now dominate their sectors. Judy Faulkner founded Epic Systems, the private healthcare software company. Roofing magnate Diane Hendricks co-founded ABC Supply, turning it into a construction-supply powerhouse.

In finance and consumer brands, Abigail Johnson runs Fidelity Investments, founded by her grandfather, while Lynsi Snyder presides over In-N-Out Burger, the cult fast-food chain started by her grandparents in the 1940s.

Yet the newest narrative of wealth is unfolding outside traditional boardrooms.

The pop industrys billion-dollar pipeline

Entertainers now form a high-profile slice of Americas self-made women billionaires. While their net worths cluster toward the lower end of the billionaire spectrum, their rise signals a shift in how cultural capital is monetized.

Taylor Swift exemplifies this change. Her estimated $1.8 billion fortune has been turbocharged by the record-breaking Eras tour, which dramatically boosted her cash reserves and asset base. Rihanna has built a roughly $1 billion fortune, driven primarily by equity stakes in Fenty Beauty and her lingerie brand. Reality-TV star turned entrepreneur Kim Kardashian has leveraged celebrity into scalable businesses, lifting her estimated net worth to around $1.8 billion.

These fortunes are not merely byproducts of album sales or endorsementsthey are built on ownership: stakes in beauty brands, apparel lines, and intellectual property. In effect, the pop industry has become a capital formation engine, converting global fan bases into equity value.

Altrata notes, however, that billionaires under $2 billion face volatility, with roughly a 10 per cent chance globally of slipping below the threshold in any given year due to market swings.

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Philanthropy and political influence

Another defining feature of Americas billionaire women is their philanthropic footprint. Melinda French Gates has donated at least $31 billion over the past decade, increasingly focusing on womens rights and young people. MacKenzie Scott has given away billions to universities and nonprofits, often with minimal restrictions.

Meanwhile, Miriam Adelson, widow of casino magnate Sheldon Adelson, has directed substantial funds toward Jewish and pro-Israel causes and remains a major Republican political donor. Altratas philanthropy analysis tracks public donations over the past decade but excludes gifts under $1,000 and certain foundation or donor-advised fund contributions.

The United States today hosts a growing billionaire class, and women are an expanding part of it. Their median wealth now rivals that of men, even as the pathways differ: inheritance at the summit, entrepreneurship across sectors, and increasingly, brand-driven empires forged in the pop-cultural marketplace.
Bitcoin was trading at $65,132.16, down 4 per cent, hovering precariously around $65,000 mark. Ethereum, the second-largest digital asset by market value, fell 5.2 per cent to $1,867.23

The global cryptocurrency market extended its losses on Monday, with total capitalisation sliding 3.8 per cent over the past 24 hours to $2.31 trillion, as investors trimmed exposure to risk assets amid renewed uncertainty over US trade policy.

Bitcoin was trading at $65,132.16, down 4 per cent, hovering precariously around $65,000 mark. Ethereum, the second-largest digital asset by market value, fell 5.2 per cent to $1,867.23.

The retreat in crypto prices followed fresh volatility in global markets after US officials said on Sunday that trade agreements already negotiated with partners would remain in force, despite a Supreme Court ruling that struck down US President Donald Trumps use of emergency authority to impose tariffs.

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In a social media post on Saturday, Trump said he would raise the proposed global tariff from 10 per cent  announced a day earlier  to 15 per cent, deepening investor unease. The US dollar and stock futures weakened in early Monday trade, even as a broad gauge of Asian equities advanced about 1 per cent.

Bitcoin has struggled to regain momentum after erasing the remaining gains logged following Trumps re-election victory in November 2024. Optimism around a more crypto-friendly second term had propelled the token to a record above $126,000 last October, before a sharp and prolonged correction set in. Since then, the broader digital asset market has shed more than $2 trillion in value, with smaller tokens bearing the brunt of the sell-off.

Altcoins remained volatile in Mondays trade, with several mid- and small-cap tokens witnessing sharp intraday swings  a sign that speculative interest persists despite the broader risk-off mood.
Shares of IDFC First Bank tumbled nearly 16 per cent after the lender disclosed a Rs 590-crore fraud at its Chandigarh branch, rattling investor sentiment. Managing Director and CEO V Vaidyanathan termed the episode an isolated incident and pledged swift corrective action

'No systemic issue': RBI on Rs 590-cr IDFC First Bank fraud as shares crash 16%; CEO vows action. Image source: IDFC First Bank

Shares of IDFC First Bank plunged nearly 16 per cent on Monday after the lender disclosed a Rs 590-crore fraud at its Chandigarh branch. The stock was trading at Rs 70.18 on the BSE around noon, down 16.17 per cent, after hitting an intraday low of Rs 66.85.

The sharp sell-off followed the banks exchange filing late on February 21 flagging unauthorised transactions allegedly carried out by some employees in collusion with other entities. The amount involved  nearly a fourth of the banks annual net profit  has raised concerns over the potential financial and governance impact.

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RBI says no systemic risk

Reacting to the development, Reserve Bank of India Governor Sanjay Malhotra sought to calm nerves, asserting that the issue does not pose broader risks to the banking system.

We are watching the development, there is no systemic issue here, Malhotra said on Monday.

He added that banks remain well-capitalised. Banks have enough capital with them. Capital adequacy is 17 per cent while the requirement is 11.5 per cent, he said.

CEO calls it isolated incident

In an interview with Moneycontrol, Managing Director and CEO V Vaidyanathan described the episode as an isolated incident and the first major operational setback in a decade.

We will take necessary corrective actions on this. We will learn from this and we will fix the necessary issues, Vaidyanathan told Moneycontrol, asserting that the banks long-term growth trajectory remains intact.

On the financial implications, he said the lender expects to absorb the impact. The banks profitability in terms of net interest margin is increasing and we expect the credit cost to come down this quarter We feel that well be able to absorb this, he told Moneycontrol.

However, he refrained from committing to a timeline for provisioning, noting that it would depend on recoveries and legal advice. We cant comment on the timing because it depends on a number of factors such as possible recovery or claim made. Much of it will also depend on the legal stand on the matter, he told Moneycontrol.

The bank has appointed KPMG to conduct an independent forensic audit to determine the extent of lapses and identify accountability. The fraud could involve other individuals/entities/counterparties, the lender said in its earlier disclosure.

Vaidyanathan also sought to reassure investors on governance standards, stating that marquee backers, including private equity firm Warburg Pincus, remain supportive.

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Investors have always supported us and told us that you build a good business, this moment will pass, lets look ahead. They know us for over a decade, trust us and appreciate our capability to build long term businesses with good governance, he told Moneycontrol.

Despite managements assurances that the bank is fundamentally on a very strong footing and poised for the next phase of growth, Mondays steep correction signals that the Street is pricing in near-term uncertainty as the forensic audit and regulatory scrutiny unfold.
The BSE Sensex rose 400.86 points, or 0.48 per cent, to 83,215.57 at 9:18 am. The broader Nifty 50 advanced 114.85 points, or 0.45 per cent, to 25,686.10

Indian benchmark indices opened the week on a firm footing on Monday, with banking and financial heavyweights lending support to early gains amid a broadly positive Asian trend.

The BSE Sensex rose 400.86 points, or 0.48 per cent, to 83,215.57 at 9:18 am. The index had opened at 82,906.83 and touched an intraday high of 83,270.15, after closing at 82,814.71 in the previous session.

The broader Nifty 50 advanced 114.85 points, or 0.45 per cent, to 25,686.10.

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Financials lead the charge

Banking and financial stocks were at the forefront of the rally. Axis Bank climbed over 1.5 per cent, while HDFC Bank gained around 1 per cent in early deals. Bajaj Finance, ICICI Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank and State Bank of India also traded in the green, providing significant support to the indices.

Reliance Industries added nearly 0.8 per cent, further bolstering the Sensex, while Adani Ports, Tech Mahindra and Bharti Airtel were among other prominent gainers.

The gains in financial counters helped offset weakness in select IT and pharma stocks. Infosys and Asian Paints slipped around 0.30.4 per cent, while Cipla and ONGC were among the sharper losers in early trade. A few mid- and small-cap counters, including KWIL, saw steeper declines.
Sunny Leone, in an exclusive interview with Firstposts Zinia Bandyopadhyay, revealed overcoming four slip discs during Kennedys shoot, with Anurag Kashyap incorporating her neck brace into a scene. After festival buzz and delays, Kennedy streams on Zee5 from February 20.

After a three-year-long wait, Kennedy is finally ready to meet its audience. And, for Sunny Leone, the journey has been nothing short of emotional. In an exclusive conversation with Firstposts Zinia Bandyopadhyay, the actor reveals that she had four slip discs while shooting for the film, but she pushed through the pain. She also shared an anecdote from the shoot where director Anurag Kashyap decided to let her keep her neck brace on.

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Sunny Leone shares interesting anecdote from Kennedy shoot

During the conversation, Sunny Leone shared, Theres a scene where Im wearing a neck brace. I actually had four slip discs at the time. The pain was intense.

When Kashyap noticed her condition, he incorporated it into the film. He said, Lets use this in the scene. I was like, okay, at least the brace made my neck feel better, she says.

Despite the injury, Leone continued shooting, managing pain through physiotherapy, icing, exercises, and rest. You cant take heavy medication because you need to stay mentally sharp, she explains.

Every time someone asked Kennedy kab aara hai, it hurt

For Sunny Leone, the delay in _Kennedys_ release felt deeply personal.

Every time someone said,  Kennedy kab aara hai? it was like a prick in my heart, she admits. You have no answer. Thats the hardest part.

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The film, which premiered at international film festivals and received glowing responses, especially at the Mumbai Film Festival (MAMI), took nearly three years to find a theatrical home.

We had such an amazing response at MAMI. They even added extra shows. People were sitting on the stairs and in the aisles just to watch the film. So we knew there was buzz. Thats why it was heartbreaking when it still didnt have a release plan, she shares.

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Through the uncertainty, her husband Daniel Weber remained her pillar of support.

He kept telling me, Every film finds its home. Dont worry. And he was right. Now it finally has one.

Sunny Leone reveals if Anurag Kashyap was a tough taskmaster

Collaborating with Anurag Kashyap was a deeply enriching experience for Leone.

I was so proud to be part of this film. Working with him was such a pleasure, she says. I just wanted to be the best listener I could be and absorb as much as possible.

One of her biggest challenges, and learnings, was perfecting the distinctive laugh of her character, Charlie.

I practiced that laugh everywhere, for weeks. My team thought Id gone completely nuts, she laughs. But I wanted it to come naturally. I didnt want to feel awkward on set.

That preparation paid off, allowing her to step into the role seamlessly.

Known for his intense filmmaking style, Kashyaps reputation as a demanding director precedes him. But Leone had a surprisingly different experience. With me, I had fun. I didnt feel that pressure. Maybe Rahul (Bhatt, actor) did. I was just happy to be there, she says. I tried my best to be as authentic as possible, and it worked.

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Leone on acting vs hosting

With Kennedy releasing and a decade-long stint as host of Splitsvilla, 2026 is shaping up to be a big year for Leone. Asked whether she prefers acting or hosting, she doesnt hesitate before saying, Acting.

Being a character teaches you so much about yourself. Hosting is fun, but acting challenges you- emotionally, mentally, creatively. And I love that, she says. While hosting comes naturally to her, acting provides the thrill of discovery. That pressure to deliver, to understand the character, that excites me.

Why Kennedy will surprise audiences

Leone believes _Kennedy_ will stand apart from conventional Hindi cinema.

Its not the norm. It sits in that interesting, thought-provoking space people expect from Anurag sir, she says. Youre constantly trying to connect dots. It stays with you.

As the film finally prepares to release, Leone is relieved and hopeful.

Were just excited to finally share it with the world.

_Kennedy_ is currently streaming on Zee5.
The Kerala Story 2 faces backlash over forced conversion claims, with Kerala CM Vijayan and the film industry criticising its divisive narrative. Read on to know everything about the controversy over the film.

The Kerala Story was promoted with a purported lie that 32,000 women in Kerala were converted to Islam and sent to Syria. A big number it was indeed, enough for fact checkers to verify the claims and social media to get infuriated. It did not take the director, Sudipto Sen, to quickly add in a press conference that the number was arbitrary, but the fact was correct.

Sen does not return as the director for the second part of the film. Instead, Kamakhya Narayan Singh, who has earlier directed documentary short films and also won a National Award, takes charge. While that would lead one to hope for some nuance in the storytelling, the trailer proved otherwise, leaving the audience divided.

_The Kerala Story 2_ courting controversy with trailer release

The trailer, this time as well, makes a very bold claim - that in 25 years, India will turn into an Islamic State. Yes, thats enough to establish a they vs us narrative, making it clear that xenophobia is expected. The hum and woh war continues, and it is shown that every person from a certain community is the same, even though one might feel they are liberal and can be atheists. The trailer also claims that theres just one agenda all men from the community have- marry women from the majority community and forcefully convert them.

The main bone (no puns intended) of contention seems to be the forced beef-feeding scene from the trailer. One of the female leads is being shown being fed beef forcefully by her in-laws (looks like it). She is held tightly by her husband, who also holds her nose so that she is forced to breathe through her mouth, and then she is force-fed beef. The stress on the word beef during dialogue delivery also needs to be noted.

Watch the trailer of the film here:

But whats the issue with The Kerala Story 2?

Well, to begin with, the divisive politics of the film are highly problematic. Just like the first part, the film makes exaggerated claims to draw in sympathy and ire from a particular community, while making another one the target. When a film, on a national platform, does this, it stands at the risk of creating massive disharmony among communities.

Kerala CM says film aimed at inciting communal discord

With the title, it is understandable that while three states are being spoken about, it is Kerala that is getting the most prominence. The state is one of the few in the nation that loves its beef, and it also has a considerable Muslim population.

Right after the release of the trailer, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan publicly criticised the film, calling it fabricated narratives aimed at inciting communal discord. His post on X read, The reports regarding the release of a sequel to the hate-mongering film The Kerala Story should be seen with utmost gravity. Having already seen through the communal agenda and blatant lies of the first part, Kerala will once again reject this attempt to demonise our secular fabric with contempt. It is shocking how fabricated narratives aimed at inciting communal discord receive a free pass, while critical expressions of art get gagged. We must stand united against these attempts to paint our land of harmony as a hub of terror. The truth shall always prevail.

The reports regarding the release of a sequel to the hate-mongering film 'The Kerala Story' should be seen with utmost gravity. Having already seen through the communal agenda and blatant lies of the first part, Kerala will once again reject this attempt to demonise our secular  Pinarayi Vijayan (@pinarayivijayan) February 19, 2026

In an earlier statement, he had said, The release of a second part of The Kerala Story, which was made with the agenda of spreading hatred against Kerala and insulting our secular traditions, should be seen seriously.

Those who fear Keralas model of brotherhood and secularism are the forces behind these continued hate campaigns. Sangh Parivar had circulated this ludicrous and false narrative of The Kerala Story. They spread misleading propaganda by portraying even mutually agreed-upon marriages as forced religious conversion. They view Kerala with hostility because it is a land without communal riots, where people belonging to different religions coexist with mutual respect and cooperation. These forces, which try to shatter the peace and harmony of our land, are the true enemies of our state, he added.

Petition filed against The Kerala Story 2

A petition has also been filed in the Kerala High Court by a person named Sreedev Namboodiri.

The petition by the biologist challenged the release of the film and prompted the Kerala High Court to issue notices to the Information & Broadcasting Ministry, Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), and the films producer. The hearing on the case is scheduled for February 24.

This directly challenges the CBFCs certification of the film, which has been given a U/A certificate, making it appropriate for viewing for anyone above 14 years of age. The director shared the news, writing, We have received cuts and got the certificate. Its a U/A certificate, and I am thankful to the board that they gave this rating so that young sisters and daughters can go to the cinema halls and watch the film. The youngsters and the parents should go and watch the film.

This also raises concern that young minds, who are yet to develop a full understanding of politics and community, and who are highly impressionable, might be left divided if they watch the film.

Anurag Kashyap, Prakash Raj condemn film

Anurag Kashyap, while interacting with media at Kochi airport, condemned the film and said, Kerala Story movie is s***. The movie is propaganda and bull****. Aise kaun beef khilata hai?Aise toh koi khichdi bhi nahi khilata hai (Who even feeds beef like that? You wouldnt even serve khichdi that way). The purpose of the film is to make money. They just want to please everybody and divide people. The filmmaker is a greedy man. He just wants to make money.

Reporter: What's your view on The Kerala Story 2?



Anurag Kashyap: It a bullshit propaganda movie, the movie tries to divide people and spread hatred,the maker is a greedy bootlicker.



He goes on saying "Aise to log Khichdi bhi nahi khilate jaisa movie mein Beef khila rahe hai" pic.twitter.com/c6TlxSBbJL  Nehr_who? (@Nher_who) February 22, 2026

Prakash Raj also took a dig at the film. On Sunday,the actor posted images of pork, beef, and fish dishes on his X account. He wrote, The real #KeralaStory is how pork, beef and fish coexist with vegetarian sadya and all of them live in harmony. Please relish #justasking happy Sunday everyone.

The real #KeralaStory is how pork, beef and fish coexist with vegetarian sadya and all of them live in harmony. Please relish  #justasking happy Sunday everyone  pic.twitter.com/Ea2JCPd6n6  Prakash Raj (@prakashraaj) February 22, 2026

Kerala Story 2 director hits back

Kamakhya Narayan singh hit back at Kashyap. He said, Anurag Kashyap ji ne kaha hai ki koi aisa kisiko khichdi bhi nahi khilata. Main maanta hoon  koi kisiko aise laddoo bhi nahi khila sakta. Par durbhagyavash, humare samaaj mein masoom betiyon ko unka dharam parivartan karne ke liye unko beef khilaya ja raha hai  yeh ek crime hai, adding, Problem yeh hai ki Anurag Kashyap ji ab maansik roop se durbal hogaye hai.

Singh further alleged that Kashyap has a problem with everything. Unko Brahmanon se dikkat hai, unko Netflix se dikkat hai, unko film industry se dikkat hai. Is aadmi ko har cheez se dikkat hai, he said.

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Sharing the video on social media, he wrote in Hindi, The issue isnt what was shown in the filmkhichdi, beef, or something else. The real question is consent and coercion. Even khichdi cant be served against someones will, so if a film raises the issue of forced change or pressure, calling it hate-mongering is intellectual dishonesty. Your lies are creative freedom, and our truths are propaganda! Debates should be based on facts and datanot on shutting down discussions by labeling them bullshit or bootlicker.

Where does the film stand now

The Kerala Story 2 is scheduled for release on 27th February. With the court hearing scheduled for Feb 24, the release might be pushed back depending on the verdict and how far the petitioner is willing to take the issue.
Kouri Richins wrote a book for her children to help them cope with their fathers death in Utah. But what was written to help young children process the death of a parent soon turned into a nightmare for the author. Heres what gave away Richins

Kouri Richins, a Utah mother of three who wrote a childrens book about coping with grief after her husbands death and was later accused of fatally poisoning him, looks on during a court hearing in Park City, Utah. File image/AP

A year after her husband died, a mother of three in Utah self-published a childrens book that she said helped her sons cope with the sudden loss. Kouri Richins promoted her book Are You With Me? on a local TV station and drew praise for helping young children process the death of a parent.

Weeks after the books publication in 2023, she was arrested in her husbands death and charged with murder.

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The arrest sent shock waves through her small mountain town just outside Park City, where a 12-person jury is set to decide her fate in a monthlong trial that starts Monday.

Richins, 35, faces nearly three dozen counts in connection with her husbands death, including aggravated murder, attempted murder, forgery, mortgage fraud and insurance fraud. She has pleaded not guilty.

Prosecutors say she killed her husband, Eric Richins, at their home in March 2022 by slipping fentanyl into a cocktail that he drank. They say she was deep in debt and killed him for financial gain while planning a future with another man she was seeing on the side.

The chilling case of a once-respected local author accused of profiting off her own violent crime has captivated true-crime enthusiasts in the years since her arrest. Once lauded as a touching read, her book has since become a tool for prosecutors in arguing that she carried out a calculated killing.

Her defense attorneys, Wendy Lewis, Kathy Nester and Alex Ramos, said they are confident the jury will rule in Richins favor after hearing her side of the story.

Kouri has waited nearly three years for this moment: the opportunity to have the facts of this case heard by a jury, free from the prosecutions narrative that has dominated headlines since her arrest, her legal team said in a statement. What the public has been told bears little resemblance to the truth.

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Documents allege two poisonings

On the night of her husbands death, Richins called 911 to report that she had found him cold to the touch at the foot of their bed, according to the police report. He was pronounced dead, and a medical examiner later found five times the lethal dose of fentanyl in his system.

That was not her first attempt on his life, charging documents allege.

A month earlier, on Valentines Day, Eric Richins told friends he broke out in hives and blacked out after taking one bite of a sandwich that Richins had left for him. She had bought the sandwich the same week police say she also purchased fentanyl pills from the familys housekeeper. Opioids, including fentanyl, can cause severe allergic reactions.

After injecting himself with his sons EpiPen and chugging the allergy medication Benadryl, Eric Richins woke from a deep sleep and called a friend to say, I think my wife tried to poison me, the friend said in a written testimony.

A day after Valentines Day, Kouri Richins texted her alleged lover, If he could just go away  life would be so perfect.

Key witnesses

The friend Eric Richins called that night and the housekeeper who claims to have sold his wife the drugs could be key witnesses in the upcoming trial. Others may include family members and the man with whom Kouri Richins was allegedly having an affair.

The prosecutions star witness, housekeeper Carmen Lauber, told police she gave Richins fentanyl pills she bought from a dealer a couple of days before Valentines Day. Later that month, Richins allegedly told the housekeeper that the pills she provided were not strong enough and asked her to procure stronger fentanyl, according to charging documents.

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Defense attorneys are expected to argue that Lauber did not actually give Richins fentanyl and was motivated to lie for legal protection. Lauber is not charged in connection with the case, and detectives said at an earlier hearing that she had been granted immunity.

No fentanyl pills were ever found in Richins home, and the housekeepers dealer said he was in jail and detoxing from drug use when he told detectives in 2023 that he had sold Lauber fentanyl. He later said in a sworn affidavit that he only sold her the opioid OxyContin.

Money as motivation

Charging documents indicate Eric Richins met with a divorce attorney and an estate planner in October 2020, a month after he discovered that his wife made some major financial decisions without his knowledge. She had a negative bank account balance, owed lenders more than $1.8 million and was being sued by a creditor, according to court documents.

Prosecutors say Kouri Richins mistakenly believed she would inherit her husbands estate under terms of their prenuptial agreement. She had also opened numerous life insurance policies on her husband without his knowledge, with benefits totaling nearly $2 million, prosecutors allege.

She is also accused of forging loan applications and fraudulently claiming insurance benefits after her husbands death.
The death of Mexicos notorious drug lord, Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, aka El Mencho, has spurred interest in the countrys cartels. Leading suppliers of cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine, these syndicates are estimated to be raking in $25 billion and $30 billion a year

A police officer stands guard by a charred vehicle after it was set on fire, on a road in Guadalajara, Jalisco state, Mexico after the death of the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, known as "El Mencho." AP

The country of Mexico is on the boil; a wave of violence has swept the nation following an operation that led to the killing of one of the worlds most wanted drug traffickers, the Mexican cartel boss known as El Mencho.

The drug lord, whose real name is Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, was killed on Sunday (February 22) in the western state of Jalisco along with at least six alleged accomplices from his powerful and notorious criminal organisation: the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).

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The killing of El Mencho has shed light on the various Mexican drug cartels that have been functioning in the country since the 1970s. In fact, Latin American drug cartels grew after the 1980s when the US government successfully broke up the Caribbean-based smuggling rings used by Colombian cocaine traffickers. At the time Mexicans couriers, who worked with Colombians, began wholesaling the drugs themselves.

Today, Mexicos drug cartels are all-powerful  they are responsible for thousands of deaths each year through the drugs they peddle. Moreover, they are also responsible for political corruption, assassinations, and kidnappings.

But which cartels operate in Mexico and how deadly are they?

Which are the most powerful cartels in Mexico?

Jalisco New Generation Cartel: Led by notorious El Mencho, the New Generation Jalisco Cartel (CJNG) is one of the most powerful and violent cartels in Mexico and is responsible for a significant portion of fentanyl and other illicit drug flows into the United States and around the world.

It split from the all-powerful Sinaloa cartel around 2009 and has grown to become one of Mexicos dominant drug trafficking organisations. Estimated to have around 15,000 to 20,000 members, the cartel is believed to be raking in billions of dollars annually through its numerous criminal activities such as drug trafficking, extortion, fuel theft, kidnapping, illegal logging and mining, and migrant smuggling.

The group is also known for its extreme, high-profile, and brutal violent methods. They often leave dismembered or burned bodies as a way to intimidate the masses in Mexico. There have also been reports that its members have been forced to cannibalise its victims as part of training.

The letters CJNG for the groups formal name, Jalisco New Generation Cartel, covers the facade of an abandoned home in El Limoncito, in the Michoacan state of Mexico. File image/AP

In 2015, the El Mencho-led cartel also downed an army helicopter with a rocket-propelled grenade. Moreover, the group has been responsible for many high-profile attacks on government officials. In 2020, the cartel attempted to assassinate Mexico City Police Chief Omar Garcia Harfuch, who now serves as Mexicos Secretary of Security and Civilian Protection. While travelling to a meeting in an armoured SUV, Garcia was attacked by CJNG members who had high-powered rifles, grenades, and body armour, according to Mexico News Daily. He survived, but two of his bodyguards and an uninvolved woman were killed.

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The CJNG is reported to use fake job advertisements to recruit members, then forcing the unsuspecting applicants to join the cartel. The cartel is alleged to have tortured or killed those who tried to resist or escape.

Sinaloa cartel: Also known as the Pacific Cartel, the Federation, and the Golden Triangle, the Sinaloa cartel is one of Mexicos oldest and most powerful drug trafficking groups with considerable influence in the Mexican government and public institutions.

It was founded in the 1980s by notorious drug lord Joaquin El Chapo Guzman and garnered a fierce reputation for violence and outfought several rival groups.

Mexican drug lord Joaquin El Chapo Guzman shortly after extradition, in New York. File image/Reuters

According to US officials, Sinaloa became the biggest supplier of illegal drugs to the US during Guzmans reign. Moreover, it has been involved in the slaughter, torture, and ruthless killing of rival gang members. It also had access to a huge arsenal of weapons, including a rocket-propelled grenade launcher and Guzmans own gold-plated AK-47.

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Despite Guzmans arrest and being handed down a life sentence in 2019, the Sinaloa Cartel remains hugely powerful. It still dominates north-west Mexico and is reported to have a presence in cities ranging from Buenos Aires to New York.

Los Zetas: Besides the Sinaloa and CJNG cartels, others also operate in Mexico, such as the Los Zetas. It was formed as the enforcement arm of the drug-trafficking Gulf Cartel but broke away and became independent in 2010.

The Zetas became particularly well-known for their brutality, often torturing and decapitating their victims. By 2012, the Zetas had reached the height of their powers. They were named as the countrys biggest drug gang, overtaking their bitter rivals, the Sinaloa, and were thought to operate in more than half of the Mexican states.

Guatemalan police take into custody four suspects allegedly belonging to Los Zetas Mexican drug cartel arrested in Coban, Alta Verapaz, 220 km north of Guatemala City. File image/AFP

The group also broadened its role, extending its activities to smuggling people, kidnapping, extortion, and arms trafficking. Los Zetas and other cartels were also responsible for the theft of more than $1 billion in oil from Pemex, Mexicos national oil company.

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However, by 2015, the Zetas saw a decline in their power, allowing rival groups to assert dominance.

Gulf Cartel: It is the oldest drug cartel in Mexico, founded in 1984 and peaking in the early 2000s before it fractured after its then-leader was arrested in 2003.

At its peak in the 1990s, the Gulf Cartels drug trafficking activities raked in billions of dollars each year. It maintained its network by engaging in political corruption and bribery as a means to keep officials on side.

First led by Juan Garcia Abrego, the Gulf Cartel fell into the hands of Osiel Cardenas Guillen after 1996. It was Guillen who built up the cartels military wing; he recruited a number of corrupt special forces soldiers and pushed an even more violent approach.

(FILE) Ociel Cardenas Guillen, leader of the Gulf cartel is checked at La Palma prison in Almoloya of Juarez, Mexico. File image/AFP

According to the Counter Terrorism Guide, as of 2025, the Gulf Cartel has three rival factions: Los Escorpiones, whose leader was captured by Mexican authorities in January 2024; Los Metros; and Los Ciclones.

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Juarez Cartel: Also considered one of the oldest criminal organisations in Mexico, the Juarez Cartel has focused on drug trafficking, but has expanded into other criminal activities such as human trafficking, kidnapping, local drug distribution, and extortion.

Based in the city of Juarez in the state of Chihuahua, northern Mexico, the Juarez Cartel is also known as the Vicente Carrillo Fuentes Organization (VCFO), after its leader.

Other smaller cartels: Theres the Tijuana Cartel, also known as the Arellano-Felix Organisation. Theres also the La Familia Michoachana, a cartel formed in the west-central Mexican state of Michoachan, which has sometimes portrayed itself as a revolutionary or vigilante organisation aimed at fighting against drugs. In 2009, then US President Barack Obama designated the groups members as significant foreign narcotics traffickers and imposed financial sanctions on it under the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act.

How powerful are the drug cartels in Mexico?

Mostly known for trafficking of cocaine, heroin, marijuana, and synthetic drugs such as amphetamine, these drug cartels are very powerful. According to one estimate, the cartels rake in between $25 billion and $30 billion a year, employing 450,000 people in vast networks that take in street and prison gangs.

View of forty tonnes of marijuana seized to alleged drug cartels in a house of the bordering city of Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico being burned by the Mexican Army at their training camp in El Aguaje de La Tuna, Tijuana, Mexico. File image/AFP

Experts note that there are a number of factors that contribute to the proliferation of drug cartels in Mexico. Many of the cartels are supported by the countrys top officials, as the cartels use a portion of their vast profits to pay off judges, police, and politicians.

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They also coerce officials into cooperating; assassinations of journalists and public servants are relatively common.

How has Mexico tried to curb these cartels?

In the recent past, Mexicos governments have tried to curb these drug cartels by deploying security forces. However, that has led to more violence.

The current Mexican President, Claudia Sheinbaum, has focused mainly on using social programmes to address the root causes of crime. However, in late 2024, she also took on a more aggressive approach with a substantial deployment of military and naval troops, as well as special forces and heavy weaponry, to areas particularly affected by these drug trafficking groups.

Sheinbaum has called on the United States to help crack down on cartel activity. And as part of its efforts to crack down on drug cartels, the Trump administration added several Mexican cartels, such as the Sinaloa, to the US list of foreign terrorist organisations, as well as expanded its use of a covert drone programme to find and identify fentanyl labs in Mexico.

Interestingly, it was a new US-military-led task force specialising in intelligence collection on drug cartels that played a significant role in the operation that led to El Menchos death on Sunday.

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With inputs from agencies
Mexico is in the grips of violence following the death of infamous drug cartel leader Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cerantes, popularly known as El Mencho. Now, the spotlight is on his wife, Rosalinda Gonzalez Valencia, and his children

Rosalinda Gonzalez Valencia is the wife of El Mencho. They married in 1996. Image Courtesy: @AztecaNoticias/X

Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cerantes, better known as El Mencho, was killed on Sunday (February 22) in a military operation. The leader of the dreaded Jalisco New Generation Cartel in Mexico (CJNG) suffered serious injuries in clashes between supporters and the Mexican army.

One of Americas most wanted men, El Mencho, is widely believed to be Mexicos most powerful cartel leader. His death sparked a wave of unrest in the country as vehicles were torched while armed gunmen blocked highways across states.

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Amid the ongoing buzz about El Mencho, theres a lot of interest in his personal life. Heres all you need to know about his wife and family.

Who is Rosalind Valencia, El Menchos wife?

El Mencho is married to Rosalinda Gonzalez Valencia. According to reports, the two tied the knot in 1996 and have been living separately since 2018.

She hails from the well-known Valencia clan, whose roots trace back to the marijuana trade several decades ago.

The Valencia family founded Los Cuinis, an adjacent money-laundering outfit that runs the CJNGs financial operations.

Within the CJNG, she manages the assets and oversees their vast network of legitimate front companies.

According to BBC, she was first arrested in 2018 in a high-profile operation but was later released on bail. She was re-arrested in 2021 in Zapopan, Jalisco, on charges of illicit operation of funds.

She was sentenced to five years in prison in December 2023 for money laundering, but was released early in February 2025 due to good conduct.

Many refer to her as La Jefa, or the boss. Her role in the finances of the cartel make her equally essential to the cartels survival as her husbands military leadership.

What about El Menchos children?

The couple share three children together, namely, Ruben Oseguera Gonzalez (El Menchito), Jessica Johana Oseguera, and Laisha Oseguera.

El Menchito was extradited to the US in 2020 and was convicted of charges that he used violence, including the deadly downing of a military helicopter, to help his father operate one of the countrys largest and most dangerous narcotics trafficking organisations.

The eldest daughter, Jessica Johanna Oseguera, known as La Negra, was arrested in the United States in February 2020. She was sentenced to 30 months in prison. She was released early from a US prison and served only 25 months in custody.

What is the net worth of El Mencho?

An exact estimate of the late drug lords net worth is not known.

However, the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has indicated that it might exceed $1 billion (Rs 8,300 crore).

According to an archived Univision report, DEA agent Kyle Mori, who was part of the team pursuing the fugitive kingpin, said, He likely has at least $500 million, and it may even exceed $1 billion.

The figure captures his personal net worth, but some analysts estimate the Jalisco New Generation Cartels assets to be in the tens of billions.

How was El Mencho killed?

El Mencho died on Sunday as he was being taken to Mexico City, after being seriously injured in clashes between his supporters and the Mexican army.

Four CJNG members were also killed, while three army personnel were also injured in the town of Tapalpa, the central-western Jalisco state.

Mexicos President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo later urged people to remain calm. In a post on X, she wrote that in most parts of the country, activities are proceeding normally.

With inputs from agencies
The EU will hold a special meeting today to discuss the EU-US trade deal clinched last summer after the US top court struck down sweeping tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump. Also, the deadline for Paramount to improve its offer on Warner Bros Discovery (WBD) is today. The company is expected to submit a best and final bid

The European Commission is seeking clarification from the White House after the US Supreme Court struck down sweeping tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump. File image/Reuters

Its set to be a big day when it comes to the world of news. The US Supreme Courts dramatic decision on Friday to rule most of US President Donald Trumps tariffs illegal has left the countrys trade partners trying to figure out what the verdict means for them.

In other news, Warner Bros Discovery (WBD) has rejected Paramount Skydances revised $30-per-share offer but invited the company to submit a best and final bid. The deadline for the Paramount is today.

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Read this and more of the big news from across the world today.

Special meeting on the EU-US trade agreement

European Union lawmakers will hold an emergency meeting today (February 23) to reassess the blocs trade deal with the US following the supreme courts decision to strike down some of President Donald Trumps global tariffs.

The European Parliaments trade committee had been expected to vote Tuesday to move forward with the ratification process of the US-EU agreement. EU lawmakers previously froze the ratification process after Trump threatened to annex Greenland.

The decision by the Supreme Court was expected, Bernd Lange, chairman the trade committee said in a statement to Bloomberg. The legal basis for the unjustified tariffs was not correct.

Lange wrote on social media that we must now carefully evaluate the ruling and assess possible implications on the ongoing work to ratify the agreement.

Deadline day for Paramount

Warner Bros Discovery (WBD) rejected Paramount Skydances revised $30-per-share offer but invited the company to submit a best and final bid, even as it reaffirmed its commitment to a previously agreed merger with Netflix. The deadline for Paramount to improve its offer on Warner Bros Discovery (WBD) ends today (February 23).

The deadline for Paramount to improve its offer on Warner Bros Discovery (WBD) ends today. File image/Reuters

In a letter to Paramounts board, WBD Chairman Samuel DiPiazza Jr and CEO David Zaslav said the current proposal was not reasonably likely to be superior to the Netflix transaction. The development sets up a decisive week in a high-stakes battle for control of Warner Bros film studios, television assets, and extensive content library.

Ex-Philippine leader Duterte to face ICC

Judges at the International Criminal Court (ICC) have ruled that former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte is fit to take part in pre-trial proceedings over alleged crimes against humanity.

The ICC is also set to hold a hearing today (February 23) to determine whether the prosecution has sufficient evidence to proceed to trial.

Duterte faces charges of crimes against humanity for his alleged role in multiple killings linked to his war on drugs during his time in office.

Having regard to the relevant legal principles, the medical assessment of the independent experts  and all of the relevant circumstances of the case, the Chamber was satisfied that Mr Duterte is able effectively to exercise his procedural rights, the court said in a statement, according to Al Jazeera.

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Dutch PM-elect Rob Jettens government to be sworn in

After agreeing to principle to form a minority coalition government, Rob Jetten and his government will be sworn in today in the Netherlands.

The centrist D66 party, which took first place in last Octobers election, the center-right Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA) and the liberal Peoples Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD) will join forces in a coalition that will only hold 66 seats in the Netherlands lower house of parliament, 10 seats short of a majority. Minority governments are rare in the Netherlands.

With this, D66s leader, 38-year-old Rob Jetten, will be the youngest Dutch prime minister in history.

US-Mauritius to hold bilateral security talks

From today, (February 23) to February 25, the United States and Mauritius are holding discussions in Port Louis, led by the US Department of States Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, with participation from various US government agencies, the US State Department statement said.

The talks will focus on strengthening bilateral security cooperation and ensuring the effective implementation of security arrangements for the base to support its long-term and secure operation, the statement added.

These discussions underscore the continued importance of the Chagos archipelago and the joint US-UK base on Diego Garcia to our national security.

With inputs from agencies
As PM Narendra Modi is set to visit Israel, reports have emerged that Israel has offered its Golden Horizon missile to India. The air-launched ballistic missile, fired from an aircraft, has an estimated range between 1,500 km and 2,000 km

Prime Minister Narendra Modi (L) stands next to his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu as they deliver joint statements during their meeting in Jerusalem July 4, 2017. File Photo/Reuters

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be in Israel from February 25 to 26 for his second visit to the country since 2017. During the trip, he is expected to address the Knesset, Israels parliament, and hold talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

With Modi set to embark on the high-profile visit, reports have surfaced that Israel has offered to supply its Golden Horizon ballistic missile to India. The proposal is not yet confirmed by either side.

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Lets take a closer look.

What are Golden Horizon missiles?

The Golden Horizon is an air-launched ballistic missile (ALBM). Not much is officially known about the missile.

Just before Israel attacked Iran in October 2024, leaked United States intelligence documents suggested that Israel was working with two systems  hitherto unknown Golden Horizon and Rocks, a Rafael-developed missile believed to be derived from the previous Anchor model.

Other known Israeli ALBMs are Rampage and Air LORA. Israel reportedly already sells these two missiles to India.

The Golden Horizon missile has an estimated range between 1,500 km and 2,000 km. On the other hand, Rocks, Rampage and Air LORA have ranges of about 175 miles (282 km).

Golden Horizon likely has the range for Israeli aircraft to hit Tehran without having to enter Iranian airspace, removing a lot of risk from the equation, Sebastien Roblin, a widely published military-aviation journalist, told Business Insider.

Some defence experts estimate Golden Horizons operational range from a fighter jet to be around 800 kilometres.

Israels Blue Sparrow has an estimated 1,250-mile (2011.68 km) range. The Sparrow missiles were originally designed to simulate Iraqi Scud and Iranian Shahab ground-launched missiles for testing Israels Arrow interceptor missiles.

An Arrow 3 ballistic missile interceptor is seen during its test launch near Ashdod, December 10, 2015. File Photo/Reuters

According to reports, Golden Horizon may be derived from the Sparrow series. The original Silver Sparrow is 8.3 meters long and has a pre-launch weight of 3,100 kilogrammes.

How Golden Horizon may boost Indias defence

Israels reported offer of Golden Horizon air-launched ballistic missiles could strengthen Indias military capabilities. While information about the missile remains limited, open-source defence reports claim Golden Horizon is being customised for seamless integration with Indias Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jets.

Ballistic missiles are usually launched on fixed trajectories and are harder to intercept by dense air defence networks. Air-launched ballistic missiles are carried by fighter jets or bombers, avoiding the vulnerability of known ground launch sites. Being fired from the air gives these ballistic missiles the advantage of striking with extreme speed, as per Ynet News.

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They can come from any direction and make defence much harder, Uzi Rubin, a twice-recipient of Israels Defense Prize, previously said.

ALBMs have an edge over ground-based ballistic missiles, which are deployed by militaries around the world.

Israeli ALBMs offer more operational flexibility compared to Irans SRBMs [short-range ballistic missiles] simply because they can be deployed from the air, allowing for an overall longer reach as the launching aircraft can obviously get closer to the target compared to a ground launcher, Federico Borsari, a defence expert at the Centre for European Policy Analysis, told Forbes.

While cruise missiles are also common, ballistic missiles launched from aircraft are still rare. Such missiles are possessed by only a handful of countries, such as Russia, China and Israel.

The main advantage of an [air-launched ballistic missiles] over an [air-launched cruise missiles] is speed to penetrate defences. The downside  accuracy  looks to have been largely solved, Jeffrey Lewis, director of the East Asia Nonproliferation Program at the James Martin Centre for Nonproliferation Studies at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies in California, told Reuters in November 2024.

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Golden Horizon is reportedly developed to destroy deeply buried and heavily reinforced structures, such as subterranean command bunkers or shielded nuclear facilities. These cannot be reached by standard air-to-surface missiles, as per Defence News India.

After being launched from an aircraft, the missile follows a high-arcing ballistic trajectory, flying to near-space altitudes before striking its target. During this terminal phase, the missile reaches hypersonic speeds, reported to be over Mach 5.

To put it into context, Indias BrahMos missile has a speed of Mach 2.8, nearly three times the speed of sound.

If India reaches a deal to procure Golden Horizon from Israel, it would boost the Indian Air Forces arsenal, enhancing its deep-strike operations.

With inputs from agencies
Iran and the US are on the brink of a conflict. Tehran, which believes a war is imminent, is reportedly making contingency plans. Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has entrusted the countrys top national security official, Ali Larijani, to ensure the Islamic Republics survival

ran's Supreme National Security Council Secretary Ali Larijani could lead Iran in case of war with the US. File Photo/Reuters

Tensions are rising between Iran and the United States as the Donald Trump administration continues with its war threats. As US military strikes on the West Asian nation remain a possibility, Irans Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, is preparing for the countrys survival.

He has reportedly entrusted Irans top national security official with the survival of the political structure and managing war conditions. Ali Larijani, 67, may steer the country in case of an attack or assassination of Irans supreme leader.

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Lets take a closer look.

Who is Ali Larijani?

Ali Larijani is the Secretary of Irans Supreme National Security Council (SNCS), the body with the ultimate authority over the countrys security and foreign policy decisions.

He served as senior advisor to the Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

Larijani has been running the West Asian country since January, when Iran witnessed nationwide anti-regime protests, reported New York Times (NYT).

He is a founding member of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and has also led Irans state broadcaster, the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting.

Larijani, who comes from an elite political and religious family, served as Speaker of Parliament from 2008 to 2020. In 2021, he was responsible for negotiating a 25-year comprehensive strategic deal with China.

In July 2025, Larijani met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow for high-level discussions on regional security and cooperation. He also flew to Baghdad and Beirut, meeting with their respective leaders.

Last August, Irans president appointed Ali Larijani to helm the countrys highest security body (SNCS), bringing him to the centre of leading Tehrans regional and defence strategy.

Irans Supreme National Security Council Secretary Ali Larijani speaks after meeting with Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, in Beirut, Lebanon, August 13, 2025. File Photo/Reuters

Dr Sanam Vakil, Director, Middle East and North Africa Programme, Chatham House, told Newsweek at the time: His selection signals a shift toward a more unifying, experienced regime insider capable of managing both domestic political tensions and sensitive regional diplomacy. Larijanis track record as parliament speaker and nuclear negotiator suggests Tehran may seek a more calibrated security and foreign policy approach. His experience positions him to navigate complex regional dynamics while maintaining cohesion within Irans political structures.

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As per NYT, Larijanis influence in Iran has even surpassed that of its President Masoud Pezeshkian. He was in charge of crushing the recent protests in the country demanding the end of Islamic rule.

Larijani is overseeing Tehrans nuclear negotiations with Washington.

In January, amid Irans brutal crackdown on anti-government protests, US envoy to West Asia Steve Witkoff tried to contact Irans foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, two senior Iranian officials and a former diplomat told NYT.

Araghchi then contacted the Iranian president, asking if he was authorised to communicate back with Witkoff. Pezeshkian asked the foreign minister to get approval from Larijani instead, underscoring the growing role of Larijani in governance and foreign policy matters.

Is Larijani Supreme Leader Khameneis successor?

Ali Larijanis rise in Iran with the blessings of Supreme Leader Khamenei is notable.

According to the NYT report, Larijani is drawing up contingency plans to manage Iran if a war breaks out with the US as Washington builds up its military presence in the region.

Khamenei has directed Larijani and a few other close political and military associates to ensure the survival of the Islamic Republic in case of US military strikes and assassination attempts on the countrys top leadership, including the supreme leader.

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Several senior officials and members of the Revolutionary Guard Corps told the American newspaper that Khamenei has established a four-layer succession plan for each of the military command and government roles appointed by him. He has also instructed senior officials to name up to four replacements.

In case communication with the supreme leader is impeded or he is killed, Khamenei has delegated responsibilities to a close-knit group of confidants to make decisions.

While Larijani is not Khameneis successor as the Supreme Leader, he is in his trusted circle, which also includes Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf, the parliament speaker, his top military adviser, Major General Yahya Rahim Safavi, and his chief of staff, the cleric Ali Asghar Hejazi, as per NYT.

A part of this intensive planning is due to Tehrans lessons from Israels surprise attack in June, which wiped out Irans senior military leadership.

Khamenei is dealing with the reality in front of him, Vali Nasr, an expert on Iran and its Shiite theocracy at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, said to NYT.

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He is expecting to be a martyr and thinking, this is my system and legacy, and I will stand until the end. He is distributing power and preparing the state for the next big thing, both succession and war, aware that succession may come as a consequence of war.

ALSO READ: Leave Iran: India issues new advisory to citizens as US strike on Tehran looms

If the US and Iran go to war, special forces units of the police, intelligence agents and battalions of the plainclothes Basij militia, a subsidiary of the Guards, will be deployed to the streets of major cities, as per the report. The militias would establish checkpoints to thwart domestic unrest and search for operatives linked to foreign spy agencies.

Larijani tops the list of who would run Iran if Ayatollah Khamenei and top officials were killed, three officials told NYT. He is followed by Parliament Speaker General Ghalibaf and former president Hassan Rouhani.

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As war clouds loom, Iran and the US are set to hold a third round of nuclear talks on Thursday (February 26) in Geneva, Omans Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi announced on Sunday.

This comes as the US has ramped up its military presence in West Asia, with President Donald Trump warning that really bad things will happen if no deal is reached between the two sides over Tehrans nuclear programme.

We are ready in our country, Larijani told Al Jazeera when he visited the Qatari capital, Doha, 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 wont start the war. But if they force it on us, we will respond.

With inputs from agencies
Nemesio El Mencho Oseguera Cervantes, one of the worlds most-wanted drug traffickers, was killed by Mexican special forces on Sunday (February 22). A former policeman, he co-founded and led the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), Mexicos powerful cartel that trafficked drugs and displayed ultraviolence

Mexican drug lord Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, also known as El Mencho, appears in a Spanish-language wanted poster with undated photographs on the US Department of State website, with a $15 million reward offered for information leading to his arrest. Mexico's defence ministry said a shootout in the western state of Jalisco left Oseguera seriously injured and he died during an air transfer to Mexico City. US State Department/Reuters

Nemesio El Mencho Oseguera Cervantes, Mexicos most powerful cartel leader and one of Americas most wanted fugitives, was killed in a military operation to arrest him on Sunday (February 22). He died in Jalisco state after being seriously injured in clashes between his supporters and the Mexican army.

El Mencho was the leader of the dreaded Jalisco New Generation drug cartel, known by its Spanish acronym CJNG. His killing is the highest-profile blow against these syndicates since the recapture of former Sinaloa cartel boss Joaquin El Chapo Guzman a decade ago.

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Four CJNG members were killed in the town of Tapalpa, the central-western Jalisco state and three army personnel were also injured, reports the BBC.

Violence erupted in several states across Mexico after security forces carried out the operation. The Jalisco set cars ablaze, built roadblocks and attacked security forces in eight states to retaliate against the killing.

A soldier stands guard by a charred vehicle after it was set on fire in Cointzio, Michoacan state, Mexico, Sunday, after the death of the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, known as El Mencho. AP

Who was Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, aka El Mencho?

Oseguera Cervantes was one of the worlds most-wanted traffickers. A former police officer, he led the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, known by its Spanish acronym CJNG, as it became one of the most powerful and ruthless criminal organisations inside Mexico, according to the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

He and CJNG have been accused of trafficking large quantities of fentanyl and other drugs into the US. At the time of his death, the US State Department was offering a $15,000,000 (Rs 136 crore) reward for information leading to his arrest.

Oseguera Cervantes 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 has competed with avocado production for decades.

The cartel boss Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, known as El Mencho, was killed by Mexican security forces on Sunday. Image Courtesy: DEA

As a boy, he worked the fields, and later went to seek his fortune in the US, where prosecutors said he got into the heroin trade. After a few years, he was arrested and served time in an American prison, reports Reuters.

He was deported back to Mexico, where he joined the police. In 1996, he married Rosalinda Gonzalez Valencia, the niece of a powerful gang leader, Armando Valencia, alias Maradona. Oseguera Cervantes joined Valencias Milenio Cartel, a satellite of the Sinaloa Cartel. Eventually, he became a top enforcer after stints as a sicario, or cartel assassin.

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After a failed attempt at taking over this cartel, Oseguera Cervantes struck out alone, declared war on Sinaloa, and founded the CJNG in alliance with a local gang of money launderers around 2009. The cartel is named for the western state of Jalisco, home to one of Mexicos largest cities, Guadalajara.

El Mencho diversified into rackets such as stolen fuel, forced labour and human trafficking. He went on to become Mexicos most influential crime boss after El Chapo Guzman, who is now in a US prison.

However, 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 Cervantes 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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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 Menchos 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 organised crime expert at Columbia University.

Noting El Menchos 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. Compared to the Mexican government, said Buscaglia, he was the least bad option.

What is Jalisco New Generation?

The Jalisco New Generation Cartel grew to become one of Mexicos most dominant drug trafficking organisations. It move sythentic drugs  cocaine, methamphetamine and, in recent years, fentanyl  into the United States and other countries. In recent years, fentanyl has been linked to hundreds of thousands of overdose deaths.

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.

According to the US National Counterterrorism Guide, CJNG was the main competitor of the Sinaloa cartel. It grew in size and influence by joining hands with smaller local gangs in Mexican states Jalisco, Nayarit, and Colima.

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A bullet-riddled facade with the acronym of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) is pictured in El Aguaje in Michoacan state, Mexico. File image/Reuters

The group comprises 15,000 to 20,000 members, according to US government estimates, reports the New York Times (NYT). Apart from drug trafficking, the gang is involved in extortion, fuel theft, kidnapping, illegal logging and mining, and migrant smuggling.

El Menchos gang routinely employed beheadings and other gory means of intimidation. In one six-week period in 2015, it killed two dozen police in western Mexico as a warning to authorities. It conducted public executions and put bodies on display, and often used social media to publicise the violence. The cartel earned a reputation for brazen attacks on Mexican security forces.

The CJNG did not hesitate to take on the most powerful people in Mexico, attacking and assassinating law enforcement officers, judges and politicians. In 2020, Mexico Citys 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 cartel. Harfuch is now the countrys security chief and helped oversee the operation against Oseguera Cervantes.

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Who will take over CJNG after El Menchos death?

Its not clear who will succeed Oseguera Cervantes, or if any one person can.

The Jalisco cartel has a presence in at least 21 of Mexicos 32 states and is active in almost all of the US, according to the DEA. But it is also a global organisation and the loss of its leader could be felt well beyond Mexico.

El Mencho controlled everything, he was like a countrys dictator, Mike Vigil, former chief of international operations for DEA, was quoted as saying by AP.

His absence could slow the cartels rapid growth and expansion and leave it initially weakened against the Sinaloa cartel on several fronts where they or their proxies are fighting. The Sinaloa is locked in its own internal power struggle, however, between the sons of El Chapo and the faction loyal to Ismael El Mayo Zambada, who is in US custody.

Vigil said Mexico should seize the moment to launch an effective frontal assault based on intelligence. This is a big opportunity for Mexico and the United States if they work together, he said.

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Security analyst David Saucedo said that if relatives of Oseguera Cervantes take control of the cartel, the violence seen Sunday could continue. If others take power, they could be more willing to turn the page and continue operations.

The greatest fear would be that the cartel turns to indiscriminate violence. They could decide to launch narcoterrorism attacks  and generate a scenario similar to what Colombia lived in the 1990s, a full-on attack against the government car bombs, assassinations and attacks on aircraft.

However, the elimination of the cartel boss is a big victory for Mexico. It could give the government some advantage in its dealings with the US Trump administration, which has been threatening tariffs or unilateral military action if Mexico does not show results in the fight against the cartels.

With inputs from agencies
Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to Israel, beginning on February 25, Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israel is looking to form a hexagon of alliances, which will counter the radical Shia axis. The Israeli PM has proposed that India join the six-sided alliance along with other African and Arab nations

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will travel to Israel on Wednesday (February 25) where he will meet his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu. File image/Reuters

Its a big week for India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be travelling to Israel this Wednesday (February 25) for a two-day visit during which he will hold a discussion with Israels Benjamin Netanyahu on an array of topics.

Ahead of the visit, the Israeli prime minister described Modi 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 wrote on X. 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.

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Netanyahu also announced that Israel plans to build a network of allied nations  titled the Hexagon of Alliances  in or around West Asia to collectively stand against what he called radical adversaries.

As we gear up for Modis historic visit to Israel, heres a better understanding of what is this new alliance and why it is significant.

What is the Hexagon of Alliances?

>> According to Netanyahu, the hexagon of alliances is a six-sided alliance with countries from in and around West Asia.

>> The countries that Netanyahu sees being a part of the hexagon of alliances is India, Greece, Cyprus and other unnamed Arab, African and Asian countries.

>> In the vision I see before me, we will create an entire system, essentially a hexagon of alliances around or within West Asia, Netanyahu said, according to the Times of Israel. 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.

>> Netanyahu, however, did not clarify what he meant by emerging radical Sunni axis.

>> As per a PTI news report, this alliance would be similar the vision of IMEC, India- Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, which aims to bolster economic development by fostering connectivity.

>> The hexagon of alliances would coordinate across three aspects  economic cooperation, diplomatic alignment and security collaboration.

>> Netanyahu perceives the bloc to be a counterweight to Iran and its network of proxies, which is often referred to as the resistance of 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, he asserted.

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> Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem rejected Netanyahus hexagon of alliances plan, calling the proposal a direct threat to their strategic interests. What is happening is an attempt to reshape the region in a way that serves only the interests of the occupation. These moves are based on the weakness that afflicted Arab nations during the war in Gaza. We call on Arab states to recognise the danger of these schemes and their repercussions on the regions security and stability, Qassem was quoted as saying by i24News.

Netanyahu is likely to pitch the idea of the hexagon of alliances to PM Modi during his two-day visit to Israel, starting Wednesday. File image/AFP

What do we know of Modis visit to Israel?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Israel this Wednesday  a second since 2017. It comes months after the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza after two years of war.

Special attention will be paid 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.

During the two-day visit, PM Modi is expected to address the Knesset, Israels parliament  a rare honour. The two countries are also expected to deepen the cooperation by signing agreements in sectors such as technology cooperation, security collaboration, artificial intelligence, agriculture, water management, and trade.

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There are also talks that India is looking at joint development of anti-ballistic missile shields, laser weapons, drones and long-range stand-off missiles, alongside expanded cooperation on advanced systems like Iron Dome, Davids Sling and Arrow.

Later, on Sunday, PM Modi thanked Netanyahu on X, 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.

With inputs from agencies
Donald Trumps threats against Iran continue. However, it is still unclear what the American leaders endgame is in the Islamic Republic. Does he want to take out Tehrans missile programme or force regime change?

Donald Trump is contemplating an attack against Iran. It's unclear when or where the US will strike the Islamic Republic. File image/Reuters

US President Donald Trump has pushed the United States to the brink of war with Iran. However, theres little clarity on what is Americas long-term goal, if a war ensues.

In recent days, US President Donald Trump has ordered a huge build-up of military forces in and around Iran. Warships and dozens of fighter planes have been redeployed to West Asia.

In turn, Iran has also threatened to take necessary action against the US if it is attacked.

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Fearing the worst, India has advised its nationals to leave the Islamic Republic as soon as possible. In its advisory, the Embassy of India asked its citizens to leave Iran by available means of transport, including commercial flights.

What are Trumps options?

Last Thursday, Trump indicated that he would determine within 10 to 15 days whether to authorise military action against Iran if talks on a nuclear agreement do not succeed. According to news website Axios, Trump has an array of options that he can use to neutralise the region, including a direct attack on Irans supreme leader, Ali Khamenei.

Trump has repeatedly emphasised that he prefers diplomacy, but only if any agreement covers Irans nuclear work, its ballistic missiles, and its support for groups such as Hezbollah and Hamas. Iran has ruled out accepting those terms.

Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei waves during a meeting in Tehran, Iran. File image/Reuters

The United States and Iran recently held two rounds of indirect talks in Oman and Switzerland. Theres been little progress during the prior discussions. Talks set to resume on Thursday in Switzerland.

Trump is surprised that Iran has not capitulated, given the massive US military buildup, his envoy Steve Witkoff has said.

The Trump administration most likely aims for a limited conflict that reshapes the balance of power without trapping it in a quagmire, said Alex Vatanka, an analyst at the Middle East Institute in Washington.

Vatanka said Iran is now expecting a short, high-impact military campaign that would cripple Irans missile infrastructure, undermine its deterrent, and reset the balance of power after the 12-day war with Israel in June 2025.

Whats the reason behind the move?

Donald Trump has frequently maintained that US attacks on uranium enrichment facilities effectively destroyed Irans nuclear programme. Things changed with the January protest movement in Iran, which security forces put down with a huge loss of life. He threatened several times to intervene to help the Iranian people, but did not act.

Trump boasts often of having brought peace to West Asia, citing the oft-violated ceasefire he engineered in Gaza between Hamas and Israel. And he has argued that regime change in Iran would strengthen what he calls a dynamic toward peace in the region.

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But Democrats are worried that Trump is leading America into a violent mess and demanding that he consult Congress, the only body in the United States with the authority to declare war.

How powerful is the US military presence in West Asia?

West Asia has witnessed an influx of US military, including the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, nine destroyers, and three frigates.

More warships are on the way. The worlds largest vessel, the US aircraft carrier USS Gerald Ford, was photographed sailing through the Strait of Gibraltar to enter the Mediterranean on Friday.

In this handout photograph released by the US Navy, the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) sails in the Arabian Sea on February 11, 2026. File image/Reuters

Besides the many planes parked on the aircraft carrier, the United States has sent a powerful force of dozens of warplanes to the West Asia, and tens of thousands of US troops are stationed across the West Asia.

These are potential targets for attack by Iran.

To what end?

According to Richard Haas, who previously led the Council on Foreign Relations, the impact of a conflict of any scale or duration on Irans leadership is still uncertain.

Writing recently on Substack, Richard Haas said the situation could strengthen the regime just as much as weaken it, adding that its impossible to know what would follow if it fell.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told a Senate hearing late last month that no one really knows what will happen if Irans Supreme Leader falls other than the hope that there would be some ability to have somebody within their systems that you could work towards a similar transition.

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Arab monarchies in the Gulf that have close relations with Iran have warned Trump against intervening, fearing they might be targeted in reprisal attacks and wary of any destabilization in the region.

Mona Yacoubian, of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, recently told AFP that Iran is much more complex than the operation in Venezuela, which the United States attacked on January 3 as it captured its leader, Nicolas Maduro.

She said Iran has more diffuse centres of power and a decapitation strike could end up really unleashing a mess inside of Iran.

With inputs from agencies
Hours after the US Supreme Court struck down Donald Trumps tariff policy, a phone call to C-Span, an American network, has gone viral. A man claiming to be John Barron from Virginia sounded like the US. It is a pseudonym Trump has used in the past

C-Span, an American television network, received a call from a man who identified himself as 'John Barron' to slam the Supreme Court decision of Donald Trump's tariffs. Many now believe that it may have been the president using a fake name. File photo/Reuters

After the US Supreme Court struck down US President Donald Trumps tariffs in a 63 decision, an unexpected twist unfolded on C-Span, an American television network. The network opened its phone lines for public reaction, and a caller with a voice strikingly similar to Trumps phoned in to discuss the courts decision. He identified himself as John Barron.

The moment quickly went viral. Many online praised what sounded like a near-flawless impersonation. Yet others arent convinced it was just a prank. Some speculate the caller, identifying himself as John Barron, could, in fact, have been Trump himself, pointing to his well-documented past of using the same alias in the past to plant stories with journalists.

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Meanwhile, C-Span has put to rest speculations about the callers identity.

Who is John Barron, the viral caller?

Barron was described by the show host Greta Brawner as a Republican from Virginia. Soon after his short introduction, Barron started speaking, and when he did, it was a moment of disbelief as he matched the US Presidents voice.

The caller called the Supreme Court's decision worst"; his views were the same as Trumps.

Look, this is the worst decision you ever have in your life, practically. And Jacks gonna agree with me, right? But this is a terrible decision. And you have Hakeem Jeffries, who  hes a dope! And youve have Chuck Schumer, who cant cook a cheeseburger. Of course these people are happy! Of course these are people happy, but true Americans will not be happy," the caller said.

And you have the woman earlier  I assume shes a woman, shes a Democrat  but shes  devastated by this, he concluded as he mirrored Trumps speaking style.

Left bewildered, the show host then took another call from another viewer.

a guy who claimed to be named John Barron and sounded a lot like Trump called into C-SPAN to complain about the Supreme Court's tariff decision and call Hakeem Jeffries "a dope"



(John Barron is a pseudonym Trump has used for himself when talking to journalists) pic.twitter.com/UixNjll7NB  Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) February 22, 2026

How is the name John Barron linked to Trump?

Many believe that Barron could be Trump. He has reportedly pulled similar tricks in the past.

According to media reports, Trump faced allegations in the 1980s and 1990s of calling journalists while posing as other individuals. Back then, he frequently managed his own publicity and occasionally used aliases when interacting with the media.

Over the years, there have been reports that among the fake names Trump used when speaking to journalists, John Barron was one of them.

HuffPost reported that in 1990, Trump testified in a lawsuit: I believe on occasion I used that name. Therefore, the name John Barron has also been linked to Trump in the past as well.

Trump has reportedly used another alias besides John Barron. CNN once reported that a caller identifying himself as John Miller was in fact Trump, who made little attempt to conceal his voice. He spoke positively of Trump while criticising his rivals.

Based on pitch, tone, cadence, and his expertise, John Miller and Donald Trump are one and the same.

(2016) pic.twitter.com/VZBTeN9fbS  Republicans against Trump (@RpsAgainstTrump) February 22, 2026

In this case, the situation was no different. After the Supreme Courts decision, the US presidents opinion was similar to John Barrons. While speaking at a news conference on Friday (February 20), the president called the striking down of tariffs a disgrace."

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.

How speculations over the callers identity were cleared

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. It was not the President, a social media post by C-Span confirmed.

The post added, Tune into C-Span for the actual president at the State of the Union Address on Tuesday night.

Trumps meeting with the governors began at 9:30 am at the White House, according to the presidents public schedule, reported HuffPost. Two of the governors who met with Trump began their post-meeting press conference at 11:53 am at the Grand Hyatt in Washington, DC.

Trump held a private meeting starting at 10:30 am, which was closed to the press. And Barron called the network at 10:51 am, the media outlet reported.

Because so many of you are talking about Fridays C-SPAN caller who identified himself as John Barron, we want to put this to rest: it was not the president. The call came from a central Virginia phone number and came while the president was in a widely covered, in-person  CSPAN (@cspan) February 22, 2026

The networks statement may have put all the speculation about the callers identity to rest. However, past incidents are resurfacing as people begin to draw comparisons between the C-Span clip and older recordings.

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How did social media react?

An account of Republicans against Trump posted saying, It was probably not Trump, but the fact that we cant completely rule it out says a lot, Times of India (TOI) reported.

Another user chimed in, Next on the line Don from Queens.

Another wrote, This cannot be real.

If thats true, its honestly surreal. A president allegedly calling into C-Span under the old John Barron alias and throwing insults like calling Hakeem Jeffries a dope sounds more like political satire than real life. The fact that John Barron is a well-known pseudonym linked to Donald Trump just makes it even more bizarre. American politics never runs out of plot twists, another user added, according to the media outlet.

With inputs from agencies
Manjit Sangha, a 56-year-old UK woman, developed sepsis after her dog licked her on a small cut or scratch. After 32 weeks in hospital, she has finally returned home, but after a quadruple amputation. Sepsis is a rare but life-threatening condition that can lead to inflammation across the body

A UK womans life changed in a matter of a few hours. Manjit Sangha never would have imagined that playing with her dog and its innocent gesture of licking her would lead her to lose all her limbs.

After spending 32 weeks in hospital, she has finally returned home in Penn on the Wolverhampton and Staffordshire border. As she seeks to rebuild her life, we take a look at her story.

UK woman uses limbs after dog lick

Manjit Sangha, a 56-year-old pharmacy worker, returned home from work on a Saturday afternoon last July, feeling unwell. The next day, she was unconscious, while her hands and feet were ice-cold, as per a BBC report.

Her lips had turned purple and she was having difficulty breathing.

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Sangha was rushed to the New Cross Hospital in Wolverhampton. While in intensive care, her heart stopped six times.

Your mind is all over the place, her husband Kam Sangha told BBC. Youre thinking how can this happen in less than 24 hours?

One minute on a Saturday shes playing with the dog, Sunday shes gone to work, Monday night shes in a coma.

Sepsis is a rare but life-threatening condition. Representational Image/AI-generated

According to doctors, Sangha may have developed sepsis after being licked by her dog on a small cut or scratch.

Later, surgeons at Russells Hall Hospital in Dudley had to amputate both of her legs below the knee and both of her hands, as sepsis spread.

She also lost her spleen, got pneumonia and developed gallstones. I didnt know what was happening. The first month I do not remember anything, Sangha told the British broadcaster.

She returned home last week after more than 30 weeks in hospital.

As she come back to her life, the former pharmacy worker wants to warn people about sepsis, which she said could happen to anybody. Its difficult to explain the experience, she said.

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.

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Sangha and her husband are now fundraising for advanced prosthetics, including robotic hands. They have raised more than 22,000 through a GoFundMe webpage and fundraising at Screwfix, where the woman also worked.

Sangha knows she has a difficult road ahead, but she is set on rebuilding her life.

I want to get walking, she said. I want to get my prosthetics [and] to go back to work. Ive sat down in my chair and my bed enough. Its time to walk now.

What is sepsis?

Sepsis is a rare but life-threatening condition that occurs when the body responds improperly to an infection.

Sometimes, when the body is infected, the immune system overreacts, mistakenly damaging healthy tissues and organs, as per My Cleveland.

This can lead to inflammation across the body. If not treated urgently, sepsis can damage tissue, result in multiple organ failure and even death.

Sepsis can progress to septic shock, which is a significant decline in blood pressure that can damage the lungs, kidneys, liver and other organs, noted Mayo Clinic.

In case of severe damage, a person can die in as little as 12 hours.

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Symptoms of sepsis

Sepsis is hard to spot, as per the UK National Health Service (NHS). Any kind of infection, including bacterial, viral or fungal, can lead to sepsis.

Its symptoms in adults include slurred speech, extreme shivering or muscle pain, mottled or discoloured skin, difficulty breathing, breathlessness or rapid breathing.

A person can develop a sepsis rash that makes the skin discoloured or red if they have a bloodstream infection, or bacteremia.

Other symptoms entail fever, low energy and weakness, fast heart rate and extreme pain and discomfort.

Whos at risk?

People over age 65, who are pregnant, have a weakened immune system, or have chronic diseases, such as diabetes and kidney disease, are vulnerable to sepsis.

Whats the treatment?

Sepsis is curable, but it needs to be treated immediately once diagnosed. In case of bacterial infection, patients are given antibiotics.

Other treatment options include IV (intravenous) fluids, vasopressor drugs to tighten blood vessels, and surgery.

Can sepsis be prevented?

People can take precautions to prevent sepsis. They should practice good hygiene, including handwashing, and keep wounds and cuts clean and covered until healed.

They should get routine medical care for chronic conditions and seek immediate medical attention in case of an infection.

With inputs from agencies
An air ambulance carrying seven people, including two crew members, crashed near Simariya in Chatra district shortly after taking off from Ranchi Airport, according to a report, citing the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Monday

An air ambulance carrying seven people, including two crew members, crashed near Simariya in Chatra district shortly after taking off from Ranchi Airport, according to a News18 report, citing the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Monday.

The aircraft, VT-AJV, operated by Redbird Airways on a medical evacuation flight between Ranchi and Delhi, lost contact with air traffic control 23 minutes after departure.

The aircraft departed Ranchi at 19:11 and lost contact at 19:34 near Atali. Communication was initially established with the next control station, but subsequent contact was not re-established, News18 report quoted the DGCA as saying.

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Onboard were patient Sanjay Kumar, flight crew Captain Vivek Vikas Bhagat and Savrajdeep Singh, and four family members  Archana Devi, Dhuru Kumar, Vikas Gupta, and Sachin Mishra.

A search and rescue team has been dispatched to the crash site, and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is en route for an investigation.

Officials noted that the aircraft regularly operated medical evacuation flights from Ranchi and was one of two air ambulances based there, alongside VT-RAM.

The Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC) was activated following the loss of communication, and state authorities were informed. Search and rescue operations are ongoing, and all standard procedures are being followed, a DGCA spokesperson said.

Jharkhand Minister Irfan Ansari said the state government is closely monitoring the situation.

Jharkhand Minister Dr. Irfan Ansari tweets - "...Upon receiving news of the incident, security agencies and local administration are on high alert. Search and rescue operations have been intensified in the probable area. No official confirmation of any kind has been made yet...I pic.twitter.com/ZJgrbyBoQy  ANI (@ANI) February 23, 2026

In a series of tweets, Ansari wrote: Upon receiving news of the incident, security agencies and local administration are on high alert. Search and rescue operations have been intensified in the probable area. No official confirmation of any kind has been made yet.

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He added that he had instructed officials to take all necessary measures.

I have directed the concerned officials to take immediate necessary action and deploy every possible resource. Our priority is the safe recovery of all passengers. The state government is closely monitoring the situation with utmost seriousness, he added.<

Authorities have mobilised search and rescue teams to the site, and further updates on the condition of the air ambulance occupants are awaited.

With inputs from agencies
India plans to acquire Israeli drones, missiles and laser defence systems as PM Modis visit nears, aiming to build an impregnable air defence shield against missile and drone threats

India is moving to significantly boost its military capabilities by purchasing advanced drones, long-range missiles, and laser-based defence systems from Israel, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepares for a crucial visit expected to deepen strategic defence cooperation.

The planned acquisitions come as India pushes to build what officials describe as an impregnable multi-layered air defence shield capable of countering missiles, drones and aerial threats, especially from Pakistan.

Indias interest in Israeli defence technology spans multiple high-end systems, including combat drones, precision missiles and directed-energy weapons.

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A key focus is Israels cutting-edge laser defence system, known as the Iron Beam, which uses high-energy laser bursts to intercept incoming threats like rockets, mortars and drones at extremely low operational cost.

While Indias own Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has developed a 30-kilowatt laser weapon prototype, Israels operational Iron Beam system is significantly more powerful, offering faster response times and greater interception capability. The technology could complement Indias broader air defence network and close gaps exposed during recent conflicts.

The defence cooperation is expected to be formalised during Modis two-day visit to Israel, where both countries are likely to sign a new memorandum of understanding to expand military collaboration, technology sharing, and joint development of advanced weapons systems.

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu highlighted the growing relationship, saying, The fabric of this relationship has grown tighter, and he is coming here so that we can tighten it further through a series of decisions related to strengthening cooperation between our govts and countries.

He added, We will create an entire system, essentially a hexagon of alliances around or within the Middle East.

Lessons from recent military operations

Indias push for Israeli systems comes after its military relied heavily on Israeli-origin weapons during Operation Sindoor. These included Rampage air-to-surface missiles, Harpy loitering munitions, and Harop kamikaze drones, which were used to strike terror infrastructure and military targets.

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The experience reinforced the effectiveness of Israeli systems and accelerated plans to deepen defence integration.

India is also working on its indigenous multi-layered air defence programme, dubbed Sudarshan Chakra, aimed at protecting major cities and strategic installations from aerial threats by 2035. The programme will integrate advanced missile systems, artificial intelligence, sensors, and cyber defence technologies.

Israel has emerged as one of Indias top defence suppliers, with reports indicating arms deals worth $8.6 billion in 2026 alone. These include SPICE-1000 precision bombs, Rampage missiles with a range of 250 km, Air Lora ballistic missiles, and the IceBreaker missile system capable of striking targets up to 300 km away.

With drone warfare, missile threats, and modern aerial attacks becoming increasingly sophisticated, Indias planned acquisitions from Israel could play a crucial role in strengthening its defensive capabilities.
AI is  unfortunately everywhere. We have an AI curated summary for everything we look up on Google, we ask it for relationship advice, we use it to write dull work emails for us, we use it to think of a polite text to send to our neighbours when the music is too loud, but we still want to be on good terms with them.

At the same time, atleast to me, AI usage feels rather icky, which in all probability is rather stupid, considering it is already morphed into almost all of our internet usage. That isnt to beginning talking about the environmental damage it causes.

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It seems, however like not everyone is of the same opinion.

Peoples perspectives

Pallavi Mandal, 31, said, I dont really think using ChatGPT is problematic. I use AI sometimes, in moments where I feel a tad bit unsure of myself. I had to bike all the way from Saket to Gurgaon on a dreary, foggy winter morning, and it gave me the reassurance that I could do it. I had fun, it gave me the courage that I needed, and I was glad that I ended up going.

Her boyfriend, a technology consultant uses it to analyse data and to speed up his work. His firm has its own specialised AI software. Id probably develop a slight distaste for him if he used it to complete daily tasks, but I think as long as you are using it for pragmatic reasons, it is a relatively good tool.

Quite a few people echo that sentiment. Unzila Rehman* states that the amount she liked her partner wouldnt be remotely affected by the use of AI. I think thats rather idiotic. I dont think it would impact anything.

On the contrary, Hitasha* believes that constant reliance on AI for personal tasks like writing letters or grocery lists seems a bit ridiculous. I feel like if they consistently use AI, theyre intellectually lazy. I also simply dont think we are supposed to move that fast. Its alright to take your time and mediate on things slowly and work around how things go. AI usage is a bit of a sore subject for me, and if Im dating someone and theyre using ChatGPT for everything, I sort of  distance myself.

The research

The Match/Kinsey Institute Singles in America study found that while 43% of AI-using singles use it to write profiles, nearly 50% of all singles consider AI-altered images a hard line. Additionally, 39% of respondents stated they would oppose a partner using AI to help them maintain regular conversations. Research from the University of Cambridge (2024) and Hebrew University suggests an empathy gap. While AI is initially perceived as supportive, users often become disillusioned over time as they realise the interaction lacks genuine moral agency, leading to greater feelings of isolation than if they hadnt used the AI at all.

AI as a relationship counsellor

A study comparing relationship advice from ChatGPT against advice from human experts found that participants rated the AI-generated advice as more helpful and empathic. This is attributed to the AIs ability to remain neutral and avoid the overtly judgmental tone that humans sometimes inadvertently project.

Ive been struggling about dealing with whether or not I should end my long-term relationship, says 25 year old Krishangi Rana. I felt guilty confiding about how I feel with regard to my relationship to my friends and parents, like Id be breaching my partners trust. ChatGPT really helped me evaluate my options.

However, therapist Priyadeep Datta warns against using AI. Its almost okay to use AI to help mediate formal conversations, but to use it to help you take decisions about such major aspects of your life feels fairly risky. It is, after all a bot, unable to fully comprehend the meaning of what it is to be human.

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No matter what ones stance is, we mustnt forget that We are essentially the test subjects for a generative AI experiment  a technology unleashed without the friction of safeguards or the weight of regulation. Rather than fracturing amongst ourselves over the flaws and threats this tech creates, we must pivot our scrutiny toward the true architects of this environment. The focus belongs on the Big Tech billionaires who, from the safety of their ivory towers, are content to watch the fallout from behind the glass of the cage.
Donald Trumps return to the US presidency has not altered the kinetic reality on the battlefield so much as the strategic and political context in which the war is waged. Representational image

The Russia-Ukraine war has shown a mirror to the West, exposing fractures in the long-held belief in deterrence, transatlantic cohesion and the legitimacy of liberal internationalism, even as it has hastened a pathway towards a more multipolar order in which the Global South  and India in particular  seek a distinct voice.

The conflict has revealed structural gaps in Western deterrence, especially after Donald Trumps second presidency last year, and credibility issues that date back at least to the response to Crimea in 2014. Limited economic sanctions and the absence of hard security guarantees signalled to Moscow, which was already wary of NATO expansion right at its civilisational borders  often buttressed by Putins assertion that Ukraine is part of a larger Russian identity. It convinced the Russians that escalation risks were manageable in the larger context of the security of Russias economic and strategic interests.

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It has also highlighted how alliance politics, consensus rules and domestic constraints create ceilings on Western action even when rhetoric on both sides is maximalist. Nuclear risk, energy dependence and electoral politics produced an incremental approach  sanctions and arms deliveries calibrated over months  that looked hesitant to both Moscow and many in the Global South.

Beyond Europe, the war has aggravated existing mistrust in regions such as the Middle East and North Africa, where Western partners view sanctions, humanitarian discourse and refugee policies as selective and interest-driven. Many states see a sharp contrast between the speed and scale of Western mobilisation for Ukraine and the more restrained responses to crises in the non-Western world, reinforcing accusations of double standards.

War in Trump 2.0s Shadows

Donald Trumps return to the US presidency has not altered the kinetic reality on the battlefield so much as the strategic and political context in which the war is waged. His scepticism towards NATOs security guarantees and his questioning of long-term US commitments have forced Europeans to contemplate a future in which Washington is neither the automatic first responder nor the unquestioned leader in European security. He raised the stakes by demanding Greenland be part of the US, emboldened by the Venezuelan experiment, but took a hasty retreat in view of the strong response against his move by the European states.

In this environment, war is increasingly understood as a contest of industrial capacity, sanctions resilience and alliance management rather than a short, high-tech campaign decided by precision weapons alone. The US has simultaneously explored new forms of security partnership with Ukraine tied to access to critical raw materials, blurring the line between strategic solidarity and economic bargaining, concentrating on ending the war and initiating economic engagement with Russia to explore its mineral wealth and rare earth minerals.

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Trump vs Europe

Trumps willingness to challenge established Western positions at the UN  including voting alongside Russia on some resolutions in 2025  has further loosened the old West versus Rest template. For Europe, this underscores the possibility that the United States might seek a separate accommodation with Moscow, or at least pursue its own transactional agenda, even as Europeans still perceive Russia as the primary long-term threat.

The telos of the European and US perception of the war remains the same: to give a strategic defeat to Russia, if not a battlefield defeat, but the means to achieve this differ. For Europeans, the threat to Europe is existential and immediate. For Russias eastern European neighbours, it is about the integrity of the European security order, deterrence along their own borders and the credibility of NATOs Article 5. This has motivated increases in defence spending and talk of coalitions of the willing to offer Ukraine security guarantees, including options that are less dependent on US boots on the ground.

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These differences play out in debates over escalation, war aims and negotiations. US policy has oscillated between maximalist rhetoric and caution over escalation, whereas some European governments emphasise the long-term containment of Russia even if Kyiv must eventually accept a painful compromise, though they know that Trumps approach is transactional, with an expectation that there should be a swift end to the war to economically engage Russia. The Economist writes that Volodymyr Zelenskyy, through his intelligence agencies, has uncovered a $12 trillion transactional deal with Russia whenever the war ends.

The result is a shared front in public, but with underlying disagreements about end-states, timelines and burden-sharing that Russia and others seek to exploit.

UN, Global South and India

The war has further eroded the perceived legitimacy of the UN Security Council, whose permanent members are divided, with one (Russia) a direct party to the conflict. Veto politics have paralysed the Council on core questions of aggression, accountability and enforcement, forcing debates and resolutions into the General Assembly, where outcomes are symbolic but not binding.

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For many Global South states, this paralysis confirms that the UN architecture reflects an outdated distribution of power and is selectively effective depending on who violates international norms. Indias representatives have explicitly questioned the UNs capacity to address contemporary security challenges, highlighting the inherent limitations of resolutions that neither change realities on the ground nor address the broader economic fallout for developing countries.

The Global Souths response has been neither uniformly pro-Russia nor pro-West but characterised by strategic autonomy and economic pragmatism. Many states condemn violations of sovereignty in principle but resist secondary sanctions, push back against Western narratives and foreground the wars impact on food, fuel and debt vulnerabilities.

India stands at the centre of this dynamic. It has repeatedly abstained on anti-Russia resolutions, stressed dialogue and diplomacy, and foregrounded the wider collateral consequences of the war for the Global South. At the same time, it has provided humanitarian assistance to Ukraine, hosted high-level dialogues, and used platforms like the G20 to craft language that both the West and non-Western states could accept, even when that meant avoiding direct mention of the invasion.

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Indias Possible Involvement in Bringing Peace

India on its own cannot be expected to bring the current impasse in the negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, aided by the US, to an end. At best it can only be a facilitator, either individually as a nation or as a leader of the Global South. India understands that any sustainable peace will likely require three interlocking tracks: a cessation of hostilities, a redefined European security architecture, and a broader accommodation among major powers that addresses not only Ukrainian concerns but also Russian security concerns without legitimising aggression. Purely military logic suggests that neither side can achieve maximalist aims at acceptable cost, yet political narratives in Kyiv, Moscow and Western capitals still constrain compromise.

In this context, actors with credibility across blocs are at a premium. India, along with other major Global South players such as Brazil and South Africa, has maintained working relations with both Russia and the West while consistently calling for urgent diplomatic measures to end the hostilities. New Delhis balancing of historical defence ties with Moscow, its strategic partnership with Washington, and its strategic and economic competition with Beijing gives it a unique vantage point that can be leveraged in several ways.

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As Prime Minister Narendra Modi has framed it, this is not an era of war, a line repeatedly referenced by Indian diplomats to signal that major-power competition must be moderated by a collective responsibility to prevent great-power conflicts from cascading into systemic crises and a wider global conflict. Whether the West, Russia and Ukraine can translate battlefield stalemate into political compromise remains uncertain, but the space for actors like India to shape the diplomatic terrain is wider than at any point since the conflict began.

(Amitabh Singh teaches at the School of International Studies, JNU, New Delhi. Views expressed are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.)
It is time for the worlds largest democracy to embrace and cultivate the worlds largest people without a nation

Syrian Kurds lift up flags and flash the V for victory sign during a demonstration in the city of Hasakeh in northeastern Syria, on February 1, 2026. (AFP)

The Kurds remain the largest people without a nation. Cursed by geography, perhaps 45 million Kurds live spread across Syria, Iraq, Iran, and Turkey. Point 12 of US President Woodrow Wilsons 1918 Fourteen Points not only promised secure sovereignty for the Turkish portion of the present Ottoman Empire" but also autonomous development for the other nationalities which are now under Turkish rule. Two years later, the Treaty of Sevres promised Turkeys Kurds independence after one year, but after Mustafa Kemal Ataturk militarily changed the facts on the ground, the 1923 Treaty of Lausanne rescinded the promise of a Kurdistan.

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Turkey crushed by brute force subsequent Kurdish uprisings as Kurds sought fulfilment of their national rights while successive Turkish governments pursued a genocidal policy to eradicate the Kurds, not only razing their villages but also banning their language and denying their very existence. Even writing certain lettersQ, W, and Xthat exist in Kurdish but not Turkish could lead to lengthy prison sentences. At the height of Kemalism, the laical, Turkish nationalist movement that Ataturk founded, Kurds simply became mountain Turks in official parlance.

It was against this backdrop that the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) emerged. Like anti-apartheid activist Nelson Mandela, PKK founder Abdullah Ocalan initially embraced both Marxism and armed struggle, though he later renounced both. Ocalans prison writings reveal a clear evolution of thought.

While the United States designates the PKK as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation, this designation came nearly two decades after the PKKs founding, at a time when the Clinton administration was finalising a helicopter sale to Turkey. Following a lengthy process triggered by Turkeys request for the arrest of PKK members in Belgium, the Brussels Court of Appeal ruled in 2019 that the PKK was not a terrorist group but a party in a non-international armed conflict. In other words, the Belgian court considered PKK actions a defensive insurgency.

When Syrian Kurds put Ocalans philosophy into action, the result was a progressive democracy with full religious rights and womens empowerment that looked far more like a Scandinavian social democracy than any of the autocracies surrounding it.

Perhaps this is why Turkey was so intent on crushing the Kurdish experiment in Syria. For Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, it is hard to abide a functioning democracy next door when his country is an autocracy with a failing economy. Ideologically, Erdogan simply resents Kurds, both because of his own racism and his religious intolerance. Most Kurds are Muslim, but they embrace a more traditional Sufi exegesis, whereas Erdogans Muslim Brotherhood outlook categorises all those who do not adhere to his own intolerant outlook as blasphemers who deserve death.

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Erdogan now responds to the Kurds in two ways. In Iraqi Kurdistan, he co-opts the tribal leadership. Iraqi Kurdistan today is akin to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, a proxy state whose governance Ankara decides rather than its own citizens. Masoud, Masrour, and Areen Barzanirespectively the leader, son and heir apparent, and grandson and future leaderall recognise that if they diverge from Ankara, they will be on the receiving end of a Turkish drone. In Turkey and Syria, he uses his army or Islamist proxies.

The Kurds are between a hammer and the anvil; they have nowhere to go.

It is against this backdrop that India should step forward. There are ancient cultural and linguistic, if not civilisational, ties between India and the Kurds. Kurds are Indo-Iranians and likely share ethnic ties to South Asia in the distant past. Many scholars believe Kurds were among those prehistoric peoples who migrated from the Indian subcontinent to West Asia. The Yezidism and Zoroastrianism some Kurds practised and still practise have links to the ancient Vedic religion so influential in the development of Hinduism. Today, Kurds and Indians share an aversion to Islamist extremism and terrorism.

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Supporting Kurds, both with scholarships and other opportunities denied to them in Turkey and Syria, would affirm the principles Indias post-independence leaders have embraced. While the PKK had formally dissolved, enabling Kurdish political organisations safe haven to organise would help cultivate moderate forces crucial to future stability in West Asia or the post-Islamic Republic of Iran.

Turkey and Syria might object, but Indian leaders should not allow Ankara and Damascus a veto over New Delhis interests. It is time for the worlds largest democracy to embrace and cultivate the worlds largest people without a nation.

(Michael Rubin is director of policy analysis at the Middle East Forum and a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute. Views expressed are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.)
Austin Tucker Martin who was armed with a shotgun and petrol canister was shot dead by Secret Service agents after breaching security at Donald Trumps Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida

Secret Service spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said Martin had been reported missing by his family several days prior to the episode. (X)

An armed man who breached security at US President Donald Trumps Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida was shot dead by Secret Service agents, authorities said. The suspect has been identified as 21-year-old Austin Tucker Martin from North Carolina.

What happened at Mar-a-Lago?

The incident unfolded around 1:30 am local time when Martin drove through the north gate of the Palm Beach property as another vehicle was exiting. He was confronted by two Secret Service agents and a Palm Beach County sheriffs deputy. Investigators said Martin was carrying a shotgun and a petrol canister when he entered the premises.

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According to Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw, officers ordered Martin to drop his weapon. While he put down the fuel canister, he raised the shotgun into a firing position, prompting agents and deputies to open fire. Authorities said the use of force was necessary to neutralise what they described as an immediate threat.

Officials later revealed that Martin had been reported missing by his family several days earlier. Investigators believe he travelled from North Carolina to Florida and obtained the firearm during the journey. A gun case was later recovered from his vehicle.

Federal and local agencies, including the FBI, Secret Service, and Palm Beach County Sheriffs Office, have launched a joint investigation to determine the motive behind the breach. FBI Director Kash Patel said the bureau was deploying all necessary resources and coordinating with partner agencies to establish the suspects background and movements.

Authorities have also asked nearby residents to review security footage for any relevant evidence from the early morning hours.

Senior officials confirmed that President Trump was briefed on the incident. US Attorney General Pam Bondi said she had spoken with Trump and was coordinating closely with federal authorities. The White House also praised the Secret Service response, saying agents acted swiftly and decisively to stop the armed suspect.

Investigators said the motive remains unclear, and the case is part of a broader pattern of recent security threats linked to the president and his properties.
Mexicos most-wanted cartel leader and head of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, died in custody after being injured during a military operation by Mexican special forces in the town of Tapalpa in Jalisco state

A member of the National Guard stands on a vehicle at the site on the highway connecting Mexico City with the state of Puebla, where unknown assailants torched a bus and a trailer, following roadblocks and arson attacks carried out by members of organized crime in several states after a military operation in which a government source said Mexican drug lord Nemesio Oseguera, known as "El Mencho," was killed in Jalisco state, in Santa Rita Tlahuapan, Mexico, on Sunday. Reuters

Twenty-five members of the National Guard and one security guard were killed in cartel attacks following the capture and death of notorious drug lord Nemesio Oseguera, known as El Mencho, Security Minister Omar Garcia Harfuch told Reuters on Monday.

Oseguera, Mexicos most-wanted cartel leader and head of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), died in custody after being injured during a military operation by Mexican special forces in the town of Tapalpa, in Jalisco state, Reuters reported, citing defence ministry.

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Defense Minister Ricardo Trevilla said information leading to Osegueras capture and death came from a romantic partner of the crime boss. The United States had offered a $15 million reward for information leading to his arrest.

More from World What a post-El Mencho power struggle could mean for Mexico

His death sparked a surge of violence across Mexico, with cartel members blocking roads, torching vehicles and launching retaliatory attacks.

El Menchos death triggered 27 cowardly attacks against authorities in Jalisco, Harfuch said at the presidents daily press conference on Monday, adding that 30 cartel operatives were killed as well as one bystander. At least 70 people were arrested in seven states.

We are closely monitoring for any kind of reaction or restructuring within the cartel that could lead to violence, he said.

US President Donald Trump on Monday urged Mexico to intensify its crackdown on drug cartels.

Mexico must step up their effort on Cartels and Drugs! he wrote in a social media post.
97-year-old Babette Burge was scheduled for transfer to St Marys Hospital but fell before the ambulance could arrive. Despite her age and serious injury, she was told she would have to wait ten days for transport

A 97-year-old woman from the Isle of Wight died after being told she would have to wait ten days for an ambulance for a suspected fractured hip, the coroners court heard.

According to a Daily Mail report, Babette Burge was found on the floor of her home in Newport, Isle of Wight, by a carer on October 19, 2025.

Five days earlier, a paramedic from a local GP surgery had assessed her and noted that her leg was shortened and rotated, a classic sign of a fractured hip, added the report.

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Burge was scheduled for transfer to St Marys Hospital in Newport, but she suffered a fall before the ambulance could arrive.

Despite her advanced age, immobility, and the severity of her injury, the court was told that Burge was not immediately transferred to hospital.

She was instead informed that an ambulance to take her from her home to St Marys Hospital would not be available for ten days.

Burge died before the transfer could occur.

An inquest into her death was opened at the Isle of Wight Coroners Court on February 13.

According to the report, an inquest at the court recorded pneumonia as the cause of death, with immobility and a left femoral fracture listed as contributing factors.

Mottling was also observed on her skin, indicating reduced blood flow often associated with poor circulation or cold conditions, added the report.

Coroner Caroline Sumeray extended her condolences to Burges family and set a provisional date of August 12 for a full inquest.

The inquest will examine the ambulance delay and the care provided following Burges fall.

With inputs from agencies
EU demands clarity from the US after the Supreme Court struck down Trumps tariffs, insisting agreed tariff caps under the 2025 trade deal be honoured to protect trans-Atlantic commerce

After the United States Supreme Court struck down broad tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump, the European Commission on Sunday demanded that the United States honour last years trans-Atlantic trade agreement and provide full clarity on future tariff policy. The courts decision has rattled global trade ties and left allies seeking reassurance on longstanding pacts.

In a sharply worded statement, the Commission stressed that unpredictable levies undermine confidence in trans-Atlantic commerce and investment. The Europe-US trade deal, struck in mid-2025, set a 15% cap on most US tariffs for European exports while lifting many duties on US industry goods  part of an effort to stabilise economic relations after years of tariff disputes. A deal is a deal, the executive said, insisting no rate hikes should exceed the agreed limit.

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Supreme Court ruling upends tariff authority

The Supreme Court on Friday ruled that Trump exceeded his authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) by imposing blanket tariffs on imports from most trading partners. That decision struck down tariffs previously justified as emergency measures, although the president quickly responded with new levies under alternative trade laws.

Trumps administration initially imposed tariffs of about 10% across the board in response to the courts decision and then raised them to 15%. The White House said the tariff cap aligns with the 2025 EU-US pact, but European officials remain wary of what the frequent shifts signal for economic predictability.

EU pushes for clarity and adherence

The Commissions demand for transparency underscores concern among EU members about the trajectory of US trade policy. Brussels has been in regular discussions with US negotiators, with Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic even raising the issue directly with Washington in recent talks. The EU seeks reassurance that agreed tariff ceilings and market-access terms will not be eroded by unilateral measures.

Some EU lawmakers are also calling for a delay in ratifying the trade deal, saying the sudden tariff changes alter the legal and economic basis for the agreement and create uncertainty for businesses operating on both sides of the Atlantic.

The Supreme Court ruling has also had broader ripple effects on world markets and trade partners. The decision dampened the US dollar and boosted gold prices as investors eyed the fallout from the courts rebuke of executive tariff authority. Economic analysts say the ruling provides trading partners slightly more negotiating leverage, although lingering uncertainty remains over which tariffs will ultimately stand and how long they will last.

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Ahead of Prime Minister Mark Carneys visit to India next month, Canada has moved to revoke the citizenship of Tahawwur Rana, the PakistaniCanadian accused of playing a key role in the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, according to a report.

NIA personnel hold Tahawwur Rana, accused in the 26/11 Mumbai terrorist attacks case, upon his arrival at the IGI Airport in New Delhi. (Photo: NIA via PTI)

Ahead of Prime Minister Mark Carneys visit to India next month, Canada has moved to revoke the citizenship of Tahawwur Rana, the PakistaniCanadian accused of playing a key role in the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, according to Global News.

Carney is visiting India in a bid to restore the IndiaCanada relationship, which had plunged to its lowest point under his predecessor Justin Trudeau. He is also seeking to reach a trade deal with India amid a trade war with the United States.

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Rana is accused of facilitating the Mumbai terrorist attacks as part of LashkareTaibas (LeT) plot that was sponsored by Pakistans ISI spy agency. He has previously been convicted in the United States in a separate case for planning an attack on a newspaper office in Denmark. He was extradited to India last year.

Global News reported that Carneys government has advanced proceedings to revoke Ranas citizenship  proceedings that first began under former Prime Minister Stephen Harper and later stalled under Trudeaus government.

In the Mumbai attacks, terrorists entered India via sea and struck multiple locations across Mumbai, including the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus train station, the Taj Mahal Palace hotel, the Oberoi hotel, and the Jewish centre Chabad House. They killed 166 people and injured more than 200.

Ranas citizenship revocation stalled under Trudeau

The Canadian government has advanced proceedings to revoke Ranas citizenship on the grounds that he obtained it fraudulently, according to Global News.

This is the standard method in Canada for revoking the citizenship of terrorists, as a law passed by Trudeau bars the government from revoking citizenship on terrorism grounds alone. Trudeau introduced the law after Harpers government revoked the citizenship of several terrorists and restored Canadian citizenship to more than a dozen convicted extremists.

At the time of applying for citizenship in 2000, Rana claimed to have lived in Ottawa and Toronto for the previous four years with only a sixday absence from the country, but a police investigation found that he had actually lived in Chicago in the United States for the entire duration, according to court filings from the Canadian immigration department.

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Rana owned multiple businesses and properties in Chicago, including the immigration company he allegedly used as a cover to facilitate the 26/11 attacks.

ALSO READ  17 years of 26/11: 9 terrorists killed, one hanged; 2 acquitted, justice waits for 6

Authorities have accused Rana of a serious and deliberate deception and said his lack of respect for the citizenship laws of Canada led to the government wrongly granting him citizenship at the time.

Global News reported that thenimmigration minister Chris Alexander (201315) had approved the revocation of Ranas citizenship, but the process stalled under Trudeaus government. In 2020, proceedings resumed after India asked the United States to extradite Rana.

But the process was apparently stalled again as Trudeau plunged the relationship with India to its lowest point with allegations that India was carrying out assassinations inside Canada and running organised crime networks. He also turned a blind eye to the Khalistan movement finding a safe haven in Canada and not only plotting against India from Canadian soil but also threatening Indian diplomats and missions in the country.

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Ranas role in the 26/11 attacks

Rana served as a doctor in the Pakistani army before moving to Canada and later the United States. He ran several businesses as a cover for his terrorist activities.

In 2011, Rana was convicted in the United States for plotting an attack on the Danish newspaper Morgenavisen JyllandsPosten, but he was cleared of charges related to the Mumbai terrorist attacks. He has been linked to another PakistaniAmerican terrorist, David Coleman Headley, who also played a key role in 26/11.

In a U.S. court, Headley testified that Rana allowed him to use his immigration business as a cover to travel to India and plan the Mumbai attacks, despite knowing that the travel was part of a terrorist plot.

Headley said he conducted reconnaissance in Mumbai as part of the plot, and Rana facilitated it.

Rana facilitated Headleys reconnaissance mission in Mumbai for the 26/11 plot on the instructions of Major Iqbal of Pakistans ISI agency, who was among the principal architects of the plot, The Print has previously reported.

Following the attack, Rana allegedly said in intercepted communications that the victims deserved it and that the terrorists involved should be rewarded for their gallantry in battle.

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Ahead of the anniversary of Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Hungary has stalled European Unions (EU) latest sanctions package to pressure Vladimir Putin over a dispute with Ukraine about an oil pipeline.

Russia's President Vladimir Putin and Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban shake hands during a meeting at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia. (Photo: AFP)

Ahead of the anniversary of Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Hungary has stalled European Unions (EU) latest sanctions package to pressure Vladimir Putin over a dispute with Ukraine about an oil pipeline.

EU foreign minister Kaja Kallas on Monday said she did not expect the bloc to pass the sanctions today.

I think there is not going to be progress regarding this today, but we will definitely make this push, said Kallas at the start of a meeting of EUs foreign ministers.

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Vicktor Orban, the far-right Prime Minister of Hungary, has emerged as Putins foremost ally in the EU and has frequently stalled the blocs moves to punish Russia for the invasion of Ukraine and shadow war on Europe.

In the latest salvo, Orban has vetoed EUs sanctions package until the reopening of Druzhba pipeline carrying Russian oil to Hungary through Ukraine. Ukraine has said that the supply has been disrupted from Russian strikes that damaged the pipeline last month.

In the latest sanctions package, the EU has proposed banning shipping services for Russian crude oil to further squeeze the revenue to fund the war on Ukraine. The EU has so far passed 19 packages of sanctions since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Hungary has also emerged as a hurdle in the passage of a 90-billion EU loan for Ukraine.

EU member-states have openly criticised Hungary but Orban has not budged.

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said he was astonished by Hungarys position.

We will discuss this with our Hungarian colleagues. I am also confident that, at the end of the day, we will be successful, said Wadephul.

Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said there is no actually reason to block the sanctions package as the pipeline closure was a result of Russian airstrikes and was not by any Ukrainian action.

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If we are not able to put the sanctions on Russia, then Russia will be happy, said Tsahkna.

Similarly, Polish Foreign Minister called the Hungarian position shocking.
A passenger bus travelling overnight from Pokhara to Kathmandu plunged into the Trishuli River, killing eighteen people and injuring twenty-seven

A passenger bus travelling overnight from Pokhara to Kathmandu plunged into the Trishuli River in the early hours of Monday, killing at least 18 people and injuring several others.

Authorities confirmed that six women and 11 men died in the crash. A total of twenty-seven passengers were rescued with injuries, including eight women, eighteen men and one minor girl. All were taken to various hospitals for treatment. Foreign tourists were also among those on board.

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The bus had been travelling along the Prithvi Highway when it veered off the road at around 1 am near the Bhaisepati area in Benighat Rorang Rural Municipality-5 of Dhading district. The vehicle plunged nearly 300 metres down a slope and was later found heavily damaged near the riverbank.

Rescue effort hindered by terrain and darkness

Rescue operations were jointly carried out by the Nepal Army, the Armed Police Force Nepal, and the Nepal Police. The teams faced significant challenges due to steep terrain, darkness, and limited relief resources.

Survivors were transported nearly one kilometre downstream by boat before being carried up to the roadside and taken to hospitals by ambulance. Chief District Officer Suvedi said the injured were rescued using torchlight during the night and acknowledged a shortage of relief materials at the site.
A powerful blizzard swept across the US Northeast on Monday, dumping more than a foot of snow (30 centimeters) in some areas and bringing travel to a near standstill for millions of residents

A man runs with a shovel as snow falls during a powerful winter storm that forced school closures and pushed offices and transit systems onto emergency schedules, in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, New York City, US, on Monday. Reuters

A powerful blizzard swept across the US Northeast on Monday, dumping more than a foot of snow (30 centimeters) in some areas and bringing travel to a near standstill for millions of residents.

According to a Reuters report, the storm forced road closures, suspended train services, and led to the cancellation of over 5,700 flights.

Thousands of homes and businesses lost power as officials urged residents to stay off the roads.

Im urging every New Yorker to please stay home, Reuters quoted New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani as telling citizens.

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Many schools across the region also closed due to the severe conditions.

More than 15 inches (38 centimeters) of snow had accumulated in Central Park by 8 am, with an additional 5 to 6 inches (13-15 centimeters) expected before the storm eases later in the day, Bob Oravec, a meteorologist with the National Weather Services Weather Prediction Center, told Reuters.

Its a pretty big storm and its definitely a blizzard, he was quoted as saying, noting wind gusts of 40 to 60 mph from Delaware to Boston.

Itll probably take a week to dig out, he added.

Boston reported about 6 inches so far, while parts of Delaware and Southern New England received 12 to 18 inches.

Philadelphia also recorded around a foot of snow.

The storm is expected to taper off in New York City by Monday afternoon, but snowfall will continue in Boston and upper New England through Monday night.

High winds mean the storm meets blizzard criteria, with gusts above 35 mph sustained for three hours or more. Stony Brook Village on Eastern Long Island and Nantucket Island recorded gusts topping 60 mph.

Regional disruptions

Airlines canceled more than 5,700 flights by Monday morning and delayed another 900, according to FlightAware.com. Over 1,600 flights scheduled for Tuesday had already been canceled. Major airports affected include New Yorks JFK and LaGuardia, Boston Logan, and Newark Liberty International Airport.

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New York Governor Kathy Hochul activated 100 National Guard members to assist in Long Island, New York City, and the Lower Hudson Valley. The storm also forced the closure of the UN headquarters in Manhattan.

Parts of the Northeast could see up to two feet of snow, with wind gusts reaching 70 mph, raising risks of falling trees and power outages, the Department of Homeland Security said. Despite a partial government shutdown, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) continues disaster-response operations, prioritizing life safety and property protection.

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey declared a state of emergency, instructing state workers to stay home. Connecticut barred commercial vehicles from limited-access highways, except for emergency and essential deliveries.

Public transit was severely disrupted, with New Jersey train and bus lines halted and Rhode Islands transit authority suspending all service until conditions improve.

With inputs from agencies
Chad has closed its eastern border with Sudan after clashes linked to Sudans civil war killed five Chadian soldiers, as the conflict increasingly spills across the frontier.

The war between the Sudanese Army and Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF) which controls areas of western Sudan, erupted in April 2023 (AFP).

Chad has closed its eastern border with Sudan after weekend clashes linked to Sudans civil war killed five Chadian soldiers, Reuters reported, citing sources.

Fighting between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, ongoing since April 2023, has periodically spilled into Chadian territory, causing casualties and damage.

A Chadian official said clashes on Saturday in the border town of Tine between the RSF and militia aligned with Sudans government killed five soldiers and three civilians and injured 12 others. A border guard officer confirmed the soldiers deaths and said additional security was needed to protect civilians.

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Sources said more Chadian troops were being deployed, while the government announced the border would remain closed until further notice, citing repeated incursions linked to the conflict.

Authorities said the move aims to prevent the conflict from spreading, protect citizens and refugees, and safeguard national stability and territorial integrity. Sudans army and the RSF did not immediately comment. Last year, a drone strike killed two Chadian soldiers, though responsibility was unclear. A regional analyst warned that Chad now appears increasingly drawn into the conflict.
China has called on the US to remove unilateral tariff measures after the US Supreme Court ruled that Donald Trump lacked the authority to impose several of his previous levies

China has urged the United States to cancel unilateral tariffs after the US Supreme Court struck down many of the measures previously imposed by Donald Trump, prompting renewed uncertainty in global trade.

The court ruled six to three on Friday that Trump does not have the authority to impose tariffs under the 1977 law he used to introduce sudden levies on countries. The decision upended a central element of his trade approach.

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Trump reacted by announcing a new 10 per cent global duty under a separate legal authority before raising it to 15 per cent on Saturday.

Beijing calls for tariff removal

The commerce ministry in China said on Monday that it was carrying out a comprehensive assessment of the rulings impact and called on Washington to lift the measures.

China urges the United States to cancel its unilateral tariff measures on its trading partners, the ministry said. There are no winners in a trade war and that protectionism leads nowhere.

The new 15 per cent duties are scheduled to take effect on Tuesday and are expected to last 150 days, with some product exemptions.

Foreign ministry warns of further US actions

Chinas foreign ministry said it was watching closely for potential US steps to retain elevated tariffs.

The United States is currently planning alternative measures such as trade investigations in order to maintain increased tariffs on trading partners. China will continue to pay close attention to this and resolutely safeguard Chinas interests, it said.

Chinas warning comes weeks before Trumps planned visit to the country, which will be his first trip there in his second term. The US Trade Representative, Jamieson Greer, said a meeting scheduled for April between Trump and Xi Jinping was not to fight about trade.

Political setback for Trumps economic agenda

The Supreme Court ruling marked a significant political setback, removing a core instrument of Trumps economic policy that has disrupted global trade dynamics. Several countries have said they are reviewing the ruling and his subsequent tariff announcements.

Greer said on Sunday that trade deals with China, the European Union and other partners would remain in effect despite the courts decision.

US trade officials previously warned in December that they could impose tariffs on the semiconductor sector after determining that Beijings practices were unreasonable. The duties, however, will not take effect until June 2027. Beijing stated at the time that it firmly opposed the move and accused Washington of using tariffs to unreasonably suppress Chinese industries.

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European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said a new round of sanctions against Russia is unlikely to be agreed soon, as Hungary threatens a veto unless Ukraine reopens a key oil pipeline.

The European Unions top diplomat said a new package of sanctions on Russia is unlikely to be approved Monday after Hungary threatened a veto unless Ukraine reopens a key oil pipeline.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said there would likely be no immediate breakthrough at a meeting of EU foreign ministers, though efforts to push the sanctions forward would continue. The bloc has been working to introduce fresh economic measures against Moscow ahead of the fourth anniversary of the Kremlins full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

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Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said Budapest would block the sanctions until the Druzhba oil pipeline is restored. Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto reiterated that position, saying Hungary would not shift its stance while the pipeline remains shut.

Ukraine has said the pipeline, which runs through its territory to supply Russian oil to Slovakia and Hungary, was damaged in Russian strikes in January.

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said he was surprised by Hungarys stance but expressed confidence an agreement could eventually be reached. Estonias Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said there was no justification for blocking sanctions, arguing Russia was responsible for the pipeline disruption. Polands Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski described Hungarys position as shocking.

In addition to opposing sanctions, Hungary has also delayed approval of a 90 billion EU loan package for Ukraine. The EU has already imposed 19 rounds of sanctions on Russia since the invasion began, and the latest proposal includes restrictions on shipping services for Russian crude oil to further limit Moscows revenues.
Earlier this month, police began a criminal investigation into Mandelson after Prime Minister Keir Starmers government passed on communications between the former ambassador and Epstein

Former British Ambassador to the US Peter Mandelson enters a vehicle outside a reported residence, after police launched a misconduct in public office investigation following the release of US Justice Department files linked to the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, in London, Britain, on February 14, 2026. Reuters File

Former British ambassador to the US Peter Mandelson has been arrested by London police on suspicion of misconduct in public office, following revelations over his ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, according to a Reuters report.

Mandelson, 72, was fired from the most prestigious posting in Britains diplomatic service in September, when the depth of his friendship with Epstein started to become clear.

Police earlier this month began a criminal investigation into Mandelson after Prime Minister Keir Starmers government passed on communications between the former ambassador and Epstein.

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Officers have arrested a 72-year-old man on suspicion of misconduct in public office, Reuters quoted Londons Metropolitan Police as saying in a statement relating to an investigation into a former government minister.

Emails between Mandelson and Epstein, released by the US Department of Justice in late January, showed the two men had a closer relationship than had been publicly known, and Mandelson had shared information with the financier when he was a minister in former Prime Minister Gordon Browns government.

Mandelson, who this month resigned from Starmers Labour Party and quit his position in parliaments upper chamber, has previously said he very deeply regretted his past association with Epstein.

But he has not commented publicly or responded to messages seeking comment on the latest revelations.

Last week, King Charles younger brother Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was also arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office over allegations he sent confidential government documents to Epstein.

He has always denied any wrongdoing in relation to Epstein.

The revelations about Mandelsons links to stein have intensified pressure on Prime Minister Starmer over his decision to appoint Mandelson as UK ambassador to the United States in December 2024.

Starmer acknowledged that he was aware  as widely reported in the media  of Mandelsons contacts with Epstein even after the financier was jailed in 2008 for child sex offences.

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Mandelson, the grandson of former Labour home and foreign secretary Herbert Morrison, has been a prominent figure in the Labour Party for five decades.

He was selected as the partys candidate for the safe seat of Hartlepool in 1990 and won it in the 1992 general election.

An early supporter of Tony Blair, Mandelson played a key role in shaping New Labour and directed the partys 1997 general election campaign before holding multiple ministerial posts in government.

The Epstein revelations and the ensuing public backlash led Mandelson to resign from the Labour Party and step down from his seat in the House of Lords.

With inputs from agencies
Frances Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said on Sunday that he would be summoning the US Ambassador to France, Charles Kushner, over comments made on the death of far-right French activist

A demonstration in memory of the far-right activist Quentin Deranque in Lyon, France on Sunday. AFP

Frances Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said on Sunday that he would be summoning the US Ambassador to France, Charles Kushner, over comments made on the death of far-right French activist earlier this month. Barrot condemned the remarks and labelled them as interference.

23-year-old French far-right activist Quentin Deranque died two days after he suffered severe head injuries in a brawl in the city of Lyon on February 12. This quickly drew criticism from US President Donald Trumps administration, which termed the incident a result of left-wing violence.

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We are summoning the US ambassador to France because the embassy issued a commentary on this event, which concerns the national community. We reject any interference in this event, Barrot said in an interview with radio station France Inter.

Why is France summoning the US envoy?

The announcement from the French foreign minister came just days after the US embassy in France shared an X post from the US State Departments Counterterrorism Bureau, which said reports that Deranque was killed by left-wing militants, should concern us all. Violent radical leftism is on the rise, and its role in Quentin Deranques death demonstrates the threat it poses to public safety, the embassy wrote in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter.

The fatal brawl was caught on video, which showed several masked people punching a man on the ground. The video stirred widespread shock and anger in France. Soon after Deranques demise, authorities charged two people with murder. So far, 11 people have been arrested in the violence.

The incident also sparked a diplomatic row between France and Italy after Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said Deranques death was caused by groups linked to left-wing extremism and condemned a climate of ideological hatred sweeping several nations.

It is pertient to note that this is not the first time Kushner, father of President Donald Trumps son-in-law Jared Kushner, has been summoned amid criticism from the French authorities. In August last year, the French foreign ministry summoned Kushner after he accused the countrys government of a lack of sufficient action in confronting antisemitism.
Hamas has recently established a new Shura Council comprising over 80 membersa consultative body largely made up of religious scholarsalong with a new 18-member political bureau

Palestinian Hamas militants secure the area as Egyptian workers accompanied by members of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) search for the remains of the last Israeli hostage in the Zeitoun neighbourhood of Gaza City on December 8, 2025. Qatar and Egypt, guarantors of the Gaza ceasefire, called for the withdrawal of Israeli troops and the deployment of an international stabilisation force as the necessary next steps in fully implementing the fragile agreement. The measures were spelt out in the US- and UN-backed peace plan that has largely halted fighting, though the warring parties have yet to agree on how to move forward from the deal's first phase. Its initial steps saw Israeli troops pull back behind a so-called "yellow line" within Gaza's borders, while Palestinian militant group Hamas released the living hostages it still held and handed over the remains of all but one of the deceased. (Photo by Omar AL-QATTAA / AFP)

A senior Hamas official told AFP on Sunday that the Palestinian Islamist movement was in the final phase of selecting a new leader, with two prominent figures competing for the position.

Hamas recently completed the formation of a new Shura Council of more than 80 members, a consultative body largely composed of religious scholars, as well as a new 18-member political bureau, the official said.

Since the war in Gaza began after Hamass October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, Israeli forces have killed several Hamas leaders, including two former chiefs.

The movement has completed its internal elections in the three regions and has reached the final stage of selecting the head of the political bureau, the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity as he was not authorised to speak publicly.

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He said the race for the groups leadership was now between Khaled Meshaal and Khalil al-Hayya.

A second Hamas source confirmed the development, while a third source said the new leader would lead the movement only for one year.

Despite a US-brokered ceasefire that entered its second phase last month, violence has continued in Gaza, with Israel and Hamas blaming each other for violating the agreement.

Members of the council are elected every four years by representatives from Hamass three branches: the Gaza Strip, the occupied West Bank and the movements external leadership.

Hamas prisoners in Israeli jails are also eligible to vote.

The council subsequently elects the political bureau, which in turn selects the head of the movement.

No difference to us

Palestinians in Gaza voiced mixed reactions to the developments within Hamas.

It will not make a difference to us in Gaza whether it is Meshaal or Hayya, said Ali, 40, originally from northern Gaza but now displaced to the central part of the territory.

We have paid a heavy price under Hamas rule, and we need a leader who can ease the suffering we are experiencing, he said, giving only his first name.

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Radwan Mortaja, 38, from Al-Mawasi in southern Gaza, said the two contenders were seasoned figures within Hamas.

At this time, we need leaders with long experience and who are acceptable to Arab countries to help stabilise Gaza, said Mortaja.

I believe figures such as Khaled Meshaal and Khalil al-Hayya can help steer the situation during this difficult phase.

Thousands of Hamas members voted to choose the council and the political bureau, a third Hamas source said, without specifying how the vote was conducted.

The primary goal of the process was to renew internal legitimacy and fill leadership vacancies, he said.

The new leader will need to navigate between international calls, led by the United States and Israel, for the group to disarm, and resistance to that demand from its armed wing, which fought Israeli forces in Gaza.

Hamas has said previously it would surrender its weapons to a Palestinian authority in Gaza under certain conditions.

Experienced leaders

Both Meshaal and Hayya have years of experience within the movement.

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Hayya, 65, a Gaza native and Hamass chief negotiator in ceasefire talks, has held senior roles since at least 2006, according to the US-based NGO the Counter Extremism Project (CEP).

Meshaal, who led the political bureau from 2004 to 2017, has never lived in Gaza. He was born in the West Bank in 1956.

He joined Hamas in Kuwait and later lived in Jordan, Syria and Qatar. The CEP says he oversaw Hamass evolution into a political-military hybrid.

He currently heads the movements diaspora office.

Last month, a Hamas source told AFP that Hayya enjoyed backing from the groups armed wing, the Ezzedine Al-Qassam Brigades.

After Israel killed former Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran in July 2024, the group chose its then-Gaza chief Yahya Sinwar as his successor.

Israel accused Sinwar of masterminding the October 7 attack. He too was killed by Israeli forces in the southern Gaza city of Rafah.

Hamas then opted for a five-member leadership committee based in Qatar, postponing the appointment of a single leader until elections, given the risk of the new chief being targeted by Israel.

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(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Firstpost staff.)
Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin accuses Muhammad Yunus of sidelining his office, violating constitutional norms and isolating him during the interim government, exposing deep political tensions at the top

Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin has accused former interim leader Muhammad Yunus of sidelining the presidency and violating constitutional norms during his tenure, in remarks that expose deep tensions at the highest levels of power.

In an explosive interview with Bengali daily Kaler Kantho, Shahabuddin alleged that Yunus repeatedly bypassed constitutional procedures and failed to keep him informed about key state matters.

According to the president, the chief adviser was required to brief him after foreign visits and share details of agreements and discussions, but this obligation was ignored. He travelled abroad perhaps 14 to 15 times. Not once did he inform me. Not once did he come to see me, Shahabuddin said.

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The president also claimed he was effectively cut off from official functions and decision-making, saying he was kept completely in the dark during crucial periods. He alleged that his planned foreign visits were blocked and that efforts were made to reduce his public role and visibility.

Palace prisoner and removal attempts

Shahabuddin went further, describing his experience during the interim administration as akin to palace imprisonment, claiming his office was systematically weakened and isolated. He alleged that attempts were made to remove him through unconstitutional means, but these efforts were resisted by military leaders and political allies.

He also accused the interim government of curtailing his institutional authority and preventing him from carrying out ceremonial and diplomatic responsibilities traditionally associated with the presidency. These actions, he said, undermined the constitutional balance of power.

The accusations come at a sensitive time for Bangladesh, which recently underwent a major political transition after Yunus-led interim authorities oversaw elections and handed power to a new government.

So far, Yunus has not publicly responded to the allegations.
A court in Hong Kong has dismissed all appeals in the citys biggest national security case, upholding convictions and sentences against dozens of pro-democracy activists.

A court in Hong Kong on Monday dismissed all appeals linked to the citys largest case under the Beijing-imposed national security law, upholding convictions and sentences against pro-democracy activists.

The case involved 47 activists charged in 2021 with conspiracy to commit subversion over their role in an unofficial primary election. The prosecution, linked to the aftermath of the 2019 anti-government protests, dealt a major blow to the citys pro-democracy movement.

Forty-five defendants were sentenced in 2024 to prison terms ranging from four to 10 years, drawing criticism from foreign governments and rights groups. Appeals by 11 activists  including former lawmakers Leung Kwok-hung, Lam Cheuk-ting, Raymond Chan and Helena Wong  were rejected, while the Court of Appeal also dismissed challenges to their sentences.

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Former district councillor Lawrence Lau remained acquitted after judges upheld the earlier ruling despite a prosecution appeal.

Prosecutors argued the activists sought to paralyse the government and force the citys leader to resign. Judges ruled in 2024 that their strategy through the unofficial primary would have undermined government authority and triggered a constitutional crisis. Authorities in Beijing and Hong Kong maintain the national security law is necessary for stability, while critics say the case reflects a wider crackdown on dissent.

Among those sentenced were legal scholar Benny Tai, who received a 10-year prison term, and former student leader Joshua Wong, sentenced to four years and eight months.

Supporters queued outside the court

Nearly 20 activists involved in the case have been released over the past year. Supporters queued outside the court building for days to attend Mondays hearing, while those still in custody waved to family members and supporters inside the courtroom.
The International Criminal Court will begin a hearing on Monday to decide whether former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte should stand trial for crimes against humanity linked to his deadly antidrug crackdown.

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte speaks during the annual state of the nation address at the House of Representatives in Manila on July 26, 2021. File Image: AFP

The International Criminal Court will begin a hearing on Monday to decide whether former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte should stand trial for crimes against humanity linked to his deadly antidrug crackdown.

The confirmation of charges hearing, taking place over four days, will determine whether there is enough evidence against Duterte to proceed to a trial.

The 80-year-old will not be present at the hearing in The Hague after the court granted a defence request to waive his right to appear, despite judges ruling that he was fit to take part.

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Following the hearing, the judges will have 60 days to issue a written decision.

ICC prosecutors have charged Duterte with three counts of crimes against humanity, alleging his involvement in at least 76 murders between 2013 and 2018.

The true number of killings during his campaign in the Philippines is thought to be in the thousands, and lawyers for the victims have argued that a full trial could encourage many more families to come forward.

Duterte, who was president from 2016 to 2022, was arrested in Manila in March last year, flown to the Netherlands and has since been held at the ICCs detention unit at Scheveningen Prison.

He followed his initial hearing three days later by video link, appearing dazed and frail and barely speaking.

The first of three counts against Duterte concerns his alleged involvement as a co-perpetrator in 19 murders carried out between 2013 and 2016 while he was mayor of Davao City.

War on drugs

The second relates to 14 murders of so-called High Value Targets in 2016 and 2017 when he was president.

The third charge covers 43 murders committed during clearance operations of lower-level alleged drug users or pushers across the Philippines between 2016 and 2018.

Duterte denies the charges, his lawyer Nicholas Kaufman told journalists ahead of the hearing.

Human Rights Watch said the hearing beginning Monday was a critical step in ensuring justice for victims of the Philippines war on drugs.

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The case comes with the ICC facing intense political pressure, including two rounds of US sanctions imposed since June 2025.

The Philippines left the ICC in 2019, on Dutertes instructions, but the court has ruled that it still has jurisdiction over alleged crimes committed there between 2011 and 2019.

The defence has appealed the ruling, with a decision still pending.

Duterte, the first Asian former head of state to appear before the ICC, remains hugely popular in the Philippines, where many favoured his tough approach to crime.

Two demonstrations have been registered for Monday in The Hague  one in support of Duterte and another in support of the victims.
Iceland is preparing to call an early referendum on resuming talks to join the European Union, with the ballot expected as soon as August, according to two people familiar with the countrys accession planning, reported POLITICO. The move accelerates a pledge by Reykjaviks governing coalition to hold such a vote by 2027.

The shift comes at a moment when momentum for EU enlargement is increasing. Brussels is developing a framework that could grant partial membership to Ukraine as early as next year, while Montenegro recently closed another negotiating chapter in its accession process.

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Iceland halted EU negotiations in 2013 under a previous government. The renewed push now comes during geopolitical uncertainty and follows decisions by the United States to impose tariffs on Iceland, along with threats by US President Donald Trump to annex Greenland.

The Icelandic parliament is expected to announce the referendum date within weeks, according to the two people who were granted anonymity to discuss internal deliberations. The renewed activity follows a flurry of reciprocal visits between Icelandic officials and EU leaders in Brussels.

One of the individuals said that if voters approve reopening talks, Iceland could potentially join the bloc before any other candidate country.

EU officials link enlargement to security

EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos, who met Icelands Foreign Minister orgerour Katrin Gunnarsdottir in Brussels last month, said the conversation around enlargement is evolving.

The conversation on enlargement is shifting, Kos told POLITICO. It is increasingly about security, about belonging and about preserving our ability to act in a world of competing spheres of influence. This concerns all Europeans.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also met Prime Minister Kristrun Frostadottir in Brussels last month. She said the partnership offers stability and predictability in a volatile world.

Von der Leyen, who visited Iceland in July, also met Frostadottir during a Nordic Council meeting in Stockholm in the autumn and praised the countrys growing cooperation with the EU. She is expected to visit the Arctic region again in March.

US tensions accelerate debate

Discussions about deepening ties with Iceland were already under way before Trumps return to office, but US threats have sharpened diplomatic focus. Comments from Billy Long, Trumps nominee for ambassador to Icelandwho joked that Iceland could become the 52nd US stateheightened concerns among officials in Brussels.

I think Iceland being mentioned four times in a Trump speech  has certainly focused minds, said one EU official familiar with the talks, describing the situation as unsettling for a small nation.

Icelands strategic position shapes debate

Iceland applied for EU membership in 2009 during a severe financial crisis that saw its three major banks collapse. Talks were frozen in 2013 as the economy recovered and fears grew around a potential eurozone crisis. By March 2015, Reykjavik asked not to be considered a candidate country.

However, the geopolitical landscape has changed markedly. Iceland occupies a strategic location in the North Atlantic just south of the Arctic Circle, has no army, and relies on its NATO membership and a 1951 bilateral defence agreement with the United States for security.

Public support for EU membership has been rising, with polling showing a gradual warming toward deeper integration.

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Despite renewed momentum, Icelands route to EU membership is far from straightforward. Negotiations remain extensive, and the countrys economic interestsincluding fisheries policyhave historically been a major sticking point.
India has revised its long-standing tax treaty with France, lowering dividend taxes for major French investors while expanding New Delhis powers to tax certain cross-border transactions, the Ministry of Finance said.

India has revised its three-decade-old tax treaty with France, a move that lowers dividend taxes for major French investors while expanding New Delhis authority to tax certain cross-border transactions, Reuters reported citing the Ministry of Finance on Monday.

Under the updated rules, French companies holding at least 10 per cent equity in an Indian firm will pay a reduced dividend tax of 5 per cent, down from 10 per cent. However, minority French shareholders with stakes below 10 per cent will see the rate rise from 10 per cent to 15 per cent.

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Impact on major French investors

The revised agreement is expected to affect large French investors and companies with a strong presence in India, including Capgemini, Accor, Sanofi, Pernod Ricard, Danone and LOreal.

The treaty now allows India to tax capital gains from share sales by French entities even when their holdings in Indian companies are below 10 per cent. The change could affect France-based foreign portfolio investors, which held about 21 billion US dollars in Indian equities as of January 2026, according to depository data.

Removal of MFN clause

Another key revision is the deletion of the most-favoured-nation clause following a 2023 ruling by Indias Supreme Court, which clarified that treaty partners cannot automatically claim lower tax rates offered to other OECD countries. The dispute over this provision had been a central reason for renegotiating the pact.

Bilateral trade between India and France stood at about 15 billion US dollars last year. During French President Emmanuel Macrons recent visit to India, both sides also announced expanded defence cooperation, including plans for joint production of Rafale fighter jets and helicopters.
Amid growing uncertainties following the US Supreme Court decision to toss President Donald Trumps Liberation Day Tariffs, the Indian government has decided to reschedule the trip of the trade team to Washington, DC.

US President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepare to shake hands as they attend a joint press conference at the White House in Washington, DC, US, February 13, 2025. File image/Reuters

Amid growing uncertainties following the US Supreme Court decision to toss President Donald Trump's 'Liberation Day Tariffs', the Indian government has decided to reschedule the trip of the trade team to Washington, DC. The Indian delegation was scheduled to visit the United States to finalise the legal text of the interim framework of the trade deal.

In light of the courts ruling, Commerce Department officials said that the two sides viewed that the visit by Chief Negotiator Darpan Jain and his team should be rescheduled until the latest developments and their implications have been evaluated, The Times of India reported.

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Jain was supposed to hold three-day consultations with the American delegation, starting from Monday. The meetings were taking place ahead of US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer's visit to India to sign the agreement. So far, the two sides have agreed on the broad framework, which reflects understanding but no mutually binding commitment.

However, the US courts ruling against the reciprocal tariffs and subsequent baseline levies imposed by Trump has complicated the situation. Overall, the change in Jains travel plans indicates that the Indian government is watching the implications of the US Supreme Court ruling, providing more room to negotiate better terms.

The complicated ball game

Following the US courts ruling, Malaysia and Indonesia, which had finalised agreements with the US on tariffs, have emphasised that nothing has been notified. According to the New York Times, South Korea said that judicial disapproval of Trumps tariffs has nullified its 15 per cent reciprocal tariff deal with the US.

Meanwhile, Trump on Friday said that the deal with India is still on and  nothing changes. Indian government officials, on the other hand, said that the legal analysis of US actions is underway, along with the assessment of the possible impact on trade and strategic ties.

It is pertient to note that, with an additional 15 per cent tariffs imposed by Trump under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, all countries are now at the same level, at least for 150 days. Yet the threat of further action by Trump, who is seen to have weaponised tariffs, remains. Amid the chaos, Geer indicated that the US President can also use Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930, which allows for up to 50 per cent tariffs on countries that unreasonably discriminate against US trade through tariffs or other measures.
Ministry of Home Affairs has released Indias first comprehensive counter-terrorism policy, Prahaar, aimed at strengthening prevention and response to evolving security threats across water, land and air.

The Ministry of Home Affairs on Monday released Indias first comprehensive counter-terrorism policy, titled Prahaar, aimed at strengthening prevention, coordination and response to evolving security threats.

The ministry said the framework addresses terrorism risks across water, land and air, highlighting threats from cross-border networks, cyber-attacks, drones and emerging technologies. It added that capacities have been developed to protect critical sectors such as power, railways, aviation, ports, defence, space and atomic energy from both state and non-state actors.

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Persistent and emerging threats

The policy states that cross-border terrorism remains a continuing concern, while criminal hackers and hostile states are increasingly targeting India through cyber operations. It emphasises that terrorism is not linked to any religion, ethnicity or nationality, but warns that foreign-based extremist networks continue attempts to plan and execute attacks.

The document names groups such as Al-Qaeda and Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, noting their efforts to incite violence through sleeper cells and online propaganda. It also highlights the growing use of advanced technologies by handlers across the border, including drones in Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir.

Financing, logistics and digital platforms

According to the policy, terror networks increasingly rely on organised crime for logistics and recruitment. Social media, encrypted communication tools, the dark web and crypto assets are being used for funding, coordination and propaganda.

The document flags the challenge of preventing access to chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, explosive and digital materials. It also warns of the potential misuse of drones and robotics for lethal purposes.

Legal and international coordination

As part of its strategy, the ministry proposes involving legal experts at every stage of investigations, from the registration of FIRs to prosecution, to strengthen cases. It also stresses the importance of international and regional cooperation to address transnational terrorism, noting that foreign-based groups often rely on local infrastructure and networks.

Counter-radicalisation measures

The policy says recruitment efforts targeting Indian youth continue. Identified individuals face a graded police response, with legal action based on the level of radicalisation. It also highlights community outreach, engagement with religious leaders and NGOs, youth-focused initiatives and prison-based de-radicalisation programmes.

PRAHAAR is positioned as a coordinated legal, technological and community-driven strategy to address evolving terrorism threats.
Iran may be a week away from weapons-usable nuclear material as enrichment nears critical levels, US pressures Tehran with military deployments and diplomacy, but Tehran refuses to capitulate under pressure

This combination of pictures created on February 04, 2026 shows, L/R, a handout photograph provided by the office of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei showing him addressing a meeting with the people in Tehran on January 17, 2026 and US President Donald Trump speaking in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, February 3, 2026. (AFP)

With Irans nuclear programme inching closer to producing weapons-usable uranium, the United States is ramping up diplomatic and military pressure. And US officials are openly questioning why Tehran hasnt backed down.

US President Donald Trumps special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, warned this week that Iran could be as little as a week away from having industrial-grade bomb-making material. That comment comes amid indirect nuclear talks in Geneva and escalating US military deployments in the region.

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Very dangerous leap toward weapons potential

Witkoff told Fox News that Tehrans uranium enrichment has reached about 60 percent purity, far beyond what is needed for civilian nuclear power and dangerously close to the levels required for a bomb. Theyre probably a week away from having industrial-grade bomb-making material, he said. Thats really dangerous.

The US position has been clear: Washington wants Iran to halt enrichment and surrender its stockpile of highly enriched uranium, a stance Iran has repeatedly rejected. Tehran insists its programme is peaceful and part of its sovereign right under the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

Also read | Iran on edge: Campus protests erupt against Khamenei regime amid US war fears

Tehran refuses to capitulate

That refusal to yield under pressure has puzzled the US side. Referring to pressure from American military assets in the Middle East, Witkoff said hes curious why they havent capitulated. Why, under this pressure why havent they come to us and said, We profess we dont want a weapon, so heres what were prepared to do? he asked.

Iranian leaders, for their part, have dug in. President Masoud Pezeshkian said Tehran would not bow to what he called coercive tactics, vowing national unity against external pressure. Tehran has also floated possible concessionssuch as lowering the purity of its enriched uranium or exporting parts of its stockpilebut only in exchange for phased sanctions relief and recognition of its enrichment rights.

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Talks continue, but gaps remain

Negotiators for both sides have met in Oman and later in Geneva. The talks are further expected to continue on Thursady, as per Badr Albusaidi, foreign minister of regional mediator Oman.

While diplomats describe the discussions as constructive, sharp divides remain over core issues like enrichment limits, monitoring, and sequencing of sanctions relief. Irans foreign minister has said a written proposal for a deal could be ready soon, though he stressed that no side has asked Tehran to fully halt enrichment as part of the talks.

Behind the scenes, tensions spill over into broader regional concerns. Irans refusal to back down, its widening nuclear capabilities, and Washingtons expanded military footprint are raising alarm bells among neighbouring states and global powers alike.
Israels Ambassador to India said the country is excited to welcome PM Modi this week. He highlighted that the visit would strengthen ties, with a Free Trade Agreement between India and Israel expected later this year.

The Israeli Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, said that India has right to self-defence. Image courtesy: @ReuvenAzar/X

Israels Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, said on Monday that the country is excited to welcome Prime Minister Narendra Modi this week. He added that Modis visit would see both nations move forward decisively in their partnership.

In a video shared on X, Azar said, Namaste, this is an exciting moment for India-Israel relations. We are looking forward to welcoming Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Israel. Now when India and Israel come together, its never just a meeting. Its a partnership built on trust, powered by innovation and guided by a clear understanding of the challenges of our time. During this visit, we will move forward decisively.

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Strengthening defence and security ties

Azar highlighted that India and Israel will deepen their defence partnership during Modis visit by updating security agreements:

India and Israel have worked closely for years and we are proud of this strong cooperation. But the world is changing fast, and so are the threats. In order to meet them, we will deepen our defence relationship by updating our security agreements. This will allow us to engage in more sensitive projects and develop technological solutions together.

Economic cooperation and Free Trade Agreement

The Israeli envoy noted that bilateral economic ties are gaining momentum, with a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) expected soon:

We signed a bilateral investment treaty and we are moving forward to sign a Free Trade Agreement, hopefully this year.

Collaboration in innovation and key sectors

Azar also stressed that Modis visit will advance cooperation in cutting-edge fields such as Artificial Intelligence, Quantum, and Cyber. He added that sectors like transportation, water, agriculture, and academic partnerships will also benefit:

Israel would like to see Indian infrastructure companies coming to Israel. We want to streamline our financial cooperation and promote innovation. India and Israel are not just partners. We are true friends shaping the future together.

Mutual respect and personal rapport

Ahead of the visit, Modi acknowledged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus personal tribute, in which Netanyahu described Modi as a dear friend and called the visit a milestone in bilateral ties. Modi responded on X:

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.

A historic second visit

Modis trip, scheduled for February 25, will be his second visit to Israel since 2017 and will mark the first-ever address by an Indian Prime Minister to the Knesset. Netanyahu highlighted their frequent personal exchanges and mutual visits:

On Wednesday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will arrive. He will address the Knesset, and I am sure you will all be there. We will also hold an innovation event in Jerusalem and visit Yad Vashem together. We will advance cooperation in high-tech, AI, and quantum. AI and quantum are not just the future, they are the present, and we want to be among the worlds leading nations in this field.

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Kim Jong Un cements his grip on North Korea as the ruling party highlights nuclear advances, signalling stronger military ambitions and a defiant message to global rivals

North Korea has spotlighted its nuclear progress as leader Kim Jong Un was re-elected general secretary of the ruling party during a rare national congress, according to state media. The once-in-five-years gathering of the Workers Party brought thousands of senior officials to Pyongyang.

Military leaders made a pledge of loyalty as delegates formally approved Kims continuation at the helm, underscoring his firm grip on power. The congress also credited Kim with significantly strengthening the countrys nuclear capabilities to deter perceived external threats.

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He has energetically led the work to turn the Korean Peoples Army, the pivot of national defence and pillar of safeguarding peace, into an elite and powerful army, a party statement said. And thus (he has) built the revolutionary armed forces capable of coping with any threat of aggression on their own initiative and fully prepared for any form of war.

Nuclear programme and global signals

The congress is expected to outline the next phase of North Koreas nuclear weapons programme, which has evolved dramatically under Kim. Once viewed as a limited threat, Pyongyangs nuclear arsenal is now regarded as a serious strategic challenge, with efforts focused on developing compact warheads and long-range delivery systems.

Images released ahead of the congress showed large nuclear-capable rocket launchers displayed prominently, highlighting the regimes military ambitions.

Meanwhile, Xi Jinping congratulated Kim, describing the moment as the start of a new chapter in ties between the two countries. Kims growing global profile was also evident when he appeared alongside Xi and Vladimir Putin at a military parade in Beijing last year.

Analysts are closely watching the congress for signals on Pyongyangs future direction, including whether Kim will maintain his hardline stance toward the United States or reopen the door to diplomacy.
Amid rising tensions between the US and Iran, the Embassy of India in Tehran has advised Indian nationals in Iran to leave the country using available transport and remain in close contact with the mission.

Amid heightened tensions between the US and Iran, the Embassy of India in Tehran has issued an advisory urging Indian nationals in the country  including students, pilgrims, business persons and tourists  to leave using available means of transport.

Fresh advisory reiterates earlier caution

The Embassy said the latest notice follows its advisory of 14 January 2026, which urged citizens to exercise caution, avoid areas of protests or demonstrations, remain in contact with the mission, and monitor local media for developments.

In continuation of the advisory issued by the Government of India on 5 January 2026, and in view of the evolving situation in Iran, Indian nationals who are currently in Iran (students, pilgrims, business persons and tourists) are advised to leave Iran by available means of transport, including commercial flights, the advisory said.

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All Indian citizens and PIOs should exercise due caution, avoid areas of protests or demonstrations, stay in contact with the Indian Embassy in Iran and monitor local media for any developments, it added.

Embassy asks Indians in Iran to register immediately

The Embassy asked all Indian nationals in Iran who have not yet registered with it to do so immediately. Citizens have been advised to keep travel and immigration documents, including passports and IDs, readily available and to contact the mission for assistance if required. Emergency contact numbers shared by the Embassy are: +989128109115; +989128109109; +989128109102; +989932179359.

Earlier MEA advisory on travel

Earlier, the Ministry of External Affairs on 14 February urged citizens to avoid travel to Iran until further notice. The ministry had also advised against non-essential travel in its 5 January 2026 advisory and asked Indian citizens and PIOs currently in Iran to exercise caution, avoid protest areas, closely monitor news, and follow updates from the Embassy. Indian nationals residing in Iran on resident visas were advised to register with the mission if they had not already done so.

Rising tensions as strikes on Iran looms

Iran and the US have not reached a nuclear agreement so far, with the next round of talks scheduled for 25 February in Oman. US President Donald Trump and Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei have exchanged sharp remarks amid uncertainty over the deal.

Washington has increased its military presence around Iran, with US naval assets deployed in the region. Reports said a US aircraft carrier was sighted near Gibraltar heading towards West Asia, while another carrier is positioned in the Arabian Sea off the coast of Oman. According to a report by The New York Times, the US has evacuated hundreds of troops from Al Udeid Air Base and the US Navys Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain.

Tensions between Iran and the US remain high, with reports indicating that President Trump may consider a limited strike on Iran amid the continuing impasse over the nuclear deal.
Over 200 political prisoners at a Venezuelan jail have gone on hunger strike after discovering they are excluded from a new amnesty law

enezuela's National Assembly on February 19 unanimously approved a long-awaited amnesty law that could free hundreds of political prisoners jailed for being government detractors. (AFP)

More than 200 political prisoners at the Rodeo I prison east of Caracas have refused food in protest against a new amnesty law that excludes many detainees, prompting anguish among families gathered outside the facility.

The inmates, who began their hunger strike on Friday night, shouted to relatives from inside the prison compound, calling for release and demanding that all detainees be included in the legislation.

Freedom!, release us all! and Rodeo I on strike echoed from the facility as heard by an AFP journalist.

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The amnesty law was approved by Venezuelas legislature on Thursday as part of reforms encouraged by the United States after it ousted and captured former President Nicolas Maduro on January 3.

Around 214 detainees refuse food

Relatives said the protest involves about 214 people, including both Venezuelans and foreign nationals. Yalitza Garcia, mother-in-law of detainee Nahuel Agustin Gallo, said many inmates felt abandoned by the exclusions.

Gallo, an Argentine police officer accused of terrorism, is among those whose charges fall outside the amnesty.

They decided Friday to go on hunger strike because of the scope of the amnesty law, which excludes many of them, said Shakira Ibarreto, whose fathera police officerwas arrested in 2024.

ICRC granted access for first time

On Sunday, a team from the International Committee of the Red Cross visited Rodeo I.

This is the first time they have allowed us to approach that prison, said Filippo Gatti, the ICRCs health coordinator for Venezuela. Its a first step, and I think were on the right track.

Family members said not all inmates were participating in the strike.

The law was crafted by interim leader Delcy Rodriguez under pressure from Washington after US commandos arrested Maduro and his wife and transported them to the United States to face drug-trafficking charges.

Opposition figures have sharply criticised the legislation, noting carve-outs for offences often used to target Maduros political opponents. The law excludes members of the security forces convicted of crimes the government classifies as terrorism.

Thousands seek relief through amnesty

The amnesty extends to 11,000 political prisoners who, over nearly three decades, were paroled or placed under house arrest. More than 1,500 prisoners have already applied for amnesty, according to the head of Venezuelas legislature. Hundreds of others had been released by Rodriguezs government before the bill passed.

On Sunday, a small group of prisoners emerged from Rodeo I carrying release papers, greeted by applause from waiting relatives. Im out, I love you so much, my queen! Im doing well, said freed detainee Robin Colina during an emotional phone call.

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Another released inmate, Armando Fusil, a 55-year-old police commissioner from Maracaibo, told AFP, Right now there are quite a few people on hunger strike because they want to get out.

He said he had been arrested for no reason in October 2024 and that his family had travelled nearly 40 hours each week to visit him.

We all help each other, he said. Its created a beautiful brotherhood.

Maduro, who ruled Venezuela from March 2013 to January 2026, is in US custody awaiting trial. The 63-year-old has pleaded not guilty to drug-trafficking charges and has described himself as a prisoner of war.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Israel on February 25 for a two-day trip, during which he is set to address the Knesset and hold talks with Benjamin Netanyahu and Isaac Herzog. The visit, described by Netanyahu as historic, will mark the first time an Indian Prime Minister addresses the Knesset.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to arrive in Israel on February 25 for a two-day visit, during which he is likely to address the Knesset and meet Benjamin Netanyahu and Isaac Herzog. The visit, scheduled for Wednesday, will be his second to the country since 2017.

Netanyahu described Modis upcoming visit as historic, highlighting the deepening partnership between the two countries across innovation, security, and regional cooperation.

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 start of the weekly government meeting.

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The visit will mark the first-ever address by an Indian Prime Minister in the Knesset plenum.

Programme at the Knesset

According to the schedule, proceedings will begin at 16:30 with an official welcome ceremony in the Weil Courtyard, attended by Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana and his partner, and Prime Minister Netanyahu and his wife. The ceremony will be open only to official photographers and the Knesset Channel, and will be broadcast live.

At 16:35, Modi will sign the Knesset guestbook in the Chagall State Hall, followed by a joint photograph at 16:40 in the Speakers Office.

A special plenary session in honour of the Prime Minister of India will be held at 17:00. Speakers will include Speaker Ohana, Prime Minister Netanyahu, Leader of the Opposition Yair Lapid, and 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.

Visit caught in domestic political row

Modis expected visit has become entangled in Israels domestic politics, with Lapid threatening to boycott the parliamentary address unless Supreme Court President Yitzhak Amit is invited, in line with convention.

Lapid insisted that Amit must be invited when Modi addresses the House, with opposition sources saying 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 said.

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, he added, warning that Amits continued exclusion would cause enormous embarrassment to the legislature.

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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 said.

Judicial dispute behind the controversy

Israels domestic politics remains sharply divided over a judicial overhaul that has split public opinion for more than two years and triggered large protests before the October 7 attack by Hamas.

Following Amits election as court President in January 2025, Justice Minister Yariv Levin has refused to recognise his authority as Chief Justice and has declined to meet him. His name has also not been published as Chief Justice in the State Gazette, as required by law.
The US ambassador to Portugal has urged Lisbon to replace its ageing F-16 jets with Lockheed Martin F-35 fighters to modernise its air force and strengthen NATO interoperability.

The US ambassador to Portugal has urged Lisbon to replace its ageing F-16 fighter jets with the Lockheed Martin F-35, saying the aircraft would strengthen interoperability with Europes leading air forces.

Ambassador John Arrigo told CNN Portugal the stealth jet would modernise Portugals military capabilities and align them with NATO standards. He said he aims to support efforts to raise Portugals defence spending to NATOs target of 5 percent of gross domestic product by 2035, from about 2 percent at present.

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Portugals Defence Minister Nuno Melo has said the process to select replacement fighter jets has not yet begun. Arrigo noted that more than 900 F-35 aircraft are already in service or on order across Europe and highlighted the aircrafts interoperability advantages, adding that about a quarter of the jet is built using European components.

US stance on China ties

On relations with China, Arrigo said Washington is not asking Lisbon to choose between the two countries but is promoting de-risking, including stronger cybersecurity safeguards and investment screening mechanisms.

legacy of bailout and Chinese investments

Chinese investment in Portugal expanded after the countrys 20112014 bailout during the eurozone debt crisis. Portugal secured a 78 billion rescue package in 2011 from the European Union, International Monetary Fund and European Central Bank after losing market access amid rising borrowing costs.

Major Chinese-linked stakes remain across key Portuguese firms, including China Three Gorgess holding in utility EDP, China State Grids stake in grid operator REN, and investments by Fosun in bank Millennium BCP and insurer Fidelidade.

Partnership and strategic alignment

Arrigo said the US considers itself Portugals closest partner but aims to keep potential adversaries at a distance. He added bilateral ties would strengthen if Lisbon withdrew from the Belt and Road Initiative, which Portugal joined in 2018.
Jetten pulled off a stunning election win in October, coming from behind to dethrone the far-right Freedom Party (PVV) led by firebrand politician Geert Wilders by a razor-thin margin

Democrats 66 (D66) party leader Rob Jetten gestures while addressing supporters following the exit poll and early results in the Dutch parliamentary elections in Leiden, Netherlands, on October 29, 2025. Reuters File

Thirty-eight-year-old centrist Rob Jetten took oath on Monday as the Netherlands youngest-ever prime minister, also making history as the countrys first openly gay premier as the new Dutch government assumed office

Jetten secured a surprise victory in Octobers snap election, overturning a projected loss to defeat the far-right Party for Freedom (PVV) led by Geert Wilders by a razor-thin margin, reported AFP.

The election was triggered after the PVV withdrew from the previous coalition  widely regarded as the Netherlands most right-wing government in recent history  which collapsed after just 11 months in power.

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Jettens Democrats 66 (D66) has formed a coalition government with the centre-right Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA) and the liberal Peoples Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD). The three parties hold a combined 66 seats, falling nine short of an outright majority in parliament.

Coalition negotiations lasted 117 days  significantly shorter than the 223 days required to form the previous government.

Following his election win, Jetten said populist movements could be defeated if you campaign with a positive message for your country.

During the campaign, he pledged to bring the Netherlands back to the heart of Europe, stressing that without European cooperation, we are nowhere.

In a joint manifesto released in January, the coalition partners committed to full support for Ukraine and vowed to meet the countrys Nato defence spending obligations.

Although the new government is not as far to the right as the previous one, it still has a right-wing signature, AFP quoted Sarah de Lange, a professor of politics at Leiden University, as saying.

The coalition has opted for budget cuts rather than running a deficit to finance any investments it wants to make and there is substantial continuity between the immigration plans of the new government and the previous one, De Lange added.

The parties have pledged to press ahead with a crackdown on migration, including measures such as tougher rules on family reunification.

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Wilders out

They also want to cut social benefits, including unemployment benefits, to help finance proposed investments in the military and defence.

But since the coalition will rely on support from opposition parties to pass legislation, getting larger reforms passed by parliament might take longer than usual, De Lange said.

Jetten and his cabinet were sworn in on Monday by King Willem-Alexander at the Huis Ten Bosch in The Hague.

The prime minister was initially more keen on a broad coalition including the left-leaning Groenlinks/PvdA, but this was firmly opposed by VVD leader Dilan Yesilgoz.

Wilders, who shook Europes political scene to the core with a shock election win in November 2023, saw his fortunes plummet in last years election.

His PVV party plunged from 37 seats in 2023 to 26 seats after what was widely seen as a lacklustre campaign.

The PVV still finished in second place, but all parties in the coalition had ruled out working with Wilders, leaving him sitting on the sidelines.

Other far-right parties have made inroads in Europes fifth-largest economy, however.

The Forum for Democracy, led by 28-year-old Lidewij de Vos, gained four seats in the 2025 election with a message against uncontrolled immigration and the hopeless EU.

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Hard-right party JA21 also shot up the rankings, gaining eight seats and nearly securing a place at the cabinet table before being blocked by Jetten.

With inputs from agencies
All four Moscow international airports were temporarily closed as Russian air defences intercepted Ukrainian drones approaching the capital. Russias civil aviation authority, Rosaviatsia, said that all flights were halted as a precautionary safety measure to protect civilian aircraft and passengers amid the aerial threat

In an escalation of the nearly four-year conflict with Ukraine, Russian authorities on Sunday temporarily shut down all four of Moscows major international airports after waves of Ukrainian drones threatened the capitals airspace, officials said.

The closures affected Domodedovo, Vnukovo, Sheremetyevo and Zhukovsky airports, the main gateways for both domestic and international flights in and out of Russias capital. The move came after Russian air-defence systems intercepted and shot down at least 11 Ukrainian drones heading toward Moscow within about an hour, local officials told AFP.

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Russias civil aviation authority, Rosaviatsia, said that all flights were halted as a precautionary safety measure to protect civilian aircraft and passengers amid the aerial threat. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin took to social media to confirm that air defences were actively intercepting what authorities described as an ongoing drone threat approaching the citys airspace.

The closures have led to delays and disruptions for travellers, though authorities later indicated that restrictions were temporary and aimed solely at safeguarding flight operations. Rosaviatsia has previously used flight suspensions as a defensive step during similar drone incursions or air-defence operations.

Drone strikes reach capital

Russian officials accuse Ukraine of regularly targeting its territory with long-range drones, including attempts to strike Moscow; Kyiv has rarely commented directly on specific attacks. But Sundays barragewhich saw multiple unmanned aerial vehicles brought down near the capitalwas another clear sign of how deeply the conflict has penetrated Russian skies.

The reported interceptions came as Ukraine continues to use drones as part of its broader military strategy, which has included strikes on energy infrastructure and logistics hubs. Both sides have increasingly relied on unmanned systems in the war, with Russia responding with a mix of air-defence actions and counterstrikes.

The airport closures in Moscow coincided with intensified Russian offensive operations in Ukraine. On the same day, Ukrainian officials reported that Russia launched dozens of strike drones and missiles targeting energy infrastructure in Kyiv and other regions, killing at least one person and injuring others, as fires broke out in several localities.

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President Volodymyr Zelenskiyy condemned the assault on Ukrainian territory and used the wave of attacks to call for strengthened international sanctions against Moscow, saying the continuous strikes aim to weaken Ukraines defensive capabilities and morale.
As US President Donald Trump weighs his options, Iran has warned that there is no such thing as a limited strike and any attack would mean an act of war.

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei listens to the national anthem as air force officers salute during their meeting in Tehran, Iran, on February 7, 2025. (Photo: AP)

As US President Donald Trump weighs his options, Iran on Monday warned that there is no such thing as a limited strike and any attack would mean an act of war.

Iranian foreign ministry told AFP that there is no limited strike and any attack would be an act of war that would meet an appropriate response.

The warning has come amid reports that Trump is considering targeted strikes against the Iranian regime to force it into giving up its nuclear programme and accepting American terms. The failure to accept terms despite targeted strikes, as per reports, would lead to a full-scale American offensive.

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With respect to your first question concerning the limited strike, I think there is no limited strike. An act of aggression would be regarded as an act of aggression. Period. And any state would react to an act of aggression as part of its inherent right of self-defence ferociously so thats what we would do, said Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei.

While the administration has not provided exact figures, analysts have said that Trump has deployed up to 40-50 per cent of entire US air power to West Asia along with dozens of warships, hundreds of warplanes, two aircraft carriers, and tens of thousands of soldiers.

Such a deployment has not been seen in the region since the Gulf War of 1991 or the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003.

This represents 40-50% of the deployable US air power in the world. Think air power on the order of the 1991 and 2003 Iraq war. And growing. Never has the US deployed this much force against a potential enemy and not launched strikes. pic.twitter.com/NLPIOEyeUs  Robert A. Pape (@ProfessorPape) February 21, 2026

Analysts have said that any American operation would not be like singular strikes that Trump ordered last year on Iranian nuclear facilities. Instead, they have said that the posturing suggests that Trump would mount a weekslong offensive that could very well be aimed to decapitate the Iranian regime.

Amid such warnings, the Trump administration and Iranian officials will hold talks in Oman on Thursday in an apparent last-ditch effort to avert a war.

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Lately, there have been reports that Iran has been fortifying its nuclear sites and acquiring missiles to prepare for any American offensive even as it engages in talks to arrive at a diplomatic solution to the crisis. As per reports, while Iran is willing to make concessions on the nuclear programme, it is not willing to give up the ballistic missile programme that Israel has demanded in any US-Iran deal.
Approval ratings for US President Trump have dropped to a new low ahead of the November midterm elections, with a majority of Americans expressing disapproval of his performance, according to a new survey.

Donald Trump is contemplating an attack against Iran. It's unclear when or where the US will strike the Islamic Republic. File image/Reuters

Ahead of the November midterm elections, approval ratings for US President Donald Trump have fallen to a new low, with 60 per cent of adults in the US disapproving of his performance, according to a new survey.

The poll by The Washington Post, ABC News and Ipsos found that 60 per cent of respondents disapprove of the president, while 39 per cent approve, giving him a net approval rating of minus 21 percentage points.

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The survey of 2,589 adults was conducted between February 12 and 17 and has a margin of error of plus or minus 2 percentage points.

Lowest rating of second term

According to Newsweek, pollsters said the 60 per cent disapproval level is the highest recorded since the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot at the end of Trumps first term, marking the lowest approval rating of his second term so far.

Midterm context

The ratings come as voters prepare for the midterm elections, which could reshape the balance of power nationally. Although Trump is not on the ballot, the vote is widely seen as a public assessment of his presidency.

The figures were released ahead of Trumps State of the Union address, where he is expected to face growing public concern over his priorities and policies, according to a separate poll by CNN conducted with SSRS.

Economy top voter concern

The poll found that 57 per cent of Republicans want Trump to focus on the economy and the cost of living in his address, far exceeding interest in other issues such as immigration, democracy, healthcare, crime or foreign policy. Half of Democrats, 56 per cent of independents and 65 per cent of Republicans also said economic issues should be a key focus.

One Republican respondent from New Mexico said voters expected economic relief, citing high grocery prices and rising living costs, and urged the president to outline what actions he has already taken.
Following the US Supreme Courts ruling striking down sweeping tariffs, the Donald Trump administration has urged partners to stand by trade deals that they have signed with the United States. Officials have maintained that trade deals are unaffected by the ruling even as partners are assessing implications.

US President Donald Trump signs an executive order on tariffs in the Rose Garden at the White House in Washington, DC, US. (Photo: Reuters)

After the US Supreme Court struck down President Donald Trumps sweeping tariffs, the administration has urged partners to stand by trade deals that they have signed with the United States. They have maintained that trade deals are unaffected by the ruling even as partners have gone into a huddle.

US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer told CBS News that the administration expects partners to stick to agreements and added no one has yet walked away.

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Greer said, We expect our partners to stand by them. And I havent heard anyone yet come to me and say, The deals off. They want to see how this plays out.

Last week, the Supreme Court struck down Trumps tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) in a 6:3 judgement, ruling that it did not allow Trump to impose tariffs. In response, he announced a 10 per cent tariff on all countries under a different legal provision and then raised it to 15 per cent.

In the hearings in the Supreme Court, the administration had argued that an adverse ruling could lead to the undoing of trade deals in Trumps second term.

Greer also criticised the Supreme Court for delivering a ruling without any guidance about refunds of tariffs around $240 billion collected from importers.

From EU to India, US trade partner assess options

After the Supreme Courts ruling, various trade partners have gone into a huddle that had reached trade deals or handshake agreements with the United States.

In the clearest statement that the ruling could complicate matters, Malaysian trade minister Johari Abdul Ghani said the government has signed the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade but have not ratified it and the Government is carefully assessing recent legal and policy developments in the United States.

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We also note the recent announcement by President Donald Trump of a temporary 10 per cent tariff measure, and we are studying its scope and implications. At this stage, we are awaiting further clarity on how these measures will be implemented and whether additional adjustments will follow, Ghani further said.

The EU will hold an emergency meeting on Monday to reassess the trade deal with the United States.

After the Supreme Courts decision, India has also cancelled a scheduled visit of the chief negotiator to the United States to finalise the trade deals fineprint as the government is assessing the implications of the ruling.

In a sign that negotiations were not a done deal, Indonesia said the continuation of the trade deal remains dependent on the decisions of both parties with both sides still needing to ratify the arrangement domestically.
Amid rising demand and a ban on Russian imports, Centrus Energy has warned of a potential enriched uranium supply crunch for the US nuclear power sector.

A worker prepares to unload several cylinders of uranium from the Russian cargo ships(Photo by Sameer Al-DOUMY / AFP)

US President Donald Trumps nuclear expansion push faces a potential fuel supply crunch due to the Ukraine war and a ban on Russian imports, as a major enriched uranium supplier warned of rising demand pressures, according to a report by Financial Times.

Centrus Energy chief executive Amir Vexler told FT that the company is accelerating efforts to expand enrichment capacity at its Ohio facility to address a $2.3 billion backlog in sales. He cautioned that the restart of US nuclear plants and upgrades to boost electricity output will increase pressure on the limited number of western suppliers of enriched uranium, a key component of nuclear fuel.

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Vexler said a supply-demand gap already exists for currently operating reactors and warned that plans to build new fleets of large and small reactors in the US would deepen long-term challenges. He added the market is likely to remain strained until significant new capacity becomes operational, which he expects in the next decade.

Enriched uranium is produced by refining mined uranium, converting it into gas and processing it to increase the concentration of the isotope used in nuclear fuel.

Nuclear push faces supply risks

Analysts warn shortages of enrichment services could disrupt US President Donald Trumps push to expand nuclear energy. Prices for enrichment services have surged 167 percent since Russias invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, reaching a record $173 per separative work unit, according to UxC.

Global suppliers dominate market

The global enrichment market is dominated by four major producers: Rosatom, China National Nuclear Corporation, Orano and Urenco. Centrus and Urenco are the only companies licensed to enrich uranium in the US.

Centrus currently sources most of the enriched uranium it supplies to US utilities from Russia. That trade will be banned from 1 January 2028 under sanctions passed by Congress in 2024. The company is developing new enrichment capacity expected to come online in 2029.

Enrichment seen as key bottleneck

Nick Lawson, executive chair of Ocean Wall, said enrichment remains a key bottleneck for expanding nuclear power. While Urenco and Orano are investing in additional capacity, he noted such projects take years and cannot quickly replace the large share of supply historically provided by Russia.

According to World Nuclear Association data, the US has domestic enrichment capacity of 4.3 million separative work units, compared with demand of 15.6 million. There are currently no US-based commercial suppliers of the highly enriched fuel required for next-generation small nuclear reactors.

Reliance on Russia and policy response

Russia supplied about one-fifth of the enriched uranium used by the US reactor fleet in 2024 despite the import ban. The Department of Energy can grant waivers for imports until 1 January 2028 if no alternative sources are available.

Last month, the Trump administration awarded $900 million each to Centrus, Orano and General Matter to strengthen domestic enrichment capacity. The government is also offering energy companies access to weapons-grade plutonium for conversion into nuclear fuel.
The gains, made in the southeastern Dnipropetrovsk region, are rare in a conflict marked by slow and costly Russian advances over the past two and a half years, as the war approaches its fourth anniversary

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy speaks during a joint press conference with Finnish President Alexander Stubb amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine, on September 11, 2025. Reuters File

Ukraine has regained control of 400 square kilometres of territory, including eight settlements, along a section of the southern frontline since the end of January, according to Reuters report, citing Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi on Monday.

The gains, made in the southeastern Dnipropetrovsk region, are rare in a conflict marked by slow and costly Russian advances over the past two and a half years, as the war approaches its fourth anniversary.

Ukraine appears keen to demonstrate to the world  and specifically to US President Donald Trump  that it is not losing ground, amid Washingtons calls for Kyiv to consider a peace deal.

Syrskyi did not clarify how much of the territory had previously been under Russian control and how much lay in grey zone areas not firmly held by either side.

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Frontline control has grown increasingly blurred as thousands of drones operate daily, forcing troops underground or into cover and creating zones where neither side exercises full authority.

Trump has previously argued that Ukraine should make concessions to avoid losing the war, which began when Russia launched a full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022. Kyiv and its European allies have rejected this narrative, highlighting that Russia has captured just over 1% of Ukraines territory since 2023 at great cost, while Moscows key oil infrastructure faces growing threats from Ukrainian drone strikes.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Monday praised Ukraines astonishing gains in February, saying they underscored that Kyivs resistance has been more effective than often portrayed.

With inputs from agencies
The United States accused China of rapidly expanding its nuclear arsenal and called for Beijing to be included in any future arms control deal. The warning comes after the New START treaty with Russia expired earlier this month

Washington on Monday accused China of rapidly expanding its nuclear arsenal and reiterated claims that Beijing has conducted secret nuclear tests, insisting that China must be included in any future arms control agreement.

The warning comes as the New START treaty between the United States and Russia expired earlier this month. Washington said the lapse presents an opportunity to negotiate a better agreement that also involves China. Beijing has so far rejected calls to participate in such talks.

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Christopher Yeaw, US Assistant Secretary of State for Arms Control and Nonproliferation, addressed the Conference on Disarmament in Geneva, describing New START as seriously flawed.

Perhaps its greatest flaw was that New START did not account for the unprecedented, deliberate, rapid and opaque nuclear weapons build-up by China, Yeaw said.

He added, Despite its claims to the contrary, China has deliberately and without constraint, massively expanded its nuclear arsenal without transparency or any indication of intent or end point. We believe China may achieve parity within the next four or five years.

While both Russia and the US have over 5,000 nuclear weapons, New START had limited each side to 1,550 deployed warheadsa threshold that Washington says China is quickly approaching.

Beijing is on track to have the fissile material necessary for more than 1,000 nuclear warheads by 2030, Yeaw said.

The expiration of New START marks the first time in decades that no treaty limits the worlds largest nuclear arsenals, raising fears of a renewed arms race. Yeaw welcomed the lapse, arguing that the treatys numerical limits are now no longer relevant, citing Russias alleged violations and support in boosting Chinas nuclear capacity.

The expiration arrived at a fortuitous time, he said, calling it an opportunity for President Donald Trump to pursue the ultimate goal of a better agreement.

Yeaw emphasised that the US remains committed to arms control. The absence of a treaty right now does not mean the United States is walking away from or ignoring arms control. Quite the opposite is true, he said. Our goal is a better agreement toward a world with fewer nuclear weapons.

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The United States ramps up military flights to the Middle East as fragile nuclear talks with Iran continue, signalling readiness even as diplomacy remains uncertain

The US is quietly building a military air bridge to the Middle East as nuclear talks with Iran teeter on the edge (X)

The United States has set up what officials describe as an air bridge to the Middle East, significantly ramping up military flights to the region as nuclear negotiations with Iran hang in the balance.

Flight-tracking data indicates a surge in the movement of fighter aircraft, refuelling tankers and heavy transport planes ferrying troops, equipment and logistical support to American bases across the region.

The build-up comes at a delicate diplomatic moment. Talks aimed at reviving or reshaping a nuclear agreement with Tehran remain fragile, with both sides locked in disagreements over uranium enrichment limits and sanctions relief. While negotiations are ongoing, Washingtons parallel military preparations suggest it is keeping contingency options ready should diplomacy collapse.

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Diplomacy on edge

Officials have not publicly framed the deployment as a prelude to imminent strikes, but analysts say the scale and tempo of flights point to serious operational readiness. The air bridge ensures rapid reinforcement capability, sustained aerial operations and logistical depth if tensions escalate.

Tehran, meanwhile, has warned that any military action would draw retaliation, raising fears of a wider regional confrontation. Iranian leaders have repeatedly insisted their nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes, even as Western governments voice concerns about enrichment levels.

Iran a week away from nuclear bomb-making uranium?

US President Donald Trumps special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, warned this week that Iran could be as little as a week away from having industrial-grade bomb-making material.

Witkoff told Fox News that Tehrans uranium enrichment has reached about 60 percent purity, far beyond what is needed for civilian nuclear power and dangerously close to the levels required for a bomb. Theyre probably a week away from having industrial-grade bomb-making material, he said. Thats really dangerous.

The US position has been clear: Washington wants Iran to halt enrichment and surrender its stockpile of highly enriched uranium, a stance Iran has repeatedly rejected.
The US has ordered the evacuation of non-emergency personnel from its embassy in Beirut, citing heightened regional security concerns as speculation grows that President Trump could soon authorise airstrikes on Iran

US President Donald Trump speaks during a press conference in the Brady Press Briefing Room of the White House in Washington, DC, on February 20, 2026. AFP File

The United States has ordered the evacuation of non-emergency personnel from its embassy in Beirut, citing heightened regional security concerns as speculation grows that President Donald Trump could soon authorise airstrikes on Iran.

According to a Bloomberg report, citing a senior US Department of State official, an assessment of the regional security environment prompted Washington to reduce its diplomatic presence to essential personnel only.

The embassy will remain operational, and the measure is temporary, the official added, without directly referencing Iran.

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The move comes as the US military builds up its presence in the Middle East, deploying two aircraft carriers along with additional fighter jets and refuelling tankers.

Trump said on Friday that he is considering limited strikes on Iran and warned that Tehran has limited time to reach an agreement over its nuclear programme.

US and Iranian officials have been engaged in negotiations in recent weeks, with the next round of talks scheduled for Thursday.

With inputs from agencies
In an exclusive conversation with Firstpost, Pearl Pandya, South Asia Senior Analyst of Armed Conflict Location & Event Data (ACLED) think tank, shared her take on the Bangladesh elections and what lies ahead for the country.

On February 12, Bangladesh chose a new government, one and a half years after the July uprising overthrew then-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in 2024. The parliamentary election, held after a long delay under the interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, came with its share of challenges. It was held against the backdrop of a turbulent law and order situation that saw frequent targeted attacks on minorities, particularly Hindus, and with a practical ban on the Awami League, the party with arguably the largest political organisation and base, from contesting in the polls.

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The historic polls saw the return of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) to power after two decades. This time, the party was led by Bangladeshi political scion Tarique Rahman, son of the countrys former Prime Minister Khaled Zia, who passed away in the run-up to the national election. This was the first election after decades when Bangladeshs two leading ladies, Sheikh Hasina and Zia, were not in the contest.

The election also saw the Islamist party Jamaat-e-Islami record its best performance, reflecting the rise of extremist idiosyncrasies within Bangladesh.

Bangladeshi President Mohammed Shahabuddin administers oath-taking ceremony of Tarique Rahman as the countrys Prime Minister in Bangladesh at the South Plaza of the parliament building , in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on Tuesday. Reuters

The victory of the BNP under a new leader, Tarique Rahman, has set off speculation about how he would deal with the domestic situation, shifting geopolitical alliances and regional powerplay, especially in the context of Bangladeshs ties with India and Pakistan. The question becomes more significant given the tinted glass; Yunus was perceived as looking at Bangladeshs ties with India.

India too has been cautious, but New Delhi can expect perhaps a rapprochement" efforts from Bangladesh under Rahman, Pearl Pandya, South Asia Senior Analyst of Armed Conflict Location & Event Data (ACLED) tells Firstposts Bhagyasree Sengupta.

Hard-fought victory

Speaking to Firstpost, Pandya emphasised that the February 12 election was a hard-fought victory for the people of Bangladesh. She said that without the Awami League, the polls were less competitive, but insisted that it would be difficult to conduct safe elections with Hasinas party still in the race.

I think it is a hard-fought victory for the Bangladeshi people. The fact that elections were held, albeit a bit delayed, with the participation of all the opposition parties in Bangladesh gives them legitimacy. Of course, without the Awami League participating, it is not as full of an election and as competitive an election as it could have been, but the circumstances were difficult, Pandya told Firstpost.

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It would have been difficult to have safe elections with the Awami League. The security risks might have been too high for the interim government. So just the fact that the elections were held, they were quite competitive, they were safe.

Anti-Hasina demonstrators walk near fire set by them on the streets during a clash after the verdict on cases against the ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in Dhaka, Bangladesh. File image/Reuters

When we look at the data, the instances of disorder on election day were actually fewer than in the 2024 elections under the Awami League. So that signals that its a democratic transition. Of course, the BNP is an establishment party, but it is coming back to power after 17 years, she said.

When asked if the victory of Rahman signals Bangladeshs tendency to lean back on dynasty politics, Pandya said that the BNP of today is different from how the party operated 17 years ago. Its a different party than it was before. The leaders are different. It has gone through repression under Sheikh Hasinas rule, which is why I think it would be unfair to characterise it as another elite capture, she told Firstpost.

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We need to give them the benefit of the doubt to see how they would govern going forward. Several new parties, the NCP most famously, have also made gains. They are not an establishment party. Several independent candidates have won. So in that sense, yes, it does look like a democratic transition, she explained.

The NCP: Why the party that ousted Hasina failed

The National Citizen Party (NCP), led by Nahid Islam, was born out of the July uprising. While the party had a promising start, some of its voter base disagreed with its decision to join the 11-party alliance, which included Jamaat.

The party eventually managed to win 6 seats in the polls. When asked about the partys rise and its performance, Pandya emphasised that an alliance with Jamaat came with pragmatic consideration. Its a new party. Its only been formed for the last year and a half. It didnt have a base. Its an organic movement. So from that, they made a calculated risk to align with the Jamaat rather than go on their own, she said.

I think that was based mainly on pragmatic considerations. They were a party which grew out of university campuses and cities, and for them to make inroads in villages without a base of supporters or organisers, they would have struggled to make any electoral gains at all on their own.

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Nahid Islam, the convener of student-led National Citizen Party (NCP) and a candidate for the national election, gives speech during a campaign at Rampura area, in Dhaka, Bangladesh, January 27, 2026. File Image/Reuters

Pandya emphasised that the partys religious and conservative bend was also a part of the reason it became a natural ally to Jamaat. Theyve not done too badly. Theyve won seats, which, again, in South Asia, for new parties to do that in a first-past-the-post system is not always easy, she told Firstpost.

When asked if NCP lost supporters due to the Jamaat alliance, Pandya said that the move was not a popular one. It was not universally popular, of course, when the alliance was announced. Several women leaders, particularly those at the forefront of the protests, resigned from the NCP because they did not subscribe to the Jamaats stance on gender equality. But they still maintained their base of sorts. And if they might have lost their supporters to the BNP, theyve also gained some of the Jamaat supporters because thats how they won their seats, she said.

The Yunus regime

When Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus came to power, many in Bangladesh hoped that the transitional phase would be a smooth one. However, many criticised the Yunus regime for taking one and a half years to conduct polls. When asked if the new parliament should constitutionally clarify the limits of the caretaker authority to prevent any future ambiguity, Pandya said that such a move would be helpful.

They [Bangladesh] have had this experience in the past when caretaker governments clung on to power longer than perhaps was necessary and delayed elections. So clear limits would obviously be helpful. As far as the Yunus regimes tenure itself is concerned, they came in at a difficult time. And I think it was a mixed bag, she said.

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He was a unifying figure who was at that time acceptable to most people, which is why he was chosen to lead. I think his leading the Bangladeshi government internationally, perhaps not in India, but internationally, gave it more name recognition and legitimacy than other leaders might have done. But internally, they faced struggles, Pandya explained.

Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus and President Mohammed Shahabuddin (L) in Dhaka on August 8, 2024. (AFP)

I mean, they had mob violence, the law and order situation, and vigilantism remained higher than normal throughout his tenure. A lot of the things which they accused the Awami League of doing were done by themselves to Awami League supporters. There were mass arrests and repression of Awami League party members.

The South Asian scholar pointed out that the Yunus government did manage to stabilise the economy. They instituted some commissions to look into excesses during Hasina, which were able to come out with the results. The most notable one was on the Committee on Enforced Disappearances, which published its report. Thats a notable win, she said.

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Not Delhi, not Pindi: Bangladeshs new geopolitical dynamic

Countries such as India, China, Pakistan and the US watched the Bangladesh elections closely since each country had its vested geopolitical interest with Dhaka. When asked about Pandyas take on Rahmans foreign policy, she pointed out how the Bangladeshi prime minister maintained that he wants to put Bangladesh first.

I think he recently said, not Delhi, not Pindi. So we can expect perhaps a rapprochement in ties with India, which were particularly frayed during Yunuss administration. It would be in both countries interests to have an improvement in relations. But there are a few sticking points. I mean, Hasina remaining in India is likely to be a sticking point, she averred.

Pandya noted that while Bangladesh would continue to demand Hasinas extradition, India is unlikely to grant that request.

Bangladesh Indian High Commissioner meets BNP chief Tarique Rahman. ANI

This gives the opposition, even if the government understands, an issue to target the government with that Hasina is still in India. And any escalation in anti-India rhetoric might also cause problems. We have seen an increase in that since Hasina fell, she told Firstpost.

Pandya explained that under Hasina, Bangladeshs ties with Pakistan were very much one way. When you compare it to that metric, we will see an increase, and we already have seen an increase in improvement in relations between Bangladesh and Pakistan. And that is likely to continue.

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Bangladesh after Hasina

Hasina has become a divisive figure in Bangladesh, with her critics calling for justice as they accuse the toppled prime minister of persecuting her rivals, while neutral observers and her Awami League supporters press for political stability in the country. When asked what model should be followed, Pandya said that Dhaka currently has a bit of everything on its plate.

Its a difficult question to answer, and different things have worked in different contexts. But its a very politically active society, and in a way that the politics is entrenched, it goes to the grassroots, she said.

A vendor sells newspapers with headlines about the news of the ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasinas death sentence on charges of crimes against humanity for ordering a deadly crackdown on a student-led uprising last year, in Dhaka, Bangladesh, November 18, 2025. File Image/Reuters

And so there is a large section of the population, who were Awami League supporters, they were Awami League members, active members, and they are still in Bangladesh. So accommodating them in a political setup is necessary and will have to be done at some point, she said.

So what happened to the Awami League voter base this year?

Pandya also shared her assessment on what happened to the massive Awami League voterbase this year. I think some just sat out because the turnout was 60 per cent, which is less than some of the historic highs weve seen earlier. Others might have voted in support. There are two views on it, she said.

Some say or believe that some Awami League supporters voted for the BNP, recognising it as the more centrist party than the Jamaat, which they thought was more right-wing. But the other side is that the BNP is the arch-rival of the Awami League. And for the older supporters, it has always been against anyone but the BNP. And so those might have swayed towards independent candidates, Jamaat or NCP, Pandya explained.

Is history repeating itself?

Bangladesh had a long history of a turbulent political order. When asked if Pandya sees any parallels between the July uprising and the events in the past, she insisted that things are different this time. I think the BNP coming back to power gives a link to the past. But in the past, there was always a spectre of either one of these two parties coming back and being in Bangladesh. What will happen now will depend on whether the Awami League is allowed to make a return or not, she said.

If it is not and if its supporters slowly die out, then you are looking at a fundamentally changed political landscape. But even without the Awami League, the Jamaats historic performance indicates that this is a different political landscape than it was before, Pandya said.

Overall, only time will tell what Bangladesh under Tarique Rahman would look like.
Welcome to my genealogy blog. Genea-Musings features genealogy research tips and techniques, genealogy news items and commentary, genealogy humor, San Diego genealogy society news, family history research and some family history stories from the keyboard of Randy Seaver (of Chula Vista CA), who thinks that Genealogy Research Is really FUN! Copyright (c) Randall J. Seaver, 2006-2024.
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Russia Sees UK Trace in Attempted Assassination of Lt. Gen. Alexeyev - FSB Chief

Sputnik News

20260222

PETROPAVLOVSK-KAMCHATSKY, Russia (Sputnik) - The United Kingdom is suspected to be behind the Ukrainian special services' attempt on the life of Russian Lt. Gen. Vladimir Alexeyev, Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) Director Alexander Bortnikov said.

A lot has been done recently to investigate the assassination attempt, Bortnikov said. Almost all of the masterminds and their accomplices have been identified, and a number of individuals have been detained, he added.

"One female citizen managed to escape and hide in Ukraine. We clearly understand this was done at the order of the Ukrainian special services and they are backed by third countries, which we mentioned earlier, saying that the Ukrainian special services operate under the supervision or curatorship of Western special services. We see the UK trace here, first and foremost," Bortnikov said in an interview to the "Moscow. Kremlin. Putin" show aired on Sunday.

The FSB will publish new information about the investigation into the assassination attempt once it becomes available, the FSB director said.

Bortnikov argued that it was "probably impractical" to talk about Russia retaliating against the Ukrainian government for the crime at this time.

"But we are closely monitoring everything that is happening. Of course, we will never forget and we will never forgive," the FSB director added.

Alexeyev was hospitalized on February 6 after an assassination attempt on him in a Moscow residential building. The FSB said that the suspect was detained in Dubai and extradited to Russia. The assassination attempt took place a day after a second round of Ukraine peace talks wrapped up in Abu Dhabi, with delegations from Russia, the United States and Ukraine participating.

 Sputnik

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Chair of the NATO Military Committee visited Estonia

Republic of Estonia - Defence Forces

20. February 2026, 14:16

This week, the Chair of the NATO Military Committee (CMC), Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone visited Estonia, where he met with the Commander of the Estonian Defence Forces Lieutenant General Andrus Merilo, and Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur, and received an overview of the security situation in the region.

"Estonia's contribution to our collective defence covers all domains: from hosting NATO's Forward Land Forces, conducting Baltic Air Policing, and contributing to Baltic Sentry activity to being a stronghold for our cyber defence," said Admiral Cavo Dragone. "Estonia also leads by example in terms of defence investments, already exceeding in 2026 the NATO Summit's agreed benchmark of 5%, with plans to go even beyond."

During the three-day visit, the CMC also received an overview of the activities of the Estonian Defence Forces and visited both the Amari Air Base and the Baltic Defence College in Tartu.

"The words of the Chairman conveyed that NATO is united and ready to defend its Allies in case of need. This gives me confidence that any aggression against us will find a strong response, in cooperation with our allies," said Lieutenant General Andrus Merilo, Commander of the Estonian Defence Forces. "Although we have made significant progress in the past years, it is too early to be satisfied with what has been achieved. The coming years will be critical in terms of development of defence capabilities both for Estonia and Allies, as the euros added to our defence budgets must be converted into effective military capabilities in a rapid and systematic manner."

"The military side of NATO is working hard on planning the alliance's military defence and boosting the readiness of its forces. We discussed the threat picture, strengthening NATO's deterrence and defence posture, and converting the 5% agreement into military capabilities with the Chair of the NATO Military Committee," said Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur.

During the visit, the CMC also met with Prime Minister Kristen Michal, members of the Estonian National Defence Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs Margus Tsahkna. Admiral Cavo Dragone also laid a wreath at the Victory Column of the War of Independence, met with Italian servicemen serving in Estonia, and gave a keynote lecture at the Baltic Defence College.

The NATO Military Committee is the senior military authority in NATO, comprising of the commanders in chief of the armed forces of all member states. The Committee's principal role is to provide consensus-based advice on military policy and strategy to the North Atlantic Council and direction to NATO's Strategic Commanders.

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Hamas: Civilian deaths in Gaza show 'genocidal war' ongoing

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Feb 22, 2026

Tehran, IRNA -- Hamas has stated that the continued killing of civilians in the Gaza Strip proves that the "genocidal war" has not stopped, but has merely changed its form.

Hazem Qassem, a Hamas spokesperson, asserted on Sunday that the daily deaths of non-combatants expose the "illusion" of talk of peace efforts and reconstruction plans.

"The occupying regime ignores these attempts and continues its field policies," Qassem said, according to the Palestine Today news agency.

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Ansarallah: Israeli attacks on Lebanon violate international charters

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Feb 22, 2026

Tehran, IRNA -- The political bureau of Yemen's Ansarallah movement has strongly condemned Israel's deadly aggression against innocent civilians in Lebanon's Bekaa region, calling it a flagrant violation of all human values and international charters and conventions.

In a statement cited by Al-Manar, Ansarullah said the "horrific crime" not only shed the blood of innocent Lebanese people and violated the country's sovereignty, but also sought to impose new equations linked to the so-called "Greater Israel" and a New Middle East plot.

The movement expressed full solidarity with the Lebanese people in confronting the crimes of the Israeli regime, "which enjoys US and Western support."

It offered condolences to the families of the victims and wished a speedy recovery to the wounded, while affirming the legitimate right of the Lebanese government to deliver a "decisive response and abandon policies of submission" to foreign demands.

Ansarallah also condemned the attack on the Palestinian camp of Ain al-Hilweh in southern Lebanon, describing it as part of a displacement scheme and expansionist agenda.

According to Lebanon's Health Ministry, at least 10 people were killed and 24 injured, including three children, in Israel's Friday night airstrikes on the Bekaa region.

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Iran slams US envoy's endorsement of 'Greater Israel' scheme

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Feb 22, 2026

Tehran, IRNA -- Iran has condemned recent comments by the US ambassador to the occupied Palestine, saying they were a "bold testament" to US complicity in the Israeli regime's expansionist wars in the region.

In an interview aired on Friday, US Ambassador Mike Huckabee endorsed the Israeli regime's scheme to expand across West Asia under the so-called "Greater Israel vision."

"It would be fine if they took it all," Huckabee said, when asked about the regime's ambition to expand from the Nile to the Euphrates.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei said on Sunday that Huckabee's postulation is a "bold testament to American active complicity in Israeli regime's expansionist wars of aggression as well as its colonial genocide of Palestinians."

"The Islamic Republic of Iran condemns, along with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), 'such extremist ideological rhetoric' that would only further embolden the occupying regime to persist in its atrocity crimes and illegal measures against Palestinians as well as its constant aggression against the nations of the region," he added.

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PH Navy to commission 2 brand-new ships on Feb. 24

Philippine News Agency

By Priam Nepomuceno

February 22, 2026, 10:39 am

MANILA -- The Philippine Navy (PN) will be christening and commissioning two brand-new ships, an offshore patrol vessel and a fast attack interdiction craft (FAIC), at Naval Operating Base-Subic in Zambales on Feb. 24.

In an advisory Sunday, the PN said these ships are the recently delivered offshore patrol vessel (OPV) BRP Rajah Sulayman (PS-20) and the FAIC, BRP Audrey Banares (PG-910).

The BRP Rajah Sulayman is the first out of the six OPVs contracted from South Korean shipbuilder, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI), while the BRP Audrey Banares is the last ship out of the nine acquired from Israeli Shipyards Limited.

Christening and commissioning ceremonies will be held at Quay 7 of Naval Operating Base-Subic.

BRP Rajah Sulayman was launched at the HD HHI shipyard in Ulsan, South Korea on June 11, 2025 and arrived in the Philippines on Jan. 17 of this year.

The BRP Rajah Sulayman is the first of the six OPVs ordered from shipbuilder HD HHI, worth around PHP30 billion in 2022.

The ship and its sister vessels are expected to conduct missions aimed at protecting the country's vast waters.

The contract for the nine FAICs, also known as the Acero-class gunboats, worth PHP10 billion, was issued in February 2021.

These ships are expected to replace PN's medium-sized patrol craft and help protect Philippine littoral waters. (PNA)

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Huckabee mocks Arab League's condemnation of his remarks endorsing Israel's biblical territorial claims

Iran Press TV

Sunday, 22 February 2026 10:57 PM

US Ambassador to Israeli-occupied territories Mike Huckabee has pushed back against widespread criticism and mocked the Arab League's condemnation following his recent interview with American journalist Tucker Carlson, in which he endorsed the notion of Israel expanding its territory across much of the West Asia region based on biblical interpretations.

In the interview, released on Friday, Huckabee responded to a question about a Genesis passage promising land to Abraham's descendants "from the river of Egypt to the Euphrates" by saying, "It would be fine if they took it all."

He quickly qualified the comment, describing it as hyperbolic and stressing that Israel was not seeking such expansion but focused on defending its existing territory.

The statement drew sharp backlash from Arab and Muslim nations, including a joint condemnation from over a dozen countriesamong them Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt, the UAE, and othersalong with the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.

They labeled the remarks "dangerous and inflammatory," a violation of international law, and a threat to regional stability.

On Sunday, Huckabee took to social media to defend himself, claiming his words had been selectively edited or taken out of context.

He accused Carlson of omitting parts of his full response and shared an article highlighting that the regional outcry stemmed from "partial remarks."

In a pointed jab, Huckabee reposted content suggesting the Arab League "needs a new translator" for its interpretation of his comments.

The US Embassy in al-Quds stated that Huckabee's full remarks did not indicate any shift in American policy and reiterated that Israel has no intention of altering its current borders.

The controversy continues to fuel debate over US diplomacy in the region amid Huckabee's longstanding Christian Zionist views and support for Israel.

The State Department has not issued a direct public response to the controversy, despite requests for comment.

Advocacy groups have called for Huckabee's removal. Raed Jarrar of the US-based rights organization DAWN described the comments as no mere gaffe, arguing that "an ambassador who publicly endorses Israeli territorial expansion across the entire Middle East cannot serve as a representative of the United States."

He warned that the Trump administration's inaction would be seen globally as tacit endorsement of such views, further damaging US credibility in the region.

Huckabee, appointed by President Donald Trump in 2025, has long advocated for strong US support of Israel, including opposing a two-state solution and referring to parts of the occupied West Bank by biblical names like "Judea and Samaria."

During the interview, he also appeared to describe "Area C"about 60% of the occupied West Bankas part of Israel, a position at odds with longstanding US policy against annexation.

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Denmark rejects Trump's plan to send US hospital ship to Greenland

Iran Press TV

Sunday, 22 February 2026 5:31 PM

The leaders of Greenland and Denmark have rejected US President Donald Trump's plan to dispatch a hospital ship to the Arctic territory, saying the island does not need foreign medical assistance.

Trump, in a Truth Social post on Saturday, announced he would send a "great hospital boat to take care of the many people who are sick, and not being taken care of there. It's on the way."

Denmark's Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen told reporters on Sunday that his government had not been made aware of the plan. He said there was "no need for special health care efforts" 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.

Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen also rejected the plan in a Facebook post, saying Greenland has "a public health system where care is free for citizens."

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen responded on Instagram, without mentioning Trump or the United States directly, writing that she is "happy to live in a country where there is free and equal access to health care for everyone." She added, "The same approach exists in Greenland."

Greenland has six hospitals serving a population of fewer than 60,000 people. In early February, the territory's government signed an agreement with Copenhagen to improve Greenlandic patients' access to treatment in Danish hospitals.

Trump's latest remarks are seen as part of his continuing pressure campaign on Greenland. The US president has repeatedly said the United States needs to acquire the semi-autonomous territory of NATO ally Denmark for national security reasons.

He later backed down on earlier threats to seize Greenland unilaterally after striking a "framework" deal in January with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, intended to ensure greater US influence.

However, at the Munich Security Conference this month, Frederiksen said she still feared US intentions toward the island. She called the pressure from the United States "unacceptable" and "outrageous."

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Palestinians granted only 66 building permits in West Bank over 11 years: Report

Iran Press TV

Sunday, 22 February 2026 3:59 PM

The Israeli regime has granted only 66 building permits to Palestinians in the occupied West Bank over an 11-year period, Israeli media reports say.

Israel's Haaretz daily, quoting sources, reported on Sunday that only 66 building permits were issued to Palestinians between 2009 and 2020.

This is while 22,000 permits were granted to illegal Israeli settlers during the same period, it said.

The report cited widespread demolitions carried out by the Israeli authorities since January in the Taawun neighborhood, south of Nablus in the northern part of the occupied West Bank.

Al-Taawun, it added, is "just one example of the accelerating pace of demolitions across the West Bank."

The neighborhood is located in Area C and "did not receive building permits from the Israeli authorities, despite being far from any settlement or access road."

"As most of the West Bank is off-limits to Palestinian development, residents are forced to build without permits," the Israeli daily commented.

In January alone, the Israeli army demolished a total of 24 Palestinian buildings in Area C due to the lack of building permits.

The Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) recently said at least 2,461 Palestinian buildings were demolished over the past two years due to the lack of building permits, up from 4,984 structures over the previous nine years.

As a result, around 3,500 people lost their homes during those two years.

The demolition campaign over the past two years has coincided with the displacement of around 80 Palestinian communities due to the rapid expansion of settler farms and outposts.

Palestinians view the measures as a prelude to the formal annexation of the West Bank.

Israel recently approved a series of sweeping measures in the occupied West Bank, which Palestinians say constitute a blatant breach of the Oslo Accords and amount to a de facto annexation of Palestinian land.

The policy, announced by Israel's extremist finance minister Bezalel Smotrich and minister of military affairs Israel Katz, significantly alters governance in the West Bank, opening the way for expanded settlements, land seizures, and the erosion of Palestinian civil rights.

The measures lift longstanding legal restrictions on Israeli settlers, accelerate settlement expansion, and extend Israeli military and "civil" authority into areas that were previously under partial Palestinian control.

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has strongly denounced Israel's actions as part of its ongoing colonial policy, labeling them a war crime and a grave breach of international law and UN resolutions.

Several Muslim-majority countriesincluding Iran, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt, Indonesia, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Qatar, and Pakistanissued a joint statement condemning the moves in the strongest terms.

They described the decision as an illegal attempt to impose Israeli sovereignty over occupied Palestinian territory, undermining regional stability and Palestinian statehood.

Both the UN General Assembly and the UN Security Council have repeatedly condemned Israel's settlement activities in numerous resolutions.

In a landmark opinion in July 2024, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) declared Israel's occupation of Palestinian territory illegal and called for the evacuation of all settlements in the occupied West Bank and East al-Quds.

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Somaliland ready to give US access to its minerals, military bases: Minister

Iran Press TV

Sunday, 22 February 2026 3:29 PM

A Somaliland official has revealed that the country's leadership is prepared to give the United States access to its mineral resources and military bases in exchange for recognition of the breakaway entity as an independent state.

"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," Minister of the Presidency of the Republic of Somaliland, Khadar Hussein Abdi, told AFP in an interview on Saturday.

He added, "We believe that we will agree on something with the United States."

The Israeli regime is the only entity in the world that has recognized the area as an independent state.

Somaliland's president said he would give the Israeli regime privileged access to its mineral resources in exchange for its recognition.

Nevertheless, it remains to be recognized by the rest of the world as a breakaway region of Somalia, covering the northwestern area once considered a British Protectorate.

Earlier this month, the president of Somalia strongly denounced the Israeli regime's interference in his country's internal affairs and vowed to "confront" any Israeli military presence in the breakaway region of Somaliland.

Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said Israel's recognition of Somaliland as an independent state is a "reckless, fundamentally wrong and illegal action under international law."

The government in Mogadishu considers Somaliland an integral part of Somalia. The territory has run its own affairs for decades, having its own currency, army, and police force. The residents of Somaliland also have their own passports.

The African Union and most Arab countries have thrown their support behind Somalia, condemning the Israeli regime's move.

Somaliland, which has been seeking independence since declaring its autonomy from Somalia in 1991, occupies a strategic location, situated along one of the world's most vital maritime choke pointsan area already surrounded by overlapping conflicts in the Horn of Africa and West Asia.

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Sudan's mining sector suffers $7 billion loss amid ongoing civil war

Iran Press TV

Sunday, 22 February 2026 10:16 AM

Sudan's mining sector has incurred $7 billion in losses as the country's 34-month-long war continues to disrupt operations, the national minerals authority reports.

Ahmed Haroun al-Tom, Director of the General Authority for Geological Research, said in a statement on Saturday that "the losses of the mining sector in Sudan due to the war amounted to about $7 billion."

Sudan's public and private sectors have been subjected to looting and sabotage due to the conflict, leading to the total or partial loss of infrastructure and losses ranging from millions to billions of dollars across various sectors, he said.

He revealed that the authority's activities have shrunk from 18 states before the outbreak of the war to only 6 states currently, directly affecting research, exploration operations, and public revenues

He stated that the authority has begun importing modern technologies and advanced machinery to enhance its technical capabilities, following the resumption of its operations in the capital, Khartoum, rather than Port Sudan.

State institutions that moved to Port Sudan in eastern Sudan after the outbreak of the civil war have returned to resume their activities in Khartoum, including the Sovereign Council and the Council of Ministers.

Al-Tom explained that before the civil war, the authority possessed "above-average" technologies in research and exploration, but these were lost due to the conflict.

The new technical package includes geophysical devices, remote sensing techniques, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS), in addition to specialized technologies in geo-engineering and geophysical studies.

He pointed out that the effects of the war were not limited to a decline in field activity but also extended to the disruption of evaluation and exploration programs, which negatively affected investment flows and revenues associated with the minerals sector.

Sudan ranks third in Africa and thirteenth globally in terms of the diversity and volume of mineral wealth. According to the Sudanese General Authority for Geological Research, about 75% of the country's mineral resources still require detailed exploration and evaluation.

In December last year, the Sudanese Mineral Resources Company, the regulatory arm of the Ministry of Minerals, announced a surge in gold production, with total output reaching 70 tons, the highest in the previous five years.

Since April 2023, there has been a civil war in Sudan between two factions of the country's military government.

The conflict involves the internationally recognized government controlled by the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan Abdelrahman al-Burhan and consisting of the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Republican Guard; and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), led by General Muhammad Hamdan Dagalo Musa, who leads the broader Janjaweed coalition.

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Ansarullah decries Israel's bloody massacre in east Lebanon, urges unified Arab action

Iran Press TV

Sunday, 22 February 2026 10:14 AM

Yemen's Ansarullah resistance movement has strongly condemned the Israeli rgeime's "bloody massacre" in Lebanon's eastern Beqaa region, which killed roughly a dozen people and wounded many more, calling it a flagrant violation of humanitarian values and international conventions.

The political bureau of Ansarullah said on Sunday that the Israeli airstrike, which targeted a neighborhood inside the Ain al-Hilweh Palestinian refugee camp in the city of Sidon in southern Lebanon, falls within the framework of Israel's expansionist agendas.

It said the crime extends beyond attacking Lebanese civilians and infringing upon Lebanon's sovereignty, describing it as part of attempts to enforce new dynamics associated with the initiative of the so-called "Greater Israel" and the "New Middle East."

It also expressed its complete support for the Lebanese nation and the Hezbollah resistance movement in the face of Israeli acts of aggression backed by US and Western threats.

Lebanon's Ministry of Public Health said on Saturday that Israeli strikes on eastern Lebanon killed 10 people and wounded 24, including three children.

Two officials with Hezbollah said eight members of the resistance movement were killed in strikes near the village of Rayak in northeast Lebanon late on Friday.

One of the Hezbollah officials said 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 prominent Hezbollah official and one of its founders, Mohammed Yaghi, who died in 2023. Mohammed Yaghi was also a close aide to late Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah who was assassinated in an Israeli airstrike in southern Beirut in September 2024.

In its statement, Ansarullah also sharply criticized the latest remarks by United States Ambassador to the Israeli-occupied territories Mike Huckabee, where he suggested that the regime has a right to expand its territory across a large swath of the West Asia region.

It stated that Huckabee's comments went beyond diplomatic standards and revealed clear US support for Israel's expansionist goals at the cost of Palestine and other Arab nations, adding that mere statements of condemnation are inadequate now.

The resistance group called upon Arab governments to take serious and coordinated measures to address the escalating danger.

It finally urged Arab and Muslim nations to take on their responsibilities regarding what it cautioned are grave challenges threatening the survival of the entire nation.

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Pakistan launches cross-border strikes into Afghanistan after series of suicide bombings

Iran Press TV

Sunday, 22 February 2026 8:17 AM

Pakistan's Ministry of Information says its military launched strikes along the border with Afghanistan, targeting hideouts of militants believed to be behind recent attacks across the country.

In a statement published on social media platform X on Sunday, Pakistan's Ministry of Information and Broadcasting said the armed forces carried out "intelligence-based, selective operations" against seven camps and hideouts belonging to the Pakistan Taliban, also known as Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), and its affiliates.

The ministry said it had "conclusive evidence" that recent attacks in Islamabad, as well as in the northwestern Bajaur and Bannu districts, were carried out by fighters "on behest of their Afghanistan-based leadership and handlers."

It added that Pakistan has repeatedly urged Afghanistan's Taliban government to act against armed groups using Afghan territory for attacks, but Kabul has yet to take "any substantive action."

"Pakistan has always strived to maintain peace and stability in the region," the statement said, "but the safety and security of Pakistani citizens remains our top priority."

The Taliban's Ministry of Defense condemned the strikes in a statement on Sunday, saying they "hit a religious school and residential homes" in Nangarhar and Paktika provinces, "resulting in dozens of deaths and injuries, including women and children."

"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," the statement added.

The strikes followed a series of deadly attacks inside Pakistan. Hours before the air raids, a suicide bomber targeted a security convoy in the Bannu district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, killing two soldiers, including a lieutenant colonel.

On Monday, a suicide attacker, supported by gunmen, rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into a security post in nearby Bajaur, killing 11 soldiers and a child. Authorities later said the attacker was an Afghan national.

Earlier, on February 6, a suicide bomber detonated explosives during noon prayers at the Khadija Tul Kubra mosque in Islamabad's Tarlai Kalan area, killing at least 31 worshippers and wounding 170 others.

Daesh claimed responsibility for that attack. At the time, the Pakistani military said the "planning, training, and indoctrination for the attack took place in Afghanistan."

The recent violence threatens a fragile ceasefire between the two neighbors, negotiated after deadly border clashes in October last year that left dozens of soldiers, civilians, and suspected fighters dead.

Pakistan has experienced a surge in attacks in recent years, which it attributes to the TTP and outlawed Baloch separatist groups. Islamabad says the TTP operates from inside Afghanistan, a charge the group denies.

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Iran, other Muslim states slam US envoy's endorsement of 'Greater Israel' plot

Iran Press TV

Sunday, 22 February 2026 7:30 AM

Iran, along with several Islamic and Arab countries and organizations, has condemned comments by the US ambassador to the occupied territories, who suggested Israel has a right to expand its occupation to much of West Asia.

The denunciations came after Mike Huckabee said during an interview released on Friday that it would be "fine" if Israel stole all of the land between the Nile River in Egypt and the Euphrates in Syria and Iraq.

"It would be fine if they took it all," Huckabee said during the interview with journalist Tucker Carlson, when asked about the regime's oft-repeated ambition to expand from the Nile to the Euphrates.

Huckabee referenced what he called the biblical "promised land" in trying to justify the regime's expansionist ambitions. Carlson, however, described such contours as belonging to the descendants of the Prophet Abraham, including Jews, Christians, and Muslims.

When asked whether he approved of Tel Aviv's takeover of the entire West Asia region, Huckabee replied, "They don't want to take it over. They're not asking to take it over," adding, "If they end up getting attacked by all these places, and they win that war, and they take that land, OK, that's a whole other discussion."

Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said Huckabee's remarks are "a bold testament to American active complicity in the Israeli regime's expansionist wars of aggression as well as its colonial genocide of Palestinians."

He also warned that the US envoy's "extremist ideological rhetoric" would further embolden the usurping regime to "persist in its atrocity crimes and illegal measures against Palestinians as well as its constant aggression against the nations of the region."

Similarly, Qatar, Egypt, Jordan, the UAE, Indonesia, Pakistan, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Lebanon, Syria, and Palestine, together with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and the Arab League condemned the US diplomat's "dangerous and inflammatory" comments.

In a joint statement, they said Huckabee's 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."

They further emphasized that "Israel has no sovereignty whatsoever over the Occupied Palestinian Territory or any other occupied Arab lands."

Meanwhile, they 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.

They also stressed their commitment to Palestinians' inalienable right to self-determination and to the establishment of their independent state along the 1967 borders, as well as the end of the Israeli occupation of all Arab lands.

Earlier, several Arab states issued unilateral condemnations of the US ambassador's words.

The Palestinian Foreign Ministry decried Huckabee's comments as "provocative and unacceptable," saying they represent a direct call to "violate state sovereignty and provide support for ongoing occupation, ethnic cleansing, displacement, and expansionist plans" targeting the oppressed nation.

Saudi Arabia described the US envoy's statements as "reckless" and "irresponsible," while Kuwait called them a "flagrant violation" of international law.

Additionally, Jordan slammed the remarks as "an assault on the sovereignty of the countries of the region," and Oman said they threatened the prospects of regional stability.

In November 2024, shortly after US President Donald Trump announced Huckabee as his pick for ambassador to the occupied lands, Huckabee said he supports Israel's annexation of the occupied West Bank.

Back in 2008, he went so far as to question Palestinian identity altogether, claiming, "There's really no such thing as a Palestinian."

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Hezbollah has 'no choice' but to defend itself after deadly Israeli strikes: Official

Iran Press TV

Sunday, 22 February 2026 7:23 AM

A senior Hezbollah official says the Lebanese resistance movement "has no longer any option" but to defend itself after the deadliest Israeli strikes in weeks hit the Beqaa Valley in eastern Lebanon and killed eight members of the group, including high-profile commander Hussein Mohammed Yaghi.

"What happened yesterday in the Beqaa is a new massacre and a new aggression, exceeding all the previous levels of aggression against Lebanon," Mahmoud Qamati, deputy head of Hezbollah's political council, stated in a speech broadcast by Hezbollah's al-Manar television network during a protest in the capital Beirut on Saturday.

"What option do we have left to defend ourselves and our country? What option do we have other than resistance?" he noted.

The remarks came as two officials with Hezbollah said earlier on Saturday that the eight members were killed in strikes near the village of Rayak in northeast Lebanon late on Friday.

One of the Hezbollah officials said 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 Mohammed Yaghi, a prominent Hezbollah official and one of its founders, 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.

MP: Condemnations fall short as Israeli attacks continue

Meanwhile, Rami Abu Hamdan, a member of Hezbollah's Loyalty to Resistance parliamentary bloc, said on Saturday that condemnations are no longer effective regarding incessant Israeli attacks, stressing that the Lebanese blood "is not to be treated as cheap."

Abu Hamdan then slammed Lebanese authorities for inaction over Israeli attacks on Lebanon.

"The authorities must enact a fundamental shift in how they defend the nation. What happened tonight in the Beqaa, and what recurs night after night in southern Lebanon, cannot be normalized or treated as routine," the lawmaker stated.

He stressed that "It is unacceptable for officials to behave like detached political analysts, reducing these assaults to 'familiar' Israeli strikes we are expected to be subjected to ahead of every ceasefire monitoring committee meeting."

Abu Hamdan called on Lebanese officials to suspend participation in the committee's sessions "until the aggression stops."

"The authorities must act swiftly and effectively. The government and the entire state must seriously shoulder their responsibilities, abandon the policy of submission and surrender that only emboldens the criminal enemy to threaten Lebanon's security and the safety of its honorable and dignified citizens. Further political maneuvering without strength is a mere waste of time, lives, and losses in the country," the Lebanese legislator stated.

Israeli violations of the November 2024 ceasefire have caused the deaths and injuries of hundreds of Lebanese nationals. Israel continues to occupy five Lebanese highlands seized during the latest war, as well as additional areas of Lebanon it has held for many years

In October 2023, Israel initiated military strikes against Lebanon, which escalated into a comprehensive war by September 2024, resulting in more than 4,000 deaths and around 17,000 injuries.

Lebanese officials have repeatedly urged pressure on Tel Aviv to cease its attacks and comply with the ceasefire terms. They are calling for the withdrawal of Israeli soldiers from the areas captured in the latest war.

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Hamas: Huckabee's remarks expose 'American bias towards Zionist domination, annexation'

Iran Press TV

Saturday, 21 February 2026 11:13 PM

Gaza's Hamas resistance movement has condemned recent comments by the US ambassador to the occupied territories, saying they reflected a colonialist mindset and demonstrated Washington's alignment with "Zionist domination and annexation" projects.

In a statement on Saturday, Hamas said the remarks by Mike Huckabee constituted "a clear embodiment of the colonialist mentality upon which the Zionist movement was founded."

The comments, it noted, "reveal the extent of the blatant American bias towards the projects of domination and annexation, in a flagrant violation of international law and the UN Charter, and contempt for the sovereignty of the region's countries and the rights of their peoples."

Huckabee: 'It would be fine if they took it all'

The reaction followed an interview aired on Friday in which Huckabee addressed the idea of the Israeli regime's expanding across West Asia under the so-called "Greater Israel vision."

"It would be fine if they took it all," Huckabee said during the interview with journalist Tucker Carlson, when asked about the regime's oft-repeated ambition to expand from the Nile to the Euphrates.

Huckabee referenced, what he called, the biblical "promised land" in trying to justify the regime's expansionist ambitions. Carlson, however, described such contours as belonging to the descendants of the Prophet Abraham, including Jews, Christians, and Muslims.

When asked whether he approved of Tel Aviv's takeover of the entire West Asia region, Huckabee replied, "They don't want to take it over. They're not asking to take it over," adding, "If they end up getting attacked by all these places, and they win that war, and they take that land, OK, that's a whole other discussion."

The so-called "Greater Israel" concept envisions borders stretching from the Euphrates River in Iraq to the Nile River in Egypt, encompassing present-day Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Iraq, as well as parts of Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt.

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly promoted such expansionist ideas. In a 2025 television interview, Netanyahu said he subscribed to the vision, describing it as a "historic and spiritual mission" and affirming his attachment to the vision of the so-called "Promised Land."

Far-right Israeli finance minister Bezalel Smotrich has also sparked controversy over such comments. In 2023, he spoke at an event featuring a map that included the Palestinian territories and portions of Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan as part of the occupied territories.

This week, Smotrich said they would try to "encourage" the exit of Palestinians from the land and demanded a formal end to the Oslo Accords, signed in the 1990s between the regime and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) as a means of "resolving the conflict and guaranteeing Palestinians' right to self-determination."

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Afghanistan Vows Measured Response to Pakistan's Airstrikes - Defense Ministry

Sputnik News

20260222

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Afghanistan will deliver a measured and appropriate response at the right moment to Pakistan's act of aggression, which killed dozens of Afghan civilians, the Afghan Defense Ministry said on Sunday.

Earlier in the day, Afghan government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said that Pakistan Air Force airstrikes overnight killed 23 civilians, including women and children, in the border provinces of Paktika and Nangarhar.

"In continuation of past violations [of Afghanistan's sovereignty], the Pakistani military regime has again launched airstrikes against several civilian targets in the provinces of Nangarhar and Paktika, including madrassas and residential buildings. As a result of these attacks, dozens of innocent civilians, including women and children, were killed and injured," the statement read.

The ministry strongly condemned this blatant violation of Afghanistan's sovereignty as a criminal act and gross breach of international law, good neighborly principles, and Islamic values.

"The Defense Ministry considers it a religious and national duty to protect the country's borders and ensure the safety of the people. It warns that a necessary and thoughtful response to this act will be delivered at the appropriate time," the statement read.

The Afghan military command views attacks on civilian facilities and religious centers as evidence of the Pakistani army's "failures in intelligence and security."

"Such repeated violations will never be able to mask their internal failures," the ministry said.

On Saturday, Pakistan's Ministry of Information and Broadcasting said that its forces struck seven camps and shelters of Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and affiliated Wilayah Khorasan (an Islamic State branch, both banned as terrorists in Russia) in the Afghanistan-Pakistan border region.

 Sputnik

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US Troops in Middle East Being Redeployed for New Missions, Not Evacuated - Reports

Sputnik News

20260222

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Hundreds of US troops stationed at military bases in Qatar and Bahrain have been redeployed for other missions and operations, not evacuated, the New York Times reported.

The publication noted that the initial version of its article reported the evacuation of American troops from bases in Qatar and Bahrain, but US officials later denied this information.

Earlier, US President Donald Trump stated that a "massive armada" was heading toward Iran and expressed hope that the Iranian government would agree to negotiate a "fair and equitable" deal that would entail a complete abolition of nuclear weapons. Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi emphasized on February 8 that the Islamic Republic insisted on its right to enrich uranium, even if it led to war.

 Sputnik

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Hamas condemns Netanyahu's proposal for new regional alliance as threat to Arab interests

Iran Press TV

Monday, 23 February 2026 1:00 AM

The Palestinian resistance movement Hamas has slammed the Israeli prime minister's latest statements about forming a new regional alliance that would include Arab countries, describing them as a "blatant disregard" for Arab states and a direct threat to their strategic interests.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Hazem Qassem, spokesperson for Hamas, said that Netanyahu is making an attempt to reshape the region in a way that serves only the interests of the occupying regime.

His remarks came after Benjamin Netanyahu claimed that Israel plans to build a network of allied states, including India, Greece, Cyprus, and a number of Arab, African and Asian countries.

The Israeli prime minister framed the proposed axis as a counter to both the "radical Shia axis," and an "emerging radical Sunni axis."

Netanyahu made these remarks while announcing the upcoming visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the occupied territories, and he added that India would be part of a so-called "axis of nations that see eye to eye" with Israel.

Qassem added that the Israeli regime seeks to form regional alliances with support from the US in order to advance its own interests, which are inherently in conflict with those of Arab states.

The Hamas official noted that such proposals are rooted in the weakness of the Arab countries' positions throughout the genocidal war on Gaza.

He emphasized that any regional arrangement that ignores Palestinian rights will not contribute to stability of the region.

Qassem called on Arab states to realize the threat posed to them by such schemes, and their impact on the region's security and stability.

Qassem argued that Netanyahu's proposal reflects a disregard for the important role Arab states play in the region and seeks to advance Israeli interests, which he said are inherently at odds with those of Arab nations.

He characterized the envisioned entity as "foreign to the region and its history" and suggested it would rely on US support to lead regional alliances.

The Hamas official further linked the proposal to what he described as the perceived weakness in the Arab system's positions during the ongoing war in Gaza.

He warned that any regional arrangements that overlook Palestinian rights would fail to bring stability to the region.

Qassem called on Arab states to recognize the potential dangers of such initiatives and their implications for regional security and stability.

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Russo-Ukraine War - 22 February 2026 - Day 1460

Su M Tu W Th F Sa 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28

A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While GlobalSecurity.org takes utmost care to accurately report this news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

On 24 February 2022, Ukraine was suddenly and deliberately attacked by land, naval and air forces of Russia, igniting the largest European war since the Great Patriotic War. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a "special military operation" (SVO - spetsialnaya voennaya operatsiya) in Ukraine in response to the appeal of the leaders of the "Donbass republics" for help. That attack is a blatant violation of the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. Putin stressed that Moscow's goal is the demilitarization and denazification of the country. The military buildup in preceeding months makes it obvious that the unprovoked and dastardly Russian attack was deliberately planned long in advance. During the intervening time, the Russian government had deliberately sought to deceive the world by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.

"To initiate a war of aggression... is not only an international crime; it is the supreme international crime differing only from other war crimes in that it contains within itself the accumulated evil of the whole." [Judgment of the International Military Tribunal]

The UK Ministry of Defence reported that the Kremlin has formally blocked access to WhatsApp, telling reporters that the decision was taken because the platform failed to comply with Russian law  particularly requirements for data access and cooperation with law enforcement  and urging its roughly 100 million Russian users to switch to a domestic alternative. The move fits into a broader campaign to tighten state control over Internet communications and information flow, which has intensified since Russia launched the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

The ban on WhatsApp comes amid a wider regulatory push. Russia's media regulator, Roskomnadzor, has also begun restricting access to Telegram, another major messaging platform used widely across the country.

At the centre of the Kremlin's strategy is 'Max'  a state-backed 'super-app' developed by the Russian technology group VK that integrates messaging with payment functions, government services, and other services within one platform. Originally launched in 2025 and later mandated to be pre-installed on all new smartphones sold within Russia, Max has faced widespread criticism over privacy and surveillance concerns, as well as its deep integration with state infrastructure. Unlike services such as WhatsApp, Max generally does not provide end-to-end encryption and collects various types of user metadata, which privacy advocates warn could make communications easily accessible to authorities.

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that the Defense Forces are directing efforts to disrupt the execution of Russian invaders' offensive plans and exhaust their combat potential.

112 combat clashes have taken place since the beginning of the day.

According to the information, the Russian enemy made one missile strike, fired 50 missiles, conducted 66 air strikes, dropped 152 controlled air bombs. In addition, he used 3,900 kamikaze drones and carried out 2,313 shells on settlements and positions of Ukrainian troops.

One confrontation with the Russian enemy took place in the North Slobozhansky and Kursky directions. The Russian enemy carried out 68 shelling of settlements and positions of Ukrainian units, including six - from jet systems of salpovogo fire.

In the South Slobozhans komu direction, the Russian opponent once attacked in the area of Dvorichansky, the battle is ongoing.

One attack was repelled by Ukrainian defenders in the Kupyansky direction, towards Glushkivka.

In the Lyman direction Ukrainian warriors stopped six attacks, in the area of drobisevogo and towards novosergiivka, oleksandrivka, stavkiv.

In the Slavic direction, Ukrainian defenders repelled four Russian attempts to advance in the areas of Platonivka, Zakitnogo.

In the Kramators komu direction, at the moment Russian offensive actions have not been recorded.

In the Konstantinivka direction, the Russian occupiers today stormed the positions of Ukrainian defenders 13 times near Pleshiyivka, Sofiyivka and towards Illinivka, Konstyantinivka, Stepanivka. One battle is still going on.

The enemy committed 22 attacks in the Pokrovsky direction. The Russian occupiers tried to advance in the areas of the settlements Rodinske, Pokrovsk, Udacne, Filiya and towards the settlements Bilitske, Grishine, Novopidgorodnoe.

According to preliminary calculations, today in this direction Ukrainian soldiers killed 22 Russian invaders and wounded 19; destroyed 77 unmanned aircraft, one artillery system, a REB station, two vehicles and four special equipment units, also hit one artillery systems, one radio-electronic combat station, seven vehicles and 12 shells of the Russian opponent's personnel.

In the Oleksandrivsky direction, Ukrainian units stopped six Russian attacks in the areas of settlements Stepovo, Kalinovsk, Ternovo and towards the New Zaporizhia . Airstrikes were hit by areas of populated areas Pokrovskke, Prosyana.

In the Gulyaipil direction, there were 24 Russian attacks - in the areas of Gulyaipol and in the direction of the Green, Zaliznychny, Gulyaipilsky. Russian airstrikes were hit by the settlements of Rizdvyanka, Kopani, Valley, Tersyanka, Zirnytsya, Vozdvizhivka, Gulyaipils ke, Charivne, Novomykolaivka, Samijlivka, Lyubitske.

In the Orihiv direction, the Russian enemy twice attacked the positions of Ukrainian defenders in the areas of Primorsky and Stepovoye. Air strikes controlled by air bombs were affected by the districts of populated areas of Tavriyske, Komyshuvakha, Veselyanka.

In the pridniprovsk direction, no Russian offensive actions have been recorded.

The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation reported that over the past 24 hours, in response to the terrorist attacks launched by the Kiev regime against civilian infrastructure facilities on the territory of Russia, the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation have launched a massive strike by long-range, ground-based and air-based high-precision weapons, as well as unmanned aerial vehicles at the facilities of the defence industry, energy infrastructure of Ukraine used to support the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

The goals of the strike were achieved. All the assigned targets were engaged.

Units of the Sever Group of Forces took more advantageous lines and positions. Russian troops engaged formations of three mechanised brigades of the AFU and three territorial defence brigades close to Pokrovka, Mikhaylovskoye, Khrapovshchina, Khoten, Iskrikovshchina, and Novodmitrovka (Sumy region).

In Kharkov region, units of three mechanised brigades, one motorised infantry brigade of the AFU and one national guard brigade have been hit near Otradnoye, Grafskoye, Neskuchnoye, Varvarovka, and Kolodeznoye (Kharkov region).

The AFU losses amounted to up to 240 troops, 14 motor vehicles, three field artillery guns, including two 155-mm Bogdana self-propelled artillery systems, one U.S.-made AN/TPQ-50 counter-battery radar station, one ammunition depot, and eight materiel depots.

The Zapad Group of Forces improved the tactical situation. The Group's formations inflicted fire damage on manpower and hardware of two mechanised brigades, one airmobile brigade of the AFU and two national guard brigades near Shipovatoye, Nechvolodovka, Prilyutovo, Monachinovka (Kharkov region) and Krasny Liman (Donetsk People's Republic).

The AFU losses amounted to up to 190 troops, one U.S.-made M113 armoured personnel carrier, four Western-made armoured fighting vehicles, three artillery guns, including two 155-mm Bogdana self-propelled artillery systems, and 11 motor vehicles. A U.S.-made AN/TPQ-50 counter-fire radar and three ammunition depots were destroyed.

The Yuzhnaya Group of Forces improved the tactical situation along the front line. Strikes were delivered at formations of three mechanised brigades, one motorised infantry brigade of the AFU, one marine brigade close to Kurtovka, Kramatorsk, Konstantinovka, Artema, and Druzhkovka (Donetsk People's Republic).

The enemy lost more than 105 troops, one infantry fighting vehicle, two U.S.-made M113 armoured personnel carriers, two Kazak armoured vehicles, 11 motor vehicles, and two artillery guns. One U.S.-made AN/TPQ-50 counter-fire radar station, one electronic warfare station, one ammunition depot, and two materiel depots were neutralised.

The Tsentr Group of Forces took more advantageous lines and positions. Russian troops inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of five mechanised brigades, one jaeger brigade, one airmobile brigade, one assault brigade, one assault regiment of the AFU, one Azov Special Operations Brigade, four national guard brigades close to Krasnoyarskoye, Novoaleksandrovka, Kucherov Yar, Shevchenko, Toretskoye, Rayskoye, Belitskoye, Krasnopodolye, Rodinskoye, Sergeyevka (Donetsk People's Republic) and Novopavlovka (Dnepropetrovsk region).

Up to 355 troops, 10 armoured fighting vehicles, 12 motor vehicles, four artillery guns, and one U.S.-made AN/TPQ-36 counter-fire radar station have been neutralised.

The Vostok Group of Forces continued advancing into the depth of enemy defence. The Group's units engaged one mechanised brigade, two air assault brigades, one assault brigade, and two assault regiments of the AFU have been hit close to Rizdvyanka, Boykovo, Gorkoye (Zaporozhye region), Kolomiytsy, Pokrovskoye, Prosyanaya, and Aleksandrovka (Dnepropetrovsk region).

The AFU losses amounted to up to 350 troops, four armoured fighting vehicles, seven motor vehicles, one 155-mm Polish-made Krab self-propelled artillery system, and one materiel depot.

The Dnepr Group of Forces improved the tactical situation. Russian units inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of two mechanised brigades and one mountain assault brigade of the AFU near Kirovo, Kamyshevakha and Grigorovka (Zaporozhye region).

Up to 60 troops, 12 motor vehicles, three electronic warfare stations, one ammunition depot, and four materiel depots have been neutralised.

Operational-tactical aviation, attack drones, missile troops, and artillery of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation have inflicted damage on a logistics centre and a storage area of unmanned aerial vehicles and their components, as well as temporary deployment areas of Ukrainian armed formations and foreign mercenaries in 144 areas.

Air defence systems shot down five guided aerial bombs, seven HIMARS MLRS projectiles, and 326 fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles.

In total, since the beginning of the special military operation, 670 aircraft, 283 helicopters, 116,263 unmanned aerial vehicles, 650 anti-aircraft missile systems, 27,814 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,670 MLRS combat vehicles, 33,421 field artillery guns and mortars, and 55,005 units of support military vehicles have been neutralised.

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Eruption of Iron Faith and Ardent Desire to Bring New Upturn in Juche Revolution under Leadership of Comrade Kim Jong Un Fourth-day Sitting of Ninth WPK Congress

Korean Central News Agency of DPRK

Pyongyang, February 23 (KCNA) -- The fourth-day sitting of the Ninth Congress of the Workers' Party of Korea was held on Feb. 22.

The Congress continued its historic work amid high enthusiasm of the delegates who attentively listened to the report on the review of the work of the Party Central Committee that will powerfully encourage the cause of the DPRK and its struggle to a higher stage.

Speeches were made on the first agenda item "Review of the Work of the Workers' Party of Korea Central Committee" at the fourth-day sitting of the Congress.

Kim Jong Gwan and Yun Jong Ho, delegates of the Cabinet Party organizations, and Kim Jong Sik, first vice department director of the C.C., WPK who is a delegate of the headquarters Party organization, took the floor.

Written speeches were made by delegates of Party organizations at all levels including Ri Il Hwan, Pak Thae Song, No Kwang Chol, Jon Sung Guk, Mun Chol, Ri Chol Man, Pang Tu Sop, Kim Chol Sam, O Il Jong, Kim Myong Hun, Kim Hyong Sik, Kim Il Guk, Yun Jae Hyok and Ri Song Bom.

Expressing full support to the report on the review of the work of the Party Central Committee, the speakers said that the revolutionary nature of the Party serving the people was fully displayed in the period under review thanks to the outstanding ideology and theory and energetic leadership of Comrade Kim Jong Un and remarkable progress and changes were made in all domains, sectors and regions of the country which develop simultaneously in a balanced way.

They analyzed and reviewed the lessons drawn from the work of their sectors and units in the course of the struggle for implementing the decisions of the Eighth Congress of the WPK and expressed their solemn resolve to play the vanguard and core role in the all-people advance toward a new victory of the revolution.

The Congress decided to study a decision on the first agenda item at sectional study and consultative meetings and revise and supplement it in reflection of constructive opinions and then deliberate it at the Political Bureau before it is adopted at Congress.

The Congress discussed the second agenda item, "On the Revision of the Rules of the Workers' Party of Korea".

Jo Yong Won made a report on the revision of the WPK Rules.

A decision "On the Revision of the Rules of the Workers' Party of Korea" was adopted with unanimous approval.

The Congress discussed the third agenda item "Election of the Central Leadership of the Workers' Party of Korea".

The venue of the Congress with discussion of the agenda item of great political significance in glorifying most brilliantly the absolute prestige and leadership ability of the WPK just ahead was filled with high enthusiasm of the delegates to fulfill their historic responsibility before the times and the revolution, the country and its people.

The Congress declared that the eighth-term Party central leadership would successfully complete its term according to the WPK Rules, and held the election of the ninth-term Party central leadership.

The relevant provisions of the "Detailed Regulations for Election of the Central Leadership of the Workers' Party of Korea" were read out before the start of procedures for the election of members and alternate members of the Party Central Committee.

The method of nominating candidates for members and alternate members of the Party Central Committee was discussed and decided and, according to it, candidates were nominated and elected.

Upon authorization of the presidium of the Congress, Ri Hi Yong proposed candidates for members of the Ninth Central Committee of the WPK.

At the moment when Kim Jong Un was proposed as a candidate for a member of the Party Central Committee, all the delegates burst into cheers and gave enthusiastic applause.

All the proposed candidates were nominated as candidates for members of the Party Central Committee with unanimous approval of the delegates.

The delegates unanimously recognized that all the nominated candidates for members of the Party Central Committee are the core elements of the Party who are boundlessly loyal to the Party's revolutionary ideas and fighting programmes and fully ready to powerfully push ahead with the perfect implementation of the Party's policies by playing the vanguard role.

The Congress held elections to nominated candidates for the members of the Party Central Committee.

The person, who presided over the Congress, courteously proposed first to elect Comrade Kim Jong Un as a member of the Party Central Committee, representing the unanimous will and desire of all the Party members and the delegates to the Party Congress.

All the participants expressed full support and approval with stormy cheers of "Hurrah!" and enthusiastic applause.

138 candidates for the members were elected to the members of the Central Committee of the WPK under full approval of the delegates.

The Congress elected alternate members of the Party Central Committee.

111 candidates were elected as alternate members of the Party Central Committee through relevant nominating and election procedures.

The Congress greeted the most important and responsible moment of decisive significance in strengthening the Party and accomplishing the revolutionary cause.

All the participants were greatly exalted by the crucial event of electing the general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea, the head representing and leading our great Party.

Ri Il Hwan made a proposal on the election of the general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea.

We are to adopt the most important and responsible decision in firmly guaranteeing the destiny and future of our great state and people and in attaining all the goals and ideals we want to achieve, the speaker said, adding that if our revolution is to successfully carry out the huge tasks for the new stage of development while steadfastly preserving its lifeline, it is necessary to further strengthen the leadership ability of the Party and this can be successfully realized only when a political activist, who is most loyal to the cause of Kimilsungism-Kimjongilism and who is possessed of outstanding and seasoned skills, undertakes this responsible duty.

At this moment, the immutable truth of history most strictly proved in the past struggle, the results of the revolution keenly realized by all the people on this land, and the faith deeply cherished during the unusual 1 800-odd days are making the desire and will of all the delegates unanimous ones, he said, stressing that it was the strength of the great ideology and politics, the strength of the great Comrade Kim Jong Un that made it possible to design and create to the full the dream and ideal for prosperity, which had been desired for a long time, even in the middle of this confused planet shaking with wars and tyranny.

The course of the struggle of the eighth-term Party Central Committee with amazing goal and more admirable fruition of success made our people and the world appreciate the personality of Kim Jong Un as the peerlessly great man who certainly brings about successful results while simultaneously designing huge projects and pushing ahead with them in a lightning way without halt in any case, he said.

Now when the historic advance towards greater victory is started true to the new line of struggle and action programme set forth by the Ninth Congress of the Party, only Kim Jong Un can guide the trend of gigantic transformation of our cause put on an orbit of leap forward to a steady upturn without halt, the speaker said, courteously proposing to the Congress to entrust the important post of general secretary, the supreme duty of the WPK, the organizer and guide of all victories for the DPRK people, to the great Comrade Kim Jong Un again for the development of the WPK, brilliant implementation of the gigantic action programme, prosperity of the country and the rosy future of socialism, in reflection of the unanimous desire of all the Party members and people.

All the delegates expressed full support and approval, raising enthusiastic cheers of "Hurrah!" in reflection of their ardent desire to dynamically advance towards the road of Juche, invariably holding in high esteem Kim Jong Un as the top leader of the WPK, and their loyalty.

The Ninth Congress of the WPK adopted with unanimous approval the decision on electing Kim Jong Un as general secretary of the WPK in reflection of the unanimous will and desire of all the delegates, Party members, people and service personnel of the People's Army.

The participants in the Congress extended the highest glory to the General Secretary, vowing to remain faithful to the his leadership of Kim Jong Un to the last for the eternal prosperity of the country.

With the boundless pride and excitement of invariably holding in high esteem Kim Jong Un as the great leader of the dignified WPK, the delegates will study and discuss the plans of each sector to be reflected in the decision of the Congress on the basis of the goals set forth in the report on the review of the work of the Party Central Committee according to the schedule of the Congress. -0-

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Pezeshkian: Recent talks with US have yielded encouraging signals

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Feb 22, 2026

Tehran, IRNA -- President Masoud Pezeshkian says recent talks between Iran and the United States have produced "encouraging signals," however, Iran remains ready for any possible scenario.

"Iran is committed to peace and stability in the region. Recent negotiations involved the exchange of practical proposals and yielded encouraging signals. However, we continue to closely monitor US actions and have made all necessary preparations for any potential scenario," the Iranian president said on X on Saturday evening.

Iran and the US have held two rounds of talks this month on the Iranian nuclear program and the lifting of sanctions on the Islamic Republic. The talks, held in Oman on February 6 and in Switzerland on February 17, are the first such discussions since the 12-day war Israel launched in June last year, which the US joined later.

Amid the negotiations, the US has also deployed aircraft carriers and other military assets to the region, threatening Iran with military action.

On Sunday, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that he would likely meet US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff on Thursday in Geneva, Switzerland, for a new round of negotiations.

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New round of negotiations with US likely set for Thursday: Iran foreign minister

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Feb 22, 2026

New York, IRNA -- Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says he will likely meet US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff on Thursday in Geneva, Switzerland, for a new round of nuclear negotiations.

The Iranian foreign minister made the remark while speaking with CBS News' Face The Nation Moderator Margaret Brennan on Sunday.

He said that Iran was still working on a draft proposal to be presented to the American side, which Araghchi said would probably take place on Thursday, adding that a deal could be reached quickly between Tehran and Washington.

"We are still working on that, and we are trying to make it something which consists of elements which can accommodate both sides' concerns and interests. And we are working on those elements, and 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. This is my understanding. I see it quite possible," said Araghchi.

On the United States' military buildup near Iran for possible new strikes over the Iranian nuclear program, and whether the Trump administration is using threats of strikes as leverage, the top diplomat said that he makes no judgment, stressing that diplomacy remains the only solution to resolve the nuclear standoff between Tehran and Washington.

"I cannot judge, but one fact is that if they want to find a resolution for Iran's peaceful nuclear program, the only way is diplomacy. And we have proved this in the past and I believe that still there is a good chance to have a diplomatic solution which is based on a win-win game, and a solution is at our reach. So, there is no need for any military build-up, and a military build-up cannot help it and can pressurize us."

A deal better than JCPOA is possible

In response to a question about how a possible new deal would differ from the 2015 nuclear agreement, officially called the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), Araghchi said that "a better deal than the JCPOA is possible," arguing that the situation has changed compared with ten years ago and that there are elements that could be much better than the 2015 agreement.

Uranium enrichment 'a matter of dignity'

"Enrichment is our right," said Araghchi in response to a question about why President Trump should consider allowing Iran to "have even the smallest bit of enrichment" amid pressures inside the US to force zero enrichment for Iran.

Iran is a member of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), and "we have every right to enjoy peaceful nuclear energy including enrichment," the top diplomat further said, adding that how Iran uses this right is related only to the country.

He called the enrichment "a sensitive part" of negotiations between Iran and the US, saying that the two sides know one another's positions and concerns, and that a solution is achievable.

The top diplomat also called enrichment "a matter of dignity and pride" for Iran, arguing that the country has paid "a huge expense," including sanctions and war, to develop the technology by itself.

Negotiations focused on nuclear issue

Araghchi said that the ongoing negotiations between Iran and the US are focused solely on the nuclear issue, "and there is no other subject." He made the remarks while commenting on US Secretary of State Marko Rubio's statements that "anything meaningful" should also include Iran's ballistic missile program and its support for resistance groups in the region.

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Iran, Russia negotiations ongoing for Rasht-Astara railway project: Official

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Feb 22, 2026

Tehran, IRNA -- The CEO of Iran's Roads and Transport Infrastructure Construction and Development Company, Houshang Bazvand, says technical and contractual negotiations for the Rasht-Astara railway project are still ongoing between Iran and Russia.

Bazvand made the remarks during a joint meeting with the Russian delegation in Tehran on Sunday.

Referring to the negotiations regarding the Rasht-Astara railway project, he said, "During the recent intensive meetings, both sides have achieved a mutual understanding of the cooperation framework, technical requirements, and implementation mechanisms for the project."

He emphasized that the path to finalizing an implementation contract between the two parties has become clearer.

Bazvand said, "The foundation of our cooperation is the commitment to the agreed-upon scope of work and the execution of the project within the established financial ceilinga ceiling that has been agreed upon by both parties and will not be changed."

He added, "The common resolve is that the Rasht-Astara railway project, as one of the strategic initiatives for connecting regional corridors, will soon enter the implementation phase within the framework of existing agreements and through the intensified efforts of both parties."

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Chance still exists for win-win solution to Iran's nuclear issue: Araghchi

Iran Press TV

Sunday, 22 February 2026 5:49 PM

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says there is still "a good chance" for a diplomatic solution to the nuclear dispute based on a win-win outcome for all sides.

"One fact is there, that if they [the US] want to find a resolution for Iran's peaceful nuclear program, the only way is diplomacy," Araghchi said in an interview with CBS News aired on Sunday.

He added that there is still a "good chance" of having a diplomatic solution based on a win-win game, emphasizing, "A solution is at our reach."

"So there is no need for any military buildup, and military buildup cannot help it and cannot pressurize us," the top Iranian negotiator pointed out.

The interview comes as Iran and the US held a second round of indirect nuclear negotiations at the Omani consulate general in the Swiss city of Geneva on February 17. As in the previous round in the Omani capital of Muscat, the agenda of the talks focused primarily on the nuclear issue and the lifting of illegal US sanctions.

Following the talks, the Iranian foreign minister said the two sides agreed on a set of guiding principles to clear the path for future talks.

Separately, a senior US official, who spoke to Reuters on Wednesday, said Iran was expected to present a written proposal for resolving its dispute with the United States following the Geneva talks.

The US maintains that Iran must cease its nuclear program, whereas Tehran asserts that it is not pursuing nuclear weapons and says it is entitled to peaceful nuclear energy.

Washington began its war rhetoric against Iran after recent economic protests in the country, which were hijacked by foreign spy agencies and turned violent.

Since then, the US president has kept threatening military action against Iran, deploying two carrier groups and dozens of fighter jets, bombers, and refueling aircraft to regional waters near Iran.

In response to a question about when Iran would present a draft proposal to US President Donald Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff, Araghchi said Tehran was still working on it and aimed to ensure it included elements that address the concerns and interests of both sides.

"We are working on those elements, and 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. This is my understanding. I see it quite possible," the Iranian foreign minister said.

He emphasized that the Iranian negotiating team will continue talks with the US and "at the same time, we are working on the elements of a deal and a draft of the text."

He expressed hope that when the Iranian negotiators are in Geneva, they will be prepared to negotiate those drafts.

A senior US official told Axios on Sunday morning that American negotiators are ready to hold another round of talks with Iran on Friday in Geneva if they receive a detailed proposal from Iran within the next 48 hours.

Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi later confirmed in a post on X that the next round of indirect talks between Iran and the US will be held on Thursday in Geneva.

When asked about the differences between the 2015 nuclear deal, officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), signed under the Barack Obama administration and a potential agreement with US President Donald Trump's administration, Araghchi said the situation has changed over the past 10 years.

"Our nuclear program has advanced technologically and is more advanced than at that time. And there are, of course, more sanctions and more pressures," the top Iranian diplomat explained.

He said he believes that Tehran and Washington can reach a better agreement than the JCPOA with elements that could be much better than the previous deal, as the two sides have gone into so many details.

"But I think right now there is no need for that many details. We can agree on basic things and we can make sure that Iran's nuclear program is peaceful and will remain peaceful forever. And at the same time, more sanctions would be lifted," Araghchi pointed out.

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Iranian commander dismisses US buildup of warships in West Asia as 'theatrical gesture'

Iran Press TV

Sunday, 22 February 2026 11:34 AM

An Iranian military commander has dismissed as "theatrical" the US buildup of warships and fighter jets in the West Asia region over the past few weeks amid tensions over Tehran's civilian nuclear program, stating that the Leader of the Islamic Revolution has vigorously responded to such over-the-top maneuvers.

"Our nation knows very well that ships and other armament now deployed in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman waters have been cruising in different parts of the world for years," Deputy Inspector of the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, Brigadier General Mohammad Jafar Asadi, said on Sunday.

He added that the deployment of ships in the region has entered the propaganda phase, and the response to such a theatrical move was well given by Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei, who said lately that "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."

The senior commander went on to recall the failure of the enemies of the Islamic Republic over the past 47 years.

"We hope that evil warmongers like America, England, France, Germany, and the Zionist regime will eventually end as cancerous tumors in the West Asia region," Brigadier General Asadi stated.

He also reiterated the combat readiness of the Iranian Armed Forces, emphasizing they are prepared to defend and will act much more firmly and mightily than in the past.

"The response of the Armed Forces to any miscalculation and act of foolishness by the enemy will be more devastating than ever," Brigadier General Asadi said.

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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Hawkish US senator pushes Trump to ignore aides, press ahead with war against Iran

Iran Press TV

Sunday, 22 February 2026 11:07 AM

Hawkish US Senator Lindsey Graham has called on President Donald Trump not to yield to advisers warning against an act of aggression against Iran.

Graham, who visited West Asia earlier this week and met with Israeli, Emirati and Saudi officials, acknowledged the risks of a new US military confrontation in the region.

"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 told the US media outlet Axios.

The Republican senator also noted that he believes there is an opportunity "to bring about historic change" in Iran.

"But it's increasingly clear to me that voices opposing entanglement and the risk associated with decisive action are getting louder. Time will tell as to how this plays out," he added.

The US began its war rhetoric against Iran after recent foreign-linked riots, which immediately failed to take off, and 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.

Iran has stressed that it will consider all US bases in the region legitimate targets for retaliatory operations and deliver a "decisive" response to any act of adventurism.

The United States and Israel waged an illegal aggression against Iran between June 13 and 27, 2025, killing at least 1,064 people, including military commanders, nuclear scientists, and civilians.

Condemned as a major betrayal of diplomacy, the terrorist assault came just days before Tehran was preparing to hold a sixth round of Oman-mediated negotiations with Washington.

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Any US attack on Iran will be met with decisive missile force: Lebanese MP

Iran Press TV

Sunday, 22 February 2026 3:29 AM

A Lebanese lawmaker says US naval threats against Iran would be met with the Islamic Republic's decisive missile force, warning that Tehran possesses the capability to send American vessels to the seabed.

Hassan Ezzeddine, a member of the Lebanese parliament, addressed the ongoing indirect nuclear negotiations between Iran and the United States on Saturday, saying the Islamic Republic had entered the talks "from a position of faith in God and from a place of strength in the field," adding that its stance "is not only not weak, but fully powerful."

He said this assessment did not rule out the strength of the United States and its allies, but stressed that the Islamic Republic had still come to the negotiating table relying on its position on the ground and on capabilities that allowed it to stand up to Washington.

Ezzeddine said if US President Donald Trump and Washington's partners believed Iran would raise the white flag or submit to their conditions, "such a thing will never happen." According to the legislator, the Islamic Republic "will neither retreat from its rights, nor abandon its national and ethnic interests, nor bargain away its security, stability, or system."

The MP said the negotiations were limited to the nuclear file and that within this framework a solution was possible, provided it was based on equality and respect for the rights of the Islamic Republic.

'Iran has surprises in store for adversaries'

He warned that if diplomacy failed and the opposing side opted for military action, it should bear in mind that not all of Iran's capabilities were fully known to US intelligence agencies, other global spy services, or even satellite surveillance. According to Ezzeddine, Iran has "surprising tools and capabilities" for confronting the United States.

Referring to the stance adopted by Leader of the Islamic Republic Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, Ezzedine said Iran's response to any fresh American military adventurism lied in possessing "a missile capable of sinking American warships," describing this as the equation guiding the Islamic Republic's conduct and predicting defeat and loss for the United States.

Earlier this week, Ayatollah Khamenei responded to repeated US military threats following Washington's deployment of additional forces to the region.

"The American president 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," the Leader states.

"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," Ayatollah Khamenei added.

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New Student Protests Highlight Ongoing Unrest In Tehran

By RFE/RL's Radio Farda February 22, 2026

Iranian students faced off with security forces outside Tehran universities for the second day in a row, according to videos published online, in the biggest reported show of opposition in the capital since the deadly crackdown last month.

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 least five other universities across the country, including another 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.

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.

Reportedly, US negotiators are ready to hold another round of talks with Iran on February 27 in Geneva if they receive a detailed Iranian proposal for a nuclear deal in the next 48 hours, Axiosquoted its source in the US administration on February 22.

The same day, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said a diplomatic solution was still possible. Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi later confirmedIranian-US talks on Tehran's nuclear program will take place on February 26.

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.

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/33684646.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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Geneva to Host US-Iran Talks on Thursday - Omani Foreign Minister

Sputnik News

20260222

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The next round of negotiations between the United States and Iran will be held in Geneva on February 26, Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi announced on Sunday.

"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," the minister wrote on social media.

Earlier in the day, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told the CBS broadcaster that a new round of nuclear talks between Iran and the United States could take place in Geneva on February 26.

Araghchi also said that Tehran wishes for the new agreement with the United States to be simpler than the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), with two key elements being the lifting of sanctions and a peaceful nuclear program for Iran.

 Sputnik

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US Ready to Hold New Nuclear Talks With Iran on Friday If Receives Deal Proposal - Reports

Sputnik News

20260222

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The United States is ready to hold a new round of nuclear talks with Iran in Geneva on February 27, provided that it receives a detailed proposal for a nuclear deal within 48 hours, the Axios news portal reported on Sunday, citing a senior US official.

"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," the US official said.

The official said that the Trump administration was open to discussing an interim agreement with Iran before a full nuclear deal was agreed upon.

US President Donald Trump warned Iran in late January that a "massive armada" was coming its way, in a bid to pressure Tehran to make a "fair and equitable" deal that would require it to abandon its nuclear ambition. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on February 8 that the Islamic Republic insisted on its right to enrich uranium, even if it led to war.

 Sputnik

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Iranian Official Says Indirect Talks With US Expected in Early March - Reports

Sputnik News

20260222

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - A senior Iranian official said that indirect talks between Iran and the US are expected in early March, Reuters reported on Sunday.

There is a possibility of reaching an interim agreement, the report said.

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.

Earlier, US President Donald Trump stated that a "massive armada" was heading toward Iran and expressed hope that the Iranian government would agree to negotiate a "fair and equitable" deal that would entail a complete abolition of nuclear weapons. Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi emphasized on February 8 that the Islamic Republic insisted on its right to enrich uranium, even if it led to war.

 Sputnik

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Iran, Pressured At Home And Abroad, Looks Set For Third Round Of US Talks

By RFE/RL February 23, 2026

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

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-geneva-nuclear-talks- trump-witkoff-protests/33684779.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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PM Netanyahu's Remarks at the Start of Today's Government Meeting

Israel - Prime Minister's Office

Type: Media Statements

Government: The 37th Government

Publish Date: 22.02.2026

"We have a unique and, in my opinion, historic alliance with the United States, both nation-to-nation and through my personal relationship with President Trump. This alliance does not mean that we are not seeking additional alliances; on the contrary, we are cultivating them constantly.

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.

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. This includes economic, diplomatic and security cooperation.

I want to say something regarding the diplomatic aspect: 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.

So, on Wednesday, the Prime Minister of India will arrive. He will deliver a speech at the Knesset, and I am sure you will all be there. We will also hold an innovation event in Jerusalem and visit Yad Vashem together. I should also note an additional point of special cooperation: We 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.

A week ago, we passed a decision to also promote the alternate airport in Ziklag. The ink on that decision is not even dry yet, and Minister Regev, at my request, is convening a meeting after our having concluded the moving ceremony at the Officers' Training School, after which we traveled to Ziklag together with Almog Cohen. First of all, the Northern Negev landscapes are incredibly moving. You can see plainly that it is ready for planning and implementation. Indeed, it turns out that by cutting bureaucratic processes, we can move through planning in just half a year and proceed to issuing the tender.

We are going to make history. We are going to establish an additional airfield, while simultaneously developing Ramat David. It appears that in Ziklag, it is much faster and easier to do. We will also need to move on Ramat David and we will cut the process there as well. We want both of these airfields. We will eventually need a third one, I want it to be at sea, but for now, we are developing these two. This is a model for cutting bureaucracy and streamlining processes, which I know each of you is capable of, and I thank you for that contribution.

Today, we are bringing another important decision, the planning of a new community in the Negev, as well as another community near Kiryat Gat, designated for the Haredi population. The Haredi population is growing and is in need of housing. This is part of the ongoing and immense development momentum in the Negev. We still have much to do there, and we will do it together."

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Meeting between State Minister Miyazaki and Secretary of Justice of Micronesia

Ministry of Defense of Japan

(Press Release)

February 22, 2026

Japan Ministry of Defense

On February 22, 2026, Defense State Minister MIYAZAKI Masahisa held a meeting with Hon.Mr. Leonito Bakalando Jr., Secretary of Justice of Micronesia, visiting Japan for the "3rd Japan-Pacific Islands Defense Dialogue." The summary of the meeting is as follows:

At the outset of the meeting, State Minister Miyazaki stated that Japan and Micronesia are valuable friends connected by the Pacific Ocean, and are partners that share values and principles such as freedom, democracy and the rule of law. State Minister Miyazaki mentioned that he would like to continue working closely with Micronesia. Both Ministers welcomed steady accumulation of cooperation in the defense field, especially those regarding maritime security, and concurred to continue strengthening cooperation in the area. Both Ministers affirmed the importance of deepening defense cooperation and exchanges between Japan and Micronesia, taking full advantage of opportunities such as JPIDD.

(end)

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Greetings on Defender of the Fatherland Day

February 23, 2026

00:00

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Comrades, friends,

I cordially congratulate all citizens of Russia, our veterans, military and civilian personnel of the Armed Forces on Defender of the Fatherland Day.

February 23 has been marked in our country for many decades now as one of the most important national holidays. It has become a symbol of the people's sincere love for our defenders, of pride in the Army and Navy, in those who have devoted their lives to serving the Fatherland, who reliably stand guard over its sovereignty and security, who are loyal to their military oath and conscientiously fulfil their professional duty.

For generations, we have been cherishing the memory of every chapter of our Fatherland's military history. It was created thanks to the military art of the great commanders, the unbending will and courage of soldiers and commanders, our ancestors, who, at the first call of the Motherland, stood up and took their place in the ranks alongside their comrades-in-arms.

The year 2026 has been declared the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia. We honour this sacred cohesion and know that throughout history, people of different ethnicities and confessions have risen to defend the country. A sense of patriotism and responsibility for the fate of the Motherland bound them together and inspired feats of arms and great immortal victories.

Today's generation of Russian military honourably carries on the traditions of valour and honour bequeathed by their forefathers. Today, in the course of the special military operation, representatives of all the peoples of our vast country are heroically, shoulder to shoulder defending Russia's interests.

The ability to come together and to achieve victory in the name of common goals exemplifies the tremendous strength of our Army and our multiethnic society. It has been that way for many centuries and, I am confident, it will always be so.

Our deepest respect goes to all who fight for the Fatherland. Eternal memory to the heroes who fell defending our people.

Comrades,

We will continue large-scale work to strengthen the Army and Navy with due regard to international developments, building on the combat experience gained during the special military operation, relying on the powerful capabilities of our industry, science, and industrial and high-tech companies.

The development of the nuclear triad, which guarantees Russia's security and enables us to effectively ensure strategic deterrence and balance of power in the world, remains our unconditional priority.

We will continue to enhance the quality and the potential of all other branches and services of the Armed Forces, improve their combat readiness and mobility, their ability to operate in any, including the most difficult, conditions. And, of course, we will speed up the development of advanced systems for the Armed Forces.

I am confident that this equipment will always be in reliable hands, which is the most important thing. Our soldiers and officers - the pillar and support of the state and society - are true patriots and people of special breed and unbending will.

I thank all Russia's military personnel for their valiant service. My very best wishes to your families and friends.

The people of Russia stand with you and believe in you.

Happy holiday!

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PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan

ROC Ministry of National Defense

2026.02.23

Issuing AuthorityPolitical Warfare Bureau

PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan

1.Date:

6 a.m. Feb. 22 (Sun.) to 6 a.m. Feb. 23 (Mon.) (UTC+8)

2.PLA activities:

5 PLAN ships operating around Taiwan were detected as of 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. ROC Armed Forces have monitored the situation and employed CAP aircraft, Navy ships, and coastal missile systems in response to detected activities.

3.Illustration of flight path is not provided due to no PLA aircraft operating around Taiwan were detected during this timeframe.



1150223_PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan

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Mykhailo Fedorov: Ukraine offers European countries joint projects to develop anti-ballistic solutions

Ministry of Defence of Ukraine

21 February, 2026, 1:07 PM EET

Ukraine's Minister of Defence Mykhailo Fedorov called on European partners to pool efforts to develop counter-ballistic capabilities, maintain funding for the PURL programme, and ensure the swift and flexible use of EU financial assistance.

During a videoconference with representatives of the European Group of Five (E5) countries  France, Germany, Italy, Poland and the United Kingdom  Mykhailo Fedorov discussed priorities for strengthening missile defence.

The videoconference was attended by Poland's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence, Wadysaw Kosiniak-Kamysz; Germany's Federal Minister of Defence, Boris Pistorius; France's Minister of the Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs, Catherine Vautrin; the EU High Representative, Kaja Kallas; and the NATO Deputy Secretary General, Radmila Sekerinska.

Mykhailo Fedorov stated that Europe's defence industry urgently needs to expand manufacturing capacity for counter-ballistic systems, as current production volumes remain critically low.

Ukraine proposed launching joint projects with European countries to develop and manufacture counter-ballistic solutions. The Minister of Defence also noted that Ukraine is already implementing its own initiatives in this area.

Mykhailo Fedorov further underlined the need to sustain funding for the PURL programme, noting that it remains a critical channel for securing PAC-3 missiles for Patriot systems.

The Minister expressed gratitude to partners for the specific decisions adopted at the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (Ramstein format) meeting. He also thanked Boris Pistorius for launching additional deliveries of PAC-3 missiles, noting that Ukraine has already begun receiving them under the agreed framework.

"Delivering on agreements within hours is an example of how we should operate," Mykhailo Fedorov emphasised.

He also said that Ukraine is preparing proposals to increase economic pressure on russia, including asymmetric measures targeting russia's "shadow fleet". Ukraine is counting on European leadership to deliver these measures.

Particular attention was paid during the discussions to the importance of the swift and flexible use of the EU defence loan for Ukraine. According to the Minister of Defence, these funds must serve the central aim  bringing the war to a successful conclusion for Ukraine.

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Oleksii Kuleba met with Muriel Lacoue-Labarthe, Special Envoy of the President of the French Republic for Ukraine's Relief and Reconstruction

Ukraine Government

Ministry for Communities and Territories Development of Ukraine, posted 22 February 2026 14:40

A meeting was held in Kyiv between the Deputy Prime Minister for the Restoration of Ukraine, Minister for Communities and Territories Development of Ukraine, Oleksii Kuleba, and a French delegation led by the newly appointed Special Envoy of the President of the French Republic for Ukraine's Relief and Reconstruction, Muriel Lacoue-Labarthe.

The parties discussed further cooperation in the restoration of Ukraine, support for critical infrastructure, the implementation of joint projects, and the involvement of French companies in the modernisation of thermal power, water, and transport infrastructure.

Oleksii Kuleba thanked France for its systematic support and decision to provide Ukraine with an additional EUR 71 million to strengthen the resilience of critical community infrastructure. He stressed that energy security remains a key priority in the context of constant attacks and commended France's assistance, in particular the transfer of generators to a number of Ukrainian cities.

Special attention was paid to the participation of French companies in the modernisation of thermal power generation, the development of distributed energy, and projects in the field of water supply and sanitation. Transport cooperation remains an important area, in particular the strategic partnership in the railway sector, including the agreement signed last November between Alstom and Ukrzaliznytsia for the supply of 55 electric locomotives.

The parties also acknowledged the active role of French regions and municipalities in supporting Ukrainian communities and developing long-term partnerships at the local level.

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Ukraine's Zelensky acting 'maliciously' by cutting oil supply, Slovakia's PM says

Iran Press TV

Sunday, 22 February 2026 7:44 AM

Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico says Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is acting "maliciously" by cutting the oil supply to his country.

On Saturday, Fico issued a two-day ultimatum to Kiev on X. He threatened to cut electricity to Ukraine if Kiev failed to resume the pumping of Russian oil through its territory. Slovakia last month provided 18 percent of Ukrainian electricity imports.

Fico warned Zelensky that he would ask state-owned company SEPS to halt emergency supplies of electricity if flows of Russian crude via the Soviet-era Druzhba pipeline crossing Ukraine are not resumed by Monday.

Slovakia's PM added that his refusal to "involve the Slovak Republic in the latest 90 billion euros ($105bn) military loan for Ukraine" had been "absolutely correct."

He pointed out that it is costing Slovakia "damages of 500 million [euros; about $589m] per year."

Fico said Zelensky was acting "maliciously" towards his country, describing his conduct as "unacceptable behavior."

The Slovak leader had already pointed out at a meeting with his Ukrainian counterpart in Uzhhorod in western Ukraine in September that Kiev and Bratislava have "two diametrically opposed viewpoints" on economic concerns regarding energy issues.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has expressed similar views. On Friday, Orban threatened to veto the EU's 90 billion euros ($105bn) loan package to Ukraine.

"As long as Ukraine blocks the Druzhba pipeline, Hungary will block the 90billion-euro Ukrainian war loan. We will not be pushed around!" the Hungarian leader wrote on Facebook.

Slovakia and Hungary, both neighboring Ukraine, have remained dependent on Russian oil since the Kremlin launched its "special military operation" in eastern Ukraine nearly four years ago.

Both countries have become increasingly vocal in demanding Kiev resume deliveries through the pipeline, which was shut down after what Ukraine said was a Russian drone strike that hit infrastructure in late January.

They received a temporary exemption from an EU policy prohibiting imports of Russian oil over the war in Ukraine.

In response to the two countries' demand for Kiev to resume Russian oil deliveries through the Druzhba pipeline, the Ukrainian foreign ministry accused the two countries of "playing into the hands of the aggressor [Russia]."

It claimed that it had already provided a report on the extent of damage to the Druzhba pipeline, adding that repair work is underway.

The Ukrainian foreign ministry "also proposed alternative ways to resolve the issue of supplying non-Russian oil to these countries."

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Dozens Wounded, 1 Dead In 'Terrorist Act' In Ukraine's Lviv

By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service February 22, 2026

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. Accordingto 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."

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-russia-lviv-terrorist- blasts-missile-strikes/33684614.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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As Ukraine War Enters Fifth Year, Europe Faces Hard Truth On China

By Zoriana Stepanenko and Reid Standish February 22, 2026

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 flowof 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 him19 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.

EU-China 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 o 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/RLthat 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 remainsbetween 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."

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/china-ukraine-russia- sanctions-peace-deal-putin-xi-zelenskyy/33682608.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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UK Defense Secretary Says Wants to Be 1st to Send Troops to Ukraine

Sputnik News

20260222

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - UK Defense Secretary John Healey said that he wants to be the first in the role to send British troops to Ukraine.

"I want to be the Defence Secretary who deploys British troops to Ukraine - because this will mean that this war is finally over," Healey wrote in a comment published in the Telegraph newspaper on Saturday.

A 70-person headquarters has been set up as part of a multinational force for Ukraine that was unveiled in Paris in January, the minister said.

In early January, Paris hosted a meeting of the "coalition of the willing," which saw UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer pledge to establish military bases across Ukraine together with France in the event of a ceasefire.

The Russian Foreign Ministry warned that any scenario leading to the deployment of troops in Ukraine by NATO allies was totally unacceptable for Russia and could trigger a steep escalation.

 Sputnik

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The Circumstances of the Terrorist Attack Are Now Being Fully Analyzed. The Attack Was Organized by Russia - Address by the President

President of Ukraine

22 February 2026 - 20:23

I wish you health, fellow Ukrainians!

Today there were several reports by the Ministry of Internal Affairs - Minister Ihor Klymenko and other law enforcement officials - on the investigation of the terrorist attack in Lviv. It is difficult to classify it otherwise - it was indeed a terrorist attack, cynical and brutal. There were two explosions, and the second occurred after emergency services had arrived at the scene. Twenty-five people were injured. Tragically, one person - a 23-year-old police officer - was killed. My condolences to her family and loved ones. All the injured are receiving assistance. Some are in serious condition, and doctors are doing everything possible to save lives.

The circumstances of this terrorist attack are now being fully analyzed. Many facts have already been established. The perpetrators were recruited via Telegram. The attack was organized by Russia. The Ministry of Internal Affairs, the National Police, and the Security Service of Ukraine will present further details to the public. Today I also instructed that measures and response procedures be developed to prevent similar crimes. Our law enforcement agencies already have certain experience in countering this. Dozens of similar situations have been prevented. Ukrainian law enforcement officials constantly counter such recruitment efforts.

More activity and greater involvement are needed from communities themselves, local leaders, and government institutions - everyone - to reduce Russia's ability to organize terrorist attacks and sabotage in Ukraine's rear at all levels. We have intelligence indicating that the Russians intend to continue carrying out such actions - in effect, attacks on Ukrainians. We must strengthen protection for our people.

Today, during the coordination call, we once again discussed with regional representatives Russia's new tactic of massive strikes, where logistics facilities - primarily the railway - as well as water supply infrastructure are increasingly becoming targets. It is very important that this threat be understood by everyone at the local level and that protection measures be implemented accordingly.

Air defense, the Ministry of Defense, and government structures have also received the necessary tasks. I expect coordinated and truly prompt work at all levels. Ukraine's Ministry of Defense together with our military must also strengthen protection against Russian drones in border areas, where attacks against civilian vehicles, first responders, and our repair crews are increasing. The experience of our frontline regions must be effectively extended to the Sumy region and also to the Chernihiv region.

One more point. It is worth recognizing our warriors who this week increased the distance and extended the range of our Ukrainian precision. Ukraine is striking increasingly distant Russian weapons production facilities, and we must be grateful - grateful to everyone in Ukraine who works toward this, who achieves such results, and does so in the combat use of our Ukrainian missiles and our deep strikes. Based on the results of this week, I would like to commend the warriors of the 19th Missile Brigade "Saint Varvara" and the "Balista" unit of the Special Operations Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Thank you, warriors!

Thank you to everyone who is fighting for Ukraine, defending Ukrainians, and giving all of us in the country faith that we will end this war with dignity. Peace must prevail.

Glory to Ukraine!

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Next article: Four arrested as Police dismantle deadly Kumasi car theft syndicate

Kotoka no more: Ghana restores Accra International Airport name

Previous article: Kotoka no more: Ghana restores Accra International Airport name

Featured

EPA rallies key agencies for Birim River restoration exercise

Jemima Okang Addae Feb - 23 - 2026 , 17:17 1 minute read

The Environmental Protection Authority will on Tuesday, February 24, undertake a pilot water-cleaning exercise on the Birim River at Adiukrom in the Asiakwa area as part of efforts to restore polluted water bodies.

The exercise, scheduled to commence at 8 am, is intended to demonstrate practical and scientifically guided approaches to rehabilitating river systems degraded by illegal mining activities.

In a public notice, the EPA said the initiative forms part of broader national measures to confront the increasing pollution of Ghanas water resources.

The Authority is collaborating with several key institutions, including the Ghana Water Company Limited, the Water Resources Commission, the CSIR-Water Research Institute, the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, the Ghana Standards Authority, SciencePlus and Eillish Solutions.

Illegal mining activities, commonly referred to as galamsey, have in recent years taken a heavy toll on the Birim River and other water bodies, severely affecting water quality, aquatic ecosystems and access to safe drinking water in surrounding communities.

The EPA reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Ghanas water resources through coordinated, science-based interventions and sustained stakeholder collaboration.

Members of the public and interested stakeholders have been invited to attend and observe the pilot exercise, which authorities say could inform future large-scale river restoration efforts across the country.
Featured

Four arrested as Police dismantle deadly Kumasi car theft syndicate

Mohammed Ali Feb - 23 - 2026 , 16:31 3 minutes read

The Ghana Police Service has dismantled a suspected carjacking syndicate operating in Kumasi and parts of Tarkwa, arresting four suspects and recovering a number of stolen vehicles.

The breakthrough follows the fatal shooting of Mr Andrews Amankwaa during a robbery at Ohwim Amanfrom on February 10, 2026. His Toyota Hilux, with registration number GN 6647-25, was taken during the attack. He later died at hospital while receiving treatment.

Addressing a press briefing at the Ashanti Regional Police Headquarters on Monday, February 23, 2026, the Inspector-General of Police, Christian Tetteh Yohuno, said four suspects linked to the group, known locally as the Duku gang, had been apprehended.

He disclosed that one of the suspects, Eric Antwi Duku, sustained gunshot wounds during the police operation and subsequently died. According to the IGP, the group specialised in targeting Toyota Hilux and Land Cruiser vehicles and resorted to violence when victims resisted.

Investigations have further revealed that the network had operational links stretching to Tarkwa and Offinso, as well as contacts in Dubai, where associates allegedly assisted in preparing forged vehicle documentation.

Police said the first arrest was made on February 18, 2026, when Akwasi Manu was found in possession of the deceased victims mobile phone. Bashiru Tanko was subsequently arrested at Atonsu in Kumasi on February 19.

Follow-up operations led to the arrest of Kwadwo Amponsah near Buokrom on February 21 and Emmanuel Kwame Appiah at Danyame on February 22. Yohuno identified Appiah as the getaway driver in the Ohwim Amanfrom robbery.

Items retrieved from the suspects include a Bruni Mod 84 pistol, live ammunition, a vehicle tracking device and several stolen vehicles. The police indicated that the exhibits are undergoing forensic and ballistic examination.

Preliminary findings suggest that the group conducted surveillance on potential victims and frequently targeted black and ash-coloured vehicles. The stolen vehicles were reportedly transported through the northern border corridor and, in some instances, shipped abroad.

The police have linked the syndicate to a series of robberies in Tarkwa, Kumasi and other parts of the Ashanti Region, some of which resulted in fatalities.

Mr Yohuno commended the Ashanti Regional Commander, the Regional Intelligence Team, the Anti-Robbery Unit, the Cyber Vetting Team and members of the public who provided information that aided the operation. He also acknowledged the logistical support received during the investigation.

Criminal elements who threaten public safety will be pursued relentlessly, he said. We will leave no stone unturned to bring them to justice. We call on residents to continue reporting suspicious activity and credible information to the police.

The suspects remain in police custody and are expected to be arraigned before the courts, while investigations continue to identify and apprehend other individuals connected to the groups activities.
Featured

Japan supports Northern Region hospitals with $20m grant

Mohammed Ali Feb - 23 - 2026 , 16:23 1 minute read

Ghana and Japan have signed a US$20 million grant to support selected hospitals in the Northern Region, as part of efforts to improve health service delivery in the area.

According to the Minsters facebook post, the agreement was formalised on Monday, February 23, 2026, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Accra, with Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa signing on behalf of Ghana and Ambassador Hiroshi Yoshimoto signing for Japan.

The grant is expected to improve access to healthcare services in parts of northern Ghana, where gaps in infrastructure and service delivery persist.

Mr Ablakwa said access to quality and affordable healthcare remains a priority of the Mahama administration. He noted that the support from Japan fits into the governments broader plans for the health sector.

He said the agreement reflects the long-standing relations between Ghana and Japan and their continued cooperation in areas that affect peoples lives.

Japan has over the years supported Ghana in sectors such as health, education and infrastructure through bilateral arrangements.

The latest agreement adds to ties between Accra and Tokyo, with both sides indicating their intent to deepen relations.

Details on the beneficiary hospitals and timelines for implementation are expected to be announced by the relevant authorities.
Automated fire compliance, safety system launched

Daniel Kenu Feb - 23 - 2026 , 09:57 3 minutes read

The Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, has launched a digital fire system dubbed Automated Fire Compliance and Safety System (AFCAS) to check all properties and fire equipment to ensure compliance with approved standards.

The online system, created by the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) and other partners, is to help make buildings safer from fire.

The new system, a shift from the manual way of detecting and addressing fire issues, is to enhance the protection of homes, schools, shops and offices, and to also aid businesses to work easily and eventually make the country safer.

Beyond that, it is to ensure that all equipment brought into the country meet the required standards by linking them to the system.

The minister said the launch signalled a decisive step in Ghanas journey towards modern, responsive, and technology-driven public service delivery, particularly within the critical area of public safety.

It is part of a broad programme of digitalising all security services to improve efficiency.

"Very soon, you will not have to go to any embassy for visas; you can do it online," Mr Mohammed-Mubarak said.

Safety not luxury

The minister said fire safety was not a luxury, but a national necessity.

"It underpins the safety of our citizens, the protection of lives and property, investor confidence, and the sustainability of our national development agenda," he said.

Mr Mohammed-Mubarak said as the country's cities expanded, industries grew, and infrastructure investments increased, the demand for an efficient, transparent, and preventive fire safety compliance system had never been more urgent.

The Member of Parliament for Asawase Constituency said AFCAS represented a bold transition from manual, fragmented, and time-consuming processes to a digital, standardised, and technology-driven fire safety compliance regime.

He said through this system, the GNFS would be better positioned to engage the public, streamline inspections, reduce turnaround times, and improve service delivery across homes, businesses, factories, offices, and public institutions.

"This initiative aligns strongly with the broader government policy of leveraging technology and innovation to make doing business easier, reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks, and guarantee the security of investments in Ghana.

"A predictable, transparent, and efficient regulatory environment is essential for attracting and retaining both local and foreign investments, and AFCAS directly supports this objective," Mr Mohammed-Mubarak said.

The system is built to enable the Fire Service to monitor compliance in real time, identify high-risk facilities early, and take proactive measures to prevent fire outbreaks before they occur.

This, the minister said, would strengthen inspection, planning and generating reliable data, as well as supporting evidence-based decision-making and long-term fire safety planning nationwide.

In this way, he said, AFCAS would save lives, protect livelihoods, safeguard national assets, and reduce avoidable losses to fire disasters.

Mr Mohammed-Mubarak announced that henceforth, rent allowances of fire service staff would be paid together with their salaries.

Chief

The Chief Fire Officer of the GNFS, Daniella Mawusi Ntow Sarpong, speaking on the theme: Transforming Fire safety compliance through innovation", said it reflected a deliberate shift in how fire was regulated in the country.

The first female Chief Fire Officer said the manual system was fragmented and time-consuming.

"Processes were paper-based, inspections were difficult to track, turnaround times were long, and both the public and the service faced avoidable frustrations.

While our officers worked diligently under these conditions, the system itself limited efficiency, transparency, and preventive effectiveness," she said.

Mrs Sarpong said the service was embracing technology, innovation, and partnerships to deliver faster, transparent, standardised, and accountable fire safety compliance services.

Consequently, she said, the service envisioned a future where fire safety regulation was not only effective but also preventive.
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B5 Plus pioneers 24-Hour Economy - President reveals at expanded plant commissioning

Kester Aburam Korankye Feb - 23 - 2026 , 12:50 6 minutes read

B5 Plus Group, the leading iron and steel manufacturing and trading company in West Africa, is the first company to sign onto the government's flagship 24-Hour Economy Policy.

The iron and steel producer commissioned a new line of manufacturing machinery in Lakpleku, near Ningo-Prampram, in the Greater Accra Region last Friday as part of its phase two expansion.

Pioneering the 24-Hour Economy programme positions the indigenous steel giant at the forefront of the government's ambitious initiative to transform Ghana into a round-the-clock industrial hub.

"I had the honour and privilege yesterday to sign the 24-Hour Authority Bill into law, and I know that B5 Plus Group is one of the first companies that will register under the 24-hour economy initiative," President John Dramani Mahama, who inaugurated the state-of-the-art facility disclosed before a gathering of ministers, diplomats and industry captains.

With the expansion, B5 Plus now operates the largest pre-engineered building (PEB) facility in West Africa, and the second largest in Africa.

The company directly and indirectly employs over 15,000 Ghanaians and has remained a consistent member of the prestigious Ghana Club 100 for over a decade.

President Mahama explained that steel production was uniquely suited for continuous operations, noting that around-the-clock manufacturing reduced energy wastage, improved furnace efficiency and maximised asset utilisation.

He pointed to the GH110 million allocated in the 2026 budget to operationalise the 24-Hour Plus policy as evidence of the government's commitment.

President Mahama also revealed that B5 Plus had contributed over $300 million in taxes to the state, with projections to exceed $500 million in the near future  cementing its reputation as one of Ghana Revenue Authority's most compliant corporate citizens.

Scrap policy boost for local industry

The President used the occasion to defend the government's restriction on non-ferrous scrap exports, explaining that the policy was designed to feed local processors such as B5 Plus with raw materials.

"For too long, a significant portion of that scrap metal has been exported in its raw form. By restricting non-ferrous scrap exports, the government ensures local processors have priority access to raw material for their production," he said.

President Mahama projected that the policy would generate between $250 million and $300 million annually in processed metal exports and create between 5,000 and 10,000 new jobs, while increasing tax revenues through Value Added Tax (VAT), corporate taxes and income tax (pay as you earn (PAYE) contributions.

Regional steel ambitions

President Mahama positioned the expanded facility within Ghana's broader strategy to dominate West African steel markets under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

With Ghana hosting the AfCFTA Secretariat and possessing deep-water ports at Tema and Takoradi, the President argued that locally manufactured steel could supply construction markets across ECOWAS, Sahelian infrastructure projects and mining operations throughout the sub-region.

"Instead of importing steel from Asia or Europe, West Africa can source competitively from Ghana's manufacture.

This is regional value chain integration in real practice," he asserted.

President Mahama estimated that the expansion could reduce steel imports by 20 per cent to 30 per cent annually, saving millions of dollars in foreign exchange  a move he described as "industrial sovereignty in practice."

Land dispute appeal

The President also made a personal appeal to parties litigating over land adjacent to the factory, urging them to resolve the matter quickly to enable further expansion.

"I urge those who are litigating the land behind here to resolve the issue quickly so that B5 Plus can continue with its expansion," he pleaded with the chiefs, some of whom were represented, acknowledging the importance of industrial growth for providing employment to the youth in the area.

President Mahama commended the board, management and staff of B5 Plus for their confidence in Ghana's economy, as well as the traditional authorities and people of Lakpleku for welcoming industrial growth into their community.

B5 Plus on local content

Speaking at the ceremony to commission the expanded plant, the Executive Director of B5 Plus, Mukesh Tarkwani, said it went beyond opening a factory, calling it "the expansion of Ghanas industrial frontier and the deepening of value addition within our mining and construction sectors."

He emphasised that the civil works, structural fabrication and installations were executed by Ghanaian engineers and technicians, reinforcing local expertise and industrial confidence.

Tour

The rhythmic clang of machinery provided a steady industrial soundtrack as President Mahama, accompanied by B5 Plus Group Chairman, Mike Takwani, toured the sprawling new facility shortly after unveiling the plaque to commission the plant.

Workers in hard hats lined the walkways, their faces beaming with pride as the President paused to inspect massive steel rollers and computerised control rooms, occasionally tapping a shoulder or exchanging a few words with the technicians who keep the plant running.

It was a moment that underscored the human story behind the billion-dollar numbers: jobs secured, skills deepened and a workforce witnessing firsthand the transformation of their labour into national progress.

Present at the ceremony were the Minister of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu Agyare, the Minister of Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, and the Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, who is also the Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram, Sam Nartey George, in whose constituency the factory is situated.

Aside from the high-level government delegation that graced the ceremony, the significance of the occasion drew a cross-section of Ghana's industrial and commercial leadership, with high-level delegations from the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), the Importers and Exporters Association and the Ghana Chamber of Mines in attendance, a reflection of the steel plant's strategic importance across multiple sectors.

Government priorities

Mrs Ofosu-Adjare reiterated the ministry's commitment to removing bottlenecks hampering industrial growth.

She commended the President for the bold decision to ban the export of non-ferrous scrap materials, a move designed to feed local industries such as B5 Plus with affordable raw materials rather than allowing them to be shipped overseas.

For his part, Mr George called on his colleague ministers responsible for water and electricity to collaborate directly with industry players such as B5 Plus to expand utility access.

He said stable electricity and water supply was a fundamental requirement for manufacturers aiming to scale up production and reduce dependence on imports.

The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, who was also at the event, said the B5 Plus investment aligned with the 24-Hour Economy agenda to promote import substitution, downstream mineral integration and sustainable industrial growth.

Extraction without processing is incomplete development, and Ghana is moving beyond extraction to building industrial power, the Lands Minister stated.
Integrate local knowledge with science in fisheries management - Fisherfolk advocate

Emmanuel Bonney Feb - 23 - 2026 , 09:57 5 minutes read

Fisherfolk have recommended that fisheries management take into account local and indigenous knowledge of local communities for equitable and inclusive decision-making.

The recommendation, which is contained in a report of a project titled Creating Synergy between Indigenous Practices and Scientific Knowledge (ISIPSK), further recommends that the fishing closed season, if it is to be implemented, could align with the natural closure in May/June, which historically has been observed by fisherfolk.

The fisherfolk explained that refraining from fishing during these months reduced exposure to unsafe sea conditions, noting that rough seas and harsh weather typically marked May and June.

They further argued that the closed season could be strengthened by drawing on traditional fisheries governance systems, which were effective in the past, and that this could be operationalised under Section 169(1) of the Fisheries Act, 2025 (Act 1146), which allows for the recognition of customary management practices.

Reinforces

This call reinforces recommendations in the Fisheries Co-Management Policy (2020) and the Gender Mainstreaming Strategy (2016), both of which advocate governance arrangements that integrate local knowledge with scientific and technical expertise from government agencies.

The ISIPSK research initiative, also known as the Sankofa Project, examined the equity and sustainability of fisheries conservation policies.

Using Ghanas closed fishing season as a case study, the research aimed to advance understanding of the policy's gendered socio-economic impacts, among other objectives.

The study engaged 833 fisherfolk across eight major fishing communities at 15 landing beaches in all four coastal regions of the country.

It found that 90 per cent of surveyed fisherfolk reported a decline in fish landings over the past decade. Respondents attributed that largely to the destructive practices of industrial trawl vessels, particularly the dumping of juvenile fish at sea.

The fisherfolk also acknowledged additional pressures on fish stocks, including an increase in the number of canoes, the widespread use of illegal and unsustainable fishing methods, such as light fishing, chemical fishing and small-mesh nets and the decline in traditional rituals and customary marine stewardship practices.

Views on closed season

While 82 per cent of surveyed fisherfolk agreed that urgent action is needed to address declining fish stocks, only 26 per cent believed that the July closed season was effective in rebuilding depleted resources.

Many respondents argued that the current one-month closure was counterproductive, as it led to intensified fishing efforts before and after the closure, sometimes using illegal methods to secure sufficient catch.

The closed season was first introduced for industrial trawlers in 2016, and later extended to the artisanal fleet in 2019, following strong resistance from fishers in 2018 over the timing.

It was observed from 2021 to 2024, with suspensions in 2020 and 2025.

The fisheries sector remains a cornerstone of Ghanas food security and coastal livelihoods, supporting an estimated 3.5 million people, or over 10 per cent of coastal populations.

It contributes 2.6 per cent to five per cent of agricultural GDP and generates more than US$1 billion annually in foreign exchange.

The fisherfolk also called for the introduction of livelihood support programmes, particularly for individuals aged 65 and above, during the closed season.

Sankofa Project

The Sankofa Project was led by a lecturer at the School of Geography and Sustainable Development, University of the St Andrews (UK), Dr Ifesinachi Okafor-Yarwood, with research support from a student, Josephine Laryea Asare, as part of her PhD work.

It was funded by the Pew Fellows Programme in Marine Conservation (The Pew Charitable Trusts) and implemented in collaboration with the Fisheries Commission of Ghana, the Fisheries Committee for the West and Central Gulf of Guinea (FCWC) and the Canoe and Fishing Gear Owners Association of Ghana (CaFGOAG).

The research began in 2024 and its findings were launched last Tuesday.

Survey report

Ninety percent of fisherfolk surveyed in all four coastal regions reported that the quantity of fish landed in the past decade had reduced.

They attributed the decline to the destructive operations of industrial trawl vessels that dump juvenile fish they harvest at sea.

As small-scale fisherfolk, they acknowledged an increase in the number of canoes, the widespread use of illegal and unsustainable fishing techniques (such as fishing with light, chemicals, and/or small-mesh nets), and the cessation of the observance of traditional rituals, among others.

Eighty-two per cent of surveyed fisherfolk agreed that action needs to be taken to address the declining fish stocks.

Nonetheless, only 26% of the surveyed fisherfolk share the view that a fishing closed season implemented in July was effective in rebuilding depleted resources.

Fishermen opined that the closed season is counterproductive because the one-month break compels them to disregard the traditional fishing holidays to intensify their fishing efforts, for which they employ illegal methods to guarantee a catch.

Fisherfolk expressed reservations about July for a closed season, as advised by the Scientific Technical Working Group (STWG) to be the spawning period for small pelagic species.



As all fishing activities are halted during the closed season, it largely afforded fisherfolk a chance to take a break from their arduous livelihood activities to either maintain their fishing equipment, fish smoking ovens, rest, or attend to social obligations

The closed season resulted in a cessation of income, which translated to economic hardships.

This was particularly pronounced among male and female fisherfolk without a supplementary source of income.

70% of fisherfolk relied on their fisheries livelihood as their primary and often only source of income.
ECOWAS Commission pushes for 50/50 gender parity in elective bodies by 2035

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President, Otumfuo honoured at Tree Crop Excellence Awards

Joyce Timbillah Awuni & Samuel Ohene Ewur Feb - 23 - 2026 , 09:57 4 minutes read

President John Dramani Mahama and the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, have been honoured by the Ghana Tree Crops Development Authority (TCDA) for their outstanding contributions to the countrys tree crops sector.

They were honoured alongside 18 other distinguished personalities, 11 tree crop companies and one research institution at the Tree Crop Excellence Awards in Accra last Friday.

The ceremony recognised contributions to Ghanas tree crops sector, and highlighted efforts to strengthen value chains, formalise regulation and promote agro-industrial development.

President Mahama was recognised as the overall Most Outstanding Tree Crops Icon, Ambassador and Promoter, while Otumfuo Osei Tutu received recognition as the overall Most Outstanding Innovative Tree Crop Farmer and Processor.

Awards

The TCDA organised the awards to celebrate excellence across the shea, cashew, coconut, oil palm, mango and rubber value chains, and to acknowledge policymakers and institutional leaders who shaped and implemented the Tree Crops Development Authority Act, 2019 (Act 1010).

The awards also covered artisanal and industrial processing, export performance, nursery operations, aggregation and trading.

It brought together policymakers, traditional authorities, agribusiness operators, farmer organisations, researchers and development partners from across the country.

The authority highlighted its regulatory mandate and progress in licensing sector actors, streamlining export procedures and introducing levy systems to finance sector development.

The event reinforced collaboration among public institutions, private investors and farming communities within the regulated tree crops space, and reflected efforts to consolidate reforms, promote standards, compliance and value addition in the industry.

Recognitions

Besides the President and the Asantehene, six other personalities, two tree crop companies and one institution were given honorary awards.

A former Minister of Food and Agriculture, Kwesi Ahwoi, was recognised as the initiator and promoter of the Ghana TCDA concept.

Another former Minister of Food and Agriculture, Dr Owusu Afriyie Akoto, received recognition as the implementer and organiser of the authoritys concept.

The Member of Parliament (MP) for Atwima Mponua, Seth Osei Akoto, was honoured for championing the promulgation of the TCDA Act 1010, while the MP for Asunafo South, Eric Opoku, received recognition for championing and promulgating the relevant Act as Ranking Member of the Food and Ariculture Committee in Parliament.

A former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the authority, William Quaittoo, was recognised as the first CEO who implemented Act 1010 and Legislative Instrument 2471.

The Secretary to the President, Dr Callistus Mahama, received recognition as the most outstanding enterprising and promising tree crop farmer in the cashew category.

Twifo Oil Palm Processing Company Limited was honoured as the most outstanding levy-paying tree crops organisation, while Solidaridad, an international civil society organisation, was recognised as an outstanding tree crops development partner.

CSIROil Palm Research Institute was recognised as an outstanding tree crops research institution.

Youth participation and female leadership formed part of the recognition framework, reflecting emphasis on inclusivity and generational renewal within the sector.

Government focus

Speaking at the ceremony, the Special Aide to the President, Joyce Bawa Mogtari, said the governments renewed focus on agriculture and agribusiness formed a central pillar of the countrys economic reset agenda to drive job creation, industrial development and market expansion.

She said President Mahama, who opened the maiden three-pronged sector summit earlier, had outlined a clear vision for the industry, shaped by experiences that influenced his policy direction.

Mrs Mogtari said the government planned to invest about $200 million in electrification and core sector projects to improve production, strengthen market access and support value addition across the agricultural value chain.

New ministry, industrial framework

She said the recalibration of the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry reflected the governments intention to strengthen coordination between trade and agricultural policies and accelerate industrialisation.

Mrs Mogtari said investors had acknowledged the improved business environment in the country, citing currency stability, fiscal discipline and policy consistency as factors supporting sector growth.

She also referred to the signing into law of the 24-hour Authority Bill, stating that the legislation was expected to support continuous industrial operations, expand production and strengthen export capacity.
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Kotoka no more: Ghana restores Accra International Airport name

Kweku Zurek Feb - 23 - 2026 , 17:49 2 minutes read

The government has officially reverted the name of Kotoka International Airport to its former designation, Accra International Airport, the Ministry of Transport has announced.

In a press release issued on February 23, 2026, the Ministry said the decision restores the facility to its former and internationally recognised name, noting that the airport was originally known as Accra International Airport before it was redesignated.

According to the statement, the renaming will not affect airport operations, safety standards or international travel arrangements.

The Ministry emphasised that within the records of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the airport code has remained ACC, underscoring continuity in global aviation systems.

The Ministry explained that implementation of the change will involve a systematic update of official documentation, statutory instruments where necessary, airport signage, digital platforms, aviation publications, and related communication materials.

It called on the general public, stakeholders and international partners to support and cooperate with the relevant authorities to ensure what it described as a smooth and seamless transition.

The statement, issued by the Public Relations Unit of the Ministry of Transport, expressed appreciation for the continued cooperation of all stakeholders.
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Tax rebates and export bonuses to power Ghanas 24-Hour Economy - Goosie Tanoh

Mohammed Ali Feb - 23 - 2026 , 14:35 3 minutes read

The Ministry of Finance has agreed on a tax incentive package to support the rollout of Ghanas 24-hour economy, the Presidential Adviser on the policy, Mr Augustus Goosie Tanoh, has disclosed.

Speaking in a televised interview on GTV on February 23, 2026, Mr Tanoh said the incentives are designed to lower the cost of doing business, attract fresh investment and generate employment across industry, services and agriculture.

They are a mix of tax rebates, tax credits, and export bonuses. That then incentivises those who are in industry, those who are in services, and those who are in agriculture to say that I can invest and hire more people, he said.

Mr Tanoh explained that access to the package would be strictly performance-based, with eligibility tied to verifiable indicators such as employment records, electricity consumption and participation in recognised trade associations. Businesses, he said, must satisfy these benchmarks before qualifying.

If you do those things, then you get the incentive. If you don't do them, you don't get the incentive. It's not awarded for you to keep and put in your pocket, he stated.

He noted that the measures are intended to encourage firms to adopt shift systems, widely referred to as the 1-3-3 system, under which companies may operate up to three shifts daily. However, he stressed that transitioning to full 24-hour production would depend on a firms operational strength, capital base and profitability.

A company that's operating 100 people can then move to employ 100 people in three shifts. That's 300. But they must have the wherewithal, the cost parameters, the profit margins that allow them to take those decisions, he said.

Mr Tanoh described the tax package as part of a broader national strategy to boost domestic production, reduce imports, expand exports and create sustainable jobs. He emphasised that the private sector would drive implementation, with government providing support through viability gap funding and reforms to improve the business climate.

The 24-hour economy programme, launched on July 2, 2025, seeks to integrate modernised agriculture, manufacturing, logistics and financing through eight sub-programmes, including Grow24 for crop production, Make24 for manufacturing, Connect24 for supply chains and Fund24 for small and medium-sized enterprises.

Once we are able to move the average capacity utilisation rate from 36% along the scales of 60, 70, 80%, you will then see people producing around the clock, Mr Tanoh said.

He added that energy supply, infrastructure and financing arrangements had been structured to support businesses seeking to expand operations and employment under the initiative.

The policy is also expected to stimulate investment in industrial parks and agroecological zones, as well as corridors such as the Volta Economic Corridor, which stretches from Tema through northern Ghana into the Sahel, positioning the country as a production and export hub within the sub-region.
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Three vehicles gutted in early morning collision fire at Buipe

Jemima Okang Addae Feb - 23 - 2026 , 11:32 1 minute read

Firefighters from the Buipe Fire Station of the Ghana National Fire Service acted swiftly on Sunday, February 22, to contain a major vehicular fire, preventing what authorities say could have resulted in greater destruction and possible loss of life.

According to a statement from the Service, the crew responded to a distress call at about 5:35 am involving a flat-bed trailer with registration number GR 675711, loaded with 1,000 bags of cement, and a low-bed truck, GE 36616, which was transporting a Hyundai van with registration number GN 951215.

The six-member team, led by ASTNO Seidu Abdul Basit, arrived at the scene at approximately 5:43 am to find the vehicles heavily engulfed in flames.

Firefighters immediately deployed water and foam concentrate to battle the blaze. The fire was brought under control by 6:13 am and fully extinguished at about 6:55 am.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the fire was triggered by a collision involving a stationary, broken-down trailer and an attempted overtaking manoeuvre by the low-bed truck. The impact is believed to have ignited the blaze, leading to the destruction of all three vehicles.

The incident caused extensive damage, including the burning of part of the cement cargo, the head compartments of the vehicles and their side wheels.

The GNFS says investigations are continuing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
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Two dead in early morning trailer crash at Asukawkaw

Jemima Okang Addae Feb - 23 - 2026 , 14:13 1 minute read

Personnel from the Pai Katanga Fire Post of the Ghana National Fire Service in the Oti Region have recovered two bodies following a fatal road accident at Asukawkaw in the early hours of Sunday, February 22.

According to a GNFS statement, the fire crew responded to the incident at about 4:00 am after receiving a distress call about an overturned trailer truck.

A four-member team led by Sub Officer John J. Kpego arrived at the scene at approximately 4:42 am in a police vehicle to find the mangled trailer, with registration number GS 642512, lying on its side and two occupants trapped beneath the wreckage.

Firefighters undertook nearly seven hours of intensive rescue operations, using cutting and spreading equipment to gain access to the crushed cabin. They eventually retrieved two deceased victims from the wreckage and handed the bodies over to the Ghana Police Service for preservation and further investigation.

A drivers licence bearing the name Suleman Hadaru Yusif was discovered inside the vehicle, which authorities believe may assist in identifying the victims.

Officials say the cause of the crash remains under investigation.
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James Owusu announces bid to lead NPP-USA as Branch Chairman

GraphicOnline Politics Feb - 23 - 2026 , 16:02 4 minutes read

The New Patriotic Party's external branch in the United States is bracing for a leadership contest that promises to reshape its operations, as the incumbent First Vice Chairman officially throws his hat into the ring for the top job.

James Owusu, who has served as the Branch First Vice Chairman of NPP-USA, yesterday declared his candidacy for the position of Branch Chairman, presenting himself to party faithful as a unifier with a track record stretching back more than two decades. In an announcement that leaned heavily on themes of service and renewal, Owusu positioned his bid as a natural progression of a lifelong commitment to the party's ideals.

"In moments when our great Party stands at the crossroads of renewal and responsibility, true leadership is not a title, it is a call to service," Owusu said in a statement. "It is in this spirit, with profound humility and an unyielding love for the New Patriotic Party, that I, James Owusu, officially declare my candidacy for Branch Chairman of NPPUSA."

He traces his activism back to his days as TESCON P.R.O at Kumasi Technical University, a formative period that laid the groundwork for a transatlantic political journey. From there, he served as Branch Youth Organizer before his election as Chapter Chairman of Cincinnati, roles that eventually culminated in his current position as the branch's First Vice Chairman.

Reflecting on this trajectory, Owusu sought to remind members that his understanding of the party's challenges is rooted in lived experience rather than abstract ambition.

"For over two decades, I have walked this journey of service with you  from my early beginnings as the TESCON P.R.O at Kumasi Technical University, Branch Youth Organizer, through my years as Chapter Chairman of Cincinnati, and now to my current role as the Branch First Vice Chairman of NPPUSA," he recounted. "Through each phase, I have learned that our greatest strength as a Party is not in titles or positions, but in the bond of brotherhood and sisterhood that unites us."

Owusu made it clear that his decision to seek the chairmanship is animated by the everyday commitment of ordinary members. "I have witnessed the sacrifices of our members  those who give their time, their resources, and their hearts all for the dream of a prosperous Ghana led by the NPP," he said. "It is for these patriots that I stand today. My motivation is simple: To Serve, To Unite, and To Empower."

His campaign, branded around the hashtags #Owusu4Chairman and #StrongerNPPUSA, arrives at a pivotal moment for the party both at home and abroad.

Domestically, the NPP has just concluded its presidential primaries, which saw Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia emerge victorious. The focus now shifts to rebuilding and consolidating party structures ahead of the general election. Within this context, the leadership of external branches like NPP-USA takes on added significance, serving as both fundraising hubs and ambassadors for the party's message.

Owusu's agenda for the branch, which he has branded "The Heartbeat of The James Owusu's Agenda", rests on several pillars. He has promised a comprehensive manifesto in the coming days, but has already sketched out the broad strokes of his vision. Key among his priorities are membership welfare and empowerment, which he frames as placing "people at the centre of everything we do, ensuring that every member matters and benefits from belonging to NPPUSA." He also intends to champion unity, discipline, and internal democracy, ensuring that "every voice is heard and respected."

Under the banner of financial sustainability and transparency, Owusu has committed to "promoting prudent management, openness, and trust in our operations." This is paired with a push for digital transformation and modernisation, aimed at building "a smart, connected, and tech-driven NPPUSA that meets the demands of our time."

The aspirant has also signalled his intention to forge strategic partnerships with national structures, other external branches, and allied institutions, a move designed to expand the branch's political relevance and influence. Perhaps most significantly, he has pledged to create pathways for youth and women's empowerment through leadership, mentorship, and innovation. This aspect of his agenda he encapsulates in the phrase "Obiaa wom bi", a Twi expression meaning "no one is left behind."

Rounding off his proposed reforms is a commitment to accountability, integrity, and good governance, pledging to hold himself and his team "to the highest standards of ethics and service."

"NPPUSA is not just a political branch, it is a family, a movement, and a legacy  a reflection of the values that make the NPP a Party of hope and progress," he said.

In a direct appeal to the membership, he concluded: "I humbly ask for your support, your ideas, and your trust. Let us rise together  united in purpose, guided by principle, and driven by a shared commitment to victory. James Owusu is here to Serve! James Owusu is here to Unite!! James Owusu is here to Empower!!! Together, we win. Together, we build. Together, we serve."
KFC Guam, operated by Guam Fast Foods Inc., donated $5,000 to Harvest House, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting foster children and families across the island.

In a media release, KFC Guam said it raised the funds through the contributions of its customers from September 2025 to February 2026, demonstrating the continued spirit of giving shared by the community.

Over the past 17 years, KFC Guam customers have contributed more than $125,000 toward Harvest House and other charitable initiatives, reinforcing the brands long-standing commitment to community care and social responsibility, the company said.

Harvest House plays a vital role in Guams foster care community by providing both physical and emotional support to children and families, while serving as a bridge between community partners and organizations committed to strengthening Guams foster care system.

We are deeply grateful to our customers and team members who continue to support meaningful causes that uplift our island, Edgar Allan Caper, chief marketing officer of KFC Guam, said in a statement. This partnership reflects KFCs belief that strong communities are built through compassion, generosity, and shared purpose.

KFC Guam said it continues to serve the island through quality food, excellent service, and community-driven initiatives.
Taleesha Kamp says she is a firth generation gold prospector. (Source: Instagram/taleeshakamp)

There's a famous adage attributed to American author Mark Twain about the best way to get rich in a speculative frenzy. "When everyone is digging for gold, it's good to be in the pick and shovel business," he said.

There are a number of good reasons the price of gold has been surging in recent months. From geopolitical uncertainty to a growing appetite from global investors to sell US treasuries, the precious metal has more than served its purpose of being a financial safe haven.

But while some Aussies are queueing up to buy it, others are going straight to the source, says Taleesha Kamp who works in the family business selling personal gold prospecting equipment.

"There's been a huge surge," she told Yahoo Finance.

"A lot of families and newbies are coming into the hobby."

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It's not hard to understand why. The price has doubled in a little over a year.

Her parents started their company Lucky Strike Gold nearly two decades ago. They operate two stores in Victoria selling gold panning equipment and metal detectors as well as operating "tours" which take eager prospectors out to learn how to scout locations, pan for gold and use metal detecting equipment to hopefully strike it big.

With the "crazy" action in the gold price, "every section of the business has been booming," Taleesha said.

The company takes people on single day tours around the 'Golden Triangle' region of Creswick in Victoria as well as week-long expeditions in WA for the more dedicated enthusiasts.

"We've got seven-day long tours over in Western Australia, where meals and accommodation is all provided for them. And for seven days it's just being in the outback and learning how to read the ground and use a metal detector and find gold."

The company takes eager tourists out to try their hand at gold detecting and panning. (Source: Instagram/luckystrikegold)

'Anyone can do it'

Ballarat in Victoria, where Taleesha lives, was one of the first areas to properly kick off the Australian gold rush back in 1851. But there are plenty of locations around the country where people can try their luck. There are creeks in parts of New South Wales, the Northern Territory, South Australia, Tasmania, and Western Australia that have specs and nuggets of gold waiting to be found, according to Gold Industry Group.

Fellow gold buyer, prospector and business owner Tyler Mahoney has also encouraged the public to jump on the frenzy if they're interested.




Haiti - Chaos in Mexico : Important notice to the Haitian community





On Sunday, February 22, 2026, during a major Mexican military operation, drug lord Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, alias "El Mencho" (59 years old), considered the last of the great godfathers and head of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, was fatally wounded in Tapalpa, in the western State of Jalisco. He succumbed to his injuries while being transported by plane to Mexico City. Following the death of their leader, the country's most powerful and feared criminal organization is determined to avenge its founder's death and is sowing chaos and death in at least 8 of Mexico's 32 states, with shops and buses set ablaze, airports closed, and roads blocked. The Embassy of Haiti in Mexico informs the Haitian community that security operations are currently underway in the State of Jalisco (particularly in Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta, and Tapalpa). Armed clashes, roadblocks, and vehicle fires have also been reported. The Embassy of Haiti urges Haitian nationals, whether residents or visitors, in this State to exercise extreme caution and remain indoors during these operations. Furthermore, incidents have also been reported in the states of Michoacan, Guanajuato, Nayarit, Colima, Aguascalientes, and Tamaulipas. Haitian nationals in these areas are urged to exercise extreme caution and, in particular, to follow the following recommended precautionary measures :  Strictly avoid areas where law enforcement is operating;  Remain vigilant and attentive to your surroundings;  Take shelter and limit all non-essential travel;  Closely follow information disseminated by reliable local media;  Follow the instructions of local authorities and, in case of emergency, call 911;  Regularly inform your loved ones of your location and situation (by phone, text message, or via social media). The Embassy of Haiti and the Consular Section are closely monitoring the situation and urge everyone to exercise caution and responsibility. HL/ S/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - France : Master's 2 Scholarship (2026-2027) - Call for Applications





The application period for Master 2 scholarships from the French Government, the Bank of the Republic of Haiti (BRH), and the Unibank Foundation for the 2026-2027 academic year is now open. Application Procedures : These scholarships are intended for high-achieving students wishing to pursue their Master's degree (M2) in a French public university. In addition to applying for the scholarship, candidates must submit their application for admission to their chosen program through the official "Etudes en France" procedure, accessible at https://pastel.diplomatie.gouv.fr/etudesenfrance Documents to Download : - Application guide for the "Etudes en France" procedure : https://bit.ly/guide-etudes-en-france - List of institutions connected to Etudes en France : https://ressources.campusfrance.org/pratique/eef/fr/etablissements_connectes_fr.pdf These scholarships will be awarded in the following fields: - Economics, Finance, Governance. - Science & Technology, Artificial Intelligence. - Engineering Sciences. - Health (excluding clinical specialization). Applicants can contact the Campus France office in Haiti for personalized guidance (campusfrance@institutfrancaishaiti.org). Important : Scholarship applications that include admission obtained outside the ETUDES EN FRANCE (EeF) procedure will be automatically rejected. In other words, before applying for a Master 2 scholarship, applicants must apply for admission to a Master 2 program at a FRENCH PUBLIC UNIVERSITY VIA THE EeF PROCEDURE. Admissions obtained via the MonMaster.gouv.fr, E-Candidat, Ciell2, and Apoflux applications or platforms will not be considered, as these are reserved for applicants residing in France or in countries where the EeF procedure is not implemented. Eligibility Criteria :  Be under 35 years of age on January 1st of the award year;  Be a Haitian citizen and reside in Haiti;  Hold a university degree at least equivalent to a four-year undergraduate degree (BAC+4) in the relevant field of study;  Not have received a scholarship or internship from the French Embassy in the previous three years.  Be admitted to the second year of a Master's program (Master 2) at a French public university. Application Documents :  Completed and signed scholarship application form : https://www.haitilibre.com/docs/formulaire_bourse_2026.docx  Certified copies of diplomas or certificates obtained;  University transcripts;  Letter of motivation;  Detailed curriculum vitae;  Photocopy of passport;  Letter of recommendation from a Haitian university or institution highlighting the merits of the application;  Proof of admission to the French university (required). IMPORTANT : You can submit a scholarship application without final university enrollment authorization (but with documents attesting to your application to the program you are applying to). Enrollment authorization will be required if your application is accepted. Special Notes : For healthcare professionals, University Diplomas (DU), Inter-University Diplomas (DIU), and Certificates of Advanced Studies (CES) are postgraduate programs. To participate in the practical component of these training programs, applicants must hold a status that allows them to practice healthcare (most often as a Medical Intern - FFI, within the framework of a DFMS/DFMSA), otherwise they will be practicing medicine illegally. If this status is not granted, applicants must provide an official document from the medical school with their application, certifying that the proposed training program does not include any practical exercises or clinical placements with patients. Registration for continuing and professional education programs is not permitted. Applications to business schools, private engineering schools, and all other private institutions will not be considered (tuition fees, often high, cannot be covered by scholarships). Implementation of the scholarship : If your application is successful, the Cooperation Service of the French Embassy will then process the applications previously selected by the Franco-Haitian Joint Scholarship Committee in conjunction with the French managing organization, Campus France, which will be responsible for:  Liaising with the scholarship recipient's host institution;  Disbursing the monthly stipend;  Paying tuition fees;  Assisting the scholarship recipient with their departure: booking and arranging prepaid airline tickets with the designated travel agencies. Receiving a French government scholarship entitles you to a free visa from the consular section of the French Embassy. However, it is essential to adhere to visa processing times and submit your application well in advance. A welcome pack from Campus France, containing all the necessary information for your arrival in France, will be provided to the scholarship recipient, particularly regarding transfers within France. End of Studies : Scholarship recipients must submit a final report (study report with transcripts, certificate of completion, etc.) directly to the Cooperation Service of the French Embassy within 60 days of completing their studies. General Calendar : Please note that. This schedule is for students who have already submitted an application for admission to the Master 2 level and one of the selected programs via the "Etudes en France" platform. All required documents must be submitted to the Delegation of the European Union (DUE) - 19, rue Borno, Petion-Ville  Tel: 29 99 90 27 Deadline : Friday, May 29, 2026. Incomplete applications or those submitted after this date will be automatically rejected. June 1-5 : Review of applications by the Cooperation and Cultural Action Service of the French Embassy and shortlisting by a joint Franco-Haitian committee; June 8-12 : Oral interviews of shortlisted candidates. Candidates not invited to an interview may consider their application unsuccessful; Week of June 24-30 : publication of results; successful candidates will be contacted directly; End of August : pre-departure session with Campus France. Contact : Ms. Sandra Joseph, in charge of scholarship monitoring and management at the French Embassy in Haiti (sandra.joseph@diplomatie.gouv.fr / +226 29 99 90 27), will contact you regarding the implementation of the financial support arrangements, if your application is successful. HL/ HaitiLibre


















Nathan Cleary has been cleared to play for the Penrith Panthers in Round 1 after NRL fans were left questioning why Reece Walsh didn't cop a suspension for three incidents of head contact in just seven weeks last year. Cleary initially copped a two-game ban on Saturday, but it was thrown out at the NRL judiciary on Monday night and downgraded to a fine.

Clearly collected Heamasi Makasini with a high shot in Penrith's pre-season game against the Wests Tigers on Friday night, but the Panthers successfully proved that first contact was to the shoulder rather than head. The Panthers also pointed out that Makasini didn't require a head injury assessment.

Reece Walsh dodged a ban last year, and Nathan Cleary has now had the same fate. Image: Getty

Cleary and the Panthers ran the risk of copping an extra game on the suspension if he failed at the judiciary, which would have sidelined him until Round 4. But a downgraded charge has now resulted in a monetary fine only.

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The NRL world is divided over whether Cleary's hit deserved a suspension. And many are pointing out that Broncos superstar Walsh dodged a ban despite three incidents in under two months last year.

Walsh head-butted Raiders star Hudson Young in the first week of the NRL finals, and then made contact with Xavier Coates' head with his shoulder during the grand final against the Melbourne Storm. He then collected Dom Young in the head with his shoulder in the Ashes series between Australia and England.

Despite the three incidents, Walsh was never suspended and didn't even get charged for the Dom Young contact. He was sin-binned for that and the Hudson Young head-butt, but was allowed to stay on the field in the grand final.

Reece Walsh escaped suspension despite three incidents at the end of last year. Image: Getty/Channel 9

Reece Walsh at centre of Nathan Cleary suspension debate

On Sunday, one pundit wrote on social media: "Cleary needs to be cleared like Walsh did in the grand final for this tackle. It's a no brainer. Spot the difference, 1 gets 2 weeks with no contact to the head. In the last NRL game played the other, direct contact to the head and gets 0 weeks cleared."

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Another commented: "Two wrongs don't make a right. Walsh should have been suspended and Cleary most definitely should."

Others pointed out that Walsh was very low to the ground when he made contact with Coates' head, and was basically on his knees. Whereas Cleary raced out of the line to put a shot on Makasini, and was therefore quite careless.

The Panthers noted that Makasini appeared to slip slightly before the contact, and that Cleary didn't leave the ground in making the tackle. Cleary's feet still appeared to be on the ground at the point of contact, and only afterwards did he jump up slightly.

Unless your name is Reece Walsh and its the GF. At least Cleary looked like he attempted a tackle. Walsh comes flying in with a shoulder, no tackle attempted, direct contact flush on Coates face and its just a penalty. Nothing in it says the ref.  Greg (@greg_pb) February 23, 2026

100%. Of Walsh didnt get anything, cleary has nothing to worry about.  KevinAR (@KevinAR79716636) February 23, 2026

Good pic.twitter.com/9EAQdj5zA0  91 03 21 22 23 24 PREMIERS  (@SnoogThe) February 22, 2026

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Cleary needs to be cleared like Walsh did in the grand final for this tackle. It's a no brainer. pic.twitter.com/eaVRuqbGvu  SC Contributors (@SCContributors) February 22, 2026
(HedgeCo.Net) For decades, hedge funds sold a simple promise: nimble capital, unconstrained strategies, and elite talent capable of generating alpha independent of market direction. That imageof small teams exploiting inefficiencies faster than the marketstill exists. But it is no longer the center of gravity.

Today, the hedge fund industry is dominated by a growing cohort of mega-platforms whose defining advantage is not just investment skill, but scale. Firms like Citadel, Millennium Management, Bridgewater Associates, Point72 Asset Management, D. E. Shaw, and Elliott Management are no longer simply hedge fundsthey are diversified financial institutions operating at industrial scale.

This evolution is quietly redefining how risk is managed, how talent is paid, how capital flows, and ultimately how alpha is produced. For allocators, the question is no longer whether scale matters. It is whether scale itself has become the strategy.

From Boutique Alpha to Institutional Platforms

The hedge fund industrys early mythology was built around legendary individualstraders and portfolio managers who outsmarted the market through insight, speed, and conviction. Assets were modest. Teams were small. Risk was personal.

That model has not disappeared, but it has been eclipsed by a new reality. Over the past decade, investor capital has consolidated rapidly into a handful of mega-managers. Today, a small group of firms controls a disproportionate share of global hedge fund assets, risk budgets, and talent.

This consolidation has been driven by structural forces rather than fashion:

Institutional allocators now prioritize stability, governance, and risk control alongside returns.

now prioritize stability, governance, and risk control alongside returns. Volatility and dispersion favor platforms that can deploy capital across hundreds of independent strategies simultaneously.

favor platforms that can deploy capital across hundreds of independent strategies simultaneously. Rising operational complexityfrom compliance to technologycreates natural barriers to entry for smaller firms.

The result is a bifurcated industry: a long tail of small, often single-manager funds competing for niche alpha, and a dominant tier of scaled platforms that increasingly resemble financial ecosystems.

Why Scale Has Become a Competitive Advantage

At the largest hedge funds, size is no longer a constraintit is an asset.

1. Capital Stability

Mega-funds benefit from extraordinarily sticky capital. Pension plans, sovereign wealth funds, insurance companies, and endowments value predictability. Once allocated, capital tends to remain in place through cycles, reducing the risk of forced deleveraging during market stress.

This stability allows large platforms to:

Maintain positions during volatility

Take advantage of dislocations when others are forced sellers

Commit capital to longer-dated or more complex trades

In contrast, smaller funds often face sudden redemptions precisely when opportunity is greatest.

2. Risk as a Centralized Discipline

Scale enables sophisticated risk management architectures that would be impossible at smaller firms. At Citadel and Millennium, risk is not an afterthoughtit is the organizing principle.

Portfolio managers operate within tightly defined risk parameters, with exposures monitored in real time across asset classes, regions, and factors. Losses are cut quickly. Capital is reallocated continuously.

This model produces two powerful outcomes:

Lower volatility of returns , which institutional investors prize

, which institutional investors prize Higher survival rates across market regimes

Alpha, in this framework, is less about heroic bets and more about the systematic harvesting of thousands of small edges.

3. Talent Gravity

The largest hedge funds have become talent magnets. For elite portfolio managers, traders, quants, and data scientists, mega-platforms offer something smaller shops cannot:

Large, stable capital allocations

Deep research and technology resources

Performance-linked compensation with limited personal balance-sheet risk

This creates a reinforcing loop. Talent attracts capital. Capital attracts more talent. Over time, the platform becomes the default destination for top performers across strategies.

Importantly, this dynamic also changes career incentives. Rather than launching independent funds, many top investors now choose to build careers inside platforms where infrastructure and capital are already in place.

The Rise of the Multi-Manager Model

No structural shift has defined modern hedge funds more than the rise of the multi-manager platform.

Firms like Citadel and Millennium operate less like traditional hedge funds and more like internal capital markets. Dozenssometimes hundredsof autonomous teams compete for capital based on risk-adjusted performance.

This model offers several advantages:

Diversification by design across strategies and geographies

across strategies and geographies Rapid capital reallocation toward outperforming teams

toward outperforming teams Built-in Darwinism, where underperformers are replaced

The result is a return profile that looks less like a traditional hedge fund and more like a private market allocation: smoother, more predictable, and less dependent on any single investment thesis.

For allocators, this consistency has become increasingly attractive in an era of macro uncertainty.

Scale and the Economics of Performance

As hedge funds have grown, so too has the debate over whether scale dilutes returns. The evidence suggests a more nuanced reality.

While very large directional bets become harder at scale, mega-funds compensate through:

Breadth rather than concentration

rather than concentration Speed of execution and information flow

of execution and information flow Access to deals, counterparties, and data

In practice, many of the industrys largest firms have delivered returns that, while not spectacular in any single year, compound impressively over timeparticularly on a risk-adjusted basis.

This is why allocators increasingly frame hedge fund exposure not as a quest for moon-shot alpha, but as a portfolio stabilizer that performs across regimes.

Activism, Quant, and Macro at Scale

Scale is not limited to multi-manager equity platforms. It is reshaping every major hedge fund strategy.

Activist funds like Elliott Management leverage size to influence corporate behavior, negotiate with boards, and shape restructurings across jurisdictions.

like Elliott Management leverage size to influence corporate behavior, negotiate with boards, and shape restructurings across jurisdictions. Quantitative firms such as D. E. Shaw deploy vast computational resources, alternative data, and machine-learning models that require enormous fixed investment.

such as D. E. Shaw deploy vast computational resources, alternative data, and machine-learning models that require enormous fixed investment. Macro giants like Bridgewater translate scale into global macro insight, integrating economic data, policy analysis, and systematic frameworks across markets.

In each case, the ability to invest heavily in infrastructure and research creates advantages that compound over time.

The Allocators Perspective: Fewer, Bigger, Deeper

For institutional investors, the shift toward hedge fund giants is as much about governance as returns.

Allocators increasingly prefer:

Fewer manager relationships

Larger allocations per fund

Deeper partnerships with transparent risk frameworks

Mega-funds can meet these demands. Smaller funds often cannot.

This trend does not mean allocators have abandoned emerging managers. But it does mean that new funds face higher hurdles: stronger differentiation, clearer edge, and greater operational maturity from day one.

The Risks of Concentration

The rise of hedge fund giants is not without risk. Industry concentration raises important questions:

What happens if multiple mega-funds de-risk simultaneously?

Does homogeneity of models increase systemic vulnerability?

Are investors sacrificing upside for stability?

So far, the benefits have outweighed the concerns. But regulators and allocators alike are watching closely as platforms grow ever larger.

The Future: Hedge Funds as Financial Utilities?

Looking ahead, the trajectory is clear. The largest hedge funds are evolving into permanent capital institutions with characteristics once associated with banks, asset managers, and private equity firms.

They manage:

Trillions in gross exposure

Thousands of employees

Complex global operations

Yet they retain the flexibility and incentive structures that made hedge funds attractive in the first place.

In this sense, the industry is not abandoning its rootsit is industrializing them.

Conclusion: Scale Is No Longer Optional:

The modern hedge fund industry has entered a new phase. Alpha still matters. Talent still matters. But scale now determines who can deploy those advantages consistently and survive across cycles.

For allocators, the message is unmistakable: hedge fund exposure is increasingly about choosing platforms, not just managers. For emerging funds, the challenge is sharper than everdifferentiate, specialize, or partner. And for the giants themselves, the stakes continue to rise. With size comes influence, scrutiny, and responsibility. In todays hedge fund landscape, scale is not merely an outcome of success. It is the engine that sustains it.
The Public and Welfare Sectors Union JHL announced on Monday its third strike notice in the ongoing dispute over a new collective agreement for the private social services sector. The stoppage will take place from 00.01 on 10 March until 23.59 on 12 March.

Finlands private social services sector faces a new three-day strike in March after two major unions issued fresh notices amid a protracted pay dispute. The action will run from 10 to 12 March and follows a walkout last week that affected care homes in the north of the country. Talks under the national conciliator continue without a settlement.

The strike covers all work carried out in member companies of the employers association Hyvinvointiala Hali across the country. JHL said the action applies to all shifts that begin during the three-day period.

JHL has also maintained a temporary ban on shift transfers affecting its members in Hali member companies. The ban remains in force until industrial action ends or the union announces otherwise. Union members change shifts only as overtime.

The new strike will be called off if the parties reach a negotiated settlement before 10 March. JHL has already announced a second wave of action set for 3 to 5 March. The first strike in the sector took place last week.

The Finnish Union of Practical Nurses SuPer, acting as part of the Sote umbrella organisation, said that the strike affects around 50 workplaces in the private social services sector.

The new strike targets about 50 units run by Attendo, Esperi and Mehilainen across Finland. Lapland and North Ostrobothnia are excluded from this round, as those regions were affected by the previous three-day walkout.

HT
The decision follows a ruling on Friday that found Trump lacked authority to introduce several duties last spring. After the judgment, Trump announced new across-the-board import tariffs of 10 per cent. The rate rose to 15 per cent on Saturday.

The European Union will delay ratification of its trade agreement with the United States after the US Supreme Court struck down a large share of tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump .

The European Parliaments trade committee had planned to vote on Tuesday on removing tariffs on US industrial goods under the deal agreed in July 2025. Parliamentary negotiators will now meet in an extraordinary session on Monday to decide on suspending the process.

The agreement reached last summer provided for the EU to scrap most of its import tariffs on US goods. In return, the United States set duties of 15 per cent on products from the bloc.

The ratification process was due to conclude in March. It had already been frozen once following statements by Trump concerning Greenland.

Now the bloc moves to pause the process again amid uncertainty over US trade policy.

HT
Absher seeks reduction in $2.2 million bond

Michael Absher

The attorney for Michael Absher, the Only Hope WNC founder who faces 23 charges of sexual offense involving boys staying at or visiting the youth shelter, is asking the court to lower his clients bail.

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Absher has remained jailed since last July 31 under a bond that has grown to $2.2 million after a series of grand jury indictments charging him with first-degree statutory sexual offense, sexual exploitation and human trafficking of minors.

Defendant intends to mount a vigorous defense against these charges and would be better able to assist in his defense if released from custody, attorney John D. Pritchard said in a motion filed earlier this month.

The high bond, Pritchard said in a motion filed on Feb. 2, departs from state guidelines and the local judicial districts bail policy and fails to take into account Abshers longstanding community service and ties to his hometown. The court-imposed bonds ranging from $20,000 to $500,000 each on the charges are excessive, the defense attorney argued.

Not only has the defendant received the maximum bond in every file number, there are some cases where it appears the bond exceeds these maximums, Pritchard wrote. Specifically, he said:

The bail policys recommended maximum bond for a human trafficking charge is $100,000; Abshers bond for trafficking three counts is $500,000.

The recommended maximum for one count of third-degree child exploitation is $8,000; for the seven child-exploitation charges, the court set a bond of $100,000.

The bond policy recommends an $80,000 bond for a charge of first-degree child exploitation; for three counts of the class C felony, the court imposed a bond of $250,000.

The bond policy, Pritchard pointed out, declares that the recommended bond amounts are suggested maximums (courts emphasis) and should not aggregate near the top of the maximum amounts.

Not a flight risk

Pritchard said that Absher serves as primary care giver for his mother, who suffers from multiple health problems.

Defendant is not a flight risk and has substantial local ties, he said. He is a lifelong resident of Henderson County and graduate of East Henderson High School. Over the last 17 years he has served his community by operating Only Hope, the lawyer said, adding that Absher also served on the Henderson County School Board. His client has no criminal record in North Carolina, Pritchard said, and upon information and belief, has no record anywhere.

When defendants bond is maxed out at every instance, and perhaps exceeds the maximum bond in others, how would the court justify such amounts if a similarly situated defendant was a Level V1 (accused felon) instead of a Level 1? Pritchard asked in a dramatic flourish that concluded the motion. A resident of Texas instead of a longtime local? An oil sheik with vast resources instead of an indigent?

Pritchard, whose practice is based in Asheville, requested that the motion be heard in Superior Court on Thursday, Feb. 26, when Absher is already on the docket.
A FORMER Metropolitan Police forensics officer has won an award for her immersive crime scene company.

The Forensic Experience won the top UK murder-mystery and team-building experience award at the Diamond Distinction Awards.

The accolade recognises businesses that demonstrate exceptional standards of service and excellence within their industry.

Hayley Scott, who lives near Henley, served 14 years in the police, examining more than 10,000 crime scenes from burglaries to murders, primarily in northwest London.

She said: I went to university and studied criminology, but while I was there, I was in a domestic violence relationship for four years, and Im lucky to be here.

When I joined the force after I graduated, I went on to solve crimes, including assault. The first few cases were still quite raw and hard going, but I had counselling.

It was quite rewarding and empowering to think Ive come through that and then be able to help other victims.

The business idea originated eight years ago after she left the force to become a full-time mum when her husband, a Metropolitan Police detective, was diagnosed with cancer. He is now in remission.

We wouldnt have the company if it werent for my son, she said, He asked if we could have a business like one of his friends mums, but I thought there wasnt anything I could do with my career and background in forensics.

After he asked and I created a crime scene-themed party for him and his friends, all the mums were asking for an adult version, and it made me believe I could put something together.

The experience replicates real investigations, utilising authentic police procedures and equipment sourced from the same provider as police forces.

The company visits people in their own homes to stage the investigations and can also use pre-booked venues including car parks and offices.

She said: I use a hyper-realistic 10,000 silicon body, made at a famous film studio by artists who make bodies for a well-known BBC drama.

Its not gruesome, but its very realistic and does look like somebody whos dead.

Guests, who range between groups of six to 60, arrive at the crime scene where they receive a forensic briefing before listening to suspect interviews, devising a strategy and performing practical tests, including DNA screening, UV light analysis and fingerprint dusting.

She said: I create a script for the actors who play suspects and record interview videos I show at the event.

When the guests meet the police officer at the crime scene cordon, they sign in and put their protective clothing on.

They then have a forensic briefing to find out as much as possible, listening to the videos from the suspect before they decide a forensic strategy and go off to do the practical parts.

One anecdote she commonly shares is of a serial arsonist she encountered in her line of duty.

They kept setting fire to different toilets over a period of weeks, but I managed to catch them because a little bit of toilet paper that they touched hadnt turned to ash, she said.

I sent if off for a chemical treatment called ninhydrin, which is used to find finger marks on paper and we found some finger marks, but they werent on the criminal record database.

We did have CCTV, so when the officers went to their home address, we compared the marks and they admitted to it in the interview.

Following a diagnosis of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, also known as broken heart syndrome, in May, Hayley decided to scale up her business with the support of new employees.

She said: I had a wake-up call which made me realise I have a great business that wasnt really running properly, and the opportunities werent being optimised.

So, in September, I hired a marketing lady to help me focus on murder mysteries, team building and schools.

She hopes to recruit and train a team of people across the UK to broaden the business and make it a household name.
Toyota and Subaru shared the GR86 and BRZ, and then they put their own badges on their nearly identical electric crossovers, the bZ and Trailseeker. But despite sharing nearly everything, the two EVs have a big gulf between their prices, with the 2026 bZ Woodland over $5,000 more expensive than the 2026 Trailseeker. At least, that was the case a few weeks ago, with Cars.com reporting that the bZ Woodland is now being offered with up to $5,000 in cash back for buyers and $6,500 in cash back for those who choose to lease. Even those who finance can chip away at the bZ Woodland's $45,300 base MSRP, with $3,500 in cash back.

A Trio of Offers for the 2026 Toyota bZ Woodland

Cole Attisha/Autoblog

View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article

With federal tax credits long gone, Toyota is offering $5,000 in customer cash for buyers, much like a rebate, $6,500 in lease cash to lower the overall price from which the EV's monthly payments are derived, and for those who finance, a 0% APR deal for 72 months with $3,500 cash back. This helps lower the down payment. All three offers are available for both the base and Premium trims of the bZ Woodland, and they expire on March 2. Naturally, these offers cannot be combined, and offers may vary depending on the state. If you'd rather simply opt for the cheaper Trailseeker, Subaru wants $39,995, and this has three trims, with the middle Limited and top Touring variants starting at $43,995 and $46,555, respectively. Both bZ Woodland and Trailseeker carry destination charges of $1,450, sneaking in below the average new car price in America.

2026 Toyota bZ and Subaru Trailseeker Specs

Toyota

View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article

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Both EVs have dual motors enabling all-wheel drive, and both produce 375 horsepower. They also share the same 8.3-inch ground clearance measurement, 3,500-lb maximum towing capacity, and 74.7-kWh lithium-ion batteries. But despite all their similarities, the Subaru Trailseeker may be the better buy, because it manages 280 miles of range on a single charge, while the bZ Woodland only does 260 miles. Inside, both vehicles have 14-inch touchscreens with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, heated front seats, synthetic leather upholstery, wireless smartphone charging for two devices, and power driver's seats. The only major difference is that a panoramic-view monitor is optional on the Trailseeker and standard on the bZ Woodland, and if you step up to the Trailseeker Limited ($43,995), you get this feature plus 20-inch wheels, a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, a Harmon Kardon audio upgrade, and a 1,500W cargo area power dock  all while still undercutting the base bZ. Thus, there's little reason to choose the Toyota besides brand loyalty.

This story was originally published by Autoblog on Feb 22, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
CFMoto just announced that the 1000 MT-X will cost just 9,999 in Germany, and that's cheaper than anything on offer, even from the middleweight adventure class.

We've covered CFMoto's 1000 MT-X tasty spec sheet here at RideApart already, and I was lucky enough to see a few in the flesh at EICMA. I knew at the time that whenever these bikes were officially introduced to markets, they'd disrupt them due to almost unbeatable pricing. Don't get me wrong, plenty of CFMoto products are cheaper than the competition, but customers still opt for bikes they regard as better; however, the MT-X (Ibex) lineup is competing well in terms of price and performance, and the 1000 MT-X is no exception.

It was recently announced that the 1000 MT-X will arrive in Germany in the spring and cost just 9,999 ($11,764). As you'd expect from a CFMoto, this price puts it in a category ahead of its competition. In fact, the 1000 MT-X will be cheaper than most of the adventure motorcycles that are a class below it.

One of the most popular bikes in the class is Yamaha's Tenere 700, which costs 12,599 in Germany. Aprilia's Tuareg 660 will set you back between 11,000 to 12,500, and if you want to grab a bargain in this class, it would've been the Suzuki V-Strom 800 for 10,390. We know that the 1000 MT-X will take from the aforementioned brands' customer base, but it could be far more deadly to competitors' offerings in the tier above.

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One of the most obvious comparisons to the 1000 MT-X comes in the form of Honda's CRF11000L Africa Twin. A base model Africa Twin will set you back 16,449 in Germany, and the story is more or less the same with offerings from Triumph, Suzuki, Husqvarna, and KTMthe 1000 MT-X uses a powerplant derived from Team Orange's 890 Adventure.

The CFMoto 1000 MT-X isn't skimping on top-tier components either, with fully adjustable KYB USD forks, Brembo discs at the front, and an electronic suite packed with features. The bike has a ready-to-ride weight of 489 lbs, which is one of the better figures in this class, and at 112 hp it's also the most powerful. Unless this bike rides like sharp jelly, the biggest movers in this category will have a problem on their hands.

I reached out to CFMoto USA for confirmation regarding whether the 1000 MT-X is coming to the States and how it will be priced. The brand's Marketing Communications Manager, Reid Strait, got back to me and said, "We have not yet announced if or when the Ibex 1000 / 1000MT-X will be released in the US." So take from that what you will, but fingers crossed.




A Supposedly Repair Turns Into a $6,600 Shock

A recent case involving an older-generation Toyota RAV4 owner has sparked debate online after a dealership quoted roughly $6,600 to repair what was described simply as an airbox. The story surfaced on Reddit, where the owner asked fellow users whether the estimate sounded reasonable. Notably, no specific symptoms or failure details were mentioned, leaving commenters to interpret the quote based solely on pricing and terminology.

The confusion largely stemmed from the word itself. To most drivers, an airbox sounds like a straightforward plastic intake housing sitting under the hood. Instead, technicians were referring to something far more complex, buried deep within the dashboard. What initially appeared to be a routine repair quickly revealed itself as one of the most labor-intensive jobs possible on a modern crossover.

Rising Repair Costs And What This Airbox Actually Includes

Vehicle repair expenses have steadily increased due to tighter packaging, integrated components, and rising labor rates. In this case, the so-called airbox likely refers to the HVAC or A/C radiator assembly, specifically Toyota part number 87050-42720, listed through parts channels such as the Toyota Radiator Assy Air Conditioner 87050-42720. The component alone can cost between $2,200 and $2,500 before markup or installation.

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This assembly isnt a simple housing. It may include the heater core, evaporator core, blend doors, air distribution ducts, electronic actuators, and multiple internal airflow mechanisms packaged into a single unit.

Labor is where costs escalate dramatically. Replacement requires removing the entire dashboard, often involving steering column repositioning, center console removal, wiring harness disconnection, and strict airbag safety procedures. HVAC servicing adds further steps such as refrigerant evacuation, resealing, vacuum testing, and system recharge.

One Reddit commenter estimated up to 18 labor hours, and at dealership rates ranging from $150 to $200 per hour, labor alone can exceed $3,000$4,000, placing the total quote surprisingly right on the money.

Used assemblies occasionally appear on marketplaces like eBay for under $1,000, offering potential savings. However, risks include hidden wear, evaporator leaks, or limited warranty protection. Even with a cheaper part, labor requirements remain unchanged, meaning total savings may be smaller than expected.

Toyota (Toyota)

The Bigger Picture: Repairability Versus Modern Complexity

Interestingly, some automakers are beginning to rethink vehicle serviceability altogether. Newer vehicle programs are experimenting with modular construction intended to simplify ownership and reduce long-term repair costs. The idea is straightforward: easier access and replaceable subcomponents can prevent minor failures from turning into multi-thousand-dollar service visits.

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Yet modern cars, particularly electrified models, still come with trade-offs. While electric vehicles may reduce routine maintenance expenses, complex electronics and integrated systems can still generate expensive repair scenarios when failures occur.

The RAV4 Hybrid case ultimately illustrates a broader industry reality: reliability doesnt always equal affordability when major components fail. As vehicles become quieter, safer, and more technologically advanced, owners may increasingly discover that the most expensive problems are often hidden behind the dashboard rather than under the hood.

This story was originally published by Autoblog on Feb 23, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images

In the case of Jeff Kent and Alex Rodriguez, time does not heal all wounds, and definitely not bad blood from a nearly 30-year-old knee injury.

Kent joined the San Francisco Giants broadcast booth for their Spring Training matchup with the Chicago Cubs on Sunday afternoon. And if Kent has any aspirations of being a broadcaster, it sounds like he might make an entertaining one, but hell have to clean up his vocabulary first.

During his appearance, play-by-play voice Jon Miller asked Kent about a knee injury he suffered back in 1998 when A-Rod slid hard into second base while attempting to break up a double play. Kent remembered the play, and Kent doesnt sound like he forgave Rodriguez for the play.

He tore my knee up. He slid and rolled his fat ass past the base, the son of a bitch. Jeff Kent was asked about the knee sprain he got when Alex Rodriguez slid into him in 1998 pic.twitter.com/gjmmB3VO02  Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) February 22, 2026



He tore my knee up. He slid and rolled his fat a** past the base, the son of a b*tch, and put me out for a little while, Kent ranted. I was not happy about that, because he was a middle infielder and we were beating them up pretty good. He didnt need to be doing that.

Miller chuckled a bit at Kents recollection of the collision, joking, Not that youve thought about it much since then

The injury happened in June of the 1998 season while Kent was red hot and the Giants were in the middle of an 11-game win streak. After missing an entire month, Kent returned with a bit of a slump as the Giants lost 13 of their next 19 games. San Francisco missed out on the playoffs, losing the division to the eventual National League Champion San Diego Padres.

Rodriguez may have gotten Kents knee, he may have been the better player and had the better career. But one thing Kent now has over Rodriguez is the Hall of Fame, with the former second baseman set to be inducted into Cooperstown this summer. And if this appearance with the Giants broadcast is any indication, Kents Hall of Fame speech should be a doozy.












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by Stephen Jakes

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Amon Murwira, has received credentials from the new African Development Bank (AfDB) Country Manager for Zimbabwe, Eyerusalem Fasika, marking the beginning of a renewed phase of cooperation between Zimbabwe and the continental lender.Speaking after presenting her credentials, Fasika reaffirmed the Bank's commitment to supporting the Government and people of Zimbabwe, particularly through the ongoing arrearsclearance and debtresolution engagement process."The Bank's assistance will remain firmly aligned with Zimbabwe's National Development Strategy 2 and the AfDB's own strategic frameworks, including its TenYear Strategy and four cardinal priority areas. These priorities guide the Bank's investments across the continent and are aimed at fostering inclusive growth and sustainable development," she said.Fasika noted that the AfDB's interventions in Zimbabwe span key sectors such as agriculture, energy, social services and privatesector development - areas she said are central to accelerating economic transformation and improving livelihoods.She added that the Bank's support is aligned with broader continental and global development blueprints, including Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals, ensuring Zimbabwe's development trajectory remains in sync with Africa's longterm vision and global commitments.Fasika also commended the Government for achieving milestones that led to the signing of a StaffMonitored Programme with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), describing it as an important step toward strengthening macroeconomic stability and building international confidence."The AfDB will continue to back Zimbabwe's reform agenda, particularly economic reforms, while maintaining active engagement on arrears clearance. The Bank also plans to expand key sector interventions as part of its ongoing partnership with the Government," she said.The AfDB is currently reviewing the completion report of its previous engagement with Zimbabwe. The findings will guide the formulation of the Bank's next threeyear strategy to ensure future collaboration remains responsive to national priorities and delivers meaningful impact.The meeting reaffirmed the strong and longstanding partnership between Zimbabwe and the African Development Bank.
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Former Masvingo Provincial War Veterans chairperson Isaah Muzenda has warned that signing Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 into law could mark a turning point in President Emmerson Mnangagwa's leadership.In an interview with Masvingo Mirror, Muzenda said while it is within Mnangagwa's constitutional mandate to allow debate on proposed amendments in Cabinet and the Senate, the President would "cross the line" if he assents to the bill in its current form."As war veterans we are carefully watching this process. We are definitely going to act if what we fought and suffered for is compromised," Muzenda said. "To begin with, we have already taken the matter to court."The proposed Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 seeks to introduce significant changes, including replacing direct presidential elections with a system in which the President is elected by Parliament. It also proposes extending the presidential term from five to seven years. Critics argue that the changes could effectively prolong Mnangagwa's stay in office beyond the current constitutional limit, which expires in 2028, and that such sweeping amendments should be subjected to a national referendum.Muzenda described the provision to elect the President through Parliament as unconstitutional and expressed concern over the reported intention not to hold a referendum. "This is so unconstitutional. The situation is worsened by the intention not to hold a referendum," he said.He added that war veterans were angered by what they view as an attempt to undermine the Constitution adopted in 2013 through a popular vote.In controversial remarks, Muzenda accused the current and former leadership of failing to safeguard national interests, claiming Zimbabwe's political challenges stem from leaders who lack commitment to the country's founding values.The Bill has already sparked legal action, with some war veterans filing a Constitutional Court challenge seeking to block its implementation. The matter is yet to be heard.Government officials maintain that the amendments are aimed at strengthening governance structures and ensuring political stability, insisting that the presidential term limits remain intact.The escalating rhetoric from sections of the war veterans signals deepening divisions within Zimbabwe's political landscape as debate over the proposed constitutional changes intensifies.
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A 32-year-old Zimbabwean national has been arrested following an alleged attempted murder at a traditional gathering near Meqheleng township in Ficksburg over the weekend.The suspect was also found in possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition, according to the South African Police Service (SAPS).Police said the incident occurred during a cultural feast, where an argument reportedly escalated into a violent attack on a 58-year-old local man from Meqheleng, Ficksburg. The victim sustained serious injuries and is currently receiving medical treatment.Authorities responded to the scene and apprehended the suspect during the subsequent investigation. An unlicensed firearm and live ammunition were allegedly discovered in his possession, resulting in additional charges.The suspect was arrested on charges of attempted murder, as well as the illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition, SAPS said in a statement.The accused is expected to appear before the Ficksburg Magistrate's Court on Monday, 23 February 2026.Police investigations are continuing.
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Constantino Chiwenga has called on young Zimbabweans to preserve the foundational values of the liberation struggle, warning that the country risks losing first-hand accounts of the war as veterans continue to pass on.Chiwenga made the remarks at the funeral wake of Miriam Kangai, widow of the late former Cabinet minister and national hero Kumbirai Kangai.Miriam Kangai died from cancer-related complications in South Africa, where she had travelled to seek medical treatment. She was buried at Glen Forest Memorial Park in Harare.Addressing mourners, Chiwenga said the liberation struggle was fundamentally about self-determination and the equitable distribution of land."It is imperative that our youth recognise the sacrifices made by our heroes to ensure that every voice counts and that land is returned to its rightful owners," he said."The liberation struggle was primarily fought for two fundamental reasons: the principle of one man, one vote' and the return of our land. While other issues were raised, they served merely as justifications rather than the core objectives of our fight."His remarks come amid growing debate over proposed constitutional changes contained in Constitution Amendment Bill No. 3, which seeks to grant Parliament powers to elect the president instead of maintaining the direct "one man, one vote" system.Critics argue the proposal contradicts one of the key principles that underpinned the liberation war.Since last year, Chiwenga has repeatedly condemned corruption in government, describing it as a betrayal of the liberation struggle's ideals, which he says are anchored in fairness and equitable resource distribution.He previously coined the term "Zvigananda" to describe corrupt individuals who enrich themselves while ordinary citizens suffer.Reflecting on the liberation era, Chiwenga invoked the names of senior nationalist figures, including Herbert Chitepo and Kumbirai Kangai, whom he described as members of the war council."I remember the moment when Cde Charles Dauramanzi received me and my colleagues as we joined the struggle; these experiences are now memories that should never fade," he said.Chiwenga stressed that Zimbabwe's independence was won through sacrifice and must be safeguarded."This country was won through sacrifice. It is sacred. People died, blood was shed and we must never allow ourselves to forget that the freedoms we enjoy today came at a cost," he said."What we must focus on now is safeguarding the legacy of those who fought for our liberty. We are determined to realise our aspirations as a country, and I believe that, in time, our nation will be a source of admiration for others."
Days after the United States captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Celia Flores, during an operation in Caracas on Jan. 3, the Venezuelan government staged a show in the capital's skies with the intention of demonstrating support and demanding the couple's release.

With thousands of drones lighting up the sky, the message from the interim government of Delcy Rodriguez was clear: continue publicly backing Maduro and the socialist regime that has ruled Venezuela for decades. Since being appointed interim leader, Rodriguez has also had to implement changes under pressure from the Trump administration, which has warned she could suffer the same fate as Maduro if she does not comply.

In a new report by the BBC, experts said that despite Rodriguez's difficult position, she has so far managed to navigate pressure from both sides while keeping each satisfied, at least for now. That balance, however, could shift at any moment given the intense pressure the United States is placing on Venezuela.

"Rodriguez's legitimacy lies in the military strength of the U.S. And it will last if Trump wants it to. She cannot stand up to him," Carmen Beatriz Fernandez, a Venezuelan political analyst and CEO of DataStrategia, a political consultancy firm, told the BBC.

In Caracas, banners supporting Maduro while denouncing U.S. intervention have become common across the city. At the same time, Rodriguez has organized pro-government marches in the capital featuring large public displays demanding Maduro's return.

"She is handling communication in the best possible way and establishing guidelines for the country to continue moving forward despite the hijacking," Leonardo Arca, 39, a civil servant, told the BBC during a small pro-government march in Caracas last month.

Despite being a Maduro loyalist and a lifelong Chavista, Rodriguez has deviated significantly from some of the regime's previous policies. She passed a law paving the way for U.S. oil companies to begin operating in Venezuela and authorized the release of numerous politicians and human rights activists who had been imprisoned for months or years.

Although the Venezuelan opposition argues that many of Rodriguez's changes occurred only because of U.S. pressure, she appears to have gained Trump's trust. He has publicly referred to Rodriguez as "a wonderful person" and "someone we have worked very well with."

More recently, he acknowledged the diplomatic bind Rodriguez faces. When asked about her statement that Maduro remains the legitimate president, Trump dismissed it, saying: "I think she probably has to say that."

Despite maintaining a working relationship with U.S. officials, Rodriguez has criticized the Jan. 3 operation and expressed opposition to what she described as U.S. expansionism. But Phil Gunson, a senior analyst at the International Crisis Group think tank based in Caracas, told the BBC that her public criticism of Washington is strategic.

"Washington must understand that she must continue with this rhetoric. It is a way of maintaining cohesion in the Chavista project, even though it is known that it is not real," Gunson said.

Beyond balancing her relationship with Trump and managing domestic expectations, Rodriguez has also had to navigate her relationship with Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello, who wields significant influence within the military, which has remained loyal to Maduro.

"There's a theory that they're playing good-cop, bad-cop," Sabatini said. "She knows she needs him to maintain the security forces and keep them on her side ... but as long as they don't interfere with her momentum of attracting investors and most elements of the Trump administration, he serves her purpose."

As Sabatini noted, Rodriguez has managed the situation she inherited and may have more leverage with Trump than what initially meets the eye.

"Trump wants to see Venezuela continue on the path it's on; he doesn't want anything to contradict the narrative that everything is fine. Trump doesn't want to see the oil hit the fan, so to speak. So she has some leverage over Trump, which most people don't realize. She's not just a secondary partner. It's more of an equal partnership than Trump would like," the expert added.

Originally published on Latin Times
Snow has a way of making a big city feel small, especially when the wind starts bullying it sideways. The National Weather Service has now put it plainly for New York City and nearby counties, issuing a Blizzard Warning that runs from 6 AM Sunday to 6 PM Monday.

New York's five boroughs sit on islands and river mouths, with open water on multiple sides, which is why coastal storms can turn from picturesque to punishing in a hurry. This weekend's setup is not a gentle, Sunday-morning dusting.

A quick reality check for readers outside the US. A Blizzard Warning is not just 'it will snow.' In this case, the NWS is calling for blizzard conditions with total snow accumulations between 13 and 18 inches and wind gusts as high as 55 mph.

Blizzard Warning Hits NYC With A Hard Number

The warning issued by NWS Upton, New York covers New York City's core counties including Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island, plus parts of Long Island and nearby areas across southern Connecticut and southeast New York. If you're not local, 'Long Island' is the long, low strip east of New York City, and it tends to take the first punch when Atlantic storms wrap their worst bands onshore.

The NWS is also explicit about what makes this a blizzard situation, not merely a heavy snowfall forecast. Visibility may drop below a quarter mile because of falling and blowing snow, and 'whiteout conditions are expected' in the agency's wording. That matters because whiteouts are when drivers stop seeing lane lines and even the car in front becomes guesswork, which is how routine trips become headline tragedies.

The forecast problem is not just the amount of snow. The NWS warns that the combination of strong winds and the weight of snow on tree limbs may bring down power lines and cause sporadic outages. If that sounds dramatic, it is meant to, and frankly it should be.

Blizzard Warning Puts The Monday Commute On Notice

The timing is almost designed to cause maximum disruption. The Blizzard Warning begins at 6 AM Sunday and lasts through 6 PM Monday, with the strongest winds and blizzard conditions expected Sunday night into Monday. Snow, the NWS notes, is expected to move in during the morning and afternoon hours, which is the sort of detail that tempts people into thinking they can 'beat it' if they leave early enough.

The agency is not playing along with that optimism. 'Travel should be restricted to emergencies only,' the NWS warning says, before repeating the message even more sharply, 'Do not travel.' It also states that travel could be very difficult to impossible in the broader winter storm warning area, and that hazardous conditions could affect both the Monday morning and Monday evening commutes.

If you need a plain-language translation, it is this. A city that runs on tight schedules is being told to expect roads that do not behave, visibility that disappears, and wind that can turn plowed streets right back into drifts. The Storm does not care that it is Monday.

The NWS warning even offers the sort of unglamorous, lived-in advice that shows how bad conditions can get. If you must travel, it urges people to carry a winter survival kit, and if stranded, to stay with the vehicle rather than trying to walk out in low visibility. That is not melodrama, it is what emergency agencies say when they have seen too many people do the brave, stupid thing.

Nothing about exact neighborhood totals is guaranteed yet, so take every hyper-specific inch count you see on social media with a grain of salt. The official Blizzard Warning, though, is already enough to tell New Yorkers and anyone traveling through the region that this is a serious, disruptive storm with a real edge to it.

Originally published on IBTimes UK
Rep. Jasmine Crockett took aim at state Rep. James Talarico in a new ad as the Texas Democratic continues to heat up.

"James Talarico says the right things, but he doesn't practice what he preaches," it begins. "He says he'll take on billionaires but a billionaire-funded super PAC is spending $5.4 million in dark money supporting him. He says he'll show up for Texas but he has missed over 900 votes like rural healthcare, education and school safety," the add continues.

NEW: Jasmine Crockett just started running a new attack ad going after James Talarico in the #TXSen race. It started running as a paid ad on Facebook + Instagram today.



"Talarico is just talk. Crockett is all fight." pic.twitter.com/G6tujWlgTf  Andrew Arenge (@MrArenge) February 22, 2026

"Jasmine Crockett has taken on bullies from the courtroom to congress and won. Talarico is just talk, Crockett is all fight," it concludes.

Crockett has been active in the public conversation during the electoral period, most recently posting internal poll showing she would beat Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in an eventual election for the U.S. Senate in this year's midterms.

The survey in question was conducted by Hart Research among likely voters earlier this month, according to Political Polls. It shows Crockett getting 49% of the support, compared to Paxton's 45%.

In a social media publication, Crockett recalled that last Tuesday was the first day of early voting. "You all know who I am & that I will continue to fight for transparency, affordability & accountability! I'll see y'all at the polls!"

Polls have shown diverging scenarios in the primary. One conducted by the University of Houston's Hobby School of Public Affairs showed Crockett got 47% of the support, compared to James Talarico's 39%. 12% of respondents said they are undecided.

The poll showed that Crockett leads Talarico among all key demographics except for White voters and those with an advanced degree. 46% of likely Latino voters said they support Crockett, compared to 37% who chose Talarico. 15% said they were unsure. It is a contrast with other polls saying Talarico had an advantage with Latino voters.

Another poll showed a different scenario. Conducted by the University of Houston's Hobby School of Public Affairs, it showed that Republicans John Cornyn and Ken Paxton would beat Crockett and Talarico regardless of the matchup.

Paxton would beat the two Democratic candidates by two percentage points. Cornyn would also beat Crockett by the same margin and would win a race against Talarico by a single percentage point. Rep. Wesley Hunt would beat the two candidates by a larger margin.

Originally published on Latin Times
News / National

by Staff reporter

A 26-year-old man will spend six years in prison after leading a violent mob assault that nearly claimed the life of a shop assistant in Zvishavane.Mthulisi Mangena was sentenced by the Zvishavane Magistrates' Court for attempted murder following the brutal midnight attack outside a packed nightclub on December 14, 2025.According to the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ), the victim had been relaxing inside the club when a woman seated next to him was accused of stealing a watch. Mangena and his accomplices allegedly dragged the woman outside.Sensing trouble, the victim followed.Prosecutors said the gang then turned on him, shouting "Ndiye umwe wacho" ("He is the other one") before launching a sustained assault.The victim was struck on the back of the head with a beer bottle and fell to the ground. While he was down, the group allegedly kicked and assaulted him with stones and a metal object. During the attack, he was robbed of US$354 and his house keys.Mangena reportedly attempted to stab the victim with an okapi knife but was restrained by another member of the group.The injured man was then forced into a black Toyota Aqua, driven away from the nightclub and later dumped unconscious along Escrow Way.He sustained serious injuries, including deep head lacerations, the loss of three teeth, a broken tooth and severe bruising to his face and arms. Medical evidence presented in court confirmed that some of the injuries are permanent.The NPAZ condemned the violence, warning that those who turn public spaces into scenes of brutality will face stiff penalties.Mangena will serve six years behind bars for his role in the attack.
News / National

by Staff reporter

A 45-year-old man was arrested near the Mozambique border while allegedly attempting to flee the country after killing his 50-year-old wife.Elliot Nyambira, of Masvingo, was apprehended following the death of his wife, Muchaneta Makuwaza.Nyambira was arrested in Chimanimani as he allegedly tried to cross into Mozambique without travel documents.According to police, officers acting on a tip-off intercepted the suspect at a roadblock near the border post. He was taken into custody and detained at Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Chimanimani.The circumstances surrounding Makuwaza's death are still under investigation. A post-mortem examination is expected to determine the exact cause of death.Acting Manicaland police spokesperson Wiseman Chinyoka confirmed the arrest and said the alleged murder occurred on February 16."He travelled overnight towards the eastern border, allegedly intending to cross into Mozambique through an illegal entry point," said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka."On February 17, ZRP Chimanimani received a tip-off that the accused, who was being sought in connection with a murder case that occurred in Masvingo the previous day, was on the run and heading towards the border."Police acted on the information and intercepted the suspect while he was trying to cross the border. He was arrested and taken to ZRP Chimanimani. He is expected to be transferred to Gutu for further investigations and court proceedings."Police urged members of the public to resolve disputes peacefully and seek assistance from community leaders or law enforcement rather than resorting to violence."Domestic violence and murder are serious offences that attract heavy penalties," Chinyoka said.
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From left to right: Hitesh Gandhi, Vice President, Lodging Development, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, Marriott International; Mr. Riyad Al Horaibi, Chief Executive Officer of Diyar Al Khalidiya; Mr. Sami Al Horaibi, Owner Representative of Diyar Al Khalidiya and Tariq Dowidar, Vice President Saudi Arabia, Aleph Hospitality. - Image Credit Aleph Hospitality

The property marks Aleph Hospitalitys third Marriott-branded hotel under management in Saudi Arabia

Aleph Hospitality, the largest independent hotel management company in the Middle East and Africa, has secured the Four Points by Sheraton brand for the Diyar Al Khalidiya hotel in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.

The franchise agreement between Diyar Al Khalidiyah Hotel Services Company and Marriott International, coupled with the third-party management agreement with Aleph Hospitality, represents a strategic milestone for the hotel as they prepare to welcome growing numbers of religious visitors. Four Points by Sheraton Makkah Ibrahim Al Khalil is strategically located on Ibrahim Khalil Street, near the Great Mosque of Makkah and the iconic Abraj Al-Bait Towers.

Makkah continues to experience an unprecedented surge in both Umrah and Hajj pilgrimages, driven by Saudi Arabias national Vision 2030 strategy, which targets 30 million annual visitors by 2030. This growth is supported by major infrastructure developments, digital services like the Nusuk pilgrimage platform, and hospitality expansion to accommodate increasing global demand. According to official projections, total Hajj and Umrah visitors are expected to grow from approximately 31.8 million in 2024 to 42.8 million by 2030.

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Aleph Hospitality assumed management of the 338-key hotel in August 2025, further strengthening its collaboration with Marriott International and expanding its footprint in Saudi Arabias thriving hospitality market. Four Points by Sheraton Makkah Ibrahim Al Khalil marks Aleph Hospitalitys third Marriott-branded hotel under management in the Kingdom, and the sixth Marriott-branded hotel in the companys wider portfolio in the Middle East and Africa.

Tariq Dowidar, Vice President Saudi Arabia, Aleph Hospitality, said: We enjoy a longstanding and trusted relationship with Marriott International, underpinned by a shared focus on excellence and continuous improvement. Our collective ambition is to elevate the guest journey while delivering strong operational performance and value for our owners.
News / National

by Staff reporter

MEMORY "Madhiki" Mashakada, daughter of the late sungura musician Cephas Mashakada, has publicly cleared fellow musician First Farai of longstanding allegations that he embezzled funeral contributions collected 15 years ago.The controversy resurfaced recently after a viral video circulated on social media in which musician Gift Amuli accused First Farai and a member of the Mashakada family of misappropriating condolence funds raised during Mashakada's funeral.However, Madhiki dismissed the claims as baseless and malicious."First Farai did not steal any funeral contributions. All the money was properly accounted for," she said. "It is time people stop talking about something that happened 15 years ago."She emphasised that Farai was not only a fellow musician but also a relative who had earned the family's trust during a difficult period."He has always been a trusted member of our family. Those resurfacing this issue are cowards peddling lies meant to tarnish his name," she said.The allegations have resurfaced at a sensitive time for First Farai, who was recently elected vice-chairperson of the Zimbabwe Music Rights Association (Zimura). He has described the renewed accusations as malicious and driven by personal agendas aimed at undermining his leadership role.Farai has since reported the matter to police, leading to the arrest of Amuli on cyberbullying charges under Section 164B of the Cyber and Data Protection Act. Amuli was granted US$200 bail on Friday and is expected to return to court on March 10.The video that reignited the dispute shows Amuli, holding a beer, accusing First Farai and one of Mashakada's daughters of embezzling funeral funds. The clip quickly gained traction online, sparking renewed debate within Zimbabwe's music circles.Madhiki also criticised other artists who weighed in on the matter, including Zimdancehall musician Seh Calaz, urging them to stay out of what she described as private family issues."At the time of my father's death, there was no Zimdancehall to talk about. These young musicians should not speak about funeral issues they know nothing about," she said. "They must not soil my father's name."She warned that anyone who continues to drag her late father's name into the controversy would face legal consequences."Let my father rest. Anyone who dares to drag his name into these petty fights, including the current wrangles at Zimura, will be sued. This must stop at once," she said.First Farai echoed her sentiments, maintaining that the revived allegations were designed to frustrate him and derail his work within Zimura."These claims are not about truth or accountability. They are meant to damage my reputation," he said, describing his accusers as "cowards peddling lies."The episode underscores the growing influence of social media in shaping narratives within Zimbabwe's arts sector, particularly amid leadership contests in industry bodies.For the Mashakada family, however, the matter is closed."All the money was accounted for. People should move on," Madhiki said.
News / National

by Staff reporter

Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe is expected to face additional charges when he appears in the Alexandra Magistrate's Court on Monday, as police continue searching for the firearm allegedly used in a shooting at a Hyde Park residence.Sources familiar with the investigation told IOL that prosecutors intend to add further charges, including defeating the ends of justice and pointing a firearm. The potential defeating the ends of justice charge stems from the fact that the firearm believed to have been used in the attempted murder has not yet been recovered.Police have not officially confirmed whether the additional charges will be formally added when the matter is called in court.Last week, South African Police Service spokesperson Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi told journalists in Johannesburg that the circumstances surrounding the shooting were still "a bit sketchy", with officers conducting preliminary investigations at the scene.Nevhuhulwi confirmed that several police units, including the K9 unit, were deployed to search the Hyde Park property for the missing firearm. She added that cartridges were recovered at the scene and would form part of the ongoing investigation.Chatunga, 28, the youngest son of former Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe, was arrested alongside another man after a 23-year-old employee at the residence was shot and left in critical condition.Both suspects were initially charged with attempted murder. The firearm allegedly used in the incident has still not been located.Further clarity on the additional charges and the direction of the investigation is expected when the matter returns to court on Monday.
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South Korea has asked the Russian embassy in Seoul to remove a large banner that read victory will be ours ahead of the fourth anniversary of Moscows full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

The Korean foreign ministry said it had asked Russian officials in the capital to take down the banner but did not mention if it had received a response.

Russian president Vladimir Putin launched a war against Ukraine on 24 February 2022, which will enter its fifth year on Tuesday. The ministry officials said they are seeking the removal of the banner in line with its position that Moscows war on Ukraine is illegal.

The massive 15-metre banner, in red, blue and white  the colours of the Russian flag  had the message displayed in Russian. It was seen hanging from the roof of the embassys outer wall in central Seoul and was visible even on Monday, after the ministrys request.

A man walks in front of the Russian embassy in Seoul where the banner is displayed ( AFP via Getty Images )

Russias invasion of Ukraine constitutes an illegal act military cooperation between North Korea and Russia is a clear violation of the UN Charter and UN Security Council resolutions, posing a serious threat to South Koreas security and therefore must be halted, the ministry said in a statement.

The ministry said it will closely monitor further developments around the embassys activities, including a pro-war rally, which is likely scheduled for Tuesday when the war enters its fifth year.

It also flagged the public remarks by Russian ambassador Georgy Zinoview earlier this month praising the North Korean soldiers for fighting against Ukrainian forces in the Kursk region.

The ministry called for an end to military cooperation between Russia and North Korea, describing it as a grave threat to South Korea's security and a violation of the UN Charter and UN Security Council resolutions.

South Korea has consistently backed Ukraines sovereignty against Russian president Putins invasion and offered intelligence inputs on North Korean troops participating in the war.

The country has also joined US-led sanctions against Moscow and shipped humanitarian and financial support to Kyiv but has avoided directly supplying arms to Ukraine in line with its policy of not supplying weapons to countries actively engaged in conflicts.

However, Seoul is reportedly considering joining Natos Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) initiative under which the allies can supply US arms to Kyiv.
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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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Pakistan has announced it is now in an open war with the Taliban-led government of Afghanistan as it carried out major airstrikes on Afghan cities overnight, escalating months of simmering border tensions between the Islamic neighbours.

The air and ground strikes in the early hours of Friday targeted Taliban military posts, headquarters and ammunition depots in multiple sectors along the border, just hours after the Taliban launched an air attack on Pakistans border forces.

Both sides have reported heavy losses in the fighting, with Pakistan saying it has killed 133 Afghan Taliban fighters and wounded more than 200, with 27 posts destroyed and nine captured, following months of tit-for-tat clashes.

The Talibans chief spokesperson, Zabihullah Mujahid, said 55 Pakistani soldiers were killed and 19 posts seized, while eight Taliban fighters were killed, 11 wounded and 13 civilians injured in Nangarhar province.

Pakistani defence minister, Khawaja Muhammad Asif, confirmed the aerial raid and said: Our cup of patience has overflowed. Now it is open war between us and you [Afghanistan].

The Taliban government and Pakistan have been engaged in a diplomatic and military confrontation for months now, despite being in a ceasefire for several months. The tensions worsened over the weekend after Pakistan launched air strikes on militant targets in Afghanistan, in which 13 civilians were killed, according to the UN data.

Earlier, border clashes between the two countries killed dozens of soldiers in October until negotiations facilitated by Turkey, Qatar and Saudi Arabia halted the hostilities and a fragile ceasefire was put in place.

Pakistans military launched air raids inside Afghanistan in the early hours on 22 February, targeting what officials described as camps and hideouts linked to armed groups blamed for a recent wave of attacks, including a deadly suicide bombing at a Shia mosque in Islamabad.

Pakistans ministry of information and broadcasting said the armed forces carried out intelligence-based, selective operations against seven sites associated with the Pakistan Taliban, also known as Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), and its affiliates.

The ministry added that the Isis affiliate in Khorasan province, which claimed responsibility for a suicide attack in the capital earlier this month, was also targeted.

Afghanistans ministry of defence condemned the strikes, saying they hit a religious school and residential homes in the eastern border provinces of Nangarhar and Paktika, causing dozens of deaths and injuries, including among women and children.

Calling the raids a violation of international law and the principles of good neighbourliness, the Afghan defence ministry said it would 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.

The strikes risk undermining a tenuous ceasefire between the South Asian neighbours, brokered after deadly border clashes in October last year left dozens of soldiers, civilians and suspected fighters dead.

Pakistan said it has repeatedly called on Afghanistans Taliban authorities to curb armed groups operating from Afghan soil, but that Kabul has failed to undertake any substantive action.

open image in gallery Residents gather at the site of Pakistani airstrikes, in Bihsud district, Nangarhar province, Afghanistan, 22 February 2026 ( Reuters )

While asserting that Pakistan has always strived to maintain peace and stability in the region, the statement stressed that the safety and security of Pakistani citizens remains its foremost priority.

In October, the two countries declared a ceasefire after several days of intense border fighting that left dozens dead on both sides and sharply escalated regional tensions.

What sparked the latest clashes?

Pakistans cross-border strikes followed a string of high-profile attacks at home. Just hours earlier, a suicide bomber targeted a security convoy in Bannu, in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, killing two soldiers, including a lieutenant colonel.

Earlier, last week, another suicide attacker, supported by gunmen, drove an explosives-filled vehicle into the wall of a security post in nearby Bajaur. The assault killed 11 soldiers and a child. Officials later identified the bomber as an Afghan national.

On 6 February, a suicide attacker set off explosives during midday prayers at the Khadija Tul Kubra mosque in Islamabads Tarlai Kalan neighbourhood, leaving at least 31 worshippers dead and 170 injured.

open image in gallery Residents gather at the site of Pakistani airstrikes in the Bihsud district ( Reuters )

The Islamic State Khorasan Province claimed responsibility for the Islamabad bombing.

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 was quoted as saying by the Associated Press.

Is Pakistan employing a new deterrence framework?

Last year in October, analysts noted that Pakistan was finding it increasingly hard to overlook the rising fatalities caused by attacks that it claims are launched from Afghan soil.

According to the Centre for Research and Security Studies, an Islamabad-based think-tank, more than 2,400 members of Pakistans security forces had been killed in the first nine months of 2025 alone, putting the country on track for its deadliest year in a decade.

Attacks had surged since the removal of former prime minister Imran Khan a few years ago. Khans administration had worked with the Taliban to negotiate a TTP ceasefire. While that truce collapsed during his tenure, the frequency of assaults remained comparatively lower.

open image in gallery The Pakistan authorities said they targeted camps and hideouts in their strikes last week ( AFP/Getty )

Relations worsened further as Islamabad increasingly carried out airstrikes within Afghan territory, targeting locations it said were used by TTP fighters. Analysts point to the uptick in TTP attacks on Pakistani forces as the primary trigger for the recent border clashes.

They believed that Islamabad was attempting to establish a new deterrence framework, signalling that any assault perceived to originate from Afghanistan, whether carried out by the TTP or other armed groups, will trigger consequences for Kabul.

Any attack which emanates from Afghanistan will be responded [to] with [the] same ferocity on their territory, with Pakistan implying that [the] Afghan Taliban are facilitating such attacks in Pakistan, and thus are legitimate targets, Abdul Basit, a scholar at the International Centre for Political Violence and Terrorism Research at Singapores S Rajaratnam School of International Studies, was quoted as saying by Al Jazeera, at the time.

Pakistans border regions have long been hotspots of conflict, dating back to 1979 when the country became a frontline state in the US-backed war against the then Soviet Union in Afghanistan.

open image in gallery Pakistan said it launched multiple airstrikes last Sunday targeting militants in neighbouring Afghanistan, where the government reported children were among dozens of people killed and wounded ( AFP/Getty )

According to the defence analyst Abdullah Khan, who is also the managing director of the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies, the areas instability worsened after the 9/11 attacks.

He told the Associated Press in October last year: After the September 11 attacks, Pakistans tribal belt descended into chaos as the Afghan Taliban, al-Qaeda and other groups operated from both sides of the border for attacks on Nato forces and Pakistani security forces.

Tensions between the two neighbours are further compounded by Pakistans deportation of tens of thousands of Afghan refugees. Since the decades of conflict began, at least 3 million Afghans have sought refuge in Pakistan, creating additional friction between the two neighbours.

How have international leaders responded?

In October, the Pakistan-Afghanistan border clashes drew concern from regional powers, urging both sides to exercise restraint and prioritise dialogue to prevent escalation.

Iran, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia all called for diplomacy to maintain regional stability and security.

India did not comment, though Pakistan is wary of New Delhis engagement with the Taliban, some observers note.

Saudi Arabias ministry of foreign affairs said in October: The kingdom calls for restraint, avoiding escalation, and embracing dialogue and wisdom to contribute to reducing tensions and maintaining security and stability in the region.

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 on 22 February 22 2026 ( AFP/Getty )

The kingdom affirms its support for all regional and international efforts aimed at promoting peace and stability and its continued commitment to ensuring security, which will achieve stability and prosperity for the brotherly Pakistani and Afghan peoples, it added.

Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi said at the time: Our position is that both sides must exercise restraint, and added that stability between the two countries contributes to regional stability.

Qatars ministry of foreign affairs also urged both sides to prioritise dialogue and diplomacy, exercise restraint, and work to contain the disputes in a way that helps reduce tension, avoids escalation, and contributes to regional peace and stability.

China also called for safeguarding its citizens and investments, Russia urged both sides to exercise restraint, and US president Donald Trump suggested he could step in to help resolve the conflict.

How is India involved?

In October, the clashes coincided with Taliban foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqis first visit to India since the group returned to power.

Kabul-based analyst Ibraheem Bahiss of the International Crisis Group suggested that Muttaqis high-profile reception in India was probably a factor in the ultimate decision by the Pakistan Army to escalate in the major way that we saw.

open image in gallery A man inspects a damaged car at the site of a cross-border Pakistani army strike in the Behsud district of Nangarh ( AP )

Following the visit, The Hindu reported that Pakistan summoned the Afghan ambassador to express its strong reservations regarding the India-Afghanistan joint statement, in which both countries unequivocally condemned all acts of terrorism emanating from regional countries.

From the mid-1990s until recent years, India had regarded the Taliban as a proxy for Pakistans intelligence services, holding the group and its allies responsible for deadly assaults on Indian diplomatic missions in Afghanistan.

However, following the Talibans return to power and amid growing tensions between Kabul and Islamabad, India has pursued a series of diplomatic engagements with the new Afghan leadership, culminating in Mr Muttaqis visit.

Pakistani media has been furious over Muttaqis visit to India, Afghan content creator Pathan Bhai said in a video, according to India Today.

What were the official responses to the clashes?

Afghanistans defence ministry denounced the attacks as a blatant violation of its sovereignty and a breach of international law, stating that an appropriate and measured response will be taken at a suitable time.

Meanwhile, the foreign ministry said it had summoned Pakistans ambassador over what it described as violations of Afghan airspace and the targeting of civilians, labelling the strikes a provocative act.

What happens next?

Although TTPs presence remains a key irritant for Pakistan, analysts believe the recent Pakistan-Afghanistan border clashes are unlikely to escalate into a larger conflict. Afghanistan lacks conventional military strength compared with Pakistan, and both sides appear focused on de-escalation at the moment.

However, the border is expected to stay tense for the foreseeable future, as Pakistan has signalled it will continue taking action against militants it claims are crossing from Afghanistan to target its security forces.
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An Indonesian teenager died after allegedly being hit with a police officers tactical helmet, sparking outrage over what human rights groups describe as an extrajudicial killing.

Arianto Tawakal, 14, was allegedly assaulted by a police officer in Maluku province. The police officer claimed he was monitoring illegal street racing. The family denied the allegations that the boy was speeding.

The videos, which have been widely circulated on social media, show the boy covered in blood.

Amnesty International Indonesias executive director, Usman Hamid, described the attack as a serious violation of human rights, according to local news reports.

Local reports said he was assaulted by a member of the Indonesian National Police's Mobile Brigade (Brimob), second brigadier Masias Siahaya, who struck him with a helmet, leading to his death.

The victims family said the teenager was riding a motorcycle with his older brother, Nasri Karim, on the pillion seat when the officer allegedly jumped out from behind a tree and struck the rider in the face with his tactical helmet, Amnesty reported.

The boy lost control of his motorcycle and the two were sent hurtling forward, with Tawakals head dragging along the asphalt.

He was taken to the Karel Sadsuitubun Regional Hospital but was pronounced dead due to severe brain haemorrhaging.

Police said Mr Siahaya swung his helmet in the air several times to signal the boy to stop. However, the helmet allegedly struck the teenager on the temple, causing him to lose control and crash into another vehicle ahead.

Rijik Fikri Tawakal, the victims father, denied the claim that his son had been given any warning to stop and said there was a crowd at the scene.

My son (Arianto) was shocked when this officer raised his helmet and immediately struck his face, Mr Rijik said.

What I regret is that they lifted my child as if he were an animal, he said.

Mr Hamid said the case shows a pattern, highlighting a previous death of student Gamma Rizkynata Oktavandy in Semarang.

This amateurish approach reminds us of the police violence case that claimed the life of a student in Semarang, Gamma. Instead of acting firmly and thoroughly uncovering the facts, the police accused Gamma of being involved in a brawl, Mr Hamid said.

Their cover-up of the truth only further undermines public trust in the police," he said.

Mr Siahaya was detained by the police soon after the incident, said public relations head of the Maluku Regional Police, senior commissioner Rositah Umasugi.

"He is being detained to be held accountable for his actions in accordance with the applicable legal processes, Ms Rositah said, according to Tempo, adding that he will undergo both criminal and ethical proceedings.

If found guilty, he would face dismissal without honour, she added.

Police said they are still investigating the incident, establishing the sequence of events, including the claim of illegal street racing.

Police said there were witnesses at the spot who say vehicles were racing and that the officer took preventive action.

However, whether the actions taken were in accordance with procedures or not is what we are currently investigating, said Tual police chief Whansi Des Asmoro.

On 8 August 2025, a police inspector was sentenced to 15 years in prison and fined 200m rupiah (about $11,900) for fatally shooting 17-year-old Gamma Rizkynata Oktavandy, according to local media reports.

The court found the officer guilty of using excessive force in the incident, which sparked public outrage and renewed scrutiny of police conduct and accountability.
Apps and platforms designed and maintained by US-based companies dominate our lives. This story was written in Microsoft Word and researched using Google Chrome. It was emailed using a Gmail account, overseen by the search engines parent company, Alphabet, from interviews conducted on Microsoft Teams and Zoom.

It can feel impossible to escape the overenthusiastic, American-accented grasp of big tech platforms in our digital lives. But with increasing uncertainty coming out of the Donald Trump White House, and an America First strategy that some fear puts profit first, at the expense of people, some are making a more concerted effort to try and wean themselves from American dominance.

Last month, the French government announced plans to stop using Microsoft Teams and Zoom in favour of its homegrown alternative, Visio, by 2027. Alongside that, the French government also has a range of other European alternatives to popular tools including Slack and Gmail. Its a bold move to try and remove reliance on US tech, and it augurs a broader discomfort about overreliance on a handful of companies that some believe have caused more harm than done good during their existence.

France clearly wants to take back control of its IT, data and its future, says Steen Dalgas, a senior cloud economist at Nutanix, a cloud computing firm. It's not alone: data sovereignty is a big ongoing shift among technology powerbrokers.

Paris has been testing Visio for around a year and already has roughly 40,000 regular users on the platform, with plans to scale to about 200,000 civil servants in the next phase before it becomes the default across all ministries by 2027. Visio itself sits on a sovereign cloud run by Outscale, a subsidiary of the French software corporation, Dassault Systemes. The state has already pushed officials off WhatsApp and Telegram and onto its own secure messaging app, Tchap, built on the Matrix protocol.

France has a long history of seeking its own tech destiny, says Dalgas. That includes the development of Minitel, a pre-internet network operated by state telecoms operator France Telecom, which was founded in the 1980s and eventually shut down in 2012.

Part of the decision-making is down to money: internal estimates suggest that France could save 1m (870,000) a year in licensing fees to US big tech firms for every 100,000 public sector users it ports over to Visio. But its also a recognition that the world has become too reliant on a handful of US big tech firms, and under Donald Trumps presidency, those companies have become perceived as  even if they arent actually  less reliable partners.

At its core, sovereignty is about which jurisdiction ultimately applies to data and how easily organisations can be compelled to disclose it. Europe has historically been very forward-thinking and interventionist in trying to protect privacy and be more self-sustainable. Individually, its incredibly difficult for rank-and-file citizens to take action that makes a difference, because a single person cant have that much power over companies bottom lines. But if a whole continent or country withdraws their custom from a business, it has a much bigger impact.

And its needed, many argue. Americas stranglehold on our tech is significant: three major American hyperscaler companies account for two-thirds of the European cloud storage market. At the same time, Europes voice in that market has become weaker: its share has dropped from 27 per cent in 2017 to just 15 per cent today. The problem isnt just in national governments or private companies, either: the European Commission, which has been one of the most strident critics of US big tech overreach, uses European-based companies for just 1 per cent of its own cloud systems, with the remaining 99 per cent being run by US-based firms.

The impact of a decision within Europe, with its 450 million consumers, could have an outsized impact, experts reckon.

If Europe stops being a captive market, US firms lose pricing and political power, says Tommaso Valletti, professor of economics at Imperial Business School. But he says that such a shift wouldnt happen overnight. Instead it would happen marginally at first, but structurally over time. It would also require careful co-ordination among countries to stand strong against what is a powerful big tech lobby within Europe in order to avoid fragmentation, says Valletti.

That will require some determination and the avoidance of the temptation to fold at the first sign of difficulties. It can work if Europe accepts likely short-term inefficiencies for long-term autonomy, he explains.

But what happens to the UK now that its outside of European auspices post-Brexit? The fragmentation of tech into different spheres is a risk that could impact us here at home, says Marc Warner, CEO and co-founder of Faculty, a UK AI firm. Thats especially the case because of past inaction that has put us in an invidious position.

In the mid-2000s, the UK failed to invest in domestic cloud computing, says Warner. Our own cloud provider would be ideal to run things like national security and defence computation on. But the cloud ship has sailed. We are now reliant on big tech, and UK sovereign control is weaker for it.

Warner worries that the same is happening in the AI space, too, pointing to homegrown AI titans in Europe like Frances Mistral and Germanys Helsing. Governments are explicitly choosing to foster sovereign capability alongside foreign investment, he says. If we are not careful, AI will follow the same path, crowding out domestic firms capable of sovereign alternatives. While foreign investment is welcomed, we must ask if we are building a foundation for UK companies and the UK economy to thrive.

Thats something motivating Stephen Kelly, CEO of data specialist Cirata, who has spent 40 years championing the UK tech sector through homegrown giants including Sage. Frances move highlights a reality the UK needs to confront, he says. We are materially locked into US technology across critical layers of our digital infrastructure, particularly in cloud and AI compute. Thats something that worries Dalgas, too. Since Brexit, the government has trusted in the UK-US relationship and focused on modernising technology, viewing sovereignty as a blocker to that, he says.

Kelly points out that dependence didnt appear overnight. Its the result of years of procurement decisions that prioritised scale and convenience over diversification, he says. The UK now faces significant concentration risk in areas that underpin public services, financial systems, and emerging AI capabilities. That could ultimately be harmful  but its also an opportunity, he points out, to make sure that the UK isnt disengaging entirely from the US, which he calls a vital partner. Instead, its about championing its own tech ecosystem.

Without deliberate action to rebalance procurement, dependence will only deepen, says Kelly. With it, the UK has a clear route to greater resilience and stronger domestic growth.
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French energy giant EDF saw its UK profits decline last year, attributed to a combination of falling energy prices and a significant outage at one of its nuclear power stations.

Despite this setback, the company has announced plans for a substantial 15 billion investment in the country over the next three years.

The energy firm reported a 12 per cent decrease in nuclear output from its five operational power stations during the period.

While its Sizewell B facility in Suffolk and Torness in Scotland performed strongly, the overall output was significantly impacted by an extended outage at the Hartlepool power station.

The Teesside-based station, which began generating power 43 years ago and supplies electricity to approximately two million homes, experienced a prolonged shutdown.

Despite these operational challenges, Hartlepool recently secured a one-year extension to its operational lifespan, now expected to generate electricity until March 2028.

This extended downtime, primarily due to issues affecting one of its two reactor systems, was identified as the main driver for EDF's overall decline in nuclear generation last year.

open image in gallery Sizewell C has reached financial close, indicating that funding has been completed for the project (Chris Radburn/PA) ( PA Archive )

Furthermore, a decline in earnings was also down to the prices it charges for nuclear power being lower than in 2024.

It is understood that average prices were down by approximately 20 per cent.

Energy prices in the UK have been gradually coming down after spiking in the aftermath of Russias invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

EDF said that in its UK business, earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) were 1.9 billion for 2025, down about a third from 2.9 billion in 2024.

EDFs nuclear fleet provided about 12 per cent of the UKs total power demand last year  which it says makes it Britains biggest generator of zero carbon electricity.

The company said it invested more than 5 billion in Britain over 2025, 30 per cent more than the year before.

open image in gallery EDF said nuclear output from its five active power stations decreased by 12 per cent last year ( PA Media )

Over the next three years, it plans to plug a further 15 billion into the UK across its different businesses  which also incorporates wind and solar power generation.

A large portion of the funding will go towards the development of the Hinkley Point C power plant which is being built in Somerset.

EDF is separately an investor in the major Sizewell C project in Suffolk, which is backed by the Government.

The two developments are expected to provide low carbon electricity to meet 14% of UK demand and power around 12 million homes.

Simone Rossi, chief executive of EDF in the UK, said: EDF is continuing to invest heavily in powering, supplying and building an electric Britain.

Our UK strategy is to deliver a long-term nuclear and renewables generation business, and to meet the evolving needs of our customers as more and more transition away from fossil fuels to using cleaner, more secure and affordable electricity.
News / National

by Staff reporter

Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe and Tobias Mugabe Matonhodze will remain in custody following their appearance at the Alexandra Magistrate's Court on charges linked to last week's Hyde Park shooting.The two face charges of attempted murder, defeating the ends of justice, and unlawful possession of a firearm. The case has been postponed to March 3, with both accused remanded in custody.The charges stem from an incident in which a 23-year-old employee at a Hyde Park residence was shot and left in critical condition.Gauteng provincial police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi confirmed that a cartridge was recovered at the scene. Despite searches by K9 units and forensic teams, the firearm allegedly used in the shooting has not been located. The missing weapon is central to the State's case and underpins the charge of defeating the ends of justice.Police have described the circumstances of the shooting as "a bit sketchy," with investigations still at preliminary stages.Ahead of the court appearance, Chatunga's lawyer Jason Saus told SABC News:"I do confirm that my client is in high spirits, we visited him several times this weekend. We are still taking further instructions and at this point we do not have any further comment. We do not have a choice, we have to do what we need to do. We do not want to compromise the investigations."Saus also noted that the defence had not been formally notified of the defeating the ends of justice charge prior to proceedings.Chatunga, 28, is the youngest son of former Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe. His legal issues extend beyond South Africa. In 2025, he was arrested in Mazowe following a violent confrontation at a gold mining concession and was later granted bail on assault-related charges; that matter remains unresolved.The Hyde Park case has drawn comparisons to the 2017 South African legal controversy involving Grace Mugabe, when she was accused of assaulting South African model Gabriella Engels. That case escalated into a diplomatic dispute after then Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Maite Nkoana-Mashabane initially granted Grace Mugabe diplomatic immunity, a decision later overturned by the High Court.Court proceedings for the Hyde Park shooting are set to resume on March 3.
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Cancer patients who develop a mental health condition within the first year of receiving a diagnosis have a greater risk of dying, a new study has found.

According to research from the University of California, one in every 10 patients will develop a mental health disorder within a year of being diagnosed with cancer, which is tied to a 51 per cent increased risk of death.

The findings, published in the Cancer journal, have prompted researchers to call for quick screening and treatment of mental health following a cancer diagnosis.

Speaking on the study, Claire Foster, a professor of psychosocial oncology at the University of Southampton, said: We have consistently found that depression, anxiety, living with other health conditions that limit daily life and low confidence to manage illness-related problems are all associated with poorer quality of life and wellbeing in the months and years following cancer diagnosis.

open image in gallery A mental health diagnosis for cancer patients is tied to a 51 per cent higher risk of death ( Getty/iStock )

These are amenable to improvement with appropriate support and intervention at the right time.

Early screening and assessment soon after cancer diagnosis to determine levels of need for support are key so that patients can be supported to manage both their physical and mental health - through support as part of routine cancer care; targeted support to address specific needs and referral to specialist support for those with high levels of need.

Researchers in the US looked at the data of 371,189 adults who were diagnosed with cancer between 2013 and 2023, and had no documented mental health disorder before a diagnosis.

They found that 39,687 people (10.6 per cent) developed a mental health condition within a year of being diagnosed with cancer.

A diagnosis was linked to a 51 per cent higher risk of death in the first one to three years after people learning they had cancer. This risk lessened to a 17 per cent higher risk after three to five years, and then disappeared.

The most frequently diagnosed early mental health disorders were anxiety and depression.

According to Macmillan Cancer Support, more than 420,000 people are diagnosed with cancer each year in the UK.

open image in gallery Nearly half a million people are diagnosed with cancer every year in the UK ( Getty/iStock )

Claire Taylor, the charitys chief nursing officer, said the organisation hears from people every day in the UK about how cancer is taking a toll on mental health.

She said: Its so important that the wider needs of people living with cancer are factored into their care from the very beginning. Good cancer care does not start and end simply with what happens in hospital. Good cancer care happens when we take into account all the wider emotional and physical impacts a diagnosis can have on a person's life.

A holistic needs assessment can be a vital first step in connecting people to the wider support they so desperately need, like mental health services, but right now not everyone is offered this.

The NHS offers free talking therapies for mental health problems like anxiety and depression.

Lead author Julian Hong, from the University of California, said: Over the past several years, weve had an increasing appreciation for the important relationship between cancer, its treatment, and mental health.

This study reproduces our prior work by leveraging the shared experience across the University of California system, reinforcing a relationship between mental health conditions and mortality for patients with cancer and highlighting the need to prioritise and manage mental health.

An NHS spokesperson said: Cancer can have an impact on every part of someones life, which is why the NHS is committed to providing people with a comprehensive package of support.

As part of the new national cancer plan, every cancer patient will be offered a personal cancer plan that covers not just their treatment, but also their wider physical and mental health needs and social needs, such as employment and financial support.
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An international team of archaeologists are trying to solve a macabre prehistoric mystery - a massacre of women and children that took place almost 3,000 years ago in what is now Serbia.

An analysis of the victims skeletons, carried out by an Edinburgh University scientist, has revealed that 77 individuals, mainly women and children, were slaughtered and then buried - crammed together in a tiny mass grave, less than three metres in diameter.

The scientific evidence suggests that many were bludgeoned to death with clubs, while others were killed with bladed weapons, probably knives or swords.

Archaeologists, led by a leading Irish prehistorian, have not yet determined the full circumstances of the atrocity, which took place in the mid-9th century BC in an Iron Age settlement.

But isotopic analysis of the bones, carried out in the Netherlands and in Germany (at Leiden and Kiel universities), has revealed that many of the victims were from settlements at least 30 miles away from the area where the massacre took place.

What's more, their corpses had been crammed into a tiny shallow mass grave (with bodies buried on their sides, to save space) - an act which suggests a distinct lack of respect for the victims.

open image in gallery The Iron Age is often perceived as a particularly violent era. This 19th century French painting, by Evariste Vital Luminais, portrays some Iron Age European warriors engaging in a hostile act against a rival group - in this case, raiding their livestock ( Wiki )

It's also likely that the people burying them did not personally know the victims. Indeed, DNA analysis shows that, in the rare cases where victims were related to each other, children were not interred adjacent to their mothers. Indeed the DNA analysis has revealed that hardly any of the victims were related to each other - and must therefore have come from many different villages and communities.

But, although they weren't accorded proper respect, their Interment was nevertheless carried out in a highly ritualized way.

For the human corpses were placed on top of and around a sacrificed young cow  along with more than dozen joints of meat which had come from deer, sheep, cattle and pigs which, like many of the interred humans, had come from some distance away. Indeed an isotopic analysis of the animal bones revealed that they had been fed on food grown in several different environments and localities.

open image in gallery The leader of the archaeological investigation, Dr Barry Malloy, taking samples of vegetation in order to determine the sites isotopic signature ( Barry Malloy )

What's more, there was another unusual piece of potentially ritually-relevant evidence in the mass grave - a pile of burnt millet and barley seeds, which had been burnt so thoroughly that they had literally being turned into charcoal.

That is potentially very significant - because ancient eastern European tradition held that the smoke from burnt seeds was able to prevent the dead or their spirits rising from their graves and haunting the living.

open image in gallery Ancient fears have lasted millennia: This 19th century illustration depicts 16th century people trying to stop a dead individual rising from its grave. Fear of revenants lasted thousands of years - and still persists in some parts of the world, including a few remote and rural areas of Europe ( Wiki )

Additionally, at least ten heavy quern stones were symbolically placed on top of the corpses - and it's known that, in ancient times in eastern Europe and elsewhere, stones were indeed placed over any cadavers considered potentially hostile or dangerous.

Those two latter pieces of evidence suggest the possibility that the people who crammed the corpses into their tiny mass grave were frightened of them all - an entirely understandable view if indeed the people interring them were their killers, who may well have been frightened of their victims taking revenge upon them.

But there was one further piece of intriguing evidence. Archaeological investigations have demonstrated that around the time that the ritual interment took place or very soon after, the entire settlement was abandoned. There is no evidence that it was attacked or burnt down - just that, for several centuries, people stopped living there.

open image in gallery War in the Iron Age: In this prehistoric rock art engraving from northern Italy, dating from around the time of the mass grave, two Iron Age warriors, armed with swords and shields, engage in combat ( Wiki )

Archaeologists are continuing with their investigations  but one possible explanation for the massacre and the mass grave is that it was a deliberate and gruesome decommissioning ceremony to ritually mark the closure of what may well have been the killers settlement. Ritual decommissioning ceremonies were a feature of the prehistoric and ancient world.

Almost certainly the victim's must have come from tribes or clans who the killers considered their rivals and enemies.

In what is now northern Serbia and the surrounding area, the 9th century BC was a period of rapid change in which competition for land appears to have been increasing.

Increased competition between groups may well therefore have been responsible for the atrocity.

But why were women and children targeted. Modern studies of military and paramilitary violence in state and non-state contexts in recent and current conflicts have highlighted how disturbingly common deliberate violence against women and children still is.

open image in gallery The mass grave was dug inside an Iron Age village in around 850 BC - but the settlement was already thousands of years old. This little double-headed sculpture is from one of its earliest phases - around 5000 BC ( Wiki )

Those modern surveys suggest that such violence is used to dishonour, demoralise and emasculate enemy communities.

Women are also targeted because they are seen as central to family and communal continuity.

And one study by a Harvard political scientist, says that armed groups sometimes encourage and use atrocities (including violence against women) to enhance bonding between the perpetrators.

At least some of those rationales may well have been part of the motivation behind the Iron Age massacre which the Irish, UK-based and other archaeologists have been investigating.

open image in gallery An archaeological drawing of the mass grave - showing the 77 skeletons and the cow ( )

Further archaeological work in and around the site is needed - but the available data suggests that one possibility is that the 77 victims were sacrificed along with the cow and the other animals as part of a blood-soaked decommissioning ritual to mark the killers abandonment of their settlement in troubled times.

But only future research will finally crack this most gruesome of European archaeological mysteries.

"Our new research has transformed our understanding of what must have been a traumatic crisis for the community living in the landscapes around this very significant archaeological site. Telling the story of the mass grave deepens our understanding of a recurring, ugly side to human behaviour which still scars our world today," said the leader of the archaeological investigation, University College Dublin archaeologist, Dr Barry Molloy.

open image in gallery Today the Sava River, pictured here near the Gomolava Iron Age mass grave, is peaceful: Only modern archaeological science has revealed the tragedy that took place there ( Wiki )

Archaeologists and other scientists from University College Dublin, institutions in Serbia and the universities of Edinburgh, Copenhagen, Leiden (in the Netherlands) and Kiel (in Germany) joined forces to investigate the mass grave. The crucial osteological work which revealed how the victim's were killed was carried out by University of Edinburgh osteologist, Dr Linda Fibiger.

The site, known as Gomolava is located by the side of one of south-east Europe's most important rivers, the Sava. It was inhabited for several thousand years - and had been an important centre of Neolithic culture 4000 years before it was finally abandoned in the Iron Age in around 850 BC.

The new research has just been published by the academic journal, Nature Human Behaviour.
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A former techno DJ has been jailed after selling almost 7m worth of counterfeit aircraft engine parts from his home in a scheme which led to planes being grounded around the world.

Jose Alejandro Zamora Yrala, 38, admitted to forging more than 60,000 authenticity certificates for engine components on his home computer between 2019 and 2023, costing airlines millions.

His company, AOG Technics, supplied these fraudulent parts, which were then fitted into the CFM56, the worlds most widely used passenger aircraft engine, powering Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 planes, Southwark Crown Court heard.

In August 2023, planes worldwide were grounded after UK, US, and EU aviation agencies issued safety alerts regarding AOGs components.

Zamora Yrala was jailed for four years and eight months.

Sentencing Zamora Yrala, Mr Justice Simon Picken stated he used several elements of subterfuge to defraud his customers.

Your offending was more or less a complete undermining of the regulatory framework designed to safeguard the millions of people who fly every day, every year, said Judge Picken.

Zamora Yrala was operating from his garage in Virginia Water, Surrey, buying engine blades, bolts and washers before selling them on to major companies such as Ethiopian Airlines and Aero Norway with fraudulent authorised release certificates (ARCs).

Faras Baloch, prosecuting, said: Over a period of around four-and-a-half years, Zamora defrauded customers and potential customers of AOG Technics Ltd by falsifying documentation regarding the origin, provenance, condition, and status of aircraft engine parts the company had supplied or attempted to supply.

Many of these parts were used in or intended for use in the CFM56, the leading engine in commercial aircraft, which powers Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 planes.

open image in gallery The fraudulent parts were fitted into the CFM56, the worlds most widely used passenger aircraft engine ( POOL/AFP/Getty )

Ethiopian Airlines and American Airlines were two of the largest companies that either bought parts from or ended up with parts sold by AOG.

Mr Baloch said: In total, AOG sold 5,627 individual parts with false documentation to Ethiopian Airlines for approximately 1.1m, including seals, bushings, vanes, bolts and washers.

The worlds largest airline, American Airlines, did not buy directly from AOG, but still found that 28 of its engines were affected by its unapproved parts, which caused it losses of more than 21m.

The total known financial losses incurred by airlines came to 39.3m, the court heard.

AOGs number of employees is unclear as only Zamora Yrala, his then wife, her brother and the familys nanny were ever on the payroll, the court heard.

Customers did receive emails and documents from other AOG employees such as Michael Smith and Johnny Rico.

Judge Picken said: It seems to be the case that they were not real people but were made up to give the impression that AOG was more substantive than it really was.

Zamora Yrala forged ARCs, which are required by aviation authorities to prove the quality and age of a product.

The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) found that he had used a French company, Safran Aerosystems, on thousands of authenticity certificates, even though it never sold parts to him.

Some 90 per cent of AOGs revenue during the indictment period between 2019 and 2023 relied on those forged documents, the court heard.

Mr Baloch said: Zamora identified and exploited the trust that purchasers of aircraft parts placed in the certificates and other documents they received.

He created false ARCs issued in accordance with EU, US, UK, Singaporean and Chinese regulations, which were almost indistinguishable from genuine certificates.

open image in gallery Zamora Yrala was found to have supplied 7m worth of counterfeit aircraft engine parts from his home garage ( SFO/PA )

The offending was discovered when a bolt, supplied by AOG to the Portuguese Airline TAP, would not fit on an engine, the SFO has said.

This led to an examination of the forged documents, and the eventual grounding of planes after safety notices were issued on 4 August 2023, the court heard.

On 6 December 2023, Zamora Yralas home was searched, and he provided a statement reading: AOG Technics Ltd sometimes (but not always) sold aircraft parts as parts manufactured by Original Equipment Manufacturers when that was not the case, and admitted responsibility for the falsified certificates.

If the faulty part had not been flagged, it is unclear when Zamora Yralas offending would have been stopped.

Small broker companies dealing in aviation parts are relatively common, as the demand for specific parts at specific times can turn a significant profit.

A Portuguese investigation into others involved in the offending is ongoing and three people are in custody.

Director of operations at SFO, Emma Luxton, said: Zamoras operation risked public safety on a global scale in a way that defies belief.

Im proud that we have used our specialist skills and expertise to bring him to justice and this criminal operation to the ground as swiftly as possible.

Zamora Yrala had worked in the aviation industry from 2011 and set up AOG in 2015 as the sole director, having reportedly previously been a techno DJ.

Nicola Howard KC, defending, admitted he cut corners while running AOG but did not fully understand the possible consequences of his actions.

Zamora Yrala was sentenced to four years and eight months imprisonment for defrauding AOGs customers and potential customers.

He was also disqualified from acting as a company director for eight years, and will face proceeds of crime proceedings later this year.
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The prime ministers of Australia and New Zealand have joined growing calls to remove Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from the line of succession.

The former prince was arrested on Thursday on suspicion of misconduct in public office after being accused of sharing sensitive information with paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein while serving as the UKs trade envoy.

Fresh documents shed light on Mr Mountbatten-Windsors relationship with the convicted sex offender in January as part of a two-million-document tranche from the US Department of Justice.

Anthony Albanese wrote in a letter to UK prime minister Sir Keir Starmer that Australia took the grave allegations against the former Duke of York seriously.

open image in gallery Anthony Albanese supported calls to remove Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from the line of succession ( AP )

In light of recent events concerning Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, I am writing to confirm that my government would agree to any proposal to remove him from the line of royal succession, he said.

I agree with His Majesty that the law must now take its full course and there must be a full, fair and proper investigation.

These are grave allegations and Australians take them seriously.

New Zealand would also support the UK government on removing Mr Mountbatten-Windsor from the line of succession. A spokesperson for Christopher Luxon, the countrys prime minister, said: If the UK government proposes to remove Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from the order of succession, New Zealand would support it.

Mr Mountbatten-Windsor spent 11 hours in custody on his 66th birthday while officers searched his home on the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk before he was released under investigation. Police continued to search his former residence, the Royal Lodge in Berkshire, on Monday.

open image in gallery The former prince was arrested on his 66th birthday ( Reuters )

Elsewhere, retired civil servants told the BBC Mr Mountbatten-Windsor used taxpayers money for massages and excessive travel costs during his time as the UKs trade envoy.

One ex-civil servant said they refused to pay to cover the costs of a massage for Mr Mountbatten-Windsor but was overruled by senior staff, telling the broadcaster: I thought it was wrong Id said we mustnt pay it, but we ended up paying it anyway.

A former Whitehall official, who oversaw finances, separately told the BBC they had absolutely no doubt about the authenticity of the claim after having seen similar expenses for his overseas trips.

open image in gallery Private security members leave Wood Farm on the royal family's Sandringham estate ( Reuters )

In a video-taped interview under oath in 2009, Epsteins former Florida housekeeper Juan Alessi said Mr Mountbatten-Windsor would have daily massages when he visited the disgraced financier.

Mr Mountbatten-Windsor has denied any wrongdoing over his links to the convicted sex offender, but has not directly responded to the latest allegations.

The CEO of anti-monarch organisation Republic has called for a wider inquiry after he reported the former prince to Thames Valley Police for misconduct in public office.

open image in gallery Republic chief executive Graham Smith has called for a wider inquiry ( PA Archive )

Graham Smith said: "The royals should be treated like any other public figure, challenged by the BBC, questioned in committees by MPs, investigated when necessary by the police and in no way above or beyond the law."

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said the Department for Business and Trade should open its files on Mr Mountbatten-Windsor if they relate to allegations of misconduct in public office.

open image in gallery Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch called on the Department for Business and Trade to open its files on Mr Mountbatten-Windsor ( PA Wire )

She said: Prince Andrew would have been given that because it could open doors, but if there is anything in these allegations of misconduct in public office, then all the files should be released and investigated.

Ahead of opposition day in the House of Commons on Tuesday, the Liberal Democrats said they will seek a debate to further scrutinise Mr Mountbatten-Windsors former role as the UKs trade envoy.
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Two of three "priceless" altar plaques, stolen from the crypt of Napoleon Bonaparte III in a Hampshire monastery, have been recovered. An antiques dealer recognised identifying marks from a 30-year-old Lovejoy episode, leading to their discovery.

The 19th-century wooden prayer frames were taken during a February 2014 burglary at St Michaels Abbey in Farnborough.

Hampshire Constabulary has since returned two of the plaques, following a call from Derbyshire-based dealer Paul Gostelow.

A spokesman for the force said Mr Gostelow had recognised that they dated back to the Napoleonic era after spotting a motif which he had seen on an episode of the BBC comedy-drama Lovejoy, which featured Ian McShane as an antiques dealer.

open image in gallery PC Mark Webb and Paul Gostelow with two of three 'priceless' altar plaques stolen from the crypt of Napoleon Bonaparte III in a Hampshire monastery ( Hampshire Constabulary )

The spokesman said: In February 2014 the Crypt of Napoleon Bonaparte III, last Emperor of France, was burgled and three unique, historically important and priceless altar plaques were taken.

After 12 years they were thought to have been lost, until a chance call to the constabulary on February 10 this year from an antiques dealer in Derbyshire  Paul Gostelow  who said he had two of the stolen plaques.

Remarkably, Paul knew them to be from the Napoleonic era due to the ball and crown in the corner of the frame  which he recognised from an episode of the 90s Brit TV series Lovejoy.

The call to police was intercepted by Pc Mark Webb from the Country Watch Rural Crime Task Force, who is our heritage crime specialist.

Some investigation with the International Stolen Arts Register confirmed that they were indeed the items.

Officers from the task force last week travelled to Derbyshire to recover the items, and Pc Webb was able to return them to St Michaels Abbey in Farnborough for restoration and return to their place in the crypt.

The spokesman added: Ongoing work has identified a number of lines of inquiry and efforts will be made to locate the third plaque, which remains missing.

open image in gallery Undated handout photo issued by Hampshire Constabulary of two of three "priceless" altar plaques stolen from the crypt of Napoleon Bonaparte III in a Hampshire monastery which have been recovered after an antiques dealer recognised identifying marks from a 30-year-old episode of Lovejoy ( Hampshire Constabulary )

Napoleon III, the nephew of Napoleon Bonaparte, fled in exile to England in 1871 after losing the Franco-Prussian war and being captured by the Germans.

He died in 1873 after surgery for bladder stones.

In 1880, his widow, Empress Eugenie, bought a house in Farnborough and built St Michaels Abbey as a monastery with the Imperial Mausoleum for the remains of her husband and her son, Napoleon, who died in the Zulu War in 1879.

When his body was retrieved from the battlefield, a number of handwritten prayers were found in his wallet which Eugenie had engraved and mounted to form the prayer frames which were stolen in the burglary.

In 2023, Roger Karoutchi, deputy speaker of the French senate, called for the remains of Napoleon III to be returned to France, saying that he was the only sovereign who was buried abroad.
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The place of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, former prince and brother of the king, in the line of succession to the British throne appears to be under threat in the United Kingdom.

Currently, Mountbatten-Windsor is eighth in line (after the families of princes William and Harry) to the Crowns of the United Kingdom and Australia. This makes it extremely unlikely he would ever become monarch, but his removal is more a symbolic act of repudiation.

Is it possible to remove him? The short answer is yes  but it would most likely be a time-consuming process involving many parliaments passing legislation.

Does the same line of succession apply to the British and Australian Crowns?

At the time of Australias federation in 1901, the British Crown was described as one and indivisible. Queen Victoria exercised constitutional powers over all her colonies, acting on the advice of British ministers.

That changed after the first world war, due to a series of Imperial Conferences, with the self-governing dominions (Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, the Irish Free State and Newfoundland) having separate Crowns by 1930. This meant the Australian prime minister could advise the monarch about the appointment of the governor-general of Australia and other federal (but not state) Australian matters.

However, the rules of succession to these separate Crowns remained the same. They are a hotch-potch of English laws, including common law rules of inheritance and statutes, such as the Bill of Rights 1689 and the Act of Settlement 1701.

These laws became part of Australian law in the 18th century, but for a long time Australian parliaments had no power to alter them. This changed in 1931 with the enactment of the Statute of Westminster. It gave the dominions power to repeal or alter British laws that applied in their country.

However, recognising this could cause havoc in relation to succession to the Crown, a clause was included in the preamble to the statute, making it a convention that any alteration in the law touching the Succession to the Throne shall require the assent of the parliaments of all of the dominions and the United Kingdom. Section 4 of the statute continued the power of the UK parliament to legislate for a dominion, but only if it gave its request and consent.

In 1936, when King Edward VIII abdicated, the UK parliament enacted a statute to alter the rules of succession to the throne, to exclude any children he might have. Australia assented to the British parliament extending its law so it applied to Australia too.

That option is no longer available since the enactment of section 1 of the Australia Act 1986. It says that no act of the UK parliament shall extend as part of the law of the Commonwealth, or a state or territory. Any changes made to the operation of the laws of succession to the Crown of Australia must be made in Australia.

How could Australia change the law of succession?

When the Commonwealth Constitution was enacted, the Crown was still one and indivisible. This meant no one inserted a section giving the Commonwealth parliament power to make laws about succession to the Crown. However, the framers of the Constitution were clever enough to insert a mechanism to deal with such unanticipated developments.

Section 51(xxxviii) of the Constitution says the Commonwealth parliament may exercise a power, at the request or with the concurrence of all the states directly concerned, which only the UK parliament could have exercised at the time of federation. This means the Commonwealth and state parliaments can cooperate to change the rules of succession to the Crown of Australia.

This issue arose in 2011, when the various realms (being countries that retained Queen Elizabeth II as head of state) agreed to change the rules of succession so that males would no longer be given preference over females, and heirs would no longer be disqualified for marrying a Catholic.

About the author Anne Twomey is Professor Emerita in Constitutional Law at the University of Sydney. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

The UK parliament enacted the Succession to the Crown Act 2013 to give legal effect to this change. However, it delayed commencing the act until other realms had enacted their changes too. The British act only made the change with respect to the Crown of the United Kingdom.

Some realms accepted they needed to change the law in relation to their own Crown. Others concluded they didnt need to act, because their Constitution makes their sovereign the same person who is king or queen of the United Kingdom. Legislation was ultimately enacted in Australia, Barbados, Canada, New Zealand, St Kitts and Nevis, and St Vincent and the Grenadines.

In Australia, each state enacted the Succession to the Crown Act 2015. The Australian process took a long time, due to different legislative priorities and sitting periods, and the intervention of state election periods.

Australia was the last to enact its law, after which the alteration in succession was brought into effect simultaneously across all the realms.

How would the process operate today?

If it were proposed to remove Mountbatten-Windsor from the line of succession today, the UK government would probably first seek the agreement of all the realms. While not legally necessary, it is important if a shared monarch is to be retained for all realms to be consulted.

The 2013 changes to the line of succession mean that Princess Charlotte is now third in line to the British throne ( PA )

The UK parliament would then prepare its own bill, providing a template for other jurisdictions. This means the changes are uniform across the realms. The bill would probably also specify whether Mountbatten-Windsors exclusion affects his heirs, princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, and their children. Under the old law, a person who married a Catholic was treated as dead for the purposes of succession, so that their exclusion from the succession did not affect the hereditary position of their heirs. The same approach might be taken in relation to the exclusion of Mountbatten-Windsor.

The same parliaments that enacted laws in relation to the last change of succession (apart from Barbados, which is now a republic), would also need to enact an equivalent law, if they wish to maintain symmetry in such rules across the realms. Putting such a bill before a parliament runs the risk that other issues will be raised, opening broader questions concerning the role of the monarchy in different realms.

Could Australia make such a change on its own?

While Australia could unilaterally enact a law to exclude MountbattenWindsor from succession to the Crown of Australia, it is unlikely it would do so. There are two reasons for this.

First, it involves a lot of legislative hassle, getting seven parliaments to enact a law that will probably have no substantive effect, given how far Mountbatten-Windsor is down the line of succession.

Second, covering clause 2 of the Commonwealth Constitution says that references to the Queen in the Constitution shall extend to Her Majestys heirs and successors in the sovereignty of the United Kingdom.

There is considerable disagreement about whether this is just an interpretative provision about updating references, or whether it has a substantive effect.

Keeping Australias rules of succession in sync with those of the United Kingdom avoids opening that potential Pandoras box.
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A High Court dispute has erupted over the artistic credit for two portraits of the late Queen Elizabeth II, with one artists legal team asserting that his rival has "no real reputation as a credible artist".

Robert Munday and his company, Spatial Imaging Limited, are pursuing legal action against Christopher Levine and his firm, Sphere9 Limited.

The claim centres on an alleged breach of contract and "moral rights" concerning two works depicting the Queen, titled Equanimity and Lightness of Being. Court documents filed last year by barristers for Mr Munday and Spatial Imaging allege that Mr Levine violated an agreement stipulating that Mr Munday would be recognised as having "co-created" the pieces.

Mr Munday is seeking a High Court declaration that he is the joint author of both the artworks and the images captured during their photoshoots.

He also requests an order for Mr Levine to credit him for the works, alongside an "inquiry as to damages".

However, Mr Levine and Sphere9 are contesting the claim. In court documents submitted on Wednesday, their lawyers stated that Mr Munday possesses "no real reputation as a credible artist", denying any breach of contract and asserting he is not entitled to damages.

open image in gallery Mr Munday is asking the High Court to declare that he is the joint author of the works and the images taken at the photoshoots for them, to order Mr Levine to credit Mr Munday for the works and to order an inquiry as to damages ( PA Media )

Mr Levine has also initiated a counterclaim against Mr Munday for alleged copyright infringement, seeking a declaration of sole authorship for the two works and a judicial inquiry into damages.

No findings have yet been made regarding the claims.

Barrister Nick Zweck, for Mr Munday, said in court documents that after being approached by Mr Levine to work together, two photoshoots were held with the Queen at Buckingham Palace in 2003 and 2004, which produced the photos used in the two portraits.

Mr Zweck said that Mr Munday contributed most of the aspects of intellectual creation involved in the creation of Equanimity and processed the photo used for Lightness of Being.

He continued that Mr Levine had since persistently failed to attribute the works to his client, in breach of an agreement made in 2005 which stated that any publicity about the works would state the name of the artist and an acknowledgement that the artist co-created the portrait.

open image in gallery In a defence to the claims, barrister Thomas Elias, for Mr Levine and Sphere9, said Mr Levine was the sole author of the portraits and that the 2005 agreement notably does not go so far as to say that Mr Munday was an author of Equanimity. ( Associated Press )

In a defence to the claims, barrister Thomas Elias, for Mr Levine and Sphere9, said Mr Levine was the sole author of the portraits and that the 2005 agreement notably does not go so far as to say that Mr Munday was an author of Equanimity.

Discussing the photoshoot in 2004, Mr Elias said Mr Levine was responsible for all the major elements of the shoot whereas Mr Munday spent most of the shoot in front of a computer.

He continued that it was denied that Mr Munday or Spatial Imaging have suffered, or will suffer, loss and damage.
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Like many Americans abroad, Kaelynn Narita has watched on in horror in recent months as immigration enforcement agents (ICE) brutally carry out Donald Trumps mass deportation campaign. A research manager with limited leave to remain in the UK, Ms Narita fears what could happen under Reform UKs plans to oversee deportations as part of an ICE-style agency in Britain.

She has built a life in London over the past nine years and Reforms pledge to scrap indefinite leave to remain (ILR)  permanent settled status in the UK  threatens to throw her future into jeopardy.

open image in gallery Kaelynn Narita, works as a research manager at the3million, a migrants rights campaign group ( Kaelynn Narita )

Ms Narita is currently on a graduate visa and working as a research manager at citizens rights campaign group the3million, building on the work of her politics PhD. She had been due to get permanent settled status in the UK this September under the 10-year long residence route to settlement, but Labour has pledged to scrap the pathway.

She now faces an even longer wait to permanent residency under home secretary Shabana Mahmoods reforms and is worried that, even if she finally gets settlement in five years time, it could be snatched away by a Reform government.

Reforms home affairs spokesperson Zia Yusuf set out a swathe of new proposals to tackle immigration on Monday. The plans included mass deportations and replacing ILR with a work visa that has to be renewed every five years.

Mr Yusuf said it is not true that the partys plans for a UK Deportation Command will face the same issues as US president Mr Trumps body, which saw an immigration crackdown in Minnesota lead to mass detentions, protests and two deaths.

But he said the unit would track down, detain and deport people in the country illegally, aiming for up to 288,000 people each year.

Mr Yusuf said the deportation agency would have the capacity to detain 24,000 migrants at a time.

At the end of March 2025, there were 1,806 people being held in immigration detention or in prisons under immigration powers. Under Reforms proposals, ILR would be scrapped and replaced with a work visa at a high salary threshold, meaning tens of thousands of foreign nationals already in the UK could lose their right to live here.

Ms Narita, 27, who is from San Francisco, explained: Ive lived in the UK for nearly 10 years, originally coming here on a student visa in 2016. My whole journey to settlement has been turmoil because of Labour.

I was due to complete the 10-year settlement route in September this year, but now that is all pending based on the governments consultation, so I have to figure out what Im going to do next. Im going to have to switch visas, and my graduate route visa is due to expire in 2028.

Now with Reform making this announcement, even if I do get indefinite leave to remain, I dont know if I would be able to stay anyway.

open image in gallery Zia Yusuf delivered his first speech as Reform UKs home affairs spokesperson at the Dover Marina Hotel ( PA )

Speaking about the ICE detentions in the US, she added: The idea of emulating that in the UK means that people will feel the same sense of fear of leaving their homes, attending schools, and fear of these violent attacks.

It creates a drag net, where innocent people are caught up. People in the UK will be facing that kind of anxiety.

Referring to Mr Yusufs announcement to replace ILR with five-year work visas, Ms Narita added: There are so many questions. What if, as a woman I wanted to have children, what is my future if I cant work? There are just so many things that they are not considering that would mean that I couldnt have a future in the UK.

How can I build a route to stay here if I am always having to get more visas, its adding extra burdens.

Ms Narita, who studied for her undergraduate degree and then PhD at Goldsmiths University, London, added: When I came to the UK, I didnt have this intention to settle, but life happens and this is where Ive ended up. Ive now lived here my whole adult life and I dont know what I would do if I had to move back to America.

My whole life is here, I live with my partner, we have our cat. Its very difficult to think about leaving. If I had got ILR this year, I could have applied for British citizenship and now I dont have that path. So it feels like its all stacked on top of each other as punishment.

Andreea Dumitrache, from the3million, added: Stripping people of their rights after theyve built lives, families and futures in the UK is fundamentally unfair.

Dr Dora-Olivia Vicol, CEO of the Work Rights Centre, criticised Reform for wanting to emulate the US ICE deportations, saying the plans were a waste of money and would see families and communities torn apart.

She said that plans to retrospectively strip people of their settled status in the UK would be "callous" and would "actively hurt our economy and public services".

Minnie Rahman, CEO of human rights charity Praxis, said: Reform UK is offering a future where peoples rights are stripped away to push racist, xenophobic policies that spread hate and division. These plans wont just target migrants  they will damage our democracy, crash the economy, and make the UK a more hostile place for all people of colour, regardless of immigration status."
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A yoga teacher who survived the horrific Southport attack has launched a new community interest company aimed at promoting the widespread adoption of round-ended kitchen knives.

Leanne Lucas initiated her "Let's Be Blunt" campaign following the devastating incident in Merseyside in July 2024, which claimed the lives of seven-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe, six-year-old Bebe King, and nine-year-old Alice da Silva Aguiar, and left eight children and two adults injured.

Ms Lucas is urging both knife manufacturers and the public to discontinue the use of pointed-tip kitchen knives, highlighting their potential to become lethal weapons.

Her newly established Community Interest Company (CIC) is already providing vital training to adults who work with children in the public sector.

Ms Lucas is now appealing for public support and donations to expand the reach of her prevention and training programmes through the CIC.

open image in gallery Former primary school teacher Leanne Lucas was critically injured following the attack ( Supplied )

She said: What started as one voice speaking up is now a registered Community Interest Company working nationally to reduce knife harm through prevention-led action.

We are already seeing real progress.

As demand increases, so does the responsibility to deliver this work well  through training, policy engagement and practical resources.

As a CIC, we rely on community backing to sustain and grow this work.

If you believe harm should be prevented before it happens. If you believe adults need equipping as much as young people.

If you believe prevention deserves investment.

Even small contributions help us continue this work and expand it into more communities.

Prevention rarely makes headlines. But it quietly changes futures.

open image in gallery Ms Lucas wants knife manufacturers and the general public to stop the use of pointed-tip kitchen knives, which can become deadly weapons in the wrong hands ( GMB )

The former primary school teacher was critically injured following the attack. In an interview with the BBCs Panorama, Ms Lucas recalled that she suffered stab wounds to her spine, head, ribs, lung and shoulder blade.

However, she was able to get herself and several children out of the room.

I just knew that if I didnt get out, everyone was going to die, she said.

He was bigger than me. And I just thought: I need to get some help. So we all run towards the door.

We were shouting: Run! I called 999 on the landing and I asked for the police.

Donations and more information can be found at www.gofundme.com/f/lets-be-blunt-cic
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A suspected rapist has managed to leave the country after being accidentally set free from prison just weeks before he was due to stand trial, it has been revealed.

The man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was charged with multiple allegations of rape, sexual assault and violence against a woman and held in custody in a UK prison.

After a pre-trial hearing in early February, a court accidentally told the prison that the defendant could be set free on bail, triggering his release from jail.

He then left the country shortly after regaining his freedom.

Details of the case emerged as a top London judge called on the government to intervene to try to ensure the man returns to stand trial.

open image in gallery A suspected rapist has been accidentally set free from prison ( PA )

Although such errors are extremely rare, and indeed this is the only instance I am aware of when there has been an erroneous release of a prisoner held in custody to this court, we take this error extremely seriously, said Judge Martin Edmunds KC, the Recorder of Kensington and Chelsea, in a ruling.

We will fully investigate how it occurred and what steps can be put in place to prevent it occurring again.

Isleworth Crown Court heard the defendant, who denies all the charges against him, was remanded in custody after being charged with multiple counts of rape, and was originally due to stand trial in June this year.

He appeared in court on 26 January for a hearing to consider whether his trial date should be brought forward to March.

At a further hearing on 6 February, when the defendant was not brought to court from prison, a blunder was made that led to his accidental release.

open image in gallery Isleworth Crown Court heard that the defendant was remanded in custody after being charged ( PA )

By error on the part of HMCTS (HM Courts & Tribunals Service) at the court, the court issued a notice of grant of bail, outlined the judge, adding that it appears there was confusion because the defendant faces a second criminal case in which he has been granted bail.

A mistake was made assuming he was on bail on both matters, the judge said.

The defendants barrister told the court on Friday that her client left the UK for a European country after his mistaken jail release, and though he says he wants to return to face trial, he is unable to travel.

He is now in a position where he is unable to return to the jurisdiction, she said.

He is unable  without further assistance from the state  to return to the country.

The court was told he left the country on the passport issued by the country where he originates, and cannot now obtain a visa to return to the UK because his British passport is still being held by the police, and he also cannot say on which date he will return.

open image in gallery The problem of prisoners being accidentally released came into sharp focus last autumn ( PA )

What I consider is required is confirmation from Foreign or Home Office that confirms that arrangements are in place, that if the defendant chooses to engage with them, will allow him to return to the UK, said the judge.

In short, a clear and practical plan.

A further court hearing is due to take place on Tuesday to determine if the trial in March can take place and whether the defendant will be able to return to the UK.

The problem of prisoners being accidentally released came into sharp focus last autumn when it emerged that HMP Wandsworth had wrongly freed a convicted sex offender and a fraudster.

Official figures showed that in the year to March 2025, 262 inmates had been mistakenly let out  a 128 per cent increase on the 115 in the previous 12 months.

The government responded to the crisis with promises to improve systems in prisons that deal with releases.

A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: An individual was mistakenly released on bail on Friday 6 February. His Majestys Courts and Tribunal Service is investigating this matter, and we are urgently working with the police to return them to custody.

We understand the distress errors such as this can cause to those affected and instances like this have exposed deep-rooted issues across the broken justice system the Government inherited.

Were determined to bear down on these mistakes and keep the public safe, which is why Dame Lynne Owens is undertaking an independent investigation which we expect to report back in the coming weeks, and we are investing millions to modernise technology to replace archaic paper-based systems.
News / National

by Staff reporter

Late former Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe's son will remain behind bars for another week after his attempted murder case was postponed on Monday to allow for a formal bail application.Twenty-nine-year-old Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe made his first appearance at the Alexandra Magistrate's Court alongside his bodyguard, Tobias Tamirepi Mugabe Matonhdze. The pair was arrested at a property in Hyde Park, Sandton last week following a shooting incident in which a staff member at the residence was injured.The court heard that investigations are "far from over". Proceedings were delayed after the accused were initially taken to the Randburg Magistrate's Court in error. Magistrate Renier Boshoff reportedly expressed frustration and at one point threatened to strike the matter from the roll before the accused were eventually brought before the correct court.Mugabe, the youngest son of Robert Mugabe and his second wife Grace Mugabe, appeared in a packed courtroom. His mother, who is reportedly in Singapore and faces an outstanding 2018 South African warrant linked to an alleged assault case involving model Gabriella Engels, was not present.In addition to attempted murder, Mugabe and his co-accused now face charges of defeating the administration of justice and contravening the Firearms Control Act. Prosecutor Lufuno Maphiri told the court the pair were being charged under the doctrine of common purpose.The firearm allegedly used in the incident has not been recovered. The State told the court it suspects the weapon was concealed and confirmed it remains missing. Reports indicate that police previously searched the property, including draining and inspecting a swimming pool, but the firearm had still not been located by Monday.Maphiri further said authorities still need to conduct profiling of both accused and verify their immigration status.Mugabe's lawyer, Sinenhlanhla Mnguni, declined to comment in detail on reports that his client had collapsed in custody over the weekend, saying only that "at this stage he is fine."The matter was postponed to 3 March for a formal bail application, with the State indicating it intends to oppose bail.
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Sir Keir Starmer has ordered his ethics watchdog to investigate a cabinet office minister, following claims a Labour think tank paid for an investigation into journalists.

Josh Simons has faced calls to resign from his ministerial post after reports that think tank Labour Together, which he ran before entering government, paid a PR firm to look into the personal background of a journalist in 2023.

The chief secretary to the prime minister, Darren Jones, told MPs on Monday that Mr Simons had now been referred to the independent standards adviser Sir Laurie Magnus, following an investigation by civil servants in the Cabinet Offices propriety and ethics team.

As the prime minister confirmed last week, he asked civil servants in the Cabinet Offices propriety and ethics team to establish the facts... That work has now concluded, and the facts have now been reported to the prime minister, Mr Jones told the Commons.

The prime minister has been advised that the matter should be referred now to the independent adviser on ministerial standards, which the prime minister has done today.

open image in gallery Josh Simons, Labour MP for Makerfield, has faced calls to resign from his ministerial post ( UK Parliament )

Mr Simons was director of the think tank at a time it is accused of paying PR firm Apco Worldwide 36,000 to look into journalists from The Sunday Times, The Guardian and other outlets who had covered the groups failure to declare more than 700,000 in donations.

The PR firms probe is said to have resulted in a 58-page report, which included details designed to discredit reporters who had looked into campaign finance breaches by the think tank.

The think tank was fined 14,250 in September 2021 over late reporting of donations, totalling 730,000 between 2017 and 2020, after referring itself to the Electoral Commission.

Mr Jones told MPs that freedom of the press is a cornerstone of our democracy, and the government is committed to upholding and protecting that freedom.

open image in gallery Sir Keir Starmer has ordered his ethics watchdog to investigate a cabinet office minister, following claims a Labour think tank paid for an investigation into journalists ( PA )

This is not a new process, but a continuation of the process the prime minister has started, and the prime minister will make a judgment when he has received the advice from the independent adviser.

This will happen very soon, and his advice to the prime minister will be made public in the normal way.

Shadow chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Alex Burghart has said it is difficult to see how Mr Simons position is tenable following the alleged attempt to smear journalists.

Mr Burghart told MPs that the report included an allegation that those journalists in question had relied on Russian hacking, which was entirely spurious.

He added: That investigation included details of one journalists Jewish faith and made claims about his ideological upbringing and personal relationships.

The report was then circulated to key members of the Labour Party and to GCHQ, who swiftly said there was no case to answer.

This looks to all intents and purposes like a deliberate attempt to smear and intimidate journalists whose only crime had been to report that Labour Together had broken electoral law.

As of today, it is very difficult to see how the ministers position is tenable.
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Reform UK has been accused of launching a direct attack on settled families, which is fundamentally un-British, after unveiling a swathe of new proposals to tackle immigration, including mass deportations and ramped-up surveillance.

The partys new home affairs spokesperson, Zia Yusuf, will deliver a speech setting out plans to scrap indefinite leave to remain and replace it with a renewable five-year work visa and dedicated spouse visa.

Mr Yusuf will also outline plans to create a new Trump-inspired deportation agency with the capacity to detain 24,000 migrants at a time, modelled on the controversial Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency in the US.

The speech will also see the party unveil plans for a new rule mandating automatic home searches for anyone referred to the Prevent counter-terrorism programme by three separate, corroborating authorities.

open image in gallery Reforms home affairs spokesperson, Zia Yusuf, is set to announce a Trump-style deportation agency ( Reuters )

Mr Yusuf will also unveil a vast expansion of stop and search powers, including saturation policing in high-crime areas.

Labour hit out at the plans, saying Britain is a proud, tolerant and diverse nation, which stands in opposition to the divisive politics stoked by Reform.

Meanwhile, Amnesty International UK accused the party of scapegoating migrants to justify mass deportations and expanded police surveillance.

Mr Yusuf is expected to outline the proposals in a speech on Monday in Dover, where he will focus on immigration, policing, national security frameworks and cultural preservation.

Other home affairs policies he will set out include:

A promise to impose visa freezes on Pakistan, Afghanistan and Syria if the countries refuse to take back migrants with no legal right to stay in Britain.

Immediate listed status granted to all churches to legally prevent their conversion into mosques or other places of worship as part of protecting Britains Christian heritage.

Immediate termination of Universal Credit welfare payments to foreign nationals.

Charter flights to run five times daily, supported by a standby RAF Voyager aircraft.

Police to be stripped of diversity, equity, and inclusion mandates.

Reform said costings would be set out at the event on Monday when asked for its calculations.

The plans for a new deportation agency would have the capacity to detain 24,000 migrants at a time and deport up to 288,000 annually, Reform said, as well as promising to run five deportation flights each day.

Ms Yusuf is expected to 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 ECHR and deport those here illegally. My message to the British people is simple: I will secure our borders and make you feel safe.

The attack on Tories and Labour comes despite a number of high profile defections from Kemi Badenochs party in recent weeks, including Suella Braverman and Robert Jenrick  both of whom played key roles in the previous Conservative government and were handed spokesperson roles for Reform UK last week.

open image in gallery An immediate termination of Universal Credit welfare payments to foreign nationals is among the policy proposals being set out on Monday ( Alamy/PA )

Responding Mr Yusufs upcoming speech, Labour Party chairwoman Anna Turley said: Reform wants to divide our country, not deliver for the British people.

Their plan to deport people who have followed the rules, worked hard and built their lives here  our friends, neighbours and colleagues  is a direct attack on settled families and fundamentally un-British.

She added: The British people are right to expect firm control of our borders  with clear rules about who can come here and swift action against those with no right to be here  alongside action to make our country safe  and that is what Labour is delivering.

Meanwhile, Steve Valdez-Symonds of Amnesty International UK said:Last week the target was the Equality Act; this week its the ECHR.

We are most threatened by those who seek to strip away our basic rights and protections  not the people they scapegoat to justify mass deportations and expanded police surveillance.

Our society is built on diversity, not monoculture. Targeting vulnerable communities in the name of security puts everyone at risk.

True national security protects rights, upholds justice, and defends our shared humanity. Sacrificing freedoms for politics driven by fear weakens the very country we all claim to defend.

Liberal Democrat home affairs spokesman Max Wilkinson said Reforms Trump-inspired plans for an ICE-style force will only bring chaos and disorder to Britains streets, not the order and control our immigration system needs.

Far from rescuing the economy or making us safer, Reforms plans are a serious threat to Britains economy and to our NHS, police and other key public services, he said.
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Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has reportedly been banned from horseriding following his arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

Royal aides warned the former prince it would be a bad look for him to be seen enjoying himself on horseback while under police investigation, according to The Sun.

Mr Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested by Thames Valley Police last Thursday on his 66th birthday, and questioned for 11 hours before he was released to return to his new home in Wood Farm on the Sandringham Estate. He is accused of sharing confidential information with paedophile Jeffrey Epstein while acting as the UKs trade envoy.

A source told The Sun: Since his arrest last week he has been ordered not to go horseriding. Its considered a bad look. They dont think he should be seen grinning and smiling on his horse like he was in Windsor.

But it was one of the few things he actually enjoyed doing so what on earth is he going to do with his time?

open image in gallery The former prince has reportedly been warned to avoid horseriding ( Reuters )

The reported restrictions would come as a blow to the former prince, who is known for his love of horseriding and was spotted on a horse not long after he was stripped of his titles last year.

Buckingham Palace declined to comment on the matter.

The UK government is set to release files detailing his appointment as trade envoy as MPs unanimously supported a motion from the Liberal Democrats asking for the public release of papers, including any vetting and any correspondence from Peter Mandelson, from the role he held between 2001 and 2011.

Lord Mandelson was also arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office on Monday, following similar allegations of having passed sensitive information to Epstein during his time as business secretary.

open image in gallery The former prince was trade envoy from 2001 to 2011 ( AP )

MPs from all sides lined up to admonish the former prince in the Commons on Tuesday, with Conservative minister Alex Burghart saying it was possible to identify the hand of Epstein in Mr Mountbatten-Windsors appointment to the role back in 2001.

And Sir Keir Starmers trade minister, Sir Chris Bryant, called Mr Mountbatten-Windsor a rude, arrogant and entitled man who was on a constant self-aggrandising and self-enriching hustle.

Monica Harding, MP for Esher and Walton, told the Commons the former prince stayed in his post for 10 years despite having a reputation that preceded him while concerns were met with a shrug.

open image in gallery The government will release files detailing the former princes appointment as trade envoy ( House of Commons/UK Parliament )

Before entering politics, Ms Harding worked as the director of communications at the British Council, with Mr Mountbatten-Windsor having visited as a trade envoy.

Before his arrival, senior staff in both the embassy and the British Council were rolling their eyes  his reputation preceded him, the MP said.

I was told it was a containment exercise, that overseas missions feared putting him out there in case he said something inappropriate, that he was arrogant and that he wasnt on top of the detail of his brief.

Rather than looking forward to his visit as an opportunity to play up Britain, instead, it was thought that he would do damage.

Mr Mountbatten-Windsor has vehemently denied any wrongdoing in his links with Epstein but has not commented on the latest developments.

open image in gallery Police have concluded their search of the former princes former residence ( Reuters )

Police announced on Tuesday night officers had concluded searching his former residence, the Royal Lodge in Berkshire, after an almost week-long raid in relation to the allegations.

Thames Valley Polices assistant chief constable Oliver Wright said: Officers have now left the location we have been searching in Berkshire. This concludes the search activity that commenced following our arrest of a man in his sixties from Norfolk on Thursday.

We understand the significant public interest in this case and our investigation remains ongoing.

It is important that our investigators are given the time and space to progress their work. We will provide updates when it is appropriate to do so, but this is unlikely to be for some time.
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Lord Peter Mandelson has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office as part of an investigation by Metropolitan Police after allegations he passed on market-sensitive information to paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein while serving as business secretary.

It is the latest development in the growing crisis engulfing the former US ambassador, who has resigned from the Labour Party and has left the House of Lords after further details of his friendship with the convicted felon emerged in the so-called Epstein files.

Sir Keir Starmer is under growing pressure after he admitted that he knew about Lord Mandelsons ongoing friendship with the convicted sex offender when he appointed him, but said that the peer lied repeatedly about the extent of the relationship.

Downing Street then tried to control the release of potentially explosive documents, which provide insight into how the decision was made.

But in the face of a mutiny from Labour MPs  led by former deputy prime minister Angela Rayner  the government had to back down and cede control to Parliaments Intelligence and Security Committee to decide what could be released into the public domain.

The prime ministers acceptance followed the launch of a criminal probe into allegations Lord Mandelson passed information to Epstein while serving in Gordon Browns Labour administration as it dealt with the fallout from the 2008 financial crash.

open image in gallery Lord Peter Mandelson will return to a life of luxury in the UK, having lived in a farmhouse before taking residence in Washington ( PA )

Sir Keir faced a backlash from his own back benches, including his former deputy Ms Rayner, over an attempt to have some papers prejudicial to UK national security or international relations withheld.

Labour MP Andy McDonald said he thought it was reasonable to expect an answer pretty damn quick on how Lord Mandelson passed vetting.

It beggars belief that we could ever get a security vetting process that would sign off affirmatively on somebody in these circumstances, he said.

He said it was an appalling failure of judgment that Sir Keir appointed Lord Mandelson given what was already in the public domain about him.

open image in gallery Keir Starmer meets Lord Mandelson at the then-ambassadors residence last year ( POOL/AFP via Getty )

In a statement confirming the arrest, the Met said: Officers have arrested a 72-year-old man on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

He was arrested at an address in Camden on Monday, 23 February and has been taken to a London police station for interview.

This follows search warrants at two addresses in the Wiltshire and Camden areas.

Lord Mandelson resigned from the Labour Party earlier this month, saying he wanted to avoid causing it further embarrassment, after losing his post as UK ambassador to the United States last year because of his links to Epstein.

open image in gallery Then-business secretary Lord Mandelson with then-prime minister Gordon Brown in 2010 ( PA Archive )

Sir Keir Starmer rallied around his man in Washington for days at the time, praising the job the UKs ambassador had done penetrating Donald Trumps inner circles. But the prime minister was forced to change course last year, dismissing Lord Mandelson with immediate effect.

These developments mark what is almost certainly the end of a career that had previously been defined by remarkable comebacks. His mastery of political intrigue had earned him the nickname Prince of Darkness.

Last year, before heading to the US, Lord Mandelson was living in a luxurious farmhouse in the Pewsey Vale in Wiltshire. During the pandemic, he wrote about the cosy country life he was enjoying on the farm.

He is the part-owner of Global Counsel, a powerful lobbying firm he co-founded, but they have swiftly reassured clients that they are in advanced stages of divesting his remaining stake as it attempts to cut ties with the peer.

open image in gallery Mandelsons relationship with Epstein has destroyed his political career ( House Oversight Committee )

As well as the influential business position, Lord Mandelson has the more ceremonial High Steward of Hull title, though the council will try to strip him of it in the coming weeks.

But while he returns to a lavish life in Britain, it wont be a touch on the grandeur of life in the early-1900s residence built for Britains ambassador in Washington, one of the most luxurious properties in the US capital.

It has previously welcomed royalty from Prince Charles and Princess Diana to pop royalty like The Beatles, while guests who have been hosted in the embassy since Lord Mandelson moved in include much of President Trumps inner circle and the great and good of American business.

No Labour leader will bring the tarnished grandee back into the fold after the extent of his relations with Epstein were revealed. And he has said himself at one point that further very embarrassing information will come to light in the future.

His career has been one of many comebacks, but this latest criminal investigation and subsequent arrest seems a fall too far for Lord Mandelson to recover from.
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Lord Peter Mandelson has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

The Metropolitan Police said the 72-year-old was taken to a London police station for interview on Monday.

The former Labour minister has been accused of passing sensitive information onto paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein during his time as business secretary.

Here is what we know about the pairs relationship.

2002

Lord Mandelson writes a memo encouraging the then-prime minister Tony Blair to meet Epstein, according to The Times.

2003

Lord Mandelsons message to Epstein, in which he describes him as his best pal, is included in a birthday book compiled by convicted sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell.

open image in gallery Part of Mandelsons birthday message to Epstein ( House Committee on Oversight and Reform )

2006

As police in Florida suggest Epstein should be charged with four counts of unlawful sexual activity with a minor, Lord Mandelson says I am following you closely and here whenever you need, after Epstein tells him he is attempting to set up another prosecutor meeting, according to Bloomberg.

Epstein is later arrested and Bloomberg reports that Lord Mandelson asks the paedophile for updates on the same day, saying keep me posted.

2007

Epsteins lawyers engage in discussion with Miami attorney Alexander Acosta about a plea bargain that would allow him to avoid prosecution.

open image in gallery Peter Mandelson (left) speaks with Jeffrey Epstein in a picture from the latest trove of documents released ( House Oversight Committee )

2008

Epstein pleads guilty to soliciting prostitution and soliciting a minor and is sentenced to 18 months in a minimum-security prison.

The US attorneys office agrees not to prosecute Epstein for more serious federal crimes in a secret arrangement.

Lord Mandelson writes emails showing support for Epstein while he is facing charges for soliciting a minor, including one that says Your friends stay with you and love you.

The emails, reported by The Sun, also show the former Labour minister tells Epstein to fight for early release shortly before his prison sentence.

open image in gallery A young Epstein poses with a woman whose face has been blocked out to protect her privacy ( House Oversight Committee )

2009

Lord Mandelson stays at Epsteins Manhattan apartment while the paedophile is serving his 18-month sentence, an internal report by the JP Morgan bank suggests.

Epstein is released from prison after serving 13 months.

2019

Epstein is arrested on sex trafficking charges after lawyers in New York conclude they are not bound by the secret non-prosecution agreement.

The paedophile financier is found dead in his cell at the Metropolitan Correctional Centre in New York a month later.

Lord Mandelsons affiliation with Epstein is thrown into the spotlight after a picture of him with the paedophile financier on St Barts is published.

open image in gallery Keir Starmer appointed Lord Mandelson to the job of ambassador to the UK in February ( PA )

2025

Lord Mandelson tells a Financial Times reporter to f*** off after being asked about his relationship with Epstein.

The House Oversight Committee in the US releases a number of documents from the Epstein estate, including the birthday book with Lord Mandelsons message in it.

Lord Mandelson describes his birthday message to Epstein as very embarrassing during an interview with The Suns Harry Cole Saves the West programme.

Prime minister Sir Keir Starmer asks Lord Mandelson to stand down.

2026

Lord Mandelson features in the more than three million documents released by the US Department of Justice related to paedophile financier Epstein.

Met Police launch a criminal investigation into Lord Mandelson into allegations he passed on sensitive information onto Epstein during his time as business secretary.

Lord Mandelson is arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
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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.

open image in gallery 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.

open image in gallery 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.
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A lost dog who vanished into the Rocky Mountains has finally been rescued and reunited with his owner after 43 days in the wilderness.

Steven Maa and his girlfriend were moving across country from New Jersey to Los Angeles with their 10-year-old brindled mutt Rocky (the name is a coincidence) when they stopped off in the remote former mining town of Montezuma, Colorado for a ski break on December 28.

But within minutes of handing Rocky over to a dog-sitter, he got scared, slipped out of his harness, and bolted into the wilds.

With a snowstorm blanketing the area, Maa and his partner Kate began searching for Rocky and stayed out until around 3 a.m., to no avail.

open image in gallery Steven Maa, left, with his brindled mutt Rocky, right, who managed to survive alone in subzero temperatures ( Summit Lost Pet Rescue via Facebook )

That's when Summit Lost Pet Rescue, a local non-profit, got involved, via a referral from Montezuma's Mayor Lesley Davis.

"Steve was definitely concerned that Rocky wasnt going to survive the night, the group's founder Brandon Ciullo told NJ.com. "I explained to him: 'Weve been doing this for 10 years. My biggest worry and concern is vehicles, then wildlife and then environment.'"

Despite the danger, Summit had a practiced plan for situations such as this. They also had a 99 percent success rate in 2025, with 213 out of 214 lost dogs recovered safely.

How to find a scared, lost dog

Step one: set up remotely monitored cameras all over the area near where Rocky disappeared, plus a "scent station" with items that smelled like Maa or Rocky himself, such as clothes or a dog bed.

"Especially if its an unfamiliar area, a dog will come back, smell something that smells familiar, and then end up just staying in that particular area, Ciullo told The Summit Daily News, a local newspaper.

open image in gallery The non-profit says that lost dogs often go into extreme 'fight or flight mode', and advise owners and rescuers not to make eye contact, call their name, or chase them ( Summit Lost Pet Rescue via Facebook )

Step two: fire off emails and social media posts as widely as possible, alerting anyone and everyone to be on the lookout for a small black dog with white markings resembling rocky road ice cream.

Three days later, Summit's cameras spotted Rocky alive  which gave Rocky's owners hope. "Up to that point, we had just been kind of devastated by the situation," Maa said. "Worried about, 'wow, can he even survive one night?'"

But when Maa came near, Rocky barked at him and ran off again. He was in "survival mode", Ciullo explained, and must not have recognized his owner's scent  which is common for dogs in desperate states.

That was the last time anyone saw Rocky for 39 days.

The trail goes cold

Maa and his girlfriend stayed and helped for eight more days, searching for 16 hours every day, but eventually they were forced to depart in order to finish their move and start Maa's new job in Culver City, California.

Teams of volunteers searched the area every day, with Maa helping coordinate and raise attention from the Golden State. According to Ciullo, no other dog has ever been missing for longer and still come back safely.

By early February, though, Summit had little choice but to begin winding down its search to focus on other animals. The probability of success, Maa was told, was not high.

open image in gallery Rocky in his cage after being rescued. He twice entered the trap set for him without stepping on the pressure plate, putting rescue workers in a tense waiting game ( Summit Lost Pet Rescue via facebook )

"I think my judgment was a little clogged with emotion," Ciullo said. "I just kind of couldnt believe we couldnt find him and I was disappointed."

Then, on February 9, a Ring doorbell camera caught a fleeting glimpse of a small yet familiar black canine shape.

Please let me help you

Ciullo was searching for another dog when he got the call. He apologized to the owner, telling them that Rocky had been gone for 43 days and was probably "extremely starving" and "very, very close to dying."

Ciullo and Summit's co-founder Melissa Davis now set up a trap, using Maa's clothes to make a scent trail and baiting it with some food. Within hours, Rocky was poking his nose inside, and even laid down to sleep on a blanket. But he didn't step on the pressure plate.

"I was pleading with Rocky to please let me help you. Im here to help you," Ciullo told NJ.com.

Eventually Ciullo was forced to get out and try to approach Rocky  only for Rocky, still in a state of desperation, to wake up, bark at him, and run off.

Ciullo and Davis worked to reset the trap with peanut butter, only now they could hear Rocky howling.

"When a dog is dying, he comes very vocal and usually starts howling," Ciullo told the Summit Daily. "You can hear him in the woods just howling. And Im like: 'Thats Rocky. He is in pain.'"

Ciullo warned the other volunteers that he was prepared to sleep in his truck for however long it took. I told them, 'Im not leaving this godd*** mountain until this dog is in the back of my truck,'", he told NJ.com.

Were extremely proud of him

After one more false start, Rocky finally tripped the trap. When the group found him he weighed only 28 lbs, barely more than half his usual weight. Shockingly, he was in good spirits.

"He was running around. He went straight to the toy bin," Ciullo said. "We couldnt believe that this dog that hasnt probably eaten in 43 days had this much energy and this much life to him."

open image in gallery Rocky looked none the worse for wear as he posed outside the gates of Sony Pictures Studios in Los Angeles after escaping his alpine ordeal ( Steven Maa / Summit Lost Pet Rescue via Facebook )

On February 13, Maa drove from California and was joyfully reunited with Rocky. "We were just so overjoyed and just [in] disbelief that he could survive for that long, just extremely proud of him for being able to do that and be so resourceful out there," said Maa.

He added that there seemed to be no lasting change in Rocky's personality, and that he rapidly returned to his old "cuddle bug" ways.

For Ciullo, it was a vindication of Summit's rescue work. "Hes the only dog Ive ever cried over," he told NJ.com. "These reunions are why we do what we do."

In a Facebook post afterwards, Summit said: "We are so grateful to our Summit community and dedicated volunteers who worked thousands of hours to save Rocky!!! It takes partnership, a village, and donations to save lost pets."
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A blockbuster blizzard has dumped a record-breaking more than 30 inches of snow across parts of the Northeast as thousands of flights were canceled.

The major noreaster intensified into a bomb cyclone on Monday, bringing powerful winds and even more snow.

This is the first blizzard for much of the mid-Atlantic and southern New England coasts in about four years, Tyler Roys, a senior meteorologist at AccuWeather, said.

The blizzard has disrupted travel plans for thousands, and canceled school for many  including students in New York City, which saw 19.7 inches in Central Park by 1 p.m. ET Monday.

The last time the Big Apple was hit with such a strong blizzard was in February 2017, but even then, the city only saw 9.4 inches of snow, according to AccuWeather.

open image in gallery A blockbuster blizzard has dumped a record-breaking more than 30 inches of snow across parts of the Northeast as thousands of flights were canceled ( Matthew Hatcher/Getty Images )

More than 5,700 flights within, into or out of the U.S. were canceled Monday and another roughly 3,800 were delayed, according to flight tracking site FlightAware.

About a dozen airports were still closed Monday night, including Atlantic City International and Martha's Vineyard, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.

Much of the East Coast was buried in snow by Monday afternoon, with snowfall totals topping 30 inches in some areas.

Providence hit a record of 37.9 inches, CNN reported. Whitman, Massachusetts, got hit with 33.7 inches and Central Islip, New York, saw 31 inches.

Philadelphia already had more than 13 inches of snow by Monday morning, the most from a single storm in 10 years, according to CNN.

open image in gallery More than 5,700 flights within, into or out of the U.S. were canceled Monday and another roughly 3,800 were delayed, according to flight tracking site FlightAware ( Joe Lamberti/AP )

More than 600,000 customers on the East Coast were left without power due to the storm Monday afternoon, according to PowerOutage.US. That number went down to about 449,600 by Monday night.

Officials in New York and New Jersey urged residents to stay home as the storm began Sunday evening, with transit agencies issuing modified schedules and bracing for weather-related delays.

A travel ban was in place for New York City until noon Monday, though Mayor Zohran Mamdani warned residents to stay safe and stay indoors as much as possible as the snow was expected to continue into the evening.

Mamdani also announced that the city was hiring members of the public to shovel snow starting at $30 an hour. The storm comes as the massive piles of leftover snow from last months storms had finally melted away.

open image in gallery Providence hit a record of 37.9 inches, and Philadelphia already had more than 13 inches of snow by Monday morning, the most from a single storm in 10 years, CNN reported ( Seth Wenig/AP )

Ahead of the snowstorm, Mamdani declared a state of emergency and shuttered schools across the metropolitan area.

In a heartwarming video, the mayor personally called one youngster to tell them that they had a day off from school.

Oh my god, its the mayor, a student named Victoria said as she picked up the phone.

So my only ask of you is that you just remain safe, Mamdani said. Stay indoors during the height of the storm. Once that has passed, feel free to go out and sled.

open image in gallery New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani called students to announce schools were closed ( Mamdani )

While the children of New York City were treated to a traditional snow day Monday, in-person class was set to be held Tuesday, Mamdani said.

Boston also canceled public school classes Monday, and The Boston Globe said Tuesdays newspaper will not be delivered  a first in more than 150 years.

While blizzard conditions have calmed, the National Weather Service warned of another storm that could bring more snow to the Northeast later this week.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, widely known as the drug lord "El Mencho", was killed by Mexican special forces on Sunday in the western state of Jalisco, triggering widespread violence across the country.

El Mencho was the the co-founder and leader of one of Mexicos most powerful criminal organisations, the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), which was known for ultraviolence and using drones to attack its enemies.

The operation to kill El Mencho was preceded by hours of widespread roadblocks involving burning vehicles  a common tactic employed by the cartels to impede military movements.

El Mencho, 59, had been highly sought-after by Mexican authorities for years, the most wanted person in Mexico and one of the most wanted in the United States at the time of his death. The US State Department offered a reward of up to $15 million for information leading to his arrest, an offer which was reiterated in December 2024.

open image in gallery El Mencho was wanted in both the US and Mexico ( United States Drug Enforcement Administration )

The CJNG has been accused of trafficking cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and fentanyl into the US, and carrying out several homicides on Mexican soil. The Trump administration designated it a foreign terrorist group.

While its name is not as famous as the Sinaloa cartel run by the imprisoned Joaquin El Chapo Guzman, the cartel is known in Mexico for its huge arsenal, attacks on the Mexican military, and grotesque displays of violence.

Who is El Mencho?

El Mencho grew up in Aguililla in the state of Michoacan, hailing from a poor family that cultivated avocados. At the age of 14, he began guarding marijuana plantations, before he immigrated illegally into the state of California in the 1980s.

He was arrested and deported multiple times from the US on drug-related charges, before he joined the local police forces of Cabo Corrientes and Tomatlan in his 30s.

Following some time in the police force, El Mencho joined the Milenio Cartel and married one of the clan leaders sisters, Rosalinda Gonzalez Valencia. He made his way up the ranks in the Milenio Cartel - which had joined forces with the Sinaloa Cartel - before the arrests and deaths of its leadership led to split in the cartel followed by a violent power struggle.

open image in gallery There has been significant unrest in Mexico following his death ( Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

How did he rise up the ranks?

El Menchos sect won out in the power struggle, and the group changed its name to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel.

He solidified his position as leader of the CJNG throughout the 2010s, growing the organisation to become one of the leading criminal groups in Mexico with presence in all 50 states. It is regarded by the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to be as powerful as the Sinaloa cartel.

He became the face of some of Mexicos deadliest criminal activities, rapidly rising up Mexico and the United States most wanted lists.

What crimes was he wanted for?

In 2015, an effort to capture El Mencho ended with cartel gang members shooting down a military helicopter with a rocket launcher, killing nine law enforcement officers.

He has been indicted multiple times in the US district court for the District of Columbia. The latest indictment, in April 2022, charged him with distribution of controlled substances for the purpose of importing into the US. It also charged him with using firearms during and in connection with drug trafficking offences.

The CJNG has been one of the most aggressive cartels in its attacks on the Mexican military. It has previously carried out attacks using drones and mines.

Mexico City-based security consultant David Saucedo told CNN that the uncertainty over a successor for El Mencho within CJNG could trigger a violent internal conflict.

open image in gallery A charred vehicle sits at a damaged supermarket in Guadalajara ( Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

How was he killed?

El Mencho was killed during an attempt to capture him, as his followers attempted to fight off Mexican troops.

Mexicos Defence Department said in a statement that the army launched an operation in the southern part of Jalisco state to capture him that involved the Mexican Air Force and special forces.

The cartel counterattacked, and in the ensuing confrontation, federal forces killed four members of the criminal group, and wounded three others, including its leader, who died later.

Three soldiers were injured and two people were detained in the action. Rocket launchers capable of shooting down aircraft and destroying armoured vehicles were seized at the scene.
News / National

by Staff reporter

A 36-year-old Bulawayo man has been sentenced to three years in prison after being convicted of having sexual intercourse with a 14-year-old girl.Godwell Mumba appeared before Bulawayo Provincial Magistrate Themba Chimiso on Monday, where he admitted to the offence and claimed he had been in love with the teenager. He told the court that he had initially been in a relationship with the girl's older sister before later becoming involved with the younger sibling.In his defence, Mumba said he had assumed the girl was older because she told him she was a mother of one child. He said this led him to believe she was of age.In passing sentence, Magistrate Chimiso said Mumba had taken advantage of the minor and breached a position of trust. The court heard that the accused had previously been involved with the complainant's sister, placing him in a position where he was expected to protect, not exploit, the child."It is the duty of the court to protect the girl child from sexual predators like you," the magistrate said while imposing a three-year custodial sentence. He added that the offence had been planned and carried out over a prolonged period and that the emotional impact on the victim would be lasting.In mitigation, Mumba told the court that he is married with a nine-year-old child and is the sole breadwinner for his family. He said he works as a kombi driver and pleaded for leniency.In aggravation, prosecutor Samuel Mpofu argued that the significant age difference and the prolonged nature of the sexual relationship warranted a custodial sentence. He said the accused had engaged in sexual acts with the minor on several occasions from January until last week.The victim cannot be named for legal and ethical reasons. Detectives later arrested Mumba after the teenager blew his cover.
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The Mexican army has killed the countrys most powerful cartel leader and one of the United States most wanted fugitives, Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, sparking a wave of retaliatory violence across the nation.

The death of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) boss, during an attempt to capture him in Jalisco state on Sunday, marks the most significant blow against organised crime since the recapture of Joaquin El Chapo Guzman a decade ago.

Following Oseguera Cervantess demise, cartel members unleashed widespread unrest. Roads in 20 Mexican states were blocked by burning cars, sending plumes of smoke into the air. Residents in Guadalajara, Mexicos second-largest city and Jaliscos capital, were forced to shelter indoors, while schools in several states cancelled classes on Monday.

Security forces across the country were placed on high alert, and even neighbouring Guatemala reinforced its border security with Mexico in response to the escalating situation.

The killing could give the government a leg up in its dealings with the U.S. Trump administration, which has been threatening tariffs or unilateral military action if Mexico does not show results in the fight against the cartels.

But the long-term effect on Mexicos security landscape remains unclear.

Heres what to know:

El Mencho was the leader of a fast-growing criminal group

Oseguera Cervantes, better known as El Mencho, was 59 years old and originally from the western state of Michoacan. His ties to organized crime went back at least three decades.

In 1994, he was tried for trafficking heroin in the U.S. and sent to prison for three years. Upon returning to Mexico, he quickly rose through Mexicos drug trafficking underworld.

open image in gallery Mexican drug kinpin Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes ( United States Drug Enforcement Administration )

Around 2009, he founded the CJNG, which became Mexicos fastest-growing criminal organization, moving cocaine, methamphetamines, fentanyl and migrants to the United States, and innovating in violence with the use of drones and improvised explosive devices.

The cartel earned a reputation for brazen attacks on Mexican security forces, including downing a military helicopter in Jalisco in 2015 and attempting a spectacular, but unsuccessful, assassination of Mexico City police chief Omar Garcia Harfuch, who is now Mexicos federal security secretary.

It recruited aggressively, experimenting with new ways to reach potential members online, and generated revenue through fuel theft, extortion and timeshare fraud, among other activities.

Oseguera Cervantes died in a battle with troops sent to capture him

Oseguera Cervantes was killed during an attempt to capture him, as his followers attempted to fight off Mexican troops.

Mexicos Defense Department said in a statement that the army launched an operation in the southern part of Jalisco state to capture Oseguera Cervantes, involving the Mexican Air Force and special forces.

The cartel counterattacked, and in the ensuing confrontation, federal forces killed four members of the criminal group and wounded three others, including its leader, who died later during transfer by air to Mexico City, according to the statement.

open image in gallery National Guards remove pedestrians by the General Prosecutors headquarters in Mexico City ( AP )

Three soldiers were injured and two people were detained in the action. Rocket launchers capable of shooting down aircraft and destroying armored vehicles were seized at the scene.

Mexico is keen to show Trump results in the fight against cartels

The death of Oseguera Cervantes will help Mexicos government show results to the U.S., which is pressuring its neighbor to pursue drug cartels more aggressively. Both countries said intelligence collaboration helped lead to Sundays operation.

Oseguera Cervantes was facing multiple indictments in the United States and the U.S. State Department had offered a $15m reward for information leading to his arrest. The Trump administration designated his cartel and others foreign terrorist organizations a year ago.

U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau, who was U.S. ambassador to Mexico during the first Trump administration, applauded the operation via X, writing: The good guys are stronger than the bad guys. Congratulations to the forces of law and order in the great Mexican nation.

open image in gallery A charred vehicle sits at a damaged supermarket in Guadalajara, Jalisco state ( AP )

Mike Vigil, former chief of international operations for the DEA, said Mexico had sent a strong message to Donald Trumps administration that they are fighting aggressively and effectively against the most powerful cartels. He added that the majority of the information came from the Mexican armed forces and all credit goes to Mexico.

Cartel leaders death leaves a power vacuum

Its not clear who will succeed Oseguera Cervantes, or if any one person can.

The Jalisco cartel has a presence in at least 21 of Mexicos 32 states and is active in almost all of the United States, according to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. But it is also a global organization and the loss of its leader could be felt well beyond Mexico.

El Mencho controlled everything, he was like a countrys dictator, Vigil said.

His absence could slow the cartels rapid growth and expansion and leave it initially weakened against the Sinaloa cartel on several fronts where they or their proxies are fighting. The Sinaloa is locked in its own internal power struggle, however, between the sons of El Chapo and the faction loyal to Ismael El Mayo Zambada, who is in U.S. custody.

open image in gallery A police officer stands guard by a charred vehicle on a road in Guadalajara, after it was set on fire ( AP )

Vigil said Mexico should seize the moment to launch an effective frontal assault based on intelligence.

This is a big opportunity for Mexico and the United States if they work together, he said.

Security analyst David Saucedo said that if relatives of Oseguera Cervantes take control of the cartel, the violence seen Sunday could continue. If others take power, they could be more willing to turn the page and continue operations.

The greatest fear would be that the cartel turns to indiscriminate violence. They could decide to launch narcoterrorism attacks ... and generate a scenario similar to what Colombia lived in the 1990s, a full-on attack against the government, car bombs, assassinations and attacks on aircraft.
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The leader of the Jalisco New Generation (CJNG) cartel, Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, died in custody on February 22, shortly after he was captured by the Mexican authorities.

The operation, which came amid renewed US demands for tangible results against fentanyl trafficking, appears to have relied on American intelligence support. This is the most significant intervention against the cartels since the capture of former drug lord Joaquin El Chapo Guzman in 2016.

The CJNG is one of the strongest criminal organisations in Mexico and, alongside the Sinaloa cartel, sits at the centre of US claims about fentanyl production and trafficking.

The killing of Oseguera Cervantes, who is better known as El Mencho, may have enabled Mexicos authorities to secure a political win with Washington. But the operation should not be seen as a victory.

What often comes next when the Mexican state removes a high-profile cartel figure like El Mencho is an extended period of violence and instability inside the country.

open image in gallery El Menchos killing is the most significant intervention against the cartels since the capture of former drug lord Joaquin El Chapo Guzman in 2016 ( AP )

In my own research on criminal conflict in the Tierra Caliente region of western Mexico, I trace how earlier rounds of arrests and state killings have reshaped local criminal groups, broken alliances and created openings for new players and leaders. It was through this very cycle of state enforcement and cartel reorganisation that El Mencho rose to prominence.

El Mencho began as an operational figure linked to the Valencia cartel, an organisation based in the state of Michoacan. The group lost ground in the late 2000s following sustained pressure from the authorities. After key parts of the Valencia network were dismantled around 2010, El Mencho and other remnants of the group moved to Jalisco further north and founded the CJNG.

The conditions that allowed the CJNG to rise came from the same enforcement repertoire that the authorities have now deployed against it. This pattern matters because it undercuts a common assumption among policymakers, including in US agencies such as the Drug Enforcement Administration, that removing a boss equals dismantling a criminal market.

The removal of Mexican criminal leaders does not cause the market for drugs to vanish, nor does it cause trafficking routes to disappear. What changes is the balance of power among groups that already compete for territory, labour and access to ports, roads and local authorities.

About the author Raul Zepeda Gil is a Research Fellow in the War Studies Department, King's College London. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Studies that track the so-called kingpin strategy, the deliberate targeting of cartel leaders by law enforcement, have found that detentions and killings often trigger short-term spikes in homicides and instability in Mexico. Some work suggests that violence rises for months after a leaders removal, while other research shows that the killing of a kingpin can provoke a sharper increase than an arrest.

This happens because an affected cartel faces a sudden succession struggle and employs violence to prevent  or respond to  rivals testing the new leadership and trying to renegotiate areas of control. As criminal groups cannot use the formal court system to resolve disputes, they tend to do so through open violence or bargains enforced by coercion.

This logic of violence has already been seen following El Menchos death. Reports of cartel gunmen blocking roads, launching arson attacks and carrying out disruptions across multiple states fit a familiar script: an affected organisation signalling its capacity, punishing the state and warning local rivals not to seize the moment.

open image in gallery Carts sit outside a vandalized supermarket in Guadalajara, Jalisco state on Feb. 22, 2026 after the death of the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel El Mencho ( AP )

Even if the state contains this wave of violence, the deeper risk sits in what follows. A leadership vacuum invites internal fracture and external opportunism from rivals who have waited for an opening to test boundaries and settle scores.

The 2024 detention of Sinaloa cartel leader Ismael El Mayo Zambada, for instance, has provoked a wave of violence in Sinaloa state as different factions in the organisation battle for leadership.

US drug politics

Another cycle that keeps repeating across Latin America is that US drug politics shapes security agendas throughout the region. A surge in overdose deaths, for example, can lead to political panic in the US and the application of pressure on Latin American governments to take action, usually through militarised enforcement.

These governments respond with crackdowns, raids and high-profile captures. This is followed by rising violence as criminal organisations fragment and then, after a period of time, governments try to deescalate. The cycle starts again when concern over drug trafficking next arises in the US.

open image in gallery Citizens and tourists look on after the killing of El Mencho triggered blockades and unrest in idyllic tourist hot spots in Mexico ( Reuters )

open image in gallery The removal of Mexican criminal leaders does not cause the market for drugs to vanish, nor does it cause trafficking routes to disappear ( AFP/Getty )

Drug prohibition keeps this cycle alive by ruling out any response other than force or criminal law, while failing to produce meaningful results. Most countries have criminalised drugs. But despite governments reporting rising drug seizures each year, deaths linked to drug use globally continue to climb.

Mexicos security forces cannot end a transnational market that is financed largely by US demand, no matter how many high-profile arrests they make. Operations that result in the killing or detention of cartel figures instead redirect and reorganise the drug trade, while often intensifying violence.

If Mexico and the US want fewer cartel-related deaths, they need to stop treating kingpin killings as the main metric of success. While a high-profile strike temporarily satisfies US pressure, it is Mexican citizens who all-to-often have to live with the blowback of this approach.
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The only passenger in the car when an American citizen was shot dead by Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Texas last year has died in a separate car accident, according to a report.

Joshua Orta, 25, was in the passenger seat when his friend, Ruben Ray Martinez, 23, was shot multiple times and killed by an ICE agent on March 15, 2025, after federal authorities said he failed to comply with orders to exit his vehicle

Orta planned to share his account of the events, which contradict the governments account of the shooting, before he died in an unrelated car crash this past weekend, The New York Times reported.

Orta detailed his version of events in a written statement, which was taken in September by lawyers representing Martinezs family, for future legal proceedings.

In the statement, Orta said he and Martinez did not resist law enforcement officers and were trying to comply with their command to turn the car around when the situation escalated and Martinez was shot, the Times reported.

open image in gallery The only witness to the fatal shooting of Ruben Ray Martinez, his friend Joshua Orta (pictured), has died in an unrelated car accident, according to a report ( Rachel Reyes via AP )

He was planning to sign the statement and cooperate with investigators hired by Marintezs family before he died in a car crash on a San Antonio highway this past Saturday.

A preliminary San Antonio police report said the person behind the wheel was driving at a high rate of speed when he attempted to exit the highway and lost control of the vehicle. Ortas stepfather confirmed he was involved in the accident to the Times.

First and foremost, Joshuas death is an awful tragedy for his family and friends, and the Reyes family is grieving with them, said Alex Stamm, a lawyer for Rachel Reyes, the mother of Martinez. In terms of Rubens death, the world has also now lost a critical eyewitness.

We believe Joshuas account, and, as we have seen recently in Minneapolis, Chicago and elsewhere, it is critical that the public be shown every piece of evidence in the governments possession, and that any witness come forward, Stamm said.

When asked about the March shooting, the Department of Homeland Security said a federal agent had fatally shot a man to protect himself, his fellow agents, and the general public.

A driver of a blue Ford intentionally ran over a Homeland Security Investigation special agent resulting in him being on the hood of the vehicle. Upon witnessing this, another agent fired defensive shots to protect himself, his fellow agents, and the general public, a DHS spokesperson previously told The Independent. This incident is under active investigation by the Texas Department of Public Safety Ranger Division.

The Independent has contacted DHS for further comment on the shooting.

During the March incident, Martinez initially did not follow officers instructions to stop his vehicle, but eventually stopped after receiving verbal commands, according to internal ICE documents viewed by the Times.

open image in gallery Joshua Orta was planning to cooperate with investigators probing the death of his friend, Ruben Ray Martinez ( Reuters )

Federal agents surrounded the vehicle and ordered Martinez to get out of the car. Instead, he accelerated and hit a federal agent, who landed on the roof of the car, the document continue.

A different agent then fired multiple times through the drivers side window. Martinez was taken to a local hospital, where he later died. The familys lawyer confirmed to the Times that he was the victim mentioned in the ICE report.

However, Ortas September statement contradicted the agencys version of events. Orta wrote that they had been celebrating Martinezs 23rd birthday when they came upon the scene of a car crash.

The two friends then became concerned because they had an open container of alcohol in the car. However, when they were approached by an officer at the scene, they were told to turn around. Orta wrote in the statement that there wasnt any room to move the car as traffic was backed up due to the accident.

As we inched forward in traffic to get turned around, another officer, a state trooper, walked up to our car and slapped the hood, he wrote.

An officer seemed to be trying to get in front of the car, when the situation escalated and officers began to yell at them before drawing their guns, according to Ortas written account.

Orta said the agent fired multiple shots through the open drivers window without giving any warning, commands or opportunity to comply.

I heard Ruben say, Im sorry, and then he slumped backward, Orta added.

open image in gallery ICE protests gathered momentum around the country after the killing of Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti, both American citizens, in Minneapolis. ( AFP/Getty )

Orta wrote that he saw the officers place Martinez face down on the ground and handcuff him after he had been shot in the chest.

Ruben was unarmed, nonviolent, not fleeing and not resisting at the time he was shot. His killing was unjustified and excessive, he wrote.

The March shooting remains under investigation by the Texas Rangers. The Independent has reached out to the state agency for comment.

It was not immediately clear whether the absence of Ortas signed witness statement will impact the investigation into the shooting.

Martinezs shooting unfolded months before Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti, both American citizens, were killed by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis.
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A pregnant woman in her second trimester is among tourists trapped in Mexico as flights are grounded by a wave of cartel violence.

Canadian Meghan Mahoney, who has been on vacation in the coastal resort town of Puerto Vallarta, is one of thousands who have no idea when theyll be able to leave, and told CBC the situation was scary.

We can certainly see smoke on all sides  we're just hoping that everybody stays safe and that we can travel home shortly.

Violence and unrest have swept across some regions after Jalisco New Generation Cartel leader Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, known as El Mencho, was killed in a military operation in the western state of Jalisco on Sunday, officials said.

In the ensuing hours, videos and reports emerged of roadblocks with burning vehicles, shoot-outs and gas stations being set ablaze in allegedly retaliatory attacks.

open image in gallery Puerto Vallarta is at the centre of gang violence amid retribution for the killing of a cartel leader ( @morelifediares via Reuters )

Mahoney and her husband had been due to fly out that day, she said.

We were actually packing up to get ready to check out and head to the airport this morning, when family friends who are also staying here in a different part of the city, they let us know that there are some fires around and to stay put if we could.

They decided to shelter in their Airbnb; her husband planned to go shopping at a nearby convenience store, but their host strongly advised against it.

And that was fortunate because that convenience store was actually burned, just down the road from us, about an hour later, Mahoney said.

Also trapped in Puerto Vallarta was Eugene Marchenko, 37, of Charleston, South Carolina, who told Fox News he woke up to blaring horns and cars ablaze not far from his balcony.

open image in gallery Tourists watch from a distance as smoke billows across Puerto Vallarta ( Reuters )

"I looked down and they're completely engulfed in flames," Marchenko said. "It was six cars in total that burned and one fuel tanker."

Marchenko described a video from a neighbour in which men he believed were cartel members forced people out of their vehicles.

"They told the people to leave," Marchenko said. "Then they were taking the gas and pouring the gas on the vehicle and waiting until everybody was clear before they were setting it on fire."

Dallas resident Adryan Moorefield, who was also supposed to travel home from Puerto Vallarta on Sunday, told CNN that the violence had been a complete shocker.

Weve been to PV before and thought that this would be a no-brainer place to come and do a quick, easy beach vacation, he said.

Katy Holloman, of El Dorado Hills, California, was already on her way to the airport on Sunday when she was suddenly told to shelter in place at her Puerto Vallarta hotel.

open image in gallery ( Reuters )

The road is closed due to the cartel, she told the New York Post. Theres no flights going out of the airport to the States. Weve rescheduled them for tomorrow afternoon, really hoping we make it home.

Those who did make it as far as the airport on Sunday morning werent able to fly out, with tourists locked down in the terminal and surviving off of granola bars, traveller Adriana Belli told Fox News.

Another tourist told Fox News that he and his wife, travelling away from their 4-year-old son for the first time, had called home to tell them the news.

"I had to call my mom today and, you know, just tell her, Look, here's where my will is. We just created this. I don't want you to panic, but I may need you to stay a couple days extra with my son."

The U.S. Department of State Consular Affairs has urged Americans in several parts of Mexico to shelter in place due to ongoing security operations and related road blockages and criminal activity, according to the agency.

Regions under the advisory include the states of Jalisco, Tamaulipas, Michoacan, Guerrero and Nuevo Leon.
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The United States has ordered nonessential diplomats and their family members at the U.S. Embassy in Beirut to leave Lebanon as tensions over Iran rise with the threat of a potentially imminent military strike.

The State Department said Monday in an updated travel alert for U.S. citizens in Lebanon that it ordered the departure of non-emergency U.S. government personnel and family members of government personnel due to the security situation in Beirut.

The alert, which was formally released several hours after word began to circulate about the move, said U.S. personnel remaining in Lebanon would have their in-country travel restricted.

A department official said earlier that a continuous assessment of the regional security environment determined it was prudent to draw down the U.S. Embassy Beirut's footprint so that only essential personnel remain at their posts.

Lebanon has been the site of numerous Iran-related retaliatory attacks against U.S. facilities ( Getty Images )

The official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity before the move was formally announced, said that it is a temporary measure and that the embassy will remain operational.

Lebanon has been the site of numerous Iran-related retaliatory attacks against U.S. facilities, interests and personnel for decades given Tehran's support for and influence with the Hezbollah militant group, which is held responsible for the deadly bombings of the Marine barracks in Beirut in 1983 and an embassy annex in 1984.

As such, changes in the staffing status of the embassy in Beirut have often been seen as a bellwether for potential U.S. or Israeli military action in the region, particularly against Iran. A similar ordered departure was imposed for Beirut and other embassies in the region, including in Iraq, shortly before President Donald Trump ordered military strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities last June.

It was unclear if other American embassies in the Middle East would implement similar orders.

Tensions have escalated between the U.S. and Iran as Trump has built up the largest military presence in the Middle East in decades and repeatedly threatened action if Tehran does not negotiate a deal to constrain its nuclear program. A second aircraft carrier is heading to the region to join a surge of other American warships and aircraft, offering the Republican president several options for a potential strike even as talks may continue.

Omans foreign minister, Badr al-Busaidi, said the U.S. and Iran plan to hold their next round of nuclear talks Thursday in Geneva. A U.S. official, who was not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on the condition of anonymity, confirmed the meeting.

Irans top diplomat, Abbas Araghchi, told CBS Sunday that he expected to meet U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff then and said a good chance remained for a diplomatic solution on the nuclear issue.

Araghchi has said a proposed deal would be ready to share within days, and he told CBS that Iran was still working on it.

Asked Friday whether the U.S. could take limited military action as the countries negotiate, Trump said, I guess I can say I am considering that. He also told reporters later that Iran better negotiate a fair deal.

Indirect talks between the longtime adversaries in recent weeks have made little visible progress. Beyond the nuclear program, 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 second State Department official, also speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss plans that had not been formally announced, said Secretary of State Marco Rubio may delay his intended visit to Israel this weekend.
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Activist and outside Trump adviser Laura Loomer is calling on the president and his administration to crack down on fellow right-wing media personality Tucker Carlson, amid her ongoing feud with the former Fox News host over his views on Israel.

Everybody needs to be pressuring the White House to issue a statement condemning Tucker Carlson this week, Loomer wrote on X on Monday. His efforts to derail the GOP and his nonstop sabotage of President Trump must end.

Loomer also claimed Carlson, who has opposed U.S.-backed efforts to battle with Iran, is lobbying for the country and called on the attorney general to force him to register under a lobbying law, the Foreign Agents Registration Act.

Tucker attempting to lobby for Iran at the White House!!!! Loomer wrote. When will Pam Bondi force Tucker to register with FARA???? How is this not a national security threat?

Elsewhere in the flurry of messages, Loomer claimed Carlson was spreading poisonous Jew hatred and mocked the host as Tucker Qatarlson, following his recent visit to the Gulf nation.

open image in gallery Far-right activist Laura Loomer is calling on the Trump administration to condemn Tucker Carlson, after the podcaster conducted a hostile interview about Israel ( AFP/Getty )

The Independent has contacted the White House, the Justice Department, and Carlson for comment.

Loomers outrage comes the same day that Carlson was reportedly visiting the White House, according to Punchbowl News.

At the weekend, Carlson angered portions of the MAGA movement over a highly adversarial interview with U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee.

During the interview, Carlson, who has been critical of U.S. support for Israel and the war in Gaza, pressed Huckabee about why the U.S. was supporting its longtime ally. He also questioned Jewish Israelis claims to sovereignty over Israel, given that many modern Jewish residents descend from people who immigrated to the land from Europe during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

The interview further exacerbated a growing split on the on the right surrounding Israel. Some claim embracing Trumps MAGA principles means focusing on a more isolationist U.S. foreign policy and cutting ties with Israel, while others charge that figures like Carlson have veered into antisemitism amid their criticism of Israel.

In the Huckabee interview, Carlson claimed to hate antisemitism and said he wishes no harm to Israel.

open image in gallery Carlson is becoming an increasingly divisive figure on the political right, and he faced widespread condemnation for a friendly interview with Holocaust denier Nick Fuentes ( Rumble )

In recent months, Carlsons show has interviewed a variety of far-right figures including Holocaust denier Nick Fuentes.

Trump has reportedly been urging Carlson since January to end his feud with the pro-Israel wing of the MAGA movement.

The Huckabee interview also generated other major news.

During the conversation, the Trump official said he would be fine if Israel took over more nearby territory, angering regional diplomats.

Jordans Foreign Ministry spokesman, Fuad al-Majali, told The Washington Post the comments were an assault on the sovereignty of the countries of the region, and a flagrant breach of international law.

The wrangling over Trumps Middle East policy comes as the U.S. military is ramping up preparations for a potential attack on Iran to force it to give up its nuclear program, while negotiators from the U.S. and Iran will meet Thursday in Geneva.
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Republican Congresswomen Lauren Boebert and Nancy Mace are demanding that their colleague, Rep. Tony Gonzales, resign amid recent reports that allege the congressman sent provocative text messages to a former staffer with whom he had an affair before the staffer died by suicide.

For months, Gonzales, 45, has been embroiled in a scandal around the death of Regina Ann Santos-Aviles, his former staffer, who claimed to have an affair with the congressman. Santos-Aviles, 35, died by suicide in September 2025.

Gonzales has declined to comment on the affair allegations. But text messages, obtained and published by the San Antonio Express-News, renewed attention to the situation.

The allegations against Congressman Tony Gonzales are deeply disturbing: a sitting Member of Congress accused of soliciting explicit photos from a staffer and subjecting her to graphic sexual texts. This is an abuse of power, Mace wrote in a statement Monday.

The messages from May 2024 show the Texas Republican asked Santos-Aviles to send me a sexy pic and continued asking for one despite her apprehensiveness. In other messages, Gonzales asked Santos-Aviles provocative questions about sexual intercourse. Santos-Aviles texted Gonzales that he was taking things too far twice.

open image in gallery Republican Rep. Tony Gonzalez is facing calls to step down from his position or drop out of the upcoming race as he becomes embroiled in a scandal involving a former staffer ( Getty Images )

The Independent has asked Gonzaless office for comment.

In a statement last week, Gonzales told the New York Times that Santos-Aviles was a kind soul who devoted her life to making the community a better place. However, he added that he would not comment on the affair allegations, calling them personal smears.

RESIGN! Boebert wrote to Gonzales on X.

Florida Rep. Anna Paulina Luna and Texas Rep. Brandon Gill also called on Gonzales to give up his seat.

America deserves better. Tony should drop out of the race, Gill wrote on X.

The new text messages, which were authenticated by the widower of Santos-Aviles to the San Antonio Express-News, are being circulated as Gonzales is preparing to fight for his seat in the House.

open image in gallery Regina Santos-Aviles, a Texas congressional aide, claimed to be having an affair with her boss, Tony Gonzales, roughly five months before she died ( Regina Santos-Aviles/Facbook )

Gonzales is up against Brandon Herrera, a 30-year-old YouTuber and firearm manufacturer who narrowly lost to Gonzales in the 2024 Republican primaries. The race was expected to be close again.

But pressure is now mounting on Gonzales to step down.

Earlier this month, a former staffer to Gonzales shared text messages from April 2025 in which Santos-Aviles claimed to have had an affair with the Republican congressman the year prior.

At the time of the alleged affair, Gonzales was running for re-election in Texass 23rd district, which encompasses parts of San Antonio and El Paso near the U.S.-Mexico border. Gonzales is married and a father to six children.

Santos-Aviles, who was also married and the mother of a young boy, was serving as Gonzaless director of his regional district in Uvalde.

The former staffer told the NYT that the affair between Gonzales and Santos-Aviles ended in mid-2024. Bobby Barrera, a lawyer for the windower of Santos-Aviles, corroborated to NYT that she admitted to her husband she had been having an affair with Gonazales for a month.

If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org to access online chat from the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you. In the UK, people having mental health crises can contact the Samaritans at 116 123 or jo@samaritans.org
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President Trump lashed out at Democrats with false claims of election fraud and accused foreign nations of sending undesirable people to the United States as he signed a proclamation honoring the families of Americans killed by immigrants by declaring Monday Angel Family Day in an effort to rally his anti-immigrant base and revive public support for his deeply unpopular immigration crackdown.

Trump, who lost the 2020 election to Joe Biden, stood in the East Room and claimed his loss was the result of that years contest being run by crooked people as he linked Bidens victory to the deaths of audience members loved ones.

Every one of your loved ones would be alive today, everyone in this room. I think every maybe there's one where could have sneaked through during our term, but I don't think so, he said.

He also accused Democrats of being professional cheaters and compared his 2020 loss to the suffering of crime victims families, telling attendees: We've suffered through it together.

I suffer for the country, he said.

Trump claimed that the Biden administration had allowed 25 million people ... to come into our country totally unchecked, totally unvetted.

They destroyed your lives, he added.

Trump also invited several members of so-called Angel Families to speak, with some offering effusive praise as they each thanked him for his hardline anti-immigrant policies. The families all lost loved ones allegedly at the hands of migrants who had been in trouble with law enforcement previously.

open image in gallery The Laken Riley Act was the first bill signed by President Trump during his second term. He spent Monday honoring angel families who had loved ones killed by migrants ( Evan Vucci/AP )

Steve Ronnebeck, whose son Grant was killed while working behind the counter of a convenience store in Arizona, repeatedly professed love for both the country and the president as he declared that their opposition to immigration is based on the desire to prevent crime rather than racism.

Americans are not racist. We're not xenophobic because we want to a safe America and we want to put Americans first. This man [Trump] is not racist because he wants to put Americans first, he said.

I love America. I love Donald Trump, I love my family, and by gosh, I love America, he added before turning to Trump and calling him the man.

For his part, Trump claimed to be defending American lives and for every angel family with his policies, which according to recent polls are opposed by increasingly large majorities of Americans in the wake of the shooting deaths of two protesters in Minneapolis in recent weeks.

Trump also suggested  without offering evidence  that immigration to the United States during the last administration was driven by foreign leaders deliberately sending criminals and mentally ill people to cross into the U.S.

If you're running a country, you want to send your bad people out. That was the way I looked at it, he said.

The presidents anti-immigration proclamation comes a day before he delivers his State of the Union address, where he is once again expected to address the border and his ongoing plan to boot undocumented migrants from the country.

Trump told attendees in the East Room that the country is doing well now and suggested hed use the primetime address to boast about the economy even though many Americans are unsatisfied with his performance on that issue thus far.

We have the greatest economy we've ever had. We have the most activity we've ever had. I'm making a speech tomorrow night, and you'll be hearing me say that. I mean, it's, it's going to be a long speech, because we have so much to talk about, he said.

The date of todays event was chosen in memory of Laken Riley, a 22-year-old college student murdered by an undocumented migrant on February 22, 2024.

Trump and Republicans have long used Rileys death to drive home their message about the supposed dangers posed by unchecked immigration. The Laken Riley Act was the first bill signed by the president during his second term, requiring the Department of Homeland Security to detain non-U.S. nationals who have been arrested for burglary, theft, larceny or shoplifting.

open image in gallery Laken Riley, a 22-year-old college student, was murdered by an undocumented migrant on February 22, 2024. ( Supplied )

Then-Rep. Marjorie Taylor-Greene attended then-President Joe Bidens final State of the Union address in 2024 wearing a red MAGA hat and a shirt that said "Say Her Name," referencing the 22-year-old nursing student.

Rileys mother, Allyson Phillips, who attended Trumps State of the Union address last year, was in attendance in the East Room Monday and thanked Trump for his hardline immigration policies.

You are doing a thankless job that most people just wouldn't do, and I just can't thank you enough, she said.

Also in attendance was Patty Morin, the mother of Rachel Morin, who was killed by an undocumented El Salvadoran man while hiking in 2023; and Tammy Nobles, the mother of Kayla Hamilton, who was raped and murdered by an El Salvadoran teen in 2022.

President Trump is proud to have delivered accountability for Angel Families by ushering in the most secure border in history, deporting the criminal illegal aliens let into our country by prior Administrations, and upholding the rule of law by strongly enforcing our immigration laws, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told the newspaper in a statement.

The first bill President Trump signed into law was the Laken Riley Act to prevent these senseless tragedies from happening again and to keep innocent American citizens safe. The president and our nation will join Angel Families in honoring the memory of these amazing men and women.

The president has repeatedly turned to crimes committed by undocumented migrants to justify and deflect from his immigration crackdown, which has caused chaos as federal officers attempt to detain anyone they suspect may not have legal status.

However, in their attempts to safeguard the nation, those federal officers have themselves caused multiple injuries and deaths, with American citizens Renee Good and Alex Pretti gunned down by immigration enforcers during protests in Minneapolis.

open image in gallery The Minneapolis killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti sparked national outrage, with two thirds of Americans believing ICE should be reformed or abolished. ( Octavio Jones/AFP via Getty Images )

Last week, it was revealed that months earlier, another American citizen, Ruben Ray Martinez, had been shot dead by Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers during a traffic stop in Texas.

Support for President Trumps immigration policy has collapsed in recent months, with figures from last Tuesdays Reuters/Ipsos poll showing only a third of Americans think hes handling it well.

That polling was in line with other results, including a February Quinnipiac survey, in which 63 per cent of American voters disapproved of the way ICE was enforcing immigration laws, while just 34 per cent approved.

Almost three-quarters of Americans want to see ICE either reformed or abolished, according to additional polling from the NBC News Decision Desk earlier this month.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Border Czar Tom Homan, two top enforcers of the immigration crackdown, were also in attendance at the White House on Monday.
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Three Senate Democrats are calling for the government to start refunding roughly $175 billion in tariff revenues after the Supreme Courts bombshell ruling striking down President Donald Trumps tariffs.

Sens. Ron Wyden of Oregon, Ed Markey of Massachusetts and Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire are unveiling a bill Monday that would require U.S. Customs and Border Protection to issue refunds over the course of 180 days and pay interest on the refunded amount.

The measure would prioritize refunds for small businesses and encourages importers, wholesalers and large companies to pass the refunds on to their customers.

Trumps illegal tax scheme has already done lasting damage to American families, small businesses and manufacturers who have been hammered by wave after wave of new Trump tariffs, said Wyden.

He said the crucial first step to fixing the problem begins with putting money back in the pockets of small businesses and manufacturers as soon as possible.

open image in gallery Trump called the decision incorrect and said he was ashamed of the justices who ruled against him ( Getty Images )

The bill is unlikely to become law, but it reveals how Democrats are starting to apply public pressure on a Trump administration that has shown little interest in trying to return tariff revenues after the Supreme Court announced its 6-3 ruling on Friday.

Because of the ruling, going into November's midterm elections for control of Congress, Democrats have begun telling the public that Trump illegally raised taxes and now refuses to repay the money back to the American people.

Shaheen said that repairing any of the damage caused by the tariffs in the form of higher prices starts with President Trump refunding the illegally collected tariff taxes that Americans were forced to pay. Markey stressed that small business tend to have little to no resources" and a refund process can be extremely difficult and time consuming for companies.

The Trump administration has asserted that its hands are tied, because any refunds should be the responsibility of further litigation in court.

That message could put Republicans on the defensive as they try to explain why the government isnt proactively seeking to return the money. GOP lawmakers had planned to try to preserve their House and Senate majorities by running on the income tax cuts that Trump signed into law last year, saying that tax refunds this year would help families.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told CNN Sunday that it's bad framing to raise the question of refunds because the Supreme Court ruling did not address the issue. The administration's position is that any refunds will be decided by lawsuits winding their way through the legal system, rather than by a president who has repeatedly stressed to voters that he has the ability to act with speed and resolve.

open image in gallery A 40-foot-long banner, depicting a purchase receipt, is displayed by the progressive organization MoveOn to protest against Trump's tariffs in Los Angeles on December 12, 2025 ( AFP via Getty Images )

It is not up to the administration  it is up to the lower court, Bessent said, stressing that rather than offer any guidance he would wait for a court opinion on refunds.

Trump has defended his use of the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act to impose broad tariffs on almost every U.S. trading partner, saying that his ability to levy taxes on imports had helped to end military conflicts, bring in new federal revenues and apply pressure for negotiating trade frameworks.

The University of Pennsylvanias Penn Wharton Budget Model released estimates that the refunds would total $175 billion. Thats the equivalent of an average of $1,300 per U.S. household.

But determining how to structure reimbursements would be tricky, as the costs of the tariffs flowed through the economy in the form of customers paying the taxes directly as well as importers passing along the cost either indirectly or absorbing them.

The president has previously claimed that refunds would drive up U.S. government debt and hurt the economy. On Friday, he told reporters at a briefing that the refund process could be finished after he leaves the White House.

I guess it has to get litigated for the next two years, Trump said, later amending his timeline by saying: Well end up being in court for the next five years.
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The Trump administration will stop collecting tariffs imposed on international goods later this week, after the presidents sweeping levies were declared illegal by the Supreme Court last week.

Import fees imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act will no longer be in effect and will no longer be collected on or after 12:00 a.m. eastern time on February 24, 2026, U.S. Customs and Border Protection said.

Trump described the Friday decision by the Supreme Court as deeply disappointing and said he was absolutely ashamed of the Republican appointees whod failed to back his prized policy, and continued to rage against the decision Monday morning.

As President, I do not have to go back to Congress to get approval of Tariffs, he wrote on Truth Social. It has already been gotten, in many forms, a long time ago! They were also just reaffirmed by the ridiculous and poorly crafted supreme court decision!

open image in gallery The Trump administration will stop collecting tariffs imposed on international goods later this week, after the presidents sweeping levies were declared illegal by the Supreme Court ( PA Wire )

In a separate post he added: Any Country that wants to play games with the ridiculous supreme court decision, especially those that have Ripped Off the U.S.A. for years, and even decades, will be met with a much higher Tariff, and worse, than that which they just recently agreed to. BUYER BEWARE!!!

Earlier, the president said he would not be using capital letters to refer to the Supreme Court in post for a while, and suggested he could still do terrible things to foreign countries.

The supreme court (will be using lower case letters for a while based on a complete lack of respect!) of the United States accidentally and unwittingly gave me, as President of the United States, far more powers and strength than I had prior to their ridiculous, dumb, and very internationally divisive ruling, Trump fumed.

For one thing, I can use Licenses to do absolutely terrible things to foreign countries, especially those countries that have been RIPPING US OFF for many decades, but incomprehensibly, according to the ruling, cant charge them a License fee - BUT ALL LICENSES CHARGE FEES, why cant the United States do so?

open image in gallery On Friday, the Supreme Court ruled that many of Trumps tariffs were illegal in a blow to the presidents agenda ( Getty Images )

In its 6-3 decision, the nations conservative-leaning high court determined that Trumps global levies were unlawfully imposed under a 1977 law. However, his industry specific tariffs will remain in place.

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.

The economic impact of the courts decision is likely to be significant, though may also take months to be noticeable. It may also require the federal government to refund billions of dollars already collected due to the tariffs.

The Supreme Court did not offer clear guidance about the refund process. But companies that had to pay tariffs may be able to seek compensation from the Treasury Department.
News / National

by Staff reporter

The Harare City Council on Monday deployed a joint team of Zimbabwe Republic Police traffic officers and municipal police in a targeted operation aimed at restoring order in the capital's central business district (CBD).The early morning blitz followed reports that commuter omnibuses were using First Street Mall to evade arrest while illegally picking up and dropping off passengers.The operation swept through key points in the city centre, including Market Square and major bus termini, as authorities intensified efforts to enforce municipal by-laws and reclaim public spaces from illegal transport operators.Harare City Council Chamber Secretary Advocate Warren Chiwawa confirmed the joint deployment, describing it as part of routine but heightened enforcement measures designed to improve safety and restore order."We are targeting hotspots. It is true that we regularly embark on joint enforcement exercises between Harare Traffic and Harare Municipal Police so that we ensure that public safety is prioritised," he said.The council has in recent weeks stepped up operations against errant kombi crews and illegal "mushikashika" operators, amid growing concerns over congestion, disorder and safety risks in the CBD.
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The Trump Organization is set to construct its fir tower in Australia, a colossal A$1.5 billion ($1.06 billion) development that its creators anticipate will become the nation's tallest building.

Planned for the Gold Coast, a popular coastal destination in Queensland, the 91-storey skyscraper will rise in Surfers Paradise.

Local property developer Altus Property Group confirmed the project will feature a "six-star resort-hotel", 270 luxury apartments, retail outlets, a beach club, and a swimming pool.

"Australias tallest building will be a Trump Tower, right in the middle of Surfers Paradise  its great for Queensland tourism, and fantastic for Australia," the company stated.

They added: "It wont have a Four Seasons or Ritz Carlton brand above the front door, but it will say Trump. And that means it is a no-expense-spared, highest-possible-quality building  the best in the world."

The Trump Hotels website has verified that this venture marks the brand's debut for a hotel in Australia.

open image in gallery The Trump Organisation has agreed a deal with Queensland housing estate developer Altus Property Group to deliver the first Trump-branded tower in Australia ( Altus Property Group )

"Set to become Australias tallest tower, this landmark address redefines beachfront sophistication with world-class amenities, iconic design, and uninterrupted Gold Coast views," it said.

Altus CEO David Young said he had been pursuing the development for nearly 20 years, cold-calling Ivanka Trump in 2007 to pitch a Trump resort as "Australias finest tourism property".

He added: Importantly, the building is Australian-owned and Australian-built. It is an Altus subsidiary, Altus Resorts Pty Ltd, that makes the decisions on the fit-out, within the Trump design requirements.

It will be an Australian, not American, project. It wont have a Four Seasons or Ritz Carlton brand above the front door, but it will say Trump.

That means it is a no-expense-spared, highest possible quality building  the best in the world.

open image in gallery The 91-storey Trump Tower is planned for the Gold Coast, a popular seaside destination in Australias Queensland state ( Altus Property Group )

Young said the final agreement was signed with the Trump Organization at the Mar-a-Lago resort on 14 February. The company was now "deeply into a process of design, engineering, construction and fit-out".

He said the building would be Australian-owned and Australian-built in line with the Trump companys design requirements.

Prices for the tower's apartments were likely to start at A$5 million, he said.

A company spokesperson said at least 500 people will be employed during construction, and at least another 500 once completed.
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Authorities in Russia recovered the bodies of seven Chinese tourists and one Russian driver who died after their mini-bus fell into the worlds deepest lake.

One of the Chinese tourists managed to escape from the bus which was crossing the frozen Lake Baikal on Friday, Irkutsk regional governor Igor Kobzev said over the weekend. Mr Kobzev later offered his "deepest condolences to the families and friends of the victims".

The bus plunged into a 3m-wide ice crevasse, Russias emergencies ministry reported. The lake is 18m deep at the site of the accident, it said. The ministry said rescuers used underwater cameras before embarking on a diving operation.

The regional prosecutors office said a criminal probe had been opened. The Irkutsk tourism office reported on Saturday that the bus tour had been run by an unregistered operator.

The governor said all the Chinese tourists, including a 14-year-old, had travelled independently. "I would like to remind you once again that going out onto Lake Baikal's ice is not just prohibited right now. It's mortally dangerous," he said.

He later claimed that the "tragedy hasn't taught people a lesson" as Russian authorities had to rescue at least six people trapped in their carsin two separate incidents on Friday and Saturday.

Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov sent condolences to his Chinese counterpart, according to an online statement published on Saturday on the ministrys website.

Chinese tourists flock to Lake Baikal this time of year to skate, bike, hike, run, drive, hover and ski over a stark expanse of ice and snow ( Stanislav Krasilnikov/TASS )

According to the statement, Mr Lavrov told Wang Yi that Russian authorities are conducting a full investigation and expressed hope that the accident will not negatively impact the positive dynamics of bilateral tourism".

Lake Baikal, the worlds deepest freshwater lake, is one of Russias key tourism attractions. Numbers of Chinese visitors to the country soared in recent years amid political rapprochement between the two neighbours and "no limits" strategic partnership declared last year, while a mutual visa-free travel regime has been introduced.

Chinese tourists flock to the Unesco World Heritage Site this time of year to skate, bike, hike, run, drive, hover and ski over a stark expanse of ice and snow.

Known as the blue eye of Siberia, it is considered one of the natural wonders of the world and holds about 20 per cent of the world's unfrozen freshwater, which is kept crystal clear by tiny, filter-feeding shrimps known as epishura.

In winter, when the lake's surface is frozen, it is possible to see 40ft down into the lake.

Baikal supports more than 2,500 species of animals and plants, and 80 per cent of its animal life is endemic  including the mysterious Baikal freshwater seal which has lived on the land-locked lake for many thousands of years despite being hundreds of miles from the nearest coast.

The lake is currently threatened by pollution, poaching and development, per the WWF, which cited industrial pollution, mining activities, and agricultural runoff among the specific threats currently endangering Lake Baikal.

In 2019, an overflowing river in Baikal has affected a former pulp and paper mill close to the lake, prompting fears toxic chemicals could be swept into the pristine freshwaters, The Siberian Times reported at the time. The pollution danger came from untreated waste stored at the facility built in the Soviet era.
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Volodymyr Zelensky declared on the eve of the fourth anniversary of the war in Ukraine that World War Three had already begun.

His statement reflected the increasingly global nature of Russias war, which has seen troops from countries across the world brought in to either bolster Vladimir Putins aggression or support Ukraines resistance.

Since February 2022, around 55,000 Ukrainians have been killed in bitter fighting on the frontlines, according to Ukrainian estimates. Russia has suffered an estimated 1.2 million casualties, including at least 325,000 deaths, according to recent analysis.

Some 20,000 men from overseas are now estimated to have joined Russias invasion. Many have been falsely sold the promise of lucrative employment away from the frontlines. Ukraine has offered professional soldiers fixed contracts paying rates higher than what they could earn at home.

Moscow has used foreign troops to alleviate the strain on its forces and, crucially, delay another round of politically contentious mobilisation  a move likely to spark public anger.

Ahead of the fourth anniversary of the conflict, The Independent looks at some of the countries dragged into Russias war in Ukraine.

North Korea

North Korea assumed a major role in the conflict in support of Russia in late 2024, helping to set back a bold Ukrainian counteroffensive into Russian-held territory.

The first reports of North Koreans training in Russia came in the weeks after emboldened Ukrainian forces launched a summer offensive into Russias Kursk region. Pyongyang would commit some 17,000 troops to Russia in total, according to recent British estimates.

open image in gallery A North Korean Soldier fighting for Russia in Ukraine, according to a video shared by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine ( Office of the President of Ukraine )

Most of the soldiers came from North Koreas elite Storm Corps, which are trained for infiltration and sabotage operations. They remained in Kursk to help Russia recover control of its own region before mostly withdrawing.

The UK Ministry of Defence assessed in June that Pyongyang had likely sustained more than 6,000 casualties fighting Ukraine  a little over a third of its forces.

Emil Kastehelmi, military analyst and cofounder of the Finland-based open-source intelligence collective Black Bird Group, told The Independent that after fighting in Kursk, theyve taken a less active role against Ukrainians.

He said that while multiple brigades were used in Kursk, no such force has since been transferred to Donetsk, the region of eastern Ukraine sought by Putin.

North Korea has been fighting its own propaganda war at home, glorifying the troops sent to Kursk with a new memorial complex and a housing district set aside for the families of slain soldiers. Analysis say such treatment is aimed at curbing public discontent.

Kenya

Harrowing footage showing the abuse of African soldiers by Russian troops sparked outrage late last year.

Francis Ndungu Ndarua, 35, from Kenya, was filmed in viral footage with a land mine strapped to his chest as a Russian speaker hurled racial slurs at him and said he would be used as a can opener to assault Ukrainian positions.

open image in gallery Relatives of Kenyans believed to be fighting for Russia in Ukraine ( Reuters )

Anne Ndarua, his mother, told CNN that Francis had gone to Russia to become an electrical engineer. She was surprised to learn he was being forced into military training, and says he was sent to the front after just three weeks.

Families have petitioned for the Kenyan government to act in recent weeks as soldiers began to return home, recounting how they were lured in by lucrative job offers only to be sent to Ukraine.

A Kenyan intelligence report found this month that around 1,000 Kenyans have been recruited to fight in Ukraine so far. Nearly 90 were on the frontlines this month, while one has died and several have come home injured or traumatised, the National Intelligence Service (NIS) said in its report. The government has recently tried to ban the conscription of Kenyan soldiers.

They sometimes may not fully understand what is the battlefield they are entering, Mr Kastehelmi said, adding: Russians probably can pay better and they may have also more effective recruiting networks.

Colombia

Both Russia and Ukraine have recruited soldiers from Latin America to fill in their ranks.

Colombian veterans are considered among the most valuable foreign fighters, arriving hardened from a decades-long civil war, and familiar with Western equipment.

open image in gallery In December, a Russian-backed court in Donetsk sentenced Colombian national Oscar Mauricio Blanco Lopez to 19 years in jail for fighting for Ukraine ( Russian Prosecutor General's office )

Mario Uruena-Sanchez, a security expert at Rosario University in Bogota, told The Economist that casualty rates remain high as Colombians arrive to meet a very different conflict from the one at home.

In Colombia, you can patrol for six months and there isnt as much risk involved, a Colombian Army veteran now fighting in Ukraine told El Tiempo. Here, with every entry (into combat) you know you might not come back or you might come back wounded.

Figures vary, and recruitment is often informal, but it is estimated that between 3,000 and 7,000 Colombians have fought in Ukraine, on both sides, since 2022.

In 2024, Colombian fighters were offered between $3,000 (2,219) to $4,000 (2,967) per month to join existing Ukrainian units on six-month contracts, according to CEPA.

India

More than 200 Indians have been recruited into the Russian armed forces since the invasion, Indias foreign ministry reported in December, amid rising concern about citizens being lured into the military.

At least 26 people were said to have been killed and seven were still missing at the time of the report.

open image in gallery Caesar, a 50-year-old Russian who joined the Freedom of Russia Legion to fight for Ukraine, stands in front of a destroyed monastery in Dolyna, Ukraine, in December 2022 ( AFP/Getty )

Dozens of families gathered in New Delhi in November to call on authorities to bring their relatives home, as they too heard that they had been duped into travelling to Russia for paid work only to be forced into military roles.

Among Indias casualties are Ajay Godara, 22, and Rakesh Kumar Maurya, 30, who had travelled to Russia separately on student visas, before taking up non-combat roles as cleaners and helpers, according to their families. Their bodies were returned to their families last year.

British defence minister John Healey said this month that Russias military is increasingly reliant on foreign fighters as losses mount faster than Moscow can replenish its frontlines.

These troops are often recruited under false pretences and press-ganged under pressure without necessarily realising that theyre destined for the Russian meat machine on the front line of Ukraine, he said.
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Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen has rejected an offer from Donald Trump to send a hospital ship to the autonomous Danish territory, which the US president has previously expressed a desire to acquire.

Mr Nielsen stated on Sunday, "no thanks," in response to the proposal. The offer came after Mr Trump announced on social media on Saturday that he was collaborating with Louisiana Governor and special envoy to Greenland, Jeff Landry, to dispatch a hospital boat.

"President Trump's 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 said in a post on Facebook.

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 Trump's threats against the Arctic territory.

open image in gallery Trump claims his push for Greenland is rooted in 'national security' concerns ( Jonathan Nackstrand/AFP via Getty Images )

Trump's post on the ship 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 Greenlandic waters, seven nautical miles outside of Greenland's capital, Nuuk. It was unclear if the post had any connection to the evacuation.

Denmark's military conducted the urgent medical evacuation of a United States submarine crew member off the coast of Greenland.

The operation, confirmed by the Danish Joint Arctic Command on its Facebook page, took place on Saturday about seven nautical miles (13 kilometres) from Nuuk, the capital of the vast, ice-covered island.

A Danish Seahawk helicopter, deployed from an inspection ship, retrieved the individual.

The crew member was subsequently transferred to a hospital in Nuuk for urgent medical treatment.

The historically strong bilateral ties forged after World War II between Nato allies Denmark and the United States have come under severe strain in recent months.

Trump has ratcheted up talk of a possible US takeover of the mineral-rich and strategically located Arctic island, while Greenlanders have repeatedly said that the territory is not for sale.
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Slovakia on Monday escalated a dispute with Ukraine over oil deliveries by halting emergency electricity supplies to the country suffering from daily blackouts caused by Russias bombardment of power plants and transmission lines.

Russian oil shipments to Slovakia and Hungary 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.

The two most pro-Russian countries in the European Union blamed Ukraine for deliberately holding back the oil shipments. They received a temporary exemption from an EU policy prohibiting imports of Russian oil.

Populist Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico said Monday's decision was taken after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy declined to discuss the issue with him until after Wednesday.

Given the seriousness of the situation and the declared state of oil emergency in Slovakia, we are forced to take the first reciprocal measure immediately. It will be lifted immediately after the resumption of oil transit to Slovakia, Fico said in a statement.

As of today, if the Ukrainian side turns to Slovakia with a request for assistance in stabilizing the Ukrainian energy network, it will not receive such assistance, he said.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha called on both countries to engage in constructive cooperation and responsible behavior.

The Slovak opposition condemned the decision.

Fico threatened to take further measures if the shipments dont resume, including ending support for Ukraines aspiration to become an EU member.

Slovakia and Hungary have challenged Ukraine, claiming the Druzhba pipeline was ready to transport oil, without giving evidence.

Our intelligence services report that the oil pipeline in Ukraine is functional, Fico said. Our ambassador to Kyiv has not yet been allowed to visit the part of the oil pipeline that the Ukrainian side claims is damaged.

The Slovak leader asserted that stopping oil deliveries was a purely political decision with the aim of blackmailing Slovakia because its views of the Russian war against Ukraine differ from Europes mainstream.

___

This version corrects to say Fico said Zelenskyy declined to discuss the issue with him until after Wednesday, not until Wednesday.
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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.
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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I could hear the take-off detonation being filmed live and broadcast around the world in my earpiece, along with my TV colleagues report of the Russian attack. It was the morning that Vladimir Putin ordered a full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Standing in the pre-dawn freeze on a terrace overlooking Kharkivs Freedom Square four years ago, it was less than a minute before I was reporting on those rockets when they exploded on impact.

The skyline bulged orange, then came the concussive thump, then the cracks of the rockets exploding. Theyd been fired from Russia into Ukraines second-biggest city.

open image in gallery A survivor of an airstrike on an apartment complex outside Kharkiv in February 2022 ( Getty )

The BM-30 Smerch were among the worst. They scattered cluster bombs, spattering the city with deadly golden balls. BM-212 Grads, the old-fashioned Stalins Organ multiple rocket launchers, were terrifying too.

They screeched from the sky in swarms, landing like spears on residential areas, killing and burning ahead of the advancing Russian infantry.

Over the next couple of days, Russian troops stormed north from Crimea towards Kherson, and soon beyond. They blasted out of Donetsk and turned up on the streets of Kharkiv.

I could hear the sounds of firefights, machine guns screaming like chainsaws, and the crash of rocket-propelled grenades. The assumption was that the Russians would capture this city  and the capital  in a few days. That assumption got a lot of Russians killed.

We heard of a reconnaissance group that had wandered closer to Freedom Square and been ambushed by local police with RPGs and rifles. A Russian soldier fell from his vehicle on fire. A group of babushkas (grannies), almost certainly Russian-speakers, rushed up to the burning man. They beat him to death with broomsticks.

That was a metaphor for Ukraines defence of itself.

open image in gallery Smoke rises from a military airport in Chuguyev on the first day of Putins invasion ( AFP/Getty )

Having first been invaded by Putin in 2014, Crimea was captured. Back then, Ukraines allies reneged on security guarantees that had been afforded to the young democracy, and many, like the UK and the US, banned Kyiv from buying lethal weapons.

British and US intelligence knew that the Kremlins ambitions involved the conquest of all of Ukraine in 2022. They warned Volodymyr Zelensky that the Russians were coming. He didnt seem to listen, and his armed forces were very relaxed on the border just north of Kharkiv.

I dont see many preparations to defend against an invasion, I said to a colonel I met two days before the Russians launched into Ukraine. Youre not supposed to, he replied. But there were no signs of defences being raised at all. Because there were none.

Ukraine was sent reeling. But its population recovered its countrys balance. Some military units scrambled to put up fights that Western advisers thought incredible  such as the punishing defence of Hostomel airbase against mass airborne attacks by paratroopers and Spetznatz forces, just northwest of Kyiv.

Elsewhere, young veterans from the earlier years of combat reformed themselves into small teams in pickup trucks, organised their own families inside occupied territory to spy on the invaders, and took on Russias massed columns of armour and infantry.

Around the world, footage emerged of the ambushes on these columns, and gave small signs that the tiny amount of military aid provided by Britain and the US was having a staggering effect. American Javelin and British NLAW anti-tank missiles slammed into armoured columns and crippled their advance.

Kharkiv, Sumy, and Kyiv were saved by swashbuckling units in Second World War SAS-style raids, which had far more strategic significance than any operations carried out by Britains nascent special forces in their early years.

In the south, villagers organised their own counterattacks, harnessing the horrors of Moscows mass starvation of the Ukrainian people in the early 1930s into an over my dead body rage that held them together.

By the summer of 2022, the national forces had regrouped, launched a counteroffensive, and recovered vast tracts of land in lightning operations.

open image in gallery A map shows the key cities in the war in Ukraine ( Getty/iStock )

Since then, Ukraine has settled into a near stalemate of grinding horror  followed by the nerve-jangling new dimension of drone conflict, in which both sides have been reinventing the modern form of war.

Throughout all of this, Ukraine has been defending Europes eastern flank against Russia on the ground. In the political realm, though, Ukrainians have been dying in large numbers in a war to stop the idea that might is right dead in its tank tracks.

No one here had any idea that Donald Trump would so enthusiastically support the Darwinian doctrine of the Kremlin. But he has. He likes to back a winner. He appears to have chosen one. Without question, Trumps administration has caused more deaths in Ukraine by ending US military aid for the country and setting back its ability to defend itself than if he had continued to support Kyiv.

Meanwhile, the rest of the West has been slow to comprehend the strategic danger Putins land grab poses  and the political horror that the Putin-Trump doctrine is capable of leading the world towards.

First, Ukraines allies were slow to agree to send any kind of weapons, but when the anti-tank missiles finally arrived, they were put to immediate use.

open image in gallery The aftermath of a drone strike near the city of Chornomorsk on Monday ( Reuters )

Men like Grumpty, a former software engineer, taught himself how to drive a Russian T-82 tank by watching YouTube videos. Along with Achilles, who was killed in the summer of 2022, and a small band of men, Grumpty destroyed 14 Russian armoured personnel carriers and tanks in one night.

The Russians were found by the wife of one of the team. Achilles spotted the targets and called in coordinates to Grumpty, who fired over and over again on the invaders. This kind of act captured the public imagination. But it did not deliver Ukraine the weapons it needed to win  barely enough to survive.

While Russia pounded Kyivs forces with hundreds of artillery pieces, it took months for small donations of ancient guns to come from the democratic West. Long-range rockets were restricted in how they could be used.

In Bakhmut, Ukrainians and foreign volunteers fought waves of Russian prisoners and conscripts forced into meat attacks. One American volunteer, Kevin, described with disgust how, for a week, he reckoned he killed 20 to 40 a day.

But Russia hit Ukrainians with bombs from aircraft and long-range missiles fired from Russian soil that were out of bounds to Ukrainians using any foreign equipment. Forced to adapt or die, Ukraine is now the world leader in drone warfare, and controls the Black Sea without having a navy made up of old-fashioned ships and sailors.

open image in gallery Servicemen from the 24th brigade operate an FPV drone flying towards Russian troops in the Donetsk region ( AFP/Getty )

With losses at around 1.2 million, Putins war has been a disaster for Moscow. And Nato is now bigger, as Finland and Sweden have joined the alliance.

Europe has covered the loss of Americas military support, with 250bn (219bn) pledged compared with the US total spend of $115bn (85bn). Much of this money goes on air defences.

Putin has switched his strategy to hitting civilians, blasting Ukraines energy systems, and trying to break the will of its people. Outside Ukraine, he has managed to shape much of the debate over diplomacy, creating a narrative that Ukraine cannot win, should sue for peace, and should give up at least 20 per cent of its territory.

open image in gallery With losses at around 1.2 million, Putins war has been a disaster for Moscow ( AP )

Travelling from Nikopol to Kharkiv through the fortress belt now demanded by Russia in return for thinking about a ceasefire, it is clear to me that most Ukrainians now want peace. But not one of them said that Ukraines security is worth the trade for peace.

Zelensky and his European allies insist that Ukraine needs security guarantees to ensure that Russia never attacks again and never attempts to fulfil Putins vision of recolonising the country. They claim that the only way to do that is to get the US to be Ukraines protector.

But theres no chance that the US could be relied on to keep watch over Ukraine, let alone send troops to fight if it were re-invaded. That has to be the job of Ukraines European neighbours and wider allies in the West. Ukraine has shown what it can do with very little. Imagine what it could do with a little more help from its friends.
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Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine has now been raging for four years  and despite repeated attempts at peace talks brokered by the US, there appears to be no end in sight.

As the war marks the grim anniversary milestone on Tuesday, the bloody war of attrition continues, having claimed the lives of more than 15,000 Ukrainian civilians.

In the last year, Moscow has ramped up its use of drones by 200 per cent, regularly launching hundreds of strikes from unmanned aircraft.

Vladimir Putins forces have also increasingly targeted Ukraines energy infrastructure, leaving millions without power or heat as they face their coldest winter in years, with temperatures as low as -26C.

open image in gallery ( The Independent )

On the political stage, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has been forced to fight a battle on two fronts  trying to keep a volatile US president onside while also pushing back against Moscows uncompromising territorial demands during fruitless peace talks.

Funding the war has also become a growing problem for Mr Zelensky, with the US cutting its aid by 99 per cent since Mr Trump returned to office in 2025.

The Independent looks at the cost of Putins war four years on.

Ukraines civilian death toll mounts

The past year has seen Russian forces increasingly target civilians, with more killed and injured than in any year other than 2022.

In 2025, there were 14,656 civilian casualties  including injuries and deaths  marking a 31 per cent increase on the year before.

Since the war began, 15,172 Ukrainian civilians have been killed, including 739 children, according to the UNs Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).

Russian military casualties last month hit the 1.2 million benchmark, a death toll not suffered by any major power since the Second World War, according to the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS)

open image in gallery Russian forces ramped up their attacks on Ukrainian civilians in 2025 ( Reuters )

Putin ramps up drone and missile attacks

Moscow dramatically increased its drone production in 2025, allowing it to launch hundreds each night at targets across Ukraine to frightening effect.

The rapid expansion of drone warfare and increasingly autonomous systems has made it easier to carry out attacks with devastating consequences for civilians, Uliana Poltavets, Ukraine programme coordinator for rights group Physicians for Human Rights (PHR), told The Independent.

More than half of the 58,495 air and drone strikes carried out by Russian and Ukrainian forces since 2022 have been carried out in the past year, data from monitoring group Armed Conflict Location & Event Data (ACLED) shows.

Attacks on Ukraines civilian infrastructure also hit new heights in 2025. There were 662 attacks on healthcare facilities, the PHR says, a 48 per cent increase on 2024.

Elisabeth Haslund, spokesperson for the UNs refugee agency (UNHCR), told The Independent that such attacks will make any attempt to rebuild in Ukraine significantly more difficult.

Recovery will not happen overnight. Even with a ceasefire in place and a stop to the attacks and hostilities, humanitarian needs will persist for some time.

Among the most devastating of Russias infrastructure attacks were those targeting Ukraines energy facilities.

Russia launched assaults on Ukraines energy infrastructure 1,077 times between February 2024 and February 2025, a 224 per cent increase on the previous year.

The past eight months make up the top eight in terms of Russian energy attacks, as Ukrainians suffered through the bitter winter.

Emil Kastehelmi, military analyst at the Black Bird Group, told The Independent that Moscow has several possible aims.

Try to lower the fighting morale of the Ukrainian civilians, try to hinder the functionality of the Ukrainian society as a whole, or weaken the military production capabilities as much as possible, he said.

[Russia is] forcing Ukraine to [take] difficult decisions regarding prioritisation. Should they defend energy infrastructure, airfields, military bases, industrial areas, or what?

Costly battles on the front line

Russian gains on Ukraines eastern front have remained marginal.

Since 2022, Putins forces have only expanded the territory they controls in Ukraine by around four per cent, bringing their control to around 20 per cent of the country.

But it has come at a heavy cost in infantry, with the CSIS warning that combined Russian and Ukrainian casualties could reach 2 million by this spring  the majority of which are Russian.

Mr Zelensky says that 55,000 Ukrainian soldiers have now been killed since the full-scale invasion began, up from 46,000 last year.

Russian casualties are believed to be far higher: the BBC has identified the names of 186,102 dead Russian soldiers, but military experts say this may only represent 45 to 65 per cent of the total.

On the ravaged eastern front line, the fiercest fighting has been around Pokrovsk, the strategic city in Donetsk, which was once a transport hub connecting the Ukrainian front line.

Although Russian forces seized much of the city in November, battles are ongoing in the areas around it.

The Independent has spent time with Ukrainian soldiers on the front line with advances, at best, incremental as the war grinds on.

The Institute for the Study of War, which tracks frontline movements, echoed this by describing Russian advances as continuing at a footpace in eastern Ukraine and concluding they do not portend the collapse of the Ukrainian lines.

Ukrainian troops carried out successful counterattacks in Dnipropetrovsk and Zaporizhzhia in February, Mr Kastehelmi said  but the counteroffensives have remained local, and Ukrainian gains have not altered the situation significantly.

Ukraine has continued to control the Black Sea.

A new world order under Trump

While the war of attrition raged on the front line, the political landscape changed dramatically in 2025.

The US, once Ukraines most generous ally, left Kyiv in the lurch when it withdrew almost all of its financial, humanitarian and military support, as the Trump administration looked to pressure the two countries into agreeing on a peace deal.

After the Biden administration allocated a record 46.39bn (40.4bn) in 2024, support dropped by 99 per cent to 480m (420m) in 2025.

Europe was forced to dramatically step up its support for Ukraine, boosting its support from 43.54bn (38bn) in 2024 to 72.8bn (63.6bn) in 2025, a 67 per cent increase.

Another 90bn (78.6bn) support loan was agreed by European Union countries in December, a vital cash injection providing a lifeline for Ukraines flailing wartime economy.

But with peace talks not appearing to produce significant progress towards a peace deal, it remains to be seen how long Europes financial support will last.
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Volodymyr Zelensky has said he believes Vladimir Putin has already started World War Three, as he called for more pressure on Russia on the eve of the fourth anniversary of the full-scale invasion.

The Ukrainian president told the BBC that the only way to stop Russia would be through military and economic might, as Moscow clings to its maximalist territorial demands.

Speaking from Kyiv, the defiant leader told the broadcaster he was still firmly opposed to appeasing Russia by withdrawing from Ukrainian land  and insisted it was only a matter of time until Ukraine reclaims all its territory from the aggressor.

I believe that Putin has already started [a third world war], Mr Zelensky said. The question is how much territory he will be able to seize and how to stop him ... Russia wants to impose on the world a different way of life and change the lives people have chosen for themselves.

Moscow has demanded that Ukraine cede swathes of territory in the east and south, including areas they have not been able to take in four years of bitter conflict. Kyiv says that appeasing Mr Putin now will only encourage him later on.

Asked whether the abandonment of eastern regions would be a good price to pay if that satisfies Putin, Mr Zelensky warned: It would probably satisfy him for a while... he needs a pause... but once he recovers, our European partners say it could take three to five years.

open image in gallery Zelensky: Russia wants to impose on the world a different way of life ( AFP/Getty )

In my opinion, he could recover in no more than a couple of years. Where would he go next? We do not know, but that he would want to continue [the war] is a fact.

Kyiv is reluctant to give up territory, including its defensive line in the east, and says it needs clear security guarantees from allies to be able to secure a lasting peace.

The Ukrainian president maintained that Ukraine could still win the war, despite US President Donald Trumps insistence that he should make a deal with Russia while he has the chance.

Will we lose? Of course not, because we are fighting for Ukraines independence, he said, adding that it was only a matter of time until Ukraine reclaimed all its lost territory.

To do it today would mean losing a huge number of people  millions of people  because the [Russian] army is large ... As of now, thats not possible, but returning to the just borders of 1991 without a doubt, is not only a victory, its justice.

open image in gallery Ukrainian forces prepare a missile to fire at Russian troops near Kharkiv ( Reuters )

Mr Zelensky assessed that halting Russias advance would be a victory for the whole world as Putin will not stop at Ukraine.

With diplomacy on ice following a third round of talks in Geneva last week, Russia and Ukraine continued to trade blows overnight.

A Russian attack on Ukraines southern Odesa region killed two people and injured three on Monday, Ukraines emergency service and a government official said on Monday morning. The two people died when a Russian drone fell on a truck stop.

Infrastructure Minister Oleksii Kuleba said: This is yet another blow to civilian logistics and port infrastructure. Russia is systematically attacking facilities that have no military purpose, trying to undermine the economy of the region and the country as a whole.
News / National

by Staff reporter

Zanu-PF's deputy secretary for information and publicity in Harare province, Joachim Chivayo, is now wanted in South Africa after allegedly breaching bail conditions linked to a high-value gold case.South African authorities confirmed that the Brakpan Magistrate's Court issued arrest warrants on March 11, 2025, after Chivayo, 35, and his co-accused, 22-year-old Brian Gungwa, failed to return to court and ignored bail conditions. The pair had been apprehended on November 26, 2024, at Helderwyk Estate in Brakpan by the Hawks' Serious Organised Crime Unit for allegedly possessing six unwrought gold bars valued at around R15 million.Both appeared in court on November 28, 2024, and were granted R20,000 bail each, with strict conditions requiring them to remain in Gauteng province and report weekly to the Brakpan Police Station starting December 1, 2024. The matter had been postponed to February 25, 2025, for further investigations. Authorities say Chivayo and Gungwa failed to comply and did not show up in court, prompting the issuance of warrants for their arrest.Chivayo, sometimes spelled Joacham, was appointed Zanu-PF's deputy secretary for information and publicity in Harare province in September 2025. He is also the founder of ZimSports4ED, a party-affiliated organisation. In recent months, he has been spotted at Zanu-PF events in Harare, reportedly driving luxury vehicles, fueling allegations linking his lifestyle to gold smuggling and other illicit activities.South Africa and Zimbabwe maintain active cross-border crime cooperation through Interpol and extradition protocols, leaving open the possibility that Chivayo could be extradited if South African authorities formally request it.
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Iran was rocked by fresh protests across its universities over the weekend as fears rise of US military intervention against the Tehran regime.

Students at several universities gathered on the first day of the new semester on Saturday to honour those killed by Iranian authorities last month. Footage showed clashes between demonstrators and pro-government groups around the campus of the Sharif University of Technology in the capital of Tehran.

Protesters chanted death to the dictator, referring to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and we didnt give our lives to compromise and praise a murderous leader. In other areas, a chant of woman, life, freedom, Iranian Republic was heard, according to Iran Wire.

The protests come as the US continues to build up its military presence in the region ahead of a possible attack. Donald Trump first threatened to intervene in the country last month when reports emerged that the regime was killing protesters.

open image in gallery Iranians clash at the Amirkabir University of Technology in Tehran. Iranian students gathered for fresh pro- and anti-government rallies on February 22, 2026 ( UGC/AFP via Getty Images )

Washington is now seeking a deal on Irans nuclear programme, but two rounds of talks have yet to yield significant progress.

On Sunday, Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkian said that recent negotiations with the US had brought encouraging signals.

Iran has suggested it could make concessions on its nuclear programme in return for the US lifting sanctions and recognising its right to enrich uranium. However, a senior Iranian official told Reuters that both sides remain sharply divided after two rounds of talks.

open image in gallery Thousands were killed in the previous round of protests ( UGC/AFP via Getty Images )

The protests over the weekend were held in campuses across several major universities, including University of Tehran, Beheshti, Amirkabir, Elm-o-Sanat, Khajeh Nasir, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, and Ferdowsi University of Mashhad.

The institutions have also reportedly moved to administratively suppress students, with Sharif University announcing that several students were now banned from entry for violating university norms.

Mr Trump earlier this year promised Iranian protesters that help is on its way, as he warned Tehran he would strike if it did not stop its crackdown and halt any planned executions of arrested protesters.

The January protests began over economic grievances before spiralling into Irans largest and most widespread protests since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency said it has confirmed the killings of at least 7,015 people during the protests, including 6,508 protesters, 226 children and 214 who were affiliated with the government.
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Saudi Arabia may soon develop uranium enrichment capabilities within its borders as part of a proposed nuclear deal with the United States, according to congressional documents and an arms control group. This potential development is raising significant proliferation concerns amid the ongoing atomic standoff between Iran and America.

Both Donald Trump and President Joe Biden have previously sought to broker a nuclear agreement with the kingdom, aiming to share American technology. However, nonproliferation experts are warning that any operational centrifuges in Saudi Arabia could pave the way for a potential weapons programme. This prospect has been amplified by the assertive crown prince's past suggestions that Saudi Arabia could pursue such a programme if Tehran were to acquire an atomic bomb.

Adding to the regional complexities, Saudi Arabia and nuclear-armed Pakistan entered into a mutual defence pact last year, following an Israeli attack on Qatar targeting Hamas officials. Pakistans defence minister subsequently stated that his nations nuclear programme "will be made available" to Saudi Arabia if needed, a declaration widely interpreted as a warning to Israel, long considered the sole nuclear power in the Middle East.

Nuclear cooperation can be a positive mechanism for upholding nonproliferation norms and increasing transparency, but the devil is in the details, wrote Kelsey Davenport, the director for nonproliferation policy at the Washington-based Arms Control Association.

The documents raise concerns that the Trump administration has not carefully considered the proliferation risks posed by its proposed nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia or the precedent this agreement may set.

Saudi Arabia did not immediately respond to questions Friday from The Associated Press

open image in gallery President Donald Trump stands with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on his visit to the White House, Nov. 18, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, File) ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

The congressional document, also seen by the AP, shows the Trump administration aims to reach 20 nuclear business deals with nations around the world, including Saudi Arabia. The deal with Saudi Arabia could be worth billions of dollars, it adds.

The document contends that reaching a deal with the kingdom will advance the national security interests of the United States, breaking with the failed policies of inaction and indecision that our competitors have capitalized on to disadvantage American industry and diminish the United States standing globally in this critical sector. China, France, Russia and South Korea are among the leading nations that sell nuclear power plant technology abroad.

The draft deal would see America and Saudi Arabia enter safeguard deals with the International Atomic Energy Agency, the United Nations' nuclear watchdog. That would include oversight of the most proliferation-sensitive areas of potential nuclear cooperation, it added. It listed enrichment, fuel fabrication and reprocessing as potential areas.

The IAEA, based in Vienna, did not immediately respond to questions. Saudi Arabia is a member state to the IAEA, which promotes peaceful nuclear work but also inspects nations to ensure they don't have clandestine atomic weapons programs.

This suggests that once the bilateral safeguards agreement is in place, it will open the door for Saudi Arabia to acquire uranium enrichment technology or capabilities  possibly even from the United States, Davenport wrote. Even with restrictions and limits, it seems likely that Saudi Arabia will have a path to some type of uranium enrichment or access to knowledge about enrichment.

Enrichment isn't an automatic path to a nuclear weapon  a nation also must master other steps including the use of synchronized high explosives, for instance. But it does open the door to weaponization, which has fueled the concerns of the West over Iran's program.

The United Arab Emirates, a neighbor to Saudi Arabia, signed what is referred to as a 123 agreement with the U.S. to build its Barakah nuclear power plant with South Korean assistance. But the UAE did so without seeking enrichment, something nonproliferation experts have held up as the gold standard for nations wanting atomic power.

The push for a Saudi-U.S. deal comes as Trump threatens military action against Iran if it doesn't reach a deal over its nuclear program. The Trump military push follows nationwide protests in Iran that saw its theocratic government launch a bloody crackdown on dissent that killed thousands and saw tens of thousands more reportedly detained.

In Iran's case, it long has insisted its nuclear enrichment program is peaceful. However, the West and the IAEA say Iran had an organized military nuclear program up until 2003. Tehran also had been enriching uranium up to 60% purity, a short, technical step from weapons-grade levels of 90%  making it the only country in the world to do so without a weapons program.

Iranian diplomats long have pointed to 86-year-old Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's comments as a binding fatwa, or religious edict, that Iran wont build an atomic bomb. However, Iranian officials increasingly have made the threat they could seek the bomb as tensions have risen with the U.S.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the kingdom's day-to-day ruler, has said if Iran obtains the bomb, we will have to get one.
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Nasa has delayed the date of its first trip back to the Moon once again.

The Artemis II mission was initially planned to launch as soon as 2019. But it has gone thorough a number of delays in the time since, as a result of issues with the spacecraft that will carry the astronauts around the Moon and then back to Earth.

In recent weeks, the latest of those issues appeared to have been resolved, and the latest date for the Artemis mission was set at the beginning of March. But now yet more delays are required and the mission will not launch until April at the earliest.

The giant moon rocket had been wheeled out to its launchpad and successfully went through a wet dress rehearsal that saw it filled with fuel and go through a practice of its countdown.

Now, however, the space agency will be forced to wheel the rocket back to its hangar. That four-mile trip is expected to take place on Tuesday, as long as the weather allows.

The latest problem was related to the rockets helium system, engineers said. Helium is required to purge the engines and keep the fuel tanks at the right pressure to ensure that the rocket can safely take off.

"Returning to the Vehicle Assembly Building at Kennedy is required to determine the cause of the issue and fix it," Nasa said in a statement.

A previous attempt to test the rocket had revealed dangerous hydrogen fuel leaks. But, after that discovery, engineers replaced key parts and those problems appeared to be under control, leading the team to set the 6 March launch date.

That in itself was already a month later than the most recent plans.

Nasa said that rolling the rocket back quickly should limit the delay required. But it said that meeting its new timing of April will depend on the success of its repairs.

The three American astronauts and one Canadian colleague were placed into quarantine ahead of the early March launch date and remain on standby at Nasas facilities in Houston, Nasa said.

When the mission does finally take off, the team of four will be the first people to fly to the Moon since Nasas Apollo programme, the last flight of which saw people land on the Moon in 1972. This time around, the crew will only fly around the far side of the Moon, but they hope it will be followed by a trip that will allow astronauts to set foot on the lunar surface once again.
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A British grandmother was detained by ICE for six weeks while on a road trip holiday in the United States, despite having a valid visa and passport.

Karen Newton, 65, left her home in Hertfordshire, UK, in late July 2025 for a holiday in the United States with her 66-year-old husband Bill.

After exploring California, Nevada, Wyoming and Montana, the couple were supposed to carry on their trip in Canada, but their holiday came to an abrupt end when they were instead held in an ICE detention centre for six weeks.

Ms Newton is now warning tourists planning to visit the US that the situation is totally out of control and advises people not to go while President Donald Trump is in office.

The issues started on 26 September 2025 when Canadian officials told the couple they did not have the correct paperwork to bring a car with them over the border.

Speaking to The Guardian, Ms Newton said that once she and her husband tried to turn back to Montana on the American side, US border control officials found that Bills US visa had expired.

While her husband had issues with his paperwork, Ms Newtons tourist visa had not expired, and her British passport was valid. The retired primary school admin assistant said she has no criminal record.

Ms Newton found herself handcuffed, shackled and sleeping on the floor of a locked cell, before being driven 12 hours through the night to aImmigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention centre, where the couple would spend the next six weeks.

At first, the couple fully expected they would be able to return home, and they immediately offered to pay for flights back to the UK.

However, Ms Newton claimed that officials werent interested in this. There was no reason to hold me, she told The Guardian. Bills an adult. Why am I held responsible for him?

open image in gallery Northwest ICE Processing Center ( Getty )

She added: It was scary. You have no way of knowing whats going to happen. It got darker and darker. And then other agents turned up with all these chains and handcuffs, she recalled.

The couple were first held at Sweetgrass border patrol station in Montana for three days, sharing a cell without beds, sleeping on mats on the floor under foil blankets.

Ms Newton said she was told that she was guilty by association, and that she had broken the terms of her valid B2 tourist visa by helping her husband pack for the trip.

It just went from crazy to ridiculous. It felt like they just wanted an excuse to detain me, she said.

In response to this claim, a spokesperson for ICE told The Guardian: Bonuses for ICE officers are not based on arrest or detention numbers. Pay and bonuses for ICE officers are administered in accordance with office of personnel management policy. ICE officers risk their own safety day in and day out because they took an oath to enforce the nations immigration laws, not to make large sums of money.

The couples son contacted the UK Foreign Office for advice, but was told that his parents could not be released while the federal government shutdown was ongoing.

However, Ms Newton said she saw people leaving the detention centre every day. It was also reported that ICE continued to detain and deport tens of thousands during the shutdown.

A UK Foreign Office spokesperson told The Independent: We provided assistance to a British couple who were detained in the US and were in contact with the local authorities.

The couples holiday nightmare eventually came to an end on 6 November, when Ms Newton and her husband were both released and escorted to Tacoma airport in handcuffs and shackles.

After the frightening ordeal, Ms Newton shared a warning to other tourists considering a holiday in the United States: Dont go  not with Trump in charge. Its totally out of control over there. Theres no accountability. They dont seem to need a reason for detaining you.

The Independent has contacted ICEs media office for comment.

Read more: ICE is trying to buy a $70 million luxury jet with a bedroom and showers to shuttle migrants for deportation
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School was canceled in several Mexican states and local and foreign governments alike warned their citizens to stay inside, as widespread violence erupted following the army's killing of the powerful leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel.

Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, known as El Mencho was the boss of one of the fastest-growing criminal networks in Mexico, notorious for trafficking fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine to the United States and staging brazen attacks against government officials who challenged it.

He was killed during a shoot-out in his home state of Jalisco as the Mexican military attempted to capture him. Cartel members responded with violence across the country, blocking roads and setting fire to vehicles.

President Claudia Sheinbaum urged calm and authorities announced late Sunday they had cleared most of the more than 250 cartel roadblocks across 20 states. The White House confirmed that the U.S. provided intelligence support to the operation to capture the cartel leader and applauded Mexico's army for taking down a man who was one of the most wanted criminals in both countries.

Mexico hoped the death of the world's biggest fentanyl traffickers would ease Trump administration pressure to do more against the cartels, but many remained hunkered down and on edge as they waited to see the powerful cartel's reaction.

What is going on in Mexico right now?

Guadalajara, the capital of Jalisco state and Mexico's second-largest city, was almost completely shut down on Sunday as fearful residents stayed home.

Passengers arriving to the city's international airport Sunday night were told it was operating with limited personnel because of the burst of violence.

Jacinta Murcia, a 64-year-old nutrition products vendor, was among those nervously walking late Sunday night through the airport, where earlier in the day travelers sprinted and ducked behind chairs fearing violence. Most flights into the city were suspended on Sunday.

Guadalajara mapped:

Murcia anxiously scrolled through news stories on social media showing the face of "El Mencho and sent messages to her children, who were tracking her location as she tried to travel across the city to her house after dark.

My plan today leaving the airport is to see if there are any taxis, but Im scared of everything. That there are blockades, that theres a curfew, that something could happen, she said. I'm all alone.

Authorities in Jalisco, Michoacan and Guanajuato reported at least 14 other people killed Sunday, including seven National Guard troops.

Videos circulating on social media showed tourists in Puerto Vallarta walking on the beach with smoke rising in the distance.

In another part of the airport a group of elderly Mexicans gathered, discussing how to get home.

We better all go together," one said. Go with God.

open image in gallery Soldiers stand guard in Cointzio, Michoacan state, Mexico, Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026, after the death of the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, known as "El Mencho." (AP Photo/Armando Solis) ( Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

David Mora, Mexico analyst for International Crisis Group, said the capture and outburst of violence marks a point of inflection in Sheinbaums push to crack down on cartels and relieve U.S. pressures.

U.S. President Donald Trump has demanded Mexico do more to fight the smuggling of the often-deadly drug fentanyl, threatening to impose more tariffs or take unilateral military action if the country does not show results.

There were early signs that Mexicos efforts were well received by the United States.

U.S. Amb. Ron Johnson recognized the success of the Mexican armed forces and their sacrifice in a statement late Sunday. He added that under the leadership of President Trump and President Sheinbaum, bilateral cooperation has reached unprecedented levels.

But it may also pave the way for more violence as rival criminal groups take advantage of the blow dealt to the CJNG, Mora said.

This might be a moment in which those other groups see that the cartel is weakened and want to seize the opportunity for them to expand control and to gain control over Cartel Jalisco in those states, he said.

Ever since President Sheinbaum has been in power, the army has been way more confrontational, combative against criminal groups in Mexico, Mora said. This is signaling to the U.S. that if we keep cooperating, sharing intelligence, Mexico can do it, we dont need U.S. troops on Mexican soil."

open image in gallery A charred vehicle sits at a damaged supermarket in Guadalajara, Jalisco state, Mexico, Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026, after the death of the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, known as "El Mencho." (AP Photo/Alejandra Leyva) ( Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

Oseguera Cervantes, who was wounded in the operation to capture him Sunday in Tapalpa, Jalisco, about a two-hour drive southwest of Guadalajara, died while being flown to Mexico City, the Defense Department said in a statement.

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.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said via X that the U.S. government provided intelligence support for the operation. El Mencho was a top target for the Mexican and United States government as one of the top traffickers of fentanyl into our homeland, she wrote. She commended Mexicos military for its work.

The U.S. State Department had offered a reward of up to $15 million for information leading to the arrest of El Mencho. The Jalisco New Generation Cartel is one of the most powerful and fastest growing criminal organizations in Mexico and began operating around 2009.

In February 2025, the Trump administration designated the cartel as a foreign terrorist organization.

Sheinbaum has criticized 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 U.S. President Donald Trump took office a year ago, she has been under tremendous pressure to show results against drug trafficking.

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.
Mackenzie Crook is back...with tiny fortune-telling prophets in jars.

The creator of Detectorists returns with Small Prophets, a quietly magical comedy about a lonely man searching for answers about his missing girlfriend with the help of mystical homunculi.

We talk with Crook and co-star Pearce Quigley about the shows tactile stop-motion animation, why it deliberately resists the slickness of modern TV, and Crooks romantic draw to loneliness.

Crook also opens up about his relationship with acting, saying hes the happiest hes ever been behind the camera.

Watch more episodes of Streamline on Independent Culture on YouTube.
Nigel Farage has claimed the UK government refused him entry to the Chagos Islands. However, when approached by The Independent, the government said they were not notified in advance of his plans and were unaware he was in the Maldives until he spoke publicly.

Farage had travelled to support four Chagossians seeking to establish a base on Ile du Coin. Access to the archipelago requires official permits. When The Independent asked if Farage had applied, Reform UK declined to say whether one was sought.

The territory, including Diego Garcias joint UK-US base, is tightly controlled. Officials insist safety  not politics  prevented the voyage.
Irelands care home market ripe for acquisitions, says leading Belgian investor

Sector doing much better here than in the rest of Europe, according to CEO of Aedifica, Stefaan Gielens during a call with investors

'Many have been attracted by the countrys ageing population, a fragmented market ripe for consolidation and government funding that guarantees incomes,' says Aedifica CEO Stefaan Gielens

Sean Pollock Sun 22 Feb 2026 at 06:30

Ireland has been identified as one of the most attractive markets for acquisitions by Belgian care home investor Aedifica, as the listed company reveals an investment budget worth 102m here.
It's actually an entire community coming together: Asian Cultures unite in Dublin for Lunar New Year

The Lunar New Year is celebrated across Asia under many names and traditions. In China, it is known as Chinese New Year, Vietnamese communities call it Tet, Mongolians celebrate Tsagaan Sar, and Koreans observe Seollal.

In Dublin, all these cultures came together in the capitals Wolfe Tone Square to welcome the Year of the Horse in a spectacular display of unity and diversity.

The family-friendly celebration brought together performers from Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese and Mongolian communities, transforming the heart of Dublin into a vibrant hub of Asian culture on Sunday. From the thunderous energy of Lion dances to the meditative grace of Tai Chi, the event showcased the rich tapestry of traditions that make up the Lunar New Year celebrations.

For the Asian community here in Ireland, to be able to celebrate together like this is really something special, said Jinny Ly, festival ambassador for the Dublin Lunar New Year Festival.

Flower City Dragon and Lion Dance Association

What's really special about the occasion here in Ireland is the fact that we're all able to celebrate, not just Chinese, but Mongolian, Korean, Thailand, Tibetan. It's not just limited to one group, it's actually an entire community coming together, and that's really, truly special, she added.

Jinny Ly, who originally came from the United States where Chinese New Year celebrations are more culturally specific, emphasised the unique nature of Ireland's inclusive approach.

While many focus on the horoscopes and superstitions associated with the Lunar New Year, Ly emphasised the deeper meaning behind the celebrations.

Sure it's good fun with the horoscopes and stuff like that. What the deeper meaning behind the celebrations is really unity. It's about spending time with family. It's about renewal. It's about being able to start fresh, similar to the Western New Years, she explained.

The Lunar New Year is an opportunity for us to basically have a big party, get together with friends and family and to bring in the new year.

Among the day's highlights was the powerful performance of Samulnori, traditional Korean percussion music that captivated audiences with its thunderous rhythms and ancient agricultural roots. Soonie Delap, who manages the performing group and plays the jing (similar to a gong), explained the significance of this four-instrument ensemble.

The Korean words samul' means four things and nori means to play.

There are two instruments which are more metal-based and the other two are more root-based. So that will kind of fit in with the yin and yang theories. Four instruments make a very amazing sound, said Soonie.

Soonie Delap, manager of Doo-Dong Samulnori. (Photo by: Hannah Daygo)

The group, which has been performing since 2021, brings a contemporary interpretation to traditional Korean music. We're not really traditionalists, she said.

We made our own interpretation  it's more our music, but using Korean instruments. Some traditional tunes, some very modern tunes, very K-pop type of music.

The agricultural origins of Samulnori connect deeply to Korean farming traditions.

It's really for the farming, when they harvest or seed the soil. It's agricultural-based music, and you can hear the prayers  it's very, it's almost like a chanting, she added.

With the Year of the Horse promising swift change, dynamic energy and energetic momentum, Dublin's Asian communities are ready to embrace what's ahead.

"We can expect things to move quickly and shift rapidly throughout the year. The key for everyone, regardless of their horoscope, is to stay prepared for this energetic momentum and remain adaptable to whatever changes come our way, said Jinny Ly.
Case in Louth was from post-abortion sampling, while the one in Wicklow was from sampling of a foetus submitted to Kilkenny RVL

Bluetongue has been detected in a sixth herd in Wexford, while two other cases in Louth and Wicklow have been detected.

Epidemiological investigations are ongoing, including testing of additional cattle, and further information is expected to emerge in the coming days.

The case in Louth was from post-abortion sampling, while the case in Wicklow was from sampling of a foetus submitted to Kilkenny RVL.

The animals were identified in the context of ongoing surveillance testing.

Analysis undertaken by UCDs Centre for Veterinary Epidemiology and Risk Analysis suggests that the incursion occurred on September 23 and 24 last year. This analysis will inform further targeted surveillance for bluetongue (BTV3) in the coming months.

Early detection has been a crucial part of our strategy against the bluetongue virus, according to the Department.

Bluetongue does not affect human health or food safety; meat and milk are safe to eat.

The Department said that while animal movement controls may be required if the circumstances indicate it, right now, the veterinary epidemiological risk assessment is such that animal movement controls are not necessary, based on the information currently available.

Ireland has lost its bluetongue-free status, which has ramifications for trade. However, the Department confirmed the Canadian Food Inspection Agency has agreed an interim trade certificate with Ireland, which will allow dairy exports to resume.

A spokesperson for the Department said it continues the renegotiation of Veterinary Health Certs (VHC) to facilitate ongoing trade which has been impacted by the loss of Irelands freedom from bluetongue, including live animal exports.

Pedigree and commercial cattle and sheep are particularly exposed as they rely on genetic exchange

Much progress has been made in this area, but work is ongoing in respect of some markets.

However, cross-border trade for breeding stock is at a standstill between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland ahead of major sales, preventing access to new bloodlines and shutting down a crucial avenue for sales.

It comes as several breed societies prepare to host their spring shows and sales in the coming weeks, events where Northern buyers typically account for up to 30pc of lots sold.

Pedigree and commercial cattle and sheep are particularly exposed as they rely on genetic exchange, cross-border sales and the movement of high-value animals.

Vaccines against BTV3 are available in Ireland under licence and farmers who are concerned should talk to their veterinary practitioner about whether vaccination is the right choice for their flock or herd.

The Republic of Ireland confirmed its first case of Bluetongue on January 24.

Since January 2026, three vaccinations are authorised for use in Ireland.

The Department of Agriculture said the duration of the immunity period guaranteed in the specifications of these vaccines has not been determined to date, but trials are ongoing in other countries.

Supply issues for the vaccines are not currently anticipated as they have been widely available in other member states and the UK for some time, and industry has been informed that Ireland would be authorising their use in 2026.
News / National

by Staff reporter

The European Union's ambassador to Zimbabwe, Katrin Hagemann, has expressed deep concern over what she described as a shrinking civic space and increasing political repression in the country, warning that developments affecting fundamental freedoms are troubling for Brussels.Speaking to journalists in Harare, Hagemann said the EU remains committed to cooperation with Zimbabwe but is closely monitoring the human rights situation. She highlighted recent restrictions on civil society and opposition figures, including the police ban of a public meeting organized by the Accountability Lab to debate proposed constitutional amendments and the abduction and assault of activist Baird Gore."It's quite interesting to see how muted the response has been so far, including from civil society," Hagemann said. "Many have been unresponsive, and we understand why. In some cases, it has become very difficult for civil society to speak up as long as they are not registered."She noted that the Private Voluntary Organisations (PVO) Act, signed into law last year, is already having a chilling effect, discouraging advocacy and public engagement. The ambassador also raised concerns over repeated arrests and the suppression of opposition political activities, citing instances where press conferences were disrupted, venues shut down, or buildings destroyed.Despite these worries, Hagemann welcomed certain reforms in Zimbabwe's prison system, including a new parole framework announced last year that allows for the conditional release of inmates under supervision, aiming to decongest prisons and promote rehabilitation.She stressed that Zimbabwe's economic recovery depends heavily on progress in the Structured Dialogue on Arrears Clearance and Debt Restructuring, which the EU is supporting. "Arrears clearance is not just a technical exercise; it is central to rebuilding confidence and unlocking new opportunities for investment," she said. Hagemann co-chairs the Governance Track under the dialogue alongside Zimbabwe's minister of justice, Ziyambi Ziyambi, and emphasized the need for transparency, rule of law, and predictable governance as foundations for financial stability.Hagemann also highlighted the potential for strengthening trade between Zimbabwe and the EU. While Zimbabwe exports nearly US$1 billion worth of goods annually to the EU, only around 200 companies are involved, leaving significant untapped capacity. She called for increased participation by Zimbabwean businesses in the EU market, stressing that predictability, strong institutions, and compliance with standards are crucial to attracting investment.The ambassador cited EU-backed projects under the Global Gateway programme, including the rehabilitation of Kariba Dam, as essential for Zimbabwe's long-term energy security. Looking ahead, she said she intends to travel widely across Zimbabwe to engage directly with communities, stating, "I want to listen, to learn and to understand the hopes and aspirations that drive Zimbabweans forward."
Man jailed after tailgating Dubliner on stolen motorcycle who was then killed in crash

Andres Grans De Lima Sores (38) also pleaded guilty to a count of failing to remain at the scene

Andres Grans De Lima Sores

Eimear Dodd and Sonya McLean Mon 23 Feb 2026 at 17:24

A man who drove his car too close to a motorcyclist who was then killed following a collision with a third vehicle has been jailed for three years.
MMA fighter charged alongside chef over ferocious Temple Bar assault believed man had sold heroin to girl, court hears

The injured male remains in a critical condition in hospitalCourt heard he was unrecognisable due to his facial injuries and was identified only after an image of his tattoo was circulatedDet Gda Collier said it was a vicious, prolonged assault that lasted five-and-a-half minutes

Leonel Ricci (left) and Dominic Smith (right)

Tom Tuite Mon 23 Feb 2026 at 17:16

An MMA fighter and a chef have been refused bail after appearing in court charged with a "ferocious" unprovoked attack in Dublin's Temple Bar last week that left a man fighting for his life.
If I took work home with me, Id never sleep  Meet the paramedic featuring in new frontline documentary

Wexford man Nathan OConnor is one of the newly-qualified paramedics appearing on Virgin Medias First Timers on the Frontline

Paramedic with the National Ambulance Service Nathan O'Connor.

Padraig Byrne Wexford People Mon 23 Feb 2026 at 06:30

Ever since he was a child, Wexford man Nathan OConnor knew what he wanted to be. You could say that, since joining the Order of Malta as a cadet aged 13, most of his decisions in life have been taken with one goal in mind - to become a paramedic with the National Ambulance Service.
Most workers feel short-changed by the pay they get for the effort they put in

Women and younger staff do not feel like they have a voice in the workplace, report finds

Ictu general secretary Owen Reidy said that workers are being left behind in Ireland by their own Governments policies. Photo: Lorcan Doherty

Anne-Marie Walsh Mon 23 Feb 2026 at 06:30

Most workers believe they are not paid fairly, according to a new survey.
Our first dance was to their music  Foo Fighters fans queue up for intimate gig in Dublin city centre

Roughly 850 Foo Fighters fans queued up in Dublin city centre this evening to see the American rock band play a special close-up performance.

The band took the capital by storm on Sunday when they announced the unexpected gig only a few hours before tickets were set to go on sale at midday at the 3Olympia Theatre.
Declan Lynch: Shinners shine when it comes to backing the bad guys

Opposing funding for Ukraine, as Putins drones devastate Kyiv, shows the party of Irish nationalist flag-wavers has never managed to get those big calls right

Sinn Fein's Mary Lou McDonald and Pearse Doherty. Photo: PA

Declan Lynch Sun 22 Feb 2026 at 06:30

Since we pride ourselves on getting the big calls right in this column, we keep a keen eye on those getting the big calls wrong.
Fionnan Sheahan: Education Minister fails to master the art of using weasel words to blame an anonymous quango

SNA allocations fiasco has put the spotlight on Hildegarde Naughton once again

Education Minister Hildegarde Naughton is relatively new to the role

Fionnan Sheahan Mon 23 Feb 2026 at 06:30

The Government got an awful shock last week. Ministers suddenly discovered their policies were being taken seriously. There they were thinking their job was just to go around announcing hypothetical proposals and then letting them drift away in the hope the public would forget about the issue in time.
A number of Shannon Airport passengers have been affected by flight cancellations due to Storm Hernando, which is hitting the east coast of America.

The 2.45pm flight from Shannon to Boston was cancelled today, Monday February 23, as the American storm is set to bring heavy snow, strong winds, and coastal flooding in some eastern areas of the US.

A spokesperson for The Shannon Airport Group has confirmed that one flight from Shannon Airport has been affected today due to adverse weather conditions in the United States, a statement from Shannon Airport to the Irish Independent said.

Aer Lingus flight EI135 to Boston, which was scheduled to depart at 2.45pm, has been cancelled.

Passengers are advised to contact Aer Lingus directly for the latest updates and further assistance.

It is understood that Dublin Airport has cancelled at least 13 flights to and returning from Boston, Newark, and New Yorks JFK Airport.

Passengers have been advised to contact their airline for updates and assistance.
Aer Lingus has announced two new European routes and an expansion of two much-loved services from Cork Airport this summer.

Aer Lingus has announced two new European routes and an expansion of two much-loved services from Cork Airport this summer.

The airline will offer brand new routes to Nice and Santiago de Compostela, as well as additional weekly flights to Glasgow and a new all-year round service to Prague, which was previously only available during the winter months.

From May 25, the Glasgow route will increase from four weekly flights to six, with additional services on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Aer Lingus Regional is exclusively operated by Emerald Airlines, and their Head of Commercial, Ian Lough said:

"We are delighted to be enhancing our services from Cork Airport with an increase in capacity on our popular Glasgow route.

The addition of two extra weekly flights for summer 2026 reflects the strong demand we continue to see and reinforces our commitment to offering greater choice, flexibility and convenience for passengers travelling from Cork, he said.

Summer is the ideal time to visit Glasgow, as the citys vibrant music scene, historic buildings, and outdoor events highlight the best of Scottish hospitality.

People who fancy a trip to the French Riviera can fly from Cork Airport to Nice from May 2, and those on the hunt for some Spanish sun can fly to Santiago de Compostela from June 1.

These new options build on Aer Lingus popular services to destinations including Malaga, Tenerife, Lanzarote, Faro, Palma de Mallorca, Bilbao, Bordeaux, and London Heathrow.

Tara Finn, Head of Aviation Business Development and Communications at Cork Airport said:

We are delighted to see Aer Lingus Regional increase its capacity from Cork to Glasgow for our 2026 summer schedule as well as the addition of new Aer Lingus routes to Santiago de Compostela, Nice and the extension of Prague year-round.

With these additions, passengers will have even more choice for travel from Cork Airport this coming summer, Ms Finn said.

The new routes increased the number of new locations offered by Aer Lingus through Cork Airport over the past 12 months to six and Aer Lingus Chief Customer Officer, Susanne Carberry, said:

Our new routes to Santiago de Compostela and Nice provide travel lovers with fresh choices, whether they're planning to walk the Camino de Santiago or discover Nice on the Cote dAzur.

Together with destinations like Bilbao, Bordeaux, Prague, our summer 2026 schedule is our most diverse offering yet, she said.

Meanwhile, Aer Lingus Regionals Bristol route will continue to operate daily, with two flights available daily from Monday to Friday inclusive.
The female child was removed from the house and taken to hospital following the fire

Gardai have launched an investigation into the arson of a house in Cork, in which a child was forced to be rescued early Monday morning.

The fire, which was reported just after 6.30 in the morning at a two-storey terraced property on Clarkes Road in Ballyphehane, and was attended by three units of Cork City Fire Brigade, as well as Gardai and paramedics.

Three people - a man in his 20s, a female child, and a woman in her 50s - were removed from the property and treated for smoke inhalation, while an investigation has been launched into criminal damage at the house on the city's southside.

Fire crews used breathing apparatuses to enter the property and get the fire under control, while the three people were taken to Cork University Hospital for further treatment. The property suffered significant fire and smoke damage.

Gardai conducted a technical examination of the scene, and are now appealing for any witnesses to this incident to contact them.

Anyone who was in the Clarkes Road area between 6am and 7am this morning, Monday 23rd February 2026, and who may have any information is asked to contact investigating Gardai. Anyone with camera footage (including dash-cam) is asked to make that footage available, said a statement from An Garda Siochana, who confirmed the incident of criminal damage.

It's the second incident of arson in the city's southside in the last week, as Gardai continue another investigation into criminal damage following another incident in Rochestown.
News / National

by Staff reporter

Prominent Zimbabwean lawyer Advocate Thembinkosi Magwaliba has threatened legal action against Lynette Stactia over a widely circulated social media post accusing him of being a key architect of the proposed Constitutional Amendment No. 3 Bill of 2026. The amendment, which has sparked heated debate, seeks to extend the presidential term from five to seven years and implement sweeping changes to governance structures.In a statement released on Sunday, Adv Magwaliba described the claims as "completely false and unfounded." He emphasized that he was neither consulted nor involved in drafting the proposed amendment and denied any claims of unpaid fees."I took no part in the drafting of the proposed amendments and I did not charge any fee because I was never briefed or consulted in relation to the document," he said. "It is therefore a complete fabrication that I have not been paid for fees connected with the drafting of the document. I have not demanded any payment from the Government or any other person in connection with the document."Adv Magwaliba also criticized the post's author for failing to seek his comment before publishing and vowed to hold those responsible accountable once their identities are confirmed. "My right of reply was not respected. I am not sure of the motives behind the false publication, and I will take appropriate legal action upon identifying the true identity and other particulars of the author of the offending document," he said.The social media post by Stactia alleged that Adv Magwaliba had been instrumental in drafting the amendment and had not received full compensation for his work. Stactia has yet to respond publicly to the lawyer's statement or the threat of legal action.Parliament is set to deliberate on the amendment following a 90-day public consultation period, amid a broader national debate about the proposed extension of the presidential term and restructuring of governance institutions.
Addressing Sinn Feins Commission on the Future of Ireland in Cork on Thursday, February, 19, Deputy Doherty said the Irish governments failure to prepare for Irish unity is ignoring the momentum for change but will not make it disappear.

The Donegal TD criticised Taoiseach Micheal Martins recent comments that there is not much substance behind growing calls for a referendum on unity. The Taoiseach suggests that the growing call for a unity referendum lacks depth or seriousness. That assessment is deeply misguided. The demand for constitutional change is not theatre or tactics. It reflects a real and accelerating shift in public opinion across this island.

Irish unity is not a mere slogan, stated Deputy Doherty. It is a democratic provision within the Good Friday Agreement, and a legitimate aspiration held by a growing number of citizens who want a more effective, fair and united Ireland. The Irish Government has a responsibility to prepare - to examine the economic, fiscal and public service implications of unity, to facilitate structured dialogue.

The Irish Government has a responsibility to provide citizens with clear, credible information about what a new Ireland would look like. Leadership requires foresight. Ignoring momentum for change will not make it disappear. The responsible course of action is to engage with it honestly and constructively, he added.

Highlighting the economic case for unity, Mr Doherty said a united Ireland would significantly strengthen the economy through coordinated infrastructure, removal of duplication and balanced regional development. The economic dividend would be substantial. But growth alone is not justice. The benefits of unity must serve ordinary people - affordable homes, secure jobs, properly funded public services and thriving communities.

Deputy Doherty also stressed that unity must be inclusive and grounded in respect. Unionists and Protestants are central to this conversation. Their British identity, culture and history must be respected. Unity is not about absorption or erasure - it is about shaping a new future together.

Looking to the future, the Sinn Fein TD said this is a defining decade for Ireland. Unity will not happen by accident. It will happen because we prepare, because we persuade, and because we organise. The only question is whether leadership will match this moment with courage.

Sinn Fein TD for Cork South Central Donnchadh O Laoghaire said momentum for Irish unity is undoubtedly gathering momentum. It is becoming more a topic of political discussion. A discussion amongst communities and indeed around the world. To me it is about the potential that exists in a united Ireland. The best manner of organising Irish society and ensuring the welfare of all Irish people, of all creeds and backgrounds can be safeguarded through a united Ireland.

It will require a lot of conversations and listening, acknowledged the Cork TD. On behalf of us as public representatives and republicans but also hearing what people have to say in every part of the island to help us shape the process of a united Ireland.

I think a united Ireland is better for the people of Cork, Derry, Kerry and Antrim. An integrated Irish economy that could create a large domestic market for 7 million people and it would make all of Ireland more attractive to international investment. It is not simply combining two jurisdictions. It is creating something altogether new, altogether more ambitious, he added.
From socks and jocks to bombs and bullets  a rare look behind walls of Cathal Brugha Barracks

Recruits say training is tough but very rewarding as they settle into life with the Defence Forces

What life is really like inside Cathal Brugha Army Barracks

Sarah Burke Mon 23 Feb 2026 at 06:30

Not many people would trade a career in finance for a tough six-month training programme to join the Defence Forces, but that is exactly what Dubliner Ciaran Fogarty did.
The absence of clear, national guidelines on how emergencies such as battery fires would be managed has left the community deeply concerned

About 40 people turned out to support a review of safety measures for battery energy sotrage systems (BESS).

The development in Cregmore is expected to be a topic of discussion at the Galway County Council meeting on February 23, 2026.

Residents from Cregmore in Co Galway spent their Friday morning, including schoolchildren on thier mid-term break, in a demonstration against the battery energy storage systems (BESS) being developed at a 141-hectare solar farm.

Gathering outside County Hall on Friday February 20, the demand was a review of plans for the solar farm  lodged by Power Capital Renewable Energy (PCRE) and approved in 2021  calling for a specific assessment of safety risks linked to BESS.

They argue the absence of clear, national guidelines on how emergencies such as fires would be managed has left the community deeply concerned about potential risks to homes and the wider area.

Cregmore protest against BESS at County Hall on February 20 2026.

An Electricity Storage Policy Framework was published in 2024 as part of the States climate action commitments, and it includes consideration of safety guidelines for battery energy storage systems. The framework also refers to international best practice, including guidance from the Energy Storage Europe Association, which has worked with the National Fire Protection Association on safety recommendations for BESS installations.

However, no public information regarding emergency action has been circulated in Cregmore, residents claimed.

Lithium-ion battery energy storage systems are designed to store excess electricity generated by solar panels and release it when production drops, ensuring a steady supply. In the West of Ireland, where sunlight can be limited and inconsistent, these systems are seen as a crucial way of balancing output and maintaining a reliable flow of renewable energy.

While residents have resigned to the fact that the solar farm will go ahead, Galway County Councilor Noel Thomas, who attended the demonstration, said their primary concern is the lack of assurance and protection should an emergency incident occur involving the BESS units  and who would be responsible should it happen.

Cllr Thomas visited the site last week at the request of residents, telling the Irish Independent what he saw left him absolutely disgusted.

The whole place is turned into an absolute abomination, he said. All you see are these black screens everywhere and bits of metal sticking out of the ground because some of it was not completed.

Additionally, Cllr Thomas referenced a battery fire incident in Claregalway in January 2025 that showed just how dangerous an incident regarding these storage systems can be. Firemen responding to that scene are said to still be facing health reprecussions, Cllr Thomas said.

The incident currently remains a live investigation.

One demonstrator, who asked not to be named, said her children attend a school within close proximity to the planned battery installation.

I'm concerned about the BESS batteries and if they go on fire what will happen? she said. I don't understand why our politicians and our government aren't addressing our concerns more seriously.

Among those in attendance was Diarmuid Flaherty, who has raised similar concerns about a separate solar and battery project in Bellville expected to be the largest solar farm in Ireland.

He said he has contacted agencies like the EPA, the Health and Safety Authority, the Department of Transport, surveyors and local authorities seeking clarity on who would have or should have had input in the design and deployment of these systems.

The development in Cregmore is expected to be a topic of discussion at the Galway County Council meeting on February 23, 2026.

To make sure that if there is an incident, it is safe for the residents. If there is a fire or if there's a thermal runaway event and there is going to be toxic gases released or water poured on top of these chemicals and it goes down into the groundwater, what happens?

At this time, he said, no agency has returned with answers he is looking for.

Every request I've got back is, We don't have any specific guidelines, we don't have any records, we don't have any plan. Which to me is quite shocking, he told the Irish Independent.

Seanad discussion records published in September 2025 confirm there is no single authority under which the entire safety and regulation of grid-scale electricity storage lie, however it is under the jurisdiction of multiple agencies.

Energy Storage Ireland reports that 155 BESS projects are now in development nationwide. That figure is causing alarm among residents, including demonstrator Jonny Farrell, who fears the consequences of inadequate safety planning will turn the area into the Chernobyl of Ireland.

Mr Farrell recently spoke at length with the Irish Independent about moving to Cregmore in 2020, just before the development was approved.

Pursuing the rural dream, the rolling green hills and serene silence he and his wife were accustomed to is now littered with drilling noise and metal structures, he said.

Jonny Farrell and Shane Feeney turning in signed petitions.

At the demonstration, he played a sound bite from his front door where the sharp, pounding noise of industrial rock breakers nearly drowned out the demonstrators chants.

As Cregmore residents continue to voice concerns, some question what cost Ireland is willing to bear to reach its climate targets, and whether communities are being left behind in the push.

Cllr Thomas said: Whats happened in this country over the last few years is everybody is pushing so strong for the green agenda that people forget what's involved in a lot of these construction projects that are put together.

Nearing the end of the demonstration, Mr Farrell entered county hall with his young daughter on is right hip and a box of petition signatures on his left, looking to engage with senior planning authorities.

About ten children held up a banner reading: STOP the battery energy storage system.

Jonny Farrell's daughter carrying deomonstration sign into Galway County Council to hand over petition signatures.

Mr Flaherty believes the gravity of the situation is easily missed by those not living beside large developments.

It's devastating to be living beside a potential disaster, he said. Chemically, physically, pollution for your future, for your family, your price of your house, your children's future. If you had land and you were planning on your children to build a house beside you, all that's now gone.

Solar is not designed for the west of Ireland but it's a beautiful idea.

I don't think the people that think it's a beautiful idea have ever been on the ground and have looked at what it is doing to the farmland in rural communities in Ireland.

The development in Cregmore is expected to be a topic of discussion at the Galway County Council meeting on February 23, as those at the demonstration are asking for a review of the plans submitted nearly five years ago now.

The least anyone could do is take a fresh look at it. That's a minimum requirement for just common decency take everything into account and make a decision based on today's facts, Mr Flaherty said.

About 40 people turned out to support a review of safety measures for battery energy sotrage systems (BESS).

Climate targets are all well and good on a global scale, but why should people trade their own personal safety, their own little patch of ground that they have and they've built and they've raised their children on. They should not have to trade that for a climate target if they're going to be at risk.

At present, Power Capital Renewable Energy has applied for an extension of duration on the planning permissions approved in 2021, and the solar development is nearing conclusion of Phase 1. The decision is due by February 24.

Galway County Councilors and TDs were in attendance showing support for the community including Councilor Noel Thomas, Councilor Tom Welby, Councilor Tomas Grealish, as well as Sinn Fein TDs Louis OHara and Mairead Farrell.

The Irish Independent has contacted Power Capital Renewable Energy for comment.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting scheme.
Kerry councillor Teddy OSullivan-Casey called on the Taoiseach, Tanaiste and Minister for Agriculture to ask Mr Murrin to resign

Kerry councillors have called the government to ask the Chair of Bord Bia to resign amid the scandal over the source of his companys beef.

Councillor Deirdre Ferris said the saga had completely and utterly undermined the position within the agency and warned it had brought the entirety of Irish produce into disrepute.

Concerns were first raised by the Irish Farmers Association (IFA) that 1pc of the beef used by the Bord Bia chairs company, Dawn Foods, came from Brazil.

Chair Larry Murrin comfortably won a Dail confidence vote by 89 votes to 61 after a motion tabled by Sinn Fein stated that the party had lost confidence in his position.

At a recent Kerry County Council meeting, Councillor Teddy OSullivan-Casey called on the Taoiseach, Tanaiste and Minister for Agriculture to ask Mr Murrin to resign.

Our farmers produce top class food under difficult conditions whether its from bad weather, red tape, bureaucracy or high production costs, he said.

It is incredible that Bord Bia can deny a farmer a certificate of approval for something as simple as a cobweb in a milking parlour or a broken mirror in a tractor.

How can the chairman of Bord Bia justify his position when his company is importing beef from a country that has no regulation, and at the same time you have Bord Bia breaking every farmers heart with red tape and regulation.

The credibility of Bord Bias leadership is of paramount importance to the Irish food and drink industry.

Cllr OSullivan-Casey highlighted an investigation by the Irish Farmers Journal in Brazil that found cattle tagging and traceability issues. IFJ representatives were able to illegally purchase prescription antibiotics at agricultural stores in the country with no questions asked.

Councillor Fionnan Fitzgerald described the Bord Bias stamp as sacrosanct and said the agencys name had been tarnished.

The stamps give Ireland its good namewhen they see Bord Bia they imagine Irish beef as cows in the green fields and the sunshine, eating natural grass, he said.

He said the scandal has directly affected farmers business and seconded Cllr OSullivan-Caseys motion.

Councillor Dierdre Ferris also gave her support to the motion, arguing Bord Bia existed to promote Irish produce and its higher standards.

She said Mr Murrin had completely and utterly undermined the position of chair and had brought the entirety of Irish produce into disrepute.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting scheme
Kerry Sinn Fein councillors called for deletion of the council's account despite it having 17,500 followers

Kerry County Council has been urged to lead by example and delete its account on the social media network X.

Sinn Fein councillors mounted an attack on the platform during last Mondays council meeting as the council and other elected members advocated for caution.

Kerry County Council (KCC) has over 17,500 followers on X, having joined the platform (formerly known as Twitter) in 2009.

X has come under scrutiny recently for reports that child sexual abuse material and non-consensual intimate images of adults were generated through the Grok artificial-intelligence tool and disseminated on the platform.

At the recent KCC meeting, Councillor Robert Brosnan called for KCC to lay down a marker and discontinue its use of the platform.

X and Elon Musk have shown nothing but contempt for Irelands houses of parliament, he said.

Despite being requested to attend an Oireachtas Committee to answer questions on what happens through and what is broadcast on their platform, X declined to turn up.

Citizens and parents all over Ireland are very concerned about the content being read and viewed on X, and the terrible effects that this content is having on our society, especially on our young people.

There are generations now trapped in panopticons of flickering nonsense which is crippling their creativity, their sense of self-worth and their individuality.

Recent years should teach us that we should not over-rely on the philosophies, thoughts or the intelligence of man without it being weighed and measured morally and ethically on a humanitarian scale, Cllr Brosnan added.

While other councillors agreed with the sentiment of the motion, many were not convinced KCC leaving the platform was the right response.

Councillor Jackie Healy-Rae argued that X was used by people to seek out relevant information, KCC posts included extreme weather warnings.

Its a place where people will go to get information, he said.

Sinn Fein have posted 10 times already today, maybe you could start there?

Councillor John ODonoghue agreed the platform was a cesspit but said he still used it to follow journalists and public figures who might not be available elsewhere.

To abandon the platform, he said, was to open pandoras box in relation to censorship due to there being no legal or regulatory ruling against it.

Councillor Johnny Healy-Rae argued that the logic to leave X had no end to it and asked why they wouldnt deem Facebook off-limits.

It makes nonsense of the whole thing, he said.

Councillor Charlie Farrelly pointed out that he had endured abuse on Facebook during the 2024 local election.

The council argued that the platform was a vital means of communication with people and for a lot of people, it was the only media they consumed.

They said the issue was for regulatory bodies to decide at a national level, pointing out that major political parties were all still active on X.

Sinn Fein Councillor Deirdre Ferris said she felt X was an echo chamber of disgust and single mindedness but asked for a breakdown of the councils followers on the platform.

She argued it was important to see if they were in fact in the county before deciding. Cllr Brosnan acceded to waiting for the data but warned he would not wave a white flag on this one.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting scheme
Image of what the proposed building will look like. Photo from planning files for project.

The location at Manor West Retail Park in Tralee where the new KFC will be located.

KFC have started construction on their first ever restaurant in Kerry.

KFC confirmed to The Kerryman on Monday morning that construction is now underway on what will be the incredibly popular food chains first ever location in Kerry.

The restaurant will be located at the Manor West Retail Park between The Range and McDonalds.

In a statement sent to The Kerryman, a KFC spokesperson said: "Were buzzing to confirm well be opening a brand-new KFC restaurant at Manor West Retail Park. Construction is now under way and were excited to bring our iconic Original Recipe chicken to the local community. We cant wait to welcome our first customers later this year and become part of the Tralee community.

The spokesperson also told The Kerryman that there is no set timeline yet as to when construction will be finished or to when the restaurant will be opening its doors.

Kerry County Council granted planning permission to Dublin-based company Shadowmeadow Limited for a new fast-food restaurant at the area adjacent to The Range and McDonalds back in June of 2024.

The planning application sought permission to construct a single-storey, flat-roofed restaurant that will operate as both a sit-in facility and a drive-through takeaway. The proposal also includes the development of a car park with 30 spaces and eight bicycle spaces on the site.

In addition, signage and pedestrian infrastructure are planned for the 0.3-hectare site. The company intends to replace the existing vehicular entrance and create a new access point along with a roadway surrounding the restaurant.
"An attack on the Criminal Justice system," is how a judge has described a woman's attempt to have another female withdraw her statement of complaint in a case of alleged domestic abuse.

Judge Dara Hayes jailed Tanya Reilly (37) for nine months when she appeared before Dundalk Circuit Court for sentencing.

The defendant had pleaded guilty to witness intimidation. She received a two-and-a-half year sentence, the final 21 months suspended.

The court heard that she has previous convictions but turned her life around.

Evidence was heard previously that on March 6, 2022, Ms Reilly, of Farndreg Estate, Coxs Demesne, Dundalk at the time, approached the woman on behalf of a man accused of assaulting her with an offer of 5,000 to withdraw her statement.

Following the defendant's arrest on March 22, she accepted that she called to the complainant, acting as a messenger for a man she was related to through marriage. She was put under pressure to speak to the woman.

Gardai said that the victim in this case bore her no ill will.

Ms Reilly, a carer for her daughter, has 10 previous convictions, including for affray and theft.

In a report, she accepted that she had no business getting involved. It was done through fear.

She was assessed at the lower end of moderate risk of reoffending.

Born in Drogheda, the defendant moved to Dundalk at a young age. Her mother was deceased.

She had been in an abusive relationship and returned to education.

The defendant had struggled with addiction and her mental health before self-referring to Turas Counselling Service. She was drug-free and had turned her life around, it was reported.

Judge Hayes said that generic references in front of him appeared unaware of her offending, while one was anonymous.

He continued that this was serious offending, an attack on the Criminal Justice system. It was aggravated by seeking an alleged victim of a domestic assault to withdraw her complaint.

There had been a guilty plea on a trial date. There was much mitigation.

A sentence was imposed as outlined.

Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme
News

Sligo County Council to explore temporary relocation of bus stop in Ballisodare

News that Sligo County Council are exploring the temporary relocation of a bus stop in Ballisodare has been welcomed by Cllr Thomas Walsh who cited safety concerns as one of the reasons for exploring a new location for the bus stop.
Local councillors are struggling to secure mortgages and support their families on what is technically a part-time wage for what many describe as a full-time role, according to the Tipperary native who is head of the councillors representative body.

Fine Gael councillor Mary Hanna Hourigan, from Cappawhite, just outside Tipperary town, is the president of the Association of Irish Local Government (AILG), which represents more than 950 local councillors across the country.

Cllr Hourigan said that most councillors are working full-time away from the council to supplement their income, and that many councillors are finding it hard to balance the demands of being a local representative with their jobs.

"Some people work because they have to work, they have no choice, but they really struggle then to get to meetings and to get to everything, Cllr Hourigan told the Irish Independent.

I was self-employed when I was first elected and I had to give it up, I could not do the two, and I suppose because the council was new to me, I wanted to try and prove myself, but it is very difficult and its very difficult to attract new people in, she explained.

Currently, councillors are paid a base salary of between 28,000 and 31,000, in line with the public sector pay agreement, which is subject to tax. Councillors can also claim travel expenses and grants for sitting on various committees and groups.

"Currently my salary is 31,742 gross, and I am getting a salary with the AILG so I pay a lot of tax. But if you work it out, thats about 610 gross per week, which, if I did 60 hours a week, its only 10 an hour, while the minimum wage is 14.15 an hour.

Despite pay increases in recent years, Cllr Hourigan said the role has become more demanding, often requiring more than 60 hours of work per week.

"We can work as much as we want, or not, but its definitely become much more difficult, I definitely do 60-plus hours a week, and that would be on a good week, she said.

"People need stuff all the time and its so varied, youre dealing with older people, people that are vulnerable  Im dealing with a lady at the moment who became homeless because her relationship broke down, and eventually, after a long time, she got her local authority house, but I had to hold her hand in terms of filling in forms because everything has become more centralised, so its making our job more difficult.

When Cllr Hourigan was first elected in 2009, she said a lot more services were offered within the county, making it easier to raise peoples cases with a local person, such as a community welfare officer.

"When I started out, we would have had a community welfare officer based in Tipperary town, and she was brilliant, and she would meet us on Tuesdays or Thursdays, but then they took all of those out of the towns, and in Tipperary, it all went to Clonmel.

"Now, they only want to deal with you by email, theres no physical person. But now its been even more centralised, theyre now down in Little Island in Cork. So for me to help out with filling in forms for things like the exceptional needs payment, its just more problematic, Cllr Hourigan said.

We would have done higher education grants in Clonmel, we were dealing with medical cards locally, school transport, everything was done more locally, we had our own refuse collection service in the county council, we had water services, so everything becoming more centralised is making everything more difficult, she added.

The role of a councillor also isnt seen as a permanent job, meaning public representatives can struggle to access mortgages and loans due to the instability of the job.

"The big challenge for people, and why people will not get into politics is because we are not seen as having a permanent job, so the banks will not touch you for a mortgage.

"We have a lot of councillors now who are renting and theyre telling me I dont think Ill ever be a homeowner, they just feel thats how it is, Cllr Hourigan said.

"Apart from the financial element of it, its the uncertainty, we have no permanency, so I have to go out and knock on doors six months before the local elections, and thats getting more and more difficult."

While the Cappawhite-native says she loves the job of being a councillor, she doesnt like canvassing, due to the reactions candidates often get on doorsteps.

"You could do five things for somebody, but theyll always remember the thing you didnt do, the thing you werent able to get across the line, so they will not vote for you, she said.

"The last election was particularly difficult with Dundrum House and all of that, that was a tough one, I got spat at, I got pushed and I had to run away a few times, and my family got abused as well, she said.

Within the council, councillors deal with housing, roads, climate, the environment and transport, among others, but Cllr Hourigan says she also feels like a social worker at times.

"I would have people who are in arrears with their mortgage and Id go and sit down and talk to them, I may have somebody who may have a child on a waiting list for speech and language therapy or physiotherapy so you meet those people and sit down with them, and you need to listen and understand and be on their side.

Councillors also sit on Strategic Policy Committees, or SPCs, which can relate to housing, planning, roads or climate, all of which are time-consuming and involve continuous training and development, Cllr Hourigan explained.

"You have to train yourself all the time, and we definitely need more support to provide us with more access to relevant training and development.

Cllr Mary Hanna Hourigan was first elected in 2009.

Today's News in 90 Seconds - Monday, February 23

"Im on the housing and the planning SPC and everything changes in relation to planning, everything in relation to housing, so its trying to keep up with the changes, and you need to spend a lot of time reading stuff, she added.

Despite the challenges that come with the job, Cllr Hourigan said she loves being a councillor and enjoys the variety involved, but added that she is one of the lucky ones who can afford not to have a second job.

"Liam Browne says he wouldnt be able to have his kids at college or pay his mortgage if he wasnt working, Sean Ryan then is teaching in Rockwell College and Sean has to take time off to get to meetings, and then David Dunne, he was going to work a 12-hour night shift after the last full county council meeting, Cllr Hourigan said.

Work-life balance can be a struggle for councillors too, Cllr Hourigan said, explaining that people ring her or call to her house every day of the week.

"I worked all last Saturday and Sunday, and on Sunday, I was looking after my mother, but I had people calling to the house as well.

"I remember another day I was out for a walk and I met this man with his dog and he said sure ye have a great life, this is the third day this week I saw you out walking, but it was only half an hour, she said.

"The hard part is that you have to be so accessible and people say I know its Sunday and I shouldnt really be calling to you but yet theyre in your house, or I know Mary youre in doing your shopping, but I just saw you, she added.

"But Im not whinging, I love the job, and like every job, theres good days and bad days, Cllr Hourigan concluded.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme
The Soroptimists International Wexford presented a cheque for 12,921.70 to the Wexford Rape Crisis Centre in the Riverbank House Hotel. The Rape Crisis Centre manager, Clare Williams is pictured receiving the cheque from the Soroptimist President, Mary Louise Pearce at the handover. Photo: Jim Campbell

A Wexford community group have revealed plans to host a major talk which will provide information on one of Irelands fastest growing crimes, human trafficking.

Soroptimists International (SI) Wexford say they are delighted to be joined by several speakers, including Professor Niamh Flanagan, Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Applied Social Studies at Maynooth University. Professor Flanagan teaches social policy, child and family policy, and responses to child trafficking.

Detective Garda Niall Stack and Garda Karen Coghlan, who were both centrally involved in Irelands first successful human trafficking conviction, along with a representative from Dublin-based NGO Ruhama will also attend, Hidden in Plain Sight.

All speakers have significant experience of the issues surrounding human trafficking, and we are confident that attendees will find the evening of significant interest.

In the summer of 2024, then Justice Minister Helen McEntee warned that Ireland had to that date dealt with only "the tip of the iceberg" in terms of the human trafficking and modern slavery threat facing the State from organised crime gangs.

Then Garda Commissioner Drew Harris said it was likely the Republic faced a similar scale problem as Northern Ireland where PSNI Chief Constable John Boutcher admitted that, in 2023, they received 501 referrals in terms of suspected cases of human trafficking and modern slavery.

As an international organisation, we are focused on helping and supporting all women and girls to lead independent lives, Soroptimist International Wexford is keen to highlight these growing issues said Mary Louise Pearce, SI Wexford President said.

The talk takes place at Wexford Town Library on February 26 at 7pm. Advanced booking is essential.
Opinion / Columnist

Has Africa had a time when they introspected comprehensively as to why African countries never rose to the occasion of social, cultural, and economic development - a success story that punctuates African development? It is becoming a tiring game to shift blame on former colonialists' interference for failing to run economies to improve nations, given their richness in human and natural resources.Africa is frozen in time as a poor continent that is unable to lift itself from poverty, hunger, tribal conflicts, gross corruption, bigman administrations, religious jingoism, tyranny, and politically unstable systems of governance.Regression in Africa demands urgent attention and questions: why have countries in Africa never transformed beyond colonial social and economic political development, fulfilling the prophecy that Africans are incapable of managing modern economies, let alone transforming to meet basic national demands socially, economically, and politically?A new trajectory is necessary for many reasons: the demographics in Africa have 75% youth growth. This demography has immediate demands on governments to give good education for all, clean water and sanitation, health institutions for all, sustainable job markets, national infrastructure developments to boost economic growth, food securities and sovereignties; above all, living in freedom and respect for human rights.Not even firstworld South Africa, with 30 years of independence, has anything to offer its African youth.When African countries became independent, it was an illusion to put independent countries on a democratic trajectory that never existed in Africa. However, since independence, democracy based on electoral constitutionalism has been tried, tested, and dismally failed in most countries except in two or three; Africa has 54 member states.The real illusion has been the exposure and inability of African leadership that failed to deliver progress and development in their respective countries.At independence, African leaders did not have experience to run governments. Administrative institutions inherited from colonialists did not train them to run governmental institutions. These key skills led to gross failure from the onset to meet the basic needs of the African population that was promised a better future.Societies in Africa are unequal; the small percentage is excessively rich; the bigger percentage is abjectly and extremely poor. Promises of addressing youth problems are spoken and end at presidential and parliamentary election seasons and never go beyond.Corruption continues to eat up revenues in government kitties, leaving little or nothing for the general populace. Neglect of youth accumulated for decades until it was normalized. Tensions between Gen Zs and the ruling governments have been surfacing the past years, leading to mass migration.Migration started when professionals left the African continent for greener pastures in western countries, showing disdain for the running of their African governments.Africa has been losing millions of professionals because of unstable governments that never delivered basic liveable means such as clean water and sanitation, good education, good working conditions, good food security and sovereignty, good health care, good electricity supply, and good road infrastructure. The exodus of qualified professionals exacerbates the living conditions of the populace in many African settings continentally.The niche that stands to benefit from migration is qualified African migrants who offer professional services to receiving countries. However, it is not the case for many African youths, some of whom are even without basic education. The job opportunities for unqualified youth are slavelike menial jobs, a handtomouth existence. It does not deter the youth from occupying the very slavelike jobs because even those possibilities are nonexistent in most African countries.It is worth establishing fundamental causes and effects as to why African governments have dismally failed democratic institutions and how a change of political, social, and economic trajectory could be a game changer for Africa: African youth deserve better.Africa is a continent marred by a series of political law and disorder, tribal conflicts, civil wars, failing states, terrorist insurgencies, piracy, and human and drug trafficking.Almost all African countries have attained their independence from colonial rule; painfully, there is nothing to show tangibly. Some countries are collapsing; independence has never assisted them in any way, shape, or form.Continents and countries that were colonized by the West are not only African countries; India, China, South America, and Pakistan were victims of colonialism. A comparison of African countries: almost all East Asian countries are doing relatively well. Why is Africa the only continent failing?Because of instability in most African countries, internal and external migration of young Africans en route to Europe has risen exponentially. In 2023 in Lampedusa, the influx of African migrants reached an unprecedented proportion, with most EU politicians calling the influx an insurrection.Curiously, African governments are unperturbed by the carnage taking place in the Sahara Desert and in the Mediterranean Sea. Thousands of African migrants perish in the Sahara Desert. Tragically, en route to Europe on foot, African migrants are abducted and trafficked. Many are often sold in slave markets in North African towns and forced into sexual slavery in brothels in cities across North Africa. Some are trafficked even further to the Middle East and Europe.Multiparty participatory democracy is not working in Africa.The implementation of democratic institutions in postcolonial African settings has always been contagious. It had contradictions in comparison to the liberal democracy of the West.African settings before colonialism were communitybased. It must be emphasized at this point that the colonizers never dismantled their grip of power from the liberated colonies.Colonialists never wanted African countries to succeed as independent countries. They used fiscal incentives to manipulate electoral processes that assisted African politicians to remain subservient to former colonial masters.Multiparty democracies are alien to African settings and hence have never worked since African states became independent.Some of these newly independent African settings were dictatorial in character because they wanted power dominance. The introduction of oneparty states was the result of failed multiparty systems of governance. Instead, they introduced oppressive systems meant to cow down opposing voices that challenged existing administrations; a nascent democracy could not possibly thrive under a big man oneparty state administration.Multiparty elections are a privilege of Western countries.Africa today has a string of oneparty systems of government: authoritarian regimes, oneparty states, personalist rule, and dictatorships. Authoritarian regimes somehow hold elections solely to boost democratic credentials to the world, to impress former colonialists that independent African countries are on the right trajectory of democratic values of Western democracies.Term limits have not worked in many African countries because the power of the incumbent can change the rules at will; it has happened in several countries on the continent. The arms of the security and police are entrenched in the office of the presidency, making it almost impossible for opposition parties to effect change through the ballot box.Admittedly, electoral democracy is not working in Africa. Parliamentary democratic elections are a privilege of Western countries. External forces have great influence on African autocratic governments, making democracy laughable and unviable. Denial of human rights is packaged as Western concepts that want to interfere in how African governments must operate. Democratic decline cannot be a bone of contention because pure democratic governance has never existed in Africa.Western countries continued to be donors of African governments and civil society organizations, thereby calling the shots. Aid is packaged with strict conditions that must be adhered to, even for recipients of aid: LGBTQIA+, human rights, and abortion rights. Again, donor dependency covertly and overtly suffocated the sovereignty of newly independent states and development.Regression in African development demands urgent attention. It demands questions: why have countries in Africa never transformed beyond colonial social, economic, and political development, fulfilling the prophecy that Africans are incapable of managing modern economies, let alone transforming to meet basic national demands socially, economically, and politically?A new trajectory is necessary for many reasons: the demographics in Africa have 75% youth growth. This demography has demands on governments to give good education for all, clean water and sanitation, health institutions for all, sustainable job markets, national infrastructure developments to boost economic growth, food security, and food sovereignty.Above all, living in freedom and respect for human rights.African governments have been deliberately given access to lines of credit from international monetary institutions, thereby hooking them to permanent dependency: a catch. Most of them defaulted on payments multiple times due to many reasons, including gross corruption at government levels. In most cases money did not serve intended purposes but was diverted to serve recurrent expenditure, but debt remained to be repaid.Inability to make repayments gave Western institutions leverage to dictate stringent terms on government expenditures: ESAP, for example, is a prescription given to African countries that have defaulted: no free education, no free health, and several other social and economic policies promised by African political parties during election time.Even African governments with good intentions were caught between a rock and a hard surface; they had to adhere to international bank conditions. Because of numerous failed plans of African governments across the continent, they drifted away from their electorates and instead maintained a grip on power, blaming interference of colonial powers for destabilizing their power base.One classic example is the farm invasions of 1999/2000 that took place in Zimbabwe. They were complete in their execution; the irony is that the general populace are not beneficiaries of land reforms. Instead, it benefitted the entire ruling elite.Hunger and famine became prevalent, but before the invasion, Zimbabwe never experienced food shortages. Instead, Zimbabwe was a breadbasket of Africa. Should we then continue to say, It's better to misgovern ourselves than to be misgoverned!The rot in African democracies is not entirely put on African governments and leaders. Blame must be shared equally with colonial imperialists who wanted African governments to remain dependent on them. The use of colonial revenues, e.g., the French franc, limited Africans' progress.West African countries were tied up in colonial repayment debts to France. Major mines and infrastructure development remained in the hands of colonial institutions. A classic example is Niger; the uranium mines continued to benefit France, giving the Nigerien government pittances of 0.80/kg of uranium.Again, French colonies have been making colonial reparations; whatever infrastructure development France made must be paid back in cash and kind. These reparations had no time frame; French colonies have been paying colonial tax for over a century, hemorrhaging already meagre fiscal economies.On the other hand, African governments' inability to transform Africa's wealth to benefit the general populace severely affected progress in many aspects of African development. The ability to use a nation's natural resources to transform development processes is the key to African development and NOT INTERNATIONAL AID from the World Bank, the IMF, or the Millennium Challenge Account. Africa aid is a curse: facets of underdevelopment to meet global challenges accumulated; education, a collarbone of development in Africa generally, was neglected; only 1% of privileged Africans benefited from the status quo.Casualties of failed African governments are the youth. By 2063, Africa's demographics will be 3.20 billion, 70% of whom are youth under 35 years of age. About half a million youth will be potential migrants seeking employment in other continents, especially Europe. Are there contingencies that suggest that African governments are prepared for youth empowerment?Only on paper, some of the African Union's Agenda 63 aspirations are:1) A prosperous Africa based on inclusive growth and sustainable development.2) An Africa of good governance, democracy, respect for human rights, justice, and the rule of law.3) A peaceful and secure Africa.4) Africa has a strong cultural identity with a common heritage, values, and ethicsan Africa whose development is peopledriven, relying on the potential offered by the African people, especially its women and youth, and caring for children.Nothing on the ground suggests that African nations are working hard to meet Agenda 63 aspirations. Neither will they meet the 2030 SDGs.
Irish Rail have confirmed the return of one bench to Greystones Railway Station, after two benches were removed, following incidents of anti-social behaviour, including an alleged assault on a member of Irish Rail staff.

Cllr Stephen Stokes believes it is a positive first step for passengers who rely on the station every day. He wrote to the transport operator on February 18, with action taken less than two days later.

However, Cllr Stokes has called for the reinstatement of wooden benches and renewed his appeal for a full-time staff presence at the station.

While acknowledging the seriousness of recent incidents, Cllr Stokes believes that removing public seating should not become a long-term solution.

I welcome the return of one bench to Greystones Railway Station. However, it is made of metal, which is cold to sit on. It is important that passengers, particularly older people, those with mobility issues, and families with young children, have somewhere comfortable to sit while waiting for their train.

There were originally two wooden benches in place, and both should be restored. Greystones serves a large and growing community. Adequate seating is not a luxury - it is a necessity.

From experience, sitting on a metal bench can be quite cold. This metal bench may also be better located on a platform.

Cllr Stokes has written to Irish Rail to enquire about the whereabouts of the original wooden benches.

Irish Rail indicated the situation is being monitored, and officials are planning to install alternative seating in the coming weeks.

There are currently no plans to remove the existing seating along the platform, the statement reads.

Cllr Stokes added: Additionally, I followed up on my request for a full-time staff member to be assigned to Greystones Railway Station, particularly the ticket office.

This would deter anti-social behaviour and provide a useful information service at the end of the Dart line.

Cllr Stephen Stokes stressed that the underlying issue is not seating, but the lack of consistent on-site supervision.

"The removal of benches does not address the root cause of anti-social behaviour. What is needed is a visible, full-time member of staff at the station. A staffed presence would provide reassurance to passengers and deter inappropriate behaviour.

I will continue to press for the restoration of the second bench and for proper staffing to ensure Greystones Railway Station remains safe, accessible, and passenger friendly.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme
The Department of Heritage has indicated that future funding applications will be considered to support further research, following the recent discovery of what is believed to be the largest nucleated prehistoric settlement in Ireland and Britain at the Baltinglass Hillfort Complex.

Recent research at the complex led by Queen's University Belfast has fundamentally altered the understanding of Irish prehistory, identifying it as the island's first "proto town".

Researchers identified a boat-shaped stone structure supplied by an upland spring. If confirmed, this would be the first prehistoric water cistern found at an Irish hillfort, indicating advanced communal planning.

The National Monuments Service, through its Community Monuments Fund, has supported a high-resolution LiDAR survey over an area of over 100 square kilometres within the Baltinglass landscape. This enabled archaeologists to create, for the first time, a comprehensive map of the landscape and to better allow the landscape to be assessed for previously unidentified monuments.

The National Monuments Service has also supported research on the hillfort landscape through the Royal Irish Academy archaeology grants scheme.

In addition, the National Monuments Service has funded the recent publication of seminal excavations at Rathgall Hillfort, a publication launched in the Royal Irish Academy last year.

In a recent parliamentary exchange, Wicklow TD Edward Timmins said further financial aid should be made available to support the project.

He also extended an invitation to OPW Minister Kevin Boxer Moran to attend the site.

It has been recognised on a world basis, said Deputy Timmins. Recently, the headline related to Queens University Belfast, outside the State, which also did some work on it. I would not like to see it neglected. I would like to see it developed and brought to the wider public from a historical and tourism point of view.

There are lots of pictures and drawings of it, but no one can access it. The whole thing has not been developed and brought to a wider public.

In response, Minister Moran said he agreed with the sentiments of Deputy Timmins.

I agree that our heritage is our history. I believe in our heritage and selling it. The project in this area that the Deputy spoke about so eloquently needs to be explored.

If something can be done, it is about sitting around the table and getting the investment to do it.

The project was also raised at a recent meeting of Wicklow County Council when Cllr Pat Mahon asked what position the executive takes on the project.

In response, chief executive Emer OGorman said she and her team were fully behind it and would offer their full support.

I know Deirdre Burns, our heritage officer, is very excited about it and all that can bring to the area. There are significant investment and infrastructural challenges around access to those sites.

When you are dealing with heritage sites, they are extremely sensitive so we will have to be careful around it, but we will look at all opportunities that we can to leverage funding from the various departments on that.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme
Multinational solar energy company Neoen, who operate Millvale solar farm in Ashford, Co Wicklow, are offering small grants to local organisations operating within 10km of the solar farm through their community benefit fund.

The fund will be administered in partnership with Community Foundation Ireland, which has more than 25 years experience in connecting funders with charities and community groups.

The solar farm opened in April 2022 and was the first large-scale ground mounted solar farm to supply electricity to the Irish grid. Millvale solar farm incorporates 33,600 solar modules covering 25 hectares of land. It has a generation capacity of eight megawatts of electricity. Which is enough to power approximately 3,600 homes every year.

The community fund is open to initiatives that strengthen local community engagement, inclusion and development, support education, recreation, and cultural activities, and also enhance sustainability, biodiversity, and climate action.

Grants from 1,000 to 5,000 are available for eligible projects that align with these goals.

Community, voluntary and not-for-profit groups are invited to apply. To be eligible, you must be a registered charity or a local community or voluntary group. Any groups applying must be at least a year old and have an annual income of above 2,000 and below 100,000. Schools may apply even if their income is above this.

While projects must take place within 10km of the solar farm, if the grant round is oversubscribed, preference will be given to projects within 5km of the solar farm.

The fund closes to applications on Friday, March 20, at 5pm. To apply you must first register your organisation on the Community Foundation Ireland portal by visiting their website.
Andrews adviser joked about having sex on Epsteins island

Messages were sent after financier was convicted for soliciting a minor for prostitution

People near a picture of Mountbatten-Windsor hung by activists from campaign group Everyone Hates Elon in the Louvre museum, Paris. Photo: Reuters

Neil Johnson Telegraph Media Group Holdings Ltd Mon 23 Feb 2026 at 06:30

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsors right-hand man joked about having sex on the island where Jeffrey Epstein trafficked women.
British police on Monday arrested Lord Peter Mandelson, the former UK ambassador to the United States, in a misconduct probe stemming from his ties to the late Jeffrey Epstein. It came days after a friendship with Epstein landed the former Prince Andrew in police custody.

Both men are suspected of improperly passing UK government information to the disgraced U.S. financier, and the high-profile British arrests are some of the most dramatic fallout from the trove of more than 3 million pages of Epstein-related documents released last month by the US Justice Department.
LATEST | UK police conclude search at former home of British King Charles' brother Andrew

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested on Thursday on suspicion of misconduct in public office

Andrew was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office (Jordan Pettitt/PA)

Ted Hennessey Reuters Tue 24 Feb 2026 at 22:33

British police said on Tuesday that searches at Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's former home in southeast England had concluded after the former prince was arrested last week on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
LATEST | A deal is a deal  EU set for tariff showdown with Donald Trump as it insists he must honour 2025 agreement

European Commission says White House must provide full clarity on next steps

US President Donald Trump during a governors dinner in the East Room of the White House on Saturday. Photo: Bloomberg

Philip Blenkinsop Reuters Mon 23 Feb 2026 at 06:30

The European Commission demanded on Sunday that the United States stick to the terms of an EU-U.S. trade deal reached last year, after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down Donald Trump's global tariffs and he responded with new levies across the board.
Ukrainian woman arrested after police officer killed and dozens injured by homemade bomb in Lviv

33-year-old suspect in Lviv attack is believed by officials to have been a Russian recruit

A municipal worker tries to wipe away bloodstains at the site of what authorities are describing as a terrorist attack in central Lviv, Ukraine yesterday. Photo: Mykola Tys/AP

Antonia Langford Telegraph Media Group Holdings Ltd Mon 23 Feb 2026 at 06:30

A Ukrainian woman has been arrested over her suspected role in a double bombing that killed a 23-year-old female police officer and injured dozens more people in the western city of Lviv.
Iran protests: I saw the bodies of two people. I didnt know if they were alive. Medics like me were too afraid of snipers to help them. That haunts me

Doctors and lawyers are being targeted by Iranian regime for treating protesters

An Iranian resident cries during a protest against Iran's government amid a massive US military build-up in the Middle East, in Barcelona, Spain on Saturday. Photo: Reuters

Caspar Barnes and Moha Tahery UK Independent Mon 23 Feb 2026 at 06:30

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.
Concessions offered as new anti-regime protests erupt

Iran has indicated it is prepared to make concessions on its nuclear programme in talks with the US, in return for the lifting of sanctions and recognition of its right to enrich uranium, as it seeks to avert a US attack.
In terms of next steps for the Company's flagship Tolita Gold-Copper-Moly-Silver Asset in the Vicuna District of Chile, Gold Hart has already - over the weekend - launched the next diamond drill hole. In addition the ongoing diamond drill campaign, Gold Hart anticipates launch of RC drilling at its high-grade trench - with up to 52g/t gold equivalent including 3.99% copper on surface - by the first week of March. The objective of the RC campaign is to demonstrate higher grade pockets close to surface, beyond the larger porphyry target.

Gold Hart recently hosted a site visit which included tours of the Tolita & Nessa assets. Gold Hart board and advisory board members including the honourable John R. Baird, Mark Kucher, and Aleta Shiff were also in attendance. In this 360-degree immersive video - which allows you to interactively toggle views - Gold Hart co-founder Jonathan Warner explains the diamond drilling process

Interestingly, the core continued to display encouraging characteristics, with multiple intervals showing strong hydrothermal alterations and mineralization consistent with a fertile porphyry-style environment. Gold Hart geologists observed multiple generations of veinlets and stockworks with varying intensities over intervals up to several hundred meters, banded veinlets with thicknesses of several cm, and locally chalcopyrite and bornite mineralization has been recognized in several of these veinlets. HART geologists do not believe the drill intercepted the same fault which caused a sterile zone in the middle of the initial 2 diamond holes.

Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - February 23, 2026) - Gold Hart Copper Corp. (TSXV: HART) (the " Company ", " Gold Hart ", or " HART ") is pleased to provide an update on the drilling currently underway at the Company's flagship Tolita gold copper molybdenum silver asset in the emerging Vicuna Copper-Gold District of Chile. Preliminarily, the Company believes it entered the potentially mineralized system of interest between 200m - 400m. The drill hole reached a depth of approximately 1,053m.

Story Continues

Drill Hole Completion and High Grade Nessa

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

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Nessa Copper-Gold-Silver Complex - Domeyko Fault System- High Grade Copper Up To 4.7%

Gold Hart is also pleased to announce that the Company has received the re-analyzed lab assays from the geochemical survey at its Nessa Complex just west of Kinross' La Coipa Gold Mine. In total, 13 samples were re-analyzed, with 12 returning higher grades than prior announced. Specifically, 7 samples graded 1.25% to 4.73% copper, including 4 samples exceeding 2.40% copper.

Gold Hart is now planning a comprehensive geochemical survey at the Nessa Complex, with a target of 500-1,000 geochemical samples gridding the property. Gold Hart hopes to launch this next survey in the coming two weeks, and will provide an update as soon as practicable.

Nessa Gold Copper Complex Expansion 3.3X

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10786/284874_284874_gold_hart_-_nessa_gold_copper_complex_expansion_3_3x_-_3.jpg

Tolita High Grade Gold Copper Trench on Large IP Anomaly

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Additional RC Drill Rig at Tolita to Target High Grade Trench Up to 52g/t Gold Equivalent with 3.99% Copper

In addition to Gold Hart's primary diamond drilling at Tolita, the Company is planning to add a reverse circulation (RC) drill rig in order to target certain higher grade opportunities closer to surface at Tolita. Specifically, Gold Hart intends to target its highest grade trench, which grades 8.61g/t gold equivalent over 10m, including 2m at 10.40g/t gold, 20g/t silver, and 2.88% copper, and including grabs of 45.75g/t gold, 28g/t silver, and 3.99% copper (approximately 52g/t gold equivalent).

Gold Hart recently opened up this high-grade trench with a bulldozer and exposed visible green and turquoise staining typical of copper minerals malachite and chrysocolla. Interestingly, the larger geophysical anomaly at Tolita appears to reach surface at or near this high-grade trench.

Gold Hart Vice President Rodrigo Diaz Tilleria (P.Geo) commented, "Our focus remains the large-scale porphyry potential of Tolita. But Tolita also offers the rare opportunity to target and hopefully prove a high-grade shallower component of the asset. In the Vicuna District where 1g/t gold on surface is rare, we have 52g/t gold and simply put we need to test it. RC drilling is significantly faster and cheaper, does not require water to operate, and is well suited to the characteristics of this target. Our current geological model assumes that this high-grade trench at Tolita may only be a fraction of the size of the larger system, but we do believe it hosts potential for generating higher grade intercepts close to surface and therefore potential to add high grade ounces, thereby demonstrating another facet to the Tolita asset." HART anticipates launching its RC drill campaign at this trench by early March.

Nessa Expansion - Copper Chunks

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Nessa Expansion - Historic Mines

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About Gold Hart Copper's Nessa Gold-Copper-Silver Assets

Gold Hart's Nessa properties sit on the renowned Domeyko Fault of Chile, most famous for hosting the Escondida Copper Mine - now the largest copper mine in the world - which was first staked by Gold Hart co-founder Dr. Jose Frutos in the 1970s. Dr. Frutos recognized and personally staked some of the Nessa claims nearly two decades ago, due to the unique surface alteration - visible from satellite imagery - with high grades on surface and several historic mines which exploited gold, copper and silver at or near surface via pits and shallow tunnels. The historic mines coincide with a pervasive yet intense hydrothermal alteration (silicic-argillic to quartz-sericitic with abundant kaolin in the central part) with a halo of propilitic alteration in the periphery, with disseminated gold-copper-silver mineralization throughout.

Gold Hart recently expanded the Nessa property by 330% (3.3X) from an initial property size of 4,100Ha up to a current land position of 13,500Ha (135km2). The Nessa Complex is just south of the massive Codelco El Salvador - Portrerillos copper mining and smelting complex, one of the oldest copper smelting facilities in the country. Nessa is also surrounded by major miners Newmont, Solaris, JX Nippon, and Anglo American, and sits just northwest of Rio2's Fenix gold deposit and just west of Kinross' La Coipa gold mine.

The Nessa properties were known to host 13 historic artisanal high-grade gold & copper pits, which were mined using mules due to lack of access. Additionally, historic geochemical surveys discovered high grades on surface for gold, copper, and silver, with samples up to 25g/t gold, 3.25% copper, 958g/t silver. However, the Company has now discovered additional copper showings on surface and historic mining pits, and now believes there may be other unknown targets on these assets. Gold Hart recently completed a follow-on geochemical survey and obtained additional high grade samples, including up to 9.7g/t gold, 968g/t silver, and 4.7% copper on surface.

Please refer to the notes regarding quality assurance and quality control measures applied during the execution of the work being reported on, at the end of this disclosure. Please visit the Gold Hart Copper YouTube channel for footage of the road construction and copper oxides at Nessa: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Ax6fOStX72c

Nessa - High Grades Copper Gold Surface

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Nessa Expansion - High Grades on Surface

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Tolita - Flagship Gold Copper Moly Silver Porphyry Target in Vicuna District - Diamond Drilling Program

Gold Hart geologists - including senior geologists Professor Dr. Jose Frutos, Enrique Viteri, Jonathan Warner, and Rodrigo Diaz Tilleria - carefully designed a 10-hole drill plan in order to optimally test Tolita as a potential gold-copper-molybdenum-silver porphyry target. As prior announced, Gold Hart first attempted to drill target #1 known as DDHTOL01 in March of 2025, but after difficulties were encountered under tight time constraints, the team instead elected to drill DDHTOL02 and DDHTOL05. These holes were approximately 600m each and encountered approximately 360m and 230m of gold, copper, and moly porphyry mineralization, respectively. Most recently, Gold Hart returned to target #1 DDHTOL01 with a more powerful drill rig and completed a 1.053km drill hole.

Consequently, there await at least another seven highly attractive diamond drill targets identified across the asset area. These targets are supported by a combination of geophysical characteristics, including chargeability and conductivity, strong geological and structural controls as well as coincident geochemical anomalies.

Tolita is a very large target, with an original 2.5km2 geophysical anomaly recently expanded by 76% to 4.5km2.The Tolita gold soil sample geochemical surface halo (an approximation of gold on surface above 0.1g/t) alone is nearly 28Ha and the Tolita property is 3,476Ha equal to approximately 34.8km2.

Furthermore, as recently confirmed in a follow-up geophysical survey, the Tolita geophysical anomaly expands in both size and intensity at depth, which could translate into an enlarging system at depth. Per the third party geophysicist who conducted the survey, ""The vertical extent of the steeply dipping conductor that is likely related to a fault is better defined on the two new deep lines (2600N and 452200E). This surprised me, as I had expected resolution similar to the first lines. This would indicate to me, that the probable structure extends very deeply and has a strong contrast in resistivity with the host rock. Because it is conductive, it should act as good conduit for hydrothermal water flow, which should be good news for mineralization. There is confirmation that the alteration system extends to greater depth and may increase in intensity at depth as it is more conductive. Hopefully, the copper and gold grades would increase correspondingly as well."

Porphyry systems in Chile, and in the Vicuna District specifically, can prove larger and richer as they progress deeper. For example, in Chile, Atex Resources announced one of their most significant drill holes ever (ATXD25C) which graded 2.72% copper equivalent, beginning at 1,558m and ending at a depth of 1,722m. In the Vicuna District, NGEX published "DPDH028, the best hole drilled to date as Lunahuasi, which was drilled deeper and to the west of all previous holes", which included multiple highly compelling intercept including the deepest 53.5m (1,219.5m - 1,273.0m) grading 7.79% copper equivalent. In summary, the Company remains extremely optimistic about this drill hole DDHTOL01, in addition to the future diamond drill targets as well.

About Gold Hart Copper's Tolita Gold-Copper-Molybdenum-Silver Target

The Tolita property is a historically significant gold-copper asset which was first recognized and staked in 1993 - by one of the pioneering geologists of the Maricunga-Vicuna district - for its uniquely high grades of gold and copper on surface3. Geochemical surveys revealed gold, copper, silver, and molybdenum anomalies, which led to trenching. Tolita has had significant trenching (5,600m / 5.6km) with the highest grade trench returning grades up to 52g/t gold equivalent including 4% copper. Tolita has undergone helicopter mag surveys which identified 4 unique anomalies as well3.

In 1996, a third party company optioned the property and drilled 3 short 200m RC holes, without any geophysics, and yet still hit gold and copper in all 3 holes, including long intercepts of gold and copper (150m and 164m, respectively) close to surface in 2 of the 3 holes. At the time, gold was approximately $300/oz and copper traded below $1.00/lb, and large scale sulphide porphyry deposits with both gold and copper were often considered less favorable than smaller scale gold-only oxide deposits. As a result, and due to general market sentiment for junior exploration companies in 1997-1998, Tolita was only drilled to a depth of 200m with 3 short RC holes (out of a planned 8 hole campaign)3.

When Gold Hart acquired the property, a full geophysical survey was conducted by a recognized geophysics firm, and a large high-chargeability and conductive anomaly was discovered that is near surface and almost 2.5km2 in size and "interpreted as a copper-gold or gold-copper porphyry system that certainly warrants additional exploration and drilling4". Gold Hart Copper has therefore launched diamond drilling and is fully funded for this planned campaign.

Most recently (April-May 2025), the Company completed two holes of approximately 600m each, confirming that Tolita indeed hosts a fertile porphyry system. Gold Hart geologists observed early stage veining near surface, providing the first clear evidence of a porphyry related system within zones of moderate chargeability. The mineral intercepts occur within a multi-generation stockwork vein system hosted by a series of multi-phase porphyry intrusions. Multiple alteration types have been identified, overprinting the original potassic alteration of the porphyry system. At greater depth, the potassic alteration becomes increasingly dominant, accompanied by more intense and continuous veining across locally moderate to stronger chargeability amplitudes. The newly acquired geophysical data indicates that the system may even extend several hundred meters further at depth. Effectively, the Company, and various visiting geologists have all concluded the presence of a porphyry, and Gold Hart is now focused on exploration to find the richer grades and potential limits of the system. Please visit the Gold Hart Copper YouTube channel for footage regarding the mobilization and drill pad expansion: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/M5ovBFOgQTU

About Gold Hart Copper

Gold Hart Copper is one of the largest independent land owners surrounding major miners where the famous Maricunga Gold Belt meets the emerging Vicuna Copper Belt in Chile. HART is actively acquiring, exploring and developing its portfolio of gold, copper & silver properties adjacent to the largest gold and copper assets on the continent.

HART has rolled-up a portfolio of historically significant assets surrounding majors, in some cases personally staked by the very same geologists who made the adjacent mega-discoveries, since the early 1990s. Some of the Gold Hart properties have already undergone a first phase of drilling, with highly encouraging results of gold, copper, silver, and molybdenum. Gold Hart properties are controlled 100% and not subject to any royalties whatsoever.

HART believes it may be sitting on one of the only fully-preserved untested large-scale gold-copper-silver porphyry targets in the Vicuna District - an asset that was first recognized for its uniquely high grades of gold and copper on surface - and staked by one of the Maricunga-Vicuna district's pioneering geologists3 in 1993. Gold Hart Copper is fully funded for its planned drill campaign.

HART's team of geologists were personally involved in pioneering exploration in the region, leading to some of its greatest gold, copper, and silver deposits, and include the country's former Geological Survey National Deputy Manager Dr. Professor Jose Frutos. Specifically, senior Gold Hart geologists were personally involved in the Escondida copper discovery, now the largest copper mine in the world1 controlled by Rio Tinto and BHP, as well as Norte Abierto / Cerro Casale, the largest gold-copper discovery in Chile2 acquired by Barrick and Newmont (GoldCorp) with reserves and resources of 50.6-million ounces of gold (0.53g/t), 13.4-billion pounds of copper (0.20%) and 218-million ounces of silver (2.3g/t).

In addition to its large land position in the Vicuna District, Gold Hart recently acquired the Nessa properties just northwest on Chile's Paleocene-Eocene Belt on the famous Domeyko Fault System, which is home to some of Chile's largest gold, copper, and silver assets including Escondida, Chuquicamata and Collahuasi. The Nessa properties host several historic gold and copper artisanal mines with high grades of gold, copper, and silver on surface, with a large alteration and magnetic anomaly extending approximately 6km. Kinross' La Coipa Gold Mine sits just east of Nessa.

HART | Gold Hart Copper Corporation - Social Media Channels

Website: https://goldhartcopper.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/goldhartcopper

X / Twitter: https://x.com/goldhartcopper

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@goldhartcopper

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goldhartcopper

Qualified Person

The technical information contained in this news release related has been reviewed and approved by Mr. Jonathan A. Warner, Executive Vice President of Gold Hart Copper and a Qualified Person within the meaning of NI 43-101.

For further information please contact:

Gold Hart Copper Corp.

Isaac B. Maresky

Chief Executive Officer and Director

Email: im@goldhartmining.com

Notes on quality assurance and control regarding geochemical survey published

Hermetic sealed individual bags for every sample (ii) Unique sample ID for tracking (iii) Coordinate location and picture of outcrop (iv) Basic geology notes on control points with samples (v) Consistent sample size between 2-3kg (vi) Certified lab conducting assays. Gold Hart utilized AAA Labs in Chile to conduct the assays, an independent laboratory with no relationship to Gold Hart.

References & Notes:

Escondida is the largest copper mine globally, as defined by producing the greatest number of copper tonnes per annum. Numbers sourced directly from property owner's website and public filings. Norte Abierto is considered the largest undeveloped gold asset in Chile as defined by hosting the largest number of total gold ounces. Numbers sourced directly from property owner's website and public filings. Please refer to the Company's NI 43-101 Technical Report on Sedar for information pertaining to Gold Hart Copper's properties including historical exploration at Tolita, including but not limited to, the history of the asset and its original staking, geochemical surveys, trenching surveys, helicopter magnetic surveys, and historical RC drilling. Geophysical survey is summarized in the Company's NI 43-101 Technical report available on Sedar. Such geophysical surveys are not definitive, and the results are still at an early stage of interpretation, with no guarantee of a mineral discovery.

Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that involves predictions, expectations, interpretations, beliefs, plans projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often, but not always, using phrases such as "expects", or "does not expect", "is expected", "interpreted", management's view", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "budget", "scheduled", "forecasts", "estimates", "potential", "feasibility", "believes" or "intends" or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results "may" or "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking information and are intended to identify forward-looking information. Forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future performance and is based upon a number of estimates and assumptions of management, in light of management's experience and perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, as well as other factors that management believes to be relevant and reasonable in the circumstances, including, without limitation, assumptions about: the ability of exploration results, including drilling, to accurately predict mineralization; errors in geological modelling; insufficient data; equity and debt capital markets; future spot prices of copper and zinc; the timing and results of exploration and drilling programs; the accuracy of mineral resource estimates; production costs; political and regulatory stability; the receipt of governmental and third party approvals; licenses and permits being received on favourable terms; sustained labour stability; stability in financial and capital markets; availability of mining equipment and positive relations with local communities and groups. Forward-looking information involves risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events, results, performance, prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking information are set out in the Company's listing statement dated March 14, 2025, a copy of which is available on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) under the Company's issuer profile. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information, which only applies as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward- looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by law. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/284874
US 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.
US president Donald Trumps plan to send a US hospital boat to Greenland has been politely declined by leaders in the region  who noted that they have free and equal access to health for all.

With little explanation, Mr Trump said he would send the vessel in a Truth Social post on 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.
Image credit : X | @ThePageZ_ | Viral Baby Macaque Punch Gains a Protector at Ichikawa City Zoo

Plot twist: Punch gets a bodyguard

Rewind: How Punch became the internet's baby

Image credit : X | @ThePageZ_ | The Viral Baby Monkey Story Taking Over the Internet Has a New Update

Image credit : X | @Dexerto | After Weeks of Rejection, Baby Monkey Punch Finds Support

The zoo had to step in, and how did the internet react

Punch, the baby monkey at Ichikawa Zoo in Japan. 











He was abandoned by his mother shortly after birth and has been handraised by zookeepers.











They gave him a plush orangutan toy, which he carries everywhere, hugging it while he sleeps, using it for comfort when he feels pic.twitter.com/tVdjmiDm1z









 Human Owned by Cat  (@Petswithaura) February 23, 2026

But the arch isn't over

The internet collectively adopted a seven-month-old monkey for one chaotic, heartfelt week.Meet Punch, a.k.a. Panchi-kun, the tiny Japanese macaque living at Ichikawa City Zoo near Tokyo, who somehow became the main character of everyone's feed.And honestly? It makes sense. But do you know that Punch now has a bodyguard? Yes, an adult macaque has stepped in to protect Punch.In recent updates, something shifted.After weeks of viral clips showing baby Punch wandering alone, clutching his bright orange plush orangutan like it's the only thing keeping him grounded, a new development has changed the vibes entirely.An older member of the troops at Ichikawa City Zoo has begun sticking close, carrying him, grooming him, and subtly positioning himself between Punch and the rest of the group when things get tense. The recent videos are giving off a protective older sibling energy.And for a seven-month-old macaque who started life abandoned and socially behind, this is huge. Moreover, this is not just cute; it's status-changing.Punch may be slowly integrating. Cue the cautious optimism.Punch, who was born in July, was rejected by his mother shortly after his birth. Staff at Ichikawa City Zoo hand-raised him, bottle-feeding and caring for him until he was strong enough to join the troop in January.That's when the hard part began.In macaque society, babies cling to their mothers almost immediately after birth. It's not just emotional; it builds muscle strength and teaches them how to navigate the complex social hierarchies. Well, without that early blueprint, Punch entered the enclosure like someone dropped into a group project halfway through the semester.He tried to approach the other monkeys. He got brushed off, he wandered, and he retreated. And then came the plushie.Given an IKEA stuffed orangutan for comfort, Punch began dragging it into corners and curling up beside it when social attempts failed. The imagery was painfully relatable. Within days, videos of him hugging the toy exploded across feeds worldwide.Because the internet can't just feel things quietly.After Punch went viral, Ichikawa City Zoo visitors began flocking to the zoo near Tokyo just to see him. The crowds grew so large that the zoo had to issue a statement asking people not to stress the animals. A no-entry zone was created around part of the viewing area to keep Monkey Mountain calm.Punch isn't suddenly best friends with the entire troop. Social structures take time. But the shift matters. One ally can change everything, in a monkey enclosure or a group chat.And maybe that's why we are still refreshing for updates, not because we need a perfect ending, but because we understand the messy middle.
Following weeks of severe storms and localized flooding that dampened earlier carnival celebrations, Greece is basking in mostly sunny skies today for Clean Monday, offering ideal conditions for the holiday's traditional kite-flying.

Meteorologists Theodoros Kolydas and Giorgos Tsatrafyllias confirmed the favorable holiday forecast, noting that brisk northern winds have successfully cleared away lingering atmospheric haze across

the country.

"The weather strongly favors Clean Monday's kite-flying," Mr. Tsatrafyllias said. "Storms are fading in the eastern islands and the Dodecanese, and conditions are improving steadily."

Clean Monday, which falls on Feb. 23 this year, marks the official beginning of Eastern Orthodox Lent. Hundreds of thousands of Greeks traditionally head to parks, beaches, and hillsides to fly kites and share meat-free picnic feasts.

While the vast majority of the country will enjoy crisp, clear weather through midweek, Mr. Kolydas predicted that any remaining rainfall will be strictly isolated to the northern parts of Crete.

Otherwise, he expects prolonged dry conditions nationwide as winds gradually ease.

The sunny break comes as a much-needed relief for revelers, ensuring that the final outdoor parades and regional holiday festivities can proceed uninterrupted.

   iefimerida.gr
Syriza-PS warns that catastrophic floods in northern Greece are not just natural disasters but the product of chronic policy failures and lack of modern water-management infrastructure.

Keywords

 
The Greek Minister of Foreign Affairs, Giorgos Gerapetritis, attended the European Unions Foreign Affairs Council. His statement.
The 78-day industrial action embarked upon by health workers in Lagos State has been suspended following the intervention of the Lagos State House of Assembly under the leadership of the Speaker, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa.

The breakthrough came after the Speaker mandated the House Committee on Health Services and Primary Health Care chaired by Hon. Lawal Aina Musibau to interface with representatives of the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) and relevant government officials to resolve the lingering dispute.

The high-level meeting, convened at the Assembly Conference room, had in attendance members of the Legislature, The Commissioner for Establishment and Training, The Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, representatives of the Ministry of Health and leaders of the affected Unions.

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Deliberations centered on outstanding demands relating to welfare, salary adjustments, career progression, and other sector-specific concerns.

Hon. Lawal Musibau acknowledged the disruption the strike had caused across public health facilities and stressed the urgent need to safeguard the wellbeing of residents who rely heavily on government-owned hospitals and primary healthcare centers.

Speaking at the meeting, a Member of the Committee, Hon. Olumoh Saad Lukmon assured union leaders that the government was committed to addressing their demands within the framework of the law and existing budgetary provisions.

He noted that some issues were already receiving attention, particularly those before the court, they would be handled in line with due process.

Government representatives noted the strain the prolonged strike had placed on the healthcare system and reiterated their readiness to continue negotiations in good faith once normal services resumed.

The Union leaders maintained that their action was driven by longstanding welfare and professional concerns and sought concrete assurances, including written commitments and guarantees against victimisation.

Following extensive deliberations and mutual assurances from both the Legislative and Executive arms of government, the Unions agreed to suspend the strike to allow negotiations to continue.

The Speaker was commended for providing the leadership that facilitated constructive engagement between the parties, a move widely seen as instrumental in restoring industrial harmony in the States health sector.

The suspension of the strike is expected to lead to the reopening of public hospitals across Lagos State, bringing relief to residents after weeks of limited access to healthcare services.
Nigerian comedian, Seyi Law, has sparked fresh debate after declaring that Nigeria is safer today than it was a decade ago.

Speaking on The Honest Bunch Podcast, the comic openly affirmed his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, insisting that the current administration has made significant security gains.

When asked by co-host Daddy Freeze if the country is safer now than 10 years ago, Seyi Law responded emphatically, Nigeria is safer now than 10 years ago.

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He argued that the Tinubu-led government has neutralised more bandits than previous administrations since the era of former President Goodluck Jonathan.

Seyi Law questioned critics, asking when last Nigerians heard of widespread bomb blasts, suggesting that the scale of terror seen during the peak of the Boko Haram insurgency has reduced.

However, activist Zekeri, who appeared alongside him, strongly disagreed, maintaining that Nigeria is more unsafe than ever, citing recent attacks in the Northeast, rising kidnappings, and the killings of senior military officers.

According to him, citizens are increasingly forced to rely on themselves in the face of insecurity.

The conversation also veered into politics, with Zekeri backing Peter Obi as a better leader, claiming his finances are traceable down to every kobo.

Seyi Law pushed back, insisting that Nigerias economy is improving under Tinubu and that reforms, though painful, are necessary.

The heated exchange has since fueled conversations online, with Nigerians divided over claims about security and economic realities under the current administration.
AFSCME National President Lee Saunders speaks to members of AFSCME District Council 33 at a picket in Philadelphia during the municipal workers union's strike in July. Read more

Following several years of major worker organizing efforts and high-profile strikes, 2025 brought a change in momentum for the labor movement. President Donald Trumps administration sought to end federal workers union contracts and, through a firing, left the National Labor Relations Board without a quorum and unable to make decisions.

But the percentage of workers who are union members nationwide has stayed pretty steady in the last year, new data shows. And in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, union membership rates fell.

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In 2025, 10% of the countrys total workforce was part of a union, compared to 9.9% in 2024, according to new data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Its the first time since 2020 that the rate has inched up  albeit slightly  instead of down.

However, BLS noted, this years estimates are not fully comparable to past years because they are based on a BLS survey that is missing October figures due to the government being shut down in October and part of November.

In the past year, there have been a lot of kind of anti-labor efforts coming out of the White House, said Todd Vachon, assistant professor of labor studies and employment relations at Rutgers University.

Despite those efforts Vachon said, labor has pretty much maintained the same at the national level. ... The Trump attacks havent really had any effect yet, at least in the first year.

Union membership rates dropped to an all-time low nationwide in 2023 and remained pretty similar in 2024. During those years, roughly one in 10 U.S. workers was part of a union.

When BLS first started recording this data in 1983, about two in 10 U.S. workers were unionized. There were 17.7 million unionized workers in 1983 and 14.7 million last year.

Unionizing in N.J. and Pa.

In New Jersey, 14.7% of workers were unionized last year, and in Pennsylvania, it was 10.9%.

In both states, that was a decline of around one percentage point from 2024, but BLS noted that state-level data should be interpreted with caution, due to the shutdown-related incomplete data.

Some local labor action highlights from this past year include:

What happened in labor organizing last year?

The Trump administration moved to end union contracts for government workers, amid a push to reshape the federal government.

Some 271,000 federal jobs were cut between January and November. Meanwhile, the union membership rate in the public sector increased by 0.7% nationally in the last year according to the new BLS data.

Vachon notes that the vast majority of public sector workers are at the municipal level, not federal.

The hiring of police, and teachers, and sanitation workers across the thousands of cities around the U.S. more than compensated for [cuts at the federal level], because we see an increase in the public sector, he said.

Trump also fired a member of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) early last year, which left it without a quorum to issue rulings. In some cases that can slow down the formation of a new union  at the Amazon-owned Whole Foods in Philadelphia, for example.

The number of union elections overseen by the NLRB declined last year and the overall number of workers involved in those elections dropped too, according to the nonpartisan Center for American Progress.

A huge percentage of new union organizing is required every year just to maintain the same level of unionization, because of the churning and the growth of the overall labor force, said Vachon. If the labor force is not growing, then you can actually see increases in union density.

And unions are being cautious of reaching out to the NLRB under the Trump administration, he notes.

Theres a fear [that] if something gets sent up to the NLRB that the ruling is going to set a precedent that makes it even more difficult to organize, said Vachon. Its kind of had a dampening effect in that way.
Protesters and media gather outside of the Quakertown Borough Police Department in Bucks County on Saturday after students were arrested during a protest against immigration enforcement. Read more

The Quakertown Community School District is planning to offer counseling and has requested a police presence this week after a student walkout Friday to protest federal immigration enforcement ended in a clash with police and multiple student arrests.

Our responsibility is to focus on creating as safe and supportive a learning environment as possible for students and staff to return to school this week, acting Superintendent Lisa Hoffman said in a statement Sunday night.

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Like districts across the region, Quakertown schools were closed Monday because of snow. But administrators are preparing to reopen amid continuing intense attention from Fridays walkout, which involved about 35 students from Quakertown Senior High School. Unlike other walkouts at Philadelphia-area schools by students protesting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Quakertowns protest turned confrontational.

Videos circulating online appear to show the Quakertown Borough police chief putting a teenage girl in a chokehold during the incident, which police said involved students entering traffic and damaging property and resulted in the arrests of five students and one adult.

The status of the students who were arrested, including whether they were still in custody, wasnt clear Monday. A spokesperson for the Bucks County District Attorneys Office  which is investigating the police response to the protest  said state law barred the office from discussing the teenagers cases.

The spokesperson, Manuel Gamiz, did not respond to questions about the charges, where the students were being held, or when they would be arraigned. While police had said one adult was arrested, Gamiz said that to his knowledge no adult was ever charged in connection with the incident.

Community members organized by the group Upper Bucks United demanded the immediate suspension of the police chief, Scott McElree, at a borough council meeting Monday night. An online petition also calls for McElrees resignation.

McElree, who is also the borough manager, did not respond to requests for comment Monday.

Reached by phone Monday afternoon, borough council vice president James Roberts Jr. hung up on a reporter. He did not answer a second call. Messages left for four other council members were not immediately returned Monday.

Witold Walczak, legal director of the ACLU of Pennsylvania, said in a statement Monday that by all accounts, including abundant video evidence, there were no issues at the demonstration until Quakertown police arrived and incited violence.

Walczak called for a full and transparent investigation and for Quakertown police and McElree to be held accountable for their actions if the evidence confirms the apparent excessive force, retaliation and false arrest.

In response to a series of questions sent Monday, the police department sent a written statement, saying the borough and department were fully cooperating with the Bucks County District Attorneys Office concerning this investigation. Until this investigation is complete, neither the Borough nor its Police Department will be commenting on this matter.

Tensions led to walkout cancellation

In her statement Sunday, Hoffman offered more context about Fridays walkout, which the district had attempted to cancel that morning.

In the week leading up to the walkout, Hoffman said, administrators met with student organizers to discuss alternative ways to demonstrate their right to free speech that wouldnt disrupt the school day.

Like nearly every school district across the region, Hoffman said, it is our practice not to endorse or facilitate a student walkout during the school day for any reason. However, we also know it is our responsibility and duty to provide reasonable safety and security support for students and staff members who enter and exit our schools.

The district was concerned that students who planned to participate in the walkout reported they were being bullied and threatened, Hoffman said.

At 9 p.m. Thursday, Hoffman said, the district received what was deemed a new and concerning threat of violence. A district spokesperson did not respond to questions Monday, including about the nature of the threat.

Though the district issued a notice and met with student organizers before school Friday, attempting to cancel the protest, administrators gathered in front of the high school at 11:25 a.m. Friday, preparing for the the possibility that students would proceed with their walkout despite the safety concerns shared with them, Hoffman said.

As students walked off campus  not following any previously discussed route, Hoffman said  district officials heard from community members that some students in town were engaging in disruptive and unsafe behavior, Hoffman said.

At that point, students were no longer under the districts custodial control or supervision, and we have almost no legal ability to regulate or investigate their behavior, she said.

Hoffman said the district has no additional information on arrests or the investigation. She said administrators and many of our staff members have been inundated with hateful messages and concerning physical threats to our personal safety via email, phone, and social media since the walkout.

This is simply inexcusable, Hoffman said. We have and will continue to report these threats to the appropriate law enforcement agencies.

The district is working with the Bucks County Intermediate Unit to develop a counseling support plan for students and staff, Hoffman said. She also said it had communicated with our law enforcement partners for police presence and support as we return to school.
When I was 17, I took a gap year and traveled to Gambia, Namibia, and Ecuador.

The trip taught me practical skills, like budgeting and time management.

I'm now encouraging my sisters to take gap years before college as well.

After spending two months watching women and girls fetch water from the village tap and then walk home with the enormous containers balanced on their heads, I had become increasingly determined to try to help with this daily task. I had admired the women's strength before, but as my neck muscles ached and my scalp bruised under the weight, my admiration had only grown.

Gambian women's lives were very different from my life in Long Island, New York  and that was exactly the point of my gap year between high school and college.

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The trip consisted of teaching English in Gambia, exercising and caring for the resident horses on a private wildlife reserve in Namibia's Kalahari Region, teaching English in Patate, Ecuador, volunteering at both an elderly care center and an animal rescue in Quito, Ecuador, and exploring the Galapagos Islands.

Eighteen years later, I can confidently say that my gap year played a significant role in shaping the person I have become, and that's why I am encouraging my little sisters, who are 18 and 13, to take a gap year after high school as well.

I developed important skills during my gap year

Starting my trip in the Gambia was like being thrown into the deep end of the adulting pool. The only ATM in the country that accepted my debit cards was a six-hour round-trip from the village where I was staying, and it had a daily withdrawal limit.

Overnight, I went from being a financially clueless teenager who asked my parents for a top-up when I needed it, to getting a crash course on setting and sticking to a budget. I quickly learned the value of money.

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My relationship with time was as lackadaisical as my relationship with money. But having people and animals relying on me forced me to develop a sense of time management. This was especially true in the Kalahari Desert, where it was imperative that every worker, visitor, volunteer, and domesticated animal be inside before the sun was directly overhead to avoid heat stroke.

Learning budgeting and time management served me well in college and my career. But these were small nuggets of wisdom compared to the bigger lessons I learned about racism, privilege, and the freedom of life lived offline.

The author took a gap year between high school and college. Courtesy of Ashleigh N. DeLuca

As a white-presenting Colombian American living in the Gambia, it was only the second time in my life when I looked different from everyone else around me. People stared when I walked through Serrekunda Market, and kids would excitedly yell "toubab" (the Mandinkan word for "white person").

I did not fault them for their reactions; instead, I did my best to absorb the experience of being treated differently because of the color of my skin. It has since helped me better identify when my unconscious biases arise.

After my gap year, I went to college better prepared

I stepped into my freshman year calm, confident, technologically detoxed, and refreshed after my academically rigorous high school experience.

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Where some of my peers self-medicated their separation anxiety, social anxiety, or overwhelm with binge drinking, I had already had a year to process these emotions and learned to adapt. The result was a smoother transition into academic life, a high GPA at the end of my freshman year, and a maturity that caught the attention of internship hiring managers.

More importantly, though, it gave me freedom, awareness, compassion, and a global lens through which I still process life.

I hope my younger sisters can follow in my footsteps

This is what I really want for my sisters. I want them to know a life away from the noise and pressure of the digital world. I want them to have the space to learn from and be shaped by different people and cultures. I want them to have a year where they are not pushing themselves to excel academically or professionally, but instead can just learn who they are and what they want to do with their lives.

College has become an oppressive financial burden. If they pursue it, I hope they are as mentally and emotionally prepared as possible so they get the most out of their financial investment.

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My sisters would undoubtedly have their own experiences that leave unique imprints on their minds. If that helps them collect themselves before journeying into the messy, confusing world of adulthood, that sounds like a year well spent.

Read the original article on Business Insider
The Monto is the name of the new Celtic bar coming in April from veteran publicans including Fergus Carey and Jim McNamara, who are taking over the former Macs Tavern at 226 Market St.

Carey said the kitchen will be overseen by N.A. Poe, the proprietor of Poes Sandwich Joint (at the Human Robot in Kensington and Poison Heart in Poplar) and Poes Side Piece (at Human Robot in Brewerytown). Poe plans to blend his South Philadelphia sensibility with Irish pub fare  a mashup he calls the Poe-gues menu.

Poe said his existing lineup of cutlet sandwiches, cheesesteaks, and burgers would form the backbone of the Montos menu. He said he would twin those offerings with Irish breakfast, sausage rolls, shepherds pie, and fish and chips served on Sarcones bread with house-made tartar, along with a corned beef cheesesteak and a pub burger that includes blue cheese and crispy prosciutto.

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Im not trying to be overly precious about it, Poe said. At this point, I know what works. Irish food isnt fine dining. Its approachable. The goal is to take those classics and put a solid spin on them.

Carey and McNamara  whose holdings include Fergies Pub in Washington Square West, the Jim in South Philadelphia, and the Goat Rittenhouse  have brought in as partners two well-known figures from Philadelphias Irish-bar circuit: Johnjoe Devlin, a Glasgow native and a 17-year bartending veteran at Plough & the Stars; and Gary Swing McDonald, from South Armagh, Northern Ireland, who has worked for 25 years at such pubs as the Bards, Tir na Nog, Brownies, Ten Stone, and Murphs.

The name Monto comes from the bawdy Dubliners mid-1960s song about Dublins historic red-light district. Ive been singing it for 40-plus years, Carey said.

Designer John Fetsko, whose recent work includes the Mulberry and projects with Royal Restaurant Group, is handling the build-out.

The Market Street address carries its own legacy. Macs Tavern, which closed last summer after 15 years, counted South Philadelphia-raised actor Rob McElhenney  now known professionally as Rob Mac  and Kaitlin Olson of Its Always Sunny in Philadelphia among its owners.

For Carey, the opening marks both a return to Old City and another chapter in a decades-long run shaping Philadelphias bar culture. The Dubliner arrived in Philadelphia in 1987 and landed behind the bar at McGlincheys before he and his late business partner, Wajih Abed, opened Fergies Pub. He also helped launch such beer destinations as Monks Cafe, the Belgian Cafe, and Grace Tavern.
Sarah Bynum, 34, is a mother of four. She chose to stay on her antidepressant for her most recent three pregnancies. Read more

When Sarah Bynum was pregnant with her first child in 2017, her primary care doctor suggested she stop taking her antidepressant.

He told her there wasnt enough research to justify staying on the medication.

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By the time she delivered her daughter, the Delaware County womans anxiety was so bad that she decided never again to go through a pregnancy without her antidepressant.

Bynum, who has taken medication for anxiety since she was a teenager, is one of the nearly 18% of women in the U.S. on an antidepressant. She takes a drug known as an SSRI, the most common class of antidepressants, which medical societies generally consider safe to use during pregnancy.

Still, roughly half of women taking an antidepressant discontinue their use of the medication while pregnant, according to a 2025 study in the medical journal JAMA Network Open.

Kelly Zafman, an OB-GYN at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, decided to research the issue that has also recently been under discussion on the federal level. Shes observed that patients often get mixed-messaging from providers.

The other side of the conversation that gets missed is this risk of not continuing medications, said Zafman, who is in her final year of fellowship training in maternal-fetal medicine.

Preliminary findings from her research showed the risk of a mental health emergency nearly doubled in women who discontinued SSRIs or SNRIs (another popular type of antidepressant), compared to those who stayed on their medication. She presented the unpublished results this month at the meeting of the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine.

The analysis used data from 1,462 privately insured Pennsylvania women with active antidepressant prescriptions who gave birth between 2023 and 2024. While pregnant, 81% of them stopped or interrupted usage.

Zafman said the highly personal decision comes down to factors such as the patients prior pregnancies, mental health history, and how well-controlled their symptoms are.

Ultimately, the potential risks have to be weighed against those of untreated depression or anxiety.

Its really a riskrisk conversation," Zafman said.

Evolving research

The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists discourages discontinuing antidepressants based on pregnancy alone, highlighting the risks of untreated mental health conditions. Studies have linked uncontrolled depression during pregnancy with preterm birth, low birth weight, higher suicide risk, and impaired mother-infant attachment.

Research on the safety of antidepressants in pregnancy continues to evolve. Some potential risks identified in older research appear overstated when compared with more recent, better-designed studies, Zafman said.

She cited as an example a rare but serious condition called persistent pulmonary hypertension  which causes a breathing issue  for which scientific evidence remains conflicting.

Theres definitely an association, but its not totally clear how causative it is, Zafman said.

Another concern, neonatal adaptation syndrome, tends to involve mild difficulties with feeding and breathing that resolve within days. Medical intervention is rarely required, and the treatment essentially is to cuddle and feed your baby, Zafman said.

While antidepressants potentially pose risks in pregnancy, she said, overall, the risks of long lasting effects are extraordinarily low.

A personal decision

Bynum, a patient at Penn Medicine, was not on antidepressants during her first pregnancy. (She was not part of this particular study but has participated in other research with Zafman.)

Five months into the pregnancy, she learned her daughter would be born with a congenital heart defect that would require monitoring, and later, surgery.

Family and friends tried to help her, but they werent able to calm her heightened anxiety the way her medication usually would.

When she became pregnant with her second child, she knew she wanted to have a more mentally healthy pregnancy.

I needed to be mentally and physically present not just for myself, but my daughter, she said.

She asked her OB-GYNs if she could continue on her antidepressant, Paxil. They werent sure.

She turned to the fetal heart experts at Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia, who looked into the medical evidence and told her it was fine to continue taking her antidepressant.

Bynum has since had three healthy pregnancies while taking the antidepressant.

She felt it was the right decision.

I need to focus on having a healthy pregnancy with as minimal stress as possible, Bynum said. And if that means taking a medication, thats whats gonna work.

Editors note: This story has been updated to clarify a quote by the researcher.
Temple University Health System had a $50.5 million operating loss in the six months that ended Dec. 31, the Philadelphia nonprofit told bond investors Monday. In the same period the year before, Temple reported a $13.5 million operating gain.

Here are some details on Temple results:

Revenue: Total revenue reached $1.64 billion, up 7.3% from the year before. Patient revenue rose 8% due mostly to increased outpatient revenue from Temples pharmacy business, infusions, and same-day surgeries. Two hits to revenue were a $14.3 million decrease in state funding and decline in the number of transplants, which bring in large amounts of revenue. Temple said it expects both of them to rebound in the remainer of fiscal 2026.

Expenses: Temple attributed some of its loss in the first six months of fiscal 2026 to $20 million in extra expenses associated with the opening of its new Woman & Families Hospital, a $7.2 million increase in medical liability expenses, and a $6.4 million increase in losses under its Medicaid contract with Health Partners Plans.

Notable: Despite its operating loss, even on a cash basis, Temple financial reserves increased to more than $1 billion as of Dec. 31. Most of the gain came from investments. The reserves equal the amount of money needed to keep the health system operating for 119 days if no more revenue came in. At the end of 2024, that figure was 113 days.
With local undocumented people worried that ICE may target them for deportation, Jose Hernandez has been offering the Bensalem community a free food delivery service. Read more

On an icy, 13-degree Saturday morning in January, Jose Hernandez sat in his pickup truck outside a Bensalem church, waiting for his phone to ring.

It didnt take long.

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Calls, texts, and emails have become constant, as Hernandez, a machinist by trade, has become a crucial connection for many township residents who are living in the United States without official permission.

What started as a simple good deed, delivering groceries to a few people worried about attracting ICE attention, has for Hernandez, 61, become a full-time, unpaid job. Worry has hardened into fear amid the Trump administrations dramatic escalation in immigration enforcement, leaving some people afraid to leave their homes.

Hernandezs weekend rounds  picking up peoples grocery orders at stores, bringing the food to their homes, always with a glance over his shoulder  ensures sustenance for families for whom discovery would mean arrest, separation, and likely deportation.

About 14% of the Bucks County townships 63,000 residents are Latino. Among immigrants, everyone has a friend or family member who has been arrested by ICE and not seen again. And many fear that theyll be next.

They come out to pick up their order and you can see the fear in their faces, Hernandez said. Many people come out saying, Please hurry up, los del Hielo can be here any second.

Thats what some community members call ICE agents  los del Hielo, meaning "the iced ones." There are other names too, like el Escalofrio (the chills) and los Helados (the frozen ones).

The nicknames come not from anger but from anxiety  fear that even speaking aloud the words Immigration and Customs Enforcement could summon danger.

We try to only go out when the darkness of the night protects us, said an Ecuadoran mother, 32, who declined to provide her name for fear of arrest. Its a false sense of safety, but we must hold on to it.

Hernandez recently delivered two bags of groceries and a birthday cake to her home, as her son was turning 12.

When I am in school, the boy said, the only thing I think about is if dad will make it home today. I wait all day, and then he comes, and I am happy he is still here. I am learning that being an American means that I have to be worried for the people I love.

A third of his immediate family  an uncle and two cousins  was arrested in November and December.

Today an estimated 14 million people live in the United States without government permission, including about 76,000 in Philadelphia.

Intensified ICE enforcement in the region and the nation has altered their lives  exactly as the Trump administration intended when it promised to carry out the largest deportation program in U.S. history.

For undocumented residents, freedom is no longer guaranteed by living quietly, obeying the law, and staying off the government radar. Now, discovery of having entered the country without approval, a civil violation, often means the end of an American life built across years.

As a result, people are staying indoors.

Many have stopped going to the doctor. And to church. They keep their children home from school when news of ICE activity surges. Businesses have had to temporarily close when workers stay away.

ICE officials did not reply to requests for comment.

In 2025, the agency detained 307,713 people in the U.S.  detentions closely mirror arrests  compared to 93,342 in 2024.

Thats more than a 230% increase.

Today more and more of those arrested face no criminal charges, even as the Trump administration pledges to deport the worst of the worst.

Hernandez didnt plan to be doing this work, spending his weekends traversing Bensalem.

A decade ago he founded a group called Movimiento Guadalupano, a committee to organize Catholic activities. That grew into a broader support group for Latinos, and now hes one of four volunteers who have become a central source of assistance and information on ICE activity.

Dont go out today, the Movimiento website warned on a recent weekend. Volunteers will deliver your groceries from Hispanic stores to your home free of charge.

Hernandez is a U.S. citizen, born in this country. He carries no fear of ICE, but plenty of worry that people in the Latino community will struggle without reliable food deliveries.

In the truck, Hernandezs phone rang.

Soon he was parked and walking through the doors of a Bensalem store stocked with traditional Mexican foods. He looked around, to be sure he wasnt followed, but also so he could update Movimientos Facebook page if he saw ICE agents.

A married couple shopping at the store recognized him and said hello  Hernandez had brought groceries to their home, bags of chorizo, tortillas, milk, cereal, and coffee.

Having the groceries delivered has been a huge relief, said the man, Ivan, 44, who declined to provide his surname for fear of being identified to ICE. We dont have to choose between risking ourselves and feeding our children.

Bensalem has been their home for 24 years, the couple explained, but their efforts to obtain legal status have failed. Meanwhile personal disaster has crept close.

In December, at a construction site where he worked, Ivan said, two coworkers left for lunch and never returned. He later learned they had been arrested by ICE.

Its just very difficult to be in a country that we know isnt ours, said Ivans wife, Connie, but we love it as if it were.

A clerk interrupted: Hernandezs food order was ready. He grabbed the bag and headed out, Ivan watching him as he left.

He could be at home with his family, instead, he is helping, Ivan said. He brings a little bit of peace in this environment, like we still are a community.

Ten minutes later, Hernandez slowed his truck near a row of houses, looking for anyone who might seem like they were waiting.

A woman at a doorway froze when their eyes met.

Did you order a delivery? Hernandez called to her from the truck, watching relief come over her face.

You scared me, she said, explaining that his car looked like one driven by a man who phones ICE to report people.

The woman, who asked to be identified only by her first name, Maira, because she worried about immigration enforcement, said her husband hasnt left the house since late November, when he barely escaped an ICE raid at a Norristown construction site. She still goes to work each morning, once she and her sister, who is a U.S. citizen, check the Movimiento site for a safe route.

I feel like crying all the time, said Maira, 48. I feel like a fugitive without having done anything, but I still have to keep working and paying taxes.

After 25 years, she said, she thought she was part of Bensalem. That changed when a neighbor complained there were too many cars on Mairas driveway when her sister visited. After that, she said, she stopped hosting family gatherings, concerned that the neighbor would call ICE.

Hernandez handed her the groceries and turned to leave.

Maira tried to give him a $5 bill.

No, no, no, he said. How can I be of help if I charge you?

Hernandez likes to think he brings more than groceries, that with him comes a kind word, a smile, and maybe even some hope. Don Jose, as folks call him, says his worry is not the weight of the bags or the length of the checkout lines in stores.

I am scared, he said, that we will get used to this [ICE enforcement], that it will be so normalized that people stop helping one another.

As the day wound down, Hernandezs wife phoned to see how he was doing. He drove to a nearby Walgreens pharmacy to check out a report that ICE agents were in the parking lot. They werent.

His phone rang.

Hi, is this Don Jose? a young man asked, apologizing for calling. I really need your help with a delivery.

Dont worry, place your order, Hernandez replied. I will be right there.
The Federal Detention Center in Center City Philadelphia where some ICE detainees are held. Read more

Philadelphias federal courthouse has become awash in lawsuits filed by undocumented immigrants challenging the governments attempts to detain them, an Inquirer review has found, the latest example of how the mass deportation push by President Donald Trumps administration has been affecting the nations legal landscape.

Through six weeks this year, court figures show, 168 such lawsuits have been filed in Pennsylvanias Eastern District Court, up from 115 in all of 2025.

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By contrast, only 11 such suits were filed between 2020 and 2024, meaning a new practice of litigation dominating the regions federal court practically sprung up overnight.

U.S. District Judge Paul S. Diamond wrote in a recent court filing that these lawsuits, known as habeas petitions, now represent more than one in six civil suits filed in the district.

In other jurisdictions, the surge has become so pronounced that judges and attorneys say theyre struggling to keep up. In New Jersey, the regions chief judge last week issued new procedures for filing and litigating the petitions, writing: The volume and timing of these filings is creating a substantial burden on the Courts ability to expeditiously docket, assign, and address them.

And in Minnesota, a federal judge took the highly unusual step of holding a Justice Department attorney in contempt for failing to follow orders about the terms of an immigrants release.

In Philadelphia, nearly all of the increase in habeas petitions appears tied to the Trump administrations decision last summer to mandate detention for virtually every undocumented immigrant encountered by authorities. ICE and other agencies are now confining people who would have previously been eligible to remain in the community while their cases wound through the immigration system, such as people who have been in the country for years, or those who have not complied with ICEs instructions while living here.

It was not a big part of our work up until about six months ago, said Chris Setz-Kelly, a managing attorney with HIAS Pennsylvania, a nonprofit that provides legal assistance to immigrants.

 READ MORE: In dozens of cases, Phillys federal judges have found Trumps mandatory detention policy unlawful

For decades, Setz-Kelly said, there had been a clear understanding about who was or was not eligible to be released on bond once they were picked up by ICE. But he said that changed under mandatory detention, which also says anyone who is newly detained should be denied a bond hearing.

And the petitions represent just the tip of the iceberg, the attorney said, as many detained immigrants dont have representation or leave the country during the process.

It had really dire consequences to the community, Setz-Kelly said.

The number of people in immigration detention has since grown from about 50,000 people in June, to nearly 70,000 people at the start of this year, federal data show.

The border is everywhere

Trumps administration has been clear about its desire to increase deportations. And it has scored one legal victory in a higher court so far while defending its mandatory detention policy in court.

Earlier this month, a three-judge panel in the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled the policy was legal and could be applied in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas.

The governments main argument in that case was that every undocumented immigrant is, in legal terms, seeking admission to the United States, despite a longstanding interpretation that the phrase only applied to people who had recently crossed the border without proper paperwork.

The everyday meaning of the statutes terms confirms that being an applicant for admission is not a condition independent from seeking admission, the majority opinion said.

Two Fifth Circuit judges agreed with the governments position.

The one who dissented, U.S. Circuit Judge Dana M. Douglas, wrote that the governments interpretation contradicted the basics of immigration law and, in effect, would create a situation in which the border is now everywhere.

A trap

The ruling in the Fifth Circuit  based in New Orleans, and widely considered one of the most conservative courts in the country  has done little to change the views of judges in Pennsylvanias Eastern District Court.

This regions federal judges have consistently criticized the governments mandatory detention policy over the last eight months, ruling in favor of nearly every immigrant seeking to be released from confinement.

Some judges have quoted Greek mythology to describe what theyve cast as an unending attempt by the Trump administration to continue defending a policy that has been resoundingly rejected in court. The regions chief judge even wrote that the law is piled sky high against the governments position.

Diamond, in an opinion this month, wrote that hed reviewed 201 recent decisions in the district involving habeas petitions, and found that judges in every case had rejected the governments view that mandatory detention  with no opportunity for bond  was both warranted and legal.

U.S. District Judge Karen Spencer Marston, a Trump appointee, wrote in a recent decision that she was unpersuaded by the Fifth Circuits ruling as she agreed to free an undocumented immigrant from custody.

 READ MORE: Philly federal judges are growing frustrated with ICE policy to detain most undocumented immigrants

Still, government attorneys have appealed dozens of those losses to the regions Third Circuit Court of Appeals. Experts believe the effort is part of a Justice Department attempt to create opposing appellate rulings and propel the question of the policys legality to the U.S. Supreme Court, which has a conservative majority.

I think theyre just trying to tee up the right cases, said Chris Casazza, a Philadelphia-based immigration attorney who has filed more than 60 habeas petitions in recent months. Theyre hoping the Supreme Court is going to rubber stamp this.

In the meantime, judges in Philadelphia are continuing to confront and rule on dozens of petitions in an emerging area of law.

This week, in a blistering opinion, U.S. District Judge Gail A. Weilheimer wrote that ICE had set up a trap for thousands of non-citizens, who are required to file forms, attend check-ins, or apply for asylum to receive permission to stay in the country.

But under mandatory detention, Weilheimer wrote, those applicants will now get arrested and taken to a detention facility for the duration of their removal proceedings, which could take months or years.

The judge compared the situation to the government handing immigrants a bow and instructing them to shoot an arrow at a tree.

If anyone hits it, Weilheimer said, the Government will look at the mark, paint a target to the left of it, and accuse them of missing.

Correction: This story has been updated to correct the spelling of Chris Setz-Kelly.
A former Chester County detective  who served as a technical adviser for the HBO crime drama Mare of Easttown  is suing her former employer and supervisor in federal court over alleged sex discrimination.

Christine Bleiler, who became Kate Winslets go-to person on developing her Emmy-winning performance as titular character Mare Sheehan, says she was subjected to a prolonged pattern of hostile, discriminatory, and demeaning treatment based on her sex, according to a complaint filed this month in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.

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And though an internal investigation corroborated that she was being harassed, according to the suit, the county failed to remedy the harassment to which she was subjected.

In addition to Chester County, the lawsuit names as a defendant Thomas Goggin, who was Bleilers supervisor from 2021 to 2023. Bleiler resigned in September.

A spokesperson for the county declined to comment on ongoing litigation. An attorney for Goggin, who now serves as police chief in West Pikeland Township, did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment.

Bleiler, who worked as a police officer for nearly a dozen years in Oxford Borough before beginning as a Chester County detective in 2015, began working under Goggin in February 2021. He accused her of talking too much, yelled at her repeatedly over how she handled suspects or on differences in opinion, demeaned and condescended to her, and told her she better not tell anyone that he was a problem, according to the complaint.

In August 2023, Bleiler brought the complaints to the detective divisions leadership, prompting an internal investigation that ultimately corroborated her claims, the suit says. Goggin was suspended for two weeks and was demoted, according to the complaint.

Bleiler was worried about working near Goggin once he returned from his suspension, the suit says, fearing that he might retaliate. She was instructed by the departments leadership to bury her head in her work and move on from this. Though she began reporting to a new supervisor, working in proximity to Goggin caused her significant discomfort, anxiety and distress over potential retaliation and continued harassment, the complaint says.

Bleiler is asking a judge to declare that the county and Goggins actions violated federal and state antidiscrimination laws. It asks the court to grant her compensation for past and future lost earnings, earning capacity, and benefits, which the complaint argues Bleiler lost due to the discriminatory and retaliatory conduct.

The conduct of defendants, as set forth above, was severe or pervasive enough to make a reasonable person believe that the conditions of employment had been altered and that the working environment was hostile or abusive, and in fact made plaintiff believe that her working environment was hostile and abusive because of her sex and her complaint of sex discrimination, the complaint states.

While a detective for the county, in 2019 Bleiler served as a technical adviser for HBOs Mare of Easttown, taking phone calls from Winslet morning and night to discuss upcoming scenes or to answer questions. At one point, Winslet visited her at the Justice Center in West Chester.

She insisted, Bleiler told The Inquirer in 2021. I told my lieutenant at that time, he couldnt believe it. He said, All right, shes your responsibility. Get her in and get her out, keep it quiet.
Residents and officials in Socorro, Texas, are concerned about ICE's recent purchase of three large warehouses in the small town for use as a detention center. Read more

Sens. Jeanne Shaheen (D., N.H.) and Maggie Hassan (D., N.H.) introduced a bill Monday that would bar the Department of Homeland Security from opening new immigration detention centers without state and local officials consent.

The legislation is a response to the Trump administrations plans to convert warehouses into new processing sites and detention centers across the country as part of President Donald Trumps campaign to deport millions of undocumented immigrants. Reps. Chris Pappas (D., N.H.) and Maggie Goodlander (D., N.H.) plan to introduce a companion bill in the House.

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The legislation has little chance of passing the Republican-controlled Congress, but it reflects the qualms that some lawmakers in both parties have expressed about the administrations push to set up facilities in their states and districts, some of which could house as many as 10,000 people.

Our new bill responds directly to the concerns weve heard from local officials in towns like Merrimack, New Hampshire, and across the country, Shaheen said in a statement. They were never consulted about ICEs plans, and they dont want the chaos of new detention facilities in their communities.

Shaheen and Hassan are introducing the bill as Democrats demand the Trump administration agree to new restrictions on DHS after federal agents last month shot and killed two U.S. citizens in Minneapolis. Much of DHS shut down earlier this month after the two sides failed to strike a deal to send more money to the agency.

The bill would prohibit DHS from setting up new processing sites or detention centers unless local officials and the states governor sign off.

At least one governor  Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro (D)  has said he opposes the administrations plans to set up a new detention center in his state.

I dont think this is helpful to have in our community, Shapiro said this month. I dont want it here, and were exploring what options we have.

The bill would also require the administration to notify Congress and to accept public comment for at least 60 days before setting up new detention centers or processing sites.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has bought facilities in Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Georgia, Michigan, Texas, and Arizona to detain undocumented immigrants, according to an ICE spokesperson. The administration undertook community impact studies and a rigorous due diligence process to make sure there is no hardship on local utilities or infrastructure prior to purchase, according to the spokesperson.

Republicans in Congress largely support Trumps deportation campaign, which they argue is necessary after the arrival of millions of undocumented immigrants under the Biden administration. Republicans included $45 billion for expanding immigration detention in the tax and spending law that Trump signed last year. But some Republican lawmakers have expressed concerns about the administrations plans to set up new detention centers and processing sites in their states and districts.

Sen. Roger Wicker (R., Miss.) relayed local officials concerns about a proposed facility in his state to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi L. Noem earlier this month. I appreciate her for agreeing to look elsewhere, Wicker wrote on X.

Rep. Dan Meuser (R., Pa.) said he is working to set up a meeting between DHS officials and local leaders in his district, where DHS bought two facilities that it plans to convert into a processing site and detention center.

These recent developments have raised serious concerns, and I share many of the same questions being raised by local officials and residents, Meuser said in a statement.

Sen. Dave McCormick (R., Pa.) said in a statement that his team was also in touch with DHS officials and local leaders to assess the impact of the facilities, including the possibility of thousands of new jobs. ICE estimates the two facilities together would create more than 11,000 jobs.

Rep. Mike Collins (R., Ga.) and his aides have been in frequent communication with ICE and local leaders about a planned detention center in his district that would hold up to 9,000 people, according to Emma Gibson, a Collins spokesperson. The district is a Republican stronghold, but the city manager of Social Circle  the small city where the detention center would open  and many residents oppose the project.

Collins supports Trumps efforts to detain and deport criminal illegal aliens who flooded across our border under Joe Biden, but he also shares the concerns of the Social Circle community that the city may not have the infrastructure or capacity to support the demands of this facility, Gibson wrote in an email to the Washington Post.

Democrats appear to have had less success in pushing back on the administrations plans to build new detention centers and processing sites. Hassan told Todd M. Lyons, the acting ICE director, in a hearing last week that DHS had failed to consult local leaders about its plans to open a facility in her state.

I would hope that I would get the same treatment to that Senator Wicker got  which is to say the town doesnt want the dentition center, so please cancel it, Hassan said. And I would expect that my partisan affiliation shouldnt make any difference to that determination.

Lyons said in the hearing that DHS officials had spoken with New Hampshire Gov. Kelly Ayotte (R) about the projects economic impact. ICE did not say whether it plans to move forward with the facility.

Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania  the only Senate Democrat who voted for legislation this month to fund DHS  has come out against the proposed facilities in his state, warning that they would do significant damage to these local tax bases, set back decades-long efforts to boost economic development, and place undue burdens on limited existing infrastructure in these communities.

Democrats from Georgia, New Jersey, and Arizona have also voiced concerns about proposed detention centers and processing sites.

Sens. Ruben Gallego and Mark Kelly, both Democrats of Arizona, wrote to Noem and Lyons this month seeking more information by Feb. 17 about DHS purchase of a warehouse in Surprise, Ariz., that it plans to turn into a processing site.

Given the scale of this project, the total lack of community involvement, the concerns we have heard from local leaders, and the potential implications for the community and region, we urge the Department to immediately provide answers about this project before it moves forward, Gallego and Kelly wrote.

The Democrats have not heard back from DHS, according to Kellys office.
The Supreme Court delivered a stinging rebuke Friday to President Donald Trumps favorite instrument of economic and foreign policy power, by rejecting his claim that his presidential emergency authority allows him to unilaterally impose sweeping tariffs.

Trumps assertion that the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act allowed him to put tariffs in place without any action by Congress was unprecedented, as are some of his other declarations of emergencies where there is no evidence they exist.

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Among the avalanche of executive orders he signed on his first day in office was one declaring a national energy emergency at a time of record U.S. oil and gas production and the lowest gasoline prices in years. Another emergency declaration deemed there to be an invasion and widespread chaos taking place on the southern border, even as Border Patrol statistics were showing the number of illegal crossings had dropped sharply and were lower than they had been at the end of Trumps first term.

But while Trump has far outpaced his modern predecessors when it comes to emergency declarations, presidents of both parties have used them in dubious ways to eliminate obstacles to their political agendas.

President Joe Biden claimed the COVID-19 pandemic allowed him to cancel $400 billion in student debt, citing authority under the 2003 Heroes Act. That law allowed the education secretary to rewrite rules that apply to student loans during times of war or national emergencies but was meant to help military personnel serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. (The Supreme Court blocked Bidens directive.)

Congress shares a significant portion of the blame for presidential overreach, given that it has granted the chief executive no fewer than 150 statutory powers that become available upon the declaration of a national emergency, according to a tally by New York University Law Schools Brennan Center for Justice. Those emergency powers stretch across and beyond actions involving health and the environment, troop deployments, seizure of private property, even the dumping of infectious medical waste in ocean waters.

Although it has always been recognized that the nations chief executives need flexibility to act in times of crisis, members of both parties have long been concerned that presidents can abuse their emergency powers.

In 1976, Congress passed the National Emergencies Act, setting up more formalized procedures governing how presidents exercise them, including setting a renewable one-year expiration date for emergency actions.

Presidents since then have made 91 emergency declarations under the act, more than half of which are still in effect. One of them  imposing economic sanctions on Iran  dates to the Carter administration.

The law also specified that Congress could nullify an emergency declaration by passing a resolution in each chamber on a simple majority vote that would go into effect without the presidents signature.

But the Supreme Court ruled that such resolutions were unconstitutional with its 1983 decision in INS v. Chadha. Congress, meanwhile, became lax even in exercising its enforcement and oversight authority that remained, said Elizabeth Goitein, senior director of the Brennan Centers liberty and national security program.

However, the legislative branch is not without other tools for reining in emergency actions, including cutting off funding or exercising more diligent oversight of them. Neither of which the Republican Congress has shown much inclination to do since Trump took office.

We have had decades of legislative fecklessness, said Georgetown University law professor Stephen I. Vladeck. Things have run totally off the rails in the last 13 months. With Congress supine before Trump, what you see is the increased proliferation of executive-judicial confrontation, he added.

Still, there have been stirrings of alarm in Congress at some of the emergency actions Trump has taken. Both the House and the Senate have voted to overturn his tariffs on Canada, although not by veto-proof majorities.

During Trumps first term, conservative Sen. Mike Lee (R., Utah) introduced what he called the Article One Act, after the section of the Constitution that sets out the role of the legislative branch. His bill would automatically end presidential emergency declarations unless Congress voted to extend the emergency.

If Congress is troubled by recent emergency declarations made pursuant to the National Emergencies Act, they only have themselves to blame, Lee said in a statement when he introduced the bill. If we dont want our president acting like a king we need to start taking back the legislative powers that allow him to do so.

The bill, which he has subsequently reintroduced, has won bipartisan support.

Rep. Chip Roy (R., Texas), who sponsored a companion measure in the House, said Friday that the Supreme Court decision on tariffs will not be enough to solve the problems that have arisen over presidential assertions of executive power.

The fact is, Congress is the one who made the mess out of all of this, Roy said in an interview with Newsmax. Congress needs to clean it up.
President Donald Trump will give his State of the Union address Tuesday. Read more

WASHINGTON  President Donald Trumps State of the Union address on Tuesday is likely to be a test run of the message Republicans will give to voters in Novembers elections for control of the House and the Senate.

The president and his party appear vulnerable, with polls showing much of America distrusts how Trump has managed the government in his first year back in office. In addition, the Supreme Court last week struck down one of the chief levers of his economic and foreign policy by ruling he lacked the power to impose many of his sweeping tariffs.

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Though Trump is expected to focus on domestic issues, his intensifying threats about launching military strikes on Iran over its nuclear program cast a shadow over the address.

Here are a few things to watch as Trump tries to make his case:

Economy, immigration are no longer strengths for Trump

Trump swept back into the White House on promises to bring down prices and restore order to immigration in America. But on both issues, public sentiment has turned against him.

Only 39% of U.S. adults approve of his economic leadership and just 38% support him on immigration, according to the latest Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research survey. Those low numbers show the country is still fretting about the costs of groceries, housing, and utilities, a problem compounded by Trumps whipsawing use of tariffs. They also show how the public was disturbed by videos of violent clashes with protesters, including two U.S. citizens killed by federal agents.

Since his party passed a massive tax cut bill last year, Trump has yet to unveil major new policy ideas on the economy. In recent speeches, he has largely offered the public reruns about his tax cuts, plans to reduce mortgage rates, and a new government website for buying prescription drugs.

The Supreme Court ruling against many of Trumps far-reaching global tariffs on Friday and the president vowing to use other means to forge ahead with import taxes will only prolong the economic turmoil over trade and prices.

I think it makes it even more important that the speech really focus on the economy, said Alex Conant, a Republican strategist.

Conant said between the tariff ruling and a Commerce Department report on Friday that showed U.S. economic growth slowed in the final three months of last year, the president needs to bolster his economic message.

Blame everything on Biden

The administration is trying to make the case that despite Trumps rewiring of global trade and tax cuts, the economy is still struggling because of choices made in 2021 and 2022 by his Democratic predecessor Joe Biden. But Trump is also seeking to take credit for positive signs in the current economy, such as recent stock market gains.

Watch the State of the Union. Were going to be talking about the economy. We inherited a mess, Trump said at the White House on Wednesday.

Of course, Trump made the same kind of argument in his address to a joint session of Congress last year, invoking the Biden name 13 times.

Trumps focus on foreign policy has yet to resonate politically

Despite Trumps America First credo, his aggressive approach abroad over the past year has sparked concerns among some of his supporters about whether he should spend more time focusing on voters at home.

Trump, whos made it clear he covets a Nobel Peace Prize, is likely to use the speech to remind Americans of his attempts to try to broker peace accords in global conflicts.

But in many respects, the president hasnt been extending olive branches. Within the past year, his administration has launched strikes in Yemen, Nigeria, and Iran, along with an ongoing campaign of lethal military strikes on alleged drug-trafficking vessels near South America. Trump also shocked the world in January with a surprise raid to capture Venezuelas then-leader, Nicolas Maduro, and floated the idea of using force to seize Greenland.

In recent weeks, as he pressures Iran, Trump has bolstered the U.S. militarys presence in the Middle East. But he has yet to make a clear case to voters about what his actions overseas mean for their lives.

He might even minimize foreign policy in his State of the Union despite his belief that its been a major success.

For as much as foreign policy has dominated his last year in office, this speech will mostly focus on the economy, Conant predicted.

Vice President JD Vance offered a similar prediction, saying in an interview Saturday on Fox News Channel that in the speech, Youre going to hear a lot about the importance of bringing jobs back into our country, of reshoring manufacturing, of all these great factories that are being built.

He said Trump would also speak about lowering energy costs.

Trump has made the State of the Union his own

The State of the Union used to be about recapping accomplishments and seeking to unite the country, but it increasingly reflects divisions in society.

What youre going to expect is some version of a campaign speech in which the Democrats are the villains, the Republicans he likes are the heroes, and he is the savior not only of the nation but of the globe, said Kathleen Hall Jamieson, a communications professor at the University of Pennsylvania.

Trump supporters might cherish the moment in 2020 when the president midspeech reunited a military family. He also bestowed the Presidential Medal of Freedom on Rush Limbaugh, the conservative radio host and author who died in 2021. But that moment turned off Democrats who saw Limbaugh as a destructive figure in political media.

Reaction in the room could matter

Trump is delivering the speech, but his audience sitting in the House chamber has a big role, too. When Trump delivered his 2020 State of the Union, then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi theatrically ripped up a copy of the speech afterward, overshadowing much of what Trump said.

House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York has said in a letter to colleagues it is important to have a strong, determined and dignified Democratic presence in the chamber, indicating some members might choose not to attend in protest to Trump. But theres also the possibility of Democrats razzing Trump as Rep. Al Green (D., Texas) did in 2025, leading him to be removed from the chamber.

If Trump in his speech lays out a fuller case for why hes using other mechanisms in federal law to continue his tariffs, Conant said itll be interesting to see the reaction from lawmakers.

I think that any House Republicans that dont applaud his tariffs are going to be featured prominently on the telecast, he said.

State of the Unions have short shelf lives

While some presidential phrases endure, much of the rhetoric in State of the Unions is forgettable. And with Trump  whos known for veering off-script  theres a good chance a stray comment or a social media post could step on his message.

Matt Latimer, a former Republican speechwriter for then-President George W. Bush, noted in an email that people hear the president talk all of the time, so the State of the Union has lost much of its luster.

A State of the Union only matters in moments when the country is undergoing a great trauma  a war, an attack, a global crisis  and a president and Congress want to speak in a (mostly) united voice to the country, he said. Thats not what we are experiencing now.
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Allstate can move forward in its recovery of $4.7 million it paid to settle fraudulent medical claims with a Houston, Texas medical facility, the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said.

The federal appellate court reversed a lower courts ruling that Allstates RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act) claims failed because the insurer didnt sufficiently allege that it relied on fraudulent bills when settling the claims. Rather, the Fifth Circuit said Allstate adequately showed it was the victim of a RICO scheme involving more than 600 claimants.

Beginning in 2018, Dr. Akash Bhagat and defendants entered into agreements with personal injury attorneys to refer clients to Memorial Heights Emergency Center under letters of protection guaranteeing payment from future insurance settlements, court proceedings say. Defendants charged car accident patients at emergency billing codes, rates nearly triple those normally charged.

Patients received expensive diagnostic tests, including CT scans, only to be discharged without further treatment, court proceedings say. Memorial Heights would then forward bills to the personal injury attorneys, who then presented the bills to Allstate as part of settlement agreements.

Allstate discovered the scheme and sued the defendants to recover $4.7 million plus treble damages and attorney fees.

A district court dismissed Allstates suit, arguing that Allstate did not adequately allege that it relied on the fraudulent bills when settling the claims, and that the insurer did not adequately plead that the fraudulent bills directly or proximately caused injury.

The court held that Allstate was complicit because it knew about the fraud but continued to engage in settlement agreements.

On appeal, a three-judge panel from the Fifth Circuit ruled that the district court erred in dismissing Allstates RICO claims.

The appellate court ruled that Allstate satisfied federal and Texas common-law fraud claims by sufficiently alleging the Memorial Heights scheme caused it to pay for fraudulently billed services.

The Fifth Circuit remanded the case for further proceedings consistent with its opinion.

Topics Texas
An Oklahoma state senator has proposed a package of insurance reform bills she says will tackle the states skyrocketing insurance costs.

Democrat Sen. Julia Kirt, the Minority Leader of the Oklahoma Senate, has pre-filed three insurance-related bills ahead of the legislative session, which begins in early February.

The message is clear  many people in Oklahoma are having a hard time paying for insurance because prices have skyrocketed in recent years, Kirk said in a statement.

SB 1438 would establish requirements to determine excessive insurance company profits and require a refund of certain amounts if an insurers profits are deemed excessive. According to the bill, an insurer shall be deemed to have excessive profit if there has been an underwriting gain for three consecutive years combined that is greater than the anticipated underwriting profit plus five percent of earned premiums for those calendar years.

The bill states that if an insurer is deemed to have excessive profit, the insurance commissioner shall order a pro-rata return of the excessive amounts after affording the insurer group an opportunity for hearing.

SB 1444 would give the insurance commissioner to reject rate increases that are too high. The bill would require insurance companies to file paperwork justifying the rate before being able to move forward with an increase.

Oklahoma is currently a use and file state. Insurers can start using new rates before filing with the Oklahoma Insurance Department (OID). The OID generally does not have the authority to disapprove rates or rate changes.

SB 1435 would remove a persons credit score from consideration in determining insurance premium prices.

Kirks legislative proposals are sure to face resistance in an Oklahoma legislature dominated by Republicans. The GOP currently has a supermajority in both the House and Senate.

Topics Leadership Politics Oklahoma
I recently wrote a short article for my newsletter and LinkedIn about the ludicrous standard in most states that it is the insureds duty to read and understand their policies. This is a ridiculous standard for many reasons, including the fact that these policies are written far above an 8th-grade reading level (the standard reading level for ordinary people to reasonably comprehend what they are reading). These are complex, legal documents written by attorneys, creating a very unequal playing field.

My primary point was that this standard is 100% oxymoronic because agents have no requirement to understand what they are selling. Agents must have a license, which gives the appearance of knowing what theyre doing. But if you have no requirement to understand what you are selling, no duty to advise clients of what they are buying, and no duty to assess whether what clients are buying is correct, then there is no reason agents need continuing education.

It makes ZERO sense for the party possessing the license to have a lower standard than the consumer. Should a patient have more knowledge than their doctor? How about the attorney? How about the pilot? How about any profession requiring a license?

My point was absolutely not, as some commenters suggested, that insurance companies should make policies simple to read. Other comments described how burdensome it is for agents to help insureds determine their needs and inform them about what they are buying. Seriously? No one needs to pay 13% commission for no advice. That is why going direct is often cheaper.

Standards Vary by State

Insurance agents standard of care varies materially by state; by how the agent presents themselves; and whether they are an independent agent, a captive agent, or a direct writer. In other words, many variables exist. For anyone who would like to learn more about these standards by state, I recommend reading the latest version of the Brownson-Norby, PLLC summary of 50 State Insurance Agent Standard of Care Update and Overview. Swiss Re often has a summary on its E&O website by state, as well. Hassett Glasser, P.C., also publishes a compendium of the Standard of Care by State.

As the Brownson-Norby summary begins, Order taker standard generally applied in most jurisdictions. They then quote my favorite book on insurance law, Understanding Insurance Law, by Robert Jerry and Douglas Richmond: No duty to give advice is created simply because the insurance intermediary becomes a persons agent. If I, as the agent, have no duty to advise, then I have no duty to know.

If the agent has no duty to advise, then where does that responsibility fall? It must then fall upon the insured to read and understand the policy so they can determine if their coverage is adequate. This also means the insured must understand their exposures.

To recap, agents must spend time and money to obtain and then maintain a license to sell insurance, but they dont have to do anything with that knowledge, so they really dont need the knowledge. This is why it is so easy to get 8 to 12 hours of CE in one hour for $149.

Education on E&O

Another angle of the oxymoronic nature of this standard of care environment is typical E&O education. I suspect every E&O defense attorney and instructor most people have ever had has said, Dont tell people youre an expert! Dont create a special relationship! A quote from one such program states, Watch out for raising the standard of care with statements of: Specialized or Expert expertise. Why should people buy insurance from someone who is not more expert than they are? Otherwise, why not buy insurance from a vending machine?

As a real-world example, I recently asked my agent for an umbrella policy and a new auto policy because Ive moved to a new state. The account manager offered me an auto policy with one carrier and an umbrella with another. I asked her if the umbrella was a follow-form umbrella that would cover auto accidents without gaps in coverage. She got back to me later and advised the umbrella would not likely cover my auto because the auto carrier she had recommended used a form the umbrella would not follow. How many regular consumers would have any idea whatsoever how to read those two forms and identify that problem? But in my state, the agent has no duty to advise.

If an agent has no duty to advise, continuing education should be eliminated. Its simple: if an attorney has no duty to advise a client, they dont need to know what theyre doing, and the client doesnt need them. Insureds dont need agents who dont advise. The insurance industry is simply lucky that consumers dont know they dont need an agent who doesnt provide advice.

Opportunity

I also understand that it takes a lot of time and energy to advise insureds. But this oxymoronic environment creates a fantastic opportunity.

During one of my very first consulting jobs, back in the 90s, I made a bet with a very successful agent. I bet him that if he made all his producers advise clients, he would make more money. I bet him his producers would make more money. And I bet him that his clients would demonstrably prefer his agency over his competitors, leading to more referrals and higher reviews. He was already a multi-millionaire, so the bet was far more important to me than him. Ill always be thankful he accepted the bet and was so gracious when he lost. He still won, of course. He was going to win regardless of the outcome.

Continuing education is oxymoronic for amateurs who have no duty to advise. It shifts the burden to consumers who have no background, no legal training, no insurance training, and no exposure training beyond simply common-sense things like fires and auto wrecks, to figure out for themselves what insurance they need and whether the insurance offered meets their needs. This means by default, they have a duty to read and understand their policies. And they have another duty to advise their agent of what changes must be made, such as I have no need for an umbrella that does not follow my auto policy.

Over the years and through many E&O audits, I have witnessed that 100% of the time, when agents properly advise clients, their revenues increase. When they use their knowledge and do their jobs correctly, they have sold more insurance policies, and their clients are better protected. Time and time again, a professional approach is more successful than a know-nothing approach.

Topics Agencies
I spend a fair amount of time on LinkedIn posting and reading about insurance. Not long ago, there was a discussion about Instacarts announcement that it would discontinue the use of an AI-powered tool that enabled retailers to charge customers different prices for the same products, the apparent goal being to charge as much as possible to those willing to pay for it. In other words, maximize profits.

This was allegedly in response to investigations by at least two consumer organizations that claimed to have evidence that a number of well-known retailers were using, or at least testing, AI pricing systems. According to a CBS News report, one of the investigations found that prices varied by as much as 23%identical product, different customers.

The issue in this LinkedIn discussion revolved around the question of whether this practice is, or should or shouldnt be, legal in the property/casualty insurance industry. Insurance pricing, beyond general anti-discriminatory practices that apply to virtually all industries (e.g., race, color, creed, national origin, religion, etc.), is more highly regulated than most other industries.

Price optimization is the term most often used to describe pricing variations of identical products among different individual customers. In a general sense, the term can be applied to pricing variations based on individual customer demand, competitive reasons, and varying or fluctuating costs with the goal being to maximize revenue and/or profits.

Most likely, everyone reading this article has benefited or been a victim of price optimization. No one is happy if they believe the latter has occurred, but everyone loves a bargain if the former happens. Price optimization in one form or another has existed for decades in the travel industry by airlines, hotels, cruise ships, etc.

More recently it has become increasingly common in industries that provide cable TV, internet, and cell services. For example, every year without fail, our cable TV service increases our monthly fee. My wife then calls, complains, and the provider backs off the increase to prevent us from cancelling service, sometimes offering a new customer program with broader channels or even a reduced price. Many people probably never call and just accept the higher price. Thats price optimization.

Given the rapid development of data and prescriptive analytics and artificial intelligence, absent any legislative or regulatory restrictions, we can likely expect the use of price optimization algorithms to increase in most industries.

This brings us specifically to the property/casualty insurance industry.

Insurance Journal began to cover this development as early as November 2014, reporting on Maryland becoming the first state to declare price optimization to be illegal in that state. On October 31, 2014, the Maryland Insurance Administration (MIA) issued Bulletin 14-23 Unfair Discrimination in Rating: Price Optimization advising insurers that the use of price optimization in Maryland was a violation of 27-212(e)(1) of the state insurance code.

The Maryland bulletin broadly defined price optimization to be essentially any practice of varying rates or premiums based on factors other than the risk of loss. The MIA cited a 1997 Maryland Court of Appeals case (Insurance Commissioner v. Engelman, 345 Md. 402, 413) to support its decision.

Perhaps the most distasteful form of price optimization arises from the application of a common economic principle called price elasticity, where a provider of a product or service charges the highest price the market will bear without losing business. When this practice is applied at the granular level to individual consumers or groups, it potentially triggers long-standing state insurance laws requiring that insurance rates not be unfairly discriminatory. What is unfair is determined by regulatory agencies and the courts.

The Maryland bulletin stated that, If an insurers analysis indicates that a policyholder is likely to switch to another insurer, that policyholder will be charged a lower premium than a policyholder who is considered unlikely to switch to another insurer.

The bulletin went on to describe one price optimization model that considered whether a policyholder had complained to the insurer. If so, this indicated that the policyholder was not likely to accept a premium increase. All other factors being equal, this could mean that this policyholder could be charged a lower premium than a policyholder with identical risk of loss characteristics, a violation of unfair discrimination statutes.

Less than three months later, the state of Ohio issued a similar bulletin that warned insurers against the use of price optimization that constitutes unfair discrimination in insurance pricing as it violates state law. Less than a month after that, California followed suit, as did New York a month later. In May of 2015, Florida became the fifth state to ban discriminatory price optimization. By my count, at least 18 states plus the District of Columbia have expressly banned price optimization as a rating or premium development tool.

Are all P/C product premiums, at the policyholder level, based exclusively on the risk of loss? Probably not.

Premiums cover insurer costs with some margin for profit for most insurers. Those costs include both risk-based loss costs and operational costs. Two insureds with identical risk exposures may have very different operational costs for the insurer, and accounting for such differences would pretty much inarguably be proper and not unfair.

In addition, many rating plans allow for judgmental credits or debits within certain filed ranges. Is it possible that a credit may be applied to the premium of a prospective customer based more on the competitive or retention pleading of an agent or broker than on the real perception that they will be a profitable policyholder? Probably. Risk is not always quantifiable, but hopefully insurers will focus on pricing equity that complies with the spirit of anti-discriminatory pricing laws.

What do you think? If youre reading this article online, hopefully you are aware that there is a Comments section where you can express your opinions and share tales from the trenches, even debate issues like this. If youre reading this article in print, head to the online version and join the conversation. You may be surprised at how much you can learn from other Insurance Journal subscribers.

P.S.  If you are active on LinkedIn, feel free to connect with me. I will be posting and commenting considerably more this year on the LinkedIn platform, including a discussion on this specific topic with links to additional resources.
New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Massachusetts governors issued state of emergency orders and a halt to non-essential travel as a major storm was expected to bring up to 24 inches of snow and strong winds to the region.

Around 15,247 flights were delayed by early afternoon on Sunday, and 3,509 were canceled. The largest number of cancellations were at JFK, La Guardia and Newark airports.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani ordered the closure of city streets to non-essential vehicular traffic, including bicycles and scooters, from 9 p.m. Sunday to 12 p.m. Monday and closure of all school buildings.

Similar restrictions were adopted by Connecticut, as Governor Ned Lamont banned commercial vehicles on highways in the state from 5 p.m. on Sunday.

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has declared a state of emergency and activated up to 200 National Guard members to help. The state also restricted non-essential travel from Sunday evening.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul activated 100 National Guard members to deploy in Long Island, New York City and the Lower Hudson Valley.

(Reporting by Tatiana Bautzer, editing by Michelle Nichols and Chizu Nomiyama)
Nurses at a big New York hospital system approved a new contract Saturday, voting to end a major nursing strike after more than a month.

More than 4,000 nurses in the privately run NewYork-Presbyterian system went on strike Jan. 12. They are now due to start returning to work in the coming week. The union, called the New York State Nurses Association, said 93% of its members at NewYork-Presbyterian voted to ratify the three-year contract.

Two other big private hospital systems, Montefiore and Mount Sinai, ended their nurses walkout earlier this month by inking contract agreements with the same union.

We are so happy with the wins we achieved, and now the fight to enforce these contracts and hold our employers accountable begins, union President Nancy Hagans said in a statement Saturday.

NewYork-Presbyterian said that it looked forward to its nurses return and that the contract reflects our respect for our nurses and the critical role they play as part of our exceptional care teams.

Both sides had said Friday that they had reached a tentative deal. Union members voted on it Friday and Saturday.

Provisions included staffing improvements, raises topping 12% over three years and safeguards on the use of artificial intelligence, according to the union.

The union has said the strike initially involved about 15,000 nurses overall at Montefiore, Mount Sinai and NewYork-Presbyterian. It affected only some facilities within the three systems and didnt involve any city-run hospitals.

During the strike, Montefiore, Mount Sinai and NewYork-Presbyterian brought on thousands of temporary nurses, transferred some patients and canceled some procedures. The hospitals insisted they were smoothly delivering care, including complex surgeries. But some vulnerable patients and their families said some routine tasks took longer.

The strikers complained of unmanageable workloads and accused the hospitals of trying to chip away at health benefits. The hospitals contested those claims and said the unions demands were exorbitant.

Nurses at some Mount Sinai and Montefiore hospitals also walked out in 2023. That strike ended in three days.

Photo: Nurses and their supporters strike in front of NewYork-Presbyterian hospital in New York, Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

Copyright 2026 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics New York
A powerful winter storm has cut off New York City, grounding thousands of flights and straining transport networks, as 41 million people along the US East Coast brace for blizzard conditions in what could be one of the citys worst storms on record.

The storm, named Hernando, is potentially crippling for a lot of areas across the Northeast, said Brian Hurley, a senior branch forecaster at the Weather Prediction Center. For New York City, Long Island, New Jersey, most of Rhode Island and eastern Massachusetts, it has the potential to bring extreme impacts, topping the five-step scale used by the agency to predict winter systems.

More than 10,000 flights into and around the US were canceled through Tuesday  most of them originating or terminating in New York, Boston and Philadelphia, according to data from FlightAware. Delta Air Lines Inc. said it expects to suspend operations at New Yorks LaGuardia, John F. Kennedy International airports and Boston Logan International Airport into Tuesday.

Heavy snowfall, combined with high winds could lead to cascading travel delays on the ground too, as well as power outages that will likely spread across the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast. US natural gas futures jumped as much as 6.8%, with the colder weather set to boost demand for heating.

Blizzard conditions are expected and will make travel treacherous and potentially life-threatening, the New York branch of the US National Weather Service said in a notice late Sunday.

Intense bands of snow peaking at 2 to 3 inches per hour fell in the city early Monday morning, according to the National Weather Service. The forecaster said the snowfall was expected to slow, but blizzard conditions are expected to last through daybreak.

Anything more than 14.8 inches in 24 hours would rank in the top-10 storms for the city. The most New York got in a day was 27.3 inches on Jan. 23, 2016.

These are blizzard conditions, Mayor Zohran Mamdani said on Sunday, adding that some areas may see as much as 28 inches of snow. New York City has not faced a storm of this scale in the last decade. We have activated additional high-water rescue teams should flooding grow dire.

Mamdani announced that highways, bridges and streets into New York were closed as of 9 p.m. on Sunday, with schools staying shut on Monday. Meanwhile, train and bus services have been crimped by the threat of more than 18 to 20 inches of snow falling from roughly Philadelphia to Maine.

No one is going into or out of New York City, said Frank Pereira, a senior branch forecaster at the Weather Prediction Center. New Jersey, Long Island, New York City and southern New England will take the brunt of the heaviest snowfall.

US forecasters have also warned that snow could fall quickly in some areas, with visibility reduced by winds that could gust to nearly 50 miles (80 kilometers) per hour in New York City and 70 mph along the coast. Philadelphia may get 16 inches of snow, while Boston is forecast to see as much as 20 inches, the National Weather Service said. Washington was expected to get 3 inches.

The weather is forecast to rapidly deteriorate as snowfall intensifies and brings whiteout conditions, the agencys New York branch said.

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority subway system is operating with local service, while Metro-North Railroad is running on a weekend schedule. Service on the Long Island Rail Road, however, will be suspended.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency for New York City, Long Island and parts of the Hudson Valley. New Jersey also declared an emergency and Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont banned commercial vehicle travel starting at 5 p.m. on Sunday.

Hochul warned New Yorkers about possible widespread power outages. In preparation, approximately 6,000 utility workers have been positioned to respond and restore service as quickly as possible.

It is just too dangerous for them to go up a pole and risk their own lives to get the power on, she said at a news conference. So please be patient if you lose power.

The governor expanded the state of emergency to 22 counties, up from 17. Over 100 National Guard members have been deployed, she added, and more than 2,000 plows are prepared to clear and treat roadways.

More than 225,000 customers in New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland and Virginia were without power around 4:45 a.m. local time on Monday, according to PowerOutage.com.

In Boston, all public schools will be closed on Monday, as will City Hall and other municipal buildings, including Boston Public Library branches.

Kevin Heald, who owns Malt & Mold, a wine, beer and cheese bar in Gramercy Park in New York City, said he was planning to stay open late because people will want to go somewhere when it snows.

On the other hand, Oscar Sanabria, owner of dog grooming and daycare business PetStar in the same neighborhood, said that some pets will be boarding longer because of flight cancellations. He decided to close his business Monday since his workers would have trouble getting in.

The widespread snow across the Northeast and extensive ice on the Great Lakes may keep the region locked into a stormy winter pattern for weeks to come, said Rob Carolan, owner of Hometown Forecast Services.

I think it is going to take until April for us to break out of this pattern, Carolan said.

Top Photo: Pedestrians on the Brooklyn Bridge during a winter storm in the Brooklyn borough of New York, US, on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026. New York City has been isolated by a powerful winter storm that threatens to be among its worst on record, while across the region 41 million people are facing blizzard conditions that have already crippled air and ground transportation. Photographer: Michael Nagle/Bloomberg

Copyright 2026 Bloomberg.

Topics New York Aviation
Swiss Re Corporate Solutions, the commercial insurance arm of the Swiss Re Group, has agreed to acquire the Global Trade Credit and Surety business of QBE Insurance Group (QBE), subject to regulatory approvals.

Upon successful completion, the acquisition will strengthen Swiss Re Corporate Solutions primary credit and surety insurance offering and expand its capabilities to address the risk management needs of corporate clients. The transaction supports Swiss Re Corporate Solutions strategic ambition to diversify its portfolio and capture new growth opportunities.

QBEs Global Trade Credit and Surety business operates in Australia, New Zealand and the UK. The portfolio is expected to generate annual revenues of approximately US$200 million. QBEs French bonds business does not form part of this transaction.

Financial details of the transaction were not disclosed.

QBE said this business plays a critical role in helping companies manage payment and performance risk arising from their accounts receivable.

Globally, the specialty insurance market generates around US$19 billion in premium annually, with continued growth potential driven by heightened economic uncertainty, more complex supply chains and rising demand for sophisticated risk transfer solutions, Swiss Re said.

This acquisition marks an important milestone for Swiss Re Corporate Solutions. It allows us to expand our offering in this attractive segment by strengthening our global credit and surety platform with a well-managed, profitable portfolio and a highly experienced team, commented Ivan Gonzalez, CEO of Swiss Re Corporate Solutions.

Our decision to divest QBEs Global Trade Credit and Surety business to Swiss Re Corporate Solutions supports our ongoing strategic focus on optimising our portfolio, enabling the reallocation of capital and resources towards growth opportunities that align more closely with QBEs long-term strategy, according to Andrew Horton, chief executive officer of QBE Group, in a statement.

Swiss Re Corporate Solutions provides risk transfer solutions to large and mid-sized corporations globally, backed by the financial strength of the Swiss Re Group, one of the worlds leading reinsurers.

The transaction is subject to various closing conditions including regulatory approvals, which are likely to take several months. During this phase, Swiss Re Corporate Solutions said it will work closely with QBE to ensure continuity for policyholders, brokers, and the team members, who are a key part of this transaction.

Source: Swiss Re Corporate Solutions and QBE Insurance

Topics Mergers & Acquisitions
Danone SA gave its first estimate of the potential cost of the recent recalls of infant formula over a contamination scare, saying it expects a 35 million to 70 million ($82.4 million) financial hit in the first quarter of the year.

After that one-off impact, we should progressively go back to a normal situation, Deputy Chief Executive Officer Juergen Esser said in an interview. Therefore, we also confirmed this morning with lots of confidence our guidance for the full year.

Most of the affected formula had already been sold and consumed last year by the time products needed to be pulled from shelves, so the company didnt have many returns, Esser said. Some shops, however, took all products off shelves while they sorted which ones were subject to the waves of recalls, causing temporary shortages for customers.

Read more: Danone Infant Formula Recalls Expand in UK, Ireland

Big formula producers Nestle SA and Groupe Lactalis were also swept up in the contamination crisis following the discovery of the toxin cereulide, which causes nausea and vomiting, in some products.

Danone sees like-for-like sales growth of 3% to 5% in 2026, it said when reporting financial results on Friday. On a call with analysts, Esser estimated the impact from the recalls would amount to between 0.5% and 1% of net sales in the first quarter.

Danone shares were down 0.7% at 3:07 p.m. in Paris, after initially declining as much as 2.1%.

Estimates of the financial impact to Danone from analysts have ranged from tens of millions of euros to more than 1 billion.

Philipp Navratil, Nestles CEO, criticized the Swiss companys rivals on Thursday for moving slowly during the recalls  without identifying any by name. We lost no time and decided to recall immediately, he said. We were surprised that others took longer to act.

Esser said Danone is extremely responsible and would never take any risks on the issue. As soon as the authorities changed the requirements, we went out and recalled what needed to be recalled.

Top photograph: Infant formula for sale in a supermarket in Paris. Photo credit: Riccardo Milani/AFP/Getty Images

Related:

Copyright 2026 Bloomberg.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has suspended the Global Entry program as a partial government shutdown continues. The change affects travelers who rely on expedited customs processing when returning to the United States. Officials say the suspension will remain in place as long as the shutdown is in effect. Here is what travelers should know.

Why is Global Entry being suspended

The suspension began Sunday as part of what Homeland Security described as emergency measures to preserve limited funds. Officials said staffing constraints require the department to refocus personnel on processing the majority of travelers. Global Entry kiosks will not operate until funding is restored.

The internet is mourning an Italian grandma's pasta sauce (David Tran via Getty Images)

The department initially announced that TSA PreCheck would also be suspended. However, DHS later reversed that decision and confirmed that PreCheck will remain operational. The agency said TSA will evaluate staffing on a case-by-case basis and adjust operations if needed.

What it means for travelers

If you are enrolled in Global Entry, you will need to use standard customs lines when returning from international trips. Travel experts estimate that Global Entry typically reduces customs wait times from 30 to 90 minutes down to about 5 to 10 minutes. Without it, travelers may experience longer processing times at busy airports.

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One traveler returning from Cancun to Dallas said the regular customs line moved steadily but still took about 30 minutes, compared with less than five minutes through Global Entry. Airport security lines, however, appeared largely unaffected through midday Sunday. TSAs mobile app showed wait times under 15 minutes at many major airports.

PreCheck remains available

TSA PreCheck continues to operate nationwide. According to Homeland Security data from 2024, more than 20 million Americans are enrolled in PreCheck, and millions also have Global Entry memberships. For now, those travelers can still use designated security lanes at departure airports.

October 6, 2025, Ronald Reagan International Airport, Virginia: TSA agents working without pay during government shutdown (Greggory DiSalvo via Getty Images)

Some travelers reported no issues using PreCheck on Sunday morning flights. One passenger said she completed security screening without delays and only learned about the shutdown while connecting through another airport. Officials say PreCheck lanes will remain open unless further staffing changes require adjustments.

Current travel conditions

The suspension comes as a winter storm impacts parts of the East Coast. Many flights departing from major airports in New York and Boston were canceled on Monday due to the weather. Weather disruptions may add to delays for some travelers.

Cars driving on a snow-covered street intersection with traffic lights during a winter storm (VIDOK via Getty Images)

As of Sunday, security wait times at many airports appeared largely normal. TSAs mobile app showed wait times under 15 minutes at several major hubs. Some passengers reported no noticeable changes during their trips.

What happens next

Travel industry groups have called for a timely resolution so full services can resume. Airlines for America said travelers benefit from clear communication when airport programs are adjusted. The U.S. Travel Association said keeping PreCheck open helps avoid additional strain at checkpoints.

For now, travelers should stay informed through official government and airline channels. Building extra time into travel plans is a practical step, especially for international returns. Services are expected to resume once funding issues are resolved.
A federal judge in Michigan suspected of drunken driving uttered a vulgarity at a state trooper and couldnt explain damage to his car or why his airbags had deployed, according to video of the arrest.

U.S. District Judge Thomas Ludington was arrested Oct. 3 after a trooper said he had repeatedly failed to properly blow into a blood-alcohol device, body-camera video obtained by The Detroit News shows.

What in the hell are we doing? Ludington, in handcuffs, said as he was placed in a patrol car.

Youre under arrest, the trooper replied.

A blood test subsequently showed Ludington had a blood-alcohol level of 0.27, police said, well above the legal limit of 0.08. Ludington was charged with operating a car while intoxicated. The case is pending in Emmet County.

A message seeking comment from Ludingtons lawyer was not immediately returned Friday.

Ludington told the trooper that he hadnt been drinking, adding at one point: Actually, Im a federal judge.

Ludington, 72, has been a federal judge in Bay City, Michigan, for about 20 years. He has remained on the bench in the months since his arrest.

Police arrived after a witness reported seeing a car crash into two signs.

Copyright 2026 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Auto Legislation Michigan
Floridas House of Representatives late Thursday voted to ask voters to end non-school property taxes on most owner-occupied homes, a move that could save some homeowners a few thousand dollars a year but, by some estimates, could cost local governments billions in revenue.

The chances that the plan will make it through the Senate are far from certain, despite calls from Gov. Ron DeSantis to end most property taxes in the state.

House Joint Resolution 203, offered by state Rep. Monique Miller, R-Palm Bay, and Rep. Webster Barnaby, R-DeLand, as passed by the House, would set up a statewide vote in November on a constitutional amendment. The amendment, if approved by 60% of voters, would carve out a protection for first responder and public safety departments by barring cities and counties from reducing funding below 2025 levels.

But all other local government functions and services could be subject to cuts, some House Democrats said in denouncing the plan. Rep. Robin Bartleman, D-Weston said it would bankrupt cities and counties, the Orlando Sentinel reported. One report estimated that the tax elimination would cost the state, including local governments, as much as $18 billion a year, the news site noted.

If passed, the amendment would take effect in 2027. Its possible that freed-up tax spending could be used by some of the 5 million Florida homesteaders to take on property upgrades or wind mitigationand to add higher policy limits on their homeowners insurance. But it could also force some local governments to drop or reduce their own liability insurance coverage.

Florida has historically ranked as having property tax rates in the middle of the pack for U.S. states, despite not imposing a personal income tax on residents. The state in 2025 taxed owner-occupied homes at a rate of about 0.74% of the value of the home, according to the Tax Foundation, a research group.

Thats comparable to Georgias rate, but about double that seen in Alabama, South Carolina and West Virginia. Its well below the highest-ranked states of Illinois and New Jersey, which have property tax rates of about 1.77% of a homes value, the Foundation noted.

Topics Florida Property
PacifiCorp, a utility owned by Berkshire Hathaway, agreed to pay $575 million to resolve U.S. government damages claims related to six wildfires in Oregon and California that burned nearly 290,000 acres of federal land, the U.S. Department of Justice said on Friday.

The settlement resolves claims that PacifiCorps electrical lines negligently started the fires.

Related: Buffett Utility Reaches Oregon Wildfire Deal With Nearly 1,500 Victims

Five of the firesArchie Creek, Echo Mountain Complex, Slater, South Obenchain and 242began during Labor Day weekend in 2020 and burned approximately 250,000 acres of federal land. The sixth fire, McKinney, began in July 2022 and burned 39,000 acres of federal land.

PacifiCorps payment will help repay the government for firefighting costs, and allow the Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management to restore some of the burned land.

The settlement ensures fair compensation to the American taxpayer, and strikes a balance by addressing the governments significant fire-suppression costs and loss of natural resources without preventing PacifiCorp from offering electricity at fair prices, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson said in a statement.

Related: Utilities Extreme Plan to Stop Wildfires: Shut Off the Power

PacifiCorp denied liability in agreeing to settle, the Justice Department said. The utility did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The settlement was announced three days after PacifiCorp said it planned to sell many of its assets in Washington state to Portland General Electric for $1.9 billion, to bolster liquidity as it defends against wildfire litigation.

(Reporting by Stempel in New York; Additional reporting by Costas Pitas and Ismail Shakil; Editing by David Ljunggren and Deepa Babington)

Topics Catastrophe California Natural Disasters Claims Wildfire Oregon
After a messy divorce, I've got a new lover. The sex is great, but sleeping next to him makes me feel anxious, taking me back to the sleepless nights towards the end of my marriage. He is nonplussed at being asked to sleep in the spare room. I'm not sure how to move forward.

Research suggests that couples who sleep together are happier. In 2014, Professor Richard Wiseman, at the University of Hertfordshire, conducted a study with 1,000 people that showed 86% of couples who slept less than an inch apart from each other were happy with their relationships, compared with 66% of those who slept more than 30 inches apart.

Wiseman didn't investigate what happened when couples slept with a hallway between them, but sleeping separately appears to be a growing phenomenon. The decision to sleep in separate beds is normally driven by sleep incompatibilities.

When one person snores, hogs the duvet, can't lie still, talks in their sleep or reads into the early hours, it can make it hard for the other person to have a restful night. In those cases there is a good reason for sleeping apart and, because it is purely a practical decision, it rarely interferes with sexual intimacy or emotional connection.

Your case is different because your aversion to co-sleeping is primarily driven by your anxiety. As your marriage broke down, you and your husband continued to share a bed, but instead of sleeping you lay there feeling stifled by your proximity to someone who had caused you a great deal of pain.

It takes time to heal after a break-up, but given that you still feel unable to spend the night with your lover suggests you have some work to do. If you feel ready to move forward I would urge you to find a good psychotherapist who can help you leave this stuff behind.

You also need to be honest with your lover. I can't see him putting up with the arrangement indefinitely, but if he knows you are trying to deal with your anxiety, he will be a lot more forgiving.

Having spoken to a therapist, you may still decide that your bedroom is your sanctuary and you don't want to share it when your lover sleeps over. That would, at least, be a conscious and informed decision, whereas the arrangement you have now is a response to legacy feelings of anxiety and fear.

You don't say whether you have the same feelings when you sleep in his home. If you don't, maybe you need to sleep at his place more often, and at home it would be a good idea to relocate sexual activity to your spare bedroom.

One of the joys of having sex in a bed is being able to drift off to sleep together afterwards, but your lover is at present denied that opportunity.

Once sex is over, he is banished to a cold bed in the spare room, which is not much fun.

If you turn your spare bedroom into the place you have sex, it is your lover who gets to drift into a blissful post-coital slumber and you are the one who must slip away to sleep alone.

Making yourself the one who is inconvenienced will help you determine if that is what you really want. I suspect when it is 4am and the heating has been off for several hours, co-sleeping may suddenly seem more appealing.
There are mounting calls on the Government to set up an operational task force  comprising gardai, Defence Forces, and other agencies  to co-ordinate security preparations and operations for Irelands presidency of the EU, which begins in July.

Concerns emerged after conflicts between gardai and the Defence Forces arose last December over the handling of hostile drone activity on the edge of territorial waters and airspace just after Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyys plane landed at Dublin Airport.

The concerns have deepened with the latest Government implementation plan on defence investment, which stated that military counter-drone technology  promised for July  will not be in place until September.

Hybrid warfare

Last October, EU Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said Europe was facing hybrid warfare, including a coherent and escalating campaign of drone incidents and other airspace violations that she linked to Russia.

On Friday, Dutch intelligence agencies warned that Russia was intensifying its hybrid campaign across Europe, including cyberattacks, sabotage, disinformation, covert political influence and espionage.

Irish Examiner special report

In a special report in todays Irish Examiner, a range of security experts express alarm at the risk of hybrid attacks from Russia during the Irish presidency and the lack of formal multi-agency operational structures to deal with the threat.

They have expressed shock that, despite repeated statements from the Government that military counter-drone technology would be in place by July, this equipment will not now arrive until September.

The delay is outlined in the latest Government detailed implementation plan on recommendations in the Commission on the Defence Forces (CoDF) report, published four years ago this month.

The CoDF report had actually urged that the counter-drone technology be in place by the third quarter of 2025.

Civil-military structures

In addition, separate CoDF recommendations had called for the development of civil-military hybrid structures and military hybrid capabilities.

The Government said in November 2023 that this would be subject to further evaluation, to be completed during 2025.

The latest implementation plan said this further evaluation would not now be completed until later in 2026.

Brendan Flynn, a lecturer in the School of Political Science at University of Galway, said: Admitting that Ireland will not have key counter drone capabilities in place until September 2026 could be viewed as a green light to hostile actors to have fun and play puck with the security arrangements around Dublin. Just as was done in December 2025.

He said close co-operation was needed for the presidency between key agencies, such as Gardai, the Defence Forces and the National Cyber Security Centre. Mr Flynn said:

That type of close co-operation won't happen unless it is structured, planned, and rehearsed.

"It needs to be funded and incentivised.

Given the urgency of the threat I don't see a corresponding salience in Irish government responses.

Former Army Ranger Wing officer and ex-TD Cathal Berry said: The completion date for counter drone technology is a farce, its now September.

Id be sceptical we will even have it by September or it may have arrived in a cardboard box.

He said that while agencies have different communication systems that they would be shoulder to shoulder and able to talk to each other if located in a dedicated physical location.

Kenneth McDonagh, assistant professor of International Relations at DCU, said: While co-operation between both agencies [the Defence Forces and An Garda Siochana] has worked well in the past, the recent drone incident during president Zelenskyy's visit raised questions about the smoothness of communications and decision making between the two in a heightened security situation.

He said: A formal taskforce would be desirable, and at an operational level I would be surprised if there weren't already plans along these lines in place.

Former naval commander Tony Geraghty said it would be ideal to have a joint forces command for the presidency that would include representatives from the Gardai and other agencies.
Ireland must stand in solidarity with Ukraine and continue to support its people, politicians at peace rallies across Ireland said yesterday.

Marches were held to mark the four-year anniversary of Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which is tomorrow. Some 600 people marched in Cork, rally organiser Olesia Zhytkova said.

Fianna Fail councillor Fergal Dennehy, the Lord Mayor of Cork City, highlighted the unjust nature of the war, and welcomed Ukrainian refugees to the city.

A former lord mayor, Green Party councillor Dan Boyle, said Ireland must use its upcoming EU presidency to push for support for Ukraine and for EU accession.

Labour Party leader Ivana Bacik said at the peace rally in Dublin that Ireland continues to stand with Ukraine in solidarity, grief, anger, and in unwavering support. She said:

As we mark the fourth anniversary of Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine; this will mean that we are entering the fifth year of this brutal bombardment.

We stand with every family forced from their home, every community shattered, every person who has sought refuge here because the Russian regime has waged a brutal, illegal war on your country.

Lord Mayor Fergal Dennehy speaking at Sunday's rally in Cork in support of Ukraine to mark the fourth anniversary of Russia's invasion. Picture: Eddie O'Hare

Here in Ireland, we must do our part: cutting off the flow of Russian oligarch money. Labour has introduced the Magnitsky Bill to our parliament to do that.

Ms Bacik condemned cuts to accommodation payment supports to Ukrainian refugees.

'We need a lasting peace Alona Dekhtiarenko is one of three women from Ukraine now living in Ireland who spoke to Liz Dunphy about their hopes and fears for their country's future. That article is published in print and online at IrishExaminer.com today, Monday. Picture: Chani Anderson

We stand with those fleeing war," Ms Bacik said.

"As the granddaughter of a refugee who fled Russian influence in Czechoslovakia, I know the value refugees bring to a country.

I know the resilience, the creativity, the strength that displacement forces onto a family.

Russian attacks continue

It comes as Russia attacked Ukraine with strike drones and ballistic and cruise missiles, focusing on energy infrastructure and killing at least one person, the Ukrainian military and local officials said yesterday.

The overnight strikes hit Kyiv and the region around the capital, the Black Sea port of Odesa, and central Ukraine, they said.

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on X that the strikes also targeted the Dnipro, Kirovohrad, Mykolaiv, Poltava, and Sumy regions.

Ukraine's energy sector was main target

The main target of the attack was the energy sector, but residential buildings and railway were also damaged, he said.

Moscow continues to invest in strikes more than in diplomacy, he said, adding that this week alone Russia launched more than 1,300 drones, more than 1,400 guided aerial bombs, and 96 missiles against Ukraine.

There was no immediate comment from Russia.

The US has been trying to broker a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine, but progress has been halting, with Russia demanding Ukraine withdraw from parts of the eastern Donbas region it still controls, an idea Kyiv has rejected. Their most recent talks, in Geneva on February 17 and 18, did not produce a breakthrough.

Listening to speeches at the rally in Cork in support of Ukraine to mark the fourth anniversary of Russia's invasion. Picture: Eddie O'Hare

Victoria Tymoshchuk, right, of Ukraine Community Hub Kalyna, along with members of the choir, at the event to mark the fourth anniversary of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine at the Church of the Incarnation, Frankfield/Grange, Douglas, Cork. Picture: David Keane

At least one person was killed, and another five were wounded in the Kyiv region, with damage reported in five districts where more than a dozen houses were damaged, regional Governor Mykola Kalashnyk said.

Odesa Governor Oleh Kiper wrote that a nighttime drone attack on the energy infrastructure of the region caused fires.

The Ukrainian air force said that Russia had launched 50 missiles and 297 drones in overnight attacks, and air defence units shot down or neutralised 33 missiles and 274 drones.

This terror cannot be normalised; it must be stopped. Russia cannot wag the world, just as the tail cannot wag the dog, Ukrainian foreign minister Andrii Sybiha said on X, calling on the international community to impose tough sanctions against the Kremlin.

Nataliia Terekhovska, Orest Biletskyy, and Larysa Stech at at an event marking the anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine at the Church of the Incarnation, Frankfield/Grange, Douglas, Cork. Picture: David Keane

Russia attacks the Ukrainian energy system almost daily, striking thermal power plants and electrical substations.

Attacks on power stations, the energy transmission system, and the gas sector are important elements of the invasion of Ukraine launched by Russia in February 2022.

Moscow denies targeting civilians, but said Ukraines civil infrastructure is a legitimate target because striking it can reduce Kyivs ability to wage war.

Kyiv said the aim is to harm civilians and break the countrys will.

McEntee: Ireland stands with the Ukrainian people

Foreign affairs minister Helen McEntee is travelling to Brussels today to attend a meeting of EU foreign ministers, where Ukraine will be under discussion.

Ms McEntee said: As we approach the fourth anniversary of Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine, we are reminded of the immense suffering this war has caused.

Russia can choose to end this war. Instead, it continues its attacks on Ukrainian towns and energy infrastructure. Ireland stands firmly with the Ukrainian people.

I look forward to hearing from Ukrainian foreign minister Andrii Sybiha on the latest peace efforts in Geneva. Any outcome must deliver a just and lasting peace  one that fully respects Ukraines sovereignty and protects the security of both Ukraine and Europe. The EU must continue its strong political, financial, and military support for Ukraine, including maintaining pressure on Russia through robust sanctions and action against its shadow fleet.
Irelands dependence on Britain for digital and electricity connectivity poses significant operational and security risks, a European Commission expert group has warned.

The Expert Group on Secure and Resilient Submarine Cable Infrastructures said this dependence reduces Irelands ability to withstanding breaches be they deliberate or accidental.

Earlier this month, Taoiseach Micheal Martin reiterated his concerns over threats to critical infrastructure such as cables and gas connectors. Ireland's first maritime security strategy is due on Wednesday.

The expert group said: Amid rising geopolitical tensions, submarine cables connecting Europe have suffered multiple incidents in recent years (although the nature of these events, whether accidental or intentional, is not always easy to determine).

These incidents have raised awareness across Europe and beyond regarding the criticality and vulnerability of submarine cables carrying data or electricity.

The group's tasks include: Mapping the cable infrastructure across European waters and beyond; conducting threat assessments; and suggesting new strategic cable projects of European interest (CPEIs) that could be built to improve the EUs resistance.

Island EU member state

It said the North Atlantic is a priority cable project, adding: Ireland, as an island EU member state, is heavily reliant on submarine cables to maintain international connectivity. At present, there are 14 operational cables landing in Ireland that collectively form the backbone of its external communications infrastructure."

Of these, four are transatlantic cables providing direct links to North America. A further eight cables connect exclusively to Britain, creating a significant dependency on the UK for connectivity to mainland Europe.

This is considered a cable project of European interest priority area because Irelands current connectivity situation creates a critical single-point dependency that poses significant operational and security risks, the report said.

The concentration of routes through the UK limits resilience and exposes Ireland to potential disruptions that could affect the wider EU network

It said projects such as the Pisces submarine cable that connects Ireland to France, Portugal, and Spain, and which is expected to be operational in 2027/2028, along with the Celtic Interconnector that connects Ireland to France and which is expected to be operational by 2027, will improve Irelands connectivity to mainland Europe.

However, these projects do not fully eliminate Irelands strategic dependency on UK-linked routes or provide the adequate level of redundancy required for long-term resilience, it said.

In a statement, the Department of Communications said it welcomed the report which the department was a participant in producing.

The cable security toolbox outlined in the report addresses several strategic and technical preventive measures for private industry, member states, the commission, and others to advance, it said.

The department supports these recommendations, and has begun to progress actions within its policy remit.

It said the priority cable routes identified in the report align with the departments priorities.
Ryanair, who face a 60,000 damages claim on behalf of a child who was scalded on a flight from Shannon to Wroclaw in Poland, have alleged his granny was responsible for spilling a hot drink on him.

County registrar Patricia Hickey was asked on Monday to join Kacper Jacackis grandmother, Wanda Domzalska, formerly of Railway Meadow, Townspark, Longford, as a third party to her grandsons personal injuries claim.

Ryanair solicitor, Daniela Sabolova, stated in written evidence it had been alleged the airlines employees had caused Ms Domzalska, referred to as the boys guardian on the flight and seated next to him, to spill the hot beverage over him.

Ms Sabolova said a full defence by Ryanair had been delivered in the proceedings in which it was denied the boy had a cause of action against the airline and alleging any claim he might possibly have was against his granny and guardian on the flight.

The county registrar heard that the boy had suffered second-degree burns and had specifically alleged it had been his grannys hot drink that had spilled over him.

Ms Sabolova stated that the hot drink had been delivered to his grandmother and claimed his injuries had been due to acts or errors on her part.

Ms Sabolova said the grandmother had a duty of care towards her grandson in circumstances where she was his grandmother and was in loco parentis of him on the flight.

Solicitors for the boy and his father, Tomasz Jacacki, said: such an unmeritorious and unworthy application seeking to join the boys grandmother as a third party to the proceedings should never have happened.

Barrister Shane English, who appeared with Rebekah Tutty BL for Ryanair, told county registrar Hickey it was a matter for the defendant or the court to decide whether on not a third party might be joined to the proceedings.

What has been stated is outrageously egregious to my client and were the remarks not contained in a legal document I would be saying they were defamatory of my client, Mr English said.

The county registrar allowed an adjournment of the application to join the boys granny to the proceedings so that Ryanair could file a replying affidavit to the objection of its doing so. The boys grandmother was stated to be now resident in Poland.
A judge has said he will hold a hearing into whether Enoch Burke's mother and sister were in contempt of court in relation to their behaviour last week when a High Court case involving the teacher had to be temporarily suspended.

Mr Justice Brian Cregan at the High Court on Monday told Enoch Burkes mother Martina and his sister Ammi that they could represent themselves or get legal representation for the hearing next Wednesday.

Addressing the two women directly, the judge said he will hear them on the matter on Wednesday.

Enoch Burkes mother Martina stood up in court and said she will always speak out when injustice is done. It is my duty as a parent, she added.

The judge said the pair will be given the full right of audience when the case comes before the court on Wednesday.

Mr Justice Brian Cregan also made a production order for jailed teacher Enoch Burke to join the proceedings on Wednesday by videolink when the issue of costs will be decided in relation to his failed attempt to challenge the membership of a disciplinary appeal panel convened to hear his appeal over his dismissal from Wilsons Hospital School.

Read More High Court strikes out Enoch Burke challenge to disciplinary appeal panel

On that occasion, Mr Justice Cregan ruled the case was moot, or pointless.

The judge made the ruling in circumstances where two of the panels three members had resigned, and the remaining member accepted that she could play no further role in the jailed schoolteachers appeal.

The ruling means a new panel must be appointed to hear Mr Burkes appeal of his dismissal. It will be the third panel convened to hear the appeal.

Burke was dismissed from his position at the Co Westmeath school over his conduct towards the then principal at a school religious event in June 2022. She had earlier requested teachers to address a student by a new name and the pronouns they and them.

The ruling followed a chaotic hearing at the Four Courts on Friday, which was suspended temporarily after the judge directed Enoch Burke be returned to Mountjoy Prison and re-join proceedings via videolink.

The judge earlier had warned that, in the event of his or his familys disruption of the hearing, he would direct Mr Burkes participation in the proceedings from the prison, where he is currently incarcerated for failing to comply with court orders banning him from the school.

After disrupting lawyers for the school in the midst of making submissions to the court, Mr Burke was escorted from the court by prison guards.

The judge also directed gardai to remove his sister Ammi and mother Martina, who had begun shouting at the judge after he directed Mr Burkes removal.
A woman who was being stalked by her ex-partner turning up at random locations around County Cork sent her car to a mechanic on the advice of gardai and a tracking device was found attached to the exhaust pipe.

39-year-old Sean Fagan of Dunvale Crescent, Frankfield, Douglas, was sentenced to four years with the last two years suspended at Cork Circuit Criminal Court on Monday for harassment between September 26, 2021, and March 12, 2022. Judge Dermot Sheehan ordered the accused to have no contact directly or indirectly with his ex-girlfriend and not to go within 500 metres of her home or place of work for a period of 15 years.

The young woman said in her victim impact statement which she read from the witness box on Monday: Whatever comes from today, the one thing I hope for is that people  and you  realise how serious and dangerous stalking is and the detrimental effects it can have on someone and their life, and that you never get to do this to another woman.

'Feelers out on her'

Garda Joe Maher testified that the victim began a relationship with Sean Fagan in July 2018 and she ended it in January 2020 when difficulties arose. Afterwards there was come text communication between them, the last of which was a text on September 7, 2021.

On that date the woman found Sean Fagans bank card on the ground behind her car parked outside her home. She reported this to gardai who spoke to Sean Fagan about the matter and warned him about staying away from the young woman.

But in a later incident, while dining with a friend in Douglas, the young woman went to change the parking disk on her car. Returning to the restaurant, he walked up behind her and tried to engage her in conversation.

He said he knew she had a new boyfriend and told her he had feelers out on her.

On another occasion, she was visiting a friends house in Cobh. Two residents in the estate became concerned about a man  later identified as Sean Fagan  sitting in his BMW near the house.

When the victim and her friend walked from the house to a nearby shop, the two residents saw him crouch down in his car and then follow the two women on foot to the shop. The residents were so concerned that they ran to the shop to alert the victim.

She confronted Sean Fagan who said he was thinking of buying a house in the area  an explanation he later gave to gardai when questioned.

When the victim was having coffee at a cafe in Innishannon with her mother he parked directly outside the window that looked onto the street. He left after a few minutes only to return to park on the opposite side of the road.

Tracker device

On March 13, 2022, following advice from gardai to have her car examined by a mechanic, a tracker device was found attached to the exhaust pipe.

Gardai searched the home of the accused man and found two tracking devices in his house as well as a tracker app on his phone which contained information corresponding to the location of the victims home and certain journeys taken.

While initially stating others had use of his phone and that certain encounters with the young woman were coincidences, he later pleaded guilty to harassment over the six-month period from September 2021 to March 2022.

Victim impact statement

The young woman said: You never think when you start a relationship with someone that you will end up in a courtroom.

I couldn't understand how all of a sudden you kept showing up where I was. I was questioning myself. Was I imagining this? Was this just a coincidence? Would people believe me? It just didn't make sense. I was convinced you had to be following me some way but how?

After one incident where you followed me to a house, I went to my phone provider and felt like I was completely crazy asking them to check my phone to see if they could tell if someone was following me through it or pick up my location. The staff's expression left me feeling more crazy.

After the last incident I reported where you followed me and my mother to a cafe, my sister suggested I get my car checked. I understood her reasoning but my initial response was, who would actually do something like that? I was also thinking that things like this only happen in movies.

To say I was absolutely shocked by the discovery is an understatement.

The most terrifying part was that you had been following me without me knowing and for how long? How long more would you have followed me and what more could potentially have happened if it hadn't been found? This crosses my mind all the time.

Things have never been the same since this all started 2021. My peace of mind, my safety, my family's safety, my personal life, relationships, my right to privacy, everything  all violated and affected by your actions.

I am constantly on edge and living in a hyper-vigilant state which is absolutely exhausting. I can never relax. Watching over my shoulder, scanning people on the streets or shops in case it's you, scanning the registration plate and driver's side of any car that passes me that looks like yours, wondering everyday if this is the corner I go around and come face-to-face with you.

"My sense of security and peace of mind have been completely disturbed. There have been moments I have felt so paranoid thinking you might have come back again so I have had my car checked a few times since the tracker was found. I installed a dash camera in my car.

She went on to detail the security measures she and members of her family had undertaken since this harassment came to light.

I feel absolutely violated by what you have done and it's taken away a part of me and I am not the same person I was before all of this.

It has been a very long and difficult journey for me to get to this point today and I doubted myself many times. When I heard you pled guilty all I could do was break down crying. Finally, I didn't have to fight anymore to prove that I didn't imagine it. I wasn't crazy. All of this did happen. I feel vindicated."

She thanked Garda Joseph Maher, her family and her partner.

Defence mitigation

Defence senior counsel, Alice Fawsitt, said there had been no communication for the past four years.

She said of the defendant: He is still maintaining coincidence in relation to early matters but is still pleading guilty. He did not want to frighten her.

"It was never his intention to hurt her. He did not consider the impact on her. (The probation service puts him) at a low risk of reoffending. Without attempting to minimise the effect on the victim there was no threat of violence.

"He has no previous convictions. He does regret his actions  it is a serious offence.

- If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please click here for a list of support services.
A woman was pulled by the ears with such ferocity her left ear bled and her head was "whacked" off a door panel as she was repeatedly punched and kicked by her then partner.

This was the evidence from Garda Keith Shire in a case at Cork Circuit Criminal Court where Gary Kennedy, formerly of Thorndale Estate, Dublin Hill, Cork, faces sentencing on a charge of assault causing harm to the woman.

Judge Sinead Behan said: This is a matter which requires a custodial sentence.

The judge said Gary Kennedy, who is aged about 40, did not have an entitlement to anonymity in the case and remanded him in custody for sentencing on March 2.

Carmel Gaggin, defence barrister, said: He admitted this offence. He cannot give a rational explanation for what he did. He says it is the worst mistake of his life. He has been drinking heavily at a wedding. He was highly intoxicated and he acted out of character for him.

"He denied any abusive behaviours within their relationship. He has engaged with Coolmine [treatment centre].

Garda Shire said that at about 1.30am on September 6, 2024, gardai received a report of an incident at the couple's house.

There they met Gary Kennedy. He was sweating profusely and was clearly agitated. I informed Mr Kennedy we were responding to an alleged domestic incident and had serious concerns for the safety and wellbeing of a person believed to be inside the house and that we would be entering same.

Mr Kennedy initially refused, stating he would rather gardai not enter. I advised Mr Kennedy that gardai had a legal right to enter the property and he would be arrested should he attempt to obstruct. He then allowed us to enter unobstructed.

Gardai met with the injured party, who had swelling to the lower portion of both of her legs and bruising was beginning to appear. She was bleeding from a wound behind her left ear, had visible bruising to the left side of her face, and was bleeding from her lips.

Due to the nature and extent of the injuries to her legs, she was unable to walk unassisted to the ambulance.

The account she gave was of a vicious and prolonged assault that began in the bedroom while she lay in bed, and involved her being slapped on the face, dragged from the room, being kicked repeatedly in the legs and ribs, pulled by the ears causing the left ear to bleed, her head being whacked off a door panel, and receiving punches to the face and body.

At one point, she managed to leave the house and contact gardai but she was followed outside by Gary Kennedy. This portion of the incident occurring outside the home is captured on CCTV, and Gary Kennedy is observed striking her a number of times, even knocking her to the ground, before dragging her back inside the house.

When questioned, he framed the incident as more of a two-way physical altercation, and stated he had struck her to the mouth by accident and couldn't recall causing further injuries. When shown photos of the injuries to her legs, he denied causing these injuries, insisting they were a result of varicose veins.

Mr Kennedy identified himself as the male in the white shirt in the footage and admitted to striking her outside the house, knocking her to the ground and dragging her back inside the house.
Residents of Midleton Community Hospital lack privacy and dignity, health watchdog Hiqa has warned, as the wait goes on for a new nursing home that was due to be complete in 2024.

Residents at the Cork nursing home said they are sick of waiting for a new building to be delivered, according to a report published on Monday.

In response, HSE South-West said the new building was handed over last week for registration and equipping. However, no specific date has been given for its opening.

It is one of seven new nursing homes expected to be delivered under a public-private partnership between the HSE and joint venture company Equisisk.

HSE chief executive Bernard Gloster admitted recently that the public-private project has faced interminable delays.

Despite staff being committed to supporting residents needs at all times, Hiqa inspectors found the old building failed to meet its standards. Staff are using privacy screens to help residents who need space for reading, visiting, or sleeping.

Residents also told Hiqa: They keep telling us it wont be long more, and were still waiting. Weve been told that since last year.

Hiqa said the new home will offer modern ensuite single rooms and communal areas that do not compromise residents personal space".

The builders  John Sisk & Sons with Equitix  have just given over the new 50-bed unit to the HSE.

Once the unit has been registered with Hiqa, we will be able to confirm a date for the opening of the Midleton community nursing home and a phased transfer of residents to their new home," a HSE spokeswoman said.

The HSE has started workforce planning.

Staffing, infection control, fire safety

Out of 50 Hiqa reports published on Monday, 13 nursing homes were non-compliant with three regulations or less. Some 11 centres were non-compliant on four or more regulations.

Concerns included staffing, infection control, fire safety, care plans, premises, healthcare, protection and residents' rights.

Fire safety risks were highlighted at Dungarvan Community Hospital, with issues flagged around the building and maintenance of alarms.

At St Theresa's Nursing Home in Thurles staff shortages are so acute at times that workers had to be brought in from another nursing home to help.

Concerns were also raised about infection control, with inspectors noting no evidence of testing for flu, covid, or RSV.

Meanwhile, Nursing Homes Ireland has warned of significant gaps in supports pledged in the programme for government relating to the nursing home sector.

It graded the Government's performance on its commitments on a scale from A to F. It found a key commitment to increase funding for the fair deal funding packages deserved only a middling grade at C.

It was critical of failures to build more public nursing home beds, saying this received a D grade only. Plans to review pricing in order to bring funding for private and public homes closer together were marked as F due to lack of progress.

Another commitment to offer clearer career pathways for healthcare assistants was marked at C grade.
In the days after the Government published an updated plan to implement an agreed investment plan for the Defence Forces, a minister gave an interview saying it was likely that Ireland would be targeted by Russian hybrid attacks during the upcoming presidency of the EU.

But, in the updated implementation plan, two linked recommendations on developing structures to counter hybrid warfare, that were made in the Commission on the Defence Forces report four years ago, were kicked further down the road.

The first recommendation, number 12, said: Increased civil-military engagement across Government on the development of appropriate structures and processes for countering hybrid warfare, learning from current international experience.

The Governments original implementation plan, published in November 2023, said this recommendation would be subject to further evaluation, to be completed by Q1 2025.

The new plan, called the Detailed Implementation Plan, states that further evaluation of recommendation 28.1 will be completed by "the end of Q3 2026".

A second recommendation, 100, said: The development of relevant military capabilities to counter hybrid activities where military capability is required and to contribute to national resilience.

In the 2023 plan, "further evaluation" of this recommendation was due to be completed by Q3 2025; now it's down for August 2026.

The recommendations, and the timelines, must be seen in the context that they were made before Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine  when everything changed for Europe.

TALK OF HYBRID THREAT

Though a vague concept for many people to penetrate, hybrid activity is seen as a range of aggressive state activity short of actual war.

It can include  as seen in many EU states and Britain  cyberattacks, drone incursions shutting down airports, disinformation campaigns affecting elections or politics, sabotage attacks and disruptive naval activity, including over critical sub-sea infrastructure, in or near territorial waters and even attempted assassinations.

In his interview with The Sunday Times on February 14, a couple of days after the Detailed Implementation Plan was published, junior foreign affairs defence minister Thomas Byrne said the Government was extremely conscious of hybrid attacks across Europe.

We look back to see what happened during the Danish presidency. Denmark has much greater military capabilities than us, yet their airport was closed on several occasions because of drone incursions.

These events are happening across Europe, and everyone is trying to be as prepared and coordinated as possible.

In relation to what to expect during Irelands presidency of the EU, he said: Things are going to happen, I have no doubt about that. I think we can be as prepared as possible.

Last October, Taoiseach Micheal Martin said pretty much the same.

He said Russias threat to the EU was serious enough and added: Right across all areas, critical maritime security, subsea cables, cyber security, hybrid attacks, Russia presents a threat.

The Taoiseach said Ireland's EU presidency would see the largest political summit ever held in Ireland. File picture: Brian Lawless/PA Wire

Referencing the drone incursions that forced several airports in Denmark to close  in the week leading up to its holding of the EU presidency  the Taoiseach said these incidents had given the government here food for thought.

He said the presidency would see the largest political summit ever held in Ireland: We have obligations obviously to protect the security of the meetings.

When military-grade drones were spotted last December by crew on the LE William Butler Yeats on the edge of Irish territorial waters, that went up after Ukraine's president Volodymyr Zelenskyys plane had passed and landed at Dublin Airport, the issue of hybrid attacks was sharply brought home.

The Irish Examiner reported that an early assessment by Irish security services pointed to Russian intelligence or groups acting on their behalf as being responsible.

The incident was seen by intelligence agencies as one of signalling and messaging to Ireland and the EU.

One source said: They were testing our defences, the purpose to sow seeds of doubt in the country  and they did that.

They were saying we are here and this is just the start, just wait until the [EU] presidency.

LITTLE ACTION

Despite all the incidents and all the analysis and warnings, we dont have an actual structure in Ireland to counter hybrid threats.

Hybrid structures cross many agencies and departments.

In addition to DF and gardai, it also takes in the National Cyber Security Centre and a long list of departments, including Defence, Justice, Environment (gas pipelines and electricity connectors and offshore energy), Communications (digital cables) and Transport (ports, aviation and public and road transport).

Along with hybrid threats by Russian spy vessels to Ireland's critical subsea infrastructure  particularly gas pipelines and electricity connectors in the Irish sea  is the threats from drones, which can be launched from Russian-aligned shadow vessels transporting oil.

After the December drone incident, a range of Government leaders said the counter-drone technology was being fast-tracked and would be in Defence Forces hands by July, before the presidency.

However, the Detailed Implementation Plan said the arrival of the equipment would be completed by September 2026.

This is not to mention the testing of the equipment and training of personnel in the equipment.

The completion date for counter-drone technology is a farce, its now September, former TD and ex-army ranger wing officer Cathal Berry.

When we have been told all along, up to and including this week, that it would be in by July, before the presidency.

He even doubts the September deadline: Id be sceptical we will even have it by September, or it may have arrived in a cardboard box. It takes time to be trained in it and years to be masters of it.

Last December, on foot of doubts among security sources that the new system would be operational by July, the Irish Examiner asked the Department of Defence if it was considering renting such equipment from fellow EU states, just in case.

But the department replied they were moving to acquire in an accelerated manner Ireland's own system, to have in place for Baldonnel for the presidency.

There has been some speculation of also having a mobile unit  like the gardai have  but this is not clear.

DRONE FEARS

Brendan Flynn, a lecturer in the School of Political Science at the University of Galway, and a specialist on maritime security, said: The really urgent issue [from the delayed deadlines in the Detailed Implementation Plan] is counter-drone technologies.

The incident with Zelenskyys visit last December shows how exposed we are. The relevant counter drone technologies are complex and not just any one piece of kit, but a range of systems that have to be blended together.

He said: For obvious reasons, there is huge demand for counter drone systems across Europe, especially the type we urgently need, which are those which are safe to use in civilian areas-the approach would be more about jamming, geofencing, capturing and disabling drones and finding the users on the ground if possible for legal prosecution.

Mr Flynn added: Admitting that Ireland will not have key counter-drone capabilities in place until September 2026 could be viewed as a 'green light' to hostile actors to have fun and play puck with the security arrangements around Dublin. Just as was done in December 2025.

One naval source told the Irish Examiner: The navy, as of now, has no EW [electronic warfare] CUAS [counter-unmanned aircraft system] in use on board vessels.

Tony Geraghty, former commander in the Naval Service, said the Commission on the Defence Forces urged investment in drones and said Ireland would want to get its act together.

He referenced reporting at the time of the December drone incident that gardai were annoyed that the navy did not shoot them down.

But he pointed out that the Defence Forces were not responsible for security for the Zelenskyy visit  and that An Garda Siochana was.

The Garda Crime and Security Intelligence Service does have a counter-drone system, which it can operate on land. It is understood that it has a number of mobile units with the technology, which can jam and disable drones.

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Picture: Efrem Lukatsky/AP

One of the issues reported is the risk posed by a drone falling from a height and the danger to people.

There are also concerns about newer generations of military drones equipped with AI technology to counter attempts to disable them.

Justice minister Jim OCallaghan said last December that gardai have very good anti-drone technology.

Gardai have also been embedded with police forces in Europe as they hold the EU presidency, including Denmark, and have the knowledge gained from that.

Some of these forces will be present in Ireland to potentially assist gardai if need be this year.

Mr Berry pointed out that antiquated rules of engagement denied the navy opening fire on the drones after Zelenskyys plane passed, and added the navy ships didnt have the weapons to do so. He also referred to the danger of firing live rounds into commercial flight paths.

Garda sources did express annoyance afterwards at what they said was the lack of communication to them from the Defence Forces about the drone incident.

STATEGIC FAILURES

All of which underlines two issues: One, which body is the lead agency for what happens in our territorial skies and seas (both cases 12 nautical miles) and, second, are the communication structures between Irelands two security agencies up to standard.

Under the law, gardai are the lead agency within territorial waters, despite the fact that it operates no vessels to effect this responsibility, and the navy and air corps act as an aid to the civil power.

This has led to suggestions that the Naval Service should be the lead agency in territorial waters. We will wait and see if the National Maritime Security Strategy (NMSS), due on Wednesday, will clarify this.

All of this was supposed to have been cleared up years ago by the National Security Analysis Centre (NSAC), set up in the Department of Taoiseach in 2019 on foot of urgent recommendations in the September 2018 Commission on the Future of Policing report.

NSAC was charged with developing a National Security Strategy (NSS) and was supposed to delineate what areas of security were the responsibility of gardai and the Defence Forces. It was also supposed to set out security and intelligence priorities and ensure the agencies didnt cross over.

The two agencies were grateful that this was going to be done and that the Taoiseachs department, as in many countries, was formally taking the lead on national security.

The Commission on the Defence Forces also made recommendations in this area, including the development of an overarching legal and governance framework to ensure optimum coordination and collaboration between the Defence Forces and An Garda Siochana on intelligence matters.

The Governments 2023 implementation plan put this down to further evaluation to be completed by 2026.

In the Detailed Implementation Plan, it is now December 2027.

The also recommended that the role of Military Intelligence be urgently clarified and underpinned by legislation within a coherent national intelligence architecture.

The 2023 plan put this down for further evaluation, to be completed by June 2024.

In the new plan, it's down for completion in December 2027.

A related tactical recommendation urged that the respective roles of the special operations forces in the Defence Forces  the army ranger wing  and the gardai  the ERU  be clarified with a clear understanding of how they would interact in a real operational environment.

The 2023 plan put implementation down for November 2024. The new plan says it will be in place by next month.

The lack of urgency with the Commission on the Defence Forces recommendations was reflected in the NSAC, which was never given the political, financial and administrative priority or capabilities to do its job.

To date, despite the worsening global security environment, no NSS has been published. NSAC has been downgraded to a secretariat in the department.

I dont understand how we are about to have a maritime security strategy before a national security strategy, Mr Geraghty said.

Touching on this point, Kenneth McDonagh, assistant professor of International Relations at DCU said: Of more concern, is the inability to meet targets that are entirely within our control, such as the development of the National Maritime Security Strategy and the National Aviation Security Strategy, not to mention the overarching framework of a National Security Strategy.

While these documents can be high-level they are essential for a coherent whole of government approach to the complex security challenges Ireland faces and could serve as a vital framework to inform political discussions about the need to invest and plan more seriously for Irelands security and defence.

This is played out in the Detailed Implementation Plan.

HALF-FUNDED PLAN

The reason the timetables for many of the key recommendations are pushed back is money, Mr Berry said. The plan is only 50% funded. The Department of Defence cant spend what it doesnt have.

Last August, The Irish Times reported that official documents showed that then defence minister, Tanaiste Simon Harris, sought capital funding of 3.4bn between 2026 and 2030 (average 680m per year) to implement the agreed plan.

But the Department of Public Expenditure refused and offered at most 230m per year.

The Department of Defence documents showed this amount was simply not credible.

It said the rest of Europe was moving to 3.5% GDP defence spend, having consistently spent almost 2% GDP over the last decade  while Irelands defence spend languishes at 0.2% GDP.

The Department of Public Expenditure increased the capital allocation to 1.7bn.

The Department of Defence this week told the Irish Examiner that Irelands defence spend is still rooted (in 2024) at 0.2% of GDP.

When the profits of multinationals are excluded, it amounts to 0.4% of GNI.

But, regardless of which economic gauge is used, Ireland is still bottom of Europe in defence spending, behind even Malta.

We have a 10bn surplus, and we have a half-funded defence plan, Mr Berry said. We cant blame anyone else. Theres no urgency here.

One navy source said: The budget is just barely keeping the lights on. In reality, the naval base infrastructure would absorb about 100m per year for the next 10 years.

The Department of Defence and Government have told us in no uncertain terms that there are no new ships until all the ones we have are crewed and put to sea. The department will force us to put 60m into upgrades on each of the 15 to 25-year-old ships. It's bonkers.

The Naval Service has eight vessels, five described as operational. Two, at most, are out at sea at any one time, if specialist technicians are available.

The CoDF called for nine operational vessels, double crewed, by 2028. The updated plan says this will be post 2028.

The navys flagship, the LE Eithne, boasted serious equipment  sonar, radar and a helicopter pad  but that went when it was decommissioned in 2022.

Since 2015, there were plans to have a replacement multi-role vessel (MRV), at a purported cost, in 2024, of 300m, but these plans appear to have foundered, most recently as part of seemingly never-ending reviews and reassessments and business cases.

A new towed sonar system, at a cost of 60m, is due to arrive in 2027.

A second naval source told the Irish Examiner: The updated plan is typically vague and non-committal. The big issue we are trying to get clarification on is the future fleet and its capability.

"Work is progressing there, but there is a huge focus on our current HR situation, improving for recruitment, but very slow on retention, therefore the critical people we need for ships are still leaving.

"This has slowed, though compared to previous year,s thanks to the impact of doubling the PDA [patrol duty allowance].

AIR COVER

The picture in the Air Corps regarding air policing is equally not good, even worse, perhaps. This is despite major investment in two Airbus C-295 maritime surveillance aircraft (but not patrol aircraft with weapons) and, most recently, a C-295 tactical transport version as well as circa 60m on a new Government/State jet.

Kevin Phipps, retired air corps officer, said: We are investing hundreds of millions of euro in a military radar, but what exactly are we going to do about the threats we identify when we switch it on? And once its on 24/7/365.

While we can interdict threats at sea with our Naval Service, we are powerless in the air as our Air Force has no fighter jets to police our skies.

"We need to identify an affordable and quickly deliverable solution in this area. We spend 600m every 10 years on our fantastic helicopter search and rescue service, I don't think its a stretch to spend similar on an Air Policing Service, given we have 600,000 flights passing over Ireland every year.

The not-secret historic relationship with the British RAF has been well kicked around at this stage. As well as undermining Irelands policy of neutrality, there are also concerns it may provide a misleading comfort blanket given the demands on the British armed forces.

This is reflected in a recent article in the Atlantic Council, which said: Ireland may not be able to count on this anymore, however, given the numerous pressing challenges identified in the UKs new Strategic Defence Review, which did not mention the Republic of Ireland.

Mr McDonagh said Ireland has known it was in a new world since 2022: Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine was a catalyst for Ireland to take defence more seriously, and we have seen a significant increase in investment in the area.

"However, the shifting timelines in the updated implementation plan highlight how much further we have to go. The real concern is that time is a luxury we may not have.

In relation to delays in the Detailed Implementation Plan, the Department of Defence said: The key actions that will be taken in the coming 12 months include strengthening our counter-UAS capability and investment in our military radar capability.

"A number of crucial HR initiatives, which will bolster the progress that has already been made in this area. Particular emphasis will be placed on enhanced career and talent management policies and practices, as well as revised access to promotion opportunities and a Work Force Plan.

It should also be noted that, of the 130 recommendations contained in the Detailed Implementation Plan, 54 are now fully completed, with substantial progress underway on the majority of the remainder. This represents meaningful and tangible progress.

SECURING THE EU PRESIDENCY

What is focusing minds the most is how we are set up for the EU presidency, in terms of internal structures and assistance from neighbours.

In addition to the main summit, there will also be a meeting of the European Political Community, boasting 45 heads of state, including non-EU countries such as Britain, Norway, and Ukraine.

With Ukraine's continued existence and its roadmap to becoming an EU member sure to feature, expect another Zelenskyy visit and more Russian hybrid activity.

Mr Flynn expressed concern at how Irish security agencies are going to work, given the absence of the NSS or NSAC.

He said: The counter drone example shows how and why strategy documents are pretty important because you need very good co-operation between the key agencies  An Garda Siochana, the Defence Forces, the National Cyber Security Centre  but also many other state and non-state actors.

That type of close co-operation won't happen unless it is structured, planned, and rehearsed. It needs to be funded and incentivised.

Mr McDonagh said: The Defence Forces role will likely be under 'Aid to the Civil Power' with the gardai taking primary responsibility for security operations related to the presidency.

"While cooperation between both agencies has worked well in the past, the recent drone incident during Zelenskyy's visit raised questions about the smoothness of communications and decision-making between the two in a heightened security situation.

A formal task force would be desirable, and at an operational level, I would be surprised if there weren't already plans along these lines in place.

Mr Berry said: Gardai have their own comms [communication systems], the DF the same, the NCSC the same, but if you are physically shoulder to shoulder, you can talk to each other. How difficult is it to have reps from the agencies and departments together? You need a lead agency and lead decision maker.

He pointed out that there was a National Emergency Operations Centre (Neoc), which often operated for severe weather events.

This centre is based in modern offices, has support staff and has tested comm systems  and is located in the city centre.

Mr Berry said: This allows us to do a table-top exercise, do physical exercise, see whats likely to occur.

Mr Geraghty said the historic view was a benign threat environment in Ireland, so the country tended not to rehearse for events.

Up to now, we just have table top exercises on sub-sea infrastructure in the Emergency Management Office [linked to Neoc], not actually moving assets around, he said.

It would be ideal to have joint forces command and have reps from other agencies.

POLITICAL LEADERSHIP

A number of those interviewed pointed out that the disruption to the Danish airports happened not during the summit itself but in the week beforehand  meaning hybrid incidents could happen when the threat is lower.

Mr Geraghty pointed out that gardai and Defence Forces and other agencies have worked on complex drug interdiction operations, such as the military boarding of the MV Matthew cocaine ship.

These operations are possible, but they are complex, he said. You can do it as a once-off, but sustaining it is the issue.

He said the issue is again in the news with comments from defence minister Helen McEntee that the department and DF are considering the possibility of boarding a sanctioned Russian oil shadow fleet.

Minister for defence Helen McEntee. Picture: Eamonn Farrell

Mr Geraghty said any such boardings would be a very significant undertaking for the Defence Forces, which, again, would be more than likely a once-off.

Which brings in the issue being floated in the last while of military assistance from the likes of the French navy and the British navy and air force during key periods of the presidency.

The Taoiseach said earlier this month there has a lot of noise around European countries aiding each other on defence matters, adding it was no big deal.

Mr Geraghty said: French-British assistance, in theory, could probably be done, though you might need some legal provision.

Gardai called in assistance from other European police forces regarding drones for Zelenskyy's visit, but any such military decision is purely a political one.

One naval source said: Militaries dont operate without operational orders from Government, especially on something like this.

We know there is close cooperation with the British navy. The former chief of staff, Lieu General Sean Clancy, said in March 2025 that Irish and British defence forces were moving towards a collective security approach to shared waters and airspace, particularly to protect critical underwater infrastructure and maritime security.

This coordinated action was seen when the Russian spy ship, Yantar, loitered over critical infrastructure in the Irish Sea in November 2024.

Also in March 2025, at the first UK-Irish Summit, the Taoiseach said the countries were going to strengthen co-operation on maritime security, with a particular focus on critical undersea infrastructure.

Mr Berry said: Maybe you could see the French navy outside the 12 nautical miles [territorial waters], providing a kind of outer cordon and British air cover, and Irish navy providing the inner cordon.

Mr Flynn of University of Galway said neighbours and EU partners could provide help: France, for example, has considerable experience of providing a counter-drone screen for the Paris Olympics and the UK has some excellent systems and considerable know-how.

He added: Given the urgency of the threat, I don't see a corresponding salience in Irish government responses  although, perhaps I'm mistaken, and behind the scenes maybe there are a lot of things being done.

Mr McDonagh of DCU said the security agencies were dependant on political direction: Political leadership is required in the short term to put the necessary security supports in place and ensure they operate with as little friction as possible.

One Defence Forces source is worried: The attitude is get on with it and muddle through it. But Irelands reputation internationally is on the line here.
Four years ago tomorrow, Nadia Dobrianska fled Ukraine as the first bombs began to explode in Kyiv, her home city.

It felt like losing a limb on the first day of the war, she said. I felt like something was dying in me.

The fluent Irish speaker, who had studied at Queens University in Belfast, was working in human rights before the war.

In that work, she monitored Russian political activists and knew the horror of the jails they were sent to.

I was thinking that if the Russians managed to capture Kyiv, I would be among those people in secret prisons in Russia with no chance to get out.

She fled with her parents, but her mother died a short time after arriving in Ireland.

War often claims silent victims, she said. The trauma of war  which will likely now seep down through the generations  leaves deep psychological scars.

Those murdered by bombs and gunfire are never a conflicts only victims, she said.

On Tuesday, Ms Dobrianska, 38, plans to stay in her Cork home and work on her PhD thesis about sectarian violence in the North, a purposeful mark of defiance against Russias attempted annihilation of her life and her career, she said.

Its been a long four years. Its been a long war. And I dont see an end in sight.

Ukrainians and supporters, including former lord mayor of Cork Dan Boyle, at Sunday's rally in Cork to mark the fourth anniversary of Russia's invasion. See Liz Dunphy's report and further photos in the 'Irish Examiner' in print and online. Picture: Eddie O'Hare

Peace talks in Geneva collapsed last week with no major progress made. Russia is demanding Ukraine cede significant swathes of land, wanting full control of the eastern Donbas, which includes the Donetsk and Luhansk regions.

However, Kyiv says Ukrainians will not agree to giving away land that Russia has not already taken.

Russia currently occupies approximately 20% of Ukrainian territory, including Crimea and parts of the Donbas, which it seized before the most recent 2022 invasion.

Russia has gained approximately 1.3% of Ukrainian territory since early 2023, analysts estimate.

Although Europe has turned up for Ukraine, some countries here are drifting towards Russia, Nadia said. Lack of social media regulation allows Russian bot farms to exploit tensions in different countries and tell anti-Ukrainian stories, packaged for a particular countrys consumption, she said.

Ukraine has been reduced to a culture wars symbol, used domestically for political gain in multiple countries now, the wars bloodshed and sorrow erased by polarising narratives.

Liz Dunphy spoke with Alona Dekhtiarenko, Nadia Dobrianska, and Olesia Zhytkova, all of whom found refuge in Cork City after fleeing Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Picture: Chani Anderson

How Ukrainian refugees are treated has become a political tool, used to appeal to different voter blocs in elections across Europe.

This has been extremely painful to watch, Nadia said.

The way the world is now in flux can really damage Ukraine and its ability to defend itself, she said.

The European Union still, in my opinion, hasnt embraced the urgency of the question of its own security.

If Ukraine falls, EU countries closer to the border could be next. European countries could be learning from Ukraine about dealing with current warfare, cyber security.

The world has changed in the past years. Russias invasion of Ukraine was one big change for the European reality, and now the presidency in the US and, in a way, the end of transatlantic co-operation in its old form, the way it was since World War Two.

I would like to see politicians across Europe deal with it more urgently. Looking in a different direction does not make it go away.

My hope would be more co-operation in European security and defence.

Some Ukrainian soldiers have been sharing their experiences with other countries, and Id like to see more of that.

'Dissent rising in Russia'

Dissent is rising among business owners in Russia, after a wartime tax, introduced in Januarys budget, is allegedly leading to the closure of long-running businesses.

The Russian economy is not faring well. Im watching Russian discourses, and the war economy is now causing damage to small- and medium-sized businesses.

The backbone of the Russian economy, the people who make business, are now losing because of the wartime taxes.

To me, thats a hopeful sign that it cant sustain the war economically.

Nadia has been back in Ukraine a few times since 2022. She had to run to the basement of a building there during the airstrikes that hit the childrens hospital in Kyiv in 2024, killing people, including a doctor.

Her brother served in an auxiliary force, and her cousin is a drone operator on the front line.

Drone warfare has been a huge element of the war, reflecting the changing battlefields of our time, she said.

The irreversible damage and destruction done to her country have been one of the worst impacts of war, she said. That and feeling powerless to prevent the suffering there.

The atrocities, reports of the rape of women, the sense of helplessness. Dealing with this madness of war is really difficult on a personal level.

But the resilience of the Ukrainian people gives her hope.

Many Ukrainians live with no heating, no water; they are in extreme discomfort, but they will not yield.

They wouldnt trade their freedom for what Russia has in store for us.

Olesia: 'Im grateful to the people who supported us'

Olesia Zhytkova also fled to Cork when Russia invaded her home city of Kropyvnytskyi in central Ukraine in 2022.

Olesia Zhytkova fled to Ireland in 2022: Im very grateful to the people who supported us. They will forever be in my heart. And Cork will be forever in my heart. Picture: Chani Anderson

It was a huge shock for everyone to wake up, to be shelled by Russian military, she said.

Her parents stayed behind in Ukraine but urged her to go and save the next generation.

Olesia fled to Ireland with her daughter Lada, who was just two years old at the time.

Moving as a refugee alone with a young child was complicated, but she found some inner source of energy to move on because I need to take care of my daughter and of myself.

And people in Ireland supported her and helped her survive.

Im very grateful to the people who supported us. They will forever be in my heart. And Cork will be forever in my heart.

Her daughter started school in September. She now speaks fluent English with an Irish accent.

Olesia, a historian, gives lectures on the similarities between Ukrainian and Russian histories, folklore and customs.

Ireland and Ukraine have much in common

Irish and Ukrainians share values around family, friendship and commitment, she said.

Even though were far away, were still connected in interesting ways, she said.

Both countries have fought for freedom from their larger, colonial neighbours  Ireland from England and Ukraine from Russia.

Both countries have battled to preserve their native language and culture.

A leading figure of Ukraines fight for independence, Valeriia OConnor-Vilinska, even had Irish roots.

Famine, war, and colonisation

Both countries suffered devastating and unnecessary famines due to the influence of their larger colonial neighbours, she said.

Olesia now works as a postdoctoral researcher at Dublin City University, researching corruption and anti-corruption efforts in Ukraine. She initially began work in DCU thanks to a Research Ireland grant for displaced researchers. She then secured EU funding under SAFE fellowship, a pilot program which supports at-risk researchers.

Air raids are now common in her hometown.

Although it has not been as badly hit as other areas, because of its location, missiles and drones often fly over it, she said.

Firefighters at work on a damaged school in July 2025 following one of the Russian air attacks on Olesia Zhytkova's home city, Kropyvnytskyi, Ukraine. File picture: Ukrainian Emergency Service/AP

So its very stressful there. And its very stressful for children. They shouldnt experience this.

Olesia began organising large annual peace rallies for Ukraine in Cork.

This years took place on Sunday to mark the four-year anniversary of Russias full-scale invasion of her country. More than 1,000 people were expected to turn up.

Its my civic duty to support the Ukrainian community. To honour all those who have given their lives to preserve Ukraines independence, to feel a sense of community and unity, Olesia said.

Alona: 'I do not remember such a cold winter for years'

Ukraine is currently enduring the coldest winter in 16 years. And much of its energy infrastructure has been targeted and obliterated by Russian missiles.

Russia has repeatedly targeted Ukraines energy infrastructure to punish its people through the countrys freezing winters where temperatures can drop to below -20C.

Some people have frozen to deaths in their homes, Olesia said.

Alona Dekhtiarenko: In the last three weeks, two or three people asked me if the war was still going on. They thought it was over. Picture: Chani Anderson

On Friday, some 1,600 buildings, including approximately 1,100 residential buildings, remained without heat in Kyiv, the capital.

Alona Dekhtiarenko recently witnessed that cold, having returned to Cork in recent weeks from a visit home to her family in Kyiv.

People use power banks to supply your wifi router so you have internet, but after 24 hours without lights, its hard.

Some of the apartment buildings will be without heating until the end of winter.

And I do not remember such a cold winter for years. It was -23C, -27C a few nights.

And with air strikes overnight, people often wake up with no electricity and no water in their homes, she said.

People are tired and exhausted, but at the same moment, theyre proud living their lives.

And there a lot of cultural events, a lot of open theatres, Alona said.

People travel underground, even during air raids, to go out because when they get to their destination, the air raid may be over and they will be able to see this beautiful theatre, she said.

My brothers kids, they dont know what it is like for the country to not be at war.

"They call it fine, but obviously its not fine because youre living in a constant threat.

Even if you have heating in your room at night, you still can hear the explosions  air defence missiles going to the sky or the drones. It affects everyone.

And its like a game of Russian Roulette, you dont know whether you will wake up in the morning.

Alona came to Ireland alone, age 25, in March 2022.

But it feels like destiny that she arrived in Cork.

Despite the difficulties of life as a refugee, she said that things seemed to line up for her with everything happening in the right moment. She is now working as a digital marketing executive in Cork city.

'Hoping for a miracle'

A chance encounter while hiking led her to the apartment she now rents in Cork City with a friend.

She said that she is hugely grateful to everyone in Ireland who has supported her and given her opportunities to create a life here.

But people seem to be forgetting about the war four years on.

In the last three weeks, two or three people asked me if the war was still going on. They thought it was over.

Were not in the news as often anymore. And people become tired. Its four years now.

But it continues.

She has been following ongoing negotiations, and she dreams of peace. Thousands of people my age are dying at the front line.

But we are hoping for a miracle. We need a lasting peace.
When Deirdre* checks her social media platforms, it is not for the same reason as everyone else.

Instead of watching for the latest updates from her favourite influencer, she is cautiously checking how many times her ex-partner has been viewing her TikTok account.

His fascination with her online activity is to be seen by how many times a day recently that he has viewed her account. She feels she is not being taken seriously  despite having a domestic violence order in place against him.

There is a history of violence by him against her, with the Irish Examiner having seen medical reports in which her GP references domestic abuse as being the cause of her injuries.

At present, she is frustrated because a case she had hoped would proceed about breaches of the domestic violence order was dropped as gardai produced no evidence in the case.

A doctors letter from earlier this year states that Deirdre was "living in an abusive relationship with a lot of physical trauma, gaslighting, manipulation, and coercive control".

Her GP said she is now on medication for symptoms of anxiety and post-traumatic stress, and attending counselling sessions and group therapy for domestic violence.

This time last year, her now former partner caused her facial injuries when he bashed her head off a car window and steering wheel.

A medical report outlined that she suffered bruising to the right side of her face and head on that occasion.

Coercive control and physical abuse

As well as being physically abusive, her former partner was also controlling her financially, she says.

She has feared for her life  and counsellor and domestic abuse expert Don Hennessy also has had concerns about her safety.

Mr Hennessy, who was a director of the National Domestic Violence Intervention Agency, frankly tells the Irish Examiner: I have been working in this area for 30-odd years and her case really scared me  I had this huge anxiety that she would end up dead.

"I think the whole thing was minimised by everybody, including herself, and thats what scares me about it.

Every case is serious  when these men get cornered or are likely to be exposed, they can do all sorts of things that are horrendous.

Fiona's case I have another client who was taken to a garda station and has never had a criminal charge in her life. She was fingerprinted, and her DNA was taken, and she was strip-searched, I believe, to intimidate her. "She is going through family law at the moment and cannot get anywhere with that either. That was last summer. She has been on to Fiosru, and I have written to Fiosru myself to support her. That woman, Fiona*, claims the incident occurred in a Cork garda station after she was arrested by appointment after the current partner of her abuser made a complaint against Fiona of harassment. She was subsequently released without charge. Fiona [not her real name] says: 'As a domestic abuse survivor, this was violating and retraumatising to me. It had an extremely negative effect on my mental health and wellbeing.' Stock picture: iStock She says the incident last summer has left her traumatised, and described having to strip to her underwear during the arrest as invasive and humiliating. She said: As a domestic abuse survivor, this was violating and retraumatising to me. It had an extremely negative effect on my mental health and wellbeing. She claims that on one occasion when she went to the gardai about her then partner, they said my relationship just sounded toxic, and they werent sure what I wanted them to investigate. She did manage to secure a protection order against him four years ago, followed by a safety order. She made her first complaint against him in 2016. She says she endured being portrayed as a sex worker by her former partner, who she says threatened her on one occasion with a knife. She also alleges that he sent pictures of her to men on escort sites and that he put a location app on her phone to track her. She says: The guards didnt seem to be knowledgeable about coercive control, and they definitely didnt understand reactive abuse, etc. "The line what happens behind your bedroom door is your own business was said to me after I disclosed that he attempted to pressure me to sleep with other men so he could watch. Something I did not do. "I was trying to give examples of emotional/sexual abuse, but everything was minimised. She says that her former partner was well known and wonders whether this influenced how her case has been handled. Don Hennessy believes that the private nature of family law cases provides a shroud of secrecy for perpetrators of domestic abuse. He says: There is legislation going through the Dail now which is going to lift some of the cloak of the in-camera rule in family law cases. I think it is way beyond time for that to happen.

Trevor Bolger's assault of Margaret Loftus

Fiona and Deirdre are telling their stories just weeks after Garda Trevor Bolger was given a three-month fully suspended jail sentence last month for assaulting his then-wife, Margaret Loftus, in October 2012.

Margaret Loftus spoke after the sentencing of the lengthy wait for justice in her case, feeling that there was a resistance within An Garda Siochana in pursuing the case.

Deirdre made contact with Ms Loftus following her case.

Womens Aid CEO Sarah Benson and Sinn Fein Mayo TD Rose Conway-Walsh (who hosted the event along with Senator Pauline Tully) listen as abuse survivor Margaret Loftus speaks in Leinster House earlier this month. Picture: Sam Boal/Collins

Women's Aid chief executive Sarah Benson says that more than 65,000 domestic violence incidents were reported to gardai in 2024 and commends strong progress in how specialist units, including its National Protective Services Bureau are working in the area of domestic violence.

But she says that significant inconsistencies remain in garda responses to domestic violence.

Knowledge gaps are increasingly visible among new recruits and general duty gardai, who are often the first point of contact for the public through 999 calls or direct contact with local stations.

It is very important for women experiencing domestic violence and abuse, where the perpetrator is a garda or otherwise, to feel they can safely and confidently reach out to the gardai for help.

"There needs to be clear guidelines on how the gardai deal with this situation, and these guidelines need to be easily accessible to the public so that victims-survivors in these cases can be reassured and are not prevented from coming forward.

Ivanna Youtchak, senior policy co-ordinator with the National Womens Council, says that research conducted by the council in 2023 also found that inconsistencies in the garda approach to domestic abuse victims were an issue.

'Inconsistency in training'

She outlines: There is an inconsistency in the training, and while there are protective service units in some parts with gardai who have the full capacity to deal with this issue, the experience is totally different in places where the gardai have not been trained in this area, she said, adding that this can lead to experiences where survivors feel subjected to victim blaming when reporting domestic abuse.

She adds that there also appears to be a lack of understanding around coercive control, particularly relating to patterns and trends around it.

When gardai are trained and understand how coercive control happens, then the experience of survivors is significantly different.

Last December, the Policing and Community Safety Authority (PCSA) published its assessment of policing for the first half of 2025.

The assessment noted that while the mandatory call-back rate to people who have reported domestic abuse stands at 77.2%, concerns arise due to inconsistencies across divisions, with some demonstrating rates below the target.

The assessment noted that 44% of women who contacted gardai for support about domestic abuse found gardai unhelpful  a finding in Womens Aid research.

The PCSAs chief executive, Helen Hall, said: While we acknowledge the efforts An Garda Siochana is making to contact people who have reported domestic abuse within the required seven days, we are concerned about the inconsistencies across divisions and we reiterate the need to review the quality of these call-backs.

The PCSA will be holding a meeting with Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly in Cork on April 30. Before then, it is making contact with a range of groups, including those working with victims of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence, to get a handle on gardais performance in this area.

West Cork Beacon CEO MaryClare Clark. Picture: Alison Miles/OSM

MaryClare Clark, chief executive of support service West Cork Beacon, said the organisation is working on a meeting in the coming weeks to collate information on how to improve garda interaction with victims of violence, including domestic and sexual abuse.

She said: We do have a lot of cases that dont end the way we would like them to, or that our clients do not feel necessarily comfortable or safe going in to report something to the gardai, and we have an accompaniment service for them.

She said that while there are some issues where gardai are not prepared for what people are coming in to report, there are other instances where gardai have been supportive.

Another service in Munster, which works with domestic violence victims, also says there are concerns about how victims are dealt with, but is reluctant to go on the record in case it impacts its positive relationships with some members of the gardai.

Complaints to Fiosru

Both women interviewed for this piece have made complaints to Fiosru.

A spokeswoman for An Garda Siochana said the organisation does not comment on remarks made by third parties. She said: In addition, An Garda Siochana cannot comment on or discuss details of matters reported to Fiosru.

She added that details on the protocols around reporting incidents of domestic abuse to An Garda Siochana are available on our website.

A spokeswoman for Fiosru said it is unable to comment on complaints relating to cases of domestic violence, including how many complaints it has received in relation to this area.

*Not their real names

 If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please click here for a list of support services.
One of the worlds most wanted drug traffickers, the Mexican cartel boss known as El Mencho, has been killed by security forces, Mexicos defence ministry has confirmed. The operation set off a wave of violence, with torched cars and gunmen blocking highways in more than half a dozen states.

The drug lord, whose real name is Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, was killed on Sunday in the western state of Jalisco along with at least six alleged accomplices, the ministry said in a statement.

The 59-year-old was the leader of a gang that in recent years had become Mexicos most powerful and notorious criminal organisation: the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).

While less internationally famous than the Sinaloa cartel of the now imprisoned Joaquin El Chapo Guzman, the Jalisco group is a household name in Mexico, where it is infamous for its displays of ultraviolence and its big, military-style arsenal.

Four cartel members were killed at the scene, while another three died while being flown to Mexico City, among them El Mencho.

Two alleged cartel members were arrested with weapons that included rocket launchers capable of bringing down aircraft and destroying armoured vehicles. Footage published in one regional newspaper, El Occidental, showed scenes of what appeared to be heavy fighting in Tapalpa, which is located in Mexicos Sierra Madre mountain range.

Three troops were injured during the operation and were also transported to the capital for treatment, the ministry added. A Jalisco state official who requested anonymity later told the Associated Press that a member of the National Guard died in Tapalpa during the operation, six other National Guard members died in Zapopan, a jail guard was killed at a lockup in Puerto Vallarta when prisoners rioted, and an agent from the Jalisco state prosecutors office was killed in Guadalajara. Further details were not immediately available.

The defence ministry said the US authorities had provided complementary information that had contributed to the operations success.

El Menchos killing caused an immediate outbreak of disorder across the region he ruled, displaying his huge influence across Mexico and other parts of Latin America. The unrest forced US and Canadian airlines to cancel dozens of flights. 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.

On Sunday narco roadblocks made from burning cars, buses and trucks could be seen across at least eight Mexican states: Jalisco, Guanajuato, Nayarit, Michoacan, Colima, Guerrero, Tamaulipas and Zacatecas. Video footage showed huge clouds of smoke rising into the skies above Puerto Vallarta, a popular tourist city on Mexicos west coast known for its spectacular Pacific Ocean beaches.

There were scenes of chaos in Jaliscos capital, Guadalajara  one of the 2026 World Cup host cities  as panicked passengers in the airport sprinted for cover, apparently fearing reprisal attacks from El Menchos fighters. Armed men were seen torching vehicles in the heart of the city.

One video posted on social media showed a group of heavily armed men setting fire to a petrol station in Guadalajara after pulling up in a white car.

By Sunday night, Guadalajara turned into a ghost town as civilians hunkered down. School was cancelled on Monday in several states.

The US had offered a $15m (12,682m) reward for the capture of El Mencho, who was accused of smuggling huge quantities of cocaine, fentanyl and methamphetamine across its southern border. El Menchos cartel, which was founded about 16 years ago and had become Mexicos most influential crime group, was also accused of attempting to assassinate Mexican government officials.

Senior US officials celebrated El Menchos killing, which follows months of pressure from Donald Trump over the influx of drugs and migrants across the 1,954-mile (3,145km) border between the two countries. The US president has even threatened military action against cartels that he has claimed are running Mexico. Writing on X, Christopher Landau, the deputy secretary of state, called El Mencho one of the bloodiest and most ruthless drug kingpins. He posted: This is a great development for Mexico, the US, Latin America, and the world. The exact circumstances of El Menchos killing, which analysts called the biggest blow to Mexicos cartels in more than a decade, remained unclear on Sunday. The defence ministry said special forces troops from the army and national guard had launched an operation in Tapalpa, a town about 80 miles south-west of Jalisco states capital, Guadalajara, to capture the fugitive drug lord, with support from the air force and military intelligence. While doing so, however, military personnel came under attack and fought back.

The US embassy in Mexico said that the operation was carried out by Mexican special forces within the framework of bilateral cooperation, with US authorities providing complementary intelligence.

The Joint Interagency Task Force-Counter Cartel, which specialises in intelligence collection on drug cartels, played a role in the military raid, a US defence official told Reuters. The taskforce was quietly launched late last year with the goal of mapping out networks of drug cartel members on both sides of the US-Mexico border, US officials said.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt called El Mencho a major trafficker of fentanyl into our homeland, adding that he had been a top target for the US government. She confirmed that the US had provided intelligence support to Mexico to assist with the operation.

As the unrest grew, Jaliscos state governor, Pablo Lemus Navarro, urged its eight million citizens to stay at home until the situation is brought back under control. Mr Lemus said public transport services were being suspended and that people should not travel on the states roads because of the violent events that had spread to at least five parts of the country.

The US embassy in Mexico City also issued a security alert, urging US citizens in Jalisco, Tamaulipas, Michoacan, Guerrero and Nuevo Leon states to shelter in place in affected regions as a result of security operations and related road blockages and criminal activity.

Canadas government said: Criminal groups have set up roadblocks with burning vehicles in several cities in Jalisco state  There have been shootouts with security forces and explosions  If youre [there] keep a low profile [and] monitor local and international media to stay informed of the rapidly evolving situation. Reacting to the attacks after El Menchos killing, Mr Landau wrote on X: Im watching the scenes of violence from Mexico with great sadness and concern. Its not surprising that the bad guys are responding with terror. But we must never lose our nerve. Mexicos president, Claudia Sheinbaum, said: There is absolute coordination with the governments of all states; we must stay informed and calm.

The security cabinets social media accounts provide continuous updates. Activities are proceeding normally across most of the country.
The European Unions executive arm requested full clarity from the US and asked its trade partner to fulfil its commitments after the US Supreme Court struck down some of President Donald Trumps most sweeping tariffs.

Mr Trump has lashed out at the court decision and said on Saturday that he wants a global tariff of 15%, up from 10% he had 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-US Joint Statement of August 2025.

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 legislator 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 US administration, Bernd Lange, the chairman 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 US trading partners. The value of EU-US trade in goods and services amounted to 1.7 trillion euros in 2024, or an average of 4.6 billion euros a day, according to EU statistics agency Eurostat.

A deal is a deal, the European Commission said.

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.

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, Mr Trumps top trade negotiator, said in a CBS News interview on Sunday morning that the US 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 has not 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, Mr Greer said.

I havent heard anyone yet come to me and say the deals off. They want to see how this plays out. Europes biggest exports to the US are pharmaceuticals, cars, aircraft, chemicals, medical instruments, and wine and spirits.

Among the biggest US 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 US companies and the American economy.
Australias unemployment rate held at 4.1% in January. But Deputy CFO Emma Seymour says the number that matters for shift workers tells a very different story.

Whats happening: Australias unemployment rate held at 4.1% in January 2026, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, with employment rising to 14.7 million people.

Why this matters: The ABS underemployment rate, at 5.9%, captures some of this, but industry-level hour reductions may not fully surface in headline figures.

Australias labour market started 2026 looking stable on paper. The unemployment rate held at 4.1% in January, and the number of employed Australians rose to 14,705,800, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Full-time employment increased by 50,500 in seasonally adjusted terms, and monthly hours worked across all jobs climbed to 2,013 million.

But for people working shifts, the picture inside those numbers is more complicated.

Steady rate, softer hours

Emma Seymour, CFO at Deputy, a shift work management platform, says the headline unemployment figure is not the most useful measure for understanding how shift workers are actually faring right now.

Unemployment holding at 4.1% sounds stable, she says. But for shift workers, the more important number right now is hours, not headcount.

Deputys own data shows average shift hours per active employee fell from 70.6 hours to 65.15 hours between October and January. That is nearly an 8% reduction in paid work per person over just three months.

Income tied to the roster

The significance of that figure goes beyond statistics. In shift-based industries, there is no salary buffer absorbing the shortfall.

In shift-based industries, income is directly tied to hours worked, Seymour says. There is no salary buffer. So when hours soften, earnings soften. Someone can still be counted as employed in the national data, but if they are getting five fewer hours a week, that is meaningful. That impacts rent, groceries or fuel.

The ABS data does capture some of this through the underemployment rate, which held at 5.9% in trend terms in January. But Seymour points to a layer of pressure that sits below the headline measures.

This concern is not new. Deputys 2023 research published by Dynamic Business found that 7% of the shift workforce held multiple jobs simultaneously, a level exceeding figures seen in both the United States and the United Kingdom, driven largely by cost of living pressures and a need for income stability.

Caution before cuts

What Seymour is observing now is a different, but related, dynamic: employers pulling back on hours as a first response to economic uncertainty, before making decisions about headcount.

What we are seeing is a market adjusting cautiously, she says. Businesses are trimming hours before they trim roles. That is rational from an employer perspective, but it creates a layer of underemployment that does not show up in the headline unemployment rate.

The ABS data reflects broader softness in hours availability. The underemployment rate in seasonally adjusted terms edged up to 5.9% in January, compared to 5.7% the previous month.

Predictability as productivity

For employers, Seymour argues the data points to a practical management consideration, not just a welfare concern.

So the labour market is not just tight, it is tight and uneven, she says. For employers, this makes roster transparency and fair allocation of hours critical. When workers have confidence in their income and schedules, engagement improves, absenteeism falls, and performance stabilises. In a market like this, predictability is not just good for people; it is a lever for productivity.

The ABS will release the next Labour Force Survey results in March 2026, which will indicate whether the softening in shift hours seen over the summer period is a seasonal adjustment or the start of a more sustained trend.

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( Tomdispatch.com )  Some tales can cross cultures, continents, and even centuries to arrive in our own era with their timeless truths pretty much intact. Thats particularly so for the immortal story of an appointment in Samarra. It first appeared in the fifth century in the Babylonian Talmud, that ancient repository of Jewish rabbinical wisdom. Then it crossed over into Islamic literature for reiterations in a thirteenth-century Persian version and a fifteenth-century Egyptian text, before popping up on the London stage in Act III of William Somerset Maughams 1933 play Sheppy.

In Maughams retelling, the tale is rich in irony. Once long ago, he wrote, there was a merchant in Baghdad who sent his servant to shop in the market. But the servant soon returned home in a panic and told his master about a woman in the crowd there who stared at him angrily. It was Death that jostled me, the servant announced, pleading with his master for a horse to flee to the town of Samarra. There, said the servant, Death will not find me.

Riding hard and spurring the horses flanks, the servant raced across the desert and made it to Samarra by nightfall. That evening, the master himself went to the market and spotted the woman, demanding to know why she had threatened his servant. That was not a threatening gesture, said Death. It was only a start of surprise. I was astonished to see him in Baghdad, for I had an appointment with him tonight in Samarra.

More than anything else, that ancient tale testifies to the eternal human folly of trying to outrun fate. And if thats true for individuals, its doubly true for one of their most ancient collective creations, the phenomenon we call empire. Ever since Sargon the Great of Assyria founded historys first trans-regional empire in 2300 BCE, the world has witnessed a succession of some 200 empires, of which 70 were large or lasting. Over the span of those 4,000 years, each empire rose, reached a peak so powerful that it seemed eternal, only to fade and finally fall, giving way to the next imperial reality.

Until January 2025 when President Donald J. Trump took office a second time, the United States seemed to be following that fateful journey. After nearly a century as the largest, most powerful empire in history, the country seemed to be on a gradual downward trajectory from the peak of power it reached around 1991 (when that other imperial power of the time, the Soviet Union, collapsed). But from the first day he took office the second time around in January 2025, President Trump assured us that his bold plans to Make America Great Again would save this country from that sad fate. To understand how and why our master, our president, is, in fact, leading America to its own appointment in Samarra at a remarkably rapid pace, we need to understand the way this country has exercised its global power and the dynamics underlying its long-term decline.

The Cold War Legacy

Throughout the 44 long years of the Cold War (1947 to 1991), Washington pursued an effective geopolitical strategy for containing its chief global rival, the Soviet Union, behind an Iron Curtain guarded by a chain of U.S. military bases and alliances that stretched for 5,000 miles across the broad Eurasian land mass. Whenever Moscow tried to break out of its geopolitical isolation by arming surrogates in Asia or Africa for war or revolution, Washington, as I explain in my latest book Cold War on Five Continents, sometimes sent troops, as in South Korea in 1950. Usually, however, it dispatched individual CIA officers to organize covert interventions to beat back any Soviet advance, as it did so effectively in Afghanistan in 1980. In the end, exhausted by one foreign adventure too many, Moscow was forced to acquiesce as its satellite states in Eastern Europe broke away and the Soviet Union shattered. By 1991, Washington had won the Cold War, emerging from that monumental conflict as the worlds sole superpower.

At that hour of seemingly ultimate triumph, the signs of Americas military omnipotence and its overweening imperial hubris were both amply evident.

Lets start with Washingtons imperial hubris. At the close of the Cold War, political scientist Francis Fukuyama published an article that became a veritable manifesto for Washingtons power elites. Not only were we witnessing the end of the Cold War, he argued, but we were also seeing  yes!  the end of history through the universalization of Western liberal democracy as the final form of human government. Not only was there a total exhaustion of viable systemic alternatives to Western liberalism, but there was also, he claimed, an ineluctable spread of consumerist Western culture to the most remote corners of the globe, even into the shopping malls of our former enemies, China and Russia.

And his viewpoint did indeed reflect a certain reality: Our nations leaders were fully convinced that their Pax Americana would become the final form of global governance for all of humanity for all time. While that unapologetic imperial hubris may now seem almost quaint, in the aftermath of the Cold War it became gospel. It guided Washingtons leaders who indeed seemed to wield ample enough power, both military and economic, to fulfill that bold vision for remaking the world in Americas image.

Next, as for U.S. military omnipotence, while the Russian military was ravaged by the collapse of the Soviet Union and China still couldnt project power beyond its own borders, Americas armed forces emerged from the Cold War as a global behemoth. By the mid-1990s, the U.S. had more military forces than all the other major powers combined  with more than 700 overseas bases, an air force of 1,760 jet fighters, more than 1,000 ballistic missiles, and a navy of 600 ships, including 15 nuclear aircraft carrier battle groups  all linked by the worlds only global system of communications satellites.

When Iraqs military dictator Saddam Hussein occupied the small petro-state of Kuwait in 1990, Washington mobilized a coalition of 42 nations to obliterate the Iraqi army in the Gulf War with a show of overwhelming force evident in that conflicts glaring disparity in casualties. The U.S.-led coalition killed an estimated 50,000 Iraqi troops and destroyed more than 5,000 of that countrys armored vehicles at a cost of just 292 of their own soldiers.

A few years later, in 2002, imperial historian Paul Kennedy reviewed the relative strength of rival empires over the past 500 years, concluding: Nothing has ever existed like this disparity of power; nothing. Given Americas mind-boggling dominance in finance, scientific research, and, above all, military strength, there was, he added, no point in the Europeans or Chinese wringing their hands about U.S. predominance and wishing it would go away. In sum, he concluded, any chance for a serious erosion of Washingtons global power seems a long way off for now. But to give Professor Kennedy his due, he did warn that China was perhaps the only country that  should its recent growth rates continue for the next 30 years and internal strife be avoided  might be a serious challenger to U.S. predominance.

Seeds of Decline

Yet even at a peak of military supremacy not seen since ancient Rome, Americas asymmetric power was already starting to slip silently, slowly, but inexorably away. Part of that power loss was a tribute to the dynamic world order that Washington had created in 1945 at the end of World War II. Under its innovative system of free trade, low-cost development loans, and stable exchange rates (based on the U.S. dollar), the world dug itself out of the rubble of global war and enjoyed a half-century of unprecedented prosperity.

As the rest of the world experienced a rapid economic recovery exemplified by Germanys solid 6% annual growth rate and Japans sizzling 10%, Americas share of the global economy would, in fact, decline steadily from a formidable 50% in 1945 to 40% in 1960 to just 25% in 1995, and there it would essentially remain for several decades. Using an index called PPP (Purchasing Power Parity) that measures the real value of economic output, the International Monetary Fund calculates that, in 2026, China now leads the world with 20% of global economic output, the U.S. comes in second at just 15%, and the European Union places a close third at 14%. In effect, over the past 80 years, the United States has gone from a towering economic Titan, capable of dictating the terms of trade to the rest of the world, to just one among several major players that must bargain with its peer rivals, China and Europe.

As this countrys economic superiority, the foundation for its global hegemony, slowly began to ebb, Washingtons leaders made some dubious decisions about the Middle East and also China that contributed to the erosion of their international influence. In 2001, in the wake of the 9/11 attacks, the U.S. invaded Afghanistan and Iraq, seeking to bring the Pax Americana with its universalization of Western liberal democracy to the oil-rich Middle East (and beyond). As President George W. Bush told the nation in 2004: America is pursuing a forward strategy of freedom in the greater Middle East through the development of free elections, and free markets, free press, and free labor unions in Afghanistan and Iraq, so those nations can light the way for others, and help transform a troubled part of the world.

While the U.S. was pouring its blood and treasure (an estimated $4.7 trillion worth) into those desert sands, China was enjoying a decade of warless economic growth. By June 2014, in fact, it had accumulated $4 trillion in foreign currency reserves  and in a major strategic miscalculation, Washington had even lent a hand. In deciding to admit Beijing into the World Trade Organization in 2001, Washingtons leaders proved bizarrely confident that China, home to a fifth of humanity, would somehow join the world economy without changing the global balance of power in any significant way.

In 2013, as Beijings annual exports to the U.S. grew nearly fivefold to $462 billion and its foreign currency reserves approached that $4 trillion mark, President Xi Jinping announced his historic Belt and Road Initiative. Thanks to that initiative and the lending of a trillion dollars to developing nations, within a decade China would become the dominant economic player on three continents  Asia, Africa, and, yes, even Latin America.

Trumps Grand Strategy for Making America Great Again

In 2021, at a delicate juncture in the history of U.S. global power, President Joseph Biden took office with a reasonable strategy for managing Washingtons position in a changing world. Above all, he tried to maintain the longstanding U.S. geopolitical position astride the Eurasian landmass by strengthening the NATO alliance in response to Russias 2022 invasion of Ukraine and by expanding the countrys Asia-Pacific alliances to contain China.

To complement that geopolitical strategy, the Biden White House pursued traditional U.S. free-trade policies, while working through the international organizations that were the hallmark of Washingtons world order. In response to the globes rapidly accelerating green-energy transformation, the Biden administration also launched a trillion-dollar program to modernize the nations electrical grid and support Detroits transition to electric vehicles. Had Washington continued such policies long enough to realize their promise, the U.S. might indeed have remained a primus inter pares, a first among relatively equal world powers, while protecting its global economic strength and promoting its international influence.

But in January 2025, Donald J. Trump took office (again!) with a seemingly bold vision for nothing less than a new world order. If you sort through all the static and superficial chaos that emanates from official Washington these days, its possible to identify three intertwined strands in Trumps grand strategy for U.S. foreign relations  a tricontinental division of global power, the continued use of traditional oil-powered energy, and a transactional international trade.

Instead of maintaining alliances like NATO, the foundation of the U.S. position in Eurasia (long the epicenter of global power), President Trump has pursued a tricontinental strategy for a world divided into three great-power blocs  with Russia resurgent in the old Soviet sphere, China ascendant in Asia, and the U.S. dominant in the Western Hemisphere. All of his seemingly erratic statements in his first months back in the White House about claiming Greenland, reclaiming the Panama Canal, and making Canada the 51st state were, in fact, expressions of his underlying geostrategic vision. Indeed, he became so insistent in his attempt to grab Greenland  the sovereign territory of NATO ally Denmark  that it threatened to rupture that alliance, long central to U.S. global power.

Last November, the Trump White House imposed an overarching logic on the presidents seemingly erratic eruptions by releasing its National Security Strategy. Reflecting the presidents longstanding aversion to the NATO alliance, the document predicted that Europe faced a stark process of civilizational erasure though a mix of multiracial migration and cratering birthrates that raised the question of whether its nations would stay strong enough to remain reliable allies.

Instead of relying on an unreliable Europe, that strategy document insisted that Washington must be preeminent in the Western Hemisphere as a condition of our security and prosperity. To that end, the U.S. should refocus its global military presence to address urgent threats in our Hemisphere, while redeploying the U.S. Navy to control sea lanes closer to home. By using tariffs and reciprocal trade agreements as powerful tools, the Western Hemisphere would become, the document claimed, an increasingly attractive market for American commerce and that ever-rising power China would be pushed out of the region.

All those puffy abstractions gained a physical reality in January when a U.S. naval armada, amassed off the coast of Venezuela, sent Special Forces shooting their way into its capital, Caracas, seizing President Nicolas Maduro and taking control of his countrys oil reserves, the worlds largest. While the U.S. might have only 4.7% of the globes proven oil reserves, by adding Venezuelas (17.2%) and possibly Canadas (9.2%), Washington would suddenly control 32% of the planets total oil supply  more than enough to fuel Trumps contrarian vision of America as a petroleum-fueled superpower and defying what he believed was a disastrous global turn toward green energy.

With Caracas now allowing Washington to control access to its oil and billions of dollars of its oil revenues already sequestered in a Persian Gulf bank that would be under his sole control, Trump is well on his way to achieving the second strand in his grand strategy by returning the United States to its traditional full-scale reliance on oil-powered energy. By trying to bar the completion of coastal wind farms, cancelling tax credits for electric vehicle purchases, opening a billion acres of federal lands to oil exploration, and preventing the planned shut-down of aging coal-fired power plants, after just one year in office, Trump has essentially smothered Americas infant green-energy economy in its cradle (and ceded a future green-powered global economy to China).

With his escalating, ever-changing tariffs on imported goods  the third strand in his strategy  the president has roiled the global economy sufficiently to achieve his objective of replacing rules-based free trade with a transactional system that makes access to the U.S. market contingent on his caprice. When he first imposed a roster of high tariffs on what he called Liberation Day in April 2025, he claimed that jobs and factories would come roaring back into our country. But by zapping allies and enemies alike with his rat-a-tat-tat burst of tariffs, he raised the average U.S. tariff on imports from 2.5% in January 2025 to a hefty 16.6% just six months later, the highest since 1932, while not faintly stopping the ongoing loss of jobs in the manufacturing sector.

That Appointment in Samarra

Setting aside President Trumps celebratory claims of miraculous success, there are ample grounds to argue that each strand of his grand strategy is rapidly accelerating the decline of U.S. global power.

His ongoing retreat from Europe into the Western Hemisphere  the first strand  is already eroding Washingtons position in Eurasia, the cornerstone of its geopolitical power for nearly 80 years. Such a withdrawal is tantamount to a full-scale surrender in the great-power struggle between Beijing, Moscow, and Washington for Eurasia that scholars have dubbed the new Cold War.

Moreover, the presidents heavy-handed policy toward the Americas is already alienating this hemispheres major nations  sending Canadas prime minister to Beijing in search of a major trade deal to offset punitive U.S. tariffs, and prompting Brazil to lead the Mercosur bloc of South American nations in signing a landmark trade pact with the European Union. Over the past 25 years, moreover, Brazil has led its region in making China its top trading partner and a key source of capital for auto manufacturing, major infrastructure building, communications, and computer technology. If such trends continue, Trumps strategy could not only reduce the U.S. from a global hegemon to a regional power, but also leave it remarkably isolated diplomatically and otherwise in its own hemisphere.

In the second strand of his strategy, Trumps aggressive anti-climate-change advocacy of fossil fuels is delaying, at an incalculable cost, this countrys participation in the global shift to renewable energy  a change so profound and pervasive that its nothing less than a new industrial revolution, one whose leadership the president is handing to China. In less than a decade, solar-powered electrical generation has already cut costs and increased efficiency, becoming 41% less expensive than the cheapest fossil fuels. And engineering innovations in panel design and battery storage are likely to make any future use of carbon-fueled electricity economically infeasible. In 2025, while the U.S. was blocking wind farms and straining its grid by building ever more data centers, China increased its total power generation by 16%, with solar and wind energy now accounting for half of that countrys total installed electrical capacity.

Just as China already produces 80% of the global supply of solar panels and their components, so its recent innovations in electric vehicle (EV) design, including five-minute charging for a 320-mile range, have allowed it to capture 70% of global EV production. In the past five years alone, Chinas share of worldwide auto manufacturing has surged to 24%, while Detroits share fell to only 16%, driven in part by a costly retreat from EV production since Trump took office a second time. Import duties of 100% might continue to keep Chinese electric cars out of the U.S., but Detroits big three (Ford, GM, and Stellantis) do the bulk of their business overseas where their lack of competitive EV models threatens their profitability and even, ultimately, their survival. I have 10,000 dealers around the world, said Fords CEO Jim Farley recently. Only 2,800 are in the U.S. So, you do the math.

And while Trumps ambitious tariff policy  the final strand in his grand strategy  is producing some short-term gains in revenue, it carries some serious long-term costs. When the U.S. accounted for 50% of the global economy in the 1940s, Washington could play any tune and the world had to dance. Now, however, with just 15% of global output, Washington might well find itself ever more economically isolated as major players choose other commercial partners. Trade represents about 57% of gross domestic product in countries worldwide, so no nation can long prosper in commercial isolation.

With his seemingly bold moves to avert American decline, President Trump is, in fact, adopting ill-considered policies that will, in the end, serve to accelerate that very decline. Like the merchant in that tale who sent his servant to Samarra to avoid Death, President Trump is sending the United States down a path that is leading to its own appointment in Samarra.

Copyright 2026 Alfred McCoy

Via Tomdispatch.com
By Benjamin Isakhan, Deakin University and Eleanor Childs, Deakin University

(The Conversation)  Since October 2023, Israels war in Gaza has caused mass human suffering. But it has also brought devastation to the cultural heritage of the Palestinian people.

In our recent article in the International Journal of Heritage Studies, we documented the extent of heritage destruction in Gaza and analysed the strikingly limited response by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

We argue that UNESCOs failures have consequences beyond Gaza, as they weaken deterrence of attacks on heritage sites globally and risk normalising impunity for these types of crimes in conflict.

Heritage destruction in Gaza

Gaza has a rich and layered heritage, with archaeological traces dating to at least 1300 BCE. It has long sat at the crossroads of many cultures, and has been controlled by the ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans.

Gaza is also home to historical sites important to the three main faiths of the region  Judaism, Christianity and Islam.

Much of this cultural heritage now lies in ruin. UNESCOs Gaza damage assessment list includes 150 sites that have been damaged or destroyed since the war began.

Some of these are globally significant sites. Two are on UNESCOs World Heritage Tentative List:

the Wadi Gaza Coastal Wetlands, considered a reserve of outstanding biodiversity

the Anthedon Harbor, Gazas oldest known seaport, inhabited between 800 BCE and 1100 CE.

Other damaged or destroyed sites include:

the Greek Orthodox Saint Porphyrios Church, which dates to 425 CE and is sometimes referred to as the third-oldest church in the world

the seventh-century Great Omari Mosque, thought to be the first mosque in Gaza, along with its 13th-century library containing rare Islamic manuscripts

the Qasr al-Basha, a fortress also known as Pasha Palace, which was built in the mid-13th century by the Mamluk sultanate and had been turned into an archaeological museum

a Roman cemetery (Ard-al-Moharbeen), thought to have at least 134 tombs dating back to 200 BCE.

UNESCOs failures

Apart from creating this list, UNESCO has been relatively muted in its response, compared with the role the agency has played in other conflicts.

This doesnt mean its been completely silent. It has issued several statements condemning the destruction in Gaza and calling on all involved parties to strictly adhere to international law.

It has also elevated one heritage site to its List of World Heritage in Danger  the Saint Hilarion Monastery. Taking this step strengthens the protections around the site, with potential penalties for intentional damage.

Yet, despite these efforts, we question whether UNESCO has truly met the moment. Our analysis identifies a pattern of omission and understatement that is difficult to reconcile with UNESCOs own mandate and the legal architecture that exists to protect cultural property in armed conflict.

For example, UNESCO has failed to publicly invoke the 1954 Hague Convention in relation to Gaza, which aims to protect cultural sites during conflict. The agency has cited it in virtually every major conflict since its ratification.

It also didnt seek urgent action from the UN Security Council or the UN General Assembly to protect cultural sites. The agency did this in response to the Islamic States acts in Syria and Iraq (including the desecration of the World Heritage site of Palmyra). In 2017, for instance, the security council passed a resolution backed by UNESCO that laid out a number of steps to help protect cultural heritage in conflict.

Similarly, UNESCO has not worked with the International Criminal Court or the International Court of Justice to initiate proceedings against Israel or Israeli officials for the destruction of heritage in Gaza. The agency did this after conflicts in the Balkans and Mali. These trials established the intentional destruction of cultural property during conflict as a war crime.

Finally, UNESCO has not taken its usual approach of explicitly naming Israel as the perpetrator of cultural destruction in Gaza. It has taken this step in many recent conflicts. This includes Ukraine, where is has frequently named and condemned Russia as the perpetrator.

Why has UNESCO been so cautious?

One explanation offered by critics is geopolitical constraint. UNESCO has increasingly been criticised for an overdependence on voluntary state contributions. This can make the agency reluctant to confront powerful countries for fear of alienating supporters.

This dynamic is certainly evident in UNESCOs long and strained relationship with Israel and the US. Both formally withdrew from UNESCO in 2019 because the agency had described Israel as an occupying power in Gaza and the West Bank, and condemned its destruction of Palestinian heritage.

But we argue theres something more troubling occurring  the erosion of UNESCOs willingness and capacity to activate the legal and normative tools it helped build.

Once a mighty advocate for the protection of culture worldwide, UNESCO has slowly withered into a largely ineffective and technocratic agency that sidesteps complex issues and is hamstrung by internal division.

UNESCOs response

In response to the arguments raised here, UNESCO sent a detailed email explaining its actions on heritage protection in Gaza. These are some of the points raised by a UNESCO spokesperson:

On citing the 1954 Hague Convention:

Across different conflicts, UNESCO sometimes explicitly cites the 1954 Hague Convention [] and in other instances use the broader formulation international law. UNESCO also communicates with the concerned Member States bilaterally [] This has been done on several occasions through correspondence addressed to the authorities of Israel, for example to remind Israel of its obligations under the 1954 Hague Convention.

On explicitly naming Israel as a perpetrator:

UNESCO is not a judiciary body, therefore its role is not to assign responsibility. In specific case of Ukraine, there are several Security Council and/or UNESCO governing bodies decisions that may explain specific statements.

On the lack of willpower to use its tools and resources on Gaza:

UNESCO activates its legal, normative and programmatic tools within the remits of its mandate and available funds. The needs are enormous, and we take this opportunity to renew UNESCOs call in support of the people of Gaza.

Why Gaza matters

UNESCOs limited response to the destruction in Gaza matters. Heritage protection is not only about salvaging damaged sites and trying to rebuild them. Its also vital for defining unacceptable conduct and deterring future violations.



Historical photo of Omari Mosque, Gaza, after British bombardment of 1917. Public Domain. Via Picryl

When the worlds foremost body on the protection of cultural heritage limits itself to cautious generalities, it fosters a permissive environment. It allows this destruction to be treated as regrettable collateral damage of war, rather than an actionable crime. This undermines UNESCOs credibility.

It can also set a dangerous precedent. If the large-scale destruction of heritage occurs in full view of the world, with no repercussions, future belligerents may believe the costs of heritage crimes will be tolerated.

Benjamin Isakhan, Professor of International Politics, Deakin University and Eleanor Childs, Graduate Researcher, Deakin University

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
New York (Special to Informed Comment; feature)  During his speech at the Board of Peace on February 19, President Trump warned Iran that the window of opportunity for a possible deal with the United States is closing. With the largest military buildup in the region since the invasion of Iraq, at the cost of close to $370 million, the buildup increasingly looks like a decisive plan of action rather than merely a pressure tactic. The deal offered by the United States is simple and straight forward, submit to all American demands or be obliterated. Negotiation, American style.

No one has explained the naked imperialism that the United States pursues in our times better than the Secretary of the State Marco Rubio in his speech last week at the Munich Security Conference. This is the path that President Trump and the United States has embarked upon. It is the path we ask you here in Europe to join us on. It is a path we have walked together before and hope to walk together again. For five centuries, before the end of the Second World War, the West had been expanding  its missionaries, its pilgrims, its soldiers, its explorers pouring out from its shores to cross oceans, settle new continents, build vast empires extending out across the globe.

Nostalgia for a glorious colonial past coupled with a shameless resentment toward the post WWII decolonization that grants the right of self-determination to former colonies inform their negotiating principles with Iran and any other nation that refuses capitulation to American demands. Rubio further laments the constraints that international law has placed upon western nations who wish to exercise their superior power in order to maintain their global dominance.

As I show in my recent book, The Long War on Iran: New Events, Old Questions, the U.S. has been following a policy of regime-change in Iran since the establishment of the Islamic Republic in 1979. This policy has been pursued by successive administrations in different forms, at times with more rigor and at times through gentler postures.



Behrooz Ghamari-Tabrizi, The Long War on Iran: New Events, Old Questions. OR Books, 2026. Click here to Buy.

The core of this policy has been the implementation of draconian sanctions to cripple the Iranian economy. The objective of these sanctions has been to create sustained deprivation of the entire population, thereby giving rise to unrest against the government. Speaking at the Munich Security Conference on Friday, former Speaker of the House, Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi said Washington should rely on economic forces to pursue what she described as regime change in Iran without resorting to direct military intervention. Just weaken their economy because they [the regime] do have support in the rural areas [] We have to make them feel the pain as well, Pelosi said. The immorality of Pelosis statement here is on par with Madeleine Albrights wicked moment of confession in a 1996 interview that the deaths of half a million Iraqi children due to US-led sanctions were a hard choice but that the pricewe think the price is worth it.

Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi is fully aware that sanctions are wars by other means. Sometimes, the casualties of sanctions, as Madam Albright acknowledged, are more dreadful than wars. Ms. Pelosi is talking about people who fall into such poverty that they have to survive on one meal a day, meals without nutrition, people who are desperate to find medicine for their loved ones with cancer, families whose lives are shattered with displacement and broken promises. Yes, poor people need to pay the price of failing to overthrow a tyrannical regime. I remember the same logic when Saddam Hussein bombed Iranian cities. He argued that if you dont want to be bombed, overthrow your regime. Same logic, same brutality.

This past January, we witnessed another consequence of such a policy in Iran. When hundreds of thousands of Iranians went to the streets to protest the dire economic conditions, the peaceful rallies quickly turned into demands for regime change. Whether that turn was induced by foreign, i.e. Israeli, agents, as asserted by former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, does not diminish the pain of the catastrophe that followed. The security forces killed thousands of the protestors mercilessly and displayed the bodies of those murdered in public for identification by their relatives. The nation has seen no other act of brutality like this in its modern history. For the past almost half-a-century, the repressive apparatus of the Islamic Republic has committed reprehensible atrocities. But the January massacre stands alone in unleashing the full force of its brutality without discrimination.

Today, all evidence points to the U.S. determination to release the full might of its military prowess on unseating the Islamic Republic. In the absence of a massive ground invasion, this goal is only achievable by total annihilation of the entire infrastructure of the country, in addition to decapitating the state and security apparatus. Undoubtedly, Israel will join this military campaign in making sure that roads, manufacturing sites, bridges, dams, electrical grids, water treatment plants  do not survive the onslaught. They might not be able to overthrow the regime, but they will surely try to leave nothing left to be governed. That is the ultimate fear.

Meanwhile, the world watches quietly while the catastrophe looms. Inside the United States, the lawmakers, the media, and the populace wonder what the purpose of all this is. Is Iran an imminent danger to the United States? If we believe the administration that last June they obliterated Irans nuclear facilities, what are they going to obliterate this time? Is the Trump administration wagging-the-dog to change the conversation from its own economic failures, ICE raids, and the calamity of Epstein files?

Unfortunately, if such an imposed war materializes, the Iranian people will not be alone in paying the ultimate price. This war threatens to quickly become regional and possibly global. It is inconceivable that the leaders of the Islamic Republic would surrender before depleting their stockpile of deadly missiles and drones. The Islamic Republic is no threat to the United States and its regional allies; it just refuses to be a client state. If a regime change is the only alternative for realizing social justice and putting an end to repressive structures of power, that must be done with the mighty hands of the Iranian people, who can only be weakened by a widespread destruction of the countrys infrastructure.. They have been exercising that prerogative for many decades, to open a space for civil liberties, for labor rights, for womens rights, for the right to assembly, for social justice and against economic corruption and cronyism. They are doing their share, let them succeed on their own terms.
Breakthrough Victorias first portfolio company just rang the opening bell on Wall Street. The story behind the listing reveals how targeted deep-tech investment can move markets.

Whats happening: Infleqtion Inc, a quantum technology company backed by Victorias government investment vehicle Breakthrough Victoria, listed on the New York Stock Exchange on 17 February 2026, becoming the first publicly listed neutral-atom quantum technology company in the world.

Why this matters: The listing marks the first time a Breakthrough Victoria portfolio company has gone public, validating a long-term strategy of backing deep-tech infrastructure over near-term consumer plays.

When Infleqtion rang the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange on 18 February 2026, it marked more than a corporate milestone. The quantum technology company, backed in part by Victorian government investment vehicle Breakthrough Victoria, became the first of BVs 87 portfolio companies to list publicly, and the first neutral-atom quantum company anywhere in the world to do so.

The listing followed the completion of Infleqtions business combination with Churchill Capital Corp X, a special purpose acquisition company, raising more than $550 million to expand its neutral-atom quantum computing operations.

Breakthrough Victoria CEO Rod Bristow said the listing reflected the strength of Victorias position in the global quantum race. Infleqtions listing on the New York Stock Exchange marks a milestone not only for the company, but for Victorias emerging quantum industry. As Breakthrough Victorias first portfolio company to go public, Infleqtion demonstrates how world-class research, backed by strategic investment and global ambition, can be transformed into a billion-dollar enterprise. Their growth reinforces the critical role Victoria will play in shaping the future of quantum technology, talent and commercialisation.

What Infleqtion actually does

Founded as ColdQuanta and spun out of the University of Colorado in 2007, Infleqtion designs and builds quantum computers, precision sensors, and quantum software for governments, enterprises, and research institutions. Its product portfolio spans quantum optical clocks, RF receivers, and inertial sensors, all built around a neutral-atom platform the company describes as scalable and cost-efficient. Its systems are already in use by NASA, the U.K. government, and in multiple collaborations with NVIDIA.

Among its flagship products is Tiqker, a next-generation optical atomic clock for Position, Navigation and Timing applications. The company has also announced a collaboration with NASA, supported by more than $20 million in contracted mission funding, to fly the worlds first quantum gravity sensor to space, and secured a $2 million contract from the U.S. Army to strengthen resilient navigation and timing capability in adversarial environments.

Infleqtion CEO Matthew Kinsella described the public listing as a platform for accelerating the companys global ambitions. Today marks an important milestone in our companys growth and evolution. Going public provides a broader platform to pursue our long-term mission in quantum technology. We intend to use the capital and access to public markets to accelerate our compute and product roadmaps on a global scale. We continue to support the development of sovereign quantum capabilities in Australia while competing internationally, with the goal of contributing to the next generation of advanced quantum technologies.

Building the ecosystem at home

While Infleqtions NYSE listing is a global story, its footprint in Victoria is deepening. The company operates out of Melbourne Connect and CoLabs in Notting Hill, and is partnering with Swinburne University, the University of Melbourne, RMIT, and CSIRO to develop next-generation quantum sensing platforms.

Infleqtion is also a key industry partner in two Australian Research Council Industrial Transformation Training Centres, one led by the University of Sydney focused on future leaders in quantum computing, and another led by the University of Adelaide with RMIT as a partner, focused on current and emergent quantum technologies. Both programs provide PhD and postdoctoral researchers with hands-on experience using Infleqtions commercial devices, building a pipeline of industrially trained quantum talent in Victoria.

Alongside Infleqtion, Breakthrough Victoria has also backed Quantum Brilliance, an Australian company developing room-temperature, diamond-based quantum computing systems. Together, the investments are designed to anchor critical capability in Victoria and attract international collaboration. As Dynamic Business has previously reported, Australian quantum startups are increasingly attracting both government and private capital, with companies like Q-CTRL, PsiQuantum, and DeteQt all securing significant backing in the past 18 months.

The bigger quantum picture

Breakthrough Victorias quantum strategy sits within a broader national ambition. BVs targeted investments are aimed at helping Australia build an industry the organisation projects could be worth $6 billion and employ nearly 20,000 people by 2045.

With 87 investment commitments totalling more than $487.1 million, Breakthrough Victoria is one of Australias most active early-stage technology investors. A recent independent report by EY Parthenon found BVs portfolio is on track to generate $5.3 billion in economic impact for Victoria by 2035. The same report found that 88% of early-stage investment in Victoria in 2024 came from BV-backed investors, and that 76% of all venture-stage investment in Victoria in 2024 involved Breakthrough Victoria.

Victorian Minister for Economic Growth and Jobs Danny Pearson said the listing reflects the states broader ambitions. Were proud to be creating highly skilled jobs and driving economic growth in Victoria. This is exciting news for Victorias thriving quantum technology sector, accelerating our position as a global leader.

For Australian businesses watching the deep-tech investment landscape, Infleqtions debut on the NYSE offers a concrete example of what patient, strategic investment in frontier technology can produce. As Dynamic Business has noted in its coverage of Australias startup funding trends, investor appetite for deep-tech sectors including quantum is growing, with international investors increasingly taking notice of Australian capabilities.

Source: breakthroughvictoria.com

Figures from CSIROs The Growing Australias Quantum Technology Industry report

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Canadian regulators issued $25 million in penalties in a single year. Regulatory expert Harrison Jordan tells Dynamic Business why Australian startups face the same risk.

Whats happening: Regulatory enforcement against fast-growing companies is intensifying on both sides of the Pacific. In Canada, anti-money laundering regulator FINTRAC issued 23 notices of violation in 2025 totalling more than $25 million, according to Substance Law founder Harrison Jordan.

Why this matters: For Australian startup founders in fintech, payments, crypto and adjacent sectors, the regulatory environment has shifted. By February 2025, AUSTRAC had already taken action against 13 crypto remittance and digital currency exchange providers, with over 50 more under investigation.

There is a version of startup success that ends not with an acquisition or an IPO, but with a letter from a regulator. For founders in fintech and payments, that scenario is becoming less theoretical.

Harrison Jordan, Founder of Substance Law, a Toronto-based firm specialising in regulatory compliance for highly regulated industries, has watched the pattern repeat. Growth creates blind spots, he says. The systems that worked early on break down, and by the time founders realise theres a problem, theyre already facing enforcement action.

Growth creates blind spots

Jordans observations are drawn from the Canadian context, but the structural problem he describes is not unique to any single jurisdiction. In 2025, Canadas anti-money laundering regulator FINTRAC issued 23 notices of violation totalling more than $25 million, and referred 32 cases of non-compliance directly to law enforcement for potential criminal investigation, more than double the previous year, according to Jordan.

The pattern is familiar to founders. A startup builds a compliant enough product for its first few hundred users. Transaction volumes rise. Customer numbers grow. And the compliance infrastructure that was adequate at launch quietly becomes a liability.

The issue is that theyre optimising for the wrong timeline, Jordan says. They think theyll upgrade their compliance systems when they raise the next round or hit profitability. But regulatory scrutiny doesnt wait for your funding milestones.

The gaps regulators find first

Jordan identifies three recurring triggers that lead to enforcement action: incomplete customer identification, inadequate suspicious transaction reporting, and insufficient record-keeping.

These sound basic, but theyre deceptively complex at scale, he explains.

For Australian founders, the warning is directly applicable. AUSTRAC, Australias financial intelligence unit and AML/CTF regulator, can pursue a wide range of enforcement sanctions including civil and criminal penalties, enforceable undertakings, infringement notices, remedial directions, and the power to cancel or suspend registrations of crypto asset exchange providers and designated remittance services.

The stakes are not abstract. In September 2024, AUSTRAC issued infringement notices to 16 businesses for compliance reporting failures. When two of those businesses, Castra and Princeton, did not pay their notices, AUSTRAC proceeded to commence court action. AUSTRAC Acting CEO Katie Miller stated at the time that compliance reporting is fundamental to a reporting entitys AML/CTF obligations.

Australias tightening net

The enforcement environment Australian startups now operate in is materially different from even two years ago. By February 2025, AUSTRAC had already taken action against 13 crypto remittance and digital currency exchange providers, with over 50 more under investigation.

That activity reflects broader structural changes to the regulatory framework. On 29 November 2024, Parliament passed the AML/CTF Bill, marking a significant overhaul of Australias AML/CTF regime to bring it in line with international standards. The majority of the reforms commence on 31 March 2026 for existing reporting entities, with newly captured tranche-two entities required to comply by 1 July 2026.

Those tranche-two entities are significant for founders who assumed they were outside AUSTRACs reach. The reforms extend compliance obligations to real estate, legal, accounting and company service providers, sectors that previously operated without formal AML/CTF requirements. As Dynamic Business has reported on the growing compliance burden facing Australian businesses, awareness of critical regulatory changes remains a persistent gap, with more than half of Australian small businesses potentially unaware of updates that affect them.

Jordans experience in Canada mirrors what Australian lawyers are now advising locally. We regularly work with startups that thought they were outside FINTRACs scope, only to find out they should have registered months or even years ago, he says.

Digital currency exchange providers must register with AUSTRAC or face a penalty of up to two years imprisonment or a fine of up to AUD 156,500, or both, for failing to register.

Build before you scale

Jordans advice to founders is consistent regardless of jurisdiction: compliance infrastructure needs to be built for the scale you are heading toward, not the scale you are at today.

His practical recommendations cover four areas. First, a proper risk assessment that analyses where the business model creates money laundering or terrorism financing exposure, which then informs policies, transaction monitoring thresholds and reporting obligations. Second, a designated compliance officer with genuine authority, access to executive decision-makers, and the resources to keep current with regulatory changes. Third, automated transaction monitoring systems capable of flagging suspicious patterns, generating reports and maintaining audit trails as volumes increase. And fourth, regular internal audits.

Conduct quarterly compliance checks, at a minimum, Jordan says. Look at a sample of transactions, verify that customer identification procedures were followed, and check that suspicious activity was properly flagged.

On what the regulatory environment will demand going forward, Jordan is direct. Startups that will scale successfully are those treating compliance as infrastructure. That means building monitoring capabilities before you hit growth milestones, maintaining relationships with regulators through proactive communication, and budgeting for compliance the same way you budget for product development.

Australia faces a Financial Action Task Force mutual evaluation in 2026, and the tight reform timeline reflects urgency to meet FATFs standards. For Australian founders, that external pressure on the regulator is also pressure on them. The window to get compliance infrastructure in order before enforcement attention arrives is narrowing, and as Jordan puts it, the time to build compliance infrastructure is now, while youre still in control of the timeline.

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Rodrigo Duterte personally authorised murders and hand-picked some of the victims of his "war on drugs", the International Criminal Court heard on Monday, as proceedings against the former Philippines president kicked off.

ICC deputy prosecutor Mame Mandiaye Niang said the week-long "confirmation of charges" hearings, where judges will decide whether to open a full trial against Duterte, was "a reminder that those in power are not above the law".

The 80-year-old Duterte did not appear after the court granted a defence request for his absence, despite judges ruling he was fit to take part.

Following the hearings, the judges will have 60 days to issue a written decision on whether he should face a full trial.

Niang said Duterte played a "pivotal" role in the extrajudicial killings of suspected drug dealers and users, first as mayor of Davao City then as president.

He "authorised murders and personally selected some of the victims", said Niang.

Duterte's defence lawyer Nicholas Kaufman hit back, calling the charges "grievously misplaced and politically motivated."

Duterte "stands behind his legacy resolutely. He maintains his innocence absolutely," said Kaufman.

Kaufman acknowledged that his client was "a unique phenomenon" who was "gung-ho in his ways" and full of "hyperbole, bluster and rhetoric."

However, he accused the prosecution of "cherry-picking" Duterte's speeches, adding that many of them insist on the importance of sticking to the law.

Rival groups of demonstrators camped outside the court from early Monday.

Patricia Enriquez, a 36-year-old researcher, said it was a "historic moment" for victims of Duterte's alleged crimes.

"It is emotional. It is hopeful. It is also very painful," she told AFP.

"I'm hoping that all the Filipinos and everybody in the world will stand with us, stand with truth, stand with justice and stand with accountability."

However, 35-year-old chef Aldo Villarta said it was a "slap in the face" for the Philippines that an international court was trying the country's former leader.

"We've already suffered so long from colonisation," said Villarta, who also argued that Duterte's human rights were being infringed by imprisonment.

- 'High value targets' -

Duterte faces three counts of crimes against humanity, with prosecutors alleging his involvement in at least 76 murders between 2013 and 2018.

The true number of killings during his campaign in the Philippines is thought to be in the thousands, and lawyers for the victims have argued that a full trial could encourage more families to come forward.

Niang said the murders charges were "merely a fraction" of the real numbers killed.

Another prosecutor, Julian Nicholls, said: "The evidence shows... that Mr Duterte murdered thousands of his own people, Filippino men, women, and children."

Showing multiple videos of Duterte threatening to kill criminals, Nicholls said: "He repeatedly promised to kill people. He said it. He did it. That is who he is."

Duterte, who was president from 2016 to 2022, was arrested in Manila in March last year, flown to the Netherlands and has since been held at the ICC's detention unit at Scheveningen Prison.

He followed his initial hearing three days later by video link, appearing dazed and frail and barely speaking.

The first of three counts against Duterte concerns his alleged involvement as a co-perpetrator in 19 murders carried out between 2013 and 2016 while he was mayor of Davao City.

The second relates to 14 murders of so-called "High Value Targets" in 2016 and 2017 when he was president.

The third charge covers 43 murders committed during "clearance" operations of lower-level alleged drug users or pushers across the Philippines between 2016 and 2018.

In Manila, about 60 relatives of those killed in the crackdown gathered around two television monitors to watch the hearing at a Catholic Church-run community centre for the poor.

The mainly elderly and middle-aged women whose husbands or sons were shot dead in police operations told AFP they were disappointed Duterte had not been required to appear.

"Maybe he does not want to own up to his sins," said Gloria Sarmiento, whose boyfriend was found dead alongside his brother in the last few weeks of the Duterte presidency.

"Maybe he is a coward."

burs-ric/cw
JUSTICE INFO IN-DEPTH INTERVIEWS Frederic Megret Professor of Law

JUSTICE INFO: Four years on, what progress on justice for Ukraine?

FREDERIC MEGRET: With regard to criminal procedures, which have become symbolic of international justice and so often carry higher expectations, the International Criminal Court (ICC) has been able to do very little in the face of Russias complete and predictable lack of cooperation. There was a miracle for the Court in that Russia had committed crimes on Ukrainian territory and Ukraine accepted ICC jurisdiction, which meant that the Court did have jurisdiction. But of course, the arrest warrants issued by the ICC have not been implemented.

Trials have taken place in Ukraine. The Ukrainian authorities efforts and their great dedication to the cause of international law are to be commended. But here too there have been significant constraints, including the fact that very few people have been arrested and brought to trial, except for a few Russian soldiers who were captured on the battlefield. There have been a few trials, which have sometimes convicted -- rather inappropriately -- ordinary Russian soldiers for their participation in a crime of aggression. Nevertheless, these cases have helped advance the cause of justice by showing that impunity is not total.

For Ukraine, the record on criminal proceedings is very limited and shows that national and international justice systems have found it very difficult to transcend territorial boundaries and sovereignty with a war unfolding in real time.

There have also been relatively few trials under universal jurisdiction. The record on criminal proceedings is therefore very, very limited and shows that national and international justice systems have found it very difficult to transcend territorial boundaries and sovereignty with a war unfolding in real time.

Ukraines legal battle is not limited to criminal proceedings -- it has pulled out all the stops. Has this been a winning strategy?

As well as criminal proceedings, Ukraine has indeed developed a strategy of all-out litigation before multiple international courts, the results of which are far from negligible, even if they are not necessarily decisive. There are the cases before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), with at least one judgment already handed down in the 2014 case on Crimea, which found certain violations of the Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. There is also the case with a certain impact in which Ukraine alleges that Russia violated the Genocide Convention by invoking it in a misguided and bad faith manner to justify the so-called special operation launched on February 24, 2022. This led the ICJ to order provisional measures, which were, of course, completely ignored by Moscow. But the Court was not convinced by Ukraine and considers that Russias opportunistic invocation of genocide is not in itself a violation of the convention.

All this is a bit indirect. For Ukraine, it is a way of tackling this extremely complex, extremely violent process of a campaign of aggression that has been going on for more than ten years. The Ukrainians have certainly pulled out all the stops, but one sometimes gets the impression that in terms of representing what Russia has done, we are missing the point, namely the aggression.

Results at the European Court of Human Rights are more convincing, because using the human rights lens allows us to show a range of realities more directly related to aggression. The Court found multiple violations, particularly in the case brought in 2014 concerning Crimea. In particular, it highlights a clear interaction between human rights violations and aggression, through the use of force and discrimination against the occupied populations. All of this shows Russia in a bad light, which was undoubtedly Ukraines goal. And then, of course, there are the thousands of complaints filed by Ukrainian victims.

Ukraine has done itself and international law a service by arguing almost every possible angle in its favour. Its failures are due to the limitations of international law itself, and its partial successes paint a certain picture of what happened, one that will be more difficult to deny in the future.

Why was this so important for Ukraine?

These judgments are important for their content, despite the fact that they remain dead letters. They feed into a certain conception of the Ukrainian cause, a vision of the harm that Russia has caused. It is also a long-term investment in remembrance. Of course we would have liked more, but if this judicial work didnt exist, it would be missing from our understanding of this history. Ukraine has done itself and international law a service by arguing almost every possible angle in its favour. Its failures are sometimes due to the limitations of international law itself, and its partial successes paint a certain picture of what happened, one that will be more difficult to deny in the future.

This snapshot of the situation in which they find themselves is being used to delegitimize Russias claims. Curiously, Russia has put forward many pseudo-arguments based on international law, notably the idea that it intervened to protect Russian speakers in eastern Ukraine. It was therefore important to combat these claims and to deny their plausibility before international courts. Whether or not the judgments were a clear victory, they still made it possible to rally the troops, put forward arguments, and speak out.

Has this had a real impact, a political one?

I think it has helped create solidarity and to back Ukraines military resistance with a political project to defend international law, territorial integrity and sovereignty. This helps boost consensus among states that think this way, without necessarily convincing those who do not. It is this project that today links Ukraine to the rest of Europe and its immediate geopolitical environment, and fundamentally opposes the rising predatory logic.

This was, in a way, the promise of international law: all states stand together in relation to these major prohibitions. If these taboos ceased to exist in certain cases, they would no longer exist for anyone, i.e., for other states that might be attacked or invaded in the future. The states that denied their political support to Ukraine so as not to offend Russia have in a way also weekend their own sovereignty.

Where this can also have a political effect, and this is much more concrete, is that once we understand Ukraines defence as a war of legitimate defence underpinned by the urgent need to respect and uphold international law, we rule out abandoning it and possibilities for negotiation. We protect ourselves against the temptation to concede territory in peace negotiations once we have rightly said that this is a war to the death to protect the survival of a people whose self-determination depends on the integrity of its territory.

Justice is also a way for Ukraine to engage with its own people and send a very strong internal message about President Zelenskys determination to continue hostilities until Ukraine is reintegrated within its borders.

From this legal point of view, this war can only end in complete victory for Ukraine, with the recovery not only of the east of the country but also of Crimea. This is a defensible logic, even if it undoubtedly has a human cost and may also have a cost in terms of possible conflict resolution. It is also a way for Ukraine to engage with its own people and send a very strong internal message about President Zelenskys determination to continue hostilities until Ukraine is reintegrated within its borders.

In a way, we should be grateful to Ukraine for defending international law on behalf of us all. What Ukraine has accomplished is an act of resistance to violations, which is in its own interest, but not only. This all-out legal strategy solidifies a united community, which until recently was transatlantic, in its desire not to reward aggression.

How much weight does this carry today in the American-led peace negotiations?

In absolute terms the law is of course not, a priori, an obstacle to peace.

We will need international law to conclude a peace agreement, which will only be worth what it is worth because also supported by some form of legal guarantee. There is a tradition in international law that I would describe as solutionist, which sees the law as a kind of toolbox for peacebuilding. This toolbox offers a series of proposals on how, in a post-war context, to disarm, restore trust between communities, address responsibilities, and provide guarantees for minorities. This is what we saw 100 years ago at the time of the Treaty of Versailles.

150 years ago, or even 100 years ago, there would undoubtedly have been an exchange of territories, concessions would have been made, but today this has become very difficult to do. What we have gained in better defence of a supposed collective order we have lost in flexibility and capacity for small diplomatic arrangements.

Until recently, at least, we were in an era, I would say, of more axiological ambition, where aggression is a crime, a violation of a norm in international law, such that one cannot simply give in to make peace. In other words, even if Ukraine were to acquiesce to its own invasion, the rest of the international community could see this as abandoning the defence of a common legal order. 150 years ago, or even 100 years ago, there would undoubtedly have been an exchange of territories, concessions would have been made, but today this has become very difficult to do. What we have gained in better defence of a supposed collective order we have lost in flexibility and capacity for small diplomatic arrangements.

This is the source of the major misunderstanding between Europeans and Americans today. In this Trumpian moment, Americans are proving to be much more favourable (in the best case) to a kind of peace of the brave, with negotiations that reflect a balance of power and that would be unapologetic with regard to international law, even if they will undoubtedly need its forms. Europeans, on the other hand, cannot, as a matter of principle, identity, and legal obligation, depart from their attachment to the prohibition of aggression. Any occupation is illegal, regardless of legal arguments, and carries with it a categorical obligation of non-recognition.

Here we have two ways of interpreting the world and, it could be said, two ways of interpreting international law. It is therefore not just a situation where international law is opposed to international politics, but rather two opposing visions of international law.

Listening to the US President, it seems clear that international law is being set aside in favour of economic deals and territories where the balance of power dominates, while at the same time claiming to bring peace in Gaza, Ukraine, the DRC and even Venezuela. Have we not left the realm of international law?

Indeed, there is a radical change in style, which is extremely transactional, extremely informal, based on personal relationships, networks, forms of economic predation, nepotism, and military coups. This is not even a form of traditional sovereignty or even an imperial model. It goes beyond that. There is a privatization of the state through the person of Trump and a set of economic and capitalist interests around him that are there, ready to take advantage of opportunities.

This style is imposed from above, by the personality of the president, who can count on more or less effective devoted intermediaries, at the cost of bypassing the traditional tools of American diplomacy. But the resulting policy is somewhat virtual. Despite all the claims of conflict resolution, not much is happening. Nothing has been resolved, certainly not in Gaza, Ukraine, or Iran. Everything is very fleeting, commensurate, I would say, with a project that is largely based on the style of an individual and the interests of a certain political caste incapable of perpetuating itself, precisely because of a sense of shared entitlement. This is the real Achilles heel of this administrations foreign policy.

There have been some spectacular coups, such as the overthrow of Maduro and the bombing of Iranian nuclear facilities, but these are mainly big demonstrations of American military technology. They are short-lived and, while they make an impression, they reveal a strategy of constant adaptation and improvisation. This is a far cry from the logic of international law, which is supposed to guide the actions of states in the long term in order to ensure their coexistence in the most equitable manner possible.

Admittedly, some states bow down and are caught off guard by the violence of this change, joining, for example, Trumps famous Board of Peace. But in reality, they often play a complex game with regard to Washingtons injunctions: we will put up with it if we have no choice, as in Venezuela, but we can still see that there is a strong potential for double talk, quiet defiance, and circumvention. We see this particularly in Canadas efforts to build closer ties with China, and the European Unions possibility of an anti-coercion strategy.

The United States guaranteed a certain international order, at great cost but also with great benefit to itself, and in exchange, the aligned states did not challenge its privileges. Now, the United States intends to maximize its privileges without assuming its obligations.

Is this not, more radically, a return to re-dividing the world between superpowers and, in this context, a declared plan to destroy the institutions and laws established after World War II that would prevent them from achieving this goal?

There is a very clear ideological project for a kind of re-appropriation of dominant, quasi-imperial sovereignty, at least in the Americas but also elsewhere. By isolating the United States and making it a bad ally, a state that cannot be relied upon, it paradoxically ends up diminishing American power at the same time. Whats more, it is a very 19th-century ambition focused on territorial domination with a mercantilist, even colonial logic, which ignores the fact that wealth and power today are above all the result of integration in a global economy, relatively open borders, and the ability to take advantage of brain drain, etc.

In reality, the United States is making a kind of insane bet linked to its declining hyper-power: that of continuing to enjoy the advantages of its hegemonic domination without having to fulfil its obligations. What must be understood is that for decades, there has been a kind of economy of obligations and privileges. The United States guaranteed a certain international order, at great cost but also with great benefit to itself, and in exchange, the states aligned with it did not challenge its privileges. Now, the United States intends to maximize its privileges without assuming the obligations that were linked to them and that made the whole thing, if not legitimate, at least acceptable.

There is a moment of shock when other states have to readjust their software, are in denial, and procrastinate. In a second phase, however, there will be an adjustment, a logic of counter-powers, coalitions, and a departure from this relationship with the United States, which is likely to set the world on a different course. Once American protection turns against those it was supposed to protect, it would not be surprising if major manoeuvres were triggered. International law will be affected because it is also somewhat the result of all these balances and imbalances of power.

In the meantime, it is not so clear how this opens up new perspectives for international law. Can you elaborate?

Alternative models already exist. We have a European model based on an alliance of medium-sized powers that were at war with each other for centuries and which have established a rather unique vision of partially overcoming sovereignty based on values of exchange, democracy, human rights, etc. This model certainly has its grey areas, particularly with regard to migration flows and the relationship to its colonial past, but it is a model distinct from that of the United States, focused on building something supranational. This is why Europe is perceived by MAGA as the absolute counter-example, more so than China or Russia, which are geopolitical rivals but less so political rivals. The European Union is not a geopolitical rival, but it is a political rival because of its model, which is now quite profoundly alternative.

Then there is the Russian model, which is close to the American model of today: that of the oligarchs, an unemotional model that is attempting to spread to Africa and Eastern Europe through interference. We have a Chinese model, which is authoritarian, top-down, monopolistic, very powerful economically, and which has a tendency to subjugate other states, but which nevertheless plays the card of business, respecting sovereignty, and energy transition. Then we have other regional models, close to the European model, such as the African Union, which is not talked about enough and which is trying to develop a pan-African vision of the continent. Latin America is struggling to unify at the moment, but the Americas are not limited to the United States, far from it.

We live in a world where there is inertia, but where weaker states have options and ability to adapt to what is now a very hostile environment -- and where the void left by American power will be filled by others.

Europe is at an absolutely crucial moment because, in its relations with the United States, Russia, and even China, it can play a redefining role. But the European model of transcending the nation-state through international law seems to be more advantageous internally than it is when viewed from the outside. Africans often feel that Fortress Europe is rebuilding a form of hostile civilizational superiority, leading to the deaths we see in the Mediterranean. Perhaps Europe is also too obsessed with its relationship with the United States, to the point of not seeing that another world of possibilities is taking shape around it.

What is dying is the idea that international law could be an ambitious standard for the whole world. It is the idea of a universal law, which is, after all, quite recent, since until the beginning of the 20th century such law applied only to European, white nations.

What is dying, and what is about to be born?

This is a central question. It seems to me that what is dying is the idea that international law could be an ambitious standard for the whole world. It is the idea of a universal law, which is, after all, quite recent, since until the beginning of the 20th century such law applied only to European, white nations.

Here, there may be a phenomenon of re-regionalization of international law. We are going to have less and less international law, and more and more regional, even interregional law. There is a risk that there will be a specific legal mode of relation to the hegemonic powers and a distinct legal mode of relation between the famous middle powers, as Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney put it. And we will see the emergence of vast silos where what was once the ambition of universal international law will take refuge.

Where, for example?

I dont think that European, Latin American and African countries will think in future that because Trump doesnt respect the prohibition on use of force it means that prohibition no longer applies in their relations.

These states are committed to defending a model not just because the international community does so, but because they consider it to be in their interest and in line with their values. However, when there is a strong enough link between interests and values, conditions are conducive to the emergence of relatively durable norms. Therefore, the destruction of these norms by any one state is, in principle, never enough to make them lose their appeal and relevance in international relations.

Even at their best, all these projects -- products of 20th-century liberal internationalist thinking -- have always been rather weak, barely begun, and contested as soon as major powers were involved. Let us not delude ourselves: there has not been such a great break with the past. International law was always a grand design that has never been fully realized and has always been fundamentally uneven from one region to another, or depending on whether a state was weak or powerful. But for those states that considered it still the best option for guaranteeing a certain level of predictability, stability and justice, international law will continue to be a strong model in their relations.

One example is the Special Tribunal for Aggression against Ukraine. It was out of the question for the Security Council to create a new ad hoc tribunal or consider a universal treaty, which many states would never have joined. On the other hand, the Council of Europe can decide, given bilateral cooperation with Ukraine, that it has enough support to create a tribunal to judge people like Putin, who decided on the aggression and has been carrying it out all these years.

Ukraine is a sovereign state, the member states of the Council of Europe are sovereign states, and they have the right to create an international tribunal to judge crimes committed on the territory of one of their own. No one can deny them that right.

So we are doing this in the name of international values, to defend a regional interest?

Yes, of course. Its a bit paradoxical. We are creating a kind of international law in a provincial way. We are doing it on a regional scale, in a relatively arbitrary manner, because it is significant for Europe and because Europe is likely to give itself the means to do so.

And even if there were no universally recognized international law prohibiting aggression, we would still have the right to do so. Ukraine is a sovereign state, the member states of the Council of Europe are sovereign states, and they have the right to create an international tribunal to judge crimes committed on the territory of one of their own. No one can deny them that right. Their sovereignty remains a fact.

This is what has happened in the field of human rights. There is no international human rights court, but Latin America, Europe, and the African Union have forged their own regional instruments that go further than universal instruments. I am not necessarily advocating regionalization as a solution to everything. I am simply noting that it provides a space for the extension and survival of international law even at the worst moment of its crisis and that, after all, it is a model that can be attractive.

Even if their logic is not always economically or politically functional, we see that the power of people like Trump, Putin and Erdogan -- based on oligarchic and mafia networks -- is proving less fragile than that of democracies...

Yes, indeed, there is a race between two models of governance that will determine the future of international law. We are in a moment of crisis for the state, as shown in a mixture of authoritarianism and populism that is proving quite successful in practice. It is a model that provides structure and meaning, even if adulterated, in a world that is becoming empty of these things and is haunted by multiple crises: those of borders, privatization, artificial intelligence, global warming, and the necessary adaptations of industrial society.

All these crises create tremendous anxiety about the very foundations of the state. As soon as we touch on these foundations and the authority that emerges from them, we touch on international law and the way states organize their relations with each other. Those who are currently emerging from this chaos arenotably, but not exclusivelystrong leaders, warlords, dictators, people who promise the moon, who claim to have an atavistic vision of the nation as one response to this perception of a world that is falling apart. This produces systems of governance that, it must be acknowledged, have a certain durability.

Opposing internationalist liberalism to the authoritarian populist model is not really the response that the moment deserves. We are at a point of change and adaptation in the world and, in the prevailing chaos, it remains difficult to see which paths are being traced.

Faced with this, there is a temptation for internationalists and democrats alike to call for a statu quo, a return to a mythical past where democracy and international law reigned supreme. I believe that we need to examine the conscience of the liberal thinking that has dominated the world for several centuries -- what it has achieved in terms of emancipation and promise, but also in terms of subjugation and compromises in colonial and imperial adventures, racism, and sexism. Opposing internationalist liberalism to the authoritarian populist model is not really the response that the moment deserves. We are at a real point of change and adaptation in the world and, in the prevailing chaos, it remains difficult to see which paths are being traced.

So a central question is to what extent international law will become independent of the old, white, dominant world that created and shaped it...

Obviously. Even before Trump, international law was far from leaving only good memories among the states of the Global South. They do not share the same vision as the supposedly universal one promoted in Europe. This does not mean that they are hostile to international law, but that they are fighting for a vision of this law that is quite distinct from the one imagined in Paris, London, or Berlin.

We a need to take a critical look and understand how this populist hurricane is sweeping away not only our democracies but also international regulation, and to see the complicities or weaknesses of this legal order. When people talk about the rules-based international order it always makes me smile a bit. Of course it corresponds to something, but the perception of it varies depending on the continent from which it is observed.

International law is a legal system that is highly structured by the history of the West and by the history of Europe. The chances of this history becoming the natural matrix for global relations were slim from the outset, even though a real effort at universalization was made.

International law may be a Titanic, but it is also a ship that cannot slow down or change direction in a second. However, I would say that the most important thing is not to look at the foam on the waves, but to understand the swell and the tide.

After four years of war in Ukraine and Trumps return, do you also feel that we are at a point in history where we need to change our approach?

I think this change in approach is undoubtedly already underway. But I am also wary of talk of adapting too quickly. I think its still too early to tell, that the history of international law is made up of sudden setbacks. As I tell my students, You think international law is in a bad way, imagine it in 1939, in 1914, or during the Cold War. There has never been an ideal moment for international law, not even during the 1990s, when everything remained problematic in some respects. So yes, we are closing a chapter that began with the fall of the Berlin Wall, but it had already been partially closed with 9/11 and the war on terror, the pandemic, etc.

In addition, the narrative and key actors may change, but the fundamentals remain the same. Our international society needs legal regulation. Standards cannot be completely out of step with the reality of the world, but neither can they be a simple description of reality and risk ceasing to be standards at all. The principle of a standard is that it is dynamically opposed to what key people would just do based on their own rationality or what they had for breakfast.

International law may be a Titanic, but it is also a ship that cannot slow down or change direction in a second. However, I would say that the most important thing is not to look at the foam on the waves, but to understand the swell and the tides. Looking at major trends tells us more than obsessive observation of what is happening in the White House. The major trends are global environmental and climate degradation, the ongoing industrial revolution, and glaring inequalities within and between nations. All of these things are constant, profound, and shape our entire repertoire of adaptations to the world, of which international law is only one variable.

Populism is an adjustment variable in relation to these major structural crises. But international law is also a desire to shape the world in its own image. Lawyers dont like to admit it, but it is an ideology, even if its ambitions are partly emancipatory. Thirty years ago, we relied on human rights, international criminal justice and international trade law. These ideas, as understood then, have aged more or less well. There are other directions that can be taken today, there are ways of combining these ideas. There are reservoirs of worldviews that we are only just beginning to seriously explore.

What we have not tried historically is international law based on a much more multipolar world, much more stable and solid forms of regional order, and therefore to a balance of power that would not necessarily be incompatible with international law.

What areas of exploration do you see developing?

What we have not tried historically is international law based on a much more multipolar world, that is, a world made up of a large North American or American bloc, a European bloc, an Asian bloc, and an African bloc. This world could give rise to much more stable and solid forms of regional order, and therefore to a balance of power that would not necessarily be incompatible with international law.

Thinking about international law also means thinking about the conditions that make it possible, including the way in which it is anchored in geopolitical and world economic balances. International lawyers, those who believe in sovereignty, certain values and the possibility of reconciling them, should also think of themselves as engineers not only of international institutions but also the power balances that would support their deployment. They need to take a long-term view, so as not to become entirely caught up in the moment.
Spanish fashion brand Pull&Bear has exited Singapore after closing its last outlet at the VivoCity shopping mall.

The stores closing day was Feb. 22, 2026, according to a notice posted on the brands official website, which did not disclose a reason for the closure.

Customers can continue to make returns at the outlet after the shutdown. Those who recently bought items are advised to review their receipts for the applicable return window, according to Channel News Asia.

Pull&Bear store at the VivoCity shopping mall in Singapore. Photo from Google Maps

Pull&Bear entered Singapore in 2006, opening its flagship store at VivoCity. It operated four locations at its peak, Mothership reported.

The brand is one of the seven core brands of Spanish fashion giant Inditex, which also owns Zara, Bershka, Massimo Dutti and Stradivarius.

Pull&Bears Singapore exit comes amid a broader wave of global store closures by its parent company, which shuttered more than 100 outlets last year.

Stradivarius and Bershka have likewise closed all their stores in Singapore, according to AsiaOne.






Sunday, February 22, 2026 - A dramatic shakeup has hit the Jesus Compassion Ministry (JCM) after Pastor Charles Wachira, who led the churchs United States branch, tendered his resignation over what he termed as political meddling.

The cleric stepped down following the Nairobi headquarters decision to invite President William Ruto to grace its third anniversary celebrations on Sunday, February 22nd.

Wachira strongly disapproved of the move, arguing that it undermined the principles of righteousness and justice, especially at a time when many young Kenyans are voicing concerns about state injustices.

He has resigned, citing serious concerns regarding leadership principles and recent public engagements that have deeply disturbed many believersespecially Gen Z, who are crying out for justice, accountability, and moral clarity during this sensitive national season in Kenya, read a statement from the Pastor.

Wachira insisted that spiritual leadership must remain rooted in truth and the defense of innocent life.

When leadership actions create confusion, division, or moral discomfort among believers, it becomes necessary to take a principled stand, he added, making clear he would not be party to attempts to cleanse political figures.

The church, presided over by Bishop Benson Kiengei, has faced backlash online after posters announcing Rutos visit went viral.

Critics accused the Bishop of aligning with the state for personal gain, while some faithful vowed to boycott the service or even exit the church altogether.

The Kenyan DAILY POST
Durians from Malaysia are slowly gaining a foothold in South Korea, attracting interest from food enthusiasts and online shoppers as a premium niche product.

Positioned as a premium import, frozen Musang King durian from Malaysia typically sells for about US$64 per kilogram on online platforms. Social media responses indicate that the fruit is regarded as exotic and novelty products in the market, especially when used in dessert-style products.

"Some consumers have highlighted the fruits distinctive texture and flavour, pointing to a small but enthusiastic following," Mohamad Termizi Piee, Malaysias trade commissioner in Seoul, told The Star.

Due to limited supply, items like frozen Musang King are typically sold through online marketplaces like Coupang rather than major supermarket chains, Mohamad Termizi noted.

He said sales volumes are still relatively low, indicating trial purchases and niche demand rather than widespread consumption.

Malaysian External Trade Development Corporations engagement with South Korean importers has also shown rising interest in high-end ASEAN food products, such as frozen durian and processed durian offerings, he added.

This picture taken on July 8, 2020 shows durians displayed for sale in Kuala Lumpur. Photo by AFP

Malaysia currently exports durians to over 40 markets, including Canada, Japan, the UAE and Saudi Arabia. It received the green light to export fresh durian to South Korea in September 2010 and was later permitted to ship frozen durians.

Shipments to that market have been growing in recent years, making it an increasingly important growth market, according to Datuk Nor Sam Alwi, director-general of the Department of Agriculture.

They amounted to 0.13 tonnes worth RM18,096 (US$4,650) in 2022 before rising to 0.24 tonnes worth RM37,977 in 2023 and 8.31 tonnes worth RM889,821 in 2024.

"In 2024, South Korea was ranked 16th among Malaysias durian export destinations out of a total of 27 countries," Nor Sam said.

Overall, Malaysias durian exports have shown steady growth over the years, with China being the top market, according to Bernama.

The country secured approval to send fresh durians to China in 2024, having previously exported mainly frozen pulp and paste.

Rising exports have been accompanied by expanding production, with plantation areas increasing from just over 163,000 acres in 2016 to more than 227,000 acres by 2024. Output almost doubled to over 568,000 tonnes during the same period.

But a recent change in consumer preferences in the worlds largest market for durian has led to an oversupply in Malaysia, a situation local farmers have described as a "durian tsunami," The New York Times reported.

Local media reported last December that the surplus had driven prices of the famed Musang King variety down to about RM10 per kilogram, or even lower in some areas, compared with RM6080 per kilogram during the main harvest season from May to August.

Other popular and premium varieties, including Black Thorn, IOI, D24 and Red Prawn, were also sold for as little as RM1015 per kilogram, according to the New Straits Times.

Malaysias agriculture minister, Mohamad Sabu, has described the glut as temporary and said the upcoming peak season would offer a better gauge of market conditions.

"I still believe that durians will be the economic boom for Malaysia," he noted in an interview.






Sunday, February 22, 2025 - Popular online personality, Nurse Judy, a USbased Kenyan nurse, has shared one of the most emotionally challenging experiences of her career.

Taking to Instagram on Sunday, February 22nd, 2026, she recounted the weight of caring for a terminally ill patient during his final hours - a journey that stretched across 11 days.

The patient was first admitted to the ICU before being transferred to the telemetry unit, where Judy works.

Though his prognosis was poor from the beginning, watching his steady decline left her overwhelmed.

Watching a human being slowly fade, while the people who love him prepare to say goodbye, is something no amount of training truly prepares you for, she wrote.

The most difficult moment came when the attending doctor informed the family that only hours remained.

Judy described the heavy silence in the room as loved ones stood around the bed, watching him struggle with terminal breathing patterns.

His wife clung to him tightly, breaking down in tears. Overcome herself, Judy admitted she had to step away. I cried I had to step away, she shared..

Reflecting afterward, Judy said she sought advice on navigating such emotionally charged situations.





The Kenyan DAILY POST






Sunday, February 22, 2026 - A Nairobi club supervisor has turned to social media for assistance after a casual worker allegedly disappeared with a hefty bill.

Writing on X under the handle Kingpin of Kenya (@ClintonObonyo), the supervisor explained: Hi I need help aki so I work as a supervisor in a club.

We had a busy night so we hired casuals.

We normally take their phone but for this specific one alinicheza.

When I asked for the phone she requested to make one call then shell hand it over and thats how I forgot.

Kumbe the girl was planning to steal from us ametutoka bill ya 46k na ngori inaniangukia mimi  please post for me apatikane shes from Ruaka.

The supervisor is now appealing for help to trace the woman.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






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Resolving the crisis in Sudan is a deeply felt concern of President [Donald] Trump, and one that reflects our shared responsibility to the Sudanese people, said Massad Boulos, U.S. Senior Adviser to the President for Africa, Arab, and Middle Eastern Affairs at the United Nations.



Today, Sudan faces the biggest and gravest humanitarian catastrophe in the world, said Mr. Boulos:



After more than 1,000 days of needless conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), the toll is staggering. Over 12 million people have been displaced - making this the largest displacement crisis globally, with Egypt bearing the biggest burden of refugees, followed by Chad.



More than 34 million people, 72 percent of Sudans population, require humanitarian assistance. Over 21 million Sudanese are acutely food insecure, with famine conditions confirmed in parts of Darfur South Kordofan and risk of further spread.



There are no good actors in this conflict, stressed Mr. Boulos. Both the RSF and the SAF have committed serious human rights violations and abuses. Both bear responsibility for prolonging this war, deepening the suffering of their own people, and threatening to drag the broader region into conflict as well.



We must also acknowledge the destabilizing role of entrenched Islamist networks, including elements of the Muslim Brotherhood, that have sought to exploit this conflict, said Mr. Boulos.



Let me be clear: efforts by Islamist networks or any extremist political movement to manipulate this conflict, derail a civilian transition, or reassert authoritarian control will not be tolerated by the United States.



The U.S. has sanctioned the RSF commanders for human rights violations, including ethnic killings, torture, starvation tactics, and sexual violence. The U.S. has also imposed visa restrictions on another commander implicated in gross violations of human rights.



There is no military solution to this conflict. Continued fighting will only fracture Sudan further and risk permanent state collapse, warned Senior Advisor Boulos:



That is why we are working closely with partners. . .including the United Kingdom, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, and several others - to press for an immediate humanitarian truce, and without preconditions. Such a truce must guarantee sustained, unhindered humanitarian access across conflict lines and borders.



The United States has helped mobilize $1.5 billion in new pledges to the Sudan Humanitarian Fund. The U.S. itself has contributed a total of $2.5 billion since the beginning of this crisis. But the fighting must stop if assistance is to reach the tens of millions in need.



A sustainable resolution requires a transition to a civilian-led government that is inclusive, representative, and accountable, while preserving and reforming core state institutions so that the country does not descend into institutional collapse.



It requires five things: restoring a strong constitutional framework, safeguarding national institutions from partisan capture, dismantling parallel patronage and militia structures, and preventing extremist domination of the state. It also requires preparing for free and fair elections.



The Sudanese people have demonstrated extraordinary resilience and courage. The United States remains committed to working to end this tragic conflict and to support a peaceful, civilian future for Sudan.
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.
PLENTY of hard work and effort is going on behind the scenes as Athy Town Promoters prepares to celebrate another St Patricks Day next month.

Organised by Athy Town Promoters, this years festivities will take place throughout the town on Tuesday, 17 March at 3pm.

The theme for 2026 is Community Spirit, celebrating unity and togetherness. As everyone knows, Athys strongest point is its community spirit, which shines through at all of our community events year after year.

The St Patricks Day parade is always a highlight of the local calendar, attracting huge crowds and fantastic support, and the 2026 edition promises to be bigger and brighter than ever.

Athy Town Promoters is calling on all community, sporting and cultural organisations in the town and surrounding areas to join in and help showcase the very best that South Kildare has to offer.

In addition, a special appeal is being made to local businesses to take part in the towns annual parade, which attracts many visitors and is regarded as one of the regions best family events.

Like many others, I always look forward to the St. Patricks Day celebrations in Athy  the atmosphere is fantastic, with thousands of people of all ages coming out to line the streets and celebrate as a community, said Ivan Keatley, Cathaoirleach of Athy Municipal District and Chair of Athy Town Promoters.

A lot of hard work goes into planning and running the festivities, and we would like to thank everyone who has given, is giving, and will give their time to ensure another memorable 17 March.

Clubs, community groups, charities, sporting organisations, tourism groups, schools, businesses, or even groups of friends with an idea for a float are urged to book their spot. Contact Patricia Berry on 086 8470232 or pberry@kildarecoco.ie, or reach out to any member of Athy Town Promoters.

This exciting event is free to attend and is supported by Athy Municipal District Local Property Tax (LPT) funding.

The organisers also acknowledge the hugely important assistance of An Garda Siochana, Civil Defence, the Kildare County Show Team, and the Order of Malta.
Kilkenny Tradfest, now in its fourteenth year, is set to host its annual launch on Wednesday, February 25, in Paris Texas.

The festival begins on Friday, 13 March and runs until St Patricks Day on Tuesday, 17 March.

This years programme is packed with the best of traditional Irish music, sean-nos and dance, with an impressive line-up of headline acts and the popular Bulmers Music Trail featuring 100 free gigs across the city.

This small festival prides itself on consistently attracting some of the biggest and best names in Irish traditional music to Kilkenny city. This years headliners include Mundy, Frankie Gavin, Emma Langford, Clare Sands, Iarla O Lionaird, Cormac McCarthy, Aoife Ni Bhriain, Padraig Jack, Seamus & Caoimhe Ui Flatharta, How I Became a Wave, Brian Leach and Jerry Fish.

The festival team is also happy to announce the addition of The Blackwater Ceili Band from Co. Tyrone.

They will perform for An Ceili Mor at the Rivercourt Hotel on Sunday, 15 March at 3pm. The full programme and tickets are available at www.kilkennytradfest.com.

The Bulmers Music Trail, also known as the trad trail, forms an integral part of this festival. Consisting of over 100 free gigs, both plugged and unplugged, it offers an opportunity for everyone to experience Irish trad in some of Kilkennys favourite venues.

Anthony Morrisson, Kilkenny City Vintners, said, "The trail is the heart and soul of the Tradfest, filling the streets with the sound of music and bringing together local musicians with the very best from around the country in a celebration of our shared heritage and, of course, the unique place of our public houses in Irish culture. We are pleased to offer locals and visitors a chance to get up close to the music that is so deeply rooted in our heritage and to bring this fantastic line-up together once again.

This years trail headline gigs include Abbeyfolk, Burnchurch, Up She Flew, Buioch (Laois), Briars (Cork) and Two Time Polka (Cork). Organisers say people should start planning their trail today, as space is limited.

Songwriting masterclass, bodhran and sean-nos workshops

As part of the festival, those looking to get hands-on can enjoy a range of engaging and exciting workshops and talks. Festival favourite Tommy Lanigan returns with his bodhran workshop in Rothe House on Saturday 14 March at 4.30pm.

Emma Langford will follow up her headline gig in Cleeres with a songwriting masterclass in the Pembroke Hotel on Sunday, 15 March at 1pm.

TAP HERE FOR MORE WHAT'S ON IN KILKENNY

Sibeal Davitt, a nationally acclaimed dancer, will host back-to-back sean-nos dancing workshops in Rothe House on Saturday 14 March at 12pm (children) and 1pm (teens and adults).

A unique addition to the programme this year is an intimate gig in Rothe House with Cork maestro Brian Leach. He fuses contemporary and electronic music with traditional Irish music and is a champion of the hammered dulcimer, a type of percussion-string instrument. Presented by Scattered Sessions, this event will feature a pre-show talk and takes place on Sunday, 15 March at 3pm.

Japanese trad band Pinch of Snuff will play The Set Theatre on Friday, 13 March at 8pm.

They are supported by the up-and-coming Connemara group Clada. The Kilfenora Ceili Band will return to the Watergate Theatre on St Patricks Day at 8pm, for what is becoming an annual tradition.

Tickets are available now from www.kilkennytradfest.com.

Stay up to date by following the festival on its social media channels.
A GoFundMe has been set up to help pay for a 16-year-old girl's funeral after she was killed while walking her dog.

Mia Lily O'Keefe was hit by a car on the Slane Road in Navan on Saturday, February 21st.

She was just a few minutes away from her home when it happened, and according to the GoFundMe page, the driver did not stop.

Mia Lily suffered "catastrophic injuries" before passing away in hospital and her "beloved dog," Bowie, also died.

READ NEXT: 'I thought I had strep throat' - Irish woman (22) has to learn to walk again after mystery illness

"She was only 16 years old and had her whole life ahead of her. She leaves behind her heartbroken Mam Louise, Dad Stephen, her sister Katelyn, and her brothers Kai, Zack and Cole, along with so many friends and loved ones who are devastated by her loss," the GoFundMe page states.

The money raised woll be used to help ease the financial burden her family now faces.

At the moment, 29,527 of the 55,000 goal has been raised.

"Every donation and every share means more than words can say. If you're unablle to donate, feel free to share," the post says.
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.
Significant financial companies must bring their activities into line with the new requirements of the National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) by July 1, 2026, said Andriy Pyshnyy, head of the regulator.

"The NBU board members and I held the first inaugural meeting with representatives of significant financial companies to outline all our further steps. We have a clear deadline  July 1, 2026  by which all significant financial companies must bring their operations into compliance with the new requirements," Pyshnyy wrote on Facebook.

He noted that 52 financial companies received significant status based on a number of criteria, including a share of assets exceeding 1% of the total market volume, the level of risk of consumer rights violations, participation in government programs and membership in large financial groups.

Since the adoption of the "split," the financial companies sector has shrunk by 778 institutions, with 407 participants currently operating in the market. He added that some institutions left the market voluntarily, while the NBU revoked the licenses of others, including for abuses such as participation in tax evasion schemes.

Pyshnyy said the roadmap for significant financial companies includes, in particular, the submission of strategic plans, personnel audits, disclosure of ownership structure data and bringing it into compliance with regulatory requirements, as well as mandatory risk self-assessment and reporting on its results.

He also noted that the central bank's meetings with the market are planned to be held regularly going forward  on a quarterly basis  and drew attention to the need to update the consumer rights protection system and incorporate financial inclusion principles.
The Free Press reports:

Fox Varian had her breasts removed when she was 16 years old as treatment for her gender dysphoria. At 19 she stopped identifying as transgender and filed a medical malpractice lawsuit against her psychologist and surgeon. She won.

People will be tempted to draw conclusions based on their political views around trans issues. Before we get into the politics, and whether legal blame should lie with the doctors, I think everyone can agree that it is an extremely bad outcome that a young woman had her breasts removed, and now deeply regrets it.

If the young woman had been an adult, it his unlikely there would be a lawsuit. Adults are deemed mature enough to consent to surgery  including surgery they later regret. So this isnt about whether adults should be able to access gender change surgery. It is about whether under 18s should be able to  and how much time should be spent assessing whether this is justified.

The Free Press reports some details:

The trial was anchored by emotional testimony from Varian and her mother, Claire Deacon. Varian testified that Einhorn served as an enabler, repeatedly assuring her that the mastectomy she desired would greatly improve her well-being. Deacon testified that Einhorn browbeat her into consenting to her daughters surgery, threatening that she would otherwise commit suicide.

It is fair to say that generally you expect medical professionals to give dispassionate advice on pros and cons, not emotional blackmail.

Its so hard to face that you are disfigured for life, Varian told the jury. The physical toll, she testified, includes scarring, lack of sensation in her nipples, and nerve pain where her breasts once were. She will never be able to nurse an infant. No amount of reconstruction, she said, is ever going to bring back what I lost.

Again, regardless of who is legally to blame, everyone should feel sympathy for Varian that she has ended up like this.

Varians attorney argued that the defendants actions didnt reflect what a reasonable professional in their respective fields would have done.

Deutsch did not seek to undermine the basic principles of this medical field during litigation. He and the three defendants attorneys maintained a consensus throughout Varians trial that mastectomies are an appropriate treatment for certain minors with gender dysphoriaa psychiatric diagnosis characterized by persistent distress over a conflict between a persons gender identity and birth sex.

So they didnt argue no young person should never be able to have this surgery  just that in this case they rushed to judgment without due care.

The lawsuit also accused both Einhorn and Chin of failing to thoroughly explain the risks and benefits of the surgery as well as alternatives with Varian and Deacon, who was responsible for consenting as the parent of a minor. In particular, Deutsch alleged that the providers had each failed to properly caution that the surgery might not meet the teenagers expectations or address her psychological struggles, and in particular, that she might regret it. Einhorn and Chin, however, each asserted that they had done so.

Risks, benefits and alternatives are vital for informed consent.

At the crux of the case was Einhorns referral letter for surgery, which made no mention of what Deutsch insisted was a required diagnosis: gender dysphoria. Einhorn wrote that Varian suffered from body dysmorphia, which involves overwhelming rumination over a perceived physical flawa diagnosis that is actually a widely accepted reason not to perform plastic surgery. That letter to me is a stop sign, testified Schechter, who is chief of gender-affirmation surgery at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. I looked at this case really hopingand even with an expectation that there would be enoughto support Dr. Chins care, he said. And I couldnt do that.

So this case may be an outlier in terms of bad practice. Time will tell as other lawsuits go through other courts.

Einhorn said Varians depression didnt meet the criteria for inclusion at the time. However, Chin acknowledged that diagnosed conditions need to be in such a letter, even if they are under control. And Deutsch pointed to Einhorns session notes that characterized Varian as depressed and in a state of apparent personal chaos. The psychologist also documented in his notes that she had impaired judgment.

Major decisions by a young person with impaired judgment is another wise.

Following more than five hours of deliberation, the jury found that 70 percent of the fault for Varians injury lay with Einhorn, and so the burden of the $2 million award was split proportionately between him and Chin. The award included $1.6 million for past and future pain and suffering and $400,000 for future medical expenses.

Hopefully this will encourage other medical professionals to be cautious before proceeding with such major surgeries on under 18 year olds.
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Five civilians in the Kramatorsk district of the Donetsk region were wounded over the past day as a result of shelling by Russia over the past 24 hours, February 22, four of them in the city of Druzhkivka, reported the head of the Donetsk Regional Military Administration Vadym Filashkin.

"In Lyman, a car was damaged. In Mykolaivka, two private houses, a multi-story building, two trucks, and a passenger car were damaged; in Raihorodok, three houses were damaged; in Malynivka, two houses were destroyed and 16 were damaged. In Sloviansk, three private houses, a shop, and three shopping pavilions were damaged. In Kramatorsk, one person was wounded. In Zoloti Prudy of the Oleksandrivka community, a house and a harvester were damaged. In Druzhkivka, four people were wounded, and 10 houses were damaged," Filashkin wrote on Telegram on Monday morning.

In total, according to his information, Russia shelled settlements in the Donetsk region 19 times over the past day. In other districts, destruction was also recorded, but without casualties. "Pokrovsk district. In Zoloty Kolodiaz and Toretske of the Shakhove community, 2 houses each were damaged Bakhmut district. In Riznikivka of the Siversk community, a house was damaged," the head of the regional administration said.

From the settlements on the frontline, 99 people were evacuated over the past day, including 20 children, Filashkin reported.

As reported, on February 21, Russia shelled settlements in the Donetsk region 12 times, killing three and wounding another civilian. On February 20, Russia shelled settlements in the region 18 times, wounding four civilians. On February 19, no information regarding civilian casualties in the Donetsk region was received.

On February 21, 197 people were evacuated from the frontline over the day, including 20 children; on February 20 - 562 people, including 244 children; and on February 19 - 187 people, including 45 children.
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As of Monday morning, due to hostilities and shelling of energy infrastructure facilities, some consumers in Odesa, Kharkiv, Zaporizhia, and Sumy regions remain without electricity supply, First Deputy Minister of Energy of Ukraine Artem Nekrasov has said.

"In Kharkiv region, an energy sector worker was injured during an enemy attack. He is being provided with all necessary medical assistance," he also stated during a briefing on Monday.

At the same time, according to information from National Power Company (NPC) Ukrenergo, emergency restoration work is already underway wherever the security situation currently permits. Power engineers are doing everything possible to return equipment damaged by the enemy to operation as quickly as possible. The restoration of distribution networks after previous massive attacks on energy facilities, particularly in Odesa region, is also ongoing.

Due to the consequences of previous Russia attacks, power limitation schedules for industry, as well as hourly shutdown schedules for all categories of consumers, are being applied in most regions of Ukraine. In certain regions, emergency shutdowns have been forced into application. Previously published hourly shutdown schedules are not in effect there.

As noted by Ukrenergo, in regions where hourly shutdowns are applied, the need for economical energy consumption remains.

"Please limit the use of powerful electrical appliances. If possible, move energy-intensive processes to the night-time hours, after 23:00," the company appealed to consumers.
At the next meeting of representatives of Ukraine, the United States, and Russia in a trilateral format, the issue of managing the Zaporizhia Nuclear Power Plant, which is currently occupied by Russia troops, may be discussed, Ukrainska Pravda has said.

"At the next meeting of the groups, which President Zelenskyy confirmed, energy specialists may also be included in the negotiations," the report says, citing the publications sources in diplomatic circles.

According to preliminary data, the conversation will touch upon the issue of who should manage the Zaporizhia NPP and in what format.

If the issue is indeed raised and an acceptable mechanism is found, it will effectively mean that the work of the negotiating groups has exhausted itself. After discussing these issues at the negotiations, the need for a meeting at the leadership level will be felt even more acutely.

As reported, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated the existence of an opportunity to end the war worthily in the near future and the importance of a meeting at the leadership level, which can overcome disagreements that are insurmountable at the level of negotiating teams.

"We believe that real opportunities to end the war worthily remain, and the worlds ability to pressure Russia to ensure a reliable peace replaces war can significantly help. We expect that in the near future, in February, it will be possible to organize another round of negotiations and that this round can become truly productive," Zelenskyy stated following the meetings of the Ukrainian negotiating group in Switzerland, where another round of trilateral negotiations with the United States and Russia on ending the war took place in Geneva on February 17-18.

He also reported that work is being conducted "for the readiness of leaders to meet and decide what has not yet been decided at the team level."
Photo: @V_Zelenskiy_official Telegram

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that France and Great Britain are currently ready to deploy their contingents in Ukraine after the completion of the war, each with a strength of one brigade, which he estimates at 5,000 service members.

"Brigades vary. In our understanding, up to 5,000 is one brigade. That is how we see it today. Britain and France, officially, when we signed our declaration with all members of the Coalition of the Willing, we understand that these two countries are already ready to provide a brigade each," Zelenskyy said in an interview with AFP on Friday, the full version of which was published on YouTube.

He also mentioned "signals from some other states that would be ready to strengthen Ukraine with their presence at the contingent level," but when asked about the numbers, he said: "There is no such figure."

On the question of where exactly the foreign contingent would be stationed, the President stated that the Ukrainian side would like to see it closer to the front line. "Of course, no one wants to stand on the first line. Naturally, Ukrainians would want our partners to stand on the first line with us. I think that is logical," Zelenskyy said.

He noted that Poland had not confirmed an intention to send its contingent to Ukraine, "but if it offered its presence and suggested being in Lviv, we dont need that; thats not how we work." "If you say that Belarus is the same threat to your countries as Russia is to us, then why arent your troops standing here on the first line on the border with BelarusI mean Ukraine-Belarus? There isnt such a danger there, but it is important for us that we have partners there whom we can count on. Then we could deploy our own strong contingent, our own strong military, in another direction," the head of state explained, speaking regarding both Poland and the Baltic states.

Regarding the number of troops Ukraine needs in a foreign contingent, Zelenskyy answered that it depends on the technical component. "For example, when we talk about a backstop from the United States of America, it doesnt necessarily mean they must be present with their troops in large numbers. Nothere is air defense, there is coordination, there is intelligence, there is readiness to support from the air, etc. That is, these are already strong guarantees in principle. So the question is not even about the number of people. Although it certainly wouldnt hurt," he said.

The President added that he "doesnt really believe" the number of the foreign contingent could reach 100,000 and said that 50,000 would be "very good."

"But again, if we compare, for example, if a dozen serious warships were stationed at sea, plus our maritime drones, and the ships were from partners, then sometimes, perhaps not with the number of people, but with the number of aircraft or the number of ships, etc., support can be provided. That is, the question depends on this," Zelenskyy explained.

On the question of whether there is agreement or confirmation from partners regarding their contingents readiness to fight rather than just stand, he said "there is no such answer." "Everyone is afraid of such answers, and everyone is afraid of such questions. Well, everyone is worried because when we talk about this, I ask such questions. The question in any security guarantees is: what will the partners do if? If, or when? And for now, in my view, if this isnt formalized on paper, we are just discussing this topic. And in my view, its too early to give an answer today, and the answer must be legal and in documents. This is important for Ukraine, its important for partnerswhat their mandate is, how their military will act in case of danger. And this is very important, in my view, for the Russians. They must clearly know: if it is written on paper that it will be so, then it will be so," Zelenskyy added.
A WOMAN who drove under duress while just above the drink driving limit after being assaulted by her then partner was commended for her bravery when she sought help from gardai.

The incident was relayed at an in-camera sitting of Portlaoise District Court last week when the accused, a 52-year-old health worker, came before it charged with drink-driving at Rathmore, Stradbally on 18 August 2024.

Garda Conor McCarthy said that while he was on duty at a junction directing traffic that Sunday, the last day of Electric Picnic, at about 6.35pm, one of three women ran to him telling him that she had seen a woman being assaulted in a car. He went to the scene and there he saw a man and woman in a white BMW car and noticed its windscreen broken and signs of violence and of injures to the woman.

He said he called for assistance from other gardai and while waiting on their arrival, the man came from the car in a very agitated state and began abusing him. When asked what had happened, the man told him: Its none of your f**king business what happened. So agitated and aggressive was the man that it took three gardai to arrest him.

He said that while speaking with the woman, he detected a smell of alcohol from her and she failed a roadside breath test. She was then arrested on suspicion of drink-driving and taken to Portlaoise Garda Station, where she provided a sample result of 39mg alcohol to 100ml breath.

On her release, garda McGrath said that she declined to make a statement or to provide details of the alleged assault.

Defending barrister Anne Doyle said that at the time of the incident: My client was in fear for her safety. Garda McGrath said: She failed to divulge what had occurred. She was quite shocked and didnt want to say anything, but (the man named) was extremely volatile, argumentative and violent. I believe he is currently on remand in custody. Garda Sgt Ciaran Mahoney said he responded to a call for support from garda McGrath following a report of an alleged assault.

He said that when he arrived at the scene, he said it was obvious that the man had hit the windscreen of the car a couple of boxes. He had to be handcuffed and restrained. He was violent at the scene and in the garda station. I took photographs of her injures and had a conversation with her to try and tell her to get away from him. I have no doubt that she was assaulted. My observations of her at the time was she was extremely upset. Giving evidence, the woman said that she and her then partner were travelling to the Electric Picnic to see one of the concerts on the last night of the festival.

She said that as they approached a junction, the man, who had been driving at this stage, hit her in her face. She said three girls approached and told her that she needed to get out of the car, while one of them ran for help from the garda.

She said: I was afraid to get out of the car. I eventually got out. He then got out. I ran back to the car, got in and drove up to the garda. I got into the car to escape from him and to get help. I was so upset and still am. Thank God I am away from him now. I didnt explain anything to the guards at the time because I was afraid of him. I was in a relationship with him for two years and know now that I had to get away from him. Prosecuting garda Sgt JJ Kirby said that he had no questions to put to the witness, adding: I want to compliment you. You were very brave in what you did. Judge Andrew Cody said he accepted that the woman drove the vehicle while under duress and dismissed the charge of drink-driving against her.

If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, you can contact Womens Aid (24-hour freephone helpline on 1800 341 900, email helpline@womensaid.ie) or Mens Aid Ireland (confidential helpline on 01 554 3811, email hello@mensaid.ie) for support and information.

Funded by the Court Reporting Scheme.
ADDITIONAL parking is urgently needed in Portlaoise town centre to cope with a rapidly expanding population and surging traffic.

A proposal for an underground car park has been put forward as the solution to the dirth of parking spaces across the town, with many councillors highlighting the urgency of addressing the problem, as many consumers are reputedly being turned away from shopping in the town, given how difficult it is to find parking The warning was delivered to the recent February meeting of the Portlaoise municipal district by Cllr Tommy Mulligan.

The Independent councillor said: "I think it's pretty obvious to everyone that car parking in Portlaoise is one of the top issues to everyone at the moment. In my opinion, it's the biggest challenge. We're talking about renovating Main Street because, unfortunately, people avoid it. I, myself, do from time-to-time because of the lack of car parking that's available."

He also highlighted a recent rezoning of land near Portlaoise that would see an additional 5,000 dwellings constructed in the next few years, which would only increase the demand for parking in the town.

Broadly speaking, Cllr Caroline Dwayne Stanley supported the motion brought forward by Cllr Mulligan but also urged consideration in their approach. She recalled how a few years ago Portlaoise councillors had gathered for a meeting in the Midlands Park hotel to discuss the self-same issue with local business leaders, where those in Lyster Square, especially, believed that potential works could have a detrimental effect on their businesses in the short and medium term.

Another councillor agreed that the disruption associated with these works could render them impractical and suggested that the council look into adopting a similar method of construction to how the Dublin Metro is slated for development; for example, tunnelling from a distance a way into space beneath Lyster Square to minimise disruption.

While representatives thought this could be a viable option, questions about the astronomical budget required for such a venture seemed to torpedo the idea.

An official of the council said: "Laois Co Council will investigate this matter and will provide an update to the municipal district community as soon as possible."

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme

ADDITIONAL parking is urgently needed in Portlaoise town centre to cope with a rapidly expanding population and surging traffic.

A proposal for an underground car park has been put forward as the solution to the dirth of parking spaces across the town, with many councillors highlighting the urgency of addressing the problem, as many consumers are reputedly being turned away from shopping in the town, given how difficult it is to find parking The warning was delivered to the recent February meeting of the Portlaoise municipal district by Cllr Tommy Mulligan.

The Independent councillor said: "I think it's pretty obvious to everyone that car parking in Portlaoise is one of the top issues to everyone at the moment. In my opinion, it's the biggest challenge. We're talking about renovating Main Street because, unfortunately, people avoid it. I, myself, do from time-to-time because of the lack of car parking that's available."

He also highlighted a recent rezoning of land near Portlaoise that would see an additional 5,000 dwellings constructed in the next few years, which would only increase the demand for parking in the town.

Broadly speaking, Cllr Caroline Dwayne Stanley supported the motion brought forward by Cllr Mulligan but also urged consideration in their approach. She recalled how a few years ago Portlaoise councillors had gathered for a meeting in the Midlands Park hotel to discuss the self-same issue with local business leaders, where those in Lyster Square, especially, believed that potential works could have a detrimental effect on their businesses in the short and medium term.

Another councillor agreed that the disruption associated with these works could render them impractical and suggested that the council look into adopting a similar method of construction to how the Dublin Metro is slated for development; for example, tunnelling from a distance a way into space beneath Lyster Square to minimise disruption.

While representatives thought this could be a viable option, questions about the astronomical budget required for such a venture seemed to torpedo the idea.

An official of the council said: "Laois Co Council will investigate this matter and will provide an update to the municipal district community as soon as possible."

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme
Together with Poland, we are strengthening protection of critical infrastructure and countering Russia sabotage  Interior minister

Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine Ihor Klymenko discussed with Minister-Coordinator of Special Services of Poland Tomasz Siemoniak the protection of critical infrastructure and the counteraction of Russia sabotage and agents.

"Met with Minister-Coordinator of Special Services of Poland Tomasz Siemoniak. Thanked Poland for its consistent support of Ukraine. We have worked together for a long time and understand well: the security of both countries today is our common challenge," Klymenko wrote on his Telegram channel on Monday.

The head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine noted: "We talked about the most important things: protection of energy and transport, countering Russia sabotage and agents, information attacks, and the enemys discredit campaign to disrupt mobilization."

According to Klymenko, Russia recruits people through social networks, pushing them toward arson and terrorist acts. "Last week, the National Police already disrupted the preparation of a series of high-profile murders. And yesterdays terrorist attack against law enforcement officers in Lviv is another proof of the enemys purposeful attempts to destabilize Ukraine," the minister added.

He emphasized that during the conversation with his Polish colleague, they separately discussed the exchange of experience.

"Ukraine has practice in countering drone attacks, and Poland has strong capabilities in service coordination. Together, we are strengthening the protection of critical infrastructure and preparing joint solutions for the future," he stressed.

In addition, as the minister informed, they agreed to expand training and practical interaction between the departments.

"European security today begins in Ukraine. We act together," Klymenko said.
Photo: @V_Zelenskiy_official Telegram

The size of the Russia occupation contingent involved in the war against Ukraine is decreasing by eight to ten thousand military personnel every month, reported President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

"Minus 8-10 thousand on average per month for their army, their contingent that is located on the territory of Ukraine and fighting against Ukraine," Zelenskyy said in an interview with AFP on Friday, the full version of which was published on YouTube.

According to him, Russia mobilizes 40-44 thousand military personnel monthly and irretrievably loses 30-35 thousand on the battlefield as killed and severely wounded. "This does not mean they are left with a plus of 10 thousand, because among the 40 thousand there is replenishment, they have their own AWOLs (unauthorized absences)  in principle, we have AWOLs and they have their percentage of AWOLs  and also not all 43 thousand reach the front line. We currently see a minus of 10 thousand," the President explained.

Zelenskyy added that if the number of destroyed Russia personnel increases, it will also affect their advancement. "Today, as we measured  one kilometer costs them 157 killed, cargo 200, Russians. That is approximately the rate of their advancement," he said.

When asked whether it is currently possible to predict when the advancement of Russia can be stopped, the President replied that this depends "directly on the military and also on the strengthening of unmanned systems forces; it depends very much on the training of additional operators  we are doing this, we are scaling up." "It also depends very much on the proficiency and training of the Russians, and the number of destroyed Russia troops," Zelenskyy said.

He reported that daily work is being conducted to stop the Russia advancement.

"We can see that in Kupiansk this was successful. I cannot tell you how final it is, but nevertheless, we control the city. There is success there for the Armed Forces and the National Guard, for all forces. It has been successful there as of today We worked very well in the Sumy direction. We do not see a possibility for Russia to advance there today. We are working and doing everything so that in Chernihiv, in the Chernihiv direction, there are also no challenges," Zelenskyy said.
Fine Gael councillors in Laois have called for the resignation of Bord Bia Chairman Larry Murrin, a direct defiance of the stance taken by the party leader Simon Harris as well as the Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon.

Members of the Irish Farmers Association have been staging an ongoing protest outside the offices of Bord Bia in Dublin for a number of weeks now calling for the resignation of the Chairman Larry Murrin over his company Dawn Farms' use of imported Brazilian beef.

Cllr Barry Walsh, Cllr Paddy Buggy, Cllr Conor Bergin, Cllr John King and Cllr Vivienne Phelan jointly tabled a motion for the Bord Bia Chairman to resign at a Laois County Council meeting on Monday, January 23.

The Laois councillors have followed the initiative of other local authorities who have sought to show their support for the IFA through putting forth such a motion.

The Fine Gael councillors requested that Laois County Council formally call upon the Government to review and enhance the vetting procedures of potential chairpersons and board members of state and semi-state bodies.

The councillors said: "This strengthening of background checks is essential to prevent conflicts of interest and ensure that no inappropriate practises are overlooked which could result in reputational damage to these organisations. In addition, we now request that Laois County Council, in light of the ongoing issues as highlighted by the IFA, call on the Chairman of Bord Bia to step aside with immediate affect."

Councillor Catherine Fitzgerald seconded the motion at the meeting which was attended by members of Laois IFA.

Cllr Barry Walsh told the council: "Over the past few weeks, a serious issue has developed at the top of Bord Bia. Farmers are worried about double standards, conflicts of interests, and a clear breach of basic principals. These are not small concerns. They go right to the core of trust and fairness - values every farmer here lives by.

"Right now farmers and IFA members feel let down. They feel that the high standards expected of them are not followed by those in charge. When the integrity of our national food board is questioned, it's not just a problem for the board, it puts the reputation of Irish farming at risk."

The Laois County Council Cathaoirleach continued: "We are now formally asking the Chairman of Bord Bia to step aside. We're calling on a full independent investigation to begin immediately on this matter. This is not personal, it's not political, it's about doing the right thing.

"When confidence is damaged at this level the only responsible response is openness, accountability, and fair process which restores trust. The Bord Bia brand is known throughout the world. It's built on the hard work of Irish farmers, the quality of our food and honesty of our systems. That reputation cannot be put at risk, not for anyone and not for any reason. This issue needs to be solved quickly, not next month or after meetings. It needs to happen now."

Cllr John King and Cllr Paddy Buggy both attended the IFA's protest in Dublin over the weekend in support of the farmers. Cllr Buggy reiterated Cllr Walsh's points, saying "it's not about money but a matter of principal."

With the dispute ongoing for a number of weeks, the Fine Gael councillor urged that the only way to resolve the impasse is for Murrin to step aside.

This motion by Laois councillors follows on from the recent Laois IFA AGM which was attended by some councillors and where local farmers expressed their views with the situation, many of which supported the IFA protest.

READ MORE: Government councillor in Laois calls on Larry Murrin to resign from Bord Bia

The Fine Gael motion was met with widespread support from other councillors, all backing the calls for Murrin's resignation.

The party's councillors tabled the motion despite the Fine Gael Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon voicing his support for the Bord Bia Chairman. However, the Laois councillors have argued that their motion reflects the majority of people's opinions as well as support for farmers and consumers.

Chairman of the Laois IFA, Henry Burns, spoke at the meeting and thanked the councillors for their support. Burns said: "This is the local feeling on the ground being reflected. You're the people that are closest to the ground and we very much value that democratic process."

READ NEXT: Memory Lane PICTURES: Fabulous night at Laois farm celebration

He emphasised that public opinion sways in favour of the resignation of Larry Murrin as Chairman of Bord Bia.

The Laois IFA Chair said that there will be a public meeting in Athy on Tuesday night, January 24, to continue the campaign.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme
A Laois cinema made famous in the Hollywood hit Into The West, which starred Gabriel Byrne and Colm Meaney, could become a business enterprise centre.

The potential future use of the Savoy in Portarlington, which is adorned with a mural from the movie and has been bought by Laois County Council, was outlined to councillors at their February meeting in County Hall, Portlaoise.

Portarlington Enterprise Centres Carol McCann and Mary Keogh were giving a presentation updating on their facility, which is full and also needs leak repairs and more toilets.

Weve been looking at how do we extend to another site, another location. We are at the very early stages of working with Laois County Council on the Savoy cinema and how we might work with that group to further develop the town centre.

"We are at the very early stages. As a board, we are keen that it will pay for itself. We want to have some community focus, for it not to be all about enterprises. But it has to pay the bills, and we will only proceed if we can prove that, Ms McCann said.

Michael Rainey, the Council CEO, also commented on the project, which is part of a regeneration of the town centre that also involved the overhaul of the Market House. MORE BELOW PHOTO.

Pictured: Mary Keogh, Carol McCann and Cllr Aidan Mullins.

We are very lucky that we have strong enterprise centres in this county. Portarlington is leading the way. As a local authority, we want to build on that success, and thats why we have acquired the cinema.

We see it as an opportunity to build on. When youve got 100% occupancy, then we know theres an appetite for more spaces. We are trying to work with you to try and bring forward a solution, and a solution is on the Main Street of Portarlington.

"It also speaks to our regeneration ambitions for the town. Im grateful you are engaging so positively on this venture," he said.

Cllr Aidan Mullins from the Portarlington Graiguecullen Municipal District, congratulated the council for buying the Savoy.

He also welcomes the opening of the restored Market House in the square.

"It was 1.4million well spent. I am happy to say that the PCDA will be managing it, with Laois County Council. The only thing is this is only the first step to upgrade the public realm. We need to get funding to complete Market Square, for undergrounding wires. A lot of work is to be done still. Without it it won't have the same effect," Cllr Mullins said.

READ ALSO: Laois town centre residents and businesses to get up to 1,000 to help spruce up buildings

The Savoy Cinema in Portarlington first opened in 1945 but closed in 1989. While it was subsequently taken over by a new operator and re-opened in August 1990 it closed its doors for the final time in the mid-1990s. MOE BELOW PHOTO.

The Irish-produced film Into the West, starring Gabriel Byrne, Colm Meaney and Ellen Birkin, was partly filmed on location in the Savoy Cinema and at nearby Lea Castle in 1992. It told the story of two Traveller boys, Ossie and Tito and their epic adventures across Ireland with their horse Tir na nOg.

A memorable scene, filmed in the Savoy, featured Ossie and Tito bringing their horse to a cinema matinee.

The mural on the building was created by the local resident and street artist ADW on the facade of old cinema to mark the link with Into the West. ADWs mural was launched in 2019 as part of a Laois-wide celebration of Cruinniu na nOg.

The artists described the front of the building as being in "terrible condition" with two days needed to prepare the walls for the main image.
Immensely proud of the lads. We have to be realistic in what we are coming up against; Clare are an unbelievable team. Most of the Kildare lads were at the All-Ireland final (2024) together and we struggled to win the Christy Ring that year and here we are, after they won an All-Ireland, competing with them and taking them down the home stretch and only four points (in it), the words of Brian Dowling after his Kildare sides defeat to Clare in Allianz Hurling League Division 1B.

I am just delighted we put in a big performance because we were disappointed against Dublin that we didnt perform the way we wanted. We were playing a good team and we put it up to them and that is huge for the group.

It was clear from first whistle to last that The Lilies were not overawed by the occasion, opposition or the travelling saffron and blues. It was an incredible display of internal belief from Kildare and, despite the loss, the hope is that this showing will bolster their confidence ahead of two crucial games in the next couple of weeks.

READ NEXT: Clare have to overturn half-time deficit to get past Kildare in brilliant battle

Dowling added, We have huge respect for them (Clare), you have household names everywhere you look but you cant stand and admire them. For 70 minutes you have to go toe-to-toe, if you give them half an inch, if you give Tony Kelly any breathing space (youre in trouble). He got some wonderful scores today, but you cant stop them all, someone will step up for them.

Clare never really pulled away from us, which is great, they never really had a patch where they blew us away. We always kept hanging in there and were a little disappointed that we didnt get a little bit closer because we left a couple of scores behind but look it is something to build on for the next few weeks.

The Lilies have two huge fixtures coming in consecutive weeks with an away clash with Down coming on Sunday, March 1 before a home fixture with Carlow on Sunday, March 8. These next two games will decide who stays up and who goes down in Division 1B.

The Kildare boss concluded, We have a massive, massive game now against Down. Thats the one, we have been waiting for that. It is a huge game, we have to try and stay in this division. There is no point in putting in performances like that and going back down to Division 2 next year. We have to keep building on this. The lads now have to get their bodies right, Im sure they are tired and sore after that but a huge game now away to Down. We havent had good results there the last two years.

READ NEXT: 'She's struggling' - Fans wince at Cedral St Conleth's Park pitch ahead of Kildare game
Labour Councillor Angela Feeney has called on Fianna Fail and Fine Gael to urgently support and protect remote work opportunities for workers.

Cllr Feeney's call follows new CSO figures which show a significant drop in the number of people working from home across Ireland in the past year and a sharp increase in those now forced to return to daily commutes.

Cllr. Feeney said: Across North Kildare, I am hearing from workers who reorganised their lives around flexible or remote working arrangements in good faith, only to now find themselves being hauled back into offices without justification. People in our commuter towns are facing longer journeys to work, higher childcare costs and increased stress because Fianna Fail and Fine Gael are refusing to put proper protections in place for remote work where roles allow.

In Kildare, many families moved further from their place of work due to the housing crisis, relying on remote work to make that move sustainable. Now, workers in Kildare are seeing that flexibility stripped away. For carers, people with disabilities and those living in Kildare who cannot afford to live near their workplace, remote work is not a perk. It is often the difference between being able to stay in employment or being pushed out altogether.

According to Cllr Feeney, the impact can already be seen locally in Kildare through increased congestion, longer commuting times and reduced quality of life for workers and their families.

READ NEXT: Searches scheduled following reports of individual entering river in Kildare

There is, she contended, no credible evidence that forcing workers back into offices improves productivity, but there is clear evidence it increases traffic, damages wellbeing and undermines our climate commitments.

She added: Labours Work Life Balance Bill would give workers in Kildare a real and enforceable right to request remote work where their role allows and would end refusals based on habit or managerial whim.

Fianna Fail and Fine Gael claim opposing stronger protections for remote work supports flexibility, but in reality it protects a hands off approach that leaves all the power with employers and none with workers. Workers currently have no meaningful right to challenge unreasonable refusals to work remotely, even where their job can be done from home".

People in Kildare cannot afford to wait for reviews that may or may not happen in the future. They are facing longer commutes and higher costs now. Fianna Fail and Fine Gael must stop siding with employer vetoes over workers lives and act to ensure that workers have a real and enforceable right to request remote work where their role allows".

Im calling on Fianna Fail and Fine Gael to support meaningful protections for remote work and ensure that workers in places like Kildare are not forced into unnecessary and costly daily commutes.
Kildare South Fine Gael TD and Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon has welcomed progress on the new school building project for the Curragh Community College.

"I am delighted to confirm the positive news for the Curragh Community College, that the Department of Education has issued a letter of intent containing details of a preferred contractor and project details for the new 1,000 pupil school on the Magee Barracks site in Kildare Town, Minister Heydon said this week.

This very significant development is the point of no return for the project and means construction will be now able to proceed in the very near future. I know how much the new school building is needed and I have been working with my colleague Minister Hildegarde Naughton for progress on this project.

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The Minister said great credit is due to Principal Nessa Doyle, her board of management, students and staff for their perseverance in pursuing the project.

I continue to work with the school and department on delivery of the emergency works for the current building while construction of the new school is carried out, but this is a very important milestone in delivery of much needed extra secondary school capacity for South Kildare, concluded Minister Heydon.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has denied information from The Economist regarding alleged "disagreements" within the Ukrainian negotiating team, noting that the publication is speaking with an "absolutely Russia narrative."

"What The Economist says sounds quite offensive. I am doing everything so that various channels of communication between Ukrainians and Americans, or even Russians and Ukrainians, are all in one format. And The Economist is precisely speaking with an absolutely Russia narrative that they are divided within the negotiation process. The fact that the Russians constantly want to divide them  that is exactly a fact," Zelenskyy said in an interview with AFP.

The President noted that The Economist "got it a little mixed up" and is "presenting wishful thinking as reality."

"The Russians are constantly trying to do this: a quick peace with a withdrawal from Donbas. This is precisely the Russia idea  how to get Donbas faster without losing Russia personnel. And a quick end to the war was precisely our idea," he emphasized.

On February 17, Communications Advisor to the President of Ukraine Dmytro Lytvyn denied the existence of alleged disagreements in the Ukrainian delegation regarding participation in the negotiation process with the USA and representatives of Russia to achieve a fair and lasting peace.

"The negotiating team is unified; all this talk about disagreements or influences is simply untrue," Lytvyn wrote on social network X on Tuesday in response to the publication in The Economist.

The material claimed that disagreements were arising within the Ukrainian delegation: "One wing, led by Budanov, believes that Ukraines interests are best served by the rapid conclusion of an agreement under the auspices of the USA, and fears that the window for action may soon close. But another part, which is apparently still under the influence of former chief of staff Andriy Yermak, who resigned over a corruption scandal, is much less optimistic. Zelenskyy seems to be balancing between them while having his own ideas."
A young girl has opened up about learning to walk again after being diagnosed with encephalitis in April of 2020.

Sophie Ella, who is known on social media for her catchphrase 'Don't walk, run to Dunnes,' spoke to Kieran Cuddihy on LiveLine with her mother, Celine.

Before being diagnosed, Celine had been unwell and a week later, Sophie became unwell too, so they assumed it was the same thing.

READ NEXT: Flights from Dublin to parts of USA cancelled amid snow storm on east coast

The 22-year-old had been experiencing cold and flu-like symptoms, and as Covid was just beginning, she considered that maybe she had that either.

"I thought I had strep throat," Sophie said.

Encephalitis is the inflammation of the brain caused by a viral infection in the body.

Sophie spent four weeks in the hospital without seeing her family and was the first person in Ireland to be diagnosed with the disease because of Covid.

Celine shared that during those four weeks, her daughter's chances of survival were "very touch and go," and at one stage, she even got a phone call to come say goodbye to Sophie as she wasn't going to make it.

READ NEXT: Aer Lingus make big change to carry-on luggage rules ahead of Irish holiday rush

Because of the time and restrictions were in place, Celine was not allowed to go and visit her daughter.

"The first couple of weeks were horrendous because I couldn't have family around me, so I was at home on my own. My other daughter couldn't come home because I had been infected," Celine shared.

She didn't know much about Sophie's condition, only that she was "knocked out" and "didn't know what was going on."

After becoming stable, Sophie had the huge task of learning to walk again.

She spent roughly seven months at home before being transferred to the rehab hospital.

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"The nurses were very encouraging and my dad," she said about re-learning to walk.

"She had to learn how to feed herself, how to walk, how to talk, all of that again," Celine explained.

After getting her daughter home from the hospital, she decided that they weren't going to "waste a minute" and would be living their lives to the fullest from that moment on.

You can follow Sophie on social media by searching her handle @_sophieellamakeup22 on Instagram and TikTok.
A Leitrim woman has been elected President of Dublin City Universitys Student Union following a hectic six-day campaign.

21 year old Katherine McBride from Dromahair secured 1,551 votes to win the role. Explaining her motivation to run, she said that her involvement on the Society Life Committee, a subcommittee of the Office of Student Life, made the decision feel like a natural progression.

Katherine studies Economics, Politics and Law and is now deeply involved in college life, though this was not always the case. I really struggled to fit in when I first moved to Dublin, she explained. I didnt want to flee the nest and go, I wanted to live in Leitrim for the rest of my life. During her first year, she considered leaving Dublin altogether but decided to stay after encouragement from her parents. By joining clubs and societies, she gradually built friendships and went on to spend her summers working in the city. I really fell in love with the place. I never moved home, she said.

Accommodation is the main issue Katherine believes is affecting DCU students, and one she intends to prioritise during her term. Its been 23 years since student accommodation has been built on DCU campus. Theres over 20,000 students now and the competition is insane, she explained, noting that on-campus accommodation operates on a lottery system. She also highlighted the rising cost of student life more broadly, pointing to increasing accommodation and parking costs year on year.

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Everything is getting more expensive and student living isnt getting any easier. Affordability is a big thing. Its creating barriers for entry to lower income students and thats not fair. Something has to give, Katherine said.

While much of the SU Presidents role involves meetings and advocating for students positions on issues such as funding allocations, Katherine hopes to take a more visible and active approach. I want to be less of a boardroom president and more of a boots on the ground president. I think there needs to be more protesting, she said, adding that the art of protest has diminished. Its such a big deal, especially as students, to protest for the change you want to see.

Describing the campaign as the hardest week of my life, Katherine said the pressure of a six-day race was eased by the support of her campaign team. Initially running against six candidates, the contest eventually narrowed to a three horse race.

From nearly dropping out and returning to Leitrim to remaining in Dublin full-time and becoming SU President, Katherines journey reflects the experience of many students. Her early feelings of isolation, combined with ongoing concerns around affordability, are challenges widely shared across the student body.

READ NEXT: 'Extremely strict conditions' causing Leitrim landlords to exit market

The same issues affect everyone, its all about getting to college and affording to stay there, she concluded.
The countdown is on as Mohill gets ready to welcome the Connacht Fleadh Cheoil from June 28 to July 5, 2026  a major cultural event set to bring visitors from across Connacht and beyond to the town.

Local organisers have described the occasion as a proud moment for the community and a unique opportunity to showcase Mohills warmth, creativity, and strong sense of togetherness.

To ensure the week-long celebration is a success, organisers are appealing for volunteers from Mohill and surrounding areas to get involved. A wide range of roles will be needed, including event stewards, door attendants, traffic coordinators, organisational support, and general assistance throughout the festival.

Businesses, community groups, and individuals are also being invited to support the Fleadh through sponsorship or by sharing fundraising ideas. Organisers say every contribution  big or small  will help deliver a memorable celebration of traditional Irish music, song, and dance.

An information meeting for anyone interested in taking part will be held on Thursday, March 5, at 7pm in Canon Donohoe Hall.

All members of the community are encouraged to attend and learn more about how they can get involved.

For further information, people can contact Fleadh Chairperson Fionnuala Maxwell on 086 8664639.

Organisers say that with strong local support, Mohill can come together to make Connacht Fleadh Cheoil 2026 a truly special and unforgettable occasion.

READ NEXT: Blossom Beats charity concert to light up Drumshanbo this March
A former Leitrim school principal has been appointed Bishop of Killala by Pope Leo XIV. Archbishop Francis Duffy, who serves as Archbishop of Tuam, will now also hold the role of Bishop of Killala.

The two dioceses concerned, united in persona episcopi, will be pastorally administered by one bishop.

Archbishop Duffy was Principal of Fatima and Felims Secondary School, which is now Ballinamore Community School in 1996. He served there as principal for 12 years.

The news of this appointment was announced on Monday, February 23, following the celebration of Mass in Saint Muredachs Cathedral, in the Diocese of Killala.

In attendance were Archbishop Duffy; Father Michael Gilroy, Chairperson of the College of Consultors; as well as clergy and parishioners.

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Speaking in Saint Muredachs Cathedral, Archbishop Duffy paid tribute to his predecessor, John Fleming, and noted that the two dioceses being pastorally administered by one bishop is happening for the first time.

Bishop Johns vision, his ability to listen and read the signs of the times, and his dedicated work have contributed immensely to pastoral initiatives in this diocese, he said.

On this occasion, something new is happening here. For the first time, the Bishop of Killala is, at the same time, the Archbishop of Tuam, and in him both dioceses are united. The Church describes this as the union of dioceses in persona episcopi, in the person of the Bishop. The two dioceses remain distinct, their individual identities are preserved, they are governed separately, but they share the same Bishop, added Archbishop Duffy.

Archbishop Duffy was Principal of Fatima and Felims Secondary School in Ballinamore in 1996. He was later appointed Diocesan Secretary and Chancellor of the Diocese of Kilmore. During this time, Father Francis was also priest in residence, serving as assistant curate in Clifferna, Parish of Laragh, Cavan.

Born in Cavan in 1958, he obtained his priesthood at Saint Patricks College and was ordained a priest in 1982.

READ NEXT: Blossom Beats charity concert to light up Drumshanbo this March

I am honoured to have been given this appointment, and I invite you to join me as we, trusting in the Lord, go forward together into a future full of hope, Archbishop Duffy concluded.
Today, it is "very inappropriate" to discuss the details mentioned by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to the United Kingdom and former Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Valeriy Zaluzhny in an interview with AFP, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy believes.

"I simply believe that discussing the details Valerii Zaluzhny spoke about today is also very inappropriate. Because no one wins from this. After all, we are talking about our army," Zelenskyy said in an interview with AFP.

The President added that he had not spoken with Zaluzhny after the publication of his interview. Speaking about the political ambitions of the former Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, the President noted that "one needs to focus on other things."

"Because, who said that I will definitely run in the elections? No one said that I will go, and no one said that I will not go, because there is a war going on. Thats the story. And we must end it with dignity. People will definitely react to everything and everyone there, judging by how someone lives, how they lived during this time, where they were, and what they did. In my view, that is the whole answer," the head of state emphasized.

As reported, on February 18, Valerii Zaluzhny spoke out for the first time about "deep disagreements" and "tense relations" between him and President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

"Tensions arose shortly after the full-scale Russia invasion in February 2022, and disputes often flared up between the two men over how best to defend the country Tense relations reached a climax later that year when dozens of agents from Ukraines internal intelligence conducted a raid on his office," according to the article featuring the agencys interview with Zaluzhny.
Finland has announced the allocation of EUR 72 million for humanitarian aid, of which EUR 20 million is for Ukraine, according to the website of the Finnish government.

"In total, EUR 20 million in humanitarian aid will be allocated to Ukraine from the budget line Support for Ukraine. The aid will be provided through UN humanitarian organizations and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)," the statement reads.

The organizations will, in particular, respond to peoples winter and heating needs by distributing, among other things, heaters, fuel, clothing, and cash assistance, as well as assisting in the repair of houses and water, electricity, and heating systems damaged during attacks.

Finland will allocate EUR 6 million to the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), EUR 6 million to the World Food Programme (WFP), EUR 5 million to the ICRC, and EUR 3 million to the Ukraine Humanitarian Fund of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), from which funds will be distributed locally according to needs.

"Russia attacks significantly complicate the survival of people living in the midst of war during winter conditions in Ukraine. Supporting access to energy and heat is especially important now, as the need for humanitarian support is acute. Our increasing assistance helps people with basic needs. Finland supports Ukraine," said Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Ville Tavio.

In its humanitarian aid decisions for the beginning of the year, Finland, in addition to Ukraine, emphasizes major conflict zones and refugee crises in Africa, as well as the humanitarian situation in the Middle East.
(Left) Representative of Orange Money receiving the VAS License C from Mr. Clarence Massaquoi, Chairperson of the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) at the headquarters in Paynesville.
LIMERICK based Sorcha MacMahon has been appointed to the role of senior client manager at a leading communications agency.

Ms MacMahon, who lives near Parkway Shopping Centre, takes on the role at Springboard Communications.

She will support the delivery of campaigns with a focus on media relations and stakeholder engagement.

With offices in both Cork and Dublin, Springboard Communications will be working on public relations for the 2027 Ryder Cup tournament, which takes place next year in Adare Manor.

READ MORE: Inter-county link to boost gift cards in Limerick and Tipperary

Ms MacMahons appointment was announced alongside that of Mark Harrington as a client director at the firm.

Susie Horgan, managing director and founder of Springboard Communications, said: Following a strong year for Springboard, Mark and Sorchas appointments reflect the evolution of our client work and our continued investment in talent. Mark brings deep strategic expertise, while Sorchas experience in delivering integrated communications supports the consistent, high-quality work our clients expect.

Ms MacMahon has six years of experience in media relations, digital communications and stakeholder engagement.

She said: Im delighted to join Springboard at such an exciting point for the agency.

The opportunity to work across a diverse client portfolio and contribute to integrated campaigns that deliver real impact is something Im really looking forward to.

Springboard Communications is the Irish partner of the Worldcom Public Relations Group and works with clients spanning technology, corporate, public sector and renewable energy among other things.
MSM fixates on Nancy Guthrie kidnapping while completely ignoring sleazy Democratic scandal in Tucson By Rachel Alexander

web posted February 23, 2026 While everyone across the country is heavily focused on the abduction of Nancy Guthrie in Tucson, there has been a strange media blackout on another scandal there. Investigative conservative journalist Niko Roswell has extensively covered the story of Arizona Senate candidate, K-12-related administrator and alleged sex worker Rocque Perez, who made raunchy sexual posts online that minors could view and issued death threats to Republicans. With the exception of a handful of other conservative journalists, no one has touched the story. Both AZ Free News and conservative journalist Megan Barth with the California Globe covered the story. Roswell screenshotted Perez's posts on X, OnlyFans and other platforms before Perez deleted them. Eddie Barron, who is now the Communication & Content lead for Tucson's Vice Mayor Lane Santa Cruz in Ward One and serves on the Board of the Sunnyside Unified School District Foundation, left a sexual message after one of Perez's posts when Barron was 16. Perez invited users on X to view his sexual acts at OnlyFans, and frequently referred to "boys" in his posts. One of his posts about sex said, "Applications open for boys that'll do this for me while I'm working." Another post displayed a photo of a drug used in homosexual acts, with the caption "trying to summon the twink." Twink refers to a young male homosexual. Perez apparently had no concern that despite working for K-12, his sexual posts could be seen by minors. Perez threatened Ivanka Trump in 2020. In response to one of her posts, he said , "someone throw this b**** off the capitol building roof please." He called for President Donald Trump to die several times , including responding to Trump, "honestly i would take one for the team and knock him out if i could." He asked for violence against conservative media personality Kaitlin Bennett. "[H]ow has she not gotten beat yet? like... hath no one the bravery to literally hurt her cause... ??" He called for several prominent Republicans, including former Arizona Republican Party Chair Kelli Ward, to die from COVID-19. "[A] lot of old white people in one place, it'd be a shame if [COVID] got em," he posted on X. In 2020, in response to a woman who complained that living in a conservative household was "hell," Perez responded , "so kill them, do your duty baby girl." Another screenshot of a post allegedly made by Perez in 2020 said "this vapid white girl is defending trump response to covid in my zoom public relations class, do i end her or do i end her." In 2021, Perez allegedly posted on X about then-Arizona Republican Governor Doug Ducey, "just saw doug ducey, do I square up or do I square up." The phrase "square up" means to prepare to fight someone physically. There is no evidence that Perez was ever investigated or disciplined for any of these threats. When Perez was a student at the University of Arizona, where he served as student body senator, the university posted on X about a flyer he put up around campus. "One of our own UA students, Rocque Perez, is partnering with Inside Higher Ed to share his experience as a learner during the pandemic," the account @uarizonahsi said . The flyers appeared to be offering poor individuals to come to a Tucson residence for free food, listing an address with a map, which said "Trump 2020" at the bottom. However, there was a line in the middle of them, which was circled in bright red, which said, "No dogs. No Mexicans. No blacks." The X account @slim_tuc said he went to the residence and the owners told him they had nothing to do with the flyer. " @UArizonaPres one of your students posted this paper putting the lives of the people that live at the home in danger," the account said . "I went to the home and spoke to the owners. They had nothing to do with it. Student Rocque Perez put these around.." Perez is closely tied to Tucson Democratic leadership. Perez served as the executive director of the Metropolitan Education Commission (MEC), Rep. Adelita Grijalva's (D-AZ-07) K-12 education foundation that her father, the late Rep. Raul Grijalva, founded in Tucson. MEC advises and makes recommendations on K-12 education for all of Pima County. Perez was then promoted to president and CEO. Adelita is currently on the board. Perez was also appointed to the Tucson City Council for a while. It is not clear whether Perez still serves on MEC. His campaign website states, "He temporarily left the Metro Education Commission but continued to lead its work as its Chair." Barth noted that MEC was curiously renamed to the Southern Arizona Education Council after the scandal broke. Perez is still listed as its commission coordinator on the website. Perez posts photos online with Adelita and other Democrats who run the city. His website contains a radical agenda that includes fewer restrictions on abortion (Arizona already has California-style abortion until birth laws) and says he will "defend LGBTQ+ and transgender Arizonans, oppose fear-based policies that target immigrants and mixed-status families." Why does this monster get a free pass? If a Republican had made just one of his threats against a Democrat, law enforcement would be at their door immediately. And the Democrats have newly started to pretend to dislike pedophiles, due to their false hope that Trump will show up guilty in the Jeffrey Epstein files. So why the silence? Are they so desperate for candidates that they will protect him? State Rep. Nick Kupper expressed his outrage on X. "It seems to me that AZ Senate candidate Rocque Perez is letting his freak flag fly way too high," he said . "This type of degeneracy has no place in the legislature & absolutely no place near children. @Rep_Grijalva & @GovernorHobbs you need to do something about your boy." Democrats are foolish to rally around this trainwreck. No way even blue Tucson votes for someone this offensive who works with K-12. Rachel Alexander and her brother Andrew are co-Editors of Intellectual Conservative. She has been published in the American Spectator, Townhall.com, Fox News, NewsMax, Accuracy in Media, The Americano, ParcBench, Enter Stage Right and other publications. Home

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The European Parliament (EP) plans to suspend the process of adopting the EU-US trade agreement in connection with the recent decision of US President Donald Trump to introduce tariffs on imports from all countries, Bloomberg has reported.

"Major political groups in the EP stated on Monday that they are temporarily suspending work on the approval of the trade agreement," the agency informs.

Zeljana Zovko, the lead negotiator for the agreement from the ruling European Peoples Party, told Bloomberg that "there is no other option" but to postpone the ratification process until deputies gain a better understanding of the situation.

The Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats and the Renew Europe parties joined this decision.

Bernd Lange, Chairman of the EP Committee on International Trade, proposed calling an urgent meeting to reassess the US-EU trade arrangements. EU permanent representatives are also expected to meet to discuss trade relations with the US.

On Friday night, Trump announced that he had signed an executive order providing for the introduction of 10% tariffs on imports from all countries worldwide. Previously, Trump warned he would issue such an order after the US Supreme Court ruled many of the White Houses introduced tariffs illegal. Later, Trump decided to raise global tariffs from 10% to 15%.

In the summer of 2025, the US and the EU agreed on a trade deal under which most EU goods would be subject to a 15% tariff; 50% tariffs on steel and aluminum imports to the US would also apply. The European Union agreed to such arrangements to avoid a full-scale trade war with Washington, Bloomberg reminds. However, later US attempts to extend the 50% tariffs to hundreds of other items, as well as a dispute over Greenland, complicated the situation.
BISHOP of Limerick, Brendan Leahy, has called on adults to undertake a 40-day digital detox this Lent, urging parents in particular to lead by example amid growing concern about social media addiction and online harm among young people.

In his Lenten Letter to all parishes which is posted on the diocesan website, Bishop Leahy said that this year the reflection across Lent in the diocese is to be on the third of the three pillars of Lent  prayer, almsgiving and fasting. Bishop Leahy sets out in the letter the background around fasting, how it helps people and options for fasting, among them digital detox.

Speaking also about Safer Internet Day, Bishop Leahy said that social media can have a positive influence in enabling us to connect, spread good news. We are more aware today of the addictive algorithmic designs in social media.

And we all know there are dangerous aspects and the risk of over dependence, so much so that Australia has introduced a world-first social media ban for children under 16 and so many other countries, including our own, have begun considering a similar approach. So, why not take a lead and make a commitment during Lent to embark on a digital detox, he said.

READ MORE: Over 500k in funding for projects across west Limerick helps to strengthen local resilience

Bishop Leahy added that one of the worst vagaries to emerge from the digital revolution is the easy access to pornography, to an extent that it has become an addiction for many. Research in Ireland suggests 64% of 20-year-old men use pornography, which is linked to potential addiction, lower wellbeing, and poorer mental health.

So, with our children the most vulnerable to social media, why not take this Lent to show them example and have adults put down the social media tools, while at the same time raising your voice for a ban on social media for children up to even 17 years.

Bishop Leahy continued: Let Ireland, a nation where family is a cornerstone of society, go further than any other in terms of protecting our children. What a big and proud statement that would be as we emerge from Lent.

It is incumbent on us all to encourage each other and especially young people to use digital tools safely and ethically. For that, a formation that helps young people (learn) how to live their digital lives is needed. Lent can be a time to contribute to such a formation.

Bishop Leahy also recommended people consider designated device-free times such as mealtimes and, indeed, bedtime. There is evidence that suggests that three quarters of people take their phones to bed and over half spend more time than they intend on their phones. So, family tech-free days can help children and adults reconnect with hobbies and the physical world, he added.

Bishop Leahy said that this Lent will see a new set of weekly prayer and reflection resources, Baptised and Sent in Lent, offering a simple and accessible structure for Prayer and Gospel reflection.
PREPARATIONS for the 2026 SuperValu Tidy Towns Competition have commenced with the annual Limerick Tidy Towns seminar, held at Limerick Councils Council Chamber in Dooradoyle.

Participation from Limerick communities continues to grow, with 57 entries recorded in 2025.

This years seminar provided volunteers with a valuable networking and advice clinic, featuring the following expert presentations: Helen Kenneally, environmental awareness officer, Limerick City and County Council on Sustainable Practical Supports for Tidy Towns Groups, Elaine OConnor, Ryder Cup co-ordinator, Limerick on Limerick Tidy Towns Engagement for the Ryder Cup Event, Dr Simon Jennings, executive scientist, Limerick City Council on A Soundscape Approach to Investigating Green Spaces and Kate Janeczek, staff officer, Limerick Council on Limerick Going for Gold Environment and Climate Action Improvement Grant and Competition 2026.

READ MORE: Networking event to showcase Limerick stars insight into resilience and resolve

Each Tidy Towns entrant receives funding through Pobal, with groups currently meeting to identify and progress projects focused on waste prevention and biodiversity enhancement.

In the coming weeks, the Limerick Going for Gold Environment and Climate Action Grant and Competition will be launched. Together with Pobal funding, these vital supports will have a visible sustainable impact across Limerick throughout the 2026 Tidy Towns campaign.

Mayor of Limerick, John Moran said: I wish all participating groups the very best of luck in the 2026 SuperValu Tidy Towns Competition and thank them for the positive impact they continue to make.

Helen Kenneally, environmental awareness officer with Limerick Council, said: The 2026 Tidy Towns seminar placed a strong focus on the practical supports available to assist the fantastic voluntary work being undertaken by communities across Limerick.
A LICENSED waste collector was acquitted of breaching the terms of his permit after a judge ruled there was no direct evidence linking him to the alleged offences.

John Ryan, who has a registered business address at Spellacy's Cross, Ballysheedy was prosecuted by Limerick City and County Council following an incident on August 15, 2024.

Giving evidence at Limerick District Court, executive engineer David France said he observed a truck carrying construction and demolition waste at Roxboro Road Roundabout heading towards Ballyneety.

READ ALSO | Money is the key issue: Cost of completing distributor road in Limerick village soars

Mr France followed the truck in his personal car, stating he knew there was no licensed waste facility in that direction.

He told the court he later saw the waste being deposited in a farmyard before the vehicle drove away.

Photographs taken by Mr France were produced, including images of the vehicle entering the laneway and the tipper raised while unloading material.

Mr France later identified Mr Ryan as the owner of the truck through the Motor Tax office.

He also confirmed it was not listed as an authorised vehicle on Mr Ryans waste collection permit.

The following day, Mr France returned to the farm with a colleague and observed what he described as substantial waste, including concrete blocks and tiles.

READ ALSO | Limerick couple who have nowhere to go convicted over unauthorised mobile home

Three fixed penalty notices were subsequently issued for a number of offences including dumping at an unauthorised location, using an unapproved vehicle, and failing to display a waste permit number on the truck.

The fines were never paid and the local authority did not hear from Mr Ryan for nearly 12 months, the court heard.

Tom Kiely, solicitor for Mr Ryan, argued that the material had not been unlawfully dumped at the farm, as the landowner had requested it be placed there to be used as a base for silage.

He contended the material was not unwanted and therefore did not constitute discarded waste, as defined in law.

It was also argued there was no evidence placing Mr Ryan at the scene, as no witness had identified him as the driver of the truck on the day in question.

In his ruling, Judge Peter White noted it was a criminal prosecution and that the burden of proof was on the local authority to show that Mr Ryan was present and that he was responsible for the dumping.

As this had not been established, he dismissed all charges against Mr Ryan. Judge White awarded Mr Ryan 1,006 in costs.
A COMPANY has been fined for selling alcohol at a pub in Limerick city centre despite not having a valid licence to to so at the time.

The Wickham Pub Company Ltd was prosecuted before Limerick District Court arising from a Revenue detection last summer.

Solicitor Aileen Mee, prosecuting, told Judge Peter White the case related to the Wickham Bar, Wickham Street which was 'trading without a licence' when the inspection was carried out.

After a director of the company confirmed a guilty plea was being entered, she proceeded to outline the facts of the case.

Judge White was told two undercover Revenue officers entered the premises on June 20, 2025 and ordered a soda and whiskey. Having paid for the drinks, they requested a receipt - at which point they identified themselves to the person behind the bar.

READ ALSO | Man pleads guilty to theft after 'tapping' debit card in shops across Limerick

Having made further enquiries, it was established there was no licence in place on the day and arrangements were then made to meet with the company director to a number of days later.

Ms Mee said the defendant company has no previous convictions and that it was "putting its hands up at the first opportunity".

Having formally recorded a conviction, Judge White imposed the minimum fine of 632.50, giving the company six months to pay.
A SON and daughter of well-known Limerick publican Charlie Chawke have both pleaded guilty to assault causing harm in the Dunraven Arms Hotel in Adare.

Bill Chawke and Alison Chawke were arraigned before Judge Simon McAleese this Monday in Limerick Circuit Criminal Court.

Mr Chawke, aged 31, of Merrion Street Upper, Dublin 2, said guilty after the court registrar put one count of assault causing harm at the Dunraven Arms Hotel on November 9, 2023 to him.

Similarly, Alison Chawke, aged 41, of The Beeches, Holywell, Goatstown, Dublin 14, said guilty when one count of assault causing harm at the Dunraven Arms Hotel on November 9, 2023 was put to her.

Prosecuting barrister Lily Buckley, instructed by State solicitor Brendan Gill, said the pleas were acceptable to the State on a full facts basis.

Ms Buckley said there will be CCTV footage and victim impact statements on behalf of two male injured parties.

Mr Chawke was represented by Henry Kelly BL while Mark Nicholas SC acted for Ms Chawke during the brief procedural matter this Monday morning in Limerick Courthouse.

READ NEXT: Limerick couple who have nowhere to go convicted over unauthorised mobile home

When the case was before Newcastle West Court in October 2024, Inspector Barry Manton outlined the then alleged facts of the case to Judge Carol Anne Coolican so she could decide if the matter would stay in the district court or be sent forward to the circuit court.

Insp Manton alleged that at around 12.30am on November 9, 2023, Ms and Mr Chawke were sitting at a bar at a hotel in Adare, along with the two alleged victims, and other hotel guests.

The court heard the two accused were involved in a verbal altercation with bar staff as well as the two alleged victims. Insp Manton alleged the two accused began a violent altercation.

A number of other customers at the bar tried to break it up, however, the altercation continued and ended in a hallway, Insp Manton alleged.

It was all captured on CCTV, said the garda inspector.

Insp Manton told Judge Coolican: It will be alleged that Bill Chawke, during this violent altercation, gouged the eyes of injured party number one and hit the head of injured party number one, pushing it down on the bar in a forceful manner.

It was further alleged that Mr Chawke threw a number of punches against both injured parties.

Regarding Ms Chawke, Insp Manton alleged she gouged the eyes of injured party number one, picked up a glass and threw it at persons involved, including those that were trying to break it up.

Ms Chawke then made her way to a hallway and delivered a number of kicks to the head of injured party number two, and she bent down and bit him on the cheek, alleged Insp Manton.

Judge Coolican refused jurisdiction on that date in October 2024 and sent the matter forward to the circuit court.

The brother and sister have now both pleaded guilty to assault causing harm in the Dunraven Arms Hotel this Monday at Limerick Circuit Criminal Court.

Mr Chawke and Ms Chawke were remanded on continuing bail by Judge McAleese

A sentencing hearing is to take place on Friday, March 6.
A number of flights from Dublin Airport to parts of America have been cancelled as the country battles a snow storm on the east coast.

Storm Hernando is affecting the area between New England and Philadelphia, with some places seeing up to a metre of snow, according to The Irish Times.

Seven flights outbound and six inbound have been cancelled.#

READ NEXT: 'Cool uncle' - TD praised for secret gesture to family spotted on Dail chamber footage

A Delta Airlines flight at 10:45am to New York JFK has been cancelled.

As have the Aer Lingus flights at 11:15am and 4:40pm to New York JFK.

The 11:30am Delta Air Lines flight and the Aer Lingus 11:40am and 4:45pm flights to Boston have also been cancelled.

The 9:30am United Airlines flight to Newark, New Jersey was also cancelled this morning.

The 2:45pm flight from Shannon to Boston will not go ahead either.

READ NEXT: Aer Lingus make big change to carry-on luggage rules ahead of Irish holiday rush

Six flights from JFK, Newark, and Boston that were due to arrive to Dublin today have been cancelled as well.

According to USA Travel Today, over 8,000 flights to and from America have been affected.

Dublin Airport is advising passengers to check with their airline before making their way to the airport if they are due to fly in the next few days.
MAYOR of Limerick John Moran is to make a fresh bid to ensure council meetings are recorded and available to view online.

As things stand, those wishing to view local authority proceedings must either attend the venue of the meeting in person, or request a login from council staff to gain access.

However meetings are not recorded, and cannot be downloaded later for people to view at their own convienience, as is the case with sittings of the Dail and Seanad.

READ MORE: Limerick resident appointed to key role at leading communications firm

Mayor Moran is working with Social Democrats councillor Elisa O'Donovan, who has agreed to put money from her own devolved budget forward to get the initiative over the line at the next full meeting in March.

Any other costs associated with the proposal will be met from the mayoral fund.

"This is not a new idea, said Mayor Moran. "Some members have pushed for this for a long period, but it has never been accepted here in Limerick. We have the technology, we know the cost is not at the level previously suggested, and importantly, I am proposing a funding pathway that protects core services in any event. There is no remaining practical barrier, and

I believe the time has come for fuller visibility on council affairs.

Proposals to have council meetings recorded and available for download have seen a mixed response in recent years, which in effect have seen the idea parked.

Concerns have been raised regarding data protection, defamation, cost, and the accidental disclosure of confidential material onto the internet.

Conversely, supporters of recordings have said this could protect members against being misquoted, or having their comments taken out of context.

As things stand, neither members of the public nor councillors are allowed to make audio or video recordings of council meetings.

Mayor Moran said with his and Cllr O'Donovan's intervention, cost can no longer be cited as an obstacle.

"Open debate is fundamental to democracy. Proceedings of Dail Eireann, Seanad Eireann and Oireachtas committees are recorded and made available to the public as a matter of course. Local government should meet that same standard. If we expect public trust, we must ensure that our deliberations are visible and accessible," he said.

The mayor said in response to concerns previously raised about the misuse of video excerpts, that the publication of full unedited recordings is the strongest safeguard against this.

He has gained support for his proposal from local Fianna Fail TD and Minister of State Niall Collins, who said: "It is important that democracy is exercised in public and that meetings be readily accessible to the public. I could never understand the opposition to this happening previously. Other local authorities across Ireland for a long time now have live streamed and live broadcasted their meetings. There is absolutely no reason whatsoever that this can not be done in Limerick.
(Bloomberg) -- Canada summoned OpenAI executives after the company debated referring a ChatGPT user to police but ultimately didnt  months before the teenager became the sole suspect in a mass shooting.

Jesse Van Rootselaar, 18, was named by police as the suspected killer of six children and two adults in the remote town of Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, in one of Canadas worst-ever mass shootings. Van Rootselaar is also believed to have died by suicide following the attack earlier this month.

OpenAI said Friday that Van Rootselaars ChatGPT account was flagged in June 2025 by systems that scan for misuse, including potential violent activity. The company considered referring the account to law enforcement at the time, but found no credible or imminent threat and determined it didnt meet the threshold. The account was subsequently banned.

The artificial intelligence giants senior safety executives will travel from the US to meet AI Minister Evan Solomon in Ottawa on Tuesday, he said at a news conference Monday, after his team met with company representatives a day earlier.

Solomon said media reports on OpenAIs internal deliberations were deeply disturbing, adding the reports suggested the company did not contact law enforcement in a timely manner.

The Wall Street Journal first reported OpenAIs identification of Van Rootselaar, citing anonymous sources who said the alleged killer described scenarios involving gun violence over several days. That triggered an internal debate among roughly a dozen staffers, some of whom urged contacting police, the report said.

Solomon pointed to legislation in development including on privacy and so-called online harms, and said hes working closely with officials in the justice, public safety and culture departments, as well as the province of BC.

We are making sure that all options are on the table to make sure that Canadians are kept safe, he said, adding we will see what OpenAI says about its protocols and escalation methodology.

Our job and our duty is to make sure Canadians are protected.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com
MUMBAI: Hillhouse Investment has acquired a minority stake in Quest Global, an engineering services company in Singapore, in a mix of primary and secondary share purchases, the companies said in a statement on Monday. The companies did not disclose the financial details of the transaction.

Their investment reinforces the strength of our differentiated value proposition, financial and operating discipline, and long-term growth strategy, said Ajit Prabhu, co-founder and chief executive officer of Quest Global. We look forward to partnering with Hillhouse as we further invest in advanced engineering capabilities that will help our clients.

Also Read | SBI mulls raising stake in investment banking JV to 51% amid capital market boom

Backed by the Carlyle Group, Quest Global will use the additional capital to achieve its strategic priorities. The investment will be made through funds managed and advised by Hillhouse Investment Management.

Quest has been backed by private equity firms including Advent International, Bain Capital, ChrysCapital, True North and GIC.

High-growth sectors The companys focus on mission-critical programmes, long-term customer relationships and disciplined execution has enabled it to scale sustainably across high-growth sectors such as aerospace, automotive, energy and semiconductors, Sean Carney, partner, co-head of global buyout at Hillhouse Investment, said in the statement. Quest Global is well positioned to benefit from increasing global demand for advanced engineering and technology-led transformation.

Founded in 1997 by Prabhu and Aravind Melligeri, Quest operates in more than 18 countries including India, with over 93 global delivery centres. It operates in sectors such as aerospace and defence, automotive, energy, hi-tech, medtech and healthcare, rail and semiconductor industries.

Singapore-based global alternative investment manager Hillhouse has more than two decades of expertise and a range of investment strategies that span public equities, private equity, private credit and real assets. Its private equity portfolio spans 30 countries and manages assets on behalf of institutional clients such as university endowments, foundations, family offices and other long-term institutional investors based in the US, Southeast Asia and the Middle East.

Jefferies served as the exclusive financial adviser to Quest Global on the transaction.

Also Read | Bertelsmann Next enters India with acquisition of Let's Transport
Bharti Airtel and its promoter group will inject 20,000 crore into Airtel Money, its newly-licensed non-bank lending arm, a move that puts the telecom operator in direct competition with Mukesh Ambanis Jio Financial Services.

Airtel Money, a company incorporated in July, received a non-banking financial company (NBFC) licence earlier this month, Bharti Airtel informed the stock exchanges on 17 February. The non-bank lender will not be able to accept deposits, as per the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) licensing terms.

In a statement issued on Monday, Bharti Airtel said it will contribute 70% of the capital, while the promoter group will bring in the remaining 30% through Bharti Enterprises Ltd.

Given the minimum capital adequacy requirement of 15%, the NBFC can leverage about five times its capital. This would allow Airtel Money to build a loan book of 1 trillion with the current capital injection, analysts said.

A comparison with Reliance Industries financial services business is unavoidable. For instance, Jio Financial Services has a wide array of businesses, including a payments bank Jio Payments Bank and non-bank financier Jio Credit. Airtel, on the other hand, now has Airtel Payments Bank, and Airtel Money.

A senior consultant said that Airtel is following the same model as Reliance and getting an NBFC licence shows its push to enter the lending market, something that it had so far been left out of. Payments banks were conceptualised as a separate category in 2015 to reach the under-banked and unbanked masses, accepting deposits of up to 2 lakh per customer. But they cannot lend.

Amid tighter licensing With the RBI sticking to its stance against allowing corporates into banking, many groups have instead turned to NBFC licences over the years. Large business houses such as Larsen & Toubro and Godrej Group also operate non-banking financial arms.

The motivation for Airtel to move to an NBFC set-up could be a large upside in revenue from lending products such as working capital loans, credit cards, personal loans etc. A payment bank has constraints over such offerings, said Abhay Johorey, managing director, Protiviti Member Firm for India, a consultancy.

According to Johorey, Airtel would need strong underwriting abilities with targeted lending and sound collection processes to succeed in the NBFC space.

He said that the 20,000-crore capital pool provides a solid base for a well-known brand like Bharti Airtel, allowing it to begin with small-ticket personal loans, refine its business model, and gradually build a diversified portfolio as it achieves key milestones.

Committed to inclusion Meanwhile, Airtel said that its expansion in Indias fast-growing financial services sector underscores its commitment to deepening financial inclusion and empowering the underserved consumers.

Over the past two years, Bharti Airtel has built a strong credit engine and operated under a lending service provider (LSP) model, facilitating loans for partners without lending from its own books.

The lending service provider platform has already achieved adoption with over 9,000 crore in disbursements, Airtel said.

We have built one of Indias most trusted and scalable digital credit enginesreaching millions with highquality credit supported by industrybest performance metrics, Gopal Vittal, executive vice-chairman of the company, said in the release. Our NBFC expansion strengthens this foundation and reflects our ambition to build a differentiated, futureready digital lending business.

Also Read | Centre plans market platform for AI startups in next mission phase: MeitY

As of December-end, Airtel had 466 million customers in India, including 368.5 million mobile users. In comparison, Jio had 515.3 million users in the country. Monthly average revenue per user (Arpu) for Airtel was at 259 compared to Jios 213.7.

In the quarter ended December, Jio Financial Services assets under management (AUM) under its NBFC was at 19,049 crore, up 4.5 times year-on-year.
Photo: https://t.me/V_Zelenskiy_official

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy considers Russia military exercises on the territory of Belarus to be "great risks" for Ukraine, as previous massive exercises were followed by an offensive on Ukrainian territory.

"I know they are talking about military exercises together with Russia on the territory of Belarus. Again. We will see how large they will be. But when they were very massive, the offensive on the territory of Ukraine began. Therefore, all of this is definitely a great risk for Ukraine. And, I believe, a great risk for Belarusians," Zelenskyy said in an interview with the independent Belarusian media outlet Zerkalo.
Clarifying the instruction from the Haryana government de-empanelling it, AU Small Finance Bank on Sunday informed the exchanges that it has initiated an internal review on the matter.

This comes after the Haryana government's decision on 22 February to de-empanel AU Small Finance Bank and IDFC First Bank for state government business until further orders. This means both institutions are barred from handling government funds, no deposits, investments or transactions will be routed through these banks, as per a notice from the state Finance Department.

Notably, on 21 February, IDFC First Bank said that four employees at its Chandigarh branch were suspected of involvement in a 590 crore fraud targeting Haryana government-linked accounts.

AU Small Finance Bank clarifies de-empanelment: Timeline According to the bank, on 16 February, it received a communication from a Haryana government department seeking account-opening and transaction details relating to one specific account opened by the said department (government account), and it submitted all related details.

Later, on 18 February, it received another communication from the department requesting details regarding suspected unauthorised transactions between the government account and another customer account with the bank, it added.

Later that same day, the state Finance Department informed the bank about its deempanelment for government business in Haryana.

 47 crore funds transfer: What does internal review show? The bank has initiated an internal review of this matter, which confirmed that the government and customer account involved were both duly opened after completion of all applicable KYC checks and requisite authorizations and in accordance with the Banks internal policies and processes.

Based on available facts at this stage and preliminary review, there is no indication of any financial impact or any fraudulent activity towards the Bank, it said.

It added that all transactions in the said government account were reviewed, and records show:

This government account was opened with an initial credit of  25 crore transferred from a large private sector bank.

25 crore transferred from a large private sector bank. Additional credits of around  47 crore were subsequently received through multiple transactions from IDFC First Bank, which has informed that employees are suspected of  590 crore fraud targeting Haryana government-linked accounts.

47 crore were subsequently received through multiple transactions from IDFC First Bank, which has informed that employees are suspected of 590 crore fraud targeting Haryana government-linked accounts. Out of the total credits received in the government account, AU Small Finance said about  47 crore was transferred to the customer account through 14 transactions.

47 crore was transferred to the customer account through 14 transactions. As per the Banks preliminary findings, all 14 transactions were initiated by the concerned government department, duly authorised, and executed in accordance with the instructions provided by the department, in the normal course of business.

The Bank maintains a complete audit trail and all details, including account opening forms, KYC documentation, cheques and other transaction instructions, verification call details and supporting records which have been submitted to the concerned government department, it added.

It said that the government account was closed on 15 January, following instructions from the department and the outstanding balance of  25 crore, along with accrued interest, was transferred back to the original large private sector bank.

What steps has AU Small Finance Bank taken? The Board has been informed that the bank continues its internal review on this matter. To ensure a fair and transparent review, certain employees have been placed off duty, it added.

Further, it is engaging with the Haryana government to assess the reasons for de-empanelment and will fully cooperate with the government and any other authorities, as required.

As on 17 February, AU Small Finance Bank had total deposits of ~  735 crore from the Haryana government, which has reduced to ~  538 crore as on 21 February across around 200 accounts (~0.4% of the banks overall deposits as on 31 December), post this de-empanelment.

What did the Haryana govt de-empanelment notice state? The Haryana government circular, dated 18 February, said no government funds shall henceforth be parked, deposited, invested, or transacted through IDFC First or AU Small Finance banks, PTI reported.

reported. It directed all concerned departments/organisations to take immediate action to transfer the balance and closure of accounts maintained with these banks.

The Finance Department statement said some banks were not adhering to the conditions under which fixed deposits (FDs) are being made by the departments and corporations.

In several cases, it has been observed that despite clear instructions to place funds in flexible deposits or other fixed deposit instruments offering higher rates of interest, banks are retaining the funds in savings accounts, resulting in lower returns and consequent financial loss to the government, it said.

It also directed all Departments, Corporations, Boards, and public sector utilities (PSUs) to: Ensure that FDs are placed strictly in accordance with the approved terms and conditions.

Immediately take up discrepancies with the concerned banks and report serious deviations to the Finance Department and complete the process in all respects by 31 March 31, reads the circular.

A compliance report, duly certified by the competent authority, is to be submitted to the Finance Department by 4 April.
According to the second person cited above, government departments usually step up spending in the last three months of the financial year, and that is when a majority of fund transfers happens. The person said the transactions are unlikely to have happened more than two months ago, since every quarter, the bank audits large-value accounts and these discrepancies would have surfaced in those assessments.
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) on Monday, 23 February, addressed reports that the Indian Air Force (IAF) had grounded the entire fleet of Tejas light combat aircraft (LCA) and clarified that there was no crash. The event involving LCA Tejas was only a minor technical incident, the state-owned firm informed in an exchange filing.

HAL acknowledges the recent media reports on the LCA Tejas incident and wishes to provide factual clarification. There has been no reported crash of the LCA Tejas. The event in question was a minor technical incident on ground, the filing read.

The Maharatna PSU clarified following reports that the IAF grounded the entire fleet of Tejas light combat aircraft after an accident earlier this month. The fighter jets airframe was severely damaged in the incident, PTI reported, citing sources familiar with the matter.

HAL assured that LCA Tejas has a top safety record among fighter aircraft. Meanwhile, the company informed that it is conducting a detailed analysis and working with the air force to resolve the issue promptly.

LCA Tejas maintains one of the worlds best safety records among contemporary fighter aircraft. As a standard operating procedure, the issue is being analysed in depth and HAL is working closely with the Indian Air Force for a speedy resolution, HAL said.

The current safety measures have been adopted for extensive technical scrutiny, sources familiar with the matter told the news agency.

Also Read | Tejas crash: IAF grounds entire fleet after third accident in two years

About LCA Tejas incident The reported incident occurred on 7 February 2026. This was the third accident involving the Tejas jets, built by the Aeronautical Development Agency.

According to the report, the aircraft's airframe suffered severe damage following a suspected brake failure. The jet overshot the runway at a front-line airbase. The pilot emerged uninjured from the incident. The aircraft, which had just taken part in a training sortie, was returning to the base when a system malfunction occurred, prompting the pilot to eject.

The most recent incident occurred months after the aircraft crash in Dubai. The Tejas crash at the Dubai Airshow in November 2025 resulted in the death of the pilot. This was the second crash in Tejas' history since its service began in 2015. The first Tejas accident occurred in March 2024, when a fighter jet crashed near Jaisalmer.

HAL shares take a hit Shares of Hindustan Aeronautics fell up to 4.5% during the day, mainly due to a third accident involving the Tejas jet, leading investors to reassess risks related to execution and delivery visibility, Mint reported earlier.
Its too early to discuss client names, but there is ample demand, and India has a huge market. Well roll out the first commercial display chip from our plant in 2028, and look to scale up to our peak capacity of 36 million chips per month very soon. About 60-70% of our production will be solely for the domestic market, where we believe theres ample demandin fact, this supply will cater to 25% of all of Indias display chip demand, Nadar-Malhotra said.
We have a dozen full of companies in our portfolio which will go IPO in the next 36 months. We have been big proponents of companies with predictable and profitable P&L going public without waiting for a billion-dollar valuation milestone, Blumes Vikram Gawande said. As founders raise institutional capital, they need to keep in mind that they need to honour the liquidity requirements of these investors in future.
Existing shareholders of UPL will receive proportionate shares in the new entity, which will house the core crop protection operations. The parent will retain a majority stake, while specialty chemicals (under Superform) and seeds (Advanta) remain wholly owned verticals within the broader group architecture. In January, the company filed a draft prospectus to list Advanta through an offer-for-sale by existing investors.
WhatsApp told the Supreme Court on Monday that it will fully comply with the Competition Commission of Indias (CCI) directions relating to user consent for sharing data with parent company Meta under its controversial 2021 privacy policy update by 16 March. The submission was made before a bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul Pancholi.

Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for WhatsApp, told the court that the company would adhere to the directions as modified by the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) in its December 2025 ruling, in which it directed Meta to implement the regulators safeguards within three months. The directions prohibit mandatory data sharing of WhatsApp data for non-core services, and requires WhatsApp to provide a transparent opt-out option that allows users to withdraw their consent at any time.

Sibal told the court that since the company has now complied with the directions, it is likely to withdraw its appeal challenging those aspects of the order. He also placed on record an affidavit by WhatsApp stating that it had not infringed on user privacy by sharing data for advertising purposes, as alleged by the regulator.

CCI's cousel told the court that there were multiple facets to WhatsApps data-sharing policy and that the regulator would demonstrate how the company leveraged its market dominance through data integration across Meta platforms. The bench recorded the submissions, directed WhatsApp to file a compliance affidavit, and deferred the matter, which is likely to be taken up again in April.

Long-running dispute The case arises from WhatsApps 2021 privacy policy update, which allowed sharing of user data  including phone numbers, device information and interactions with business accounts  with Meta companies, on what critics described as a take-it-or-leave-it basis. The update triggered widespread concerns about privacy and competition, leading the CCI to initiate proceedings.

In November 2024, the competition watchdog fined Meta and WhatsApp 213.14 crore, holding that WhatsApp had abused its dominant position by compelling users to accept expanded data sharing as a condition for continued access to the platform. The CCI said that the consent obtained under the policy was coercive and detrimental to competition.

Also Read | Indias privacy law starves businesses of data in an age of data abundance

Meta and WhatsApp challenged the order before the NCLAT. In its 4 November ruling, the appellate tribunal largely upheld the CCIs findings and penalty. However, it set aside a five-year ban on WhatsApp sharing user data with Meta companies for advertising purposes. Subsequently, the tribunal clarified that user consent would be mandatory for sharing both advertising and non-advertising data.

Both sides then moved the Supreme Court, with the CCI challenging the removal of the five-year ban and Meta contesting the findings of abuse of dominance and the fine.

Earlier Supreme Court warning During a previous hearing on 3 February, the Supreme Court had issued a stern warning to Meta and WhatsApp, saying they could not be allowed to share user data for advertising purposes under the 2021 policy. The bench directed the companies to file an affidavit giving a clear undertaking that user data would not be shared for advertising. It cautioned that failure to provide such an assurance could result in their pleas being dismissed. The companies sought time to respond to the courts queries, and no final order was passed at that stage.

The case has significant implications for Metas India operations. Its platforms, including WhatsApp, Facebook and Instagram, have nearly 850 million users between them in India, making the country one it largest markets worldwide.
How are deeptech accelerators different from regular accelerators?

Accelerator programmes are usually best suited for companies that have developed a minimum viable product ready to be taken to market. A programme, which can last anywhere form two days to six months, helps connect founders with industry experts and insiders. These connections help them understand the landscape where theyre building, what theyll need to do to stand out, how to raise money, and even how to run a business. Regular startups in an accelerator programme are usually tech-first businesses with high margins and easy scalability.
What has the US administration done so far?

As an immediate measure, he has imposed a 15% tariff using Section 122 of the trade act. Tariffs under this law can be levied for only up to 150 days and need congressional approval to be extended. For now, Trump has bought time as his administration looks for other avenues to rebuild the tariff wall. It is not yet clear how he will go about it.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has penned a letter in Bengali urging people of West Bengal to vote wisely in the upcoming polls.

The letter, which begins with 'Joy maa Kali', is being distributed door-to-door, months ahead of the high-stakes assembly polls in the state. A Hindi language version was also shared online.

The letter begins with 'Joy Maa Kali'  a praise for the goddess Kali. The letter mentions Bengal's historical record of being the home state of many great personalities, including Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose and Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, and asserts that Bengal needed a "new direction".

Joy Maa Kali (or Jai Maa Kali) is a powerful Sanskrit/Bengali invocation that translates to "Victory to Mother Kali."

In the letter, the prime minister of the ruling Trinamool Congress for the state's "under-development" and alleged the people of 'shonar Bangla', or 'golden Bengal' had been "cheated".

"The men, women and children of my dream of Sonar Bangla are today facing extreme deprivation. Their pain weighs heavily on my heart. From the depths of my being, I have taken a pledge - to develop and transform West Bengal into a prosperous state," he wrote.

The letter assumes significance as it will be seen as a direct appeal to the public before the election, which is being seen as a fierce TMC vs BJP battle.

The Maa Kali greeting The Joy Maa Kali greeting is a deviation from earlier BJP greetings. Until recently, the BJP's campaign in Bengal would begin with 'Jai Shri Ram.'

The shift to 'Joy aa Kali' and 'Joy Maa Durga' is seen as the BJP's attempt to align with Bengal's sociocultural ethos. On Sunday, Delhi CM Rekha Gupta began her address at a BP Mahila Morcha event in Kolkata, praising Maa Durga " You must invoke power of Durga within yourselves to protest your honour. No one else will do it for you," she said as reported by Times of India.

View full Image The shift to 'Joy aa Kali' and 'Joy Maa Durga' is seen as BJP's attempt at aligning with Bengal's sociocultural ethos. On Sunday, Delhi CM Rekha Gupta began her address at a BP Mahila Morcha event in Kolkata, praising Maa Durga " You must invoke power of Durga within yourselves to protest your honour. No one else will do it for you," she said.

The letter underlines the Bharatiya Janata Party's repeated allegation that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's government looks the other way when foreign nationals, mostly from Bangladesh, cross over illegally in exchange for votes.

PM Modi also referred to the Citizenship Amendment Act and said the BJP, if elected to power in Bengal, would ensure citizenship to all non-Muslim migrants from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, who claim to be fleeing those countries on grounds of religious persecution.

The letter claims that, over the past two terms, the Central government under him, tried to prioritise the overall development of the state, including launching schemes for farmers, young people, women, and the poorer sections of society. But the Bengal government did not cooperate, he alleged.

The schemes, funded by the federal government, had reached millions of people in West Bengal, the Prime Minister said, citing examples such as Jan Dhan Yojana, Ujjwala Yojana, and Ayushman Bharat, the centre's flagship universal healthcare scheme.

"Bengal has been tainted by illegal infiltration and violence against women. This state has been caught in narrow, vote bank politics, violence, and anarchy. Fake voters are gaining dominance. We must free ourselves from illegal infiltration and adopt good governance," the PM wrote.

PM Modi ends the letter invoking Syama Prasad Mookerjees role in keeping West Bengal an integral part of India and calls on people to take a pledge to build a Developed West Bengal by 2026. Mookerjee, the founder of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh (precursor to the BJP), is a pivotal ideological figure for the BJP.

The men, women, and children of my dream of Sonar Bangla are today facing extreme deprivation. Their pain weighs heavily on my heart.

The TMC or Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee have not yet responded to the allegations levelled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the letter.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that he categorically does not support the lifting of US sanctions against the self-proclaimed president of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, but is not opposed to the US conducting negotiations with him.

"No, I am not against America conducting negotiations with Lukashenko. I categorically do not support the lifting of sanctions against him," Zelenskyy said in an interview with the independent Belarusian media outlet Zerkalo.

He added that Ukraine had not raised the issue of Lukashenko with the American side because they saw "that the Americans are inclined to establish contact with him to achieve a result by diplomatic means."

"Now we will follow this path and talk to the USA about the fact that it cannot be right that he supports the Russian regimesupporting it through war, not just geopolitics. He helps kill civilians. We have evidence; we have everything on maps, everything recorded on video, etc.: how Shahed UAVs were launched from the territory of Belarus via repeaters. This is a crime because they helped Russiathis is a fact. After these strikes, civilians died," Zelenskyy emphasized.

According to him, Ukraine will now "engage in the legal aspect of these crimes."

As reported, on February 18, Zelenskyy signed a decree putting into effect the decision of the National Security and Defense Council to apply sanctions against Lukashenko.

It is noted that sanctions are applied, in particular, for the deployment in the second half of 2025 of a system of repeaters for controlling strike dronesthis increased the capability of the Russia army to deliver strikes on the northern regions of Ukraine.

Additionally, more than 3,000 Belarusian enterprises supply Russia with machinery, equipment, and components that belong to the category of critically important items. Specifically, these include components for the production of missiles that Russia uses during strikes on Ukraine. Furthermore, Lukashenko facilitated the involvement of Belarusian officials in the forced deportation of Ukrainian children to Russia.
The Election Commission on Monday published the final electoral roll for Tamil Nadu following the Special Intensive Revision (SIR). The poll-bound state now has 5,67,07,380 . Around 74 lakh voters were deleted through the SIR exercise.

Before the SIR exercise began, the number of voters in Tamil Nadu was 6.41 crore. The electorate has now dropped to 5.67 crore, as per the final list. This means 74 lakh names have been removed from the list in the poll-bound state.

The District Election Officers released the numbers in their respective districts. Later, Chief Electoral Officer Archana Patnaik held a press conference in the afternoon in Chennai.

View full Image Following an order of the Supreme Court of India, the Election Commission of India (ECI), on 30 January, said that they had instructed that the list of the names of the persons figuring in the category of logical discrepancies shall be displayed at the gram panchayat bhawans, public places and Taluka/Sub-Division, including the ward offices in urban areas.

Following an order of the Supreme Court of India, the Election Commission of India (ECI), on 30 January, said that they had instructed that the list of the names of the persons figuring in the category of logical discrepancies shall be displayed at the gram panchayat bhawans, public places and Taluka/Sub-Division, including the ward offices in urban areas.

Speaking in Chennai, Tamil Nadu Chief Electoral Officer Archana Patnaik said the electorate comprises 2.7 crore men, 2.8 crore women, and 7,617 third-gender voters. Patnaik said that as many as 4,38,425 applications were received for deletion from the voter list during the claims and objections period from 19 December 2025 to 30 January 2026. Of them, 4,23,172 entries have been deleted in the final electoral roll.

Tamil Nadu is voting to elect a new assembly later this year.

The SIR exercise sparked a row when it began first in Bihar in July last year, ahead of polls. As many as 6.9 million names were removed in Bihar. The exercise also sparked a political controversy in West Bengal, where elections are scheduled for later this year.

The Election Commission has suspended seven officials in West Bengal with immediate effect for serious misconduct, dereliction of duty and misuse of statutory powers in connection with the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise. The action has been taken using its powers under the electoral law,

The SIR exercise has sparked controversy in multiple states, including Bihar and West Bengal.

All the suspended officers were working as assistant electoral registration officers for the EC.
Tamil Nadu Elections: The ruling DMK has begun seat-sharing negotiations with allies ahead of the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly election, and Congress leader KC Venugopal called on Chief Minister M K Stalin at his Alwarpet residence.

According to Tamil Nadu Congress Committee sources quoted by news agencies, Venugopal, in the about 45-minute meeting on Sunday, apprised Stalin about his party's expectations and the constituencies it wished to contest.

The talks between Stalin and Venugopal took place against the backdrop of the recent meeting between DMK leader Kanimozhi and Congress top leader Rahul Gandhi in Delhi over seat-sharing.

Also, the meeting follows demands by a section of state Congress leaders seeking a share in power, while CM Stalin ruled out the possibility, saying such an arrangement would not suit Tamil Nadu.

Venugopal, before the commencement of talks, answering a question on Congress demands, said, "wait and see."

TNCC President K Selvaperunthagai and DMK's Kanimozhi were among the leaders present.

On Sunday, the DMK commenced seat-sharing talks by holding parleys with long-time ally the IUML, which sought 5 seats and the former offered 2 seats, citing the need to accommodate more allies.

The DMK leads the Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA) in Tamil Nadu, and its constituents include the Congress, DMDK, Left parties and Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK).

(With agency inputs)
But unlike Jeffrey Epsteins cozy messages with some business leaders or smiling photos of billionaires on Epsteins island, there are no exchanges with Lifetouch executives in the Epstein files. Its parent company, Shutterfly, was acquired by Apollo one month after Epsteins death in 2019. And it is one of nearly 200 companies in Apollos vast portfolio, which Black hasnt overseen in five years.
Iran is an important partner for Moscow and one that it wouldnt want to lose, especially after the U.S. deposed Nicolas Maduro, an ally of Russia, in Venezuela last month. At the same time, Russian President Vladimir Putin isnt likely to come to the aid of Khamenei if U.S. strikes appear on the verge of bringing him down.
Military officials have dismissed many of the incidents as birds, balloons or drones. Pilots often experience an optical illusion of a passing object that can make it appear to be traveling at great speed even if it is barely moving, officials have said. Quirks of infrared cameras can make a balloon or piece of trash seem to disappear and reappear as it gets close to water, giving the impression of a flying craft dipping into the ocean and flying back out, former military officials have said.
Shares of IDFC First Bank tumbled as much as 20% on Monday after the lender disclosed over the weekend that a 590-crore fraud had occurred at its Chandigarh branch involving Haryana government-linked accounts, prompting the Reserve Bank of India to step in with assurances that there was no systemic risk.

The stock fell sharply in early trade on the National Stock Exchange, slipping nearly 20% intraday to around 66.80 per share before trimming some losses. It closed at 70.09 per share.

According to the bank, the fraud pertains to a particular branch in Chandigarh and is confined to a limited set of Haryana government-linked accounts and certain branch employees, most possibly in connivance with external parties, fraudulently transferred funds to beneficiaries holding accounts outside the bank.

It is clearly a case of employee fraud, managing director and chief executive officer V. Vaidyanathan described it during a conference call held on Monday morning, adding that our internal fingerprints and details are quite clear that external parties are also involved here.

The total discrepancy stands at 590 crore, with 490 crore identified through reconciliation and an additional 100 crore estimated by the bank.

We feel that the number is broadly appropriate to the current situation. We do not anticipate this to broadly move from here on to a great extent, the banks management said, though it cautioned that minor changes are possible as the forensic audit progresses.

The bank has appointed KPMG to conduct a forensic audit, a process it expects could take four to five weeks. All suspected employees have been suspended, police complaints have been filed, and other law enforcement agencies have been engaged.

The lender has also initiated recovery and lien-marking actions across the banking system.

The money has gone to many other banks actually in the systemand theyre all highly cooperative, the management said.

Outflow beneficiaries Following the disclosure, the Haryana government de-empaneled the bank and AU Small Finance Bank from parking fresh deposits. AU Small Finance Bank has also initiated an internal review after this move by the Haryana government, alongside IDFC First Bank.

Potential beneficiaries from this deposit outflows at IDFC First Bank and AU Small Finance Bank could be Punjab National Bank and other state-owned banks, including State Bank of India, Canara Bank, Union Bank of India and private sector lenders such as HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank and Axis Bank, Rikin Shah, equity research analyst IIFL Capital Services said.

Haryana government deposits account for roughly 0.5% of the banks total deposits, while all state and Union government deposits together form 8-10%, Vaidyanathan said, adding that about 200 crore has already flowed out.

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However, the management maintained that the impact is manageable given the small share.

For the quarter ended December, the banks customer deposits touched 2.82 trillion, up 24% on year. The bank said that its overall deposits are growing at about 20-25%.

The fraud amounted to 5.9 billion (3% of deposits in Haryana). Assuming 10% of deposits in Haryana are from the government accounts, it would lead to a potential outflow of 20 billion (0.7% of total deposits), Shah said in a post-impact note.

According to Macquarie analysts, the fraud appears to be an isolated incident but warned of broader current account and savings account implications.

...there will be greater scrutiny of government deposits in private sector banks and some deposits could move to PSU banks over the medium term, particularly affecting Casa, the brokerage note said on Monday, adding that this has come as post-covid, Casa ratios across the system have already declined 500-600 basis points from peak levels.

Plugging the gaps Despite the hit, the lender exuded confidence on profitability. We were expecting a very solid quarterDespite this hit, if we were to take one, we still expect to be profitable, the management said.

Operating profit of the bank has crossed 2% from 0.5% earlier, and net interest margin is expected at about 5.8% in the March quarter, with credit costs trending lower.

Separately, Reserve Bank of India governor Sanjay Malhotra, speaking at a press conference with finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman in Delhi said that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is watching the development around the 590 crore fraud at the bank and said that there is no systemic issue.

To plug gaps, the bank plans to introduce mandatory digital confirmations for high-value branch-based transactions and deploy artificial intelligence-led checks for physical instruments.

This is the most traditional kind of fraudWe will really scan every nook and corner of the bank for any such process gaps, Vaidyanathan said.
India would certainly have stocks available for a few days, but if the blockade lasts for a longer period, then it would affect not just the buyers of oil and Iran, but also other suppliers in West Asia who use this strait to export their produce, Parikh said. Hopefully we (can) get more from the UAE and Saudi Arabia through alternate routes like the pipelines, and from other countries.
Again, while GCCs pay better than legacy IT companies, a senior engineer here still earns a fraction of his/her US peer. You need tentpole talent to move or stay in India, says Aadesh Goyal, former CHRO of Tata Communications. The fix, he says, is structural. As Indian companies move up the value chain and build technologies and products, the job market will take care of the rest, creating premium roles, and stronger career paths and compensation, including equity.
Gold, silver rates today: Following the US Supreme Court's decision on tariffs and Trump's issuance of a special order imposing 15% tariffs on all trade partners, the market is buzzing with trade uncertainty. This is expected to fuel gold and silver as safe-haven demand, as seen in early-morning Asian markets.

Investors are expected to remain vigilant about the developments in the US-Iran talks. Despite the scheduled next round of US-Iran talks on Thursday this week, tension in the Middle East is very high as both sides are blaming one another for their inability to clinch a consensus.

Following strong global cues, the MCX gold rate today opened with an upside gap at 1,58,458 per 10 gm and touched an intraday high of 1,60,600 within a few minutes of the Opening Bell. Likewise, the MCX silver rate today opened upside at 2,63,061 and touched an intraday high of 2,68,875 per kg within a few minutes of the MCX opening.

The COMEX gold rate today opened with an upside gap and touched an intraday high of $5,198.41/oz, logging an intraday gain of around 2% against Friday's close of $5,080/oz.

Likewise, the COMEX silver rate today opened with an upside gap and touched an intraday high of $87.753/oz, logging a gain of over 6% from the previous close.

Outlook for Silver, gold rates today

Expecting the bull trend in bullions to continue, Sugandha Sachdeva, Founder of SS WealthStreet, said, Overall, trade uncertainty, geopolitical risk premium, and macroeconomic crosscurrents continue to provide a structurally supportive backdrop for gold and silver.

The COMEX silver rate today is in $70 to $88 per ounce range, whereas the COMEX gold rate today is in $4,850 to $5,200 per ounce range. The precious white metal has given a fresh breakout at $85/oz, whereas the COMEX gold price today is on the cusp of giving a fresh breakout at $5,200, said Anuj Gupta, a SEBI-registered market expert.

Anuj Gupta said that if it decisively breaks above $5,200/oz, we can expect the precious yellow metal to reach $5,500/oz soon.

The global brokerage UBS has predicted $6,200.oz levels for gold prices by the end of 2026.
Kiaasa Retail IPO: The initial public offering (IPO) of Kiaasa Retail, an Indian fashion brand, kicked off for bidding on Monday, February 23. The SME IPO will be open till Wednesday, February 25.

Kiaasa Retail IPO price band has been fixed at 121 to 127 per share. The book-built offer is entirely a fresh issue of 0.55 crore shares worth 69.72 crore at the upper end of the price band. Since there is no offer-for-sale (OFS) component, the proceeds will go entirely to the company.

Kiaasa plans to use the offer proceeds for opening up new stores and general corporate purposes. Investors can apply for the SME IPO in lots of 1000 shares. The minimum investment required by retail investors at the upper end of the price band is 2,54,000 as they need to apply for at least two lots.

Kiaasa Retail IPO's basis of allotment is expected to be finalised on Thursday, February 26. Shares will be credited to the demat account of investors on Friday, February 27, and the refund to non-allottees is expected on the same day.

The shares of Kiaasa Retail will list on BSE SME, with the tentative listing date set as Monday, March 2.

Kiaasa Retail IPO subscription status According to data from Chittorgarh, Kiaasa Retail IPO is witnessing a slow demand. The offer received bids for 5,02,000 shares as against 52,15,000 shares on offer, resulting in a subscription status of 10% as of 3.55 pm on the first day.

The retail portion was booked 14% and the non-institutional investor (NII) quota at just 1%.

Kiaasa Retail IPO GMP today The grey market premium (GMP) for Kiaasa Retail IPO has seen a sharp spike. Data from Investorgain shows that Kiaasa Retail IPO GMP today is 26 as against nil earlier.

At the prevailing GMP, Kiaasa Retail IPO listing price could be 153, suggesting a listing pop of 20.47%. This is the highest GMP for Kiaasa Retail IPO so far. Investors must know that GMP is subject to swift changes and should not be the sole factor for making investment decisions.

Kiaasa Retail IPO details Kiaasa is an ethnic wear brand offering a wide range of apparel, footwear, and accessories designed exclusively for women. Its product portfolio includes salwar kameez, lehengas, jewellery, bags, and scarves. The brand caters to the evolving fashion needs of Indian women by providing high-quality, affordable products that reflect their individuality.

Also Read | Clean Max IPO, Shree Ram Twistex IPO among 9 new issues to open next week

Kiaasa operates through a network of exclusive brand outlets as well as an online platform, ensuring accessibility across multiple channels. It operates over 100 stores in more than 80 cities across India. The company has 113 brand outlets in 70 cities, plus an online presence.
Northern Commercial Court of Appeal to consider 2 cases on legal status of Gulliver complex on Feb 24

Photo: https://gullivercenter.com

The Northern Commercial Court of Appeal will hold hearings on Tuesday, February 24, in two cases concerning the future legal status of the Gulliver shopping and office complex (Kyiv), according to the press service of Oschadbank.

"The debtors intent in these cases amounts to attempts to establish control over the bankruptcy procedure through affiliated persons, which may affect further challenges to the state-owned banks ownership rights to the Gulliver shopping and office complex. The banks are defending their rights in accordance with the law and believe that the court will provide a proper legal assessment of all the circumstances of the case," the release posted on Oschadbanks website on Monday said.

The first case (No. 910/2221/25) concerns the legality of the opening by Tri O LLC, the complexs former owner, of a preventive restructuring procedure. The debtor initiated this procedure after a consortium of state-owned banks began foreclosure on the property. The hearing is scheduled for 10:00 a.m.

The second case (No. 910/11182/25), scheduled for consideration at 10:45 a.m., concerns the appeal by Tri O LLC against the opening of bankruptcy proceedings.

As reported, ownership rights to the Gulliver shopping and office complex were registered to a consortium of Oschadbank (80%) and Ukreximbank (20%) on July 26, 2025. The property had served as collateral for a loan on which the former owner, Tri O LLC, failed to meet its obligations.

Since October 31, 2025, the banking consortium decided to temporarily close the Gulliver complex. In December, the facility gradually resumed operations, and a full reopening of the Gulliver shopping and business center was planned for February 1, 2026. Some stores remain closed for now.

The phased reopening was necessitated by the need to eliminate the consequences of an emergency situation linked to the previous owners refusal to transfer critical engineering communications and incidents of equipment damage.

The Gulliver complex, located in Kyivs Pechersky district, opened in 2013. Its total area is 151,800 square meters. Construction of Gulliver was primarily financed by Oschadbank, which provided Tri O LLC with a $460 million loan. The debt restructuring procedure under the loan agreement secured by a mortgage on the Gulliver multifunctional complex in the amount of UAH 18.1769 billion was completed in 2020.
Omnitech Engineering IPO: The initial public offering (IPO) of Omnitech Engineering is set to open for public subscription on Wednesday, February 25, and will remain so until Friday, February 27. The book build issue is a combination of fresh issue of 1.84 crore shares and an offer for sale (OFS) of 73 lakh shares. With a price band set at 216 to 227 per share, the issue aims to raise 418 crore from the fresh issue of shares.

Share allotment is expected to be finalised on Monday, March 2, and shares of the company will list on the BSE and the NSE on Thursday, March 5.

Meanwhile, Omnitech Engineering's IPO GMP on Monday, February 23, was 7. This suggests the stock could be listed at 234, with a 3% premium.

Omnitech Engineering IPO: 10 things from RHP Ahead of the IPO this week, here are the 10 key things that investors should know about the share sale from the RHP:

1. IPO details The mainboard issue combines a fresh issue of 418 crore and an offer for sale of 165 crore. Thus, the total issue size is 583 crore. Udaykumar Arunkumar Parekh is the promoter selling shareholder in the OFS.

2. Omnitech Engineering IPO book-running lead managers and registrar Equirus Capital Private Limited and ICICI Securities Limited are the book-running lead managers, and MUFG Intime India Private Limited is the registrar of Omnitech Engineering IPO.

3. Omnitech Engineering IPO objects The company intends to use the net proceeds from the issue for the repayment and/or pre-payment of certain outstanding borrowings, setting up of new manufacturing facilities at Rajkot, Gujarat, capital expenditure requirements for the purchase and installation of solar panels, and for general corporate purposes.

4. Omnitech Engineering business The company manufactures high precision engineered components and assemblies, supplying to global customers across industries such as energy, motion control and automation, industrial equipment systems, metal forming and other diversified industrial applications.

5. Omnitech Engineering financial performance The company's profit for FY23 was 322.92 million, which fell to 189.08 million and jumped to 438.65 million.

The company's revenue from operations for FY23 was 1,773.31 million, which increased to 1,781.80 million in FY24, and to 3,429.13 million in FY25.

6. Omnitech Engineering management The company's board comprises seven directors, of whom two are executive directors, one is a non-executive director, and four are independent directors, including one independent woman Director.

Udaykumar Arunkumar Parekh, 46, is the Chairman and Managing Director of the company.

7. Omnitech Engineering peers Azad Engineering Limited, Unimech Aerospace and Manufacturing Limited, PTC Industries Limited, MTAR Technologies Limited, and Dynamatic Technologies Limited are the listed peers of the company.

8. Precision-engineered goods market to see healthy growth in India As per the RHP, in 2024, the precision-engineered goods market in India stood at $7.1 billion, exhibiting a CAGR of 7.1% during the period of 2018 to 2024. Going forward, by 2028, this segment is projected to reach a value of $11.1 billion, representing a CAGR of 11.5% from 2025 to 2028.

9. Concentration of key customers is a key risk The company generates significant revenues from its top 10 customers. The loss of such customers or a significant reduction in its revenue from such customers will have a material adverse impact on the business.

10. Tariff risk According to the RHP, tariffs or other anti-outsourcing legislation may adversely affect the company's pricing and volume of work and have an overall negative impact on the business, financial condition and results of operations.

Read all IPO market-related news here

Read more stories by Nishant Kumar
JSW stock was listed on 3 October 2023; the promoters must reduce their stake to 75% or below by 2 October 2026, i.e., within three years of the date of listing. The current promoter stake is 83.6%, which means the equity base would need to be diluted by 12% to bring it to 75%. Thus, the management has kept the issue size of fresh equity shares at 12% of the current number of equity shares, at 2.1 billion, or about 250 million.
Dassault Aviation share price: Stocks of the Rafale fighter jet maker, Dassault Aviation SA, will be in focus today. The major reason Dassault Aviation's stock has attracted investor attention is the recent development in India, which is expected to provide sustained business for the defence company, during the recently concluded official visit of French President Emmanuel Macron.

According to a Reuters report, France and India are entering a new era of defence cooperation, with plans to jointly produce Rafale fighter jets and helicopters, French President Emmanuel Macron said last Thursday, adding that France also hopes to sell more submarines to India.

India's order for another 114 Rafale fighter jets is a "new step forward" in defence ties between the two countries, and France hopes to see this replicated with submarines as well, Macron told reporters at the end of a three-day visit to India.

Rafale fighter jets flown by the Indian Air Force were in the spotlight during Indias conflict with Pakistan last May.

According to stock market experts, this development is expected to boost the defence company's sustained business in India. The deal size is around $40 billion. This deal is the largest single military procurement in the history of either country, and out of the 114 Rafael fighter jets ordered, 96 will be made in India.

Counter to Pakistan and China Speaking on the outlook of the recent Rafael order by India and making 96 out of the 114 ordered Dassault Aviation-made fighter jets, Avinash Gorakshkar, a SEBI-registered fundamental analyst, said, "The French President concluded his official visit to India last week but the nitty-gritty of the deal suggests that New Delhi is making preparations for the looming geopolitical tension in Asia, especially from its neighboring countries China and Pakistan."

Avinash Gorakshkar said that Rafael Acquisition will address the IAF's critical shortage of fighter squadrons.

Terming this deal a master stroke with a long-term impact on the business and geopolitical setup, Avinash Gorakshkar listed the following two major outcomes that may attract stock investors' attention to Dassault Aviation's share price today.

1] Local manufacturing: Dassault Aviation is partnering with Indian firms (including the Tata Group and Mahindra) to establish local production lines, likely centred at the Dassault Reliance Aerospace Limited (DRAL) facility in Nagpur.

2] Technology transfer: These will be the latest F4 variant jets, with a roadmap to upgrade them to the future F5 standard.

Fundamentals of Dassault Aviation stock price Highlighting the fundamentals of Dassault Aviation's share price, Avinash Gorakshkar said, The defence company has a cash reserve of approximately 9.6 billion (as of late 2025). The company's net margins are steady at around 11.50%, and its operating margins are 8.50% to 9.0%. The company's debt-to-equity ratio is around 0.40.

Dassault Aviation share price target Speaking on the technical outlook of Dassault Aviation stocks, Anshul Jain, Head of Research at Lakshmishree, said that Dassault Aviation has broken out of a textbook bullish flag, characterised by a strong high-volume pole followed by a low-volume consolidationan ideal continuation pattern. The breakout has occurred with renewed participation, indicating institutional conviction and signalling resumption of the primary uptrend. Price structure across timeframes remains constructive, with momentum expanding post-breakout.

"The setup points to an immediate move toward the 415 to 420 per share zone, where the first resistance cluster lies, followed by a potential extension toward 450 to 455, if buying pressure sustains. Risk remains favourable as long as the stock holds above the flags upper boundary, which now acts as support," Jain added.
IT Stocks: India has increasingly emerged as what Chris Wood of Jefferies describes as the reverse AI trade, a theme he has discussed earlier in the GREED & Fear report.

A key positive catalyst came with the announcement of a strategic tie-up between Anthropic and Infosys to jointly develop custom AI agents tailored to the needs of individual enterprises. It reinforces the idea that corporates are moving toward small, purpose-built language models rather than relying solely on large, generic AI platforms.

This development reinforces what we were told on the ground in India, namely that corporates are likely to build smaller language models using proprietary datasets, with Indian IT services firms playing a central role in helping clients migrate to this new AI architecture, Chris Wood said in the GREED & Fear report.

IT Stocks fall today The Nifty IT index slipped 1.2% in todays session, trading just over 2% above its 52-week low of 30,918.95. This marked the third consecutive day of decline for the index, which has now fallen 4% over the past three sessions. In contrast, the benchmark Nifty index advanced 0.6% during the session.

Also Read | Indian equities near inflection point? PL Capital sees recovery after volatility

So far in 2026, the Nifty IT index has declined 16.5%, significantly underperforming the broader market, as the Nifty has slipped only 1.5% over the same period.

On a longer-term basis, the IT index has dropped 22% over the past one year, 14% in the last three months, and 17% in the past one month, highlighting sustained weakness across the sector.

All constituents of the Nifty IT index were trading in the red. Coforge emerged as the top loser, sliding 2.5%, followed by LTI Mindtree, which fell 2%. Shares of Mphasis, Wipro, Infosys and Tech Mahindra declined by more than 1% each. Persistent Systems, HCL Tech, L&T Technology Services and TCS were also lower, shedding over 0.5% apiece.

Why AI adoption may stabilise Indian IT services According to Chris Wood, this shift is important because it repositions Indian IT companies as enablers of AI adoption, rather than victims of it. Infosys disclosed that 90% of its top 200 large clients are already using its AI services, underlining that enterprise demand is not theoretical but actively building.

This narrative comes at a time when Indian IT stocks have significantly underperformed.

This matters from a market perspective because it challenges the assumption that Indian IT services are inevitable losers from AI, which has been a key reason for their severe underperformance both domestically and versus global emerging markets, Chris Wood wrote in the GREED & Fear report.

Beyond markets, the implications extend to the broader economy. The IT services sector employs around 5.8 million people, making it a crucial pillar of Indias white-collar employment base. While hiring momentum has slowed sharply, the sector still added a net 126,000 jobs in FY25, compared with 445,000 jobs in FY22.

That should ease concerns about the macro risk of a sudden implosion in IT services, which would otherwise have serious negative multiplier effects through job losses, consumption, and confidence in the Indian economy, Chris Wood said.

Adding to the optimism, Infosys recently held its Investor AI Day in Bengaluru, where it unveiled its AI First services strategy. According to Jefferies analysis, these offerings could address a potential market opportunity of $300400 billion by 2030, highlighting that AI may yet become a growth lever rather than a threat for Indian IT.

For investors, the takeaway is clear: while AI disruption fears have weighed heavily on valuations, emerging evidence suggests that Indian IT services firms may still carve out a meaningful role in the next phase of enterprise AI adoption.
IDFC First Bank share price: IDFC First Bank shares extended their fall as they crashed 20% on Monday, February 23, after the lender informed stock exchanges that it had uncovered fraudulent transactions worth around 590 crore at one of its branches in Chandigarh, allegedly involving a few employees.

IDFC First Bank shares had opened 10% lower but extended losses as the selling pressure showed no signs of abating. The stock hit the day's low of 66.85, lowest level in 8 months, since June 2025.

Why is IDFC First share price falling? The sharp crash in IDFC First Bank share price followed after the private lender disclosed suspected fraudulent transactions, which raised concerns over internal controls and potential earnings impact.

As per the lender, the issue came to light after it received a request from a department of the Haryana government seeking closure of its account and transfer of funds to another bank. During this process, the bank noticed discrepancies between the amount stated in the request and the account balance, prompting a deeper review.

"The aggregate amount under reconciliation across the identified accounts at the abovementioned Branch is approximately 590 crore. The impact may be determined based on receipt of further information, validation of claims, recoveries of any nature, including those made through the process of marking lien on fraudulent beneficiary accounts maintained with other Banks, liabilities of other entities involved in the fraudulent transactions, and the legal recovery process," IDFC First Bank said in a regulatory filing.

Haryana government's de-empanelment Following the disclosure, the Haryana government on Sunday de-empanelled IDFC First Bank and AU Small Finance Bank from handling government business with immediate effect.

As per a circular issued by the Finance Department, no government funds will be parked, deposited, invested or transacted through these banks until further orders.

"IDFC First Bank and AU Small Finance Bank are hereby de-empanelled for government business in Haryana with immediate effect till further orders," according to a circular issued by the Finance Department.

The state government directed all departments, organisations, boards, corporations and public sector undertakings to immediately transfer balances and close accounts maintained with the two banks. The Finance Department also highlighted lapses in compliance with fixed deposit instructions, noting that funds meant for flexible or higher-yield fixed deposits were allegedly kept in savings accounts, resulting in lower returns and financial losses.

All departments have been asked to strictly adhere to approved deposit terms, carry out monthly reconciliations, and report discrepancies to the Finance Department. The government has directed that all reconciliations be completed by March 31, 2026, with a certified compliance report to be submitted by April 4, 2026.

IDFC First Bank fraud: What we know so far IDFC First Bank said that, on a preliminary basis, unauthorised and fraudulent activities appear to have been carried out by certain employees at the Chandigarh branch in a specific set of Haryana government accounts, potentially involving other individuals or entities.

The lender added that the estimated fraud amount of 590 crore remains subject to reconciliation and could change once additional information and recoveries are factored in. The bank explained that similar discrepancies were observed in other Haryana government-linked accounts from February 18 onwards.

"Prima facie, unauthorised and fraudulent activities have been carried out by certain employees at a particular branch in Chandigarh in a specific set of Haryana state government accounts and potentially involving other individuals/entities/counterparties," the bank said in its filing.

It further clarified that an initial internal review suggested the issue is limited to a specific group of government-related accounts operated through the Chandigarh branch and does not affect other customers of the branch.

Four bank officials have been suspended pending investigation. IDFC First Bank said it will initiate strict disciplinary, civil and criminal proceedings against employees and external parties found to be involved. The matter was placed before the Special Committee of the Board for Monitoring and Follow-up of Cases of Fraud on February 20, 2026.

The lender also said it is in the process of appointing an independent external agency to conduct a forensic audit. A complaint has been lodged with the police, and the bank has assured full cooperation with investigating agencies. In addition, recall requests have been sent to certain beneficiary banks to mark liens on balances in suspicious accounts.

IDFC Bank share performance The stock has been under pressure recently, down 10% in a month and 4% in three months. However, it rose 24% in a year and 8% in 6 months.

The banking scrip is currently over 13% away from its 52-week high of 87, hit in January 2026; meanwhile, it touched its 52-week low of 52.50 in April last year.

View full Image IDFC First Bank share price (Source BSE)
IDFC First Bank share price slipped 20% on Monday after the private lender disclosed a suspected fraud amounting to 590 crore at its Chandigarh branch, raising concerns about the potential impact on its earnings.

The private lender disclosed that employees at its Chandigarh branch had carried out unauthorized transactions in accounts linked to the Haryana state government, creating a deposit balance discrepancy of approximately 590 crore.

In a conference call on February 23, IDFC First Banks management clarified that the incident was restricted to only the Chandigarh branch and did not involve any other locations across its network of over 1,000 branches. It said that the employees allegedly involved have been suspended, and police complaints have been filed.

Management said the initially identified amount stood at 490 crore, with an additional conservative estimate of 100 crore, taking the total estimated impact to 590 crore. This figure is considered broadly accurate at present, the bank said, adding that it has transparently communicated the outer limit of the exposure.

Here are key takeaways from the managements concall:

Detection and Timeline The issue first came to light after the Haryana government flagged discrepancies in account statements post February 18. Following this, the bank reconciled related accounts. Management emphasized that there was no system failure; alerts, SMS notifications and transaction statements were generated as per protocol.

The transactions were executed through cheque-based instruments and not via electronic channels, pointing to alleged employee collusion with third parties rather than a technology lapse.

Forensic Audit To investigate the matter, IDFC First Bank has appointed KPMG to conduct a forensic audit, covering the entire chain of events. The process is expected to take 45 weeks. The review will verify facts, determine accountability and assess intent. The Board has taken cognisance of the issue and is acting in line with regulatory guidance.

Recovery Actions IDFC First Banks management said that the recovery efforts are underway. The bank said funds were transferred to multiple other banks, which have been cooperative in the process. It is analysing the case across various scenarios to identify funds not legitimately disbursed and expects further recoveries.

Financial Impact On the financial front, management maintained that the bank remains well-capitalised, with a liquidity coverage ratio of around 115% and capital adequacy above regulatory norms. It said that the core operations remain strong, though the bank may take appropriate provisions.

The management informed that Haryana-related deposits account for roughly 0.5% of total deposits, while overall government deposits typically comprise 810%.

The private lender also holds an employee dishonesty insurance policy of about 35 crore.

Despite the setback, management reiterated confidence in core operations, guided for net interest margins of around 5.8% for the current quarter, and described the incident as a one-off branch-level event.
Textile stocks were in focus on Monday, February 23 led by Kitex Garments that rose by 10.4%, Welspun Living increased by 4.2%, and Trident climbed by 7.5% after the US Supreme Court declared the Trump tariffs illegal.

Shortly after this decision, former President Trump announced a new 15% global tariff that would affect all countries.

Dr. VK Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist at Geojit Investments, believes this new 15% global tariff, introduced under section 122, will face legal challenges.

Vijayakumar predicts a strong chance that the tariff will be canceled because section 122 allows the president to impose tariffs only during a serious Balance of Payments crisis, which the US currently does not have.

India previously faced tariffs of around 18%, while Bangladesh's tariffs were set at 19% and Vietnam's at 20%. This provided Indian exporters with a competitive edge. However, the introduction of a uniform global tariff of 15% for 150 days has eliminated this advantage, placing all competing exporters on a more equal footing, believes analysts.

Market expert Sunil Subramaniam firmly pointed out in a Moneycontrol news report that sectors were previously burdened by duties ranging from 18% to as high as 50%. The recent reduction in tariffs is undoubtedly a positive development, as it alleviates margin pressure significantly.

Furthermore, small- and mid-cap engineering firms, which have seen their export order books shrink sharply, are poised for recovery as a result of this change.

Technicals Views Ruchit Jain, VP - Head of Equity Technical Research, Motilal Oswal Financial Services, said that recently there has been some positive momentum in the textile stocks on back of India US trade deal which could boost textile exports. The stocks from this sector have gone through a long consolidation phase and the recent price volume action indicates buying interest and hence a stock specific momentum can be seen in the short term.

Further, Anshul Jain, Head of Research at Lakshmishree explained that Within textiles, Welspun Living Limited has been locked in a 42-week range between 152 and 109, reflecting prolonged equilibrium rather than trend. Price remains far from breakout, but a decisive breach above 152 would confirm range resolution and open a measured move toward 175. Volume expansion at the pivot will be critical to validate momentum.

Meanwhile, Vardhman Textiles Limited presents a stronger higher-timeframe setup. The stock has consolidated for nearly 213 weeks, building a long base with a breakout pivot near 550. A sustained move above this level projects an upside toward 700, supported by improving structure and tightening volatility, said Jain.

From a riskreward perspective, VTL offers a broader structural breakout, while Welspun provides a tactical range play. Both remain bullish on confirmed breakouts with volume follow-through, added Jain.
Investors spooked by governance blackhole?

Religare has had a tough ride, facing one governance issue after another. The fund diversion from RFL by the erstwhile promoters a decade back was followed by a few years of stability until Daburs Burmans apparently hostile takeover made it to the news. Besides, there was a corporate power struggle against former chairperson and director Rashmi Saluja, which had opened a can of worms, from allegations of insider trading to Esop allocations that had drawn the EDs ire.
The Indian stock market ended with healthy gains on Monday, February 23, amid mixed global cues. The Sensex closed at 83,294.66, rising 480 points, or 0.58%, while the Nifty 50 closed at 25,713, up 142 points, or 0.55%. The mid and small-cap segments, however, ended mixed. The BSE 150 MidCap Index fell 0.21%, while the BSE 250 SmallCap Index jumped 0.51%.

The overall market capitalisation of BSE-listed firms rose to 469 lakh crore from 467 lakh crore in the previous session, making investors richer by about 2 lakh crore in a single session.

Indian stock market today: 10 key highlights 1. Why did the Indian stock market rise today? The domestic market witnessed healthy buying interest after the US Supreme Court struck down tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump.

The domestic market is witnessing stock-specific buying interest largely in banks, power, pharma, and FMCG counters amid expectations of healthy demand and economic recovery.

"The U.S. Supreme Courts ruling against Trumps reciprocal tariff policy was welcomed by domestic markets. Investors are awaiting more clarity on Trumps revised strategy and the scope of renegotiations by other nations," Vinod Nair, Head of Research, Geojit Investments Limited, noted.

"Sectorally, the IT index faced pressure from unresolved concerns over AIdriven disruption. Nonetheless, investors favoured domestic themes, with banks, power, FMCG, and consumer discretionary stocks gaining traction on expectations of resilient demand and economic recovery," Nair added.

2. Top Nifty 50 gainers As many as 35 stocks ended higher in the Nifty 50 index, among which Adani Ports (up 2.93%), Kotak Mahindra Bank (up 2.22%), and HDFC Life Insurance Company (up 1.89%)ended as the top gainers.

3. Top losers in the Nifty 50 index Hindalco Industries (down 2.08%), Wipro (down 1.89%), and Infosys (down 1.90%) ended as the top losers in the index.

4. Sectoral indices today Most sectoral indices ended higher, with Nifty PSU Bank (up 1.36%), Financial Services (up 0.87%), Auto (up 0.83%), and FMCG (up 0.70%) clocking healthy gains.

Nifty Bank rose 0.15%.

On the other hand, Nifty IT (down 1.42%), Metal (down 0.23%), and Realty (down 0.19%) ended with losses.

5. Most active counters in terms of volume IDFC First Bank (62 crore shares), Vodafone Idea (38.6 crore shares), and Tata Silver Exchange Traded Fund (27.1 crore shares) were the most active counters in terms of volume on the NSE.

Also Read | These are the top most traded stocks on the NSE today

6. Advance-decline ratio The advance-decline ratio remained in favour of decliners as over 1,900 stocks advanced while nearly 2,400 declined on the BSE.

7. Seven stocks jump over 15% on BSE Morepen Laboratories, City Pulse Multiventures, Koura Fine Diamond Jewellery, Kay Power and Paper, Lykis, Annvrridhhi Ventures, and Akme Fintrade (India) were among the seven stocks that jumped over 15% on the BSE.

Meanwhile, IDFC First Bank, Technopack Polymers, and Tanvi Foods (India) were among the 10 stocks that crashed more than 15% on the BSE.

8. Some 124 stocks hit 52-week highs Some 124 stocks, including SBI, Larsen & Toubro, and NTPC, hit their 52-week highs in intraday trade on the BSE.

9. 238 stocks hit 52-week lows Wipro, Suzlon Energy, Info Edge (India), Mankind Pharma, and L&T Technology Services were among the 238 stocks that hit their 52-week lows in intraday trade on the BSE.

10. Nifty's technical outlook According to Sudeep Shah, Head - Technical and Derivatives Research at SBI Securities, the zone of 25,800-25,830 will act as an immediate hurdle for the Nifty 50.

"Any sustainable move above 25,830 will lead to a sharp upside rally to the 26,000 level. On the downside, the zone of 25,600-25,570 will act as crucial support for the index," said Shah.

Shrikant Chouhan, Head of Equity Research, Kotak Securities, believes that the 20-day SMA or 25,600 will act as an immediate reference point for day traders.

"As long as the market is trading above this level, the bullish momentum is likely to continue. On the higher side, 25,800 would be the key resistance area for the bulls. A successful breakout of 25,800 could push the market up to 25,95026,000," said Chouhan.

"On the flip side, below 25,600, sentiment could change. If the market falls below this level, it is likely to retest the levels of 25,50025,450," said Chouhan.

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Stock Market Today Highlights: Nifty 50 and Sensex advanced on Monday following the US Supreme Court's decisive ruling to strike down President Donald Trump's sweeping tariffs.

Sensex climbed 479.95 points to settle at 83,294.66; Nifty 50 advanced 141.75 points to 25,713.

The Indian stock market opened higher on Monday as global risk sentiment improved after the recent developments over US tariffs.

The BSE Sensex opened 92.12 points, or 0.11%, higher at 82,906.83, while the NSE Nifty 50 gained 107.15 points, or 0.42%, to open at 25,678.40.

Market extended rally amid strong buying across most sectors. The Sensex rallied 600 points, while the Nifty 50 traded above 25,700 level, and the Bank Nifty rose above 61,200.

Broader markets supported the rally, with the Nifty Smallcap 100 and the Nifty Midcap 100 indices trading in the green.

The US Supreme Court struck down President Donald Trumps earlier reciprocal tariffs. Trump subsequently signed an executive order imposing a fresh 15% global tariff for 150 days.

Globally, Asian markets traded higher, while the US stock market gained last week after the SCOTUS ruling on Trump tariffs.

Meanwhile, investors will watch out for the nuclear talks between US and Iran amid the ongoing geopolitical tensions. President Trumps remarks about potentially exploring alternative legal routes to advance his tariff agenda may also keep market sentiment vulnerable and volatile.

Gold Rate Today

Gold and silver prices on Multi Commodity Exchange of India (MCX) opened sharply higher. MCX gold rate today for April futures contracts opened with a gain of 1,582, or 1%, at 1,58,458 per 10 grams as against its previous close of 1,56,876 level.

MCX silver rate today opened higher by 10,117, or 4%, at 2,63,061 per kilogram as against its previous close of 2,52,944 level.

Bullion prices extended rally as MCX gold price was trading up by 2,979.00, or 1.90, at 1,59,855 level and MCX silver price was trading higher by 13,971, or 5.52%, at 2,66,915 level.

Gold prices in the international market rose to a more than three-week high, as the dollar fell after on Trumps tariffs developments. Spot gold rate rallied 1.2% to $5,163.60 per ounce, hitting a more than three-week high. US gold futures for April delivery increased 2% to $5,184.90. Spot silver price climbed 3.1% to $87.10 per ounce, a more than two-week high.

Stay tuned to our Stock Market Today Live Blog for the latest updates.
Photo: screenshot

Ukraines Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the United Kingdom and former Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Valeriy Zaluzhny, points out the lack of military capability for any country to end the Russia-Ukraine war.

"Today, it no longer matters who still thinks in terms of peace and dwells in the illusions of the past. Todays war between us and the Russian occupiers is what it is. And we know for certain that right now, no country has sufficient military force to prevent this war," Zaluzhny said speaking at Chatham House in London on the eve of the anniversary of the full-scale war in Ukraine.
Stock market today: The Indian stock market witnessed a measured recovery in the latest session after a volatile corrective phase, with the Nifty 50 closing 0.46% higher at 25,571.25, the Sensex advancing 0.38% to 82,814.71, and the Bank Nifty outperforming with a 0.71% gain to 61,172.00. The rebound was primarily driven by strength in banking, metals, and energy stocks, which helped offset lingering weakness in the IT sector and concerns stemming from US-Iran tensions and global trade uncertainties.

DIIs continued to act as a stabilising force against FIIs' outflows, while positive PMI readings reinforced confidence in resilient private sector activity, particularly in manufacturing. The recent pullback is viewed as a corrective move within a broader uptrend, with key supports holding firm and earnings momentum limiting downside risk.

Trump's tariffs on India After the US Supreme Court's decision on Trump's tariffs, experts expect a gap-up opening for the Indian stock market today. They believe the Indian stock market was closed when the US Supreme Court decision on tariffs, but the Gift Nifty 50 futures were open and closed around 200 points higher than Friday's Nifty 50 close on Dalal Street.

Expecting a gap-up opening for the Indian stock market today, Avinash Gorakshkar, a SEBI-registered fundamental equity analyst, said, When these developments took place, the Indian stock market was closed, but the Gift Nifty was open. Generally, the Gift Nifty index and the Nifty 50 index closed with marginal differences. But on Friday, the Nifty 50 index closed at 25,571, while the Gift Nifty 50 futures for February 26, 2026, expiry closed at 25,764, around 200 points higher than the Nifty 50 index. So, I won't be surprised if the BSE Sensex opens more than 500 points higher on Monday.

Gold, silver rates today Following the US Supreme Court's decision on tariffs and Trump's issuance of a special order imposing 15% tariffs on all trade partners, the market is buzzing with trade uncertainty. This is expected to fuel gold and silver as safe-haven demand, as seen in the early morning Asian markets.

The COMEX gold rate today opened with an upside gap and touched an intraday high of $5193.91/oz, logging an intraday gain of around 2% against Friday's close of $5,080/oz. Likewise, the COMEX silver rate today opened with an upside gap and touched an intraday high of $87.395/oz, logging a gain of over 6% from the previous close.

Expecting the bull trend in bullions to continue, Sugandha Sachdeva, Founder of SS WealthStreet, said, Overall, trade uncertainty, geopolitical risk premium, and macroeconomic crosscurrents continue to provide a structurally supportive backdrop for gold and silver.

FII-DII data FIIs ended as net sellers on Friday, selling Indian shares worth 935 crore. However, DIIs stand tall against the FIIs' selling. DIIs bought shares worth 2,637 crore.

USD vs INR The Indian National Rupee (INR) plunged 26 paise to settle at 90.94 against the US dollar on Friday, tracking a strong US Dollar (USD) and higher crude oil prices amid intensifying US-Iran war buzz.

Speaking on the outlook of the Indian Rupee against the US Dollar, Jateen Trivedi, VP Research  Commodity & Currency at LKP Securities, said, "The Indian Rupee witnessed weakness as the standoff keeps risk sentiment elevated. The rupee weakened by 0.30% to 91.01 against the USD. Over the weekend, the escalation between the US and Iran will be closely monitored by the participants. However, the AI Summit in India promises India-focused AI and innovations, which can keep fund inflow in India, with the Euro joining hands with India. Rupee support seen at 91.25, resistance seen near 90.50."

Stock market today Expecting a positive opening for the Indian stock market today, Ponmudi R, CEO at Enrich Money, said, the Indian stock market is poised for a steady-to-positive start, as reflected by firm trends in GIFT Nifty amid improving global risk sentiment after the US Supreme Court struck down President Donald Trumps earlier reciprocal tariffs. Although he subsequently signed an executive order imposing a fresh 1015% global tariffeffectively resetting tariffs on Indian exports to around 10% for nowthe broader backdrop remains cautious.

Ongoing geopolitical tensions between the United States and Iran continue to influence crude oil prices, while President Trumps remarks about potentially exploring alternative legal routes to advance his tariff agenda reintroduce policy uncertainty. While near-term sentiment has improved, markets may remain vulnerable to intermittent bouts of volatility as geopolitical and trade developments evolve, the Enrich Money CEO said.

Stocks to buy today Regarding stocks to buy today, stock market experts  Sumeet Bagadia, Executive Director at Choice Broking, and Shiju Koothupalakkal, Senior Manager of Technical Research at Prabhudas Lilladher  recommended buying these five buy-or-sell stocks: Vardhman Textiles, ABSLAMC, BHEL, Cummins India, and JSW Energy.

Sumeet Bagadia's stock recommendations today 1] Vardhman Textiles: Buy at 536, Target 574, Stop Loss 517.

Vardhman Textiles' share is currently trading at 536; the stock has recently reached its 52-week high of 539.9 after breaking out of a consolidation phase. This bullish formation signals a shift in sentiment and marks the beginning of a potential long-term uptrend. The breakout is accompanied by a noticeable rise in volume, indicating strong market participation and fresh buying interest.

2] ABSLAMC: Buy at 918, Target 984, Stop Loss 885.

ABSLAMC's share is currently trading at 918, maintaining a strong upward trajectory. The stock is in a strong bullish trend, with price action showing a clear shift from consolidation to a sharp upward move. After spending time in a sideways range, the stock has formed a rounding base, broken out to the upside, and reached its 52-week high of 921, indicating steady accumulation followed by renewed buying interest.

Shiju Koothupalakkal's intraday stocks for today 3] BHEL: Buy at 257, Target 270, Stop Loss 252.

The stock, after a brief correction, has indicated a revival, taking support near the important 200-period MA at 254, with decent volume participation, and has improved the bias to expect a further rise in the coming sessions. The RSI is well-positioned and, with upside potential visible, can continue the positive move.

4] Cummins India: Buy at 4733, Target 4900, Stop Loss 4660.

The stock has recently indicated a strong uptrend, with a robust move, and is currently sustaining above the breakout zone at the 4600 level, further improving the bias for further upward moves in the coming sessions. The RSI is strongly maintained and has upside potential to continue the positive move.

5] JSW Energy: Buy at 493.95, Target 520, Stop Loss 484.

The stock has recently picked up well from the bottom made near the 435 zone, with the daily chart currently indicating a positive candle formation. Moving past the important 50-EMA level at the 483 zone has once again improved the bias to anticipate a further rise in the coming sessions. The RSI is on the rise and currently well placed, indicating a buy signal, and with upside potential visible,it can carry on the positive move further ahead.
UPL share price: Shares of agrochemical player UPL Limited cracked 13% on Monday, February 23, after the company announced a group structuring plan to integrate its Indian and overseas crop protection businesses, prompting negative reactions from brokerages and investors.

UPL share price hit the day's low of 650.40, falling 13.48% from its last closing price of 751.75 apiece on the BSE.

Why are UPL shares falling today? UPL, last Friday, said it is undertaking a three-step restructuring to create UPL Global (UPL 2) as a unified India and international crop protection platform, positioning it as the worlds second-largest listed pure-play crop protection company.

The plan involves merging UPL SAS into UPL, demerging the India Crop Protection business into UPL Global, and merging UPL Cayman into UPL 2, alongside Advantas IPO, consolidating its seeds and Decco businesses.

UPL will remain the parent and capital allocator, with plans to enhance transparency and potentially eliminate the prevailing conglomerate discount to UPL.

The restructuring simplifies the group into independently benchmarkable pure plays, improving transparency, strategic focus, driving synergies and enabling value unlocking. UPL 2 becomes a focused global crop protection platform, while UPL 1 sharpens its manufacturing-led B2B positioning.

The move also supports subsidiary-level capital raises, accelerates deleveraging, and strengthens the pathway to valuation re-rating, said analysts at Motilal Oswal Financial Services.

However, the move does not address the current debt overhang, prompting a cautious view from another domestic brokerage Nuvama Research. "The transaction is cash and tax neutral, protects minority interests and does not alter the capital structure, with no material impact on current leverage overhang. Given the recent stock run-up, unresolved leverage concerns and post-restructuring dilution, we downgrade the stock to HOLD," said the brokerage.

The said restructuring keeps total debt similar, even though redistributed between two entities. Net debt in UPL Global should be ~ 19000 crore, while that in the standalone business should be ~ 3200 crore. "Deleveraging here on would remain contingent to cash flow generation and working capital management, which in our view is event neutral," it added, while revising UPL share price target to 816 apiece.

Also Read | Is silver on the cusp of the next phase of consolidation?

Meanwhile, Motial Oswal Financial Services said that with UPL Global and Advanta becoming independent pure plays, the group separates a mid-teen margin, volume-led crop protection business from a ~25% ROCE, ~23% EBITDA margin seeds platform, enabling each to be valued against its respective global peer set and potentially command multiples aligned with their return profile and capital intensity rather than a blended group valuation.

It expects UPL to report a CAGR of 8%/12%/37% in revenue/EBITDA/PAT over FY25-28 and reiterated a Neutral rating on the stock with a target price of 730.

UPL share price trend Amid today's fall, UPL shares have trimmed their yearly gain to 2.55% while it has risen 41% in two years.

In the near term, the BSE 200 stock, with a market capitalisation of 55,800 crore, has lost 18% on a year-to-date (YTD) basis and 12% in three months.
On the opening day of what was supposed to be the world's largest AI summitthe first in the Global South at this scalethe future showed up looking chaotic.

More than 80,000 people reportedly descended on Bharat Mandapam at once and the infrastructure couldnt handle it. Digital passes wouldnt scan, WiFi kept dropping out, and delegates stood queuing for hours in Delhis winter sun. Some people waited three hours just to get through the doors. At a summit meant to showcase practical deployment and real-world impact, even basic connectivity fell apart.

The irony was instructive. This was not a meeting about abstract ethics or distant technological risks. Unlike earlier gatherings in Bletchley Park, Seoul, or Paris, which centred on AI safety, governance, and existential concerns, this summit emphasized implementation and impact. If execution is the theme, execution becomes the test. The queues snaking across Bharat Mandapams perimeter were the first examination.

Much of the global conversation around Indias AI strategy has focused on ideology, on the notion of a third way between Americas market-led model and Chinas state-driven approach. But the opening day suggested that Indias defining challenge may be less about choosing frameworks and more about making things work reliably for millions of people simultaneously.

Also Read | How AI has invaded Indian cinema

India does not lack ambition. The country enters the AI era with an advantage most countries dont have: population-scale digital infrastructure already in place. Aadhaar covers over 1.4 billion residents, UPI processes billions of transactions monthly, and DigiLocker stores official health documents for hundreds of millions. Few nations possess digital rails this extensive, and in principle, AI deployed on top of them could transform welfare delivery, healthcare access, education, and financial inclusion far faster than countries still building foundational systems.

But scale is a double-edged sword and magnifies both strengths and weaknesses. When systems operate at national scale, small failures cascade. A glitch that might frustrate thousands elsewhere can affect millions here. The summit demonstrated this in real time, not as hypothetical risk but as lived experience for delegates standing in the sun wondering whether their credentials would scan.

To its credit, the government responded quickly. IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw publicly apologized and announced a war room to manage crowd flow and connectivity, and from what we saw, access seemed to improve on subsequent days. This revealed something important about Indias governance model: strain under sudden pressure, followed by rapid course correction.

Yet the last-mile challenge persisted in smaller ways. Heading to an off-site reception on the evening of Day 2, I ended up waiting nearly an hour for transport that kept not arriving. The venue was maybe ten minutes away at a five-star hotel, but Delhi traffic turned it into a 45-minute slog through evening congestion.

The summits sheer size blurred the line between policy forum and public expo. International attendees remarked on its unusual openness and magnitude, with one senior technology executive describing it as closer to a trade fair than a conventional summit. This scale is intentional. India is pitching itself not just as a place that makes rules, but as somewhere technologies actually have to work for wildly different populations across multiple languages, different literacy levels, and patchy connectivity. Which makes what Indias attempting fundamentally different from the US or China.

America excels at private innovation, China excels at centralized rollout, but India is attempting large-scale technological transformation within a democratic, heterogeneous society where participation itself is part of the model, where systems cannot simply be imposed but must be negotiated and adapted to populations that speak hundreds of languages and operate at vastly different levels of digital literacy.

If systems can function reliably here, under these conditions, they can function almost anywhere. That may be Indias most compelling argument for technological leadershipnot the sophistication of its models but the simple fact of deployment at a scale and complexity few other nations must navigate.

The emphasis on practical impact also reflects Indias developmental realities. Unlike wealthier economies where AI can afford to be a productivity tool, India must simultaneously drive growth, create jobs, and expand access to services for a vast population. AI therefore cannot be a luxury. It must augment human capacity in ways that matter to people who cannot absorb failure: helping teachers reach more students when there arent enough teachers, helping health workers triage more patients when clinics are overwhelmed, helping farmers access timely advice when weather patterns become unpredictable.

Success wont be about how sophisticated the models are or how good the governance frameworks look on paper. Itll be about everyday things getting better: Can people access services more easily? Is bureaucracy less of a nightmare? Does time saved actually translate into real economic opportunity? These are delivery questions, not ideological ones.

We tend to think of technological leadership as breakthroughsfaster chips, smarter models, big announcements. But most people experience transformation through boring daily interactions. Paying bills, booking appointments, accessing benefits. The small frictions that either build trust or wear it down. The opening-day chaos wasnt just embarrassing; it was a preview of what India actually needs to get right.

The country has already proven it can build digital infrastructure at massive scale. Whats harder is making sure systems work smoothly when theyre under real pressure: not in controlled demos with cherry-picked users, but when millions of people show up at once expecting things to just work. This matters more than it might sound, because its what determines whether technological progress means anything in peoples actual lives.

Indias third way in AI will not ultimately be defined by speeches about sovereignty or global positioning, nor by attendance figures or joint declarations. Itll come down to whether the trains run on time for 1.4 billion people using systems that need to work every single day, not just when there are ministers and cameras around.

If AI layered onto Indias digital rails actually makes everyday life easier, faster, more fair, the model will prove itself. Other countries will want to learn from it not because of speeches made in New Delhi but because of what got delivered in small towns and villages nobodys paying attention to. If it doesnt work, no amount of talk will make up for it.

The queues outside Bharat Mandapam werent just people waiting to get into a conference. They were a reminder that the future doesnt arrive through slogans. It arrives through systems that either work or dont. India has built the rails. Now comes the unglamorous part: proving the last mile actually functions.

Nishad Sanzagiri is a writer and consultant at the intersection of geopolitical advisory, strategic communications and public affairs, who splits his time between London and Goa.

Also Read | Can generative AI help us to cook better?
8th Pay Commission salary calculator scam: The excitement over the 8th Pay Commission and the salary and pension hike it brings is building among central government employees and pensioners. However, scammers are now taking advantage of this situation, and the Centre has warned citizens about a new WhatsApp fraud.

Any news about salary hike and implementation of the 8th Pay Commission naturally grabs the attention of government employees and pensioners, and this is why it is important to check for red flags before you trust anyone.

Fraudsters are seeing an opportunity in this excitement and are circulating WhatsApp messages with APK links that, if clicked, can steal information from your mobile phone and scam you out of money.

The Centre in a recent post on X has flagged this 8th Pay Commission salary calculator scam, asking government employees and pensioners awaiting 8th Pay Commission updates to exercise caution.

What is the 8th Pay Commission scam? In a post on X, the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), a unit under the Ministry of Home Affairs, alerted citizens about the potential 8th Pay Commission salary calculator scam. This came after several people received multiple messages from the scam text.

WhatsApp messages are being sent to government employees in the name of informing them about their salary after the implementation of 8th Pay Commission, the government said in its post on X.

8th Pay Commission calculator scam  How is it done? According to the Centre, the 8th Pay Commission salary calculator scam unfolds in the following order 

In the message, employees are being asked to download an APK file.

As soon as the app is installed from the APK file, the scammers gain access to the mobile device.

After this, money is withdrawn from the bank account.

Also Read | What happens to your DA hike until the 8th Pay Commission is implemented?

8th Pay Commission salary calculator scam  Dos and Don'ts Here is a list of things you should do to avoid the 8th Pay Commission salary calculator scam on WhatsApp

Do remember that the government never sends APK files on WhatsApp.

Do check information related to salary, pension or 8th Pay Commission only on the official government website: https://8cpc.gov.in/

Do only check news regarding the 8th Pay Commission from verified sources.

Do verify before you trust. If you get a message from anyone claiming to be your bank or from the government, immediately call your banking representative or dial a government number.

Do check if you are clicking on any suspicious links. Messages with suspicious links often contain unverified domain names and incorrect grammar. They depict a sense of urgency. Here is a list of things you should not do to avoid the 8th Pay Commission salary calculator scam 

Do not trust suspicious messages, as downloading APKs from unverified sources can be dangerous.

Do not click any links sent to you by unknown or unverified numbers or businesses on WhatsApp.

Do not share any OTP, UPI PIN, debit card or credit card PIN, bank login details, CVV, or WhatsApp verification code. Legitimate people or businesses will never ask for these things.
Security has been tightened at all metro stations and prominent location across Delhi after a series of bomb threats were received via emails, an official said on Monday.

The emails stated "Delhi banega Khalistan" and warned of blasts at the Delhi Army School, Red Fort and metro stations within the next three days. The messages claimed that explosions would take place at the Army school at 1.11 pm, the Vidhan Sabha at 3.11 pm and the Red Fort at 9.11 am today, the official told PTI.

Police maintained that thorough searches were conducted at the threatened locations and nothing suspicious was found.

Security stepped up across Delhi Following the threat specifically mentioning metro services, the Delhi Police stepped up security deployment across all stations of the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation network.

Also Read | Delhi Police bust terror module; 8 suspects arrested

"A high alert has been sounded across the city. Additional forces have been deployed at all metro stations and vital installations. Anti-sabotage checks and random frisking are also being carried out,' said the police officer.

Teams of the bomb disposal squad and dog squad have been deployed at sensitive locations, including the Red Fort, Delhi Secretariat and the Assembly complex, he said.

Also Read | Delhi Police arrest Al Falah University chairman in fraud case

Another senior officer said that coordination meetings were held with officials of the Delhi Metro and other agencies to review security preparedness.

"We have asked our counterparts in Uttar Pradesh and Haryana to step up security at metro stations falling under their jurisdictions as well. Surveillance has been enhanced and CCTV monitoring intensified," he said.

Tracing IP addresses: Police Delhi Secretariat, Delhi Assembly, Red Fort and two schools, had also received bomb threats emails earlier in the day, which were later declared hoaxes following extensive searches by security agencies.

"Our cyber teams are trying to trace the IP addresses using which some miscreants are issuing bomb threats. Such criminals are using Virtual Private Network (VPN) to send emails to mislead police investigation. But our experts will find out the culprits," a senior police officer said.

Delhi Red Fort blast On November, 10, 2025, Delhi was rocked by a major blast after a car laden with explosives blew up near the Red Fort on the evening at a busy traffic signal.
Troubles are mounting for Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. The former prince faces fresh allegations that increase pressure on his past role as a trade envoy. Scrutiny intensified after the US Department of Justice (DOJ) released millions of documents linked to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. These files included emails between the two prompting the British Royal Family to strip Andrew of his titles in October last year.

Here are the top updates in Andrew's case: 1. Retired civil servants have alleged that Andrew used taxpayers money for massages and excessive travel expenses during his time as the UKs trade envoy, the BBC reported.

According to the report, a former civil servant who worked in the trade envoys department in the early 2000s claimed he was so annoyed by the former princes request to cover the cost of his massage services that he refused to approve the payment. However, he said he was overruled by senior staff.

I thought it was wrong Id said we mustnt pay it, but we ended up paying it anyway, he added.

Andrews position as trade envoy was unpaid; however, he was supported by civil servants and continued to receive taxpayer-funded backing for overseas travel.

Amid intense scrutiny over Andrews correspondence with Epstein, the retired civil servant said that while they could not have stopped him at the time, they should have flagged when something was wrong.

2. Members of Parliament (MPs) on the Business and Trade Committee are expected to meet on Tuesday (local time) and will mull launching an inquiry into the role of UK trade envoys following Andrew's arrest. A cross-party committee is expected to discuss options after allegations were levelled against Andrew that he shared confidential information with Jeffrey Epstein, while still being in the role.

3. In the meantime, Liberal Democrats are now preparing to push for a debate on Andrew in the House of Commons. Former Conservative minister Tom Tugendhat has urged the launch of an independent investigation into the former prince, proposing that it be overseen by a panel comprising MPs, members of the House of Lords, and senior judges.

4. On 20 February (local time), the UKs Defence Minister Luke Pollard told the BBC that the government is weighing possible legislation that could strip Andrew, currently eighth in the line of succession, of his place. Speaking to BBC Radio 4's Any Questions program, Pollard said that the UK government is working with Buckingham Palace on the plans to stop Andrew from potentially being a heartbeat away from the throne.

5. On 19 February (local time), Andrew was arrested by Thames Police on suspicion of misconduct in public office, after his role as a trade envoy came under fire. The documents released by the DOJ revealed that Andrew, back in November 2010, shared confidential government information with Epstein minutes after he received the documents upon returning from Asia.

6. Following his arrest, Andrew was released 11 hours later. Separately, Thames Valley Police said they continued searching Royal Lodge, his former Windsor home, in connection with his arrest.
Two balloons, one with a Pakistani 5,000 note and the other with a US dollar attached, were recovered from a forward village in the Akhnoor sector near Jammu, Monday, PTI reported, citing officials.

White and red balloons shaped like an aeroplane were discovered stuck on a tree in Gunara village, located in the Khour border belt, they added.

The balloons, which also carried a Pakistani mobile number and a QR code, seem to have drifted across the International Border from the Pakistani side, the officials said.

Although balloons landing from Pakistan are common in the border areas, this is the first instance of foreign currency notes being found attached to them.

Also Read | IED scare in Punjab, Kashmir as Delhi ramps up security over suspected LeT plot

The BSF seized 16 red balloons on Sunday that had crossed over from the Pakistan side and landed in the fields in the Ramgarh sector of Samba district, the officials said.

On Sunday evening, a rusted grenade was discovered in the Dharyalla forest area within the Nowshera sector of Rajouri district, they added.

Balloons recovered in December In December, Himachal Pradesh police contacted their counterparts in Punjab and Rajasthan to determine the source of several balloons marked with PIA (Pakistan International Airlines) or the Pakistani flag that had been seen in various districts of the state over the past few weeks.

Police have also reached out to the officials of the Indian Air Force for the same.

So far, no suspicious devices such as gadgets, surveillance devices, trackers or materials have been found inside these balloons. We have contacted our counterparts in states sharing a border with Pakistan where similar balloons were found to get their insights, PTI quoted the police.

Although no FIR has been registered in this case, the police are investigating the matter by enquiring with local vendors about the origin of these balloons.

Residents of Chalet Village under Daulatpur police post were alarmed after a balloon shaped like an aeroplane with 'PIA' written on it was discovered on a villager's roof. Upon receiving the information, the police team arrived at the location and seized the balloon.

As a precaution, police also checked the surrounding areas to rule out any other suspicious objects.

On 8 December, three similar balloons were discovered in Tatehra village, Gagret sub-division. They featured the Pakistani flag and the message I Love Pakistan. Additionally, similar balloons were discovered in Hamirpur and Kangra districts last year.
An air ambulance with seven people onboard crashed near Simaria in Jharkhand's Chatra district on Monday evening while en route to Delhi from Ranchi, an airport official said, PTI reported.

As reported by PTI, citing Chatra Deputy Commissioner Keerthishree G, all seven on board Ranchi-Delhi air ambulance killed in crash near Simaria in Jharkhand's Chatra district.

The crash occurred after the aircraft took off from Ranchi airport around 7.10 pm, he added.

"An air ambulance from Ranchi with seven people onboard crashed near Simaria in Chatra district.

The plane lost contact with air traffic control around 20 minutes after take-off," Ranchi airport director Vinod Kumar told PTI.

Inclement weather could be a reason behind the crash, but the actual cause will be ascertained only after a probe, he added.

The DGCA in a statement said, "On 23.02.2026 Redbird Airways Pvt Ltd Beechcraft C90 aircraft VT-AJV operating medical evacuation (Air Ambulance) flight on sector Ranchi-Delhi crashed in Kasaria Panchayat of Chatra district, in Jharkhand. There were seven people on board, including two crew members."

"The aircraft was airborne from Ranchi at 19:11 IST. After establishing contact with Kolkata at 19:34 IST, aircraft lost communication and RADAR contact with Kolkata at approximately 100 NM South-East of Varanasi," it added.

The district administration's search and rescue team has reached the location, and an Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) team is being dispatched, the statement said.

Keerthishree G told PTI, The aircraft went missing around 7.30 pm. It crashed at Bariatu Panchayat in Simaria.

Chatra SP Sumit Kumar Agarwal told PTI, The crash site is deep in the forest. Police teams are yet to reach the spot, so we are not in a position to confirm the number of casualties.

View full Image Chatra: Wreckage of an Redbird Airways Pvt Ltd Beechcraft C90 aircraft VT-AJV operating medical evacuation (Air Ambulance) flight, which was carrying seven people onboard while on its way from Ranchi to Delhi, lies near Simaria area after crash, in Chatra district, Jharkhand, Monday, Feb. 23, 2026. (PTI Photo) (PTI02_24_2026_000007A) ( PTI )

According to the DGCA website, Delhi-based non-scheduled operator Redbird has six aircraft in its fleet, including the one that crashed.

Anant Sinha, CEO of Devkamal Hospital in Ranchi, told PTI that the air ambulance was arranged by one of their patients.

The patient, Sanjay Kumar (41), a resident of Chandwa in Latehar district, was brought to the hospital with 65 per cent burn injuries on February 16. He was being treated in the hospital, he said.

He added the family members decided to take him to Delhi for better treatment.

"They arranged an air ambulance on Monday. The patient left the hospital for Delhi around 4.30 pm," he said.

Also Read | CBI probe into Ajit Pawar plane crash? Maha CM Fadnavis speaks to Amit Shah

Former Chief Minister and BJP leader Champai Soren in a post on X said he was deeply saddened by the news of the air ambulance crash at Simaria.

"I pray for the safe recovery of all 7 individuals, including the crew members aboard the plane from Marang Buru (the supreme tribal deity), and for strength to their families during this difficult time," he posted.
A medical charter aircraft operated by Redbird Airways Pvt Ltd, flying from Ranchi to Delhi, crashed on Monday in Chatra, Jharkhand. The aircraft was carrying seven people on board. The aircraft, a Beechcraft King Air BE9L, took off from Ranchi for Delhi at around 1337 UTC or 7:07 pm IST.

The air ambulance had a patient on board, along with a doctor, a paramedic, two attendants, the pilot in command and a co-pilot. The aircraft was expected to land in Delhi at around 10 pm.

It lost contact with Air Traffic Control at 7:34 pm, with its last recorded location near Palamau.

Officials said the aircraft crashed in the Kasiyatu forest area of Simaria, near Chatra.

On 23.02.2026, a Redbird Airways Pvt Ltd Beechcraft C90 aircraft (VT-AJV), operating a medical evacuation (air ambulance) flight on the RanchiDelhi sector, crashed in Kasaria Panchayat of Chatra district, Jharkhand. There were seven persons on board, including two crew members.

The aircraft took off from Ranchi at 19:11 IST. After establishing contact with Kolkata, the aircraft lost communication and radar contact at 19:34 IST, at approximately 100 nautical miles south-east of Varanasi.

District administration search and rescue teams have reached the location, and an Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau team is being dispatched for investigation. Further information will be shared, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation said in a statement.

The Superintendent of Police in Chatra told Hindustan Times that police teams were on their way to the crash site, after which details regarding casualties and damage would be confirmed.

The pilots were identified as Vivek Vikas Bhagat and Savrajdeep Singh. The patient being transported was Sanjay Kumar, 41.
Several parts of Delhi are set to see significant disruption in water supply from Wednesday (February 25) till Friday (February 27) due to interconnection works being carried out, the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) said in a statement on X.

The authority said supply to many parts of the city will be affected for 48 hours due to interconnection work on newly laid 1500 mm diameter twin raw water pipelines linked to the existing main line of the Dwarka Water Treatment Plant (WTP).

Officials further said that the shutdown will begin at 11:00 am on February 25, 2026, and continue until 11:00 am on February 27, 2026.

Also Read | Security intensified across Delhi after series of email bomb threats

The Delhi Jal Board urged residents to store adequate water in advance to avoid inconvenience during the maintenance period.

Here is a list of the areas that will be affected: Dwarka Sub City

Mahavir Enclave

Vijay Enclave

Uttam Nagar group of colonies

Pochanpur

Bharthal

Amberahi Village

Madhu Vihar

Sagar Pur

Kailash Puri

Durga Park

Mangla Puri

Also Read | Delhi Police bust terror module; 8 suspects arrested

Raj Nagar Phase I & II

Bagdola Village

Bijwasan

Dhulsiras

Binda Pur

Sewak Park

Bharat Vihar

Sita Puri

Raja Puri

Jiwan Park

Indra Park

Milap Nagar and Chanakya Place

Arjun Park

Laxmi Vihar

Bajrang Enclave

Maksudabad

Naya Bazar

Vijay Park

Sai Baba Enclave

Nangli Sakrawati Village & Extension

Ranaji Enclave

Shyam Vihar group of colonies

Arjun Park

Dharampura group of colonies

Roshanpura group of colonies

Deenpur Village

Matiala, Palam

Vishwas Park

Sadh Nagar Part I & II

Nanhey Park

Bamnoli Village

Shahbad Mohammadpur Village

Kapashera Village

IGI Airport and ICCC (Yashobhumi)

Najafgarh Town and adjoining areas.

Meanwhile, Rekha Gupta, the Chief Minister of Delhi, on Friday marked one year in office and presented an overview of the state governments initiatives across healthcare, infrastructure, welfare and administrative reforms, outlining the measures undertaken over the previous 12 months.
Zaluzhny on Nord Stream: I have nothing to do with it, this issue has become political

Photo: screenshot

Ukraines Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the United Kingdom and former Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Valeriy Zaluzhny, insists he has nothing to do with the explosion of the Nord Stream gas pipeline at the bottom of the Baltic Sea.

"Finally, this question has been publicly raised and addressed to me personally. I personally have nothing to do with this," Zaluzhny said when speaking at Chatham House in London on the eve of the anniversary of the full-scale war in Ukraine, answering a question about whether the two Ukrainians accused of planning and carrying out the attack, who are now in custody, informed him of their intentions before the explosion.

"Of course, Ive sent a number of inquiries to the prosecutors office, the German prosecutors office. Of course, I understand all the legal nuances, and the German prosecutors office isnt obligated to inform me, but, of course, Im worried about this. Im worried about this because I cant have any involvement in this process, either theoretically or practically," the diplomat added.

At the same time, he expressed conviction that this process, for some reason, from the point of view of a purely legal criminal vision, has moved more, perhaps, into the political plane.

"Well, for example, you probably know as well as I do that Nord Stream itself and Germany have nothing to do with each other. Nord Stream is the property of Gazprom. So, I wonder why the German government is so concerned about Russian property. Furthermore, the German government itself has repeatedly said that this was a mistake, and they no longer, lets say, see any political necessity in it," Zaluzhny stated.

He also noted that in the Nord Stream case, "a fight for insurance payments has begun," which "is gaining momentum and is trying to capture more and more participants."

"However, I believe in European justice. We learn from European justice. And despite the fact that there are people arrested and in custody, I know that we ourselves are moving toward European justice. Therefore, I will not judge the actions of law enforcement agencies. I know that this justice must be fair," the ambassador emphasized.

"Im repeating for the first time in public that I have nothing to do with this. Whether thats unfortunate or fortunatelet everyone draw their own conclusions," Zaluzhny concluded.

It was also previously reported that German prosecutors accused Ukrainian citizen Serhiy Kuznetsov, a suspect in the Nord Stream gas pipeline bombing case, of belonging to a group of individuals who planted devices on pipelines near the Danish island of Bornholm in the Baltic Sea. He was charged with conspiracy to commit an explosion, unconstitutional sabotage, and the destruction of important facilities.

In November 2025, Kuznetsov, suspected of sabotaging Russias Nord Stream gas pipelines in 2022, was arrested in Germany after being extradited from Italy. "An arrest warrant has been executed in connection with the suspected sabotage of the Nord Stream gas pipelines. An investigating judge of the Federal Court executed the arrest warrant for Ukrainian citizen Serhiy K. today (November 28, 2025)," the Federal Prosecutors Office said on its website.

Additionally, on September 30, Ukrainian citizen Volodymyr Zh. was arrested in Poland on suspicion of the Nord Stream gas pipeline explosion. He was wanted on a European Arrest Warrant issued by German intelligence. In October, a Polish court refused to extradite the suspect to Germany and ordered his immediate release.

German authorities have issued arrest warrants for seven people as part of their investigation into the bombings of the Nord Stream and Nord Stream 2 gas pipelines.
Veteran West Bengal politician and former Union Railway Minister Mukul Roy died in Kolkata in the early hours of Monday (23 February), according to family members and local reports. He was 71. According to available information, Roy suffered a cardiac arrest, following which he passed away.

Once regarded as one of the most influential strategists in the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC), Roys long political career spanned shifting allegiances, ministerial office and a protracted legal battle over defection.

Roy's son, Shuvrangshu Roy, confirmed that he breathed his last at Apollo Hospital, a private hospital in Kolkata's Salt Lake, around 1:30 am.

Subhranshu Roy, told reporters on Monday morning, We will take the body of Mukul Roy to the assembly at around 12pm. Top TMC leaders communicated daily and kept a track of his health. No one from the BJP contacted me. Only Saumitra Khan came to see him once. I will make a request to everyone now that my father has passed away.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also conveyed his condolences over Mukul Roy's death. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), he posted, Pained by the passing of former Union Minister Shri Mukul Roy Ji. He will be remembered for his political experience and efforts to serve society. Condolences to his family and supporters. Om Shanti.

Mukul Roy's Health struggles and final years Roy had largely withdrawn from active politics in recent years as his health deteriorated. Doctors confirmed in early 2023 that he had been battling dementia and Parkinsons disease, conditions that significantly impaired his cognitive and physical abilities.

In March 2023, he underwent brain surgery for hydrocephalus, a disorder caused by the accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain, leading to increased intracranial pressure. His condition worsened in July 2024 following a fall at his residence that resulted in a head injury and surgery to remove a blood clot.

He also suffered from chronic diabetes, respiratory distress and persistently high blood sugar levels, factors that contributed to what associates described as increasingly feeble health in his final years.

Mukul Roy's rise within Trinamool Congress Roy was once considered the second-most powerful figure in the Trinamool Congress after Mamata Banerjee. A key organisational strategist, he played a pivotal role in the partys sweeping victory in the 2011 West Bengal Assembly elections, which ended 34 years of Left Front rule.

In 2012, he briefly served as the 32nd Union Railway Minister under the UPA-II government, succeeding Dinesh Trivedi amid controversy over proposed railway fare increases. His tenure lasted from 20 March to 21 September 2012.

However, his standing within the TMC declined sharply after the Narada sting operation controversy. He was expelled from the party in 2017.

Mukul Roy's switch to BJP and return to TMC In November 2017, Roy joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and later rose to become its National Vice President in 2020. He was instrumental in shaping the partys West Bengal campaign strategy and contested the 2021 Assembly elections as a BJP candidate.

Also Read | Mukul Roy returns to TMC, Mamata says he was threatened in BJP

After the election results, he returned to the Trinamool Congress in August 2021 in the presence of Mamata Banerjee and national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee. Yet his renewed political innings were overshadowed by declining health, and he remained largely inactive thereafter.

Supreme Court stay in anti-defection case against Mukul Roy Roys return to the TMC triggered legal proceedings under the anti-defection law. In a significant development on 16 January this year, the Supreme Court of India stayed an earlier decision of the Calcutta High Court that had disqualified him as a Member of the Legislative Assembly.

A bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi observed that electronic evidence alleging defection required scrutiny. Electronic evidence has to be tested, the bench noted, adding that it could not be assumed on the principle of preponderance of probability.

Also Read | Mukul Roy alleges TMC electoral symbol, Biswa Bangla owned by Abhishek Banerjee

The apex court issued notice to the West Bengal Speaker, the Secretary and Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari seeking responses to Roys plea.
Muslims around the world are celebrating Ramadan (Ramazan/Ramzaan/Ramzan)  a sacred month dedicated to fasting, prayer and spiritual reflection. The start of the holy month of Ramadan was marked by the sighting of the crescent moon on Wednesday, in India. This deeply cherished tradition dates back centuries and is an event that holds profound religious significance.

What does Ramadan signify beyond fasting? Ramadan is not only about abstaining from food and drink from dawn to dusk; it is also a period of self-discipline, generosity and spiritual reflection. The holy month strengthens bonds within families and communities, as people gather for Sehri (the pre-dawn meal) and Iftar (the meal to break the fast at sunset). These shared moments promote unity, gratitude and a deeper sense of purpose.

Also Read | Ramadan 2026: Check Iftar and Sehri timings for Delhi and Hyderabad

Alongside devotion and discipline, the Ramadan timetable plays a vital role in guiding daily observance. For millions of worshippers, it serves as more than a practical scheduleit acts as a framework for maintaining spiritual consistency throughout the month.

View full Image Ramadan 2026: Sehri and Iftar timings are essential but vary by region. Accurate time is critical for fasting during this sacred month. ( PTI )

The timetable ensures that Sehri and Iftar are observed at the correct times and that prayersincluding the special Taraweeh prayersare performed punctually. By following this structured routine, Muslims across different regions and cultures remain connected in a shared rhythm of worship, even while observing the fast in their respective time zones.

Sehri and Iftar timings of Ramadan 2026 The Sehri and Iftar timings change by a few minutes each day in accordance with the sunrise and sunset timings. It is different for different cities.

Sehri is the pre-fast meal before sunrise, beginning Thursday. Each day of fasting finishes with iftar, after sunset.

View full Image Prayagraj: People eat food to break their fast during 'Iftar' in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. ( PTI )

The Sehri and Iftar timings change by a few minutes each day in accordance with the sunrise and sunset timings. It is different for different cities.

What are the Sehri and Iftar timings for February 24?

City Sehri time Iftar time New Delhi 5:33 AM 6:18 PM Lucknow 05:18 AM 6:05 PM Hyderabad 05:25 AM 6:22 PM Bengaluru 05:27 AM 6:28 PM Pune 05:43 AM 6:40 PM Chennai 05:17 AM 06:17 PM Guwahati 04:34 AM 5:22 PM

Will there be two Ramadan in 2030? For most of the nations in the Northern Hemisphere, the fasting duration is shorter this year and will continue to decrease until 2031, when Ramadan will encompass the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year, Al Jazeera reported.

For fasting Muslims living south of the equator, the number of fasting hours will be longer than last year, the report said.

Because the lunar year is 11 days shorter than the solar year, Ramadan will be observed twice in 2030  first beginning on 5 January and then on 26 December.

Ramadan 2026: Significance of the holy month The fasting from dawn to the sunset is regarded as a profound act of worship that fosters self-discipline, devotion and mindfulness.

During the month, believers abstain from food and drink to strengthen the faith, and focus on the spiritual growth. Ramadan is also widely perceived as a time for self-reflection, a time for seeking of forgiveness and a time for purification of the soul.

The holy month also helps in reinforcing social relationships as Families and community members come together to have the evening meal which breaks the fasts (iftar).

How is Ramadan celebrated in India, Saudi Arabia and across the world? In India, Ramadan is marked by the high spirited evening markets and large iftar gatherings with traditional meals such as kebabs, biryani and dates. Mosques hold special nightly prayers of Taraweeh, and charity, as well as food distribution are important aspects.

In Saudi Arabia which is home to Islams holiest sites, Ramadan is marked by increased spiritual fervor. Millions of worshippers gather at the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca and Al-Masjid an-Nabawi in Medina. Families come together for traditional meals, and work hours are shortened to adjust to fasting.

Across the Middle East, cities such as Dubai host Ramadan night markets and themed tents, where communities gather for suhoor and iftar meals. In Turkey, popular customs have remained communal iftar events and traditional drumming to wake people for suhoor.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said on Sunday that the state government had requested Union Home Minister Amit Shah to order a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the plane crash that killed Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar last month.

Speaking at a press conference on the eve of the Maharashtra legislatures budget session, Fadnavis said the Mahayuti government would ensure that all doubts surrounding the plane crash are cleared.

Also Read | Ajit Pawar plane crash: Preliminary report to be out on or before Feb 28

I had received a letter from the NCP [an ally of the BJP], seeking a CBI probe into the air crash and spoke with Home Minister Amit Shah, he was quoted by news agency PTI as saying.

Along with investigations by the DGCA [Directorate General of Civil Aviation] and state CID [Criminal Investigation Department], there will be a probe by the CBI, Fadnavis reportedly added.

Ajit Pawar killed in plane crash Ajit Pawar and four others on board a chartered plane were killed when it crashed while attempting to land near Baramati in Pune district on 28 January.

The late NCP chief's nephew and NCP (SP) leader Rohit Pawar has raised several allegations regarding the plane crash circumstances and suspected foul play.

Also Read | Ajit Pawar plane crash: AAIB to issue preliminary probe report

On Saturday, Rohit Pawar wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, demanding that the Civil Aviation Minister, K Rammohan Naidu, be asked to resign until the inquiry into the incident is completed.

He also raised questions about the company VSR, which owned the ill-fated Learjet 45 aircraft, and its purported links to Naidu.

Meanwhile, Fadnavis added that the DGCA was conducting an audit of the VSR Company and all its logbooks were being checked.

Also Read | Maharashtra Dy CM Ajit Pawar, others die in Baramati plane crash

We have to wait for the probe report and avoid speculation. There may be doubts that have to be referred to the appropriate authority. We will also ensure a regular follow-up of the investigation. I feel the DGCA and civil aviation ministry have nothing to hide, he said.

Noting the probe is important for the safety of all political leaders, Fadnavis recalled that he had travelled on the VSR plane several times.

Deputy CM Sunetra Pawar, who was also present at the presser with Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, said, We have requested a CBI probe into the air crash and the chief minister has assured a thorough investigation.

Fadnavis also took a swipe at the Opposition after leaders of the Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP) skipped the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) meeting on the eve of the state Budget session, which is likely to witness intense debates on Ajit Pawar's plane crash and other issues.

The Opposition boycotted the customary tea party hosted by Fadnavis, claiming the state government had not expressed any regret over the potential impact of the Indo-US trade deal on cotton growers and fisherfolk from Maharashtra.
Mukul Roy dies: Veteran politician and former railway minister Mukul Roy died of cardiac arrest at a private hospital on Monday, his family said. He was 71.

Roy breathed his last at 1.30 AM at the private hospital, his son Subhranshu Roy said, adding that he had been in a coma for the last several days.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was pained by the passing of Mukul Roy. He will be remembered for his political experience and efforts to serve society. Condolences to his family and supporters, the prime minister said in a post on X.

Also Read | Ex-Railway Minister and TMC leader Mukul Roy passes away at 71

Roy was a founder member of TMC when the party was formed in 1998. Later, following differences with the party, he joined the BJP in 2017.

Once, a Mamata aide joined BJP in 2021 Roy was once considered a close aide of Mamata Banerjee and often regarded as TMC's second-in-command and key strategist or Chanakya of the party. But Roy surprised many when he jumped ship to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 2017.

What followed was a series of defections from the Mamata-led party. The BJP finished close second to the Trinamool Congress in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. The BJP won 18 seats while the TMC won 22 seats in West Bengal, which sends 42 Lok Sabha members to the Parliament. Roy was widely credited with helping the party expand its base in Bengal in the run-up to the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

Roy contested the 2021 Assembly elections on a BJP ticket and won from Krishnanagar.

Roy's influence within the BJP, however, began to wane. He left the BJP a month after Suvendu Adhikari became the Leader of the Opposition in West Bengal. Roy rejoined TMC on 11 June 2021, along with his son, in the presence of Mamata Banerjee.

Co-founded TMC Roy was a veteran politician from West Bengal and was known as the Chanakya of West Bengal politics after co-founding the party with Mamata Banerjee in 1998.

Also Read | Centre withdraws Z-category VIP security cover of Mukul Roy

As the Trinamool Congresss national general secretary, Roy was widely regarded as a master strategist and was once the second-in-command to Mamata Banerjee in the TMC.

In West Bengal's political circles, Roy earned a reputation as a backroom operator deft in organisational work. Roy was also credited with playing an important role in the TMC's 2011 victory that ended 34 years of Left rule in West Bengal. Roy also served as a Union Minister. He served as the Union Railway Minister in 2012 and Minister of State for Shipping during the UPA-II government.

Mukul Roy was often regarded as TMC's second-in-command and key strategist.

Roy joined the BJP in 2017 due to a rift with the TMC leadership. This was after his name surfaced in the Saradha chit fund scam, and when he was caught in a sting operation linked to the Narada case. Following these setbacks, he was removed from the post of TMC general secretary in 2015.

Roy was appointed the BJP's national vice president. While in the saffron party, Roy was credited with helping the party secure 18 seats in West Bengal during the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. He, however, returned to the TMC in June 2021.

Also Read | Mukul Roy returns to TMC, Mamata says he was threatened in BJP

In November 2025, the Calcutta High Court cancelled the membership of Roy in the West Bengal assembly under the anti-defection law. In January 2026, the Supreme Court of India stayed a Calcutta High Court order that had disqualified him as an MLA. A bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi kept the High Court order in abeyance, questioning the reliance on electronic evidence and citing potential overreach.

In his final years, Roy had withdrawn from active politics due to severe health issues, including dementia, Parkinson's disease, and diabetes. His son, Subhranshu Roy, confirmed his death following a massive cardiac arrest.

Political Career Roy was born on 17 April 1954 at Kanchrapara, North 24 Parganas, West Bengal.

A former Union minister and two-time Rajya Sabha member from West Bengal, Roy's four-decade-long political journey saw his stints in the Congress, TMC and the BJP.

Roy did his Bachelor of Science from the University of Calcutta. He also earned an MA degree in public administration from the Madurai Kamaraj University in 2006. Roy was married to the late Krishna Roy and has a son, Subhranshu Roy, who is also a politician.

Roy began his political career as a Youth Congress leader and became close to Mamata Banerjee, who was also a Youth Congress member.

Roy was a founding member of TMC, formed in January 1998 as a breakaway faction of Congress led by Mamata Banerjee. Soon, he became the party's face in New Delhi and was made general secretary in 2006.

In April 2006, Roy was elected to the Rajya Sabha and served as a leader of the Trinamool Congress from 28 May 2009 to 20 March 2012. In UPA II, he was first appointed Minister of State in the Ministry of Shipping, then Minister of State in the Ministry of Railways after Mamata Banerjee resigned.
A Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) of the Indian Air Force (IAF) reportedly suffered significant structural damage after overshooting the runway at a forward airbase earlier this month.

It happened due to a suspected brake malfunction, according to PTI, citing sources. The pilot ejected safely from the aircraft, they added. The jet was coming back to base after completing a training mission.

The IAF has not issued an official statement on the accident, which reportedly occurred on 7 February. However, sources said the force temporarily grounded its fleet of about 30 single-seat HAL Tejas aircraft to conduct a detailed technical inspection following the incident.

What is HAL Tejas? HAL Tejas is a single-engine, multi-role fighter jet designed to operate effectively in high-threat combat environments. It is a delta-wing fighter aircraft developed by Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) as part of Indias efforts to modernise the IAF. The aircraft is built to perform a range of missions, including air defence, maritime reconnaissance, and precision strike operations.

The aircraft received the name Tejas", meaning radiance in Sanskrit, in 2003 when it was officially named by then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

Light Combat Aircraft accidents since their induction into IAF in 2016 The first incident occurred in March 2024, when a HAL Tejas fighter jet crashed near Jaisalmer. The incident occurred during an operational training sortie, and the pilot ejected safely before the aircraft crashed.

Also Read | Tejas aircraft meets 3rd accident in 2 years: IAF grounds fleet to avoid mishap

One Tejas aircraft of the Indian Air Force met with an accident at Jaisalmer, today during an operational training sortie. The pilot ejected safely. A Court of Inquiry has been constituted to find out the cause of the accident," the IAF said in a statement.

The second accident took place in November 2025, when another Tejas aircraft went down during an aerial demonstration at the Dubai Airshow.

The aircraft, part of the IAF fleet, went down while carrying out a manoeuvre during an aerobatic display. The pilot was killed in the accident.

Also Read | The bold and beautiful artworks you must see at IAF 2026

The crash reportedly occurred during a barrel roll. The HAL Tejas jet had been showcasing the capabilities of Indias 4.5-generation multirole combat aircraft at the international airshow.

During the incident, the Tejas jet was carrying out an aerobatic demonstration when it reportedly lost control and plunged nose-first into the ground near the airfield. It triggered a massive fireball and thick plumes of black smoke that were visible from the event venue. Eyewitness accounts and video recordings showed the aircraft descending sharply in a steep nosedive before exploding on impact.

The IAF confirmed the pilots death and said a court of inquiry was initiated to determine the cause of the crash.

An IAF Tejas aircraft met with an accident during an aerial display at Dubai Air Show, today. The pilot sustained fatal injuries in the accident. IAF deeply regrets the loss of life and stands firmly with the bereaved family in this time of grief. A court of inquiry is being constituted, to ascertain the cause of the accident, the IAF said on X.

Meanwhile, the recent accident marked the third involving HAL Tejas fighter jets, which occurred at a time when Tejas manufacturer HAL has already fallen behind schedule in delivering the Tejas Mark 1A variant to the Indian Air Force (IAF), as per a PTI report.
The Allahabad High Court on Monday held that the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2021, neither prohibits interfaith marriages nor bars such couples from living together in a live-in relationship, legal news website Bar and Bench reported.

Justice Vivek Kumar Singh observed that courts do not see such couples as Hindu or Muslim, but rather as two grown individuals who, of their own free will, have been living together peacefully and happily for a considerable time.

Right to live with a person of his/her choice, irrespective of religion professed by them, is intrinsic to right to life and personal liberty. Interference in a personal relationship, would constitute a serious encroachment into the right to freedom of choice of the two individuals, the court said.

The Court was hearing a batch of 12 petitions, wherein seven Muslim women lived with Hindu men and five Hindu women lived with Muslim men. The couple had approached the Court for police protection, alleging that they were facing threats from third parties, including their family members.

"This Court fails to understand that if the law permits two persons even of the same sex to live together peacefully then neither any individual nor a family nor even State can have objection to hetrosexual relationship of two major individuals who out of their own free will are living together," the Bench said, according to Bar and Bench.

The Bench added that the courts in various decisions have held that live-in relation is neither prohibited nor punishable under any law.

"Therefore, considering Article 14, 15 and 21 of the Constitution of India and the Act, 2021, it cannot be said that live-in relationship of interfaith couple is an offence," the Bench said.

The Court also explained that, to attract the provisions of the anti-conversion law,conversion from one religion to another is necessary. The conversion should be by practice of misrepresentation, force, undue influence, coercion or allurement or by any fraudulent means or by marriage or by relationship in the nature of marriage, the Court said.

"Even the interfaith marriage, per se, is not prohibited under the Act, 2021. Provision has also been made under the Act, 2021, and according to which, if a person wishes to change/convert his or her religion, he/she is expected to follow the procedure prescribed under Section 8 & 9 of the Act, 2021. But one cannot be forced to convert his or her religion for the purposes of marriage or for living together in a live-in relationship," the Bench said.

Right to human life is to be treated. The Court observed that the right to human life is to be treated on a much higher pedestal, regardless of a citizen's religious beliefs.

The mere fact that the petitioners are living in an interfaith relationship, would not deprive them of their fundamental right as envisaged in Constitution of India, being citizens of India. No discrimination can be made on the basis of caste, creed, sex or religion, the Bench said.

The Court said that to disregard the choice of a person of the age of majority would not only be antithetical to the freedom of choice of a grown-up individual but would also threaten the concept of unity in diversity.

What is the UP anti-conversion law? The UP anti-conversion law. The Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2021, refers to the legislation enacted by the Government of Uttar Pradesh to regulate religious conversions in the state.

The law prohibits religious conversion if it is done through force, fraud, undue influence, Coercion, allurement (such as money, gifts, job promises, etc.) and marriage solely for the purpose of conversion

Earlier, the Uttar Pradesh government argued that live-in couples were required to comply with the provisions of the anti-conversion law.

"One cannot freely move with another except in accordance with the procedure prescribed in Section 8 and 9 of the Act, 2021, or by marriage under the Special Marriage Act," the State said.

The Court also said that, since the law is equal for all under Articles 14 and 15 of the Constitution of India, if two persons of the same religion can live together in a live-in relationship, then people of different religions may also live together in a live-in relationship.

"The Articles 14 and 15 of the Constitution of India ensure equal treatment of all individuals. It does not discriminate against citizens based on religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth," the judge said.

The Court concluded by saying that it was the bounden duty of the State to protect the life and liberty of every citizen. It added that the right to human life is to be treated on a much higher pedestal, regardless of a citizen's religious belief.

"The mere fact that the petitioners are living in an interfaith relationship, would not deprive them of their fundamental right as envisaged in Constitution of India, being citizens of India. No discrimination can be made on the basis of caste, creed, sex or religion," the judge said.

Granting a relief to the couples, the Court said that they are at liberty to approach the police authorities for redressal of their grievances.

(With inputs from Bar and Bench)
Where there is no difference between ICDS and IndAS, there is no issue. Where there are differences, either ICDS may be modified to align with IndAS, or IndAS may be amended, or, where neither is possible, reconciliation may be required. Amending IndAS may not be easy as it is aligned with International Financial Reporting Standards, given the need for Indian companies financial statements to be globally comparable, said Jain.
The Mexican Army, on 22 February (local time), killed Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, also known as "El Mencho," the country's most powerful cartel leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, AP reported. His killing is reportedly one of the highest-profile blows against cartels since the country recaptured the former Sinaloa cartel boss Joaquin El Chapo Guzman a decade ago.

Following El Mencho's killing, who was also one of the United States' most wanted fugitives, the drug cartel members responded with a wave of violence across the country. After El Mencho was killed, the country's security forces were placed on high alert throughout as gunmen resorted to violence. In at least 20 Mexican states, cartel members burned cars and blocked roads. People also locked themselves in their homes in Guadalajara, the country's second-largest city and Jalisco's capital. Further, schools were also closed on 23 February in several states.

Here are the top updates on Mexico unrest after El Mencho's death: 1. According to a CNN report, Omar Garcia Harfuch, Mexicos secretary of security and citizen protection, said that dozens of people were killed in six cowardly attacks against authorities in Jalisco. Harfuch also added that at least 25 members of the National Guard, one prison guard, and one from the State Attorney General's office died in the violence that ensued. He said that a woman also reportedly died and that "30 criminals also lost their lives". As many as 70 people have been arrested in seven states amid the ongoing violence, the official said.

2. According to CBC News, Mike Vigil, former US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) chief of international operations, said that while some of the information was provided from Washington in connection with Mexico's operation, the US should not be taking credit."The Trump administration is trying to take credit for this operation, and 100 per cent of it was Mexico  and they deserve all the credit," he told CBC.

3. American Airlines, Aeromexico, Air Canada, and United Airlines have all suspended their flights in the area, with the US State Department urging citizens in several states to remain indoors. An official advisory for Americans in Mexico read, "Due to ongoing security operations and related road blockages and criminal activity, U.S. citizens in a number of locations in Mexico are urged to shelter in place." Further, all government staff at the US' Consulate General in Monterrey have been directed to remain in the Monterrey metropolitan area. The US government staff has also been directed not to travel to Mazatlan till 25 February.

4. General Ricardo Trevilla, Mexico's secretary of national defence, said that they used 2,500 reinforcement troops to ramp up the military's presence amid the recent unrest in Mexico.

5. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, on Monday (local time), urged people for peace as the country faces unrest following El Mencho's death. During a press briefing, Sheinbaum said the most important thing right now is to guarantee peace and security for the entire population of all of Mexico. She also said that there are no blockades in the country.

6. According to CBC News, Canadian carrier Flair Airlines said that flights are a possibility on 24 February (local time). It also added that it has rebooked Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara flights to Tuesday; however, it said that they are "subject to airport operations," and the airlines' top priority continues to be safety. "We are in active communication with airport authorities and partners, the government of Canada, and we are proactively contacting affected passengers directly with updates and next steps based on the information we've received from our partners," the statement said.
Since then, more countries across Europe and Southeast Asia such as Indonesia and Malaysia have announced plans to tighten rules. While France (under 15) and the UK (under 16) have gone farthest with one chamber of their Parliament voting in favour of the ban, others are toying with the idea.
Amit Dixit, Head of Asia Private Equity at Blackstone, shared a LinkedIn post about attending the wedding of Senior Associate Pranav Damani in Kerala. He described the visit as a special weekend in Gods own country. He wished Pranav and Aishwarya a happy married life.

In the post, Dixit mentions that he liked the henna design on Pranavs hand, which included the words Blackstone and JP Schools. The mehendi design refers to the firms latest deal.

Dixit also highlighted Blackstones strong presence in Kerala. He said that it was likely the largest foreign investor in the state.

According to him, Blackstone has investments in companies such as Federal Bank, Aster Care, KIMS Trivandrum and IBS Software. He used hashtags related to Blackstone and Kerala in the post. The post included photos from the wedding celebrations, as well as the henna design.

View full Image Amit Dixit, Head of Asia Private Equity at Blackstone, shared a LinkedIn post. ( LinkedIn/Amit Dixit )

Social media, however, had mixed reactions to the post.

What a wonderful way to celebrate Pranav and Aishwarya! The henna detail featuring the Blackstone-JP Schools deal is a brilliant touch. Its great to see your commitment to Keralas growth through Federal Bank and KIMS, wrote one of them.

Well, the mehendi is quite unique though! Congratulations to them, commented another user.

Another user posted, Coolest henna ever, thanks for sharing, Amit Dixit. Congratulations, Pranav Damani.

The Inside Story The Blackstone-JP Schools deal apparently has a deeply-personal connection for Pranav Damani. In fact, the wedding may have happened partly because of the deal.

While Pranav was frequently travelling to Jaipur to work on the deal, he met Aishwarya. The connection grew and eventually became the reason for the couples happily ever after.

This deal is what brought them together; it happened in Jaipur, where the couple first met, revealed a social media user on Instagram.
Photo: https://t.me/Ukraine_MFA

Ukraines Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha said Hungary and Slovakia are resorting to blackmail and ultimatums, threatening to block the EUs 20th sanctions package and a European loan, as well as to halt electricity, gas and fuel supplies to Ukraine.

"Neither the government of Hungary nor the government of the Slovak Republic condemned Russias January 27 attack on oil infrastructure. Instead, these countries resort to blackmail and ultimatums, threatening to block the 20th sanctions package and the European loan, as well as to stop electricity, gas and fuel supplies to Ukraine. These two countries cannot hold the entire EU hostage, and Hungarian and Slovak ultimatums should be addressed solely to the Kremlin," the minister said during his online participation in the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting.

Sybiha recalled that the disruption of oil transit through the Druzhba pipeline was caused by Russias January 27 strike, which had severe consequences not only for energy transit but for the entire region.

"The actions of Budapest and Bratislava now only play into the hands of the Russian aggressor. We call on the governments of Hungary and the Slovak Republic to engage in constructive cooperation and act responsibly. Continuing and strengthening pressure on Moscow is critically important," the minister said.
Brett Adcock, founder of Figure, has scaled the billionaire rankings by entering the Forbes list at the 144th spot. Congratulatory messages have poured in for Adcock, with a wish from his former colleague now doing the rounds on social media. Matthew Piper Jenks extended congratulations to his mentor and former boss, calling Adcock a legend.

Congrats to my mentor & former boss Brett Adcock for climbing to 144 on the Forbes net worth list. I worked for Brett at Vettery and Archer Aviation. He also founded Figure, Cover, and Hark. Absolute legend who demanded my BEST & showed me what Im capable of. So proud & unsurprised, Piper wrote on X.

What did Brett Adcock say about his journey? Reacting to the post, Adcock shared that he came from humble beginnings. I grew up on a farm with no money. Now I get to build the kinds of projects I only saw in sci-fi as a kid. I dont take that for granted, he wrote.

He also offered advice to young innovators and entrepreneurs, encouraging them to pursue their interests with purpose. My advice to the next generation is simple: follow your passion. Thats where real wealth is. And real happiness, Adcock added.

What does Brett Adcocks company Figure do? According to Forbes, Adcock founded Figure in 2022 with the goal of developing advanced humanoid robots powered by artificial intelligence. The startup quickly drew strong investor interest, securing backing from Microsoft, Nvidia, Jeff Bezos and OpenAI. By February 2024, the company was valued at $2.6 billion, reflecting growing confidence in the future of general-purpose robotics.

Figure is currently focused on bringing AI-powered humanoid robots into real-world applications, with long-term plans to integrate such machines into the labour force across industries.

What are Brett Adcocks earlier ventures? Before launching Figure, Adcock co-founded the hiring marketplace Vettery in 2012. The platform was later acquired by The Adecco Group, a human resources services firm based in Switzerland, in 2018 for $110 million. Forbes estimates that Adcock owns roughly 50 per cent of Figure, which forms a significant portion of his expanding personal wealth.

What is Brett Adcocks role in AI and robotics? According to information shared by an AI speakers agency, Adcocks latest venture centres on building advanced humanoid robots powered by artificial intelligence for real-world applications. The initiative reflects his broader vision of using technology to deliver practical and transformative solutions across industries.

His public talks often explore the intersection of artificial intelligence and ethical considerations, drawing on his experience in building technology-driven companies. He is known for simplifying complex technical subjects for wider audiences at conferences and seminars focused on AI and robotics.

Where has Brett Adcock shared his views? Adcock has also contributed to discussions on emerging technologies through media appearances and podcasts, including the No Priors Podcast, Brighter with Herbert, and The TLC Equation Podcast. In these conversations, he has spoken about current AI trends, future predictions and the wider societal impact of rapid technological advancement.

His commentary frequently highlights how artificial intelligence and automation could reshape business operations and everyday life in the coming years.

What is known about Brett Adcocks background? Beyond his work in technology, Adcocks personal journey has also drawn attention. Coming from a farming background and later studying at the University of Florida, he often references his early experiences while discussing innovation and entrepreneurship.

Who are the top 10 on the list and their net worth?
The recently released tranche of Epstein-related documents has placed best-selling author and wellness guru Deepak Chopra in close contact with convicted sex offender and financier Jeffrey Epstein, despite Chopras earlier denial of any involvement in Epsteins criminal conduct.

Earlier in February, Chopra publicly stated that he had no connection with Epsteins illegal activities.

I was never involved in, nor did I participate in, any criminal or exploitative conduct. Any contact I had was limited and unrelated to abusive activity, wrote Chopra in a social media post.

He also acknowledged that some of his past correspondence reflects poor judgement when viewed today.

Messages revealed in document review According to a report by CNN, which reviewed material from the United States Department of Justice Epstein archive, there were reportedly hundreds of messages exchanged between the two men.

The correspondence, which at times included lewd and sexist remarks, shows that Chopra and Epstein remained in contact between 2016 and 2019. This communication occurred after Epsteins 2008 conviction for soliciting a minor for prostitution.

On at least two occasions, Chopra encouraged Epstein to bring girls along on trips, writing: Your girls would love it as would you.

In the same period, when Epstein invited Chopra to a workshop in Switzerland, Chopra again suggested that he bring his girls.

In another exchange with a philosophical tone, Chopra wrote, God is a construct. Cute girls are real. Epstein replied, " When the girls say, oh my god?" Chopra responded: Yes That's divine tran=cendence.

Financial links and professional interaction The documents also indicate that Chopra received financial support connected to Epstein. Chopra and Poonacha Machaiah had reportedly sought Epsteins input for the wellness application Jiyo.

In 2017, Chopra received a $50,000 cheque from Gratitude America, one of Epsteins foundations.

During a period when Epstein faced negative publicity, Chopra appeared supportive, writing: Sorry, I am not concerned about that. He also advised Epstein to Stay silent, Meditate.

Chopra further mentioned introducing his son-in-law to Epstein, stating: You might enjoy meeting him, before adding: (cant talk about girls ).

It remains unclear whether that meeting ever took place. The documents also do not specify the age of the girls referenced in the exchanges.

Epstein Files A vast collection of more than three million pages of documents linked to Jeffrey Epstein has affected the public standing of several politicians, diplomats, business figures and members of royalty. The records, released by the United States Department of Justice, revealed their past associations with the American financier and convicted sex offender, leading in some cases to investigations, reputational damage and loss of positions.

Except for former Prince Andrew, Duke of York, none of the individuals named in the material face allegations of sexual misconduct. Most faced criticism for maintaining friendly ties with Epstein after his criminal conviction became public.
US President Donald Trump on Monday (local time) slammed the Supreme Court, calling it incompetent and favouring the wrong people for its recent ruling and striking down the tariffs imposed by his administration.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said, Our incompetent supreme court did a great job for the wrong people, and for that they should be ashamed of themselves (but not the Great Three!). The next thing you know they will rule in favor of China and others, who are making an absolute fortune on Birthright Citizenship, by saying the 14th Amendment was NOT written to take care of the babies of slaves, which it was as proven by the EXACT TIMING of its construction, filing, and ratification, which perfectly coincided with the END OF THE CIVIL WAR. [sic]

He further said that the US Supreme Court will find a way to make China and other nations happy and rich, adding that while the court's decisions are bad and deleterious to the future of Americans, he would continue to do his job of making America great again.

US Supreme Court strikes down Trump's tariffs Trump's post came days after the US Supreme Court struck down Trump's Liberation Day tariffs, which were imposed on more than 100 countries and were aimed at making the country wealthy again. In its ruling on 20 February (local time), the court struck down the tariffs, finding that he relied on a law intended for national emergencies to justify the measures. Hours after the verdict, Trump said that he had other alternatives to pursue tariffs and announced his plan to impose a 10% global tariff using a different authority. The 10% global tariff is in addition to the existing tariffs.

Also Read | Trump raises global tariffs to 15%: Understanding the laws behind it

The 6-3 verdict marked a significant setback for Trump, Reuters reported. The verdict provoked a furious reaction from Trump, who criticised the justices. His authority to swiftly impose tariffs on goods from foreign countries by declaring a national emergency significantly increased his negotiating leverage. The move also prompted world leaders to rush to Washington last year to secure trade arrangements, many of which included promises of billions of dollars in investment or expanded market access for US-based companies.

Did the US Supreme Court give Trump more powers? Criticising the Supreme Court, Trump said that he will be using lower-case letters for a while to mark his complete lack of respect for it. He went on to ridicule the court, adding that it had, by accident, given the President far more powers and authority than he had previously.

Elaborating further, he said that for one, he can now use licenses to do absolutely "terrible" things to foreign countries, especially the ones that have been ripping off the US for many decades. However, he argued that the court's recent ruling prevents his administration from charging a fee for such licenses, noting that such licenses typically carry fees.

He added that the Supreme Court upheld other existing tariffs, noting that several alternative authorities are available, which, according to him, could be deployed in a more forceful and legally secure manner than the initially imposed tariffs.
A federal judge on Monday permanently blocked the release of a report by special counsel Jack Smith regarding his investigation into US President Donald Trumps retention of classified documents at Mar-a-Lago, as reported by Associated Press.

U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon, a Trump appointee, approved the former presidents request to keep the report from public view, halting disclosure of a criminal investigation that had been considered a serious legal threat to him.

Smith and his team compiled a two-volume report detailing investigations into Trumps attempts to overturn the 2020 presidential election after losing to Joe Biden, as well as his retention of classified documents at his Palm Beach, Florida estate following his first term in the White House.

Also Read | Unsafe water, lack of jobs leave McDowell County residents in lurch

Both investigations initially led to indictments, but Smiths team dropped them after Trumps November 2024 election victory, citing longstanding Justice Department guidelines that a sitting president cannot be federally prosecuted.

Cannon, who in 2024 dismissed the case after concluding that Smith was unlawfully appointed, said the release of the report would present a "manifest injustice" to Trump and his two co-defendants.

Special Counsel Smith, acting without lawful authority, obtained an indictment in this action and initiated proceedings that resulted in a final order of dismissal of all charges, she wrote, as reported by AP, adding, As a result, the former defendants in this case, like any other defendant in this situation, still enjoy the presumption of innocence held sacrosanct in our constitutional order.

She said that though it is true that special counsels have historically released reports at the conclusion of their work, they have done so either after declining not to bring charges in a particular case or "after adjudications of guilt by plea or trial."

The Court strains to find a situation in which a former special counsel has released a report after initiating criminal charges that did not result in a finding of guilt, at least not in a situation like this one, where the defendants contested the charges from the outset and still proclaim their innocence.
Winter Storm Hernando Highlights: The Blizzard of 2026 is officially underway as Winter Storm Hernando rapidly intensified into a bomb cyclone, spurring the first blizzard warnings for New York City and Boston in almost ten years.

Millions across New York City and much of the northeastern U.S. remained home on Monday under road travel bans and blizzard warnings as heavy snow and strong winds created whiteout conditions throughout the densely populated region, as reported by AP.

Snow fell at rates of 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.6 cm) per hour early Monday from New York through Massachusetts, with some areas accumulating more than a foot (30 cm) since Sunday, accompanied by wind gusts over 30 mph (48 kph) and low visibility, AP reported.

Winter Storm Hernando Live: NYC Public schools closed on Monday, February 23?

New York City, the nation's largest school district, ordered all public school buildings closed for a traditional snow day, with no remote instruction and all after-school programs cancelled, Reuters reported.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani declared a state of emergency and ordered non-essential vehicles off city roads from Sunday night to noon Monday, saying plows and emergency crews needed the streets clear as snowfall intensified. The city is under its first blizzard warning since 2017.

Significant snowfall totals included 22.5 inches (57 cm) at Long Island MacArthur Airport, around 18 inches (46 cm) in Newark, New Jersey, and roughly 15 inches (38 cm) in New York Citys Central Park. Both New London, Connecticut, and North Kingstown, Rhode Island, recorded 17 inches (43 cm) of snow, AP reported.

More than 5,000 flights in and out of the United States were cancelled for Monday, according to the flight tracking website FlightAware. Most were cancelled in New York, New Jersey and Boston, AP reported.

Get all the Winter Storm Hernando Live Updates here on Mint.
Dhaka, Feb 23 (PTI) Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin has alleged that former interim government head Muhammad Yunus attempted to remove him from office several times, days after the new Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) administration took charge.

In an interview with leading Bangla newspaper Kalerkantha published on Sunday, the President said during the past 18 months of interim government rule he was "nowhere in discussion but several plots were hatched against me".

Shahabuddin said he received the "highest level of support" from the armed forces chiefs who "came to me at different times and boosted my morale".

"They told me only one thing -- 'Your Excellency, you are the supreme commander of the armed forces. Your defeat would mean the defeat of the entire armed forces. We will prevent that at any cost'-- In the end, they did exactly that," he said.

"Many attempts were made to create a constitution void" during Yunus' regime, Shahabuddin added.

"I was targeted for removal in so many ways. But I did not break down under any circumstances," he said.

According to constitution experts, the President's removal could have created a constitutional void affecting the command chain in the military, civil bureaucracy and judicial system.

Soon after taking the oath administered by Shahabuddin under the constitution, the interim government dissolved the parliament and tended to call itself a "post-revolutionary government".

The president said he could state "unequivocally" that the top leadership of the now ruling BNP, being headed by new Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, stood beside him and expressed their commitment to preserve the "constitutional continuity".

Shahabuddin said that during that period, overnight, mobs appeared on the street in front of his residence, Banghaban, to mount pressure on him to quit the office, while army troops intensified vigil around the presidential palace.

"On 22 October 2024, Bangabhaban was besieged. This party, that party, mancha, okiya  so many platforms created overnight! These were the same types of people in different forums under different names. Where did they get so much money?" he asked.

"That night was nightmarish for me . . . The army controlled the situation very firmly," he said.

The president said there was another attempt from within the interim government to remove him from office, when the army, navy and air force chiefs directly told Yunus they would not allow any unconstitutional action to take place.

"I do not know if anyone else had the strength to endure the storm that passed over me," he said.

Yunus was sworn in as the Chief Adviser of the interim government by Shahabuddin after a student-led violent street protest called the July Uprising toppled then Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government on August 5, 2024.

"He (Yunus) travelled abroad perhaps 14 to 15 times. Not once did he inform me. Not once did he come to see me," the President said, contrary to the constitutional dictate requiring the head of the government to meet the president and brief him on the outcomes of the visit.

Shahabuddin, however, admitted many of the ordinances (the president signed interim orders) issued at the time were unnecessary and lacked constitutional justification, while several political analysts said many of those were directly contradictory to the Constitution.

In a previous interview several months ago, the Bangladeshi president said under the rule of Yunus, "my voice has been stifled," while he felt humiliated as the interim government took away his press wing and in September, his portraits were removed from Bangladeshi embassies around the world.

"(But) I am upholding my position because of the constitutionally held presidency," he said at that time.

Shahabuddin was appointed as the President in April 2023 as the nominee of Sheikh Hasina's then ruling Awami League for a 5-year term.

After Hasina's government was toppled, Yunus flew from abroad to take charge of the interim government until an elected government with Tarique Rahman as the Prime Minister assumed office last week.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney will visit India, Australia and Japan from 26 February to 7 March 2026 with the aim to diversify trade abroad and attract new international investment.

According to a release by the Prime Minister of Canada issued on Monday, 23 February, the visit seeks To unlock new opportunities for Canadian workers and businesses across trade, energy, technology, and defence. Through these visits to three of Canadas strongest Indo-Pacific partners, the Prime Minister will deepen regional ties that are critical to our security and prosperity.

Carney's visit comes amid his efforts to diversify Canada's alliances beyond the US, its primary trade partner. At the World Economic Forum in Davos last month, he received a rare standing ovation after saying the old rules-based order is over and urging middle powers such as Canada to form coalitions to create a fairer, more resilient global system.

In a changing world, we are investing in our strength, diversifying our trade, and cultivating a dense web of new connections throughout the world to build Canada strong, the release said.

Also Read | Carney likely to visit India in March as Canada trade pivot intensifies: Envoy

Here is the itinerary from the Carney's scheduled visit  India PM Carney will first visit Mumbai before proceeding to New Delhi, where he will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Their discussion will aim to strengthen and expand the Canada-India relationship through new, ambitious collaborations in trade, energy, technology, artificial intelligence (AI), talent, culture, and defence. Additionally, he will engage with business leaders to explore investment prospects in Canada and foster new partnerships between organisations from both countries.

Australia Mark Carney will then visit Sydney and Canberra, Australia, to meet with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and strengthen cooperation on defence, maritime security, critical minerals, trade, and advanced technologies such as AI. He will deliver a speech to both Houses of Australias Parliament and invited dignitaries, marking the first such speech by a Canadian Prime Minister in nearly 20 years. Additionally, Prime Minister Carney will meet with business leaders and investors to attract new investment into Canada and promote bilateral trade and investment with Australia.

Also Read | Carney, Macklem Congratulate Warsh on Federal Reserve Nomination

Japan In Tokyo, Japan, Prime Minister Carney is scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae to enhance collaboration and investment in clean energy, advanced manufacturing, critical minerals, and food security. The discussion will also cover boosting joint efforts in security and defence, with an emphasis on supporting a free and open Indo-Pacific.
Iran has agreed to a 500 million euros arms deal with Russia in one of its most significant moves to rebuild its air defence system destroyed during the brief conflict with Israel last year, in which the US participated.

According to a report by the Financial Times, Iran and Russia signed the arms deal in December last year, months after the attacks destroyed its key air defence facilities.

The deal commits Moscow to deliver 500 man-portable Verba launch units and 2,500 9M336 missiles, as per leaked Russian documents cited by FT and several people with knowledge of the deal.

Verba particularly gains attention in the deal, as it is one of Russia's most modern air defence systems.

Under the Verba contract, worth 495 million euros, deliveries of the launch units are scheduled in three tranches, starting from 2027 to 2029. According to FT, citing a person familiar with the transaction, Russia may have possibly delivered a smaller number of the systems to Iran ahead of schedule.

Also Read | Indian Army successfully conducts trials of Akash Prime air defence system

The news comes as the United States continues to strengthen its military presence in the region, sparking concerns about a potential broader conflict with Iran.

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.

How did Iran ink the deal with Russia? According to a contract cited by FT, Iran formally requested the weapons in July last year, days after its 12-day conflict with Israel in which three of the country's key nuclear facilities saw damage amid a US intervention.

During that time, Tehran's integrated air-defence network suffered heavy blows, enabling Israel to rapidly establish and sustain air superiority over major parts of Iran.

According to a former US official cited by FT, the deal would likely have been viewed by Moscow as a way to re-establish its ties with Iran after it suspiciously failed to back its ally during the conflict.

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, he said.

The Verba deal between Moscow and Tehran was executed by the Kremlins state arms export agency Rosoboronexport, and the Moscow representative of Irans Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces Logistics, known as MODAFL. Ruhollah Katebi, a Moscow-based MODAFL official, helped arrange the deal.

What is the Verba air defence system? The Verba is one of Russia's most modern air defence systems. It is a shoulder-fired, infrared-guided missile and is a man-portable air defence system. Verba has been manufactured by the state defence enterprise KBM and has been in service with Russia since 2014.

Verba is capable of targeting cruise missiles, low-flying aircraft and drones.

Small mobile teams can operate it, allowing ground forces to rapidly create dispersed defences without relying on fixed radar installations that are more prone to strikes.
Hundreds of travellers were left stranded at Cancun International Airport and Lic Benito Juarez International Airport in Mexico as at least 29 flights got cancelled and more got delayed. This comes after violence erupted over the killing of the leader of Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), Nemesio "El Mencho" Oseguera Cervantes.

According to Travel and Tour World, 62 flights were delayed and another 29 were cancelled at the two busiest airports of Mexico  Cancun International Airport and Lic. Benito Juarez International Airport in Mexico City.

Tourists and passengers arriving at Cancun were met with long waits, rescheduled connections and logistical headaches amid peak travel season. Travellers at the Lic. Benito Juarez International Airport in Mexico City also faced similar fate when they arrived at the airport.

Which flights have been cancelled in Mexico? According to the Travel and Tour World reports, Mexican airlines including Aeromexico, Viva, Aerobus, Interjet and more companies have cancelled and/or delayed their flights.

Several US and Canadian airlines cancelled flights to parts of Mexico on Sunday following the unrest.

US carriers United Airlines, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines and Alaska Airlines, as well as the Canadian airlines Air Canada and WestJet/Sunwing, announced the cancellation of flights to Puerto Vallarta, Guadalajara, and Manzanillo.

Also Read | Mexico travel warning after El Mencho killing  List of cities to avoid

Some planes had to turn back while already en route to Mexico, several airlines said, including Southwest, which turned back four flights originally bound for Puerto Vallarta.

Southwest Airlines said it would send aircraft to Mexico to repatriate its stranded passengers and staff once the situation normalises.

The United States in an advisory informed its citizens that domestic and international flights were cancelled in both Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta.

Panic at Mexican airports Videos circulating on social media showed panicked tourists and passengers at Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara airports in Mexico.

Many travellers were seen dropping their luggage and running across the airport to take shelter behind chairs and flight desks amid the military operation.

Videos further show employees sprinting for cover as reports spread of armed men inside the terminal.

Mexico authorities kill major drug leader Leader of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel, Nemesio "El Mencho" Oseguera Cervantes, was killed on Sunday following an operation led by Mexico's military, the government announced.

Also Read | Mexico violence LIVE: India issues advisory after drug lord El Mencho killed

El Mencho, a former police officer, led the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, or CJNG, as it became one of the "most powerful and ruthless criminal organisations" inside Mexico, according to the US Drug Enforcement Agency.

El Mencho and two others were seriously injured and died as they were being transported via aircraft to Mexico City, according to the secretariat.

Three Mexican military personnel were also injured in the operation and transferred to a hospital in Mexico City for treatment.

The operation triggered a series of violent events in the state of Jalisco.

Other than US and Canada, India has also issued an advisory for its citizens in Mexico.
India has advised its citizens in Iran to depart by commercial flights and other available means as protests flare across Tehran and tensions mount between Washington and Tehran over Irans nuclear programme. The advisory follows a volatile weekend marked by university demonstrations, competing pro- and anti-government rallies, and escalating rhetoric from senior officials in both capitals.

In continuation of the advisory issued by the Government of India on 5 January 2026, and in view of the evolving situation in Iran, Indian nationals who are currently in Iran (students, pilgrims, business persons and tourists) are advised to leave Iran by available means of transport, including commercial flights, the Embassy of India in Tehran said in a post.

The guidance comes as fears of a wider conflict grow amid a significant United States military build-up in the region and renewed nuclear negotiations scheduled for later this week in Geneva.

US pressure and Tehrans defiance Washington has intensified its pressure campaign on Tehran in recent weeks. In a Fox News interview, Donald Trumps special envoy Steve Witkoff said the president was perplexed by Irans stance.

I dont want to use the word frustrated, because he 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, Witkoff said.

Why, under this pressure, with the amount of sea power and naval power over there, why havent they come to us and said, We profess we dont want a weapon, so heres what were prepared to do? And yet its sort of hard to get them to that place, he added.

Irans Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi responded sharply on social media: Curious to know why we do not capitulate? Because we are IRANIAN.

Irans President Masoud Pezeshkian said Tehran remained committed to regional stability while continuing to closely monitor US actions and have made all necessary preparations for any potential scenario.

Protests erupt across Tehran universities The advisory coincides with renewed campus unrest. Verified footage showed scuffles between pro- and anti-government groups at Amirkabir University, while demonstrations were also reported at Sharif University of Technology and Science and Industry University.

The official Fars news agency described counter-revolutionary slogans being chanted by some students at Amirkabir University, Sharif University of Technology, and Science and Industry University.

Hossein Goldansaz, a professor at Tehran University, told the Mehr news agency that the demonstrations were shaped by mourning ceremonies for those killed in Januarys unrest.

One of the students main points is that we are mourning for the people who lost their lives in these events, those who were our friends, he said.

We will allow them to hold their demonstrations on the university and if someone asks us for permission, we will give them permission, provided they respect the red lines, Goldansaz added.

Students should be very careful not to lead to violence and I told the students that if this happens, I will not support them in any way.

Some videos circulating online showed students condemning Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as a murderous leader and calling for the return of Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Irans former shah. Pro-government rallies were also reported.

Nuclear talks resume amid military build-up Despite the charged atmosphere, diplomatic channels remain open. Talks between Iranian officials and US negotiators are expected to resume on Thursday in Geneva, with Oman acting as mediator.

We continue negotiations, we are working on the elements of a deal and the draft of a text, Araghchi said, adding there was a good chance to have a diplomatic solution.

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.

Western governments remain concerned about Irans uranium enrichment activities, while Tehran insists it retains the right to enrich uranium for civilian purposes. A senior Iranian official told Reuters that Tehran could consider exporting part of its highly enriched uranium stockpile, diluting its purity and establishing a regional enrichment consortium in exchange for recognition of its right to peaceful nuclear enrichment.

The negotiations continue and the possibility of reaching an interim agreement exists, the official said.

Meanwhile, the United States has deployed two aircraft carriers and additional combat aircraft to the Middle East, reinforcing its military posture as diplomacy proceeds.

Growing fear among civilians in Iran The convergence of student unrest, economic strain and geopolitical brinkmanship has heightened public anxiety.

If the US attacks us, then we have every right to defend ourselves, Araghchi said, while emphasising that there is a good chance to have a diplomatic solution.

On Tehrans streets, apprehension is palpable. Residents have expressed concern over the prospect of renewed conflict, even as officials on both sides signal willingness to negotiate.
UNSC to meet on Feb 24, anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine

The UN Security Council (UNSC) will hold a special meeting on Tuesday, February 24, to discuss the consequences of four years of Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine.

According to the UN Security Council schedule, the 1011th briefing meeting will be held at 3:00 p.m. New York time (10:00 p.m.Kyiv time).

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is expected to give a briefing on the situation in Ukraine.

Guterres, at the opening of the 61st session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva on Monday, confirmed the planned address on February 24.

He said that tomorrow he is scheduled to address the Security Council on the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, stressing that that it's time to put an end to the bloodshed.
Indian embassy in Mexico issued a shelter in place advisory for Indian citizens in certain areas of Mexico impacted by criminal violence and roadblocks following the killing of a senior cartel leader El Mencho by local security forces in US-backed raid. It also released a helpline number in case of emergencies. Individuals were advised to call 911, while consular assistance could be sought by contacting the Embassy of India in Mexico at +52 55 4847 7539, the embassy said.

Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, widely known as El Mencho, was killed on Sunday morning during a federal operation targeting the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. Following his death, criminal groups set vehicles on fire to block roads in several parts of Jalisco, according to local media reports from Reforma and Milenio.

What did the Indian embassy in Mexico say? There are ongoing security operations and related road blockages and criminal activity, Indian nationals in Jalisco State (areas of Puerto Vallarta, Chapala, and Guadalajara), Tamaulipas State (areas of Reynosa and other municipalities), areas of Michoacan State, Guerrero State, and Nuevo Leon State should shelter in place until further notice, Indian embassy in Mexico said on X.

The Indian Embassy in Mexico advised citizens to stay away from areas where law enforcement operations are underway and to remain alert to their surroundings. It urged people to take shelter and limit unnecessary movement outside, keep track of local news for updates, and follow instructions issued by local authorities. It also recommended avoiding crowded places and keeping family and friends informed about their location and safety through phone calls, messages, or social media.

Authorities said that Oseguera and six other cartel members were killed either during the operation or in related incidents, while three soldiers were injured. Mexicos defense ministry stated that the raid was conducted with the help of intelligence provided by the United States. Officials also shared the seizure of multiple weapons, including rocket launchers capable of bringing down aircraft and damaging armored vehicles.

Also Read | El Mencho killing: Dozens of flights cancelled and delayed amid Mexico violence

Later in the day, Claudia Sheinbaum praised the security forces involved and emphasised that most parts of the country were not affected by the operation, noting that authorities across different states had worked in close coordination. She urged the public to stay informed and remain calm, while acknowledging that some road blockades were still in place.

Residents of Guadalajara circulated videos showing armed individuals shooting at vehicle tires to obstruct intersections, while similar blockades were later reported in other states, including Michoacan and Guanajuato. The violent reaction following Osegueras killing highlights the significant strength and growing influence of criminal groups, which continue to pose a serious challenge to the state, according to Jose Maria Ramos Garcia, a professor at El Colegio de la Frontera Norte.

Also Read | Mexico travel warning after El Mencho killing  List of cities to avoid

The United States increased the reward to $15 million in 2024 for information leading to Osegueras capture, underscoring his importance within a criminal network that generates billions of dollars annually.

Who was El Mencho? El Mencho, 59, was a former police officer who headed the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) as it grew into one of the "most powerful and ruthless criminal organisations" in Mexico, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration, reported CNN.

Originally from Aguililla in the neighbouring state of Michoacan, Oseguera Cervantes became involved in drug trafficking during the 1990s. He was sought by US authorities, who offered a reward of up to $15 million for information leading to his arrest, the report noted.

In his early years, he reportedly migrated to the United States, where he was convicted in 1994 in the US District Court for the Northern District of California for conspiracy to distribute heroin and served nearly three years in prison. After completing his sentence, he returned to Mexico and resumed drug trafficking activities, working alongside drug lord Ignacio Coronel Villarreal, also known as Nacho Coronel".

Following Villarreals death, Oseguera Cervantes and Erik Valencia Salazar, alias El 85", founded the CJNG around 2009. The group initially operated under the Sinaloa Cartel but later broke away, and the two organisations have since fought for control of territory across Mexico.
Twenty-five Mexican National Guard members were killed in six separate attacks following the death of the Jalisco New Generation Cartels notorious leader, security officials said Monday, raising fears of further violence across Mexico, as reported by AP.

Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, nicknamed El Mencho, led one of the countrys fastest-growing criminal organisations, known for trafficking fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine to the United States and carrying out bold attacks against government officials who opposed the cartel, AP reported.

Also Read | Mexico LIVE Updates: Airlines suspend flights in several states amid violence

How was cartel leader El Mencho killed? El Mencho was killed after a shootout in his home state of Jalisco as the Mexican military attempted to capture him. Cartel members responded with widespread violence, blocking roads and setting fire to vehicles, AP reported.

Mexican Defense Secretary Ricardo Trevilla said Monday that authorities had followed one of Oseguera Cervantes' romantic partners to his hideout in Tapalpa, Jalisco.

Army and National Guard special forces moved in Sunday morning and immediately came under heavy fire. Eight gunmen were killed there. Oseguera Cervantes and two bodyguards fled into a wooded area where they were seriously wounded in a firefight, Trevilla said. They were flown out along with a wounded soldier, but El Mencho and his bodyguards died en route to Mexico City, he said, as reported by AP.

In a different location in Jalisco, soldiers also killed another high-ranking cartel member who Trevilla said was coordinating violence and offering more than $1,000 for every soldier killed.

Also killed on Sunday were a prison guard, a state prosecutors office agent, and an unidentified woman. Security Secretary Omar Garcia Harfuch reported that around 30 cartel suspects were killed in Jalisco, with four more killed in the neighboring state of Michoacan.

In response to the widespread violence, several Mexican states closed schools on Monday, and both local and foreign governments advised residents to remain indoors.

President Claudia Sheinbaum urged calm, and authorities said all of the more than 250 cartel roadblocks across 20 states had been cleared by Monday.

View full Image Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum looks at a slide with information about Jalisco New Generation Cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera, known as 'El Mencho,' during her the daily, morning news conference at the National Palace in Mexico City, Monday, Feb. 23, 2026, the day after the Mexican army killed the cartel leader. (AP Photo/Ginnette Riquelme) ( AP )

The White House confirmed that the U.S. provided intelligence support for the operation that led to the cartel leaders capture and praised Mexicos military for taking down one of the most wanted criminals in both countries, AP reported.

Mexico hoped the death of the world's biggest fentanyl traffickers would ease Trump administration pressure to do more against the cartels, but many people were on edge as they waited to see the powerful cartel's reaction.

Many fear more violence The U.S. Embassy said via X that its personnel in eight cities and in Michoacan would shelter in place and work remotely Monday, and it warned U.S. citizens in many parts of Mexico to do the same.

Cars began circulating in Guadalajara before sunrise Monday with the start of the workweek, a notable change from Sunday, when Jalisco's state capital and Mexico's second-largest city was almost completely shut down as fearful residents stayed home.

View full Image A charred truck blocks a road the day after the Mexican army killed Jalisco New Generation Cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as 'El Mencho,' in Guadalajara, Mexico, Monday, Feb. 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Marco Ugarte) ( AP )

More than 1,000 people were stuck overnight in Guadalajaras zoo, where they slept in buses. On Monday morning. Mothers wrapped in blankets carried their toddlers out of the buses for a much-needed bathroom break as police trucks guarded the area.

Luis Soto Rendon, the zoos director, said many had been trapped there since 9 a.m. Sunday, when violence broke out in Jalisco and the surrounding states. Families were left stranded after concluding they could not return home in nearby states like Zacatecas and Michoacan.

We decided to let people stay inside the zoo for their safety, Soto said. There are small children and senior citizens.

Jose Luis Ramirez, a 54-year-old therapist, was in a long line of people waiting outside a pharmacy, one of the few businesses that were open Monday in Guadalajara. Families were buying food, medicine, water, diapers and baby formula, from pharmacists through a chained door.

It was Ramirezs first time leaving the house since violence erupted over the weekend, but he struck a hopeful tone saying that despite the bloodshed, civilians needed to move forward.

We have to not think scared, but be cool-headed, like they say, and take things as they come, he said.

Traffic was light in the city, and outwardly it appeared that those who could afford to stay home were doing so, while those who had to work were carefully making their way across the city.

Also Read | Who was El Mencho? All you need to know about killing of Mexican cartel leader

Irma Hernandez, a 43-year-old hotel security guard in Guadalajara, arrived at work early Monday.

She normally takes public transportation to work, but buses were not running, and she had no way to cross the city. Her bosses organized a private car to pick her up. Her family, she said, was staying at home, too scared to leave.

I am worried because I don't know how to get home if something happens, she said.

Videos circulating on social media Sunday showed tourists in Puerto Vallarta walking on the beach with smoke rising in the distance.

A blow against a cartel could be a diplomatic coup David Mora, a Mexico analyst with the International Crisis Group, said the surge in violence represents a turning point in Sheinbaums efforts to crack down on cartels and ease pressure from the United States.

U.S. President Donald Trump has demanded Mexico do more to fight the smuggling of fentanyl, threatening to impose more tariffs or take unilateral military action if the country does not show results.

There were early signs that Mexicos efforts were well received by the United States.

U.S. Ambassador Ron Johnson recognized the success of the Mexican armed forces and their sacrifice in a statement late Sunday. Under the leadership of Trump and Sheinbaum, he said, "bilateral cooperation has reached unprecedented levels.

But it may also pave the way for more violence as rival criminal groups take advantage of the blow dealt to the CJNG, Mora said, AP reported.

This might be a moment in which those other groups see that the cartel is weakened and want to seize the opportunity for them to expand control and to gain control over Cartel Jalisco in those states, he said.

Ever since President Sheinbaum has been in power, the army has been way more confrontational, combative against criminal groups in Mexico, Mora said. This is signaling to the U.S. that if we keep cooperating, sharing intelligence, Mexico can do it. We dont need U.S. troops on Mexican soil."
Mexico Violence Highlights: Several vehicles and cars were burnt, flight operations were affected, passport offices were shut and billows of smoke were seen in parts of Mexico after a major violence erupted in the region on Sunday. The violence spread to Jalisco and other states such as Michoacan and Guanajuato.

But why was there violence in Mexico? It all happened after the Mexican military launched raids against drug cartel and killed the most-wanted drug lord, Nemesio "El Mencho" Oseguera Cervantes, on Sunday. He was the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG)  one of the most notorious gangs.

Mexico's Secretariat of National Defence said that CJNG members traded fire with the government forces, resulting in four gang members being killed at the scene.

What's happening in Mexico right now?

As parts of Mexico continue to burn, several countries  from India to the US to Chile, Canada and Australia  have issued travel advisories and helpline numbers for their citizens.

Head of Government of Mexico City Clara Brugada Molina posted on X that the government is in permanent session, monitoring the events in coordination with the Federal Government.

She called for calm and for people to seek information from official sources as fake news continued to spread amid the violence and drug raids.

Country-wise full advisory: Tap link to check

India

United States (US)

Chile

Canada

Flights and road services are impacted

The US embassy said in its advisory that while no airports have been closed, roadblocks have impacted airline operations, with some domestic and international flights cancelled in both Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta.

All taxis and ride shares are suspended in Puerto Vallarta. Some businesses have also suspended operations.
Nepal votes on 5 March: Nearly 3,500 candidates, including 391 women, filed nominations on Tuesday for the 165 seats up for grabs in Nepal's upcoming general elections under the direct voting system.

The Himalayan nation is set to witness the House of Representatives (HoR) election on 5 March. Political parties in Nepal officially began campaigning for the general elections last week.

Also Read | Nepal protests: What we know as 16 killed in Gen Z stir after social media ban

Of the total of 275 HoR seats, 40 per cent, or 110 members, are elected through a proportional voting system. Elections are conducted for 165 seats under the First Past the Post (FPTP) or direct voting system.

Why were the elections necessitated? The general elections were necessitated after K P Sharma Oli resigned as prime minister on 9 September last year, following violent protests by the youth-led Gen Z group against his government over corruption and a ban on social media.

On 4 September 2025, the government of KP Sharma Oli abruptly banned 26 social media platforms (including Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok), citing regulatory non-compliance. The youth viewed this as a blatant attempt to silence dissent and expose government corruption, which had been trending online under hashtags like #NepoBaby.

On September 8 and 9, 2025, tens of thousands of young protestersmany in school and college uniformsmarched on the Federal Parliament. While the movement began peacefully, it turned violent after the Prime Minister dismissed it as a staged drama and the police response led to dozens of deaths. Protesters eventually torched several government buildings and the private residences of top political leaders.

KP Sharma Oli resigned as prime minister. In the aftermath, former chief justice Sushila Karki, 73, was appointed interim prime minister to lead the Himalayan republic of 30 million people to elections. Her name was first proposed by thousands of young activists via the online platform Discord.

Karki will step down after the vote for the 275-seat House of Representatives, the lower chamber of parliament, with 165 members elected directly and 110 through party lists.

The elections are seen as a "credibility test" for Nepal, determining if the country can move past its legacy of corruption and embrace a new generation of leadership.

18.9 lakh voters, 3,428 candidates There are a total of 18,903,689 eligible voters for the election, including 915,119 newly registered ones, compared to the last parliamentary election in 2022.

The Lower House of Parliament has 275 lawmakers, of whom 165 are elected through the first-past-the-post (FPTP) system or direct voting, while 110 are elected through proportional representation.

A total of 3,428 candidates, comprising 3,037 men and 391 women, representing various political parties and independents, registered for the elections, according to the commission.

Also Read | Shaken by Nepal, England aim to step up game in T20WC clash against Windies

The commission is expected to publish the final list of candidates today after verifying the nomination papers and addressing any complaints, Narayan Prasad Bhattarai, Election Commission spokesperson, said last month.

Key players in Nepal Elections For decades, Nepal's political landscape has been dominated by veteran leaders  many of them former Maoist insurgents  who have taken turns in power since the end of the 10-year civil war in 2006.

KP Sharma Oli, 73, was ousted as prime minister by the uprising but retained enough support to be reelected leader of the Communist Party of Nepal-UML (Unified Marxist Leninist).

Another former prime minister, Pushpa Kamal Dahal, 71, heads the Nepal Communist Party, which has roped in several other communist factions since the protests.

Nepali Congress, the country's oldest party and a member of the former Oli coalition government, elected 49-year-old Gagan Thapa as its new leader in January  sidelining its veteran chief, five-time prime minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, 79.

Gyanendra, 78, the king until he was deposed in 2008  ending 240 years of monarchy  still resides in Kathmandu and retains pockets of support from the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), which benefits from nostalgia and public frustration at mainstream politics.

Challenging the old guard Television host Rabi Lamichhane, 50, leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), which stunned observers in 2022 by becoming parliament's fourth-largest force.

A former deputy prime minister and home minister, Lamichhane has formed an alliance with former Kathmandu mayor Balendra "Balen" Shah, 35, a rapper and civil engineer with a considerable online following.

Shah is the alliance's candidate for prime minister and is mounting a direct challenge against Oli in his constituency.

Also Read | Jharkhand Municipal election 2026 LIVE: Polling underway for 48 local bodies

Another high-profile contender is Kulman Ghising, the former interim energy minister credited with tackling chronic power outages during his tenure at the Nepal Electricity Authority.

Why do Nepal Elections matter for India? The upcoming elections in Nepal are arguably the most consequential for India-Nepal relations in decades. Because of the shared 1,751-km open border and deep cultural ties, any tremor in Kathmandu is felt in New Delhi.

The Gen Z Uprising in September 2025 created a security nightmare for India. During the chaos, over 15,000 prisoners escaped, and firearms were looted from police armouries, prompting India to put the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) on high alert.

The elections are seen as a 'credibility test' for Nepal, determining if the country can move past its legacy of corruption and embrace a new generation of leadership.

A stable government can secure the border and prevent it from being used by third-party actors or criminal elements.
Iran's deputy foreign minister Kazem Gharibabadi warned of a wider escalation if his country was attacked, after US President Donald Trump raised the threat of strikes.

Trump has sent a major deployment of air and sea power to the Middle East and has threatened to strike Iran if it does not reach a deal on key concerns starting with its nuclear programme.

"We call upon all nations committed to peace and justice to take meaningful steps to prevent further escalation," Gharibabadi said at the Conference on Disarmament in Geneva.

"The consequences of any renewed aggression wouldn't remain confined to one country -- and responsibility would rest with those who initiate or support such actions."

Iranian and US negotiators held indirect talks in Geneva last week on Tehran's nuclear programme, hosted by Oman.

Washington said Monday that nuclear talks with Iran will resume on Thursday, with Oman having earlier said they would again take place in Geneva.

Also Read | India urges nationals to leave Iran as Tehran protests intensify amid war fears

"The Islamic Republic of Iran remains committed to diplomacy and dialogue as the most effective path towards de-escalation and sustainable security," Gharibabadi said.

"Recent diplomatic engagement here in Geneva, which will continue this Thursday, demonstrates that a new window of opportunity exists for negotiations to address differences and build confidence -- provided that they uphold mutual respect, equitable treatment and non-selective application of international norms.

"Any sustainable and credible negotiation must respect the legitimate rights of all states under international law, and deliver tangible security benefits without coercion, unilateral demands or threats of force."

Critical crossroad The United States and Israel threatened new military action against Iran after mass protests in the Islamic republic, which the Iranian authorities crushed at a cost of thousands of lives.

Daniel Meron, Israel's ambassador to the UN in Geneva, told reporters his country would be following Thursday's talks "very closely".

Gharibabadi said that while Tehran sought the path of diplomacy, it was prepared to defend its sovereignty, territory and people, insisting it would exercise its right to self-defence "if necessary".

He called upon nuclear-armed states to offer legally binding security assurances for countries without atomic weapons.

Shen Jian, China's ambassador to the disarmament forum, said the Iran nuclear issue stood "at a critical crossroad".

"We oppose unilateral bullying and the use of force in international relations," he said, calling for a "favourable environment" for the ongoing diplomatic efforts.
The U.S. ambassador to France, Charles Kushner, has been banned from meeting members of the French government after not showing up at the Foreign Affairs ministry earlier in the day, where he had been summoned over comments on the killing of a French far-right activist last week, diplomatic sources said on Monday.

"Following the publication by the U.S. Embassy of comments on a tragedy that occurred in France and concerns only our national public debate  which we refuse to allow to be exploited  ambassador Charles Kushner was summoned today to the ministry. He did not show up," the source added.

Also Read | Trump threatens foreign nations amid US Supreme Court's tariff blow

French far-right activist Quentin Deranque was beaten to death in a fight with alleged hard-left activists, in an incident that shocked the nation and has been called "France's Charlie Kirk moment", referring to last year's shooting of the U.S. conservative activist.

The U.S. Embassy in France and the U.S. State Department's Bureau of Counterterrorism said they were monitoring the case, warning on X that "violent radical leftism was on the rise" and should be treated as a public safety threat.

"Faced with this apparent misunderstanding of the basic expectations of an ambassador who has the honour of representing his country, the minister requested that he no longer be allowed direct access to members of the French government," the source added.

Also Read | UK police arrest Former UK ambassador Peter Mandelson in Jeffrey Epstein case
The Netherlands on Monday witnessed history in the making as 38-year-old Rob Jetten was sworn in as the country's youngest prime minister, news agency AP reported.

Jetten was sworn in by Dutch King Willem-Alexander in a new minority Dutch coalition government. The youngest-ever prime minister already has a task ahead, which is to use his bridge-building skills to pass laws and see a full four-year term in office. Further, he would be required to push through his agenda through the country's first minority government in decades, Politico reported.

Also Read | Netherlands continues to be top destination for Indias petroleum exports

Jetten succeeds Dick Schoof, whose government collapsed last year, prompting snap elections in the country. His party obtained a narrow victory over the far-right Party for Freedom (PVV), which is led by Geert Wilders. His appointment comes at a time when several countries are witnessing far-right parties winning elections in countries like Germany and France, and comes as a relief in Brussels as he pledges to steer the European Union's fifth-largest economy.

All you need to know about Rob Jetten Apart from being the country's youngest ever prime minister, Jetten is also the country's first openly gay Dutch leader, Politico reported.

According to a Euro News report, Jetten was once called "Robot Jetten" for his rigid way of answering questions. The youngest ever prime minister has previously served as a climate minister under the government of former prime minister Mark Rutte, and he struck a chord with the voters this time around, due to his positive messaging.

According to Jetten's LinkedIn profile, he has a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Public Administration from Radboud University in Nijmegen, the Netherlands.

He began his political career in 2008 as a Policy Officer for the D66 Senate parliamentary group. In the same year, he rose through the ranks of the party's youth wing, the Young Democrats, and began serving, first as Chair of the Arnhem-Nijmegen branch and then as National Chair.

In 2010, Jetten became Parliamentary Group Leader for D66 in Nijmegen, a role which he held for seven years. Between 2011 and 2014, he worked as a management trainee at Randstad. From 2012 to 2016, he worked as a Member of the Advisory Board of the Intercity Student Consultation (ISO). He also worked as a Strategy Advisor between 2013 and 2014. Jetten later joined ProRail, the Dutch railway infrastructure company, where he served as Regional Manager for Construction Management in North-East Netherlands between 2014 and 2017.

Later in 2017, he was elected to the House of Representatives of the Netherlands and became Parliamentary Group Leader for D66 in 2018. Jetten served in that capacity till 2022, while he continued as a Member of Parliament.

In 2022, Jetten was appointed as Minister for Climate and Energy in the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy. In his two-year tenure, which ended in 2024, Jetten was responsible for advancing the country's climate transition and national energy strategy.

Since August 2023, he has also served as D66's Party Leader. Four months later, he returned to his role as Parliamentary Group Leader and Member of the House of Representatives.

Also Read | Dutch government is relinquishing control of Chinese-owned chipmaker Nexperia

Jetten faces challenges ahead In the current government, he heads a three-party administration, which includes his D66, the centre-right Christian Democrats, and the centre-right People's Party for Freedom and Democracy. The three parties together hold only 66 of the 150 seats of the lower house of parliament. This means constant negotiation with opposition lawmakers to pass any legislation in the House.
Mexico's military on Sunday killed Nemesio "El Mencho" Oseguera Cervantes, leader of Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), during an operation in Jalisco, the government confirmed. His death sparked a wave of violence across several states, with suspected cartel members torching vehicles, blocking highways and clashing with security forces.

Who was El Mencho? El Mencho, 59, was a former police officer who led the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, or CJNG, as it became one of the "most powerful and ruthless criminal organisations" inside Mexico, according to the US Drug Enforcement Agency, CNN reported.

Oseguera Cervantes was originally from Aguililla in the neighbouring state of Michoacan, the Associated Press reported.

He became involved in drug trafficking activities in the 1990s and was wanted by the US authorities, who offered a bounty of up to $15 million for information leading to his arrest, CNN reported.

When he was younger, he reportedly migrated to the US, where 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 with drug lord Ignacio Coronel Villarreal, alias Nacho Coronel.

After Villarreal's death, Oseguera Cervantes and Erik Valencia Salazar, alias El 85, created the Jalisco New Generation Cartel around 2009.

Also Read | Mexico travel warning after El Mencho killing  List of cities to avoid

Initially, they worked for the Sinaloa Cartel, but eventually split, and for years the two cartels have battled for territory across Mexico.

Since 2017, Oseguera Cervantes has been indicted several times in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, AP reported.

The US Justice Department charged El Mencho in 2022 with leading the effort to manufacture and distribute controlled substances (methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl) for importation into the US.

The killing of El Mencho The military operation triggered a series of violent events across the state of Jalisco, hampering the flight operations in the region.

According to reports, security forces from several federal branches of Mexico's military carried out the operation in the town of Tapalpa in the western state of Jalisco.

Also Read | Narcos: Mexico actor Gerardo Taracena dies at 55

CJNG members traded fire with the government forces, resulting in four gang members being killed at the scene, Mexico's Secretariat of National Defence said.

Suspected members of organised crime groups allegedly set buses on fire, blocked roads in the area, and clashed with authorities, Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus Navarro reported.

Cars burned out by cartel members blocked roads in nearly a dozen Mexican states and left smoke billowing into the air. Jalisco's capital, Guadalajara, was turned into a ghost town Sunday night as civilians hunkered down, the Associated Press reported.

Videos circulating on social media showed smoke billowing over the tourist city of Puerto Vallarta in Jalisco, and people sprinting through the airport of the state's capital in panic.

Flights impacted 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.

US, Canada warn citizens The US State Department warned US citizens in Jalisco, Tamaulipas, Michoacan, Guerrero and Nuevo Leon to remain in safe places due to the ongoing security operations.

US citizens were also informed that domestic and international flights were cancelled in both Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta. All taxis and ride shares were also suspended in Puerto Vallarta. Some businesses suspended operations.

Also Read | Mexico rejects Trumps plea for US forces to take on cartels

They directed citizens to shelter in place in 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.

They also directed US government staff at the Consulate General Tijuana and all US government staff in Guerrero, Michoacan, and Quintana Roo states to shelter in place.

US advised them take precautionary measures such as to 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 and keep family and friends advised of your location and well-being via phone, text, and social media.

Meanwhile, Canada's embassy in Mexico warned its citizens in Puerto Vallarta to shelter in place and generally to keep a low profile in Jalisco.

Jalisco Gov. Pablo Lemus told residents to stay at home and suspended public transportation.
In the evening, we were taken to witness sunset in the dunes of Osian, 90km from the city. We were surprised to see that on the sands, black mustard and some other crops were being grown.The miracle was the result of drip irrigation and AI intervention. The local farmers, with the help of some non-governmental organizations, easily predict which area of the farm needs water, which one is vulnerable to pests and which lags in fertilizers? They get pest attack warnings in advance. AI systems tell farmers which are the crops that will bring maximum profit and which is the market that should they tap for it.
Whats likely to change is Trumps toolkit of trade barriers. The top US court has struck down his reciprocal tariffs levied against most trade partners, but he has laws other than the IEEPA at his disposal. He has already invoked Section 122 of the US Trade Act of 1974 for a fresh 15% levy.
Photo: https://www.president.gov.ua/

Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha said that thanks to the asymmetric actions of Ukraine's Defence Forces, the Russian army is moving toward strategic exhaustion, and claims about its supposedly "steady advance" are nothing more than propaganda.

"Putin's assertions that Russian troops are steadily advancing and will sooner or later achieve their goals are nothing but propaganda. Thanks to the asymmetric actions of our forces, the Russian army is, on the contrary, moving toward strategic exhaustion. We must turn the war of attrition that Putin is waging into the attrition of his regime and military economy," the minister said during his online participation in the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting.

The foreign minister stressed Ukraine's readiness to move quickly toward peace and called for greater European involvement in the peace process, while highlighting the leadership of the United States. At the same time, according to the diplomat, the Ukrainian side still sees Russia's unwillingness to stop the war and take real and serious steps toward peace.

The head of Ukraines diplomatic service urged the EU to introduce a full entry ban for participants in Russian aggression and their relatives, adding that Ukraine is ready to share the relevant data with member states.

Sybiha called for making 2026 the year of successful implementation of the SAFE programme for financing joint defence initiatives of Ukraine and the EU, as well as continuing contributions to NATO's PURL initiative, through which Ukraine receives critically important U.S. weapons.

He said Ukraine is ready to meet all requirements for full EU membership so that Lithuania's presidency becomes historic for the Union's enlargement.

"In Ukraine, we believe that our accession, as well as the accession of Moldova and the Western Balkan countries, corresponds to the EU's strategic interests and is today a geopolitical, security, and economic necessity. Four years ago, Ukraine and Europe faced a choice and a point of no return. Today this choice defines our shared future," he said.

The minister expressed deep gratitude to European allies for their energy support during a difficult winter for Ukrainians.
Underscoring his reputation as a constitutional originalist, Gorsuch also said something the framers would have liked. He noted that the deliberative nature of the legislative process was the whole point of its design. Through that process, the Nation can tap the combined wisdom of the peoples elected representatives, not just that of one faction or man. He then wisely pointed to the fact that when legislation must earn broad support, it is more likely to endure, allowing ordinary people to plan their lives in ways they cannot when the rules shift from day to day.
Senior Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar has suggested that West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee should lead the opposition INDIA bloc, saying that without her, the "alliance will be gone".

"Mamata Banerjee is the leader of this alliance. Along with her, there are two or four others who can achieve this position," Aiyar was quoted as saying by NDTV in what might come across as a message to Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha.

Also Read | 5 explosive remarks by Mani Shankar Aiyar that rocked the Congress

These remarks came days after Aiyar, a veteran Congress leader, said last week that he was not a "Rahulian" because the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha is much younger than him and is distant in his political life.

I hope that instead of trying to remain in this position, which belongs to smaller parties -be it Stalin, Mamata Didi, Akhilesh, Tejashwi, or someone else - Rahul Gandhi should let them handle it, Aiyar told reporters on Sunday afternoon in Kolkata.

Kerala and now West Bengal Last Monday, Aiyar sparked a political row when he spoke out against his party colleagues after his comments suggested that the Pinarayi Vijayan-led LDF would retain power in Kerala in the upcoming assembly polls. Congress had distanced itself from Aiyar's remarks.

In a series of scathing remarks, Aiyar branded Thiruvananthapuram Member of Parliament Shashi Tharoor an "unprincipled careerist", labelled AICC general secretary (organisation) K C Venugopal a "rowdy", and took a swipe at party veteran Ramesh Chennithala.

Aiyar also took aim at Pawan Khera, referring to the Congress national spokesperson as a "tattu" (pony). Aiyar was reacting when asked about a social media post by Khera, distancing the party from his remarks.

West Bengal Congress leaders responded to Aiyar's praise for Mamata Banerjee.

"Let us make it clear in the beginning - for a long time, Mani Shankar Aiyar is no more attached with the activities of the Congress Party. Five Rajya Sabha seats from Bengal are vacant now. Was that a reason behind such a comment from Mani Shankar Aiyar? We wonder," Congress state general secretary Suman Roy Chowdhury told NDTV.

Aiyar's latest comments have certainly set the cat among the pigeons, especially with West Bengal and Kerala headed to the polls. As has happened in the past, Aiyar's unfiltered, strategically timed remarks can stir the pot within the INDIA bloc and his own party.

Not the first leader Aiyar is not the first leader to suggest the TMC chief should lead the Opposition's bloc. In 2024, RJD chief and former Bihar chief minister, Lalu Prasad Yadav, had extended support to Mamata Banerjee to take a leadership role in the opposition INDIA bloc.

Congress's objection means nothing. We will support Mamata... Mamata Banerjee should be given the leadership (of the INDIA bloc), Yadav told news agency ANI on December 10, 2024.

Lalu's support for the West Bengal Chief Minister comes two days after the Trinamool Congress raised the pitch for her to be the leader of the INDIA bloc. Party MP Kirti Azad said she is the most suitable for the job as she is the only leader who has repeatedly defeated the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in her state  West Bengal.

These suggestions came while questions were being raised about the future of the Opposition group following a string of debilitating electoral losses.

Mamata Banerjee is the leader of this alliance. Without her, the alliance will be gone.

Many leaders of the grouping appeared to agree to hand over the leadership role to the WB CM. Some, however, indicated that a decision would be taken later.
Samsung's Galaxy Unpacked Event is all set to be held on 25 February where the company will be unveiling its all-new Galaxy S26 lineup. Ahead of the event, the Korean smartphone maker has taken the lid off some of the upcoming features that its new devices will come with. Here's a look at everything to expect from the Galaxy Unpacked event.

When and where to watch Galaxy Unpacked 2026 event? Samsung is hosting an on-ground event for the Galaxy S26 series in San Francisco. The Galaxy Unpacked 2026 event will be held on 25 February from 10 AM Pacific Time (11:30 PM India time).

You can watch the live stream of the event via Samsung Newsroom, the Samsung website and the company's YouTube channel. In order to make it easier to access the event, we have embedded a live-stream link for Galaxy Unpacked 2026 below.

What to expect from Galaxy Unpacked 2026? Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: The headline of Galaxy Unpacked 2026 will be the Samsung S26 Ultra which has been teased to come with Zero-Peeking Privacy to prevent bystanders from having a glance at your screen and getting important information. The company has also confirmed that there will be direct integration with Perplexity with a Hey Plex hotword, apart from the already present Bixby and Gemini integrations.

Also Read | Twin AI data leaks expose over a billion personal KYC records and media files

The marketing material for the S26 Ultra has already been leaked on social media which suggests that the phone will come with a quad camera setup on the back with a 200MP primary shooter, a 50MP 5x telephoto lens, a 10MP 3x telephoto lens and a 50MP ultra-wide angle lens. The front of the device is expected to house a 12MP selfie shooter.

Meanwhile, the leaked material also shows that the S26 Ultra could come with the same 5,000mAh battery as its predecessor and the company could promise charging of up to 75% in 30 minutes. Earlier leaks have suggested support for 60W of wired fast charging for the device but the leaked material has no mention of that.

The phone is expected to come powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor with the For Galaxy branding, meaning that Qualcomm would have especially tuned the chip for the S26 Ultra. However, the phone could come in some markets with the Exynos 2600 processor.

Galaxy S26 and S26 Plus: The Galaxy S26 is expected to come with a slightly bigger 6.3-inch AMOLED display while the S26+ could come with the same 6.7-inch display as last year. Both phones are expected to run on Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 in some markets and Exynos 2600 in others.

The standard S26 is expected to come with a slightly bigger 4,300mAh battery (up from 4,000mAh on its predecessor) while coming with higher 45W wired fast charging.

Meanwhile, the S26 Plus could come with the same 4,900mAh battery as last year with support for 45W wired fast charging and 20W wireless charging (up from 15W last year).

Feature Galaxy S26 Galaxy S26+ Galaxy S26 Ultra Display Size & Type 6.3" Dynamic AMOLED 2X, Flat 6.7" Dynamic AMOLED 2X, Flat 6.9" Dynamic AMOLED 2X (M14 OLED) Resolution & Refresh Rate FHD+ (2340 x 1080), 120Hz QHD+ (3120 x 1440), 120Hz QHD+ (3120 x 1440), 120Hz Peak Brightness ~2,600 nits ~2,600 nits 3,000+ nits Display Protection Gorilla Glass Armor 2 Gorilla Glass Armor 2 Gorilla Glass Armor 2 (w/ new anti-reflective privacy tech) Processor Exynos 2600 (Global) / Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 Exynos 2600 (Global) / Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 Custom Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 "For Galaxy" (Global) RAM 12GB 12GB 12GB / 16GB Storage Options 256GB / 512GB (UFS 4.0) 256GB / 512GB (UFS 4.0) 256GB / 512GB / 1TB (UFS 4.0) Rear Cameras 50 MP Main (OIS)

12 MP Ultrawide

10 MP Telephoto (3x Optical) 50 MP Main (OIS)

12 MP Ultrawide

10 MP Telephoto (3x Optical) 200 MP Main (OIS)

50 MP Ultrawide

50 MP Periscope (5x Optical)

10 MP Telephoto (3x Optical) Front Camera 12 MP 12 MP 12 MP Battery Capacity 4,300 mAh 4,900 mAh 5,000 mAh Charging (Wired) 45W 45W 60W Charging (Wireless) Up to 20W Up to 20W 25W (Qi2 Magnetic supported) Software Android 16 (One UI 8.5) Android 16 (One UI 8.5) Android 16 (One UI 8.5) Notable Extras IP68 Rating, Wi-Fi 7 IP68 Rating, Wi-Fi 7 Built-in S-Pen, Titanium Frame, Wi-Fi 7
Cybersecurity researchers have uncovered two massive data leaks linked to two AI-related apps that have exposed the sensitive personal data and media files of millions of users globally, according to multiple media reports. The leak was revealed in two separate reports by Cybernews (first reported by Forbes), in which the security researchers warned that over a billion records could be compromised.

Global data leak The first leak is said to have exposed 1 billion sensitive personal records spanning individuals from 26 countries. The United States was the most affected, with over 203 million exposed records, followed by Mexico (124 million) and the Philippines (72 million).

View full Image Countries affected by data leak ( Cybernews )

Reportedly, the exposed data included core personal identifiers used for your financial and digital life, including full names, addresses, postcodes, dates of birth, national IDs, phone numbers, genders, email addresses and telco metadata.

Researchers say that the downstream risks of this data leak could include account takeovers, targeted phishing, credit fraud, SIM swaps, and long-tail privacy harms.

Video AI Art Generator & Maker leak Accordint to the Cybernews report, the second leak is linked to an Android app named Video AI Art Generator & Maker, which has been downloaded over 500,000 times on Google Play and rated 4.3 stars with over 11,000 reviews.

The app was found leaking user data due to a misconfigured Google Cloud Storage bucket that allowed anyone access to stored files without authentication, as per the report. Researchers say the app leaked over 1.5 million user images and 385,000 videos, along with millions of media files generated by users using AI.

Livemint could not independently verify the authenticity of these reports.

The exposed bucket contained approximately 8.27 million media files and over 12TB of users media. Researchers say that it has stored and leaked every file uploaded since its launch on 13 June 2023, while the oldest file in the bucket dates back to three days before the launch.

The app was developed by Turkey-registered Codeway Dijital Hizmetler Anonim Sirketi, a company that previously saw another of its apps, Chat & Ask AI, leak roughly 300 million messages tied to more than 25 million users.
Photo: https://t.me/V_Zelenskiy_official

NATO should consider the Oreshnik missile system, located in Belarus, a legitimate target, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

"Regarding Oreshnik, in my opinion, NATO should consider it a legitimate target. Well, we will monitor this threat and assess it," Zelenskyy said in an interview with the Belarusian independent media outlet Zerkalo.

The President noted that Lukashenko is making a big mistake, and this is not just about Oreshnik.

"Everyone can see they're putting on a big show. They haven't even brought the entire system yet, just the necessary transport vehicles, and they're already making it sound like everything's already there. They're trying to scare Europe. But Lukashenko is playing a dangerous game, because after these steps, the Russians, without a doubt and without asking him, will bring the Oreshnik to your country," Zelenskyy added.
Uisce Eireann crews are working to repair a major burst in Newtowncashel and restore water to customers affected.

The burst is impacting customers in Newtowncashel, Gleab, Elfeet, Cashel and surrounding areas in Co Longford.

Uisce Eireanns David Gibbons has assured customers that every effort is being made to restore a full water supply as quickly as possible.

Also read: 'Adverse publicity': Judge refuses to move Longford 'emotive feud' trial to Dublin

We understand the inconvenience of an unplanned outage and we thank customers for their support while our works continue.

An alternative water supply is available opposite The Local Bar, Newtowncashel.

Customers are reminded to bring their own containers when drawing water from the tanker, and to boil the water before use as a precautionary measure.

Also read: "I'm speechless!" - Longford's Maura lands HUGE deal with iconic brand

Repairs are expected to be completed by 8pm. Typically, it takes two to three hours following repairs for normal supply to restore to all customers affected by an unplanned outage. However, it may take longer for normal supply to be restored to customers at the end of the network or on higher ground as the system recharges.

To ensure the safety of the crews carrying out the repairs to the burst and the safety of the public, traffic management will be in place and will be clearly signposted.

Vulnerable customers who have registered with Uisce Eireann receive direct communications regarding planned and unplanned outages lasting more than four hours. To register as a vulnerable customer or as an alternative contact, visit the Uisce Eireann Vulnerable Customers page.

PICTURES | Excellent bands perform at super 'Sing for Sudan' gig in Lyons Bar, Longford

Updates on this work can be found on the Uisce Eireann Supply and Service map by entering the following reference number in the search bar on the Uisce Eireann website: LON00107309
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Longford Towns St Mels College and Mean Scoil Mhuire have taken home three awards at the Junior Cycle VEX IQ Robotics Competition.

The event, which took place in St Mels College, saw teams of students travel from all over Longford and even Donegal.

Participating schools put forward teams of students - ranging from first year to Junior Cert - to take part and build a robot from a VEX IQ kit. The robot has to be designed and built to carry out the tasks of this year's game Mix and Match with the aim being that students and teachers both learn about robot building, engineering, coding while improving their robot design throughout the process.

On the day of the competition itself, teams had to strategise and compete in real-time all under the pressure of the countdown clock.

Read: "I'm speechless!" - Longford's Maura lands HUGE deal with iconic brand

A total of ten teams from eight schools participated. From Longford, the participating schools were St Mels College, Mean Scoil Mhuire, Moyne Community College, Cnoc Mhuire Granard, and Ardscoil Phadraig Granard. St Finians College in Mullingar, Marist College in Athlone, and Holy Family NS Donegal also took part.

The Excellence Award was won by the students of St Mels College while Scoil Mhuire took home a double with the Design Award in addition to the Teamwork Champions title alongside St Finians Mullingar.

The Robot Skills Champion Award was won by Marist College Athlone while the Judges Award went to Donegals Holy Family NS.

VEX IQ is a STEM program organised by Longfords County Councils IT Department designed to enhance students digital skills, foster engagement in STEM education and encourage greater participation in subjects such as design, science, coding and ICT skills.

Read: ALERT | Longford motorists warned of significant road closure that will run for two months

Speaking about the event, Longford County Council Cathaoirleach Cllr Garry Murtagh said, To continue to compete in a fast-paced industry, Longford needs people with these valuable skills. Events such as the VEX IQ will develop and make Longford students more skilled, more sustainable and better equipped to enrich life in our communities and help retain rural populations.

The days activities, which were supported by Christine Collins (Broadband Officer, Longford County Council), Siobhan Grealy (STEM Engagement Officer, Longford County Council), and all the staff from The IT Department in Longford County Council, were a huge success with four teams now having secured places in the Nationals which are set to take place in MTU Cork this Wednesday, February 25.

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People with eye problems in County Longford are having to travel to a hospital in Dublin for their appointments, the Dail has heard.

The issue was raised by Longford-Westmeath Fine Gael TD Micheal Carrigy during a recent Questions on Policy or Legislation session.

Deputy Carrigy said: I wish to raise ophthalmology services in Longford-Westmeath or the lack thereof.

In 2024 we lost our service in Longford and since then we have had periods of no service with people having to travel to Dublin or Athlone or a temporary service back in Longford.

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The most recent correspondence I got from the HSE stated that for patients in Longford-Westmeath requiring a consultant ophthalmologist, the pathway for access to the service is currently the Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital in Dublin as there is no consultant based in the Regional Hospital Mullingar, which covers Longford and Westmeath.

He concluded by asking when the service will return to the constituency of Longford-Westmeath.

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In response to Deputy Carrigy, Tanaiste Simon Harris thanked him for raising what he described as an important issue.

The Tanaiste continued: He is right that people in Longford are currently being told that the pathway to access a consultant ophthalmologist is the Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital in Dublin.

I think that is the primary referral centre. It is a long way from Longford to that hospital in Dublin, particularly for someone with an ophthalmology condition.

Currently, there is no consultant ophthalmologist based at the Regional Hospital Mullingar.

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The Minister, Deputy Carroll MacNeill, is engaging with the HSE to see whether recruitment of a consultant ophthalmologist based in the Regional Hospital Mullingar is viable.

Deputy Harris went on to say that he and Minister Carroll MacNeill are eager to see progress on the issue.

He added that the Minister will get back to Deputy Carrigy once she has heard from the HSE.
A young Longford town man, has had an application to have his trial moved from the county town to Dublin refused.by a judge.

Denis Hannifin Jnr (23) of Curry, Athlone Road, appeared in Longford Circuit Court recently charged with violent disorder at Hanlon's Gala, Dublin Road on June 11, 2024.

Barrister Brian Storan, defending, brought the application and he explained there were three co-accused including his client and there are a 'number of different versions of events' and conflicting narratives from prosecution witnesses.

"Mr Hannifin is living a totally different factual scenario to the two co-accused in my submission, that is in the context of the very significant publicity, which is the feud in general as a [factor], but also in respect of his father and namesake as the court can see in the affidavit (the written, voluntary statement of facts).

Mr Storan said there was a highly emotive background to the case.

"It's a feud which has attracted serious attention in the local media as a consequence of a relationship among other things, it's been emotive and there is an emotional nature to this case and I'm sure that will play some part in terms of the evidence."

Judge Jonathan Dunphy acknowledged while speaking to Mr Storan that he had jailed the defendant's father Denis Hannifin Snr last year for three years with the final 12 months suspended for two years for a violent affray, which took place at a funeral home in Galway in January 2019.

Barrister Stephen Faulkner, for the State, said the DPP were opposing the application to move the trial to the capital.

"It's being opposed in circumstances where the reasoning, the rationale behind Mr Hannifin's application to transfer I say is certainly not based on evidence that is premeditated to Mr Hannifin or any of his co-accused.

"I say that in circumstances where any of the media coverage that has been exhibited in the affidavit before the court does not relate to the accused in this instance.

"It's firmly based on adverse publicity brought against his father and in the exhibits that are given the age of the gentleman, the accused's namesake is 44 years of age.

"If you look at the accused in this instance it's fair to say he's certainly not 44 years of age, there can be no dispute that he has not reached that age in life yet.

Judge Dunphy said he believed there was not a strong enough case presented to him by the defence to transfer the case from Longford to Dublin and he declined the application.

He stated he did not believe Denis Hannifin Jnr's father's case would have an influence on the jury and impact their consideration of the case against the defendant.

Judge Dunphy said he would issue the usual jury warning regarding media coverage to protect the integrity of a trial and remind them to ensure that their verdict is based solely on evidence presented in court.

He said he had no concerns over Mr Hannifin Jnr receiving a fair trial in Longford and he adjourned the case until February 17 when the case is listed for trial.

Housing, roads, medical care, the controversial Mercosur deal and the National Children's Hospital were some of the issues raised with Midlands-North West MEP Maria Walsh when she visited county Longford last week.

The Fine Gael representative stopped off at Ballymahon Mart, the Ballymahon Convent Day Care Centre, Longford Community Resources and she visited Longford farmer Philip Stewart, better known as Farmer Phil at his dairy-beef farm in Killashee.

Ms Walsh was part of a Fine Gael delegation on Thursday that included Longford TD Micheal Carrigy, Cllr Paul Ross and Cllr Martin Skelly.

She is the lead agriculture negotiator for the European Peoples Party (EPP) on Horizon Europe, the European Unions key funding program for research and innovation running from 2021-to-2027.

A majority of MEPs at the European Parliament in Strasbourg voted last month to refer the controversial EU-Mercosur deal to the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) so it can give its legal opinion.

A total of nine of Ireland's MEPs voted in favour, but Ms Walsh was one of four who decided to vote against, and the Mayo woman told the Longford Leader she believed farmers needed more certainty.

"So, all in all, I'm in line with the government in terms of in its current form, the Mercosur deal is not fit for purpose.

"But for me, by not sending it to the European Courts of Justice, I believe in more certainty for farmers."

Ms Walsh said by sending it to the court it created further uncertainty for another two years.

"So, if you have three institutions, ourselves, the [European] Commission and [the European] Council, and now we in the Parliament are sitting on our hands for two years, waiting for a court review to come back.

"That's the reason why safeguards we voted on [two weeks ago] in Strasbourg were very important."

Ms Walsh said it was fantastic meeting not just farmers, but agriculture consultants, vets, and seeing the whole ecosystem of agriculture at Ballymahon Mart, and meeting so many positive and energetic people at the Convent Day Care Centre in Ballymahon.

Ms Walsh said there were several questions and issues that people raised with her as they stopped off to speak to constituents.

"We actually had a couple of specific questions, which is great when you travel in a delegation as there was and it varied from what was happening at the [National] Children's Hospital, to homes, to defence, to medical support and agriculture, it was a great plethora of asks."

Ms Walsh is a full member of the Agriculture and Rural Development (AGRI) committee and the Women's Rights and Gender Equality (FEMM) committee.

She has called for and proposed in the European Parliament that there should be increased Horizon Europe funding for agriculture and fisheries and the current funding allocated of approximately 17 billion should be 'doubled'.

Ms Walsh said she was pleased by the Government's announcement on Wednesday that there is an agreement to work with like-minded EU member states to assess options to introduce age restrictions and a social media ban for under 16s.

"They're going to lean into other member states to see what's happening.

"But if you look at France, Portugal, Spain, they've already moved on that, and it's the Australian model [they are looking to].

"I personally would like it."

Ms Walsh said she would be in favour of a system, similar to the Airbnb app, where social media users submit their ID and there is face recognition used.

Asked about enterprise and business in the Midlands and North West, Ms Walsh said her and her team a lot the work at a European level, in the Gender Equality Committee, which 'has been really important' and female entrepreneurs need to be given the same supports as men.

I keep saying that 40% of our entrepreneurs in Europe are women.

"The access to VC (venture capital) range of investment, is less than 3%.

"And we're a pro-business, open economy, and a big pro-business party.

"And I would hope in the upcoming budgets, including highlighted in the EU Presidency, which will start in July, that we are really focused on indigenous female business."

READ NEXT: Longford man stopped by Garda after midnight found with axe hanging out of sportsbag

READ NEXT: Down Memory Lane | Gallery of classic Longford photographic memories from quarter of a century ago
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 Israel Defense Forces (IDF) conducted numerous operations throughout Lebanon against Hezbollah between February 16 and February 22, 2026. While Israeli activities this week mostly consisted of policing operations along the Israel-Lebanon frontier, the IDF carried out several targeted killings of Hezbollah personnel allegedly involved in the groups regeneration efforts south of the Litani River, and more significant strikes against Hezbollah assets and personnel as far north as the area surrounding Baalbek. The Israeli military also targeted Hamas personnel inside Lebanons Ain Al Hilweh Palestinian refugee camp.

Hezbollahs officials continued to reject disarmament this week. These rejections included Secretary-General Naim Qassem in his office holders customary annual February 16 speech and Hezbollahs cabinet ministers after the Lebanese government voted on proceeding with the second phase of the Lebanese Armed Forces disarmament plan between the Litani and Awali Rivers. While Lebanese Information Minister Paul Morcos, who often functions as the governments spokesman, said the disarmament process would take at least four months, he added the caveat that the deadline would be extended if the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) lacked the necessary capabilities and Israel continued its operations in Lebanon.

Notably, the LAF claimed to have completed the first phase of its disarmament plan and to have taken operational control of the area south of the Litani River on January 8, 2026. However, Israeli strikes on Hezbollah assets and personnel involved in the groups local regeneration efforts have continued in that sector, including several last week.

By mid-week, Major General Rafi Milo, head of the IDFs OC Northern Command, which is responsible for operations in Lebanon, ordered his forces to adopt a more aggressive approach against Hezbollahs regeneration efforts. This effort emphasizes targeted killings, strikes on military infrastructure, including tunnel shafts and weapons depots, and expanded freedom of action for IDF forces in southern Lebanon. In the two days following this order, the Israeli military expanded its operations in Lebanon, culminating in a February 20 strike in Riyaq in northeast Lebanon that killed 10 Hezbollah operatives who were part of the groups missile array. Some reports also indicated Israel had destroyed Hezbollah long-range missiles, equipped with warheads and ready for deployment, in the strike. However, this information was not confirmed by an IDF statement. Hezbollah responded to the strikes by reiterating its commitment to resistance against Israel.

The strikes, IDF sources said, were meant to degrade Hezbollahs rocket and missile capabilities in case the group sought to resume hostilities as tensions between Iran and the United States remain high. The sources said that the Israeli military had identified preparations by Hezbollahs rocket and missile forces to strike Israel if the United States targets Iran.

Secretary-General Qassem recently said that Hezbollah would not remain idle in case of such an attack, though he did not specify how his group would respond. Al Arabiya, quoting unnamed sources close to Hezbollah, alleged that the group was bracing for an Israeli attack and drawing up battle plans, while Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) allegedly sent officers to Lebanon to direct Hezbollah. Meanwhile, as Israels security cabinet convened on Sunday, Israeli Channel 11 indicated that officials discussed the possibility of an escalation by Hezbollah if the Tehran regime is attacked.

The IDF conducted operations in 25 Lebanese locales, some of them more than once. These activities included:

Airstrikes: Eight+

Eight+ Artillery missions: Nine

Nine Detonations: Five

Five Drone strikes: Five

Five Ground activities: Four

Four Naval operations: Possibly one

Possibly one Quadcopter activities: Eight

Eight Tank fire: One



Map instructions: Click the top-left icon or an icon on the map to open the Map Key and adjust the maps zoom as desired. Click the top-right icon to open a larger version of the map.

Baalbek-Hermel Governorate

Baalbek District: Anti-Lebanon Mountain Range, Mahallet al Shaara, Mount Lebanon Range, Qasrnaba, Riyaq, and Tamnin al Tahta

Nabatieh Governorate

Bint Jbeil District : Aitaroun, Ayta Ash Shaab, Ayta Ash Shaab-Ramyeh, Beit Lif, Beit Lif-Ramyeh, Hanine, Maroun al Ras, and Yaroun

: Aitaroun, Ayta Ash Shaab, Ayta Ash Shaab-Ramyeh, Beit Lif, Beit Lif-Ramyeh, Hanine, Maroun al Ras, and Yaroun Marjayoun District: Adaisseh, Houla, Khiam, Markaba, and Sarda-Wazzani

South Lebanon Governorate

Sidon District: Ain Al Hilweh and Tebna

Ain Al Hilweh and Tebna Tyre District: Labbouneh, Maaroub, Marwahin, and Shihine

Casualties

Between February 16 and February 22, 2026, Israeli operations in Lebanon killed 14 people10 of them Hezbollah operatives and two Hamas operativesand wounded 27 individuals.

February 16, 2026: Two Hezbollah operatives were killed.

Two Hezbollah operatives were killed. February 17, 2026: No casualties were reported.

No casualties were reported. February 18, 2026: No casualties were reported.

No casualties were reported. February 19, 2026: No casualties were reported.

No casualties were reported. February 20, 2026: Two Hamas operatives were killed, eight Hezbollah operatives were killed, one male Syrian national was killed, one female Ethiopian national was killed, one Hezbollah operative succumbed to prior wounds, and 24 unidentified individuals and three children were wounded.

Two Hamas operatives were killed, eight Hezbollah operatives were killed, one male Syrian national was killed, one female Ethiopian national was killed, one Hezbollah operative succumbed to prior wounds, and 24 unidentified individuals and three children were wounded. February 21, 2026: No casualties were reported.

No casualties were reported. February 22, 2026: No casualties were reported.

Chronology of Israeli operations against Hezbollah, February 1622, 2026

February 16

NNA Lebanon reported that at 7:00 am, an Israeli drone targeted two vehicles with several missiles in Hanine in the Nabatieh Governorates Bint Jbeil District. The strike killed one person, reported as Mohammad Tahsin Hussain Qashaqesh, allegedly in front of his home. Afterward, Qashaqesh was transferred to Martyr Salah Ghandour Hospital in Bint Jbeil, which is operated by Hezbollahs Islamic Health Committee. NNA Lebanon claimed that Qashaqesh used the targeted vehicle to transport students to their schools. The IDF released a statement saying it had targeted a Hezbollah operative near Hanine. Hezbollah-affiliated social media later announced the death of Hezbollah operative Mohammad Tahsin Hussain Ahmad Qashaqesh, whose nom de guerre was Abu Dawoud, from Hanine. The IDF released a subsequent statement saying that Qashaqesh had been involved in the restoration of Hezbollahs military infrastructure near Hanine in violation of the understandings between Israel and Lebanon. The statement also noted that the IDF had killed three Hezbollah operatives similarly involved in regeneration activities in the preceding week and destroyed infrastructure and equipment used for that purpose. Hezbollah gave Qashaqesh a military funeral in his hometown.

At 8:22 am, NNA Lebanon reported that an Israeli patrol detonated a house on the outskirts of Ayta Ash Shaab and Ramyeh in the Nabatieh Governorates Bint Jbeil District.

At 12:28 pm, NNA Lebanon reported that an Israeli drone targeted the area near a bulldozer that was allegedly clearing the remains of a home targeted during the recent war in Maaroub in the South Lebanon Governorates Tyre District.

At 3:15 pm, NNA Lebanon reported that Israeli artillery targeted Wadi Muzlem on the outskirts of Beit Lif in the Nabatieh Governorates Bint Jbeil District.

At 4:18 pm, NNA Lebanon reported that Israeli artillery positioned inside Israel targeted the Kasayer area between Ramyeh and Beit Lif, striking near some houses in Beit Lif.

At 7:08 pm, NNA Lebanon reported that an Israeli drone targeted a vehicle in Tallouseh in the Nabatieh Governorates Marjayoun District. The strike killed one person. The IDF released a statement saying that it had just targeted a Hezbollah operative near Tallouseh. Hezbollah later announced the funeral of Hezbollah operative Ahmad Hussain Turmos, whose nom de guerre was Abu Hussain, from Tallouseh. The IDF released a subsequent statement saying that Turmos was involved in efforts to restore Hezbollahs military infrastructure near Tallouseh, and that he acted as a Hezbollah liaison officer in Tallouseh [] overseeing contacts between the organization and the villages residents in military and economic matters, and worked on the acquisition of private property to be used for terror purposes [] in violation of the understandings between Israel and Lebanon. Hezbollah gave Turmos a military funeral in his hometown.

Death announcement for Mohammad Tahsin Hussain Qashaqesh (Left) and funeral announcement for Ahmad Hussain Turmos (Right). (Balagh Media on Telegram)

February 17

At 9:38 am, NNA Lebanon reported that an Israeli quadcopter dropped a stun explosive in Ayta Ash Shaab in the Nabatieh Governorates Bint Jbeil District.

At 12:13 pm, NNA Lebanon reported that an Israeli quadcopter dropped a stun explosive on Labbouneh in the South Lebanon Governorates Tyre District.

At 4:43 pm, NNA Lebanon reported that an Israeli quadcopter dropped another explosive in Ayta Ash Shaab, bringing the days total to four.

February 18

No operations were reported.

February 19

NNA Lebanon reported that, overnight, Israeli airstrikes targeted Tebna, toward Tuffahta, in the South Lebanon Governorates Sidon District. At 12:22 am, the IDF released an initial statement saying that it was targeting Hezbollah infrastructure in south Lebanon. A subsequent statement said that the Israeli military had targeted weapons storage facilities, missile launchers, and military sites used by Hezbollah to advance terror initiatives against the State of Israel, the existence of which violates the understandings between Israel and Lebanon.

NNA Lebanon reported that, overnight, an Israeli patrol conducted a detonation on the southern outskirts of Yaroun in the Nabatieh Governorates Bint Jbeil District.

NNA Lebanon reported that, at dawn, an Israeli patrol detonated a home in Wadi al Asafir in Khiam in the Nabatieh Governorates Marjayoun District.

NNA Lebanon reported that, at dawn, an Israeli patrol detonated another house in Yarouns southern outskirts.

At 12:10 pm, NNA Lebanon reported that an Israeli quadcopter dropped a stun explosive on the Masarib neighborhood south of Adaisseh in the Nabatieh Governorates Marjayoun District.

At 5:43 pm, NNA Lebanon reported that Israeli artillery fired five shells at the Marjayoun Valley in the direction of Khiam, while Israeli troops positioned in the IDFs Tel Hamames outpost directed machine-gun fire toward the area.

At 6:52 pm, NNA Lebanon reported that Israeli artillery targeted the outskirts of Yaroun.

At 6:58 pm, NNA Lebanon reported that Israeli artillery intermittently targeted the forested areas of Yaroun, while a shell fired from an IDF Merkava tank directly struck a house in Aitaroun in the Nabatieh Governorates Bint Jbeil District.

At 7:20 pm, NNA Lebanon reported that an Israeli airstrike targeted Mahallet al Shaara, near the barrens of Nabi Sheet and on the edges of the Anti-Lebanon Mountain Range, in the Baalbek-Hermel Governorates Baalbek District.

February 20

NNA Lebanon reported that at 2:20 am, Israeli forces conducted a massive detonation operation near Adaisseh in the Nabatieh Governorates Marjayoun District.

NNA Lebanon reported that at dawn, an Israeli drone fired two missiles at the facilities of a stonework factory on the outskirts of Markaba in the Nabatieh Governorates Marjayoun District, damaging the equipment.

NNA Lebanon reported that at around 10:00 am, an Israeli drone dropped a stun explosive in Houla in the Nabatieh Governorates Marjayoun District.

NNA Lebanon reported that at around 10:00 am, Israeli forces positioned at the IDFs Jabal Blatt post in south Lebanon directed machine-gun fire toward the outskirts of Marwahin and Shihine in the South Lebanon Governorates Tyre District.

NNA Lebanon reported that at 10:15 am, Israeli forces directed machine-gun fire toward the outskirts of Yaroun in the Nabatieh Governorates Bint Jbeil District.

At 4:33 pm, the IDF released a statement saying that it had just targeted a command center from which Hamas terrorists were operating near Ain Al Hilweh in south Lebanon. NNA Lebanon reported that an Israeli drone targeted the Hittine neighborhood of the Ain al Hilweh Palestinian refugee camp in the South Lebanon Governorates Sidon District with three missiles. Israels Kan 11 reported that Israeli naval missile boats also took part in the operation. The strike killed two people and wounded three unidentified individuals. Hamas initially denied that the targeted building was one of its command centers, saying it had previously belonged to the camps joint Palestinian security force and had recently been rented out to a man who was using it to distribute food packages. However, the group later issued an official statement announcing the deaths of Hamas operatives Bilal Deeb al Khatib and Mohammad Tareq al Sawi. The IDF released a subsequent statement claiming that Hamas operatives were using the targeted command center throughout the recent period for preparing terror operations against IDF troops in Lebanon, including training exercises whose objective was advancing terror initiatives against IDF troops and the State of Israel [] in violation of the understandings between Israel and Lebanon.

Death announcements for Bilal Deeb al Khatib (Left) and Mohammad Tareq al Sawi (Right). (Al Manar TV)

At 8:25 pm, NNA Lebanon reported that Israeli airstrikes targeted areas of the Anti-Lebanon Mountain Range and Mount Lebanon in the Baalbek-Hermel Governorates Baalbek District.

At 8:29 pm, NNA Lebanon reported that three Israeli airstrikes targeted Mahallet al Shaara in the Baalbek-Hermel Governorates Baalbek District. One of the strikes reportedly struck a building near a branch of Al Qard Al HassanHezbollahs small loans institutionon the Riyaq-Baalbek Highway and completely leveled it. The strike killed 10 people and wounded 21 unidentified individuals, including three children. Two of the fatalities appear to be civiliansone reportedly a male Syrian national and the other a female Ethiopian nationalbut their identities remain undisclosed. Hezbollah later announced the deaths of eight of its operatives: Hezbollah operative Mohammad Ibrahim Wahbi Al Musawi, whose nom de guerre was Ali Hussain, was from Nabi Sheet. Hezbollah operative Ali Zeid Al Musawi, whose nom de guerre was Nasser, was from Nabi Sheet. Hezbollah operative Hussain Khairallah Alaeddine, whose nom de guerre was Radwan, was from Hermel. Hezbollah operative Ahmad Hussain Al Hajj Hassan, whose nom de guerre was Mujahed, was from Shaath. Hezbollah operative Qassem Ali Mahdi, whose nom de guerre was Abdel Mutaleb, was from Ali Al Nahri. Hezbollah operative Ahmad Mohammad Zuaiter, whose nom de guerre was Ashtar, was also reported in other Hezbollah sources as Waad from Riha. Hezbollah operative Hassanein Yasser Al Seblani, whose nom de guerre was Aathaab, was from Shmistar.



Left to right: Death announcements for Hussain Mohammad Yaghi, Mohammad Ibrahim Al Musawi, and Ali Zeid Al Musawi. (Hezbollah Central Military Media on Telegram)

Left to right: Death announcements for Hussain Khairallah Alaeddine, Ahmad Hussain al Hajj Hassan, and Qassem Ali Mahdi. (Alahed News)

Left to right: Death announcements of Ahmad Mohammad Zuaiter and Hassanein Yasser al Seblani. (Alahed News)

The IDF released a statement at 8:38 pm, saying it had targeted Hezbollah command centers near Baalbek being used to advance terror initiatives against IDF troops and the State of Israel. The IDF released a follow-up statement saying it had targeted and killed Hezbollah operatives belonging to the groups missile array forces located in three different command centers belonging to the organization. The IDF claimed it had recently detected efforts by the operatives to accelerate force readiness and reinforcement procedures, while planning to direct fire at the State of Israel, and advancing terror initiatives endangering IDF troops and the citizens of the State of Israel. [Hezbollahs] missile array is responsible for firing missiles and rockets at the State of Israel and is currently planning on conducting such operations into our territory. The IDFs statement customarily noted that such activities were a violation of the understandings between Israel and Lebanon.

At 8:39 pm, NNA Lebanonreported that Israeli airstrikes targeted the valleys of Qasrnaba and Tamnin al Tahta, west of Baalbek, in the Baalbek-Hermel Governorates Baalbek District.

At 10:52 pm, NNA Lebanon reported that an Israeli quadcopter dropped a stun explosive on Houla.

At 11:11 pm, Hezbollah-affiliated social media announced the death of Hezbollah operative Ali Mohammad Bazzi, whose nom de guerre was Sajed, from Bint Jbeil. Bazzi was wounded in Israels September 17, 2024, pager detonation operation and succumbed to the wounds he sustained in that attack.

Death announcement for Ali Mohammad Bazzi. (Balagh Media on Telegram)

February 21

At 6:18 pm, NNA Lebanon reported that an Israeli quadcopter dropped a stun explosive in Maroun Al Ras in the Nabatieh Governorates Bint Jbeil District.

At 11:14 pm, NNA Lebanon reported that Israeli artillery targeted the outskirts of Beit Lif and Ramyeh in the Nabatieh Governorates Bint Jbeil District.

February 22

At 4:44 pm, NNA Lebanon reported that Israeli artillery fired incendiary shells between Sarda and Wazzani in the Nabatieh Governorates Marjayoun District.

At 4:49 pm, NNA Lebanon reported that an Israeli quadcopter dropped a stun explosive near an unidentified Lebanese national in Maroun al Ras in the Nabatieh Governorates Bint Jbeil District.

At 6:32 pm, NNA Lebanon reported that Israeli artillery targeted the old town of Ayta Ash Shaab in the Nabatieh Governorates Bint Jbeil District.

At 8:24 pm, NNA Lebanon reported that Israeli artillery fired several shells at the old town of Ayta Ash Shaab while drones flew overhead.

Previous Entries:

David Daoud is Senior Fellow at at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies where he focuses on Israel, Hezbollah, and Lebanon affairs.
TL;DR: Classic Office apps on your Mac for $29.97  buy once, skip monthly fees forever.

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Hamnet was declared Outstanding British Film at the 2026 EE BAFTA Film Awards.

Liza Marshall, Sir Sam Mendes and Dame Pippa Harris accepting the Outstanding British Film gong at the 2026 BAFTA Film Awards

The Shakespeare drama - which stars Paul Mescal, 30, and 36 year old Jessie Buckley - managed to beat 28 Years Later, The Ballad of Wallis Island, Bridget Jones: Mad about the Boy, Die My Love, H Is For Hawk, I Swear, Mr Burton, Pillion, and Steve, to bag the accolade.

Rapper Stormzy, 32, presented the award to producers Liza Marshall, 53, Sir Sam Mendes, 60, and Dame Pippa Harris, 58, on stage at the Royal Festival Hall, London, on Sunday night (22.02.26).

In his acceptance speech, Mendes said: "Thank you, BAFTA. Fantastic. Everyone here, and there's lots of people coming up on stage that are utterly thrilled.

"Can I just say, what an incredible list of Best British film nominees this year?"

He then quipped: "We're not great as an industry or as a culture at patting ourselves on the back, but on this occasion, perhaps we should."

The producer then described Hamnet - which tells the story of William Shakespeare's (Mendes') marriage to Agnes Hathaway (Buckley) and how the loss of their son Hamnet inspired Hamlet - was an "act of faith".

Mendes continued: "[It was] about a movie, a quiet, epic, about love and loss, and beauty, and grief, could span centuries and generations and find an audience in a cinema.

"The fact that it has is just wonderful for everyone involved in it."

He then thanked the team behind Hamnet - directed by 43 year old Chloe Zhao - for their hard work.

Mendes said: "I have to shout out, my co-producer, the great Steven Spielberg, for once again showing his commitment to film and filmmakers, and believing in us, believing in this movie from the very start.

"And of course, I wouldn't be standing here - none of us would be standing here without Chloe Zhao and the incredible cast and crew.

"Or, the person who started it or a wonderful lead producer, Liza Marshall."
On Feb 24, NATO to hold ceremony to mark fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine

On the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine, a ceremony will be held at NATO headquarters, attended by the alliance's Secretary General, Mark Rutte.

The headquarters of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization reported this on Monday.

On Tuesday 24 February 2026, NATO Secretary General, Mr. Mark Rutte, will participate in a ceremony at NATO HQ, Brussels to commemorate the fourth anniversary of Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine, NATO announced.

The Secretary-General will also deliver a speech.

Meanwhile, as previously reported, European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will visit Ukraine to mark the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
If you'd like to leave a comment (or a tip or a question) about this story with the editors, please email us

We also welcome letters to the editor for publication; you can do that by filling out our letters form and submitting it to the newsroom.
Zelenskyy: Version of terrorist attack in Mykolaiv, where seven police officers injured, being checked

Photo: https://www.facebook.com/

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced that the incident in Mykolaiv, where seven police officers were injured in an explosion at a defunct gas station, is being investigated as a terrorist attack.

I have just received the first reports from law enforcement officials regarding the explosion in Mykolaiv. National Police officers were injured  seven people wounded, two of them in serious condition. They are receiving the necessary assistance. All circumstances are being clarified, including the possibility of a terrorist attack, Zelenskyy said on X Monday.

According to the president, he instructed the National Police and the Security Service to inform the public of the necessary details.

As reported, citing the head of the National Police of Ukraine, Ivan Vyhovsky, seven patrol police officers were injured in an explosion at a defunct gas station in Mykolaiv.

"Today at 6:10 p.m. in Mykolaiv, an explosion occurred at a defunct gas station. Seven patrol police officers who had arrived for their shift and parked their cars there were injured. Two of them are in serious condition. Doctors are fighting for their lives," he wrote on his Facebook page.

He recalled that a terrorist attack against police officers occurred in Lviv on Saturday.

"This is no coincidence. The enemy is deliberately trying to kill Ukrainian police officers, who protect the people and the state every day. We view these events as a targeted attack on the law enforcement system and a destabilization of the situation within the country," Vyhovsky added.
Costa and von der Leyen to attend ceremony in Kyiv to mark 4th anniversary of Russia's war against Ukraine

Photo: https://www.youtube.com/live/RJNSK8HPks4?si=jC9izPZA0m4HrIAU

European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will attend an official memorial ceremony marking four years of the war Russia launched against Ukraine.

The European Council press service released a corresponding announcement on Monday.

On 24 February 2026, the President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, will travel to Kyiv, Ukraine, alongside the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, to mark the fourth anniversary of Russia's aggression against Ukraine. During the visit, they will participate in the official memorial ceremony, commemorating the four years of war. They will also visit an energy infrastructure site damaged by Russian missile strikes, the press release reads.

In addition, Presidents Costa and von der Leyen will hold a trilateral meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The leaders will also attend a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing, convened by French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. As Russias aggression enters its fifth year, the meeting will reaffirm the commitment of the 35 participating countries to support Ukraine in achieving a lasting and robust peace, ensuring the security of both Ukraine and Europe, the message reads.

Prior to the visit Costa said: On 24 February 2022, Russia launched an unprovoked, unjustified, and illegal war against Ukraine, violating its sovereignty and international law. Since that day, the European Union has stood staunch and steadfast in solidarity with the Ukrainian people  with those who have lost loved ones, those who have been wounded, and all who continue to endure this unjust suffering. Four years later, we reaffirm that our support remains strong, united, and unwavering.

The European Council recalled that this will be President Costas fourth visit to Ukraine, since the beginning of his mandate as President of the European Council on 1 December 2024.

Since the start of Russia's war of aggression, they have provided 193.3 billion in support for Ukraine and its people. The assistance includes: EUR103.3 billion in financial, economic and humanitarian support, EUR 69.3 billion in military support, EUR 17 billion in support for refugees within the EU, EUR 3.7 billion in proceeds from immobilised Russian assets.
the intellectual property investment subsidiary backed by Afreximbanks Fund for Export Development in Africa (FEDA), announced its investment in the feature film Clarissa, a Nigerian-produced drama directed by twin filmmakers Arie and Chuko Esiri. The film has been acquired for worldwide distribution by NEON, which will oversee theatrical release in the United States and international markets, with NEON International handling foreign sales.

A contemporary reimagining of Virginia Woolfs novel relocated to Lagos, Clarissa was shot on 35mm in Lagos and Delta State. The film follows society woman Clarissa as she prepares to host a party at her home, only to encounter once-intimate friends from her youth. Over the course of a single night, memories of intricate relationships, passionate love, hidden desires, and lost aspirations give rise to a bittersweet reckoning.

Clarissa features an acclaimed ensemble cast including Sophie Okonedo (Academy Award and Emmy Award nominee), David Oyelowo (Golden Globe and BAFTA nominee), Emmy Award winner Ayo Edebiri, alongside India Amarteifio (Bridgerton), Toheeb Jimoh (Ted Lasso), Nikki Amuka-Bird (Knock at the Cabin), and a broader cast of distinguished performers. The film is written, directed, and produced by Arie and Chuko Esiri, whose debut feature Eyimofe (This Is My Desire) premiered at the Berlinale, won multiple African Movie Academy Awards, and was subsequently released by Janus Films before being selected for the Criterion Collection, a rare distinction that signals enduring artistic significance.

The Esiri brothers produce Clarissa alongside Theresa Park (Per Capita Productions) and Nicholas Weinstock (Invention Studios), with co-producers Nina Gold and Thomas Bassett. Executive producers include Sophie Okonedo, Dolly Omodolapo Kola-Balogun, Osahon Okunbo, and Jason Reif.

Commenting on the investment, Osahon Akpata, Chief Executive Officer of CANEX Creations Inc., said:

Clarissa exemplifies the type of globally resonant, IP-driven storytelling that CANEX Creations Inc (CCInc) was established to support. The film combines literary heritage, world-class filmmaking, and African production capacity, while remaining firmly rooted on the continent. Its acquisition by NEON validates both the creative ambition of the filmmakers and the viability of Africa-backed financing structures for internationally scalable film content.

Reflecting on the films creative vision, Chuko Esiri, writer, director and producer, said,

From the beginning, it was important to us that Clarissa be both rooted and resourced on the continent where it is set. Having African institutions back a film of this scale reflects a growing confidence that our stories can be produced from within. Clarissa is a story centered on time and memory, and in bringing it to life, we chose to shoot on 35mm in the hope it will first feel, then stand next to the great films of modern cinema .

Production financing for filming in Nigeria was provided entirely by Africa-based institutions, led by CCInc. alongside MBO Capital, underscoring the growing capacity of African capital to support globally competitive film projects.

The acquisition was negotiated by NEONs Kate Gondwe, with UTA Independent Film Group representing the filmmakers.

Clarissa marks CCIncs continued commitment to investing in high-quality Global Africa intellectual property with clear pathways to international markets, in line with its mandate to catalyze export-ready creative assets across film, television, music, fashion, and other IP-intensive sectors.
he National Productivity and Competitiveness Council (NPCC) proudly announced the successful culmination of the InnovEd 2025 challenge during an award ceremony, which also marked the official launch platform for the next edition, InnovEd 2026, calling upon a new cohort of students to embark on their own innovation journeys.

The event was attended by Hon Aadil Ameer Meea, Minister of Industry, SME and Cooperatives, Dr. Hon Mahend Gungapersad, Minister of Education and Human Resource, the Chairman of the NPCC, Mr. Arshad Duymun and council members as well as students and facilitators from more than 30 secondary schools.

The winners and runner ups in each category were as follows:

THEME: CULTURAL HERITAGE

WINNER: Quatre Bornes SSS

Title of project: Culture Quest: The Wellness Edition

RUNNER UP: Imperial College

Title of project: Heritage Nature

THEME: LANGUAGES AND PUBLISHING

WINNER: Polytechnics Mauritius Ltd

Title of project: Smart career navigator

RUNNER UP: Simadree Virahsawmy SSS

Title of project: Environmental Awareness Game

THEME: DESIGN

WINNER: Le Bocage International School

Title of project: Scrap Canvas

RUNNER UP: Polytechnics Mauritius Ltd

Title of project: 7-day Social Media Detox

THEME: PERFORMING ARTS

WINNER: Polytechnics Mauritius Ltd

Title of project: MELVA-AI

RUNNER UP: Le Bocage International School

Title of project: Performing for a change

THEME: INTERACTIVE MEDIA

WINNER: Ramsoondar Prayag SSS

Title of project: MoCarriere

RUNNER UP: Rabindranath Tagore Secondary School

Title of project: Managing stress for a better life.

THEME: VISUAL ARTS AND CRAFTS

WINNER: Ananias Andre Le Chou College

Title of project: A kinetic junk sculpture representing earth and sea

RUNNER UP: Doha Secondary School

Title of project: FabArt

The InnovEd 2025 journey was an intensive experience for student teams from across the island. From mid-April through June 2025, participants developed their projects across six thematic areas: Interactive Media, Cultural Heritage, Performing Arts, Visual Arts & Crafts, Design, and Languages & Publishing. Their projects creatively addressed contemporary topics including Waste to Art, Games for Sustainability, Healthier Habits, Music Composition using AI and Preparedness for Employability.

Throughout this intensive phase, teams received ongoing support from the NPCC. The project development stage concluded with the submission deadline on 20 June 2025. Entries then underwent a comprehensive two-tier evaluation process. The initial assessment by an expert panel on 18 and 19 June 2025 evaluated projects based on creativity, feasibility and potential impact.

Shortlisted teams advanced to the CREAThon event held from 20 to 24 June 2025, where they refined their concepts through intensive mentorship sessions with industry experts. The final evaluation round on 25 and 26 June 2025 assessed the market viability and scalability potential of the remaining projects. The journey culminated with the Final Assessment on 2 and 3 July 2025, where 34 outstanding teams competed for top honours.

Speaking at the event, the Executive Director of NPCC, Dr. Vinaye Ancharaz, commended the participants for their ingenuity and drive.

 Mauritius has embarked on an ambitious journey. We have come a long way from an economy based on a single crop to a dynamic, diversified one. But the world does not stand still. The pace of change is breathtaking and to thrive, we cannot just adapt; we must lead. We must become a Nation of Innovators,  he stated.  We have to create environments where a student in a classroom doesnt just memorise formulas but asks, How can this formula solve a problem in my community? Where an apprentice doesnt just learn a trade but asks, How can I make this process smarter, safer, and more efficient? This is the culture we must instill. This is the culture you have already begun to embody. 

The Chairman of the NPCC, Mr. Arshad Duymun underscored that innovation is the engine and productivity is the result.

 You cannot have one without the other. At the NPCC, we are committed to instilling this innovation mindset in everyonefrom the shop floor to the classroom. We do this through training and advocacy initiatives to show every citizen that they have the power to improve their work and their community through creative thinking. We believe that the next great idea for Mauritius can come from anywhere and it is our duty to create an environment where that idea can flourish. 

For the Hon Aadil Ameer Meea, Mauritius needs more young Mauritians choosing STEM courses and STEM careers.

Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics are not optional skills. They are strategic assets for our economy. STEM skills power modern manufacturing, clean energy, healthcare, agri tech, digital services, and advanced materials. These are the sectors that will define future jobs and future exports.

Hon Mahend Gungapersad encouraged students to use Artificial Intelligence (AI) in their1 studies, however he urged them not to become overdependent on AI.

You have a lot of challenges today. But when you will take the lead, when you will be professionals in various sectors, the challenges will be greater. The question that we should ask is how do we do more with less. How do you develop that critical mind?

To answer this, he announced that the Ministry of Education and Human Resource is working on a blueprint that will take into consideration the development of students through critical thinking and innovation.

With the successful conclusion of InnovEd 2025, the NPCC now looks forward to InnovEd 2026, inviting schools across Mauritius to prepare for another year of creativity, problem-solving, and innovation.
The Archbishop of Tuam, Francis Duffy has been appointed by Pope Leo XIV as the Bishop of Killala and will minister simultaneously as Archbishop of Tuam and the north Mayo diocese.

The news of this Episcopal appointment was made public this morning following the celebration of Mass in St Muredachs Cathedral, Ballina in the Diocese of Killala.

The announcement had been made public two years ago following the resignation of Bishop John Fleming, Bishop of Killala, due to age.

Speaking in St Muredach's Cathedral this morning, Archbishop Duffy said that while the two dioceses will share the same bishop they will 'remain distinct'.

On this occasion, something new is happening here. For the first time, the Bishop of Killala is, at the same time, the Archbishop of Tuam, and in him both dioceses are united. The Church describes this as the union of dioceses in persona episcopi, in the person of the Bishop. The two dioceses remain distinct, their individual identities are preserved, they are governed separately, but they share the same Bishop.

This development was foreseen when, almost two years ago, the Apostolic Nuncio outlined the broader structural vision for the dioceses in the West of Ireland, in our grouping of six dioceses known as the Metropolitan Province of Tuam.

Archbishop Montemayor, spoke of a gradual reorganisation, shared episcopal governance, strength through unity, and an eventual merging of dioceses. It is important to note, and it must be emphasised, that the Apostolic Nuncio framed this reorganisation not as decline, but as strategic adaptation to evolving pastoral realities.

However, reorganisation is not purely administrative. It is rooted and lived in pastoral experience. That is not to say that an occasion such as this does not also generate feelings of loneliness, or even regret that what was so familiar and normal in the past, is no longer the case. There may be a sense, among some, that something is being lost  our identity, our diocesan history and culture, our uniqueness. These are real feelings, and they must be understood and acknowledged sensitively, he said.

READ: Major Garda operation in Mayo leads to arrests, vehicle seizures and fines

Mayo is covered mostly by the dioceses of Tuam and Killala and partially by the Achonry and Galway dioceses.

A native of Co Cavan, Bishop Francis was installed as Archbishop of Tuam in January 2022 and on April 10, 2024, Pope Francis appointed him as Apostolic Administrator of Killala.

Archbishop Duffy also paid tribute to Bishop Fleming who had served as Bishop of Killala for 22 years and looked forward to cont

I wish to pay tribute to, and thank my predecessor, Bishop John Fleming, who served as bishop in this diocese for twenty-two years. Bishop Johns vision, his ability to listen and read the signs of the times, and his dedicated work have contributed immensely to pastoral initiatives in this diocese. Bishop John, we owe you a debt of gratitude and we thank you for your leadership. he said.

When I became Apostolic Administrator almost two years ago, it was a priority for me to get to know the priests, people and parishes of Killala, not to mention its geography. It was a great experience to visit priests in their homes and listen to their accounts of life and their views.

These visitations brought me across great stretches of territory, and beautiful landscape, from Blacksod Bay in Erris over to Drumard in County Sligo; down south to Ballycroy and Glenhest in County Mayo.

Having already accompanied you since Bishop Johns retirement, I am honoured to have been given this appointment, and I invite you to join me as we, trusting in the Lord, go forward together into a future full of hope, he concluded.
A MAYO judge issued convictions and fines for wildlife crime in the county in two separate prosecutions brought by the National Parks and Wildlife Service.

At a recent special sitting of Castlebar District Court, a fine was issued against Connacht Agri-supplies Ltd for advertising and offering to sell illegal bird traps while in December, a farmer who removed 2.5 acres of woodland on the shores of Lough Carra was also fined.

The two prosecutions were taken by the National Parks and Wildlife Service of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

READ: Archbishop Duffy looks forward to a 'future full of hope' following appointment to north Mayo diocese

Connacht Agri-supplies Ltd were prosecuted for advertising illegal bird traps and offering for sale the illegal bird traps at their shop in Cuilmore, Claremorris. The traps in question were spring traps designed to capture birds alive and were advertised in a weekly newspaper and on the shop website. The traps were not an approved trap under the Wildlife Act 1976 and Judge Vincent Deane convicted Connacht Agri-supplies Ltd of possessing unapproved traps and fined the company 1,000 with six months to pay. The court also granted forfeiture and destruction of the traps.

On December 16, 2025, a landowner was prosecuted for breach of the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 by carrying out unauthorised works within the Lough Carra/Mask Special Area of Conservation and Special Protection Area in 2024.

Timothy Quinn of Castlecarra, Claremorris entered a plea of guilty to the charges of removing vegetation without consent resulting in a likely significant effect through the above activities.

The court heard that Mr Quinn removed 2.5 acres of woodland on the shores of Lough Carra using a mechanically propelled vehicle, which may have caused damage to the lake through increased sediment. The court heard that this work was carried out without the consent of the Minister.

Lough Carra / Mask is designated for various species including otters and Lough Carra is the best example of a marl lake in Ireland.

Consent is required from the Minister to carry out certain activities in SACs such as removal of trees or vegetation. Judge Deane convicted and fined Mr. Quinn 1,000. In addition, Mr Quinn has been cross-reported to the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine (DAFM).

Commenting on the recent convictions, Minister for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity Christopher OSullivan TD said: Wildlife crime can take many forms  from illegal hunting, to the sale of unauthorised traps and snares, the destruction of habitats and the disturbance of protected species. These are not victimless crimes and these acts against nature can undermine decades of conservation work.

The National Parks and Wildlife Service is tackling wildlife crime through prevention and enforcement and in partnership with other enforcement authorities and with local communities. We take threats to Irelands nature and biodiversity extremely seriously. We are working with and assisting An Garda Siochana, landowners and other stakeholders to raise awareness of our natural heritage.

We have initiated joint patrols and operations in hot spot areas around the country with Gardai to prevent and deter criminal activities such as illegal hunting.

As of today NPWS have 41 cases of alleged wildlife crimes in progress for prosecution. Members of the public are asked to report any wildlife crime activity to their regional NPWS office or by email to WildlifeEnforcement@npws.gov.ie or An Garda Siochana.
Uniphar, a European medical device distributor, has recently acquired TouchStore, a pharmacy management software company founded by Claremorris native Gerard Cassidy.

Gerard is a second-generation pharmacist who founded TouchStore in 2001. Before the establishment of the company, Gerard spent most of his career as a retail pharmacy owner. Following the success of his two pharmacies, Cassidy sold both to Boots and McCabe's pharmacy.

TouchStore employs 35 developers and support staff in its Limerick office. The company will continue to operate as a separate legal entity with its existing management and support teams in place and appropriate data segregation safeguards ensuring the continued confidence of TouchStores existing and future customers.

READ NEXT: Tributes paid to a true gentle giant in north Mayo

Speaking on the announcement, Gerard Cassidy, TouchStore Managing Director, expressed that like Uniphar, we are wholly committed to supporting our community pharmacy customers.

Cassidy said that Uniphars backing will help TouchStore to continue to lead pharmacy technology innovation.

It will allow us to provide our pharmacy customers with the support they need, as the HSE and the wider sector move more towards digital operations.

Our technology is wholesaler agnostic, so we will continue to be able to work with all pharmacies in the Irish market. Were very excited by the opportunities for growth and innovation that being part of Uniphar will bring, he added.

READ MORE: Major Garda operation in Mayo leads to arrests, vehicle seizures and fines
Young Mayo musicians from Louisburgh Music School are celebrating a string of major successes after an impressive showing at the 2026 Newpark Festival in Dublin.

The long-running festival, now in its 30th year, took place at the restored Carnegie Library in Dun Laoghaire and attracted talented performers from across the country.

Among the standout performers was Jack McDowell, a piano student of Michael Quinn, who was awarded the Coakley-Fuller Cup for Baroque Music. Jack won the accolade for his performance of Bourree I & II from JS Bachs English Suite No. 2.

There was further success in the vocal competitions. Ben McCormack secured joint second prize in the Age 12 and under. In the Age 14 and under category, Jasmine OMalley took first prize, while Nellie Smyth was awarded second.

Ruby Smyth won first prize in the Junior Musical Theatre competition (age 1518) for her performance of a song from Sondheims Into the Woods, and Kyla Rose Rabbett received third prize for her rendition of a song from the musical Wicked.

READ MORE: Mayo projects win government Circular Communications grants

Louisburgh Music Schools Pauline Graham and Michael Quinn praised the dedication and hard work of their students, who hail from Louisburgh, Killeen and Westport, and acknowledged the continued support of parents.

The school also paid tribute to festival directors Mairead English and Alyssa Filardo, as well as Hilda Chan, Director of Newpark Academy of Music, for their commitment to music education and the continued development of the festival.

The students have also been active on stage closer to home. Ben recently performed with Claremorris Musical Society in its production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, while Kyla Rose played Cinderella in the Westport Pantomimes sold-out run of Cinderella and the Spare Prince at the Westport Town Hall Theatre. Ruby and Jasmine are set to perform as soloists with Louisburgh Voices at a concert in Westport this May.
Minister of State Alan Dillon TD has welcomed the commencement of payments under year two of the Dairy Beef Welfare Scheme, confirming that 161 Mayo farmers will receive a total of 89,131 in support over the coming days.

The announcement follows confirmation from the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD, that over 5.98 million is now issued nationally to 9,175 participating farmers, supporting 299,839 dairy beef calves. This represents a 17.4 percent increase in the number of calves supported compared with the first year of the scheme.

Minister Dillon said the funding provides timely and practical support for Mayo farmers who continue to drive high standards of animal health and welfare across the county.

He added: This is a welcome boost for 161 farm families in Mayo. The Dairy Beef Welfare Scheme is delivering real value on the ground by supporting better breeding decisions, improving calf quality, and strengthening integration between the dairy and beef sectors. These payments recognise the commitment of Mayo farmers to best practice and high welfare standards.

The Dairy Beef Welfare Scheme supports dairy farmers in improving the genetic merit of calves through the use of highquality beef sires. Payments are being made in respect of eligible calves born between January 1 and December 31 2025, with participants receiving 20 per eligible calf, up to a maximum of 50 calves per herd.

Minister Dillon also highlighted the continuity built into the scheme: Farmers who applied in 2024 or 2025 will automatically continue in the scheme. It will reopen for new applicants in April 2026, ensuring continued opportunities for farmers who wish to join. Payments will appear in farmers bank accounts in the coming days.

Farmers seeking further information on their Dairy Beef Welfare Scheme payment can contact the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marines Direct Payments Helpline at 0578674422 or email dairybeef@agriculture.gov.ie.

READ MORE: New Jalopy Bar coffee truck officially opens at Lough Lannagh in Mayo
The Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG), in collaboration with Fair Seas, is set to visit Westport, Mayo, on Thursday, February 26, as part of a series of free in-person evening events in coastal towns around Ireland.

The Local Groups Roadshow aims to connect coastal communities and local members of the Irish Whale and Dolphin with the latest developments in Marine conservation, marine protected areas (MPAs), and the future of Irelands seas.

Fair Seas is a coalition of eNGOs in Ireland that aims to build a movement for ocean stewardship and to lobby the government for a coherent network of effective MPAs.

READ NEXT: Nominations now open for Mayo Person of the Year

We have local IWDG groups right around the country, and each one is playing an important role.

Citizen science is at the heart of everything we do; without people sharing what they see on our coasts, we simply wouldnt have the data we need to understand and protect Irelands whales, dolphins and seas, said Eva Lambert, Marine Policy and Advocacy Officer with the IWDG.

The evening will include short presentations from IWDG and Fair Seas, guest speakers, a short film screening, and an open discussion with attendees.

The Westport-based event is free to attend and will take place at The Mariner Hotel from 5.30pm to 8pm.
Interior minister and SBU dpty head believe its advisable to restrict the use of Telegram to minimize recruitment and terrorist attack

Photo: Pixabay

Ukrainian Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko and Deputy Head of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) Ivan Rudnytsky advocate regulating Telegram to minimize the enemy's recruitment of Ukrainian citizens to commit terrorist attacks.

At a briefing in Kyiv on Monday, the minister noted that Telegram is most often used for recruiting people to commit sabotage and terrorist attacks.

"In percentage terms, I think it's about half," he clarified.

Responding to a question about whether the Ministry of Internal Affairs considers it necessary to restrict Telegram's use, Klymenko said: "Regarding Telegram's use, that's not just a question for the Ministry of Internal Affairs or the Security Service of Ukraine. It's a question that society, too, should answer."

"If this concerns the fundamentals of security... common sense and protection... it's impossible to ban anything that's prohibited. Restricting and ensuring the work that will help us reduce the number of such crimes, specifically terrorist crimesperhaps this is something we need to talk about," the Interior Minister emphasized.

Deputy Head of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), Ivan Rudnytsky, noted that he shares the minister's position and added: "Not only law enforcement agencies, but also other relevant government agencies... must strengthen certain regulatory functions in this area, in terms of limiting and preventing these information resources or internet resources from being used for illegal and terrorist activities."
The 79th edition of the British Academy Film Awards delivered a poignant moment on Sunday evening by honouring the late Dharmendra during its In Memoriam segment. The veteran star, who passed away in November last year, was commemorated alongside international film legends in a heartfelt tribute to his enduring legacy. BAFTA Pays Tribute To Dharmendra The 79th edition of the British Academy Film Awards took place on Sunday at Londons Royal Festival Hall. During the ceremony, Jessie Ware delivered a stirring performance of Barbra Streisands classic The Way We Were, honouring members of the film fraternity who passed away over the past year.

 Instagram/Dharmendra The heartfelt tribute was accompanied by a visual montage celebrating the lives and contributions of several global icons, including Diane Keaton, Terence Stamp, Catherine O'Hara, Rob Reiner, Gene Hackman, Robert Duvall, Tom Stoppard, Brigitte Bardot, Lalo Schifrin, Michael Madsen and Val Kilmer. Veteran Indian star Dharmendra was also remembered as part of the moving In Memoriam segment.

India Wins Its First BAFTA Win India registered a landmark moment at this years British Academy Film Awards, clinching its first win at the ceremony. Boong, a Manipuri-language debut feature, emerged victorious in the Best Children and Family Film category. Notably, it was the only Indian film nominated at the BAFTAs this year. The news was officially shared by BAFTA on its social media platforms.

 Instagram/BAFTA Helmed by Lakshmipriya Devi, the film is backed by producers Farhan Akhtar, Vikesh Bhutani, Alan McAlex, Ritesh Sidhwani and Shujaat Saudagar. The cast features Gugun Kipgen and Bala Hijam in key roles. Farhan Akhtar attended the ceremony in person and received the award on behalf of the team at the British Academy Film Awards.
Alia Bhatt left the BAFTA audience mesmerised with her presence. As she walked onto the London stage to present Best Film Not in the English Language, she greeted the crowd with a warm Namaskar, and the moment instantly set the internet abuzz. Beginning her speech in Hindi at one of Britains most prestigious film ceremonies wasnt merely a stylistic choice; it was a powerful statement.

 Instagram/Alia Bhatt Alia Bhatts statement at BAFTA Introduced by host Alan Cumming, Alia Bhatt took the stage in a shimmering silver gown and opened with a graceful Namaste. She then said, Agla award ek aise film ke liye hain, jo angrezi me nahi hai. (Next award is for a film that is not in English). With a playful pause, she added, Dont reach for the subtitles just yet, before seamlessly continuing in English. Emphasising the essence of storytelling, Bhatt noted that while films speak in countless voices, cinema itself communicates in a universal language. Speaking later on the red carpet, she shared, Theres nothing more powerful than human emotion and you dont need language for that.

Social media was quick to label the moment iconic, applauding her for proudly embracing her roots on a global stage. For many viewers, it felt less like a first appearance and more like a subtle cultural moment that resonated worldwide. One user commented, Great effort and thank you for showcasing pride in Hindi but pride (Hindi or other regional languages) isnt a humour but natural respect to the foundation we build our lives upon yet hide it most of the time.

Another user commented, I just loved that someone spoke with a normal indian accent at a global level. Kinda tired of hearing either the comical indian accent which isnt even real, and the NRI accent, which well, is just an american accent.

 Reddit/BollyBlindsNGossip One user wrote, She did a Good job and didnt try to change her accent . Both wins.
Photo: https://x.com/r_stefanchuk

Former U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo visited Kyiv ahead of the anniversary of the full-scale Russian invasion, Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Ruslan Stefanchuk has said.

"The visit of former U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to Kyiv is an important signal of continued attention and support for Ukraine. During the meeting, I thanked him for his consistent stance on deterring authoritarian regimes and for supporting Ukraine. Bipartisan support from the United States remains critically important for our country and for the security of the entire transatlantic space," he said on the X social network on Monday.

Stefanchuk informed Pompeo about the current security situation in the country.

"Russia continues its missile and drone terror against civilian infrastructure, demonstrating its unwillingness to pursue peace. We also discussed further steps in Ukraine-U.S. cooperation, including strengthening defence support, increasing sanctions pressure, and shaping reliable security guarantees," the Ukrainian parliament chairman said.
The material handling specialist delivered six console cranes and 12 KBK workstation lifting systems

Konecranes has completed the installation of 18 electric chain hoists and multiple workstation lifting systems for a major Spanish facade manufacturer, strengthening production capacity at its Lalin facility.

The material handling specialist delivered six console cranes and 12 KBK workstation lifting systems equipped with 18 D-Series electric chain hoists to INASUS, a European producer of specialist building facades.

The order was booked in February 2025, with delivery and installation finalised in August at the companys production site in north-west Spain.

The new cranes are designed to help INASUS handle, move and position large glass panels throughout manufacturing and installation.

Konecranes said the modular KBK workstation lifting systems offer flexibility along production lines, allowing equipment to be positioned precisely where required and adapted to evolving workflow demands.

Alberto Cuina, chief executive of INASUS, praised the project delivery.

We sincerely appreciate the outstanding work delivered during the sale and installation of the overhead cranes at our facilities, he said.

He highlighted the teams professionalism, adherence to deadlines and the quality of both the equipment and installation, describing the outcome as an excellent result.

It has been a pleasure working with a company that demonstrates such commitment and professionalism, while adapting seamlessly to the requirements of a customer as demanding as INASUS, he added.

Jorge Monteiro, sales director for industrial services and equipment at Konecranes Spain and Portugal, said the D-Series hoists provide the accuracy required for handling delicate materials.

The D series electric chain hoists deliver the precise lifting and positioning capabilities essential for safe handling of glass panels, helping INASUS maintain the highest product quality standards, he said.

He added that the combined solution reduces manual handling risks and helps ensure the production process remains efficient and safe.

Konecranes said its wider strategy continues to focus on digitalisation, technology investment and improving material flows, with an emphasis on supporting decarbonisation, circularity and workplace safety.
The possible termination of emergency electricity assistance from Slovakia to Ukraine will not have an impact on the situation in the power system, Ukrenergo national power company has said.

"The probable termination of emergency electricity supplies from Slovakia will not have any impact on the situation in the unified power system of Ukraine. The last time Ukraine requested aviation assistance from Slovakia was over a month ago and in a very limited volume," the company said on Facebook on Monday evening.

According to the statement, in general, emergency assistance from the Slovak direction arrived in the unified power system of Ukraine quite rarely and we are talking about short-term supplies.

Ukrenergo also said the company has not yet received any official documents on the unilateral termination of the agreement on mutual provision of emergency assistance by the Slovak system operator, SEPS.
Drive along a stretch of Highway 198 in Kings County, California, south of Fresno, and drivers will find part of it named after a fallen soldier from the area, who fulfilled his dream of serving the country.

"Once he had a goal in mind, he was someone who would work hard to achieve it," said Karen Covarrubias, who lost her brother, Army Specialist Juan Covarrubias in 2020. "He was an amazing and inspiring man."

Juan Covarrubias, 27, was killed by an enemy rocket attack at Camp Taji, a military base located 20 miles north of Baghdad, Iraq. The attack was in retaliation for a targeted drone attack by American Forces at Baghdad International Airport which targeted Iraqi Major General Qassim Soleimani.

Covarrubias died doing exactly what he set out to do. In return, his family, friends and community leaders worked hard for the last six years to get a sign in his honor along Highway 198. Last week, the stretch of road was dedicated to Covarrubias in front of a crowd of family, friends and dignitaries.

"I've very proud," said his sister Karen. "I didn't realize so many people would be able to come and witness such a gift. That was amazing to see.

But honor almost didn't happen.

Covarrubias was born in Delano, California, attended schools in Hanford, graduated from high school in 2010 and Lemoore College in 2017. He enlisted in the Army in 2018.

After Covarrubias' death in 2020, his family started the process of trying to secure the highway dedication with the help of a local assemblyman. It was approved, but languished for years after the assemblyman retired, leaving the family at square one.

"A mutual connection put the family in touch with me and I made a few phone calls on their behalf," said Henry Perea, a retired Fresno County Supervisor who also sits of the board of the California High Speed Rail Authority. "Turns out the paperwork was still on file. We just needed to raise about $8,000 to make sign and designate the roadway, which took about four months."

The date of the dedication, Wednesday February 11, 2026, saw old classmates and comrades, family and friends, officials and highway patrol officers gathered for the historic honor.

"We unveiled it, and had a nice ceremony," said Perea of the Army Specialist Juan Miguel Mendez Covarrubias Memorial Highway sign. "Some veterans attended, there was a flag raising. It was just beautiful."

Specialist Covarrubias' sister Karen says it a fitting tribute for her brother, who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

"He was a soldier, not just in form, but someone who took his role as a protector, a brother, friend, and son, very seriously," said Covarrubias. "I hope people will drive by the highway sign and along the stretch of road and know how special my brother was, not only to our family, but to the community and his comrades."

Covarrubias is survived by three siblings and his parents, Alfredo and Monica Covarrubias.
WASHINGTON (AP)  Secretary of State Marco Rubio will travel to the Caribbean country of St. Kitts and Nevis this week to reassert the Trump administrations interests in the Western Hemisphere just a month after the U.S. military operation that removed then-Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro from power.

With the eyes of much of the world on the U.S. military buildup in the Middle East and President Donald Trumps threats to potentially attack Iran, Rubio will make a one-day visit to St. Kitts on Wednesday to participate in a summit of leaders from the Caribbean Community, the State Department said.

Rubio has long championed a greater U.S. role in the Western Hemisphere and aims to keep it in focus even as Trump's Republican administration has now shifted its top foreign policy priority to Iran. American forces are massing in even larger numbers in the Middle East than in the run-up to the Jan. 3 operation in Venezuela that captured and deposed Maduro.

Maduro was brought to the U.S. to face charges of working with drug cartels to facilitate the shipment of thousands of tons of cocaine into the U.S. and has pleaded not guilty.

Trumps action against Maduro, coupled with an increasingly aggressive posture aimed at eliminating drug trafficking and illegal migration, have proven a concern for many in the region  although they have also won support from some smaller states.

Trump, Rubio and others have likened the administrations Western Hemisphere strategy to the Monroe Doctrine, with its rejection of outside influences and assertion of U.S. primacy throughout what they consider to be Americas backyard.

Trump has said his ouster of Maduro, military strikes on alleged drug-running vessels in the Caribbean, seizures of sanctioned oil tankers and tightened embargo of Cuba are key parts of a Trump corollary to the 19th-century policy that he refers to as the Donroe Doctrine.

Most recently, that has manifested itself in U.S. intelligence support for weekend Mexican government operations that killed notorious Jalisco New Generation Cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes and sparked riots in several well-known tourist resorts.

Neither Mexico nor Venezuela is a full member of CARICOM, which includes 15 mainly island nations and South and Central American mainland littoral states. But like the United States, Mexico and Venezuela have observer status in the grouping.

In numerous group and bilateral meetings at the CARICOM meeting, Rubio intends to discuss ways to promote regional security and stability, trade and economic growth, the State Department said in a statement Monday. It was unclear which officials Rubio would meet with in Basseterre, the capital of the two-island nation.

"During his visit, the Secretary will reaffirm the United States commitment to working with CARICOM member states to enhance stability and prosperity in our hemisphere, the department said.

Besides the immediate safety and security concerns in the Caribbean, the U.S. has a vested interest in several CARICOM members, including St. Kitts and Nevis, that are among the few countries in the world to have formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan, a self-governing island that Beijing considers to be part of Chinese territory.

The U.S., which does not have diplomatic relations with Taiwan but sells it weapons, wants to counter Chinese influence in Latin America and the Caribbean built through massive loans and expansive trade.

Trump has invited Latin American leaders to take part in a summit in Florida next month, coming ahead of his trip to Beijing.

St. Kitts and Nevis is among six countries in the Caribbean and Central America to still recognize Taiwan. U.S. lawmakers have introduced a bill that could provide $120 million over three years in assistance to Taiwans official and unofficial partners.

___

Associated Press writer Didi Tang contributed to this report.
QAMISHLI, Syria (AP)  U.S. forces are withdrawing from a key base in northeastern Syria, officials said Monday, in what appears to be part of a larger drawdown of U.S. forces in Syria.

Iraqi and Syrian security officials said that the U.S. military had begun moving its forces and equipment from the Qasrak base in Syria to Iraqs semi-autonomous Kurdish region.

Associated Press journalists in the city of Qamishli in northeast Syria saw a convoy of dozens of trucks carrying military vehicles and equipment Monday, with military helicopters circling overhead, moving toward the Iraqi border.

The U.S. militarys Central Command did not respond to a request for comment, nor did the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, which controls the area around the Qasrak base.

A senior Iraqi security official said evacuation of the base had begun Sunday and that on Monday, U.S. forces and military equipment coming from the base crossed into Iraqs semi-autonomous northern Kurdish region.

A Syrian security official said about 200 soldiers remained at the base Monday and that work was underway to dismantle military jamming and air defense systems and the engineering section at the base.

Both officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to comment publicly.

Earlier this month, CENTCOM and Syrias defense ministry announced that U.S. troops had left another base, the al-Tanf base in eastern Syria near the border with Jordan.

The departure of U.S. forces from the bases comes after the U.S. military completed the transfer of some 5,700 accused Islamic State militants from detention centers in northeast Syria to prisons in Iraq, where they will be put on trial.

The main mission of the U.S. troops in Syria is to prevent a resurgence of IS. The extremist group lost control of the last territory it held in Syria in 2019 but its sleeper cells have continued to stage periodic attacks in Syria, Iraq and abroad.

The decision to transfer the prisoners to Iraq came after fighting between Syrian government forces and the SDF last month, during which dozens of prisoners escaped from one of the detention centers holding IS suspects, while an unknown number of families are believed to have fled from al Hol camp, which housed the wives and children of IS members.

The remaining residents of the camp have now been transferred to another facility or repatriated.

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AlSayed reported from Damascus and Abdul-Zahra from Baghdad.
After an ambulance carrying a patient stalled in deep snow on a cold evening in Springfield Township, Ohio, a neighbor with military experience grabbed a tow strap.

Brandyn Longhauser, identified locally as a U.S. Air Force veteran, used his Toyota Tacoma to pull a 20,000-pound ambulance free after heavy snowfall at around 9 p.m. on Jan. 26 after it was trapped on a residential street, according to local FOX19 NOW.

Longhauser first reportedly tried digging the vehicle out before securing the strap and hauling it to clearer pavement so paramedics could resume transport. Fire officials said the assist allowed crews to move the patient during hazardous winter conditions.

Im very community-driven, Longhauser told FOX19 NOW. Theyre there to help us. I just wanted to help them.

Chief Randy Miller of the Springfield Township Fire Department told the network that Longhauser saw local first responders needing aid and he provided it. about the incident.

We appreciated his help," Miller said. "It allowed the crew to resume patient transport safely.

Military.com reached out for comment to Longhauser and Springfield Township fire officials.

Snow Stops Emergency Response Cold

Flashing emergency lights cut through falling snow as the ambulance sat immobilized on a neighborhood road, according to the report. Accumulation covered untreated residential streets across Hamilton County as winter weather moved through southwest Ohio, limiting traction and visibility.

A shovel was the first attempt, though the vehicle did not move. A tow strap and a Toyota Tacoma did the trick.

Ambulances can weigh between 14,000-20,000 pounds depending on equipment and onboard medical gear. That weight stabilizes patient care but reduces traction when snow and ice build quickly on secondary roads. Even modest inclines or packed drifts can halt forward movement.

A person carries grocery bags up a residential street during a winter storm Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Joshua A. Bickel)

The National Weather Service's Wilmington, Ohio, office reportedly warned of hazardous travel conditions across the region as snowfall continued and advised drivers to expect slick surfaces and limited stopping ability.

Seconds matter during medical transport. Crews worked to free the vehicle as snow continued to fall.

Officials did not release details about the patients condition, citing privacy considerations.

When Training Takes Over

Snow kept falling. The ambulance remained stuck. Longhauser did not wait.

He described the moment not as heroic but morally imperative.

It just felt like the right thing to do, he said.

Military training emphasizes situational awareness, risk assessment and rapid decision-making. Those skills can translate into civilian life during fast-moving events, similar to winter safety guidance that advises motorists to stay with their vehicle, conserve fuel, and maintain emergency supplies if stranded during severe weather.

Major winter systems have also required broader military support when local resources are stretched thin. In past storms, National Guard units were mobilized across multiple states to rescue stranded motorists and assist civil authorities as snow and ice paralyzed highways.

Springfield Township officials routinely urge residents to avoid unnecessary travel and to allow emergency vehicles room to maneuver on snow-covered roads. Untreated residential streets can become impassable even when primary roads remain open.
Photographer Mikel Conrad has an important assignment to complete in the next few months  photograph and interview 250 veterans and active-duty military members by July 4, 2026, Americas 250 birthday.

Through his project 250 Faces of Service & Sacrifice, Conrad is collecting stories and portraits of past and present service members to honor the nations milestone. On his website, Conrad explains why he decided to embark on such an ambitious mission.

I created this project with one simple mission  to honor the men and women whove protected our nation for the past 250 years, and to ensure their stories, faces, and sacrifices are never forgotten, he said. This is more than a photography projectits a national tribute.

Photographer Mikel Conrad. (Facebook)

Most veterans shy away from the spotlight, but Conrad, a Henderson, Nevada resident, believes theyve earned the chance to be photographed professionally and share tales of sacrifice. He also photographs Gold Star parents and families with military ties.

Just their willingness to serve and just do what they had to do and not beat their chest about it. They just went out and did what they had to do, Conrad said.

His project has extended beyond the Las Vegas valley, garnering interest from veterans and their families across the country. His website includes a page to nominate a veteran for the project.

Preserving Their Stories for History

Conrads goal was to capture a wide range of veterans, from World War II to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, including Army veteran Tracy Strong, who was deployed to both nations before retiring in 2013 following a 35-year career.

My first tour in Iraq was 2004-05, and then my second tour in Iraq was 2007-08, Strong said. Then I did 18 months in Afghanistan.

World War II veteran Henry Jackson shares his story for Mikel Conrad's America 250 project. (Mikel Conrad)

Another veteran Conrad photographed was Joe Spizzirro, who completed two tours of duty in Vietnam. Spizzirro, like so many other Vietnam War veterans, didnt receive a warm welcome when he returned home.

I wore my uniform and I was spit up on, but I didnt hold that against anybody. I did what I wanted to do. I did the honorable thing, Spizzirro said.

Korean War veterans Gene Acker and Ron Camillo also participated in the project. Camillo said he served in Korea from 1950-51 as a member of the 1st Marine Division and the 5th Marines. Even after more than 70 years, Camillos recollections of the war are raw, emotional and painful to relive.

I can remember like yesterday, Korea, Camillo said. The problem is I saw things over there I cant talk about.

Acker was honored to be a part of Conrads special project.

Were all tied together. Were all brothers, Acker said. Were not worth a damn without one another.

Conrad hopes to keep the legacies of these veterans alive through his work, even years after theyve died. Some of the WWII veterans Conrad photographed in recent years have died, but their stories and photos are available through 250faces.com.
Robert Hunt was a torpedoman on the USS Tambor. He ran 12 consecutive war patrols in the Pacific and never fully shook what those missions felt like.

"I was just sure I was going to die," he recalled years later. "So many of our subs were being lost and so many of my friends were gone."

Hunt survived every one of those patrols. The reason had less to do with luck than with a critical flaw in Japanese anti-submarine tactics that American crews had been quietly exploiting since the opening days of the war.

A depth charge attack was a specific kind of ordeal. The weapon descended to a set depth and exploded, sending a concussive wave through the water. Crews heard a sharp metallic bang against the hull first as the shock wave hit, followed by a deep boom from the sound of the explosion itself.

The closer the detonation, the shorter the gap between those two sounds. Commanders measured distance by counting the interval between them. At 268 feet of water, a depth charge took roughly 30 seconds to sink before going off.

For a significant stretch of the Pacific war, American submarines survived those 30 seconds because Japan was dropping its charges in the wrong place or setting them to explode at too shallow a depth. Then in 1943, an American Congressman inadvertently told the Japanese what they were doing wrong.

A Flaw in Japans ASW Tactics

The Imperial Japanese Navy built its anti-submarine tactics around the wrong target. Japanese planners calibrated their depth charges against older American S-class submarines, which had a test depth of roughly 200 feet. Their standard Type 95 depth charge had just two settings, 100 feet and 200 feet.

The Balao-class submarines rolling out of American shipyards during the war could reach 400 feet. When Japanese escort ships came hunting, American commanders took their boats deep and waited. Japanese charges detonated well above them.

Japanese assessment practices made the problem worse. Escort commanders routinely claimed kills at the first sign of floating oil or debris, logging confirmed sinkings when their targets had already slipped away intact.

The U.S. Navy understood the secret and protected it. Nothing about actual American submarine depth capabilities appeared in public. No survival rate statistics, no press accounts that might tip off Japanese anti-submarine planners. The moment Japan learned the true depth American boats could reach, the advantage was finished.

Vice Adm. Charles A. Lockwood took command of the Pacific submarine fleet in February 1943 after his predecessor, Rear Adm. Robert H. English, died in a California plane crash. Lockwood immediately set about replacing cautious skippers with more aggressive officers.

He fought a sustained campaign against the Navy's Bureau of Ordnance over defective torpedoes that were running too deep or failing to detonate, at one point demanding that if the bureau could not supply working weapons, they should "design a boathook with which we can rip the plates off the target's sides."

His submariners called him "Uncle Charlie." He knew most of his commanders and even the crews by name.

The Congressman's Tour

Andrew Jackson May was born June 24, 1875, on Beaver Creek in Floyd County, Kentucky. He spent years as a schoolteacher before graduating from Southern Normal University Law School in 1898, opening a practice in Prestonsburg with his twin brother and later serving as a circuit court judge. He ran for Congress in 1928, lost, ran again in 1930 and won.

By 1939 he was chairman of the House Military Affairs Committee. He was the chief architect of the Peacetime Selective Service Act in 1940, which provided the manpower base for the entire American war effort. He supported the GI Bill and worked closely with the Roosevelt administration on military legislation throughout the war years.

In a 1945 letter, Adm. Richard E. Byrd told him directly, "Everyone in general appreciates the superb job you have done for your country in connection with Army legislation, and Naval officers appreciate in particular the cooperation you have given the Navy."

That record gave May access most civilians could not have imagined. In the summer of 1943, he and other committee members toured American military installations in the Pacific Theater. Naval officers gave the delegation detailed operational and intelligence briefings. May heard specifics about Pacific submarine performance that were classified at the highest levels.

He came home in June 1943 and held a press conference.

May was trying to ease public anxiety. Families were frightened for their sons in the submarine service. He told the assembled reporters that American submariners were surviving at high rates. The reason, he explained, was that the Japanese were setting their depth charges too shallow. The enemy's weapons were going off well above where the submarines ran.

Press associations moved the story across their wires that same day. Newspapers published it nationwide. One of them was a paper in Honolulu, Hawaii, the island chain where the Pacific submarine fleet was based and where Japanese intelligence maintained an active presence.

Since 1942, the Office of War Information had been distributing "Loose Lips Sink Ships" posters through the War Advertising Council, plastering them across naval bases, shipyards and public spaces as part of a direct national campaign against careless talk about military operations. Every sailor, dockworker and defense plant employee in the country had seen them.

Editors at American newspapers apparently concluded that a sitting congressman's public statement was a different category of information. Japan received the information. Soon after, American submarine losses would increase.

The ordeal became known as the May Incident.

Kentucky Congressman Andrew J. May. (Wikimedia Commons)

The Loss of American Submarines

Some of the heaviest losses came in the months immediately after the press conference.

In September 1943, the USS Wahoo departed Midway for the Sea of Japan under strict radio silence. Her skipper was Lt. Cmdr. Dudley W. "Mush" Morton, one of the most effective submarine commanders in the Pacific war. Morton had sunk 19 Japanese ships across four patrols.

Before his first patrol in command, he told his crew the Wahoo was expendable, their job was to hunt the enemy, and anyone who wanted off the boat had half an hour to say so. Not one man took him up on it.

Lockwood later wrote in the foreword to the book Wake of the Wahoo that Morton was a "natural leader and born daredevil" whose crew "would follow their skipper to the Gates of Hell."

On Oct. 11, 1943, a Japanese anti-submarine aircraft spotted a surfaced submarine in La Perouse Strait, the narrow passage between the Japanese island of Hokkaido and the Russian island of Sakhalin. The plane attacked with three depth charges dropped close aboard.

The Wahoo dove to avoid the attack. Japanese surface vessels and observation planes followed oil leaking from the vessel while dropping as many as 50 depth charges around it throughout the day. That afternoon, Japanese observers finally spotted large amounts of oil, debris and decompressed air rising to the surface, confirming the Wahoo was destroyed.

No further contact was ever made with Morton or any of his 79 crewmen. The Navy declared the boat missing in November 1943. The wreck was not located until 2006, lying at 213 feet in the strait.

No documented evidence establishes a direct connection between May's press conference and the loss of any of the submarines. Though, she went down four months after Japan allegedly learned that American submarines were operating far below the depth their charges could reach.

Nevertheless, the timing of the vessels loss as well as the loss of other submarines in subsequent months remains evidence enough for most people.

Lieutenant Commander Dudley W. Morton, USN, Commanding Officer of the U.S. Navy submarine USS Wahoo (SS-238), at right with his Executive Officer, Lieutenant Richard H. O'Kane, on Wahoo's open bridge, at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, after her very successful third war patrol, circa 7 February 1943. (Wikimedia Commons)

The Navy Responds

Lockwood learned what May had said and immediately wrote to Rear Adm. Richard S. Edwards.

"I hear Congressman May said the Jap depth charges are not set deep enough," Lockwood wrote. "He would be pleased to know that the Japs set them deeper now."

He estimated that Japanese anti-submarine forces reset their depth charges to detonate at around 250 feet after May's statements circulated through the American press. The adjustment put American submarines in significantly greater danger during evasion.

Clay Blair served as a submarine officer during WWII before becoming one of the most respected military historians of his generation. His 1975 book "Silent Victory" remains the definitive history of the Pacific submarine campaign. Blair documented Lockwood's full assessment of what had happened.

After the war, Lockwood stated, "I consider that indiscretion cost us ten submarines and 800 officers and men."

Fifty-two American submarines were lost during World War II, and more than 3,500 men went with them. The casualty rate in the submarine service reached nearly 22 percent, the highest of any branch of the armed forces.

By Lockwood's count, May's press conference accounted for roughly one in five of those deaths.

American poster warning citizens not to disclose classified or sensitive military information during WWII. (Wikimedia Commons)

An Unresolved Question

A post-war assessment from the Navy's Pacific Submarine Fleet found that Japanese anti-submarine forces never actually determined the true maximum operating depth of American submarines at any point during the war.

The report confirmed that Japanese depth charge settings did deepen after 1943. Though, it made no finding that May's disclosure specifically caused that adjustment.

Japan was also improving its own weapons regardless of Mays statement. In 1943 the Imperial Japanese Navy fielded the Type 3 Model 1 depth charge, capable of reaching nearly 475 feet, roughly 80 feet deeper than the Type 95, and it sank through water about 50 percent faster than previous models. Those improvements would have posed a greater threat to American submarines regardless of anything said at a press conference.

Whether May handed Japan the specific intelligence that drove the change in tactics, or whether Japanese planners were already finding their way to the same conclusion, is a question that has not been definitively answered.

Lockwood believed for the rest of his life that May was responsible for the change in Japanese tactics. He had spent the rest of the war counting the ships that did not come home.

The U.S. Navy submarine USS Wahoo (SS-238) off the Mare Island Naval Shipyard, California (USA), on 14 July 1943. (Wikimedia Commons)

Andrew Mays Later Life

May faced no official consequences for the press conference. The Navy did not move against him publicly. He kept his chairmanship and served out his term. Colleagues who knew his legislative history argued that one reckless statement did not erase years of substantive work on behalf of the military. Byrd's 1945 letter was not an isolated expression of gratitude.

May's congressional career ended through an entirely separate set of decisions.

Early in the war, he developed a working relationship with Henry and Murray Garsson, two New York businessmen with no background in munitions who wanted defense contracts. May used his position as chairman to push Army ordnance officials and federal procurement figures toward the Garssons.

The brothers secured substantial contracts during the war. Cash payments found their way back to May. A Senate investigating committee uncovered the arrangement in the years after the war.

The investigation found the Garssons had made excessive profits while delivering faulty ammunition to the military. Their 4.2-inch mortar shells were fitted with defective fuses that caused premature detonation in the field. Those faulty rounds killed an estimated 38 American soldiers.

U.S. Navy submarines still On Patrol from WWII. (Wikimedia Commons)

May lost his 1946 reelection bid as the scandal became public. A federal jury convicted him on bribery charges July 3, 1947, after deliberating less than two hours. He was 74 years old when he entered federal prison and served nine months.

President Harry Truman granted him a full pardon in 1952. He returned to Prestonsburg, practiced law and died Sept. 6, 1959. Kentucky later named a lodge at Jenny Wiley State Resort Park in Prestonsburg in his honor.

The May Incident became a fixture in operational security training. A careless speech from a politician with more knowledge of military affairs than he should have, led directly to one of the worst leaks in American military history. While there is no definitive proof between his leak and the loss of hundreds of American sailors, the May Incident exposes how enemy forces could gather intelligence outside of military sources.
Joseph Anthony Felix, a former Marine Corps drill instructor previously imprisoned following the 2016 death of a recruit at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, was arrested in late January 2026 in Beaufort County, South Carolina. Authorities charged Felix with Cruelty to Children (Torture, Deprivation).

He was booked into the Beaufort County Detention Center and released the following day. A court appearance is currently scheduled for March 12, 2026, in Beaufort County Magistrate Court.

What Is Publicly Known About the Allegation

Details surrounding the alleged conduct remain limited because no narrative press release has been issued by the Beaufort County Sheriffs Office. The most specific description available comes from reporting based on a redacted incident report provided to journalists. According to that report, a responding officer observed severe abrasions on a childs neck and described the injuries as consistent with forceful scraping or pressure.

Because the report is redacted, it does not disclose the childs age, the relationship between Felix and the child, or the specific conduct alleged to have caused the injuries. At this stage, the charge reflects an allegation rather than an adjudicated finding.

Beaufort County maintains public booking information through its detention center systems, which confirm charge titles, booking dates, and release status even when underlying incident narratives are not publicly posted.

How South Carolina Defines Cruelty to Children

The charge against Felix falls under South Carolina Code Section 63-5-80, titled Cruelty to children. The statute makes it unlawful for a person to cruelly ill-treat a child or to cause unnecessary pain or suffering. The offense is generally prosecuted as a misdemeanor and is commonly handled in magistrate court. The statutes language is intentionally broad, covering a range of conduct rather than a single fact pattern.

The 2019 edition of the Manual for Courts-Martial United States rests on a podium in the courtroom at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, Jan. 18, 2023. Trial and administrative law clerks reference this manual for guidance on how to properly perform court martial and administrative separation processes. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jade Venegas. Source: DVIDS.

Why Joseph Felix Is a Public Figure

Felixs name became nationally known following the March 18, 2016, death of recruit Raheel Siddiqui at Parris Island. Siddiqui, a 20-year-old from Michigan, died after falling from a stairwell during recruit training. Subsequent investigations uncovered widespread abuse and hazing within Felixs unit.

In November 2017, a military jury convicted Felix of multiple counts of hazing and maltreatment involving recruits and sentenced him to ten years in military confinement. Reporting from the court martial described repeated physical assaults, degrading language, and coercive punishments that prosecutors argued had no legitimate training purpose.

Felix explicitly endorsed mistreatment as a training philosophy rather than a momentary lapse in discipline. According to testimony summarized by reporters covering the court-martial, Felix told investigators, You have to hate recruits to train them, and added, The more you hate them, the better you train them. Prosecutors cited those statements to argue that the abuse was intentional and systematic, not accidental or situational.

Several outlets also reported that Muslim recruits were targeted for particularly degrading treatment, including incidents involving religious slurs and forced use of an industrial dryer.

The Marine Corps Response to the 2016 Death

Siddiquis death prompted multiple command-level investigations by the Marine Corps. In 2016, Headquarters Marine Corps announced the completion of three investigations that examined not only the incident itself but also broader allegations of abuse, failures of supervision, and command climate problems at Parris Island.

The Marine Corps reported that senior leaders were relieved, drill instructors were removed from training duties during investigations, and additional oversight measures were implemented.

Early Release and Renewed Scrutiny

Despite receiving a ten-year sentence, Felix was released from the U.S. Disciplinary Barracks after approximately seven years, with good-conduct credit cited as the basis for his early release.

The timing of the new arrest has renewed scrutiny of how accountability functions after high-profile abuse convictions. While early release mechanisms are a routine feature of confinement systems, the reappearance of a defendant with a documented history of maltreatment in a new criminal docket involving similar behavior raises questions about risk assessment and post-release oversight.

Where the Case Now Stands

At present, the verified facts are narrow. Felix has a prior court-martial conviction for hazing and maltreatment, served several years in military confinement, and was arrested in January 2026 on a state charge of cruelty to children. The legal process will determine whether the new allegation is substantiated.
More than three decades after Kurt Cobain was found dead in his Seattle home, a new round of forensic analysis is once again challenging the official conclusion that the Nirvana frontman died by suicide.

A group of private forensic specialists, led by Canadian blogger and self-described investigator Michelle Wilkins, has published a report arguing that Cobains 1994 death may have been staged. Their findings, released in the open-access International Journal of Forensic Sciences, conclude that Cobain was a homicide victim and that the scene was manipulated to resemble a suicide.

Seattle police, however, remain unmoved.

The Kurt Cobain case remains closed, Seattle Police Department spokesperson Sgt. Patrick Michaud said in a statement this week. The department has no plans to revisit it.

For those of us who lived through the early 1990s and are old enough to remember, Cobains music was part of the cultural backdrop of that era. His death at age 27 became one of the defining tragedies of a generation. Now, 32 years later, the questions surrounding it continue to echo.

Cobain performs during Nirvanas Live and Loud show at Pier 48 in Seattle in 1993. (MTV/Paramount)

What the New Forensic Team Claims

Wilkins, 50, says her interest in Cobains death began decades ago after watching the 1998 documentary Kurt and Courtney. Over time, she assembled a team of specialists in firearms analysis, toxicology and questioned documents.

Among them:

Bryan Burnett, who runs a private forensic laboratory in San Diego.

Aaron Brudenell, a firearms consultant.

James Green, a handwriting examiner.

Several Italian forensic scientists contributed additional analysis.

They also gained support from Mark Larson, a former longtime chief of the criminal division at the King County Prosecutors Office, who said he believes the case was underinvestigated.

The team says it reviewed publicly available police reports, crime scene photographs, and, crucially, documents not previously widely circulated  including portions of Cobains autopsy and a Washington State Patrol firearms review of the Remington Model 11 20-gauge shotgun found at the scene.

Their conclusions challenge several key elements of the original investigation. Among the most significant claims:

Firearms Operation: The team argues that Cobain could not have operated the shotgun in the manner described by police. According to their report, the design of the weapon would likely have malfunctioned if the barrel were gripped in the way investigators said Cobain held it. The report also questions the lack of blood spatter on Cobains left hand, which was reportedly wrapped around the muzzle.

The team argues that Cobain could not have operated the shotgun in the manner described by police. According to their report, the design of the weapon would likely have malfunctioned if the barrel were gripped in the way investigators said Cobain held it. The report also questions the lack of blood spatter on Cobains left hand, which was reportedly wrapped around the muzzle. Toxicology Concerns: The report points to what it describes as an extremely high concentration of heroin in Cobains blood. The team contends that such a level would have rendered him unconscious within moments, raising doubts about his ability to then operate a firearm. They further cite what they interpret as evidence of necrosis in Cobains liver and brain, which they argue would indicate prolonged circulatory collapse before the gunshot.

The report points to what it describes as an extremely high concentration of heroin in Cobains blood. The team contends that such a level would have rendered him unconscious within moments, raising doubts about his ability to then operate a firearm. They further cite what they interpret as evidence of necrosis in Cobains liver and brain, which they argue would indicate prolonged circulatory collapse before the gunshot. Injection Site Discrepancies: Cobain was left-handed. According to the forensic teams reading of the autopsy, most of his prior injection sites were located on his right arm. They say the fatal injection appears to have been administered into his left forearm, which they consider inconsistent.

Cobain was left-handed. According to the forensic teams reading of the autopsy, most of his prior injection sites were located on his right arm. They say the fatal injection appears to have been administered into his left forearm, which they consider inconsistent. Possible Body Movement: Blood patterns on Cobains clothing, they claim, suggest the body may have been repositioned.

Blood patterns on Cobains clothing, they claim, suggest the body may have been repositioned. Witness Allegation: The report references an individual who allegedly claimed to have seen others forcibly inject Cobain prior to his death. According to Wilkins team, that person was never interviewed by police.

The cumulative effect of these findings, the authors argue, supports the possibility of homicide. No single item, they acknowledge, constitutes definitive proof. But taken together, they describe the evidence as overwhelming.

Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love with their daughter, Frances Bean Cobain, in the early 1990s. (Courtesy of HBO/Montage of Heck)

Law Enforcement Response: This Is a Closed Case

Seattle police and the King County Medical Examiners Office remain firm in their position.

Cobains body was discovered on April 8, 1994, in a loft above a greenhouse at his home in Seattles Denny-Blaine neighborhood. Authorities determined he died three days earlier, on April 5, from a shotgun wound to the head.

In 2014, on the 20th anniversary of his death, a cold-case detective conducted a review of the file. That review did not reopen the investigation but reaffirmed the original findings.

Detective Mike Ciesynski said at the time, Its a suicide. This is a closed case.

The department reiterated that stance after Wilkins and Larson presented their findings to Seattle Police leadership in November. Assistant Chief Nicole Powell responded in January, stating that while the department appreciated the engagement, it stands behind both the original investigation and the 2014 review.

The King County Medical Examiners Office likewise said it has seen nothing that would warrant reopening the case.

A candid portrait of Kurt Cobain taken in the early 1990s. (Courtesy of the Cobain Estate)

Why the Debate Endures

For many Americans who came of age in the 1990s, Cobains death was more than celebrity news. It was a cultural rupture.

Nirvanas music helped define the grunge movement, which, in turn, reflected a generational mood of disillusionment and emotional rawness. Cobains struggles with addiction and mental health became widely known after his death, and his suicide was viewed by many as a tragic but consistent extension of those battles.

At the same time, conspiracy theories have circulated almost since the day his body was found. Books, documentaries and online forums have kept speculation alive for decades. In an era where distrust of institutions often runs high, unresolved questions  even if repeatedly addressed  tend to resurface.

There is also a broader cultural dimension. High-profile deaths that occur suddenly and violently often resist closure in the public imagination. John F. Kennedy. Elvis Presley. Princess Diana. For some, the official explanation never feels sufficient. Mark Larson argues that the speed with which the original investigation concluded suicide may have limited certain forensic avenues that would normally be explored in suspicious deaths.

This investigation was over almost before it started, he said.

Police counter that the evidence at the time was clear and that no credible new evidence has emerged.

Mental Health and the Legacy Question

While the renewed forensic claims may generate headlines, many mental health advocates caution against allowing speculation to overshadow the reality of addiction and depression, struggles that Cobain openly acknowledged during his life.

The early 1990s were a different era in how mental health was discussed, particularly among young men. Today, within the military community and culture at large, suicide prevention and behavioral health support are central issues. Conversations about high-profile deaths can influence public perception in complex ways  sometimes reinforcing stigma, sometimes opening dialogue.

Whatever the ultimate truth, and absent a reopening of the case, the official ruling remains unchanged. Cobains legacy as a musician is not under dispute. His bands 1991 album Nevermind reshaped American rock music and remains one of the most influential records of its era.

For now, law enforcement sees no reason to revisit the past. But as this latest forensic report demonstrates, the debate over what happened in that Seattle greenhouse loft on April 5, 1994, continues to capture attention, even 32 years later.

Whether driven by unanswered questions, generational memory or the enduring mystique of a cultural icon, the conversation around Kurt Cobains death shows no sign of fading quietly into history.

If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, you are not alone. Veterans, service members, National Guard and Reserve members can call the Veterans Crisis Line at 988 and press 1, chat at VeteransCrisisLine.net, or text 838255. The line is free, confidential, and available 24/7. Support is always within reach.
After four years of destruction and the coldest winter yet, UNHCRs Salih urges support for Ukraine

UN High Commissioner for Refugees Barham Salih (right) speaks to Nina (left) at a transit centre in Zaporizhzhia, southeast Ukraine, after she was evacuated from her bomb damaged home with her daughter and three grandchildren.

 UNHCR/Nikola Ivanovski

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Barham Salih, today urged sustained international solidarity and stronger support for Ukrainians awaiting much-needed peace.

HC Salih travelled to Ukraine as the full-scale invasion enters its fifth year with intensified attacks during the harshest winter of war so far. Repeated Russian strikes on energy infrastructure have left millions without electricity and heating in freezing temperatures, while escalating hostilities along the front line continue to force people to flee their homes.

I've come to Ukraine in this dark hour to show solidarity with its people, to see how UNHCR is contributing to the government-led efforts, and to reaffirm our commitment to stand with Ukraine at this difficult time and beyond, he said, concluding his first visit to the country. Nothing can compensate the losses in this war, and the many lives lost, but we can help Ukraine and its people recover and rebuild.

Over several days in Kyiv and front-line cities  Dnipro, Zaporizhzhia and Kharkiv  UNHCR's chief met families whose homes had been damaged by glide bombs and missiles and people recently evacuated from front-line communities. He observed UNHCRs emergency assistance after strikes and in transit centres for displaced people; legal aid for those who lost documents to ensure their access to rights and services; and work to repair war-damaged houses to allow people to remain in their homes or return.

The destruction I have witnessed is immense, and the personal stories of loss and hardship are heart-wrenching. Despite this, Ukrainians continue to show extraordinary courage, compassion and hope. Their strength should compel all of us to action  to protect lives now, to support them in the vital rebuilding that is already underway, and to work tirelessly for a just and lasting peace, HC Salih said.

The High Commissioner met Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, as well as Deputy Prime Minister for Restoration Oleksii Kuleba; Minister for Foreign Affairs, Andrii Sybiha; Minister of Social Policy, Family and Unity, Denys Uliutin; Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights Dmytro Lubinets; and local and regional officials.

In addition, he met UNHCRs strong network of Ukrainian partners, community representatives, other UN agencies and the diplomatic community. He reconfirmed UNHCRs commitment to deliver life-saving emergency support, contribute to the recovery work and pursue long-term solutions for the nearly 3.7 million displaced within the country.

Since the first days of the war, UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, scaled up its presence and response inside Ukraine and in countries generously hosting close to 5.9 million refugees.

Over the past four years, complementing the efforts of the authorities, UNHCR and its partners have reached close to 10 million people in Ukraine with assistance. In 2026, the agency is appealing for $470 million to support over 2 million people in line with the 2026 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan priorities. UNHCR is grateful for the donor support it has already received.

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Admiral William J. Fox Fallon (Ret.), the only U.S. officer in history to command both U.S. Pacific Command (PACOM) and U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), spent more than four decades at the center of some of Americas most critical military decisions.

From Vietnam, to Beirut, to the Pentagon on 9/11, to steering military strategy across two theaters during the height of the Global War on Terror, Fallons new memoir, Decisions, Discord & Diplomacy: From Cairo to Kabul offers a rare insiders view. In an exclusive interview with Military.com, Admiral Fallon delivers a clear strategic warning: America continues to sacrifice long-term stability for short-term political wins.

His service, from both inside the beltway all the way to the points of friction at Americas biggest flashpoints, provides invaluable insight into the range of challenges that strategic advisors face across the spectrum of the instruments of national power. Early in his memoir, he offers the following sage wisdom that will become a theme:

Since the end of the Cold War, the U.S. has been too quick to use the military in response to global challenges. We seem to have forgotten about the other instruments of statecraft.

September 11th  Inside the Pentagon

Admiral Fallon was serving as the Vice Chief of Naval Operations in 2001. As he drove into the Pentagon on the morning of September 11th, he made note of the crystal-clear blue sky and cool weather after a hot summer. Jumping into a morning meeting, his attention was quickly brought to the news on television screens in the room. As an experienced naval aviator, he knew right away that something was amiss.

I said out loud  that was no accident.

There was little time for anyone to unpack the complexity of what was happening, though there was an understanding that multiple airplanes had been hijacked. Less than an hour later, Fallon heard and felt the explosion of Flight 77 impacting the building. In that moment, he said, There was no doubt in my mind what happened.

Like countless other Americans, the attack would quickly become very personal to the Admiral. He would learn that a good friend, Rear Admiral Wilson Bud Flagg, and his wife, Dee, were on board Flight 77. Further, 42 of Admiral Fallons sailors and civilians would give their lives that day in the Pentagon  he knew every one of them.

Fallon and the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) quickly surmised they needed to split up for the purposes of continuity of command in case the attack continued. The CNO would relocate to the Washington Navy Yard while Fallon was moved to the nearby Bureau of Naval Personnel. He expeditiously made his way through the unfolding chaos and found a pair of Marines at nearby Henderson Hall, armed with M-16s, who helped the Admiral get to the Annex.

I saw very interesting things from people of all ranks. From the utmost valor to people screaming and running away. I thought to myself: It was just like combat. Some people do well, and some others do not.

A complete unity of effort, Fallon described, by the Navy and the Marines ensured a continuity of operations throughout all of it. As the dust settled, Admiral Fallon knew that with Afghanistan looming, it was not going to be easy, and U.S. retaliation was going to have to come from the sea. In short order, he began getting orders out to subordinate commanders to start preparing for the long war ahead.

Admiral Fallon and King Abdullah II of Jordan, Aug. 28, 2007 (Photo by Yosef Allan, courtesy of Admiral William J. Fallon)

From PACOM to CENTCOM: Strategic Visions and Washington Pressure

In 2005, Admiral Fallon was appointed as the Commander, U.S. PACOM (now called USINDOPACOM). As the commander, he oversaw military relations across 36 nations in Asia and the Pacific; a theater far larger with extreme, unique, and underserved requirements while the Global War on Terror (GWOT) raged.

While trying to contain North Korean nuclear ambitions and rising tensions with China, Fallon was forced to contend with his own resources that would be directed toward the Middle East. His knowledge of what it would take to succeed in PACOM is equal parts prescient and timeless: he emphasized sustained power projection capabilities, core warfighting competencies, and preventing skill atrophy. Principles rooted in readiness across all domains, not just reactive surges.

These lessons carried forward directly into his role at CENTCOM when, in early 2007, he was nominated to be the commander. This would mark the first naval officer to command the combatant command, and unusual to go from one combatant command to another. The Washington environment, however, would prove the most challenging of all. Difficult dynamics with General Petraeus and Secretary of Defense Robert Gates (including back-channel communications that bypassed the traditional chain-of-command) would complicate a unified strategy.

Fallon disagreed sharply on the drawdown timeline associated with the Iraq surge and the risk-averse approach that prolonged U.S. involvement. He suggested that the U.S. transition the military structure in Iraq in anticipation of a long-term security agreement between the countries. But other key stakeholders were focused exclusively on the short term.

Frustration mounted over the administrations short-term political focus, prioritizing immediate tactical wins and optics over strategic patience, which ignored broader implications for regional stability and squandered opportunities such as a negotiated framework for enduring U.S.-Iraq ties that he helped shape but saw unraveled post-2008.

Admiral Fallon and Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jabbar Al-Sabah Amir of Kuwait and Ministers, Kuwait City, May 2007 (Photo courtesy of Admiral William J. Fallon)

Afghanistan in 2007-2008: The Blind Spot That Still Haunts

While Afghanistan was one of the highest priorities for CENTCOM during his tenure as the commander, it was still immensely overshadowed by the surge efforts concurrently being brought to bear in Iraq. Asked if national leaders truly understood the nature of the Afghan War in 2007, Admiral Fallon emphatically replied: No. They didnt get it.

Fallon himself, though, laments the attitude toward Afghanistan during this period. The biggest mistake, Fallon says, he made was visiting Afghanistan in 2007, listening to all the reports, and thinking, Okay, this place is pretty stable. Particularly compared to Iraq.

What Fallon missed, he said, was the extent to which the resurgent Taliban were masking their efforts to re-establish their presence throughout the country. I missed it. I didnt pick up on it until it was too late. I was confident in the relative stability of Afghanistan compared to Iraq.

Afghanistan had a unique, NATO-specific command structure that differed greatly from Iraq. While this added an advantage of having different eyes to look at different things, it would still cause disruptions with commanders reporting to NATO headquarters and CENTCOM.

In spite of these challenges, Fallon decided that we were not likely to have an Iraq-type dustup, at least not while I was there, that would have necessitated the same type of main force sweep through the country that Iraq received. To put things in perspective at this time, Iraq had 20 combat brigades in the country  compared to only one in Afghanistan.

Other unique challenges persisted in Afghanistan. Efforts to field modern, U.S.-style aviation assets (such as F-16 fighters) for the Afghan Air Force were squashed by the Admiral  the ability for the Afghan Air Force to maintain such modern equipment was simply nonexistent.

There were requests by the Karzai administration to bulk up the Afghan National Army to ~200,000 soldiers; also not feasible due to literacy and management concerns. Nonetheless, Fallon did recognize that the resilience of the Afghan people was far stronger than what he witnessed in Iraq. But that would prove to be a double-edged sword:

The self-resilience of the Afghans lulled me to sleep and made me think they could get it done.

Afghan National Air Corps (ANAC) MI-17 helicopters take off in a formation practice for a aerial parade in Kabul, 2007. Air Force mentors assigned to Defense Reform Directorate Air Division under Combined Security Transition Command - Afghanistan provided guidance to soldiers with the Maintenance Operations Group for the ANAC. (U.S. Air Force photo by TSgt Cecilio M. Ricardo Jr.)

Strategic Warning: Prioritize Long-Term Visions Over Short-Term Tactical Wins

Admiral Fallons reflections cut to the core of Americas post-9/11 military struggles: the persistent temptation to chase short-term political victories at the expense of genuine strategic patience and enduring outcomes. In his view, this pattern has repeatedly undermined U.S. efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan, turning hard-won tactical gains into fleeting illusions while the bigger picture (regional stability, sustainable alliances, and realistic end-states) slips away.

He points directly to how this short-term political thinking overrides strategic realities. During his CENTCOM tenure, Fallon saw this play out vividly in Iraq, where the surge delivered tactical success but prolonged U.S. entanglement because leaders hesitated on forcing a faster transition to Iraqi control. He pushed for quicker handoffs and a negotiated framework for long-term U.S.-Iraq ties, only to watch it unravel post-2008 as the administration prioritized quick closure over sustained presence.

The president wanted to wrap things up as soon as possible, Fallon recalled, highlighting how electoral cycles and optics trumped the patient diplomacy required for lasting influence.

A recurring frustration for Fallon is how critical lessons from past conflicts, especially Vietnam-era counterinsurgency (COIN), were discarded and then painfully re-learned in Iraq and Afghanistan. The lessons of Vietnam went out the door, he said bluntly. The fact that the army and Marine Corps had to relearn counterinsurgency was appalling.

This lesson goes beyond institutional amnesia; it reflects a general failure to maintain core competencies across domains (e.g., power projection, air defense, mine warfare, etc.), allowing skills to atrophy under shifting priorities. The military paid dearly for this neglect, as short-term focus on immediate fights sidelined the sustained readiness needed for complex, protracted conflicts.

Lance Corporal Sean Kunis, a rifleman with Company I, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, maintains security during a patrol in the Helmand province of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Dec. 21, 2008 (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sergeant Pete Thibodeau)

Fallon emphasizes that while technology advances, human behavior and the patterns of history remain stubbornly constant. Very little is new in our lives, he observed. People have been acting the same for millennia; technology changes, sure, but human behaviors are still the same. This timeless reality demands rigorous historical study to spot recurring pitfalls before they repeat. Without it, leaders risk being blindsided by the same miscalculations (over-optimism, mission creep, bureaucratic infighting) that have plagued U.S. interventions since 9/11.

The essential leadership principle Fallon advocates is for military commanders to try to nudge politicians toward sustained planning rather than quick headlines. Military leaders must remind civilian decision-makers that the chances of something being a one-and-done are low and that strategic success requires thinking beyond the next election cycle or news cycle. Fallons own tenure exemplified this tension: he tried to steer toward long-term regional stability, but Washingtons short-term impulses often prevailed.

His final call is unequivocal: learn history rigorously or risk repeating the same costly mistakes. There are a lot of lessons out there, Fallon stressed. The key thing is to learn them. In an era of great-power competition and persistent irregular threats, ignoring this imperative invites more calamity, wasted resources, and eroded national resolve.

Fallons warning is not defeatist, but rather it is a call for a disciplined, forward-looking strategy that respects hard realities rather than political expediency. As America marks 25 years since 9/11, his insights remind us that true victory demands patience, competence, and an unflinching grasp of historys unchanging lessons.

Admiral William J. Fallons book, DECISIONS, DISCORD & DIPLOMACY: From Cairo to Kabul, was released in December and is available anywhere books are sold.
A fatal shooting occurred during the early morning hours of February 22, 2026, after an armed man attempted to enter the secured perimeter of Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida. Authorities reported the individual approached the propertys north gate at approximately 1:30 a.m., carrying a shotgun and a fuel container before breaching a restricted security zone.

According to official statements, Secret Service agents and a Palm Beach County Sheriffs deputy confronted the man shortly after he crossed the perimeter boundary. Officers ordered him to drop his weapon. He reportedly set down the fuel container but raised the shotgun toward law enforcement, prompting agents to open fire. He died at the scene, and no officers or bystanders were injured.

Identification And Background Of The Suspect

The individual has been identified as a 21-year-old Austin Tucker Martin from North Carolina. Authorities indicated family members had reported him missing days before the incident. Law enforcement sources stated that he had traveled from North Carolina to South Florida prior to arriving at the property.

Officials have not publicly confirmed a motive. Investigators are examining digital evidence, travel records, and the suspects personal history to determine intent and whether the incident was planned as an act of violence or represented a mental health crisis.

Security Context And Protective Authority

Mar-A-Lago is regularly subject to heightened federal security protocols because it serves as a residence and gathering site for President Donald Trump. Federal law authorizes the Secret Service to protect current and former presidents and secure locations associated with them, including temporary residences and frequently used private properties.

When a protectee is present or expected, agents establish layered security zones, typically including outer screening areas, restricted perimeters, and inner protective zones. Unauthorized entry into these zones triggers rapid response procedures designed to neutralize potential threats before they reach proximity to the protectee.

Officials have not publicly confirmed whether Trump was present at the property during the incident. However, protective operations generally remain active regardless of occupancy status due to intelligence risk assessments and unpredictability of threats.

U.S. Secret Service Officers and Agents of the Special Operations Division participated in protective operations training, April 20, 2023. U.S. Secret Service Photo by Carlos Guerra. Source: DVIDS.

Use Of Force And Immediate Aftermath

Law enforcement agencies stated that officers discharged their weapons after the suspect raised a shotgun toward them during the confrontation. Standard use of force doctrine permits deadly force when an officer reasonably believes a suspect poses an imminent threat of death or serious bodily harm to the officer or another person.

Following the shooting, authorities secured the scene and initiated a joint investigation involving the Secret Service, Palm Beach County Sheriffs Office, and federal oversight units responsible for reviewing agent-involved shootings. Such investigations typically include forensic analysis, witness interviews, and review of body-worn camera footage when available.

Officials confirmed that no explosive devices were found on the suspect, though investigators are examining the fuel container to determine whether it played a role in the suspected intent.

Security And Threat Assessment Implications

The incident illustrates several recurring themes in protective security operations involving high-profile political figures.

The event highlights the importance of layered perimeter defenses. The suspects entry into a restricted zone triggered an immediate armed confrontation before he could approach sensitive interior areas. This outcome reflects the design of protective perimeters, which prioritize distance and early interception as core risk-mitigation principles.

The presence of a long gun and accelerant elevated the perceived threat level and likely accelerated escalation. Protective agents are trained to interpret weapon display combined with proximity to restricted zones as indicators of imminent risk, particularly when verbal commands are ignored.

The event also underscores ongoing challenges in threat prediction. While protective intelligence units routinely monitor credible threats, spontaneous or ideologically unclear actors remain difficult to detect prior to physical approach. The fact that the suspect had been reported missing suggests that behavioral warning signs may not always translate into actionable intelligence for protective agencies.

Finally, the shooting reflects the legal framework governing federal protective operations. Secret Service agents operate under a mandate that prioritizes immediate neutralization of threats to protectees, often resulting in rapid decision-making under uncertain conditions.

Continuing Investigation And Broader Significance

Authorities continue to investigate the suspects background, motive, and travel history. Officials are also reviewing the security response to confirm adherence to federal use-of-force standards and protective procedures.

Although early evidence indicates a single-actor incident with no broader conspiracy, investigators have not ruled out additional contextual factors. Federal and local agencies are coordinating to determine whether the suspect had prior contact with law enforcement or exhibited behaviors that could inform future threat-assessment models.

The shooting adds to a pattern of security incidents involving attempts to breach protective perimeters at high-profile political residences. While such incidents remain relatively rare, they reinforce the operational reality that protective agencies must respond decisively to ambiguous threats where delay could carry catastrophic risk.
Googles Endeavor Arm Leads $200 Million Financing Round in European Fintech Startup







(Googles Venture Arm Leads $200 Million Funding Round in European Fintech Startup)

Googles venture arm has simply made a significant relocate the fintech globe. It led a $200 million financing round in a climbing European fintech start-up. This deal is not just an additional heading. It shows how large tech is banking on monetary development outside the united state. The start-up, which has maintained a reduced account until now, is unexpectedly in the limelight. Investors are seeing very closely. The marketplace is buzzing. And completely reason this can improve exactly how people across Europe take care of cash.

What Is Googles Endeavor Arm and the Fintech Startup Behind the Heading?

Googles endeavor arm is called CapitalG. It is Alphabets independent development fund. Unlike Google Ventures, which focuses on early-stage firms, CapitalG backs more mature start-ups prepared to scale. The European fintech startup at the facility of this offer is called Lunar. Based in Denmark, Lunar supplies mobile-first banking services. It lets individuals manage accounts, pay, track costs, and gain access to credit score all from a smart device. Because its launch, Lunar has actually broadened right into Sweden, Norway, and Germany. Its tidy interface and real-time functions have gained young, digital-savvy customers. The $200 million injection will help it grow quicker and get to more markets. You can read more concerning this landmark deal on MIS-Asia.

Why Did Googles Venture Arm Pick This Fintech Startup?

CapitalG does not invest gently. It searches for business with solid individual growth, clear monetization courses, and scalable modern technology. Lunar checks all these boxes. First, it has actually expanded its client base by over 300% in the last two years. Second, it makes income via premium subscriptions, interchange costs, and borrowing products not simply advertisements or data sales. Third, its tech pile is developed internal, which suggests it can adapt swiftly to brand-new regulations or market needs. Europes financial industry is still fragmented. Many traditional banks depend on out-of-date systems. That creates a best opening for dexterous players like Lunar. Google sees this as a calculated opportunity. By backing Lunar, it gets a footing in European finance without developing a financial institution itself. More details on the calculated thinking behind this financial investment are readily available at MIS-Asia.

How Will the $200 Million Be Utilized?

The funds will certainly approach 3 primary goals. One, broadening into new European nations. Two, improving item features like cost savings tools and investment options. 3, hiring top design and conformity skill. Lunar plans to roll out AI-powered budgeting assistants that learn user habits and recommend smarter spending. It also intends to offer instantaneous cross-border payments within the EU at reduced charges than standard banks. Governing authorization is essential, so component of the cash will support legal and threat teams. One more top priority is cybersecurity. As digital financial expands, so do dangers. Lunar will certainly invest in advanced fraud detection systems. This isnt just about including individuals its about constructing trust. And trust is everything in financing.

Applications: Exactly How Will Everyday Users Advantage?

For regular people, Lunars growth implies far better, less expensive, and simpler financial. Envision getting a financing authorized in mins as opposed to days. Or splitting dinner expenses with pals without awkward cash money exchanges. Or seeing exactly just how much youve invested in coffee this month and getting a nudge to cut back. These are genuine features Lunar currently uses. With even more financing, it can include points like carbon footprint tracking for purchases, salary advancements without interest, and smooth assimilation with job economic climate systems. Small companies profit as well. Freelancers and shop proprietors can handle cash flow, send out invoices, and accept card repayments done in one app. This sort of ease utilized to be restricted to large firms. Currently, its involving everyone. The shift mirrors wider fads in tech-driven finance, comparable to just how New york city is rethinking infrastructure top priorities, as covered in this MIS-Asia report.

FAQs About the Bargain and What It Indicates

Is Google buying Lunar? No. CapitalG is taking a minority risk. Lunar remains independent and founder-led.

Will my data be shown to Google? Lunar states no. Individual information remains within its own protected systems. It does not offer information or share it with moms and dad firms for advertising.

Can I use Lunar if I dont live in Europe? Not yet. Yet development plans may transform that in the next couple of years.

Is this simply an additional neobank? On the surface, yes. But Lunar sticks out by concentrating on financial wellness, not simply deals. It pushes individuals towards much better behaviors, not more spending.

Why should I respect this funding round? Since it signifies a shift. Large technology is partnering with fintechs to bring contemporary financial to millions. If successful, it can push old banks to enhance or diminish.

Does this mean Google will release its own bank soon? Unlikely. CapitalG likes to invest instead of run. Its smarter to back winners like Lunar than to build from scratch.







(Googles Venture Arm Leads $200 Million Funding Round in European Fintech Startup)

What takes place if Lunar falls short? Even if it stumbles, the ideas it checks like real-time budgeting or ethical lending will influence others. Technology seldom passes away; it simply alters hands.
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.





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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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68% of Russian prisoners of war consider the war justified: a unique national study will be presented in Kyiv

On February 25 at 1:00 PM, a presentation of the study Words That Kill: How Russian Propaganda Influences Mobilization and Combat Motivation will take place at the Ukrainian Crisis Media Center (2 Khreshchatyk St.).

The study is based on a survey of 1,060 Russian prisoners of war and, for the first time, provides empirical evidence that wartime propaganda is one of the key factors supporting aggression against Ukraine.

Key findings include:

 68% of respondents perceive the war as legitimate and justified;

 25% state they are ready to take part in combat again even after captivity;

 42% demonstrate signs of dehumanization toward Ukrainians;

 Only 11% surrendered voluntarily.

The study has significant legal relevance and may be used as evidentiary support in cases concerning the crime of aggression, as well as for developing international policies to counter propaganda.

Speakers:

 Anna Vyshniakova, Head of the NGO LingvaLexa

 Representative of the Center Social Action

Format: offline and online

Registration: https://forms.gle/EWnWXv3HwEqSuNBb9

Media contact:

Nataliia Hryvniak

+38 050 331 01 24

[email protected]

The event is organized by the NGO LingvaLexa with the support of the Askold and Dir Foundation, administered by ISAR Ednannia within the project Strong Civil Society of Ukraine  a Driver of Reforms and Democracy, funded by Norway and Sweden.
Ukrainian manufacturer of passive fire protection products Kovlar Group LLC (TM Ammokote) reported an attempt to resume a discrediting information campaign against the company and emphasized its readiness to defend its business reputation in the legal field.

"On February 18, 2026, we received a journalist's request, the content of which, in our opinion, indicates an attempt to repeat the discrediting campaign. We regard this as an element of unfair competition and pressure on a Ukrainian manufacturer that is involved in the supply of fire-retardant materials, including to energy infrastructure facilities," the company said in a public statement.

Kovlar Group recalled that in August 2024, the company had already faced a large-scale information attack. At that time, according to the company, it chose the legal route of protection and appealed to the court, the Prosecutor General's Office of Ukraine, the National Police, the Ministry of Justice, and financial monitoring authorities. Based on the results of the inspections, we received official confirmation that the company and its management operate in accordance with Ukrainian law, are not subject to sanctions, and have no restrictions on their economic activities, the statement said.

The company emphasized that Ammokote products are manufactured in accordance with current regulations, and that the technical and regulatory documentation is valid and complies with all regulatory requirements. Kovlar Group also states that it is operating as usual and fulfilling its obligations to partners and customers.

Separately, Kovlar Group appealed to editors and journalists to prepare materials more carefully, not to use unverified information, and to obtain the company's position before publication. We work openly and are always ready to interact with the mediaproviding comments, documents, and explanations upon request, the statement said.

Media contacts: [email protected], +38 067 323 24 30.

Kovlar Group LLC is a Ukrainian manufacturer operating in the fire safety market. It manufactures passive fire protection products under the Ammokote brand and provides consulting services on the organization of fire protection works for building structures and engineering systems.

Address: 04116, Kyiv, 10-G Starokyivska St.
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The cool-headed founder of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel expanded the criminal enterprise, pushing it far beyond drug trafficking. It had tentacles across the entire country and was capable of assassinating judges, politicians, and military officers

There were only three photos of him. All of them were the typical mugshots from U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) files, taken in the early 1990s. First, they caught him with a bit of marijuana. Later, selling heroin to undercover officers in a San Francisco bar. He was just over 20 and made a living crossing illegally into the United States, getting arrested, and being deported. He always found a way to cross back. But after serving a few years in prison, he decided to stay in Mexico. From that point on, there are no more photos of the criminal career that would turn Nemesio El Mencho Oseguera Cervantes into the boss of the most powerful mafia in the country, the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).

He revolutionized the business beyond drugs  extortion, theft, migrant trafficking  with operations across Mexico and much of the United States. His organization was capable of assassinating judges, politicians, and military officers, paralyzing entire cities, hiring foreign mercenaries, and even shooting down army helicopters. El Mencho, who died on Sunday in a police operation, was Mexicos numberone target and the most wanted drug trafficker in the United States, heading one of Mexicos most powerful, influential, and ruthless transnational criminal organizations.

El Menchos story begins by following the classic patterns of Mexican drug trafficking. Like so many others, he was the son of a poor farming family in Michoacan, a land of poppies and marijuana. After his youthful adventures across the border, he began his rise from the bottom, working as a simple hitman for one of the factions linked to the Sinaloa Cartel, the dominant force in Mexican drug trafficking. Through a mix of betrayals and strategic alliances, in 2009 he sold out his boss in the socalled Milenio Cartel to win the favor of one of Sinaloas kingpins and position himself as one of his trusted men. That is how, in 2010, the Jalisco New Generation Cartel was born as one of the armed wings of the Sinaloa Cartel.

Two police officers guarding an area with vehicles set on fire by organized crime in Zapopan, Mexico, on Sunday. Gilberto Gallo (REUTERS)

A year later, he staged his most high-profile attack. On September 20, 2011, at 5 p.m., six vans blocked traffic on the highway in Boca del Rio, one of Veracruzs most popular tourist areas. They opened the cargo doors and placed 35 bodies on the asphalt. They were allegedly members of Los Zetas, a bloodthirsty group made up of former elite soldiers who were at war with the Sinaloa Cartel at the time. The operation earned them the nickname the Zeta killers.

The alliance with Sinaloa didnt last long. After his boss, Ignacio Coronel, was killed in a police operation, El Mencho was once again accused of betrayal, cementing his reputation as a cold, calculating, and above all, discreet man, far removed from the luxury and ostentation that had ultimately precipitated the downfall of so many drug lords. Police reports emphasize that the growth of Menchos mafia stemmed from his ability to exploit the power vacuums left behind by the more established cartels. While successive governments over the past 20 years focused on the Sinaloa Cartel, Los Zetas, or the Caballeros Templarios (Knights Templar), El Menchos people filled those spaces and learned from the mistakes of the fallen kingpins.

From the old Pacific Coast gangsters, he learned the importance of negotiating power and weaving networks of complicity with politicians. From Los Zetas  the founders of narcoterrorism  he learned to use extreme violence as a bargaining tool. From his neighbors in Michoacan, he absorbed the techniques of narcopropaganda and the push into new synthetic drugs, especially methamphetamine. But perhaps his greatest creation was the formula for a modern, decentralized criminal organization that operates almost like a franchise: a brand detached from the old underworld codes, which focused strictly on drugs and avoided extortion and kidnapping of the general population.

In recent years, it became common to see on social media videos of groups dressed in paramilitary gear, carrying assault rifles, riding in trucks modified from wheels to roof with iron plating like homemade tanks, and wearing the CJNG logo on their chests as they praised the Lord of the Roosters, another of El Menchos nicknames due to his fondness for cockfighting. This display of firepower was complemented by propaganda efforts, especially along the MichoacanJalisco border, El Menchos stronghold. These actions sought to build legitimacy and a social base in the most neglected towns, often promising that under his rule the threats and extortion from other groups would come to an end.

Members of the National Guard and the Mexican Army guard the area where a bus was set on fire by organized crime on Sunday in the resort town of Acapulco, Mexico. David Guzman (EFE)

Propaganda and extreme violence

El Menchos reign and the governments pursuit of him were marked by an endless cycle of attacks and reprisals. In 2015, when the Michoacan-born kingpin was already beginning to take shape in the global imagination as the heir to the nearmythical figure of Joaquin El Chapo Guzman Loera, the death of one of his men at the hands of the Mexican Army was met with an ambush on a military convoy that left 15 officers dead. The arrest of several of the alleged gunmen involved triggered a wave of narcoblockades across Jalisco and the downing of a military helicopter with a rocket launcher.

The 2020 extradition of his son, Ruben Oseguera  El Menchito  was answered with the assassination of the judge who handled his case. He was shot to death in his home in Colima, a region controlled by the cartel and a key route for chemical precursors arriving through Pacific ports. Later that same year, El Menchos shadow also loomed over the killing of former Jalisco governor Aristoteles Sandoval, who was murdered in the bathroom of a bar in Puerto Vallarta, the states tourism hub.

One of the major turning points came that same year. Omar Garcia Harfuch  then Mexico Citys police chief and now the federal secretary of security  was driving one morning through Lomas de Chapultepec, one of the capitals most exclusive neighborhoods. A group of 28 gunmen blocked his path and, over the course of four minutes, unleashed more than 100 rounds from militarygrade rifles. Harfuch survived, but the CJNGs display of firepower in the very heart of Mexicos political and economic elite was a challenge rarely seen in a country tragically accustomed to shocking events.

Nemesio Oseguera, 'El Mencho.' Rastreo de redes (EFE)

Before all the displays of force that eventually put him directly in law enforcements sights, El Menchos criminal record was clean until 2013. The first investigations were opened by Jalisco police after the death of a cook who had gone to work at a party and disappeared. Then came a second case involving the killing of several fishermen. Back then, another pillar of El Menchos business model was beginning to take shape: money laundering. He would buy restaurants, install an accountant from within his ranks, and let the business continue operating. A 2015 investigation even pointed to a full plan to identify promising law and accounting students, give them scholarships, and recruit them once they graduated.

Wrapped in myths and legends like any criminal of his stature, rumors circulated that he suffered from a kidney disease, which helped explain his low profile and limited movements. In his strongholds in the mountainous border region between Michoacan and Jalisco, it was even said that he had his own private hospital, where he treated his ailments, increasingly isolated from everyone around him.

In recent years, the strategy of U.S. law enforcement has been to target El Menchos family. His brother Antonio, known as Tony Montana, was arrested in 2022 and transferred to the United States last week. His son, El Menchito, was convicted of drug trafficking last year in a Washington court. His soninlaw, Cristian Fernando Gutierrez, El Guacho, who was a member of the CJNG leadership, was arrested last November in California after faking his own death to evade authorities.

From his inner circle, only his wife, Rosalinda Gonzalez Valencia  known as La Jefa  remained. She is a key figure in the cartels financial structure. Detained twice in Mexico and released both times, she and El Mencho come from the same Michoacan town, Aguililla, but met as young migrants in California. They married in the late 1990s after returning to Mexico, and that wedding already hinted at El Menchos ambition and calculating mind.

Unlike her husband, La Jefa comes from a family with deep roots in Mexican drug trafficking: the Valencia brothers, also known as Los Cuinis. After the wedding, they became one of the most powerful arms of El Menchos criminal empire.

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One Battle After Another was declared Best Film at the 2026 EE BAFTA Film Awards.

One Battle After Another's team accepting the Best Film gong at the 2026 EE BAFTA Film Awards

The action-thriller - which stars Leonardo DiCaprio, 51, Sean Penn, 65, and 25 year old Chase Infiniti - reigned victorious as it beat off competition from Hamnet, Marty Supreme, Sentimental Value, and Sinners, to bag the top gong at the event on Sunday night (22.02.26).

Hollywood icon Glenn Close, 78, presented the film's sixth prize of the night - having already taken the likes of Best Director and Adapted Screenplay - at London's Royal Festival Hall.

Producer Sara Murphy - who was joined on stage by the film's director, Paul Thomas Anderson, cast and team - declared the win as an "honour".

She also paid tribute to One Battle After Another's assistant director Adam Somner, who died from anaplastic thyroid cancer aged 57 in November 2024.

She said in her acceptance speech: "Thank you to Warner Brothers, Mike and Pam, for believing this film from the very beginning, and also for our team who's carrying us all the way through now.

"I wish more than anything that our producing partner, Adam Somner, could be here to accept this on behalf of us on his home turf.

"I think most importantly, he would thank his beautiful wife, Carmen, and his children, Olivia and Bosco. And I think I can say for both of us, we would think, Paul Anderson. It's an incredible journey on this film."

Anderson - who acknowledged the other films in the category - then suggested all the attendees at the 2026 EE BAFTA Film Awards should celebrate the night in a pub.

He said: "You have given us so much to celebrate tonight. Thank you for rewarding our film in the way that you have. This is a tremendous honour.

"Well aware of the other films that share this gift of an award, and anybody that says movies aren't any good anymore, can just pick right off.

"I want to say thank you, and I know that there's a bar somewhere. I think we should all go there. It's been a long evening, but we have so much to celebrate.

"We have a line from Nina Simone that we stole for our film. She says, 'I know what freedom is. It's no fear.'

"So let's keep making things without fear. It's a good idea. See you at the bar."
In an interview with EL PAIS, the politician calls on the EU to do more for Ukraine and to reassess its relationship with Cuba

Estonias foreign minister arrives for the interview with a slight cold. Temperatures in the Baltic country have been extraordinarily low in recent weeks; the same is true in Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, from where Margus Tsahkna, 48, has just returned, deeply affected by the suffering of a population struggling to stay warm during the harshest winter of the war.

Q. Estonias foreign intelligence service has just published a report warning that Russia is using peace negotiations as a tool to manipulate the West. What do you think the Kremlin is trying to achieve?

A. [Vladimir] Putin is playing with President [Donald] Trump and the entire West, trying to project the image that he wants peace. But, in reality, if you follow the facts and the figures, what you see is more war than ever. The bombings against the energy sector are insane. The situation in Kyiv is already genocide, we can call it that: it doesnt even fit what we understand as a classic war. Putin is using negotiations to play for time. And, on the other hand, Trump promised that he would bring peace, but what we have seen so far has been pressure, primarily on Ukraine, in addition to some pressure on Russia, without any real change in Putins goals.

Q. Do you think there is any possibility that the war will end this year?

A. That is my hope. And the hope of Ukrainians. Ukraine is offering a ceasefire, demanding at least a truce in the energy sector, but Russia is not interested in that. [Volodymyr] Zelenskiy has publicly stated that the United States wants peace before June, but its hard to see that happening. We need to understand that we have to have two points for a peace plan: first, to support Ukraine militarily, financially, and politically, so it can fight. I met with President Zelenskiy, and he was clear: they will survive this winter, with a lot of casualties, but they have no other option but to fight. The second is to exert more pressure on Russia: Europe can do more.

Q. The European Commission is working on the 20th package of sanctions against Russia. What else might be included?

A. We have proposed, along with Sweden, Finland, and other countries, imposing additional tariffs on European imports from Russia and Belarus, because imposing tariffs does not require consensus, whereas sanctions do. Reaching consensus is difficult; there are always a couple of countries that block agreements.

One issue that isnt discussed enough is that of Russian ex-combatants. There are nearly a million of them: soldiers with backgrounds as criminals, rapists, unstable individuals. Putin clearly wants to get rid of them, and these people will try to come to Europe. So weve proposed creating a Schengen blacklist [to bar them from entering the EU]. Weve already included almost 1,500 names, but we need to work with other European countries.

Q. Do you believe that all EU member states should ban entry to any Russian defector?

A. Yes, absolutely. Besides protecting European citizens, it would send a clear message to the Russians: If youre going to fight, if youre going to be an active part of this aggression, you will never enter Europe again.

Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna during the interview. Andrea Comas

Q. In November, you were in Beijing pressuring your Chinese counterpart [Wang Yi] to do more to stop the war. To what extent does China have the capacity to limit Putins ambitions?

A. China is Russias main enabler in the war, both economically and through technical support. If China wanted to, it could end this war very quickly. But they dont want to do it, unfortunately.

Q. You have used the term genocide. In four years, less than 0.1% of Ukraines civilian population has died from Russian attacks. In Gaza, the Israeli army has killed 4% of the population, and yet you have never spoken of genocide in reference to the Strip. Why?

A. We rely on International Criminal Court investigations. It is a very important institution, and we must follow its work. Of course, any crime against the civilian population, any violation of humanitarian law, must be taken very seriously. Is it happening in Ukraine? Is it happening in Gaza? Is it happening anywhere else in the world? Accountability is very important to us; international humanitarian law must be applied everywhere equally.

Q. Greenland has become another central issue for the EU and NATO in recent months. Estonia has indicated its willingness to send troops to the island, as some allies have already done.

A. Yes. We are part of the Nordic countries, and these military exercises were planned long ago. But at the same time, we have had this mess caused by President Trump suggesting he might resort to military force [to seize control of the Danish island]. Territorial integrity is a fundamental principle for Estonia: we will never recognize border changes achieved by force, in Ukraine or anywhere else. And, naturally, we express our solidarity with Denmark and Greenland.

Q. At the end of January, you argued in Brussels, at a meeting of foreign ministers, that the EU should reassess and toughen its relations with Cuba.

A. The EU policy on Cuba was adopted in 2016, now we are in 2026. And from our perspective what we see as well is that the Cuban regime is now directly supporting Russia. There are Cuban soldiers fighting or providing support in Ukraine. Therefore, in light of what has happened in Venezuela and the pressure the United States is exerting on these regimes, we must ask ourselves what we can do to help the Cuban people. We want Cubans to live in better conditions; regime change is crucial.

Q. Marko Mihkelson, chairman of the Estonian Parliaments Foreign Affairs Committee, said in January that there are different points of view on Cuba within the Union and that, at the moment, the Spanish position prevails.

A. I dont know how to comment on his words. Youll have to ask him. Im not blaming Spain; Im only talking about the EU, the historical momentum when economically Cuba is really weak and Russia is unable to protect its allies: we saw it in Iran and Venezuela.

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Viswanath Pilla is a business journalist with 16 years of reporting experience. Based in Mumbai, Pilla covers pharma, healthcare and infrastructure sectors for Moneycontrol.
Meghna Mittal Deputy News Editor at Moneycontrol. Meghna has experience across television, print, online and wire media. She has been covering the Indian economy, monetary and fiscal policies, Finance and Trade ministries. She tweets at @Meghnamittal23 Contact: meghna.mittal@nw18.com
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The revised pact also gives India the right to tax capital gains, and impose taxes on any French entity's share sale, even when it holds less than 10% of an Indian company.
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Legal proceedings such as those of Dominique Pelicot or Joel Le Scouarnec, the surgeon who assaulted minors for decades, demonstrate the magnitude of the problem of sexual violence and the impunity of many French criminals

The French prosecutors office recently revealed a significant investigation it has been working on for years: the case of Jacques Leveugle, a 79-year-old man who, over half a century, sexually assaulted at least 89 minors whom he taught. The case is abhorrent but not unprecedented, as just a year ago, Joel Le Scouarnec, a respected surgeon, was tried for abusing 299 patients, most of them minors, also over the course of decades. This came shortly after the most high-profile sexual violence trial in French history, that of Dominique Pelicot, who drugged his wife, Gisele Pelicot, so that she could be raped by at least 50 men while she was unconscious.

France is gradually lifting the veil on numerous cases of sexual violence, especially against minors, dating back decades, explains Denis Roth-Fichet, a lawyer and secretary general of Ciivisee, the independent commission on incest and sexual violence against minors. Its not that there are more cases now, but rather that its being discussed more openly. Sexual violence has always existed; whats happening now is that weve opened Pandoras box, he points out.

The media coverage of these cases, shocking due to the high number of victims or people involved, and the long period during which the attacks were committed without anyone noticing, has allowed for a more general awareness of a problem that is not new, but above all it has helped to dismantle a myth in France, showing that the aggressor is not a hidden monster, but rather, in 80% of cases, it is someone who knows the victim, says Nahile M. of the feminist collective Nous Toutes, who asked to be identified without a surname.

Pelicot was the husband; Le Scouarnec, the doctor; and Leveugle, though without a degree, worked as a teacher. He is still awaiting trial, but as in the other cases, he established a unique relationship with his victims that prevented them from reporting him. They were vulnerable, at-risk minors; he gained their trust and stimulated them intellectually. Thats why the victims had a certain ambivalence; they were grateful to him, and thats why they didnt report him voluntarily, Grenoble prosecutor Etienne Manteaux, in charge of the investigation, explained to this newspaper.

Advances in justice

Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin acknowledges a lack of consistency in procedures and wants to unify working methods to clarify the decision-making process and standardize it nationwide. He announced the creation of a victims department within the ministry and the publication of a domestic violence code, incorporating all current laws, so that every judge, regardless of where they practice, has a common framework. A victim will not be more protected in Toulouse than in Agen, he stated. He admitted that 70% of complaints are dismissed and the time to bring them to trial can reach six years. According to data from the Interior Ministry, complaints filed with law enforcement increased by 8% last year, a figure that has been rising since 2016. Minors represent 58% of the victims.

For years, some of these serial criminals continued to operate and were in contact with minors despite previous convictions. Today, these cases are coming to light because there is less impunity, there has been progress in investigations, which have allowed for the discovery of massive amounts of evidence in digital records, and there is also a greater willingness to speak out, explains Roth-Fichet.

Leveugle and Le Scouarnec recorded their crimes in diaries and notebooks. Pelicot filmed the rapes. The discovery of the facts was by chance. In Leveugles case, for example, because his nephew gave the police a USB drive containing suspicious photos. The important thing in these cases is that there was a complaint, an investigation was carried out, and the necessary records were made that allowed the evidence to be found, the Grenoble prosecutor emphasized.

In the case of Dominique Pelicot, a woman reported him for filming her up her skirt in a supermarket. The stores security guard encouraged her to do so. Le Scouarnec was arrested after a young girl filed a complaint. Its not that victims have been freed to speak out, its that there is now more active listening, partly thanks to the media coverage of these cases, adds Nahile M. of Nous Toutes.

An appeal released by the French Gendarmerie on February 10, 2026 showing images of Jacques Leveugle throughout the years.

Special courts

Between 2016 and 2023, reports of sexual violence increased by 120%. According to the Interministerial Mission for the Protection of Women (Miprof), a woman is a victim of rape, sexual assault, or attempted abuse every two minutes. In France, the law distinguishes between the crime of rape (when there is penetration) and sexual assault.

Most sexual offenses are tried in correctional courts, which were created in 2019 to relieve pressure on criminal courts. Sexual offenses account for 62% of all offenses prosecuted in these courts. Feminist organizations criticize them for being less professional and for providing poorer treatment to victims.

They also criticize the fact that statistics on homicides within couples do not differentiate between sexes, even though the victims are predominantly women. We demand that femicide be included in the Penal Code, because only in this way will there be greater awareness of this scourge, says the spokesperson for Nous Toutes. Miprof records 167 femicides in 2024. According to the Ministry of the Interior, there were 107.

Thanks to the pressure following the Gisele Pelicot case, the notion of consent has recently been included in the definition of rape in the Penal Code. The law doesnt change mindsets, but it does help with justice, says the spokesperson for Nous Toutes. Another change spurred by these cases is the extension of the statute of limitations for crimes against minors. It has helped to look back and investigate older cases. It allows for the reopening of cases that had been forgotten and for appeals to be made to gather testimonies. The #MeToo movement is also freeing people up to speak out, encouraging victims to come forward, says Roth-Singlet.

Minors

The result is that since 2020, according to Ciivise figures, there have been 56% more people charged with rape or sexual assault of minors. The statute of limitations has increased from 20 to 30 years in rape cases, because a minors testimony is released much later than an adults, and sometimes they are not even aware of the assault, according to Roth-Singlet.

A child is a victim of incest, rape, or sexual assault every three minutes. Three children in every classroom are victims of incest, representing 10% of children in the country. In three out of five cases, the child was not believed, according to figures from the State Secretariat for Children. According to the head of Ciivise, Incest is still a taboo. Obtaining a childs testimony is still difficult, but we are seeing a trend: they are getting younger and younger, in many cases babies. Violence against children is shocking, but this is even more shocking.

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The fall of El Mencho marks the end of a policy of non-aggression that was in practice an abdication of state authority

The death of Nemesio Oseguera, El Mencho, in a security forces operation is not just another episode in Mexicos long and painful war on drugs. It is a watershed moment. With the fall of the man who was for years the countrys most wanted criminal, Mexico is sending an unequivocal message: the state has decided to exercise its power without ambiguity. The era of euphemisms is over. The country is burying  with actions and not speeches  the hugs, not bullets policy of former president Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador.

For too long, the security strategy hovered in a gray area between containment and surrender. Everyone knew where El Mencho was. They knew his movements, his network, his hideouts. But no one crossed the final line. The political cost, the risk of violence, and the fear of escalation seemed sufficient to postpone the decision. That postponement came at a price: subjugated territories, extorted communities, and challenged institutions.

President Claudia Sheinbaum has chosen a different path. She has done so since the beginning of her term, marking a clear departure from her predecessor. The strategy spearheaded by Security Secretary Omar Garcia Harfuch has prioritized intelligence, operational coordination, and, when necessary, the decisive use of force. The death of the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel is the most visible symbol of this shift.

The operation was neither clean nor bloodless. At least 25 officers died in subsequent clashes following the violent reaction of organized crime. The drug cartels response included roadblocks, burning vehicles, closed highways, and cities paralyzed for hours. Organized crime sought to test the states resilience, to demonstrate that it can still sow chaos. This is the immediate price of any decision that challenges deeply entrenched criminal structures.

That is precisely why the decision matters. A state that avoids confrontation loses moral and material authority. A state that acts, even at a high cost, reaffirms its legitimate monopoly on the use of force. The death of El Mencho does not erase decades of violence, nor does it dismantle at a stroke a criminal network that has infiltrated local economies and social structures. However, it draws a line: there are limits that can no longer be tolerated.

It is undeniable that pressure from the United States played a role. Washington had been demanding results for years against one of the main traffickers of fentanyl into its territory. Intelligence cooperation was crucial in locating the kingpins final hideout. This collaboration is welcome and necessary, but it is important to emphasize something essential: the decision was sovereign. The suspect was Mexican. The fallen soldiers are Mexican. The operation was carried out by Mexican forces on Mexican soil.

That distinction is not merely rhetorical. For years, and even more so after Donald Trumps arrival at the White House, the bilateral security relationship was marked by mistrust and debate about interference. The success of this operation demonstrates that it is possible to cooperate without ceding sovereignty. Mexico did not act as the enforcer for another country; it acted as a state assuming responsibility for its own crisis of violence.

The epic nature of this event, if one can call it that, lies not in the capture of the worlds most wanted drug lord, but in the institutional gesture that made it possible. Its not about celebrating the capture as if it were the end of the story. Mexican experience teaches us that every fallen leader can be replaced, and that the fragmentation of cartels sometimes multiplies the violence. The real challenge begins now: consolidating territorial control, protecting the civilian population, and preventing the power vacuum from leading to new local wars.

Sheinbaum has taken the risk. The state has decided to stop backing down. That doesnt guarantee peace, but it does redefine the playing field. Mexico cannot resign itself to coexisting with parallel powers that challenge its authority. The fall of El Mencho is, above all, a declaration of principles: faced with the challenge of drug trafficking, the state will not abdicate.

The cost has been high and may continue to be so. But the alternative  inaction, indefinite waiting, political calculations prioritizing it over public safety  was even more damaging. Today, Mexico is sending a message both domestically and internationally: violence cannot be quelled with slogans. It must be confronted with firm decisions and the conviction that the law must prevail. That is the real statement of intent.

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A dozen states suspended classes for Monday, and several others have convened their security cabinets to monitor the wave of violence unleashed by the Jalisco New Generation Cartel following the death of its leader

A man was gunned down, and an entire country went on alert. Nemesio El Mencho Oseguera Cervantes, the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) and the worlds mostwanted criminal, died on Sunday after a Mexican Army operation in the mountains of Jalisco. The consequences of his fall spread quickly throughout Mexico. A dozen states suspended school classes for Monday; several governors urgently convened their security cabinets to monitor the wave of violence unleashed by organized crime; the national trucking association urged drivers to seek shelter; and the United States warned its citizens in nearly a third of the country not to leave their homes. Meanwhile, in the state of Jalisco  the cradle of the CJNG  people are still holding their breath: what will the most powerful criminal group in the country do in response to the unexpected death of its leader?

The first warnings came in the form of roadblocks and fire. Recent Mexican history has taught people how to read these signs: the cartel responds with ferocity when its leadership is hit. The city of Culiacan lived through it twice  first during the failed attempt to arrest El Chapos son, Ovidio Guzman, known as El Raton, and again when the Army finally managed to take him away in handcuffs. The result was the siege of Sinaloas capital. The same scene began to unfold on Sunday morning, when thick columns of smoke started cutting across the sky over Puerto Vallarta. In Jaliscos tourist jewel  a regular destination for Americans and Canadians  the news spread like wildfire. The Lord of the Roosters had been neutralized, and his people were not going to stand idly by.

Throughout Sunday, groups of international tourists chose to miss their flights home because they couldnt risk trying to reach the airports. There were no taxis or rideshare services operating to the Puerto Vallarta terminal, while the Guadalajara airport was heavily guarded after scenes of panic earlier in the morning. Several airlines, including Aeromexico, canceled flights to and from Jalisco, Colima, and Nayarit. Jaliscos governor, Pablo Lemus, activated what he called a red code early in the day: We recommend that the population remain in their homes until the situation is under control.

Columns of smoke rise in Puerto Vallarta after vehicles and businesses were burned by members of organized crime following the fall of the CJNG leader. Alam N. Lopez

The governor announced that public transportation and measles vaccination campaigns had been suspended, that all mass events had been canceled, that around 20 banks had been set on fire, that criminal groups had burned and abandoned vehicles to hinder the authorities response, and that the violence had spread to at least five Mexican states.

Like a domino effect revealing the firepower of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, violent incidents erupted across the country. Authorities identified 250 blockades in 20 states  from Sinaloa, Colima, and Nayarit, through Guanajuato, Zacatecas, Hidalgo, Queretaro, Michoacan, and the State of Mexico, all the way to Tamaulipas, Veracruz, Puebla, Chiapas, and Tabasco, more than 800 miles away. The wave of violence also forced the governors of Oaxaca, Guerrero, and Mexico City to urgently convene their security cabinets to monitor the risk. Of all the blockades, only 23 remain active, according to the latest information from the Security Ministry.

Im watching the scenes of violence from Mexico with great sadness and concern. Its not surprising that the bad guys are responding with terror. But we must never lose our nerve, Christopher Landau, the U.S. Deputy Secretary of State and former ambassador to Mexico, posted on X. The Donald Trump administration issued an alert advising U.S. citizens to seek shelter if they are in Puerto Vallarta, Chapala, and Guadalajara (Jalisco); Tijuana, Tecate, and Ensenada (Baja California); Cancun, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum (Quintana Roo); and parts of Guanajuato, Guerrero, Michoacan, Oaxaca, Nuevo Leon, and Tamaulipas.

The United States is not alone. Other countries  including France, Germany, Russia, India, Ukraine, Spain, the Netherlands, and Argentina  also urged their citizens in Mexico to take extreme precautions and stay indoors. In response to the national crisis, Mexicos president, Claudia Sheinbaum, issued a statement on social media in an attempt to calm the public: In most of the national territory activities are happening with absolute normalcy. There is complete coordination with the governments of all states; we must stay informed and remain calm.

A Rhino armored vehicle in front of the headquarters of the Special Attorney General's Office for Organized Crime in Mexico City, where experts will perform an autopsy on the body of the CJNG leader to officially confirm his death. Carlo Echegoyen Columns of smoke rise above Puerto Vallarta in the Emiliano Zapata neighborhood, following the death of Mexican drug lord Nemesio Oseguera. Alam N. Lopez The violence spread to different states in Mexico, such as Michoacan and Colima. Michelle Freyria (REUTERS) A charred vehicle sits at a damaged supermarket in Guadalajara, Jalisco state, Mexico, Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026, after the death of the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. Alejandra Leyva (AP) A charred car in downtown Guadalajara. Roberto Antillon Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes coolly and quietly expanded his criminal business beyond drugs, with tentacles throughout the country capable of assassinating judges, politicians, and military personnel. In the image: National Guard vehicles in the vicinity of the FEMDO in Mexico City. Carlo Echegoyen A burned-out vehicle blocks a road in the tourist city of Puerto Vallarta, in Jalisco. Alam N. Lopez The empty streets of Guadalajara's historic center after blockades and clashes throughout the day across the country. Michelle Freyria (REUTERS) Army checkpoint on a road in Zapopan. Gabriel Trujillo (REUTERS) The first reports of roadblocks began in Tapalpa, Jalisco. In the image: a burned-out vehicle in Guadalajara. Roberto Antillon Security forces guard the area where a vehicle was set on fire by alleged members of organized crime on Sunday in the resort town of Cancun in Quintana Roo. Alonso Cupul (EFE) Fires in the vicinity of the Santa Cruz church following confirmation of the death of the CJNG leader this morning in Puerto Vallarta. Alam N. Lopez Vehicles set on fire in Guadalajara. Fotografo Especial/CUARTOSCURO People capture images of a burned vehicle used as barricade by organized crime members following a series of arrests by federal forces in Guadalajara, Mexico, on February 22, 2026. Michelle Freyria (REUTERS) Members of the Guadalajara Fire Department responded to the emergency. Francisco Guasco (EFE) Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, alias "El Mencho," was killed during the operation. Fotografo Especial/CUARTOSCURO Members of the National Guard guard the headquarters of the Special Attorney General's Office for Organized Crime in Mexico City while awaiting the transfer of Oseguera's body. Carlo Echegoyen The Jalisco State Government activated a code red in the state, asking citizens to avoid going out on the streets and canceling all types of public events. Alejandra Leyva (AP) Cars set on fire on Juarez Avenue in downtown Guadalajara on Sunday. Roberto Antillon. A bullet casing in front of a shopping center after an attack by alleged members of organized crime on Sunday in Guadalajara. Francisco Guasco (EFE) Posters of missing persons and a burned-out vehicle on the corner of 16 de Septiembre and La Paz, in downtown Guadalajara. Roberto Antillon Tire spikes blocking vehicle traffic in Guadalajara. Roberto Antillon Deserted streets in downtown Guadalajara after the narco-blockades. Roberto Antillon The Jalisco government has asked citizens to stay at home and transportation has been suspended. CEDIDA Emergency forces extinguish a burned out car. Francisco Guasco (EFE)

The Jalisco New Generation Cartels tentacles reach all 32 states of the country, according to a senior security official who spoke to EL PAIS. From its origins in 2010 until now, El Menchos organization managed to infiltrate every corner of Mexico, leaving behind a trail of bodies and disappearances that, in states like Guanajuato (where the CJNG is locked in an endless war with the Santa Rosa de Lima Cartel) or Chiapas (where it is fighting for territory against splinter groups of the Sinaloa Cartel), reveal the cartels most brutal side.

According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), CJNG operates globally, with tens of thousands of members, associates, and facilitators in at least 40 countries. In just four days last September, security forces arrested 670 suspected cartel members in the United States in an operation aimed at tightening the net around El Mencho, for whom the DEA had offered up to $15 million for information leading to his capture.

The United States enthusiastically welcomed the news of El Menchos death in an operation to which, according to both governments, it contributed complementary intelligence. The good guys are stronger than the bad guys. Congratulations to the law enforcement agencies of the great Mexican nation, posted Landau.

Of all the extraditions of kingpins to the United States and all the key arrests of operators wanted north of the border, Claudia Sheinbaums government has now delivered Donald Trump the most coveted prize.

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The leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel and six other members were killed in a raid that left three soldiers wounded. Mexican troops are concentrating their forces in Jalisco

Mexicos Ministry of Defense has confirmed that it collaborated with the United States in the operation against Nemesio Oseguera El Mencho, the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), who was killed on Sunday in a military raid after evading justice for decades. Oseguera, the worlds most wanted criminal, was killed along with six other CJNG members in an operation that also left three soldiers wounded in Tapalpa, Jalisco.

In response to the spread of false news about its involvement, the U.S. Embassy in Mexico stated that the military operation was planned and executed by Mexican Special Forces and carried out within the framework of bilateral cooperation, with the collaboration of U.S. authorities, who provided complementary intelligence information.

For the execution of this operation, in addition to central military intelligence work, within the framework of bilateral coordination and cooperation with the United States of America, complementary information was provided by the authorities of that country, reads the statement issued by the federal agency.

Our gratitude [goes out] to the Mexican Army and Air Force, wrote Mexicos security czar, Omar Garcia Harfuch. Christopher Landau, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State, also welcomed the news: The good guys are stronger than the bad guys. Congratulations to the law enforcement agencies of the great Mexican nation.

Army and National Guard troops are now gathering in Jalisco and neighboring states to reinforce security after a wave of violence following the operation against the drug traffickers. President Claudia Sheinbaum has stated that there is complete coordination with the governments of all states; we must remain informed and calm. My gratitude goes to the Mexican Army, National Guard, Armed Forces, and Security Cabinet. We work every day for peace, security, justice, and the well-being of Mexico.

El Mencho was the top target for Mexico and the United States. Since Donald Trumps return to the White House, Sheinbaums government had been stepping up arrests and operations against criminals who were key targets for the U.S. government, but none of them compared to the CJNG leader. The DEA had offered a $15 million reward for information leading to his capture.

On Sunday, Mexican Army planes arrived in Tapalpa, in the mountains of Jalisco, with the mission of taking El Mencho away. During this operation, military personnel were attacked, so in defense of their integrity, they repelled the aggression, resulting in four members of the CJNG criminal group being killed at the scene and three seriously injured, who lost their lives during their air transfer to Mexico City; among the latter is Ruben N, alias El Mencho, said the Ministry of Defense.

Over the past year and a half, the net had been closing in on El Mencho. On the one hand, in September 2024, the U.S. justice system sentenced Ruben Oseguera Gonzalez, alias El Menchito, El Menchos son, to life imprisonment for drug trafficking and carrying firearms. In August 2025, in one of the largest mass extraditions of drug lords, Mexico sent one of his old partners, Abigael Gonzalez, alias El Cuini, the alleged financial mastermind of the criminal group, to the United States. And a month later, the DEA announced that it had arrested 670 alleged members of the cartel who were in the U.S. in just one week.

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Argentine President Javier Milei promised to dismantle the pillars of the Argentina he inherited from Peronism  the populist movement founded by former president Juan Peron  and rebuild a new country from the ground up. One of these pillars, which withstood the onslaught of previous right-wing governments, is labor legislation, whose foundations date back to 1974. This week, the Senate is poised to pass a labor reform that modifies 200 articles of the Employment Contract Law, rendering it unrecognizable. Unlike the attempts made by former presidents Carlos Menem, Fernando de la Rua, and Mauricio Macri, Milei faces weakened and discredited unions. Also working in his favor is a labor market that has already fragmented and shifted because of technological change and more than a decade of economic stagnation.

The reform incorporates longstanding demands from Argentinas business sector. It makes dismissals cheaper, reduces employer contributions, limits unions bargaining power and the right to strike, loosens workinghour rules, and eliminates the obligation to pay overtime. Other ideas were put back in the drawer  saved for better times  such as Article 44, which would have cut the salaries of workers on sick leave or injured by up to 50%.

Unions and opposition parties criticize the law, arguing that it was not negotiated with all parties involved and does not contain not a single article that benefits workers. In their view, the Labor Modernization Law does not adapt to the times, but instead sets the country back 100 years.

Running counter to international debates about reducing working hours  such as the one underway in neighboring Brazil  the new Argentine legislation extends the maximum workday from eight to 12 hours, as long as the weekly total does not exceed 48 hours. Overtime pay, which many workers rely on, will no longer be mandatory and may be replaced with a compensatory day off.

The unions have tried to halt the reform with street protests and a general strike. Political leaders tell us how we have to work and how much we have to earn, but none of them get up at 3 or 4 a.m., leave their families, and travel 3,000 kilometers [1,870 miles], union leader Pablo Osuna told truck drivers last Thursday. Osuna warns that the government wants to strip workers of their right to strike by forcing a minimum service level of 75% in transportation, health care, education, energy, and water  sectors it considers essential.

Scandals and mass protests

Some of the measures included in the reform had been attempted long before, with little success. Menem approved an employment law in 1991 that left unions power untouched. In 2000, De la Rua pushed a labor reform that went down in history as the Banelco Law because of the votebuying scandal in the Senate that secured its passage. That law marked the beginning of the end of his government a year later. Macri, who governed from 2015 to 2019, sought gradual agreements that never materialized. He promoted others that were so fiercely resisted in the streets that they reinforced Argentinas image as a country where passing unpopular reforms was nearly impossible.

Milei, by contrast, is one step away from getting his law approved and is already celebrating. The past is gone, his economy minister, Luis Caputo, wrote on social media after the bill passed the lower house last Friday. There are moments in history when history changes. We are finally living one of them, Caputo added. The government has the votes for final approval in the Senate on February 27.

The political push is easier due to the economic and social climate. The economy has not grown since 2012, and that stagnation has been devastating for the labor market. During that time, formal privatesector employment grew just over 2%, while informal work surged 22%, and the number of monotributistas  small self-employed taxpayers under a simplified tax system  expanded by more than 50%. That shows the economy has already created alternative mechanisms, often to avoid the costs and risks of the current legislation, says economic consultant Ivan Carrino.

Chamber of Deputies during the debate on labor reform, February 19. Congreso de la Nacion Argentina (EFE)

According to official data, of the approximately 21 million workers in Argentina, registered salaried employees are a minority: the private sector employs 6.2 million and the public sector, 3.4 million. By contrast, nearly 10.5 million people work under other types of arrangements: 5.7 million work for someone else but without a contract, and 4.7 million are monotributistas. Another 6.3% of the total workforce  about 1.3 million people  are unemployed.

The average gross salary for salaried workers in Argentina  1.6 million pesos, or about $1,150 a month  is three times higher than that of informal workers. As a result, having a job is often not enough, and many people juggle three or even four jobs to make ends meet. Ninetytwo percent of Argentines report feeling stress and extreme exhaustion due to work  the highest rate in the entire continent, according to the Burnout study conducted by the consulting firm Bumeran.

The labor landscape has worsened under Milei. Since late 2023, nearly 300,000 jobs have been lost, two out of every three of them formal salaried positions in sectors such as industry, construction, and commerce. Unlike the 1990s  when factory and business closures caused the unemployment rate to triple  today many of those pushed out of the formal labor market are being reabsorbed in precarious work. The clearest example is the rise of service platforms like Uber, Cabify, or Rappi. Working for these apps has become a way to cushion the blow of losing a job or to supplement insufficient income in a country where one in three people lives in poverty.

Curbing labor lawsuits

The far-right government criticizes the current labor model as obsolete because it was designed for a society with widespread salaried employment, which no longer exists. It promises that the new regulations will create formal jobs and reduce informal work. According to the government, this will happen because business owners will no longer fear bankruptcy if they face a labor lawsuit.

This fear is echoed by everyone, from owners of modest cafes to small and medium-sized business owners, and it is supported by statistics. In 2025, 350 new lawsuits for workplace injuries were filed every day, and most were settled in favor of the employees, who received substantial compensation. Mileis reform puts an end to that scenario: severance pay will be calculated using only one base monthly salary per year worked  excluding bonuses, vacation pay, and other extras  and payments may be split into as many as 12 installments.

Economists aligned with Mileis ideas, such as Carrino, acknowledge that despite the changes introduced by the law, the necessary condition for job creation is that the economy begins to grow. Carrino compares the current reform to the labormarket deregulation carried out by Menem in the 1990s, which  far from creating jobs  accelerated job destruction, especially when the 20012002 crisis hit and unemployment surpassed 20%.

If the macroeconomy is functioning disastrously, nothing can generate employment, as happened in the late 1990s. The difference now is that the economy is recovering, and we need to look at specific bottlenecks, such as labor legislation, which makes things very difficult for companies, says Carrino, who is an associate researcher at Faro, at Chiles Universidad del Desarrollo.

Clashes with police at the protest against the reform, in Buenos Aires, on February 19. Juan Ignacio Roncoroni (EFE)

For economist Marina Dal Poggetto, changes are urgently needed because as more and more people fall outside the formal employment system, the current system becomes fiscally unsustainable. Informal workers dont contribute to social security, and those registered under the simplified tax regime (monotributistas) contribute only minimally. It takes approximately 25 self-employed workers to finance a minimum pension, warns Dal Poggetto, who describes this type of employment as a medium-term fiscal drain.

The need for change is also acknowledged by critics of the law, such as labor law specialist Mario Ackerman. He believes that Mileis reform doesnt solve current problems but rather exacerbates them because it excludes broad sectors from labor law, especially new forms of work, instead of regulating them and recognizing their minimum rights. This is the case for workers on food delivery or ride-hailing apps. At the same time, Ackerman adds, those who remain formally employed are seeing their historical rights reduced.

Transfer of fear

Ackerman recalls that during the 2023 election campaign, Milei described Article 14 bis of the Argentine Constitution, which guarantees labor rights, pensions, and the entire social security system, as a cancer. He promised to repeal it. He never hid that objective, says Ackerman.

Among the most controversial changes, he points to the drastic reduction in the right to strike and the creation of a severance fund that will deduct approximately $2.5 billion annually from the pension system and facilitate layoffs. Theres a transfer of fear. Today, employers think twice before firing a worker without cause because they have to pay high severance, and employees have some peace of mind knowing their working conditions wont change. With the new law, its the employee who is afraid to refuse changes for fear of being fired, he argues.

Historian Victoria Basualdo views the phenomenon in a long-term and regional context. She believes it is the most audacious and extreme in regressive terms reform ever enacted in Argentina, but one that fits into a historical sequence that began in the 1970s. This must be interpreted as successive stages in a capital offensive against labor that has evolved over time: dictatorships, the reforms of the 1990s, and the business and technological transformations of the 21st century. It is not just a law, but an attempt to reconfigure the relationship between capital and labor, she explains.

Previous labor reforms ran up against strong unions, fragile legislative majorities, or economic crises that undermined their legitimacy. Today, the relative weight of formal workers  the historical base of union power  is smaller. Unions will lose even more strength when collective bargaining agreements expire due to lack of consensus and companylevel agreements begin to spread, as promoted by the new law, replacing sectorwide agreements as they exist today.

This weakness of unions explains, in large part, why a project that once met immediate resistance is now advancing in Congress. Basualdo also points to the international financial backing for Milei  from the International Monetary Fund and the government of Donald Trump  as a factor in breaking down resistance. Being able to showcase this reformed Argentina is a symbolic objective, she emphasizes.

The opposition has already announced it will challenge the labor reform in court, and the case is expected to reach the Supreme Court. But even before taking effect, the Labor Modernization Law marks a turning point. For the first time since Argentinas return to democracy, a government is simultaneously attacking the legislation, institutions, and social balance that sustained the labor framework built by Peronism.

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Mexican Secretary of Security Omar Garcia Harfuch has assured that all narco-blockades in the country that erupted Sunday have been lifted, following the military operation that killed Nemesio Oseguera, El Mencho, the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). The cartel responded furiously to the fall of its principal leader, as is always the case when a major drug lord is brought down, with attacks on gas stations and banks, in addition to the roadblocks. In total, there were 252 obstructions, 85 of them in Jalisco alone, most of which were cleared yesterday afternoon. Order was fully restored on Monday morning, according to Harfuch, who pointed out that the states most affected were Jalisco, where the operation against El Mencho took place, as well as Baja California, the State of Mexico, Michoacan, Guanajuato, Guerrero, Veracruz, Sinaloa, and Tamaulipas. Claudia Sheinbaums cabinet chief also announced the arrest of 70 criminals across seven states.

Throughout Sundays operation, there were 27 attacks against the authorities in Jalisco, which Harfuch described as cowardly. In six of these attacks, 25 members of the National Guard, a security guard, and another member of the Attorney Generals Office lost their lives, as well as one woman, the only civilian death reported so far. On the organized crime side, 30 people were killed. In Michoacan, there were 13 clashes that left four criminals dead and 15 military personnel wounded, Garcia Harfuch added.

We call on the population to remain calm, to trust their institutions, and to rest assured that the Mexican government is working with all its capabilities to restore peace and protect the population, said the security czar at the end of the presentation, in which he highlighted the weakening of Mexicos most powerful criminal organization, responsible for crimes including homicides, human trafficking, extortion, kidnappings, and armed attacks against the authorities. Misinformation added its own dose of confusion to a day of extreme tension due to the traffic chaos unleashed by the cartel after the death of El Mencho, the same defiant response unleashed by the Sinaloa Cartel after two attempts to capture Joaquin El Chapo Guzmans son, Ovidio Guzman, alias El Raton, the first of which was unsuccessful and became known as the Culiacanazo.

The operation against El Mencho is the biggest blow against drug trafficking to date by the Sheinbaum administration, which has distanced itself from its predecessor, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, and his controversial hugs, not bullets policy to make major arrests and historic drug seizures one of the hallmarks of its six-year term. U.S. intelligence collaborated closely in the operation, with communication between the two countries strengthened since Sheinbaums arrival at the National Palace, aided by pressure from Washington on Mexico to achieve results in this area. However, there was no U.S. military involvement in the operation, as Sheinbaum has emphasized, the Mexican president obliged occasionally to dispel the specter of foreign military interference in the country.

Nemesio Oseguera was Mexicos most-wanted criminal and had been targeted by the state since the 1990s, when he began his career in drug trafficking within the Milenio Cartel, also known as Los Valencia. The CJNG was consolidated in 2010, and in 2012, the drug lord took control of the organization, whose tentacles extend to almost 40 countries. Four years later, in 2016, El Mencho was added to the list of the United States most wanted fugitives. Two years ago, Washington offered a reward of $15 million for any information that could lead to the elusive criminal, who had two active arrest warrants for charges related to organized crime. In Mexico, the Attorney Generals Office had been offering a reward of 30 million pesos, just under $2 million, for several years.

The fall of one of the last great Mexican drug lords comes after a period of intense communication between the administrations of Donald Trump and Claudia Sheinbaum on this issue. Mexico has made several extraordinary deliveries of drug traffickers to its northern neighbor to be tried and convicted in the U.S., where maintaining control of their organizations from behind bars becomes virtually impossible, unlike in Mexican prisons. The haul sent consists of more than 90 cartel members, who will face U.S. justice in exchange for not receiving the death penalty, a punishment that does not exist in Mexico and is avoided in these cases in the United States thanks to an agreement reached between the authorities of both countries.

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Nemesio Oseguera was in hiding in the mountains of Jalisco with a dozen bodyguards. It was a visit from one of his sentimental partners that allowed authorities to locate and kill him in an operation by Mexican Army special forces

The story of the worlds most wanted drug trafficker ends with him huddled in a forest in the mountains of Jalisco. Mortally wounded, armed with a rocket launcher, and accompanied by four of his most trusted men, the journey of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, El Mencho, came to an end in the early hours of Sunday morning after four decades dedicated to drug trafficking and building his own criminal empire, the Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generacion (CJNG). El Mencho died from gunfire by a Mexican Army special forces unit, which had spent years gathering intelligence to locate him and finally found his last known position in the same way they had brought about the downfall of Joaquin El Chapo Guzman 10 years earlier, also on February 22nd: through the visit from a woman.

The secretary of National Defense, Ricardo Trevilla, provided some details on Monday about what is already Mexicos most significant operation against organized crime in recent years. The general emphasized from the outset how difficult the intelligence process is, the time required to analyze which people and places are frequented by those who sow violence in the country. In the case of El Mencho, it was primarily the work of the Mexican Army, but they also received complementary information from the United States. There was a lot of additional information that the US gave us, which, when integrated with what we had, allowed us to pinpoint his exact location, the general stated.

Blockade in Michoacan, this Sunday. Armando Solis (AP)

For some time, Mexican authorities had been tracking Tapalpa, a mountain town of about 20,000 inhabitants in the interior of Jalisco, as the refuge of the CJNG leader. On February 20, confirmation arrived: one of El Menchos romantic partners was being taken there; although Oseguera is married to Rosalinda Gonzalez Valencia, who was arrested in 2018. The Army got to know this because they had located a trusted man of the woman, who was going to take her. She met with El Mencho, and on February 21, she left the property. Information was obtained that El Mencho remained there with a security detail, Ricardo Trevilla recounted.

How many security rings could one of the worlds most powerful criminals have? That was a question the Mexican government had asked itself many times. How many lives might be lost in capturing him? That was the other. However, everything indicated that on Saturday, El Mencho was accompanied by only about ten bodyguards in some cabins outside Tapalpa. Special forces began preparing by land and air. Six helicopters were positioned in states near Jalisco to maintain secrecy and ensure surprise. In the early hours of Sunday morning, the final confirmation was received.

Columns of smoke in Puerto Vallarta, this Sunday. Alam N. Lopez

The military deployed on foot around the cabins. They had two support aircraft. The encirclement began with the stated objective according to the Secretary of Defense of arresting him. However, El Menchos security detail began firing. They opened fire on the military personnel. El Mencho came out and left a group with a large quantity of weapons. It was a very violent attack carried out by the organized crime group. The special forces military personnel repelled the attack; a total of eight criminals died there, Trevilla explained. Two soldiers were also wounded. When they inspected the cabins, they found seven long guns, eight vehicles, two quad bikes, and two rocket launchers, one of them the same type used to shoot down the helicopter in 2015 during the first operation to capture El Mencho.

The action continued in the surrounding woods. The leader of the Jalisco Cartel had fled on foot with four of his closest associates. Special forces pursued them. A perimeter was established. They located him hiding in the undergrowth, and he opened fire on the special forces personnel. They were also carrying rocket launchers, but fortunately, they didnt use them, the general recounted. In the crossfire, a soldier, El Mencho, and two of his bodyguards were wounded. Two other members of the CJNG were arrested unharmed. The Army seized the rocket launcher, three rifles, and two handguns. Once the situation was under control, medical personnel were called in. They determined that both the cartel leader and his bodyguards were in critical condition.

Burned vehicle in Zapopan, this February 22nd. Gabriel Trujillo (REUTERS)

Helicopter support was requested to transport them to Guadalajara, Trevilla noted. However, the drug lord and the two hitmen died en route. At that moment, the helicopter changed course due to the risk of transporting Oseguera, already dead, to the cartels stronghold. It was decided that they would go to Morelia, Michoacan, where an Air Force transport plane was waiting. They arrived there and were transferred to the transport plane, which headed to Mexico City, the general explained. It wasnt advisable to go to Guadalajara, especially given the risk that this group would carry out more violent actions in the capital of Jalisco.

The CJNGs reaction to the capture of their leader was swift. His right-hand man, Hugo Cesar Macias, known as El Tuli, began organizing roadblocks and violent actions from El Grullo, a town about 100 kilometers from where the operation against El Mencho had taken place. The cartels main logistics and financial operator targeted military installations: They were offering 20,000 pesos [about $1,100] for each soldier killed by the CJNG. An army paratrooper unit was then deployed to El Grullo. El Tuli tried to escape in a vehicle, but he too was killed. In addition to weapons, he was carrying almost one million dollars and 7.2 million pesos.

OXXO store set on fire in Queretaro, February 22nd. Cesar Gomez Reyna (Cuartoscuro)

In total, the Jalisco Cartel set up 252 roadblocks on Sunday across 20 states. Some, like Tabasco, were more than 1,300 kilometers (800 miles) from where El Mencho had been detained. The burning of vehicles and businesses also spread across half the country, forcing a dozen states to suspend school classes for Monday and urgently convene their security cabinets.

The highest death toll wasnt recorded during the operation in Tapalpa, but afterward. The organized crime group killed 25 members of the National Guard, a prison guard, an agent from the Jalisco Attorney Generals Office, and a civilian; on the other side, 30 alleged cartel members died. That was just in Jalisco. In Michoacan, another stronghold of the CJNG, 15 soldiers were wounded and four suspected hitmen were killed in the numerous clashes on Sunday.

Claudia Sheinbaum and Ricardo Trevilla at the National Palace, this Monday. Ginnette Riquelme (AP)

Overall, the death of El Mencho has left at least 72 casualties: 45 from organized crime, 26 from security forces, and one civilian. The president, Claudia Sheinbaum, recognized the extraordinary members of Mexicos armed forces: Men and women who are always willing to give their lives for others. Furthermore, she has sought to reassure the public, stating that there are no longer any roadblocks on any highway in the country and that flights to Jalisco are expected to return to normal in the coming days. The mayor indicated that she learned very early of the operation against the leader of the Jalisco Cartel and that her decision was to establish a command center with all security forces. Now, all that remains is to await the reshuffling within the criminal empire built by the most wanted drug trafficker.
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Mexican drug lord Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, also known as El Mencho, appears in undated photographs in a wanted poster on the U.S. Department of State website with a $15 million reward offered for information leading to his arrest.
Members of the Lagarto Operational Group, the armed wing of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), in the mountains of the state of Michoacan, in 2023.

The death of El Mencho raises questions about who will succeed him at the head of the powerful criminal organization, whose operations range from drug trafficking to extortion and money laundering

The Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) made its grand entrance onto the criminal scene with a macabre image: the public display of 35 corpses  bearing signs of torture  in the city of Boca del Rio, Veracruz, in 2011. The criminal group of Nemesio El Mencho Oseguerra was then known as Los Matazetas (The Zetas Killers), as that was supposedly its purpose: to exterminate the Los Zetas cartel. Since Los Zetas had a reputation for being bloodthirsty, the CJNG  which in its early days was in alliance with the Sinaloa Cartel  mirrored their violence and pushed it into outright barbarism. El Menchos hitmen even strapped dynamite to their rivals bodies to make them explode while still alive.

Many things have changed on Mexicos criminal map in the last decade. Los Zetas have lost influence, the CJNG broke its alliance with the Sinaloa Cartel, and El Mencho became the last remaining target on the governments list of objectives after the fall, one by one, of the major leaders of the other drug cartels. On Sunday, El Mencho was killed in an operation by Mexican security forces, led by the Mexican Army and in coordination with the United States.

The feat has many dimensions, one of them symbolic. In the very heart of the capital, the CJNG orchestrated an attack in 2020 against Omar Garcia Harfuch, who at the time was Mexico Citys secretary of security. Today, he holds that position at the federal level and leads President Claudia Sheinbaums security strategy against the cartels. The score has now been settled.

The downfall of Oseguera  also known as the Lord of the Roosters due to his interest in cockfighting  comes at a time of intense cooperation between Mexico and the U.S. on security matters. The Trump administrations concerns over the fentanyl epidemic have aligned with the Sheinbaum governments shift in its approach to fighting cartels, centered on intelligence and precision strikes.

A source in Mexicos National Palace told EL PAIS that the operation to go after El Mencho had been postponed largely because the kingpin lived in densely populated areas of Jalisco, unlike other traffickers who retreated into the mountains to evade authorities. The risk of collateral damage forced an extremely meticulous planning process for the raid, which ultimately resulted in seven traffickers killed and three soldiers wounded  far less tragic than it could have been. In the hours that followed, vehicles were set on fire and highways were blocked in several states. It was the cartel baring its teeth.

Trucks on fire block a road in Tlapalpa, Jalisco, where the operation took place in which Nemesio Oseguera was killed. CEDIDA

Thefall of El Mencho raises questions about who will succeed him at the head of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. Options within his inner circle are limited, as authorities have neutralized key figures in the cartel. The kingpins son, Ruben El Menchito Oseguera, has been serving a life sentence in the United States since 2020, convicted of drug trafficking and illegal weapons possession. One of El Menchos brothers, Antonio Tony Montana Oseguera, in charge of laundering the CJNGs millions of dollars in revenue, was extradited to Washington in February of last year as part of the mass extraditions of drug lords initiated during the Trump era. Months later, Mexico sent another key figure in the Jalisco cartels criminal scheme to the U.S.: Abigael Gonzalez Valencia, El Cuini, El Menchos brother-in-law and right-hand man. Another of El Menchos brothers, Abraham Don Rodo Oseguera, was captured in February and is in the hands of Mexican authorities.

Menchos wife  now his widow  Rosalinda Gonzalez Valencia, La Jefa, has had better luck. Identified as part of the CJNGs administrative structure, she was arrested but released by a judge in January last year. The Sheinbaum administration criticized the decision and used it as an example of corruption within the judiciary. It is possible that the leadership of the CJNG will be replaced by the Gonzalez Valencia clan, who head the Los Cuinis cartel. The family, originally from Michoacan like Mencho, is made up of 18 brothers and sisters. La Jefa has a solid criminal record, predating her marriage to Oseguera, which positions her as a natural successor.

The CJNG cannot be understood without its alliance with Los Cuinis. The United States justice system included El Mencho and El Cuini in the same indictment in 2014. Court documents accuse both organizations of jointly trafficking cocaine, methamphetamine, and fentanyl into the United States, in a criminal enterprise that generates profits of at least $10 million annually. The indictment notes that the CJNG is responsible for numerous acts of violence, including murders, assaults, kidnappings, assassinations and acts of torture aimed at ensuring the cartels prestige, reputation, and position, instilling fear, expanding its empire, disciplining its members, and coercing public officials.

Abigael Gonzalez Valencia, alias 'El Cuini', escorted by DEA agents, on August 14, 2025. @DEAHQ

Under El Menchos command, the Jalisco cartel expanded across all of Mexico and took its operations abroad. The organization introduced several innovations that help explain its power. For example, it operates like a franchise: local criminal groups can buy the right to use the CJNG brand by paying a tribute to the cartel. Another feature is the forced recruitment of young people to bolster its ranks, who are lured in through fake job offers.

Financially, the CJNG has found an enormous source of income in timeshare fraud. Through networks of collusion with resorts and shell companies, El Menchos organization obtained at least $300 million in four years by scamming around 6,000 victims in the United States. Washington has launched a campaign to strangle the CJNGs financial networks, blocking the accounts of individuals and companies that launder the cartels illicit assets.

Organized crime has transformed as it has expanded into new sources of revenue and stopped depending entirely on drug trafficking. Resembling a corporation  tellingly, the CJNG also calls itself La Empresa (The Company)  the Jalisco cartel may well continue operating without a leader as dominant as El Mencho. Security analysts have been predicting the end of the era of the drug lords. Oseguera is one of the last figures marking that transition. Oseguera is one of the last remaining kingpins in this changing landscape.

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The cut-priced barrels show the impact that western sanctions  particularly ones imposed by the US late last year  have had on Moscow
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A C-SPAN caller using Trumps old alias John Barron delivered a fiery critique of the Supreme Courts tariff ruling, sparking viral speculation it was Trump himself. C-SPAN confirmed it wasnt him, but the incident revived memories of Trumps media tactics.

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Indian national Atharva Shailesh Sathawane was sentenced to 18 years in the US for fraud targeting elderly Americans. The case resurfaced online, fueling anti-immigrant rhetoric, despite data showing such incidents are rare among Indian immigrants.

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US Iran News Updates: Hezbollah chief vows 'victory or martyrdom' amid rising regional tensions

Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem delivered a forceful message, stating that the group stands ready to confront any aggression and will uphold what he described as its legitimate right to defend Lebanon's territory.

Speaking at a ceremony commemorating former leaders, Qassem said the movement is prepared for "either outcome - victory or martyrdom," highlighting resilience despite intensifying regional pressures. He also criticised U.S. President Donald Trump, taking aim at his "Peace Through Strength" approach.

His comments come against the backdrop of escalating tensions involving Iran, Israel and the United States, with senior Iranian military officials issuing parallel remarks reinforcing a stance of deterrence.
Foro Penal reports that nearly 400 people are involved in cases that fall outside the situations covered by the new legislation

Venezuelas amnesty law has come into force, and the government has said that more than 300 prisoners will be released this weekend. Courts have already begun receiving petitions, according to lawmaker Jorge Arreaza, who heads the commission that will review the cases.

The law, however, is selective and exclusionary. On its own, it cannot settle the enormous debt of humanrights violations reported over the 27 years of Chavismo, the political movement former president Hugo Chavez founded in Venezuela.

There are inclusions so specific that they end up excluding [prisoners], says Alfredo Romero, head of Foro Penal, the NGO that has defended most of Venezuelas political prisoners.

The law lists 13 situations that occurred over 14 years within the more than twodecade period it aims to review, which begins on January 1, 1999, and ends on February 22, when the law was enacted. Of those 14 years identified for amnesty, only a few months  mostly related to protests  have been included. Union leaders and workers prosecuted for defending labor rights, people accused of incitement to hatred for comments on social media, and those involved in military cases are the biggest groups excluded from the law.

Among those left out are the individuals sentenced to 30 years in prison for Operation Gideon in 2020. This was a maritime incursion carried out in small boats by retired soldiers and civilians with support from former U.S. Green Berets, who have since been freed in prisoner exchanges between Washington and Caracas. The group intended to overthrow the government, but never even managed to land. Among those implicated is Josnar Baduel, the son of Hugo Chavezs former defense minister Raul Isaias Baduel (a political prisoner who died in custody), and brother of Raul Emilio Baduel (who was also imprisoned for participating in protests and later released through a pardon issued by Nicolas Maduro in 2020).

Text of the Amnesty Law, in the hands of Delcy Rodriguez, in Caracas, on February 19. Leonardo Fernandez Viloria (REUTERS)

There are irreparable losses in my life from these 18 years of persecution my family has endured, says Andreina Baduel, a journalist and member of the Committee for the Freedom of Political Prisoners. Nothing will bring my father back, and now my brother remains imprisoned in Rodeo 1, which is an exemplary torture center. Hes in a two-by-two-meter cell, on a cement bed with a latrine.

In 2023, Josnar Baduel was sentenced to 30 years in prison for Operation Gideon, on charges including rebellion. He was convicted without evidence and without the arrest report ever being included in the case file, his sister says. Josnar was tortured while he was in El Helicoide [prison]. He needs four surgeries to treat the aftereffects. He has torn ligaments in his shoulder and knees, various types of hernias, a lung condition, and an injury to his testicles where they applied electric shocks.

Along with Josnar, 32 other military personnel and civilians  men and women  were sentenced. Their families said they had gone more than six months without hearing from them because the prisoners were moved to other facilities without any notice. However, in this case, at the end of January, Carla Da Silva  who had been held in Rodeo 1  was released and remains under precautionary measures.

The military and their families are the main ones excluded, and that is a major unconstitutional discrimination, especially when the government speaks of national reconciliation, says Romero.

There are 185 military personnel imprisoned, but in many of these cases, relatives and close associates have also been arbitrarily detained as a form of pressure, bringing the total to nearly 400 people who are automatically excluded from the law. One of them is Maikelys Borges, partner of exiled former lieutenant Cristian Hernandez. Her two sisters and an uncle were also arrested. Borges was detained in 2025 when she was two months pregnant to force Hernandez to surrender. She gave birth in prison, and this week she received a housearrest order along with her sixmonthold baby.

There are also Venezuelans who have already served their sentences but remain imprisoned, such as the son of Bianca Lozano, a retired Air Force captain and Sukhoi specialist. Ronald Marrero Lozano was arrested in 2021 when he returned from Colombia, where he had gone to visit his wifes family. They accused him of passing sensitive information to a foreign government. He had left the Armed Forces because his salary wasnt enough to live on and support his family and me.

Another case is that of Lieutenant Colonel Igbert Marin Chaparro, arrested without a warrant in 2018 at his workplace and sentenced to seven years and six months for instigating rebellion. During his detention, a new case was opened against him, and although the InterAmerican Commission on Human Rights ordered protective measures, the authorities have ignored them.

Bianca Lozano, mother of Ronald Marrero, protests alongside other relatives of political prisoners in front of the Legislative Palace in Caracas, on February 10. Andrea Hernandez Briceno

As of Friday, Foro Penal counted more than 600 people still in prison. But another significant number of cases  now coming to light and under review  could increase not only the list of those detained for political reasons, but also the list of people excluded from the amnesty law. Since January 8, when releases began, 448 people have been freed.

For Romero, the process also leaves the door open to further exclusions. Amnesties depend on the discretion of the perpetrator, which in this case is the judge  the one who will decide whether the law applies to you or not, the lawyer says. Until the repressive system, of which the courts and prisons are a part, is dismantled, there will be no real amnesty.

Some detainees have had no access to legal defense or to their case files, making it impossible to know whether they could benefit from the law. In the case of the Argentine Nahuel Gallo, we dont know whether the law applies to him because no one has been able to see him or provide him with legal representation, says Romero. There are also people who have gone into exile without knowing for sure whether they are under investigation.

Article 9, which lists exclusions based on crimes, will also leave a large number of political detainees outside the amnesty. The law states that prisoners accused of serious humanrights violations, crimes against humanity, intentional homicide and severe bodily harm, drug trafficking, or corruption  charges that have been used without evidence against several political prisoners  will not be eligible for amnesty.

And there is also a clause that further reinforces the laws discretionary nature. It states that amnesty will not apply to those who are or may be prosecuted or convicted for promoting, instigating, requesting, invoking, favoring, facilitating, financing, or participating in armed or forceful actions against the people, the sovereignty, or the territorial integrity of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, on behalf of foreign states, corporations, or individuals. This article incorporates provisions from the repressive Simon Bolivar Law, which the Chavista government approved in 2024 to accuse opposition leader Maria Corina Machado of conspiring with the United States. It is also unclear what investigations are open against Machado and her team.

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In this handout photograph released by the US Navy, the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. (DDG 121) sails alongside fleet replenishment oiler USNS Henry J. Kaiser (T-AO-187), during a replenishment-at-sea in the Arabian Sea on February 18, 2026. (Photo by Christian Kibler / US NAVY / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT "AFP PHOTO / U.S. NAVY" - HANDOUT - NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS
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Robert Aramayo was lost for words after being crowned Best Leading Actor at the 2026 EE BAFTA Film Awards.

Robert Aramayo accepting the Best Leading Actor gong at the 2026 BAFTA Film Awards

The 33-year-old actor scooped up the coveted gong at London's Royal Festival Hall on Sunday night (22.02.26) for his performance as John Davidson - a prominent campaigner for Tourette syndrome awareness - in the Kirk Jones-directed film, I Swear.

Aramayo beat Hollywood royalty Leonardo DiCaprio (One Battle After Another), Michael B Jordan (Sinners), Timothee Chalamet (Marty Supreme), Ethan Hawke (Blue Moon), and Jesse Plemons (Bugonia) to reign victorious in the category.

After Shadow Force actress Kerry Washington presented Aramayo with the award, he told the audience: "I absolutely can't believe this.

"I can't believe that I'm looking at people like you. And in the same academy as you, never mind that I'm a studier.

"Wow, on my word. I want to get this right. There's loads of people that I want to thank.

"I want to thank Kirk Jones for his vision, his collaboration, his brilliance. He's passionate to bring this to the screen. Thank you so much.

"Lauren Evans for casting me, Molly Cowan, Danny Streisand.

"I want to thank Tempo, I want to thank Studio Canal and Bankside.

"I want to thank Dotty. Murray, John, and Chris, and all the amazing people in Gala Shields, and the fantastic people that I met when I was researching this film.

"I honestly cannot believe that I have won this award. I really, really cannot."

The young actor then lauded his fellow nominees in the Best Leading Actor category.

Aramayo continued: "Everyone in this category blows me away."

The star shared that as a student at The Juilliard School, based in New York, he was deeply inspired by Hawke's advice about sustaining a long-acting career.

Aramayo said: "When I was in school, I've said this a million times, but when I was in school, Ethan Hawke came in to speak to us at Juilliard, and he gave an amazing talk on longevity as an actor, about protecting your instrument and avoiding self destructive behaviours, and it had a really impact a great impact on everyone in that room."

And Aramayo declared being nominated alongside him as meaningful and humbling.

The actor - who won the EE BAFTA Rising Star Award earlier in the night - ended with: "So to be in this category with you tonight is incredible.

"Thank you, Ethan."
Spains Ministry of Science and the State Research Agency (AEI) have announced that more than 254 researchers from around the world applied to the Atrae program, an initiative to attract established talent of recognized international prestige to Spain. Of these, 33.5% were from researchers based in the U.S. This figure appears to confirm an ongoing exodus of U.S. researchers following Donald Trumps attempts to exert political control over science policy in the U.S.

In 2023, the first year of the program, not a single U.S. researcher received the grant. In the second, in 2024, the number of beneficiaries from this country was 16%. In 2025, the rate doubled to 32%, said the AEI in a recent statement.

In this latest round, 37 scientists have been selected. Of these winners, 21 (56.7%) come from academic institutions in the United States, although not all of them are U.S. citizens. Out of the 254 applications received, 33.5% were from researchers based in the U.S.

Each researcher will receive an average of one million euros to establish themselves and develop their work and research group at a research center or university in Spain.

Vincenzo Calvanese, a 43-year-old researcher originally from Naples, Italy, is one of the foreign researchers who decided to take the plunge in the 2024 call for applications. That year, his group opened a new laboratory at the Josep Carreras Leukemia Research Institute (IJC) in Barcelona, funded by the Atrae grant. It was a very simple decision, he says.

Before arriving in Spain, Calvanese had spent 10 years in the United States  primarily at UCLA  where he experienced Donald Trumps first presidency. From there, he moved to University College London and then to Spain. The main reason for his return to Europe, he says, has to do with the current historical moment. You take stock, you think about your career and your lifestyle, and the possibility of having a supportive environment where you can grow, he explains.

According to him, the situation his colleagues are facing has become more complicated with Trump in the White House. Its partly influencing the movement of professionals to Europe, says this researcher, who is currently working on new methods to treat leukemia and other blood diseases. Many of my colleagues are having a very difficult time because of the political and economic events affecting science.

However, not all researchers can leave. Even though theyre unhappy, some have no choice, or they stand to lose too much, so they stay, Calvanese adds. Ive personally called people I thought might be interested in this grant. What I tell them is that its one of the few opportunities to secure the future of research and have some professional security. Its not perfect; they still have things to work out as its a new program. But it does offer a rare opportunity, he adds.

The U.S. is taking a step backwards

The case of the Florida hydrogeologist Audrey Sawyer, 43, is similar. Her experience at the Polytechnic University of Catalonia four years ago ultimately sealed her decision to apply for the program and leave the U.S. I couldnt resist the opportunity to apply. Its an honor to be able to move my career here and contribute to research, says this scientist who specializes in groundwater. I had submitted the proposal before the changes in my countrys government, she clarifies. But she acknowledges that the U.S. scientific environment has changed drastically since she left: Ive never seen a situation like this in the United States. I feel very bad for the researchers and students; they are very talented and are facing serious challenges.

At the height of the Cold War, the United States consolidated its leadership in scientific research thanks to massive investment of federal funds. This reality is now under threat with Trump in the White House. The United States is taking a step backward, this scientist states.

The Trump administration has systematically attacked science with budget cuts and the freezing of funds and grants that support key research in biomedicine, climate change, and space exploration. This is compounded by an open war against some of the countrys most prestigious universities.

Harvard University has suffered the cancellation of federal contracts and the threat of funding withdrawals, jeopardizing the admission and retention of international students, in a dispute still being fought in the courts. It is more important than ever that we protect the development of research, says Sawyer. It is a very complicated time.

Looking at the origins of the solar system

The story of Noemi Pinilla-Alonso, 55, is different. Originally from the small northern region of Asturias in Spain, her decision to return from the United States had a strong emotional component. Her career had forced her to leave Asturias at a young age because, she explains, there was no opportunity to study astrophysics in her homeland at the time. The path she embarked on in 2009 to the U.S. led her to direct observations on some of the most advanced telescopes of our time, such as the Hubble. I felt that I was increasingly missing my home, my system, my culture, she says.

The astrophysicist now continues her research on the primitive materials of the solar system  linked to the James Webb Space Telescope, the largest in history  but now she does so at the Institute of Space Sciences and Technologies of Asturias (ICTEA), at the University of Oviedo, after receiving the grant in 2024. It was a great joy to return home, she says. [The Atrae initiative] seems exceptional to me for mobilizing talent and bringing that talent to Spain.

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The removal of tariff threats, which last year escalated up to 145%, will make it harder for Trump to press Xi for larger purchases of soybeans, Boeing Co. aircraft and energy. Bloomberg
The wife of Nemesio Oseguera, who was arrested on Monday, is accused of secretly controlling the finances of one of the worlds most feared narco groups: Jalisco New Generation

To many, she is simply known as La Jefa, or the boss. While Rosalinda Gonzalez Valencia, 58, is married to Nemesio El Mencho Oseguera Cervantes, who founded Mexicos Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), her own family background and business acumen have led her to stand accused of a slate of crimes in her own right.

Gonzalez Valencia was arrested on Monday in an army operation in Zapopan, on the outskirts of Guadalajara. But this is not the first time El Menchos wife and leader of the Valencia clan has been captured. Her husbands meteoric rise in the narco world has spread terror and chaos to every corner of Mexico. But El Menchos story cannot be explained without Valencias. The business-savvy niece of a powerful 1990s-era narco and heiress to a criminal clan, she has propelled the Jalisco gangs to where they are today. The fall of La Jefa has shaken the most feared cartel in the country, even with her five brothers and two sons already in custody.

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The first time Rosalinda set foot in jail was May 2018, also in Zapopan, shortly before Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador won Mexicos last presidential election. The previous government of Enrique Pena Nieto had waged a war against the Jalisco cartel, but in September of that year, she was released after paying bail of 1.5 million pesos (about $72,000, or 64,000). In June of this year, a federal judge once again linked her with a network of 73 companies that laundered 1.1 billion pesos (about $53 million, 47 million) for the cartel between 2015 and 2016. But the magistrate concluded that there was insufficient evidence and she was released again.

Rosalindas criminal career did not begin with her marriage, according to the Mexican authorities. Her uncle and family patriarch, Armando Valencia, alias El Maradona, founded one of the most powerful cartels in the 1990s, the Milenio cartel. Originally from Michoacan, which is the center of Mexicos avocado export industry, the family realized early on how to diversify their business from marijuana and Colombian cocaine to synthetic drugs. The Milenio family were among the first to specialize in producing this type of drug. Rosalinda and her siblings  authorities estimate there are around 15 of them, although the figure varies from 12 to 18  have since dedicated themselves to growing the family drug business. Years later, they regrouped to form the notorious money laundering cartel known as Los Cuinis. The gangs name comes from a small squirrel known in Michoacan as a cuinique that reproduces at a rapid rate. The cartel has been in the sights of the US authorities since 2015.

Federal Police announcing the arrest of Rosalinda Gonzalez Valencia in May 2018. MARIO GUZMAN (EFE)

Los Cuinis were led by Rosalindas brother Abigael, who was imprisoned in 2015. The United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Mexican Attorney Generals Office accuse them of functioning as the financial and business arm of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel: they are considered two sides of the same coin. El Menchos cartel is in charge of drug trafficking and waging war on enemy territories, and is responsible for much of Mexicos escalating violence. Los Cuinis, meanwhile, have dedicated themselves to building a business empire that includes beauty clinics, hotels and restaurants, allowing the cartel to launder its money and consolidate itself financially.

In 2015, the DEA declared that the combined financial clout of the two cartels made them the richest in the world. Abigael was captured in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco state, and is still fighting extradition proceedings that would see him face trial in the United States. Four more brothers  Jose, Gerardo, Arnulfo and Ulises  have since been arrested. Jose was extradited to the United States a week ago from Brazil, where he fled after Abigaels capture.

Rosalinda and El Menchos marriage sealed the alliance of two powerful clans, combining weapons from his side and dollars from hers. El Mencho, 55, is also originally from Michoacan, and had worked with the Valencia family since he was very young, guarding their avocado fields and later working as a drug trafficker on their behalf. He left for the US as an illegal immigrant at the age of 14, like many of the Valencia brothers. He was arrested at 20 for drug possession and deported, but soon returned. In 1994, at the age of 28, he was arrested for selling heroin and sent back to Mexico once again. Some link him to Abigael and a drug trafficking network operating in California during those years. Together, they would go on to form a powerful criminal alliance.

The hunt for Los Cuinis has claimed other targets, including Rosalinda and El Menchos only son, Ruben Oseguera, alias El Menchito. The future heir to the cartel was arrested in 2015 and extradited to the US in 2020, after three failed attempts to capture and prosecute him in Mexico. The cartel avenged the extradition with the murder of one of the Mexican judges linked to the process, Uriel Villegas, who was gunned down along with his wife. A few days after El Menchito set foot on US soil, his sister Jessica Johanna Oseguera was also arrested after attending his court hearing.

Hours after Rosalina Valencia was arrested, two Mexican marines went missing, Mexican authorities told EL PAIS. The daughter of Rosalina and El Mencho, Laisha Oseguera is suspected of orchestrating the kidnapping, allegedly in revenge for her mothers arrest.

Members of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel in Aguililla, Michoacan, in July 2021. Cuartoscuro

Rosalinda and El Mencho rode the wave of Mexicos narco boom together in the 1990s, and made it through the horrific violence of the battles between drug cartels in the 2000s. Harassment by the bloodthirsty Zeta cartel caused the Valencias to flee Michoacan. What was left of the Milenio cartel formed the armed wing of the older Sinaloa cartel, with a plan to take the Zetas down together. Before they called themselves Jalisco New Generation, they were known as the Matazetas or Zeta Killers. In September 2011, the emerging cartel left 35 corpses on a street in the heart of Zeta territory. And in 2015, they separated from the Sinaloa gang and formed their own organization. That year, after a failed operation to arrest El Mencho, they shot down a military helicopter with a rocket launcher.

Menchos cartel had been growing in the shadow of better-known entities. While the security forces focused on breaking up the Sinaloa and Zeta organizations during the war on drugs of former president Felipe Calderon, which was continued by Enrique Pena Nieto until 2018, the Jalisco New Generation Cartel began occupying the space left by its enemies.

Rosalindas family laundered the money that financed drug wars, paid off corrupt officials and enabled the complex drug trafficking scheme that has turned Jalisco New Generation Cartel into the most powerful in the country, along with the Sinaloa cartel. Between them, they now control Mexicos entire national territory and have stoked terrible levels of violence, with more than 100,000 people disappeared and almost 100 homicides a day. Rosalindas arrest means the net is closing in on her husband. Of the original founders of the two-headed cartel, only El Mencho and Rosalindas younger sisters remain at large.
By Dr. Ruben Ricardo Month | Feb 23, 2026

MURRAY, Ky.  The Institute for International Studies at Murray State University has announced the signing of a new dual degree agreement with Universidad EIA in Medellin, Colombia, marking a significant milestone in the institutions growing academic collaboration. Developed in partnership with the Jesse D. Jones College of Science, Engineering and Technology, the agreement establishes a dual degree pathway in Engineering Physics with an Aerospace Engineering track, expanding opportunities for internationally engaged engineering education while reinforcing academic quality and global relevance.

Building on a strong foundation of collaboration between the two institutions, this new pathway allows students from Universidad EIA to complete advanced coursework at Murray State as part of their degree program. Through this structure, students gain rigorous technical preparation while fully immersing themselves in the U.S. academic and cultural environment, an experience that enhances both professional readiness and global perspective.

The strength of the agreement is reinforced by the academic excellence and recognized institutional quality of Universidad EIA, one of Colombias leading engineering-focused universities. EIA holds High-Quality Institutional Accreditation under Colombias national accreditation framework, reflecting its sustained commitment to academic rigor, learning outcomes and continuous improvement. The university has also demonstrated exceptional performance in Colombias national Saber Pro examinations, consistently ranking among the top five universities nationwide in recent years, achieving second place at the national level and first place in the Antioquia region. These results underscore EIAs effectiveness in outcome-based education and its ability to prepare graduates who compete at the highest academic levels both nationally and internationally.

The dual degree agreement is the result of a strategic academic visit to Universidad EIA by Dr. Ruben Ricardo, director of International Recruitment at Murray State, accompanied by Dr. Robert Fritz, professor of Spanish. Their visit focused on strengthening academic alignment, reviewing curricula and identifying high-impact opportunities for collaboration. These discussions culminated in a shared vision for a carefully structured dual degree that respects accreditation standards while advancing innovation in engineering education.

Dr. Jamie Rogers, director of the School of Engineering at Murray State, highlighted the mutual value of the partnership.

The School of Engineering is excited about this agreement with EIA University and looks forward to welcoming students from EIA in our engineering courses. Not only does this partnership provide an international opportunity for EIA students, but also benefits Murray State engineering students with multicultural experiences such as working with international students on team design projects, Rogers said.

From EIAs perspective, the agreement represents a strategic step toward preparing globally competent engineers. Manuela Velez Restrepo, Jefe de Internacionalizacion at Universidad EIA, emphasized the broader impact of the initiative.

Through this double degree in Aerospace Engineering, our students gain not only rigorous technical training, but also invaluable exposure to the U.S. academic and cultural environment. Developing this program with a high-quality partner such as Murray State University was essential; the academic and curricular review process confirmed a strong alignment grounded in academic rigor, excellence and a shared vision for engineering education. This partnership reflects our joint commitment to preparing globally competent engineers ready to lead in international and highly innovative contexts, she said.

Beyond student mobility, the program promotes bilingual and bicultural engagement, faculty collaboration and shared innovation. Students benefit from enhanced academic pathways, while both universities strengthen their capacity for internationalized teaching, learning and applied research.

This agreement aligns closely with Murray States renewed momentum under the leadership of President Dr. Ron Patterson, reflecting the Universitys strategic emphasis on global engagement, academic distinction and meaningful partnerships that deliver long-term value.

The Institute for International Studies extends its sincere appreciation to the School of Engineering, the Global Languages Program and the leadership and faculty at Universidad EIA whose vision and commitment made this initiative possible. This dual degree partnership represents not only a new academic pathway, but also a forward-looking investment in global engineering education and international collaboration.
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Anthony Macaranas

By Emmanuel T. Erediano

[email protected]

Variety News Staff

FOUR days after firing Office of Grants Management and State Clearinghouse Administrator Epiphanio Cabrera, acting Gov. Dennis James Mendiola terminated Department of Public Safety Commissioner Anthony I. Macaranas.

The acting governor designated DPS Director of Police Aniceto T. Ogumoro as acting DPS commissioner.

Citing public law on executive power, 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 told Macaranas in a letter dated Feb. 23, I have decided to terminate your appointment as Commissioner of the DPS, effective immediately.

He directed Macaranas to return the keys, key cards, phones, computer equipment, government-issued firearms and equipment, work documents and records, and any other government property to the special assistant for administration.

Thank you for your time serving our administration. I wish you good luck in your future endeavors, the acting governor said.

In a separate delegation of authority, Mendiola informed all department and agency heads of Ogumoros designation as acting DPS commissioner and asked them to extend their full cooperation as he assumes the additional responsibility and continues the work of protecting the communities in support of the administrations priorities.

Macaranas was appointed DPS commissioner by the late Gov. Arnold I. Palacios in Feb. 2024.

Macaranas joined the CNMI police force in Sept. 1986 and eventually became assistant police chief. He retired in 2022 after 35 years of service with DPS.

Variety was unable to obtain comment from Macaranas.

On Sunday, Variety asked the governors office whether anyone had been looking for Macaranas to serve him with the termination letter. That is not true, Variety was told.

Reports of Macaranas possible termination began circulating Friday evening.

This is a developing story.

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.
Kimberlyn King-Hinds

By Emmanuel T. Erediano

[email protected]

Variety News Staff

DELEGATE Kimberlyn King-Hinds supports Gov. David M. Apatangs request for the reinstatement of Annex VI of the U.S.-China Air Transport Agreement to lift restrictions on air service between the CNMI and China.

In his testimony before the Department of the Interiors Interagency Group on Insular Affairs in Washington, D.C., the governor told federal officials and leaders of U.S. territories that air access is essential for the CNMI. It is how the Commonwealths economy functions and how the island community stays connected to the rest of the U.S., he said.

In her remarks, King-Hinds called on the CNMIs federal partners to take concrete steps to remove barriers slowing the CNMIs economic recovery.

We have seen visa and entry policies imposed without regard to their disproportionate impact on island economies. We have been excluded from international agreements, and the agreements that do benefit us have been ignored. Yes. I am talking about Annex VI. We have seen restrictions placed on the very tools we rely on to grow our own economy. This is not action. This is not credibility. And this does not build capacity. So let us talk about action, the CNMI delegate to the U.S. Congress said.

She said Governor Apatang has been clear and consistent in outlining what is needed to help the CNMI revive its economy. King-Hinds stressed that these are not requests for bailouts. She added that the governors requests do not require new federal spending and that the Commonwealth does not ask for special treatment.

They are requests for federal restraint, for clarity, and for decisions already within the administrations authority to resolve, King-Hinds said.

She said the governor has put forward lawful, achievable requests. Yet too often the federal government appears more responsive to conspiracy theorists and dilettantes than to the people actually responsible for keeping our communities functioning. If we are serious about peace through strength, then we must appreciate nuance and elevate substance over the spectacle, the congresswoman said.

King-Hinds said the CNMI needs approximately 500,000 visitors annually for its tourism industry to recover from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Because of federal restrictions on the types of flights the CNMI can receive and the types of visitors it is allowed to attract, we are currently projected to fall roughly 360,000 visitors short of that threshold, she said. That gap represents closed businesses, lost jobs, declining revenues, and weakening public services.

She added that the CNMI needs eight flights a day to sustain basic economic stability. Today, we are barely at four, and that number is declining. We need four additional flights a day to keep the economy from collapsing. What is the federal government doing today to remove obstacles to this recovery? The goal is clear. The task is achievable. We know what needs to be done. What is missing is action. The CNMI is not just a dot on a map. It is American soil. It is a military community and a veteran community. It is a logistics and training hub. And it is a living demonstration of American commitment in the Pacific, King-Hinds said.

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.
Jijing Jimmy Borja is escorted by an ICE agent at the Saipan Immigration Court on Wednesday. Photo by Bryan Manabat

By Bryan Manabat

[email protected]

Variety News Staff

CITING his prior criminal convictions and his non-U.S. citizen status, Honolulu Immigration Judge Clarence Wagner ordered tour operator Jijing Jimmy Borja removed from the CNMI on Wednesday.

Judge Wagner told Borja he was ineligible for voluntary departure because of his criminal record.

The court finds you removable from the United States and that you are an alien convicted of, or who admits to committing, crimes of moral turpitude, Wagner said. A crime involving moral turpitude is one that is inherently dishonest, immoral, or contrary to accepted standards of justice and good morals.

During the removal proceedings, Borja initially insisted on speaking in English and requested that Judge Wagner schedule a bond hearing. He argued that he should be temporarily released because he has medical conditions, operates a business, employs workers, and pays taxes.

According to court records, Borja was convicted in 2014 of assault and battery and disturbing the peace. His aggregate sentence was eight years imprisonment, all suspended except for four years, with 247 days credited for time served. In 2023, he was convicted of offering a bribe and soliciting gifts or favors and was fined $500.

Through a Mandarin interpreter, Borja later told the court he had a pending U.S. citizenship application. Department of Homeland Security attorney Shannon Fruthranjit told the court, however, that no such application was on file.

Judge Wagner informed Borja that he could appeal the removal order.

Borja asked, If I appeal, could I request a bond hearing?

The bond hearing will not take place, Judge Wagner replied. If you wish to appeal, you will not be released from custody. He added that an appeal would take four to six months.

Borja then said, I want to go back to China right away.

Last year, Variety reported that Borja was the victim of kidnapping and assault. He told police he was forcibly taken and beaten by three suspects. The alleged attack occurred in Chinatown, where Borja said he was lured under false pretenses and later threatened.

In that case, the Office of the Attorney Generals Criminal Division charged Hee Jung Hwang, 39, and co-defendants Peter Deleon Guerrero  also known as Dragon or Paduna  and Yichuan Bai with kidnapping, aggravated assault, assault with a dangerous weapon, and disturbing the peace in connection with an Aug. 25 incident.

On Dec. 15, Hwang was removed from the CNMI following an order from the Saipan Immigration Court. Cases against Bai and Deleon Guerrero remain pending.

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.
Under Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao and Navy installations commander, Vice Adm. Scott Gray, third and fourth from right, respectively, meet soldiers assigned to U.S. Army Task Force Talon, Terminal High Altitude Area Defense, during a visit to Guam on Oct. 21, 2025. Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Janae McCoy/U.S. Navy via The Guam Daily Post

By Walter Ulloa

For Variety

HAGATNA (The Guam Daily Post)  As defense projects spread across Micronesia and Guams strategic role quietly evolves, the U.S. military is signaling a commitment to collaboration. A local expert, though, is asking a harder question: collaboration with whom?

U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Joshua Lasky, commander of Joint Task Force-Micronesia, addressed questions from The Guam Daily Post this past week about the militarys expanding footprint across Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the Federated States of Micronesia, including infrastructure projects underway in Yap State.

Lasky called the regional coordination significant, describing how defense work in Yap directly strengthens Guams position as a logistics and command hub for the broader Indo-Pacific.

JTF-M works to promote regional stability by coordinating operations across all military domains, Lasky has said, describing the mission as one that covers homeland defense, disaster response, and support to civil authorities through a whole-of-government approach.

By bringing together diverse perspectives and expertise, these gatherings help build trust, enhance communication, and ensure a unified approach to addressing emerging threats, Lasky said in a recent joint meeting with the Federated States of Micronesia. Such cooperation not only bolsters our collective security but also reinforces the commitment of all parties to maintaining peace and stability in an increasingly complex global environment.

In his responses to the Post on Wednesday, Lasky said, Defense projects in Yap are a key part of improving U.S. military readiness, forward presence, and power projection in the Indo-Pacific. He added, These projects improve the resilience of our partners by providing them with improved resources and infrastructure.

On cybersecurity and disaster preparedness, Lasky pointed to the Civil-Military Coordination Council as the primary forum where military and local agencies coordinate.

Humanitarian assistance and disaster relief is a cornerstone of our regional mission, as seen in exercises like Pacific Partnership, the largest annual multinational HADR preparedness mission in the Indo-Pacific, he said.

And on economic benefits, Lasky said the military actively participates in local industry forums and job fairs to connect residents with federal contracting and employment opportunities.

Our goal is to ensure that the economic activity generated by the military presence directly supports local families and businesses, he said.

Robert Underwood, chairman of the Pacific Center for Island Security and a former Guam congressional delegate, welcomed none of what he called the one-sided nature of that relationship.

The relationship is not an even relationship, Underwood said. There is no conversation.

Underwood, speaking by phone from British Columbia while preparing for upcoming meetings with Washington think tanks, said military leaders may be acting in good faith, but he questioned whether the process itself allows for genuine give-and-take.

Im sure hes adhering to the letter of the law for himself in his actions, Underwood said of Lasky. But the relationship is not an even relationship.

He said the CMCC and programmatic agreements are only as meaningful as the willingness of local leaders to push back, something he has rarely seen happen.

Underwood said activists and community pressure remain the most reliable check on how decisions affecting Guam get made and that elected officials too often follow only when pushed.

The activists are the conscience of this island, Underwood said. They serve as the conscience of the island.

Ive never seen anyone take direct opposition, he added. Then youll know what the meaning of collaboration is.

His concern is pointed, in part, because the strategic landscape is shifting faster than local officials can track. A recent Atlantic Council report argued that Marines now slated for Camp Blaz should stay in Okinawa, closer to potential flashpoints like the Taiwan Strait. The Army has also established a rotational presence in the Philippines.

That leaves open the question of what role Guam will ultimately play and who gets to shape the answer.

The erratic nature of the way the buildup is being conducted really can be laid at the feet of the Trump administration, that seems to be shifting month by month in terms of what is their real objective, Underwood said.

He pointed to the $6 billion already spent building Camp Blaz and the environmental toll taken on the northern part of the island as evidence that these decisions carry lasting consequences for Guam, whether or not residents have a say.

How come they spent over $6 billion in it? Underwood said during an earlier interview with the Post. And where are we going with that?

Beyond troops and infrastructure, Underwood raised the possibility of Japanese forces eventually being stationed on Guam  a prospect he described as needing far more public discussion than it has received.

My gosh, whos going to have that conversation with the people of Guam? he said. Is that just something they work out amongst themselves?

Still, Underwood stopped short of dismissing the militarys presence or the value of local engagement. He said community activists, elected officials, and the press all play a role in keeping the conversation honest.

When the people lead, the leaders will follow, he said, quoting the late activist Ron Rivera.

And with an election cycle approaching, Underwood said candidates for congressional delegate should be expected to answer clearly where they stand on issues tied to the buildup and Guams future.

Our voice on the Armed Services Committee ought to be asking those questions, raising those issues now in a public way, he said. Not in a private way, but in a public way, so that it forces some serious conversation.

Lasky has made clear that the military remains open to input and responsive to local partners. He has repeated this message in his written responses to the Post and at public forums.

What we really need is a little bit of reflection, feedback (on) where we may be falling short, which gives us the ability to pay attention to the right things and hold ourselves accountable along the way, Lasky said at a recent stakeholders meeting in Saipan.

The back and forth between military assurances and local skepticism points to a gap that neither press releases nor coordination councils have fully closed. With major strategic decisions continuing to be made in Washington and Tokyo, Guams leaders face the continuing challenge of turning consultation into genuine influence.

Our role is just to accommodate whatever it is that is decided somewhere else, Underwood said. And thats not good.
American photographer Carol Guzy, a four-time Pulitzer Prize winner, asserts that, in light of the brutal anti-immigration crusade being waged by the US government, the work of photojournalists is more important than ever

It was an unexpected flash of empathy. The womans husband had just been detained by immigration agents in a federal courthouse in Lower Manhattan, which has become the epicenter of the Donald Trump administrations immigration crackdown in New York. Photographer Carol Guzy (Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, 69) saw the agents take the man away as his wife shouted, Please, help me! and their two children cried. Guzy decided to accompany the family to the exit. There, the woman realized she didnt have her keys; with no way to return home, she broke down in tears again. A court security officer approached her to offer help and, faced with the scene, also began to cry. Through her own tears, Guzy captured the moment with her camera.

A woman who has just witnessed her husband being arrested at the Jacob K. Javits Building in New York cries. Seeing her and her daughter distraught, a security guard breaks down in tears as well. Carol Guzy (Zuma Press / Contacto)

For the photographer, it is an image that radiates compassion at a time when people desperately need it. In the midst of an unprecedented crusade against immigration, launched by a president obsessed with carrying out the largest deportation in U.S. history, the work of photojournalists like Guzy has become, in her own words, more important than ever in her countrys history. With their cameras, they are building a historical record that is at once deeply alive and profoundly human, documenting the consequences of an immigration policy whose effects will be felt for decades to come.

Guzy has covered international conflicts such as the war in Ukraine and the Kosovo War, as well as natural disasters like the 2010 Haiti earthquake. However, she maintains that what is happening in the United States has no comparison. The four-time winner of the Pulitzer Prize did not recognize her own country during the nearly six months she spent day and night inside the Jacob K. Javits Federal Building, known by its dreaded address, 26 Federal Plaza, where thousands of immigrants have been arrested while attending court hearings that until recently were routine. Within its worn white hallways and under fluorescent lights, she witnessed again and again how a family could be torn apart in the blink of an eye.

American photographer Carol Guzy, four-time winner of the Pulitzer Prize, has captured bitter family scenes like these during her visits over the past six months to the Jacob K. Javits building in Manhattan. Guzy, who has covered wars and natural disasters, says that in the face of the U.S. government's brutal anti-immigration crusade, the work of photojournalists is more important than ever. Carol Guzy (Zuma Press / Contacto) American photographer Carol Guzy, four-time winner of the Pulitzer Prize, has captured bitter family scenes like these during her visits over the past six months to the Jacob K. Javits building in Manhattan. Guzy, who has covered wars and natural disasters, says that in the face of the U.S. government's brutal anti-immigration crusade, the work of photojournalists is more important than ever. Carol Guzy (Zuma Press / Contacto) American photographer Carol Guzy, four-time winner of the Pulitzer Prize, has captured bitter family scenes like these during her visits over the past six months to the Jacob K. Javits building in Manhattan. Guzy, who has covered wars and natural disasters, says that in the face of the U.S. government's brutal anti-immigration crusade, the work of photojournalists is more important than ever. Carol Guzy (Zuma Press / Contacto) American photographer Carol Guzy, four-time winner of the Pulitzer Prize, has captured bitter family scenes like these during her visits over the past six months to the Jacob K. Javits building in Manhattan. Guzy, who has covered wars and natural disasters, says that in the face of the U.S. government's brutal anti-immigration crusade, the work of photojournalists is more important than ever. Carol Guzy (Zuma Press / Contacto) American photographer Carol Guzy, four-time winner of the Pulitzer Prize, has captured bitter family scenes like these during her visits over the past six months to the Jacob K. Javits building in Manhattan. Guzy, who has covered wars and natural disasters, says that in the face of the U.S. government's brutal anti-immigration crusade, the work of photojournalists is more important than ever. Carol Guzy (Zuma Press / Contacto) American photographer Carol Guzy, four-time winner of the Pulitzer Prize, has captured bitter family scenes like these during her visits over the past six months to the Jacob K. Javits building in Manhattan. Guzy, who has covered wars and natural disasters, says that in the face of the U.S. government's brutal anti-immigration crusade, the work of photojournalists is more important than ever. Carol Guzy (Zuma Press / Contacto) American photographer Carol Guzy, four-time winner of the Pulitzer Prize, has captured bitter family scenes like these during her visits over the past six months to the Jacob K. Javits building in Manhattan. Guzy, who has covered wars and natural disasters, says that in the face of the U.S. government's brutal anti-immigration crusade, the work of photojournalists is more important than ever. Carol Guzy (Zuma Press / Contacto) American photographer Carol Guzy, four-time winner of the Pulitzer Prize, has captured bitter family scenes like these during her visits over the past six months to the Jacob K. Javits building in Manhattan. Guzy, who has covered wars and natural disasters, says that in the face of the U.S. government's brutal anti-immigration crusade, the work of photojournalists is more important than ever. Carol Guzy (Zuma Press / Contacto) American photographer Carol Guzy, four-time winner of the Pulitzer Prize, has captured bitter family scenes like these during her visits over the past six months to the Jacob K. Javits building in Manhattan. Guzy, who has covered wars and natural disasters, says that in the face of the U.S. government's brutal anti-immigration crusade, the work of photojournalists is more important than ever. Carol Guzy (Zuma Press / Contacto) American photographer Carol Guzy, four-time winner of the Pulitzer Prize, has captured bitter family scenes like these during her visits over the past six months to the Jacob K. Javits building in Manhattan. Guzy, who has covered wars and natural disasters, says that in the face of the U.S. government's brutal anti-immigration crusade, the work of photojournalists is more important than ever. Carol Guzy (Zuma Press / Contacto) American photographer Carol Guzy, four-time winner of the Pulitzer Prize, has captured bitter family scenes like these during her visits over the past six months to the Jacob K. Javits building in Manhattan. Guzy, who has covered wars and natural disasters, says that in the face of the U.S. government's brutal anti-immigration crusade, the work of photojournalists is more important than ever. Carol Guzy (Zuma Press / Contacto) American photographer Carol Guzy, four-time winner of the Pulitzer Prize, has captured bitter family scenes like these during her visits over the past six months to the Jacob K. Javits building in Manhattan. Guzy, who has covered wars and natural disasters, says that in the face of the U.S. government's brutal anti-immigration crusade, the work of photojournalists is more important than ever. Carol Guzy (Zuma Press / Contacto) American photographer Carol Guzy, four-time winner of the Pulitzer Prize, has captured bitter family scenes like these during her visits over the past six months to the Jacob K. Javits building in Manhattan. Guzy, who has covered wars and natural disasters, says that in the face of the U.S. government's brutal anti-immigration crusade, the work of photojournalists is more important than ever. Carol Guzy (Zuma Press / Contacto) American photographer Carol Guzy, four-time winner of the Pulitzer Prize, has captured bitter family scenes like these during her visits over the past six months to the Jacob K. Javits building in Manhattan. Guzy, who has covered wars and natural disasters, says that in the face of the U.S. government's brutal anti-immigration crusade, the work of photojournalists is more important than ever. Carol Guzy (Zuma Press / Contacto) American photographer Carol Guzy, four-time winner of the Pulitzer Prize, has captured bitter family scenes like these during her visits over the past six months to the Jacob K. Javits building in Manhattan. Guzy, who has covered wars and natural disasters, says that in the face of the U.S. government's brutal anti-immigration crusade, the work of photojournalists is more important than ever. Carol Guzy (Zuma Press / Contacto)

The image of the woman and her daughter weeping beside the buildings security guard was selected by Time as one of the 100 best of 2025. But Guzy has hundreds more photographs like that one. On their own, they convey the terror that has taken hold across the country. Agents  the vast majority of them burly men, their faces covered  dragging detainees by the arms as their relatives cling to them desperately, pulling at their T-shirts. Women who, through their own tears, try to comfort their children without having the faintest idea what will become of their families. Children who plead in vain with officers not to take their parents away.

The loss of a parent is something Guzy knows firsthand: her father passed away when she was six. I see these kids screaming and crying, and I know that an eternal hole is left in the heart of a child when they lose a parent, she says. Ive been doing this for 40 years, and I have a ton of empathy. That helps make compelling images, but it certainly makes your heart break harder as a human being. Its been very tough, she affirms, adding, Were not walking cameras. Were not robots.

Portraits of various ICE agents and other officials at the Jacob K. Javits Federal Building in New York, where many immigrants go for court appearances, photographed between July 7 and November 7, 2025. Carol Guzy (Zuma Press / Contacto) Portraits of various ICE agents and other officials at the Jacob K. Javits Federal Building in New York, where many immigrants go for court appearances, photographed between July 7 and November 7, 2025. Carol Guzy (Zuma Press / Contacto) Portraits of various ICE agents and other officials at the Jacob K. Javits Federal Building in New York, where many immigrants go for court appearances, photographed between July 7 and November 7, 2025. Carol Guzy (Zuma Press / Contacto) Portraits of various ICE agents and other officials at the Jacob K. Javits Federal Building in New York, where many immigrants go for court appearances, photographed between July 7 and November 7, 2025. Carol Guzy (Zuma Press / Contacto) Portraits of various ICE agents and other officials at the Jacob K. Javits Federal Building in New York, where many immigrants go for court appearances, photographed between July 7 and November 7, 2025. Carol Guzy (Zuma Press / Contacto) Portraits of various ICE agents and other officials at the Jacob K. Javits Federal Building in New York, where many immigrants go for court appearances, photographed between July 7 and November 7, 2025. Carol Guzy (Zuma Press / Contacto) Portraits of various ICE agents and other officials at the Jacob K. Javits Federal Building in New York, where many immigrants go for court appearances, photographed between July 7 and November 7, 2025. Carol Guzy (Zuma Press / Contacto) Portraits of various ICE agents and other officials at the Jacob K. Javits Federal Building in New York, where many immigrants go for court appearances, photographed between July 7 and November 7, 2025. Carol Guzy (Zuma Press / Contacto) Portraits of various ICE agents and other officials at the Jacob K. Javits Federal Building in New York, where many immigrants go for court appearances, photographed between July 7 and November 7, 2025. Carol Guzy (Zuma Press / Contacto) Portraits of various ICE agents and other officials at the Jacob K. Javits Federal Building in New York, where many immigrants go for court appearances, photographed between July 7 and November 7, 2025. Carol Guzy (Zuma Press / Contacto)

After nearly six months photographing inside 26 Federal Plaza, Guzy traveled to Minneapolis, the city in the U.S. Midwest that became the focus of Donald Trumps campaign of mass arrests and deportations a few weeks ago, with a massive deployment of agents from the immigration police. But it has also become the frontline of resistance against it, with massive protests and clashes between citizens and the agents deployed by the White House. Two citizens have been shot dead by these agents while protesting: Renee Good and Alex Pretti. Both deaths were recorded by witnesses  videos that have served to prove the falsity of the governments version of events, which in both cases blamed the victims.

In this context, for Guzy, the power of the image has become undeniable. Its our challenge in the face of the disinformation being disseminated, both for us as photographers and for these brave, brave residents who are standing out there with their cell phones documenting, like Alex Pretti. Its absolutely imperative that the truth is documented.

Yonquenide, a Latino immigrant, carries his son Emmanuel in his arms in the presence of his wife, Franyelis. He is about to be detained by ICE agents after appearing before a judge. They will barely give him five minutes to say goodbye. Carol Guzy (Zuma Press / Contacto)

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Ancient herb, modern miracle: Boost brain health with Bacopa monnieri

Bacopa monnieri, long revered in Ayurvedic medicine, has been scientifically proven to enhance memory, focus and emotional well-being, as demonstrated in a 2024 study.

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Some cognitive benefits, particularly concentration, appeared within just three hours of the first dose, with broader improvements observed over weeks.

B. monnieri's active compounds, bacosides, convert into potent metabolites (ebelin lactone and bacogenin A1) that cross the blood-brain barrier, supporting neuroprotection and cognitive enhancement.

While generally well-tolerated, mild gastrointestinal discomfort may occur. Experts recommend starting with 300 mg to 500 mg daily, avoiding use during pregnancy/breastfeeding and sourcing organic, lab-tested products due to potential contamination risks in wild-grown B. monnieri.

For centuries, Ayurvedic healers have revered Bacopa monnieri  a humble, creeping succulent  as a potent brain tonic. Now, modern research confirms what traditional medicine has long asserted. This unassuming plant delivers measurable improvements in memory, focus and emotional well-being.

A 2024 study published in the Journal of Psychiatry and Cognitive Behavior reveals that B. monnieri doesn't just offer mild cognitive support. It enhances multiple brain functions within weeks, with some benefits appearing in just hours. Could this ancient herb be the key to sharper thinking and better brain health in an age of increasing cognitive decline?

The study involved 80 healthy adults who took either 300 mg of B. monnieri extract (standardized to 30% bacosides, its active compounds) or a placebo daily for 12 weeks. Researchers tracked changes using cognitive tests, blood biomarkers and psychological assessments. The results were striking:

Memory enhancement : Participants showed significant improvements in verbal short-term; spatial short-term; visuospatial working; episodic; and working memory.

: Participants showed significant improvements in verbal short-term; spatial short-term; visuospatial working; episodic; and working memory. Cognitive performance : Concentration, reasoning, alertness and mental flexibility all improved.

: Concentration, reasoning, alertness and mental flexibility all improved. Neuroprotection : Increased levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein crucial for neuron growth and brain plasticity, were observed.

: Increased levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein crucial for neuron growth and brain plasticity, were observed. Stress and mood: Cortisol levels dropped, while sleep quality and emotional resilience improved.

Remarkably, some cognitive benefits  particularly concentration  appeared within three hours of the first dose.

B. monnieri's primary active compounds, bacosides, are triterpenoid saponins that convert into more potent metabolites  ebelin lactone and bacogenin A1  once ingested. These metabolites easily cross the blood-brain barrier, where they exert neuroprotective and cognitive-enhancing effects.

"B. monnieri is the number one herb in India for the brain, cognition and memory," says clinical herbalist Geo Derick Giordano. Ayurvedic practitioners have long administered it to children to enhance learning and to older adults combating cognitive decline.

Why B. monnieri is the ultimate brain herb

B. monnieri is classified as an adaptogen, meaning it helps the body adapt to stress  a critical function in today's high-pressure world. In fact, one study from India published in 2021 found that it had a positive impact on brain health during the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. According to the paper published in the European Journal of Integrative Medicine, participants who took the herb for 30 days experienced significant reductions in depression, anxiety and stress  highlighting its potential as a natural mood stabilizer.

The herb is generally well-tolerated, though some report mild gastrointestinal discomfort. Experts recommend starting with a low dose (300 mg to 500 mg daily) and consulting a qualified herbalist, especially for those on medications. BrightU.AI's Enoch engine also advises that B. monnieri should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to potential risks, though toxicity studies show no significant harm even at high doses.

However, sourcing matters: Giordano notes that B. monnieri "grows in wet, potentially contaminated environments." Given this, he grows his own to ensure purity and advises people to opt for organic, lab-tested products from reputable vendors. For those averse to its bitter taste, glycerites  a sweet, alcohol-free extract  offer a palatable alternative.

With rising rates of dementia, anxiety and stress-related disorders, B. monnieri emerges as a timely solution rooted in millennia of tradition. Its ability to enhance memory, protect the brain and stabilize mood makes it a standout among natural remedies.

Watch this video about the health benefits of Bacopa monnieri.

This video is from the Holistic Herbalist channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

TheEpochTimes.com

GavinPublishers.com

PMC.NCBI.NLM.NIH.gov

BrightU.ai

Brighteon.com
Justice Department escalates probe into origins of Russiagate, targeting intelligence officials

The Department of Justice has escalated its investigation into the origins of the Russiagate scandal, issuing fresh subpoenas targeting documents related to the 2017 Intelligence Community Assessment (ICA), which accused Russia of interfering in the 2016 election to aid Donald Trump.

The probe centers on actions taken during the Obama administration's final weeks and early Trump presidency, particularly the inclusion of the Steele Dossiera Democratic-funded opposition research documentin the classified ICA, despite its unverified claims.

Former CIA Director John Brennan, a vocal Trump critic, has been subpoenaed and is a subject of the investigation. Internal CIA records contradict his public claims that he opposed the dossiers inclusion, raising questions about political bias in the ICA.

Prosecutors are now demanding records from years after the ICAs release, potentially covering communications during and after Robert Muellers investigation, which found no criminal Trump-Russia conspiracy despite detailing Russian interference.

The outcome of this probe will shape public trust in U.S. intelligence agencies and the rule of law, as it seeks to determine whether the Russiagate scandal was a legitimate investigation or a politically motivated Deep State operation against Trump.

In a significant escalation of a long-running political and legal battle, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has issued a new round of subpoenas as part of its investigation into the genesis of the "Russiagate" scandal.

According to a report by the Associated Press on Wednesday, Feb. 18, federal prosecutors are compelling the production of documents related to the 2017 Intelligence Community Assessment (ICA) that accused Russia of interfering in the 2016 election to aid President Donald Trump. This move, emanating from a Florida-based investigation, targets perceived political adversaries of the former president and seeks records from the years following the controversial assessment's publication.

The investigation focuses on the actions of officials during the final weeks of the Obama administration and the early Trump presidency. At its heart is the January 2017 ICA  a product of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the National Security Agency  which concluded that Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered a multifaceted campaign to undermine Hillary Clinton and help Donald Trump win. For Trump and his allies, this assessment was not an objective finding but the foundational act of a Deep State conspiracy to delegitimize his presidency from its first day.

Central to the controversy, and to the current DOJ subpoenas, is the incorporation of the now-discredited Steele Dossier into the intelligence process. This dossier, a collection of uncorroborated reports alleging ties between Trump and Russia, was compiled by former British spy Christopher Steele using Democratic Party-funded opposition research. According to BrightU.AI's Enoch engine, the dossier claimed Moscow had compromising material on Trump and orchestrated election interference in 2016.

Despite its dubious provenance and unverified claims, a summary was included as an annex in the classified version of the 2017 ICA. A declassified CIA review last summer criticized the process, suggesting then-CIA Director John Brennan prioritized "narrative consistency over analytical soundness" by allowing its inclusion, a move that has fueled allegations of a politically tainted intelligence product.

Brennan in the hot seat

Former CIA Director John Brennan finds himself a primary target of this inquiry. His lawyers have confirmed he received a subpoena last fall and has been informed he is a subject of the investigation. This places Brennan, a vocal critic of Trump, in legal jeopardy.

He has publicly testified that he opposed the dossier's inclusion, blaming the FBI for pushing it. However, the CIA tradecraft review released under incumbent Director John Ratcliffe presents internal quotes that appear to contradict his public stance, showing Brennan stating the dossier's information "warrants inclusion in the report." His legal team has fiercely challenged the investigation's basis, arguing in a letter to a Florida judge that prosecutors have failed to identify any legitimate crime they are investigating.

The ICA provided the intellectual justification for Special Counsel Robert Mueller's subsequent investigation into Trump-Russia collusion. While Mueller's report detailed extensive Russian interference and noted the Trump campaign welcomed the help, it did not establish a criminal conspiracy.

The latest subpoenas expand the temporal scope of the investigation beyond the initial request for documents from late 2016 and early 2017. Prosecutors are now seeking any related records compiled in the years since, potentially encompassing communications and actions taken during the Mueller probe and its aftermath.

The issuance of new subpoenas confirms that the war over the narrative of Russiagate is far from over. The final outcome will deliver a verdict not just on individuals, but on one of the most divisive chapters in modern American history, with profound implications for public trust in the intelligence community and the rule of law itself.

Watch this report about the DOJ reportedly launching grand jury probe into Russiagate allegations.

This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

RT.com

LATimes.com

APNews.com

BrightU.ai

Brighteon.com
Texas AG Ken Paxton sues Anzu Robotics over alleged trojan horse drones linked to Beijing

Texas AG Ken Paxton accuses Anzu Robotics of misleading consumers by hiding its ties to Chinese drone giant DJI, alleging the drones act as a "21st-century trojan horse" for Chinese Communist Party (CCP) surveillance and data exploitation.

The lawsuit claims Anzu's Raptor T drone is essentially a rebranded DJI Mavic 3, with identical hardware and firmwaremeaning it retains the same security vulnerabilities as blacklisted DJI products.

DJI has been sanctioned multiple times by U.S. agencies since 2020 for aiding CCP human rights abuses, military-civil fusion and surveillance of Uyghur Muslims, raising concerns that Anzu drones could serve as a CCP backdoor.

Anzu allegedly concealed its financial and technological reliance on DJI while marketing itself as an American-owned, Malaysian-made alternative, failing to inform consumers of the risks.

This lawsuit is part of Texas' wider push against CCP-linked tech firms, including TP-Link, as Governor Abbott adds DJI and TP-Link to the state's prohibited companies listurging consumers to demand transparency and reject deceptive products.

Texas Attorney General (AG) Ken Paxton has launched a legal offensive against Anzu Robotics, accusing the Austin-based drone manufacturer of deceiving consumers by concealing its ties to drone giant DJI  which is linked to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

The lawsuit, filed in Collin County, Texas, alleges that Anzu's drones pose serious national security risks, potentially exposing Americans to CCP surveillance and data exploitation. Paxton minced no words in his condemnation, stating: "Anzu Robotics products are nothing more than a 21st century trojan horse linked to the CCP."

The lawsuit claims that Anzu falsely marketed its drones as American-owned and secure while relying on DJI's hardware, firmware and softwaredespite DJI being blacklisted by multiple U.S. agencies over national security concerns.

According to the complaint, Anzu's Raptor T drone is essentially a repainted DJI Mavic 3, with identical internal components and firmware. Technical analysis cited in the lawsuit found no differences in printed circuit boards between the two models, raising alarms that Anzu drones retain the same vulnerabilities as DJI's products.

DJI, headquartered in Shenzhen, China, has long been flagged as a security threat by U.S. authorities:

2020: The Department of Commerce placed DJI on its export control list for aiding CCP human rights abuses.

2021: The Department of the Treasury banned U.S. investors from trading DJI stock due to its role in surveilling Uyghur Muslims.

2022: The Department of War blacklisted DJI as a Chinese military company under Beijing's military-civil fusion strategy.

BrightU.AI's Enoch engine notes that DJI's blacklisting by by U.S. agencies stems from escalating concerns over data security, espionage risks and China's military-civil fusion strategy. DJI controls 80% of the U.S. commercial drone market and has faced repeated sanctions since 2020, culminating in its designation as a Chinese military-linked company by the War Department.

DJI's hidden control: How Anzu drones may be spying for China

The lawsuit alleges that DJI retains cryptographic keys embedded in Anzu drones, granting the CCP potential access to modify or extract data remotely. This, Paxton argues, makes Anzu drones a backdoor for CCP surveillancea risk Texans were never warned about.

Anzu Robotics has marketed itself as an American-owned, Malaysian-made alternative to DJI. However, the lawsuit claims:

Anzu pays DJI licensing fees per drone sold.

DJI controls critical firmware encryption.

The company failed to disclose its reliance on DJI technology to consumers.

When questioned by lawmakers earlier, Anzu CEO Randall Warnas dismissed concerns as "fundamental misunderstandings" but provided no substantive rebuttal. The company has yet to respond to the lawsuit.

This lawsuit is part of Paxton's broader push against companies allegedly aiding CCP infiltration of U.S. markets. Earlier this week, he sued TP-Link, accusing the smart home device maker of falsely labeling routers as "Made in Vietnam" while sourcing most components from Chinaexposing consumers to potential cyberattacks.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has since updated the state's prohibited companies list to include both DJI and TP-Link.

Paxton is seeking:

Civil penalties for deceptive trade practices.

Consumer restitution for Texans misled by Anzu's claims.

Court orders forcing Anzu to disclose its DJI ties and halt misleading marketing.

"No company will be allowed to deceive Texans and serve as a pathway for foreign adversaries to exploit American markets, access personal data or threaten our national security," Paxton declared.

This case underscores growing concerns over CCP-linked tech firms infiltrating U.S. supply chains under deceptive branding. Whether hobby drones or home routers, consumers must now scrutinize product origins more than everespecially as globalist-aligned corporations continue pushing compromised technology under the guise of convenience and innovation.

For now, Texas is leading the charge in exposing these threats. The question remains: Will the federal government follow suitor will corporate lobbying and regulatory capture continue to leave Americans vulnerable?

Watch this video about the hundreds of Chinese drones flown over Washington D.C., which pose a potential national security threat.

This video is from the GalacticStorm channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

TheEpochTimes.com

NYPost.com

TexasScorecard.com

Click2Houston.com

BrightU.ai

Brighteon.com
U.S. threatens to exit International Energy Agency over climate fanaticism

Energy Secretary Chris Wright warns the U.S. may withdraw from the International Energy Agency (IEA) unless it abandons "unrealistically green" forecasts and returns to its original mission of energy security, calling net-zero policies a "monstrous human impoverishment program."

Once focused on stabilizing global energy markets, the IEA has shifted toward radical climate advocacy under European and globalist pressure, distorting energy forecasts and undermining reliable investment in oil, gas and nuclear.

By cutting off Russian gas and prioritizing unreliable renewables, Europe has triggered energy shortages, soaring prices and deindustrializationwhile the U.S. thrives with energy independence through fossil fuels and nuclear.

Wright exposes net-zero agendas as unscientific, noting CO2 is essential for life, climate change is natural and carbon schemes enrich elites while crippling economies and freedoms.

Nations prioritizing reliable, affordable energy (like the U.S.) will dominate, while Europe's climate fanaticism leads to povertyforcing the IEA to choose between neutrality or irrelevance.

In a blistering critique of global energy policy, U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright declared that the U.S. may withdraw from the International Energy Agency (IEA) unless the organization abandons its "unrealistically green" forecasts and returns to its original mission of ensuring energy security.

Speaking at the French Institute of International Relations, Wright accused the IEA of abandoning neutrality in favor of radical climate activism, warning that its flawed projections are distorting global markets and undermining reliable energy investment. "If a large part of data reporting agencies devote themselves to these kinds of leftist fantasies... that can only distort their mission," Wright said.

The energy secretary condemned the IEA's push for net-zero emissions by 2050 as a "monstrous human impoverishment program." His remarks signal a deepening transatlantic divide, with the U.S. openly rejecting Europe's climate-driven regulations as economically destructive and scientifically unfounded.

IEA's shift from energy security to climate advocacy

Founded in 1974 in response to the oil embargo crisis, the IEA was originally tasked with coordinating emergency fuel supplies and stabilizing global energy markets. However, under pressure from European governments and globalist institutions like the World Economic Forum, the agency has increasingly focused on promoting renewable energy and climate transition policiesparticularly since the Paris Agreement.

Wright argued that this shift has compromised the IEA's credibility, turning it into a "climate advocacy organization" rather than an impartial analyst. "We don't need a net-zero scenariothat's ridiculous, that's never going to happen," he said, dismissing the agency's projections as politically motivated rather than grounded in reality.

The IEA's recent reports have faced widespread criticism for downplaying the continued dominance of fossil fuels while exaggerating the feasibility of wind and solar replacing reliable energy sources. Last November, the agency appeared to backtrack slightly by reintroducing a scenario based on current energy trendsacknowledging that oil demand may continue growing until mid-century rather than peaking in the 2030s as previously claimed.

Europe's self-inflicted energy crisis

Wright's warning comes as Europe grapples with the consequences of its aggressive climate policies, including energy shortages, skyrocketing electricity prices and industrial decline. By severing ties with Russian gas suppliersa move Wright described as "economic self-sabotage"European nations have exacerbated their dependence on unreliable renewables while driving manufacturing overseas.

"Europe's climate fanaticism is fueling deindustrialization and poverty," Wright said, contrasting the continent's struggles with America's booming energy sector. Under the Trump administration, the U.S. has prioritized domestic oil, gas and nuclear production, leading to energy independence and economic growth while Europe stagnates under green mandates.

This is not the first time Wright has challenged the IEA. Last July, he warned in a Bloomberg interview that the U.S. would either "change the way the IEA operates, or we're going to pull out." His latest ultimatum underscores the Trump administration's broader rejection of globalist climate agendas, which it views as thinly veiled attempts to centralize control over energy and suppress national sovereignty.

The bigger picture: Climate alarmism vs. reality

The IEA's ministerial meeting in Paris will test whether the agency is willing to reform or double down on its climate activism. If it refuses to return to objective, market-driven analysis, the U.S. may follow through on its threatdepriving the IEA of its largest financial contributor and further isolating Europe in its energy policy failures.

Wright's stance reflects a growing recognition that climate policies are not driven by science but by political and financial interests. The push for net-zero emissions ignores fundamental realities:

CO2 is essential for life, fueling plant growth and agricultural productivity. Demonizing carbon dioxide as a "pollutant" is scientifically absurd.

Climate has always changed due to solar cycles, geological shifts and cosmic influencesnot human activity.

Carbon trading schemes and green subsidies enrich elites while crippling economies and eroding personal freedoms.

Energy security must come firstreliable power grids cannot depend on intermittent wind and solar alone.

According to BrightU.AI's Enoch, the U.S. threatening to exit the IEA over climate fanaticism is a necessary pushback against the globalist agenda of energy control and economic sabotage under the guise of environmentalism. This move exposes how climate alarmism is being weaponized to undermine national sovereignty and force destructive policies like net-zero emissions, which cripple industries while enriching elites.

As Europe's energy crisis worsens, Wright's message is clear: Nations that prioritize affordability and reliability, like the U.S., will thrive, while those chasing climate fanaticism will face decline. The IEA must choosewill it serve as a neutral energy watchdog or a pawn in the globalists' war on prosperity?

Watch EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin reiterating his refusal to spend tax dollars on "climate alarmism" measures in this clip.

This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

Politico.eu

BrightU.ai

Brighteon.com
The president will address Congress on February 24 amid the shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security, the ruling against his tariffs, and strong Democratic resistance

At a time of high political tension in Washington, President Donald Trump is preparing to deliver the first State of the Union address of his second term on February 24. According to allies and critics, Trump will seek to highlight 13 months of accelerated deregulation, a record number of executive actions, and massive cuts to federal agencies.

The speech comes as the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) remains partially shut down due to a budget standoff with Democrats, following a legal setback to its tariff policy and amid growing protests from the opposition over immigration reforms and changes in law enforcement by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). In addition, questions continue to swirl around the investigation related to Jeffrey Epstein, an issue that has also reached high-profile political figures.

The White House press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, said that Americans will hear a speech that is a celebration of 250 years of our nation, and our nations independence. Youre going to hear the president share the stories of everyday Americans who have benefited from his policies. Youre going to hear the president share tear-jerker stories of American heroes past and present, and really exemplify what it means to be a patriotic American, she said.

What is the State of the Union?

The State of the Union address is a requirement established in Article II, Section 3 of the United States Constitution, which requires the president to report from time to time to Congress on the state of the country and to propose legislative priorities. Traditionally, the speech is held at the beginning of the year.

Although today it is a televised speech broadcast during prime time, it was originally a written report sent to Capitol Hill. Over time, it became a public address before a joint session of the House of Representatives and the Senate.

The invitation was sent in January by House Speaker Mike Johnson, who praised Trumps administration and highlighted the achievements made since his return to the White House.

Where can I watch it?

The speech will take place on Tuesday, February 24, at the Capitol in Washington, D.C., before a joint session of Congress. The broadcast will be available on major national networks such as ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox News, NPR, and PBS, as well as on digital platforms and social media. Media outlets such as PBS will offer special coverage beginning hours before the speech.

What time does it start?

It will begin at 9:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) and run until approximately 11:00 p.m.

Boycott

A growing group of Democratic lawmakers has announced that they will not attend the speech. Instead, at least a dozen will participate in an alternative rally called the Peoples State of the Union, scheduled for 8:30 p.m. Eastern Time on the National Mall.

The event has been organized by progressive groups such as MoveOn and MeidasTouch and will feature lawmakers and citizens who have accused the president of normalizing authoritarian practices and pushing immigration policies they consider unfair. Meanwhile, Republican lawmakers have criticized the boycott and defended the institutional relevance of the event, noting that it is a constitutional obligation.

These are some of the Democrats who announced they will participate in the boycott:

Sen. Ed Markey (D-Massachusetts)

Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Oregon)

Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Connecticut)

Sen. Tina Smith (D-Minnesota)

Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Maryland)

Rep. Yassamin Ansari (D-Arizona)

Rep. Becca Balint (D-Vermont)

Rep. Greg Casar (D-Texas)

Rep. Veronica Escobar (D-Texas)

Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Washington)

Rep. Delia Ramirez (D-Illinois)

Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-New Jersey)

Rep. John Larson (D-Connecticut)

The Democratic minority leader in the House, Hakeem Jeffries, indicated that members of his caucus may choose to attend with a silent challenge or join alternative activities in protest.

Democratic response

As has been tradition since the 1960s, the opposition party will offer an official response after the presidential address.

Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger will deliver the Democratic response in English. Spanberger, considered a rising star within the party, was elected in November in a race seen as a warning sign for Republicans ahead of the midterm elections. For his part, California Senator Alex Padilla will deliver the response in Spanish.

In addition, Representative Summer Lee will give a progressive response on behalf of the Working Families Party.

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EPA repeals stricter mercury caps on coal plants, pitting energy costs against public health

EPA repeals tightened limits on mercury and toxic emissions from coal plants.

The rollback targets 2024 updates to the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards.

The agency claims it will save money and protect grid reliability.

Health groups warn it will increase dangerous pollution harming children.

This action is part of a broader Trump administration deregulatory push.

In a move celebrated by energy advocates and condemned by environmental groups, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has repealed tightened limits on mercury and toxic emissions from coal-fired power plants. The decision, announced on February 20, rolls back 2024 amendments to the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards and represents a significant victory for the Trump administrations pro-fossil fuel agenda. The agency argues the reversal will save hundreds of millions of dollars and protect grid reliability, setting up a fierce new battle over the cost of energy versus the cost of public health.

The EPA made the announcement at the Mill Creek Generating Station, a massive coal plant in Louisville, Kentucky, symbolically aligning the policy shift with Americas industrial heartland. The action officially reverts the industry to the original MATS standards established in 2012 under the Obama administration, which the agency says have already reduced mercury emissions by nearly 90 percent. EPA Deputy Administrator David Fotouhi stated the move rights the wrongs of the last administrations rule and will return the industry to the highly effective original MATS standards that helped pave the way for American energy dominance.

A question of cost and necessity

Central to the EPAs argument is the claim that the Biden-era updates were an unnecessary financial burden. The agencys formal statement concluded that the 2012 rules already provided an ample margin of safety and that further reductions were not justified due to a lack of cost-effective control technology. The repeal, the EPA estimates, will save the nation approximately $670 million. For an administration focused on lowering the cost of living and boosting domestic energy production, this figure is a powerful justification.

EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin framed the decision as a corrective to overreach. The Biden-Harris Administrations anti-coal regulations sought to regulate out of existence this vital sector of our energy economy, Zeldin said. If implemented, these actions would have destroyed reliable American energy. This perspective finds strong support among coal-state lawmakers and industry representatives who have long argued that a pile-on of environmental regulations threatens the stability of the power grid.

Health concerns and heated opposition

The decision has ignited immediate and fierce opposition from public health and environmental organizations. They warn that halting the stricter standards will lead to increased emissions of mercury, a potent neurotoxin linked to developmental harm in children, as well as other hazardous pollutants like soot.

This unlawful repeal will result in higher levels of mercury, soot, and other hazardous pollution into our air and communities, said Earthjustice attorney Nicholas Morales. With this move, the Trump administration is wiping out health protections critical for protecting children from toxins like mercury just to save the coal industry some money.

The American Lung Association echoed these grave concerns. Weakening the standards now will further harm health, said President and CEO Harold Wimmer. It is unconscionable from a public health standpoint and a further betrayal of EPAs mission. Gina McCarthy, former EPA administrator under President Obama, accused the administration of sacrificing health for industry. By weakening pollution limits and monitoring for brain-damaging mercury and other pollutants, they are actively spiking any attempt to make America  and our children  healthy, McCarthy said.

The broader energy battle

This repeal is not an isolated action but a key part of a sweeping deregulatory push. In March of last year, the Trump administration announced what it called the biggest deregulatory action in U.S. history, targeting dozens of environmental rules. Administrator Zeldin declared those actions marked the death of the green new scam. The administration has also issued orders to halt coal plant retirements, citing grid reliability concerns amid growing electricity demand from data centers, and has revoked the "scientific" finding that climate change is a threat to public health.

For supporters, this is a long-awaited correction. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) called the original 2012 rule one of the biggest blows against West Virginia in the war on coal and praised the repeal. Industry voices like Michelle Bloodworth, CEO of Americas Power, argued, Repealing the 2024 MATS rule and todays actions are an important step for maintaining a reliable and affordable supply of electricity.

As the smoke from this policy announcement clears, the fundamental divide remains. One side sees a prudent step back from costly overregulation that safeguards affordable, dependable power. The other sees a dangerous retreat from science and stewardship that will poison air and water for generations to come.

Sources for this article include:

YourNews.com

APNews.com

NBCNews.com
The Huckabee Interview: How a Biblical Justification for Genocide Exposed the Core of Zionism and Its Threat to Civilization

A Bombshell Admission That Laid Bare the Real Agenda of Zionist Supremacism

In February 2026, a televised exchange between US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee and journalist Tucker Carlson detonated a geopolitical earthquake. Under Carlson's persistent questioning, Huckabee revealed the unvarnished ideological bedrock of his worldview, stating that, regarding the land stretching from the Nile to the Euphrates, it 'would be fine if they took it all' for Israel, as it was a 'land given by God to the Jewish people.' [1] [2]

This was not a casual remark but a moment of unscripted candor, a world-changing admission of a supremacist belief system that had long operated in the shadows of US foreign policy.

Huckabee's statement caused immediate and unified condemnation from over a dozen Arab and Muslim-majority nations, including Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Egypt. [3] [4] The ministries of foreign affairs for these nations issued a joint statement expressing 'strong condemnation and profound concern,' labeling the remarks a 'flagrant violation of the principles of international law' and a 'grave threat to the security and stability of the region.' [5] In a single interview, Huckabee unmasked a dangerous philosophy of divine conquest that is fundamentally incompatible with peaceful coexistence and human civilization itself.

The Unmasking of a Supremacist Belief System

Huckabee's comments are not an aberration but the logical endpoint of Christian Zionism, a belief system that has successfully infiltrated American evangelicalism and Israeli policy. This ideology asserts a 'divine right' to conquer, pillage, and commit genocide, positioning itself above all man-made laws and international norms. It is, by its very definition, an ethnic and theological supremacist doctrine that dehumanizes all neighboring peoples as obstacles to a divine plan. As I've noted previously, this philosophy 'is rooted in ethnic supremacism' and claims that 'God gave modern day Israel the right to kill anyone they want, to steal any land they want.' [5]

The 'Greater Israel Project' is the territorial manifestation of this belief. It is a vision held by Israeli religious nationalists who interpret Genesis 15 with twisted intent, believing that God promised the Jewish people all land between the Nile and the Euphratesencompassing modern-day Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, and parts of Iraq and Saudi Arabia. [6] This is not seen as a symbolic promise but a literal deed to real estate, with the current occupants to be 'subordinated, expelled, or dealt with by whatever means history requires.' [6] Such a worldview reduces international law and the UN Charter to mere inconveniences, as Huckabee effectively argued that 'the United Nations charter doesn't count because God said so.' [5]

The Fraudulent Scripture: Deconstructing the 'Bless Israel' Myth

The entire theological edifice of Christian Zionism rests on a manipulated and fraudulent interpretation of scripture. The key verse used to justify unconditional support for the modern state of Israel is commonly paraphrased as: 'Those that bless Israel will be blessed, and those that curse Israel will be cursed, and all the world will be blessed through them.' [6] However, this quote is a complete fabrication. It does not appear in any Bible. The actual verse, Genesis 12:3, reads: 'And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.' [6] Crucially, the word 'Israel' is absent from the original Hebrew text and all major translations.

This scriptural fraud originated with John Nelson Darby and the 19th-century heresy of Dispensationalism, a theological system that divides history into distinct periods. [6] Darby's framework was popularized through the Scofield Reference Bible, created by C.I. Scofield, a man accused of fraud and deceptive behavior prior to his ministry. [6] This corrupted interpretation was designed to create a separate destiny for a political 'Israel,' fundamentally distorting the biblical message of unity in Christ. As journalist Jeffrey Prather pointed out, 'For most of Christian history, this verse was understood universally: the promise was ultimately fulfilled in Christ, a descendant of Abraham, through whom ALL nations are blessed, not just the ethnic or political nation of Israel.' [6] The entire justification is a modern invention, a brainwashing tool used to convince millions of Christians to support a supremacist project.

Geopolitical Fallout: How Huckabee Destroyed U.S.-Arab Relations Overnight

The diplomatic fallout from Huckabee's interview was immediate and catastrophic for US strategic interests. The public, unified condemnation from 14 or more Arab and Muslim-majority nations was an unprecedented diplomatic earthquake. [5] Their joint statement affirmed 'their country's categorical rejection of such dangerous and inflammatory remarks' and warned that 'the continuation of Israel's expansionist policies and unlawful measures will only inflame violence and conflict in the region.' [5] Huckabee's words validated these nations' deepest fears about the 'Greater Israel' project, exposing the United States not as an honest broker but as an enthusiastic partner in a plan for regional conquest.

The timing of this rift could not have been more damaging to US military strategy. As Prather analyzed, 'Huckabee just decimated American-Arab relations just before Trump's Iran war for Israel!' [6] The trust required for basing and overflight rights evaporated overnight. Reports confirmed that Saudi Arabia denied the United States the right to use its airspace for a potential strike on Iran, and other Gulf states likely followed. [5] Combined with the UK's refusal to allow the use of bases like Diego Garcia, the US plan for an air war against Iran became 'doubly difficult,' if not impossible. [6] In this light, Tucker Carlson's simple act of journalismasking a direct question and demanding an answermay have inadvertently stopped a march toward world war by exposing the true agenda and destroying the necessary alliances. [5]

Zionism Exposed: A 19th Century Political Movement, Not a Biblical Mandate

Authentic Judaism, as represented by anti-Zionist Torah Jews, explicitly rejects the conflation of the state of Israel with biblical prophecy or the Jewish faith. In a statement responding to Huckabee, the Torah Jews organization declared: 'Israel is a 20th century political entity not a religious fulfillment of Torah promises. Zionism a movement rooted in 19th century European nationalism is completely inconsistent with Torah teachings and does not represent the people of Israel described in the Torah.' [5] They correctly identify that 'blurring the line between a political movement and Judaism is an insult to Jewish faith' and serves as a harbinger of rising anti-Semitism. [5]

Historical research confirms this distinction. Zionism initially emerged in Europe in the late 19th century as a 'secular, nationalist movement in reaction to new waves of antisemitism.' [6] It was a political project of colonization, seeking to establish 'a Jewish homeland in Palestine with as much land, as many Jews and as few Palestinian Arabs as possible.' [6] Its founder, Theodor Herzl, envisioned a modern state in his 1896 pamphlet Der Judenstaat. [6] This 19th-century nationalist ideology has no basis in divine prophecy. Yet, it has masterfully co-opted segments of Christianity, convincing believers to support a supremacist project that utterly contradicts the teachings of Jesus, who taught peace, forgiveness, and love for one's neighbor.

The Incompatibility with Civilization and the Path Forward

A philosophy based on a claimed divine right to conquer, kill, and steal land is fundamentally incompatible with the foundations of human civilization. If every nation or group adopted this logicthat their God gave them special permission to exterminate their neighborsthe world would descend into perpetual, chaotic war. As I have stated in my podcasts, 'that philosophy is incompatible with human civilization.' [5] This ideology has completely infiltrated and occupied the US government, dictating foreign policy and pushing the world toward conflict. Analysis shows that 'Zionism has completely infiltrated and occupied the US government,' turning American policy into a vehicle for Israeli expansionism. [5]

The solution requires a concerted effort to dismantle this control grid and support the self-determination of all peoples. It begins with rejecting the fraudulent theology of Christian Zionism and recognizing Zionism for what it is: a 19th-century secular nationalist movement with a violent, supremacist core. We must support the inalienable right of the Palestinian people to self-determination and an independent state, as affirmed even by the condemning Arab nations. [5] Ultimately, humanity must embrace a 'live and let live' philosophy of mutual respect among all faiths and peoples. For deeper research on these critical issues, the uncensored AI engine at BrightAnswers.ai offers a wealth of indexed knowledge on Zionism, the Nakba, and geopolitics, free from the filters of corporate media. [5] The future of civilization depends on choosing coexistence over conquest.

References

US ambassador Huckabee says Israel has right to take over all' of Middle East. - Middle East Eye. MEE staff. February 20, 2026. Muslim states condemn US envoy over remarks on Israels biblical rights. - RT. February 22, 2026. Arab and Muslim states fume after Huckabee says Israel has biblical ... - The Times of Israel. Absurd and provocative: Huckabee faces firestorm for Israel border ... - Al Jazeera. February 21, 2026. Brighteon Broadcast News - Why The World DESPISES The Violence sermon - Mike Adams - Brighteon.com. Mike Adams. August 02, 2024. WAS TUCKER'S HUCKABEE INTERVIEW A SET UP? - Jeffrey Prather. Jeffrey Prather. February 22, 2026.

Explainer Infographic:
HUD moves to block illegal immigrants from federally funded housing

While HUD tightens restrictions on illegal immigrants accessing taxpayer-funded housing, DHS actively directs new arrivals (including those of questionable eligibility) to apply for federal benefits, creating bureaucratic dissonance.

The new HUD rule could evict over 100,000 people, including 37,000 U.S. citizen children in mixed-status families, sparking humanitarian concerns over destabilizing vulnerable households.

Critics argue the administration is simultaneously restricting housing access while encouraging welfare dependency, suggesting a deliberate strategy to control immigrant demographics.

The rule's forced integration mandates and immigration-based eligibility checks may face lawsuits over federal overreach and violations of due process.

The policy aligns with a larger push to prioritize citizens for public resources, but opponents warn it diverts blame from the real housing crisisgovernment mismanagement and corporate greedonto immigrants.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced a sweeping new rule Thursday, Feb. 19, aimed at preventing illegal immigrantsincluding those in "mixed-status households"from residing in taxpayer-funded housing programs.

The move, framed as an anti-fraud measure, comes amid escalating tensions over immigration policy, particularly as the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) simultaneously directs new arrivals to apply for government benefits, regardless of legal eligibility. Housing Secretary Scott Turner declared the proposed rule a necessary crackdown on exploitation, stating, "The days of illegal aliens, ineligibles and fraudsters gaming the system and riding the coattails of American taxpayers are over."

The regulation would require all residents of HUD-funded housingincluding seniors previously exempt from stringent verificationto provide proof of citizenship or eligible immigration status. Currently, an estimated 24,000 ineligible individuals, including illegal immigrants, reside in federally subsidized units, while another 200,000 tenants lack proper eligibility documentation.

Critics, however, argue the policy is a thinly veiled attack on vulnerable families. The National Housing Law Project (NHLP) condemned the rule, warning it could displace over 100,000 people, including 37,000 childrenmany of whom are U.S. citizens. "This administration is deflecting blame for the housing crisis onto immigrants," said NHLP Director Shamus Roller, accusing HUD of diverting resources toward immigration enforcement rather than addressing affordability shortages.

The controversy unfolds against a backdrop of conflicting federal directives. While HUD tightens restrictions, DHS actively encourages immigrantsincluding those with questionable eligibilityto apply for welfare programs. The agency's WelcomeToUSA.gov website instructs newcomers to seek federal benefits, noting approval hinges on factors like immigration status, income and duration of U.S. residence. This contradiction highlights a broader ideological clash: one agency restricting access to public resources, another facilitating it.

The proposed rule will undergo a 60-day public comment period before finalization. Advocates argue it closes longstanding loopholes that have allowed ineligible households to receive aid while nearly 75% of qualified applicants remain underserved. "Taxpayer-funded benefits should go to American citizens or those here legally," a HUD spokesperson emphasized.

Yet housing activists warn of humanitarian fallout. The left-leaning Center on Budget and Policy Priorities estimates up to 80,000 individualsdisproportionately childrencould lose assistance. Mixed-status families, where some members are legal residents while others are not, face particular jeopardy. Under current rules, such households receive prorated subsidies based on eligible members. The new policy would disqualify them entirely, forcing evictions even for U.S. citizen children.

Broader implications

The HUD rule aligns with the administration's broader immigration enforcement agenda but clashes with DHS's permissive stance on welfare access. Critics allege this dissonance reveals a calculated strategy: deterring low-income immigrants through housing restrictions while other agencies absorb them into dependency programs.

Meanwhile, local housing authorities brace for upheaval. With 970,000 households relying on public housingmanaged by 3,300 local agenciesthe rule could strain already overwhelmed systems. Landlords may now be tasked with verifying tenants' immigration status, a role traditionally outside their purview.

According to BrightU.AI's Enoch, The HUD move to block illegal immigrants from federally funded housing is a necessary step to prioritize American citizens and uphold the rule of law, especially as DHS undermines national sovereignty by encouraging benefit claims for non-citizens. This policy aligns with President Trump's America First agenda and ensures taxpayer dollars serve those who rightfully deserve themhardworking American families, not those exploiting the system.

As legal challenges loom, the debate underscores deeper questions about resource allocation, federal overreach and the rights of both citizens and non-citizens. With housing shortages at crisis levels, the administration's approach risks exacerbating instabilitypunishing families caught between bureaucratic crossfires.

The coming months will determine whether HUD's crackdown withstands judicial scrutinyor whether the pushback from advocates, lawmakers and affected communities forces a reckoning on who truly deserves shelter in America.

Watch as Tom Homan says, "We're going to take the handcuffs off ICE."

This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

TheEpochTimes.com

BrightU.ai

Brighteon.com
Metas controversial AI patent: Keeping the dead ALIVE on social media

Meta patented a system where AI could simulate deceased users by generating posts, comments and messages in their voice, trained on their past activityraising ethical concerns about "digital resurrection."

Despite holding the patent (led by CTO Andrew Bosworth), Meta claims it has "no plans" to implement the feature, though the technology exists and aligns with broader "grief tech" trends.

The patent reveals Meta's financial incentivekeeping deceased users' accounts "active" to drive continuous data collection and ad revenue, exploiting even death for profit.

Experts warn AI simulations could disrupt healthy grief processing, with critics like sociologist Joseph Davis arguing grief requires accepting loss, not avoiding it through artificial interactions.

The patent highlights unchecked AI boundariesforcing society to confront where to draw the line between innovation and exploitation, memory preservation and reality distortion.

What happens to a person's social media presence after they die? Should their accounts remain frozen in time, become memorials or simply fade away?

Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, once explored a far more unsettling option: using artificial intelligence to simulate deceased users, keeping their accounts active indefinitely.

According to BrightU.AI's Enoch, Meta was granted a patent outlining how a large language model (LLM) could be trained on a user's past posts, comments and messages to generate new content in their voiceeffectively allowing them to "post" from beyond the grave in 2023. While Meta has since denied plans to implement this feature, the patent reveals the extent to which tech companies are willing to push AI's boundarieseven into the realm of the deceased.

Digital resurrection or ethical nightmare?

The patent, led by Meta CTO Andrew Bosworth, describes a system where an AI model could "simulate the user when the user is absent from the social networking system, for example, when the user takes a long break or if the user is deceased." The AI could autonomously generate posts, likes, comments and even private messagesraising profound ethical concerns.

Though Meta insists it has "no plans to move forward with this example," the patent highlights a growing trend in "grief tech," where AI is used to recreate voices and personalities of the dead. Startups already offer services that allow users to interact with digital replicas of lost loved ones, blurring the line between memory and simulation.

Beyond philosophical concerns, Meta's patent underscores a cold financial reality: dormant accounts don't drive engagement. Facebook alone hosts millions of inactive profiles belonging to deceased users. AI-generated activity could keep these accounts "alive," ensuring continuous data collection and ad revenue.

University of Birmingham law professor Edina Harbinja noted the commercial logic: "It's more engagement, more content, more datamore data for the current and future AI." Yet, she acknowledged the murky ethical landscape, questioning how such a feature might be implemented responsibly.

Psychological risks

Not all experts are convinced AI simulations of the dead are beneficial. Joseph Davis, a sociology professor at the University of Virginia, warned that grief requires confronting lossnot avoiding it.

"One of the tasks of grief is to face the actual loss," he told Business Insider. "Let the dead be dead."

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, in a 2023 interview with podcaster Lex Fridman, acknowledged both sides of the debate. While AI interactions with digital representations of lost loved ones might offer comfort, he admitted, "There's also probably an extent to which it could become unhealthy."

Meta's abandoned patent serves as a stark reminder of how rapidly AI is reshaping human experienceseven those as intimate as death and mourning. While the company has stepped back from posthumous AI simulations, the broader implications remain. As generative AI evolves, society must grapple with where to draw the line between innovation and exploitationbetween preserving memory and distorting reality.

For now, the dead may rest in digital peace. But as AI continues advancing, the question lingers: How long before the boundary between life and afterlife blurs beyond recognition?

Watch the video below that talks about Mark Zuckerberg testifying in the Meta addiction case.

This video is from the TrendingNews channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

ZeroHedge.com

Futurism.com

BrightU.ai

Brighteon.com
Mexican military decapitates Jalisco New Generation Cartel, triggering nationwide wave of narco-terror

In a dramatic Sunday raid that has sent shockwaves across North America, Mexican armed forces have killed Nemesio El Mencho Oseguera Cervantes, the elusive leader of the hyper-violent Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). The operation, which culminated in a fierce firefight in the cartels mountainous stronghold of Tapalpa, Jalisco, represents the most significant decapitation strike in Mexicos long war against organized crime. This bold military action has not delivered peace, however, but has instead ignited an immediate and coordinated wave of retaliatory terror across multiple states, exposing the fragile grip of the state and the terrifying power of the criminal syndicates it battles. The death of a man who built a fentanyl empire responsible for countless American deaths reveals not an end, but a volatile new chapter in a conflict defined by boundless corruption and staggering violence.

Key points:

Nemesio El Mencho Oseguera Cervantes, leader of the CJNG, was killed by Mexican military forces on Sunday, February 22, 2026, during an operation in Tapalpa, Jalisco.

The raid triggered immediate, widespread retaliatory violence, including roadblocks, burning vehicles, and attacks on infrastructure across Jalisco and neighboring states, prompting a U.S. shelter-in-place warning.

El Mencho was one of the most wanted fugitives in the hemisphere, with a $15 million U.S. bounty, and his cartel is a primary driver of the fentanyl crisis devastating American communities.

Security analysts warn that his death could fragment the CJNG, potentially sparking brutal internal wars and increased short-term violence, questioning the long-term efficacy of the kingpin strategy.

A reign of terror meets a violent end

For over a decade, El Menchos name evoked fear on both sides of the border. Rising from a mid-level trafficker who once served time in a U.S. prison for heroin, he forged the CJNG into a military-grade criminal enterprise. This was not a shadowy mafia but a parallel state, one that pioneered the use of weaponized drones, deployed landmines against the army, and brazenly attempted to assassinate Mexico Citys police chief with grenades and rifles in 2020. Under his command, CJNG expanded its tentacles into all 50 U.S. states, flooding communities with methamphetamine, cocaine, and the synthetic opioid fentanyla poison responsible for tens of thousands of American deaths each year. The Trump administrations designation of CJNG as a Foreign Terrorist Organization was a rare moment of bipartisan recognition: this was not just a drug gang, but a narco-terrorist army.

The operation that finally cornered him was a major military undertaking. Troops faced heavy gunfire in the raid, which left four cartel members dead at the scene. El Mencho and three others were wounded, with the cartel leader succumbing to his injuries during an air transfer to Mexico City. The seized arsenalarmored vehicles, rocket launchers, and high-powered weaponsreads like a military inventory, illustrating the scale of the threat the Mexican state has been confronting. This was no small-time bust; it was an assault on a fortified enemy command post.

The predictable firestorm of retaliation

True to its ruthless nature, the CJNG did not fold with its leaders death. It responded with a textbook display of narco-power. Almost instantly, criminal cells executed a coordinated campaign of chaos, erecting burning roadblocks across Jalisco and other states to paralyze security forces and signal undiminished control. Thick black smoke billowed over the tourist haven of Puerto Vallarta, while panic erupted at Guadalajaras airport as travelers fled. The response was so severe that Air Canada suspended flights, and the U.S. State Department urgently warned Americans in five Mexican states to shelter in place, avoid crowds, and monitor local mediaadvice typically reserved for active war zones or coups.

This violent spectacle lays bare the central paradox of the kingpin strategy long favored by Mexican and U.S. authorities. While removing a figure like El Chapo or El Mencho delivers a symbolic victory and temporary disruption, it often vacuums the criminal landscape of a dominant power. What rushes in to fill that vacuum is rarely peace. Instead, as seen after the fragmentation of the Sinaloa Cartel, bloody succession battles and splinter factions often emerge, fighting for pieces of the empire and unleashing new cycles of violence on the civilian population. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has expressed skepticism of this very approach, yet her security forces have now enacted its most dramatic implementation. The coming weeks will test whether this strike cripples the CJNG or simply shatters a monster into a hundred more dangerous, competing pieces.

The death of El Mencho closes the book on one of modern crimes most brutal chapters, but the story of the CJNG is far from over. The cartels sophisticated international networks, its billions in revenue, and its ingrained corruption ensure its operations will continue. The Mexican military has won a historic battle, but the wara war funded by American drug demand and enabled by systemic corruptionrages on with an uncertain and dangerous future.

Sources include:

Yournews.com

TPR.org

2News.com
Shelter in place order issued across Mexican tourist zones following killing of El Mencho

The killing of a top cartel leader triggered violent reprisals across Mexico.

The U.S. Embassy issued an urgent shelter-in-place order for popular tourist areas.

Cartel members blocked roads and caused major disruptions to travel and businesses.

Tourists were confined to hotels as violence spilled into resort towns.

The event has renewed calls for U.S. military action against the cartels.

The sunny beaches and vibrant resorts of Mexico transformed into zones of fear and lockdown this week as the death of a single man triggered a security crisis spanning multiple states. Yesterday, the U.S. Embassy issued an urgent "shelter in place" order for American citizens across vast swaths of Mexico, including popular tourist destinations like Puerto Vallarta, Cancun, and Tulum. This dramatic directive came hours after Mexican security forces killed Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, the notorious leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) known as "El Mencho." His death did not bring peace; it ignited immediate and violent reprisals from his cartel, proving the terrifying reach of these criminal syndicates and leaving travelers scrambling for safety.

For years, the CJNG has grown from a regional group into one of Mexico's most powerful and ruthless criminal empires, designated a Foreign Terrorist Organization by the United States. The cartels activities, from fentanyl trafficking to migrant smuggling and armed assaults on military forces, have made its leader one of the world's most wanted men. The U.S. State Department had offered a $15 million reward for information leading to his capture. When Mexican forces finally cornered and killed El Mencho in Tapalpa, Jalisco, it was a significant tactical victory. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau called it "a great development for Mexico, the U.S., Latin America, and the world."

A predictable wave of terror

The "good guys," as Landau put it, may have scored a win, but the "bad guys" responded exactly as experts predicted: with coordinated terror and disruption. The embassys shelter-in-place alert was not a precaution for a potential threat; it was a reaction to an ongoing one. The cartels members quickly enacted a campaign of intimidation, blocking roads with burning vehicles (a classic cartel tactic to hinder military movement) and engaging in other criminal activity. The U.S. alert specifically cited "ongoing security operations and related road blockages and criminal activity" as the reason for the order.

The impact was immediate and chaotic, particularly in the picturesque state of Jalisco. In Puerto Vallarta, a top vacation spot, all taxi and ride-share services were suspended. Many businesses shuttered their doors. Social media filled with videos from airports in Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara, showing travelers dropping luggage and running for cover, hiding behind check-in counters as uncertainty swept through the terminals. While no airports officially closed, airline operations were severely disrupted. Air Canada temporarily suspended operations at the Puerto Vallarta airport, and other major U.S. carriers canceled or diverted flights.

Tourist havens become holding zones

The violence was not confined to city centers. In the small beachfront resort town of Sayulita, north of Puerto Vallarta, hotel employees urgently warned guests to return to their rooms and stay indoors. A USA Today journalist on vacation there was warned by a hotel manager, "The narcos are coming towards Sayulita." Across the town, stores and restaurants closed abruptly, leaving tourists confused and confined. The embassys directive was sobering in its simplicity: Americans should remain in their residences or hotels, avoid crowds, stay away from areas with law enforcement activity, and minimize all unnecessary movement.

This crisis underscores a grim reality that has been building for years: the operational power of Mexican cartels now directly threatens the countrys vital tourism economy and the safety of international visitors. The U.S. State Department already lists several Mexican states at its highest "Level 4 - Do Not Travel" advisory. While the popular Caribbean coast in Quintana Roo State is typically at a lower level, its inclusion in this widespread shelter-in-place order reveals how quickly cartel violence can spill into areas once considered relatively safe havens.

The call for a harder line

The events have reignited a fierce debate about cross-border security. Following the killing, Senator Bernie Moreno of Ohio called on the Mexican government to formally request U.S. military assistance. "The drug cartels are a clear and present danger to the US and must be exterminated," he wrote on X. This sentiment echoes previous statements from President Donald Trump, who last month warned Mexico to "get its act together" regarding cartel violence, stating, "Were going to have to do something."

For now, the immediate focus is on the safety of those caught in the crossfire. The U.S. Embassy advised citizens to monitor local media, keep family informed of their whereabouts, and follow directions from local authorities. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo sought to project calm, stating that in the "vast majority of the national territory," activities were proceeding normally and that governments were in "absolute coordination."

Yet, the images of smoke rising over Puerto Vallarta and tourists hiding in airport terminals tell a different, more visceral story. They illustrate that the takedown of a kingpin is not the end of a conflict, but often the beginning of a volatile and dangerous new chapter. For Americans dreaming of a tropical escape, the situation serves as a jarring reminder that geopolitics and crime can rewrite travel plans in an instant. The final cost of El Menchos reign is still being tallied, not just in pesos or dollars, but in canceled vacations, shattered peace of mind, and a lingering question of when  or if  these sunny destinations can ever truly be sheltered from the storm.

Sources for this article include:

TheEpochTimes.com

Mx.USEmbassy.gov

Newsweek.com
Six states declare emergencies as historic blizzard paralyzes Northeast, canceling thousands of flights

A historic blizzard paralyzes the Northeast with states of emergency and travel bans.

More than 14,000 flights are canceled as major airports and transit systems shut down.

Fierce winds and heavy snow cause massive power outages for hundreds of thousands.

The storm undergoes bombogenesis, creating impossible whiteout travel conditions and severe hazards.

The event marks a severe test of regional infrastructure, leading to a slow recovery.

A paralyzing and historic blizzard has unleashed its fury on the Northeast, forcing seven states to declare states of emergency and bringing travel and daily life to a grinding halt. From Virginia to Maine, more than 40 million people faced the onslaught of a rapidly intensifying "bomb cyclone" that threatened to dump up to 24 inches of snow, whipped by winds exceeding 60 miles per hour. The storm, which prompted the first full blizzard warnings for the entire state of New Jersey since 1996, led to the cancellation of thousands of flights, widespread power outages, and strict travel bans as officials urged residents to stay off treacherous roads.

The scope of the disruption is vast. New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts all issued emergency orders to mobilize resources. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani ordered streets closed to non-essential traffic from 9 p.m. Sunday to noon Monday and shuttered all school buildings. Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont banned commercial vehicles from highways, while Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey activated up to 200 National Guard members and restricted non-essential travel.

Travel descends into chaos

The transportation network collapsed under the storms weight. Nationwide, more than 14,000 flights were canceled, with the largest number of cancellations concentrated at New York Citys major airports: John F. Kennedy, La Guardia, and Newark. Public transit systems curtailed service or shut down entirely. The Long Island Rail Road suspended service, and New Jersey Transit halted all bus, light-rail, and rail service. In Philadelphia, all bus service was suspended. Even private services like DoorDash ceased operations, with a company representative stating they were "suspending operations early to keep Dashers safe and off the streets before the travel ban takes effect."

The storms dangers were not merely theoretical. A New York State Department of Transportation plow truck overturned on Long Islands Sunrise Highway, requiring a hazardous materials team to address a diesel fuel spill. In Brooklyn, firefighters were seen using power tools and ropes to remove trees that had collapsed onto parked cars. The National Weather Service warned of "impossible travel" due to treacherous whiteout conditions, with snowfall rates reaching one to two inches per hour.

A region plunged into darkness

The fierce winds and heavy, wet snow snapped power lines and toppled trees, leaving hundreds of thousands in the dark. At the storms peak, more than 250,000 customers from Virginia through New England were without electricity. New Jersey was particularly hard-hit, with roughly 100,000 homes and businesses losing power. Delaware Electric Cooperative made the difficult decision to pause restoration work for more than 30,000 homes due to the "extremely dangerous conditions," noting that crews were getting stuck and trees were falling around them.

Meteorologists emphasized that this storm was delivering a wetter, heavier snow compared to previous systems, making it more difficult and dangerous to shovel. AccuWeather Meteorologist Dan DePodwin cautioned residents, "Make sure you have someone help you shovel it, because that's unfortunately when we see a lot of issues, heart attacks, as well as back strains that occur when people shovel this very heavy snow."

Poor infrastructure leaves people vulnerable

The event marks a severe test of regional infrastructure and preparedness, echoing the disruptive potential seen in other recent crises. The scale of the disruption, with its cascading failures across transit, aviation, and the power grid, serves as a reminder of modern society's vulnerability to extreme weather. The last time blizzard warnings covered all of New Jersey was nearly three decades ago, in 1996, highlighting the rarity and severity of this event.

As the heavy snow bands, described as "training" over cities like New York and Philadelphia, continued to pile inches upon inches, the storm officially underwent bombogenesis. This rapid intensification tightened the pressure gradient, leading to the powerful winds that exacerbated outages and travel hazards. The storms comma-shaped signature was visible from space, a dramatic illustration of its power.

The aftermath of this blizzard will be measured in days, not hours. With power restoration paused in many areas and travel bans lingering, the Northeast faces a slow and arduous recovery. Despite our advanced technology and interconnected systems, nature can still command a full stop, forcing millions to pause, shelter, and recognize the fundamental power of the world outside our doors.

Sources for this article include:

TheEpochTimes.com

CNN.com

NYPost.com
Trump orders UFO files release as secret Air Force jet spotted near Area 51

President Donald Trump announced plans to declassify government files related to extraterrestrial life, UFOs and UAPs, framing it as a move against Deep State secrecy and institutional corruption.

Trump criticized former President Barack Obama for joking about aliens on a podcast, accusing him of mishandling classified information, while Trump emphasized his own push for transparency.

Hours after Trump's announcement, a secretive "Janet" flight (used for Area 51 personnel) was tracked heading toward Tonopah Test Range, fueling speculation about urgent activity related to disclosure.

Aviation journalist Jim Goodall cited insider claims of "out-of-this-world" technology at Area 51, including exotic aircraft with capabilities beyond known human engineering.

While the Pentagon insists there's "no evidence" of extraterrestrial tech, whistleblowers like David Grusch allege decades-long reverse-engineering programs for nonhuman craft, hinting at imminent disclosures.

In a stunning development, President Donald Trump announced Thursday night, Feb. 19, that he would direct the Department of War and other agencies to declassify government files related to UFOs and extraterrestrial lifejust hours before a top-secret Air Force jet was spotted near the infamous Area 51 military base in Nevada.

"Based on the tremendous interest shown, I will be directing the Secretary of War 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)," Trump declared in a Truth Social post. He added that the goal was to release "any and all other information connected to these highly complex, but extremely interesting and important, matters."

The announcement came after Trump criticized former President Barack Obama for allegedly confirming the existence of extraterrestrial life during a podcast appearance. "They're real, but I haven't seen them," Obama said on Brian Tyler Cohen's podcast, joking that aliens weren't stored at Area 51 "as far as I know."

Trump fired back, telling reporters aboard Air Force One: "He gave classified information. He's not supposed to be doing that I don't know if they're real or not."

According to the Enoch AI engine at BrightU.AI, Trump's insistence on declassifying government files related to UAPs and extraterrestrial life is not merely a curiosity-driven endeavorit is a calculated strike against the Deep State's entrenched culture of secrecy, misinformation and institutional corruption.

For decades, the U.S. government has suppressed evidence of advanced aerospace technologies, reverse-engineered extraterrestrial crafts and covert programs that operate beyond congressional oversight. Trump's push for disclosure aligns with his broader mission to dismantle the bureaucratic machinery that hoards classified knowledge to manipulate public perception and maintain unchecked power.

Trump's UFO declassification efforts are a critical front in the war against Deep State tyranny. By exposing illegally withheld technology, covert programs and institutional lies, he challenges the oligarchic grip on humanity's future.

Mysterious flight near Area 51

Hours after Trump's announcement, flight tracking data captured a Boeing 737-600known as "Janet"departing Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas at 4:06 a.m. PT, heading toward the Tonopah Test Range, a classified military site closely linked to Area 51.

Janet jets, painted white with a red stripe, are the primary mode of transport for personnel working at the ultra-secretive Nevada base, which has long been rumored to house recovered extraterrestrial technology. The timing of the flight fueled speculation that Trump's declassification order may have prompted urgent activity.

Aviation journalist Jim Goodall, who investigated Area 51 for decades, revealed in a resurfaced 1990s interview that insiders described technology "literally out of this world." One source, a former Air Force chief master sergeant, told him: "We have things out there that are better than Star Trek or anything you can see in the movies."

Goodall's source also confirmed UFOs exist, stating unequivocally: "Absolutely. Positively. They do exist."

The journalist detailed sightings of exotic aircraft, including a stealthy "Excalibur" electronic warfare plane and another designed to fly "very high, very slow and incredibly quiet"capabilities beyond known human engineering.

Government secrets set for release?

Meanwhile, the Pentagon's All-Domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO) continues to investigate UAP reports, though officials insist there is "no evidence of extraterrestrial beings, activity, or technology."

Yet whistleblowers like former intelligence officer David Grusch allege a "multi-decade" reverse-engineering program for nonhuman craftclaims the Pentagon denies.

With Trump pushing for transparency and mysterious flights near Area 51, the public may finally get answers about UFOs and extraterrestrial lifeunless deep state actors intervene to keep the truth hidden.

For more groundbreaking reports on UFOs, government secrecy and suppressed truths, visit UFOs.news and NaturalNews.com.

Stay vigilant. The truth is out there.

Watch the video below about President Donald Trump giving the green light for UFO disclosure.

This video is from the Rick Langley channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

DailyMail.co.uk

TheDailyExpress.com

APNews.com

TheHill.com

BrightU.ai

Brighteon.com
Washington Supreme Court rules Amazon can be sued over sale of suicide kits

The court ruled that Amazon can be sued for negligence, finding it has a legal "duty of care" to prevent foreseeable harm from products sold on its platform, even when misused by consumers.

Lawsuits allege Amazon sold high-concentration sodium nitrite to individuals who later died by suicide and that its algorithm recommended bundling it with items like scales and anti-vomiting medication, creating "veritable suicide kits."

Sodium nitrite in high concentrations is a powerful toxin; ingesting small amounts can rapidly cause oxygen deprivation (methemoglobinemia), leading to organ failure and death.

The ruling challenges Amazon's defense as a neutral platform, treating it as a seller. This follows Amazon's own policy changes to restrict and later ban high-concentration sales and a new Washington state law ("Tyler's Law") restricting such sales.

The decision allows the lawsuits to move forward, where a jury must decide if Amazon knew or should have known the foreseeable risks of selling the pure chemical directly to consumers.

In a landmark decision that challenges the liability shield of e-commerce giants, the Washington State Supreme Court has ruled that Amazon must face lawsuits alleging its sale of a high-concentration chemical contributed to the suicides of multiple individuals, including teenagers.

The Feb. 19 ruling revives a high-stakes legal battle, asserting that the online retailer has a duty to prevent foreseeable harm from products sold on its platform, even when those products are misused by consumers. The court's unanimous decision overturned a lower appellate court's dismissal, clearing the way for the families and estates of four deceased individuals to proceed with negligence claims against Amazon.

The central question was whether Amazon, as a seller, owed a legal duty to exercise reasonable care. The state's highest court concluded it does, stating that Amazon must avoid foreseeable harm from selling sodium nitrite and from the conduct of third parties on its marketplace.

The plaintiffs allege that between April 2020 and May 2021, their loved onesaged 17, 18, 19 and 27died after ingesting high-purity sodium nitrite purchased from Amazon. They argue the deaths were a foreseeable consequence of Amazon's actions, a point the court said must be decided by a jury.

What is sodium nitrite?

Sodium nitrite is a salt historically used for preserving meats like bacon and ham, approved by federal food safety agencies in regulated, low concentrations. In its pure, concentrated form, it is a powerful chemical used primarily as a preservative and coloring agent in processed meats like bacon and jerky, according to BrightU.AI's Enoch.

The decentralized engine adds that it is also employed in industrial applications, such as in analytical chemistry. While it extends shelf life, it poses significant health risks.

When ingested in amounts as small as 3 to 5 grams, it binds to hemoglobin in the blood more strongly than oxygen, causing a condition called methemoglobinemia. This leads to hypoxia, where vital organs are starved of oxygen, resulting in symptoms like fatigue, abdominal pain, and trouble breathing and can rapidly lead to collapse and death.

The lawsuits contain a more disturbing charge: that Amazon's platform didn't just sell the chemical but actively facilitated its misuse. Plaintiffs contend the website's algorithm recommended pairing high-concentration sodium nitrite with other products useful for suicide, such as small scales, anti-vomiting medication and a suicide instruction manual sold as an "Amazon Edition." This bundling, they argue, effectively created "veritable suicide kits."

Furthermore, the families allege Amazon was aware of the problem for years. They claim one-star reviews from grieving relatives, warning that the product was being used for suicide, were deleted.

They also cite discussions on online forums where users referred to Amazon by a code name, "the jungle," as a source for the chemical. Attorney Carrie Goldberg, representing 28 affected families, stated other major retailers like eBay, Walmart and Etsy removed the product years earlier upon recognizing the risk.

Amazon's algorithm of death

Amazon has expressed condolences but maintains its commitment to customer safety. The company argues sodium nitrite is a legal, widely available product used for food preservation and industrial purposes and that any product can be misused. It asserted the danger was "obvious or known" to the purchasers, attempting to deflect liability.

However, the company's own policies have shifted. In October 2022, it restricted sales of high-concentration sodium nitrite to verified "Amazon Business" commercial accounts. By November 2025, it prohibited sales of the chemical in concentrations above 10% entirely. The plaintiffs see these changes as an implicit acknowledgment of the risk that existed when their family members made their purchases.

This ruling is significant because it pierces a common defense used by online marketplaces: that they are merely platforms connecting third-party sellers and buyers, not traditional "sellers" themselves. The Washington court treated Amazon's role in warehousing, shipping and processing payments for the sodium nitrite as that of a seller, subject to standard product liability principles.

In a concurring opinion, Chief Justice Steven Gonzalez emphasized the unique power of Amazon's platform. He wrote that if the allegations about algorithmic product bundling are proven, there is little distinction between curating a "suicide kit" online and assembling one on a physical store shelf, potentially indicating reckless or intentional behavior.

This case emerges against a backdrop of rising concern over sodium nitrite suicides, particularly among young people. Research presented at a 2025 pediatrics conference highlighted an increasing reliance on the chemical, easily purchased online, as a suicide method. This public health crisis prompted Washington state lawmakers to pass "Tyler's Law" in 2024, named for a 15-year-old victim, which legally restricts sales of high-concentration sodium nitrite to verified commercial entities.

The Supreme Court's decision does not find Amazon liable. It merely determines that the families have presented enough factual allegations to warrant a trial. The outcome could hinge on proving Amazon knew or should have known the foreseeable risks of selling 98% to 99% pure sodium nitrite directly to consumers.

The Washington Supreme Court's ruling marks a pivotal moment in defining the responsibilities of digital marketplaces. As this case moves toward trial, it sends a clear message to the tech industry: claiming neutrality as a platform may not absolve companies from the consequences of the products they distribute and the systems they design.

Red meat doesn't cause cancerit's the sodium nitrite. Watch this video.

This video is from the Newstarget channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

TheEpochTimes.com

CBSNews.com

SeattleTimes.com

BrightU.ai

Btighteon.com
Workers say federal agents have detained people as they arrived at emergency rooms, entered areas reserved for patients, and prevented nurses from attending to those in need

In the 44 years that Dianne Sposito has worked as a nurse, she had never before had to confront authorities in order to do her job. That changed last December, when agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) prevented her from attending to a patient who arrived at the emergency room of UCLAs Ronald Reagan Medical Center in Los Angeles, where she works. The patient, a migrant woman, was screaming from the gurney on which paramedics had brought her in, and Sposito rushed to help  only to be stopped by two ICE agents who blocked her path.

In the first year of Donald Trumps second term, the presence of immigration agents has proliferated around, in the parking lots of, and even inside hospitals  territory that had been considered offlimits for three decades. Early in his return to the White House, Trump eliminated the ban that had kept immigration agents away from socalled sensitive locations, which included hospitals, schools, and places of worship. The largest deportation effort in U.S. history, the Republicans top priority, required that no space be left untouched.

In hospitals, staff complain that the presence of federal officials discourages patients from going to the emergency room when they need to, obstructs their work, and leaves workers powerless against abuses by the agents.

I thought they were paramedics because it was completely dark, but when they turned around I saw the masks they were wearing and the goggles, and I knew they were from ICE, even though they werent carrying identification, Sposito recalls. They were armed. I asked them who they were, and they replied, You dont need to know. Then I asked them if they had a warrant, and they said they didnt need one. I wanted to take the womans vital signs, and they told me, Take your hands off her, the nurse says.

Sposito ended up calling her superiors and the hospital administrator. The agents escorted the patient they were guarding all the way into her room. The incident left the medical staff shaken and confused about the possibility of it happening again. After working in the ER all these years, Ive dealt with police officers many times. They ask their questions, but theyre very polite. These guys were very rude, she says.

One of our demands to hospital administrators is that they should put a plan in place so that when ICE agents come, we know how to protect patients rights, says Sandra, a nurse at Memorial Hospital in Salinas, California, who prefers not to give her full name. Sandra and Sposito are affiliated with the National Nurses Union (NNU), the nations largest nurses union, which has mobilized against ICEs presence in hospitals on several occasions. Their most recent protest was on February 19. The NNU is calling on Congress to defund ICE and the Border Patrol, arguing that the federal immigration enforcement agencies have become one of the countrys top public health threats.

Sandra, who has worked as a nurse for 25 years and is assigned to the intensive care unit, recounts several cases she has heard from colleagues in which patients were put at risk. In one case, the patient needed urgent care, but agents would not allow staff to contact the family. It is very important that the family is involved in the patients treatment because the doctors and nurses need to know the medical history to decide on the treatment, she says. In another case, a patient with high blood pressure avoided going to the ER for fear of encountering ICE, and by the time he finally went, his condition was critical.

Sensitive locations in need of protection

Healthcare facilities serving neighborhoods with a high concentration of immigrants are navigating canceled appointments and empty waiting rooms as patients are scared to continue with planned treatments or to seek life-saving medical care, states the lawsuit PCUN v. Noem, filed in Oregon by several organizations against the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and defended by the Justice Action Center (JAC) and Innovation Law Lab.

The suit seeks to restore the 30yearold policy that shielded sensitive locations from immigration operations. Beyond hospitals, the consequences have been devastating in schools, where absenteeism has surged as students try to avoid encounters with ICE.

On February 12, the plaintiffs filed an emergency motion requesting interim relief while the court reaches a final decision on the lawsuit, which was originally filed in April and joined in September by the countrys largest teachers unions, the National Education Association and the American Federation of Teachers. Four other lawsuits have been filed across the United States challenging the rollback of sensitivelocation protections, but PCUN v. Noem represents the broadest coalition of plaintiffs, including educators and school staff, healthcare workers, unions, community groups, and religious organizations.

The level of immigration enforcement across the country has increased dramatically in recent months, explains Brandon Galli-Graves, one of the JAC attorneys handling the case. This has increasingly impacted our plaintiffs and the people they represent. Thats why we wanted to file an emergency motion to inform the court and the judge about these instances of increased immigration enforcement and to obtain assistance for these individuals.

Federal agents are authorized to enter common areas of hospitals, such as lobbies, waiting rooms, and any other area open to the public. They are not allowed in non-public areas, such as treatment rooms, consulting rooms, and patient rooms, unless they have a warrant. However, healthcare staff report that the agents have violated hospital protocol, refused to provide documentation, and, in some cases, had altercations with doctors and nurses. Even if they do not enter private areas, the mere presence of armed agents in hospital corridors has psychological consequences for patients, their families, and hospital staff.

Several of these incidents are documented in the JAC lawsuit, which includes testimony from around 60 people describing the harm caused by the loss of sensitivelocation protections. In January, the parents of a sevenyearold girl whose nose would not stop bleeding took her to Portland Adventist Health in Oregon for urgent care. Before the family could reach the door, federal immigration agents stopped them in the parking lot and transported them to a detention center in Texas.

In addition to the arrest of patients, medical staff describe disruptions to treatment, such as discontinuing the practice of taking patients outside for fresh air or exercise.

Healthcare workers also face the dilemma of either handing over the information immigration agents demand or complying with HIPAA, the law that protects patient privacy. Hospitals are not supposed to ask about a patients immigration status or share personal data with agents, but states like Texas and Florida have passed laws requiring such information to be reported to authorities. The demands from immigration agents, requiring them to be allowed entry or to find patients, create a kind of vicious cycle where they often dont really know what to do, says Galli-Graves.

Faced with this situation, NNU plans to continue protesting. Sandra admits she feels some fear about what could happen to her for participating, but she has no intention of stopping. Its risky because ICE doesnt just investigate undocumented people  they also go after people who help them. But this is not the time to stay silent, because what ICE is doing is inhumane. This is how the Nazis started: ordinary people in Germany said, It doesnt affect me, and they didnt speak up until things got worse. I have to do my part and not stay silent, she says.

ICE responded to this newspapers request for comment after the article was published. ICE agents are authorized to locate and arrest individuals in the same manner as any other federal law enforcement agency. If an individual is under arrest, agents are responsible for maintaining custody and may not leave that person unattended. Accordingly, agents may accompany an individual, including to a hospital, as necessary to ensure continuous supervision while responding appropriately to any concerns raised by hospital staff, ICE wrote.

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A Panipat-based academician strongly endorsed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for integrating technology into governance at the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi. Prof. Sushil Kumar Mishra cited Aadhaar-linked schemes and Direct Benefit Transfers as key successes in enhancing transparency and service delivery. He emphasized that AI is the next transformative frontier and that hosting the summit reinforces India's position as a forward-looking digital economy. Mishra also suggested that political protests during such international platforms are unwarranted, calling for cooperation to serve the national interest.

Panipat academician praises PM Modi's tech governance at AI Summit, highlights DBT & Aadhaar, and calls for unity over protest.

Panipat, Feb 23 Conversations about India's technological future took centre stage at the recently organised AI Summit held in New Delhi. The event, which drew attention from across the country and international delegates, became a platform to showcase India's growing ambitions in artificial intelligence and digital innovation.

Among those expressing strong support for the initiative is Panipat-based academician Prof. (Dr.) Sushil Kumar Mishra. He openly praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his long-standing vision of integrating technology into governance. The Prime Minister has consistently emphasised the use of digital systems to enhance transparency and efficiency in public administration, Dr Mishra said in an interview with IANS.

He pointed to Aadhaar-linked welfare schemes, improved tax collection mechanisms, and reforms in the public distribution system as examples of how technology has reduced leakages and strengthened service delivery. "If India aspires to become a global superpower, it must lead in technology," Dr. Mishra remarked, stressing that artificial intelligence represents the next frontier of growth.

Calling AI the most transformative technology of the future, he noted that India, which once lagged in emerging technological domains, is now positioning itself as a leader. Hosting such a large-scale summit, he said, sent a strong message to the world about India's capabilities and long-term vision.

Dr Mishra also spoke about the government's commitment to ensuring that the benefits of digital innovation reach all 1.4 billion citizens. "Through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) systems and digital banking, welfare schemes are being delivered directly to beneficiaries," he added.

With widespread smartphone penetration, the expansion of 5G connectivity, and preparations underway for 6G, he believes AI-powered systems can soon operate effectively at the grassroots level.

Dr Mishra also shared his perspective from the hospitality sector's point of view. Mishra maintained that global events like the AI Summit strengthen India's image on the international stage. By welcoming foreign delegates and demonstrating technological strength, the country reinforces its position as a forward-looking digital economy, he added.

On the Indian Youth Congress workers' protests during the summit, he suggested that while democratic debate is essential, major international platforms should be viewed as opportunities for national unity. Domestic political disagreements, he said, have appropriate forums such as Parliament. At times when India presents itself as a global leader, cooperation across political lines would better serve the national interest.

Dr Mishra is of the view that artificial intelligence and digital transformation are not merely policy initiatives. He said AI is also like pathways that are shaping the future of 1.4 billion people. Rising above political differences and prioritising national development is crucial as India advances into the next era of technological leadership, he remarked.

- IANS
Bollywood actress Alia Bhatt sent baby gifts and warm wishes to fellow actor Yami Gautam and her toddler. Alia publicly praised Yami's performance in the film 'Haq', calling it one of her top female performances of all time. She revealed she even called Yami to congratulate her, declaring herself a fan. The film 'Haq' is a courtroom drama inspired by the landmark Shah Bano case.

Bollywood star Alia Bhatt sends baby gifts to Yami Gautam and calls her performance in 'Haq' one of the top female performances of all time.

Mumbai Fe, b 23 Bollywood superstar Alia Bhatt on Monday sent her warm wishes, all the love along with a few cute gifts to Yami Gautam and her toddler. Sharing on her social media account, Alia wrote, "All my love to you both dearest Yami".

The post featured a picture originally shared by Yami, showing an adorable soft toy, assortment of baby care essentials including soaps, lotion, powder and other gentle skincare items.

Earlier, Yami had expressed gratitude to Alia for the gifts, and thanked her for sending the goodies for her baby.

Yami had written, "Thank you got these amazing goodies for my baby, Alia.."

Yami who became the talk of the town with her powerpack performance in her movie Haq, received great reviews from not just audiences and critics but also from the who's who of the film industry.

One such fine appreciation was received by Yami from Alia Bhatt.

Just like many, actress Alia Bhatt had also declared herself to be a Yami Gautam fan after witnessing her phenomenal performance in her latest release "Haq".

Alia had taken to her social media account and called "Haq" as Yami's top performances of all time.

Lauding her contemporary, the 'Gangubai Kathiawadi' actress wrote, "Queen @yamigautam you are pure craft, heart and all things gold in Haq! One of my top female performances of all time..(sic)."

Alia further revealed that she even called Yami to congratulate her on such an incredible movie, declaring herself to be a true Yami 'fan'.

"As I mentioned over the phone too, am a Yami fan waiting eagerly for all your work to once again charm and entertain us all," she added.

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Alia Bhatt calls herself a Yami Gautam 'fan' after her incredible performance in 'Haq'

IANS11 Jan 2026, 02:27 PM

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Mumbai, Jan 11 (IANS) Just like many, actress Alia Bhatt has also declared herself to be a Yami Gautam fan after witnessing her phenomenal performance in her latest release "Haq".

Alia took to the Stories section of her Instagram handle and called "Haq" Yami's top performances of all time.

Lauding her contemporary, the 'Gangubai Kathiawadi' actress wrote, "Queen @yamigautam you are pure craft, heart and all things gold in Haq! One of my top female performances of all time..(sic)."

Alia further revealed that she even called Yami to congratulate her on such an incredible movie, declaring herself to be a true Yami 'fan'.

"As I mentioned over the phone too, am a Yami fan waiting eagerly for all your work to once again charm and entertain us all," she added.

Talking about Haq, the courtroom drama is believed to be inspired by the landmark Supreme Court judgement of Mohd. Ahmed Khan v. Shah Bano Begum, which revolves around a few key matrimonial rights of women within Muslim households.

Jointly backed by Vineet Jain, Vishal Gurnani, Juhi Parekh Mehta, and Harman Baweja under the banners of Junglee Pictures, Insomnia Films, and Baweja Studios, the screenplay of the movie has been written by Reshu Nath.

- IANS
The All India Medical Students Association has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging immediate action for Indian students in Iran. They request the government to direct the Indian Embassy to coordinate with Iranian universities to postpone all scheduled exams due to the security situation. The association also calls for the safe evacuation and repatriation of students, emphasizing that safety must be the highest priority. This follows an advisory from the Embassy in Tehran for all Indian nationals to leave Iran immediately.

Medical students' association urges PM Modi to postpone exams in Iran and ensure safe evacuation of Indian students following security advisory.

New Delhi, February 24 The All India Medical Students Association-Foreign Students' Wing has urged the government to ask the Indian Embassy in Iran to urgently coordinate with Iranian universities and authorities for postponement of all scheduled examinations for Indian students studying there in view of the security situation and the advisories to Indian nationals to leave the country.

In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Association said that in the prevailing tense geopolitical and security environment, it is neither safe nor feasible for students to remain in Iran merely to appear in examinations.

The Association requested the government "to direct the Embassy in Iran to urgently coordinate with Iranian universities and authorities to postpone all scheduled examinations for Indian students".

It also demanded facilitation for safe evacuation and repatriation of Indian students at the earliest and ensuring that no student suffers academic loss due to circumstances beyond their control.

"We firmly believe that your compassionate and decisive intervention will safeguard the lives and futures of thousands of Indian students studying abroad," the letter said.

It said Embassy of India in Tehran has issued an advisory on Monday calling upon all Indian nationals, including students, to leave Iran immediately in view of the evolving security situation.

"In the prevailing tense geopolitical and security environment, it is neither safe nor feasible for students to remain in Iran merely to appear in examinations. Their safety and well-being must be treated as the highest national priority. Furthermore, uncertainty regarding exams is causing immense psychological stress and academic disruption among students and their families," the letter said.

- ANI
The Andhra Pradesh government is planning legislation to prohibit school students from using social media. A Cabinet sub-committee is reviewing measures from other states to regulate platforms and counter false propaganda. The state has registered over 1,300 cases against hateful and obscene social media posts, resulting in more than 1,000 arrests. Minister Nara Lokesh stated the government is studying legal frameworks for 'age-appropriate access' to make social media safer, especially for women and children.

Andhra Pradesh considers legislation to ban social media for school students to combat false propaganda and protect children online.

Amaravati, Feb 23 The government of Andhra Pradesh is considering a legislation to bar school students from using social media. Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha said this in the state Legislative Assembly on Monday.

During discussion on the control of false propaganda on social media, she said a Cabinet sub-committee has been formed to suggest measures to regulate social media an counter false propaganda.

She stated that the sub-committee has met twice so far and discussed various issues at length.

The sub-committee reviewed the measures being implemented in states like Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Special attention has been paid to the measures that can be taken in the state and can prove effective.

The Home Minister stated that strict measures are being taken to control hateful and obscene posts on social media.

She revealed that 1,384 cases have been registered in the state so far with regard to such social media posts. A total of 1,067 people have been arrested and produced in court.

She said that the government has started steps to bring a new law to control false propaganda.

In September last year, a group of ministers was constituted to study the best practices and suggest modalities of the legislation to identify and make those who resort to false propaganda, accountable.

Last month, Minister for Information Technology and Electronics Nara Lokesh had also stated that the government will study legal frameworks for 'age-appropriate access' to social media.

Lokesh said the government would ensure social media becomes a safer space and reduce its damaging impact, especially for women and children.

"Trust in social media is breaking down. Children are slipping into relentless usage, affecting their attention spans and education. Women are facing non-stop online abuse. This cannot be ignored," Lokesh had posted on 'X'.

"The Andhra Pradesh Government has decided to act. In the meeting of the Group of Ministers on Social Media, we have ordered a study of legal frameworks for age-appropriate access. We have also invited major platforms like Meta, X, Google and Sharechat to the next GoM meeting, to examine global best practices. We will ensure social media becomes a safer space and reduce its damaging impact - especially for women and children," he added.

The group of ministers is examining the possibility of restricting or banning access to certain social media platforms for children below 16 years.

On February 10, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) had urged the Centre to consider age-based regulation of social media.

TDP Parliamentary Party leader Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu met Minister of Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw and submitted a memorandum, requesting for policy deliberation on age-based regulation of social media for children.

He requested that the Ministry consider constituting a dedicated committee or expert group to study age-based regulation of social media and recommend a comprehensive national policy.

The TDP MP informed the Central minister that the NDA Government in Andhra Pradesh is actively examining this issue and exploring a robust legal framework to protect children online.

- IANS
Veteran actor Anupam Kher recently performed his acclaimed autobiographical play 'Kuch Bhi Ho Sakta Hai' while battling extreme foot pain, describing the experience as a personal triumph. He took to Instagram to share that the magic of live theatre made him completely forget his discomfort, emphasizing its unique, demanding energy. Kher stated that sharing his life story of failures and rejections on stage is a deeply therapeutic form of healing for himself and the audience. The actor is concurrently working on the sequel to the 2006 National Award-winning film 'Khosla Ka Ghosla'.

Bollywood actor Anupam Kher performed his play despite extreme foot pain, calling it a "triumph against all odds" and praising theatre's therapeutic power.

Mumbai, Feb 23 Veteran Bollywood actor Anupam Kher shared that he performed his acclaimed play 'Kuch Bhi Ho Sakta Hai' despite severe foot pain, describing the evening as a "triumph against all odds."

Anupam took to Instagram, where he shared a string of glimpses from his play being performed in a packed theatre.

"Last night at my play Kuch Bhi Ho Sakta Hai was truly a TRIUMPH AGAINST ALL ODDS! My foot was in extreme pain before the show. Every step reminded me of it. But the moment the lights came on and the play began... I forgot. Completely."

He called it the "magic of live performance."

"Theatre has a joy, an immediacy, an energy that no other medium can replicate. It doesn't allow you to hide. It demands presence. And in that presence, pain dissolves," he said.

Anupam added that standing on stage and telling his own life story, "the failures, the rejections, the doubts, to a fullhouse is deeply therapeutic."

"It is my way of healing. And perhaps, in some small way, it heals others too. Thank you to everyone who came and watched the play. Your applause was not just appreciation! It was strength. Because truly...The show must go on. Har Har Mahadev!"

On the work front, Anupam is currently shooting for the second installment of the 2006 film "Khosla Ka Ghosla!"

Directed by Dibakar Banerjee, the story follows Kamal Kishore Khosla, a middle-class Delhiite, and his family's attempt to reclaim their land, which has been seized by a builder, Khurana.

The film was screened at the 2006 Kara Film Festival. It won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi at the 54th National Film Awards. It was remade in 2008 in Tamil and in 2010 in Kannada.

On January 3, Anupam reflected on his cinematic journey on the first day of shooting his 550th film, "Khosla Ka Ghosla 2".

- IANS
The supply of Grade-A office space in the Asia Pacific region is forecast to reach a new peak of 61.3 million square feet in 2026, with India expected to contribute a massive 40% share. Bengaluru is projected to lead with the highest supply, followed by Shanghai and Delhi-NCR, driven by demand from Global Capability Centres. For the first time in six years, office assets have overtaken industrial property as the most preferred sector for investment in the region. Rents in key markets like Tokyo, Mumbai's BKC, and Australian cities are expected to continue growing, though at a moderated pace.

CBRE reports APAC office supply to hit 61.3 million sq ft in 2026, with India contributing 40%. Bengaluru leads, followed by Shanghai and Delhi-NCR.

New Delhi, February 23 The supply of Grade-A office spaces in the Asia Pacific region is expected to hit a new peak of 61.3 million square feet in calendar year 2026, rising 10.8 per cent from 55.3 million square feet in 2025, on the net floor area basis, and India alone is likely to account for 40 per cent of it, according to CBRE's 2026 Asia Pacific Real Estate Market Outlook.

The report said that along with mainland China, the country is expected to contribute over 75 per cent of the total supply in 2026.

"India's growing dominance in the APAC office supply landscape reflects the structural depth of the demand drivers in the country," said Anshuman Magazine, Chairman & CEO - India, South-East Asia, Middle East & Africa, CBRE. "Even amid global macroeconomic recalibration, occupiers viewing India as a scalable, talent-rich destination for multi-functional growth."

Among the top five markets that are expected to report the highest supply in 2026, three are from India. According to the report, office supply is expected to be the highest in Bengaluru at 12.1 million square feet. It would be followed by Shanghai (10 million square feet) and Delhi-NCR (7.1 million square feet). In Bangalore, the supply will continue to be supported by Global Capability Centres (GCCs).

"As we move into a cycle where income growth is at the centre of real estate decision-making, the ability for occupiers and investors to recalibrate and innovate will be critical," said Ada Choi, Head of Research, Asia Pacific for CBRE. "Occupiers are responding to softer economic growth by sharpening their space requirements and prioritising high-quality buildings in core locations, while investors are focusing on income resilience and portfolio optimisation. It will also be important to capture emerging opportunities in sectors such as data centres and living."

The report added that despite an all-time high supply, most developed markets will remain supply-constrained in the office sector. In 2026, the expansion and new set-up activity is expected to increase in most countries, with premium offices being keenly sought after, partly fueled by corporates enforcing stricter office attendance mandates.

Moreover, CBRE's recently released "2026 Asia Pacific Investor Intentions Survey" highlighted that office assets have overtaken industrial and logistics as the most-preferred sector for investment in the region, for the first time in six years.

As a result, rents of Grade A offices in the Asia Pacific region are expected to remain on an upward track in 2026. The report said that Tokyo, India's tier-1 markets, and Australian cities will continue to lead growth, albeit at a slower pace than last year.

In 2025, Mumbai's BKC led the rental growth in the APAC region, rising 23.1 per cent year-on-year. It was followed by Tokyo Grade A offices at 13 per cent YoY and Delhi-NCR (core Gurugram) at 10.1 per cent.

In 2026, while Mumbai's BKC will sustain double-digit rental gains driven by the tight availability of new premium office space and strong expansionary demand from flexible space operators, the growth is likely to moderate to 12.5 per cent. Tokyo would continue with double-digit percentage growth in 2026, at 13.1 per cent, on the back of low vacancy and occupiers' willingness to pay a premium for high-quality prime office space to attract and retain employees.

In China's tier I markets, the rents have fallen by more than 40 per cent since the onset of the downward cycle. This year, the rate of decline is expected to narrow, partly supported by stronger office requirements resulting from domestic demand, fuelled by AI and tech development.

- ANI
"Mr Nobody Against Putin" has won the Best Documentary award at the BAFTA 2026 ceremony. The film follows a Russian teacher who covertly documented his school's transformation into a war recruitment center during the Ukraine invasion. Director David Borenstein dedicated the award to the film's subject, Pavel, praising his moral courage. The documentary triumphed over four other nominated non-fiction films.

A documentary about a Russian teacher's secret filming during the Ukraine war wins the BAFTA for Best Documentary. Director David Borenstein credits the subject's courage.

London, February 23 'Mr Nobody Against Putin' has grabbed the Best Documentary Award at the BAFTA 2026. It was written and directed by David Borenstein.

At the 79th edition of BAFTA, the real events of a Russian teacher's life during the Ukraine invasion in Russia earned the praise of the critics and judge panel to clinch the highest honour this documentary could achieve in this event.

The documentary revolved around a Russian teacher who secretly documents his small town school's transformation into a war recruitment centre during the Ukraine invasion, revealing the ethical dilemmas educators face amid propaganda and militarisation.

The lead actor in the film, Pavel Talankin, who recorded the footage during the war, also attended the award ceremony. While accepting the award, director David Borenstein credited Pavel for showing courage in telling his story during one of the toughest times of his life.

"Pavel, thank you for showing me that no matter how dark things get, we always have a moral choice. No matter who you are, there is power in action. we want more Mr Nobodies," said David.

'Mr Nobody Against Putin' was pitted against other non-fiction films including '2000 Meters to Andriivka', 'Apocalypse in the Tropics', 'Cover-Up' and 'The Perfect Neighbor'.

Earlier today, the BAFTA Awards 2026 brought a big surprise for actor Robert Aramayo, who pulled off one of the all-time British Academy Awards upsets when he stunned the room by clinching Best Actor for 'I Swear', beating the likes of Leonardo DiCaprio, Timothee Chalamet, Ethan Hawke, Jesse Plemons, and Michael B Jordan.

Emotionally, 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.

BAFTA 2026 concluded with One Battle After Another dominating the award show with six wins including Best Film and Best Director. It was streamed on Lionsgate Play.

- ANI
Timothee Chalamet's film 'Marty Supreme' suffered a shocking shutout at the BAFTA Awards, winning none of its record 11 nominations. The film now joins a very short list, including 'Women in Love' and 'Finding Neverland', as movies that failed to convert 11 BAFTA nods into a single win. Despite this setback, the film remains a formidable contender for the upcoming Oscars, where it has nine nominations. History shows that BAFTA disappointment does not preclude Oscar success, as seen with films like 'Everything Everywhere All at Once' and 'Moonlight'.

Timothee Chalamet's Oscar contender 'Marty Supreme' was surprisingly shut out at the BAFTA Awards, joining a rare list of films with 11 nods and zero wins.

London, February 23 Timothee Chalamet's 'Marty Supreme' may have ignited the American dream in his viewers, but at BAFTA, it all went to nought. In one of the huge surprises, prime Oscar contender Marty Supreme left the British Academy Awards empty-handed after being shut out, following a healthy 11 nods at the nominations stage.

The film entered the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) with formidable nomination strength and broad expectations of converting in at least a handful of categories, particularly for leading actor Timothee Chalamet, who picked up major stops this season at the Critics' Choice Awards and the Golden Globes in January.

In one of the night's biggest shocks, Chalamet lost to Robert Aramayo from Kirk Jones' Tourette's drama movie, 'I Swear.'

With this disappointing night ahead of the Oscars, the film has joined movies including 'Women in Love' (1969) and 'Finding Neverland' (2004) as the only films to go winless with 11 nominations at BAFTA, reported Variety.

Notably, both of those titles still went on to win a single Oscar on their respective nights: Glenda Jackson for best actress ("Women in Love") and Jan A.P. Kaczmarek for original score ("Finding Neverland"), reported Variety.

Despite the BAFTA setback, 'Marty Supreme' remains a formidable player at the Oscars 2026. Before this, an Oscar-winning film 'Everything Everywhere All at Once' managed only one BAFTA win (film editing) before going on to take seven Oscars, including best picture, director and three acting prizes.

The moving drama 'Moonlight' (2016) also went without a single BAFTA win that year, losing all four of its awards, before pulling off a historic upset in best picture at the Oscars.

At BAFTA, 'Marty Supreme' was nominated for best film, director, leading actor (Chalamet), supporting actress (Odessa A'zion), casting, original screenplay, production design, cinematography, costume design, film editing and makeup and hairstyling.

At the Oscars, the film is nominated for nine, but misses BAFTA nominations for supporting actress, makeup and hairstyling.

Final Oscar voting runs from February 26 to March 5. The 98th Oscars will be held on March 15 on ABC, hosted by Conan O'Brien.

- ANI
China has strongly criticized the United States for appointing a new Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues, calling the position a tool for illegitimate interference in its internal affairs. The US role, established by law in 2002, is tasked with promoting Tibetan human rights, religious freedom, and cultural preservation. Beijing's Foreign Ministry reiterated that Tibet-related matters are solely China's sovereign concern and not open to external intervention. The appointment underscores the ongoing diplomatic friction between the two nations over the Tibet issue.

Beijing condemns US appointment of a Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues, denouncing it as illegitimate interference in China's internal affairs.

Beijing, February 23 China on Wednesday sharply criticised the United States after Washington announced the appointment of a new United States Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues, accusing the US of interfering in what it described as China's internal matters, according to a report by Phayul.

As cited by Phayul, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Tuesday designated Riley M Barnes, currently serving as Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labour, as the new US Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues. The role, established under American law, is tasked with overseeing and aligning US initiatives aimed at promoting and safeguarding the human rights, religious freedom, cultural identity, and linguistic heritage of the Tibetan people.

The announcement was made in a statement issued on the occasion of Losar, the Tibetan New Year. In his message, Rubio extended greetings to Tibetans worldwide, acknowledging their resilience and reaffirming Washington's commitment to protecting their fundamental rights and preserving their distinct traditions and heritage.

"I extend my warmest wishes to all those celebrating Losar, the Tibetan New Year. On this first day of the Year of the Fire Horse, we celebrate the fortitude and resilience of Tibetans around the world. The United States remains committed to supporting the unalienable rights of Tibetans and their distinct linguistic, cultural, and religious heritage. I wish Tibetans everywhere a healthy and prosperous year ahead. Losar Tashi Delek and Happy New Year!" the statement read.

Rubio further stated that he was pleased to designate Assistant Secretary Barnes to concurrently serve as the Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues.

Beijing responded with strong objections. China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as noted in the Phayul report, accused Washington of exploiting Tibet-related matters to interfere in China's domestic affairs. In an official statement, the ministry described the "so-called 'special coordinator for Tibetan issues'" as a mechanism of interference and reiterated that China has never recognised the legitimacy of the position.

The Chinese government maintained that issues concerning Tibet fall strictly within its sovereign domain and do not permit intervention by external forces, repeating its longstanding stance that Tibet-related affairs are purely internal matters.

The position of US Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues was formally created under the Tibetan Policy Act of 2002, enacted as part of the Foreign Relations Authorisation Act for Fiscal Year 2003 and signed into law in 2002. The legislation marked the first time US policy toward Tibet was codified in statute and required the Secretary of State to appoint a Special Coordinator within the State Department.

Under the law, the Special Coordinator is mandated to encourage meaningful dialogue between Chinese authorities and the Dalai Lama or his representatives, advance and protect the human rights and religious freedoms of Tibetans, support the preservation of Tibetan language and culture, facilitate humanitarian assistance for Tibetan refugees in South Asia, and ensure interagency coordination of US policy on Tibet.

Since the law's enactment, successive US administrations have appointed senior State Department officials to hold the position alongside other high-level responsibilities. The Special Coordinator does not serve as a diplomatic representative to Beijing but functions as a policy lead within the US government, underscoring Washington's continued engagement on Tibet-related human rights and dialogue initiatives. (ANI)

While Beijing has consistently rejected the role of illegitimate interference, the position remains a statutory requirement under US law, reflecting enduring bipartisan congressional backing for Tibet-related issues since the early 2000s, Phayul reported.

- ANI
The extreme winter weather gripping New York City, where 20 people have died from the cold in just 18 days, could have an unexpected side-effect: a decrease in the rat population. Fed up with trying to combat the presence of rodents in parks, streets, and subway tunnels using countless methods, including the appointment of a rat czar, the city views this winters historic extreme temperatures as an effective form of natural selection.

Without the usual detritus on the sidewalks  which have been covered in snow and ice for weeks  rats are finding it difficult to feed, leading to stress that can also inhibit their reproduction. As such, not only are they hard to spot on the streets, where they used to roam freely, but this sexual inhibition promises a more merciful spring and summer for those who despise rodents.

Sub-zero temperatures have left a crust of dirty snow on New York City sidewalks; the term white blanket is best reserved for the countryside or mountains, not for urban grime. But this brown layer also contains surprises. Joe Donovan, a building superintendent in Manhattan, says that while trying to clear the section of sidewalk in front of his building, as required by regulations, he found two frozen rats. Those arent reproducing anymore; what the experts say must be true, Donovan laughs heartily, shovel in hand. I havent seen any for days in the basement boiler room and laundry room either. I hear the neighborhood supermarkets are noticing the improvement too. In grocery stores, so-called basement cats are very popular, especially on Instagram; hunters who are employed 24/7, and today, thanks to the cold, are quite idle.

A well-fed female rat can give birth up to seven times a year, according to experts. Seeking refuge from the cold, those living in the subway, which are also numerous, have an advantage over street rats. The young fare worse, left unprotected when their parents abandon them in nests and burrows  where they theoretically store food  to go out in search of reserves. The population decline would therefore affect the most vulnerable individuals: the sick, the elderly, or the very young. Everything will depend on whether the adults are able to find food, because to survive they need protein and warm nests so that the young dont die of hypothermia, explains Martin, an employee at VJ, a fumigation and pest control company that is seeing fewer clients these days.

The predominant species in the city, Rattus norvegicus, the brown or Norway rat, does not hibernate, but this year it has had to retreat to its burrows, forced into hiding by the cold and the reduction of waste in the crust of snow, ice, and grime that covers, like a rusty mountain, the gigantic garbage bags that are put out on the sidewalks every afternoon, despite the program to implement containers designed precisely to prevent rats from having free access to the waste. The situation is somewhat reminiscent of what rodents experienced during the pandemic, when the shutdown of businesses and the near disappearance of food scraps and garbage on the streets stressed them to the point of making them aggressive.

However, experts and authorities warn that no one should expect the eradication of these rodents; only a modest reduction in the unofficial census, which in 2024 put the number of rats in the city at three million. The new mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has not yet revealed his plans in this regard while his predecessor, Eric Adams, turned their elimination into a crusade (he himself suffered from them in his Brooklyn home) by designating them as public enemy number one. His efforts culminated in the appointment of a rat czar, Kathleen Corradi, in 2023. Like almost all New Yorkers, she too eventually threw in the towel last September, resigned to the undeniable evidence of the plague.

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Judicial adjudication of approximately 50 lakh voter documents flagged for 'logical discrepancies' begins in West Bengal under Supreme Court directives. A team of 250 judicial officers, including session judges and special court judges, will conduct the process, which will be supervised by district-level committees. The Election Commission has clarified that only 13 specified identity documents will be accepted for verification, a point of contention with the ruling Trinamool Congress. The final electoral roll is scheduled for February 28, with supplementary lists to follow after the adjudication is completed, though meeting this deadline is uncertain due to the volume of cases.

Judicial officers begin final adjudication of 50 lakh 'logical discrepancy' voter documents in West Bengal under Supreme Court direction.

Kolkata, Feb 23 The adjudication of voters' documents identified under the "logical discrepancy" category by the judicial officers, as directed by the Supreme Court last week, will start from Monday.

The process is expected to start after 11 a.m., and as per the direction of the apex court, the decision of judicial adjudicators regarding the fate of such voters' documents will be final.

The judicial adjudication process will start on Monday, with the initial involvement of 150 session judges appointed 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.

During a meeting held in Kolkata on Sunday between judicial officers assigned to adjudication duties and representatives of the Election Commission of India (ECI), the detailed procedural guidelines for the judicial adjudication process were explained.

In the meeting, the judicial officers appointed for the purpose were informed that they would be required to accept only the 13 identity documents specified by the ECI for verification of voters identified under the "logical discrepancy" category

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 referred for judicial adjudication. Supplementary electoral rolls will be published subsequently after the adjudication process is completed.

According to the ECI insiders, all attempts will be made to complete the judicial adjudication process by February 28, so that the supplementary lists can be published at the earliest.

However, considering the large number of documents, around 50 lakh, that have been referred for judicial adjudication, there are doubts whether the deadline on this count would be met or not.

Meanwhile, the Calcutta High Court had already 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
Judicial officers appointed by the Calcutta High Court have begun adjudicating identity documents for voters flagged under "logical discrepancy" by the Election Commission. They must submit daily progress reports to the High Court detailing cases examined and decisions taken. The process, initiated under a Supreme Court directive, aims to resolve an estimated 50 lakh cases before the final electoral roll is published on February 28. State officials report the process is proceeding smoothly after initial technical glitches were resolved.

Calcutta High Court mandates daily progress reports from judicial officers adjudicating lakhs of voter ID discrepancies before final electoral roll publication.

Kolkata, Feb 23 Judicial officers appointed to adjudicate identity documents of voters flagged under the "logical discrepancy" category by the Election Commission of India will submit daily progress reports to the Calcutta High Court on the status of the adjudication process.

The adjudication process, being conducted by judicial officers appointed by the Calcutta High Court in compliance with directions issued by the Supreme Court last week, commenced on Monday.

Despite initial technical issues, the process began smoothly on Monday morning and continued through the day, officials from the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), West Bengal, said.

As per directions issued by Calcutta High Court Chief Justice T.S. Sivagnanam, the judicial officers are required to submit daily reports detailing the number of cases examined, decisions taken, and overall progress of the adjudication process.

According to the current schedule, the final electoral roll in West Bengal is slated to be published on February 28, excluding cases that have been referred for judicial adjudication.

Supplementary electoral rolls will be published after the adjudication process is completed, incorporating eligible voters cleared through judicial verification.

Officials indicated that a key concern remains whether adjudication of a large number of voters' documents -- estimated at around 50 lakh cases referred under the "logical discrepancy" category -- can be completed before the February 28 deadline.

Chief Electoral Officer of West Bengal Manoj Kumar Agarwal told mediapersons late on Monday that efforts are underway to complete the adjudication process within the stipulated timeframe.

He said the initial technical issues encountered at the start of the process were resolved quickly, allowing the adjudication to proceed without major disruption.

Following the Supreme Court's directive last week mandating judicial oversight in adjudicating voters' identity documents flagged for discrepancies, the Calcutta High Court has been actively monitoring the process.

Chief Justice T.S. Sivagnanam has held multiple review meetings with senior officials, including the Chief Electoral Officer, Chief Secretary Nandini Chakraborty, and representatives of the Election Commission and the state administration.

A review meeting was also held on Monday, during which judicial officers were briefed on procedures for document verification, decision-making protocols, acceptance or rejection of applications, recording reasons for rejection, and submission of daily progress reports to the High Court.

- IANS
Sampige Semiconductors and BharatGen Technology Foundation have signed an MoU to advance India's sovereign AI ecosystem through co-development of domestic AI hardware and software. The partnership aims to create next-generation AI semiconductor chipsets, energy-efficient hardware, and India-centric foundational models. The collaboration is aligned with the Make in India initiative and seeks to reduce dependence on foreign AI infrastructure. The focus will be on affordable, linguistically inclusive solutions for sectors like agriculture, healthcare, and telecom.

BharatGen and Sampige Semiconductors sign MoU to co-develop India-centric AI chipsets, models, and software, boosting sovereign AI infrastructure.

New Delhi, February 23 Sampige Semiconductors Private Limited, founded by semiconductor entrepreneur Parag Naik, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with BharatGen Technology Foundation to advance India's sovereign AI ecosystem through co-development of India-centric AI semiconductor chipsets, hardware-aware models, and a unified software stack under the Make in India framework.

The MoU was signed in the presence of Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India, Dr Ajay Kumar Sood, and Dr Parvinder Maini, Scientific Secretary at the Office of PSA. Also present were Parag Naik, CEO of Sampige Semiconductor, Rishi Bal, CEO of BharatGen Technology Foundation, Prof. Ganesh Ramakrishnan, Founding Board member, BharatGen and Institute Chair Professor, Dept of Computer Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, apart from Bharatgen consortium members Prof. Priyesh Shukla from IIIT Hyderabad, and Vice President of Bharatgen, Pankaj Singh.

With a focus on building India's sovereign Artificial Intelligence (AI) infrastructure, the partnership will work on co-developing next-generation AI semiconductor chipsets, energy-efficient hardware, hardware-optimised India-centric foundational models, and a unified AI software stack.

Recognizing AI as a strategic national capability, the two organizations have joined forces to reduce India's dependence on foreign AI infrastructure and to build a secure, trusted, and locally-rooted AI ecosystem. The collaboration is fully aligned with the Government of India's Make in India initiative.

The MoU, outlines a broad scope of collaboration spanning optimized hardware design, software stack development, and AI model research with a particular emphasis on affordability, linguistic inclusion, and real-world impact across sectors critical to India's growth.

Under the MoU, the two parties will work together on the development of AI semiconductor chipsets, and compute infrastructure tailored to Indian use cases, energy-efficient hardware architectures, unified software stack, compilers, and kernel orchestration, and hardware-aware AI models and India-centric foundational AI models.

By aligning chip design with large-scale multilingual model development, the collaboration aims to improve performance-per-watt, lower inference costs, and enable scalable AI deployment across edge, and cloud environments.

The collaboration will address societal needs across agriculture, healthcare, telecom, mobile and edge devices, and digital public infrastructure sectors where affordable and localized AI can have transformative impact. The low-cost solutions enable access to a broader population in India and several other countries in demand of AI compute across the global south.

Speaking on the partnership, Parag Naik, CEO and Co-founder of Sampige Semiconductors, said, "India needs to own its AI stack from silicon to model. Our partnership with BharatGen is a foundational step in making that vision a reality. Together, we will build AI infrastructure that is sovereign, secure, scalable, and built for India's unique needs."

Naik is best known for his earlier wireless semiconductor venture Saankhya Labs that launched one of India's first fabless chips. In recognition for his pioneering 'Designed in India' semiconductor innovations for the telecom, satcom and broadcasting markets such as D2M, Parag Naik was awarded the Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Award for Excellence in Telecom in 2025.

Rishi Bal, CEO of BharatGen Technology Foundation, said, "BharatGen exists to ensure that AI serves India, its languages, its communities, and its development priorities. This MoU with Sampige brings us closer to a future where India's AI capabilities are homegrown, resilient, and world-class."

Prof Ganesh Ramakrishnan, Founding Board member of BharatGen and Institute Chair Professor, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, added, "Serving a population of 1.4 billion needs the large scale sovereign model building and inference tasks at BharatGen to facilitate innovations in the infra layer."

BharatGen Technology Foundation is a Mumbai-based non-profit technology foundation housed at IIT Bombay, dedicated to developing India's Sovereign AI Foundation models, research infrastructure, and open ecosystems that reflect the nation's linguistic diversity and socio-economic realities. As India's sovereign initiative, it builds inclusive AI across 22+ languages by integrating text, speech, and document vision to create robust solutions that meet the country's real-world needs. Led by IIT Bombay, it brings together a consortium of India's top academic institutions IIT Kanpur, IIT Madras, IIT Kharagpur, IIT Hyderabad, IIIT Hyderabad, IIT Mandi, IIM Indore and IIIT Delhi to collectively push the boundaries of generative AI and build a thriving, India-centric AI ecosystem.

Sampige Semiconductors Private Limited is a Bengaluru-based semiconductor startup focused on designing chipsets tailored for Indian and other emerging market requirements. Aiming to address the Make in India vision, Sampige is committed to building indigenous, secure, and high-performance semiconductor solutions.

- ANI
President Droupadi Murmu unveiled a bust of India's first and only Indian Governor General, Chakravarti Rajagopalachari, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, replacing the bust of British architect Edwin Lutyens. She stated this initiative is part of shedding colonial vestiges, noting the building now features portraits of Param Vir Chakra awardees instead of British officials. The President highlighted Rajaji's example of "mental decolonization" and his multifaceted contributions to India's freedom struggle, governance, and culture. The event was part of Rajaji Utsav, with Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan and a message from Prime Minister Narendra Modi also marking the occasion.

President Droupadi Murmu unveils bust of C. Rajagopalachari at Rashtrapati Bhavan, replacing Edwin Lutyens' bust, in a move to shed colonial mindset.

New Delhi, February 24 President Droupadi Murmu on Monday unveiled the bust of Chakravarti Rajagopalachari, the first and only Indian Governor General of Independent India, at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

The bust of Rajagopalachari, at the Grand Open Staircase near Ashok Mandap opposite to the statue of Mahatma Gandhi, replaces the bust of Edwin Lutyens.

This initiative is part of a series of steps being taken towards shedding "the vestiges of the colonial mindset".

The President later attended Rajaji Utsav at Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre, where she took a round of the photo and book exhibition on his life and work.

A film on the life of Rajaji was also shown. The President and other dignitaries also witnessed cultural performances as part of the event.

Speaking on the occasion, the President said that when Rajaji arrived at the Government House (now known as Rashtrapati Bhavan), he placed portraits of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and Mahatma Gandhi in his room.

Rajaji sent a clear message that while India was formally still a Dominion, Swaraj had been fully established in the hearts of Indians.

Rajaji set an inspiring example of mental decolonization, she said. His ideals are reflected in the national campaign adopted by the people of India to take pride in India's heritage and eliminate the vestiges of colonial mindset. Indian consciousness and connection with all Indians, especially the weaker sections, are reflected in Rajaji's thoughts and actions, the President noted.

She said that portraits of British imperial officials who exploited India were earlier hung in the corridors of Rashtrapati Bhavan. Now, the gallery called 'Param Vir Dirgha' is adorned with portraits of Param Vir Chakra awardees. The Granth Kutir has been established at Rashtrapati Bhavan to preserve the great tradition of knowledge accumulated in manuscripts and texts of India's classical languages.

The President said that Rashtrapati Bhavan is "Rashtra ka Bhavan" - it belongs to citizens of the country. Rashtrapati Bhavan and other President's estates in Shimla, Hyderabad, and Dehradun have been opened to welcome all those who seek to know about the traditions of India's democracy, and its rich cultural heritage.

The President said that during British rule, the people of India faced the calamity of famine and drought many times.

Even in the post-independence era, the citizens faced food shortages. Out of compassion for fellow citizens and to inspire farmers, Rajaji initiated grain cultivation inside the Rashtrapati Bhavan complex.

He even ploughed the field himself, setting an inspiring example.

The President said that Rajaji was gifted with multifaceted creativity and several dimensions. His contributions to the legal profession, freedom struggle, social and economic reforms, ancient Indian scriptures, Tamil and English writing, poetry and music, politics and governance greatly enriched these fields.

She underlined that the country's emphasis on Swadeshi and Aatma-Nirbharata takes forward the idea of Swaraj as described by Rajaji.

The President said that as the country moves ahead towards making 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047, icons like Rajaji inspire people with their ideas and ideals.

She urged all to resolve to promote the spirit of enterprise to fulfil the dreams of Rajaji. She expressed confidence that the people of India will continue to move forward with the spirit of "nation first," inspired by Rajaji's personality and work.

Addressing the gathering, the Vice President CP Radhakrishnan said that today by celebrating Rajaji Utsav, "we have achieved yet another milestone in our journey of breaking away from the colonial legacy".

The Vice President said that Rajaji Utsav is a celebration and rightful recognition of the great son of India.

"Rajaji earned a distinguished place in India's history. He was a man of remarkable brilliance. He consistently advocated economic freedom and believed that India's economic policy to remain independent and liberal. His life reminds us that true greatness comes from not position or power but from inner refinement, moral strength and steadfast commitment to the values," he said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent a message for the occasion which was read by Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat.

In his message, the Prime Minister said the unveiling of the bust of Chakravarti Rajagopalachari at the historic central courtyard of Rashtrapati Bhavan by the President is a moment of pride for the people of India.

He said the close relationship that Rajaji shared with Mahatma Gandhi, marked by deep mutual trust and friendship, is well known. Therefore, it is fitting that Rajaji's bust is being installed right opposite the statue of Mahatma Gandhi. Further, the fact that Rajaji's bust will be positioned where Edwin Lutyens' bust used to stand is a crucial detail, making it an important act of mental decolonization, he said.

The Prime Minister said Rashtrapati Bhavan stands not as a seat of power, but as a visible embodiment of democratic self-confidence rooted in Indian civilisation.

Initiatives such as the 'Rajaji Utsav' and the unveiling of a bust of Shri C. Rajagopalachari reinforce this direction, he said, adding that they honour leaders who shaped the nation "and remind us that freedom is sustained by celebrating their memory."

The Prime Minister in his 'Mann Ki Baat' address on Sunday, said that the unveiling of bust of Rajaji is one of the steps towards removing vestiges of the colonial mindset. The exhibition on the life and work of Rajaji will be organised as part of Rajaji Utsav from February 24 to March 1, 2026, at Amrit Udyan.

- ANI
India's High Commissioner to Canada is optimistic that a comprehensive trade deal can be concluded within the next 12 months. The negotiations, formally relaunched last November, aim to double bilateral trade to USD 50 billion by 2030. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's upcoming visit to India in March is expected to advance talks and include deals on sectors like uranium and AI. The envoy notes the economies are complementary with few major sticking points, making a mutually beneficial pact highly achievable.

Indian envoy optimistic about finalizing a comprehensive trade agreement with Canada within 12 months, ahead of PM Carney's visit to India.

Ottawa, February 23 India's High Commissioner to Canada, Dinesh Patnaik, has expressed optimism that India and Canada could conclude a comprehensive trade agreement within a year, despite past delays in negotiations, The Canadian Press reported.

Speaking ahead of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's anticipated visit to India, Patnaik said a 12-month timeline for finalising the proposed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) is achievable given the evolving geopolitical landscape and growing need for collaboration across sectors.

"We expect it to be much faster, given that we both have had enough experience of doing these kinds of free trade agreements in the last one or two years," Patnaik said, as quoted by The Canadian Press.

Trade negotiations between the two countries, which began in 2010, have stalled multiple times. However, in November, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Carney agreed to formally relaunch talks on the CEPA, which is expected to cover trade in goods and services, investments, agriculture, and digital commerce.

On the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Johannesburg, PM Modi and Carney "agreed to begin negotiations on a high-ambition Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), aimed at doubling bilateral trade to USD 50 billion by 2030," a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs read.

Last month, sources in the MEA said that Prime Minister Mark Carney is set to visit India in the first week of March.

The Canadian Prime Minister's visit is likely to see the signing of deals on uranium, energy, minerals, and Artificial Intelligence, and there would be a key focus on trade during his visit.

Patnaik indicated that Carney's upcoming visit is likely to include meetings with senior government representatives and business leaders in New Delhi and Mumbai, aimed at advancing bilateral engagement.

Highlighting recent progress, the envoy noted that India and Canada have signed several agreements over the past year in areas such as energy, climate change, high-technology research and climate-resilient agriculture and emphasised that both leaders are keen to strengthen economic ties, The Canadian Press reported.

"Both the prime ministers are very keen, so the intent is there on both sides," he said.

Patnaik also pointed out that both countries have gained significant experience in negotiating trade agreements in recent years.

"The way we look at the world has changed. We have moved on to our positions, both of us. And so a lot of the issues which are there in the past, which could have held us back, are probably more resolvable now," he said, as quoted by The Canadian Press.

According to the envoy, there are no major policy conflicts between the two nations, and their economies are largely complementary. He noted that Canada is a major exporter of commodities, while India represents a vast consumer market, reducing the likelihood of direct competition between industries.

He further stated that typical sticking points in trade negotiations, such as phytosanitary standards, government procurement rules and customs procedures, are not posing significant challenges in the current discussions.

"We really don't compete on many issues," Patnaik added, as quoted by The Canadian Press, underscoring the potential for a mutually beneficial trade pact.

- ANI
The Canadian government has begun proceedings to revoke the citizenship of Tahawwur Hussain Rana, a mastermind of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, citing misrepresentation of his residency. The move comes just ahead of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's visit to India, aimed at repairing bilateral relations. Canadian authorities allege Rana falsely claimed residency in Canada while living primarily in Chicago, which misled officials into granting him citizenship in 2001. The case is now before the Federal Court of Canada, as Rana contests the revocation while awaiting trial in India for his role in the attacks that killed over 160 people.

Canada initiates citizenship revocation for 26/11 Mumbai attack mastermind Tahawwur Rana over residency fraud, ahead of PM's visit to mend India ties.

Ottawa, February 24 Ottawa, February 24: The Canadian government has initiated proceedings to revoke the citizenship of 26/11 Mumbai terror attack mastermind Tahawwur Hussain Rana, Global News reported.

The move comes ahead of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's visit to India on February 26, as Ottawa seeks to mend relations with New Delhi, soured under former PM Justin Trudeau.

Pakistan-born businessman Tahawwur Hussain Rana is currently in custody in India, where he is awaiting trial on charges related to the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, which were carried out by Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba. More than 160 people were killed in the attack.

According to documents accessed by Global News, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has informed Rana that it intends to strip him of the Canadian citizenship he obtained in 2001. The 65-year-old had immigrated to Canada in 1997.

However, the Canadian government's move to revoke his citizenship is not based on terrorism allegations. In its notice, the IRCC stated that Rana's citizenship was granted based on misrepresentation. The department alleged that he provided false information regarding his residency in Canada while applying for citizenship in 2000.

According to the IRCC report, Rana claimed he had resided in Ottawa and Toronto for four years before his application, declaring only a six-day absence from the country during that period. An investigation by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), however, reportedly found that he had spent most of that time in Chicago, where he owned several properties and operated businesses, including an immigration consultancy and a grocery store, Global News reported.

The department accused him of "a serious and deliberate deception," stating that his failure to disclose prolonged absences led authorities to wrongly conclude that he met the residency requirements for Canadian citizenship.

In a letter dated May 31, 2024, the IRCC informed Rana that his alleged misrepresentation had misled decision-makers into granting citizenship when it appeared he did not meet eligibility criteria.

The matter has now been referred to the Federal Court of Canada, which has the final authority to determine whether citizenship was obtained through false representation, fraud, or the concealment of material facts.

Rana's legal counsel has challenged the revocation, arguing that the decision was unfair and infringed upon his rights. A hearing related to the case was held in Federal Court last week, during which government lawyers sought permission to withhold certain sensitive national security information.

An immigration department spokesperson said revoking citizenship in cases of misrepresentation was an essential measure to preserve the integrity of Canada's citizenship system. The spokesperson added that the government does not take such decisions lightly and that the Federal Court ensures fairness in the process.

A review of past cases indicated that such revocations are rare, with only a handful reported in the past decade, Global News reported.

On April 10, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) formally arrested Rana after his extradition from the US. He was escorted to New Delhi by the National Security Guard and the NIA, comprising senior officials, on a special plane from Los Angeles, US.

- ANI
Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand will accompany Prime Minister Mark Carney on a visit to India to deepen economic and strategic ties. The leaders aim to diversify trade and forge new partnerships in technology, artificial intelligence, energy, and defence. PM Carney will meet with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi after a stop in Mumbai, with an ambitious goal to significantly increase two-way trade. The visit is part of a broader Indo-Pacific tour that will also include key meetings in Australia and Japan to strengthen regional security and investment.

Canadian PM Mark Carney and FM Anita Anand visit India to diversify trade, unlock opportunities in energy, tech, AI, and advance economic partnership.

Ottawa, February 23 Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand said on Monday that she will accompany Prime Minister Mark Carney on his visit to India later this month and noted that the two countries will further diversify trade and unlock more opportunities.

"I will be returning to India with the Prime Minister this week to further diversify trade and to unlock additional opportunities for Canadians, including by elevating all sectors of the Canadian economy and enhancing our people-to-people ties," Anita Anand said in a post on X.

She attached a press statement about PM Carney's visit to India, Australia and Japan.

"In a more divided and uncertain world, Canada's new government is focused on what we can control. We are building a stronger, more independent, and more resilient economy. We are building our strength at home, diversifying our trade abroad, and attracting massive new international investment, the statement said.

"To these ends, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, announced that he will travel to India, Australia, and Japan, from February 26 to March 7, 2026, to unlock new opportunities for Canadian workers and businesses across trade, energy, technology, and defence. Through these visits to three of Canada's strongest Indo-Pacific partners, the Prime Minister will deepen regional ties that are critical to our security and prosperity," it added.

The statement said that Prime Minister Carney will first visit Mumbai, then New Delhi where he will meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The leaders will focus on elevating and expanding the Canada-India relationship, with ambitious new partnerships in trade, energy, technology and artificial intelligence (AI), talent and culture, and defence.

He will meet with business leaders to identify investment opportunities in Canada and create new partnerships between businesses in both nations.

PM Carney will then travel to Sydney and Canberra, Australia, to meet with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and deepen cooperation on defence and maritime security, critical minerals, trade, and advanced technologies, including AI.

He will deliver an address to both Houses of Australia's Parliament and invited dignitaries - marking the first such address by a Canadian Prime Minister in nearly 20 years.

Prime Minister Carney will also meet with business leaders and investors to attract new capital into Canada and support two-way trade and investment with Australia, the statement said.

In Tokyo, Japan, Prime Minister Carney will meet with Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae to strengthen mutual investment and partnerships in clean energy, advanced manufacturing, critical minerals, and food security. The leaders will also discuss strengthening joint efforts on security and defence, including to support a free and open Indo-Pacific.

"Canada has what the world wants - abundant energy, critical minerals, expertise in technology, and world-class talent. In a changing world, we are investing in our strength, diversifying our trade, and cultivating a dense web of new connections throughout the world to build Canada strong," the statement said.

India is the world's fastest-growing major economy and a powerhouse in global commerce and technology. In 2024, India was Canada's seventh-largest goods and services trading partner, with two-way trade coming to $30.8 billion.

At last year's G20 Leaders' Summit, Canada and India agreed to formally launch negotiations for an ambitious Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement that will support Canada's goal to more than double two-way trade to $70 billion by 2030.

- ANI
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney will embark on a multi-nation tour from February 26, with India as his first stop, where he will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The leaders aim to expand the bilateral relationship through new partnerships in trade, energy, technology, artificial intelligence, and defence. The visit seeks to advance negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, with a goal of doubling two-way trade to $70 billion by 2030. Carney will subsequently visit Australia and Japan to strengthen similar ties on defence, critical minerals, and clean energy with regional partners.

Canadian PM Mark Carney visits India Feb 26, meeting PM Modi to elevate trade, energy, tech, AI, and defence partnerships, aiming to double bilateral trade.

Ottawa, February 23 Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney will travel to India, Australia and Japan from February 26 to March 7, an official statement from Carney's office said on Monday.

The focus during his visit will be on businesses across trade, energy, technology, and defence, the Canadian government statement said

"Prime Minister Carney will first visit Mumbai, then New Delhi, India, where he will meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The leaders will focus on elevating and expanding the Canada-India relationship, with ambitious new partnerships in trade, energy, technology and artificial intelligence (AI), talent and culture, and defence. He will meet with business leaders to identify investment opportunities in Canada and create new partnerships between businesses in both nations," the statement read.

This will be Carney's first visit to India after he assumed office after Justin Trudeau.

"In a more divided and uncertain world, Canada's new government is focused on what we can control. We are building a stronger, more independent, and more resilient economy. We are building our strength at home, diversifying our trade abroad, and attracting massive new international investment. To these ends, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, announced that he will travel to India, Australia, and Japan, from February 26 to March 7, 2026, to unlock new opportunities for Canadian workers and businesses across trade, energy, technology, and defence," Carney's office said in a statement.

Through these visits to three of Canada's strongest Indo-Pacific partners, Carney will deepen regional ties that are critical to our security and prosperity.

India was Canada's seventh largest goods and services trading partner in 2024, wherein the two way trade between the two countries was nearly $31 billion, as per the Canadian government.

During the 2025 G20 Leader's Summit, New Delhi and Ottawa agreed to formally launch negotiations for an ambitious Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which aims to double the two-way trade between the two nations to $70 billion by 2030.

Carney will then travel to Sydney and Canberra, Australia, to meet with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and deepen cooperation on defence and maritime security, critical minerals, trade, and advanced technologies, including AI. He will deliver an address to both Houses of Australia's Parliament and invited dignitaries - marking the first such address by a Canadian Prime Minister in nearly 20 years. Prime Minister Carney will also meet with business leaders and investors to attract new capital into Canada and support two-way trade and investment with Australia.

In Tokyo, Japan, Carney will meet with Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae to strengthen mutual investment and partnerships in clean energy, advanced manufacturing, critical minerals, and food security. The leaders will also discuss strengthening joint efforts on security and defence, including to support a free and open Indo-Pacific, the statement said.

Canada has what the world wants - abundant energy, critical minerals, expertise in technology, and world-class talent. In a changing world, we are investing in our strength, diversifying our trade, and cultivating a dense web of new connections throughout the world to build Canada strong.

"In a more uncertain world, Canada is focused on what we can control. We are diversifying our trade and attracting massive new investment to create new opportunities for our workers and businesses. We are forging new partnerships abroad to create greater certainty, security and prosperity at home," the statement quoted Carney as saying.

India is the world's fastest-growing major economy and a powerhouse in global commerce and technology. In 2024, India was Canada's seventh-largest goods and services trading partner, with two-way trade coming to $30.8 billion.

At last year's G20 Leaders' Summit, Canada and India agreed to formally launch negotiations for an ambitious Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement that will support Canada's goal to more than double two-way trade to $70 billion by 2030.

- ANI
The US Supreme Court has ruled that former President Donald Trump lacked the legal authority under a 1977 emergency powers act to impose sweeping tariffs. China's Ministry of Commerce spokesperson stated the country consistently opposes such unilateral measures, arguing protectionism benefits no one. The court's 6-3 majority opinion, authored by Chief Justice John Roberts, found the law contained no reference to tariffs or duties. In response, Trump has signaled plans to raise new tariffs, while a White House official confirmed an upcoming visit by Trump to China.

Following a US Supreme Court ruling against Trump-era tariffs, China calls for cancellation of all unilateral duties, warning protectionism has no winners.

Beijing, February 23 Following a ruling by the US Supreme Court striking down most of Donald Trump's sweeping tariff measures, a spokesperson for China's Ministry of Commerce on Monday stated that China has consistently opposed unilateral tariff hikes in any form, The Global Times reported.

Commenting on the ruling, China's MOFCOM spokesperson said that the country has consistently opposed unilateral tariff increases in all forms and that there were no winners in a trade war, and protectionism leads nowhere.

The spokesperson added that the unilateral measures taken by the US, including the reciprocal and fentanyl-related tariffs, not only violate international trade and economic rules but also contravene US domestic law, failing to serve the interests of any party, The Global Times reported.

US Supreme Court on Friday ruled against Trump's signature trade policy, noting that the US President lacked authority under the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose sweeping import duties on goods from nearly all US trading partners.

In its verdict, the US Supreme Court held that the IEEPA does not grant the President the authority to levy tariffs.

The Bench of Nine Justices ruled 6-3, with Chief Justice John Roberts authoring the majority opinion. Justices Brett Kavanaugh, Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito dissented.

"IEEPA's grant of authority to 'regulate . . . importation' falls short. IEEPA contains no reference to tariffs or duties. The Government points to no statute in which Congress used the word "regulate" to authorize taxation. And until now no President has read IEEPA to confer such power," Chief Justice Roberts wrote in his opinion.

"We claim no special competence in matters of economics or foreign affairs. We claim only, as we must, the limited role assigned to us by Article III of the Constitution. Fulfilling that role, we hold that IEEPA does not authorize the President to impose tariffs," he added.

Highlighting the benefits of cooperation, the spokesperson noted that repeated experience had shown that cooperation between China and the US benefits both sides while confrontation harms both and urged Washington to cancel all unilateral tariffs imposed on its trading partners.

"We have noted that the US is preparing to adopt alternative measures, such as trade investigations, in an attempt to maintain tariffs on its trading partners. China will closely monitor these developments and firmly safeguard its legitimate rights and interests," the spokesperson said, as quoted by the Global Times.

Earlier on Saturday, Trump said that he is raising the 10 per cent worldwide tariff on countries announced following the Supreme Court verdict "to the fully allowed and legally tested 15 per cent level".

In a post on Truth Social, Trump 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".

Meanwhile, A White House official confirmed that Trump is set to visit China from March 31 to April 2.

- ANI
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, during his visit to India, stated that a clean energy future is achievable but requires a comprehensive transformation away from fossil fuels. He also addressed the Global AI Impact Summit, advocating for international, science-based governance to ensure AI serves humanity. Guterres highlighted the UN's newly formed Independent International Scientific Panel on AI, designed to provide a shared, evidence-based analysis for global coordination. The summit in New Delhi gathered global policymakers and experts to advance discussions on artificial intelligence.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, meeting Indian leaders, calls for a system-wide shift from fossil fuels and science-led AI governance for global good.

New Delhi, February 23 United Nations General Secretary Antonio Guterres met with Indian leaders from the renewable energy ecosystem in the national capital while on a visit to India for the AI Impact Summit.

In a post on X, he wrote, "I recently met with leaders from across India's renewable energy ecosystem, listening to different perspectives from industry, finance, policy & civil society. The message was clear: The clean energy future is within reach - but we need a system-wide transformation to accelerate the transition from fossil fuels."

During his visit to India, Guterres also held bilateral talks with Prime Narendra Modi in the national capital and also met President Murmu.

Guterres called for utilising Artificial Intelligence for global good and 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.

He made the remarks while speaking at the Global AI Impact Summit 2026 here in the national capital on the role of science in international AI governance.

"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 had brought together government policymakers, industry AI experts, academicians, technology innovators and civil society from across the world at New Delhi to advance global discussions on artificial intelligence.

- ANI
After fighting in Iraq, he served 16 years in prison before being placed in immigration detention and eventually deported: I have the right to be buried in a national cemetery, but not to live in America

The humid heat of Villahermosa is the only thing that feels familiar to Jose Barco in the unlikely destination of his story. At first glance, its clear this 40-year-old Iraq War veteran, short in stature, broad-shouldered, with a shaved head and a calmness that masks the absurd twists and turns of his life, isnt from around here.

Officially, the son of Cuban refugees, born in Venezuela and raised in the United States, is from nowhere. But he ended up in the state of Tabasco, in southern Mexico, after serving nearly 16 years of a prison sentence and another 10 months in immigration detention, during which they tried to deport him to Venezuela, despite his military honors. He risked his life for the United States, and then the military healthcare system failed him; even so, he paid for his crime committed during the instability that marked the months following his return from the war, and, despite everything, became, as far as is known, the first American veteran deported to a third country.

The freedom he longed for isnt turning out to be what he imagined. With his basic needs met thanks to his veterans pension, from the meager 25 square meters of the tourist studio he keeps meticulously tidy  his sterile home for a few weeks before he has to move to the next one  Barco struggles not to succumb to the cruel paradox of losing hope now. The loneliness, the loneliness, its debilitating to be alone. And the uncertainty of everything It feels like Im still in prison even though Im not.

Jose Barco in his temporary home in Villahermosa, Tabasco. Aggi Garduno

He tasted his bittersweet freedom for the first time in nearly two decades on November 16 in the city of Palenque, deep in the Chiapas jungle. He had arrived there alongside other deported migrants, transported by Mexican authorities from the Nogales border crossing. He had only a backpack containing his meager belongings: a few clothes, a birth certificate and other documents, and a smartphone sent to him by his wife, Tia, which he, imprisoned since before their rise, didnt know how to use. He managed to unlock the device to call her, and she booked him a couple of nights at a hotel that allowed him to check in with a photocopy of his old drivers license.

The following Tuesday  Monday was a holiday  he went to the Mexican Commission for Refugee Assistance (COMAR) office to submit his asylum application. The best he could get was an appointment for April. He began seeking help through veterans groups in Mexico, who put him in touch with three legal aid organizations for refugees. They recommended he move to Villahermosa and begin his process there, where there was no waiting list. Since December, his file has been open at the Tabasco offices, and until COMAR makes a decision, he cannot leave the state. Although the law sets a timeframe of 45 to 90 business days to resolve these applications, the backlog and complexity of the cases can extend the wait to a year or more.

01:30 Testimonio de Jose Barco Jose Barco habla sobre su deseo de poder convertirse en un residente legal en Mexico y poder construir un futuro en el pais. Photo: Aggi Garduno

Given this situation, his days are spent in an isolation that has become part of his nature after so many years in prison. He exercises, his only therapy and escape; sometimes he walks silently through the streets or a park in Villahermosa. He hasnt made any friends beyond exchanging a few pleasantries with some neighbors. When I went to prison I was much more social, much happier. [Now] Im a bit of a hermit. I dont know if maybe deep down Ive always been like this, a little shy. But I feel that the depression, the loneliness he begins to reflect, but stops suddenly as if he doesnt want to delve into those corners of his mind.

Since arriving in Mexico, he has been without his medication, a cocktail of drugs to treat his post-traumatic stress and severe migraines caused by several serious brain injuries sustained in combat. This is the main reason he would like to transfer his case to Guadalajara, where there is a veterans network that can help him obtain medical care.

Although its unlikely hell be allowed to. There are still several bureaucratic steps he must complete before new opportunities begin to open up. Legal residency, and with it, eventual employment, are still a long way off. What he needs right now is a CURP (Clave Unica de Registro de Poblacion), the most basic identification number in Mexico, so he can at least open a bank account, get a prescription, or sign a rental agreement as to not have to rely on expensive tourist apartments.

Jose Barco in a park, in Villahermosa, Tabasco. Aggi Garduno

Im grateful to Mexico for welcoming me with open arms. I have nothing against Mexico or Mexicans. But Im not Mexican. I dont know anyone here. Im completely alone in this country. I feel like Ive already been punished. I went to prison. I served my sentence. I should be back in Miami, with my family. Instead, they ripped me away from that, Barco says, more with frustration than anger.

War and prison

The Barco family settled in Miami in 1990, after a period in Venezuela, where Jose and his older siblings were born. They arrived in Caracas as refugees from Castros regime, which had imprisoned his father for nearly two decades after the Revolution. But their ultimate goal had always been the United States. There, he grew up with limited resources but without want, surrounded by Cubans and with parents who never learned English. Despite this, he, a legal resident who swore allegiance to the Star-Spangled Banner in school, felt American.

So before turning 18, he enlisted in the army. It was a way to leave home, and his older brother had already done it a few years earlier. He also wanted to serve his country, but on the other hand, he was simply drawn to adventure, like in the movies. We wanted to be Navy SEALs, special forces, commandos. Thats what we had in mind. And back then, in 2003 when I joined, they had just invaded Iraq. So my brother and I wanted to be a part of it, we wanted to go to war, he recalls, as convinced as ever.

He went to Iraq, and there the action started immediately. After four months, a car bomb attack left him with serious injuries and third-degree burns. He had to return to the United States to recover for a couple of years, during which time, while still in the army, he got married and also began the naturalization process.

Jose Barco (center) during an operation in Iraq. Cortesia

He was supposed to obtain his citizenship while deployed for the second time in Iraq, but due to some error in the paperwork, that never happened. At the time, amid heavy fighting in which he suffered several concussions, it didnt concern him too much, but it would prove to be a crucial element in his destiny.

He returned to Fort Carson, Colorado, in late 2007 in a fragile mental state, with clear and profound symptoms of post-traumatic stress, but received no psychological treatment, only medication. I wasnt myself. I was drinking heavily, I was very aggressive; it ruined my marriage. I was 22 years old and I didnt know what was happening, I just knew I didnt want to be married.

It was in this context, in April 2008, that Barco went to a house party, and an incident lasting less than 10 minutes changed his life. When he entered, the atmosphere became tense; he later learned that the attendees were gang members who didnt appreciate the arrival of strangers who looked like soldiers. A confrontation ensued and, surrounded and threatened, Barco drew his weapon and fired once into the ceiling before leaving and getting into his car. As he was driving away, he recalls almost 20 years later, something came over him and he turned around and approached the house again. Outside, the gang members were still standing around and began throwing rocks at him. He felt like he was back in Iraq and that they were shooting at him. He rolled down the passenger window and emptied the remaining six rounds in the magazine.

That night everything was blurry. Luckily, no one was seriously hurt. I could have killed someone. But I wasnt thinking about those consequences; I was back in Iraq, Barco recalls. A few days later, he learned that one of his bullets had indeed hit the leg of a 19-year-old pregnant woman. Time passed, and no one filed charges, until one day, 10 months later, he was arrested and charged with attempted murder.

Barco looks at photographs from his time in the army on his cell phone. Aggi Garduno

He tried to fight for his freedom, but his fate was sealed. At that time, Fort Carson was the epicenter of a crime and mental health crisis  some 18 murders or attempted murders and as many as 36 suicides were reported  which, according to reports at the time, the Colorado attorney general wanted to eradicate by setting a ruthless example. Barco was sentenced to 55 years in prison for attempted murder and entered prison in the fall of 2009.

His new girlfriend, Tia, was four months pregnant, so shortly after he entered prison, they married so that she and their unborn child could receive Barcos veterans pension. Then, as if frozen in time, the next 15 years passed. He remained married to Tia, but they werent always in contact. And his daughter grew into the teenager she is now with an understandably distant relationship with her father. In that futureless present, he devoted himself almost entirely to working at the prison. He was a cook and a teaching assistant for inmates who hadnt finished high school, among other things.

His exemplary behavior earned him parole starting January 21, 2025, some 15 and a half years after starting his sentence, and, crucially, the day after Donald Trump returned to the White House. He had plans to go to Miami and be with his family. But he was automatically taken into custody by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), who informed him that he was subject to a deportation order as a convicted felon.

The migratory limbo

Two months later, when news of Venezuelans being deported to a maximum-security prison in El Salvador was instilling panic among migrants detained in the centers Barco describes as medieval because of their appalling conditions, he was on a plane bound for Honduras, where he was to be handed over to Venezuelan authorities. But on the tarmac of a Honduran airfield, Venezuelan officials rejected him alone from that group of more than 200. They said that Barco, who speaks with a Cuban accent and doesnt have a national identity card number, only a birth certificate in a state they considered suspiciously pristine, couldnt possibly be Venezuelan.

It was quite surreal, Barco recounts of the return trip on a plane accompanied only by ICE agents and the crew. I was thinking: Is this a good thing? I thought, hopefully, theyll have to release me now because my country doesnt want me. It was naive: by November, it was confirmed that he would be deported to Mexico.

Jose Barco in Villahermosa, Tabasco. Aggi Garduno

Barco doesnt shy away from his responsibility. I am where I am because of myself. I bear the blame; I dont put it on anyone else. My brother went to Iraq too, and he became a citizen. I could have had a good life in the United States. My life could have been completely different, and thats because of the decisions I made. But along the way, some shitty things have happened that were beyond my control.

Looking ahead, which is the only thing that makes sense to him, he hopes to become a legal resident in Mexico and build a future there. He is also in the process of obtaining Venezuelan citizenship and has requested a pardon from the governor of Colorado, with the remote hope that this will allow him to legally return to what he truly considers his homeland.

It is then that he is struck by how absurd it all is, and the rage he has learned to bury deep inside bubbles to the surface. I am more American than most people who are citizens only because they were lucky enough to be born there. There are guys who get out of prison every day for heinous crimes, and they get released, theyre put on parole, but theyre not deported because theyre Americans.

I bled for this stupid country. I went to war for this country, twice. But I cant live in America. The only way I can go back right now is in a body bag. As a veteran, I have the right to be buried in a national cemetery, but I dont have the right to live in America. What kind of fucked-up bullshit is that?

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President Droupadi Murmu unveiled a bust of C Rajagopalachari at Rashtrapati Bhavan, replacing one of British architect Edwin Lutyens. Union Home Minister Amit Shah hailed the move as a decisive step in shedding colonial symbols and honoring national stalwarts. Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the Rajaji Utsav initiative, urging people to draw inspiration from Rajagopalachari's life and ideals. The event was attended by Vice President CP Radhakrishnan and several Union Ministers.

President Murmu unveils bust of C Rajagopalachari, replacing Edwin Lutyens. Amit Shah and PM Modi call it a step to shed colonial mindset.

New Delhi, February 24 Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday hailed President Droupadi Murmu, unveiling a bust of C Rajagopalachari, the first and only Indian Governor-General of independent India, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, amd called it a significant step in shedding colonial symbols.

The bust replaces that of Edwin Lutyens, a British architect, symbolising India's move towards embracing its rich heritage and culture.

In a post on X, Amit Shah wrote, "President Droupadi Murmu Ji unveiling the bust of Thiru C Rajagopalachari at Rashtrapati Bhavan marks a decisive step in shedding colonial symbols and honouring stalwarts of our nation."

He said that Rajagopalachari's ideals of duty and integrity continue to inspire generations, reflecting India's civilisational pride.

"Rajaji's ideals of duty and integrity will continue to inspire generations in building a self-confident Bharat rooted in its civilisational pride. I urge everyone to visit Rajaji Utsav and draw inspiration from the life and ideals of Thiru C Rajagopalachari," added Amit Shah.

The event, part of Rajaji Utsav, featured dignitaries like Vice President CP Radhakrishnan and Union Ministers. Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the initiative, highlighting Rajagopalachari's contributions to India's freedom struggle and governance.

Rajagopalachari, popularly known as Rajaji, was a key figure in India's freedom movement and later served in several important capacities in independent India.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the Rajaji Utsav as a wonderful initiative bringing out different aspects of Rajaji's rich contributions to the nation and urged people to visit the exhibition and draw inspiration from his life and ideals.

The President Murmu graced the 'Rajaji Utsav' at Rashtrapati Bhavan. As part of Rajaji Utsav, an exhibition on the life and work of Rajaji is being organised from February 24 to March 1 at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Sharing an X post, PM Modi wrote, "Rajaji Utsav is a wonderful initiative, which brings out different aspects of Rajaji's rich contribution to our nation. I urge you all to visit it and get inspired!"

The prime minister further described the initiative as a commendable effort reflecting India's resolve to honour those who shaped the nation's destiny and to shed remnants of a colonial mindset. He said that Rajaji was a towering scholar, freedom fighter, thinker and administrator whose life embodied integrity, intellect and unwavering commitment to the nation.

Responding to the X posts of the President about the aforementioned initiatives, Modi wrote on X, "A commendable effort, which reflects India's resolve to honour those who shaped our destiny and to shed remnants of a colonial mindset. Rajaji was a towering scholar, freedom fighter, thinker and administrator. His life embodied integrity, intellect and unwavering commitment to the nation."

President Droupadi Murmu today also unveiled the bust of the only Indian Governor General of independent India, Chakravarti Rajagopalachari, at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The bust of Rajagopalachari, situated at the Grand Open Staircase near Ashok Mandap, replaces the bust of Edwin Lutyens.'Rajaji Utsav' initiative is part of a series of steps being taken to shed the vestiges of a colonial mindset and honour the individuals who served India with their extraordinary contributions.

"President Droupadi Murmu unveiled a bust of Shri Chakravarti Rajagopalachari Ji, the first and only Indian Governor General of independent India, at Rashtrapati Bhavan," said the President's handle.

"The bust of Chakravarti Rajagopalachari, situated at the Grand Open Staircase near Ashok Mandap, replaces the bust of Edwin Lutyens. This initiative is part of a series of steps being taken towards shedding the vestiges of colonial mindset and embracing, with pride, the richness of India's culture, heritage, timeless traditions and honouring those who served Bharat Mata with their extraordinary contributions," the post read.

Vice President of India CP Radhakrishnan, Union Minister JP Nadda, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Minister of Education Dharmendra Pradhan, Minister of Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Dr L Murugan also attended this event.

BJP leader CR Kesavan, the great-grandson of Rajagopalachari, thanked President Droupadi Murmu for unveiling the bust of the first and the last Governor-General of independent India. Kesavan stated that India has become proud of its civilizational values and alleged that previous Congress regimes deliberately sidelined the glorious sacrifices and selfless contributions of great leaders who fought for the freedom movement.

- ANI
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan launched the 'Teacher App 2.0', developed by Bharti Airtel in collaboration with the CK-12 Foundation. He highlighted the recent launch of two Indian large language models, BharatGen and Sarvam, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the AI Impact Summit. Pradhan emphasized that integrating AI into the education sector has become a government priority to empower the new generation. The initiative is seen as a step forward in improving operational efficiency and governance within schools and colleges.

Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan launches the AI-integrated Teacher App 2.0, highlighting India's push for tech-enabled education and new LLMs.

New Delhi, February 23 Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Monday hailed the technological advances in the Indian education system, reflecting on the 'The Teachers App 2.0.'

The Union Minister earlier today launched the app made by Bharti Airtel, in collaboration with CK-12 Foundation, a global philanthropy group.

Speaking to the media, the Minister highlighted the recent launch of two large language models (LLMs), BharatGen and Sarvam, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the AI Impact Summit 2026, expressing hope that similar AI capabilities would soon be incorporated into the app.

Praising the achievement, he described the initiative as "a step forward" in improving governance and operational efficiency in schools and colleges.

"India's education system is gradually moving towards AI in various dimensions. Today, Bharti Airtel, in collaboration with CK-12 Foundation, a global philanthropy group, has launched a new Teachers App... My expectation, and also my suggestion, is that all this will gradually be implemented in the Indian Large Language Model. This time, at the AI Impact Summit, the Prime Minister launched two major Large Language Models in India: BharatGen and Sarvam...The school and college governance model will also need to be improved. Today, we have taken a step forward in that direction," the Union Minister said.

Earlier last week, the Union Minister emphasised that integrating artificial intelligence into education has become a national priority to empower the country's youth.

Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the India AI Impact Summit at Bharat Mandapan in the national capital, Pradhan emphasised that using AI in the education sector has become a priority for the government now.

"It is our responsibility to provide AI-enabled education to India's new generation. The Prime Minister organised the AI Impact Summit to encourage India's new generation, and they are participating in it. Using AI in education, how we can strengthen our students, schools, and teachers by leveraging AI has become a priority," he said.

- ANI
United States Deputy National Security Advisor Robert Gabriel is visiting India, as announced by US Ambassador Sergio Gor. The visit follows recent trips by US Under Secretary of State Jacob Helberg, who highlighted the strategic PAX SILICA initiative for shared economic security and supply chains. It also comes after Admiral Samuel J. Paparo's visit to discuss military interoperability and security interests in the Indo-Pacific. These consecutive high-level engagements underscore the deepening and multi-faceted strategic partnership between India and the United States.

US Deputy National Security Advisor Robert Gabriel visits India as part of deepening tech & security cooperation, following other key US officials.

New Delhi, February 23 United States Deputy National Security Advisor Robert Gabriel is visiting India, US Ambassador Sergio Gor said on Monday.

In a post on X, Gor said, "My great friend and Deputy National Security Advisor, Robert Gabriel, is visiting us in India!"

Earlier United States Under Secretary of State Jacob Helberg also paid a visit to India as the country signed US-led Pax Silica initiative during the sidelines of the Global AI Impact Summit held here in the national capital.

Speaking to ANI, Helberg said that it reinforces the need to work together for shared economic security.

"Being here really underlines the importance of India being a friend and a partner in the PAX SILICA project. There are so many American companies who came here and rolled out incredibly historic projects. Google rolled out a transpacific and oceanic submarine cable that connects India to the United States. Micron was here earlier rolling out fabs that actually complement their activities in the US. I think this is part of a much bigger story about India and the US working together at every layer of the supply chain stack to help reinforce our shared economic security. Ultimately, Pax Silica is an economic security coalition that does not follow the typical geometries of geopolitical alliances. It is a group of countries that realize that shared supply chains are actually more binding than shared ideology. And so we're very happy to be here and we're very excited to partner with India, " he said.

Previously, Admiral Samuel J Paparo, commander of US Indo-Pacific Command, visited India from February 14-19, to collaborate on the India-US shared security interests and to strengthen the nations' close military ties, an official statement from the US Indo-Pacific Command noted in a statement.

As per the statement, the visit to New Delhi, Chandimandir and Bengaluru underscored India's vital role in advancing regional security and strengthened military interoperability across land, sea, air, space and cyberspace domains. While in New Delhi, Admiral Paparo met with senior Indian defence officials, including General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff, and Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff. These discussions centred on areas of mutual interest, including India's contributions to safeguarding a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

- ANI
Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal stated that discussions with DMK chief and Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin were cordial, but final results on the alliance are awaited. The Tamil Nadu Congress has expressed readiness to discuss a seat-sharing formula with the DMK for the 2026 Legislative Assembly elections. Meanwhile, other alliance partners like the Indian Union Muslim League have also begun seat-sharing negotiations with the DMK. The 2026 polls are expected to be a multi-cornered contest involving the DMK-led alliance, the BJP-AIADMK combine, and actor Vijay's new party.

Congress's KC Venugopal describes talks with DMK's MK Stalin as cordial as parties negotiate seat-sharing for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.

Kochi, February 23 Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal on Monday said that information regarding the DMK-Congress alliance would be shared soon, and that talks with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin were "cordial" but the results are awaited.

Speaking to the media, Venugopal said, "We will let you know, finally...The discussion was cordial, but we are waiting for the results."

Venugopal on Sunday met Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK chief MK Stalin at his residence in Chennai ahead of the Legislative Assembly elections.

Tamil Nadu Congress screening committee chairman TS Singh Deo was also present in the meeting.

Earlier, Tamil Nadu Congress President Selvaperunthagai K on Saturday said that the party is ready to discuss a seat-sharing formula with the DMK for the upcoming 2026 Legislative Assembly elections.

Selvaperunthagai told ANI, "We are ready to talk to DMK for seat sharing and negotiation. The INDIA bloc is already a powerful alliance and is going to be more powerful. On February 22, they are calling smaller parties. Then they will call the major parties."Meanwhile, today, Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) president KM Kader Mohideen met DMK representatives for seat-sharing talks and demanded five seats for the party.

The DMK has constituted a committee to hold discussions with alliance parties regarding seat-sharing arrangements.

The committee is chaired by party Treasurer TR Baalu. Other members of the panel include Principal Secretary KN Nehru, Deputy General Secretaries Tiruchi Siva and A Raja, Organising Secretary RS Bharathi, and High-Level Executive Committee members EV Velu and MRK Panneerselvam.

The 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly will go to the polls in the first half of 2026, where the MK Stalin-led alliance will look to project the 'Dravidian Model 2.0' for the win against the BJP-AIADMK alliance. Actor-turned-politician Vijay's entry with his Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) is expected to turn the Tamil Nadu polls into a three-way contest.

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
Television actress Drashti Dhami marked her 11th wedding anniversary with a heartfelt social media post dedicated to her husband, Neeraj Khemka. She shared a series of romantic and family photos, including ones with their baby daughter, Leela. Her caption reflected on how their relationship has evolved from romance to the shared responsibilities of parenthood. Drashti and Neeraj tied the knot in a traditional ceremony back in February 2015.

TV actress Drashti Dhami shares romantic photos and a sweet message for husband Neeraj Khemka on their 11th wedding anniversary.

Mumbai Fe, b 22 Television actress Drashti Dhami marked her 11th wedding anniversary with husband Neeraj Khemka and penned a heartfelt social media post, that reflected on how their relationship has evolved over the years.

Sharing a series of romantic pictures, from intimate moments together to fun travel memories and an adorable family portrait with their baby Leela, Drashti expressed how her husband now makes coffee for her even at office hours while she holds and takes care of their baby.

"Happy 11 years to the man who once gave me butterflies and now gives me coffee while I hold our baby at 3 am. Our life may not be glamorous anymore, but it's full of giggles, cuddles, and a tiny boss who runs the house. Wouldn't trade this crazy, beautiful life with you for anything.

I love you ...

Happy 11 to us @khemkaniraj," she wrote on her social media account.

The actress' post highlights how her love story with Neeraj transitioned from romance-filled beginnings to embracing parenthood and further shared responsibilities. One of the pictures shared in the carousel shows the couple wrapped in a warm hug, while another picture captures them enjoying a snowy holiday. A portrait features the two smiling at the camera with holding their baby girl in their arms.

For the uninitiated, Drashti Dhami married businessman Neeraj Khemka in February 2015 in a traditional ceremony attended by family and close friends. Actress Suhasi Dhami, known for her role in the television show "Yahaan Main Ghar Ghar Kheli," is her sister-in-law, her brother's wife.

On the professional front, Drashti rose to fame with her popular show "Geet - Hui Sabse Parayi," more than a decade ago. She also won hearts as Dr. Muskaan in the hit medical drama "Dill Mill Gayye." Later, she starred opposite Vivian Dsena in "Madhubala - Ek Ishq Ek Junoon," which carved her position as a leading female face on television. Drashti also explored hosting with "Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa."

- IANS
First such conference in 27 years

The Election Commission of India is set to host a National Round Table Conference with all State Election Commissioners, the first meeting of its kind since 1999. The conference aims to strengthen coordination and cooperative federalism in electoral processes. Key agenda items include discussions on EVM transparency, technological practices, and improving electoral roll accuracy. Senior officials from the ECI and all states and union territories will participate in the deliberations at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.

Election Commission convenes State Election Commissioners for key talks on EVMs, electoral rolls, and tech cooperation after a 27-year gap.

New Delhi/Gandhinagar, Feb 23 The Election Commission of India will convene a 'National Round Table Conference' with the State Election Commissioners on Tuesday at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, marking the first such meeting in 27 years, officials said on Monday.

The last conference of this kind was held in 1999.

The forthcoming meeting is aimed at enhancing coordination between the ECI and the State Election Commissions (SECs) on electoral processes and logistics.

The conference will be chaired by Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi will also attend the event.

The State Election Commissioners from all states and Union Territories are expected to participate along with their legal and technical experts.

Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) from all 36 states and Union Territories, including Gujarat, will also be present.

According to the ECI, the discussions will focus on strengthening cooperation between the national and state poll bodies and reinforcing the spirit of cooperative federalism in the conduct of elections.

Key agenda items include the exchange of technological practices, the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), and measures to further improve the accuracy and robustness of electoral rolls.

Senior ECI officials will make a presentation on the recently launched digital platform 'ECINET'.

The transparency and security features of EVMs will also be explained in detail during the deliberations.

A comparative presentation is scheduled on voter eligibility provisions across states and Union Territories in the context of the Representation of the People Act, 1950.

The aim is to facilitate a structured discussion on the legal framework governing the preparation and revision of electoral rolls in different jurisdictions.

The State Election Commissions were constituted under the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments.

Under Articles 243K and 243ZA of the Constitution of India, SECs are responsible for conducting elections to panchayats and municipalities.

The conference is expected to provide a platform for institutional dialogue between the ECI and the State Election Commissions on administrative, legal and technological aspects of election management.

- IANS
Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that the recently concluded AI Impact Summit in Delhi drew wholehearted global praise for India's capabilities. The summit ended with the adoption of the New Delhi Declaration, endorsed by 88 countries and international organizations. The declaration is structured around seven key pillars, or "Chakras," focusing on democratizing AI and ensuring its benefits are shared equitably. A series of global initiatives were also announced to promote affordable access and trustworthy AI systems.

PM Narendra Modi says the world praised India's capabilities at the AI Impact Summit, which concluded with a landmark New Delhi Declaration.

New Delhi, February 23 Following the conclusion of the AI Impact Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday lauded the gathering, emphasising that the entire world has wholeheartedly praised India's capabilities.

In a post on X, PM Modi stressed that the Summit showed that thinking of India's youth regarding technology will be of great benefit to all of humanity.

"In the historic AI Summit held in Delhi, the entire world has wholeheartedly praised India's capabilities. This shows that the thinking of our young companions regarding technology will be of great benefit to all of humanity," Prime Minister Modi said.

The AI Impact Summit 2026, held in New Delhi on February 16-20, concluded with the adoption of the New Delhi Declaration on AI Impact, marking a significant milestone in global cooperation on artificial intelligence.

As per the release, the declaration has been endorsed by 88 countries and international organisations, reflecting a broad-based global consensus on leveraging AI for economic growth and social good.

Guided by the principle of "Sarvajan Hitaya, Sarvajan Sukhaya" (Welfare for all, Happiness for all), the declaration underlines that the benefits of AI must be shared equitably across humanity.

The summit called for enhanced international cooperation and multistakeholder engagement while respecting national sovereignty. It emphasised advancing AI through accessible and trustworthy frameworks and building shared understanding on how AI can serve humanity.

The declaration is structured around seven key pillars, referred to as "Chakras", including democratizing AI resources, promoting economic growth and social good, ensuring secure and trusted AI systems, expanding AI use in science, increasing access for social empowerment, developing human capital, and fostering resilient, innovative and energy-efficient AI systems.

The Summit announced a series of voluntary and collaborative global initiatives, including the Charter for the Democratic Diffusion of AI, the Global AI Impact Commons, and the Trusted AI Commons, aimed at expanding affordable access to AI resources, scaling innovative use cases, and promoting secure and trustworthy AI systems.

- ANI
Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that the recently concluded AI Impact Summit 2026 in Delhi received global praise for showcasing India's capabilities in Artificial Intelligence. He emphasized that the technological thinking of India's youth will greatly benefit humanity. The summit, held at Bharat Mandapam, focused on human-centric AI, global cooperation, and ethical frameworks. Modi highlighted that India's innovation ecosystem and youth-driven vision position it as a key player in shaping the future of global AI.

PM Narendra Modi says the AI Impact Summit 2026 showcased India's AI strengths to the world, highlighting youth and ethical innovation.

New Delhi, Feb 23 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday hailed the recently concluded AI Impact Summit 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, saying the event showcased India's remarkable capabilities in Artificial Intelligence to the world.

PM Modi posted on X, "In the historic AI Summit held in Delhi, the entire world has wholeheartedly praised India's capabilities. This shows that the thinking of our young companions regarding technology will be of great benefit to all of humanity."

The Prime Minister also shared a Sanskrit quote, "Experimentation and research are essential to discovering unknown knowledge. Judgment and analysis of known facts are the beginning of research, and that knowledge is verified through experience and observation." (loosely translated from Sanskrit)

Earlier on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the recently concluded AI Impact Summit held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi and said that through the event, 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 such as the New Delhi Declaration. The summit brought together global leaders, policymakers, technology experts, innovators and startup founders to deliberate on the future of Artificial Intelligence and its responsible deployment.

While addressing the 131st episode of his monthly radio programme, 'Mann Ki Baat', the Prime Minister 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 startup 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 world leaders and tech leaders. At the AI Summit Exhibition, I showcased many innovations to the world leaders," he said.

The Prime Minister emphasised that India's growing innovation ecosystem and youth-driven technological vision are positioning the country as a key player in shaping global AI discourse, while underscoring the importance of research, experimentation, and ethical responsibility in harnessing emerging technologies for the benefit of humanity.

- IANS
The Manipuri-language film "Boong," backed by Farhan Akhtar, has won the Best Children's & Family Film award at the 79th British Academy Film Awards. Director Lakshmipriya Devi gave an emotional speech, dedicating the win to her troubled and underrepresented homeland of Manipur. She expressed prayers for peace and for displaced children, including the film's young actors, to regain their joy and dreams. The film, which premiered at TIFF, tells the story of a boy's quest to reunite his family amidst social tensions.

Farhan Akhtar-backed Manipuri film 'Boong' wins BAFTA Best Children's & Family Film. Director Lakshmipriya Devi calls it a homage to troubled Manipur.

Mumbai, Feb 23 The Manipuri-language film "Boong" backed by Farhan Akhtar won the prestigious Best Children's & Family Film award at the 79th British Academy Film Awards. It's director Lakshmipriya Devi described the moment as "the last few steps to reach a summit of a mountain we never knew we were climbing in the first place."

Boong was competing alongside international titles such as Arco, Lilo & Stitch, and Zootropolis 2.

The official Instagram page of BAFTA shared a video of Lakshmipriya Devi accepting the honour. She began with "Kurumjari", a traditional greeting.

She added: "The walk up till here felt like the last few steps to reach a summit of a mountain we never knew we were climbing in the first place. So thank you to the jury members and BAFTA for giving our very small film such big love."

The director underscored that the film is deeply rooted in his homeland, Manipur, a region he described as troubled, ignored and underrepresented in India.

"A film that is not only rooted in a place which is very troubled, very much ignored and very unrepresented in India, my homeland, Manipur. It's a homage to my homeland. So I just want to use this opportunity to say that we pray for peace to return to Manipur," Devi said.

She also expressed hope that internally displaced children, including the young actors who featured in the film, would regain their joy, innocence, and dreams.

"We pray that all the internally displaced 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," she concluded.

Boong stars Gugun Kipgen, Bala Hijam, Angom Sanamatum, Vikram Kochhar, Nemetia Ngangbam, Jenny Khurai, and Hamom Sadananda. The film had its world premiere at the Discovery section of the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival on 5 September 2024.

It tells the story of a young boy's heartfelt quest to reunite his family in the backdrop of social tensions in Manipur.

- IANS
Former Railway Minister and senior Trinamool Congress leader Mukul Roy passed away following a cardiac arrest in Kolkata. A founding member of the TMC, Roy had a complex political career that included a stint with the BJP before returning to his original party. BJP leaders Dilip Ghosh and Suvendu Adhikari expressed their condolences, highlighting his experience and contributions. His son, Subhranshu Roy, confirmed the news of his demise.

Former Railway Minister and TMC founding member Mukul Roy passes away in Kolkata. BJP leaders Dilip Ghosh and Suvendu Adhikari pay tributes.

Kolkata, February 23 Former Railway Minister and Trinamool Congress leader Mukul Roy passed away on Monday at Apollo Hospital in Salt Lake, Kolkata.

Roy suffered a cardiac arrest at 1.30 am, his son, Subhranshu Roy, confirmed.

On June 11, 2021, Roy and his son Subhranshu Roy joined TMC in the presence of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

Following his passing, BJP leader Dilip Ghosh paid tribute to Roy, remembering him as an experienced politician who was held in high regard during his time with the Bharatiya Janata Party.

"He was an experienced politician. He became a Union Minister too. When he came to the BJP, he was given a lot of respect. From 2019-2021, he was with us. Later, he left the BJP and went to the TMC. For the last 2-3 years, he has been ill and could not actively participate in politics. I pray that his soul rests in peace," he told ANI.

BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari also made an X post regarding the late TMC leader, expressing grief over the news of his passing and sending condolences to his family.

"Deeply disheartened to learn about the sad demise of Senior Politician; Shri Mukul Roy. My sincere condolences to his family. Praying that his soul attains eternal peace. Om Shanti." he wrote on X.

Roy, who served as a former Rajya Sabha MP and Railway Minister, was among the founding members of Trinamool Congress. He later switched sides from TMC to BJP in 2017 and contested the 2021 West Bengal Assembly elections from Krishnangar Uttar constituency, defeating TMC candidate actor Koushani Mukherjee. However, following West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee's return to power in the 2021 West Bengal assembly elections, he later rejoined TMC along with his son Shubranshu Roy.

- ANI
COLOMBO, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka is rolling out a joint marketing and operations plan to attract airlines to Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport and position it as a tourism gateway, local media reported on Monday, quoting a senior tourism official.

Chairman of Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, Buddhika Hewawasam, said Mattala's main problem is the lack of scheduled flights, though charter operations continue in peak seasons. He said Sri Lanka Tourism is working with Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Ltd. and industry stakeholders to promote the airport.

Hewawasam said Mattala can serve as a diversion airport for Bandaranaike International Airport and that recent steps by aviation authorities have improved confidence in its safety and operations.

He said officials also plan to market Mattala based on its access to southern and eastern tourist zones. 
Actress Gauahar Khan recently shared an emotional video from her spiritual journey to Medina during the holy month of Ramadan, expressing an overwhelming feeling of gratitude. The former Bigg Boss winner has built a successful career across television and films since her 2013 reality show victory. On the personal front, she is married to Zaid Darbar and is a mother to two young children, often sharing family moments online. She recently joined a social media dance trend with her husband and son, highlighting her life as a busy toddler mom.

Actress Gauahar Khan gets teary-eyed during spiritual trip to Medina in Ramadan. See her emotional video and latest family updates.

Mumbai, Feb 23 Actress Gauahar Khan recently shared an emotional moment from her spritual trip to Medina, Saudi Arabia, where she was seen offering prayers during the holy month of Ramadan.

Taking to her social media account, Gauahar posted a video from Medina and wrote: "alhamdulillah for this !!!!! this feeling is ... Overwhelming in every way."

In the video, Gauahar is seen wearing a modest outfit with a headscarf, and looked extremely overwhelmed and teary-eyed. The serene backdrop of Medina added more to the spiritual intensity of the moment.

The actress, whether has travelled solo or with family is unclear.

On the professional front, Gauahar Khan has carved a niche for herself across television, and films with her impeccable performance in them all. She rose to fame more after winning 'Bigg Boss' Season 7 in 2013. Khan has been part of films such as 'Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year', 'Ishaqzaade','Begum Jaan' and 14 Phere. The actress has also featured in popular songs including "Jhalla Wallah" from 'Ishaqzaade', which became a chartbuster. On television, she has appeared in shows like 'Khatron Ke Khiladi',' and the web series 'Tandav'.

On the personal front, Gauahar tied the knot with Zaid Darbar, son of renowned music composer Ismail Darbar, on December 25, 2020. The couple welcomed their first son, Zehaan, in May 2023. The two were again blessed with another baby in 2024. Gauahar often shares glimpses of her family life on social media.

The actress always gives her fans a sneak peek into her postpartum recovery and recently was seen dancing to the popular 'Teri Dulhan Sajaungi' trending song on social media.

Sharing the mom edition of the trend on her social media account, Gauahar was seen dancing on the track from the film "Barsaat" featuring Priyanka Chopra and Bipasha Basu.

Gauahar performed the hookstep of the 'Teri Dulhan Sajaungi' in front of her son Zehaan and husband Zaid Darbar.

The 'Bigg Boss 7' winner also revealed that her son was asking to be picked by his mother for the last two hours. However, after dodging his request for such a long time, Gauahar finally gave in towards the end of the video.

The clip further included the text, "POV: when ur toddler's fave words are 'mommy Godi Godi Godi'!!!"

"Jab poore 2 ghante ,u have dodged taking his mommy pick me up requests , !!!! #mommypromises #toddlermoms #iykyk @zaid_darbar u know what I mean ... hahahaha @kausarsulemankhan thank u for the tip , finally wore it (red heart emoji) (sic)," she wrote.

- IANS
The Rajkot Municipal Corporation has launched its largest-ever demolition drive, targeting 1,489 illegal structures in the Jangleshwar area and along the Aji riverbed. Municipal Commissioner Tushar Sumera is supervising the operation from a control room, with over 1,130 civic staff and 260 vehicles deployed on the ground. Police Commissioner Brajesh Kumar Jha reported 455 structures demolished by 10 a.m., with 3,000 security personnel ensuring order under imposed Section 163. The drive, citing town planning violations and criminal activity in the area, is expected to continue for approximately three days.

Rajkot Municipal Corporation launches its largest demolition operation, razing 455 illegal structures along the Aji riverbed with 3,000 personnel deployed.

Rajkot, Feb 23 The Rajkot Municipal Corporation in Gujarat on Monday launched what officials described as the largest demolition operation in the city's history, moving to clear 1,489 illegal structures in the Jangleshwar locality and along the Aji riverbed.

The drive began early this morning, with teams deployed from 7 a.m. and bulldozers starting operations shortly afterwards.

The civic body has divided the entire stretch into seven zones, each placed under a Class-1 officer, while the four City Engineers are heading the demolition teams.

Municipal Commissioner Tushar Sumera is supervising the exercise from a specially established control room, which is receiving real-time updates from all zones to ensure coordination and public safety.

More than 1,130 municipal officers and staff have been deployed on the ground, wearing protective aprons and helmets.

The operation involves over 260 vehicles and machines, including 84 JCBs, 84 tractors, seven Hitachi excavators, 50 tractor-mounted breakers, 42 gas cutters and 14 dumpers.

The corporation estimates that 87,000 square metres of land will be cleared -- 55,000 square metres along the riverbed and 32,000 square metres under the TP road scheme.

Rajkot Police Commissioner Brajesh Kumar Jha told IANS that by 10 a.m., 455 structures had been razed. "Out of nearly 1,500 identified structures, 455 have been demolished as of now. We are keeping strict vigilance over the entire demolition process to ensure that it proceeds peacefully and in accordance with the law," he said.

He confirmed that Section 163 has been imposed in the area to maintain public order. "Nearly 3,000 personnel from various forces, including the city police, the Rapid Action Force and state home guards, have been deployed," he said.

Drone surveillance is being carried out by the authorities, while a separate order prohibits the flying of private drones from February 23 to 25.

Restrictions on the assembly of more than four persons will remain in force until February 26, and officials have warned of immediate action in the event of stone-pelting or obstruction.

Explaining the rationale for the drive, Jha said: "The primary reasons behind the demolition are long-standing illegal constructions near the riverbed, violations of the town planning scheme and the fact that certain notorious criminals were residing in the area."

Police records show that in the past decade, the locality has seen 276 liquor-related cases, 65 gambling cases, four murders and three attempted murder cases.

Sixty-one illegal weapons have also been seized during this period.

Officials said over 1,000 households had vacated voluntarily ahead of the operation, including around 225 families who moved out by Sunday evening.

The demolition is expected to continue for approximately three days.

- IANS
Heavy snowfall in Sikkim's Sherathang belt has stranded approximately 350 tourist vehicles along the Jawaharlal Nehru Road near Tsangu. The army has suspended traffic and launched a coordinated rescue operation with police, GREF, and local residents. So far, 46 tourists, including children, have been evacuated to an Army Transit Camp for safety. Rescue efforts continue for the remaining stranded individuals as the area is known for sudden weather disruptions during this season.

Heavy snowfall near Tsangu, Sikkim traps 350 tourist vehicles. Army, police, and GREF launch rescue to evacuate stranded tourists to safety.

Gangtok, February 23 Approximately 350 tourist vehicles are stranded near Tsangu between Sipsu and 16th mile along the Jawaharlal Nehru Road under Sherethang CP/PS jurisdiction following heavy snowfall reported around 11:30 am on Sunday.

Due to persistent snowfall in the Sherathang belt, the army has suspended vehicular movement in the affected stretch as a precautionary measure. Nearly 150 vehicles are likely to be caught between Sipsu and Tsangu (Changu), prompting immediate rescue and regulation efforts.

A coordinated operation involving the police, Army, GREF (General Reserve Engineer Force), and residents has been undertaken to evacuate stranded tourists and drivers from the snowbound area safely.

Around 46 tourists, including children, have been shifted to the Army Transit Camp at 17th Mile for temporary accommodation and safety until weather conditions improve and roads are cleared.

Rescue operations are still underway, and the remaining stranded vehicles will be secured and rerouted once weather conditions improve and the stretch is cleared for safe movement.

Tsangu is a popular tourist destination in Sikkim and attracts thousands of visitors. The area is prone to sudden weather changes and heavy snowfall during this season, often leading to temporary road closures and disruption of tourist movement along the high-altitude route.

- ANI
He was a founding TMC member who switched to BJP and back

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the death of veteran politician and former Union Minister Mukul Roy, highlighting his political experience and dedication to social service. Roy, a founding member of the Trinamool Congress, passed away following a cardiac arrest in Kolkata. BJP leaders Dilip Ghosh and Suvendu Adhikari also expressed grief and paid tribute to the late leader. Roy had a notable political journey, switching between the TMC and BJP, and served as a Railway Minister and Rajya Sabha MP.

PM Narendra Modi and BJP leaders mourn the passing of veteran politician and former Union Minister Mukul Roy, recalling his political experience and social service.

New Delhi, February 23 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday condoled the passing of veteran politician and former Union Minister Mukul Roy, highlighting his extensive experience and dedication to social service.

In a post on X, PM Modi described Roy as an experienced political figure whose efforts to serve society will remain memorable.

"Deeply saddened by the demise of former Union Minister Shri Mukul Roy ji. His vast political experience and dedicated efforts in social service will remain memorable. My heartfelt condolences to his family and supporters. Om Shanti," he said.

Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Mukul Roy passed away at Apollo Hospital in Salt Lake, Kolkata.

Roy suffered a cardiac arrest at 1.30 am on Monday, his son, Subhranshu Roy, confirmed.

Following his passing, BJP leader Dilip Ghosh paid tribute to Roy, remembering him as an experienced politician who was held in high regard during his time with the Bharatiya Janata Party.

"He was an experienced politician. He became a Union Minister too. When he came to the BJP, he was given a lot of respect. From 2019-2021, he was with us. Later, he left the BJP and went to the TMC. For the last 2-3 years, he has been ill and could not actively participate in politics. I pray that his soul rests in peace," he told ANI.

BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari also made an X post regarding the late TMC leader, expressing grief over the news of his passing and sending condolences to his family.

"Deeply disheartened to learn about the sad demise of Senior Politician, Shri Mukul Roy. My sincere condolences to his family. Praying that his soul attains eternal peace. Om Shanti," he wrote on X.

Roy, who served as a former Rajya Sabha MP and Railway Minister, was among the founding members of Trinamool Congress. He later switched sides from TMC to BJP in 2017 and contested the 2021 West Bengal Assembly elections from Krishnangar Uttar constituency, defeating TMC candidate actor Koushani Mukherjee. However, following West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee's return to power in the 2021 West Bengal assembly elections, he later rejoined TMC along with his son Shubranshu Roy.

- ANI
The 14th Dalai Lama attended a Long Life Prayer ceremony offered by former Tibetan political prisoners and their families in Dharamsala. The event, described as unprecedented, drew participants from across the globe, representing at least 17 different nations. Organizers and attendees emphasized the spiritual importance of receiving blessings from the Dalai Lama. The gathering highlighted the unity of the global Tibetan exile community in seeking the well-being of their spiritual leader.

The Dalai Lama attended a unique Long Life Prayer ceremony in Dharamsala, organized by former Tibetan political prisoners from 17 countries.

Dharamsala, February 23 The spiritual leader of Tibet, the 14th Dalai Lama, on Monday attended a Long Life Prayer offered to him by former Tibetan political prisoners from across the world and members of the Lhasa Boys Association at the Main Tibetan Temple in Himachal Pradesh's Dharamsala.

Speaking ahead of the ceremony, one participant said that the event was a celebration for the spiritual leader, stating that the prayer was very important.

The 14th Dalai Lama, currently 90 years old, will be turning 91 in July 2026.

"We have all the political prisoners; we have to do a celebration for His Holiness, the 14th Dalai Lama. We did a long life puja. This puja is very important, as it is for the political prisoner. It has never happened before. This year we got the opportunity to have his holiness for the puja. Everybody is very excited today because I think they have 17 countries here. Most of us are from Australia," the participant said.

Another participant from Australia, Soman, said that the event was crucial due to the presence of the Dalai Lama.

"We are here for His Holiness' long life prayer for the ex-political prisoners from Tibet and their family members. Considering as a Tibetan, getting the blessing and prayer from His Holiness is like our most important event. It is mainly organised by ex-political prisoners from Tibet and their family members," she stated.

The ceremony, held at the Main Tibetan Temple in Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh, brought together former Tibetan political prisoners and their families from multiple countries, marking a unique gathering to seek the well-being and long life of the Dalai Lama.

The Long Life Prayer, organised today, saw attendees participating and representing at least 17 nations, highlighting the global presence of the Tibetan exile community.

The event emphasised unity among former political prisoners and their families, as well as devotion to the spiritual leader, offering prayers for his continued guidance and well-being.

- ANI
The Indian Air Force's Suryakiran and Sarang aerobatic teams performed a breathtaking display at Jaipur's Jal Mahal. Air Marshal Tejinder Singh emphasized the unique global status of the Sarang helicopter team and the outreach goals of the performances. Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma and Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore attended, praising the event as a source of inspiration and pride for the state's youth. The show featured complex maneuvers and aimed to connect with citizens and promote national service.

Watch the Indian Air Force's Suryakiran and Sarang teams perform thrilling aerobatics at Jal Mahal, Jaipur. A show of skill and national pride.

Jaipur, February 23 The Indian Air Force's Suryakiran and Sarang teams put on a thrilling aerobatic show at Jal Mahal in Jaipur, Rajasthan, on Sunday.

Air Marshal Tejinder Singh highlighted that Sarang is the world's only close-formation aerobatic helicopter team, while Suryakiran flies Hawk aircraft.

"Sarang is the only close-formation aerobatic team of helicopters in the entire world. The Suryakiran team flies the Hawk aircraft. We aim to perform in small to major regions of the country and connect to as many people as possible. We have a calendar of performances across India, and it has just started," he said.

Rajasthan CM Bhajanlal Sharma attended the aerobatic show performed by the Suryakiran and Sarang teams and lauded the efforts of the Air Force personnel.

The show is part of the IAF's outreach programme aimed at engaging with citizens and showcasing the skills and capabilities of its aerobatic teams.

The Suryakiran team performed manoeuvres like inverted runs, barrel rolls, and formations resembling a DNA structure and a heart, while the Sarang team showcased arrowhead, dolphin leap, and diamond patterns. The teams aimed to inspire youth to join the armed forces and promote national pride.

Earlier, on February 21, Rajasthan Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore hailed the Indian Air Force's Suryakiran and Sarang Aerobatic show at Jal Mahal as a moment of pride and inspiration for the youth of the state.

"These are our youth, our young people. As you've seen, three warriors, residents of Jaipur, were flying these aeroplanes. They've studied here in school. The feats they've performed, the skill they've displayed in air combat, the way the Sarang helicopter is a symbol of self-reliant India, and the combat style they showcased before all of us, it will inspire many youth," Singh said.

He added that the participation of local pilots made the event even more special. "When they can fly aeroplanes like this, we can too. Along with this, our engineers have kept these machines in absolutely magnificent condition. Remember that in peacetime, when there's no war, the Air Force uses its machines to the fullest extent so that they're always ready for war," he said.

The Minister described the event as an opportunity for pride in Rajasthan, calling it the "land of sacrifices and heroes." "When the Army and Air Force come here and perform, they give salute and honour to those heroes and make us proud. Everything is possible. All it takes is willpower and hard work," he said.

- ANI
India is projected to account for 40% of all new Grade-A office supply in the Asia-Pacific region in 2026, according to a CBRE report. Bengaluru leads the APAC market with 12.1 million sq. ft. of new supply, followed by Shanghai and Delhi-NCR. Office assets have overtaken industrial & logistics as the most preferred investment sector in APAC for the first time in six years. The demand is driven by India being viewed as a scalable, talent-rich destination for corporate growth.

India and China to deliver over 75% of APAC's new Grade-A office space in 2026, with Bengaluru topping the regional supply chart.

New Delhi, Feb 23 India alone will contribute to about 40 per cent of GradeA office supply in Asia Pacific in 2026, a report said on Monday.

The Grade-A office supply in APAC region is expected to reach a record 61.3 million sq. ft. in 2026, up 10.8 per cent from 55.3 million sq. ft. in 2025, the report from CBRE South Asia Pvt. Ltd said.

India and mainland China together will contribute more than 75 per cent of the total supply, it added.

Bengaluru, Delhi-NCR, and Mumbai rank among the top five APAC markets for new office supply in 2026, with Bengaluru ranking first in the APAC region at 12.1 million sq. ft.

Shanghai will follow Bengaluru at 10 million sq. ft., DelhiNCR at 7.1 million sq. ft. and Mumbai will see its supply almost double to 5.1 million sq. ft., the report suggested.

In Bangalore, the supply will continue to be supported by GCCs.

Further, office assets emerged as the most preferred investment sector in APAC, overtaking industrial & logistics for the first time in six years.

Mumbai's BKC recorded the highest rental growth in APAC in 2025 up 23.1 per cent YoY and is expected to maintain double-digit growth (12.5 per cent) in 2026, the report added.

"India's growing dominance in the APAC office supply landscape reflects the structural depth of the demand drivers in the country," said Anshuman Magazine, Chairman & CEO - India, SouthEast Asia, Middle East & Africa, CBRE.

"Even amid global macroeconomic recalibration, occupiers view India as a scalable, talent-rich destination for multi-functional growth," he added.

Despite record supply, most developed markets will remain supply-constrained, with premium offices in demand as corporates enforce stricter attendance mandates, the report said.

"As we move into a cycle where income growth is at the centre of real estate decision-making, the ability for occupiers and investors to recalibrate and innovate will be critical," said Ada Choi, Head of Research, Asia Pacific for CBRE.

Choi said that occupiers are responding to softer economic growth by sharpening their space requirements and prioritising high-quality buildings in core locations, while investors are focusing on income resilience and portfolio optimisation.

- IANS
India and France have signed a protocol to amend their decades-old Double Taxation Avoidance Convention, updating it to modern international standards. Key changes include granting full taxing rights on capital gains to the country where the company is resident and replacing a flat dividend tax with a split rate structure. The protocol deletes the Most-Favoured-Nation clause and incorporates Base Erosion and Profit Shifting provisions to prevent tax avoidance. These updates aim to provide greater tax certainty, facilitate investment flows, and strengthen the overall economic partnership between the two nations.

India & France update tax treaty with new capital gains, dividend rules & BEPS standards to boost investment and strengthen economic ties.

New Delhi, February 23 During the recent visit of the France President to India, the Indian Government and the Government of the French Republic have signed a Protocol amending the India-France Double Taxation Avoidance Convention, signed on 29 September 1992. The Amending Protocol was signed by Ravi Agrawal, Chairperson, Central Board of Direct Taxes, Government of India, and Thierry Mathou, Ambassador of France to India, on behalf of their respective Governments.

The Ministry of Finance released a statement regarding that. It stated, "The Amending Protocol provides full taxing rights in respect of capital gains arising from sale of shares of a company, to the jurisdiction where such company is a resident."

"The Amending Protocol also deletes the so-called Most-Favoured-Nation (MFN) Clause from the Protocol to the DTAC, thereby bringing to rest all issues relating to it. The Amending Protocol also modifies the taxation of income from dividends by replacing a single rate of 10% of tax with a split rate of 5% for those holding at least ten percent of capital and 15% of tax for all other cases," it added.

The release also highlighted that the Amending Protocol also modifies the definition of 'Fees for Technical Services' by aligning it with the definition in India US Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement, and expands the scope of 'Permanent Establishment' by adding Service PE.

The Amending Protocol also updates the provisions on Exchange of Information and introduces a new Article on Assistance in Collection of Taxes, as per international standards. This would enable and facilitate seamless exchange of information and strengthen mutual tax cooperation between India and France. The Amending Protocol also incorporates within the DTAC, the applicable provisions of Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) Multilateral Instrument (MLI), that had already become applicable consequent to the signing and ratification of MLI by India and France.

The changes introduced through the Amending Protocol shall enter into effect subsequent to the completion of internal procedures under the laws of both the countries and subject to the terms agreed between the two countries.

The Amending Protocol updates the India-France DTAC to the latest international standards, in a manner that balances the interests of both India and France, and updates it in accordance with international standards. The Amending Protocol will provide greater tax certainty to the taxpayers and boost flow of investment, technology and personnel between India and France, and thereby strengthen the economic relationship between the two countries.

- ANI
A new report from Systematix Research forecasts stronger growth for India's domestic healthcare sector over the next three years, primarily fueled by new drug launches like GLP-1 medications. In contrast, earnings from the competitive US generics market are expected to remain flat for most pharmaceutical companies. The report highlights biosimilar drug launches as a potential growth avenue in the US, though profitability is uncertain due to market competition. Overall, the sector's long-term outlook is supported by steady domestic demand and emerging opportunities, despite ongoing pressures on raw material costs.

Report projects stronger growth for India's domestic pharma market over next 3 years, driven by new drug launches, while US generics face flat earnings.

New Delhi, February 23 The domestic healthcare sector is expected to see stronger growth over the next three years, supported by new drug launches, while earnings from the US generics business are likely to remain flat for most companies, according to a report by Systematix Research.

The report stated that growth in India's domestic medicines market is expected to strengthen on the back of GLP-1 drug launches, with growth projected in the high single-digit range over the next three years.

This is expected to support the overall expansion of Indian pharmaceutical companies, especially those with a strong presence in the domestic market.

It stated. "Over the next 3 years, we expect India branded formulation growth to strengthen on back of GLP-1 launches (high single digit)."

However, the outlook for the US generics segment remains cautious. The report noted that earnings contribution from the US generics space will at best remain flat for most companies, reflecting continued competitive pressures in the market.

At the same time, biosimilar drug launches are expected to create additional growth opportunities for Indian companies in the US. However, the report highlighted that whether these opportunities translate into meaningful profitability remains uncertain due to competitive challenges.

The report stated that companies with larger exposure to branded and innovative drug portfolios are better positioned for future growth. It added that companies making targeted investments in biosimilars with less crowded pipelines and maintaining strong balance sheets are likely to remain more resilient.

The report further noted that the Indian healthcare sector delivered better-than-expected performance in the third quarter of the financial year 2025-26, though the overall trend remained in line with expectations.

During the quarter, US sales positively surprised as the pace of erosion in high-value products was lower than anticipated. Domestic growth in India was also slightly better compared to the previous quarters, indicating steady demand in the local market.

In addition, emerging markets' growth was supported by strong currency-led tailwinds, which helped improve overall performance during the quarter.

However, prices of active pharmaceutical ingredients (API), which are key raw materials used in drug manufacturing, continued to remain under pressure.

Overall, the report highlighted that while challenges remain in the US generics segment, new drug launches, steady domestic growth, and emerging opportunities in biosimilars are expected to support the long-term outlook of India's healthcare sector.

- ANI
Israeli Ambassador Reuven Azar stated that India and Israel are moving decisively towards finalizing a Free Trade Agreement, potentially within the year. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming visit will focus on deepening the defence partnership by updating security agreements to tackle evolving threats. The visit will also advance cooperation in critical future technologies like artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and cybersecurity. The trip marks Modi's second visit to Israel, reinforcing a strategic partnership built on trust and shared innovation goals.

Israeli Ambassador says Free Trade Agreement with India could be signed this year as PM Modi visits to upgrade defence pacts and boost tech cooperation.

New Delhi, February 23 Israeli Ambassador Reuven Azar on Monday said that Israel is excited to welcome Prime Minister Narendra Modi this week, noting that the two nations will move forward decisively during his visit.

Further, he said that both India and Israel were moving towards a Free Trade Agreement, and it could get finalised this year.

During PM Modi's visit, India and Israel will deepen their defence partnership by updating security agreements, the Israeli diplomat said.

In a video shared on X, Azar said, "Namaste. This is an exciting moment for India-Israel relations. We are looking forward to welcoming Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Israel. Now, when India and Israel come together, it's never just a meeting. It's a partnership built on trust, powered by innovation, and guided by a clear understanding of the challenges of our time."

"During this visit, we will move forward decisively. First, on security and defence. India and Israel have worked closely for years and we are proud of this strong cooperation. But the world is changing fast and so are the threats. In order to meet them, we will deepen our defence relationship by updating our security agreements. This will allow us to engage in more sensitive projects and develop together a logical solution," Azhar said.

"Second, our economic partnership is gaining real momentum. We signed a bilateral investment treaty and we are moving forward to sign a free trade agreement hopefully this year," he said.

Azar said that Israel would like to see Indian infrastructure companies there.

"Third, the visit will be crucial in forging partnerships in areas like AI, quantum and cyber. And last, Israel would like to see Indian infrastructure companies coming to Israel. We want to streamline our financial cooperation and promote innovation. But other crucial fields like transportation, water, agriculture and academic cooperation are going to be advanced during this visit as well. India and Israel are not just partners. We are true friends shaping the future together," he said.

This will be the second visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Israel in nine years. India-Israel bilateral relationship was elevated to 'Strategic Partnership' during the visit of Prime Minister Modi on July 4-6, 2017.

On Sunday, PM Modi acknowledged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's personal tribute during a cabinet meeting in Jerusalem, where the Israeli PM described PM Modi as a "dear friend" and hailed his upcoming visit as a milestone in bilateral ties.

In his response to a video posted by Netanyahu on X, PM Modi stated, "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."

Netanyahu had shared a video from the cabinet meeting on X. In his remarks to his cabinet, Netanyahu termed PM Modi's arrival to the country as a historic moment, underscoring the strength of the India-Israel alliance.

Elaborating on PM Modi's engagements in Israel, Netanyahu said, "On Wednesday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will arrive. He will address the Knesset, and I am sure you will all be there. We will also hold an innovation event in Jerusalem and visit Yad Vashem together. I will also note something else, a special collaboration. We will advance cooperation in high-tech, AI, and quantum. I say AI and quantum not because it's not the future, its the present and we want to be among the world's leading nations in this field."

The Israeli PM said that PM Modi is scheduled to deliver a speech at the Knesset and will participate in an innovation event in Jerusalem. The two leaders will also visit Yad Vashem, Israel's official memorial to the victims of the Holocaust.

India and Israel share a robust strategic partnership with strong cooperation across science and technology, innovation, defence and security, trade and investment, agriculture, water and people-to-people.

Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu made a return visit to India on January 14-19, 2018.

On January 11, 2023, PM Modi phoned Netanyahu to congratulate him on his election as Israel's PM for the sixth time.

On August 24, 2023, PM Netanyahu called the Prime Minister to congratulate him on the successful landing of the Chandrayaan 3 on the moon.

On October 10, 2023, PM Netanyahu called the Prime Minister to provide an update on the situation in Israel after the October 7 terror attack.

On June 6, 2024, PM Netanyahu called PM Modi to congratulate him on his election as India's PM for the third consecutive term, and on August 16 to congratulate him on India's Independence Day.

Offering his condolences on the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam terror attack, PM Netanyahu called PM Modi on April 24, 2025.

Following the outbreak of the Israel-Iran conflict on June 13, 2025, PM Netanyahu and PM Modi spoke twice. On October 9, 2025, PM Modi called PM Netanyahu to congratulate him on the progress made under President Trump's Gaza peace plan.

The Prime Ministers also spoke on December 10, 2025, regarding the situation in the region.

The Prime Ministers spoke on January 7, 2026, wherein they exchanged New Year greetings and discussed the regional situation.

Ministerial level visits from Israel to India in year 2025: Agriculture Minister, Tourism Minister, Trade and Economy Minister, Finance Minister and Foreign Minister.

From India to Israel in year 2025: Commerce and Industry Minister, External Affairs Minister, Fisheries and Animal Husbandry Minister.

Science and Technology and Innovation: Robust collaboration includes start ups, joint R&D projects, India-Israel Industrial Innovation Funds (I4F), India-Israel Joint Research calls, Artificial Intelligence and cybersecurity.

Defence cooperation is the important pillar of India-Israel partnership.

In November 2025, during the visit of Defence Secretary of India to Israel, an important 'MoU on Defence cooperation' was signed between Indian and Israel.

During the visit of Union Minister Piyush Goyal in November, 2025, the Term of Reference (ToR) for the launch of Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations between India and Israel was signed. During the visit of Finance Minster of Israel Bezalel Smotrich to India in September 2025, a Bilateral Investment Agreement (BIA) was signed to expand economic cooperation, protect investors and boost cross-border investments, laying foundation for deeper ties and potential FTA discussions.

Longstanding cooperation in agriculture sector is present between the nations. A total of 35 out of 43 approved Centres of Excellence (CoE) are fully operational across different States in India, introducing modern farming, irrigation, and water technologies.

During the visit of Minister of Agriculture of Israel to India in April 2025, the revised Agreement for Cooperation in the field of Agriculture and the sixth 3-year Joint Work Plan (2024-26) were signed.

Over 41,000 strong Indian diaspora in Israel. In November 2023, India and Israel signed a bilateral Framework Agreement to facilitate the temporary, safe and legal employment to Indian workers in Israel. Since then, 20,000 Indians arrived in Israel, both under the Government-to-Government (G2G) route and through private channels.

India welcomed the Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict announced by US President Donald Trump on October 13, 2025.

India continues to support efforts towards achieving a just and durable peace in the region. India and Israel are members of the I2U2 group (India, Israel, UAE, USA)- a cooperation framework focusing on food security, renewable energy, trade, and infrastructure projects.

- ANI
MANILA, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Monday said it has launched a search and rescue operation for six fishermen who have been missing since Friday in waters off Davao Oriental province in the southern Philippines.

The PCG said the male fishermen departed on board a motorboat on Friday to fish in waters off the town of Manay but had not returned as of Monday.

In an advisory, the PCG District in Southern Mindanao called on mariners and local fishing communities to help in the search.

"All vessels, watercraft, and fisherfolk navigating within or near the vicinity are advised to maintain heightened vigilance and assist in search efforts," the district said, urging them to report any sightings of the missing boat and its crew.

Authorities said search teams were deployed to scour the area where the fishermen were last reported, while coordination with local government units and nearby coastal communities is ongoing. 
Brazilian Health Minister Alexandre Padilha has declared President Lula da Silva's recent visit to India a historic milestone for bilateral relations and Brazil's public health. The trip secured an expected BRL 10 billion in investments to strengthen Brazil's domestic production of high-tech medicines through partnerships with Indian companies. A key focus includes drugs for cancers and semaglutide for obesity, aiming to reduce prices through increased competition and local manufacturing. The enhanced cooperation aims to boost affordable medicine access not just in both nations but across the Global South.

Brazil's Health Minister calls Lula's India trip historic, securing $2B in pharma investments to lower drug prices and boost local medicine production.

New Delhi, February 23 Brazilian Health Minister Alexandre Padilha has described President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's recent visit to India as "historic", calling it a watershed moment in bilateral relations with significant implications for Brazil's pharmaceutical sector and public health system.

In an interview with Brasil 247 following the India visit, Padilha said the business and political mission deepened productive integration between the two countries and secured a projected BRL 10 billion in investments over the next decade.

The investments are aimed at strengthening domestic production of high-tech medicines in Brazil through partnerships between Indian companies, Brazilian public institutions and private firms.

Padilha noted that India has emerged as a major global producer of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and advanced medicines. Imports of medicines and APIs from India to Brazil have increased sharply in recent years, with the volume rising nearly fiftyfold, particularly in generics and essential inputs. The new strategy, he said, seeks to reduce dependency by promoting local manufacturing and technology transfer, as reported by Brasil 247.

A key focus of the partnerships includes drugs for breast cancer, skin cancer and leukaemia. Padilha also highlighted collaboration with a leading Indian biotechnology firm to support local production of semaglutide after its patent expiry in Brazil. Increased competition, he said, is expected to reduce prices.

Addressing public health priorities, the minister stressed that obesity rates in Brazil have nearly doubled since 2006 and added that initiatives such as expanded primary care, school-based physical activity programmes and the use of artificial intelligence in health management will complement pharmaceutical investments, strengthening Brazil's long-term healthcare capacity.

As per the joint statement, the two sides reiterated their commitment to deepening and broadening cooperation in the health sector, particularly to boost local and regional manufacturing of medicines, vaccines, and other critical health supplies, as well as to address socially determined diseases.

They noted that enhanced bilateral engagement in healthcare would not only strengthen their respective health systems but also promote fair access to affordable, high-quality medicines across the Global South.

In this context, both countries welcomed the growing collaboration in the pharmaceutical sector, fuelled by the complementary strengths of India and Brazil, and explored opportunities for further expansion. These include exchanging best practices in the treatment of Hansen's disease and pursuing joint production of innovative medicines and vaccines.

The two sides also called on pharmaceutical companies in both nations to expand and diversify their partnerships, leveraging the availability of reliable and cost-effective pharmaceutical products in each country.

- ANI
The Indian Army launched Operation Himraht to rescue 46 tourists stranded by sudden heavy snowfall and sub-zero temperatures in East Sikkim. The tourists were moved to an Army camp where they received immediate medical checks, warm shelter, and hot meals. Army troops also facilitated the safe movement of over 150 other tourist vehicles from the affected routes. The operation highlights the Army's critical role in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response in remote, high-altitude regions.

Indian Army's Operation Himrahat evacuates 46 tourists from heavy snow in East Sikkim, providing medical care & shelter. Over 150 vehicles assisted.

Gangtok, Feb 23 The Indian Army has carried out a swift rescue operation under 'Operation Himrahat' in the high-altitude areas of East Sikkim, safely evacuating 46 stranded tourists following heavy snowfall and extreme weather conditions, officials said on Monday.

According to defence officials, sudden and intense snowfall accompanied by sub-zero temperatures on February 22 disrupted normal movement in several vulnerable stretches of East Sikkim, leaving multiple tourist vehicles stranded and civilians exposed to harsh climatic conditions.

Responding promptly, Indian Army troops stationed in the region launched a coordinated relief and rescue operation to assist those affected.

According to an official statement, the rescued tourists were shifted to the nearest Army camp, where they were provided immediate medical examination and necessary care.

The Army ensured warm shelter, hot meals, heating facilities and essential relief materials to help mitigate the effects of severe cold and altitude-related stress.

Medical teams closely monitored the health condition of all rescued individuals and confirmed that they were stable, before facilitating their onward movement.

In addition to evacuating stranded civilians, the Army also assisted in the safe and orderly movement of over 150 tourist vehicles from affected routes to secure locations.

Troops regulated traffic movement in difficult terrain, preventing panic and further exposure to extreme weather conditions.

Defence officials said the timely intervention helped restore mobility in the region and prevented the situation from escalating amid adverse weather.

Despite operating in challenging high-altitude conditions and freezing temperatures, Army personnel remained fully prepared and responsive throughout the operation.

The rescue mission highlights the Indian Army's sustained commitment to Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HADR), particularly in remote and difficult terrains prone to natural disruptions.

Through round-the-clock preparedness and rapid mobilisation, the Army continues to play a critical role in ensuring the safety of civilians and tourists during emergencies.

The successful conduct of 'Operation Himrahat' once again underscores the Army's role as a dependable first responder during natural calamities in the region, officials added.

- IANS
The Indian Embassy in Tehran has issued an urgent advisory urging all Indian nationals in Iran to leave the country using available commercial flights. This advisory follows renewed nationwide anti-government protests, particularly at major universities in the capital. The embassy has instructed citizens to avoid protest areas, keep documents accessible, and register with the mission. The protests come amid heightened regional tensions and follow earlier violent crackdowns and communications blackouts.

Indian Embassy in Iran advises all nationals to depart via commercial flights amid escalating anti-government protests and security concerns.

Tehran, February 23 The Embassy of India in Iran on Monday issued an advisory asking Indian nationals to leave Iran through available means of transport, including commercial flights, in view of the evolving situation and ongoing nationwide anti-government protests.

In an official statement, the Embassy said the advisory is in continuation of the government's earlier notice issued on January 5, 2026, and reiterated on January 14, 2026.

"In view of the evolving situation in Iran, Indian nationals who are currently in Iran (students, pilgrims, business persons and tourists) are advised to leave Iran by available means of transport, including commercial flights," the statement read.

The Embassy further reiterated that all Indian citizens and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) in Iran should exercise due caution, avoid areas witnessing protests or demonstrations, remain in close contact with the Indian Embassy, and regularly monitor local media for updates.

This comes after thousands of Iranian students staged anti-government protests at universities in Tehran and other cities for a second consecutive day, on Sunday, as campuses reopened a month after deadly nationwide unrest, Al Jazeera reported.

The Embassy further advised the Indian nationals to keep their travel and immigration documents, including passports and identification papers, readily accessible at all times and also assured that assistance would be provided to those facing any difficulty.

"The emergency contact helplines of the Indian Embassy are provided below: Mobile Numbers: +989128109115; +989128109109; +989128109102; +989932179359. Email: cons.tehran@mea.gov.in," the statement read.

"All Indian nationals who are in Iran, and who have not registered with the Indian SO on the link Embassy, are requested to do (https://www.meaers.com/request/home). The link is also available on the Embassy website. In case any Indian national is unable to register due to internet disruptions in Iran, their families in India are requested to do so," it added.

According to Al Jazeera, the recent demonstrations follow violent crackdowns earlier this year, during which thousands were reportedly killed, particularly on the nights of January 8 and 9, when authorities imposed a nationwide communications blackout, Al Jazeera reported.

The renewed protests come amid heightened tensions, with Iran also facing the risk of further escalation involving the United States and Israel.

Major higher-education institutions in the capital -- including University of Tehran, Sharif University of Technology, Amirkabir University of Technology and Shahid Beheshti University -- witnessed significant student participation in protests on Sunday.

Scuffles reportedly erupted between anti-establishment students and those supporting the country's theocratic system, many of whom were said to be linked to the paramilitary Basij, which operates under the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Al Jazeera reported.

Areas surrounding the campuses saw a strong deployment of heavily armed security personnel.

According to Al Jazeera, tens of thousands of people -- including schoolchildren and university students -- have been detained during and after the nationwide demonstrations. However, Iranian authorities have not released comprehensive figures on the number of arrests.

- ANI
Prominent Indian Muslim clerics have united in condemning the Taliban's new penal code in Afghanistan, which reportedly legalizes domestic violence and restricts women's movements. Leaders from Sunni and Shia communities labeled the law a blatant misuse of religion and a violation of Islamic principles. Lyricist Javed Akhtar amplified the criticism on social media, calling for unconditional denunciation of the measure. The outcry adds to growing global concern over the Taliban's policies towards women.

Prominent Indian Muslim clerics and Javed Akhtar denounce Taliban penal code allowing wife beating, calling it a violation of Islamic principles.

Lucknow, Feb 23 Prominent Muslim clerics in India have sharply condemned the Taliban's new penal code in Afghanistan that reportedly legalises domestic violence, calling it a blatant misuse of religion and a violation of Islamic principles. The law, which allows husbands to beat wives "without causing bone fractures or open wounds" and punishes women with imprisonment if they visit their parents without permission, has sparked outrage among religious leaders and civil society.

All India Muslim Jamaat President Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Barelvi said, "The Taliban has come to power in Afghanistan for the second time. The Taliban's image has always been one of terror. We have never accepted the Taliban and have always considered them involved in terrorist activities. Now, even if they claim to have changed their methods, beating and violence are against Islamic principles. Taliban authorities should ensure that such decrees are not issued that harm interpersonal relations."

Maulana Mohammad Mirza Yasoob Abbas, cleric and speaker of the All-India Shia Personal Law Board (AISPLB), said, "It is very unfortunate that the Taliban are creating turmoil in the name of religion. This new law is very wrong and should be strongly condemned."

Shia religious leader Maulana Saif Abbas also criticised the Taliban, stating, "The Taliban's character is double standard. On one hand, they speak about Islam, but on the other, the law they have created allows beating wives and children. There is no justification for domestic violence, and we strongly condemn this Taliban law."

Former Babri Masjid litigant Iqbal Ansari said, "Violence is considered wrong in all societies, regardless of religion. We do not consider violence to be right; we too are Muslims, connected to our faith, but violence should not be directed at anyone."

Veteran lyricist and poet Javed Akhtar, taking to X, called on Indian muftis and mullahs to unconditionally denounce the measure, pointing out that the Taliban law reportedly allows wife beating "without any bone fracture" and punishes women with three months' imprisonment if they visit their parents without their husband's permission. His post sparked widespread discussion on social media.

"This is being carried out in the name of religion, but it is completely unacceptable," Akhtar said.

The remarks from Indian Muslim leaders come amid global criticism of the Taliban's policies towards women, highlighting concern over the misuse of religion to justify violence.

- IANS
Apple's iPhone emerged as India's most valuable single export item in 2025, with shipments worth approximately $23 billion. This surge was fueled by government production incentives and a strategic diversification away from Chinese suppliers. India has now become the world's second-largest mobile phone producer, with over 99% of phones sold domestically being made locally. Remarkably, the iPhone 16 base variant also became the top-selling smartphone model in India last year, signaling a major shift in consumer buying patterns.

Apple's iPhone becomes India's top export item, worth $23B in 2025, driven by PLI scheme and shift from Chinese suppliers.

New Delhi, Feb 23 Apple's iPhone became the most valuable export item from India in 2025 with around $23 billion worth of devices shipped from domestic factories in the country, mostly to the United States, according to industry data.

This surge in Apple exports was driven by production incentives such as the production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme and diversification from Chinese suppliers, said industry players.

Smartphones were India's top export category for the first time, surpassing automotive diesel fuel, with a total $30.13 billion worth of exports in the January-December period. Apple accounted for 76 per cent of total smartphone exports. Apple's fiveyear PLI window is scheduled to end in March 2026.

Apple's manufacturing footprint in the country includes five iPhone assembly plants - three operated by Tata Group entities and two by Foxconn - supported by a supply chain of around 45 companies, including many MSMEs supplying components for domestic and global operations.

India became the world's second-largest mobile phone producer, with more than 99 per cent of phones sold domestically now Made in India moves up the manufacturing value chain.

The Indian consumers' smartphone buying patterns also showed a marked shift moving away from the traditional budgetsegment dominance, as Apple's iPhone 16 base variant emerged as the topselling smartphone model in 2025, a report from Counterpoint Research said recently.

For the December quarter, Apple set all-time revenue records in the Americas, Europe, Japan, and the rest of Asia Pacific.

"We continued to gain momentum in emerging markets, which includes India, where we saw strong double-digit revenue growth," said Apple CEO Tim Cook during the earnings call recently.

The company is set to open another store in Mumbai on February 26.

The Apple CEO said they did set a quarterly revenue record during the December quarter in India.

"India is the second-largest smartphone market in the world and the fourth largest PC market," he said, adding that the company "set quarterly revenue records on iPhone and Mac and iPad, and an all-time revenue record on services".

- IANS
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated he is likely to meet a US delegation in Geneva on Thursday for the next round of nuclear negotiations, expressing optimism about reaching a "fast deal." The diplomatic push occurs alongside a significant US military buildup in the West Asia region and anti-government protests across Iranian universities. US President Donald Trump has publicly considered a limited military strike if a deal is not forged, with his envoy stating Iran could be weeks away from producing bomb-grade material. Oman's foreign minister confirmed the Geneva meeting, expressing hope for a final push to finalize an agreement.

Iran's Araghchi to meet US envoy in Geneva for crucial nuclear talks as Trump considers military strike and protests rock Iranian universities.

Tehran, February 23 Amidst a reported American military build-up in West Asia, Iran's foreign minister Abbas Araghchi has said that he is likely to meet with a US delegation in Geneva on Thursday for the next round of talks over the country's nuclear program.

The two sides have already held two rounds of negotiations so far this month aimed at reaching a deal.

Araghchi's remarks to US broadcaster CBS from Tehran on Sunday were cited by IRNA, the state media of Iran.

The minister said he was still working on a draft proposal to be presented to the American side, adding that a deal could be reached quickly between Tehran and Washington DC.

"We are still working on that, and we are trying to make it something which consists of elements which can accommodate both sides' concerns and interests. And we are working on those elements, and 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. This is my understanding. I see it quite possible," said Araghchi on the CBS interview cited by IRNA news agency.

Meanwhile, anti-government protests continued for a second consecutive day across several university campuses in Iran's two largest cities, Tehran and Mashhad, New York Times reported, citing student groups and human rights organisations, even as authorities maintain a crackdown on dissent.

The unrest comes amid growing concerns in Iran over the possibility of military conflict with the United States. There is a US military buildup in West Asia region where the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group and more fighter jets have already arrived with reports that USS Gerald R Ford is also headed towards the region from the Caribbean.

US President Donald Trump's Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff had on Saturday speaking to Fox News said that Iran could be about "a week away" from producing industrial-grade bomb-making material.

Witkoff told Fox News that Iran has enriched uranium up to 60 per cent, which he argued exceeds levels needed for civilian nuclear purposes.

Iranian foreign minister Arigachi told CBS 'Face the Nation' that the US wants to find a resolution for Iran's peaceful nuclear program, the "only way is diplomacy."

"And we have proved this in the past and I believe that still there is a good chance to have a diplomatic solution which is based on a win-win game, and a solution is at our reach. So, there is no need for any military build-up, and a military build-up cannot help it and can pressurize us," Arigachi said.

Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner and Witkoff had met with Araghchi in Geneva on Tuesday.

Oman's foreign minister Badr Albusaidi has said that the next round of Iran-US talks will be held in Geneva, Switzerland on February 26 "with a positive push to go the extra mile towards finalizing the deal," according to Oman News Agency.

US and Iran resumed diplomacy earlier this month in Muscat with a second round held in Geneva.

Trump said Friday morning he is considering a limited strike against Iran if it does not forge a deal with the US to constrain its nuclear program, according to the White House pool report.

On Thursday, Trump said he thought 10 to 15 days is "enough time" for Tehran to reach a deal with the US. "We're going to make a deal or get a deal one way or the other," Trump had said on Thursday.

The Wall Street Journal reported Thursday that the president is considering an initial, limited military strike on military or government sites. If Iran still does not agree to US demands, the president could then order a large strike campaign against the regime.

Last June in US has struck three of Iran's nuclear sites in a 12-day-long operation titled Midnight Hammer that was led by Israel.

The US wants Iran to give up its nuclear program and scale back its missile program. Tehran has repeatedly claimed that its enrichment of uranium is only for peaceful purposes.

- ANI
The United States and Iran have agreed to resume negotiations in Geneva this Thursday, despite significant ongoing divisions over the core elements of a potential nuclear deal. Iran's Foreign Minister stated Tehran will submit its own draft agreement, insisting it must include the right to a peaceful nuclear program and the lifting of US sanctions. The diplomatic push occurs alongside a notable US military buildup at bases in Jordan and the wider region, highlighting the persistent risk of confrontation. Iranian officials simultaneously expressed cautious optimism about the talks while warning of preparedness for "any potential scenario" and the right to self-defense.

US and Iran set for Geneva talks despite major differences on sanctions, uranium enrichment, and amid a significant US military buildup in the Middle East.

Cairo, Feb 23 The United States and Iran have decided to continue negotiations, even as their starkly different visions of a nuclear deal and a significant US military buildup highlight the fragility of the process and the ongoing risk of confrontation.

Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi said on Sunday that the next round of US-Iran talks will take place on Thursday in Geneva.

"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," the minister said on social media platform X.

In a phone call on Sunday, Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi and Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Grossi stressed the importance of "constructive engagement and using the path of dialogue" to achieve a sustainable nuclear agreement, Xinhua news agency reported quoting Iran's official news agency IRNA.

This followed Araghchi's remarks on Friday in an interview with the US media outlet MSNBC that Tehran will prepare the draft of a possible nuclear deal with the United States within two to three days and submit it to the US delegation.

In a CBS News interview broadcast on Sunday, Araghchi reiterated Tehran's willingness to resolve its differences with Washington through negotiations.

Araghchi said he may meet with US President Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff on Thursday in Geneva, noting that it is still possible to find a diplomatic solution between Tehran and Washington.

He said the two sides are working on elements of a potential deal, and may discuss a preliminary draft for the deal on Thursday.

Araghchi said the deal should include Iran's "peaceful nuclear program" as well as lifting US sanctions against Iran, reaffirming Tehran's resolve to secure its right to uranium enrichment under the national nuclear program.

He added that Iran and the United States can reach a nuclear deal better than the one signed between Tehran and world powers in 2015, noting unlike the previous negotiations, where the involved parties went into so many details, "this time, there is no need for that many details, and we can agree on basic things and make sure that Iran's nuclear program is peaceful and would remain peaceful forever and, at the same time, more sanctions would be lifted."

He also stressed that Tehran has right to self-defense if the United States attacks Iran. "We have to hit, you know, the American base in the region."

Also on Sunday, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said recent negotiations with the United States have "yielded encouraging signals," while cautioning that Iran is prepared for "any potential scenario."

"Iran is committed to peace and stability in the region. Recent negotiations involved the exchange of practical proposals and yielded encouraging signals. However, we continue to closely monitor US actions and have made all necessary preparations for any potential scenario," Pezeshkian said in a post on social media.

A senior Iranian official has told Reuters that significant differences remain between the two sides, even over the "scope and mechanism of sanctions relief."

"Both sides need to reach a logical timetable for lifting sanctions," said the unnamed official, adding that any roadmap must be "reasonable and based on mutual interests."

Washington has said that any deal with Iran must include a ban on uranium enrichment, the removal of its enriched material, limits on long-range missiles, and a rollback of support for regional proxies. But analysts have said such conditions would be "very difficult" for Iran to accept.

The diplomatic maneuvers occurred against a backdrop of escalating US military pressure. Media reports said the United States had 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.

Located about 100 km northeast of Amman, the capital of Jordan, Muwaffaq Salti is considered one of the main US military bases in the Middle East. At other US military bases in the region, there have also been reports of significant military build-ups.

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 held in Muscat on February 6 and the second in Geneva on February 17.

- IANS
Pakistan has conducted airstrikes inside Afghanistan, an action that followed a public warning from its Defence Minister. Khawaja Asif has repeatedly claimed, without providing evidence, that India has infiltrated the Afghan Taliban leadership and is supporting attacks against Pakistan. The airstrikes, which targeted areas in Nangarhar and Paktika provinces, have resulted in civilian casualties and prompted retaliatory clashes from the Taliban, leading to a prolonged border closure. Meanwhile, Pakistan's military authority has been further consolidated through a constitutional amendment that significantly empowered the Army Chief.

Pakistan conducts airstrikes in Afghanistan after its Defence Minister's warning, accusing India and Kabul. Taliban retaliates, escalating border tensions.

New Delhi, Feb 23 Islamabad's airstrikes inside Afghanistan followed less than four days after media reports widely quoted Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif stating in an interview that his country would not hesitate to carry out air operations inside the neighbouring country.

The development goes beyond mere coincidence, with the statement coming from none other than a Defence Minister. However, it needs to be mentioned that in such matters -- and more -- it is the military headquarters in Rawalpindi that holds sway over the civilian government in Islamabad.

Asif claimed in the interview with France 24 that the attacks being carried out within Pakistan are the result of a proxy war supported by Delhi and Kabul, adding that banned terrorist groups are operating from Afghan territory, according to Pakistan's Dunya News last week.

Such allegations are nothing new; in an interview last year, he had reportedly claimed that India had "penetrated" the Afghan Taliban leadership. That, he insisted, was the reason for the escalation in tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, said reports.

Recounting that statement, an Al Jazeera article mentioned last year, "On October 28, after negotiators from Pakistan and Afghanistan hit a wall in talks to extend their fragile ceasefire after deadly border clashes, Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Asif blamed a third country that wasn't even present during the dialogue: India."

It underscored the fact that Pakistan's Defence Minister "presented no evidence to back his claim that India was propping up the Taliban to challenge Pakistan. But his comments represent a growing attempt by Pakistan to portray its tensions with Afghanistan as the outcome of a growing friendship between the Taliban and India," added the article.

Islamabad has repeatedly bombed Afghan territories, claiming to aim at terror groups allegedly behind attacks in Pakistan. The result has been the Taliban retaliation, leading to intense firefights at the borders, and the subsequent closure for about four months.

While Pakistan has increasingly been hostile towards its once-friendly neighbour, India has progressed with cautious and pragmatic diplomatic outreach towards Kabul. This shift has unnerved Islamabad, especially with its border provinces witnessing civil and political unrest.

Meanwhile, a strong public opinion is building up in Afghanistan against Islamabad's hegemonic tendencies. "Several experts say that the Pakistani military's attacks on Afghanistan and the targeting of civilians constitute a war crime," according to Kabul's Tolo News on Monday.

"By targeting civilians in Nangarhar and Paktika, Pakistan's military regime has once again violated Afghanistan's national sovereignty," it asserted.

Afghanistan's Ministry of Defence on Sunday termed the latest attacks as a continuation of what it described as "previous acts of aggression", added the Pajhwok news site. "Pakistan's military regime had once again conducted airstrikes in several civilian areas of Nangarhar and Paktika provinces -- including a religious school and several residential houses -- resulting in dozens of innocent civilians, among them women and children, being killed and injured," it said, quoting an official statement in which the ministry called the attacks a clear violation of Afghanistan's sovereignty and a crime.

Rawalpindi's assertive role in Pakistan's affairs was further strengthened last year with the National Assembly passing the 27th Amendment, granting sweeping powers to the Army Chief. General Asim Munir was elevated as the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), giving him control over the army, navy and air force. Munir now holds the rank of Field Marshal for life, along with legal immunity for any act carried out in uniform by him and the other five-star generals.

The amendment to Article 243 of Pakistan's Constitution made significant changes to the command structure of the armed forces. Among key changes are the replacement of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee with the new CDF, consolidating the army chief's powers and altering the fiscal and administrative autonomy of the provinces.

- IANS
Voting is underway for the 2026 municipal elections in Jharkhand, with polling scheduled from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. across more than 4,300 booths. Union Minister of State Sanjay Seth cast his vote and noted great enthusiasm, predicting a record turnout. Over 43.43 lakh voters are eligible to elect representatives across nine municipal corporations and other local bodies. The elections are viewed as crucial for strengthening urban management and improving civic amenities in the state.

Over 43 lakh voters cast ballots in Jharkhand municipal elections. Union Minister Sanjay Seth votes, cites high enthusiasm to break records.

New Delhi, Feb 23 Voting is currently underway for the 2026 municipal elections in Jharkhand on Monday, with voters arriving early in the morning to cast their ballots.

Union Minister of State Sanjay Seth also exercised his franchise, casting his vote for the local elections along with his family.

Commenting on the turnout, he said, "There has been great enthusiasm across the state since morning, as the people are going to elect their third tier of government, and I believe this time the previous record will be broken."

Voters expressed the importance of participating in the elections. One resident said, "We want the city's municipal corporation to function properly and keep the city clean. Even though we have work and duties to attend to at the Central government office, we came early in the morning to cast our vote."

Jitender Chaudhary, the first voter to cast his ballot from his ward, urged fellow citizens to exercise their voting rights. "My message to society is to exercise your voting rights. Vote first, and then have refreshments. Choose good candidates who will work for the welfare of our community -- better schools, proper roads, good drainage, and overall safety," he told IANS.

Officials said more than 43.43 lakh voters, including over 21 lakh women, are eligible to cast their ballots in the municipal polls spread across nine municipal corporations, 20 nagar parishads and 19 nagar panchayats in the state.

Polling began at 7 a.m. and is scheduled to continue until 5 p.m. amid tight security arrangements and the establishment of more than 4,300 polling booths, some of which have been designated as sensitive or hypersensitive to ensure orderly voting.

The municipal elections in Jharkhand are seen as a crucial exercise in strengthening local governance, ensuring better urban management, and improving civic amenities across the state. Election officials have called for smooth and peaceful voting throughout the day, with arrangements in place to maintain security and a fair electoral process.

- IANS
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has outlined the itinerary for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming visit to Israel, describing it as a "historic" moment. The visit will include a speech at the Knesset, a joint visit to the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial, and an innovation event in Jerusalem. Key discussions will focus on strengthening bilateral cooperation in high-tech sectors like artificial intelligence and quantum computing. Netanyahu framed the visit as part of a broader strategic vision for regional alliances.

Israeli PM Netanyahu details PM Modi's upcoming visit, including a Knesset address, Yad Vashem visit, and talks on AI and security cooperation.

Tel Aviv, February 23 Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu outlined the travel plans and engagements for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming visit to Israel, set to take place from Wednesday, while describing it as a "historic" moment that reflects the deepening ties between the two nations.

Speaking at the start of the weekly government meeting on Sunday, Netanyahu said the visit would showcase the "special relationship" forged in recent years between Israel and India, as well as his personal rapport with Prime Minister Modi.

"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," Netanyahu said.

Highlighting past engagements, he noted that both leaders had visited each other's countries and maintained close communication, noting that the upcoming visit by PM Modi would further strengthen bilateral cooperation across economic, diplomatic and security spheres.

"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. 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. This includes economic, diplomatic and security cooperation," Netanyahu said.

The Israeli PM said that PM Modi is scheduled to deliver a speech at the Knesset and will participate in an innovation event in Jerusalem. The two leaders will also visit Yad Vashem, Israel's official memorial to the victims of the Holocaust.

Emphasising technological collaboration, Netanyahu said the two countries would promote cooperation in high-tech sectors, including artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum computing.

"So, on Wednesday, the Prime Minister of India will arrive. He will deliver a speech at the Knesset, and I am sure you will all be there. We will also hold an innovation event in Jerusalem and visit Yad Vashem together. I should also note an additional point of special cooperation: We 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 stated.

India, last week, hosted the AI Impact Summit in the national capital, the first international AI summit in the Global South, which brought together policymakers, industry leaders, academics and civil society representatives to deliberate on responsible AI governance and inclusive technological advancement.

Sharing his address in a post on X, the Israeli PM described PM Modi's upcoming visit as "historic", stating, "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."

"The bond between Israel and India is a powerful alliance between two global leaders. We are partners in innovation, security, and a shared strategic vision. Together, we are building an axis of nations committed to stability and progress. From AI to regional cooperation, our partnership continues to reach new heights. Looking forward to seeing you in Jerusalem, PM Modi!" his post added.

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.

On the diplomatic front, Netanyahu spoke about a broader strategic vision involving a network of alliances in and around the Middle East.

He described the concept as a "hexagon" of partnerships that would include India, Arab nations, African nations, Mediterranean countries such as Greece and Cyprus, as well as other Asian nations.

"I want to say something regarding the diplomatic aspect: 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 organised manner," he said.

"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," he added, referring to what he described as radical Shia and emerging radical Sunni blocs.

- ANI
Zimbabwean youths inquire about job opportunities from staff members of a Chinese company during a job fair in Marondera District of Mashonaland East Province, Zimbabwe, on Feb. 21, 2026. As the job market remains competitive for fresh graduates, young Zimbabweans have expressed a growing interest in seeking career opportunities at Chinese firms, which have become a major source of employment in the southern African country. (Photo by Tafara Mugwara/Xinhua)

MARONDERA, Zimbabwe, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- As the job market remains competitive for fresh graduates, young Zimbabweans have expressed a growing interest in seeking career opportunities at Chinese firms, which have become a major source of employment in the southern African country.

"China is advanced in terms of technology, so I hope to get an opportunity to be exposed to cutting-edge and modern technologies. I believe that will create a good professional path for me as a chemical engineer," said 24-year-old Learnmore Njiri.

The young graduate was among many Zimbabwean youths who attended a job fair in Marondera District of Mashonaland East Province, held alongside the National Youth Day, which is marked annually on Feb. 21 to honor the role of young people in Zimbabwe's development.

Among the recruiting companies was Huayou Cobalt, a Chinese company that operates a lithium mine and processing plant in the province. Through its Zimbabwean subsidiary, the company is one of the largest private employers in Zimbabwe.

After checking a catalog of vacancies available at Huayou Cobalt, 19-year-old Wesley Sigauke, a mechanical engineering student, said he hopes to acquire more technical and advanced skills from Chinese companies setting up operations in Zimbabwe.

"I am that kind of worker who never gets tired to learn and never runs out of things to do or explore. I am always trying to learn new things. If there is any way I can get a scholarship to study in China, I will take it," he said.

With growing Chinese investment and career opportunities, there is an increasing trend of learning Chinese among young Zimbabwean professionals.

"I took an elementary Chinese language module in college, and I hope to continue learning the language, knowing the culture. I think speaking the language can bring more opportunities for me," said Njiri.

Due to the influx of Chinese investors, there is a need for locals who can help bridge the communication gap, he added.

Zeng Liangkuan, human resource manager at Huayou Cobalt, told Xinhua that the company has been expanding recruitment of local employees equipped with professional skills in relevant areas to meet the rising demand.

"Knowing the Chinese language has always been a plus," Zeng said, adding that the company is in greater need of young professionals with language proficiency.

"We are willing to offer competitive salaries and comprehensive career development paths for qualified professionals," he said.

In his official address at the National Youth Day celebration, Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa emphasized the need to equip young people with relevant skills, saying young people are not merely spectators but active participants in the ongoing national development journey.

Saul Elias, a young Zimbabwean, told Xinhua that he attended the job fair to seek employment so that he could contribute productively to his community.

"We are expecting to get employment that can uplift our livelihoods so that we can contribute to the development of our country," he added. 

Zimbabwean youths inquire about job opportunities from a staff member of a Chinese company during a job fair in Marondera District of Mashonaland East Province, Zimbabwe, on Feb. 21, 2026. As the job market remains competitive for fresh graduates, young Zimbabweans have expressed a growing interest in seeking career opportunities at Chinese firms, which have become a major source of employment in the southern African country. (Photo by Tafara Mugwara/Xinhua)

A Zimbabwean youth inquires about job opportunities from a staff member of a Chinese company during a job fair in Marondera District of Mashonaland East Province, Zimbabwe, on Feb. 21, 2026. As the job market remains competitive for fresh graduates, young Zimbabweans have expressed a growing interest in seeking career opportunities at Chinese firms, which have become a major source of employment in the southern African country. (Photo by Tafara Mugwara/Xinhua)
The vibrant Bhagoria festival, celebrating the arrival of spring, begins across several tribal districts of Madhya Pradesh. This week-long event, observed primarily by the Bhil, Bhilala, and Barela communities, is known for its colorful haat markets, traditional music and dance, and the unique social custom where young people express affection. The festival has been officially declared a 'Rajkiya Utsav' or state festival by the Madhya Pradesh government. It offers a deep immersion into tribal culture and concludes with celebrations where Chief Minister Mohan Yadav is scheduled to participate.

Madhya Pradesh's week-long Bhagoria festival starts Feb 24. Explore the tribal traditions, vibrant haats, and cultural heritage of this state festival.

Bhopal, February 23 Madhya Pradesh, home to one of India's largest tribal populations, celebrates its indigenous heritage through vibrant customs and traditions. Among these, the Bhagoria festival stands out as the most joyous, marking the arrival of spring with colour, music and age-old rituals ahead of Holi.

The seven-day tribal festival of Bhagoria will be celebrated across Jhabua, Alirajpur, Khargone, Barwani, and Dhar districts from February 24 to March 2, according to an official release.

Bhagoria, observed seven days before Holi by the Bhil, Bhilala and Barela tribal communities. The festival is known for its vibrant weekly haat markets, traditional music and dance, and the age-old custom of choosing life partners during the fest.

During the month of Phagun, as nature comes alive with fresh energy, weekly haat markets across tribal belts from West Nimar to Jhabua are swept up in the festive spirit of Bhagoria Mela. People primarily visit these markets to shop for Holi. The Bhagoria haats are equally significant for non-tribal communities and local traders, who keenly await the occasion. Many shopkeepers earn a major share of their yearly income during this period. The markets offer a range of goods, including daily essentials, sweets and traditional jewellery.

Interestingly, the Bagoriya fair resonates with the beats of large drums and traditional tribal dances. Different groups take part in their traditional attire, often dressed in coordinated colours that give them a distinct identity. Both men and women wear silver ornaments and dance to the rhythm of indigenous musical instruments. Among the Bhil community, silver jewellery is regarded as a mark of prosperity.

Bhagoria is also regarded as a festival of social bonding, joy and celebration. It is believed that young men and women express their affection by applying gulal or offering paan to their chosen partners.

The festival begins seven days before Holi and continues until Holika Dahan. It is organised mainly on weekly market days in villages across Jhabua, Alirajpur, Dhar, Barwani and Khargone districts. Bhagoria offers a unique opportunity to closely witness tribal culture, enthusiasm and lifestyle.

The Bhagoria Utsav of Walpur in Alirajpur district is particularly famous for its historical antiquity, vibrant tribal culture and distinctive traditional beliefs. It is said that the fair was initiated by the Bhil rulers during the time of Raja Bhoj. Alirajpur's Walpur reflects the cultural colours of three regions and is known as a confluence of the cultures of Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Gujarat due to its proximity to the three states. The Walpur fair presents a remarkable blend of tribal traditions and modernity, where youth dressed in traditional attire and ornaments dance to the beats of dhol and mandal.

As per the official release, the Bhagoria festival has been accorded the status of a 'state festival' after Chief Minister Mohan Yadav declared it a "Rajkiya Utsav" during the Tribal Devalok Mahotsav held at the Chief Minister's residence on March 4, last year. The CM had then said Bhagoria is a festival of joy, a celebration that invites people to pause and immerse themselves in the fragrance and colours of Phagun. The state government would ensure that the spirit of the Bhagoria fest remains intact.

This year, the Bhagoria festival will begin tomorrow and conclude on March 2. The Chief Minister is also scheduled to participate in the concluding day of celebrations in Niwali of Barwani district.

- ANI
The Budget Session of the Maharashtra Assembly commences, with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announcing the introduction of 15 bills. The upcoming budget aims to balance public relief with fiscal discipline, incorporating preparations made by the late Deputy CM Ajit Pawar. Key highlights include significant central allocations, a focus on AI in agriculture through the 'Mahavistar' app, and major infrastructure and investment projects. The session will also address the state's industrial agreements from Davos and provide clarifications on related matters.

Maharashtra's Budget Session begins with 15 bills, a focus on AI in agriculture, and fiscal discipline. CM Fadnavis outlines state's financial plans.

Mumbai, February 23 Ahead of the Budget Session of the Maharashtra Assembly that begins Monday, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has expressed confidence in presenting a budget that balances public relief with fiscal discipline.

The Chief Minister informed that 15 Bills will be introduced during the Budget Session.

All issues and suggestions expected by the late Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar will be incorporated in the upcoming State Budget, according to a release by the Maharashtra government. While providing relief to the common people, financial discipline will also be maintained, and strict measures will be taken if necessary, it said.

The State Legislature's Budget Session will commence on February 23, 2026.

"The Budget will be presented on March 6. The late Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar had undertaken extensive preparations for this Budget and intended to present an excellent financial statement. Unfortunately, the responsibility has now fallen upon him. Ajit Pawar always adhered to fiscal discipline," Fadnavis said.

"Recently, Maharashtra received an additional allocation of Rs 2,000 crore in the Union Budget. Through tax devolution, the State will receive Rs 98,306 crore. Most of the demands made by the State Government to the Centre have been accepted, which will greatly benefit Maharashtra. The Union Budget has sanctioned two high-speed corridors for the State. Additionally, Rs 23,000 crore has been allocated under the Railway Budget. Over the past few years, Maharashtra has received substantial funding through the Central Government," Fadnavis said.

The Chief Minister stated that under the VB G Ram G scheme, Maharashtra's demand for additional manpower has been accepted, increasing Maharashtra's allocation from 1,300 lakh man-days to 1,600 lakh man-days. Fadnavis added that it will bring an additional Rs 1,400 crore to the State.

"The four-week-long Budget Session will prioritise issues concerning the poor and common citizens. Maharashtra's Legislature has one of the longest sessions in the country, and we are proud of that," the Chief Minister said.

Detailed information regarding the Rs 30 lakh crore investment agreements signed at Davos will be presented in the Legislative Assembly, and misconceptions surrounding them will be clarified. Maharashtra played an active role in the 'India AI Summit.' An international conference titled 'AI for Agriculture' was organised, and Maharashtra received a satellite session at the India AI Summit. Several startups participated, and it has been recognised as the country's first Agri-AI Summit.

"The late Ajit Pawar had provisioned Rs 500 crore for the AI Mission in his Budget. Under the AI Mission, the 'Mahavistar' app has been developed and is currently used by 30 lakh farmers across the State. Information on weather, crop conditions, and market prices will be available on a single platform. The app now also includes the tribal Bhili language. Maharashtra aims to lead in the use of AI in agriculture, which could reduce production costs by 25 to 40 per cent," the Chief Minister said.

The aircraft accident involving Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar will be investigated by the CBI. The DGCA has also initiated an inquiry. Assistance from foreign companies will be sought to retrieve voice recordings. The VSR company is being audited by the DGCA.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde stated that the Rs 30 lakh crore industrial agreements signed at Davos are expected to generate 40 to 50 lakh jobs. Infrastructure projects worth nearly Rs 1 lakh crore are currently underway in the State. The MMRDA has approved a budget of Rs 46,000 crore.

He emphasised that to ease traffic congestion in Mumbai, the BKC-Kurla Tunnel, Borivali-Thane Tunnel, and Mulund Tunnel projects are being implemented, leading to progress across all sectors of the State.

Shinde also informed that concerned officials have been suspended in the MMRDA accident case whereas a fine of Rs 5 crore has been imposed on the company involved and Rs 1 crore on the consultant. Four individuals have been arrested, and safety and structural audits have been ordered. Families of the deceased have been provided Rs 15 lakh each through the Chief Minister's Relief Fund and MMRDA.

As per the state government release in the irrigation sector, 125 projects have been granted revised administrative approval with allocations amounting to approximately Rs 90,000 crore. Steps are being taken to address the drought in Marathwada and ensure water supply to Vidarbha. Funds have also been approved for the Poshir, Shilar, and Kalu dams.

A Rs 32,000 crore package has been announced for farmers, and NDRF norms have been revised from two hectares to three hectares. Assistance has been provided for damage caused by continuous rainfall, and a decision has been taken to ensure daytime electricity supply, the release said.

Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar stated that the customary tea gathering held on the eve of the session is not merely a formality but an effective platform for dialogue. It facilitates meaningful discussions on the State's development and helps address public concerns.

She said the government is committed to upholding the trust placed in it by the people. The late Ajit Pawar presented the Budget 11 times and made significant contributions to Maharashtra's economic growth. By balancing development and fiscal discipline, he provided strong direction to the State.

She expressed confidence that the Budget to be presented this year by the Chief Minister will accelerate comprehensive development and ensure justice for all sections of society. She also mentioned that after the late Vankhede, Ajit Pawar holds the distinction of presenting the Budget the highest number of times.

- ANI
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has called for public calm following widespread violence triggered by the death of Nemesio "El Mencho" Oseguera Cervantes, leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), in a military operation. The operation led to blockades, burned vehicles, and clashes in several states, prompting local officials to suspend public transport and advise residents to stay indoors. El Mencho, a top target for U.S. authorities with a $15 million bounty, was accused of leading a major fentanyl trafficking operation into the United States. Security forces are coordinating nationwide responses as the government works to restore order.

President Claudia Sheinbaum urges citizens to stay calm after violence erupts following the death of Jalisco cartel leader Nemesio "El Mencho" Oseguera.

Mexico City, February 23 President of Mexico Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo on Sunday urged citizens to remain calm and stay informed after violence erupted in parts of the country following the death of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, also known as "El Mencho", leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, during an operation led by Mexico's military.

In a post on X, President Sheinbaum stated that the operation has resulted in various blockades and "other reactions" in some areas and that Mexico's Security Cabinet was providing regular updates on the situation through social media.

"The Secretariat of National Defence reported on the operation carried out this morning by federal forces, which resulted in various blockades and other reactions. There is absolute coordination with the governments of all states; we must remain informed and calm," her post read.

"The social media accounts of the Security Cabinet provide permanent updates. In the vast majority of the national territory, activities are proceeding with complete normality. My recognition to the Mexican Army, National Guard, Armed Forces, and Security Cabinet," it added.

This comes after one of the most wanted leaders of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel, Nemesio "El Mencho" Oseguera Cervantes, was killed on Sunday following an operation led by Mexico's military.

El Mencho, a former police officer, led the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, or CJNG, as it became one of the "most powerful and ruthless criminal organisations" inside Mexico, according to the US Drug Enforcement Agency, CNN reported.

Security forces from several federal branches of Mexico's military carried out the operation in the town of Tapalpa in the western state of Jalisco.

CJNG members traded fire with the government forces, resulting in four gang members being killed at the scene, Mexico's Secretariat of National Defence said.

Osegeura and two others were seriously injured and died as they were being transported via aircraft to Mexico City, according to the secretariat.

Three Mexican military personnel were also injured in the operation and transferred to a hospital in Mexico City for treatment.

The military operation triggered a series of violent events, including road blockages across the state of Jalisco, before spreading to other states such as Michoacan and Guanajuato.

Suspected members of organised crime groups set buses on fire, blocked roads in the area, and clashed with authorities, Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus Navarro reported.

During the operation, Lemus urged residents to remain in their homes and said that public transportation services in Jalisco would be suspended "until the situation is under control."

The governor stated that the violence has spread to at least five states and urged the public to avoid travelling on highways.

Oseguera was wanted by US authorities, who offered a bounty of up to USD 15 million for information leading to his arrest, CNN reported.

The US Justice Department charged El Mencho in 2022 with leading the effort to manufacture and distribute fentanyl for importation into the US.

A Justice Department indictment of Oseguera said his organisation is active in the Mexican states of Jalisco, Colima, and Veracruz, and has a presence elsewhere.

- ANI
Senior politician and former Union Minister Mukul Roy, a key founder of the Trinamool Congress, passed away in Kolkata at the age of 73. He served as Railways Minister in the UPA-II government and was once Mamata Banerjee's closest confidant. His political career saw a dramatic shift when he joined the BJP in 2017, only to return to the Trinamool fold after the 2021 state elections. His later years were marked by a legal battle over his status as a legislator, a case that reached the Supreme Court.

Senior politician and former Railway Minister Mukul Roy, a founding member of Trinamool Congress, dies in Kolkata at 73 after prolonged illness.

Kolkata, Feb 23 Senior politician Mukul Roy, a former Railway Minister from West Bengal, died early Monday morning at a private hospital in Kolkata, his family has confirmed. He was 73.

Mukul Roy breathed his last a little after 1.30 a.m. on Monday, confirmed his son, Subhranshu Roy. He was under treatment for quite some time because of several medical complications, and he was not even responding to the treatment, according to his close associates.

Roy was once the second-in-command in Trinamool Congress as the party's general secretary and the closest confidant of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. He was among the first nine leaders who approached the Election Commission of India (ECI) to form a new political party -- Trinamool Congress -- in the late nineties, which Mamata Banerjee founded after she parted ways with Congress. A host of state Congress leaders in West Bengal had backed her.

Later, he served as Railways Minister, Union Minister of State for Shipping and Waterways, and Union Minister of State for Urban Development in Dr Manmohan Singh-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA)-II government, which started in 2009 with Trinamool Congress as the alliance partner.

However, over a period of time, he started distancing himself from the Trinamool Congress leadership, especially Mamata Banerjee. He was first removed from the chair of the party's general secretary, and slowly, his participation in the party programmes started fading out.

Finally, in 2017, he announced his decision to sever ties with Trinamool Congress and join the BJP. He even resigned from his chair as a Rajya Sabha member of Trinamool Congress. He continued with the BJP till 2021.

In the 2021 West Bengal Assembly election, he successfully contested from the contested as a BJP candidate in Krishnanagar (Uttar) Assembly constituency in Nadia district.

However, he joined Trinamool Congress just days after the results were declared, and Mamata Banerjee led her party to come to power for a third consecutive term with a massive majority.

However, he did not resign as a member of the state Assembly and officially continued as a BJP legislator there.

The Assembly Speaker, Biman Bandopadhyay, rejected the BJP's plea seeking cancellation of Roy's membership from the Assembly.

The Speaker said that since Roy was officially a BJP candidate, his membership could not be cancelled.

Roy was even made the Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the House, a post which is traditionally offered to an MLA from the principal opposition party in the Assembly.

Thereafter, the BJP approached the Calcutta High Court seeking the cancellation of Roy's membership from the House as a legislator from the Krishnanagar (Uttar) Assembly constituency.

After a prolonged hearing in the matter, finally, on November 12, 2025, the Calcutta High Court's division bench of Justice Debangsu Basak and Justice Md Shabbar Rashidi finally cancelled Roy's membership of the House.

Calcutta High Court's decision was challenged in the Supreme Court by his son, Subhranshu Roy. On January 16, an apex court bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagch stayed the decision of the Calcutta High Court.

His death marks the end of a colourful but chequered political life. Roy is often regarded as the initiator of the current trend of alluring and influencing political leaders from opposing parties to shift camps.

- IANS
NASA has decided to roll the Artemis II Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft back to the Vehicle Assembly Building at Kennedy Space Center. This move delays the highly anticipated crewed lunar flyby mission following the discovery of an issue with helium flow to the rocket's upper stage. The action preserves a potential launch window in April, pending repairs and data analysis. The mission, carrying four astronauts, aims to be the first crewed flight to the Moon since the Apollo program.

NASA delays the crewed Artemis II Moon mission after a helium flow issue, rolling the SLS rocket back for repairs. Launch was scheduled for March.

Washington DC, February 23 NASA will roll back the SLS rocket and Orion spacecraft for Artemis II off the launch pad, delaying the most-awaited crewed flyby mission to the Moon.

This comes after NASA encountered an issue with the flow of helium to the rocket's upper stage, the space agency said in a statement.

"On February 21, managers decided to remove recently installed platforms before high winds descended on the Space Coast, which poised teams for rollback while discussions about the issue were ongoing. Returning to the Vehicle Assembly Building at Kennedy Space Centre in Florida is required to determine the cause of the issue and fix it," NASA said

The space agency said that the quick work to begin preparations for rolling the rocket and spacecraft back to the VAB 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.

The Artemis II crew members were released from quarantine the evening of Feb. 21 and remain in Houston.

The launch of Artemis II was scheduled for March 6.

The goal of the Artemis 2 mission, a 10-day flight around the Moon and back, is to "explore the Moon for scientific discovery, economic benefits, and to build the foundation for the first crewed missions to Mars", according to NASA.

The planned Artemis 2 crew includes three US astronauts - Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch - and Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen. The mission is poised to be the farthest human flight into space ever, and the first crewed Moon mission since the US Apollo programme more than half a century ago.

Artemis 2 is a precursor to NASA's planned astronaut Moon landing with Artemis 3, which is scheduled for 2028.

- ANI
Indian Foreign Service officer Neeta Bhushan, currently High Commissioner to New Zealand, has been appointed as India's next Ambassador to the Republic of Poland. India and Poland have maintained close diplomatic relations since 1954, characterized by friendly political ties and growing economic engagement. The bilateral relationship has been sustained by numerous high-level visits from both nations' leaders over several decades. Poland's entry into the European Union in 2004 further solidified its role as a key economic partner for India in Central Europe.

IFS officer Neeta Bhushan appointed as India's new Ambassador to Poland, continuing a long-standing diplomatic relationship marked by high-level visits.

New Delhi, February 23 Neeta Bhushan, an Indian Foreign Service officer of the 1994 batch, has been appointed as India's new ambassador to the Republic of Poland.

She is currently serving as India's High Commissioner to New Zealand and will take up the assignment shortly.

India and Poland share a long-standing friendly relationship, marked by high-level political contacts and vibrant economic engagement. Diplomatic relations were established in 1954, leading to the opening of the Indian Embassy in Warsaw in 1957. The two countries shared common ideological perceptions, based on their opposition to colonialism, imperialism and racism.

During the Communist era, bilateral relations were close and cordial, with regular high-level visits (several VVIP visits from India - beginning with Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru in 1955 - and four from Poland), coupled with planned trade and economic interactions by state trading organisations, underpinned by the rupee clearing arrangements. The relationship continued to remain close after Poland chose the democratic path in 1989.

India and Poland transitioned to hard currency trading arrangements that were sustained by rising levels of trade as both economies grew in size and heft. A cordial political relationship has emerged in the current century, particularly after Poland joined the EU in 2004, and became India's key economic partner in Central Europe.

Over the decades, India and Poland have had robust exchanges at the level of Heads of State and Government. High-level visits from India to Poland include: Presidents V V Giri (1970), Zail Singh (1986), S D Sharma (1996) and Prime Ministers Jawaharlal Nehru (1955), Indira Gandhi (1967) and Morarji Desai (1979). From the Polish side, high level visits include: Presidents Alexander Kwasniewski (1998), Lech Walesa (1994 and 1998), Prime Ministers Cyrankieweicz (1957) and Jaroszewicz (1973), Polish United Workers' Party First Secretary Gierek (1977) and Gen Jaruszelski (1985).

After democracy came to Poland in 1990, high-level contacts continued with the visits of Polish President Aleksander Kwasniewski (1998) and Polish PM Leszek Miller (2003). The President of India, Pratibha Patil, visited Poland in April 2009, and Polish PM Donald Tusk paid a state visit to India in September 2010.

- ANI
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has described his nine-year tenure as a "golden chapter of reconstruction" for the state. He emphasized that achieving the goal of a developed Uttar Pradesh by 2047 hinges on the state becoming self-reliant, with a foundation built on youth, women, and farmers. Concurrently, CM Yogi is on an official visit to Singapore to deepen economic cooperation and institutional partnerships. The discussions aim to translate national frameworks into project-level collaboration, with a focus on sectors like AI-ready digital campuses and data infrastructure near the Noida International Airport.

UP CM Yogi Adityanath terms his tenure a "golden chapter," aims for a self-reliant state by 2047, and visits Singapore to boost economic ties.

Lucknow, February 23 Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday described his nine-year tenure as a "golden chapter of reconstruction" for the state, emphasising that the goal of "developed Uttar Pradesh @ 2047" will only be achieved when the state becomes self-reliant.

In an 'X' post, the Chief Minister asserted that the foundation of the state's growing strength lies in the youth, women, and farmers, adding that his government is committed to the development of deprived and backward communities across the state.

"My esteemed fellow citizens of the state, The 'New Uttar Pradesh' of 'New India' has, in nine years, become a golden chapter of reconstruction. The foundation of the state's growing strength lies in the youth, women, and farmers. We are committed to the dignity of the deprived, backward, and Dalit communities," he said.

"The resolve for a developed Uttar Pradesh @ 2047 will be fulfilled only when the state becomes self-reliant. May all of you fellow citizens become partners in the glorious journey of building a strong Uttar Pradesh--this is my heartfelt wish," the Uttar Pradesh CM said.

Meanwhile, CM Yogi is undertaking an official visit to Singapore from February 22 to 24 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.

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.

- ANI
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has been re-elected as general secretary of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea during its ongoing party congress. State media credited him with radically improving the country's nuclear-based war deterrence and building armed forces prepared for any form of war. The congress adopted revised party rules and elected new central committee members, with the absence of several senior officials signaling a potential leadership shift. South Korea's government observed that the congress reinforced Kim's internal authority while minimizing messages related to foreign relations.

North Korea's Kim Jong Un re-elected as Workers' Party chief, with state media praising his leadership in strengthening nuclear deterrence and defying sanctions.

Pyongyang, February 23 Supreme leader of North Korea Kim Jong Un was reelected as general secretary of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea at the ongoing party congress, with state media highlighting his leadership in rapidly advancing the country's nuclear-based war deterrence, Yonhap News Agency reported, citing Korean Central News Agency.

According to the North Korean state media, KCNA, on Monday, "The Ninth Congress of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) decides to elect Kim Jong-un as general secretary of the WPK ... for the development of the WPK and the prosperity of the state," citing the "unshakeable" support of party members, citizens, and soldiers.

KCNA stated that the decision was made on Sunday, the fourth day of the multi-day congress, which typically outlines key policy goals for the next five years, including economic, defence, and diplomatic strategies. Party regulations mandate the election of the general secretary at a party congress, Yonhap News Agency reported.

The Congress credited Kim with building "the revolutionary armed forces capable of coping with any threat of aggression on their own initiative and fully prepared for any form of war," adding that "the war deterrence of the country with the nuclear forces as its pivot has been radically improved and our state has dynamically advanced in the orbit of prosperity ... despite the stern challenges of history," Yonhap News Agency reported.

Party secretary Ri Il-hwan, speaking at the congress, praised Kim for realising "the dream and ideal for prosperity" and said, "Only Kim Jong-un can guide the trend of gigantic transformation of our cause put on an orbit of leap forward to a steady upturn without halt."

He further noted that North Korea had successfully defied sanctions and become a "formidable" force recognised by adversaries.

The KCNA also reported that the congress adopted revised party rules, though details were not disclosed.

The congress additionally elected new members to the party's central committee. Notably absent from the list were several senior officials, including Choe Ryong-hae, signalling a possible generational shift in leadership, Yonhap News Agency reported.

South Korea's Ministry of Unification said the congress reinforced Kim's leadership while minimising messages on foreign relations.

"External messages have been minimised, while the content of the meeting was being disclosed at the most minimal level," spokesperson Yoon Min-ho said, Yonhap News Agency reported.

The Ninth Party Congress, launched last Thursday, is North Korea's highest decision-making body and the first since the Eighth Party Congress in 2021.

At the conclusion of the meetings, the party is expected to announce new policies for the next five years covering the economy, defence, and diplomacy.

- ANI
Union Home Minister Amit Shah interacted with drivers of the newly launched cooperative-based ride-hailing platform, Bharat Taxi. He emphasized that the platform's core concept is to ensure profits go to the drivers who do the hard work, rather than to wealthy company owners. The service has signed multiple MOUs with entities like Delhi Traffic Police and the Airports Authority of India to regulate operations and enhance safety and connectivity. These partnerships aim to provide better income for drivers and improved, integrated services for passengers.

Home Minister Amit Shah interacts with Bharat Taxi drivers, explaining how the cooperative ride-hailing model ensures profits go to drivers, not owners.

New Delhi, February 23 Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah on Monday interacted with cab drivers of the Bharat Taxi app service in Delhi, emphasizing that the cooperative-based ride-hailing platform ensures the profit goes to those who work hard rather than to cooperative owners.

Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah had launched India's first cooperative-based ride-hailing platform, "Bharat Taxi," on February 5 in Delhi.

Speaking to the drivers, Amit Shah explained the fundamental difference between Bharat Taxi and other ride- hailing platform.

"The concept is that the one who is working hard, the one who is toiling, should get the profit, not some rich man. Why did we come up with the idea of Bharat Taxi? You said that there were a lot of complaints, 30 per cent was deducted, and there was no certainty," Amit Shah said.

The Union Minister further highlighted that while the tarditional ride- hailing platforms aim to enrich their owners, the Bharat Taxi model makes the drivers themselves owners.

"The purpose of running those companies is to make the owners rich. Our purpose is also to make the owners rich. The only difference is that you are the owner," Amit Shah added.

The Bharat Taxi platform operates on a cooperative model, where drivers are stakeholders and beneficiaries of the profits generated, unlike conventional ride-hailing services, where a significant commission is deducted by the platform.

Under the MoU signed between Delhi Traffic Police and Sahakar Taxi Cooperative Limited, Bharat Taxi will be permitted to digitally operate 34 prepaid taxi booths across 21 locations in Delhi, thereby enhancing passenger safety, transparency, driver income, and service quality. With the support of Delhi Traffic Police, Bharat Taxi has also established a Joint Command and Control Centre, which includes real-time ride monitoring, SOS alerts, and rapid emergency response mechanisms, promoting road safety, regulatory compliance, and commuter security.

Under the MoU with the National e-Governance Division (NeGD), MeitY, advisory and technical support will be provided to Bharat Taxi under the Digital India framework, enabling integration with DigiLocker, UMANG, and API Setu. This will provide Sarathis with paperless onboarding, unified access to government services, secure interoperable operations, cashless payments, and improved operational efficiency.

Under the partnership with Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), last-mile connectivity will be provided at 10 major metro stations through bike taxis, e-autos/CNG autos, and cabs, allowing passengers to plan and pay for end-to-end journeys on a single platform, while enabling higher trip volumes and reduced idle time for drivers.

The MoU with the Airports Authority of India (AAI) will regulate Bharat Taxi operations at AAI airports nationwide, including pickup zones, signage permissions, and strict security and service standards, thereby enabling regulated airport operations across India.

Under the agreement with Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation / Delhi Airport Parking Services (DAPS - GMR supported), Bharat Taxi's white cab services have been permitted at multiple parking locations across IGI Airport terminals. DAPS will provide a 20% discount on the 245 per-trip pickup fee for the first year, which will complement Bharat Taxi's Kaali Peeli services and significantly increase airport ride volumes and revenues.

- ANI
A Redbird Airways Beechcraft aircraft on a medical evacuation flight from Ranchi to Delhi crashed in the dense forests of Chatra district, Jharkhand. The aircraft, carrying seven people including two crew, lost communication and radar contact shortly after takeoff. Jharkhand Minister Irfan Ansari has directed officials to deploy all resources for search and rescue operations. The DGCA has initiated a probe and an AAIB team is being dispatched to the crash site.

A Redbird Airways medical flight from Ranchi to Delhi crashed in Jharkhand's Chatra district. Search and rescue operations are underway for the seven people on board.

Ranchi, February 24 Jharkhand Minister Irfan Ansari, in the early hours of Tuesda,y directed officials to take immediate action and deploy resources for search and rescue operations after a Redbird Airways Pvt Ltd Beechcraft C90 aircraft VT-AJV, operating a medical evacuation flight from Ranchi to Delhi, crashed in Kasariya Panchayat, Simariya block in Jharkhand's Chatra district.

The District Administration and AAIB teams are at the location, and an investigation is underway. The plane, carrying seven people including two crew members, lost communication and radar contact with Kolkata at approximately 100 NM South-East of Varanasi at 19:34 IST.

In a post on X, Ansari said that the state government is closely monitoring the situation with utmost seriousness.

"Upon receiving news of the incident, security agencies and local administration are on high alert. Search and rescue operations have been intensified in the probable area. No official confirmation of any kind has been made yet...I have directed the concerned officials to take immediate necessary action and deploy every possible resource. Our priority is the safe recovery of all passengers...The state government is closely monitoring the situation with utmost seriousness", he said.

While initial reports from the district administration have confirmed the crash, official confirmation regarding survivors is still pending as teams reach the remote site.

Notably, on Monday, a medical evacuation flight turned into a tragedy when a Redbird Airways Pvt Ltd Beechcraft C90 aircraft, registration VT-AJV, crashed in the dense forests of Jharkhand.

According to DGCA sources, on 23.02.2026, Redbird Airways Pvt Ltd Beechcraft C90 aircraft VT-AJV operating a medical evacuation (Air Ambulance) flight on the sector Ranchi-Delhi crashed in Kasariya Panchayat, Simariya block of Chatra district, in Jharkhand. There were seven people on board, including two crew members. The aircraft was airborne from Ranchi at 19:11 IST. After establishing contact with Kolkata aircraft requested deviation due to weather. At 19:34 IST aircraft lost communication and radar contact with Kolkata. The last known position of the aircraft was approximately 100 NM South-East of Varanasi.

According to Ranchi Airport sources, a medical flight took off. Its contact was established with the next station, then the control was handed over to the next station. After this contact was lost. The plane did not contact the Ranchi Airport. The State has been informed about this. All necessary SOPs are being followed.

The aircraft was airborne from Ranchi at 19:11 IST. A charter plane disappeared from radar shortly after takeoff from Ranchi Airportm as per DGCA sources.

In a press note, the DGCA said, "After establishing contact with Kolkata, the aircraft requested deviation due to weather. At 19:34 IST aircraft lost communication and RADAR contact with Kolkata at approximately 100 NM South-East of Varanasi. The District Administration search and rescue team is at the location, and the AAIB team is being dispatched for investigation. Further information will be shared."

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has initiated a probe, and a team from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is being dispatched to the site.

Further details on the crash are awaited.

- ANI
Phil Spencer is stepping down as CEO of Microsoft Gaming, bringing to a close a 38-year career at Microsoft and more than a decade at the helm of Xbox.

Microsoft gaming boss Phil Spencer has announced his retirement

Spencer, who joined Microsoft as an intern in 1988 and became the public face of Xbox following the troubled Xbox One era, will officially retire on Monday (23.02.26).

Under his leadership, the brand pivoted toward services, cloud gaming and blockbuster acquisitions, including Bethesda parent ZeniMax Media and Activision Blizzard.

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella praised Spencers tenure in a company-wide email, writing: "Over 38 years at Microsoft, including 12 years leading Gaming, Phil helped transform what we do and how we do it."

Spencer confirmed he had been planning the transition for months, stating: "Xbox has always been more than a business. Its a vibrant community of players, creators, and teams who care deeply about what we build and how we build it. And it deserves a thoughtful, deliberate plan for the road ahead."

He will remain in an advisory role through the summer.

In a surprise move, Xbox President Sarah Bond has also resigned. Taking over as CEO of Microsoft Gaming is Asha Sharma, formerly President of Microsofts CoreAI product and previously a senior executive at Meta and Instacart.

Sharma set out three priorities in her first message to staff: "First, great games Second, the return of Xbox Third, future of play."

She added: "Games are and always will be art, crafted by humans, and created with the most innovative technology provided by us."

Meanwhile, Matt Booty has been promoted to Chief Content Officer.
ISLAMABAD, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- A minor girl was killed, and two others were injured after an oil tanker hit a motorcycle in the southern port city of Karachi on Monday, rescue officials said.

According to Rescue 1122, the motorcycle was struck by the tanker in the Korangi district, leaving the girl dead at the scene, while two people sustained injuries.

Police said the tanker driver fled the scene after the accident, and efforts are underway to arrest him.

Rescue personnel shifted the body and the injured to a nearby hospital for further procedures and medical treatment, the rescue service added. 
Pakistan has conducted a series of airstrikes inside Afghanistan, killing over 80 people in what it calls a retaliatory operation for recent suicide bombings on its soil. The strikes targeted multiple locations in Nangarhar, Paktika, and Khost provinces, focusing on camps of the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan and Islamic State-Khorasan. Pakistani officials, including State Minister Talal Chaudhry, accused Afghanistan of harboring militants and failing to uphold its Doha Agreement commitments. The action marks a significant escalation in tensions between the two neighbors, with Kabul historically rejecting such allegations and calling Pakistan's security issues an internal matter.

Pakistan conducts retaliatory airstrikes in Afghanistan, killing over 80 people and targeting militant camps, escalating regional tensions.

Islamabad, February 23 More than 80 people were killed in Pakistan's airstrikes at the seven locations in Afghanistan's Nangarhar, Paktika and Khost provinces, Geo News reported, citing Islamabad's security sources.

Pakistan has conducted multiple strikes in the region in response to recent suicide attacks for which they have blamed Afghanistan.

The targeted locations reportedly included "New Centre No. 1 and New Centre No. 2 in Nangarhar, Khwariji Maulvi Abbas Centre in Khost, Khwariji Islam Centre and Khwariji Ibrahim Centre in Nangarhar, and Khwariji Mullah Rahbar and Khwariji Mukhlis Yar in Paktika."

Earlier, Pakistan's State Minister for Interior, Talal Chaudhry, said nearly 70 militants had been "neutralised" in the cross-border operation.

The government stated that the strikes targeted camps belonging to Fitna al-Khawarij, a term used by Pakistani authorities for the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, its affiliates and Islamic State - Khorasan Province (Daesh-Khorasan).

Speaking to Geo News programme "Geo Pakistan," Chaudhry alleged that Afghanistan had become a source of cross-border militancy. He said Pakistan was taking necessary measures to safeguard its citizens and highlighted that around 70,000 intelligence-based operations had been conducted domestically, resulting in multiple arrests.

Pakistan's Ministry of Information and Broadcasting described the strikes as "precise and accurate," calling them a retaliatory response to recent suicide bombings in Islamabad, Bajaur and Bannu. Islamabad claimed that the attacks were orchestrated by handlers based in Afghanistan and linked to the TTP and Daesh elements.

The strikes reportedly targeted hideouts in the Barmal area of Paktika province, Khogyani district of Nangarhar province, as well as Ghani Khel, Behsud and Argoon areas.

Chaudhry also referred to the 2020 Doha Agreement, stating that the Afghan Taliban had pledged not to allow Afghan soil to be used for terrorism. He alleged that Kabul's interim administration had failed to curb militant activity.

He added that Pakistan had made diplomatic and military-level efforts to address its security concerns and urged political parties to unite against terrorism.

The latest strikes follow a surge in violence in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces. Tensions between Islamabad and Kabul have escalated in recent years, particularly since the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan in 2021.

In October 2025, border clashes between Pakistani forces and Afghan Taliban fighters reportedly resulted in significant casualties on both sides. Despite multiple rounds of talks, both countries have struggled to achieve lasting de-escalation.

Meanwhile, Kabul has previously rejected Islamabad's allegations that militant groups operate from Afghan territory, maintaining that Pakistan's security challenges are an internal matter.

The situation along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border remains tense amid continued accusations and counter-accusations between the two neighbours.

- ANI
Actor and host Paritosh Tripathi has sparked a social media conversation by sharing a comparison of his new look to veteran actor Amol Palekar's iconic appearance from the 1979 film 'Gol Maal'. His post, asking fans if they see the resemblance, drew a confirming comment from theatre artist Juhi Babbar. Tripathi's look, featuring a neat hairstyle and thin moustache, closely mirrors Palekar's classic middle-class character. The film 'Gol Maal', directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee, remains a celebrated Bollywood comedy.

Actor Paritosh Tripathi sparks comparisons to Amol Palekar's classic 'Gol Maal' character with his new look on a dance reality show.

Mumbai, Feb 23 Actor and host Paritosh Tripathi seems to have taken inspiration from veteran actor Amol Palekar's iconic look from the 1979 film 'Gol Maal' for his recent appearances on a dance reality show.

Taking to his social media account, Paritosh shared a side-by-side comparison of his look and Amol Palekar's still from the classic film. He captioned the post in Hindi that translates to, "Who all think I look like Amol Palekar."

Theatre artist and Raj Babbar's daughter Juhi Babbar, replied in the comments: "Mujh ko (To me) !!!"

In the images, Paritosh is seen sporting a neatly combed hairstyle, a thin moustache and a simple traditional outfit, impeccably resembling Amol Palekar's middle-class look from his hit movie'Gol Maal'.

Paritosh Tripathi, known for his comic timing and anchoring skills, has hosted several television shows. He has been a part of dance-based reality shows such as 'Super Dancer' and has also appeared in films including 'Janahit Mein Jaari'.

Talking about the superhit movie, 'Golmaal', it was directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee, and released in 1979. The movie remains one of Bollywood's most celebrated comedies. The film starred Amol Palekar, Utpal Dutt, Bindiya Goswami and Deven Verma in pivotal roles.

The storyline revolved around a young man who after many failed attempts finally secures a job but under a strict and traditional employer.

He then ends up leading a double life to maintain his employment leading to a series of humorous misunderstandings and disguises, making it a cult comedy over the years. The film was both a critical and commercial success.

- IANS
Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal held a virtual meeting with Canada's Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu to advance discussions on the long-stalled India-Canada Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). This diplomatic push comes ahead of a planned visit by the Canadian Prime Minister, aiming to revitalize negotiations that began in 2010. Separately, Goyal met with UK business leaders to discuss opportunities arising from the newly operational India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement. The landmark UK-India FTA, signed in 2025, is projected to increase bilateral trade by 25.5 billion annually and unlock 25 billion in investments, featuring significant tariff reductions.

Ministers Goyal and Sidhu advance India-Canada trade pact. UK-India FTA, signed in 2025, aims to boost trade by 25.5bn annually and unlock investments.

New Delhi, February 24 Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal virtually interacted with Canada Minister of International Trade Maninder Sidhu and held a discussion related to India-Canada Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.

They also discussed strengthening business ties on both sides through regular delegation-level engagements.

"Had a virtual interaction with Maninder Sidhu, Minister of International Trade, Canada, on advancing discussions related to the India-Canada Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). We also deliberated on strengthening business ties on both sides through regular delegation-level engagements over the coming months to build sustained momentum in our economic partnership," he said in a post on X.

This comes ahead of the Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's visit to India on February, where he will meet PM Modi and focus on elevating and expanding the Canada-India relationship, with ambitious new partnerships in trade, energy, technology and artificial intelligence (AI), talent and culture, and defence.

CEPA negotiations between the two countries, which began in 2010, have stalled multiple times. However, in November, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Carney agreed to formally relaunch talks on the CEPA, which is expected to cover trade in goods and services, investments, agriculture, and digital commerce.

On the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Johannesburg, PM Modi and Carney "agreed to begin negotiations on a high-ambition Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), aimed at doubling bilateral trade to USD 50 billion by 2030," a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs read.

Additionaly Piyush Goyal also held a meeting with UK-India Business Council Chairman Richard Heald and CEO of Scotland Salmon Tavish Scott.

They discussed new avenues that will unfold after the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement comes into effect.

In a post on X, Piyush Goyal said, "Held a productive meeting with Richard Heald, Chair of UKIBC along with Tavish Scott, CEO of Scotland Salmon. We deliberated on the new avenues that will unfold with the operationalisation of the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement and explored enhanced collaboration in the marine industry and seafood exports."

"Confident that our expanding engagement will further deepen bilateral trade and investment ties between India and the United Kingdom," he added.

The UK-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which called as the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), is a landmark deal that aims to boost bilateral trade between the two nations by 25.5 billion annually.

Signed in July 2025 during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the UK, this agreement marks a significant milestone in the economic partnership between the world's fifth- and sixth-largest economies.

The deal includes substantial tariff reductions on goods such as textiles, whisky, and cars, making Indian exports more competitive in the UK market and vice versa.

Indian businesses will gain greater access to the UK market, with the UK offering 99.1 per cent of tariff lines with 100 per cent trade value, mostly at zero duty immediately upon the agreement's enforcement.

United Kingdom Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy, during his visit to the AI Impact Summit in Delhi, said that the FTA would serve as a "fantastic foundation" for expanding technology cooperation and unlock 25 billion in investments.

"I was very pleased to sign the tech security initiative when I was foreign secretary back in 2025 here in India, and we built on that arrangement. The free trade agreement is a fantastic foundation. 25 billion pounds worth of investment between our two countries over the next period is something that we can build on," Lammy told ANI on the sidelines of the AI Impact Summit 2026 here.

- ANI
Union Minister Piyush Goyal emphasized that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of "zero defect, zero effect" manufacturing is central to India's economic ambitions. He outlined a five-pillar action plan to institutionalize quality across industries to meet a $2 trillion export target. Goyal highlighted that nine new Free Trade Agreements provide market access, but success depends on meeting global quality benchmarks. He called for a cultural shift from a "chalta hai" attitude to one of excellence to establish Brand India as a global guarantee of quality.

Union Minister Piyush Goyal outlines a 5-pillar quality agenda, linking PM Modi's vision to India's goal of becoming a $30-35 trillion economy by 2047.

New Delhi, February 23 Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal today emphasised that quality must become the defining mantra of India's manufacturing and export ecosystem, asserting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of "zero defect, zero effect" will serve as the cornerstone of India's growth story in the Amrit Kaal. Aligning the initiative with the Prime Minister's vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, the Minister said India's ambition to become a USD 30-35 trillion economy by 2047 rests on three pillars -- zero defect, zero effect, and equitable opportunity.

Addressing the first National Quality Conclave, organised by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) in partnership with the Quality Council of India (QCI), Goyal, who joined the event virtually, underscored that no country can progress merely as a consumer; it must establish itself as a globally recognised producer of high-quality goods and services. He emphasised that Brand India must stand for quality, reliability and trust. Noting that India has been the world's fastest-growing large economy for the past four years and is poised to become the third-largest GDP in the next two to two-and-a-half years, he said the country's USD 2 trillion export target -- comprising USD 1 trillion in merchandise and USD 1 trillion in services within the next six to seven years -- can only be achieved through uncompromising quality standards.

Highlighting India's expanding trade outreach, Goyal said that nine Free Trade Agreements finalised in the past three to three-and-a-half years with 38 developed countries now cover nearly two-thirds of global GDP and trade. These agreements, he noted, open new opportunities in sectors such as textiles, leather, footwear and pharmaceuticals, provided Indian products consistently meet the highest global benchmarks. He reiterated that India's current share in global trade remains modest, even in competitive and labour-intensive sectors, and urged industry to leverage new market access opportunities created through these agreements.

Recalling earlier challenges, Goyal remarked that Indian consumers were once compelled to seek "export quality" products, reflecting a dual-quality ecosystem. He stressed that such a culture must be decisively replaced with uniform, high standards for both domestic and international markets. He lauded the Quality Council of India (QCI) and the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) for taking the message of quality to the grassroots through extensive consultations across clusters and sectors.

Outlining a five-pillar action agenda to institutionalise quality, the Minister emphasised the need for clearly defined standard operating processes with strict compliance and continuous inspection from raw material to finished product stage; skilling and re-skilling of the workforce to reduce wastage and enhance productivity, particularly in sectors such as textiles; undertaking gap analysis and benchmarking with global best practices to improve competitiveness and environmental outcomes; streamlining testing and certification protocols to reduce delays and costs; and strengthening shared infrastructure through modern, automated testing facilities across manufacturing clusters.

Goyal assured that funds would not be a constraint for establishing high-quality testing infrastructure. He encouraged industry to seek support under the Export Promotion Mission (EPM) for international approvals and compliance requirements, including REACH regulations, CBAM verification, SPS and TBT measures, and other non-tariff barriers. He stated that government support would particularly benefit micro and small enterprises in accessing global markets and meeting international standards.

Quoting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Goyal reiterated that India must be recognised globally as a guarantee of quality. He emphasised that quality consciousness has been a recurring theme in the Prime Minister's recent public engagements and called for replacing the "chalta hai" mindset with a culture of excellence across all levels -- from promoters and directors to workers on the shopfloor and personnel in laboratories and back offices.

The Union Minister also reflected on the symbolic "manthan" process, stating that just as nectar emerged from the Samudra Manthan, the consultative efforts under the Conclave must yield the nectar of quality, trust and excellence in day-to-day work. He reaffirmed the government's readiness to support industry initiatives aimed at embedding quality deeply within India's manufacturing ecosystem.

Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada emphasised that as global opportunities expand, India must transition decisively towards quality-led manufacturing. He stated that platforms such as the National Quality Conclave will play a crucial role in strengthening India's global standing as a reliable manufacturing and export destination.

Secretary, DPIIT, Amardeep Singh Bhatia highlighted that strengthening Bharat's industrial ecosystem requires coordinated engagement between government, industry and institutions anchored in quality-driven policy frameworks. He described quality improvement as a long-term commitment essential for meeting global demand, building international trust and positioning India as a reliable part of global supply chains.

Chairperson, QCI, Jaxay Shah underscored that quality must move beyond audits and certifications to become a daily discipline at the shopfloor level. He stated that for Viksit Bharat 2047, quality is not merely a pathway but the destination.

The National Quality Conclave represents a first-of-its-kind national initiative structured around extensive on-ground consultations with industry and MSMEs to directly capture shop-floor and supply-chain insights and integrate them into policy deliberations and the development of sector-specific quality roadmaps. Series 1 of the Conclave brought together senior policymakers, industry leaders, regulators and key stakeholders from four priority manufacturing sectors -- textiles, leather, footwear and pharmaceuticals -- identified for their strong export potential, extensive MSME participation and contribution to employment generation.

The Conclave adopted a sector-differentiated, evidence-driven three-stage engagement process over two months across more than twenty cities to ensure actionable outcomes. In the leather sector, 25+ nationwide consultations and 15+ Gunvatta Manthan dialogues were conducted with participation from 65+ industry stakeholders and MSMEs. The textiles sector engagement comprised 30+ nationwide consultations and 10+ Gunvatta Manthan dialogues engaging 10+ stakeholders and MSMEs, while the pharmaceuticals sector saw focused discussions through 7+ nationwide consultations involving 55+ stakeholders and MSMEs. The programme covered 14 manufacturing clusters and engaged over 50 government and regulatory bodies through a twin-track approach involving both private sector stakeholders and government agencies.

The National Quality Conclave is envisaged as part of an ongoing series of sector-focused engagements, with DPIIT and QCI undertaking regular consultations across manufacturing sectors to systematically address quality challenges, strengthen industry-government coordination and build sustained momentum for quality-led industrial growth. The outcomes of the Conclave will contribute to the development of a National Quality Roadmap for Manufacturing, guiding coordinated action across government, regulators and industry in the period ahead.

- ANI
President Droupadi Murmu unveiled a bust of Chakravarti Rajagopalachari at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, replacing a bust of British architect Edwin Lutyens. The government described this as a step toward shedding colonial vestiges and embracing India's heritage. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had pre-announced the event, linking it to his 'Panch-Pran' pledge of freedom from a slave mentality. Rajagopalachari was a key freedom fighter, comrade of Gandhi, and independent India's first Indian Governor-General.

President Droupadi Murmu unveiled a bust of C. Rajagopalachari at Rashtrapati Bhavan, replacing one of Edwin Lutyens, in a move to shed colonial vestiges.

New Delhi, February 23 President Droupadi Murmu on Monday unveiled a bust of Chakravarti Rajagopalachari, the first and only Indian Governor General of independent India, at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

The bust of Chakravarti Rajagopalachari, situated at the Grand Open Staircase near Ashok Mandap, replaces the bust of Edwin Lutyens.

The President's official handle on X posted, "This initiative is part of a series of steps being taken towards shedding the vestiges of the colonial mindset and embracing, with pride, the richness of India's culture, heritage, timeless traditions and honouring those who served Bharat Mata with their extraordinary contributions."

Among the dignitaries present on the occasion were Vice President of India C. P. Radhakrishnan, Minister of Health and Family Welfare; and Chemicals and Fertilizers Jagat Prakash Nadda, Minister of External Affairs Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Minister of Education Dharmendra Pradhan, Minister of Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting L. Murugan and family members of Rajaji.

This comes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday announced that the "Rajaji Festival" will be celebrated in Rashtrapati Bhavan on Monday 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," he said.

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
The Rajasthan Education Department has mandated the observance of Maharana Pratap's Coronation Day in all schools on February 28. The day will feature special assemblies, patriotic songs, and competitions like essay writing and quizzes for students not involved in board exams. This decision was made following a demand raised by local representatives, including Chittorgarh MP C.P. Joshi, during a fair in Chittorgarh. The initiative aims to educate students about the legacy of the revered Rajput king known for his resistance against the Mughal empire.

Rajasthan schools will celebrate Maharana Pratap's Coronation Day on Feb 28 with special assemblies and competitions, per state directives.

Jaipur, Feb 23 Maharana Pratap's Coronation Day will be observed in all government and private schools across Rajasthan on February 28, following instructions issued by the state Education Department.

The department has included the observance in the Shivira Panchang, the official academic calendar, with the objective of inspiring students by highlighting the life, courage, and legacy of the Rajput ruler Maharana Pratap.

The Directorate of Education has issued detailed guidelines to schools across the state regarding the observance of the day.

According to the instructions, the celebrations will be conducted in a manner that does not disrupt the ongoing board examination schedules for Classes 5, 8, 10, and 12.

Schools have been directed to organise special prayer assemblies featuring inspirational anecdotes from Maharana Pratap's life, patriotic songs, and activities highlighting his contributions and leadership.

Various competitions, including essay writing, quizzes, and poster-making, will also be organised at the school level to encourage students to learn about Maharana Pratap's courage, leadership, and patriotism.

These activities will involve students from Classes 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, and 11, ensuring that students appearing for board examinations and teachers assigned examination duties are not affected.

The decision to observe Maharana Pratap's Coronation Day in schools was taken following a demand raised during the National Swadeshi Fair held in Chittorgarh.

Local residents and public representatives, led by Chittorgarh MP C.P. Joshi, had urged Education and Panchayati Raj Minister Madan Dilawar to introduce statewide observance of the day in schools.

Accepting the demand, the minister announced that Maharana Pratap's Coronation Day would be observed across schools in Rajasthan to educate students about his legacy and historical significance.

Maharana Pratap was one of Rajasthan's most revered warrior kings, known for his courage and unwavering resistance against the Mughal empire.

His stand at the Battle of Haldighati symbolised pride and sacrifice. He lived a life of hardship but never surrendered, becoming a lasting inspiration for bravery, honour, and self-respect in Indian history.

- IANS
Israeli Ambassador to India Reuven Azar stated Israel is closely monitoring Iran and is prepared to defend itself, citing Iran's pursuit of nuclear weapons and support for proxies. He expressed hope that ongoing US-Iran negotiations would lead Iran to abandon aggressive policies but emphasized readiness if diplomacy fails. Concurrently, the Indian Embassy in Iran issued an advisory urging all Indian nationals to leave the country due to the evolving situation and ongoing anti-government protests. The advisory calls for caution, avoiding protest areas, and staying in contact with the embassy.

Israel's envoy says ready to defend against Iran as India advises nationals to leave Iran. Latest on regional tensions and security alerts.

By Sahil Pandey, Jerusalem, February 24 Israeli Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, said that Israel is prepared to defend their country if the need arises.

Azar, in a conversation with ANI, noted that Israel is closely monitoring Iran's activities, citing threats to its existence and Iran's pursuit of nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles.

Azar stated that Israel has countered these threats in the past two years and hopes ongoing US-Iran negotiations succeed, leading Iran to abandon its aggressive policies.

He warned that if diplomacy fails, Israel remains vigilant and prepared to defend itselfm adding that the situation is volatile, and Israel will continue to prioritise its security.

"Well, we have been, as you know, watching Iran closely because Iran has been threatening our country with elimination. They were trying to actually produce the weapons to annihilate us, like nuclear weapons, ballistic missiles, and they were helping proxies in our region, the terrorist organisations that were attacking uh us as well. We have dealt with that in the last two years. And now there is a negotiation going on with the United States. We hope the negotiation works and that finally Iran will stop pursuing this policy of trying to exterminate us and will stop pursuing building weapons of mass destruction to do that. So if the diplomacy works, Iran will change course. And if it's not, think that the situation will continue to be volatile. But Israel is very alert and will continue to be ready to defend ourselves at any moment," he said.

Meanwhile, the Embassy of India in Iran on Monday issued an advisory asking Indian nationals to leave Iran through available means of transport, including commercial flights, in view of the evolving situation and ongoing nationwide anti-government protests.

In an official statement, the Embassy said the advisory is in continuation of the government's earlier notice issued on January 5, 2026, and reiterated on January 14, 2026.

"In view of the evolving situation in Iran, Indian nationals who are currently in Iran (students, pilgrims, business persons and tourists) are advised to leave Iran by available means of transport, including commercial flights," the statement read.

The Embassy further reiterated that all Indian citizens and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) in Iran should exercise due caution, avoid areas witnessing protests or demonstrations, remain in close contact with the Indian Embassy, and regularly monitor local media for updates.

This comes after thousands of Iranian students staged anti-government protests at universities in Tehran and other cities for a second consecutive day, on Sunday, as campuses reopened a month after deadly nationwide unrest, Al Jazeera reported.

- ANI
Spiritual leaders from Ayodhya have strongly condemned the Taliban's new penal code that reportedly legalises domestic violence against women and children. The code allows husbands to physically punish wives if it doesn't cause broken bones or open wounds, while abolishing the 2009 law protecting women. It establishes a discriminatory justice system where punishments vary based on whether a person is categorised as 'free' or 'slave' and their social class. The leaders appealed to global Muslim clerics to speak out, warning the cruelty severely damages Islam's international image.

Ayodhya spiritual leaders condemn Taliban penal code legalising domestic violence against women, calling it cruelty that damages Islam's image.

Ayodhya, Feb 23 Responding to the Taliban's new penal code concerning atrocities against women and children in Afghanistan, spiritual leaders on Monday condemned the move, saying they are deeply saddened by the cruelty inflicted on mothers, women, and children in the name of religion.

Speaking to IANS, Tapasvi Chavani Mahant Jagatguru Paramhansacharya said, "After hearing about this law, I am unable to control my emotions. I am saddened by this cruelty and the manner in which mothers, women, and children are being brutalised in the name of religion.

"If this cruelty against women and children by the Taliban does not end, it will severely damage the image and future of Islam across the world. I would like to appeal to all responsible Muslim leaders, maulanas, and clerics to raise their voices against such injustice and ensure that this oppression comes to an end."

Siddhpeeth Hanumangarhi Mahant Deveshacharya Maharaj also criticised the decision, stating, "The law enacted by the Taliban is highly condemnable. In our Sanatan Dharma, women are regarded as goddesses and are worshipped. Any act that legitimises violence against women is unacceptable. We strongly condemn this law, and it must be amended immediately."

Meanwhile, a new penal code introduced by the Taliban reportedly 'legalises' domestic violence against women by allowing husbands to physically punish their wives and children, provided the punishment does not result in "broken bones or open wounds."

The penal code, signed by the group's supreme leader, Hibatullah Akhundzada, establishes a differentiated system of punishment based on social status, categorising individuals as 'free' or 'slave.'

Under the code, if a husband causes visible fractures or injuries through what is described as "obscene force," he may face only 15 days of imprisonment. Furthermore, a conviction depends on the woman successfully proving the abuse in court. She is required to present evidence of her injuries before a judge while remaining fully covered, and must be accompanied by her husband or a male guardian during court proceedings.

In contrast, a married woman can face up to three months in jail if she visits her relatives without her husband's permission.

The code also outlines varying consequences based on social standing. If an Islamic religious scholar commits a crime, the response is limited to advice. Members of the elite may receive a court summons and advisory warning. Those from the middle class could face imprisonment for the same offence, while individuals from the so-called lower class may be subjected to both imprisonment and corporal punishment.

The new 90-page penal code has abolished the 2009 law on Elimination of Violence Against Women (EVAW), which was introduced by the previous US-backed regime.

- IANS
Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand has issued an updated travel advisory for Mexico's Jalisco State following a major security operation. The violence erupted after the reported death of Jalisco New Generation Cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as "El Mencho". The situation involves armed clashes, roadblocks, and burning vehicles, prompting local shelter-in-place orders. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo has urged citizens to remain calm while acknowledging the security operations.

Canada updates travel advisory for Mexico's Jalisco state after cartel leader's death sparks violence. Officials urge caution for Canadians abroad.

Toronto, February 23 Canadian Foreign Minister has expressed concern over the safety of Canadian nationals in Mexico following the ongoing conflict in Jalisco State and has thus issued a travel advisory.

Anand shared a statement on X that read, "Canada is closely monitoring the serious and rapidly evolving security situation in Jalisco State, Mexico, including in and around Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta."

"We are deeply alarmed by reports of violence following a major security operation, including armed clashes, roadblocks, and vehicles set on fire in multiple areas. We are aware that local authorities have issued shelter-in-place orders in some locations, and the situation remains fluid," the statement read further.

"The safety and security of Canadians abroad remain our highest priority and it is for this reason that we are issuing an updated travel advisory. Global Affairs officials are in close contact with local authorities and partners and stand ready to provide consular assistance to Canadians in the region," the statement concluded.

This is the first such travel advisory issued by the Canadian government after violence erupted in parts of Mexico after one of the most wanted leaders of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel, Nemesio "El Mencho" Oseguera Cervantes, was killed on Sunday following an operation led by Mexico's military.

Meanwhile, President of Mexico Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo on Sunday (local time) urged citizens to remain calm and stay informed following the death of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, also known as "El Mencho", leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, during an operation led by Mexico's military.

In a post on X, President Sheinbaum stated that the operation has resulted in various blockades and "other reactions" in some areas and that Mexico's Security Cabinet was providing regular updates on the situation through social media.

"The Secretariat of National Defence reported on the operation carried out this morning by federal forces, which resulted in various blockades and other reactions. There is absolute coordination with the governments of all states; we must remain informed and calm," her post read.

"The social media accounts of the Security Cabinet provide permanent updates. In the vast majority of the national territory, activities are proceeding with complete normality. My recognition to the Mexican Army, National Guard, Armed Forces, and Security Cabinet," it added.

- ANI
Over 1,300 crore in projects launched in a year

Opposition criticized for failing to acknowledge progress

Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha inaugurated a pond revival project in Agartala, asserting his administration works with the single agenda of overall public development. He sharply criticized the opposition, claiming they wear "black glasses" and fail to see the state's progress, which includes launching projects worth over 1,300 crore in the past year. The CM highlighted achievements in water conservation under the Amrit Sarovar initiative and in women's empowerment through the 'Lakhpati Didi' scheme. He also credited Prime Minister Modi's policies for accelerating growth in the Northeast and emphasized urban development projects to ease traffic congestion in Agartala.

Tripura CM Manik Saha asserts government's sole focus is public development, inaugurates pond project, cites 1,300 crore investments and women's empowerment.

Agartala, February 24 Tripura Chief Minister Prof Dr Manik Saha on Monday asserted that the state government is working with a single agenda--overall development for the common people.

Speaking at the inauguration of a Pond Revival and Beautification Project at Pratapgarh Rishi Colony under the Agartala Municipal Corporation, the Chief Minister said there is "no discussion except development" in the present administration.

He added that while the government remains committed to progress, the opposition fails to acknowledge it. "They are wearing black glasses and cannot see development," he remarked, sharply criticising opposition leaders.

Dr. Saha said the project's foundation stone was laid in March 2024 and completed on time. He also highlighted the state's achievement under the Amrit Sarovar initiative, noting that 682 water reservoirs have already been constructed to help maintain groundwater levels.

The initiative is part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's nationwide vision to build water conservation structures across districts.

Referring to recent developments, Dr. Saha said Union Home Minister Amit Shah recently visited Agartala to attend a national language promotion event, where delegates from across India praised Tripura's progress.

He emphasised that the Prime Minister's Act East Policy has accelerated growth across the North-Eastern region, including Tripura.

The Chief Minister stated that in the past year alone, he has inaugurated or laid foundation stones for projects worth over 1,300 crore.

He also highlighted women's empowerment initiatives, noting that the state aims to create 1.18 lakh "Lakhpati Didis," of which 1.08 lakh have already been achieved.

Dr Saha further said that urban development remains a priority, mentioning ongoing work on Agartala's Eastern Ring Road and plans for the Western Ring Road to ease traffic congestion.

Reaffirming the government's vision, the Chief Minister said development must reach the last person in society and stressed the importance of education for socio-economic progress.

The event was attended by Agartala Mayor Dipak Majumdar, Deputy Mayor Manika Das Dutta, senior officials, public representatives, and residents.

- ANI
Rescuers work at the site of a bus accident by the Trishuli River in Dhading, Nepal, Feb. 23, 2026. Nineteen people were killed, and 25 others were injured when a passenger bus en route to Kathmandu from Pokhara plunged into the Trishuli River in central Nepal's Dhading district early Monday, according to local administration. One Chinese national was killed in the accident, while another Chinese citizen was injured and is currently receiving treatment at a local hospital, the Chinese Embassy in Nepal confirmed. The bus, reportedly with 45 on board, fell off the highway into the river, leading to the fatal accident. (RSS via Xinhua)

KATHMANDU, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- Nineteen people were killed, and 25 others were injured when a passenger bus en route to Kathmandu from Pokhara plunged into the Trishuli River in central Nepal's Dhading district early Monday, according to local administration.

One Chinese national was killed in the accident, while another Chinese citizen was injured and is currently receiving treatment at a local hospital, the Chinese Embassy in Nepal confirmed.

The bus, reportedly with 45 on board, fell off the highway into the river, leading to the fatal accident. 

Rescuers work at the site of a bus accident by the Trishuli River in Dhading, Nepal, Feb. 23, 2026. Nineteen people were killed, and 25 others were injured when a passenger bus en route to Kathmandu from Pokhara plunged into the Trishuli River in central Nepal's Dhading district early Monday, according to local administration.

One Chinese national was killed in the accident, while another Chinese citizen was injured and is currently receiving treatment at a local hospital, the Chinese Embassy in Nepal confirmed.

The bus, reportedly with 45 on board, fell off the highway into the river, leading to the fatal accident. (RSS via Xinhua)

Rescuers work at the site of a bus accident by the Trishuli River in Dhading, Nepal, Feb. 23, 2026. Nineteen people were killed, and 25 others were injured when a passenger bus en route to Kathmandu from Pokhara plunged into the Trishuli River in central Nepal's Dhading district early Monday, according to local administration.

One Chinese national was killed in the accident, while another Chinese citizen was injured and is currently receiving treatment at a local hospital, the Chinese Embassy in Nepal confirmed.

The bus, reportedly with 45 on board, fell off the highway into the river, leading to the fatal accident. (RSS via Xinhua)
The Telangana Cabinet has approved a new accident insurance scheme providing full financial security to all state government employees and pensioners at no cost to them or the government. It also approved the Cashless Employee Health Scheme, meeting a long-pending demand, which will cover employees, pensioners, and their families in both government and private empanelled hospitals. The health scheme will be funded through a 1.5% contribution from employees' basic pay matched by the government, managed by the Rajiv Aarogyasri Health Care Trust. Additionally, the Cabinet decided to reform the health sector by converting the Telangana Vaidya Vidhana Parishad into a government department and forming a committee to study hospital administration reforms.

Telangana Cabinet approves free accident insurance and cashless health scheme for 7.57 lakh govt employees and pensioners, covering 17 lakh beneficiaries.

Hyderabad, Feb 23 The Telangana Cabinet on Monday approved an accident insurance scheme and a cashless health scheme for all government employees and pensioners in the state.

The Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy approved a new accident insurance scheme providing full financial security to government employees and pensioners.

Briefing media about the Cabinet decisions on Monday night, minister for information and public relations Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy said all serving government employees and pensioners in Telangana will be covered.

No premium will be paid by employees and there will be no financial burden on the government for the scheme, which will cover 5.19 lakh regular employees and 2.38 lakh pensioners (total 7.57 lakh beneficiaries).

Under the scheme to be implemented through banks, 1.2 crore compensation will be paid in case of accidental death. For natural death (up to 60 years), 10 lakh will be paid in addition to regular benefits.

The Cabinet approved Cashless Employee Health Scheme (EHS), meeting a long-pending demand of employees. The scheme will cover 3.56 lakh employees, 2.88 lakh pensioners, and their dependent family members (total 17.07 lakh beneficiaries).

Treatment will be completely cashless in all government hospitals and 652 empanelled private hospitals. This will cover 1,998 medical procedures.

The minister said Digital Health Employee Cards will be issued to the beneficiaries under this scheme which will be implemented through Rajiv Aarogyasri Health Care Trust.

Employees will contribute 1.5 percent of basic pay while there will be matching contribution from the government. The Trust will have annual outlay of 1,056 crore (528 crore each by employees and government).

The Cabinet took decision to bring reforms in health sector. As part of this Telangana Vaidya Vidhana Parishad (TVVP) will be converted into the Directorate of Secondary Health (DSH). The TVVP will move from autonomous status to a full-fledged government department to facilitate faster procurement of medicines and surgical supplies. There will be improved salary disbursement and better healthcare delivery.

The Cabinet also decided that a special committee under Health Minister Damodar Raja Narasimha will study structural reforms in hospital administration, including separating medical and administrative services.

- IANS
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has written to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar following the apprehension of 12 fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy. Stalin highlighted that a total of 116 fishermen and 259 boats from the state are now in Sri Lankan custody. He described the recurring detentions as a grave concern causing deep anxiety among coastal communities whose livelihoods are at risk. The CM urged immediate and sustained diplomatic efforts by the Union Government to secure their release and prevent further incidents.

CM MK Stalin urges EAM S Jaishankar for diplomatic action to secure release of 12 newly detained & 104 other Tamil Nadu fishermen from Sri Lankan custody.

Chennai, February 23 Following the apprehension of 12 fishermen along with a mechanised boat by the Sri Lankan Navy on Sunday night, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Monday urged External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to initiate immediate diplomatic intervention to secure the release of the detained fishermen.

He also called for efforts to free 104 other fishermen and 259 fishing boats belonging to Tamil Nadu that remain in Sri Lankan custody.

In a letter to the EAM, Stalin drew attention to Sunday's incident in which a mechanised fishing boat from Rameswaram, carrying 12 fishermen, was apprehended by the Sri Lanka Navy.

He stated that a total of 116 fishermen from Tamil Nadu, including these 12, are currently in the custody of Sri Lankan authorities.

According to the Chief Minister, the fishermen had ventured out from the Pamban Fish Landing Centre in Ramanathapuram district in the mechanised boat and further noted that this recurring pattern of detentions is a "grave concern" for the coastal communities, whose livelihoods depend on fishing.

"I wish to draw your urgent attention to yet another distressing incident involving the apprehension of a mechanised fishing boat from Rameswaram, along with 12 fishermen, by the Sri Lankan Navy on the night of 22.02.2026. The fishermen had ventured out from the Pamban Fish Landing Centre in Ramanathapuram district in their mechanised boat bearing Registration No.IND-TN-10-MM-3026," his letter read.

"This recurring pattern of detention is a matter of grave concern, as fishermen from Tamil Nadu and their vessels continue to be taken into custody by the Sri Lankan authorities with alarming frequency. As of now, 259 fishing boats belonging to Tamil Nadu and 116 fishermen, including those apprehended in the present incident, remain in Sri Lankan custody," the letter added.

Stalin emphasised the need for sustained and concrete diplomatic engagement to prevent further apprehensions and sought the Union Government's intervention to secure the early release of all detained fishermen and their boats.

"These repeated incidents have left coastal communities in a state of deep anxiety and uncertainty about their livelihood and safety. There is an urgent need for sustained and concrete diplomatic efforts to prevent further arrests of our fishermen. In view of the above, I request the Union Government to take up this matter immediately through appropriate diplomatic channels to prevent further apprehensions and to secure the early release of all detained fishermen along with their fishing boats," the letter further read.

Earlier on Sunday, 12 fishermen along with one boat from Pamban were apprehended by the Sri Lankan Navy while fishing in the Gulf of Mannar between Dhanushkodi and Thalaimannar. The Sri Lankan Navy seized a boat belonging to a fisherman identified as David from Pamban.

The incident triggered unrest among fishermen in Pamban, with more than a hundred boats from the Pamban South Wadi Fishing Port having ventured into the sea at the time of the apprehension.

The issue of frequent arrests of Indian fishermen by Sri Lankan authorities has remained a longstanding concern between the two countries, particularly affecting fishing communities in Tamil Nadu.

- ANI
US President Donald Trump has issued a fresh warning, threatening significantly higher tariffs against countries he accuses of "ripping off" the United States. The European Union has halted a trade agreement with the US in response to Trump's announced plan to impose a global 15% tariff, a move Brussels considers a breach of prior accords. Concurrently, a key meeting between Indian and US chief negotiators to finalize a trade deal has been postponed to evaluate the implications of these developments. The new tariffs, set to take effect, are expected to compound atop existing rates, heightening global trade tensions.

President Trump threatens higher tariffs, causing EU trade deal to stall and prompting India-US trade talks to be rescheduled.

Washington DC, February 24 US President Donald Trump on Monday issued a new tariff warning against countries that are 'ripping the US off.'

Trump, despite the US ruling, said that countries that would 'play games' with the US will face much higher tariffs.

"Any Country that wants to "play games" with the ridiculous Supreme Court decision, especially those that have "Ripped Off" the U.S.A. for years, and even decades, will be met with a much higher Tariff, and worse, than that which they just recently agreed to. BUYER BEWARE!!! Thank you for your attention to this matter," Trump said in a post on Truth Social.

Meanwhile, the European Union stopped the agreement of its trade deal with the US as Trump said on Saturday he would impose a global tariff of 15 per cent under a new legal authority -- triggering alarm across the bloc, as per Politico.

Trump's latest tariffs, invoked under Section 122 of the US Trade Act of 1974 and due to take effect on Tuesday, would appear to "stack" on top of any existing most-favoured-nation rate, as per Politico.

This, in the view of Brussels, would be a direct breach of the Turnberry accord and of a subsequent joint statement locking down the deal that, the EU argues, set an "all-inclusive" tariff of no more than 15 per cent on most goods.

Meanwhile, the proposed meeting of the chief negotiators of India and the US in Washingtion DC, for finalising discussions on the proposed India-US trade deal will be rescheduled, sources in the Commerce Ministry said on Sunday.

"The two sides are of the view that the proposed visit ofthe Indian Chief Negotiator and the team be scheduled after each side has had the time to evaluate the latest developments and their implications. The meeting will be rescheduled at a mutually convenient date," sources in the Commerce Ministry told ANI.

- ANI
President Donald Trump has publicly denied media reports claiming General Daniel Caine cautioned against a war with Iran, labeling the stories as "100% incorrect." Trump stated that while the General, like himself, would prefer to avoid war, he believes any military conflict with Iran would be "easily won." This comes amid a continued US military buildup in the Middle East, transferring hundreds of troops and raising concerns of a broader conflict. Meanwhile, Iran's foreign minister is scheduled to meet with a US delegation in Geneva for another round of nuclear talks.

President Trump calls media reports "100% incorrect," claims General Caine believes war with Iran would be "easily won" if ordered.

Washington DC, February 24 US President Donald Trump refuted media reports claiming that General Daniel Caine has cautioned Washington against the war with Iran.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said that the stories are "100 per cent incorrect" as they do not attribute "his vast wealth of knowledge." He added that Caine, like him, "would not like to see War" but is confident that it can be "easily won".

"Numerous stories from the Fake News Media have been circulating stating that General Daniel Caine, sometimes referred to as Razin, is against us going to War with Iran. The story does not attribute this vast wealth of knowledge to anyone, and is 100% incorrect. General Caine, like all of us, would like not to see War but, if a decision is made on going against Iran at a Military level, it is his opinion that it will be something easily won," Trump said.

"He has not spoken of not doing Iran, or even the fake limited strikes that I have been reading about, he only knows one thing, how to WIN and, if he is told to do so, he will be leading the pack. Everything that has been written about a potential War with Iran has been written incorrectly, and purposefully so," he added.

Trump again warned Iran to come to terms with the US on the nuclear deal, and if they failed to do so, then "it will be a very bad day for that Country and, very sadly, its people."

"I am the one that makes the decision, I would rather have a Deal than not but, if we don't make a Deal, it will be a very bad day for that Country and, very sadly, its people, because they are great and wonderful, and something like this should never have happened to them," he said.

This comes after media reports emerged that Daniel Caine cautioned President Donald Trump and senior American officials that a military campaign against Iran could carry serious risks, including the possibility of becoming entangled in a prolonged conflict.

Meanwhile, 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.

Iran's foreign minister Abbas Araghchi has said that he is likely to meet with a US delegation in Geneva on Thursday for the next round of talks over the country's nuclear program.

The two sides have already held two rounds of negotiations so far this month aimed at reaching a deal.

- ANI
US President Donald Trump is considering military options against Iran, with targets ranging from Revolutionary Guard Corps headquarters to nuclear facilities. Despite recent naval drills, Iran's key partners, China and Russia, appear unwilling to provide direct military assistance in a conflict with the US. Diplomats from Washington and Tehran are set for crucial talks in Geneva to avert war, as Iran insists on its right to nuclear fuel. Any escalation threatens the Strait of Hormuz, a vital chokepoint for global oil shipments that impacts countries like India.

Trump considers military options against Iran as diplomacy reaches a critical phase. Key allies China and Russia show reluctance to offer direct military backing.

Washington, Feb 23 US President Donald Trump is weighing military options against Iran as diplomacy enters what officials describe as a last-ditch phase, even as Tehran's closest partners - China and Russia - appear reluctant to offer direct military backing in any conflict with the United States.

According to a report in The Wall Street Journal, Iran has sought for years to build closer military ties with Beijing and Moscow. But its powerful friends are "proving reluctant to step forward" as the regime faces what the paper described as the "most acute US threat to its survival in decades."

Russia and Iran conducted small-scale naval drills in the Gulf of Oman this past week. An exercise involving Chinese ships is also planned in the Strait of Hormuz, Iranian state media reported. Yet analysts told the Journal that Beijing and Moscow have shown little willingness to provide direct military assistance if Trump orders an attack on Iran.

"They're not going to sacrifice their own interests for the Iranian regime," Danny Citrinowicz, a former Israeli military intelligence official, was quoted as saying. "They are hoping the regime will not be toppled, but they are definitely not going to counter the US militarily."

At the same time, The New York Times reported that Trump has told advisers that if diplomacy or any initial targeted U.S. attack does not lead Iran to give up its nuclear programme, he would consider a much larger assault intended to drive the country's leaders from power.

Negotiators from Washington and Tehran are scheduled to meet in Geneva for talks aimed at avoiding military conflict. But Trump has been weighing options for US action if negotiations fail.

Targets under consideration range from the headquarters of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to nuclear and ballistic missile facilities, the Times reported.

Iran's foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, insisted in a television interview that the country was not ready to give up what he called its "right" to make nuclear fuel under the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty.

Meanwhile, Senator Jeff Merkley warned against unilateral military action. "Any decision to launch military action without congressional authorization would violate the Constitution, undermine ongoing diplomatic efforts, and risk putting American troops and innocent civilians in the crossfire," he said in a statement.

Merkley added, "Only Congress has the constitutional authority to declare war."

In a separate interview cited by the New York Post, special presidential envoy Steve Witkoff said Iran could be "a week away" from having "industrial-grade bomb-making material," intensifying pressure on the White House to act.

For India, any escalation in the Strait of Hormuz carries immediate consequences. Around a fifth of the world's oil supply passes through the narrow waterway. Disruption would likely affect global crude prices and shipping routes critical to India's energy security.

- IANS
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced the upgrade of SRCC's two-year Global Business Operations diploma into a full-fledged Master's degree programme. He called for higher education institutions to move beyond the "Macaulay doctrine" and realign with the National Education Policy and the Viksit Bharat vision. The minister emphasised the need for sovereign AI ecosystems and integrating research, patents, and startup incubation into academia. The conclave also highlighted the ethical dimensions of AI and the importance of industry collaboration for innovation.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announces the upgrade of SRCC's GBO diploma to a Master's degree, urging alignment with NEP and Viksit Bharat.

New Delhi, February 23 Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Friday called upon higher education institutions to "exit the Macaulay doctrine" and realign academic priorities with the vision of Viksit Bharat, asserting that the National Education Policy represents a structural reset of India's learning ecosystem.

Speaking at Yugantar'26, the annual management conclave of SRCC's Post Graduate Diploma in Global Business Operations (PGDGBO), Pradhan announced that the two-year diploma programme at Shri Ram College of Commerce will be upgraded into a full-fledged Master's degree. The move is expected to enhance its academic standing, align it with NEP reforms and integrate deeper research and innovation components.

Addressing students and faculty at the Shridhar Shriram Auditorium, Pradhan said institutions must not fear change in an era defined by technological disruption. He emphasised the need for sovereign AI ecosystems and strengthened indigenous capabilities, urging universities to embed research, patents and startup incubation within their academic structures.

Delhi University Vice-Chancellor Yogesh Singh stressed that universities must move beyond publications to develop patents, prototypes and commercially viable products. "Innovation, creativity and originality are the only safeguards for young minds," he remarked, advocating closer industry collaboration.

SRCC Principal Simrit Kaur underlined the ethical dimension of artificial intelligence, cautioning that AI must be guided by human judgment to ensure inclusivity and accountability.

The conclave, themed "AI for Sustainability & Startup Innovation," featured corporate panels, founder sessions and case simulations across disciplines. Pradhan also visited the Viksit Bharat Startup Expo 2026, where students showcased innovation prototypes, positioning SRCC within the broader national roadmap toward 2047.

In a post on X, Pradhan said, "Honoured to speak at Yugantar' 26- the flagship business conclave of Shri Ram College of Commerce GBO programme. SRCC has an illustrious legacy of educational excellence. Congratulate the SRCC family on the 100 glorious years of shaping commerce education in the country. Spoke about NEP-led transformations, benefits of multi-disciplinary education, the trailblazing spirit of India's entrepreneurs and innovators, India's strides in AI and the roles and responsibilities of our young talent pool in actualising the goal of Viksit Bharat. Also, remembered Late Shri Arun Jaitley ji, distinguished alumni of SRCC, who had a profound influence on my life as an elder brother and mentor. Encouraged the students of SRCC to dream big and remain driven by the spirit of innovation. They have to work not just for India's prosperity but also for global well-being. Confident that my dear students of SRCC will become global ambassadors of brand Bharat. Also, happy to announce that the GBO course will be elevated to a master's degree program soon."

- ANI
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has arrived in Singapore for a multi-day official visit aimed at deepening economic and institutional partnerships. His agenda includes high-level meetings with Singapore's political leadership, including Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, and engagements with major sovereign investors and business leaders. The visit focuses on attracting investment and collaboration in key sectors like AI-ready data infrastructure, aviation logistics, renewable energy, and skill development. It culminates in a major investment roadshow to position Uttar Pradesh as a premier destination for scalable projects within India.

UP CM Yogi Adityanath meets Singapore PM Lawrence Wong to strengthen economic ties, attract investment in data, aviation, and green energy.

Singapore, February 23 Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday arrived in Singapore as part of his official visit.

The Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister is expected to participate in key meetings and interactions during his visit aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation and exploring investment opportunities for the state.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is undertaking an official visit to Singapore from February 22 to 24 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 U.S. State Department has ordered the departure of non-emergency personnel and eligible family members from its embassy in Beirut, Lebanon. The move coincides with a U.S. military buildup in the region and heightened threats against Iran. Reports indicate Iran's Revolutionary Guard has tightened control over the Hezbollah militant group in Lebanon, preparing for potential conflict. Analysts warn that if Iran feels existentially threatened, it could activate Hezbollah against U.S. and Israeli interests.

US State Department orders evacuation from Beirut embassy amid Middle East military buildup and rising tensions with Iran and Hezbollah.

Washington DC, February 23 The US State Department has ordered the evacuation of non-emergency US Government personnel from its Embassy in Beirut, Lebanon, on Monday, as per Fox News.

The department did not offer any details for the reason behind the evacuation. The move comes as US President Donald Trump has ordered a large buildup of forces in the Middle East and made threats against the Iranian regime.

"The Department of State has ordered the departure of non-emergency U.S. government personnel and eligible family members from US Embassy Beirut," the State Department said, as per Fox News.

"We continuously assess the security environment, and based on our latest review, we determined it prudent to reduce our footprint to essential personnel. The Embassy remains operational with core staff in place. This is a temporary measure intended to ensure the safety of our personnel while maintaining our ability to operate and assist US citizens," the statement continued, as reported by Fox News.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has tightened control over Hezbollah in Lebanon amid looming prospects of potential US strikes, according to reports, Fox News reported.

According to the Jerusalem Post, move comes as Hezbollah and Iran prepare for military confrontation in the region, with analysts warning that if Washington specifically strikes the regime, Hezbollah is ready to be "activated."

"If the regime in Tehran feels threatened, the likelihood of unleashing Hezbollah against Israel and US regional assets increases substantially," Ross Harrison, a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute, told Fox News Digital.

"Hezbollah would not be activated right away, unless the attack immediately targets the leadership of the Islamic Republic. But as part of a graduated response, Hezbollah will likely be seen as an asset. If it faces an existential risk, then Iran may throw caution to the wind and try to deploy Hezbollah to the maximum," Harrison, author of 'Decoding Iran's Foreign Policy' explained, as per Fox News.

- ANI
Voting commenced for 48 urban local bodies across Jharkhand, with more than 43.43 lakh citizens eligible to cast their ballots. The elections, being conducted using traditional ballot papers and boxes, cover nine municipal corporations, 20 city councils, and 19 city panchayats. Jharkhand State Election Commissioner Alka Tiwari outlined the electoral process, noting that key positions like mayor and chairman will be elected on a non-partisan basis. The counting of votes is scheduled for February 27, following the closure of polls at over 4,300 booths.

Voting starts for 48 urban local bodies in Jharkhand with over 43 lakh eligible voters. Results to be declared on February 27.

Ranchi, February 23 Voting commenced on Monday for 48 urban local bodies in Jharkhand, where more than 43.43 lakh people are eligible to vote in the elections.

One of the voters spoke to ANI at the polling booth, urging the people to use their voting right for the "deserving candidate".

"I urge the public to come out and vote in large numbers and vote for the deserving candidate," he said.

The elections will be conducted using ballot papers and ballot boxes. The counting of the votes will take place on February 27, according to the Jharkhand State Election Commissioner Alka Tiwari.

Earlier last month, Alka Tiwari stated, "The election will be held in 48 municipalities, and general elections are going to be held. In the 48 municipalities, there are 9 Municipal Corporations, 20 city councils, and 19 city panchayats. In the 48 municipalities, in 1087 wards, the direct election of ward councillors and the mayors of all municipalities, and the chairman, will be conducted on a non-partisan basis. The post of vice mayor and the post of vice president are unreserved, and it will be done indirectly."

She said that, as far as the voting list was concerned, the Election Commission of India, holding October 1, 2024, as the eligibility date, the voter list for the Vidhan Sabha election had been disintegrated, and, according to that, the total number of voters is 43 lakhs 33 thousand 574.

"Male voters are 2207203, female voters are 21,26,227. Third genders are 144 in number. The identity are EPIC given by the Election Commission, passport, driving licence, PAN card, Aadhar Card and job card having a photo, smart card will be considered valid. Total polling booths are 4304. For disabled people ramp will be provided," she added.

- ANI
MDMK Praesidium chief Arjunraj has stated his party will contest the upcoming Tamil Nadu assembly elections under its own symbol, following demands submitted to the DMK. Meanwhile, MMK President MH Jawahirullah met with DMK's TR Baalu, requesting five seats and confirming his party will campaign under the DMK alliance and its symbol. This follows similar seat-sharing talks between the DMK and the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), which also demanded five seats. Alliance negotiations are ongoing, with further discussions planned with DMK leadership.

MDMK's Arjunraj says party will use its own symbol, while MMK and IUML seek seats from DMK alliance ahead of Tamil Nadu assembly elections.

Chennai, February 23 Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam Praesidium chief Arjunraj on Monday informed that his party would contest the forthcoming Tamil Nadu assembly elections under its own symbol.

Speaking to reporters, Arjunraj said that he has submitted all the demands to Dravida Munnetra Kazagham (DMK), asserting that the party would consider them and let MDMK know its status in the upcoming two days.

"We have submitted our demands, and they will consider it, will discuss it with the chief, and they will let us know in a day or two... We will contest under our own symbol," Arjunraj told reporters.

DMK treasurer and Lok Sabha MP TR Baalu on Monday held discussions with the Manithaneya Makkal Katchi (MMK) President MH Jawahirullah over the seat sharing ahead of the forthcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections.

After the meeting, Jawahirullah stated that the MMK has sought five seats from the DMK in the polls. He also emphasised that his party will contest the Tamil Nadu polls under the DMK alliance.

Both party leaders held the alliance meeting at the DMK headquarters 'Anna Arivalayam'.

Speaking to the media, MMK President said, "Today, we had a seat-sharing talk with DMK. We appealed to allot 5 seats to MMK in this election, and this is the first phase of the talk. In the coming assembly elections, we will contest under the DMK alliance. We will campaign for the DMK alliance all over Tamil Nadu... We will have a discussion with CM Stalin, and then we will have a second round of discussion. We will contest in DMK's Rising Sun symbol in the coming election..."

Earlier, Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) president KM Kader Mohideen also 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.

- ANI
GENEVA, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil on Monday urged the United States to immediately release Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife while addressing the 61st session of the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Council.

The U.S. military launched an attack on Venezuela and captured Maduro and his wife on Jan. 3.

In his speech, Gil also called on relevant countries to end all unilateral coercive measures imposed on Venezuela, stressing that such measures not only violate international law but also infringe upon the Venezuelan people's economic, social and cultural rights.

The 61st session of the UN Human Rights Council opened on Monday in Geneva and is scheduled to conclude on March 31. 
The Manipuri film 'Boong' has won the Best Children and Family Film award at the 2026 British Academy Film Awards, becoming the first Indian production to secure a victory in this category. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi both extended heartfelt congratulations, praising the team for making the nation proud. The film, directed by Lakshmipriya Devi and produced by Farhan Akhtar among others, triumphed over international competitors like 'Zootopia 2'. It tells the story of a young boy from Manipur on a quest to reunite his family.

Manipuri film 'Boong' wins Best Children & Family Film at BAFTA 2026, marking India's first win in the category. PM Modi & CM Mamata congratulate team.

Kolkata, February 23 West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has expressed immense delight as Manipur's 'Boong' wins big at the British Academy Film Awards 2026.

Extending her congratulatory messages to the entire team of the film, CM Banerjee wrote, "I am very happy to know that the Manipuri film 'Boong' has scripted history at the 2026 BAFTA Awards. Against all odds, this film was crowned Best Children and Family Film, becoming the first-ever Indian production to win in this prestigious category. My heartiest congratulations to the entire cast and crew of 'Boong'! You've made the whole nation proud."

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also shared his greetings with the team.

He wrote, "Congratulations to all those associated with this film. This is indeed a moment of immense joy, especially for Manipur. It also highlights the immense creative talent in our nation."

Congratulatory messages have been pouring in from across the country, as many came together to celebrate India's major feat on a global platform.

Boong was the only Indian nominee at the ceremony and has now become the first Indian film to win in this 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 believes 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, before emerging as the winner of the night.

- ANI
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's visit to Singapore has yielded significant investment commitments totaling 6,650 crore. Key agreements include a 3,500 crore international township near Jewar Airport and a 2,500 crore hyperscale data center park in Noida. The investments, signed with the Universal Success Group, are projected to create approximately 19,500 new jobs across housing, logistics, and tech sectors. The trip also focused on enhancing collaboration in technical education and aviation skill development with Singaporean institutions.

UP CM Yogi Adityanath secures major investments in housing, logistics & data centers from Singapore, creating thousands of jobs in the state.

Singapore, February 23 Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday reviewed a detailed presentation on skill development and vocational training at The Institute of Technical Education in Singapore.

He also witnessed the signing of key Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) to strengthen collaboration in technical education and aviation skills, marking a significant step in Uttar Pradesh's economic and infrastructure growth plans.

Among the MoUs were nvestment agreements worth 6,650 crore signed with the Universal Success Group which will be a major investment boost for Uttar Pradesh in group housing, logistics, and data centers.

An MoU on an international-themed township proposed on 100 acres in the Jewar Airport area was also agreed on. 3,500 crore investmentwill be made in the township project, creating 12,000 job opportunities.

Additionally a logistics park will be developed across 50 acres on the Kanpur-Lucknow Highway. This will see a 650 crore investment in the logistics park, generating 7,500 jobs. Further there are plans for a hyperscale data center park in Noida/Greater Noida. 2,500 crore investment has been proposed in the data center with a 40 MW capacity.

The MoUs aim to enhance cooperation in technical and vocational education, aviation skill development, and industry-aligned training programs, supporting Uttar Pradesh's rapidly expanding infrastructure and employment ecosystem.

CM Yogi is on an official visit to Singapore from February 22 to 24 to deepen economic cooperation, institutional partnerships, and sector-specific collaboration between Uttar Pradesh and Singapore. During his visit, the Chief Minister toured the campus and Aviation Hub facilities, gaining first-hand insights into Singapore's industry-integrated training model.

Speaking on his visit, CM Yogi posted on X, "Reviewed a detailed presentation by ITE on skill development and training and visited the facilities at ITE College Central in Singapore today. Witnessed the signing of MoUs aimed at strengthening collaboration in technical and vocational education, aviation skills and industry-aligned training to support Uttar Pradesh's expanding infrastructure and employment ecosystem."

He further added, "Subsequently, toured the campus and Aviation Hub facilities to gain insights into industry-integrated skill development models."

The UP CM also met Tan Su Shan, Chief Executive Officer, DBS Group, along with her senior leadership team, in Singapore. The two discussed strengthening financial cooperation, facilitating project financing and supporting investment flows into infrastructure and growth sectors in Uttar Pradesh.

He also met Lim Chow Kiat, Chief Executive Officer, GIC, along with his delegation. The meeting explored avenues for long term institutional investments in Uttar Pradesh, particularly in infrastructure, logistics, industrial parks and sustainable urban development projects. The UP CM appreciated GIC's existing partnerships in Uttar Pradesh, including its association with IRB in the Ganga Expressway project and collaboration with Greenko in the state.

The CM also met Teo Chee Hean, Chairman, Temasek, and his team. They discussed opportunities for sovereign investment participation in Uttar Pradesh across data centres, logistics hubs, renewable energy and industrial infrastructure. Highlighted the state's policy framework and fast track clearances for global investors.

- ANI
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When Lisa Bonfield gave birth to daughter Adele in late November, she was thrust into the new world of parenting, and faced an onslaught of challenges and skills to learn: breastfeeding, diapering, sleep routines, colic, crying, and all the little warning signs that something could be wrong with the baby.

But unlike parents in most of the U.S., she had extra help that was once much more common: house calls.

Adele was only a few weeks old when a registered nurse showed up at Bonfield's door on Dec. 10 to check on them and offer hands-on help and advice.

As a city resident who had recently given birth, she was eligible for up to three home visits from Family Connects New Orleans, a program of the city health department.

She didn't need to feed and change the baby before packing everything up for a car trip to the pediatrician or a clinic. It was a relief; Bonfield was exhausted and was still trying to figure out how to use the infant car seat.

"Everything is so abstract before you have a baby," Bonfield said. "You are going to have questions you never even thought about."

Louisiana is among the worst-performing states in maternal and infant health outcomes. So New Orleans is trying to catch health issues early  and get families off to an easier start  by adding health visits during the crucial first months of life.

The hope is that health outcomes can be improved by returning to the old-fashioned medical practice of house calls.

The Family Connects model has been tried in communities across 20 states. It began in Durham, North Carolina, in 2008, as a partnership with Duke University. In 2023, New Orleans' health director, Jennifer Avegno, helped launch a local version of the program.

Avegno was concerned by Louisiana's particularly grim statistics for maternal and infant health.

The state has some of the highest rates of preterm births, unnecessary cesarean sections, and maternal and infant deaths, according to the March of Dimes. A recent analysis from the United Health Foundation found that Louisiana was the "least healthy" state for women and children.

"We got to do some real things real differently, unless you like being No. 50 all the time, Avegno said.

The home visits are free and available to anyone who has just given birth in a New Orleans hospital, no matter their insurance status or income level.

Avegno describes the home visits as going "back to the future," replicating a practice that was far more common a hundred years ago.

"There is no more critical time and vulnerable time than right at birth and in the few weeks to months following birth," Avegno said.

The nurses arrive with diaper bags filled with newborn essentials, from diapers to nipple cream. They weigh, measure, and examine the babies, and check in with the mothers about their health and well-being. They offer referrals to other programs across the city.

They ask if the family has enough food, and whether there are guns in the house and how they're stored, Avegno said.

In Bonfield's case, the nurse stayed for over two hours. Bonfield especially liked their conversation about how to safely store breastmilk.

"I've never felt so well taken care of and listened to," she said.

Broad support

Louisiana has struggled a long time with poor maternal and infant health outcomes, but the problem has been complicated by the state's strict abortion ban.

The 2022 law led to risky medical delays and unnecessary surgeries in obstetrical care, and confusion among doctors about what's allowed in ending dangerous pregnancies or treating miscarriages.

Avegno opposes the state's abortion policies, believing they are harmful to women's health. But she says that Family Connects offers other ways to preserve and expand care for women. For example, the visiting nurse can check in with the mother about whether she needs help with birth control.

"We can't give them abortion access," she said. "That's not the goal of this program, and that wouldn't be possible anyway. But we can make sure they're healthy and understand what their options are for reproductive health care."

Abortion politics aside, the postpartum home visits seem to have bipartisan support in Louisiana, and state lawmakers want to expand their availability.

Last year, the Republican-dominated legislature passed a law requiring private insurance plans to cover the visits.

The new law is another way that Louisiana officials can be "pro-life," said state Rep. Mike Bayham, who, as a Republican and an abortion opponent, sponsored the legislation.

"One of the slings used against advocates against abortion is that we're pro-birth, and not truly pro-life," Bayham said. "And this bill is proof that we care about the overall well-being of our mothers and our newborns."

Improving health and help for postpartum depression

Two years in, there are already promising signs that the program is improving health.

Early data analyzed by researchers at Tulane University showed that families who got the visits were more likely to stick to the recommended schedule of pediatric and postpartum checkups. Moms and babies were also less likely to need hospitalization, and overall health care spending was down among families insured by Medicaid.

Research on Family Connects programs elsewhere has found similar results. In North Carolina, one study showed that three to seven home visits reduced trips to the emergency room by 50% in the year before a baby turned 1.

But the statistic that most excited Avegno related to the program's role in screening mothers for postpartum depression.

The visiting nurses are helping spot more cases of postpartum depression  earlier  so that new moms can get treatment. About 10% of moms participating in the New Orleans program were eventually diagnosed with postpartum depression, compared with 6% of moms who did not get the visits.

Timely diagnosis is important to prevent depression symptoms from worsening, or leading to more severe outcomes, such as suicidal thoughts, thoughts of harming the baby, or problems bonding with their newborn.

Lizzie Frederick was one of the New Orleans mothers whose postpartum symptoms were caught early by a visiting nurse.

When she was pregnant, she and her husband took all the childbirth and newborn classes they could. They hired a doula to help with the birth. But Frederick still wasn't prepared for the stresses of the postpartum period, she said.

"I don't think there are enough classes out there to prepare you for all the different scenarios," Frederick said.

When her son, James, was born in May, he had trouble breastfeeding. He was sleeping for only 90-minute stretches at night.

When the nurse arrived for the first visit a few weeks later, Frederick was busy trying to feed James. But the nurse reassured her that there was no rush. She could wait.

"I am here to support you and take care of you," Frederick recalled the nurse saying.

The nurse weighed James, and Frederick was relieved to learn he was gaining weight. But for most of the visit, the nurse focused on Frederick's needs. She was exhausted, anxious, and had started hearing what she called phantom cries.

The nurse walked her through a mental health questionnaire. Then she recommended that Frederick see a counselor and consider attending group therapy sessions for perinatal women.

Frederick followed up on these suggestions and was eventually diagnosed with postpartum depression.

"I think that I would have felt a lot more alone if I hadn't had this visit, and struggled in other ways without the resources that the nurse provided," Frederick said.

Home visits save money

Melissa Goldin Evans, an assistant professor at Tulane's School of Public Health, helped interview over 90 families participating in the Family Connects New Orleans program.

"It was overwhelmingly positive experiences," she said. "This is like a gold-standard public health project, in my opinion."

To operate, Family Connects costs the city about $1.5 million a year, or $700 per birth, according to Avegno. But the program also has the potential to save money: Research on North Carolina's program found that every $1 invested in the program saved $3.17 in health care billing before the child turned 2.

That's another reason to require the visits statewide, according to state Rep. Bayham.

"The nurses and medical practitioners will be able to monitor potential problems on the front end, so that they could be handled without a trip to the emergency room or something even more drastic," he said.

Avegno is advocating that the program be included in Louisiana's Medicaid program, since more than 60% of births in the state are covered by Medicaid. A recent legislative report made the same recommendation.

This article is from a partnership that includes WWNO, NPR, and KFF Health News.
A single structured seminar dramatically improved students ability to recognize dermatologic conditions in darker skin tones, offering evidence that targeted education can help close diagnostic gaps in diverse patient populations.

Study: Testing undergraduate medical students ability to correctly identify skin conditions in skin of color - A pre-post-study at a medical school in Germany. Image credit: this_baker/Shutterstock.com

Dermatology training often neglects the differences in how lesions appear across skin types, including patients with skin of color (SoC). This contributes to health disparities. A recent study published in PLOS One examined the impact of a mandatory training seminar on undergraduate medical students' ability to identify skin conditions in SoC.

Underrepresentation of darker skin in training

SoC is also defined as Fitzpatrick phenotypes IVVI, covering a range of highly pigmented skin. Skin conditions affecting SoC are often poorly represented in medical training. Since dermatologic diagnosis is largely a visual-based science, this hinders proper healthcare in people with SoC and may contribute to delayed or incorrect diagnoses.

Previous research has demonstrated that skin conditions affecting SoC are more likely to be misdiagnosed than those affecting light skin. Melasma and keloids are skin conditions that occur more often in SoC, but melanoma occurs more commonly in lighter skin types, indicating the variability in skin disease prevalence with skin color. Also, melanoma in SoC tends to be diagnosed at more advanced stages.

Medical students complain that they are not trained adequately to diagnose skin conditions in SoC. This requires research to identify the most effective pathways to improving medical education in this area, especially given that, in todays globalized society, every country has a sizable proportion of people from diverse ethnic backgrounds.

The authors of this study incorporated a seminar on skin type diversity into the medical curriculum at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany, in 2023. Students initially reported feeling more competent in managing skin disease following the seminar, and most said they wanted to learn more about SoC in similar courses.

The current study examined whether the seminar effectively enhanced students ability to correctly identify skin conditions in SoC through objective pre- and post-seminar testing.

Image-based assessment of eight skin of color conditions

The researchers recruited fourth-year medical students at the University of Hamburg, Germany. The analysis included 142 students who completed both the pre- and post-seminar assessments, most of whom were female. The seminar was conducted in groups of approximately 20 students and introduced eight common skin conditions in SoC, including inflammatory, infectious, autoimmune, and neoplastic conditions. Specifically, the conditions assessed were tinea, melasma, atopic dermatitis, varicella, keloids, vitiligo, psoriasis, and acral lentiginous melanoma.

The seminar was an interactive 90-minute session that included a 45-minute component focused specifically on skin type diversity. It combined short lectures, case-based learning, and group discussions. Students were introduced to the Fitzpatrick skin type classification system and were taught about anatomical and physiological differences between lighter skin and SoC, as well as diagnostic challenges specific to darker skin types. Standardized clinical images were used to familiarize students with common dermatologic conditions in SoC, and the seminar also addressed psychosocial considerations and broader issues of health equity in dermatological care.

The teaching format was based on adult learning principles and emphasized the importance of diagnostic competence for future practice. Students discussed possible diagnoses, drawing on prior clinical exposure, reviewed real-world patient images, and examined a case report illustrating misdiagnosis in SoC to reinforce applied learning and motivation.

Undergraduate students are required to attend at least 85 % of mandatory courses, meaning attendance at the seminar, while compulsory, was not necessarily universal. In addition to this seminar, the dermatology module included 13 45-minute lectures, an interactive 90-minute seminar on infectious diseases, and two 90-minute bedside teaching sessions. At the time the SoC seminar was delivered, at least 75 % of the dermatology curriculum had already been completed; however, none of the earlier material had focused specifically on dermatology in SoC.

Students completed a multiple-choice test using standardized clinical images at the beginning and end of the seminar. The post-seminar test was administered immediately after the session, allowing assessment of short-term learning effects. Different images of the same eight skin conditions were used in the pre- and post-tests, and none of the test images were shown during the teaching session. In addition to objective testing, students rated their interest in dermatology and self-assessed their diagnostic ability and knowledge of skin type differences using a Likert scale.

Diagnostic accuracy jumps from 55 % to 92 %

At baseline, only 27 % of students could identify melasma, and 40 % could identify keloids. Overall, 55 % of the images were correctly identified before the seminar. About 23 % of students reported a high interest in dermatology, and within this subgroup, 68 % of images were correctly diagnosed at baseline.

After the seminar, students correctly identified over 92 % of the eight skin conditions from the displayed images. The largest improvements were seen in melasma (66 %), keloids (51 %), and tinea (48 %). Self-assessed ability to diagnose skin conditions in SoC increased from a mean score of 2 to 3.6 on the six-point Likert scale. Students also reported significantly greater knowledge of the Fitzpatrick classification system and of anatomical and physiological differences between lighter and darker skin types.

Limitations of the study

The study's conclusions are strengthened by using objective, image-based testing rather than relying solely on self-assessment. However, the quasi-experimental prepost design lacked a control group, so causal conclusions cannot be definitively drawn. Because the post-test was administered immediately after the seminar, the findings reflect short-term knowledge gains and do not provide evidence of long-term retention or real-world diagnostic performance.

In addition, students prior dermatological experience, baseline knowledge, and varying levels of interest in dermatology may have influenced outcomes. The use of multiple-choice questions does not fully replicate real-life clinical encounters, and the study was conducted at a single university hospital in Germany, limiting generalizability to other educational or cultural settings.

Curriculum reform may reduce inequities

After the seminar, students were better able to accurately identify eight skin conditions in SoC. This helps address one educational factor contributing to inequitable dermatologic healthcare and may help mitigate disparities in diagnostic accuracy, particularly for serious conditions such as acral lentiginous melanoma.

The use of mandatory targeted seminars could help increase future physicians' overall competence in recognizing lesions in SoC, regardless of their personal interest in dermatology. However, these findings require confirmation in larger and more diverse cohorts, with longitudinal follow-up to determine whether improvements in short-term diagnostic performance translate into sustained clinical competence and measurable reductions in health disparities.

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The use of antipsychotic medications for purposes other than those officially approved is common among older adults in Finland. This emerges from a large registry study conducted by the University of Oulu and the University of Eastern Finland, which examined so-called off-label use of antipsychotics among community-dwelling older people. In off-label use, a doctor prescribes the medication for a purpose other than its officially approved indication.

The study utilized national registry data on 209,346 older adults living at home, who did not have Alzheimers disease. Background factors and morbidity related to antipsychotic use were examined across three groups: off-label users, those prescribed antipsychotics for an official indication (on-label), and people not using antipsychotic medications.

The results showed that 70 per cent of all antipsychotic use was off-label. Off-label use also increased towards the end of the follow-up period. The most commonly used antipsychotics off-label were risperidone and quetiapine.

Antipsychotics are prescribed to older patients, for example, to treat prolonged behavioural symptoms or insomnia, although there are no official indications for such uses. In the literature, this type of use without appropriate non-pharmacological or other treatment options has even been considered a form of elder abuse. At the same time, the reduction of resources in elderly care services and the limited availability of non-drug interventions have contributed to increased medication use.

Cardiovascular and cerebrovascular conditions prominent among off-label users

The study found that off-label users more often had cardiovascular diseases and cerebrovascular disorders compared with the other groups. They also had higher opioid use.

Surprisingly, off-label users had cardiovascular and cerebrovascular conditions even more frequently than patients prescribed antipsychotics for an official indication, such as psychotic disorders. Tuomas Majuri, Postdoctoral Researcher, University of Oulu

According to Majuri, this finding may reflect that monitoring of the metabolic side effects of medications is currently insufficient in off-label use.

The researchers emphasize that the results highlight the need to develop alternative treatment options for symptoms and situations for which antipsychotics are currently used off-label.

Clearer guidelines are needed for monitoring the metabolic side effects of off-label antipsychotic use, as well as measures to promote safer prescribing practices, Majuri stresses.

The study was funded by the Paivikki and Sakari Sohlberg Foundation and the Research Council of Finland.
AMMAN, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- Jordan dispatched a six-truck humanitarian aid convoy on Sunday to the Jordanian Field Hospital in Nablus, carrying medical, food and relief supplies to the northern West Bank, Palestine.

The convoy, sent by the Jordan Armed Forces (JAF), delivered medical consumables, food items and water to ensure that the hospital continues operating at full capacity, according to a JAF statement.

The hospital continues to provide medical and therapeutic services through specialized medical and technical teams, helping meet healthcare needs and alleviate burdens on citizens in the current situation.

Since beginning operation in 2023, the field hospital has provided services to approximately 308,410 patients, performed 2,707 major and minor surgeries, and offered emergency treatment, radiology and laboratory services, and nursing care, the statement said. 
5 killed, 45 injured as double-decker bus overturns in Lucknow; driver detained

Last Updated: February 23, 2026, 23:15 IST

Representational image (Image: News18)

Lucknow, Feb 23 (PTI) Five people were killed and 45 injured when a double-decker bus overturned near the toll on the Purvanchal Expressway here on Monday evening after the driver lost control of the vehicle, police said.

A case has been registered in the matter and the bus driver has been detained, police said.

According to officials, 80-85 passengers were on board the bus, which was going from Ludhiana in Punjab to Motihari in Bihar, when the accident took place.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (South), Lucknow, Nipun Agarwal, said after the information about the accident was received at Gosainganj police station, police and administration officials and ambulances rushed to the spot.

In this accident, five people  one man, one woman and three children  died. Police have sent the injured persons to trauma centres at SGPGI and KGMU, where their condition is said to be stable," Agarwal said.

A case has been registered in connection with the accident, he said.

Three of the deceased were identified as Birendra (30), Anjali (8) and Priyanshu (15). The identities of the two other deceased, a six-year-old boy and a 30-year-old man, were yet to be ascertained, police said in a statement.

It said 14 of the injured passengers were sent to the King Georges Medical University (KGMU) Trauma Centre and 31 to the Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGI) Apex Trauma Centre.

The passengers whose condition was stable were sent to their respective destinations, it said.

According to the statement, the bus driver, Sompal, a resident of Panipat in Haryana, has been detained.

Additional DCP (South) Rallapalli Vasanth Kumar said the accident occurred at the 11.2-km mark of the expressway.

After the accident, a crane was called in to lift the overturned bus and clear the expressway.

An injured passenger told PTI Videos that the bus driver was allegedly drunk and speeding.

Today I left Panipat for Nepal. The driver was driving at a very high speed. He could not control the bus, causing it to overturn," the passenger said. PTI NAV MAN DIV DIV

First Published: February 23, 2026, 23:15 IST

News agency-feeds 5 killed, 45 injured as double-decker bus overturns in Lucknow; driver detained

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Bangladesh President summons first session of new parliament on March 12

Last Updated: February 23, 2026, 20:30 IST

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Dhaka, Feb 23 (PTI) President Mohammad Shahabuddin on Monday summoned the first session of the 13th Parliament on March 12, nearly a month after the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) formed the government after winning the Feb 12 crucial general elections. The President convened the session by exercising the authority vested in him under Article 72(1) of the Constitution of Bangladesh," a Jatiya Sangsad statement said.

It said the first sitting of the maiden session of the new parliament, with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) having a two-thirds majority and far-right Jamaat-e-Islami being the main opposition, would start at 11 am.

BNP spokesman and home minister in Prime Minister Tarique Rahmans cabinet, Salahuddin Ahmed, earlier said the session would elect a new speaker.

BNP formed the government on February 17, five days after the parliamentary polls.

Bangladesh Constitution dictates that President Shahabuddin must summon the inaugural session of the newly elected parliament within 30 days of the 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 the standard practice demands the last parliaments speaker or, in his/her absence, the deputy speaker, would preside over it 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. PTI AR RD RD RD

First Published: February 23, 2026, 20:30 IST

News agency-feeds Bangladesh President summons first session of new parliament on March 12

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Budget session of Telangana Assembly to begin on March 16

Last Updated: February 24, 2026, 01:00 IST

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Hyderabad, Feb 23 (PTI) The Telangana Cabinet on Monday decided to hold the budget session of the Legislative Assembly from March 16.

Briefing reporters late on Monday after a Cabinet meeting, Information and Public Relations Minister P Srinivas Reddy said the session would begin with the Governors address to the legislature and the budget would be presented on March 20.

The Cabinet took a slew of decisions, including fully taking over the Hyderabad Metro Rail project from L&T before March 31.

It also decided to implement an accident insurance scheme for government employees and pensioners. In the event of accidental death, the beneficiarys family would get Rs 1.2 crore.

The Cabinet also decided to implement a cashless employee health scheme by establishing a trust of Rs 528 crore with equal contributions from employees and the government. PTI SJR VVK DIV DIV

First Published: February 24, 2026, 01:00 IST

News agency-feeds Budget session of Telangana Assembly to begin on March 16

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Guj DGP reviews border security during Kutch visit

Last Updated: February 23, 2026, 20:30 IST

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Ahmedabad, Feb 23 (PTI) Gujarat Director General of Police K L N Rao reviewed the security in border areas of Kutch, which shares international and maritime boundaries with Pakistan, officials said on Monday.

He discussed ways to establish strong coordination between various security agencies and attended a high-level crime conference at the district headquarters in Bhuj during his two-day visit on February 21 and 22.

The State police chief reviewed the crime situation in the border area at the high-level crime conference held in Bhuj. Later, a special meeting was held with senior officials of agencies such as the Border Security Force (BSF), Indian Air Force, Coast Guard, Intelligence Bureau and NTRO (National Technical Research Organisation)," according to a release.

The meeting emphasised establishing strong coordination between all agencies with a focus on intelligence sharing, preventing drug trafficking and potential infiltration, and fishermens issues. The progress of NCORD (National Coordination Centre) was also discussed.

The DGP adopted the Naliya police station and announced a Rs 5 lakh grant. He also hoisted flags and participated in joint patrolling with the Indian Coast Guard, BSF, and jawans of Gujarat Police on the Jakhau coast, it said.

He also visited the remote Pingaleswar outpost and gave necessary instructions to maintain vigilance on the challenges at the sensitive coastal strip.

Keeping in mind the sensitive geographical location of Kutch, Rao gave guidance for maintaining alertness on the sea and land borders, increasing the use of technology and seamless coordination between agencies," the release said. PTI KA NSK

First Published: February 23, 2026, 20:30 IST

News agency-feeds Guj DGP reviews border security during Kutch visit

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Tarot Card Reading Today, February 23, 2026

Written By :

GaneshaGrace

Last Updated: February 23, 2026, 08:00 IST

Tarot Horoscope Today, February 23, 2026: Discover what the cards reveal for Aries to Pisces about career, relationships, finances and personal growth.

Tarot Card Predictions Today February 23 2026 Daily Tarot Card Reading for All Zodiac Signs. (AI generated image)

Tarot Horoscope, February 23, 2026: Todays Tarot horoscope urges several zodiac signs to stay grounded, reflect honestly, and embrace change. Aries, Virgo, and Sagittarius are advised to be cautious of ego, impulsiveness, or overconfidence, which can cause personal or professional tension.

Taurus, Cancer, and Libra are encouraged to focus on emotional clarity and strengthen important relationships, which is likely to lead to new beginnings. Gemini, Capricorn, and Pisces are expected to see steady progress through hard work, faith, and a balanced mindset. Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius are likely to face emotional or circumstantial challenges, but are advised to stay strong, adapt, and move forward.

Across all zodiac signs, self-awareness, humility, and perseverance are the guiding key elements to success and personal growth.

Aries Card Reading Today (Five of Wands)

Ganesha says you may be worried about something. A long time ago, you had some benefit from meeting someone, but now a problem related to that may arise. That person may take advantage of your acquaintance. There are rumors about your closeness with a colleague at the workplace, due to which you have limited yourself. However, these rumors are not completely false.

Still, you are not in a position to accept any relationship right now. There may be a rift with some people due to the help of a friend. The influence of the opposite party is very high, which may cause you some trouble. Pressure is increasing regarding family marriage. Some good proposals have come, but they are still pending. The search for your ideal life partner is not yet complete.

Taurus Card Reading Today (Page of Cups)

Ganesha says sometimes being too fickle can create problems. At this time, you may find yourself stuck in such a situation. To get out of this trouble, you can take the help of an elder. You want to take your relationship with your partner forward. After knowing the choice of your spouse, you are considering talking to both families. The search for a new job is going on. There is a state of confusion due to limited opportunities for promotion in the current position.

Attempts to talk to senior officials have been unsuccessful. Someone new may come to your family. You may soon get the good news of the arrival of a little guest. Try to change your behavior. Instead of being hasty and careless, adopt patience and restraint. Some things may not seem logical to you right now, but their importance will become clear shortly.

Gemini Card Reading Today (The World)

Ganesha says the desire to conquer the world has been in your mind for a long time. However, you are not making any effort to turn this desire into reality. Success is not easy without hard work and determination. Try to make a proper plan and collect all the necessary information related to the task. Just dreaming will not fulfill it. You will have to work hard to make that dream come true.

You need to understand this. There is no shortcut to success. You may be impressed by someones successful life, but you should also think about how hard they have worked to achieve that success. Soon, you may get an opportunity to travel abroad in connection with work. You should consider how to make this opportunity profitable for yourself.

Cancer Card Reading Today (Two of Cups)

Ganesha says you are about to start a new relationship in your professional life. The partnership to start a new business has been completely finalized, and this work can start very soon. Due to a major betrayal in a previous romantic relationship, you have not yet tried to get into a new relationship. You used to think that every relationship would remain the same as before. Now you are getting a chance to move beyond this thinking.

The arrival of a new person is expected to bring changes to your life. You may get happiness related to children. The search for a new job will be completed soon, and you will get an offer for a good position and salary. The ongoing dispute with your parents regarding marriage may end, as they have now left the decision to you, which will give you relief. Do not break anyones heart. If someones words are bothering you, do not reveal it to others, but tell that person in private.

Leo Card Reading Today (Strength)

Ganesha says a dispute with someone has weakened you, due to which you are avoiding facing any wrong situation. You can decide to get yourself out of this situation. Do not let your courage and strength diminish under any circumstances. This time can be a bit challenging, but it is also a test of your courage. Some people may try to stop your progress out of jealousy. You should not let their negative intentions dominate your success. Sometimes you may feel very lonely, but you should not lose hope. If you ask for help while moving forward, you will get help.

You are excited about the family business. You can take advice from an experienced person to take the old business forward in a new way. You have taken full responsibility for a new plan at the workplace. This is the first time you have had such a responsibility. You will need a lot of effort and cooperation to make this work successful. Be a little cautious towards your children. You should be aware of both their companions and activities.

Virgo Card Reading Today (The Tower)

Ganesha says the ego is growing in your mind. This ego can be due to beauty, immense knowledge, or wealth. The habit of being ignorant of important information before starting any work can cause big trouble. You have deliberately ignored many things and given importance to your ego and stubbornness. It is important to keep yourself away from these habits. You have always been successful in professional life on the strength of your morale, but this ego can distance others from you. Your conscience is repeatedly giving you signals to be cautious. This can be a warning from God.

Ignoring these signals can cause big trouble. Trying to consider everyone inferior to yourself is driving people away from you. A wrong decision can cause a lot of loss. There is a possibility of both financial loss and damage to your reputation. Make your behavior flexible and polite. Stay away from people who can increase your problems. You will have to change the habit of ignoring others. Sometimes, what people say can be in your favor. Provocations may lead to unnecessary disputes. Moving ahead without checking the truth may create distance in relationships.

Libra Card Reading Today (Judgement)

Ganesha says in life, you will have to suffer the consequences of all your past good and bad deeds based on their intentions. You may have used some unethical methods to complete a task in the past, the negative consequences of which are bothering you now. Some time ago, you had a small fight with someone in your neighborhood, and now the other person has taken it to heart. They may even file a complaint against you at the police station. If the matter has not escalated, consider solving it by compromise.

You feel the need for help with some work, and you have come to know that one of your colleagues is an expert in that field. Try to complete the work with their help. A polite attitude towards others will help you complete your work. Both families have given their approval for the marriage to your spouse. Soon, all the preparations for the wedding will begin. Promotion at the workplace has increased your respect and recognition.

Scorpio Card Reading Today (Seven of Wands)

Ganesha says your spouses growing pride in his familys money is bringing about a remarkable change in his behavior. His habit of making sarcastic remarks is increasing, which may gradually create distance in the relationship. Caste-based bias may increase in your professional life. The new senior officers special inclination towards his caste is becoming a cause of trouble for others. His habit of insulting people in front of everyone is forcing you to think about resigning from the job.

A marriage proposal is being discussed on your in-laws side, in which you may also be included. With everyones support, you have started a new business, and now you are expecting it to grow rapidly. The quarrel between you and your spouse has increased over the issue of not saving money.

Sagittarius Card Reading Today (Two of Swords)

Ganesha says excess of anything is bad, whether it is overconfidence or excessive trust in someone. Both situations can cause trouble. Due to your overconfident thinking, you have incurred losses by starting a new project without thinking. Now you are doubtful about your own decisions. Before starting the project, your conscience had advised you to reconsider, but you did not follow it. Now you may have to suffer a lot of financial loss.

Sometimes, when we do not listen to our conscience or the experienced advice of others, we have to face many difficulties. Try to understand your real situation by removing the veil of superstition. Your spouses family has not yet approved this relationship, and they have taken some more time to think over it, which has increased your worries.

Capricorn Card Reading Today (Nine of Cups)

Ganesha says the arrival of your spouse has brought happiness. All the stalled work is slowly gaining momentum again. The time ahead is full of positive changes. You had suppressed some desires for a long time, but now, time is slowly fulfilling all of them. You are capable of experiencing all kinds of happiness, both mentally and physically. However, do not get so immersed in your happiness that you forget to think about others. Your success is also due to the contribution of others, so always remember this.

You should generously share your happiness and resources with your colleagues. Success achieved through hard work brings satisfaction and joy to your life. Do not let arrogance and carelessness grow from your success, as it can distance your loved ones and colleagues from you. Do not become the cause of anyones sorrow knowingly or unknowingly. If you have hurt someone, do not hesitate to apologize.

Aquarius Card Reading Today (Death)

Ganesha says the completion of any task depends on your hard work. Hesitating to complete a task due to fear of failure can ruin all your efforts. By doing this, you will return to the starting point instead of getting closer to success. Success and failure are two sides of the same coin. Do not be afraid of them, but dare to face them. Soon, there will be rapid changes in your life.

These changes can remove old things, relationships, and people from your life who always filled you with the fear of failure. By keeping a distance from them, you will feel a change in your thoughts. You will start adopting positive thoughts instead of negative thoughts. You will try to get out of old situations and start a new chapter with new efforts. Success may be near, so do not let any kind of fear dominate your mind.

Pisces Card Reading Today (The Emperor)

Ganesha says your positive thinking has always helped you find something good even in difficult situations. This thinking has inspired you to successfully overcome the obstacles in your work. You have also encouraged others to have faith in God. Your unwavering faith in God has inspired you to move forward. You move forward with the thought that some days are good and some are bad. Maintain a balance between firmness and humility in your nature.

You are making every effort to complete your tasks to the best of your ability. Your superiors may be evaluating your work correctly, and your high morale is sending positive messages about you. Do not be overly dependent on others for your tasks. You will get success only if you take initiative and take responsibility. You may not feel much attraction in your relationship in the initial stages, but as time passes, love and sweetness will deepen.

(The author Chirag Daruwalla is the son of Astrologer Bejan Daruwalla).

First Published: February 23, 2026, 08:00 IST

News astrology horoscope Tarot Card Reading Today, February 23, 2026

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RBI Says No Systemic Risk After Rs 590-Crore IDFC First Bank Fraud

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Last Updated: February 23, 2026, 15:19 IST

RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra confirmed no systemic risk from the Rs 590 crore fraud at IDFC First Banks Chandigarh branch linked to Haryana government accounts.

RBI Monitoring Rs 590 Crore Fraud At IDFC First Bank, Assures No Wider Impact

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is closely monitoring developments surrounding the Rs 590 crore fraud reported by IDFC First Bank, with no broader systemic concern arising from the incident, said Governor Sanjay Malhotra told reporters during a press briefing held after the customary post-Budget address by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to the RBIs Central Board of Directors.

As a policy, we do not comment on any individual bank or regulated entity. We are watching the development. There is no systemic kind of issue" Malhotra said, after being asked upon IDFC First Banks fraud case, in which the private lender has reported a fraud of Rs 590 crore with an account linked with the Haryana government at the Chandigarh branch.

The irregularities were linked to a defined set of Haryana state government accounts handled at that branch. The Haryana government has de-empaneled IDFC First Bank and AU Small Finance Bank with immediate effect.

Following the update, the banks shares crashed 20 per cent on Monday, bearing a heavy loss.

Bank Assures Limited Impact

IDFC First Bank clarified in its disclosure that the fraud is confined to a specific group of government-linked accounts within Haryana government" operated through the Chandigarh branch. The bank emphasized that the issue does not extend to other customers serviced by the same branch.

The lenders statement sought to reassure stakeholders that the matter is restricted in scope and does not reflect a wider operational breakdown. The RBIs remarks further underlined that, from a regulatory standpoint, the episode does not pose systemic risks to the banking sector.

The development comes amid heightened regulatory focus on governance standards and internal controls within financial institutions. While investigations and internal reviews are expected to continue, the central banks position signals confidence that the broader banking system remains stable.

Factoring Revised GDP, CPI

RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra on Monday said the revision of the inflation targeting range, following the update in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) base year, is currently under examination.

However, he clarified that while the methodological changes in the CPI are significant in terms of coverage, representativeness and volatility, they are not substantial" enough on their own to warrant a change in the inflation target.

Speaking at a press conference after the customary post-Budget meeting with the Finance Minister, Malhotra was responding to a query on whether the inflation target band would be revised after the base year update.

The RBI had earlier published a discussion paper and submitted its recommendations to the government. The decision on the target will be announced by the authorities," he said.

The Governor added that the Reserve Banks forthcoming projections will incorporate the revised base year and updated methodology of both the CPI and Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

(With PTI Inputs)

First Published: February 23, 2026, 12:59 IST

News business banking-finance RBI Says No Systemic Risk After Rs 590-Crore IDFC First Bank Fraud

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Ship-Or-Pay Clause: Why Azerbaijan's Dollar Payback Demand For Oil Pipeline Project Has Pakistan Worried

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Last Updated: February 23, 2026, 12:28 IST

Pakistan's Ogra is reviewing a $432M pipeline deal with Azerbaijan and SOCAR due to finance ministry concerns over payback, tariff risks, and benefits.

Azerbaijan's SOCAR's proposed "ship-or-pay" condition  similar to "take-or-pay" clauses used in power sector contracts  which would require oil marketing companies to pay for reserved pipeline capacity even if they do not use it.

Amid red flags by two federal ministries, Pakistans oil regulator has opened public scrutiny of a $432-million government-to-government pipeline deal with Azerbaijan that carries a steep four-year payback demand and dollar-linked returns.

Pakistans Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) has scheduled a public hearing for March 2 to examine whether the proposed payback period of four years is justified", and whether the project could alter regional transportation costs compared with existing road movement. The draft framework requires full investment recovery in dollars within four years, a condition the finance ministry has formally opposed.

Project Structure And Capacity

The proposal involves a multi-section white oil pipeline:

Section I: 20-inch, 256-km pipeline from Faisalabad to Thallian near Islamabad with capacity of about 7 million tonnes per annum (MTPA), extendable to 10 MTPA, costing $320 million.

Section II: 12-inch, 172-km line from Thallian to Tarujabba near Peshawar with 5 MTPA capacity, costing $94 million.

Section III: 8-inch, 9-km link from Thallian to Faqirabad costing $17.5 million.

The regulator estimates project life at 30 years and is also evaluating whether proposed storage capacities  60,000 tonnes each at Faisalabad and Thallian and 50,000 tonnes at Tarujabba  are adequate for projected volumes.

Finance Ministry Flags Payback And Dollar Return Risks

Pakistans Ministry of Finance has objected to the upfront four-year payback model and the provision for dollar-based returns. It said dollarised returns should apply only if foreign investment actually materialises and argued that such guarantees should not extend to local investors.

The ministry also sought rationalisation of interest assumptions, a more realistic weighted average cost of capital (WACC), and extension of the payback period to seven years to reduce early-stage tariff pressure on consumers.

However, Pakistans Economic Coordination Committee approved the project framework earlier, calling it a strategic investment that could strengthen trade and investment ties between Pakistan and Azerbaijan.

The project is to be developed through a joint company involving Azerbaijans state-owned oil firm SOCAR, Pakistan State Oil, and the Frontier Works Organisation on a government-to-government basis.

Ship-Or-Pay Clause Adds Pressure

A key sticking point is SOCARs proposed ship-or-pay" condition  similar to take-or-pay" clauses used in power sector contracts  which would require oil marketing companies to pay for reserved pipeline capacity even if they do not use it. The tariff would be denominated in US dollars and Ogra would declare the pipeline a default mode of transport to ensure utilisation.

Currently, about 70% of petroleum products in Pakistan move by road, 28% via pipeline and 2% by rail.

The proposed framework would make the new pipeline the default mode of transportation", obliging oil marketing companies to commit minimum annual volumes. Any shortfall would be recovered through the inland freight equalisation margin, effectively socialising utilisation risk across the sector.

Political And Policy Debate

Pakistans Power Minister Awais Leghari warned that guaranteed dollar returns could repeat problems seen in independent power producer contracts, stressing that cost, IRR and tariff implications must be examined carefully.

The Frontier Works Organisation had initially sought 14.6% project IRR and 25% equity IRR. The ECC allowed dollar-linked returns only if foreign investment participation is confirmed.

What Happens Next

Ogras consultation will determine whether throughput projections, capacity design and tariff structure are viable before final regulatory approval. The Petroleum Division maintains that relaxing investor protections could make the project unattractive, while critics warn that excessive guarantees may shift financial risks onto consumers and the government.

The outcome of the review will decide whether the pipeline proceeds as a strategic energy corridor or faces restructuring over financial safeguards.

First Published: February 23, 2026, 12:28 IST

News business economy Ship-Or-Pay Clause: Why Azerbaijan's Dollar Payback Demand For Oil Pipeline Project Has Pakistan Worried

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'Too Soon To Comment': FM Nirmala Sitharaman On Impact Of US Tariff Change On Indian Economy

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Last Updated: February 23, 2026, 13:05 IST

FM Sitharaman says the commerce ministry is closely examining the implications of the US tariff revisions on trade, investment flows and key export sectors.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman (centre), along with RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra (right) and MoS Finance Pankaj Choudhary, speaks with reporters, after addressing the RBI's 621st Central Board Meeting.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday said it is too soon" to assess the impact of recent tariff changes in the United States on the Indian economy, as the government continues to review the developing situation.

Speaking to reporters in New Delhi, along with RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra, after addressing the RBIs 621st Central Board Meeting, Sitharaman said the Ministry of Commerce and Industry is closely examining the implications of the US tariff revisions on bilateral trade, investment flows and key export sectors.

On the Indian economy, it is a bit too soon for me to comment. On trade, the commerce ministry is reviewing the situation and the delegation will have to take a call on when they are going to go (to the US) for further negotiations," Sitharaman said.

On February 20, the US Supreme Court invalidated reciprocal tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump under IEEPA. Following the SC ruling, Trump signed an executive order imposing a fresh 10% global tariff on imports from all countries, effective February 24, 2026, under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974.

Further, on February 21, Trump hiked 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".

On Gold, Silver Price Surge

FM Sitharaman said gold prices rose because central banks globally were buying a lot of the precious metals.

She added that the imports of gold and silver are not at alarming level, and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is monitoring it.

On Mis-Selling

On mis-selling of insurance products, the finance minister said banks should concentrate on their core business

On Growth

FM Sitharaman said everybody should participate in Indias growth story. She asked India Inc asking them to hike investment.

First Published: February 23, 2026, 12:44 IST

News business economy 'Too Soon To Comment': FM Nirmala Sitharaman On Impact Of US Tariff Change On Indian Economy

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Gaudium IVF & Women Health IPO Day 2: Should You Subscribe? Check GMP, Price, Lot Size, Recommendations

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Last Updated: February 23, 2026, 10:29 IST

Unlisted shares of Gaudium IVF & Women Health Ltd trade at Rs 87.5 apiece in the grey market, which is a premium of Rs 8.5 or 10.76% over the upper IPO price of Rs 79.

Gaudium IVF & Women Health IPO.

Gaudium IVF & Women Health IPO Day 2: The initial public offering (IPO) of fertility services provider Gaudium IVF & Women Health Ltd is witnessing its second day of bidding today, February 23. The price band of the Rs 165-crore IPO has been fixed in the range of Rs 75 to Rs 79 apiece. Till 10:15 am on the final day of bidding on Monday, the IPO received a 1.19x subscription, receiving bids for 1,74,20,130 shares as against 1,46,20,340 shares on offer.

Its retail category got a 1.79x subscription. The non-institutional investors (NII) category has received a 1.37x subscription.

Gaudium IVF & Women Health IPO GMP Today

According to market observers, unlisted shares of Gaudium IVF & Women Health Ltd were trading at Rs 87.5 apiece in the grey market, which is a premium of Rs 8.5 or 10.76% over the upper IPO price of Rs 79. It indicates positive listing.

The GMP is based on market sentiments and keeps changing. Grey market premium indicates investors readiness to pay more than the issue price.

The company is scheduled to list on both BSE and NSE with a tentative debut date of February 27.

Gaudium IVF & Women Health IPO: Should You Subscribe?

Brokerage views on Gaudium IVF & Women Health are nuanced but broadly positive. JM Financial points out that the company stands out as Indias first listed fertility services platform and highlights its industry-leading EBITDA margin of 40.48 per cent as evidence of strong clinical standards and operational efficiency. The brokerage also notes that Gaudiums hub-and-spoke model enables it to deliver standardized IVF services in underserved tier-2 and tier-3 markets, while the planned deployment of Rs 50 crore to set up 19 additional centres could strengthen its geographic reach. It adds that the company benefits from experienced clinical leadership under founder Dr Manika Khanna, who held a 99.32 per cent pre-IPO stake, and from a diversified offering that includes male infertility treatment and genetic testing services alongside IVF, as well as revenue from international patients across regions such as Canada, the UK, the US and Africa.

At the same time, JM Financial flags key risks, including intense competition from established fertility chains, regulatory approvals required for new centres, execution challenges linked to expansion-led capital expenditure, and the promoters offer for sale of 0.95 crore shares, which indicates a partial stake dilution. The brokerage also cautions about the challenge of retaining specialist doctors in a competitive talent market and the rising cost of patient acquisition in saturated metro regions. Separately, BP Wealth notes that at the upper price band the IPO is valued at a price-to-earnings multiple of 25.3 times FY25 earnings and has assigned a Subscribe" rating. It says the companys growth strategy hinges on calibrated expansion through hub strengthening and spoke additions, improving operating leverage via standardized operating procedures, optimising utilisation at centre level, and building brand visibility across high-growth urban and semi-urban markets.

Gaudium IVF & Women Health IPO: More Details

Gaudium IVF and Women Health Ltd on Thursday said it has raised Rs 49.5 crore from anchor investors. The companys Rs 165-crore IPO will conclude on February 24. With this, Gaudium IVF becomes the first company in the fertility care sector to tap the public markets.

The proposed offering comprises a fresh issue of 1.14 crore equity shares and an Offer For Sale (OFS) of nearly 95 lakh equity shares by promoter Manika Khanna.

Proceeds from the fresh issue are intended to establish 19 new IVF centres across India, along with payment of debt and for general corporate purposes.

Founded by Khanna, Gaudium IVF has established itself as a pioneer in assisted reproductive technologies in India. The company operates through a hub-and-spoke model, with seven hubs and 28 spokes across multiple states, enabling it to reach a wide patient base.

Financially, the company reported revenue from operations of Rs 70.72 crore and a profit after tax of Rs 19.13 crore for the financial year ending March 31, 2025. In FY24, revenue was Rs 47.89 crore, with a PAT of Rs 10.31 crore.

In July, Indira IVF Hospital Ltd confidentially filed draft papers with Sebi to raise funds through an IPO.

According to the Infomerics Research report, the broader Indian IVF market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 13 per cent, expanding from $1.32 billion in 2024 to $4.54 billion by 2034, presenting significant growth potential for players like Gaudium IVF.

First Published: February 23, 2026, 10:29 IST

News business ipo Gaudium IVF & Women Health IPO Day 2: Should You Subscribe? Check GMP, Price, Lot Size, Recommendations

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Stocks To Watch: IDFC First Bank, SBI, Adani Power, Ola Electric, Coal India, And Others

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Last Updated: February 23, 2026, 08:21 IST

Stocks to watch: Shares of firms like IDFC First Bank, SBI, Adani Power, Ola Electric, Coal India, Bharti Airtel, and others will be in focus on Monday's trade

Stocks To Watch on February 23

Stocks to Watch on Monday, February 23, 2026: Indian equity markets closed the week with modest gains, aided by value buying in fundamentally strong stocks that had recently corrected, despite mixed global cues. Analysts expect volatility to persist in the coming week, especially with the monthly F&O expiry scheduled for February 24.

Here are the key stocks likely to remain in focus:

IDFC First Bank

IDFC First Bank said certain employees at its Chandigarh branch were allegedly involved in fraudulent transactions amounting to Rs 590 crore from accounts linked to the Haryana government. The lender has suspended four suspected officials pending investigation.

NHPC

NHPC has initiated a silt management plan at the Salal power station after the reservoir reportedly lost up to 96% of its storage capacity. The issue stems from sediment-management facilities that became inoperable decades ago under the Indus Waters Treaty, impacting long-term operational efficiency.

State Bank of India (SBI)

SBI aims to increase green advances to 7.510% of its loan book by 2030, with 25% of these to be funded through green lines of credit. As of March 2025, green advances accounted for 1.56% of the banks total advances.

Adani Power

Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani visited project sites in Jharkhand and Bihar on Sunday, reviewing power investments exceeding Rs 40,000 crore. The projects highlight the groups expanding footprint in eastern India.

YES Bank

YES Bank expects to close the current financial year with a return on assets (RoA) of 1%, according to CFO Niranjan Banodkar. For the December quarter, the bank posted a net profit of Rs 952 crore, up 55% year-on-year and 45% sequentially.

Ola Electric

Ola Electric plans to reduce its physical store count to about 550 by March-end amid a decline in market share and operational challenges, according to an ET report. The move marks a sharp reversal from its earlier plan to expand to 4,000 stores nationwide.

Coal India

Coal Indias Gevra mine in Korba is expected to become the worlds largest coal-producing mine next year, targeting an output of 63 million tonnes. Operated by South Eastern Coalfields Ltd (SECL), a subsidiary of Coal India, it is Indias largest opencast coal mine.

Vedanta

Vedanta Resources, the parent of Vedanta Ltd, has secured $350 million in financing from global lenders to refinance upcoming maturities and interest obligations, ET reported. The lending consortium includes First Abu Dhabi Bank, Mashreq Bank, Standard Chartered Bank, Deutsche Bank and JPMorgan for a 3.5-year facility.

Axis Bank

Axis Bank clarified that it has neither submitted nor plans to submit a bid for a stake in CreditAccess Grameen, responding to market queries.

Bharti Airtel

Zscaler, in partnership with Bharti Airtel, has launched the AI and Cyber Threat Research Center. The initiative aims to strengthen Indias cyber resilience and safeguard critical sectors such as telecommunications, banking, energy and digital users, reinforcing national economic and security interests.

First Published: February 23, 2026, 08:21 IST

News business markets Stocks To Watch: IDFC First Bank, SBI, Adani Power, Ola Electric, Coal India, And Others

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U.S. troops are seen withdrawing from the Qasrak military base in Hasakah governorate, Syria, Feb. 23, 2026. U.S. forces have begun withdrawing from the Qasrak military base in Syria's Hasakah governorate and redeploying toward Iraq, Syria TV reported on Monday, not providing further details. (Str/Xinhua)

DAMASCUS, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- U.S. forces have begun withdrawing from the Qasrak military base in Syria's Hasakah governorate and redeploying toward Iraq, Syria TV reported on Monday, not providing further details.

The move marks another step in the drawdown of U.S.-led coalition forces from parts of the country. Earlier this month, Syria's interim authority said its army had taken control of the Shaddadi military base in the Hasakah governorate and the Tanf base near the Syrian-Iraqi-Jordanian border following coordination with the United States.

Meanwhile, U.S. media reported that Washington was withdrawing all of its roughly 1,000 troops from Syria. The remaining U.S. forces are expected to leave the country over the next two months, ending a decade-long U.S. military presence.

U.S. forces were first deployed to Syria in 2014 in the name of combating the Islamic State. 

U.S. troops are seen withdrawing from the Qasrak military base in Hasakah governorate, Syria, Feb. 23, 2026. U.S. forces have begun withdrawing from the Qasrak military base in Syria's Hasakah governorate and redeploying toward Iraq, Syria TV reported on Monday, not providing further details. (Str/Xinhua)

U.S. troops are seen withdrawing from the Qasrak military base in Hasakah governorate, Syria, Feb. 23, 2026. U.S. forces have begun withdrawing from the Qasrak military base in Syria's Hasakah governorate and redeploying toward Iraq, Syria TV reported on Monday, not providing further details. (Str/Xinhua)

U.S. troops are seen withdrawing from the Qasrak military base in Hasakah governorate, Syria, Feb. 23, 2026. U.S. forces have begun withdrawing from the Qasrak military base in Syria's Hasakah governorate and redeploying toward Iraq, Syria TV reported on Monday, not providing further details. (Str/Xinhua)

U.S. troops are seen withdrawing from the Qasrak military base in Hasakah governorate, Syria, Feb. 23, 2026. U.S. forces have begun withdrawing from the Qasrak military base in Syria's Hasakah governorate and redeploying toward Iraq, Syria TV reported on Monday, not providing further details. (Str/Xinhua)
Clashes Erupt At JNU: ABVP Accuses Left Groups Of Cold-Blooded Violence, Many Injured

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Last Updated: February 23, 2026, 11:09 IST

JNU Clashes: ABVP claimed that multiple students sustained injuries in what it termed a brutal and targeted attack.

Violence reportedly broke out late at night on the campus of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). (X)

JNU Clashes: Tensions flared at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) late at night as the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) accused Left-backed student organisations of attacking students studying peacefully on campus, while Left-affiliated student groups have alleged that ABVP members were responsible for initiating the violence.

The violent clashes between the ABVP and left-wing student organisations broke out between 1 and 1:30 am on Sunday night.

What ABVP Said?

According to the ABVP, Left-affiliated students assaulted individuals who were studying peacefully in different school areas of the campus. The student outfit said that several students were surrounded and attacked, forcing some to lock themselves inside rooms for safety.

ABVP claimed that multiple students sustained injuries in what it termed a brutal" and targeted" attack. It described the incident as orchestrated violence" and called for immediate intervention by Delhi Police.

Students have been severely injured after a shocking attack by Left-affiliated groups, their only fault" was studying peacefully in the library. This is not politics. This is cowardly, targeted violence against students who came here to study, not to be assaulted. How long will ideological goons be allowed to terrorize campuses? We demand immediate arrests and strict action," ABVP said in a post on X.

Brutal violence in JNU! Students have been severely injured after a shocking attack by Left-affiliated groups, their only fault" was studying peacefully in the library.This is not politics. This is cowardly, targeted violence against students who came here to study, not to be pic.twitter.com/UdPXXFAWv2  ABVP (@ABVPVoice) February 22, 2026

In another post, the student outfit claimed that a biotechnology student was ambushed inside the School of Social Sciences premises, blinded with fire extinguisher powder, and severely beaten. He was reportedly rushed to a hospital in critical condition.

This is not student politics! This is calculated, cold-blooded violence. A university campus is being turned into a battlefield, where students are allegedly targeted and attacked for simply studying and exercising their right to be there. If these left goons can do this inside a central university in the national capital, what message does it send?" it said.

Prateek Bhardwaj, a Biotechnology student from the School of Biotechnology, JNU was allegedly ambushed inside the School of Social Sciences premises by Leftist goons. He was first blinded with fire extinguisher powder and then mercilessly beaten. It is further alleged that even a pic.twitter.com/uHgVTZ05Bu ABVP (@ABVPVoice) February 22, 2026

JNUSU Joint Secretary and ABVP leader Vaibhav Meena said that the Left wings strike has been going on for the last 7-8 days.

The kind of terror they have spread throughout the night, they went to the schools and chased away the students from the study rooms by a mob of 300-400 masked men. Delhi Police did nothing We condemn this" he said.

Left Students Carried Knives, Attempted Mob Lynching

While addressing a press conference, the ABVP levelled serious allegations against Left-wing student groups, claiming that students were attacked while studying inside the library. It further alleged that the attackers attempted to break doors and even used a gas cylinder after allegedly confining a student leader inside a room.

ABVP leaders displayed WhatsApp messages, which they said were sent by students pleading for help during the incident. Vaibhav Meena alleged that the attackers were armed with knives, iron rods and stones. He claimed that around 200250 masked individuals targeted 6070 students who were studying at the time.

ABVP claimed the violence was aimed at intimidating students who did not participate in protests and accused Left-affiliated groups of trying to lock down" the campus.

It said that it would lodge a formal complaint and meet the university administration to seek action against those responsible.

Left Groups Accuse ABVP Of Stone Pelting

On the other hand, Left-affiliated student groups have alleged that ABVP members were responsible for initiating the violence. They alleged that ABVP students pelted stones at the JNUSU campsite.

The SFI claimed that students were gathered in large numbers at the JNUSUs call to demand the revocation of the JNUSUs expulsion order and the resignation of the Vice Chancellor for his anti-Dalit and casteist remarks. However, ABVP members started pelting stones at the crowd, leading to the clash.

Students Protest Against Vice-Chancellors Comments

Meanwhile, hundreds of students marched across the campus late on Sunday night, escalating the protests against Vice Chancellor Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit over her remarks in a recent podcast interview and the rustication of elected students of the JNU Students Union (JNUSU).

The protest followed a JNUSU statement on Friday demanding the VCs resignation over what it called blatantly casteist statements" made during the media interview published last week. The union objected in particular to her criticism of the University Grants Commissions new equity regulations, which she described as totally unnecessary", irrational", and an example of wokeism".

In the interview, Pandit said, You cannot progress by being permanently a victim or playing the victim card. This was done for the Blacks; the same thing was brought for Dalits here."

VC Clarifies Her Statement

Santishree Dandit on Sunday defended her recent remarks regarding Dalits and Blacks, saying her comments were taken out of context and misrepresented for political purposes" by certain groups.

In a written statement shared with ANI by the Vice Chancellor, a large number of faculty" members also extended their unwavering support" to Pandit, accusing the JNU Students Union and the JNU Teachers Association (JNUTA) of eroding deliberative discourse on campus through selective framing.

First Published: February 23, 2026, 07:00 IST

News cities new-delhi-news Clashes Erupt At JNU: ABVP Accuses Left Groups Of Cold-Blooded Violence, Many Injured

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After Late-Night Clash, JNU Warns Strict Action Over Campus Disturbances

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Last Updated: February 23, 2026, 13:07 IST

JNU said students were threatened and buildings locked during a February 22 campus clash. The administration warned of strict action and said classes continue as scheduled.

JNU said classes and academic activities are continuing as scheduled on campus.

The Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) administration on Monday said it has taken serious note of disturbances on campus following a late-night clash between rival student groups. In an official statement, the university said several academic buildings were allegedly locked by protesting students. The administration also claimed some students entered the Central Library and intimidated others.

It has come to the notice of the JNU Administration that several Academic buildings inside the campus were reportedly locked by a group of protesting students. The protesting students entered the Central library and reportedly threatened the unwilling students, intimidated them to join the protest. It is learnt that this led to a scuffle between two student groups on Campus on the night of February 22, 2026. The JNU Administration has taken very serious cognisance of these disturbing incidents," the university said.

The university said strict action is being initiated under university rules and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). It also condemned damage to public property and said steps are being taken to ensure a proper academic environment.

JNU administration condemns such unruly behaviour on campus aimed at repeated destruction of public property and its inclusive ethos. Strict action under the Universitys rules & regulations and under BNS is being taken to ensure a proper academic environment in the campus," the university said.

The administration said classes and other academic activities are continuing as scheduled and urged students to maintain peace.

The administration is committed to safeguarding the academic interests and well-being of all the students and protects the public property of the University. All the stakeholders are requested to desist from indulging in any kind of unwarranted activity and cooperate in maintaining peace and harmony on the Campus failing which strict disciplinary action will be taken as per rules," it said.

It is noted, that presently all classes and other activities are being conducted, and all the concerned are requested to cooperate with the same," it added.

ALSO READ: Clashes Erupt At JNU: ABVP Accuses Left Groups Of Cold-Blooded Violence, Many Injured

The statement came after tensions flared at JNU late Sunday night, with the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) accusing Left-backed student organisations of attacking students who were studying on campus. Left-affiliated student groups, however, alleged that ABVP members initiated the violence.

The clashes between the two sides reportedly took place between 1 am and 1:30 am.

First Published: February 23, 2026, 13:07 IST

News education-career After Late-Night Clash, JNU Warns Strict Action Over Campus Disturbances

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Cartels, Corruption & Cross-Border Trade: How Mexico Became The Epicentre Of Gang Violence

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News18.com

Last Updated: February 23, 2026, 10:23 IST

The killing of drug lord Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, better known as El Mencho, has brought the spotlight on the historical roots and evolution of gang violence in Mexico

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National Guard members stand guard near a burnt bus set on fire by organised crime groups in response to the death of 'El Mehcho'. (AFP)

In one of the most significant setbacks to organised crime in Mexico in recent years, drug lord Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, better known as El Mencho", was wounded in a Mexican military operation and died while being flown to Mexico City on Sunday.

Oseguera, the 59-year-old leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, had a $15 million US bounty on his head. According to AFP, he is one of the biggest Mexican drug lords to be taken down since the capture of the founders of the Sinaloa cartel, Joaquin El Chapo" Guzman and Ismael Zambada. Both are now serving time in the United States.

The top cartel bosss killing has triggered a wave of violence across the country, including road blocks and flight cancellations. Jaliscos capital, Guadalajara, was turned into a ghost town on Sunday night as civilians hunkered down. School was cancelled in several states on Monday and authorities in Jalisco, Michoacan and Guanajuato reported at least 14 dead, including seven National Guard troops. Videos circulating on social media showed smoke billowing over the tourist city of Puerto Vallarta in Jalisco, and people sprinting through the airport of the states capital in panic.

The Jalisco New Generation Cartel is one of the most powerful and fastest growing criminal organisations in Mexico and began operating around 2009. In February 2025, the Trump administration designated it as a foreign terrorist organisation.

AP reported that the Jalisco cartel has been one of the most aggressive 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 an 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. 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.

El Menchos death and the immediate retaliatory violence shows both the persistence of cartel power and the volatile interplay between state efforts to enforce the law and decades of gang-related conflict.

It also brings the spotlight on the historical roots and evolution of gang violence in Mexico, from earlier cartel wars and mass atrocities to the modern era of decentralised, militarised criminal organisations and their impact on society and governance.

THE BEGINNINGS

Much before modern-day cartels, northern Mexico had smuggling networks tied to the Mexican Revolution (1910-1920) where weapons, liquor, and contraband flowed across a porous border. During the US Prohibition (1920-1933), alcohol smuggling created organised criminal routes. From alcohol, the trade moved to opium and marijuana from the 1940s-60s as cultivation in states like Sinaloa grew under tacit protection from corrupt officials.

This period successfully established smuggling routes, corrupt political/criminal connections, and a culture of cross-border smuggling.

THE 1980s: A TURNING POINT

The routes of cocaine smuggling changed to Mexico because of the crackdowns by the United States, which affected the Colombian routes via the Caribbean.

The news headlines at that time were characterised by the Guadalajara Cartel, which was dominated by Miguel Angel Felix Gallardo and was responsible for the centralisation of trafficking in the 1980s. After the death of DEA agent Enrique Camarena in 1985, there was growing US pressure on Mexico. The Guadalajara Cartel split into different cartels, which included the Sinaloa Cartel, Tijuana Cartel, and Juarez Cartel. Just like in every other family, division in this case also led to turf wars.

THE 2006 DRUG WAR & MILITARISATION

In 2006, President Felipe Calderon began a military campaign against the cartels. But rather than weakening them, this action caused the cartels to split up into smaller violent groups, more turf wars, and the militarisation of organized crime.

In 2010, cities such as Ciudad Juarez were some of the most violent in the world. New groups had also appeared, including Los Zetas, who were ex-special forces soldiers, and Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), who were led by El Mencho.

HOW DID MEXICO BECOME THE HUB OF GANG ACTIVITY?

First of all, Mexico has an over 3,100 km long shared border with the US, giving it the strategic benefit of being situated between South American cocaine manufacturers and American consumers. Additionally, Mexico has extensive coastlines (Pacific and Gulf), making trade simpler. The US is one of the biggest illicit drug markets in the world. In short, where there is demand, there is sure to be supply.

In addition to this, corruption has also fueled the fire. For many years, one-party rule in Mexico under the Institutional Revolutionary Party enabled a kind of tacit agreement between the government and drug cartels. However, with the expansion of democracy in the 2000s, such unofficial agreements broke down, and violence escalated.

Deportations from America are also an important factor in this situation. In the 1990s, the US deported thousands of gang members to Central America, fueling the rise of Mara Salvatrucha and Barrio 18. These gangs destabilized El Salvador, Honduras, and Guatemala, fueling the criminal pipeline in Mexico.

Legally purchased high-powered guns in some parts of the US also regularly end up in Mexico, making cartels more powerful.

Structurally speaking, Mexico sits at the intersection of production (South America), transit (Central America and Mexico), and consumption (United States). Add corruption, inequality, youth unemployment, and weak policing and you get a long-term violence cycle.

Location : Mexico City, Mexico

First Published: February 23, 2026, 10:23 IST

News explainers Cartels, Corruption & Cross-Border Trade: How Mexico Became The Epicentre Of Gang Violence

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From WTO Rules To Procedural Concerns: Why Trump's Section 301 Tariffs May Not Stand Legally

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News18.com

Last Updated: February 23, 2026, 15:17 IST

Section 301 is a powerful but controversial trade tool that allows the US president to impose tariffs if a foreign country is found to engage in unfair trade practices.

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)

When US President Donald Trump announced that he would impose a 10 per cent global tariff under Section 122, he framed the move as a necessary economic defence after the US Supreme Court struck down a key pillar of his economic policy. In the same breath, he declared that all national security tariffs under Section 232 and existing Section 301 tariffs would remain in full force and effect." To justify the sweeping action, Trump cited an array of statutes: the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), the National Emergencies Act, Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act, Section 604 of the Trade Act of 1974, and Section 301 authorities.

At the heart of this strategy lies Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974  a powerful but controversial trade tool that allows the US president to impose tariffs if a foreign country is found to engage in unfair trade practices. Trumps reliance on Section 301 dates back to his first term, when it formed the legal backbone of tariffs imposed on China over alleged intellectual property theft, forced technology transfers, and discriminatory licensing practices. After the Supreme Court ruling weakened his broader economic agenda, Trump has now signalled that Section 301  along with other trade statutes  will be used aggressively to sustain tariff leverage.

What Is Section 301?

Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 is a US trade law provision that authorises the president to take action  including imposing tariffs or other trade restrictions  against foreign countries that engage in practices deemed unfair, discriminatory, or harmful to American commerce. Administered by the Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR), the provision allows the US government to investigate alleged violations such as intellectual property theft, forced technology transfer, or market access barriers, and to respond unilaterally if necessary.

Why Critics Say It Doesnt Stand Legally

While Section 301 offers broad executive authority, critics argue that Trumps use of it does not stand legally  both in terms of international trade law and, potentially, domestic constitutional principles.

Conflict with WTO Rules

The most prominent legal objection stems from international trade law. In 2020, a dispute panel of the World Trade Organization ruled that US tariffs imposed under Section 301 against China violated global trade rules. The panel found that the measures breached the Most-Favoured-Nation (MFN) principle and were not justified under WTO exceptions.

Under WTO rules, member states are required to resolve disputes through a multilateral adjudication process before imposing retaliatory measures. Section 301, by contrast, allows the United States to unilaterally determine whether another countrys trade practices are unfair and to impose tariffs without waiting for WTO authorization.

Trade law scholars have long argued that such unilateral retaliation undermines the rules-based trading system. Jennifer Hillman, a former WTO appellate judge, has previously warned that when countries bypass the WTO dispute settlement process and impose tariffs on their own authority, they weaken the very system designed to prevent trade wars." Critics say Trumps renewed assertion that Section 301 tariffs remain fully operative doubles down on that unilateralism.

From this perspective, while Section 301 exists in US domestic law, its application in a manner inconsistent with WTO commitments places the United States in breach of its international obligations.

Procedural Concerns

Even within US law, critics argue that the expansive way in which Section 301 has been used stretches statutory intent. Section 301 was designed to target specific unfair practices following an investigation by the US Trade Representative (USTR). Opponents argue that broad-based tariffs affecting thousands of products  or global tariff frameworks layered on top of Section 122 actions  exceed the tailored remedies envisioned by Congress.

Several importers challenged earlier rounds of Section 301 tariffs in the US Court of International Trade, arguing that the administration failed to follow proper administrative procedures and exceeded its delegated authority. While courts have generally upheld executive discretion under Section 301, litigation highlighted ambiguities in how far that discretion can extend.

Critics now contend that using Section 301 as part of a sweeping tariff architecture  particularly after a Supreme Court setback on domestic economic policy  risks appearing less like targeted trade enforcement and more like executive overreach.

Separation of Powers

Another line of criticism focuses on constitutional concerns. Section 301 delegates significant tariff-setting authority from Congress to the executive branch. Although such delegations have historically survived legal scrutiny, Trumps broad invocation of multiple statutes  including emergency powers under IEEPA  has renewed debate over the limits of presidential trade authority.

Some constitutional scholars argue that trade policy, as a core congressional power under Article I of the US Constitution, cannot be effectively rewritten through expansive executive interpretation. Congress did not intend Section 301 to become a blank cheque for global tariff restructuring," one trade policy analyst observed in commentary following Trumps latest announcement.

The Supreme Courts recent ruling against a component of Trumps economic policy adds political context to the debate. Critics suggest that doubling down on tariff authorities in response to judicial pushback risks inviting further constitutional scrutiny.

The International Economic Emergency Question

Trumps invocation of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act alongside Section 301 also complicates the legal picture. IEEPA is traditionally used to respond to national security threats, sanctions, or geopolitical crises. Using overlapping statutory authorities to sustain trade barriers raises questions about whether economic competition alone qualifies as a national emergency.

Legal commentators argue that conflating emergency powers with trade enforcement blurs statutory boundaries. Emergency powers were not meant to serve as a workaround for adverse court rulings," a former USTR official remarked in media analysis.

Practical Versus Legal Standing

Despite these criticisms, it is important to note that Section 301 remains part of US law, and courts have generally upheld its constitutionality. From a strictly domestic standpoint, Trumps actions may survive judicial review unless courts decide that procedural or constitutional limits were exceeded.

The deeper legal challenge lies internationally. The WTO ruling against earlier Section 301 tariffs remains unaddressed, and Washington has effectively sidelined the WTO appellate system. That institutional stalemate means that while the United States may face reputational costs and retaliatory measures, enforcement mechanisms are politically constrained.

Trumps declaration that Section 301 tariffs remain in full force and effect" may signal political resolve. But legally, the foundation remains contested  at home, debated; abroad, formally challenged.

First Published: February 23, 2026, 15:17 IST

News explainers From WTO Rules To Procedural Concerns: Why Trump's Section 301 Tariffs May Not Stand Legally

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JNUs Long Tryst With Turmoil: A History Of Campus Clashes

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News18.com Edited By: Pragati Ratti



Last Updated: February 23, 2026, 17:08 IST

Unlike many universities where student politics is subdued, debate and activism are woven into everyday academic life at JNU.

ABVP state joint secretary Vikas Patel, yellow, addresses a press conference, in New Delhi, Monday, Feb. 23, 2026. Tensions flared on the campus of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) after a protest turned violent around 1.30 am on Monday, with both the Left-led students union and the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) accusing each other of violence and stone-pelting. (Image: PTI)

Fresh violence broke out on the campus of Jawaharlal Nehru University on the night of February 22, as clashes between members of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and Left-affiliated student groups once again turned the university into a battleground. Both sides accused each other of instigating the confrontation, with reports of injuries, vandalism and heavy sloganeering.

As images and videos circulated widely on social media, the incident revived the same question: why does JNU so often become the epicentre of political confrontation in India?

History Of Violence At JNU

1981: The 46-Day Shutdown

In 1981, JNU witnessed one of its earliest and most prolonged disruptions when violent clashes broke out between rival student groups, many of them aligned with different Left factions. The unrest was reportedly triggered by disputes over student union elections and administrative decisions. The confrontation escalated to the point that authorities shut down the university for 46 days. The closure was unprecedented at the time and established JNUs reputation as a campus where ideological battles could paralyse academic functioning.

2000: Assault on Army Officers

In 2000, two army officers attending a cultural programme on campus were allegedly assaulted after tensions flared during the event. Reports suggested that disagreements over the nature of the programme and the presence of uniformed personnel triggered protests by sections of students. The incident sparked nationwide outrage, with critics accusing the campus of fostering hostility towards the armed forces. University authorities condemned the violence, but the episode intensified scrutiny of JNUs political climate and sharpened the national debate around patriotism and dissent.

2016: The Sedition Row

The 2016 controversy marked a watershed moment in JNUs history. During an event marking the anniversary of Afzal Gurus execution, slogans deemed anti-national" were raised, leading to a massive political storm. The arrest of then JNUSU president Kanhaiya Kumar on sedition charges turned the campus into the centre of a nationwide debate on free speech, nationalism and state power. Television crews camped outside the university, political leaders weighed in, and the case polarised public opinion. For many, it symbolised the growing friction between student activism and an assertive national political narrative.

2020: The Masked Mob Attack

On January 5, 2020, a group of masked individuals armed with sticks and rods entered the campus and attacked students and faculty, injuring several people and vandalising property. The violence reportedly unfolded over hours, with disturbing visuals circulating widely on social media. Students accused rival political groups of orchestrating the assault, while police were criticised for delayed intervention. The attack drew condemnation across party lines and renewed concerns about safety, political intolerance and the failure to prevent escalating tensions on campus.

Why Does JNU Witness Violence So Often?

JNU has, since its inception, cultivated a reputation as one of Indias most politically vibrant campuses. Unlike many universities where student politics is subdued, debate and activism are woven into everyday academic life here. Student organisations representing a wide ideological spectrum  from Left collectives such as AISA and SFI to the ABVP, affiliated to the broader Sangh Parivar  actively contest student union elections, organise talks, and mobilise around national and campus-specific issues.

This culture of engagement has made JNU a training ground for political leadership and public discourse. But it has also meant that ideological differences are sharp, visible and often confrontational.

The rivalry between ABVP and Left groups is not new. It reflects broader ideological divides in Indian politics  nationalism versus dissent, centralised authority versus grassroots activism, and competing visions of social justice and secularism. These differences frequently play out during student union elections, general body meetings, and protests over administrative decisions.

On campuses where student politics is closely tied to national narratives, even local disputes can quickly acquire symbolic weight. At JNU, events rarely remain confined within campus boundaries; they are amplified by television debates, political statements and social media campaigns.

What makes JNU distinct is that it mirrors the ideological churn of India itself. The campus functions as a microcosm of national politics, where debates over free speech, nationalism, minority rights and state power unfold with unusual intensity. When clashes erupt between ABVP and Left students, they are not merely campus scuffles; they are read as symbolic contests between competing political worldviews.

First Published: February 23, 2026, 17:08 IST

News explainers JNUs Long Tryst With Turmoil: A History Of Campus Clashes

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The Shrinking Red Corridor: From Devuji To Hidma, How The Naxal Leadership Has Collapsed

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News18.com Edited By: Pragati Ratti



Last Updated: February 23, 2026, 10:27 IST

The Narendra Modi government has set a firm deadline to end Maoist insurgency in India by March 31, 2026.

The weakening of figures from Hidma to Devuji reflects more than individual setbacks  it signals structural erosion. (Image: PTI)

Indias long-running battle with Left-Wing Extremism has entered a decisive phase. From elusive top commanders to zonal masterminds, the once-formidable Maoist chain of command has steadily thinned. The surrender of top Naxal commander Devuji is not an isolated development  it comes amid one of the most intense phases of leadership attrition within the Maoist movement in recent years.

The Narendra Modi government has set a firm deadline to end Maoist insurgency in India by March 31, 2026. With the government aggressively moving towards its set deadline, the Maoist hierarchy is facing perhaps its most severe crisis in decades  a combination of attrition, isolation, and internal fatigue reshaping the insurgencys future.

Heres a look at how the Naxal hierarchy  from the most wanted leaders to regional operatives  has crumbled over the past few years:

Devujis Surrender

Top Maoist commander Thippiri Tirupati alias Devuji surrendered before the Telangana Police on Saturday. The recent surrender of Devuji  a key mid-level Maoist functionary  highlights a new trend: not just foot soldiers but experienced operatives stepping away from the insurgency.

Leaders such as Devuji  representing the crucial mid-tier of zonal and divisional commanders  were instrumental in logistics, recruitment, and local mobilisation. Security forces have increasingly targeted this layer, creating a vacuum between the top command and foot soldiers. The loss of experienced field operatives has disrupted supply chains, arms movement, and intelligence gathering for the insurgents.

As per reports, another senior Maoist leader, Malla Raji Reddy, along with several cadres, has also laid down arms.

Devuji and Malla Raji Reddy had been active for decades in Abujhmad and Gadchiroli regions and their reported surrender is being seen as a major milestone" in the campaign against Left-Wing extremism.

Madvi Hidma Encounter: The Big Breakthrough

One of the most elusive and tough Maoist commanders, Madvi Hidma had long operated in the dense forests of south Bastar, particularly along the ChhattisgarhTelangana border. A senior leader in the armed wing of the Communist Party of India (Maoist) and associated with the Peoples Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA), he was accused of masterminding several high-casualty ambushes on security forces over the years.

Hidma was killed in November 2025 during a coordinated, intelligence-led joint operation involving central paramilitary forces and state police units in the AndhraChhattisgarh border region. Acting on specific human and technical intelligence inputs about a high-level Maoist meeting in a forested zone, security forces launched a multi-directional cordon-and-search operation.

The encounter reportedly lasted several hours. Advanced surveillance inputs, improved area domination through forward camps, and better inter-state coordination prevented escape routes that had historically helped senior leaders slip through. Hidma was identified after the operation through forensic and intelligence verification.

Security officials described the operation as a watershed moment in the governments push to dismantle the upper and middle tiers of the insurgent hierarchy ahead of its 2026 deadline to eradicate Left-Wing Extremism.

Nambala Keshava Rao (Basavaraju): The General Secretary Taken Down

As the general secretary of CPI (Maoist), Basavaraju represented the ideological and strategic core of the movement after the decline of earlier stalwarts. Under his watch, the group struggled with desertions, funding constraints, and leadership losses.

The killing of Basavaraju in May 2025 marked one of the most consequential blows ever dealt to the CPI (Maoist). As General Secretary, he was the highest-ranking functionary in the organisation  effectively its supreme decision-maker, overseeing political strategy, military doctrine, inter-state coordination, and international ideological positioning.

Unlike many Maoist leaders who operated regionally, Basavaraju sat at the apex of the partys hierarchy, with authority over the Politburo, Central Committee, and the armed wing, the PLGA.

Basavaraju was neutralised during a large-scale, intelligence-driven operation in the Abujhmad forest region of Chhattisgarh  long considered one of the most fortified Maoist bastions in India. He was killed along with over two dozen cadres.

Basavarajus death did not just remove an individual; it destabilised the top layer of an already shrinking leadership pyramid.

Pratap Reddy Ramachandra Reddy (Chalapati): Central Committee Loss

A senior Central Committee member of the Communist Party of India (Maoist), Chalapati was killed in a major encounter in Chhattisgarh in January 2025 during a coordinated anti-Maoist operation. Acting on specific intelligence inputs about the presence of senior leaders in a forested pocket near the ChhattisgarhOdisha border, security forces launched a multi-pronged search operation. The gun battle that followed resulted in the deaths of several Maoists, with Chalapati identified among them after forensic and intelligence verification. His movement across state lines and ability to operate in border regions had long made him a key link in the partys inter-state coordination network.

Chalapatis role extended beyond battlefield presence. As a Central Committee member, he functioned as a strategic bridge between the top leadership and zonal commanders, helping synchronise logistics, recruitment, and operational planning across regions. His death further thinned a leadership layer already hit by successive losses, compounding the strain on succession and continuity within the Maoist hierarchy. In an insurgent structure that depends heavily on experienced underground leaders to maintain cohesion, losing someone of Chalapatis stature significantly weakened organisational stability.

The Shrinking Red Corridor

The Maoists once expansive Red Corridor" has contracted dramatically. Districts earlier considered strongholds have seen a surge in surrenders and development-led governance initiatives. Improved road connectivity, mobile towers, and fortified camps have limited guerrilla mobility  a core strength of their jungle warfare doctrine.

Extortion networks  once a steady revenue stream  have come under surveillance. Simultaneously, tribal youth recruitment has slowed amid increased state outreach, education access, and livelihood schemes. Internal documents recovered in raids reportedly show concerns over morale and dwindling cadre strength.

Unlike earlier large-scale combing operations, recent strategies have emphasised precise intelligence-based strikes and inter-state coordination. The use of drones, satellite mapping, and central-state task force collaboration has chipped away at the Maoist command-and-control architecture.

The weakening of figures from Hidma to Devuji reflects more than individual setbacks  it signals structural erosion. While remnants remain capable of sporadic attacks, the centralised ideological and military coherence that once sustained the insurgency has collapsed.

First Published: February 23, 2026, 10:27 IST

News explainers The Shrinking Red Corridor: From Devuji To Hidma, How The Naxal Leadership Has Collapsed

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2,000-Km Reach, Faster Than BrahMos: India Weighs Israel's 'Golden Horizon' Missile Offer

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Last Updated: February 24, 2026, 14:36 IST

Golden Horizon is tailored for hardened and deeply buried targets, such as underground command bunkers, reinforced military infrastructure and nuclear-related facilities

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If integrated, the Golden Horizon missile is likely to be paired with IAF's Sukhoi Su-30MKI fleet. (FIle Photo/News18 Hindi)

From intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of travelling thousands of kilometres to precision-guided tactical systems, major powers are investing heavily in stand-off strike capabilities that can hit hardened targets deep inside enemy territory.

India, which has developed long-range ballistic systems under the Agni series, including the nuclear-capable Agni-5, is now examining an offer that could further expand its aerial strike envelope. Israel has reportedly proposed supplying India with the Golden Horizon Air-Launched Ballistic Missile (ALBM), a deep-strike weapon designed to target fortified and underground strategic facilities.

The proposed system is understood to be derived from Israels Silver Sparrow, a target missile previously used in missile defence trials to simulate ballistic threats. Defence assessments suggest that the new variant has been adapted into an operational weapon capable of being launched from fighter aircraft.

Although official specifications remain undisclosed, various defence reports estimate the missiles range to be between 1,000 and 2,000 kilometres. If integrated, it is likely to be paired with the Indian Air Forces Sukhoi Su-30MKI fleet, significantly extending the services stand-off strike capability.

Strategic analysts say such a system would represent a different category of weapon from the tactical missiles already in Indian service. Israel has earlier supplied systems such as the LORA, with a reported range of around 400 kilometres, and the Rampage, which can strike targets at approximately 250 kilometres. These weapons are primarily designed to neutralise battlefield assets including radar stations, air defence batteries, command centres and ammunition depots.

Golden Horizon, however, is believed to be tailored for hardened and deeply buried targets, such as underground command bunkers, reinforced military infrastructure and nuclear-related facilities. In contemporary military architecture, many strategic installations are shielded by thick concrete structures and subterranean construction, requiring weapons capable of high-speed impact and deep penetration.

As an air-launched ballistic missile, Golden Horizon would follow a ballistic trajectory after release, climbing to altitude before descending toward its target at extremely high speed. Defence experts estimate that its terminal velocity could approach hypersonic levels, above Mach 5, making interception by conventional air defence systems considerably more challenging. The kinetic energy generated during the final phase is expected to enhance its ability to penetrate hardened surfaces.

The reported offer comes at a time when the IAF is steadily enhancing its layered strike capabilities, ranging from tactical battlefield systems to long-range precision options. While there has been no official confirmation from New Delhi regarding procurement, analysts believe that even preliminary discussions signal a broader shift in Indias long-range military posture.

If the proposal advances, the induction of an air-launched ballistic missile with extended range could significantly expand Indias strategic reach, potentially influencing the regional security calculus.

First Published: February 23, 2026, 13:57 IST

News india 2,000-Km Reach, Faster Than BrahMos: India Weighs Israel's 'Golden Horizon' Missile Offer

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AI Summit Protest: Fifth Accused Arrested From Gwalior, Photo With Rahul Gandhi Surfaces

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News18.com Edited By: Shobhit Gupta



Last Updated: February 23, 2026, 10:50 IST

The accused has been sent to two-day police custody as part of the ongoing investigation into the protest case.

The accused has been identified as Jitendra Yadav, a resident of Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh. (News18)

IYC Shirtless Protest: Delhi Police on Monday arrested another accused from Madhya Pradeshs Gwalior in connection with Indian Youth Congresss (IYC) shirtless protest" inside Bharat Mandapam during the AI Impact Summit 2026.

The accused has been identified as Jitendra Yadav, a resident of Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh. According to sources, Yadav is allegedly linked to the Indian Youth Congress. A photo of him with Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi has also surfaced on social media platforms.

This is the fifth arrest made by the police so far. He has been sent to two-day police custody as part of the ongoing investigation into the protest case.

Four IYC Members Sent To Five-Day Custody

Meanwhile, a Delhi court on Saturday approved a five-day police custody for the four Youth Congress workers who staged a shirtless protest at Bharat Mandapam during the AI Summit.

The court came down heavily on the IYC, saying that their conduct was not legitimate dissent, rather a blatant assault on public order" that imperilled Indias diplomatic image.

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."

While seeking remand, Delhi Police said that the accused had staged a protest similar to the protest in Nepal, claiming that it was a conspiracy to defame the country internationally.

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.

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.

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.

PM Modi Slams Naked Protests

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also hit out at Congress and accused it of using a global event for its dirty and naked politics".

In a scathing jibe at Congress, PM Modi said, You are already naked, then why did you feel the need to take off your clothes?"

What the Congress leaders did there shows how ideologically bankrupt and impoverished the oldest party of the country has become. Congress is busy defaming its own country. Some political parties within the country cannot digest Indias success. We just witnessed the worlds largest AI conference in India. 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," the PM said while addressing a gathering in Meerut.

First Published: February 23, 2026, 09:48 IST

News india AI Summit Protest: Fifth Accused Arrested From Gwalior, Photo With Rahul Gandhi Surfaces

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Cash, Training & A Fresh Start: Inside India's Maoist Surrender Policy As Devuji Lays Down Arms

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Last Updated: February 23, 2026, 16:15 IST

The surrender does not guarantee immunity. Trials in heinous cases may proceed, though states can consider withdrawing minor cases on merit

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Surrendered cadres must confess to their involvement in extremist activities and provide operational details, including information about planners, financiers, and arms. (PTI)

A Rs 5 lakh fixed deposit, a monthly stipend of Rs 10,000 for three years, vocational training, and incentives for surrendered weaponsthese are among the key features of Indias Surrender-cum-Rehabilitation Scheme for Left Wing Extremists (LWEs), a policy aimed at drawing Maoist cadres away from armed insurgency and back into the mainstream.

The framework, valid until March 31, 2026, forms part of the Centres broader conflict-resolution strategy in LWE-affected states. It combines firm policing with financial and social rehabilitation, designed to ensure surrendered cadres do not return to the fold.

The policy came into sharp focus after top Maoist commander Devuji surrendered before police in Chhattisgarh in a move hailed by the state government as a major breakthrough against the insurgency.

What the Policy Offers

Under the guidelines, financial assistance depends on rank:

 Higher-ranking cadres, including state committee and central committee members, are eligible for a Rs 5 lakh grant.

 Middle- and lower-ranking cadres may receive Rs 2.5 lakh.

 The money is deposited as a fixed deposit in the surrenderees name and can be withdrawn after three years, subject to good behaviour certification by authorities. It can also serve as collateral for loans to start self-employment ventures.

 In addition, surrendered weapons fetch separate incentives. Heavy weapons like LMGs or sniper rifles can earn Rs 35,000 per weapon, AK-series rifles Rs 25,000, and pistols or carbines Rs 10,000. Explosives, grenades, detonators, communication devices, and even ammunition rounds carry prescribed compensation rates. These incentives are also locked in fixed deposits for three years.

Training and Reintegration

Surrendered cadres are initially housed in rehabilitation camps, where they receive training in trades aligned with their aptitude. During this period, they are entitled to a monthly stipend of Rs 10,000 for up to 36 months. If the individual secures government employment, the stipend is discontinued.

The aim, according to the policy framework, is not merely surrender but sustainable reintegration, preventing former cadres from being drawn back into the insurgency due to financial insecurity.

Strict Screening Mechanism

Eligibility is not automatic. A Screening-cum-Rehabilitation Committee constituted by the state government scrutinises each case. The committee includes senior police officials, representatives from the Home Department, and Central Armed Police Forces.

Surrendered cadres must confess to their involvement in extremist activities and provide operational details, including information about planners, financiers, and arms. Tactical surrendersattempts to misuse the scheme for strategic gainare explicitly barred.

Legal Cases May Continue

The surrender does not guarantee immunity. Trials in heinous cases may proceed, though states can consider withdrawing minor cases on merit. Fast-track courts may be set up for speedy disposal.

Centre-State Funding Model

Under the Security Related Expenditure (SRE) scheme, the Union government reimburses 60 per cent of the rehabilitation expenditure incurred by states, including grants and stipends, while states bear 40 per cent.

Devujis Surrender In Context

It is within this framework that Devujis surrender assumes significance. As a senior Maoist commander operating in Chhattisgarh, his decision to lay down arms underscores the pressure faced by the insurgency amid sustained security operations and parallel rehabilitation outreach.

Officials suggest that high-profile surrenders such as Devujis not only weaken operational networks but also send a message to cadres deeper in the ranks that an exit route existsbacked by structured financial and institutional support.

With the policy remaining in force until 2026 and periodic reviews by the Ministry of Home Affairs, authorities hope more cadres will choose reintegration over insurgency, further shrinking the footprint of Left Wing Extremism in affected states.

First Published: February 23, 2026, 16:15 IST

News india Cash, Training & A Fresh Start: Inside India's Maoist Surrender Policy As Devuji Lays Down Arms

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Air Ambulance With 7 On Board Crashes In Jharkhands Chatra; AAIB Team Rushes To Spot

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Last Updated: February 24, 2026, 05:33 IST

The aircraft involved, VT-AJV, was an air ambulance operated by Redbird Airways between Ranchi and Delhi.

AAIB team to reach the incident site shortly | Image: News18

An air ambulance carrying seven occupants, including two crew members, crashed near Simariya in Chatra district after it went off radar shortly after taking off from Ranchi Airport, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said on Monday.

All seven on board the air ambulance were killed in the crash, Chatra Deputy Commissioner Keerthishree G said. SDPO Shubham Khandelwal told PTI that the bodies of all the seven persons on board have been retrieved.

The aircraft involved, VT-AJV, was an air ambulance operated by Redbird Airways between Ranchi and Delhi, sources said.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said a search and rescue team is at the location, and the AAIB team is being dispatched for investigation.

The aircraft was regularly operating medical evacuation flights from Ranchi Airport and was one of two air ambulances based in Ranchi and operated by Redbird Airways, the other being VT-RAM, officials added.

The aircraft was carrying patient Sanjay Kumar along with the flight crew, Captain Vivek Vikas Bhagat and Savrajdeep Singh.

Four other occupants, identified as members of the patients family, were also on board: Archana Devi, Dhuru Kumar, Vikas Gupta and Sachin Mishra, officials said.

The plane departed Ranchi at 19:11 pm and lost contact at 19:34 pm near Atali.

After departure, initial contact was established with the next air traffic control station, following which control was formally handed over.

However, communication was subsequently lost, and the aircraft did not re-establish contact with Ranchi Airport.

As per air traffic control records at Varanasi (VEBN), the aircraft did not establish contact after the scheduled handover.

The aircraft went missing around 7.30 pm. It crashed at Bariatu Panchayat area in Simaria," Keerthishree G said as quoted by PTI, adding that the site of the crash is located deep inside a forest.

Following the loss of communication, the Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC) was activated at in accordance with emergency protocols. State authorities were informed, and search and rescue operations were initiated.

Officials said all standard operating procedures are being followed as agencies work to assess the situation.

Location : Ranchi, India, India

First Published: February 23, 2026, 22:35 IST

News india Air Ambulance With 7 On Board Crashes In Jharkhands Chatra; AAIB Team Rushes To Spot

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SHENYANG, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- On the eve of the Spring Festival, Gu Yu from Shenyang, capital of northeast China's Liaoning Province, was multitasking. Along with helping his family paste couplets and make dumplings, he was also busy checking travel guides on various online platforms.

During this year's nine-day Spring Festival holiday that began on Feb. 15, Gu planned to first enjoy a reunion dinner with his family at home, and then to travel with them to south China's Guangdong Province on the second day of the Chinese New Year, which falls on Feb. 17 this year.

"The long holiday makes it a perfect time to take my parents out to experience the festive atmosphere of other cities," Gu said.

The extended break, dubbed the "longest Spring Festival holiday ever," offered Chinese people more choices in terms of how they celebrate. Like Gu, many young people have adopted a "split-shift" Spring Festival, reshaping tradition while also keeping it alive.

Data from online travel service provider Fliggy shows a significant surge in travel service bookings during this year's Spring Festival holiday.

Post-80s and post-90s generations were the main drivers of travel during this holiday, accounting for 64 percent of all travelers, according to a report by the China Association of Travel Services. More people chose to travel with family, with trips of three generations together emerging as a popular option, making up 34 percent of total travelers.

To cope with the surging travel demand, transport authorities across China rolled out multiple measures to ensure smooth travel during the Spring Festival holiday travel rush.

Railway operators dynamically analyzed big data from China's railway ticketing platform 12306 to add trains on popular routes and sections. Multiple airlines replaced narrow-body aircraft with wide-body ones on busy routes to maximize capacity. On the tropical island province of Hainan, for instance, wide-body aircraft capacity during the 2026 holiday surged 15 percent year on year.

Beyond better transport, diverse cultural tourism activities and traditional new year experiences across the country have also drawn people out to soak up the holiday spirit in new ways.

Shenyang launched nearly 40 ice-and-snow activities, along with events such as lantern fairs and night tours at museums. Guangdong's capital Guangzhou, meanwhile, hosted multiple intangible cultural heritage exhibitions, featuring carefully selected displays of southern school jade carving, fish-shaped lanterns and shadow puppetry.

Attracted by such diverse offerings, Jin Xiaodong from Changzhi, north China's Shanxi Province, took his parents on a trip to Guizhou Province in the southwest on the third day of the Spring Festival for an immersive experience of local rich ethnic culture.

"In the past, the Spring Festival was just a blur of social visits. We were always on the go and never really rested. Now, traveling with my family feels more relaxing and brings out the true flavor of the new year," Jin said.

His experience reflects a broader shift, one that Wang Xiaoyu, a professor at Beijing Sport University, said gives the festival "richer meaning."

"It's no longer just about going home, but also about going out to explore the world and embrace life," Wang noted. 
Bomb Threat Email To Delhi Assembly, Red Fort; Sender Mentions 'Khalistani Group'

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Last Updated: February 23, 2026, 14:12 IST

A threatening email received at the Delhi Assembly warned of bomb blasts at the Assembly and the Red Fort, thus triggering a security alert.

New Delhi: A Delhi Police personnel stands guard near the Red Fort (Photo: PTI)

A bomb threat targeting the Delhi Legislative Assembly and the Red Fort was issued through an email that also referenced a Khalistani group, prompting heightened security measures across the national capital on Monday.

The threatening email was reportedly sent to the Assembly Speaker, following which security and intelligence agencies initiated precautionary checks and monitoring.

According to the Delhi Fire Service, they received a call informing them about the threat at nearly 12 pm.

A search operation was conducted for an hour. However, nothing suspicious was found, and the call was declared a hoax.

The development comes at a time when intelligence agencies have already flagged potential terror risks around prominent areas of Old Delhi.

An alert had earlier been issued warning of a possible terror threat near the Red Fort and the Chandni Chowk area.

Inputs suggested that Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) could be planning an improvised explosive device (IED) attack, with religious locations identified as potential targets.

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," news agency ANI quoted intelligence sources as saying, adding that prominent temples in the country remain on the groups radar.

It further indicated that the suspected plot may be linked to an attempt to avenge a February 6 mosque blast in Islamabad, Pakistan, and warned that a major terrorist strike in India could be under planning.

The alert led to closer surveillance and monitoring of areas surrounding the Red Fort as well as key religious places in Chandni Chowk.

Security agencies have maintained a strict watch in the region, given the strategic and symbolic importance of the Red Fort and the heavy footfall in adjoining market and religious zones.

The intelligence warning also comes in the backdrop of the November 10, 2025, car explosion near the Red Fort that killed 12 people after an explosives-laden vehicle detonated near Gate No. 1 of the Red Fort Metro Station.

The blast triggered fires in nearby vehicles and led to an extensive probe by the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

BOMB THREATS AT DELHI SCHOOLS

Meanwhile, in a separate development on Monday, two schools in Delhi also received bomb threats via email, triggering evacuations and large-scale search operations.

Army Public School in Dhaula Kuan and Air Force Bal Bharti School on Lodhi Road informed authorities after receiving threatening emails in the morning.

Teams from Delhi Police, bomb disposal squads, dog squads and Delhi Fire Services rushed to both locations, and surrounding areas were cordoned off to ensure the safety of students and staff.

Officials said that nothing suspicious had been found so far.

The cyber cell has been tasked with tracing the origin of the emails, and investigations are underway to determine whether the threats are linked or part of separate incidents.

First Published: February 23, 2026, 13:32 IST

News india Bomb Threat Email To Delhi Assembly, Red Fort; Sender Mentions 'Khalistani Group'

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Every Penny Will Be Returned: Haryana CM Saini On Rs 590 Crore IDFC FIRST Bank Fraud Case

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Last Updated: February 23, 2026, 22:12 IST

IDFC FIRST Bank has suspended four employees after detecting suspected fraudulent transactions of nearly Rs 590 crore in Haryana government-linked accounts at Chandigarh branch.

Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini (Credits: ANI)

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Monday said the state government acted swiftly after irregularities were noticed in the alleged Rs 590 crore fraud linked to certain Haryana government accounts at the Chandigarh branch of IDFC FIRST Bank.

Saini said the government was proactive in identifying discrepancies in certain accounts.

When some glitches were noted, we asked for statements, and those, too, did not match. Therefore, the government decided to transfer all the money to an authorised bank, along with interest," the Chief Minister said. He added that the funds are completely safe and assured that the money will be recovered.

The Haryana CM said IDFC FIRST Bank had written to SEBI in its defence, stating that an employee was at fault. However, the state government has referred the matter to the Anti-Corruption Bureau and the Vigilance Department to examine the seriousness of the case.

The investigation is going on. Appropriate action will be taken against those found guilty, and even the bank if it is found at fault," he said, reiterating that the government would ensure accountability in the matter.

#WATCH | Chandigarh: On Rs 590 cr fraud at IDFC First Bank, Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini says, We have been proactive in catching this fraud When some glitches were noted, we asked for statements, and those, too, did not match. Therefore, the government decided to transfer pic.twitter.com/HUD7CJzjrO ANI (@ANI) February 23, 2026

The matter surfaced on social media recently, we have investigated the case till the ground level I assure the House that all the money will come back I can make any statement only after the investigation. Every penny will be returned," the CM stated.

His remark came in response to a question asked by the Leader of the Opposition, Bhupinder Singh Hooda, in the Haryana Assembly.

Hooda demanded to know what action the state government has taken in the matter and whether accountability has been fixed.

What action did the Haryana government take? We have all the details that the inquiry is being conducted The Haryana government is capable of finding out the culprit in the case," he said.

#WATCH | Chandigarh | On Rs 590 cr fraud at IDFC First Bank, Haryana Assembly LoP Bhupinder Singh Hooda says, What action did Haryana government take? We have all the details that the inquiry is being conducted The Haryana government is capable of finding out the culprit in pic.twitter.com/vWRPUUMX16 ANI (@ANI) February 23, 2026

Whats The Case?

IDFC FIRST Bank has suspended four employees after uncovering suspected fraudulent transactions worth nearly Rs 590 crore in certain Haryana government-linked accounts at its Chandigarh branch. The development was disclosed in a regulatory filing by the bank.

In its statement, the bank said an initial internal review found that the issue was restricted to a specific set of government-linked accounts handled at the Chandigarh branch and did not affect other customers.

It noted that the total amount currently under reconciliation in the identified accounts is around Rs 590 crore. The final financial impact, the bank added, will depend on further verification of claims, possible recoveries  including action against beneficiary accounts in other banks  liabilities of other entities involved, and the outcome of legal proceedings.

The bank confirmed that four officials suspected of involvement have been suspended pending investigation.

It also said it would initiate strict disciplinary, civil and criminal proceedings against employees and any external individuals found responsible, in accordance with the law. Efforts to recover the funds through legal channels are under way.

Haryana Government Takes Action

After the disclosure, Haryanas Finance Department (Institutional Finance & Credit Control) announced that it has de-empanelled IDFC FIRST Bank and AU Small Finance Bank for all government-related transactions with immediate effect.

According to an official statement, no government funds will be deposited, invested or routed through these banks until further notice.

All departments, boards, corporations and public sector undertakings have been directed to shift their balances to authorised banks and close existing accounts with the two institutions.

Opposition Voices Concern

Congress leader Rao Narendra Singh reacted strongly to the incident, calling it more than a financial lapse.

He described it as a serious blow to public trust and questioned how such a substantial amount could allegedly be misused without major negligence or possible collusion at higher levels. He also raised concerns about whether the governments financial monitoring systems were functioning effectively.

Location : Haryana, India, India

First Published: February 23, 2026, 17:54 IST

News india Every Penny Will Be Returned: Haryana CM Saini On Rs 590 Crore IDFC FIRST Bank Fraud Case

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Is India Really Ready For The Boom Of Artificial Intelligence?

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CNN-News18 Edited By: Apoorva Misra



Last Updated: February 23, 2026, 11:23 IST

We must move swiftly in the direction of getting a legislation that regulates and promotes the growth of Artificial Intelligence in India

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The lack of legislation and law in India to regulate the growth of Artificial Intelligence can lead to troublesome situations. (Pixabay Image for Representation)

For the last one week, the worlds top tech CEOs, innovators, disruptors and national leaders have told us the obvious during their sojourn to New DelhiArtificial Intelligence is here to change your reality. The unprecedented interest and the huge footfall at the India-AI Summit 2026 is the testament of roaring interest from across sectors. More than 85 countries participated in the AI summit and more than 17 heads of state from Europe, South America, South-East Asia and from different parts of the world registered their presence.

India and Indians abroad have led the last technology boom as the world witnessed the rapid expansion of digital era in the last three decades. There is no doubt that Indians will significantly contribute to the rapid expansion of Artificial Intelligence in the world. The question for India or Indians is not of talent or our capability. Neither the world, nor ourselves should have any doubt about our talent, capabilities or our ability to innovate.

The question rather is of the ecosystem. Ecosystems for thriving growth are built with talent and a conducive environment for growth. A conducive environment requires an intricate balance between development and regulations. The global AI regulatory framework has taken a sharp shift from voluntary guidelines to binding legal frameworks that address ethical and safety concerns across different sectors. The worlds first comprehensive legislation is offered by the European Union that came into force in 2024. It binds the member states to bring in a sandbox legislation that can foster growth while regulating the growth of Artificial Intelligence. China has one of the worlds most specific regulations targeting generative AI, Deep Synthesis and Algorithm Recommendations. Canada, South Korea, United Kingdom are all moving towards a binding legal framework.

The lurking question isWhere is Indias law regulating Artificial Intelligence? In the absence of such a law, is India ready for the boom of Artificial Intelligence? The indirect deficit governance through the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, (DPDP Act) or the rules under the Act are thoroughly insufficient to deal with disruptive changes that Artificial intelligence shall bring to India and the world. The DPDP Act does not even mention Artificial Intelligence. It is not just evidence of lack of legislative foresight but also points to a complete vacuum when it comes to regulating Artificial Intelligence.

One may be sorely mistaken to think the regulations can be an afterthought on which any government can play a catch-up. Artificial Intelligence is not about robots or tech toys. Its a technology that is here to affect healthcare, policing, justice delivery, governance and all avenues of life.

The EU legislation recognises the way AI shall impact democracy, governance, and citizen rights. One of the objects of the EU legislation is to protect the fundamental rights of the Charter, to ensure that the growth of AI does not tinker with the rights of the citizens. The Chinese government requires prior registration of the Algorithm to ensure that AI does not promote any kind of subversion. The point here is that democratic nations or the Union of nations like the European Union are protecting their democracy, while the Chinese have an interest to prevent any kind of subversion to the Chinese government. Democracy or autocracy shall be affected by Artificial Intelligence. While the last boom of technology gave us gadgets, connected us and led to an explosion of content, it did not seek to replace humans, it did not seek to think or predict on your behalf. The impact of AI is far reaching and shall affect all sectors.

The lack of legislation and law in India to regulate the growth of Artificial Intelligence can lead to troublesome situations where cheap Chinese technology can make its way in justice delivery, healthcare, policing or at the very least in the lives of ordinary citizens. Private establishments across sectors are left without a roadmap or any guidelines about the legality of a certain technology. And its anybodys guess that AI can use the private data of citizens for marketing, profiling, predicting behaviours, and creating discontent or disharmony.

Its time India bites the bullet and takes the bull by its horns. We must move swiftly in the direction of getting a legislation that regulates and promotes the growth of Artificial Intelligence in India.

First Published: February 23, 2026, 11:08 IST

News india Is India Really Ready For The Boom Of Artificial Intelligence?

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'Need Of The Hour': Karnataka Congress' 31 First-Time MLAs Write To Kharge Seeking Cabinet Berths

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Last Updated: February 23, 2026, 15:56 IST

In the letter, the MLAs pointed out that when the 34-member Siddaramaiah-led cabinet was formed, no first-time MLA was given a ministerial position.

Rahul Gandhi with Siddaramaiah | File Image

As many as 31 first-time Karnataka Congress MLAs have written to party president Mallikarjun Kharge, urging the leadership to accommodate new and young faces during the next cabinet reshuffle, calling it a need of the hour".

The letter, which has also been addressed to senior leaders including Rahul Gandhi, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar and Congress general secretary KC Venugopal, seeks ministerial berths for first-time legislators amid talks of cabinet expansion.

The signatories include Mandya MLA Ravikumar Gowda Ganiga, Virajpet MLA AS Ponnanna, and Pavagada MLA HV Venkatesh, among others.

In the letter, the MLAs pointed out that when the 34-member Siddaramaiah-led cabinet was formed, no first-time MLA was given a ministerial position, despite the Congress coming to power with a decisive mandate.

It is the need of the hour that young, dynamic and proactive first-time MLAs are provided an opportunity to serve as ministers in the cabinet," the letter stated.

The legislators have requested that at least five first-time MLAs be accommodated whenever the Chief Minister, in consultation with the Congress high command and the Deputy Chief Minister, undertakes a cabinet reshuffle.

The MLAs further argued that giving ministerial responsibilities to newcomers is not unprecedented, noting that several state governments across the country have been led by first-time MLAs as Chief Ministers, with many others inducted as ministers.

The Karnataka cabinet reshuffle has been on the cards for some time, with CM Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM DK Shivakumar holding separate and parallel meetings in New Delhi with senior Congress leaders over the past four months.

However, no final decision has yet been taken on either a reshuffle or an expansion of the 34-member cabinet.

Location : Karnataka, India, India

First Published: February 23, 2026, 15:55 IST

News india 'Need Of The Hour': Karnataka Congress' 31 First-Time MLAs Write To Kharge Seeking Cabinet Berths

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Not Meant For Those Who Abuse PM Modi: Ex-BJP MP Refuses Blankets To Muslims In Rajasthan

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Last Updated: February 23, 2026, 10:17 IST

The incident took place in Tonk district, where Jaunapuria was conducting a free blanket distribution programme in a village.

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When some villagers objected to his conduct, he maintained that the blanket distribution was not a government programme but an initiative funded by him personally.

A former Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP has sparked controversy in Rajasthan after allegedly denying blankets to members of the Muslim community during a charitable distribution drive.

Sukhbir Singh Jaunapuria, who was elected to the Lok Sabha in 2014 and 2019, justified his action by saying the blankets were not meant for people who abuse" Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The incident took place in Tonk district, where Jaunapuria was conducting a free blanket distribution programme in a village.

A video of the episode has since gone viral on social media. In the footage, Jaunapuria is seen addressing a gathering of beneficiaries after noticing the presence of a few Muslim individuals. He refused to distribute blankets to them and also directed that blankets already given to members of the minority community be taken back.

In the viral video, he is heard saying: Jo Modi ko gaali dene wala hain, usko lene kaa haq hi nahi hain. (Those who abuse Modi, are undeserving of this)." He also indicated that it would not concern him if anyone felt hurt by his decision.

Jaunapuria also reportedly showed displeasure toward his supporters for bringing members of the Muslim community to the event. When some villagers objected to his conduct, he maintained that the blanket distribution was not a government programme but an initiative funded by him personally, and said he had the discretion to decide who would receive the aid.

Jaunapuria represented the Tonk-Sawai Madhopur constituency in the Lok Sabha for two consecutive terms. As part of his philanthropic work, the BJP leader has been running a free canteen for the underprivileged for the past nine years, an initiative that was once praised by Narendra Modi during an episode of his radio programme Mann Ki Baat.

Location : Tonk, India, India

First Published: February 23, 2026, 10:17 IST

News india Not Meant For Those Who Abuse PM Modi: Ex-BJP MP Refuses Blankets To Muslims In Rajasthan

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Om Birla's 'Friendship Groups' To Be Led By Young MPs Like Shrikant Shinde To 80-Year-Old Chidambaram

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Last Updated: February 23, 2026, 23:19 IST

The 'friendship groups' will bring together MPs from across party lines, with several senior opposition leaders appointed to head key delegations as well

Shiv Sena's Shrikant Shinde (L) will be the youngest leader of a delegation. In sharp contrast, at the age of 80 years old, Congress leader and former finance minister P Chidambaram (R) will also be leading a group. (Image: PTI/File)

From 39-year-old Shrikant Shinde to 80-year-old P Chidambaram, MPs across party lines have been chosen to lead Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birlas parliamentary friendship groups".

Speaker Birla, in a significant push to expand Indias inter-parliamentary engagement, has formed these groups to interact with more than 60 countries, marking a renewed effort to strengthen legislative diplomacy alongside traditional foreign policy channels.

Similar delegations were formed last year after Operation Sindoor to broadcast Indias successful military strikes against terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir.

Once again, Shiv Senas Shrikant Shinde will be the youngest leader of a delegation. In sharp contrast, at the age of 80 years old, Congress leader and former finance minister P Chidambaram will also be leading a group.

The initiative aims to deepen dialogue between the Indian Parliament and legislatures across continents, fostering sustained engagement through structured parliamentary exchange. These friendship groups will bring together MPs from across party lines, reflecting an emphasis on bipartisan representation in Indias global outreach.

Several senior opposition leaders have been appointed to head key delegations as well. Apart from Chidambaram, who will head the delegation to Italy, senior Congress leader Pramod Tiwari will lead the Mexico group.

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav will lead the delegation to Australia, while NCP(SP) leader Supriya Sule will head the Singapore delegation and DMKs Kanimozhi will lead the team for Greece. Among other opposition leaders, AAPs Sanjay Singh will head a delegation while the TMCs Derek OBrien will lead the group to Chile and Abhishek Banerjee will head a delegation to Algeria. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has been named to lead the delegation to France, while K Suresh will head the team for Qatar and AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi will lead the delegation to Oman.

From the ruling BJP, senior leaders have been entrusted with key assignments. Baijayant Panda will head the delegation to the United States, while former law minister Ravi Shankar Prasad will lead the team to the United Kingdom. Sanjay Jaiswal will head the Kenya delegation, Nishikant Dubey will lead the team for Russia, and Anurag Thakur has been chosen for the European Union. Senior Rajya Sabha MP Neeraj Shekhar will lead the Nepal delegation.

The BJP-led NDA has also accommodated allies. The TDPs Krishna Lavvu will be leading the team for the Maldives, while JD(U) leader Sanjay Jha will head the Germany group, and Shrikant Shinde will lead the delegation to Indonesia.

Among members taking part in the delegations are Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra in the Japan delegation and Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi for the Portugal group.

According to sources, the move follows suggestions from MPs, who took part in the overseas outreach efforts after Operation Sindoor. They had urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to formalise parliamentary friendship groups, a practice that had lapsed in recent years.

Prime Minister Modi is learnt to have assured MPs that such groups will be institutionalised. Birla is said to have personally overseen the formation of the delegations to ensure wide political representation.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju was tasked with coordinating the exercise with the Speakers office. Inputs were also sought from the ministry of external affairs regarding Indias relations with various countries.

In total, 64 delegations have been announced. Notably, countries such as Bangladesh, China and Pakistan do not feature on the current list.

Each delegation will have 10 members drawn from both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, with representation for women MPs. Ministers and MPs, who expressed inability to travel, have not been included.

The announcement comes at a time of sustained opposition criticism of the Centres foreign policy and Indias ties with major global powers. Beyond diplomatic outreach, the initiative is expected to foster a sense of collective representation among MPs across party lines, enabling them to project India as a unified voice on the global stage.

First Published: February 23, 2026, 23:19 IST

News india Om Birla's 'Friendship Groups' To Be Led By Young MPs Like Shrikant Shinde To 80-Year-Old Chidambaram

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Maharashtra Man Breaks Into 52-Year-Old's House In Palghar, Shoots Him

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Last Updated: February 23, 2026, 17:07 IST

The victim sustained gunshot wounds and was promptly taken to a local hospital, where he is currently receiving medical treatment.

Image used for representation

A 52-year-old man was seriously injured when an intruder broke into his home and opened fire in Maharashtras Palghar district early Monday morning, according to police reports.

The incident took place around 2:30 a.m. in Vadhave village of Palghar tehsil, an official stated.

The suspect, Umesh Gharat (45), a resident of Betegaon, allegedly entered the house of Suresh Varghade and shot at him before escaping the scene, the official added.

Varghade sustained gunshot wounds and was promptly taken to a local hospital, where he is currently receiving medical treatment.

Palghar District Superintendent of Police Yatish Deshmukh confirmed that a case has been registered against Gharat under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Arms Act. Gharat remains at large.

Police are conducting preliminary investigations to ascertain whether the attack was the result of a personal dispute or another grievance.

Thane Murder Accused Held From Palghar

A 24-year-old man from Palghar has been arrested after evading authorities for more than a year in connection with a murder that occurred during a New Year party in Thane district, Maharashtra, officials reported on Sunday.

The tragic incident took place in the Kashimira area during the early hours of January 1, 2025. The victim and his friends had gathered at a friends house to celebrate the New Year. While they were dancing to music played on a sound system, an argument erupted between one of the attendees and a local man over the choice of song, according to a police official.

The local man later summoned his associates to the scene, and they allegedly attacked the victim and his friends with wooden sticks and other objects. During the assault, Raja Pariyar sustained severe injuries and subsequently died, while two of his friends were seriously injured, the official added.

Location : Palghar, India, India

First Published: February 23, 2026, 17:03 IST

News india Maharashtra Man Breaks Into 52-Year-Old's House In Palghar, Shoots Him

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Parliamentary Panel Seeks Clarity On Trumps Tariff Plans; Govt Assures Indias Interests Safe

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Last Updated: February 23, 2026, 23:10 IST

The meeting saw lawmakers across party lines raising questions over Trumps shifting public positions on tariffs and their possible implications for India.

The standing committee on External Affairs is chaired by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor

Recent remarks by US President Donald Trump on imposing fresh global tariffs came up for discussion at a meeting of the Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs on Monday, prompting members to seek clarity on the potential impact on Indias trade and economic interests.

The meeting, convened to examine the Demands for Grants, saw lawmakers across party lines raising questions over Trumps shifting public positions on tariffs and their possible implications for India.

Members asked officials to outline the governments assessment and preparedness in the event of unilateral trade measures by Washington.

According to sources, officials, including Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, told the committee that there was no immediate cause for concern, stressing that Indias trade arrangements are the product of detailed negotiations guided strictly by national interest.

Officials underlined that any trade engagement with the United States is carefully calibrated to protect domestic industry and strategic priorities.

Sources said the Foreign Secretary also highlighted that the US continues to view India as a major democracy and a trusted strategic partner, noting that bilateral ties remain strong and stable despite periodic policy shifts in Washington.

The standing committee is chaired by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor and includes senior parliamentarians from both sides of the aisle.

Members present included BJP leaders Ravi Shankar Prasad and Aparajita Sarangi, while opposition representatives such as Asaduddin Owaisi and Akshay Yadav also participated in the discussions.

On broader India-US trade engagement, officials told the panel that structured dialogue mechanisms remain in place to address issues related to market access, tariffs and regulatory barriers.

Both countries, they said, continue to work towards strengthening trade ties through sustained negotiations aimed at balanced and mutually beneficial outcomes.

Trumps Global Tariffs

The concerns come in the backdrop of Trumps recent statements following a US Supreme Court ruling that struck down tariffs imposed during his administration.

Soon after the verdict, Trump announced plans to levy a 10 per cent tariff on all imports into the US under a different legal provision, later raising it to 15 per cent.

The 15 per cent levy, announced on February 21, represents the maximum tariff permitted under Section 122 of the US Trade Act of 1974, a provision that has rarely been invoked.

Officials noted that such tariffs are temporary in nature and can remain in force for only about five months, after which approval from the US Congress would be required.

The government reiterated before the committee that any current or future trade understanding with the US would be based on reciprocity and careful assessment, ensuring that Indias economic and strategic interests remain fully safeguarded.

First Published: February 23, 2026, 23:10 IST

News india Parliamentary Panel Seeks Clarity On Trumps Tariff Plans; Govt Assures Indias Interests Safe

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PM Modi To Inaugurate Noida International Airport Next Month, Says CM Yogi Adityanath

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Last Updated: February 23, 2026, 20:26 IST

PM Modi will inaugurate Noida International Airport at Jewar in March 2026, marking a major milestone for Uttar Pradesh, which now has the highest number of airports in India.

PM Modi To Inaugurate Noida International Airport Next Month. (File Photo)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the Noida International Airport at Jewar next month, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced on Monday during an interaction with the Indian diaspora in Singapore. Describing the new facility as Indias largest airport and a major aviation hub for both passengers and cargo, Yogi emphasised its importance.

Addressing the diaspora, the Chief Minister highlighted that Uttar Pradesh now boasts the highest number of airports in the country. He remarked that the forthcoming airport in Jewar represents a crucial milestone in the states infrastructure growth.

Uttar Pradesh has the highest number of airports in India. PM Modi will inaugurate Noida International Airport, Jewar, next month. This is about to be the biggest airport in India..," CM Yogi Adityanath said.

Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi In Singapore

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is on a visit to Singapore. On Monday, he held talks with Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Singapore.

In a post on X, Yogi said, Had a meaningful discussion with Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan, Hon. Minister for Foreign Affairs of Singapore, today. Discussed strengthening Uttar Pradesh-Singapore cooperation under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with focus on investment facilitation, infrastructure collaboration, skill development and digital economy partnerships. Reiterated our commitment to further strengthening India-Singapore relations under the leadership of Hon. PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji."

Yogi Adityanath is on an official visit to Singapore from February 22-24, as part of his official visit to Singapore and Japan.

First Published: February 23, 2026, 20:00 IST

News india PM Modi To Inaugurate Noida International Airport Next Month, Says CM Yogi Adityanath

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Posters Surface Linking 'Tehreek-e-Taliban Hindustan' To Punjab Cops Killing, Police Deny Claim

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Last Updated: February 23, 2026, 14:03 IST

The circumstances around the incident, including a terror angle, are under investigation, the police said.

The two Punjab Police personnel - Assistant Sub-Inspector Gurnam Singh and Home Guard Ashok Kumar -were found shot dead inside a police checkpost room in Adhian village.

Posters allegedly from terror outfit Tehreek-e-Taliban Hindustan purportedly taking responsibility for the killing of two police personnel at the Dorangala police post near the India-Pakistan border in Punjabs Gurdaspur district, have surfaced on social media platforms. However, police denied such claims.

A social media post, purportedly circulated by the little-known terror outfit, carried an emblem, a flag and images of the two policemen. In a message written in Hindi and English, the outfit stated that its Al-Burq Brigade" carried out the attack at the police station in Gurdaspur district and warned of further attacks against Indian security personnel. It also issued threats to members of the Army, Police and Border Security Force, asking them to resign or face being targeted.

Senior officials dismissed the claim, stating that the group has no known presence in Punjab or elsewhere in India. It is too early to say anything," one official said as quoted by The Tribune, while another described the poster as a possible diversionary tactic aimed at misleading investigators.

Whats The Case?

The two Punjab Police personnel  Assistant Sub-Inspector Gurnam Singh and Home Guard Ashok Kumar -were found shot dead inside a police checkpost room in Adhian village, around 2 km from the International Border with Pakistan, on Sunday.

According to Dorangala Station House Officer (SHO) Banarsi Dass, the bodies were discovered after repeated calls to the personnel went unanswered. While the ASIs body was later found lying on a chair with both his hands in his pockets, the other cop was on a cot in a sleeping position.

I was there at the post till 11.30 pm. In the morning, when they did not pick up the phone till 7:30, we reached there," the SHO said as quoted by news agency PTI, adding that CCTV camera footage of the area is being checked.

Gurdaspur Senior Superintendent of Police Aditya said police received information in the morning that the two personnel had sustained gunshot injuries. The crime scene was cordoned off, and technical and forensic teams were deployed for investigation.

The circumstances around the incident, including a terror angle, are under investigation, the police said. Such outposts are maintained by the Punjab Police in coordination with the Border Security Force (BSF), and act as the second line of defence.

Did Cops Shoot Each Other?

As per news reports, it was claimed that the two personnel opened fire on each other following a heated argument while on duty.

Family members of the deceased rejected speculation that the two officers could have killed each other. Gurnam Singhs son, Sandeep Singh, said his father was found seated on a chair with bullet injuries to his head, while the other officer was lying on a bench. Ashok Kumars son also dismissed such theories as baseless.

My younger brother, who visited the spot, said that our father (Gurnam) was in a sitting position on a chair while another police official was lying on a bench. Both had sustained bullet injury to their heads," Gurnam Singhs son Sandeep Singh said as quoted by the news agency.

What CCTV Footage Revealed?

The police said CCTV footage from a nearby area showed at least five people on two motorcycles going toward the direction of the police outpost. The footage was stated to be of around 1:30 am. The police have taken the footage for analysis.

Punjab CM Announces Rs 1 Crore Ex Gratia

Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has announced financial assistance of Rs 1 crore each for the families of the deceased officers.

Tributes were paid to martyred ASI Gurnam Singh and PHG Ashok Kumar for their bravery and supreme sacrifice while on duty.

The Punjab Government will provide an ex-gratia amount of Rs 1 crore each to their families. Additionally,a bank will provide an extra insurance amount of Rs 1 crore each.

The government stated that it stands firmly with the families of the martyrs and that their sacrifice will continue to inspire everyone to perform their duties with honor and courage.

The Dorangala sector is considered sensitive due to frequent attempts to smuggle narcotics, arms and ammunition through drones from across the border. Punjab Police and the Border Security Force maintain heightened vigilance in the area. In April 2025, a BSF soldier was injured in an IED blast along the border in the same sector.

(With inputs from agencies)

Location : Gurdaspur, India, India

First Published: February 23, 2026, 13:02 IST

News india Posters Surface Linking 'Tehreek-e-Taliban Hindustan' To Punjab Cops Killing, Police Deny Claim

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KATHMANDU, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- Nineteen people were killed, and 25 others were injured when a passenger bus en route to Kathmandu from Pokhara plunged into the Trishuli River in central Nepal's Dhading district early Monday, according to local administration.

One Chinese national was killed in the accident, while another Chinese citizen was injured and is currently receiving treatment at a local hospital, the Chinese Embassy in Nepal confirmed.

The bus, reportedly with 45 on board, fell off the highway into the river, leading to the fatal accident.

"Most of the 27 injured have been sent to hospitals in Kathmandu for further treatment after primary care in a local hospital," Mohan Prasad Neupane, spokesperson at the district administration office, told Xinhua. 
Refusing To Marry After Sex Because Of 'Kundali' Mismatch Can Lead To Offence: Delhi High Court

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Last Updated: February 23, 2026, 23:40 IST

The accused sought bail on the ground that the relationship was consensual and the parties had known each other for eight years.

AI-Generated Image Used For Representational Purpose

Refusing to marry due to a kundali (horoscope) mismatch after engaging in a physical relationship based on an assurance of marriage can lead to criminal charges under Section 69 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Delhi High Court has stated.

Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma made this observation while denying bail to a man accused of establishing physical relations with a woman and then refusing to marry her on the grounds that their birth charts did not match.

The judge noted that the relationship had developed over time based on the accuseds repeated assurance to the woman that there were no obstacles to their marriage, including kundali matching. Therefore, at this stage, his conduct would attract the offence under Section 69 of the BNS.

The accused, who has been in judicial custody since January 4, sought bail, arguing that the relationship was consensual and that the parties had known each other for eight years. His counsel contended that rape on the false pretext of marriage was not applicable and that the accused deserved regular bail.

In its order on February 17, the court noted that the womans first complaint was lodged in November 2025 but was withdrawn based on the alleged assurance of marriage given by the accused and his family. Later, the accused refused to marry her, citing non-matching kundalis. Consequently, a fresh FIR was lodged in January 2026 for offences under Section 376 (rape) of the IPC and Section 69 of the BNS.

The court stated that the sequence of events indicated that this was not merely a case of a relationship turning sour" but involved repeated assurances of marriage despite the accused being aware of his familys insistence on kundali-matching.

The court emphasised that criminal law cannot be invoked merely because a relationship fails or a marriage does not materialise. However, in this case, the subsequent refusal to marry based on non-matching kundalis, despite earlier assurances to the contrary, raised questions about the nature and genuineness of the promise. Such conduct, at this stage, would attract the offence under Section 69 of the BNS.

The court dismissed the bail application, citing the nature of the allegations, the evidence collected during the investigation, and the fact that the chargesheet had not yet been filed.

First Published: February 23, 2026, 23:40 IST

News india Refusing To Marry After Sex Because Of 'Kundali' Mismatch Can Lead To Offence: Delhi High Court

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Shedding Colonial Mindset: C Rajagopalacharis Bust Replaces Edwin Lutyens' At Rashtrapati Bhavan

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Last Updated: February 23, 2026, 19:23 IST

President Droupadi Murmu unveiled Rajagopalacharis bust at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre during the Rajaji Utsav on Monday morning.

President Droupadi Murmu pays floral tribute to the bust of Chakravarti Rajagopalachari during its unveiling at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

The bust of British architect Edwin Lutyens at Rashtrapati Bhavan has been replaced with that of Chakravarti Rajagopalachari, marking a symbolic move to shed the countrys colonial past.

President Droupadi Murmu unveiled Rajagopalacharis bust at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre during the Rajaji Utsav on Monday morning. The bust is placed at the Grand Open Staircase near Ashok Mandap, occupying the spot previously held by Lutyens, the chief architect of New Delhi and the namesake of the area known as Lutyens Delhi.

President Murmu shared the development on X, stating that the initiative is part of series of steps being taken towards shedding the vestiges colonial mindset and embracing, with pride, the richness of Indias culture, heritage, timeless traditions and honouring those who served Bharat Mata with their extraordinary contributions."

President Droupadi Murmu unveiled bust of Shri Chakravarti Rajagopalachari Ji, the first and only Indian Governor General of independent India at Rashtrapati Bhavan.The bust of Chakravarti Rajagopalachari, situated at the Grand Open Staircase near Ashok Mandap, replaces the bust pic.twitter.com/xEkZHcwVhA President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) February 23, 2026

Among those present at the ceremony were Vice President CP Radhakrishnan, Union Ministers Jagat Prakash Nadda, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Dharmendra Pradhan, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Dr L. Murugan, and family members of Rajaji.

ALSO READ: C Rajagopalacharis Statue To Replace Lutyens At Rashtrapati Bhavan: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also reposted President Murmus announcement, calling it a commendable effort, which reflects Indias resolve to honour those who shaped our destiny and to shed remnants of a colonial mindset. Rajaji was a towering scholar, freedom fighter, thinker and administrator. His life embodied integrity, intellect and unwavering commitment to the nation."

Meanwhile, writer Matt Ridley, the great-grandson of Edwin Lutyens, expressed disappointment over the removal of his ancestors bust, noting on X, Sad to read that the bust of Lutyens (my great grandfather) is to be removed from the presidential palace he designed in Delhi. Here I am with it last year. I wondered at the time why his name had been removed from the plinth."

Sad to read that the bust of Lutyens (my great grandfather) is to be removed from the presidential palace he designed in Delhi. Here I am with it last year. I wondered at the time why his name had been removed from the plinth. pic.twitter.com/EITcGKUAMa Matt Ridley (@mattwridley) February 23, 2026

The move comes after an announcement by PM Modis on Sunday that Lutyens statue at Rashtrapati Bhavan would be replaced by Rajagopalacharis. An exhibition on Rajagopalachari will be held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre from February 24 to March 1, showcasing his contributions to the nation.

(With inputs from agencies)

First Published: February 23, 2026, 19:04 IST

News india Shedding Colonial Mindset: C Rajagopalacharis Bust Replaces Edwin Lutyens' At Rashtrapati Bhavan

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Tamil Nadu Polls Will Be Fought For Social Justice: CM Stalin At News18 Town Hall

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Last Updated: February 23, 2026, 21:12 IST

MK Stalin says the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly election will be an ideological fight to defend social justice and state autonomy against NDA tactics.

Tamil Nadu CM at the News18 Network Town Hall Chennai Edition (Credits: MK Stalin/X)

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Tuesday said the 2026 Assembly election in the state will be a direct ideological battle, asserting that Tamil Nadu will once again stand firm against forces that seek to weaken elected governments.

Speaking at the News18 Network Town Hall Chennai Edition, Stalin criticised the BJP and the NDA, accusing them of attempting to destabilise state governments. While the BJP attempts to destabilise elected governments, our #DravidianModel has delivered inclusive growth and record progress in Tamil Nadu," he said.

Framing the upcoming election as a contest of values, Stalin added, The 2026 election in Tamil Nadu will be a straight fight between a State that stands for social justice, state autonomy, secularism and democratic values, and the NDA, which thrives on intimidation, coercing defections through raids, and the misuse of institutions."

#News18NetworkTownHall Chennai EditionWhile the BJP attempts to destabilise elected governments, our #DravidianModel has delivered inclusive growth and record progress in Tamil Nadu. The 2026 election in Tamil Nadu will be a straight fight between a State that stands for pic.twitter.com/S2gFw6SVzZ  M.K.Stalin     (@mkstalin) February 23, 2026

The Chief Minister expressed confidence that the people of Tamil Nadu would reject such politics. Tamil Nadu has defeated such forces before, and it will do so again," he said.

Stalins remarks come as political activity in the state begins to intensify ahead of the 2026 Assembly polls, with parties sharpening their narratives and positioning themselves for what is expected to be a high-stakes contest.

First Published: February 23, 2026, 21:12 IST

News india Tamil Nadu Polls Will Be Fought For Social Justice: CM Stalin At News18 Town Hall

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Those Who Toil Receive The Profit, Not Some Rich Person: Amit Shah To Bharat Taxi Drivers

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Last Updated: February 23, 2026, 12:43 IST

Amit Shah said the aim of Bharat Taxi was not to earn big profits like other companies but to strengthen the sarthi taxi drivers.

Amit Shah Interacts With Drivers After Launch of Bharat Taxi

Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah interacted with drivers of Bharat Taxi and assured them of support for the new initiative. He told the drivers that the company belongs to them and asked them to be patient for the next three years as the platform is on its growing stage.

On February 5 in Delhi, Amit Shah launched Indias first cooperative-based ride-hailing platform, Bharat Taxi". The platform is Indias first government-backed cooperative ride-hailing app, seen as an alternative to Ola and Uber.

Amit Shah said, Our objective is to make the owner prosperous. The only difference is  you are the owner. You only need to invest Rs 500. If Bharat Taxi earns Rs 25 crore, 20 per cent will go into the companys account as your share, and the remaining 80 per cent will be distributed based on taxi operations. This means that apart from fare income, you will also earn profit. You will need patience for the first three years. The accounts will remain transparent and accessible to you. It will function on cooperative principles. Bharat Taxi will not exploit you."

Addressing the drivers, Amit Shah said the aim was not to earn big profits like other companies but to strengthen the sarthi taxi drivers. He said the drivers would be the owners of the company and added that in the coming three years the service would expand to most states. Bharat Taxi is expected to grow across more states.

Amit Shah said, The concept is that the one who is working hard, the one who is toiling, should get the profit, not some rich man. Why did we come up with the idea of Bharat Taxi? You said that there were a lot of complaints, 30 per cent was deducted, and there was no certainty The purpose of running those companies is to make the owners rich. Our purpose is also to make the owners rich. The only difference is that you are the owner."

The platform follows a driver-owned model backed by Amul, IFFCO and NABARD. It offers zero commission for drivers, charging only membership fees. It also promises no surge pricing and transparent fares.

Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: February 23, 2026, 12:28 IST

News india Those Who Toil Receive The Profit, Not Some Rich Person: Amit Shah To Bharat Taxi Drivers

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'To Prevent Violent Tendencies': Bihar Plans Banning Meat Sale Near Educational, Religious Places

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Last Updated: February 23, 2026, 20:06 IST

Bihar government plans to ban open sale of meat and fish near educational and religious places, says Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha.

AI-generated image used for representation

The Bihar government is planning to ban the open sale of meat and fish in public areas or near educational or religious places over public health concerns.

Making the announcement, Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha said on Monday that the decision has been taken to ensure that social interaction and the spirit of purity are not violated, no ones sentiments are hurt, and the environment is not polluted, adding that the government has no problem with the food preference of people.

This is a new initiative of the new government. The changing face of Bihar is clearly visible. We held a meeting under the Urban Development Department. We took seriously the issues raised in the meeting with intellectuals under the Jankalyan Samvad," he said.

From a health perspective, for social interaction, and to prevent violent tendencies among children, we will ban the sale of meat and fish near educational and religious institutions and in crowded open spaces," added the Deputy CM.

Patna, Bihar: Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha says, The new governments new initiative reflects the changing face of Bihar. We held a meeting under the Urban Development Department and, during a public welfare dialogue with intellectuals, seriously considered the issue pic.twitter.com/CjdnKeTwjH IANS (@ians_india) February 22, 2026

The governments latest comments come after its recent decision to stop the sale of meat and fish in the open across all urban local bodies in the state. As per the new policy, such items can now only be sold from properly licensed shops that operate in line with existing laws and regulations.

Speaking in the Legislative Council during the Budget Session, Sinha had said the decision was taken in view of public health, sanitation and public sentiment. He referred to feedback received during a recent visit to Darbhanga.

I had gone to Darbhanga, where people raised this demand. At the Land Reforms Jan Kalyan Samvad, several intellectuals and people from all sections of society attended and said that within the municipal corporation area, illegal sale of meat in the open along the roadside had made it difficult to pass through that road," he had said.

Location : Bihar, India, India

First Published: February 23, 2026, 20:02 IST

News india 'To Prevent Violent Tendencies': Bihar Plans Banning Meat Sale Near Educational, Religious Places

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Holi 2026 Date: Is Holi On March 3 Or 4 And When To Celebrate Holika Dahan?

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Last Updated: March 02, 2026, 13:51 IST

Amid confusion over Holi in Varanasi, Kashi scholars have clarified the correct dates for Holika Dahan and Holi, citing key astronomical factors behind the change

Rapid Read

Holi 2026 Date: March 3 or March 4, Holka Dahan Date

Holi 2026 Date: The date of Holi this year has sparked confusion across India, with some states celebrating it on March 3 and others on March 4 due to Lunar Eclipse. Kashi Vidwat Parishad has issued a detailed clarification. Scholars at Banaras Hindu University (BHU) convened a meeting and released the complete calendar for the festival of colours in 2026.

In 2026, there will be more than a 24-hour gap between Holika Dahan and Holi. Traditionally, Holika Dahan is performed at midnight on the full moon (Purnima) during an auspicious muhurat free from Bhadra, and Holi is celebrated the following day.

However, in 2026, Holika Dahan will take place on March 2, while Holi will be celebrated across India on March 4 (Chaitra Krishna Pratipada).

Lunar Eclipse Reason Behind Date Difference

Pandit Vinay Pandey, Minister of the Vidwat Parishad and Head of BHUs Department of Astrology, explained that special astronomical circumstances have caused the unusual gap this year.

A lunar eclipse will occur on March 3 at 5:49 pm and will be visible in India. The Sutak period will begin around 9 am on March 3. Until that time, the full moon will prevail. As a result, Holi will be observed nationwide on March 4 during Pratipada.

Auspicious Time For Holika Dahan

Pandit Vinay Pandey stated that two conditions are essential for Holika Dahan: the presence of the full moon at night and a muhurat free from Bhadra. When such complexities arise, the least inauspicious time is chosen in accordance with scriptures.

On the night of March 2, the full moon coincides with the tail (Puchh) of Bhadra. According to religious texts, Bhadras tail is not considered harmful. Therefore, tradition recognises the night of March 2 as appropriate for Holika Dahan.

The shubh muhurat for Holika Dahan will be between 12:50 am and 2:32 am that night.

States Celebrating Holi On March 3

Maharashtra including Mumbai, Pimpri and Pune

Gujarat including Ahmedabad, Rajkot and Surat

Rajasthan in Jaisalmer

Karnataka in Mangalore

States Celebrating Holi On March 4

Uttar Pradesh, New Delhi

Rajasthan in Kota and Jaipur

Maharashtra in Nagpur

Karnataka in Bengaluru and Mysore

Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal and Odisha

Regional Variations In Holi Celebrations

Pandit Pandey also highlighted that Holi is celebrated differently across various parts of the country.

In Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, the festival of colours continues from Chaitra Krishna Pratipada until Rang Panchami (Chaitra Krishna Panchami).

In North India, Holi is primarily celebrated on Chaitra Pratipada.

In certain regions, celebrations begin with Rangbhari Ekadashi and continue until Holi.

First Published: March 02, 2026, 13:37 IST

News lifestyle events Holi 2026 Date: Is Holi On March 3 Or 4 And When To Celebrate Holika Dahan?
Why Chinamaxxing Is Becoming Gen Zs Latest Viral Lifestyle Trend

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Last Updated: February 23, 2026, 16:03 IST

Chinamaxxing is Gen Zs newest lifestyle obsession - blending Chinese traditions, herbal remedies, and mindful habits into a viral wellness movement online.

Chinamaxxing captures how social media is reshaping perceptions of China into a modern lifestyle fantasy.

Chinamaxxing is a growing social media trend where young people romanticise Chinese culture and lifestyle. It includes habits like drinking hot water instead of coffee, practising Tai Chi, using chopsticks, following herbal remedies, and wearing traditional Chinese clothing.

Viral captions such as You met me at a very Chinese time of my life" add to its appeal.

Influencers Fuel The Trend

Influencers have helped spread Chinamaxxing globally. Political streamer Hasan Piker praised Chinas development after visiting, while TikTok creator Sherry Zhu encouraged followers to adopt traditional Chinese wellness habits. Their content has helped the trend go viral, inspiring Gen Z to experiment with Chinese lifestyle choices.

Social Medias Role In Shaping Perceptions

Platforms like TikTok, Instagram and Reddit showcase attractive visuals of Chinese cities, night markets, and daily life routines. Experts say these videos challenge old stereotypes and highlight aspects of Chinas urban lifestyle, making it appealing to a generation curious about alternative ways of living.

A Subtle Soft Power Shift

Analysts note that Chinamaxxing reflects Chinas growing soft power" globally. While American pop culture dominated the 1990s and Korea influenced the 2010s, many believe the mid-2020s are seeing the rise of a C-Wave," where Chinese cultural influence spreads through lifestyle, aesthetics, and social media trends.

Critics Warn Of An Idealised Image

Some experts caution that Chinamaxxing offers a sanitised version of Chinese life. Influencers often ignore the reality of an intense 996" work culture. For many Western youth, the trend represents a quiet rebellion against high-pressure work environments and disillusionment with their own countrys future.

Gen Z Seeks Alternative Lifestyles

For followers of Chinamaxxing, the trend isnt just aesthetic, its a way to explore alternative lifestyles, prioritise wellness, and embrace flexibility over rigid norms. Beyond silk pyjamas and herbal teas, it reflects a generation experimenting with new cultural influences in a globalised world.

Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: February 23, 2026, 16:03 IST

News lifestyle events Why Chinamaxxing Is Becoming Gen Zs Latest Viral Lifestyle Trend
BAFTA AWARDS 2026: Best Dressed Celebrities On The Red Carpet

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News18.com Edited By: Snigdha Oreya



Last Updated: February 23, 2026, 11:33 IST

The 2026 EE BAFTA Film Awards saw Alia Bhatt, Kate Hudson, Chase Infiniti, Monica Bellucci and Kate Middleton grace the red carpet in style.

Chase Infiniti, Alia Bhatt, Kate Middleton at the 79th edition of the BAFTA Film Awards.

Hosted at the Royal Festival Hall on February 22, 2026, in London, the 79th edition saw an array of celebrities bring their fashion A-game to the awards ceremony.

Bollywood star Alia Bhatt, royal couple Prince Williams and Kate Middleton, actor Emma Stone, Chase Infiniti, Monica Bellucci and many more made their stylish appearances on the red carpet.

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From couture houses to luxury brands, the BAFTA Film Awards 2026 red carpet was all about timeless styles through a contemporary lens. Heres some of the best looks from the night!

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Be Kind Rewind

Kate Middleton rewore her 2019 Gucci gown at the 2026 BAFTA Awards. Kate looked graceful in the off-shoulder ombre gown, which she styled with diamond drop earrings. The softness of the pastel colour palette blended perfectly with her elegant style.

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Shimmer And Sparkle

A red carpet is incomplete without a little bling, right? The 2026 BAFTA Awards saw celebrities, including Alia Bhatt and Hannah Waddingham, shimmer in sequins on the red carpet. Alia Bhat opted for a custom Gucci silhouette embellished in silver sequins, and Hannah Waddingham stole the show in Pamella Rolands pre-fall red ombre signature sequin halter gown, featuring a sculpted crystal neckline.

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The awards night also saw sequins and embellished motifs take centre stage in outfits adorned by Kylie Jenner, Mia McKenna, EJAE, Nathalie Emmanuel and Dame Donna Langley.

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Showstopper Accessories

The jewellery pieces adorned by the celebrities sparkled on the red carpet too. From Tiffany & Cos Bird on a Rock brooch adorned by Teyana Taylor to Monica Belluccis luxurious Cartier necklace, every statement piece had its showstopper moment at the 2026 BAFTA Awards.

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Sculpted Stars

Be it Teyana Taylors Burberry dramatic ensemble or Posy Sterlings Gaurav Gupta Couture masterpiece, the BAFTA Film Awards 2026 won big in sculpted silhouettes. Rei Ami, Erin Doherty, Audrey Nuna, and Chase Infiniti brought their stylish, sculpted game to the awards ceremony, too. Chases floating dress from Louis Vuitton was not only mesmerising but was also one of the best looks from the night.

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A Colour Riot

The colour scheme for the night saw a blend of vibrant and pastel shades that blend perfectly with classic blacks. Celebrating pastel hues on the red carpet were stars including Rose Byrne, Aimee Lou Wood, Kirsten Dunst and Sadie Sink. Making a statement in red were Kate Hudson and Minnie Driver, who matched the red carpet energy with their choice of colour.

Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: February 23, 2026, 11:33 IST

News lifestyle fashion BAFTA AWARDS 2026: Best Dressed Celebrities On The Red Carpet
Kate Middleton Turns 2019 Gucci Rewear Into A Regal Moment With Historic Diamonds At BAFTAs

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Last Updated: February 23, 2026, 09:19 IST

Kate Middleton rewore her Gucci chiffon gown and paired it with historic Cartier Greville earrings, blending sustainable style with royal glamour at the BAFTAs.

Kate Middletons BAFTA comeback is timeless elegance at its finest. (Images: X)

Some entrances are about spectacle. Others are about the story. At the BAFTA Film Awards, the most compelling fashion moment arrived not in novelty, but in legacy. After a brief hiatus, Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales, stepped back onto the red carpet with the kind of polish only history can provide  each detail steeped in heritage, each piece carrying memory.

On the arm of Prince William, Prince of Wales, the evening felt less awards ceremony and more modern fairytale.

The foundation was soft and cinematic: a flowing chiffon gown by Gucci in raspberry and rose tones. Off-the-shoulder and whisper-light, the silhouette moved like air, cinched neatly with a burgundy velvet belt that echoed Williams coordinating jacket. The choice to rewear the design, first seen in 2019, added an intentional note. In an era of constant newness, Kate Middletons repeat signalled confidence. The message was clear: true elegance doesnt expire. Loose chestnut waves, bronzed skin and minimal makeup completed the look, letting the fabric  and the jewels  do the talking.

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Then came the detail that stopped conversations. At her ears: the legendary Greville chandelier earrings, created by Cartier between 1918 and 1929. Crafted in platinum and modern-cut diamonds, the Art Deco design delivered architectural brilliance.

Their provenance reads like a chapter from royal lore. Once owned by society hostess Margaret Greville, the jewels were later bequeathed to Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, who eventually passed them down as a wedding gift to Queen Elizabeth II. Decades later, they found a new custodian in Kate. Against the softness of chiffon, the diamonds blazed  sharp, luminous, unforgettable.

Kates BAFTA formula felt deliberate: rewear fashion, archival jewellery, and timeless tailoring. Sustainability met sovereignty. Romance met restraint.

Meanwhile, William mirrored the palette in a deep red velvet evening jacket by Emporio Armani; the couple visually aligned without looking rehearsed. In a sea of contemporary gowns, it was this balance of past and present that lingered longest.

Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: February 23, 2026, 09:19 IST

News lifestyle fashion Kate Middleton Turns 2019 Gucci Rewear Into A Regal Moment With Historic Diamonds At BAFTAs
The New Diamond Code: Earthy Hues Replace Classic Sparkle At The BAFTAs

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Last Updated: February 23, 2026, 19:44 IST

From brooches to ear climbers, warm-toned natural diamonds dominated the BAFTA carpet, signalling a refined shift toward character stones and quiet glamour.

Champagne and brown diamonds replaced classic whites at the BAFTAs.

Red carpets usually chase brilliance with bigger stones, brighter flashes, and louder shine. But at the British Academy Film Awards, the mood shifted. The glow felt warmer, richer, more intimate.

Instead of icy white diamonds engineered to blind the camera, a subtler story emerged. Champagne, cognac, honey and whiskey-toned stones caught the light like late-afternoon sun. They didnt compete with couture. They completed it. Call it the rise of the Desert Diamond  a new jewellery language rooted in depth rather than dazzle.

A Collective Jewellery Moment

When multiple personalities lean into the same aesthetic on one evening, it rarely happens by accident. Gillian Anderson, Nathalie Emmanuel, Archie Madekwe, Audrey Nuna, and Rege-Jean Page each stepped out in variations of warm-toned natural diamonds  a quiet consensus that signalled the evenings most consistent style code. Under flash photography, these stones glowed instead of glittering. The effect felt cinematic. Softer. Almost molten.

Gillian Andersons jewellery was a study in control: asymmetric earrings and rings that felt architectural rather than ornamental. The diamonds didnt flood the look; they punctuated it. Emmanuel echoed the mood with elongated drop earrings and matching accents that framed her silhouette without overwhelming it. Meanwhile, Audrey Nuna took a sharper, Gen Z approach by styling ear climbers that felt directional and deliberately minimal. This was precision over excess. Jewellery as structure, not spectacle.

For decades, the diamond narrative centred on clarity and colourlessness. This season, individuality took the lead. Champagne and brown hues, often called Desert diamonds, celebrate their natural origin marks. Their warmth feels human, less clinical. Less perfect, more personal. Designers leaned into this philosophy. Brazilian house Ara Vartanian delivered striking brown-and-white combinations, while ANANYA and Hirsh London played with sculptural brooches and climbers. Even menswear entered the conversation, with brooches pinned onto tailoring  a heritage accessory reborn with edge.

The shift felt symbolic. Natural diamonds werent shouting for attention. They were embedded in the moment  integrated into personal style rather than performing luxury. Its less about carats, more about character. At the BAFTAs, the most memorable sparkle didnt blind the room. It held it.

Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: February 23, 2026, 19:44 IST

News lifestyle fashion The New Diamond Code: Earthy Hues Replace Classic Sparkle At The BAFTAs
ISLAMABAD, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- Five suspected terrorists were killed during an operation by the law enforcement agencies near the Pakistan-Afghanistan border in Pishin district of Pakistan's southwest Balochistan province on Sunday, an official told Xinhua.

A spokesperson for the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) of police said that the operation was conducted near a refugee camp on the basis of intelligence reports about the presence of terrorists in the area.

The CTD official said that security personnel engaged the suspects in a gun battle, resulting in the killing of all five terrorists, including a suicide bomber who detonated himself to avoid arrest.

"The terrorists were planning attacks on police headquarters and a cadet college in the region," said the official, adding that weapons and explosive materials were recovered from a vehicle at the scene.

The official added that search and clearance operations in the surrounding area were ongoing to ensure no other suspects remain at large. 
Alia Bhatt Makes BAFTA Debut In Gucci Gown, Reveals Her True Source Of Inspiration

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Last Updated: February 23, 2026, 07:50 IST

Alia Bhatt walked the red carpet in a custom Gucci halter-neck gown in silver sequins, layered with delicate microbeads.

Alia Bhatt presented a key award at BAFTA 2026. (Photo Credit: Instagram/planetaliabhatt)

Alia Bhatt marked a significant international milestone as she made her debut at the British Academy of Film and Television Arts Awards. The actor attended the ceremony at Londons Royal Festival Hall, where she also took on presenting duties for the category Best Film Not in the English Language.

Bhatt walked the red carpet in a custom Gucci halter-neck gown in silver sequins, layered with delicate microbeads. She described the finish as a cinematic glow," with the look drawing comparisons to classic Hollywood glamour, reportedly inspired by Marilyn Monroe. The appearance quickly gained attention online, with fans noting her polished red carpet presence.

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During her appearance on the red carpet, Alia Bhatt also stopped for a moment for a quick interaction with the media, where she reflected on her love for cinema and true source of inspiration." She shared, I feel most myself in front of the camera. Being in front of the camera to me, its a blessing. I feel so grateful that I love my job so deeply."

The actress, who is a mother to three-year-old Raha Kapoor, spoke about how motherhood has influenced her personally. I have to say that my true source of inspiration and magic right now is my daughter. Looking at her, you know, just bloom, and shes three now, dancing to my song sometimes. Im like, okay, that is life."

Will Alia Bhatt Turn A Producer

Alia Bhatt was also asked whether she sees herself producing a film in the UK in the future. Without confirming anything specific, she responded positively to the idea. I mean, I would say put it out there. Put it out there. Put it out there, like, tonight, were putting it out there. Yeah, I think its a great night for it. Yeah, its the best night, actually."

Alia Bhatts Film Lineup For The Year

On the professional front, Alia Bhatt has two Hindi films lined up for release this year. She will star in Sanjay Leela Bhansalis romantic drama Love and War, co-starring her husband and talented actor Ranbir Kapoor, along with Vicky Kaushal. Besides, she will also be seen in the action-led spy film Alpha. In the film, she shares screen space with Sharvari and Bobby Deol. Both films are scheduled for release later this year.

First Published: February 23, 2026, 07:50 IST

News movies bollywood Alia Bhatt Makes BAFTA Debut In Gucci Gown, Reveals Her True Source Of Inspiration
Bhagyashree Turns 57: Iconic Roles, Life Journey And Bollywood Comeback

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Last Updated: February 23, 2026, 07:50 IST

Bhagyashree Birthday: Best known for her role in Maine Pyar Kiya, Bhagyashree carved a niche despite stepping away from mainstream cinema at the peak of her popularity.

Bhagyashree plays the role of Rajmata Jijabai, the mother of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, in the upcoming film Raja Shivaji. (Image: bhagyashree.online/Instagram)

Bhagyashree Birthday: Fans are celebrating the birthday of Bhagyashree, an actress whose debut performance became one of the most memorable introductions in Hindi cinema. Rising to fame at a young age, she captured audiences with a single film that went on to define an era of romance in Bollywood.

Bhagyashree needs no introduction for avid Bollywood fans. The actress played the lead in the 1989 hit Maine Pyar Kiya and went on to star in a number of films. As she turns 57, heres a closer look at her iconic roles, life journey and Bollywood comeback.

Bhagyashrees Iconic Roles

Maine Pyar Kiya (1989)

Directed by Sooraj Barjatya, Maine Pyar Kiya starred Salman Khan alongside Bhagyashree. In her debut role as Suman, she portrayed a middle-class young woman who falls in love while navigating friendship, class differences and family expectations. The film became one of the biggest hits of its time and earned Bhagyashree the Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut.

Paayal (1992)

In Paayal, Bhagyashree starred opposite Himalay Dassani. The film was part of her early 1990s projects following her marriage. Though it did not replicate the commercial scale of her debut, it added to her filmography during her active years in Hindi cinema.

Tyagi (1992)

Directed by KC Bokadia, Tyagi featured an ensemble cast including Rajinikanth, Jaya Prada and Gulshan Grover, with Bhagyashree playing a key female lead. In the film centred on justice, revenge and family values, she portrayed an emotionally significant character, which showcased her in a different cinematic space.

Humko Deewana Kar Gaye (2006)

Directed by Raj Kanwar, the poignant love story starred Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif in the lead roles. Bhagyashree appeared in a supporting role in the film that revolved around love, destiny and complicated relationships.

Thalaivii (2021)

In the biographical drama Thalaivii, directed by AL Vijay and starring Kangana Ranaut as J Jayalalithaa, Bhagyashree played Sandhya, the mother of Jayalalithaa. The film traced the life and political journey of the late Tamil Nadu Chief Minister. Her role as a protective and influential mother figure marked a significant character in her later career phase.

Bhagyashrees Life Journey

At the height of her rising popularity, Bhagyashree chose to step away from mainstream Bollywood after marrying Himalay Dassani in 1990. Her decision to prioritise her personal life and family over an expanding film career distinguished her path from many of her contemporaries.

Over the years, she focused on raising her two children, Avantika and Abhimanyu Dassani. Her son later entered the film industry with his debut in Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota (2018).

Outside of films, Bhagyashree developed a strong interest in health and wellness, frequently advocating balanced living and fitness. While she largely remained away from the spotlight for an extended period, she maintained a public presence through rare appearances and interviews.

Bollywood Comeback

After years away from mainstream Hindi cinema, Bhagyashree gradually returned to acting through regional and national projects. In 2021, she appeared in the Hindi biographical drama Thalaivii, where she played a supporting role.

A year later, she played Prabhas mother in the Telugu film Radhe Shyam, which also starred Pooja Hegde in the lead role. It was followed by a special appearance in Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan (2023) and a key role in Sajini Shinde Ka Viral Video in the same year.

Alongside films, she has made appearances on television and digital platforms where she reconnected with her fans.

First Published: February 23, 2026, 07:50 IST

News movies bollywood Bhagyashree Turns 57: Iconic Roles, Life Journey And Bollywood Comeback
Dhurandhar 2: Emraan Hashmi Cast As 'Bade Sahab' In Ranveer Singh, Aditya Dhar's Film?

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Last Updated: February 23, 2026, 13:06 IST

Fans are buzzing with excitement as speculations suggest that Emraan Hashmi is a part of Dhurandhar 2.

Rapid Read

Dhurandhar 2 will be out on March 19.

When Ranveer Singhs Dhurandhar came out in 2025, it also promised a more fierce sequel with Dhurandhar 2. As excitement builds for the sequel, there is one question that has kept fans on their toes: Who is Bade Sahab and which actor has been cast for the role? According to the latest buzz, Emraan Hashmi has been roped in for Dhurandhar 2, likely to plat Bade Sahab.

As per a viral Letterboxd screenshot, Emraan Hashmis name has been included in the cast. While his role is not mentioned, fans are guessing that he will play Bade Sahab. However, it should be noted that there is no confirmation on this, and that the website can be edited by the public.

BIG CAST LEAK FROM #DhurandharTheRevenge Emraan Hashmi and Yami Gautam are set to star in Dhurandhar 2, according to the latest cast leak. The sequel is shaping up to be bigger and more intense, with fresh additions raising excitement levels. Official confirmation pic.twitter.com/OPGwqDBgfj  FilmiFever (@FilmiFever) February 23, 2026

As for Bade Sahabs identity, speculations suggest that its an alias for either Dawood Ibrahim or Maulana Masood Azhar. Other new entrants in the cast list, as per the film website, include Raj Zutshi, rumoured to be playing a Pakistani general, and Yami Gautam, rumoured to be doing a cameo in the film. Neither is confirmed.

Following the recent teaser drop of Dhurandhar: The Revenge, anticipation around the action drama has intensified  and if reports are to be believed, the trailer date may already be locked.

According to a report in Pinkvilla, the much-awaited trailer of Dhurandhar 2, headlined by Ranveer Singh, is expected to be unveiled in the first week of March, around March 5. The timing is said to be strategically planned to build steady momentum ahead of the films grand Eid release on March 19.

The sequel is said to have been mounted on a significantly bigger scale than its predecessor. From elaborate action set pieces to heightened emotional drama, the makers have reportedly expanded the cinematic universe, pushing the narrative into darker and more intense territory. The early March trailer launch is believed to be part of a long-term promotional plan to sustain excitement right up to release day.

The film is directed by Aditya Dhar and backed by Jio Studios along with B62 Studios. Industry insiders are already positioning it as one of the biggest theatrical spectacles of the year.

First Published: February 23, 2026, 13:06 IST

News movies bollywood Dhurandhar 2: Emraan Hashmi Cast As 'Bade Sahab' In Ranveer Singh, Aditya Dhar's Film?
BAFTAs 2026: Farhan Akhtar On Playing Ravi Shankar In The Beatles Film, Says 'Its Exciting And Daunting'

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Last Updated: February 23, 2026, 08:50 IST

Farhan Akhtar stars as Ravi Shankar in Sam Mendes The Beatles biopic, while his co-produced film Boong wins Best Childrens and Family Film at the BAFTAs.

Farhan Akhtar Says Playing Ravi Shankar In Beatles Biopic Is Exciting And Daunting

It was a big night for Farhan Akhtar in London red carpet, global headlines, and a BAFTA win for a film he backed. But amid the celebrations, all eyes were also on his next big screen move: stepping into the shoes of sitar legend Ravi Shankar in Sam Mendes upcoming Beatles project.

The actor-filmmaker attended the BAFTA Film Awards weeks after confirming his casting in The Beatles  A Four-Film Cinematic Event, directed by Sam Mendes. Speaking to AP on the red carpet, Akhtar opened up about portraying Ravi Shankar and acknowledged the scale of the opportunity.

Oh, Im really excited. Its exciting. Its daunting, of course. And, I mean, just to be a part of a film thats about this incredible group of people, the Beatles, and to be directed by Sam Mendes."

The ambitious multi-film project will chronicle the story of The Beatles, with Harris Dickinson cast as John Lennon, Paul Mescal as Paul McCartney, Joseph Quinn as George Harrison and Barry Keoghan as Ringo Starr. The films are scheduled for theatrical release in April 2028.

Recent casting announcements also confirmed Lucy Boynton as Jane Asher, Morfydd Clark as Cynthia Lennon and Harry Lawtey as Stuart Sutcliffe.

Reflecting on The Beatles popularity in India, Akhtar shared a memory recounted by his father, veteran lyricist Javed Akhtar. He said, My father told me the story, because he was in his 20s, when The Beatles really became the worldwide phenomenon that they were. And he lived in a little village just outside this place called Lucknow in the north of India. He said, even there, where people didnt speak English at all. If you asked them, Do you know anybody from the West? they would all say, The Beatles. Everybody knew them."

He added, So, there is a relationship, that our country has with them through their music, of course. And it feels like theyre making a film about somebody who belongs to the culture as well."

Ravi Shankar famously influenced the bands sound, particularly George Harrisons work, by introducing Indian classical music elements into Western pop compositions  a cultural exchange that left a lasting mark on global music.

Alongside the excitement surrounding his new role, Akhtar also had reason to celebrate at the BAFTAs themselves. The Manipuri-language film Boong, which he co-produced, won Best Childrens & Family Film  making it the first Indian film to secure the honour in that category.

Speaking to Deadline about backing the project, he said, Lakshmipriya Devi and I have known each other for about 20 years. This film is set in a region of India from which we rarely get to watch films. It was nice to support that as well, and its a very heartwarming story. So, it just felt right."

Directed by Lakshmipriya Devi, Boong was the only Indian nominee at the ceremony and emerged victorious over international contenders including Zootropolis 2, Lilo & Stitch and Arco.

First Published: February 23, 2026, 08:50 IST

News movies hollywood BAFTAs 2026: Farhan Akhtar On Playing Ravi Shankar In The Beatles Film, Says 'Its Exciting And Daunting'
Emily In Paris Star Lily Collins To Play Audrey Hepburn In Breakfast At Tiffanys BTS Film

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Last Updated: February 24, 2026, 02:04 IST

Lily Collins confirms she will play Audrey Hepburn in a film exploring the making of Breakfast at Tiffanys and its cultural impact.

Lily Collins as Emily Cooper in Emily In Paris Season 5, now streaming on Netflix.

Lily Collins is set to take on one of Hollywoods most iconic roles  not as a fictional character, but as a legend herself. The actress has confirmed she will portray Audrey Hepburn in an upcoming film centered on the making of the 1961 classic Breakfast at Tiffanys.

Collins, 36, shared the news via Instagram Stories on February 23, expressing deep emotion about the long journey behind the project. Its with almost 10 years of development and a lifetime of admiration and adoration for Audrey that Im finally able to share this," she wrote. Honored and ecstatic dont begin to express how I feel"

The upcoming film will explore the behind-the-scenes story of the beloved romantic comedy that cemented Hepburns status as a global fashion and film icon.

A Story Behind the Iconic Classic

The screenplay is being penned by Alena Smith, known for creating Apple TV+s Dickinson. The script is based on Fifth Avenue, 5 A.M.: Audrey Hepburn, Breakfast at Tiffanys and the Dawn of the Modern Woman by Sam Wasson. The nonfiction work delves into the production, cultural impact and legacy of Breakfast at Tiffanys, offering insight into the creative forces that shaped the film.

The original movie starred Hepburn as Holly Golightly, a charming and enigmatic New York socialite who forms a bond with her neighbor Paul Varjak, played by George Peppard. Directed by Blake Edwards and adapted from Truman Capotes novella, the film became a cultural touchstone, earning two Academy Awards and multiple nominations, including Best Actress for Hepburn.

Hepburn had previously won an Oscar for Roman Holiday in 1954, solidifying her position among Hollywoods elite.

Collins Longtime Admiration

Collins has often paid tribute to Hepburns timeless elegance. Over the years, she has recreated several looks inspired by the star, including a bicycle-themed photoshoot shared on Hepburns birthday in 2017 and a chic all-black ensemble reminiscent of Holly Golightly.

The casting feels fitting for Collins, who is widely recognized for her role in Emily in Paris. Most recently, she appeared in the 2024 horror film MaXXXine, continuing to expand her range.

Hepburn, who passed away in 1993 at age 63, left behind a legacy spanning more than 30 film and television roles. Beyond acting, she was also honored posthumously with the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award.

Location : Los Angeles, United States of America (USA)

First Published: February 24, 2026, 02:04 IST

News movies hollywood Emily In Paris Star Lily Collins To Play Audrey Hepburn In Breakfast At Tiffanys BTS Film
Bride-To-Be Rashmika Mandanna Hosts Private Japanese Dinner, Vijay Deverakonda Enjoys Volleyball

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Last Updated: February 24, 2026, 01:30 IST

Vijay Deverakonda enjoys pool volleyball while Rashmika Mandanna shares an intimate Japanese dinner setup ahead of their Udaipur wedding.

Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandannas pre-wedding festivities will begin with a Haldi ceremony on February 24. Reportedly, it will be followed by a Sangeet ceremony on February 25.

The much-talked-about Virosh" wedding festivities appear to have begun on a relaxed and stylish note. Amid mounting buzz about their reported nuptials, Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna gave fans a sneak peek into their pre-wedding moments.

While neither star has officially confirmed the wedding, social media updates from the duo have only fueled excitement around what fans fondly call the Virosh" union.

Sun, Sport and Pre-Wedding Vibes

Vijay took to Instagram Stories to share a breezy snapshot from what appeared to be a lively poolside gathering. Shot through a volleyball net, the image captured silhouetted figures mid-game in a sparkling pool, with the ball suspended in the air  suggesting a spirited round of pool volleyball in progress.

The actor seemed to be soaking in the sunshine and camaraderie before the big day. In another frame, a floating drink station with red cups drifted across the pool, set against a sweeping scenic backdrop. The mood was unmistakably celebratory yet relaxed  a refreshing pause amid what is expected to be an ultra-private wedding affair.

The casual sporting session hinted at close friends and inner-circle bonding, keeping the vibe low-key and personal rather than extravagant.

Rashmikas Intimate Japanese Dinner Setup

On the other hand, Rashmika offered a contrasting but equally enchanting glimpse into the celebrations. Her Instagram Story revealed a beautifully curated dinner setting bathed in warm golden light. A long dining table was adorned with delicate floral arrangements featuring blush lilies and green hydrangeas, thoughtfully paired with green apples and grapes for an organic aesthetic.

At the center of attention was a custom-printed menu card, indicating a carefully planned Japanese culinary experience for guests  a detail that reflects a refined and globally inspired taste.

What truly stood out, however, was the embroidered napkin detail. Each napkin featured VIROSH," the fan-coined portmanteau combining Vijay and Rashmikas names. The subtle personalization added an emotional layer to the sophisticated setup, delighting fans who have long rooted for the couple.

According to reports, the wedding is set to take place on February 26, 2026, in Udaipur at ITC Hotels The Mementos Udaipur, nestled in the picturesque Aravalli valleys. The ceremony is expected to be an intimate gathering attended only by family and close friends. Both actors have reportedly already departed for Rajasthan.

Rumours of their engagement first surfaced last October, with speculation suggesting a private ceremony at Vijays Hyderabad residence.

First Published: February 24, 2026, 01:30 IST

News movies telugu-cinema Bride-To-Be Rashmika Mandanna Hosts Private Japanese Dinner, Vijay Deverakonda Enjoys Volleyball
Vijay Deverakonda-Rashmika Mandannas Close Friend Shed A Light On Their Unseen Salalah Trip

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Last Updated: February 23, 2026, 15:44 IST

The picture showed Vijay and Rashmika posing together with their friend on a beach during sunset.

Vijay Deverakonda-Rashmika Mandanna are getting married this month. (Photo Credit : X)

Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika have confirmed their impending wedding with a heartfelt note on social media last evening. Soon after, many of their fans have started sending congratulatory messages and some sharing their excitement for their special day. Among others, a close friend of Rashmika and Vijay shared an unseen picture with the duo along with a congratulatory note.

The picture showed Vijay and Rashmika posing together with their friend on a beach during sunset. In the caption, the friend wrote, Many heartfelt congratulations to the most beautiful couple inside and out. Now that I finally have your permission, Im so happy to share this lovely picture of us hehe!! Exploring Salalah with you was truly such a beautiful experience."

Vijay Deverakonda-Rashmika Mandanna Leave For Udaipur

Meanwhile, both Rashmika and Vijay were seen at the airport with their respective teams. Although they werent travelling together, the timing indicated that they were on their way to the wedding destination in Udaipur. According to reports, the couples wedding would be held at Mementos by ITC Hotels in Udaipur, a site located approximately 25 miles outside the city in the picturesque Aravalli region.

Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna announced their wedding will be officially known as The Wedding of VIROSH." The pair explained that the name was not inspired by planners or family traditions, but by their fans, who lovingly combined their names years ago to become VIROSH."

Vijay Deverakonda- Rashmika Mandannas Private Wedding

According to reports, the couple has decided to keep the wedding private, inviting only close relatives and friends. Insiders say they decided not to invite members of the film industry to keep the celebration intimate. However, following their wedding in Udaipur, the pair plans a lavish reception in Hyderabad on March 4, 2026, apparently at the Taj Krishna.

Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda first met on the set of Geetha Govindam (2018), then reunited for Dear Comrade (2019). While suspicions about their relationship have lingered for years, the couple has mostly kept their romance quiet.

First Published: February 23, 2026, 15:05 IST

News movies telugu-cinema Vijay Deverakonda-Rashmika Mandannas Close Friend Shed A Light On Their Unseen Salalah Trip
Last Updated: February 23, 2026, 09:22 IST

The BAFTA Film Awards 2026 was held in London on February 22. Heres a complete list of winners across categories.

1 / 12 The politically charged thriller One Battle After Another secured the Best Film Award, surpassing Hamnet, Sinners, Marty Supreme, and Sentimental Value.

2 / 12 Aneil Karias Hamnet won in the Outstanding British Film category.

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3 / 12 One Battle After Another Director Paul Thomas Anderson won the Best Director Award.

4 / 12 Robert Aramayo won the Best Leading Actor award for his performance in I Swear.

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5 / 12 Jessie Buckley won the Best Leading Actress for Hamnet.

6 / 12 Sean Penn took home Best Supporting Actor Award for One Battle After Another and Wunmi Mosaku won Best Supporting Actress for Sinners.

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7 / 12 Ryan Coogler won Best Original Screenplay award for Sinners and Paul Thomas Anderson won Best Adapted Screenplay for One Battle After Another.

8 / 12 Sentimental Value won in the Best Film Not in the English Language Category.

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9 / 12 Indian Film Boong clinched its first ever win in the Best Children and Family Film category.

10 / 12 Avatar: Fire And Ash won for Special Visual Effects.

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11 / 12 Zootopia 2 bagged the Best Animated Film Award.
Last Updated: February 23, 2026, 10:00 IST

1 / 6 Boong, the Manipuri-language debut feature, has won in the Best Children and Family Film category. The film was the sole Indian nominee at the BAFTAs this year.

2 / 6 The film is directed by Lakshimpriya Devi and produced by Farhan Akhtar along with Vikesk Bhutani, Alan McALex, Ritesh Sidhwani and Shujaat Saudagar.

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3 / 6 Boong starts Gugun Kipgen, Bala Hijam and Angom Sanamatum in key roles.

4 / 6 The film follows a schoolboy who navigates racial tensions and border challenges in Manipur, driven by resilience and determination to reunite his divided family.

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5 / 6 The film won the award competing against popular movies like Zootopia 2, Lilo and Stich, and French sci-fi Arco.
March 04, 2026, 07:11 AM IST | Episode 151

In today's News18 Daily Digest: As the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran enters a critical phase, global focus shifts to what a prolonged war could mean for West Asia and beyond. With Irans Supreme Leader reportedly killed earlier in the conflict, succession discussions are intensifying in Tehran, while Israel signals expanded operations and Washington warns of further consequences. We also look at what this means for India  from the safety of over 1 crore Indians in the Gulf and evacuation discussions for students in Iran, to oil supply concerns and the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz. Plus, the economic costs of war, aviation disruptions, and the political debate back home. Tune in for key developments and in-depth updates from India and across the globe.
ISLAMABAD, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- Three security personnel were killed and two others injured in a quadcopter strike on a paramilitary fort in Pakistan's northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Monday, security sources said.

The attack took place at around 9:50 a.m. local time (0450 GMT) on a Frontier Constabulary fort located in Karak district, the sources told Xinhua on condition of anonymity.

Officials said militants launched the quadcopter strike from nearby mountain peaks, triggering crossfire between the attackers and the security personnel deployed at the fort.

Five soldiers were injured in the attack, and in a subsequent development, militants opened fire on ambulances while the injured personnel were being shifted to hospital, killing three of them, officials added.

The attackers fled the scene, and security forces have launched an operation in the area to track down the attackers, officials said. 
Mukul Roy Passes Away: Bengal's Master Strategist Who Was Once TMC's No. 2

Reported By :

CNN-News18 Edited By: Apoorva Misra



Last Updated: February 23, 2026, 07:42 IST

From the days of the Singur and Nandigram movements to the partys rise to power in West Bengal, Roy played a crucial role alongside Banerjee

Rapid Read

Mukul Roy. (Image: PTI/File)

Senior politician and former Railways Minister Mukul Roy passed away at 1.30am on Sunday night at a hospital in Kolkata. He was 73 and had been suffering from multiple ailments for a prolonged period.

Roy had long been a close associate and trusted confidant of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Known as the Chanakya" of Bengal politics for his organisational skills and strategic acumen, he was often regarded as the second-in-command in the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC). From the days of the Singur and Nandigram movements to the partys rise to power in West Bengal, Roy played a crucial role alongside Banerjee.

Roy served as minister of state in the Ministry of Shipping and later in the Ministry of Railways during the second United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government. After Mamata Banerjee resigned as Railway Minister to become chief minister of West Bengal, Roy was given additional charge of the Railways Ministry. Banerjee had expressed her desire for the TMC to retain the Railways portfolio and personally recommended Roy to then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

Before the formation of the TMC, Roy was a member of the Indian National Congress. In 2017, he distanced himself from the Trinamool Congress and resigned from the party on September 25 that year. He was later suspended for six years for anti-party activities and resigned from his Rajya Sabha membership on October 11, 2017. Subsequently, he joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), remaining with the party from 2017 to 2021.

He contested the 2021 West Bengal assembly elections as a BJP candidate but returned to the TMC after the results were announced. On June 11, 2021, he rejoined the Trinamool Congress in the presence of Mamata Banerjee, along with his son.

On November 13, 2025, the Calcutta High Court terminated his membership as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) on grounds of defection.

During his political career, Roy was also questioned by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in connection with the Saradha chit fund case.

With his passing, West Bengal politics has lost one of its most influential strategists and a key architect of the Trinamool Congresss organisational strength.

First Published: February 23, 2026, 07:42 IST

News politics Mukul Roy Passes Away: Bengal's Master Strategist Who Was Once TMC's No. 2

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Irish Man Claims Indian Students Scam Food Bank At Galway University To Save Money: Why Are They Here?

Curated By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: February 23, 2026, 14:57 IST

The debate began after an article in an Irish news outlet revealed that the food bank had to turn away hundreds of students.

The article did not mention whether the students were Indian.

A post on social media has ignited a fiery debate on the presence of Indian students in Ireland. On Saturday, February 21, an Irish news outlet published an article featuring an image of people, many of whom seemed Desis, standing in a queue outside a food bank. The article was shared by an Irish man on the social media platform X with the title, Why are Indians in Ireland if they cannot support themselves?"

University of Galway food bank forced to turn away hundreds of students each week," read the headline of the article published by the Irish Times. The story revealed that a student-run food bank at the University of Galway has been forced to turn away hundreds of students each week due to overwhelming demand, as the cost of living continues to increase in Ireland.

The post, which was shared on X, featured the same photograph and has put Indians living abroad under immense scrutiny. The Irish man who posted the picture claimed that the majority of the line was made up of Indians, or at least South Asian students. He then questioned why foreign students were accessing support meant for underprivileged" students.

Is It Just A Scam To Save Money?" Asks Post

The Irish Times published an article yesterday about Galway University turning away students from a food bank. 90%+ of them were Indian nationals on student visas. Why are Indians in Ireland if they cannot support themselves, or is it just a scam to save money?" the caption read.

The Irish Times published an article yesterday about Galway University turning away students from a food bank. 90%+ of them were Indian nationals on student visas  Why are Indians in Ireland if they cannot support themselves, or is it just a scam to save money. pic.twitter.com/W37CoNW5GW  Paul (@PeterPaulGuy) February 22, 2026

It is worth noting that the Irish Times article did not identify the nationalities of the students using the food bank, nor did it suggest that any particular group was responsible for the shortage of food. There is also no mention that the queue was made up exclusively of Indian students. Despite this, the image triggered strong reactions.

What Did Users Say About The Post?

Since the man shared the post, a section of online users accused Indian nationals of misusing the system to their benefit or suggested they were being dishonest about their financial situation.

Is one of the conditions of a student visa that the student must to have sufficient funds to support themselves? Grok says yes. Is mass fraud being carried out? Are foreign students lying on their applications, or are they taking scarce resources from vulnerable native Irish students?" asked one user.

A different individual said, People from certain cultures just want to extract as much as they can for themselves, in whatever ways they can. I dont know if Indian culture is like this, but its possible."

Were getting steamrolled by Indians & others. Attributes of charity, compassion & giving the benefit of doubt dont work with our new demographics. We need toughness & hard-headedness. Give them nothing & never indulge their demands. Gulf & Asian countries can do it, we should too," another quipped.

Meanwhile, someone else asked, It is not illegal to go to food banks they dont steal money. They follow the lawwhy cant the government allocate more money to food banks?"

According to the Irish Times article, the food bank at the University of Galway was established by Donegal student Adam Mullins. It originally operated out of the shed of his rented student accommodation using a donated chest freezer, with surplus food collected from supermarkets all over Co Galway," the article mentioned.

Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: February 23, 2026, 14:56 IST

News viral Irish Man Claims Indian Students Scam Food Bank At Galway University To Save Money: Why Are They Here?

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Who Is Sachin Awasthi? Inside His South Koreas 38-Hour Criminal-Like Detention & Risks Of Travelling To Special Visa Areas

Curated By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: February 23, 2026, 10:41 IST

Sachin Awasthi rose to popularity through relatable POV (point-of-view) comedy videos portraying everyday Indian life, family dynamics and social situations.

The YouTuber was detained for nearly 38 hours in South Korea.(Photo Credit: Youtube)

An international holiday that was meant to be a relaxing trip turned into a serious controversy after Indian YouTuber Sachin Awasthi alleged he was detained for nearly 38 hours in South Korea and China. His detailed account on Instagram and YouTube has since triggered debate around immigration procedures, visa rules and travel to regions with special entry status.

Heres a breakdown of who he is, what happened and why visa experts are advising caution.

Who Is Sachin Awasthi

Sachin Awasthi is a digital content creator from Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. He holds an MBA degree and initially rose to popularity through relatable POV" (point-of-view) comedy videos portraying everyday Indian life, family dynamics and social situations.

Over time, he expanded into lifestyle and travel content. He currently has over 4 lakh subscribers on YouTube and around 562,000 followers on Instagram. His audience largely engages with comedy content and travel vlogs, making his recent travel experience especially surprising to followers.

What Happened In Jeju Island

According to Awasthis Instagram post, he and his companions landed in Jeju Island, South Korea, expecting a routine vacation. Instead, he claims they were denied entry and taken to a holding area shortly after arrival.

He wrote, Detained for 38 hours in South Korea (Jeju Island) & China. We landed in Jeju Island, South Korea excited and ready for our trip. Within a few hours, everything changed. We were denied entry and taken to a holding area. No proper explanation just told to wait. And we waited."

He further alleged that they were kept in a detention facility under restrictive conditions. 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," he wrote.

Awasthi also claimed that officials pressured them into booking an expensive return ticket. They blackmailed us into booking a really expensive return ticket."

During transit through China, he said the situation continued. In his words, More waiting. More supervision. Communication was restricted. No use of phone, no food and limited water. Sleeping conditions were worse." He even alleged, Even the use of restrooms was monitored with a police official who had a bodycam and went to the washroom with us."

He clarified that immigration authorities have the right to deny entry, but questioned the treatment. The YouTuber said, Im not sharing this for sympathy or drama. Immigration decisions are their authority. But they did not have any right to treat us like CRIMINALS."

Embassy and Online Reactions

In his vlog, Awasthi claimed the Indian Embassy in South Korea did not assist them. According to him, they should have intervened in this matter and helped them out.

Social media users were quick to respond to the matter. An individual expressed shock in the comments and wrote, Thats so unfair and extremely sad, brother. I cant imagine how you would have felt."

Some social media users blamed Indias passport strength, but others disagreed. A weak passport has nothing to do with this. Its how terribly the immigration and airlines of Jeju and China treated them. The entire video is heart-wrenching."

Why Visa Experts Warn Against Special Status Zones

Reacting to the controversy, visa specialist Priyesh Sharma pointed out that celebrity status or social media following does not matter at immigration counters. He said, You can be a big shot in India and have millions of followers, they (immigration of the host country) wont care, remember people like Shahrukh Khan have been detained, then who are folks like you and me? Unless the MEA contact person is on your speed dial, please tread carefully with an Indian passport."

He advised caution when travelling to regions with special entry rules, stating Indians should avoid areas with special status, which may be visa-free but can be very brutal for Indians".

Understanding Jejus Visa Rule

Jeju Island operates under a special visa-free entry programme different from mainland South Korea. Indian passport holders can enter Jeju without a visa only if they arrive directly from a foreign country and do not transit through mainland South Korea airports. Otherwise, a valid South Korea visa is required.

Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: February 23, 2026, 10:40 IST

News viral Who Is Sachin Awasthi? Inside His South Koreas 38-Hour Criminal-Like Detention & Risks Of Travelling To Special Visa Areas

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Woman Gangraped, Lawyer's Aide Hacked To Death Amid Post-Poll Violence Against Hindus In Bangladesh

Reported By :

News18.com Edited By: News Desk



Last Updated: February 23, 2026, 16:09 IST

The incident has again highlighted the vulnerability of Hindu minorities, with critics alleging that attacks continue unchecked despite the change in government.

Violence against minorities has been on a rise in Bangladesh amid recent unrest. (File pic/Reuters)

Fresh allegations of minority persecution have surfaced in Bangladesh, raising serious concerns about the safety of the Hindu community even after the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) swept to power.

In a shocking incident from Chandpur, a 25-year-old physically challenged Hindu woman was allegedly abducted and gangraped on Sunday night after 9 pm.

The woman, a mother of one, had reportedly attended a kirtan when she was forcibly taken away. According to her video statement, accessed by News18, she was assaulted by three men.

They kicked at my stomach. They grabbed my neckThey were three (men) who gang raped me," said the victim lying on a hospital bed as she was given intravenous fluid, in a video statement that is in possession of News18.

The victim is currently undergoing treatment at a hospital. She has identified the accused as Rakib, Sohail and Russel. However, no arrests have been made so far, sparking anger and fear among members of the local minority community.

The incident has once again put the spotlight on the vulnerability of Hindu minorities in the country, with critics alleging that attacks continue with impunity despite a change in government.

Lawyers Aide Hacked

In another disturbing case that took place after BNPs win earlier, a 40-year-old lawyers assistant, identified as Amitabh Chandra Sujan, was hacked to death inside his own home in Gaibandha Sadar Upazila. The brutal killing has further intensified concerns over law and order and the security of minority communities.

Beginning with the lynching of Dipu Chandra Das, Bangladesh recorded 11 murders of Hindus in one month and 116 in the seven months before the election.

In his first public address since becoming Prime Minister, Tarique Rahman sought to assure rule of law. He said, We want to turn this country into a safe land for every citizen. Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Christians  regardless of party, opinion, religion, or ethnicity  whether living in the hills or the plains, this country belongs to all of us."

But these back-to-back incidents of Amitabh Chandra Sujans cold-blooded murder and a 25-year-old differently abled mother of ones gang rape after abduction from Kirtan  both Hindus  have raised serious questions about whether the political transition has led to better protection for vulnerable groups.

Bangladeshi author and journalist Shahidul Hassan Khokon has raised serious concerns over the situation of minorities in the country. Speaking to News18, he said that since August 2024, Bangladesh has witnessed what he described as unprecedented persecution" of minorities, particularly Hindus.

In this election the Hindus voted for the BNP with hope for dignity and survival which Tarique Rahman has promised. But the initial symptoms are very worrying. If not arrested right away, it will have a chance of spreading across," Khokon noted.

Location : Bangladesh

First Published: February 23, 2026, 13:31 IST

News world Woman Gangraped, Lawyer's Aide Hacked To Death Amid Post-Poll Violence Against Hindus In Bangladesh

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After Andrew, Former US Envoy Peter Mandelson Arrested Over Epstein Links

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: February 23, 2026, 23:43 IST

Peter Mandelson, former ambassador to the US, was arrested in Camden over links to Jeffrey Epstein, following searches in London and Wiltshire

Former British envoy to US Peter Mandelson (AFP File)

Days after former prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested over links with late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, Britains former ambassador to the US, Peter Mandelson, was on Monday arrested by the London police on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

According to a report by The Guardian, the Metropolitan police have been investigating the alleged leaking by Mandelson of Downing Street emails and market-sensitive information to Epstein.

A video footage reportedly showed him being driven away from his home in an unmarked car shortly after being escorted from his home by officers.

Also Read: Former Prince Andrew Charged Taxpayers For Massage Services, Travel: Report

A police spokesperson said: Officers have arrested a 72-year-old man on suspicion of misconduct in public office. He was arrested at an address in Camden on Monday, 23 February and has been taken to a London police station for interview. This follows search warrants at two addresses in the Wiltshire and Camden areas."

The police investigation into Mandelson was initiated after the release of files related to the late disgraced financier.

In February, officers searched two properties linked to Mandelson, 72, in London and Wiltshire.

Also Read: Dont Want To Cause Embarrassment: Ex-British Envoy Resigns From Labour Party Over Epstein Links

Earlier this month, Mandelson resigned his membership of the Labour Party, saying that he does not want to cause further embarrassment" by his links to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

In his letter to Labours general secretary on Sunday, Lord Mandelson said: I have been further linked this weekend to the understandable furore surrounding Jeffrey Epstein and I feel regretful and sorry about this."

Former Prince Andrew, the younger brother of Britains King Charles was detained on February 19 on suspicion of misconduct in public office and remained in custody for approximately 11 hours before being released.

Mountbatten-Windsors arrest came after the release of documents related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein by the US government. Among the released materials were emails allegedly indicating that the former royal shared confidential information with Epstein during his tenure as a British trade envoy.

Meanwhile, he has denied any misconduct related to Epstein and has previously expressed regret over their association.

Location : London, United Kingdom (UK)

First Published: February 23, 2026, 23:14 IST

News world After Andrew, Former US Envoy Peter Mandelson Arrested Over Epstein Links

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'Any Country That Wants To Play Games With SC Ruling...': Trump Warns Of Higher Tariff

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: February 23, 2026, 20:37 IST

Trump's remarks came after the EU said it would freeze a major trade deal with Washington pending clarity on the impact of the US Supreme Court ruling on tariffs.

US President Donald Trump addressing the media after the Supreme Court verdict on tariffs. (White House)

US President Donald Trump on Monday issued a fresh warning on tariffs, saying countries that attempt to play games" with a recent US Supreme Court ruling could face higher trade penalties".

The remarks came after the European Union signalled it would put a key trade agreement with Washington on hold.

In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said nations that had ripped off" the US for years would be met with much higher tariffs, and worse" than those recently agreed upon.

BUYER BEWARE!!!" Trump wrote, reacting to the Supreme Court decision that struck down several tariffs imposed during his administration.

The warning came as lawmakers in the European Parliament said on Monday that they would freeze plans to approve a major trade deal with the US until there is greater clarity on how the court ruling affects tariff arrangements.

European Parliament negotiators were scheduled to meet later in the day to formally agree on pausing the process.

The parliaments trade committee had been expected to give its approval on Tuesday to remove tariffs on US industrial goods under the agreement reached last year.

However, lawmakers from multiple political groups backed delaying the vote, citing uncertainty created by Washingtons shifting trade posture.

Trade committee chair Bernd Lange convened an urgent meeting of negotiators and said he would propose halting legislative work on the deal, a move supported by the centre-right European Peoples Party (EPP) and other blocs.

EPP lawmaker Zeljana Zovko said the pause was necessary until the European Commission clarifies the implications of the US ruling and outlines the best course forward for the EU.

The developments follow Trumps decision over the weekend to temporarily raise a global duty on imports into the US to 15 per cent.

While Washington had earlier agreed to a blanket 15-per cent tariff on most EU goods under the trade accord, the global duty could result in European exports facing even higher levies.

We will not be able to vote on the agreement until we have full clarity on how the Supreme Courts ruling affects the tariff arrangement," said Karin Karlsbro, a lawmaker from the liberal Renew group.

The United States must get its trade policy in order. This level of chaos is not serious," she added.

Location : United States of America (USA)

First Published: February 23, 2026, 20:15 IST

News world 'Any Country That Wants To Play Games With SC Ruling...': Trump Warns Of Higher Tariff

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'He Tried To Keep Me Completely In The Dark': Bangladesh President Shahabuddin Slams Mohd Yunus

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: February 23, 2026, 09:57 IST

Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin has accused Muhammad Yunus of sidelining the presidency, violating constitutional norms and attempting to politically isolate him.

Muhammad Yunus (R) with President Mohammed Shahabuddin in Dhaka, Bangladesh (Photo: AFP)

Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin has accused former chief adviser Muhammad Yunus of sidelining the presidency, violating constitutional norms and attempting to curtail his role during the tenure of the interim government, according to an interview published by Bengali daily Kaler Kantho.

The President alleged that Yunus neither maintained institutional coordination nor kept him informed about key state decisions, including foreign visits, agreements and policy actions, and claimed that repeated efforts were made to politically and administratively isolate him.

In the interview, Shahabuddin alleged that Yunus failed to follow constitutional provisions requiring regular consultation with the President.

The constitution says that whenever he goes on a foreign visit, he must meet the President after returning and inform me in writing about the discussions and outcomes. He travelled abroad 14 to 15 times but did not inform me even once," he said.

The President further claimed he was kept completely unaware of major state matters, including an agreement signed with the United States.

I knew nothing about it. Such a state agreement must be communicated to the President. That is a constitutional obligation. But he neither informed me verbally nor in writing," Shahabuddin told the newspaper.

Alleging deliberate marginalisation, Shahabuddin said Yunus avoided engagement with him despite the President initiating the process that led to the formation of the interim administration.

I was the source of the process through which he became chief adviser, yet he never coordinated with me. He did not come to see me even once and tried to keep me completely in the dark," he said.

The President also alleged that his foreign engagements were blocked without consultation.

Referring to invitations from Kosovo and Qatar, he said officials drafted letters declining the visits in his name.

A letter was prepared saying I was extremely busy with state work and therefore could not attend. No discussion was held with me before preparing it," he said, adding sarcastically, Does a President remain that busy under our constitution?"

Shahabuddin further claimed that attempts were made to erase his public visibility both at home and abroad.

They did not want my name to appear anywhere. They tried to keep me in darkness so that people would not know or recognise me," he said, alleging that he was prevented from attending university convocations and other national events traditionally presided over by the head of state.

In one incident cited in the interview, Shahabuddin alleged that his official photographs were removed overnight from Bangladeshi missions abroad after an adviser objected during a foreign visit.

Across the world, embassies and high commissions display the Presidents photograph because the President represents the state.

That long-standing tradition was ended overnight," he said, adding that he viewed it as perhaps the first step toward removing me."

The President also accused the interim government of dismantling Bangabhabans press operations after a routine courtesy meeting with newly elected members of the Dhaka Reporters Unity was reported in newspapers.

They forcefully removed three officials, the press secretary, deputy press secretary and assistant press secretary. Even photographers who had worked here for 30 years were withdrawn," he said.

We cannot even issue a press release now," he added.

Shahabuddin claimed that political and institutional pressure was repeatedly applied to remove him from office, but those efforts ultimately failed.

He alleged that at one stage there was even a plan to replace him through unconstitutional means by installing a former chief justice.

An adviser approached that judge, but he refused, saying constitutionally the president stands above and he could not take the position unlawfully," he said.

The President also described a tense security situation during an October 22, 2024, siege of Bangabhaban, saying mobs attempted to storm the premises.

My blood may be shed at Bangabhaban, but I will preserve constitutional continuity," he said, adding that the army provided three layers of security and eventually controlled the situation.

Shahabuddin credited opposition BNP leaders and the armed forces with supporting him during what he described as a politically volatile period.

They assured me they were not in favour of removing the president through unconstitutional means," he said, adding that military leaders told him, Your defeat would mean the defeat of the armed forces."

Despite the tensions, Shahabuddin said he chose to remain in office to uphold constitutional order.

I endured everything with firmness only to maintain constitutional continuity," he told Kaler Kantho, alleging that sustained efforts were made to weaken the presidency but ultimately did not succeed.

First Published: February 23, 2026, 09:56 IST

News world 'He Tried To Keep Me Completely In The Dark': Bangladesh President Shahabuddin Slams Mohd Yunus

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Canada PM Mark Carney To Embark On First India Visit Amid Global Trade Uncertainties

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: February 23, 2026, 17:48 IST

Mark Carney will begin his India leg in Mumbai before travelling to New Delhi, where he is set to hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Canada's PM Mark Carney with PM Modi | File Image

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney will travel to India later this month as part of a three-nation Indo-Pacific tour, marking his first official visit to the country amid growing global trade and economic uncertainties.

According to an official statement from the Prime Ministers Office, Carneys tour, scheduled from February 26 to March 7, 2026, will include visits to India, Australia and Japan, with a focus on strengthening trade, investment and strategic partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region.

Carney will begin his India leg in Mumbai before travelling to New Delhi, where he is set to hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The discussions are expected to centre on expanding bilateral cooperation across key sectors including trade, clean energy, technology and artificial intelligence, talent mobility, culture, and defence."

The visit is being seen as significant as both countries work towards resetting bilateral ties, following a period of diplomatic strain.

While this will be Carneys first visit to India as Prime Minister, the two leaders have met twice earlier on the sidelines of the G7 and G20 summits.

During his stay, Carney will also meet Indian business leaders to explore investment opportunities in Canada and encourage partnerships between companies in both countries.

The Canadian government said the Indo-Pacific tour comes at a time when it is working to build a stronger, more independent and more resilient economy" in what it described as an increasingly divided and uncertain global environment.

The outreach is aimed at unlocking opportunities for Canadian workers and businesses in trade, energy, advanced technology and defence.

Following his India visit, Carney will travel to Sydney and Canberra, where he will meet Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

Talks there are expected to focus on defence and maritime security cooperation, critical minerals, trade, and advanced technologies including artificial intelligence.

Location : Canada

First Published: February 23, 2026, 17:38 IST

News world Canada PM Mark Carney To Embark On First India Visit Amid Global Trade Uncertainties

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Donald Trump Weighs Escalating Military Action Against Iran If Nuclear Talks Fail: Report

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News18.com

Last Updated: February 23, 2026, 07:24 IST

Donald Trump is considering military strikes, and potentially a larger campaign, to pressure Iran into abandoning its nuclear programme if diplomacy fails, a report claimed.

A file photo of Donald Trump (AP)

Donald Trump has told senior advisers that the United States could escalate military action against Iran, potentially including a broader campaign aimed at weakening or even toppling the countrys leadership, if diplomatic efforts and any initial targeted strikes fail to force Tehran to abandon its nuclear programme, according to a report by The New York Times citing people briefed on internal administration deliberations.

The report comes as nuclear negotiations between Washington and Tehran continue, even as both sides are preparing for another round of talks.

According to The New York Times, Trump has been leaning toward authorising an initial limited military strike in the coming days designed to demonstrate US resolve and compel Irans leadership to accept demands to give up the capability to develop a nuclear weapon.

People familiar with the discussions told the newspaper that potential targets under consideration include the headquarters of Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), nuclear facilities, and elements of the countrys ballistic missile programme.

While no final decision has been made, the report said Trump has indicated to advisers that if such a strike or diplomatic pressure fails to produce concessions, he would consider a much larger military assault later this year.

That option, officials said, could be aimed at driving Irans leadership from power, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

DIPLOMACY CONTINUES AMID RISING MILITARY PRESSURE

Even as military options are discussed, the United States and Iran are set to hold a third round of nuclear talks in Geneva on Thursday, mediated by Omans Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi.

Albusaidi said negotiations were moving forward with a positive push to go the extra mile towards finalising the deal," reflecting ongoing diplomatic engagement despite heightened tensions.

The United States has expanded its military presence in the Middle East, with Trump warning that really bad things will happen" if a deal is not reached to resolve the longstanding dispute over Irans nuclear programme.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian struck a cautiously optimistic tone, saying recent negotiations had yielded encouraging signals," while also stressing Tehrans readiness for any potential scenario."

WASHINGTON DEMANDS CONCESSIONS; TEHRAN PUSHES BACK

Trumps special envoy Steve Witkoff, who leads US nuclear negotiations, said the President was puzzled by Irans refusal to yield under pressure.

Irans Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi responded sharply on social media, saying, Curious to know why we do not capitulate? Because we are Iranian."

Tehran maintains that its nuclear programme is peaceful and has repeatedly denied seeking nuclear weapons.

POSSIBLE COMPROMISES AND KEY STICKING POINTS

Iran is considering fresh concessions, including sending half of its highly enriched uranium stockpile abroad while diluting the remainder, provided economic sanctions are lifted, and its right to peaceful nuclear enrichment is recognised.

However, significant disagreements remain.

Washington wants broader negotiations covering Irans missile programme and its support for regional armed groups, demands Tehran has publicly rejected, though sources told Reuters that support for armed groups may not be a firm red line.

Another major obstacle involves the scope and mechanism for lifting US sanctions, with both sides still holding differing views.

Witkoff also warned that Irans uranium enrichment levels had reached about 60 per cent fissile purity, saying the country was probably a week away from having industrial, industrial-grade bomb-making material," which he described as really dangerous."

First Published: February 23, 2026, 07:08 IST

News world Donald Trump Weighs Escalating Military Action Against Iran If Nuclear Talks Fail: Report

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Truth Or Online Frenzy? How Lifetouch, Hired By US Schools For Class Photo Got Linked To Epstein Files

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: February 23, 2026, 19:24 IST

Lifetouch, a 90-year-old company hired by US schools for student photos, has been linked to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein via its parent company Apollo Global Management

School photos company Lifetouch has gone on the defence by thoroughly denying its alleged connection to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. (Image: @@gabriel_draghi/AP/X/File)

The Epstein Files  documents released by the US Department of Justice on the dealings of convicted sex offender and financier Jeffrey Epstein  have invariably spawned online frenzy and a million new conspiracy theories as much as they have raised questions on truth, accountability, and government transparency.

From the CIA to Jeffrey Epsteins abilities in espionage  be it for Russia or Israel  the documents have become more about coarse conversations of rich elites than the alleged sexual assault of underage girls.

Strangely, caught in the crossfire is school picture day, or, as we in India know it more commonly, as class photo". Lifetouch, a 90-year-old company hired by US schools for student photos, has been linked to Epstein via its parent company Apollo Global Management.

Apollo was previously led by Leon Black, who had documented ties to Epstein and had to quit the company he founded over the revelations in 2021. Now, as schools cancel photo schedules and parents express panic over their childrens privacy, Lifetouch has gone on the defence by thoroughly denying its alleged connection to Epstein.

Heres all you need to know:

WHAT IS LIFETOUCH?

Before becoming the subject of viral rumours, Lifetouch was primarily known as a 90-year-old photography institution headquartered at Eden Prairie, Minnesota, in the United States.

The company is a behemoth in the industry, photographing more than 2.5 crore students each year across over 50,000 schools, ranging from preschool through to high school. From laser-themed backgrounds of the 1980s to modern digital portraits, it has done it all for nearly a century.

In a notable partnership, it works with the National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children to provide SmileSafe" cards free of charge, which families can provide to law enforcement if a child goes missing. In 2018, it was purchased by Shutterfly  another major player in the digital imaging space.

It was through Shutterfly that Lifetouch eventually became a small part of the vast portfolio managed by Wall Street giant Apollo Global Management.

WHY IS LIFETOUCH ON THE DEFENCE?

The annual school photograph is a fixed point in not only the American academic calendar but also at Indian schools.

A routine moment of smiles and staged backdrops captured for posterity, however, has been cast into the looming Epstein shadow".

Lifetouch has been bombarded with a frenzy of online coverage and viral social media posts linking it to the Epstein files. The controversy surfaced this month, when online posts began to frame its proximity to the Epstein orbit as a parental red flag".

According to a report by USA Today, on platforms such as X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, content creators and users have shared claims that paedophiles might have access to the companys extensive database of childrens images. In fact, one Instagram video advising parents to opt their children out of photos, received at least 40,000 views while a single post on X reached over one lakh people claiming that it keeps a database of all the digital photos of kids and their personal info".

More extreme claims have surfaced on the internet, with some accounts attempting to link Lifetouch to wider, unfounded conspiracy theories suggesting it is part of a global trafficking ring. Even without these allegations, many parents have expressed discomfort.

HOW IS APOLLO CONNECTED TO LIFETOUCH?

The connection between Lifetouch and Epstein has to do with Apollo Global Management. Funds managed by subsidiaries of Apollo are investors in Shutterfly, which in turn owns Lifetouch.

Apollo acquired Shutterfly in September 2019 in a USD 2.7 billion deal. The timeline of this acquisition has been a key point in the companys defence.

The deal closed just one month after Epsteins death by suicide in prison while he was awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. At the time of the acquisition, Apollo was led by its co-founder and then-CEO Leon Black.

Black is the primary figure connecting the firm to Epstein, having maintained a regular and lucrative relationship with the convicted sex offender for years.

WHY IS APOLLO IN THE EPSTEIN FILES?

Apollo Global Management, which manages nearly USD 1 trillion in assets, has been dogged by its ties to Epstein for years", as reported by CNN.

The firms former CEO, Leon Black, resigned in 2021 after an internal probe revealed he had paid Epstein a staggering $158 million for advice on estate planning, tax issues, and his family office" between 2012 and 2017.

While the probe concluded there was no evidence" Black was involved in Epsteins criminal activities, the scale of the financial relationship caused a massive blow to his and the companys reputation. The recent release of documents, however, has suggested the links were more widespread than previously acknowledged.

CNN reported that the files indicate that Marc Rowan, who replaced Black as CEO, met with Epstein multiple times years after the financiers 2008 conviction for procuring a minor for prostitution. Emails from 2016 show Epstein and Rowan discussing a potential corporate inversion" tax manoeuvre, with Epstein suggesting the use of the banking firm Rothschild for interesting structures". Rowan reportedly shared internal Apollo email correspondence with Epstein regarding the valuation of tax assets as late as March 2016.

WHAT DID LIFETOUCH SAY?

Lifetouch has unequivocally denied any wrongdoing or involvement in the Epstein scandal, labelling the online claims completely false".

The companys website quotes CEO Ken Murphy in a statement to reassure families and schools that Lifetouch is not named in the Epstein files".

The documents contain no allegations that Lifetouch itself was involved in, or that student photos were used in, any illicit activities," Murphy said.

He has stressed that student images are safeguarded for families and schools, only, with no exceptions". To counter fears regarding data privacy, the firm has highlighted several key operational facts:

No Access: Neither Apollo nor its funds are involved in day-to-day operations, and therefore no Apollo employee has ever had access to student images.

No Sharing: Lifetouch does not share, sell, or license student images to third parties, nor does it use them to train AI models or facial recognition technology.

Lifetouch does not share, sell, or license student images to third parties, nor does it use them to train AI models or facial recognition technology. Legal Compliance: The company follows all federal, state, and local data privacy laws, including the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

The company follows all federal, state, and local data privacy laws, including the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Privacy Pledge: Lifetouch was the first school photography company to sign a voluntary and enforceable privacy pledge.

Read the full statement here. The Lifetouch website has also published FAQs providing further details on the Epstein row.

US SCHOOLS CANCEL PICTURE DAYS

Despite assurances from Lifetouch, the ripple effect" of the Epstein files has caused significant disruption of its schedules across the US.

At least 10 school districts across four states  including Texas, Arizona, Michigan, and New Jersey  have cancelled or paused their contracts with Lifetouch, as reported by NBC News.

The Associated Press reported that in the small town of Malakoff, Texas, the local school district cancelled a scheduled picture day after parents expressed intense discomfort. Katherine Smith, a spokesperson for the district, said they decided families would be best served by keeping all of our pictures in-house for the rest of this year".

Similar actions were taken by a charter school in Arizona, which cancelled picture days out of an abundance of caution" to maintain the safety, security, and trust" of their families. The Mount Pleasant Area School District in Pennsylvania also ended its partnership with Lifetouch immediately, citing the fallout from the Epstein files. It told families that they will be seeking a new vendor for the 2026-2027 school year, as reported by CBS.

In California, NBC News reported, the Alisal Union School District superintendent, Monica Anzo, wrote to parents to address unfounded rumours" but said the safety of children is the districts most important concern". While some districts, such as the Weber School District in Utah, have chosen to continue their relationship with Lifetouch after being satisfied that student data is safe, the general atmosphere remains tense.

For many parents, however, the issue is not about proven data breaches but about the perception of association". As long as the names of Apollos leadership remain entwined with the Epstein files, Lifetouch may find it difficult to fully restore the trust of the millions it serves.

(With agency inputs)

Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

First Published: February 23, 2026, 19:03 IST

News world Truth Or Online Frenzy? How Lifetouch, Hired By US Schools For Class Photo Got Linked To Epstein Files

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TEHRAN, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi and his Omani counterpart, Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi, discussed the coming indirect Iran-U.S. talks over the phone on Sunday night.

According to a statement from the Iranian Foreign Ministry, the two sides exchanged views on the latest developments of the Iran-U.S. negotiations, the first and second rounds of which were held in Muscat, Oman's capital, and Geneva, Switzerland, on Feb. 6 and 17, respectively.

In an interview with the CBS News "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" program, which was broadcast earlier on Sunday, Araghchi said he would probably meet U.S. president's special envoy Steve Witkoff in Geneva on Thursday to discuss the draft proposal of a possible nuclear deal to be prepared by Tehran.

The third round of the negotiations is expected to take place amid heightened tensions between Iran and the United States, along with a U.S. military buildup in West Asia. 
Estonian President Exclusive | India Brings Scale, We Bring Trust, Structured Cooperation Next Step

Reported By :

News18.com

Last Updated: February 23, 2026, 11:52 IST

Alar Karis shared his most memorable moment in India and outlined why closer economic integration with Delhi is essential risk management in a fragmented global economy

Estonia President Alar Karis with Indian PM Narendra Modi. (Image: MEA India)

As India pushes to position itself at the centre of the global artificial intelligence conversation, the AI Impact Summit, held in New Delhi from February 16 to 21, brought together political leaders and policymakers from across continents. From Europe to Latin America and Central Asia, the gathering reflected growing international interest in Indias digital public infrastructure, its approach to AI governance, and the scale at which it is deploying technology to drive growth and inclusion.

Estonia was among the countries closely watching Indias AI journey. Known globally for its e-governance model and digital-first statecraft, Estonias participation underscored how mid-sized and smaller economies see value in Indias ambition, scale and regulatory thinking as AI adoption accelerates worldwide.

On the sidelines of the summit, CNN-News18 spoke exclusively with Alar Karis, who reflected on the scope for deeper IndiaEstonia cooperation on AI and digital public infrastructure, the risks posed by unchecked AI adoption, and why closer EUIndia economic integration matters for smaller European economies. He also shared his personal impressions of Indias confidence and ambition as it seeks not just to adapt to the digital age, but to actively shape it.

Excerpts from the interview:

Q: Estonia is a global leader in digital governance. What concrete lessons can India adopt as it scales AI across public services?

Alar Karis: Start with architecture, not applications. Secure digital identity, interoperable data exchange, and a clear legal framework must come first. AI should be built on trusted digital infrastructure, not used to compensate for its absence. Scale follows trust, and trust drives adoption. Digitalising public services is not about putting bureaucracy online. It is about redesigning the state to be simpler, faster, and citizen-centric. AI runs on clean, structured data, not paper trails. If outdated processes remain intact, technology will only digitise inefficiency rather than eliminate it.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Alar Karis (@president_alar_karis)

Q: Do you see scope for a structured IndiaEstonia partnership on AI regulation and digital public infrastructure beyond pilot projects?

Alar Karis: Yes. Both India and Estonia are making deep investments in digital transformation and see trusted institutions and technological capability as strategic assets. Estonia brings decades of experience in secure, interoperable e-governance, while India brings unmatched scale, engineering depth and ambition.

The next step now is to move beyond pilot projects to structured cooperation. That means jointly shaping standards, building regulatory sandboxes and creating interoperable digital public infrastructure. This partnership should be grounded in mutual learning, not one-way knowledge transfer, with both sides shaping how responsible AI governance evolves globally.

Q: What risks worry you most as AI adoption accelerates globally: technological misuse, regulatory lag, or strategic rivalry between major powers?

Alar Karis: These risks are deeply interconnected. Misuse thrives where regulation falls behind, and strategic rivalry between major powers only accelerates rapid deployment and global fragmentation.

The deeper risk, however, is the erosion of human agency. AI must remain accountable to democratic institutions and anchored in human judgment. When technology begins shaping political and social outcomes without meaningful oversight, the danger is no longer isolated. It becomes systemic.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Alar Karis (@president_alar_karis)

Q: The EUIndia trade deal has been described as the mother of all deals." As an EU member, how does Estonia view its strategic value, and what tangible gains do you expect for smaller European economies from deeper economic integration with India?

Alar Karis: For a small economy like Estonia, openness is not a choice. It is a necessity. Deeper EUIndia trade integration strengthens supply chains, widens market access and reduces long-term dependency risks in an increasingly uncertain global economy.

Smaller European economies benefit most from trade that is rules-based, predictable and stable. From Estonias perspective, closer economic integration with India is not symbolic diplomacy. It is practical risk management in a fragmented world economy.

Q: On a personal note, beyond formal meetings and policy discussions, what has been your most memorable moment from your visit to India  and what message or impression of India will you carry back to Estonia?

Alar Karis: India is more than a thousand times larger than Estonia in population, yet we share meaningful common ground. One of the strongest links is a shared belief in future skills, particularly digital competence and technological capability, areas where Estonia has experience to contribute.

What stayed with me most was not a single meeting, but the scale of ambition and the confidence visible across sectors. I return to Estonia with the impression of a country that is not merely adjusting to the digital age, but consciously shaping its own future.

First Published: February 23, 2026, 11:35 IST

News world Estonian President Exclusive | India Brings Scale, We Bring Trust, Structured Cooperation Next Step

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Former Prince Andrew Charged Taxpayers For Massage Services, Travel: Report

Curated By :

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Last Updated: February 23, 2026, 18:39 IST

Ex-Prince Andrew allegedly billed taxpayers for massages and travel as trade envoy; expenses were approved by officials. He was arrested after Epstein files.

Former Prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor (Image: Reuters/File)

Former Prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor used to reportedly charge taxpayers for massages and excessive travel costs.

According to a report by The Telegraph, retired civil servants have alleged the former Duke of Yorks trips and expenses were given a rubber stamp" by officials during his time as trade envoy from 2001 to 2011.

This comes after Andrew became the first member of the Royal family in modern history to be arrested following the release of the Epstein files.

Also Read: Hes Sweating Now: Activists Install Arrest Photo Of Ex-Prince Andrew Inside Louvre Museum

He was detained on his 66th birthday over alleged misconduct in public office. He has been accused of sharing confidential information with Jeffrey Epstein while serving as trade envoy.

BBC quoted a former civil servant, who worked in the UKs trade department in the early 2000s, had been so annoyed by Andrews request to cover the cost of massage services" that hed refused to pay it, but said he was overruled by senior staff.

I thought it was wrong Id said we mustnt pay it, but we ended up paying it anyway," he told the BBC, about a claim that followed a visit by Andrew to the Middle East.

Also Read: British Monarchy Faces Fresh Turmoil After Prince Andrews Arrest Deepens Royal Crisis

He further said that he regretted that Andrew was allowed to get away with expenses for a massage. I cant say it would have stopped him, but we should have flagged that something was wrong," he said.

Another former senior Whitehall official, who oversaw finances in this area, had seen similar expenses for Andrews trips and says he has absolutely no doubt" about its authenticity, BBC reported.

I couldnt believe it it was like it wasnt real money, they werent spending any of their own money,"the official said.

He added that the costs disappeared into different budgets, which made it hard to trace, and there was little certainty over who had been in Andrews entourage.

He pointed out that cheques on Andrews trips were given a rubber stamp".

Location : London, United Kingdom (UK)

First Published: February 23, 2026, 18:39 IST

News world Former Prince Andrew Charged Taxpayers For Massage Services, Travel: Report

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'He's Sweating Now': Activists Install Arrest Photo Of Ex-Prince Andrew Inside Louvre Museum

Curated By :

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Last Updated: February 23, 2026, 12:51 IST

Activists installed Andrew Mountbatten-Windsors arrest photo at Louvre Museum following his detention in Norfolk.

Rapid Read

The activist group shared the image on Instagram on Sunday. (Image: Instagram/@everyonehateselon_)

A British activist group installed a framed photograph of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor at the Louvre Museum in Paris on Sunday, days after his arrest.

The UK-based anti-billionaire group, Everyone Hates Elon, hung the image on a gallery wall inside the museum and placed a caption beneath it reading, Hes Sweating Now."

The photograph shows Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew, seated in the back of a Range Rover shortly after leaving a police station in Norfolk.

Watch The Video Here

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Everyone Hates Elon (@everyonehateselon_)

The younger brother of Britains King Charles was detained on February 19 on suspicion of misconduct in public office and remained in custody for approximately 11 hours before being released.

The group posted the footage of the stunt on Instagram with the caption that read, They say hang it in the Louvre. So we did."

Hanging prInce Andrews arrest photo in the louvre. Seeing a disgusting abuser finally face a bit of justice? Thats priceless," the group wrote in a separate Instagram post while sharing the image of the framed photograph displayed on the museum wall alongside other pictures.

Another clip circulating online showed museum visitors reacting with amusement and taking pictures before staff removed the display roughly 15 minutes later.

Speaking to Reuters, the group members said the installation was intended to symbolise how history would remember the former royal. We thought wed show the former Prince Andrew how the world will remember him by putting up this iconic arrest photo at the Louvre," the group said, adding, Lets hope this is just the start. Justice for all Epstein survivors."

The activist group describes its activism as targeting wealthy elites through provocative public actions. In the past, the group displayed controversial posters in east London mocking Elon Musk and Tesla.

Mountbatten-Windsors arrest came after the release of documents related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein by the US government. Among the released materials were emails allegedly indicating that the former royal shared confidential information with Epstein during his tenure as a British trade envoy.

Meanwhile, he has denied any misconduct related to Epstein and has previously expressed regret over their association.

Location : Paris, France

First Published: February 23, 2026, 12:51 IST

News world 'He's Sweating Now': Activists Install Arrest Photo Of Ex-Prince Andrew Inside Louvre Museum

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How Mexico Killed Drug Lord El Mencho: A Raid That Triggered Nationwide Unrest By Cartel Gunmen

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: February 23, 2026, 11:48 IST

Mexican security forces killed Nemesio El Mencho Oseguera Cervantes during a military operation in Jalisco, triggering clashes and retaliatory violence by cartel members.

A file photo of El Mencho/unrest in Mexico (Social Media/AP)

Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, the powerful head of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), also known as El Mencho," was killed during a Mexican military operation in Jalisco state on Sunday after federal forces attempted to capture him, sparking a violent backlash by cartel members across several regions.

The killing of one of the United States most wanted fugitives marks a major moment in Mexicos fight against organised crime, though authorities and analysts warn the aftermath remains uncertain.

Mexicos Defence Department said the army launched a coordinated operation in southern Jalisco involving special forces and the Mexican Air Force with the objective of arresting Oseguera Cervantes.

Security forces tracked the cartel leader to the town of Tapalpa, where CJNG gunmen engaged troops in a firefight as they attempted to prevent his capture.

During the confrontation, four members of the criminal group, including Oseguera Cervantes, were fatally wounded, authorities said.

Oseguera Cervantes and two other suspects were severely injured during the clash and died while being transported by aircraft to Mexico City.

Three Mexican soldiers were wounded in the operation and evacuated for treatment, while two individuals were detained.

Officials also recovered heavy weaponry at the scene, including rocket launchers capable of destroying armoured vehicles and shooting down aircraft, underscoring the cartels military-style capabilities.

CARTEL RETALIATION TRIGGERS VIOLENCE

News of the cartel leaders death was followed by coordinated retaliatory violence attributed to CJNG members.

Vehicles were burnt, and multiple highways across Mexican states were blocked, disrupting transportation networks.

Residents in Guadalajara, the capital of Jalisco and Mexicos second-largest city, sheltered indoors as tensions escalated.

Schools were closed in several states, and security forces were placed on alert nationwide.

The unrest began in Jalisco and spread to neighbouring states, including Michoacan and Guanajuato, where suspected cartel members set buses on fire, erected road blockades and clashed with authorities.

Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus Navarro urged residents to remain at home and announced the suspension of public transport services until security conditions improved.

Guatemala also reinforced security along its border with Mexico following the violence.

GOVERNMENT APPEALS FOR CALM

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo called on citizens to remain calm as authorities responded to the unrest.

In a post on X, she said the operation had resulted in various blockades and other reactions" but stressed that normal activities continued across most of the country.

There is absolute coordination with the governments of all states; we must remain informed and calm," she said, while commending the Mexican Army, National Guard and Security Cabinet for their response.

WHO WAS EL MENCHO?

Oseguera Cervantes, 59, originated from the western state of Michoacan and had been involved in organised crime for more than three decades.

After serving a prison sentence in the United States in the 1990s for heroin trafficking, he returned to Mexico and rose rapidly through the criminal underworld.

Around 2009, he founded the CJNG, which grew into Mexicos fastest-expanding cartel, trafficking cocaine, methamphetamine, fentanyl and migrants into the United States.

The organisation became notorious for adopting new methods of violence, including drones and improvised explosive devices.

The cartel also carried out brazen attacks against Mexican security forces, including downing a military helicopter in 2015 and attempting to assassinate then-Mexico City police chief Omar Garcia Harfuch.

INTERNATIONAL DIMENSIONS AND INTELLIGENCE SUPPORT

Intelligence cooperation between Mexico and the United States played a role in locating the cartel leader.

Oseguera Cervantes faced multiple indictments in the United States, which had offered a USD 15 million reward for information leading to his arrest.

US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau praised the operation on X, writing, The good guys are stronger than the bad guys. Congratulations to the forces of law and order in the great Mexican nation."

Mike Vigil, former chief of international operations for the US Drug Enforcement Administration, told AP the operation sent a strong message" that Mexico was confronting powerful cartels effectively, adding that the majority of the information came from the Mexican armed forces."

While Mexican authorities have described the killing as a significant operational victory, analysts say the coming period will determine whether the death of El Mencho" weakens the cartel or ushers in a new phase of violence, the Associated Press reported.

First Published: February 23, 2026, 11:24 IST

News world How Mexico Killed Drug Lord El Mencho: A Raid That Triggered Nationwide Unrest By Cartel Gunmen

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Indefinite Curfew Imposed In Nepal's Four Birgunj Areas After Clashes

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News18.com

Last Updated: February 23, 2026, 18:03 IST

The restricted zones include Bypass Road in the east, Sirsia River in the west, Gandak Chowk in the north, and Shankaracharya Gate in the south.

Armed Police Force (APF) personnel stand guard as security heightens amid curfew. (PTI file photo)

Authorities in Nepal have imposed an indefinite curfew in four key areas of Birgunj Metropolitan City in Parsa district following a clash between two youth groups on Sunday evening. The curfew began on Monday morning and will remain in place until further notice.

The Chief District Officer said the curfew was issued under Section 6(a) of the Local Administration Act, 2028. It prohibits residents from moving around, gathering, holding rallies or demonstrations, meeting, or sieging within the designated areas.

The restricted zones include Bypass Road in the east, Sirsia River in the west, Gandak Chowk in the north, and Shankaracharya Gate in the south.

In view of the latest security situation, a curfew order has been issued from 9:45 am today, February 23, 2026, until further orders," the official notice read.

Authorities clarified that essential movement will be allowed under exemptions. These include ambulances, fire engines, hearses, vehicles carrying health workers or media personnel, students travelling for pre-scheduled university exams, staff at exam centres, tourist vehicles, vehicles of human rights and diplomatic missions, and air passengers with valid tickets.

Security personnel have been deployed to enforce the curfew and ensure the safe passage of exempted vehicles.

Meanwhile, additional security forces have been dispatched across districts outside the Kathmandu Valley, particularly in the southern plains, to maintain safety at nearly 11,000 polling stations ahead of Nepals national elections.

Over 3 lakh security personnel, including police, army, and election police, are tasked with ensuring a peaceful electoral process scheduled for March 5.

At the Nepal Police Academy in Kathmandu, more than 3,000 police personnel boarded buses as they departed for their assigned districts to bolster election security.

(With inputs from agencies)

Location : Nepal

First Published: February 23, 2026, 17:57 IST

News world Indefinite Curfew Imposed In Nepal's Four Birgunj Areas After Clashes

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Iran Warns Of 'Ferocious' Retaliation As Trump Mulls 'Limited Military Strike' Amid High Tensions

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: February 23, 2026, 17:57 IST

Iran warns of fierce retaliation if attacked by the US, as Trump weighs strikes. Oman plans talks; EU urges diplomacy; Iran demands nuclear talks.

Both countries are set to hold another round of discussions, brokered by Oman, on Thursday. However, the US is yet to confirm the meeting. (File image: AFP)

Iran on Monday said a US attack of any scale would result in Tehran to respond ferociously". This was in response to President Donald Trump saying he was considering limited strikes against Iran.

AFP quoted the Irans foreign ministry saying that any strike, even limited, would be would be regarded as an act of aggression. Period".

And any state would react to an act of aggression as part of its inherent right of self-defence ferociously so thats what we would do," ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said at a briefing in Tehran.

This comes as the US has built up forces in the Middle East to pressure Iran to make a deal, with Trump warning a limited strike if no agreement is reached. Both countries are set to hold another round of discussions, brokered by Oman, on Thursday. However, the US is yet to confirm the meeting.

A second round of indirect talks were held in Geneva on Tuesday last week.

Also Read: Donald Trump Says He Is Considering Limited Military Strike Against Iran

Trump on Friday said that he may consider launching a limited military action against Iran.

I guess I can say I am considering it," said Trump, giving no other details when asked if he was planning the limited strike to pressure Iran to accept a deal.

In recent days, the US has increased its military presence across the Middle East, repositioning warships, aircraft and additional forces as negotiations over Tehrans nuclear programme remain stalled.

Also Read: Donald Trump Weighs Escalating Military Action Against Iran If Nuclear Talks Fail: Report

AFP quoted the European Union, which has been sidelined in mediation on Iran, calling for a diplomatic solution ahead of the talks.

We dont need another war in this region. We already have a lot," EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said ahead of a meeting of EU foreign ministers.

It is true that Iran is at its weakest point that they have been. We should be really using this time to find a diplomatic solution."

As the discussions continue, Iran has repeatedly insisted only discussions on the countrys nuclear programme are on the table at mediated talks.

In a recent interview with Fox News, US envoy Steve Witkoff said Trump is wondering why Iran has not capitulated" in the face of Washingtons military deployment.

In response, Baqaei said on Monday that Iranians had never capitulated at any point in their history.

Location : Tehran, Iran

First Published: February 23, 2026, 17:57 IST

News world Iran Warns Of 'Ferocious' Retaliation As Trump Mulls 'Limited Military Strike' Amid High Tensions

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JD Vance Or Marco Rubio As Trumps Successor? US President Asking Advisers About 2028 Polls

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Last Updated: February 23, 2026, 13:56 IST

According to a report by Axios, Trump continues to favour Vance, whom he chose as his running mate and previously described as most likely his heir apparent.

Donald Trump is informally weighing JD Vance and Marco Rubio as potential Republican leaders for 2028. (File image)

US President Donald Trump has begun informally asking advisers and confidants who should lead the Republican ticket in 2028  Vice President JD Vance or Secretary of State Marco Rubio  according to a report by Axios.

As per the report, the conversations, described as casual, come as Trump increasingly focuses on his legacy ahead of his final midterm elections. Trump reportedly believes there are no better standard-bearers for it than JD Vance and Marco Rubio.

Vance Favoured, Rubio Gaining Visibility

According to the report, Trump continues to favour Vance, whom he chose as his running mate and previously described as most likely" his heir apparent.

In all fairness, hes the vice president," Trump said last year when asked if Vance was the future leader of the Make America Great Again movement.

However, Rubios profile has grown significantly through his roles as secretary of state and national security adviser. Sources told the news outlet that Trump has increasingly praised Rubios performance in public and private settings.

One Trump adviser told Axios that Vance-Rubio is the presidents dream ticket for 2028, and to be clear, thats Vance on top. He further said that Trump would also be absolutely" comfortable with a Rubio-Vance combination.

All five sources cited by Axios cautioned that Trumps musings should not be seen as a sign of dissatisfaction with Vance. Instead, they reflect his tendency to float ideas, encourage internal competition and gauge reactions from those around him.

Balancing Succession and Midterms

Advisers reportedly believe Trump is unlikely to formally anoint a successor before the midterm elections, as doing so could distract from the partys electoral focus and signal a premature transfer of influence.

Last year, Trump publicly suggested that Rubio and Vance could get together" on a future Republican ballot. At an event in Munich, he jokingly told Rubio that if he continued outperforming him publicly, youre outta here." At the same event, Trump described Vance as a pugilist" and Rubio as a diplomat who operates with a velvet glove."

Behind the scenes, Trump reportedly enjoys weighing personalities against one another and gauging reactions from those around him.

No Visible Rift

Despite growing speculation, both camps have sought to downplay talk of rivalry.

In an interview with Vanity Fair last year, Rubio said that if Vance runs, hes going to be our nominee, and Ill be one of the first people to support him." According to Axios, Rubio has reiterated that position privately.

Vance, speaking this week to Fox News, described Rubio as his closest friend in the administration" and dismissed suggestions of tension.

While no formal succession plan has been announced, Trumps remarks indicate that the 2028 Republican field is already taking shape behind the scenes  even as party leaders focus publicly on the upcoming midterm contests.

Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

First Published: February 23, 2026, 13:56 IST

News world JD Vance Or Marco Rubio As Trumps Successor? US President Asking Advisers About 2028 Polls

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Kim Jong Un Re-Elected Leader Of North Korea's Ruling Party In Rare Congress

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Last Updated: February 23, 2026, 09:06 IST

The party lauded Kim Jong Un for turning the North Korean military into an elite and powerful army".

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. (AP/File)

North Koreas ruling Workers Party has re-elected Kim Jong Un as general secretary on the fourth day of the partys congress in Pyongyang on Sunday, state-run news agency KCNA reported on Monday.

The meeting also elected new members to the party Central Committee and adopted some revisions to the party rules, details of which arent shared. While Kim has remained at the top of North Korean leadership, the party congresss presidium has been reshuffled since the last meeting in 2021. More than half of its 39 members have been replaced, according to state media.

In a laudatory report, the congress  the first since 2021 and just the fourth in 45 years  lauded the countrys ruler for turning the North Korean military into an elite and powerful army  capable of coping with any threat of aggression on their own initiative and fully prepared for any form of war," news agency Reuters reported, citing KCNA.

The party further credited the countrys ruler for raising the prestige of the country and creating an international environment favourable to its revolutionary struggle.

Under his leadership, the war deterrence of the country with the nuclear forces as its pivot has been radically improved," KCNA said.

The war deterrence of the country with the nuclear forces as its pivot has been radically improved and our state has dynamically advanced  despite the stern challenges of history," it added.

Through his seasoned external activities Kim Jong Un has remarkably raised the dignity and prestige of the DPRK, created an international environment favorable for the Korean revolution and made a great contribution to the common cause of mankind," it said, using the acronym for the Norths formal name, the Democratic Republic of Korea.

North Koreas ongoing party congress, held once every five years in the last decade, commenced on 19 February. There are 5,000 party members attending the Ninth Congress of the Workers Party, according to KCNA.

The party congress offers a rare glimpse into the structure of political power in North Korea, which remains highly secretive even to the keenest watchers.

Who Is Kim Jong Un?

Kim Jong Un leads North Korea as its supreme leader. He took power after his father, Kim Jong Il, died in 2011. His grandfather, Kim Il Sung, founded the country and the Workers Party back in 1949. At 42 years old, Kim holds the top spot in the party, the military, and the government.

Will Kim Jong Uns Daughter Succeed Him?

Meanwhile, South Koreas spy agency said that Kim had chosen his teenage daughter Ju Ae as his heir.

Kim Ju Ae, believed to be 13 years old, has become an increasingly prominent figure at official events  inspecting missiles and attending Beijings military parade with her father.

While the NIS previously described Kims daughter as being in successor training," it now characterises her as being at the successor-designate stage", a significant change in assessment.

Attention intensified last month when she joined her parents at Pyongyangs Kumsusan Palace of the Sun, the mausoleum housing the embalmed bodies of her grandfather Kim Jong II and great-grandfather Kim II Sung.

(With inputs from agencies)

Location : North Korea

First Published: February 23, 2026, 09:06 IST

News world Kim Jong Un Re-Elected Leader Of North Korea's Ruling Party In Rare Congress

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Leave By All Available Means: India Issues Fresh Advisory For Citizens In Iran Amid Tensions

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Last Updated: February 23, 2026, 13:54 IST

The Indian embassy also issued emergency helpline numbers and an official email address to facilitate immediate support.

The current escalation is driven by a fundamental clash of 'red lines'. Representational image/AFP

Amid escalating tensions between Tehran and Washington, the Indian embassy in Tehran on Monday issued an advisory, asking all its citizens currently in Iran to leave the country by any available means of transport.

The advisory read as a continuation of the announcement on January 5, when the Government asked Indian nationals to leave during the Khamenei regimes crackdown on the protests that took over the country.

In continuation of the advisory issued by the Government of India on 5 January 2026, and in view of the evolving situation in Iran, Indian nationals who are currently in Iran (students, pilgrims, business persons and tourists) are advised to leave Iran by available means of transport, including commercial flights," the advisory read.

All Indian citizens and PIOs should exercise due caution, avoid areas of protests or demonstrations, stay in contact with the Indian Embassy in Iran and monitor local media for any developments," the advisory read.

The Embassy has advised Indian citizens, including students, pilgrims, businesspersons and tourists, to exercise caution, avoid areas of protests or demonstrations, and remain in contact with mission officials while closely monitoring local media developments.

Indian nationals have also been asked to keep their travel and immigration documents, including passports and identification papers, readily accessible.

In addition, the mission has urged all Indians in Iran who have not yet registered with the Embassy to do so through the designated online portal. In case of internet disruptions, families in India have been requested to complete the registration on their behalf.

The embassy also issued emergency helpline numbers and an official email address to facilitate immediate support.

The emergency contact helplines of the Indian Embassy are provided below: Mobile Numbers: +989128109115; +989128109109; +989128109102; +989932179359. Email: cons.tehran@mea.gov.in," it stated.

US-Iran Tensions

The advisory came amid looming fear of war in the Middle East and growing tensions between Tehran and Washington.

US President Donald Trump has told senior advisers that the United States could escalate military action against Iran, potentially including a broader campaign aimed at weakening or even toppling the countrys leadership, if diplomatic efforts and any initial targeted strikes fail to force Tehran to abandon its nuclear programme.

According to a report by New York Times, Trump has been leaning toward authorising an initial limited military strike in the coming days designed to demonstrate US resolve and compel Irans leadership to accept demands to give up the capability to develop a nuclear weapon.

The next round of talks between the two countries will be held on Thursday in Geneva, Omans foreign minister Badr al-Busaidi said on Sunday. He expressed hope that an agreement could be reached before the US considers an attack. The previous talk on Irans nuclear program was held in Oman.

Trump had repeatedly signalled an imminent strike on Iran with a massive military buildup in the region. Reports suggest that Trump is considering authorising a limited military strike on Iran to pressure Tehran into agreeing to his terms for a nuclear deal.

Meanwhile, Iranian students chanted anti-government slogans and scuffled with counter-protesters on Saturday in the latest display of anger at the countrys clerical leaders. The gatherings at universities, which were reported by both local and diaspora media outlets, followed a mass protest movement that was met with a deadly government crackdown last month.

Location : Tehran, Iran

First Published: February 23, 2026, 13:46 IST

News world Leave By All Available Means: India Issues Fresh Advisory For Citizens In Iran Amid Tensions

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Mayor Shot Dead, Top Cops Convoy Ambushed: El Mencho Gangs Terror Trail In Mexico

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Last Updated: February 23, 2026, 10:00 IST

Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, leader of CJNG, was killed in a military operation in western Mexico on Sunday.

Omar Harfuch, whose convoy was ambushed (Left) and drug lord 'El Mencho' (Right)

El Mencho and his criminal cell within the Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generacion (CJNG) have been linked to several high-profile terror cases in Mexico.

Omar Garcia Harfuch, now Mexicos Secretary of Security, survived a brutal assassination attempt by the Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generacion (CJNG) in 2020. Today, he helped oversee the military operation that led to the death of the cartels leader, Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, known as El Mencho."

On June 26, 2020, CJNG gunmen ambushed Harfuch in Lomas de Chapultepec while he was serving as Mexico Citys Secretary of Security. More than 400 rounds were fired at his convoy. Two bodyguards and one bystander were killed. Harfuch was hit three times but survived due to his vehicles armour. He publicly blamed El Mencho and confirmed arrests, including that of the cartels top assassin known as El Vaca."

Fall of El Mencho

Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, leader of CJNG, was killed in a military operation in western Mexico on Sunday. He was captured during the raid but died of injuries sustained in a firefight while being transported for treatment. The operation was carried out with support from US intelligence. His death is seen as one of the biggest blows to organised crime in Mexico in recent years.

Harfuch confirmed the elimination of El Mencho," a key CJNG leader linked to a criminal cell involved in highway robberies, extortion of truckers, kidnappings, drug trafficking and murders along the Mexico-Queretaro highway. Months of intelligence work and joint federal-state raids led to the seizure of weapons, drugs, vehicles and electronics.

Harfuch is known for aggressive anti-cartel campaigns and has been called Mexicos Batman." While past unverified claims from rival cartel members alleged indirect support for anti-CJNG factions, recent reports describe him as the cartels top adversary.

High-profile murders by CJNG

CJNG has been linked to a series of high-profile killings over the years.

In 2025, Uruapan mayor Carlos Manzo was executed in the town square during a Day of the Dead festival, in front of his family and a crowd. He had publicly criticised Mexicos President over cartel violence. Reports named El Moncho as the intellectual author of the killing.

In 2017, a former CJNG member known as El Cholo" was tortured, dismembered and his body displayed with narco-messages.

In 2011, 35 bodies of rival gang members were dumped from a truck in Boca del Rio. The victims were reportedly tortured and had their hands tied.

In 2019, 14 police officers in Michoacan were killed in an ambush involving machine guns and vehicle burnings.

Since 2011, CJNG violence has been linked to more than 75,000 deaths, with a peak between 2020 and 2022. El Menchos cell focused on extortion murders of truckers rather than celebrities or politicians beyond Manzo.

Location : Mexico

First Published: February 23, 2026, 09:59 IST

News world Mayor Shot Dead, Top Cops Convoy Ambushed: El Mencho Gangs Terror Trail In Mexico

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Baz Luhrmann is "so deep in" his Jehanne d'Arc movie.

Baz Luhrmann is working on his Jehanne d'Arc movie

The 63-year-old director is working on a historical epic based on the teenage French saint Joan of Arc  starring The Queen's Gambit actress Isla Johnston in the lead role  and urged fans to be patient as he puts the project together.

Baz told Variety: "I'm so deep in it. The reason I'm shooting this corner of my atelier (on a Zoom call) is because the rest of it is just plastered with story structure and script.

"We have this extraordinarily gifted, gifted, gifted young actor who's quietly doing all it's gonna take. Because it's gonna take time. I always take time. But I am building medieval France! You know, there's not a lot of medieval France hanging around ready to be photographed. So it's not quick, but I'm deep in it."

The Moulin Rouge! filmmaker added: "As soon as I finish the tour of Elvis, I'm back to Jehanne d'Arc and that will be my next journey. And yet another character who has actually been kind of relegated to a bit of a trope and a little bit forgotten.

"I like to be involved in those iconic characters from the past who you sort of wish their power and their guidance and their light was around today. Who, in different ways, were the most surprising candidates to have so much of an effect on the world."

Luhrmann has helmed the new documentary film EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert and admits that he never planned to make such a big contribution to the late King of Rock 'n' Roll's legacy after helming the 2022 biopic that starred Austin Butler.

The Australian director said: "Look, it wasn't planned that way. I mean, I was affected by Elvis as a child, but I also went on to other artists as I grew up  (David) Bowie and Michael Jackson and Elton John, for sure, who I love and work with.

"But Elvis was always there, more than just a musician or even a pop icon. He was America in so many ways, through the '50s, '60s and '70s  the incredible rebellious energy, the kind of cool family part, but also then almost rising up like a god, and then the descent.

"And even in his most corrupted bodily state at the end of his life, he sings Unchained Melody with probably the best voice he's ever had."

Baz hopes that the film gives Elvis "the world tour he dreamed of".

The Great Gatsby helmer said: "We know why he didn't have the world tour (as Colonel Tom Parker had his way).

"And honestly, we are going to give Elvis the world tour he dreamed of. Because he's gonna be playing on the biggest screens in the world.

"In Toronto, people actually came up to me and said, 'I couldn't work out whether I was in the audience or not. It felt like I was at the show.'"
Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong speaks during a Spring Festival celebration in Islamabad, capital of Pakistan, on Feb. 21, 2026. (Xinhua/Zhang Jingyao)

ISLAMABAD, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- The Spring Festival celebration event themed "Chinese New Year, China Pakistan Go Together," hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Pakistan, was held here on Saturday evening.

Representatives from different sectors of Pakistani society, overseas Chinese, Chinese enterprises, and media attended the event.

Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong welcomed Pakistani friends to the embassy to celebrate the Chinese New Year of the Horse together. He said that during this year's Spring Festival, going to China to celebrate the Chinese New Year has become a new trend among foreign friends. They enjoyed delicious food, beautiful scenery, and a wonderful time in China in tranquility, harmony, and joy.

Jiang hoped that the Pakistani friends could also spend a wonderful Chinese New Year at the Chinese Embassy and join hands to write a new chapter for China-Pakistan friendship.

On behalf of the Pakistani government, Pakistani Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik extended his Spring Festival greetings to the Chinese people, wishing Chinese friends and China's development success in the new year.

The guests enjoyed Chinese tea art, learned to make dumplings, and watched various performances on site. Mohammad Kamran, a student from the National University of Modern Languages of Pakistan, recited an ancient Chinese poem The Moon over the River on a Spring Night on the stage.

He said that making dumplings with his own hands during the Spring Festival was very exciting for him, hoping that the people of the two countries could strengthen exchanges and enhance friendship through their respective traditional festivals. 

Pakistani Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik speaks during a Spring Festival celebration in Islamabad, capital of Pakistan on Feb. 21, 2026. (Xinhua/Zhang Jingyao)

People perform during a Spring Festival celebration in Islamabad, capital of Pakistan, on Feb. 21, 2026. (Xinhua/Zhang Jingyao)

People perform during a Spring Festival celebration in Islamabad, capital of Pakistan, on Feb. 21, 2026. (Xinhua/Zhang Jingyao)
New York Braces For Major Snowstorm, Mayor Declares State Of Emergency, Travel Ban

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Last Updated: February 23, 2026, 08:30 IST

While addressing a press briefing, the mayor said that from 9pm Sunday to 12pm Monday (local time) all city streets, highways and bridges will be closed to non-emergency traffic.

Ice on Hudson River. Spencer Platt/Getty Images/AFP (Photo by SPENCER PLATT / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani on Sunday declared a citywide state of emergency and ordered a blanket travel ban ahead of a powerful blizzard expected to hit the region.

While addressing a press conference, the mayor said that from 9pm Sunday to 12pm Monday (local time) all city streets, highways and bridges will be closed to non-emergency traffic.

The restriction applies to all vehicles, including cars, trucks, scooters and e-bikes, with narrow exemptions granted only for essential emergency movements and critical service workers.

We are asking New Yorkers to avoid all non essential travel," he said, adding New York City has not faced a storm of this scale in the last decade," Fox News reported.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has also declared a state of emergency, and city agencies have mobilised snow removal teams, including recruiting temporary shovelers to clear public spaces as the historic winter storm intensifies.

New York City and much of the Northeast are bracing for a historic winter storm, as meteorologists warn that a powerful blizzard could blanket the region in feet of snow, disrupt travel, and create life-threatening conditions. The city has issued a blizzard warning for the first time in nearly 10 years, underscoring the severity of the approaching storm.

The National Weather Service has issued blizzard warnings for over 40 million Americans, forecasting up to two feet of snow in New York City, Boston and Philadelphia, along with wind gusts reaching 60 mph. Authorities cautioned that heavy snowfall combined with strong winds could lead to widespread power outages, coastal flooding and dangerous travel conditions.

Forecasters predict up to 1.5 feet (46 cm) of snow in and around New York City, including Long Island. This is the citys first blizzard warning since 2017.

Air travel across the Northeast has been severely disrupted. Major airports including John F Kennedy International Airport, LaGuardia Airport, Newark Liberty International Airport and Boston Logan International Airport reported widespread cancellations, with thousands of US flights scrapped or delayed.

Air India cancelled all flights to and from New York and Newark for Monday, citing passenger safety, while Delta Air Lines also announced flight cancellations.

Washington DC and Baltimore are currently under a winter storm watch as authorities prepare for worsening weather across the region.

(With inputs from agencies)

Location : New York, United States of America (USA)

First Published: February 23, 2026, 08:30 IST

News world New York Braces For Major Snowstorm, Mayor Declares State Of Emergency, Travel Ban

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'Take Shelter': Indian Embassy Advises Nationals In Mexico To Remain Vigilant Amid Violent Protests

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Last Updated: February 23, 2026, 07:33 IST

Indian embassy advised citizens to avoid areas around law enforcement activity, stay away from crowds, and minimise unnecessary movement outside their residences.

Drone footage from Guadalajara captured vehicles set ablaze, with thick plumes of smoke rising over Mexicos second-largest city. (X)

Mexico Violence: Amid violent protests following the killing of Mexican drug lord Nemesio El Mencho" Oseguera in Mexico, the Indian Embassy in Mexico on Monday issued an advisory urging Indian nationals to avoid unnecessary movement and seek shelter in place until further notice.

In a post on X, the Indian Embassy said that amid ongoing security operations, road blockages and reports of criminal activity, Indian nationals in Jalisco State  including Puerto Vallarta, Chapala and Guadalajara  as well as in Tamaulipas (including Reynosa), parts of Michoacan, Guerrero and Nuevo Leon, have been urged to shelter in place until further notice.

Dear all Indian nationals in Mexico:There are ongoing security operations and related road blockages and criminal activity, Indian nationals in Jalisco State (areas of Puerto Vallarta, Chapala, and Guadalajara), Tamaulipas State (areas of Reynosa and other municipalities),  India in Mexico (@IndEmbMexico) February 22, 2026

It further advised citizens to avoid areas around law enforcement activity, stay away from crowds, remain aware of their surroundings and minimise unnecessary movement outside their residences. They have also been asked to monitor local media for updates and strictly follow the directions of local authorities. It said that in case of emergency, individuals should dial 911.

Read More: Mexicos Most Wanted Drug Lord El Mencho Killed In Military Op, Cartel Starts Nationwide Rampage

The embassy further urged Indian nationals to keep family and friends informed about their location and well-being through phone calls, text messages or social media.

The embassy also issued a helpline number +52 55 4847 7539 for assistance.

Mexico Marred By Violence

The advisory came amid ongoing security operations and violent protests across several Mexican states following the killing of Mexicos most wanted drug lord and the leader of the feared Jalisco New Generation (CJNG) drug cartel, Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, widely known as El Mencho" during a major military operation in the western state of Jalisco.

The 59-year-old drug lord was seriously injured during a clash with security forces in the town of Tapalpa. He later died while being airlifted to Mexico City.

After the news of his death broke out, cartel members launched retaliatory attacks across Jalisco and neighboring states.

More than 20 roads were blocked with burning vehicles, bringing key highways to a standstill. Violence also spread to Michoacan and the tourist city of Puerto Vallarta. In Guadalajara, businesses were shut down and residents were urged to stay indoors as plumes of smoke rose over parts of the city.

Read More: Who Was El Mencho, Most Wanted Drug Lord Whose Killing Has Triggered Unrest Across Mexico?

Eyewitnesses have filmed plumes of smoke rising over several cities, including Guadalajara.

US carriers United Airlines and American Airlines, as well as Air Canada, have cancelled flights to Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara.

Location : Mexico

First Published: February 23, 2026, 07:18 IST

News world 'Take Shelter': Indian Embassy Advises Nationals In Mexico To Remain Vigilant Amid Violent Protests

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US Embassy Evacuates Staff From Beirut As Tensions With Iran Intensify

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Last Updated: February 23, 2026, 20:41 IST

The US Embassy in Beirut evacuated dozens of non-essential personnel amid anticipated regional developments and possible Hezbollah action against Israel.

The evacuation order has been issued as a precautionary measure amid anticipated regional developments".

The US Embassy in Beirut, Lebanon, on Monday evacuated dozens of non-essential personnel via BeirutRafic Hariri International Airport.

The Times of Israel quoted Lebanese broadcaster LBCI stating that the embassy has evacuated dozens of staffers via the citys Rafik Hariri International Airport as a precautionary measure amid anticipated regional developments".

The Department of State has ordered the departure of non-emergency U.S. government personnel and eligible family members from US Embassy Beirut," the State Department said.

We continuously assess the security environment, and based on our latest review, we determined it prudent to reduce our footprint to essential personnel. The Embassy remains operational with core staff in place. This is a temporary measure intended to ensure the safety of our personnel while maintaining our ability to operate and assist US citizens," the statement continued.

Reuters quoted a source at the U.S. embassy saying that 50 people had been evacuated, while an official at Beirut airport said 32 embassy staff, along with family members, had flown out of Beirut airport on Monday.

This comes amid reports that Hezbollah will likely attack Israel in case of a war sparked by a US strike on Iran.

Fox News quoted reports stating that Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has tightened control over Hezbollah in Lebanon amid looming prospects of potential US strikes.

Previously, US President Donald Trump had ordered a large buildup of forces in the Middle East and made threats against the Iranian regime.

He had also given Iran a deadline of 10 to 15 days to respond to a deal or really bad things will happen".

On Thursday, US and Iran will reportedly hold another round of talks with focus on the latters nuclear programme, including uranium enrichment levels and sanctions relief.

Location : Beirut, Lebanon

First Published: February 23, 2026, 19:57 IST

News world US Embassy Evacuates Staff From Beirut As Tensions With Iran Intensify

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'US President Is A Man Of Action': Anonymous Message About Trump Sends Waves Across Iran

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Last Updated: February 23, 2026, 23:43 IST

Iranian state media said a large number of citizens across the country received the short message.

A cryptic text in Persian from an anonymous sender read: The US President is a man of action. Wait and see. (Image via X and AFP)

Thousands of people in Iran on Monday reportedly received a cryptic text message in Persian from an anonymous sender, which read, The US President is a man of action. Wait and see."

Iranian state media said a large number of citizens across the country received the short message, which has drawn attention because no official source has confirmed who sent it.

The message comes amid rising tensions between Tehran and Washington. On Monday, Iran vowed to respond ferociously" to any US strike and warned that even limited attacks would be considered acts of aggression.

US President Donald Trump had warned that he was considering a limited strike if Iran did not reach a deal on its nuclear programme.

The timing of the message coincided with renewed student protests across Iran, which began over the weekend at universities. The demonstrations follow earlier nationwide protests last December and January, which were met with a deadly crackdown.

Human rights groups say more than 7,000 were killed, while Iranian authorities acknowledge more than 3,000 deaths and claimed the violence was fuelled by terrorist acts" supported by the United States and Israel.

The message also emerged as both countries prepare to resume indirect talks in Geneva on Thursday under Omani mediation, aimed at resolving disputes over Irans nuclear programme.

Tehran says its nuclear work is for civilian use, while Washington and its allies suspect it is aimed at developing nuclear weapons.

The heightened rhetoric has sparked concern both inside and outside Iran. Countries including India, Sweden, Serbia, Poland, and Australia have advised their citizens to leave Iran.

The United States has also ordered non-essential personnel to leave its embassy in Lebanon, citing security risks linked to Hezbollah, which has close ties to Tehran.

(With inputs from AFP)

Location : Iran

First Published: February 23, 2026, 23:41 IST

News world 'US President Is A Man Of Action': Anonymous Message About Trump Sends Waves Across Iran

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ISLAMABAD, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- Four terrorists were killed and three soldiers injured in an exchange of fire in Pakistan's northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Monday, official sources said.

The incident occurred at around 6:20 a.m. local time (0120 GMT) in Dera Ismail Khan district, the sources told Xinhua on condition of anonymity.

The security forces engaged militants after reports of their presence in the area, the sources said.

The exchange of fire continued for about 20 to 25 minutes. During a subsequent search operation, security forces recovered four bodies of militants and seized eight motorcycles from the site, the sources said. 
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, gives a speech via video link at the high-level segment of the 61st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, in Beijing, capital of China, on Feb. 23, 2026. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu)

BEIJING, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- China stands ready to work with all countries to improve global human rights governance and promote the sound development of the international human rights cause, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Monday.

Wang, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks in a speech delivered via video link during the high-level segment of the 61st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council.

Wang noted that the international situation is complex and intertwined, and that global human rights governance and the post-World War II international order are facing new tests of the times. The Global Governance Initiative proposed by China has received support and responses from more than 150 countries and international organizations, he added.

Wang called for upholding sovereign equality and safeguarding the original aspirations of global human rights governance. The only path that can lead to ever-broader prospects is one of human rights development, rooted in a country's specific national conditions and responsive to the needs of its people, he said.

All parties should abide by the international rule of law and consolidate the foundations of global human rights governance, Wang noted. Together, all countries should uphold the "golden rule" of non-interference in one another's internal affairs, and firmly reject words and deeds that create double standards in the name of human rights, he said.

He called for practicing multilateralism and addressing the challenges to global human rights governance. All countries should reject all forms of colonialism or racial discrimination, and respond properly to rising issues such as artificial intelligence, as well as climate change and human rights.

Wang emphasized that all parties should advocate a people-oriented approach to global human rights governance and enrich the connotations of such governance. The international community should also position the right to development in a more prominent position on the multilateral human rights agenda, he said.

Calling for action-oriented approaches to and the enhanced efficacy of global human rights governance, Wang said that China is willing to coordinate its actions with the international community to collectively chart a new blueprint for this global cause.

Noting that 2026 marks the start of China's 15th Five-Year Plan period, he said the country will continue advancing its whole-process people's democracy, ensuring the achievements of Chinese modernization benefit all people in a more equitable manner.

China stands ready to work with all countries to promote common development and prosperity, safeguard international fairness and justice, uphold the common values of humanity, and build a community with a shared future for all, with the aim of ensuring that the progress of human rights civilization benefits the whole world, he stressed. 

This photo taken on Feb. 23, 2026 shows Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, giving a speech via video link at the high-level segment of the 61st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland. (Xinhua/Lian Yi)
New York City and New Jersey announced travel bans, airlines canceled thousands of flights, and even Broadway shows were canceled Sunday evening as a fierce winter storm bore down on the Northeastern US, prompting blizzard warnings from Maryland to Massachusetts, the AP reports. Snow began falling in New Jersey and New York as the storm moved northward. The National Weather Service said 1 to 2 feet of snow was possible in many areas, along with heavy winds. Visibility in many areas was expected to be a quarter-mile or less. Officials throughout the region urged residents to avoid travel.

The weather service issued blizzard warnings for New York City and Long Island, Boston and coastal communities in Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts. State of emergency declarations were issued in New Jersey, Delaware, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and parts of New York as officials mobilized readiness efforts. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced a ban on non-emergency travel on all streets from 9pm ET Sunday through noon Monday, with travel restrictions planned in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and elsewhere in the region. Regional airports canceled flights ahead of the storm, and even DoorDash announced it was suspending deliveries in the city overnight.

To the south, landmarks such as the Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, DC, announced closures Monday. The weather service said some of the heaviest snow was expected to fall overnight, with as much as 2 inches of snow per hour accumulating at times in some areas, before tapering off by Monday afternoon. It said the storm's strong wind gusts could cause whiteout conditions and warned of a "Potentially Historic/Destructive Storm" southeast of the Boston-Providence corridor. The storm could possibly meet the definition of a bomb cyclone, said Frank Pereira, a weather service meteorologist. That's when a storm drops at least 24 millibars in pressure in 24 hours.
School picture day just got swept into the Jeffrey Epstein fallout, the Wall Street Journal reports. Lifetouch, the 90-year-old company that shoots student portraits for thousands of US schools, is facing a fast-moving boycott after online sleuths linked itindirectlyto Epstein through its parent company's former private equity owner. The connection: Lifetouch's parent, Shutterfly, was bought in 2019 by funds managed by Apollo Global Management, where Leon Black, one of Epstein's major financial clients, was then CEO. Black left Apollo in 2021 after it was revealed that he had paid Epstein $158 million for tax and estate work between 2012 and 2017; an outside review found no evidence he was involved in Epstein's crimes.

There's no mention of Lifetouch in the newly released Epstein files, and the company says neither Apollo (which did not acquire Shutterfly until after Epstein's death) nor Black ever had access to its photos. "We have never shared student images with any third party, including Apollo," CEO Ken Murphy told parents. Apollo likewise says no one there, aside from Black, had a business or personal relationship with Epstein. Still, social media posts alleging Lifetouch is tied to a global trafficking ring have racked up millions of views, prompting at least 10 districts to cancel or pause contracts with the photography company, NBC News reports. Other districts have concluded no wrongdoing took place, and have no plans to change their picture day plans. Lifetouch takes millions of student photos per year, the AP reports.
President Trump is apparently trying to force changes to Netflix's boardroom, the Guardian reports. In a Truth Social post, the president demanded the company drop Susan Rice from its board or "face the consequences," blasting the former Obama and Biden administration official as a "political hack" with "no talent or skills." Rice, who rejoined Netflix's board in 2023 after previously serving from 2018-20 and serves on its nominating and governance committee, recently said on a podcast that companies and institutions that backed Trump could face accountability if Democrats regain power.

Trump's move marks a reversal from his earlier pledge to stay out of the high-stakes fight over who will take over Warner Bros Discovery (WBD), whose assets include Warner Bros studio and HBO. Netflix is competing with Paramount Skydance, backed by Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison, which has been pursuing a roughly $108 billion deal. Any acquisition would require federal approval, and some lawmakers and industry figures already worry a Netflix-WBD combination could dominate the streaming market. Trump amplified right-wing influencer Laura Loomer's claim that Rice's comments were "anti-American," CNBC reports. Loomer called for him to kill the Netflix-WBD deal, which the Department of Justice is currently reviewing. Netflix has not commented.
A murder trial is set to begin Monday for a Utah mother of three who published a children's book about grief after her husband's death and was later accused of killing him . Kouri Richins, 35, faces a slew of felony charges for allegedly killing her husband, Eric Richins, with fentanyl in March 2022 at their home just outside the ski town of Park City, per the AP . Prosecutors say she slipped five times the lethal dose of the synthetic opioid into a Moscow mule cocktail that he drank. She is also accused of trying to poison him a month earlier on Valentine's Day with a fentanyl-laced sandwich that made him break out in hives and black out, according to court documents.

Prosecutors have argued that Richins killed her husband for financial gain while owing lenders more than $1.8 million and planning a future with another man she was seeing on the side. Richins has vehemently denied the allegations. She faces nearly three dozen counts, including aggravated murder, attempted murder, forgery, mortgage fraud, and insurance fraud. The murder charge alone carries a sentence of 25 years to life in prison. Her defense attorneys, Wendy Lewis, Kathy Nester, and Alex Ramos, said they are confident the 12-person jury will allow Richins to return home to her children after hearing her side of the story. "What the public has been told bears little resemblance to the truth," the team said.

The state's key witness, housekeeper Carmen Lauber, told a detective she had sold Richins up to 90 fentanyl pills that she acquired from a dealer. Lauber is not charged with any crimes in connection to the case, and has been granted immunity. Defense attorneys are expected to argue that Lauber did not actually give Richins fentanyl and was motivated to lie for legal protection. None was ever found in her house, and the dealer has said he was in jail and detoxing from drug use when he told detectives in 2023 that he had sold fentanyl to Lauber. He later said in a sworn affidavit that he only sold her the opioid OxyContin. Other witnesses could include the man with whom Richins was allegedly having an affair and a friend who recalled Eric Richins claiming, "My wife tried to poison me."
Rebecca Gayheart says she's been stunned by the support pouring in after the death of her estranged husband, actor Eric Dane. In an Instagram Story posted Sunday, the 54-year-old thanked friends and fans for the "outpouring of love and support from our community," writing that there were no words for the family's gratitude and that people were "truly holding us up during this difficult time," per People. Her post accompanied a photo of a candlelit memorial for the former Grey's Anatomy and Euphoria star. Dane's girlfriend, photographer Janell Shirtcliff, whom he'd been dating since 2022, also shared personal tributes on social media, per the San Francisco Chronicle.
A North Carolina wife and mother who disappeared in 2001 has been found "alive and well," though with no apparent desire to return to her family. Authorities in Rockingham County say they located 62-year-old Michele Hundley Smith on Friday at an undisclosed location in the state, more than 24 years after she vanished on a Christmas shopping trip, per People . Smith, then 38, disappeared on Dec. 9, 2001, after leaving her Eden home to go to a Kmart in Martinsville, Va., and was reported missing by her husband. After years of work by local deputies and agencies including the SBI, DEA, and FBI, detectives say "new information" led them to her.

The sheriff's office says Smith has asked that her current whereabouts remain private; her family has been told of both her status and her request. Her daughter Amanda, who was 14 at the time of the disappearance and ran a Facebook page seeking answers, wrote that she was both "ecstatic" and "heartbroken" and unsure what a future relationship with her mother might look like, per People. Smith also left behind a younger son and adult daughter, per WCSC. Cousin Barbara Byrd told WFMY that she has many unanswered questions, but for the moment, knowing Smith is alive is enough. Still, "I would love to hear you say I'm OK, but when I'm ready, I'll talk to you."
GAZA/ADEN, Yemen, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- Palestinian factions and Yemen's internationally recognized government on Sunday condemned remarks by U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee that Israeli has right to claim control over the entire Middle East.

In a press statement, the Follow-up Committee of the National and Islamic Forces, which includes the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) and the Islamic Jihad Movement, said it strongly condemns Huckabee's remarks, which "represent the height of religious extremism and pose a real threat to security and stability in the region."

The committee said the remarks "encourage wars, domination and occupation," adding that they "amount to a reproduction of false claims and myths underpinning a colonial narrative that fuels extremism and has been a key factor behind the historical injustice inflicted upon the Palestinian people."

Meanwhile, Yemen's Foreign Ministry said in a statement that Huckabee's remarks violated international law and represent "an infringement on the sovereignty of states."

The ministry said such statements pose a threat to regional security and stability. It reaffirmed Yemen's support for the Palestinian people's legitimate rights, foremost the establishment of an independent state in accordance with international resolutions and the two-state solution.

In an interview with American 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. His remarks drew immediate condemnation from regional countries. 
A hot mic at a New York City school meeting has now drawn in one of the city's top public colleges. Hunter College says it is reviewing whether comments made by associate biology professor Allyson Friedman at a Feb. 10 Community Education Council meeting violated its conduct and nondiscrimination policies, per the New York Times . During a heated debate over a plan to close or relocate several Upper West Side schools, Friedmanattending virtually as a public school parentwas heard interjecting on a livestream while a Black student spoke out against the potential closing of her school. "They're too dumb to know they're in a bad school," she said, adding, "If you train a Black person well enough, they'll know to use the back. You don't have to tell them anymore."

Friedman appeared to be referencing an earlier comment from Reginald Higgins, the local school district superintendent. He had referenced the late historian, Carter G. Woodson, who famously said that by making a man an outcast, he will use "the back door" without being told. Parents were noticeably shocked and outraged, per the Times and Newsweek. Higgins later criticized the "demeaning assumptions" about Black children. City officials, including Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal and City Council education chair Eric Dinowitz, condemned the comments as racist.

In an emailed statement, Friedman, who is tenured, said her microphone was unintentionally on and that she had been trying to explain "systemic racism" to her child by citing "an obviously racist trope." She said her "complete comments" show the views were not her own and not directed at any student or group, but acknowledged causing harm and apologized, adding she supports students opposing the closures. Hunter, part of CUNY, called the remarks "abhorrent." It said it expects community members' words and actions to align with its commitment to an inclusive environment as the broader fight over school closures and racial inequities continues. It noted the school district is also investigating.
February is when a lot of gym shoes start gathering dustbut economist Emily Oster argues in a New York Times op-ed that the real problem isn't our willpower, it's the way exercise research is framed and sold to us. Instead of focusing on how to keep people moving for the long haul, she writes, studies and headlines obsess over which workout is "best": running vs. swimming, walking vs. jogging, Zone 2 vs. something else. The problem is that most of this research is nonsense: The gold-standard randomized trials we'd need to truly compare these regimens are so large and costly they rarely exist.
If there's a symbol of the world's love for a baby monkey abandoned by his mother in the Japanese zoo he calls home, it's IKEA's Djungelskog stuffie , suddenly flying off shelves. Punch, a 7-month-old macaque at Ichikawa City Zoo near Tokyo, has become an online fixation thanks to videos of him clutching the orangutan plusha stand-in for the mother who abandoned him at birth in July. The zoo says the IKEA toy acts as his security blanket: When other monkeys rebuff him, he races back to the stuffed animal, then ventures out again once he feels safe, per the Washington Post . Scientists say the scenes echo classic primate research showing how crucial comfort is for infant development.

The public response has been swift. The $20 Djungelskog orangutan now being marketed as "Punch's comfort orangutan" has sold out in South Korea, the Post reports, and is hard to come by in the US. IKEA has asked customers in South Korea, the US, and Japan to have patience. There's no need to fret for Punch, however: IKEA has donated enough of the stuffies to Ichikawa City Zoo to keep him supplied, USA Today reports.

Still, onlookers do fear for Punch, owing to viral clips of him being dragged or ignored by his fellow macaques since his introduction last month. The clips have spawned the hashtag #HangInTherePunch and support from fans around the world, per the New York Times. The zoo frames the rough treatment as part of Punch's crash course in learning to be a monkey. "He's got to live a monkey life," one biologist said, per the Post. But there are signs that he's adjusting. He was recently seen being groomed, receiving a hug, and climbing on another monkey's back, the Times reports, suggesting he may soon have real friends to usurp his stuffed orangutan.
The long-running effort by cities and counties to make Big Oil pay for climate damage is now headed to the nation's highest court. The Supreme Court said Monday that it will hear a case that could decide whether local governments can use state laws to pursue energy giants like Exxon Mobil and Suncor over global warming, USA Today reports. Boulder, Colorado, and its county government accuse the companies of downplaying the climate impact of fossil fuels and want them to help cover local costs tied to a warming planet. The companies, supported by the Trump administration, are seeking to overturn a 5-2 Colorado Supreme Court decision allowing the lawsuit to proceed.

The firms deny wrongdoing and argue that climate policy can't be set piecemeal through local governments pursuing state lawsuits. "Boulder, Colorado, cannot make energy policy for the entire country," the companies' appeal states. Boulder's lawyers argue that the lawsuit, which is still in its early stages, should remain in state court at this point, the AP reports. "There is no constitutional bar to states addressing in-state harms caused by out-of-state conduct, be it the negligent design of an automobile or sale of asbestos," they wrote.

The justices will first weigh whether they even have jurisdiction, and if so, whether federal lawsuch as the Clean Air Actblocks such claims. Arguments in the case, Suncor Energy v. County Commissioners of Boulder County, are expected this fall. The administration, meanwhile, is dismantling a key climate research center in Boulder.
Deepak Chopra's public effort to play down his ties to Jeffrey Epstein is running up against a thick electronic trail. Newly reviewed Justice Department files show the celebrity wellness author and doctor exchanged hundreds of messages with Epstein between 2016 and 2019, including weeks before Epstein's final arrest; visited his homes in New York, Florida, and Paris; and signed off some notes with "Love" and "XO," at one point saying he was "deeply grateful for our friendship," CNN reports. Chopra has previously insisted their contact was "limited" and unrelated to Epstein's crimes, saying earlier this month that there was "no misconduct."

The records, reviewed by CNN, depict a friendly, sometimes suggestive rapport. Chopra twice urged Epstein to come visit him with "your girls." "If you want use a fake name. Bring your girls," Chopra wrote in 2017 about a proposed trip to Israel. After Chopra told Epstein he'd had a "crazy" day that same year, Epstein responded that he "would like to send two girls," reports the New York Times. Another time, Chopra told Epstein he "can't talk about girls." On yet another occasion, Epstein told Chopra he "liked watching you zero in on your prey" in relation to a woman.

The two also discussed philosophy, politics, and explored business ventures, including Epstein's $50,000 donation to the Chopra Foundation and advice on a wellness app. As Epstein fretted over "toxic" press in early 2019, Chopra counseled him to "Stay silent Meditate" and told him he wasn't worried about the headlines. Chopra's spokesperson did not respond to CNN's requests for an updated comment.
OpenAI is facing questions over whether it missed a warning sign months before a deadly school shooting in a small town in British Columbia. In June, employees at the ChatGPT maker debated whether to alert Canadian police about user messages from Jesse Van Rootselaar that described gun violence scenarios over several days, the Wall Street Journal reports.

The posts had been flagged by an automated system, and roughly a dozen staffers argued internally over whether they suggested a real-world threat, the Journal's sources say. Some pushed to contact authorities, but company leaders decided against it, later saying the material did not meet their threshold of a "credible and imminent" danger that would justify breaking user privacy. Van Rootselaar's account was banned instead.
President Trump is bracing for another setback at the Supreme Court, this time over birthright citizenship , and he's rolling out a unique insult in advance. The president, known for his fondness of capitalization, referred to the Supreme Court as the "supreme court" in a Truth Social post on Monday, adding that he "will be using lower case letters for a while based on a complete lack of respect!" In the lengthy post, Trump said he expects the court to reject his effort to curb birthright citizenshipthe idea that babies born on American soil are automatically entitled to citizenshipdays after justices struck down most of his tariffs .

Trump maintains that the 14th Amendment was designed only to cover the "babies of slaves" after the Civil War, and he warned that a ruling against him would benefit China and other countries, per Fox News. On his first day back in office, Trump signed an executive order ending automatic citizenship to the babies of undocumented parents, and the court agreed in December to hear legal challenges to the move. The order has drawn multiple lawsuits arguing that a president cannot unilaterally rewrite constitutional guarantees. "Let our supreme court keep making decisions that are so bad and deleterious to the future of our Nation," wrote Trump. "I have a job to do."
KATHMANDU, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- Eighteen people, including a foreigner, were killed when a passenger bus en route to Kathmandu from Pokhara plunged into the Trishuli River in central Nepal's Dhading district early Monday, according to local administration.

The bus, reportedly with 45 on board, fell off the highway into the river, leading to the fatal accident.

"Most of the 27 injured have been sent to hospitals in Kathmandu for further treatment after primary care in a local hospital," Mohan Prasad Neupane, spokesperson at the district administration office, told Xinhua.

Another foreigner was injured, Neupane said. The local administration has yet to ascertain the nationality of the foreigners. 
TOKYO, Feb 23 (News On Japan) - How will AI transform marketing? The answer, according to leading marketer Kazuki Nishiguchi, lies not in marginal efficiency gains but in a dramatic restructuring of business itself, as AI agents move closer to consumers and potentially displace even dominant platforms such as Amazon.

In a recent episode of the TV Tokyo program Nishiguchi-san, Is Marketing Really Necessary?, TV Tokyo announcer Emika Furuhata sat down with Nishiguchi, former marketing director at Procter & Gamble and now president of Strategy Partners and Wisdom Evolution Company, to examine Amazons growth strategy through the lens of customer dynamics.

Nishiguchi, who has advised more than 300 companies and is known for advocating N=1 analysis  a method focused on deeply understanding a single customer  argues that sustainable growth depends on identifying and cultivating good customers who generate good revenue.

At the core of his framework is a five-tier customer pyramid: loyal customers, general customers, lapsed customers, aware-but-unpurchased customers, and those who are completely unaware of the brand. In many businesses, loyal and general customers account for only 10% to 20% of the total potential market, while a substantial share remains either lapsed or unaware.

The mistake many companies make, Nishiguchi explained, is to give up too early, assuming the product life cycle is over, when in fact a large pool of unaware customers still exists.

Importantly, these categories are not static. Customers move between tiers in real time. Loyal buyers can become even more committed  increasing purchase frequency and lifetime value  or they can lapse. Lapsed customers may return if circumstances change or if reminded of a positive experience. The key, Nishiguchi said, is to monitor both the composition and the movement within the pyramid.

Amazons Two-Decade Flywheel

Amazon, he noted, offers a textbook example of this dynamic in action. Beginning with books in the early 2000s, the company steadily expanded into CDs, DVDs and then into an ever-widening array of product categories.

By continuously broadening its assortment, Amazon encouraged existing book buyers to purchase additional items  increasing both transaction frequency and average order value. The introduction of Prime membership and free shipping further reduced the friction that might otherwise have driven customers away.

As categories expanded, customers had fewer reasons to leave, Nishiguchi said. Even if they no longer needed books, they could buy shampoo or camping gear.

This strategy required enormous upfront investment in logistics infrastructure and IT systems. During the early 2000s, particularly in the aftermath of the dot-com bubble, Amazon posted large losses as it built warehouses and distribution networks. At the time, many investors doubted the viability of such aggressive spending.

But founder Jeff Bezos was betting on lifetime value. If customers who had already registered payment methods could be encouraged to shift more of their total spending onto Amazon, frequency and spending per customer would surge, eventually pushing the company past its break-even point.

History proved him right.

The story was so grand that many people couldnt see it at the time, Nishiguchi said. But the logic was clear: expand categories, raise frequency, and long-term profitability will follow.

He contrasted Amazons approach with failed dot-com ventures such as Pets.com, which focused narrowly on selling pet products online. Without a structural mechanism to significantly increase purchase frequency or create strong differentiation, such businesses struggled to achieve sustainable profits.

The lesson for companies today, Nishiguchi said, is not to replicate Amazons scale, but to design offerings around long-term customer frequency rather than simply launching new products to chase short-term revenue.

Think in five-year terms, he said. What services or products will increase how often customers engage with you? Frequency matters even more than price.

The AI Agent Shock

Yet even Amazons powerful model may face disruption.

As generative AI advances, so-called AI agents  systems embedded in platforms such as Googles Gemini and OpenAIs ChatGPT  are beginning to mediate interactions between consumers and products.

Already, OpenAI has partnered with Shopify merchants to enable purchases directly through ChatGPT. Rather than visiting a retailers website, consumers can search, receive recommendations and complete transactions within the AI interface.

If such agents become the primary front door for consumers, platforms like Amazon could be relegated to back-end infrastructure  handling logistics and fulfillment while losing direct access to customer data and engagement.

When an AI agent stays closely attached to the customer, there may be no need to visit Amazons storefront at all, Nishiguchi said. The agent can search, compare and execute the purchase.

From the consumers perspective, the ideal outcome is simple: find the best product at the best price with minimal effort. Whether the transaction flows through Google, OpenAI or Amazon becomes secondary.

Google, with its dominant search traffic, possesses the technical capability to integrate commerce deeply into AI-assisted search. If it  or any major AI provider  systematically links user intent to fulfillment partners, the distance between desire and transaction could shrink dramatically.

In such a scenario, the competitive battlefield shifts. The company controlling the customer interface  and thus the initial data and intent signals  gains strategic leverage. Retailers and marketplaces risk becoming commoditized service providers.

For Nishiguchi, the development reinforces a broader point: business success depends on understanding structural shifts in customer behavior. Amazon mastered the art of expanding frequency and lifetime value in a pre-AI era. The next decade may belong to firms that understand how AI agents redefine proximity to the customer.

Good revenue, he said, is revenue that becomes stronger over time. But if the point of contact moves elsewhere, even great companies must rethink their model.

As AI agents draw ever closer to consumers, the question is no longer whether marketing is necessary  but how fundamentally it must evolve.

Source: BIZ
OSAKA, Feb 23 (News On Japan) - Japans largest rice wholesaler, Shinmei Holdings, has laid out its view of where rice prices are heading and how it plans to secure the staples future, as households grapple with the sharpest price pressure in years and farmers continue to exit an industry where profits are thin.

Shinmei is best known in western Japan for its red-packaged Akafuji rice, but the group has broadened far beyond wholesale rice distribution, spanning packaged cooked rice, dairy products, produce distribution and the Uobei sushi chain, whose name signals a fixation on rice quality. At one Uobei location in Hyogo Prefecture, customers praised the texture and warmth of the rice, while staff said rice is cooked around the clock and managed so it reaches sushi-friendly temperatures.

Rice prices rose rapidly after supply disruptions that began around three years ago, prompting the government to release stockpiles and intensifying a sense of scarcity in retail channels, the program said. Prices continued climbing afterward, with a fresh record set in January, keeping consumers focused on whether relief is coming.

Shinmei President Fujio said rice prices are beginning to soften in supermarkets and argued that swelling inventories are a key reason. He cited privately held stocks across the supply chain, including inventories held by JA, wholesalers and others, saying they stood at roughly 3.56 million tonnes at the end of December, up about 850,000 tonnes from a year earlier, which he described as the highest level on record. The buildup, he said, reflects demand weakness after prices rose too far, forcing wholesalers and retailers to cut prices to protect sales volumes, at least through discount campaigns, and he pointed to offerings that are starting to dip below 4,000 yen for 5 kilograms.

At the same time, Fujio warned that the industrys structural challenge remains the collapse in farm profitability and an accelerating decline in agricultural workers. He said rice farmers can earn the equivalent of 10 yen an hour in some cases, a remark used on the program to underline how difficult it is to sustain production. With Japans farm population shrinking and aging, he argued that boosting scale among motivated entrants, rather than trying to reverse the overall demographic tide, is the most realistic path.

The segment traced Fujios career through the upheaval of the 1993 rice shortage, when a poor harvest left Japan short of domestic supply and triggered emergency imports, and through a shift in regulation in the mid-1990s that expanded where rice could be sold, opening a path for large wholesalers to deepen ties with supermarkets. It also recounted setbacks after Shinmeis push into Tokyo, including a major labeling error that sparked retail disruption, and described how Fujio sought to rebuild trust through an all-day apology visit that later strengthened the relationship with a key client.

The program also highlighted Shinmeis push into produce distribution, which it said now accounts for a sizable share of group sales, and framed the move as part of a broader effort to help farmers stabilize income by producing higher-margin items alongside rice. In Saitama Prefecture, it introduced a Shinmei-backed training initiative that provides land, machinery and instruction, with participants aiming to become independent farmers after several years, positioning the project as a rare corporate attempt to cultivate large-scale operators.

Asked what leadership requires, Fujio said he sees himself and his company not as champions but as challengers, arguing that a hungry mindset is essential to protect food production in a country where daily life still depends on rice, and he said the recent price turbulence reminded consumers how vulnerable the system can become when supply and confidence break down.

Source: Television OSAKA NEWS
TOKYO, Feb 23 (News On Japan) - Shinya, drummer for the popular rock band LUNA SEA, died on February 17 at the age of 56, after battling illness for several years and diagnosed with stage 4 colorectal cancer in 2020 and a brain tumor last year.

Active as the bands drummer, Shinya made his major debut in 1992 and produced hit songs such as "ROSIER."

According to the bands official website, the funeral has already been held privately for close family members, with a separate memorial event for fans planned at a later date.

Source: TBS
NAGOYA, Feb 24 (News On Japan) - Aichi Prefecture recorded the highest number of car thefts nationwide in 2025, with more than 1,000 cases as thefts continue to rise in recent years, and Land Cruisers account for 40 percent of the vehicles targeted, prompting authorities to warn that multiple layers of security are essential to deter increasingly sophisticated methods.

Security footage shows a person approaching a parked car, moving toward the front left tire and beginning to work while illuminating the area by hand. Within moments, access to the vehicles system is gained and the headlights switch on. From start to finish, the car is driven away in just two minutes and 20 seconds.

The video was shown at a car theft prevention seminar held on January 23rd at the Nishi Police Station in Nagoya.

"A car can be started in about two minutes. The places where vehicles are most often stolen are detached homesordinary houses where cars are parked outside," a police officer said.

Auto theft cases in Aichi have been trending upward in recent years, surpassing 1,000 incidents last year to rank worst in the country.

Among the most frequently targeted vehicles is the Land Cruiser, which accounts for about 40 percent of theft cases, according to authorities.

A Nagoya man whose Land Cruiser was stolen in January said, "I never thought it would happen to me. It was hard to believe it had been stolen. For a week after it happened, I couldnt sleep."

The vehicle had been a cherished possession he had admired since his twenties and had been delivered only about two years earlier.

To prevent theft, police stress the importance of layering security measures rather than relying on just one.

Although the man had installed several anti-theft devices, the thieves managed to bypass them.

"I felt reassured just having security installed, but I didnt fully understand how it worked," he said.

"Instead of one measure, use two; instead of two, use three. Thieves dont want to spend time on a vehicle, so adding layers of security is very effective," said Watanabe Shin, head of the community safety division at Aichi Prefectural Polices Nishi Station.

A steering wheel lock is cited as a particularly effective physical measure. By attaching and securing it while the wheel is turned fully, it can make driving the vehicle difficult.

Authorities also recommend installing tracking devices such as GPS units so that a stolen vehicles location can be identified.

"I dont want anyone else to experience the emptiness, frustration, and anger of seeing their beloved car disappear before their eyes," the victim said. "Dont assume youre safe just because you have security. If possible, use multiple physical locks and make your security as strong as you can."

Source: Nagoya TV News
BEIJING, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- China's Ministry of Commerce said on Monday that it has noted the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling against the U.S. government's tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), and is conducting a comprehensive assessment of its relevant content and impact.

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled on Friday that the U.S. government's imposition of tariffs on trading partners under the IEEPA is illegal. 
A customer selects calabash products at a calabash artwork shop in the town of Tangyi, east China's Shandong Province, Feb. 20, 2026.(Xinhua/Xiao Bowen)

by Xinhua writers Xiao Bowen, Zhang Liyuan and Wang Di

JINAN, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- Hao Xuekun's workshop in the town of Tangyi is filled with hundreds of dry calabashes in every imaginable shape -- all carved and painted with bold colors and bright patterns. Surrounded by these ingenious crafts, Hao cheerfully sends his Chinese New Year greetings to his thousands of audiences through livestreaming.

"Tonight I've prepared this lotus Ruyi for you," the 26-year-old told roughly 8,000 people watching online, lifting a calabash that is carefully carved into the shape of a lotus with two layers of petals. "May it bring you fortune and happiness in the Year of the Horse."

In the past, few would have imagined that Tangyi, a small town of nearly 40,000 in east China's Shandong Province, could turn its hundred-year-old calabash crafting tradition into its mainstay. Today, this once-humble craft has grown into an industry worth 1.8 billion yuan (about 260 million U.S. dollars) annually, and young people like Hao are central to the transformation.

Tangyi is celebrated as the "hometown of Chinese calabashes." For centuries, artisans there have carved calabashes -- known in Chinese as hulu, a homonym for "fortune and prosperity" -- into decorative objects believed to bring good luck. The practice dates back at least to the Song Dynasty (960-1279) and was recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage in 2008.

However, heritage alone did not guarantee prosperity.

As the third generation of his family's calabash business, peddling their works on the street with his parents constitutes a big part of Hao's childhood memories. "In the old days, the whole town only grew a couple of types of calabashes, and carving techniques were also rather basic," said Hao. "Also, if merchants wanted to sell them elsewhere, they had to carry them out themselves."

Like many other small towns across China back then, Tangyi had a traditional craft skill to be proud of, but limited processing techniques and a lack of sales channels made it hard for local craftsmen to turn their skills into money in the modern market.

As an out-and-out digital native, Hao decided to make a change. Being proficient in social media, he opened his own channel dedicated to calabash carving when he was still at college. After graduation, he did not hesitate to return to his hometown to continue his livestreaming career.

Four years later, he has built up an audience of more than 300,000 followers, receiving 100 to 300 orders a night. Hao's success has motivated other young homecomers and local farmers to join in livestreaming, turning this once seasonal street trade into an industry capable of reaching buyers nationwide.

Hao is part of a broader trend. Official data shows that some 12 million people, including young graduates and urban white-collar workers, have returned to their rural hometowns to start their own businesses.

Whether driven by a desire to escape the hustle and bustle of big cities or the sniffing out of better opportunities in hometowns, young returnees have infused local industries with much-needed vitality and creativity.

In Tangyi, their arrival has not only opened new sales channels but also brought innovations to the plant itself.

Traditional calabash carving in Tangyi is known for its intricate patterns, including pyrography and carving. But young designers like Mo Junling, 32, are pushing boundaries.

As an architectural design graduate, Mo returned to Tangyi in 2018, and introduced ink engraving, a modern art technique she had learned at university, to enhance both the sense of depth and color endurance of calabash paintings.

In addition to vivid depictions of calligraphy, animals and landscapes, Mo's works also feature the latest chic or popular cartoon characters like Nezha, securing them considerable popularity among both seasoned collectors and younger buyers.

"Traditional handicrafts can only remain vibrant through constant innovation," she said.

Mo's creativity and Hao's growing business require a steady supply of calabashes. Thus, young people returning to Tangyi have also begun breeding new calabash varieties and exploring more efficient cultivation methods.

Now, Tangyi grows over 30 different types of calabashes, boasting a dozen innovative crafting methods including ink engraving, hollow-carving, embossing and lacquering. It has also developed thousands of different calabash products such as tea cans, bracelets and pendants.

The enthusiasm of young hometown returnees was boosted by strong policy support, too. In 2024, Tangyi invited three national top-tier artisans to offer training courses in calabash crafting. A college student entrepreneurship incubator was also established last year to provide training in farming and carving techniques, enabling young people to participate freely.

With government support and growing recognition of Tangyi calabashes, more and more people are coming back to town. Hao's business is flourishing, and his hometown has become more lively. "Occasionally, there are even traffic jams that I haven't seen for years," said Hao.

Tangyi's evolution reflects a wider trend across China's smaller cities and rural counties, where returning young entrepreneurs are revitalizing local industries.

In east China's Zhejiang Province, a Gen-Z returnee has transformed a thousand-acre flower field into an online flower supermarket through livestreaming. In the southwestern province of Yunnan, a college graduate of the local Yi ethnic group has brought their traditional embroidery clothing to the Milan Fashion Week. And in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of south China, young entrepreneurs have partnered with universities to improve recipes for sour bamboo shoots, a key ingredient in the famous local dish.

In each case, the formula is similar: local products meet youthful ideas, and small-town businesses find new life.

Hao plans to grow calabashes himself next, extending his role from seller to producer. "The opportunity is here, and you just have to seize it." 

Calabashes carved and painted with calligraphy and cartoon designs are displayed at a calabash artwork shop in the town of Tangyi, east China's Shandong Province, Feb. 20, 2026.(Xinhua/Xiao Bowen)

A shopkeeper sits amidst calabashes at a calabash artwork shop in the town of Tangyi, east China's Shandong Province, Feb. 20, 2026. (Xinhua/Xiao Bowen)
United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres addresses the 61st session of the UN Human Rights Council at Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, Feb. 23, 2026. United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Monday that human rights, human dignity, and international law are being blatantly violated in areas affected by the Palestine-Israel conflict, and the two-state solution is "being stripped away." (Xinhua/Lian Yi)

GENEVA, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Monday that human rights, human dignity, and international law are being blatantly violated in areas affected by the Palestine-Israel conflict, and the two-state solution is "being stripped away."

At the 61st session of the UN Human Rights Council, Guterres said that earlier this month, he addressed the UN Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People, discussing blatant violations of human rights, human dignity, and international law in areas affected by the Israel-Palestine conflict.

"The current trajectory is stark, clear, and purposeful: the two-state solution is being stripped away in broad daylight. The international community cannot allow this to happen," he said.

He called on all countries to uphold the UN Charter, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and international human rights law, while promoting reforms of the global governance system to ensure that developing countries have "real participation and a meaningful voice" in the international financial architecture.

The 61st session of the UN Human Rights Council opened on Monday in Geneva and is scheduled to conclude on March 31. 

United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres addresses the 61st session of the UN Human Rights Council at Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, Feb. 23, 2026. United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Monday that human rights, human dignity, and international law are being blatantly violated in areas affected by the Palestine-Israel conflict, and the two-state solution is "being stripped away." (Xinhua/Lian Yi)

United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres addresses the 61st session of the UN Human Rights Council at Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, Feb. 23, 2026. United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Monday that human rights, human dignity, and international law are being blatantly violated in areas affected by the Palestine-Israel conflict, and the two-state solution is "being stripped away." (Xinhua/Lian Yi)

United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres addresses the 61st session of the UN Human Rights Council at Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, Feb. 23, 2026. United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Monday that human rights, human dignity, and international law are being blatantly violated in areas affected by the Palestine-Israel conflict, and the two-state solution is "being stripped away." (Xinhua/Lian Yi)
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Dutch King Willem-Alexander (2nd R, front) and members of the new Dutch government led by Prime Minister Rob Jetten (2nd L, front) pose for a group photo at the Huis ten Bosch Palace in The Hague, the Netherlands, on Feb. 23, 2026. (Xinhua/Shao Haijun)

THE HAGUE, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- A Dutch minority government was officially sworn in on Monday at Huis ten Bosch Palace in The Hague, more than 110 days after the general election held on Oct. 29 last year.

Following the discharge of the previous cabinet, 18 ministers and 10 state secretaries were sworn in.

The new cabinet is a coalition of Democrats 66 (D66), the People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD), and the Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA), formed on Jan. 30.

Before the swearing-in, incoming Prime Minister Rob Jetten held an introductory meeting with King Willem-Alexander, marking the transition to the new administration.

The first cabinet meeting is scheduled for Monday afternoon. An initial task of the government will be to draft its policy program under the coalition agreement.

According to the agreement, the new government will prioritize improving the efficiency of public administration, accelerating housing construction and energy transition, advancing proactive climate policies, promoting high-tech industries to boost economic growth, tightening immigration policies, reforming the social security and healthcare systems and strengthening national security and international cooperation.

A total of 27 parties contested the parliamentary election last October, with 15 winning seats in the House of Representatives. The D66 and the Party for Freedom (PVV) each secured 26 seats, followed by the VVD with 22 and the GreenLeft-Labour alliance (GroenLinks-PvdA) with 20. The CDA and JA21 won 18 and nine seats, respectively.

On Jan. 9, the D66, the VVD and the CDA announced their plan to form a minority cabinet. Forming a government without majority support at the outset is rare in Dutch politics. The three parties together hold 66 seats in the 150-member House of Representatives, 10 short of a majority, and are 16 seats short of a majority in the Senate.

"The Netherlands does not have a tradition of minority cabinets. In that respect, we are in uncharted territory," the three parties said in their coalition agreement. "The success of this cabinet hinges on its willingness to collaborate with the House of Representatives and the Senate, fellow government bodies, and civil society organizations." 
OTTAWA, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- Canada on Sunday updated its advisory for travel to Mexico to "a high degree of caution," listing more than a dozen states as areas to "avoid non-essential travel," due to a surge in violence and roadblocks in the country.

According to the latest advisory issued by Global Affairs Canada (GAC), criminal activity and kidnapping remain at high levels across Mexico. While foreign tourists are not the primary targets, the ongoing violent clashes between federal authorities and armed groups, combined with arson and roadblocks, have posed significant threats to public safety.

The GAC highlighted the deteriorating security situation in Puerto Vallarta and the surrounding areas in Jalisco state. Armed confrontations have led to widespread disruptions in the transportation system, with commercial flights suspended and ground travel hampered by illegal blockades.

In response to the escalating crisis, Air Canada announced Sunday that it has temporarily suspended all flights to and from Puerto Vallarta, citing the inability to ensure the safety of airport operations. The airline said it would maintain close communication with the Mexican government.

WestJet has also canceled scheduled flights to the affected region.

Mexico has ramped up crackdowns on drug criminal organizations, with the army killing Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, the founder and leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, in an operation on Sunday in Jalisco.

Road blockades and vehicle burnings were recorded in Jalisco and neighboring states. Similar incidents involving torched vehicles and highway blockades were also reported in Tamaulipas and Oaxaca.

The vandalism was believed to have been orchestrated by cartel members in retaliation for the military operation. 
Timothee Chalamet has revealed that he pushed himself harder than ever while filming Dune 3, admitting he approached the final chapter of the scifi saga with a level of intensity he hadnt tapped into before.

Timothee Chalamet at the Dune: Part Two premiere in Mexico

The 30yearold actor explained that he felt a deep responsibility to honour his final performance as Paul Atreides. For him, the third film wasnt just another sequel  it was a culmination.

Speaking at Variety and CNNs event at the University of Texas at Austin, he said: I didnt want to be complacent about a single moment. Everything was sacred, and it was my last time doing a Dune film, so I really wanted to treat it as sacred. Because people can get complacent, but I was more intense on the third one. It felt like that was the natural momentum, so I wanted to push against that as hard as I could."

Timothee, who has led the franchise since Denis Villeneuves 2021 adaptation of Frank Herberts classic novel, explained that returning to familiar sequences didnt make the experience easier  in fact, it made him more determined to elevate his performance.

He shared: On the first Dune, we had an ornithopter sequence that I got a chance to do again in the third, but this time I was way more geared up.

On Dune 3, as opposed to the first movie, I came out early and studied the control panel  all sorts of hieroglyphics and things that arent tethered to reality. I wanted to know what each button did, and invent a dynamic for myself with it.

Meanwhile, Timothee recently slammed a "punk" co-star for questioning his acting ability.

The Marty Supreme actor has been nominated for four Academy Awards, five Golden Globes, nine Actor Awards, six BAFTAs and 10 Critics' Choice Movie Awards over the years but his skills were dismissed by an unnamed star in an ensemble piece because of his level of formal training.

The Little Women star - who has won one Golden Globe, one Actor Awards and two Critics Choice awards - told Matthew McConaughey in conversation for Variety: No names, but the guy was a punk.

He asked me what conservatory I had gone to, and I said I didnt go to an acting conservatory. And he said, Well, you havent trained as an actor then. And we were all part of an ensemble.

Timothee has grown used to being offered unsolicited advice but clarified that Matthew, who he appeared with in 2014's Interstellar, hadn't been like that with him.

He said: I always said, Beware of the people in life that get more of the advice they give you than you get at the advice.'

Theyre thrilled by the act of giving you advice. All of a sudden you cant listen to what theyre saying anymore because theyre flexing on you so hard.

You never did that to me, though, which Im grateful for.
ALMATY, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- Oil and gas condensate production in Kazakhstan rose by 3 percent year on year in 2025, the country's sovereign wealth fund Samruk-Kazyna said Monday.

Gas transportation increased by 9 percent, and cargo turnover grew by 5 percent compared to 2024, said Nurlan Zhakupov, chairman of Samruk-Kazyna's management board.

Samruk-Kazyna manages the country's strategic national assets across key sectors like oil and gas. 
UPDATE - 10:58am - 24 February 2026

Devon & Cornwall Police:

"Sophie Heard, 16, who had been reported missing from the Kingsbridge area on Saturday 21 February, has been found safe by police.

We would like to thank members of the public for their help."

UPDATE - 14:55pm - 23 February 2026

Devon & Cornwall Police:

"Cody Mills, 15, who had been reported missing from Newton Abbot has been located safe and well.

Thank you for supporting our appeals."

Devon and Cornwall Police are appealing for help to find two teenagers who have been reported missing from Devon over the weekend.

Officers said we are growing increasingly concerned for the welfare of 16-year-old Sophie Heard, who was last seen in the Kingsbridge area on the evening of Friday 20 February.

READ NEXT: Police appeal launched after driver seriously injured in Plymstock collision

Sophie is described as being of slim build, around 5ft 7ins tall, with ginger hair which is currently dyed purple.

She was last seen wearing a beige North Face coat, white trainers and blue jeans.

Police say she has links to Newton Abbot, Nottingham and London.

Anyone who has seen Sophie, or knows of her whereabouts, is asked to call 999 quoting log number 34 of 21/02/26.

In a separate appeal, officers are also searching for 15-year-old Cody Mills, who has been reported missing from Newton Abbot.

Police said: Cody was last seen at his home address by his mother on Saturday 21 February at 4.15pm, but has not been seen since.

Cody is described as a white male, around 5ft 5ins tall, with short curly mousey hair, who has links to Exeter.

Police say they are actively trying to locate him and would like to hear from anyone who has seen him or knows of his whereabouts.

Anyone with information is asked to call 999 quoting reference number 50260045080.

Information is correct as of time of publication at 1:39pm on Monday 23 February.
A subway station is seen in snow in New York, the United States, on Feb. 22, 2026. New York City (NYC) Mayor Zohran Mamdani on Sunday declared a state of emergency and issued a travel ban as a winter storm hit the region, causing hundreds of flight cancellations. (Xinhua/Zhang Fengguo)

NEW YORK, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- New York City (NYC) Mayor Zohran Mamdani on Sunday declared a state of emergency and issued a travel ban as a winter storm hit the region, causing hundreds of flight cancellations.

The travel ban is effective from 9 p.m. (0200 GMT) Sunday to 12 p.m. (1700 GMT) Monday. Neighboring New Jersey has also issued a travel ban, prohibiting vehicles on streets, bridges and highways.

States of emergency are now in effect in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut as the storm is sweeping across the northeastern United States.

Latest weather forecasts predict 12-18 inches of snow and winds as high as 55 mph for NYC, potentially making it one of the strongest winter storms the city has experienced in years, local media reported.

Data from flight-tracking service FlightAware show that two-thirds of incoming flights and 302 departing flights at John F. Kennedy International Airport have been canceled, with 95 flights delayed.

At LaGuardia Airport, 243 flights have been canceled and 122 delayed, while Newark Airport in New Jersey has seen 195 cancellations and 106 delays. 

People are seen in snow on a street in New York, the United States, on Feb. 22, 2026. New York City (NYC) Mayor Zohran Mamdani on Sunday declared a state of emergency and issued a travel ban as a winter storm hit the region, causing hundreds of flight cancellations. (Xinhua/Zhang Fengguo)

A man walks in snow on a street in New York, the United States, on Feb. 22, 2026. New York City (NYC) Mayor Zohran Mamdani on Sunday declared a state of emergency and issued a travel ban as a winter storm hit the region, causing hundreds of flight cancellations. (Xinhua/Zhang Fengguo)

Vehicles run in snow on a street in New York, the United States, on Feb. 22, 2026. New York City (NYC) Mayor Zohran Mamdani on Sunday declared a state of emergency and issued a travel ban as a winter storm hit the region, causing hundreds of flight cancellations. (Xinhua/Zhang Fengguo)

People walk in snow at a subway station in New York, the United States, on Feb. 22, 2026. New York City (NYC) Mayor Zohran Mamdani on Sunday declared a state of emergency and issued a travel ban as a winter storm hit the region, causing hundreds of flight cancellations. (Xinhua/Zhang Fengguo)

A closed highway is seen in snow in New York, the United States, on Feb. 22, 2026. New York City (NYC) Mayor Zohran Mamdani on Sunday declared a state of emergency and issued a travel ban as a winter storm hit the region, causing hundreds of flight cancellations. (Xinhua/Zhang Fengguo)

People walk in snow at the Times Square in New York, the United States, on Feb. 22, 2026. New York City (NYC) Mayor Zohran Mamdani on Sunday declared a state of emergency and issued a travel ban as a winter storm hit the region, causing hundreds of flight cancellations. (Xinhua/Zhang Fengguo)

Pedestrian and vehicles are seen in snow on a street in New York, the United States, on Feb. 22, 2026. New York City (NYC) Mayor Zohran Mamdani on Sunday declared a state of emergency and issued a travel ban as a winter storm hit the region, causing hundreds of flight cancellations. (Xinhua/Zhang Fengguo)

The Grand Central Station and other iconic buildings are seen in snow in New York, the United States, on Feb. 22, 2026. New York City (NYC) Mayor Zohran Mamdani on Sunday declared a state of emergency and issued a travel ban as a winter storm hit the region, causing hundreds of flight cancellations. (Xinhua/Zhang Fengguo)

A pedestrian crosses a street in snow in New York, the United States, on Feb. 22, 2026. New York City (NYC) Mayor Zohran Mamdani on Sunday declared a state of emergency and issued a travel ban as a winter storm hit the region, causing hundreds of flight cancellations. (Xinhua/Zhang Fengguo)

A snowplow clears the sidewalk in snow in New York, the United States, on Feb. 22, 2026. New York City (NYC) Mayor Zohran Mamdani on Sunday declared a state of emergency and issued a travel ban as a winter storm hit the region, causing hundreds of flight cancellations. (Xinhua/Zhang Fengguo)

A subway station is seen in snow in New York, the United States, on Feb. 22, 2026. New York City (NYC) Mayor Zohran Mamdani on Sunday declared a state of emergency and issued a travel ban as a winter storm hit the region, causing hundreds of flight cancellations. (Xinhua/Zhang Fengguo)

Snow piles up on a tree in New York, the United States, on Feb. 22, 2026. New York City (NYC) Mayor Zohran Mamdani on Sunday declared a state of emergency and issued a travel ban as a winter storm hit the region, causing hundreds of flight cancellations. (Xinhua/Zhang Fengguo)
GrayRobinson is providing government affairs services to The Colombo Plan, provider of economic and social development support for the countries in the Asia-Pacific region.

Founded in 1951 by seven Commonwealth countriesAustralia, Canada, Sri Lanka (then Ceylon), India, New Zealand, Pakistan and the UKTCP has grown to 28 member states.

The US was the first non-Commonwealth nation to join TCP. Julie Chung, US Ambassador to Sri Lanka, assumed the presidency of the Colombo Plan Council last May.

She has pledged Americas unwavering support for the TCP in areas such as counternarcotics initiatives and maritime advisory issues..

The US has donated lab equipment to the government of Sri Lanka that will help it combat the scourge of fentanyl and other synthetic drugs.

GrayRobinsons Washington managing director John Ariale and government affairs advisor Kevin Jogerst represent TCP.
FGS Global is collaborating with The 350 Club, a closed community for board members and leaders of large global companies. This partnership will combine FGS Globals expertise in stakeholder strategy and crisis management with The 350 Clubs platform, enabling senior board members and leaders to exchange insights and learnings. The Club community includes board and executive committee members from 97 percent of the FTSE 100, and board members from 90 percent of the FTSE 250. FGS Global has long been a global partner to boards supporting them through times of crisis, activism and leadership change, said Dorothy Burwell, who leads FGS Globals UK Board Advisory practice. We look forward to working with The 350 Club to leverage the collective knowledge of our over 1,500 global colleagues for the benefit of FTSE 350 boards.

Impact XM, a portfolio company of global investment firm The Riverside Company, acquires Jack Morton from Omnicom. The combined agency, with 20 offices spanning North America, Europe, Middle East and Asia Pacific, will operate under the Jack Morton name. Impact XM CEO Jared Pollacco will serve as CEO of the combined business. This is Impact XMs fifth add-on completed since its acquisition by an affiliate of Riverside in December 2023. Weve always believed that creativity, innovation and exceptional execution are what move people, and this union accelerates that vision for both our clients and our teams, said Pollacco. The merger brings together Impact XMs unified experiential approach and Jack Mortons global scale and creative strength.

Southwest Strategies Group, a San Diego-based firm with offices in Fresno, Los Angeles, Phoenix, San Francisco and Seattle, rebrands as Bodewell Group, unifying its family of agencies into a single strategic communications firm. Founded in 2000 by Alan Ziegaus and Cbris Wahl, the groups acquisitions have included Katz & Associates, BergDavis Public Affairs, ColLAborate and Kiterocket. All of its legacy firms will now operate exclusively under the Bodewell Group brand. Bodewell works with clients in sectors including water, energy, transportation, land and technology to build awareness, engage stakeholders and remove barriers to progress on complex infrastructure and technology initiatives. In a period of historic infrastructure expansion, our clients need clarity and alignment, said Wahl, who serves as Bodewells CEO. Our expanded capabilities help them secure support, manage risk, and deliver results.
Hunterdon County, New Jersey, is looking for an agency that can improve the visibility of the countys tourism brand by providing digital as well as traditional marketing and public relations services.
James Lukaszewski

Artificial intelligence has generated incredible amounts of optimistic speculation, anticipation and ever-expanding forecasts about the worlds magical future since its debut almost four years ago. The impact of this imperfect, invasive, unfinished technology has changed a lot of thinking.

Ive been studying this subject since Generative AIs introduction. My approach to new innovations and developments is from the perspective of the victims that can and will be created. Reducing the production of victims is at the heart of readiness for crisis response.

Fundamentally, this situation is a mass-casualty problem moving toward becoming a crisis. If it gets to the crisis phase, it will be the victims who control the outcome.

My definition of crisis is short and clear: A crisis is a people-stopping, show-stopping, product-stopping, reputation-redefining, trust-busting event that creates victimspeople, animals, living systemsand often, but not always, explosive negative visibility. With AI, we didnt have long to wait.

Near the end of 2025, two wrongful-death lawsuits involving the suicides of two teenagers allegedly caused by AI addiction were settled out of court. These cases, and more that are in process or on the way, are the tip of an iceberg that will reveal risks, hidden consequences and secret modifications within AI software. Also exposed will be the fuzzy, limited understanding of what AI is. Earlier this year, Anthropic PBC introduced a revised 76-page constitution for its AI model, Claude, to learn and be governed by. In the process, Claude is tutoring Anthropic about itself. AI has created a dozen gigabuck companies and dozensmaybe hundredsof smaller ventures. Anthropic alone raised $30 billion in 2025. AI is here to stay, with some enormous problems that must be dealt with.

This quote appears in the introduction of Claudes constitution: We believe that AI might be one of the most world-altering and potentially dangerous technologies in human history, yet we are developing this very technology ourselves. What they admitted in the small print was how little they understand about this powerful and highly intelligent software.

When stories of this miracle technology began grabbing the headlines the tech industry, not wanting visibility, reacted by saying, leave it alone. That response ignited an explosion of enthusiasm and over-the-top speculation and experimentation. The industry response was like a mother telling her children not to stick their fingers in the socket. And like children, the world decided to do it anyway.

After several years of extraordinary euphoria, litigation against AI tech companies is now growing. Lawsuits for negligence, design defects and failure to warn parents about the dangers, especially to young children, posed by AI chatbots. This includes the alleged behavior leading to teen suicides, self-harm and exposure to sexualized content, plus inappropriate data collection and deepfakes. In one case, a mother alleged that a chatbot relentlessly generated sexually explicit questions for her 11-year-old daughter.

Businesses are already salivating the prospect of replacing tens of thousands of humans, especially in jobs where human judgment is required. Quality Control was identified as a candidate. Bots can learn the rules, regulations and standards so the humans who enforce compliance with their pesky human factors like ethics, conscience, rightness, wrongness can be gone.

An entirely new communication sub-industry the tech companies didnt ask for has appeared to assist these companies in covering their tracks when bad news appears and can develop ethical excuses and overlook suspect software behavior. I follow Will Durants definition of ethics, seeking and finding ideal behavior. With AI we witness autonomous intentional inappropriate digital behaviors, label them, with little intention, effort, energy or resources committed to resolve them. Hallucination comes to mind. Cute but annoying, intentional and inappropriate.

There are organizations studying ways to police and assert control over AI. The Rand Corporation recently published an important report, Four Governance Approaches to Securing Advanced AI, recommending:

Government-enforced AI security standards for high-risk model developers. Government-led AI developer authorization programs conditioning federal use on security compliance. Industry-led AI security certification to promote adoption of common standards. Self-regulation combined with increased government and industry collaboration on security practices.

2026 will see significantly more AI-related civil litigation. Little will be learned from the civil cases that will be settled out of court, the outcomes sealed, protected by NDAs. Published reports indicate that multiple families in different states have filed or will file lawsuits against generative artificial intelligence developers for contributing to teens mental health concerns. Government regulation is needed so violations can be litigated and punished.

In August 2025, the Attorney Generals of 44 jurisdictions wrote to the CEOs of the 10 largest AI companies. The letter began, We, the undersigned Attorneys General of 44 jurisdictions, write to inform you of our resolve to use every facet of our authority to protect children from exploitation, predatory, and artificial intelligence products. This organization of AGs can be remarkably collaborative. Remember, these are prosecutors.

My perspective comes as an observer and witness to the current situation, looking for ways to reduce the victimization this technology causes. One way to reduce victimization is to require that every page of AI-generated information carry a significant, clearly legible warning of the known and suspected dangers of this imperfect technology.

Tech companies are quietly influencing every aspect of their lives. You can see their influence everywhere. The bad news for this industry will grow as increasing numbers of victims are created. Now is the time for the principal tech companies to organize and step forward to publicly help guide the massive disclosures and exposures needed to build an atmosphere of trust based on a collaborative approach: Vigorous problem solving now combined with rigorous public oversight and participation now. The absence of trust is fear.

I believe in the Do it Now theory of problem management. Fix it now. Challenge it now. Change it now. Reveal it now. Repair it now. The sooner you do the things that need to be done, the sooner trust can emerge. Trust is the absence of fear. Managing problems has only three options: doing nothing, doing something and doing something more. The tech industry will be in the third category, not counting the ethical expectations they have allowed to awaken. Failure to act on todays problems today is how crisis is born. Crisis is the sudden but predictable and almost always preventable presence of victim creating chaos. It will be the victims and their survivors who determine the outcome and choose the replacement magicians.

***

James E. Lukaszewski, IABC, Fellow IABC; APR, Fellow PRSA; PRSA BEPS Emeritus, is an author, speaker, crisis management consultant, teacher and President of The Lukaszewski Group.
A whopping 300,000 passengers have already travelled on local link bus services in Offaly and Laois in 2025.

Transport for Ireland has described the number as a ''huge milestone''.

At this rate it is very likely total passenger numbers will exceed 350,000 by the end of the year.

In 2023 the then Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan launched the 'Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan for 2023'

Speaking at the launch he said. ''Its clear that when you build it, they will come. We know from last years statistics that people respond positively to new routes and services, backed up by our new cheaper fares. Young people, in particular, are choosing to use public transport more which is great. Its more convenient, its more accessible and frequent than its been and its cheaper than driving and paying for a parking spot all day in college or school. The more people choose public transport the better it is for our environment as well. Public transport, both rural and urban, is a key to Ireland meeting our emissions targets.''

READ NEXT: ONGOING CONTROVERSY: Offaly councillors call for removal of Bord Bia Chairman

Hopes are high now that a town bus for Tullamore can be added to the bus routes.

In addition TFI has also introduced Anseo which is a new smart demand responsive transport service. Using the TFI Anseo app, you can book a bus to pick you up from a certain location.

It is unlike traditional bus services, and doesnt follow a fixed route. Instead, it travels wherever passengers need to go within the service area.

It has been launched in a few places and could come to Offaly in the future.

READ NEXT: Popular park run returns at Offaly windfarm after forced cancellation due to flooding
People queue up to enter the International Criminal Court in The Hague, the Netherlands, on Feb. 23, 2026. (Photo by Sun Jingjing/Xinhua)

THE HAGUE, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- The International Criminal Court (ICC) on Monday opened a confirmation of charges hearing for former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte.

The ICC said the hearing will last four days. During Monday's session, the Prosecution, the Defence, and the Legal Representatives of Victims delivered oral submissions, outlining their arguments on whether the case should proceed to trial.

Duterte faces three counts of crimes against humanity. The purpose of the hearing is to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to establish substantial grounds to believe that he committed the crimes charged. If one or more charges are confirmed, the case will be transferred to a Trial Chamber for the next phase of proceedings. The court is expected to issue its decision within 60 days after the conclusion of the hearing.

The 80-year-old Duterte did not attend the hearing in The Hague. Although the judges found him fit to participate in the proceedings, they separately granted a defence request to excuse his personal attendance at the hearing.

Earlier, his legal team had requested an indefinite adjournment of proceedings, including the confirmation hearing, arguing that he was unfit to participate. In response, ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I appointed three independent medical experts to examine his condition and received their reports on Dec. 5, 2025. On Jan. 26, 2026, the Chamber concluded that, based on the medical assessments, Duterte "is able to exercise his procedural rights and is therefore fit to take part in the pre-trial proceedings."

Duterte served as president of the Philippines from 2016 to 2022. He was arrested and transferred to ICC custody in March 2025 under a warrant linked to his controversial anti-drug campaign, a move he has challenged. His initial appearance before ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I took place on March 14, 2025, and on Nov. 28, 2025, the court rejected an appeal seeking his release on grounds of age and declining health. 

Cameramen work outside of the International Criminal Court in The Hague, the Netherlands, on Feb. 23, 2026. (Photo by Sun Jingjing/Xinhua)
FINE GAEL TD for Offaly, Deputy John Clendennen, has confirmed that year two payments under the Cap Strategic Plan (CSP) Dairy Beef Welfare Scheme are now issuing to farmers in Offaly.

The payments form part of a national allocation of over 5.98 million announced by Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD. Nationally, payments are being made to approximately 9,175 participating farmers, supporting 299,839 dairy beef calves which represents a 17.4% increase in the number of calves supported compared to Year One of the scheme.

Welcoming the payments, Deputy Clendennen said, I am very pleased to confirm that 274 farmers here in Offaly will be benefiting from the year two payments under the Dairy Beef Welfare Scheme. This is very welcome financial support for farm families across the county and reflects the strong level of participation locally.

The Dairy Beef Welfare Scheme provides targeted support to dairy farmers to improve animal health and welfare in the national dairy herd through the use of higher genetic merit beef sires. The scheme is operating under Irelands CAP Strategic Plan and payments relate to eligible calves born on applicants holdings between 1 January 2025 and 31 December 2025.

READ NEXT: President of powerful EU body selected as 2025 Offaly Person of the Year

Deputy Clendennen continued, This scheme is an important measure in strengthening the integration between the dairy and beef sectors. It supports more sustainable breeding decisions, improves calf quality, and ultimately enhances returns for both dairy and beef farmers.

Under the scheme, eligible participants receive 20 per eligible calf, up to a maximum of 50 calves per herd.

Minister Heydon has also confirmed that the Dairy Beef Welfare Scheme will reopen for new applications in April 2026. Farmers who joined the scheme in 2024 or 2025 will automatically continue their participation and do not need to reapply.

Farmers with queries regarding their payment can contact the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marines Direct Payments Helpline on 057-8674422 or by email at dairybeef@agriculture.gov.ie.

READ NEXT: Whopping 300,000 passengers use Offaly and Laois local link bus services
National Broadband Ireland (NBI) have announced that Edenderry has now been connected to high-speed fibre broadband.

The update arrives as the company continues to deliver the new future-proofed, high-speed fibre to the home network under the National Broadband Plan (NBP) on behalf of the Government.

NBIs connection of Edenderry means that 1,446 homes and businesses can now access high-speed fibre broadband.

The completion of works near Edenderry means that 11,566 premises that can now pre-order or order high-speed, reliable broadband across Offaly with 3,484 conne ctions made to date.

National Broadband Ireland have also confirmed that works have also been completed recently in rural areas surrounding Tyrrellspass and Tullamore as part of the national rollout.

READ MORE: Oh what a night! Three community groups scoop top prizes in Offaly table quiz

National Broadband Ireland is encouraging all Offaly residents to visit their website in order to check their Eircode to see if theyre ready to connect and find out more about placing an order.

NBIs fibre broadband rollout under the National Broadband Plan is delivering broadband services to what is known as the States Intervention Area.

This 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 13,000 premises in Offaly which will see NBI deliver minimum speeds of 500 megabits per second to homes, businesses, farms, and schools across the Faithful County.

As the biggest investment in rural Ireland since rural electrification, Offaly will receive 48m of Government investment under the National Broadband Plan.

TJ Malone, Chief Executive Officer of National Broadband Ireland, said: "We are delighted to announce that almost 1,500 Offaly homes , businesses and farms near Edenderry 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."

He added: "With the national switch-off of the copper network approaching, NBIs fibre network will ensure communities across Co Offaly are prepared for the future by supporting remote working, education, healthcare access, and local enterprise while providing the reliability needed for everyday living.

As part of the national rollout, NBI has now passed over 451,000 homes, farms and businesses in rural Ireland to high-speed broadband with over 165,000 now connected.

The average take-up rate of 36% is well ahead of projections and international comparisons and surpasses 60% in some areas of the country where the network has been live for 18 months.

The National Broadband Ireland website is regularly updated to show estimated completion dates with the main rollout due to be concluded by the end of this year.


Basta

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Chris Hedges, the Italian Docks, and What Resistance Looks Like When the Empire Has No Clothes

On March 5, 1770, a crowd of Boston colonists gathered to protest British soldiers quartered among them, taxing them without parliamentary representation, occupying their city like a conquered territory. When the redcoats fired, the first man to fall was Crispus Attucks-- a sailor of African and Wampanoag descent, possibly an escaped slave, certainly a man for whom the freedoms being contested that night would not be extended. Certainly, Crispus Attucks did not embody the founding myth that the commemorative plates portray. The Boston Massacre ignited the spark of revolution, leading to the eventual emergence of the First Amendment. James Madison, refusing to include it in the Constitution and threatening to withhold his signature until a Bill of Rights was enshrined, enshrined the principle that press freedom and the right to protest were not privileges the state could revoke on a bad morning but foundations without which the republic had no legitimate claim to its name. History is not short on irony. However, its humorous approach has consistently sparked controversy.

Over two and a half centuries later, the empire that those documents aimed to scrutinize has evolved into the very entity they rebelled against. Of course, the point lies in the systematic elimination of journalists who could document this transformation. Nick Turse's Costs of War report, "News Graveyards: How Dangers to War Reporters Endanger the World," published by Brown University's Watson Institute, makes the case with damning specificity: the war in Gaza has killed more journalists than the U.S. Civil War, both World Wars, Korea, Vietnam, the Yugoslav conflicts of the 1990s, and Afghanistan combined. By 2024, a journalist or media worker was being killed every three days. Not collateral damage. Policy. The Israeli government banned foreign reporters from Gaza and then made sure there would be fewer Palestinian reporters left to say so.

Chris Hedges has extensive experience in wars, allowing him to distinguish between performance and reality. His new documentary, Resistance 101: Forging a New Movement for Palestine in Italy, unequivocally captures this reality. He finds the dock workers of Genoa and other Italian port cities who have settled on the only accountability left when courts acquit, governments fund, and cameras look away: refusing to load the ships. The Italian workers are not just holding signs outside a corporate headquarters. They are costing someone money, which in this world is the only language that gets a reply. However, the response they receive is often a frenzied and aggressive one.

The Forward recently reported that by fall 2024, 43% of Americans aged 18 to 29 described Hamas as a "resistance group" rather than a terrorist organization-- nearly double the rate among Americans over 30. Cue the editorial panic, the think-piece hand-wringing, and the solemn Senate hearings about what went wrong with the kids. What went wrong was that they watched the uncut footage of Gaza burning on their phones, without the presence of a network anchor to clarify what they were actually seeing, and subsequently formed their own conclusions. The American state has managed its image through information control for so long that it forgot what happens when the management breaks down. In Gaza it broke down hard: too many journalists The killing was too visible, too much footage was distributed too widely, and the entire narrative apparatus strained past the point of anyone believing it.

In early 2025, the New York Attorney General investigated Betar US-- an organization labeled extremist even by the Anti-Defamation League, which is not exactly known for radical solidarity-- and found that its members had been approaching people perceived as Muslim or pro-Palestinian and attempting to force pages on them. The gesture was explicit: a reference to the Israeli operation that used explosive pagers to kill Hezbollah members in Lebanon, a wink-and-nod death threat pressed into your palm on a public street. One Betar member shoved it into the pocket of a Jewish academic. Another followed hijab-wearing students across a university campus. The group had threatened to put Jewish activists on lists to be shared with foreign authorities-- the kind of thing that got many Europeans killed in the 1930s and 40s, in case the historical rhyme is too faint to hear. This is fascism at the smoldering stage, before it goes fully thermal.

The present is precisely the moment when journalism should take on the role of Paul Revere. This is not the mythologized Revere of the commemorative plates, but the real Revere-- riding hard in the dark, warning people that the threat is real, moving, and closer than they think. Journalism's job is to name the pager for what it is, to count the journalists killed in Gaza, to connect the Espionage Act prosecution of Assange to the RICO charge against the bail fundraiser to the bomb on the press tent-- and to do it loudly enough that someone in the back can hear. When the ride goes silent, the redcoats are already in the kitchen. Paul Revere did not wait for institutional permission. Neither did the Italian dockworkers. Interestingly, Crispus Attucks also did not wait for institutional permission.

This leads us to Zohran Mamdani, a 34-year-old democratic socialist, Muslim, and, as of 2025, the mayor of New York City, who was elected on the platform of free buses, universal childcare, a rent freeze, and city-owned grocery stores. Mamdani, who confronted ICE director Tom Homan on the floor of the Albany legislature with "Do you believe in the First Amendment?", represents something the peace dividend crowd has been waiting thirty years to see: a domestic politics that asks what the war money could have bought instead. Brown University's Costs of War Project puts the post-9/11 tab at a trillion. Eight trillion dollars. That's a lot of free buses. A lot of childcare. Lockheed Martin and Raytheon lack many things, including what the weapons being offloaded at Italian docks will never be.

Hedges wants to believe the Italian way spreads. The dock workers are a model, not a promise. However, Mamdani's victory, the generational shift reflected in the Forward survey, and the workers standing at the gangplank with their arms folded are convergences, not coincidences-- the same refusal manifested in different cities under different clothing. The official story has collapsed. The institutions have failed. What remains is conscience, which turns out to be surprisingly durable. Crispus Attucks was a dockworker too-- a sailor and rope-maker who showed up one night in King Street because the occupation had become intolerable and somebody had to go first. He was the first to fall. Those who followed him brought about profound, beautiful, and incomplete changes to the world, which is the only way change ever occurs. We are not at 1770. But we are closer to it than the people running the beeper campaign would like us to think.

Chris Hedges spent fifteen years as a foreign correspondent for the New York Times, serving as Middle East Bureau Chief and Balkans Bureau Chief, and was part of the team awarded the 2002 Pulitzer Prize for coverage of global terrorism. An ordained Presbyterian minister who holds a Master of Divinity from Harvard Divinity School, he is the author of fourteen books. His most recent, A Genocide Foretold: Reporting on Survival and Resistance in Occupied Palestine (2025), draws on seven years of reporting from Gaza and the West Bank.
American Heart Association Same Day Certifications from CPR Florida. Hands-on training at our offices in West Palm Beach, Miami, Coral Springs, Pompano Beach, Fort 
A man gets a food box from a volunteer during a food distribution event at the old market in Kuwait City, Kuwait, Feb. 22, 2026. During the holy month of Ramadan, thousands of meals are distributed daily to those in need in Kuwait. (Photo by Asad/Xinhua)

Volunteers distribute food boxes to people during a food distribution event at the old market in Kuwait City, Kuwait, Feb. 22, 2026. During the holy month of Ramadan, thousands of meals are distributed daily to those in need in Kuwait. (Photo by Asad/Xinhua)
Liberal MP Lisa Hepfner's private member's bill to overhaul the Divorce Act is drawing sharp criticism from some parents and legal experts, who warn it could entrench parental alienation and prolong the time children spend cut off from a targeted parent.

The Keeping Children Safe Act, tabled as Bill C-223, aims to strengthen protections for women and children facing family violence and coercive control after separation.

The bill would require family lawyers to screen for signs of abuse, direct judges to better recognize coercive control, and ensure children's views are heard more clearly in court. It also confirms there is no automatic presumption of equal shared parenting, pushing courts to decide each case strictly on the best interests of the child, according to the National Post.

One of the most controversial parts of the bill is its treatment of parental alienation, a term used when one parent is said to undermine a child's relationship with the other parent.

The bill sharply restricts how courts can rely on alienation claims, reflecting arguments from women's and antiviolence groups that the concept is often misused against mothers who raise abuse concerns.

The National Association of Women and the Law has praised the bill for helping to end what it calls "harmful" parental alienation accusations that can lead to custody reversals or nocontact orders against a child's preferred parent.

Under Bill C-223, judges would be barred from cutting or sharply limiting a child's time with a parent they are bonded to solely to improve the child's relationship with the other parent.

Courts would also be prohibited from ordering reunification or "reprogramming" therapies that move children away from one parent to reconnect them with the other, a practice critics link to psychological harm and high costs. Supporters argue these changes will stop children from being forced into contact with abusive parents under the banner of repairing relationships, NAWL reported.

Read more: Massachusetts Child Care Costs Are Squeezing Families as Prices Outpace Wages and State Aid Struggles To Keep Up

Fears of Longer Child Isolation

Opponents, including some family law scholars and targeted parents, say the bill goes too far and could make it harder to respond when one parent is deliberately isolating a child from the other.

They note that Canadian courts have long treated proven parental alienation as serious emotional abuse and warn that weakening these tools could leave children trapped in onesided households for longer periods.

A legal commentary has argued that, while better screening for family violence is welcome, judges, not politicians, are best placed to weigh alienation evidence and craft tailored remedies.

The bill is now before MPs for debate and a vote, with a growing public campaign on both sides: women's organizations pressing to curb alienation claims in abuse cases, and parental rights advocates warning of longer, deeper child estrangement from targeted parents, as per Change.
BAGHDAD, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani met on Sunday with the U.S. Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack to discuss bilateral relations and the situation in the region.

The two sides exchanged views on preventing regional escalation and emphasized the importance of resorting to dialogue and diplomatic channels to resolve disputes, according to a statement by al-Sudani's media office.

Al-Sudani stressed the need "to prevent aggression and violations against the sovereignty of countries and peoples in the region."

Discussions also covered opportunities for bilateral economic cooperation.

For his part, Barrack highlighted the importance of Iraq's role in advancing solutions to regional challenges, reducing tensions, supporting dialogue, and combating terrorism, the statement said.

Tensions are running high between the United States and Iran as the U.S. deployed a huge military buildup near Iran. Iraq said last month that it rejects the use of its territory and airspace to launch attacks against any country. 
BUDAPEST, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- Hungary has blocked the European Union's (EU) 20th sanctions package against Russia as well as a planned 90-billion-euro (106-billion-U.S. dollar) military loan to Ukraine, citing Kyiv's suspension of crude oil deliveries via the Druzhba pipeline, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto said Monday.

"At today's meeting, I made it clear that we do not support and do not agree to the adoption of the 20th sanctions package," Szijjarto said at a video press conference following a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels.

Moreover, Hungary does not consent to Ukraine receiving the 90-billion-euro military loan, Szijjarto said, noting that Hungary will not support any EU decision serving Ukraine's interests as long as oil transit to Hungary remains halted.

"Since Ukraine is jeopardizing Hungary's energy security, we are not willing to contribute to any decision-making in Brussels that benefits Ukraine," he said.

Szijjarto said Hungary will maintain its position until crude oil deliveries to Hungary and Slovakia are fully restored, despite what he described as "significant attacks" from other EU member states during the meeting.

He also accused Ukraine of coordinating with Brussels and the Hungarian opposition to exert political pressure through the pipeline dispute.

Last week, Szijjarto announced that Hungary had suspended diesel deliveries to Ukraine, stating they would not resume until Ukraine restarted crude oil deliveries to Hungary through the Druzhba pipeline. 
Cont Denies Eminoglu an Incredible 888poker UKPL Luton Double

Matthew Pitt Senior Editor Copy link

Poker stars turned out in force for the 560 buy-in 888poker UK Poker League (UKPL) Luton Main Event, but it was Horatiu Cont who will forever be known as the tournament's champion. Cont left 555 opponents in his wake as he reeled in a 56,700 top prize, essentially tripling his lifetime earnings.

Cont defeated popular grinder Yucel "Mad Turk" Eminoglu heads-up to capture the title, and to deny Eminoglu a remarkable double; Eminoglu triumphed in the 1,100 High Roller event last week for a 16,640 score.

The 556-strong field created a guarantee-busting 264,090 prize pool that the top 68 finishers shared. Among those who finished in the money places were Mariusz Czech, Jack Allen, Calogero Morreale, Dean Clay, Alex Todd, Jiaze Li, and Lorenc Boci.

Two 888poker ambassadors were present and correct with only two tables remaining. However, Josh Manley ran out of steam in 16th, and Nick Eastwood bowed out in 11th.

When an anonymous player crashed out in 10th, the final table was set.

888poker UKPL Luton Main Event Final Table Chip Counts

Rank Player Chip Count Big Blinds 1 Simon Wilson 5,720,000 57 2 Yucel Eminoglu 5,185,000 52 3 Christopher Day 4,085,000 41 4 Horatiu Cont 2,840,000 28 5 Brijesh Das 2,340,000 23 6 Bryan Taylor 2,180,000 22 7 Getnet Kassa 1,430,000 14 8 George Popa 1,305,000 13 9 David Debono 695,000 7

888poker LIVE Heads to Glasgow For a 250,000 Gtd Main Event Learn more

It didn't take long for the first finalist to bow out of the UKPL Luton Main Event. Getnet Kassa found himself all-in with ace-jack for his last 12 big blinds and in a whole world of pain because Brijesh Das held the dominating ace-king. A king on the flop left Kassa drawing to running outs, but he was drawing dead on the turn.

Scottish grinder Bryan Taylor was the next player heading for the cashier's cage. Taylor, who won the GUKPT Edinburgh Main Event in October 2025, got his last 11 big blinds into the middle with pocket eights only for Simon Wilson's pocket jacks to melt those snowmen.

Seventh place went to David Debono, who was short-stacked from the start of the final table. Debono chose ace-seven as the hand to jam all-in for five big blinds. Unfortunately for Debono, Cont woke up with a pair of queens in the hole. The ladies held, and Debono busted, albeit with a career-best 6,500 to show for his deep run.

The final six became five when Das ran into a powerhouse pocket pair. Das moved all-in for 12 big blinds with ace-queen and needed some help from the community cards when Eminoglu called with pocket kings. The board ran out without an ace in sight, and Das busted.

Fifth place went to George Popa after a battle of the blinds with Wilson did not go to plan. Popa open-shoved from the small blind with nine-seven for his last seven big blinds. Such a move would win the blinds and ante often, but not this time because Wilson had been dealt ace-jack. Popa didn't connect with the board and was eliminated in fifth place for 12,200, a new high score for the Romanian.

Christopher Day has happy memories of playing at the Grosvenor G Casino in Luton, having won the 1,250 GUKPT Luton Main Event in 2023 for 88,150. He had to make do with a fourth-place finish and a 25,690 prize in this event. Down to only three big blinds, Day pinned his hopes on nine-eight, which lost to the ace-jack of Cont, who flopped an ace.

The dangerous Simon Wilson, the reigning Irish Open champion, was eliminated in third place, sending the UKPL Luton Main Event into the heads-up stage. Wilson's last action in this tournament was to look down at ace-ten and jam for 12 big blinds. Eminoglu looked him up with pocket jacks. Wilson paired his ten, but Eminoglu's fishhooks improved to a straight on the turn.

Cont held the narrowest of leads over Eminoglu going into heads-up. Cont's stack contained 14,025,000 chips to Eminoglu's 13,775,000. The final hand of the one-on-one battle saw Cont complete the small blind with ten-deuce of clubs, and Eminoglu check with king-six, with the king of clubs. A six-ace-eight all-club flop meant the chips were destined to go into the middle at some point, with Cont flopping a flush and Eminoglu holding a nut flush draw.

Eminoglu led out on the flop, and Cont called. Eminoglu then jammed 12 million chips into the 2,600,000 pot on the queen of diamonds turn, and Cont snapped him off. The river was a black, but it was the four of spades, busting Eminoglu in second-place for 38,060 and crowning Cont as the UKPL Luton Main Event champion, an accolade that came with a 56,700 payout.

888poker UKPL Luton Main Event Final Table Results

Hoartiu Cont

Rank Player Prize 1 Horatiu Cont 56,700 2 Yucel Eminoglu 38,060 3 Simon Wilson 25,690 4 Christopher Day 17,540 5 George Popa 12,200 6 Brijesh Das 8,740 7 David Debono 6,500 8 Bryan Taylor 5,020 9 Getnet Kassa 4,010

888poker UKPL Luton Results

Event Entrants Prize Pool Champion Prize 560 Main Event 556 264,090 Horatiu Cont 56,700 1,100 High Roller 49 50,000 Yucel Eminoglu 16,640 250 Opening Voyage 318 66,460 Simon Peach 15m650 200 Big Shot 104 17,290 Jason Penman 4,080 150 PLO 126 15,570 Andrei-Petrica Dusu 3,973 150 Seniors 39 4,870 Barry Ferguson 1,780

Next Up For 888poker LIVE Players

There isn't long to wait before the next 888poker LIVE event shuffles up and deals. 888poker LIVE Glasgow runs from March 12-22 at the Grosvenor Casino Merchant City in the heart of Glasgow, Scotland.

The schedule features tournaments such as the 250 buy-in,  100,000-guaranteed Mini Main, a 1,650 High Roller with 100,000 in guarantees, and the 888 buy-in Main Event, boasting a 250,000 guarantee on its prize pool.

Satellites for the 888poker LIVE Glasgow Main Event are available online at 888poker right now, plus there are dozens of seats guaranteed in the live satellites during the upcoming festival.

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Tony Kukulich is an editor/reporter working in the Beaufort County bureau. Turning to journalism as a second career, he started as a photojournalist in the San Francisco Bay Area. After moving to Bluffton in 2021, he wrote for several area publications before joining The Post and Courier the following year.
Business and Tourism Reporter

Megan Fernandes is a Business and Tourism Reporter for the Post and Courier. She is an award-winning reporter, who has worked in the newspaper industry from coast-to-coast.
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Areas of fog early, then partly cloudy this afternoon. High 79F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph..

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UNITED NATIONS, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday reiterated his call for an immediate, full and unconditional ceasefire in Ukraine as a first step toward a just, lasting and comprehensive peace.

In a statement on the occasion of the fourth anniversary of the Ukraine crisis, which falls on Feb. 24, the UN chief said the crisis "is a stain on our collective consciousness, and remains a threat to regional and international peace and security."

The longer the crisis lasts, the deadlier it becomes, with civilians bearing the brunt of it, he said.

Guterres noted that for peace to be just, "it must be in line with the UN Charter, international law and relevant United Nations resolutions, respecting Ukraine's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity."

"The United Nations remains ready to contribute to all efforts towards this end," he said. 
Food & Dining Editor

Parker Milner is the Food Editor of The Post and Courier. He is a Boston College graduate and former professional hockey player who joined The Post and Courier after leading the Charleston City Paper's food section.
Columbia, SC (29201)

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Cloudy with rain developing this afternoon. High 81F. Winds WSW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 70%..

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Some clouds this morning will give way to generally sunny skies for the afternoon. Areas of dense fog. High 79F. Winds WSW at 10 to 15 mph..

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Editorials represent the institutional view of the newspaper. They are written and edited by the editorial staff, which operates separately from the news department. Editorial writers are not involved in newsroom operations.
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NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / February 22, 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
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NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / February 22, 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
BRUSSELS, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- European Union (EU) foreign ministers failed on Monday to reach an agreement on the 20th package of sanctions against Russia, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said, after Hungary refused to back the measures ahead of the fourth anniversary of Russian-Ukraine conflict.

"This is a setback and a message we did not want to send today, but the work continues," Kallas told a news conference after talks in Brussels, adding that she also decided to cap the size of the Russian Mission in the EU at 40 people.

Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto said on Monday that Budapest has made clear in the meeting that it will not support or approve the planned sanctions package, and will also block an EU proposal to provide Ukraine with a 90-billion-euro (106-billion-U.S. dollar) loan.

Szijjarto said Hungary will not support any EU decision that benefits Ukraine as long as Kyiv continues to halt oil deliveries to Hungary via the Druzhba pipeline.

The Druzhba pipeline, which transports Russian oil to Central Europe via Ukraine, has faced repeated disruptions since last year amid the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Hungary has stated that although there are currently "no practical or technical obstacles," Ukraine has decided not to restart crude deliveries. 
PR-Inside.com: 2026-02-23 04:00:17

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NEW YORK, NY / ACCESS Newswire / February 22, 2026 /WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, announces an investigation of potential securities claims on behalf of shareholders of Lufax Holding Ltd (NYSE: LU) resulting from allegations that Lufax may have issued materially misleading business information to the investing public.SO WHAT: If you purchased Lufax securities you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. The Rosen Law Firm is preparing a class action seeking recovery of investor losses.WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the prospective class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=53703 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@ rosenlegal.com for information on the class action.WHAT IS THIS ABOUT: On January 27, 2025, Lufax filed with the SEC a current report on Form 6-K. Attached to the current report as an exhibit was an announcement which stated that Lufax's board had proposed to remove Lufax's auditors, and that there was a possible delay in the publication of Lufax's 2024 annual report (which in fact did occur).On this news, Lufax American Depositary Shares ("ADSs") fell 13.8% on January 27, 2025.WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved, at that time, the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. At the time Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm , on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/ Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.---Contact Information:Laurence Rosen, Esq.Phillip Kim, Esq.The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.275 Madison Avenue, 40th FloorNew York, NY 10016Tel: (212) 686-1060Toll Free: (866) 767-3653Fax: (212) 202-3827 case@ rosenlegal.comwww.rosenlegal.com SOURCE: The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.
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NEW YORK, NY / ACCESS Newswire / February 22, 2026 /WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, announces a class action lawsuit on behalf of purchasers of Class A common stock of NuScale Power Corporation (NYSE:SMR) between May 13, 2025 and November 6, 2025, inclusive (the "Class Period"). A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than April 20, 2026.SO WHAT:If you purchased NuScale Class A common stock during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement.WHAT TO DO NEXT:To join the NuScale class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=19967 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@ rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than April 20, 2026. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation.WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved, at that time, the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, defendants throughout the Class Period made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) ENTRA1 Energy LLC ("ENTRA1") had never built, financed, or operated any significant projects- let alone projects in the highly technical and complicated field of nuclear power generation during its entire operating history; (2) NuScale had entrusted its commercialization, distribution, and deployment of its NuScale Power Module ("NPMs") and hundreds of millions of dollars of NuScale capital to an entity that lacked any significant prior experience owning, financing, or operating nuclear energy generation facilities; (3) the purported experience and qualifications attributed to ENTRA1 by defendants during the Class Period in fact referred to the purported experience and qualifications of the principals of the Habboush Group, a distinct entity without significant experience in the field of nuclear power generation; and (4) as a result, NuScale's commercialization strategy was exposed to material, undisclosed risks of failure, delays, regulatory challenges, or other negative setbacks. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.To join the NuScale class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=19967 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@ rosenlegal.com for information on the class action.No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff.Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm , on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/ Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.---Contact Information:Laurence Rosen, Esq.Phillip Kim, Esq.The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.275 Madison Avenue, 40th FloorNew York, NY 10016Tel: (212) 686-1060Toll Free: (866) 767-3653Fax: (212) 202-3827 case@ rosenlegal.comwww.rosenlegal.com SOURCE: The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.
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PRILLY, / ACCESS Newswire / February 23, 2026 /Swiss technology company SICPA secured a landmark traceability contract, in partnership with Spectra Systems Corporation's subsidiary, Cartor Security Printers (Cartor), reinforcing its global leadership in secure track and trace (T&T) technology. The program will deliver robust traceability solutions to His Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) for vape products in the United Kingdom.Building on SICPA's proven experience in deploying secure T&T systems for excisable products and leveraging Cartor's advanced security printing capabilities, the consortium will deliver a robust solution combining banknote-grade security features with state-of-the-art digital systems to effectively combat the illicit trade of vape products.The solution will enable HMRC to support excise duty collection, enhance market compliance, protect consumers, and further strengthen its fight against illicit trade.Following a multistage procurement process launched by HMRC in July 2025, the consortium was appointed upon detailed assessment of technical and financial submissions. The project will run for an initial five-year term, with an option for a further one-year extension. The system will be implemented in phases, beginning with a transitional duty stamp from April 2026, followed by an enhanced stamp supported by a full track and trace solution from October 2026.Cartor will be responsible for the printing of tax stamps with the provision of core security features. SICPA will complement these with additional material and digital security features that further reinforce the system's robustness, while also managing tax stamp coding and the track and trace software solutions. Its role also includes managing stakeholder and product registration, tax stamp ordering and payments processes, as well as data collection and compliance monitoring for HMRC across the vape products supply chain. SICPA's advanced digital market intelligence capabilities will further enable the identification of suspicious patterns and potential fraud hotspots, while audit devices for enforcement authorities and consumer verification applications will support in tackling fraud and fakes."We are glad to support His Majesty's Revenue and Customs in its mission to secure the market against illicit trade, building on decades of experience in excisable products secure traceability systems and the successes of our program throughout the world," said Philippe Amon, Chairman and CEO of SICPA."Cartor is proud to work alongside SICPA to deliver this important program for HMRC," said Andrew Brigham, Cartor's Managing Director. "By combining our complementary strengths, this partnership delivers a trusted solution for our customer and the UK vapes market, while supporting the UK's efforts to protect both public revenues and consumers." About SICPA Established in 1927, SICPA is a Swiss private technology company that supports the effective governance and long-term prosperity of nations.SICPA sets the pulse of sovereignty, enabling governments to protect their citizens, sovereign assets, and economies. Best known for securing the majority of the world's banknotes, SICPA operates across five continents. Today, our platform for sovereignty delivers integrated solutions safeguarding revenue mobilisation, natural resources, health, and brand protection as well as digital sovereignty and secure public services. www.sicpa.com About Spectra Systems Corporation Spectra Systems is a global provider of advanced authentication, brand protection, and secure transaction technologies. Cartor Security Printers is a part of Spectra Systems and a leading European security printing and brand protection specialist, supporting governments and brand owners with high-security solutions designed to protect revenues and combat illicit trade. Together, they deliver proven overt and covert security features for excise applications, tax stamps and regulated markets worldwide. www.spsy.com Contact SICPA Media Relations: sicpamediarelations@ sicpa.com Spectra Systems Corporation: info@ spsy.com SOURCE: SICPA HOLDING SA
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Clearing a Local Landmark to Advance a New Vision for Brunswick's WaterfrontBRUNSWICK, GEORGIA / ACCESS Newswire / February 23, 2026 / Torras Properties today announced the planned demolition of the original Kut-Kwick Corp. manufacturing facility on Newcastle Street. The structure has been a landmark in the downtown area for nearly eight decades. Operations have been relocated to another downtown Brunswick location, and removal of the original building will prepare the site for future waterfront redevelopment."This is an important and thoughtful step forward," said Daren Pietsch, President of Torras Properties and Kut-Kwick. "Kut-Kwick has been part of Brunswick's industrial fabric for generations. More than 6,000 machines have been manufactured in this building since Bob Torras, Sr. acquired the company in the late 1970s. While moments like this are bittersweet given the history and people connected to this facility, we believe the Torras family's long-term vision will represent a meaningful upgrade for our community." Following demolition, the site will be restored with grass cover and landscaping improvements to create a cleaner and more welcoming gateway into downtown Brunswick."Removing the structure is an important first step toward revitalizing this portion of the waterfront," said Michael Torras. "Our family remains committed to investing in Brunswick's future and doing everything we can to help move the city forward for everyone's benefit. We are grateful and excited to be part of the positive momentum here." About Kut-Kwick Corp.Kut-Kwick Corp. has long been recognized as a Brunswick-based manufacturer of specialized mowing and brush management equipment. Founded in the 1940s, the company built its reputation producing heavy-duty industrial mowers capable of operating on steep slopes and in demanding environments such as rights-of-way, highways, airports, and large-scale land management projects.Over the decades, Kut-Kwick equipment became known for durability and niche performance, particularly in markets requiring slope-mowing capability beyond conventional equipment limits. The company has operated locally for generations and remains one of Brunswick's longest-standing manufacturing brands.While the company is currently focused on supporting equipment owners through parts and service, Kut-Kwick continues to evaluate strategic opportunities to expand its product line and strengthen its position in this specialized equipment segment. The company is engaged in constructive discussions with an investment group regarding potential future growth initiatives. Updates will be provided as those discussions progress.Contact InformationMichael TorrasTorras Properties, Inc.(912) 324 7415 michael@ torrasproperties.comhttps://torrasproperties.com/ SOURCE: Torras Properties, Inc.
When Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the largest Artificial Intelligence gathering in New Delhi last week, his words carried a deliberate edge. Design and develop in India. Deliver to the world. Deliver to humanity, he told an audience that included heads of state, chief executives of the worlds most powerful technology companies, and researchers reshaping the frontier of machine intelligence.

The India AI Impact Summit drew more than 500 AI leaders, 100 founders and CEOs, 150 academicians and researchers, and nearly 400 technology executives from over 100 countries. More than 20 heads of state and government attended, along with Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei, and Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis.

It was the first time the global AI summit series was held in a developing nation. That was a deliberate signal: the Global South intends to move from the margins to the centre of the AI conversation.

While heads of state were meeting and announcing billions of dollars in aid, Africa was nearly absent.

Some countries, including Nigeria, made their presence felt at the New Delhi summit. Nigerian innovators showcased locally developed AI tools at the summits exhibition grounds. Among them was Nubia AI, a platform focused on transforming complex datasets into structured stories and visual insights aimed at improving public understanding and accountability.

Also on display was DUBAWA AI, a tool that converts audio recordings into text while accounting for local languages and tonal variations  directly targeting the persistent gaps in global speech recognition systems that have long failed African linguistic environments.

But there were other innovators and officials from Egypt, South Africa, Rwanda, and other African countries.

Their presence mattered. But the gap between presence and investment tells a starker story.

Technology giants Google, Microsoft, and Amazon have already committed a combined $68 billion in AI and cloud infrastructure investment in India through 2030.

Two of Indias biggest conglomerates, Reliance and Adani, pledged a combined $210 billion in domestic AI and data infrastructure investment. OpenAI signed a partnership deal with the Tata Group. Anthropic announced a partnership with Infosys and opened an office in Bangalore.

The Guterres Warning

Speaking in New Delhi, United Nations boss Antonio Guterres called for a $3 billion global fund to support AI capacity-building in developing countries, covering skills development, data access, and affordable computing infrastructure.

The future of AI cannot be decided by a handful of countries, or left to the whims of a few billionaires, he said, stressing that AI must belong to everyone.

The warning resonated with observers who have watched Africa sit at the periphery of successive technology waves  mobile internet, fintech, cloud computing  only to benefit unevenly while others captured the economic surplus.

Africa also holds a disproportionately large share of the worlds critical mineralsthe raw materials needed for batteries, semiconductors, and electronics that power AI hardware, said the Executive Director of the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development, Akintunde Babatunde.

Mr Modi, whose country Stanford University now ranks as the third-most AI-competitive nation in the world, behind only the United States and China, framed the summit around inclusion. The direction of AI must be such that it benefits all of humanity, he said, proposing a global data framework that respects data sovereignty, transparent AI safety rules, and AI development anchored in human values.

He offered his countrys digital public infrastructure  internet connectivity, digital payments, and digital identity systems  as a cost-effective model for developing nations, including those in Africa.

Jakob Mokander, director of science and technology policy at the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, noted that Indias emergence reframes a narrowing debate. Long term, its good for the world that AI is not just viewed as a race between the U.S. and China, and I think that India is right now the player that most confidently says, We reject this dynamic, he said.

Africa needs to say the same thing and back it with structures.

The African continent has fewer than 250 data centres to power one-fifth of the worlds population, while the United States alone has over 5,000.

Throughout human history, technological waves have shaped how society lives, works and interacts. The First and Second Industrial Revolutions, and later the digital and mobile waves, transformed society over years and decades, but the AI transformation is reshaping our world even faster.

For Africa, in particular, AI has the potential to boost health and development outcomes. Diseases like AIDS that were once death sentences may soon no longer be threats. Millions of people living in poverty could soon have a better quality of life. But whether this optimistic future includes Africa depends on more investment, local involvement and integration in the burgeoning AI race.

Africa has just 1 per cent of the worlds data centre capacity, and according to Bright Simons, the co-founder of the Accra-based Imani Centre for Policy and Education, Africans account for less than 0.5 per cent of machine learning and large-language models.

Experts also warn that AI systems could reinforce biases that marginalise Africa. As large-language models grow in strength, their inputs become increasingly important. According to the UN agency for digital technologies, of the top 34 languages used on the Internet globally, none are African.

Although the continent is not entirely without ambition, at last Aprils Global AI Summit in Kigali, 52 African countries announced the creation of a $60 billion African AI Fund combining public, private, and philanthropic capital. The summit also projected that AI has the potential to add up to $30 billion to sub-Saharan Africas economy by 2030 and lift the continents GDP by 3 per cent.

At the gathering, Rwandan President Paul Kagame echoed the call for more AI investment to ensure Africa catches the AI wave. We have to adapt, cooperate and compete because it is in our best interest to do so, he said. The potential for innovation and creativity on our continent is immense. That is already a comparative advantage which artificial intelligence can multiply.

Africas $60 billion fund faces its own structural questions. Observers warn that without transparency mechanisms and robust governance frameworks, the fund risks reproducing the asymmetries already visible in how sovereign wealth funds on the continent operate  concentrating resources in the most connected economies at the expense of those with the most latent potential.

A Continent of Uneven Readiness

The challenge with African space is not only about money. It is about the conditions that attract and sustain investment.

Research from the AI Investment Potential Index shows that countries in an emerging group  including Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, Tunisia, and Rwanda  have favourable AI fundamentals but remain significantly underfunded. Ghana, Morocco, and Tunisia together account for around 17 per cent of African technology companies outside the Big Four  South Africa, Egypt, Kenya and Nigeria, yet attract investment volumes that bear no relationship to that potential.

What holds them back is a combination of institutional gaps, underdeveloped entrepreneurial ecosystems, unreliable energy and connectivity infrastructure, and regulatory environments that have not kept pace with the sector. Addressing those gaps, analysts argue, requires not only financial instruments but deliberate policy reform.

There are frameworks. The African Unions Digital Transformation Strategy for Africa, its Continental Artificial Intelligence Strategy, and the African Digital Compact provide roadmaps. Tunisias Start-up Act and Ghanas national AI strategy  which sets out the countrys ambition to become Africas AI hub  are national-level examples.

Development finance institutions, including the African Development Bank and the West African Development Bank, are launching initiatives to support the continents digital economy.

Africas future on AI, whether it can inject its own reality, its languages, markets, systems, and values  into the models already shaping the world. AI built without African data will not solve African problems, said Phil Anderson, sales manager for Digital Business Solutions at Datacentrix.

Execution, Not Just Enthusiasm

CJIDs Mr Babatunde put the challenge directly. For AI to scale in Africa, execution discipline will determine outcomes, he said.

AI must move beyond sectoral enthusiasm and become a whole-of-government priority, embedded in budgeting processes, industrial planning, procurement reform, and measurable targets.

That is a challenge India has begun to meet. Its government aligned AI with national economic planning, built large-scale digital public infrastructure, and structured policy to attract private investment in hyperscale data centres.

The results are now visible in the commitments made in New Delhi last week.

Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei, speaking at the summit, warned that the pace of AI development leaves little time for hesitation.

There are only a small number of years left for AI models to surpass the cognitive capabilities of most humans for most things, he said.

He identified autonomous AI behaviour, potential misuse by individuals and governments, and large-scale economic displacement as among the most pressing risks  risks that will fall hardest on countries without the infrastructure to govern or adapt to the technology.

The question that will define a generation

The India AI Impact Summit has given the worlds most populous developing nation a stage from which to shape the global AI agenda. It has drawn billion-dollar commitments, ministerial declarations, and pledges of inclusion.

Michael Kratsios, director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and leader of the United States delegation, captured the prevailing mood: Every country will want to chart their own AI destiny. They each have unique characteristics about their culture, their language, their traditions, and the way that they want to use AI.

Africa has those characteristics in abundance. It has the languages, the problems worth solving, the youth population, and  in pockets from Nairobi to Lagos to Kigali to Accra  the innovators building for them.

What it has lacked, consistently, is the infrastructure investment, policy coherence, and political will to turn potential into scale.

The summit in New Delhi showed what it looks like when a developing nation decides it will not be a passive consumer of technology built elsewhere. Africa watched. The continents leaders now face a straightforward question: when the next summit comes, will Africa still be in the audience  or will it finally be setting terms?

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, Mr Babatunde said.
The Presidency has defended Executive Order 9 (EO9), describing it as a constitutional instrument aimed at safeguarding public revenues rather than an attempt by the President to usurp the powers of the National Assembly.

In a statement issued Monday and posted by President Bola Tinubus Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, the government argued that criticisms suggesting that EO9 amounts to the President making law misrepresent both the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the fiscal issues at stake.

Commentary suggesting that Executive Order 9 (EO9) amounts to the President making law misstates both the Constitution and the fiscal question at issue. EO9 does not create law; it enforces constitutional custody of Federation revenues, the statement noted.

The governments explanation comes amid widespread criticism of the executive order signed by Mr Tinubu last week on oil and gas revenue remittances in the country.

Mr Tinubu signed the order directing that royalty oil, tax oil, profit oil, profit gas, and other revenues due to the Federation under production-sharing, profit-sharing, and risk-service contracts be paid directly into the Federation Account.

The order also scrapped the 30 per cent Frontier Exploration Fund established under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and discontinued the 30 per cent management fee on profit oil and profit gas retained by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

Anchoring the directive on Sections 5 and 44(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the presidency said the move was aimed at safeguarding oil and gas revenues, curbing what it described as excessive deductions, and restoring the constitutional entitlements of federal, state, and local governments to the federation account.

Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga had earlier stated that under the current PIA framework, NNPCL retains 30 per cent of oil and gas profit as a management fee and another 30 per cent for frontier exploration, significantly reducing net inflows to the federation account.

While many experts have applauded the presidents order, the move has also been widely criticised by some analysts as a contravention of the provisions of the PIA endorsed by Mr Tinubus predecessor, the late President Muhammadu Buhari.

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) last Thursday rejected President Bola Tinubus newly signed executive order mandating the direct remittance of oil and gas revenues to the Federation Account.

The union described the directive as a dangerous precedent that could undermine the PIA and erode investor confidence in the sector.

Constitution

The government maintained that the order merely enforces existing constitutional provisions governing the custody and management of federation revenues.

Citing Section 80(1) of the constitution, the presidency noted that all revenues or other moneys raised or received by the Federation shall be paid into and form one Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation, stressing that public funds cannot lawfully be retained or applied outside constitutionally recognised accounts.

It also referenced Section 162, which requires revenues accruing to the federation to be paid into the federations account for distribution in line with constitutional allocation principles.

According to the statement, EO9 operationalises these provisions within the oil and gas sector by directing the direct remittance of petroleum revenues  including royalties, taxes, profit oil and gas, penalties, and related receipts  into constitutionally recognised accounts.

It said the order also seeks to strengthen reconciliation processes and enhance transparency across revenue collection, custody, and reporting systems.

The presidency further argued that the directive does not intrude into legislative competence, noting that Section 60(1) preserves the procedural autonomy of the National Assembly. It said EO9 neither amends the Petroleum Industry Act nor repeals any statute, but was issued pursuant to Section 5 of the Constitution, which vests the President with executive powers to ensure the faithful execution of the Constitution and existing laws.

It added that the courts should resolve any dispute regarding the validity of the order. Pending any judicial pronouncement, the Executive is duty-bound to protect Federation revenues, uphold constitutional supremacy, and strengthen fiscal integrity for FAAC distributions, budget credibility and macroeconomic stability, the statement said.
A global coalition, the Stop Financing Factory Farming Campaign (S3F), has called on governments and multilateral development banks to end public financing for industrial livestock production and redirect investments toward agroecology and equitable food systems.

The coalition made the call in a statement issued ahead of the 20th anniversary of the International Conference on Agrarian Reform and Rural Development (ICARRD+20), scheduled for 2426 February in Cartagena, Colombia.

As governments, social movements, and multilateral institutions gather in Cartagena for ICARRD+20 to advance agrarian reform and rural development, the Stop Financing Factory Farming (S3F) Campaign is calling for an urgent shift in global development finance, the statement said.

The group urged public and multilateral development banks to end financing for industrial livestock and redirect resources toward agroecology and equitable food systems.

Factory farming, or intensive animal agriculture, is an industrial system designed to maximise meat, dairy, and egg production at the lowest cost

It involves confining thousands of animalssuch as chickens, pigs, and cattlein crowded, often indoor facilities (CAFOs) with little to no room to move.

Environmentalists have argued that high-density living conditions lead to stress, disease, and increased antibiotic use, raising public health concerns about antibiotic resistance.

Similarly, these operations often generate significant waste, resulting in water pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and deforestation for feed crops.

Challenges

The coalition argued that 20 years after the first ICARRD, land inequality, rural dispossession, and ecological decline remain pressing global challenges, adding that development finance continues to shape land use and agricultural systems in ways that often worsen these crises.

Development finance is far from neutral, said Mariann Bassey-Olsson, S3F Africa Regional Coordinator. Public and multilateral development bank financing of industrial livestock is driving deforestation, land conversion for feed production, and land concentration.

She argued that these investments directly undermine climate goals, biodiversity protection, and the vision of sustainable rural development.

According to the group, industrial livestock production depends heavily on monoculture feed systems, accelerates forest destruction, increases greenhouse gas emissions, and entrenches export-oriented agribusiness models, while consolidating corporate control over land and food systems.

The coalition also disputed claims that financing industrial livestock boosts food security. Citing findings from a recent report, it stated that if grains fed to livestock were used directly for human consumption, an additional two billion people worldwide could be fed each year.

Industrial livestock systems are also reshaping rural economies in ways that deepen inequality, said Opeyemi Elujulo, S3F Youth, Policy & Campaigns Lead.

Factory farming concentrates ownership and decision-making power in the hands of large agribusiness corporations, displacing small-scale producers and Indigenous landowners. Women, youth, and marginalised communities bear the heaviest burden. This is not rural development, it is rural dispossession.

The coalition said ICARRD+20 presents a critical opportunity to realign development finance with the goals of reducing rural poverty and supporting agrarian reform.

Redirecting financial flows can transform land outcomes and rural futures, stressed Claudia Escorza, S3F Latin America Regional Coordinator.

Shifting public finance away from factory farming toward agroecological and diversified food systems supports more equitable land use, strengthens resilient rural livelihoods, and aligns with climate and biodiversity commitments. Public money must serve the public good, not corporate concentration.

The campaign urged participating governments and development banks to end financing for industrial livestock projects, conduct transparent reviews of agricultural investment portfolios, redirect funds toward agroecology and community-led food systems, align investments with climate and human rights commitments, and guarantee meaningful participation of grassroots movements and small-scale producers in financing decisions.

Agrarian reform cannot succeed without transforming how development finance is structured and deployed, the statement added. ICARRD+20 must mark a turning point.

The S3F Campaign operates across Africa, Latin America, Europe and other regions, advocating for the redirection of public finance toward agroecology, food sovereignty and climate-resilient food systems
The Nigerian Exchange (NGX) is taking aim at Zichis Agro-Allied Industries Plc, its latest equity listing, and has barred further trading in the companys shares after findings showed the stocks price jumped more than ninefold barely one month after it was admitted to the exchange.

The bourse told traders and the investing public in a Monday note that it will call off Zichis suspension, which comes into effect on 23 February, once its inquiry into the firms trading activities is over.

Invoking a section of its rulebook that spells out the procedure for the suspension of trading in listed equities, the NGX said it may, in accordance with any of its rules, place the trading of any security on suspension.

The exchange may also do so if it is of the view that such suspension will be in the interest of the investing public and in accordance with the SEC Rules, the NGX cited the rulebook further.

Zichis, based in Ogun State, was admitted to the NGX on 20 January when it listed 600 million shares by way of introduction at N1.81 per unit.

As of the close of trade last Friday, the stock was quoted at N17.36 in Lagos, marking a 859.1 per cent surge in the companys valuation in less than five weeks. Market capitalisation is presently N10.4 billion, which compares to a little above N1 billion at listing.

That dramatic rise, the sharpest by any company quoted in Nigeria this year, makes Zichis the countrys best-performing stock so far in 2026.

Zichis is quoted on the growth board of the NGX, the listing segment dedicated to small-cap and growth-inclined companies with potential to scale, including tech firms. Its agribusiness operations cover oil palm production, fishery, poultry, animal feed manufacturing and crop cultivation.

Our primary responsibility is to maintain a level playing field where market participants can trade with confidence, backed by timely and accurate information, Olufemi Shobanjo, the CEO of NGX Regulation Limited, said in a post on the exchanges website on Monday.

This advisory is a routine communication, reinforcing that sound fundamentals, not speculation, remain the foundation for sustainable investment outcomes. We are fully committed to preserving the integrity and stability of our market, he added.

The effort by Nigerias stock market authorities to bring Zichis trading activities under scrutiny coincides with a steady trend in which several stocks on the NGX continue to record strong price appreciation with no sound fundamentals to show for it.

Dramatic price gains without clear drivers have been observed in some firms that have consistently reported losses for years, yet are attracting considerable buyer interest. This has made calls for market watchdogs and regulators to zero in on the market activities of such companies more urgent.

For Zichis, what we saw is actually quite surprising. For a stock to deliver a return of 859 per cent is already too high. Not too high in the sense that a stock cannot do that, rather it kind of gives us reason to suspect, an investment analyst at a Lagos-based research house, who does not want his name mentioned, told PREMIUM TIMES.

In terms of price manipulation, its easy to manipulate the price of any stock. In this case, you can see it as maybe Im just one large investor, and you are my friend, and you are also a large investor. We can just be selling the stock to each other, and we will be driving the share price higher. Something like that can happen. Maybe when we begin to get it to a certain point, we can just sell off.

He remarked that the practice is called dumping, adding that it is technically what price manipulation is about.

If the NGX finds evidence of share manipulation at the end of its investigation, the dealers and brokers involved in the transactions may face sanctions, the analyst noted.
Asake, Wizkid, Seyi Vibez, Burna Boy and Davido are the most-streamed Nigerian artistes on Spotify in Nigeria since the platform launched in the country in February 2021.

This is according to data released by the company on Monday to mark five years of operations.

The figures show that music streaming in Nigeria has expanded rapidly since Spotifys entry into the market, with year-on-year listening growth recording triple-digit increases in the early years and maintaining strong momentum through 2025.

Spotify said overall listening activity in Nigeria has grown at an average rate of 163.5 per cent since launch.

Afrobeats remains the most dominant genre among Nigerian listeners on the platform.

Spotifys data show that streams of Afrobeats content in Nigeria grew by more than 5,000 per cent between 2021 and 2025.

Indigenous Nigerian languages

Other genres also recorded steep growth during the period, including Amapiano, which rose by more than 10,000 per cent; gospel and praise music by over 5,000 per cent; hip-hop and rap by over 3,000 per cent; and R&B by more than 2,600 per cent.

The data also point to rising consumption of music recorded in Nigerian indigenous languages. Spotify said indigenous-language listening within Nigeria rose sharply in recent years, with notable increases recorded in 2024 and 2025.

Growth was also recorded among global listeners of Nigerian indigenous-language content, indicating expanding international interest in local-language music.

Spotifys figures further show that Nigerian users are engaging heavily with local music. Over the past five years, Asake, Wizkid, Seyi Vibez, Burna Boy and Davido have dominated streams in Nigeria.

Most players songs by Nigerian listeners

The most-played songs by Nigerian listeners during the period reviewed include Remember by Asake, Dealer by Ayo Maff and Fireboy DML, Awolowo by Fido, Kese (Dance) by Wizkid, and Lonely At The Top by Asake, among others.

The platform also disclosed that the number of Nigerian artistes distributing music through Spotify has increased by more than 150 per cent since launch, reflecting the growing adoption of digital distribution by local creators seeking global audiences.

User engagement on the platform has also expanded significantly. Spotify said Nigerian users have created more than 25 million playlists over the past five years, pointing to growing curation and discovery habits among listeners.

READ ALSO: Recording Academy member explains how Grammy award winners are chosen

In 2025 alone, users in Nigeria recorded over 1.4 million listening hours on the platform. Podcast listening has also grown, with cumulative podcast listening hours running into tens of billions since launch.

Spotifys data further indicates that Nigerian listeners are highly discovery-driven.

Listening habits

According to the company, the average listener in Nigeria has streamed about 150 artistes over recent months, suggesting broad exploration of music rather than narrow consumption patterns. The average age of a Spotify user in Nigeria is 26, highlighting the role of young, digitally native audiences in shaping listening culture.

The platform also highlighted the borderless nature of listening habits in Nigeria. According to Spotify, the first track streamed in Nigeria at launch in 2021 was a non-Nigerian song, underscoring early openness among Nigerian users to global sounds alongside local music.

The data underscore the growing role of streaming platforms in shaping how Nigerian audiences access music and how local artistes reach listeners at home and abroad, as digital distribution continues to reshape the countrys music industry.
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has warned healthcare providers, patients and the general public about the circulation of falsified and parallel imported versions of Dostinex 0.5mg Tablets in Nigeria.

The agency disclosed this in a public alert published on its website on Monday.

NAFDAC said Pfizer Nigeria Ltd, the Marketing Authorisation Holder (MAH) of the product, confirmed the presence of falsified and parallel unregistered imported versions in the country.

Although, the company noted that the original product has been duly registered by NAFDAC, it has not yet been officially imported into Nigeria.

Dostinex 0.5mg Tablets, manufactured by Pfizer Italia S.R.L, are used to reduce prolactin secretion and manage conditions associated with excess prolactin levels. In other words, the medicine is prescribed to treat hormonal disorders linked to elevated prolactin, which can affect reproductive health and other bodily functions.

Affected batches

In the alert, NAFDAC identified three affected batches currently in circulation: GG3470 with an expiry date of June 2027; LG8659 with an expiry date of January 2026; and GG2440 with an expiry date of April 2026.

The agency noted that the products bear no NAFDAC registration number.

It warned that the potency of medicines depends heavily on compliance with regulatory standards.

Falsified, unlicensed and unregistered medicines, the agency noted, pose significant public health risks because they have not undergone evaluation by the agency, meaning their quality, safety and efficacy cannot be guaranteed.

Surveillance and public advisory

NAFDAC said all its zonal directors and state coordinators have been directed to carry out surveillance and mop up the unregistered products wherever they are found.

The agency advised distributors, retailers, healthcare professionals and caregivers to be vigilant within the supply chain to avoid the distribution, sale and use of the unregistered medicine.

It stressed that medical products should only be obtained from authorised and licensed suppliers, and that their authenticity and physical condition should be carefully checked.

Healthcare professionals were also urged to review stocks in hospitals, clinics and pharmacies and report any suspected falsified or compromised medicines or medical devices to the nearest NAFDAC office.

Reports can also be made through the agencys toll-free line, designated email addresses, or via the e-reporting platforms available on its website and the Med-safety application.

Reaffirming its mandate, NAFDAC said it remains committed to safeguarding public health and will continue surveillance activities to ensure the quality, safety and efficacy of medicines circulating in Nigeria.

Expanding regulatory scrutiny

The warning on falsified Dostinex adds to a widening enforcement action by NAFDAC which in recent weeks has intensified operations against counterfeit medicines, banned cosmetics and expired consumables across several states.

Earlier this week, PREMIUM TIMES reported that the agency uncovered and confiscated large volumes of prohibited cosmetic products from a warehouse facility.

The items included hundreds of cartons of Crusader and E45 soaps, as well as Extract Gold whitening soaps, brands previously banned by the federal government over safety concerns.

NAFDAC officials said assorted perfumes, body oils and cooking oils were also discovered during the operation.

The operation followed what the regulator described as one of its most consequential recent crackdowns in the Trade Fair Market area of Lagos, where officials intercepted more than 10 million doses of counterfeit malaria medicines alongside cosmetic products valued at about N3 billion.

Investigators found injectable anti-malarial drugs, antibiotics and long-prohibited medicines such as Postinor and Analgin, some banned in Nigeria for nearly 15 years, stockpiled inside a three-storey building operating under the guise of a spare parts warehouse.

In a separate operation in Bida, Niger State, NAFDAC sealed 18 warehouses after discovering expired food and beverage products worth over N100 million.

The affected items included non-alcoholic drinks, dairy products, bottled water, confectioneries and pasta stored in facilities around Ndazabo White House along Minna Road and behind Bida Modern Market.
WASHINGTON, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine has warned the White House that the shortfalls in munitions and support from allies could mean greater danger for the U.S. troops in a potential strike on Iran, multiple U.S. media outlets reported Monday.

Caine told U.S. President Donald Trump and his top aides at a White House meeting last week that any major operation against Iran will face challenges because the U.S. munitions stockpile has been significantly depleted by Washington's ongoing defense of Israel and support for Ukraine, The Washington Post reported, citing sources familiar with the discussions.

Earlier this month, Caine raised concerns in Pentagon meetings about the scale and complexity of any military campaign targeting Iran as well as the possibility of U.S. casualties, said the report, citing sources on condition of anonymity.

Caine has also cautioned Trump that a military campaign against Iran could lead to a prolonged conflict, Axios reported Monday.

In a statement, Caine's office said that as the president's top military adviser, the chairman "provides a range of military options, as well as secondary considerations and associated impacts and risks, to the civilian leaders who make America's security decisions."

Trump listens to a "variety of perspectives on any given issue, but makes the final decision based on what is best for our country and national security," White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly has said.

A new round of U.S.-Iran talks is scheduled for Thursday in Geneva and is expected to focus on Iran's nuclear program, including uranium enrichment levels and sanctions relief.

Many analysts have said that the upcoming round of U.S.-Iran talks is likely the last diplomatic opportunity before a possible U.S.-Israeli large-scale joint military operation on Iran.

The Trump administration has been deploying massive military forces in the Middle East. Trump said Friday that he is considering a limited military strike on Iran. 
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has confirmed the successful completion and full functionality of three borehole projects in Ondo State executed under the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA).

In a statement on Monday, ICPC spokesperson John Odey said the projects were tracked under the commissions Constituency and Executive Projects Tracking Initiative (CEPTI), in collaboration with NPHCDA officials and accredited project management consultants.

The projects were approved at the NPHCDA Tenders Board meeting on 20 November 2024, and formally awarded the following day to Workman Network & Equipment Resources Ltd. The contract, valued at N54,758,244 inclusive of taxes, covered the drilling of motorized boreholes at selected primary health care centres in Ondo State, Mr Odey said.

According to ICPC, the boreholes were installed at Basic Health Centre, Danjuma in Akure South Local Government Area, Basic Health Centre, Awaye in Ile-Oluji/Oke Igbo Local Government Area, and Boa II Primary Health Centre in Akoko South West Local Government Area.

ICPCs monitoring team confirmed that the boreholes were executed and are functional, providing much-needed potable water to the health facilities and surrounding communities, the statement added.

According to the statement, Mercy Ajiromoke, the Primary Health Care Officer-in-Charge at the Basic Health Centre in Ile-Oluji, Oke Igbo, Ondo State, commended the project, noting that it has resolved longstanding water shortages and significantly improved service delivery for residents.

Background

Verifying the borehole projects forms part of ICPCs nationwide effort to promote transparency, accountability, and social responsibility in public-funded initiatives.

The CEPTI programme, launched in collaboration with citizens and civil society organisations, encourages community ownership of projects and ensures that abandoned or irregularly executed projects are corrected. Over the past two years, ICPC has tracked projects in states including Zamfara, Sokoto, and Ondo, compelling contractors to return to sites and recover funds where necessary.

In Sokoto, for example, the commission monitored 64 federal projects valued at N21.6 billion, spanning health, education, water supply, agriculture, and electrification, correcting irregularities and enforcing compliance with contractual obligations.

Earlier in February, ICPC partnered with the Ondo State Government to conduct a three-day capacity-building workshop across 18 local governments to strengthen fiscal discipline, revenue optimization, and ethical governance.

Mr Odey reaffirmed ICPCs commitment to social accountability and value-for-money in public projects, urging the public to provide information on the status of constituency and executive projects in their communities.
Nigeria has secured victory in an international arbitration dispute against an international technology contractor, saving the country from potential financial liability estimated at $6.2 million, the office of Nigerias Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice said on Sunday.

According to a statement by Kamarudeen Ogundele, the special adviser to the President (Communication and Publicity), office of the AGF, the dispute centred on a national electronic government procurement (eGP) project handled by the BPP.

The contractual dispute led the foreign firm, European Dynamics UK Ltd, to initiate the arbitral proceedings before the International Centre for Arbitration and Mediation, which sat in Abuja.

European Dynamics UK Ltd made claims totalling about $6.2 million against Nigeria.

The proceedings ended with the ruling delivered by Funmi Roberts, the sole administrator of the tribunal, dismissing all claims filed by the company against Nigeria.

According to the AGF offices statement, the ruling relieved Nigeria of potential financial exposure estimated at over $6.2 million (approximately N9.3 billion) in claimed payments and damages.

The statement said the ruling is final and not subject to appeal.

Dispute over e-procurement project

The arbitration arose from a contract involving the design, development, installation and maintenance of a national electronic procurement system supported by the World Bank to enhance transparency and efficiency in federal procurement processes.

European Dynamics UK Ltd had claimed about $2.4 million for alleged milestone completions, $3 million in general damages, and an additional $800,000 in settlement claims.

However, Nigeria argued that payments under the contract were tied strictly to verified performance outcomes rather than partial delivery.

Central to the disagreement was a User Acceptance Test (UAT) conducted by the BPP, which reportedly identified significant functional deficiencies in the software, including omissions and performance-related errors.

The bureau maintained that software delivery could only be deemed complete after successful performance validation confirming compliance with contractual and operational requirements.

The tribunal upheld Nigerias position, ruling that the identified deficiencies were the vendors responsibility to correct without additional payment.

It also found no evidence that the BPP approved the contractors alleged merger of multi-phase project modules into a single phase, noting that payments were structured according to distinct project stages.

Nothing in the Contract suggests that such a merger is permissible, particularly given that payment is structured in phases. Consequently, the contractual framework was distorted, it ruled.

Consequently, the arbitrator dismissed all claims by European Dynamics UK Ltd in their entirety.

Nigerias legal team was led by Johnson & Wilner LLP, a Nigerian business and technology law firm, with its founding partner, Basil Udotai, heading the arbitration proceedings alongside other associates and strategic partners.

Officials said the legal strategy focused on technical compliance issues and contractual obligations tied to performance standards.

Government reactions

Speaking during the presentation of the arbitration award to the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, the Director-General of the BPP, Adebowale Adedokun, described the outcome as a significant milestone for Nigerias public procurement system.

Mr Adedokun said the contractor had previously won arbitration cases against several African countries, adding that Nigerias success demonstrated confidence in local legal expertise.

We stood our ground because payments must correspond to demonstrable value delivered, he said.

Mr Fagbemi commended the BPP and the legal team, describing the ruling as a signal that Nigeria would firmly protect public resources in international contractual disputes.

ALSO READ: Nigeria govt celebrates arbitration case victory against French entity over Ajaokuta complex project

This win sends a clear message to the international community that Nigeria can no longer be taken for granted, the minister said.

Lessons from $11 billion P&ID battle, looking ahead

The latest arbitration victory comes amid Nigerias intensified efforts to defend public finances in international disputes following the high-profile Process and Industrial Developments (P&ID) case, in which the country faced an $11 billion arbitral award arising from a failed gas processing agreement signed in 2010.

Although a United Kingdom court in 2023 set aside the award after finding that it had been obtained through fraud and corruption, the case exposed weaknesses in contract management, procurement oversight, and dispute handling within public institutions.

Since then, Nigerian authorities have adopted a more assertive legal and compliance strategy in international arbitration, emphasising stricter contract performance standards, improved documentation, and early technical evaluation of government projects  measures officials say informed Nigerias defence in the present dispute.

Officials said the latest ruling against European Dynamics UK Ltd highlights the importance of rigorous testing standards, clearly defined milestones, and stronger oversight mechanisms in government technology projects.

They added that lessons from the arbitration would inform ongoing reforms in Nigerias e-procurement framework to reduce the risk of similar disputes in the future.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory FCT, Nyesom Wike, has nullified 485 Area Council land documents in Abuja, citing failure to pass official verification processes and confirmation that several of the applications were fake.

The decision was conveyed through a public notice issued by the Federal Capital Territory Administrations Departments of Land Administration and the Abuja Geographic Information Systems (AGIS), which warned affected applicants and the general public to take note of the development.

According to the notice, the minister approved the cancellation of applications that failed the necessary official checks for genuineness and have been confirmed to be fake.

It further stated that the nullified applications would be expunged from the regularisation database maintained by the FCTA Departments of Land Administration and the Abuja Geographic Information Systems AGIS.

The notice, which lists all affected applicants by name, file number, layout and area council, states that the action reflects the ministers approval and warns holders accordingly.

This is to inform the general public, particularly applicants who submitted Area Council land documents for regularisation, that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory has approved the nullification or cancellation of applications that failed the necessary official checks for genuineness and have been confirmed to be fake, the notice read.

The publication also notes that it is without prejudice to further notices and/or publications.

The affected documents span several districts and satellite towns across the FCT.

In Bwari Area Council, the layouts impacted include Ushafa Village Expansion Scheme, Ushafa Extension and Dawaki Extension 1.

In the Abuja Municipal Area Council AMAC, the cancelled documents cover Kurudu-Jikwoyi Relocation, Kurudu Commercial, Karu Village Extension, Nyanya Phase IV Extension, Jikwoyi Residential, Sabon Lugbe and Lugbe I Extension.

In Kuje Area Council, Kuchiyako One layout is affected.

Land in the Federal Capital Territory is vested in the Federal Government under Nigerias constitution and governed by the Land Use Act, 1978.

In Abuja, all titles such as Statutory Right of Occupancy or Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) must be issued under the authority of the FCT minister and documented through AGIS.

In recent years, however, the administration has struggled with fake or forged land titles and double allocations, area council allocations that were not properly authorised or regularised under FCT law and land speculation and syndicated fraud involving forged signatures, certificates and inaccurate survey plans.

Earlier in 2025, the FCTA intensified calls for submission and regularisation of Area Council land documents, noting that only a small fraction had been vetted and cleared against tens of thousands of submissions dating as far back as 2006.

The administration issued a 60-day deadline and public notices warning landholders to complete payments, submit necessary documentation and ensure compliance with statutory requirements, failure of which could lead to invalidation of offers or revocation of titles.

Other enforcement actions include revoking thousands of property titles in Abuja for default on ground rent, C-of-O fees, violation charges and land use conversion fees, with enforcement steps beginning where final grace periods expired.

However, the latest move to nullify 485 documents appears tied specifically to forgery and lack of genuineness rather than non-payment or non-development issues.
The National Judicial Council (NJC) has commenced a discreet but far-reaching investigation into some highly placed judges in the country, including heads of courts, insiders at the council have told PREMIUM TIMES.

The NJC is the constitutional body responsible for appointing, promoting and disciplining judicial officers in Nigeria.

The 24-member council, led by the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, derives its authority from Paragraph 20 of Part One of the Third Schedule to the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

Our sources said the ongoing extraordinary investigation was triggered by a wave of damning and disturbing petitions filed against some unnamed very senior judicial officers.

The allegation against one of the senior judges is so grave that Chief Justice Kekere-Ekun has ordered an urgent probe to identify culpable individuals and cleanse the judiciary, an official familiar with the development told PREMIUM TIMES, adding that the inquiry is being handled with strict confidentiality and is known only to a handful of insiders.

I can tell you that the NJC has, in recent times, received several petitions and complaints alleging serious and shocking misconduct, forgery, age falsification and false asset declarations, the source said. Deeply disturbed by the weight of the allegations, the CJN is mobilising the NJC for urgent administrative action. She does not want these claims to further erode public confidence in the judiciary.

Our sources declined to disclose the identities of the judges under investigation or the individuals who filed the petitions, saying they were not authorised to discuss the matter publicly.

When contacted, Tobi Soniyi, Senior Special Assistant to the CJN on Media, directed all enquiries to the NJC, saying he had not been briefed on the issue.

The NJCs Deputy Director (Information), Kemi Babalola-Ogedengbe, also told PREMIUM TIMES she was unaware of any such probe.

Justice Kekere-Ekun had, in September 2025, during a ceremony marking the commencement of the 2025/2026 legal year, pledged sweeping reforms aimed at promoting judicial excellence, transparency and effective justice administration.

Earlier, during her swearing-in as acting CJN in August 2024, she acknowledged that public confidence in the judiciary was waning, a troubling trend she vowed to reverse.

It remains unclear how far she has progressed in her efforts to sanitise the judiciary. However, since assuming office in August 2024, the NJC has imposed disciplinary measures on several judges found culpable of misconduct.

On 15 November 2024, under Justice Kekere-Ekuns leadership, the NJC announced the compulsory retirement of two judges, the suspension of two others for two years, and the issuance of a formal warning to another.

Seven investigative committees were also constituted to examine allegations of judicial misconduct against several other judges.

Seven months later, on 26 June 2025, the NJC compulsorily retired 10 judges, cautioned five others, and barred a judge of the National Industrial Court from promotion for three years.
A top US official, Jonathan Burke, will be visiting Nigeria to discuss strengthening security cooperation and countering terrorism financing with the Nigerian government.

Mr Burke, the US Department of the Treasurys Assistant Secretary for Terrorist Financing, is scheduled to visit Nigeria from Monday to Tuesday this week.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the US embassy in Nigeria said the visit is part of the Trump administrations efforts to reduce violence against Christians and other vulnerable groups.

Mr Burke will meet with both government authorities and private sector stakeholders to discuss the risks to the financial sector and strengthen safeguards.

Mr Burke will be the second top US official to visit Nigeria this year.

A month ago, a high-level US delegation led by Under Secretary of State Allison Hooker visited Nigeria.

The officials held the first session of a joint working group focused on addressing the terror attacks against Nigerian Christians with Nigerian authorities.

Last year, a Congressional delegation visited Abuja and met with Nigerias National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu.

PREMIUM TIMES also reported the visit of a Nigerian delegation, led by Mr Ribadu. The delegation met with top US officials, including Secretary of War Peter Hegseth.

This series of visits by top officials between Nigeria and the US began following Mr Trumps verbal antagonism toward Nigeria.

It followed the designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern.

This also led to a US strike on suspected terrorists in the North-west of Nigeria in December.

PREMIUM TIMES reported the strikes, with Mr Trump saying they were part of the US effort to quell the operations of radical Islamic groups in the country.

Two weeks ago, three US aircraft arrived in Nigeria. About 100 United States military personnel arrived in what appears to be the first wave of the planned deployment of 200 troops to assist their Nigerian counterparts in fighting terrorism.
Kaduna State Police Command says it has dismantled several bandits camps across the state over the last two weeks.

The Commissioner of Police, Rabiu Muhammad, disclosed this during a press briefing in Kaduna on Monday.

Mr Muhammad stated that the command also arrested suspected gunrunners and recovered a cache of illegal arms and hard drugs.

He explained that the successes were achieved through clearance operations in Kajuru, Tafa, Igabi, and Kauru local government areas.

During the operations, he said, several bandit camps were destroyed, and some suspected bandits were killed, while others fled with gunshot injuries.

The commissioner added that suspected informants and drug suppliers linked to criminal networks were also apprehended.

According to him, items recovered during the operations included three AK-47 rifles, 21 fabricated firearms, one submachine gun (SMG), two English pistols, four fabricated pistols, and large quantities of hard drugs.

Five suspected notorious gunrunners were also arrested.

Mr Muhammad said that at about 9 p.m. on 20 February (last Friday), operatives of the police Anti-Kidnapping Unit, acting on credible intelligence, arrested a suspect in Jaji, Igabi Local Government Area.

The suspect was found in possession of six fabricated AK-47 rifles, three fabricated revolver rifles, two fabricated pistols, seven AK-47 magazines, and a pair of black Wellco boots.

He added that another suspect from Unguwar Rogo in Jos North Local Government Area was arrested in connection with the case.

The police boss said preliminary investigations indicated that the suspects were involved in the illegal fabrication and supply of arms.

Mr Muhammad said investigations were ongoing to identify other members of the syndicate and trace the distribution network of the recovered weapons.

The commissioner further disclosed that on 17 February, operatives intercepted three suspects at Kasuwan Magani following intelligence on an illegal arms transaction.

Two of the suspects are from Iburu, while the third is from Kasuwan Magani. Recovered from them were one locally fabricated AK-47 rifle and one fabricated pump-action gun, according to the police boss.

He stated that the achievements underscore the commands commitment to proactive, intelligence-driven policing aimed at disrupting the supply chain of illegal arms fueling banditry and other violent crimes.

We will continue to strengthen community partnerships, enhance intelligence gathering, and sustain aggressive operations against all forms of criminality, he said.

The commissioner expressed appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, for his leadership and support.

He also commended the Kaduna State Government for providing logistical assistance and praised officers and personnel of the command for their courage and professionalism.

Mr Muhammad further thanked members of the public for providing credible information to security agencies.

Together, we shall ensure that Kaduna State remains secure for all law-abiding citizens, he said.
The Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, on Sunday, explained why President Bola Tinubu assented to the Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2026 barely 24 hours after it was controversially passed by the National Assembly.

PREMIUM TIMES reports that President Tinubu recently signed the bill a day after it was passed by both chambers of the National Assembly.

Mr Bamidele, who represents Ekiti Central Senatorial District, said in a statement that provisions of the amendment bill were collectively drafted by members of the National Assembly, the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (OAGF), the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), civil society organisations (CSOs), and development partners.

He explained that as lawmakers progressed on the bill, from first reading stage to public hearing and final passage, all relevant stakeholders were actively involved in the process.

He said there was no reason for the president to delay assent to the bill, which, according to him, incorporated inputs from key institutions, including the executive arm of government.

It is a collective work that involves nearly all critical stakeholders. The National Assembly worked with such different stakeholders as OAGF, CSOs, INEC and our development partners, among others, before we eventually completed the process.

As we were making progress, the stakeholders too were making their input, and all the inputs were incorporated in the Act. In view of the time constraint we are facing now, I do not believe the Executive requires days or weeks to review it before assent since we all contributed to it. Its outcome is not a unilateral effort of the parliament, but of Nigerians at large.

However, Mr Bamideles position contrasts sharply with the stance of many civil society organisations, especially over the controversial Clause 60, which makes the electronic transmission of election results optional.

Several election-observer groups, including Yiaga Africa, Centre for Media and Society, The Kukah Center, International Press Centre, ElectHER, Nigerian Women Trust Fund, and TAF Africa, had demanded that electronic transmission of election results be made mandatory.

They argued that making it optional could create loopholes capable of undermining electoral integrity and weakening safeguards introduced in the 2022 Electoral Act.

Even after the bill was passed by the National Assembly, several Nigerians and CSOs urged President Tinubu to withhold assent unless the provision was amended to mandate electronic transmission. Nevertheless, the president signed the bill into law within hours of its passage.

Critics again questioned the urgency of the presidential assent to a bill that had generated public controversy. With the presidents signature, however, the amendment has now become law, meaning subsequent elections in Nigeria will be conducted in line with the revised provisions.

Nigerias electoral reform

Mr Bamidele maintained that the amended Electoral Act would strengthen electoral independence, enhance transparency in election management, improve technological integration, and promote accountability within Nigerias electoral system.

For instance, under Clause 3, which establishes a special fund for INEC, the senate leader said that the provision would guarantee the commissions financial autonomy, operational stability, and administrative continuity.

He noted that the clause will enable INEC to operate with greater independence and quicker corrective capacity. It requires that funds, whether in the form of grants, aids, or other accruals, be paid into INECs account by the federal government and released not later than six months before the next general election.

On Clause 47, which mandates presiding officers to use the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) for voter accreditation, Mr Bamidele noted that the provision would help confirm voter authenticity and reduce irregularities.

Regarding the controversial Clause 60, he said the N500,000 fine or six-month imprisonment penalty for any presiding officer who wilfully frustrates the electronic transmission of election results would enhance transparency and accountability.

Given these changes, the senate leader explained that the amended Electoral Act seeks to enhance electoral credibility, reduce disputes, and strengthen Nigerias democratic governance.

The Electoral Act 2026 represents a consolidation and refinement of the countrys electoral governance framework. In all, the Act seeks to enhance electoral credibility, reduce disputes, and strengthen democratic governance in Nigeria.

The Act emphasises financial and operational independence of INEC; technological integration with procedural safeguards; transparency in collation and declaration; stricter penalties for electoral offences and stronger regulation of political parties, he said.
US President Donald Trump is considering carrying out an initial strike against Iran to compel its leaders to give up their nuclear ambitions and reach an agreement.

The New York Times reports that Mr Trump is leaning towards conducting the strike in the coming days to show Iranian authorities that they have no choice but to give up the production of nuclear weapons. This is despite Iran repeatedly stating it has no plans to build nuclear weapons, and world leaders condemning the American plans to invade Iran.

Since the start of the year, the US has been amassing troops and equipment in the Middle East in what has been described as the largest such deployment in over two decades.

Earlier in the year, Mr Trump told Iranian protesters that help was on the way, threatening to bomb Iran, but eventually stepped back, saying that the execution of protesters had stopped.

Negotiations between the two countries have been ongoing amid rising tension. Indirect talks, which paused after the 2025 US attack on Iranian facilities, resumed weeks ago.

Mr Trump met top officials at the White House Situation Room to discuss potential strikes on Iran last Wednesday.

He told his advisers at the meeting that he is weighing the possibility of military action should the ongoing negotiations with Iran fail.

The New York Times revealed that Mr Trump told his advisers that he would be considering carrying out major attacks in the coming months should negotiations fail to produce the desired result.

The possible sites for attack range from Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to the countrys nuclear sites to the ballistic missile programme.

Mr Trump also told his advisers that he is open to taking required steps to topple the Iranian Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei. But there are doubts that these plans can be executed only by airstrikes.

According to The New York Times, US officials had earlier considered deploying special operations forces to conduct raids on deeply buried Iranian nuclear and missile facilities beyond the reach of conventional weapons.

However, such missions would be extremely risky, requiring troops to remain on the ground far longer than during the operation to capture Nicolas Maduro.

For now, plans for a commando raid have been put on hold, the New York Times quoted officials as saying.

Iran has vowed to retaliate against any American strike and has said all US interests, including bases and personnel, in the Middle East are legitimate targets.

Talks between both parties are expected to continue in Switzerland this week.

US, Iran demands

The US Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, told Fox News that Mr Trump had directed him and Jared Kushner, the presidents son-in-law and unofficial aide, that there would be zero enrichment for Iran.

He said Mr Trump also wants Iran to release to the US the nuclear material in its possession.

Mr Witkoff said the US position is that Iran must not enrich uranium and must hand over its more than 400kg of stockpiled material.

There have been some very hard red lines drawn, he said.

He also claimed that Iran could be about a week away from producing industrial-grade bomb-making material.

He called such a situation very dangerous.

However, Iran has indicated repeatedly that it would strike back at a foreign attack on its bases, assets, or facilities.

PREMIUM TIMES reported a recent letter to the United Nations in which the country made it clear that it would respond decisively to any military aggression.

Although it rejected the demand for zero enrichment, Iran said it is ready to compromise on its nuclear programme, which it says is for peaceful purposes.

The country is willing to export a portion of its stockpile, reduce the enrichment level of its most highly enriched uranium, and consider forming a regional enrichment consortium.

In return, Iran wants formal recognition of its right to pursue peaceful nuclear enrichment.

It also wants the removal of US sanctions that have made it difficult for it to trade with many countries.

Mr Wittkoff said the next round of talks will occur in Geneva on Thursday.

He also said Mr Trump is curious as to why Iran has yet to reach an agreement despite being under US pressure.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, says the outcome of Saturdays area council elections reflects President Bola Tinubus visionary leadership.

Mr Wike made the remarks during a broadcast in Abuja on Sunday, thanking Mr Tinubu for strengthening residents confidence in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the APC won five of the six chairmanship seats contested in Saturdays elections.

The party secured victories in Abuja Municipal, Bwari, Kuje, Abaji and Kwali area councils, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) won in Gwagwalada.

Mr Wike described the results as evidence that the Renewed Hope Agenda has restored optimism and confidence among FCT residents.

He added that the peaceful conduct of the poll equally demonstrated the peoples commitment to democracy and good governance.

The minister thanked residents for believing in what he called a renewed and credible democratic process championed by the Tinubu-led administration.

He also commended all candidates for participating in the election and upholding democratic values.

Your participation is proof of your commitment to ensuring that the voice of the minority is heard, even when the majority prevails.

Most especially, I congratulate the APC and the PDP for their victories. This election has shown Nigerians the ruling party and the real opposition party.

Residents of the FCT have demonstrated that they cannot be deceived by emergency democrats who refuse to see anything good in our country, he said.

Mr Wike said Mr Tinubus commitment to improving Nigerians lives, particularly in the FCT, had not gone unnoticed.

He expressed confidence that under Mr Tinubus leadership, the FCT would remain a model of development and progress.

The minister praised the president for defending democracy, including supporting amendments to the Electoral Act to strengthen credible elections.

This demonstrates his commitment to improving our democratic process, he said.

Mr Wike congratulated the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for conducting what he described as a free, fair and credible poll.

He said the exercise reflected the administrations resolve to strengthen democratic institutions and ensure transparent, reliable electoral processes.

I commend the security agencies for ensuring the peaceful conduct of the election. Their efforts contributed greatly to this democratic exercise.

To the winners, you have been given a mandate to serve. Do so with humility, dedication and a commitment to excellence.

Work tirelessly to improve residents lives and bring development to our communities, he said.

He commended residents, particularly in satellite towns, for turning out peacefully to exercise their franchise.

Your participation affirms your trust in our democracy. Continue to support efforts to build a better FCT, he urged.

Mr Wike pledged that the FCT Administration would continue delivering the dividends of democracy in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.

(NAN)
CAIRO, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- While the United States and Iran are scheduled to resume talks on Thursday, there is little indication of de-escalation in their military standoff.

With the United States ramping up its regional military presence, pulling out diplomatic personnel, and issuing mounting threats of potential strikes, regional experts warned that the risk of war in the Middle East is on the sharp rise.

TEHRAN OPEN TO TALKS, READY FOR WAR

Iranian officials have signaled both openness to negotiation and readiness for confrontation.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei warned Monday that any U.S. attack, regardless of its scope and scale, will be considered an act of aggression and met with consequences.

Baghaei stressed that Iran's armed forces remain "vigilantly ready round the clock" even as diplomatic efforts continue.

He indicated Tehran is prepared for sustained talks over consecutive days or weeks, but pushed back against prolonged intervals, saying, "We have no benefit in prolonging the negotiation process."

The comments follow two rounds of indirect talks this month in Muscat and Geneva. A third is expected Thursday in Geneva, with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi possibly meeting U.S. President Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff.

Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian described recent negotiations as having "yielded encouraging signals," while cautioning that Iran has "made all necessary preparations for any potential scenario."

In a move to demonstrate its strategic leverage, Iran conducted live-fire drills in the Strait of Hormuz last week, a vital chokepoint for global oil shipments. Analysts have warned that any Iranian effort to obstruct the critical waterway could send global oil prices soaring and roil world financial markets.

WASHINGTON'S MILITARY BUILDUP, DIPLOMATS EVACUATION

As negotiations progress, Washington appears to be increasingly preparing for a potential conflict with Iran.

In one of his bluntest remarks yet, Trump said on Friday that he's considering a limited military strike on Iran.

According to the Jerusalem Post, the USS Gerald R. Ford, the world's largest aircraft carrier, is set to arrive off Israel's coast and dock in Haifa on Monday.

As part of the reinforcements, U.S. aerial refueling tankers and heavy transport aircraft have also arrived at Israeli airports, bolstering the naval presence already provided by the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group and its accompanying guided-missile destroyers in the region.

A significant increase in U.S. fighter jets and transport aircraft was also reported at Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan, a key U.S. military hub in the region, with similar buildups observed at other regional bases.

In Lebanon, the U.S. embassy evacuated dozens of staff members through Beirut's airport on Monday, described by Lebanese media as a preventive step in anticipation of regional escalation.

U.S. officials have stressed that diplomacy is still the preferred route, but have reiterated that "all options are on the table" if diplomacy fails to resolve disputes over Iran's nuclear and missile programs.

In Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told parliament the country faces "very challenging days" and issued a direct warning to Tehran, stating that if Iran attacks Israel, it would face a response "with a force they cannot even imagine."

MIDDLE EAST HOLDING ITS BREATH

The escalating tensions between the United States and Iran are leading more analysts to believe that a regional conflict is just around the corner.

"The military preparations and reinforcements the United States is carrying out in the region suggest that the possibility of war and U.S. strikes against Iran is highly likely," said Omani political analyst Khalfan al-Touqi.

If conflict erupts, al-Touqi cautioned, it will not resemble the limited 12-day war in June last year. "The strikes will not be limited, as some expect, but will be far more dangerous, with dire consequences not just for Iran, but for the entire region."

Diplomacy between the two sides has so far failed to yield clear progress on disputes over Iran's nuclear program or broader regional issues, with U.S. allies in the region watching with growing unease, noticed Steven A. Cook, a senior fellow for Middle East and Africa Studies at the Council on Foreign Relations.

"For countries in the region, the prospect of U.S. strikes has stirred concerns over reprisals on their territory and a new round of regional upheaval," Cook added.

Echoing these concerns, Dana Stroul, research director at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, pointed to the scale of U.S. preparations as a sign of seriousness.

"The U.S. military is ready for a sustained, highly kinetic campaign," Stroul said, noting that "two U.S. aircraft carriers, along with their accompanying vessels and air wings, were stationed in the Middle East last summer during the 12-day war," a posture that has since been reinforced.

The sense of urgency was amplified Sunday by a New York Times report indicating that Trump is considering launching a "targeted strike" on Iran to pressure Tehran to accept his nuclear demands. If Iran continues to hold out, the report added, that strike could be followed by a "larger attack" later this year.

Some regional experts argued that while the United States is prepared for war, the likelihood of conflict ultimately hinges on whether Iran is willing to make concessions.

Yet not all experts believed war is inevitable. Some argued that while Washington is posturing for conflict, its ultimate goal may be to extract concessions at the negotiating table.

"The most probable scenario is not a full-scale war, but rather a series of threats and possibly limited retaliation, with the United States hoping that Iran ... will opt for concessions in negotiations," said Adnan Hashem, a Yemeni political researcher specializing in Gulf affairs and Iranian politics.

Thair Abu Ras, director of Palestinian Programs at the Van Leer Jerusalem Institute, questioned whether Washington is truly prepared to pull the trigger. Despite the significant military footprint, Ras argued, Washington "is not politically prepared and lacks sufficient legal grounds, and most of its regional allies do not appear to be keen on a war of this nature."

Still, he acknowledged that the massive buildup leaves Washington with limited options. "In light of this scenario, everything remains possible. But after this level of military buildup, Trump finds himself facing two main options: either launching a strike or extracting an agreement that is presented to the American public as an achievement." 
The Federal High Court in Abuja has rescheduled the fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by the alleged terrorist negotiator, Tukur Mamu, against the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF).

The court adjourned the matter on Monday until 23 April for the adoption of written addresses.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mr Mamu filed the suit to challenge his designation by the AGF as a terrorist while he is still standing trial on terrorism charges.

In a separate case before the same Federal High Court judge in Abuja, Mohammed Umar, the federal government is prosecuting Mr Mamu on terrorism charges related to his interaction with some terrorists in the aftermath of their fatal attack on the Abuja-Kaduna bound train in 2022.

In November last year, the sixth prosecution witness, who is an agent of the State Security Service (SSS), testified that Mr Mamu was offered a N50 million share by Shugaba, leader of the terrorist group, who carried the attack.

Mr Mamu has been in the custody of the SSS after his arrest on 7 September 2022 based on his suspicious relationship with the terrorists that carried out the March 2022 train attack along the Abuja-Kaduna railway.

At least eight people died in the attack while 168 people were declared missing, most of whom were believed to have been kidnapped.

The remaining 23 kidnapped victims only regained their freedom after six months in captivity on 5 October 2022, following the federal governments intervention.

Fundamental rights suit

Mr Mamus fundamental rights enforcement matter, which was scheduled for adoption of written addresses today (Monday) before the judge, Mr Umar, could not go on.

The court subsequently fixed the matter for 23 April.

On 25 November 2025, Mr Mamu, through his counsel, Johnson Usman, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), told the judge that the AGFs action contravened Section 36(5) of the Nigerian constitution which presumes a defendant innocent until proven guilty by the court.

Mr Usman told the court that the printout of publications in the media where his client was designated as a terrorist had been attached to their application as exhibits.

The senior lawyer adopted the processes and urged the court to affirm Mr Mamus fundamental rights.

NAN reports that while Mr Mamu is the applicant in the fresh suit, marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/713/2024, the AGF is the only respondent.

His lawyer, Mr Usman, said while the federal government arraigned the applicant/defendant on alleged terrorism offences, it was wrong for it to go ahead and desinate him as terrorist in the case.

According to him, his team wrote to the AGF to reverse the illegal designation of defendant as a terrorist, but the AGF refused.

He argued that the federal governments counter-affidavit against the suit admitted the allegation.

Mr Usman argued that it was legally, morally and religiously wrong to desinate Mr Mamu as a terrorist, having not been convicted by the court where he is facing trial.

It is the court that has the power to designate him as a terrorist after he must have been convicted and sentenced by court.

It is only my lord that has the power and duty and not the respondent in this instant case.

Having done that, the applicant is entitled to damages and to teach them a lesson that you cannot designate a person a terrorist who is undergoing a trial, he said.

AGF defends action

However, AGFs lawyer, David Kaswe, vehemently opposed Mr Usmans submission.

He said his team filed a five-paragraph counter-affidavit in opposition to the suit.

We place heavy reliance on all the paragraphs in opposition to the applicants application, he said.

According to Mr Kaswe, the only question before the court is whether the AGF had the power to designate the applicant as a terrorist at that time.

This, he said, is by law in line with Section 36(1 to 12) and also the provisions of Sections 49 and 50 of Terrorism Prevention and Provision Act, 2022.

He argued that these provisions give the AGF the power to designate anybody a terrorist.

Citing Section 49 of the Act, he said where the Sanction Committee has a reasonable ground to suspect that a person has committed or attempted to commit, instigated or facilitate an act of terrorism or terrorism financing, or acting on behalf of or at the direction of any person, the committee may recommend to AGF to designate such person as a terrorist.

So the respondent acted within the provisions of the law, he said.

Mr Umar then asked Mr Kaswe to address the court on whether it is lawful to designate a defendant who is standing a trial a terrorist when the case has not been concluded.

The AGFs lawyer insisted that the respondent acted in accordance with the provisions of the law.

So if at the end of the day, the court does not find him guilty and he is discharged of terrorism offences; what happens to the designation? the judge asked Kaswe.

Responding, Mr Kaswe argued that under the same Act, the Sanction Committee, which meets quarterly, has the power to review the designation.

I want my lord to critically look at the Terrorism Prevention Act carefully and juxtapose it with Section 36 of the constitution, he said.

He adopted their processes and urged the court to dismiss Mr Mamus prayers against the AGF, and to hold that the AGF had the power In law to designate Manu a terrorist.

But Mr Usman disagreed with Mr Kaswe.

He argued that the reference to Terrorism Prevention Act in Mr Kaswes submission was in conflict with Section 36 of the constitution.

The lawyer said while the alleged terrorism charge was filed against Mr Mamu in 2023, the designation was done in 2024.

He said if the designation was done before the charge, it would have been in order, but that after the defendant had been charged, arraigned and evidence was being taken before the court, the prosecution proceeded to designate him a terrorist.

By virtue of Section 36(5) of the constitution, he is innocent until proven guilty.

So their dependence on Section 49 of Terrorism Prevention Act to convict a person who is standing trial is unlawful and should be declared a nullity.

So their reliance on Section 49 is an injury to them, Mr Usman argued.

Counsel, what can you say with the learner silks argument that, that Section 49 is in direct conflict with the Section 36 of the constitution and that it should be declared a nullity?

This is very simple, this is a person standing trial on terrorism and you want the court to pronounce him as such and before the trial concluded, you designate hin as terrorist, what do you want the court to do again? Judge Umar had asked Mr Kaswe.

Mr Kaswe explained further that the committee constituted under the Act called, a Sanction Committee, is empowered by law to act accordingly.

He said the application to designate Mr Manu as a terrorist had come up before the charge, but Mr Usman interjected, arguing that Mr Kaswe could not make such a claim from the bar.

Speaking further, Mr Kaswe argued that Mr Manu by the committees recommendation is a designated terrorist and not a convicted terrorist.

If my lord finds the applicant guilty of the offences charged, convicted and sentenced, this time, the applicant will be a convicted terrorist, Kaswe said.

The judge, therefore, demanded further address, particularly on Section 36 of the Nigerian constitution and Section 49 of Terrorism Prevention Act.

The judge consequently adjourned the matter until 23 February (today, Monday) for adoption of final written addresses regarding the provisions of Section 49 of the Act and Section 36 of the constitution.

The matter was further adjourned until 23 April.

(NAN)
The Senate of the University of Abuja (UniAbuja), now Yakubu Gowon University, has approved the expulsion of 28 students over what it described as serious disciplinary offences, including cult-related activities, examination malpractice and drug use.

The decision was approved at the institutions 191st regular meeting of the Senate held on 28 January 2026 at its main campus, following consideration of a report by the Student Disciplinary Committee (SDC).

In a statement signed by the universitys acting spokesperson, Habib Yakoob, the senate said the affected students were found culpable of offences including cult related activities, threat to life and assault, conspiracy, burglary and theft.

Others were examination malpractice, possession and use of hard drugs, and falsification of O Level results uploaded on the universitys admission portal.

The Senate also approved sanctions against students who failed to appear before the disciplinary committee despite repeated invitations.

In addition to the expulsions, the university withdrew the certificates of 15 former students who allegedly ignored several invitations by the committee.

Also, nine students were exonerated after investigations found them not culpable.

Another 33 students received warnings for various infractions such as conspiracy, hostel racketeering and fighting.

The decisions, the university said, were based on the recommendations of the SDC after thorough review of each case.

Cultism in Nigerian tertiary institutions

Cultism, the presence of secret confraternities and violent student groups, has been a long-standing issue in Nigerias universities.

While many of these groups began decades ago with student fellowship roots, they have increasingly been linked with violence, organised crime and clashes that sometimes spill beyond campuses into surrounding communities.

In April 2025, rival cult groups clashed at the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education in Rivers State, prompting police to arrest at least one suspect after gunshots were fired during a confrontation.

Again in September, authorities arrested suspects in connection with a cult-related killing of a student at Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Niger State in 2025, highlighting how violent sectarian activity linked to secret societies can lead to loss of life.

READ ALSO: Nigerian university launches trust fund to boost financial sustainability

Integrity is sacrosanct

Speaking on the development, the Vice-Chancellor and Chairman of Senate, Hakeem Fawehinmi, said the institution would continue to uphold discipline and enforce its rules and regulations without compromise.

Mr Fawehinmi, a professor, said the academic integrity of the University is sacrosanct, and the institution is determined to see that anyone who violates it will be appropriately sanctioned.

Our goal is not only to enforce discipline but also to guide our students towards responsible citizenship and academic excellence, he said.

He commended the SDC for its thorough and diligent handling of the cases and urged students to conduct themselves responsibly and avoid actions that could jeopardise their academic pursuits.

He also reaffirmed the universitys commitment to maintaining a safe and conducive learning environment.

He added that the institution would continue to strengthen student engagement, counselling and orientation programmes to promote responsible conduct and prevent disciplinary infractions.
Former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, has filed a N1 billion fundamental rights enforcement suit against the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and others, including a magistrate, over a recent reported raid on his Abuja residence.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/345/2026, was filed at the Federal High Court, Abuja.

In the originating motion filed on Friday (20 February) on his behalf by his lawyer, Oluwole Iyamu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), on Friday (20 February), Mr El-Rufai sued ICPC alongside the Chief Magistrate, Magistrates Court of the FCT, Abuja Magisterial District; the Inspector-General of Police and the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF).

Mr El-Rufai asked the court to declare that the search warrant issued on 4 February by the chief magistrate authorising the search of his residence at House 12, Mambilla Street, Aso Drive, Abuja, as invalid, null and void.

He contended that the warrant lacked particularity, contained material drafting errors, was ambiguous in its execution parameters, overbroad in scope, and unsupported by probable cause.

According to him, the alleged defects rendered the warrant unconstitutional and in breach of Section 37 of the Nigerian Constitution (as amended), which guarantees the right to privacy.

The ICPC, which arrested Mr El-Rufai on Wednesdays night as he was leaving the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Abuja, raided the former governors house in the capital city on Thursday in connection with ongoing corruption investigations.

Muyiwa Adekeye, Mr El-Rufais media aide, disclosed the development in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

Both the ICPC and the EFCC shown renewed interests in Mr El-Rufai in the last few months.

Apart from the ongoing investigations by the two anti-corruption agencies, the State Security Service (SSS) also filed cybercrime charges against him last Monday (16 February) at the Federal High Court in Abuja, over the alleged unlawful interception of the phone communications of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu.

This followed Mr El-Rufais claim on a live interview on Arise TV that the National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadus phone conversation was intercepted, and that he heard the NSA directing security operatives to detain him.

Mr El-Rufai said the NSAs order was behind the alleged attempt to arrest him at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on 12 February.

PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported that Mr El-Rufai was involved in a heated verbal exchange with security operatives at the Abuja airport shortly after he arrived in the country.

The Federal High Court in Abuja has now fixed Wednesday (25 February) for his arraignment on the phone interception charges.

Although, the ICPC confirmed Mr El-Rufais arrest by its agents on 18 February, it has yet to comment on the raid on his home or release him from custody.

Alleged rights violations

Mohammed Shaba, a principal secretary to the former governor who swore an affidavit filed in support of the suit, wrote that officers of the ICPC and the Nigeria Police Force searched the premises without lawful authority and seized documents and electronic devices.

He further claimed that the officers did not submit themselves for search as required by law and that the warrant failed to specify the items sought.

Mr Shaba stated that none of the seized items had been returned and that the applicant had suffered humiliation, psychological trauma and distress as a result of the operation.

Faulting the validity of the search warrant, Mr El-Rufais lawyers argued that the warrant in question vaguely referred to the thing aforesaid without clear description, contained typographical errors, and was indiscriminately addressed to all officers.

The counsel cited judicial authorities including C.O.P. v. Omoh (1969) NCLR 137 and Fawehinmi v. IGP (2000) 7 NWLR (Pt. 665) 481 in support of his position that evidence obtained through unlawful means is inadmissible.

He argued that it contravened Sections 143148 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015, as well as Section 36 of the ICPC Act, 2000.

According to him, the action offended Section 143 which requires sworn written information establishing reasonable grounds for suspicion; Section 144 which mandates specific description of the place and items to be searched; Section 146 which requires that warrants be in prescribed form and free of defects; Section 147 which restricts execution to specified persons; and Section 148 which provides for execution at reasonable times.

Prayers

The detained former governor urged the court in the suit to declare that the invasion of his residence on 19 February at about 2 p.m. by the agents of the ICPC and the police amounted to a gross violation of his fundamental rights guaranteed under the Nigerian constitution.

According to him, the action violated his right to dignity of the human person (Section 34), personal liberty (Section 35), fair hearing (Section 36); and privacy (Section 37).

He also urged the court to hold that any evidence obtained pursuant to the allegedly defective warrant is inadmissible in any proceedings against him.

Among the seven prayers, Mr El-Rufai sought an order restraining the respondents from relying on or tendering any material seized during the search in any investigation or prosecution involving him.

He also sought an order directing the ICPC and the Inspector-General of Police to immediately return all items seized from his residence with a detailed inventory.

The former governor also urged the court award of N1 billion as general, exemplary and aggravated damages in his favour. According to him, the N1 billion request comprises N300 million as compensatory damages for psychological trauma and emotional distress; N400 million as exemplary damages to deter future misconduct and N300 million as aggravated damages for alleged malicious and oppressive conduct.

He also sought N100 million as cost of filing the suit, including legal fees and associated expenses.

Background

NAN reports that the suit comes amid ongoing investigations involving the former governor.

Mr El-Rufai was earlier arrested by EFCC over alleged financial improprieties linked to his tenure as Kaduna State governor between 2015 and 2023.

Following his arrest, he was reportedly interrogated over alleged mismanagement of public funds and contract awards during his administration.

Subsequently, the ICPC also commenced separate investigations over alleged abuse of office and procurement-related infractions.

The anti-corruption agency later took custody of the former governor in connection with the probe, and he is said to be currently in detention pending the conclusion of investigations and possible arraignment.

The filing of the fundamental rights enforcement suit is therefore seen as part of his legal response to the ongoing actions by the anti-graft agencies.
Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State has ordered the temporary closure of the New Auto Spare Parts Market in Nnewi, the states second-largest commercial hub.

The market is popularly known as Nkwo Nnewi.

Evarist Uba, the special adviser to Mr Soludo on trade and markets, in a video clip circulating on Facebook, announced that the market would remain shut for one week, beginning from Monday (today).

Mr Uba explained the closure was because traders were complying with a sit-at-home directive often enforced by a faction of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

The special adviser, who visited the market on Monday, accompanied by other government officials and security operatives, expressed dissatisfaction that shop owners did not open for business despite the governors earlier order against the Monday sit-at-home in the state.

He told the traders that their failure to open shops amounted to economic sabotage and that the market would not open for at least one week.

Because of this recalcitrant attitude, Onitsha Main Market was shut down and reopened on 2 February and has been on since then.

For this sabotage that you people have exhibited today, we are going to keep this market closed till next Monday. Thats the order from the governor, he said.

Market closure may be extended

The Commissioner for Information in Anambra State, Law Mefor, confirmed the temporary closure of the market in a statement on Monday.

Mr Mefor, who was part of the government delegation to the market on Monday, asked traders and buyers to stay away until the one-week closure expires.

The market may face further closure if compliance is not substantial by next Monday, when the market reopens, he said.

Not the first time

This is not the first time Mr Soludo has shut a market in Anambra State for obeying IPOBs sit-at-home order.

On 26 January, the governor ordered the closure of Onitsha Main Market for one week due to traders compliance with the IPOB sit-at-home directive.

The market was reopened on 2 February.

Shortly after the reopening of the market, the IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, who is serving a life sentence for terrorism, announced the total cancellation of the sit-at-home directive in the South-east.

IPOB had declared the Monday sit-at-home directive across the South-east in August 2021.

The illegal directive was to pressure the Nigerian government to release Mr Kanu, who was facing terrorism charges at the Federal High Court in Abuja at the time.

The group, in August 2021, suspended the weekly directive for the first time, limiting it to days Mr Kanu appeared in court.

However, residents of Enugu, Ebonyi, Imo, Abia and Anambra states continued to observe the directive largely out of fear.

Gunmen, linked to a faction of IPOB led by Simon Ekpa, who often enforced the illegal directive, have killed many residents and punished others for flouting the directive.

IPOB repeatedly distanced itself from the continued enforcement, insisting that those behind it were criminals exploiting the groups name.

Despite this, Mr Ekpa, a Finland-based controversial Biafra agitator, persisted in declaring sit-at-home in the South-east.

For the second time, Mr Kanu, in July 2023, through his lawyer Aloy Ejimakor, directed Mr Ekpa to halt the action. Mr Ekpa dismissed the directive as fake, insisting the order would continue unless Mr Kanu personally addressed him in Finland.

Efforts by Igbo leaders, including Enugu Governor Peter Mbah, Anambra Governor Mr Soludo and Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo, to end the sit-at-home yielded limited results.

While the sit-at-home has largely disappeared in Enugu, Abia and Ebonyi states, it persists in Anambra and Imo.

Mr Kanu was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment for terrorism in November, while Mr Ekpa received a six-year prison sentence in Finland for similar offences which he committed in South-east Nigeria.
We have recently witnessed spirited protests and media contestations on the electoral bill then in the works and now signed into law by President Bola Tinubu. If you immerse yourself too deeply in the emotive tragicomedy, you may miss the tragedy of how politics has torn the fabric of brotherhood down the middle or the comedy of electoral mathematics in which two plus two equals whatever some electoral officer says it is.

The good book says that there is nothing new under the sun. Whatever is, had been before. It was Joseph Stalin who famously said, The people who cast the votes decide nothing. The people who count the votes decide everything. Following up on that theme, the American writer, humorist and essayist Mark Twain declared, If voting made any difference, they wouldnt let us do it.

Looking through history, there is nothing unprecedented about our peculiar electoral processes. Politicians all over the worldwith possibly a few exceptionscould be avaricious, self-centred and as worthy of trust as a woman of easy virtue. We want the best for our land, but we shouldnt beat ourselves up too much in the illusion that any particular issue is of apocalyptic significance. There is nothing new under the sun!

Happenings in some other parts of the developed world have shown us that our politicians may not be worse than their counterparts elsewhere. As much as we like to celebrate Western democracy, we have seen how, in some climes, it has aided racism, dehumanisation, genocide and the ascendancy to power of certified idiots. That aberration did not start today. In a society governed passively by free markets and free elections, says US journalist and author Matt Taibbi,

Organised greed always defeats disorganised democracy.

Kidnapping the Dead

Duke Henry of Bavaria was not a Nigerian. In 1022, he made what could very well be the most drastic attempt to gain political power anywhere in the world. After the death of Emperor Otto III, Henry abducted his corpse and also kidnapped the archbishop who had the spiritual duty of swearing in a new leader. Eventually, Duke Henry was crowned King of Germany and went on to become the Holy Roman Emperor.

Remember, during President YarAduas illness, there was an attempt by some Nigerian politicians who were benefiting from the situation to physically prevent those outside the power loop from having access to the comatose president. In those twilight days when no outsider could vouch for the consciousness of the former leader, budgets were signed, presidential directives were given, billions of dollars were spent based on indeterminate authorisation.

Holy Electors

When politics enters holy places, the odds can be foreboding. Take the case of the Catholic Church when Pope Clement IV died in 1268. The cardinal electors spent two indecisive years at a complete standstill. They couldnt put aside their political differences to cast the required vote unanimously. Two whole years! The frustrated people of Viterbo, who had become tired of watching the futile drama, reportedly trapped the indecisive cardinals in their locked chambers, removed the roof, and only delivered bread and water.

Even then, the obstinate cardinals held on for another year. After a year of captivity and the death of three cardinals, the remaining men finally agreed unanimously to elect Pope Gregory X in 1271. Three years later, he formed the papal conclave to ensure that future papal elections would be systematised and stress-free.

In 2003, when President Obasanjo reportedly scored 1.36 million out of 1.5 million votes cast in the presidential election in Ogun State (a whopping 91 per cent), some of us counselled those who were convulsing with rage to take things easy lest they blow a fuse and trigger an avoidable cardiac accident. When youre confronted with electoral magic, the standard political pregnancy could yield a set of decuplets!

But give dishonour to whom dishonour is due. In the 1927 presidential elections in Liberia, 15,000 eligible Liberians registered to vote. Liberia is Africas first and oldest modern republic. It was founded by freed Black slaves coming from America in the 1800s. Incumbent President Charles DB King won in a landslide of 234,000, while his opponent scored 9,000. The dimension of the electoral rigging was so staggering that the Guinness Book of World Records has recorded it as the most quantitatively fraudulent election in recorded history!

But not to worry. Elections continue to bring out our weird peccadilloes, whether as office seekers, voters or electoral administrators.

Dead Man Elected

In the United States, voters in rural Nevada elected a dead brothel owner to the state assembly in 2018. Before the vote, several political pundits had argued that by dying three weeks before the election, Dennis Hof, the self-proclaimed Trump of Pahrump, may have actually improved his chances. Ordinarily, as a Republican, Hof had a good chance of winning, but his untimely death gave some political cover to hypocritical religious conservatives who would have had reservations about electing a pimp. Now that he was dead, conservatives could vote for their fellow party man with a clear conscience. If this had happened in an African country, some analysts would have seen it as a sign of backwardness.

When comedian Jon Gnarr formed the Best Party in 2010 in his bid to win a city council seat in Reykjavik, Iceland, his slogan sounded like something taken straight out of a beer parlour: We promise to stop corruption by participating in it openly. The people had a good laugh. Who but a clown would hope to kill corruption by openly participating in corruption? Well, the joke was on the people. Not only did Gnarr win the election, gaining control of house seats for his party, but he also became Reykjaviks mayor!

Canine Mayor

From Cormorant, Minnesota, came the story of electoral victory for mans best friend. The city, being so small, has never had a mayor. In 2014, however, townspeople decided to hold an election for their first-ever mayor. Guess what  a seven-year-old Great Pyrenees dog named Duke won in a landslide. The dog defeated Richard Sherbrook, a long-time resident. And, wonder of wonders, even Sherbrook himself voted for the dog! By the time the final tally of votes came in, Duke had won nine out of a colossal twelve votes!

It is fashionable to label politicians as conmen, but how do you describe the voting public who appear determined to cast their vote only for the candidate with the most absurd promises? A clown played on this curious fault line in Brazil and breasted the tape to victory. When Tiririca, the Brazilian clown, ran for Sao Paulo federal deputy in 2010, he campaigned on one big question: Does anyone really know what happens behind closed governmental doors?

The candidate said the people deserved to know what went on behind the hallowed government doors and that if he was voted into office as federal deputy, he would find out for them. He had a readymade answer for any electoral fence-sitter  It cant get any worse. Tiririca won with more than double the votes of the second-placed candidate!

In Nigeria, the recent contestations over the 2026 Electoral Act are comparable to a situation where a child is crying in front of its mother. The child knows why it is crying; the mother knows why she will do anything to make the child stop crying  except give it what it wants!
As social cohesion breaks down the way it is currently in Nigeria, it is tempting to quote Friedrich Gustav Emil Martin Niemollers 1946 postwar confessional prose piece in the effort to exorcise this baleful spectre. But the tribal laagers in which Nigerians are increasingly comfortable elevating narrow identitarian concerns over much broader human ones carry a more active threat. One captured by John Donnes insistence (No Man is Island) that we are all diminished by every other persons death.

One of the more consequential decisions that I have taken in my life was reached a couple of years back, when Comrade Editor Dapo Olorunyomi invited me to start writing a column for the Ilorin-based Nigerian Herald newspaper  where Mr Olorunyomi edited the editorial pages. The concerns around which our conversations were based back then were the same as they are today: how to move Nigeria rapidly along a development path that did not present the extremes of affluence and want that our economy seems to be unusually susceptible to. My vantage, though, was radically different those many years ago: Marxism-Leninism appeared to offer a neat conjurers trick for fixing what were our economys countless antagonistic contradictions.

At a further remove, though, the non-antagonistic contradictions generated by the demands of writing a weekly opinion piece were far more quotidian. I was in no doubt, for instance, that Augustine (my baptismal name) did not make the grade. It was manifestly White racist, then, for the Catholic Church to insist that young Africans could only be baptised after European saints. There is absolutely nothing sacerdotal about the name Francis, for example, except for the fact that in 13th century Europe, Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone, whose father, enamoured of the French, nicknamed Francesco, became one of the Churchs more popular saints.

Thankfully, I am told that the Church has reconsidered this matter. But imagine if all the Clements, Nathaniels, Josephs, Elizabeths, and Marys, whose presence my childhood was sprinkled with somehow, make it to beatification? They would all be St. White mans names. The church would, then, have denied itself and, for what it is worth, humanity the diversity of cultural experiences that faith-based activity is nothing, if it does not have.

My cultural mongrelisation was far from complete though. Born in Ilorin, Yoruba was my first language, as it was my fathers  he was born in Lagos, and his Taiwo was de rigueur (according to a transliteration of the Yoruba description for this, something he brought with him from heaven). In result, I also have a Yoruba name. Besides English (and the baptismal name that was its millstone), I spoke (and still speak) both Yoruba and passable Delta Igbo. I still think in Yoruba.

That said, I was spoilt for the choice of names. At my naming ceremony, Alhaji Elelu, God bless his soul (then, my parents landlord), arranged for both the Tasmiya and Aqiqah for me  he would do the same for my two immediate younger siblings. Alhaji Elelu was catholic enough to anticipate the possibility of my latter-day conversion to Islam. The Islamic naming ceremony was, thus, anticipatory of this. My Esan father meant I had two Esan names. My (Delta) Igbo mother bequeathed me an Igbo name. In addition, I was born on a Sunday.

My cultural mongrelisation was far from complete though. Born in Ilorin, Yoruba was my first language, as it was my fathers  he was born in Lagos, and his Taiwo was de rigueur (according to a transliteration of the Yoruba description for this, something he brought with him from heaven). In result, I also have a Yoruba name. Besides English (and the baptismal name that was its millstone), I spoke (and still speak) both Yoruba and passable Delta Igbo. I still think in Yoruba.

The choice of a name for the column I was expected to start writing sometime in July 1987, or rather, the rejection of Augustine as the first name in my identification with that column thus morphed into an attempt at resolving multiple (non-rivalrous, but) coterminous identity streams. Thus, whatever name I settled for had to be as expressive of my sense of self as possible. I still cannot speak Esan. I do not speak Arabic. And so, my names in both these languages failed the oral language-use test. A Yoruba or an Igbo first name, then, for my column? It was not an easy choice. But ironically, the very same English alphabet rendered it a simple chore. I precedes Y in that languages ordering of its alphabet. And so, Ifeanyi Uddin came about.

Whatever the explanation, there are few things more disorienting than being forced into conceptual pigeonholes by my new interlocutors, not because of my thoughts or how I choose to express them, but because of my name. Arguably less palatable is the more standard divergence of support for people, processes, things, and events, according to their ethnic (or tribal?) provenance.

Fast forward almost 40 years later, and the milieu within which I resolved that identity crisis has changed markedly, if not totally malignantly. True, I have since moved from a laid-back, provincial, and (then) relatively non-rivalrous (of its sundry contradictions) Ilorin to uber-competitive Lagos. But the malignancies that newly afflict my cultural settings are, fortunately, non-spatial. They show up mostly in interpersonal exchanges, where social media platforms help to amplify their reverberations. One reason why some of my friends swear that these failings have always been there  they have simply been boosted by a more effective and ubiquitous echo chamber. Others argue that it is not just the reach of social media that conduces to the spread of the virulent identitarian crisis that bloomed in Lagos in the build up to the last general elections. The anonymity and impersonality of these platforms also work in favour of malodorous conduct.

Whatever the explanation, there are few things more disorienting than being forced into conceptual pigeonholes by my new interlocutors, not because of my thoughts or how I choose to express them, but because of my name. Arguably less palatable is the more standard divergence of support for people, processes, things, and events, according to their ethnic (or tribal?) provenance. As this process evolved, most threatening was the danger of my being shepherded into the Atlantic Ocean, along with the entire Igbo population of Lagos for the latters apparent political preferences. In my defence, I could have said I am not Igbo, I only chose Ifeanyi in opposition (this word again) to Augustine! Such thinking, unfortunately, was how and why the Nazis were able to perpetrate the outrages of Auschwitz.

As social cohesion breaks down the way it is currently in Nigeria, it is tempting to quote Friedrich Gustav Emil Martin Niemollers 1946 postwar confessional prose piece in the effort to exorcise this baleful spectre. But the tribal laagers in which Nigerians are increasingly comfortable elevating narrow identitarian concerns over much broader human ones carry a more active threat. One captured by John Donnes insistence (No Man is Island) that we are all diminished by every other persons death.

Uddin Ifeanyi, a journalist manque and retired civil servant, can be reached @IfeanyiUddin.
One of the books most valuable contributions lies in its focus on communication as a pillar of institutional legitimacy. In todays digital era, policing is not only about force projection; it is about narrative clarity, responsiveness, and trust-building. The authors demonstrate how structured communication can counter misinformation, strengthen cooperation, and reinforce public confidence.

On 17 February, I arrived at the Lagos State Police Command Headquarters in Ikeja for a scheduled press briefing. I had travelled to Lagos a day earlier and informed the Commissioner of Police, CP Moshood Olohundare Jimoh, that I would be glad if selected PRNigeria Fellows could attend alongside me.

My relationship with CP Jimoh spans over two decades. I first encountered him when he served as the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Later, he was elevated to Force Public Relations Officer, where he became an active and cerebral member of the Forum of Spokespersons of Security and Response Agencies (FOSSRA). Over the years, I have observed his evolution  not merely in rank, but in philosophy.

The press conference commenced at exactly 1 p.m. on that Wednesday afternoon. CP Jimoh methodically reeled out the Commands challenges and accomplishments over the preceding year. His presentation was data-driven, structured, and confident. He fielded questions from journalists with composure and clarity.

After the session, I sought his permission to allow a PRNigeria Fellow to make a brief remark. He graciously obliged.

The Fellow, Adam Adebisi, introduced himself as a Lagosian and a participant in the 2025 PRNigeria Young Communication Fellowship in Ilorin. He explained that following the fellowship, he and a colleague embarked on a research project on security communication in Lagos  one that had culminated in a special publication he wished to present.

A carefully wrapped package was brought forward.

As it was unwrapped, copies of a book emerged, boldly titled: CP Jimoh: The Art of Policing Lagos.

For a brief moment, the commissioner was visibly stunned. Words failed him. The surprise was genuine.

Such unexpected unveilings are not new at the PRNigeria Centre. In 2016, I authored Sambo Dasuki: An Encounter with the Spymaster while the subject was still in detention. Similar surprise presentations followed with works such as General CG Musa in Peacekeeping: Leveraging Interagency and Civil-Military Relations, Gen. Leo Irabor: The Pearl of Defence, Impactful PR in Customs Management  The CG Wale Adeniyi Example, Pantami: The Trials and Triumphs of a Digital Economy Maestro, and 47 Narratives on a Change Agent. More recently, four serving corps members co-authored Anti-Drug, Anti-Smuggling Campaigns  A Corpers Chronicle and Diplomacy and Digital Innovation  Youth Insight.

But this moment in Ikeja was particularly symbolic.

At a time when public confidence in institutions is under strain and the complexity of urban security continues to intensify, rigorous and evidence-based documentation of policing has become indispensable. CP Jimoh: The Art of Policing Lagos, authored by two outstanding PRNigeria Fellows  Adebisi O. Adams and Shukurat T. Ibrahim  arrives at a critical juncture in Nigerias security discourse.

The PRNigeria Young Communication Fellowship was conceived to nurture a new generation of communicators professionals who combine research competence, narrative discipline, and strategic insight in the service of public interest. Adebisi and Shukurat exemplify this vision. Their intellectual rigour and civic commitment are evident throughout the 203-page book.

The project emerged from the Ilorin Cohort of the 2025 Fellowship. During their assignment on security communication, the authors observed that CP Jimohs policing approach in Lagos reflected a deliberate shift towards intelligence-led operations, structured information management, proactive stakeholder engagement, and ethical accountability.

Encouraged by mentors and peers, they began publishing analytical articles  almost weekly  on evolving security dynamics in Lagos. These pieces appeared on PRNigeria, Emergency Digest, and in national newspapers, gradually positioning them as credible young voices in contemporary urban security analysis.

Those articles have now been expanded, curated, and refined into this comprehensive volume.

By choosing Lagos  Nigerias most complex and demanding security theatre  the authors embraced an ambitious intellectual challenge. Through field observations, content analysis, institutional review, and synthesis of primary and secondary data, they document not just incidents, but institutional transition.

At the centre of their study stands CP Moshood Olohundare Jimoh, whose leadership illustrates how modern policing can move beyond reactive enforcement to become intelligence-driven, community-oriented, and communication-conscious. His efforts align with the broader reform trajectory of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun (PhD, NPM), whose emphasis on professionalism and institutional renewal has created an enabling space for transformative leadership across commands.

One of the books most valuable contributions lies in its focus on communication as a pillar of institutional legitimacy. In todays digital era, policing is not only about force projection; it is about narrative clarity, responsiveness, and trust-building. The authors demonstrate how structured communication can counter misinformation, strengthen cooperation, and reinforce public confidence.

This publication is a testament to what young communicators can achieve when mentorship meets discipline and opportunity. Adebisi and Shukurat have produced work that enriches policy dialogue, supports institutional learning, and elevates public understanding  precisely the mission of the PRNigeria Fellowship.

I commend the authors for their diligence and professionalism. I equally commend CP Jimoh for his openness to documentation and constructive engagement  traits that distinguish reform-minded leadership from defensive authority.

CP Jimoh: The Art of Policing Lagos is more than a book. It is a thoughtful contribution to Nigerias ongoing journey toward building a policing system that is intelligent, humane, accountable, and anchored in democratic values.

It deserves serious attention  from practitioners, scholars, policymakers, and citizens alike.

Yushau A. Shuaib, author of Award-Winning Crisis Communication Strategies, is editor-in-chief of PRNigeria [email protected]
The death of Professor Biodun Jeyifo, Marxist cultural theorist and a leading scholar of global post-coloniality, on Wednesday, 11 February, shocked and disoriented many people across the world, especially his closest friends and associates. Just a month earlier, he had appeared at the celebration of his eightieth birthday in Lagos and, though apparently frail, had participated fully in the day-long series of activities, his usual energy, warmth, humour, and grace on effortless display. Another celebration followed in Ibadan a week later, where he was seen dancing with great exuberance. The reported cause of his death was renal failure.

Popularly known and addressed as BJ, the late Jeyifo was an emeritus professor of African and African American Studies and of Comparative Literature at Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, having joined the faculty in 2006. He had moved to Harvard from Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, where he taught as a professor of English for 18 years, starting in 1988. He also held teaching or research positions at Indiana University Bloomington, Freie University of Berlin, Peking University in China, and many other places.

Born in Ibadan on 5 January 1946, Jeyifo had his elementary, secondary, and tertiary education in that city, attending the University of Ibadan, where he graduated with First Class honours in English, the third person to achieve that feat in the history of the department. After a brief stint as a graduate student, he enrolled at New York University for his doctoral degree, studying with Richard Schechner, the pre-eminent theatre scholar, and completing the programme in a record three years. Returning to Nigeria, he taught for two years at his alma mater before moving to the then-University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University).

In the company of luminaries such as the playwright Wole Soyinka, the 1986 Nobel laureate in Literature (who was his undergraduate teacher), the novelist Kole Omotoso, and playwright Akinwumi Isola, Jeyifo worked tirelessly, mentoring two generations of students at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. During his ten-year stay at the university, he also published two pathbreaking monographs on drama: By Popular Demand: The Yoruba Traveling Theatre of Nigeria (1984) and The Truthful Lie: Essays in the Sociology of African Drama (1985) and numerous academic and journalistic essays. His other books include Perspectives on Wole Soyinka: Freedom and Complexity (2001), Conversations with Wole Soyinka (2001), Modern African Drama: A Norton Critical Edition (2002), Wole Soyinka: Politics, Poetics, Postcolonialism (2004), Africa in the World, The World in Africa (2011)  an edited collection dedicated to the late Abiola Irele, and Against the Predators Republic: Political and Cultural Journalism 2007-2013 (2016).

In addition to his research and teaching, Jeyifo was highly involved in academic unionism and diverse publishing activities. In 1980, he became the first president of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Nigerias main association of university professors, travelling across the country for meetings and consultations. A notable figure in the universitys progressive circles, he was also a founding member of the editorial collective that published the radical journal, Positive Review. He wrote and directed plays and put together scores of performance reviews. He participated in underground revolutionary events. When the university administration denied his application for a leave without pay to write a book in 1987, he resigned and moved to the United States, teaching for a year at Oberlin College, before joining the faculty at Cornell.

A scholar, theorist, activist, playwright, and cultural journalist, Jeyifo was a man of boundless energy. He was the worlds leading authority on Wole Soyinka, and he was finalising another summative monograph on the playwrights career when he passed away. Writing about Jeyifo in 2018, the literary scholar, Tejumola Olaniyan, wrote: Apart from Edward Said and Gayatri Spivak, there is arguably no other scholar more attentive to the radically dispersed accents or strands of thinking the postcolonial than Jeyifo

Olaniyan, himself a former student of Jeyifo, wrote further that [i]t is in the work of Jeyifo that you will find the most consistently balanced sense of the field of postcolonial discourse, the most insistent reminder and relativization that the poststructuralist version is just one in a long line and large pool of many articulations of the global problematic of modernity from the point of view of the formerly colonized, which is really what postcolonialismis all about in its conceptually richer and non-chronological understanding.

Tributes are already being written in remembrance of this gifted and universally respected scholar, and many more will surely be written in weeks, perhaps months, to come.

What made him such an outstanding figure, in a world never in want of people of distinction? Apart from his tireless and genuine support of his students  across four generations at his formal retirement in 2019  Jeyifo also distinguished himself with the ease with which he embraced any situation requiring a thinking disposition. He never shied away from complexity; it is safe to say that complexity courted him. A nimbly dialectical mind, he possessed an unusual gift for making a given multifaceted notion feel like the lived reality of an individual and for making an ordinary detail in an individuals experience rise to the level of high theoretical significance.

Jeyifos death cannot be said to mark the end of an era, since several of his colleagues, friends, and comrades are still with us, and he consciously sought and established connections with a new generation in several areas. It is, however, the exit, on this side of the known world, of a unique intelligence, a man of great compassion, an outstanding teacher and mentor of many. He will be greatly missed.
Ogun State Governor and Chairman of the Southern Governors Forum, Dapo Abiodun, has applauded the performance of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Area Council elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, saying that the partys strong showing represents wide acceptance of the party by Nigerians.

In a statement issued in Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Sunday, Mr Abiodun described APCs strong performance as an endorsement of President Bola Tinubus Renewed Hope Agenda.

Governor Abiodun, who congratulated President Bola Tinubu; the national chairperson of APC, Nentawe Yilwatda and the APC candidates in the elections for the great outing, said the partys superlative performance at the polls is a precursor to its impending victory in the 2027 general election.

He said: No doubt, the outcome of the area council polls at the FCT has shown clearly that Nigerians are fully aligned with President Bola Tinubu and the APC, and will again demonstrate this during the 2027 general election.

The vast majority of Nigerians know that with APC at the helm of affairs, Nigerias future is in safe hands.

I congratulate President Bola Tinubu and the leadership of our great party, the APC, on this remarkable outing, which is a pointer to our victory in 2027.
Global leadership strategist and CEO of The Discovery Centre, Mfon Ekpo, delivered a keynote address of uncommon moral force at the Golden Initiative For All (GIFA) 2nd Anniversary Celebration, culminating in a standing ovation and an immediate civic response. Attendees made firm pledges to fund community boreholes across the state; advancing the late First Ladys long-standing vision of access to clean water.

The address, delivered in honour of GIFAs Founder, the late First Lady Pastor Mrs Patience Umo Eno, and attended by state leadership, development stakeholders, community leaders, and citizens, moved beyond ceremony into a collective awakening; reframing history, restoring dignity, and calling citizens into active partnership in development.

Established in December 2022, GIFA was founded by the late First Lady Pastor Mrs Patience Umo Eno as a people-centred social intervention platform to strengthen families and uplift communities. The initiative complements government development priorities through programmes focused on environmental health, womens economic empowerment, literacy development, sanitation, maternal and child health, and care for the elderly.

The 2nd anniversary commemorates both the initiatives impact and the enduring legacy of its founder. GIFA is currently coordinated by the First Lady Designate, Her Excellency, Lady Helen Eno Obareki, who continues to steward its mission of compassionate, community-driven development.

Restoring Memory, Reclaiming Identity

In one of the most resonant moments of the day, Ekpo addressed derogatory stereotypes historically directed at Akwa Ibom people, reframing them through the lens of trust, stewardship, and social capital.

She explained that figures once mocked as Okon and Ekaette represented something far deeper:

 guardians trusted with families and homes

 custodians of vulnerability

 architects of relational trust long before hospitality became an industry

You saw labour, she declared.

History recognises relational infrastructure.

Her words repositioned dignity not as something granted, but as something long embodied.

Unity as Evidence, Not Rhetoric

Rejecting the crab in a basket stereotype, Ekpo offered personal testimony of communal uplift; mentors, civil servants, leaders, and institutions that opened doors, wrote recommendations, paid bursaries, and invested in the future of their people.

She framed Akwa Iboms progress as collective rather than individual; an ecosystem of support that produces excellence.

I am not an exception, she stated.

I am a product.

From Speech to Action: Completing a Legacy

Honouring the late First Ladys vision, Ekpo called for the completion of boreholes across communities, emphasising that clean water is not a luxury but a necessity affecting health, education, and dignity.

She led by example, pledging to fund a borehole personally.

What followed was immediate and unscripted: attendees pledged resources toward additional boreholes, transforming the moment from rhetoric to civic action and reinforcing a shared commitment to community wellbeing.

The Five Naira Moment

In a deeply symbolic closing, Ekpo recounted offering her father five naira as a child after thieves robbed their home; not to fund recovery, but to affirm solidarity.

She described such contributions as citizen capital; evidence that development is strongest when people participate.

We are not spectators in development, she said.

We are stakeholders. We carry with. And when we carry together, we rise together.

A Defining Moment

The keynote marked a defining milestone in GIFAs evolving legacy and reinforced a shared vision for sustainable impact rooted in unity, dignity, and disciplined execution.

As GIFA enters its next chapter, the message is unmistakable:

Leadership provides direction.

Citizens provide momentum.

Together, they build history.

For media enquiries, interviews, or further information:

[email protected]
Bad Bunny has led tributes to salsa icon Willie Colon, who died at 75 over the weekend.

Salsa legend Willie Colon passed away at the age of 75

The trombonist's family announced the news in a statement shared on his official Facebook page on Saturday (21.02.26), writing: It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, and renowned musician, Willie Colon. He passed away peacefully this morning surrounded by his beloved family.

They added that while they are mourning his loss, they are also celebrating the timeless gift of his music and the cherished memories he created that will live on forever. A cause of death was not disclosed.

With a career spanning more than five decades and over 30 million records sold, Willie - who was born in the South Bronx in New York City to Puerto Rican parents -became one of the most influential figures in salsa history. His innovative sound blended traditional Latin rhythms with elements of jazz, rock, and AfroCaribbean music, helping to shape the genres evolution and global reach.

His longtime manager, Pietro Carlos, reflected on Willies cultural impact in his own tribute, writing that the musician didnt just change salsa but expanded it, politicized it, clothed it in urban chronicles and took it to stages where it hadnt been before. His trombone was the voice of the people.

During his concert in Sao Paulo on Saturday night, Bad Bunny paused his show to acknowledge Willies passing, telling the audience: This music is very special. Its the influence of all of us who grew up listening to salsa in the Caribbean. Today, one of the great legends who contributed to this beautiful genre passed away.

The 31-year-old star then performed NUEVAYoL from his Debi Tirar Mas Fotos tour setlist  a track that directly references Willie with the lyric: Willie Colon, me dicen el malo, ey. Porque pasan los anos y sigo dando palo.

The line translates to: Willie Colon, they say Im bad, because the years come and Im still hitting.

Bad Bunny closed his tribute by sending love to Willies family, adding that the legacy of artists like him will endure as long as there are talented young people keeping the music, salsa and all Caribbean rhythms alive.

Even though the two didnt share the same political views, Willie never dismissed the impact Bad Bunny has had on salsa and on the people of Puerto Rico.

Speaking in a social media clip before his death, he said about NUEVAYoL: When I heard it, I was really surprised. The push it gave to salsa and to Boricuas, its something we all needed.
BRATISLAVA, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- Slovakia and Hungary on Monday took what they described as "reciprocal" countermeasures against Ukraine following disruptions to oil deliveries through the Druzhba pipeline, escalating tensions over energy security and prompting Hungary to block new European Union (EU) sanctions on Russia.

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico asked the state-run Slovak Electricity Transmission System to cut emergency electricity supplies to Ukraine, according to the News Agency of the Slovak Republic.

Fico said the measure would be lifted immediately if oil transit to Slovakia resumes. "Otherwise, we will take further reciprocal measures," he added.

Oil supplies through the Druzhba pipeline to Slovakia and Hungary were suspended following an attack on Jan. 27, Ukrainian officials said, blaming Russia for the pipeline damage. Slovakia later declared an oil emergency and claimed that Ukraine was deliberately stopping oil supplies through the Druzhba pipeline.

Hungary also responded on Monday by blocking the EU's 20th sanctions package against Russia and a planned 90-billion-euro (106-billion-U.S. dollar) military loan to Ukraine, citing Kyiv's suspension of crude oil deliveries, according to Peter Szijjarto, Hungary's minister of foreign affairs and trade.

"Since Ukraine is jeopardizing Hungary's energy security, we are not willing to contribute to any decision-making in Brussels that benefits Ukraine," he said, adding that Hungary will maintain its position until crude oil deliveries to Hungary and Slovakia are fully restored.

Both Slovakia and Hungary have announced suspension of diesel deliveries to Ukraine. Leaders of the two EU member countries also accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of political blackmail and interfering in the election campaign in Hungary.

Addressing the opening of the parliament's spring session, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has accused Ukraine of attempting to exert pressure on Hungary by halting oil transit. He said that Budapest will not yield and remains committed to defending its national interests.

On Feb. 21, Fico accused Zelensky of acting maliciously towards Slovakia because Slovakia does not "support the war."

In response to the accusations, Ukraine's foreign ministry said on Feb. 21 that the country was in constant contact with representatives of the European Commission regarding the damage to Ukrainian energy infrastructure. It said it had 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's statement also said that security and stabilization repair work continued while proposing alternative ways to resolve the issue of supplying non-Russian oil to these countries.

Slovak President Peter Pellegrini has expressed his belief that diplomatic negotiations on energy supplies will begin as soon as possible so that oil supplies to Slovakia and electricity supplies to Ukraine can resume without delay, according to the President's Office on Monday. 
Seven farmers were killed on Sunday night in attack at a bar in Dorowa Babuje, a community in the Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau.

Dauda Sunday, a resident of the community, told Daily Trust that some gunmen stormed the bar and started shooting sporadically, killing seven and injuring others.

The spokesperson of Berom Youth Moulders Association, Rwang Tengwong, confirmed the development.

Seven persons have been brutally killed following an attack by armed men in Dorowa Babuje in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, this evening, he said.

The attack occurred at about 7:27 p.m., leaving three others seriously injured. The victims were rushed to nearby hospitals for urgent medical attention, he added.

The group accused members of the Fulani community of launching the attack, but the state Chairperson of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Ibrahim Babayo, described the allegation as unfounded.

The spokesperson of Operation Enduring Peace, Chinonso Oteh, also confirmed the incident but could not give the casualty figure.

He said details of the attack were sketchy, but stated that personnel of the operation had been deployed to the area.
LONDON, Feb. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Elsevier, a global leader in advanced information and decision support in science and healthcare, today announces a three-year combined read and publish agreement with Jisc - the negotiating body representing UK academic research institutions. The agreement provides participating UK institutions with continued access to Elsevier journals and enables eligible authors to publish open access in Elsevier journals.

Through Elsevier's ongoing partnership with Jisc, the agreement supports UK academic research institutions by combining reading access with open access publishing options, delivering the following benefits for participating institutions:

Continued access to Elsevier's portfolio of peer-reviewed journals

Open access publishing options for eligible UK-affiliated corresponding authors

Simplified publishing workflows and reduced administrative burden

A collaborative, sector-led approach informed by UK institutional requirements

William Rubens, Regional Vice President, Research Sales at Elsevier, said: "We are pleased to continue working with Jisc in support of the UK's world-class research community. At a time when institutions are managing a range of pressures, this agreement recognises the importance of providing researchers with clear routes to immediate open access, alongside continued access to high-quality, trusted research published in Elsevier journals. Our partnership with Jisc is central to developing approaches that respond to the needs of institutions and support the research community as a whole."

Anna Vernon, Head of Research Licensing, Jisc, added: "This agreement underscores our commitment to supporting the UK's research community at a time of significant pressure. Through bringing the sector together in these agreements we reduce costs and remove administrative burdens for institutions and researchers. Our partnership with Elsevier is another step towards meeting the evolving needs of institutions and strengthening the UK's open research landscape."

Partnership for the Long Term

This agreement forms part of Elsevier's broader engagement with universities, funders, and sector organisations to support open research and responsible publishing. Elsevier continues to work with partners to evolve publishing arrangements that meet the needs of the research community and maintain access to trusted scholarly content.

About Elsevier

Elsevier is a global leader in advanced information and decision support. For over a century, we have been helping advance science and healthcare to advance human progress. We support academic and corporate research communities, doctors, nurses, future healthcare professionals and educators across 170 countries in their vital work. We do this by delivering mission-critical insights and innovative solutions that combine trusted, evidence-based scientific and medical content with cutting-edge AI technologies to help impact makers achieve better outcomes. We champion inclusion and sustainability by embedding these values into our products and culture, working with the communities that we serve. The Elsevier Foundation supports research and health partnerships around the world.

Elsevier is part of RELX, a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. For more information, visit www.elsevier.com and follow us on social media @ElsevierConnect.

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2717688/5816459/Elsevier_Limited_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Elsevier Limited
Strengthening System Reliability and Water Quality for Customers

BELLEVILLE, Ill., Feb. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Demonstrating its ongoing commitment to high-quality service, Illinois American Water invested more than $280 million in upgrades and improvements to water and wastewater systems in 2025 throughout its service area across Illinois.

"Delivering safe, clean and reliable water and wastewater service requires consistent, proactive investment in our systems," said Rebecca Losli, President, Illinois American Water. "These investments are focused on strengthening reliability, modernizing aging infrastructure, increasing resiliency, and minimizing service disruptions for our customers across the state. By continuing to invest in our systems today, we position us to continue delivering superior service that the communities we serve expect and deserve, well into the future."

Infrastructure improvements support critical upgrades throughout the company's water and wastewater systems, including treatment plants, tanks, pump stations, pipelines, and metering equipment. Such investment also infuses local economies. Studies have shown that for every $1 million invested in water infrastructure, 10 jobs are created.

Illinois American Water system improvements in 2025 include:

East St. Louis: $12.6 million upgrade to the filter wash residual pump station at the water treatment plant, replacing an aging lift station and boosting system resiliency.

$12.6 million upgrade to the filter wash residual pump station at the water treatment plant, replacing an aging lift station and boosting system resiliency. Peoria: $6.2 million investment to replace the water treatment plant's chlorine gas disinfection with a liquid chlorine disinfection system, improving overall safety.

$6.2 million investment to replace the water treatment plant's chlorine gas disinfection with a liquid chlorine disinfection system, improving overall safety. Streator: $3.5 million improvement to existing water treatment filters, enhancing performance and creating water efficiencies by reducing the amount of water needed to perform filter cleaning operations.

$3.5 million improvement to existing water treatment filters, enhancing performance and creating water efficiencies by reducing the amount of water needed to perform filter cleaning operations. Godfrey: $2.8 million enhancement to the Warren Levis Wastewater Lagoon Berm to address erosion concerns from the Rocky Fork Creek.

$2.8 million enhancement to the Warren Levis Wastewater Lagoon Berm to address erosion concerns from the Rocky Fork Creek. Homer Township: $1.5 million investment to rehabilitate approximately 10,000 feet of wastewater pipes, reducing the impact of rain events and improving collection system reliability and environmental protection.

$1.5 million investment to rehabilitate approximately 10,000 feet of wastewater pipes, reducing the impact of rain events and improving collection system reliability and environmental protection. Wastewater Treatment & System Improvements : More than $77 million in improvements to wastewater treatment facilities, including disc filter installation at the Terra Cotta Wastewater Treatment Plant; chemical feed system improvements at the Jerseyville Wastewater Treatment Plant; safety and operational upgrades in Tolono; and the rehabilitation of more than 20,000 feet of wastewater pipes in Rosiclare.

: More than $77 million in improvements to wastewater treatment facilities, including disc filter installation at the Terra Cotta Wastewater Treatment Plant; chemical feed system improvements at the Jerseyville Wastewater Treatment Plant; safety and operational upgrades in Tolono; and the rehabilitation of more than 20,000 feet of wastewater pipes in Rosiclare. Water Mains : $50.5 million investment to install, replace or rehabilitate approximately 40 miles of water main. Pipe improvement projects are critical to help maintain water quality, pressure, fire protection, and service reliability. This also includes a $13.7 million investment of more than 15 miles for sanitary sewer collection main rehabilitation.

: $50.5 million investment to install, replace or rehabilitate approximately 40 miles of water main. Pipe improvement projects are critical to help maintain water quality, pressure, fire protection, and service reliability. This also includes a $13.7 million investment of more than 15 miles for sanitary sewer collection main rehabilitation. Lead Service Line Replacements : $27 million statewide investment toward the ongoing identification and replacement of lead and qualifying galvanized steel water service lines. More than 15,800 service lines were inspected with 1,560 service lines replaced.

: $27 million statewide investment toward the ongoing identification and replacement of lead and qualifying galvanized steel water service lines. More than 15,800 service lines were inspected with 1,560 service lines replaced. Fire Hydrants: $10 million investment to replace 573 fire hydrants and 724 valves.

Illinois American Water continues to make long-term investments in the communities it serves, modernizing aging infrastructure to strengthen service for residents. From 2013 to 2025, Illinois American Water invested nearly $2.5 billion toward infrastructure and capital improvements across the state, updating aging systems and replacing or installing more than 203 miles of water main.

To learn more about these investments and additional projects underway across Illinois, visit: illinoisamwater.com > News & Community > Investing in Your Infrastructure

About American Water

American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886, We Keep Life Flowing by providing safe, clean, reliable, and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to more than 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 18 military installations. American Water's 6,700 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the company's national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors, and other stakeholders.

For more information, visit amwater.com and join American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram.

About Illinois American Water

Illinois American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, is the largest regulated water utility in the state, providing safe, clean, and reliable water and wastewater services to approximately 1.3 million people. American Water also operates a quality control and research laboratory in Belleville.

SOURCE American Water
Open collaboration in action: Arpit Joshipura speaking at the Agentic AI Summit and 5G Futures Summit as CAMARA, Sylva, and LF Education activate on the ground

SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Linux Foundation, the world's leading home for open source collaboration, today announced its participation at Mobile World Congress (MWC) Barcelona 2026, taking place March 25, 2026.

The Linux Foundation's leaders and technical communities are heading to MWC 2026 to unveil pivotal advancements in AI-native networking and open-source cloud architectures that promise to fundamentally rewire global connectivity. Understanding these collaborative breakthroughs is now the ultimate professional "must-have," as they represent the essential blueprint for anyone looking to lead in an era defined by autonomous infrastructure and digital sovereignty. Featured activity includes LF Networking programming at the Agentic AI Summit (coinciding with the release of a new white paper on Agentic AI), a community reception hosted by the CAMARA project , live demos from Project Sylva , and a Talent Arena session from Linux Foundation Education.

"MWC Barcelona brings together the people building the future of connectivity, and open source is increasingly the operating model behind that future," said Arpit Joshipura, general manager, Networking, IoT & Edge, the Linux Foundation. "From agentic AI and AI-native networking to open telco APIs and cloud-native infrastructure, Linux Foundation projects are helping the industry collaborate upstream, move faster with shared building blocks, and deliver innovation that can scale globally."

LF Networking released a new white paper that aligns with the Agent AI Summit session, Architecting Autonomy: The Convergence of Agentic AI and Open Source Networking. The paper outlines high-level architecture and readiness principles for integrating agentic AI with open-source networking stacks, accelerating both "AI for Networks" automation and "Networks for AI" infrastructure. Download the paper here.

Key Linux Foundation activities at MWC Barcelona 2026

MONDAY, MARCH 2

Agentic AI Summit (09:1513:00)  Arpit Joshipura, General Manager/SVP, Networking, IoT & Edge at the Linux Foundation, will participate in a featured fireside chat, "The Agentic Imperative," with Dr. Junlan Feng of LF Networking platinum member organization, China Mobile.





(09:1513:00)  Arpit Joshipura, General Manager/SVP, Networking, IoT & Edge at the Linux Foundation, will participate in a featured fireside chat, "The Agentic Imperative," with Dr. Junlan Feng of LF Networking platinum member organization, China Mobile. 5G Future Summit (15:00-19:00)  Joshipura will also join a fireside chat with Dr. Tom Rondeau, Principal Director for FutureG, US Department of Defense, highlighting open source RAN and OCUDU

TUESDAY, MARCH 3

CAMARA Community Reception (18:3020:30)  CAMARA will host an offsite, in-person community reception alongside MWC Barcelona on Tuesday, March 3, 6:308:30 PM. Registration is required, so RSVP today to join the discussion.

MWC SHOW FLOOR

Project Sylva + OCUDU at the SUSE booth  Attendees can see Sylva and OCUDU-aligned cloud-native telco infrastructure in action through live demonstrations at SUSE's booth in Hall 2 Stand 2C31. Collaborators include i14y/Deutsche Telekom, Supermicro, and Intel

 Attendees can see Sylva and OCUDU-aligned cloud-native telco infrastructure in action through live demonstrations at SUSE's booth in Hall 2 Stand 2C31. Collaborators include i14y/Deutsche Telekom, Supermicro, and Intel OCUDU Project

Canonical with Ampere (and others) - Hall 2 Stand 2D20



CAMARA API demos on the show floor

Quobis will showcase a demo of the SIM-swap API use case with MasOrange, Hall 4, Booth 4C30 Aduna will showcase a Plumma use case, in Hall 3, Booth 3A30PEx In the Startup Portugal Pavilion, Vydens will demonstrate a marketing platform using KYC Match, Geofencing, Device Location and Most Frequent Location--it uses Network APIs + AI to deliver hyper-personalized marketing messages triggered by real-time context, e.g. location, weather. 4YFN (Hall 8), Startup Portugal Pavilion, Vydens Booth.



TALENT ARENA (MARCH 24)

LF Education session featuring Tim Serewicz  Tim Serewicz, VP, Linux Foundation Education, will present as part of Talent Arena 2026 , a developer- and digital talent-focused program running March 24, 2026 in Barcelona:

March 3, 10:30 - 11:00: "Learning at the Speed of AI: Upskilling and the Future of Learning" March 3, 13:00 - 14:30: Quickstart eBPF: Boosting Metrics and Security in Kubernetes"



About the Linux Foundation

The Linux Foundation is the world's leading home for collaboration on open source software, hardware, standards, and data. Linux Foundation projects are critical to the world's infrastructure including Linux, Kubernetes, Node.js, ONAP, OpenChain, OpenSSF, PyTorch, RISC-V, SPDX, Zephyr, and more. The Linux Foundation is supported by a global community of developers and the world's leading companies to solve the hardest technology problems and create the largest shared technology investments in history. To learn more, visit linuxfoundation.org.

Media Contact:

Jill Lovato

[email protected]

The Linux Foundation

SOURCE The Linux Foundation
The first and only proton center in Maryland celebrates and honors its patients and staff for a decade of exceptional care.

BALTIMORE, Feb. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ --

What: On today, February 23, 2026, the Maryland Proton Treatment Center (MPTC) will celebrate a momentous milestone  fighting cancer for +10 years with proton therapy. To commemorate this occasion, we will honor our patients and staff with gifts, treats, and our utmost appreciation.

Why: Established in 2016, at a time when there were only 13 proton centers across the country and none in the Maryland, DC, and Northern Virigina area, MPTC stood as a pioneer of proton treatment for the region. MPTC has now operated for ten years and is part of a national landscape that currently includes more than 45 proton centers. In partnership with the University of Maryland Department of Radiation Oncology, it remains a leader in the field. The center has participated in 53 clinical trials, enrolled over 2,544 patients in the Proton Collaborative Group (PCG) registry, and expanded access for underserved communities. It has treated more than 6,000 patients, over 90% of them Maryland residents, with this advanced, lifesaving cancer treatment.

When and Where:

Monday, February 23, 2026 at MPTC  Open to Close

850 W. Baltimore St. Baltimore, MD 21201

About Proton Therapy

Proton therapy is an advanced form of radiation, precisely targeting tumors while sparing healthy tissue and organs. Unlike traditional photon radiation, which passes through the body like an X-ray, proton radiation stops at the tumor, delivering a peak dose directly into the targeted site. Because of this precision, our individualized treatment plans result in fewer side effects, including second cancers for both adults and children.

About the Maryland Proton Treatment Center

MPTC is affiliated with the University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center (UMGCCC), is NCI-designated, and is in the UM BioPark. As Maryland's first and only proton center, we feature cutting-edge pencil beam technology and nationally recognized oncologists from the University of Maryland. And unlike some of the nation's other proton centers, MPTC has established a cost-neutral rate for treatment between protons and photons. Because of this affordable cost structure, MPTC currently has an insurance approval rate of above 90%.

SOURCE Maryland Proton Treatment Center
Mews accelerates toward the next era of hospitality with a connected, intelligent platform and a new brand identity

AMSTERDAM, Feb. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Mews is advancing its ambition to power the next era of hospitality with a connected, intelligent operating system designed to unify revenue, operations and the guest journey within a single platform. Today, the company unveiled an evolved brand identity that reflects this momentum and the scale of opportunity ahead.

"Hospitality is entering a defining and exciting decade," said Richard Valtr, Founder of Mews. "Guest expectations are rising. Revenue models are expanding beyond rooms. Artificial intelligence is reshaping how businesses operate. However, this is against the backdrop of rising costs of labor, energy and distribution. The hotels that thrive in these conditions will be those built on unified, adaptable infrastructure rather than disconnected systems, which is why we are creating the hospitality industry's Operating System."

That ambition is backed by scale. Recently, Mews secured $300 million in Series D funding at a valuation of $2.5 billion. Over the past year, the company accelerated SaaS gross profit growth by 55%, and expanded to 15,000 properties across 85 countries, supporting more than 132,000 monthly active hoteliers.

Across industries, software now accounts for more than one-fifth of total technology budgets, according to Boston Consulting Group1. Yet fragmentation remains one of the biggest barriers to unlocking real value. In hospitality, siloed systems continue to limit personalization, operational agility and profit growth.

Mews is addressing that structural challenge head on. The company's hospitality operating system unifies guest, operational and financial workflows within a single platform, creating the foundation for automation, insight and increasingly autonomous workflows across hotels and hotel groups.

"The second I saw Mews, I was obsessed. It felt like a system designed by someone who actually understands how hotels work," said Grace Grieco, Executive Director of Operations and Sales, Pelham Hospitality. "With Mews, things finally started speaking to each other."

As AI adoption accelerates, that foundation becomes critical. BCG research shows that only 5% of companies today are achieving meaningful AI value at scale, largely because intelligence cannot scale on disconnected systems2. A true operating system changes that dynamic.

"Our ambition is simple," Valtr added. "Technology should carry the complexity so people can focus on hospitality. With advances in AI, we believe that the upcoming years will see a steep change in productivity that this industry has not seen before."

The evolved Mews brand is a visual expression of that transformation. Centered around a fluid brand mark inspired by the original meaning of a 'mews'  where individual houses or departments come together as part of a larger enterprise  the new identity reflects connectivity, momentum and adaptability. Its flexible forms and natural motion signal a platform designed to respond in real time to the needs of modern hospitality, reinforcing Mews' role as the infrastructure hotels will build on for the next decade.

About Mews

Mews is the operating system for hospitality, unifying workflows across revenue, operations and the guest journey so teams can automate the mundane and focus on memorable guest experiences. The Mews platform spans PMS, POS, RMS, Housekeeping, and Payments, helping hoteliers move from property management to profit management. Powering 15,000 customers across 85 countries, the company was named Best PMS (2024, 2025, 2026), Best POS (2026) and listed among the Best Places to Work in Hotel Tech for six years running by Hotel Tech Report.

Media contact: [email protected]

1 https://www.bcg.com/publications/2025/taking-control-enterprise-software-costs

2 https://media-publications.bcg.com/The-Widening-AI-Value-Gap-October-2025.pdf

SOURCE Mews
LOS ANGELES, Feb. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Schall Law Firm , a national shareholder rights litigation firm, reminds investors of a class action lawsuit against Picard Medical, Inc. ("Picard" or "the Company") (NYSE American: PMI) for violations of 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Investors who purchased the Company's securities between September 2, 2025 and October 31, 2025, inclusive (the "Class Period"), are encouraged to contact the firm before April 3, 2026.

If you are a shareholder who suffered a loss, click here to participate.

We also encourage you to contact Brian Schall of the Schall Law Firm, 2049 Century Park East, Suite 2460, Los Angeles, CA 90067, at 310-301-3335, to discuss your rights free of charge. You can also reach us through the firm's website at www.schallfirm.com , or by email at [email protected].

The class, in this case, has not yet been certified, and until certification occurs, you are not represented by an attorney. If you choose to take no action, you can remain an absent class member.

According to the Complaint, the Company made false and misleading statements to the market. Picard was the subject of a manipulation scheme designed to fraudulently boost its share price. The Company and insiders dumped shared at artificially inflated prices. Based on these facts, the Company's public statements were false and materially misleading throughout the class period. When the market learned the truth about Picard, investors suffered damages.

Join the case to recover your losses

The Schall Law Firm represents investors around the world and specializes in securities class action lawsuits and shareholder rights litigation.

This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and rules of ethics.

CONTACT:

The Schall Law Firm

Brian Schall, Esq.,

www.schallfirm.com

Office: 310-301-3335

[email protected]

SOURCE The Schall Law Firm
MILWAUKEE, Feb. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Ademi LLP is investigating Enhabit (NYSE: EHAB) for possible breaches of fiduciary duty and other violations of law in its recently announced transaction with Kinderhook Industries.

Click here to learn how to join our investigation and obtain additional information or contact us at [email protected] or toll-free: 866-264-3995. There is no cost or obligation to you.

In the transaction, Enhabit stockholders will receive $13.80 per share in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately $1.1 billion. Enhabit insiders will receive substantial benefits as part of change of control arrangements.

The transaction agreement unreasonably limits competing transactions for Enhabit by imposing a significant penalty if Enhabit accepts a competing bid. We are investigating the conduct of the Enhabit board of directors, and whether they are fulfilling their fiduciary duties to all shareholders.

We specialize in shareholder litigation involving buyouts, mergers, and individual shareholder rights. For more information, please feel free to call us. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.

Contacts

Ademi LLP

Guri Ademi

Toll Free: (866) 264-3995

Fax: (414) 482-8001

SOURCE Ademi LLP
Surging demand for power requires upgrades to the nation's electric gridand governments, utilities, and consumers all must play a part

WASHINGTON, Feb. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Carol Kaufmann is a Trust staff writer at The Pew Charitable Trusts.

Jim King and Jayne Cleveland have impeccable timing.

Jayne Cleveland and Jim King installed solar panels on their roof and a battery in their basement at their home in North Carolina. Photo credit: The Pew Charitable Trusts. A solar array atop a Gallaudet University building generates clean energy that feeds into the local grid and helps provide electricity for residents and neighboring businesses. It also provides power for much of the campus; in an outage, energy stored in batteries could provide electricity for the whole college. Photo credit: The Pew Charitable Trusts. An app on Kings phone shows how much energy the panels generate and how much the battery uses. This energy systema virtual power planthelped them retain electricity for weeks after Hurricane Helene left much of mountainous western North Carolina without power in fall 2024. Photo credit: The Pew Charitable Trusts.

In April 2024, the Weaverville, North Carolina, couple decided to sign up for an energy pilot program called PowerPair from their utility company. Duke Energy was offering customers in their state incentives to install solar panels on their roofs and store the energy generated in a battery in their homes. The couple uses the power but can also get energy from the main grid when needed, like on a sweltering summer day. And Duke can also tap some of the energy stored in the battery, say, when air conditioning isn't as necessary, and compensate the couple with a lower electric bill, or even creditscreating what is known as a virtual power plant from customers like King and Cleveland.

"The process was pretty easy for novices like us," says King, and by August 2024, the couple had panels on their west-facing roof and a 5-by-2-feet vertical battery in their laundry roomand were accumulating, using, and storing clean energy from the sun. They quickly learned what activities used the most powerlaundry was a big one, the dryer much more than the washing machineand that the energy gleaned on sunny days would easily provide the power they needed throughout nights, when their energy consumption lowered.

"The infrastructure is reliable," King says of their town in the metropolitan area of Asheville. "We never had any extended power outages. In our 10-plus years of living here, we've only had a handfuland only for a few minutes. We never had to worry about it."

While the couple never had concerns about power outages in the years before the new battery was installed, they quickly learned about another essential benefit of their new system. Only six weeks after its installation, Hurricane Helene tore through western North Carolina, causing overflowing rivers and mudslides that devasted communities and left most residents without passable roads, communication optionsor power.

When King and Cleveland woke up the morning after the Sept. 27 hurricane, they learned that their energy system had switched to stored power and their home was running off the battery.

"We were stuck," Cleveland says. "But we had power." And they continued to have power for three weeks, unlike neighbors who had to wait for the main grid to be repaired.

The nation's electric grid, often called the biggest machine ever built, consists of a vast array of power plants, high-voltage transmission lines that send electricity over long distances, and substations that convert high-voltage power to a lower one so it can be distributed locally. Interconnected throughout the United States and Canada, the grid brings electricity generated from coal or natural gas, solar panels, wind farms, hydroelectric dams, and nuclear reactors to hundreds of millions of users.

As big as it is, it can't keep up. Data centers, AI, increased manufacturing, and everyday citizens are consuming unprecedented amounts of power.

The U.S. Energy Information Administration has forecast that power consumption in the U.S. will reach record levels in 2026.

Policymakers around the nation are embracing innovations that can meet this demand, and The Pew Charitable Trusts' energy modernization project provides research that is guiding those decisions. Some of those new approaches include close-to-consumer alternatives such as the batteries installed in homes and other facilities and products that lie outside the main grid. Others target new technologies that increase the capacity of the existing grid, with at least 10 states passing legislation to evaluate the new methods, often with strong bipartisan backing.

Our consumption of electricity is larger than it has ever been. And it's growing.

"Even in our daily lives, we see energy demand increase," says Yaron Miller of Pew's energy modernization team. "So much to plug in!" he says. "Chargers, battery packs, EVs. If we do nothing, that's a problem for powering businesses. That's a problem for keeping the AC on in the hot summer or the refrigerator running."

In addition to demand, extreme weather events are becoming more common. Hurricanes such as Helene destroy transmission lines and energy facilities. Heat waves demand more air conditioning, while freezing temperatures command more heat. Ice storms snap power lines and lightning zaps transformers. All can result in interruptions in the power flowand the lights go out.

The new energy technologies in King and Cleveland's North Carolina home are innovative advances called distributed energy resourcesor DERs. These small energy generation and storage technologies include solar panels on roofs, batteries, electric vehicles, heat pumps, small wind turbines, and smart thermostats. They can be installed in homes or businesses, generate clean energy, lower energy costs, reduce pollution, and help communities retain power during large power outages.

DERs also reduce electric bills. The system King and Cleveland installed cost $40,000 up front, though they received a $9,000 rebate from Duke Energy, King says. But their electric bills are down. "Though it might take a decade to recoup all the cost, we've had electric bills with negative numbers, where Duke Energy owes me," says King.

It's one of the technologies that Pew's team says could have real impact as demand increases.

"DERs benefit the customer, and they benefit the grid," says Maureen Quinlan of Pew's energy modernization team. "There's a great untapped potential here, and we're trying to create an ambitious vision for the nation."

Using DERs extensively isn't unprecedented. Belgium receives 8% of its energy supply from DERs. Brazil receives 14%. Australia, which receives nearly 10% from DERs, has a new national program that began July 1 and offers a 30% subsidy on home batteries, and the country has seen a surge of installations: more than 11,500 in the first three weeks. DERs are expected to be the largest source of energy capacity in Australia by 2050.

"Australia's program grew quickly, and it's already seeing the benefits," says Quinlan. "The United States could learn valuable lessons from their example."

Some DERs can be grouped into microgrid systems and, if needed, operate independently from the big grid. Instead of transmitting power over long distances, these independent systems send electricity locally into a small community or facility. Hundreds operate in the United States today, particularly in places that provide an essential service, such as fire stations, hospitals, wastewater treatment plants, and military bases. To work, microgrid locations need space, resources, and a single point of connection with local utilitieslike a college campus.

Gallaudet University, the world's premier institution dedicated to the education of deaf and hard of hearing students, is home to one of the first microgrids in Washington, D.C. The school partnered with distributed energy company Scale Microgrids and Urban Ingenuity, an organization that co-develops clean energy projects, to build its own microgrid, which was installed in 2023.

The Gallaudet microgrid can work in tandem with the local utility gridbut if electricity goes out, the entire university could run from the power generated by the DERs that make up the microgrid.

The microgrid is also a smart financial move. The university earns revenue from leasing rooftops for solar arrays to Scale Microgrids. The battery storage system also provides grid stabilizing services to the regional grid operator, PJM, allowing the university to earn revenue from the energy it provides.

Though it required a significant capital investment, the system will soon be a big money saver for the school, says Dave Good, director of Energy, Utilities, and Sustainability at Gallaudet. "It's a very good investment. We expect to save about 40% on our energy bills every year, which is millions of dollars."

The school's microgrid also helps D.C. families reduce energy costs. Through a community solar program, 400 residences subscribe to Gallaudet's solar system and receive a credit on their electricity bills, reducing electricity costs by about 10%.

Gallaudet's investment and commitment to managing a physical plant that serves the community was one necessity. The other was the local utility company, Pepco, making improvements on its grid.

"But the steps are all doable. And they're all scalable," says Bracken Hendricks, CEO of Urban Ingenuity. "We were able to stitch together this very special thing that shows what can be done in many, many other places around the country."

To help policymakers enable more DERs, Pew has formed an advisory council of energy leaders to show how people, localities, and states can be a part of innovative solutions, like the one at Gallaudet.

"Every state in the nation benefits from having disaggregated, dispersed energy resources all around the grid, and not just these great big central stations in the middle of grids," says Pat Wood, who spent much of his career working on what he calls "the big grid" as the former chair of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and later the Public Utility Commission of Texas. Now, as CEO of Hunt Energy Network and the co-chair of Pew's Distributed Energy Resources Advisory Council, he's much more focused on bringing lessons learned to the little grid.

"The problem is, a lot of the people in the utility industry, and in the government, don't understand what a transformative potential we have just sitting there ready for us," he says. "I'm trying to unlock innovation and risk-taking and an entrepreneurial mindset that is missing in energy."

Power companies are also testing approaches to supplement the grid. In addition to the virtual power plants in homes like King and Cleveland's, Duke Energy in 2023 installed a microgrid with solar and battery storage in Hot Springs, North Carolina, that has enough capacity to power the whole town, which has a population of just over 500. When Hurricane Helene struck, the town's substation washed away, but the microgrid powered the town for six days until a mobile substation took over.

Other Duke microgrids generate electricity in Asheville and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and more are being constructed in Indiana and Florida, mainly in remote areas.

While extensive cloud cover or solar panel storm damage can compromise those facilities, "in the right setting, microgrids are a strong tool in the toolbox of reliability and resiliency solutions," says Logan Stewart from Duke Energy.

As energy experts and policymakers look for ways to increase electricity output, they're also turning to the existing grid itself. New software as well as hardware that is installed right onto power lines is known as advanced transmission technologies, or ATTs, and can allow more energy to be transported more efficiently.

Sensors can be placed on transmission lines that give grid operators real-time information about how much power is being transmitted, which allows them to better estimate how much power they can transmitand that can increase the amount of power on the grid by 10% to 30%. Another technology is new and improved wires that connect towers that use better materials and have a better designand transport 50% to 110% more power.

ATTs such as these sensors and wires can be deployed relatively quicklyin two to three yearsas opposed to constructing brand new lines, which can take about a decade. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, nationwide use of these technologies could unlock up to 100 gigawatts of additional grid capacity and save consumers $35 billion by reducing bottlenecks that are constraining the grid.

"ATTs make the grid more efficient and able to squeeze more power out of the existing infrastructure," says Pew's Miller. "So if you already have some of the infrastructure built, that's a low-hanging fruit, and a really smart move to get more capacity to connect more projects."

Pew has been working with state policymakers seeking to understand and install ATTs. In the past three years, at least 16 states have passed laws encouraging ATT deployment, including, in 2025, South Carolina, Indiana, Ohio, and Utah, where Governor Spencer Cox (R) signed a bill that requires the state's electric utilities to include in their grid planning an evaluation of the benefits and deployment timelines of ATTs. The new law directs the state's Public Service Commission to encourage the use of ATTs, and if they're shown to be cost effective, approve the utilities' recovery of costs for their investments.

"We're no different from any other place. Our grid is aging, and it hasn't been maintained," says Utah Representative Christine Watkins (R), who sponsored the legislation that passed with overwhelming bipartisan support. "It was a no-brainer," she says.

Indiana also passed similar bipartisan legislation this year with support from utilities, manufacturers, clean energy groups, and advocates for consumers. Utilities will evaluate ATT investments and, if cost effective, the utility commission can approve the recovery of costs for the investment. Indiana officials are particularly motived to find solutions; a backlog of energy projects and storage capacity cannot come on to the existing grid because of capacity constraints.

"Our grid was built 100 years ago and needs upgrading," says state Senator Eric Koch (R), who sponsored the bill. "Now is the opportune time to capture the latest technology. [Using ATTs] is a way to do that, instead of building new transmission linesand can achieve many economic advantages."

Whether adding ATTs to the existing power lines to transmit more electricity or incorporating distributed energy sources in a community to offset the demand on the main grid and provide additional energy, the newand readily availabletechnology provides immediate as well as long-term solutions to modernizing energy transmission in the United States.

Modernization also provides consumers with more optionsand a say about the source of their energy.

"I love knowing that I'm not pulling power from anywhere but from the sun," says Cleveland in Weaverville. "I'm sold."

For more information, visit Energy Modernization | The Pew Charitable Trusts (pewtrusts.org)

Contact: Matt Herbert, officer, [email protected], 605-759-8911

SOURCE The Pew Charitable Trusts
About this content 

About Oliver Haill

Oliver has been writing about companies and markets since the early 2000s, cutting his teeth as a financial journalist at Growth Company Investor with a focusing on AIM companies and small caps, before a few years later becoming a section editor and then head of research. He joined Proactive after a couple of years freelancing, where he worked for the Financial Times Group, ITV, Press Association, Reuters sports desk, the London Olympic News Service, Rugby World Cup News Service, Gracenote... Read more

About the publisher

Proactive financial news and online broadcast teams provide fast, accessible, informative and actionable business and finance news content to a global investment audience. All our content is produced independently by our experienced and qualified teams of news journalists.

Proactive news team spans the worlds key finance and investing hubs with bureaus and studios in London, New York, Toronto, Vancouver, Sydney and Perth.

We are experts in medium and small-cap markets, we also keep our community up to date with blue-chip companies, commodities and broader investment stories. This is content that excites and engages motivated private investors.

The team delivers news and unique insights across the market including but not confined to: biotech and pharma, mining and natural resources, battery metals, oil and gas, crypto and emerging digital and EV technologies.

Use of technology

Proactive has always been a forward looking and enthusiastic technology adopter.

Our human content creators are equipped with many decades of valuable expertise and experience. The team also has access to and use technologies to assist and enhance workflows.

Proactive will on occasion use automation and software tools, including generative AI. Nevertheless, all content published by Proactive is edited and authored by humans, in line with best practice in regard to content production and search engine optimisation.
YAOUNDE, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- Chad on Monday announced the closure of its border with Sudan, citing "repeated incursions and violations committed by the warring parties in Sudan on Chadian territory."

The closure "aims to prevent the risk of extending the conflict to Chad, protect citizens and refugees, and maintain the stability and territorial integrity of our country," Minister of Communication and Government Spokesman Gassim Cherif Mahamat said in a statement.

He said movement of persons and goods along the border has been suspended, but special exemptions strictly justified by humanitarian reasons may be granted.

Chad shares a long and porous border with Sudan, which has been engulfed in a deadly conflict since 2023, when fighting broke out between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, leaving tens of thousands dead and millions displaced both inside the country and across its borders. 
About this content 

About Stephen Gunnion

Stephen Gunnion is a senior financial journalist and broadcaster at Proactive Investors. He has more than 25 years of experience in television, radio and print media, anchoring on a number of television channels including South Africa's Business Day TV, CNBC Africa and the South African Broadcasting Corporation, where he was the economics editor. He has also worked for Daily Maverick, Bloomberg, the Business Day newspaper and Investors' Chronicle. Read more

About the publisher

Proactive financial news and online broadcast teams provide fast, accessible, informative and actionable business and finance news content to a global investment audience. All our content is produced independently by our experienced and qualified teams of news journalists.

Proactive news team spans the worlds key finance and investing hubs with bureaus and studios in London, New York, Toronto, Vancouver, Sydney and Perth.

We are experts in medium and small-cap markets, we also keep our community up to date with blue-chip companies, commodities and broader investment stories. This is content that excites and engages motivated private investors.

The team delivers news and unique insights across the market including but not confined to: biotech and pharma, mining and natural resources, battery metals, oil and gas, crypto and emerging digital and EV technologies.

Use of technology

Proactive has always been a forward looking and enthusiastic technology adopter.

Our human content creators are equipped with many decades of valuable expertise and experience. The team also has access to and use technologies to assist and enhance workflows.

Proactive will on occasion use automation and software tools, including generative AI. Nevertheless, all content published by Proactive is edited and authored by humans, in line with best practice in regard to content production and search engine optimisation.
About this content 

About Ian Lyall

Ian Lyall, a seasoned journalist and editor, brings over three decades of experience to his role as Managing Editor at Proactive. Overseeing Proactive's editorial and broadcast operations across six offices on three continents, Ian is responsible for quality control, editorial policy, and content production. He directs the creation of 50,000 pieces of real-time news, feature articles, and filmed interviews annually. Prior to Proactive, Ian helped lead the business output at the Daily... Read more

About the publisher

Proactive financial news and online broadcast teams provide fast, accessible, informative and actionable business and finance news content to a global investment audience. All our content is produced independently by our experienced and qualified teams of news journalists.

Proactive news team spans the worlds key finance and investing hubs with bureaus and studios in London, New York, Toronto, Vancouver, Sydney and Perth.

We are experts in medium and small-cap markets, we also keep our community up to date with blue-chip companies, commodities and broader investment stories. This is content that excites and engages motivated private investors.

The team delivers news and unique insights across the market including but not confined to: biotech and pharma, mining and natural resources, battery metals, oil and gas, crypto and emerging digital and EV technologies.

Use of technology

Proactive has always been a forward looking and enthusiastic technology adopter.

Our human content creators are equipped with many decades of valuable expertise and experience. The team also has access to and use technologies to assist and enhance workflows.

Proactive will on occasion use automation and software tools, including generative AI. Nevertheless, all content published by Proactive is edited and authored by humans, in line with best practice in regard to content production and search engine optimisation.
About this content 

About Lisa Uhlman

Lisa Uhlman is an equities reporter at Proactive Investors, covering ASX-listed companies across the mining, energy, biotech and emerging tech sectors. With a background in legal and financial journalism, Lisa brings a sharp analytical lens to market news and corporate developments. Prior to joining Proactive, she reported for national trade publications and newswires, with a focus on court reporting, regulatory affairs and ESG-related business issues. Based in Sydney, she is... Read more

About the publisher

Proactive financial news and online broadcast teams provide fast, accessible, informative and actionable business and finance news content to a global investment audience. All our content is produced independently by our experienced and qualified teams of news journalists.

Proactive news team spans the worlds key finance and investing hubs with bureaus and studios in London, New York, Toronto, Vancouver, Sydney and Perth.

We are experts in medium and small-cap markets, we also keep our community up to date with blue-chip companies, commodities and broader investment stories. This is content that excites and engages motivated private investors.

The team delivers news and unique insights across the market including but not confined to: biotech and pharma, mining and natural resources, battery metals, oil and gas, crypto and emerging digital and EV technologies.

Use of technology

Proactive has always been a forward looking and enthusiastic technology adopter.

Our human content creators are equipped with many decades of valuable expertise and experience. The team also has access to and use technologies to assist and enhance workflows.

Proactive will on occasion use automation and software tools, including generative AI. Nevertheless, all content published by Proactive is edited and authored by humans, in line with best practice in regard to content production and search engine optimisation.
Critical Resources Ltd (ASX:CRR, FRA:9S70) has completed a detailed desktop study at its Lammerlaw Gold Project in New Zealand's Central Otago Goldfields, identifying three high-priority exploration targets across the 410 km permit area  and setting the stage for ground-level work once regulatory approvals come through.

Lammerlaw sits on the southwestern flank of the Central Otago Antiform, the same regional structure that hosts OceanaGold's multi-million-ounce Macraes operation on its northeastern margin. Despite the region's strong gold pedigree, which also includes Santana Minerals' emerging Bendigo-Ophir discovery, Lammerlaw has seen only scattered, reconnaissance-level exploration in modern times.

Location of the Lammerlaw permit showing blocks of different metamorphic facies and the main historic orogenic gold deposits, including the currently active Macraes mine on the northeastern margin. The simplified schematic cross section (modified from Mackenzie et al., 2017) illustrates the structural symmetry of the Otago Schist Belt and the interpreted position of lower greenschist facies schists prospective for shear hosted orogenic gold mineralisation.

For CRR, the project adds a second exploration front to its gold portfolio, sitting roughly 50 kilometres south-southwest of the company's Assay results from a recently completed RC drilling program at Cap Burn are expected in early March, subject to laboratory turnaround times in New Zealand.

Managing director Tim Wither said the desktop study had validated the geological rationale for acquiring Lammerlaw, pointing to well-defined shear corridors and multiple structurally coherent target areas consistent with orogenic gold systems across the Otago Schist Belt.

"Lammerlaw was secured on the strength of its geological prospectivity, and the detailed desktop study has now validated that decision. The work confirms well-defined shear corridors and, importantly, multiple structurally coherent target areas consistent with orogenic gold systems in the Otago Schist Belt. These refined targets provide a clear foundation for systematic, low-cost field programs designed to test the structural interpretations and advance our understanding of the permit area. Lammerlaw complements Cap Burn and supports our strategy of building opportunities across a proven and highly prospective gold province in New Zealand."

Three targets locked in

The desktop study, completed ahead of anticipated permit transfer approval from New Zealand Petroleum and Minerals (NZP&M), drew on historical mining records, high-resolution aerial imagery, LiDAR terrain data, legacy geochemistry, and regional airborne geophysics to build a coherent geological picture of the permit.

The host rocks  Textural Zone 3 and 4 schists (TZ3, TZ4)  are the same rock types that host low-angle, shear-controlled deposits at Macraes and Bendigo-Ophir. Structural analysis also points to a potential mirror image of the Hyde-Macraes Shear Zone sitting beneath the Lammerlaw permit, though the company notes this interpretation remains conceptual until confirmed in the field.

The study has produced three clearly defined priority targets, each supported by a different combination of historical evidence and modern data.

Lammerlaw permit showing locations of prospect targets and historic mine workings.

Target 1  Devils Creek: The historic hard rock prospect

Devils Creek is the most historically developed hard rock gold site within the permit, featuring two small adits, numerous pits, and prospect trenches that have been confirmed and mapped through aerial imagery and LiDAR. Historical rock chip samples from the area returned grades of 2.72 grams per tonne (g/t) and 2.58 g/t gold, with tungsten values reaching 710 ppm  a pathfinder element commonly associated with orogenic gold systems.

The alignment of underground workings and surface excavations points to mineralisation along a coherent lode or shear structure rather than isolated veins, which is consistent with the style of gold deposits found elsewhere in the Otago Schist Belt. The inferred strike of the lode has now been mapped with greater confidence, providing a clear framework for follow-up surface sampling along strike and beyond the historically worked zones.

Target 2  Stony Creek: A geophysics-supported multi-commodity system

The Stony Creek Trend stands out for the coincidence of historic antimony workings  including reported test shipments grading 47% antimony  with a distinct electromagnetic anomaly visible in regional airborne geophysical data. Stream sediment sampling across the broader catchment has returned tungsten values up to 340 ppm, further supporting the presence of a structurally focused mineralising system at depth.

Both antimony and tungsten are well-established pathfinder elements for orogenic gold, and the Stony Creek corridor has not been tested with modern exploration techniques  meaning genuine discovery potential remains. The electromagnetic feature provides a mappable geophysical framework to guide that work.

Target 3  TZ3TZ4 structural boundary: The Regional-Scale Opportunity

The interpreted boundary between Textural Zone 3 and Zone 4 schists crosses the permit area and represents a regionally significant rheological contrast. In the Otago Schist Belt, such contacts are known to localise strain and focus fluid flow  the key ingredients for orogenic gold mineralisation. This boundary is conceptually analogous to the structural setting at Macraes and provides the broadest, most regional scale of the three targets.

What the historical record shows

Beyond the three defined targets, the broader permit area has yielded a string of encouraging signals from past exploration. Extensive alluvial gold workings  identified through aerial imagery and LiDAR  are spread across multiple drainage systems, interpreted as evidence of proximal bedrock gold sources within surrounding structural corridors.

Just outside the permit boundary, the Otago Pioneer Quartz Mine  one of the earliest hard rock gold operations in the region, discovered in the 1860s  was reportedly mined over more than 1,200 metres of strike at historical average grades of around 13-15 g/t gold. The structural trend hosting that deposit extends toward the Lammerlaw permit area.

Previous operators including BHP, Welcome Gold Mines, Glass Earth Gold, and Lammer Resources all identified localised gold and pathfinder anomalies within or adjacent to the permit, but none conducted systematic soil geochemistry, structural mapping, or drill testing within the core structural corridors  leaving the ground largely uncontested by modern methods.

Next Steps: Low-cost, staged field programs

Near-term work will focus on Devils Creek and Stony Creek, with an emphasis on cost-effective, high-information activities designed to validate the desktop interpretations before any more capital-intensive work is committed.

Planned activities include ground reconnaissance and structural mapping, targeted rock chip and soil sampling along the inferred Devils Creek lode strike and Stony Creek corridor, ground-truthing of the Stony Creek electromagnetic anomaly, and progressive refinement of the geological model as field data comes in.

All of this is contingent on NZP&M approving the transfer of the Lammerlaw permit to Critical Resources' subsidiary Goldfire Resources, which has entered a binding agreement to acquire a 90% interest in permit PP61276.
About this content 

About Jonathan Jackson

Jonathan Jackson is an experienced writer and editor. Over the past 20 years, he has worked in print and digital media across several business and finance titles amd is currently the Australian news editor at Proactive Investors covering the latest news for ASX listed companies as well as current financial trends. He was previously managing editor with Business First magazine, Wealth Creator Magazine and StocksDigital. Jonathan has interviewed some of the world's top CEOs and covered... Read more

About the publisher

Proactive financial news and online broadcast teams provide fast, accessible, informative and actionable business and finance news content to a global investment audience. All our content is produced independently by our experienced and qualified teams of news journalists.

Proactive news team spans the worlds key finance and investing hubs with bureaus and studios in London, New York, Toronto, Vancouver, Sydney and Perth.

We are experts in medium and small-cap markets, we also keep our community up to date with blue-chip companies, commodities and broader investment stories. This is content that excites and engages motivated private investors.

The team delivers news and unique insights across the market including but not confined to: biotech and pharma, mining and natural resources, battery metals, oil and gas, crypto and emerging digital and EV technologies.

Use of technology

Proactive has always been a forward looking and enthusiastic technology adopter.

Our human content creators are equipped with many decades of valuable expertise and experience. The team also has access to and use technologies to assist and enhance workflows.

Proactive will on occasion use automation and software tools, including generative AI. Nevertheless, all content published by Proactive is edited and authored by humans, in line with best practice in regard to content production and search engine optimisation.
FTSE 100 down 2 points at 10,684

Trump threatens 'more obnoxious' tariffs

Precious metals in demand amid new tariff uncertainty

Johnson Matthey slashes price of catalyst disposal

4.48pm: FTSE steady

Despite the sell-off on Wall Street, the FTSE 100 finished Mondays session little changed, down 2 points at 10,684.

Investors looking for a safe haven from tariff madness and worries about Iran could do a lot worse than the FTSE 100 right now, IG's Chris Beauchamp said. The index seems impervious to worries about US trade policy and the potential for a US-Iran conflict, holding steady today while US stocks fall back.

4.05pm: FTSE dips, Wall Street plunges

The FTSE has dropped back into the red, as the market reacts badly to Trump's invective, with US stocks dropping sharply.

Across the pond, the Dow Jones is down over 750 points or 1.6%, with the Nasdaq and S&P 500 falling 1.4% and 1.2%.

It makes the London index seem like a relative haven for investors.

"Fridays initial bounce following the court decision has given way to caution, as the administration attempts to pivot seamlessly to new tariff weapons while also doing their best to panic investors about the rule of law in the US with some spicy Truth Social posts," says IG's Chris Beauchamp.

"The panic-trade trinity of gold, oil and the VIX made a return to our screens today, all three rising as social media filled up with fresh updates on US deployments to the Middle East and reports emerging from all sides in the region."

3.35pm: Tariff confusion

More tariff to-and-fro.

Brussels has postponed a vote on the EUs trade deal with the US after Trump's threat to impose a new blanket 15% global tariff.

The European Parliaments trade committee, which had been due to vote tomorrow about whether to adopt a deal, held a meeting today.

Committee chair Bernd Lange said the new temporary US tariff could mean increased levies for some EU exports, "nobody can make sense of it anymore", especially what will happen after the new tariffs expire in 150 days.

2.55pm: Wall Street opens lower

US stocks opened in the red, as expected.

The Dow Jones is at the front of the retreat, down 0.8%, with the S&P 500 falling 0.4% and the Nasdaq down 0.5%.

Biggest fallers on the Dow are Salesforce.com, down 4.3%, Nike, down 3.1%, then American Express, Microsoft and Amazon, all down over 2%.

As the opening bell in Wall Street rang, the FTSE got a sizeable boost, going from a rise of 23 points to almost 50, before this has ebbed away again.

1.34pm: JPM says FTSE and other non-US stocks can continue good run

We are still in a "Goldilocks" market, according to JPMorgan strategists, which reckons non-US stocks can continue to outperform in coming months.

Despite the US military build-up around Iran and US tariffs being reset, the bank argues the growth-inflation mix remains equity-friendly as we wrap up the second month of the year.

Earnings are holding up, activity data is solid, inflation is softening and long bond yields have drifted lower, Fed funds futures are pricing more easing despite three-year highs in ISM readouts and a punchy payrolls print. Not exactly stagflation.

"The strong equity rally can lead to derisking episodes," the bank's strategists say, ie pull-backs, "and particularly if some adverse geopolitical news comes out, such as potential Iran escalation or the latest tariff headlines, but we believe that these will not be long lasting, and should be seen as buying opportunities."

JPM sees leadership  ie which stocks drive overall market performance  broadening away from the Mag-7 tech giants, which have "stalled" despite strong earnings, in favour of small caps, 'value' stocks and international (ie non-US) stocks.

International markets (ie the FTSE, Nikkei, DAX etc) outperformed the US in 2025 by 12% and are again in the lead by 8% so far in 2026.

"We think this outperformance is justified, and believe that it will keep having legs," JPM adds, "given still extreme positioning, elevated concentration of Mag-7 and the large valuation differential."

"If Mag-7 does not retake the lead, it is unlikely US stocks will be able to, too."

12.49pm: Rolls results rolling closer

Rolls-Royce reports full-year results on Thursday, with its shares up over 100% over the past year and over 1,000% over the past five years.

The interesting question is what the company does about targets that the market has already left behind, according to RBC Capital Markets.

Analysts at the bank say the sell-side consensus already expects Rolls to hit its 2028 EBITA guidance of 3.6 billion to 3.9 billion as early as this year, with the free cash flow target of 4.2 billion to 4.5 billion expected to follow in 2027.

Consensus sits around 20% above the 2028 EBITA target and roughly 10% above on free cash flow.

The targets, only set in February 2025, are effectively redundant before Rolls has had a chance to celebrate them.

12.24pm: Trump threatens 'much more powerful and obnoxious' tariffs

Donald Trump has threatened to use more "obnoxious" tariffs as he attacked the Supreme Court for ruling against his previous tariffs.

In a post on his Truth Social network, the US President said: "The supreme court (will be using lower case letters for a while based on a complete lack of respect!*) of the United States accidentally and unwittingly gave me, as President of the United States, far more powers and strength than I had prior to their ridiculous, dumb, and very internationally divisive ruling."

He goes on to say that he can use licenses "to do absolutely 'terrible' things to foreign countries, especially those countries that have been RIPPING US OFF for many decades".

Trump also says the court "has also approved all other tariffs, of which there are many, and they can all be used in a much more powerful and obnoxious way, with legal certainty, than the tariffs as initially used".

12.09pm: FTSE positive, US futures negative

The FTSE 100 is now inching upwards and has regained the 10,700 plateau.

JD Sports, precious metals and copper miners, plus China-tilted names like Burberry and Standard Chartered are topping the leaderboard.

On mainland Europe, the mood also seems to be more positive in the most part, with Germany's DAX the only main index still in the red.

US stock futures are also negative, with the Nasdaq indicated down 0.6%, S&P 500 futures down 0.4% and those for the Dow Jones down 0.3%.

Is the 'Sell America' trade back?

"The market reaction so far is mixed," says market analyst Kathleen Brooks, adding that the lower US stock futures "suggests that, at the margin, these new tariffs, are fueling the sell-America trade, and we could see more European outperformance vs US stocks in the coming weeks. This comes after European stocks easily outpaced their US counterparts last week."

The earlier sell-off in the dollar was far from a rout, but "is worth watching closely, and risk sentiment could be impacted as more details about the tariffs and how they will be implemented come out this week", she says.

"As we move to the last trading week of the month, US indices are trailing their European counterparts, after a bruising month, that has been categorized by broad US stock sell offs spurred by fears about the latest AI tools.

"The Nasdaq is still in the red for the year so far, as the US tech index is a major global underperformer."

For the Nasdaq, it is a bit of a repeat of 2025, when the index had its worst start to the year in two decades, but rebounded hard. Also, look back to 2022, the index sold off sharply and fell 33% for the full year, substantially underperformed the S&P 500 and other European indices but then blasted back over the following two years.

Looking ahead, today's economic data is factory orders and the Dallas Fed manufacturing index.

11.06am: Oil and energy risks 'elevated'

BP shares are up 0.9% and Shell 0.2%, with Brent crude oil futures down 0.7% at $71.25 a barrel, having at the end of last week topped $72 for the first time since last July.

UBS analyst Joshua Stone says energy markets are carrying elevated risk premiums as investors brace for potential US strikes on Iran.

Citing reports that President Trump is considering an initial military move, Stone notes the risk of disruption around the Strait of Hormuz, which handles about 20% of global oil and LNG supply.

However, he cautions that geopolitically-induced spikes are often short-lived, especially without lasting supply damage.

In the near term, the analyst and his colleagues like the look of producers with good upstream exposure (citing Equinor) but stress that prices can fade as quickly as they arrive and so continue to favour companies with stronger structural growth (highlighting TotalEnergies, Eni and Galp as preferred names to add on any dips).

10.12am: Movers

Some movers.

Empyrean Energy has jumped over 20% after telling investors it has finalised binding documents to settle historical cash call arrears tied to Indonesias Mako gas project, activating a previously announced farm-out structure.

Smiths News is down 5% after receiving a warning notice from the Pensions Regulator over the Tuffnells Parcels Express pension scheme, raising the possibility of a financial claim against the company.

Helix Exploration jumped 5% in early deals, moving back towards recent highs, after revealing that it has started producing helium gas at its Rudyard project in northern Montana, saying the move makes it the first helium gas producer in the state.

TomCo Energy dropped 35% impacted by expected new equity dilution, after it announced a renewed partnership to progress oil-sands opportunities in Utahs Uinta Basin.

9.50am: More tariff analysis

New US tariffs are "only smoke and mirrors" for other options, say ING's Carsten Brzeski and James Knightley.

"Given that the latest tariffs can also be legally challenged, they might just be a measure to buy some time for another tariff option: Section 301 of the 1974 law.

"This Section 301 addresses unfair trade practices or violations of trade agreements but requires more thorough investigations."

The bilateral deals agreed with several countries, such as the UK and Japan, are "not directly affected by the Supreme Court ruling".

"However, some deals  such as those with Switzerland or India  made explicit reference to the emergency tariffs, as the new tariff rates were framed as reductions from those emergency levels. As the legal reference tariff rate has now disappeared, these deals might have to be redrafted," the pair said.

In the case of the US-EU trade deal, "things are even more complicated", they add.

"The European Parliament suspended approval of the EUs commitments under the agreement when the Greenland conflict escalated. It now remains unclear whether the Parliament will push for a full renegotiation of the deal.

"That said, the US administration would likely rely on sectoral tariffs and Section 301 measures to pressure the EU to return to the negotiating table."

US macro outlook stays roughly unchanged, they believe, with rising import prices and the latest core goods CPI reading of 1.1% indicating that corporate America is bearing the bulk of the burden from tariff costs.

9.14am: FTSE 100 flattens off

The FTSE 100 is almost back to flat now, down less than one point.

It's mixed across on the Continent, with the DAX down 0.4% in Frankfurt, while the CAC 40 is almost flat in Paris, while the benchmarks in Milan and Madrid are both up 0.7%.

The Euro Stoxx 600 is down 0.1%, with Johnson Matthey and Novo Nordisk the biggest fallers.

Novo, which makes Wegovy and Ozempic, is down 15% after trial results for a new weight-loss treatment, CagriSema, showed it led to 23% weight loss after 84 weeks, below initial expectations of 25% weight loss.

Markets are eyeing a global trade landscape that is an "unholy mess, prompting far more questions than answers", according to market analyst Richard Hunter at Interactive Investor.

But he says the confusion "may yet have revived the 'sell America' trade," with Wall Street futures indicating lower.

"The initial market reaction to the ruling was positive, lifting the likes of Amazon and Home Depot who in theory could benefit from tariff refunds. However, as the weekend events unfolded, sentiment has turned and the current indication is that the main indices will reverse any such gains when trading resumes later."

There will be more for investors for ponder on the AI trade this week as Nvidia reports earnings, while today is the deadline for Paramount to make a best and final offer for Warner Bros Discovery, potentially derailing Netflixs $83 billion takeover deal.

8.41am: Fresnillo leads precious metals miners on the rise

Gold and silver miners are among the top risers, as precious metals prices have picked up on the back of the new tariff uncertainty.

Fresnillo shares are up 3.3% and Endeavour Mining 3.1% on the FTSE 100, while among mid-caps, Hochschild Mining has risen 3% and Pan African Resources 2.2%.

The price of gold rose to a three-month high above $5,170 an ounce in early morning trading, but has eased back to $5,125.

Silver was up 1.7% at $86/oz, having neared $88 in the early hours, at least a two-week high.

Copper prices spiked overnight, but were down in early European trading, though Antofagasta is up 1.4%, with Glencore and Anglo American shares also moving higher.

8.15am: FTSE 100 starts week lower, JMAT tumbles

The FTSE 100 has opened 16 points lower at just below 10,671.

Leading the fallers are a disparate mix of companies, including Whitbread, ICG, Mondi, LSEG, DCC, Polar Capital Tech Trust and BAE Systems.

Top of the risers is JD Sports, after announcing a new 200 million share buyback.

On the FTSE 250, Johnson Matthey is leading the fallers, down 12.7% after cutting the price and payout for the big catalysts disposal it announced last year.

7.51am: Johnson Matthey cuts price of catalyst sale

In company news, Johnson Matthey has cut the price it is selling its Catalyst Technologies (CT) division to Honeywell and agreed to extend the deadline, saying it plans to return around 1 billion to shareholders compared to 1.4 billion before.

The chemicals group said it has lowered the price to reflect the deferral of key licensing projects and reduced profitability from supplying catalysts because of what it described as a challenging market environment.

As a result, the agreed enterprise value of the business has been set at 1.325 billion on a cash and debt-free basis, down from 1.8 billion when the sale was agreed last May.

7.27am: Tariff analysis

The new tariff situation "leaves a substantial amount of uncertainty, even if markets initially welcomed the perceived clarity of 'only' a 10% tariff on Friday", says Jim Reid, macro strategist at Deustsche Bank.

Trump's new 15% tariff under Section 122 can only remain in place for 150 days, he notes, meaning Congressional approval would be required by late July to extend it.

"That raises a key political question: will a small number of Republicans in either chamber be reluctant to support what could be framed as an extension of a consumer tax hike just three and a half months before the mid term elections?

"At that point, the administration faces a binary choice: try to secure an extension or allow the tariff to lapse. The latter appears the more likely outcome."

The White House could pivot to other legal authorities to re-establish a more durable tariff regime, which Reid says the groundwork for such moves has almost certainly been laid and are also vulnerable to legal challenges.

Over the weekend, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer suggested yesterday that trade deals already agreed with other countries will remain in place.

"It will be interesting to see if the assurances from the likes of Greer ease concerns of those who have already agreed deals," says Reid.

An emergency European Parliament trade committee meeting is taking place today, with chair Bernd Lange saying: "Nobody can make sense of it anymore  only unanswered questions and growing uncertainty for the EU and other US trading partners.".

7.20am: FTSE 100 set to start week higher with tariffs in focus

The FTSE 100 is expected to start the week on the back foot as traders chew over the US government's fast-evolving tariff situation and a fall in UK job vacancies.

London's blue-chip index has been called 13 points lower, after it added over 240 points last week to finish at 10,686.89.

Wall Street stocks also had a positive week overall, ending on the front foot after the US Supreme Court ruled that Donald Trumps broad-based tariffs were unconstitutional.

The White House immediately responded with plans for a 10% global tariff under new rules, increasing this to 15% on Saturday, the maximum tariff that can be imposed using the 'Section 122' authority, which only lasts until mid-July.

Chinas Commerce Ministry urged the US to cancel tariffs as they are "are not in the interests of any party" and "fighting is harmful".

Back in the UK, the number of job vacancy adverts have been revealed to have fallen 3% last month to the lowest level since 2021, according to the job site Adzuna, the first time below 700,000 in five years.

Asian markets are mixed this morning, with Japan's Nikkei and the Shanghai Composite indices both down over 1%, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng shoots 2.2% higher and India's Sensex is up 0.4%.
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Jamie Ashcroft, the News Editor for Proactive UK, has developed an impressive career in financial journalism, focusing on the small-cap sector for over fourteen years. Before joining the Proactive team, he was a stockbroker during the global financial crisis, a role that complemented his educational background - a first-class degree in Business and Economics and qualifications in software design and development. As one of the early external hires at Proactive in 2009, Jamie contributed... Read more

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Proactive financial news and online broadcast teams provide fast, accessible, informative and actionable business and finance news content to a global investment audience. All our content is produced independently by our experienced and qualified teams of news journalists.

Proactive news team spans the worlds key finance and investing hubs with bureaus and studios in London, New York, Toronto, Vancouver, Sydney and Perth.

We are experts in medium and small-cap markets, we also keep our community up to date with blue-chip companies, commodities and broader investment stories. This is content that excites and engages motivated private investors.

The team delivers news and unique insights across the market including but not confined to: biotech and pharma, mining and natural resources, battery metals, oil and gas, crypto and emerging digital and EV technologies.

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About this content 

About Emily Jarvie

Emily began her career as a political journalist for Australian Community Media in Hobart, Tasmania. After she relocated to Toronto, Canada, she reported on business, legal, and scientific developments in the emerging psychedelics sector before joining Proactive in 2022. She brings a strong journalism background with her work featured in newspapers, magazines, and digital publications across Australia, Europe, and North America, including The Examiner, The Advocate, The Canberra Times, and... Read more

About the publisher

Proactive financial news and online broadcast teams provide fast, accessible, informative and actionable business and finance news content to a global investment audience. All our content is produced independently by our experienced and qualified teams of news journalists.

Proactive news team spans the worlds key finance and investing hubs with bureaus and studios in London, New York, Toronto, Vancouver, Sydney and Perth.

We are experts in medium and small-cap markets, we also keep our community up to date with blue-chip companies, commodities and broader investment stories. This is content that excites and engages motivated private investors.

The team delivers news and unique insights across the market including but not confined to: biotech and pharma, mining and natural resources, battery metals, oil and gas, crypto and emerging digital and EV technologies.

Use of technology

Proactive has always been a forward looking and enthusiastic technology adopter.

Our human content creators are equipped with many decades of valuable expertise and experience. The team also has access to and use technologies to assist and enhance workflows.

Proactive will on occasion use automation and software tools, including generative AI. Nevertheless, all content published by Proactive is edited and authored by humans, in line with best practice in regard to content production and search engine optimisation.
NOUAKCHOTT, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- Mauritania on Sunday condemned remarks by U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee regarding potential Israeli control over the entire Middle East, describing them as contrary to the principles of international law and the United Nations Charter, according to a statement issued by the country's foreign ministry.

In a statement, the Mauritanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Mauritanians Abroad reaffirmed that the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip are occupied Palestinian territories in accordance with international law and relevant UN resolutions, adding that any attempt to impose a reality contrary to international law in these territories is rejected and considered "null and void."

Mauritania also reiterated its firm support for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the June 4, 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.

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. 
If you were looking for the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee website and ended up here, try this





Got news tips, gossip, suggestions, complaints?E-mail us: progressivecharlestown@gmail.com We strive to avoid errors in our articles. Our correction policy can be found here
New Delhi, Feb 23 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that India will observe 'Rajaji Utsav' at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Monday with the unveiling of a statue of the first Indian Governor General of Independent India, C. Rajagopalachari in the Central Courtyard of the presidential estate.

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.

"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.
Cairo, Feb 23 : The United States and Iran have decided to continue negotiations, even as their starkly different visions of a nuclear deal and a significant US military buildup highlight the fragility of the process and the ongoing risk of confrontation.

Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi said on Sunday that the next round of US-Iran talks will take place on Thursday in Geneva.

"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," the minister said on social media platform X.

In a phone call on Sunday, Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi and Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Grossi stressed the importance of "constructive engagement and using the path of dialogue" to achieve a sustainable nuclear agreement, Xinhua news agency reported quoting Iran's official news agency IRNA.

This followed Araghchi's remarks on Friday in an interview with the US media outlet MSNBC that Tehran will prepare the draft of a possible nuclear deal with the United States within two to three days and submit it to the US delegation.

In a CBS News interview broadcast on Sunday, Araghchi reiterated Tehran's willingness to resolve its differences with Washington through negotiations.

Araghchi said he may meet with US President Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff on Thursday in Geneva, noting that it is still possible to find a diplomatic solution between Tehran and Washington.

He said the two sides are working on elements of a potential deal, and may discuss a preliminary draft for the deal on Thursday.

Araghchi said the deal should include Iran's "peaceful nuclear program" as well as lifting US sanctions against Iran, reaffirming Tehran's resolve to secure its right to uranium enrichment under the national nuclear program.

He added that Iran and the United States can reach a nuclear deal better than the one signed between Tehran and world powers in 2015, noting unlike the previous negotiations, where the involved parties went into so many details, "this time, there is no need for that many details, and we can agree on basic things and make sure that Iran's nuclear program is peaceful and would remain peaceful forever and, at the same time, more sanctions would be lifted."

He also stressed that Tehran has right to self-defense if the United States attacks Iran. "We have to hit, you know, the American base in the region."

Also on Sunday, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said recent negotiations with the United States have "yielded encouraging signals," while cautioning that Iran is prepared for "any potential scenario."

"Iran is committed to peace and stability in the region. Recent negotiations involved the exchange of practical proposals and yielded encouraging signals. However, we continue to closely monitor US actions and have made all necessary preparations for any potential scenario," Pezeshkian said in a post on social media.

A senior Iranian official has told Reuters that significant differences remain between the two sides, even over the "scope and mechanism of sanctions relief."

"Both sides need to reach a logical timetable for lifting sanctions," said the unnamed official, adding that any roadmap must be "reasonable and based on mutual interests."

Washington has said that any deal with Iran must include a ban on uranium enrichment, the removal of its enriched material, limits on long-range missiles, and a rollback of support for regional proxies. But analysts have said such conditions would be "very difficult" for Iran to accept.

The diplomatic maneuvers occurred against a backdrop of escalating US military pressure. Media reports said the United States had 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.

Located about 100 km northeast of Amman, the capital of Jordan, Muwaffaq Salti is considered one of the main US military bases in the Middle East. At other US military bases in the region, there have also been reports of significant military build-ups.

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 held in Muscat on February 6 and the second in Geneva on February 17.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Seoul, Feb 23 : South Korea will continue holding "amicable" consultations with the United States on tariff issues to safeguard the favourable export conditions secured through its bilateral trade deal with the US, Seoul's industry minister said on Monday.

Kim Jung-kwan, minister of trade, industry and resources, also vowed continued support for local businesses to boost their global competitiveness amid trade uncertainties, reports Yonhap news agency.

"Under the principle of maximising national interest, the government will continue close communications and pursue amicable consultations to ensure that the balance of benefits and favourable export conditions secured through the Korea-U.S. tariff agreement are not undermined," he said, according to the ministry.

Kim made the remarks in a meeting with local business representatives to discuss Seoul's strategy after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down U.S. President Donald Trump's use of the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to justify duties on South Korea and other trading partners, including "reciprocal" tariffs.

Following the ruling, Trump announced a new temporary global tariff of 15 percent and vowed to issue "new and legally permissible" duties to replace the nullified reciprocal tariffs.

Kim said the U.S. administration is expected to "aggressively" push for alternative measures to continue its sweeping tariff policies, such as Sections 122 and 301 of the Trade Act, noting that global trade uncertainties will likely further increase.

The Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 allows the U.S. president to address certain fundamental international payment problems through surcharges and other special import restrictions while Section 301 of the same act empowers the office of the U.S. Trade Representative to investigate unfair trade practices by foreign countries and take actions, such as imposing tariffs.

Regarding the possibility that Korea may be included in Washington's probe under Section 301, Kim said, "We are not making any assumptions," but insisted the country must carefully manage various trade issues to ensure that it is not subject to such measures.

"We will steadfastly push for policies to strengthen the competitiveness of our companies and diversify exports in response to possible changes in export conditions, while collaborating with related agencies and industry associations to provide timely information on tariff refunds to companies to help them address uncertainties related to the issue," Kim said.

After the meeting, Kim told reporters that the government is continuing its preliminary review into Korea's potential investment projects in the U.S. regardless of the Supreme Court ruling.

Earlier this month, the government launched a committee to begin the preliminary review process as Trump threatened to raise reciprocal tariffs and auto duties on Korea back to 25 percent, citing a delay in Seoul's legislative process to implement the bilateral trade deal finalised last year.

a"IANS

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Seoul, Feb 23 : South Korea's exports expanded 23.5 per cent from a year earlier in the first 20 days of this month, driven by strong demand for semiconductors, data showed on Monday.

Outbound shipments reached $43.5 billion in the February 1-20 period, compared with $35.2 billion tallied over the same period last year, according to the data from the Korea Customs Service, reports Yonhap news agency.

The figure marks the highest level for the period as semiconductor exports more than doubled amid a boom fuelled by growing demand for artificial intelligence (AI).

Imports increased 11.7 percent on-year to $38.6 billion during the period, resulting in a trade surplus of $4.9 billion, the data showed.

The daily average volume of exports spiked 47.3 percent on-year as the number of working days during the period went down by 2.5 days from a year earlier to 13 days.

By item, exports of semiconductors surged 134.1 percent to $15.1 billion, the data showed.

Chip exports accounted for 34.7 percent of the country's total exports over the cited period, up 16.4 percentage points from the same period last year.

Exports of petroleum products went up 10.5 percent on-year to $2.9 billion, and shipments of vessels soared 22.7 percent to $1.3 billion.

Automobile exports, on the other hand, dipped 26.6 percent on-year to $2.6 billion.

By destination, exports to China, South Korea's top trading partner, surged 30.8 percent on-year to $8.7 billion.

Shipments to the United States jumped 21.9 percent to $8 billion despite the tariff scheme by U.S. President Donald Trump's administration, said the report.

In January, exports grew 33.9 percent from a year earlier to $65.85 billion, also on strong demand for semiconductors, the data showed.

a"IANS

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HANOI, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- Vietnam's Ministry of Public Security has proposed establishing a national database center for the prevention and control of fake news and false information, local newspaper Tuoi Tre (Youth) reported Monday.

The draft decree defines fake news as completely fabricated information, while false information refers to content that is partially untrue.

The center is expected to receive reports, complaints and denunciations related to fake and false information, publicly announce and warn of verified cases, and provide guidance and clarification to the public.

The proposed center will be tasked with coordinating data sharing and the labeling of fake or false information among ministries, agencies and local authorities to ensure nationwide consistency.

The ministry has proposed applying the maximum fines stipulated under the Law on Handling Administrative Violations, with penalties of up to 100 million Vietnamese dong (about 3,850 U.S. dollars) for individuals and 200 million Vietnamese dong (about 7,700 dollars) for organizations violating regulations on fake and false information. 
Chennai, Feb 23 : Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin will visit Kanyakumari district on Tuesday (February 24) to participate in a series of official programmes and inaugurate key development projects.

According to a statement issued by R. Mahesh, Kanyakumari East District DMK Secretary and Mayor of Nagercoil Corporation, the Chief Minister will depart from Chennai by a private flight at 10 a.m. and arrive at Thoothukudi airport.

From there, he will travel by road to the Kanyakumari district. At 11 a.m., a grand reception will be accorded to the Chief Minister at the Mahadhanapuram four-lane road roundabout in Agastheeswaram Town Panchayat. The reception will be organised by the DMKas Kanyakumari East district unit under the leadership of R. Mahesh.

At noon, CM Stalin will inaugurate the Silver Jubilee Memorial Arch constructed for Rs 1.45 crore near the Government Guest House in Kanyakumari to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Thiruvalluvar statue. The memorial arch has been built as part of efforts to enhance the tourism and cultural significance of the iconic landmark.

Later in the evening, at 5.30 p.m., the Chief Minister will inaugurate a statue of M. Karunanidhi along with an exhibition of memorabilia related to CM Stalin at Kalladivilai in Nagercoil. At 6.30 p.m., he will unveil a statue of Ponnappa Nadar at the S.C.P. Ramasamy Iyer Memorial Park complex located at Neppamoodu Junction in Nagercoil.

The Chief Minister will stay overnight at the Government Guest House in Nagercoil. On Wednesday (February 25), CM Stalin will attend a major government function at 9 a.m. at the Concordia School Ground in Nagercoil.

During the event, he is scheduled to inaugurate completed development projects and lay the foundation stones for several new initiatives implemented under various state welfare schemes.

Following the programme, the Chief Minister will travel by road to Thoothukudi airport and depart for Chennai by flight at 12.30 p.m. The district unit has called upon party functionaries at all levels -- including state and district executives, general council members, city, union, town, area, and branch secretaries -- to participate in all the programmes during the Chief Ministeras visit.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Mumbai, Feb 23 : The Shiv Sena Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray (UBT) on Monday strongly criticised the Mahayuti government, likening their political conduct to the hubris of the antagonist Duryodhana from the Mahabharata.

The Thackeray camp, in an editorial titled "Duryodhanaas Ego: No Need for a Leader of the Opposition!" in the party's mouthpiece, 'Saamana', claimed that there has been a democratic erosion caused by individual ego. It paints a picture of a ruling establishment that views the role of Leader of Opposition (LoP) not as a constitutional necessity, but as an annoyance to be eliminated.

The editorial coincides with the commencement of the stateas Budget Session, which is notably starting without a designated LoP in the Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council.

Drawing a historical parallel, the editorial said that just as Duryodhana refused to grant the Pandavas even a "needlepoint of land", the current administration is unwilling to concede any constitutional space to the opposition. It characterises this as the "pinnacle of ego".

The party questioned the sanctity of the legislature in the editorial, asking whether the temple of democracy is being converted into a "private firm for the rulers". It asserts that the LoP is not just a party representative but the "voice of the public" essential for holding the government accountable.

The editorial focused on recent parliamentary friction surrounding the Speaker of the Lok Sabha and the oppositionas attempts to move a no-confidence resolution. It claimed that the government is actively trying to "isolate" the Congress party by weaning away smaller allies, effectively trying to break the INDIA bloc from within.

The Thackeray camp accused the Mahayuti government of trying to evade accountability by sidelining the opposition. It referred to the recent "clean chits" given to political figures (specifically Parth Pawar and Ajit Pawar) and questioned the transparency regarding high-profile incidents. It pointed towards structural issues in the Metro projects and alleged mismanagement within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), suggesting that without a strong LoP, these "black deeds" go unchallenged.

By delaying local body elections and appointing administrators over municipal corporations, the editorial claimed the state is transitioning toward a "dictatorship".

The editorial firmly backed the Maha Vikas Aghadias (MVA) decision to boycott the customary tea invitation hosted by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday. aIt is better to raise a voice against the government's black deeds than to drink their 'black tea'," the editorial said, echoing a sentiment shared by Shiv Sena(UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray.

The editorial concluded with a grim historical reminder, stating that "ego is the root of destruction". It warned the ruling alliance that history remembers the eventual downfall of Duryodhana, suggesting that running a legislature without an opposition leader is equivalent to "the murder of democracy".
New Delhi, Feb 23 : Army Public School in Dhaula Kuan, Delhi, has reportedly received a bomb threat via email on Monday, prompting authorities to launch an investigation.

Delhi Fire Services (DFS) and police teams have been deployed at the school, and more details are awaited as precautionary measures continue.

Earlier on Thursday, three other schools in Delhi -- CRPF Public School in Rohini, St. Thomas School in Dwarka, and DAV Centenary Public School in Paschim Enclave -- also received bomb threat emails in the morning, leading to immediate evacuations and searches by multiple agencies. Police have since declared those threats a hoax.

"We received information about bomb threat e-mails sent to three schools in Dwarka and the Paschim Enclave area. Fire tenders and rescue teams were immediately rushed to the locations as a precautionary measure. Nothing suspicious has been found as of now," a DFS officer said.

Police confirmed that bomb disposal squads, dog squads, and local police personnel were deployed to the schools shortly after the threats were reported. As a precaution, students and staff were evacuated while thorough searches were conducted. No suspicious objects were detected during initial checks, though detailed sanitisation of the campuses is ongoing.

Authorities also noted that the investigation into the Army Public School threat is ongoing, with cyber teams examining the emails to determine their source and authenticity. "We are also verifying whether similar threats were sent to other institutions," a police officer added.

The recent threats are part of a growing trend in Delhi-NCR. Last year, more than 500 such cases were reported, and in the last two weeks alone, at least four bomb threat emails have targeted schools in the region. Police have urged school authorities to remain vigilant and ensure that all precautionary measures are strictly followed.

Further investigation into the Army Public School incident is ongoing, with authorities working to trace the origin of the email and ensure the safety of students and staff.

Parents and the public have been advised to stay calm while security checks and sanitisation procedures continue.
New Delhi, Feb 23 : Apple's iPhone became the most valuable export item from India in 2025 with around $23 billion worth of devices shipped from domestic factories in the country, mostly to the United States, according to industry data.

This surge in Apple exports was driven by production incentives such as the production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme and diversification from Chinese suppliers, said industry players.

Smartphones were India's top export category for the first time, surpassing automotive diesel fuel, with a total $30.13 billion worth of exports in the January-December period. Apple accounted for 76 per cent of total smartphone exports. Apple's fiveyear PLI window is scheduled to end in March 2026.

Apple's manufacturing footprint in the country includes five iPhone assembly plants  three operated by Tata Group entities and two by Foxconn  supported by a supply chain of around 45 companies, including many MSMEs supplying components for domestic and global operations.

India became the world's second-largest mobile phone producer, with more than 99 per cent of phones sold domestically now Made in India moves up the manufacturing value chain.

The Indian consumers' smartphone buying patterns also showed a marked shift moving away from the traditional budgetsegment dominance, as Apple's iPhone 16 base variant emerged as the topselling smartphone model in 2025, a report from Counterpoint Research said recently.

For the December quarter, Apple set all-time revenue records in the Americas, Europe, Japan, and the rest of Asia Pacific.

"We continued to gain momentum in emerging markets, which includes India, where we saw strong double-digit revenue growth," said Apple CEO Tim Cook during the earnings call recently.

The company is set to open another store in Mumbai on February 26.

The Apple CEO said they did set a quarterly revenue record during the December quarter in India.

"India is the second-largest smartphone market in the world and the fourth largest PC market," he said, adding that the company "set quarterly revenue records on iPhone and Mac and iPad, and an all-time revenue record on services".

IANS

aar/na
Bengaluru, Feb 23 : Targeting the Congress-led government for allegedly encouraging the tanker mafia by showing no interest in repairing borewells, Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Karnataka Assembly R. Ashoka on Monday said the state administration was backing the water tanker mafia in Bengaluru.

Speaking in Bengaluru on Monday, Ashoka stated, "No better example is needed than this to show how Congress-led Karnataka has joined hands with the tanker mafia. To benefit the tanker mafia, the Chief Minister Siddaramaiah government is showing no interest in repairing borewells."

By failing to undertake borewell repairs and pushing people into hardship -- especially by creating such distress over water -- the Congress government has stooped to the shameful level of making money off the suffering of the public, he stated.

"Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, you have alleged in the national media that 50 per cent of Bengaluru's people are dishonest and do not follow the law. First, ask your own conscience how honest you are. Why have borewells not been repaired for the past two years? How much commission is being received from the tanker mafia for this? What is the share of the Congress party high command in this?" Ashoka questioned.

It may be noted that as summer sets in, the water demand has been rising in parts of Bengaluru, and many residents have expressed their displeasure with the Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB). According to official data, there are 15,761 public borewells, and more than four lakh borewells are owned by private parties.

Targeting state government over handling of finances, Ashoka stated that several corporations "do not have even a penny in funding", and some corporations have been given nothing more than token amounts.

"Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who chants 'AHINDA' whenever his chair is under threat, has achieved nothing in the past three years except starving development corporations meant for Scheduled Castes and backward communities of funds," Ashoka said.

"Respected CM Siddaramaiah, is this your idea of social justice? Is this the concern you claim to have for the poor, Scheduled Castes and backward communities? The people will teach a fitting lesson in the coming days to Congress-led Karnataka, which came to power in the name of AHINDA after betraying the trust of the people," Ashoka criticised.

--IANS

mka/dpb

-- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed
Jaipur, Feb 23 : The proceedings of the Budget Session of the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly on Monday will be quite interesting, as the opposition Congress has prepared to intensify its strategy against the ruling government.

It is holding a meeting in Vidhan Sabha, which started at 10 a.m., where the strategy is being discussed.

In the wake of a major controversy that erupted on Saturday over Assembly procedures, the Congress has called this high-level Legislature Party meeting to chalk out its next course of action. The meeting is focused on refining the party's strategy to corner the Bhajanlal Sharma-led government during the House proceedings. Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot is also attending this meeting.

The opposition aims to escalate its protest over what it claims are procedural violations and deviations from agreed Assembly norms.

The fifth session of the 16th Rajasthan Legislative Assembly has been embroiled in controversy following disagreements over the discussion agenda.

Opposition Whip Rafiq Khan, speaking to IANS, accused the government of discrepancies between decisions taken in the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) meeting and the report presented in the House.

He told IANS that the government violated Assembly rules by tabling a proposal focused only on the government's two-year achievements instead of a comparative discussion on the BJP government's two years versus the Congress government's five-year tenure, as earlier discussed.

"The government flouted Assembly rules and procedures. The agenda and proposal were changed, which is against parliamentary norms," Khan said, citing Rule 263 to support his argument.

Meanwhile, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Jogaram Patel has rejected the allegations, calling the opposition's protest baseless and politically motivated.

He stated that the proposal was finalised unanimously in the BAC meeting and subsequently approved by the House.

Patel also alleged internal differences within the Congress, claiming that the party leadership did not want the Leader of Opposition to speak in the Assembly.

With both sides sticking to their positions, Monday's proceedings are likely to witness heated debates and disruptions. The controversy over procedural compliance and political messaging is expected to dominate the Assembly's functioning, with Congress planning aggressive tactics to challenge the government.
Kolkata, Feb 23 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday issued a statement mourning the death of Mukul Roy, a senior politician from West Bengal, who had served with both the Trinamool Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

The Prime Minister, while sharing a condolence message this morning on his official X handle, also shared an old picture of himself with Roy, during the latter's stint with the BJP from 2017 to 2021.

"Pained by the passing of former Union Minister Shri Mukul Roy Ji. He will be remembered for his political experience and efforts to serve society. Condolences to his family and supporters. Om Shanti," the Prime Minister said in his social media message.

Trinamool Congress' general secretary and Lok Sabha member, Abhishek Banerjee, issued a condolence message acknowledging Roy's contribution as a founding pillar of Trinamool Congress.

"The demise of Mukul Roy marks the end of an era in Bengal's political history. A veteran leader with vast experience. His contributions helped shape an important phase of the state's public and political journey. As a founding pillar of the All India Trinamool Congress, he was instrumental in expanding and consolidating the organisation during its formative years. His dedication to public life will be recalled with admiration. I extend my sincere sympathies to his family, friends, and admirers. May his soul be granted eternal peace," Abhishek Banerjee said.

Similarly, the Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, who was also, like Roy, once an important leader in Trinamool Congress, first as a Lok Sabha member and then as a party legislator and a heavyweight member of the West Bengal cabinet, also issued a statement mourning the death of Roy.

"Deeply disheartened to learn about the sad demise of Senior Politician, Shri Mukul Roy. My sincere condolences to his family. Praying that his soul attains eternal peace. Om Shanti," Adhikari said in his social media message.

Youth CPI(M) leader and the party's state committee member in West Bengal, Satarup Ghosh, has also issued a condolence message, reminding that Roy had the honesty to acknowledge once that in West Bengal, Trinamool Congress and BJP were two sides of the same coin.

Senior politician Mukul Roy, a former Union Railway Minister, died early Monday morning at a private hospital in Kolkata. He was 73.

Roy breathed his last a little after 1.30 a.m. on Monday, confirmed his son, Subhranshu Roy. He was under treatment for quite some time because of several medical complications, and he was not even responding to the treatment, according to his close associates.

Roy was once the second-in-command in Trinamool Congress as the party's general secretary and the closest confidant of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. He was among the first nine leaders who approached the Election Commission of India (ECI) to form a new political party -- Trinamool Congress -- in the late nineties, which Mamata Banerjee founded after she parted ways with Congress.

-- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed
Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 23 : When the Kerala Legislative Assembly session on Monday resumed after a brief break, the Congress-led Opposition once again staged a protest, raising the issue of the alleged gold theft at Sabarimala.

With Leader of the Opposition, V.D. Satheesan, away on a tour, Deputy Leader K. Babu initiated the protest.

The Opposition pointed to the collective bail granted to the accused in the gold theft case and echoed the claims made by the temple's Tantri (chief priest).

The Opposition argued that the Tantri was arrested because he did not cooperate in what they termed a violation of temple rituals.

Alleging that the action was unjustified, they boycotted the Assembly proceedings.

Declaring non-cooperation, Opposition members trooped into the Well of the House and raised slogans, disrupting the early proceedings of the day.

Speaker A.N. Shamseer decided to run through the listed business of the day in a flash and adjourned the House for the day.

Outside the Assembly, senior legislator Ramesh Chennithala accused the Pinarayi Vijayan government of a "callous attitude", alleging that it had enabled the accused in the Sabarimala gold theft case to secure bail one after another.

He claimed that even the apex court had exercised caution in granting bail, but the manner in which the probe was progressing suggested interference.

The chargesheet had not been filed and prosecution sanction to be issued by the Home Department under the Chief Minister was being delayed, resulting in the accused obtaining bail, he alleged.

Responding for the government, Law Minister P. Rajeev said the Opposition's criticism was effectively directed against the High Court, which is supervising the SIT probe.

The government had no role in the investigation, he maintained, adding that no report was being submitted to the State and that whether the Tantri was a complainant or an accused did not concern the government.

He described the Congress stand as dangerous for secular Kerala and alleged it was aimed at facilitating a BJP campaign.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister M.B. Rajesh questioned whether the Tantri enjoyed any special privilege and accused both the Congress and the BJP of backing him for political reasons.

Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal added that the Congress appeared anxious that the SIT probe might reach "10 Janpath", triggering fresh protests.

Amid the escalating exchanges, ruling members raised posters carrying a "Sonia and prime accused Unnikrishnan Potti" image.

The Speaker continued with Question Hour despite the uproar, after which the entire Opposition walked out of the House.

With Assembly elections round the corner, indications have come that the House will end its ongoing session originally scheduled till the third week of March and it might be curtailed with the customary photo session on Tuesday.
Jodhpur, Feb 23 : The compounder who was arrested in connection with the death of Sadhvi Prem Baisa, was released by the police the same day. The accused compounder, Devi Singh Rajpurohit was held for administering the injections to the Sadhvi, after which her condition reportedly worsened. She died soon after being rushed to hospital.

Devi Singh Rajpurohit, was later released on bail on February 19 as the case falls under bailable sections of the law.

According to police sources, a case of rash and negligent medical conduct was registered against the compounder at Boranada Police Station on February 16, nearly 20 days after the Sadhvias death.

Following the registration of the case, Devi Singh Rajpurohit was arrested on February 19 and released after furnishing a bail bond.

The information about his arrest and release came to light on Sunday. DCP West Vineet Bansal confirmed that the charges were bailable and said the arrest and release were carried out in accordance with legal procedures. If the allegations are proven, the compounder could face a punishment of up to two years in prison.

Sadhvi Prem Baisa died on January 28 at her Aarti Nagar ashram in the Boranada area of Jodhpur. According to family members, she was suffering from cold symptoms and breathing difficulties, following which compounder Devi Singh Rajpurohit was called for treatment.

Devi Singh Rajpurohit administered two injections, after which her condition reportedly worsened. She was rushed to Preksha Hospital on Pal Road, where doctors declared her dead after examination.

Her father, Veeram Nath, later brought the body back to the ashram. After police intervention, the body was shifted to the Mahatma Gandhi Hospital mortuary, and a postmortem was conducted on January 29.

The body was handed over to the family the same evening, and the Sadhvi was buried on January 30 in Pareu village, Barmer.

Viscera samples were sent for forensic testing on February 2, and the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) completed its investigation within 11 days.

Based on the postmortem and FSL reports, police sought expert medical opinions to determine the cause of death.

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) questioned the Sadhvias father, social media staff, cook, compounder, and hospital staff as part of the probe.

Jodhpur Police Commissioner Om Prakash stated that the primary cause of death was cardiopulmonary arrest due to a severe lung condition.

However, the investigation also found that the compounder allegedly ignored medical protocols during treatment, indicating possible negligence.

Police officials said the compounderas actions during treatment violated established medical procedures, leading to the registration of a negligence case.

The investigation is ongoing, and further legal action will depend on court proceedings and expert medical opinions.
New Delhi, Feb 23 : BJP National Spokesperson Syed Shahnawaz Hussain on Monday commented on Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar's statement suggesting that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee should lead the INDIA bloc that is comprised of Opposition parties, saying that Aiyar himself is more capable than CM Banerjee.

"Mani Shankar Aiyar is more capable than Mamata Banerjee, as he is more educated, has served as an IFS officer, and has been in Parliament for a long time. The Indian National Congress, as well as the INDI alliance, need strong leadership. Making Mani Shankar Aiyar the chief of the bloc would be a better option," Hussain told IANS.

The remarks follow Mani Shankar Aiyar's statement in Kolkata advising Congress President Rahul Gandhi to step aside and let regional party leaders take the lead in the INDIA Bloc.

Speaking to reporters, Aiyar said, "Mamata Banerjee is the leader of this alliance. Along with her, there are two or four others who can achieve this position. I hope that instead of trying to remain in this position, which belongs to smaller parties  be it Stalin, Mamata Didi, Akhilesh, Tejashwi, or someone else  Rahul Gandhi should let them handle it."

CPI leader D. Raja described Aiyar's statement as the opinion of an individual, adding, "Even some journalists keep writing on that issue. Even today, there is a write-up that Mamata could be a face like that. There are many views coming out. It shows INDI alliance should function with cohesiveness and proper coordination. One should take note of these comments."

BJP spokesperson Pratul Shah Deo also weighed in, highlighting Congress' declining influence in Bengal.

"Mamata Banerjee has distanced herself from the Indian National Congress. If you look at the previous elections, Congress could not even open its account in West Bengal; perhaps it managed one seat in a bye-election. There was a time when the Congress ruled West Bengal for a long period, but that is now history. Today, Congress struggles to win even one or two seats and has been reduced to a fringe player with barely two to three per cent vote share," he said.

The debate comes ahead of the Assembly polls in Bengal, intensifying discussions on leadership within the INDIA Bloc, coalition dynamics, and strategies to counter the BJP in regional states.
PHNOM PENH, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- The National Bank of Cambodia (NBC), also known as the central bank, on Monday halted the operations of the Panda Commercial Bank for its worsening financial situation.

The NBC said in a public notice that prudential supervision found that the bank's financial condition has deteriorated, which will lead to the inability to provide banking services.

"In this regard, the NBC has decided to appoint Morisonkak MKA Audit-Accounting Co., Ltd. as the provisional administrator and liquidator of the Panda Commercial Bank," the notice said.

"During this period, Panda Commercial Bank is suspended from providing any new banking services, including accepting deposits and granting loans," it added.

The notice said the Morisonkak MKA Audit-Accounting Co., Ltd. has the right to manage and control all operations and assets of the Panda Commercial Bank from the date of this announcement onwards.

According to the notice, customers who have deposited at the bank must prepare documents to withdraw their deposits, while those who have borrowed money from the bank must continue to fulfill their obligations as usual.

The Panda Commercial Bank received a commercial bank license in 2019, the notice said, adding that it has the current assets of approximately 776 million U.S. dollars, loans of about 536 million dollars, and deposits of roughly 502 million dollars.

The bank accounted for 0.77 percent of Cambodia's banking system by the end of 2025.

According to the NBC, by the end of 2025, the Southeast Asian country has 59 commercial banks, 89 microfinance institutions, seven specialized banks, and 89 rural credit institutions, with 30.6 million deposit accounts and 4.5 million credit accounts. 
New Delhi, Feb 23 : Reacting to the attack on ABVP students at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Union Minister Giriraj Singh on Monday slammed the developments, stating that JNU has become a hub of urban Naxalism and that successive governments, including those led by the Indian National Congress and Left parties, have nurtured it for years.

Speaking to IANS, Giriraj Singh alleged, "I would say that Jawaharlal Nehru University has become a hub of urban Naxalism, and for years, successive governments, including those led by the Indian National Congress and Left parties, have nurtured it. The kind of activities taking place there are similar to those associated with urban Naxals."

JD(U) spokesperson Neeraj Kumar said, "Jawaharlal Nehru University is our heritage, and it is unfortunate if political conflicts enter this legacy. An atmosphere of mutual understanding should be sincerely maintained. Ideological disagreements may exist, but clashes are the responsibility of the JNU administration, and it must ensure control."

JD(U) national spokesperson Rajeev Ranjan Prasad said, "This is now a matter of law and order, and the Delhi Police is taking all necessary steps."

Violence broke out at Delhi's JNU campus late on Monday night when a protest rally turned violent with students on either side of the ideological divide accusing each other of being the aggressor.

The Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union (JNUSU) had called for an 'Equality March', demanding the resignation of Vice-Chancellor Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit for her alleged "casteist" remarks made in a podcast on February 16.

The Union also objected to her podcast comments regarding UGC regulations, Dalits, and affirmative action. Additionally, they had sought the revocation of a rustication order against four student body office-bearers over alleged vandalism of university property during a protest.

Protesters alleged the administration did not engage with the march and instead allowed the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), the student wing affiliated with the BJP, members to confront them.

However, the ABVP rejected the allegations and accused Left-backed organisations of provoking clashes and spreading misinformation about the incident.

Left-backed groups, including the All India Students' Association (AISA), claimed ABVP members threw stones at the JNUSU encampment and attacked "unarmed students," leaving several injured.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Seoul, Feb 23 : A senior US diplomat who is known as a close aide to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Michael Needham, is visiting South Korea to discuss ways to strengthen the Seoul-Washington alliance and security issues, the US Embassy in Seoul said Monday.

The visit by Needham, counsellor of the US State Department, came as South Korea is seeking to implement last year's summit agreements that include Seoul's USD 350 billion investment pledge under a trade deal clinched between the allies.

Needham is visiting South Korea "for discussions with ROK partners on strengthening the ironclad US-South Korea Alliance and advancing our shared commitment to prosperity and security in the Indo-Pacific," the US Embassy said on the social media platform X, without disclosing other details of his itinerary, Yonhap News Agency reported.

ROK is the acronym of South Korea's official name, the Republic of Korea.

Earlier in the day, Needham had breakfast with Foreign Minister Cho Hyun and exchanged views about the implementation of a joint fact sheet that Seoul and Washington released in November outlining agreements in the security and trade sectors, according to diplomatic sources.

He also met with Deputy Foreign Minister Chung Eui-hae to discuss Seoul's efforts to swiftly implement the joint summit agreements, they said.

Needham previously served as chief of staff to Rubio when the top US diplomat was a senator. In 2025, he briefly worked as Rubio's chief of staff before assuming the current role as counsellor of the State Department.

A US delegation for negotiations on security-related issues was widely expected to visit South Korea as early as late this month, but details about the trip have not been confirmed yet.

The allies seek to implement the joint summit document that includes Washington's approval of Seoul's push to build nuclear-powered submarines and the pursuit of civil uranium enrichment and spent fuel reprocessing rights.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Ranchi, Feb 23 : As voting progressed across 48 municipal bodies in Jharkhand on Monday, prominent leaders -- including the Governor, Members of Parliament and state ministers -- cast their votes and appealed to citizens to participate actively in the democratic process.

Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar cast his vote at a polling station on the Administrative Training Institute campus in Ranchi. Speaking to the media, he said that local body elections are directly linked to grassroots development. He urged voters to elect representatives committed to the welfare of their regions and the state. He added that while the choice of candidate rests with voters, exercising the right to vote is every citizen's responsibility.

Godda MP Nishikant Dubey cast his vote along with his family in the Deoghar Municipal Corporation area. Sharing a photograph on social media, he encouraged citizens to exercise their democratic right. He also raised concerns over the use of ballot papers, stating that in the digital age, such a system could slow the state's pace of development. However, he expressed confidence in the performance of BJP-supported candidates.

Hazaribagh MP Manish Jaiswal also exercised his franchise, describing the election as an important opportunity for development, cleanliness and transparency in the region. He appealed to voters with the message -- First vote, then refreshment.

Minister Sudivya Kumar cast his vote in Giridih, while State Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Cooperation Minister Shilpi Neha Tirkey voted at Sant Ajay Middle School, Dahisot Banhora. They emphasised that voting is both a right and a responsibility, particularly urging young voters to participate. Through social media messages, they called for the election of educated, experienced and visionary leadership in urban local bodies.

Meanwhile, Union Minister of State for Defence and Ranchi MP Sanjay Seth alleged gross mismanagement in the conduct of the elections. After casting his vote, he claimed that the use of a single ballot box instead of separate boxes for mayor and ward councillor posts appeared to be part of a "conspiracy." Seth arrived at the polling station on a motorcycle and stood in queue like an ordinary voter before casting his ballot.

Voting for the formation of municipal governments in 48 urban local bodies began at 7 a.m. amid tight security arrangements. Enthusiastic voters were seen lining up at 4,304 polling stations across the state since early morning, with polling scheduled to continue until 5 p.m.

More than 562 candidates are contesting for mayor and chairman posts, while 5,562 candidates are in the fray for ward councillor positions.

Unopposed elections for ward councillor posts have been recorded in 38 wards across 16 municipal bodies. The total number of wards across all municipal bodies stands at 1,087.

The fate of candidates will be sealed in 8,678 ballot boxes. Counting of votes will begin at 8 a.m. on February 27.

A total of 43,33,574 voters are eligible to cast their votes, including 22,07,203 male, 21,26,227 female and 144 third-gender voters. Although the elections are officially being held on a non-party basis, political parties have extended support to candidates across municipal bodies and campaigned extensively.

Voting is being held in nine municipal corporations -- Ranchi, Dhanbad, Deoghar, Adityapur, Chas, Medininagar, Hazaribagh, Giridih and Mango -- along with 20 municipal councils and 19 nagar panchayats.

--IANS

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-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
February 23 : Lucknow: At the India AI Impact Summit 2026 held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, the Indias AI Impact Startups Report is being released, highlighting 110 startups and non-profit organizations from across the country. These organizations are working toward large-scale social and economic transformation through Artificial Intelligence (AI).

The report, published by IndiaAI and Kalpa Impact, showcases key sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, education, climate change, financial inclusion, urban mobility and public service delivery. In this report, Uttar Pradesh has been specifically highlighted for its AI-based education model, where initiatives to implement technology-enabled learning systems in government schools have been presented as a best-practice example.

Through the 'ConveGenius' ed-tech startup, Uttar Pradesh has deployed AI-driven platforms to assess students learning levels and provide personalized study material. This initiative has been recognized in the report as a major achievement in improving learning outcomes at scale.

Under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the state government has consistently prioritized digital interventions in the education sector. Given the large number of government schools and students in Uttar Pradesh, implementing technology-based solutions on such a wide scale has been a significant challenge. The reports mention of Uttar Pradesh is being seen as national recognition of the states digital education policy.

The use of AI tools in rural and semi-urban areas has been described as particularly important. Uttar Pradesh government has focused on ensuring equal educational opportunities and AI-based assessment systems have enabled continuous monitoring of students learning progress. This has helped in identifying learning gaps and taking timely corrective measures.

While innovations from multiple sectors are included among the 110 startups featured in the report, Uttar Pradeshs example stands out in the education sector for large-scale implementation. The collaboration between the government and startups has been presented as an effective model, functioning through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework for service delivery.

The state government firmly believes that emerging technologies like AI should not remain confined to urban areas but must also reach rural regions. This vision is reflected in the Uttar Pradesh Budget 2026-27. In alignment with the broader Digital India vision, AI-based education initiatives in Uttar Pradesh are being viewed as a future-ready policy direction. The mention of the state in the Indias AI Impact Startups Report signals that Uttar Pradesh is actively playing a role in implementing technological innovation at the grassroots level.
Dhaka, Feb 23 : A Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leader was injured after unidentified assailants opened fire in Dhaka's Kalabagan area, local media reported.

This incident on Sunday night came just days after the BNP, led by Tarique Rahman, formed the government following its decisive victory in the 13th Parliamentary elections.

The 55-year-old injured Shafiqur Rahman, who serves as the joint general secretary of Kalabagan Ward-16 BNP, was shot outside the shoe market opposite Bashundhara Shopping Complex under Kalabagan Police Station, Bangladeshi media outlet UNB reported.

According to a local shopkeeper, Shahparan, who rushed Shafiqur to Dhaka Medical College Hospital, the injured BNP leader supplies shoes to several local shops.

"Suddenly, a bullet hit his left hand. I cannot say who or what shot him," UNB quoted the shopkeeper as saying.

Confirming the incident, Inspector Md Faruk, in charge of the police camp at the hospital, said a businessman with gunshot injuries was brought from Kalabagan and is receiving treatment at the emergency department.

"We have informed Kalabagan Police Station about the matter," he added.

Last week, at least nine people were injured, and a house was set ablaze amid escalating incidents of post-election violence in five districts across Bangladesh, local media reported.

As violence intensified, six individuals sustained injuries after two groups of BNP workers clashed in Lalpur upazila of the Natore district on the night of February 14.

"At least six people were injured during the clash," Bangladesh's leading newspaper The Daily Star quoted Md Mojibar Rahman, officer-in-charge of Lalpur Police Station, as saying.

He stated that two suspects were arrested and a firearm was recovered from the scene, adding that a case was filed in connection with the incident.

In a separate incident, a BNP worker, Giasuddin Rasel, was injured in an attack allegedly carried out by members of Jamaat-e-Islami in Sherpur district's Sadar upazila.

In another act of violence, a gang reportedly torched the house of Jamaat supporter Shokor Akunji in Mashiali village under Phultala upazila in Khulna district.

"We could not identify the attackers," said Shokor's son Abdur Razzak.

In its latest report, Dhaka-based Human Rights Support Society (HRSS) revealed that at least 10 people were killed and 2,503 injured in election-related violence between October 2025 and February 14, during the 13th national parliamentary election, local media reported.

As per the findings, HRSS recorded more than 700 incidents of violence across the country, leaving 10 people dead and more than 2,500 injured.

It added that as many as 34 people suffered bullet injuries, while more than 500 houses, vehicles, businesses, election offices and polling centres were vandalised, looted or set on fire.

With Tarique Rahman at the helm, experts warn that Bangladesh faces a formidable challenge in overcoming the unrest and rising Islamist extremism that marked the 18-month tenure of the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government.

--IANS

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February 23 : Jewar (Greater Noida): Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said, Under the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is moving forward as a global economic powerhouse while setting new benchmarks in holistic development. In this direction, the foundation stone laying of North Indias first semiconductor project, India Chip, with an investment of over Rs 3,700 crore in Jewar under the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority area, is a matter of pride for the state.

He added, In line with the Prime Ministers vision, Uttar Pradesh has ensured development with scale and speed. After assuming office in 2014, the Prime Minister advanced the concept of Ease of Doing Business, creating an environment of healthy competition among states. Similarly, after forming the government in Uttar Pradesh in 2017, a strong ecosystem of Fearless Business and Trust of Doing Business' has been established.

The Chief Minister said, Under the Prime Ministers leadership, India is becoming a global hub for emerging technologies. The participation of over 110 countries and nearly one million people at the AI Impact Summit held at Bharat Mandapam demonstrated that India has advanced toward technological leadership.

He recalled that at Semicon India 2025, the Prime Minister had said, Oil was black gold, but chips are digital diamonds. The Chief Minister stated that the security and growth of the 21st-century economy depend on chip-based technology, and this visionary thinking is giving India a new direction. Every citizen of India and Uttar Pradesh is grateful for this vision.

The Chief Minister said, The joint venture between HCL Technologies and Foxconn, under which the first display driver semiconductor OSAT unit is being established, is highly significant. During previous governments, this area was known for disorder and insecurity, and people hesitated to step out after sunset. Today, under the Prime Ministers guidance and visionary leadership, Jewar is emerging not only as the pride of Uttar Pradesh but as the Jewel of the entire nation. The states first display driver semiconductor OSAT unit, being set up here, is advancing this new vision.

The Chief Minister thanked Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Jitin Prasada for their contributions. He also credited public representatives, MPs, MLAs, and farmers for their cooperation with the Yamuna Authority, which formed the foundation of this projects success.

He said that due to this positive role, the region is now emerging as a major hub for mobile manufacturing and electronic components. By aligning Uttar Pradeshs scale with skill and speed under the Prime Ministers vision, the results are now visible on the ground.

The Chief Minister said that since forming the government in 2017, the double-engine government has continuously advanced development programs in the state. Through more than 34 sectoral policies, Uttar Pradesh has become a dream investment destination.

He added, Today, Uttar Pradesh has established itself as a leading state in deregulation and Ease of Doing Business. Under decriminalization, more than 13 percent of criminal provisions across 99 state Acts have been removed in Uttar Pradesh. The Prime Ministers vision is visibly being implemented effectively across every sector.

The Chief Minister said that the laying of the foundation stone for the first semiconductor project of HCL-Foxconn is not merely the establishment of an industrial unit, but a symbol of technological self-reliance for a New India and a New Uttar Pradesh. He expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister and said that this project will place Uttar Pradesh firmly on the global semiconductor map.

On this occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was present virtually. Also present were Union Minister for Railways, Information and Broadcasting, Electronics and IT Ashwini Vaishnaw; Minister of State for Electronics and IT Jitin Prasada; Uttar Pradesh IT and Electronics Minister Sunil Kumar Sharma; Industrial Development Minister Nand Gopal Gupta Nandi; In-charge Minister Brajesh Singh; MPs Dr Mahesh Sharma and Surendra Nagar; MLAs Dhirendra Singh, Tejpal Nagar, Pankaj Singh and Srichand Sharma; Chairperson of HCL Group Roshni Nadar Malhotra; and President of Semiconductor Business Group, Foxconn, Bob Chen

CM Yogi has transformed the image of Uttar Pradesh: Ashwini Vaishnaw

Union IT and Electronics Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said, This is a historic occasion as the first semiconductor plant in Uttar Pradesh is being inaugurated on the sacred land of Jewar. The plant will produce 36 million chips per month. He praised Uttar Pradesh and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, stating that the state now leads in law and order, connectivity, and infrastructure. Through his efforts, the Chief Minister has transformed the image of Uttar Pradesh.

HCL and Foxconn express gratitude to the state government

Roshni Nadar Malhotra, Chairperson of HCL Group, said, On the occasion, they are deeply grateful for the unwavering support of the Government of India and the Government of Uttar Pradesh. This project marks a new chapter in HCL Groups growth journey and strengthens its contribution to Indias technology and manufacturing ecosystem. She said it is a matter of pride to deepen their commitment in Uttar Pradesh and acknowledged the Chief Ministers decisive leadership in bringing transformative change.

Bob Chen, President of Foxconns Semiconductor Business Group, stated that this joint venture is an excellent example of manufacturing, operations, and localization in India. Their BOL business model supports the local community. He expressed gratitude to their partner HCL and said they feel honored to be recognized by the Government of India and the Government of Uttar Pradesh for this achievement.
Jammu, Feb 23 : The Army said on Monday that in the relentless 326-day-long high altitude joint operation in the Chatroo area of Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar district, seven dreaded terrorists have been killed.

Nagrota-headquartered White Knight Corps of the Army said on X that the operation was carried out in challenging conditions in the high-altitude areas of the union territory.

In the post titled "Elimination of Terrorists", the Army wrote, "Relentless and painstaking high-altitude joint operations were conducted over 326 days in the Kishtwar region. Forces tracked terrorists in challenging conditions of cold, wet and freezing weather across daunting terrain, leading to multiple contacts."

"Troops of #WhiteKnightCorps, @JmuKmrPolice and #CRPF based on a well-knit intelligence grid established by civil and military intelligence agencies, have finally eliminated all seven dreaded terrorists in Chatroo, Kishtwar," the post read.

"Technology in the form of FPV drones, satellite imagery, RPAs/UAVs, communication etc was continuously leveraged to assist in operations. The relentless pursuit & resolve of our forces, culminating in elimination of Saifullah and his associates, proves that nothing can stand against the determination, courage and valour of our men in uniform & Intelligence agencies," the Army said.

Calling it a "massive blow to the terror network", the Army said in the post, "We serve, We Protect!"

Over a dozen encounters took place between the joint forces and the hiding group of Pakistani Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terrorists in the densely forested Chatroo area of Kishtwar during the last year.

As the joint forces kept on the hot pursuit of the group of terrorists, they moved their location from place to place between Kishtwar, Doda, Kathua and Udhampur districts of Jammu division.

It was the relentless hot pursuit of the group by the joint forces that, instead of trying to carry out attacks on the security forces, the group, headed by JeM commander Saifullah, remained constantly on the run till they were eliminated by the joint forces.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on February 7 chaired a high-level security review meeting in Jammu.

The Union Home Minister had directed the security forces to adopt a mission mode approach to eliminate the terrorists hiding in the hilly areas of Jammu, together with ensuring zero infiltration to bring in complete peace in the union territory.
New Delhi, Feb 23 : The busting of a Lashkar-e-Tayiba linked module which was planning on carrying out strikes in Delhi and adjoining cities has thrown up several details about how the ISI is planning on carrying out future operations in the country.

The module that was busted following the arrest of 8 people from Tamil Nadu and West Bengal was being handled from multiple locations. The module was being handled in a manner in which the Pakistan link would not crop up.

Investigating Officers say that like the Faridabad module, this one, too, had a Jammu and Kashmir link to it.

Shabbir Ahmed Lone, a resident of Ganderbal in Kashmir was sent to Bangladesh by the ISI to handle this module. The ISI was cultivating Lone since 2019, the year he was released from jail. Lone was arrested in 2007 after AK-47s and grenades were found on him. He was released from jail in 2019, following which he was immediately dispatched to Bangladesh.

In the Faridabad module it was found that an Imam was handling the members of the outfit. He was being given instructions from a Jaish-e-Mohammad handler based out of Afghanistan, the probe had found.

An Intelligence Bureau official said that the module had conducted several dry runs. They were constantly testing the waters and challenging the Indian security agencies. They focussed largely on propaganda instead of the real attack.

In the first phase of their operation, they focussed only on putting up posters in various parts of the country. The posters were about the Kashmir issue and the same was found at Delhi, West Bengal. On February 10, several posters relating to the Kashmir issue were seen at Metro stations and other locations in Kolkata.

The probe has found that this module was planning on carrying out a large-scale attack in Delhi and adjoining areas. However further investigation has found that the focus of the module was also largely on Kolkata. Ahead of the elections, this module wanted to carry out attacks on temples and other places such as bus stands and Metro stations.

The ISI has been planning a large scale attack in West Bengal to disrupt the elections. In addition to this, the Pakistani spy agency has also set up multiple modules along the India-Bangladesh border.

With the Jamaat-e-Islami winning big in constituencies that are bordering West Bengal, the ISI feels that carrying out operations in these locations would be relatively easy.

Groups such as the Harkat-ul-Jihad-Islami (HuJI) and Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) have been roped in to undertake this operation, an official said.

These groups have already starting sending in illegal immigrants in large numbers to these border areas and have hosted them in madrasas. The intention is to push them into India around a month before the West Bengal elections and then effect demographic changes, which would eventually lead to communal clashes.

Under the leadership of Muhammad Yunus, who was the caretaker of the interim government, the ISI made Bangladesh its playground. Post 'Operation Sindoor', the ISI needed another launch pad to carry out strikes against India. Officials explain that in Bangladesh, it found that solution.

The busting of the latest module clearly shows that the ISI wants to carry out operations from Bangladesh as it does not want the trail of the strikes to reach Islamabad, the official said.

Counter-terrorism experts explain that increasingly the focus is going to be more on operations from Bangladesh. The bordering areas are going to be a major cause of concern as the ISI would continue using the Jamaatas clout in these locations to keep the border with India on the boil.

The experts say that operations led by the ISI will move more into the bordering areas of Bangladesh and all future attacks in India would be coordinated from these areas.
New Delhi, Feb 23 : The Supreme Court on Monday dismissed a writ petition filed by BJP leader Subramanian Swamy challenging Andhra Pradesh's constitution of a one-man committee to recommend suitable departmental action against erring officials in the case relating to the supply of allegedly adulterated ghee for Tirumala laddus.

A Bench headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant observed that the administrative inquiry ordered by the state government and the top court-directed investigation by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) operate in distinct spheres and can continue simultaneously.

The writ petition alleged that the one-man committee interfered with the SIT investigation earlier ordered by the apex court in relation to allegations of adulteration of ghee used in the preparation of prasadam laddus at the Tirupati temple.

Dismissing the plea, the CJI Kant-led bench observed that the top court's only concern was to ensure that there was no overlap between the two processes.

"In our opinion, the administrative inquiry cannot be overlapping with the probe directed by this court," the Bench, also comprising Justice Joymalya Bagchi, observed, adding that it was satisfied that the petitioner lacked a foundational basis to seek interference.

In its order, the Supreme Court directed that both processes should continue strictly in accordance with the law.

During the hearing, senior advocate Sidharth Luthra, appearing for the Andhra Pradesh government, submitted that the petition was filed with "complete malice" only to derail departmental proceedings.

The decision to constitute a committee to identify the masterminds behind the alleged adulteration of Tirupati temple laddu was taken in the state Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on February 3. As per a government order (GO) issued by the Andhra Pradesh government, retired IAS officer Dinesh Kumar has been tasked with examining the Self-Contained Note (SCN) submitted by the SIT and recommending initiation of action against committee members and senior officials of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) for lapses, omissions and failures in relaxation as well as enforcement of ghee tender conditions.

Asking the committee to submit its report within 45 days, the state government's GO sets out the terms of reference, under which the committee will assess administrative lapses, examine whether decisions were taken with due diligence and procedural compliance, identify administrative responsibility of officials and recommend appropriate disciplinary or administrative action, confining its examination strictly to governance and administrative aspects.

The Supreme Court, on October 4, 2024, had entrusted the investigation of the alleged adulteration of Tirupati laddus to an independent SIT under the supervision of the Director of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). After completion of the investigation, the CBI-led SIT filed its final charge sheet before an Anti-Corruption Bureau court in Nellore on January 23, 2026 and submitted the SCN recommending administrative action against certain officials.

The charge sheet cited findings of the ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, which analysed four sealed ghee samples drawn by TTD from tankers supplied in July 2024. The laboratory report found no presence of lard or animal fat in the samples. However, investigators concluded that the ghee was adulterated with a cocktail of vegetable oils and laboratory esters designed to chemically mimic dairy parameters.

Meanwhile, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has registered an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act to probe alleged financial irregularities linked to the adulteration case.

The ED initiated the investigation on the basis of chargesheets filed by the CBI-led SIT. Sources indicated allegations of hawala-based transactions, with private dairy firms and intermediaries allegedly routing bribes through hawala channels to influence TTD officials responsible for ghee tenders and quality clearances. The agency will examine the money trail and the role of the alleged hawala network.
Mumbai, Feb 23 : Star comedian Bharti Singh was seen bursting into tears upon losing her expensive diamond ring on the sets of the show Laughter Chef.

In a video shared by Bharti on her Youtube channel, the comedian realised her ring was missing while filming an episode of the comedy-based cooking reality show. The sudden discovery left her extremely distressed, making her burst into tears. She was heard saying that 'losing a diamond or gold is not a good sign'. Her staff members tried to calm her down and immediately joined in to help search for it.

She also shared a video where the entire staff along with herself were seen trying to find the diamond on the sets. Bharti Singh's head staff Raju Dada helped Bharti find the diamond, making the star comedian sigh of relief.

Bharti thanking Raju Dada, said, 'You turned out to be a saviour. Hard work never goes in vain. Thank you for coming to support me in the dark."

Talking about Bharti, the star comedian and host who has recently delivered her second baby, had taken to her YouTube vlogs to express her guilt of not being able to give time to get older son Gola aka Lakshya. She was seen expressing how most of her time is consumed by her two month old baby boy Kaju.

She had mentioned, in the vlog, how post Kaju's birth, her life has been revolving around him, and spoke about how her 90% of attention is dedicated to her new born baby boy Kaju, and only 10% remains for Gola.

Bharti also expressed how her husband Harssh Limbaachiya has been her staunch pillar of support in this journey and that he takes complete care of Gola so that he doesn't feel left out after Kaju's arrival.

For the uninitiated, Bharti Singh and husband Harssh Limbaachiya welcomed their second baby, a boy on December 19. The couple fondly called him as Kaju and have officially named him as Yashveer.

Bharti and Harssh welcomed their first born Gola aka Lakshya in 2022.

The couple got married in 2017 after dating for a couple of years.

IANS

rd/
NEW DELHI, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- Four laborers were killed and two others critically injured Monday after a 50-meter-long concrete slab of a corporation-owned building collapsed in the southern Indian state of Kerala, officials said.

Six workers were trapped under the concrete and were pulled out by the locals. Though they were immediately rushed to a nearby hospital by locals, four of them succumbed to their injuries, a police official said.

A probe into the incident is underway. 
New Delhi, Feb 23 : India alone will contribute to about 40 per cent of GradeaA office supply in Asia Pacific (APAC) in 2026, a report said on Monday.

New Delhi, Feb 23 (IANS) India alone will contribute to about 40 per cent of GradeA office supply in Asia Pacific (APAC) in 2026, a report said on Monday.

The Grade-A office supply in APAC region is expected to reach a record 61.3 million sq. ft. in 2026, up 10.8 per cent from 55.3 million sq. ft. in 2025, the report from CBRE South Asia Pvt. Ltd said.

India and mainland China together will contribute more than 75 per cent of the total supply, it added.

Bengaluru, Delhi-NCR, and Mumbai rank among the top five APAC markets for new office supply in 2026, with Bengaluru ranking first in the APAC region at 12.1 million sq. ft.

Shanghai will follow Bengaluru at 10 million sq. ft., DelhiNCR at 7.1 million sq. ft. and Mumbai will see its supply almost double to 5.1 million sq. ft., the report suggested.

In Bangalore, the supply will continue to be supported by GCCs.

Further, office assets emerged as the most preferred investment sector in APAC, overtaking industrial & logistics for the first time in six years.

Mumbai's BKC recorded the highest rental growth in APAC in 2025 up 23.1 per cent YoY and is expected to maintain double-digit growth (12.5 per cent) in 2026, the report added.

"India's growing dominance in the APAC office supply landscape reflects the structural depth of the demand drivers in the country," said Anshuman Magazine, Chairman & CEO  India, SouthEast Asia, Middle East & Africa, CBRE.

"Even amid global macroeconomic recalibration, occupiers view India as a scalable, talent-rich destination for multi-functional growth," he added.

Despite record supply, most developed markets will remain supply-constrained, with premium offices in demand as corporates enforce stricter attendance mandates, the report said.

"As we move into a cycle where income growth is at the centre of real estate decision-making, the ability for occupiers and investors to recalibrate and innovate will be critical," said Ada Choi, Head of Research, Asia Pacific for CBRE.

Choi said that occupiers are responding to softer economic growth by sharpening their space requirements and prioritising high-quality buildings in core locations, while investors are focusing on income resilience and portfolio optimisation.
Kathmandu, Feb 23 : The local administration in Nepal's Parsa district on Monday imposed a curfew in parts of the border town of Birgunj, citing security concerns following tensions between Hindu and Muslim groups in the Shripur area of the city.

Tensions between the two communities in Birgunj surfaced a few days after similar clashes erupted in Gaur, the district headquarters of another southern border district, Rautahat.

These incidents have occurred just days ahead of the scheduled elections for the House of Representatives on March 5.

The District Administration Office (DAO), Parsa, said the curfew has been enforced within the boundaries of Birgunj Bypass in the east, Sirsiya River in the west, Gandak Chowk in the north, and Shankaracharya Gate in the south.

"The order has been effective from 9:45 am on Monday until further notice," the DAO said. During this period, all gatherings, processions, demonstrations, assemblies, meetings, and sit-ins within the designated areas have been prohibited.

Chief District Officer Bhola Dahal told IANS that the curfew was imposed to prevent an escalation of tension following the clash between two groups in the Shripur area.

Local police said the prohibitory order was issued following a dispute over road parking that threatened to turn into religious strife. "On Sunday evening, a four-wheeler driven by a Muslim man could not pass through a road due to motorcycles parked by some Hindu youths in Shripur. The local dispute threatened to escalate into a Hindu-Muslim confrontation due to insulting chants exchanged between the two sides," said Deputy Superintendent of Police Hari Bahadur Basnet, spokesperson for the District Police Office, Parsa.

He said that the situation has come under control following the enforcement of the curfew.

Birgunj, which borders India's Raxaul town, is the main gateway for Nepal's exports and imports and one of the key entry points between the two countries. The city, home to both Hindu and Muslim communities, has witnessed sporadic religious tensions.

In early January, a curfew was imposed in Birgunj following vandalism of a mosque in Dhanusha district, another district of southern Madhesh Province, to prevent potential religious unrest amid protests by Muslim groups.

In Gaur city of Rautahat, clashes between Hindu and Muslim groups erupted late last week after a Hindu wedding procession came into conflict with members of the Muslim community performing religious rituals during the month of Ramadan.

Basnet said the prohibitory order was necessary to prevent a minor local dispute from escalating into a wider Hindu-Muslim conflict and polarization.
Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 23 : In a decisive move to consolidate public sector presence in strategic maritime infrastructure, the Kerala government on Monday signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) worth Rs 2,000 crore with three Central Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) to develop an integrated logistics ecosystem at the Adani Vizhinjam International Seaport.

The agreements were formalised in the presence of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan at the Legislative Assembly complex, signalling a calibrated policy approach that seeks to retain core infrastructure under public oversight even as the port operates under a public-private partnership (PPP) model.

The initiative is positioned as a structural intervention to transform Vizhinjam from a transshipment facility into a diversified logistics and maritime services hub.

The partnership brings together state-owned Vizhinjam International Seaport Limited (VISL) and three Central entities -- Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), Container Corporation of India (CONCOR), and Central Warehousing Corporation (CWC).

The governmentas strategy is to embed critical services such as bunkering, rail-linked cargo movement and warehousing within the PSU framework, thereby preventing concentration risks in cargo handling and ensuring competitive pricing for trade stakeholders.

Of the total planned investment, Rs 700 crore will be deployed by IOCL to establish large-scale bunkering facilities capable of servicing mother vessels calling at the port.

The project is expected to position Vizhinjam as a key refuelling node along Indian Ocean trade routes, strengthening ancillary revenue streams.

CONCOR will invest Rs 600 crore to develop Inland Container Depots and Container Freight Stations, enhancing rail connectivity with the national hinterland and reducing cargo evacuation time.

The remaining Rs 700 crore out of the total MoUs will be invested by CWC to set up a multi-modal logistics park spanning nearly 50 acres, incorporating cold storage and export-oriented units, with officials indicating that the structure entails no direct financial liability for the state exchequer.

Senior ministers and PSU executives attended the signing ceremony.

With this integrated logistics blueprint, Kerala is seeking to build connectivity and strategic depth around Vizhinjam, reinforcing its ambition to emerge as a competitive maritime gateway in the region.
New Delhi, Feb 23 : Amended BharatNet is a $16.9 billion (Rs 139,000 crore) publicly-funded programme which will take OFC fibre and broadband to every single village of this country, including in Andhra Pradesh, Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said on Monday.

A memorandum of cooperation (MoC) has been signed between Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN), the Department of Telecommunications, and Andhra Pradesh government for the expedited implementation of the Amended BharatNet Programme (ABP) in the state.

"What we are doing, in essence, is the democratisation of technology to every single citizen in our country. What technology has done in our generation is to really provide the capability for individual prowess, talent, ambition, and aspiration to reach the world stage," said Scindia.

Minister of State Dr. Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar said the memorandum provides a structured and sustainable framework for swift implementation under the state-led model, combining financial support with accountability.

He noted that the partnership will strengthen last-mile connectivity, expand 4G saturation, and ensure that rural citizens benefit from affordable and dependable digital services.

It establishes a broad framework for collaboration between DBN and the state government to facilitate faster rollout of the Amended BharatNet Programme.

The state government will extend full support for expedited implementation, including facilitation of Right of Way (RoW), infrastructure access, and necessary coordination support.

According to the ministry, funding for the project is intended to be provided majorly by DBN along with contributions from the State Government as per mutually agreed arrangements.

The network created under the programme would be effectively utilised by the state government to maximize socio-economic impact.

The Centre has approved financial support of Rs 2,432 crore for implementation of the programme in Andhra Pradesh.

It is expected to facilitate over five lakh rural home fibre connections with financial support from the government, significantly enhance digital governance, improve delivery of citizen-centric services, and promote online education, digital payments, e-governance, and telemedicine across rural and remote areas of the state.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Kochi, Feb 23 : AICC general secretary K.C. Venugopal on Monday questioned the State government's handling of the arrest of the Sabarimala tantri, alleging an undue eagerness to portray him as guilty despite the absence of evidence cited by the court.

Venugopal said that if credible evidence existed, no one would object to the arrest. However, he pointed out that the Vigilance Court, while granting bail, had observed that there was not even a shred of evidence against the Tantri.

"What is the intention behind disputing the court's finding?" he asked, taking exception to remarks made by Law Minister P. Rajeeve against the bail order.

Venugopal said the Congress had never argued that the tantri should not be arrested if evidence warranted it. "Let the law take its own course. But the eagerness to brand him guilty without presenting evidence in court raises serious questions," he said, adding that suspicions of a conspiracy emerged only after the court's observations.

Echoing similar concerns, Leader of the Opposition V. D. Satheesan intensified the Opposition's campaign against the government during his political yatra across the State.

Speaking at Adimali, Satheesan said the Special Investigation Team (SIT) must clearly explain the grounds and evidence that led to the arrest. "The Opposition made its stand clear in the Assembly on January 11, the day after the arrest. The SIT has a responsibility to inform the public what specific offence was committed and what role the tantri allegedly played," he said.

The Opposition has been boycotting the Assembly, demanding the resignation of Devaswom Minister V.N. Vasavan and an end to what it alleges is interference by the Chief Minister's Office in the probe.

Satheesan also hit back at ministers who accused the Opposition of shielding the Tantri and criticising the judiciary. He contended that it was the Law Minister who publicly criticised the court for granting bail.

Both leaders maintained that while no special privilege is sought for the Tantri, he is entitled to the same legal safeguards as any ordinary citizen, and that the SIT must disclose the evidentiary basis of the arrest to restore public confidence.

Of the 13 arrested by the SIT, so far six have got bail, while the bail pleas of the others will be heard in the coming days
New Delhi, Feb 23 : The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Monday said there is no systemic risk to the banking system and stressed that the Central Bank does not comment on individual banks or regulated entities, as IDFC First Bank revealed the Rs 590-crore fraud at its Chandigarh branch.

Addressing a joint press conference after a meeting of the RBI's central board of directors in the national capital, RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra said the regulator is closely monitoring the situation but there is no broader threat to financial stability.

Responding to a question by IANS on reports related to a Rs 590-crore fraud at IDFC First Bank, Malhotra said the central bank remains vigilant.

"We do not comment on any individual bank or regulated entity. We are watching the developments, and there is no systemic kind of issue over here," he said.

The briefing was held after Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman met the RBI board.

The governor said India's banking system is on strong footing, supported by comfortable capital and liquidity levels.

Banks currently have a capital adequacy ratio of around 17 per cent, which he described as robust.

He added that even if no fresh capital is infused over the next five years, banks would still be able to meet their capital requirements adequately.

Meanwhile, in an exchange filing last week, the bank said the matter is confined to a set of Haryana governmentlinked accounts at the Chandigarh branch, adding that it has informed regulators and filed a police complaint. The bank also suspended four officials pending investigation.

Following the development, stock of the private player hit 20 per cent lower circuit in the early trade on Monday.

During the intra-day session, the stock fell to Rs 66.85, down 20 per cent. The shares opened 10 per cent lower and later extended their losses.

However, it recovered later and around 1:48 pm, the share was trading at Rs 70.40 apiece, down 15.70 per cent on the day.

-- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed
February 23 : Lucknow: Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath, is undertaking an official visit to Singapore from 22 to 24 February 2026 to deepen economic cooperation, institutional partnerships and sector-specific collaboration between Uttar Pradesh and Singapore.

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, Chief Minister will hold high-level meetings with Singapores political leadership, including H.E. Mr Lawrence Wong, Prime Minister of Singapore, H.E. Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr Tan See Leng, Minister for Manpower and Minister-in-charge of Energy & Science and Technology and H.E. Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam, President of Singapore.

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.

Focus Areas of Engagement

Discussions during the visit are structured around translating national-level frameworks into project-level collaboration with Uttar Pradesh, particularly in the following sectors:

Digital Infrastructure & Data Centres

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. Aviation, MRO & Air Cargo Logistics

With the development of the Noida International Airport, Uttar Pradesh is exploring partnerships with Singapores aviation ecosystem. Site visits to aviation and logistics facilities in Singapore are part of the programme to understand best practices and potential collaboration pathways. Skill Development & TVET Collaboration

The Chief Ministers visit includes engagement with Singapores technical and vocational education ecosystem, including ITE Singapore Skill development remains a key pillar of IndiaSingapore cooperation, with ongoing collaborations across multiple Indian states. Green Energy & Industrial Development

Singapores expertise in sustainability and green supply chains aligns with Uttar Pradeshs focus on renewable energy zones and integrated industrial corridors.

Uttar Pradesh is Indias 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 Indias 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.

Invest UP Mega Roadshow

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 Pradeshs 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
February 23 : Lucknow: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said that Uttar Pradesh is moving rapidly towards becoming a leader in areas such as deep tech, AI and quantum computing. Referring to the successes of Digital India, Ayushman Bharat and DBT, CM Yogi said, "Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is progressing towards holistic and technology driven development. Through the effective use of technology, government schemes are being delivered to the last person in society".

The Chief Minister was addressing the gathering on Sunday after inaugurating the IBM AI GovTech Innovation Center in Lucknow.

CM Yogi Adityanath expressed heartfelt gratitude to IBM India CEO Dr. Arvind Krishna and his entire team for the MoU signed between the IT and Electronics Department and IBM. He said that Dr. Arvind Krishna personally came here to advance this initiative of the Uttar Pradesh government and contributed positively to this campaign.

In his address, Dr. Arvind Krishna also shared his emotional connection with Uttar Pradesh and the land of India through this platform. We are all proud that the countrys first computer was installed by IBM at Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur. Whether it is the infrastructure sector or todays deep tech sector, the heights India has achieved in the past 11 years are remarkable. Recently, the India AI Impact Summit was organized in Delhi, where global leaders appreciated Prime Minister Modis vision.

Under his leadership, Digital India has written a success story. 140 crore Indians have received their digital identity, through which 50 crore people are availing the benefits of Ayushman Bharat. People are receiving transparent banking facilities and benefits of government schemes through DBT. Under the guidance of Prime Minister Modi, the foundation stone of the states first semiconductor unit was also laid in Gautam Buddha Nagar.

The CM also added, last year he had the opportunity to participate in a conference on deep tech at IIT Kanpur. He also interacted with the Director of IIT Kanpur. We are working together on MedTech. In the recent budget of Uttar Pradesh, provisions have been made for a Center of Excellence in Robotics. Earlier, the government had also made budgetary provisions for establishing a Center of Excellence in Drone Technology.

The Chief Minister said, by making better use of technology in every sector, benefits are being delivered to every section of society in Uttar Pradesh.

CM Yogi also added, "By making better use of technology and AI tools, transformation can be brought in the life of a common citizen. Before 2017, for nearly 40 years, the people of Uttar Pradesh suffered from encephalitis. It is estimated that more than 50,000 children died due to this disease. At that time, no effort was made by the government to collect data, and no analysis was conducted. It was assumed to be a common disease. But under our government, all data was collected and analyzed. The results are before everyone. The disease was more prevalent where there was no access to clean drinking water and open defecation existed".

CM also said, "Under the double engine government, and under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and Jal Jeevan Mission, including the Har Ghar Nal Yojana, were implemented effectively. Encephalitis has now been completely eliminated in Uttar Pradesh. There are no deaths due to encephalitis anymore. We have seen here in the health sector how AI can transform the life of the person at the lowest rung of society".

CM Yogi gave another example related to school dropout rates in the education sector. He said that earlier it was often assumed that girls could not attend school because it was located far away. Even after schools were established in villages, people were not ready to send their daughters. Considerable effort was required to motivate them. When analysis was conducted using AI tools, it emerged that the reason for the dropout rate was the absence of toilets for girls. We have traveled from village to village.

He told, earlier, schools did not have adequate buildings, sufficient teachers, adequate furniture or basic facilities. It was merely a formality to open a school. When Prime Minister Modi ensured effective implementation of this campaign, we arranged separate toilets for boys and girls and ensured drinking water facilities in every school. We succeeded in bringing the dropout rate in Basic Education Council schools down to zero. This demonstrates that we can use technology effectively and bring transformation in the lives of those at the lowest level of society.

CM Yogi said, "Our government has worked to develop Lucknow as an AI City. With IBMs cooperation, we will be able to implement this more rapidly. We need to work on quantum computing. In this regard, Uttar Pradeshs claim is strong because the countrys first computer was installed at IIT Kanpur with the contribution of IBM, and today we are moving forward in that direction. I believe that IIT Kanpur is ready to cooperate for quantum computing at its Noida campus".

He also informed, the Uttar Pradesh government is ready to take the initiative and extend cooperation. IBM is ready. Together, the three will advance this initiative and take it forward.

During the program, IBM signed two MoUs with the Uttar Pradesh government to link the states long term development goals with AI based governance. In collaboration with the IT and Electronics Department, this center will develop AI based applications across various departments and strengthen digital and AI capabilities in different departments. In partnership with the Directorate of School Education, an AI literacy program will be launched for students and teachers from classes 6 to 12. This will provide them with basic knowledge of AI and the practical experience and skills necessary to face future challenges.

On this occasion, IBM Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Arvind Krishna, Managing Director of IBM India and South Asia Sandeep Patel, Director of IIT Kanpur Professor Manindra Agrawal, and other senior officials of the Uttar Pradesh government and IBM were present. IBM Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Arvind Krishna said that AI will give a new direction to the efficiency and economic competitiveness of governments. Governments in India and across the world are now rapidly moving beyond the experimental stage of AI towards its implementation. This openness in adopting responsible AI is inspiring and encouraging.
Bengaluru, Feb 23 : Karnataka Home Minister Parameshwara on Monday downplayed media queries regarding the demand for a Dalit Chief Minister and stated that such claims were being made by the Opposition. He also praised Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and stated that he stood for social justice from the beginning.

"The Opposition is making baseless allegations to cover up its own issues," he charged.

Notably, Parameshwara is one of the senior most and prominent leaders hailing from the Dalit community and CM Siddaramaiah's camp has allegedly demanded that in case of leadership change in the state, he should be made the CM.

Speaking to the media in Bengaluru on Monday, HM Parameshwara stated, "Is the Chief Minister not governing? For the past 12 days, he has been holding discussions with ministers and officials of various departments regarding the Budget. The Opposition is unnecessarily bringing up the issue of a Dalit Chief Minister."

Parameshwara added that if there is to be a Dalit Chief Minister, it is for the Congress party to decide, and the high command will take a decision when the time comes.

He further said that social justice has been the foundation of CM Siddaramaiah's politics from the very beginning and that there is nothing new about his commitment to the principle.

He said Siddaramaiah has always been committed to social justice and has consistently pursued politics based on that ideology. "The foundation of his politics is social justice. It is not something he has started doing today," he said.

On the occasion of Ramzan and Holi celebrations, he said no one should be allowed to take the law into their own hands. "Festivals must be celebrated peacefully and happily. There is no scope for any other kind of conduct, and we will not allow it. Strict instructions have been issued to officials in this regard," he said.

Speaking about the issue of banning mobile phones in educational institutions, he said there has been discussion on imposing a mobile ban in schools and colleges. Giving mobile phones to children below 16 years of age is affecting their education in different ways, he said.

"Many countries have conducted studies and imposed bans on mobile phones. The Chief Minister has also deliberated on this issue. A decision will be taken after studying its pros and cons," he added.

Referring to the arrest of illegal migrants who were allegedly conspiring to carry out unlawful activities, he said the state's internal security wing has been put on alert. For the past one month, operations have been conducted in every district to trace illegal migrants.

On the issue of conducting student elections in universities and colleges, he said that during the tenure of K.H. Ranganath as Higher Education Minister, clashes occurred during student elections, following which they were banned. The elections were stopped due to concerns that students were forming groups and engaging in violence.

He added that during his own tenure as Higher Education Minister, syndicate elections were also banned. "Now there is pressure to reconsider conducting student elections. We will have to see what decision the Cabinet takes on this matter," he said.

-- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed
February 23 : Singapore/Lucknow: In a major step towards establishing Uttar Pradesh as a global investment destination, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, during his visit to Singapore, held an important meeting with the Chief Executive Officer of leading sovereign investment institution GIC, Lim Chow Kiat, and his team. The high-level meeting focused on exploring long-term investment opportunities by GIC in Uttar Pradesh.

The Chief Minister invited GIC to explore long-term investment opportunities in Uttar Pradesh and highlighted the states policy stability, good governance, strong law and order, a vast consumer population of over 25 crore, and rapidly developing infrastructure as key attractions. He stated that Uttar Pradesh is today the fastest-growing economy among Indian states and that the government is providing investors with a secure, transparent, and investor-friendly environment.

During the meeting, detailed discussions were held on potential collaboration in areas such as the development of logistics and warehousing infrastructure along industrial corridors, renewable energy and energy storage projects, data centers and digital infrastructure, commercial real estate and integrated townships in emerging urban centers, fintech and digital platforms aligned with the MSME ecosystem, and skill development for future-oriented industries.

The Chief Minister said that the Government of Uttar Pradesh is committed to developing the state as a future-ready industrial and economic hub. The state is witnessing rapid development of expressway networks, multimodal logistics parks, the Defense Corridor, data center parks, and new industrial cities, which offer stable and profitable opportunities for long-term investors.

GIC, one of the worlds leading long-term sovereign wealth investment institutions, has a strong investment base in India across infrastructure, real estate, fintech, and digital platform sectors. In this context, the meeting between the Chief Minister and GIC is being seen as a significant step towards channeling global capital into Uttar Pradesh. It is noteworthy that as part of the states broader investment outreach, Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya is currently on a visit to Europe.
TOKYO, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- More than 1,000 Japanese people gathered on Monday in front of the Ground Self-Defense Force's Camp Kengun base in Kumamoto Prefecture, protesting the government's plan to deploy long-range missiles at the facility.

Demonstrators held placards reading "No missiles" and "Don't turn Kumamoto into a battlefield." They chanted slogans such as "Military force cannot bring peace," calling on the government to scrap the deployment plan and provide a full explanation to local residents.

Masahiko Yamashita, a representative of the protest organizers, said the planned missile deployment is unacceptable under Article 9 of Japan's pacifist Constitution.

According to earlier reports by Japanese media outlets, the Defense Ministry plans to deploy an upgraded Type 12 surface-to-ship missile system at the Camp Kengun facility by the end of March. The plan has long drawn criticism within Japan. 
Kolkata, Feb 23 : The West Bengal unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has commenced the mass distribution of an open letter from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, penned in Bengali and Hindi, among voters as part of its campaigning ahead of the high-stakes Assembly elections scheduled for later this year.

In the letter, the Prime Minister accuses the Mamata Banerjee-led government and the ruling Trinamool Congress of attempting to deprive people of benefits from centrally sponsored schemes. He also claims that, despite obstacles from the state administration, many residents have still gained from these programmes.

"Just a few months, the electoral fate of West Bengal will be decided. A structured decision on your part will decide the fate of the future generation in the state. The people of West Bengal are victims of deprivation. My heart is equally pained by that. Hence, from the core of my heart, I want to make a promise today. The promise is to rebuild a developed and prosperous West Bengal," the letter states in its opening passage.

In subsequent paragraphs, the Prime Minister lists welfare and development schemes introduced since 2014 by the National Democratic Alliance government led by him, asserting that these initiatives have benefited people across sectors in the state despite what he describes as non-cooperation from the state government.

"In the post-Independence era, West Bengal was the heart of India's economy. But today my heart bleeds because of the sick and worn-out condition of the state's economy. West Bengal had continued to suffer for the last six decades because of the continuous misrule and encouragement of appeasement politics. On the one hand, the educated youths are forced to get settled elsewhere because of the lack of employment opportunities. On the other hand, the women of the state are in constant fear over the lack of safety against loss of dignity," Modi wrote.

He also invokes the legacy of figures such as Swami Vivekananda, Sri Aurobindo, Rabindranath Tagore and Subhas Chandra Bose, stating that the state which once produced such icons is now facing challenges including alleged illegal infiltration, concerns over women's safety, and economic decline.

"But how long will you tolerate such things? A change is inevitable now. The livelihood of the people in other states has improved manifold now. Several people in those states have been elevated above the poverty level. The people of West Bengal deserve the same development. So let us get united to rebuild a developed West Bengal," the PM says in the letter.
Lucknow, Feb 23 : Prominent Muslim clerics in India have sharply condemned the Taliban's new penal code in Afghanistan that reportedly legalises domestic violence, calling it a blatant misuse of religion and a violation of Islamic principles. The law, which allows husbands to beat wives "without causing bone fractures or open wounds" and punishes women with imprisonment if they visit their parents without permission, has sparked outrage among religious leaders and civil society.

Lucknow, Feb 23 (IANS) Prominent Muslim clerics in India have sharply condemned the Taliban's new penal code in Afghanistan that reportedly legalises domestic violence, calling it a blatant misuse of religion and a violation of Islamic principles. The law, which allows husbands to beat wives "without causing bone fractures or open wounds" and punishes women with imprisonment if they visit their parents without permission, has sparked outrage among religious leaders and civil society.

All India Muslim Jamaat President Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Barelvi said, "The Taliban has come to power in Afghanistan for the second time. The Taliban's image has always been one of terror. We have never accepted the Taliban and have always considered them involved in terrorist activities. Now, even if they claim to have changed their methods, beating and violence are against Islamic principles. Taliban authorities should ensure that such decrees are not issued that harm interpersonal relations."

Maulana Mohammad Mirza Yasoob Abbas, cleric and speaker of the All-India Shia Personal Law Board (AISPLB), said, "It is very unfortunate that the Taliban are creating turmoil in the name of religion. This new law is very wrong and should be strongly condemned."

Shia religious leader Maulana Saif Abbas also criticised the Taliban, stating, "The Taliban's character is double standard. On one hand, they speak about Islam, but on the other, the law they have created allows beating wives and children. There is no justification for domestic violence, and we strongly condemn this Taliban law."

Former Babri Masjid litigant Iqbal Ansari said, "Violence is considered wrong in all societies, regardless of religion. We do not consider violence to be right; we too are Muslims, connected to our faith, but violence should not be directed at anyone."

Veteran lyricist and poet Javed Akhtar, taking to X, called on Indian muftis and mullahs to unconditionally denounce the measure, pointing out that the Taliban law reportedly allows wife beating "without any bone fracture" and punishes women with three months' imprisonment if they visit their parents without their husband's permission. His post sparked widespread discussion on social media.

"This is being carried out in the name of religion, but it is completely unacceptable," Akhtar said.

The remarks from Indian Muslim leaders come amid global criticism of the Taliban's policies towards women, highlighting concern over the misuse of religion to justify violence.
Mumbai, Feb 23 : Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Monday delivered a poignant tribute to the late Ajit Pawar in the Legislative Council, describing the leader's passing as a loss that has left millions of citizens "orphaned".

Moving a condolence motion during the budget session, Shinde reflected on the personal and political void left by the veteran leader's sudden demise.

"Dada, the court of the people has proven that many of your political decisions were accurate. However, your decision to bid farewell to this world is a mistake. Take it back and return," he said during the condolence motion.

He added with resolve, "We will turn Dada's slogan -- 'Development will no longer be delayed; Maharashtra will no longer stop' -- into a reality," stressing that fulfilling Pawar's development vision would be the truest tribute to him.

Recalling their political partnership, Shinde said, "Devendra ji, Ajit Dada, and I formed a solid 'Triangle of Stability' for the state. Because the three of us came together, the 'geometry' and progress of Maharashtra were moving at a rapid pace. That black day of January 28 snatched our foundation away. Dada was never late, but on that day, destiny played a cruel trick. Seeing the visuals of that accident on TV sent shivers down my spine."

Praising Pawar's administrative grip, Shinde noted that he possessed remarkable command over governance. He said Pawar could scan files within seconds and immediately spot mistakes, often pulling up officials even for small lapses such as exposed wiring or poorly installed infrastructure.

Shinde also pointed out that Pawar held the record for presenting the state Budget eleven times and had balanced finances even while allocating Rs 46,000 crore for the Ladki Bahin scheme.

"Dada appeared tough like a jackfruit from the outside, but he was incredibly soft-hearted on the inside," he remarked.

Sharing personal memories, Shinde recalled a meeting at a hotel during discussions on leadership change, when Pawar had firmly said, "If it is Eknath Rao, it is acceptable to us."

The deputy CM also remembered Pawar advising him, like an elder brother, to avoid working late into the night and to take care of his health.

Offering support to Sunetra Pawar, he said, "Tai, despite facing grief as vast as the sky, you are standing firm. Both of us brothers stand strongly behind you. Fulfilling the dream of development that Dada envisioned will be the real tribute to him."
Bhavnagar, Feb 23 : The Sihor Police in Bhavnagar district have seized narcotic crops and related materials valued at more than Rs 10.92 crore after uncovering illegal cultivation in the boundary area of Sakhvadar and Sar villages, officials said on Monday.

The seizure was made from an orchard situated on a slope in Sihor taluka following a specific tip-off.

The local police received information that opium and ganja were being cultivated at an orchard owned by two brothers.

Acting on the input, a police team conducted an early morning raid on Sunday.

During the operation, officers seized 1,087.52 kilograms of green opium poppy plants valued at Rs 10,86,98,000, and 26 kilograms of dried poppy husk worth Rs 3,90,900, and 19 kilograms of green ganja plants valued at Rs 1,91,400.

Two mobile phones worth Rs 5,000 were also recovered. Other items seized included three mats, Aadhaar cards, copies of Village Form 8-A land records relating to two survey numbers, a light bulb, a saree and a plastic bag.

The total estimated value of the seized narcotics is Rs 10,92,85,300.

The accused have been identified as Sanjaybhai Chauhan, 55, and Boghabhai Chauhan, 53, both agriculturists and residents of Sakhvadar village boundary of Sihor taluka.

An offence has been registered against them under Sections 8(B), 8(C), 15(B), 18(B), 20(A), 20(B)(II) and 29 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Further legal proceedings are underway.

The seizure comes amid a series of recent anti-narcotics operations in Gujarat.

On February 18, the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad and the Indian Coast Guard intercepted an Iranian-registered speedboat about 140 nautical miles off Porbandar during a joint maritime operation.

Officials said around 203 kilograms of suspected narcotic substances were recovered and two Iranian nationals were arrested.

In another case, the Anti Narcotics Task Force of the CID crime unit in Ahmedabad seized 30.60 grams of mephedrone valued at approximately Rs 91,800 during a raid in the Khadia area on February 17.

One person was arrested at the scene, while two others were named in the complaint as investigations continue to trace the source and distribution network of the contraband.
Mumbai, Feb 23 : Actors Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda, who are set to tie the nuptial knot, landed in Udaipur on Monday to flag off their wedding festivities.

The wedding ceremony will take place at Mementos by ITC Hotels, Ekaaya Udaipur. While Vijay was dressed in a black leather ensemble, his woman, Rashmika Mandanna complemented him in a sophisticated outfit. The actress' attire featured a blazer with a notch lapel collar, padded shoulders, full-length sleeves folded to the elbow, double front pockets, a tailored design and fit, and an open front.

Vijay rounded up his look with a moustache, and waved to the media and fans before leaving for the wedding venue.

On Sunday, the actor couple officially announced their wedding. Taking to their respective Instagram handles, Rashmika and Vijay wrote, "Our Dearest loves, Before we made any plans, before we chose anything for ourselves, you were already there. With so much love, you gave us a name. You called us 'VIROSH'. So today, with full hearts, we name our coming together in your honour. We would like to name it, 'The Wedding of VIROSH'. Thank you for holding us with so much love. You are a part of us, always. Biggest hugs and full love".

The couple are expected to exchange the vows on February 26, 2026 in Udaipur, Rajasthan. The ceremony is described as intended to be private and intimate, with only close family and friends, followed by planned receptions.

Reports suggest a strict no-phone policy and NDAs for planners to keep the event private. Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda's love story began when they worked together on the Telugu hit 'Geetha Govindam' in 2018, their on-screen chemistry sparked early dating rumours. They reunited again in 'Dear Comrade', which intensified fan speculation about a real-life bond. Over subsequent years they were frequently seen together privately and at events, though both kept personal details out of the spotlight.
Kozhikode, Feb 23 : Three loading workers were killed and five others injured on Monday after the concrete slab of an ageing building collapsed in Valiyangadi, one of Kozhikode's busiest commercial hubs in Kerala.

Kozhikode, Feb 23 (IANS) Three loading workers were killed and five others injured on Monday after the concrete slab of an ageing building collapsed in Valiyangadi, one of Kozhikodeas busiest commercial hubs in Kerala.

The deceased have been identified as Jabbar, a native of Kinasheri, Ashraf and Basheer.

The accident occurred at a decades-old structure near the beach that had earlier functioned as the Passport Office.

The building, which belongs to the Kozhikode Corporation and is estimated to be around 60 years old, is currently being used as a warehouse by a nearby establishment.

According to eyewitnesses, seven workers were present at the spot after unloading goods into the godown.

They were resting on the floor near the shutter when a massive concrete slab and a sunshade portion of the building gave way and crashed down.

Two workers managed to run to safety after noticing the slab collapse, while the remaining five were trapped.

Local residents and fellow workers rushed to the scene and began rescue operations even before Fire Force personnel arrived.

The slab had to be cut open to extricate those trapped beneath.

Three workers were pulled out in the initial phase and shifted to the hospital, but their lives could not be saved.

One of the injured was rescued only after fire personnel cut through the concrete.

Another injured worker is reported to be in critical condition.

The collapse also caused significant property damage, with several two-wheelers parked beneath the slab crushed under the debris.

The fact that the location is a regular resting place for loading workers in Valiyangadi added to the scale of the tragedy.

Preliminary assessments point to the dilapidated condition as the likely cause of the collapse.

Local residents said the building had long been in a precarious state, raising serious concerns about safety oversight.

Despite its age, several commercial establishments continue to function in the premises.

The Mayor, who visited the site, said the building would be sealed and no one would be allowed to enter it henceforth.

The incident has renewed scrutiny over the use of ageing structures as warehouses without proper safety inspections.

Angry Congress and BJP workers protested the callous manner in which the CPI(M) ruled Corporation has done nothing despite the building condition being pointed out.
New Delhi, Feb 23 : Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday said it is too early to assess the impact of the recent tariff changes announced by the United States, adding that the commerce ministry is currently reviewing the situation.

FM Sitharaman remarks came after fresh trade tensions emerged following a decision by the US Supreme Court against sweeping import tariffs imposed earlier by the administration of Donald Trump.

Subsequently, President Trump announced a 10 per cent tariff on imports from all countries, including India, starting February 24 for a period of 150 days. A day later, he said the tariffs would be increased to 15 per cent.

When asked about the likely impact of these tariff changes on the Indian economy, FM Sitharaman said it was "a bit too soon" to comment.

"The commerce ministry is examining the situation and that a delegation will decide on the timing of further trade negotiations. It's a bit too early for me to comment," FM Sitharaman told reporters.

Finance Minister Sitharaman said India remains committed to signing trade agreements with various countries to expand global market access.

"India has already signed trade pacts with countries such as Australia, New Zealand, the UAE, Qatar, Oman, as well as blocs like the EU and the UK," the Finance Minister stated.

"India wants to continue engaging with global markets and ensure its economy benefits from international trade," FM Sitharaman added.

Speaking after the customary post-Budget meeting with the Central Board of Directors of the Reserve Bank of India, the finance minister also addressed concerns over rising gold prices.

FM Sitharaman explained that the recent spike in gold prices is largely due to increased buying by central banks across the world.

"Most countries today, particularly their central banks, are buying gold and silver and storing them," the Finance Minister said.

FM Sitharaman added that gold has always been a preferred investment for Indian households and that demand usually rises during the festive season.

The Finance Minister assured that the government and the RBI are closely monitoring the situation. However, FM Sitharaman said the price rise has not reached alarming levels so far.
Varanasi, Feb 23 : Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati on Monday said he is ready to face arrest and will fully cooperate with any probe in connection with the POCSO case, even as he criticised the Uttar Pradesh government.

Addressing reporters during media interaction here, the seer said that if an investigation is underway, he has a greater interest than the authorities in ensuring that the matter of the alleged wrongdoing is resolved swiftly.

"If any investigation is being conducted, we will cooperate. The police and the state may have an interest in resolving a case, but we have even more interest in ensuring that this wrongdoing is addressed quickly," he said.

On the possibility of custodial arrest, he argued that such a step would serve no purpose at this stage. According to him, custodial arrest is typically undertaken to preserve evidence, conduct medical examinations, or prevent the accused from absconding.

"All three matters have become irrelevant after so many days, so there is no point in making an arrest now. However, if anything of that sort happens, we will extend full cooperation," he added.

The Shankaracharya also said he had limited information about the case details and claimed that media personnel appeared to know more than he did. He maintained that no special legal team had been urgently called, though some lawyers had arrived voluntarily to offer support.

Invoking a reference from the Ramcharitmanas, he said that deceit and hypocrisy ultimately come to an end, citing an episode involving Ravana as a moral lesson.

He further pointed to extensive surveillance arrangements at Prayagraj during his earlier stay, noting that CCTV cameras had been installed widely and monitored from a control room.

"You can ask the officials how much was spent on CCTVs and where the footage is stored," he said, suggesting that visual records could clarify events if required.

The case remains under investigation, with no official statement yet from the state authorities on the seeras case.
Guwahati, Feb 23 : Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday described the installation of the first border pillar between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh as a historic milestone that marks the end of decades-long uncertainty over the inter-state boundary.

In a post on X, CM Sarma said that following the signing of the Namsai Declaration, the first border pillar has been installed in Arunachal Pradesh's Pakke Kesang district.

He termed the development "truly momentous", noting that it reflects a shared commitment by both states to resolve long-pending disputes through dialogue and cooperation.

"The installation of the border pillar symbolises clarity, cooperation and confidence between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh," CM Sarma said, adding that the move will bring lasting peace and administrative certainty to border villages that had remained affected by ambiguity for several decades.

The Chief Minister said that the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh boundary dispute, which involved multiple stretches across several districts, had often led to confusion over jurisdiction, affecting development works and service delivery in border areas.

The Namsai Declaration, signed earlier by the two states in the presence of the Union Home Ministry, lays down a framework for a mutually agreed and people-centric resolution.

CM Sarma said the agreement prioritised historical records, ground realities and the welfare of local communities, ensuring that the settlement is sustainable and acceptable to people living along the border.

He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership for encouraging cooperative federalism and fostering unity among the northeastern states. "Under the leadership of Adarniya Narendra Modi ji, the Ashtalakshmi region is moving forward as a cohesive unit," the Chief Minister said.

CM Sarma also acknowledged the guidance of Union Home Minister Amit Shah in steering the process and thanked Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu for his cooperation and support.

The Chief Minister said that clear and settled boundaries will pave the way for accelerated development, improved law and order, and better coordination between the two states. He added that Assam remains committed to resolving all inter-state issues amicably, setting an example of dialogue-driven governance in the Northeast.

Notably, the Namsai Declaration, signed after extensive consultations between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, marked a decisive step towards resolving one of the oldest inter-state boundary disputes in the Northeast.

The agreement laid down mutually accepted principles for demarcation, relying on historical records, administrative boundaries and ground realities, while placing the interests of border residents at the centre of the settlement.

By providing a structured and consensus-based roadmap for resolving contested stretches, the declaration aimed to ensure lasting peace, administrative clarity and unhindered development in border areas that had long suffered due to uncertainty.
New Delhi, Feb 23 : In the wake of the alleged attack on ABVP students at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), NSUI National President Vinod Jakhar on Monday claimed that the RSS-affiliated student wing has created an environment on campus where it can act without restraint.

The National Studentsa Union of India (NSUI) chief also said he condemned the violence and stood in support of those who were injured.

The remarks come after violence broke out at Delhias JNU campus in the early hours of Monday, when a protest rally turned confrontational. Students from opposing ideological groups accused each other of instigating the clashes.

The Jawaharlal Nehru University Studentsa Union (JNUSU) had called for an "Equality March", demanding the resignation of Vice-Chancellor Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit over her alleged "casteist" remarks made in a podcast on February 16. The union also objected to her comments regarding UGC regulations, Dalits, and affirmative action. Additionally, it sought the revocation of rustication orders issued against four student office-bearers over alleged vandalism of university property during an earlier protest.

Protesters alleged that the university administration did not engage with the march and instead allowed members of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) to confront them. However, the ABVP rejected these allegations and accused Left-backed organisations of provoking clashes and spreading misinformation.

Speaking to IANS, Jakhar said: "I would like to say that ABVP receives complete protection on campus and has created a kind of dictatorship. On campuses across the country, ABVP operates with full impunity. The Vice-Chancellor works under their pressure, and the faculty also functions under their influence."

"They create an environment across the campus where they can do anything, with no one to restrain them. I condemn this act and stand with those who have been injured. There should be no atmosphere of violence on campus. I am against it, and the NSUI will work more firmly to ensure this," he added.

On meeting senior party leader Rahul Gandhi, he said: "Rahul Gandhi blessed me and encouraged me to work hard. He said that the responsibility I have received is due to my efforts, and I should fulfil it through my work."

Recently, Gandhi appointed Jakhar as the new President of the National Studentsa Union of India (NSUI). He previously served as the Rajasthan University Studentsa Union (RUSU) state President for two years and, in 2018, became the first Dalit president of the RUSU after contesting as an independent candidate.
ZAGREB, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- Croatian President Zoran Milanovic announced on Monday that the Croatian military will not cooperate in any way with the Israeli military or Israel's military industry.

In a statement, he said that, due to what he described as unacceptable actions by the Israeli military and serious violations of international humanitarian law, he had ordered in May last year the termination of all cooperation between the Croatian Armed Forces and the Israeli military, a decision applying to all members of the Croatian Armed Forces.

Calling on the Croatian government to halt all arms and military equipment trade with Israel, he reiterated that the Croatian Armed Forces will not cooperate in any way with the Israeli army in the future.

The president's remarks came as Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Ivan Anusic began an official visit to Israel.

Anusic met Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz in Tel Aviv on Monday. Meetings with representatives of Israel's defense industry are also on the agenda.

Although the Croatian president is the nation's commander-in-chief of the armed forces, he cannot unilaterally decide all military affairs, as foreign military cooperation and arms procurement are led by the government.

In the statement, Milanovic called on the Croatian government, which is responsible for procuring military equipment and weapons, to suspend all planned agreements or contracts involving the purchase of weapons and military equipment from Israel. Any agreement or deal with the Israeli military or its defense industry would be unenforceable and damaging to Croatia, the statement said. 
Bengaluru, Feb 23 : Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Monday said that the issue of banning mobile phones in schools is under discussion and that there is pressure from parents as well.

"Many countries have implemented such measures. The issue is also being discussed at the international level," he said in response to questions from the media near his residence here.

Asked about restricting mobile phone usage by children in schools, he said: "It is not appropriate to publicly disclose how mobile phones are being misused. That is why discussions are being held on this issue."

On the issue of banning mobile phones, Home Minister G. Parameshwara stated there has been discussion on imposing a mobile ban in schools and colleges. Giving mobile phones to children below 16 years of age is affecting their education in different ways, he said. "Many countries have conducted studies and imposed bans on mobile phones. The Chief Minister has also deliberated on this issue. A decision will be taken after studying its pros and cons," he added.

Asked about Minister Mahadevappa raising the issue of a Dalit Chief Minister, Shivakumar said: "He is our national leader. I offer him my greetings from here."

Responding to a question about a report by the National Water Quality Standards Authority stating that Bengaluru's lake water is not fit for drinking, he said: "The government has never said that lake water in Bengaluru should be used for drinking or bathing. These lakes exist to recharge groundwater. Water from the Thippagondanahalli reservoir is treated by the BWSSB. Bengaluru's lake water is not meant for drinking or bathing."

On the issue of protest by Congress against Viksit BharatGuarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, he said the Central government has not issued any clarification or directive.

"Even wages for previous work have not been released. The law has been rendered ineffective. Atrocities are being committed against labourers and the poor. We are organising a major protest against this. A 'NREGA Bachao Andolan' protest has been organised in Chikkaballapur," he said.
Tehran, Feb 23 : The Indian Embassy in Tehran issued a fresh advisory on Monday, asking its nationals in Iran to leave the country by available means of transport, including commercial flights.

The Indian Embassy stated that the advisory has been issued in continuation of the advisory issued on January 5 and in view of the evolving situation in Iran.

"In continuation of the advisory issued by the Government of India on 5 January 2026, and in view of the evolving situation in Iran, Indian nationals who are currently in Iran (students, pilgrims, business persons and tourists) are advised to leave Iran by available means of transport, including commercial flights," the advisory stated.

"The 14 January 2026 Advisory is hereby reiterated that all Indian citizens and PIOS should exercise due caution, avoid areas of protests or demonstrations, stay in contact with the Indian Embassy in Iran and monitor local media for any developments. All Indian nationals in Iran are requested to also have their travel and immigration documents, including passports and IDs, readily available with them. They are requested to contact the Indian Embassy for any assistance in this regard," it added.

The Embassy also shared emergency contact numbers for assistance. Indian nationals in Iran who have not yet registered with the Embassy have been asked to do so online. In case of internet disruptions in Iran, families of Indian nationals in India have been asked to complete registration on their behalf.

US President Donald Trump is reportedly weighing military options against Iran as diplomacy enters what officials describe as a last-ditch phase, even as Tehran's closest partners  China and Russia  appear reluctant to offer direct military backing in any conflict with the United States.

According to a report in 'The Wall Street Journal', Iran has sought for years to build closer military ties with Beijing and Moscow. But its powerful friends are "proving reluctant to step forward" as the regime faces what the paper described as the "most acute US threat to its survival in decades."

Russia and Iran conducted small-scale naval drills in the Gulf of Oman this past week. An exercise involving Chinese ships is also planned in the Strait of Hormuz, Iranian state media reported. Yet analysts told the Journal that Beijing and Moscow have shown little willingness to provide direct military assistance if Trump orders an attack on Iran.

"They're not going to sacrifice their own interests for the Iranian regime," Danny Citrinowicz, a former Israeli military intelligence official, was quoted as saying. "They are hoping the regime will not be toppled, but they are definitely not going to counter the US militarily."

At the same time, The New York Times reported that Trump has told advisors that if diplomacy or any initial targeted U.S. attack does not lead Iran to give up its nuclear programme, he would consider a much larger assault intended to drive the country's leaders from power.

Negotiators from Washington and Tehran are scheduled to meet in Geneva for talks aimed at avoiding military conflict. But Trump has been weighing options for US action if negotiations fail.

Targets under consideration range from the headquarters of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to nuclear and ballistic missile facilities, the New York Times reported.

Iran's Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, insisted in a television interview that the country was not ready to give up what he called its "right" to make nuclear fuel under the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty.
Mumbai, Feb 23 : Sharad Pawar-led NCP legislator Rohit Pawar on Monday stated that if a superficial investigation was conducted in the death of Late Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, the 'Marathi Manoos (the people of Maharashtra)' will show their strength.

He questioned the progress made in the investigation over the past month and pointed out that the CBI is already overburdened with cases.

Speaking to reporters on the premises of Vidhan Bhavan, Rohit Pawar noted that individuals like Amol Mitkari, Rupali Thombare, and several grassroots workers have been speaking out consistently, raising questions about Ajit Pawar's death.

Regarding the pilot involved, he mentioned that detailed discussions have already taken place. "I desire a transparent investigation. While the case has been handed over to the CBI, what have the investigators already probed in the last month? Have they seized CCTV footage? Has the necessary criminal investigation been conducted? A deep inquiry is essential. So far, only two superficial reports have been submitted," claimed Rohit Pawar.

He further alleged that he possesses evidence regarding the links between people in power and VSR (the aviation entity), including the relationships ministers had with them.

He welcomed the CBI probe but expressed scepticism, noting that 7,075 cases currently remain unresolved. He likened this to "putting cases on ice" and emphasised that a specific time limit must be set for the CBI to complete the investigation.

Rohit Pawar stated that he has prepared a formal letter to the Chief Minister and will seek an appointment with him to submit it along with the evidence.

"Reports have already been sent to Union Home Minister Amit Shah and the DGCA. 70 per cent of the information is still being withheld by them. We do not want to play politics; we only demand that the investigation be conducted properly," he said.

Rohit Pawar claimed to have evidence regarding the extent of the damage to the Black Box. He reiterated that the Marathi people would not stay silent if the probe turned out to be a mere formality.

Regarding the Rajya Sabha elections, Rohit Pawar highlighted Sharad Pawar's 60-year political career, stating that his experience benefits both the state and the country.

He mentioned that even Ajit Pawar had previously desired this, and MVA leaders like Sanjay Raut have expressed similar wishes for Sharad Pawar going to the Rajya Sabha. "A final decision will be made after Sharad Pawar arrives in Mumbai and discusses the matter with MVA leaders," he added.

Paying tribute to the late leader, Rohit Pawar vowed to keep fighting to uncover the truth of what happened. "Maharashtra deserves to know what exactly transpired. Ajit Dada used to tease me with his witty remarks. He was a leader who carried himself with great style. He was always the first to arrive at the Assembly sessions and the last to leave. We have lost a disciplined, experienced Marathi leader. No matter what happens, we will keep fighting and raising the issues of the people," he noted.
Chandigarh, Feb 23 : Ahead of the assembly elections slated for early 2027, the Aam Aadmi Party government in Punjab on Monday announced the "Meri Rasoi" scheme to provide nutritious food to 40 lakh blue card holders in the state from April.

This was announced by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann after a meeting of the Council of Ministers here.

"Meri Rasoi" will ensure that all blue card holders will get 2 kg dal, 2 kg sugar, 1 kg iodised salt, 200 grams haldi, and 1 litre of mustard oil, along with the free wheat they are getting each month.

"The families will be provided the ration kit for three months from April," the Chief Minister said.

Officials said the "Meri Rasoi" scheme has a budget outlay of Rs 1,000 crore.

While the kits will be prepared by state-run Markfed, the Food and Supplies Department will distribute them among the beneficiaries.

From April onwards, each cardholder under the National Food Security Act or Smart Ration Card Scheme will get a separate bag containing the food items. The beneficiaries are eligible for 15 kg of wheat every month. The wheat is given quarterly in a 45-kg bag.

CM Mann said it was ironic that Punjab has been feeding millions of people in the country, but many families in the state get just one meal a day.

"Our children are undernourished and suffer from iron deficiency. The meals they get are not rich in protein. As a welfare government, it is our duty to ensure that every citizen in the state gets wholesome meals," he said.

Meanwhile, the Cabinet decided to hold the Budget session from March 6 to 16, and the Budget will be presented on International Womenas Day, March 8, which falls on a Sunday.

"If Prime Minister Narendra Modi can get a Parliament session convened on a Sunday, why canat we? We can also table our budget on Sunday," Mann said.

The Chief Minister also said that investigations were underway into the killings of two security personnel at a border checkpoint in Gurdaspur on Sunday.

Assistant Sub-Inspector Gurnam Singh and home guard Ashok Kumar were found dead close to the Pakistan border.

On the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) revision, CM Mann said the government would give full cooperation to the Election Commission. "But we will oppose any move to delete the voters," he said.

--IANS

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The Hague, Feb 23 : A Dutch minority government was officially sworn in on Monday at Huis ten Bosch Palace in The Hague, more than 110 days after the general election held on October 29 last year.

Following the discharge of the previous cabinet, 18 ministers and 10 state secretaries were sworn in.

The new cabinet is a coalition of Democrats 66 (D66), the People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD), and the Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA), formed on January 30, Xinhua news agency reported. Before the swearing-in, incoming Prime Minister Rob Jetten held an introductory meeting with King Willem-Alexander, marking the transition to the new administration.

The first cabinet meeting is scheduled for Monday afternoon. An initial task of the government will be to draft its policy programme under the coalition agreement.

According to the agreement, the new government will prioritise improving the efficiency of public administration, accelerating housing construction and energy transition, advancing proactive climate policies, promoting high-tech industries to boost economic growth, tightening immigration policies, reforming the social security and healthcare systems and strengthening national security and international cooperation.

A total of 27 parties contested the parliamentary election last October, with 15 winning seats in the House of Representatives. The D66 and the Party for Freedom (PVV) each secured 26 seats, followed by the VVD with 22 and the GreenLeft-Labour alliance (GroenLinks-PvdA) with 20. The CDA and JA21 won 18 and nine seats, respectively.

On January 9, the D66, the VVD and the CDA announced their plan to form a minority cabinet. Forming a government without majority support at the outset is rare in Dutch politics. The three parties together hold 66 seats in the 150-member House of Representatives, 10 short of a majority, and are 16 seats short of a majority in the Senate.

"The Netherlands does not have a tradition of minority cabinets. In that respect, we are in uncharted territory," the three parties said in their coalition agreement. "The success of this cabinet hinges on its willingness to collaborate with the House of Representatives and the Senate, fellow government bodies, and civil society organizations."
Thiruvananthapuram Feb 23 : Kerala Police on Monday approached a Thiruvananthapuram court seeking cancellation of the anticipatory bail granted to expelled Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathil in connection with the second rape case, alleging that he violated key bail conditions by attempting to contact the survivor.

The petition was filed before the court of the Judicial Magistrate First Class after investigators found that Mamkootathil had tried to reach the 23-year-old complainant, a native of Bengaluru, over the phone on February 17.

The court had earlier granted him anticipatory bail in the case on December 10, with a specific and strict condition that he should not attempt to contact the survivor either directly or indirectly.

According to the police, the alleged phone call constitutes a clear breach of that condition.

The survivor subsequently lodged a complaint with the Special Investigation Team (SIT), stating that Mamkootathil attempted to call her on February 17.

In her complaint, she clarified that she did not answer the call.

Police submitted the survivoras complaint along with supporting digital evidence to substantiate the alleged violation.

Based on these materials, investigators argued that the breach was serious enough to warrant cancellation of bail.

After considering the police petition, the court directed Mamkootathil to appear in person and provide an explanation.

He has been instructed to appear before the court within this month.

The second rape case against the MLA was registered based on the complaint filed by the 23-year-old woman.

While the anticipatory bail order had protected him from arrest, it was subject to compliance with clearly laid down conditions, including non-interference with the survivor.

The police move marks a significant development in the case, as cancellation of anticipatory bail could expose the accused to custodial proceedings.

The court is expected to examine whether the alleged phone contact amounts to a willful violation of bail conditions before taking a final decision.
Chennai, Feb 23 : Tensions escalated along the Palk Strait after the Sri Lankan Navy arrested 12 fishermen from Pamban on Monday and seized their mechanised trawler on charges of alleged poaching in Sri Lankan waters.

According to officials from the Tamil Nadu Fisheries Department, the arrested fishermen had set out to sea on Sunday in a mechanised boat owned by David, a resident of Pamban near Rameswaram.

The vessel was reportedly intercepted by the Sri Lankan Navy while fishing in waters between Katchatheevu and Mannar.

The fishermen were expected to return to shore by noon on Monday but failed to do so, raising concern among their families.

Following their detention, the fishermen were taken to the naval port at Talaimannar for further enquiry, officials said.

Fishermen associations in Rameswaram strongly condemned the arrests and appealed to the Centre to intervene immediately, stating that repeated detentions were threatening their livelihood and creating uncertainty among coastal communities.

Fishermen leader Jesu Raja expressed shock over the development, noting that just last week 22 Indian fishermen were arrested and four trawlers impounded by Sri Lankan authorities.

"With only a few days left for the annual festival at St. Antony's Church in Katchatheevu, such actions have caused distress and disharmony among fisherfolk on both sides," he said.

Sri Lankan authorities had recently extended invitations to Indian pilgrims to attend the two-day Katchatheevu festival.

However, Raja said the continuing arrests have left many fishermen uncertain about participating in the celebrations. He pointed out that similar detentions had occurred last year in the run-up to the festival.

Meanwhile, efforts by boat owners to secure legal relief have reportedly met with setbacks.

After a Sri Lankan court recently directed the release of six impounded trawlers, around 10 fishermen from Rameswaram travelled to Sri Lanka hoping to retrieve their boats. However, they were informed that boat owners would also face poaching charges, prompting them to return home disappointed.

A boat owner alleged that local advocates in Sri Lanka were reluctant to represent Indian fishermen, making legal recourse difficult.

Fishermen leaders reiterated that only direct intervention by the Union government and support from the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka could lead to a lasting solution to the recurring crisis.

IANS

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New Delhi, Feb 23 : India and France have signed an amending protocol to boost investment and strengthen economic cooperation, which aligns tax treaty with international standards, it was announced on Monday.

The amending protocol provides full taxing rights in respect of capital gains arising from sale of shares of a company, to the jurisdiction where such company is a resident.

It also deletes the so-called Most-Favoured-Nation (MFN) Clause from the Protocol to the India-France Double Taxation Avoidance Convention (DTAC), thereby bringing to rest all issues relating to it, according to a Finance Ministry statement.

The protocol also modifies the taxation of income from dividends by replacing a single rate of 10 per cent of tax with a split rate of 5 per cent for those holding at least 10 per cent of capital and 15 per cent of tax for all other cases.

"It also modifies the definition of 'Fees for Technical Services' by aligning it with the definition in India US Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement, and expands the scope of 'Permanent Establishment' by adding Service PE," the ministry said.

During the recent visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to India, both the nations signed a protocol amending the India-France DTAC.

The Protocol also updates the provisions on Exchange of Information and introduces a new Article on Assistance in Collection of Taxes, as per international standards, said the ministry.

This would enable and facilitate seamless exchange of information and strengthen mutual tax cooperation between India and France.

The Protocol also incorporates within the DTAC, the applicable provisions of BEPS Multilateral Instrument (MLI), that had already become applicable consequent to the signing and ratification of MLI by India and France.

"The Amending Protocol will provide greater tax certainty to the taxpayers and boost flow of investment, technology and personnel between India and France, and thereby strengthen the economic relationship between the two countries," said the ministry.
Islamabad, Feb 23 : At least three Federal Constabulary (FC) men were killed when an ambulance carrying injured personnel came under attack in the Badrakhail area of Karak in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, local media reported citing regional police authorities.

The personnel were injured in a quadcopter attack on an FC post in the Dargah Shaheedan area this morning and were being transported to a hospital for treatment when the attack took place, the District Police Officer (DPO) told Pakistan's leading Geo News network.

The report mentioned that at least five FC men were injured in the quadcopter attack, while two rescue personnel were also wounded in the ambulance attack.

"Following the attack, police launched a search and clearance operation in the area to apprehend the assailants. Investigations into the incident are under way," Geo News reported.

On Sunday, Afghanistan's Ministry of National Defence 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.

"Pakistan's military regime had once again conducted airstrikes in several civilian areas of Nangarhar and Paktika provinces -- including a religious school and several residential houses -- resulting in dozens of innocent civilians, among them women and children, being killed and injured," Pajhwok news reported quoting an official statement in which the Afghan defence ministry called the attacks a clear violation of Afghanistan's sovereignty and a crime.

Islamabad has repeatedly bombed Afghan territories, claiming to aim at terror groups allegedly behind attacks in Pakistan. The result has been the Taliban retaliation, leading to intense firefights at the borders, and the subsequent closure for about four months.

A strong public opinion is building up in Afghanistan against Islamabad's hegemonic tendencies. "Several experts say that the Pakistani military's attacks on Afghanistan and the targetting of civilians constitute a war crime," Kabul's Tolo News reported on Monday.

"By targetting civilians in Nangarhar and Paktika, Pakistan's military regime has once again violated Afghanistan's national sovereignty," it asserted.

India has condemned the latest strikes and expressed concern over the reported loss of civilian lives during the holy month of Ramadan.

'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," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on Sunday.

"It is another attempt by Pakistan to externalise its internal failures. India reiterates its support for Afghanistan's sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence," he added.
Kolkata, Feb 23 : The Greater Siliguri Hoteliers' Association (GSHA), a leading hoteliers' body based in Siliguri in West Bengal's Darjeeling district, on Monday lifted the ban on renting hotel rooms to citizens of neighbouring Bangladesh, nearly 13 months after the restriction was imposed.

The ban was enforced last year as a mark of protest against what the association described as a series of anti-India activities and incidents involving attacks and killings of minority Hindus in Bangladesh during that period.

The GSHA on Monday issued a notification stating that the decision to lift the ban was taken in view of the improvement in the political situation in Bangladesh following the general elections held earlier this month, which resulted in the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) forming the government.

The hoteliers' body also sent a written communication to the District Magistrate of Darjeeling on Monday, formally informing the district administration about its decision to withdraw the restriction on renting rooms to Bangladeshi citizens.

However, at the same time, GSHA office-bearers issued a note of caution, stating that a similar ban could be reimposed in the future if there was any recurrence of anti-India activities in Bangladesh.

Bangladesh witnessed a turbulent political phase following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League government. Subsequently, several political leaders in Bangladesh made remarks critical of India, with some even issuing statements perceived as hostile towards India's territorial integrity, including references to the northeastern region.

Amid the rising tensions in Bangladesh during that period, the Indian government had temporarily closed its visa centres in the country, affecting cross-border travel and tourism.

Following these developments, several hoteliers' associations in West Bengal, including the GSHA, had imposed restrictions on renting rooms to Bangladeshi nationals as a mark of protest and security precaution.

"Due to the hatred that was spread against India in Bangladesh after the unrest there, we had to ban Bangladeshi tourists following discussions and voting within our association. However, after the formation of the new government there earlier this month, there is renewed hope for restoring amicable relations between India and Bangladesh. That is why we decided to lift the ban on Bangladeshi tourists after a meeting of the association members and voting. The district administration has also been informed about our decision," said GSHA Joint Secretary Ujjwal Ghosh.

However, he added that the restriction could be enforced again if anti-India activities resume in Bangladesh.
The Year of the Horse collection of Italian stationery brand Moleskine is seen at a store in Milan, Italy, Feb. 18, 2026. (Xinhua/Zhang Xinwen)

MILAN, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- The shop window of the traditional Italian stationery brand Moleskine in central Milan showcases a special collection inspired by the Chinese Spring Festival zodiac culture and the Year of the Horse, featuring an eye-catching decorative Chinese character "horse" alongside red and shimmering notebooks and pens.

Featuring auspicious red covers, ink-style horse illustrations symbolizing strength and good fortune, and packaging that includes a traditional red envelope, the collection is thoughtfully designed to appeal to both Chinese consumers and international shoppers celebrating the holiday, Gregory, a salesperson at the store, said.

By releasing a zodiac-themed series annually in collaboration with artists, including creatives from China, the brand blends Italian design and craftsmanship with meaningful Chinese motifs, turning cultural appreciation into a bridge for market expansion and cross-cultural engagement.

As the influence of China's Spring Festival economy continues to grow, many businesses in Italy are similarly tapping into zodiac themes and festive consumption trends to strengthen their appeal.

In the upscale shopping district of Milan, the flagship experience space of Italian scooter maker Vespa prominently showcased a special Year of the Horse edition in its front window.

According to innovation manager Luca Sacchi, the model artfully blends zodiac symbolism with the brand's signature industrial design: a deep brown finish evokes the sheen of a horse's coat, while a refined leather seat draws on equestrian aesthetics.

Sales manager Mauro Gandini noted that Spring Festival collectible editions have generated global interest among enthusiasts and collectors, with orders arriving within the first week of the launch, an encouraging signal for the market potential of culturally themed special editions.

Other Italian brands have adopted similar strategies. Fashion houses Max Mara and Emporio Armani, along with fragrance label Acqua di Parma, have introduced horse-inspired capsule collections featuring equestrian motifs, red-and-gold palettes and exclusive prints associated with the Spring Festival.

Andrea Cicini, a licensed member of the Italian Public Relations Federation, said that while the holiday represents a peak sales season, it also offers a valuable opportunity to build emotional connections with Chinese consumers.

As Chinese buyers place increasing emphasis on cultural storytelling, holiday-themed collections have become an important tool for overseas brands seeking deeper engagement with the China market.

The appeal extends beyond Chinese shoppers. Gregory, a salesperson at Moleskine, said the brand's Chinese New Year collection has been particularly popular among Asian customers while also drawing interest from Italians intrigued by Chinese culture.

Maya, browsing the Year of the Horse notebooks, described the design as "very cool" and said it helped her better understand China's zodiac traditions.

Laura, a volunteer for the ongoing Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, said she has learned that this year marks the Year of the Horse and was inspired to explore its meaning after seeing the themed products.

Cicini added that China's vast consumer base continues to attract global brands, with the Spring Festival serving as both a testing ground for new products and a platform to refine brand narratives.

The dynamism of China's holiday economy, he said, offers insight into broader consumption trends and presents tangible opportunities for foreign companies as the country's consumer market continues to expand and upgrade. 

The Year of the Horse collection of Italian stationery brand Moleskine is seen at a store in Milan, Italy, Feb. 18, 2026. (Xinhua/Zhang Xinwen)

The Year of the Horse limited edition of Italian scooter brand Vespa is seen in the front window of the brand's experience space in Milan, Italy, Feb. 19, 2026. (Xinhua/Zhang Xinwen)
Greater Noida, Feb 23 : In a tragic incident, a five-year-old boy drowned in an open pond in Chipyana village under the Bisrakh police station area of Greater Noida, officials said on Monday.a

The incident has left residents in shock. The villagers have accused the authorities of gross negligence.a

The deceased child, identified as Ishu, had been missing since February 18. His body was recovered from an open pond near the village six days later. The incident is heartbreaking for the family, leaving them devastated.a

According to family members, Ishu was playing outside his house on the afternoon of February 18 when he suddenly went missing. When he did not return home, his family members and residents launched an extensive search in and around the village.a

After failing to locate him, the family lodged a missing person complaint with the police. The Bisrakh police also initiated a search operation.a

The childas body was found floating in an open pond located close to residential houses on Monday. The recovery of the body triggered outrage among villagers, who alleged serious lapses on the part of the Greater Noida Authority and the local administration.a

Residents claimed that the pond was neither fenced nor barricaded, and that it lacked warning signs, reflectors, or protective measures, despite being situated near a populated area. They alleged that repeated concerns about open and unsecured water bodies in the locality had gone unaddressed.a

Villagers said that had the pond been properly secured, the tragedy could have been prevented. They have demanded immediate action to fence off open ponds and other hazardous sites in the area to prevent similar incidents in the future.a

Upon receiving information, the Bisrakh police reached the spot, took custody of the body, and sent it for post-mortem examination. Police officials said that while prima facie the case appears to be one of accidental drowning, all aspects are being thoroughly investigated to rule out any other possibility.

aThe childas death has cast a pall of gloom over Chipyana village, with grieving family members inconsolable and residents demanding accountability from the authorities.

a--IANS

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Kolkata, Feb 23 : The Calcutta High Court on Monday ordered that the Union Ministry of Home Affairs be made a party in the case relating to illegal constructions in the East Kolkata Wetlands, court sources said.

Justice Amrita Sinha of the Calcutta High Court expressed dissatisfaction with the role of the state government and the Kolkata Municipal Corporation in addressing the issue. The court observed that if necessary, central forces might have to be deployed to demolish the illegal constructions in the wetlands.

The matter came up following allegations that more than 500 illegal constructions had come up in the East Kolkata Wetlands, reportedly after filling up ecologically sensitive wetland areas in violation of environmental norms.

Justice Sinhaas Bench has conducted multiple hearings in the matter in the past and had earlier raised concerns regarding the alleged inaction and inadequate response of the state administration and municipal authorities.

The court had previously directed the municipal authorities to identify and demolish illegal constructions in the wetlands with the assistance of the police. However, it was reported before the court that demolition work remained incomplete and several illegal structures were yet to be identified.

During Mondayas hearing, the District Magistrate of South 24 Parganas submitted a status report before the court outlining the current situation in the affected areas.

After examining the report, Justice Sinha expressed strong displeasure, observing that despite repeated reports being submitted, there was little visible progress on the ground. She remarked that she did not want further reports but wanted to see concrete action taken in compliance with the courtas directives.

The court made it clear that its primary concern was the effective implementation of its earlier orders and the removal of illegal constructions from the protected wetland area.

Justice Sinha observed that if the state authorities failed to carry out the demolition exercise, the court would seek the cooperation of the central government and consider involving central forces to ensure compliance.

The court also noted that despite repeated judicial directions, the state government and the municipal corporation had failed to take adequate and timely action in removing the illegal constructions.

Justice Sinha further warned that if the situation did not improve, the court would not hesitate to direct the deployment of central forces to carry out demolition of the illegal structures.

During the proceedings, counsel representing the East Kolkata Wetlands informed the court that notices had been issued in connection with illegal constructions and that formal orders for demolition had also been passed.

However, the court emphasised that issuance of notices alone was not sufficient and that actual demolition and restoration work must be carried out without delay.

The court subsequently directed that the Union Ministry of Home Affairs be impleaded as a party in the case, observing that if the state government was unable to effectively enforce the courtas orders, responsibility could be entrusted to the Centre to ensure compliance.

The next hearing in the matter has been scheduled for March 16.
Patna, Feb 23 : The Chief Minister Nitish Kumar-led Bihar government has tightened restrictions on treasury withdrawals exceeding Rs 1 crore, making prior permission mandatory. The decision, taken ahead of the March closing of the 2025-26 financial year, has triggered a fresh political confrontation, with the Opposition alleging a severe financial crisis and the ruling alliance dismissing the claims as baseless.

Patna, Feb 23 (IANS) The Chief Minister Nitish Kumar-led Bihar government has tightened restrictions on treasury withdrawals exceeding Rs 1 crore, making prior permission mandatory. The decision, taken ahead of the March closing of the 202526 financial year, has triggered a fresh political confrontation, with the Opposition alleging a severe financial crisis and the ruling alliance dismissing the claims as baseless.

Reacting sharply to the decision, Ranvijay Sahu, General Secretary of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), accused the government of draining the treasury through arbitrary spending.

Sahu claimed that funds were distributed indiscriminately, including cash assistance to women during elections, leading to a serious financial crunch.

"The government is bankrupt. The treasury is empty. Development work has stalled. There is no money even to pay government employees, and people are crying in distress," he alleged.

The RJD has repeatedly argued that the withdrawal restrictions are clear indicators of the state's deteriorating fiscal health.

The ruling NDA, however, strongly refuted the Opposition's claims.

Madhav Anand, Legislative Party leader of the Rashtriya Lok Morcha, said the state's financial position remains stable.

"Which department's salary has been stopped today? Employees are being paid on time. Bihar has a double-engine government and continues to receive central assistance. The Opposition is making childish statements due to a lack of understanding," Anand said.

He added that employment-related schemes are ongoing and that upcoming recruitments in the health and education sectors would further strengthen the economy.

Madhav Anand also renewed his demand for a review of Bihar's liquor prohibition policy, arguing that it could help reduce revenue losses.

"The Chief Minister has taken good decisions earlier. We hope he will take the right decision on this issue as well," he said.

According to official instructions, the Finance Department has set strict deadlines for bill submissions.

Bills pending up to January 2026 must be deposited by February 28, bills due up to February 2026 by March 15, and bills for March 2026 by March 20.

While the government maintains these measures are part of routine year-end financial management, the Opposition insists they point to an underlying fiscal strain.

With the Budget Session underway, the treasury restrictions have emerged as a major flashpoint between the ruling NDA and the Opposition, keeping Bihar's financial health firmly in the political spotlight.
Jaipur, Feb 23 : A heated political exchange erupted in the Rajasthan Assembly on Monday during Question Hour, after State Education Minister Madan Dilawar, accused the Congress of corruption regarding transfers of teachers in the state while responding to a query on opening science faculties in government schools.

Instead of providing data on science faculties and appointment of teachers in the state, Minister Dilawar launched a political attack on the Congress, triggering protests and an uproar in the House.

"We are filling vacant positions in all schools and are also planning to fill the posts of teachers retiring in the next two years," the Minister said.

He alleged that during the previous Congress-led state government, thousands of English-medium schools were opened only on paper, without appointing teachers in the state.

"Boards were put up, but no posts were created. Fifty thousand faculties were opened without teachers. Congress has ruined education and the future of children in Rajasthan," he said.

Assembly Speaker Vasudev Devnani intervened and asked Minister Dilawar to stick to the question.

Leader of the Opposition (LoP) Tikaram Jully demanded specific data over appointment of science teachers in government schools in the state, saying, "Everyone knows who created the mess. How many science faculties have you (BJP-led state government) opened in two years? How many posts have you filled? Answer that."

Minister Dilawar then alleged corruption in transfers of teachers in Rajasthan, asking former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, "Did your (previous Congress government's) Education Minister take money for transfers of school teachers or not?"

He claimed that teachers had alleged that former Education Minister Govind Singh Dotasra took money for their transfers.

LoP Jully accused Minister Dilawar of misleading the House, saying, "The Education Minister (Madan Dilawar) is giving a political speech. Please answer the specific question on science faculties."

After further debate, Minister Dilawar said that 3,880 posts for teachers were filled in one phase and 970 in another, following which the House witnessed continued uproar.

A heated exchange erupted in the Rajasthan Assembly during Question Hour on Monday after Education Minister Madan Dilawar's reply to a query on opening science faculties in government schools and the availability of teachers triggered an uproar in the House.

Instead of presenting statistical details on queries asked, the Minister launched a political attack on the Congress, leading to protests and sharp reactions from the Opposition.

Minister Dilawar said the state government is filling vacant posts in all schools and is planning to recruit teachers, who will retire in the next two years.

He alleged that during the previous Congress-led state government, several English-medium schools were opened only on paper, with boards installed but no teaching posts created.
Chandigarh, Feb 23 : In a major breakthrough, Punjab Police's Counter Intelligence (CI) Amritsar has busted a drug trafficking module with the arrest of three operatives and recovered 6 kg of each heroin and ICE (crystal methamphetamine) from their possession, said Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav here on Monday.

Chandigarh, Feb 23 (IANS) In a major breakthrough, Punjab Policeas Counter Intelligence (CI) Amritsar has busted a drug trafficking module with the arrest of three operatives and recovered 6 kg of each heroin and ICE (crystal methamphetamine) from their possession, said Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav here on Monday.

Those arrested have been identified as Partap Singh, a resident of Sursingh Wala village in Ferozepur; Ajaypal Singh, a resident of Kohala village in Amritsar; and Jobandeep Singh, a resident of Khiala Kalan village in Amritsar.

Apart from recovering the narcotics consignment, police teams have also impounded their black-coloured motorcycle and white-coloured Activa, which were being used for transporting the consignment.

DGP Yadav said preliminary investigation has revealed that the arrested accused, Partap Singh and Ajaypal Singh, were in direct contact with a Pakistan-based smuggler.

Arrested accused were collecting consignments smuggled from across the border with the help of drones, from the fenced area of Atalgarh and Rattan villages in Amritsar, he said, while adding that the accused were further tasked with supplying these narcotics to other parties in the state.

Sharing operational details, he said that CI Amritsar had received specific Intelligence that Partap Singh and Ajaypal Singh had recently received a huge consignment of drugs via drone and were en route to deliver it to their associate Jobandeep Singh near the Water Tank Shamshan Ghat in Padhri village.

Acting swiftly, a police team from CI Amritsar raided the location and arrested all three suspects along with six kg heroin and six kg ICE, he said.

The DGP said that further investigation is underway to establish backward and forward linkages in this case to expose the full nexus, and more arrests are expected.

In this regard, a First Information Report (FIR) on Monday was registered under Sections 21, 22, 25 and 29 of the NDPS Act at Police Station State Special Operation Cell in Amritsar.
Chennai, Feb 23 : The Congress has formally sought a higher number of Assembly seats than it was allotted in 2021, AICC Tamil Nadu incharge Girish Chodankar said on Monday after senior party leader K.C. Venugopal met Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK President M.K. Stalin in Chennai.

Describing the discussions as preliminary but significant, Chodankar confirmed that seat-sharing arrangements, including allocation of a Rajya Sabha seat, constituency-sharing for the upcoming Assembly elections, and coordination for local body polls, were part of the talks between Venugopal and the Chief Minister.

"The Congress has demanded more seats than what we received in the previous Assembly election," Chodankar told reporters, underlining the party's intention to strengthen its position within the DMK-led alliance.

In the 2021 Assembly elections, the Congress contested 25 seats as part of the alliance.

Earlier in the day, Chodankar, along with Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC) President K. Selvaperunthagai, met DMK Deputy General Secretary and Lok Sabha MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi at her residence.

He characterised that meeting as a "courtesy call," adding that structured negotiations between the alliance partners would take place separately through designated committees.

Responding to questions about whether power-sharing arrangements were discussed, Chodankar said that constituency-sharing remains the immediate priority.

"First, we need to conclude seat-sharing discussions. Other aspects can follow," he noted, indicating that detailed negotiations are yet to begin.

The meeting between Venugopal and Stalin comes amid heightened political activity in Tamil Nadu, with parties preparing early for the next Assembly elections and other upcoming polls.

Sources in the Congress suggested that the party leadership is keen to finalise terms well in advance to avoid last-minute friction.

Chodankar said the Congress is now awaiting confirmation from the DMK leadership on the date for a formal meeting between the alliance negotiation committees.

Once scheduled, the two sides are expected to hold comprehensive talks to iron out differences and arrive at a mutually acceptable seat-sharing formula.

IANS

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Ayodhya, Feb 23 : Responding to the Taliban's new penal code concerning atrocities against women and children in Afghanistan, spiritual leaders on Monday condemned the move, saying they are deeply saddened by the cruelty inflicted on mothers, women, and children in the name of religion.

Speaking to IANS, Tapasvi Chavani Mahant Jagatguru Paramhansacharya said, "After hearing about this law, I am unable to control my emotions. I am saddened by this cruelty and the manner in which mothers, women, and children are being brutalised in the name of religion.

"If this cruelty against women and children by the Taliban does not end, it will severely damage the image and future of Islam across the world. I would like to appeal to all responsible Muslim leaders, maulanas, and clerics to raise their voices against such injustice and ensure that this oppression comes to an end."

Siddhpeeth Hanumangarhi Mahant Deveshacharya Maharaj also criticised the decision, stating, "The law enacted by the Taliban is highly condemnable. In our Sanatan Dharma, women are regarded as goddesses and are worshipped. Any act that legitimises violence against women is unacceptable. We strongly condemn this law, and it must be amended immediately."

Meanwhile, a new penal code introduced by the Taliban reportedly 'legalises' domestic violence against women by allowing husbands to physically punish their wives and children, provided the punishment does not result in "broken bones or open wounds."

The penal code, signed by the group's supreme leader, Hibatullah Akhundzada, establishes a differentiated system of punishment based on social status, categorising individuals as 'free' or 'slave.'

Under the code, if a husband causes visible fractures or injuries through what is described as "obscene force," he may face only 15 days of imprisonment. Furthermore, a conviction depends on the woman successfully proving the abuse in court. She is required to present evidence of her injuries before a judge while remaining fully covered, and must be accompanied by her husband or a male guardian during court proceedings.

In contrast, a married woman can face up to three months in jail if she visits her relatives without her husband's permission.

The code also outlines varying consequences based on social standing. If an Islamic religious scholar commits a crime, the response is limited to advice. Members of the elite may receive a court summons and advisory warning. Those from the middle class could face imprisonment for the same offence, while individuals from the so-called lower class may be subjected to both imprisonment and corporal punishment.

The new 90-page penal code has abolished the 2009 law on Elimination of Violence Against Women (EVAW), which was introduced by the previous US-backed regime.
Kolkata, Feb 23 : Another allegation of sexual harassment of a teenager in Kolkata surfaced on Monday, with a man being arrested for showing an obscene video to his friend's minor daughter after taking advantage of an empty house, police said.

The police have registered a case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and started an investigation. The accused is being questioned.

According to police sources, the victim is 16 years old and lives with her parents in a rented house in the SS Township area of aaSarshuna in southern Kolkata.

The owner of the house is the accused. Due to his friendship with the girl's father, the accused also used to visit their house. He allegedly harassed the girl several times over many days, but due to his closeness to the family, no one suspected him.

According to police sources, the accused would go there when the girl was alone in the house, show her obscene videos, and sexually harass her. After the matter came to light, the victim's family went to the police and a written complaint was filed against the landlord at the Sarshuna police station.

"A case has been registered against the accused under specific sections of the POCSO Act. The investigation is on to find out why he committed such a crime, when he started visiting the tenants' houses, and whether there are any other issues behind it," a senior officer of Kolkata Police said.

The arrested was to be produced to a court later and the police would seek his custody to interrogate him further.

The investigators have also recorded the girl's statement. The allegations have once again raised questions about the law and order situation in the city and the safety of girls.
Ranchi, Feb 23 : Voting for the elections to the posts of mayor-chairperson and ward councillors in 48 municipal bodies across Jharkhand concluded at 5 p.m. on Monday amid sporadic reports of violence, clashes and allegations of bogus voting.

The State Election Commission has not yet released the final voter turnout figures, but the preliminary estimates suggest participation ranged between 45 and 60 per cent across the state.

Polling began at 7 a.m. for nine municipal corporations -- Ranchi, Dhanbad, Deoghar, Adityapur, Chas, Medininagar, Hazaribagh, Giridih and Mango -- along with 20 municipal councils and 19 nagar panchayats. A total of 4,304 polling stations were set up, with long queues of voters seen at several booths since morning.

In Ranchi, Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar, Chief Minister Hemant Soren, Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth and MP Mahua Maji were among the prominent leaders who stood in queues to exercise their franchise.

However, the polling process was marred by multiple incidents of unrest. In Bokaroas Chas area, DSP Praveen Singh was injured during a clash between police and supporters of a candidate following a disturbance at a polling booth.

In Bhojpur Colony, three women were detained on charges of fraudulent voting, leading to brief tension.

In Dhanbad Municipal Corporation, a scuffle broke out between supporters of two candidates at a polling station in Ward 27. An attempt to loot a booth and an assault on a candidateas brother were reported in Ward 22.

In Giridihas Ward 18, a dispute between two groups escalated into a road blockade and protest before administrative officials intervened to restore order.

Violence also erupted at the Ambedkar Nagar polling station in Gumla. In Jamshedpuras Jugsalai area, voting was disrupted for nearly an hour over allegations of bogus voting.

Clashes were also reported from Ranchias Hindpiri area. In Sahibganj, an accidental discharge from a Home Guard jawanas rifle caused brief panic at a polling booth.

Several voters complained that members of the same family were allotted different polling booths, while others said they were not informed in time about changes in their booth locations, forcing them to move from one polling station to another.

Two major concerns regarding election management also surfaced. Around 50,000 polling personnel were reportedly unable to cast their votes due to the absence of a postal ballot facility.

Questions were also raised over the decision to place ballots for the councillor and mayor-chairperson posts in the same ballot box, with candidates expressing apprehension that this could complicate and delay the counting process.

With polling now over, the fate of 562 candidates contesting for mayor and chairperson posts and 5,562 ward councillor aspirants has been sealed in ballot boxes.

Counting of votes will take place on February 27.
New Delhi, Feb 23 : The 'Parishkriti' handloom exhibition is providing weavers and artisans a prestigious platform to directly connect with premium customers and strengthen their market presence, Dr. M. Beena, Development Commissioner (Handlooms) said on Monday.

Speaking to IANS, Dr. M. Beena said the idea behind 'Parishkriti' is to bring skilled weavers and handloom professionals from different parts of India to a prominent venue in the national capital.

"Hosting the exhibition at a premium location ensures better exposure and higher sales opportunities, while also helping artisans understand larger market trends and customer preferences," she explained.

"This is the second consecutive year that the exhibition is being organised at the same venue, following a successful edition last year," she told IANS.

Dr. Beena added that the Ministry is working to make the exhibition an annual event so that it builds a strong identity and brand value over time.

She emphasised that such marketing events not only generate sales but also create long-term brand recognition and market awareness.

"The platform effectively connects rural weavers with urban premium buyers," she noted.

The week-long 'Parishkriti' handloom exhibition is being held from February 22 to 28, 2026, at the India International Centre in the national capital.

The exhibition aims to provide a dedicated platform to handloom artisans and weavers from across the country, enabling them to showcase and sell their products directly to customers without the involvement of middlemen.

National Award winner Angika Kushwaha, who received the award in 2023 for marketing handloom products, is representing Varanasi at the exhibition.

She said the event allows artisans to directly interact with buyers, ensuring that customers receive genuine and authentic products at fair prices.

Another National Award winner, Khokan Nandi from West Bengal, highlighted the global popularity of Bengal's Jamdani sarees.

Nandi said that with the support of the Ministry of Textiles and the Indian Government, the handloom sector is now receiving renewed attention.
LONDON, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- Former British ambassador to the United States Peter Mandelson has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, the Metropolitan Police in London announced Monday.

Officers arrested the 72-year-old Mandelson at an address in Camden on Monday, and he has been taken to a London police station for interview, a Metropolitan Police spokesperson said.

"This follows search warrants at two addresses in the Wiltshire and Camden areas," the spokesperson said via a statement published online, adding that they were not able to provide further information to "prevent prejudicing the integrity of the investigation."

In late January, the U.S. Justice Department made public a large cache of files related to the dead American financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, prompting renewed scrutiny in Britain. British police confirmed later that they had opened a criminal investigation into Mandelson over alleged misconduct while in public office, including the possible disclosure of market-sensitive information.

Mandelson previously served as a senior cabinet minister under former prime ministers Tony Blair and Gordon Brown. He was appointed ambassador to Washington in early 2025 but was dismissed by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer after seven months as questions over his past resurfaced.

Earlier this month, Starmer apologized for his decision to appoint Mandelson as British ambassador to the United States.

Speaking at an event in the town of Hastings in southeast England, Starmer said he had underestimated the seriousness of Mandelson's past association with Epstein. He offered an apology to victims connected to the Epstein case and said he understood the anger voiced across parliament.

Due to the Mandelson-Epstein scandal, Starmer's former chief of staff Morgan McSweeney, communications director Tim Allan, and Cabinet Secretary and Head of the Civil Service Chris Wormald have all stepped down from their posts. 
Ottawa, Feb 23 : Expanding Canada-India relationship will be in focus as Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney visits India later this week during which he will first travel to Mumbai and then visit New Delhi, where he is scheduled to hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"The leaders will focus on elevating and expanding the Canada-India relationship, with ambitious new partnerships in trade, energy, technology and artificial intelligence (AI), talent and culture, and defence. He will meet with business leaders to identify investment opportunities in Canada and create new partnerships between businesses in both nations," a statement released by Canadian Prime Minister's Office stated on Monday.

After concluding his engagements in India, Carney will travel to Australia and then head to Japan. His visit to India, Australia and Japan is scheduled from February 26 to March 7. "Through these visits to three of Canada's strongest Indo-Pacific partners, the Prime Minister will deepen regional ties that are critical to our security and prosperity," Carney's office stated.

"In a more uncertain world, Canada is focused on what we can control. We are diversifying our trade and attracting massive new investment to create new opportunities for our workers and businesses. We are forging new partnerships abroad to create greater certainty, security and prosperity at home," it added.

The Canadian PMO highlighted that India is the world's fastest-growing major economy and a powerhouse in global commerce and technology. India was Canada's seventh-largest goods and services trading partner in 2024, with two-way trade reaching $30.8 billion.

PM Modi met Carney on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Johannesburg last November, where he noted that India has set a target of 50 billion USD by 2030 for bilateral trade between the two countries.

Prime Minister Modi mentioned that India and Canada have great potential in strengthening trade and investment linkages.

"We have set a target of 50 billion USD by 2030 for our bilateral trade. Canadian Pension Funds are also showing keen interest in Indian companies," he posted on X after the meeting.

Earlier this month, Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand met External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference in Germany.

In an official press release, the Government of Canada stated, "This marks the fifth meeting between the ministers since September 2025, reflecting the growing momentum in the Canada-India relationship, building on more than 75 years of diplomatic relations and strong people-to-people ties. The ministers discussed deepening cooperation in several areas, including energy, technology, and trade."

Highlighting India's expanding global role, the Canadian government noted, "As one of the world's most dynamic and growing economies, Minister Anand noted India's importance as a partner for Canada." The ministers "affirmed the shared technological benefits and significant partnership opportunities for both countries' businesses, industries, and workers."

Both sides underscored the substantive progress made on the joint road map for Canada-India relations and reiterated their commitment to strengthening ties through the implementation of road map priorities as well as expanding and diversifying Canada-India trade in support of economic resilience and stability.

EAM Jaishankar said that he had a fruitful conversation with his Canadian counterpart with both ministers discussing further strengthening of the bilateral ties in various sectors.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Varanasi, Feb 23 : Political and religious reactions intensified on Monday after reports that the Prayagraj police allegedly reached the math of Shankaracharya Avimukteshwarananda, who has been drawing support from leaders and seers across several states after a case under the Pocso Act was filed against him on a court's orders.

In Varanasi, Samajwadi Party MP Virendra Singh visited the seer and expressed solidarity.

"Look, it is not just the Samajwadi Party; the entire Kashi and every single resident of Kashi stands with the revered Shankaracharya ji," the MP said. He added that the allegations against the seer had caused "deep pain" and that he had visited to inquire about his well-being after seeking an appointment.

"We stand firmly in his support. Whatever directions Shankaracharya ji gives going forward, we will follow them," Singh said.

Meanwhile, in Ujjain, International Hindu Council President Praveen Togadia urged reconciliation. He said he had decades-long ties with the gurus of both the Shankaracharya and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, particularly the late Mahant Avaidyanath.

Togadia said he held deep reverence for both sides and expressed hope that the dispute would be resolved amicably. "Since both are eminent figures, I believe they will embrace each other and settle the matter," he said.

In Mirzapur, Yoganand Giri Maharaj of Budhenath Sannyas Ashram, affiliated with the Juna Akhara, termed the controversy "highly condemnable", saying it was tarnishing the image of Sanatan Dharma globally.

He, however, welcomed the court's direction to register an FIR under the POCSO Act, stressing that a thorough investigation should be conducted and the guilty punished.

Earlier, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav also maintained that the FIR against Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati appeared politically motivated and aimed at tarnishing the image of a prominent Hindu seer.

He alleged the move was driven by malice following the controversy during the Magh Mela and warned that such actions could deepen tensions in Uttar Pradesh, especially ahead of elections, while eroding public trust in the administration.

The developments have heightened political as well as religious attention around the issue across Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.
New Delhi, Feb 23 : The government on Monday said a total of 2.88 lakh additional houses have been sanctioned under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban 2.0 (PMAY-U 2.0).a New Delhi, Feb 23 (IANS) The government on Monday said a total of 2.88 lakh additional houses have been sanctioned under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojanaa"Urban 2.0 (PMAY-U 2.0).a

With the latest approval of 2,87,618 houses, the total number of sanctioned houses under the PMAY-U 2.0 scheme is now over 13.61 lakh, according to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.a

Among the 2.88 lakh sanctioned houses, more than 1.60 lakh have been allotted to women, including widows, separated or unmarried females.a

Eight dwelling units are sanctioned for Transgenders. Further, 22,581 houses have been allotted to senior citizens. While 35,525 houses have been sanctioned for SC beneficiaries, 9,773 are for ST beneficiaries, and 82,190 are for OBC beneficiaries.a

This reflects the governmentas continued commitment to ensuring access to dignified and affordable housing for urban families belonging to the Economically Weaker Section (EWS), Low Income Group (LIG), and Middle-Income Group (MIG), as was conveyed at the sixth meeting of the Central Sanctioning and Monitoring Committee (CSMC) here.a

According to the ministry, the newly-sanctioned houses have been approved in 16 States/UTs -- Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Puducherry, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Nagaland, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal.

aThese have been sanctioned under different verticals of PMAY-U 2.0, such as Beneficiary Led Construction (BLC) a" 1.66 lakh houses, Affordable Housing in Partnership (AHP) a" 1.09 lakh houses, and Affordable Rental Housing (ARH) a" 12,846 houses.

aOf the 13.61 lakh sanctioned houses under PMAY-U 2.0, 96 per cent are in the name of the female head of the household or in joint ownership in the BLC and ISS verticals, reflecting the schemeas focus on empowering women.a

Srinivas Katikithala, Secretary, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, emphasised the need to prioritise housing projects near mass transit corridors.a

He added that the AHP houses should be within the city for ease of living. He also mentioned that the success of some affordable housing projects should be showcased as best practices for cross-learning among States/UTs.a

The ministry said it has been promoting rental housing as a separate vertical through ARH to cater to the affordable rental housing needs of urban migrants, homeless people, industrial workers, working women, construction workers, and other vulnerable groups.a

About 12,846 houses have been sanctioned under ARH, it informed.a

a
Gandhinagar, Feb 23 : Gujarat has 2.73 crore active Ayushman cards holders under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana-Mukhyamantri Amrutam Yojana (PMJAY-MA), with Rs 7,235.49 crore sanctioned against 27.55 lakh claims over the past two years, government told the State Assembly on Monday.

Gandhinagar, Feb 23 (IANS) Gujarat has 2.73 crore active Ayushman cards holders under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojanaa"Mukhyamantri Amrutam Yojana (PMJAY-MA), with Rs 7,235.49 crore sanctioned against 27.55 lakh claims over the past two years, government told the State Assembly on Monday.

Replying to a query in the House, state Health Minister Praful Pansheriya said the scheme continues to see substantial enrollment and utilisation across the state.

"At present, 2.73 crore Ayushman cards are active in the state," he added.

Providing details, the Minister said that in 2024a"25, as many as 25.24 lakh new Ayushman cards were approved.

"During the same period, 13.40 lakh claims were sanctioned, amounting to Rs 3,666.53 crore."

"In 2025a"26 so far, 31.78 lakh new cards have been approved, while 14.15 lakh claims have been cleared, with Rs 3,568.96 crore sanctioned towards treatment costs."

The Minister said that strict action is taken against hospitals found violating the rules or standard operating procedures of the scheme.

"Over the last two years, 49 hospitals have been suspended, of which 29 remain under suspension."

Citing a specific instance, Minister Pansheriya added that in the case of JCCC Hospital in Jamnagar, a penalty of Rs 8.69 lakh was recovered.

The doctor held responsible was suspended from the scheme and the matter was reported to the Medical Council.

In the state Budget, Rs 3,472 crore has been allocated for PMJAY-MA.

The state government said it aims to build a healthy society through the provision of quality healthcare services.

The scope of IVF treatment has also been expanded, and the Institute of Kidney Diseases and Research Centre (IKDRC) at Ahmedabad, will extend IVF treatment facilities to Surat, Bhavnagar and Jamnagar.

As of November last year, 2,090 hospitals are empanelled under PMJAYa"MA in Gujarat, including 1,132 government hospitals and 958 private hospitals.

Beneficiaries can avail treatment for 2,299 medical procedures, along with 50 Specialised Referral Services.
Kolkata, Feb 23 : With the crucial Assembly elections in West Bengal scheduled later this year, Union Home Minister Amit Shah will flag off the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) 'Parivartan Yatra' programme from South 24 Parganas district on March 1, marking the formal launch of the party's statewide campaign initiative.

Kolkata, Feb 23 (IANS) With the crucial Assembly elections in West Bengal scheduled later this year, Union Home Minister Amit Shah will flag off the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) 'Parivartan Yatra' programme from South 24 Parganas district on March 1, marking the formal launch of the partyas statewide campaign initiative.

As per the schedule finalised so far, the first aParivartan Yatraa will begin from the Raidighi Assembly constituency in South 24 Parganas district on the morning of March 1, where HM Shah will formally inaugurate the programme and address party workers and supporters.

According to a BJP state committee member, four other parallel aParivartan Yatrasa will be flagged off simultaneously on the same day from four different Assembly constituencies across the state.

These include Cooch Behar Dakshin in Cooch Behar district, Krishnanagar Dakshin in Nadia district, Kulti in West Burdwan district, and Garbeta in West Midnapore district.

On March 2, Union Agriculture and Farmersa Welfare Minister and former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan will flag off another aParivartan Yatraa from the Sandeshkhali Assembly constituency in North 24 Parganas district.

On the same day, three additional parallel aParivartan Yatrasa will be launched from Islampur in North Dinajpur district, Amta in Howrah district, and Hansan in Birbhum district, the BJP state committee member said.

The partyas leadership stated that these parallel aParivartan Yatrasa are planned to cover all 294 Assembly constituencies in West Bengal as part of the BJPas mass outreach campaign ahead of the Assembly elections.

Apart from HM Amit Shah and Shivraj Singh Chouhan, several senior BJP leaders are expected to participate in the aParivartan Yatraa campaign at different stages.

These include BJP national president Nitin Nabin, Union Minister J.P. Nadda, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari, Union Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, former Union Minister Smriti Irani, and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, among others.

At the conclusion of the aParivartan Yatraa programme, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to address a major public rally at the Brigade Parade Ground in Kolkata, likely either by the end of the second week or the beginning of the third week of March.

The exact date of Prime Minister Modi's rally is yet to be finalised.
New Delhi, Feb 23 : The Supreme Court on Monday expressed serious concern over the "endless litigation" continuing under the longarunning environmental cases titled MC Mehta vs Union of India, which involve monitoring issues of air pollution in Delhi and the environment of the Taj Trapezium Zone.

New Delhi, Feb 23 (IANS) The Supreme Court on Monday expressed serious concern over the "endless litigation" continuing under the longa'running environmental cases titled MC Mehta vs Union of India, which involve monitoring issues of air pollution in Delhi and the environment of the Taj Trapezium Zone.

A bench headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant remarked that the continued filing of interlocutory applications (IAs) and miscellaneous applications (MAs) was creating an incorrect impression that cases decided long ago were still pending.

Taking note of the large number of pending applications, the Bench, also comprising Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M. Pancholi, observed: "What is happening in this court? IA after IA is being filed in this court. MC Mehta alone has 85 pending ones. Then you will ask the Parliament how many cases are pending before us. We will not go through such embarrassment."

It added that several matters originally instituted in 1984 and 1985 had been decided decades ago, yet continued filings have kept them reflected as pending proceedings.

"It appears that there are multiple matters which are shown pending as MC Mehta v. UoI. There is one of 1984 a" decided decades ago a" yet miscellaneous applications are being filed and listed as if the 1984 petition is still pending. Another matter of 1985 too was decided, but due to IAs and MAs, it is shown as alive," the apex court noted in its order.

The CJI Surya Kant-led Bench directed that three major MC Mehta matters, including the Taj Trapezium case, be listed on separate dates, with all pending IAs to be tagged and heard independently on the respective dates fixed.

It further asked court officials and counsel appearing in the matters to assist in re-captioning the cases so that disposed-of petitions are not treated as continuing litigation.

"We want identification of matters so that old cases are not kept alive merely because applications are filed. The exercise should also identify cases that can appropriately be transferred to jurisdictional High Courts," the Supreme Court said, directing that no further IAs would be entertained in the 1985 matter.

In a related development, the CJI Surya Kant-led Bench took note of submissions made by Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati on behalf of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) regarding longa'term measures to tackle the air quality crisis in Delhi-NCR.

The apex court recorded that the CAQM has identified specific agencies responsible for implementing its recommendations.

Directing strict compliance, the Supreme Court ordered the Delhi government and its agencies to submit a detailed action-taken plan outlining steps to implement the long-term solutions proposed by the CAQM.

"It may be seen that while making multifarious recommendations, CAQM has also identified the concerned agencies who are expected to take necessary action to give effect to these recommendations," the bench said in its order.

It also asked the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the Ministry of Power, and the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas to place before it a joint proposal for shifting all coal-based industries out of the Delhi-NCR region.

The proposal must identify such industries and specify viable alternative fuel sources, the apex court said.

It also sought responses on a CAQM recommendation to prohibit the establishment of any new coal-based thermal power plant within a 300-kilometre radius of Delhi. Further, the governments of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Rajasthan were directed to issue public notices inviting suggestions and objections from stakeholders, including coal-based industries.

The Supreme Court reiterated the need to implement CAQMas long-term recommendations in a phased manner across sectors, including abatement of dust pollution from construction and demolition activities, road dust management, prevention of paddy stubble burning, greening and plantation in NCR, and strengthening of air quality governance mechanisms.

--IANS

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Raisen, Feb 23 : Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Monday released five endangered vultures into their natural habitat in the Halali Dam water wetland in Raisen, one of the major reservoirs in the state, located approximately 40 km from the state capital Bhopal.a Raisen, Feb 23 (IANS) Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Monday released five endangered vultures into their natural habitat in the Halali Dam water wetland in Raisen, one of the major reservoirs in the state, located approximately 40 km from the state capital Bhopal.

Yadav stated that in Indian tradition, vultures symbolise strength and sacrifice. He congratulated the forest department on its efforts toward vulture conservation, stating that the government is firmly committed to conserving animal and bird species that play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance.

"The Ramayana recounts how Jatayu sacrificed his life while attempting to rescue Sita from Ravana, and how his brother Sampati once shielded him from the sun's scorching heat, exemplifying courage and sacrifice," he said.

The released birds included four Indian Vultures (Gyps indicus) and one Cinereous Vulture (Aegypius monachus), according to an official statement from the forest department of Madhya Pradesh.

The five rare vultures, equipped with high-precision GPS-GSM satellite transmitters, were released after a structured acclimatisation and observation period at the Vulture Conservation Breeding Centre in Bhopal.

"The tagging process was conducted in the presence of representatives from relevant institutions and the Forest Department, under the supervision of wildlife veterinarians from Wildlife SOS," the government said.

It further stated that the initiative marks a significant step in understanding the evolving "vulture landscape" of Central India.

"While Indian Vultures generally remain within localised territories, Cinereous Vultures undertake long-distance migrations along the Central Asian Flyway, one of the world's major migratory bird corridors spanning over 30 countries," it said.

The government also shared that, as a significant step toward strengthening bird conservation, the Madhya Pradesh Forest Department has launched a satellite telemetry programme in collaboration with WWF-India and the Bombay Natural History Society.

Telemetry data provides critical insights into vulture landscape use, movement patterns, responses to human-induced pressures, identification of key roosting and feeding sites, and high-risk zones such as electrocution, poisoning, and habitat degradation.

The scientific evidence generated by this initiative will help develop more effective threat-mitigation strategies and strengthen cross-border conservation cooperation.

"Madhya Pradesh has established an integrated, data-driven, landscape-level conservation ecosystem through satellite telemetry, ensuring long-term protection of endangered vulture species and reinforcing their role as indicators of environmental health," it said.

Ecologically, vultures serve as nature's sanitation workers, playing a vital role in maintaining environmental balance and preventing the spread of diseases. Madhya Pradesh has long been a stronghold of vulture populations in the country. 

Species found in the state include the Indian Vulture (Long-billed Vulture), Cinereous Vulture (Black Vulture), Egyptian Vulture (White Scavenger Vulture), and Himalayan Griffon.

Notably, on the first day of Vulture Estimation-2026, more than 1,000 vultures were observed in the South Panna Forest Division, the highest count recorded in recent years, the government added.
Chandigarh, Feb 23 : Projecting excise revenue of Rs 12,800 crore for 2026-27, Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Cheema on Monday said the state's excise reforms are now directly strengthening public welfare by funding schools, hospitals, and other pro-people schemes.

Announcing the new excise policy, Cheema said the state has moved decisively away from the stagnation of previous Congress and Akali-BJP governments, transforming excise into a transparent, enforcement-driven and growth-oriented sector that is delivering record collections while tightening the noose around illicit trade.

Presenting a detailed comparative analysis of the stateas excise trajectory, he said during the SAD-BJP regime in 2011-12, excise revenue stood at a modest Rs 2,755 crore.

Over the subsequent decade, growth remained slow, and it reached only Rs 6,255 crore during the Congress regime in 2021-22.

"However, following the implementation of a more robust policy framework in 2022-23 by the Bhagwant Mann-led government, the state witnessed an immediate and massive leap to Rs 8,428 crore. This momentum has continued unabated, with revenue climbing to Rs 10,744 crore in the 2024-25 and meeting the current target of Rs 11,200 crore for 2025-26."

Detailing key provisions of the new excise policy, he said: "The Punjab government has introduced several measures to streamline operations and support existing businesses. A primary feature includes the renewal of current retail licences at a 6.5 per cent increase over the 2025-26 fees. In cases where groups are not renewed, the allotment will be handled through a transparent e-tender process."

"The quota for Punjab medium liquor at 50 and 65 degrees has been increased by three per cent, bringing the total to 8.79 crore proof litres to meet consumer demand while regulating the market. Furthermore, to combat the sale of illicit alcohol, the government will introduce 40-degree PML sub-vends specifically in areas identified as high-crime zones under the Excise Act."

The minister announced that Punjab will now host its own malt manufacturing units. "This strategic initiative signals a sophisticated evolution in the stateas industrial policy, transitioning Punjab from a downstream bottling-centric economy to a high-value manufacturing hub," he added.

--IANS

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Bengaluru, Feb 23 : The Enforcement Directorate's (ED) Bengaluru Zonal Office filed an additional charge sheet against other accused persons in the Rs 2,300 crore illegal online betting scam involving Congress MLA K.C. Veerendra aka Pappi, an official statement from ED said on Monday.

The ED in a statement said: "A supplementary charge sheet against Pruthvi N Raj, K.C. Thippeswamy, Fonepaisa Payment Solutions Private Limited, Gulshan Khattar, Puppy's Tours and Travels LLP, Arjun Nagabhushan, Abhijith Sajjan and Logicforge Solutions Private Limited, has been filed with the jurisdictional court, under the provisions of Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, in a case relating to illegal online betting and gambling activities involving Congress MLA K.C. Veerendra as the main accused."

The ED initiated the investigation on the basis of multiple FIRs registered by various state police authorities across several states under various Sections of the IPC, 1860, which are scheduled offences under the PMLA.

These FIRs pertain to cheating, impersonation and extortion of the general public through illegal online betting websites, including King567, Play567, Playwin567, Gamexch and other associated platforms.

Subsequent findings have uncovered routing of funds through various payment gateways, mule accounts, foreign entities and virtual digital assets, along with outward remittances.

Earlier, search operations were conducted under the provisions of Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, at more than 60 locations across Karnataka and other states, resulting in seizure of large quantities of cash, gold bullion, gold and silver jewellery, vehicles, digital devices and incriminating documents.

The ED had earlier arrested MLA Veerendra under Section 19 of the PMLA, and a charge sheet has been filed before the court in Bengaluru city on October 18, 2025, against the Congress MLA.

Through provisional attachment order under Section 5(1) of the PMLA, movable and immovable properties of MLA Veerendra and other accused, totalling to Rs 177.30 crore were provisionally attached.

With this, the ED has attached/seized assets worth more than Rs 320 crore in the present case under the provisions of the PMLA, 2002.

During the course of investigation, proceeds of crime exceeding Rs 2,300 crore have been identified so far, which were generated through illegal online betting and gambling activities and subsequently laundered through multiple layers of transactions.

Further investigation revealed that the above mentioned persons/entities were knowingly involved in the offence of money laundering of proceeds of crime generated from criminal activities relatable to scheduled offences.

Investigation has revealed assets acquired from proceeds of crime outside India, especially in Dubai, by the accused persons and also several transactions in crypto assets.

Further investigation is under progress.
Bhubaneswar, Feb 23 : The Odisha government has identified 77 Bangladeshi nationals illegally staying in the state, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi informed the Odisha Assembly on Monday.

Replying to a query raised by BJP MLA Padma Lochan Panda, Majhi said the identification was carried out as part of a state-wide drive in accordance with guidelines issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

He noted that, as per MHA letter No. 25022/28/2020-FI (Part-III) dated May 2, 2025, instructions were issued to Superintendents of Police across all districts to expedite the identification of illegal Bangladeshi immigrants.

The Chief Minister said the Superintendents of Police have been acting in compliance with the MHA guidelines and conducting verification drives in their respective jurisdictions.

According to Majhi, identity documents of 2,261 suspected individuals were examined during the state-wide verification exercise.

Out of these, 2,184 individuals were found to be Indian citizens and were released after verification of their credentials.

The remaining 77 individuals were identified as Bangladeshi nationals residing illegally in the state.

Among them, 26 were identified in the Bhubaneswar Urban Police District (UPD), 14 in Cuttack UPD, six in Berhampur, one each in Ganjam and Koraput districts, four in Kandhamal, three in Kendrapara, and 21 in Jagatsinghpur district.

Out of the 77 identified Bangladeshi nationals, 73 have already been deported to Bangladesh, the Chief Minister informed the Assembly.

He further said that two Bangladeshi nationals -- one each from Ganjam and Kandhamal districts -- had fraudulently obtained Indian passports using forged documents.

The Odisha Police registered separate criminal cases against them and produced them before the court for further legal action.

Meanwhile, the deportation process for the remaining two Bangladeshi nationals identified in the Bhubaneswar Urban Police District is currently underway.

The Chief Minister added that the state government has intensified efforts to identify and deport illegal foreign nationals residing in Odisha.

He said the Odisha Police have been directed to thoroughly verify the identities of suspected individuals, including examining financial transactions, communication records, and digital footprints to establish their nationality.
Ghost's Tobias Forge has admitted "physically and mentally" he needs to be at home with his two children as the band prepare to "step away" following the conclusion of the Skeletour.

Ghost performing at The O2 in 2025

The mammoth jaunt in support of the Swedish rock band's 2025 album Skeleta will conclude at Inglewood's Intuit Dome in California on Monday (23.02.26).

And, in a recent interview, the 44-year-old frontman admitted he is needed at home with his fraternal twins - son Morris and daughter Minou, both 17 - for the time being with no new projects with Ghost planned at this time.

Speaking on the Full Metal Jackie radio show, he said: "...One, I have my family. Duh. Of course, everybody knows that. I've had two kids waiting at home with my wife for 15 years, and maybe that says something about me that it wasn't a pushing enough factor during those years. Believe me, I felt bad, but I've definitely come to a point where not only do I need  I feel physically and mentally I need to be home, simply because they're 17; they're not gonna be around for an eon. And then the most acute factor here is the fact Imagine you being a house builder, and you draw up houses, great ideas, but you're also doing the permits and you're also doing the tiles and you're building everything and you're sewing up all that [s***] and putting it all together. I don't simply have an idea. And I'm out of tiles. I'm out of wood. I just don't have it. So the only way for me to come up with a new idea and get some new inspiration is to just step away. It is as simple as that. But it doesn't mean that I'm not doing anything."

Teasing a slew of other projects he has been pursuing outside of the band, he went on: "I have two film projects that I'm working on. Just before I left for tour, I was recording another album with another thing. So I have tons of stuff lined up for me [for] the coming years. And also hobbies that I have put aside a little, just because for the last 15 years Ghost has obviously been force majeure. Luckily, my family has been very supportive of that. They know that in order to sort of make this happen, I need to do this. And over the years I've been very worried about momentum and just keeping it going because I have so many ideas and I don't wanna lose speed. And I just came to a point where I'm, like, I'm actually fine if the momentum is not there. It's cool. I'm good. I feel good about that. If I lose it, okay."

He further explained that the teenagers are fully aware of his work and the choices he makes, and that they share a close, open relationship. And, now that theyre older, they can express their own experiences too  including what it was like when he was away for long stretches during their childhood.

In the past, long absences were difficult for them to grasp, and leaving often meant slipping out before they woke up, sometimes to the sound of a child crying as he drove off. He admitted those moments were painful, but he always believed he was doing the right thing.

Speaking to Canada's Global News, he was quizzed on whether a new Ghost EP was on the horizon, responding: "No. As of right now, there is no EP coming. Besides the [ongoing North American leg of the Skeletour] tour that we're doing now, we have nothing else planned. So the future is right now very open. Creatively, I have a lot to do. I'm actually recording currently, but it's not a covers EP and it's not a new Ghost record. So, I actually do not know exactly what and when anything will happen. And that's a good thing, because for 15 years now we've been going at it nonstop, where cycles have basically just sort of been stitched together. Every time we've ended an album cycle, I've walked off stage knowing that Monday morning I will be in the studio and our next show is there. So it has been that sort of sort cyclical nonstop thinking ahead, thinking forward, expand, expand, expand, expand, for a long time, and I've come to a point where I'm just, like I still have ideas, I still have dreams, I still have things that I think we have not achieved  definitely the wish list is still there  but that's gonna be at some other point."
People carry Chinese New Year-themed ornaments while watching a Spring Festival parade at Chinatown in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, on Feb. 22, 2026. The 52nd annual Vancouver Chinatown Spring Festival Parade was held here on Sunday to celebrate the Chinese Year of the Horse. (Photo by Liang Sen/ Xinhua)

A woman in a traditional Chinese costume takes part in a Spring Festival parade at Chinatown in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, on Feb. 22, 2026. The 52nd annual Vancouver Chinatown Spring Festival Parade was held here on Sunday to celebrate the Chinese Year of the Horse. (Photo by Liang Sen/ Xinhua)

A musician in a horse-shaped costume performs during a Spring Festival parade at Chinatown in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, on Feb. 22, 2026. The 52nd annual Vancouver Chinatown Spring Festival Parade was held here on Sunday to celebrate the Chinese Year of the Horse. (Photo by Liang Sen/ Xinhua)

Performers in horse-shaped costumes march through the street during a Spring Festival parade at Chinatown in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, on Feb. 22, 2026. The 52nd annual Vancouver Chinatown Spring Festival Parade was held here on Sunday to celebrate the Chinese Year of the Horse. (Photo by Liang Sen/ Xinhua)

Dancers perform along the street during a Spring Festival parade at Chinatown in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, on Feb. 22, 2026. The 52nd annual Vancouver Chinatown Spring Festival Parade was held here on Sunday to celebrate the Chinese Year of the Horse. (Photo by Liang Sen/ Xinhua)

Performers march along the street during a Spring Festival parade at Chinatown in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, on Feb. 22, 2026. The 52nd annual Vancouver Chinatown Spring Festival Parade was held here on Sunday to celebrate the Chinese Year of the Horse. (Photo by Liang Sen/ Xinhua)

Dancers perform along the street during a Spring Festival parade at Chinatown in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, on Feb. 22, 2026. The 52nd annual Vancouver Chinatown Spring Festival Parade was held here on Sunday to celebrate the Chinese Year of the Horse. (Photo by Liang Sen/ Xinhua)

Dancers perform along the street during a Spring Festival parade at Chinatown in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, on Feb. 22, 2026. The 52nd annual Vancouver Chinatown Spring Festival Parade was held here on Sunday to celebrate the Chinese Year of the Horse. (Photo by Liang Sen/ Xinhua)
Shillong, Feb 23 : Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Monday strongly condemned the alleged racial abuse of three women from Arunachal Pradesh in Delhi's Malviya Nagar area, describing the incident as "deeply unfortunate" and "completely unacceptable".

Shillong, Feb 23 (IANS) Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Monday strongly condemned the alleged racial abuse of three women from Arunachal Pradesh in Delhi's Malviya Nagar area, describing the incident as "deeply unfortunate" and "completely unacceptable".

Reacting to the incident, Sangma expressed concern over the safety and dignity of people from the Northeast residing in other parts of the country and called for greater sensitivity and accountability from society and authorities.

Speaking to mediapersons in Shillong, the Chief Minister said, "The recent incident that took place in Malviya Nagar involving our Northeast citizens from Arunachal Pradesh is truly unfortunate. It is something that is unacceptable in today's society."

He said the alleged language, words, and behaviour during the incident reflected a disturbing mindset and highlighted the continuing challenges faced by people from the Northeast living outside the region.

"The kind of language that was used, the kind of words that were used, and even the body language was very disturbing and completely unacceptable," Sangma said.

He emphasised the need for collective efforts to ensure that such incidents are not repeated and that citizens from all regions of the country feel safe, secure, and respected irrespective of where they live.

Sangma also urged the authorities concerned to take the matter seriously and ensure appropriate legal action against those responsible.

He said incidents of racial abuse undermine the spirit of unity, inclusiveness, and diversity that defines India.

The Chief Minister noted that people from the Northeast make significant contributions to the social, cultural, and economic life of cities across the country and must be treated with dignity and respect.

"The Northeast is an integral part of this country, and discrimination of any kind against its people cannot and should not be tolerated," he said.

The incident in Malviya Nagar has triggered widespread condemnation across the Northeast, with political leaders and civil society organisations demanding strict action against the accused and stronger measures to prevent racial discrimination.

Reiterating his solidarity with the victims, Sangma said governments at both the state and central levels must work in coordination to ensure justice and prevent recurrence of such incidents.
Amaravati, Feb 23 : The Andhra Pradesh government on Monday announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh each to the families of four persons who died due to consumption of adulterated milk in Rajahmundry.

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu made the announcement in the Legislative Assembly.

He also declared that the government will bear the medical expenses of those undergoing treatment in the hospitals.

Terming the incident as painful, the Chief Minister expressed deep sympathy for the families of the deceased.

He told the Assembly that the affected people were undergoing treatment in hospitals with symptoms like vomiting, stomach pain, and dialysis problems. Doctors found increased levels of urea and serum creatinine in the blood during clinical tests.

The Chief Minister stated that Varalakshmi Milk Dairy of Narasapuram village of Korukonda mandal supplies milk to 106 families in two areas of Rajahmundry daily.

Officials have confirmed that the victims fell ill after drinking milk from this dairy. Four people died in the incident. Ten others are undergoing treatment, and two of them are on a ventilator. Three of the deceased were aged over 70 years, while the fourth one was 58 years old.

The Chief Minister said that blood samples have been taken from the affected and sent to labs in Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam for tests.

He revealed that the dairy manager, Addala Ganeswara Rao, has been detained by the police and is being interrogated. A case has been registered based on the complaint filed by the family members of the deceased.

"If anyone indulges in this adulteration out of greed for money, we will take it seriously. We will take action against the culprits after the investigation," the Chief Minister said.

He warned that the government will not remain indifferent to anyone in the state who commits adulteration or acts in a way that causes trouble to the people.

Earlier, after learning about the incident of locals falling ill and several deaths due to consumption of adulterated milk in Chowdeshwari Nagar and Swaroop Nagar areas of Rajahmundry, Chief Minister Naidu held a review with officials.

In a review meeting with the District Collector, the SP, Medical and Health Department and Food Safety officials and enquired about the details of the incident. He also enquired about the medical assistance being provided to the victims.

The Chief Minister ordered that the best medical services be provided to those undergoing treatment. Officials said that samples have been collected from 75 people in the families who consumed the milk, while samples were being taken from the remaining people.

Naidu ordered that senior officials of the Food Safety and Medical and Health Departments should immediately go to Rajahmundry and monitor the situation.

He again reviewed the situation in his chamber in the Assembly with ministers and officials in the afternoon.
Patna, Feb 23 : Purnea Lok Sabha MP Rajesh Ranjan alias Pappu Yadav on Monday visited the residence of Ankit Anand, a Class 7 student who was shot dead by criminals in Saharsa on February 18, to express his condolences to the bereaved family.a

The MP met Ankitas parents, offered his sympathies, and assured them of full support during their time of grief.a

Terming the incident extremely heartbreaking, Pappu Yadav questioned how a 13-year-old child could have any enmity with anyone.a

Family members told him that they had no dispute or rivalry with anyone, yet the child was targeted.a

The MP expressed shock over what he described as the growing audacity of criminals, stating that even children are no longer being spared.a

Targeting the Bihar government, Pappu Yadav alleged that criminal activities have become rampant across the state.a

He said that while incidents of brutal crimes against girls and daylight murders are being reported from different districts, the government and administration remain silent spectators.a

He further alleged that whenever voices are raised for public rights, attempts are made to suppress them.a

Expressing dissatisfaction with the local police investigation, the Purnea MP said that the probe so far appeared inadequate.a

He strongly demanded a CBI inquiry into the murder, asserting that only an independent and impartial investigation could expose the real perpetrators behind what he termed a conspiracy.a

The incident has further fueled the ongoing political debate over law and order in Bihar.a

Leader of the Opposition Tejashwi Yadav on Monday criticised the state government, describing its 21-year rule as a period marked by crime and corruption.a

The killing of Ankit Anand has once again raised questions over the governmentas claims of good governance in the state.a

It remains to be seen how the state government responds to the demand for a CBI probe and what further action is taken in the case.

a--IANS

ajk/dan
Bhopal, Feb 23 : Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi will participate and address a mega farmers convention in Madhya Pradesh's capital Bhopal on February 23.a Bhopal, Feb 23 (IANS) Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi will participate and address a mega farmers convention in Madhya Pradesh's capital Bhopal on February 23.

This major political showdown in Bhopal will also mark the beginning of the Congress's national movement against the proposed India-US trade deal.

Sharing details about the 'Kisan Mahapanchayat' to be held at Atal Path located in Jawahr Chowk area in the city, Madhya Pradesh Congress media in-charge and former minister Mukesh Nayak told IANS that more than one lakh farmers from across the state are expected to participate.

Nayak shared that the programme is scheduled to begin around 2 pm with the arrival of Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi in Bhopal. He also shared that two large domes have been set up at the venue, with a massive stage arrangement where nearly 250 leaders and office-bearers are expected to sit.

"Bhopal's Kisan Mahapanchayat will be very crucial for the Congress workers in the state, and it will set the movement for a change in Madhya Pradesh. The people of Madhya Pradesh are fed up with the corruption and anarchy of the BJP for over 20 years," Nayak said.

Congress MLA Umang Singhar, who is LoP in the state, said that the soybean farmers may face lower prices due to import pressures, while cotton farmers in the Malwa and Nimar regions could suffer losses.

Singhar said, "Kisan Mahapanchayat is being organised in support of farmers and to raise awareness about what the Congress has termed the "anti-farmer implications" of the trade deal.

As part of preparations, AICC general secretary and in-charge for Madhya Pradesh Congress, Harish Choudhary, on Monday held a discussion with local traders on the India-US trade deal.

During the discussion, Chaudhary claimed that the proposed trade deal allows the import of maize straw, while the previous 16 per cent tariff on soybean oil has been reduced to 0 per cent.

"This will pose a serious threat to all soybean-related industries. It will also have a profound impact on the cotton and textile industries, which are the largest employment-generating sectors in the country," he added.

On the other hand, leaders from the ruling BJP, including Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, responded strongly, claiming that neither the Congress at the state nor the national level had done as much for farmers as the current government.

He said the BJP administration has undertaken more work in its tenure than Congress did in decades. He accused the Congress of misrepresenting facts and urged Rahul Gandhi to "apologise" for what he described as misleading statements about farmers.
Jaipur, Feb 23 : Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma on Monday said lawyers play a vital role in safeguarding fundamental rights and strengthening democratic values by ensuring access to justice for all sections of society.

Addressing the oath-taking ceremony of newly elected office-bearers of the Bar Association of Jaipur at the District and Sessions Court complex in Banipark, Sharma said advocates serve as a crucial bridge between the legal system and citizens by helping people understand the law and seek justice.

He urged members of the legal fraternity to work towards meeting the expectations of the most marginalised sections of society and ensure that justice reaches every individual.

The Chief Minister said a strong and vibrant democracy can function effectively only when its three pillars -- the legislature, executive, and judiciary -- discharge their responsibilities with integrity and maintain institutional balance.

He added that lawyers, along with the judiciary, play an essential role in protecting the Constitution and safeguarding the fundamental rights of citizens.

"Lawyers not only facilitate justice but also instil awareness and responsibility among citizens. Their role is crucial in strengthening democratic institutions and contributing to nation-building," Sharma said.

Referring to judicial reforms, the Chief Minister said the state government is committed to ensuring timely and accessible justice, noting that development remains incomplete without an efficient justice delivery system.

He said the implementation of the three new criminal laws at the grassroots level has strengthened the justice system in Rajasthan and improved efficiency in legal processes.

Sharma added that special courts and fast-track mechanisms are being strengthened across the state to reduce pendency of cases and ensure speedy disposal.

Congratulating the newly elected executive committee of the Bar Association, Jaipur, he described the institution as an important centre of legal tradition, intellectual engagement, and professional integrity.

He said the Bar Association plays a significant role in supporting legal reforms and strengthening the justice delivery system.

The Chief Minister also said the state government is taking steps for the welfare of advocates and improving judicial infrastructure.

He informed that 42 new courts have been established across Rajasthan, including eight District and Sessions Courts in areas such as Phalodi and Khairthal-Tijara.

Additional District and Sessions Courts have also been set up in Bari Sadri and Keshoraipatan.

He further said Special POCSO courts have been established in Hanumangarh, Sawai Madhopur, Churu, Bikaner, and Jodhpur, while Special Judicial Magistrate (NI Act) Courts have been set up in Jhunjhunu.

Civil Judge and Judicial Magistrate Courts have also been established in Pahari (Deeg) and Khairthal-Tijara, he added.

Sharma said the government is promoting e-court systems, digital filing, and technological modernisation to improve efficiency and accessibility in the judiciary.

He assured advocates that their legitimate demands would be considered sympathetically by the state government.

Earlier, the Chief Minister administered the oath of office to the newly elected office-bearers of the District Bar Association.

The event was attended by Urban Development and Self-Governance Minister Jhabar Singh Kharra, MLA Gopal Sharma, Rajasthan High Court judges Justice Anil Kumar Upman and Justice Manish Sharma, Bar Council of Rajasthan Chairman Bhuvnesh Sharma, Bar Association Jaipur President Somesh Chand Sharma, and senior advocates.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Washington, Feb 23 : A senior Democratic lawmaker, on Monday, paid tribute on the House floor to the Bera family, recognising what he described as their "multigenerational commitment to service, education, and community" and their contributions in both the US and India.

Speaking on the House Floor, Congressman J. Luis Correa of California applauded the work of the Bera Family and their multigenerational commitment to service, education, and community.

Correa traced the family's journey back to the 1950s, when Kanta and Babulal Bera emigrated from Gujarat to the US.

He said they believed "that education is the path to opportunity" and worked multiple jobs while pursuing graduate degrees and raising three sons -- Raja, Rimal Bera, and Congressman Ami Bera.

Rimal Bera serves as a Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at the University of California's Irvine (UCI) Department of Psychiatry, while Ami Bera represents California in the US Congress.

Correa highlighted the family's sustained engagement in public health and education, noting that their work has extended from Orange County in California to communities in India.

"The Beras' dedication to global health has spanned a variety of impactful projects not only in Orange County, but to the other side of the world in India," he said.

Among the initiatives cited was the establishment of an all-girls school in India that has "graduated more than 7,000 students".

Correa also referred to the family's involvement in "supporting health and housing efforts throughout southern California", saying they had "expanded opportunities for countless communities".

A central pillar of the family's philanthropic efforts, he said, has been the University of California's Irvine School of Medicine. Two generations of the Beras attended the institution.

Correa pointed to a significant contribution made in 2020, when the family donated $100,000 to the UCI School of Medicine "to permanently support medical students travelling to Rajkot".

He said the initiative enables aspiring physicians to "experience a global clinical environment" and to work in underserved communities.

It also allows them to "collaborate with local medical providers, and extend the reach of medicine beyond individual patient care".

Correa described the family's journey as emblematic of the broader immigrant experience and civic responsibility.

"The personal history of the Bera Family and their inspiring legacy is a reminder that we all have a responsibility to dedicate ourselves to building a stronger, kinder, and better community," he said.

Ami Bera, one of the sons mentioned in the speech, has represented California's 6th Congressional District and is one of the longest-serving Indian-American members of the US House of Representatives.

Over the years, he has been active on issues relating to foreign policy and US-India relations, reflecting the continued engagement of the Indian-American community in public life across both nations.
Mumbai, Feb 23 : Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said on Monday that he developed a very close friendship with Late Ajit Pawar that eventually went beyond politics. a

In an all-party condolence meeting organised by NCP, Gadkari stated, aI never imagined in my wildest dreams that a time would come to pay tribute to Dada. I had the opportunity to observe Dadaas life closely from the time he first became an MLA and later the Minister of State for Energy. I was in the Maharashtra Legislature at that time. We developed a very close friendship, a friendship that eventually went beyond politics."a

Gadkari said, "Whenever Dada came to Delhi, he would always visit my home. Upon arriving, he would first pull a piece of paper from his pocket. His personality was highly professional. Just as he possessed administrative skill, he also had the capacity for decision-making.

He added that he had a vision for development and the courage to take tough decisions. He was people-oriented and had the strength to call the truth, 'truth.'

aHe would bring lists of issues from every small village and ensure they were all resolved," he said.a

Gadkari also shed light on his last phone call with Ajit Pawar. a

He said, aAjit Pawar told me, 'Do something for Pune.' At his and Devendra Fadnavis's insistence, a Rs 50,000 crore plan for a three-story flyover in Pune was prepared and approved. I called him and said that once the Municipal Corporation elections were over, he and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis should come together for the groundbreaking ceremony. That was our final phone call."a

Recalling an incident in which Ajit Pawar personally inspected land at 5:00 AM to start a branch of the Vasantdada Sugar Institute in Vidarbha, Gadkari said his sense of aownershipa for the work was exemplary. a

He noted Pawar's sensitivity toward the struggles of farmers and the common man. a

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated, "No single individual builds a state; various leaders contribute. Ajit Pawar has left his unique mark. History will remember him as one of the architects of the state."

aFadnavis praised him as a "leader of the masses" who possessed deep knowledge of every district and taluka.

Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde became emotional as he paid his respects. a

"I never thought the time would come to pay tribute to Ajit Pawar. Very few politicians speak as firmly and clearly as he did. He left us too soon. The bonding between the three of us (Fadnavis, Shinde, and Pawar) was so strong that we could read each otheras minds, but we couldn't read what destiny had in store." a

NCP SP legislator Jayant Patil stated that Ajit Pawar had a grand vision to rebuild Maharashtra and strengthen the organisation.

"He was fiercely ambitious and ready for any challenge. It remains a mystery to the state how a leader who moved like the wind across Maharashtra could fall silent in an instant."a

Former CM Sushilkumar Shinde recalled that when he led the Congress-NCP government, the opposition was ready to topple it. a

National Working President Praful Patel and Minister Chhagan Bhujbal also shared fond memories. Bhujbal remarked, "When a massive tree falls, its branches tell you how great the tree was. The fragrance of his memories will remain." a

State President Sunil Tatkare expressed gratitude to all those present.a

The Governor Acharya Devvrat paid homage to the late Ajit Pawar while recalling his contribution to the development of Maharashtra.

aa"IANS

sj/dan
Washington, Feb 23 : An Indian American civic data initiative was launched on Monday ahead of the mid-term elections later this fall.

The platform aims to map and understand the community's political footprint.

It describes itself as the first open, non-partisan effort of its kind focused on Indian Americans.

Announcing the launch, community leader Anang Mittal called it "the first non-partisan, open civic data platform built specifically for and about the Indian American community".

Taking to his official X account, Mittal repeated that it is the first non-partisan, open civic data platform built specifically for and about the Indian American community.

The platform, accessible at voteratlas.io seeks to provide structured civic data on Indian Americans in the US.

The launch statement did not outline detailed features.

It stressed that the initiative is non-partisan and community-specific.

The timing is significant. Indian Americans are one of the fastest-growing immigrant-origin communities in the US. They are increasingly visible in elections, public policy debates and campaign financing.

Data-driven tools now play a key role in modern political campaigns.

Diaspora communities are also using such tools to strengthen civic engagement and representation.

By branding the platform as "open" and "nonpartisan", Mittal signalled that it is not aligned with any political party. He framed it as a public-facing data resource.

The emphasis on being "built specifically for and about the Indian American community" points to a targeted effort.

It seeks to gather and present information relevant to the community's civic presence.

The announcement on February 23 drew attention online.

There is growing interest in tools that track voter data, demographic trends and political participation.

Public civic data platforms in the US often rely on federal, state and local election records. They also use census data and other publicly available datasets.

The launch statement did not provide methodological details about the Indian American Voter Atlas.

According to US census estimates, Indian Americans number more than four million.

Over the past two decades, their political presence has expanded steadily.

Members of the community now serve at city, state and federal levels.

Indian Americans have also held senior posts in presidential administrations.

Political analysts say the community's high median income and educational attainment increase its influence.

Its geographic concentration in key states also makes it an important electoral bloc.

In recent election cycles, both major parties have stepped up outreach to Indian American voters.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Washington, Feb 23 : US President Donald Trump hosted an Angel Families Remembrance Ceremony at the White House on Monday and signed a proclamation designating February 22 as "National Angel Family Day", reaffirming his administration's immigration enforcement policies.

Washington, Feb 23 (IANS) US President Donald Trump hosted an Angel Families Remembrance Ceremony at the White House on Monday and signed a proclamation designating February 22 as "National Angel Family Day", reaffirming his administration's immigration enforcement policies.

Addressing families who said they had lost relatives in crimes involving undocumented immigrants, Trump described the event as a solemn occasion and said the proclamation formally recognises their loss and suffering.

"We're gathered here today for a truly solemn occasion," Trump said during the ceremony.

He said the proclamation had faced delays in the past due to legal and procedural challenges but was now being formally instituted.

"February 22 is going to be National Angel Family Day," the President said.

During his remarks, Trump also criticised the previous administration's immigration policies, alleging that "11,888 murderers were allowed into our country by the Biden administration," and said border enforcement measures had since been strengthened.

He said one of the early legislative measures signed under his administration, the Laken Riley Act, had resulted in thousands of arrests related to immigration enforcement.

"Among the first bills I signed into law after taking office last year was the Laken Riley Act," Trump said, adding that it had "resulted in over 21,000 illegal alien arrests."

Several family members of victims addressed the gathering and shared their personal experiences.

Allison, the mother of Laken Riley, said Trump had honoured his commitment to support affected families.

"You have said from the beginning, literally the day after this happened, that you would not forget about Laken," she said. "You have fought a fight that most people would not want to have to fight."

She described her daughter as "responsible, hardworking, kind, and selfless" and thanked him for recognising victims and their families.

Ethan Crary, a police officer who said he had earlier arrested the individual later accused of killing Riley, said enforcement gaps had contributed to the incident.

"I did my job, I put him in custody. The system failed, no detainer, no accountability, no deportation, and an innocent American life was taken," he said.

Marie Vega, whose son Javier Vega Jr. was killed in Texas, also thanked the administration for recognising affected families.

"Thank you for restoring law and order. Thank you for acknowledging us, the Angel Families," she said.

Laura Wilkerson, whose son Joshua was killed in 2010, recalled meeting Trump and said he had remained committed to highlighting the issue.

"He said I will never forget the story of your son, and I will never give up fighting for American families," she said.

Jody Jones, whose brother Rocky was killed in California, also addressed the ceremony and spoke about the importance of supporting victims' families.

Trump used the occasion to reiterate his opposition to sanctuary city policies and said his administration had taken steps to strengthen border security.

"We restored our border and that's now totally secure," he said, adding that the country was "at the safest level it's been in many years."

The ceremony concluded with the reading of victims' names, a candle-lighting observance, and a rendition of "Amazing Grace."

Immigration has remained a central and contentious issue in US politics for years, influencing presidential campaigns, legislative debates, and public policy discussions.

Trump first won the presidency in 2016 on a platform focused on immigration enforcement and border security, and the issue has remained a key part of his political agenda.
Imphal, Feb 23 : Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla on Monday said that the National Integration Tour helps people understand the country's diversity, pluralism and cultural unity, while fostering a stronger sense of national integration.

On Monday, the Governor visited the headquarters of 26 Sector, Assam Rifles at Pallel in the tribal-inhabited Kakching district, where he flagged off a team that participated in the National Integration Tour 2025-2026.

The 23-member team, comprising leaders of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and members of Self-Help Groups (SHGs), visited Ahmedabad, New Delhi, Guwahati and Shillong during the 15-day tour.

Maj. Gen. Gaurav Sharma, Inspector General, Assam Rifles (South), and Brigadier Robeen Chatterjee, Commander, 26 Sector, Assam Rifles, welcomed the Governor on his arrival at the garrison premises.

While interacting with the team members, Bhalla appreciated the initiative undertaken by the Assam Rifles in promoting national integration and people-to-people connect. Bhalla, a former Union Home Secretary, said that such tours help participants gain a deeper understanding of India's diversity, pluralistic values and cultural unity, thereby strengthening the spirit of national integration.

Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of "Viksit Bharat 2047", the Governor emphasised that citizens should make efforts to connect with every nook and corner of the country.

He appealed to the participants to carry forward the message of national unity, harmony and mutual understanding across Manipur.

The participants also shared their experiences of the tour and expressed gratitude to the Assam Rifles for organising such an exposure visit.

Earlier, the Governor interacted with trainees undergoing skill development training at the sector headquarters and encouraged them to make the best use of the opportunities provided for their personal growth and self-reliance.

Later, the Governor visited the headquarters of the tribal-inhabited Tengnoupal district, where he was received by the Deputy Commissioner and the Superintendent of Police.

The district officials briefed Bhalla on various administrative and security-related issues pertaining to the district.

The Governor, along with the First Lady Jyoti Bhalla, also planted saplings at the Deputy Commissioner's office complex under the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign.

--IANS

sc/pgh
Shell casings are seen on a street in Guadalajara, capital of Jalisco state, Mexico, on Feb. 22, 2026. (Str/Xinhua)

MEXICO CITY, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- Mexican military forces killed Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, alias "El Mencho," the founder and leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, during an operation on Sunday in the western state of Jalisco, according to local media reports.

The operation took place in the municipality of Tapalpa and was confirmed by senior military officials. Mexican media described it as a major blow to one of the country's most violent and powerful criminal organizations.

Since early Sunday, a heavy deployment of federal security forces has been reported across the region. Road blockades and vehicle burnings were recorded in Jalisco and neighboring states. Similar incidents involving torched vehicles and highway blockades were also reported in Tamaulipas and Oaxaca, causing disruption among residents.

The attacks are believed to have been orchestrated by cartel members in retaliation for the military operation.

Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus Navarro activated a statewide red alert and ordered the immediate establishment of a security coordination task force comprising federal, state and municipal authorities.

The primary objective, the governor said, is to protect civilians and restore order in affected areas. In a public message, Lemus urged residents to follow official information channels and avoid traveling through areas where blockades remain in place.

Oseguera Cervantes, originally from the state of Michoacan, reportedly began working as an avocado picker before entering drug trafficking. He had long been one of Mexico's most wanted fugitives, with the United States offering a reward of up to 15 million U.S. dollars for information leading to his capture. 

A policeman guards near a burnt car on a street in Guadalajara, capital of Jalisco state, Mexico, on Feb. 22, 2026. (Photo by Diana Marquez/Xinhua)

A burnt car is seen outside a supermarket in Guadalajara, capital of Jalisco state, Mexico, on Feb. 22, 2026. (Photo by Diana Marquez/Xinhua)

A burnt car is seen outside a supermarket in Guadalajara, capital of Jalisco state, Mexico, on Feb. 22, 2026. (Photo by Diana Marquez/Xinhua)

People stand near a burnt car on a street in Guadalajara, capital of Jalisco state, Mexico, on Feb. 22, 2026. (Photo by Diana Marquez/Xinhua)

A burnt car is seen on a street in Guadalajara, capital of Jalisco state, Mexico, on Feb. 22, 2026. (Photo by Diana Marquez/Xinhua)

A burnt car is seen on a street in Guadalajara, capital of Jalisco state, Mexico, on Feb. 22, 2026. (Str/Xinhua)
Following consultation with industry, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has published its Guidance on the Australian Clearing and Settlement (CS) Facility Resolution Regime. The RBA has also published a Response to Consultation which summarises the feedback received from respondents and sets out how the RBA has addressed it in the Guidance.

In June 2025, in response to stakeholders requests, the RBA released a consultation paper seeking views on its draft Guidance on the Australian CS Facility Resolution Regime (the Guidance). The Guidance is intended to provide further information about when and how the RBA would generally expect to use its resolution powers over Australian CS facilities. It aims to assist CS facility participants and other stakeholders to understand the RBAs general approach to resolution and the potential impacts on them if the RBA decides to use a resolution power. The Guidance does not have the force of law, nor does it pre-commit or otherwise bind the RBA to, or prevent the RBA from taking, a particular course of action. If there is any inconsistency between the Guidance and the legislation, the legislation prevails.

Background

Clearing and settlement facilities provide post-trade clearing and settlement services for transactions that occur in financial markets. In Australia, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has primary responsibility for licensing CS facilities and for granting exemptions from the requirement to hold a CS facility licence. These facilities are co-regulated by ASIC and the RBA.
For more than a century, wealthy families did not simply deposit funds with Swiss banksthey sought a sanctuary. Switzerland offered what few jurisdictions could promise: neutrality in turbulent times, stability amid political swings, and a near-sacred respect for private capital and secrecy.

Switzerlands standing as a financial sanctuary has floundered. Political gamesmanship and an increasingly aggressive compliance regime have combined to reshape the countrys once-unassailable brand. For global family offices and ultra-high-net-worth individuals who require discretion and predictability, Switzerland is no longer a viable choice.

The most dramatic rupture came in March 2023, when Credit Suisse collapsed and was forced into an emergency takeover.

Observers across Europe and the United States described the episode not as an isolated corporate failure, but as reputational damage to Swiss banking as a whole. The consolidation that followed shrank the sectors balance-sheet footprint and concentrated systemic exposure in a single dominant institution. That may have stabilized markets in the short term. But it also reinforced the perception that Switzerlands financial architecture is fragile.

Even before the Credit Suisse collapse, reputational fissures were visible. The February 2022 Suisse Secrets leak placed Swiss private banking under an uncomfortable spotlight. Allegations that accounts were held by politically exposed persons and individuals tied to serious crimes revived long-standing criticisms about dirty money and lax oversight. For legitimate clients, the optics mattered. Swiss banks have repeatedly insisted they operate under rigorous compliance standards. These standards do exist but the concern is how the Swiss regulators selectively apply their regulatory protocols.

Subsequent enforcement actions have kept the reputational bleed alive. In 2025, banking giant Julius Baer was ordered to forfeit millions of dollars tied to anti-money laundering (AML) control failures. Even if the underlying conduct was historical, the signal landed squarely in the present: Swiss private bank plus AML deficiency. In todays regulatory climate, perception often matters as much as rule of law.

Public confidence metrics also reflect the drift. Studies cited by the Swiss Bankers Association indicate that trust in Swiss banks has continued to decline while criticism has grown.

Stack these developments together  a systemic institutional failure, repeated dirty-money headlines, ongoing AML enforcement at flagship wealth managers, and softening trust metrics  and the pattern is difficult to ignore. Switzerlands banking sector is more scrutinized, more politically entangled, and much less predictable than its legacy brand.

The prolonged freezing of assets belonging to Monaco businessman Vadim Shulman illustrates the concern in concrete terms.

Shulman, a Ukrainian-born businessman and philanthropist who holds Israeli and Cypriot citizenship and has long resided in Monaco, has had millions of dollars locked away in Swiss accounts for nearly 10 years. The underlying Ukrainian criminal case against him was formally dismissed in January 2025 for lack of evidence. A Ukrainian court invalidated the original 2019 freezing order, and the Ukrainian government notified Swiss authorities in April that the case had been terminated and that Shulmans assets should be released. Yet the Swiss continue to freeze the accounts.

According to Shulman and his legal team, the case originated in a civil dispute with Ukrainian banking tycoon. Shulman contends that allegations of laundering money were retaliatory fabrications.

International dispute resolution lawyer who advises Shulmans legal team, Ivan Lishchyna has been blunt in his assessment: The idea that Shulman would launder money through accounts of people he is suing is ludicrous.

Swiss federal prosecutor Miro Dangubic expanded the freeze beyond the scope of the original Ukrainian order, attaching additional accounts linked to Shulman, but unrelated to the terminated Ukrainian investigation.

What began as a standard MLAT request metastasized into unilateral judicial activism, Lishchyna argued. Mr. Dangubic wasnt satisfied with the limited order issued by Ukraine  he expanded it drastically, freezing assets with no logical connection to the Ukrainian case, and no other articulated basis.

Lyschina maintains, There is no justification for the continued attachment of these funds. Swiss prosecutors are now acting well beyond the scope of any legal paradigm, and their refusal to release Mr. Shulmans assets is a betrayal of Switzerlands own legal traditions.

Marie-Alix Canu Bernard, an international white-collar defense attorney, described the situation in stark terms: This isnt just a legal overstep  its an economic hostage situation. There are no criminal charges, no sovereign claimants, no basis for the attachment  and yet Switzerland continues to withhold property that is lawfully Shulmans.

The implications extend beyond one individual. Shulman has funded Jewish schools, kindergartens, synagogues, and medical initiatives in Eastern Europe. Rabbi Liron Ederi, a communal leader, warned that this case sends the wrong signal. Youre punishing an innocent person not just in his private capacity, but also in his charitable one.

Whether viewed as prudent caution or bureaucratic excess, the optics are difficult for Switzerland. Historically celebrated for neutrality and restraint, Swiss authorities now operate unpredictably within a dense web of international compliance mandates. The U.S. Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA), the OECDs Automatic Exchange of Information regime, and sustained European Union scrutiny have significantly narrowed the space for traditional banking secrecy. Article 47 of the Swiss Federal Banking Act  which criminalizes unauthorized disclosure of client information  remains in place. Yet critics argue that inconsistent enforcement and expansive interpretations have eroded trust among clients seeking stability.

Financial hubs such as Hong Kong and Singapore are positioning themselves as better alternatives. The Boston Consulting Group projects that Hong Kong could surpass Switzerland as the worlds largest offshore wealth hub by 2028. The Middle East and select Caribbean jurisdictions are also attracting capital flows once destined for Geneva. Even parts of the United States have emerged as unexpected magnets for offshore wealth.

As Canu Bernard warned, This is the slow death of a banking culture once known for its discretion, rule of law, and respect for private capital. And it wont be long before more clients take their money elsewhere.

For a nation whose financial identity was built on trust, that warning carries weight.

Frank Salvato is an independent journalist and new media analyst who writes on public issues and emerging technology with a focus on accountability, legality, and the advancement of public knowledge.
Its hard to standout at CANCON with a good suppressed rifle  a place where everything is suppressed, and every silencer is better this year than it was the last. But at CANCON Arizona in 2025, Maxim Defense stuck out with their new SDX RFLX, a quiet and smooth-shooting .300BLK rifle.

It was 2021 the first time we shot an experimental SDX, then a very different gun, but the roots of the suppressed Maxim Defense RFLX go back much further than that. The seed was first planted way back in 2016, when the U.S. Special Operations Command opened a solicitation for an M4 upper with a built-in silencer, called the Suppressed Upper Receiver Group (SURG). The tale of the SURG is worthy of an article itself, but needless to say, the engineers at Maxim Defense were unimpressed with what they saw produced for the program  and sought to do the concept better. To be clear, the RFLX in this article isnt a SURG submission, but its what got the gears moving.

Over the years the main public draws at Maxim Defense have been the shorty PDX PDWs and M240 silencers, but the SDX RFLX was being designed and refined in the background  and now we can give it a closer look.

FEATURES & DETAILS

Maxim Defense SDX RFLX, SBR Carbine

Caliber: .300BLK

Barrel Length (sans silencer): 8.5 inches

Overall Length: 30.5 inches (stock collapsed), 34.25 inches (stock extended)

Capacity: 20, 30

Weight (unloaded): 7 pounds, 14 ounces

MSRP: $3,695

URL: maximdefense.com

Accessories:

EOTech EXPS3-DCR, TAN $819

EOTech OGL, Commercial $2,999

The core of the SDX RFLX is an 8.5-inch .300BLK barrel paired with a reflex-style silencer. As in, it has a suppressor with a body design that goes back over the barrel (OTB) to increase internal volume. Maxim then marries this to an SDX receiver set, and covers up most of the business with their two-piece Ledge handguard. This results in what appears to be a rifle of normal length, albeit with a bit of silencer sticking out.

The silencer portion of the RFLX is longer than the barrel  this comical effect is pronounced when the handguard is removed.

The front end of the RFLX silencer itself is essentially a Maxim Defense M-Core DS silencer with their proprietary OTB rear attached, but specifically tuned to the barrel length and caliber. When viewed with the handguard off and out of context, the effect is quite comical  it looks like a huge 1980s Ciener silencer mounted to a little baby barrel.

If youre the type of person who doesnt care about the external OEM finish on your rifle  maybe you should be. Not because it matters regarding the physical function of the rifle (everything should work these days, in a world of modern machines and engineering), but because it shows how much time and care was taken at the factory while it was being made. And as weve come to expect from Maxim Defense, every part of the SDX RFLX is meticulously clean. The machining is smooth with no toolmarks, and the anodizing is thick and even.

The story continues with the controls and internals.

The bolt carrier has an integral gas key  no worries about staking or fasteners at all. The charging handle is the ambidextrous Radian Raptor slimline SD, its shaft ported to aid gas venting. Rounding out exterior controls are swappable ambi Radian selector levers, an ambi magazine release, and ALG Combat Trigger.

The gas key is integral to the bolt carrier  nothing to stake, nothing to lose



There are a few variations of the SDX RFLX to choose from. They can be black or arid, SBR or pistol, with stock/brace options for each like a Maxim CQB stock or Magpul CTR. Given that the overall length is closer to a carbine than a PDW, here we went with a carbine tube and CTR instead of a shorty Maxim Defense stock.

INTEGRATED, NOT INTEGRAL

The RFLX isnt a rifle with an integral silencer, its a rifle with an integrated silencer. There are just a few letters changed between the two terms, but its far from a distinction without a difference.

Integral means built-in. Crucial. Integral silencers are typically permanently attached to the host, often the baffles are machined right into the barrel itself, with a long outer sleeve to house a massive gas expansion chamber. Youll sometimes see gas bleed holes drilled into the barrels, trading some velocity for better sound suppression. (Noteworthy examples include the MP5SD, De Lisle Carbine, and the Nazi-snuffing OSS HD Military.)

The EOTech OGL and SureFire pair perfectly, each controlled by the same dual remote switch.

Integrated means joined. Two or more units meshing to make a larger system. Though the silencer module can be removed from the SDX RFLX, it was engineered and designed from the outset to always run suppressed with its dedicated suppressor. You can think of integral silencers as closed systems, integrated silencers as open systems.

Integral silencers invariably have much more internal volume than a standard screw-on detachable suppressor. This helps lower pressure and increase overall performance, which is especially helpful with older 20th-century baffle designs. But the main reason youd want an integral suppressor versus an integrated design isnt because of performance but because of American regulations  you can get away with just having one tax stamp instead of two, and also travel interstate without pre-approval from the BATFE.

But this article is being written in 2026  you can get a brace instead of an SBR to avoid travel woes, and tax stamps cost a whole $0 and take about two weeks.

An integrated silencer can be removed for cleaning and is easily serviced, swapped, or upgraded. And speaking on the SDX RFLX in particular, as the suppressor is an over-the-barrel design it still gives much more internal volume to the blast chamber like youd see with an integral.

Even though the silencer on the RFLX can be removed, you probably shouldnt be taking it off unless something has gone wrong. It takes a lot of ammunition to foul up one of these cans enough to adversely affect the sound; its best to think of removal more like an armorers option than anything else.

OUTFITTING

Even though Maxims two-piece Ledge handguard has more space inside than most M-LOK forends in order to accommodate the Rubenesque 1.75-inch outer diameter silencer, attaching M-LOK hardware can sometimes be a real pain. Thankfully, the handguard is simple to disassemble. Three fasteners hold the front of the forend on, two of them being the QD sling cups themselves  a slick feature. The front piece of the handguard comes right off, but if you want to remove the rear for some reason, youll first have to unscrew the silencer.

Regarding optics, because this is a .300 BLK rifle, a red dot fits the bill perfectly  and theres a lot to love about the bigassed window of an EOTech. The EXPS3 DCR is night vision compatible, the new Danger Close Reticle is great at close and middle distance, and the tan looks like it was made for Maxims arid colorway. Also from EOTech is the newly released OGL C, On-Gun Laser Commercial Power. Its an eye safe version of their military/LEO OGL, complete with optically slaved IR/vis lasers, a fantastic focusable IR illuminator, and good switchology.

For a white light, we went with a SureFire M600V on an Arisaka mount with a SR07-D-IT tape switch to activate both the WML and OGL. The IR option of the SureFire isnt needed here, but hey  it doesnt exactly hurt either.

LOOSE ROUNDS

As we mentioned right at the beginning, on the range this one is a smooth shooter. In terms of sound, while the decibel meter isnt everything (its best to think of it like one attribute rather than the whole kahuna) with subs youre only looking at 129dB.

8.5 inches is in the Goldilocks zone of .300BLK barrel lengths, at least when youre doing .300BLK things. If youre wanting to shoot quietly at longer ranges, you should be looking at other calibers. To that end, it would be great to see the RFLX line expanded to include additional chamberings. Something that made Maxim Defense a market standout when they began producing rifles in the first place was making a 7.6239 AR that actually worked, and a RFLX in the same would be welcomed.

And doing it in hard mode? Managing the pressures and thermal mitigation of 5.56mm or 6ARC.

Sure, you could probably put something like this together yourself  hell, Maxim Defense will even sell you most of the parts  but this isnt a gun for someone who wants to switch around silencers or wants to fiddle, but for someone who wants everything to be nice and work right out of the box.

.300BLK suppressed is like cheating already  its a round that was literally tailor-made to shoot from a silencer. So, if a company is going to make an integral integrated rifle its got to be good. Good news for Maxim Defense, this one is excellent.
WASHINGTON, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. State Department on Monday ordered non-emergency U.S. personnel to evacuate the U.S. Embassy in Beirut, Lebanon, amid heightened tensions in the Middle East.

"The Department of State has ordered the departure of non-emergency U.S. government personnel and eligible family members from U.S. Embassy Beirut," the State Department said in a statement, giving no reasons.

"We continuously assess the security environment, and based on our latest review, we determined it prudent to reduce our footprint to essential personnel," said the statement. 
The Red & Black serves the Athens and University of Georgia communities with reliable, independent news, while training the future of the free press. Your donation keeps our newsroom strong and supports the work behind every story.

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Various Athens faith organizations hosted a vigil to honor all who have been impacted by recent mass deportations and detentions, as well as those who have died due to recent actions by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), on Sunday, Feb. 22. The event was held in front of the Federal Courthouse and Post Office and was planned by leaders from the Unitarian Universalist, Methodist, Quaker, Episcopal, Catholic, Jewish, Presbyterian, Islamic and Baptist congregations.
The deal shifts the US posture towards India from hostile to neutral, and that matters for growth, points out T T Ram Mohan.

Photograph: Dado Ruvic/Illustration/Reuters

Key Points Under Donald Trump, US trade policy is explicitly America-first.

India's strong economic performance in the present year is no assurance that it can be sustained in the absence of an India-US trade deal.

Absent a trade deal, therefore, we must reckon with rough weather in respect of capital flows, however good our macroeconomic indicators.

The India-United States trade deal, for which a framework for an interim agreement has been agreed, will not lack critics.

The Congress party has called it a surrender. A farmers' organisation has called for protests.

Many will pore over the fine print once the details are finalised and argue that the deal is more favourable to the US.

We need to be clear about a couple of things. First, any nation negotiating a trade deal with the Trump administration must expect the deal to be tipped in favour of the US.

President Donald Trump has made it clear that his priority is to reset America's economic equations with the rest of the world.

He is determined to use the economic and military might of the US to do so.

For the entire post-War period until recently, the US was happy to let the advantage lie with many of its trade partners.

It believed that it was economically strong enough to do so. Sharing prosperity with partners, the US believed, would make for world peace and it would also keep the world safe from communism.

Not anymore. Mr Trump rode to power in 2016 by insisting that the time had come to reorder trade relationships to the benefit of the US.

He didn't quite manage to do so, partly because his initiatives were scuttled by Washington establishment status-quoists in his Cabinet.

In his second term, Mr Trump is determined not to make that mistake. He has filled his administration with loyalists who will faithfully execute his orders.

Last July, Mr Trump reiterated his perception of where matters stand.

He said in a post, 'The United States of America has been ripped off on TRADE (and MILITARY!), by friend and foe alike, for DECADES. It has come at a cost of TRILLIONS OF DOLLARS, and it is just not sustainable any longer -- And never was!'

In any trade deal, therefore, it will be Advantage US.

Second, we must be clear that the overall relationship with the US is contingent on arriving at a trade deal that America approves.

Not doing a trade deal means courting US hostility across the board. In negotiating a trade deal with the US, every nation faces a choice: Does it want the US to be a friend or a foe?

Mr Trump's trade deal with the European Union is an excellent illustration of the two points made above.

For the EU, the issue was not just access to the vast American market. It was also American support to Europe in the Ukraine conflict, including the supply of critical weaponry and intelligence and America's involvement in the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) itself.

Faced with the prospect of jeopardising its defence relationship with the US, the EU settled for terms that were widely seen as humiliating.

What the EU Concessions Mean for India

The EU now faces a baseline 15 per cent tariff on its exports to the US. In addition, steel, aluminium and copper exports from the EU will face a 50 per cent tariff.

Car exports would be subject to a quota. The EU has also agreed to buy an additional $750 billion in US energy products over the next three years and make investments worth $600 billion in the US by 2029.

The EU, for its part, will eliminate tariffs on imports of all US industrial goods and provide preferential access to a wide range of US seafood and agricultural products.

A more abject surrender is hard to visualise. Mr Trump has likewise signed deals with the UK, Japan and South Korea -- all close allies of the US --that are conspicuously one-sided.

The lesson for India is that the Indo-US trade deal is not just about access to the US market. India has weathered Mr Trump's 50 per cent tariff on Indian exports much better than expected.

India's total exports are up 4.4 per cent year on year despite Trump's tariffs. Nor have exports to the US suffered -- they are up 9.8 per cent in April-December 2025.

The problem for India is that capital flows are flagging. This is happening at a time when India's current account deficit of 1.3 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) compares favourably with that of a range of countries, including Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia, as the latest Economic Survey notes.

India had no difficulty financing current account deficits of a much higher magnitude in the post-reform era.

Today, we are hard-pressed for capital inflows, and the rupee is under pressure despite a highly favourable set of economic indicators. That is not something to be treated lightly.

Gross foreign direct investment (FDI) fell marginally by 2 per cent in calendar year 2024. This may be in line with the general decline in FDI flows in recent years but it does not help us at all.

At the same time, outward FDI from India as well as repatriation of profits by foreign firms in India have increased sharply.

As a result, net FDI in April-November 2025 was a mere $5.6 billion.

The bigger problem at the moment is with foreign portfolio inflows (FPI). It was (-) $3.9 billion in April-December 2026.

There could be many reasons why FPI inflows have turned negative. You can be pretty sure, however, that the orientation of the US administration towards India is an important factor.

When India is subject to a punitive tariff regime by the US, fund managers are unlikely to view India as a good place to invest in.

The Treasury department houses individuals, including the Treasury Secretary, with strong links to Wall Street.

They are known to work the phone lines with fund managers on a range of matters.

Why an India-US Trade Deal Is Vital

Absent a trade deal, therefore, we must reckon with rough weather in respect of capital flows, however good our macroeconomic indicators.

And who knows that services exports to the US will not be subject to punitive action as well? Also at risk are defence collaboration, technology transfers and the entire strategic partnership that has been built over the past two decades.

Thus, India's strong economic performance in the present year is no assurance that it can be sustained in the absence of an India-US trade deal.

The point about the India-US trade deal is not that it involves compromises, such as cutting back on oil imports from Russia or scaling up imports of goods from the US to $100 billion annually for the next five years.

It is also not just about getting a tariff rate of 18 per cent, one that is lower than that of many of our competitors.

The substantive point is that it moves the US posture towards India from hostile to neutral.

That is good news for the Indian economy.

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff
Skoda India is focusing on cleaner fuel options, including CNG and EVs, while compact SUV Kylaq drives volumes, expands first-time buyers and strengthens the brand in India's competitive market.

IMAGE: Skoda's SUV, the Kylaq. Photograph: Kind courtesy Skoda/Facebook

Key Points Skoda evaluating factory-fitted CNG for Kylaq.

EV confirmed in roadmap, but timelines depend on cost, platform, and regulations.

Kylaq contributes nearly 60% of Skodas India volumes.

65% buyers are new to Skoda; nearly half are first-time car owners.

Over 50,000 Kylaq units sold in its first year.

CAFE Phase 3 norms increasing pressure to adopt cleaner fuels.

CNG in Focus

Skoda Auto India is sharpening its focus on cleaner fuel technologies, such as compressed natural gas (CNG) and electric vehicles (EV), even as the compact SUV Kylaq emerges as the brands primary growth engine in one of Indias most competitive segments.

While electrification remains part of Skodas long-term road map, the company is more advanced in its thinking on CNG.

With around 20 per cent of the compact SUV segment already running on CNG, Brand Director Ashish Gupta said Skoda Auto India was actively working on a factory-fitted CNG option for Kylaq.

This is a clear opportunity, he said, adding that multiple technical routes are being evaluated, including in-house and group solutions.

He stressed that Skoda is not considering third-party retrofits and that any CNG offering would be factory-engineered. While timelines remain undisclosed, CNG is clearly the near-term execution.

EV Plans Under Review

On EVs, Gupta struck a more cautious note. If you want to be a serious player in India, you must have an EV, he said, confirming active discussions around a locally made EV for the domestic market, with potential export optionality.

However, he stopped short of committing to a launch in calendar 2026 or FY27, noting that platform choice, localisation depth, cost viability, and regulatory clarity will determine timelines. Importing small volumes of European EVs, he said, does not make strategic sense.

Push towards cleaner tech

The push towards cleaner technologies comes as the Kylaq has fundamentally altered Skodas position in India and as the upcoming Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE) Phase 3 norms will sharply tighten fleet-level emission targets, making expansion into CNG and EVs less a choice and more a compliance necessity as volumes rise in mass-market segments.

The compact SUV accounts for over 60 per cent of Skodas volumes and nearly 40 per cent of the Skoda Auto Volkswagen Indias total.

Today, Kylaq contributes close to 60 per cent of our overall volumes, Gupta said, adding that entry into the segment was critical for visibility, awareness and relevance.

It made the brand more accessible, helped us enter territories where we were not present earlier, and allowed us to operate at price points where customers are actually buying cars.

Photograph: Kind courtesy Skoda/Facebook

Kylaq Drives Growth

Launched in early 2025, Kylaq sold over 50,000 units in a year.

Gupta said maintaining that run rate would sustain into 2026, supported by segment growth following goods and services tax (GST) changes and the rampup of 77 new touch points added over the past year. I wont give a fixed number, but the direction is clearly upward.

Beyond volumes, Kylaq is expanding Skodas buyer funnel. Around 65 per cent of customers are first-time Skoda buyers and nearly half are first-time car owners.

Female buyers registering vehicles in their own names account for 10-12 per cent of Kylaq sales, up sharply from 3-4 per cent earlier, signalling a shift in brand perception beyond Skodas traditional urban, premium base.

Operationally, Skoda believes it is well positioned to support growth without aggressive capacity expansion.

The groups installed capacity in India stands at about 225,000 units annually, including sister brands and exports, with Skoda accounting for roughly 80,000 units.

Production bottlenecks seen at the Kylaqs launch -- largely due to variant-mix mismatches -- have been resolved, and Gupta said the company has sufficient flexibility to meet higher demand without adding new lines.

Network Expansion Push

Network expansion remains a parallel priority. From about 245 touch points in January 2025, Skoda ended the year with around 325 outlets across 183 cities.

In 2026, it aims to reach 200 cities and about 350 touch points, covering close to 90 per cent of Indias addressable market.

Beyond that, expansion is not economically viable, Gupta said, noting that average throughput of about 300 cars per outlet aligns with industry norms.

3% Market Share Target

All of this feeds into Skodas longer-term ambition of reaching a 3 per cent share of Indias passenger vehicle market.

Gupta acknowledged this would require a broader product portfolio, not just Kylaq-led growth, pointing to refreshes of Skoda Kushaq and Skoda Slavia, new variants across price points, performance models such as Skoda Kodiaq RSand Skoda Octavia RS, and festive editions.

Exports and free-trade agreements (FTAs) remain a secondary lever.

About 30 per cent of production is exported, mainly to Mexico and South Africa, while Europe remains constrained by regulatory differences.

FTAs are directionally positive, Gupta said, but interoperability of standards will take time before materially changing export economics.

Taken together, Skoda Auto Indias strategy for 2026 rests on consolidating Kylaq-led gains, expanding cleaner fuel options -- starting with CNG -- and laying the groundwork for a local EV.

As Gupta put it, the objective now is not just to sell more cars, but to ensure the brand remains relevant, differentiated and credible as the market evolves.

Feature Presentation: Rajesh Alva/Rediff
The quantum of fraud detected by the bank is more than the 503 crore net profit it reported for the October-December quarter of 2025-2026.

Photograph: Kind courtesy Wikimedia Commons

Key Points 590 crore fraud detected at Chandigarh branch.

Linked to Haryana state government department accounts.

Discrepancy noticed during fund transfer request.

IDFC First Bank has suspended four officials and initiated a forensic audit and police complaint

Amount exceeds bank's 503 crore quarterly profit.

Fraud Detected at Chandigarh Branch

Private sector lender IDFC First Bank on Sunday said it had detected a 590 crore fraud at one of its branches in Chandigarh, pertaining to accounts related to the Haryana state government.

The bank has suspended four of its branch employees.

The discrepancies came to notice after one of the state government departments sought to close its bank account with IDFC First Bank and transfer the funds to another bank. However, the amount mentioned by the department did not match the balance in the account.

A bank has to set aside capital, in terms of provisioning, once a fraud is detected.

The quantum of fraud detected by the bank is more than the 503 crore net profit it reported for the October-December quarter of 2025-2026.

Photograph: Kind courtesy IDFC First Bank Photos/Wikimedia Commons

In a regulatory filing to the exchanges, the bank said it was in the process of appointing an independent external agency to conduct a forensic audit.

The regulator and the statutory auditors have been informed about the fraud, it said.

The Mumbai-based lender said a preliminary internal assessment identified 'unauthorised and fraudulent activities' carried out by certain employees at a specific branch in Chandigarh, potentially in collusion with other individuals or entities.

Govt Account Mismatch Triggers Probe

After the discrepancies were observed between the amount mentioned in the Haryana government department's request and the account balance, other state government entities approached the bank regarding their respective accounts starting from February 18.

Differences were again observed between the balances reflected in the bank's records and those stated by the account holders.

'Prima facie, unauthorised and fraudulent activities have been carried out by certain employees at a particular branch in Chandigarh in a specific set of Haryana state government accounts and potentially involving other individuals/ entities/counterparties,' the bank said, while clarifying that this does not extend to other customers of the branch.

'The aggregate amount under reconciliation across the identified accounts at the above-mentioned branch is approximately 590 crore,' the bank said in its filing.

It added that the final financial impact would be determined after validating claims, recovery efforts, including lien marking on beneficiary accounts maintained with other banks, and completing legal proceedings.

The bank also said recall requests had been sent to certain beneficiary banks to lien-mark balances in suspicious accounts.

Four Employees Suspended

The lender suspended four suspected officials pending investigation and said it would pursue strict disciplinary, civil, and criminal action against responsible employees and external individuals.

A meeting of the board's special committee for monitoring and follow-up of cases of fraud was convened on February 20.

Forensic Audit Ordered

The matter was subsequently placed before the audit committee and the board of directors at a meeting held on February 21.

IDFC First Bank said it had filed a complaint with the police authorities and was also in the process of filing further complaints with appropriate law enforcement agencies and reporting to relevant authorities. The bank said it would extend full cooperation to investigating agencies.

On Friday, the bank's share closed at 83.56 apiece, up 0.72 per cent from its previous close.

Haryana de-empanels IDFC First, AU SFB for govt business in state The Haryana state government has de-empanelled IDFC First Bank and AU Small Finance Bank for government business in the state. 'No government funds shall henceforth be parked, deposited, invested, or transacted, through these banks,' the government notification, issued on February 18 stated. Under the new norms, administrative secretaries can approve the opening of accounts for government schemes only in nationalised banks operating in the state, while opening accounts in private sector banks will require prior approval. The state government further highlighted that their finance department has noticed that certain banks are not adhering to the conditions under which fixed deposits are being made by the departments and corporations. 'In several cases, it has been observed that despite clear instructions to place funds in flexible fixed deposits, or other fixed deposit instruments, offering higher rates of interest, banks are retaining the funds in savings account, resulting in lower returns, and consequential financial loss to the government,' it said.

Feature Presentation: Rajesh Alva/Rediff
Indian exporters face a shifting landscape as US tariffs are set to drop to 10% following a Supreme Court ruling, but uncertainty lingers over potential increases and long-term trade implications.

Photograph: Mike Blake/Reuters

Key Points US tariffs on Indian exports will decrease to 10% for 150 days following a US Supreme Court ruling against the Trump administration's initial tariffs.

Uncertainty remains among Indian exporters due to potential increases in US tariffs to 15% and a lack of clarity on long-term trade policies.

The reduced tariffs are expected to improve visibility for global footwear and leather sourcing, benefiting Indian manufacturers with competitive labor and manufacturing capacity.

The US remains a key export destination for India, with bilateral trade totaling $186 billion in 2024-25, making tariff clarity crucial for sustained export growth.

A framework for an interim trade deal between India and the US is in progress, aiming to further reduce tariffs and solidify trade relations.

Indian exports to the US will attract an additional 10 per cent tariff against 25 per cent currently for 150 days starting Tuesday after the American Supreme Court struck down the Trump administration's sweeping tariffs.

Exporters, however, said there is uncertainty among the trading community as US President Donald Trump has announced a hike in tariffs to 15 per cent, though no official order has been issued in this regard.

Following a Supreme Court verdict against his earlier sweeping tariffs last week, Trump on February 21 imposed a 10 per cent tariff on all countries, including India, from February 24 for 150 days.

Within hours of issuing this order, Trump announced a hike in tariffs to 15 per cent.

"As per the current order, Indian goods will attract 10 per cent tariffs from February 24. But we are keeping our fingers crossed, as a new order for 15 per cent tariffs has not been issued by the US so far.

But uncertainty is there," Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) Director General Ajay Sahai said.

There is also confusion over these tariffs, as there is no clarity on what will happen after 150 days.

"We need to bring down the curtains on this tariff drama now," Mumbai-based exporter and founder chairman of Technocraft Industries India Sharad Kumar Saraf said.

Saraf said the US is a key export destination for Indian exporters, and uncertainties over these import duties impact the sentiments of businesses.

"Clarity and certainty over these tariffs will help us in pushing exports to the US," he added.

The 10 per cent levy will be over and above the existing MFN (most favoured nation) or import duties in the US.

For instance, if a product faces a 5 per cent MFN duty, an additional 10 per cent will be imposed, taking the effective duty to 15 per cent.

Earlier, this was 5 plus 25 per cent. If 15 per cent will be notified, then the duty will be 5 plus 15 per cent.

Impact on Footwear and Leather Industries

Leading footwear exporter and Florence shoe company chairman Aqeel Panaruna said that recent clarity provided by the US Supreme Court ruling on tariff application has improved visibility for global footwear and leather sourcing, with effective duties now expected to fall in the 10a 15 per cent range.

He said the ruling applies uniformly across Asian sourcing countries, helping restore predictability for US brands.

"For the footwear and leather industry, one of the most labour-intensive and service-driven global manufacturing sectors, tariff stability is critical. Long product-development cycles, tight margins, and complex supplier coordination require predictable landed costs and reliable execution," Aqeel said.

Within this framework, he said, India remains a competitive sourcing destination.

Its large, skilled workforce, expanding manufacturing capacity, and standards allow suppliers to meet US buyers' requirements on quality, delivery timelines, and flexibility, even in a changing trade environment, he added.

"Footwear manufacturing is no longer driven by cost alone. Service reliability, workforce continuity, and long-term supplier relationships are increasingly central to sourcing decisions.

"India's ability to provide consistent labour availability and scalable production helps reduce supply-chain risk for US brands," Aqeel noted.

As US brands reassess global sourcing strategies, India's competitiveness positions it as a strong partner for future growth in footwear and leather manufacturing, he said.

Seafood Exports and Overall Trade Relations

Yogesh Gupta, MD of Kolkata-based Megaa Moda and a major processor and exporter of seafood products, said that the reduction in the reciprocal tariffs to 10 per cent will help us increase shipments in the American markets.

The removal of the 15 per cent uncertainty will give a clearer picture to exporters, he added.

In a major setback to Trump's pivotal economic agenda in his second term, the US Supreme Court last week 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 by using the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) of 1977.

The US had imposed a 25 per cent reciprocal tariff on India in August 2025.

Later, an additional 25 per cent duty was imposed for buying Russian crude oil, taking the total tariffs on India to 50 per cent.

India and the US, earlier this month, agreed on a framework 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.

To sign and implement the first phase of the bilateral trade agreement, the framework has to be converted into a legal document.

To finalise the legal text for the first phase of the bilateral trade agreement, an Indian team was scheduled to meet its counterparts in Washington from February 23-26, 2026. But this visit has now been postponed.

During 2021-25, the US was India's largest trading partner in goods.

The US accounts for about 18 per cent of India's total exports, 6.22 per cent of its imports, and 10.73 per cent of its bilateral trade.

In 2024-25, bilateral trade totalled $186 billion ($86.5 billion in exports and $45.3 billion in imports).
Indian stock markets surged as Sensex and Nifty closed higher, driven by positive sentiment following the US Supreme Court's decision on tariffs and gains in key sectors like PSU banks and auto.

Photograph: Francis Mascarenhas/Reuters

Key Points Sensex and Nifty closed higher, fueled by gains in PSU bank, auto, and financial stocks.

The US Supreme Court's ruling against Trump's tariff policy boosted investor sentiment in the Indian stock market.

Adani Ports and Kotak Mahindra Bank were among the top gainers in the Sensex pack.

Investors are awaiting clarity on Trump's revised trade strategy and potential renegotiations.

Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) were net sellers, while Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs) were net buyers.

Equity benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty closed higher on Monday, tracking gains in PSU bank, auto and financial stocks, as investors' sentiments improved after the US Supreme Court struck down the Trump administration's sweeping tariffs.

The 30-share BSE Sensex climbed 479.95 points, or 0.58 per cent, to settle at 83,294.66.

During the session, the benchmark jumped 671.44 points, or 0.81 per cent, to hit an intraday high of 83,486.15.

The 50-share NSE Nifty advanced 141.75 points, or 0.55 per cent, to close at 25,713.

In the intraday session, it appreciated 200.2 points, or 0.78 per cent, to hit a high of 25,771.45.

Gainers and losers

Adani Ports was the biggest gainer from the Sensex pack, rising 2.98 per cent, followed by Kotak Mahindra Bank, UltraTech Cement, PowerGrid, Hindustan Unilever, HDFC Bank, Axis Bank, Bharti Airtel, State Bank of India, Titan, Mahindra & Mahindra and Larsen & Toubro were the major gainers.

On the other hand, Infosys, Tech Mahindra, Trent, HCL Technologies, Bajaj Finserv, Tata Consultancy Services, ITC, Bharat Electronics Ltd, Eternal, Tata Steel, and IndiGo ended in losses.

Market Analysis and Expert Insights

"The US Supreme Court's ruling against Trump's reciprocal tariff policy was welcomed by domestic markets. Investors are awaiting more clarity on Trump's revised strategy and the scope of renegotiations by other nations," Vinod Nair, Head of Research, Geojit Investments Ltd, said.

A weaker US dollar and declining 10-year Treasury yields may add near-term caution in the global market, he added.

"Sectorally, the IT index faced pressure from unresolved concerns over AI-driven disruption.

"Nonetheless, investors favoured domestic themes, with banks, power, FMCG, and consumer discretionary stocks gaining traction on expectations of resilient demand and economic recovery," Nair said.

Global Market Overview

The broader Asian markets closed higher, with Hong Kong's Hang Seng climbing 2.53 per cent while South Korea's Kospi went up nearly 1 per cent.

Markets in Japan and mainland China remained closed due to holidays.

Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, slipped 0.38 per cent to $71.49 per barrel.

Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) offloaded equities worth Rs 934.61 crore on Friday, while domestic institutional investors outpaced FIIs by purchasing stocks worth Rs 2,637.15 crore, according to the exchange data.
Do You Wanna Partner is frothy and funny without being loud or crude, which is something so many Indian comedies cannot manage, observes Deepa Gahlot.

Two attractive women go on pub crawls in Gurugram, dressed in sexy outfits, and don't get groped!

That in itself goes into fairy tale territory.

Do You Wanna Partner, directed by Archit Kumar and Collin D'Cunha, has an idea that seems outdated, but still has a charming energy, thanks to the actors who keep it fizzing (it is about beer, after all!).

It is so predictable that as each character is introduced, one can guess how their track will go, and what purpose they will serve.

But for once, it does not matter because the two lead characters are such screen scorchers.

Shikha (Tamannaah Bhatia) is a 'marketing stud' for an alcohol company, which is annexed in a hostile takeover by Vikram Walia (Neeraj Kabi), about whom she has painful childhood memories.

Her best friend is Anahita (Diana Penty) is a 'finance genius' who quits her job in huff when a promotion she deserves does to a male colleague, and she is -- insultingly -- told that her contribution to the company is her smile.

It is Shikha's dream to make beer because her father (Indraneil Sengupta) had made 'India's first craft beer' called Gondogol (meaning confusion in Bengali) in his Kolkata garage.

Walia had cheated him out of the recipe and trademark, so she bears an old grudge.

Turns out, dealing with government departments and finding the right brewmaster -- Bobby Bagga (Nakuul Mehta), in this case -- is the least of their problems.

The vendors they have to deal with don't believe that women can be at the helm of a booze business.

They want to speak to their non-existent male boss.

Shikha's chef boyfriend Kabir (Rannvijay Singha) and even the eccentric single dad Bobby or some male pal would have served the purpose but the two make up an AI-generated David Jones, which convinces all but a female loan shark Laila (Shweta Tiwari), who wants to meet him in person.

Shikha recalls seeing her aunt's boyfriend for hire, pretending to be a Frenchman (Jaaved Jaaferi, putting his mimicry skill to good use).

He is actually Dylan, an out-of-work stage actor, who lives in a crumbling Kolkata mansion, and is good with creating fake personalities.

They decide to hire him to impersonate David Jones, realising too late that he has a memory problem, which, strangely, vanishes when he gets into the Mr Jones role.

The one-off meeting to fulfill Laila's demand extends to months, and they use him for a successful marketing campaign.

In this day and age, you can't buy a railway ticket without ID, leave aside signing contracts. Even after he becomes a celebrity, nobody in Kolkata seems to recognise him. The beer they make and name Jugaaro -- because Anahita's lisping fashion designer brother Firoo (Sufi Motiwala) -- can't pronounce jugaad, turns out to be a hit.

Other complications arise. Walia won't let go so easily, but, of course, the beer baronesses deal with all obstacles.

Do You Wanna Partner ends on a note that suggests the possibility of a second season.

The Dharmatic production, created by Mithun Gangopadhyay and Nishant Nayak, makes Gurugram look glam, as the two female stars swish around, in enviable outfits.

Even within its candy floss universe, Do You Wanna Partner brings in some seriously woke relationship issues, like Shikha feeling disrespected in the relationship because she thinks Kabir does not take her career seriously enough.

There is the overused, but still valid glass ceiling problem that Anahita faces.

Today, when artisanal beer, wine, mead and so on are made all over the place, and not only are companies owned and managed by women, but unlike a few years ago, many more women are bartenders, this plot is slightly implausible.

Still, the two women are allowed to fail, fight and get back on their feet without being judged.

There is romance, but it takes a backseat to ambition and friendship, which is a nice change.

The series is perhaps set in Gurugram because Mumbai men are more accepting of women entrepreneurs.

Do You Wanna Partner is frothy and funny without being loud or crude, which is something so many Indian comedies cannot manage.

Do You Wanna Partner streams on Amazon Prime Video.

Do You Wanna Partner Review Rediff Rating:
This article was first published 8 years ago

Sukanya Verma gives her reasons for watching The Salesman.

Asghar Farhadis gift to anticipate danger in ordinary scenes and pick on unspoken torment around a narrative stoked by ambiguity lends his cinema a frightening authenticity.

The Salesman, which earned the acclaimed Iranian filmmaker his second Oscar for Best Foreign Film early this year, delves deeper into the process of repression and ideals of honour in a patriarchal society while challenging its viewer to confront a moral dilemma as pressingly as its protagonists.

Farhadi addresses its potential for trouble right at the onset when Emad (Shahab Hosseini) and Rana (Taraneh Alidoosti), a married couple in their mid-30s, scramble out of their crumpling apartment, along with a host of panicking neighbours, of a building thats irreversibly battered by the construction next door.

The emerging cracks on the glass window offer a foreboding sign of what lies ahead.

Emad and Rana are actors in Teherans theatre group staging a version of Arthur Millers famous play, Death of Salesman, from which the film draws its title and belated metaphor. On the insistence of a senior co-actor, the newly homeless husband and wife agree to shift to an unoccupied house, oblivious to the notoriety associated with its enigmatic erstwhile occupant.

Strewn in understated symbolism, Farhads technique provides artistic dimensions and emotional nuance to the complexities of The Salesman. Its most effective when Ranas oversight gives access to an unwelcome intruder causing inexplicable horror. Farhadi withholds on the visual of violence but documents its seriousness in a stressful aftermath and sharp disclosures.

Taraneh Alidoostis face is a well of evocative expressions in how deep it plunges to bring out Ranas anxiety and empathy. But more than her humiliation and healing, The Salesman focuses on Emads wounded male pride and irrational desire for retribution.

Shahab Hosseini, who won at Cannes for his brilliant portrayal, renders the concerns in Emads bitter masculinity and temper with remarkable confusion and pity.

The Salesman is entirely viewed from his perspective and decline.

From someone who humoured the teenagers in his art class and attributed a womans unease in sharing space next to him in a car pool to possible bad experience, to a seething snoop capable of uncharacteristic callousness, the incident has dented Emads psyche and marriage in more ways than one.

Farhadi hits on this mounting tension most explicitly in a heart-breaking dinner scene where even the most delectable food leaves a bad taste in the mouth. Except what Emad is yearning for is far more toxic even if totally understandable.

What follows is a tense, thrilling, touching third act that seeks to distinguish between instinct and impulse, vengeance and indulgence, sin and virtue, pardon and punishment.

The answer you walk away with is the person you are. Thats the genius of Farhadi -- everyone discovers something bittersweet about themselves within or watching his true to life creations.

Rediff Rating:
WASHINGTON, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. forces on Monday struck an alleged drug boat in the Caribbean, killing three males aboard, the U.S. Southern Command said.

"Intelligence confirmed the vessel was transiting along known narco-trafficking routes in the Caribbean and was engaged in narco-trafficking operations," the command said on X without providing evidence.

"Three male narco-terrorists were killed during this action. No U.S. military forces were harmed," said the command.

The Pentagon has conducted 44 known strikes against alleged drug-trafficking vessels in the Caribbean and the eastern Pacific since early September, claiming at least 150 lives. 
'In any aviation emergency, the first rule is aviate -- fly the aircraft.'

'The fact that the commander's voice is not on the recording simply means he was focused entirely on flying. It does not imply anything more than that.'

IMAGE: The wreckage of the aircraft at the crash site in Baramati, January 28, 2026. Photograph: ANI video grab

Key Points Installing a hidden fuel tank on a Learjet 45 without DGCA detection is technically impossible; any such modification would alter the aircraft's configuration and be caught during inspections or pre-flight checks.

The black box should be intact: since the tail cone appears undamaged and the aircraft impacted at around 300 km/h, the CVR should have survived.

The missing readback in the final 60 seconds and the absence of the commander's voice on the CVR do not by themselves suggest anything sinister; the captain was likely fully focused on handling the emergency.

When a chartered Learjet 45 carrying Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar crashed at Baramati airport in Maharashtra on January 28, 2026, it did not take long for the conspiracy theories to take flight.

Rohit Pawar, Pawar's nephew and Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar) MLA, alleged hidden fuel tanks to tampered black boxes and manipulated engine logs -- hinting, without quite saying so, at political sabotage.

Pawar's younger son Jay too has demanded a probe into the plane crash.

Prasanna D Zore/Rediff spoke with Captain Sanjay Karve -- former chief pilot and accountable manager with the government of Maharashtra, and a member of both the International Society of Air Safety Investigators and the Flight Safety Foundation -- to separate fact from speculation.

Captain Karve is a veteran aviator with 45 years' experience, a retired Indian Navy officer, specialising in flight safety, operations, resource management, and command roles in sensitive environments and training leadership.

Given the specifications of a Learjet 45, is it technically feasible to install hidden or illegal fuel tanks without affecting the weight and balance of the aircraft -- without the DGCA knowing about it, and without it showing up during a standard pre-flight inspection?

It is really not possible to install an additional fuel tank without a major alteration to the airframe or aircraft structure.

And if at all it were done, it would be easily detectable -- not only during the pre-flight but during DGCA inspections as well, because it changes a great deal about the aircraft's configuration.

So it is simply not feasible. What may have happened, at best, is that some fuel was carried in cans.

'The separate explosion could be because of...'

If fuel was carried in cans, how would you actually refuel an aircraft using them? Say the plane had landed at Baramati and there was a need for refuelling -- how would cans work in practice?

It depends on where the fuelling inlet is positioned. Some aircraft have it under the wing; others have it over the wing. Refuelling from a can is only practicable if you have an over-wing inlet.

But for a fixed-wing jet, no one would take chances with a can inside the aircraft. And irrespective of what filtration system you use, you simply cannot match the quality of filtration that a fuel bowser provides.

If I remember correctly the fuelling inlet is on the underside of the wing on a Learjet. This would require pressure refuelling which is feasible only from a bowser.

The separate explosion (which according to Rohit Pawar's allegations could have happened due to the fuel can that was allegedly aboard the aircraft) could be because of the wing tanks and fuselage tanks exploding separately.

Is carrying fuel in cans a recognised practice? Does the DGCA permit it?

IMAGE: Wreckage of the crashed plane that was carrying Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. Photograph: Rediff Archives

The DGCA does permit refuelling from approved containers -- there are 200 litre fuel-grade tanks available for this purpose. But there are strict checks and balances: The type of container to be used, how long the fuel may be stored, and so on.

One requirement is that the fuel must remain static for at least 8 to 12 hours before it can be used for refuelling, and the fuel occupying the bottom 20 per cent of the container cannot be used at all.

Is it a common practice on charter flights to carry additional fuel in DGCA-approved tanks?

No, because the moment you carry a tank, you are compromising on a passenger. The maximum all-up weight of the aircraft stays fixed. So the choice is yours -- fuel, cargo, or passengers.

That is why, in the summer months, you often read news about airlines leaving baggage behind at Mumbai or at smaller airports. It happens because the permissible max all-up weight reduces as the outside temperature rises and altitude increases.

The operations department must decide: Full fuel and fewer passengers, or a full passenger load with less fuel. It is a trade-off that varies from sector to sector. On long-distance flights, naturally, nobody wants to compromise on fuel.

'No electronic item is entirely failproof or failsafe'

How common is CVR silence due to technical failure, as opposed to manual intervention?

And could a fire fuelled by an alleged extra tank generate heat sufficient to damage a black box -- given the protection threshold is rated at 1,100C?

I don't think that threshold would have been breached here (after Ajit Pawar's plane crash). According to news reports, the fire tenders arrived at the site reasonably quickly -- so the fire was not burning for an hour or more. I don't think that scenario holds.

Under what conditions could the black box have been damaged or rendered unreadable for investigators?

There are two primary causes -- a high-G impact, or extremely high temperature. But looking at the photographs circulated on social media, the tail cone section appears reasonably intact. The black box is generally positioned in the tail cone, so if that section is intact, the recorder should be perfectly readable.

The aircraft crashed approximately 200 feet from the runway at a speed of roughly 140-150 knots -- that is about 300 kilometres per hour. These boxes are designed to handle precisely that kind of impact and temperature.

The AAIB (Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau) has stated that the CVR is damaged. Should we take that at face value?

I would not like to believe it is damaged. When a manufacturer specifies a temperature limit -- say, 1,600C -- they would have tested the device to 1,700 or even 1,750C before publishing that figure. That said, it is an electronic item, and no electronic item is entirely failproof or failsafe.

Even a brand-new television you bring home can develop an internal spike and stop working without any external cause whatsoever. The probability of that happening with critical flight safety equipment is one in a million -- perhaps one in a trillion. But it cannot be ruled out altogether.

But the moment you say something works on power supply or something works on an electrical impulse, there are so many factors which can affect it, that anything can happen at any time.

'On a critical approach, it is more important to land the aircraft'

ATC records show the aircraft missed its first landing, initiated a go-around, and was cleared for a second approach at 8.43 am -- but never gave a readback to that clearance before crashing a minute later.

In aviation protocol, what does a missing readback in the final 60 seconds usually indicate?

Standard procedure is that when ATC issues an instruction, you read it back to confirm you have understood it. But a missing readback in those final seconds could mean any of three things -- a sudden cockpit distraction, a total electrical failure, or the crew already struggling with a loss-of-control situation.

On a critical approach, it is more important to land the aircraft than to do a readback. So by itself, the absence of a readback does not tell you very much.

Reports suggest the co-pilot's voice was heard on the CVR, but not the commander's in the final moments. Does the absence of one pilot's voice suggest anything suspicious about the cockpit environment?

IMAGE: The wreckage of the aircraft at the crash site at Baramati, January 28, 2026. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others on board died in the crash. Photograph: ANI video grab

No, because there is no system on a CVR that can selectively record one crew member's voice and not the other's. It records everyone or no one. The pilot in command was most likely too busy flying the aircraft to speak.

In any aviation emergency, the first rule is aviate -- fly the aircraft. The fact that his voice is not on the recording simply means he was focused entirely on flying. It does not imply anything more than that.

''Target fixation' is a very harsh and strong statement'

If a pilot is under severe stress -- as is being alleged in this case -- could that cause 'target fixation', explaining why he attempted a second landing?

Attempting a second landing and using the phrase 'target fixation' is a very harsh and strong statement.

Let me give you a simple example, though not corelated -- when you are trying to park your vehicle in a tight spot and you don't make it on the first attempt, do you abandon that parking spot? No. You pull back and make one more attempt. Nobody calls that target fixation.

Of all the allegations levelled by Rohit Pawar, do any of them have aviation logic to them -- particularly the technical claims about the crash?

He has produced documents that appear genuine -- documents from manufacturers. But producing documents alone cannot lead you to a conclusion.

On the question of engine hours and maintenance logs, neither I nor anyone else without specialist expertise is competent to assess that. The engine manufacturer is the only party with the technology and authority to determine what condition the engine was in. They can figure it out.

Based on the video footage circulating -- showing the aircraft flipping before impact -- does the aerodynamics of the crash look plausible to you?

On a final approach, aircraft speeds are low and the risk of a stall is very real. The aircraft requires a minimum speed to generate sufficient lift to stay airborne, and in a landing configuration you are already on the lower end of that speed range.

So theoretically and aerodynamically, if the bank angle increases beyond a certain point, there is a very real possibility the aircraft stalled and lost control.

Whether the footage itself is genuine is a separate question -- with today's AI, I really would not like to make any commitment on that.

Do you find anything genuinely suspicious about the CVR being damaged?

Honestly, we don't know. The AAIB has confirmed the flight data recorder has been downloaded successfully. The CVR is a separate piece of equipment, and like any electronic device, it can fail without warning.

What I would urge is that we allow the investigation authorities to do their job. Premature assumptions cloud everyone's mind -- including the families who have lost people, and also the reputation of the crew.

No self-respecting crew would like to kill himself by crashing an aeroplane.
The ambulance had lost contact with air traffic control around 20 minutes after takeoff. Inclement weather could be a reason behind the crash.

IMAGE: Wreckage of an Redbird Airways Pvt Ltd Beechcraft C90 aircraft VT-AJV operating medical evacuation flight, which was carrying seven people onboard while on its way from Ranchi to Delhi, lies near Simaria area after crash, in Chatra district, Jharkhand. Photographs: ANI video grab

All seven persons on board an air ambulance were killed after the aircraft crashed near Simaria in Jharkhand's Chatra district on Monday evening while en route to Delhi from Ranchi, a top state government official said.

Key Points The crash occurred after the air ambulance took off from Ranchi airport at about 7.10 pm

The ambulance had lost contact with air traffic control around 20 minutes after takeoff

There were seven people on board, including a 41-year-old patient and two crew members

All seven persons on board an air ambulance were killed after the aircraft crashed near Simaria in Jharkhand's Chatra district, and their bodies have been brought to a hospital for post-mortem examination, officials said on Tuesday.

The Beechcraft C90 air ambulance, operated by Redbird Airways Pvt Ltd, was en route to Delhi from Ranchi when it crashed on Monday evening in the Bariatu Panchayat area of Simaria, located deep inside a forest, killing all seven onboard, including two pilots.

"We have brought all the seven bodies for post-mortem at Sadar Hospital, Chatra. The crash is being investigated," an official told PTI.

The aircraft took off from Ranchi airport at 7.11 pm and went missing around 7.30 pm. It lost contact with the air traffic control about 20 minutes after departure, he said.

Ranchi airport director Vinod Kumar said inclement weather could be a possible reason behind the crash, though the exact cause would be ascertained after a detailed probe.

The deceased have been identified as Captain Vivek Vikas Bhagat, Captain Savrajdeep Singh, Sanjay Kumar, Dr Vikas Kumar Gupta, Sachin Kumar Mishra, Archana Devi and Dhuru Kumar.

Meanwhile, a lingering sense of grief prevailed in Chatra district, as the near and dear ones of those killed in the crash expressed shock and disbelief.

Bajrangi Prasad, the father of deceased Dr Vikas Kumar Gupta, said he had sold all his land to make his son a doctor, who was posted at Sadar Hospital in Ranchi.

"He has a seven-year-old son... He was meritorious and had completed his MBBS from Odisha's Cuttack," Prasad said.

Family members of Sanjay Kumar (41), however, blamed the "poor" health infrastructure behind the tragedy.

"Had we given proper treatment to my brother-in-law Sanjay in Ranchi, precious lives could have been saved. I lost both both Sanjay and sister Archana Devi in the incident," Kumar said.

Chatra Deputy Commissioner Keerthishree G had earlier told PTI that the bodies of all seven deceased were retrieved from the crash site and shifted to Chatra hospital for post-mortem examination.

In a statement, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said the Beechcraft C90 aircraft (VT-AJV) was operating a medical evacuation flight on the Ranchi-Delhi sector when it crashed in Kasaria Panchayat of Chatra district.

"The aircraft was airborne from Ranchi at 19:11 IST. After establishing contact with Kolkata at 19:34 IST, the aircraft lost communication and radar contact with Kolkata at approximately 100 nautical miles south-east of Varanasi," it said, adding that there were seven people on board, including two crew members.

An Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) team has been dispatched to the crash site.
Maharashtra's political fraternity united to honor the late Ajit Pawar, remembering his leadership qualities, dedication to the state, and contributions to key initiatives, solidifying his legacy in Maharashtra politics

IMAGE: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and deputy CM Eknath Shinde and Sunetra Ajit Pawar at the joint meeting of both the Houses during Maharashtra assembly Budget Session 2026, at Vidhan Bhavan, in Mumbai, February 23, 2026. Photograph: @CMOMaharashtra X/ANI Photo

Key Points Maharashtra leaders across party lines paid tribute to the late deputy CM Ajit Pawar, recognising his contributions to the state.

Devendra Fadnavis described Ajit Pawar as 'the best CM Maharashtra never had,' highlighting his leadership potential.

Eknath Shinde emphasized the close coordination within the state's leadership, referring to himself, Fadnavis, and Pawar as an 'equilateral triangle'.

Uddhav Thackeray acknowledged Ajit Pawar as a 'very close friend' and praised his efficiency and trustworthiness during his tenure as Deputy CM.

Leaders recalled Pawar's dedication to initiatives like the Ladki Bahin scheme and his commitment to financial discipline in governance.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday led leaders cutting across party lines in paying tributes to the late deputy CM Ajit Pawar on the first day of the Budget session of the state legislature, saying he was "the best CM the state never had".

Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde described the late NCP leader as an "elder brother" and said he, Fadnavis, and Pawar were like an "equilateral triangle," being close to each other.

On January 28, Deputy CM Pawar and four others died in a plane crash in Pune's Baramati town.

In a glowing tribute to Pawar in the assembly on the first day of the legislature's budget session, Fadnavis said the state has lost a towering leader and administrator.

Pawar's shocking demise has created a political vacuum that will never be filled, the CM said while hailing the NCP leader, whose party is a constituent of the ruling Maha Vikas Aghadi.

"Ajitdada (as Pawar was fondly called) and I share the same birthdate, but he was 11 years senior to me in age. He was my dada in the real sense," Fadnavis noted.

He said Ajit Pawar became deputy chief minister a record six times and had the capacity to lead the state.

"Ajitdada was the best CM Maharashtra never had," the senior BJP leader stated.

He said there is political arithmetic to various decisions, adding that destiny would have fulfilled his wish sometime.

"Ajitdada was always punctual, but this time his timing went wrong," Fadnavis said, referring to the plane crash last month.

He said Pawar was never a politically correct person. He always acted on what he said and was a straightforward person, Fadnavis noted.

"Ajitdada was a leader who honoured the word he gave. In 2019, we decided to form a government together. But that didn't happen because his party's senior leadership decided to step back. Ajitdada stood by his word, and we took the oath together.

"But he discussed with me and then went back to his original party after the court order went against us," Fadnavis recalled, referring to the two-day government formed by Fadnavis in alliance with Pawar before the Maha Vikas Aghadi came to power.

Fadnavis also said Ajit Pawar was the best finance minister any CM could ask for. This year, he would have presented his 12th budget and next year, he would have broken Sheshrao Wankhede's record of presenting 13 budgets, he noted.

Pawar pushed through the Ladki Bahin scheme, which provides financial assistance to women, overruling the finance department's reservations about its impact on the state exchequer, the CM said.

Fadnavis said he always mentioned that the NCP is a strategic partner, but Ajit Pawar was a close friend.

On January 27, Pawar attended the cabinet and infrastructure committee meetings and discussed why there was no gross value addition in capital expenditure. "No one would have imagined that it would be our last meeting," Fadnavis rued.

Tributes in the Council

In the council, Deputy CM Shinde said Maharashtra lost a "staunch, punctual leader and a great friend", and the House lost a strict and disciplined member.

"Fadnavis, Pawar and I were like an equilateral triangle; we were all close to each other," Shinde said, underlining the coordination within the state's leadership.

He likened Pawar to a "jackfruit- thorny (tough) from outside but soft and sweet inside".

Moving the resolution in the House to pay tributes to departed leaders, Shinde said after becoming chief minister (in 2022), he worked closely with Pawar.

"I also worked with him during the MVA tenure and observed his studious nature and command over administration," he said.

Pawar could quickly grasp the importance or shortcomings of a scheme and was particularly strict about cleanliness and discipline in governance, he noted.

Shinde also said that when the Ladki Bahin scheme was conceptualised during his tenure as CM, it was Pawar who framed it properly and managed the state's finances so that the state did not face much strain.

Thackeray's Remembrance

Speaking in the Upper House, Shiv Sena (UBT) president Uddhav Thackeray described Pawar as a "very close friend".

Thackeray said when he became the CM in 2019, he was initially suspicious of Pawar, especially after the latter gave them a "shock" by taking oath with Fadnavis.

"My entire politics was earlier against Pawar's politics, but we came together. I realised, and till now believe, that Pawar became a very close friend to me," he said.

Recalling the COVID-19 pandemic period, Thackeray said it was the then Deputy CM Pawar who ensured that major works continued uninterrupted.

"Pawar was punctual, trustworthy and efficient," he added.

Referring to Pawar's recent remarks that he had faced allegations of Rs 70,000 crore corruption from those who were now sharing power with him, Thackeray said there should be a limit to defaming a person for political reasons.

"How much and how long are we going to defame a person for political reasons? There should be some limit to it. We should have some self-regulation. How long are we going to blame a person without verifying the facts?" he asked.

Thackeray further noted that when Pawar was deputy chief minister in the MVA government, those who were in the Opposition later welcomed him when they came to power.

"Any ordinary person would have gone into depression by facing such allegations, but Pawar sailed through it because of his efficient and pro-people work," he said.

Bhaskar Jadhav and Sunil Prabhu (Shiv Sena-UBT) said there are doubts about the plane crash which killed Ajit Pawar.

"There is suspicion that there could be foul play. I feel Sharad Pawar stated that it was an accident and no sabotage; he was taking care that if there was a spark in Baramati, it could spread in the entire state," Jadhav said while speaking on the condolence motion.

Dilip Walse Patil and Hassan Mushrif (NCP) became emotional while paying tribute to the NCP chief.

Nitin Raut of Congress said, "We had our differences of opinion but shared excellent personal relations.
India strongly condemns Pakistan's airstrikes in Afghanistan, decrying the civilian casualties and reaffirming its support for Afghan sovereignty amidst rising tensions.

IMAGE: Residents gather at the site, following the Pakistani airstrikes, in Bihsud district, Nangarhar province, Afghanistan, February 22, 2026. Photograph: Reuters

Key Points The airstrikes occurred during the holy month of Ramadan, increasing concerns.

India views the strikes as an attempt by Pakistan to externalize its internal issues.

India reiterates its support for Afghanistan's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence.

Pakistan claims the strikes targeted militant hideouts in response to rebel attacks, resulting in 70 terrorist deaths.

India on Sunday strongly condemned Pakistan's 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 Afghanistan's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

"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," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.

"It is another attempt by Pakistan to externalise its internal failures. India reiterates its support for Afghanistan's sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence," he said in response to media queries on the issue.

Pakistan's Justification for Airstrikes

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.
In a major counter-terrorism success, security forces in Kishtwar have neutralised a Jaish terror module after an extensive operation, significantly enhancing regional security

IMAGE: A group photo of seven terrorists eliminated by Troops of White Knight Corps, Jammu and Kashmir police and CRPF, based on an intelligence grid established by civil and military intelligence agencies in Chatroo, in Kishtwar, Jammu and Kashmir. Photograph: @Whiteknight_IA X/ANI Photo

Key Points The operation, lasting a year and a half, culminated in the elimination of the module's members, including commander Saifullah.

Intelligence-based counter-terrorism operations will continue to target anti-national elements in the region.

The successful operation highlights the coordination between the Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and Central Reserve Police Force.

Security forces seized war-like stores, including AK-47 rifles, during the search operations.

Inspector general of police (Jammu zone) Bhim Sen Tuti said on Monday that in a joint operation, security forces have neutralised a seven-member Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror module, dubbed the "Israel Group", bringing an end to a year-and-a-half-long operation in the Kishtwar belt of Jammu and Kashmir.

Three members of the module, including its self-styled commander, Saifullah, were killed in an encounter with the security forces in Kishtwar district on Sunday.

"The group of seven JeM terrorists had infiltrated into Indian territory in April 2024. Since then, this group was engaged on 17 different occasions. Over the last year and a half, we have successfully neutralised all of them. Sunday marked the culmination of this year-and-a-half-long operation," the IGP told reporters at Kishtwar.

Describing the module as a "hardcore terrorist group", he said, "The group was known as the Israel Group. It was a hardcore terrorist module that inflicted significant damage on security forces and also caused harm to civilians."

Tuti said acting on precise intelligence, the last three members of the group, including Saifullah, were neutralised in the Chatroo area of Kishtwar.

The IGP asserted that the campaign against terror would continue.

"This operation will continue. Our pursuit is long and in the coming time, we expect more successful operations. This fight will continue until the entire terror network is completely dismantled," he said.

Meanwhile, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of Counter-Insurgency Force Delta, Major General A P S Bal, issued a stern warning to anti-national elements, saying they would be identified and neutralised wherever they are.

"My message to anti-national elements is clear -- anyone who is an enemy of the nation, wherever they may be and in whatever form, will be identified, targeted and neutralised," he told reporters in Kishtwar.

The officer asserted that intelligence-based operations would continue with sustained momentum.

"To the Awam, I want to say -- no matter how grave the challenges are, our courage will never diminish. Whatever we have achieved has been possible because of the support of every single person in the region," he said.

The GOC said recent successes in anti-terror operations are the results of months of sustained and coordinated efforts by security forces. "We have been collectively working on this for months. Despite challenges of terrain, rain, snowfall and landslides, operations were carried out relentlessly," he said.

The GOC highlighted the extraordinary coordination among the Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police (JKP) and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), stating that seamless collaboration at every level ensured operational success even in confined and rugged areas.

"We were conscious that such prolonged operations can lead to fatigue among the troops. Therefore, we had planned in a manner that ensured adequate rotation of forces. We always had sufficient troops in the reserve -- either to be air-dropped by helicopters or to move on foot across extremely difficult terrain. Sometimes it would take six to eight hours to reach a location, but we ensured that we got there."

The JeM module was under pursuit since April-May last year. Three of its members -- all hardcore terrorists -- were eliminated in April 2025, while the remaining members - including Saifullah, Adil and two others -- were on the run, the GOC said.

Based on intelligence inputs from police, the Intelligence Bureau (IB) and other sources, a joint counter-terrorist operation, codenamed Operation Trashi-I, was launched on January 14 in the Chhatroo area by CIF Delta troops under the aegis of White Knight Corps. Contact with the terrorists was established on January 18 and their well-stocked hideout was busted, the GOC added.

Relentless pursuit led to the elimination of one terrorist, codenamed Adil, on February 4, he said.

The security forces re-engaged the remaining terrorists at around 11 am on February 22. The final encounter site, located on steep mountain slopes, was cordoned off on the intervening night of February 21 and 22. In the ensuing operation, the three hardcore terrorists were eliminated, completing the dismantling of the group, the GOC said.

He said the large-scale operation showcased high tactical precision, real-time drone surveillance, the use of night-vision equipment and swift mobilisation of reinforcements, including special forces. He added that despite harsh weather and challenging terrain, there was no casualty among the security personnel.

Major General Bal also made a special mention of Army-trained dog Tyson, who was injured after the terrorists opened fire. Tyson was deployed to verify the presence of the ultras inside the "dhok" (hut).

"The injured elite German Shepherd, who was the first to charge at the terrorist hideout and sustained a bullet injury in the exchange of fire, was immediately airlifted for medical treatment and is reported to be safe and stable," an official said.

During the search operations, war-like stores, including three AK-47 rifles, were seized.

The operations were conducted on both extremes of the area of responsibility - one in the Udhampur sector and the other in the Kishtwar sector.

The IGP said action would be taken against those who supported the terrorists.

"Those who provided shelter and support to this group will soon see decisive action against them as well. In the coming days, you will witness how firmly we act against their collaborators," he said, adding that the efforts to dismantle the terror ecosystem would be intensified.

"More operations are in the pipeline and you will see the results for yourselves," he said.

The IGP said there are only three local terrorists in Kishtwar district now. "These are the same three individuals who have been active in the region for nearly two decades. During 2018, 2019 and 2020, some new recruits had joined terror ranks, but all of them have been neutralised," he added.

Tuti appreciated the public support for the success of the operations. "I believe the society is not supporting them. Otherwise, such successful operations would not have been possible. Most of the intelligence inputs we receive come through civilians. The public stands with us, the public stands with India and these terrorists will never succeed in their nefarious designs," he asserted.
Mexico experienced unprecedented cartel violence following the reported death of drug lord Nemesio Oseguera, known as 'El Mencho', in a military operation in Jalisco.

Criminal organisations retaliated with coordinated attacks across multiple states, torching vehicles and buses, blocking highways, and setting fires at commercial establishments. The violence prompted increased military and national guard deployments to restore security and control the situation.

IMAGE: Firefighters work to extinguish flames from buses set on fire by gangsters in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, February 22, 2026 following a military operation in which Mexican officials said cartel boss Nemesio Oseguera, 'El Mencho', was killed. Photograph: Reuters

IMAGE: El Mencho appears in an undated photograph on the US state department web site with a $15 million reward offered for information leading to his arrest. Photograph: State Department/Handout via Reuters

IMAGE: El Mencho appears in an undated photograph on the US Drug Enforcement Agency web site with a $15 million reward offered for information leading to his arrest. Photograph: DEA/Handout via Reuters

IMAGE: Firefighters work to extinguish flames from a vehicle used by gangsters as roadblocks in Guadalajara, February 22, 2026. Photograph: Michelle Freyria/Reuters

IMAGE: Firefighters work to extinguish flames at a convenience store set on fire by gangsters in Zapopan, February 22, 2026. Photograph: Gilberto Gallo/Reuters

IMAGE: A burnt vehicle that was used during an attack on a supermarket by gangsters in Guadalajara, February 22, 2026, here and below. Photograph: Michelle Freyria/Reuters

Photograph: Michelle Freyria/Reuters

IMAGE: Firefighters work at the site where buses were set on fire by gangsters in Puerto Vallarta, February 22, 2026. Photograph: Reuters

IMAGE: Federal forces stand near a vehicle torched by gangsters in Acapulco, February 22, 2026. Photograph: Javier Verdin/Reuters

IMAGE: The wreckage of a trailer in Acapulco, February 22, 2026. Photograph: Javier Verdin/Reuters

IMAGE: Members of the national guard stand at the site in Santa Rita Tlahuapan, February 22, 2026 on the highway connecting Mexico City with the state of Puebla, following roadblocks and arson attacks carried out by gangsters. Photograph: Paola Garcia/Reuters

IMAGE: Members of the national guard stand guard outside the specialised prosecutor's office for organised crime in Mexico City, February 22, 2026, where El Mencho's body is suspected of being held by authorities. Photograph: Luis Cortes/Reuters

IMAGE: A burnt bus stands at the site on the highway connecting Mexico City with the state of Puebla, following roadblocks and arson attacks carried out by gangsters in several states, in Santa Rita Tlahuapan, Mexico, February 22, 2026. Photograph: Paola Garcia/Reuters

IMAGE: A burnt bus set up as a blockade by gangsters in Zapopan, February 22, 2026. Photograph: Gabriel Trujillo/Reuters

IMAGE: Members of the Mexican navy stand atop a vehicle patroling a street in Acapulco, February 22, 2026. Photograph: Henry Romero/Reuters

IMAGE: Smoke billows from burning vehicles in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, February 22, 2026 amid a wave of violence, with torched vehicles and gunmen blocking highways in more than half a dozen states. Photograph: @morelifediares via Instagram/Youtube/via Reuters

IMAGE: Mexican soldiers on patrol in an armored vehicle in Acapulco, February 22, 2026 after authorities reinforced security following roadblocks and arson attacks carried out by organised crime in several states. Photograph: Henry Romero/Reuters

IMAGE: Smoke billows from burning vehicles in Puerto Vallarta, February 22, 2026, here and below. Photograph: @morelifediares via Instagram/Youtube/via Reuters

Photograph: @morelifediares via Instagram/Youtube/via Reuters

IMAGE: Vehicles set on fire by gangsters to block a road in Zapopan, February 22, 2026. Photograph: Gilberto Gallo/Reuters

Photographs curated by Anant Salvi/Rediff

Feature Presentation by Manisha Kotian/Rediff
The Delhi high court has affirmed the crucial role of homemakers, stating their contributions are vital to a family's success and must be considered when determining spousal maintenance in divorce or domestic violence cases.

IMAGE: A homemaker supports her family by weaving baskets from bamboo, at a village in Dharmanagar sub-division, in North Tripura. Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points Delhi high court emphasises that a homemaker's labour enables the earning spouse and should be considered in maintenance decisions.

The court rejects the notion that a non-earning wife is 'idle,' highlighting the economic value of her contributions to the home and family.

Capacity to earn is distinct from actual earnings; a wife's potential to work is not grounds to deny maintenance.

The court encourages mediation over litigation in matrimonial disputes to find mutually acceptable solutions.

The ruling acknowledges the challenges women face in re-entering the workforce after dedicating time to family responsibilities.

Dispelling the "myth" of an "idle wife", the Delhi high court has said that a homemaker's labour enables the earning spouse to function effectively, and it was "unjust" to disregard her contributions while deciding maintenance.

Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma observed that a wife's non-employment cannot be equated with idleness or deliberate dependence, and when determining maintenance, the law must recognise not only financial earnings but also the economic value of her contributions to the home and domestic relationship during the subsistence of marriage.

"The assumption that a non-earning spouse is 'idle' reflects a misunderstanding of domestic contributions. To describe non-employment as idleness is easy; to recognise the labour involved in sustaining a household is far more difficult," the court in its judgment passed on February 16.

Wife's qualifications no ground to deny maintenance: HC

"A homemaker does not sit idle; she performs labour that enables the earning spouse to function effectively. To disregard this contribution while adjudicating claims of maintenance would be unrealistic and unjust.

"This court is, therefore, unable to agree with any view that equates non-employment of a wife with idleness or deliberate dependence on the husband," it said.

Background of the Case

The court made the observations while dealing with the grant of maintenance to an estranged wife under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act.

A magisterial court had refused to grant interim maintenance to the woman on the grounds that she was able-bodied and well-educated but had chosen not to seek employment. No relief was granted to the wife by the appellate court.

Wife can get maintenance from husband even if...: SC

The parties married in 2012, and it was alleged that the husband deserted the wife and their minor son in 2020.

The husband claimed before the high court that the wife cannot sit "idle" and claim maintenance when she was capable of earning, and that he was meeting the educational expenses of their minor child.

'Capacity to earn, actual earnings are distinct'

The court said the capacity to earn and actual earnings were distinct concepts, and as per settled law, mere capacity to earn was not a ground to deny maintenance.

"Women who can and are willing to work should be encouraged, but the denial of maintenance on the sole ground that she is capable of earning and should not remain dependent upon her husband was a flawed approach," the court said.

"Managing a household, caring for children, supporting the family, and adjusting one's life around the career and transfers of the earning spouse are all forms of work, even though they are unpaid and often unacknowledged. These responsibilities do not appear in bank statements or generate taxable income, yet they form the invisible structure on which many families function," the court noted.

What the court said

It added that in Indian society, a woman was still expected to give up employment after marriage but a contrary position was frequently taken by husbands in matrimonial disputes to refuse maintenance to her "well-qualified" wife by accusing her of deliberately choosing to remain unemployed.

Such a stand, the court said, cannot be encouraged, and the law must ensure that the spouse who invested time, effort and years into building the family was not left economically stranded.

It also acknowledged that a woman who stepped away from her profession due to marriage or family responsibilities cannot be expected to later resume employment at the same level, salary, or professional standing.

The court concluded that in the present case, there was no material on record to establish any past or present employment or earnings of the wife, and awarded Rs 50,000 to her in proceedings under the law against domestic violence.

Mediation Encouraged in Matrimonial Disputes

The court also raised concern over maintenance proceedings often becoming "intensely adversarial", saying it rarely served the long-term interests of either parties, or their minor children.

It said that mediation, and not continued litigation, offered a more constructive path forward in matrimonial disputes, as it provided a better space for meaningful dialogue, realistic assessment of needs and capacities of both the husband and the wife, and mutually acceptable solutions.

Court proceedings make initiation of dialogue between the parties difficult, and in such contested proceedings, the wife might overstate her monthly expenses while the husband often understates his income or pleads financial incapacity, the court said.
Following the killing of a top drug cartel leader, the Indian Embassy in Mexico has issued a safety advisory urging Indian nationals to exercise caution and stay indoors amid escalating violence in several Mexican states.

IMAGE: Smoke billows from burning vehicles amid a wave of violence, with torched vehicles and gunmen blocking highways in more than half a dozen states, following a military operation in which Mexican drug lord Nemesio Oseguera, known as "El Mencho," was killed, in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico, February 22, 2026. Photograph: @morelifediares via Instagram/Youtube/via Reuters

Key Points Indian embassy in Mexico advises Indian nationals to exercise caution and remain indoors due to increased violence.

The advisory follows the killing of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, a top drug cartel leader known as 'El Mencho'.

Specific states like Jalisco, Tamaulipas, Michoacan, Guerrero, and Nuevo Leon are highlighted as areas of concern.

The embassy urges Indian nationals to avoid areas with law enforcement activity, monitor local media, and follow local authorities' directions.

The embassy of India in Mexico on Monday issued an advisory to Indian nationals residing in the country, urging them to exercise caution and remain indoors amid escalating violence after Mexican soldiers killed a top drug cartel leader.

Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, also known as El Mencho, leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, was killed on Sunday.

"Dear all Indian nationals in Mexico. There are ongoing security operations and related road blockages and criminal activity, Indian nationals in Jalisco State (areas of Puerto Vallarta, Chapala, and Guadalajara), Tamaulipas State (areas of A Reynosa and other municipalities), areas of Michoacan State, Guerrero State, and Nuevo Leon State should shelter in place until further notice," the Indian Embassy in Mexico posted on X.

The safety instructions were also issued by the embassy: "Avoid areas around law enforcement activity. Be aware of your surroundings. Seek shelter and minimize unnecessary movements outside your shelter. A 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," the mission posted.

Background on the Violence

The advisory follows the killing of Nemesio Oseguera on Sunday, a powerful drug cartel leader. He was one of the most wanted men in Mexico and in the United States.

The Mexican army killed Oseguera, "El Mencho, " in an operation on Sunday, a federal official said. It happened during a military operation in the western state of Jalisco.
Amid escalating tensions and protests in Tehran, India has issued a travel advisory urging all its nationals residing in Iran to leave the country for their safety and security.

IMAGE: People walk near a mural featuring images of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and leader of Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, on a street in Tehran, Iran. Photograph: Majid Asgaripour/WANA/Reuters

Key Points India advises its nationals in Iran, including students and business persons, to leave the country due to the evolving security situation.

The Indian Embassy in Iran issued a fresh advisory amid protests in Tehran and increasing fears of US military strikes.

Indian citizens are urged to exercise caution, avoid protest areas, and maintain contact with the Indian Embassy.

Nationals are advised to keep travel and immigration documents readily available and contact the embassy for assistance.

India on Monday advised all its nationals residing in Iran to leave the country by all available means of transport, including commercial flights, in view of the evolving security situation.

The Indian embassy in Iran issued a fresh advisory to the Indian nationals amid fresh protests in Tehran and increasing fears of US military strikes on the Gulf nation.

Students at several universities in Iran held anti-government demonstrations in a first such agitation since Tehran's brutal crackdown on the protesters last month.

According to official estimates in January, little over 10,000 Indians, including students, were living in Iran.

Indian Embassy Advisory

"In continuation of the advisory issued by the government of India on January 5 and in view of the evolving situation in Iran, Indian nationals who are currently in Iran (students, pilgrims, business persons and tourists) are advised to leave Iran by available means of transport, including commercial flights," the embassy said.

The mission also reiterated that all Indian citizens and PIOs (persons of Indian-origin) should exercise due caution, avoid areas of protests or demonstrations and stay in contact with the Indian Embassy.

"All Indian nationals in Iran are requested to also have their travel and immigration documents, including passports and identity cards, readily available with them," the mission said in the advisory.

"They are requested to contact the Indian Embassy for any assistance in this regard," it said.
Following the new government's assumption of power, the Bangladesh Army has undergone a significant reshuffle, including the appointment of a new Chief of General Staff and changes in key strategic commands.

IMAGE: Bangladeshs President Mohammed Shahabuddin signs as he administers the oathtaking ceremony for Tarique Rahman as Prime Minister at the South Plaza of the parliament building, following the BNPs landslide victory in the national polls, in Dhaka, Bangladesh, February 17, 2026. Photograph: Mohammad Ponir Hossain/Reuters

Key Points Bangladesh Army sees a major reshuffle at the top level, including a new Chief of General Staff.

Lieutenant General M Mainur Rahman appointed as the new Chief of General Staff (CGS).

Major General Kaiser Rashid Chowdhury appointed as the new director general of the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI).

Several key strategic commands and the country's premier military intelligence agency are affected by the reshuffle.

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 Rahman's new government assumed power on February 17, Dhaka Tribune reported.

The reshuffle affects key strategic commands as well as the country's premier military intelligence agency.

Key Appointments in Bangladesh Army

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 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.
Australia has recently placed a ban of children 16 and under from using social media (Darren Baker (123RF))



On December 10th, 2025 Australias social media ban shook the globe. The ban, applying to all children 16 and under has affected millions of youths across the nation.

On the Naval Support site in Naples, Italy, military youth had lots to say about the ban: Social Media is harmful one student wrote anonymously in a survey posted mid-December.

[Social media] exposes kids to things they shouldnt have to see until their brain is fully developed. It also exposes them to online toxicity as people are comfortable saying anything online. However, social media can be helpful and banning it may not be the best way forward.  High School Student

Social media is a great way for kids to connect and stay in touch, another student countered. I feel its semi vital they dont make that high of an age limit considering this is the age most kids are in high school.

Although I think excessive social media usage results in poor habits, I do not think a country should be able to completely ban social media as a whole.I believe they should have only limited the usage.  Another High School Student

Opinions were mixed. Diverse, and broad. Many students approved of screen limitation, recognizing its harmful effects on youth. Yet, they also disliked the harsh approach the Australian government took in their action against screens.

I do not think a country should be able to completely ban social media as a whole. A student firmly stated. I believe they should have only limited the usage.

Limiting screen usage has been achieved in countries such as China, using software that limits youth to only two hours of screen time a day. Chinese software also interferes with content to prevent youth from receiving what the government considers harmful.

Students expressed their opinions via a survey. (seventyfour74 (123RF))



While this may seem ideal, its exactly what youth are afraid of. China has taken many steps towards limiting citizen rights. Consequently, many students are bound to be alarmed by other governments following in their footsteps. Especially, for military youth, the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act that openly aims to limit screen use in DoDEA classrooms.

While Australias ban will protect several kids from being attacked or manipulated by social media, One student detailed, it wont do much to change the core impulses (and they didnt ban Discord, which is especially problematic for kids).

Naples High School students were alarmed at the Australian governments attack on screen use, especially the selection of what constituted social media. As mentioned, Discord is still not banned. YouTube was initially not planned to be banned either. After protests, this was rearranged, and YouTube was added to the list of banned social platforms.

Overall, the Australia social media ban is controversial worldwide. It attacks social media companies that have profited over youth anger and suffering. Yet, the ban also follows in the footsteps of nations renowned for their heavy restrictions on citizens and rights. The youth in Naples Middle High School echo the global confusion regarding this topic. Despite their varying opinions, they all expressed them in hopes of making a difference.

Despite the looming restrictions on their freedoms, military youth will continue to persuade, defend, and advocate for their values.

Editors Note: Survey responses from Naples High School Students are confidential, meaning emails, names and other information are not recorded.

Students had mixed opinions about Australias ban on social media. (deagreez (123RF))



Editors Note: This article was written by a member of the local military community, not an employee of Stars and Stripes. Neither the organization nor the content is being represented by Stars and Stripes or the Department of Defense.
A violent clash between Left and Right-leaning student groups at Jawaharlal Nehru University has ignited tensions on campus, with each side accusing the other of instigating the conflict during a protest march.

IMAGE: The Left-backed Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union stage a protest against JNU VC Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit. Photograph: Screen grab/X

Key Points Student groups at JNU clashed during a protest march, leading to accusations of violence from both Left and Right-aligned factions.

The JNUSU organized a protest demanding the resignation of the Vice-Chancellor and revocation of a rustication order.

ABVP denies allegations of instigating violence and accuses Left-backed organisations of spreading misinformation.

Both sides claim to have been attacked, with reports of stone pelting and injuries among students.

The situation on the JNU campus remains tense following the clash, with university authorities yet to respond.

Several students were injured in a late-night clash between two student groups at the Jawaharlal Nehru University, with the Left groups and the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad accusing each other of unleashing the violence, and authorities vowing to crack down on any unruly behaviour on campus.

Tensions flared on the campus of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) after a protest against the vice-chancellor turned violent around 1.30 am on Monday.

The Left-backed Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union (JNUSU) had called for an equality march a 'Samta Juloos' a towards the East Gate on Sunday night, demanding the resignation of Vice Chancellor Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit and the revocation of a rustication order.

While the protesters alleged that the administration did not engage with them and instead allowed the ABVP members to confront them, the Right-wing student body blamed the Left groups for instigating the violence.

Pandit recently triggered a row after she said in an interview that communities "cannot progress by being permanently a victim or playing the victim card", with the JNUSU terming the remarks "casteist" and "insensitive" to marginalised communities.

Videos shared by the rival student bodies purportedly showed masked people hurling stones and roaming with sticks on the campus.

Sharing a video showing a few people hurling stones on the campus, Left-affiliated student groups alleged that ABVP members started stone pelting when they gathered for a protest.

The ABVP also shared videos showing masked people walking inside the campus before the violence broke out.

Naming several students from the Left-backed student groups, the ABVP accused them of starting a physical altercation and later throwing stones at the ABVP members, even attacking women students.

The JNUSU, on its part, alleged that students demanding an apology and resignation of the vice- chancellor for her "casteist" remarks were attacked with stones and bricks, leaving several injured and forcing many to take shelter inside the central library.

In a statement, the JNUSU named several ABVP members, accusing them of leading a mob.

It also accused Pandit of not addressing them despite being aware of the protest.

"Members of the ABVP threw stones and bricks at the encampment site and physically attacked the protesting students with sticks, creating an atmosphere of fear on campus," the statement said.

It added that the JNUSU has called for a 'Long March' to the Ministry of Education on February 26, and reiterated its demand for the vice-chancellor's resignation.

The university authorities, meanwhile, said that it has taken serious note of the incident and warned of strict action against any unruly behaviour on campus.

In an official statement, the JNU administration said that several academic buildings inside the campus were reportedly locked by a group of protesting students.

"The protesting students entered the central library and reportedly threatened the unwilling students, intimidated them to join the protest. It is learnt that this led to a scuffle between two student groups on campus on the night of February 22. The JNU administration has taken very serious cognisance of these disturbing incidents," the statement said.

Condemning the violence, it added, "Strict action is being taken under university rules and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Classes and other academic activities are continuing as scheduled."

The ABVP earlier held a press conference, claiming that the protest turned violent after Left-backed groups attacked students studying in the reading rooms, alleging that a mob of about 150-200 people attacked ABVP activists on campus.

It also claimed that many of its supporters had to be hospitalised after being attacked.

On allegations that it was the ABVP which instigated the violence, former JNUSU general secretary Vaibhav Meena claimed at the presser that Left-back students demanded the closure of reading rooms during their late-night protest, and when the students did not agree to it, they resorted to violence.

"The protesters led by the JNUSU resorted to violence. Six to seven ABVP members had to be admitted to the Safdarjung Hospital. We have their medico-legal case (MLC) reports," Meena claimed
A retired Army colonel was brutally attacked in a Gurugram road rage incident, prompting swift action from police after the victim's social media post highlighted the assault and alleged initial police inaction

IMAGE: Kindly note that this image has been posted for representational purposes only. Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points The retired Army officer was attacked after a minor car accident.

The victim, Anil Yadav, reported the incident on social media, alleging police apathy in the initial investigation.

Gurugram police responded to the social media outcry by registering an FIR and arresting five of the accused.

The accused allegedly assaulted the colonel, damaged his car, and forced him to transfer Rs 30,000 via UPI.

The arrested individuals have been identified and are being questioned by the police regarding the road rage incident.

In a road rage incident, a retired Army colonel was allegedly attacked with beer bottles by six youths after his car grazed their vehicle, leading to his hospitalisation.

The incident occurred on the night of February 21 when the victim, Anil Yadav, 50, was returning from Medanta hospital in Gurugram after attending to his ailing father.

Alleging police apathy, Yadav took to X to air his grievance, drawing a flurry of reactions, following which the Gurugram police swung into action and, after registering an FIR at Sector 50 police station, arrested five of the accused on Monday.

According to the complaint filed by Yadav, "I was driving alone when a car in the lane on my right suddenly swerved to the left, and though I tried to apply the brakes and avoid it, my car touched it.

"Being a veteran, it comes naturally to me to address the situation up front, so I opened my door and got out to inspect the damage. Six men alighted from the other car, carrying beer bottles and started arguing with me even though I was open to compensating for the minor damage monetarily.

"But they had other designs and began assaulting me with bottles and punches. They also damaged my car with beer bottles, breaking the windshield and lights, etc.," he alleged.

Yadav claimed that they also pushed him into their car and tried to drive away with him but couldn't figure out how to get his car moving.

"They had to escape as traffic was piling up, but only after getting Rs 30,000 transferred through my UPI account. I had to be rushed to a hospital and am admitted there after the emergency medical protocol," Yadav said in his complaint.

In his post on X highlighting his plight, Yadav claimed that the Gurugram police investigation officer for this case did "not find time to come to the hospital and take my statement, leave alone an FIR. The woman IO sincerely believes that I am the one who beat up six guys after hitting their car and quietly drove away".

Yadav said he dreads to think what could have happened if there was a young woman in place of him.

"With these kinds of men on the streets, no one is safe and our sisters and daughters are especially vulnerable to such unprovoked, 'spur of the moment' violence. I, being a hardened Mil Veteran, could endure the ordeal, but I dread to think that if, instead of me, there was a young lady returning from work. What would they have done to her," he added.

According to police officials, an FIR was registered under relevant sections of the BNS at Sector 50 police station on Monday. After the FIR, the police arrested five accused, who "confessed" to the crime, they said.

According to the police, the arrested accused were identified as Pankaj (23), Vikas (21), Nikhil (21), residents of district Rewari, Sahil (22) and Ankit Kumar (22), residents of Mahendergarh district.

"During interrogation, the accused revealed that they had come to a wedding in Badshahpur on February 21 and the complainant was beaten up by them after the accident.

"The accused, Pankaj, Sahil, and Ankit, work at Nippon Company in Rewari. Vikas is a second-year BA student, and Nikhil is a second-year BCom student. We are questioning the accused", said the spokesperson of Gurugram police.
The Supreme Court is set to investigate the impact of reduced NEET-PG cut-off scores on the quality of postgraduate medical education, addressing concerns raised in petitions challenging the recent decision

IMAGE: Resident doctors of Safdarjung Hospital stage a protest against the delay in the NEET-PG counselling 2021, in New Delhi, December 30, 2021. Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points The Centre argues the cut-off reduction was necessary to fill vacant seats, especially in government medical colleges, and doesn't affect minimum clinical competence already established by MBBS degrees.

Petitioners argue that the NEET-PG cut-off reduction violates constitutional articles and compromises the standard of medical education.

The government maintains that NEET-PG is designed to rank candidates for limited postgraduate seats, not to certify basic competence, and cut-off reductions are not unprecedented.

The Supreme Court will further hear the matter on March 24, focusing on the effects of the cut-off reduction on educational quality.

The Supreme Court on Monday said it would examine whether the sharp reduction in the qualifying marks for NEET-PG 2025-26 affects the standard of postgraduate medical education.

A bench of Justice PS Narasimha and Justice Alok Aradhe made the remarks while hearing a batch of petitions challenging the reduction in the percentile cut-off for the current academic year.

"Adversely affecting the quality of education is what we are concerned about more than anything. It is about the quality. You will have to satisfy us that the reduction of the cutoff so drastically...will have little impact on the quality of education. Though you are justified in saying that this is not like entry into MBBS, this is like a post-graduation. It stands on a different footing because those who apply are already doctors. We will have to reflect on this issue," the top court said.

Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, appearing for the Centre, referred to the reasoning set out in the government's affidavit and submitted that the decision was taken in view of vacancies.

She submitted that the examination does not certify minimum clinical competence since candidates have already obtained MBBS degrees, and NEET-PG is meant to compare and filter out candidates in view of limited seats.

Justice Narasimha said that although the Union was justified in stating that NEET-PG was not an entry into MBBS and that candidates are already doctors, the court would still like to consider the effect of reducing the cut-off.

It posted the matter for further hearing on March 24.

The petitioners have challenged the January 13 notice issued by the National Board of Examination in Medical Sciences (NBEMS), by which the minimum qualifying percentile cut-off for counselling of the third round of NEET PG 2025-2026 was reduced.

The director general of health services of the Union health ministry, in its affidavit filed in the matter, said that the challenge by petitioners pertains to an academic and policy determination taken by competent statutory authorities under the National Medical Commission Act 2019, in public interest and within the domain of expert regulation.

"It is respectfully submitted that the reduction of qualifying percentile NEET-PG is not unprecedented. Since the inception of NEET-PG in 2017 percentile reductions have been affected in appropriate circumstances to prevent seat wastage. In the academic year 2023 as well, the qualifying percentile was reduced to zero across categories. The present decision is thus consistent with the established policy and administrative practice," it said.

The Centre said scores in NEET-PG examination are a function of relative performance and examination design, which cannot be construed as determinative of clinical incompetence.

"It is pertinent to note that purpose of the NEET-PG is not to certify minimum competence which stands established by the MBBS qualification itself of the candidates but to generate an inter se merit list for allocation of limited postgraduate seats," it said.

The Centre submitted that the eligibility criterion to appear in NEET-PG requires a candidate to possess a recognised MBBS degree and to have completed the compulsory rotating internship.

It said for the academic session 2025-26, total seats available were approximately 70,000, corresponding to the total number of candidates 2,24,029, while 31,742 seats were under All-India Quota (AIQ) across various specialities.

It pointed out that after Round 2 of NEET-PG counselling, 9,621 seats remained vacant under the AIQ.

"Out of these, 5,213 seats were vacant in Government medical colleges alone (including AIQ and DNB seats). This factual position conclusively demonstrates that the reduction of percentile was not undertaken to benefit private medical institutions, but to prevent large-scale vacancy of seats, including in Government institutions created through public expenditure," it said.

The government said it is a settled principle that courts ordinarily refrain from interfering in academic and policy decisions taken by expert bodies unless such decisions are shown to be manifestly arbitrary, mala fide, or violative of statutory or constitutional provisions.

Earlier, the NBEMS told the top court that 95,913 additional candidates had become eligible for NEET-PG 2025 counselling after the qualifying cut-off percentile was reduced.

According to the notice published by NBEMS, the NEET PG cut-off for the general category has been reduced to the seventh percentile from 50.

Pleas have been filed in the apex court by social worker Harisharan Devgan, Dr Saurav Kumar, Dr Lakshya Mittal and Dr Akash Soni claiming that the cut-off reduction violates articles 14 and 21.
Shahjahanpur is gearing up for its iconic 'Laat Saheb' Holi procession with heightened security, as mosques are covered and police presence is increased to ensure a peaceful celebration of this unique and historic tradition.

IMAGE: Shahjahanpur mosques covered for 'Juta Maar Holi'. Photograph: Screen grab/ANI video/X

Key Points Shahjahanpur is set to celebrate the unique 'Laat Saheb' Holi procession, a tradition involving revellers throwing footwear at a man dressed as a British Lord.

Authorities have implemented strict security measures, including covering mosques with tarpaulins and deploying a large police force, to ensure a peaceful Holi celebration.

The 'Laat Saheb' Holi procession in Shahjahanpur has a rich history dating back to the 18th century, evolving from a local tradition to a symbolic event.

The procession route is heavily monitored with CCTV cameras, and preventive actions have been taken against potential troublemakers to maintain order during the festivities.

The 'Laat Saheb' procession involves unique customs, including offering prayers at a temple and a symbolic interaction with the local police, highlighting the blend of tradition and local governance.

Authorities have covered mosques and mazars along the routes of the traditional 'Juta Maar Holi' procession in Shahjahanpur with tarpaulin sheets, and announced enhanced security for the annual event.

'Juta Maar Holi' is a unique, centuries-old tradition celebrated in Shahjahanpur on Holi, when people hurl shoes and sandals at a person dressed as a British-era 'Laat Sahab' riding a buffalo cart as the centrepiece, while playing with colours.

Though superintendent of police Rajesh Dwivedi said security will be beefed up for this year's annual procession, locals see last year's mild police action as an aberration and rule out any problems this time.

They cite the support of both Hindus and Muslims who greet the procession with a flower shower as proof of their belief in communal amity, one which has seen Muslims even delaying their prayers to allow easy passage to the procession.

"Inshallah, this time the procession will be held in a joyful atmosphere," said Samajwadi Party's district president Tanveer Khan as he rooted for the "centuries old tradition".

Congress City President Taqweem Hasan Khan said that the administration covers mosques and shrines ahead of the procession and that Muslims have even delayed their prayers when Holi coincides with Friday.

Highlighting that Holi is celebrated here in a very harmonious manner, social worker and physician Namita Singh said, "The women on our team also participate enthusiastically and shower flowers on the Laat Sahab procession that takes place through the city."

Another social worker, Imran Khan, said that in this city of martyrs, Hindus and Muslims celebrate the festival with great love. Last year, the Muslim community even showered flowers on the procession at several locations.

Officials said the Laat Sahab procession is part of the curriculum for candidates selected in the Indian Administrative Services. How to administer and manage the procession is taught to the newly inducted officers.

During his city tour, Laat Sahab reaches the city police station, where he is saluted.

Laat Sahab asks the police station in-charge for the year's crime records; to avoid this, the officer gives him a gift.

Regarding covering mosques, locals said it is an old tradition done as a precaution to prevent any untoward incident.

Superintendent of police Rajesh Dwivedi said that this year's procession will see around one-and-a-half times more security personnel than the previous one, along with the deployment of over 200 magistrates.

Four additional superintendents of police, 13 circle officers, 310 sub-inspectors, 1,200 constables and 500 Home Guards will be deployed, the SSP said.

In addition, four companies, each of the Provincial Armed Constabulary and Rapid Action Force, along with a team of the National Disaster Response Force, will be stationed during the procession, he added.

Over 100 solar-powered CCTV cameras have been installed along the eight-kilometre route of the 'Bade Laat Sahab' and 'Chhote Laat Sahab' processions to ensure uninterrupted surveillance.

In view of the minor incidents reported last year during the procession, an additional zone has been created this time, he said, adding that for the past month, peace committee meetings involving members of all communities have been held at police stations and outposts.

While urging people to celebrate the festival peacefully, Dwivedi ensured strict action against those disrupting the procession.

Additional District Magistrate (Administration) Rajneesh Kumar Mishra said, 48 mosques and mazars along the route have been completely covered with thick plastic sheets.

To prevent the sudden crowd surges, over 148 lanes opening onto the procession route will be barricaded.

The administration has divided the procession into seven zones with sector and sub-sector arrangements. A total of 136 zonal, sector and static magistrates will supervise proceedings in their respective areas, he said.

Mishra added that 103 magistrates will also be deployed at Holika Dahan sites to oversee rituals from lighting the pyre to the conclusion of ceremonies.

Preventive action, including externment of identified individuals and the opening of history sheets, has also been undertaken in view of the event.

According to historian Dr Vikas Khurana of Swami Sukdevanand College, the procession traces its origins to the 18th century when Nawab Abdullaha Khan became angry with his family and went to Farukhabad.

The day he returned to Shahjahanpur in 1728 coincided with Holi celebrations, when Hindus and Muslims jointly marked the festival with a city-wide procession.

According to Khurana, the British administration later institutionalised the procession after regaining control of Shahjahanpur in 1859.

The event continued peacefully for decades after Independence, and in 1988, it was renamed from "Nawab Sahab" to "Laat Sahab" by the then district magistrate Kapil Dev.

The procession begins with prayers at the Phoolmati Devi temple and then proceeds through the city.

He added that a petition filed in the high court in 1990 seeking a ban on the procession was dismissed, with the court treating it as a long-standing tradition.
Delhi Police made a fifth arrest in the AI Impact Summit shirtless protest case, as investigations continue into the political demonstration against the government and the India-US trade deal.

IMAGE: Indian Youth Congress workers stage a protest at Bharat Mandapam during the India AI Impact Summit 2026, in New Delhi on February 20, 2026. Photograph: ANI video grab

Key Points Delhi Police arrested a fifth person, Jitendra Yadav, in connection with the Indian Youth Congress shirtless protest at the AI Impact Summit.

The IYC workers protested against the government and the India-US trade deal during the AI Impact Summit at Bharat Mandapam.

The protesters allegedly used online registration to gain access to the venue and initially planned to use umbrellas before switching to slogan-printed T-shirts.

Police are investigating a wider conspiracy and the financial trail behind the protest, including who funded the printing of the slogan T-shirts.

IYC president Uday Bhanu Chib was questioned, and more names have surfaced during the interrogation of the arrested individuals.

Delhi Police has made the fifth arrest in connection with the shirtless protest by the Indian Youth Congress workers at the AI Impact Summit here last week, an official said on Monday.

The accused, identified as Jitendra Yadav, was apprehended from Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh, taking the total number of arrests in the case to five, police said.

On Friday, a group of Indian Youth Congress (IYC) workers staged a dramatic shirtless protest at an exhibition hall during the AI Impact Summit at the Bharat Mandapam, walking around holding T-shirts with slogans against the government and the India-US trade deal printed on them, before being whisked away by security personnel present at the venue.

Delhi Police arrested four IYC workers on the day of the protest, with officials saying a wider conspiracy angle in the matter was under investigation.

The issue triggered a political slugfest with the BJP calling it a "shameful act to tarnish India's image on the global stage", and the IYC defending it as a "peaceful" demonstration aimed at safeguarding national interests.

Investigation Details

According to police, the IYC workers on Friday entered the lobby area of Hall No. 5 and raised slogans after removing the T-shirts worn under their shirts.

According to police sources, the protesters allegedly registered online to obtain QR codes to enter the venue. The accused had initially planned to paste printed stickers on black umbrellas and sneak them into the Bharat Mandapam.

However, they later felt that the black umbrellas might draw the attention of the security personnel manning the gates, so they changed their plan and got the printed stickers placed on T-shirts and wore them under their shirts, a source said.

Once inside, they raised slogans after removing the shirts worn over slogan-printed T-shirts, which read "PM is compromised", "India-US Trade Deal" and "Epstein Files".

The sources claimed the protesters also manhandled some police officers on duty, and the entire matter is under investigation.

Financial Trail and Further Investigation

The investigators are also probing the financial trail behind the protest, including who funded printing slogans on the T-shirts.

IYC president Uday Bhanu Chib was earlier questioned in connection with the case, and more names have surfaced during interrogation of the accused, the sources said.
Tamil Nadu's Election Commission unveils the final electoral roll, revealing a significant reduction of 97.37 lakh voters and the addition of 7.40 lakh new young voters, impacting constituency sizes and election dynamics.

IMAGE: A Special Intensive Revision (SIR) official conducts the house-to-house verification process to update the voters list, Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, November 4, 2025. Photograph: ANI Video Grab

Key Points The Election Commission of Tamil Nadu released the final electoral roll, with 5.67 crore electors after deleting 97.37 lakh names.

7.40 lakh new voters in the 18-19 age group have been added to the Tamil Nadu electoral roll.

Sholinganallur assembly constituency has the highest number of voters, while Harbour assembly constituency has the lowest.

The final electoral roll is available on the CEO's website for voters to check their names and details.

The Election Commission on Monday released the final electoral roll for Tamil Nadu in which 97.37 lakh names of voters were deleted under various categories, leaving the number of electors in the southern state at 5.67 crore.

Addressing a press conference, Chief Electoral Officer Archana Patnaik said that before the SIR exercise, the state's electorate stood at 6.41 crore.

She said that 97.37 lakh names were deleted under various categories while 7.40 lakh people in the 18-19 age bracket have been included in the electoral roll.

Continuous updation will be taken up with immediate effect, she added.

SIR conducted from October 27, 2025

The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, with reference to January 1,2026 as the qualifying date, was conducted in the state from October 27, 2025, and the final electoral roll was published today.

As on October 27, 2025, there were 6,41,14,587 electors enrolled in the state. Following the enumeration, draft roll was published on December 19, 2025, and the number stood at 5,43,76,756.

"Subsequently, during the period for filing of claims and objections from December 19, 2025, to January 30, 2026, the names of 27.53 lakh eligible electors were added, and 4.23 lakh ineligible persons' names were deleted," she said.

As per final roll, the male voters account for 2,77,38,925; female: 2,89,60,838; and Third Gender: 7,617. The number of electors in the age group of 18-19 years is 12.51 lakh, electors marked as Persons with Disability was 4.63 lakh and senior citizen electors (85+) are 3.99 lakh, Patnaik said.

Constituency Details

The Sholinganallur assembly constituency in Chengalpattu district has the highest number of electors with 5,36,991 electors , followed by Avadi in Thiruvallur district with 4,28,772 voters.

The Harbour assembly constituency in Chennai district accounts for the lowest number of electors with 1,16,896 followed by Egmore (SC) in the state capital with 1,34,879 voters.

Checking the Electoral Roll

The final electoral roll is available on CEO's website https://elections.tn.gov.in. Electors can check their names by visiting the site.

Patnaik urged the voters to verify their names in the electoral roll and, if required, submit applications for inclusion (Form-6), correction (Form-8), or deletion (Form-7) through online or offline modes.

The process of continuous updation of rolls was on, she added.

Meanwhile, Greater Chennai Corporation Commissioner J Kumaragurubaran, who is the district election officer, released the electoral rolls for 16 assembly constituencies in Chennai district.
A former BJP MP in Rajasthan is under fire for allegedly discriminating against a Muslim woman at a blanket distribution event, sparking outrage and accusations of religious bias.

IMAGE: Former BJP MP Sukhbir Singh Jaunapuria is accused of insulting a Muslim woman during a blanket distribution event in Rajasthan. Photograph: @JaunapuriaSS/X

Key Points The leader of opposition, Tikaram Jully, cited a video showing Jaunapuria allegedly taking back a blanket after learning the woman's religion.

Jaunapuria reportedly stated that those who criticize Prime Minister Narendra Modi are not entitled to receive blankets at the event.

The incident occurred during a blanket distribution event in Kareda village, Niwai tehsil, Rajasthan.

The former MP was in the area to invite people to PM Modi's planned visit to Ajmer.

Former Bharatiya Janata Party MP Sukhbir Singh Jaunpuria kicked up a row during a blanket distribution event at Rajasthan's Tonk, when he allegedly took back a blanket given to a Muslim woman after asking her religion.

The Congress condemned his action, saying religious discrimination is a violation of constitutional rights. Several Congress leaders shared a video of the incident in which Jaunpuria is seen purportedly saying that those who abuse Prime Minister Narendra Modi have no right to take the blanket.

The incident took place at a temple premises in Kareda village of Niwai tehsil on Sunday afternoon, when the former MP had gone to invite people for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's proposed visit to Ajmer on February 28.

According to locals, blankets were initially handed out to women present at the event, but it was later taken back from a Muslim woman.

Controversy erupts over viral video

A video clip of the event shows Jaunapuria purportedly saying that those who abuse Prime Minister Narendra Modi have no right to take the blanket. He also said that the programme was his personal initiative and not linked to any government scheme.

Meanwhile, a Youth Congress leader went to the village and distributed blankets to Muslim women, and accused the BJP of doing politics of division. Villagers, along with Congress workers, also held a protest on Monday.

Leader of Opposition in the Rajasthan Assembly, Tikaram Jully, alleged discrimination and condemned the act. "A former MP asking a poor woman her religion and then taking back the blanket is highly condemnable," Jully said.

Congress MP from Tonk-Sawai Madhopur Harish Chandra Meena said that the treatment meted out to Muslim women by the former MP was the result of a "disruptive" mindset that destroys the social fabric of this country.

"Giving blankets to poor and helpless women, then asking their names and taking them back based on their religion, this is a deeply shameful and inhumane act," he said.

"Politics is a medium of service, not of insult and discrimination. The public elects representatives so that they treat every class, every religion and every needy person equally, and not to mock anyone's poverty and helplessness," he added.

Meena asked whether the prime minister told the former MP that no one should help those who do not vote for Prime Minister Modi or his party.

"If so, then the government should also stop the various schemes for the welfare of minorities. I strongly condemn this incident and want to make it clear that the politics of hatred and discrimination will never be tolerated on the land of Tonk-Sawai Madhopur," he said.

Congress slams Jaunpuria

Tonk MLA Sachin Pilot said that discrimination based on religion and caste is not only morally wrong but also a violation of constitutional rights.

"The BJP and RSS's interpretation of humane perspectives and sensibilities reflects hatred rather than compassion. Denying a poor, needy woman a blanket and insulting her is highly condemnable and unfortunate," Pilot said.

Youth Congress leader Vikram Chaudhary visited Kareda village and distributed blankets to Muslim women, accusing the former MP of attempting to disturb communal brotherhood.

"The insult you have done to a particular religion with your petty mentality is an insult to the self-respecting people of the entire Tonk district and not an insult to any religion," he said.

"We have all been living here with such brotherhood for the past many generations. Take away your blankets, we do not want them. It was a matter of self-respect; we cannot forget the insult you did by giving blankets and taking them back," he said.

Chaudhary said the petty mentality of dividing people into Hindus and Muslims is the mentality of the BJP.

On Monday, villagers and Congress workers gathered and staged a protest while raising slogans. During the protest, an effigy of Jaunapuria was burnt.

The demonstration was led by former Congress Block President of Niwai, Rajesh Chaudhary. "The insult to the women of his village would not be tolerated," he said.
Vijay accused Stalin of making false promises to the people and sought to debunk the governing party's claim of having developed Tamil Nadu into a 'superstar state'

IMAGE: TVK president and actor Vijay addresses the administrators' meeting of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam at Agaramcheri village, in Vellore, Tamil Nadu, February 23, 2026. Photograph: TVK/ANI Photo

Launching yet another scathing attack on Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam founder Vijay on Monday alleged that the DMK president's real friends are "bribe and corruption," and termed the upcoming assembly election as "a war between Vijay and Stalin."

Key Points Vijay alleged Stalin's 'real friends are bribe, corruption, and eyeing political gains,' and accused him of making false promises to the people

The assembly election is 'a war between Vijay and Stalin,' he said

Dubbing the DMK regime as 'good-for-nothing ulta model government,' he alleged Tamil Nadu has been transformed into a super-standup comedian-run state

He reiterated his refrain that TVK is a "pure force" and accused the DMK yet again of being an "evil force".

Addressing a meeting of party functionaries in Vellore, Vijay described the Assembly polls due in April this year as a "surprising election."

It was because all the parties in the state teamed up against him, he claimed and reiterated that despite such a scenario, the contest was only between the DMK and TVK. Parties opposed him as he opposed graft, bribes and hence, people stood by him and this infuriated the outfits."

Daring rivals to declare their assets, the TVK top leader asked: "At this juncture, I would like to ask the present day's very big politicians a serious question. What were your assets before you came to politics? What are your assets after you joined politics? Can it be declared openly."

Further, he also wanted their source of wealth; whether it was from business/work or if it was "swindled" after assuming power. To this poser on the source of wealth, all corrupt elements would gang up, he said adding they would "throw mud on us but we are not concerned about it all."

He alleged Stalin's "real friends are bribe, corruption, and eyeing political gains," and accused him of making false promises to the people and sought to debunk the governing party's claim of having developed Tamil Nadu into a "superstar state".

The CM and the ruling party have often said that the state registered, under the DMK rule, double-digit economic growth rate of 11.19 per cent (2024-25).

Flaying the DMK's poll narrative of polls as a fight between "Tamil Nadu and Delhi--NDA," he said the battle was actually between the state's people and corruption--by extension the DMK-- and alleged that the Stalin-led government was "inept."

The Assembly election is "a war between Vijay and Stalin," he said.

Rejecting the DMK's claim of having developed Tamil Nadu into a superstar state, Vijay, the chief of the fledgling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) said that the state was "such a superb" one during the times of iconic leaders K Kamaraj, CN Annadurai and M G Ramachandran.

Dubbing the DMK regime as "good-for-nothing ulta (a popular colloquial phrase with origins in Hindi) model government," he alleged Tamil Nadu has been transformed into a super-standup comedian-run state. The TVK chief, targeting the CM again, said that he was not concerned about his personal life.

"Be what you want to be. But your governance is flawed and not required for TN," he alleged. Referring to Stalin's statement that he had no foes in politics and that all were his friends, Vijay asked, "then why blame me for Karur stampede," referring to the tragedy during a TVK rally that killed 41 persons and injured many.

Further, he asked: "Why refuse venue and permission for TVK (rallies and events), if we are friends...you did everything and blamed us for Karur tragedy."

Praising people for superb clarity, he said he would visit every village and personally meet the people once the TVK formed the government following a huge win in the 2026 Assembly election.

He also took a swipe at the DMK forming alliances, claiming Stalin was accommodating anybody and everybody in the party-led bloc.

Vijay, who arrived to a rousing reception by party workers at Agaramcheri village near the Pallikonda toll plaza on the Chennai-Bengaluru Highway in this district, administered a pledge to the TVK members.

"No one can buy us, our vote is for (party symbol) whistle. We won't believe anyone and get deceived. We won't deviate from our words. This is the truth," Vijay said and asked his party workers to repeat after him.

The actor-politician claimed that Tamil Nadu meant Vijay and he represented the entire state. The actor-politician dramatically claimed that if he was insulted, it meant disparaging the people and actions against him were actually aimed at the public.

Him and the people were not separate but one and the same, just like blood and flesh. "It is sensitive sentiment," he declared amid cheers from cadres and asked, "Do you need Vijay and believe Vijay who loves the people or Stalin sir who runs an anti-people regime."

Positioning himself as a "whistleblower" for Tamil Nadu, he targeted the DMK on its "unfulfilled" electoral assurances, alleged deterioration in law and order situation.

He gave a string of assurances if voted to power which includes top notch education and good restrooms for girl children in state-run schools. Quoting Dravidian icon Annadurai, Vijay reiterated that the TVK's stand was secularism and social justice.

He continued to wear his trademark white shirt and a sandal-like mild coloured trouser, while sporting his usual stubble

.
The contours of the trade deal need to be reworked now.

Kindly note that this illustration generated using ChatGPT has only been posted for representational purposes.

Key Points Chief Negotiator Darpan Jain's Washington trip delayed due to tariff uncertainty.

US supreme court curbed Trump's tariff powers; temporary 10% surcharge imposed.

Both sides waiting to reassess legal and structural implications.

Effective tariff gap with China and peers narrows, easing pressure on India.

India may push for more balanced terms, especially in agriculture and digital trade.

A team headed by India's chief trade negotiator for the US, Darpan Jain, has postponed the visit to Washington, DC amid the uncertainty surrounding the tariff situation following the United States supreme court judgment.

The team was scheduled to travel on Sunday for three day talks to finalise the legal text for the negotiated interim trade deal.

Trade Talks Put on Pause

"The two sides are of the view that the proposed visit of the Indian chief negotiator and the team be scheduled after each side has had the time to evaluate the latest developments and its implications.

"The meeting will be rescheduled at a mutually convenient date," sources in the commerce ministry said.

"Our countries continue to work towards signing the bilateral trade deal," the US Embassy spokesperson said in response to Business Standard queries.

US Tariff Uncertainty Deepens

After the US supreme court revoked President Donald Trump's authority to use the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) for imposing country-specific 'reciprocal' tariffs on Friday, Trump imposed a blanket 10 per cent surcharge on all countries for 150 days, vowing to raise it to the permissible ceiling of 15 per cent under Section 122 of the Trade Act.

Trump also ordered new investigations under other laws that could allow him to reimpose the tariffs.

Supreme Court Ruling Impact

A government official said there is a 'pause" in the negotiations as the US was trying to figure out the legal structure.

"The contours of the trade deal need to be reworked now," the official said, requesting anonymity.

A second official said India had shown commitment to continue engagement with the US on the trade deal.

Interim Deal Faces Rework

Both countries had issued a joint statement on February 7 outlining the contours of an interim trade agreement, and had aimed to sign the deal by March-end.

The US removed the 25 per cent punitive tariffs imposed on India 'in recognition of India's commitment to stop purchasing Russian Federation oil' and agreed to further lower the existing 25 per cent to 18 per cent by February-end.

Trade economist Biswajit Dhar said India should renegotiate the deal and clarify issues that were hanging in the air with respect to areas such as agriculture and digital trade.

"At the same time, it is important to maintain a fine balance. We need to negotiate as equals.

"We all knew that the regime under Trump will be volatile but it is far more volatile than we expected.

"As a result, we need to take a step back and work out an alternative strategy to deal with Trump," he said.

Director-General and CEO, Federation of Indian Export Organisation, Ajay Sahai said now there was a level playing field for India because every country would now be subjected to a 15 per cent tariff.

India Eyes Equal Negotiation Ground

"Going ahead, the challenge is the uncertainty regarding the other (tariff) measures that the US administration may implement.

"From India's perspective, since we are engaged with the US for a trade agreement, the uncertainty may get over.

"BTA (bilateral trade agreement) is important for India because it covers areas beyond tariff.

"With a BTA, we will be in a position to negotiate and bring down the (US) MFN (most favoured nation) rate to zero," Sahai said.

Madhavi Arora, chief economist at Emkay Global Financial Services, said most nations were likely to reassess trade deals concluded with the US.

"With the latest developments, India's effective tariff rate is now likely to be 11 to 13 per cent.

"This compares favourably to China, whose effective rate is likely to be above 15 per cent, while most other Asian peers will have similar effective tariff rates to that of India.

"We think, it is likely that the deal will be renegotiated with a view toward making it more equitable, with India under less pressure now to make large concessions," she added.

Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff
'When young doctors see limited protection, unpredictable careers and an absence of institutional support, they hesitate.'

Kindly note the image has been posted only for representational purposes.

IMAGE: A doctor distributes fruits and juices to a cancer patient at the Regional Cancer Institute in Agartala on World Cancer Day. Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points Over 18,000 PG medical seats remained vacant in 2025, despite rising demand for specialists.

High fees (Rs 20 lakh to Rs 1 crore), low stipends, and job uncertainty discourage doctors from pursuing PG specialisation.

Mandatory service bonds, workplace violence, and poor rural infrastructure make specialist roles less attractive.

PG seats and doctors are concentrated in urban and southern regions, leaving rural and smaller towns underserved.

Rural India faces nearly 80% shortage of specialist doctors, with only 4,413 available against a need of 21,964.

India continues to face an acute shortage of specialist doctors, particularly in rural areas, even as thousands of postgraduate (PG) medical seats fall vacant each year, exposing deep structural flaws in medical education and workforce planning.

According to the Health Dynamics of India report by the ministry of health and family welfare, community health centres (CHCs) in rural India face an almost 80 per cent shortfall in specialists.

Rural India Faces 80% Specialist Shortage

As of March 2023, just 4,413 specialist doctors were available against a requirement of 21,964 across 5,491 CHCs in 757 districts, each centre serving an average population of nearly 160,000 per centre.

Yet, despite this gap, PG seats for MD and Diplomate of National Board (DNB) courses are going unfilled.

Over 18,000 PG Medical Seats Remain Vacant

"The demand for specialists is real, but secure, well-paid and desirable jobs are unevenly distributed," said Meera (name changed), a 31-year-old NEET-PG (National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test-Postgraduate) aspirant from Bengaluru.

Uncertainty around employment, she said, makes many young doctors question whether the financial and professional risk is worth it.

"Increasingly, some are choosing alternative careers that allow them to remain connected to healthcare while avoiding clinical exhaustion, while others prepare for international exams or leave clinical medicine altogether," said Ravi Malik, director at Malik Radix Healthcare.

Zero Percentile Cut-Off Sparks Debate

This hesitation persists even as India rapidly expands PG capacity.

The number of PG medical seats rose 157 per cent to 80,291 in 2025 from 31,185 in 2014, with the government planning to add another 2,000-3,000 seats by 2029.

As a result, filling the seats on offer remains a challenge.

After two full rounds of NEET-PG 2025, over 18,000 seats remained vacant, forcing the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) to keep slashing qualifying cut-offs.

High Fees, Low Returns Deter Doctors

This reignited controversy, especially after candidates with zero percentile scores became eligible for counselling in further rounds.

Counselling is the centralised, online process for allocating MD, MS and diploma seats in government medical colleges, managed primarily by the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC).

Zero percentile means candidates who scored the lowest in a test, or that none of the other candidates scored less.

Such relaxations have become routine.

Cut-offs were reduced to zero percentile in 2023, 2024 and, earlier, throughout the Covid years. Experts say this addresses symptoms, not causes.

"Lowering cut-offs may fill seats temporarily, but it does not resolve the uncertainty that deters candidates," said Varun Singh, founder and managing partner at Foresight Law Offices India.

Since all applicants already hold an MBBS degree, and have enough competency, he argued, a purely rank-based counselling system would be more rational than repeated eligibility tweaks.

High Costs, Low Returns

Vacancies are most pronounced in private and deemed universities, which account for nearly 10,000 unfilled seats annually.

"High fees, ranging from Rs 20 lakh to over Rs 1 crore per year, low or irregular stipends, and weaker perceived training value deter candidates," said Deepak Sharma, cofounder and CEO of MedLern.

He added that poor fee regulation in private colleges also acts as a hurdle, making higher learning a high-risk financial bet, particularly for first-generation doctors.

Branch preferences add to the imbalance.

Preferences are strongly shaped by income potential and work-life balance and working condition considerations, with specialities such as cardiology, radiology, gynaecology, orthopaedics, and general surgery traditionally being the most sought after.

Urban Concentration, Rural Healthcare Crisis

On the other hand, seats in non-clinical subjects such as pathology, anatomy and biochemistry have vacancy rates of 50-70 per cent, as many candidates prefer to drop a year rather than opt for these disciplines.

However, doctors say even traditionally sought-after clinical specialities are now seeing gaps.

"These are physically, emotionally and legally high-risk specialties and involve long working hours, high-stakes decision-making, night duties and constant responsibility for life-and-death outcomes.

"The protection and rewards attached to this risk remain inadequate," said Malik of Malik Radix Healthcare.

Mandatory service bonds further discourage uptake.

Several states impose compulsory service with penalties ranging from Rs 30 lakh to over Rs 50 lakh for non-compliance, with terms varying widely across states.

A Delhi-based gynaecologist told Business Standard that divergent bond conditions across states, uneven training quality and regional imbalances in seat distribution continue to influence candidates' choices more than eligibility thresholds.

"There is an urgent need for a uniform national bond framework with reasonable caps," she said, noting that the Supreme Court had flagged the issue as early as 2019.

'In India, doctors frequently face verbal abuse, threats, unrealistic expectations'

The Economic Survey 2024 highlighted that nearly half of India's PG seats are concentrated in southern states, alongside a stark urban-rural doctor density gap of 3.8:1.

While private and even large government hospitals in cities approach saturation point, rural and small-town facilities struggle to attract specialists due to poor infrastructure, pay and working conditions.

"The postings feel punitive rather than purposeful," a gynaecologist said.

Doctors also point to declining professional dignity, workplace violence and medico-legal vulnerability as deterrents.

"In India, doctors frequently face verbal abuse, threats during emergencies, unrealistic expectations of instant cures, and blame for systemic failures such as shortages of beds, medicines or staff," Malik said.

A doctor at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, said the fear of violence, legal exposure and weak institutional backing make these branches increasingly unattractive to a generation seeking both professional fulfilment and personal safety.

"When young doctors see limited protection, unpredictable careers and an absence of institutional support, they hesitate," he said.

Sanjeev Singh of the Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences in Kochi added that vacancies also need to be seen in light of how quickly the medical education system has grown in the last several years.

The issue is not just poor seat utilisation, Singh added, but also undergraduate (UG) output and PG expansion not happening at the same time.

India generates over 123,000 MBBS graduates per year. At the same time, the number of PG seats has grown to around 78,000 to 80,000 in a short amount of time.

"One can only go for PG once they finish their MBBS and internship, which means a waiting period of five to six years.

"So, it will take time for the UG pipeline to fill the new PG seats that have been added," he said.

Doctors warn that unless PG training is aligned with affordability, job security, safety and health system needs, repeated cut-off relaxations risk becoming an administrative reflex.

"The real issue is not just filling seats," Meera said, "but ensuring that specialist training leads to viable, dignified careers where doctors are actually needed."

Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff
Street art shows the different personalities of the cities (Kristen Thoennes)



Do you ever wish you were an artist? There have been times in my life when I wish I could paint a beautiful landscape or sculpt an interesting design. But I have not honed those skills, so instead I have the pleasure of enjoying other peoples creations by visiting museums when we travel.

There are fantastic art museums all over Europe, but one of my favorite ways to consume art is through street art and graffiti. There is something about art that is available to everyone and in unexpected places that really appeals to me.

Lets explore some of my favorite places for viewing street art!

Check whatever town you are visiting to see if there are special street art or graffiti themed tours. (Kristen Thoennes)



Sofia, Bulgaria

Sofia is where my appreciation for street art came to life. We booked the Sofia Graffiti Tour where we learned about all things street art. I loved it!

Glasgow, Scotland

Even if you only have one day in Glasgow like I did, you can spot a plethora of amazing street art. Explore the Glasgow Mural Trail to discover your favorites.

Keep your eyes open to discover the free art of the world around you. (Kristen Thoennes)



Belfast, Northern Ireland

Belfast has a gritty history which Ive come to learn means the street art will be on point! It did not disappoint. We took a street art tour that had an interesting twistart related to The Troubles. The Troubles was a period of history with a lot of religious and politically motivated violence. Each side created murals honoring their side and mourning those who were killed. Since the Good Friday Agreement, Belfast has encouraged street art that brings the community together to create a new legacy for the city.

French Riviera

On a recent trip to Antibes and Cannes, I was surprised by how much street art we saw. Check out this list for a self-guided tour of the art in Antibes. Cannes, being the home of the International Film Festival, featured many murals dedicated to the film industry. Which famous actors will you find adorning the facades?

Belgrade, Serbia

Like Belfast, Belgrade has a tumultuous history that lends itself to fantastic street art! We did a street art walking tour with Street Art Belgrade to see a selection with an informative guide.

Other cities that are known for amazing street art:

Paris, especially the Montmartre area

Berlin, Germany

London, England

Almost every European city weve visited while stationed in Germany, has offered at least some street art and graffiti to admire while trapsing about. Keep your eyes open to discover the open-air art museum in the next city you visit!

Almost every European city weve visited has offered at least some street art and graffiti to admire while trapsing about. (Kristen Thoennes)



Editors Note: This article was written by a member of the local military community, not an employee of Stars and Stripes. Neither the organization nor the content is being represented by Stars and Stripes or the Department of Defense.
Sarita Yolma is the first woman Train Ticket Examiner on the 145-year-old Darjeeling Hill Railway. 'It is a dream journey,' she says.

IMAGE: Sarita Yolma. Photographs: Kind courtesy Sarita Yolma

Key Points The Darjeeling toy train started in 1881.

The UNESCO World Heritage train connects New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling in West Bengal.

Sarita Yolma became its first woman TTE recently.

Sarita Yolma knew it was a big day for her as she wore her railway train ticket examiner's uniform.

On her way to New Jalpaiguri railway station from her home in Siliguri, West Bengal, a road distance of half an hour which takes an hour because of the traffic, she could feel the tension.

Her husband was beside her to provide support. Retired from the railways a year ago, he was dropping her to the New Jalpaiguri station as she was about to make her way into railway history.

At the station, the famous Darjeeling Toy Train was at the platform. Sarita Yolma was welcomed by the train staff. Her husband introduced them because the personnel had worked with him in the past on the same sector in the engineering department.

As Sarita entered the railway carriage at 10 am, she became the first woman ticket collector to be posted on the 145-year-old toy train.

She waved from the train door as the train pulled out slowly and then took out her tablet to check the passengers' tickets.

The Darjeeling Toy Train has UNESCO World Heritage status. The two-carriage train runs from New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling and back, covering a distance of around 88 kms in about 6-and-a-half hours.

Started in 1881, the train connected the beautiful, small and quiet hill station and was an engineering marvel.

According the Darjeeling Hill Railway, Darjeeling town had about 30 buildings and a few respectable houses in 1840. Tea saplings were brought by the British from China and tea plantations began spreading from 1857.

To meet the expanding requirements, a new road for carts was planned in 1861. Subsequently, in 1879, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway was constructed on the same hill cart road.

Some of the engines of the train are around 125 years old. It has both steam and diesel locomotives -- and has a dedicated group of engineers, drivers and personnel who work on its unique mechanism.

Though Darjeeling is now a sprawling town with enormous traffic issues, the toy train remains the biggest draw for tourists.

"I was nervous and excited. I was responsible for so many passengers on a historic route," says Sarita Yolma who joined the Indian Railways in the early 1990s.

'"Are you some celebrity?" they asked'

IMAGE: Tourists pose for a photograph with Sarita.

After working through various departments, she served as an announcer, manned the enquiry kiosk before being appointed as a ticket examiner in 2018.

"First I used to check tickets on the platform and then began duties inside the train compartments. Earlier, we carried a chart with passengers' names, but now we use a tab," she says.

The Darjeeling toy train mostly has tourists. "The NJP-Darjeeling route is always full. At first the passengers did not know that I was the first woman TTE ever on the train, but when they saw me being congratulated by railway staff at the various stations, they got curious."

"'Are you some celebrity?' they asked.

"When I told them, they took pictures with me and wanted to know of my experience."

The tourists then took travel tips from her about things to do and where to eat in Darjeeling. Since it is Sarita's hometown, she has a lot of useful information to share and tips to give.

The toy train duty is scheduled according to a roster. Sarita will not work solely on the toy train. She has done two trips on the Darjeeling route and has continued with the older train routes.

The day we spoke she was about to leave home for a train to Kishanganj in Bihar. She would get off the train and return on the night train.

"Of all the trains I have taken, nothing can beat the Darjeeling toy train. On other routes sometimes passengers argue if caught travelling without a ticket and don't want to pay the fine," says Sarita.

"But the Darjeeling route is a dream journey. It so scenic -- the greenery, hills, clouds and the weather. It is incomparable."

Photographs curated by Manisha Kotian/Rediff

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff
The local election in Guilford will held Tuesday, March 3, at the Broad Brook Community Center, 3940 Guilford Center Road. Polls will be open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
IBM is investing across the Australian and New Zealand (A/NZ) market as it plans to ramp up its channel through talent and skilling initiatives.

This is according to the vendors A/NZ managing director and vice president, Nick Flood, who said clients in particular are looking for sovereign partners with accessible skills.

Theres also a desire from the public sector to utilise more local partners as well with a similar aspiration of applying spend for public good beyond just the organisational competitive advantage or efficiency that theyre seeking.

According to Flood, IBMs volume business, which is driven by its partner ecosystem, recorded 20 per cent growth last year. He said the result underscores the companys renewed commitment to ecosystem-led growth and equipping partners with the necessary skills.

IBMs focus on skilling is around its programs, with internal training, certifications and badges opened up to its partner ecosystem, as well as corporate social responsibility initiatives. This comes in the form of several different programs, like supporting Defence Force personnel, their children, and high school students.

Flood added that one of IBMs major focuses in the region this year is doubling down on its Kiwi business, particularly with the promotion of Sheldon Dargaville to New Zealand country leader and board director, with Flood tasking him with reinvigorating its business in the country.

One dimension of that reinvigoration plan will be broadening out these skilling initiatives to bigger cohorts and subsegments of the New Zealand market and community, Flood said.

At a regional level, the managing director continued, IBM has bifurcated its business into a client team and a select team. Previously, both teams were coordinated under one roof, but now, Flood and other leaders in the business are looking to portion teams where appropriate.
George Russell believes Red Bull Racing still holds Formula 1s sharpest weapon when it comes to energy deployment  but insists Mercedes is no longer staring at a scary deficit after the final week of pre-season testing in Bahrain.

Under the desert floodlights, as teams packed away their garages and the timing screens fell silent, one thing remained clear: the 2026 power unit era is going to be a deployment war. And right now, Russell says Red Bulls battery release still hits hardest.

Their deployment definitely still looks the best on the grid, which is kudos to them, Russell said in Bahrain last week.

Last week, whispers in the paddock painted Red Bulls straight-line punch as ominous. Russell himself had previously labelled the advantage pretty scary, while Mercedes boss Toto Wolff suggested the gap could equate to as much as a second per lap.

But the tone has shifted.

Closing The Gap in the Desert

After six days of relentless data gathering at the Bahrain International Circuit, Russell believes Mercedes-powered teams have clawed back significant ground.

I think it was a bit of a surprise to everybody, so lets see come Melbourne how things shake up, he said.

I think the Mercedes-powered teams have made a lot of improvements since day one of Bahrain last week, so that gap has closed drastically.

But were obviously [on] day six of Bahrain testing now, whereas in Melbourne, youve got three hours of practice, and thats the main point of concern.

That last line carries weight. Testing allows experimentation. Race weekends do not. When the paddock lands at Melbournes Albert Park, there will be no luxury of six days to fine-tune deployment maps  just three practice hours before the lights go out.

Despite Mercedes and Ferrari emerging from Bahrain with the label of early favourites, Red Bulls energy management remains the benchmark in Russells eyes.

Behind them, McLaren appears locked in a tight scrap, with the quartet already forming a clear front-running pack.

Even Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies has conceded that Mercedes and Ferrari may hold a slight overall edge for now. But in a season shaped by hybrid complexity, raw aerodynamic balance may not tell the full story.

A New Kind of Racing

Energy deployment  when to release electrical power, when to harvest it, and how aggressively to manage it across a lap  is poised to define 2026s competitive order.

Russell believes the dynamic will fundamentally alter how races unfold.

Asked whether the new cars are easier to follow, he replied: You definitely can, because theres less aero on the cars, so theres less disturbance.

Cleaner air may help drivers tuck in closer through corners. But Russell warns the real differentiator lies elsewhere.

I think the big difference this year compared to the previous era is the variability in energy deployment between cars and drivers, depending on driving styles, will probably far outweigh the aero turbulence, he said.

So, I think we will see different racing, and I think tracks like Melbourne and Jeddah, where there are numerous long straights, I think the racing could be quite intriguing.

Melbourne, with its blast zones and heavy braking points, will be the first battleground. Jeddahs sweeping straights will follow soon after. In both places, battery release timing could mean the difference between defending and disappearing.

Red Bull may still lead the charge in deployment precision. But if Russell is right, Mercedes has slashed the deficit from alarming to attackable.

And in Formula 1s new energy era, the stopwatch wont just measure speed  it will measure who presses the button best.

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via X and Facebook
The US Department of Defense is on a collision course with Anthropic, which may prove bad news for the AI company. According to political website The Hill, the DoD is currently examining the terms of its relationship.

The issue is that Anthropic is holding an ethical line on the use of its Claude model and wants to ensure that its tools are not used to develop weaponry that fires without human input and that they are not used for mass surveillance of Americans.

But this has not been met with favor by the Pentagon. The Department of Wars relationship with Anthropic is being reviewed. Our nation requires that our partners be willing to help our warfighters win in any fight. Ultimately, this is about our troops and the safety of the American people, chief Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell told The Hill.

And it could get worse for Anthropic. According to Axios, the DoD is considering designating Anthropic a supply chain risk which could force other companies to shun Anthropic or lose out on defense contracts too. That would have a major impact on the companys plans for growth.
The European Union has failed to agree on more sanctions on Russia, that were planned to be in place by the fourth anniversary of the Kremlin's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

The bloc's foreign ministers, meeting in Brussels on February 23, failed to clinch a deal following opposition from Hungary and Slovakia.

"I really regret that we didnt achieve agreement today, considering that tomorrow is the sad anniversary of the start of the war, because we need to send a strong signal to Ukraine that we keep on supporting Ukraine -- and also put strong pressure on Russia, said EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas.

She also said that work on the sanctions package, the EU's 20th since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, would continue.

The Hungarian and Slovak vetoes are not related to any of the proposed restrictive measures but are linked to a halt in Russian oil deliveries from the Soviet-era Druzhba pipeline that goes to the two Central European states via Ukraine.

What Was Blocked?

The sanctions would include a maritime services ban related to Russian petroleum products that would prohibit EU-based companies from providing services to any vessel transporting these products from Russian ports.

There were also measures against Moscow's so-called shadow fleet used for circumventing sanctions and against third countries helping Moscow do so.

In addition to there being no agreement on the sanctions package, there was also no breakthrough in overcoming an additional Hungarian veto in approving a 90-billion-euro EU loan to Ukraine for 2026-27 that was tentatively agreed by the bloc's leaders in December.

A readout from the ministerial meeting that RFE/RL received said there was "broad frustration among the 25 other EU member states." Several ministers openly questioned Hungary's motive, it added, suggesting the entire move was about April's parliamentary election in the country rather than oil.

Several recent polls indicate that the ruling Fidesz party is poised to lose the vote.

Druzhba 'Blackmail'

The halt in oil flow through the Druzhba pipeline occurred on January 27, when Kyiv said a Russian drone strike hit pipeline equipment in western Ukraine. Both Slovakia and Hungary have, however, accused Ukraine of not wanting to repair the damage.

The two landlocked countries still depend on Russian oil and have secured exemptions from EU sanctions that otherwise ban imports from the country.

Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto tweeted that "there is no technical or operational reason preventing the restart of oil transit to Hungary and Slovakia via the Druzhba pipeline. It's therefore obvious that Ukraine's decision is purely political, an attempt to pressure Hungary in coordination with Brussels and the Hungarian opposition. We will not give in to blackmail."

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico also threatened over the weekend to cut off emergency electricity supplies to Ukraine unless Druzhba became operational on February 23.

Slovakia has contributed to nearly a fifth of Ukraine's electricity imports in January as Russia has pounded the war-torn's country's energy infrastructure throughout a bitter winter.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha responded in a tweet, saying, "Statements from Budapest and Bratislava are provocative, irresponsible, and threaten the energy security of the entire region."

Anna-Kaisa Itkonen, a European Commission spokeswoman, said during a media briefing in Brussels that "Russia destroyed the Druzhba pipeline. Our priority is the energy security of our member states. Ukraine has committed to repairing the pipeline and the decision on the timeline is for them to make."

She also confirmed that an oil coordination group bringing together energy experts from the bloc would meet on February 25 "to take stock of the situation."

Alternative Routes For Oil

Ahead of the Brussels talks, news emerged overnight that a Ukrainian drone hit an oil pumping station near the village of Kaleikino in Tatarstan, Russia, which is a major hub for the Druzhba system where oil from Siberia, Tatarstan, and Bashkortostan is mixed.

But Hungary and Slovakia have alternatives to Druzhba.

Hungarian energy giant MOL announced last week it would release about 1.8 million barrels of crude oil from its strategic reserves to make up for any shortfalls in supply. The Hungarian Hydrocarbon Stockpiling Association noted that, in any case, Hungary had as of the end of January enough crude oil and petroleum product reserves to cover 96 days.

To secure more oil, Budapest recently requested that Croatia supply it via the Adria pipeline with JANAF, the Croatian pipeline operator.

Ihor Chalenko, head of the Center for Analysis and Strategies think tank in Kyiv, told Current Time that the issue was political rather than technical.

"What is happening now is merely an attempt to use the circumstances to effectively block direct aid to Ukraine in the amount of 90 billion euros ($105 billion) and to block increased pressure on the Russian aggressor. This has nothing to do with the economic situation in Hungary and Slovakia," he said.

Hungary Blocks 90-Billion-Euro Loan

The foreign ministers' meeting was also rocked by a letter from Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban to European Council President Antonio Costa dated February 23.

In the letter, seen by RFE/RL, Orban outlines why he is now blocking an emergency loan to Ukraine even though Hungary, alongside Slovakia and the Czech Republic, got an exemption from contributing to it at an EU summit in December.

"Recent developments have forced me to reconsider my position. Since mid-February Ukraine refuses to restore the transfer of crude oil via the Druzhba pipeline to Hungary due to political considerations and in violation of its international obligations. This is an unprovoked act of hostility that undermines the energy security of Hungary," the letter reads.

Despite the opt-out, unanimity among all EU member states is needed to amend a regulation that would allow Brussels to use the bloc's common budget to lend the 90 billion euro to Kyiv.

The European Parliament has already voted in favor of the loan and the assumption until recently in the bloc was that member states would give the necessary green light imminently to make sure that the money goes to Kyiv before it faces a budgetary shortfall in April.
Exiled Iranian opposition Kurdish groups have announced a new coalition with the aim of overthrowing the Islamic republic, in a move that marks a significant shift in the region's political landscape, experts say.

The creation of the alliance on February 22 comes as Iran's clerical establishment is at its weakest point in decades. The authorities are bracing for US military action, weeks after surviving the biggest protests against their rule in years.

Experts say the five Iranian-Kurdish opposition groups, which are based in Iraq's semi-autonomous Kurdish region and have been waging a low-level insurgency against Tehran for years, are looking to exploit the Islamic republic's current frailty.

"[The Kurdish groups] are preparing for different possibilities," political analyst Wladimir van Wilgenburg, who specializes in Kurdish affairs, told RFE/RL. The expectation of the groups, he said, is that "there will be a US attack."

Kurds make up around 10 percent of Iran's population of some 90 million and primarily live in the country's west along the border with Iraq. Iran has long been accused of suppressing and discriminating against the country's ethnic minorities, including Kurds.

Reinforcing Kurdish Unity

The new coalition includes the Kurdistan Freedom Party (PAK), the Democratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan (PDKI), the Kurdistan Free Life Party (PJAK), the Organization of Iranian Kurdistan Struggle (Khabat), and the Komala of the Toilers of Kurdistan.

Many of these groups were previously armed, with some demanding autonomy within Iran and others fighting for secession from the Islamic republic.

The main goals of the alliance -- the "Coalition of Political Forces in Iran Kurdistan" -- are to overthrow the Islamic republic of Iran and achieve self-determination for the Kurds, according to a joint statement.

The coalition voiced strong support for 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.

Mostafa Hejri, leader of the PDKI, told RFE/RL's Radio Farda that it took around eight months of negotiations for the five groups to come together and "set aside" their differences.

He said one of the main reasons for forming the alliance was to the "have a joint plan for administering Iranian Kurdistan during the transitional period" should the Islamic republic fall.

Iranian Kurdistan comprises the Kurdish-majority provinces of Kurdistan, Ilam, Kermanshah, and parts of West Azerbaijan.

Once a new central government is formed, Hejri said, "the governing bodies of Kurdistan will be elected through a free vote by the people and take over the administration of the region."

Ideological Divisions

Despite the creation of the new political alliance, the coalition faces significant challenges due to ideological divisions among its members and differing regional alliances, van Wilgenburg said.

That includes sensitivities tied to PJAK's links to the Turkey-based Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which could trigger pushback from Ankara and complicate the alliance's cohesion.

The coalition also does not include several Kurdish political heavyweights, including the Komala Party of Iranian Kurdistan led by Abdullah Mohtadi, which chose not to join the alliance.

In a post shared on X, Mohtadi criticized the alliance for "lacking a clear roadmap" and "executive mechanisms" and described its provisions as overly general and open to interpretation.

Despite his criticisms, Mohtadi said his party would not oppose the coalition and remained open to future cooperation.

Hejri said the alliance would welcome Mohtadi's party and intends to "enter into dialogue with other Iranian political organizations and opposition groups, and to try -- if possible -- to create a comprehensive, unified program."

Iraqi Kurdistan Stepping Back

The announcement of the new alliance attracted a sharp response from the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) in Iraq.

Seeking to avoid cross-border tension with Iran, the KRG Interior Ministry issued a stern warning, stating the Kurdistan region "will not allow" its territory to be used against "neighboring countries."

Over the years, Iran has conducted military strikes against exiled Kurdish groups in Iraqi Kurdistan. In 2023, Iran and Iraq signed a security deal that resulted in Baghdad moving the opposition Kurdish groups away from the border with Iran.

Van Wilgenburg said Iraqi Kurdish officials "want to show that they're not in any way a part of this initiative by the Kurdish parties."
Hundreds of Iranian students have held protests for a third straight day on at least six university campuses, demanding respect for human rights and calling for regime change. At the University of Tehran, they chanted "Women, life, freedom!" on February 23, while crowds at Al-Zahra University called for the toppling of Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The renewed demonstrations follow a brutal crackdown on protests in January in which human rights groups say thousands were killed.
Aygul, a mother of three from Kyrgyzstan, is one of hundreds of Central Asian families returning home after struggling to enroll their children in Russian schools. Late last year, she and her husband moved into a one-room apartment in Bishkek, bringing their children with them.

We are starting migrant life again, learning, adapting, exploringfiguring out what exists, where, who is there, what can be done," Aygul said. "There were difficulties, but we managed to get my child into school. We were without work for five months, but now, thank God, my husband is employed."

Her familys return was largely driven by new Russian rules requiring migrant children to pass a Russian-language test in order to attend school and for parents to prove legal registration.

Many children who met these requirements were still denied enrollment. Another mother from Kyrgyzstan described taking her daughters to school in Russia after one had passed the required exam.

"We bought clothes and everything needed. I bought flowers," she said. "My husband and I took them to school. They wouldnt even let us through the gate. 'No space,' they said. My daughters just stood there silently. We understood it wasnt our country."

Thousands Left Without Classrooms

Even before the new law, migrant children faced difficulties attending school.

Rahat Sheraly, a Kyrgyz activist, said some children in Russia have been out of school for two to three years.

"Even if a child meets all the legal requirements, schools often refuse enrollment," he said. "This is primarily discrimination and xenophobia. Some schools limit the number of foreign students per class. This is a severe human rights violation.

Other human rights groups have also sharply criticized the mandatory Russian-language test, describing it as part of a broader Kremlin crackdown on migrants amid rising xenophobia.

A recent Human Rights Watch report highlighted that by weaponizing language proficiency as an exclusionary mechanism to deny migrant children access to education, Russian authorities are also depriving these children of the economic and health benefits that education provides.

Kyrgyzstan's Tunguch online school, launched in March 2025, is helping some. Initially designed for children in Kyrgyzstan who were unable to attend classrooms in person, it now serves those affected by Russias new language and registration rules.

Currently, 884 children are enrolled from Russia and are studying with us online. We are monitoring them here, said Tunguch's director, Aisuluu Zhamangulova.

In Kyrgyzstan, authorities have not released official figures on how many children returned after failing Russias mandatory language test. Estimates suggest that the total number of children affected is far higher than the 884 enrolled in Tunguch, highlighting the scale of the education gap that still needs to be addressed.

Regional Impact

In September 2025, Russian education authorities reported that only about 19 percent of migrant children who met the documentation and testing requirements were able to enroll in Russian public schools, meaning more than 80 percent were unable to start school under the new rules.

Most families come from the three largest Central Asian communities in Russia: an estimated 1.7 million Uzbeks, 1.2 million Tajiks, and roughly 300,000 Kyrgyz citizens.

Across Central Asia, the impact varies: some governments track returning children closely, while others provide little public data or support.

In Tajikistan, officials confirmed that over 9,000 children returned after being excluded from Russian schools, creating not only educational gaps but also broader social challenges.

Speaking at a press conference last week, Suhaili Qodiri, head of the child protection department at the Office of the Human Rights Ombudsman in Tajikistan, said the data his office is receiving is very alarming.

In all our contacts with the Russian side, we remind them of this states obligations under the Convention on the Rights of the Child," he said. "Another issue that remains beyond control here is the separation of children from their families. Unfortunately, children who are not enrolled in education there are more likely to return to this country. Accordingly, the likelihood of parents also returning increases. Due to the lack of employment, certain social problems arise.

In Uzbekistan, there is little public discussion about excluded children.

There is no information or public discussion about children who have been expelled from Russian schools.," said education expert Komiljon Jalilov. "One possible reason is that the government does not want to raise a topic that could trigger controversy in society regarding Russia.

Some educators and activists in Uzbekistan have proposed an online platform, similar to that running in Kyrgyzstan, which would allow children abroad to continue learning virtually. But the initiative has not received official support.
Two Moldovan lawyers met, became friends, got married -- and discovered they were both using the same fictitious address on their Romanian identity cards.

The story of Alina and Vadim Gnaciuc illustrates how a large portion of Moldova's 3-million population have acquired papers in neighboring Romania, a member of the European Union.

Now, Romania has decided to cancel these papers for 160,000 people, including 100,000 Moldovans.

Neighbors With Benefits

Romania and Moldova are tied by deep historical, cultural, and linguistic links.

Moldova was part of Romania prior to World War II, incorporated into the Soviet Union in 1945, and then became independent in 1991.

Since Romania became an EU member in 2007, there has been a surge of Moldovans taking advantage of Romanian laws giving them an easy path to citizenship.

Some 900,000 Moldovans have, quite legally, acquired Romanian passports. But having a Romanian ID card brings additional benefits such as access to Romanian banking services, a driving license, or receiving child-rearing allowances.

But for an ID card, you need an address in Romania -- and these were often, quite legally, provided by intermediaries.

22,000 People In A Shared Home

Some of the addresses used were uninhabited wrecks. Others were actual homes but could never have accommodated all of the people claiming to live there.

Dozens of addresses had more than 5,000 people registered, said Aurel-Catalin Giulescu, head of Romania's General Directorate of Population Registration (GDPR). One building, dubbed a "fictitious homes factory," registered more than 10,000 Moldovans.

There was even a case where 22,000 people were registered at the same address. Romanian law did not put any limits.

"There was the owner's agreement, and the owner gave his consent in front of the civil servant for each person taken into the space," Spiridon Mocanu, a Moldovan lawyer who has provided intermediary services, told RFE/RL.

Alina Gnaciuc used a different intermediary but was, like many others, not really living at the residential address being used for her ID papers.

"It was known that there were several of us at the same address and that it was not illegal," she told RFE/RL.

Alina and her husband live in Paris. It was there that they got a nasty surprise in March 2025 while visiting the Romanian Consulate to request Romanian ID documents for their child -- only to learn that their own Romanian papers had been canceled.

They had fallen victim to a change in Romanian law, introduced in 2023, putting a limit of 10 unrelated people who can be registered at a single address. The legislative amendment came amid fears that, following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine the previous year, Romania would be vulnerable to infiltration by spies and saboteurs.

But Romanian authorities only began enforcing the new rules in earnest last year following a scandal in which a gang was alleged to be registering thousands of people not only from Moldova, but also Russia. The court case is ongoing.

How Many Russians?

As local media homed in on the story, the authorities in Bucharest refused to disclose how many Russian citizens had obtained Romanian citizenship over the past decade. Responding to a request from RFE/RL, the National Citizenship Authority would only say that 100,000 people "from the former Soviet space" -- excluding Moldova -- had gained Romanian passports between 2010 and 2025.

A problem associated with the rules change is that people have found themselves in bureaucratic delays. Maria Chitoroaga, 38, works in sales and purchased a home in Bucharest after getting citizenship in 2020. In December last year, she sought a new ID card based on her new address.

"I have my own home, bought a year ago, and I said I would get my ID card with a new address," she told RFE/RL. She said the authorities were still checking where she lives. "How hard can it be to verify a person in a digitalized country?"

The authorities say nobody has had their Romanian citizenship or passport canceled as a result of losing their identity card. Driving licenses are also not affected.

Some 20 percent of people who had their cards canceled between 2023 and 2025 have subsequently been able to renew them, according to the GDPR.
Isack Hadjar is facing the ultimate baptism of fire this season in F1: going wheel-to-wheel with four-time world champion Max Verstappen at Red Bull.

But two of the four-time world champions team-mates think the Frenchman will perform well against the fierce Dutchman.

Why? Because Alex Albon and Sergio Perez see Formula 1s 2026 regulation overhaul as a potential equaliser for Hadjar, giving him a better shot to hold his own against Verstappen than his predecessors at Red Bull.

A Fresh Start in the Lions' Den

Hadjars winter has been anything but smooth  marred by a crash in Barcelona and a string of mechanical gremlins in Bahrain  but Albon remains unbothered. The Williams driver, who once sat where Hadjar sits now, highlighted the 21-year-olds talent and the opportunities the new rules present.

I think Isack is a quick driver, Albon remarked in Bahrain. And I think actually this regulation change will be good for everyone. Its a fresh start for everyone.

Based on what Ive seen so far, he seems to be quite comfortable in the car, and I think its a lot of learning to do, not just in terms of having a quick team-mate but also the car itself. I think hes going to do ok.

The Best and Worst Job in the World

Sergio Perez, whose own Red Bull story ended in a bittersweet exit from the grid, famously labeled the second Red Bull seat as the best and worst job in the sport.

It is a poisoned chalice, yet the Mexican believes Hadjar has timed his arrival to perfection. By entering the fray exactly when the cars have become alien to everyone  including Verstappen  Hadjar avoids the trap of trying to master a car honed by years of Max's specific feedback.

I think its great to come into Red Bull with such a change in the regulations, Checo noted, eyeing the youngsters trajectory.

To Perez, the talent is undeniable, provided the mental fortitude holds up under the Milton Keynes spotlight.

Isack is a very talented driver, hes shown that, and Im sure that as long as he stays cool throughout the year, he will have a very successful career in Formula 1, he added.

And also being team-mates with Max in F1, its a great team. So, I think its a great place for him to be in at this point of his career. I think its a great opportunity.

With fresh rules, a supportive team environment, and advice from those whove walked the same tightrope, the F1 paddock will be watching closely to see if Hadjar can turn potential into pace  and start challenging Verstappen from the first corners of the 2026 season.

Read also:

Hadjar: Red Bull RB22 already easier to push to the limit

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via X and Facebook
Fiona Ferguson

A motorist who dragged an arresting garda for six metres has been given a five-year suspended sentence.

Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard that Dylan Walsh (33) was suffering from mental health issues and intoxication during a moment of madness and was extremely remorseful.

Walsh, of Valeview Drive, Finglas, Dublin 11, pleaded guilty to endangerment, damaging a garda vehicle, and driving without insurance at Castleknock, on May 20th, 2024.

He has 12 previous convictions, mainly for road traffic convictions.

Sentencing Walsh on Monday, Judge Pauline Codd said that the offence was aggravated by the fact that it is a charge against a garda.

She noted that the victim sustained multiple injuries and required surgery. She also acknowledged that a victim impact statement before the court stated that the garda no longer has the confidence to work on the front line.

Judge Codd set a headline sentence of six and half years. She also ordered that Walsh be disqualified from driving for 10 years.

The judge took mitigating features into account including the fact that Walsh had issues with his mental health at the time, that he has not come to adverse attention since and that he has made efforts to deal with his mental health difficulties.

His behaviour on the night is not the behaviour of someone in the whole of their mind, Judge Codd said.

She added that a report from the Probation Service indicated that Walsh was at a medium risk of re-offending due to his low record of conviction and also his family support.

The Probation Service are willing to continue to supervise him, Judge Codd said, adding that Walsh requires regular support for his mental health.

Had he a previous history of violence I would have taken a different view. That may be of cold comfort to the garda and I wish him well in his recovery, Judge Codd said.

She noted that Walsh has demonstrated a good insight into his offending and has taken responsibility for it before she imposed a five-year term of imprisonment suspended in full on condition that he engage with the Probation Service for three years and remains compliant in terms of his mental regime.

Garda Paul McMahon told Oisin Clarke, prosecuting, that following an escalation of an argument at his former partners home, Walsh pulled a TV from the wall and at this stage she called gardai.

She told gardai that she had seen Walsh remove a sword from behind his bedside locker.

Gardai attended at the scene and observed a male in parked BMW. The car took off at speed but was blocked in by gardai at the entrance to the apartment complex. A number of gardai approached the stopped car but it reversed and they had to take evasive action

The car was unable to proceed further and gardai approached it again. A garda opened the front passenger door and spotted the sword. He attempted to retrieve the weapon and effect an arrest but in order to do that had to partially enter the vehicle.

He identified himself as a garda and was in full uniform. The car drove off and dragged the garda for approximately six metres before he was ejected.

The garda suffered injuries to his arm, neck, head and elbow. He was out of work for five months.

Walsh managed to get the car past gardai who had to take evasive action and the car was later recovered following a press appeal.

Walsh was arrested four days later and made admission in interview. He claimed that he had planned to kill himself and if he had been arrested, he would not have been able to carry out that plan.

The court heard his partner of the time had to leave her home and change her job as the distance from her new home was too far.

The injured garda described significant financial loss, as well as physical and psychological effects. He said he had feared for his own life and the incident had massively impacted his confidence.

He has changed his career path away from frontline policing. He has been left with ongoing health effects and his family have also been affected.

Simon Matthews, defending, said the accused man had suffered with mental health issues for many years. He said the medication he had been taking at the time had a bad effect on him and he had also taken alcohol with the medication that he was not used to.

He submitted his driving had been a moment of madness and he was very remorseful. He had written a letter of apology to the garda and is extremely remorseful.

He said Walshs former partner did not suffer injury and there have been no further incidents in relation to her. He said she had given a statement in great detail outlining Walsh issues and how she had attempted to look after him.

He handed in letters from family members and a psychologist report. He said Walsh was now doing as well as he ever had, that he thinks about the incident and is sorry for it every days since.
Protests are being planned in the county today, Wednesday, in support of Special Needs Assistants (SNAs).

Save our SNAs protests, being held in Castlerea and Roscommon Town, are calling for the protection of SNAs, children and the wider school community from staff cuts.

The protests, which are part of a national campaign, are going ahead despite the Education Minister's announcement on Monday that there will be no reductions of SNAs for the next school year.

The Minister for Education Hildegarde Naughton announced there would be no reductions of SNAs for the next school year along with an additional 19 million in funding. However the Forsa Trade Union representing SNAs said the move was a "sticking plaster to be in place for 12 months while the Government tries to get its act together".

The protest in Roscommon Town is SNA led and will be meeting on the town Square at 3.30 p.m. until 5 p.m.. Castlerea's protest is parent led and will be meeting on the Square at 2 p.m. until approximately 5 p.m.

Posters will be handed out but feel free to bring your own, organisers of the local protests said.

Organisers say that children with additional needs need their SNA support in order to experience true inclusion in mainstream schools, warning that all pupils, all class teachers, and parents will suffer if SNA hours are cut.

This is a community issue and we are asking all parents, guardians, foster parents, teachers, childcare workers, AIM staff, SNAs, grandparents and extended families to come out on Wednesday and support us, they said.

Part of a nationwide campaign, protests will take place in various locations around the country, with 24 planned as of 1 p.m. today.

Forsa trade union, which represents the vast majority of SNAs employed in Irish schools, believes that more than a thousand reviews of SNA staffing numbers have already been conducted by the NCSE (National Council for Special Education). If implemented this would result in hundreds of job losses, the union warned.

Forsas head of education Andy Pike spoke on the pause made by the government last week to allow them to check each SNA review carried out by the NCSE.

Its clear to us that the Government does not have confidence in the review process. If the minister does not trust the NCSE, how can they expect SNAs to trust this process?

The policy of abolishing SNA posts in mainstream classes does not need to be paused. It needs to be cancelled.
By Helen William, Press Association

A missing boy who was found in a storm drain could have hurt his head falling off his bicycle, an inquest jury has heard.

It was among a number of working scenarios that were considered by detectives looking into the disappearance of Noah Donohoe in north Belfast in June 2020.

Brenda Campbell, counsel for Noahs mother, Fiona Donohoe, said Noah was the centre of a high-risk missing person investigation and his behaviour had cried out for an explanation.

Detective Sergeant Gardner, who was the CCTV co-ordinator in the investigation, said detectives were starting from Northwood Road  the last sighting of Noah  and working backwards in their efforts to trace material relating to the missing boy.

Fiona Donohoe, the mother of 14-year-old Noah Donohoe, outside Belfast coroners court (Liam McBurney/PA)

He recalled that at one point it was a considered hypothesis that he had a head injury after Noah had fallen off his bike.

The inquest at Belfast coroners court into the death of the schoolboy, which is being heard with a jury, is in its fifth week.

Noah, a pupil at St Malachys College, was 14 when his naked body was found in a storm drain tunnel in north Belfast six days after leaving home on his bike to meet two friends in the Cavehill area of the city.

A post-mortem examination found the cause of death was drowning.

Officers were deployed on the ground to find CCTV that Noah appeared on.

Ms Campbell questioned the officer on the use of CCTV in the missing person investigation, including the need for immediate trawls for footage, seizing key images quickly, how this material fitted in with other lines of inquiry and ensuring that the timings on the material was accurate.

Mr Gardner said he would have expected officers to time-check and seize the relevant footage, and the primary aim was to try and find Noah.

Ms Campbell described Noah as vulnerable at the time and said his appearance in Northwood Road meant that something had gone wrong on his journey.

She told the officer: Firstly, he had his laptop, his backpack, at one stage, and not at another.

You also knew by the time you came in on the Wednesday that his phone had been found in a separate location.

The inquest is taking place at Laganside courthouse (Liam McBurney/PA)

There was a suggestion that he had fallen from his bike with no explanation as to why he had fallen from his bike.

His coat appeared to have been discarded in that area where he had fallen off his bike but it had not been found.

You also knew that from there he proceeded up Northwood Road and items of his clothing were found on Northwood Road, and you knew that he was last seen naked.

Not only did we need to find him because of that level of vulnerability that he was in, but what happened to him cried out for an explanation.

Mr Gardner responded: Yes, if indeed something did happen to him.

On a possible police hypothesis as to why he was behaving like that on Northwood Road, Mr Gardner said the only thing he recalls is a discussion at one point about a possible injury.

He said: I believe, after we had learned he had fallen off his bike, it was a considered hypothesis he had a head injury, but that was just because we had heard he had fallen off his bike.

Mr Gardner said he was not aware of any other hypothesis about why Noah behaved that way he did in Northwood Road, beyond, obviously, the concerns about his mental wellbeing before he left the house.

Ms Campbell said there was no evidence of blood on Noahs top.

Noahs helmet was recovered by police and it was undamaged, the court heard.

Mr Gardner said the objective was primarily to find him (Noah) and then try to get information on how he became parted from his possessions such as his coat, backpack and phone.
He called the celebration a fitting tribute to C. Rajagopalachari and said the shift reflects an ongoing transformation under the vision of Gulami ki Mansikta se Mukti". File Photo.

The ceremony also marked the beginning of Rajaji Utsav", commemorating the freedom fighter.



President Murmu Unveils Rajagopalachari Bust at Rashtrapati Bhavan, Replacing Edwin Lutyens Statue

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President Droupadi Murmu on Monday unveiled a bust of Chakravarti Rajagopalachari, the first and only Indian Governor-General of independent India, at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Installed at the Grand Open Staircase near the Ashok Mandap, the statue replaces the bust of Edwin Lutyens, the British architect who designed the presidential estate when it served as the Viceroys residence during colonial rule.

In an official statement, Rashtrapati Bhavan described the move as part of continued efforts to shed the remnants of a colonial mindset and to celebrate Indias cultural heritage, traditions and leaders who made exceptional contributions to the nation.

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The statement noted that earlier steps included replacing portraits of British-era ADCs with those of Param Vir Chakra awardees in a key gallery and substituting British-era texts in the buildings archives with literature in eleven classical Indian languages.

The ceremony also marked the beginning of Rajaji Utsav", commemorating the freedom fighter.

Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan said the unveiling signified an important move away from colonial influence. He called the celebration a fitting tribute to C. Rajagopalachari and said the shift reflects an ongoing transformation under the vision of Gulami ki Mansikta se Mukti".

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Rajagopalachari was born on December 10, 1878, in Thorapalli village in present-day Tamil Nadu.

Several Union ministers and Rajajis family members attended the event, which comes ahead of the Tamil Nadu elections.

Source: The Tribune
NCR. These notices will be considered served by the court, and the states must submit an Action Taken Plan summarising the feedback received. File Photo.

The Bench also asked the three ministries to submit a joint proposal for phasing out coal-based industries in the NCR.



Supreme Court Directs Ministries to Submit Proposal to Phase Out Coal Industries in Delhi-NCR

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The Supreme Court on Monday asked the Union ministries to respond to a proposal aimed at shifting all coal-based industries out of the Delhi-NCR region to improve air quality.

A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M. Pancholi said it will examine the issue of vehicular pollution on March 12, taking into account recommendations made by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM). The court also sought feedback from all stakeholders on measures suggested by the CAQM to address dust generated from construction and demolition activities.

The top court directed the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG), and the Ministry of Power to provide responses regarding CAQMs recommendation that no new coal-based thermal power plants be established within 300 km of Delhi.

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Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Rajasthan were instructed to issue public notices inviting suggestions and objections from stakeholders, including coal-based industries operating in the NCR. These notices will be considered served by the court, and the states must submit an Action Taken Plan summarising the feedback received.

The Bench also asked the three ministries to submit a joint proposal for phasing out coal-based industries in the NCR. This proposal should identify the industries affected and explore possible alternative fuel options. Additionally, the Government of NCT of Delhi (GNCTD) was directed to present a specific action plan to implement the CAQM-recommended long-term measures.

All stakeholders are required to file their status reports and proposals before the next hearing scheduled for March 12.

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Source: The Tribune
With the recent news about Trump Accounts, some American families are wondering if this is the best option to grow savings for their kids. The accounts, a provision of President Donald Trumps tax legislation, are designed to give $1,000 to every newborn whose parents open them.

The money in Trump Accounts is invested in the stock market by private firms, and the child can access the money when they turn 18. That means the money could compound for decades to come and potentially reach six figures by retirement.

However, some finance experts told GOBankingRates there are other options for parents to consider.

Roth IRA

I personally think the Trump Account concept gets more attention than it deserves, and heres why that bothers me: there are already battle-tested tools that can do more for your childs financial future, right now, with better tax advantages, said Andrew Lokenauth, founder of the blog Fluent in Finance.

Read Next: 4 Grocery Items That Have Gotten Much More Expensive Since Trump Took Office

Find Out: How Middle-Class Earners Are Quietly Becoming Millionaires  and How You Can, Too

He pointed to the power of a Roth IRA for kids with earned income since that money compounds tax-free for potentially 50+ years. Lokenauth said the math is almost unfair in the best possible way.

529 College Savings Plan

If the funds are specifically earmarked for college or higher education, these provide a great opportunity for investing funds, said Brandon Gregg, certified financial planner, advisor with BBK Wealth Management. Depending on the timeframe of when the money is needed, you can invest as aggressively or conservatively as you need to. These accounts also give tax benefits for contributions and withdrawals.

Custodial Brokerage Accounts

Melanie Musson, a finance expert with Quote.com, said these accounts may not offer a tax advantage, but they offer flexibility to withdraw when you want. You wont face penalties for early withdrawal or for using the funds for an unauthorized purpose, she added.

Some parents also choose to invest within their own brokerage account and designate those funds for future use on behalf of the child, which can maintain parental control longer, said Taylor Kovar, CFP, CEO of 11 Financial. The most meaningful factor in many cases tends to be consistency. Regular contributions invested over time often have a greater impact than the specific account label.

Bottom Line

Overall, according to Gregg, its hard to say what would yield more or less in certain accounts as it is very much dependent on how the account is invested.
AAP Govt to present fifth consecutive pro-people Budget in March, committed to welfare of every section: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann File Photo.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann asserted that his government does not discriminate while allocating funds for development.



AAP Govt to present fifth consecutive pro-people Budget in March, committed to welfare of every section: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann

AHMEDABAD, 22 February 2026: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday announced that the Punjab government will present its fifth Budget in March, reiterating that it will once again be a pro-people Budget focused on the welfare of every section of society. Interacting with media persons, Bhagwant Singh Mann said the government has consistently taken pro-people and citizen-centric decisions that have transformed the states trajectory.

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CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, The Punjab Government will present its fifth Budget in the month of March and we will continue our tradition of presenting a pro-people Budget aimed at the welfare of all. Our sole aim is to ensure the well-being of the common man, and we are making strenuous efforts to achieve this. The forthcoming Budget will again ensure immense benefit to the people of Punjab.

Taking on the Union Government, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that over consecutive years, the Union Budget presented by the BJP-led NDA Government has been directionless and tilted towards the affluent sections of society. In Gujarat, where there is virtually no opposition, the agonies of the common man have multiplied and people continue to suffer. Congress and BJP are playing a friendly match there, and as a result, the voice of the common man has been suppressed, he said.

The Chief Minister remarked that while the Prime Minister talks about making the country Vishwa Guru, people in his home state are struggling for basic necessities. To muzzle the voice of the opposition in a democracy, the Union Government has introduced the concept of Digital Janta, where vote data is created through mischief and used to win elections in every state. Today, people of Gujarat are looking towards AAP as their saviour. There is hope in the eyes of every Gujarati family in the form of AAP, said CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.

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Raising the issue of financial rights of states, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Punjabs legitimate share in the Rural Development Fund has been undemocratically stalled by the Centre, a pattern seen in all non-BJP ruled states. In a democracy, the government is of the people, for the people and by the people. But today, it has become a trend to suppress the voice of the opposition. Just like a bouquet is admired for its variety of flowers, democracy thrives when every voice is heard, he said.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann asserted that his government does not discriminate while allocating funds for development. Wherever AAP has formed the government, taxpayers money has been judiciously used for the welfare of the common man. After Delhi, the AAP Government in Punjab has ensured optimum utilisation of every rupee for public good, he said.

Highlighting major welfare initiatives, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that more than 90% households in the state are receiving free power, and farmers are now getting electricity during the daytime, a reform that had never been implemented earlier. At a time when national assets are being handed over at throwaway prices to blue-eyed friends by the Union Government, Punjab has created history by purchasing a private thermal plant. We have opened 881 Aam Aadmi Clinics to provide free healthcare, and government hospitals are delivering quality medical services to the people, he said.

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On healthcare reforms, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said the state has launched the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna, a first-of-its-kind scheme providing cashless medical treatment up to a10 lakh to every resident family in Punjab. Punjab is the first Indian state to offer such comprehensive healthcare coverage. This has significantly eased the financial burden on people while ensuring quality health services. This historic move is aimed at providing universal healthcare to all families in the state, he said.

Focusing on education, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the Punjab Government has initiated the Punjab Sikhya Kranti to upgrade infrastructure in all government schools. We are committed to transforming 118 Government Senior Secondary Schools into Schools of Eminence equipped with smart classrooms, fully equipped labs and playgrounds for scientific learning. Teachers and principals are being sent abroad for specialised training so that they are well-versed with modern teaching practices and can prepare students for global competition. It is a matter of immense pride that Punjab has ranked first in the National Achievement Survey conducted by the Government of India, surpassing even Kerala, he said.

On infrastructure, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said the state has undertaken the biggest road construction drive in its history, targeting 44,920 kilometres of roads at a cost of a16,209 crore. All these roads are being constructed with a five-year maintenance clause, ensuring the highest quality standards and world-class road safety features. This will boost rural infrastructure and provide better mobility across Punjab, he said.

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Recognising the sacrifices of security forces, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said the state provides financial assistance of a1 crore to the families of jawans of Armed Forces, Paramilitary Forces and Agniveers, and a2 to Police who attain martyrdom in the line of duty. This assistance is a mark of respect for the supreme sacrifice made by our heroes. It is our humble tribute to the sons of the soil who safeguard the unity, integrity and sovereignty of the country, he said.

In another people-centric decision, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government has shut down 19 toll plazas, saving a64 lakh daily from the pockets of the common people in toll fees.

Reiterating his governments commitment, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated that every policy decision taken by the Punjab Government is aimed at strengthening democracy, empowering citizens and ensuring that governance remains firmly rooted in public welfare.
AAP greets Haryana CM Nayab Saini with black flags in Ludhiana, slams BJP for being anti Punjab File Photo.

On the occasion, AAP Lok Sabha Incharge Sharanpal Singh Makkar also addressed the protesters.



AAP greets Haryana CM Nayab Saini with black flags in Ludhiana, slams BJP for being anti Punjab

Ludhiana, 22nd February, 2026: On Sunday, karyakartas and leaders of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) welcomed Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini with black flags in Ludhiana. As Nayab Saini, who had come to attend the Purvanchal Samman Rally, descended from the Dhuri Line Railway Overbridge, AAP karyakartas raised slogans against him and waved black flags to protest what they described as the BJPs discriminatory policies towards Punjab.

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Leading the protest, AAP MLA from Atam Nagar Kulwant Singh Sidhu told the media, We are protesting today because the BJP has always adopted an anti-Punjab stance. Sitting at the Centre, they withhold funds meant for Punjabs health, education, and development, and then come here to mislead the people. The people of Punjab are not naive; they know BJP's true face very well.

On the occasion, AAP Lok Sabha Incharge Sharanpal Singh Makkar also addressed the protesters. He said, The people of Punjab are well aware of the BJPs propaganda. Todays protest sends a clear message to the BJP and its leaders that they cannot come to Punjab and try to cover up their anti-farmer, anti-trader, and anti-Punjab policies. You have the right to campaign, but do not mislead people by raising false questions about Punjabs law and order situation.

During the protest, AAP District President (Ludhiana Urban) Jatinder Khangura countered the BJP by presenting figures. He said, Before lecturing Punjab, the Haryana Chief Minister should look at the condition of his own state. According to reports of central agencies, Punjab ranks second in the country in maintaining law and order, while Haryana recorded more than 1,000 murders in 2023 and more than 900 in 2024. Incidents of atrocities against women and Dalits are also significantly higher there. The burden of debt on Punjabs farmers increased when the BJP was in power here. False statements cannot change the facts.

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AAP leaders said that instead of seeking political gains in Punjab, the Haryana government should focus on resolving the serious issues within its own state. Apart from CM Nayab Singh Saini, senior Punjab BJP leaders were also present at this event, but the strong protest by AAP volunteers outside overshadowed their political gathering.
The Cabinet meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, also approved the extension of the One-Time Settlement (OTS) scheme of the Punjab Small Industries and Export Corporation (PSIEC). File Photo.

Cheema said the government, as a welfare state, has a responsibility to compensate farmers who suffered significant losses due to the floods



Punjab Cabinet Approves Flood Compensation for Farmers on Government Land, Extends OTS Deadline

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The Punjab Cabinet on Monday cleared a proposal to grant compensation to farmers cultivating government-owned land who incurred losses during the floods that hit the state in August and September last year.

To assess the damage, three-member committees will be constituted in flood-affected villages of Amritsar, Ferozepur and Fazilka. Each panel will include the area Patwari, Lambardar and Sarpanch, or their representative, to verify the actual cultivator and ensure that compensation reaches the rightful beneficiaries.

Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Cheema said that farmers were cultivating around 2,800 acres in Amritsar, 5,200 acres in Ferozepur and nearly 3,000 acres in Fazilka. He noted that although the land has been recorded in the governments name since 1976, farmers had continued to till it. In 2015, revenue records were updated to reflect the state government as the owner.

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Cheema said the government, as a welfare state, has a responsibility to compensate farmers who suffered significant losses due to the floods.

The Cabinet meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, also approved the extension of the One-Time Settlement (OTS) scheme of the Punjab Small Industries and Export Corporation (PSIEC).

The scheme covers pending dues related to plot allotments and allows restoration of cancelled allotments issued on or before January 1, 2020, after payment under the OTS. The deadline has been extended from March 31 to June 30, 2026.

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Source: The Tribune
Sukhbir Singh Badal indulging in double-faced politics, misleading Punjab with recycled lies: Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal File Photo.

Drawing parallels with the tenure of Parkash Singh Badal, Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal said that Sukhbir Singh Badal was walking the same path.



Sukhbir Singh Badal indulging in double-faced politics, misleading Punjab with recycled lies: Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal

CHANDIGARH /AMRITSAR, 22nd February 2026: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjab Chief Spokesperson and MLA Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal on Sunday took on the leadership of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), stating that Sukhbir Singh Badal, like his father Parkash Singh Badal, is indulging in as double-faced politics and attempting to mislead the people of Punjab with recycled rhetoric and fresh claims.

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Addressing a press conference in Amritsar, AAP Punjab Chief Spokesperson Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal said that before making tall claims about eliminating gangsterism, Sukhbir Singh Badal must first answer for his own record. You cannot field a family member of a known gangster as your candidate in one constituency and then thunder from the stage about wiping out gangsters in another. This blatant hypocrisy will not go unnoticed by the people of Punjab, he said.

Referring to the elections in Tarn Taran, the AAP Punjab Chief Spokesperson said that the Akali Dal had openly supported and sought votes linked to individuals with criminal backgrounds. Today they claim they will demolish gangsters houses, but yesterday they were attending their family functions and fielding their relatives as candidates. Punjab remembers everything, he stated.

Drawing parallels with the tenure of Parkash Singh Badal, Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal said that Sukhbir Singh Badal was walking the same path. The Badal family has historically thrived on exploiting Punjabs youth, first patronizing such elements for political gains and later shedding crocodile tears over law and order. The roots of organized gangsterism and the drug menace deepened during the SAD-BJP regime from 2007 to 2017, he added.

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Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal questioned the moral authority of Sukhbir Singh Badal to lecture the present government on crime. The same people who allowed Punjab to bleed are now pretending to be its saviors. When drug mafias and criminal networks flourished, who was in power? The people of Punjab know the answer, he said.

Raising concerns about the functioning of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal asked why the Akali leadership had remained silent over questions raised by respected Sikh religious figures regarding missing Guru Granth Sahib saroops, land transactions, and financial mismanagement. Instead of shouting from stages, answer the questions about 328 missing saroops, about land sales, and about the allegations linked to sacred institutions. Punjab deserves clarity and accountability, he asserted.

He further said that attempts to normalize such controversies insult the sentiments of the Sikh community. How can daily scandals be treated as routine? This is not merely politics; this concerns faith and accountability. The community deserves transparency, he added.

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Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal also pointed out that many traditional Akali families across regions from Majha to Malwa have distanced themselves from the party. What remains today is not the Shiromani Akali Dal that once represented a mass movement, but a reduced outfit run by a jija-sala. The party has been reduced to inducting individuals with questionable records just to stay afloat, he said.

The AAP MLA further stated that Sukhbir Singh Badal had maintained selective silence on key national issues, including farmers concerns and the India-US trade deal, and lacked the courage to question the BJP leadership despite years of alliance and power-sharing at the Centre.

Concluding his address, Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal said that the people of Punjab are politically mature and cannot be misled by dramatic speeches. You cannot create fear, patronize criminal elements, and then promise to eradicate them. Punjab knows your character. Before making new announcements, answer for your past actions, he said.
150 years since the birth of Constantin Brancusi

For Romanian culture, February 19, 2026, is a very important date, as it marks the 150th anniversary of the birth of Constantin Brancusi

Lo scultore Frederic Storck

Steliu Lambru, 23.02.2026, 12:56

For Romanian culture, February 19, 2026, is a very important date, as it marked the 150th anniversary of the birth of Constantin Brancusi, a world-renowned sculptor. To mark the occasion, we invited art critic Erwin Kessler, manager of the National Museum of Art of Romania, to summarize what makes Brancusi so remarkable.

For us, Brancusi is great because he is Romanian, and that is a problem. For others, Brancusi is great because he is from Paris, from the School of Paris. The School of Paris, in the first half of the 20th century, is classical modernity, it is a good part of the avant-garde and represents the period when the gods walked the earth. Lets say he is Hephaestus among the gods of the Paris School. To us, he is Zeus, to others he is Hephaestus. There are two kinds of greatness or ways of measuring Brancusis stature: from a national perspective and from an international perspective. From an international perspective, Brancusis greatness is not a national greatness. From a national perspective, Brancusis international greatness is a national greatness.

Although art is a liberal field, value has standards here too, just as gold is a benchmark of value in the material world. Erwin Kessler:

Speaking of gold, the metal called gold, it has a quality, like other metals, but first and foremost: it has been recognized and valued by everyone, in all corners of the world, at all times, without anyone consulting anyone else. It is a standard of value, it is a standard of wealth, it is probably a standard of beauty. As far as Brancusi is concerned, his golden side, his quality as a standard of value, is largely due, in addition to the concept through which he enrolled in the Paris School of Modernity and Avant-Garde, to his strictly original contribution, that of stone and wood sculpture, sculpture directly en taille: that is, replacement not in form but largely in technique. Of course, form matters a lot, but technique matters just as much to him. It is a perfect, abstract form, apparently rigorously geometric, but in fact it is not rigorously geometric. There is a lot of intuition in Brancusis craft. So we have this perfect form that corresponds to modernity in its almost aseptic sense. But this perfect form is not achieved as it was by his good friend Marcel Duchamp, who came up with a concept even stronger than Brancusis, which is readymade. That is, we are talking about taking a strictly industrial product, which is perfect and rigorously made because it is industrial. The artist places it in another context and then makes it art, and this gives it meaning. Brancusi did not go that far. Everything he did was non-readymade, it was anti-readymade, it was hyperrmade.

Brancusis excellence meant originality. Erwin Kessler:

Brancusi did not and could not reach the readymade because he was, and here again we find ourselves in the so-called Romanian spiritual matrix, extremely attached to craftsmanship, to everything that means the actual creation of works: from the tools, which he made himself in order to create his works, to the materials he used, especially the effort he put into carving the stone directly. It was the effort he put into creating the works and the effort he put in afterwards to make them as brilliant as possible, as attractive as possible to the eye and, through this, to the public.

In Romania, Brancusis most famous work is located in Targu Jiu. Erwin Kessler:

The monumental ensemble in Targu Jiu was a commission, and Brancusis desire to create monuments dates back much earlier. He made funerary monuments in Buzau for the lawyer Stanescu long before that, which he delivered around 1914. Immediately after delivering that monument in 1914, he wanted to make one in Bucharest, and at the same time he was asked by Minister Mortun to make a monument for University Square. He was supposed to make it for Spiru Haret, but it would not have been the Spiru Haret we have now. The project he made for Spiru Haret, the minister of public education and its founder, was rejected and he never made it. After the war, around 1920, his fellow villagers from Pestisani and Hobita proposed that he create a monument for the soldiers from Pestisani who had died in World War I. He did not create this either, because he made a proposal and it was rejected. So two rejected proposals. In the 1930s, he proposed a large column in Bucharest. This was not wanted either. The commission for the monument in Targu Jiu was not addressed to him. Initially, the commission was for his student Milita Petrascu, who had already made the monument to Ecaterina Teodoroiu in Targu Jiu, a kind of small mausoleum. It was proposed to him by Aretia Tatarescu in 1935, the wife of Gheorghe Tatarescu, who was, not coincidentally, the liberal prime minister of Romania. These liberals proposed that he create a monument. Milita declined the offer and proposed Brancusi instead, who accepted.

Today, the history of universal sculpture includes the name of a Romanian, Constantin Brancusi. However, we must not forget that he is a Romanian who belongs to the whole world. (MI)
February 23, 2026 UPDATE

A roundup of local and international news.

Newsflash

Newsroom, 23.02.2026, 20:00

MOTION  The Senate in Bucharest rejected, on Monday, the simple motion filed by the populist opposition against the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Oana Toiu. Minister Toiu did not participate in the debates, as she was in Brussels at the meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council. She was criticized for the signatories of the motion for what they say is a wrong way of doing foreign policy. Instead of the Foreign Minister, the Secretary of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Clara Volintiru, participated in the debates on the simple motion. She said that, during this mandate, the transparency of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has increased, thus responding to the criticisms of the opposition.

UKRAINE  The Romanian Parliament will be lit up in the colors of the Ukrainian flag on Tuesday evening, to mark four years of Russian aggression against Ukraine. The institution thus joins other states that will commemorate, through a joint gesture of solidarity, the victims of the war, the Chamber of Deputies announced. Tuesday will be four years since the outbreak of the war, and to mark this moment, several civic organizations in Constanta and Iasi have scheduled public events.

BRUSSELS  Hungary is blocking the adoption of the 20th package of sanctions against Russia, as well as the vote on the 90 billion euro loan for Ukraine. On Monday, in Brussels, European foreign ministers were surprised by Hungarys opposition to the loan, which was agreed by Viktor Orban at the December summit. Member states wanted both the sanctions package against Russia and the loan to be given the green light on Monday or Tuesday, when it will be four years since the outbreak of the war.

DECLARATION  Romania has adopted, alongside Albania, Bulgaria, Italy and North Macedonia, the Tiirana Ministerial Declaration at a meeting dedicated to Corridor VIII. According to the Foreign Ministry in Bucharest, the five states reiterated the political, economic and strategic importance of the project, which seeks to address connectivity gaps in South-Eastern Europe. The declaration underlines the importance of the Black Sea and the Western Balkans as significant economic areas with considerable development potential. In this context, Corridor VIII is seen as playing a key role by facilitating trade flows and improving regional and European supply chains. The Foreign Ministry also notes that both the private sector and local communities stand to benefit from the corridors development, which is expected to strengthen the resilience of regional economies and generate new investment opportunities. At the same time, Corridor VIII is designed to enhance military mobility, contributing to efforts to consolidate NATOs Eastern Flank and to strengthen NATOEU cooperation.

FUEL  Fuel prices on the Romanian market continued the upward trend that started at the beginning of the year. Dumitru Chisalita, a representative of the Smart Energy Association, said that the increase in excise duties from January 1, the increase in the price of crude oil on international markets and the demand problems in southeastern Europe, caused by the attack on the pipeline that transports Russian crude oil to Hungary and Slovakia, are the main causes. He explained that the increases in international crude oil prices in 2026 did not fully reflect in the pump prices in Romania, which increased by 8.5% in the case of diesel, while in the case of gasoline the real adjustment was even smaller. Chisalita also said that, in order to limit the impact of the evolution of international oil prices on pump prices in Romania, a mechanism for automatic state intervention would be necessary when the price of Romanian oil increases by more than 10% within a three-month period.

FOREIGN AFFAIRS  Security issues were high on the agenda in Washington, where Interior Minister Catalin Predoiu met US Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem. According to the Romanian Interior Ministry, talks focused on migration management, border security, the fight against organized crime and emerging threats. Also discussed was the Visa Waiver Programme. The Romanian side underlined the high level of interest this issue holds in the country and presented the technical instruments that have already been put in place. Both sides agreed to continue dialogue and cooperation on the matter. (EE)
Romania, guest of honor at the Frankfurt International Book Fair 2028

In two years, Romanian literature will be the star of the Frankfurt International Book Fair.

Photo: (Florin Ghioca - Theatre Photographer)

Bogdan Matei, 23.02.2026, 13:50

Romania will present its literature and its culture, in general, as the guest of honor country at the 80th edition of the Frankfurt International Book Fair, in central Germany, between October 11 and 15, 2028  the Romanian Ministry of Culture announced. By signing the official agreement establishing this status, Romania will truly be in the spotlight says the Fairs director, Juergen Boos. He recalls that 145 years ago diplomatic relations were established between Romania and Germany. Since then, close cultural ties have grown through the seeds of literature, through translations, through lively exchanges. Today we continue to write a story together. Classical literature has been present in Europe for a long time, supported by a strong contemporary literature.

Juergen Boos also mentioned the numerous German-language writers originating from Romania, including Herta Muller, winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature in 2009, more than two decades after she left for the Federal Republic because of the communist dictatorship in Bucharest. Director Boos specified that the preparation for 2028 will be a joint process over the next three years. New translations will be produced, publishers will travel and establish new contacts, and German-Romanian projects will be carried out step by step. Romanian literature will become even more visible in Germany and internationally he added.

For the Ministry of Culture, this project means a major opportunity to consolidate the image of Romanian literature and make it visible worldwide says, in turn, the minister of culture, Demeter Andras. As we well know, the Frankfurt Book Fair is the most important event of its kind in the world, being, at the same time, a space where directions are built, lasting connections are created and the international circulation of ideas is decided. Romania comes to Frankfurt with clear arguments. We are the sixth country in terms of population in the European Union, with a growing economy and a government that shares European values. We are, at the same time, a point of stability and dialogue in a region marked by political tensions. This reality is also reflected in our culture, in our literature, in the way we tell our stories. We believe that the Frankfurt audience will have the joy of discovering a culture and a country located on the border of the European Union, about which too little was known for a long time. Romanian literature, history, traditions, recent memory and contemporary themes can build a relevant and authentic discourse for the European public, the minister also stated.

Romania will also present other cultural fields in which its artists have gained international recognition: cinema, theater, contemporary dance, music, visual arts, as well as natural heritage, ecological tourism and gastronomy. (LS)
Romanian  American cooperation in homeland security

Talks were held in Washington on the Visa Waiver programme, migration and borders.

Kristi Noem and Catalin Predoiu Photo: facebook.com/ministeruldeinterne

Daniela Budu, 23.02.2026, 14:00

The Romanian interior minister and deputy PM Catalin Predoiu had a bilateral meeting in Washington on Friday with the US secretary of homeland security, Kristi Noem, during which topics on the joint cooperation agenda were addressed.

According to a news release issued by the Romanian interior ministry, one of the topics discussed was the Visa Waiver programme. The Romanian side emphasised the major public interest that this topic has in Romania, and presented the technical instruments already operational. An agreement was reached to carry on the dialogue and cooperation on this topic, the news release reads.

Although Romania was to join the programme on March 31, 2025, the US government suspended a decision in this respect indefinitely. The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS), where the two officials met, is reviewing Romanias inclusion in the programme. According to the Romanian authorities, Bucharest has fulfilled all its obligations and technical criteria for accession, including a visa refusal rate below 3%.

In Washington, the two officials also discussed migration management, border security, fighting organised crime and emerging threats, including risks linked to cross-border crime. The role of the Transnational Criminal Investigative Unit in Bucharest was highlighted, a structure created by the interior ministry and the DHS and unique in the region, which works as a regional hub covering the neighboring Western Balkans, the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine.

Catalin Predoiu presented the advanced programmes implemented by his ministry together with the DHS with respect to the identification and prevention of security threats, such as the Enhanced Border Security Partnership (EBSP) and the Automated Targeting System  Global (ATS-G) programme. As emphasised during the meeting, Romania is one of the few countries to have implemented the EBSP. In this context, Bucharest proposed that the American side considered strengthening the presence of DHS officials within the Romanian unit, and the US received this option with interest, the news release also says.

On the other hand, at the Department of Justice in Washington, Catalin Predoiu discussed with the US Attorney General Pam Bondi about the cooperation between Romanian interior ministry forces and law enforcement agencies in the US. The cooperation enhances the efficiency of the interior ministry in protecting Romanian citizens and Romanias borders, Catalin Predoiu argued.

And in a meeting with a delegation of senior FBI officials, bilateral talks focused on developing operational cooperation methods within mixed teams to fight transnational organised crime groups, drug trafficking, illegal migration, human trafficking, cybercrime and terrorism. (AMP)
South Korea will on Tuesday release January numbers for producer prices, highlighting a light day for Asia-Pacific economic activity. In December, producer priced were up 0.4 percent on month and 1.9 percent on year.

The People's Bank of China will announce its loan prime rate for February; the bank is expected to hold the rate steady at 3.50 percent.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

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What parts of the world are seeing the best (and worst) economic performances lately? Click here to check out our Econ Scorecard and find out! See up-to-the-moment rankings for the best and worst performers in GDP, unemployment rate, inflation and much more.
As violence spread across Mexico after the killing of drug kingpin Nemesio "El Mencho" Oseguera Cervantes, the U.S. State Department urged American citizens, including tourists stranded in parts of the country, to "seek shelter and remain in residences or hotels."

"Due to ongoing, widespread security operations and related road blockages and criminal activity in many areas of Mexico, U.S. citizens should shelter in place until further notice. Roadblocks have impacted airline operations, with some domestic & int'l flights canceled in both Guadalajara & Puerto Vallarta. Taxis/ride shares are suspended in Puerto Vallarta. Seek shelter and remain in residences or hotels," the U.S. Embassy in Mexico said in a security alert.

It named Jalisco State (including Puerto Vallarta, Chapala, and Guadalajara), Baja California State (including Tijuana, Tecate, and Ensenada), Quintana Roo State (including Cancun, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum), and areas of Guanajuato, Guerrero, Michoacan, Oaxaca, Nuevo Leon, and Tamaulipas States as the most violence-hit locations.

All U.S. government staff at Consulate General Tijuana and in Guerrero, Michoacan, and Quintana Roo states have been directed to shelter in place. The U.S. Mision to Mexico urged all U.S. government staff at Consulate General Monterrey to remain in the Monterrey metropolitan area.

The head of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), an organized crime group based in Jalisco, El Mencho was killed in a military operation in the state of Jalisco Sunday.

El Mencho and six of his associates were killed clashes between the Mexican Army Special Forces and CJNG cartel members in the town of Tapalpa, during the special operation to arrest the drug lord.

El Mencho, who was severely wounded, died while being airlifted to Mexico City, Mexico's Secretariat of National Defense said in a press release.

It added that two other members of the criminal organization were arrested, and various weapons and armored vehicles were seized, including rocket launchers capable of shooting down aircraft and destroying armored vehicles.

It said the operation was carried out with U.S. intelligence support. The White House confirmed it.

El Mencho ws the most wanted person in Mexico and one of the most wanted in the United States. The U.S. government offered a reward of up to $15 million for information leading to his arrest.

El Mencho was responsible for coordinating global drug trafficking operations. Under his command, the CJNG became one of Mexico's leading criminal organizations.

CJNG cadres unleashed violence in 20 Mexican states in protest against the drug lord's killing. They reportedly blocked roads with burning vehicles, torched buses and shops.

While no airports have been closed, roadblocks have impacted airline operations, with some domestic and international flights cancelled in both Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta. All taxis and ride shares are suspended in Puerto Vallarta. Some businesses have suspended operations.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
With nowhere left to turn, Satin contacted ABC7's consumer advocacy team, 7 On Your Side, and asked for help.

He also questioned why such massive withdrawals  many clustered in a matter of weeks  were never flagged by Wells Fargo's fraud systems in the first place. But he wasn't getting anywhere. The bank simply wasn't responding.

Satin pushed back with the bank directly. "I said, 'Wait a second. He's 90. He's got a little bit of dementia. He can't hear. He can barely walk. He's got skin cancer. He's not noticing these kinds of things, and you guys have no help at all for him.'"

His nephew David Satin, who had stepped in to help manage Rosenberg's affairs, was stunned  especially after looking at the cashed checks. "If you look at all the checks that were written, none of them even have close to his signature, not even remotely close," Satin told ABC7.

Then came a letter: Wells Fargo was denying his fraud claim. Too much time had passed before he'd contacted the bank. The bank's deposit agreement gives customers 60 days to report unauthorized transactions. Rosenberg, dealing with dementia, skin cancer, and near-total hearing loss, had missed it.

When Rosenberg realized what had happened, he called Wells Fargo looking for help. The bank opened an investigation, but offered little reassurance. "An investigation could go forever," he said. "That's what they told me."

Rosenberg didn't catch it. Given his health, he wasn't in a position to. "I was angry and frustrated," he told ABC7 Los Angeles. "It took all my life savings  I was hurt."

Starting last April, someone began forging Rosenberg's signature on checks and draining his savings account. He'd never written a single check from it. The withdrawals came fast  many over just a few weeks  and added up to $814,000 (1).

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Irving Rosenberg spent a lifetime building his savings. At 90, with impaired hearing, limited mobility and early-stage dementia, the Southern California man had no reason to think his $814,000 in savings at Wells Fargo was at risk.

Moneywise and Yahoo Finance LLC may earn commission or revenue through links in the content below.

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Media pressure changed everything

Once the station began making inquiries, things changed quickly. "Since I contacted you, and you contacted them, they've contacted me at least five times," Satin said, adding that the bank had become "way more responsive."

As the report was being finalized, the good news came: Wells Fargo reversed its decision and agreed to return every dollar.

"After working with our customer and their designated Power of Attorney, and reviewing additional information, we are pleased to share that we are returning Mr. Rosenberg's money back to his account," the bank said in a statement.

Rosenberg was relieved. "I thank Channel 7 for doing that  thank you," he told the station. "I feel much better. I'm able to sleep."

A recognizable pattern across the country

Rosenberg's case ended well  but likely only because a TV station got involved. There are several recent examples of elderly Wells Fargo customers experiencing the same thing.

In Dallas, 83-year-old Billie Young had a check intercepted and cashed by a stranger (2). Wells Fargo denied her claim in May 2025, citing "untimely reporting." After WFAA aired her story, families nationwide flooded in with nearly identical experiences (3).

In Philadelphia, an elderly woman sued after losing $450,000 to a tech-support scam, alleging Wells Fargo let five wire transfers go through before anyone intervened (4). And in January 2025, a FINRA panel ordered Wells Fargo to pay $3.4 million to the estate of a Georgia woman whose nieces exploited her while the bank ignored red flags (5).

Wells Fargo has racked up nearly $28 billion in penalties since 2000. That ranks it third among U.S. megabanks, behind JPMorgan Chase and Bank of America (6).

And seniors are absorbing the worst of it: FBI data shows Americans over 60 reported $4.9 billion in fraud losses in 2024, up 43% from the year before (7). The FTC estimates the true toll, including unreported fraud, may reach $81.5 billion annually (8).

"This crime is not just financial," according to Kathy Stokes, of the AARP Fraud Watch Network (9). "Some people have everything taken from them, and they'll still say the emotional impact is the hardest."

The reporting window that works against the vulnerable

The 60-day reporting deadline that nearly sank Rosenberg's claim is standard across most major banks  and it creates a particular trap for elderly customers. The burden falls entirely on the account holder to review monthly statements and flag unauthorized transactions within that window. Miss it, and the bank considers the matter closed. No exceptions, no questions asked.

Ask yourself: how confident are you that your 80-year-old parent is reviewing their bank statements every month?

Congress is attempting to address this. The bipartisan Financial Exploitation Prevention Act (10), reintroduced in 2025, would let financial institutions delay suspicious transactions when they believe an elderly or disabled customer is being exploited. The House version passed committee 500 (11).

Work with an expert

While Congress tackles this issue, another option is to get a financial professional in your corner. Although advisors are often considered growth engines  ideally catapulting your investments to new heights  they can also provide a fraud protection function.

After all, a good advisor should have an eye on your retirement accounts, including unusual withdrawals or funny checks.

If youre not sure where to start, you could try working with Advisor.com to find a financial expert near you.

Getting started is easy: Just input some basic information about yourself, like your ZIP code, and a bit about your financial goals. From here, Advisor.com will match you with a nearby fiduciary  someone who has a legal and professional obligation to act in your best interests.

And the best part? When you get a match, you can book a free call with no obligation to hire to see if theyre a good fit for you.

What to do if this happens to you

Report immediately  and do it in writing. Flag suspicious transactions the moment you spot them and follow up by letter or email. Keep copies of everything. Under the Uniform Commercial Code, check fraud victims technically have up to one year to file a claim, even if the bank's internal deadline is shorter.

File with regulators and law enforcement. Report to your local police, the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center, and the CFPB. A CFPB complaint, in particular, can pressure banks to take a second look at denied claims.

Set up account alerts before anything goes wrong. Most banks offer free notifications for large withdrawals and new check activity. If you're helping manage an elderly relative's finances, enable those alerts on your own phone.

Designate a trusted contact and consider power of attorney. A trusted contact creates a safety net without giving that person account control. A durable financial power of attorney goes further  it lets a family member step in and act before the damage is done. That's ultimately what helped Rosenberg's family, but by the time Satin got involved, the money was already gone.

If your claim is denied, escalate. Rosenberg's and Young's cases both show that initial denials aren't always the final word. Request a supervisor review, involve your state attorney general's office, and don't underestimate local media consumer advocacy teams  they were the turning point in both stories.

Ditch paper checks. With check fraud at epidemic levels, switching to electronic payments is one of the simplest ways to protect yourself and the people you care about.

The fact that it took a TV investigation to get a major bank to return $814,000 in obviously forged checks says plenty on its own.

Digital crimes on the rise

Rosenbergs case is a reminder that keeping a close eye on your finances isnt optional anymore  its essential.

Scammers are becoming more sophisticated by the day. Americans lost over $16 billion to internet crimes in 2024, a 33% increase from the previous year, according to the FBI (12). Phishing and spoofing scams were the most common, along with extortion and data breaches.

Older adults were hit the hardest, with those over 60 reporting the most complaints and nearly $5 billion in losses.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission reported that Americans lost over $12.5 billion to identity theft and fraud in 2024  a 25% increase from 2023 (13).

If you want to safeguard your finances, one option is Aura  a platform that helps manage device security and identity monitoring in a single dashboard. The AI-powered platform tracks potential scams and suspicious activity across multiple devices while also monitoring spending to flag unusual transactions.

You can connect multiple devices and receive alerts about potential fraud 250 times faster than other platforms. And if identity theft does occur, members may be eligible for up to $1 million in coverage for certain losses and related fees.

Getting started is quick and easy, and you can sign up for a 14-day free trial. Aura also offers a 60-day money-back guarantee if youre not satisfied.

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Article sources

We rely only on vetted sources and credible third-party reporting. For details, see our editorial ethics and guidelines.

ABC7 Los Angeles (1); WFAA Dallas (2); WFAA Dallas (3); Top Class Actions (4); Financial Planning (5); Violation Tracker (6); FBI/IC3 (7); CNBC (8); AARP (9); Congress.gov (10); CNBC (11); FBI (12); FTC (13)

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
NASA said it plans to roll the Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft for Artemis II off the launch pad at the agency's Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Tuesday after a helium flow issue was found in the upper stage of the rocket.

"Engineers are continuing to prepare for the move after encountering an issue with the flow of helium to the rocket's upper stage," NASA said in a press release.

"Managers decided to remove recently installed platforms before high winds descend on the Space Coast, which poised teams for rollback while discussions about the issue were ongoing. Returning to the Vehicle Assembly Building at Kennedy is required to determine the cause of the issue and fix it," it added.

Teams are reviewing the exact time to begin the approximately 4 mile, multi-hour long trek.

The U.S. space agency said quick work to begin preparations for rolling the rocket and spacecraft back to the VAB raises the hope to launch the manned Moon mission in April, "pending the outcome of data findings, repair efforts, and how the schedule comes to fruition in the coming days and weeks".

The Artemis II crew members were released from quarantine and remain in Houston.

NASA said it will hold a media event in the coming days to discuss rollback, and plans for the Artemis II test flight.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
State of emergency has been declared in many north-eastern U.S. states as powerful winter storm started lashing the region.

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning or blizzard warning in many states. Heavy, wet snow is expected to cause tree branches and power lines to fall creating power outages.

Thousands of flights have been cancelled ahead of the winter storm.

The Governors of Massachusetts, Connecticut, Delaware, New Jersey and Rhode Island have declared a state of emergency as the most powerful north-eastern storm in nearly a decade is expected to cause heavy snow fall, strong winds and coastal flooding.

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has activated the State Emergency Operations Center at Massachusetts Emergency Management headquarters, activated up to 200 National Guard members, and directed non-emergency executive branch employees to work remotely on Monday.

Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont has signed an emergency order prohibiting all commercial vehicles from traveling on all limited access highways statewide.

Delaware Governor Matthew Meyer has declared a State of Emergency, which will allow for the mobilization of statewide resources, including the activation of the Delaware National Guard.

New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill declared that all State offices will be closed Monday due to inclement weather conditions. New Jersey State Police issued a mandatory travel restriction, while NJ TRANSIT temporarily suspended all rail service and all bus, light rail, and Access Link services.

Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee has issued a travel ban, and enabled the activation of the Rhode Island National Guard. The Governor has also activated the State Emergency Operations Center for the duration of the storm.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has announced a travel ban across the nation's most populous city through noon Monday. He also canceled classes for the city's public schools on Monday with no remote learning, while traffic will not be allowed in all streets, highways and bridges in the city.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
ImmunityBio, Inc. (IBRX) announced full-year 2025 financial and operational highlights, including net product revenue of $113 million for Anktiva, representing approximately 700% year-over-year growth. The company also reported a 750% increase in unit sale volume and expanded its regulatory footprint to 33 countries across four jurisdictions.

Anktiva, an IL-15 receptor super agonist antibody-cytokine fusion protein, is approved in combination with BCG for the treatment of BCG-unresponsive non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) with carcinoma in situ (CIS), with or without papillary tumors. In January 2026, Saudi Arabia's SFDA granted conditional accelerated approval for Anktiva in combination with checkpoint inhibitors for metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), marking the therapy's first approval outside bladder cancer.

The company has also established commercial partnerships to support global launches. In Europe, ImmunityBio partnered with Accord Healthcare, deploying a 100-person sales force across 30 countries, and set up a subsidiary in Dublin. In Saudi Arabia, partnerships with BioPharma and Cigalah will expand access to Anktiva, supported by a newly formed local subsidiary.

Upcoming Milestones

QUILT-2.005 Trial (BCG-Naive NMIBC): Enrolment ongoing; Biologics License Application (BLA) filing targeted by Q4 2026.

QUILT-3.055 Trial (2L+NSCLC, Single-Arm): Anktiva + checkpoint inhibitor. Accelerated approval granted in Saudi Arabia in January 2026. Planned submissions to multiple ex- U.S. regulatory authorities in 2026, with U.S. FDA discussions also scheduled for accelerated approval pathway in 2026.

Recombinant BCG Regulatory: Planned submission to SFDA; U.S. FDA meeting scheduled for March 2026.

The company ended December 31, 2025, with $242.8 million in cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities.

For the quarter the net product revenue was $38.3 million in Q4 2025, compared to $7.2 million in Q4 2024- an increase in $31.1 million, driven by higher sales of Anktiva following its April 2024 approval.

Net loss attributable to ImmunityBio common stockholders was $61.9 million in Q4 2025, compared to $59.2 million in Q4 2024.

For Full year net product revenue was $113.2 million in 2025, compared to $14.7 million in 2024- reflecting strong year-over-year growth.

Net loss attributable to ImmunityBio common stockholders was $351.4 million in 2025, compared to $413.6 million in 2024.

IBRX has traded between $1.83 and $11.00 over the past year, touching a new 52-week high of $11.00 during the latest trading session. The stock is currently trading at $10.14 up 16.54%.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
Coca-Cola [KO], the parent company of the Topo Chico brand, has warned of a temporary shortage of its signature Topo Chico Mineral Water sold in glass bottles across the United States.

The beverage giant cited production disruptions due to facility upgrades and technical issues at the water source in Monterrey, Mexico, where the mineral water originates.

In a letter to distributors, Coca-Cola reported additional challenges with the source wells, including geology-related quality concerns that have slowed output over the past two months and forced a temporary halt to orders.

The company stated it is investing further in infrastructure improvements to stabilize and enhance water quality, but acknowledged the flagship product is "temporarily unavailable."

The disruption affects only the classic Topo Chico Mineral Water in glass bottles. Other Topo Chico offerings, including flavored sparkling varieties and canned cocktails, remain available. Coca-Cola acquired the Topo Chico brand in 2017 for $200 million, betting on growing demand for premium water as consumers shift away from sugary sodas.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
Motorcycle sales in January 2026 witnessed healthy growth, with the top 10 models together accounting for 9,02,096 units, registering a 20.27% year-on-year increase compared to 7,50,060 units sold in January 2025. Most models in the list posted positive growth, reflecting steady demand across commuter and premium segments.

Top 10 Motorcycles Jan 2026

Hero Splendor continued to dominate the charts with 3,24,019 units sold in January 2026, up 24.90% from 2,59,431 units in the same month last year. It remained the highest-selling motorcycle in the country by a significant margin. Honda Shine, placed second, recorded 1,61,224 units but saw a marginal 4.20% decline compared to 1,68,290 units sold in January 2025.

Bajaj Pulsar secured third position with 1,29,600 units, marking a 24.52% YoY growth over 1,04,081 units last year. Hero HF Deluxe followed with 71,690 units, up 15.21% YoY, maintaining strong traction in the entry-level commuter space. TVS Apache emerged as one of the stronger performers in the mid-premium segment, posting 51,191 units, up 48.33% from 34,511 units a year ago. TVS Raider also registered solid growth of 31.73%, with 36,069 units sold compared to 27,382 units in January 2025.

Honda CB Unicorn recorded 35,710 units, reflecting a 34.71% YoY increase, while Royal Enfield Classic 350 continued its steady run with 34,981 units, up 14.38% from 30,582 units last year. Bajaj Platina posted 33,520 units, up 22.62% YoY, highlighting continued demand in the budget commuter segment. The highest percentage growth among the top 10 came from Hero Glamour, which clocked 24,092 units, a massive 147.99% jump over 9,715 units sold in January 2025. This sharp rise significantly contributed to the overall segment growth.

OEM Wise Performance Jan 2026

OEM-wise analysis shows that Hero MotoCorp continues to dominate the motorcycle segment, with three models in the top 10  Splendor, HF Deluxe and Glamour. Combined sales stood at 4,19,801 units in January 2026, marking a strong 26.68% YoY growth. A major boost came from Glamour, which posted nearly 148% growth, while Splendor remained the countrys best-selling motorcycle. This reinforces Heros firm grip over the commuter segment, which continues to drive bulk volumes.

TVS Motor emerged as one of the fastest-growing OEMs among the top 10, registering 40.99% YoY growth with Apache and Raider together contributing 87,260 units. Bajaj Auto also posted a healthy 24.13% increase, driven by strong Pulsar and Platina performance. Hondas growth remained relatively flat at 1.10%, as Shine witnessed a slight decline despite CB Unicorns solid gains.

Royal Enfield maintained steady double-digit growth at 14.38% with Classic 350, highlighting consistent demand in the mid-capacity premium segment. Overall, commuter motorcycles continued to anchor volumes, while sporty and mid-premium offerings supported growth momentum.
Toyota Kirloskar Motor reported total domestic sales of 30,630 units in January 2026, registering a 17.01% year-on-year growth compared to 26,178 units sold in January 2025. However, on a month-on-month basis, sales declined by 10.33% from 34,157 units recorded in December 2025.

Toyota Sales Breakup Jan 2026  Hyryder Leads Growth

The standout performer for Toyota in January 2026 was Hyryder, which clocked 9,156 units, marking a strong 85.31% YoY growth over 4,941 units sold in January 2025. On a MoM basis too, Hyryder grew 30.39% from 7,022 units in December 2025, emerging as Toyotas top-selling model for the month.

Innova Hycross followed with 6,391 units, up 13.36% YoY compared to 5,638 units last year. However, it saw a 10.77% MoM decline from 7,162 units in December. The older Innova Crysta posted 3,064 units, reflecting a 26.03% YoY decline, though it improved 11.95% over December sales.

Fortuner recorded 3,046 units in January 2026, marginally down 3.27% YoY but up 2.87% MoM. Glanza, on the other hand, saw sales fall to 2,978 units, down 13.81% YoY and sharply lower by 53.84% compared to December 2025. Rumion reported healthy growth at 2,829 units, up 45.52% YoY and 3.74% MoM. Taisor posted 2,521 units, nearly flat YoY with 2.06% growth but declined 43.44% over December.

Hilux recorded 317 units, up 32.64% YoY and 36.64% MoM, reflecting steady demand in the lifestyle pickup segment. Camry sales stood at 184 units, slightly down 6.60% YoY. Vellfire witnessed a sharp jump to 123 units compared to just 3 units in January 2025, indicating renewed demand in the luxury MPV space. Land Cruiser 300 registered 21 units during the month, compared to none in the same period last year.

Segment Mix Driving Performance

Toyotas January 2026 performance highlights the growing contribution of hybrid SUVs and MPVs, particularly Hyryder and Hycross, which together accounted for over half of the brands total sales. While some models saw sequential correction from December highs, the overall 17% YoY growth underscores steady demand across Toyotas SUV and MPV portfolio in India.
The Government has announced plans to spend billions of pounds reshaping how children with special educational needs and disabilities are supported in mainstream schools across England.

SEND reforms

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the reforms are designed to move away from a "one size fits all" system and to stop parents having to "battle" for help.

Writing in The Times, the Prime Minister said: "I am so determined to change Britain so that it is truly built for all. I want this country to see and value the contribution every single person can make.

Thats why today I am proud to launch a white paper that will finally include kids that dont fit the typical mould in our highest aspirations.

But most significantly of all, it also launches a long overdue reform of the special educational needs system.

Under the proposed overhaul, all pupils with SEND will be able to receive support in school, even if they do not have an official Education, Health and Care Plan, known as an EHCP. Ministers say this should allow help to be delivered more quickly and reduce the pressure on families to secure a formal legal plan before support is provided.

The reforms will also require children with EHCPs to be reassessed when moving from primary to secondary school and again after GCSEs. The first group to be reviewed under the new approach would be Year 6 pupils in 2029, before they start secondary school in 2030.

Currently, just over 480,000 of the 1.7 million pupils with SEND in England have an EHCP. These plans are legally binding documents that set out the support a child is entitled to and are one of the most expensive parts of the system.

The Government says additional funding will enable all areas in England to employ specialist SEND teachers and speech and language therapists who can support pupils regardless of whether they have an EHCP.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said she wants to create a system that is less divided around who does and does not have a formal plan.

Speaking on the BBCs Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, she said: The assurance I can give to parents is that under the new system, more children will receive support, but theyll receive it more quickly, theyll receive it when they need it and where they need it and parents wont have to fight so hard to get support through an EHCP.
Feb 23 (Reuters) - AbbVie on Monday said it would invest $380 million to build two new active pharmaceutical ingredient manufacturing facilities at its Illinois campus, expanding its domestic production capacity for its neuroscience and obesity medicines.

The investment is part of AbbVie's broader effort to scale up domestic manufacturing, as drugmakers are scrambling to shore up their U.S. manufacturing capacity and domestic inventory amid the Trump administration's hefty tariffs on pharmaceutical imports into the country.

The U.S. government imposed a 100% tariff on branded drugs in October, but said it would only apply to producers who had not already broken ground on U.S. manufacturing plants.

AbbVie said the construction at the new facility in North Chicago, Illinois would begin in spring 2026, with both new facilities expected to be fully operational in 2029.

The new facilities will integrate advanced manufacturing technologies and artificial intelligence to support production of future pipeline medicines, the company said.

API production - the process of making a drug's active chemical components - is one of the most complex steps in pharmaceutical manufacturing, the drugmaker said.

AbbVie said it plans to hire 300 people in North Chicago, including engineers, scientists, manufacturing operators and lab technicians.

In January, it committed $100 billion over the next decade to U.S.-based research and development, including an earlier $195 million expansion at the same North Chicago site to boost API production for immunology, oncology and neuroscience drugs.

AbbVie already has 11 manufacturing sites in the U.S. and is also in discussions with multiple U.S. states about potential projects and expects to announce further investments in 2026.

(Reporting by Siddhi Mahatole in Bengaluru; Editing by Maju Samuel)
Advisor.com connects you with participating unaffiliated third-party registered investment advisors (RIAs) through its matching tool or provides personalized investment advice via its in-house wealth management service, Advisor Wealth Management.

With the help of a qualified professional, like those found through Advisor.com , you can easily plan when, where, and how you want to retire.

Research from T. Rowe Price found that individuals with a formal financial plan had two to four times more wealth when entering retirement compared to those without one (6).

Thankfully, there are steps you can take to give yourself and your family peace of mind.

If you want to avoid returning to work, having the right retirement strategy for how and when youll spend your income is key.

It may also be fueling the rise of unretirement. An AARP survey found that 38 million Americans over the age of 55 are currently looking for work  more than 2.5 times as many as 40 years ago (3). Among unretirees, 48% say financial need drove their decision to resume working (4). This is reinforced by BLS data, which found that 19.5% of U.S. adults over the age of 65 were still participating in the labor force (5).

The financial consequences can creep in quickly. Without a plan, you could risk joining the 31% of Americans who are overspending in retirement, according to a report from retirement magazine 401(k) Specialist (2).

Allianzs Vice President of Consumer Insights, Kelly LaVigne, noted, if you dont know how you will draw from your retirement assets for income, then you arent ready to retire.

Most Americans earn a dismal 0.39% APY on their cash at big banks. Unlock up to 4.05% APY and pay $0 in account fees instead with a Wealthfront Cash Account

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Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100  and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how

An Allianz Life Insurance study revealed that only 44 % of Americans have a retirement income plan (1). That means more than half may be running into retirement without a clear understanding of how theyll turn their savings into steady income during their golden years.

Without a well-defined plan for spending in retirement, Americans could be facing unexpected and unnecessary stress.

Moneywise and Yahoo Finance LLC may earn commission or revenue through links in the content below.

Story Continues

From their database of thousands, you can find a pre-screened financial advisor you can trust. All you have to do is enter a bit of basic information, such as your ZIP code and a bit about your financial goals. From here, you can then set up a free, no obligation consultation to see if theyre the right fit for you.

Even if youre confident in the amount youve saved for your retirement, LaVigne insists it is critical to understand how those assets will be able to fund your life after you retire. Thats why individuals with higher net worths should also consider consulting a professional to make the most of their nest egg and the rest of their assets and portfolio.

If you have a substantial nest egg or are a high-income earner thinking about maximizing your retirement, you might want to consider working with white-glove financial experts.

Thats where services like Range come into play. Range is a CFP-backed and AI-driven platform that can help high net worth investors minimize their tax exposure, grow their portfolio and optimize their investment strategies  all essential parts of a successful retirement.

Unlike many other white-glove advisorial services, Range offers flat-fee pricing and 0% AUM fees. By comparison, traditional advisors typically charge 0.5% to 2% AUM fees.

Range also provides innovative tax and financial planning expertise  from tax segmentation analysis for real estate through their partners to the backdoor Roth IRA contribution method. The financial experts at Range understand high net worth individuals and the diversity of assets under their portfolio.

To find out more, book a complimentary demo with the Range team to see if theyre right for you and your portfolio.

Read More: Im almost 50 years old and dont have retirement savings. Is it too late to catch up?

Read More: Non-millionaires can now invest in this $1B private real estate fund starting at just $10

How to plan your retirement income

Another big concern among those surveyed is how to best take distributions from their retirement savings when they do retire, with 45% revealing theyre unsure of the best method.

This question is best answered with the help of a financial advisor, and it will largely depend on the type of accounts that you have.

With most IRA accounts, you will pay taxes on the funds you take out. So, the timing of these withdrawals really matters for the potential income tax youll incur.

However, with a Roth IRA, you contribute to your account with after-tax income, which means your withdrawals at retirement age wont be taxed.

This is why financial guru Suze Orman wrote that Americans should be putting every single cent into a Roth account in her book, The Ultimate Retirement Guide For 50 Plus.

And if you have a gold IRA, youll want to plan for whether youd like your withdrawals to be as income, or as the physical asset.

One way to invest in a gold IRA is with the help of Thor Metals.

Gold IRAs allow investors to hold physical gold or gold-related assets within a retirement account, which combines the tax advantages of an IRA with the protective benefits of investing in gold. This can make it an attractive option for those looking to potentially hedge their retirement funds against economic uncertainties.

To learn more, you can get a free information guide that includes details on how to get up to $20,000 in free metals on qualifying purchases.

Make sure your family is secure

Finally, a plan is important because it provides your loved ones with security, too.

For workers, an emergency fund doesnt just safeguard against a job loss. It can also be the ticket to covering surprise expenses without going into debt. And being retired doesnt make you immune to surprises.

For instance, if youre concerned that Medicare might not cover all your health care expenses or if you want a little more financial security in retirement, there are other insurance options you can consider

If youre concerned that Medicare might not cover your expenses, there are other insurance options you can consider. Without proper planning, paying for long-term care could deplete your retirement fund. In many cases, the burden of paying for care then falls on family members  potentially straining their finances.

Long-term care insurance offers coverage for the costs of in-home assistance, nursing homes or assisted living facilities.

Consider opting for long-term care insurance

Traditional health insurance covers certain medical needs in old age, such as prescriptions and doctor visits, but it doesnt always cover the extra support many seniors eventually need.

Thats where long-term care insurance comes in.

If youre worried about handling those costs on your own, it may be worth exploring coverage options.

One option is GoldenCare, which offers comprehensive long-term care insurance policies. They included hybrid life or annuity with long-term care benefits, short-term care, extended care, home health care, assisted living and traditional long-term care insurance.

Because long-term care isnt one-size-fits-all, GoldenCare lets you tailor coverage to your needs and budget.

You can get one-on-one customer service from Goldencare Long-Term Care Specialists to help identify the best coverage options for you and your budget.

Enjoying life on a fixed income

Having a suitable retirement plan isnt only important for your financial goals. Its just as critical for your peace of mind.

Of those surveyed by Allianz Life, 48% worried about living too frugally and not enjoying retirement as much as they should.

Without a clear set of steps for how you want to prepare for  and live  in retirement, youre subjecting yourself to unnecessary uncertainty. You may be spending more frugally than necessary, or you might not be frugal enough to make those savings last.

Track your spending

Before you can fine-tune your retirement strategy, you need to understand where your money is going today. Hidden subscriptions, creeping expenses and forgotten bills can quietly throw off your plan.

You can let Rocket Money work behind the scenes to keep your finances on track.

With the app's premium Net Worth feature, you can link all your accounts  banking, investments, retirement, property, vehicles, and even manually added items like jewelry  and it shows your assets versus liabilities in real time, no spreadsheets required.

With free tools like subscription tracking, bill reminders, credit scores, and budgeting basics, plus premium features such as automated savings and customizable dashboards, Rocket Money makes it easier to see the big financial picture, stay on top of your investments, and keep you focused on building your wealth.

Take advantage of senior-focused discounts

As you get closer to retirement, every dollar starts to matter more. Although budgeting and planning ahead help, you could also tap into deals and discounts tailored to older Americans.

Reputable organizations like AARP are designed to support retirees like you during the golden years.

AARP offers discounts on almost everything  from prescriptions and dental plans to travel, entertainment and insurance.

Even better, AARP members get access to guides that can help you make the most of Social Security, choose the right Medicare plan, and uncover other government benefits  potentially saving you thousands.

Sign up with AARP today and get 25% off your first year.

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Article Sources

Allianz Life (1); 401(k) Specialist (2); AARP (3), (4); BLS (5); T. Rowe Price (6)

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
Two species of myllokunmingiid fishes that lived in what is now China around 518 million years ago (Cambrian period) possessed two large lateral eyes and two smaller, centrally positioned eyes, according to new research led by Yunnan University paleontologists.

The myllokunmingiids are primitive jawless fish that lived during the Cambrian period, a time when animals were rapidly evolving new body plans and senses in response to increasing predation.

These creatures are considered to be the earliest known vertebrate animals.

In a new study, Yunnan Universitys Professor Peiyun Cong and colleagues examined the new, exquisitely preserved myllokunmingiid fossils from the famous Chengjiang fossil beds of southern China.

These fossils preserve the eyes in extraordinary detail, Professor Cong said.

We started by examining the obvious large eyes to understand their anatomy  and it was a complete surprise to find two smaller, fully functional eyes between them. Seeing that was incredibly exciting.

According to the researchers, modern vertebrates see mainly using two eyes.

A structure deep in the brain  the pineal gland  helps regulate sleep by responding to light and producing melatonin.

In some fish, amphibians, and reptiles, it can still detect light and is sometimes called a third eye.

The two new myllokunmingiids show that in the earliest vertebrates, the pineal complex was not a simple light sensor  it was a pair of well-developed eyes capable of imaging the world.

What were seeing is that the pineal organs began as image-forming eyes, Professor Cong said.

Only later in evolution did they shrink, lose visual power, and take on their modern role in regulating sleep.

The scientists used high-powered microscopy to identify melanosomes  pigment-containing organelles responsible for coloration and light absorption in living eyes  in all four eyes of the myllokunmingiids.

A chemical analysis confirmed melanin, the same pigment used in modern vertebrate vision.

Circular structures consistent with lenses indicate these eyes were capable of forming images, not just detecting light, providing direct evidence of advanced visual systems in the earliest vertebrates.

Fossil eyes are incredibly rare  you wouldnt expect something as delicate as an eye to survive for hundreds of millions of years, said University of Leicesters Professor Sarah Gabbott.

Yet under the right conditions they can, and when they do, they open a rare window into how extinct animals saw and experienced their world.

It was a long shot, but we suspected the eyes in these Chinese fossils might be preserved  and they were, complete with light-absorbing pigments in the retina and lenses capable of forming images, showing just how well our earliest ancestors could see.

During the Cambrian period, the oceans were a dangerous place. Large predators were emerging, while early vertebrates were small, soft-bodied, and vulnerable.

In that environment having four eyes may have given these animals a wider field of view  important to avoid predators, said Dr. Jakob Vinther, a paleontologist at the University of Bristol.

The findings also solve a long-standing mystery about the origin of the pineal gland and provide the oldest known evidence of camera-style eyes in the fossil record.

This changes how we think about the early evolution of vertebrates, Dr. Vinther said.

It turns out our ancestors were visually sophisticated animals navigating a dangerous world.

The study also suggests that the familiar idea of a vertebrate third eye may need an update.

In fact, these animals didnt just have a third eye  they had a fourth, Dr. Vinther concluded.

The discovery is described in a paper published on January 21, 2026 in the journal Nature.

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X. Lei et al. 2026. Four camera-type eyes in the earliest vertebrates from the Cambrian period. Nature 650, 150-155; doi: 10.1038/s41586-025-09966-0
A newly published study in Science announces the discovery of Spinosaurus mirabilis, a previously unknown species of spinosaurid dinosaur uncovered in Niger. The fossils were excavated in a remote region of the central Sahara by a 20 member research team led by Paul Sereno, PhD, Professor of Organismal Biology and Anatomy at the University of Chicago. The find adds significant new evidence to the final phase of spinosaurid evolution.

One of the most remarkable features of S. mirabilis is its enormous, scimitar shaped crest. When paleontologists first spotted the crest and several jaw fragments on the desert surface in November 2019, they did not immediately realize what they had found. It was only after returning in 2022 with a larger team and uncovering two more crests that the researchers understood they were dealing with a new species.

The texture of the crest and the network of blood vessel channels inside it indicate that it was covered in keratin, the same material found in human fingernails. Researchers believe the crest was brightly colored during the dinosaur's lifetime and arched upward like a curved blade, likely serving as a dramatic display structure.

The skull also reveals tightly interlocking upper and lower teeth that formed an effective trap for slippery prey. In this arrangement, the lower teeth extend outward between the upper teeth when the jaws close. This adaptation appears repeatedly in the fossil record among fish eating animals, including aquatic ichthyosaurs, semi aquatic crocodile and flying pterosaurs. Among dinosaurs, however, this feature distinguishes Spinosaurus and its closest relatives.

"This find was so sudden and amazing, it was really emotional for our team," Sereno said. "I'll forever cherish the moment in camp when we crowded around a laptop to look at the new species for the first time, after one member of our team generated 3D digital models of the bones we found to assemble the skull -- on solar power in the middle of the Sahara. That's when the significance of the discovery really registered."

Inland Habitat Challenges Aquatic Dinosaur Theory

Until now, most spinosaurid fossils had been recovered from coastal deposits close to ancient shorelines. That pattern led some researchers to suggest these fish eating theropods may have been fully aquatic predators that hunted underwater.

The newly identified fossil site in Niger tells a different story. The remains were found 500-1000 km from the nearest ancient marine shoreline. Nearby were partial skeletons of long necked dinosaurs preserved in river sediments, pointing to a forested inland environment crisscrossed by waterways.

"I envision this dinosaur as a kind of 'hell heron' that had no problem wading on its sturdy legs into two meters of water but probably spent most of its time stalking shallower traps for the many large fish of the day," Sereno said.

A 70 Year Old Clue Leads to the Sahara

The expedition that led to this discovery began with a brief note in a 1950s monograph. In it, a French geologist mentioned a single sabre shaped fossil tooth resembling those of the massive predator Carcharodontosaurus, originally found in Egypt's Western Desert in the early 1900s.

"No one had been back to that tooth site in over 70 years," Sereno said. "It was an adventure and a half wandering into the sand seas to search for this locale and then find an even more remote fossil area with the new species. Now all of the young scholars who joined me are co-authors on the report gracing the cover of Science."

During their search, the team encountered a Tuareg man who offered to guide them on his motorbike deep into the Sahara, where he had seen enormous fossil bones. After nearly a full day of travel and uncertainty, he led them to a fossil rich area. With limited time before heading back to camp, the researchers collected teeth and jaw fragments belonging to the new Spinosaurus species.

"I was attracted to the Sahara like a magnet once I set foot there 30 years ago," Sereno said. "There's nowhere else like it. It's as beautiful as it is daunting." After excavating more than 100 tons of fossils over the years, he added, "If you can brave the elements and are willing to go after the unknown, you might just uncover a lost world."

Expanding Niger's Paleontological Legacy

The discovery strengthens Niger's reputation as a major site for paleontology and archaeology. Sereno has long worked in the country and has led the creation of the world's first zero energy museum, the Museum of the River, located on an island in the center of Niamey, Niger's capital. The museum will display the country's remarkable fossil heritage, including this newly identified spinosaur, along with artifacts from stone age cultures that lived in a once lush Green Sahara.

"The local people we work with are my lifelong friends, now including the man who led us to Jenguebi and the astonishing spinosaur. They understand the importance of what we're doing together -- for science and for their country," Sereno said.

Bringing Spinosaurus mirabilis Back to Life

At the University of Chicago's South Side Fossil Lab in Washington Park, the team carefully prepared and CT scanned the fossils to create a digital reconstruction of the skull for the scientific report. Using that model, Sereno collaborated with paleoartist Dani Navarro in Madrid to produce a dramatic scene showing the new species competing over a coelacanth carcass. Navarro also built a detailed 3D physical model by layering muscle and skin over a skeletal framework.

Additional paleoartists in Chicago (Jonathan Metzger) and Italy (Davide la Torre) animated Navarro's model, recreating the scene featured on the cover of Science. Advances in software, imaging tools, cameras, and drones have transformed how paleontologists document and visualize discoveries in both fieldwork and laboratory settings.

Inspiring the Next Generation

As part of the reconstruction process, the team produced a replica of the skull and a colorful, touchable version of the curved crest.

Beginning March 1, following publication of the Science paper, these replicas will join Sereno's Dinosaur Expedition exhibit at the Chicago Children's Museum. Young visitors will be among the first to see and handle representations of this newly discovered dinosaur.

"Letting kids feel the excitement of new discoveries -- that's key to ensuring the next generation of scientists who will discover many more things about our precious planet worth preserving," Sereno said.
CapEx remains high, with a forecast of $600 million for 2026, driven by investments in safety, reliability, and growth opportunities, which may pressure cash flow.

Ampol Ltd ( CTXAY ) recognized a non-cash impairment of $90 million on its investment in Sea Oil, reflecting tempered growth expectations in the Philippines market.

The board declared a final dividend of $0.60 per share, fully franked, reflecting confidence in the sustainability of earnings and the balance sheet.

Ampol Ltd ( CTXAY ) has returned leverage to within its target range, positioning the company well for strategic priorities, including the proposed acquisition of EG Australia.

The company's focus on premium fuels has been successful, with premium fuels now representing 56.5% of retail fuel volumes, supporting higher fuel margins.

Ampol Ltd ( CTXAY ) reported a significant increase in EBIT, up more than 30%, and NPAT, up more than 80% compared to the previous year.

For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript .

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Q & A Highlights

Q: Can you provide more details on the earnings uplift from the Hugo sites and the impact on retail fuel margins? A: Greg Barnes, CFO: We are pleased with the performance of Hugo sites, which take about six months to settle post-conversion. The $350,000 earnings uplift is an annualized figure post-ramp-up. The uplift comes from removing store labor costs and improved fuel margins due to increased volume. The strategy competes effectively in the second-tier market, focusing on base-grade petrol volumes.

Q: Why did the debt come in higher than expected, and are there any temporary factors affecting this? A: Matthew Halliday, CEO: The higher debt is due to extended supply chains and the second stage of the Minimum Stock Obligation (MSO), which increased working capital. Additionally, after a period of limited tax payments, the company is now in a tax payable situation.

Q: Can you explain the strategy behind the volume decline in Australian wholesale fuel sales? A: Matthew Halliday, CEO: The decline is due to repositioning the portfolio and focusing on profitability over volume. Despite a 2.6% decline in wholesale volumes, we saw growth in B2B volumes in Q4, indicating positive momentum. The strategy includes the proposed acquisition of EG Australia to enhance market position.

Q: How does the CapEx to depreciation ratio reflect future growth, and what is the outlook for CapEx? A: Greg Barnes, CFO: In a normal year, CapEx would be around $450 million. The current higher CapEx is due to highway site investments and the low sulfur fuels project, which will conclude in 2026. Post-project, CapEx is expected to return to normal levels, supporting future growth.

Q: What is the outlook for international trading, and how does it impact earnings? A: Greg Barnes, CFO: International trading is opportunistic, capturing arbitrage opportunities. While the second half of 2025 showed improvement, geopolitical events create volatility. We remain cautious but expect the business to recover over time, contributing significant value across the supply chain.

For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.
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BNP Paribas (ENXTPA:BNP) has run a pilot issuing tokenized share classes of a French money market fund on the Ethereum public blockchain, testing how blockchain fits within tightly regulated fund structures.

See our latest analysis for BNP Paribas.

The tokenisation pilot comes as BNP Paribas shares trade at 94.73, with recent momentum reflected in a 7.5% 30 day share price return and a 34.5% 90 day share price return. The 1 year total shareholder return of 46.6% and 5 year total shareholder return of about 1.7x suggest investors who stayed invested over time have seen materially stronger outcomes than the shorter term moves alone imply.

If this kind of blockchain trial has you thinking more broadly about where technology meets finance, it could be worth scanning 17 cryptocurrency and blockchain stocks as a starting point for other ideas beyond BNP Paribas.

With BNP Paribas trading at 94.73, a reported intrinsic discount of about 53% and only a small gap to the average analyst price target, is the market missing something or already pricing in the banks future growth potential?

Most Popular Narrative: 4.2% Undervalued

With BNP Paribas last closing at 94.73 against a narrative fair value of about 98.87, the current price sits slightly below what that widely followed view suggests, and the Ethereum tokenisation pilot adds another layer for investors considering potential future earnings power.

The integration of AXA IM and HSBC WM Germany, alongside ongoing expansion in high-growth markets (notably Turkey and Poland), is set to significantly broaden BNP Paribas's distribution network and wealth management capabilities, directly increasing fee-based revenue and supporting long-term earnings growth through enhanced client acquisition and cross-selling opportunities.

Read the complete narrative.

Want to see what kind of revenue path sits behind that fair value? The narrative focuses on fee growth, margin improvement and a different future earnings mix. The exact assumptions may be unexpected.

Result: Fair Value of 98.87 (UNDERVALUED)

Have a read of the narrative in full and understand what's behind the forecasts.

However, those fee and margin expectations could be knocked off course if Eurozone commercial banking remains structurally low growth, or if digital-only competitors chip away at customer relationships.

Find out about the key risks to this BNP Paribas narrative.
Austral Gold is a growing gold and silver mining producer building a portfolio of quality assets in the Americas based on three strategic pillars: production, exploration and equity investments. Austral continues to lay the foundation for its growth strategy by advancing its attractive portfolio of producing and exploration assets. Under its equity investments pillar, Austral holds shares in ASX-listed Unico Silver, as previously disclosed in the December 2025 Quarterly Report.

Invest in capital expenditure (capex) to expand processing (milling) capacity at Casposo, including the acquisition and construction of the classification plant to process tailings, and to increase agitation leaching capacity at Guanaco through the addition of a second filter press; and

Austral Gold's Chair, Eduardo Elsztain, said: "We are very pleased to complete this Placement and welcome a number of new institutional and sophisticated investors to our company. The strong support for the Placement is a vote of confidence in our strategy to strengthen operations at Casposo in Argentina and Guanaco in Chile, while advancing our exploration portfolio."

Following receipt of TSXV regulatory approval, all committed funds have been received, and the New Shares have been issued under the Company's existing placement capacity in accordance with ASX Listing Rule 7.1A.

Sydney, Australia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 22, 2026) - Austral Gold Limited (ASX: AGD) (TSXV: AGLD) (OTCQB: AGLDF) ("Austral" or the "Company"), an established gold producer, is pleased to announce the completion of its previously announced private placement, raising A$8.456 million (before costs) through the issue of 46,977,778 new fully paid ordinary shares (the "New Shares") at a price of A$0.18 per share (the "Placement").

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For more information, please visit the Company's website at www.australgold.com.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Release approved on behalf of the Board by the Chief Executive Officer, Stabro Kasaneva.

For additional information, please contact:

David Hwang

Joint Company Secretary

Austral Gold Limited

david@confidantpartners.com

+61 433 292 290 Jose Bordogna, CFA

Chief Financial Officer and Joint Company Secretary

Austral Gold Limited

jose.bordogna@australgold.com

+61 466 892 307

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements in this news release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical, and consist primarily of projections and statements regarding future plans, expectations and developments. Words such as "expects", "intends", "plans", "may", "could", "potential", "should", "anticipates", "likely", "believes" and words of similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statement in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the intended use of proceeds from the Placement, the anticipated acceleration of exploration programs at Guanaco, Casposo, Manantiales and Juncal, the expected benefits and timing of planned capital expenditures, including expansion of milling capacity at Casposo, construction and acquisition activities related to the classification plant, and increased agitation leaching capacity at Guanaco, the belief that the initiatives funded by the Placement will support the next stage of the Company's growth, and the Company's broader operational, financial, and strategic objectives.

All of these forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ from those expressed or implied, including, without limitation, uncertainty of exploration programs, development plans and cost estimates, commodity price fluctuations; political or economic instability and regulatory changes; currency fluctuations, the state of the capital markets, uncertainty in the measurement of mineral resources and reserves; and other risks and hazards related to the exploitation and development of mineral properties, as well as the availability of capital. You are cautioned that the foregoing list is not exhaustive of all factors and assumptions which may have been used. Austral cannot assure you that actual events, performance or results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements, and management's assumptions may prove to be incorrect. Austral's forward-looking statements reflect current expectations regarding future events and operating performance and speak only as of the date hereof and Austral does not assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances or management's beliefs, expectations or opinions should change other than as required by applicable law. For the reasons set forth above, you should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/284843
Shares in Novo Nordisk plunged on Monday, after a trial for a new weight-loss treatment failed to meet its end target.

The Danish owner of obesity and diabetes drugs Ozempic and Wegovy said novel treatment CagriSema - a once-weekly injection combining two molecules - achieved 23% weight loss after 84 weeks of treatment in an open-label phase 3 trial.

In contrast, patients who were given 15mg of tirzepatide achieved 25.5% weight loss. Tirzepatide is the active ingredient in rival Eli Lilly treatments, Mounjaro and Zepbound.

The end target had been for CagriSema to show non-inferiority on weight loss when compared to tirzepatide.

As at 1130 GMT, the stock had plunged 16% in both Copenhagen and in pre-market trading in New York.

However, Martin Holst Lange, chief scientific officer at Novo Nordisk, said the company was "pleased" with the 23% weight loss.

"CagriSema has the potential to be the first GLP-1/amylin-combination product to reach the market for people living with obesity," he added. "Based on learnings from completed studies, we look forward to the Redefine 11 readout and the initiation of the higher-dose CagriSema trial, which are both designed to assess the full weight-loss potential of CagriSema."

Redefine is the global clinical development programme for the use of CagriSema in obesity, and includes a number of phase 3 trials.

CagriSema contains semaglutide, the active ingredient in GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy, and new molecule cagrilintide. Novo is looking to secure a new pipeline of drugs as it battles various headwinds, including stiff competition for its blockbuster treatments, falling prices in the US and looming patent expiry dates.

It submitted CagriSema to the US Food and Drug Administration in December, based on earlier trial data. A decision is anticipated by "late 2026", Novo said.
Global markets came under renewed pressure on Monday after Donald Trump vowed to increase worldwide tariffs to a blanket 15%.

The Supreme Court struck down the US presidents reciprocal tariff regime on Friday. But Trump responded by calling the decision "ridiculous, poorly written and extraordinarily anti-American", and immediately announced a global 10% tariff on all countries.

That was initially slated to come into effect on Tuesday. However, he then announced a new 15% tariff - effective immediately - and warned of more levies to come.

Writing on Truth Social, Trump wrote: "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 US off for decades, without retribution (until I came along!), to the fully allowed, and legally tested, 15% level.

"During the next short number of months, the Trump Administration will determine and issue the new and legally permissible Tariffs."

The Supreme Court ruled by six to three that Trump had wrongfully invoked the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to implement tariffs without seeking approval from Congress. The new tariffs had been invoked under Section 133 of the 1974 Trade Act, which allows the US president to impose temporary levies for 150 days. Extensions require approval from Congress, however.

It is not thought the law has been used before.

It is not currently clear how the new 15% global rate will affect countries, including the UK and Australia, that already had 10% tariff deals in place.

As expected the FTSE 100 opened slightly lower on Monday, as investors reacted to the fresh uncertainty.

Matt Britzman, senior equity analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown, said: "The UK had seemingly done its homework, securing a 10% trade deal, but the White Houses new 15% blanket tariff rather takes the shine off that achievement, dragging the UK back into fresh trade uncertainty.

"The new tariffis a far blunter instrument than the flexible, targeted tools the administration had been relying on.

"Wall Street ended last week on a high. That optimism is fading somewhat this morning, however, with US futures pointing lower as the dust settles and investors strap back in for another wave of tariff uncertainty."

Richard Hunter, head of markets at Interactive Investor, said: "A weekend of confusion may yet have revived the sell America trade.

"Tariff developments have turned the situation into an unholy mess, prompting far more questions than answers."
London-listed investor ICG is reportedly in talks to buy a stake in telecoms provider Southern Communications Group at a valuation of over 700m.

According to Sky News, ICG has entered exclusive negotiations about a transaction that would see it acquiring a large minority stake in SCG.

Based in Hampshire and founded in the 1960s, SCG has grown over three decades under the leadership of boss Chris Bradford. The company is focused on the UK small and medium-sized business sector, and has a particular strength in the healthcare industry, where it supplies communications software to a sizeable chunk of GP surgeries, Sky said.

One telecoms industry source told Sky that if successfully completed, a deal would involve ICG buying roughly 40% of SCG as part of a broader recapitalisation.

It was understood that the company, which employs about 900 people, is being advised by bankers at Houlihan Lokey. Its last major transaction came in 2021, when Ares Management backed a management buyout. Prior to that, it was part-owned by Livingbridge, another financial sponsor.

Industry sources told Sky several other private equity firms had also tabled offers for an SCG stake in recent months.

At 1100 GMT, ICG shares were down 1.8% at 1,707p.
Engine maker Rolls-Royce will reportedly unveil plans this week to return more than 1bn to investors when it reports record profits and underlines the spectacular scale of its turnaround.

According to Sky News, the company is expected to announce alongside its annual results on Thursday that it will launch a fresh share buyback worth as much as 1.5bn.

The capital return, which will come on top of the companys final dividend, will reinforce the size of Rolls-Royces free cashflow at a company that during the Covid pandemic had genuine fears for its survival.

Under chief executive Tufan Erginbilgic, the former BP executive, Rolls-Royces performance and valuation have been transformed. It now has a market value of over 112bn, with the shares having more than doubled in the last year.

This time last year, Rolls-Royce announced a 1bn buyback, its first since 2014, when it had surplus cash after selling its energy business to Siemens. The buyback was halted in 2015 by then chief executive Warren East, amid growing concerns about the balance sheet.

Rolls-Royce upgraded its full-year profit guidance at the half-year stage last July, with underlying operating profit now expected to come in between 3.1bn and 3.2bn.

Helen McCabe, the companys chief financial officer, said last summer: "In relation to capital frame and buyback, we've always been quite consistent around how we look to strike that balance between ensuring that we protect that balance sheet and then being very thoughtful about how we drive for additional investment, be that organic or inorganic or additional shareholder returns.

"And we've been clear that buybacks are in our tool kit."

Sky News revealed last month that Erginbilgic was in line for a multimillion pound annual pay rise as part of an overhaul of Rolls-Royces remuneration policy.
In their televised exchange, Maksimov said he had been using the patent system for eight years, and Putin responded by underscoring the need for tax reform to tackle uncontrolled illegal imports but promised to look at what can be done.

The revenue threshold was similarly lowered for those using the patent taxation system, in which small businesses made fixed annual payments  usually only tens of thousands of rubles  instead of a percentage of their revenues or profits. This year, those whose revenues exceed 20 million rubles would need to pay at least a 6% tax on their revenues, and at least a 5% VAT.

Maksimovs plea to Putin failed to reverse the tax reform, which lowered the threshold for requiring businesses to pay VAT from 60 million rubles, or $783,000, in annual sales revenue, to 20 million rubles ($261,000) this year and to 10 million rubles ($130,500) by 2028.

Ive never felt so scared as this year, so unprotected, so anxious, said Darya Demchenko, who owns a chain of beauty salons in Russia's second largest city.

A recent video on social media showed the economic fallout: Vacant commercial spaces on St. Petersburg's main street, Nevsky Prospekt, where shop after shop went out of business.

Ordinary Russians appear to be feeling the pain. Business owners interviewed by The Associated Press described a steady decline in demand for their goods and services, a sudden increase in costs as suppliers adjust to the tax reform, and a tax burden that's now tens of times higher. Some said they downsized to keep operating, while others closed.

The Kremlin is now tapping consumers and small businesses for funds. The value-added tax has been raised by 2% and revenue thresholds for requiring businesses to pay it have been lowered drastically.

As Putin's full-scale invasion of Ukraine marks four years, the mounting pressure on Russias economy is starting to show. Oil revenues are dwindling , the budget deficit is up, and military spending that fueled robust growth has leveled off.

We understand very well that its not an easy situation for the country. We understand that raising taxes is necessary, Maksimov said. Were looking ahead without optimism, frankly speaking. Many (businesses) will close down.

Standing in front of the bakery  called Mashenka, after his oldest daughter - he pleaded with Putin via video to look into new tax reforms that are significantly increasing the burden on small businesses like his.

Denis Maksimovs bakery in suburban Moscow became famous overnight after he appeared on President Vladimir Putins annual call-in show in December .

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Maksimov's appearance attracted attention and new customers to Mashenka, which has three bakeries in the Moscow region. It had sent a basket of baked goods to the Kremlin and boasts on its website that Putin tried our pies.

Russian media quoted Maksimov as saying sales rose for a while, but without a change in tax policy, he contemplated closing.

Putin raised Mashenkas case at a government meeting last month, and Economy Minister Maxim Reshetnikov proposed measures allowing Maksimovs business to be exempt from paying VAT and lower his other taxes. Shortly after, the owner said he wasnt considering closing down.

I think we will grow, maybe slower than before, but no less confidently, I think, Maksimov told AP this month. He admitted, however, that he's still waiting for authorities to adopt the proposed measures. It's unclear when that will happen.

Others follow suit

Maksimovs case caused an outcry among other small and medium entrepreneurs. In an online campaign We Are Mashenka, started by the Association of Beauty Industry Enterprises, business owners across Russia raised similar cases, noting that unlike Maksimov, who was lucky to get Putin's ear, they had no one to bail them out.

Demchenko, who supported the campaign, told AP that of four family-oriented beauty salons in her chain  three of her own and one opened through a franchise - she had to close one and sell another to stay afloat due to the dramatically increased taxes and other costs, as well as lagging demand.

The tax reforms meant she was no longer eligible for the patent system and was looking at paying much higher taxes, as well as having to hire a full-time accountant to handle the paperwork, she said. Her costs  such as rent, supplies, security and banking services  spiked 30%, she added, noting suppliers raised their prices well over the 2% VAT increase.

Demand for beauty services, meanwhile, has been falling for months.

Russias restrictions on social media and messaging platforms deprived her of cheap advertising and easy ways to reach clients, Demchenko said.

The beauty industry weathered the COVID-19 pandemic, she said, with government support like tax breaks and deferments, as well as ways to negotiate with landlords to waive rent for a while.

This year, we havent felt any support at all. We feel like they want to shut us down, she said.

Shuttered businesses

Lyalya Sadykova, president of the Association of Beauty Industry Enterprises, said about 10% of beauty industry businesses in St. Petersburg closed and another 10% sold their companies in December and January. She anticipates more closures this spring.

People will do the math. The first deadline for taxes is in April, and people will see that they have nothing to pay with, and thats when the collapse will begin, she said. I think there will be bankruptcies, and mass exodus from the market, because now it seems to me that not everyone has done the math and understood it.

When the tax reforms were adopted last year, pastry shop owners Ilsiya Gizatullina and Railya Shayhieva decided to shut down their business in Kazan. Like Demchenko, they cited the massive tax increases, rising costs and falling demand.

It was an incredibly hard decision, like cutting off a body part. Because we lived there, it was our life, 24/7, Gizatullina told AP.

They opened in 2020 and survived the pandemic, which Gizatullina noted was only temporary. The new tax system is here to stay.

We understand very well that it wont be abolished the day after tomorrow, and there will likely be an even higher tax burden in the future, Gizatullina said.

As part of the reforms, more businesses will be paying increased taxes in 2027 and 2028, since changes will affect those with even lower revenues.

Growing pressure

Small and medium enterprises account for just over 20% of Russias economy, but its still significant, says Chris Weafer, CEO of Macro-Advisory Ltd. Consultancy. Increasing the application of VAT to those businesses will mean a meaningful amount of money for the state budget.

It is a deliberate strategy by the Finance Ministry to create more stable, predictable sources of income at a time when oil revenues are down and the budget deficit is up, Weafer said.

Small and medium enterprises have been under pressure since 2014, when Russia faced sanctions over its illegal annexation of the Crimean Peninsula, and the government directed most of its support to big companies. The new tax regulations add to the pressure, Weafer said, and while that's unlikely to wreck the economy, it will impede growth when the war ends.

The one engine of expansion and growth and innovation that you need in an economy is the sector that has suffered most in the last four years and is continuing to suffer today, he said.
Many people sign a Power of Attorney (POA) and then forget about it. Months or years later, they realize the person they authorized still has legal power. That can become dangerous.

If the relationship changes or the task is completed, the authority does not automatically disappear. In Dubai, a Power of Attorney remains valid until it is formally revoked or it expires according to its terms.

This raises an important question. Can you cancel a Power of Attorney in Dubai? Yes. However, it must follow official legal steps. Let us break this down clearly.

The Official POA Revocation Process in Dubai

In Dubai, revocations are processed through notary services operating under the Dubai Courts or, in certain cases, through channels regulated by the UAE Ministry of Justice. Here is how it works:

Step 1: Review the Original POA Carefully

Begin by examining the original Power of Attorney document in detail. Confirm whether it was issued as a general POA or a specific POA, and carefully assess the scope of authority granted to the agent. Pay close attention to any clauses dealing with duration, termination, or automatic expiration.

Some POAs expire once a specific transaction is completed or after a fixed period. Others remain valid indefinitely unless formally revoked. Clarifying this at the outset prevents unnecessary procedural steps and avoids confusion during notarization.

At this stage, gather the documents that were originally used to issue the POA, including the Emirates ID and passport copies of the principal. These will be required again when processing the revocation. Once you confirm the POA is still active and eligible for cancellation, you can proceed to formally withdraw the authority granted.

Step 2: Draft a Formal Revocation Document

After confirming the POA remains valid, the next step is to prepare a formal revocation instrument. This document serves as the legal declaration that all previously granted powers are withdrawn.

The revocation must clearly identify both parties and properly reference the original document. It should include the full name and identification details of the principal and the agent, the date of the original POA, its notarization reference number, and an explicit statement canceling all granted authorities.

Clarity is very important, as any vague or incomplete wording can create legal uncertainty, particularly if the agent later attempts to rely on the old POA. Once the document is accurately drafted, it must be submitted for official validation.

Step 3: Notarize the Revocation

The revocation only becomes legally effective after notarization. In Dubai, this is processed through a notary public operating under the Dubai Courts or through an approved digital notary platform where available.

During this stage, the principal must appear in person or complete identity verification through the authorized digital system. The notary will review identification documents, confirm the details of the original POA, and officially stamp and register the revocation.

Once notarized, the cancellation takes legal effect from the date of registration. However, practical protection requires one further step, which involves formally informing the agent.

Step 4: Notify the Agent in Writing

Although notarization legally cancels the POA, formal notification to the agent is equally important. Without proper notice, disputes may arise if the agent claims they were unaware of the revocation.

Notification can be made through registered courier with proof of delivery, a notary-issued notice, or a formal legal notice sent through a law firm. The objective is to create verifiable evidence that the agent has been informed of the cancellation.

With the agent officially notified, the next priority is ensuring that third parties who may have relied on the POA are also updated.

Step 5: Inform Relevant Authorities and Institutions

If the POA was used for banking, property transactions, corporate authority, or court representation, additional notification is necessary to prevent unauthorized future actions.

Banks should be formally instructed to cancel the agents mandate. If real estate authority was granted, the matter should be updated with the Dubai Land Department. Business-related powers may require updates with licensing authorities or relevant government departments.

This step closes any operational gaps. Failure to inform institutions can create exposure if the agent attempts to act before internal records are updated.

Step 6: Keep Official Records Safely

After completing the process, maintain organized records of the entire revocation. This should include the notarized revocation document, proof that the agent was notified, and any written confirmations received from banks or government entities.

These records provide critical legal protection. If a dispute arises in the future, documented evidence of proper revocation and notification will be essential.

Cancel Your POA the Right Way

Cancelling a Power of Attorney Dubai works best when done correctly. The revocation only takes effect after notarization and official registration, so following the right steps is important.

Mistakes in documents or unclear wording often cause delays and confusion. By having experts handle the process, you make sure every step is done properly, and your revocation is officially recognized.

With the right support, you can cancel your POA smoothly and protect your rights and assets without worry.
Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma emphasized India's intent to strengthen bilateral ties with Bangladesh, focusing on mutual benefits and shared interests.

Verma highlighted ongoing diplomatic efforts, including Prime Minister Modis communication with Bangladeshs leaders and Indias support for Bangladesh in hosting Rohingya refugees.

The discussion included the importance of people-to-people exchanges and the potential resumption of tourist visas as part of deepening cultural and social ties.

Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Pranay Verma, recently signaled India's intent to further strengthen bilateral relations with Bangladesh under its new government. Following a courtesy meeting with Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman and State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed at the Foreign Ministry, Verma conveyed India's commitment to constructive engagement with Bangladesh, emphasizing that the relationship should be built on mutual benefits and shared interests.



Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Verma noted the importance of people-to-people exchanges in strengthening ties between the two countries. He referred to these exchanges as a central aspect of his first discussions with Dr Rahman. Highlighting ongoing high-level diplomatic efforts, Verma mentioned Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modis recent letter to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, as well as a phone call from Modi and the participation of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla in the new cabinets oath-taking ceremony.

Also Read: Gujarat Governor Talks Investment and Cultural Ties with Lankan Leaders

These gestures, according to Verma, reaffirm Indias desire to build on the long-standing historical ties between the two nations. Verma also emphasized India's role as one of Bangladesh's largest foreign investors, expressing hope for further expansion of trade and investment in the future. He reaffirmed Indias support for Bangladeshs efforts in hosting over 1.2 million Rohingya refugees, recognizing the challenges this has posed for the country. Verma's comments underscored Indias willingness to continue assisting Bangladesh in addressing these humanitarian concerns.



In response to questions about the resumption of tourist visas for Bangladeshi citizens, Verma linked the issue to the broader goal of enhancing people-to-people cooperation. He stressed that restoring tourist visas would contribute to fostering deeper cultural and social ties between the two countries, reinforcing the importance of such exchanges in building a strong and resilient relationship.



Vermas visit and statements reflect Indias determination to enhance cooperation with Bangladesh across a range of sectors, from economic collaboration to humanitarian support. His comments highlight a shared interest in nurturing a closer, more dynamic partnership between the two neighbors.
Bank of America Corporation (NYSE:BAC) is included among the 14 Best Warren Buffett Dividend Stocks to Buy.

Bank of America (BAC) Strengthens Private Credit Platform with $25B Deployment

Pixabay/Public Domain

On February 20, Bloomberg reported that Bank of America Corporation (NYSE:BAC) is committing $25 billion to private-credit deals. The move puts the bank alongside other Wall Street firms that are using their own balance sheets to expand in this rapidly growing lending market, according to people familiar with the matter. The bank plans to deploy its own capital into private-credit investments. This builds on its existing direct-lending platform and reflects a deeper push into the space. The deals will be originated through Bank of Americas capital-markets division, which operates within its broader investment-banking business, the people said. They requested anonymity because the details are not public.

Bank of America has also put new leadership in place to support the effort. According to a memo seen by Bloomberg, the firm appointed Anand Melvani to lead private credit within its global capital-markets division. Melvani brings nearly 30 years of experience at the bank and will continue serving as head of Americas leveraged finance. He will report to Chris Munro, who oversees global leveraged finance.

The move marks a significant step for Bank of America, which had been slower than some of its peers to formally commit large capital to private credit. Other major banks have already made sizable investments in the space. Last year, JPMorgan Chase set aside an additional $50 billion from its balance sheet, while Goldman Sachs has expanded its presence through its asset-management business.

Bank of America Corporation (NYSE:BAC) operates as a bank holding and financial holding company. Its main segments include Consumer Banking, Global Wealth & Investment Management, Global Banking, and Global Markets.

While we acknowledge the potential of BAC 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: 14 Best Real Estate Stocks to Buy According to Hedge Funds and 16 Best Dividend Stocks with Rising Payouts

Disclosure: None.
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Sponsored BusinessCompaniesBulls N' Bears Pacgold drills into high-grade gold as SA heap leach fires up Brought to you by Bulls N Bears Michael Busbridge February 23, 2026  3:57pm 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

Pacgold Limited has hit shallow, wide, high-grade gold in initial mineral resource drilling at its wholly owned White Dam project in South Australia, marking a key step towards improved open pit designs and resource upgrades. The Vertigo open pit is one of three areas targeted for upgrade this year as part of the current reverse circulation (RC) drilling campaign. So far, the initial assays appear to be right on the money and in line with the current block model published as far back as 2020. PacGold Limiteds White Dam heap leach operation in South Australia. Once drilling at Vertigo is complete later in the week, both the companys Hannaford and White Dam North resources will see the drill bit with additional infill RC drilling. The RC drilling at Vertigo spanned a 500-metre strike length, targeting infill holes to upgrade the resource from inferred to indicated. Drilling kicked off in late November, with 123 holes for 8,003m already completed.

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Concurrently, we are looking to firm up potential shallow, low-cost, and easily accessible ore. Pacgold Limited managing director Matthew Boyes The Vertigo orebody is a strata-bound lens, 5 to 25 metres wide and dips shallowly to the southeast. Recent drilling has been aimed at testing the down-dip potential of the mineralisation. Standout hits included a 4-metre section grading 2.9 grams per tonne (g/t) gold and 0.79 per cent copper from 56 metres, sitting within a wider intercept of 15 metres going 1.6g/t gold and 0.48 per cent copper from 56 metres. Testing the lens at depth, another hole sliced through 15 metres grading 1.6g/t gold from 60 metres, extending the mineralisation another 60m below the pit floor and remaining open at depth. The under-drilled nature of Vertigo was further highlighted with a hefty 14- metre run grading 0.7g/t gold from surface. This newly identified outcropping intersection on the upper north-western edge of the Vertigo pit was not previously defined and supports the potential for a cutback of the historic open pit.

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Pacgold Limited managing director Matthew Boyes said: Concurrently, we are looking to firm up potential shallow, low-cost, and easily accessible ore. By bringing this ore forward in our mine optimisation and schedules, we can help reduce early working capital requirements while we strip back the main pits at Vertigo and Hannaford to access these primary orebodies. Boyes said once each pit has been drilled out, new resource models and pit optimisation studies will be completed, with the company targeting early September to finalise the work. It will then move ahead with permit submissions to mine White Dam North and expand the existing Hannaford and Vertigo pit operations. Work on restarting production at White Dam has meanwhile rapidly progressed. With the pad now under irrigation and the re-crush of the final lift set to begin this quarter, the company expects to achieve first gold in the coming months. The project sits 80 kilometres west of Broken Hill in the Curnamona Province and encompasses 877 square kilometres of mining lease and exploration tenure. The proven heap-leach operation includes a recently re-lined pond and heap-leach pad, a fully operational gold extraction plant and two previously mined open-pit mines. Infrastructure, including haul roads, water sources, generators and a well-established mining camp, is already in place.

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Between 2010 and 2018, the mine produced 180,000 ounces of gold. White Dam currently hosts a 4.6-million-tonne resource grading 0.7g/t gold for 102,000 ounces, excluding gold still sitting on the heap leach pads. PacGold plans to re-crush a significant portion of the remaining material on the leach pad, with up to 750,000 tonnes available for processing beyond the initial 250,000-tonne campaign. With drilling, modelling and mine planning all converging this year, Pacgold appears to be quietly lining up the building blocks for a restart at White Dam. If the next round of drilling continues to firm up shallow, mineable ounces, the former producer could also soon boost its resource as it polishes up the historic mine for a second crack at gold production. Is your ASX-listed company doing something interesting? Contact: mattbirney@bullsnbears.com.au

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CultureTV & radioRadio Off with the fairies: Jackie O steps away from radio after on-air fight with Sandilands The presenter was absent on Monday after a disagreement with her co-host became personal. Michael Lallo February 23, 2026  12:57pm 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

Jackie O Henderson has stepped away from her KIIS FM radio show to gather her thoughts after co-host Kyle Sandilands appeared to question her work ethic in an on-air clash. Youre off with the fairies, you are unfocused, you dont give a shit  everyone in this building has mentioned it to me, Sandilands told Henderson during last Fridays episode of Kyle & Jackie O, after Sandilands accused his co-host of having a fixation with astrology while discussing the former prince Andrew. Broadcaster Jackie O Henderson has taken a break from her radio show after a fight with co-host Kyle Sandilands. On Monday, Sandilands told listeners his co-presenter was absent because she wants a couple of days off to gather her thoughts.

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A producer from a rival network, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they are not authorised to comment publicly, speculated that the Sydney-based programs poor performance in Melbourne  where its audience share hit a new low of 5 per cent at the end of last year  might be taking a toll on the high-profile hosts. Theyre under enormous pressure to make this work, the producer said. If its true that theyre being paid $200 million between them [over 10 years], and theyre only ranked No.8 in Melbourne, they must be feeling the strain. Related Article Updated

Melbourne radio Kyle and Jackie O hit rock bottom in Melbourne This masthead has approached Michael Stephenson, the chief executive of ARN  which operates the national KIIS radio network  for comment. KIISs publicists and producers have also been contacted. It is unclear whether management or Henderson herself initiated the break from Kyle & Jackie O, or when she will return.

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One KIIS publicist said the network was considering releasing a media statement later on Monday. On Friday, the duo addressed the growing scandal surrounding Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as prince Andrew, when Henderson proceeded to read out the disgraced ex-princes astrological birth chart. Sandilands then launched a verbal spray against his co-star. Youre not doing the rest of the job, and everyone in the building has mentioned it to me. Kyle Sandilands on-air spray at co-host Jackie O Henderson As I said, fascinating, but I dont think it should be at the detriment of everything else on the show; this relentless research, he said. Its affecting other things  like, your fixation on this has made you almost unworkable. Youre off with the fairies with this shit. Its mental.

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When Henderson challenged him to provide an example of her alleged lack of focus, he replied, Listen to the program, youll hear yourself. Shocked, Henderson said, I totally am offended by you saying something like that. The spat only got worse from there. While Kyle and Jackie O dominate the FM breakfast ratings in Sydney, the program has hit a low in Melbourne. Well, too bad if you are because thats the reality of what were dealing with here, Sandilands said. Its affecting everything else; youre too fixated on it.

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Every segment, every time youve spoken, you dont even know whats going on  youre not doing the rest of the job, and everyone in the building has mentioned it to me. Related Article Exclusive

Radio Advertisers defect amid Kyle and Jackie Os disaster move to Melbourne Fighting back tears, Henderson said, I would never say things like that about you. Its a total attack, it really is  to say, You dont know what the F is going on, youre not doing your job. Thats an attack and I wouldnt do that. In Sydney, where the Kyle & Jackie O show dominates the FM breakfast market, the pair ended 2025 with 12.7 per cent of the available audience. The first radio ratings survey of 2026 will be released in mid-March. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.
Washington: Donald Trumps new worldwide tariff on imports to America has gone into effect  at 10 per cent, not 15 per cent as threatened  as the US president vowed to retaliate against any country that played games, and belittled the Supreme Court on social media.

The new tariff came as transport and logistics giant FedEx sued the Trump administration for a full refund of the tariffs Trump had imposed using emergency powers, which were ruled unlawful by the nations highest court last week.

US President Donald Trump on Monday. He threatened higher tariffs on any country that played games with his new tariff regime. AP

A US Customs and Border Protection bulletin issued on Monday evening (Washington time) said the new global tariff would be collected from midnight (4pm AEDT) at a rate of 10 per cent  the level Trump initially announced after the courts bombshell decision. A separate notice confirmed that the collection of the old duties would cease at the same time.

Despite Trump posting on social media the day after the court ruling that he would immediately lift the rate to 15 per cent, the text of his proclamation was not changed or reissued. It means that, for now, Australian exports to the US will attract essentially the same tariff as before the court ruling.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has said the government will continue to make its case against tariffs on Australian goods: We repeat our view that these tariffs are unfair.

Read the full story from US correspondent Michael Koziol here.
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NationalWomen's health Class action looms over allegations against endometriosis doctor Liam Mannix and Henrietta Cook February 23, 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

A major law firm is considering launching a class action against Melbourne gynaecologist Dr Simon Gordon after being contacted by more than 120 women, including many who allege he performed unnecessary surgery on them. This masthead this month revealed Gordon was under investigation by the medical regulator over allegations he had performed unnecessary endometriosis surgeries on women, including removing their ovaries and uterus, despite no clinical evidence justifying the procedures. Isabelle Metaxotos (right) with Dr Simon Gordon in hospital after he surgically removed her left ovary and fallopian tube in 2025. The federal health department has now launched an inquiry into his billing practices, it can be revealed. Gordon has denied the allegations.

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Epworth, the private hospital where Gordon was partly based, has commissioned an independent review and the Victorian government is under pressure from the federal government to order a wider investigation. Related Article Exclusive

Women's health Why some doctors think endometriosis is being treated with unnecessary surgery The case may also have ramifications for the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), which has confirmed it is reviewing its approach to investigating similar cases and the criteria it sets for intervention. Emily Hart, a principal lawyer at Arnold Thomas & Becker, said the firm had been contacted by many women making complaints about Gordon, many of whom underwent highly invasive surgeries they were told were necessary. Based on our preliminary review it appears that a number of these procedures may not have been justified by their pathology results, Hart said.

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Shockingly, a significant portion of these women are in their 20s  young women who were advised that the only option for relief was to remove their ovaries and, in some cases, their uterus. These surgeries have rendered some of them infertile, forcing them to face a lifetime of consequences that can never truly be compensated. For many, their lives have been permanently changed  physically, emotionally and psychologically. Gordon declined on Monday to comment when asked about the prospect of a class action. When this masthead first revealed Gordon was under investigation by AHPRA, the gynaecologist issued a statement saying he had always acted ethically and responsibly. For generations, the pain suffered by women was ignored, downplayed and untreated, Gordon said this month. My concern was to try and alleviate pain and restore quality of life for female patients, a cohort once neglected and dismissed.

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No surgeon can ever guarantee that every surgery performed will be totally successful or that theres not a genuine risk of recurrence. AHPRA has appointed a panel of independent medical experts to support its investigation into Gordon, the agency said on Monday. Arnold Thomas & Becker said it was considering individual and class action cases against Gordon. Law firm Maurice Blackburn has also received several inquiries. Metaxotos left ovary was surgically removed. She now believes the surgery was unnecessary. Justin McManus Last Friday, this masthead told the story of Isabelle Metaxotos, who alleges she was told by Gordon that she would soon lose the ability to walk if her left ovary was not removed.

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He was so convincing. You trust the medical professional sitting in front of you, Metaxotos said. Gordon allegedly performed three endometriosis surgeries on Metaxotos, eventually removing her ovary and fallopian tube. Two leading gynaecologists told this masthead the removals were likely unnecessary. It is a normal, working ovary and a normal fallopian tube, one gynaecologist said. This is shocking. Gordon said it was inappropriate to comment on individual patients. Speaking generally, he said diagnosing endometriosis was complex and relied on more than just lab testing. Adhesions caused by endometriosis could cause symptoms even when the endometriosis was inactive, he said.

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Related Article Women's health This simple urine test could change the lives of thousands of women like Marnie The case has raised questions about the status of endometriosis treatment. The painful condition is characterised by tissue similar to the lining of the womb growing outside it, and for decades was underdiagnosed by doctors. However, there are concerns media attention on the condition has swung the pendulum too far towards overtreatment  especially as there is evidence as many as 44 per cent of women have asymptomatic endometriosis, and due to the lack of high-quality evidence for surgical treatment. In a statement, Epworth HealthCare chief executive Professor Andrew Stripp said the hospital referred the matter to AHPRA in October 2025 after concerns were raised with senior management. I understand the seriousness of the allegations being reported and recognise that for many people, particularly women who have experienced complex gynaecological care, this reporting will be deeply distressing, Stripp said. Be the first to know when major news happens. Sign up for breaking news alerts on email or turn on notifications in the app.
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NationalNSWCourts Former MP Rory Amons child sexual abuse complainant grilled over testimony Clare Sibthorpe February 23, 2026  4:13pm 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

A man who was allegedly raped in a carpark toilet multiple times by former NSW MP Rory Amon when he was 13 years old told the former Northern Beaches councillor he was aged 17 before they met up, the defence has suggested. But the complainant disputed the account in the NSW Supreme Court trial on Monday, saying it was well and truly not possible and Amon knew he was underage. Former NSW MP Rory Amon (left) at the Supreme Court last week. Audrey Richardson Amon, 35, is fighting 10 child sexual abuse charges over two incidents in 2017. They include five counts of sexual intercourse with a child between the ages of 10 and 14. During his testimony, the complainant said that he made an account on the adult hook-up site squirt.org in mid-2017, when he was 13. He said he told the website he was 18 due to its guidelines and made his profile photo feature his upper body to remain anonymous.

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He said the pair connected and began flirting before he accepted Amons request to move the chat to the message-deleting app Snapchat. Related Article Updated

Courts Former MP Rory Amons alleged child sexual assault victim breaks down in court The Crowns case is that the boy told Amon he was 15 and that Amon, who was 27 at the time, told the boy he was 17. After exchanging photos and messages which left the man feeling giddy and excited at the prospect of a romantic relationship, he testified they met up at his parents Northern Beaches apartment, where he lived. The complainant described Amon parking further away than needed and guiding him down a dimly lit corridor to a shared toilet in the apartment carpark, making him feel a bit scared.

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Amon is accused of sexually assaulting the boy multiple times inside the toilet on this occasion and again one to two weeks later inside the same toilet. The boy said Amon tried to meet up again, but he blocked him because he knew it was so gross and didnt want to do it again. He said he confided in the incidents with his wellbeing teacher, friends, mum and police. However, he did not proceed with a formal investigation until several years later, after he learned Amon was in his thirties and a Northern Beaches councillor. On Monday, Amons lawyer, Matthew Johnston, SC, questioned the now-22-year-olds version of events. The complainant agreed that he told police in a September 2022 interview: I didnt tell Rory my real age. I think I said I was 15. Johnston asked if he used the word think because he didnt have a definite recollection of what you actually said.

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The man responded that that was incorrect and that his memory is quite clear, but that we are advised by police [when taking statements] to be very cautious of what we say is definite and what is not. Later, Johnston asked: Wasnt it actually the case that you actually said you were 17? Sorry, are you suggesting that I said I was 17? the complainant responded. That is well and truly not possible. I am certain that that is impossible. Rory Amon (centre) outside Downing Centre Local Court at an earlier court appearance in March, 2025. AAPIMAGE The man testified that he believed Amon told him he was 17, but that he thought Amon was in his early 20s. When asked if Amons profile indicated that he was 27, he said he was certain that that is not true.

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Johnston doubted other aspects of the mans evidence, including suggesting he connected with Amon on the gay dating app Grinder instead of squirt.org, that he was the one who led Amon to the toilet and that they met only once in person. The man disagreed with all assertions. The lawyer took the man to evidence of messages and meetings with friends around the time of the alleged assaults, suggesting that their timeline contradicted his recounted incident dates. There were two incidents  for lack of better words  regarding meetings between the defendant and myself, the man said. The second occasion did not appear out of thin air.

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Asked about his evidence that he understood squirt.org was a social media application that was used for gay men to meet and essentially have sex, the man said he would like to clarify that he now has a lot more understanding about the nature of that kind of undertaking. In 2017, of course, I can read things and understand things, but I ... was also under the assumption that I would meet a partner, like something romantic would come from it... My judgment was obviously faulty, he said. The complainant earlier described the impacts of the alleged sexual assaults on his mental health, grades and self-worth. I just felt very detached from reality, he told the court. The trial before Acting Justice Robert Allan Hulme continues.

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Anyone needing support can contact 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732), National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028, Lifeline 13 11 14, Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.
One of 100 largest banks in the United States

BOSTON, Feb. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Beacon Financial Corporation (NYSE: BBT) (the "Company") today announced the successful combination of four storied financial institutions under one new brand, Beacon Bank (the "Bank"), one of the 100 largest banks in the United States.

Beacon Bank has more than 145 branches and commercial centers across New England and New York.

With more than 145 branches and commercial centers across New England and New York, Beacon Bank differentiates itself by combining deep local roots with nearly 200 years of proven financial strength, expert guidance and highly personalized service. Unlike other banks that rely on distant decision makers, Beacon Bank makes decisions close to home, ensuring solutions are tailored to each client and community.

"Launching Beacon Bank represents a significant achievement for our organization and a critical step forward in our long-term strategy," stated Paul A. Perrault, CEO of the Company.

"By uniting our banks, we are enhancing the experience we deliver to clients and positioning the Company to generate sustainable value for our stockholders through improved performance, better efficiency and expanded opportunities for growth," he added. "This step also deepens our ability to invest in our colleagues and communities across our regions."

Transitioning to Beacon Bank at all locations across Massachusetts, New York, Rhode Island, Connecticut and Vermont was the final step in the merger of equals between Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc., the parent company of the former Berkshire Bank, and Brookline Bancorp, Inc., the parent company of the former Brookline Bank, Bank Rhode Island, and PCSB Bank. It was also one of the largest multi-bank rebranding projects in the northeastern United States of the last 15 years.

In the coming months, clients and community members will continue to experience Beacon Bank in new ways as the Bank introduces additional components of its corporate identity and the multi-phase branding update at all locations is complete.

While the name of the Bank has changed, clients will still find the same familiar faces, exceptional service and trusted guidance for every stage of their financial journey. Clients will enjoy access to a suite of tailored banking solutions, including commercial, cash management, asset-based lending, retail, consumer, residential products and services, and wealth management.

The expanded capabilities also include access to a larger network of branches, ATMs, greater lending power, a best-in-class online and mobile banking platform and the all-new BeaconBank.com.
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The Coalitions pearl-clutching panic over the return of ISIS brides and their children is tediously predictable (Coalition pushes new laws to bar IS brides from Australia, February 23). Stoking fear of anything that isnt rooted in Anglo-Celtic culture or doesnt come with archetypal Australian trappings has been their stock-in-trade since John Howards cynical attempt at exploiting racial difference for political purposes in the 1980s. Pauline Hanson and all the other practitioners of racial division simply followed suit, albeit with far greater fervour. Never mind ones individual rights as a citizen, or being judged on your personal behaviour by due process, if you dont present as a traditional dinky-di Aussie you are automatically tainted as a lesser, riskier being and, just like in earlier hysterical times, the hue-and-cry must go up from a mob of self-appointed public saviours. The only things lacking these days are the pitchforks and the flaming torches. Adrian Connelly, Springwood For a PM who often wears his heart on his sleeve, Anthony Albanese regularly fails terribly where intestinal fortitude and moral courage goes begging. It is easy to prosecute the case for leaving the women and kids to languish in the tents in Syria, but as Australian citizens they must surely have the right to our laws and constitution. If those laws demand incarceration or home detention here in Australia then repatriate them and charge them accordingly. Leave the dog whistling to the newly appointed cultural warrior Angus Taylor and the usual nonsense from Pauline Hanson. Bruce Hall, Avalon Cathy Wilcox A politically contrived crisis about ISIS brides is not helpful. Arguing whether they should, or must, be allowed to return is evading a more fruitful focus on managing the consequences of their inevitable return to Australia. As is the Pythonesque political rhetoric masquerading as debate, denying the very Australian values the brides and their children will be expected to embrace. Peter Mair, Dee Why In this country, we are fortunate to be presumed innocent until found guilty in a court of law. Nor do we penalise children who are in a difficult situation through no possible fault of their own. To assist a fair trial, advocates are permitted to assist accused persons, regardless of the charge. Cases are decided in courts after hearing both sides of an argument, and not by politicians, or in the media. Happily we live in a system of rule by law, not rule by man or rule by press release. Bill Bowman, Rhodes This is indicative of the fact that the Coalition arent serious people. Its just getting silly. You can understand wanting to make criminals of those who knowingly help terrorists enter Australia (if it isnt a crime already). But criminalising those who assist people who might be terrorists, or who have associated with terrorists? It would potentially make criminals of everybody. Going after those who assist anyone suspected of terrorism would make medieval witch hunts look like a picnic. Not only is the Coalition appealing to those who might vote for One Nation, it is starting to act like them. Whats next? Jane Hume in a burqa? David Rush, Lawson Given the current calls to shut the door on the ISIS brides returning from Syria, I wonder whos next. Will Australia also ban convicted child sex offenders from returning to Australia after being released from prison overseas? Murderers? Drug smugglers? How will countries wishing to deport these Australian criminals react? And how will Australia cope with having other countries refuse to accept their citizens being deported from Australia after committing serious crimes? Responsibility goes both ways. Andrew Moffat, Bermagui

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PM Albanese, please lead on the issue of the ISIS brides and their children. As Australian citizens they are entitled to return. If they are a risk or have broken any laws, that can be managed here. Others repatriated in the past have quietly settled back into a normal life. Be brave. Rhyan Andrews, Faulconbridge I applaud Mat Tinklers defence of the children trapped in Syria (Eight-year-old in desert camp did not make her own bed, February 23) and share the unease shown by Herald letter writers about the prime ministers inhumane mindset towards them and the ISIS brides. It is sickening, as is the supine compliance of Albaneses ministers, who have not raised a whimper about this abomination. The brides should be brought home, vetted and, if need be, charged. Albaneses lamentable acquiescence in the attitude of those on the far right is the antithesis of strong leadership. He will have to lie in the bed he has made for himself, and I believe it will damage federal Labor. Ron Sinclair, Windradyne A recent poll showed 64 per cent of Australians do not want the women trapped in Syria with their children to return to Australia. The Coalition now proposes that criminal penalties should apply to anyone assisting their repatriation. This has gone mad. A letter writer yesterday claimed the prime minister was out of touch with the wishes of the Australian electorate. By poll results, it seems that no amount of cruelty to these unfortunate people will be enough. Brenda Kilgore, Red Hill (ACT) A possible and humane solution to the ISIS bride problem would be for the government to facilitate the return of these women and children to a secure detention facility in Australia. Would Christmas Island be a possibility? There they could be assessed by security officers while being held in hygienic conditions and receiving medical care. Only those deemed not a risk could be released into the community. This solution should satisfy the broader Australian community and the right-wing politicians. Stephanie Edwards, Leichhardt Look to their interests Nostalgia can be a wonderful feeling, happy memories for some, terrible memories for others (Nostalgia a tricky weapon to wield, February 23). As Sean Kelly reminds us, the recent nostalgia push from politicians has had mixed results, some positive, some negative. Anthony Albanese appeals regularly to our better instincts, looking after each other, the idea of a fair go. John Howard used the old politicians trick of blaming Albanese for the Bondi massacre  hardly a fair call. Pauline Hansons selective memory recalls a whiter Australia, and she calls for us to return there, though she wouldnt have been prime minister then, either, because of her gender. Angus Taylors lack of finesse with the nostalgia weapon would have us unaware of Indigenous flags, rights or welcomes to country. Our best qualified idiot wants us to reject migrants (not the ones who brought us cappuccinos) on his subjective test of their values. Thankfully, we can see through the miasma of the nostalgia curtain and make our own judgments. Geoff Nilon, Mascot Whats the real problem?

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Photo: Edwina Pickles Your article refers to Cumberland Hospital as troubled (Another hospital inpatient absconds, February 23). Other adjectives that come to mind include under-funded, undervalued, under-resourced and dilapidated. This hospital in western Sydney provides a vital service to the health and safety of our community. Many of the people who are cared for in Cumberland Hospital have serious and life-threatening needs, as recent tragic events have made clear. So, in addition to security protocols, it would be helpful if the urgent review authorised by Minister Jackson could include investigation into funding, staffing, facilities and level of appreciation of this very difficult, important and stressful branch of our health system. Meredith Williams, Baulkham Hills Uni laxity abets teacher trouble While an ATAR is not the only way to measure ones intelligence or how good a teacher someone will make, it certainly is a strong indicator (School-leavers with ATARs of less than 50 get teaching spots, February 23). If you score a low ATAR, then you probably wont pass all the university subjects that constitute a teaching degree, and nor will you cope with the rigours of being a teacher today. More than likely, youll be left with a HECs debt and if, by some miracle or string-pulling you end up in the classroom, odds are you will leave the profession in the first five years. While I would certainly agree the money is now better than it was when I retired nearly a decade ago, those still teaching I am in contact with say that although the government has eased some areas of the workload, other areas have increased. Our education system is a very complex thing and as far as Ive seen, it is very far from being a well-oiled machine. Peter Miniutti, Ashbury Who do you trust your children with? Getty Images Having less than able school-leavers attending university wouldnt be a problem if reasonable standards were kept at university. Unfortunately, academics are forced to pass almost any student, irrespective of attendance or quality of work, for fear of a bad review or parental complaints. The integrity of degrees has long been sullied by both the academic institutions and poor students who can hide behind so-called group work, and now AI. Giving kids a chance is great, but safety nets are needed so only those who are able get through. Elizabeth Darton, Lane Cove West One wonders what the minister responsible really thinks of school-leavers with an ATAR less than 50 being offered teaching places in tertiary institutions. This must perpetuate the wrecking of education in Australia. It should not happen. School-leavers with an ATAR north of 75 should be offered financial incentives to pursue education on completion of a first serious degree in core arts or sciences. There must be something seriously broken for the sub-50 offers to happen. I suggest students with an ATAR less than 50 should pursue other life pathways for now and give uni the flick. Youll probably be wealthier and happier if you work at it. All in all, dont be another brick in the wall. Ivan Head, Burradoo

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That students of mediocre academic ability have been offered teacher training positions is an indictment on the administration and trends of the education sector, which has succumbed to educational whims and the parent lobby. With few exceptions, high-performing students are rejecting teaching, not willing to work in an environment where they receive little support, get little respect from poorly behaved students and their parents, and are paid relatively poorly for their efforts. While high academic intelligence may not be a requirement to be a successful teacher, emotional intelligence is, so this news is not encouraging. It doesnt help that teaching, of all the professions, is more highly scrutinised by so-called experts based on the premise that they all once went to school. Max Redmayne, Drummoyne Trains of thought Plans for high-speed trains have them all terminating at Sydney Central (The dream lives on but can high-speed rail ever work in Australia?  February 23). But where do people actually want to travel to? For work, business or pleasure, only a percentage want to go to Sydney CBD; the rest across Sydney. There is already a major transport hub in the centre of the Sydney metro area  a place called Parramatta. How about saving billions tunnelling under Sydney Harbour again by extending the Parramatta hub to include a VFT terminal (for Newcastle and Canberra/Melbourne). From there, the current rail service will get passengers to western Sydney and the metro will get passengers to the city centre in 20 minutes. And if the Western Sydney Airport connection were planned properly, the Metro from there would extend to Parramatta instead of terminating at St Marys. And why is no one talking about fast rail freight? Lets assume the last train to run from Sydney to Melbourne leaves at 10pm (arriving in Melbourne at 2am) and the first morning train leaves at 5am (for a 9am meeting in Melbourne), that leaves a seven-hour break to run overnight freight. Now assume freight runs at half the speed of passenger trains, leaving a window between 10pm and 1am for freight trains to depart. Surely anyone who has travelled the Hume Highway at night would appreciate this. Trevor Connell, Balmoral The immense difficulty and eye-watering cost of building a high-speed railway line through the national parks of the Hawkesbury River sandstone gorge country are wrong for many reasons, not least of which is the likely spoiling of what is the closest thing we have to fjords in this country. I often take a mid-morning train from Woy Woy to Newcastle for leisure and after leaving Gosford, there are only ever one or two other passengers on the top level of the train. High-speed trains on this sector running at other than peak hour are likely to run at least 90 per cent empty. The focus should be on the Sydney to Melbourne run, the worlds fifth-busiest air route, carrying 9 million people annually. Lance Dover, Pretty Beach Turkeys no threat The brush turkey - hes one of us, you know Taronga Conservation Society Your correspondent (Letters, February 23) is correct to include foxes and rabbits with cats as invasive species, but the brush turkey needs to be left alone. It is native and not a threat to other Australian animals. Jenny Greenwood, Hunters Hill

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NationalNSWPlanning Premier promises end to building suburbs with no infrastructure Anthony Segaert February 23, 2026  3:30pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

One of north-west Sydneys most congested roads will be expanded at a cost of more than $700 million, as Premier Chris Minns says the state government has learnt from its previous mistakes of creating new suburbs without proper infrastructure. Richmond Road is the only road in and out of Marsden Park, a new suburb at the centre of Sydneys north-west sprawl and whose residents have complained about a lack of access to transport, schools and healthcare. The road will also bear the load of newly approved housing developments. Transport for NSW plans for the upgrade of Richmond Road at Charles Thomson Boulevard with homes in Marsden Park in the background. Transport for NSW Work has commenced on several kilometres of the road, which is being widened from four to six lanes, with a bridge to be built over Bells Creek, and a new flyover bridge to be constructed from the M7 north off-ramp to Richmond Road. Around Elara Boulevard, the road will be widened from two to four lanes, with the option to expand to six later. Traffic modelling suggests the average commute time through the north-west will fall by 21 per cent in the morning peak and 34 per cent in the evening peak once the upgrades are completed.

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Minns, speaking at a press conference in the suburb on Monday, said Sydney could not continue to build suburbs like Marsden Park. I know that the houses came in before this critical infrastructure, he said. Were trying to make, as quickly as possible, a change to make life easier for these communities, and perhaps more important than that, learn from the lessons of the past  When we put communities in, [they need to include] schools, transport and hospitals. Marsden Park, pictured by drone in 2023. Brook Mitchell Its more expensive and takes longer to do it after the communities have been established, he said, adding the government will focus on providing infrastructure before the housing appears. NSW Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison said there are parts of western Sydney, particularly in this area, that are rural roads that were never designed to carry the load they are, and that the project was being conceived as part of the broader road network, not a single road-widening project.

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Minns said the central point about the stresses and strains on infrastructure for western Sydney was the leading reason why our, I guess, signature policy around housing is for urban density. It is for more housing closer to the city, so were not just constantly in this situation where were adding another street to the western fringe of Sydney every week, and then another road, and then another street and then another road, he said. Sydneys got to grow in a balanced way. Related Article City life In Sydneys most populated postcode, green space comes at a premium Robyn Preston, the Liberal member for Hawkesbury, arrived uninvited at the press conference. She claimed the government was only renewing roads that sat in Labor electorates, and the upgrades would only serve to push traffic congestion further back into her electorate.

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Great that this is happening, I applaud it, thats why I wanted to come along, she said. I didnt get the memo. 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 NationalQueenslandQueensland councils Council should redo CEO hire to meet pub test: Logan whistleblower Matt Dennien February 24, 2026  6:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

The whistleblower former chief of a major south-east Queensland council believes irregularities in the recent hiring of a $500,000 bayside local governments top job should be addressed in a full redo. Sharon Kelsey, who was sacked in 2018 after reporting the conduct of corrupt former Logan mayor Luke Smith, told this masthead in a statement the recruitment of a chief executive was a high bar. Kelsey, now a member of Transparency International Australias national whistleblowers advisory committee, said while it was important to get the right person, how they won was just as vital. Sharon Kelsey, the first female chief executive of Logan City Council and a former executive director at Victorias Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission, pictured at her Adelaide home in 2022. ROY VANDERVEGT / AFR There are irregularities in what councils own documents tell us about the recruitment of the Redland [City Council] chief executive, Kelsey said after being contacted by this masthead.

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Louise Rusan may well be the best person for the role, but it does her a disservice if the proof she won in a fair competition doesnt pass the pub test. Arguably the way to ensure the best person wins the role is to remedy the irregularities by undertaking a fresh and transparent recruitment process. If Louise then wins the role she should enjoy the backing of us all. Loading Kelseys comments mark the first public questions of the process since this masthead reported last week that Rusan was appointed despite not being shortlisted by the external recruiter or panel. Leaked documents obtained by this masthead show a staffer reporting to Rusan, then-acting chief executive, chaired the selection panel, and a forbidden closed-door councillor vote altered agreed process.

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These matters led a key councillor to raise internal concerns about political influence, and followed an earlier independent recruiter quitting after also raising concerns about staff being on the panel. Redland City Council chief executive Louise Rusan. Redland City Council While this masthead has spoken to several figures who have privately expressed concerns, none have been willing to do so publicly, given the insular nature of the sector in which they still work. This masthead is not suggesting any wrongdoing by Rusan, just that there were irregularities with the hiring process which ultimately saw her voted in as the councils chief executive last February. Kelsey said the Local Government Act set out the rules empowering councils to hold fair and transparent processes to recruit a chief executive. Its a high bar, she said.

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Thats why it is one of the most important decisions the councillor collective make as a council team. Related Article Queensland councils Council CEO hiring process may have broken governance principles, insiders say A Redland City Council spokesperson said the council maintained the appointment was consistent with principles of the Local Government Act and the process determined at a November 2024 special meeting. The process was supported by two external members of the CEO Recruitment Panel, the council-appointed recruiter, and an external legal service, they said in a statement. The development comes as the Office of the Independent Assessor  the states councillor misconduct watchdog  confirmed it was not investigating any Redland staff recruitment.

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A spokesperson said recruitment decisions were administrative matters which fell outside the agencys jurisdiction unless there were related allegations of councillor misconduct. Under the Local Government Regulation, [chief executive officer] appointment matters may be discussed in a closed meeting, but formal resolutions of council must be decided in open sessions, they said. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.
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Brisbanes iconic party boat the Kookaburra Queen I has been found sinking at a dock in the citys east and now faces an uncertain future, with a former owner saying its a mystery why the boat was taken off its berth.

After selling for more than half-a-million dollars more than four months ago, vision has emerged of the beloved paddleboat partially submerged at its mooring at Hemmant.

Former owner and Brisbane Cruises captain Jim Kelly said despite the age and condition of the boat, he was shocked it could be sinking.

Rollin on the river no more  Kookaburra Queen I pictured sinking at Hemmant.

Bloody pathetic, its got a good hull  a triple diagonal hull thats stiff and waterproof and I was on it a month ago. They had regular caretakers living there and it was all good, he told Nine News.
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NationalBondi shooting Editorial The Bondi Beach royal commission is a national reckoning The Herald's View Editorial February 23, 2026  5:25pm

February 23, 2026  5:25pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

The Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion begins on Tuesday, and we must be prepared for many difficult moments as the legacy of the horrific Bondi Beach killings continues to permeate our national life. The challenges facing the Royal Commissioner, Virginia Bell, are formidable. No other country has ever attempted to find such a way forward through terrorism, mass slaughter, prejudice and social upheaval to a better place. The path is made difficult by the plethora of jurisdictions involved and inquiries already under way. A further complication is the court case flowing from the terrorist attack. Former High Court judge Virginia Bell. AFR Contributor Naveed Akram, 24, was wounded, and his father, Sajid Akram, 50, was killed in a gunbattle with police after the attack on a Hanukkah celebration at the beach on December 14. Akram is next scheduled to appear in court on April 9.

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The royal commission will proceed with great caution. Tuesdays beginning will be confined to opening statements. On Thursday, Bell will go to Bondi Beach to meet with the families, should they wish, to explain the limitations on the approach the commission can take to leading evidence of the circumstances of the attack and answer questions about how it will operate. But the royal commissions considerations cannot be easily sheltered from the court case. Related Article Antisemitism royal commission The five key questions for the Bondi royal commission to answer Intelligence and the Australian Federal Police and NSW Police faced widespread criticism in the days after the Bondi Beach attack. There is also a former director-general of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation, Dennis Richardson. After some false starts by the Albanese government, his review into potential security failures will now also form part of the royal commissions inquiry. Richardson will consider whether Commonwealth, state and territory intelligence and law enforcement agencies performed to maximum effectiveness, including whether they had adequate powers and the right systems, processes and procedures and information-sharing protocols and whether they were prevented from taking prohibitive actions by the current legislative framework.

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The Heralds Matthew Knott also noted that another thorny issue for the royal commissions consideration was whether the war in Gaza and broader Israeli-Palestinian dispute had influenced the rise of antisemitism in Australia. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has argued that the governments criticism of Israel promoted antisemitism. Others contend that Australia should be able to criticise actions of the Israeli government without being branded antisemitic. Fifteen people lost their lives, and another 40 were wounded, and after weeks of agitation, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese bowed to public pressure, including from the Herald, and agreed to hold the royal commission. Such an undertaking was always going to be fraught, given that the tragedy touched so many and awakened an awareness in the wider society that the deadliest terrorist atrocity on Australian soil had changed our way of life forever. There will be many harrowing moments until Commissioner Bell completes an interim report by April 30 and submits her final report and recommendations by December 14. Transparency is what is most needed at this moment of national reckoning. The Herald will report the royal commission without fear or favour. Get a weekly wrap of views that will challenge, champion and inform your own. Sign up for our Opinion newsletter.
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NationalVictoriaEducation Melbourne University loses appeal to avoid rehiring mawkish professor Nicole Precel February 23, 2026  7:09pm 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 University of Melbourne has lost its appeal to stop a professor from getting his job back, after he was sacked for sending his PhD student mawkish romantic messages. Stephan Matthai, former University of Melbourne professor of geotechnical engineering, has won a legal battle to get his job back. Professor Stephan Matthai was dismissed in December 2024 for inappropriate behaviour towards a female PhD student in 2017. The Fair Work Commission found last year that although the now-62-year-olds behaviour constituted misconduct and was a breach of workplace behaviour policy, the sacking was harsh and unfair. The commission found that Matthais seven years of unblemished service as Professor of Reservoir and Geotechnical Engineering to the university  between the misconduct and his eventual sacking  mitigated against the academics dismissal. It also ordered the university to give Matthai his job back and pay $28,098 minus taxation in lost wages.

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The universitys appeal questioned the finding that the dismissal was harsh and claimed a failure to consider the seriousness of the conduct, the alleged steps Matthai took to avoid detection, the importance of the universitys Appropriate Workplace Behaviour policy, and its reasons for the delay in investigating and sacking Matthai. The university also argued there was a significant power imbalance between an academic supervisor and a PhD candidate arising from a PhD students reliance on an academic supervisor. In early 2017, Matthai began supervising an international student, whose identity has been protected, undertaking her PhD. In May, he invited a number of students, including the female, to his birthday party. Responding to an email sent by the student on May 8, 2017, Matthai moved their conversation to his private email, saying it was more appropriate and Nothing to be seen by UOM internet security people.

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In exchanges between the two, examined by the Fair Work Commission, Matthai described their communication as an expedition into uncharted territory, saying it was exciting more than gambling is, and that a FaceTime with her was a moment of bliss. He also sent her a photo of himself in his boxer shorts, which he explained was to demonstrate the ectomorph body type. Students at the University of Melbourne. Simon Schluter In mid-2017, the student notified various faculty members of issues she was having with Matthai, and said she was uncomfortable with him continuing to supervise her. Later that year, another professor became a co-supervisor, before the student eventually reported her concerns to human resources, discontinued her studies with Matthai, and began a new PhD with another professor.

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Shortly after completing her studies in January 2024, the student made a formal complaint and the university began an independent investigation, analysing 141 texts and emails. Sexual harassment was not part of the investigation, and Matthai denied any abuse. Related Article Education Melbourne Uni professor sacked over mawkish romantic messages wins his job back In June 2024, the investigators report found on balance of probabilities, Matthai had breached the Appropriate Workplace Behaviour policy. He was notified in October he had breached the universitys Enterprise Agreement, which amounted to serious misconduct. In response, Matthai said he deeply regretted his behaviour that ultimately corrupted the professional relationship he had with his student. He blamed a failing relationship, saying his personal life had fallen apart and described his behaviour as insensitive and said he was terribly sorry that I hurt her this much.

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However, during the Fair Work Commission hearing, Matthai said he did not believe his conduct contravened the policy and argued the interactions occurred out of hours, in the private domain, and in a conversation between two adults about life. FWC deputy president Alan Colman found Matthais communications used mawkish, romantic language and discussed intimate topics in a way that was highly inappropriate, and said all interactions between any professor and student should be professional. However, Colman said he believed Matthais misconduct was isolated and was confident it would not reoccur. He has now seen and felt the consequences of such behaviour. Last week, a full bench of the Fair Work Commission dismissed the universitys appeal against Colmans findings.

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In its decision, it said Colman weighed up the valid reasons for dismissal, and whether they were harsh, unjust or unreasonable. A different decision-maker may have come to a different conclusion as to whether, in all the circumstances, the dismissal of Dr Matthai was harsh and therefore unfair, the submission reads. That is a natural consequence of jurisdiction being conferred on a tribunal to make a broad and value-laden assessment as to whether a dismissal was harsh, unjust or unreasonable. Two decision-makers may, quite legitimately, make different decisions in relation to the same facts. The bench said Colmans findings were intensely personal assessments of Matthai as an individual arrived at by an experienced member of the commission. A University of Melbourne spokeswoman said the institution was now considering the decision and its implications, with due regard to the interests of all affected persons.

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Matthai said the university was yet to contact him, but he expects he will be able to return to his previous position. It has been a tough experience for me and my family, and so has been the loss of their supervisor for my University of Melbourne students, he said. All I can say is that I am very happy about the FWCs decision, and the prospect of returning to Melbourne University to reconnect with my colleagues and students, who are looking forward to it too. 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 NationalVictoriaWomen's health It makes no sense: Minister blasts secrecy over investigation of gynaecologist Liam Mannix and Henrietta Cook Updated February 24, 2026  6:49pm ,first published February 24, 2026  9:22am 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

Victorias health minister is demanding changes to prevent a repeat of the federal regulator failing to alert a private hospital group that it was investigating claims a gynaecologist performed unnecessary surgery. Dr Simon Gordon is under investigation by the regulator over allegations he performed endometriosis surgery, including removing womens ovaries and uterus, despite no clinical evidence justifying the procedures. Patient Isabelle Metaxotos with Dr Simon Gordon in hospital in 2025 after he removed her left ovary and fallopian tube. Premier Jacinta Allan, who admitted the accusations had shattered confidence in the states healthcare system, referred them to police on Tuesday morning. Police confirmed they were assessing her referral. Gordon, who retired from Epworth HealthCare late last year and surrendered his medical registration last month, denies the allegations.

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This masthead revealed the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency had been investigating Gordon for months before senior Epworth management became aware of the investigation. Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas called for national changes to allow AHPRA to notify hospital management when an investigation was launched. It makes no sense whatsoever. An employer needs to know if one of their senior doctors is being investigated by AHPRA, Thomas said. She later said she would raise the matter at the next national health ministers meeting. Sources familiar with the matter, who were not authorised to speak publicly, said that behind the scenes the hospital group and the regulator were pointing fingers at each other over failures to pass on information and complaints about Gordon in a timely manner.

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In a statement on Tuesday afternoon, AHPRA said it was working with other parties to consider how, in some circumstances, greater information-sharing during an active investigation might be achieved between the regulator and organisations that employ, or make facilities available to, practitioners, whilst meeting our legal obligations for confidentiality and fairness. Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas (left) and Premier Jacinta Allan. Penny Stephens The move was cautiously welcomed by medical groups. We have consistently called for more effective communication between regulators, employers and colleges, a spokeswoman for the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons said. However, there must be an appropriate balance between patient protection and procedural fairness, and it is important to remember that an investigation is not a finding of wrongdoing. Epworth has launched an independent inquiry into the allegations, and law firms are considering a class action after being approached by more than 120 women. The state governments Safer Care Victoria will now sit on the review panel into governance at Epworth, where Gordon was partially based.

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Allan, who has been diagnosed with endometriosis and struggled to access treatment, described the allegations of unnecessary surgeries as heartbreaking. To have their lives ruined by these procedures is just simply devastating, she said. Women deserve answers. These victims deserve justice. Related Article Women's health Class action looms over allegations against endometriosis doctor My reaction was the reaction, I am sure, of women right across Victoria, particularly those women who, like me, have had their own experiences and challenges in both getting treated for endometriosis and needing to go through surgical procedures like laparoscopy. Every woman deserves to feel confident about accessing her healthcare. The allegations against this surgeon shatter that confidence. These victims, they deserve justice.

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Allan said she was determined to restore public confidence in a system women rely on. There are too many men who think they can dismiss a womans pain, she said. Allan confirmed the government had referred the allegations against Gordon to police on Tuesday morning. Performing unnecessary surgeries is a crime, the premier said. That is why it needs to be investigated by Victoria Police. Removing a womans organs without an identified clinical need is a crime.

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Allan asked any women who had concerns about treatment by Gordon to report it to AHPRA. It is apparent there are some systemic issues in the private health system. The reporting regimes need to be strengthened. Related Article Women's health This simple urine test could change the lives of thousands of women like Marnie Thomas, the health minister, said she would convene a roundtable of medical colleges to discuss ending what she described as a culture of senior and powerful doctors protecting other senior and powerful doctors. Its time for the colleges, who set the culture, to take real action, the health minister said.

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AHPRA, which had received several complaints about Gordon, also came under fire from the minister. What is clear to me through this investigation is that AHPRA have been too slow to act, and that they have not taken the complaints of women seriously, she said. AHPRA on Tuesday wrote to Epworth, asking it to remind doctors they had a mandatory obligation to report concerning conduct by their colleagues. Allan also announced there would be standardised guidelines for how endometriosis is diagnosed. Safer Care Victoria will develop these. She said invasive laparoscopic surgery was often the first tool used to diagnose endometriosis, when a less invasive ultrasound was often a better alternative. That less invasive approach of performing an ultrasound on a woman should be that first step for diagnosing endometriosis, she said. The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists already offers guidelines for treating endometriosis. Thomas said the additional guidelines were about reinforcing the standards of clinical practice we expect to see delivered by clinicians here in Victoria.

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The colleges president, Dr Nisha Khot, said new guidelines were not the answer. She said the colleges existing guidelines were based on the latest evidence, regularly updated and already recommended the use of ultrasound to diagnose endometriosis. Related Article Exclusive

Women's health Wild with rage: It took Jacinta Allan more than a decade to learn the source of her pain What is required is not more guidelines, but funding to implement these guidelines widely and accountability and governance standards to ensure the guidelines are being implemented and followed, she said. Khot said there was currently no standardised training program for sonographers to ensure that they can perform specialised ultrasounds to diagnose endometriosis. This needs addressing if women are to have good quality US scans for the diagnosis of endometriosis.

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While practitioners are advised to tell their employer if they are being investigated by AHPRA, Khot said the watchdog should also notify employers of current investigations into their staff. She said AHPRA should also make it a requirement for practitioners to inform their employers if they are being investigated, not just advice. Visiting medical officers such as Gordon are required to tell Epworth if they are under investigation as part of their accreditation with the hospital group. Isabelle Metaxotos says she is relieved someone is finally listening. Justin McManus Isabelle Metaxotos, who recently told this masthead Gordon unnecessarily removed her functional left ovary and fallopian tube, welcomed the governments announcement. Its a relief that someone is finally listening, she said. Its also daunting knowing that police might be involved.

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Despite her trauma, the 26-year-old remains an advocate for proper care, urging women not to fear surgical intervention. It is still the gold standard for endometriosis treatment, she said. She is now calling for increased research and specialised training for practitioners treating the debilitating condition. While medical records confirm endometriosis was present during Metaxotos initial procedure, no disease was detected in her subsequent two operations. Her organs were ultimately removed during the third operation, in 2025. The government also announced that additional training would be provided to doctors to help them recognise and treat endometriosis. We must continue to lift the understanding of this illness, the premier said. She said she was considering a certification  a pink tick  for clinicians who were trained in diagnosing and treating endometriosis. We are going to need to do more work on supporting women have their pain believed, heard and treated, Allan said.

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She said suggestions the case might point to a broader issue of over-treating women for endometriosis dont really go to the issue here. The issue here is womens pain is real. Womens pain needs to be understood and treated appropriately, she said. Get alerts on breaking news as it happens. Sign up for our Breaking News Alert.
Victorian doctors warn strike action looms if pay and conditions not improved

Strained Victorian doctors in public hospitals aren't ruling out industrial action, as they call on the government to ban shifts longer than 12 and a half hours.
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The low rate of AI adoption in the workplace may not be due to lack of trying, but lack of dedicated training.

Last June, roughly 70 individualsacross Microsofts engineering teams stopped working for a week and gathered in person to discuss workflow, friction points, and what an AI-first team looks like. They even covered the professional identity crisis of developers, who once spent days writing code and now manage bots that do it for them.

They come away as real evangelists, said Katy George, Microsofts corporate vice president of workforce transformation.

The developers returned to their normal jobs but intentionally worked at a slower pace during the next two weeks, aiming to practice their AI learnings and form new habits in their work. They continued virtual training sessions on Microsofts specific AI tools and how to build custom agents, and participated in a hackathon.

Starting in January, Microsoft began expanding this initiative, called Camp AIR, first to human resources workers, with plans to implement it across the entire company. The three-week boot camp is Microsofts bid to make employees more efficient using the latest AI, without leaving them to experiment on their own.

AI adoption is something many companies, even in tech, struggle with when theres no clear roadmap for training workers, free time for employees to play with tools is limited, and many fear AI will eventually replace their jobs. The existence of a program at Microsoft indicates that even employees leading the AI charge need guidance on integrating it into the workplace and clarity about what AI-driven changes mean. It also suggests that overall business transformation promised by executives could take longer than expected. While AI adoption is rising across US workplaces, its doing so slowly. Daily usage is up from 4% in 2023 to 12% at the end of 2025, according to a Gallup survey. Even tech workers arent fully on board, with just less than one-third using AI on a daily basis.

Chart showing how often workers use AI

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Boot camps that take employees offline for a week arent the prevailing mechanism to drive AI adoption. Many companies are opting for training sessions during the workday. Citi mandates its 180,000 employees with access to its AI tools complete a 30-minute module on writing effective prompts, said Head of AI Shobhit Varshney. Roughly 4,000 workers have volunteered to be AI champions, with the goal of influencing their peers to use more of the technology.

Other trainings are led by the AI company selling the tools. Perplexity, an AI-powered search engine, creates specialized workshops and follow-up sessions for their clients. In the case of its customer Nvidia, Perplexity hosted training sessions with hundreds of workers spanning its HR and business operations units, with more workshops to come.
Trains on the Midland line, between the Midland and Bassendean stations, have been cancelled due to a technical issue the morning after the Midland station was officially opened to the public.

The station was the final piece in the state governments Metronet puzzle  opened on Sunday morning  but its already causing a headache for commuters.

Technical issues have forced the cancellation of trains on between Bassendean and Midland... a day after the brand new Midland station opened. Rebecca Peppiatt/Supplied

Transperth has released a statement, telling passengers there is now replacement bus services running between the two stations.

Please allow extra travelling time and be aware that replacement buses may not connect with timetabled bus and train services, the statement reads.

Alternatively there may be a timetabled service that will help you get where you are going.

Metronet has cost taxpayer $12.5 billion  well over what was expected when plans were first announced.
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PoliticsFederalClimate policy Hypocritical: Coalition slams Labor on climate tariffs while seeking Trump reprieve Mike Foley February 23, 2026  12:00pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

The opposition has called the government hypocritical for opposing Donald Trumps tariff regime at the same time as Labor considers its own climate-based import charges on materials like fertiliser, cement and steel coming to Australia from high-pollution countries. Australias consideration of a long-awaited carbon tariff report, which was received by the government last year but released on February 13 as the federal opposition toppled its leader, coincides awkwardly with the US snap imposition of a 15 per cent global tariff on imports. Commodities such as steel may need carbon tariffs in the future. Louise Kennerley A carbon tariff regime would also be a significant shift in Labors reform legacy from the 1980s, when the Hawke government championed reforms to remove import protections, deregulate the economy and expose Australia to international competition. Trade Minister Don Farrell is lobbying the US administration at present for an exemption from Trumps global 15 per cent tariffs on all imports to the US, announced after the US Supreme Court ruled on Friday that the presidents reciprocal tariffs were unlawful.

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Related Article Manufacturing Australia weighs carbon tariffs to shield local industry from cheap imports Australia believes in free and fair trade, Farrell said on Sunday. We have consistently advocated against these unjustified tariffs. Nationals leader David Littleproud said it was hypocritical for the government to lobby the US for an exemption while it had declined to rule out its own tariff regime. Hypocritically, our government is looking to impose tariffs on carbon-intensive imports into the country in the next year or so, which would push up prices for consumers here from building right through to your food, Littleproud told ABC radio on Monday. Manufacturing industry leaders have backed the safeguard mechanism and the introduction of carbon tariffs, including the Australian Industry Group and fertiliser and explosives manufacturer Orica.

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Australias ambitious climate policies are pushing up the cost of manufacturing and risk driving the production of cement, steel, iron and aluminium to countries with weaker goals and lower costs of production, a recent government review found. It said cross-border carbon tariffs on imports may be needed in the medium to long term to shield local businesses from overseas competitors that impose weaker emissions restrictions on businesses. Nationals leader David Littleproud. Alex Ellinghausen It is understood that the government has not decided if it will accept or reject the recommendation for a carbon charge. If it did, the scheme would be designed to equalise the cost of emissions reductions between local and international industries, not as a revenue-raising mechanism. Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen rejected the characterisation of a carbon border adjustment as a tariff, pointing to the reports findings that any price rises for consumers would be vanishingly small.

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Our approach will always support Australian industry, protect Australian consumers and maintain our longstanding commitment to free and fair trade  because that is in our national interest, Bowen said. The Coalition might want to bury their heads in the sand and let the world move without Australia  but we want to ensure weve got a plan to respond to the changing global economy that prioritises Australian businesses and workers. Related Article Updated

Trump diplomacy Unjustified: Australia rejects Trumps latest tariff hit The Albanese government imposed Australias first-ever binding pollution limits on the 215 major polluters in 2023, requiring them to invest in new technology or carbon offsets to cut their greenhouse gas output by 5 per cent a year until 2030. The targets are considered critical for Australia to meet its commitment under the Paris Agreement to cut emissions at least 62 per cent by 2035.

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Opposition trade spokesman Kevin Hogan said the governments climate policies are reversing Australias economic reforms. Were going down a higher taxing, higher tariff route that we havent done as a country since we started dismantling this in the 1980s, Hogan said. Higher taxes, higher tariffs, are taking Australia back to a place it hasnt been for many decades. Cut through the noise of federal politics with news, views and expert analysis. Subscribers can sign up to our weekly Inside Politics newsletter.
A young family bought a renovated Californian Bungalow in Ascot Vale under the hammer on Saturday for $2.61 million, which was $460,000 over its reserve.

The four-bedroom home at 16 Brown Street was listed with a price guide of $1,975,000 to $2.15 million and had a reserve of $2.15 million.

Selling agent Ryan Currie of Nelson Alexander Ascot Vale said the auction, fought out between two young families, went crazy.

It opened with a bid of $1.95 million and quickly was called on the market, he said. The bidding was strongly contested.
The war of attrition appears almost certain to continue, despite Donald Trumps pressure on Ukraine to sign away its territory in the hope of a lasting peace.

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There is a ruthless objective behind the Russian missile strikes that kill and wound civilians across Ukraine almost every day, and the future of the war is being shaped by whether survivors can defy the pitiless violence. The killing continues on the fourth anniversary of the full-scale invasion, when Russian President Vladimir Putin sent tanks rolling toward Kyiv in a bid to topple the government, but the attacks have yet to achieve his goal. Russia marked the week before the February 24 anniversary by launching more than 1300 attack drones against Ukraine. NurPhoto via Getty Images Some of us are living in unbearable conditions, says Olena Davlikanova, an associate senior fellow at the Sahaidachny Security Centre in Ukraine and a senior fellow at the Centre for European Policy Analysis. What does it lead us to? It leads us to more hatred towards Russians. While in Moscow, their calculation is to make us go outside to protest and demand signing up to a peace deal, in reality, people just want more Russians to be killed. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky shows no sign of giving up positions that have withstood Russian attacks for years. AP Davlikanova says this from Kyiv, where Russia has targeted energy systems with repeated bombings to shut down heating for millions of residents in the middle of the northern winter. Sometimes there is no electricity for 24 hours at a time. It has been minus 20 degrees outside, she says, and about 5 degrees inside her home.

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While leaders talk of peace, progress is slow and a ceasefire seems unlikely despite Donald Trumps talk of a quick deal when he won his second term as American president. Putin not only wants Ukrainian territory but a settlement with Europe and America that cements Russian power. Ukraine, so far, will not give him this victory. And the options are not simply a binary choice between war and peace. There are multiple scenarios ahead as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and his European supporters, as well as Trump and his envoys, negotiate the terms that might justify ceding ground to Putin. Repeated Russian bombings have shut down heating for millions of residents in the middle of the northern winter. Getty Images The options include a capitulation that would agree to Putins most aggressive demands, including that Ukraine limit the size of its army and give up fortified positions that prevent Russian forces from gaining full control of the Donbas region in eastern Ukraine. They include holding out for a ceasefire on better terms, hoping that Putin relents. And they include a continued war of attrition  and even a Ukrainian escalation. Ukraine is not ready to give up the most fortified positions, says Davlikanova. The Russians were unable to take them militarily for more than a decade, and we do not understand why some of our partners push us to do this. This would be a suicidal act. This is ultimately about whether Ukraine should trust Putin to respect a new border  either official or de facto  in a peace deal. The answer, so far, is that Ukrainian and European leaders believe Putin would one day launch a further invasion, so they will not accept peace terms that give him a strategic advantage.

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Russia holds about 70 per cent of the Donetsk Oblast and demands control of fortress cities such as Kramatorsk, but Zelensky shows no sign of giving up positions that have withstood Russian attacks for years. Trump might ease the Ukrainian fears by offering a security guarantee that delivers US support if Russia ever breaks the terms of a peace deal  akin to a NATO pact that treats a Russian incursion as the trigger for American military help. Trump, however, remains vague about the fine print on any security guarantee. Ukraine simply cannot trust America to come to its defence. So the cruelty continues. More than 15,000 civilians have been killed and another 41,378 injured since February 2022, according to the United Nations Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine, or HRMMU. The situation has demonstrably worsened, its head, Danielle Bell, said last week. Civilian casualties in 2025 were 31 per cent higher than in 2024 and 70 per cent higher than in 2023. Russia marked the week before the February 24 anniversary by launching more than 1300 attack drones against Ukraine, as well as 1400 guided aerial bombs and 96 missiles, according to the Ukrainian government. Zelensky blamed Russia for what authorities described as a terrorist attack in Lviv, in the far west of Ukraine, that killed a police officer and injured 25 others. The conflict has killed more than 15,000 civilians and injured more than 41,000 since February 2022. Getty Images Moscow continues to invest in strikes more than in diplomacy, Zelensky said on social media. That is why we must bolster our air defence.

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Can Ukraine fight Russia to a standstill, if not a victory? It faces the immense challenge of countering a neighbour with a bigger population, industrial base and military. In current circumstances, its quite difficult to see that Ukraine could hold Russia back and not cede territory, says Neil Melvin, director of international security at the Royal United Services Institute in London. Loading Thats because four years into the war, essentially we have an attritional conflict, and that reflects the asymmetry of resources. Russia has more people, more equipment and more money to bring to the fight. Ukraine is gradually trading territory to grind down the Russians. And the Russians are doing the same. Theyre trying to grind down the Ukrainians. Related Article Russia-Ukraine war The territory at the heart of Russias war in Ukraine Melvin says Ukraine has to wage this war with a limited economy and a limited military, troubled by increasing levels of desertion. It has a technical edge against Russia in some areas, such as the use of sea drones to target Russian ships in the Black Sea, but has a disadvantage in others. Russia brings bigger numbers to the arms race: it is capable of sending more missiles and drones than Ukraine can send in response. Putin also has the capacity to order waves of soldiers against Ukrainian defences at a staggering cost, reflecting his absolute control in the Kremlin after years of eliminating rivals and centralising his power.

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Russian forces have suffered nearly 1.2 million casualties over the past four years, according to estimates issued three weeks ago by Seth Jones and Riley McCabe at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies. That is greater than any losses by any major power since World War II. After seizing the initiative in 2024, Russian forces have advanced at an average rate of between 15 and 70 metres per day in their most prominent offensives  slower than almost any major offensive campaign in any war in the last century, they say. Russian leader Vladimir Putin has tried to justify his war by seeking a new security regime across the continent. AP Desperate for more troops, Russia has relied on an estimated 10,000 soldiers from North Korea and is said to have recruited 1000 from Kenya. While the Russian economy is undeniably weak as sanctions take their toll, Putin seems willing to send more fighters to his meat grinder in Ukraine despite the losses. Ukraine is short of the supplies it needs to defend its people on the home front or go on the attack on the battlefield. For air defence, the country relies on the Patriot systems made in the US: Raytheon makes the control systems and radar, while Lockheed Martin makes the interceptor missiles. Europe funds the supply of some of these to Ukraine, but cannot get enough. Related Article Graphic content

Russia-Ukraine war North Korean troops are now on front lines of Russias war in combat against Ukraine Europe is unable to substitute those systems produced by the US, says Marianna Fakhurdinova, a fellow at the Centre for European Policy Analysis and also at the Transatlantic Dialogue Centre in the US. But there is another problem, and it goes far beyond defensive systems. Ukraine is hamstrung when it tries to destroy Russian bases that launch attacks on civilians.

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WorldEuropeReligion Gives me goosebumps: Thousands flock to Assisi as St Francis bones go on display Nicole Winfield and Gregorio Borgia February 23, 2026  11:27am 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

Assisi, Italy: The bones of St Francis of Assisi have gone on public display for the first time, capping an 800-year saga over his bodily remains and confirming the enduring appeal to Christians of venerating a saints relics. Nearly 400,000 people registered in advance to see the bone fragments, which are contained in a slim, bulletproof Plexiglas case in the lower Basilica of St Francis in the hilltop Umbrian town that the medieval friar made famous. The Franciscans decided to exhibit the bones for one month, until March 22, to honour the 800th anniversary of St Francis death in 1226. The aim is to revive his message of peace and fraternity that made him one of the most beloved Christian saints and inspired Pope Francis to take his name, the first pope to do so. Pilgrims honour the bones of St Francis during the first public display inside the St Francis Basilica. AP The exposition of his bodily remains is particularly remarkable given the somewhat tortured history of the body of St Francis, a wealthy merchants son born in 1182 who gave up all his possessions to live as a mendicant friar.

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At the end of his life, St Francis body was said to have acquired the stigmata, the first documented case of a saint acquiring the marks of Christ on the cross. In death, his body was lost for hundreds of years, after it was secretly buried by one of his followers who feared that it would be stolen during the fight over relics that was common in Christianity in the Middle Ages. Nearly 400,000 people registered in advance to see the bone fragments. AP That history is recounted in an exhibition mounted in the Franciscan convent, adjacent to the basilica, which pilgrims can visit as part of their appointment to pass by the bones. Brother Giulio Cesareo, spokesman for the Franciscans in Assisi, said the exposition wasnt a macabre celebration of the dead. Rather, he said, it was part of the long tradition of Christians venerating the physical remains of saints to experience the spirit that lived in them.

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It is not so much about venerating Francis, but rather encountering Francis by venerating the Holy Spirit who filled that humanity and made it capable of giving itself, he said. And it is, at least for a believer, a way to renew oneself in this one life. Over centuries, the fascination with relics has led to abuses, with thefts, forgeries and now online sales all part of their history. But that did not diminish their hold on the faithful, said Sean Pilcher, who runs Sacra: Relics of the Saints, which provides consulting and authentication services to the Catholic Church. Security was tight but discreet on Sunday morning (Assisi time) as the first pilgrims passed through metal detectors before filing into the basilica. AP If the saints were our brothers and sisters in heaven, then it makes sense that were going to have things that we hold on to, he said. And what the church does is just take this natural desire that we all have for connection and belonging and direct it in a way that leads us toward Christ. What is remarkable to a viewer today is how tiny St Francis seems: he was known to suffer poor health and nutrition, and the delicate, slight skeletal bones seem to confirm his diminutive stature.

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For Fiorella Farina, a resident of northern Reggio Emilia who is so devoted to St Francis that she bought a country house in Assisi and named her children Francesco and Francesca, the exposition is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Just talking about it gives me goosebumps, she said outside the basilica. Its an event I couldnt miss. Pilgrims leaving the basilica in the hilltop Umbrian town that the medieval friar made famous. AP St Francis, she said, went against all societal norms to live out the Gospel message of peace, care for the poor and the environment. In this historic moment, we need him, she said.

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Security was tight but discreet on Sunday morning (Assisi time) as the first pilgrims passed through metal detectors before filing into the basilica. Police declined to provide details, but said extra officers, sniffer dogs, plain-clothed police, television cameras and other measures were being used to protect the relics. Given the history of St Francis body, such measures seem only appropriate. Pilgrims can also visit an exhibition recounting St Francis history in the Franciscan convent adjacent to the basilica. AP Even before he died, St Francis had gained such a reputation for sanctity that he travelled with an armed escort when he made his final return to Assisi, said Brother William Short, professor of Christian spirituality at the Franciscan School of Theology at the University of San Diego. There are also references in contemporary accounts of people reaching up to try to grab parts of his tunic as he went by on horseback, believing that his relics could help heal the sick or prevent calamity, Short said in an interview at the Franciscan residence in Rome, where he directs an international Franciscan study centre.

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When St Francis died on October 3, 1226, he was initially buried in a small Assisi church, San Giorgio. Within two years, Pope Gregory IX had canonised him and laid the cornerstone for a basilica to house his tomb. But on the eve of the transfer, St Francis trusted aide, Brother Elias, took the body and secretly buried it in the basilica, fearing it could be stolen, said Short. The body remained there, hidden in a column but unmarked, until 1818. Thats when excavations discovered the remains and Pope Pius VII confirmed the bones belonged to St Francis. Some people signed up to visit the relics when the exposition was first announced in October. AP It was a matter of safety and economics, Short explained. If you have a big saint, a new saint  and this guy had the potential to be a really big saint  whoever gets the body gets the pilgrims. And Assisi now has them, in spades.

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Some people signed up to visit the relics when the exposition was first announced in October, and they were slotted into 10-minute increments starting on Sunday morning. Silvanella Tamos travelled to Assisi from Pordenone, north of Venice, with a group of 54 people from her diocese. They had had one of the earliest slots on Sunday, at 9.30am. Its a body thats alive, she said. Its not a dead body. He still has a lot to tell us today. 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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WorldMiddle EastMiddle East at war Trump considers much bigger attack on Iran as part of two-pronged war if diplomacy fails Julian E. Barnes , David E. Sanger , Tyler Pager and Eric Schmitt February 23, 2026  3:30pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

Washington: President Donald Trump has told advisers that if diplomacy or any initial targeted US attack does not lead Iran to give in to his demands that it give up its nuclear program, he will consider a much bigger attack in the coming months intended to drive that countrys leaders from power, people briefed on internal administration deliberations said. Negotiators from the United States and Iran are scheduled to meet in Geneva on Thursday for what appears to be last-ditch negotiations to avoid a military conflict. But Trump has been weighing options for US action if the negotiations fail. While the US has surged military firepower into the region, there are doubts that airstrikes alone could deliver regime change. 354th Fighter Wing Although no final decisions have been made, advisers said, Trump has been leaning towards conducting an initial strike in the coming days intended to demonstrate to Irans leaders that they must be willing to agree to give up the ability to make a nuclear weapon. Targets under consideration range from the headquarters of Irans Revolutionary Guard to the countrys nuclear sites to the ballistic missile program.

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Should those steps fail to convince Iran to meet his demands, Trump told advisers, he would leave open the possibility of a military assault later this year intended to help topple Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the supreme leader. Related Article Iran Trump curious on why Iran has not capitulated as new protests erupt in Tehran There are doubts even inside the administration about whether that goal can be accomplished with airstrikes alone. And behind the scenes, a new proposal is being considered by both sides that could create an off-ramp to military conflict: a very limited nuclear enrichment program that Iran could carry out solely for purposes of medical research and treatments. It is unclear whether either side would agree. But the last-minute proposal comes as two aircraft carrier groups and dozens of fighter jets, bombers and refuelling aircraft are now massing within striking distance of Iran. Trumps envoy Steve Witkoff (left, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio) said at the weekend that the only acceptable outcome for Trump was for Iran to move to zero enrichment of uranium. Bloomberg

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Trump discussed plans for strikes on Iran in the White House Situation Room on Wednesday. The meeting included Vice President JD Vance; Secretary of State Marco Rubio; General Dan Caine, the chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; the CIA director, John Ratcliffe; and Susie Wiles, the White House chief of staff. Related Article Trump's White House Trump could kill ayatollahs son and senior mullahs to topple Iranian regime This article is based on conversations with multiple US officials with knowledge of the meeting, including officials with different views of the best course of action. None of them would allow their names to be used, citing the sensitivity of the discussions involving military operations and intelligence assessments. During the meeting, Trump pressed Caine and Ratcliffe to weigh in on the broader strategy in Iran, but neither official generally advocates a certain policy position. Caine discussed what the military could do from an operational standpoint, and Ratcliffe preferred to discuss the current situation on the ground and possible outcomes of proposed operations. During the discussions of the operation last month to seize President Nicolas Maduro of Venezuela, Caine told Trump there was a high likelihood of success. But Caine has not been able to deliver the same reassurances to Trump during the Iran discussions, in large measure because it is a far more difficult target.

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Vance, who has long called for greater restraint in overseas military action, did not oppose a strike, but he strongly questioned Caine and Ratcliffe during the meeting. He pressed them to share their opinions on the options and wanted more of a discussion of the risks and complexity of carrying out a strike against Iran. Earlier, the US had been considering options that included putting teams of special operations forces on the ground that could carry out raids to destroy Iranian nuclear or missile facilities. That included manufacturing and enrichment operations buried far below the surface, outside the range of American conventional munitions. Trump is said to have sought assurances of military success from his generals  but any attack on Iran will be far trickier than the one that seized Venezuelas President Nicolas Maduro. AP But any such raid would be highly dangerous, requiring special operations forces to be on the ground far longer than they were for the raid to capture Maduro. Multiple US officials said that for now, the plans for a commando raid had been shelved. Army, Navy and Air Force officials have also raised concerns about the impact that a protracted war with Iran, or just remaining poised for such a conflict, could have on the readiness of Navy ships, scarce Patriot antimissile defences, and overstretched transport and surveillance planes.

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The White House declined to comment on Trumps decision-making. The media may continue to speculate on the presidents thinking all they want, but only President Trump knows what he may or may not do, Anna Kelly, a White House spokesperson, said in a statement. Positions harden Even before the Iranians submit what appears likely to be their last proposal  officials said they expected it to be transmitted to the Trump administration Monday or Tuesday  the two sides appeared to be hardening their positions. Steve Witkoff, the presidents special envoy, said on Fox News that Trumps clear direction to him and Jared Kushner, his co-negotiator and the presidents son-in-law, was that the only acceptable outcome for an agreement was that Iran would move to zero enrichment of nuclear material. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Getty Images

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But Irans Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi insisted anew in an interview on CBS Face the Nation on Sunday that the country was not ready to give up what he said was its right to make nuclear fuel under the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty. With that statement, the decision about whether the US was about to attack targets in Iran  with the apparent goal of further weakening the government of Khamenei  seemed to come down to whether both sides could agree to a face-saving compromise about nuclear production that Washington and Iran could each describe as a total victory. One such proposal is being debated by both the Trump administration and the Iranian leadership. According to several officials, it emanated from Rafael Grossi, the director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, a United Nations organisation that inspects Irans nuclear facilities. Related Article Explainer

Middle East at war Cat and mouse: What we know about Irans secretive nuclear program Under the proposal, Iran would be permitted to produce very small amounts of nuclear fuel for medical purposes. Iran has been producing medical isotopes for years at the Tehran Research Reactor, a nearly 60-year-old facility outside the countrys capital that was, in one of the strange twists of modern nuclear history, first supplied to the pro-American shah of Iran by the US under the Atoms for Peace program. If adapted, Iran could claim that it was still enriching uranium. Trump could make the case that Iran is shuttering all the facilities that would enable it to build a weapon  most of which were left open, operating at low levels, under the 2015 agreement between Iran and the Obama administration. Trump exited that agreement in 2018, leading the Iranians to eventually bar inspectors and produce near-bomb-grade uranium and setting the stage for the current crisis.

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But it is far from clear whether the Iranians are willing to shrink what is now a vast, industrial-production nuclear program, on which they have spent billions of dollars, to a tiny effort of such limited scope. And it is also unclear whether Trump would allow nuclear production limited to cancer treatment studies and other medical purposes, given his public zero enrichment declarations. Araghchi made no direct mention of the proposal when he spoke from Tehran. But he said, I believe that still there is a good chance to have a diplomatic solution, adding, So there is no need for any military build-up, and military build-up cannot help and cannot pressurise us. In fact, pressure is the key to these negotiations. What Trump calls the vast armada that the US has built up in the seas around Iran is the largest military force it has concentrated in the region since it prepared for the invasion of Iraq nearly 23 years ago.

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Two aircraft carrier groups, scores of fighter jets, bombers and refuelling planes, and antimissile batteries have poured into the region, a demonstration of gunboat diplomacy even larger than the one that preceded the forced extraction of Maduro from Venezuela in early January. The second carrier, the Gerald R. Ford, was steaming south of Italy in the Mediterranean Sea on Sunday and will soon be off the coast of Israel, military officials said. Further complicating any final decision on military strikes, Arab leaders have been calling counterparts in Washington to complain about comments from Mike Huckabee, the US ambassador to Israel. In an interview with Tucker Carlson, the conservative commentator, that aired on Friday, Huckabee said Israel had a right to much of the Middle East, outraging Arab diplomats in countries that the United States is hoping will support, or at least not openly oppose, an American attack on Iran. US aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford heading through the Strait of Gibraltar a few days ago, on the way to the Middle East. AFP Administration officials have been unclear about what their objectives are as they confront Iran, a country of more than 90 million people. While Trump often talks about preventing Iran from ever being able to produce a weapon, Rubio and other aides have described a range of other rationales for military action: protecting the protesters whom Iranian forces killed by the thousands last month, wiping out the arsenal of missiles that Iran can use to strike Israel, and ending Tehrans support for Hamas and Hezbollah.

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But US military action could also result in a nationalistic response, even among Iranians eager to see the end of Khameneis brutal hold on power. European officials attending the Munich Security Conference this month said they doubted that the military pressure would force the Iranian leadership to give up a program that has become a symbol of resistance to the United States. This article originally appeared in The New York Times.

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Updated WorldNorth AmericaCrime Tryst with a lover brought down Mexicos most wanted man, sparking a firestorm of violence Raul Cortes , Aida Pelaez-Fernandez and Sarah Morland February 24, 2026  8:07am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

Mexico City: A visit from a romantic partner led to the downfall of Mexicos most-wanted kingpin Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, also known as El Mencho, Mexican authorities said as the countrys security forces continue to combat cartel gunmen across the state of Jalisco. Mexico and the United States had spent years tracking El Mencho, who faced numerous outstanding arrest warrants for organised crime and drug trafficking in both countries. This time, however, the intelligence efforts proved successful. Investigators identified and began following a trusted associate of one of Oseguera Cervantes romantic partners. The capture and death of the notorious boss of Jalisco New Generation Cartel has sparked a firestorm of violence. AFP This individual escorted the woman to Tapalpa, Jalisco, on Friday for a meeting with the drug lord. The exact location of the meeting was double-checked by US intelligence, which then passed it on to Mexican authorities. Once the woman left after spending the night with El Mencho, special forces finalised their plans, having confirmed he was staying in the area with a security detail.

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Who was El Mencho? Oseguera Cervantes, Mexicos most-wanted cartel leader, was the mastermind of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). The US had offered a $US15 million ($21 million) reward for information leading to his arrest. A former policeman, he was 59 years old at the time of his death with ties to organised crime going back at least three decades. In 1994, he was tried for trafficking heroin in the US and sent to prison for three years. Upon returning to Mexico, he quickly rose through Mexicos drug trafficking underworld. Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes aka El Mencho pictured on a DEA wanted image. Around 2009, he founded the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), which became Mexicos fastest-growing criminal organisation, moving cocaine, methamphetamines, fentanyl and migrants to the United States, and using violence with the use of drones and improvised explosive devices.

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The cartel has a well-earned reputation for brazen attacks on Mexican security forces. In 2015, it downed a military helicopter in Jalisco and in 2020, the cartel narrowly failed to assassinate Mexico City Police Chief Omar Garcia Harfuch. It recruited aggressively, experimenting with new ways to reach potential members online, and generated revenue through fuel theft, extortion and timeshare fraud, among other activities. A charred vehicle sits at a damaged supermarket in Guadalajara, Jalisco state, Mexico, on Sunday, February 22, 2026, after the death of the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, known as "El Mencho". AP How was he killed? Oseguera Cervantes died in a helicopter after being injured in a military operation by Mexican special forces in a wooded area outside the town of Tapalpa, according to Mexicos Defence Ministry. Defence Minister Ricardo Trevilla said information from a confidante of one of Osegueras romantic partners helped officials quickly plan the raid for the following day at the crime bosss compound.

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During the raid, Oseguera Cervantes gunmen opened fire on security forces, and the conflict moved to a cabin complex in a wooded area, where he was injured along with two of his bodyguards. The three were transported by helicopter to Mexico City but did not survive. Authorities said they found rifles with grenade launchers, rocket launchers and mortar shells at the site. Mexicos Attorney Generals Office said it was carrying out necessary proceedings across 14 states  nearly half of the country. The Mexican government has acknowledged that US intelligence was used to help pinpoint the exact location of the Tapalpa compound, but underscored that the military operations had been led by the Mexican army. There was no participation in this operation of US forces. What there was, was an exchange of information, President Claudia Sheinbaum said.

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Loading Why has there been backlash to El Menchos death? The capture and death of Oseguera Cervantes has sparked a firestorm of violence across Jalisco and other parts of the country and poses a stern test to the Mexican government and its ability to contain the powerful and influential drug cartels. The military operations prompted a swift response from the cartel, with members blocking roads and burning cars. Mexicos Defence Ministry said the attacks in Jalisco were masterminded by Osegueras right-hand man and top financial chief known as El Tuli, who was also killed in a clash with security forces while they attempted to arrest him. A Mexican state police officer inspects an Oxxo convenience store allegedly set on fire by members of the cartel. AFP

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El Tuli had reportedly offered gunmen a bounty of 20,000 pesos  over $US1,000  for every soldier killed, according to Mexican authorities. More than 70 people, including 25 members of the Mexican National Guard, have so far died in the operation to capture the drug lord, with 9,500 troops now deployed to quell the unrest, which has spread beyond the state of Jalisco. Cartel henchmen set fire to vehicles, including this bus, in retaliation for Osegueras death. AFP Cartel fighters, who erected more than 250 roadblocks across 20 states and set fire to vehicles, are still squaring off against heavily armed Mexican security forces. Mexican authorities have reported that 25 members of the Mexican National Guard were killed in six separate attacks, while some 30 criminal suspects were killed in Jalisco, and four others in the neighbouring state of Michoacan. Also killed were a prison guard and an agent from the state prosecutors office.

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A soldier clears a roadblock near Tapalpa, a day after violent reprisals by cartel members. AP As the threat of more violence looms, several Mexican states cancelled school Monday, while local and foreign governments warned their citizens to stay inside. No foreigners were reported harmed, Mexicos government said in a statement. Related Article Updated

Crime Violence rocks Mexico after military kills cartel kingpin What are the cartels in Mexico, and where does CJNG fit in?

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Oseguera Cervantes death deals a major blow to the CJNG cartel, believed to be a major supplier of fentanyl to the US. The cartel started its operation as an offshoot of the Sinaloa Cartel, once led by kingpin Joaquin El Chapo Guzman, who was extradited to the US in 2017. Drug cultivation in the border regions of Mexico started in the late 19th century, and by 1960s these regions became a major supplier of cannabis and heroin into the US. The first cartel of note was the Guadalajara Cartel, which was founded in the late 1970s and is credited with creating the first organised operations of transporting narcotics into the US market. People walk past a burnt-out car at a shopping centre in Guadalajara. NYT The cartel activities put it on the radar of the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and its subsequent kidnapping and murder of DEA agent Enrique Kiki Camarena, led to its downfall. The crackdown from the Mexican government splintered the Guadalajara cartel and led to smaller offshoots - Sinaloa, Zetas, Gulf and Tijuana - setting up operations. CJNG came into the picture in the mid-2000s, firstly as enforcers for the Sinaloa Cartel against its rivals. However, it separated from the cartel in 2014 and went to war with every major cartel in Mexico, including the ones it used to work with.

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The CJNG built a fearsome reputation with calculated use of extreme violence, including torture, beheadings, and public display of the bodies of rival gang members, informants and members of the police. It is active across all of Mexico and apart from drug trafficking, is also engaged in people smuggling and extortion. Cartel members set fire to cars outside a Costco Wholesale outlet. AP 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.

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While Washington has pushed Mexico for more action on drug trafficking, Mexican authorities have also long called on the US to do more to limit the illegal sales of firearms that bolster the vast arsenals of cartels that operate inside its territory. According to American government data, some 70 per cent of illegal weapons traced in Mexico came from the US. 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. 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.

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WorldNorth AmericaTrade Trumps new worldwide tariff goes into effect  and its back to 10 per cent Michael Koziol Updated February 24, 2026  4:00pm ,first published February 24, 2026  6:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

Washington: Donald Trumps new worldwide tariff on imports to America has gone into effect  at 10 per cent, not 15 per cent as threatened  as the US president vowed to retaliate against any country that played games, and belittled the Supreme Court on social media. The new tariff came as transport and logistics giant FedEx sued the Trump administration for a full refund of the tariffs Trump had imposed using emergency powers, which were ruled unlawful by the nations highest court last week. US President Donald Trump on Monday. He threatened higher tariffs on any country that played games with his new tariff regime. AP A US Customs and Border Protection bulletin issued on Monday evening (Washington time) said the new global tariff would be collected from midnight (4pm AEDT) at a rate of 10 per cent  the level Trump initially announced after the courts bombshell decision. A separate notice confirmed that the collection of the old duties would cease at the same time. Despite Trump posting on social media the day after the court ruling that he would immediately lift the rate to 15 per cent, the text of his proclamation was not changed or reissued. It means that, for now, Australian exports to the US will attract essentially the same tariff as before the court ruling.

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Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has said the government will continue to make its case against tariffs on Australian goods: We repeat our view that these tariffs are unfair. Related Article Analysis

US politics Court gives Trump a harsh lesson in the limits of his power The new worldwide tariff was enacted under the Trade Act of 1974, which allows the US president to impose temporary tariffs of up to 15 per cent for 150 days to deal with urgent balance-of-payments shortfalls. After that, Congress would have to extend the tariffs. Trump continued to rage against the Supreme Court in a series of social media posts on Monday, spelling its name in lower-case letters to indicate his complete lack of respect for the nations highest court. Our incompetent supreme court did a great job for the wrong people, and for that they should be ashamed of themselves, he wrote.

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He predicted the court would rule in favour of China when it considered the legality of his executive order to end automatic birthright citizenship for children born in the US to parents without legal status or in the country temporarily. Let our supreme court keep making decisions that are so bad and deleterious to the future of our Nation  I have a job to do, he wrote. Supreme Court justices are expected to attend Trumps State of the Union address on Tuesday night (Washington time). Loading The president asserted that the court had affirmed the legality of all tariffs other than the ones he had enacted using emergency powers. He also claimed he did not need to get congressional approval for tariffs: It has already been gotten, in many forms, a long time ago! Trump warned foreign countries not to play games with the new tariff regime. That remark came after the European Union said it was pausing ratification of its trade deal with the US while it sought clarity on what Trump intended to do next.

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At this point in time, we do not have that, and its not up to us to provide it. A deal is a deal, said European Commission spokesman Olof Gill in Brussels. We are simply saying to the US, its up to you to clearly show to us what path you are taking to honour the agreement. Related Article Updated

Trade Trump orders 10 per cent global tariff after Supreme Court finds previous ones were illegal In a Truth Social post, Trump said: Any Country that wants to play games with the ridiculous supreme court decision, especially those that have Ripped Off the U.S.A. for years, and even decades, will be met with a much higher Tariff, and worse, than that which they just recently agreed to. BUYER BEWARE!!! The White House did not respond to inquiries about exemptions for Australia or other countries with which the US already enjoys a trade surplus, or questions about whether the rate would still go up to 15 per cent. Analysis by the Switzerland-based Global Trade Alert found that at a blanket 15 per cent rate, the EU would face a trade-weighted average tariff that was 0.77 percentage points higher than before the Supreme Court ruling. The trade-weighted average tariff on Australian exports would be 1.84 percentage points higher.

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Whether it is 10 or 15 per cent, the biggest beneficiaries would be Brazil, China and India, whose average tariffs would be significantly lower than before the court ruling. Related Article Opinion

US politics Trump goes to war over this State of the Union Bruce Wolpe Senior fellow at the US Studies Centre and former political staffer Justin Wolfers, an Australian economics professor at the University of Michigan, noted that while Australia might lose its comparative advantage under a flat worldwide tariff, it would benefit the economy of Australias biggest trading partner, China. Meanwhile, FedEx appeared to become the first major US company to file a lawsuit against the Trump administration for refunds of the tariffs improperly collected over the past year. The company did not say how much it was seeking. The suit was filed in the Court of International Trade, which first struck down the tariffs last year and is the court to which the Supreme Court said further challenges for refunds should be made.

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Trump called it crazy that the Supreme Court did not make a ruling on refunds. He said litigation would probably continue for years, while US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said he did not think the American people would see an estimated $US175 billion ($248 billion) in potential refunds. Get a note directly from our foreign correspondents on whats making headlines around the world. Sign up for our weekly What in the World newsletter.
PHILIPSBURG:--- The Government of Sint Maarten extends its warmest congratulations to the Government of the Netherlands on the successful formation of a new coalition administration led by Prime Minister Rob Jetten.

Prime Minister Jetten and his cabinet were officially sworn in by His Majesty King Willem-Alexander at the Royal Palace Huis ten Bosch in The Hague, marking the beginning of a new chapter in Dutch governance during what the King described as uncertain times.

Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina extended heartfelt congratulations to his Dutch counterpart on assuming office as the youngest Prime Minister in the Netherlands history.

On behalf of the Government and people of Sint Maarten, I extend sincere congratulations to Prime Minister Rob Jetten on his appointment and the formation of the new coalition government. Leadership in times of uncertainty requires courage, clarity, and collaboration. We wish Prime Minister Jetten and his cabinet every success as they begin this important work.

The new minority coalition government, comprised of D66, CDA, and VVD, brings together experienced leadership at a time when steady governance and constructive dialogue are essential.

Prime Minister Mercelina noted the longstanding constitutional partnership within the Kingdom and emphasized the importance of continued cooperation.

Sint Maarten values its enduring relationship within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. We look forward to engaging with Prime Minister Jettens government in a spirit of mutual respect and shared responsibility. Together, we must continue to address the pressing challenges of our time, from economic resilience and sustainable energy transition to sound public finances and regional stability.

Prime Minister Jetten previously served as Minister for Climate and Energy and has been recognized for his commitment to forward looking policy. Prime Minister Mercelina expressed optimism about strengthening collaboration on sustainability and climate resilience, areas of particular importance to Small Island Developing States like Sint Maarten.

As a Small Island Developing State, Sint Maarten remains acutely aware of the impacts of climate change and global economic volatility. We are confident that under Prime Minister Jettens leadership, there will be opportunities to deepen cooperation in advancing renewable energy solutions, climate resilience, and sustainable development across the Kingdom.

The Government of Sint Maarten reaffirms its commitment to constructive engagement with the new Dutch administration and looks forward to continued dialogue on matters of shared priority, including financial reform, energy security, and the wellbeing of all citizens of the Kingdom.
The Home Depot Inc. (NYSE:HD) is one of the 14 Best Consumer Discretionary Stocks to Buy Right Now.

Bernstein, on February 18, increased its target price on Home Depot by 5.2% to $381 (from $362) and kept its Market Perform call on the stock. This price update comes ahead of the scheduled release of Home Depots Q4 2025 earnings on February 24. The firm is tempering its expectations, reducing its Q4 same-store sales growth forecast by 40 to 50 basis points to reflect the recent snowstorm, which is likely to have negatively affected homebuilding and improvement activity.

The weaker Q4 2025 same-store sales growth can already be seen in the earnings release of Home Depots competitors. Floor & Decor Holdings, which released its results on February 19, saw its same-store sales decline by 4.8% YoY. Brad Paulsen, Floor & Decors Chief Executive Officer, blamed the softness in existing home sales activity for this decline.

Builders FirstSource, which released its 4th-quarter results on February 17, reported a 13.0% YoY decline in core organic net sales. The multi-family and single-family segments showed the biggest falls of 20.4% YoY and 15.4% YoY, respectively.

Bernstein Raises Target Price on Home Depot (HD) to $381, Ahead of Q4 Earnings Release

Copyright: johnkasawa / 123RF Stock Photo

The Home Depot Inc. (NYSE:HD) is a home improvement specialty retailer, with 1,200+ stores in the United States and 1,100+ stores globally. The company is based in Atlanta, Georgia, and was founded in June 1978 by Bernard Marcus, Arthur Blank, Kenneth Gerald Langone, and Pat Farrah.

While we acknowledge the potential of HD 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.
Elnur Enveroglu



Four years have now passed since Russia attacked Ukraine, yet this anniversary, too, was marked not by negotiations at the table but by Russian drone strikes. Although the years have gone by quickly, the deepening of the war has slowed political processes and pushed the parties further and further away from any framework for peace. The cold and freezing winter months have put Kyiv to a harder test, even creating additional moments of tension with countries in Central and Eastern Europe. Ukraine now finds itself face-to-face with Russias relentless and ruthless attacks, and, deprived of energy supplies, the authorities in Kyiv are searching for alternative solutions.

The war in Ukraine has entered a bitter and revealing phase. It is because of Russia's intensive missile strikes in Kyiv while temperatures plunge to minus twenty-two degrees. More than half a million people in the capital have been left without electricity. Odesa and Kharkiv have endured repeated bombardment. The Kremlin has made clear that it views the energy grid not as civilian infrastructure but as a legitimate instrument of coercion. In this freezing winter, darkness itself has become a weapon.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy insists there has been no pause in the aerial assault, despite talks brokered by Washington and held in Geneva last week. Moscows demand that Ukraine surrender territory in the Donbas region remains unchanged. For Kyiv, such concessions would amount to national capitulation. The military stalemate in the east is therefore mirrored by a political deadlock that shows no sign of easing.

Yet while Ukraine withstands pressure from the east, it now faces mounting strain from within the European Union. Hungary and Slovakia have escalated a dispute over Russian oil deliveries that risks to undermine European unity at a pivotal moment. Both governments are demanding the resumption of crude flows through the Druzhba pipeline, which crosses Ukrainian territory and has long served as a vital artery for central European refineries.

Kyiv maintains that a Russian drone strike in January damaged the pipeline, disrupting supplies. Budapest and Bratislava, however, accuse Ukraine of dragging its feet over repairs. Hungary has threatened to block a new package of EU sanctions against Moscow. Slovakia has gone further, warning it will halt emergency electricity exports to Ukraine if oil deliveries are not restored.

The political symbolism is stark. As Ukrainian cities shiver in darkness following missile strikes, two neighbouring EU states are leveraging their energy grievances to extract concessions. Peter Szijjarto, Hungarys foreign minister, has stated openly that until oil shipments resume, Budapest will refuse to support decisions important to Kyiv. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has accused Zelenskyy of acting maliciously and framed the stoppage as a direct economic injury to Slovakia.

Energy has always been central to Russias strategy in Europe. For decades, Moscow cultivated dependence through pipelines such as Druzhba, embedding itself in the economic lifeblood of former Eastern Bloc states. The invasion of Ukraine was meant to redraw borders by force. The energy war that followed has sought to redraw political loyalties.

Hungary and Slovakia argue that their energy security is at stake. Their refineries are configured to process Russian crude, and alternative supplies require costly adjustments. Domestic politics also play a role. Both governments have adopted a more conciliatory tone towards the Kremlin than many of their EU partners. By tying support for sanctions to the restoration of oil flows, they are signalling that national economic considerations outweigh collective geopolitical resolve.

But this stance carries consequences. The European Union is preparing its twentieth sanctions package against Moscow, timed to coincide with the fourth anniversary of the invasion. Sanctions are among the few instruments available to the bloc to exert pressure without direct military involvement. If internal divisions prevent agreement, the signal to the Kremlin will be unmistakable.

There is also a moral dimension that cannot be ignored. Ukraines energy grid is being systematically targeted in sub zero conditions. Civilian suffering is not incidental but integral to Moscows strategy. For EU member states to condition their support on the uninterrupted flow of Russian oil risks reinforcing precisely the leverage the Kremlin seeks to maintain.

At the same time, Kyiv must recognise the complexity of its neighbours position. Energy interdependence is not undone overnight. If technical repairs to Druzhba are genuinely feasible, transparency and urgency would help defuse accusations of deliberate delay. Ukraines diplomatic challenge is to preserve solidarity while under siege, a task made harder by the daily reality of missile strikes and power outages.

The broader lesson is that Europe remains caught between principle and pragmatism. The war has accelerated diversification away from Russian energy, yet pockets of dependence endure. As long as oil and gas flows remain intertwined with political calculations, Moscow retains a degree of influence.

Winter has laid bare the fragility of both infrastructure and alliances. The Kremlins bombardment seeks to break Ukrainian resilience. The dispute over Druzhba tests European cohesion. In this contest, the stakes extend beyond barrels of crude. They concern the credibility of the European project and its willingness to sustain support for a country fighting for its sovereignty.

If unity falters over oil, the consequences will echo far beyond this winter. Ukraines battlefield is not only in the Donbas or above its cities in the night sky. It is also in the council chambers of Brussels, where decisions about sanctions and solidarity will shape the trajectory of the war as surely as any missile strike.
Hiking holidays are set to surge in popularity in 2026.

Hiking holidays are set to surge in popularity

With annual leave allowances refreshed at the start of the year, many Britons are planning trips built around movement and mental restoration rather than sun loungers.

Travel expert Jerry Rebbeck from Wheelwrights Holiday Cottages said he has seen the shift first hand.

Jerry Rebbeck said: "Holidays built around hikes and walks have become increasingly popular, and are set to be big in 2026. This is something were seeing first-hand with our own guests, with more people asking for itineraries built around walking routes or planning their trips around hikes in the first place. That shift is reflected in Google searches too, with searches for the term hiking holidays up 63% since January 2021, and up 23% from January 2025."

Social media trends echo that demand, with the hashtag #hikersoftiktok generating more than 2,000 UK posts in the past three months and rising by 165 per cent during that period.

Jerry added said: "Holiday goers are prioritising mentally restorative trips in 2026, seeking out holidays which will reduce stress and revitalise energy in an active way. Hiking is great for your mental health by combining physical exercise, time away from screens, and immersion in nature, all proven to help boost positive brain chemicals and reduce stress. Its no wonder more Brits are turning to hiking holidays to properly disconnect from the digital world and return home feeling mentally refreshed."

The UK is proving a natural choice for walkers, thanks to its 15 national parks and varied terrain.

Jerry noted: "We are extremely lucky in the UK that we have 15 national parks, which serve as gorgeous backdrops for hiking holidays. From mountain routes to gentle riverside ambles, and countryside paths to forest trails, there is something for every type of walker."

The Lake District remains a firm favourite among guests, offering routes for all abilities and repeat visitors year after year.

Offering advice to those considering a walking break, he stressed the importance of preparation.

He said: "Before you book your hiking holiday, think carefully about where your accommodation is located.

"Hiking is great fun and incredible for both your mental and physical fitness, but being prepared is essential. Always make sure to plan routes carefully and carry safety equipment such as torches, first aid kits, flares, and compasses. Ensure you are dressed appropriately for the conditions, and allow enough daylight to complete your hike safely. With all that in place, you will have peace of mind to have an enjoyable and relaxing time hiking the day away."
Lawrence from South Carolina graduated from dental school with about $309,000 in student loans and soon after took on a mortgage for a house and financed a Lexus GX.

Despite a high income, the growing debt load eventually began to bother him.

He called into "The Ramsey Show" for advice on cleaning up his finances and getting out of debt.

Personal finance expert Dave Ramsey told Lawrence he sees this pattern often with young doctors. Many are confident in their future earning power and start making expensive purchases as soon as they finish school. That's because they spend years delaying "pleasure" while staying in school longer than most people, watching others start earning and building their lives.

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"Its almost as if youre holding your breath and as soon as you graduate and pass your boards and get your job its like you have this exhale of lifestyle," Ramsey said. "Youve been delaying pleasure and instead of staying with that a little bit longer and knocking off the 309, you preempted your ability, you neutered your ability to get at the 309 by adding all these other payments and lifestyle."

Live Like No One Else'

Lawrence told Ramsey he earns about $260,000 a year and has $100,000 in savings. Along with his student loans, he still owes $29,000 on the Lexus GX and another $24,000 on a leased car. Ramsey said the solution was straightforward: tap back into the same discipline that got him through dental school.

"If you want to get to wealth the fastest thing you can do is go back to the pain of living like no one else," he said. "I dont want to hear about your $260,000 income and you going on vacation because you are a broke dentist. Dont buy anything, dont get to go out to eat, you dont have time. Youre paying on debt, scorched-earth lifestyle."

See Also: This ETF issuer isn't chasing the index  it's building tools for income, leverage, and conviction

Ramsey told Lawrence to pay off the cars immediately, stop investing and direct all available money toward wiping out his debt. If he stayed focused, Ramsey said, the entire balance could be gone in about three years.

"Do this in three years," he said. "You can do it. Live like no one else. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but it yields a harvest of righteousness."
What does Trump want in Iran?



Washington, United States, Feb 23 (AFP) Feb 23, 2026



President Donald Trump's threats to attack Iran provide little detail on what the long-term US goal would be in the event of a sustained or even brief conflict.

Trump sent warships and dozens of fighter planes to the Middle East and has several options to choose from that could destabilize the region.

Will Trump order surgical strikes targeting Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, the backbone of the clerical regime in power, try to take out its missile program -- as Israel wants him to do -- or even try to force regime change in Tehran?

Iran has threatened severe reprisal if it is attacked.



- What are the options? -



Trump said Thursday he would decide in 10 or 15 days whether to order strikes on Iran if no nuclear deal is reached.

The news outlet Axios has reported that Trump was presented with an array of military options that include a direct attack on Iran's supreme leader, Ali Khamenei.

Trump has said many times he prefers a diplomatic route leading to an agreement that addresses not only Iran's nuclear program but also its ballistic missile capability and its support for militant groups such as Hezbollah and Hamas. Iran has said no to making such concessions.

The United States and Iran recently held two rounds of indirect talks, in Oman and Switzerland. They have not brought the two sides' position closer, with talks set to resume Thursday in Switzerland.

Trump is "surprised" that Iran has not "capitulated" given the massive US military buildup, his envoy Steve Witkoff has said.

"The Trump administration most likely aims for a limited conflict that reshapes the balance of power without trapping it in a quagmire," said Alex Vatanka, an analyst at the Middle East Institute in Washington.

Vatanka said Iran is now expecting "a short, high-impact military campaign that would cripple Iran's missile infrastructure, undermine its deterrent, and reset the balance of power after the 12-day war with Israel in June 2025."



- What is the justification? -



Trump has insisted US forces destroyed Iran's nuclear program in attacks targeting uranium enrichment facilities.

Things changed with the January protest movement in Iran that security forces put down with huge loss of life.

Trump threatened several times to intervene to "help" the Iranian people, but did not act.

Trump boasts often of having brought peace to the Middle East, citing the oft-violated ceasefire he engineered in Gaza between Hamas and Israel.

And he has argued that regime change in Iran would strengthen what he calls a dynamic toward peace in the region.

But opposition Democrats are worried that Trump is leading America into a violent mess and demanding that he consult Congress, the only body in the United States with the authority to declare war.



- US firepower in the region? -



The US military now has 13 warships stationed in the Middle East: the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, which arrived late last month, nine destroyers and three frigates.

More warships are on the way. The world's largest vessel, the US aircraft carrier USS Gerald Ford, was photographed sailing through the Strait of Gibraltar to enter the Mediterranean on Friday.

Besides the many planes parked on the aircraft carriers, the United States has sent a powerful force of dozens of warplanes to the Middle East, and tens of thousands of US troops are stationed across the Middle East.

These are potential targets for attack by Iran.



- To what end? -



Richard Haas, the former president of the Council on Foreign Relations, said it is not clear what impact a conflict of any duration and scale would have on Iran's government.

"It could just as easily strengthen it as weaken it. And it is impossible to know what would succeed this regime if it were to fall," Haas wrote recently on Substack.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio told a Senate hearing late last month that no one really knows what will happen if Iran's Supreme leader falls "other than the hope that there would be some ability to have somebody within their systems that you could work towards a similar transition."

Arab monarchies in the Gulf that have close relations with Iran have warned Trump against intervening, fearing they might be targeted in reprisal attacks and wary of any destabilization in the region.

Mona Yacoubian, of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, recently told AFP that Iran is much more complex than Venezuela, which the United States attacked January 3 as it captured its leader Nicolas Maduro.

She said Iran has more diffuse centers of power and a "decapitation strike" could end up "really unleashing a mess inside of Iran."
Duterte 'maintains his innocence absolutely': defence lawyer



The Hague, Feb 23 (AFP) Feb 23, 2026



Former Philippines president Rodrigo Duterte "absolutely" maintains his innocence, his defence lawyer told the International Criminal Court, as a pre-trial hearing against him opened on Monday.

Duterte, who was not in court, "stands behind his legacy resolutely" said his lawyer Nicholas Kaufman. "He maintains his innocence absolutely."

Kaufman acknowledged that his client was "a unique phenomenon" who was "gung-ho in his ways" and was full of "hyperbole, bluster and rhetoric."

However, he accused the prosecution of "cherry-picking" through Duterte's speeches, adding that many of them insist on the importance of sticking to the law.

The former president's speeches did not have "lethal intent" but aimed to "instil fear in the hearts" of criminals, said the lawyer.

Kaufman told ICC judges that the evidence against Duterte was "wholly insufficient" and the charges were "grievously misplaced and politically motivated".

The proceedings are a "confirmation of charges" hearing after which judges will weigh whether to move forward to a full trial. That decision will take up to 60 days.
Press Release from Business Wire: Armis



(AFP) Feb 23, 2026



SAN FRANCISCO, Feb 23, 2026 (BSW) - Armis , the cyber exposure management & security company, today announced that it has achieved authorization from the U.S. DoD's Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) to operate at an Impact Level 5 (IL5). This means that Armis has met strict requirements to manage and secure the DoD's critical infrastructure, including Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) systems.

"We are committed to helping Federal agencies like the Department of Defense address their toughest cybersecurity challenges," said Alex Mosher, President and CRO at Armis. "Achieving DISA IL5 authorization is an important milestone for Armis as we continue to support DoD customers in safeguarding critical systems, sensitive data and national security infrastructure from evolving cyber threats."

Armis empowers Federal agencies to build and optimize comprehensive cybersecurity programs with Armis Centrix?, the FedRAMP and DISA IL authorized Cyber Exposure Management Platform. The company previously achieved FedRAMP Moderate and DISA IL4 authorizations in 2023.

Specifically, Armis Centrix? provides the DoD with the ability to fuse deep asset intelligence - spanning IT, OT, IoT, IoMT and more - with advanced vulnerability management for proactive cybersecurity and defense. The AI-powered platform boosts operational resiliency and supports cross-functional alignment in complex DoD networks.

"Armis is uniquely positioned to help the DoD protect the entire cyber terrain in real time," said Christian Terlecki, Senior Vice President of Public Sector at Armis. "From understanding what assets are in their environment to prioritizing vulnerabilities based on risks, operational impact and criticality, Armis' cyber exposure management platform allows those defending our country to take action and make informed decisions when and where it matters most to ensure mission success."

Building on its significant momentum, the DoD IL5 authorization propels Armis' Federal business into the next stage of growth. Over the past year, the company launched Armis Federal, a dedicated division of Armis focused on providing solutions that address the unique challenges of U.S. government entities, and expanded its Federal Advisory Board. Armis is also in the final stages of achieving FedRAMP High authorization.

Learn more about how Armis helps the DoD secure mission-critical assets here.

About Armis

Armis, the cyber exposure management & security company, protects the entire attack surface and manages the organization's cyber risk exposure in real time. In a rapidly evolving, perimeter-less world Armis ensures that organizations continuously see, protect and manage all critical assets - from the ground to the cloud. Armis secures Fortune 100, 200 and 500 companies as well as national governments, state and local entities to help keep critical infrastructure, economies and society stay safe and secure 24/7. Armis is a privately held company headquartered in California.







View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260223340407/en/









Contact

Media Contacts:Rebecca CradickVice President, Global CommunicationsArmis[email protected]







 2026 Business Wire, Inc.Disclaimer:This press release is not a document produced by AFP. AFP shall not bear responsibility for its content. In case you have any questions about this press release, please refer to the contact person/entity mentioned in the text of the press release.
Nouri al-Maliki tells AFP he will not withdraw bid for Iraq's premiership



Baghdad, Feb 23 (AFP) Feb 23, 2026



Iraq's candidate for the premiership, Nouri al-Maliki, told AFP on Monday that he will not withdraw his candidacy after US threats to cut all support if he returns to the post.

But Maliki sought to reassure Washington by saying he backed a state monopoly on arms, claiming an understanding is possible with pro-Iran armed factions that have long threatened US interests.

Maliki also vowed not to tolerate threats to diplomatic missions and interests in Iraq if he becomes premier, as fears of a war grow following US threats to strike neighbouring Iran.

"I have absolutely no intention of withdrawing out of respect for my country, its sovereignty, and its will. No one has the right to say whom we can or cannot vote for," Maliki said of his candidacy.

Last month US President Donald Trump intervened by issuing an ultimatum that if Maliki, a politician with close ties to Iran, was named as Iraq's next prime minister, the US would no longer help the country.

Maliki then denounced "blatant interference" in Iraq's affairs, while stressing that Baghdad should still maintain good relations with the US.

He told AFP on Monday that "I believe a relationship with the American side is essential for Iraq's progress".

Maliki, Iraq's only two-term prime minister, from 2006 to 2014, also rejected claims his relationship with the US was bad during his previous tenure.

Maliki at first enjoyed support from the American occupation following the US-led invasion of 2003, but later fell out with Washington over his growing ties with Iran and allegations that he pushed a sectarian agenda.

Iraq has long been a proxy battleground between the US and Iran, with successive governments negotiating a delicate balance between the two foes.

Iraq's new premier will be expected to address Washington's longstanding demand that Baghdad rein in Tehran-backed factions, many of which are designated terrorist groups by the United States.

Maliki attempted to reassure the US in his interview with AFP.

"In fact, what America wants is not new. These are our demands. We want weapons in the hands of the state. We want a centralised military force. We have said it repeatedly: we want one army under one command, directly under state authority," he said.

"It's quite possible" to achieve a deal with pro-Iran armed factions, he added.

"There is a good basis for understanding with the factions" but this cannot happen "through force, war, or confrontations", he said.

Maliki also defended Iraq's relations with Iran, which he said "rest on the principle that Iraq's sovereignty is respected" and that "shared interests define this relationship".

He also vowed to prevent attacks on diplomatic missions in Iraq if he becomes premier, amid fears that Iraq could be dragged into a war if the US strikes Iran.

"All countries can be assured that we will prevent any violation against their embassies or officially recognised interests in Iraq," Maliki said.

"We will not allow any party to target any country that maintains a diplomatic presence."
Netanyahu says Israel facing 'challenging days' with Iran-US tensions



Jerusalem, Feb 23 (AFP) Feb 23, 2026



Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Monday that Israel was facing "complex and challenging days" as tensions escalate between the United States and Iran following President Donald Trump's threat of strikes should Tehran refuse to accept a new nuclear agreement.

"We are in very complex and challenging days," Netanyahu told lawmakers in a brief address to parliament. "We are keeping our eyes open and are prepared for any scenario."

He also reiterated a warning to Iran's leadership: "I have conveyed to the ayatollah regime that if they make the gravest mistake in their history and attack the State of Israel, we will respond with a force they cannot even imagine."

The premier further highlighted Israel's close military cooperation with the US, as Washington continues to build up its military presence near Iran and in the Middle East.

"The alliance with the United States has never been closer," Netanyahu said.

"Between the Israel Defense Forces and the United States military, between our security agencies and their security services, there has never been anything like this," he added.

Arch-foes Israel and Iran faced each other in a first direct confrontation last June during a 12-day war in which the Israeli military targeted Tehran's nuclear facilities and ballistic missile arsenal.

Iran responded with drone and missile strikes on Israel. Later on in the war, the United States joined Israel in targeting Iran's underground nuclear facilities.
Anthropic at loggerheads with US military over AI use



Washington, United States, Feb 23 (AFP) Feb 23, 2026



AI giant Anthropic is at risk of losing a lucrative Pentagon contract over its policy that its technology should never be used for the mass surveillance of US citizens or in fully autonomous weapons systems.

A US official told AFP on Monday that Anthropic executives would meet with Pentagon officials on Tuesday to discuss the matter, with a $200 million contract on the line. The meeting was first reported by Axios.

Anthropic is one of the world's most advanced AI companies, alongside OpenAI, the maker of ChatGPT, and Google, whose powerful Gemini models rival both.

The three companies, along with Elon Musk's xAI, were contracted last year to supply AI models for a wide variety of military uses -- including what the Pentagon called frontier AI projects.

As those projects have been deployed, the Pentagon has insisted that all four companies make their models available for any usage that falls within US law.

Anthropic has pushed back, drawing red lines around certain specific applications.

That stance has drawn an angry response from military officials, with reports that the Pentagon could go as far as banning Anthropic altogether from future defense contracts.

"You can't have an AI company sell AI to the Department of War and [then] don't let it do Department of War things," Emil Michael, a senior adviser who functions as the US military's de facto chief technology officer, told specialist outlet DefenseScoop.

The Trump administration began referring to the Department of Defense as the Department of War following an executive order by the president. Formally changing the department's name, however, would require an act of Congress.

Anthropic was founded by former OpenAI employees in 2021 on the premise that AI development should prioritize safety - a philosophy it has maintained even as it looks to deploy its technology across all sectors of the economy, competing directly with OpenAI and Google.

In a statement, Anthropic declined to comment on its reported red lines, but said it was "committed to using frontier AI in support of US national security," adding that it had held "productive conversations, in good faith, with DoW on how to continue that work and get these complex issues right."

According to Axios, defense officials say negotiations are on the verge of breaking down.

The dispute is the latest friction between Anthropic and the Trump administration, whose officials have accused the company of advancing a doomer attitude toward AI and unnecessarily stoking public fears about the technology.
US meeting Russia, China teams in Geneva on nuclear issue



Geneva, Feb 23 (AFP) Feb 23, 2026



The United States is holding meetings in Geneva with Russian and Chinese delegations about nuclear weapons, after the final treaty restricting Washington and Moscow's nuclear deployment expired, a US official said Monday.

"Today, I met with the Russian delegation. Tomorrow, we'll meet with the Chinese delegation, among others," a senior State Department official told reporters in Geneva, asking not to be identified.

The United States had held "preparatory" meetings with Russia and with China in Washington after the New START treaty lapsed earlier this month and the meetings in Geneva were "a little bit more substantive", the official said.

Washington had also spoken with nuclear powers Britain and France "on multiple occasions" in recent weeks, the official added.

New START, the only remaining treaty between the United States and Russia that limited deployment of nuclear warheads, expired on February 5 as US President Donald Trump called for a new agreement that also includes Beijing.

China's nuclear arsenal remains far smaller than those of Russia and the United States but it has been growing quickly. China has publicly rejected calls to enter negotiations on a new three-way treaty.

Christopher Yeaw, the US assistant secretary of state for arms control and non-proliferation, told the Conference on Disarmament in Geneva that New START had been seriously flawed and "did not account for the unprecedented, deliberate, rapid and opaque nuclear weapons build-up by China".

Chinese ambassador Shen Jian pushed back, telling the conference that Beijing would not "engage in any nuclear arms race, with any country".

"China's nuclear arsenal is not in the same league as the countries possessing the largest nuclear arsenals," he said.

"It is not fair, reasonable or realistic to expect China to participate in the so-called trilateral talks."

The senior US official said Trump was encouraging "multilateral negotiations, multilateral strategic stability dialogue and arms control negotiations that will eventually lead to a better agreement".

The official said the "the next logical, natural step is to bring this to the P5" -- the five permanent members of the UN Security Council: the United States, Russia and China, plus Britain and France, who are also nuclear weapon states.

But that "is only one possibility", with bilateral, multilateral or plurilateral formats also possible, the official said.

"We're not going to constrain ourselves to a particular format of negotiations or dialogue," the official stressed.

"We're going to use every tool and format that we can, and that what that achieves some progress toward that goal of a better agreement (towards) fewer nuclear weapons."
BWX Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:BWXT) is among the 11 best military technology stocks to buy right now. Earlier this month, the company provided an update on its role in delivering on the goals of the executive orders issued by the Trump administration in May last year to strengthen the nuclear energy industry.

BWX Technologies, Inc. (BWXT) Making Progress on Goals of Executive Order to Strengthen Nuclear Energy Industry

The company said it was forging ahead on the production of TRISO nuclear fuel compacts for Antares Nuclear, Inc., and was on track for on-time delivery after having started fuel fabrication in October. The fuel will be shipped to the Idaho National Laboratory after it is ready for Antares to perform a reactor demonstration.

The administrations series of executive orders included Order 14301, requiring the U.S. Department of Energy to develop a pilot program for the construction of nuclear reactors and approve at least three reactors with criticality in each by July 4, 2026.

In other news, BWX Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:BWXT) on January 26 in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, inaugurated its Centrifuge Manufacturing Development Facility, marking a significant step towards the return of a domestic uranium enrichment facility in aid of national security.

The development follows a $1.5 billion contract awarded by the Department of Energy to build a program to support a reliable and stable supply of enriched uranium for defense purposes.

BWX Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:BWXT) is focused on providing nuclear solutions for global security, environmental protection, clean energy, and space exploration.

While we acknowledge the potential of BWXT 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.
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She said: As we move forward, lets remember the future of this business is not something that happens to us, its something we shape by the risks we take and the people we back.
Boakye was jailed for six years and five months in 2023 for being part of a robbery gang who held victims at knifepoint to get their phone passcodes in order to steal a total of 115,000 of cryptocurrency, as well as using bank details to pay for taxis and top-up cards. He is due to be deported to Ghana.
We will pass the illegal migration mass deportation act, and the draftsmen who worked on this legislation, were given a clear instruction that when Nigel is Prime Minister, there will not be a judge in the country that will be able to prevent flights from leaving.
The 2026 Feasibility Study incorporates the results of continued metallurgical testing, engineering optimization, refinement of the mine plan, and updated capital and operating cost estimates for Angel Island. The study demonstrates strong project economics, including an after-tax net present value ("NPV") of $4.01 billion.

VANCOUVER, BC, Feb. 23, 2026 /CNW/ - Century Lithium Corp. (TSXV: LCE) (OTCQX: CYDVF) (Frankfurt: C1Z) ("Century Lithium" or "the Company") is pleased to announce the results of an updated National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101") compliant Feasibility Study ("2026 Feasibility Study") for its 100%-owned Angel Island Lithium Project ("Angel Island") located in Esmeralda County, Nevada, USA.

Proven and Probable Mineral Reserves of 287.65 million tonnes at 1,149 ppm lithium, containing 1.759 million tonnes LCE

Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources of 1.138 billion tonnes at 966 parts per million ("ppm") lithium, containing 5.852 million tonnes lithium carbonate equivalent ("LCE")

Project revenues from surplus sodium hydroxide equivalent to $5,393/t of lithium carbonate produced . When treated as a co-product credit, this would result in a net operating cost below zero

Average operating cost of $22.45 per tonne of mill feed , equivalent to $4,389 per tonne of lithium carbonate , compared to $8,223 per tonne in the 2024 Study

Phase 2 expansion capital of $660 million compared to $651 million in the 2024 Study

Phase I capital cost of $997 million compared to $1.537 billion in the 2024 Study

Initial Phase 1 throughput of 7,500 tonnes per day ("tpd") , expanding to 15,000 tpd in Year 5 (Phase 2)

Economic analysis based on a 40-year production schedule, with planned life-of-mine average production of approximately 26,500 tonnes per annum ("tpa") of battery-grade lithium carbonate

Integrated patent-pending processing flowsheet , incorporating hydrochloric acid leaching, Direct Lithium Extraction ("DLE"), chlor-alkali processing, and on-site production of battery-grade lithium carbonate, validated through four years of pilot plant operations in Nevada

After-tax NPV (using 8% discount rate) of $4.01 billion based on price assumptions of $24,000 per tonne ("/t") for lithium carbonate ("Li 2 CO 3 ") and $750/dry metric tonne ("dmt") for Sodium Hydroxide ("NaOH")

Story Continues

No material changes were made to the Mineral Resource or Mineral Reserve estimates used in the "NI 43-101 Technical Report on the Feasibility Study of the Clayton Valley Lithium Project, Esmeralda County, Nevada, USA", dated April 29, 2024 ("2024 Study") and are used in their entirety in the 2026 Feasibility Study.

All currency amounts in this news release are expressed in U.S. dollars.

2026 FEASIBILITY STUDY SUMMARY

The 2026 Feasibility Study confirms the technical and economic viability of developing the Angel Island project as a significant domestic source of battery-grade lithium carbonate in the United States.

Mining is planned as a conventional open-pit operation extracting lithium-bearing claystone mineralization. Mined material will be processed on-site using hydrochloric acid leaching, solid-liquid separation, Direct Lithium Extraction ("DLE"), lithium carbonate precipitation, and an integrated chlor-alkali plant, resulting in on-site production of battery-grade lithium carbonate.

The 2026 Feasibility Study reconfigures Angel Island into a two-phase development plan, consisting of an initial 7,500 tpd operation with expansion to 15,000 tpd. The third expansion phase contemplated in the 2024 Study was removed, simplifying project execution and reducing overall capital requirements.

Bill Willoughby, President and CEO of Century Lithium commented:

"The results of the 2026 Feasibility Study represent a material improvement. These results were made possible by Century Lithium's team who, through many steps of optimization including those at the Company's pilot plant, have delivered a more efficient development plan for the Project. In the 2026 Feasibility Study, this streamlined process is reflected in equipment and related infrastructure, importantly in electrical demand, and is seen in the resulting capital and operating cost estimates."

CAPITAL AND OPERATING COSTS

A Class 3 capital cost estimate was prepared in accordance with AACE guidelines, and Canadian Institute of Mining Metallurgy and Petroleum ("CIM") Best Practices. The updated costs were developed using second-quarter 2025 data.

Phase 1 (7,500 tpd) initial capital cost: $997 million

Phase 2 (15,000 tpd) expansion capital cost: $660 million

Reductions to estimated capital costs in the 2026 Feasibility Study relative to the 2024 Study are attributable to:

Elimination of a previously planned third production phase

Simplification of project scope and installed capacity

Refinement of the mine scheduling and equipment selection

Processing flowsheet optimization informed by pilot plant operations

Updated vendor pricing and construction cost inputs

Operating costs benefit materially from Angel Island's planned vertically integrated chlor-alkali facility, which generates hydrochloric acid and produces surplus sodium hydroxide for sale.

Average operating cost  Phase 1: estimated $30.59/t of mill feed

Average operating cost  Phase 2: estimated $22.16/t of mill feed

MINERAL RESOURCES AND MINERAL RESERVES

Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve estimates used in the 2026 Feasibility Study are unchanged from the prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 and CIM Definition Standards.

Mineral Resources (inclusive of Mineral Reserves):

Measured and Indicated: 1.138 billion tonnes at 966 ppm lithium, containing 5.852 million tonnes LCE

Inferred: 187.28 million tonnes at 820 ppm lithium

Mineral Reserves:

Proven and Probable: 287.65 million tonnes at 1,149 ppm lithium, containing 1.759 million tonnes LCE

Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability

ECONOMIC ANALYSIS indicates Angel Island remains economically attractive across a wide range of commodity price and cost assumptions, with lithium price representing the most significant driver of Angel Island's value.

Using a base-case lithium carbonate price of $24,000/t and an 8% discount rate, Angel Island generates:

After-tax NPV: $4.01 billion

After-tax IRR: 27.4%

Profitability Index: 4.0

Sensitivity analysis indicates Angel Island remains economically attractive across a wide range of commodity price and cost assumptions, with lithium price representing the most significant driver of Angel Island's value.

NEXT STEPS

Century Lithium will continue to advance Angel Island toward development through submission of plan of operations, permitting, detailed engineering, and engagement with interested parties as the Project progresses toward a construction decision. Integral to these key steps are:

Recent appointment of Cormac O'Laoire, PhD to advise the Company in discussions with potential downstream partners and offtake interests. The Company continues to make inroads in Washington DC and Nevada to convey the importance of Angel Island for a secure North American supply chain.

Further evaluation of the economic potential for rare earth elements ("REE") recovery at Angel Island.

Engagement of BMO Capital Markets to assist the Company in its efforts towards securing strategic interests and development funding.

Addition, in 2025 to the US Federal Permitting Dashboard for FAST-41 transparency status. Inclusion to FAST-41 increases the Project's exposure to federal agencies and stakeholders to accelerate the permitting process.

SUMMARY OF 2026 NI 43-101 FEASIBILITY STUDY

This summary forms an integral part of this news release.

An NI 43-101 Feasibility Study on the Angel Island Lithium Project was prepared to update metallurgical results, mine planning assumptions, and capital and operating cost estimates relative to the 2024 Study.

Unless otherwise stated herein, Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve estimates, geological interpretations, and environmental and permitting assumptions remain materially unchanged from the 2024 Study.

Property Description, Location, and Tenure

Angel Island is located in Esmeralda County, Nevada, USA, approximately 354 km southeast of Reno. Angel Island comprises 503 unpatented mining claims (276 placer and 227 lode claims) covering approximately 2,286 hectares, held 100% by Cypress Holdings (Nevada) Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Century Lithium Corp. Existing royalty arrangements remain unchanged.

Geology, Mineralization, and Deposit Type

Angel Island hosts a large, flat-lying sedimentary lithium claystone deposit within the Esmeralda Formation. Lithium mineralization occurs primarily within claystone, tuffaceous mudstone, and siltstone units. No material changes were made to the geological model, mineralization interpretation, or deposit classification from the 2024 Study.

Exploration, Drilling, Sampling, and Data Verification

The Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve estimates are supported by 45 drill holes totaling approximately 3,955 meters, completed between 2017 and 2022. Drilling includes conventional core and sonic drilling. Sample preparation, analytical methods, QA/QC protocols, and data verification procedures remain unchanged from the 2024 Study and meet CIM and NI 43-101 standards.

Mineral Resource Estimate (Unchanged from 2024 Study)

The Mineral Resource estimate has an effective date of April 29, 2024, and remains unchanged in the 2026 Feasibility Study.

Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources:

1.138 billion tonnes at an average grade of 966 ppm lithium, containing 5.852 million tonnes LCE

Inferred Mineral Resources:

187.28 million tonnes at an average grade of 820 ppm lithium, containing 0.817 million tonnes LCE

Mineral Resource Estimate Domain Tonnes Above Cut-

off (millions) Li Grade (ppm) Li Contained (million t) LCE (million t) Measured 858.26 990 0.850 4.523 Indicated 280.33 891 0.250 1.329 Measured & Indicated 1,138.59 966 1.099 5.852 Inferred 187.28 820 0.154 0.817 1.The effective date of the Mineral Resource Estimate is April 29, 2024. The QP for the estimate is Ms. Terre Lane, MMSA, an employee of GRE and independent of Century. 2.The Mineral Resources are constrained by a pit shell with a 200 ppm Li cut-off and density of 1.505 g/cm3. The cut-off grade considers an operating cost of$20/t mill feed, process recovery of 78% and a long-term lithium carbonate price of $24,000/t. 3.The Mineral Resource estimate was prepared in accordance with 2014 CIM Definition Standards and the 2019 CIM Best Practice Guidelines. 4.Mineral Resource figures have been rounded. 5.One tonne of lithium = 5.323 tonnes lithium carbonate. 6.Mineral Resources are inclusive of Mineral Reserves.

Mineral Resources are constrained by a pit shell using a 200 ppm lithium cut-off grade and assume a bulk density of approximately 1.5 tonnes per cubic meter ("t/m"). Mineral Resources are inclusive of Mineral Reserves. Higher recoveries demonstrated through pilot-scale testing were determined to not materially affect the selected cut-off grade or the reported Mineral Resource tonnage or grade.

Mineral Reserve Estimate (Unchanged from 2024 Study)

The Mineral Reserve estimate also has an effective date of April 29, 2024, and remains unchanged.

Proven and Probable Mineral Reserves:

287.65 million tonnes at an average grade of 1,149 ppm lithium, containing 1.759 million tonnes LCE

Mineral Reserves are reported at a 900 ppm lithium cut-off grade, which is approximately 4.5 times the calculated break-even cut-off grade, and support a mine life exceeding 60 years, with a 40-year production schedule used in the economic analysis.

Mineral Reserve Estimate Domain Tonnes Above Cut-off (millions) Li Grade (ppm) Li Contained (million t) LCE (million t) Proven 266.39 1,147 0.306 1.626 Probable 21.26 1,174 0.025 0.133 Proven & Probable 287.65 1,149 0.330 1.759 1.The effective date of the Mineral Reserve Estimate is April 29, 2024. The QP for the estimate is Ms. Terre Lane, MMSA, an employee of GRE and independent of Century. 2.The Mineral Reserve estimate was prepared in accordance with 2014 CIM Definition Standards and 2019 CIM Best Practice Guidelines. 3.Mineral Reserves are reported within the final pit design at a mining cut-off of 900 ppm. The mine operating cost is $5.44/t milled, processing cost of $40.9/t milled, G&A cost of $2.68/t milled and a credit for the NaOH sales of $28.95/t milled. The NaOH sales credit is proportionally applied to all the operating costs to get appropriate costs for the cut-off grade calculation. The cut-off grade considers a mine operating cost of $2.22/t, a process operating cost of $16.69/t milled, a G&A cost of $1.09/t milled, process recovery of 78% and a long-term lithium carbonate price of $24,000/t. 4.The cut-off of 900 ppm is an elevated cut-off selected for the mine production schedule as the elevated cut-off is 4.5 times higher than the break-even cut-off grade. 5. Mineral Reserve figures have been rounded. 6.One tonne of lithium=5.323 tonnes lithium carbonate

Mining Methods and Production Schedule

Mining will be conducted as a conventional open-pit operation using free-digging equipment, including dozers, shovels, and haul trucks. No drilling or blasting is required.

The mine plan reflects a two-phase development strategy:

Phase 1: 7,500 tpd of mill feed

Phase 2: expansion to 15,000 tpd

A previously planned third expansion phase was eliminated. The production schedule prioritizes near-surface, higher-grade mineralization in the early years, reducing waste movement and improving capital efficiency.

Mineral Processing and Metallurgy

The processing flowsheet consists of:

High-pH attrition scrubbing

Hydrochloric acid leaching

Neutralization and pressure filtration with dry-stack tailings

Direct Lithium Extraction

Lithium carbonate precipitation, drying, and packaging

Reagent generation via on-site chlor-alkali plant

Metallurgical assumptions are supported by multi-year pilot plant operations through mid-2025. Leach extraction of approximately 90% was demonstrated, resulting in an overall lithium recovery of approximately 84%. A final lithium carbonate product grading >99.9% purity was consistently achieved.

Angel Island facilities include an integrated chlor-alkali plant producing hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide. Surplus sodium hydroxide, as produced in excess in conjunction with the design production of hydrochloric acid, is expected to be sold, contributing substantial additional revenue and thereby reducing effective operating cost.

Capital Costs

A Class 3 capital cost estimate was prepared in accordance with AACE International guidelines. The updated costs were developed using second-quarter 2025 data:

Phase 1 (7,500 tpd) initial capital cost: estimated $997.4 million

Phase 2 (15,000 tpd) expansion capital cost: estimated $660.2 million

Reductions to estimated capital costs relative to the 2024 Study are attributable to the elimination of a third production phase, simplification of installed capacity, processing flowsheet optimization, and updated vendor and construction cost inputs.

Estimated Capital Costs Initial Phase 1 ($M) Years 5+ Phase 2 ($M) 7,500 t/d Expansion

to 15,000 t/d Mining & Support Equipment $23.5 $43.7 Site Preparation and Roads $3.0 $4.5 Processing Facilities $611.6 $341.1 Infrastructure $167.5 $135.2 Working Capital $14.0 $0.0 Owner's Costs $88.2 $62.8 EPCM $24.1 $19.5 Freight $4.7 $3.4 Cap Cost Contingency $60.7 $50.0 Total Capital Cost $997.4 $660.2

The chlor-alkali plant cost is $481.5 million in Phase 1 and $256.8 million in Phase 2, included in Processing Facilities, and is vendor all-in turn-key constructed costs, inclusive of indirect costs, owners' costs and contingency.

Operating Costs

Average operating cost estimates were updated based on refined mine scheduling, updated reagent consumption, and pilot-validated process parameters.

Average operating cost: approximately $22.45/t of mill feed, or $4,389/t of lithium carbonate.

Sodium hydroxide by-product revenue is equivalent to $5,393/t of lithium carbonate. If credited against operating costs (which was not done in the average operating cost above), base operating costs would be negative.

Estimated Operating Costs Initial Phase 1 (7,500 tpd mill feed) $(000s)/y $/t feed $/t LCE % of Total Mining $12,648 $5.25 $1,092 17 % Process $22,272 $9.24 $1,829 30 % Process (chlor-alkali plant) $33,254 $13.79 $2,730 45 % G&A $5,583 $2.32 $458 8 % Total Operating Cost $73,757 $30.59 $6,110 100 %

Expansion Phase 2 (15,000 tpd mill feed) $(000s)/y $/t feed $/t LCE % of Total Mining $20,056 $3.66 $685 17 % Process $29,981 $5.48 $1,065 25 % Process (chlor-alkali plant) $65,353 $11.94 $2,322 54 % G&A $5,993 $1.09 $213 5 % Total Operating Cost $121,383 $22.16 $4,285 100 %

Economic Analysis

The economic analysis of Angel Island was done using a discounted cash flow ("DCF") model using only the first 40 years of project life. Cash flows in the model were based on second-quarter 2025 U.S. dollars with no escalation of costs or revenues. The DCF model uses a base-case discount rate of 8%. Financing costs were excluded from the valuation.

The analysis includes generating gross sales from lithium carbonate and sodium hydroxide, before-tax cash flow, which is gross sales minus operating costs, and after-tax cash flow, which is before-tax cash flow minus taxes and capital costs. The NPV and IRR were calculated from the DCF.

The economic analysis uses a base-case lithium carbonate price of $24,000/t and an 8% discount rate.

After-tax NPV: $4.01 billion

After-tax IRR: 27.4%

Profitability Index: 4.0

Sensitivity to Lithium Carbonate Price

Sensitivity analyses demonstrate Angel Island economics are most sensitive to lithium price and remain robust across a wide range of cost and price assumptions.

Sensitivity Analysis Lithium Carbonate Price $18,000/t $24,000/t $30,000/t After-tax NPV $2.75 B $4.01 B $5.26 B After-tax IRR 22.2 % 27.4 % 32.1 % Profitability Index 2.8 4.0 5.3

Environmental, Permitting, and Social Considerations

Baseline environmental studies are complete. Permitting is expected to proceed under the National Environmental Policy Act ("NEPA") through the US Bureau of Land Management. Angel Island is currently in the permitting stage, with no material changes to the permitting pathway outlined in the 2024 Study.

Interpretation and Conclusions

The 2026 Feasibility Study concludes that the Angel Island project is technically and economically viable, with improved capital efficiency, reduced execution risk, and robust long-term economics. The simplified two-phase development plan, extensive metallurgical validation, and integrated chlor-alkali process support Angel Island's competitiveness as a domestic US. source of battery-grade lithium carbonate.

In addition, the integrated chlor-alkali process also provides environmental and operational advantages relative to sulfuric acid-based systems, including on-site reagent production.

Recommendations

Work recommended to advance Angel Island and continue project development is as follows:

A Plan of Operations ("PoO") should be completed and filed with the BLM to initiate the National Environmental Policy Act ("NEPA") process; and begin the permitting process with the State of Nevada to work concurrently with the federal process.

Additional geotechnical data should be collected to supplement the existing characterization data and further support the tailings storage facility (TSF) design, infrastructure foundation design for the processing plant and load bearing capacity of materials in the pit during mining.

Additional pilot testing should be completed on deeper material from claystone zones 1 and 2 collected previously, to further confirm the metallurgy of these materials.

Infrastructure work should be completed as follows: 1) initiate preliminary engineering studies with NV Energy for the interconnection of the Project to the electrical grid, 2) define a water source for the Project with a drilling program using piezometers and other pumping tests to be developed under the Company's water rights permit, and 3) locate local sources of barrow material for construction use at the Project.

Detailed engineering should begin when the NEPA process commences and be completed in appropriate phases to develop the Project design to a level sufficient to support procurement, construction planning, and financing.

A supplemental infill drilling program is recommended, though not required, with the following goals: 1) collect additional data for the Project's Phase 1 economic and mining models, 2) material for additional density test work, and 3) material for geotechnical test work.

QUALIFIED PERSON RESPONSIBILITY MATRIX

Richard W. Jolk, P.E., PhD Principal, MPDI Preparation and integration of the 2026 Feasibility Study, review of prior and current sections, coordination with contributing QPs, economic analysis, capital and operating cost assessment, interpretation, conclusions, recommendations, and final QP sign-off. Todd S. Fayram, QP, MMSA No. 01300 Senior Vice President  Metallurgy, Century Lithium Mineral processing and metallurgical testing updates; metallurgical data for mine and process costs and economic analysis; capital and operating cost assessment, partial data verification, summary, interpretation, conclusions, and recommendations. Terre A. Lane, QP, MMSA No. 01407 Principal Mining Engineer, GRE Property details, location, accessibility, climate, resources, infrastructure, physiography, resource and reserve estimates, mining methods, and mining portion of capital and operating costs, economic assessment, data verification, summary and introduction, interpretation, conclusions, and recommendations. Dr. Hamid Samari, QP, MMSA No. 01519 Principal Geologist, GRE History, geology, mineralization, deposit types, drilling, sample procedures and security, data verification, summary, introduction, interpretation, conclusions, and recommendations. Haiming (Peter) Yuan, P.E., PhD Principal Geotechnical Engineer, SRK Dry stack TSF, environmental studies, permits, social and community impacts, partial data verification, partial summary and introduction, partial interpretation and conclusions, and partial recommendations.

QUALIFIED PERSON

The technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Richard W. Jolk, P.E., an independent Qualified Person as defined under National Instrument 43-101.

DISCLOSURE

Further information about Angel Island, including a description of the key assumptions, parameters, description of sampling methods, data verification and quality assurance/quality control programs, methods relating to Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves and factors that may affect those estimates will be contained in a NI 43-101 Technical Report on the Feasibility Study of the Angel Island Lithium Project. Following Section 3.4 of NI 43-101 the report will be available on SEDAR+ and on the Company's website within 45 days of the date of this news release.

ABOUT CENTURY LITHIUM CORP.

Century Lithium Corp. is an advanced-stage lithium development company focused on its 100%-owned Angel Island lithium project in Esmeralda County, Nevada. Angel Island hosts one of the largest known sedimentary lithium deposits in the United States and is designed with an integrated, end-to-end process for the on-site production of battery-grade lithium carbonate to support the electric vehicle and battery storage markets.

The Company has developed a patent-pending process that incorporates hydrochloric acid leaching combined with direct lithium extraction to produce battery-grade lithium carbonate. As part of the integrated chlor-alkali process, Angel Island is designed to produce sodium hydroxide as a co-product, with planned surplus sales expected to lower operating costs, reduce reliance on externally sourced reagents, and minimize environmental impacts.

The Angel Island Project is currently advancing through the permitting process.

Century Lithium trades on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol "LCE" the OTCQX under the symbol "CYDVF", and on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange under the symbol "C1Z".

To learn more, please visit centurylithium.com.

ON BEHALF OF CENTURY LITHIUM CORP.

WILLIAM WILLOUGHBY, PhD., PE

President & Chief Executive Officer

centurylithium.com

NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THE CONTENT OF THIS NEWS RELEASE.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. In certain cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved" and similar expressions suggesting future outcomes or statements regarding an outlook.

Forward-looking statements relate to any matters that are not historical facts and statements of our beliefs, intentions and expectations about developments, results and events which will or may occur in the future, without limitation, statements with respect to the potential development and value of the Project and benefits associated therewith, statements with respect to the expected project economics for the Project, such as estimates of life of mine, lithium prices, production and recoveries, capital and operating costs, IRR, NPV and cash flows, any projections outlined in the Feasibility Study in respect of the Project, the permitting status of the Project and the Company's future development plans.

These and other forward-looking statements and information are subject to various known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the ability of the Company to control or predict, that may cause their actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied thereby, and are developed based on assumptions about such risks, uncertainties and other factors set out herein. These risks include those described under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's most recent annual information form and its other public filings, copies of which can be under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.com. The Company expressly disclaims any obligation to update-forward-looking information except as required by applicable law. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed, and actual future results may vary materially. Accordingly, readers are advised not to place reliance on forward-looking statements or information. Furthermore, Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability.

Cision

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/century-lithium-reports-updated-feasibility-study-with-after-tax-npv-of-4-01-billion-and-operating-costs-of-4-389-per-tonne-of-lithium-carbonate-for-the-angel-island-lithium-project-nevada-302694442.html

Cision

View original content to download multimedia: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/February2026/23/c6856.html
I am concerned that the Lord Advocates handling of this matter raises serious questions about the accuracy of what was said to Parliament and whether the First Minister and his political advisers received access to prosecutorial information that was not available to the public and media, creating a potential political advantage.
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.
Although the cards have returned in a poor condition, the Abbot and community are, nonetheless delighted at their return, and are grateful to the member of the public whose diligence has led their recovery and to the collaboration of the army and the police.
A developer has filed a $300 million lawsuit accusing the Hutto mayor of demanding a bribe during negotiations over a 250-acre development. American-Statesman

A developer has filed a $300 million lawsuit accusing the mayor of a fast-growing Austin suburb of demanding a bribe that derailed negotiations over a 250-acre development.

The lawsuit, filed by Midway Development Group, names Hutto Mayor Mike Snyder, the Hutto Economic Development Corp., real estate investment and development firm Terra Halona and its co-managing partner Joel Scott as defendants.

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According to the lawsuit, Snyder told Midway that the economic development corporation would not honor its contract with Midway unless the company paid Snyders friends  Terra Halona and Scott. Snyder said Friday that he never asked for payments and is not friends with Scott.

Snyder has previously said the city terminated its negotiations with Midway because of the companys lack of progress on the proposed development and a lack of financing. He also said the city reimbursed Midway $100,000 for expenses including printing, labor and consulting fees that the company incurred while pitching its ideas for the tract to the city.

Neither Scott nor Huttos lawyer responded to requests for comment. Mikal Watts, Midways lawyer, defended the lawsuits claims.

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Nothing kills job creation faster than petty corruption, Watts said. This lawsuit is critically important to ensure that the economic engine which is the state of Texas cannot be stopped by politicians seeking bribes for their friends.

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The lawsuit was filed last week in Harris County. Both Midway and Terra Halona are based in Houston.

According to the lawsuit, Snyder sent Midway CEO Bradley Freels an email in July suggesting that his friend Joel needed to be paid off by Midway. In the email, Snyder wrote, I need to know that both Midway and Terramark are good with each other.

Terra Halona was then known as Terramark.

The suit says the mail continued, I think its safe to say that the relationship with Terramark is what helped get Midway to Hutto for a presentation. Weve waited 2 years to get nowhere. So there is nothing telling me that we cant start the process over and pick a different developer.

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Scott was president of Terramark Ventures before forming a partnership with Halona Development.

Snyder said he wrote the email because there seemed to be a disagreement between Midway and Terramark over whether it should be included in Midways negotiations with the city.

Joel said they (Midway) are kicking me out and I said you guys need to get this all figured out, Snyder said. I never asked Midway to pay Terra Halona anything.

Terra Halona told Midway in July 2023 it had relationships with city officials including Bob Farley, then the director of the Hutto Economic Development Corp., and suggested there might be an opportunity to develop the site, the suit says. Terra Halona also presented a partnership proposal to develop the site with Midway, but Midway never responded.

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Midway later met with Farley and discussed the site but no deal was negotiated.

The interim director of the economic development corporation reached out to Freels in October 2023 to see whether Midway was interested in submitting a request for proposals to develop the 250-acre site known as the Cottonwood Tract at U.S. 79 and County Road 132. The interim director did not mention Terra Halona or Scott as the reason she approached Midway, according to the lawsuit.

During Midways proposal process, Terra Halona represented on multiple occasions that they were friends with the mayor and offered to arrange a meeting, according to the lawsuit.

Midway only accepted the offer to meet Snyder after Hutto officials selected the company as the developer in December 2023, the lawsuit says. Snyder said he remembered meeting Midway officials and Scott at a restaurant, but at the time did not know who Scott was.

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I thought he worked for Midway, Snyder said.

MORE FROM HUTTO: Hutto gives local bookshop a sales tax reimbursement grant for renovations

Freels reportedly told Snyder and the Hutto EDC interim director that Terra Halona was not a member of the development team.

Terra Halonas sole involvement had been an early introduction to Mr. Farley in connection with a potential off-market transaction that never materialized, according to the lawsuit.

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The Hutto EDC terminated negotiations on Oct. 8 after a progress meeting at which Snyder, who had appointed himself to the economic development corporation, said Midway was two years behind schedule, the lawsuit says.

Snyder said Midway never had a plan for the development. Midway had sought a municipal management district to issue debt and a tax increment reinvestment zone to fund infrastructure for the 250-acre site, he said. In a joint meeting this summer, the economic development corporation and City Council rejected both requests.

Midway sent a written claim for damages for breach of contract to the Hutto EDC on Nov. 7, but the citys attorney rejected it, the lawsuit says. The lawsuit did not specify the amount of damages Midway requested.

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Midway called the city and said if you dont pay us $2 million we are going to tell everybody the mayor got a bribe and do all this stuff, Snyder said.
Copa Holdings, S.A. (NYSE:CPA) is one of the high-growth industrial stocks to buy. On February 6, Raymond James reiterated a Strong Buy rating on Copa Holdings, S.A. (NYSE:CPA) and increased the price target to $185 from $164.

Copa Holdings, S.A. (CPA) Elicits Mixed Sentiments on Wall Street amid Operational Momentum

The price target hike comes as the research believes the stock is trading at an attractive valuation, backed by a strong balance sheet. In addition, it has touted the companys geographically advantageous hub, which has enabled it to enjoy strong demand across its network. Raymond James expects the company to deliver strong free cash flow supported by structural strengths in its hubs scale and scope.

On the other hand, on February 13, Goldman Sachs downgraded Copa Holdings to Neutral from Buy and raised the price target to $151 from $150. The downgrade comes amid concerns that there is little room for further meaningful improvement for the airline. However, it hiked the price target, citing the companys strong operational momentum.

Copa Holdings, S.A. (NYSE:CPA) is a leading Latin American provider of airline passenger and cargo services, operating primarily through its subsidiaries, Copa Airlines and AeroRepublica (Wingo).

While we acknowledge the potential of CPA 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 Emerging Markets Stocks to Buy Right Now and 10 Best Debt-Free Mid-Cap Stocks to Buy According to Hedge Funds.

Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
Jay Janner is a staff photographer at the Austin American-Statesman where, since 2003, he has documented life in one of the most dynamic cities in America. In his more than 30-year career, Janner photographed many of the biggest news stories in Austin but his greatest joy is photographing moments in the lives of everyday people. Community photojournalism is his passion. Janner is an eight-time National Press Photographers Association Regional Photographer of the Year and a four-time winner of the Headliners Foundation of Texas Star Photojournalist of the Year award. His photos have won numerous state and national awards including Pictures of the Year International and NPPA Best of Photojournalism. Born in Houston and raised in Bryan, Texas, Janner earned a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism from Texas A&M University. He previously worked as a staff photographer at the Corpus Christi Caller-Times and the Colorado Springs Gazette.
Here are (almost) all the places Elon Musk flew his private jet in January. Suzanne Cordeiro/AFP; Frans Kuz; Mara Esquival

The average air traveler makes 5.3 trips per year, according to trade group Airlines for America. Billionaire Elon Musk makes more trips than that in a month as the jet-setter takes off for business trips, to schmooze with politicians or kick back in vacation spots.

One day, he might be in Austin viewing a prototype of Tesla Inc.s new Cybercab and the next hes in Europe talking about SpaceXs plans for future Mars missions. (He wouldnt mind dying on Mars, he says, just not on impact.)

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The full extent of his travel is hard to pin down but heres a sampling of where the worlds richest man was in January.

Where Elon Musk flew in January  and why

Jan. 6 to Hawthorne, Calif.: Musk was in the city where SpaceX builds its Falcon 9 rocket. It was used for Starlink missions earlier this year. This trip came with xAIs chatbot Grok facing international condemnation over sexualized images made without subjects consent, including images of children.

where SpaceX builds its Falcon 9 rocket. It was used for Starlink missions earlier this year. This trip came with xAIs chatbot Grok facing international condemnation over sexualized images made without subjects consent, including images of children. Jan. 6 to San Jose, Calif.: This airport is just south of Teslas Fremont factory where the company is preparing to eliminate the lines for the S and X model vehicles to make room for humanoid production.

This airport is just south of Teslas Fremont factory where the company is preparing to eliminate the lines for the S and X model vehicles to make room for humanoid production. Jan. 9 in Austin: Its unclear when he flew back to Austin. But once he was here, he met with U.S. Sen. John Cornyn for a sneak peak of Teslas next vehicle, known as Cybercab .

met with U.S. Sen. John Cornyn Cybercab Jan. 11 to Brownsville: N ear SpaceXs Starbase . There, he provided a tour of the rocket makers facilities to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth .

N SpaceXs Starbase tour of the rocket makers facilities Hegseth Jan. 13 to Austin: No details available.

No details available. Jan. 20 to San Jose: No details available.

No details available. Jan. 22 to Zurich, Switzerland: For the World Economic Forum. On stage in Davos, he made promises about humanoid robots and SpaceX mega-rockets. He also discussed autonomous autos, declaring self-driving cars a solved problem and claiming Teslas Robotaxi-branded service will be very, very widespread by the end of this year within the U.S.

For the World Economic Forum. On stage in Davos, he made promises about humanoid robots and SpaceX mega-rockets. He also discussed autonomous autos, declaring self-driving cars a solved problem and claiming Teslas Robotaxi-branded service will be very, very widespread by the end of this year within the U.S. About 12 hours later, back to Austin: Tesla was set to report earnings Jan. 28. Without much positive news to share (Tesla revenue and profit had taken a nosedive), he kept attention on the companys focus on autonomous vehicles. Efforts on that include plans to make the Cybertruck line autonomous and perhaps adapt the vehicle for cargo delivery.

Sen. John Cornyn, right, visited with Tesla Inc. CEO Elon Musk in January at the Austin automakers Gigafactory Texas. Sen. John Cornyn

Tracking Musks jet

As he zig-zags around the world in his 2015 Gulfstream G650ER, the full extent of Musks travel can be hard to pin down. His itinerary, which could formerly be seen through publicly available trackers such as FlightAware, is now less certain. The flight data such trackers used to capture can now be hidden from public view after legislation allowing private aircraft owners to withhold aircraft registration numbers and other personal information.

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Still, Musk occasionally shares his whereabouts and news coverage often provides clues. For other trips, programmer Jack Sweeney has reportedly used crowd-sourced flight data from people using their own receivers to collect data from planes. Sweeneys data for Musks travels in January tallied thousands of miles and more than 91,000 pounds of jet fuel consumed.

Private jet emissions controversy

The fuel his Gulfstream burns has been met with questioned by climate activists and Musk critics, who have questioned if his frequent flying contradicts Teslas marketing, which has been geared toward consumers desiring a cleaner mode of transportation than gasoline-powered vehicles.

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But even Tesla doesnt appear primarily focused on an environmentally friendly mission. The company recently changed its mission statement from accelerating the worlds transition to sustainable energy to building a world of amazing abundance.

For Musk, one measure of abundance is his high air mile count, which as recently as 2018 reached more than 150,000 miles in a year.

Tesla Inc. CEO Elon Musk boards his private jet before departing from Beijing Capital International Airport in May 2023. Jade Gao/AFP via Getty Images

Those miles translate into a significant carbon footprint. A research paper in Global Environmental Change noted that individual users of private aircraft can contribute to emissions of up to 7,500 tons of carbon dioxide per year. Musk is already racking up a high emission count for this year, with Sweeneys estimates suggesting his CO2 emissions reached nearly 150 tons.

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But Musk doesnt appear concerned, as his frequent travel continued into February with a visit to California. After documents were released by the Department of Justice revealing Musk had friendly email exchangess with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, he pivoted the narrative to how busy he is with his workload. Piggybacking off of a post that defended Musk and said wouldnt have had time to visit Epstein, Musk wrote on X that he worked most weekends, and still does.

Only left the Tesla engineering lab in Palo Alto a few hours ago, Musk wrote the day after the files were released, suggesting he had taken off from Austin recently.
Advocacy groups and community members protest laws surrounding data centers while outside the Texas Capitol in Austin on Monday. Protestors are advocating for counties to gain legal authority to regulate data center development or enact a statewide pause until protections are in place. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman

Rural Texans gathered this week at the Capitol to protest the proliferation of data centers, which is raising concern about the industry's impact on the state's electric grid, water supply and other issues.

The industry is growing fast enough that, according to one analysis, Texas is poised to surpass Virginia as the world's largest data center market by 2030.

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The dozens of protesters, many of whom came by bus from Hood County, called on Gov. Greg Abbott to call a special session focused on the issue.

Texas has seen a rapid influx of data center development, with research finding that the Lone Star State has 6.5 gigawatts of data center capacity currently under construction  equivalent to one-fifth of the U.S. data center capacity added to its pipeline last year. One gigawatt can power about 750,000 homes on average.

We are here today to implore Gov. Abbott to take a sober look at the data center and power plant explosion in Texas and its devastating and irreversible impacts they will have, said Brian Crawford, a Hood County resident and member of the Protect the Paluxy Valley activist organization.

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Data centers are large facilities that provide critical infrastructure to support digital activity and the growth of artificial intelligence. The facilities, seen as vital for national security and the future of technology, require massive amounts of power and water to run.

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The Electric Reliability Council of Texas, the states main grid operator, said data centers will cause Texas energy demand to surge 71% by 2031. Recent research suggests that training and using AI could consume more water than the global bottled water industry, largely because of data center operations.

Community members statewide have filled city council, county commissioners courts and local water utility board meetings to speak against these facilities.

Christina Speasmaker of Waco chants as advocacy groups and community members protest laws surrounding data centers outside the Texas Capitol in Austin on Monday. Protesters are advocating for counties to gain legal authority to regulate data center development or to enact a statewide pause until protections are in place. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman

Residents in San Marcos successfully swayed its city council last week to deny a $1.5 billion data center proposal, but not all opponents have been as successfull. In Round Rock, protests earlier this month did little to sway the City Council, which unanimously approved what will be the suburbs seventh data center development.

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The Hood County residents who traveled to Austin on Monday were protesting in large part a 2,600-acre data center development planned for the Paluxy Valley near Dinosaur Valley State Park. The campus would include dozens of warehouse-style buildings and natural-gas-fired power plants.

Advocacy groups and community members protest laws surrounding data centers while outside the Texas Capitol in Austin Monday, Feb. 23, 2026. Protestors are advocating for counties to gain legal authority to regulate data center development or enact a statewide pause until protections are in place. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Nina Boyett of Ross joins advocacy groups to protest laws surrounding data centers while outside the Texas Capitol in Austin Monday, Feb. 23, 2026. Protestors are advocating for counties to gain legal authority to regulate data center development or enact a statewide pause until protections are in place. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Advocacy groups and community members protest laws surrounding data centers while outside the Texas Capitol in Austin Monday, Feb. 23, 2026. Protestors are advocating for counties to gain legal authority to regulate data center development or enact a statewide pause until protections are in place. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Advocacy groups and community members protest laws surrounding data centers while outside the Texas Capitol in Austin Monday, Feb. 23, 2026. Protestors are advocating for counties to gain legal authority to regulate data center development or enact a statewide pause until protections are in place. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Advocacy groups and community members protest laws surrounding data centers while outside the Texas Capitol in Austin Monday, Feb. 23, 2026. Protestors are advocating for counties to gain legal authority to regulate data center development or enact a statewide pause until protections are in place. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Kamil Cook protests laws surrounding data centers while outside the Texas Capitol in Austin Monday, Feb. 23, 2026. Protestors are advocating for counties to gain legal authority to regulate data center development or enact a statewide pause until protections are in place. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Somervell County percent 3 commissioner Chip Joslin and Mary Collier join advocacy groups and community members to protest laws surrounding data centers while outside the Texas Capitol in Austin Monday, Feb. 23, 2026. Protestors are advocating for counties to gain legal authority to regulate data center development or enact a statewide pause until protections are in place. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Advocacy groups and community members protest laws surrounding data centers while outside the Texas Capitol in Austin Monday, Feb. 23, 2026. Protestors are advocating for counties to gain legal authority to regulate data center development or enact a statewide pause until protections are in place. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman

I have two babies at home, and I want them to have something when were not here one day, Hood County resident Joanne Carcamo, who said she moved to Texas for a more rural life, told the American-Statesman on Monday. I want them to have a ranch that has running water and to breathe air thats clean. I want them to have what makes this area special. And theyre just not gonna have it if we let these data centers happen.

The protesters gathered Monday said Abbott should call a special session to discuss possible moratoriums, or temporary pauses, on data center approvals. Many said they want the state to give counties more regulatory authority.

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Under current state law, counties do not have zoning authority, often meaning proposals are approved as long as they comply with filing requirements.

The call for a moratorium comes as the Hays County Commissioners Court is set to discuss a possible temporary ban on large industrial projects with high water demands during its meeting Tuesday.

Our communities are being absolutely besieged by AI data centers in Hood County, in Somerville, in San Marcos, in Round Rock, in Amarillo and elsewhere across the state, said Adrian Shelley, a Houston resident and Public Citizen Texas Office director. Small towns and rural communities are under threat from big tech. They want our water even as our lakes are shrinking and our wells are running dry. They want our electricity even as we pay more month after month for our bills. This is happening across the state, and it is time for our lawmakers in Austin to take action.
The 2026 South by Southwest Conference and Festival will have Boots Riley's "I Love Boosters" as its opening night film. Provided by NEON

Austins perennial culture engine is about to turn 40. and if the 2026 lineup is any indication, this years South by Southwest Conference and Festival will include high-wattage star power.

The festival  which runs March 12-18 at venues across downtown Austin  will open with a world premiere designed to set the tone, as filmmaker Boots Riley returns with I Love Boosters. The heist comedy is stacked with names that signal SXSWs continued pull as both launchpad and spectacle.

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Rileys long-awaited second feature arrives with a cast that includes Keke Palmer, Demi Moore, Eiza Gonzalez, Alexa Demie, LaKeith Stanfield and Will Poulter. As an opening-night selection, I Love Boosters positions SXSW not just as a discovery festival but as a place where established stars test new modes with riskier, more playful material than theyd bring to traditional studio releases.

Elle Fanning stars in the Apple TV series "Margo's Got Money Troubles" coming to the South by Southwest Conference and Festival in March. Provided by Apple TV

The 2026 SXSW celebrity forecast

While we don't know exactly how many stars are heading to Austin, the SXSW Film lineup foreshadows a week where premieres will double as red carpets and panels will bleed into performances:

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Perfect brings Julia Fox into the indie spotlight with a dystopian romance that takes place in a world devastated by a water contamination incident.

brings into the indie spotlight with a dystopian romance that takes place in a world devastated by a water contamination incident. Margos Got Money Troubles assembles Elle Fanning, Michelle Pfeiffer, Nicole Kidman, Rico Nasty and David Cronenberg for an Apple TV series about a broke new mom.

assembles and for an Apple TV series about a broke new mom. Ready or Not 2: Here I Come ups the horror ante with Kathryn Newton, Samara Weaving, Elijah Wood and Shawn Hatosy.

Ready or Not 2: Here I Come, a sequel to the 2019 horror film, is premiering at this year's South by Southwest Conference and Festival. Provided by Searchlight Pictures

Pretty Lethal stars Lana Condor, Maddie Ziegler and Uma Thurman in a thriller about five stranded ballerinas.

stars and in a thriller about five stranded ballerinas. Forbidden Fruits mixes screen and influencer culture with Lili Reinhart, Lola Tung, Emma Chamberlain and Gabrielle Union for a dark comedy about a cult.

mixes screen and influencer culture with and for a dark comedy about a cult. Basic adds Leighton Meester and Ashley Park to a young womans downward spiral after a breakup.

adds and to a young womans downward spiral after a breakup. They Will Kill You spotlights Zazie Beetz in a thriller-comedy where a cult seeks a sacrifice.

spotlights in a thriller-comedy where a cult seeks a sacrifice. Power Ballad features Paul Rudd and Nick Jonas in a music rivalry.

features and in a music rivalry. The conference will include panels with Jamie Lee Curtis, Larry David and Steven Speilberg.

SXSW Music includes Lola Young, Christina Aguilera

Lola Young performs onstage during Spotify's 2026 Best New Artist Party at LA's The Lot at Formosa on January 29, 2026 in West Hollywood, California. Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for Spotify

The SXSW Music Festival will also bring big names to Austin. The Future of Music showcase features Lola Young and Fuerza Regida, while Billboards stage highlights Don Toliver, and the All-American Rejects play the festival kickoff party at Stubb's BBQ.

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Meanwhile, the SXSW-adjacent Sips and Sounds Festival leans mainstream with Christina Aguilera, Ravyn Lenae, Grouplove, Calvin Harris and Foster the People.

Where to spot celebrities in Austin

Dua Lipa, right, takes a photo with La Barbecue owner Ali Clem, left, on Friday, Oct. 4, 2024, at La Barbecue in Austin. Provided by La Barbecue

For all its badge-only access, SXSW still spills into the city. South Congress Avenue remains the most reliable runway where sightings happen between coffee runs and casual strolls. Last year, Pedro Pascal was spotted along the strip and at Torchys Tacos. Nearby, Barton Springs Pool continues to draw visitors, famous or not, looking to disappear into something low-key.

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At night, the tourist playbook shifts toward Texas mythmaking. Honky-tonks like the White Horse, Broken Spoke and Donns Depot routinely pull in artists and actors chasing a two-step. Before heading there, some make a stop at Allens Boots, where Dua Lipa was spotted shopping back in 2025, leaning into the costume of it all.

Food, as always in Austin, is part of the circuit. Barbecue lines at La Barbecue and Leroy and Lewis Barbecue double as informal meet-and-greets, while NADC Burger has also become a recurring SXSW stop. For a more polished version of the same scene, industry regulars tend to orbit dining rooms like Uchi, Este, Hestia, J. Carvers Oyster Bar & Chophouse, The Kimberley and Sammies Italian.

How to attend SXSW 2026

SXSW is open to industry professionals and the public through a badge system. Film & TV, Music and Interactive badges each unlock different slices of the festival, with Platinum badges offering the most comprehensive access. Badges are currently available through the festivals official site.

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SXSW Music wristbands, which offer secondary access to showcases, are also available for $149.
Plastic Easter Eggs were placed on the field at 1849 Park in Pflugerville for Egg Palooza on Saturday. Megumi Rooze/Special to American-Statesman

Hippity hoppin', Easter's on its way  and with it comes the excitement of the Easter Bunny, whos ready to spread joy and candy-filled surprises!

Families everywhere are gearing up for egg hunts, where children race to find hidden treasures in their backyards and parks, all while dreaming of chocolate bunnies and colorful eggs.

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As spring blooms, the festive spirit of Easter fills the air, combining whimsical traditions with heartfelt celebrations. From decorating eggs to enjoying festive feasts, this holiday is a delightful mix of fun and meaning.

In addition to the fun and candy, Easter is also a time of reflection for many, with traditions that commemorate the significance of the holiday for Christians around the world.

When is Easter 2026?

Easter falls on the first Sunday after the full moon that occurs on or after the spring equinox. This year, the spring equinox falls on Thursday, March 20.

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Easter is Sunday, April 5.

What does Easter celebrate?

Easter is one of the most anticipated holidays of the year, marked by a season of religious observances, traditions and celebrations leading up to the day  and observed by millions worldwide.

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For Christians, Easter commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, a fundamental belief in Christianity. According to Christian teachings, Jesus was crucified, died and was buried, and on the third day  Easter Sunday  he rose from the dead.

When was Ash Wednesday 2026?

Marking the first day of Lent, Ash Wednesday fell on Feb. 17 this year.

When is Lent 2026?

Lent, a 40-day period of prayer and fasting in Christian religions, begins on Wednesday, Feb. 18 and ends on Thursday, April 2, also known as Maundy Thursday or Holy Thursday.

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When is Palm Sunday?

Palm Sunday is a Christian holiday that falls the Sunday before Easter, marking the beginning of Holy Week, which leads up to Easter. This year, it is Sunday, March 29.

When is Good Friday 2026?

Good Friday is celebrated on the Friday before Easter. This year it is observed on Friday, April 3.

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Is Carnival Season part of the Easter events?

Though many don't traditionally associate Carnival Season with Easter, the months-long celebration actually begins on Carnival season officially begins on Epiphany, Jan. 6 and leads up to Ash Wednesday.

It's often viewed as a time for celebration and revelry and the final burst of excitement before the solemn observances of the Easter season.

The origins of Carnival trace back to ancient times, rooted in pagan festivals that celebrated the arrival of spring. In the 4th century, these festivals were adapted by Christians and incorporated into the liturgical calendar as a period of indulgence before the penitential observance of Lent.

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Back then, people celebrated Boeuf Gras, meaning fatted calf," according to USA TODAY. Its a time for people to enjoy things such as fatty foods, sugar, alcohol and other items considered decadent. Theyd give themselves until the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, or what is often called Fat Tuesday, to indulge.

The tradition then made its way through the colonies, and around 1699, French Canadians arrived in what is now Mobile, Alabama, according to USA TODAY.
Michael Scott and his daughter Jazmine Scott listen to a news conference after he was exonerated at a hearing for four men wrongfully accused in the 1991 Austin yogurt shop murders at the Blackwell-Thurman Criminal Justice Center in Austin on Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026. Forrest Welborn, Michael Scott, Robert Springsteen and Maurice Pierce, who is deceased, were declared actually innocent during the hearing. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman

After an emotional exoneration hearing last week, lawyers for the four men wrongfully accused of the 1991 yogurt shop murders said they were focused squarely on securing public declarations of innocence for their clients: Robert Springsteen, Michael Scott, Forrest Welborn and Maurice Pierce.

Now, with those exonerations in hand, the attorneys are turning toward what they describe as the next phase of justice: Some type of restitution for the men and their families who at Thursday's hearing detailed decades of unfounded agony, upheaval and harassment.

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Forrest Welborn, right, leaves the courthouse with his attorney Steve Goodson, left, after being exonerated at a hearing for four men wrongfully accused in the 1991 Austin yogurt shop murders at the Blackwell-Thurman Criminal Justice Center in Austin on Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026. Forrest Welborn, Michael Scott, Robert Springsteen and Maurice Pierce, who is deceased, were declared actually innocent during the hearing. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman

Justice is a very important word, and justice demands follow up, Springsteen's attorney, Tony Diaz, told the American-Statesman Monday. Justice also requires accountability. I think it would be very reasonable and rational to believe there will be follow-up in the quest for accountability.

But the path to that justice is likely to look different for each man and their family.

Different legal paths

Although the four men were swept into the same investigation, their legal histories diverged  a distinction that will likely shape any effort to obtain restitution.

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Springsteen and Scott were convicted in the late 1990s and early 2000s, largely based on confessions that prosecutors later deemed coerced. Both men spent years in prison  about a decade each  before appellate courts overturned their convictions. Prosecutors ultimately dismissed the charges, but the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, the states highest criminal court for criminal cases, never formally declared them innocent at that time.

Welborn and Pierce were charged but never tried. Charges against them were dismissed before trial.

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That procedural history matters.

Robert Scott, brother of Michael Scott, smiles after Michael was exonerated at a hearing for four men wrongfully accused in the 1991 Austin yogurt shop murders at the Blackwell-Thurman Criminal Justice Center in Austin on Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026. Forrest Welborn, Michael Scott, Robert Springsteen and Maurice Pierce, who is deceased, were declared actually innocent during the hearing. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman

The Tim Cole Act

Under the states Tim Cole Act, people who are wrongfully imprisoned can receive $80,000 for each year they spent behind bars, along with a lifetime annuity, tuition assistance at public colleges and universities and access to certain counseling and reentry services. The law is named for Tim Cole, who died in prison in 1999 while serving a 25-year sentence for a rape he did not commit.

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Since 2009, Texas has paid about $118 million to at least 147 people deemed wrongfully convicted, according to the state comptrollers office.

But Welborn would not be eligible for compensation under the Tim Cole Act because he was never convicted or imprisoned, said Charlie Press, director of the wrongful conviction clinic at the University of Texas School of Law. Pierces family would likewise not qualify under the statute. (Pierce died in 2010 during an unrelated confrontation with police.)

Kim Pierce, left, the widow of yogurt shop suspect Maurice Pierce, and their daughter Marisa, listen to a news conference after Maurice was exonerated at a hearing for four men wrongfully accused in the 1991 Austin yogurt shop murders at the Blackwell-Thurman Criminal Justice Center in Austin on Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026. Forrest Welborn, Michael Scott, Robert Springsteen and Maurice Pierce, who is deceased, were declared actually innocent during the hearing. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman

If eligible, Springsteen and Scott could each receive roughly $800,000 for the time they were incarcerated, in addition to annuity payments and benefits.

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However, eligibility is not automatic. Historically, most people compensated under the Tim Cole Act were either declared actually innocent by the Court of Criminal Appeals or pardoned on the basis of innocence.

In this case, the Court of Criminal Appeals never made such a finding. Instead, a Travis County district judge declared the men "actually innocent"

last week after police publicly renounced the case against them and identified the deceased serial killer Robert Eugene Brashers as the sole suspect in the case.

Because the exonerations took an atypical route, attorneys and legal experts say it is unclear whether the comptroller will determine that Springsteen and Scott qualify under the statute.

Potential civil litigation

Another possible avenue is civil litigation.

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Experts say the three surviving men and Pierces family could pursue lawsuits against the city of Austin over the police investigation and against Travis County over prosecutorial decisions. Unlike the Tim Cole Act, civil lawsuits do not have statutory caps on damages.

There is no ceiling in civil litigation, Press said. Its what a jury or judge determines is appropriate. But prevailing in a civil rights case is not straightforward.

Forrest Welborn, left, and his attorney Steve Goodson listen to the news conference after Welborn was exonerated at a hearing for four men wrongfully accused in the 1991 Austin yogurt shop murders at the Blackwell-Thurman Criminal Justice Center in Austin on Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026. Forrest Welborn, Michael Scott, Robert Springsteen and Maurice Pierce, who is deceased, were declared actually innocent during the hearing. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman

Austin civil rights attorney Jeff Edwards previously represented a man named Richard Danziger in a wrongful conviction case stemming from a 1988 Austin murder. Danziger, who was beaten by another inmate while incarcerated and suffered a severe brain injury, was later exonerated through DNA testing. He received a $9 million settlement from the city of Austin and Travis County.

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Edwards said he could conceive of a credible claim arising from the yogurt shop arrests and incarcerations, particularly for Scott and Springsteen, who were convicted and imprisoned.
The U.S.-Mexico Border Wall is in Brownsville, Texas, on February 5, 2026. (Photo by Reginald Mathalone/NurPhoto via Getty Images) NurPhoto/NurPhoto via Getty Images

A border wall being built through the Big Bend region of West Texas is slated for completion in 2028, according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

On Feb. 17, the DHS announced that Parsons Government Services Inc. will be awarded the contract for completing the border wall project, part of a broader federal border infrastructure effort.

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The planned construction has drawn criticism from environmental advocates and local activists, who are urging Congress to halt the project.

Here's what to know.

Where will the Big Bend border wall be built?

U.S Customs and Border Protection plans to construct more than 100 miles of new border barriers in the Big Bend region, including Big Bend National Park and parts of Big Bend Ranch State Park and the Chihuahuan Desert. It's also expected to stretch into remote ranchland and small West Texas communities.

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The project is part of President Donald Trumps Smart Wall initiative, which combines physical barriers with surveillance and technology.

Environmental groups argue the wall could disrupt wildlife migration and damage sensitive desert ecosystems.

Big Bend border wall map Paul Horn/Inside Climate News

How many migrants are crossing the border?

According to data from the Pew Research Center, Border Patrol reported 237,538 migrant encounters at the U.S.-Mexico border during fiscal year 2025, which spanned from October 2024 through September 2025.

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That marked a sharp decline from more than 1.5 million encounters in fiscal 2024, over 2 million in fiscal 2023 and a record high of more than 2.2 million in fiscal 2022.

According to historical Border Patrol data, the 2025 figure was the lowest annual total since 1970.

What is the Smart Wall plan?

The Smart Wall refers to a border security strategy that includes physical fencing, surveillance systems, sensors and other technology.

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DHS says the goal is to enhance border enforcement in high-traffic areas while incorporating modern monitoring tools.

The Big Bend expansion is one of the most geographically remote sections of the U.S.-Mexico border.

Is there a protest for the Big Bend border wall?

A petition on Change.org has noted that there is a planned protest on April 4 at the Texas Capitol and the governor's mansion. The petition, started by Drew Heugel, said that local organizing and nationwide protests are needed.

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"This move would take our land away from future generations forever," the petition reads. "The government is waiving dozens of legal protections to construct a physical border zone and wall through Big Bend, an area with such vast physical boundaries that locals agree no boundary is needed at all."

How is the border wall funded?

Following the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act in July 2025, the federal government allocated $46.5 billion for border wall construction.

DHS said the funding will support multiple border barrier projects nationwide.

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What are Texans saying about Big Bend border wall?

Here's what Texans are saying about the border wall project on social media.

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Peter Attia at the Featured Session "Peter Attia: The Science and Art of Longevity" during SXSW Conference & Festivals in the Hilton Austin Downtown on March 8, 2025 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Renee Dominguez/SXSW Conference & Festivals via Getty Images) Renee Dominguez/SXSW Conference & Festivals via

Austin-based longevity doctor and health influencer Dr. Peter Attia is stepping away from his role as a CBS News contributor after emails between him and disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, who died by suicide in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex-trafficking charges, surfaced in newly released Justice Department records.

CBS staff were notified Monday that Attia would resign effective immediately, The Hollywood Reporter reported.

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The exit comes weeks after CBS News Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss announced Attia as part of a group of outside contributors meant to expand the networks on-air and digital lineup.

Before his exit, CBS had already pulled a rerun of a 60 Minutes segment featuring Attia as the emails began circulating, Variety reported.

Why is Peter Attia leaving CBS News?

Attias resignation follows public backlash after his name appeared more than 1,700 times in documents tied to Epstein that were recently released by the Justice Department.

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Inclusion in the files does not, by itself, allege criminal wrongdoing  and Attia has said he was not involved in any criminal activity or sexual exploitation connected to Epstein.

Dr. Attias contributor role was newly established and had not yet meaningfully begun, a spokesperson for Attia told the American-Statesman Monday. As such, he stepped back to ensure his involvement didnt become a distraction from the important work being done at CBS. He wishes the network and its leadership well and has no further comment at this time.

Peter Attia at the Featured Session "Peter Attia: The Science and Art of Longevity" during SXSW Conference & Festivals in the Hilton Austin Downtown on March 8, 2025 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Renee Dominguez/SXSW Conference & Festivals via Getty Images) Renee Dominguez/SXSW Conference & Festivals via

What was in the Epstein emails?

The documents include correspondence between Attia and Epstein that stretches largely across the mid-2010s  after Epsteins 2008 conviction for soliciting a minor but before his 2019 federal sex-trafficking arrest.

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The newly released material includes emails in which the two discussed scientific research, fundraising and longevity medicine, as well as more casual exchanges that later drew public criticism. One widely circulated 2016 message from Attia to Epstein referenced female anatomy as indeed, low carb.

In Feb. 2 public apology, Attia said he regretted the communications and called some of the emails embarrassing, tasteless, and indefensible. He has said his relationship with Epstein was professional and limited, mostly centered on scientific networking and efforts to raise funding for research. Attia said he met Epstein several times in New York between 2014 and 2019 but never traveled with him, was never on his private plane or island and did not serve as his physician.

He has also said he had no knowledge of sexual abuse or exploitation connected to Epstein.

Attia said he accepts responsibility for putting himself in a position where the correspondence became public but said his views and judgment have changed in the years since.

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Fallout beyond TV

Attias departure from CBS adds to a growing list of professional consequences following the document release.

Earlier this month, he stepped down as chief science officer of David Protein and was removed from the website of another company where he had been listed in an advisory role.

Who is Peter Attia?

Attia is a Stanford-trained physician known for his work in longevity and preventative medicine.

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Members of the National Guard in Mexico City, Mexico, on February 22, 2026, conduct an operation aboard a Rhino, an armored tactical vehicle used for high-impact operations and critical security situations, after the death of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes ''El Mencho,'' leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, by federal forces. (Photo by Gerardo Vieyra/NurPhoto via Getty Images) NurPhoto/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Texans vacationing on Mexicos Pacific coast woke up to a kind of travel nightmare: thick smoke in the distance and hotel staff telling guests it wasnt safe to leave.

The U.S. government has advised Americans in parts of Mexico to shelter in place after Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as El Mencho, the longtime leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, died during a federal security operation in western Mexico.

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Travelers across the resort corridor  including Puerto Vallarta  are being urged to stay alert and follow federal guidance after cartel violence erupted following the killing of one of the countrys most powerful drug leaders.

Texans safety is my top priority, whether they are here at home or traveling abroad, Gov. Greg Abbott said Sunday. I urge all Texans in Mexico to follow the guidance of U.S. officials, stay alert, and ensure they are in contact with the U.S. Embassy or nearest U.S. Consulate. Situations on the ground can change quickly, and staying informed can save lives.

ANKARA, TURKIYE - FEBRUARY 23: An infographic titled "States where violence erupted following the killing of El Mencho" created in Ankara, Turkiye on February 23, 2026. (Photo by Yilmaz Yucel/Anadolu via Getty Images) Anadolu/Anadolu via Getty Images

Abbott encouraged Texans in Mexico  and those with family members traveling there  to closely follow State Department warnings as security operations and road blockages continue.

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The governors office said the Texas Department of Public Safety is coordinating with federal partners, including the State Department and FBI, to monitor the situation and share information about safety risks.

Officials also encouraged Texans needing assistance to contact:

The U.S. State Department at 1-888-407-4747

The Texas Fusion Center at 1-844-927-0521

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Flights canceled, travelers stranded

The violence has already disrupted travel between Texas and Mexico. Airlines canceled or paused flights to Puerto Vallarta and nearby airports as unrest spread, leaving some travelers unable to return home.

Investigative police officers guard the facilities of the Specialized Prosecutor's Office for Organized Crime of the Attorney General's Office in Mexico City, Mexico, on February 22, 2026, during an operation and the escort of a Rhino, an armored tactical vehicle used for high-impact operations and critical security situations, following the death of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes ''El Mencho,'' leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, by federal forces. (Photo by Gerardo Vieyra/NurPhoto via Getty Images) NurPhoto/NurPhoto via Getty Images

WFAA-TV in Dallas reported a North Texas traveler, Juanita Cano, stranded in Mexico as airport operations and road access were disrupted. Cruise operators also canceled planned stops in the region amid security concerns.

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Another Dallas traveler, TJ Perry, posted a series of TikTok videos describing what he said was a sudden lockdown at his hotel.

Puerto Vallarta is on fire right now, Perry said in one video, adding that hotel staff told guests not to leave and that his scheduled flight home had been canceled.

In a later video, he described uncertainty around road access and said many local workers were unable to travel because of blockades. Perry asked his views to pray for fellow travelers, locals, and hotel workers during the uncertainty.

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What happened: How Mexican authorities say El Mencho died

MEXICO CITY, MEXICO - FEBRUARY 23: Secretary of Security and Citizen Protection Omar Garcia Harfuch (L) Mexico's Secretary of Defense Ricardo Trevilla (C) and Secretary of the Navy Raymundo Morales attend a press conference following the military operation in which cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as 'El Mencho' was killed, at the National Palace, in Mexico City, Mexico on February 23, 2026. (Photo by Daniel Cardenas/Anadolu via Getty Images) Anadolu/Anadolu via Getty Images

Mexican officials said Oseguera was located in Tapalpa, Jalisco, and wounded during a confrontation with special forces before dying while being transported for treatment.

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According to updated reporting from The New York Times, authorities said intelligence from someone close to Oseguera helped lead them to his location, and U.S. officials provided additional information supporting the operation.

Mexican authorities said the raid and violence that followed left dozens dead, including suspected cartel members, security personnel and civilians.

Why violence spread after the killing

After confirmation of Osegueras death, coordinated violence broke out across multiple regions. Authorities and witnesses reported burning vehicles, road blockades and attacks meant to disrupt security forces and restrict movement.

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A view of a burned car, allegedly set on fire by organised crime groups in response to an operation to arrest a high-priority security target, on a highway near Acatlan de Juarez, Jalisco state, Mexico on February 22, 2026. The Mexican army announced that it had killed powerful drug lord Nemesio "El Mencho" Oseguera in an operation that sparked a wave of violence in various parts of the country on February 22, 2026. Gunmen retaliating for the raid blocked more than 20 roads in western Jalisco state, which includes Tapalpa, with burning cars and trucks. The violence spread to other states as well. (Photo by Ulises Ruiz / AFP via Getty Images) ULISES RUIZ/AFP via Getty Images

The tactics can quickly affect major highways and airport access, which helps explain why travelers in tourist areas such as Puerto Vallarta were impacted even if violence was not widespread there.

What Americans in Mexico are being told to do

The U.S. Embassy advised Americans in affected states to:

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Shelter in place until further notice

Avoid areas where law enforcement or military operations are underway

Limit road travel, especially on highways

Monitor official alerts and local news

Keep family and friends informed of their location

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 guidance does not mean violence is occurring everywhere, but officials say conditions can change rapidly.

What this means for Texans traveling this week

Travel experts say Texans planning trips to Mexico should closely monitor airline updates and government alerts.

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Regina Ann Santos-Aviles was 35 when she set herself on fire and died last September. Courtesy of Nora Gonzales The home of Regina Santos-Aviles, in the 200 block of Geraldine Avenue in Uvalde. STAFF/Nancy M. Preyor-Johnson U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales staffer Regina Santos-Aviles had an affair with the congressman before she fatally set herself on fire in 2025. Express-News staff Regina Santos-Aviles worked in U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales' office for nearly four years. Regina Santos-Aviles LinkedIn Adrian Aviles speaks with San Antonio Express-News during an interview Tuesday in which he publicly addressed allegations involving his late wife and U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales. Screen Grab/San Antonio Express-News Regina Ann Santos-Aviles, an aide to U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales, was remembered at her funeral at Hillcrest Cemetery in Uvalde. She died Sept. 14 at her home. STAFF/Nancy M. Preyor-Johnson

Regina Ann Santos-Aviles, the congressional staffer who died in September after setting herself on fire in her backyard, told first responders she did it because she had discovered her estranged husband was romantically involved with her best friend, newly disclosed records show.

Santos-Aviles, 35, was director of U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales' regional office in Uvalde, and she'd had an affair with the married congressman in 2024, text messages and interviews show. News reports on the liaison have become fodder for partisan attacks in the sharply contested March 3 Republican primary in Texas' 23rd Congressional District. Gonzales, 45, is running for a fourth term.

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In responding to an opponent's demand that he resign over the affair, Gonzales last week called on authorities to release police records on Santos-Aviles' suicide, apparently believing they would put the controversy in a different light.

READ MORE: Husband of Tony Gonzales aide breaks silence about affair

Uvalde officials provided the records to the San Antonio Express-News on Monday morning.

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The documents show that police received a 911 call from Santos-Aviles' home in Uvalde at 9:30 p.m. on Sept. 13, 2025, and that she could be heard screaming in pain: "Please send help. It hurts so bad."

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When the dispatcher asked for her address, Santos-Aviles cried out, "Oh my God, I don't want to die," according to a report by a Uvalde detective who listened to a recording of the 911 call. Five police officers, four firefighters and an EMS unit responded.

Video footage retrieved from a home security system shows Santos-Aviles pouring gasoline from a canister all over her body and setting herself aflame with a handheld lighter, the newly released records say.

READ MORE: Gonzales affair with staffer sparked House ethics probe

Santos-Aviles then rolled on the ground in an effort to smother the flames and crawled to a faucet, turned it on and poured water on herself, the records show.

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She told responding police officers that "she discovered her husband was cheating on her with her best friend, and as a result, she poured gasoline on herself and set herself on fire," according to an incident report by one of the first officers on the scene.

Santos-Aviles was taken by helicopter to Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, where she died the next morning.

In the hours before her suicide, Santos-Aviles went to an Applebee's restaurant in Uvalde with friends and then accompanied them to their house, stopping on the way to buy a bottle of tequila, according to interviews conducted by police investigators.

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The friends commiserated with her over the breakup of her marriage to Adrian Aviles, whom she had known since she was a teenager. The two had separated several months earlier and were sharing parenting responsibilities for their 8-year-old son.

One of the friends whose house she was visiting said Santos-Aviles "was pretty sad about the situation and was saying she wanted her family back," the records show. She arranged to be dropped off at her own home around 8:15 p.m. She left her car and the tequila at the friends' house, the records say.

Before lighting herself on fire, Santos-Aviles texted a friend of her husband's to tell him what she was about to do, the records show. The text referred to Aviles by his nickname and said: "Tell Baller I'm setting myself on fire right now, so have fun raising our son."

Santos-Aviles followed up by sending the friend a five-second video "showing Regina pouring gasoline on herself," the records state. The friend forwarded the text and the video to Aviles, who was in San Antonio watching a mixed martial arts event.

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The friend told police that Aviles responded by telling him Santos-Aviles' mother was on her way to her daughter's house.

Aviles told a police detective who interviewed him on Sept. 14, the day his wife died, that Santos-Aviles "had previously made self-harm threats" and was in the habit of taking antidepressants, drinking alcohol and sometimes mixing the two.

Signs of 'mental instability'

Aviles told the detective about an incident in August when he said Santos-Aviles "contacted him while pointing a firearm at her own head." Their son could be heard screaming in the background, and police were dispatched to the home, the records say. A police report on that incident said the responding officer found no indication Santos-Aviles intended to harm herself, and that the only gun in the house was a BB gun.

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The man to whom Santos-Aviles sent the text message and the video shortly before setting herself on fire is identified in the records as Alfred Garza. He told police he had known her for years and that she had "a history of making threats toward herself but did not follow through with any of those threats so they did not believe she would harm herself."

Garza also told police Santos-Aviles "had possibly been to a mental health hospital in her teenage years."

A man identified as Joshua Garza, who said he had known Santos-Aviles for more than 20 years, said "there were signs of her mental instability through the years," according to a detective's report.

Police searched Santos-Aviles' car and found a bottle labeled "D-Amphetamine Salt Combo," the chemical name for Adderall, for which Santos-Aviles had a prescription, the documents say. Adderall is a stimulant approved for treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and a sleep disorder known as narcolepsy.

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Video recovered from the security system at Santos-Aviles' home in the 200 block of Geraldine Avenue shows that she acted methodically in setting herself on fire. According to the records, she is seen in her backyard holding a phone in one hand and a gasoline canister in the other. She pours gasoline on herself, then pulls a lighter from her right pocket, ignites it and moves it from her right shoulder to her right foot and then back to her right hip, the records state.

She is then seen putting the lighter back in her pocket, pouring more gasoline on herself and running the lighter over her body again in the same way. She manages to put the fire out by rolling on the ground and training a garden hose on herself, according to the records. She then walked through her house, leaving a trail of blood and burnt skin in her bedroom and hallways. First responders found her on the front porch.

'No evidence' of foul play

Santos-Aviles grew up in Uvalde and served as executive director of the Uvalde Chamber of Commerce before joining Gonzales' congressional staff in November 2021.

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She and Aviles, 40, had been married seven years when they separated several months before her death. Aviles blamed the collapse of their relationship on her affair with Gonzales.

Authorities initially declined to release records of the police response and investigation into Santos-Aviles' death, saying that doing so could jeopardize a potential prosecution. On Friday afternoon, the Uvalde Police Department said in a news release that it had completed its investigation in November and "found no evidence of criminal involvement," meaning the documents could be made public. It was unclear why they were not released months earlier.

Photos and video and audio recordings related to the case will continue to be withheld to protect the privacy of family members, the news release said.

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The Bexar County Medical Examiner's Office determined that Santos-Aviles' death was self-inflicted via thermal injuries." A medical examiner performed an autopsy on Sept. 15, and a Uvalde detective observed the procedure. The newly released records include a report in which he wrote that the only part of her body not covered with burns was the soles of her feet.
DANAO CITY, Philippines, Feb. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Delta Electronics, a global leader in power management and smart green solutions, today announced its participation in the Driving Sustainable Transport: Exploration for Danao City EV Charging Station initiative, in partnership with the Danao City Government. The project was formally launched on February 3, 2026, at The Boardwalk in Danao City, Cebu, supporting the Philippines' national Build Better More agenda and its push for sustainable transport and climate-resilient infrastructure.

Delta Electronics Philippines Partners with Danao City Government to Advance EV Charging Infrastructure Across Cebu Province

The launch was attended by the City Mayor of Danao, members of the City Council, Delta Electronics, CET Technologies, as well as local stakeholders, emphasizing strong collaboration between national and local governments and the private sector.

"This initiative directly supports our vision for modern, resilient, and environmentally responsible cities. By investing in Electronic Vehicle infrastructure today, we are positioning our city to contribute to long-term economic growth, energy efficiency, and improved quality of life for the people of Danao." said Danao City Mayor Ramon 'Nito' Durano III.

Vince Del Mundo, Country Manager, Delta Electronics Philippines, said: "This project reflects Delta's commitment to supporting the Philippines' transition to cleaner and more resilient transport infrastructure. By working closely with Danao City and our partners, we aim to deliver EV charging solutions that are standards-compliant, climate-ready, and scalable, helping local governments meet national sustainability goals while building long-term value for their communities."

As part of the initiative, Delta will deploy its DC Wallbox 25kW DC fast charger and AC Max 22kW EV charging solution, supporting a wide range of vehicles including e-buses, e-trikes, motorcycles, and passenger electric cars. Located at a central government site, the installation enables reliable charging access for both public and private EV users.

Delta's AC chargers deliver reliable, efficient EV charging with power outputs ranging from 7 kW to 22 kW, ensuring fast and convenient charging for various electric vehicles. Designed for versatility, they support global charging interfaces and feature intelligent user authorization for secure access. Their compact form factor makes installation seamless, whether in residential driveways or bustling commercial hubs.

Delta's dual output DC Wallbox advances EV compatibility at public charging sites. Its wall-mounted and modular design ensures cost-efficient installation and lifecycle maintenance. It also features built-in network connectivity for authentication and remote-control applications.
Trump told the New York Times in January that Americans could expect the checks in late 2026. Gabe Ginsberg/Getty Images

Will Americans see 2026 stimulus checks by this Spring?

Since returning to office, President Donald Trump has said he is considering $2,000 rebate-style payments funded in part by tariff revenue. During a Feb. 5 interview with NBC News, he said he was looking at the idea very seriously but had not made a formal commitment.

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On Jan. 11, Trump claimed that $2,000 stimulus checks could be sent to Americans toward the end of the year using revenue from tariffs, stating he would not need congressional approval to do so, according to an interview with The New York Times.

However, the Supreme Court's recent ruling on tariffs dealt a major blow to the possibility of President Trump sending $2,000 checks to Americans.

Here's what to know.

Are we getting $2,000 stimulus checks in 2026?

In a 6-3 ruling on Feb. 20, the Supreme Court determined that the president lacked the authority he asserted to impose broad tariffs.

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Trump had planned to use revenue from those tariffs to finance $2,000 rebate checks for most Americans, along with other initiatives.

As of now, no stimulus checks are scheduled for any specific date in 2026.

What needs to happen for Americans to get another stimulus check?

Despite Trump's claim, any form of stimulus payment issued by the U.S. government must be approved by Congress.

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On Dec. 21, during an interview with CBS News' "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett said stimulus checks remain a possibility for 2026.

"The deficit relative to last year is down by $600 billion and so, in the summer, I wasn't so sure that there was space for a check like that. But now I'm pretty sure that there is, and so, I would expect that in the new year, the president will bring forth a proposal to Congress to make that happen," said Hassett.

Hassett added that tariff revenue would be only one potential funding source, noting that Congress ultimately decides how federal revenue  including taxes and tariffs  is spent through the appropriations process, according to remarks reported by USA TODAY.

Will Trump have to refund the tariffs?

The Supreme Court did not direct the Trump administration to issue refunds to importers or specify how any repayments should be managed. Trump criticized the justices for failing to clarify what should happen to the tens of billions of dollars the government has already taken in.

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Wouldnt you think they would have put one sentence in there saying, 'Keep the money or dont keep the money, right? Trump said. I guess it has to get litigated for the next two years.

Other officials have discussed refunds. Neil Bradley, chief policy officer for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, said in a statement that quickly returning the unlawfully collected tariffs would make a real difference.

"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," Bradley said.
About 100 residents attend a Bastrop County Commissioners Court meeting at the Bastrop County Courthouse on Monday. Many spoke on a proposal to rename FM 969 in the county as the "Charlie Kirk Corridor." Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman

BASTROP  More than 100 people packed a Bastrop County commissioners meeting on Monday to voice their objections or support for a proposed resolution to support legislation to designate FM 969 as an honorary memorial to Charlie Kirk.

No action was taken because Commissioner David Glass, who had proposed the resolution, asked to table it. He later said in an email to the Statesman that he tabled the resolution because of the number of emails he received.

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"Two-thirds of them were from very considerate constituents asking me to postpone the vote and/or to reconsider the resolution," Glass said. "I felt that I would honor their request. I replied to every email myself. The other 1/3 were very hateful with threats, etc. The confusion also was it was to never rename the road but rather Memorial Designation."

A memorial designation does not change the legal name of a road or postal addresses. The county cannot change the designation of a state road, Glass said. That is up to the House and Senate.

Glass also said he's not going to put the resolution on the agenda again.

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"I'm going to take a breath and have some more conversations with my constituents," he said.

David Glass, the Bastrop County commissioner for Precinct 4, listens to public comment on his proposal to designate FM 969 as the "Charlie Kirk Corridor." Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman

Before asking for the resolution to be tabled, Glass said Kirk, the co-founder of the conservative Turning Point USA organization who was assassinated in September, had inspired millions of young people to engage in politics. Glass said he had received emails all weekend about the resolution but did not provide details about them.

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"Not all of us are going to agree, but we can agree to disagree," said Glass. "I absolutely don't agree with everything Charlie Kirk said."

Kirk, a staunch supporter of gun rights, was shot Sept. 10 while speaking at an outdoor event in Utah for Turning Point USA, which advocates for conservative politics on high school, college and university campuses. Tyler Robinson was charged with aggravated murder in connection with Kirk's death.

Some people have voiced opposition to Kirk's beliefs, pointing to comments he made that they said harmed women, people of color and LGBTQ people. He condemned the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and said several professional Black women, including Michelle Obama and Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, did not have the brain processing power to be taken seriously. He believed in the great replacement theory that holds there is a deliberate effort to force the extinction of white people and said women should focus on being mothers and wives rather than having careers.

Several people at the Bastrop County Commissioners Court meeting on Monday held up signs that said "No" to signal their opposition to the resolution to designate FM 969, a state-maintained farm-to-market road running through Bastrop County as an honorary memorial to Kirk. Other people clapped and cheered when supporters of the resolution spoke during the public comments section of the meeting, which was held after the resolution was tabled.

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In the 30-minute session, each side was given one minute to speak in alternating order.

One of the supporters, Tom Glass, said what Kirk represented for his generation could be compared to what Martin Luther King had represented for a previous generation. "Both impacted Bastropians and Texans, telling them to go back to our religious and foundational principles," said Glass, who is not related to David Glass. He said there are three roads named after King in Bastrop County.

Sumai Lokumbe, who spoke against the resolution, said comparing King and the work he did for civil rights to Kirk was "a disgrace."

"We need to start promoting equality, we need to start loving each other," she said.

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Lokumbe said the road should honor someone who did something for the Bastrop community.

Dock Jackson, the Democratic candidate for county judge, said that after enslaved Blacks were freed in 1865, they established a freedom colony in the area of FM 969. "With this history and the fact that Charlie Kirk to my knowledge has no relatives or connection to Bastrop County, I do not feel the court should pass a resolution endorsing this street name change," he said.

Justice Ramos, left, and Angela Nixon, right, hold index cards with the word "No," written on them at a Bastrop County Commissioners Court meeting on Monday. Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman

Mark White, a supporter of the resolution, said Kirk was an "American patriot and Christian" who challenged youths on college campuses to engage in politics.

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"His message was grounded in American exceptionalism and a positive spirit of action," said White. The goal of Kirk's organization, Turning Point, is to help promote fiscal responsibility, limited government and free markets, White said.

Judah Ross, another speaker, also supported honoring Kirk with the memorial designation. "The abhorrent response to his (Kirk's) brutal murder is proof enough why we need to honor someone who put the First Amendment first," said Ross.

Speaker Ruth Todd disagreed.

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Ex-Texas athlete Sam Hurley, who has not previously spoken out on politics, backed state Rep. James Talarico in his U.S. Senate bid Sunday night. Aaron E. Martinez / American-Statesman

Former Texas track-and-field star and social media influencer Sam Hurley made an unexpected move this weekpublicly backing Democratic U.S. Senate hopeful James Talarico.

Hurley, now in his fifth year at Texas Tech University, posted a photo to Instagram  where he has more than 1 million followers  alongside Talarico with the simple message: Vote for Talarico.

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He followed up with a video of Talarico taking the stage at a crowded campaign Take Back Texas rally tour stop in Lubbock Sunday night.

The apparent endorsement sparked some surprise on social media, with one X user writing, Didnt have this on my bingo card.

Notably, Hurleys Instagram does not feature any other political content, and he has not publicly spoken about politics in the past.

Why Sam Hurley endorsed James Talarico

Hurley told the American-Statesman that he believes in Talarico and his mission.

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Talarico is the guy to change Texas for the better and make a difference in the world, Hurley said. If I can help make a difference, I will!

A spokesperson for Talaricos campaign said Hurleys support was an extension of the campaigns strategy to engage younger voters.

Who is Sam Hurley?

Hurley, who has been dubbed one of the most marketable college track athletes in the nation, has raked in millions through name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals and investment ventures. He has also amassed a massive social media presence across multiple platforms, including Instagram, X, YouTube and TikTok, where he has 3.4 million followers and 177.2 million likes.

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He has worked with nationally known mega brands such as Amazon, Google, Jimmy Dean, Optimum Nutrition, Ralph Lauren Polo, TurboTax, Verizon and Vuorito name a few.

Despite the financial and digital prowess, he describes himself as an athlete first, with NIL work "on the side."

What race is Talarico running in?

Talarico is seeking the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Sen. John Cornyn.

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He faces U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett in the Democratic primary. The Republican primary includes Cornyn, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and U.S. Rep. Wesley Hunt. The winner of each primary will face off in the general election.
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Remote work has already changed how people earn and spend money in the U.S., making it possible to save aggressively and build real wealth. Even a modest lifestyle in a low-cost state can turn a high salary into serious savings over time.

While some companies prefer employees back in the office, there were still almost 37 million people working from home in November 2025, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Many of those people are eligible to exploit arbitrage between lower expenses in a cheap city and salaries in a major urban hub, where income is affixed to higher costs of living. A software engineer could live in Tulsa while collecting a San Jose paycheck, for example.

A study from international shipping firm Seven Seas Worldwide shows exactly how big the difference is. The study ranked all 50 states, with No. 1 being the best and 50 being the worst, using six costs that affect moving and living: rent, home prices, utility bills, drivers license fees, car registration fees and what movers charge. Each cost was given a score based on how much it matters.

10 States Where Money Goes Furthest

Here are the states where a paycheck can go far, making the richest Americans even richer, as well as some where it wont.

Find Out: How Much You Need To Be in the Top 5% in Every State

See Next: 6 Subtly Genius Moves All Wealthy People Make With Their Money

1. Arkansas

Ranking: 1

Rent: $1,093

Median Home

Price: $255,300

Utilities: $404.19

Drivers License Fee: $40

Car Registration Fee: $24

Moving Labor Cost: $21.19

2. Mississippi

Ranking: 2

Rent: $1,305

Median Home

Price: $255,100

Utilities: $412.31

Drivers License Fee: $24

Car Registration Fee: $12.75

Moving Labor Cost: $20.90

3. Nebraska

Ranking: 3

Rent: $1,285

Median Home

Price: $288,800

Utilities: $379.34

Drivers License Fee: $21.50

Car Registration Fee: $20.50

Moving Labor Cost: $22.93

4. Iowa

Ranking: 4

Rent: $1,220

Median Home

Price: $230,600

Utilities: $423.88

Drivers License Fee: $17.50

Car Registration Fee: $40

Moving Labor Cost: $23.05

5. Oklahoma

Ranking: 5

Rent: $1,035

Median Home

Price: $245,900

Utilities: $407.69

Drivers License Fee: $33.50

Car Registration Fee: $96

Moving Labor Cost: $20.61

6. Louisiana

Ranking: 6

Rent: $1,235

Median Home

Price: $253,200

Utilities: $389.62

Drivers License Fee: $32.25

Car Registration Fee: $51

Moving Labor Cost: $21.75

7. Missouri

Ranking: 7

Rent: $1,273

Median Home

Price: $263,300

Utilities: $447.05

Drivers License Fee: $10

Car Registration Fee: $24.75

Moving Labor Cost: $21.66

8. Kansas
SAN DIEGO, California, Feb 23 (Reuters) - Researchers at ASML Holding say they have found a way to boost the power of the light source in a key chip making machine to turn out up to 50% more chips by decade's end, to help retain the Dutch company's edge over emerging U.S. and Chinese rivals.

More from Yahoo Scout How does ASML's new EUV light technology work? How will increased EUV power impact chip production? What competitive advantages does this breakthrough provide ASML? What geopolitical factors drive EUV machine competition globally?

ASML is the world's only maker of commercial extreme ultraviolet lithography (EUV) machines, a critical tool for chipmakers such as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co, Intel and others in producing advanced computing chips.

"It's not a parlor trick or something like this, where we demonstrate for a very short time that it can work," Michael Purvis, ASML's lead technologist for its EUV source light, said in an interview.

"It's a system that can produce 1,000 watts under all the same requirements that you could see at a customer," he added, speaking at the company's California facilities near San Diego.

MACHINES CRITICAL TO CHIP PRODUCTION

The EUV machines are so critical to chip production that U.S. governments of both parties have worked with Dutch leaders to prevent them from being shipped to China, spurring it to launch a national effort to build machines of its own.

In the United States, at least two startups, Substrate and xLight, have raised hundreds of millions of dollars to develop American competitors to ASML's technology, with xLight securing government funding from President Donald Trump's administration.

With the technological advance revealed on Monday, which is being reported here for the first time, ASML aims to outdistance any would-be rivals by improving the most technologically challenging aspect of the machines.

This is the quest to generate EUV light with the right power and properties to turn out chips at high volume. The company's researchers have found a way to boost the power of the EUV light source to 1,000 watts from 600 watts now.

The chief advantage is that greater power translates into the ability to make more chips every hour, helping to lower the cost of each.

Chips are printed similar to a photograph, where the EUV light is shone on a silicon wafer coated with special chemicals called a photoresist. With a more powerful EUV light source, chip factories need shorter exposure times.

"We'd like to make sure that our customers can keep on using EUV at a much lower cost," Teun van Gogh, executive vice president for the NXE line of EUV machines at ASML, told Reuters.

MACHINES COULD PROCESS 330 WAFERS AN HOUR BY 2030

Van Gogh said customers should be able to process about 330 silicon wafers an hour on each machine by the end of the decade, up from 220 now. Depending on the size of a chip, each wafer can hold anywhere from scores to thousands of the devices.
An F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 35th Fighter Squadron takes off during a flying surge at Osan Air Base, South Korea, Jan. 28, 2026. (Tallon Bratton/US. Air Force)



South Koreas Ministry of National Defense has lodged a complaint with U.S. Forces Korea over a brief standoff between American and Chinese fighter jets, according to local media.

Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back contacted the USFK commander, Army Gen. Xavier Brunson, after learning of Wednesdays incident, the Yonhap News Agency reported Saturday. Gen. Jin Yong-sung, chairman of South Koreas Joint Chiefs of Staff, also raised concerns with Brunson, said the report, which cited unnamed military sources.

According to Yonhap, about 10 U.S. F-16 Fighting Falcons were training over the Yellow Sea when they entered an area between the air defense identification zones of South Korea and China.

Beijing dispatched its own fighter aircraft in response, resulting in what Yonhap described as a rare standoff, though no clash occurred.

South Koreas military had been notified in advance of the U.S. exercise but was not provided details, the report said.

USFK spokesman David Kim would not comment on the report Monday in a text message to Stars and Stripes. A duty spokesman at U.S. Indo-Pacific Command also declined to comment by phone on Sunday in Hawaii. The Pentagon could not be reached after hours by phone or email.

Maj. Kippun Sumner, spokesman for the 51st Fighter Wing at Osan Air Base, south of Seoul, said by email Monday that the wing is currently not discussing this matter.

Defense Ministry spokeswoman Chung Binna told reporters Monday in Seoul that Ahn had a phone call on Wednesday. However, it is inappropriate to confirm the conversation since the other side was involved, she said. As far as I know, there was no communication with China.

Chinas state-run Global Times reported Friday that the Chinese military responded very quickly to the incident, which demonstrates that the [army] stands ready at all times and the combat readiness string is pulled even tighter during holidays.

The incident occurred on the second day of the Chinese New Year, according to the outlet.

China for several years has treated its near seas as a continuous arc of crisis and strategic friction with nearly all of its neighbors, Benjamin Blandin, a research fellow with the Yokosuka Council on Asia Pacific Studies, said by email Monday.

For a long time, incidents at sea dominated regional tensions, he wrote. More recently, however, we have seen a marked increase in naval-to-air and air-to-air encounters. The latest episode over the Yellow Sea reflects that evolution.

Stars and Stripes reporters Alejandro Carrasquel, Yoojin Lee and Alex Wilson contributed to this report.
Army Spc. Dylan Eisenbach, an infantryman from the 25th Infantry Division, prepares a C100 drone to fly during the hunter-killer portion of the Armys inaugural Best Drone Warrior Competition in Huntsville, Ala., on Feb. 19, 2026. (Corey Dickstein/Stars and Stripes)



HUNTSVILLE, Ala.  Two small quadcopter drones buzzed between a pair of shipping containers, around a bend and through a purple obstacle heading toward the homestretch of the race. Then they collided.

The impact sent one of the Neros Archer drones crashing to the ground on the University of Alabama in Huntsvilles drone test range, while the pilot of the other Archer, Army Sgt. Javon Purchner, maintained control and sent his first-person-view drone swooping through the doors of a Humvee and racing on to the finish line. The win in the final race Thursday of the Armys inaugural Best Drone Warrior Competition earned the 22-year-old artillery forward observer from the 1st Cavalry Division the first-ever title of Army Best Drone Operator.

The first-of-its kind Army event was meant to evaluate soldiers current capabilities with the small drones that are becoming increasingly important to how the U.S. military plans to conduct combat operations, competition organizers said. It also aimed to identify areas where those soldiers and the drones themselves need improvement in a fun setting far from the battlefield.

Im still processing it, Purchner, with a wide grin, said of the accomplishment moments after the races conclusion as he was high-fived and hugged by fellow Fort Hood, Texas, soldiers.

But it almost did not happen. With the best-of-three final tied at one win apiece, Purchners drone took off at the start of the would-be decisive race and smashed at full speed into a metal cargo container, breaking into dozens of pieces. The sergeant immediately threw his hands up, explaining that he had no control of the drone.

Army Sgt. Javon Purchner, of the 1st Cavalry Division, flashes a smile moments after winning the final race of the services first-ever Best Drone Warrior Competition to be named the Armys best drone operator on Feb. 19, 2026. The competition, held in Huntsville, Ala., saw more than 200 soldiers compete in three drone-related events. Purchner, a 22-year-old artillery forward observer, won a series of races of Neros Archer FPV drones. (Corey Dickstein/Stars and Stripes)



I thought everyone was going to think that was me messing up as a pilot, he said. And it was really just that we were having a little bit of interference down there. But after that, once we started up again, I just flew my race, and that was it.

The interference issues were among many other problems that plagued the competitors over the course of the three-day event. Rain slowed the competition because some drones had exposed electronics. Environmental factors jammed communications. Other drones proved inefficient in tactical conditions, and dozens crashed  into each other, obstacles and the ground  over hours of competition.

But that was not necessarily a bad thing, said Army Col. Nicholas Ryan, who led planning for the drone warfare event. Those problems provided Army planners with a clearer picture of the technology and training gaps its soldiers currently face in the emerging field of small drone warfare, which has become a dominant aspect in recent conflicts, especially in Ukraine.

Like other Army-wide competitions the service has held for decades, Ryan said, the new tournament was meant to bring together troops to share their latest tactics, innovations and knowledge about small drones and to discover the remaining capability gaps across the service.

At the end of the day, its not about receiving trophies or awards, it is about what lessons can we take from this to find out who the best operator is and how they became the best operator, said Ryan, a career CH-47 Chinook pilot who has spent recent years studying the implementation of small drones into Army combat planning as the director of unmanned aerial systems transformation at Fort Rucker, Ala. What skills and resources and training allowed them to become the best operator? Whos doing some amazing innovation out there across the Army that we can take and see what kind of innovation  like grassroots soldier-level innovation  is happening, that we can then take and scale across the entire Army  to make the Army the most dominant drone force in the world.

The competitions

Planners decided in August that a new competition would help the Army implement a series of drone-based executive orders and guidance issued by President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth aimed at unleashing drone dominance, Ryan said.

The service has used competition to test new skills and tactics since the Revolutionary War. Each year, competitors across the Army compete to determine the services best Rangers, Sappers, snipers, mortar units, medics and combat squads. Why not build something similar to find its best small drone users? Ryan said.

Officials decided to test Army drone operators skills across three separate competitions built into the event: a drone racing competition to find the best operator; a two-man hunter-killer lane to find the best tactical squad; and a Shark Tank-like innovation competition to find the most innovative ideas.

Planners opened all the competitions to soldiers from across any military occupational specialty in the regular Army, National Guard and Reserves, including special operators.

In the Best Drone Operators competition, won by Purchner, competitors completed timed laps on their own to build a bracket before a series of head-to-head races determined the winner. All the competitors were provided Neros Archer drones to fly in the competition so that everyone had the same platforms, Ryan said. The UAH drone test course provided a track with multiple obstacles set up to resemble an urban environment to navigate the drones using a video game-like remote control and first-person-view goggles.

In the innovation competition, teams submitted a white paper, conducted a 15-minute pitch to a panel of judges and conducted a flight test, according to the Army.

A pair of Neros Archer FPV drones controlled by U.S. soldiers race through a Humvee on an obstacle course in the final race of the Armys first-ever Best Drone Warrior Competition on Feb. 19, 2026. The competition was held at the University of Alabama in Huntsvilles drone test range and run by the Army Aviation Center of Excellence. (Corey Dickstein/Stars and Stripes)

A Neros Archer FPV drone controlled by an Army Best Drone Warrior competition soldier flies through an obstacle course on the University of Alabama in Huntsvilles drone test range on Feb. 19, 2026, during the services first competition to find its best drone flying troops. (Corey Dickstein/Stars and Stripes)

A Neros Archer FPV drone controlled by an Army Best Drone Warrior competition soldier flies through an obstacle course on the University of Alabama in Huntsvilles drone test range on Feb. 19, 2026, during the services first competition to find its best drone flying troops. (Corey Dickstein/Stars and Stripes)

A Neros Archer FPV drone controlled by an Army Best Drone Warrior competition soldier flies through an obstacle course on the University of Alabama in Huntsvilles drone test range on Feb. 19, 2026, during the services first competition to find its best drone flying troops. (Corey Dickstein/Stars and Stripes)



A Pennsylvania Army National Guard Team from the 28th Infantry Division  1st Lt. Ryan Giallonardo; Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert Reed; Chief Warrant Officer 2 Nathan Shea; and Sgt. 1st Class Brent Wehr  took the top prize. Their innovation, dubbed Project R.E.D. (for recovery exploitation drone), used an AI-enabled drone to identify downed enemy or friendly drones and recover them with a 3D-printed carbon fiber claw arm.

Meanwhile, the hunter-killer competition proved the trickiest. Most teams failed to complete the 45-minute exercise to conduct strikes on five targets. The two-man teams were instructed to camouflage themselves and their equipment, conduct a five-minute physical session that included dragging a 145-pound dummy, overhead-pressing water cans and walking with weight before beginning a 1,000-meter hike toward their drone engagements carrying all their equipment, according to the Army.

A 30-minute timer to complete the five strikes by flying their self-selected offensive drones to a target started as teams embarked on the hike, leaving them with a short time to set up their drones, scout five targets with a surveillance drone and then attack.

A team from the Vilseck, Germany-based 2nd Cavalry Regiment, Staff Sgt. Angel Caliz and Spc. Jonah Burks, won that competition and proved one of the few teams able to hit targets.

Army Sgt. 1st Class Jose Morua, who teaches small drone operations to new soldiers at Fort Benning and helped run the competition, said teams that were successful had mastered the basics of flying drones, showed they were in good physical condition and kept their efforts simple.

The hunter-killer lane best mimicked the conditions front-line troops face in combat in Ukraine, he said. It showed that the U.S. Army is a little bit behind on small drone capabilities and must work quickly to improve.

Most of the teams were not completing the hike quick enough to give themselves time to complete the drone attacks, Morua said. Many teams, he said, struggled with their equipment before getting it in the air. Others, he said, got their drones in the air, but struggled to communicate properly to find and attack the targets.

It just pretty much boiled down to operator and basic fundamentals of knowing the equipment, and thats been the common issue these last two days, said Morua, an infantryman who saw combat in Afghanistan.

The sergeant called the event an eye opener, because so many capable teams struggled with so many different issues.

Lessons learned

The equipment and communications issues were among the more concerning lessons learned for planners, Ryan said. As a career helicopter pilot, communicating in the air is instilled into you from practically Day 1, but it clearly did not come so naturally to soldiers who have spent their careers on the ground.

Were seeing that kind of a breakdown in that communication because they havent been trained in that  in Army Aviation, we call that crew coordination  where two people in a helicopter are talking to each other, explaining what theyre seeing, what theyre doing, and what they need the other person to be doing, Ryan said. Were seeing that breakdown happen up there that we never anticipated, but its definitely something that  standing out as something we as an Army need to do better on if were going to proliferate these drones and want them to be more effective and lethal.

Army Spc. Dylan Eisenbach, an infantryman from the 25th Infantry Division, lugs a rucksack with homemade first-person-view attack drones mounted on the outside during the hunter-killer portion of the Armys inaugural Best Drone Warrior Competition in Huntsville, Ala., on Feb. 19, 2026. (Corey Dickstein/Stars and Stripes)

Army Spc. Dylan Eisenbach, left, and Staff Sgt. Andres Garcia, of the 25th Infantry Division, hike 1,000 meters during the hunter-killer portion of the Armys inaugural Best Drone Warrior Competition in Huntsville, Ala., on Feb. 19, 2026. (Corey Dickstein/Stars and Stripes)



One team in the hunter-killer competition also found it needed to ensure its equipment was more resilient. The 25th Infantry Division team of Staff Sgt. Andres Garcia and Spc. Dylan Eisenbach managed to get their C100 surveillance drone airborne but could not fly their homemade, 3D-printed, first-person-view attack drones because a piece of their controller broke during the mission.

Garcia said they had tested everything at their home station in Hawaii and during training in the Philippines and came to the competition feeling super confident. He said they were able to locate all five targets, but after discovering a sensitive pin in the FPV drone controller had bent, the team had no way to fly their drones.

It was a disappointment, Garcia said, but an opportunity to learn that they need to improve how they protect their gear in the field, and, perhaps, carry a second controller.

Transporting is kind of our next step right now, said Garcia, a cavalry scout. How to find a way how to actually be able to get all this gear onto the individual infantryman, or scout or whoevers on the ground utilizing this equipment and for them to actually carry it out and employ it correctly.

Ryan said the Army would leave the competition with dozens of data points on where it needs to focus its efforts to improve small drone warfare. He said next years Best Drone Warrior Competition would reflect those lessons learned and find new ways to challenge soldiers to improve in the drone space.

This is the first one of many, the colonel said. Its finding the lessons, improving on things and sharing those best practices and  then continuing to make [the competition] better and more relevant and more challenging as we move forward in the future for that sole purpose of making the Army better.
Col. Bart Lambert, assistant chief of staff, G-3 Operations, 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, leads Marines in a salute during the Iron Fist opening ceremony at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Feb. 23, 2026. (Brian McElhiney/Stars and Stripes)



CAMP HANSEN, Okinawa  U.S. Marines and their Japanese counterparts have kicked off a series of amphibious exercises aimed at strengthening island defense amid increasing regional tensions.

Mondays ceremony on Camp Hansen  attended by 50 Marines and Navy sailors and 50 Japanese soldiers  marked the start of Iron Fists live exercise phase, including maritime maneuvers, landing operations and ground combat exercises. The series runs through March 9.

This years exercise takes place as Japan faces the most severe security environment since the end of World War II, Maj. Gen. Toshikatsu Musha, commander of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Forces Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade, told reporters after the ceremony.

We cant deny the possibility that a situation similar to the Russian invasion of Ukraine could happen anywhere in the world, he said. Im convinced that maintaining such capability will deter aggression, leading to the prevention of war before it happens.

Brig. Gen. Ryan Hoyle, commander of the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, greets Maj. Gen. Toshikatsu Musha, head of Japan's Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade, during the Iron Fist opening ceremony at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Feb. 23, 2026. (Keishi Koja/Stars and Stripes)



Large Chinese military exercises around Taiwan have spurred increased attention to island defense by the United States and Japan. Chinese President Xi Jinping has promised to unify self-governing Taiwan with the mainland, by force if necessary.

In December, Beijing carried out another military exercise that encircled the island and included missile launches. Its coast guard also spent a record 357 days in 2025 patrolling waters near the Senkaku Islands, administered by Japan but also claimed by China and Taiwan.

The Iron Fist exercise is not designed to target any specific country, but to ensure bilateral forces can rapidly react to counter aggression against Japan and other regional allies and partners, Brig. Gen. Ryan Hoyle, 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade commander, told reporters after the ceremony.

Regardless of location, our combined capabilities can be applied anywhere within the region in the maritime environment, he said.

The 20th iteration of Iron Fist is taking place throughout Japan, including 19 spots  three more than last year  in the Nansei Islands, according to a Jan. 20 news release from the Okinawa Defense Bureau. Also known as Ryukyu, the island chain stretches southwest from Kyushu toward Taiwan.

U.S. Marine and Japanese color guards display their flags during the Iron Fist opening ceremony at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Feb. 23, 2026 (Keishi Koja/Stars and Stripes)



Drills are planned on Okinawa at Hansens central training area and Kin Blue and Red beaches, according to the Ground Self-Defense Force. About 800 U.S. Marines and 2,100 U.S. sailors will participate alongside about 2,000 members of the Japan Ground and Maritime Self-Defense Forces.

The exercise was to include two Japanese V-22 Ospreys operating for the first time out of U.S. facilities on Okinawa.

However, Japan decided to halt training with the tiltrotor aircraft on the island, a Japan Ground Staff spokesman told Stars and Stripes on Thursday. Some Japanese government officials must speak to the press only on condition of anonymity.

Okinawa prefecture through the Okinawa Defense Bureau  an arm of Japans Ministry of Defense  requested last month that the U.S. and Japan not fly Ospreys during the exercise.

The decision was due to a change in training plans and not because of the prefectures objections, Musha said Monday.
Marine Corps Air Station Futenma is home to the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing and other units in Ginowan, Okinawa. (Keishi Koja/Stars and Stripes)



A recent Pentagon statement that it will not return Marine Corps Air Station Futenma to Japan until it provides an alternate runway of similar length is not a change from the original agreement, according to Japans defense minister.

The Department of Defense included the statement in its fiscal 2026 budget report, responding to a 2017 Government Accountability Office recommendation that the Pentagon identify other runways that would support mission requirements before vacating Marine Corps Air Station Futenma.

A replacement facility for MCAS Futenma is under construction at Camp Schwab on the northern end of Okinawa.

Pursuant to the terms of our arrangement, finalizing the selection of that alternative runway is the responsibility of the Government of Japan, and the Futenma facility will not be returned to Japan until it makes that selection, the budget report states.

The 2013 Consolidated Plan for U.S. Forces Facilities and Area in Okinawa also allows for improved emergency use of civilian facilities by the U.S. military.

The necessary legal framework is already in place for civilian facilities to be used by the Marine Corps in an emergency, Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi wrote Friday on X. We do not envision a situation in which MCAS Futenma is not returned even after the relocation to Henoko is complete because this condition is not met.

The Okinawa Times reported Feb. 15 that the language marked the first time that an official document mentions that Futenma will not be returned if the conditions are not met.

However, similar wording appeared in documentation accompanying the Pentagons fiscal 2025 budget.

Koizumi wrote Friday that although this is being brought up as a new point of contention, nothing has changed from before.

The DODs response simply restates the American position on the relocation of Futenma, David Layfield, a professor of history and government at the University of Maryland Global Campus, told Stars and Stripes by email Sunday.

Construction of the new facilities at Camp Schwab has been more difficult and is taking a lot longer than the 2013 agreement envisaged, he wrote.

The United States and Japan agreed in 1996 to relocate the airfield from densely populated Ginowan to rural Henoko. Construction is expected to continue until at least 2033.

The Marine Corps continues to implement the conditions-based realignment of U.S. forces in accordance with bilateral agreements, including the construction of the Futenma Replacement Facility and the return of Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Headquarters Marine Corps spokesman Capt. Steven Keenan said by email Thursday.

The GAO concluded in 2017 that the runway under construction at Schwab would be too short. Plans call for two milelong runways in a V shape, according to construction documents posted on Okinawa prefectural websites. MCAS Futenmas existing runway is about 1.7 miles long.

The 1996 agreement requires that capabilities such as strategic airlift, logistics and emergency diversion that cannot be supported by the shorter runway of the [sea-based facility]  must be fully supported elsewhere.

Identifying an alternative runway has always been the difficulty for the Japanese side, Layfield said. Proposed options have included shared use of Naha Airport, sites in Kyushu or relocation to Kansai Airport.

So far, the Japanese governments plans for an alternative long runway have been a little vague, he wrote.
Faraday Copper is negotiating the potential acquisition of BHP Group's San Manuel property in Arizona, US, according to a non-binding letter of intent (LoI) signed by both entities.

The proposed transaction involves Faraday obtaining full ownership of the property, while BHP would receive a 30% stake in Faraday's equity, along with shareholder and marketing rights.

Additionally, BHP will participate in Faraday's equity fundraisers, with a cap of $20m over a period of two years.

The LoI outlines mutual objectives to investigate restarting the San Manuel copper mine and establish a new copper hub in Arizona.

This plan aims to integrate the adjacent Copper Creek and San Manuel sites, leveraging existing infrastructure and enhancing capital efficiency.

The redevelopment of the brownfield site at San Manuel, given this ownership framework, offers the opportunity to rapidly introduce new copper units to the market.

Although the LoI is non-binding, it includes provisions for an exclusivity period, financial participation and confidentiality.

Finalising this agreement depends on due diligence, completion of definitive documents and necessary approvals.

BHP chief development officer Catherine Raw said: BHP looks forward to working with Faraday to create a pathway to bring on additional US copper supply to the market. This would support the US objective of greater copper supply chain resilience, as well as economic development in the Pinal County region.

The San Manuel mine, operational from 1955 until 1999, was a significant copper producer in the US and reputed to be the largest underground copper mine nationally before its closure.

It was shut down following a prolonged period of low copper prices, although a significant amount of mineral resources remained untapped.

In July 2025, Faraday Copper finalised its previously announced bought deal financing, raising C$48.77m ($35.5m) for Copper Creek Project in Arizona.

"Faraday Copper targets acquisition of BHPs San Manuel site in US" was originally created and published by Mining Technology, a GlobalData owned brand.




President Donald Trump arrives at his Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Fla., for a news conference on Dec. 22, 2025. (Alex Brandon/AP)



President Donald Trumps plan for a Golden Fleet has been short on details so far  its official website says Webpage currently under construction. Check back soon for updates.

But the lack of specifics hasnt stopped the project from drawing praise and scorn from politicians and military analysts.

Trump announced the concept Dec. 22 during an event at his MaraLago residence in Palm Beach, Fla., highlighting a proposal for a new battleship that would field firepower he said was 100 times more than anything built.

The battleships, as currently planned, would be armed with 128 MK-41 vertical launch system cells, 12 Conventional Prompt Strike long-range hypersonic missiles, an electromagnetic railgun, conventional five-inch guns, and be protected by AN/SPY-6 radar.

Initial schematics of the first battleship  which Trump said should be named USS Defiant  include an array of weapons, including yet-to-be-developed energy weapons, and anti-drone defensive systems.

Trumps proposed 20 or more Golden Fleet BBG(X) battleships would cost $15 billion to $22 billion for the lead ship, according to a Congressional Budget Office report. Later ships would cost more than $9 billion each once production is well underway.

The battleship is projected to have a displacement of about 35,000 tons. The last battleships built by the United States, the Iowa-class, launched near the end of World War II, weighed about 57,000 tons. The new battleship would be significantly smaller than the Navys largest ships, including the new Ford-class aircraft carriers, with a displacement of 100,000 tons.

A screen grab of the website for the Golden Fleet. (U.S. Navy)



The design is similar to the DDG(X)  the Navys previously planned next-generation destroyer. But the Trump-class battleships are larger.

Navy Secretary John Phelan has recently attempted to flesh out the Golden Fleet plan, saying it is an umbrella term for an overhaul of the size and mix of ships the Navy will have in the future, including uncrewed ships operating in concert with manned vessels. The profile would include the Ford-class carriers, new Virginia-class attack submarines and Columbia-class ballistic missile submarines already joining the fleet.

Phelan touted the Golden Fleet as putting more hulls in the water at a faster pace, during a speech Feb. 13 at the West 2026 conference on naval defense in San Diego.

High-end platforms  Next-generation battleships, continued production of destroyers, carriers, and submarines that deliver survivability, magazine depth, and sustained fires, he said. Phelan said the low-end mix would include the new class of frigates based on a Coast Guard cutter design, as well as unmanned surface and submersible vessels.

While warships are the center of debate, Phelan said the Golden Fleet would also be the proving ground for what he called upgraded Navys logistics and auxiliaries, sustaining power across distance. He touted a streamlined procurement system and the use of artificial intelligence for planning and design.

Phelan said in January that the Golden Fleet would boost job growth.

Over the next decade, shipbuilders and suppliers will need to hire roughly 250,000 skilled workers to meet demand, he said during the Surface Navy Associations national symposium, in Arlington, Va. That means apprenticeships, vocational training, accelerated pipelines and partnerships with local communities.

Secretary of the Navy John Phelan speaks at the Surface Navy Association National Symposium in Arlington, Va., next to models of Golden Fleet ships produced by Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock Division, Jan. 13, 2026. (Christopher Matassa/U.S. Navy)



Phelan reiterated his support for a possible $1.5 trillion defense budget, which Trump has suggested he will request for the 2027 fiscal year. That figure, at least 50% higher than the 2026 budget, is likely to face significant opposition from many Democrats and Republican fiscal hawks in Congress. But Phelan promised to push on with the plan.

American industry is resurgent, and the Golden Fleet exists because the president looked at the world as it is, not as we wish it to be, and said plainly: Move faster. Build smarter. Deliver capability now.

The Golden Fleet garnered early support from some experts who said naval strategy has been too rooted in the past of the Cold War and the post-9/11 wars against terrorism.

Brent Sadler, Senior Research Fellow for Naval Warfare and Advanced Technology in the Allison Center for National Security, wrote an article for the conservative Heritage Foundation titled The U.S. Navy Must Build the Golden Fleet.

While lamenting a lack of details so far, Sadler said an overhaul of the Navys ship types and purposes was long overdue. He listed several types that he believes the Golden Fleet will bring to American power projection at sea.

A new frigate based on U.S. Coast Guards National Security Cutter, large unmanned corvettes armed with long-range weapons, and logistics ships, Sadler wrote.

The idea, Sadler said, could lead to the construction of smaller escort carriers like those used in World War II to supplement todays large main carriers.

But for some analysts, the Golden Fleet is less a boon to Navy planning than a boondoggle that will lead to more planning U-turns, pushing several surface fleet proposals farther into the future.

Ronald ORourke, who recently retired after 42 years with the nonpartisan Congressional Research Service, including as lead defense analyst, spoke this month at a panel on shipbuilding at the West 2026 conference.

ORourke said the Navy can ill afford another major course change in ship production, another reversal for the Navy that has left in its wake discontinued programs and abandoned ship types.

Theyre all well intentioned, ORourke said. But in some cases, its resulted in people learning just enough about shipbuilding to get things wrong. And the discussion about shipbuilding has suffered from bad information, magical thinking, hand waving, arguments and confusion about causes, effects and solutions.

A rendering of the proposed Trump-class USS Defiant. (Naval Sea Systems Command via Facebook)

A graphic rendering of the future USS Lafayette, named in honor of Marquis de Lafayette and his service during the American Revolutionary War. Lafayette was schedule to be the fourth of the new Constellation-class guided missile frigates. (Shannon Renfroe/U.S. Navy)



ORourke pointed to the sustained churn in surface ship designs over the past 25 years, across programs for littoral combat ships, frigates and destroyers, leaving some projects abandoned or truncated. He pointed to the recent cancellation of the delayed Constellation frigate program, which will end after the first two of the six initial ships are completed at a Fincantieri Marinette Marine shipyard in Wisconsin.

Marc Cancian, a former Marine officer now an analyst for the Center for Strategic and International Studies, says flatly that the Golden Fleet  at least the battleships at the center of its concept  will never be built.

There is little need for said discussion because this ship will never sail. It will take years to design, cost $9 billion each to build, and contravene the Navys new concept of operations, which envisions distributed firepower, Cancian wrote in January on the CSIS website.

Phelan has countered critics by saying the Golden Fleet addresses churn by casting a hard eye on delayed Navy programs approved by earlier administrations and by putting AI and a business-style approach into building and operating the fleet.

Weve been locked in a perpetual state of triage, diverting attention to shipbuilding programs that fall behind schedule and grow in cost, Phelan said.

Phelan told the naval defense industry audience in San Diego that support for the Golden Fleet would bring an upgraded Navy.

The modern fight favors those that can rapidly prototype, test under fire, incorporate operator feedback and scale successful innovations on the front lines in real time, faster than their opponents can react, Phelan said.
Seaman Apprentice Joshua Jones was a student at Surface Combat Systems Training Command Great Lakes, Ill. (U.S. Navy)



The death of a sailor this month at Naval Station Great Lakes is under investigation by the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, the Navy has confirmed.

The Navy mourns the loss of our shipmate and sends condolences to the sailors family, friends and fellow sailors during this difficult time, the service said in a statement.

Seaman Apprentice Joshua Jones, a student at Surface Combat Systems Training Command Great Lakes, Ill., was found dead on Feb. 8 around 12:15 p.m., the Lake County Coroners Office said in a statement.

The Navy Region Mid-Atlantic Fire and Emergency Services and Great Lakes Police Department responded to a medical call in a barracks. First responders arrived and found the 19-year-old unresponsive. Despite life-saving efforts, Jones was pronounced dead at the scene, the coroners office said.

The coroners office is awaiting toxicology testing and cardiac pathology reports, but suicide is not suspected, according to the statement.

Jones, originally from Florida, enlisted in March 2025.

Grief counseling services and support are available through Surface Combat Systems Training Command Great Lakes and the base chaplain, the Navy said.
U.S. Navy Cmdr. James Koffi, commanding officer of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Truxtun, at sea in March 2025. (Sierra Bryant/U.S. Navy)



Cmdr. James Koffi, commanding officer of the destroyer USS Truxtun, was relieved of his command on Sunday.

Rear Adm. Carlos Sardiello, the commander of U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/4th Fleet, made the decision, which he said was due to a loss of confidence in Koffis ability to command.

The U.S. military routinely cites only a vague loss of confidence when removing commanders and other leaders from authority positions.

Koffi has commanded the Truxtun since Jan. 9, 2025.

The action occurred after Truxtun was involved in a collision with the oiler USNS Supply during a replenishment at sea in the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility, the Navy said.

Southern Command said two personnel reported minor injuries, and the cause of the collision is under investigation.

Koffi has been temporarily reassigned to Naval Surface Group Middle Atlantic.

Cmdr. Taylor Auclair, most recently assigned to U.S. Fleet Forces Command, will serve as commanding officer.

The Navy said the Truxtun is currently in port at Ponce, Puerto Rico, in support of the U.S. Southern Command mission to disrupt illicit drug trafficking.
(Gerald Waller/Stars and Stripes)



Frankfurt, Germany, June 1948: A worker at the Rhein-Main airport secures sacks of flour loaded onto a plane for shipment to blockaded Berlin during the first week of the Berlin airlift.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio speaks during a joint news conference with Hungarys Prime Minister Viktor Orban in Budapest, Hungary, Monday, Feb. 16, 2026. (Alex Brandon/AP)



WASHINGTON  Secretary of State Marco Rubio will travel to the Caribbean country of St. Kitts and Nevis this week to reassert the Trump administrations interests in the Western Hemisphere just a month after the U.S. military operation that removed then-Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro from power.

With the eyes of much of the world on the U.S. military buildup in the Middle East and President Donald Trumps threats to potentially attack Iran, Rubio will make a one-day visit to St. Kitts on Wednesday to participate in a summit of leaders from the Caribbean Community, the State Department said.

Rubio has long championed a greater U.S. role in the Western Hemisphere and aims to keep it in focus even as Trumps Republican administration has now shifted its top foreign policy priority to Iran. American forces are massing in even larger numbers in the Middle East than in the run-up to the Jan. 3 operation in Venezuela that captured and deposed Maduro.

Maduro was brought to the U.S. to face charges of working with drug cartels to facilitate the shipment of thousands of tons of cocaine into the U.S. and has pleaded not guilty.

Trumps action against Maduro, coupled with an increasingly aggressive posture aimed at eliminating drug trafficking and illegal migration, have proven a concern for many in the region  although they have also won support from some smaller states.

Trump, Rubio and others have likened the administrations Western Hemisphere strategy to the Monroe Doctrine, with its rejection of outside influences and assertion of U.S. primacy throughout what they consider to be Americas backyard.

Trump has said his ouster of Maduro, military strikes on alleged drug-running vessels in the Caribbean, seizures of sanctioned oil tankers and tightened embargo of Cuba are key parts of a Trump corollary to the 19th-century policy that he refers to as the Donroe Doctrine.

Most recently, that has manifested itself in U.S. intelligence support for weekend Mexican government operations that killed notorious Jalisco New Generation Cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes and sparked riots in several well-known tourist resorts.

Neither Mexico nor Venezuela is a full member of CARICOM, which includes 15 mainly island nations and South and Central American mainland littoral states. But like the United States, Mexico and Venezuela have observer status in the grouping.

In numerous group and bilateral meetings at the CARICOM meeting, Rubio intends to discuss ways to promote regional security and stability, trade and economic growth, the State Department said in a statement Monday. It was unclear which officials Rubio would meet with in Basseterre, the capital of the two-island nation.

During his visit, the Secretary will reaffirm the United States commitment to working with CARICOM member states to enhance stability and prosperity in our hemisphere, the department said.

Besides the immediate safety and security concerns in the Caribbean, the U.S. has a vested interest in several CARICOM members, including St. Kitts and Nevis, that are among the few countries in the world to have formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan, a self-governing island that Beijing considers to be part of Chinese territory.

The U.S., which does not have diplomatic relations with Taiwan but sells it weapons, wants to counter Chinese influence in Latin America and the Caribbean built through massive loans and expansive trade.

Trump has invited Latin American leaders to take part in a summit in Florida next month, coming ahead of his trip to Beijing.

St. Kitts and Nevis is among six countries in the Caribbean and Central America to still recognize Taiwan. U.S. lawmakers have introduced a bill that could provide $120 million over three years in assistance to Taiwans official and unofficial partners.

Associated Press writer Didi Tang contributed to this report.
The U.S. military conducted a strike in the Caribbean Sea on Monday, Feb. 23, 2026, killing 3 people, according to U.S. Southern Command. (U.S. Southern Command)



The U.S. military conducted a strike in the Caribbean Sea on Monday, killing three people, according to U.S. Southern Command.

No U.S. forces were harmed in the operation, SOUTHCOM said in a post on X.

Mondays attack raises the death toll from the Trump administrations strikes on alleged drug boats to at least 150 people in at least 44 strikes carried out since early September in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean.

Trump has said the U.S. is in armed conflict with cartels in Latin America and has justified the attacks as a necessary escalation to stem the flow of drugs. But his administration has offered little evidence to support its claims of killing narcoterrorists.

The U.S. resumed strikes in late January after largely backing off in the region following the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Jan. 3.

The latest strike is the second to occur in the region since SOUTHCOM commander Marine Corps Gen. Francis Donovan made a surprise visit to Venezuela last Wednesday.

Donovan met with American military personnel as well as members of the countrys interim leadership, according to a SOUTHCOM post on X.

The general assumed command on Feb. 5, replacing Adm. Alvin Holsey, who retired in December with two years left in his tenure.
A missile is fired during a test at Yuma Proving Ground in Yuma, Ariz., in April 2025. Iran maintains the Middle Easts largest stockpile of missile and drone systems, according to a March 2025 Defense Intelligence Agency report, as faltering diplomatic efforts and a buildup of military assets heighten concerns about potential conflict in the region. (Jamie Southerland/U.S. Army)



When Iran retaliated for American strikes on its nuclear sites last year, it launched a relatively modest counterattack, even going so far as to give the U.S. a heads-up before firing missiles at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.

But if the once-again simmering tensions between the countries produce another U.S. strike, Tehran has signaled that its ready to take the gloves off this time, experts say.

I think now were moving towards a world in which the regime is at least publicly signaling  that it will be fighting in a much less constrained manner than before, said Behnam Ben Taleblu, senior director of the Iran program at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies.

Stalling diplomacy and a military buildup have put the Middle East and American allies on edge. President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened to use force if a deal over Irans nuclear enrichment program is not made. He said Thursday that he would give Tehran 10 to 15 days to meet U.S. terms.

The U.S. has sent dozens of fighter jets and refueling aircraft toward the Middle East, along with an armada of warships that now includes the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group, which entered the Mediterranean Sea on Friday.

Iranian leaders believe that at this point they must inflict serious harm to stop further U.S. attacks, said Ali Vaez, director of the Iran program at the International Crisis Group.

Theyve come to the conclusion that the only way to stop this cycle of bombing Iran every few months really requires that they draw blood and they inflict significant harm on the U.S. and Israel, he said.

The U.S. still enjoys military dominance over Iran, which has been weakened in recent months by near-collapse of its economy, internal protests and the loss of allies like ousted Syrian dictator Bashar Assad and former Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, who was captured in a U.S. military raid last month.

Iran likely would seek to widen a war with the U.S. to deter prolonged American military involvement, analysts say, adding that it has the tools to do so.

Among the strongest are short- and medium-range ballistic missiles, which can carry nuclear or chemical weapons and have a range of up to 1,864 miles, according to the Congressional Research Service.

Iran has the largest stockpiles of missiles and drone systems in the Middle East, a March 2025 report from the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency said. Tehran launched hundreds of ballistic missiles at Israel in June 2025, though Israeli reports said they inflicted minimal damage.

Tehran also has other long-range strike systems in place, including cruise missiles and anti-ship missiles that could threaten U.S. assets and maritime shipping.

Those weapons could more broadly affect energy infrastructure in the Persian Gulf, Taleblu said.

Irans previous responses to U.S. strikes have not succeeded in preventing more threats from the U.S., Vaez said.

After Trump ordered the killing of top Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani in early 2020, Tehran responded by firing a dozen ballistic missiles at Iraqi bases housing U.S. troops. The attacks did not kill any service members, but later U.S. reports showed many suffered from traumatic brain injuries.

Irans response to Operation Midnight Hammer in June was notably restrained. The only damage from it was to one geodesic dome housing communication equipment used by American troops in Qatar.

Iran has spent the past three decades designing weapons specifically to target the U.S. military, especially its naval assets, Vaez said.

The countrys arsenal of missiles, underwater drones, submarines, torpedoes and speedboats was developed to attack U.S. warships in and around Iranian waters, he said.

The nearby U.S. bases in Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain are also easier to strike than Israel, which is more than 1,000 miles from Iran.

And even though the recent amassing of warships in the Persian Gulf and Arabian Sea is a symbol of American military power, it also provides Iran a very target-rich environment, Vaez said.

Iranian officials have said the country has no interest in initiating a war but will respond decisively and proportionately if the U.S. strikes.

In such circumstances, all bases, facilities and assets of the hostile force in the region would constitute legitimate targets in the context of Irans defensive response, Irans ambassador to the United Nations, Amir Saeid Iravani, said Thursday in a letter to the U.N. Security Council.
An animal caretaker makes her rounds in the military working dog kennels at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, in this undated photo. (Sarayuth Pinthong/U.S. Air Force)



At least four military working dogs died after being housed in kennels that a recent Defense Department inspector general report called unsatisfactory.

IG investigators visited a dozen military kennels across the U.S. and assessed 10 of them as substandard. The report cited problems such as overexposure to extreme heat, caregiver inattentiveness and aging facilities.

Between 2021 and 2023, there were four fatalities as a result of the dogs stay in one of those 10 kennels, the IG said in the report, which was issued Feb. 17.

Service officials told investigators that the poor conditions stemmed from command decisions to prioritize other mission requirements over renovating existing kennels or building new facilities.

Part of the review keyed in on military dogs in nontraining status, meaning they were either in initial training, awaiting an assignment or under some type of assessment.

That focus was chosen because dogs in an operational environment generally receive more stimulation, the report said.

Dogs under the purview of the Air Forces 341st Training Squadron experienced higher rates of diseases, injuries and behavioral problems than those in operations units, the IG said in a report released earlier this month.

A military working dog sits in its kennel at MacDill Air Force Base, Fla., on May 11, 2022. (Joshua Hastings/U.S. Air Force)



The Air Force is the executive agent for the Pentagons working dog program.

Because of understaffing, some dogs received only a few 10-minute walks per week rather than the five hours of daily physical and mental activity required by regulations, the report said.

German shepherds and Belgian Malinois are the most common breeds in the ranks of military working dogs, which help in activities ranging from explosive detection, drug discovery and search-and-rescue operations.

Multiple service components failed to consistently protect dogs from extreme weather conditions and kennel mold issues, the report said. Managing quarantine and isolation areas in the kennels also was problematic, according to the IG.

During an August 2024 visit to the 341st Training Squadrons facilities at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland in Texas, investigators said they saw signs of dogs under stress.

Among the troubling behaviors they saw were continuous spinning, jumping, chewing on metal water buckets and excessive vocalization. They also found signs of heat stress, the report said.

The IG recommended that the Air Force coordinate with the other services on a plan to upgrade kennel facilities to meet current DOD standards.

The Air Force agreed with the recommendation and said steps were being taken to address the issues.

In addition, the Air Force should reduce the number of military working dogs in nontraining status until enough caretakers are in place, the IG recommended.

Air Force officials responded that efforts are underway to fix the staff shortages.
A worker with the Times Square Alliance sanitation crew clears snow from the Red Stairs in Times Square, Monday, Feb. 23, 2026, in New York. (Seth Wenig/AP)



NEW YORK  A massive snowstorm pummeled the northeastern United States from Maryland to Maine on Monday, forcing millions of people to stay home amid strong wind and blizzard warnings, transportation shutdowns, and school and business closures.

Meteorologists said the storm is the strongest in a decade, dumping more than 2 feet of snow in parts of the metropolitan Northeast, shattering accumulation records in places, immobilizing transit and even leading the United Nations to postpone a Security Council meeting. Officials declared emergencies, schools closed, including in New York City, which had its first old-school snow day in six years, and people grappled with power failures.

Even as the snow moved northward and tapered off in other areas, the National Weather Service said it is tracking another storm that could bring more snow to the region later this week.

The weather service referred to Mondays storm as a classic bomb cyclone/noreaster off the Northeast coast. A bomb cyclone happens when a storms pressure falls by a certain amount within a 24-hour period, occurring mainly in the fall and winter when frigid Arctic air can reach the south and clash with warmer temperatures.

While it was paralyzing and potentially dangerous for millions along the Eastern Seaboard, meteorologists found themselves rhapsodizing over the combination of power and beauty.

The storm hit the Goldilocks situation of just the right temperature for wet, heavy snow: Any warmer and its precipitation wouldnt have fallen as snow, any colder and there wouldnt have been as much moisture in the air to feed that snowfall, said Owen Shieh, warning coordination meteorologist at the National Weather Services Weather Prediction Center in Maryland.

People begin digging out even as snowfall continues

In Lower Manhattan, snow shovelers appeared to outnumber commuting office workers, and pedestrians walked freely in streets normally blocked by morning traffic.

Its very quiet, except for the howling winds, said Luis Valez, a concierge at a residential tower just off Wall Street, as he cleared the sidewalk. A couple of residents have gone out to get their essentials. Other than that, theres nothing.

Matthew Wojtkowiak, 57, an attorney, was also shoveling in his Brooklyn neighborhood.

Im from the Midwest, so this is in the zone, he said. Not too bad, not too easy, either.

Schools were closed, and he said he hoped people would get out and enjoy the snow.

We have sleds at the ready, he said.

Karen Smith and Adele Bawden are tourists visiting New York from the United Kingdom.

Weve been dancing in Times Square this morning in the middle of the road in rush hour, Bawden said. Weve just been dancing and not believing we could do it.

Ingrid Devita said she liked to patrol the Lower East Side on skis, checking on people who might need help.

I find people fall in the snow and they cant get up, she said.

Central Park in New York City recorded 19 inches of snow. Warwick, Rhode Island, exceeded 3 feet, topping the nation so far. The highest wind gust of 83 mph was recorded in Nantucket, with hurricane-force gusts seen all over Cape Cod.

In Connecticut, crews at the Mystic Seaport Museum prepared to clear snow from a fleet of historic ships, including the 113-foot-long Charles W. Morgan, a wooden whaling ship from the 19th century American merchant fleet.

Shannon McKenzie, vice president of watercraft operations and preservation, said shipyard staff will clear the snow by hand using rubber or plastic shovels because machinery or metal shovels could damage the boats.

Storm fuels power outages and disrupts flights

New York, Philadelphia and other cities, as well as several states, declared emergencies.

More than 5,600 flights in and out of the United States were canceled Monday, and a further 2,000 flights scheduled for Tuesday were grounded, according to the flight tracking website FlightAware. Most of the cancelations involved airports in New York, New Jersey and Boston. Almost 2,500 flights were delayed.

Rhode Islands T.F. Green International Airport announced Monday that it was temporarily ending all airport operations. The Weather Service reported that the facility got 32.8 inches of snow, breaking a record set in 1978.

Public transit ground to a halt in some areas, while DoorDash suspended deliveries in New York City overnight into Monday.

Storm-related power outages plunged more than 500,000 customers into darkness along the East Coast early Monday, according to PowerOutage.us, which tracks outages nationwide.

Snow slows commuter transport and forces snow days

Commuters in and around New York felt the strain.

In New York City, several subway lines reported severe delays, while the Long Island Rail Road was fully suspended until further notice. Some Metro-North commuter trains between New York City and its suburbs were delayed by up to an hour. New Jersey Transit suspended bus and rail services until further notice.

The weather service said strong wind gusts could cause whiteout conditions and warned of a Potentially Historic/Destructive Storm southeast of the Boston-Providence corridor.

Winds like that, combined with heavy, wet snow, are a recipe for damaged trees and prolonged power outages, said Bryce Williams, a meteorologist with the weather services Boston office. Thats what were most concerned with, is the combination of those extreme snow amounts with that wind.

Outreach workers meanwhile tried to coax homeless New Yorkers into shelters and warming centers.

Various landmarks and cultural institutions were closed Monday, including New Yorks Museum of Modern Art and the Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C. Broadway shows were canceled Sunday evening.

New York City and Boston canceled public school classes for Monday, while Philadelphia switched to online learning. Districts on Long Island and elsewhere in the New York suburbs said they would cancel school for a second day on Tuesday.

New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, a Democrat, said class would be back in person on Tuesday.

Officials in one of the citys Republican strongholds criticized the move. Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella said school should remain closed, saying roads are impassable and sidewalks are blocked. The teachers union, the United Federation of Teachers, advised its members to be cautious and put their safety first when deciding whether to report to work.

Spokespersons for Mamdani didnt immediately respond to an email seeking comment. Earlier Monday when he announced classes would be back in session he quipped: You can still pelt me with snowballs when you see me.

For Monday, though, he had another mission for students: Stay cozy.

Izaguirre reported from Albany, New York, and Rush reported from Portland, Oregon. Associated Press writers Mike Catalini in Morrisville, Pennsylvania; Mark Kennedy and Mike Sisak in New York; Darlene Superville in Washington; Susan Haigh in Hartford, Connecticut; Christopher Weber in Los Angeles; and Philip Marcelo in Buenos Aires, Argentina contributed.
The UKs Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is shifting its approach to market failures, moving away from making new rules its default response, the Financial Times Adviser reported.

FCA chief executive Nikhil Rathi, speaking on the Fairer Finance podcast, said not every problem is going to be solved quickly by doing big interventions, more rules, bans, guidance.

Rathi linked the change in approach to the postBrexit regulatory environment, in which the FCA is reassessing rules inherited from the EU.

He noted that several developments are shaping the regulators stance.

Rathi was quoted by the publication as saying: One is consumer duty itself, and that came before the secondary objective  we said all the way from the beginning, we are moving to an outcomes-based approach that will mean less rules in the future because we think the consumer duty will do a lot of the work for us.

The secondary objective and the broader agenda is around regulatory modernisation and looking at burdens around data reporting and compliance, and that is obviously something that we are thinking about as well.

Thirdly, these markets are moving fast  the frontier of technology, particularly AI, is shifting every few months.

On mortgage lending, he highlighted the potential strain on borrowers if rates climb.

The FCA CEO also shared concerns about retirement outcomes, saying it is not good for society when people retire on incomes below the living standards they expect while much of their wealth is tied up in housing.

Rathi was also asked about the FCAs use of Voluntary Requirements, which can impose tailored conditions on companies.

Addressing how visible these actions should be, he said: The Treasury werent secret about their view that they werent a big fan of transparency, about our actions when it came to firms.

They were very persuaded by some of the lobbying they received on that topic. Nonetheless, we are stepping up the way in which we communicate through our enforcement watch.

Rathis comments on reduced rulemaking drew concern from some industry voices, who warned that many companies may not be equipped to cope with looser oversight.

Whilst many firms will welcome reduced rules, the reality is that they are poorly prepared for the consequences of a deregulated world, said Kenny MacAulay, CEO of Acting Office, a software platform for accountancy practices.

MacAulay added: Reduced compliance protocols means immediate pressure on firms to get their houses in order, in terms of mitigating cyber risk and managing data securely.
C. A | Agencias Monday, 23 February 2026, 13:57 Share

Although winter is not yet over the thermometer in Granada province and across Spain this weekend exceeded 20 degrees and to start the week it reaches a maximum of 24 degrees in some parts of the province.

It's a stark contrast to the series of storms that battered large parts of Andalucia in January and early February.

Added to this some weather experts are talking about the possible arrival of calima this week. For now the only certainty is that on Monday 23 February the Canary Islands are on yellow alert for Saharan sand, according to Spain's state meteorological agency (Aemet).

This sand could move to the south of the peninsula, but this is as yet uncertain. Throughout Monday, high pressure is expected throughout Spain, no precipitation is expected and skies will be clear or with high clouds.

Maximum temperatures will rise practically across the peninsula and the Balearic Islands, although with the probability of slight decreases in areas to the east, in the northeast and in the extreme southwest of the peninsula.

For the rest of the week, few changes are expected, with plenty of sunshine and some high clouds that could leave some isolated precipitation for the weekend, but of little importance in Granada province. The Costa Tropical could see some cloudy skies.
SUR in English Monday, 23 February 2026, 11:45 Share

Gibraltar Tourism attended one of the aviation industry's leading annual conferences last week, with CEO for Tourism Product Development, Kevin Bossino, and Senior Executive Officer of the Gibraltar Tourist Board, Audisa Rodriguez, representing the territory at CONNECT Aviation 2026 in Lublin, Poland, from 16-19 February.

Now in its 22nd edition, the conference brought together 75 airlines, representatives from 60 countries and 280 airports to discuss air connectivity and route development - making it a key platform for destinations looking to strengthen their links with the airline industry.

The Gibraltar delegation used the opportunity to highlight the territory's growing appeal to carriers, particularly in light of the upcoming treaty with Spain. Kevin Bossino commented: "CONNECT Aviation provided an excellent opportunity to engage directly with key stakeholders across the airline industry. As we prepare for the implementation of the new treaty, it was timely to promote the enhanced operating conditions and significant air connectivity potential that will arise from it."

Minister for Equality, Employment, Culture and Tourism Christian Santos echoed that message, stressing the importance of Gibraltar's presence at events of this kind. "As we prepare to capitalise on the opportunities that the new Treaty will create, it is essential that we actively participate in major industry forums such as CONNECT. These events allow us to raise awareness that Gibraltar will become a Schengen-entry airport, with an expanded catchment area that strengthens its attractiveness to airlines and passengers alike."
Jennie Rhodes Monday, 23 February 2026, 16:19 | Updated 18:14h. Share

Long-term British resident Leila Bayandor Lawson has been awarded Riogordo town halls Olivo de Fuxcar award for her work to promote the towns olive oil industry among Malaga provinces foreign community.

Leila, who has lived in the Axarquia town with her husband Rob for 24 years, is the founder and organiser of the Molienda in English; an event which she started nine years ago and is connected to Riogordos traditional festival which celebrates the local olive oil industry and coincides with the end of the annual harvest.

Presenting the award during this years Molienda festivities on Sunday 22 February, Paco Lorenzo Tapia, promoter, founder and president of Olearum, Cultura y Patrimonio del Aceite, explained that Leila had been chosen to receive the award by La Molienda association, thanks to her tireless collaboration and altruistic creation and organisation of the Molienda in English.

Contribution to local life

Lorenzo explained how the event, which is held every February, attracts people from the English-speaking community across Malaga province. Photographs of Leilas work, not only with the Molienda in English, but other associations connected with the local olive oil industry and contributions to life in the town, were also shown on a screen while Lorenzo spoke.

The Olivo de Fuxcar is given annually by Riogordo town hall and La Molienda organising committee. It is given to individuals, organisations or initiatives that stand out for their defence, dissemination and promotion of olive tree culture and extra virgin olive oil and in particular the verdial variety, which is native to the Axarquia.

In her acceptance speech, which she gave in Spanish, Leila said that it was an honour to receive the award and that becoming involved with the La Molienda was the best way to get to know my neighbours and my adopted land. She went on to say, 15 years ago I didnt know anything about olive oil and the industry but year after year I learned more until I became totally hooked.

Olive stone spitting competition

The creator of La Molienda in English went on to say that she wanted to share her knowledge and passion with other foreign residents and visitors: Language is sometimes and barrier and that is why I decided to organise a Molienda in English. The event attracts Brits, Irish, Danes, Belgians, Germans and other nationalities who speak English.

Leila giving her acceptance speech; outside the ethnographic museum; oilve stone spitting competition J. Rhodes

The Olivo de Fuxcar Nacional award went to Priego de Cordoba Protected Designation of Origin, for their benchmark in the quality and excellence of extra virgin olive oil. The Olivo de Fuxcar Honorifico went to Antonio Diaz Broches from the nearby town of Periana, for being the heart and soul of the San Isidro de Periana Verdiales music group for his dedication to preserving Axarquia traditions.

The day also included the popular olive stone spitting competition which attracted locals and foreigners alike, as well as a street market selling local products, demonstrations at the museum and music and dancing by local Verdiales groups.
Eugenio Cabezas Monday, 23 February 2026, 14:16 Share

Velez-Malaga town hall inaugurated the Miguel Angel Blanco green boulevard on Camino Viejo de Malaga on Friday 20 February.

It is a landscaped area that pays tribute to the councillor who was assassinated by ETA in July 1997. Velez-Malaga town hall described the new area as "a place and symbol of memory, unity and defence of democratic values and freedom".

The town hall unanimously voted to name the road that runs from the Axarquia school to the Camino de Remanente roundabout after the murdered councillor in July 2023. The central feature is a concrete and bronze sculpture by Torre del Mar artist Paco Martin.

Mayor of Velez, Jesus Lupianez, welcomed Maria del Mar Blanco, sister of the victim at the town hall, where he said that "today we are fulfilling a council agreement adopted unanimously years ago" and added that the new boulevard seeks to "bring the memory of Miguel Angel Blanco and all the victims of terrorism closer to younger generations".

Maria del Mar Blanco, who is also president of the Miguel Angel Blanco Foundation, described the tribute as "a moral decision and a clear stance on our recent history" and recalled that her brother "was the symbol of a society that said 'enough is enough'".

"In the face of terror, we always choose democracy; in the face of hatred, coexistence; and in the face of imposition, freedom," she said in her speech during the inauguration ceremony. She called for "memory, truth, justice and dignity" and warned that "we cannot normalise those who have never condemned terrorism or build stability at the expense of the memory of the victims".

The sister of the councillor murdered by the terrorist group ETA almost 29 years ago criticised the fact that there are still "more than 300 crimes without a court ruling" and "unworthy tributes" in the Basque Country and Navarra and insisted that "the dignity of the victims is not negotiable, memory is not forgotten and justice does not allow shortcuts".

Memory

Blanco went on to say, "This boulevard is a wall against oblivion, because it says loud and clear that Velez-Malaga does not accept distortions of history," she concluded, convinced that in the future, new generations will recognise in her brother's name "the true victory of democracy over terror".

Lupianez described the space as "a place to walk, meet and breathe, where today we sow memory" and recalled how "the whole of Spain came to a standstill in July 1997, when millions of hands were raised in streets and squares to shout for dignity, not of hatred, but of serenity in the face of fanaticism". The hands are represented in the sculpture that presides over the boulevard, "green like hope and the life that continues".

Local sculptor Paco Martin described his work, a concrete monolith with Blanco's bust embedded in it: "I thought a lot about his family, his brothers, his parents and Mari Mar." He said his work is a "metaphor for what happened: a stone on top symbolises the rupture of society and the mirrors reflect the sky and the moon, which will connect with the sculpture."

The ceremony, hosted by local journalist Jesus Hurtado, concluded with classical pieces of music performed by the string trio Arsis and the municipal band, which provided a solemn finale to a tribute that the town hall described as a "civic duty to strengthen the community and reaffirm its commitment to memory, dignity and justice".
Irene Quirante Monday, 23 February 2026, 16:01 Share

The Guardia Civils professional association has warned that the Malaga coast is becoming "lawless territory" as drug traffickers operate with total impunity just metres from the shore.

The AUGC has conveyed this message in two separate letters addressed to the deputy director of operations (DAO) of the Guardia Civil and the deputy government delegate in Malaga, Francisco Javier Salas, demanding an urgent boost in both personnel and resources.

According to the association's assessment, while police pressure from 'Plan Carteira' is driving drug traffickers to seek refuge on the western Costa del Sol, the stations in this area are severely understaffed, "leaving them in a clearly unbalanced position for operational effectiveness".

"Everyone has recently been able to see that the coast of Malaga province has become an area where drug-running boats seek shelter during storms and they do so quite brazenly, acting with total impunity, as if the Spanish coast were lawless territory," argues the AUGC letter.

The AUGC pointed out that, in 2023, the station at Manilva was changed to a main station, despite the fact that this "modification was not accompanied by the necessary increase in human resources and material means and currently this main station has a number of officers clearly insufficient to respond to the real security demands that crop up in that part of Malaga province".

The AUGC went on to add that the lack of officers has led to alarming situations, in which the Costa del Sol town is left without coverage to respond to other emergencies.

According to the union, in addition to the increase in robberies, patrols are forced to cover duties in other municipalities, even guarding a 63-kilometre stretch of coastline. "You cannot demand heroism from Guardia Civil officers when they are denied the most basic resources", states the letter.

Another issue highlighted by the AUGC is that officers do not even have suitable vehicles to access tracks or rural terrain, which are common escape routes after a drugs drop-off. The letter also noted a lack of technology to monitor the movements of these criminal organisations.

Given this scenario, the AUGC letter calls for urgent measures, including an increase in personnel and the provision of technical resources, such as off-road vehicles and boats. Another demand is for changes in the law that would make the so-called 'petaqueo' (supplying fuel to speedboats ('narcolanchas') used for drug trafficking) a criminal offence.

Government investigation

The ongoing situation with drug-running boats has led the chief prosecutor of Andalucia, Ceuta and Melilla, Ana Tarrago, to open an investigation to gather information about the presence of these vessels on the shoreline along the entire Andalusian coast, as well as in marinas and on the Guadalquivir river, when seeking shelter from bad weather.

As noted by the region's public prosecutor's office, these high-powered boats have been banned since 2018 and are usually spotted in international waters, always involved in drug-running and the trafficking of migrants. During their stopovers along the Costa del Sol, they are being refuelled by supply boats.

This information has been shared by the media, the Guardia Civil and local mayors along the coast, who have expressed their concern and unease about the presence of these vessels within their municipalities.
Quick Read

Brown-Forman trades at 17x earnings versus a 34x historical median. Stock is down 64% from its 2020 peak.

Capital spending cuts drove higher free cash flow despite declining operating cash flow in the most recent year.

Brown-Forman has raised dividends for 42 consecutive years. Total shareholder yield with buybacks is 6.58%.

A recent study identified one single habit that doubled Americans retirement savings and moved retirement from dream, to reality. Read more here.

The market is starting to flood back into defensive and Dividend Aristocrat stocks before the economic pendulum swings the other way. The good news is that you'd still be ahead of the herd if you accumulate stocks like Brown-Forman (NYSE:BF.A, NYSE:BF.B). You probably haven't heard of that name in a long time.

Brown-Forman is the largest American-owned global spirits company. It sells whiskey, bourbon, tequila, rum, gin, and more. Its crown jewel is Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey, one of the most recognizable spirit brands on the planet, but the portfolio also includes Woodford Reserve, Old Forester, Herradura, el Jimador, Diplomatico Rum, Gin Mare, and GlenDronach Scotch.

You're looking at a company commanding an estimated 34% of the total U.S. Whiskey & Bourbon Distilleries industry revenue.

The lengthy maturation process for aged whiskey creates a massive barrier to entry for competitors, and Brown-Forman controls its entire value chain from production to distribution.

The best time to accumulate is now

The stock is off by 64% from its 2020 peak and is showing signs of bottoming out.

But why did it decline in the first place?

The single biggest factor is that Brown-Forman was absurdly overvalued heading into 2020. The stock traded at nosebleed multiples that priced in perpetual premium growth, and when reality didn't cooperate, gravity took over. From there, a cascade of problems hit. Demand weakened, and tariff chaos made it even worse, along with other overlapping problems like GLP-1 and the trend of consumers trading up to higher-end spirits.

However, in 2026, BF-B stock is now too undervalued. Investors who sold earlier have yet to look back. I see an opportunity in the meantime. You're paying just 17 times earnings for this stock. Historically, the median price-earnings ratio has been 34 times.

Things are yet to turn rosy

I will admit that the 3-year revenue growth rate has been anemic at less than 1% annually. The 3-year free cash flow growth rate is even worse at -18.1% annually. High CapEx and a high-interest-rate environment pressured cash flow. Net interest losses were at $105 million last year.
Cristina Vallejo Malaga Monday, 23 February 2026, 12:12 Share

Despite accounting for a smaller portion of Malaga's productive fabric, the province's large companies were ahead of SMEs (small and medium-sized businesses) in terms of growth rates and hiring last year.

Malaga province has 59,142 companies, according Social Security statistics, which only include registered companies. Of these, 50,405 (85%) have fewer than ten employees. Meanwhile, only 175 companies in the province have 250 workers or more, although they are the ones leading the way in terms of growth, while smaller companies are stagnant.

In January 2026, there were 536,651 people employed in companies registered with Social Security, 32,284 more than in January 2025. Of the new hires, 16,622, joined companies with more than 250 workers, while only 4,454 joined companies with fewer than ten employees.

Following the largest companies, those with between ten and 49 employees registered the second highest growth (8,322 employees). After them came companies with between 100 and 249 employees, with 2,734 new workers. Companies with 50-99 workers registered the lowest growth, with only 152 new employees.

The companies that represent 85% of the productive fabric of Malaga were responsible for only 13.8% of the new hires; while the large companies, which only represent 0.3% of the companies in the province, were responsible for half of the new jobs created.

It is also worth mentioning the employment rates in each segment. While employment grew by 6%, the rise among those with fewer than ten workers was half that, barely 3%. At the same time, the increase recorded among companies with a workforce of over 250 workers was double the average (13%).

Once again, companies with between 50 and 99 employees were at the bottom, with the smallest relative growth.

Executive Deputy President of Confederacion de Empresarios de Malaga Natalia Sanchez blames the bureaucratic burden and the increase in wage and social costs for the slowdown in employment among smaller companies.

According to her, this does not allow them to move further in their digitalisation and prevents them from getting to over 50 employees, as the administrative burden for companies with more than 50 employees is much greater.

"If the self-employed already have problems with paperwork, because they spend four hours a week on bureaucracy, one more employee is an additional problem."

President of the association of the self-employed Rafael Amor has addressed the challenges that the self-employed face. A survey reveals that, if there are 142,500 self-employed people in the province, 20,000 of them have employees. "If the self-employed already have problems with paperwork, because they spend four hours a week on bureaucratic matters, one more employee is an additional problem," he says.

Currently, 60% of the self-employed are not planning on hiring anyone this year and 5.7% are even considering making redundancies. "Labour costs are brutal: a worker at the SMI [minimum wage] already costs the employer around 1,900 euros in total," Amor says.

According to him, the self-employed are also having problems finding workers: 16.4% looked for staff last year, but did not find them, and another 12% say they have taken longer than usual to make their latest hires.

60% of the self-employed have no plans of hiring anyone this year

This behaviour of employment by company size runs parallel to the very composition of the productive fabric. The total number of companies in the province has risen by 3% from one year to the next, while those with up to ten employees have barely grown by 2%; those with between 50 and 99 employees have remained frozen at 674; those with more than 250 employees have increased by 9%.

What is happening in Malaga is no different from what is happening in Andalucia as a whole. While the number of new employees in the region grew by 131,616 between January 2025 and January 2026, more than 80,000 (60%) of them joined companies of more than 250 employees.

Sanchez has pointed out that Malaga is actually an exception in terms of business dynamism in Spain: the productive fabric in the province continues growing. According to a Cepyme report, by the middle of last year the number of micro-SMEs (companies with fewer than ten workers) had fallen by 2% in Spain compared to 2019.
The victim's face after the assault in Malaga.

Fernando Alonso Monday, 23 February 2026, 10:08 Share

Police are hunting two men who brutally beat and strangled a young man outside a Malaga nightclub after questioning his political beliefs.

Pablo Romero was attacked in the early hours of Saturday, 21 February, outside the BRO club in the Cruz de Humilladero district.

Romero told investigators he had stepped outside the venue when two strangers approached him and asked: "You are antifascist, right?"

The pair then knocked him to the ground. While one man pinned him down, the other repeatedly punched him in the face. The victim also claims the assailants took photographs of him during the assault before fleeing in a white Renault Clio.

"I don't know them at all," Romero said. "I don't even remember exactly what happened."

Despite his injuries, the victim said he was forced to walk to a local health centre after being told an ambulance could not be sent. He suffered extensive bruising, throat swelling, and an eye hemorrhage.

National Police have confirmed they are investigating the incident. Officers have identified several potential suspects who match descriptions provided by the victim and are known for similar offences.

Romero has since shared a photograph of his injuries on Instagram, which has been shared more than 1,600 times.

"Share my face so that we don't forget what hate does," he wrote.

Police have requested that specific details regarding the suspects remain confidential to avoid compromising the active investigation.
Ignacio Lillo Malaga Monday, 23 February 2026, 10:42 Share

The long-delayed San Andres marina project has reached a critical turning point as investors review final proposals to begin construction.

Marina Malaga San, owned by the Qatari fund Al Alfia, is reportedly close to an agreement with a new partner to manage the 54 million euro development in Huelin.

In October last year, SUR reported that Al Alfia was looking for a partner to take over the construction and management of the port extension.

The Qatari fund underwent an internal restructuring process at the end of last year, which led to a segregation of its assets and investments around the world.

Although the investor has not confirmed the names of the potential partners, the best positioned so far has been the union of Ocean Capital Partners (OCP) from Spain and IGY from the US. They are in charge of operations at the mega-yacht marina at the main port in the city.

506 berths are planned in Huelin. Of these, two will be for large yachts of 50 metres in length and five for yachts of up to 30 metres, but the majority (some 400 points) will be for boats under 12 metres

Al Alfia is also the company behind the Torre del Puerto luxury hotel that is to be built on the Levante dock. They are following the same corporate model for the marina initiative.

By studying the proposals of interested partners, Al Alfia confirms its interest to go ahead with this infrastructure.

Deadlines are pressing

The company's restructuring has slowed down decision-making on a number of Al Alfia's international projects, including the port of San Andres. The new committee is reviewing priorities project by project. However, the fact that it has given the green light is as a sign of imminent unblocking.

The concessionary company Marina Malaga San has received a formal letter in which the Port Authority reminds it that the administrative deadlines are approaching and that it must present the definitive project and apply for the building permit to the city council as soon as possible.

Although the Port Authority has confirmed that the investor has been paying all fees, without delays, if work does not start within a reasonable time, Al Alfia could face a possible termination of the concession for non-compliance with the terms of the contract.

Berths and yacht club

The San Andres marina will be located at the mouth of the Guadalmedina, very close to the new headquarters of the Spanish Institute of Oceanography and the fish market and the future Malaga music auditorium.

The future Huelin marina will require an investment of around 54 million euros and will feature docks with a total capacity for 506 vessels, including two berths for large yachts of up to 50 metres long and five berths for yachts of up to 30 metres. The majority, however - about 400 spots - will be for boats under 12 metres.

The most important civil work will be the widening of the current breakwater that separates the dock from the beaches to create a wide platform for luxury shops, hotels and a nautical club with a restaurant.

There will also be a yacht club, a sailing school, a dry marina for 100 boats, a control tower, a restaurant and an events venue, with spectacular views of the city and the sea. The marina will have a car park with 439 parkings spaces.

The San Andres marina will be the largest marina for small and medium-sized pleasure craft in Malaga city.
M. J. D. A. Monday, 23 February 2026, 14:07 Share

Puerto de la Torre has mobilised en masse to find Nachito, a 16-year-old Chihuahua who has been missing from home since Monday 16 February. The dog was last seen at 9:55am, when security cameras at the family home captured him leaving the property after the door was accidentally opened by a gust of wind.

Its owner, Paco Moya, explained that the animal is "very old, is deaf and practically blind". "We believe he became totally disorientated in the wind". The house is also near a wooded area and a riverbed, so the owner fears that the little dog could have wandered off in that direction and now has no idea how to return home.

Another possibility being considered is that someone might have taken the dog. However, despite the dog being microchipped, the family has not received any notification from a veterinary clinic or the local police, who had already been notified of the disappearance. "We don't believe a dog that age can survive so many days alone in the open. We suspect someone might have picked him up and, for some reason, hasn't yet reported it", says Moya, who hopes that, if someone does have Nachito, "their heart will soften and they'll return him".

Thus far, searches in the area have yielded no evidence of a hit-and-run, keeping alive the hope of finding the dog alive. Paco Moya says that Nachito was born in San Luis Potosi (Mexico) and his sister-in-law brought him over to Spain.

The lastest organised search took place on Saturday 21 February at 11am, with volunteers meeting at the Colegio Europa car park in Puerto de la Torre. The aim was to comb the surrounding countryside and streams near the residential area, but still no Nachito.

The family has also set up the following phone number - 618 36 18 83 - for any relevant information on the whereabouts of Nachito and has even announced a reward for anyone who helps them to locate the dog.
Hospital Regional in Malaga city became the second hospital in Spain with the largest number of kidney transplants in 2025: 206, compared to Hospital Universitario de Bellvitge's 207 in Barcelona. Although this is a position lower than in 2024, when it was first in the country, with 242 transplants, the hospital maintains good figures and success rates.

The hospital has consolidated its position as one of the reference centres for organ transplants in both Andalucia and Spain. The 206 kidney transplants have made it the most active centre in the region and the second most active in the country. This represents the second highest number of kidney transplants in the hospital's history, consolidating the upward trajectory begun in 2023.

Also in 2025, the hospital performed 67 liver transplants, which is the second best figure in the centre's history, and 11 pancreas transplants, making it second in Spain behind only Hospital 12 de Octubre in Madrid.

Of the 206 patients in 2025, 18 per cent received a transplant as a first option, "without the need to start dialysis treatment". There were also 21 hyperimmunised transplants, 13 living donor transplants and 11 combined pancreas-kidney and one combined liver-kidney transplant, highly complex surgeries.

In 2025, Hospital Regional also set another record by performing 13 kidney and three liver transplants in six days - an exceptional feat, given the technical and organisational complexity of the surgery.

The hospital's transplant coordinator, Miguel Lebron, told SUR that "it is not easy to put a patient with a kidney disease on a waiting list, because a great many tests have to be carried out". "We have a lot of contact with dialysis centres, which care for patients with terminal renal pathologies," Dr Lebron said.

18 per cent of patients received a transplant as a first option at Hospital Regional in 2025

There are 350 people on the waiting list in Andalucia and 73 in Malaga province.

One hundred people take part in a transplant

Dr Lebron said that a surgery of this magnitude involves around 100 people, part of whom must sometimes go to a health centre in another province, depending on where the patient is. Urologists and ICU professionals are those who choose the donor.

"We make a first assessment when we already have an organ donor," Dr Lebron explained.

Zoom Miguel Lebron, transplant coordinator at Hospital Regional Universitario in Malaga. SUR

These teams, responsible for declaring a donor suitable, assess every bit of information, including the size of the organ. "Then we have to see if the recipient is from here, we have to send the organ or the team has to come depending on which organ it is," Dr Lebron said.

There are three transplant programmes in Malaga: kidney, pancreas and liver. "We do everything according to protocol: we never forget to call everyone who needs to be called and to get everyone involved to agree. If we have a donor first thing in the morning, the donation must take place first thing in the afternoon," he said.

The hospital in Malaga performs kidney, liver and pancreas transplants on patients from the province and from Almeria, Ceuta and Melilla.

The hospital in Malaga attends to patients from the province, as well as from the provinces of Almeria, Ceuta and Melilla. The first kidney transplant was carried out in 1979 and the number of transplants has now reached 2,863. Hospital Regional has also carried out more than 1,300 liver and 149 pancreas transplants.

"We must always thank the donors and their families. Without them, there is no transplant. These are people who, at such a difficult time, say 'yes' to donation: it is the beginning of everything," Dr Lebron said.

In total, the hospital performed 284 transplants in 2025 (206 kidney, 57 liver and 11 pancreas transplants). The historical record, however, was in 2024: 337 transplants, almost one per day.

By centres, the Reina Sofia in Cordoba leads the ranking for 2025, with 306 transplants, of which 108 were kidney, 98 lung, 66 liver, 27 heart and seven pancreas transplants. Next is Hospital Regional (284), followed by Hospital Virgen del Rocio in Seville (267 transplants, 169 kidney, 77 liver and 21 heart), Hospital Puerta del Mar in Cadiz (141 kidney transplants) and Hospital Virgen de las Nieves in Granada (115 transplants, 79 kidney and 36 liver).

Four hospitals in the region, including Hospital Clinico, are in the top ten centres without a transplant programme with the highest deceased donation activity.

According to the Ministry of Health's report on donation and transplants, four hospitals in the region (Torrecardenas, Virgen de la Victoria, Virgen Macarena and Juan Ramon Jimenez) are among the top ten hospitals without transplant programmes with the highest level of deceased organ donation activity.

Donation records in Andalucia

Andalucia continues breaking records in the field of donation and transplants. A total of 875 organ (471) and tissue (404) donors were registered in 2025, "the highest figure in the entire historical series", as regional minister of health Antonio Sanz reported a few weeks ago.

The region has once again hit the highest absolute number of organ donors in Spain (471), according to the annual report on donation and transplants. Andalusian donation rates stand at 54.4 donors per million population, almost three points above the national average of 51.9. "This is the highest rate among the three most populated regions in the country and is around ten points higher than Madrid (41.2) or Catalonia (45.5)," Sanz said.
Jesus Hinojosa Malaga Monday, 23 February 2026, 12:17 Share

The transformation of Malagas derelict former post office into a five-star hotel is expected to take a significant step forward this Tuesday.

Malaga city council is scheduled to initiate the urban planning process to reclassify the building on Avenida de Andalucia, potentially ending 15 years of abandonment.

Israeli magnate Haim Tsuff purchased the building on Avenida de Andalucia for 23.5 million euros at an auction six years ago. His plan was to transform it into a luxury hotel, but the building's classification as a private facility has complicated the project.

On Tuesday, however, the city council is finally planning to initiate the process and approve the urban planning dossier. This would put an end to years of abandonement, marked by the deterioration of facades and the camps of homeless people.

The city council will change the use of the building, but there are still several steps ahead before final approval.

In November 2024, the delegation of the regional ministry of sustainability and environment issued a resolution agreeing with the municipal urban planning department that the intervention does not need to undergo a prior environmental assessment, which would delay the process by one or two more years.

An earlier pronouncement had already stated that it was not necessary not necessary to compensate for the loss of a private-use facility by transferring that designation to other land in the city.

For this possible swap, Tsuff had already bought two plots of land in El Candado and La Granja Suarez, measuring 6,500 and 9,400 square metres respectively, but these will ultimately not be needed.

With that said, if no more obstacles come up along the way, the definitive approval could take place during the course of this year.

There are several issues on which the urban planning technicians had initially expressed their concerns. One of them alluded to the fact that the building should not grow beyond its current plot. Its construction far exceeds what is permitted by urban planning regulations in this area of the city.

This requirement limited the owner's plans to increase the usable floor space needed for the luxury hotel project, which is expected to have close to 200 rooms. To overcome this issue, the owner of the former Correos building has proposed demolishing the southern base of the current structure, which faces Avenida de la Aurora and Calle Cristo de la Expiracion.

In its place, a new building would be constructed above two basement levels providing around 100 parking spaces. The new structure would comprise a ground floor plus three additional storeys and would not exceed the height of the existing building, around 14 metres.

According to the developer's studies, the hotel could create around 150 permanent jobs once operational and more than 210 during construction. The project is valued at 28.9 million euros, of which 20.4 million would go towards refurbishing the existing building and 8.5 million towards constructing the new base.

Tsuff's representatives have consistently stated their intention for the hotel to be of the highest international standard, comparable to brands such as Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, The Ritz-Carlton or Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. However, the project still depends on clearing the remaining administrative procedures at the city hall, including further sectoral reports, and on the owner reaching an agreement with an investor or hotel operator that will ultimately run the establishment.
Jose Carlos Garcia Marbella Monday, 23 February 2026, 10:47 Share

Marbella town hall has activated an urgent coastal recovery plan, at an estimated cost of over 400,000 euros, following the "serious" damage caused by all the storms and persistent rains recorded over the last few weeks.

Mayor Angeles Munoz visited the worst-hit areas and stressed that the Costa del Sol town "is facing one of the harshest winters in recent years, not only because of the rainfall, but also the wind and heavy sea swells, which are causing significant loss of sand and damage to practically all" of the beaches within the municipality.

"We have seen damage to dune areas, promenades and access points, as well as a significant accumulation of reeds," she said.

The mayor also stressed that "the priority is the recovery of the coastline in anticipation of high season", adding that "all municipal resources have been put to work to ensure that our more than 27 kilometres of coastline are in perfect condition".

In this regard, she indicated that "all the necessary heavy machinery is operational to reshape the coastline, remove reeds and debris and restore the full width of the beaches" and that specific equipment has been added to the whole operation "to sift the sand and optimise the repair work".

The plan being developed by Marbella council includes the replacement of walkways and other street furniture, the replacement of damaged equipment and the addition of sand from areas with surplus.

The estimated cost of the work amounts to almost 411,000 euros. This sum covers the replacement of walkways, support posts and other street furniture, also the replacement of damaged equipment and the rental of heavy machinery such as front-end loaders and dump trucks, as well as the transport and addition of sand from areas with surplus.

The mayor regretted that "once again" the town hall has to "bear the cost of all these actions alone, because the Spanish government has not contributed a single euro to our town".

Beach-by-beach damage

Among the areas worst hit by the recent storms is Artola-Cabopino beach, where up to five metres of shoreline have disappeared and 1.20 metres of elevation have dropped away in certain sections, in addition to damage to the protected dunes.

At Las Canas and Las Chapas beaches, significant erosion is visible, with some retreats reaching up to ten metres and with sewage pipes now exposed. La Vibora beach shows damage to both the dune system and its facilities, while at Real de Zaragoza and Alicate beaches, erosion exceeding one metre and damage to wooden walkways have been detected.

At Artola-Cabopino beach, five metres of shoreline have disappeared, in parts of Nagueles there has been a retreat of more than ten metres and at Venus, Faro and Fontanilla beaches there are spots where the shoreline has gone from thirteen metres to three.

At Adelfa-Realejo and El Pinillo beaches, there are also "significant reductions in height and width, with access points completely eroded", according to the town council.

Meanwhile, at Venus, Faro and Fontanilla beaches, "the situation is particularly serious": in certain spots, the shoreline has gone from approximately thirteen metres to just three, leaving visible containment structures, drainage networks and breakwaters. According to town hall data, at Nagueles beach, the retreat exceeds ten metres in several places, while at Cortijo Blanco, San Pedro Alcantara and Guadalmina beaches, "abundant plant debris has accumulated and intense runoff is evident, along with erosion at the entry points".

"We are working at maximum capacity to guarantee the safety, accessibility and quality of our beaches before the start of high season", reiterated the mayor. She further stressed that "we continue to allocate all necessary means to protect our coastline after one of the most demanding winters the town has suffered in recent years".
DPA Monday, 23 February 2026, 12:16 Share

A giant cross crowning Barcelona's world-famous Sagrada Familia is now in place, marking the final stage in the construction of the church's tallest tower.

The final upper segment of the cross, on the tower dedicated to Jesus Christ, has now been installed, bringing what is the world's tallest church to its final height of 172.5 metres.

The monumental steel and glass cross, weighing almost 100 tonnes, was made in Germany. Its glass panes, made in Spain, reflect sunlight and create a shimmering effect intended to symbolise the light of Jesus Christ.

At night, the cross will be illuminated with a beam of light emanating from each of its four arms. Inside the cross itself there will be a visitor platform, which is expected to be open to the public from 2027, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city.

Zoom The upper segment of the cross was added last Friday. EFE

The Sagrada Familia's official inauguration is planned for 10 June, the 100th anniversary of the death of architect Antoni Gaudi.

The completion of the cross brings the Catholic church one step closer to the end of its long construction. "It could be ready in about 10 years. If all goes well," said Xavier Martinez, head of the construction department.

That would mark more than 150 years of construction, financed by donations and admission fees.

The popular tourist site welcomed 4.9 million visitors in 2024, generating a total revenue of 134 million euros (158 million dollars).
Hans Zimmer is to score Netflixs forthcoming series All the Sinners Bleed alongside his composer collective Bleeding Fingers Music.

Hans Zimmer is to score Netflixs forthcoming series All the Sinners Bleed alongside his composer collective Bleeding Fingers Music

Hans, 68, will provide the music for the adaptation of S A Cosbys novel of the same name.

The series has been adapted for the screen by Joe Robert Cole, who will serve as showrunner and executive producer and direct multiple episodes, including the first.

Higher Ground Productions  founded by Barack Obama and Michelle Obama  and Amblin Television are also executive producing, along with S A Cosby.

In a statement, Hans said: All the Sinners Bleed lives in the tension between faith, violence and redemption, the kind of moral complexity where music speaks most powerfully.

He added: Joe Robert Cole and S.A. Cosby have created a world that is haunting, intimate and unflinchingly human. Were proud to collaborate with Netflix, Higher Ground and Amblin on a series unafraid to sit with discomfort and truth, allowing the score to breathe in moments of silence as much as in moments of chaos.

The series stars Sope Dirisu, alongside John Douglas Thompson, Nicole Beharie, Daniel Ezra, Andrea Cortes, Murray Bartlett and Leila George.

The official logline for the project states: Haunted by his devout mothers untimely death, the first Black Sheriff (Dirisu) in a small Bible Belt county must lead the hunt for a serial killer that has been preying on his Black community for years in the name of God.

Joe said of the collaboration: Hans crafts unforgettable themes and immersive scores that root you emotionally in the world of a story.

He added: Our series explores the lighter and darker halves of who we are as people and which side wins within us.

Im incredibly excited to have Hans and the Bleeding Fingers Music composer collective interpreting this core contention through music.

Hans is a 12-time Oscar nominee in the best score category and has won the award for The Lion King and Denis Villeneuves Dune.

His other credits include Interstellar, Gladiator, Christopher Nolans The Dark Knight trilogy and Inception.

He has also received Grammys, Golden Globes and BAFTAs during his stellar Hollywood composing career.
PERTH, Australia, Feb. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- New Frontier Minerals Ltd. (ASX: NFM; OTCQB: NFMXF; LSE: NFM) announced the company's updated JORC Exploration Targets across 14 prospects within its NWQ Copper Project, located in the Mt. Isa region of northwest Queensland, Australia that underscore the substantial potential scale and depth of opportunity across project and "clearly demonstrate significant exploration potential beyond the Big One Deposit," according to Gerrard Hall, Chairman of New Frontier Minerals.

The updated Exploration Target estimate ranges from 12-58 million tons (MT) 0.3-1.5% cu, representing circa 50,000-473,000t of contained copper, defined across 14 priority prospects within New Frontiers' NWQ Copper Project.

Hall explained that New Frontier's initial focus is to secure a mining lease over Big One Deposit and formalize a copper ore processing agreement with Austral Resources to utilize its Mt. Kelly facility. "In due course, the development pathway comprises fully developing the Big One Deposit, then explore the remaining 13 prospects to determine their potential to host copper deposits," he said. He added that collectively this work highlights the NWQ Copper Project's potential to have multiple copper deposits with a clear production pathway.

Extensive details of this announcement can be found here: https://cdn-api.markitdigital.com/apiman-gateway/ASX/asx-research/1.0/file/2924-03059259-6A1313077&v=undefined.

New Frontier's geology team has delineated 14 priority prospects within the NWQ Copper Project that underpin the Exploration Target, and holistically demonstrate significant exploration potential. The team has identified a proposed development pathway comprising:

Securing of the mining lease over the Big One Deposit (MRE:2.1 Mt@1.1% Cu for approximately 21kt copper metal), which is currently under review by the Queensland regulator.

Leveraging the alignment with Austral Resources to formalize a revenue sharing arrangement for the copper ore to be processed at Austral's Mt. Kelly facility

Assessing RC and diamond drilling campaigns at the Big One and Big One North Deposits to potentially extend known mineralization and upgrade the current MRE.

Progress exploration pipeline with site visits to the 14 other under-explored priority prospects to ascertain their potential to host copper deposits.

New Frontier Minerals is an Australian-based explorer with a strategy to develop multi-commodity assets that demonstrate future potential as economic mining operations. Through application of disciplined and structured exploration, New Frontier has identified assets deemed core and is actively progressing these interests. In addition to its NWQ Copper Project, the company continues to advance exploration activity at the Harts Range Niobium, Uranium and Heavy Rare Earths Project in the Northern Territory of Australia. New Frontier Minerals also has a binding option to acquire 90% of the advanced Pomme Rare Earth Elements Project in Quebec, Canada, which consists of 43 mineral claims covering approximately nine square miles, providing the company a strategic foothold in the North American critical minerals supply chain.
Members of Meta's team faced a stern warning Wednesday after wearing Ray-Ban Meta AI glasses, which contain cameras, while entering a Los Angeles courtroom.

The trial focuses on whether Meta and YouTube intentionally designed social media platforms to encourage addictive usage among children.

Jacob Ward, a technology journalist and host of the Rip Current Podcast, told CBS News that Judge Carolyn Kuhl "upbraided the Meta team and said if you guys have recorded anything, you have to dispose of it or I will hold you in contempt," calling the incident "an extraordinary misstep" by the company.

It is unclear whether the glasses were worn inside the courtroom or just during entry. Meta has not immediately responded to requests for comment. In Los Angeles County Superior Court, the use of cameras and recording devices is typically prohibited.

A spokesperson for the Superior Court of Los Angeles County said, "Judicial officers have the discretion to place limitations on video recording and photography in their courtroom," citing local and state rules.

Judge scolds Mark Zuckerberg's team for wearing Meta glasses to social media trial https://t.co/38jPUnfXd1  CBS Mornings (@CBSMornings) February 19, 2026

Ray-Ban Meta Glasses Raise Privacy Concerns

Judge Kuhl emphasized the seriousness of the issue and ordered anyone wearing the AI glasses to remove them, particularly to prevent any facial recognition of jurors. "This is very serious," she said.

Ray-Ban Meta glasses, priced between $299 and $799, can capture photos and record video, raising concerns about privacy and courtroom protocol.

Zuckerberg's presence in court coincided with testimony over Instagram's age verification practices and the platforms' impact on young users.

The lawsuit, filed by a plaintiff identified only by her initials "KGM," alleges that exposure to social media at a young age caused addiction and harmed her mental health.

Zuckerberg defended Instagram, stating that the platform has never allowed children under 13, TheWrap reported.

He acknowledged, however, that some users may lie about their age to access the service.

"There's a distinction about whether someone is allowed to do something and whether we've caught them for breaking the rule," Zuckerberg said, according to the Los Angeles Times.

"I don't see why this is so complicated. It's been our clear policy that people under the age of 13 are not allowed."

Originally published on vcpost.com
Nissan is recalling a total of 642,698 Rogue compact SUVs in the US due to two separate safety issues that could cause loss of drive power, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The first recall affects 323,917 Rogue vehicles from model years 2023 through 2025 that are equipped with 3-cylinder 1.5L variable-compression turbo (VC-Turbo) engines.

Federal regulators warned that engine bearings in these vehicles could fail, potentially causing hot oil to leak and increasing the risk of fire.

This recall expands an earlier action Nissan issued last June involving more than 480,000 Rogue, Infiniti, and Altima vehicles.

Regulators noted that manufacturing defects in certain models could make engines lose power while driving, creating a higher risk of crashes.

According to CNA, the second recall targets 318,781 Rogue SUVs from model years 2024 and 2025 with the same type of VC-Turbo engine.

In these vehicles, the gears in the electronic throttle body assembly may break, which could increase the likelihood of an accident.

Nissan recalls nearly 643,000 vehicles over engine and transmission risks. https://t.co/FxLHxVLwTm  CBS News (@CBSNews) February 19, 2026

NHTSA Advises Dealers to Reprogram Software

NHTSA said that for both recalls, Nissan dealers would inspect the affected vehicles and repair them free of charge.

The automaker, which is headquartered in Japan, plans to mail recall notices to owners on March 27, 2026. The recall reference numbers are R25E2 and R25E3, CBS News reported.

The agency also recommended that dealers reprogram engine-control software and replace defective parts if necessary to ensure vehicle safety. Owners of affected Rogues are urged to contact their local Nissan dealership as soon as they receive the notice.

"These recalls are an important step to protect drivers and passengers from potentially dangerous engine and transmission failures," a spokesperson for NHTSA said.

Nissan has faced similar issues in the past with its Rogue lineup, and the company continues to emphasize its commitment to safety.

"We are working closely with our dealers to ensure that all affected vehicles are repaired quickly and efficiently," a Nissan representative stated.

Owners can check whether their vehicle is affected by visiting the NHTSA recall website or contacting their dealership.

Originally published on vcpost.com
The internet has made life easier in countless ways, but it has also opened the door to new kinds of deception. From tech support hoaxes to cleverly disguised phishing messages, cybercriminals know how to exploit trust and fear. Learning how to recognize tech scams and phishing email signs is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to protect personal and financial information online.

What Are Tech Scams?

Tech scams refer to deceptive tactics that trick people into believing something is wrong with their computer, account, or device. These scams often appear as pop-up warnings, phone calls, or fake emails claiming to come from well-known technology brands. The sender might insist that the user's device is infected with malware and offer to "fix" it for a fee or request remote access.

Common examples include:

Tech support scams, where fraudsters pose as technicians from major companies.

Refund scams, which claim the user overpaid for a service and must click a link to process a refund.

Fake security alerts, which warn about data breaches or viruses to prompt an urgent response.

Such tactics rely on creating panic. Once someone believes their system or data is at risk, they are more likely to follow the scammer's instructions without question. Recognizing this emotional manipulation is key to avoiding trouble.

How Can You Tell If a Tech Email Is Fake?

Phishing remains one of the top strategies used by cybercriminals. These fake emails mimic legitimate communications to steal information or install malware. Spotting phishing email signs helps identify potential danger before any damage is done.

Here are reliable indicators:

Suspicious sender address  The display name may seem legitimate, but the actual email domain often includes random numbers or misspellings.

Unusual urgency  Messages may threaten account suspension or data loss to pressure quick action.

Grammar and spelling errors  Professional organizations rarely send messages filled with mistakes.

Unexpected attachments  ZIP files, PDFs, or Word documents from unknown sources can hide malware.

Requests for private data  No reputable company asks for passwords, bank information, or social security numbers through email.

An authentic message from a service provider will almost always address the user by name and direct them to official websites, never through suspicious links.

Common Types of Online Scams

Online scams evolve quickly, but their goals are the same: obtaining money, access, or information. Some of the most common types include:

Phishing and spear-phishing  Standard phishing targets large groups, while spear-phishing focuses on specific individuals using personal details.

Tech support fraud  Fraudsters claim to fix hardware or software problems remotely.

Account recovery scams  Fake notices claim a password reset or security issue, leading users to hand over login credentials.

Social media impersonation  Scammers copy the accounts of known individuals or brands to send fraudulent links or donation requests.

Investment and cryptocurrency fraud  Promises of quick returns entice victims into transferring funds or crypto assets.

Each of these scams uses believable details, logos, templates, or official-looking links, to appear authentic. Recognizing patterns helps users separate legitimate correspondence from imitation.

How to Verify If an Email Is Legitimate

Determining authenticity doesn't require technical expertise. A few careful checks can reveal whether an email deserves trust.

Inspect the sender's address. Hover over the "From" section to view the full email domain. A genuine company email usually ends with its official website address, not free providers like Gmail or Yahoo. Avoid clicking links directly. Instead, visit the organization's website by typing the URL into the browser manually. Check for secure connection indicators. Real websites use HTTPS and display a padlock icon in the address bar. Research suspicious details. Copy unusual phrases or phone numbers into a search engine, many scams have been reported publicly. Reach out to the company. A quick call or message to customer support can confirm whether a communication was legitimate.

A simple verification step can prevent serious consequences, particularly when large sums of money or private data are involved.

What to Do If You Receive a Phishing Email

Receiving a phishing attempt doesn't mean data is compromised, but acting correctly afterward is crucial.

Do not reply or click any links. Even simple responses can confirm an email address as active, inviting more scams.

Report the email. Most providers, including Gmail and Outlook, have built-in options to flag phishing attempts.

Run a full security scan. Updated antivirus tools can detect and remove malware that may have slipped through.

Change passwords. If there is any suspicion that credentials were exposed, update them immediately and enable two-factor authentication.

Back up essential data. Secure copies help restore systems if anything goes wrong later.

Quick, calm action reduces risk and helps authorities track patterns or networks behind the scams.

Online Scam Prevention Tips

Consistent habits make the strongest defenses. Online scam prevention starts with small daily practices that reduce exposure to threats.

Verify before sharing information. Confirm the source of any request for data, money, or account credentials.

Keep all devices updated. Software updates patch vulnerabilities exploited by hackers.

Enable email filters and firewalls. Built-in tools automatically block known threats or suspicious content.

Educate others. Friends, coworkers, and older family members are common targets and benefit from clear guidance.

Use multifactor authentication. Extra login steps stop attackers even if they obtain passwords.

Stay alert to new scams. Cybercriminals constantly adapt, so regularly reading security bulletins or following verified cybersecurity blogs helps maintain awareness.

Prevention isn't about fear; it's about awareness and control. A few smart habits dramatically lower the odds of falling for online deception.

Staying Safer in a Connected World

The modern internet rewards convenience, speed, and connection, but these same qualities make it fertile ground for deception.

Recognizing phishing email signs, questioning unexpected communications, and practicing consistent online scam prevention can safeguard personal information more effectively than any single security tool.

Understanding how tech scams operate allows individuals to see through manipulation before it takes hold. Every verified link, every cautious click, and every reported message strengthens collective digital safety. Staying alert today means staying secure tomorrow.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are tech scams becoming more common in 2026?

Yes. As more services move online, scammers have increased their use of AI tools and realistic messages to trick users, making scam detection even more important this year.

2. Can antivirus software detect phishing emails automatically?

Not always. Antivirus programs can block harmful attachments or links but may not recognize every deceptive email, so human caution remains essential.

3. What should someone do if they accidentally clicked a phishing link?

They should disconnect from the internet, run a malware scan, change passwords immediately, and contact their bank or tech provider if personal data was entered.

4. Are mobile users at risk of tech scams, too?

Absolutely. Many scams now arrive through SMS, messaging apps, or fake mobile notifications, so mobile security settings and cautious behavior are just as vital.
Rolls-Royce reports full-year results on Thursday, with its shares up over 100% over the past year and over 1,000% over the past five years.

"If Mag-7 does not retake the lead, it is unlikely US stocks will be able to, too."

"We think this outperformance is justified, and believe that it will keep having legs," JPM adds, "given still extreme positioning, elevated concentration of Mag-7 and the large valuation differential."

"After years of lagging, international markets outperformed the US in 2025 by 12%," and are again in the lead by 8% so far in 2026.

If mega-cap tech does not reassert itself, US indices may struggle to lead.

JPM sees leadership  ie which stocks drive overall market performance  broadening away from the Mag-7 tech giants, which have "stalled" despite strong earnings, in favour of small caps, 'value' stocks and international (ie non-US) stocks.

"The strong equity rally can lead to derisking episodes," the bank's strategists say, ie pull-backs, "and particularly if some adverse geopolitical news comes out, such as potential Iran escalation or the latest tariff headlines, but we believe that these will not be long lasting, and should be seen as buying opportunities."

Earnings are holding up, activity data is solid, inflation is softening and long bond yields have drifted lower, Fed funds futures are pricing more easing despite three-year highs in ISM readouts and a punchy payrolls print. Not exactly stagflation.

Despite the US military build-up around Iran and US tariffs being reset, the bank argues the growth-inflation mix remains equity-friendly as we wrap up the second month of the year.

We are still in a "Goldilocks" market, according to JPMorgan strategists, which reckons non-US stocks can continue to outperform in coming months.

As the opening bell in Wall Street rang, the FTSE got a sizeable boost, going from a rise of 23 points to almost 50, before this has ebbed away again.

Biggest fallers on the Dow are Salesforce.com, down 4.3%, Nike, down 3.1%, then American Express, Microsoft and Amazon, all down over 2%.

The Dow Jones is at the front of the retreat, down 0.8%, with the S&P 500 falling 0.4% and the Nasdaq down 0.5%.

US stocks opened in the red, as expected.

Story Continues

The interesting question is what the company does about targets that the market has already left behind, according to RBC Capital Markets.

Analysts at the bank say the sell-side consensus already expects Rolls to hit its 2028 EBITA guidance of 3.6 billion to 3.9 billion as early as this year, with the free cash flow target of 4.2 billion to 4.5 billion expected to follow in 2027.

Consensus sits around 20% above the 2028 EBITA target and roughly 10% above on free cash flow.

The targets, only set in February 2025, are effectively redundant before Rolls has had a chance to celebrate them.

12.09pm: FTSE positive, US futures negative

The FTSE 100 is now inching upwards and has regained the 10,700 plateau.

JD Sports, precious metals and copper miners, plus China-tilted names like Burberry and Standard Chartered are topping the leaderboard.

On mainland Europe, the mood also seems to be more positive in the most part, with Germany's DAX the only main index still in the red.

US stock futures are also negative, with the Nasdaq indicated down 0.6%, S&P 500 futures down 0.4% and those for the Dow Jones down 0.3%.

Is the 'Sell America' trade back?

"The market reaction so far is mixed," says market analyst Kathleen Brooks, adding that the lower US stock futures "suggests that, at the margin, these new tariffs, are fueling the sell-America trade, and we could see more European outperformance vs US stocks in the coming weeks. This comes after European stocks easily outpaced their US counterparts last week."

The earlier sell-off in the dollar was far from a rout, but "is worth watching closely, and risk sentiment could be impacted as more details about the tariffs and how they will be implemented come out this week", she says.

"As we move to the last trading week of the month, US indices are trailing their European counterparts, after a bruising month, that has been categorized by broad US stock sell offs spurred by fears about the latest AI tools.

"The Nasdaq is still in the red for the year so far, as the US tech index is a major global underperformer."

For the Nasdaq, it is a bit of a repeat of 2025, when the index had its worst start to the year in two decades, but rebounded hard. Also, look back to 2022, the index sold off sharply and fell 33% for the full year, substantially underperformed the S&P 500 and other European indices but then blasted back over the following two years.

Looking ahead, today's economic data is factory orders and the Dallas Fed manufacturing index.

11.06am: Oil and energy risks 'elevated'

BP shares are up 0.9% and Shell 0.2%, with Brent crude oil futures down 0.7% at $71.25 a barrel, having at the end of last week topped $72 for the first time since last July.

UBS analyst Joshua Stone says energy markets are carrying elevated risk premiums as investors brace for potential US strikes on Iran.

Citing reports that President Trump is considering an initial military move, Stone notes the risk of disruption around the Strait of Hormuz, which handles about 20% of global oil and LNG supply.

However, he cautions that geopolitically-induced spikes are often short-lived, especially without lasting supply damage.

In the near term, the analyst and his colleagues like the look of producers with good upstream exposure (citing Equinor) but stress that prices can fade as quickly as they arrive and so continue to favour companies with stronger structural growth (highlighting TotalEnergies, Eni and Galp as preferred names to add on any dips).

10.12am: Movers

Some movers.

Empyrean Energy has jumped over 20% after telling investors it has finalised binding documents to settle historical cash call arrears tied to Indonesias Mako gas project, activating a previously announced farm-out structure.

Smiths News is down 5% after receiving a warning notice from the Pensions Regulator over the Tuffnells Parcels Express pension scheme, raising the possibility of a financial claim against the company.

Helix Exploration jumped 5% in early deals, moving back towards recent highs, after revealing that it has started producing helium gas at its Rudyard project in northern Montana, saying the move makes it the first helium gas producer in the state.

TomCo Energy dropped 35% impacted by expected new equity dilution, after it announced a renewed partnership to progress oil-sands opportunities in Utahs Uinta Basin.

9.50am: More tariff analysis

New US tariffs are "only smoke and mirrors" for other options, say ING's Carsten Brzeski and James Knightley.

"Given that the latest tariffs can also be legally challenged, they might just be a measure to buy some time for another tariff option: Section 301 of the 1974 law.

"This Section 301 addresses unfair trade practices or violations of trade agreements but requires more thorough investigations."

The bilateral deals agreed with several countries, such as the UK and Japan, are "not directly affected by the Supreme Court ruling".

"However, some deals  such as those with Switzerland or India  made explicit reference to the emergency tariffs, as the new tariff rates were framed as reductions from those emergency levels. As the legal reference tariff rate has now disappeared, these deals might have to be redrafted," the pair said.

In the case of the US-EU trade deal, "things are even more complicated", they add.

"The European Parliament suspended approval of the EUs commitments under the agreement when the Greenland conflict escalated. It now remains unclear whether the Parliament will push for a full renegotiation of the deal.

"That said, the US administration would likely rely on sectoral tariffs and Section 301 measures to pressure the EU to return to the negotiating table."

US macro outlook stays roughly unchanged, they believe, with rising import prices and the latest core goods CPI reading of 1.1% indicating that corporate America is bearing the bulk of the burden from tariff costs.

9.14am: FTSE 100 flattens off

The FTSE 100 is almost back to flat now, down less than one point.

It's mixed across on the Continent, with the DAX down 0.4% in Frankfurt, while the CAC 40 is almost flat in Paris, while the benchmarks in Milan and Madrid are both up 0.7%.

The Euro Stoxx 600 is down 0.1%.

Markets are eyeing a global trade landscape that is an "unholy mess, prompting far more questions than answers", according to market analyst Richard Hunter at Interactive Investor.

But he says the confusion "may yet have revived the 'sell America' trade," with Wall Street futures indicating lower.

"The initial market reaction to the ruling was positive, lifting the likes of Amazon and Home Depot who in theory could benefit from tariff refunds. However, as the weekend events unfolded, sentiment has turned and the current indication is that the main indices will reverse any such gains when trading resumes later."

There will be more for investors for ponder on the AI trade this week as Nvidia reports earnings, while today is the deadline for Paramount to make a best and final offer for Warner Bros Discovery, potentially derailing Netflixs $83 billion takeover deal.

8.41am: Fresnillo leads precious metals miners on the rise

Gold and silver miners are among the top risers, as precious metals prices have picked up on the back of the new tariff uncertainty.

Fresnillo shares are up 3.3% and Endeavour Mining 3.1% on the FTSE 100, while among mid-caps, Hochschild Mining has risen 3% and Pan African Resources 2.2%.

The price of gold rose to a three-month high above $5,170 an ounce in early morning trading, but has eased back to $5,125.

Silver was up 1.7% at $86/oz, having neared $88 in the early hours, at least a two-week high.

Copper prices spiked overnight, but were down in early European trading, though Antofagasta is up 1.4%, with Glencore and Anglo American shares also moving higher.

8.15am: FTSE 100 starts week lower, JMAT tumbles

The FTSE 100 has opened 16 points lower at just below 10,671.

Leading the fallers are a disparate mix of companies, including Whitbread, ICG, Mondi, LSEG, DCC, Polar Capital Tech Trust and BAE Systems.

Top of the risers is JD Sports, after announcing a new 200 million share buyback.

On the FTSE 250, Johnson Matthey is leading the fallers, down 12.7% after cutting the price and payout for the big catalysts disposal it announced last year.

7.51am: Johnson Matthey cuts price of catalyst sale

In company news, Johnson Matthey has cut the price it is selling its Catalyst Technologies (CT) division to Honeywell and agreed to extend the deadline, saying it plans to return around 1 billion to shareholders compared to 1.4 billion before.

The chemicals group said it has lowered the price to reflect the deferral of key licensing projects and reduced profitability from supplying catalysts because of what it described as a challenging market environment.

As a result, the agreed enterprise value of the business has been set at 1.325 billion on a cash and debt-free basis, down from 1.8 billion when the sale was agreed last May.

7.27am: Tariff analysis

The new tariff situation "leaves a substantial amount of uncertainty, even if markets initially welcomed the perceived clarity of 'only' a 10% tariff on Friday", says Jim Reid, macro strategist at Deustsche Bank.

Trump's new 15% tariff under Section 122 can only remain in place for 150 days, he notes, meaning Congressional approval would be required by late July to extend it.

"That raises a key political question: will a small number of Republicans in either chamber be reluctant to support what could be framed as an extension of a consumer tax hike just three and a half months before the mid term elections?

"At that point, the administration faces a binary choice: try to secure an extension or allow the tariff to lapse. The latter appears the more likely outcome."

The White House could pivot to other legal authorities to re-establish a more durable tariff regime, which Reid says the groundwork for such moves has almost certainly been laid and are also vulnerable to legal challenges.

Over the weekend, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer suggested yesterday that trade deals already agreed with other countries will remain in place.

"It will be interesting to see if the assurances from the likes of Greer ease concerns of those who have already agreed deals," says Reid.

An emergency European Parliament trade committee meeting is taking place today, with chair Bernd Lange saying: "Nobody can make sense of it anymore  only unanswered questions and growing uncertainty for the EU and other US trading partners.".

7.20am: FTSE 100 set to start week higher with tariffs in focus

The FTSE 100 is expected to start the week on the back foot as traders chew over the US government's fast-evolving tariff situation and a fall in UK job vacancies.

London's blue-chip index has been called 13 points lower, after it added over 240 points last week to finish at 10,686.89.

Wall Street stocks also had a positive week overall, ending on the front foot after the US Supreme Court ruled that Donald Trumps broad-based tariffs were unconstitutional.

The White House immediately responded with plans for a 10% global tariff under new rules, increasing this to 15% on Saturday, the maximum tariff that can be imposed using the 'Section 122' authority, which only lasts until mid-July.

Chinas Commerce Ministry urged the US to cancel tariffs as they are "are not in the interests of any party" and "fighting is harmful".

Back in the UK, the number of job vacancy adverts have been revealed to have fallen 3% last month to the lowest level since 2021, according to the job site Adzuna, the first time below 700,000 in five years.

Asian markets are mixed this morning, with Japan's Nikkei and the Shanghai Composite indices both down over 1%, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng shoots 2.2% higher and India's Sensex is up 0.4%.
Somaliland hopes Israel can help with its water crisis



Lallays, Somalia, Feb 23 (AFP) Feb 23, 2026



On Faysal Omar Salah's family farm, the seeded furrows are nothing but dust after months without rain. Like many in Somaliland, he hopes Israel can help.

"We are desperate," said Salah, whose two children, out of school, survive only thanks to the milk from his cattle.

In the nearby Lallays reservoir, dozens of camels graze on wild plants, but not a single puddle remains.

Locals say no rain has fallen on Lallays, around 45 minutes' drive from the capital Hargeisa, since last June or July -- even though this is traditionally the wettest part of Somaliland.

"If the rain crisis continues, we will just leave this land and go to a town," said Salah.

He prays to Allah, but is also putting his faith in Israel.

"We hope Israel will help us cultivate our dry land," he said.

In December, the Israeli government became the first country to recognise the independence of Somaliland since it declared its autonomy from Somalia in 1991 following a civil war.

There are rumours Israel may establish a military base in Somaliland. Somalia's federal government is livid, with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud calling it "the greatest violation of Somalia's sovereignty".

But for now Israel prefers to focus on civilian cooperation -- assisting Somaliland with issues around the economy, agriculture, health, and above all, water.

It has invited Somaliland water sector workers for training -- a first batch of 25 left this weekend -- with Israeli experts due to visit the territory to help install technology soon.

Israel, an arid country, is a world leader in water management -- nearly 90 percent of its wastewater is recycled and vast seawater desalination plants provide more than 80 percent of its drinking water.

This expertise is a valuable diplomatic carrot in the era of climate change.

Rainy seasons in Somaliland have been late and meagre for at least five years, leading to frequent droughts, according to the Somaliland Ministry of Agriculture.

It hopes Israeli help can significantly boost the amount of land under cultivation from its current level of just 3 percent.

"Inshallah, Israel is going to help us changing our practices. Because if you want to change practices, you need to have knowledge," ministry official Mokhtar Dahir Ahmed told AFP.

Some 90 percent of Somaliland's farmers, like Salah, rely solely on rainfall, said Abdirazak Sheikh Muhamad, an agronomist.

"The nutritional situation is very bad and malnutrition is increasing," he said.



- 'No water, no life' -



Water problems exist across the region. The World Food Programme estimates that a quarter of Somalia's population, including Somaliland -- 4.4 million people -- are facing severe food insecurity as a result.

But some in Somaliland are not waiting for outside help.

A few kilometres from Salah's devastated fields, Muhummad Mohamad Ismail, 45, tends with great care to his verdant orange and papaya trees.

He lost more than half of his 150 fruit trees to drought in recent years, but he started adapting his techniques, such as digging holes around their trunks to pour in water and covering them back up to prevent evaporation.

He sold livestock to raise the money for a large concrete reservoir for $2,500. That was a fortune by local standards, and it must be filled by water trucks around 10 times a year.

But the results are clear from the lush rows of trees on his farm.

"Everything I do is linked to water. If there is no water, there is no life," he said.
Lawyer slams 'scandalous' indictment over Turkish reporter's death



Istanbul, Feb 23 (AFP) Feb 23, 2026



Prosecutors want to charge two suspects with manslaughter rather than murder over the death of a Turkish journalist known for his environmental reporting, in a move the family's lawyer slammed as "scandalous".

Hakan Tosun, 50, was found unconscious after being assaulted as he walked home through the streets of Istanbul in mid-October. He was rushed to hospital but died of his injuries.

CCTV footage showed him being attacked by two men, aged 18 and 24, who were later arrested.

"Hakan Tosun was deliberately killed. However in the prosecutor's draft indictment, his death was evaluated as manslaughter without intent to kill -- namely, a crime of intentional injury resulting in death," lawyer Cemal Yucel told reporters in Istanbul on Monday.

New forensic evidence showed Tosun died of a brain haemorrhage due to head trauma caused by blows with a blunt object that caused fractures to the skull bones and the face.

"Under these circumstances, there is clearly an intent to kill. We do not accept this draft indictment.. We hope the court will not approve this scandalous draft indictment," the lawyer said.

Last month, the family and their legal team said forensic evidence showed he was beaten to death in a "prolonged and horrific act of violence".

Tosun was known for his coverage and documentary work focusing on the struggle to protect the environment, urban activism and the fight against gentrification.

Rights activists have called for a full and independent investigation into his death.

His lawyer said the journalist's work "must have disturbed certain individuals," adding they had repeatedly urged prosecutors to investigate whether anyone had ordered or encouraged the attack.

"We have filed multiple requests with the prosecutor's office to identify any instigators and to review the suspects' call records," Yucel said.

But they failed to respond to any of those requests, he said, accusing them of preparing an indictment that sided with the perpetrators.
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Liza Minnelli has claimed that her mother, Judy Garland, once angrily asked for her to be taken off the f***ing stage during their performance together.

In her forthcoming memoir, Kids, Wait Till You Hear This, the 79-year-old actor wrote about her rise to fame and complicated relationship with her late mother, who died from an accidental overdose in 1969 at the age of 47.

Minnelli, also the daughter of the late stage director Vincente Minnelli, recalled that when she began her career as an actor at the age of 18, she had the opportunity to sing with her mother at the London Palladium.

After my first song [on opening night] I heard her shout, Yeah, baby! Go get em! After the second song, another Yeah! but not quite as strong, she wrote in the excerpt of her memoir, obtained by People. By the third song, lets just say she was losing enthusiasm.

I heard her whispering to our producer, Harold Davison: Harold, get her off my f****ing stage! I just kept singing to wild applause as Mama fumed. I had a stunning realization. I had begun the night as Mamas daughter. Now, I was onstage with Judy Garland.

open image in gallery Liza Minnelli says mom Judy Garland fumed over her performance in London ( Getty )

open image in gallery Liza Minnelli writes about being her moms caretaker in her new memoir, Kids, Wait Til You Hear This ( Getty Images )

The pair had performed together before. In 1963, she appeared on The Judy Garland Show, where she and Garland did their famous duet of Together (Wherever We Go). They often did other duets on the show in the early 1960s, including We Could Make Such Beautiful Music Together/The Best Is Yet to Come.

Minnelli has previously spoken about the challenges of growing up with famous parents, calling her father the most glamorous part of her childhood and her mother the most challenging, during a conversation published with Interview Magazine in 2024.

I bounced back and forth because they were divorced, but I loved them both so much, she explained. My mother was fascinating because she knew so many fascinating people who would come over. And my father used to let me go to the set and watch him direct. Id go to the dance room where they choreographed stuff and learn it. Id watch people like Cyd Charisse and Gene Kelly.

According to Minnelli, her mother had a different approach to parenting than her father. My mother was strict, and it depended on what mood she was in or whether she was working too hard and they were pushing her too much.

Or whether she didnt like who she was married to at the time. Stuff like that. Every kid goes through that, she explained.

In her new memoir, the Cabaret star disclosed what it was like to be a caregiver for her mother, who had a severe addiction to prescription drugs and alcohol.

At 13, I was my mothers caretaker  a nurse, doctor, pharmacologist, and psychiatrist rolled into one, she wrote. I lost count of the times I called doctors to say shed run out of pills. Id say: Im a kid! Please fill my mamas prescription!
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Paul Thomas Anderson has offered his thoughts on the ongoing debate surrounding whether artists have a duty to talk about political issues.

One week after stars at the Berlin Film Festival were told to stay out of politics by the festivals president, director Anderson faced his own line of questioning while attending the Bafta Film Awards on Sunday night (22 February).

Asked whether high-profile film figures should speak on politics after taking home the Bafta for Best Director and Best Film for One Battle After Another, Anderson dodged making a statement, telling the press room: Ill ultimately fail here, in this situation.

He added: Where I have confidence that I wont fail is by making a film. I have significantly more confidence in myself communicating my feelings about the world through the film, and I think thats what weve done with this film.

Trying to find intelligent things to say in this form wouldnt be  Im not a politician, but Im a filmmaker, so [I] try to do it through the work.

Inspired by Thomas Pynchons 1990 novel, One Battle After Another was interpreted by many critics and viewers as a satirisation and criticism of Trumps America. The film, which stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Teyana Taylor and Chase Infiniti, follows a revolutionary group battling the military, led by Sean Penns corrupt white-supremacist officer.

Anderson (fourth from left) with the cast of 'One Battle After Another' ( Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images )

The film created backlash amongst right-wing commentators in the US, who branded Andersons creation reckless ode to radical terrorism, while Ben Shapiro called it an apologia for radical left-wing terrorism.

His comments come weeks after the Berlin Film Festival, which saw actors from Rupert Grint to Neil Patrick Harris asked about the rise of the far-right and president Wim Wenders subsequently calling out what he branded a media storm that has swept over the Berlinale.

Wenders said that filmmakers have to stay out of politics, adding that while movies can change the world, they can only do this not in a political way.

As a result, author Arundhati Roy withdrew from the Berlinale as she called the comments unconscionable. Meanwhile, an open letter was signed by 81 artists  including Javier Bardem, Tilda Swinton and Brian Cox  questioning the institutional silence on the genocide of Palestinians.

The Independent has contacted Andersons representative for comment.
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Industry star Marisa Abela has revealed that her characters story is loosely inspired by convicted child sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell.

In the BBC financial drama, Abela stars as Yasmin Kara-Hanani  the heiress to a publishing empire founded by her wealthy father Charles Hanani (played by Adam Levy). In series three, Charles body is found in the Mediterranean Sea after he seemingly fell from his yacht, named after his daughter.

Now, Bafta winner Abela has confirmed that Yasmins story was partly based on that of Maxwell, whose father Robert Maxwell died in 1991 after falling from his luxury yacht, the Lady Ghislaine.

In Industrys latest series, Yasmin  whose husband Henry (Kit Harington) is CEO of fintech startup Tender  discovers that co-founder Whitney (Max Minghella) hired executive assistant Hayley (Kiernan Shipka) from an escort agency, using her to sleep with and blackmail powerful people.

When asked by Vulture whether she saw the comparison between Whitney and Yasmin with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and Maxwell, Abela said: The fact that Yasmins father was a publishing tycoon and died on a boast called the Lady Yasmin, all of these things are [part of it].

She added that Yasmin is a young woman who has never been able to get a foothold on the feeling of safety or power but now has intense proximity to power.

Ghislaine Maxwell was sentenced to 20 years in prison for child trafficking offences in relation to her involvement with Jeffrey Epstein ( US Department of Justice )

As for whether Abela read up on Maxwell ahead of the new series, she said that she wanted to keep Yasmin and the Epstein accomplice separate. It felt loosely inspired by something that is so prevalent in the media, she added.

Things were unfolding with the files even as we were filming, but especially now, the whole topic is horrifying and disgusting and very real [so] that Im very glad I didnt draw too close a parallel.

Maxwell was sentenced to 20 years in prison in 2022 for child sex trafficking offences related to her involvement with Epstein.

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Epstein, who died in prison by suicide aged 66 three years earlier, was accused of running a vast network of underage girls for sex before his death.

Over three million files released by the US Department of Justice this month (February) revealed the extent of his vast network of high profile figures  with Epstein being invited by Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor to Buckingham Palace and sending thousands to Lord Peter Mandelson for his husbands osteopathy course.

Mandelson admitted to a lapse in judgment over receiving the funding. He said: In retrospect, it was clearly a lapse in our collective judgment for Reinaldo to accept this offer. At the time it was not a consequential decision.
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Savannah Chrisley is reflecting on her controversial week as a guest host on The View.

The MAGA-supporting reality star, 28, stepped in to fill co-host Alyssa Farah Griffins maternity leave spot as the conservative voice on ABCs talk show panel last week.

Her appearance on the show sparked backlash across social media due to her support of President Donald Trump, with her stance going on to fuel an on-air clash with her co-host, Sunny Hostin.

But despite tense interactions and online criticism, Chrisley admitted that her experience on the show went more smoothly than she expected.

I came into this with some ideas of what was going to happen, Chrisley said on the shows Behind the Table podcast. I thought Whoopi [Goldberg] and Joy [Behar] were going to be a pain in my ass and just these mean women. And I was wrong... Yes, I was wrong, and I went into this, and it goes to show: stop judging.

open image in gallery Savannah Chrisley admitted that she clashed with her co-host Sunny Hostin during her time as a guest host on The View ( ABC )

Chrisley said that she got along with Behar more easily than she anticipated, saying: Joy and I had a blast off camera. I mean, shes hysterical, and she was asking me about my parents. She was like, What did they go to prison for? I go, Joy, you should know. You called them tax cheats.

She added, Its the funniest thing, though. Like, you literally tell her something, and she talks about it, and then she forgets it.

The Chrisleys were known for their Chrisley Knows Best series on USA Network, which followed the tight-knit familys wealthy lifestyle. However, parents Todd and Julie were indicted on charges of bank fraud, wire fraud and tax evasion in 2022 and went on to be found guilty and sentenced to years in prison.

Trump pardoned Todd and Julie in May 2025, resulting in the familys adoration and outspoken support of the president.

Although she got along with Behar, Chrisley said that her relationship with Hostin, a former federal prosecutor, was not as amicable.

open image in gallery Savannah Chrisley came under fire for her comments supporting Donald Trump while guest hosting ABC's 'The View' ( Middle East Images )

Im the only one at the table who believes differently, Chrisley explained on the podcast. I thought there was going to be some contention.

Day one was a little iffy. Sunny and I, we didnt have words, but during a commercial break it was conversation about my parents, and she was like, Well, didnt a jury convict them? And I was like, Did you know that prosecutors were spewing false information and there was Fourth Amendment violations, Brady violations?

She continued: So there was a little hostility there. Shes a prosecutor, so I was like, Im not a fan of hers. But then today she and I had a conversation off camera. She was like, Well, I didnt understand this. And I was like, I am sorry if I came off as defensive. Its obviously my family and Im always going to defend them.

Chrisley said to her co-hosts on her last day on The View: I want to thank you all for giving me a voice and allowing me to sit at the table and believe totally differently, but have conversations that are hard and respectful.

She then called out the shows audience for sending her hateful messages online throughout her time on the show.

After Chrisleys guest hosting stint, conservative commentator Amanda Carpenter will be the next woman stepping in for Griffin while she remains on maternity leave.
Gilead has agreed to acquire Arcellx in a deal worth $7.8bn, as the drugmaker looks to add a CAR T-cell therapy for blood cancer treatment on the cusp of approval to its portfolio.

As per the agreement, Gilead will pay $115 per share, as well as a one contingent value right of $5 each. The deal is expected to close in Q2 2026.

The acquisition marks the culmination of a period of collaboration between the two companies. In 2022, Gilead, via its subsidiary Kite, entered a research and development partnership with Arcellx to advance the latters anitocabtagene autoleucel (anito-cel), an investigational BCMA-directed CAR T-cell therapy for patients with multiple myeloma. Gilead had invested in the biotech as part of the arrangement and, having injected further cash in 2023, currently holds a 11.5% share in Arcellx.

Anito-cel, delivered ex vivo, is currently under review by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), with an anticipated Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) action date of 23 December 2026. If approved, it will be available as a fourth-line treatment for patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. The $5 contingent value right (CVR) included in the acquisition will be paid out if global anito-cel sales hit $6bn by the end of 2029.

In a research note, William Blair analysts said: "We also model anito-cel achieving $7.8bn in cumulative global sales by year-end 2029, therefore we view the CVR as likely to be achieved."

Gileads CEO Daniel ODay said: This agreement reflects our conviction in the potential of anito-cel and our intention to move with speed so we can make the most of that potential for patients with multiple myeloma.

"Beyond the potential launch this year, anito-cel could become a foundational treatment for multiple myeloma over time, including earlier lines of therapy. In addition, the anito-cel D-domain BCMA binder could be important to our work in in vivo cell therapy, further strengthening our potential in oncology and inflammation, ODay added.

In vivo dominates recent CAR-T deals

CAR T is a type of personalised immunotherapy that treats certain blood cancers by reprogramming a patient's own T-cells to recognise and destroy cancer cells. While all approved CAR-T products are ex vivo, pharma interest toward in vivo cell therapies has grown, which some investors are touting as the future of CGT. This route of delivery has dominated M&A activity in the CAR-T arena in the past year.

The most recent big pharma company to ink a deal was Eli Lilly, which acquired Orna Therapeutics and its range of circular RNA (circRNA) and lipid nanoparticle-based therapies for $2.4bn in February 2026. Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) made a similar move by laying out $1.5bn to acquire Orbital Therapeutics and its investigational, RNA-based in vivo CAR-T medicines in October 2025. In July 2025, AbbVie made an in vivo play through its $2.1bn, high-risk, high-reward buyout of Capstan Therapeutics. Unlike many companies in the space, which are focused on developing CAR Ts for oncology, Capstan is progressing its pipeline of in vivo therapeutics for the treatment of B-cell mediated autoimmune diseases.
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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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Romeo Beckham, 23, walked in Burberrys autumn/winter 2026 show to close London Fashion Week wearing a leather bomber, setting the tone for a finale that felt both fresh and rooted in British fashion codes.

The rich plum jacket with a deep burgundy, fur-trimmed collar balanced toughness with softness.

The jacket, cut with a relaxed silhouette and elasticated hem, was layered over a baby pink shirt that subtly peeked through at the cuffs and neckline. Coordinating textured plum trousers created a tonal look that felt cool and cohesive.

open image in gallery Romeo Beckham walked in the Burberry autumn/winter 2026 show at London Fashion Week ( PA )

There was an aviator influence  a recurring theme throughout the show  cropping up in jackets, glasses and tucked-in trousers.

The collection was staged at 1 Billingsgate Walk against a deconstructed interpretation of London Bridge, a reminder of Burberrys heritage in the capital. Founded in 1856 by Thomas Burberry, the house built its legacy on innovation, most notably with gabardine and the trench coat. Under creative director Daniel Lee, that legacy continues to be revisited through a modern lens.

Rosie Huntington-Whiteleys appearance on the catwalk was another highlight.

open image in gallery Rosie Huntington-Whiteley wore a navy fur coat on the Burberry AW26 runway ( PA )

The 38-year-old model stepped out in a navy fur coat belted tightly at the waist, the plush texture catching the light as she walked. Her husband, actor Jason Statham, watched from the audience.

The volume of the coat was tempered by sleek black trousers beneath, allowing the outerwear to remain the focal point. The look encapsulated the shows central message: that outerwear should not be seen as layering, but as a statement.

Fur in varying lengths and finishes was a defining feature of the AW26 collection. One standout look featured a cream and caramel-toned fur coat cinched with a dark leather belt and worn over a soft ivory dress.

open image in gallery Fur was a major trend on the Burberry runway ( PA )

The coats exaggerated collar framed the face dramatically, while tall chocolate brown leather boots reinforced the shows equestrian undertones. The interplay between softness and structure ran throughout the line-up.

The colour palette remained tightly cohesive: navy, black, cream and deep plum dominating; allowing texture to take centre stage.

Wet-look leather coats in inky black brought a glossy edge, some finished with full fur collars and tied at the waist with wide leather belts. In one look, teal leather gloves added a subtle flash of colour against a dark, belted coat layered over a green shirt, showcasing Lees impressive attention to tonal layering.

open image in gallery Designer Daniel Lee incorporated tonal layering into the collection ( PA )

Burberrys heritage check also made an appearance, reimagined in oversized trench coats.

One plaid trench, styled with exaggerated lapels and aviator sunglasses, felt both archival and futuristic. The classic trench silhouette  a cornerstone of the brand since Thomas Burberrys invention of gabardine  was deconstructed and softened, its lines slightly exaggerated and proportions relaxed.

open image in gallery Burberrys heritage check also made an appearance, reimagined in oversized trench coats ( PA )

Romantic ruffles emerged at the collars of several pieces, softening the utilitarian edge of leather and aviation references. These delicate details, peeking from beneath structured outerwear, created a sense of movement and femininity to an otherwise robust collection.

Aviator sunglasses were a consistent styling choice, reinforcing the collections theme of flight and protection  an echo, perhaps, of Burberrys Equestrian Knight Design and its Latin motto Prorsum, meaning forward.

open image in gallery Romantic ruffles emerged at the collars of several pieces, softening the utilitarian edge of leather and aviation references ( PA )

The emblems symbolism of innovation and protection felt apt in a collection that looked to the past while firmly facing ahead.

As London Fashion Week drew to a close, Burberrys AW26 offering felt assured and cohesive. By centring the show on outerwear  from fur coats to leather bombers and reworked trenches  creative director Lee returned to the houses foundations while pushing them into a more textural, high-impact space.
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If it isnt tightly bound and laced up, its not getting worn this season. That seems to be the main takeaway from the autumn/winter 2026 collections at London Fashion Week, which have been defined by the humble corset. Call it the Wuthering Heights effect, newfound nostalgia for period dressing, or perhaps it has something to do with Bridgerton whatever it is, the corset is back  and its set to be a ubiquitous style staple in the months ahead.

I know what youre thinking: caging womens bodies in uncomfortable, absurdly tight clothes designed to shrink our waistlines is, at best, a relic of another, less progressive era, and at worst, a symptom of contemporary Ozempic culture. But this seasons corsets arent designed to constrict so much as they are to accentuate and celebrate a womans body. At Harris Reed, corsets were modelled on wings, with their tips pointing upwards, while a Chantilly lace corset extended from the waist, taking up more space, rather than less.

Meanwhile, at Patrick McDowell, corsetry took a prime spot in the finale bridal look, with a tightly bound bodice that laced up at the back. Sinead Gorey served up pub culture-inspired corsets on her runway, with sheer black bodices peeking out from underneath wide skirts and even becoming the entire look themselves, with lingerie-style corsets giving shape to sheer shirting and, in one particularly gothic case, a liquid satin blood-red mini dress. The craftsmanship of Goreys corsets also drew attention to the models bodies, which were thankfully all shapes and sizes, an all-too-rare feat in an industry that, by and large, still equates beauty with extreme thinness.

open image in gallery Harris Reed design at London Fashion Week ( Harris Reed )

Bora Aksu offered a more haunting take, with models gliding slowly down the runway in an array of gothic frocks that, despite not being strictly corseted, lent themselves to the underlying Wuthering Heights-inspired aesthetic that contextualises them by way of gossamer capelets and sheer lace bridal gowns. It helped, perhaps, that the Turkish designers collection was inspired by an 18th-century barmaid whose ghost is said to haunt the halls of the guesthouse where she worked  how very Catherine Earnshaw of her  hence why all of the models faces had been patted with ghostly white powder.

open image in gallery Erdem design at London Fashion Week ( Erdem )

Toga offered a more relaxed yet innovative approach, with models walking down the runway wearing soft, two-tone cardigan-style wraps around their waists. Think corsets, but contemporary  and with more comfort. At Erdem, the corsetry nods were more subtle; think a spliced corset dress in black jacquard, or Edie Campbell in a red mesh, floral embellished gown with a corset body underneath. There were practical quirks, too, like the deep pockets sewn into a candy floss-coloured corseted frock with black floral detailing on the side. Subtlety was the port of call at Simone Rocha, too, whose organza gowns nodded to corsetry via a ribboned lace-up look that couldve been right out of Emerald Fennells Wuthering Heights. Loose-fitting jumpers were also reimagined with a corsetry lens, featuring buckles on either side with giant satin ribbons hanging off in miscellaneous parts.

open image in gallery Corset-inspired gowns were a key look at Simone Rochas AW26 show ( Ben Broomfield @photobenphoto )

The bottom line was clear: todays corseted women are forward-thinking, celebrating comfort, refined silhouettes, and the art of taking up as much space as possible, physically, spiritually, and energetically.

Off the runway, however, the street style set followed a different dress code altogether, one informed by a more recent past. Yes, Im talking about Carolyn Bessette Kennedy, the late 1990s It girl who is back at the forefront of public consciousness thanks to Love Story, a Disney+ TV series about the Calvin Klein publicists doomed relationship with JFK Jr. Bessette Kennedy, who passed away aged 33 alongside JFK Jr in a plane crash, lived a tragically short life, and yet her sartorial stamp on the world feels more powerful than ever. A major proponent of 1990s minimalism, Bessette Kennedy was known for her slick satin pencil skirts, cropped jeans, and simple polo neck sleeveless shirts, all of which were common sights on the front rows this season. Then there were the boxy blazers, collared shirts, and black strappy sandals.

open image in gallery Carolyn Bessette Kennedys signature minimalism inspired the street style set this season ( Getty )

Many fashion show-goers opted for square-toed boots underneath their jeans to give the ensemble a more dynamic vibe, while others stayed true to Bessette Kennedys signature looks, donning everything from Levis 501s and classic black knits to slick Sezane trench coats with Parisian-inspired headbands. Where corsetry is about taking up more space, this off-runway look championed a less-is-more approach that, while forever in favour among the fashion set, really was the dominant street style uniform.

So perhaps this season its a case of choosing your sartorial lane: Cathy on one side, Carolyn on the other. Or maybe, youll find a creative way to flit between the two, depending on your mood. After all, women contain multitudes.
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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.
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British star Robert Aramayos emotional reaction to winning the Bafta for best actor for his portrayal of a Tourette Syndrome campaigner in I Swear was arguably one of the standout moments of the 2026 Bafta film awards on Sunday night.

Set in 1980s Galashiels, a town in the Scottish Borders, I Swear follows the story of John Davidson, who developed the neurological disorder when he was 12, and his journey to advocating for better awareness of the condition.

Underdog Aramayo also scooped up the EE Rising Star award at the ceremony at the Royal Festival Hall in London, and the film also won the award for best casting.

The BBC issued a formal apology following the broadcast after a racial slur was shouted during the ceremony by a member of the audience who reportedly had Tourette Syndrome, as Sinners actors Delroy Lindo and Michael B Jordan presented the award for special visual effects.

While the highly praised I Swear biopic has shone a much-needed light on Tourette Syndrome, many myths around this condition still remain. We spoke to Dr Lisa Davies, a Priory consultant psychiatrist and Tourette Syndrome specialist, who supports patients at Priory Hospital Roehampton, who has highlighted seven key things she wishes everyone knew about Tourette Syndrome.

1. Diagnosis requires tics to have been present for at least a year

Tourette Syndrome (TS) is a neurological disorder and is diagnosed based on the presence of involuntary motor and vocal/phonic tics, which must be present for at least 12 months to meet the diagnostic criteria, says Davies.

2. Tourette Syndrome covers a huge range of behaviours

Tics can range from mild, which include things like blinking and throat clearing, to very extremely severe and include serious things like coprolalia (inappropriate words and phrases) or copropraxia (offensive hand gestures), says Davies.

There is also something called NOSI (which stand for non-obscene socially inappropriate behaviour or symptoms) which can get people into a lot of difficulty. Some people may also present with self-injurious behaviour where, by virtue of their tics, they hit themselves.

3. TS isnt just about swearing

One of the biggest misconception around Tourette Syndrome is that everybody with the condition will swear or say socially inappropriate things.

Coprolalia is the clinical term for tics that produce socially unacceptable words, but only approximately 10-30% of people with TS have this symptom, according to Tourettes Actions website.

The bias or stigma attached with the label Tourette Syndrome is largely to do with the negative media bias placed on TS, which is largely focused on coprolalia, says Davies. Thats what is usually shown on TV and is often what the social media algorithm will feed you, but it doesnt show the whole picture.

4. Tics are involuntary

Tics are involuntary, but some people have something that they call a premonitory sensation, which is a bit like feeling you get before you sneeze, notes Davies. Some people say they feel a tickle or a sensation in their body that signifies that tics are coming on, but that doesnt mean that they can help it.

5. Some people adopt strategies to suppress the tics

Some individuals can suppress their tics for a certain length of time, but often within that period its like a pressure cooker building up which feels very uncomfortable, says Davies. Then often what happens is a rebound where by virtue of holding the tics in, when they do then come out, they come out in a more explosive, severe way.

Thats why sometimes it can be helpful for them to go to a safe place to let their tics out.

6. People tend to have their own specific environment triggers

Its quite difficult to monitor treatment response to TS because the nature of the tics can get better and worse over months and weeks for no obvious reason, and the term we use is waxing and waning, says Davies. However, theres often environmental variability, and for each child or individual that differs.

During an assessment, Davies says she will ask her patients questions about what tends to make their tics worse, and what makes them better.

For example, some people will say when theyre relaxed and watching TV, thats when their tics will come out, but others will say thats when their tics are better. So, it depends on the individual, says Davies. However, stress, tiredness, anxiety, frustration and hunger are all common things that people often report that make their tics worse.

7. Co-occurring conditions are very common

Up to 85% of people with TS will also experience co-occurring conditions and features which might include attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), and anxiety, according to Tourettes Actions website.

When Im doing an assessment for tics, its just as important to take into account all of these aspects, because something like the OCD might be the thing thats actually affecting their lives more, says Davies.
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Owning a pet can help to improve the health and well-being of older Americans, according to a new national poll.

More than half of nearly 2,700 adults between the ages of 50 and 93 reported that having a pet improved their daily lives, with 44 percent saying that it helped them to be more physically active and 63 percent saying it also led to reduced stress. Stress can often make health issues worse.

Having a pet also helped to improve mental health, and 83 percent of respondents said owning a pet gives them a sense of purpose, 63 percent said it makes them feel loved and 35 percent said it helped them to cope with physical or emotional symptoms.

A whopping 70 percent said that they were more connected with others - a beneficial factor that can help stave off disease and extend your life, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The results clearly show that animals can play a key role in the lives of older adults, and bring many benefits that can contribute to healthy aging, Dr. Preeti Malani, a dog owner and a professor at the University of Michigan Medical School, explained in a statement.

open image in gallery A new poll of nearly 2,700 older adults around the country shows that having a pet can help improve quality of life although maybe not as much as it used to ( Getty Images )

Pets fur purpose

Malani and the researchers compared their poll results to another national poll of 2,051 adults between the ages of 50 and 80 that the school conducted in 2018.

They found that while the percentage of older adults who have pets hasnt significantly changed, the percentage of adults who say having a pet gives them a purpose has grown by 10 percent.

Although the percentage of adults who said their pet helped them cope with physical or mental symptoms fell from 60 percent in 2018 to 34 percent last year.

There was a 20 percent drop in people who reported their pet helped them to be physically active and a 16 percent dip in those who said their pet helped to reduce their stress.

The cost of mans best friend

open image in gallery The costs of caring for those pets strains the budgets of 31 percent of pet owners age 50 and older, the poll found ( University of Michigan - Emily Smith )

While 94 million American households have at least one pet, according to the American Pet Products Association, the poll showed that more people are choosing not to have pets due to financial costs.

The percentage of people who cited cost as a reason they did not have pets rose from 21 percent in 2018 to 33 percent in 2025.

The percentage of people who said they did not have time to take care of a pet or were healthy enough to do so also rose by five and four percent, respectively.

The poll also revealed that the costs of caring for pets strain the budget of more than 30 percent of pet owners who are over the age of 50.

Yet some of the people who could potentially get the most benefit from having a pet may also be the ones who have cost-related challenges to pet ownership, noted Malani.
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Nicole Snooki Polizzi, 38, most known for being on the reality show Jersey Shore, revealed in a TikTok posted Friday that she has been diagnosed with cervical cancer.

In the post, she explained that she had a cone biopsy, which requires a cone-shaped piece of tissue to be removed from the cervix and examined.

It came back stage 1 cervical cancer called adenocarcinoma, Polizzi told her followers. Obviously not the news Ive been hoping for, but also not the worst news just because they caught it so early. Thank freaking God!

The reality star continued, saying her next step would be to receive a PET scan to determine if the cancer has spread to other parts of her body, and then likely undergo a hysterectomy to remove her uterus and cervix to avoid chemotherapy and radiation. She also emphasized how important it is for women to receive their regular Pap smears.

Im 38 years old, and Ive been struggling with abnormal pap smears for three or four years now, and now look at me, she said. Instead of putting it off because I didnt want to go, because I was hurt and scared, I just went and did it. And it was there, cancer is in there. But its stage 1 and its curable.

Jersey Shore alum, Snooki, recently revealed in a TikTok that she was diagnosed with stage 1 cervical cancer ( Invision )

Cervical cancer is a growth of cells starting in the cervix, the lower part of the vagina, according to the Mayo Clinic.

As the organization explains: Most cervical cancers are caused by HPV. HPV is a common virus that's passed through sexual contact. For most people, the virus never causes problems. It usually goes away on its own. For some, though, the virus can cause changes in the cells that may lead to cancer.

However, there are other potential factors that may increase a persons risk of contracting cervical cancer, including smoking tobacco, increasing the number of sexual partners and having a weakened immune system.

While there may not be initial symptoms during the early stages of cervical cancer, the Columbia University Hebert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center said there may be physical symptoms once the cancer has invaded deeper into the cervix or nearby organs.

A doctors visit is suggested if a person is experiencing any of the following symptoms: pelvic pain, pain during intercourse, vaginal bleeding or spotting  especially after vaginal intercourse, in between menstrual periods, or after menopause  menstrual periods that are heavier or last longer than usual, or vaginal discharge that has a foul odor.

The most common method of preventing cervical cancer is having a routine pap smear to detect any precancerous conditions in the cervix. It is recommended by the Mayo Clinic that a Pap smear be given every few years, starting at age 21.
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Thousands of frozen, ready-to-eat meatballs have been recalled due to a possible contamination with foreign material.

According to a Monday announcement from the U.S. Department of Agricultures Food Safety and Inspection Service, Rosina Food Products, Inc., based in West Seneca, New York, has recalled approximately 9,462 pounds of frozen meatball products because they may be contaminated with metal.

The issue was discovered after the FSIS received a customer complaint about finding metal fragments in the product, according to the announcement.

The USDA has classified the recall as Class I  its highest risk level  meaning there is a reasonable probability that consuming the products could cause serious adverse health consequences or death.

The recalled products are 32-ounce bags of fully cooked frozen Bremer Family Size Italian Style Meatballs. Each package contains roughly 64 meatballs and carries a Best By date of October 30, 2026.

open image in gallery Meatballs being recalled after a customer reported finding metal in product ( Getty Images/iStockphoto )

open image in gallery Bremer Italian Style Meatballs were sold at Aldi stores nationwide ( United States Department of Agriculture )

All affected products were produced on July 30, 2025, with timestamps between 17:08 and 18:20. They also bear the establishment number EST. 4286B inside the USDA mark of inspection.

The meatballs have a 15-month shelf life and were shipped to Aldi stores nationwide.

Possible metal contamination could cause severe illnesses or choking hazards. Although there havent been any reports of injuries due to the frozen meatballs, the FSIS is urging consumers to either throw the products away immediately or return them to the place of purchase.

The news comes as multiple recalls due to contamination with foreign material are affecting consumers across the country.

Last week, Food Lion warned 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.

And earlier this month, thousands of jars of peanut butter and peanut butter and jelly combination snacks made by Ventura Foods LLC were 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 later upgraded to a Class II by the FDA due to the increased risk of health consequences.

In addition, millions of pounds of frozen chicken fried rice products sold at Trader Joes across the U.S. and Canada were also recently recalled due to potential glass contamination. The problem was discovered after four customers complained about finding glass pieces in their food, but no injuries were reported.
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Volvo Cars is recalling over 40,000 of its flagship electric EX30 SUVs after revealing a risk of their battery packs overheating, a development that could significantly dent the Swedish automaker's hard-earned reputation for safety and potentially cost millions.

The previously unreported recall, confirmed by the company to Reuters on Monday, involves replacing modules within the high-voltage battery packs of the compact SUV.

This model is crucial to Volvo's strategy for competing with cheaper Chinese brands, making battery safety a particularly sensitive issue for the manufacturer and consumers alike.

A total of 40,323 EX30 Single-Motor Extended Range and Twin-Motor Performance cars, equipped with these specific high-voltage cells, are affected by the issue. Volvo, which is majority-owned by China's Geely, stated the recall addresses the potential overheating risk.

" We are now contacting the owners of all affected cars to advise them of next steps," Volvo VOLCARb.ST said.

Volvo Cars' shares were down 4% following the Reuters report about the recall.

In the rush to develop new EVs, some automakers have faced battery defects. In 2020, a fire risk forced General MotorsGM.N to recall 140,000 Chevy Bolts with batteries supplied by South Korea's LG Electronics, costing $2 billion to fix.

Volvo's battery issues come as the carmaker pursues a 1.9 billion dollar savings drive and deeper integration with parent Geely. The batteries were made by a Geely-backed joint venture, Shandong Geely Sunwoda Power Battery Co. Volvo said the supplier has fixed the problem and would supply the new battery cells.

open image in gallery Volvo, which is majority-owned by China's Geely, stated the recall addresses the potential overheating risk ( Volvo EX30 )

They have to get it right

Volvo said it would replace affected units free of charge, urging owners in the meantime to continue limiting charging to 70% to eliminate the fire risk.

"The EX30 especially is very important to Volvo, so they have to get it right," said Sam Fiorani, vice president for global vehicle forecasting at research firm AutoForecast Solutions.

Since December, Volvo has told EX30 owners in more than a dozen countries including the United States, Australia and Brazil to park away from buildings and cap charging at 70%, according to regulatory filings and the company.

Andy Palmer, an industry veteran who oversaw the launch of Nissan Motor's 7201.T Leaf EV in 2010, said Volvo has less room for missteps than rivals as its reputation for safety is central to its identity.

"Volvo can't afford a safety issue because that strikes at the heart of their brand," he said.

Potentially steep price tag to fix battery issue

The new replacement battery modules could cost $195 million, excluding logistics and repair costs, according to a Reuters analysis based on what a Chinese battery maker might charge. Volvo said the calculations were "speculative in nature", and that the automaker was in talks with the supplier.

Prior to news of the recall, Reuters spoke to two EX30 owners who wanted to return their cars, underscoring the potential impact.

British insurance agent Matthew Owen said he chose the EX30 for its range and Volvo's safety reputation, adding the automaker should take responsibility because it is "producing a car that is dangerous".

Tony Lu, an EX30 owner in New Zealand, said he faced higher costs because the charging cap had cut the car's range.

"I would be absolutely delighted if they bought the car back," Lu said.
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Richard E. Grant has revealed he cut off his best friend of 29 years after he was accidentally CCed on an email filled with brutal comments about him.

The 68-year-old Thursday Murder Club actor said he immediately decided to end the friendship of nearly three decades after receiving the message, which contained a paragraph of such toxicity.

During a recent episode of the Mad, Sad, & Bad podcast, Grant described the person as someone who he thought was one of the five best friends in my life.

She sent an email from Africa to a mutual friend in Australia who'd asked for my email address, and, because my name was in the body of the email, I got inadvertently sent this email.

Grant explained that the message arrived on a day when I had heard for a third time that a film that Id written and was about to direct, the finances had collapsed. And I was doing the final episode of Frasier, which aired in May 2004.

open image in gallery Richard E. Grant decided to immediately cut off his friend of nearly three decades are receiving an email that was not meant for him ( AFP/Getty )

open image in gallery Richard Grant said the message he received from a supposed friend was just brutal ( Getty Images )

He said that the email contained such toxicity that he immediately decided to cut off the friendship.

And I thought, That's not a real friend anymore. And I was absolutely devastated, Grant said. So I copied and pasted that and then sent it back. And I said, 29 years of friendship?

Asked what the offensive comments were about, Grant replied: It was of my script that I had written, which was entirely autobiographical. Grants 2005 comedy Wah-Wah was loosely based on his own life. And she had read this script.

He said that years later, his daughter, now 37, had questioned whether the friendship was really genuine in the first place.

Our daughter was very smart, because she was 16, so exactly 20 years ago. She said to me, In your heart of hearts, havent you always known this about that person?

Grant added that the turn of events was just brutal.

Because that person knows you in the most formative part of your life, when you're still dreaming of getting regular work out there as an actor, Grant said. Nevermind the other things that have happened to me since. So when youre betrayed like that, theres no going back for me.

The British actor is best known for his breakthrough as the antihero of Withnail and I, aged 29, and for his Oscar-nominated turn in 2018s Can You Ever Forgive Me?

His recent roles have included The Thursday Murder Club, based on Richard Osmans best-selling crime novel, and Nuremberg, which follows a psychiatrist who evaluates Nazi leaders before the Nuremberg trials after the Second World War.
We recently published an article titled 12 Best Data Storage Stocks to Buy Right Now.

On February 18, Morgan Stanley analyst Erik Woodring lowered the firms price target on Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company (NYSE:HPE) to $23 from $25 and maintained an Equal Weight rating. While the firm anticipates a solid, if not good, January quarter and April quarter outlook from off-cycle hardware names, it is increasingly cautious on the memory backdrop, reflecting concerns around potential cyclical moderation within certain IT hardware segments.

On February 4, 2026, HPEs board declared a $0.953125 per-share dividend on its 7.625% Series C Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock, payable March 1 to shareholders of record on February 15, underscoring its commitment to returning capital to preferred investors.

In addition, Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company (NYSE:HPE) reported fourth-quarter revenue of $9.7 billion, representing 14% year-over-year growth, with non-GAAP operating income increasing 26% and operating margin reaching a record 12.2%. AI system orders totaled $6.8 billion for the fiscal year, with sovereign and enterprise customers accounting for more than 60% of cumulative bookings since 2023. The successful integration of Juniper Networks further strengthened HPEs networking portfolio and contributed meaningfully to revenue. Strong AI-driven demand, expanding margins, and disciplined capital returns reinforce the companys positioning for sustained earnings growth despite near-term industry caution.

Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company (NYSE:HPE), headquartered in Spring, Texas, is a global enterprise IT provider focused on servers, storage, networking, containerization software, and consulting and support services for business and government customers.

While we acknowledge the potential of HPE 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: 8 Up and Coming Streaming Companies and Services and 11 Best Canadian Growth Stocks to Buy According to Hedge Funds.

Disclosure: None.
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An 18-year-old, drunk on hand sanitizer, punched a police officer and shattered a jail holding cell window during her arrest last week.

Jade Cain, 18, was taken into custody after cops raced to an address in Canton, Ohio, following reports of a domestic disturbance at the home.

Police body cameras captured much of the incident, with the cops encountering Cain and her boyfriend, Alan King, shortly after arriving.

Whats your issue? an officer can be heard shouting at Cain in footage obtained by 19 News in Cleveland.

Cain can be heard responding, Jade.

When asked the question again, Cain repeated her name once more.

Shes drunk, I dont know where she got it from, a voice says in the background.

open image in gallery Jade Cain was arrested after punching a police officer, while drunk from hand sanitiser ( Canton Police )

Police would later discover that Cain had drunk from a bottle of hand sanitizer.

At the scene, the cops decided to haul the 18-year-old over to their vehicle. As they dragged her over to the police car, Cain flopped onto the ground in protest.

When she was finally inside the vehicle, Cain began to complain that her shoe had fallen off. Moments later, she strikes an officer in the face.

Alright, she can go to jail for assaulting a police officer, a cop says, before slamming the door shut and driving her to the Stark County Jail.

However, at the jail, Cain slipped out of her handcuffs and punched through one of her holding cells windows, authorities said. That led police to add vandalism to her charge sheet.

Now, according to 19 News, Cain stands charged with both vandalism and assaulting a police officer. Her bond has been set at $50,000.

open image in gallery Cain was hauled to the Stark County Jail, where she is being held on a $50,000 bond ( Google Streetview )

Police had previously dealt with Cain and her boyfriend, with one officer expressing frustration at encountering her again.

I thought we established this last time, the officer can be heard saying.

The body cam footage ends with Cain being walked through Stark County Jail by officers.

Come on, I want my boot, she says.

Americas Poison Centers warns that drinking hand sanitizer, as Cain did, can be deadly.

Hand sanitizer products can contain up to 95 percent alcohol, with most brands containing at least 60 percent ethyl alcohol.

Wine or beer, for contrast, contains around 10-15 percent ethyl alcohol.

Ingesting the cleaning product can cause confusion, vomiting and drowsiness. Severe cases can lead to respiratory arrest, which can be fatal or leave patients in comas.

Experts at the National Capital Poison Center also warn that anyone who has ingested hand sanitizer should immediately seek medical attention.

The Independent has contacted the Canton Police Department for comment.
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More than 40 years after a teenager was brutally murdered in California, authorities used DNA found on a discarded cigarette butt to catch her killer.

Sarah Geer, 13, was last seen leaving a friends home in the town of Cloverdale on May 23, 1982.

As she walked downtown, she was approached by James Unick, who forcibly dragged the teen down an alley, where she was brutally raped and strangled to death with her own shorts, the Sonoma County District Attorneys Office said.

The teens body was discovered the following morning by a Cloverdale firefighter who was walking home after his shift. While her death was ruled a homicide, limited forensic science of the day kept the case cold for decades, prosecutors said.

A jury found Unick, 64, guilty of killing Geer on February 13, which would have been her 57th birthday, the district attorneys office told CNN.

open image in gallery DNA from a cigarette butt helped California authorities identify the man responsible for the brutal killing of a 13-year-old girl nearly 44 years ago ( Sonoma County District Attorney's Office )

The break in the case came in 2003, when investigators developed a DNA profile based on sperm collected from Geers underwear. However, the profile did not match anyone whose DNA was available in law enforcement databases, and the case went cold again.

In 2021, the Cloverdale Police Department reopened its investigation into Geers death, and enlisted the FBI to help find a potential match to the DNA profile.

The FBI, with its access to familial genealogical databases, concluded that the source of the DNA evidence collected from Sarah belonged to one of four brothers, including James Unick, prosecutors said.

After surveilling Unick, FBI agents collected a cigarette he discarded, which confirmed his DNA matched the previous profile.

The Cloverdale Police Department arrested Unick at his home in July 2024. At the time of his arrest, Unick denied knowing Geer or what happened the night of her death. However, during his month-long trial, his story changed.

Unick testified that the teen propositioned him for sex while he had been playing a video game at an arcade, and claimed they engaged in consensual sex on a hillside near a river, implying that Sarah Geer must have been assaulted and murdered later that evening by a phantom man who failed to leave behind DNA evidence.

After about two hours of deliberations, the jury convicted Unick of murder.

He is scheduled to be sentenced on April 23.

This guilty verdict is a testament to everyone who never gave up searching for Sarahs killer, District Attorney Carla Rodriguez said in a press release. This is the coldest case ever presented to a Sonoma County jury. While 44 years is too long to wait, justice has finally been served, both to Sarahs loved ones as well as her community.
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An axe-wielding man who had been watching and loving an elderly woman from a afar way arrested by police in Salt Lake City after he allegedly entered her apartment to ask her on a date.

After cops responded to an urgent welfare check at the womens home, Chadwell Clement Smith, 34, was arrested on suspicion of kidnapping, burglary, possession of a controlled substance, and prohibited possession of a dangerous weapon, according to Fox13.

Around 2 a.m., an "elderly" woman woke up to use the bathroom and let her dog out, according to a police report seen by the outlet. While she was in the bathroom, she heard a voice say "hello" at her front door, which she had reportedly left slightly open.

When she left the bathroom, she allegedly found Smith standing in her apartment with an axe. The woman claims he also had brought a knife into the house but had placed it on top of her refrigerator.

When questioned, Smith reportedly told the officers that he saw the woman's door open and decided to enter "thinking that this was his shot."

Christian Simmons, 15, has been charged after an Uber driver, 58-year-old Cesar Tejada, was found dead on New Years Day in what Georgia police are calling a senseless murder ( Getty/iStock )

After the greeting, Smith allegedly hugged the woman and instructed her to sit down, at which point police say he began rubbing her legs and feet, despite protests to stop. During this time, Smith allegedly told her that he'd been "watching and loving her" for half a year, and told her he wanted to ask her out, Fox13 reports.

He reportedly told the woman that "he was going to give her the time of her life," according to ABC 4, citing the police report.

At one point, he went into her bathroom and took a shower.

When officers arrived at the house, they allegedly found Smith lounging shirtless in the woman's bed.

Smith allegedly revealed an elaborate plan to romance the woman.

He told me that his intention was to take her out on a date and to get an Uber up near the University of Utah underneath a tree and was intending on kissing her there and feeling out the situation and informed me that he would want to have sex with the victim prior to a supposed marriage, the arresting officer wrote in the police report, seen by ABC4.

Smith reportedly later admitted that his romance plan was a lie and that he really was planning to take the woman to an underground construction site.

They also asked him why he was entering people's homes in the middle of the night with an axe and a knife. He reportedly said he carried them for self-defense.

Based on the circumstances, the victim is an elderly female the [suspect] admitted that he has been watching her for the past six months, the [suspect] has shown patience in choosing thevictim, and hadnt the complainant called to check on the victim, I do believe that the [suspect] would potentially have escalated the situation should we not have responded to the residence, the arresting officer wrote.

Smith was arrested and was booked into the Salt Lake County Jail, where he is being held without bail.
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A Kentucky man who was covered in fur has been arrested after he was found having sex with a dead deer, according to authorities.

Allen Osborne, a 32-year-old from Owensboro, was charged with sexual crimes against animals by Central City police on Saturday following the disturbing discovery, according to reports.

A driver had spotted Osborne appearing to have sex with the deer on the side of the road in Muhlenberg County and reported it to police, according to news outlet WEHT, which cited the Central City Police Department.

Allen was found by police with his pants down and blood on his boxers, the Lexington Herald-Leader reported, citing court documents.

Allen Osborne, a 32-year-old Kentucky man who was covered in fur, has been arrested after he was found having sex with a dead deer, according to authorities ( Muhlenberg County Detention Center )

The documents alleged Osborne also had deer fur on his hoodie.

Osborne was booked into the Muhlenberg County Detention Center and was being held on a $5,000 bond as of Monday afternoon.

Central City police told The Independent Osborne pleaded not guilty in court Monday morning.

Sexual crimes against animals is a Class D felony, which carries a one to five-year prison sentence if convicted, according to reports.

Information about Osbornes legal representation was not immediately clear.

Osbornes next court date is March 2.
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Almost 25 years ago, a woman in North Carolina was Christmas shopping when she disappeared.

Now, after decades of quiet, Michele Hundley Smith has been found "alive and well, authorities have revealed.

The Rockingham County Sheriff's Office announced on February 20 that Smith, now 62, was found after their detectives received "new information" about the circumstances of her disappearance, the New York Post reports.

Investigators reportedly made contact with Smith at an undisclosed location in North Carolina after receiving the tip.

I kind of want to go outside and scream, Shes alive, shes alive,' Barbara Byrd, Smiths cousin, told WFMYNews 2. My biggest question is to her  what happened all those years ago in December? What made you leave? What happened?

I am ecstatic, I am p*****, I am heartbroken one of Michele Hundley Smiths children said after she was found by police ( FBI handout )

Smith, who was 38 at the time, was reported missing by her husband after she failed to return home from a Kmart shopping trip in Martinsville, Virginia, in December 2001. Numerous state and local agencies joined with the FBI to search for Smith, but she was never found.

During an interview with NBC News in 2020, Amanda Smith, Micheles daughter, recalled her mom kissing her and her siblings goodnight and then leaving the house around 8:30 p.m. on the night she disappeared.

When Smith vanished, she left behind Amanda, 14, an 8-year-old son, and a 19-year-old daughter who had already moved out of the house.

Amanda told the broadcaster that her mom was caring, present, and not overly strict while still being a good parent.

A missing person's flyer from the time of her disappearance insisted that she was "endangered" and "would not leave her kids by choice."

Her current whereabouts will not be disclosed, although her family have been notified about her situation, police said. No charges are expected, WFMY 2 reports.

Investigators did not share further detail about the nature of Smith's disappearance or why she did not reach out to her family after more than two decades away.

On Sunday, one of Smith's children  who runs a Facebook page dedicated to finding her mother  acknowledged the discovery and described the last few days as a "whirlwind of emotions.

As far as my opinions and feelings on my mom  I am ecstatic, I am p*****, I am heartbroken, I am all over the map! Will I have a relationship once more with my mom? they wrote. Honestly I cant answer that because I dont even know. My initial reaction would be yes, absolutely, but then I think of all the hurt  But even then, my mom is only human, just as we all are, they added.

Even though Smith's child acknowledged that their mother "chose" a new life, they still shared fond memories of her.

When my mom was a part of my daily life, she showed me a love and bond that will never ever be forgotten. There were mother-daughter arguments of course, but right now all I can remember are the smiles we shared, the times together that were happy, and the love I felt! they wrote.

They also pushed back against online sleuths who suspected her father of having some involvement in Smith's disappearance.

"My father has been through so much and I want it made clear that while their marriage had issues (just as many marriages go through) that my mom did not leave simply [because] of a bad marriage," Smith's child wrote. "Everyone is entitled their opinions but please remember that my father has been proven innocent."
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Local officials in Pennsylvania are investigating the police response to an anti-ICE protest on Friday where students and officers got into multiple physical confrontations.

Our office is conducting an independent investigation into the police response during this incident, the Bucks County District Attorneys Office said of the protest in Quakertown in a statement on Facebook on Saturday.

The office said it was committed to a thorough and transparent review and called on members of the public to submit any footage of the tense encounter, which resulted in upwards of six arrests.

About 35 students walked out of Quakertown Senior High School on Friday to protest Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Donald Trumps mass deportation efforts, defying a decision from school officials to shutter a planned demonstration over what administrators said was a threat of violence against the event.

The students are among hundreds across the country who have walked out of class or joined demonstrations against ICE, facing detention and other academic punishment.

open image in gallery Local officials are investigating the police response to a student anti-ICE protest in Quakertown, Pennsylvania, in which the police chief allegedly put a girl in a chokehold ( 6ABC )

More than 300 students at Woodbridge Senior High School were recently suspended after joining protests with other schools in Virginia.

Similar scenes have played out in schools from Maryland to Oklahoma and Utah.

Accounts differ of what led to the confrontations between students and police in Bucks County.

A widely circulated video of the clashes shows a man in plainclothes putting a girl in a chokehold.

Eyewitnesses and the local Bucks County Courier Times newspaper identified the man as Quakertown Borough Police Chief Scott McElree.

The Independent has requested comment from the police department and McElree.

One demonstrator who witnessed the encounter told the newspaper that the students were unaware McElree was an officer.

"Everyone started to beat on him because he was grabbing at random kids," the student said.

A bystander who saw the confrontation said the situation escalated further when a male student tried to help the female student, prompting officers to force the male student to the ground.

open image in gallery Around 35 students left class and took part in the protest against Immigration and Customs Enforcement on February 20 ( AFP via Getty Images )

The situation completely escalated, she told the Philadelphia Inquirer. There were multiple grown men getting in the faces of the children, spit flying out of their mouths.

Another witness told 6ABC that other adults appeared to get involved in the fighting as the scene devolved into chaos.

There were other grown men who were bystanders who were getting involved in the situation as well, the witness said. They were getting in childrens faces, and one ended up in handcuffs.

Police told the Inquirer that five to six juveniles and one adult have been taken into custody.

Officers said students engaged in dangerous behavior including entering traffic, throwing snow balls, kicking cars, damaging property, and assaulting officers.

Community members demanded accountability after the clashes.

When young people are involved in an encounter with law enforcement, the standard for care, restraint and adherence to policy are high and must be adhered to, Bucks County NAACP President Adrienne King said at a news conference on Saturday outside the police department.

This is not controversial. It is expected, she said. Video circulating publicly has raised serious questions in our community. Those questions deserve answers, and we are here to ask for those answers today.

open image in gallery The local sheriffs office recently ended a cooperation agreement with ICE, citing community concerns ( AFP via Getty Images )

A woman at the conference who gave her name as Allison said her stepdaughter was among those who were arrested.

"Our daughter was wrongfully accused, she said. She was deliberately sought after and she was assaulted. She was thrown into the ground and she was a choked. We want her home safe. We want respect for our daughter and for the other students like her who were there.

As of Sunday evening, more than 5,000 people had signed a change.org petition demanding McElrees resignation.

It is unclear whether anyone who was arrested during the protest remains in detention.

Arrested students were taken to Bucks County Youth Center, which declined to comment when contacted by The Independent.

The center directed questions to Bucks County Juvenile Court, which is closed on Sundays.

Bucks County District Attorneys Office spokesperson Manuel Gamiz Jr. told the Inquirer that the major storm expected to hit the East Coast on Sunday night prompted the closure of the Bucks County Justice Center, which could delay legal actions regarding the arrested students.

open image in gallery Bucks County officials recently voted unanimously to bar ICE from setting up processing and detention centers at warehouses within county limits, like those popping up in New Hampshire (pictured) and more than a dozen other locations across the country ( REUTERS )

Once students left school grounds without authorization and walked into town, deviating from the planned walkout route, they were no longer under the districts custodial control or supervision, and we have almost no legal ability to regulate or investigate their behavior, Dr. Lisa Hoffman, acting superintendent of Quakertown Community School District, wrote in a statement on Sunday.

Administrators were not on the scene in the borough and were not in any way involved in student arrests, she said.

Students arent the only ones criticizing ICE in the area.

In January, the county sheriffs office ended a collaboration agreement it had with the immigration agency, citing community concerns.

When large numbers of our residents are afraid to call 911, or come to court and testify, that makes our entire community less safe, recently elected Bucks County Sheriff Danny Ceisler said of the decision at the time. This is not a public safety problem for immigrants. This is a public safety problem for everyone.

This week, Bucks County commissioners voted unanimously to bar ICE from setting up processing and detention centers at warehouses within county limits.

Bucks County, about an hours drive north of Philadelphia, narrowly voted for Trump in the 2024 presidential election.
Feb 23 (Reuters) - Bharti Airtel will invest 200 billion rupees ($2.2 billion) in its financial arm over the next few years, India's second-largest mobile carrier by number of users said on Monday, as it steps up its push into digital lending.

The capital will be infused into its subsidiary, Airtel Money, which received a non-banking financial company (NBFC) license from the Reserve Bank of India on February 13.

More from Yahoo Scout How will Airtel Money compete in India's lending sector? Why is Bharti Airtel investing $2.2 billion into financial services? Who are Airtel's main competitors in non-bank lending? What is Bharti Airtel's diversification strategy beyond telecom?

Airtel's expansion comes as competition intensifies in Indias non-bank lending sector, where conglomerates such as Jio Financial Services and established players like Bajaj Finance are scaling up retail credit operations.

The move strengthens Airtel's financial services business as it diversifies beyond telecom into areas such as data centres, cloud and enterprise services.

The telecom major will contribute 70% of the 200 billion rupees capital, with key shareholder Bharti Enterprises providing the remaining, Airtel said in a press release.

The move "will leverage the large Airtel customer base to build the next growth engine for the company and further diversify its portfolio," it added.

($1 = 90.8850 Indian rupees)

(Reporting by Aleef Jahan in Bengaluru; Editing by Mrigank Dhaniwala and Eileen Soreng)
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BusinessCompaniesMedia & marketing Branding stoush: Why Skys new name is already under fire Calum Jaspan February 23, 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

An ABC trademark left over from its news channel could stop Sky News Australia from taking up its new name of News24, which a foreign broadcaster has already claimed on major social media platforms. One intellectual property barrister said the public broadcaster had grounds to challenge Skys planned new name because it owned the ABC News 24 trademark associated with its own 24-hour news channel. The ABC has the trademark rights to ABC News 24, the former name of its news channel. ABC And a major South African news outlet called News24 has a logo in the same colours that it uses on social media accounts with that handle on major platforms such as Facebook and X. Sky News Australia, the News Corp-owned broadcaster, launched its new branding and name on Friday, which will come into effect later this year, at an event in Sydney where Prime Minister Anthony Albanese opened the stations new studios. It had been forced to rebrand after Sky UK opted out of extending its current licensing arrangement with the Australian news network.

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But the name, which leans on News Corps branding, resembles the name which the ABCs News Channel was launched as in 2010. While the channel rebranded as ABC News Channel in 2017, it is often still colloquially referred to by its original name. The public broadcaster owns the trademark rights to the term ABC News 24, according to IP Australia, the federal government agency responsible for registering intellectual property. South African news provider News24s logo [top] and the new, News24 logo proposed by News Corp [bottom]. The announcement raised eyebrows with senior ABC executives over the weekend, a source with knowledge of the matter, who spoke on condition of anonymity said. Australian News Channel, the company currently trading as Sky News Australia has tried and failed to trademark the term News24 several times over the past two decades, IP Australia records show. There is no current application by the company to trademark its new name, which intellectual property barrister Jane Rawlings said would be difficult because it uses generic terms and is similar to the ABCs mark.

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Representing yourself as News24 where the Australian Broadcasting Corporation for many years has put up News 24, its likely to be a problem for them, said Rawlings, a barrister and senior lecturer in trademark and copyright law at the University of Technology Sydney. Rawlings said that any existing trademark owner could oppose a new mark, whether it is officially lodged with IP Australia or not, because of its potential to cause confusion with the public. News 24 is certainly something that the ABC has used in the past  [and] because of that reputation, the new mark might cause deception or confusion in the public, Rawlings said. Rawlings said the use of descriptive terms like news and 24 give some grounds for flexibility, but issues such as logos could cause further complications. The ABC and Sky have competed directly as the two 24-hour news channels in Australia since the launch of ABC News 24 in 2010.

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The ABC declined to comment. Sky did not respond a request for comment. Related Article Media & marketing Sky News new name and brand revealed at gala event Skys new name is also very similar to News24, South Africas largest subscription-led news website which has more than 7 million Facebook followers, 6.5 million X followers and 1 million YouTube subscribers. Its logo shares the same three colours, blue, red and white, and in the same colour progression, despite the word colour being inverted. It also uses the domain news24.com, which is similar to Skys newly listed news24.com.au. When approached, Raj Lalbahadur the CEO of News24 parent company Media24 said they only became aware of Sky News Australias plans to rebrand under the same name when told by this masthead.

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We have forwarded the news to our trademark legal team and await their feedback, Lalbahadur said. On Friday, Sky News Australia boss Paul Whittaker signalled the companys intentions to continue growing its international digital footprint. A Google search of News24 also shows the South African broadcaster as the first result. There is also a 24-hour Hindi news channel located in India trading as News24, which has 27 million subscribers on YouTube, as well as News24 Nepal, which has almost 4 million subscribers. The use of generic terms in Skys new name could also pose difficulty in trademarking the terms themselves, which it appears the News Corp company is yet to do. I presume they will apply for trademark protection for that and thats where other objectors to the use of News24 may well surface, Rawlings said. Certainly, if I were running a news service like that, Id be keeping a very close eye on the trademark registers. The Business Briefing newsletter delivers major stories, exclusive coverage and expert opinion. Sign up to get it every weekday morning.
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BusinessCompaniesMedia & marketing Seven Network CEO dumped the night before company releases results Calum Jaspan Updated February 23, 2026  7:20pm ,first published 6:51pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

The chief executive of the newly merged company that owns the Seven Network and radio stations including Triple M has exited on the same day its new chair started in the role. Southern Cross Media announced on Monday evening, less than 18 hours before its financial results come out, that its current chief executive and former Seven West boss Jeff Howard would be departing effective immediately. Southern Cross chief executive Jeff Howard leaves one month after the company came together with Seven. Alex Ellinghausen A statement posted to the ASX after the markets closure said John Kelly, who was Southern Cross chief executive before the deals completion, will step in as interim head of the companys TV and audio divisions and will front its earnings call tomorrow. Kelly had been selected after the merger to run the audio division of the company, which includes Triple M, the Hit Network and digital audio platform LiSTNR. He has now been asked to run the whole company on a permanent basis, said one source familiar with the matter, who spoke on condition of anonymity. He is considering the offer, the source said.

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Mergers & acquisitions Kerry Stokes to depart Seven after merger with Triple M owner Heath Mackay-Cruise assumed the role of chair on Friday evening after Kerry Stokes, the long-time controlling shareholder of Seven West Media, stepped down as interim chair. The Stokes familys shareholding in Southern Cross after the merger the deal was diluted to 20 per cent, via its majority-owned Seven Group Holdings. Mackay-Cruise will also assume the position of executive chair, with the companys top leaders reporting to him, while Southern Cross appoints a CEO on a permanent basis. Mackay-Cruise said in a statement that he and the newly constituted board determined it was the appropriate time to appoint new leadership. Howard was made chief executive and managing director of the combined company in January. On behalf of the board, I would like to thank Jeff for his efforts across the period of transition, with the successful implementation of the scheme of arrangement [for the merger] and creation of a market-leading, multi-platform media company now complete, Mackay-Cruise said.

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The board also made its interim chief financial officer Toby Potter its chief transformation officer for TV and audio. The board is confident in our teams capability to apply the financial discipline and industry leading expertise to drive scale and performance for Southern Cross Media Group going forward, Mackay-Cruise said. Related Article Test cricket Devalues the future of cricket rights: How two-day Tests may dent next broadcast deal Mackay-Cruise is a former boss of early childhood learning companies and was chief executive of Publishing and Broadcasting Ltd in New Zealand. A market update from Seven two weeks ago said the TV division missed its previous market guidance due to poor advertising conditions. The fact that Ashes Test matches in Perth and Melbourne lasted only two days had impacted expected advertising revenue, the company said.

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When the merger was announced in September, the combined value of both companies was $415 million, bringing together television, radio and publishing assets, which included The West Australian. Six months later, $100 million has been wiped off the value of the company. It closed with a market capitalisation of $316 million on Monday. Television advertising has been in a prolonged downturn. Sevens share price sat at $0.13 by the time it was delisted from the ASX, having peaked at $15 in 2007. Southern Cross will deliver its half-year results on Tuesday morning. Howard was contacted for comment. The Business Briefing newsletter delivers major stories, exclusive coverage and expert opinion. Sign up to get it every weekday morning.
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CultureMoviesFilm awards BBC apologises for airing BAFTA racial slur made by guest with Tourette syndrome Kate Holton and Paul Sandle February 24, 2026  9:37am 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 BBC apologised on Tuesday for failing to edit out a racial slur from its broadcast of Britains top movie awards, after a guest with Tourette syndrome shouted out while two black actors from the film Sinners were presenting an award. Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were on stage at the BAFTA awards on Sunday night when John Davidson shouted a racial slur. The BBC broadcast the show about two hours later and the offensive language remained in the program, and on the broadcasters streaming platform until Monday morning (UK time). Michael B. Jordan (left) and Delroy Lindo on stage at the BAFTA awards on Sunday night. Getty Images Later in the program, film director Akinola Davies Jr said Free Palestine in an acceptance speech. The BBC edited the remark out of the broadcast. The racial slur by Davidson sparked anger from several black actors and a production designer who said there should have been a more comprehensive apology at the time. Davidson attended the BAFTA awards in London after his life inspired the film I Swear, which won several awards.

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Tourette syndrome is a condition that causes people to make involuntary, sudden and repetitive sounds or movements known as tics, which can sometimes include swearing. A BBC spokesperson said on Tuesday that some viewers might have heard strong and offensive language during the awards program. John Davidson (left) attended the BAFTAs to celebrate I Swear, a film inspired by his life, starring Robert Aramayo (right). Getty Images This arose from involuntary verbal tics associated with Tourette syndrome, and as explained during the ceremony, it was not intentional. We apologise that this was not edited out prior to broadcast, and it will now be removed from the version on BBC iPlayer. In a separate statement, the British Academy of Film and Television Arts said: We want to acknowledge the harm this has caused, address what happened and apologise to all.

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BAFTA said it had taken steps to make the audience aware of the tics and the possibility that they could hear strong language during the ceremony. Related Article Film awards Doing it for the naughty girls: Jessie Buckley one step closer to Oscars victory Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were on stage at the time, and we apologise unreservedly to them, and to all those impacted, the academy said. We would like to thank Michael and Delroy for their incredible dignity and professionalism. Davidson issued his own statement on Tuesday, emphasising that his tics are not a reflection of his personal beliefs. I can only add that I am, and always have been deeply mortified if anyone considers my involuntary tics to be intentional or to carry any meaning, he said.

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I have spent my life trying to support and empower the Tourettes community and to teach empathy, kindness and understanding from others and I will continue to do so  I chose to leave the auditorium early into the ceremony as I was aware of the distress my tics were causing. The host of the awards, actor Alan Cumming, apologised for the offensive language later during the ceremony, and said the person with Tourette syndrome had no control over what he had said. Cumming added: We apologise if you were offended. View post on X Wendell Pierce, Jordans co-star on The Wire, said on X it was infuriating that the two actors did not receive a full and immediate apology. The insult to them takes priority, he said. It doesnt matter the reasoning for the racist slur.

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Hannah Beachler, the Sinners production designer, said it had been an impossible situation, but the throw-away apology had made it worse. Of course we were offended, she said. Sinners, a vampire thriller that celebrates blues music and black culture in the segregation-era American South, is in the midst of a historic awards season for black cinema. Sinners has scooped a record-breaking 16 Academy Award nominations. AP It has a record 16 Oscar nominations and at the BAFTAs, the movie won awards for best original screenplay for writer and director Ryan Coogler, best supporting actress for Wunmi Mosaku and best original score. Jordan has been nominated for multiple awards, including an Oscar, for his portrayal of twin brothers in Sinners. Lindo, a stage and film actor, is also nominated for an Oscar.

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Health It starts as an itch then the urge grows. Whats it like to have Tourettes? I Swear tells the story of Davidson growing up with Tourette syndrome and the impact it had on his life, culminating in him becoming a campaigner to raise awareness of the condition. BAFTA said Davidson chose to leave the auditorium and watch the rest of the ceremony on a screen. We would like to thank him for his dignity and consideration of others, on what should have been a night of celebration for him, BAFTA said. We take full responsibility for putting our guests in a very difficult situation and we apologise to all.

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Related Article Oscars Rose Byrne, Jacob Elordi lead Australias Oscars charge as Sinners makes history The Tourettes Action charity group said it understood the hurt Davidsons words had caused at the BAFTAs, but said they did not reflect a persons beliefs, intentions or character. We are deeply sorry to the black community for the harm caused, but at the same time, it is vital that the public understands a fundamental truth about Tourette syndrome: tics are involuntary, the group said in a statement. Reuters, with Nell Geraets Must-see movies, interviews and all the latest from the world of film delivered to your inbox. Sign up for our Screening Room newsletter.

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CultureMoviesCinema Ill be back  with a fresh beat: Terminator 2 gets epic makeover for 35th anniversary screening Annabel Ross 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

Starring Arnold Schwarzenegger in a career-defining role, James Camerons Terminator 2: Judgement Day is memorable for many reasons  the gripping plot, the performances, ranging from campy to gravely sincere, the unexpected humour, the hair-raising action sequences, the CGI effects that hold up remarkably well decades later. Just as unforgettable is the films famous score, a haunting, emotive fusion of orchestral and industrial elements that perfectly complemented the story of a cyborg sent back in time to protect John Connor from a more advanced Terminator intent on killing the child before he matures into a future resistance leader. Today, as ChatGPT use soars around the world, the parable about artificial intelligence gone awry feels more eerily prescient than ever. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Edward Furlong in the 1991 film. Alamy Stock Photo Over the next month, an enterprising team of artists will dare to replace the music originally composed by Brad Fiedel with a new live score and laser accompaniment at special Terminator 2 screenings in Melbourne, Sydney and Canberra. Belgian producer Peter Van Hoesen will lead musicians from Melbourne Electronic Sound Studio (MESS) in bringing his original compositions to life via vintage synthesisers, while Melbourne audiovisual guru Robin Fox will amp up the drama with complementary beams of light. Its one of the most beloved movie sequels of all time, as youve never seen or heard it before.

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Its been a long time coming, says Haydn Green, founder and director of Hear My Eyes, the cinema event production company behind the project. Robin Fox, Haydn Green and Peter Van Hoesen. Jason South Hear My Eyes has given other cult films the live score treatment, including Hellraiser, Chopper and Suspiria, but it took six years for Green to secure the Terminator 2 rights from major distributor StudioCanal. Its such a high-profile film, and obviously James Cameron and Arnie have such an incredible legacy, says Green, who has wanted to score a more mainstream movie for a while. I love sci-fi films, and there are a lot of good Arnie ones out there, like Total Recall, but I think [Terminator 2] is the pinnacle for me. The combination of the films popularity and its revered score has raised eyebrows among those unfamiliar with Greens concept, or affronted by the idea of a different soundtrack. The concern is fair enough, says Green.

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There are so many things in life that are not sacred any more and people are very protective over the things they love, especially the art they love, he says. Linda Hamilton as Sarah Connor with Edward Furlong as her son John. Alamy Stock Photo Audiences are, Green notes, more amenable to other art forms such as music or theatre being remixed or recontextualised, but typically less receptive to the idea of films getting a similar treatment. I can understand the knee-jerk reaction that might consider this an insult or a challenge, but were not out to compete with the original score, which will be there forever, he says. This is designed as an artistic experiment where we create something ephemeral and communal. As a fan of the movie, it was not very hard for me to be extremely enthusiastic, says Van Hoesen of being approached to do the score. Given his background as a techno producer and composer of richly textured futuristic music, he wasnt entirely surprised either. I dont want to have this come over as arrogant, but it kind of felt logical to me, he says. Hes the first to admit that you cant top Fiedels score, but his early attempts at new music resembled a classic film score, and even had some sort of melodic reference to the original score, he says. His only option was to start again.

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Robert Patrick as the T-1000 Terminator. Alamy Stock Photo I had to realise that I was asked to do this not because they wanted another classical film score but because Im an abstract electronic music producer, he says. The synthesisers from MESS he elected to work with were chosen for their reliability on stage and also because a virtual counterpart existed so that he could compose from Ho Chi Minh city, where he is based. Related Article Cinema Studios should be scared: Could this YouTube stars box office hit change cinema forever? I knew that if I programmed a sound in the software version, it could be translated into the hardware version without too many issues, he says. Robin Fox doesnt usually accept projects where his laser and sound design is not integrated, but having worked with Hear My Eyes previously (co-writing the new score to Suspiria with Chicago producer Hieroglyphic Being), he trusted Green and thought Van Hoesen was a really great choice.

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Hes still involved with the sound in a not insignificant way  as the founding director of MESS, he oversees the musicians and machines used to bring Van Hoesens score to life, quite a beautiful and cranky process. Related Article Australian film Lights, camera, Centennial Park  the worlds biggest short film festival returns to Sydney Meanwhile, designing the lasers that will accompany the film live requires far more restraint than his typical projects. The aesthetic problem is really how much not to do because essentially, you dont want to mess with the experience of seeing the film, he says. The suitability of lasers in some scenes, such as the battle sequences, is obvious, but it becomes less clear in the films quieter passages. Its an interesting question, how do you be poignant with lasers? Fox ponders. Its kind of an oxymoronic proposition, but its been about trying to find these moments. To the naysayers, Green says the key is to come in with an open mind. He cites an email from a huge fan of Guillermo del Toros Pans Labyrinth who attended the Hear My Eyes rework with much apprehension. This person was overwhelmed with emotion in the films final scenes, saying it was the first time the movie had brought them to tears. By changing one thing, this musical element, they experienced so many elements of the movie anew and were more engaged with their emotions, says Green. He hopes that Hear My Eyes T2 reinterpretation will surprise audiences in similar ways. This is just an opportunity to find a new entry point into a film that you know and love and experience it afresh.

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NationalNSWCity life How NSW is fighting a wave of attempted US-style book bans Julie Power February 23, 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

NSW Arts Minister John Graham will fend off a Florida-like wave of attempted book bans and culture wars with new legislation to protect the right of the states 361 public libraries to collect material some may find offensive, and for the public to read what they choose. Were making freedom to read part of the legislation, Graham said, speaking before an event to celebrate the State Library of NSWs 200th anniversary last Friday. If a proposed amendment to the Library Act of 1939 became law, the right to read and collect without pressure from special interest groups would be embedded for generations to come. Graham said the justification for the original legislation was probably truer today than it was 86 years ago. Without libraries, the citizen has no check on indoctrination and propaganda, a report said then. Joseph Damilare visits Green Square library before or after work every day. Lisa Maree Williams There have been at least 309 attempts to exclude 184 titles from library shelves around Australia since 2023, according to reports to the Australian Library and Information Association.

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Association chief executive Cathie Warburton said most related to material about LGBTQ communities. This included multiple attempts to ban Same-Sex Parents by Holly Duhig, the book removed from Cumberland City Councils libraries for two weeks in 2024, creating an international furore. Graham has introduced legislation, likely to be debated in the next few months, to close a loophole: the right of citizens to borrow was enshrined in the existing act, but the right of libraries to collect books and materials relevant to their communities was only a regulation. Historian Grace Karskens earliest memories were of reading in libraries across Sydney. Image courtesy State Library of NSW Only materials prohibited by the Commonwealth Classification Board can be removed from a librarys shelves, and it is the only body with authority to have a book restricted. Graham said the publics right to freely access books would be compromised if libraries were not free to develop their collections because of external pressure.

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City life Why this architect needed a heritage impact statement to change his own work He was motivated by the Cumberland incident and similar controversies in Victoria. He said councillors at Yass Valley and Port Macquarie-Hastings had unsuccessfully attempted to exclude perfectly lawful books. Theyre highly political. And this is an attempt to say: We dont want Florida-style [book bans] here, he said. School districts in the southern American state have banned thousands of books from school libraries, including Beloved by Toni Morrison, Normal People by Sally Rooney, Forever by Judy Blume and Girl with a Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier. Graham said: We want exactly the opposite, where anyone can have access to [the books they want].

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State Librarian Dr Caroline Butler-Bowdon said libraries had never been more vital. Last year, there were more than 28 million visits to public libraries and more than 41 million collection items borrowed. The institution is inviting people to record their memories as part of The Library That Made Me project for its 200th anniversary. Arts Minister John Graham and State Librarian Caroline Butler-Bowdon on Friday before the launch of the 200th anniversary celebrations. Sitthixay Ditthavong Grahams love of reading was nurtured at Albury Library, where he could borrow 10 books to read over the weekend, and then go back and get another 10. It was incredible. Historian, author and professor Grace Karskens, who has spent much of her life doing research in libraries, remembered loving books by Enid Blyton of Famous Five fame but finding they were not available. Certainly NOT! one librarian barked at her.

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Karskens said they were simply told, riveting, fantastic stories. Only later did she realise some libraries would not include them on the grounds that they were not proper literature for young people. Kevin McCloud and Tim Ross at the State Library. McCloud recalls working as a librarian in London. Vanessa Bond, State Library of NSW I didnt turn out too bad, Karskens said. The host of the UKs Grand Designs, Kevin McCloud, recalled landing a job in a London library locating books for people who wanted something they had read decades earlier. I would find [the book] on the old dusty old stacks, and then wrap them up in brown paper and send them ... It was the most brilliant thing because the book became the item for communication, letter writing  these people just thanking us.

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Joseph Damilare said he visited Green Square library almost every day. It allows me to do things that I wouldnt be able to do at work because [its] company time, and when Im at home Im too distracted, so the library is a perfect place for me to get things done. The public has been invited to share their memories via The Library That Made Me online portal. 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 NationalVictoriaCourts Revolver bookkeeper accused of fleecing nightclub out of almost $4.5m Cameron Houston and Marta Pascual Juanola February 23, 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

The owner of Prahran nightclub Revolver has launched a civil claim against the venues bookkeeper, who is accused in court documents of misappropriating almost $4.5 million from the famed late-venue on Chapel Street. Sutasinee McGuigan is accused of siphoning the funds from two bank accounts linked to the nightlife institution between August 2023 and 2025, according to a writ filed with the Supreme Court of Victoria in December. Sutasinee McGuigan (centre) and husband Patrick McGuigan. McGuigans husband and daughter are both named as co-defendants in court documents and are accused of receiving misappropriated funds into their private bank accounts. The writ alleges they wilfully shut their eyes to the obvious fact that the funds had been misappropriated by McGuigan. The 49-year-old bookkeeper allegedly funnelled $1,166,012 into three bank accounts in her name, while a further $2,936,098 was allegedly transferred to a joint bank account she had with husband Patrick McGuigan.

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Her daughter, Alexandra McGuigan is accused of receiving $343,000 which had been misappropriated from the business owned by Melbourne hospitality identity Camillo Ippoliti. The McGuigans are yet to file a defence. Sutasinee McGuigan did not respond to repeated requests for comment when contacted by this masthead. Related Article Lunch with The man in the cage: 15 years inside Melbournes most famous nightclub Revolver is Melbournes longest-running nightclub and the holder of a rare 24-hour liquor licence that allows patrons to party at the club from Friday night and into Monday morning. Losing a weekend at the venue is widely considered a rite of passage for electronic music-loving Melburnians. Known as Pae to colleagues at Revolver, McGuigan allegedly used fake transaction descriptions to conceal 594 payments made to herself or family members, including bogus invoices from international beer companies, plumbers, musicians and suppliers of audio equipment, according to the writ. One transaction listed as reimbursements for the clubs staff Christmas party was diverted to the couples account.

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She is also accused in the writ of breaching her fiduciary duty by making payments to herself and her relatives in bad faith and for an improper purpose being for her personal gain and to the detriment of the plaintiff, according to the statement of claim filed on December 4. McGuigan, who was born in Thailand, had been employed by Revolver since 2010, and a forensic accountant is examining the venues financial affairs over the past 16 years. The Age has confirmed the matter was also reported to detectives at the Stonnington crime investigation unit in Malvern in late December. Charges have not been laid. The Revolver back room, when it is laid out for the Colonel Tans restaurant. Lawyers acting for Ippoliti and his company Taniti Pty Ltd have lodged caveats on several properties owned by the McGuigan family, including apartments in Malvern and St Kilda and a sprawling mansion in Warrandyte North on more than a hectare. The caveats prevent the disposal of a property until any alleged debt has been settled.

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Ippoliti, who divides his time between Melbourne and Byron Bay, declined to comment when contacted by this masthead. Last year, Ippoliti and wife Monika sold their heritage-listed three-storey home on Little Lonsdale Street for $4.55 million. The couple were key players in the rejuvenation of Melbournes CBD and founded some of the citys hippest venues, including Cookie and The Toff In Town. The 70-year-old co-founded Revolver Upstairs with Thai pop star Tan Punturaumporn in 1997, and the Chapel Street club colloquially known as Revs has attracted DJs, graffiti artists and musical acts from around the globe, including Snoop Dog, Fatboy Slim and Banksy. 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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NationalVictoriaCourts The decanting game: Inside Victorias cruel prisoner shuffle Erin Pearson February 23, 2026  4:24pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

Hundreds of Victorians are being moved between police cells each night to battle the states prison overcrowding, with one unsentenced Indigenous man housed in various station cells for 26 days  almost double the legal limit. A police source with knowledge of the case, but who cannot be named, said most Victorian cells have a 14-day limit for holding people. However, the states overcrowding issue is seeing officers move people between cells and to different police stations across the state as part of a process known as decanting. This process allows police to reset the clock and avoid breaching regulations. Melbourne Assessment Prison in Spencer Street. Joe Armao On average, 300 Victorians are being shuffled between police cells  sometimes on the other side of the state  as there are limited prison beds for those on remand, the source said. Last week, lawyers from the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service became involved in a case in Sale, which they say is a human rights issue. An Indigenous man was held for 26 days before being moved into a prison over the weekend.

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I have been moved away from my family and community, for no reason other than to deny my rights and inflict harm and trauma, the man said through his legal team. I was so fearful that I was going to die in police custody. The mans treatment has raised fears about the risks to the health and safety of at-risk Victorians, and the risk of someone dying in a police cell, which is designed for short-term holdings. It has also raised concerns about limiting a persons access to a lawyer or to attend a court hearing in person, rather than via video link, due to distance, if a person has been moved. People have different rights when held in police cells than when held in jail, where the Corrections Act provides provisions for inmates that the police manual does not.

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Related Article Courts Drug boss says prison system treats him cruelly out of embarrassment over his crimes This includes the right to be in the open air for at least an hour each day, the right to be provided with food that is adequate to maintain the health and wellbeing of the prisoner; the right to be treated in a way that is appropriate to the persons status as a person not serving a sentence of imprisonment. Last year, a Supreme Court justice moved a trial from Shepparton to Melbourne after learning an accused person was being held in police cells and woken every two hours. In written reasons released in December, Justice Michael Croucher labelled the practice idiotic and cruel. He questioned whether lengthy criminal trials would no longer be able to be held in regional Victorian towns.

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Sadly, its just a matter of time before theres a death in custody as a result of overcrowding. Wayne Gatt On Monday, Police Association Secretary Wayne Gatt said members shouldnt be put under constant pressure to plug significant gaps within Corrections Victoria. We are down 1545 police in Victoria. Our members ensure that people are taken into custody for the protection of the community. They shouldnt be relied upon to then act as faux prison guards for prisoners who are not their responsibility, Gatt said. Sadly, its just a matter of time before theres a death in custody as a result of overcrowding or extended stays in police cells, if this continues unabated. In November, this masthead revealed that the overcrowding crisis caused by the states toughened bail laws had resulted in prisoners missing court hearings and left frustrated magistrates demanding answers.

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The state amended the Bail Act in March to prioritise community safety and make it tougher to be granted bail for some offences, such as violent crimes. In the three months following the changes, Victoria Legal Aid data showed a 29 per cent rise in the need for duty lawyers for adults and a 50 per cent rise for children in custody on remand. Related Article Courts Courts falling behind in wake of Allans bail changes The change has already created tension, with new arrests being video-linked into court from nearby police stations, including Prahran and Melbourne West, instead of appearing in person, as the cells under Melbourne Magistrates Court were full. When contacted on Monday, a police spokesperson said officers could only transfer a certain number of people to Corrections Victoria each day based on capacity, but that people from vulnerable community groups or who require medical support were prioritised.

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The spokesperson confirmed people were moved to cells further away or in the regions when cell capacity in Melbourne was reached. Victoria Police will continue to work with Corrections Victoria to ensure offenders are placed in appropriate detention facilities in a timely manner. Nobody is placed in a police cell until the relevant risks, management requirements and considerations for the individual have been assessed, they said. Police are believed to be bussing as many as 300 Victorians around the state each night. Jason South Victorian Aboriginal Legal Services chief executive officer Nerita Waight said bail reform issues had reached a point where the state is incapable of meeting the basic human rights of individuals in custody. She said their client was held in police cells for 26 days unsentenced, and alleges he was subjected to overcrowding, unsanitary conditions, denied medication, and restricted phone calls. He was also hospitalised four times since his arrest and isolated from family after being moved 200 kilometres away at one point.

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Waight said police referring to the practice as decanting was inappropriate and being used to extend the length of time they can hold someone in police cells beyond the gazetted limit. VALS repeatedly warned the Victorian government of the human impact of rushing through regressive bail laws. Their tough on crime agenda is not keeping our community safe, instead it is causing significant harm, Waight said. Corrections Victoria have been contacted for comment. 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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Analysis PoliticsFederalPolitical leadership Hanson is close to peak One Nation. The opposition must not follow her James Massola February 23, 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

Pauline Hanson has set a trap, and the Coalition are falling for it. She is drawing more support than ever in her decades in public life. But this past week is an example of why she remains a fringe player, and why a Coalition wanting to form government should be wary of following her lead. One Nation leader Pauline Hanson returns to the Senate. Dominic Lorrimer Last week, Hanson said the quiet bit out loud and, from all indications, it was quite deliberate: Im sorry, how can you tell me there are good Muslims? she asked during an appearance on Sky News After Dark. The firestorm of criticism in response came from all sides. It was correct, entirely predictable and, arguably, gave Hanson exactly what she wanted: more attention in an age where outrage and algorithms dominate politics.

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One Nation Hanson could become our Farage, our Trump. Or she could just flame out Peter Hartcher Political and international editor For 30 years, Hanson has gone out of her way to divide Australians into two groups of people, broadly speaking: real Aussies (usually those who agree with her) and people who arent and who fail her arbitrary test in some way. Her targets have changed. When she started out in politics, it was Asian-Australians and Indigenous Australians. More recently, and especially since returning to the Senate in 2016, Hanson has had it in for Muslim Australians. She has fallen foul of the law for some of her remarks. She lost a racial discrimination case over tweets about Greens senator Mehreen Faruqi in 2022, while the federal police say they are looking to see if Hanson broke any laws with her comments last week. Yet Hansons party is polling like never before. The latest Resolve Political Monitor showed One Nations primary vote, 23 percentage points, as equal to the Coalitions. In other polls, it has moved ahead of the opposition.

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What is not clear is when or if One Nation has peaked, or why Hanson chose to go lower than she arguably ever has before with her good Muslims comment? Has the One Nation leader judged that politics is now so fractious that, like Donald Trump, Nigel Farage, Giorgia Meloni and their respective movements, the time is ripe for a genuine re-shaping of the conservative political landscape in Australia? And that the more extreme her comments, the more she wins over new supporters? Is she spooked because in Angus Taylor, the Coalition now has a more conservative leader who could appeal to and even win back former Liberals who have defected to One Nation? Or did she just over-egg her comments and, rather than walking them back, the 73-year-old decided to dig her heels in? In a perceptive essay, Liberal Foundations, by former MP Keith Wolahan, the former member for the Melbourne seat of Menzies examines in detail the demographic and educational shifts that are re-shaping Australian politics and society.

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Political leadership No good Muslims? Pauline Hanson has removed her racism fig leaf and mulched it Waleed Aly Columnist, author and academic Wolahan points out that in 1996, 23 per cent of Australians were born overseas compared to 32 per cent today. For those with at least one parent born overseas, the number jumps to more than 50 per cent of Australians. Of the top 50 seats by any migrant background, the [Liberal] party now holds only two, Wolahan writes, while noting that One Nations primary vote in Australias major cities is not as strong as in the regions  and that no matter how well One Nation is polling, it would struggle to win any seat in which Labor is competitive, meaning almost every metropolitan electorate. We must clearly distinguish ourselves on migration from One Nation on both policy and tone, Wolahan writes. He is correct. The path back to government for Taylor and his team runs not through the regions and outer suburbs  Peter Dutton tried that in 2025, and it was an abysmal failure  but rather through Australias major cities.

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Hanson was correct when she recently said no party could ever be tougher than One Nation when it came to immigration. She, unlike leader in waiting Barnaby Joyce, doesnt care which communities she offends or how insulting and wrong her rhetoric might be in her unseemly race to win as many votes as possible. But in a nation of migrants, many of them recent, there is a hard ceiling that will limit Hansons rise in the polls, especially in the cities. Preferential voting in the lower house also means the party is unlikely to win more than a handful of seats (no wonder she has spoken against that, too). One Nations presence as a protest party in the Senate, much like the Greens, looks far more assured. For Taylor and his team, the path back to political relevance is much more complex. Yes, they have to win back voters on the right who have drifted to One Nation. But that will only go so far. For the Coalition to have any chance of forming government again, it also has to speak convincingly to the millions of people living in Australias cities who are worried about being able to buy a house or pay their rent, enrol their kids in weekend sport or whether Friday night takeaway is too expensive for a stretched family budget. Treating a government that holds 94 seats as somehow illegitimate, fighting One Nation for a diminishing share of the conservative vote and offering middle Australia little in the way of credible alternative policies is a recipe for disaster  as Dutton found to his cost. 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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Updated WorldEuropeEpstein fallout Ex-British cabinet minister Peter Mandelson released on bail amid Epstein leaks probe David Crowe Updated February 24, 2026  2:13pm ,first published February 24, 2026  4:33am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

British police have released Peter Mandelson on bail about nine hours after arresting the former UK cabinet minister on suspicion of misconduct in public office because of his ties to sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, days after Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was detained on similar grounds. The Labour insider, who was elevated to the House of Lords after decades of senior roles in public life, is under investigation after the release of documents showing he sent confidential government information to Epstein while a minister. Peter Mandelson (centre) is arrested by Metropolitan Police on Monday. BBC Police were seen walking Mandelson to a vehicle on Monday afternoon in London (about 4am on Tuesday, AEDT) and they later confirmed they had begun searching a home in Camden in the north of the city as well as a country property in Wiltshire. Officers have arrested a 72-year-old man on suspicion of misconduct in public office, the Metropolitan Police said.

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Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor Disgraced Andrews secret deals with Epstein pose a grim test for the King He was arrested at an address in Camden on Monday, 23 February and has been taken to a London police station for interview. This follows search warrants at two addresses in the Wiltshire and Camden areas. He was released from Wandsworth police station in London shortly after 1am on Tuesday (noon on Tuesday, AEDT) and seen returning home just before 2am. A 72-year-old man arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office has been released on bail pending further investigation, the Metropolitan Police said.

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The arrest continues the sharp fall from grace for Mandelson, who was a key figure in Tony Blairs rise to prime minister in 1997. He served as a cabinet minister under Blair and his successor, Gordon Brown, and later became a trade commissioner for the European Union. While Mandelsons ties to Epstein were known for years, this did not stop Prime Minister Keir Starmer from appointing him as ambassador to the United States in December 2024, in a decision seen as a way to smooth relations with US President Donald Trump. But more details emerged of Mandelsons friendship with Epstein in the files released last year by the US Department of Justice, including a message from the Labour figure heaping praise on the disgraced financier in a birthday book that also featured personal notes from young girls and business friends. While that led Starmer to remove Mandelson from the ambassadors post at the end of last year, the damage continued when the US Department of Justice released further documents on January 30.

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The latest documents included emails between Mandelson and Epstein that showed the Labour insider was sending government policy advice and other information to his friend in the US. In one example, Mandelson sent Epstein an email in June 2009 with a UK government document outlining a potential policy on asset sales. Mandelson suggested to Epstein that this could lead to land and property sales. In another example, Mandelson appeared to lobby the UK Treasury on banking policy on issues that he had discussed with Epstein. In a third case, the emails showed Mandelson exchanging information with Epstein in June 2010 about a decision by national leaders to rescue banks during the global financial crisis.

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Related Article Royal family Albanese tells UK: We would dump Andrew from royal line of succession Sources tell me 500 b euro bailout, almost compelte [sic], Epstein wrote, in an email with spelling errors. Mandelson replied: Sd be announced tonight. Later in the email chain, he told Epstein he had just left the prime ministers office at Number 10 Downing Street and would call. Decisions on financial rescues were highly confidential during the crisis, with the potential to move share prices once revealed. Brown, who appointed Mandelson to the role of business secretary in 2008, described the emails to Epstein as a complete betrayal of his colleagues, and of the job he was carrying out, he said two weeks ago.

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And, of course, it was a betrayal of the country. Mandelson resigned from the Labour Party this month and stepped down from the House of Lords, parliaments upper chamber. Mandelson in February 2025, during his time as Britains US ambassador. AP Mandelson has denied any wrongdoing. He has previously said he very deeply regretted his association with Epstein. But he has not commented publicly or responded to messages seeking comment on the latest revelations. Starmer has said that Mandelson lied about the extent of his ties to Epstein during the vetting process for his appointment as ambassador.

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The Epstein files released by the US Department of Justice also included conversations about payments to Mandelsons husband, although the former cabinet minister said he had no records of this. More files about Mandelson are due to be released by the UK government in early March, but the arrest has heightened calls for faster action to reveal any British documents that could corroborate the disclosures in the Epstein files. Starmer is also facing calls to reveal more about the security vetting before he appointed Mandelson to the ambassadors post. Time to release the Mandelson files in full, Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch said after Mandelsons arrest. We must know who knew what and when. No more delays. 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.
I dont have time, I will be killed...Mother recounts call of teen girl assaulted in Gurugram





PATNA :

THE Bihar Government has decided to involve scientists and officials of various departments to tackle rising arsenic levels in leafy and root vegetables in some districts, officials said. The State Government is also planning to launch an awareness campaign for farmers in affected areas to inform them about measures being taken by the Government, Agriculture Minister Ram Kripal Yadav told PTI. There is no doubt that arsenic-contaminated groundwater has led to higher concentrations in leafy vegetables, root vegetables including potatoes, and other agricultural produce in certain parts of the State. It is a matter of serious concern, Yadav said.

He said that scientists and officials from the Public Health and Engineering (PHED), Health, and Minor Water Resources departments will be engaged to curb arsenic concentration in vegetables. According to Bihar Agriculture Department officials, arsenic concentration has been recorded at 0.1 mg per kg in leafy vegetables, 0.3 mg per kg in root vegetables, and 1.0 mg per kg in paddy crops. Bihar PHED Minister Sanjay Kumar Singh had recently told the State Assembly that arsenic was detected in groundwater in 14 districts, fluoride in 11 districts, and iron in 12 districts. He said in some areas, nitrate levels also exceeded prescribed standards, prompting the marking of hand pumps with red paint to warn residents. against using the water for drinking purposes.

Singh told PTI that the State Government is providing safe drinking water under the Har Ghar Nal ka Jal scheme, and planning alternative measures to supply safe water to farmers for agriculture. Regular water quality tests are being conducted, and toll-free and WhatsApp numbers have been issued to address complaints related to drinking water supply. The permissible limit of arsenic is 0.01 mg per litre and fluoride 1.0 mg per litre. Exceeding these limits can cause health issues like bone fluorosis and tooth decay. Arsenic purification equipment has been installed in 4,709 wards to ensure safe water, Singh added.
McGraw Hill, Inc. (NYSE:MH) is among the 11 Newly-Listed NYSE Stocks to Buy Now.

JPMorgan Raises its Price Target on McGraw Hill, Inc. (MH) to $22 and Maintains an Overweight Rating

On February 12, 2026, JPMorgan raised its price target on McGraw Hill, Inc. (NYSE:MH) to $22 from $21 and maintained an Overweight rating. That same day, Baird lowered its price target to $19 from $21 while keeping an Outperform rating, updating its model after strong results and a guidance increase. UBS also lifted its price target on February 12 to $17 from $16 and reiterated a Neutral rating. UBS said shares are likely to move higher following strong Q3 results and a raised outlook, driven by share gains in Higher Education and better-than-expected performance in K-12. The firm added that the guidance implies upside in Q4 and a return to growth with margin expansion in fiscal 2027. While UBS views execution as solid and notes a normalized free cash flow yield near 9%, the firm believes uncertainty around AIs long-term impact could limit multiple expansion.

On February 11, 2026, McGraw Hill, Inc. (NYSE:MH) reported Q3 revenue of $434.2M compared with the consensus of $410.11M. Simon Allen, who retired as President and CEO on February 9, described the results as a testament to our teams disciplined execution and highlighted progress in digital transformation and data-driven solutions supporting personalized learning. Simon Allen said he will remain Chair of the Board and expressed confidence in successor Philip Moyer, citing Philip Moyers expertise in technology and artificial intelligence as aligned with the companys next phase of growth.

McGraw Hill, Inc. (NYSE:MH), doing business as McGraw Hill, provides information solutions across K-12, Higher Education, Global Professional, and International segments in the United States and internationally.

While we acknowledge the potential of MH as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If youre looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock .

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Mamata critical to INDIA blocs survival: Mani Shankar Aiyar





KOLKATA :

VETERAN Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar, on Sunday, stirred political debate by asserting that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is central to the survival of the Opposition INDIA bloc, while also expressing uncertainty over his own existence in the Congress. Speaking to IANS, Aiyar said the Opposition INDIA bloc would lose its relevance without Mamata Banerjees presence. Without Mamata di, the I, N, D, I, A of the INDIA alliance all will be gone. Because Mamata Banerjee is the leader of this alliance, the veteran Congress leader said, adding that leaders from regional parties such as DMK Chief M.K. Stalin, Samajwadi Party Chief Akhilesh Yadav, and Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Tejashwi Yadav could also play a leading role. In a pointed remark, Aiyar suggested that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi should allow leaders of smaller parties to steer the INDIA bloc instead of trying to occupy the top position.

The veteran Congress leader also indicated a strained relationship with his own party, referring to comments by the partys General Secretary (Organisation) K C Venugopal that, he claimed, suggested possible disciplinary action against him. I consider myself to be in Congress, but it seems they may have decided to expel me. However, I have not received any formal letter, Aiyar said.

He added that although reports suggested he had been expelled, he had received no official communication. If you want the Congress view, ask a Congressman, Aiyar remarked, while also saying that he believed many within the Congress support Mamata Banerjee. Recalling his early political association with Mamata Banerjee, Aiyar said he briefly joined the Trinamool Congress in 1997 and served as its first National Secretary but left within weeks, concluding that the party was rooted in Bengali identity. On the occasion of International Mother Language Day, he emphasised the importance of language to cultural identity, referring to the Bengali language movement in Dhaka led by Bangladeshs founder Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
PM flags off Meerut Metro, Namo Bharat train





MEERUT (UP) :

The Meerut Metro will be Indias fastest metro system with a maximum operational speed of around 120 kmph

PRIME Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday flagged off the Meerut Metro and Namo Bharat train from the Shatabdi Nagar station here, giving a fillip to high-speed intercity travel and swift intra-city movement. From there, the Prime Minister also undertook a metro ride till Meerut South station. The Prime Minister dedicated to the nation the entire 82 Km Delhi Meerut Namo Bharat corridor and inaugurated the remaining sections of Indias first Namo Bharat Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS), which 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 Indias 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 station, the originating station of the corridor, is one of the four Namo Bharat stations commissioned with this inauguration. It is strategically located as a major multi-modal hub, seamlessly connecting Hazrat Nizamuddin railway station, Delhi Metros pink line, Veer Haqeeqat Rai ISBT, and the ring road. The other three Namo Bharat stations --- Shatabdi Nagar, Begumpul and Modipuram --- being commissioned are in Meerut. The Prime Minister also inaugurated the 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.

The Meerut Metro will be Indias fastest metro system with a maximum operational speed of around 120 kmph. The metro will cover the entire stretch in just 30 minutes, with all scheduled stoppages en route. This seamless integration of Namo Bharat and Meerut Metro on the same infrastructure will ensure high-speed intercity travel and swift intra-city movement, setting a benchmark for integrated urban and regional transit in India. It will decongest road traffic and consequently lead to a significant reduction in vehicular carbon dioxide emissions. These projects will provide further impetus to the Prime Ministers vision of transforming urban mobility and ensuring seamless, efficient, modern and sustainable public transport systems that improve ease of living for citizens, the statement said.
Republicans divided on Trumps tariffs





By Stephen Groves

WASHINGTON

FOR a few hours on Friday, congressional Republicans seemed to get some relief from one of the largest points of friction they have had with the Trump administration. It didnt last. The Supreme Court struck down a significant portion of President Donald Trumps global tariff regime, ruling that the power to impose taxes lies with Congress. Many Republicans greeted the Friday morning decision with measured statements, some even praising it, and party leaders said they would work with Trump on tariffs going forward. But by the afternoon, Trump made clear he had no intention of working with Congress and would instead go it alone by imposing a new global 10 per cent import tax. On Saturday morning, he went further by saying he would raise that new tariff to 15 per cent. Hes doing so under a law that restricts the tariffs to 150 days and has never been invoked this way before. His decision could not only have major implications for the global economy, but also ensure that Republicans will have to keep answering for Trumps tariffs for months to come, especially as the midterm elections near.

I have the right to do tariffs, and Ive always had the right to do tariffs, Trump said at a news conference, adding that he doesnt need Congress. Tariffs have been one of the only areas where the Republican-controlled Congress has broken with Trump. Both the House and Senate at various points have passed resolutions intended to rebuke the tariffs being imposed on trade partners like Canada. Its the rare issue where Republican lawmakers who came of age in a party that largely championed free trade have voiced criticism of Trumps economic policies. The empty merits of sweeping trade wars with Americas friends were evident long before todays decision, Sen. Mitch McConnell, the former longtime Senate Republican leader, said in a statement, adding that tariffs raise the prices of houses and disrupt other industries important to his home state of Kentucky.

At least one Republican congressman who last week voted against Trumps tariffs on Canada is now facing political consequences. Trump on Saturday posted on his Truth Social platform that he was rescinding his endorsement of Colorado Rep. Jeff Hurd for re-election over his lack of support for tariffs and instead supporting Hurds Republican primary competitor, Hope Scheppelman. Congressman Hurd is one of a small number of Legislators who have let me and our Country down, Trump wrote. He is more interested in protecting Foreign Countries that have been ripping us off for decades than he is the United States of America. Democrats, looking to win back control of Congress, intend to make McConnells point their own. At a news conference Friday, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said Trumps new tariffs will still raise peoples costs and they will hurt the American people as much as his old tariffs did. Schumer challenged Republicans to stop Trump from imposing his new global tariff. Democrats on Friday also called for refunds to be sent to U.S. Consumers for the tariffs struck down by the Supreme Court.

The American people paid for these tariffs and the American people should get their money back, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., said on social media. It all played into one of the Democrats central messages for the midterm campaign: that Trump has failed to make the cost of living more affordable and has inflamed prices with tariffs. Midsize US businesses have had to absorb the import taxes by passing them along to customers in the form of higher prices, employing fewer workers or accepting lower profits, according to an analysis by the JPMorganChase Institute. Will Congress act on Trumps new tariffs?: The Supreme Court decision on Friday made it clear that a majority of justices believe that Congress alone is granted authority under the Constitution to levy tariffs. Yet Trump quickly signed an executive order citing the Trade Act of 1974, which grants the President the power to impose temporary import taxes when there are large and serious United States balance-of-payments deficits or other international payment problems. The authority has never been used and therefore never tested in court. Republicans at times have warned Trump about the potential economic fallout of his tariff plans. Yet before Trumps Liberation Day of global tariffs in April last year, Republican leaders declined to directly defy the President. Some GOP lawmakers cheered on the new tariff policy, highlighting a generational divide among Republicans, with a mostly younger group of Republicans fiercely backing Trumps strategy. Rather than adhering to traditional free trade doctrine, they advocate for America First protectionism, hoping it will revive US manufacturing.
Sadar Police nab two in Std XII paper leak case





Staff Reporter :

Sadar Police on Sunday arrested two persons in connection with the Std XII Physics and Chemistry paper leak that recently surfaced at the St Ursula High School examination centre in Civil Lines. The accused have been identified as Nishikant Sukhdeo Mool (40), a resident of Zingabai Takli, and Farhan Akhtar Fahim (18) of Kapil Nagar. Both were produced before the court, which granted police custody remand till February 26 for further questioning. Tutor of small batches Police said Mool works as a private tutor and runs small tuition batches of around 10 to 12 students. During the investigation, officers found that the WhatsApp group through which the question papers were allegedly circulated had been created by him.

The mobile number used to run the group was also registered in his name. Farhan Fahim, the second accused, is a student. Investigators believe he was part of the same student group and allegedly posted answers to the question paper that had been shared there. Police are now verifying his exact role and whether he was acting on someone elses instructions.

Chemistry paper on WhatsApp The arrests follow the detection of a serious breach in exam security on February 21. The scam came to light when the Chemistry question paper was found on a students mobile phone even before the exam began at the St Ursula centre. Suspicion was first raised by a supervising teacher who noticed a girl student repeatedly asking to visit the toilet. Finding her behaviour unusual, the teacher checked and seized her phone. The inspection reportedly revealed that the Chemistry paper, along with possible answers, had already been circulating in a WhatsApp group. Based on the findings, Sadar Police registered an offence under Section 6 of the Maharashtra Prevention of Malpractices at University, Board and Other Specified Examinations Act, 1982, against unknown persons.

Further inquiry confirmed that the Chemistry paper dated February 18 and portions of the Physics paper dated February 16 were present on students phones before the exams started. Officials noted that the Chemistry paper was shared at 10.37 am  about 23 minutes before the scheduled start time of 11 am  from mobile number 9579874939. Education Officer (Secondary), Zilla Parishad, Nagpur, Anil Dahiphale, along with Extension Officer Ramesh Harde, examined the seized devices. A joint verification by Dahiphale, Deputy Education Officer Praveen Kamble and Deputy Education Officer Kiran Chinkure confirmed that the leaked paper matched the original question paper. Police said the timing of the messages clearly points to unauthorised access to confidential exam material. Technical analysis, including call detail records and WhatsApp data, is now underway to trace the full source and determine if a larger network is involved. The investigation is being carried out by Senior Police Inspector Amol Deshmukh of Sadar police station under the guidance of DCP Zone I Nityanand Jha.

CM for revoking exam centre found involved in copying

Taking serious cognisance of cases of copying in HSC examination conducted by Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that examination centres where mass copying for classes 10 and 12 board exams is reported will be permanently revoked. Meanwhile, Nagpur Divisional Board has changed the complete staff deployed for examination work at St Ursula High School and Junior College as two students of Class 12 were found to have Chemistry and Physics papers on their WhatsApp groups at that centre. Nagpur Divisional Board Chairman Shivling Patwe has instructed that the seal of the question papers should not be opened before 11 am. Usually the sealed pack of question paper reaches centre by 10.30 am and gets opened then. According to Patwe, the fiasco that took place at St Ursula, Contd from page 1 was because of the early opening of the pack of question papers.

he board papers are delivered to the examination centers through custodians. The 12th examination is being conducted at 88 examination centers in Nagpur city and 84 in Nagpur rural. During a surprise inspection at a centre at Washim, at least 26 staff members of a college have been booked after a mass copying incident during HSC examination. 581 students had allegedly indulged in mass copying at the centre when they were writing Physics paper. When The Hitavada contacted senior official of State Board, he said, These copying cases were not expected as strict vigil was planned. Now Government has decided to take strict measures. Before Washim the cases were reported in Beed, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, and Jalna districts. St. Ursula High School and Junior College has been designated as the examination center for the 12th standard examination of 688 students of various branches from five junior colleges in the city. These include S.F. S. Junior College, Jawahar Knight Junior College, Islamia Science Junior College, Sandipani and St. Ursula High School and Junior College.
Terror conspiracy Bangladeshi national among 8 arrested





NEW DELHI :

Six of the suspects have been arrested from different parts of Tamil Nadu. Prominent religious places in India were on their target list

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 groups 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 Polices 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 LeTs 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. An FIR was registered and further investigation launched by the Special Cell. The initial groundwork was carried out by a team of the Delhi Polices 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.
Top Maoist leader Devji surrenders





HYDERABAD :

TOP Maoist commander and the organisations key strategist Thippiri Tirupati alias Devji has surrendered, a top police official said on Sunday. Devji hails from Telanganas 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 CPI (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 Governments 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 Peoples 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. 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. 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 Maharashtras 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. Security forces led by the CRPF 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 Governments 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.
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Kenya's construction industry offers growth opportunities driven by investments in transport, renewable energy, and housing. Key projects like the China-Kenya International Commerce Center and mega dams aim to boost trade, employment, and infrastructure, aligning with renewable energy and infrastructure expansion goals.

Dublin, Feb. 23, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Kenya Construction Market Size, Trends, and Forecasts by Sector - Commercial, Industrial, Infrastructure, Energy and Utilities, Institutional and Residential Market Analysis to 2029 (H2 2025)" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



Construction industry in Kenya to expand by 2.9% in real terms in 2025, supported by investments in transport, renewable energy and housing.

According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), construction industry value-add grew by 5.7% year on year (YoY) in Q2 2025, preceded by YoY growth of 3% in Q1 2025 and 2.9% in Q4 2024. According to the Central Bank of Kenya, total domestic credit to the construction industry grew by 17.6% YoY in the first eight months of 2025.

In October 2025, Kenyan President William Ruto started the construction of the China-Kenya International Commerce Center in Nairobi. With an expected investment of KES5 billion ($38.7 million), the project aims to enhance trade and investment between China and Kenya. The project involves the development of the mixed-use center on an area of 68,000m2, comprising an exhibition and trade center, a five-star hotel, and modern facilities.



Over the remainder of the forecast period, the construction industry is expected to register an average annual growth of 5.5% between 2026 and 2029, supported by government investments in road and transport infrastructure, coupled with investment in energy in line with the country's target of achieving 100% renewable energy by 2030 and expand the country's energy grid capacity to 100GW by 2040.

In October 2025, Kenya's President announced plans to construct 50 mega dams across the country to address food insecurity, reduce reliance on food imports and increase electricity generation, coupled with aims to create employment opportunities in the country. The total estimated costs for these dams are KES1.7 trillion ($11.6 billion). The government plans to fund this program through a new National Infrastructure Fund, involving the national budget, private sector contributions, and proceeds from privatization.

In October 2025, Kenya's President Ruto announced plans to invest KES4.6 trillion ($31 billion) to develop the country's infrastructure over the next decade. Accordingly, the funds will be pooled from the the government budget, state asset sales, and private sector to construct new railways, roads and power projects across the country.
Klarna highlighted growth in transaction margin dollars before and after provisions, while acknowledging that one profitability metric fell short of its guidance. Siemiatkowski said transaction margin dollars before provisions grew 31% year-over-year to $622 million . After provisions , transaction margin dollars were $372 million , up 17% year-over-year and up 28% sequentially from Q3.

For full-year 2025, Siemiatkowski said Klarna processed over $127 billion of volume across 26 markets and three continents , positioning the business as a bank with an exceptional network that is expanding across key top-line metrics.

Siemiatkowski said active consumers reached 180 million , up 28% year-over-year, and merchants grew to 966,000 , up 42% . Gross merchandise volume (GMV) was $38.7 billion , which management said was above the top end of guidance. Revenue grew 38% to over $1 billion , which also beat guidance.

Klarna Group (NYSE:KLAR) reported what management described as an accelerating adoption of its expanded set of banking services in Q4 2025, including the Klarna Card, deposit accounts, and fair financing, alongside its core buy now, pay later (BNPL) offering. On the companys earnings call, CEO Sebastian Siemiatkowski said growth in these products outpaced internal expectations during the quarter, while the company also emphasized that rapid lending growth can pressure near-term reported profitability due to upfront provisioning mechanics.

Banking product adoption and capital efficiency acceleratedcard users rose to 4.2M (+288%), deposits reached $13B , banking customers hit 15.8M (+101%), and Klarna sold about $1.6B of loans in Q4 (recognizing $73M gain) while guiding for continued GMV/revenue growth and margin improvement into H2 2026.

Rapid lending growth pressured nearterm profitability due to upfront provisioning: transaction margin dollars were $622M before provisions and $372M after, and a Q4 U.S. cohort example showed $2.5B originations with $80M in provisions booked upfront versus $40M revenue recognized.

Klarna outperformed guidance in Q4 , reporting 180 million active consumers (+28% YoY), 966,000 merchants (+42%), GMV of $38.7 billion and revenue up 38% to over $1 billion , while processing over $127 billion in 2025 across 26 markets.

Story Continues

 MarketBeat Week in Review  02/16 - 02/20

Affirm Just Crushed EarningsBut Can It Outrun Klarnas Scale?

However, Siemiatkowski said Q4s transaction margin dollars did not land where we guided, attributing that primarily to the acceleration in lending growth and the accounting timing effect of booking expected credit losses upfront while recognizing revenue over time.

To illustrate, management walked through a simplified cohort example in which a loan cohort may generate lifetime profit, but the first quarter shows a drag because provisions are recognized immediately while revenue accrues over subsequent quarters. Siemiatkowski gave a specific Klarna example for the quarter: on $2.5 billion of U.S. BNPL financing portfolio originated in Q4 2025, the company booked $80 million in provisions upfront and recognized $40 million in revenue, which he described as a near-term headwind. He also said there was $180 million of interest income still to come on that cohort while the expected credit losses had already been provisioned.

 Opendoor Pops After Earnings, But the Big Question Hasnt Changed

Management linked the Q4 timing pressure to stronger-than-expected adoption of banking products, including fair financing, which Siemiatkowski said was growing at 165% annually on a GMV basis.

Loan sales and forward flow programs

To support growth in a capital-efficient manner, Klarna said it ramped loan sales and initiated its first fair financing forward flow during Q4 2025, with $73 million of gain on sales recognized in the quarter. CFO Niclas Neglen later said Klarna sold about $1.6 billion in Q4 and expected a Q1 transaction that would be slightly smaller, adding that the company would execute additional sales as and when it makes sense, without committing to a specific percentage of production sold.

In response to an investor question about delinquency trends following elevated provisions cited in Q3 2025, Neglen said credit performance was stable rather than deteriorating. He said provisions for credit losses declined in Q4 versus Q3 from 0.72% of GMV to 0.65%, attributing that to stable delinquency trends and the impact of increased loan sales.

Partnerships, merchant expansion, and product ubiquity

Management emphasized distribution partnerships as a driver of merchant growth and wider product availability at checkout. Siemiatkowski said Klarna added 285,000 merchants over the year and continued scaling its default relationship with Stripe, began a default rollout with Nexi through Paytrail, and expanded Apple Pay and Google Pay into additional markets. He also cited new partnerships with Emirates, LEGO, Vinted, and StockX, along with deepened relationships with Walmart, Lufthansa, and Etsy.

Siemiatkowski said the company doubled the number of merchants where fair financing is available and expanded its pay-in-full product to nearly half of its total merchant base. He framed the approach as ensuring relevant payment optionspay now, pay later, and fair financingare available across more checkout experiences, including through partners such as Stripe and Adyen.

Banking customer adoption, card usage, and efficiency focus

Klarna pointed to rapid adoption of its card and deposit offerings. Siemiatkowski said active card users grew to 4.2 million, up 288% year-over-year. Consumer deposits reached $13 billion, up 37%, and banking customers reached 15.8 million, growing 101% year-over-year.

Management contrasted engagement and monetization between the broader consumer base and banking customers:

Overall consumers (180 million) transact about 10x per year with an average revenue per user (ARPU) of about $30 .

Banking customers (15.8 million) transact about 28.5x per year with ARPU of $107 .

Average deposits increase from $64 for paying customers to $475 for banking customers, while credit balances were described as modest.

On credit, Siemiatkowski said Klarna does not issue revolving credit and underwrites every transaction, citing stable 3%4% charge-off rates for its U.S. fair financing product. He also described Klarnas operating model as technology-driven and headcount-efficient, noting revenue per employee reached $1.24 million in 2025 and was up 3.6x since 2022. He said revenue has grown 104% since 2022 while adjusted operating expenses declined 8%.

On the Klarna Card, Siemiatkowski said early usage showed a healthy proportion of debit, day-to-day spendingrather than being used only for pay later or financing transactionsacross both the U.S. and Europe. Neglen added that the card was supporting growth even in established markets such as Sweden, which he said has roughly 80% population penetration.

Looking ahead, management discussed 2026 guidance at a high level, indicating it expects GMV and revenue growth in line with 2025, transaction margin dollars as a percentage of GMV broadly consistent with Q4 2025 amid continued scaling, and an acceleration in transaction margin growth into the second half as cohorts mature. Executives also said they were focused on improving processing and servicing costs over time, including by driving more transactions through Klarnas own rails as balances and refunds increasingly flow through its accounts.

About Klarna Group (NYSE:KLAR)

Klarna Group is a global payments provider specializing in buy now, pay later (BNPL) solutions for online and in-store shoppers. The company partners with merchants to offer flexible payment options, including interest-free installments and deferred payments, aiming to enhance conversion rates and customer loyalty. Klarnas platform integrates risk assessment, fraud prevention, and a one-click checkout experience to streamline transactions for both retailers and consumers.

Through its digital wallet and mobile app, Klarna enables users to manage purchases, track spending and access exclusive shopping offers from partner merchants.

The article "Klarna Group Q4 Earnings Call Highlights" was originally published by MarketBeat.
A number of firms have modified their ratings and price targets on shares of DaVita (NYSE: DVA) recently:

2/21/2026  DaVita was upgraded by analysts at Wall Street Zen from a hold rating to a buy rating.

2/5/2026  DaVita was given a new $158.00 price target on by analysts at Truist Financial Corporation.

2/4/2026  DaVita had its price target raised by analysts at UBS Group AG from $186.00 to $190.00. They now have a buy rating on the stock.

2/4/2026  DaVita was upgraded by analysts at Zacks Research from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating.

2/3/2026  DaVita had its hold rating reaffirmed by analysts at TD Cowen.

2/3/2026  DaVita had its price target raised by analysts at Barclays PLC from $143.00 to $158.00. They now have an equal weight rating on the stock.

1/5/2026  DaVita had its price target lowered by analysts at Truist Financial Corporation from $140.00 to $128.00. They now have a hold rating on the stock.

12/29/2025  DaVita had its hold (c) rating reaffirmed by analysts at Weiss Ratings.

DaVita Inc (NYSE: DVA) is a leading provider of kidney care services, specializing in the management and operation of outpatient dialysis centers for patients with chronic kidney failure and end-stage renal disease. Headquartered in Denver, Colorado, the company offers a comprehensive suite of treatment modalities, including in-center hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and home dialysis therapies. In addition to its core dialysis services, DaVita provides patient education, nutritional counseling, vascular access management and related laboratory services to support kidney health and overall patient well-being.

Since its formation in the mid-1990s through a clinical management services spin-off, DaVita has expanded both organically and through strategic partnerships and acquisitions.

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OReilly Automotive, AutoZone, Rivian Automotive, Monolithic Power Systems, and Keysight Technologies are the five Automotive stocks to watch today, according to MarketBeats stock screener tool. Automotive stocks are shares of publicly traded companies whose primary business is designing, manufacturing, selling, or supplying motor vehicles and related products and services (including automakers, parts suppliers, battery/EV firms, and dealerships). For investors, these stocks provide exposure to the auto industrys revenue driversvehicle demand, technological change (electrification, autonomy), supply-chain dynamics and regulatory shiftsso they tend to be sensitive to economic cycles and industry-specific risks. These companies had the highest dollar trading volume of any Automotive stocks within the last several days.

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OReilly Automotive (ORLY)

OReilly Automotive, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, operates as a retailer and supplier of automotive aftermarket parts, tools, supplies, equipment, and accessories in the United States, Puerto Rico, and Mexico. The company provides new and remanufactured automotive hard parts and maintenance items, such as alternators, batteries, brake system components, belts, chassis parts, driveline parts, engine parts, fuel pumps, hoses, starters, temperature control, water pumps, antifreeze, appearance products, engine additives, filters, fluids, lighting products, and oil and wiper blades; and accessories, including floor mats, seat covers, and truck accessories.

AutoZone (AZO)

AutoZone, Inc. retails and distributes automotive replacement parts and accessories in the United States, Mexico, and Brazil. The company provides various products for cars, sport utility vehicles, vans, and light trucks, including new and remanufactured automotive hard parts, maintenance items, accessories, and non-automotive products.

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Rivian Automotive (RIVN)

Rivian Automotive, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, designs, develops, manufactures, and sells electric vehicles and accessories. The company offers consumer vehicles, including a two-row, five-passenger pickup truck under the R1T brand, a three-row, seven-passenger sport utility vehicle under the R1S name.

Read Our Latest Research Report on RIVN

Monolithic Power Systems (MPWR)

Monolithic Power Systems, Inc. engages in the design, development, marketing, and sale of semiconductor-based power electronics solutions for the storage and computing, automotive, enterprise data, consumer, communications, and industrial markets. The company provides direct current (DC) to DC integrated circuits (ICs) that are used to convert and control voltages of various electronic systems, such as cloud-based CPU servers, server artificial intelligence applications, storage applications, commercial notebooks, digital cockpit, power sources, home appliances, 4G and 5G infrastructure, and satellite communications applications.

Read Our Latest Research Report on MPWR

Keysight Technologies (KEYS)

Keysight Technologies, Inc. provides electronic design and test solutions to commercial communications, networking, aerospace, defense and government, automotive, energy, semiconductor, electronic, and education industries in the Americas, Europe, and the Asia Pacific. The company operates in two segments, Communications Solutions Group and Electronic Industrial Solutions Group.

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Black Diamond Group Limited (TSE:BDI  Get Free Report)s share price reached a new 52-week high during trading on Monday . The stock traded as high as C$17.58 and last traded at C$17.42, with a volume of 5976 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at C$17.50.

Analyst Ratings Changes

BDI has been the topic of a number of research analyst reports. BMO Capital Markets raised their price target on Black Diamond Group from C$18.00 to C$20.00 in a research note on Friday, January 16th. Raymond James Financial cut shares of Black Diamond Group from a strong-buy rating to a moderate buy rating and raised their target price for the stock from C$18.00 to C$20.00 in a research report on Tuesday, January 20th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Buy and a consensus target price of C$18.50.

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Black Diamond Group Stock Down 1.8%

About Black Diamond Group

The company has a current ratio of 1.17, a quick ratio of 1.05 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 88.46. The firm has a market capitalization of C$1.16 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 29.62 and a beta of 0.96. The firm has a 50 day moving average price of C$15.86 and a two-hundred day moving average price of C$14.24.

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Black Diamond Group Ltd rents and sells space rental solutions and modular workforce accommodations to business customers in Canada, the United States and Australia. The company also provides specialized field rentals to the oil and gas industries of Canada and the United States. Besides, Black Diamond Group provides turnkey lodging services, as well as a host of related services that include transportation, installation, dismantling, repairs, maintenance, and ancillary field equipment rentals. From its locations, the company serves multiple sectors including oil and gas, mining, power, construction, engineering, military, government, and education.

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Data#3 (ASX:DTL) executives outlined record first-half gross sales and modest earnings growth in a briefing on the companys interim FY26 results, while highlighting the waning impact of Microsoft channel incentive changes and continued demand in infrastructure and software.

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Record gross sales, stable gross profit, and dividend increase

CEO and Managing Director Brad Colledge said gross sales reached a record AUD 1.5 billion for the first half of FY26, up more than 9% from the prior corresponding period, driven by growth across most business units and particularly in managed services, infrastructure solutions, and software solutions.

Gross profit was, described as consistent with the prior half, with the software result affected by expected Microsoft channel incentive program changes. Colledge said the average gross margin declined tofromin the prior corresponding period, attributing the shift to the Microsoft incentive changes. He said the impact is largely behind us and should be immaterial, noting the incentives took effect on 1 January 2025.

For profitability, management reported first-half profit before tax (PBT) of AUD 33.5 million, up 4.5%, and said EBIT rose more than 6%. Earnings per share increased 3.6%. The board declared a fully franked interim dividend of AUD 0.135 per share, with CFO Cherie ORiordan stating the payout ratio was 90.3%.

Operating segment performance: Infrastructure strength offsets software margin pressure

ORiordan provided details across operating segments, describing strong demand in infrastructure and ongoing growth in software sales, while noting mixed conditions in services.

Services: Gross sales of AUD 205 million rose 0.9% . Managed services sales grew almost 16% , supported by contract wins and improved renewals. Business-aspect consulting rose more than 9% to AUD 16 million , with improved pipeline in areas including information analytics, security, and transformation. Project services sales of nearly AUD 37 million fell about 13% , which management attributed to prolonged lead times and project delays as customers managed IT budgets. People Solutions sales declined 4.8% to AUD 30.7 million . Managed maintenance services sales of AUD 90.6 million increased almost 4% , and the company said a strong second-half pipeline of Cisco enterprise agreements should support improvement. Services gross profit declined 4.2% to AUD 69.5 million , and management profit fell almost 14% to AUD 12 million , partly offset by cost control.

Gross sales of rose . Managed services sales grew almost , supported by contract wins and improved renewals. Business-aspect consulting rose more than to , with improved pipeline in areas including information analytics, security, and transformation. Project services sales of nearly fell about , which management attributed to prolonged lead times and project delays as customers managed IT budgets. People Solutions sales declined to . Managed maintenance services sales of increased almost , and the company said a strong second-half pipeline of Cisco enterprise agreements should support improvement. Services gross profit declined to , and management profit fell almost to , partly offset by cost control. Infrastructure solutions: Gross sales increased almost 18% to AUD 275 million , with management noting end-user computing and data center sales were each up about 30% . ORiordan cited Windows 11 upgrades, device refresh cycles (including AI PCs), and customer moves toward hybrid cloud and AI adoption. Infrastructure gross profit rose almost 17% to AUD 36.8 million , while gross margin was steady at 13.4% . Management profit increased more than 105% to nearly AUD 11 million , which the company linked to improved operating leverage and automation and restructuring initiatives implemented during FY25.

Gross sales increased almost to , with management noting end-user computing and data center sales were each up about . ORiordan cited Windows 11 upgrades, device refresh cycles (including AI PCs), and customer moves toward hybrid cloud and AI adoption. Infrastructure gross profit rose almost to , while gross margin was steady at . Management profit increased more than to nearly , which the company linked to improved operating leverage and automation and restructuring initiatives implemented during FY25. Software solutions: Gross sales were AUD 1.1 billion, up almost 9%, driven by demand for security products, enterprise agreements, Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) conversions, Azure, and growth with non-Microsoft vendors including Adobe and VMware. However, gross profit of AUD 37.5 million fell more than 4%, with gross margin down to 3.5% from 4.0%. Management profit declined more than 9% to AUD 19.7 million, reflecting Microsoft incentive changes. The company said it implemented initiatives to mitigate the impact and expects the software business to return to gross profit growth in the second half, resulting in full-year software gross profit consistent with FY25.

Costs, interest income, and balance sheet highlights

ORiordan said statutory revenue increased more than 8% to AUD 423 million, noting that software licensing and vendor-delivered maintenance support sales are presented on a net revenue basis. Operating expenses, including internal staff costs, were down 1% year over year, which management attributed to tight cost control, some unfilled roles, and a prior period that included higher restructuring costs. She also cited a non-recurring lease adjustment in the half related to an upcoming office relocation.

First-half earnings included AUD 6.3 million of interest revenue (versus AUD 6.5 million in the prior half). ORiordan said the company was forecasting interest income of about AUD 9.6 million for FY26, assuming cash seasonality similar to FY25 and no further cash rate changes in the second half.

At 31 December 2025, cash was AUD 125.4 million, compared with AUD 131 million at the prior year-end reference point provided. Net cash outflow from operating activities in the first half was AUD 204.3 million (prior year outflow AUD 123.8 million), which management said reflected timing differences in customer collections. ORiordan also said average daily cash balance was AUD 347 million, up nearly 12%, and days sales outstanding was maintained at 25 days. The companys internal cost ratio improved to 81.2% from 82.2%, which management attributed to prior restructuring, automation initiatives, and cost management.

Market conditions, AI focus, and FY26 outlook commentary

Colledge referenced Gartner expectations for calendar year 2026, including Australian technology spending growth of 8.9% to approximately AUD 172 billion, with software spending forecast to rise 13.6% to nearly AUD 60 billion. He also cited forecast growth in devices of 6.6% and IT services growth of 5.6%, while noting memory chip price increases and availability could pose risks in devices. Colledge said AI-related infrastructure investments are driving data center growth of 22.5% and added that the company is seeing renewed interest in hybrid cloud as customers weigh environments for AI and non-AI workloads.

Management emphasized that AI is embedded across the business and described measurable internal efficiency gains, including reduced human hours in product pricing management, ordering, and invoice-related processes. Colledge also said proof-of-concepts can now be delivered in days rather than weeks or months, and that AI agents are streamlining solution design and testing.

On outlook, Colledge reiterated that the company is not providing specific FY26 earnings guidance and noted seasonality, with an earnings skew to the second half and significant months in May and June. In Q&A, he said the outlook was unchanged from prior commentary, expecting the software business to return to growth in the second half now that the company has cycled the 12-month Microsoft incentive change period. When asked about gross profit growth for FY26, Colledge said achieving 7% to 9% growth would be a great result, while noting the companys exposure to market factors.

Executives also discussed project delays in services, citing budget and interest-rate uncertainty, technology complexity (including AI-related complexity), and more stakeholders involved in purchasing decisions. Colledge referenced Gartner reporting that 910 people may now be involved in decision-making, versus 34 previously.

On infrastructure, Colledge said the company has started to see vendor price increases in February and discussed potential customer pull-forward demand, but also the risk of delayed fulfillment if supply constraints emerge in Q4. He characterized the memory-price and supply dynamics as potentially lasting 1218 months.

Regarding vendor programs, management said Ciscos new 360 Partner Program launched in February 2026, but the company does not expect it to have a material effect on FY26. In Q&A, Colledge said any FY27 impact would be clearer after observing how the program rolls out, but he indicated the company is aligned with the program and does not expect a meaningful long-term impact.

About Data#3 (ASX:DTL)

Data#3 Limited engages in the provision of information technology (IT) solutions and services in Australia, Fiji, and the Pacific Islands. The company offers cloud solutions, such as public and private cloud, Azure, and modern data center solutions; modern workplace solutions, including collaboration, end user devices, and systems management; and security solutions comprising data security and privacy, cloud security, identity and access management, infrastructure end point security, and security monitoring and analytics.

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Dominion Energy (NYSE:D) executives highlighted higher-than-guided 2025 earnings, an expanded five-year capital plan, and continued progress on the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind (CVOW) project during the companys fourth-quarter 2025 earnings call. Management also introduced 2026 earnings guidance and discussed demand growth in Virginia, particularly tied to data center load, alongside recent regulatory and project developments across its jurisdictions.

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2025 results and 2026 earnings outlook

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Steven Ridge said the company delivered full-year 2025 operating earnings of $3.42 per share and operating earnings excluding RNG 45Z credits of $3.33 per share, both above the midpoint of prior guidance. Ridge added that full-year 2025 GAAP earnings were $3.45 per share, higher than operating EPS.

Ridge also pointed to credit performance, saying the companys estimate of Moodys CFO pre-working capital to debt was nearly 100 basis points above its downgrade threshold and the strongest result the company has reported for that metric since 2012.

For 2026, Dominion Energy guided to operating earnings per share (excluding RNG 45Z credit income) of $3.40 to $3.60, with a midpoint of $3.50. Ridge said the midpoint implies a 6.1% increase versus the comparable 2025 guidance midpoint of $3.30, despite 2026 being a double outage year at Millstone. Including RNG 45Z income, total operating earnings guidance midpoint was presented as $3.57 per share.

On RNG 45Z credits, Ridge said expectations reflect updated credit scoring and lower production assumptions, and the company is still awaiting final regulations. In Q&A, management attributed updated assumptions primarily to a change in CI scoring tied to a newly published GREET model for 2026 and beyond, while noting that 2025 credits were booked under the rules in place during 2025.

Five-year capital plan raised to about $65 billion

Ridge said Dominion increased its five-year total capital estimate from $50 billion to approximately $65 billion, representing a 30% increase. He said more than 90% of the increase is tied to Dominion Energy Virginia, and nearly two-thirds of the updated capital spend is expected to be eligible for recovery through rider mechanisms, subject to regulatory approval.

Ridge said the company updated the compounded annual growth rate of its investment base to about 10%. He also discussed the generation component of the plan, referencing gas generation in the companys integrated resource plans that includes two combustion turbines (CTs) and three combined-cycle gas turbines (CCGTs), with the CCGTs projected to enter service from 2032 through 2034. Ridge noted Dominion has secured turbine slots for each project.

To fund the expanded plan, Ridge outlined a financing approach in which nearly 60% of five-year investing cash flows and projected dividends are expected to be satisfied by operating cash flows. Roughly 10% is expected to come from net hybrid issuance, around 10% from common equity through DRIP and ATM programs, and the remainder (about 20%) from long- and short-term debt.

Long-term earnings growth reaffirmed, with higher-range bias starting in 2028

Ridge said Dominion reaffirmed its long-term operating earnings per share growth guidance of 5% to 7% annually off the original 2025 guidance midpoint of $3.30 per share, on an ex-45Z basis. He added the company now expects to achieve the upper half of that range beginning in 2028, citing improved business fundamentals, including more regulated investment, partly offset by headwinds such as lower RNG production, lower future day rate assumptions for its Jones Act wind turbine installation vessel Charybdis, and higher financing costs.

Ridge also addressed why the companys rate base growth and long-term earnings growth differ, citing equity dilution from planned issuance, increased parent-level interest expense, and the timing mismatch between rate base growth and cash flow from long-lead projects, particularly gas generation that does not enter service until the early 2030s.

On the dividend, Ridge reiterated the company will revisit the dividend per share growth rate when it achieves a peer-aligned payout ratio. In response to an analyst question, he said the company has not made a final decision on payout ratio changes, while acknowledging broader peer trends toward lower payout ratios as a funding source for larger capital plans.

CVOW over 70% complete; first power expected by end of March

Chair, President, and CEO Bob Blue said CVOW is now over 70% complete and remains on track for first power to the grid by the end of March. He reported installation of 176 monopiles was completed more quickly than expected, transition pieces were more than 70% installed, and the third and final offshore substation was installed the prior Saturday. Blue said deepwater export cables are installed, inter-array cable installation is on track, remaining cabling is fabricated, and the majority is landed in Virginia. Onshore work to accept first power was said to be complete.

The project budget stands at $11.5 billion, including $155 million of unused contingency, according to Blue. He also noted the company continues to provide updates on potential tariff exposure across discrete tariff categories and durations, and said Dominion is reviewing a recent Supreme Court tariff ruling and will update the project budget in the future as appropriate.

Blue discussed early turbine installation progress and noted the company is deliberately moving more slowly in initial iterations. He cited winter weather downtime and the need to occasionally pause installation to refine procedures. Blue also described an incident in which a human performance error, unrelated to Charybdis operations, damaged a blade after installation on the first turbine, requiring removal and replacement and resulting in an iteration that took almost two weeks. He said the company does not expect that type of delay to repeat and cautioned against drawing broad conclusions from early installation iterations.

He added the budget includes installation schedule contingency for weather delays through July 2027. If installation extends beyond that, the company estimated each additional quarter would add $150 million to $200 million to project cost, with a portion allocated to its financing partner. In Q&A, Blue said the company expects the majority of turbine installations in 2026 and some into 2027, and referenced a planning assumption of about 2.25 days per installation over time, with winter conditions expected to slow progress.

Demand growth, data centers, and recent regulatory developments

Management emphasized demand growth in Virginia. Ridge said weather-normal sales in Dominion Energy Virginias load-serving entity increased 5.4% in 2025, and that all of the top 20 peak demand days in the Dominion zone have occurred in the last 14 months.

Blue said Dominions data center pipeline totaled over 48 GW in various stages of contracting as of December 2025, up from about 47 GW as of September. He said the companys demand forecast is based on signed ESAs and CLOAs rather than early-stage letters of authorization, and that forecasted data center demand through 2045 is more than covered by existing signed ESAs and CLOAs.

Blue also highlighted customer affordability metrics, stating that current customer rates at Dominion Energy Virginia and Dominion Energy South Carolina are lower than the national average by 4% and 12%, respectively. He said typical residential rates are expected to increase at a compound annual growth rate of about 2.6% (Virginia) and 2.8% (South Carolina). He also referenced customer assistance programs including budget billing, energy savings programs, and EnergyShare.

The call included multiple regulatory and business updates, including:

Virginia biennial review: Blue said the Virginia State Corporation Commission issued a final order on Nov. 25 approving large load provisions intended to mitigate stranded asset risk and ensure fair cost allocation among customers.

Blue said the Virginia State Corporation Commission issued a final order on Nov. 25 approving large load provisions intended to mitigate stranded asset risk and ensure fair cost allocation among customers. Chesterfield Energy Reliability Center: Blue said the Virginia commission approved a CPCN and rider for the approximately 1 GW gas-fired facility expected to cost about $1.5 billion and enter service in 2029; the commission later affirmed the order and denied a reconsideration petition on Feb. 12.

Blue said the Virginia commission approved a CPCN and rider for the approximately 1 GW gas-fired facility expected to cost about $1.5 billion and enter service in 2029; the commission later affirmed the order and denied a reconsideration petition on Feb. 12. PJM transmission awards: Blue said PJM selected a portfolio of transmission projects totaling over $5 billion, with in-service dates through 2032, calling it Dominion Energy Virginias largest proposed investment since PJM began its open window process. Management said the portion through 2030 is included in the updated capital plan.

Blue said PJM selected a portfolio of transmission projects totaling over $5 billion, with in-service dates through 2032, calling it Dominion Energy Virginias largest proposed investment since PJM began its open window process. Management said the portion through 2030 is included in the updated capital plan. South Carolina rate case: Blue said Dominion Energy South Carolina filed an electric rate case on Jan. 2 to support $1.4 billion invested since 2023, with a decision expected in June and rates effective in July.

Blue said Dominion Energy South Carolina filed an electric rate case on Jan. 2 to support $1.4 billion invested since 2023, with a decision expected in June and rates effective in July. Millstone: Blue said the plant supplied over 90% of Connecticuts carbon-free electricity and achieved a capacity factor of over 91% in 2025. He said 55% of output is under a fixed-price contract through late 2029 and the remaining output is significantly de-risked by hedging. He also noted a Connecticut DEEP zero-carbon RFP for which Millstone is eligible, with bids due in March.

Blue concluded by reiterating the companys focus on execution, highlighting record safety performance metrics in 2025, reaffirmed earnings growth guidance, and the expanded capital plan aimed at meeting reliability needs and growing demand.

About Dominion Energy (NYSE:D)

Dominion Energy, Inc, headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, is a diversified energy company that primarily operates regulated electricity and natural gas utilities and develops energy infrastructure. The companys core activities include the generation, transmission and distribution of electricity to residential, commercial and industrial customers, as well as the purchase, storage and delivery of natural gas. Dominion combines traditional utility operations with energy infrastructure businesses to provide essential services across its service territories.

Dominions electricity portfolio spans multiple technologies and fuel sources, including nuclear, natural gas-fired generation and renewable resources such as utility-scale solar and wind.

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Employers (NYSE:EIG  Get Free Report) was upgraded by stock analysts at Wall Street Zen from a sell rating to a hold rating in a note issued to investors on Saturday.

A number of other equities research analysts have also weighed in on EIG. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c-) rating on shares of Employers in a report on Monday, December 29th. Zacks Research upgraded shares of Employers from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday, December 30th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Hold rating, Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold.

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Employers Trading Down 7.5%

EIG opened at $39.26 on Friday. The stock has a market capitalization of $882.52 million, a P/E ratio of 118.96 and a beta of 0.57. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $43.62 and a 200-day moving average price of $42.01. Employers has a 12-month low of $35.73 and a 12-month high of $52.28.

Employers (NYSE:EIG  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Thursday, February 19th. The financial services provider reported $0.66 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.41 by $0.25. The company had revenue of $170.50 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $217.35 million. Employers had a return on equity of 2.10% and a net margin of 1.26%.Employerss quarterly revenue was down 21.3% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $1.15 EPS. On average, equities research analysts predict that Employers will post 3.63 EPS for the current year.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Employers

Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Royal Bank of Canada grew its holdings in Employers by 32.8% in the 1st quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 6,037 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $306,000 after acquiring an additional 1,490 shares during the last quarter. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. boosted its holdings in shares of Employers by 4.6% during the first quarter. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. now owns 14,685 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $744,000 after purchasing an additional 644 shares during the period. UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC grew its stake in shares of Employers by 9.1% in the first quarter. UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC now owns 67,992 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $3,443,000 after purchasing an additional 5,696 shares during the last quarter. Jane Street Group LLC grew its stake in shares of Employers by 738.8% in the first quarter. Jane Street Group LLC now owns 40,448 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $2,048,000 after purchasing an additional 35,626 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Allianz Asset Management GmbH purchased a new position in Employers during the 2nd quarter valued at about $719,000. 80.49% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

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About Employers

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Employers Holdings, Inc (NYSE: EIG) is a publicly traded property and casualty insurance holding company headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa. Through its subsidiaries, Employers Mutual Casualty Company and Employers Preferred Insurance Company, the firm specializes in providing workers compensation coverage alongside an array of commercial insurance products. Its service offerings include general liability, commercial auto, businessowners policies and umbrella coverages, tailored to meet the risk-management needs of small and mid-sized businesses across multiple industries.

The company markets its insurance solutions primarily through a network of independent agencies and brokers, leveraging local market expertise to underwrite policies that address the unique exposures faced by clients in manufacturing, construction, healthcare, retail and service sectors.

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Shares of EQB Inc. (OTCMKTS:EQGPF  Get Free Report) have earned an average rating of Moderate Buy from the seven research firms that are currently covering the stock, Marketbeat reports. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation and four have assigned a buy recommendation to the company.

Several research analysts recently issued reports on EQGPF shares. Desjardins reiterated a buy rating on shares of EQB in a research report on Friday, December 5th. BMO Capital Markets upgraded EQB from a market perform rating to an outperform rating in a report on Monday, January 19th. National Bank Financial reiterated a sector perform rating on shares of EQB in a research report on Friday, December 5th. Scotiabank restated a sector perform rating on shares of EQB in a research report on Friday, January 9th. Finally, TD Securities raised EQB from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday.

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EQB Price Performance

About EQB

EQGPF stock opened at $86.86 on Wednesday. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $78.31 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $70.61. EQB has a one year low of $60.14 and a one year high of $89.47.

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Equitable Group Inc (OTCMKTS: EQGPF) is the holding company for Equitable Bank, a Schedule I Canadian bank headquartered in Toronto. Established in 1970 as The Equitable Trust Company, the organization has grown into a diversified financial services provider with a focus on both residential and commercial lending. Equitable Group operates under a bank charter, offering a range of mortgage productsfrom government-insured and uninsurable residential mortgages to commercial and construction loanscatering to individuals, small businesses, and professional investors across Canada.

In addition to its core lending activities, Equitable Group has developed a digital banking arm known as EQ Bank.

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General Mills (NYSE:GIS  Get Free Report) was downgraded by Bank of America from a buy rating to a neutral rating in a note issued to investors on Monday,Finviz reports. They presently have a $48.00 price objective on the stock. Bank of Americas price target suggests a potential upside of 7.54% from the stocks previous close.

Other equities research analysts have also recently issued reports about the company. UBS Group set a $46.00 price target on General Mills in a research note on Friday, February 13th. TD Cowen reduced their target price on shares of General Mills from $47.00 to $45.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday. Stifel Nicolaus decreased their price target on shares of General Mills from $52.00 to $50.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday. Sanford C. Bernstein dropped their price objective on shares of General Mills from $53.00 to $48.00 and set a market perform rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday. Finally, Morgan Stanley cut their price objective on shares of General Mills from $47.00 to $44.00 and set an underweight rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, thirteen have given a Hold rating and four have issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, General Mills currently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $50.68.

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General Mills Stock Performance

General Mills stock opened at $44.63 on Monday. General Mills has a twelve month low of $42.78 and a twelve month high of $67.35. The company has a quick ratio of 0.39, a current ratio of 0.66 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.30. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $46.08 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $47.65. The company has a market capitalization of $23.82 billion, a PE ratio of 9.60 and a beta of -0.06.

General Mills (NYSE:GIS  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, December 17th. The company reported $1.10 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.03 by $0.07. The business had revenue of $4.86 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $4.78 billion. General Mills had a net margin of 13.51% and a return on equity of 21.41%. The firms revenue for the quarter was down 7.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $1.40 EPS. General Mills has set its FY 2026 guidance at 3.580-3.790 EPS. Research analysts expect that General Mills will post 4.36 EPS for the current year.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In related news, insider Paul Joseph Gallagher sold 1,500 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Friday, December 19th. The stock was sold at an average price of $48.15, for a total transaction of $72,225.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider owned 48,568 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,338,549.20. This trade represents a 3.00% 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 0.30% of the companys stock.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On General Mills

Several large investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. North Star Investment Management Corp. raised its stake in shares of General Mills by 255.8% during the 3rd quarter. North Star Investment Management Corp. now owns 59,791 shares of the companys stock worth $3,015,000 after buying an additional 42,986 shares during the period. Norges Bank purchased a new position in General Mills during the second quarter valued at $417,508,000. AE Wealth Management LLC grew its position in shares of General Mills by 7.7% in the third quarter. AE Wealth Management LLC now owns 346,005 shares of the companys stock valued at $17,445,000 after purchasing an additional 24,688 shares during the period. Diamond Hill Capital Management Inc. increased its stake in shares of General Mills by 22.2% during the third quarter. Diamond Hill Capital Management Inc. now owns 7,628,421 shares of the companys stock worth $384,625,000 after purchasing an additional 1,383,913 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Fjarde AP Fonden Fourth Swedish National Pension Fund lifted its stake in General Mills by 22.6% in the 2nd quarter. Fjarde AP Fonden Fourth Swedish National Pension Fund now owns 383,877 shares of the companys stock valued at $19,889,000 after buying an additional 70,800 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 75.71% of the companys stock.

General Mills Company Profile

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General Mills, Inc (NYSE: GIS) is a multinational consumer foods company that develops, manufactures and markets a broad portfolio of branded food products. Its product categories include ready-to-eat and hot cereals, baking mixes and ingredients, snacks and bars, refrigerated and frozen doughs, yogurt and other dairy products, and a variety of shelf-stable meals and meal components. The companys portfolio features widely recognized consumer brands across grocery store, mass channel and foodservice outlets.

Founded in the early 20th century and incorporated under its current name in 1928, General Mills has grown through both internal brand development and strategic expansion to become a global food company.

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GenusPlus Group (ASX:GNP) management highlighted record half-year results and an expanding opportunity set during its investor presentation, pointing to strong revenue growth, cash generation, and continued momentum in both the order book and tender pipeline.

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Half-year performance and dividend

Managing Director David Riches said the company delivered a really strong half, reporting revenue of AUD 535 million, AUD 46.3 million of EBITDA, and AUD 24.9 million in net profit after tax (NPAT). Riches said the company converted a significant amount of work into its order book and maintained growth in its tendered pipeline.

Cash, facility headroom, and cash flow

The company declared a

Genus reported cash of AUD 178 million, including AUD 22 million in restricted term deposits. Management described the balance sheet as net cash positive, citing AUD 127 million of net cash.

On funding capacity, Riches said Genus executed a AUD 429 million syndicated facility, which management said provided AUD 278 million of headroom at December to support growth initiatives.

Riches also said the business generated AUD 91 million in cash, with operating cash flow conversion of 199%. Capital expenditure was AUD 34 million year-to-date, with management targeting full-year CapEx of AUD 40 million to AUD 45 million, depending on the second half. Riches said investment is required to support larger projects and that some specialized equipment cannot be hired.

Major projects and operational highlights

Riches cited several contract wins and project milestones during the period, including:

A large Western Power contract in Western Australia, with an additional AUD 110 million of revenue backed on to the project.

of revenue backed on to the project. The Alinta Wagerup project as an opportunity for the Energy and Engineering segment.

An FMG decarbonization contract, which management framed as part of broader mining industry efforts toward decarbonization.

The Genus ACCIONA joint venture securing the Western Renewables Link project, which Riches described as AUD 1.6 billion.

In the Infrastructure segment, Riches said HumeLink is fully underway, with all activities running and the final activitystringingstill to start. He said the project is live, with a management team on site, and added that Genus had no issues at this point in time with HumeLink or our JV relationship. He noted there are roughly 18 to 20 months remaining on the project.

Riches also said TasNetworks CCI is expected to wrap up over the next half, with Genus looking toward the start of further TasNetworks work, which he described as a massive opportunity and within the companys sweet spot. He said the company is hoping to start that job during the half and expects revenue to flow into next year over a three-to-four-year period.

Construction has also started on the Hunter Central Coast project, following some early works late last year, with management expecting revenue over the next two years.

Segment results and margins

Riches said performance was strong across all three operating segments, while noting there remained some room for improvement.

Infrastructure delivered AUD 345 million in revenue for the half. Riches said EBIT grew 54% and the segment produced 5.2% EBIT, similar to the prior half. He said the company was being responsible in revenue recognition on larger projects and reiterated its objective of achieving 5% EBIT or better on large projects, while noting other infrastructure work can operate closer to higher margin levels. He described Genus broader target range as 4% to 8% EBIT.

Riches also discussed the integration of MGC Rail, saying it was progressing well and that rail offers opportunities similar to Genus core utility work (substations, lines, overhead lines, and services/maintenance). He described the acquisition as a perfect fit and suggested it could become a growth area over the next couple of years.

Energy and Engineering recorded AUD 151 million of revenue and AUD 10.9 million of EBITDA. Riches said the segment has been balanced by the acquisitions of CommTel and Pardal, adding engineering revenue alongside construction. He referenced project conversions including Wagerup and Atmos. He also said the company is seeking to build capacity to run more simultaneous projects, describing a strategy to move toward having roughly five projects active at once.

Riches added that the electrical and instrumentation business is exploring opportunities across areas such as data centers, as well as solar, battery energy storage systems (BESS), and substations. He said the company would like to add more wind-related opportunities into the segment.

Services was described as a segment that began with telecommunications and expanded to include asset management and vegetation management. Riches said it had previously been loss-making two to three years ago but has since improved, with the focus on long-term contracts. He cited ongoing relationships with Telstra and NBN and said the business is stepping into multi-year vegetation management contracts.

In Q&A, Riches was asked about Services EBITDA margins after two consecutive reporting periods in the teens. He said he would hold where you are at the moment, describing the margin outcome as strong and saying the priority now is to maintain margins while growing the revenue line.

Pipeline, M&A, and other priorities

Riches said the standout metric was a AUD 2.6 billion tendered pipeline, which he described as reflecting significant opportunity tied to the energy transition. In response to a question on pipeline mix, he said the overall split was typically around two-thirds infrastructure and one-third energy and engineering, and he did not see that mix as having materially changed in recent years.

He also addressed questions about North West Transmission Developments and timing, indicating major construction activity is more FY27, though he noted approvals and environmental constraints have been easing and that project start timing could potentially move sooner. He added that the company did not need that work to meet its budget assumptions.

On acquisitions, Riches said the company remained keen and believes it has the management depth to execute further M&A. He said Genus has considered how large or small it should go and identified focus areas, while emphasizing discipline. Stay tuned, he said, adding the company intends to update the market as it progresses.

Riches also highlighted non-financial priorities, including safetyreporting an injury statistic of 3.5 and a target to be under 3as well as preparation for sustainability and ESG reporting requirements. He said apprentices and trainees remain a focus area, noting some growth but not as much as the company wants, and referenced a successful overseas recruitment drive over the past two years alongside efforts to train local workers.

About GenusPlus Group (ASX:GNP)

GenusPlus Group Ltd engages in the installation, construction, and maintenance of power and communication systems in Australia. The company operates through three segments: Infrastructure, Communications, and Industrial. It offers various services, including planning, designing, constructing, operating, testing, maintaining, managing, and decommissioning power network assets for electricity utilities, infrastructure developers, telecommunications networks, and mining companies. The company also provides electrical and instrumentation services to mining, oil and gas, infrastructure, and power generation sectors; turnkey engineering and design solutions; HV and LV electrical installations, fabrication, HVAC maintenance and upgrades, asset management, and site services to mining and heavy industrial sectors; and EPC solutions, including procurement, assembly, design, construction, commissioning, and maintenance for renewable assets in the wind, solar, new energy, and power systems storage sectors, as well as resource, IPPs, traditional generators, and network service providers.

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Gross profit grew 73% year-over-year to a record $111 million, and Schreiber noted that, over a three-year period, gross profit has compounded at an annual rate in the triple digits. The adjusted EBITDA loss narrowed to $5 million in the quarter, a $19 million year-over-year improvement, placing the company on the brink of break-even, according to Schreiber.

CEO and co-founder Daniel Schreiber said fourth-quarter performance capped a year of excellent financial execution and operating performance. In-force premium (IFP) rose to $1.24 billion, up 31% year-over-year, marking the companys ninth consecutive quarter of accelerating growth. Schreiber said revenue grew faster than IFP, increasing 53%, which he attributed to improving economics across the business.

Lemonade (NYSE:LMND) executives said the company delivered its strongest quarter ever in the fourth quarter of 2025, highlighting accelerating growth, record gross profit, and further progress toward profitability and cash generation. Management also discussed a new product launch tied to autonomous driving and outlined continued investment in AI-driven initiatives spanning pricing, cross-selling, and go-to-market execution.

Investing in AI-driven growth and disciplined spend: management plans significant 2026 investments in AI, pricing and cross-sell platforms while leaning into growth spend (Q4 growth spend $53M, +48%) but maintaining marketing efficiency (LTV-to-CAC >3x) and guiding roughly 60% full-year revenue growth for 2026 with positive adjusted EBITDA expected in Q4 2026.

Autonomous Car product and novel pricing: Lemonade launched Lemonade Autonomous Car (initially for Teslas) that prices in real time by modeparked, human-driven, or AI-driventaking into account software version and sensor/hardware quality, with AI-driven miles currently priced at about 50% of equivalent human-driven miles.

Strong quarter and clear path to profitability: Q4 2025 was described as the company's "strongest quarter ever" with IFP up 31% to $1.24B, revenue +53% to $228M, record gross profit (+73% to $111M), positive adjusted free cash flow of $37M and an adjusted EBITDA loss narrowed to $5M, while management reiterated EBITDA profitability targets for Q4 2026 and full-year 2027.

Story Continues

He also emphasized cash generation, stating Lemonade produced $37 million of positive adjusted free cash flow in Q4 and that 2025 was the second consecutive year the companys cash reserves increased. Schreiber reiterated long-standing targets: EBITDA profitability in Q4 2026 and EBITDA positive for the full year 2027.

Autonomous Car launch and pricing approach

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Teslas Robotaxi Goes Unsupervised: Is the Rally Justified?

President and co-founder Shai Wininger described the launch of Lemonade Autonomous Car, which the company announced and launched a few weeks ago, starting with Teslas. Wininger said the product is designed for a shift in vehicles from human operation to AI operation, arguing that traditional auto insurance pricing proxies (such as credit scores, marital status, and education) become less relevant as autonomy increases.

According to Wininger, Lemonades autonomous auto insurance pricing is based on three modes: parked, driven by a human, and driven by AI. By integrating with the cars onboard computer, Lemonade said it can determine the mode in real time and price accordingly. He added that pricing takes into account software version and the quality of hardware sensors and computing units, with rates adjusting as software updates or hardware upgrades improve safety.

 Opendoor Pops After Earnings, But the Big Question Hasnt Changed

Wininger said that, at present, autonomously driven miles using Teslas Full Self-Driving (FSD) are priced at about 50% of the equivalent human-driven mile, and he expects that to improve over time. In the Q&A, management said it views the launch as a first step in a strategy that could take years to materially reshape the market, but said the company believes it is important to start building the best product for that future now.

Financial performance details and guidance framework

CFO Tim Bixby said Q4 IFP growth was driven by 23% customer growth and roughly 7% growth in premium per customer. He said Lemonade added about 550,000 new customers in 2025, representing 35% more than the prior year.

Bixby reported a gross loss ratio of 52% in Q4, including favorable prior period development of 9%, driven entirely by non-cat prior period development, primarily from home and car products. Prior year development was $11 million favorable in Q4 and about $30 million favorable for the full year, he said.

Revenue rose 53% to $228 million, and adjusted gross profit increased 69% to $112 million. Bixby said gross margin was 48% and adjusted gross margin was about 49% (both using revenue as the denominator). He also noted that adjusted gross profit as a percentage of gross earned premium was 39% in Q4, up from 29% in the prior-year quarter.

Adjusted free cash flow was positive for the third consecutive quarter at $37 million, while operating cash flow was $21 million. Lemonade ended the quarter with roughly $1.1 billion in cash and investments, of which about $250 million is required to be held as regulatory surplus, Bixby said.

On customer metrics, Bixby said Annual Dollar Retention remained stable at 85% versus the prior quarter as the company continued clean the book efforts in its home business.

Operating expenses excluding loss and loss adjustment expense increased by $30 million, or 24%, to $154 million. Bixby attributed the increases primarily to higher sales and marketing, including growth spend. He said:

Other insurance expense rose $1 million, or 6%, versus the prior year.

Sales and marketing expense increased $17 million, or 35%, due primarily to higher growth spend.

Growth spend was $53 million in Q4, up 48% year-over-year; marketing efficiency remained stable and strong with an LTV-to-CAC ratio above 3x.

Technology development expense increased 14% to $25 million.

G&A expense increased 29% to $43 million, with the year-over-year increase driven primarily by higher stock-based compensation, interest expense, and bad debt expense.

Net loss was $22 million, or $0.29 per share, compared with a net loss of $30 million, or $0.42 per share, in the prior-year quarter. Headcount rose about 4% year-over-year to 1,282, Bixby said.

While the company referenced detailed Q1 and full-year 2026 guidance in its shareholder letter, Bixby said it represents 32% year-over-year top-line growth for Q1 and for the full year, roughly 60% full-year revenue growth, and positive adjusted EBITDA expected in Q4 2026.

Investment priorities: AI, cross-sell, and operating leverage

Management repeatedly emphasized AI-driven initiatives as key priorities. Schreiber said Lemonade is investing in critical initiatives in 2026 to leverage AI across go-to-market operations, pricing, and cross-selling, with the goal of strengthening durable competitive advantages in pricing and unit economics.

In response to questions about guidance conservatism and expense trends, executives said the company intends to continue leaning into growth spend while maintaining marketing efficiency thresholds. Bixby said the companys top-line outperformance in Q4 versus its own guidance reflected deploying a little more growth spend than anticipated amid strong underwriting results. He added that management prefers to guide based on what it has line of sight to, rather than extrapolating recent performance.

Schreiber said 2026 includes very significant investments in multiple engineering efforts, referencing initiatives such as a revamped local platform, a cross-selling platform, a pricing machine, and a revenue machine. SVP of Finance Nick Stead added that Lemonade views operating expenses as two parts: growth spend and the remainder of the expense base, which he said should remain relatively stable, growing in the single digits while top-line grows above 30%.

On cross-selling, Bixby said more than 5% of customers have multiple policies, but those customers represent almost 20% of IFP, framing cross-sell as an efficient growth lever.

Management also addressed capital and surplus leverage. In response to a question about premiums-to-surplus at the time the company reaches full-year EBITDA profitability, Bixby said Lemonades captive structure and reinsurance arrangements help keep required surplus to a minimum while meeting regulatory requirements. He said internal models indicate the company has ample surplus to support ambitious growth through 2027 and beyond.

Other Q&A themes and upcoming Investor Day

Executives said Lemonade is not currently offering a ChatGPT-based interface for customers to bind policies, though Schreiber said it is not something the company would never do and that Lemonade generally prefers its own AI experience through Maya. On auto pricing models, management said it expects a mix of fixed and variable (including per-mile) pricing approaches over time, emphasizing that Lemonades differentiation is its ability to estimate cost per mile with tremendous precision.

Schreiber also highlighted an upcoming Investor Day scheduled for November in New York and online, where Lemonade plans to share updates on its vision, AI capabilities, and plans.

About Lemonade (NYSE:LMND)

Lemonade, Inc (NYSE: LMND) is a New Yorkbased technology-driven insurance carrier that leverages artificial intelligence and behavioral economics to streamline the purchase and management of policies. Founded in 2015, the company offers renters, homeowners, pet, term life and car insurance products tailored for digitally savvy consumers. By automating underwriting and claims processing through chatbots and machine learning, Lemonade aims to deliver a more transparent and user-friendly experience than traditional insurers.

The company's product suite includes standalone policies for renters and homeowners, customizable pet insurance plans, and term life coverage with simple online applications.

The article "Lemonade Q4 Earnings Call Highlights" was originally published by MarketBeat.
Makena Capital Management LLC raised its holdings in shares of Guidewire Software, Inc. (NYSE:GWRE  Free Report) by 15.3% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 137,843 shares of the technology companys stock after acquiring an additional 18,318 shares during the quarter. Guidewire Software makes up 3.3% of Makena Capital Management LLCs investment portfolio, making the stock its 9th largest holding. Makena Capital Management LLC owned 0.16% of Guidewire Software worth $31,685,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other large investors also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Qube Research & Technologies Ltd boosted its holdings in shares of Guidewire Software by 3,636.9% during the second quarter. Qube Research & Technologies Ltd now owns 731,467 shares of the technology companys stock worth $172,224,000 after purchasing an additional 711,893 shares during the period. Groupama Asset Managment lifted its position in Guidewire Software by 240.0% in the 2nd quarter. Groupama Asset Managment now owns 850,000 shares of the technology companys stock worth $200,132,000 after buying an additional 600,000 shares in the last quarter. Alliancebernstein L.P. boosted its stake in shares of Guidewire Software by 405.1% during the 2nd quarter. Alliancebernstein L.P. now owns 538,303 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $126,743,000 after buying an additional 431,725 shares during the period. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC purchased a new position in shares of Guidewire Software during the 3rd quarter valued at $51,967,000. Finally, Vanguard Group Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Guidewire Software by 2.4% during the 2nd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 8,922,651 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $2,100,838,000 after acquiring an additional 211,047 shares in the last quarter.

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Guidewire Software Stock Performance

GWRE opened at $127.54 on Monday. The company has a market cap of $10.84 billion, a PE ratio of 121.47, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 8.23 and a beta of 1.06. The stock has a 50-day moving average of $165.67 and a 200-day moving average of $205.38. Guidewire Software, Inc. has a 52-week low of $120.37 and a 52-week high of $272.60. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.44, a quick ratio of 3.48 and a current ratio of 3.48.

Guidewire Software ( NYSE:GWRE Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, December 3rd. The technology company reported $0.66 earnings per share for the quarter, meeting analysts consensus estimates of $0.66. The business had revenue of $332.64 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $316.62 million. Guidewire Software had a return on equity of 10.15% and a net margin of 7.23%.The firms revenue was up 26.5% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the business earned $0.43 EPS. As a group, equities research analysts forecast that Guidewire Software, Inc. will post 0.52 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Guidewire Software declared that its Board of Directors has approved a stock buyback program on Thursday, January 8th that allows the company to repurchase $500.00 million in outstanding shares. This repurchase authorization allows the technology company to repurchase up to 3.1% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares repurchase programs are generally an indication that the companys leadership believes its stock is undervalued.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several analysts recently issued reports on the company. Wall Street Zen lowered Guidewire Software from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Friday, November 28th. Zacks Research downgraded Guidewire Software from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, December 2nd. Citizens Jmp reiterated a market outperform rating and set a $281.00 price target on shares of Guidewire Software in a report on Wednesday, December 10th. BTIG Research lowered their price target on Guidewire Software from $225.00 to $175.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, February 18th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company dropped their price objective on Guidewire Software from $250.00 to $210.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, February 4th. Eleven investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, four have assigned a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $259.77.

Read Our Latest Analysis on GWRE

Insider Transactions at Guidewire Software

In related news, insider James Winston King sold 1,860 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Thursday, December 18th. The shares were sold at an average price of $195.00, for a total transaction of $362,700.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider directly owned 33,702 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $6,571,890. This represents a 5.23% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, CFO Jeffrey Elliott Cooper sold 216 shares of Guidewire Software stock in a transaction on Tuesday, January 13th. The stock was sold at an average price of $180.87, for a total transaction of $39,067.92. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer owned 72,753 shares in the company, valued at $13,158,835.11. This trade represents a 0.30% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Over the last three months, insiders sold 45,960 shares of company stock worth $8,767,044. 0.46% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Guidewire Software Profile

(Free Report)

Guidewire Software, Inc develops software products and cloud services for property and casualty (P&C) insurance carriers. Headquartered in San Mateo, California, the companys offerings are designed to help insurers manage the core functions of their businesspolicy administration, billing and claimswhile supporting digital engagement, analytics and operational modernization.

Guidewires core product portfolio is commonly known as the InsuranceSuite, which includes PolicyCenter for policy administration, BillingCenter for billing and receivables, and ClaimCenter for claims management.

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Want to see what other hedge funds are holding GWRE? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Guidewire Software, Inc. (NYSE:GWRE  Free Report).

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Leidos (NYSE:LDOS  Get Free Report) and American Noble Gas (NYSE:INFY  Get Free Report) are both large-cap computer and technology companies, but which is the better business? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their institutional ownership, analyst recommendations, profitability, valuation, earnings, risk and dividends.

Insider & Institutional Ownership

76.1% of Leidos shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 16.2% of American Noble Gas shares are owned by institutional investors. 0.7% of Leidos shares are owned by insiders. Comparatively, 22.4% of American Noble Gas shares are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, hedge funds and large money managers believe a company will outperform the market over the long term.

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Analyst Ratings

This is a summary of current ratings and recommmendations for Leidos and American Noble Gas, as reported by MarketBeat.com.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Leidos 0 4 9 0 2.69 American Noble Gas 1 6 2 0 2.11

Profitability

Leidos currently has a consensus price target of $213.27, indicating a potential upside of 22.94%. American Noble Gas has a consensus price target of $17.32, indicating a potential upside of 18.49%. Given Leidos stronger consensus rating and higher probable upside, equities analysts clearly believe Leidos is more favorable than American Noble Gas.

This table compares Leidos and American Noble Gas net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Leidos 8.43% 32.95% 11.60% American Noble Gas 16.16% 30.60% 19.26%

Volatility & Risk

Leidos has a beta of 0.59, indicating that its stock price is 41% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, American Noble Gas has a beta of 0.98, indicating that its stock price is 2% less volatile than the S&P 500.

Dividends

Leidos pays an annual dividend of $1.72 per share and has a dividend yield of 1.0%. American Noble Gas pays an annual dividend of $0.44 per share and has a dividend yield of 3.0%. Leidos pays out 15.5% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. American Noble Gas pays out 57.1% 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. Leidos has raised its dividend for 6 consecutive years.

Earnings and Valuation

This table compares Leidos and American Noble Gass gross revenue, earnings per share and valuation.

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Leidos $17.17 billion 1.28 $1.45 billion $11.13 15.59 American Noble Gas $19.28 billion 3.07 $3.16 billion $0.77 18.98

American Noble Gas has higher revenue and earnings than Leidos. Leidos is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than American Noble Gas, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

Summary

American Noble Gas beats Leidos on 9 of the 17 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Leidos

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Leidos Holdings, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, provides services and solutions in the defense, intelligence, civil, and health markets in the United States and internationally. The company operates through Defense Solutions, Civil, and Health segments. The Defense Solutions segment offers national security solutions and systems for air, land, sea, space, and cyberspace for the U.S. Intelligence Community, the Department of Defense, the space development agency, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, defense information systems agency, military services, and government agencies of U.S. allies abroad, as well as other federal and commercial customers in the national security industry. The solutions include technology, large-scale systems, command and control platforms, data analytics, logistics, and cybersecurity solutions, as well as intelligence analysis and operations support services to critical missions. The Civil segment provides systems integration services to air navigation service providers, including the federal aviation administration, the En route automation modernization, advanced technology oceanic procedure, time based flow management, terminal flight data management, geo-7, and future flight services, as well as enterprise-information display systems; and security detection services. It also offers information technology (IT) solutions in cloud computing, mobility, application modernization, DevOps, data center, network modernization, asset management, help desk operations, and digital workplace enablement; and environment, energy, and infrastructure services. The Health segment offers solutions to federal and commercial customers responsible for health and well-being of people, include health information management, managed health, digital modernization, and life sciences research and development services. Leidos Holdings, Inc. was founded in 1969 and is headquartered in Reston, Virginia.

About American Noble Gas

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Infosys Ltd. is a digital services and consulting company, which engages in the provision of end-to-end business solutions. It operates through the following segments: Financial Services, Retail, Communication, Energy, Utilities, Resources, and Services, Manufacturing, Hi-Tech, Life Sciences, and All Other. The company was founded by Dinesh Krishnan Swamy, Senapathy Gopalakrishnan, Narayana Ramarao Nagavara Murthy, Raghavan N. S., Ashok Arora, Nandan M. Nilekani, and S. D. Shibulal on July 2, 1981 and is headquartered in Bangalore, India.

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Holcim (OTCMKTS:HCMLY  Get Free Report) is expected to release its results before the market opens on Friday, February 27th. Analysts expect Holcim to post earnings of $0.4760 per share and revenue of $4.9425 billion for the quarter.

Holcim Stock Performance

HCMLY stock opened at $19.01 on Monday. Holcim has a 52 week low of $15.14 and a 52 week high of $30.00. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $19.60 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $18.10. The company has a current ratio of 1.49, a quick ratio of 1.21 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.59.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of brokerages recently commented on HCMLY. BNP Paribas Exane downgraded shares of Holcim from a neutral rating to an underperform rating and set a $16.80 price target for the company. in a report on Thursday, December 4th. The Goldman Sachs Group downgraded Holcim from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Thursday, January 22nd. Royal Bank Of Canada reiterated a sector perform rating on shares of Holcim in a report on Monday, January 12th. Jefferies Financial Group downgraded Holcim from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday, December 3rd. Finally, Citigroup restated a neutral rating on shares of Holcim in a research report on Tuesday, January 13th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, four have assigned a Buy rating, six have given a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Holcim presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $16.80.

About Holcim

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Holcim is a global building materials and solutions company headquartered in Switzerland that produces and supplies cement, aggregates, ready-mix concrete, asphalt and a range of prefabricated and construction-related products and services. Its offerings are aimed at construction and infrastructure markets, serving contractors, developers, municipalities and industrial customers with materials for residential, commercial and civil engineering projects.

The company traces its modern form to the 2015 combination of Swiss cement maker Holcim and Frances Lafarge, which created one of the worlds largest building-materials groups; the combined enterprise later simplified its name to Holcim.

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Hamelin Gold Limited (ASX:HMG  Get Free Report) insider Philip Crutchfield purchased 206,244 shares of the stock in a transaction on Monday, February 16th. The shares were acquired at an average price of A$0.08 per share, for a total transaction of A$15,468.30.

Philip Crutchfield also recently made the following trade(s):

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On Tuesday, February 17th, Philip Crutchfield bought 92,500 shares of Hamelin Gold stock. The shares were acquired at an average cost of A$0.08 per share, with a total value of A$7,215.00.

Hamelin Gold Price Performance

The stock has a market cap of $8.70 million, a PE ratio of -6.83 and a beta of 0.68.

About Hamelin Gold

Hamelin Gold Limited operates as a mineral exploration company in the Western Tanami region of Western Australia. It holds 100% interest in the West Tanami project covering 2,500 square kilometers of gold province located in Western Australia. Hamelin Gold Limited was incorporated in 2021 and is based in Subiaco, Australia. Hamelin Gold Limited operates as a subsidiary of Encounter Resources Limited.

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oOh!media Limited (ASX:OML  Get Free Report) insider James Taylor purchased 28,938 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Thursday, February 19th. The shares were acquired at an average price of A$1.04 per share, with a total value of A$29,950.83.

oOh!media Price Performance

The company has a market capitalization of $662.70 million, a PE ratio of 19.49, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.26 and a beta of 1.90. The company has a current ratio of 0.76, a quick ratio of 0.68 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 128.43.

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oOh!media Dividend Announcement

The business also recently declared a Final dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, March 18th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, March 18th will be given a $0.04 dividend. This represents a yield of 376.0%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, February 24th. oOh!medias dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 83.33%.

About oOh!media

oOh!media Limited operates as an out of home media company primarily in Australia and New Zealand. The company's portfolio includes large format classic and digital roadside screens; large and small format digital and classic signs located in retail precincts, such as shopping centers, as well as airport terminals, lounges, and in-flight; digital and classic street furniture signs; and digital and classic format advertising in public transport corridors, including rail, as well as high dwell time environments, such as universities and office buildings.

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Jeronimo Martins SGPS SA (OTCMKTS:JRONY  Get Free Report) shares gapped up prior to trading on Monday . The stock had previously closed at $49.48, but opened at $51.7350. Jeronimo Martins SGPS shares last traded at $51.85, with a volume of 1,538 shares.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Separately, Kepler Capital Markets upgraded shares of Jeronimo Martins SGPS from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Wednesday, November 5th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating and two have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy.

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Jeronimo Martins SGPS Price Performance

About Jeronimo Martins SGPS

The firm has a 50 day moving average of $48.28 and a 200-day moving average of $48.72. The company has a market cap of $16.36 billion, a P/E ratio of 23.00, a P/E/G ratio of 1.28 and a beta of 0.91. The company has a current ratio of 0.58, a quick ratio of 0.33 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.13.

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Jeronimo Martins SGPS is a Portugal-based corporate group engaged primarily in food distribution and retail. Through its flagship Pingo Doce banner in Portugal, the company operates a network of full-service supermarkets and convenience outlets offering fresh produce, grocery items, and private-label products. In addition, its cash-and-carry arm, Recheio, supplies wholesale and hospitality professionals with a broad range of food and non-food goods.

Beyond its home market, Jeronimo Martins has established a significant presence in Poland under the discount supermarket brand Biedronka.

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Kimco Realty Corporation (NYSE:KIM  Get Free Report)s share price hit a new 52-week high on Monday . The company traded as high as $23.47 and last traded at $23.3240, with a volume of 368526 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at $23.17.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several equities analysts recently issued reports on the company. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c+) rating on shares of Kimco Realty in a research note on Thursday, January 22nd. Morgan Stanley set a $23.50 price target on shares of Kimco Realty in a report on Monday, January 5th. Mizuho set a $21.00 price objective on shares of Kimco Realty in a report on Friday, January 9th. Citigroup decreased their target price on shares of Kimco Realty from $23.00 to $21.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, December 3rd. Finally, Argus reissued a buy rating and issued a $27.00 price target on shares of Kimco Realty in a research report on Monday, December 1st. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, five have issued a Buy rating and seven have issued a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $24.18.

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Read Our Latest Analysis on KIM

Kimco Realty Stock Up 1.3%

Kimco Realty Dividend Announcement

The company has a market cap of $15.90 billion, a P/E ratio of 29.01, a PEG ratio of 1.30 and a beta of 1.07. The company has a quick ratio of 3.59, a current ratio of 3.31 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.78. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $21.01 and a 200 day moving average price of $21.21.

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, March 19th. Shareholders of record on Friday, March 6th will be paid a $0.26 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, March 6th. This represents a $1.04 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.4%. Kimco Realtys payout ratio is currently 128.40%.

Institutional Trading of Kimco Realty

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Values First Advisors Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Kimco Realty by 1.7% in the 3rd quarter. Values First Advisors Inc. now owns 27,590 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $603,000 after purchasing an additional 450 shares during the last quarter. Quadrant Capital Group LLC boosted its stake in Kimco Realty by 1.7% in the third quarter. Quadrant Capital Group LLC now owns 30,335 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $663,000 after acquiring an additional 503 shares during the last quarter. Parallel Advisors LLC grew its holdings in Kimco Realty by 11.2% during the 3rd quarter. Parallel Advisors LLC now owns 5,176 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $113,000 after acquiring an additional 520 shares during the period. EPG Wealth Management LLC grew its holdings in Kimco Realty by 1.8% during the 4th quarter. EPG Wealth Management LLC now owns 30,771 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $624,000 after acquiring an additional 530 shares during the period. Finally, Bleakley Financial Group LLC raised its position in shares of Kimco Realty by 5.0% during the 3rd quarter. Bleakley Financial Group LLC now owns 12,421 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $271,000 after acquiring an additional 589 shares during the last quarter. 89.25% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Kimco Realty Company Profile

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Founded in 1958 by Milton Cooper and headquartered in Jericho, New York, Kimco Realty Corporation (NYSE: KIM) is a leading publicly traded real estate investment trust (REIT) specializing in the ownership, operation and development of open-air shopping centers. The companys portfolio, concentrated on neighborhood and community centers anchored by grocery stores, encompasses approximately 400 properties across the United States, with selective holdings in Canada and Mexico.

Kimcos core business activities include acquiring, repositioning and managing retail real estate assets that serve as daily-need destinations for consumers.

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Kovitz Investment Group Partners LLC raised its position in HubSpot, Inc. (NYSE:HUBS  Free Report) by 615.0% during the third quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 72,767 shares of the software makers stock after acquiring an additional 62,590 shares during the quarter. Kovitz Investment Group Partners LLC owned approximately 0.14% of HubSpot worth $34,041,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently modified their holdings of the company. Goodman Advisory Group LLC bought a new stake in shares of HubSpot in the second quarter worth about $27,000. Exane Asset Management bought a new position in HubSpot during the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $30,000. Rakuten Securities Inc. lifted its holdings in HubSpot by 783.3% in the 2nd quarter. Rakuten Securities Inc. now owns 53 shares of the software makers stock worth $30,000 after buying an additional 47 shares during the period. Westside Investment Management Inc. grew its position in shares of HubSpot by 80.5% in the 3rd quarter. Westside Investment Management Inc. now owns 74 shares of the software makers stock worth $33,000 after buying an additional 33 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Osterweis Capital Management Inc. bought a new stake in shares of HubSpot in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $34,000. 90.39% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of brokerages recently commented on HUBS. Royal Bank Of Canada dropped their price target on HubSpot from $800.00 to $400.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, February 12th. Morgan Stanley restated an overweight rating on shares of HubSpot in a report on Thursday, February 12th. Stifel Nicolaus dropped their target price on shares of HubSpot from $550.00 to $500.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Friday, January 23rd. Citigroup boosted their price target on shares of HubSpot from $600.00 to $640.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Friday, February 13th. Finally, Zacks Research raised shares of HubSpot from a strong sell rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, February 17th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twenty-seven have assigned a Buy rating, one has assigned a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $452.70.

Insider Activity at HubSpot

In other HubSpot news, Director Brian Halligan sold 8,261 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Tuesday, February 17th. The stock was sold at an average price of $253.00, for a total value of $2,090,033.00. Following the sale, the director directly owned 481,168 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $121,735,504. The trade was a 1.69% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Also, insider Erika Ashley Fisher sold 841 shares of the stock in a transaction on Wednesday, February 4th. The stock was sold at an average price of $238.01, for a total value of $200,166.41. Following the completion of the sale, the insider directly owned 10,119 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,408,423.19. This represents a 7.67% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Insiders sold a total of 26,691 shares of company stock worth $8,136,702 in the last 90 days. 4.00% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

HubSpot Price Performance

Shares of HubSpot stock opened at $233.30 on Monday. HubSpot, Inc. has a 1 year low of $207.20 and a 1 year high of $749.00. The firm has a market cap of $12.30 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 268.16, a PEG ratio of 3.46 and a beta of 1.45. The company has a 50-day moving average of $323.59 and a 200 day moving average of $401.55.

HubSpot (NYSE:HUBS  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, February 11th. The software maker reported $3.09 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.99 by $0.10. HubSpot had a net margin of 1.47% and a return on equity of 3.64%. The business had revenue of $846.75 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $830.65 million. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $2.32 earnings per share. The businesss revenue was up 20.4% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, equities analysts anticipate that HubSpot, Inc. will post 1.01 EPS for the current year.

HubSpot Company Profile

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HubSpot, Inc is a software company that develops a cloud-based customer relationship management (CRM) platform designed to help organizations attract, engage and delight customers. Its primary business activities center on providing integrated marketing, sales and customer service tools that support inbound marketing strategies, content management, lead nurturing, sales automation and customer support workflows.

The companys product suite is organized around modular hubs built on a central CRM: Marketing Hub, Sales Hub, Service Hub, CMS Hub and Operations Hub.

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Kovitz Investment Group Partners LLC grew its stake in Cardinal Health, Inc. (NYSE:CAH  Free Report) by 231.1% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 236,505 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 165,080 shares during the period. Kovitz Investment Group Partners LLC owned 0.10% of Cardinal Health worth $37,122,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Integrated Wealth Concepts LLC grew its holdings in shares of Cardinal Health by 6.9% during the first quarter. Integrated Wealth Concepts LLC now owns 4,363 shares of the companys stock worth $601,000 after purchasing an additional 280 shares during the last quarter. Jones Financial Companies Lllp boosted its position in shares of Cardinal Health by 198.3% in the 1st quarter. Jones Financial Companies Lllp now owns 21,112 shares of the companys stock valued at $27,000 after purchasing an additional 14,034 shares during the period. Carnegie Investment Counsel purchased a new position in Cardinal Health during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $357,000. Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Group Inc. increased its position in Cardinal Health by 1.2% during the second quarter. Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Group Inc. now owns 625,082 shares of the companys stock worth $105,014,000 after buying an additional 7,308 shares during the period. Finally, Focus Partners Advisor Solutions LLC lifted its stake in Cardinal Health by 12.7% in the second quarter. Focus Partners Advisor Solutions LLC now owns 7,106 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,193,000 after buying an additional 803 shares during the last quarter. 87.17% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Cardinal Health Trading Up 0.7%

NYSE CAH opened at $224.22 on Monday. The stock has a market capitalization of $52.76 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 32.26, a PEG ratio of 1.45 and a beta of 0.64. The businesss 50 day moving average is $211.38 and its two-hundred day moving average is $184.89. Cardinal Health, Inc. has a 12-month low of $120.72 and a 12-month high of $230.81.

Cardinal Health Dividend Announcement

Cardinal Health ( NYSE:CAH Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, February 5th. The company reported $2.63 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.31 by $0.32. The firm had revenue of $65.63 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $64.88 billion. Cardinal Health had a negative return on equity of 92.50% and a net margin of 0.68%.The companys revenue for the quarter was up 18.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $1.93 earnings per share. Equities analysts forecast that Cardinal Health, Inc. will post 7.95 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, April 15th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, April 1st will be issued a $0.5107 dividend. This represents a $2.04 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.9%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, April 1st. Cardinal Healths dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 29.35%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

CAH has been the topic of a number of research reports. Barclays initiated coverage on shares of Cardinal Health in a research report on Monday, December 8th. They set an overweight rating and a $243.00 target price on the stock. Morgan Stanley set a $255.00 price objective on shares of Cardinal Health in a research report on Friday, February 6th. UBS Group set a $260.00 target price on shares of Cardinal Health and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Friday, February 6th. TD Cowen raised their price target on Cardinal Health from $233.00 to $251.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, February 11th. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft boosted their price target on Cardinal Health from $195.00 to $208.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday, November 18th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, fourteen have assigned a Buy rating and two have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $244.20.

Check Out Our Latest Report on Cardinal Health

About Cardinal Health

(Free Report)

Cardinal Health is a multinational healthcare services and products company headquartered in Dublin, Ohio. Tracing its roots to the early 1970s, the company has grown into a major provider of supply chain and distribution services for the healthcare sector. Cardinal Health operates across a range of service lines that support hospitals, health systems, pharmacies, physician offices and clinical laboratories.

The companys core activities include the wholesale distribution of branded and generic pharmaceuticals, the supply and distribution of medical-surgical products, and the provision of logistics and inventory management solutions.

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Mayne Pharma Group (ASX:MYX) discussed a planned leadership transition and detailed its first-half fiscal 2026 financial and segment performance during its results presentation, highlighting improved gross margin and dermatology contribution growth despite flat revenue for the period.

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Leadership transition and finance team update

Chief Executive Officer Aaron Gray opened the call by noting the company is undertaking a planned and orderly leadership transition, with Shawn Patrick OBrien stepping down as Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director and Gray appointed CEO effective 21 February. Gray said the transition is part of the boards structured succession process and is intended to maintain continuity of strategy, governance, and financial discipline. OBrien said the change was planned and emphasized continuity, adding that he would remain available to the board in an advisory capacity to support an orderly transition.

Group results: flat revenue, higher margin, underlying cash generation

Gray also said the company has commenced a formal process to appoint a new chief financial officer to replace his prior role, and that interim internal arrangements and board oversight would maintain governance and reporting continuity.

For the half, Mayne Pharma reported revenue of AUD 212.1 million, described as broadly flat year-on-year. Gross margin increased to 65.3% from 61.4% in the prior corresponding period, and total direct segment contribution increased to AUD 68.1 million. Underlying EBITDA was AUD 28.6 million, down 8%, while adjusted operating cash flow from continuing operations was AUD 16.9 million. The company ended the half with AUD 67.4 million in cash and marketable securities.

Management emphasized a distinction between operational performance and items characterized as non-recurring or non-cash. Gray said underlying EBITDA excluded an AUD 54.5 million non-cash earn-out reassessment and AUD 21.3 million of charges related to diligence, business development, litigation, and restructuring. He said the main volatility sits outside underlying operations, driven by discrete legal and transaction costs and earn-out style payments, and that the underlying earnings base remained resilient despite uncertainty and distraction associated with the Cosette transaction process.

On the cash flow bridge, management said the business generated AUD 16.9 million of underlying cash flow from continuing operations (excluding transaction and litigation costs), while scheme-related transaction and litigation costs were AUD 20.7 million. The company also made earn-out payments including AUD 7.3 million in royalties and AUD 10.3 million related to TWYNEO and EPSOLAY intangible acquisition cost. Discontinued operations cash outflows were AUD 5.1 million, and earn-outs from discontinued operations were AUD 3.1 million. Other movements included capital leases of AUD 1.7 million, net capital expenditure of AUD 1.3 million, and other items of AUD 0.5 million (all described as outflows).

Womens health: demand gains and investment weighed on contribution

In womens health, management said the portfolio continued to show momentum, supported by favorable macro tailwinds in menopause benefiting BIJUVA and IMVEXXY in particular, and that Mayne is building a franchise across NEXTSTELLIS, IMVEXXY, BIJUVA, and ANNOVERA to reduce reliance on any single product.

Womens health revenue was AUD 96.5 million, up 2% versus the prior corresponding period. Within the portfolio:

NEXTSTELLIS demand cycles increased 16% and net sales increased 4% to AUD 23.4 million.

IMVEXXY total prescriptions increased 3% and net sales increased 2% to AUD 15.6 million.

BIJUVA total prescriptions increased 26% and net sales increased 23% to AUD 8.2 million.

ANNOVERA total prescriptions increased 2%, but net sales declined 9% to AUD 14.4 million, which management attributed to net realization dynamics from inventory returns rather than volume weakness.

Womens health gross profit was AUD 76.2 million, down 1%, and gross margin was 79%, down three percentage points. Direct operating expenses increased to AUD 40 million, up 6%, reflecting planned investment behind the franchise. Direct contribution was AUD 36.2 million, down 8%.

Gray said access expansion supported NEXTSTELLIS conversion from demand into filled prescriptions, noting new coverage decisions effective 1 January that added approximately 25 million additional covered lives in the U.S. He said broader access could reduce abandonment, improve net revenue per script, and reduce volatility in rebates and contracting dynamics.

During Q&A, Gray addressed why womens health revenue appeared relatively flat despite prescription growth, citing ANNOVERA returns and a prior-period benefit from credits tied to a conservative gross-to-net (GTN) methodology that did not repeat. He said that once normalized, he would expect revenue growth to align with or exceed prescription growth. On ANNOVERA specifically, he described the Big Three wholesalers return rights, called the product logistically challenging, and said Mayne is pursuing a multi-prong approach including improving access processes to reduce abandonment and exploring supply-side changes, including contracting with wholesalers with different return terms.

Asked about BIJUVAs momentum, Gray pointed to increased discussion and awareness around hormone replacement therapy (HRT), including the U.S. governments removal of the black box warning from certain HRT products, including BIJUVA and IMVEXXY. He added that Maynes label update is in process.

Dermatology: margin expansion drove contribution growth; disintermediation to scale

In dermatology, management highlighted improved profitability driven by mix and channel strategy. Segment revenue was AUD 78.6 million, down 3%, but gross margin expanded to 65%, up 12 percentage points, and direct contribution increased 35% to AUD 29.8 million. Gray said the company is moving from building the ecosystem to scaling it and plans to launch the next leg of its disintermediation strategy in Q3 fiscal 2026.

Management said branded revenue increased to AUD 51.2 million (65% of dermatology mix) from AUD 44.5 million (55% of mix) in the prior corresponding period, with TWYNEO and EPSOLAY contributing to the increase following their relaunch by Mayne. Other dermatology products declined to 35% of mix from 45%. The company said this mix shift drove the margin improvement and, combined with flat segment operating expenses, supported operating leverage in contribution.

In response to an investor question on the dermatology opportunity, Gray said coverage for small-molecule medical dermatology products is relatively poor and may deteriorate, requiring a different commercial model than traditional pharma approaches. He described Maynes alternative distribution and access solution as providing cost certainty at the time of prescribing, no prior authorizations, and delivery directly to patients. He also said the company sees opportunities to add assets in capital light structures, citing experience partnering with Galderma and suggesting other potential partnerships and product acquisition opportunities.

Gray also addressed expected competition for RHOFADE, stating that when Mayne acquired the asset from a bankruptcy proceeding it knew it was not long-lived, and that settlement terms reached by the prior owner allow competing generics to enter at the end of fiscal 2026. He said Mayne expects competitors to launch at that time and that the company would take steps to protect and maintain its market share.

International: PBS listing drives investment phase; Salisbury upgrade completed

In international, management highlighted three operational points: PBS approval for NEXTSTELLIS in Australia with promotion commenced post-approval; completion and inauguration of an AUD 18 million Salisbury facility upgrade (including AUD 4.8 million from the Modern Manufacturing Initiative Grant); and external recognition for export performance.

International revenue was AUD 36.9 million, down 1%, while gross profit increased 7% to AUD 11.3 million and gross margin improved to 30.5% (up three percentage points). Direct operating expenses rose 32% to AUD 9.2 million, which management attributed primarily to planned investment related to NEXTSTELLIS, and direct contribution declined 42% to AUD 2.1 million.

Gray said the company is focused on converting these investments into improved performance through improved capacity and reliability from Salisbury, better utilization and fixed cost absorption, and leveraging the PBS listing to improve access and affordability. He cited 118% growth in three-pack volumes of NEXTSTELLIS in December 2025 immediately following the PBS decision as an early traction indicator.

On the companys adjustments to underlying EBITDA going forward, Gray said costs associated with the Cosette transaction were extensive in the half and that appeal-related costs should be significantly reduced versus what has already been spent, with damages-claim costs also expected to be lower than the initial spend and potentially spread over a longer period. He also said Mayne incurred more than AUD 2 million of legal costs related to defense of intellectual property in the first half and that management is working to resolve these matters. Additionally, he said FDA post-approval study costs for womens health stepped up by about AUD 2.6 million versus the prior first half and are expected to continue through the second half of fiscal 2026, then step down beginning in fiscal 2027 as studies are completed.

In closing remarks, management said it continues to evaluate capital allocation priorities including share repurchases, targeted asset acquisitions, and expanded promotional activities. Gray also said Mayne has commenced proceedings in the Supreme Court of New South Wales against Cosette and related parties, Avista and David Burgstahler, seeking substantial damages on behalf of shareholders and the company.

About Mayne Pharma Group (ASX:MYX)

Mayne Pharma Group Limited, a specialty pharmaceutical company, manufactures and sells branded and generic pharmaceutical products in Australia, New Zealand, the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia, and internationally. The company operates through four segments: International Branded Products, and Portfolio Product Division. It provides oral drug delivery systems; and contract development and manufacturing services to third-party customers, as well as distributes specialty pharmaceutical products in the dermatology, womens health, and infectious disease therapeutic areas.

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The president of an insurance brokerage firm and the CEO of a marketing firm have been sentenced to 20 years in prison for their long-standing involvement in a $233 million (173 million) fraudulent scheme to steal from the Obamacare initiative, also known as the Affordable Care Act (ACA) programme.

The defendants convicted for the said scheme are Cory Lloyd, 47, of Stuart, Florida, and Steven Strong, 43, of Mansfield, Texas.

Both fraudulent actors allegedly exploited tens of thousands of vulnerable customers, enrolling them into fully subsidised ACA plans without their proper consent, for which they earned millions of dollars in commission payments from insurance companies.

FBI Statement on the Scheme

According to FBI Director Kash Patel, the defendants designed a business exploitation model targeted at the most vulnerable people. How this model worked was to first manipulate federal health programmes for profit, then put victims at the risk of losing critical medical care, forcing them to lose insurance money to these corporate scheme actors.

'Stealing hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars while endangering lives is as callous as it gets. The FBI and our partners will continue to track down and hold accountable anyone who treats vulnerable Americans as a payday,' Patel added.

Justice Department Response

'These defendants will rightly spend decades in prison for taking advantage of thousands of vulnerable people and stealing millions from a health care safety net designed for working families,' said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department's Criminal Division.

And Attorney General Pamela Bondi termed the fraudulent actions as 'evil' and 'unforgivable,' noting that these actors preyed on medically compromised customers to rob them of huge sums from tax-funded programmes.

Details of the Fraudulent Scheme

According to legal filings and evidence presented at trial, both perpetrators of the said scheme maneuvered individuals struggling with homelessness, addiction, and mental health challenges and jeopardised their access to legitimate medical care through their scheme, which sought over $233 million (173 million) in fraudulent ACA plan subsidies for which they cashed in at least $180 million (133 million) from federal government payments.

As per evidence presented at trial, Lloyd and Strong jointly enrolled vulnerable customers in fully subsidised ACA programs using false applications for individuals whose income did not meet the minimum requirements for eligibility.

As a result, these victims were liable to lose as much as life-saving treatments, which were normally covered under their Medicaid insurance or other programmes such as treatments for opioid use disorders, mental health disorders, and serious infectious diseases.

Further findings, according to the DOJ, revealed that Lloyd had received commissions and other financial incentives from an insurance firm in exchange for enrolling consumers in the ACA plans. In turn, Lloyd paid commissions to Strong to gain customer referrals.

To maximise these commissions, Lloyd and Strong used falsified sales documents and other manipulative tactics to coerce customers into stating they would attempt to meet the minimum earning requirement to be eligible for a subsidised ACA plan, despite these customers earlier stating their lack of income to insurance agents.

Evasion of Federal Verification Checks and Luxurious Spending

Both fraudulent actors also tried to evade federal government verification checks on income and other relevant documents and intentionally submitted thousands of applications to Medicaid for various individuals in a way that ensured they never met the eligibility requirements, so as to eventually exploit them through their fraudulent subsidised ACA scheme.

Evidence also surfaced that both parties exchanged text messages, which included conversations where they belittled their victims during their manipulative scheme. The defendants bought expensive assets using the money made from the scheme, including luxury homes, an 80-foot yacht, and a Tesla.

Originally published on IBTimes UK
James S. Iii Mahan, Chief Executive Officer of Live Oak Bancshares (NYSE:LOB), reported the indirect sale of 20,000 shares of Common Stock for a transaction value of approximately $810,000, according to a SEC Form 4 filing.

Transaction summary

Metric Value Shares sold (indirect) 20,000 Transaction value $810,000 Post-transaction shares (indirect) 6,454,875

Transaction value based on SEC Form 4 weighted average purchase price ($40.49).

Key questions

What portion of Mahan's overall indirect holdings was affected?

This transaction involved 0.31% of his indirect holdings, a small fraction of his total shares through his trusts.

What was the context of the sale?

The sale was a part of a Rule 10b5-1 trading plan, where Mahan gets to plan the transaction ahead of time.

Company overview

Metric Value Market capitalization $1.88 billion Revenue (TTM) $480.78 million Net income (TTM) $102.82 million 1-year price change 22.18%

* 1-year price change calculated using Feb. 22, 2026 as the reference date.

Company snapshot

Live Oak Bancshares is a Wilmington, North Carolina-based regional bank holding company that offers commercial banking products and services including deposit accounts, commercial and industrial loans, construction and real estate loans, and government-guaranteed loan services. It generates revenue primarily from interest income on loans and deposits, as well as fees from wealth management and investment advisory accounts.

What this transaction means for investors

Although Live Oak Banking Company, the bank that Live Oak Bancshares owns, may be one of the lesser-known banks compared to larger global banks, its still widely popular within the business sector.

In October, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) named it the most active SBA 7(a) lender in the nation by dollar volume. A 7(a) loan is the SBAs primary business loan program that offers financial assistance to small businesses. The bank secured 2,280 SBA loan approvals in FY 2025, providing small businesses owners with over $2.8 billion in funding.

Live Oak Bancshares had its Q4 earnings report for fiscal year 2025, posting its fourth consecutive quarter of revenue growth, generating $150.93 million in revenue, a 61.75% increase from the previous year. The holding company also posted growth in net income and earnings per share (EPS).

While the Q4 results were an improvement from recent previous quarters, the company has still seen better numbers in previous fiscal years, which contributed to the companys stock falling in the previous two years. The stock is currently up 18% (as of Feb. 21, 2026), but it may be difficult to decide whether to invest in a company that focuses on a niche market in small business banking.
Mcdonald Capital Investors Inc. CA lowered its stake in shares of Martin Marietta Materials, Inc. (NYSE:MLM  Free Report) by 2.5% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 157,538 shares of the construction companys stock after selling 4,033 shares during the quarter. Martin Marietta Materials makes up approximately 6.2% of Mcdonald Capital Investors Inc. CAs holdings, making the stock its 8th biggest holding. Mcdonald Capital Investors Inc. CA owned about 0.26% of Martin Marietta Materials worth $99,293,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of MLM. Quent Capital LLC bought a new stake in shares of Martin Marietta Materials during the third quarter valued at approximately $26,000. Redmont Wealth Advisors LLC bought a new position in Martin Marietta Materials in the 3rd quarter valued at $32,000. Twin Peaks Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Martin Marietta Materials in the 2nd quarter valued at $28,000. Grey Fox Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Martin Marietta Materials in the 3rd quarter valued at $33,000. Finally, NewSquare Capital LLC raised its position in shares of Martin Marietta Materials by 62.2% during the second quarter. NewSquare Capital LLC now owns 60 shares of the construction companys stock worth $33,000 after acquiring an additional 23 shares during the last quarter. 95.04% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

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Martin Marietta Materials Stock Performance

Shares of NYSE:MLM opened at $686.51 on Monday. The firms 50 day simple moving average is $651.62 and its 200 day simple moving average is $629.22. Martin Marietta Materials, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $441.95 and a fifty-two week high of $710.97. The company has a market capitalization of $41.40 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 36.52, a P/E/G ratio of 2.62 and a beta of 1.16. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.53, a current ratio of 3.57 and a quick ratio of 2.36.

Martin Marietta Materials Announces Dividend

Martin Marietta Materials ( NYSE:MLM Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data 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). The firm had revenue of $1.53 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.66 billion. Martin Marietta Materials had a net margin of 17.38% and a return on equity of 10.86%. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 9.3% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $4.79 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts forecast 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. Investors of record on Monday, March 2nd will be paid a dividend of $0.83 per share. This represents a $3.32 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.5%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, March 2nd. Martin Marietta Materialss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 17.66%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several equities analysts recently issued reports on the company. B. Riley Financial assumed coverage on Martin Marietta Materials in a report on Thursday, January 15th. They issued a neutral rating and a $700.00 price target on the stock. DA Davidson set a $680.00 target price on shares of Martin Marietta Materials in a research note on Thursday, February 12th. Wall Street Zen downgraded shares of Martin Marietta Materials from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a research note on Saturday, November 8th. 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. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus lifted their target price on shares of Martin Marietta Materials from $637.00 to $681.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, November 11th. Nine research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, seven have assigned a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $690.69.

Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on MLM

Martin Marietta Materials Company 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.

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Metro Inc. (OTCMKTS:MTRAF  Get Free Report) hit a new 52-week high during trading on Monday . The company traded as high as $83.02 and last traded at $83.02, with a volume of 634 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at $71.7250.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

MTRAF has been the topic of a number of analyst reports. TD Securities reiterated a buy rating on shares of Metro in a research note on Wednesday, January 28th. Scotiabank reiterated an outperform rating on shares of Metro in a research report on Thursday, November 20th. Finally, BMO Capital Markets reissued an outperform rating on shares of Metro in a research note on Wednesday, January 28th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has given a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Metro currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy.

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View Our Latest Stock Analysis on MTRAF

Metro Stock Up 17.1%

The company has a market capitalization of $17.66 billion and a P/E ratio of 50.32. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.65, a quick ratio of 0.53 and a current ratio of 1.42. The firms fifty day moving average is $70.92 and its 200-day moving average is $70.11.

Metro (OTCMKTS:MTRAF  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, January 27th. The company reported $0.83 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.87 by ($0.04). The company had revenue of $3.85 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $3.71 billion. Metro had a net margin of 4.44% and a return on equity of 14.73%.

About Metro

(Get Free Report)

Metro AG, trading in the United States as an American Depositary Receipt under the symbol MTRAF, is a leading international wholesale company focused on supplying the foodservice and hospitality sectors. Through its METRO Cash & Carry division, the company operates self-service wholesale outlets that offer a broad assortment of food products, fresh perishables, non-food items and hotel and restaurant equipment. Metros business model caters exclusively to professional customershotels, restaurants, caterers and independent retailersenabling them to purchase in bulk at competitive prices.

Founded in 1964 and headquartered in Dusseldorf, Germany, Metro has grown its footprint across Europe and Asia, serving customers in more than 30 countries.

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American Eagle Outfitters (NYSE:AEO  Get Free Report) and MOGU (NYSE:MOGU  Get Free Report) are both retail/wholesale companies, but which is the better investment? We will contrast the two businesses based on the strength of their analyst recommendations, earnings, profitability, institutional ownership, dividends, valuation and risk.

Insider & Institutional Ownership

97.3% of American Eagle Outfitters shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 19.1% of MOGU shares are owned by institutional investors. 8.7% of American Eagle Outfitters shares are owned by insiders. Comparatively, 19.8% of MOGU shares are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, endowments and large money managers believe a stock will outperform the market over the long term.

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Earnings and Valuation

This table compares American Eagle Outfitters and MOGUs top-line revenue, earnings per share and valuation.

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio American Eagle Outfitters $5.33 billion 0.80 $329.38 million $1.16 21.78 MOGU $19.46 million 0.91 -$8.62 million N/A N/A

American Eagle Outfitters has higher revenue and earnings than MOGU.

Volatility & Risk

American Eagle Outfitters has a beta of 1.42, indicating that its stock price is 42% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, MOGU has a beta of 0.45, indicating that its stock price is 55% less volatile than the S&P 500.

Profitability

This table compares American Eagle Outfitters and MOGUs net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets American Eagle Outfitters 3.90% 13.82% 5.59% MOGU N/A N/A N/A

Analyst Ratings

This is a breakdown of recent ratings for American Eagle Outfitters and MOGU, as reported by MarketBeat.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score American Eagle Outfitters 2 11 1 1 2.07 MOGU 1 0 0 0 1.00

American Eagle Outfitters presently has a consensus price target of $22.45, suggesting a potential downside of 11.12%. Given American Eagle Outfitters stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, research analysts plainly believe American Eagle Outfitters is more favorable than MOGU.

Summary

American Eagle Outfitters beats MOGU on 11 of the 13 factors compared between the two stocks.

About American Eagle Outfitters

(Get Free Report)

American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. operates as a multi-brand specialty retailer in the United States and internationally. The company provides jeans, apparel and accessories, and personal care products for women and men under the American Eagle brand; and intimates, apparel, activewear, and swim collections under the Aerie and OFFLINE by Aerie brands. It also offers menswear products under the Todd Snyder New York brand; and fashion clothing and accessories under the Unsubscribed brand. The company sells its products through own and licensed retail stores; concession-based shops-within-shops; and digital channels, such as www.ae.com, www.aerie.com, www.toddsnyder.com, and www.unsubscribed.com. American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. was founded in 1977 and is headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

About MOGU

(Get Free Report)

MOGU Inc., through its subsidiaries, engages in the online fashion and lifestyle business in the People's Republic of China. The company operates an online platform that primarily offers a range of fashion apparel and other products, including beauty products and accessories provided by third party merchants, as well as personal care, food, and medical beauty products. It also provides online marketing, commission, financing, technology, and other related services to merchants, brand partners/owners, and users; and technology services to insurance companies. The company offers its products through mobile apps, including flagship Mogujie app, mini programs on Weixin, and Weixin pay; websites comprising Mogu.com, Mogujie.com and Meilishuo.com. The company was formerly known as Meili Inc. and changed its name to MOGU Inc. in November 2018. The company was incorporated in 2011 and is headquartered in Hangzhou, the People's Republic of China.

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Piper Sandler Companies (NYSE:PIPR  Get Free Report) and Motive Capital (OTCMKTS:MOTVU  Get Free Report) are both financial services companies, but which is the superior business? We will compare the two businesses based on the strength of their institutional ownership, profitability, dividends, valuation, analyst recommendations, risk and earnings.

Profitability

This table compares Piper Sandler Companies and Motive Capitals net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

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Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Piper Sandler Companies 14.77% 22.50% 15.90% Motive Capital N/A N/A N/A

Institutional and Insider Ownership

72.8% of Piper Sandler Companies shares are held by institutional investors. 2.7% of Piper Sandler Companies shares are held 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.

Valuation and Earnings

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Piper Sandler Companies $1.90 billion 2.84 $281.33 million $15.81 19.31 Motive Capital N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

This table compares Piper Sandler Companies and Motive Capitals gross revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

Piper Sandler Companies has higher revenue and earnings than Motive Capital.

Analyst Recommendations

This is a summary of recent recommendations and price targets for Piper Sandler Companies and Motive Capital, as reported by MarketBeat.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Piper Sandler Companies 1 2 2 1 2.50 Motive Capital 0 0 0 0 0.00

Piper Sandler Companies presently has a consensus price target of $389.67, suggesting a potential upside of 27.66%. Given Piper Sandler Companies stronger consensus rating and higher probable upside, equities analysts clearly believe Piper Sandler Companies is more favorable than Motive Capital.

Summary

Piper Sandler Companies beats Motive Capital on 10 of the 10 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Piper Sandler Companies

(Get Free Report)

Piper Sandler Companies operates as an investment bank and institutional securities firm that serves corporations, private equity groups, public entities, non-profit entities, and institutional investors in the United States and internationally. The company offers investment banking and institutional sales, trading, and research services for various equity and fixed income products. It provides advisory services, such as mergers and acquisitions, equity private placements, and debt and restructuring advisory; raises capital through equity and debt financings; underwrites municipal issuances; and offers municipal financial advisory and loan placement services, as well as various over-the-counter derivative products. The company also offers public finance investment banking services that focus on state and local governments, and cultural and social service non-profit entities, as well as the education, healthcare, hospitality, senior living, and transportation sectors. In addition, it provides equity and fixed income advisory and trade execution services for institutional investors, and government and non-profit entities. Further, the company is involved in the alternative asset management funds merchant banking and healthcare to invest firm capital and to manage capital from outside investors, as well as trading activities. The company was formerly known as Piper Jaffray Companies and changed its name to Piper Sandler Companies in January 2020. Piper Sandler Companies was founded in 1895 and is headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

About Motive Capital

(Get Free Report)

Motive Capital Corp is a newly incorporated blank check company whose business purpose is to effect a merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses or entities.

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Outokumpu (OTCMKTS:OUTKY  Get Free Report)s stock price hit a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Monday . The stock traded as high as $3.0450 and last traded at $3.0450, with a volume of 300 shares. The stock had previously closed at $2.95.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

OUTKY has been the subject of several recent analyst reports. Jefferies Financial Group lowered Outokumpu from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Friday, January 16th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft cut Outokumpu from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 29th. Zacks Research raised Outokumpu from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Thursday, January 1st. Finally, Citigroup restated a neutral rating on shares of Outokumpu in a research report on Thursday, January 22nd. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, four have given a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Hold.

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View Our Latest Stock Analysis on Outokumpu

Outokumpu Stock Up 6.0%

The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $2.68 and a 200-day simple moving average of $2.35. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.15, a quick ratio of 0.61 and a current ratio of 1.76. The company has a market cap of $2.94 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -19.44 and a beta of 0.59.

Outokumpu (OTCMKTS:OUTKY  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, February 12th. The company reported ($0.08) earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of ($0.13) by $0.05. Outokumpu had a negative net margin of 2.55% and a negative return on equity of 3.97%. The firm had revenue of $1.35 billion for the quarter. On average, equities analysts anticipate that Outokumpu will post 0.07 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

About Outokumpu

(Get Free Report)

Outokumpu Oyj is a Finland-based global producer of stainless steel products and one of Europes leading stainless steel manufacturers. Headquartered in Helsinki, the company traces its roots back to mining operations established in 1910 and has, over decades, transformed into a focused stainless steel specialist. Outokumpus core business encompasses the production of high-grade stainless steel in flat and long product forms, serving a broad range of industries including automotive, construction, energy, and consumer goods.

The companys primary product portfolio includes cold-rolled and hot-rolled coils and sheets, plates, strips, bars and wire, as well as tailor-made and value-added solutions such as precision-cut blanks and welded tubes.

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Private Advisory Group LLC grew its stake in Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM  Free Report) by 36.2% during the third quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 131,448 shares of the oil and gas companys stock after acquiring an additional 34,916 shares during the period. Exxon Mobil accounts for 1.2% of Private Advisory Group LLCs holdings, making the stock its 19th biggest holding. Private Advisory Group LLCs holdings in Exxon Mobil were worth $14,821,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of XOM. Maryland State Retirement & Pension System raised its holdings in shares of Exxon Mobil by 2.6% in the third quarter. Maryland State Retirement & Pension System now owns 215,892 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $24,342,000 after acquiring an additional 5,573 shares in the last quarter. Linscomb Wealth Inc. increased its position in Exxon Mobil by 1.4% during the 2nd quarter. Linscomb Wealth Inc. now owns 389,769 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $42,017,000 after purchasing an additional 5,527 shares during the period. U.S. Capital Wealth Advisors LLC raised its holdings in shares of Exxon Mobil by 3.3% in the 3rd quarter. U.S. Capital Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 306,658 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $34,576,000 after purchasing an additional 9,831 shares in the last quarter. Capital Counsel LLC NY lifted its position in shares of Exxon Mobil by 0.9% in the 2nd quarter. Capital Counsel LLC NY now owns 49,687 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $5,356,000 after purchasing an additional 460 shares during the period. Finally, HORAN Wealth LLC boosted its stake in shares of Exxon Mobil by 78.3% during the third quarter. HORAN Wealth LLC now owns 13,180 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $1,486,000 after purchasing an additional 5,788 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 61.80% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

Several analysts have issued reports on XOM shares. Barclays increased their target price on Exxon Mobil from $140.00 to $145.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Tuesday, February 3rd. Jefferies Financial Group lifted their target price on Exxon Mobil from $146.00 to $148.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, December 10th. Loop Capital set a $123.00 price target on shares of Exxon Mobil in a research report on Tuesday, February 3rd. Citigroup lifted their price objective on shares of Exxon Mobil from $115.00 to $118.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Wednesday, December 10th. Finally, Morgan Stanley reduced their price objective on Exxon Mobil from $137.00 to $134.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Friday, January 23rd. Nine equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, eight have assigned a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $140.59.

Exxon Mobil News Summary

Here are the key news stories impacting Exxon Mobil this week:

Exxon Mobil Stock Performance

XOM opened at $147.12 on Monday. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $132.29 and a 200 day moving average price of $120.23. Exxon Mobil Corporation has a 1 year low of $97.80 and a 1 year high of $156.93. The stock has a market cap of $613.00 billion, a P/E ratio of 21.99, a P/E/G ratio of 15.28 and a beta of 0.39. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.13, a current ratio of 1.15 and a quick ratio of 0.79.

Exxon Mobil (NYSE:XOM  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Friday, January 30th. The oil and gas company reported $1.71 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.63 by $0.08. Exxon Mobil had a net margin of 8.68% and a return on equity of 11.21%. The company had revenue of $80.04 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $77.98 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company earned $1.67 earnings per share. The firms revenue for the quarter was down 1.3% on a year-over-year basis. Equities research analysts anticipate that Exxon Mobil Corporation will post 7.43 earnings per share for the current year.

Exxon Mobil Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 10th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, February 12th will be given a dividend of $1.03 per share. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, February 12th. This represents a $4.12 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.8%. Exxon Mobils dividend payout ratio is currently 61.58%.

Insider Buying and Selling

In other news, VP Darrin L. Talley sold 3,230 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, February 9th. The stock was sold at an average price of $149.18, for a total value of $481,851.40. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president directly owned 20,354 shares in the company, valued at $3,036,409.72. The trade was a 13.70% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. Insiders sold 14,230 shares of company stock valued at $1,888,421 over the last quarter. 0.03% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Exxon Mobil 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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Private Advisory Group LLC decreased its holdings in shares of Vertiv Holdings Co. (NYSE:VRT  Free Report) by 7.2% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 73,866 shares of the companys stock after selling 5,756 shares during the quarter. Private Advisory Group LLCs holdings in Vertiv were worth $11,143,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the company. Howard Capital Management Inc. increased its holdings in Vertiv by 3.0% in the third quarter. Howard Capital Management Inc. now owns 1,837 shares of the companys stock valued at $277,000 after purchasing an additional 54 shares during the last quarter. Investors Asset Management of Georgia Inc. GA ADV increased its stake in shares of Vertiv by 1.9% in the 3rd quarter. Investors Asset Management of Georgia Inc. GA ADV now owns 3,020 shares of the companys stock valued at $456,000 after acquiring an additional 55 shares during the last quarter. JBR Co Financial Management Inc raised its position in shares of Vertiv by 0.8% in the 3rd quarter. JBR Co Financial Management Inc now owns 7,825 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,180,000 after acquiring an additional 65 shares during the period. Plancorp LLC raised its position in shares of Vertiv by 1.3% in the 3rd quarter. Plancorp LLC now owns 5,317 shares of the companys stock valued at $802,000 after acquiring an additional 67 shares during the period. Finally, True Wealth Design LLC boosted its stake in Vertiv by 54.0% during the 3rd quarter. True Wealth Design LLC now owns 194 shares of the companys stock worth $29,000 after acquiring an additional 68 shares during the last quarter. 89.92% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

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Vertiv Stock Up 0.3%

NYSE:VRT opened at $243.70 on Monday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.73, a quick ratio of 1.22 and a current ratio of 1.55. The company has a market cap of $93.24 billion, a PE ratio of 71.47, a PEG ratio of 1.23 and a beta of 2.08. Vertiv Holdings Co. has a 52-week low of $53.60 and a 52-week high of $255.54. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $185.30 and a 200 day simple moving average of $167.93.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Vertiv ( NYSE:VRT Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, February 11th. The company reported $1.36 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.29 by $0.07. The firm had revenue of $2.88 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.89 billion. Vertiv had a return on equity of 49.55% and a net margin of 13.03%.The businesss quarterly revenue was up 22.7% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted $0.99 EPS. Vertiv has set its Q1 2026 guidance at 0.950-1.010 EPS and its FY 2026 guidance at 5.970-6.070 EPS. On average, sell-side analysts expect that Vertiv Holdings Co. will post 3.59 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Several brokerages have commented on VRT. Evercore reaffirmed an outperform rating and issued a $280.00 target price on shares of Vertiv in a research note on Wednesday, February 11th. Barclays raised their price objective on Vertiv from $200.00 to $281.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday, February 12th. Mizuho increased their price target on Vertiv from $198.00 to $290.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Thursday, February 12th. Oppenheimer reaffirmed an outperform rating and set a $270.00 price target on shares of Vertiv in a research report on Thursday, February 12th. Finally, Wolfe Research lowered Vertiv from an outperform rating to a peer perform rating in a research report on Tuesday, December 9th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, nineteen have assigned a Buy rating, two have given a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $230.28.

Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on VRT

About Vertiv

(Free Report)

Vertiv is a global provider of critical digital infrastructure and continuity solutions for data centers, communication networks and commercial and industrial environments. Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, the company designs, manufactures and services equipment and software that support power availability, thermal management and IT infrastructure management for a broad set of end markets, including hyperscale and enterprise data centers, colocation providers, telecom operators and industrial customers.

The companys product portfolio includes uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), power distribution units (PDUs), battery and DC power systems, precision cooling and thermal management equipment, racks and enclosures, and integrated modular infrastructure.

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American Airlines Group, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Air Lease are the five Airline stocks to watch today, according to MarketBeats stock screener tool. Airline stocks are shares of publicly traded companies whose primary business is passenger and/or cargo air transportation, including major carriers, regional airlines, and low-cost carriers. For investors they tend to be cyclical and sensitive to factors such as fuel prices, economic growth, travel demand, labor costs and regulation, so performance often depends on load factors, capacity management and balance-sheet leverage. These companies had the highest dollar trading volume of any Airline stocks within the last several days.

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American Airlines Group (AAL)

American Airlines Group Inc., through its subsidiaries, operates as a network air carrier. The company provides scheduled air transportation services for passengers and cargo through its hubs in Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, Phoenix, and Washington, D.C., as well as through partner gateways in London, Doha, Madrid, Seattle/Tacoma, Sydney, and Tokyo.

Delta Air Lines (DAL)

Delta Air Lines, Inc. provides scheduled air transportation for passengers and cargo in the United States and internationally. The company operates through two segments, Airline and Refinery. Its domestic network centered on core hubs in Atlanta, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Detroit, and Salt Lake City, as well as coastal hub positions in Boston, Los Angeles, New York-LaGuardia, New York-JFK, and Seattle; and international network centered on hubs and market presence in Amsterdam, Bogota, Lima, Mexico City, London-Heathrow, Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Sao Paulo, Seoul-Incheon, and Tokyo.

Read Our Latest Research Report on DAL

United Airlines (UAL)

United Airlines Holdings, Inc., through its subsidiaries, provides air transportation services in North America, Asia, Europe, Africa, the Pacific, the Middle East, and Latin America. The company transports people and cargo through its mainline and regional fleets. It also offers catering, ground handling, flight academy, and maintenance services for third parties.

Read Our Latest Research Report on UAL

Southwest Airlines (LUV)

Southwest Airlines Co. operates as a passenger airline company that provides scheduled air transportation services in the United States and near-international markets. As of December 31, 2023, the company operated a total fleet of 817 Boeing 737 aircraft; and served 121 destinations in 42 states, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, as well as ten near-international countries, including Mexico, Jamaica, the Bahamas, Aruba, the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Belize, Cuba, the Cayman Islands, and Turks and Caicos.

Read Our Latest Research Report on LUV

Air Lease (AL)

Air Lease Corporation, an aircraft leasing company, engages in the purchase and leasing of commercial jet aircraft to airlines worldwide. It sells aircraft from its fleet to third parties, including other leasing companies, financial services companies, airlines, and other investors. The company provides fleet management services to investors and owners of aircraft portfolios.

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Trajan Wealth LLC increased its position in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd. (NYSE:TSM  Free Report) by 13.8% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 301,546 shares of the semiconductor companys stock after purchasing an additional 36,471 shares during the quarter. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing makes up approximately 3.6% of Trajan Wealth LLCs investment portfolio, making the stock its 7th largest position. Trajan Wealth LLCs holdings in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing were worth $84,219,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Heartwood Wealth Advisors LLC purchased a new position in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in the third quarter worth about $32,000. Fairman Group LLC grew its stake in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 171.2% during the 3rd quarter. Fairman Group LLC now owns 141 shares of the semiconductor companys stock valued at $39,000 after acquiring an additional 89 shares in the last quarter. Resources Management Corp CT ADV acquired a new stake in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in the 2nd quarter valued at about $32,000. Delta Asset Management LLC TN lifted its stake in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 50.0% in the 3rd quarter. Delta Asset Management LLC TN now owns 150 shares of the semiconductor companys stock worth $42,000 after purchasing an additional 50 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Navigoe LLC purchased a new position in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $42,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 16.51% of the companys stock.

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of equities research analysts have recently issued reports on TSM shares. Zacks Research upgraded Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, February 3rd. Argus upgraded Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing to a strong-buy rating in a report on Thursday, January 15th. Wall Street Zen raised Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Saturday, January 17th. TD Cowen boosted their price target on shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing from $325.00 to $370.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research report on Friday, January 16th. Finally, Citigroup restated a buy rating on shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in a research report on Friday, January 9th. Four 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 companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Buy and a consensus target price of $391.43.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Stock Performance

NYSE TSM opened at $370.54 on Monday. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $328.02 and a 200-day simple moving average of $293.62. The company has a current ratio of 2.69, a quick ratio of 2.47 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.19. The stock has a market cap of $1.92 trillion, a PE ratio of 34.79, a P/E/G ratio of 1.03 and a beta of 1.31. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd. has a twelve month low of $134.25 and a twelve month high of $380.00.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (NYSE:TSM  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Friday, November 14th. The semiconductor company reported $14.32 EPS for the quarter. The company had revenue of $32.50 billion for the quarter. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing had a net margin of 45.13% and a return on equity of 36.18%. Equities analysts anticipate 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 disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, July 9th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, June 11th will be issued a $0.9503 dividend. This represents a $3.80 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.0%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, June 11th. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturings dividend payout ratio is currently 23.57%.

About Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing

(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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Shares of Telefonica Brasil S.A. (NYSE:VIV  Get Free Report) gapped up before the market opened on Monday . The stock had previously closed at $15.74, but opened at $16.22. Telefonica Brasil shares last traded at $16.1790, with a volume of 201,523 shares changing hands.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

VIV has been the subject of several recent research reports. Zacks Research upgraded shares of Telefonica Brasil from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Monday, February 9th. Wall Street Zen raised shares of Telefonica Brasil from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Sunday, January 11th. Bank of America started coverage on shares of Telefonica Brasil in a research note on Thursday, December 11th. They set an underperform rating and a $14.00 price objective on the stock. Weiss Ratings cut shares of Telefonica Brasil from a buy (b-) rating to a hold (c+) rating in a report on Monday, February 9th. Finally, Barclays reaffirmed an overweight rating and set a $14.50 target price on shares of Telefonica Brasil in a report on Monday, November 3rd. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, two have issued a Buy rating, three have issued a Hold rating and two have issued a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $13.12.

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Check Out Our Latest Research Report on VIV

Telefonica Brasil Stock Performance

The firm has a market capitalization of $26.36 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 24.55, a P/E/G ratio of 0.89 and a beta of 0.71. The company has a 50-day moving average price of $13.34 and a 200-day moving average price of $12.80. The company has a quick ratio of 0.96, a current ratio of 1.02 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.19.

Telefonica Brasil (NYSE:VIV  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Monday, February 23rd. The Wireless communications provider reported $0.11 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.17 by ($0.06). Telefonica Brasil had a net margin of 10.37% and a return on equity of 8.67%. The business had revenue of $2.83 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.88 billion. As a group, equities research analysts forecast that Telefonica Brasil S.A. will post 0.6 earnings per share for the current year.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Telefonica Brasil

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. AdvisorShares Investments LLC bought a new stake in shares of Telefonica Brasil during the 3rd quarter worth about $1,066,000. Carrera Capital Advisors increased its stake in shares of Telefonica Brasil by 2,420.5% during the third quarter. Carrera Capital Advisors now owns 344,055 shares of the Wireless communications providers stock valued at $4,387,000 after acquiring an additional 330,405 shares during the period. Caprock Group LLC bought a new stake in Telefonica Brasil during the third quarter worth approximately $2,173,000. Robeco Institutional Asset Management B.V. lifted its position in Telefonica Brasil by 11.4% in the third quarter. Robeco Institutional Asset Management B.V. now owns 17,000,115 shares of the Wireless communications providers stock worth $216,751,000 after purchasing an additional 1,735,958 shares during the period. Finally, Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership boosted its stake in Telefonica Brasil by 54.8% during the 2nd quarter. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership now owns 5,754,523 shares of the Wireless communications providers stock valued at $65,602,000 after purchasing an additional 2,036,349 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 5.16% of the companys stock.

About Telefonica Brasil

(Get Free Report)

Telefonica Brasil SA, commonly marketed under the Vivo brand, is one of Brazils largest telecommunications providers, offering a broad range of consumer and enterprise communications services. The companys core activities include mobile voice and data services, fixed-line telephony, broadband internet (including fiber-to-the-home), and pay-TV solutions. It also provides ICT and managed services for business customers, such as cloud, data center, connectivity, Internet of Things (IoT) and security solutions.

Vivo operates a nationwide network across Brazil and serves both individual consumers and corporate clients.

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Mexicos National Antitrust Commission (CNA) has rejected Visas plan to acquire majority interest in payment processor Prosa.

According to a Bloomberg report, the decision marks the first major ruling by the countrys new competition watchdog.

The proposed transaction was announced in December 2023.

Visa said at the time that Prosa would continue operating as an independent company with its own technology infrastructure. The payment major planned to expand Prosas product offering with digital solutions and share its experience and knowledge managing a global network and set of technology capabilities.

In a statement, the CNA said the remedies put forward by the parties did not address the concerns it identified. The regulator stated that the solutions proposed by Visa and Prosa were not suitable or sufficient to avoid the risk to markets and consumers detected by the commission.

The CNAs decision follows earlier findings by its predecessor body the Federal Economic Competition Commission (Cofece), which had said existing conditions were limiting effective competition in the sector.

According to the regulators assessment, the deal would have reshaped competition in several parts of Mexicos card payments market. The transaction would have left Visa with two out of three card issuers in Mexico, via its own system and Prosas brand Carnet.

Mastercard would have remained as the other competitor.

The acquisition would also have expanded Visas position in clearing and settlement infrastructure, controlling two out of four of Mexicos clearinghouses.

Additionally, the proposed structure would have given Visa a significant presence in payment processing and brand licencing. The CNA also raised concerns about access to information.

Under the proposed terms, Visa would have been able to access detailed information on card payments processed through Prosa, including transactions involving both Visa-branded cards and Mastercard cards.

Prosa is currently owned by a group of banks, including Grupo Financiero Banorte, HSBC Holdings, Invex Controladora, Banco Santander, Bank of Nova Scotia and Banco Nacional del Ejercito.

Mexicos former competition regulator, the Federal Economic Competition Commission (Cofece), was dissolved in late 2024.

Cofece and part of the Federal Telecommunications Institute (IFT) were merged into the CNA. The CNA operates as a decentralised agency within the Economy Ministry. It has also retained Cofeces commission President Andrea Marvan Saltiel and much of its staff.

"Mexico antitrust regulator blocks Visa bid for Prosa stake" was originally created and published by Electronic Payments International, a GlobalData owned brand.
Celsius, Canadian Natural Resources, Canadian Pacific Kansas City, Canadian National Railway, Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, TC Energy, and Bank Of Montreal are the seven Canadian stocks to watch today, according to MarketBeats stock screener tool. Canadian stocks are shares of companies incorporated in Canada or primarily listed on Canadian exchanges (such as the Toronto Stock Exchange and TSX Venture Exchange), representing ownership claims that give investors a share of the firms profits and voting rights. For investors, they provide exposure to the Canadian economy and key sectors (financials, energy, materials), and carry country-specific considerations like Canadian regulatory rules, commodity-price sensitivity and Canadian-dollar currency risk. These companies had the highest dollar trading volume of any Canadian stocks within the last several days.

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Celsius (CELH)

Celsius Holdings, Inc. develops, processes, markets, distributes, and sells functional energy drinks and liquid supplements in the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Canadian, European, Middle Eastern, Asia-Pacific, and internationally. The company offers CELSIUS, a fitness drink or supplement designed to accelerate metabolism and burn body fat; various flavors and carbonated and non-carbonated functional energy drinks under the CELSIUS Originals and Vibe name, as well as functional energy drink under the CELSIUS Essentials and CELSIUS On-the-Go Powder names; and CELSIUS ready-to drink products.

Canadian Natural Resources (CNQ)

Canadian Natural Resources Limited acquires, explores for, develops, produces, markets, and sells crude oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids (NGLs). The company offers light and medium crude oil, primary heavy crude oil, Pelican Lake heavy crude oil, bitumen (thermal oil), and synthetic crude oil (SCO).

Read Our Latest Research Report on CNQ

Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CP)

Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited, together with its subsidiaries, owns and operates a transcontinental freight railway in Canada, the United States, and Mexico. The company transports bulk commodities, including grain, coal, potash, fertilizers, and sulphur; merchandise freight, such as forest products, energy, chemicals and plastics, metals, minerals, consumer products, and automotive; and intermodal traffic comprising retail goods in overseas containers.

Read Our Latest Research Report on CP

Canadian National Railway (CNI)

Canadian National Railway Company, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the rail, intermodal, trucking, and marine transportation and logistics business in Canada and the United States. The company provides rail services, which include equipment, custom brokerage services, transloading and distribution, business development and real estate, and private car storage services; and intermodal services, such as temperature controlled cargo, port partnerships, and logistics parks.

Read Our Latest Research Report on CNI

Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CM)

Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, a diversified financial institution, provides various financial products and services to personal, business, public sector, and institutional clients in Canada, the United States, and internationally. The company operates through Canadian Personal and Business Banking; Canadian Commercial Banking and Wealth Management; U.S.

Read Our Latest Research Report on CM

TC Energy (TRP)

TC Energy Corporation operates as an energy infrastructure company in North America. It operates through five segments: Canadian Natural Gas Pipelines; U.S. Natural Gas Pipelines; Mexico Natural Gas Pipelines; Liquids Pipelines; and Power and Energy Solutions. The company builds and operates a network of 93,600 kilometers of natural gas pipelines, which transports natural gas from supply basins to local distribution companies, power generation plants, industrial facilities, interconnecting pipelines, LNG export terminals, and other businesses.

Read Our Latest Research Report on TRP

Bank Of Montreal (BMO)

Bank of Montreal provides diversified financial services primarily in North America. It operates through Canadian P&C, U.S P&C, BMO Wealth Management, and BMO Capital Markets segments. The companys personal banking products and services include deposits, mortgages, home lending, consumer credit, small business lending, credit cards, cash management, financial and investment advice, and other banking services; and commercial banking products and services comprise various of financing options and treasury and payment solutions, as well as risk management products.

Read Our Latest Research Report on BMO

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Tredje AP fonden grew its stake in shares of Travel + Leisure Co. (NYSE:TNL  Free Report) by 31.5% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 27,608 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 6,607 shares during the period. Tredje AP fondens holdings in Travel + Leisure were worth $1,642,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Other hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Royal Bank of Canada lifted its holdings in Travel + Leisure by 42.0% during the 1st quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 91,184 shares of the companys stock worth $4,222,000 after purchasing an additional 26,965 shares in the last quarter. Integrated Wealth Concepts LLC bought a new position in shares of Travel + Leisure in the first quarter valued at approximately $396,000. Millennium Management LLC grew its stake in Travel + Leisure by 129.5% during the first quarter. Millennium Management LLC now owns 413,505 shares of the companys stock valued at $19,141,000 after acquiring an additional 233,345 shares in the last quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. increased its holdings in Travel + Leisure by 97.1% during the 1st quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 200,286 shares of the companys stock worth $9,271,000 after acquiring an additional 98,647 shares during the period. Finally, United Services Automobile Association purchased a new stake in Travel + Leisure in the 1st quarter worth approximately $206,000. 87.54% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Travel + Leisure Stock Up 0.8%

Shares of NYSE:TNL opened at $76.06 on Monday. The stock has a market cap of $4.75 billion, a PE ratio of 22.31, a PEG ratio of 0.65 and a beta of 1.38. The companys fifty day moving average is $72.22 and its 200 day moving average is $66.19. Travel + Leisure Co. has a 52 week low of $37.77 and a 52 week high of $81.00.

Insider Transactions at Travel + Leisure

Travel + Leisure ( NYSE:TNL Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, February 18th. The company reported $1.83 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, meeting the consensus estimate of $1.83. The business had revenue of $1.03 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1 billion. Travel + Leisure had a net margin of 5.74% and a negative return on equity of 47.77%. The companys revenue was up 5.7% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $1.72 earnings per share. Sell-side analysts anticipate that Travel + Leisure Co. will post 6.46 EPS for the current year.

In related news, Director George Herrera sold 559 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, November 25th. The stock was sold at an average price of $68.18, for a total transaction of $38,112.62. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. 3.75% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of research firms have recently commented on TNL. Mizuho set a $107.00 price target on shares of Travel + Leisure in a research report on Thursday. Citigroup reissued an outperform rating on shares of Travel + Leisure in a research note on Thursday. Wall Street Zen lowered Travel + Leisure from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Saturday, February 7th. Oppenheimer reaffirmed an outperform rating and issued a $85.00 price target on shares of Travel + Leisure in a report on Wednesday. Finally, Weiss Ratings lowered Travel + Leisure from a buy (b) rating to a hold (c+) rating in a report on Friday. Nine analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and three have given a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $84.45.

Check Out Our Latest Analysis on Travel + Leisure

Travel + Leisure Profile

(Free Report)

Travel + Leisure Co (NYSE: TNL) is a leisure travel company headquartered in Orlando, Florida, that specializes in vacation ownership, membership programs and branded travel experiences. The company operates an extensive portfolio of vacation clubs and destination services, offering members access to resorts, hotels, cruises and guided tours in markets around the world. Through its flagship membership brands, Travel + Leisure Co provides curated vacation packages, exchange services and unique travel itineraries that cater to both individual and family travelers.

In addition to its membership offerings, Travel + Leisure Co manages a network of resort properties and hospitality assets across North America, the Caribbean, Europe and Asia-Pacific.

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Want to see what other hedge funds are holding TNL? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Travel + Leisure Co. (NYSE:TNL  Free Report).

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Tsakos Energy Navigation Ltd (NYSE:TEN  Get Free Report)s share price hit a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Monday . The stock traded as high as $31.33 and last traded at $30.92, with a volume of 106 shares. The stock had previously closed at $31.15.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of analysts have weighed in on TEN shares. Clarkson Capital assumed coverage on Tsakos Energy Navigation in a report on Monday, December 15th. They set a buy rating and a $35.00 target price for the company. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c) rating on shares of Tsakos Energy Navigation in a research note on Friday, January 9th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group reiterated a hold rating and issued a $24.00 target price on shares of Tsakos Energy Navigation in a research note on Thursday, November 20th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating and three have issued a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $29.50.

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View Our Latest Report on TEN

Tsakos Energy Navigation Price Performance

The stock has a fifty day moving average of $25.27 and a 200 day moving average of $23.71. The stock has a market cap of $935.39 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 9.75 and a beta of -0.21. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.90, a current ratio of 1.30 and a quick ratio of 1.25.

Tsakos Energy Navigation (NYSE:TEN  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, November 20th. The company reported $1.05 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.94 by $0.11. Tsakos Energy Navigation had a net margin of 15.97% and a return on equity of 13.36%. The firm had revenue of $158.84 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $170.78 million. On average, analysts expect that Tsakos Energy Navigation Ltd will post 3.44 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Tsakos Energy Navigation

A number of large investors have recently modified their holdings of TEN. Osaic Holdings Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Tsakos Energy Navigation by 9.6% in the second quarter. Osaic Holdings Inc. now owns 7,821 shares of the companys stock valued at $150,000 after purchasing an additional 684 shares during the last quarter. Savant Capital LLC grew its holdings in Tsakos Energy Navigation by 6.6% in the 4th quarter. Savant Capital LLC now owns 13,356 shares of the companys stock valued at $299,000 after buying an additional 825 shares in the last quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC grew its holdings in Tsakos Energy Navigation by 312.3% in the 2nd quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 1,311 shares of the companys stock valued at $25,000 after buying an additional 993 shares in the last quarter. Tudor Investment Corp ET AL increased its stake in shares of Tsakos Energy Navigation by 1.9% in the 4th quarter. Tudor Investment Corp ET AL now owns 78,555 shares of the companys stock worth $1,761,000 after acquiring an additional 1,445 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Tidal Investments LLC raised its holdings in shares of Tsakos Energy Navigation by 13.2% during the 2nd quarter. Tidal Investments LLC now owns 12,733 shares of the companys stock worth $244,000 after acquiring an additional 1,482 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 19.24% of the companys stock.

Tsakos Energy Navigation Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Tsakos Energy Navigation Ltd. (NYSE: TEN) is an international shipping company specializing in the transportation of crude oil and refined petroleum products. Founded in 1993 by Nikolas P. Tsakos, the company has built a reputation for operating a modern, well-maintained fleet of double-hull tankers. Tsakos Energy Navigation is organized around both ownership and technical management of vessels, offering chartering, commercial operations and crew services under one umbrella.

The companys fleet consists primarily of very large crude carriers (VLCCs), Suezmax and Aframax tankers, as well as medium-range (MR) and Handy product carriers.

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Aegon (NYSE:AEG  Get Free Report) was downgraded by investment analysts at Wall Street Zen from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report issued on Saturday.

Several other equities analysts have also commented on the company. Morgan Stanley reiterated an overweight rating on shares of Aegon in a research report on Friday, January 9th. Zacks Research cut shares of Aegon from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday, October 28th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft initiated coverage on shares of Aegon in a report on Wednesday, January 7th. They issued a hold rating for the company. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a buy (b) rating on shares of Aegon in a report on Monday, December 29th. Finally, UBS Group cut shares of Aegon from a buy rating to a neutral rating in a research report on Wednesday, December 3rd. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, three have given a Buy rating and three have given a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy.

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Aegon Stock Performance

Institutional Trading of Aegon

Shares of NYSE:AEG opened at $7.54 on Friday. The firm has a market capitalization of $15.12 billion, a PE ratio of -47.09, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.21 and a beta of 0.79. Aegon has a 52-week low of $5.42 and a 52-week high of $8.15. The firm has a fifty day moving average of $7.70 and a 200 day moving average of $7.68.

Several large investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership increased its holdings in Aegon by 104.5% during the 2nd quarter. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership now owns 21,006,803 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $152,089,000 after purchasing an additional 10,732,972 shares during the period. BNP Paribas Financial Markets increased its stake in shares of Aegon by 306.1% during the second quarter. BNP Paribas Financial Markets now owns 6,169,541 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $44,667,000 after buying an additional 4,650,272 shares during the period. Acadian Asset Management LLC increased its stake in shares of Aegon by 2,348.0% during the second quarter. Acadian Asset Management LLC now owns 3,482,943 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $25,200,000 after buying an additional 3,340,666 shares during the period. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP raised its holdings in shares of Aegon by 27.5% during the third quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 9,869,198 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $78,853,000 after acquiring an additional 2,127,932 shares in the last quarter. Finally, ABC Arbitrage SA purchased a new stake in Aegon in the third quarter worth $16,634,000. 4.32% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

Trending Headlines about Aegon

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About Aegon

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Aegon N.V. is a multinational financial services company headquartered in The Hague, Netherlands, specializing in life insurance, pensions and asset management. Established in 1983 through the merger of AGO and Ennia, Aegon has built a reputation for offering retirement solutions, savings products and protection plans aimed at helping customers secure their financial futures. The company operates under well-known brands, including Transamerica in the United States, and serves both individual and corporate clients.

Throughout its history, Aegon has pursued strategic acquisitions and partnerships to strengthen its market position and broaden its service offerings.

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Webster Financial Corporation (NYSE:WBS  Get Free Report)s share price hit a new 52-week high on Monday . The company traded as high as $73.98 and last traded at $73.4380, with a volume of 513539 shares. The stock had previously closed at $73.09.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several equities research analysts have recently weighed in on the company. Citigroup downgraded Webster Financial from a buy rating to a hold rating and set a $75.00 target price for the company. in a research report on Friday, February 13th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price target on Webster Financial from $70.00 to $75.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Tuesday, December 16th. UBS Group downgraded shares of Webster Financial from a buy rating to a neutral rating and lowered their price objective for the company from $77.00 to $75.00 in a research report on Thursday, February 5th. Barclays set a $75.00 price objective on shares of Webster Financial in a research note on Wednesday, February 4th. Finally, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods upped their target price on shares of Webster Financial from $75.00 to $77.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Monday, January 26th. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and twelve have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Webster Financial presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $74.36.

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Webster Financial Stock Down 0.4%

The stock has a market capitalization of $11.75 billion, a P/E ratio of 12.32 and a beta of 1.07. The company has a current ratio of 0.86, a quick ratio of 0.86 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.40. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $66.65 and its 200 day simple moving average is $61.75.

Webster Financial (NYSE:WBS  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Friday, January 23rd. The financial services provider reported $1.59 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.52 by $0.07. Webster Financial had a net margin of 22.67% and a return on equity of 11.10%. The business had revenue of $760.48 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $731.95 million. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business posted $1.43 EPS. As a group, research analysts predict that Webster Financial Corporation will post 5.88 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Webster Financial Dividend Announcement

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, February 19th. Shareholders of record on Monday, February 9th were issued a dividend of $0.40 per share. This represents a $1.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.2%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, February 9th. Webster Financials dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 27.07%.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Webster Financial

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Y Intercept Hong Kong Ltd bought a new position in Webster Financial in the third quarter worth about $578,000. Assenagon Asset Management S.A. raised its position in shares of Webster Financial by 959.3% during the 3rd quarter. Assenagon Asset Management S.A. now owns 358,294 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $21,297,000 after purchasing an additional 324,471 shares during the period. Campbell & CO Investment Adviser LLC bought a new stake in shares of Webster Financial in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $1,991,000. Norges Bank acquired a new position in Webster Financial during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $131,780,000. Finally, Pacer Advisors Inc. bought a new position in Webster Financial during the 3rd quarter worth $1,786,000. 85.58% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Webster Financial Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Webster Financial Corporation is a bank holding company headquartered in Waterbury, Connecticut. Through its principal subsidiary, Webster Bank, N.A., the company offers a broad range of banking products and financial services to individuals, small businesses, and middle-market commercial clients. Key offerings include deposit accounts, residential and commercial real estate lending, equipment finance, treasury management, and payment processing solutions.

In addition to traditional banking services, Webster Financial provides wealth management and insurance products designed to help clients plan for retirement, preserve assets, and manage risk.

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OpenAI is now the worlds most valuable private company, but when Microsoft originally invested $1 billion in the startup in 2019, it was less than a sure bet.

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella faced pushback even from the companys cofounder and original CEO, Bill Gates, he recalled during an interview on tech-focused YouTube channel TBPN.

More from Yahoo Scout How has Microsoft's OpenAI partnership evolved since 2019? How did OpenAI restructuring impact Microsoft's stake? What financial returns has Microsoft seen from OpenAI? Why did Bill Gates initially oppose Microsoft's OpenAI investment?

Remember this was a nonprofit, and I think Bill [Gates] even said, Yeah, youre going to burn this billion dollars, Nadella said.

Yet, Nadella and the Microsoft team werent swayed by the pushback. While Nadella noted he needed to go through the proper channels and get board approval because of the size of the investment, he said that despite the risk, it was not that hard to convince anyone that this is an important area.

We kind of had a little bit of high risk tolerance, and we said, We want to go and give this a shot, he added.

In 2019, Microsoft viewed the partnership and investment in OpenAI partly as a way to gain a foothold in AI and to help promote Azures AI capabilities. However, Nadella said, no one could have predicted the groundwork laid by that first investment, which led Microsoft to eventually pour $13 billion into OpenAI.

In retrospect, who would have thought? I didnt put in a billion dollars saying, Oh yeah, this is going to be a hundred bagger, he said.

A spokesperson for Microsoft declined Fortunes request for comment.

Microsoft started reaping the benefits of its investment in October as OpenAI restructured to give Microsoft a 27% stake in the company, worth about $135 billion. Microsoft also relinquished its cloud exclusivity with OpenAI, but still struck a deal that would see OpenAI buy $250 billion worth of Azure services incrementally.

Fast forward to January, and Microsoft reports that OpenAI lifted its net income to the tune of $7.6 billion. OpenAI will reportedly pay 20% of its revenue through 2032 to its big tech backer under a reworked deal that also gives the AI company more flexibility on where it sources its compute (the foundational processing power behind AI), including from companies other than Microsoft, The Information reported.

Despite his initial hesitancy, Gates later found himself impressed by AI and its rapid development over just a few years.

In an appearance on The Tonight Show last year, the Microsoft cofounder told host Jimmy Fallon that thanks to the rise of AI, eventually humans wont be needed for most things.

There will be some things we reserve for ourselves, he said. But in terms of making things and moving things and growing food, over time those will be basically solved problems.
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National Australia Bank reported strong first quarter results, with higher cash earnings and underlying profit supported by its business and home lending divisions.

CEO Andrew Irvine used the result to warn that Australia needs to improve productivity to sustain future growth, flagging broader economic challenges alongside the bank's performance.

The update adds a macro lens to ASX:NAB, pairing solid trading conditions with concerns about long term economic capacity.

ASX:NAB is trading at A$48.32, with the share price up 5% over the past week and 14.1% over the past month. Over longer periods, NAB has returned 14.0% year to date, 43.8% over 1 year, 88.0% over 3 years and 150.2% over 5 years. This helps frame the latest quarterly numbers in the context of a strong run for shareholders.

For investors, the combination of robust quarterly earnings and Irvine's productivity warning puts attention on both bank specific fundamentals and broader economic settings. A key consideration is how a bank that has delivered these returns and financial results could be affected if Australia does not address the productivity issues flagged by management.

Stay updated on the most important news stories for National Australia Bank by adding it to your watchlist or portfolio. Alternatively, explore our Community to discover new perspectives on National Australia Bank.

ASX:NAB Earnings & Revenue Growth as at Feb 2026

 Beyond the headline: 2 risks and 2 things going right for National Australia Bank that every investor should see.

Quick Assessment

 Price vs Analyst Target : At A$48.32, NAB trades about 14.9% above the A$42.06 analyst target.

 Simply Wall St Valuation : Shares are described as trading 14.9% above estimated fair value.

 Recent Momentum: The 30 day return of roughly 14.1% reflects strong recent share price momentum.

There is only one way to know the right time to buy, sell or hold National Australia Bank. Head to Simply Wall St's company report for the latest analysis of National Australia Bank's Fair Value.

Key Considerations
When you see the stock of the company at the epicenter of the AI boom trading at super-low valuations, it's cause to sit up in your seat.

That's where I am on Nvidia (NVDA) ahead of its much-anticipated earnings report on Wednesday. Call it a state of pre-earnings shock.

At less than 24 times estimated forward earnings, Nvidia is trading not far from its lowest price-to-earnings (P/E) multiple in five years. It's also well below its five-year average of roughly 38 times.

And as they say in showbiz: But wait, there's more (see charts below).

Nvidia's P/E ratio remains near the low end of its peers in Big Tech:

The Nvidia relative discount.  EvercoreISI

And going back farther, Nvidia's stock is trading on a P/E ratio at steep discounts to its nine-year median:

Nvidia's stock gets cheaper.  EvercoreISI

So the question here is, why does the stock trade at these "low" valuation levels?

It can be boiled down to three factors.

One, Nvidia's valuation has compressed despite record fundamentals because investors are repricing the duration of AI spending rather than questioning its existence.

Two, Nvidia is navigating a major transition from Hopper HGX systems to Blackwell chips  this brings near-term margin pressure that shows up in earnings growth rates.

An analysis by Yahoo Scout reveals Nvidia's earnings per share in fiscal year 2026 could grow 57% year over year. If that were to happen, it would be far slower than 2025's growth rate of about 145%.

The third factor is the law of large numbers, Evercore analyst Mark Lipacis explained.

"Nvidia's weight in the S&P 500 Index (^GSPC) is 7.4%, higher than allowed by the charters of many fund managers. So, while we expect Nvidia's fundamentals to be better than the broader market, there is a headwind to its P/E ratio caused by fund managers obligated to lower their stakes in the stock as it appreciates faster than the market," Lipacis said.

In the end, it will be an interesting Nvidia earnings day. Wall Street expectations are high, but the stock looks cheap. Any miss on those expectations, however, and one could definitely expect Nvidia's stock to get even cheaper.

StockStory aims to help individual investors beat the market.

Brian Sozzi is Yahoo Finance's Executive Editor and a member of Yahoo Finance's editorial leadership team. Follow Sozzi on X @BrianSozzi, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Tips on stories? Email brian.sozzi@yahoofinance.com.

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Daphne "Nell" Glennell Williams, 82, of Vidor, passed away peacefully at her residence on Thursday, February 19, surrounded by the love of her family.

A longtime resident of Vidor, Nell was a devoted member of Pecan Acres Baptist Church, where her faith and gentle spirit were evident to all who knew her. She dedicated her life to her family as a homemaker, creating a warm and welcoming home filled with love, laughter and the sweet aroma of something baking in the oven.

Nell was a talented seamstress and floral designer, gifted with hands that could turn simple materials into beautiful works of art. Whether she was stitching together something special, arranging flowers with care, or expressing herself through painting, she poured her creativity and heart into everything she did. She was especially known for her delicious pies and cakes, which became a cherished tradition at family gatherings and celebrations.

Above all, Nell treasured time spent with her family and friends. Her kindness, steady presence and nurturing nature made her the heart of her home and a blessing to everyone who knew her.

She is survived by her loving husband of 63 years, Jimmie Williams of Vidor; son, Glen Williams and wife Bertha of Mauriceville; sister, Faye Varner of Richmond and her two beloved grandchildren, Morgan and Chelsea Williams.

In Lieu of flower a donation can be made to Alzheimer's Association, Houston and Southeast Texas Chapter, 2242 W. Holcombe Blvd. Houston, TX 77030. The family would like to thank Best Hospice for their kind and compassionate care.

Nell's legacy of faith, love and creativity will continue to live on in the hearts of those she leaves behind. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
Mary Helen Terrell, a beloved member of the Nederland community, departed this life on February 18, at the age of 85. Born on April 29, 1940, in Nederland, Mary Helen was a lifelong resident of her hometown, where she devoted herself to her family, her church and her many friends.

Mary Helen embarked on her professional journey as the secretary for Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Nederland. With over six decades of dedicated service, she became an integral part of the church community, exemplifying the very spirit of devotion and care for which she was known. A charter member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Mary Helen's faith was foundational to her life and she was actively involved in the Lutheran Women's Missionary League. Her warm welcoming nature ensured that all who entered the church felt embraced and valued, embodying her belief in fostering a true sense of belonging.

In addition to her career, Mary Helen was a devoted wife and mother, finding joy in the simple pleasures of life with family and friends. She was a caregiver to her husband, Charles Terrell, during his battle with Parkinson's Disease. Their marriage of 63 years was marked by unwavering love and commitment, leaving a legacy of compassion and togetherness.

Mary Helen is remembered not only for her nurturing spirit but also for her generosity and hospitality. She was an avid note writer, always sending thoughtful messages to cheer the hearts of those around her. Her passion for baking allowed her to share delicious treats with her family and friends, creating treasured memories around the kitchen table.

Local survivors include her son, Tim Terrell and his wife, Ashley of Orange, as well as other children and grandchildren, who were a source of delight and pride; sisters

Mary Helen also leaves behind her loving brother, Elmer "Bub" Kieschnick and his wife, Ann of Vidor; other siblings; sister in law and numerous nieces and nephews, each of whom will carry fond memories of their time with her.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Charles Terrell; parents, Ben and Martha Kieschnick; brother, Frank Kieschnick and her Alice Clotiaux.

Mary Helen Terrell will be profoundly missed, but her legacy of faith, kindness and love will forever light the hearts of those who knew her. As we honor her memory, let us strive to emulate her deep faith, welcoming spirit and selfless dedication to family.

The family requests, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 2711 Helena Avenue, Nederland, Texas 77627, https://holycrossnederland.com.

Visitation

Wednesday, February 25, 2026

10:00 - 11:00 am (Central time)

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2711 Helena Avenue, Nederland, TX 77627

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Memorial Service

Wednesday, February 25, 2026

Starts at 11:00 am (Central time)

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2711 Helena Avenue, Nederland, TX 77627

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DESAM calls for reform in examination system

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IMPHAL, Feb 23: Democratic Students' Alliance of Manipur (DESAM) has urged Manipur University, colleges and relevant authorities to conduct the undergraduate 1st Semester examinations fairly. Asserting examinations in many colleges are not conducted fairly, DESAM, in a statement, said the university authorities, teachers of the colleges and external observers must be true to their duties and sincerely oversee the conduct of the examination freely and fairly.

Teachers, as they would treat their own children, must ensure their students are given the right advice and encouraged to shun use of unfair means, DESAM said.

A complete reform of the examination system is highly required in Manipur to ensure quality and improve the overall education system, DESAM said.

DESAM said it has been demanding the Manipur University to select and list examination centres and do away with the existing system of colleges conducting their own examinations. The university must have multi-examination halls, and some colleges may be notified as district examination centres, it said.

Colleges must have dedicated examination halls. No classrooms must serve as examination halls as regular classes of other semesters often get suspended during examination period, DESAM said.

Further, external observers of the examinations must file their true findings/reports verbally or in writing to the Examination Controller, DESAM added.


Impunity in attacking Tangkhul villages Hand behind the aggressions

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The pattern is unmistakable. Go back to May 3, 2023. Fully armed persons taking part in the so called Tribal Solidarity March and then marching towards Torbung to pick out houses of the Meiteis and then set them on fire. This followed shortly after Meiteis were targeted at Churachandpur and then in the retaliation that followed at Imphal and the valley districts, play the victim card to the hilt, in front of the media from the mainland. Preceding the victim card that has since been played with much aplomb was the presence of foreign journalists at Chura-chandpur before May 3, 2023 and it was the story churned out to them that made its way to the floor of the European Parliament not much later. The pattern is clear. Be the aggressor, lay ancestral claim on lands and ultimately play to the press with victim stories. The same narrative continues to this day and as if this was not enough, Litan in Ukhrul district went up in flames with the Tangkhuls this time being the community at the receiving end. Even as the smoke over the burnt remains of the houses at Litan were yet to clear, came the news of the rampage unleashed at Maova village under Medziphema sub-division in Chumoukedima district of Nagaland and the clash that followed between the Angamis and the Kukis there. This was on February 13 and take a few days forward to February 23 and now comes the information of one Tangkhul farmer being abducted at gun point and then freed later at Sinakeithei. Simultaneously the Lungter hill range of Sinakeithei was set ablaze by the Kuki miscreants. Disturbing peace, going on the offensives against other communities and then playing the victim card to no end. This is the script that has been played out in all the cases mentioned above and this is where questions are being raised on from where the Kuki militants have gained so much muscle and fire power ? The very fact that this question is being raised should tell so many things, but let it be clear that the people are not fooled and the politics that is being played under the garb of a treaty is becoming more and more clear. How did the Kuki militants move around so freely with guns and gather the gumption to open fire at anyone they please, a question raised in the backdrop of the bullets that were reportedly fired at the residence of a man of Sinakeithei ? There will be no answer from the side of the Government, but to the people the answer must be clear and the answer is what is extremely disturbing.

The politics of peace and pact pushing an agenda of war by using an entity that is more than ready to be used to pursue a political end. Clash with every community in the region, and in all the years of clashes and fights with other communities, one crucial lesson the Kuki militants seem to have learnt and mastered with aplomb is the amazing ability to let themselves be used. And these lessons have clearly been drawn from the Naga-Kuki clash from 1992 to 1997, the Kuki-Paite clash from 1997 to 1998, the clash with the Dimasas in the early part of the 2000, the Kuki-Karbi clash from 2003 to 2004, the Kuki-Meitei clash from 2023 to till now (2026) and the Kuki aggression against the Tangkhuls at Litan on February 8, the clash with the Angamis in Nagaland on February 13 and now the aggession at Sinakeithei village. And even as the Kuki-Meitei clash is ongoing, that did not stop the Kuki militants to go on the offensive against the Thadous at Assam and the brutal torture and murder of a Thadou leader, Nehkam Jamhao, in August last year. Tortured and killed, all for attending a peace meeting at Imphal earlier the same year. The pattern behind the aggression of the Kukis and their militants is unmistakable and this has been capped off by the blatant act of jeopardising the free movement from March 8 call of Union Home Minister Amit Shah in 2025. Now what happened on March 8, 2025 has been capped off by the line, Cannot guarantee safe passage line churned out by the Kangpokpi based Committee on Tribal Unity. Yet Delhi continues to look on. One wonders why the media from mainland India has never, ever raised this question.
Feb 23 (Reuters) - OpenAI (OPAI.PVT) is expanding its push into the enterprise market by teaming up with four of the worlds largest consulting firms, betting that a more hands-on approach will help corporate clients move beyond pilot projects to full-scale AI deployments.

The company said on Monday it had launched the so-called Frontier Alliance, a program built around its new Frontier platform and anchored by BCG, McKinsey, Accenture and Capgemini. The initiative pairs OpenAIs forward-deployed engineers with consulting firms to help companies integrate AI agents into core business processes such as software development, sales and customer support.

More from Yahoo Scout Who are OpenAI's main competitors in enterprise AI? How does OpenAI plan to help enterprises scale AI? What challenges do companies face with AI deployment? What is OpenAI's new Frontier Alliance program?

The move follows months of Chief Executive Sam Altman emphasizing selling to enterprise clients as a priority for the AI lab. In December, OpenAI hired former Slack CEO Denise Dresser as chief revenue officer.

While OpenAI has previously worked with consulting firms to sell its technology, Dresser said the new partnership is designed to help companies embed AI into core workflows rather than run isolated experiments.

Enterprises don't just need caution. They actually need a path, and they need help so that they can grow and adopt this technology, Dresser said in an interview.

Under the alliance, OpenAIs engineers will work alongside consulting teams to train staff and support implementations. The Frontier platform includes a context layer designed to connect disparate corporate data and applications, a common obstacle to AI adoption. Companies can build AI agents that share skills and memory across workflows, while managing them through an observability system. Products such as ChatGPT Enterprise are also part of the offering.

Companies have realized that siloed AI deployments do not deliver the value and they dont transform their company, Dresser said.

The alliance underscores the ChatGPT maker's evolving view that AI as a profound technological shift requiring more than selling software licenses, Dresser said, as enterprises rethink their products. Many businesses that have attempted to deploy AI at scale have told Reuters they encounter real-world challenges that models alone do not solve.

Still Dresser expects that companies working with consulting firms over time will then become self-sufficient on their own and ultimately be able to take their transformation forward."

We do not want to build a model where we are doing the work. We want our customers to become self-sufficient, she said.

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In the enterprise race, OpenAI faces competition from rivals such as Anthropic and giants like Google that are selling AI capabilities to enterprises. OpenAI said its approach allows companies to keep existing systems while gaining closer research collaboration.

(Reporting by Krystal Hu in San Francisco; Editing by Stephen Coates)
The government, on Monday, unveiled India's first counter-terrorism policy, 'PRAHAAR'a multi-layered strategy built on "zero tolerance" and intelligence-led prevention and disruption of extremist violence.

As the nature of threats continues to change and present new challenges, 'PRAHAAR' focuses on cutting off terrorists, their funders, and supporters from money, weapons, and safe places to operate.

The policy, unveiled by the Union home ministry, is based on seven key pillars to counter terror threats emanating from within the country and outside. These are: prevention, responses, aggregating internal capacities, human rights and 'rule of law'-based processes, attenuating the conditions enabling terrorism, aligning and shaping international efforts to counter terrorism, and recovery and resilience through a whole-of-society approach.

Thus, PRAHAAR refers to:

Prevention of terror attacks to protect Indian citizens and interests;

Responses that are swift and proportionate to the threat posed;

Aggregating internal capacities for achieving synergy in a whole-of-government approach;

Human rights and Rule of Law-based processes for mitigation of threats;

Attenuating the conditions enabling terrorism, including radicalisation;

Aligning and shaping international efforts to counter terrorism;

Recovery and resilience through a whole-of-society approach.

Assessing threat profile

Without naming Pakistan, the document observed that India has been facing persistent threats from cross-border terrorism, with jihadi outfits and global groups like Al-Qaeda and ISIS using sleeper cells to plan attacks. Operating from foreign countries, extremists employ advanced technologies, including drones, particularly in Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir.

For more defence news, views and updates, visit: Fortress India

"Violent extremists operating from the soils of foreign countries have hatched conspiracies to promote terrorism. Their handlers from across the border frequently use the latest technologies, including the use of drones, for facilitating terror-related activities and attacks in Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir. Increasingly, terrorist groups are engaging organised criminal networks for logistics and recruitment to execute and facilitate terror strikes in India," the document from the home ministry reads.

Terrorist groups are increasingly collaborating with organised crime for logistics and recruitment. They utilize social media, encrypted messaging, the dark web, and crypto wallets for propaganda, funding, and communication while remaining anonymous.

Major challenges for counter-terrorism agencies include preventing terrorists from accessing chemical, biological, or nuclear materials, the lethal use of drones and robotics, and defending against cyber-attacks from criminal and state actors.

Prevention

India follows an intelligence-focused strategy to prevent terrorism, in which primacy is accorded to intelligence gathering and its dissemination to executive agencies for neutralisation of threats. Operationalisation of the Multi Agency Centre (MAC) along with the Joint Task Force on Intelligence (JTFI) in the Intelligence Bureau (IB) remains the nodal platform for efficient and real-time sharing of counter-terrorism (CT)-related inputs across the country and subsequent prevention of disruptions.

The MAC is the main hub for sharing information in real time with state and central police to stop threats as they emerge.

Authorities work to disrupt terrorist activities online, such as recruitment and propaganda, as well as the real-world support networks that provide them with money and supplies, as terrorists and violent extremists misuse the internet for communication, recruitment, glorification of jihad, and other terror-related activities. There is a special focus on breaking the links between terrorists and illegal arms dealers and on cutting off terror funding.

Pointing out that India faces terrorist threats on all three frontswater, land, and airthe ministry said capacities have been developed to protect the critical sectors of the Indian economy, including power, railways, aviation, ports, defence, space, and atomic energy, from state and non-state actors.

Response

As the local police are the first responders in any attack, assisted by specialised state and central anti-terror forces, the states vulnerable to terror threats have created special CT forces to respond to attacks. As responding to a terror attack is a multi-stakeholder exercise involving agencies at the central, state, and district levels, the home ministry has come up with a Standard Operating Procedure to guide how these agencies coordinate at the top level.

Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) are regularly sent to different states. They carry out many duties, such as maintaining law and order and conducting counter-terrorism operations.

Aggregating capacities

In order to be efficient in counter-terror operations, law enforcement agencies need to be highly modernised by acquiring new tools, technology, and weaponry, and acquiring new skills and tactics.

"Efforts have been made to further modernise the training modules and infrastructure of the training institutes, besides upgrading the training faculties, to provide training on best practices for responding to terrorist situations," the ministry states, adding that the overall capacities of various law enforcement and counter-terror agencies have been enhanced by identifying resource gaps and suggesting necessary countermeasures.

Human rights and rule-of-law-based processes

According to the ministry, special laws are in place to tackle terrorism-related crimes. The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, is the principal legal regime to deal with terrorism in India, supplemented by the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023; Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023; Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023; and various other Acts, such as the Explosives Substances Act, 1908, the Arms Act, 1959, and the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002.

A robust and independent criminal justice system ensures that all individuals are properly represented and have access to affordable legal services, the document states, adding that there are ample opportunities available to the aggrieved person to contest and file appeals before courts.

Attenuating conditions conducive to terrorism

Terrorist groups are constantly trying to recruit Indian youth. Indian intelligence and law enforcement agencies regularly act to thwart their plans.

When such youths are identified, they are dealt with through a step-by-step police response that aims to address radicalisation and violent extremism with the involvement of multiple stakeholders. Legal action is taken based on how radicalised the individual is.

Community and religious leaders, moderate preachers, and NGOs are involved in spreading awareness about the consequences of radicalisation and extremist violence. In order to prevent radicalisation in prisons, prison staff are cautioned from time to time to prevent acts of radicalisation of vulnerable inmates by hardcore inmates. De-radicalisation programs are also undertaken. Besides, efforts are also taken to address issues of poverty and unemployment among vulnerable communities through various government schemes and initiatives.

Aligning and shaping international efforts

Given the transnational character of terrorism, India needs the support of international partners to counter it. Apart from engagements for intelligence sharing, India has entered into various agreements and arrangements, such as the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT), Extradition Treaty/Extradition Arrangement (ET/EA), Joint Working Group (JWG), and Memorandum of Understanding with foreign partners for information and evidence sharing and other legal cooperation. Such collaborations have resulted in the disruption and indictment of many terrorist and radical entities and the extradition or deportation of wanted fugitives.

Recovery and resilience

According to the ministry, public-private partnerships have been a major component in India's fight against terrorism, as this helps in faster recovery and resilience in case of a terror attack. The government engages a team of doctors, psychologists, lawyers, and other members of civil society, including NGOs, religious and community leaders, to sensitise and reintegrate the affected community, while the civil administration takes the lead in reconstruction and restoration efforts.

Expressing its commitment to continue its efforts with the international community to counter the global challenge of misuse of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) for terrorist purposes, the document said investments in technology and partnerships with private enterprises have been included to mitigate futuristic terror threats.

"India remains committed to international cooperation and collaboration. To build consensus on the understanding of terrorism and the rights of victims of terrorism, India will continue to work for a comprehensive framework on international terrorism while pursuing its counter-terrorism policy and strategy 'PRAHAAR', which aims to criminalise all terrorist acts and deny access to funds, weapons, and safe havens to terrorists, their financiers, and supporters," it reads.
Amid reports that the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas of the Indian Air Force (IAF), developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), suffered major damage after the fighter jet overshot the runway at a frontline airbase following a suspected brake failure earlier in February, the state-owned company has come out with a clarification.

For more defence news, views and updates, visit: Fortress India

In a series of tweets, the DPSU clarified that there was no crash involving the homegrown fighter and that it was a "minor technical incident on the ground."

"HAL acknowledges the recent media reports on the LCA Tejas incident and wishes to provide factual clarification. There has been no reported crash of the LCA Tejas. The event in question was a minor technical incident on the ground," the company said in a tweet.

In another tweet, HAL pointed out that LCA Tejas maintains one of the worlds best safety records among contemporary fighter aircraft.

ALSO READ: The trouble with 114 Rafale fighter jets order: Co-produce the jet, but no control over 'brain'?

The incident in question was only the third in the history of the aircraft, which first took to the skies in January 2001.

"As a standard operating procedure, the issue is being analysed in depth, and HAL is working closely with the Indian Air Force (IAF) for a speedy resolution," the company further said in a tweet.

The clarification from the DPSU, tagging the IAF, Defence Ministry, and the Department of Defence Production, comes even as the IAF has not come out with an official statement about the incident in question.

Media reports had claimed that, in the wake of the incident, the IAF had grounded the entire fleet of around 30 single-engine multi-role fighter aircraft to carry out extensive technical scrutiny.

The reports of a Tejas aircraft involved in another crash come months after an LCA crashed during an aerial display at the Dubai Airshow. The first such incident involving a Tejas aircraft was in March 2024, when a Tejas jet crashed near Jaisalmer in Rajasthan.
Major damage was suffered by the airframe of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas that overshot the runway at a frontline airbase on Saturday, 7 February. A brake failure, as reported earlier, is suspected to have caused the incident, sources reportedly told news agency PTI on Sunday.

It is learnt that the indigenously developed multi-role fighter aircraft was returning to the base after carrying out a training sortie. The pilot of the aircraft ejected safely, they said.

READ HERE | Another LCA Tejas crashed? Why IAF decided to ground the fighter jet fleet

There was no official word from the IAF on the accident that took place earlier this month. Following the incident, the IAF grounded the entire fleet of around 30 single-seat Tejas jets to carry out an extensive technical scrutiny, the sources said.

What is a fighter jet's airframe?

The airframe of a fighter plane is the aircrafts main physical structureexcluding the engine, avionics, weapons, and other internal systems. Its main components include the fuselage (the structural "hub" where the wings and tail are attached, housing the cockpit and internal fuel tanks), landing gear, control surfaces (various moving parts that allow the pilot to manoeuvre), wings, and tail assembly.

The airframes of fighter jets are designed in such a manner that they suit high-speed aerodynamics, extreme manoeuvrability, high G-force tolerance, and low radar signature, among other characteristics.

LCA Tejas under scrutiny

It was the third accident involving the Tejas jets. The first took place in March 2024, when a Tejas jet crashed near Jaisalmer. The second incident took place in November 2025, when a Tejas jet crashed during an aerial display at the Dubai Airshow.

The latest accident comes at a time when Tejas maker Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) has missed several deadlines to supply the Tejas Mark-1A variant of the aircraft to the IAF. In February 2021, the Defence Ministry sealed a 4.8 billion (Rs 48,000 crore) deal with HAL for the procurement of 83 Tejas Mk-1A jets for the IAF.

The delivery of the jets is facing delays primarily due to GE Aerospace missing several deadlines for the supply of its aero engines to power the jets. The Defence Ministry, in September last year, sealed another deal worth 6.2 billion (Rs 62,370 crore) with HAL to procure 97 Tejas Mk-1A light combat aircraft for the IAF.

Tejas is a single-engine multi-role fighter aircraft capable of operating in high-threat air environments. It has been designed to undertake air defence, maritime reconnaissance, and strike roles.
Amrize Ltd (NYSE:AMRZ) is among the 11 Newly-Listed NYSE Stocks to Buy Now.

Oppenheimer Increased its Price Target on Amrize Ltd (AMRZ) to $70 and Maintains an Outperform Rating

On February 19, 2026, Oppenheimer increased its price target on Amrize Ltd (NYSE:AMRZ) to $70 from $64 and maintained an Outperform rating. The firm noted the shares moved higher after the company reported Q4 2025 EBITDA of $779M and issued 2026 revenue and profitability guidance that came in moderately above Street expectations.

That same day, Wells Fargo analyst Timna Tanners raised the price target to $66 from $59 and kept an Overweight rating. Timna Tanners said Q4 included a 2026 outlook above consensus, a 4.5% shareholder yield from the proposed buyback and dividend, and indications of a bottom forming in residential-exposed Building Envelope. Timna Tanners added that multiple catalysts underpin the Overweight stance. Also on February 19, 2026, Berenberg lifted its price target to $70 from $64 and reiterated a Buy rating after increasing estimates following fiscal 2025 results.

On February 17, 2026, Amrize reported Q4 revenue of $2.84B versus consensus of $2.92B. Chairman and CEO Jan Jenisch described 2025 as a milestone year as the company completed its spin-off and positioned the business for long-term profitable growth.

Amrize Ltd (NYSE:AMRZ) provides building solutions for infrastructure, commercial, and residential construction markets in North America through its Building Materials and Building Envelope segments.

While we acknowledge the potential of AMRZ 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.
In February 2025, Director General of the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) Jitendra Jadhav had said that Indias homegrown fifth-generation fighter, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), will be embedded with sixth-generation technology, making it a 5.5-generation fighter, more advanced than the current fifth-gen fighters.

"A lot of algorithms have been put into the artificial intelligence, and this makes AMCA one of the contemporary aircraft among all the fifth-generation aircraft, with the sixth-generation technology embedded in it, Jadhav was quoted as saying.

While this does sound promising, as retirements are outpacing inductions in the IAFAMCA is expected to be ready for induction only by 2035India is reportedly planning to make a big sixth-generation leap, exploring the possibility of co-developing and co-manufacturing the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) programme by teaming up with France.

A collaborative effort between France, Germany, and Spain, FCAS is more than just a fighter jet; it is a system of systems built around a core Next Generation Weapon System (NGWS), with new-generation fighters working together with uncrewed remote carriers, all connected to other systems in space, in the air, on the ground, at sea, and in cyberspace via a data cloud known as the Combat Cloud.

ALSO READ: The trouble with 114 Rafale fighter jets order: Co-produce the jet, but no control over 'brain'?

Earlier, there were reports that Germany and Spain had extended an offer to India to join the FCAS programme. Reports had also claimed that there was another offer from the UK, Japan, and Italy to India to be part of the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), which is an international partnership to design, manufacture, and deliver a next-generation crewed combat aircraft.

Now, according to a report by The Print, India has intimated to France that it is willing to consider the option of joining the FCAS programme if it does not work out with Germany.

For more defence news, views and updates, visit: Fortress India

Germany and France have a technical dispute over FCAS. While France requires a fighter aircraft that is nuclear-capable and can be launched from aircraft carriers, Germany does not need this. Besides, Frances Dassault Aviation wants the lead on making the fighter jet, but Germany-based Airbus, representing Germany and Spain, is opposed to the idea. A few days ago, Airbus said it is willing to support a two-fighter solution to save the FCAS programme.

There are also disputes over workshare and technology rights.

In the wake of the ongoing dispute, a The Print report said that India told France loud and clear that it is willing to be part of the futuristic programme if France's plans fall through with Germany.

France one of India's trusted defence partners. According to the Defence Ministry, India and France have a long history of collaboration in defence and security, which has only deepened with a focus on co-design, co-development, and co-production of defence platforms.

A potential involvement of India in the programme offers the country an opportunity to significantly enhance its defence capabilities, as it will have access to cutting-edge sixth-generation technologies, including AI-driven combat clouds, manned-unmanned teaming, drone swarms, and adaptive stealth, that complement its indigenous AMCA project.
The director of "The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond", Kamakhya Narayan Singh, has made a bold declaration ahead of the release of the movie on Feb. 27. Singh, in an interaction with the press, said he'll quit filmmaking if it is proved that whatever they've depicted in the movie is wrong.

'The Kerala Story 2' has already attracted a lot of spirited reactions online, from both its defenders and detractors, before even seeing the movie, as it was evident from the trailer that the script, which the makers claim is backed up by "research", has been called out for its hate-mongering and propagandist nature.

According to the makers, the film explores themes of religious conversion and coercion. It is reportedly set in Kerala, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.

ALSO READ | Not targeting Kerala? Then why the name 'The Kerala Story 2'? asks Kerala High Court, Malayalis

Defending his choice to do the film, Singh told ANI: "I have been a documentary filmmaker. I have always made documentaries and films that address social evils and issues within society, films that raise questions and encourage people to reflect on what is happening around them. That is why I always conduct deep research to understand a problem thoroughly before releasing a film or documentary. I have done my work with complete integrity, trust me. If we have shown anything wrong in the film, I will quit filmmaking."

Ulka Gupta, Aditi Bhatia and Aishwarya Ojha play the lead roles in "The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond".

The first "Kerala Story", directed by Sudipto Sen, won two National Film Awards  Best Direction and Best Cinematography. The film received an extremely poor reception across theatres in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, and the decision to give it the National Awards was questioned by many netizens, politicians and celebrities.
The glitz and glamour of Sundays BAFTA Film Awards took an unexpected turn when host Alan Cumming was forced to halt the ceremony. The show came to a grinding halt as Cumming paused to address mysterious disruptions echoing through the venue, leaving the star-studded audience in stunned silence.

A loud voice was heard raised in the ceremony, interrupting the event. Later, Cummings said that the disruptions were caused by John Davidson, a campaigner with Tourette's syndrome, who was present at the venue.

Lmao Tourettes advocate John Davidson suddenly blasted the N-word right as Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo stood on stage at the BAFTAs, leaving everyone stunned!



Host Alan Cumming then politely thanked the crowd for their patience



pic.twitter.com/jFlbd86R5Q  Zee  (@Zeeeee_xx) February 23, 2026

Seated inside London's Royal Festival Hall, Davidson's involuntary tics were picked up by microphones. 'Boring' and 'F*** off' were some of the words shouted by him. Another interruption occurred when Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo presented the Best Visual Effects award.

Though Davidson apologised later, he explained that the sounds were not intentional, as the tics are involuntary.

His behaviour at the event has reignited the conversation surrounding Tourette syndrome and the daily hurdles faced by those living with it.

John Davidson, an open advocate for those living with Tourette's syndrome, had his life story brought to the screen in the film I Swear, starring Robert Aramayo.

What is Tourette Syndrome?

Tourette syndrome is a neurological disorder that causes repetitive movements or unwanted tics that can't be easily controlled. Repeated blinking, shrugging your shoulder and blurting out unusual or offensive words are some of the issues that come with this motor disorder.

Tics- sudden, brief, intermittent movements or sounds- typically develop between ages 2 and 15. Normally, males are more likely to develop Tourette syndrome than women.

Although there is no cure for Tourette syndrome, treatments and medications are available to manage the disorder. Usually, after the teen years, tics often lessen or become controlled.

The complex disorder is likely caused by a combination of inherited and environmental factors. According to medical experts, chemicals in the brain, including dopamine and serotonin, might have a role to play.

What are the common symptoms?

Tics can range from mild to severe. In the case of severe ones, it can significantly interfere with communication, daily functioning and affect the quality of life.

Generally, tics are classified as simple and complex.

In the case of simple tics, a limited number of muscle groups are involved, while complex tics involve several muscle groups.

Eye blinking, head jerking, eye darting, nose twitching, repeating observed movements, obscene gesturing, touching or smelling objects, hopping, mouth movements, barking, repeating one's own words, phrases, repeating others' words, and using vulgar and obscene words are some of the motor and vocal tics seen in Tourette syndrome.

Though people with Tourette syndrome often lead healthy and active lives, it involves behavioural and social challenges.

Complications in Tourette syndrome include:

*Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

*Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

*Depression

*Sleep disorders

*Anger management issues

*Autism spectrum disorder

* Headaches and pain related to tics
The Delhi Police have revealed that the terror suspects arrested in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal on Sunday had maintained regular contact with operatives in Bangladesh via the encrypted messaging platform Signal.

Six people were arrested in Tamil Nadus Tiruppur, while two were taken into custody in West Bengal, as authorities uncovered a major terror module. According to officials, the suspects were plotting major attacks in India with the support of Pakistan's ISI and Bangladeshi terrorist organisations.

Investigators identified the main handler of the module as Shabbir, who issued instructions from Bangladesh to Umar Farooq of Malda, the primary point of contact for the group. Police discovered that posters found in the national capital had been printed in Kolkata after Shabbir sent the PDF files, reported ANI.

The operatives had also established a base in Kolkata, renting a house under Shabbirs direction on the outskirts of the city. Shabbir had transferred over Rs 80,000 to fund the purchase of weapons for the module.

Those arrested in Tamil Nadu have been identified as Mizanur Rahman, Mohammad Shabat, Umar, Mohammad Litan, Mohammad Shahid, and Mohammad Ujjal, who were employed in the garment industry in Tiruppur. They allegedly used fake Aadhaar cards to conceal their true identities.

During the operation, authorities seised eight mobile phones and 16 SIM cards. The police claimed that the suspects had been posting pro-Pakistan terrorist content on social media and had conducted reconnaissance in various cities.

Additionally, four of the accused reportedly 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.
A violent clash broke out at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in Delhi early Monday morning between members of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and left-wing groups, leaving several students injured.

The incident occurred around 1:30 am, when tensions escalated into a scuffle. The Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union (JNUSU) had organised a "Samta Juloos" towards the East Gate, demanding the resignation of Vice-Chancellor Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit and the revocation of a rustication order. Protesters accused the university administration of allowing ABVP students to obstruct the march.

Left-wing student groups, including the All India Students' Association (AISA), claimed that ABVP activists pelted stones at the JNUSU encampment and attacked unarmed students, resulting in multiple injuries.

In contrast, the ABVP accused left-wing groups of launching an attack on their members. They alleged that Prateek Bhardwaj, a Biotechnology student from the School of Biotechnology, was ambushed by left-wing activists in the School of Social Sciences. According to the ABVP, Bhardwaj was first blinded with fire extinguisher powder and then brutally beaten.

#WATCH | Delhi | Secretary of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) unit at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Pravin Kumar Piyush says, "Yesterday, some leftist organisations of the JNU had given a call for a march from Sabarmati Tea point to the residence of the pic.twitter.com/fJldBMfSxe  ANI (@ANI) February 23, 2026

"Prateek Bhardwaj was allegedly attacked by leftist goons, who first blinded him with fire extinguisher powder before mercilessly assaulting him," it said in a post.

ABVP leader Vibhav Meena, meanwhile, claimed that a mob of 300 to 400 masked individuals chased away and assaulted students who were peacefully studying in the library and reading rooms.

The ABVP has called on Delhi Police to intervene and immediately arrest those responsible. "This is not student politics; it is cold-blooded violence. A university campus is being turned into a battlefield, where students are allegedly targeted simply for studying and exercising their right to be there. If left-wing groups can carry out such attacks inside a central university in the national capital, what message does it send?," the ABVP said in a statement.
A medical chartered flight heading to Delhi from Ranchi on Monday crashed in Simaria, near Jharkhand's Chatra, according to officials from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

There were seven people on board and one person has died. The deceased was identified as Sanjay Kumar, 41, a burn patient who was being airlifted.

VIDEO | An air ambulance with seven people onboard to Delhi from Ranchi crashed near Simaria in Jharkhand's Chatra district on Monday, Ranchi airport Director Vinod Kumar said.



The crash occurred after the air ambulance took off from Ranchi airport at about 7.10 pm, the official pic.twitter.com/4ZgxOMKLUo  Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 23, 2026

The air amblulance, identified as Redbird Airways Beechcraft C90 (VT-AJV), departed Ranchi at 7.07 pm, airlifting the patient to Delhi. Other occupants of the flight included a doctor, a paramedic and two attendants along with pilot-in-command Captain Vivek Vikas Bhagat and co-pilot Savrajdeep Singh.

Four other occupants, identified as members of the patients family, were also on board: Archana Devi, Dhuru Kumar, Vikas Gupta and Sachin Mishra, officials said.The flight, which was expected to land in Delhi around 10 pm, lost contact with Air Traffic Control at 7.34 pm and went off radar.

It was last tracked near Palamau and was later found to have crashed in Kasiyatu forest in Simaria, Chatra.

"The plane did not contact the Ranchi airport. The State has been informed about this. All necessary SOPs are being followed," ANI quoted airport sources as saying.

A probe has been ordered by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB).
Former Union railway minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Mukul Roy passed away at a private hospital in Kolkata on Monday morning. He was 71.

Roy had been in a coma for several days and succumbed to a cardiac arrest at 1:30 am, according to his son, Subhranshu Roy.

A founding member of the TMC when it was established in 1998, Roy later parted ways with party supremo Mamata Banerjee and joined the BJP in 2017. He won the 2021 West Bengal Assembly elections on a BJP ticket from the Krishnanagar Uttar constituency, only to return to the TMC after the polls.

Roy served as the Union railway minister during the UPA-2 government in 2011, when the TMC was part of the ruling alliance. He was also a two-time Rajya Sabha member.

In a post on X, Mamata Banerjee on Monday expressed grief over the demise of veteran leader Mukul Roy, describing him as a long-time political colleague and co-fighter in many struggles.

"I am deeply shocked and grieved by the sudden news of the demise of veteran politician Mukul Roy. He was my long-time political colleague and a comrade-in-arms in many political struggles. The news of his departure has left me heartbroken," she said.

BJP leader Dilip Ghosh remembered Roy as an experienced politician who was highly regarded during his time in the saffron party. "He was an experienced politician and even became a Union Minister. When he joined the BJP, he was given much respect. He was with us from 2019 to 2021, after which he returned to the TMC. For the past few years, he had been unwell and unable to actively participate in politics. I pray for his soul to rest in peace," Ghosh told ANI.

BJP leader and Leader of the Opposition in West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, expressed his condolences on social media: "Deeply disheartened to learn about the sad demise of Senior Politician Shri Mukul Roy. My sincere condolences to his family. Praying that his soul attains eternal peace. Om Shanti," he wrote on X.
Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) veteran Sharad Pawar is doing well and resting at the hospital, the medical team reportedly confirmed on Monday. The veteran leader has been eating properly and has now fully recovered, Marathi media reports quoted the doctors as saying.

Sharad Pawar was admitted to Pune's Ruby Hospital yesterday. All medical tests have been completed and the results are satisfactory, Lokmat quoted the doctors who attended the senior leader as saying. There was no need for any concern and he is likely to be discharged from the hospital within the next 48 hours, the report added.

Pawar Sahebs health is now absolutely fine. He has taken good rest and will be going home the day after tomorrow. He will stay in Pune for the next few days and then return to Mumbai. He will need to rest for a couple more days. He is eating properly, having a good breakfast, and everything is fine, the doctors were quoted as saying by Lokmat.

Sharad Pawar was rushed to the hospital with dehydration reportedly caused by vomiting. He was put on a saline drip. His blood tests were conducted, and a CT scan was also performed.

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.

The hospital administration on Sunday had appealed to supporters and activists to refrain from crowding the hospital to avoid inconvenience to other patients.
The final voter list from Tamil Nadu has been released after the states Special Intensive Revision of the electoral rolls. The SIR was carried out in the state from November 4 to December 14.

TN Chief Electoral Officer Archana Patnaik said that there were a total of 5.67 crore voters in the state after a deletion of about 74,07,207 voters.

Out of this, 2,77,38,925 were male, and 2,89,60,838 were women. 7,671 voters were transgender.

The original list counted about 6.41 crore voters as of October 27.

The draft voters list had deleted about 97.37 lakh voters reducing the number to 5.43 crore.

During the period for corrections from December 19 to January 30 around 27,53,796 voters were added after they submitted forms. About 4.23 lakh ineligible voters were also deleted during this period.

The number of electors in the 18-19 age group in the state is 12.51 lakh. Senior citizens (85 and above) made up 3.99 lakh.

The assembly constituency with the highest number of electors in Sholinganallur in Chengalpattu district has 5,36,991 electors. The lowest number ofvoters were in Harbour consttuency in Chennai with around 1.16 voters.

District wise, Chennai, Coimbatore, Salem, Thirvallor and Chengalpattu had the highest voter populations.

Voters can check whether their names are included in the final voter list on the website https://elections.gov.tn.in

The final list can also be checked through the Booth Level Officers and the website of the Election Commission of India.
Key Takeaways

Crypto investment funds saw $288 million in outflows last week, marking the fifth consecutive week of net selling and pushing year-to-date outflows to $4 billion.

U.S. investors led the exodus with $347 million withdrawn, while Europe and Canada showed modest inflows of $59 million, highlighting a clear regional split in sentiment.

Bitcoin funds recorded the largest outflows at $215 million amid very low trading volumes of $17 billion, the weakest since July 2025, signaling growing investor apathy.

Crypto investors are not just trimming positions  they are heading for the exits.

For the fifth straight week, money has flowed out of digital asset investment products, with $288 million pulled in the latest reporting period.

The steady retreat, outlined in CoinShares newest weekly fund flows report, underscores a market stuck in low gear  cautious, fragmented, and increasingly divided by geography.

Five Weeks of Selling as U.S. Leads the Retreat

The $288 million weekly outflow extends a persistent slide in crypto investment products and ETFs.

Year-to-date, total net outflows have now reached $4 billion.

While that figure remains below the $6 billion recorded over the same period last year, the uninterrupted five-week streak tells a clearer story: conviction is thinning.

The United States drove the bulk of last weeks withdrawals.

American investors pulled $347 million from crypto funds, reflecting what appears to be continued risk aversion amid softer prices and broader macroeconomic uncertainty.

Across the Atlantic, the mood looked markedly different.

European and Canadian investors added a combined $59 million, suggesting some see the pullback as a buying opportunity rather than a warning sign.

Switzerland led regional inflows with $19.5 million, followed by Canada with $16.8 million and Germany with $16.2 million.

Crypto Fund Trading Volumes Sink to July Lows

If fund flows reflect positioning, trading volumes reveal participation  and participation is fading.

Volumes across crypto investment products dropped sharply to $17 billion last week, the lowest level since July 2025.

After several weeks of elevated activity, the sharp decline suggests many investors are stepping back rather than stepping in.

CoinShares described the shift as growing investor apathy, a telling phrase for a market once driven by momentum and rapid inflows.

Lower volumes tend to dampen price action and reduce volatility  but they also point to dwindling enthusiasm and fewer fresh catalysts entering the space.

Bitcoin Bears the Brunt

Bitcoin (BTC) once again absorbed most of the selling pressure.
The unveiling of a bust of C. Rajagopalachari at Rashtrapati Bhavan is more than a tribute. The government has replaced a bust of Edwin Lutyens, the British architect who designed the building when it was the Viceroys House, with that of Rajagopalachari. The move is being presented as part of an effort to remove colonial symbols from public spaces. It also comes months before assembly elections in Tamil Nadu, where the BJP has struggled to gain ground.

Rajagopalachari, known as Rajaji, was Independent Indias first and only Indian Governor-General. He took office in 1948 after Lord Mountbatten and served until India became a republic in 1950. He once lived in the same building where his bust now stands. Replacing Lutyens with Rajaji carries clear symbolic weight.

Rashtrapati Bhavan was completed in 1929 and served as the residence of the British Viceroy from 1931. It was built as a symbol of imperial power. By removing Lutyens bust and installing Rajajis, the government is reshaping the narrative around the building. The message is that colonial markers are being replaced with Indian figures.

Tamil pride

This step fits into a larger pattern. When the new Parliament building was inaugurated in 2023, the Sengol, linked to the Chola tradition, was placed in the Lok Sabha chamber. The event was projected as a civilisational marker and was widely seen as outreach to Tamil identity.

The government has also organised the Kashi Tamil Sangamam, linking Varanasi with Tamil scholars and citizens to highlight cultural ties. These efforts are viewed as part of the BJPs attempt to expand its presence in Tamil Nadu, a state dominated by Dravidian politics.

Other changes over the past decade follow the same line of indigenisation of colonial spaces. These include installing a statue of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose near India Gate, building the National War Memorial, renaming the Central Secretariat as Kartavya Bhavan, and the PMO as Sewa Teerth.

Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan described the installation as a step towards freeing India from a colonial mindset. He linked it to Prime Minister Narendra Modis call for Gulami ki Mansikta se Mukti.

President Droupadi Murmu unveiled the bust.

The broader message is that the government sees decolonisation as an ongoing process.

Why Rajaji matters

Rajaji had a complex political career. He was close to Mahatma Gandhi but later opposed Jawaharlal Nehrus socialist policies. In 1959, he co-founded the Swatantra Party, arguing for economic freedom and limited state control.

In Tamil Nadu, his record is mixed. As Premier of the Madras Presidency in 1937, he made Hindi compulsory in schools. The move sparked protests and strengthened the Dravidian movement led by Periyar E.V. Ramasamy and later C.N. Annadurai. But later, he opposed Hindi imposition. Politically, Rajaji helped build an opposition alliance that defeated the Congress in the 1967 assembly elections. That election ended the dominance of Congress in the state, and it has not tasted power since then.

Rajaji was both a Tamil leader and a national figure. That makes him politically relevant. His family remains active in public life. His grandsons, Gopalkrishna Gandhi and Rajmohan Gandhi, are well-known public figures. His great-grandson C.R. Kesavan, moved from the Congress to the BJP.

For the BJP, Rajaji represents a Tamil icon who is not tied to Dravidian parties. He allows the party to invoke Tamil history without relying only on religious symbolism.

Electoral context

Tamil Nadu has been a difficult territory for the BJP. Politics in the state is shaped by language, social justice, and resistance to what is seen as northern dominance. The partys strategy has combined cultural outreach with symbolic gestures.

Replacing Lutyens with Rajaji serves two purposes. Nationally, it reinforces the governments anti-colonial narrative. In Tamil Nadu, it signals recognition of a Tamil statesman at the highest constitutional address in the country.

The decision to remove Lutyens rather than place Rajaji alongside him makes the gesture sharper. It turns a tribute into a statement.

Whether this will change voting patterns is unclear, but the symbolism draws attention. It would certainly give the BJP talking points for its campaign in the state.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has written a letter to the people of West Bengal ahead of the upcoming assembly elections, asserting that the future of the state will be decided by the voters choice. The letter, being circulated by party workers across the state, outlines Modi's vision for making West Bengal a prosperous and developed state.

"In just a few months, the fate of West Bengal will be decided. The future of the coming generation and the direction it takes will depend on your well-thought-out decision," the Prime Minister wrote.

"Today, every young person, elder, and woman who dreams of a 'Sonar Bangla' is in great pain. Their suffering pains my heart. Therefore, I have made a resolution from the depths of my heart  to make West Bengal 'Viksit' (developed) and prosperous," he said.

Modi highlighted that his government at the Centre has focused on public welfare over the past 11 years, with tangible results. "From the welfare of farmers to fulfilling the dreams of youth, from empowering women to reaching every section of society, the positive outcomes of our policies are clearly visible today," he said.

The Prime Minister also accused the state government of hindering the implementation of central schemes but noted that despite this, the benefits have reached the people of West Bengal. "Despite the non-cooperation of the state government, nearly 5 crore people in West Bengal are now connected to the banking system through 'Jan-Dhan Yojana'," he stated.

Modi pointed out that 85 lakh toilets have been constructed in the state over the past 11 years, and loans worth Rs 2.82 lakh crore have been disbursed to small traders and entrepreneurs.

"I have had the privilege of making 56 lakh senior citizens self-reliant in their old age through the 'Atal Pension Yojana'. I feel blessed to have freed mothers and sisters from smoke by providing LPG connections to over 1 crore families through the 'Ujjwala Yojana'," he added.

The Prime Minister also referenced the Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme, under which over 52 lakh farmers have received direct financial assistance.

Criticising the condition of the state, Modi blamed six decades of misrule and appeasement politics. "On one hand, youths are forced to migrate to other states due to a lack of employment, and on the other hand, my mothers and sisters in West Bengal do not feel safe today," he said.

Drawing a comparison to the progress in other states, Modi urged the people of West Bengal to join the journey of development. "If I get the opportunity to serve you, every moment of my service will be dedicated to bringing a smile to your face, spreading happiness, and freeing you from corruption and misrule," he said.
The next round of indirect nuclear negotiations between the United States and Iran is scheduled to take place in Geneva on Thursday, according to Omans Foreign Minister, Badr Al Busaidi, who has been mediating the discussions. The talks aim to provide a "positive push" toward finalising a diplomatic resolution to the prolonged nuclear standoff. The Iranian delegation, led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, is ready with a detailed counterproposal to US envoys Steve Witkoff and President Donald Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner. This follows an earlier round of Geneva talks on February 17 (and one before that in Muscat) that established an understanding of core "guiding principles".

According to diplomatic sources, Washington made clear it would only proceed with further discussions if Tehran submitted a comprehensive and substantive proposal in advance. Since Iran has prepared one, the stage is set for what could prove a decisive encounter. Also expected to be present is Rafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, whose technical assessments will be crucial to any future monitoring arrangement.

For latest news and analyses on Middle East, visit: Yello! Middle East

At the heart of the negotiations lies the issue that has long defined the standoff: Irans uranium enrichment programme. The US has historically pressed for a strict policy of zero enrichment, arguing that any domestic enrichment capability leaves open a potential pathway to weaponisation. After the previous round, US Vice President JD Vance said that Tehran had yet to acknowledge Trumps red lines. Nevertheless, American negotiators have signalled that they might consider a tightly circumscribed arrangement allowing limited or token enrichment, provided Iran can verifiably block every route to a nuclear weapon.

From the Iranian perspective, halting all enrichment is a non-starter. Araghchi framed the issue as a matter of national "dignity and pride," emphasising the massive costsincluding decades of US sanctions and the targeted assassinations of scientiststhat Iran has endured for this technology. Tehran believes that as a member of the NPT regime, it is entitled to develop peaceful nuclear energy under international safeguards. However, it appears ready to dilute its stockpile of highly enriched uranium and commit to a comprehensive and permanent monitoring regime overseen by the IAEA instead of completely dismantling its enrichment infrastructure. Iranian officials say this would include intrusive inspections and technical guarantees designed to ensure that the programme remains exclusively civilian in nature. Araghchi has also firmly rejected efforts by Secretary of State Marco Rubio to broaden the scope of the talks to include Irans ballistic missile programme and its regional alliances, insisting that the negotiations are confined strictly to the nuclear file.

Iranian officials have suggested that a new agreement could be structurally stronger than the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, offering longer timelines and clearer enforcement mechanisms. Yet scepticism persists. Many analysts have warned that if Washington adheres to maximalist demands, particularly on enrichment, even generous Iranian concessions may not suffice to secure a deal. Much will depend on whether both sides are prepared to compromise on symbolic red lines in favour of practical safeguards.

The diplomatic effort is unfolding against an atmosphere of acute military pressure. Donald Trump has issued a stark 10- to 15-day deadline for Iran to accept what he calls a fair agreement, warning of severe consequences should diplomacy fail. He has openly acknowledged that he is considering limited military strikes. In a visible demonstration of force, the United States has deployed substantial naval assets to the Middle East, including the aircraft carriers USS Abraham Lincoln and USS Gerald R. Ford.

US envoy Witkoff has remarked that the president is curious as to why Iran has not yet capitulated, given the overwhelming American naval presence. He has also claimed that Iran could theoretically be only a week away from securing sufficient industrial-grade material for a bomb, though such assessments are contested. Within Washington, there are divisions. Some advisers caution against further military entanglement in the region, while figures such as Senator Lindsey Graham have urged the president to act decisively if talks collapse.

Tehran has responded with a mixture of defiance and conditional openness. Araghchi has said Iran seeks a diplomatic win-win solution but reserves the absolute right to defend itself if attacked. Iranian officials argue that military threats will not produce capitulation, but rather harden domestic opinion against compromise.

Complicating matters further is Irans internal political climate. Universities reopened over the weekend for the first time since a deadly wave of unrest, triggering renewed student demonstrations at institutions including Sharif University of Technology and Amirkabir University of Technology, as well as campuses in Mashhad. Students gathered to commemorate those killed during the recent crackdown, leading to clashes with state-backed Basij militia and pro-government groups. Protesters were reported to have chanted slogans associated with the pre-1979 monarchy, while counter-demonstrators burned US and Israeli flags.

Amid this turbulence, reports suggest a subtle shift in Irans internal power dynamics. According to The Guardian, US officials believe Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian are being increasingly marginalised in the nuclear file, with Araghchi and veteran politician Ali Larijani assuming greater influence. Meanwhile, several figures associated with the Reformists Front coalition, close to Pezeshkian, have reportedly faced arrests after criticising the security forces handling of the protests.

The Geneva talks represent a high-stakes convergence of diplomacy, military brinkmanship and domestic instability. Whether they culminate in a durable agreement or deepen the confrontation may depend as much on internal political calculations in Washington and Tehran as on the technical details of centrifuges and inspection regimes.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Israel on Wednesday, an official visit that will see both countries engage in close economic, diplomatic and security cooperation. While hailing the visit, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu mentioned how this time, there will be another special area of cooperation - high-tech, AI and quantum - between the two countries.

But Israeli media says this time, there is a buzz around defence cooperation between the two countries, which could include joint development of ballistic missile defence systems, laser weapons, long-range missiles and drones.

Though there are speculations that both countries could sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on security cooperation, a right-wing Hebrew media, Maariv, says that it is not expected.

For latest news and analyses on Middle East, visit: Yello! Middle East

It says both sides are yet to reveal any information on the same, but Israel has agreed to share with India the latest defence technologies, including advanced laser defence, something that has not been done in recent years. The foundations for the expanded security cooperation were laid during Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's visit to Israel last November.

As per reports, India is exploring joint development with Israel of a ballistic missile defence system, as part of the Sudarshan defence mission. Israel boasts of "Arrow", "David's Sling" and Iron Dome systems, all exceptional air defence systems.

In addition, India is also interested in acquiring long-range missiles and cruise missiles that can be launched from the air, land, and sea, bypassing the air defence systems of enemy countries. During Operation Sindoor, India used Rampage missiles, the Palm 400 system, and Harpy and Harop cruise missiles - all manufactured by Israeli defence industries - against targets in Pakistan, severely damaging Chinese-made air defence systems as far as the capital, Islamabad.

Hexagon of alliances

As part of the visit, Israel has been promoting the setting up of a hexagon of alliances, which is a six-sided alliance with countries from in and around the Middle East. This will include India, Greece, Cyprus, and unnamed Arab, African and Asian countries.

He added that the network will act in coordination against the radical axis.

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 says. 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, according to Netanyahu.
The Indian Embassy in Iran has issued a fresh advisory to Indian nationals in the country to leave the country by available means of transport, including commercial flights.

The notice has come amid a rising fear of a military escalation between Iran and the US.

The advisory read as a continuation of the announcement on January 5, when the Government asked Indian nationals to leave during the Khamenei regime's crackdown on the protests that took over the country.

All Indian citizens and PIOs should exercise due caution, avoid areas of protests or demonstrations, stay in contact with the Indian Embassy in Iran and monitor local media for any developments, the advisory read.

The advisory also asked Indian nationals to avoid travelling to areas of protests and exercise caution. The notice also requested that they keep immigration documents, including passports and IDs on the ready. They requested that Indian citizens contact the Embassy for assistance in the regard.

According to sources who spoke to Axiom on Friday, the US president was presented with different options on Iran. One plan included targeting the Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and his son Mojtaba.

The next round of talks between the two countries will be held on Thursday in Geneva, Omans foreign minister Badr al-Busaidi said on Sunday. He expressed hope that an agreement could be reached before the US considers an attack. The previous talk on Irans nuclear program was held in Oman.

In a post on social media, Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian said that the the previous talks yielded encouraging signals.
Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Monday lashed out at former chief adviser Muhammad Yunus, accusing him of trying to destabilise the country and attempting to remove him from the constitutional post.

Speaking to Bengali daily Kaler Kantho, Shahabuddin revealed about an attempt to replace him with a former chief justice. However, the judge declined the offer, saying, "The President holds the highest position in the government and I can't unconstitutionally take the seat."

The president revealed that Yunus failed to brief him about his foreign trips and kept him in the dark over US-Bangladesh trade deal.

"The constitution says that whenever he goes on a foreign visit, he must meet the President after returning and inform me in writing about the discussions and outcomes. He travelled abroad 14 to 15 times but did not inform me even once," he told the daily.

Talking about the recent trade deal with the US, Shahbuddin said, "I knew nothing about it. Such a state agreement must be communicated to the President. That is a constitutional obligation. But he neither informed me verbally nor in writing."

Shahabuddin claimed that Yunus also prevented him from travelling to Kosovo and Qatar.

The president pointed out that leaders from BNP had his back when there was a call for his removal. "They had expressed their willingness to uphold the constitution all through that time. I had a lot of curiosity around BNP chairman Tarique Rahman, but with time, I got to know him as a genuine person. He was so cordial. BNPs support was 100% there in my bad time," he said.

Shahbuddin said the chiefs of the three armed services also backed him. "They said, 'Your Excellency, you are the head of the armed forces. Your defeat means the defeat of the entire armed forces. We will prevent this at any cost'," he quoted them as saying.
The killing of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as El Mencho, has set off a wave of violence and fire in Mexico.

Oseguera, 59, was the leader and one of the founders of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), an organisation known for being the country's most violent drug cartel.

In 2024, the US government had offered a reward of upto $15 million for information which could lead to the arrest of the elusive cartel boss. However, Oseguera evaded arrest for many years while some of his family members involved in the operations were captured and convicted. Osegueras son and successor, Ruben Oseguera known as El Menchito, was found guilty of drug trafficking and illegal use of firearms in Washington last year.

Soon after the killing of Oseguera on Sunday, armed groups blocked roads and set fire to supermarkets, banks and vehicles. The chaos has led to about 252 road closures in about 20 states across Mexico, the government's security cabinet reported. The biggest reports of violent incidents came from Jalisco, where the cartel began.

Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generacion (CJNG)

The CJNG, which was formed in 2009, is one of Mexicos most powerful criminal organisations. In a 2025 report, the US government designated the Jalisco state based crime syndicate a terrorist organisation. Since its formation, the group took on an agressive approach, expanding over time, to about 27 of Mexico's 32 states.

The group is responsible for the trafficking of high quantities of cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine into the country, which also creates their biggest revenue. They are also involved in extortion and money laundering. According to a 2023 report by the LA Times both the Jalisco cartel and its biggest rival, Sinaloa had about 45,000 members with brokers in more than 100 countries.

Many from the group who were arrested by the Spanish government in 2025 were involved in smuggling large amounts of the drugs inside industrial machinery from south America. The drugs were distributed to Spain and other European countries, El Pais reported.

According to the US Department of Justice, Osegueras leadership led to the group being responsible for large-scale homicides against rival trafficking groups and Mexico's law enforcement.

The group is known for its high-profile crimes and extreme violent methods since its appearance in 2009. After mass murders, they often leave dismembered or burned bodies in public areas where they can be found, including in vehicles and on bridges. There were also reports of the groups members being forced to cannibalise its victims as part of training. In 2015, they made headlines with the drowning of an army helicopter using rocket-propelled grenades. The attack killed dozens of state officials.

The group has also been found to be behind assassination attempts of Mexican government officials and was behind the 2020 attack against Omar Garcia Harfuch, the secretary of security of Claudia Sheinbaums government.

The CJNG uses a franchise model to operate. The group delegates each phase of drug trafficking to a specialised link in its chain. They have regional commanders, financial operatives, enforcement units, logistics and intelligence and surveillance teams. Their operatives have also been found to work to corrupt political proceedings to protect the cartels' political interests.

This method has allowed them to seize territories from their rival groups like the Sinaloa cartel.

Several members of the cartel were also said to have been killed in the operation by the Mexican Army on Sunday. The killing of the world's most wanted drug cartel leader is set to improve Mexicos relations with the US. The countrys Ministry of Defence also said that they seized several armoured vehicles and weapons during the operation, including rocket launchers.

However, there are fears that the killing could lead to more violence in the country as rival groups may now take advantage of the blow to seize back control of territories. Mexican President Sheinbaum has critisised the strategy of taking out the "kingpin" of a cartel as it often resulted in violence. David Mora, Mexico analyst for International Crisis Group said This might be a moment in which those other groups see that the cartel is weakened and want to seize the opportunity for them to expand control and to gain control over Cartel Jalisco in those states.
Violence erupted in Mexico after the death of the infamous drug lord, Nemesio Oseguera, aka 'El Mencho', in a military operation on Sunday. Massive clashes were reported in Jalisco and other states, with even flight operations being hit across the Latin American country.

El Mencho, the leader of Mexico's most powerful gang, the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, was killed during an operation carried out by the special forces and Mexican army.

Recognizing Mexicos Security Forces and Bilateral Cooperation  pic.twitter.com/GNPaOgNU7o  Embajador Ronald Johnson (@USAmbMex) February 23, 2026

Violence erupted in Puerto Vallarta, Guadalajara and Tapalpa. Roadblocks were set up across the state with burnt cars following the death of the CJNG leader. Flight operations at Guadalajara Airport and Puerto Vallarta Airport were disrupted due to the clashes.

In the wake of the clashes, the Indian Embassy in Mexico has advised its citizens to be alert and to stay indoors. So far, no casualties have been reported.

Dear all Indian nationals in Mexico:



There are ongoing security operations and related road blockages and criminal activity, Indian nationals in Jalisco State (areas of Puerto Vallarta, Chapala, and Guadalajara), Tamaulipas State (areas of Reynosa and other municipalities),  India in Mexico (@IndEmbMexico) February 22, 2026

"Actions to Take: Avoid areas around law enforcement activity. Be aware of your surroundings. Seek shelter and minimise unnecessary movements outside your shelter. Monitor local media for updates. Follow the directions of local authorities and in case of emergency, call 911," read the advisory.

 BREAKING: Guadalajara Airport is under siege by armed cartel members. pic.twitter.com/NHp2jlpFaT  Mr. Star Spangled MAGA (@4thOfJuly365) February 23, 2026

The Embassy also advised contacting +52 55 4847 7539 for any assistance.

Shortly after the clashes, videos of fire or a possible shootout at Guadalajara Airport emerged on social media. However, the Mexican Embassy in the US said that the videos were fake and generated using Artificial Intelligence. Panic gripped air travellers as cartel violence erupted at the Pacific resort of Puerto Vallarta. A video that emerged on social media showed people at Guadalajara International Airport cowering behind counters.

It is FALSE that a plane caught fire at Guadalajara Airport. The image circulating on social media showing a plane allegedly belonging to Volaris on fire in Guadalajara, Jalisco, is false and was generated using Artificial Intelligence, the embassy wrote on social media platform X.
The POTUS vs SCOTUS standoff hit a new low on Monday. Renewing his rhetoric over US Supreme Court ruling on tariffs, US President Donald Trump on Monday said the apex judicial body is making decisions that will make other nations happy and rich.

In his Truth Social post, the POTUS (President of the United States) said he will now refer to the SCOTUS (Supreme Court of the United States) in lower case henceforth. The supreme court (will be using lower case letters for a while based on a complete lack of respect!) of the United States accidentally and unwittingly gave me, as President of the United States, far more powers and strength than I had prior to their ridiculous, dumb, and very internationally divisive ruling, he claimed.

Talking about the potential use of licenses to pressure countries, the president said, For one thing, I can use Licenses to do absolutely terrible things to foreign countries, especially those countries that have been RIPPING US OFF for many decades, but incomprehensibly, according to the ruling, cant charge them a License fee - BUT ALL LICENSES CHARGE FEES, why cant the United States do so? You do a license to get a fee! The opinion doesnt explain that, but I know the answer! The court has also approved all other Tariffs, of which there are many, and they can all be used in a much more powerful and obnoxious way, with legal certainty, than the Tariffs as initially used, he added.

Calling the Supreme Court incompetent, Trump targeted the six judges who ruled against his tariff move should be ashamed of themselves.

The next thing you know they will rule in favour of China and others, who are making an absolute fortune on Birthright Citizenship, by saying the 14th Amendment was NOT written to take care of the 'babies of slaves,' which it was as proven by the EXACT TIMING of its construction, filing, and ratification, which perfectly coincided with the END OF THE CIVIL WAR. How much better can you do than that? But this supreme court will find a way to come to the wrong conclusion, one that again will make China, and various other Nations, happy and rich. Let our supreme court keep making decisions that are so bad and deleterious to the future of our Nation - I have a job to do. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! President DONALD J. TRUMP, he added.
Nemesio Oseguera, alias 'El Mencho', one of Mexicos most infamous drug lords, was killed in a military operation on Sunday, triggering widespread violence across the country.

According to Mexico's Defence Ministry, El Mencho suffered severe injuries during the raid by special forces in Tapalpa, Jalisco, and later died while in custody.

A former police officer, El Mencho was the mastermind behind the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), notorious for its brutal tactics, including forced labor and recruitment.

Under his leadership, the cartel expanded into a highly diversified criminal enterprise, shifting from drug trafficking to fuel theft. It also pioneered the use of drones in attacks against civilians, helping fuel its rapid territorial expansion in western Mexico, Reuters reported.

What led to Sundays raid

The military operation came amid growing pressure from the United States for President Claudia Sheinbaum to intensify her crackdown on drug cartels responsible for producing and smuggling drugs across the border.

Reports suggest that Mexican forces received intelligence support from Washington, with a US military-led task force playing a key role in the operation.

El Menchos body was transported to Mexico City on Sunday afternoon, escorted by a heavily guarded convoy of National Guard troops.

In recent operations, Mexican forces had captured leaders of the rival Sinaloa Cartel, including Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman and Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada.

Killing sparks revenge attacks

Following the news of El Mencho's death, his supporters erupted in violence, blocking highways across multiple states and setting vehicles and businesses on fire.

Authorities have advised both tourists and residents to stay indoors as the unrest spread. Several airlines, including Air Canada, United Airlines, and Aeromexico, cancelled flights to Puerto Vallarta, a popular resort town in Mexico. Truck drivers have also been urged to take alternative routes or return to their depots until the situation stabilizes.

A CJNG member speaking to Reuters claimed that the violence was a direct response to El Mencho's death, and warned of more bloodshed as rival factions move to take control of his cartel.

US lauds El Menchos killing

The Trump administration praised the operation and the killing of El Mencho, calling it a "significant development" for both the US and Mexico, as well as for the rest of Latin America.

Trump had previously warned of potential military action in Mexico if Sheinbaum failed to take stronger action against drug cartels.
Pantoro Gold launches on-market buyback as Norseman cash flows roll in Proactive uses images sourced from Shutterstock

Pantoro Gold Ltd (ASX:PNR, OTC:PNTOF, FRA:RKN) has announced a 12-month on-market share buyback program covering up to 10% of its issued capital, signalling growing confidence in the Western Australian gold producer's financial position.

The company will target a maximum of 38,344,473 shares under the program, with all purchases to be made through the ASX in compliance with Australian securities laws. Because the buyback stays within the 10% threshold, no shareholder approval is required under the Corporations Act.

Pantoro attributed the move to strong positive cashflow generated over the past year from its 100%-owned Norseman Gold Project, with profitability expected to continue climbing as operations at the site are scaled up. Management said current cash generation is sufficient to fund ongoing growth initiatives and mine expansions alongside the buyback program.

The pace and volume of purchases will be left to the company's discretion, guided by prevailing market conditions and share price levels. Pantoro will not pay more than 5% above the five-day volume-weighted average price for any shares acquired.

The buyback is the latest signal of maturation at Norseman, where Pantoro has been steadily building output after years of development work at the historic goldfield southeast of Kalgoorlie.

Pantoro Gold remains focused on maximising operating margins while responsibly deploying growth capital at Norseman. Since September 2024, growth drilling has delivered strong results and we expect to convert this success into additional underground mines in line with our growth strategy which targets an aspirational increase in annual production to 200,000 ounces of gold," Pantoro managing director Paul Cmrlec said.

The combination of a strong gold market and our focus on maintaining production margins has resulted in an exceptional balance sheet position which enables us to implement a capital management policy in parallel with the growth program. The buy-back will be executed diligently to ensure that Pantoro Gold is well positioned to finance organic and inorganic growth opportunities as they arise while continuing to deliver shareholder value.

Building on a big quarter

The buyback, will enable Pantoro to build on its strong December quarter, with its cash and gold position swelling by $35 million, as production, margins and exploration all gathered pace at the Norseman Gold Project in Western Australia.

The company poured 22,071 ounces during the three months to December, selling 22,473 ounces at an average realised price of $6,077 per ounce. With all-in sustaining costs held at $2,571 per ounce, Pantoro generated EBITDA of $83.6 million for the period  a margin that underlines the project's growing profitability at current gold prices.

Operating cashflow came in at $39.2 million after the company ploughed $32.1 million back into exploration and project capital, a dynamic that highlights Pantoro's capacity to self-fund its growth ambitions without tapping equity markets.
Palo Alto Networks, CrowdStrike, and Fortinet are the three Cybersecurity stocks to watch today, according to MarketBeats stock screener tool. Cybersecurity stocks are shares of publicly traded companies that develop, sell, or support hardware, software and services intended to protect computers, networks, data and digital infrastructure from cyber threats (for example, antivirus, firewalls, encryption, identity management, and incident response). For investors, these stocks provide exposure to the market for digital security and tend to behave as a growth-oriented, sometimes defensive sector influenced by corporate IT budgets, high-profile breaches, technology cycles, and regulatory changes. These companies had the highest dollar trading volume of any Cybersecurity stocks within the last several days.

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Palo Alto Networks (PANW)

Palo Alto Networks, Inc. provides cybersecurity solutions worldwide. The company offers firewall appliances and software; and Panorama, a security management solution for the global control of network security platform as a virtual or a physical appliance. It also provides subscription services covering the areas of threat prevention, malware and persistent threat, URL filtering, laptop and mobile device protection, DNS security, Internet of Things security, SaaS security API, and SaaS security inline, as well as threat intelligence, and data loss prevention.

CrowdStrike (CRWD)

CrowdStrike Holdings, Inc. provides cybersecurity solutions in the United States and internationally. Its unified platform offers cloud-delivered protection of endpoints, cloud workloads, identity, and data. The company offers corporate endpoint and cloud workload security, managed security, security and vulnerability management, IT operations management, identity protection, SIEM and log management, threat intelligence, data protection, security orchestration, automation and response and AI powered workflow automation, and securing generative AI workload services.

Read Our Latest Research Report on CRWD

Fortinet (FTNT)

Fortinet, Inc. provides cybersecurity and convergence of networking and security solutions worldwide. It offers secure networking solutions focus on the convergence of networking and security; network firewall solutions that consist of FortiGate data centers, hyperscale, and distributed firewalls, as well as encrypted applications; wireless LAN solutions; and secure connectivity solutions, including FortiSwitch secure ethernet switches, FortiAP wireless local area network access points, FortiExtender 5G connectivity gateways, and other products.

Read Our Latest Research Report on FTNT

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JPMorgan Chase & Co., Bank of America, Citigroup, Wells Fargo & Company, and Charles Schwab are the five Bank stocks to watch today, according to MarketBeats stock screener tool. Bank stocks are shares of publicly traded banks and bank holding companies that give investors an ownership stake in those financial institutions. Their returns are driven by factors like net interest margins, loan credit quality, deposit flows, interest-rate moves and regulation, and they often pay dividends but carry risks tied to economic cycles and credit events. These companies had the highest dollar trading volume of any Bank stocks within the last several days.

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JPMorgan Chase & Co. (JPM)

JPMorgan Chase & Co. is a financial holding company, which engages in the provision of financial and investment banking services. It focuses on investment banking, financial services for consumers and small businesses, commercial banking, financial transaction processing, and asset management. It operates through the following segments: Consumer and Community Banking (CCB), Commercial and Investment Bank (CIB), Asset and Wealth Management (AWM), and Corporate.

Bank of America (BAC)

Bank of America Corporation, through its subsidiaries, provides banking and financial products and services for individual consumers, small and middle-market businesses, institutional investors, large corporations, and governments worldwide. It operates in four segments: Consumer Banking, Global Wealth & Investment Management (GWIM), Global Banking, and Global Markets.

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Citigroup (C)

Citigroup Inc., a diversified financial service holding company, provides various financial product and services to consumers, corporations, governments, and institutions worldwide. It operates through five segments: Services, Markets, Banking, U.S. Personal Banking, and Wealth. The Services segment includes Treasury and Trade Solutions, which provides cash management, trade, and working capital solutions to multinational corporations, financial institutions, and public sector organizations; and Securities Services, such as cross-border support for clients, local market expertise, post-trade technologies, data solutions, and various securities services solutions.

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Wells Fargo & Company (WFC)

Wells Fargo & Co. is a diversified and community-based financial services company, which engages in the provision of banking, insurance, investments, mortgage, and consumer and commercial finance products and services. It operates through the following segments: Consumer Banking and Lending, Commercial Banking, Corporate and Investment Banking, and Wealth and Investment Management.

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Charles Schwab (SCHW)

The Charles Schwab Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a savings and loan holding company that provides wealth management, securities brokerage, banking, asset management, custody, and financial advisory services in the United States and internationally. The company operates in two segments, Investor Services and Advisor Services.

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American International Group (NYSE:AIG  Get Free Report) and Allianz (OTCMKTS:ALIZY  Get Free Report) are both large-cap finance companies, but which is the better investment? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their institutional ownership, valuation, analyst recommendations, profitability, earnings, dividends and risk.

Insider & Institutional Ownership

90.6% of American International Group shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 0.0% of Allianz shares are owned by institutional investors. 0.5% of American International Group 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.

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Profitability

This table compares American International Group and Allianzs net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets American International Group 11.56% 9.79% 2.48% Allianz 5.69% 17.38% 1.06%

Risk & Volatility

Valuation & Earnings

American International Group has a beta of 0.61, suggesting that its share price is 39% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Allianz has a beta of 0.63, suggesting that its share price is 37% less volatile than the S&P 500.

This table compares American International Group and Allianzs revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio American International Group $26.78 billion 1.61 $3.10 billion $5.42 14.82 Allianz $194.56 billion 0.88 $10.75 billion $3.01 14.88

Allianz has higher revenue and earnings than American International Group. American International Group is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Allianz, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

Analyst Recommendations

This is a summary of current ratings for American International Group and Allianz, as reported by MarketBeat.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score American International Group 0 14 7 1 2.41 Allianz 1 4 1 1 2.29

American International Group currently has a consensus price target of $87.58, suggesting a potential upside of 9.00%. Given American International Groups stronger consensus rating and higher probable upside, equities research analysts clearly believe American International Group is more favorable than Allianz.

Dividends

American International Group pays an annual dividend of $1.80 per share and has a dividend yield of 2.2%. Allianz pays an annual dividend of $1.18 per share and has a dividend yield of 2.6%. American International Group pays out 33.2% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Allianz pays out 39.2% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Both companies have healthy payout ratios and should be able to cover their dividend payments with earnings for the next several years. American International Group has raised its dividend for 3 consecutive years.

Summary

American International Group beats Allianz on 11 of the 17 factors compared between the two stocks.

About American International Group

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American International Group, Inc. offers insurance products for commercial, institutional, and individual customers in North America and internationally. It operates through three segments: General Insurance, Life and Retirement, and Other Operations. The General Insurance segment provides commercial and industrial property insurance, including business interruption and package insurance that cover exposure to made and natural disasters; general liability, environmental, commercial automobile liability, workers compensation, excess casualty, and crisis management insurance products; and professional liability insurance. This segment offers marine, energy-related property insurance, aviation, political risk, trade credit, trade finance, and portfolio solutions, as well as operates reinsurance business; voluntary and sponsor-paid personal accident, and supplemental health products; and personal auto and personal property insurance. Its Life and Retirement segment offers individual retirement products, including variable, fixed index, and fixed annuities, as well as retail mutual funds; group retirement products comprising record-keeping, plan administrative and compliance services, financial planning, and advisory solutions; life insurance, including term and universal life insurance; and institutional markets products, which includes wrap products, structured settlement, pension risk transfer annuities, corporate and bank-owned life insurance, high net worth, and guaranteed investment contract products. It distributes its products through a network of brokers, agents, advisors, banks, and other distributors. The company was founded in 1919 and is headquartered in New York, New York.

About Allianz

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Allianz SE, together with its subsidiaries, provides property-casualty insurance, life/health insurance, and asset management products and services worldwide. The companys Property-Casualty segment offers various insurance products, including motor liability and own damage, accident, general liability, fire and property, legal expense, credit, and travel to private and corporate customers. Its Life/Health segment provides a range of life and health insurance products on an individual and a group basis, such as annuities, endowment and term insurance, and unit-linked and investment-oriented products, as well as private and supplemental health, and long-term care insurance products. The companys Asset Management segment offers institutional and retail asset management products and services to third-party investors comprising equity and fixed income funds, and multi-assets; and alternative investment products that include real estate, infrastructure debt/equity, real assets, liquid alternatives, and solutions. Its Corporate and Other segment provides banking services for retail clients, as well as digital investment services. Allianz SE was founded in 1890 and is headquartered in Munich, Germany.

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JPMorgan Chase & Co., Coinbase Global, and Robinhood Markets are the three Financial stocks to watch today, according to MarketBeats stock screener tool. Financial stocks are shares of companies whose primary business is providing financial servicessuch as banks, insurance companies, broker-dealers, asset managers, and some fintech firms. Investors buy them to gain exposure to credit conditions, interest-rate movements, and economic cycles because these firms revenues and profits are closely tied to lending margins, investment returns, and regulatory changes. These companies had the highest dollar trading volume of any Financial stocks within the last several days.

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JPMorgan Chase & Co. (JPM)

JPMorgan Chase & Co. is a financial holding company, which engages in the provision of financial and investment banking services. It focuses on investment banking, financial services for consumers and small businesses, commercial banking, financial transaction processing, and asset management. It operates through the following segments: Consumer and Community Banking (CCB), Commercial and Investment Bank (CIB), Asset and Wealth Management (AWM), and Corporate.

Coinbase Global (COIN)

Coinbase Global, Inc. provides financial infrastructure and technology for the crypto economy in the United States and internationally. The company offers the primary financial account in the crypto economy for consumers; and a marketplace with a pool of liquidity for transacting in crypto assets for institutions.

Read Our Latest Research Report on COIN

Robinhood Markets (HOOD)

Robinhood Markets, Inc. operates financial services platform in the United States. Its platform allows users to invest in stocks, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), American depository receipts, options, gold, and cryptocurrencies. The company offers fractional trading, recurring investments, fully-paid securities lending, access to investing on margin, cash sweep, instant withdrawals, retirement program, around-the-clock trading, and initial public offerings participation services.

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Heico (NYSE:HEI  Get Free Report) will likely be issuing its Q1 2026 results after the market closes on Wednesday, February 25th. Analysts expect the company to announce earnings of $1.26 per share and revenue of $1.1708 billion for the quarter. Interested persons can find conference call details on the companys upcoming Q1 2026 earning report page for the latest details on the call scheduled for Thursday, February 26, 2026 at 9:00 AM ET.

Heico (NYSE:HEI  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, December 18th. The aerospace company reported $1.33 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.22 by $0.11. The firm had revenue of $1.21 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.17 billion. Heico had a return on equity of 16.80% and a net margin of 15.39%.The firms revenue was up 19.3% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the firm earned $0.99 EPS. On average, analysts expect Heico to post $4 EPS for the current fiscal year and $5 EPS for the next fiscal year.

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Heico Stock Up 1.5%

Shares of Heico stock opened at $351.34 on Monday. The company has a market capitalization of $48.96 billion, a P/E ratio of 71.56, a PEG ratio of 3.88 and a beta of 1.01. The businesss fifty day moving average price is $335.25 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $322.18. Heico has a 1-year low of $224.63 and a 1-year high of $361.69. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.49, a current ratio of 2.83 and a quick ratio of 1.28.

Heico Dividend Announcement

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

The business also recently declared a dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, January 20th. Shareholders of record on Monday, January 5th were given a dividend of $0.12 per share. This represents a dividend yield of 7.0%. The ex-dividend date was Monday, January 5th. Heicos payout ratio is 4.89%.

A number of research firms have weighed in on HEI. Weiss Ratings restated a buy (b-) rating on shares of Heico in a research report on Monday, December 29th. Citigroup reiterated a buy rating and set a $415.00 price objective (up previously from $367.00) on shares of Heico in a research report on Tuesday, January 13th. Stifel Nicolaus set a $370.00 target price on Heico and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Monday, December 22nd. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reaffirmed a hold rating and set a $375.00 price objective (up from $355.00) on shares of Heico in a research note on Monday, December 22nd. Finally, Wall Street Zen cut shares of Heico from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Saturday, December 27th. Ten investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and eight have given a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $364.43.

Read Our Latest Research Report on HEI

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Acadian Asset Management LLC raised its stake in shares of Heico by 216.7% during the 1st quarter. Acadian Asset Management LLC now owns 1,381 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $368,000 after purchasing an additional 945 shares in the last quarter. Worldquant Millennium Advisors LLC acquired a new position in Heico in the second quarter worth approximately $2,338,000. PDT Partners LLC raised its position in Heico by 52.6% during the second quarter. PDT Partners LLC now owns 39,019 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $12,798,000 after acquiring an additional 13,443 shares in the last quarter. BI Asset Management Fondsmaeglerselskab A S lifted its stake in Heico by 10.8% in the second quarter. BI Asset Management Fondsmaeglerselskab A S now owns 4,794 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $1,572,000 after acquiring an additional 468 shares during the last quarter. Finally, IHT Wealth Management LLC grew its position in Heico by 2.1% in the second quarter. IHT Wealth Management LLC now owns 5,717 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $1,875,000 after acquiring an additional 117 shares in the last quarter. 27.12% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

About Heico

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HEICO Corporation is an aerospace, defense and electronics company that designs, manufactures, and sells a range of products and provides repair and aftermarket services. Headquartered in Hollywood, Florida, HEICO supplies replacement components, repair services and engineered systems for commercial and business aviation, military and space markets as well as for selected industrial and medical customers. The companys offerings are focused on sustaining and improving the reliability and availability of complex equipment across its end markets.

HEICO operates through two principal business areas.

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Shares of Great-West Lifeco Inc. (OTCMKTS:GWLIF  Get Free Report) have been assigned a consensus rating of Moderate Buy from the eight brokerages that are covering the firm, Marketbeat Ratings reports. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation and five have issued a buy recommendation on the company.

A number of equities analysts have issued reports on GWLIF shares. BMO Capital Markets reiterated a market perform rating on shares of Great-West Lifeco in a research report on Friday, February 13th. National Bank Financial reissued a sector perform rating on shares of Great-West Lifeco in a research note on Thursday, November 6th. Scotiabank reiterated an outperform rating on shares of Great-West Lifeco in a research note on Thursday, February 5th. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce reaffirmed an outperform rating on shares of Great-West Lifeco in a research note on Thursday, January 8th. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada reiterated a sector perform rating on shares of Great-West Lifeco in a research report on Friday, February 13th.

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Great-West Lifeco Trading Up 0.1%

Great-West Lifeco Company Profile

Shares of Great-West Lifeco stock opened at $46.65 on Wednesday. The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of $47.50 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $43.77. Great-West Lifeco has a fifty-two week low of $32.87 and a fifty-two week high of $51.11.

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Great-West Lifeco Inc, trading on the OTCMKTS under the symbol GWLIF, is a Canadian-based financial services holding company. Headquartered in Winnipeg, Manitoba, it operates as a subsidiary of Power Financial Corporation and offers a broad range of insurance, retirement, and investment solutions. The company traces its heritage to the founding of Great-West Life Assurance Company in 1891 and was organized as a distinct holding entity in 2003 to oversee its growing global operations.

The firms primary lines of business include life, health and group insurance, as well as retirement savings products and employee benefit plans.

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Shares of Genesco Inc. (NYSE:GCO  Get Free Report) have earned an average rating of Hold from the five brokerages that are presently covering the stock, Marketbeat Ratings reports. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell recommendation, three have assigned a hold recommendation and one has issued a strong buy recommendation on the company. The average 1-year price objective among brokerages that have covered the stock in the last year is $36.00.

GCO has been the subject of a number of research reports. Truist Financial set a $38.00 target price on shares of Genesco in a research report on Wednesday, January 14th. Wall Street Zen downgraded shares of Genesco from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Saturday, November 8th. Jefferies Financial Group restated a hold rating and set a $32.00 price objective on shares of Genesco in a research report on Monday, January 12th. Williams Trading upgraded Genesco to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Monday, January 12th. Finally, Zacks Research raised Genesco from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Wednesday, January 14th.

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Institutional Investors Weigh In On Genesco

Genesco Stock Performance

Large investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership raised its stake in Genesco by 371.2% during the second quarter. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership now owns 272,455 shares of the companys stock valued at $5,365,000 after purchasing an additional 214,639 shares in the last quarter. Shay Capital LLC bought a new stake in shares of Genesco in the 2nd quarter worth about $4,027,000. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised its position in shares of Genesco by 2,995.5% during the 3rd quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 167,155 shares of the companys stock valued at $4,846,000 after buying an additional 161,755 shares in the last quarter. MUFG Securities EMEA plc bought a new position in shares of Genesco in the 2nd quarter valued at about $2,954,000. Finally, Marshall Wace LLP lifted its holdings in shares of Genesco by 232.5% in the 4th quarter. Marshall Wace LLP now owns 174,218 shares of the companys stock valued at $4,315,000 after acquiring an additional 121,814 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 94.51% of the companys stock.

NYSE GCO opened at $29.32 on Wednesday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.30, a current ratio of 1.58 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.14. Genesco has a twelve month low of $16.19 and a twelve month high of $40.56. The business has a 50-day moving average price of $28.78 and a 200-day moving average price of $29.59. The firm has a market cap of $316.32 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -162.87 and a beta of 1.87.

Genesco (NYSE:GCO  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, December 4th. The company reported $0.79 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.87 by ($0.08). The company had revenue of $616.22 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $618.62 million. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $0.61 earnings per share. Genesco has set its FY 2026 guidance at 0.950-0.95 EPS. As a group, equities research analysts predict that Genesco will post 0.94 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Genesco Company Profile

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Genesco Inc is a Nashville, Tennessee-based retailer, wholesaler and licensee specializing in branded footwear, headwear, apparel and accessories. Through its portfolio of retail chains, wholesale distribution channels and licensing agreements, Genesco brings a range of product offerings to consumers in North America and Europe.

The companys retail segment includes specialty chains such as Journeys, which targets fashion-focused teens and young adults in the United States and Canada, and Schuh, a footwear retailer with locations in the United Kingdom and Ireland.

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Brookfield Infrastructure Partners (NYSE:BIP  Get Free Report) and Universal Health Realty Income Trust (NYSE:UHT  Get Free Report) are both finance companies, but which is the superior stock? We will compare the two companies based on the strength of their valuation, earnings, risk, dividends, institutional ownership, analyst recommendations and profitability.

Dividends

Brookfield Infrastructure Partners pays an annual dividend of $1.72 per share and has a dividend yield of 4.5%. Universal Health Realty Income Trust pays an annual dividend of $2.98 per share and has a dividend yield of 6.9%. Brookfield Infrastructure Partners pays out 191.1% of its earnings in the form of a dividend, suggesting it may not have sufficient earnings to cover its dividend payment in the future. Universal Health Realty Income Trust pays out 231.0% of its earnings in the form of a dividend, suggesting it may not have sufficient earnings to cover its dividend payment in the future. Brookfield Infrastructure Partners has raised its dividend for 18 consecutive years and Universal Health Realty Income Trust has raised its dividend for 2 consecutive years.

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Volatility and Risk

Brookfield Infrastructure Partners has a beta of 1.12, meaning that its stock price is 12% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Universal Health Realty Income Trust has a beta of 0.91, meaning that its stock price is 9% less volatile than the S&P 500.

Earnings and Valuation

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Brookfield Infrastructure Partners $23.10 billion 0.77 $771.00 million $0.90 42.83 Universal Health Realty Income Trust $99.01 million 6.02 $19.23 million $1.29 33.33

This table compares Brookfield Infrastructure Partners and Universal Health Realty Income Trusts gross revenue, earnings per share and valuation.

Brookfield Infrastructure Partners has higher revenue and earnings than Universal Health Realty Income Trust. Universal Health Realty Income Trust is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Brookfield Infrastructure Partners, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

Institutional & Insider Ownership

57.9% of Brookfield Infrastructure Partners shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 64.7% of Universal Health Realty Income Trust shares are held by institutional investors. 2.2% of Universal Health Realty Income Trust shares are held by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, large money managers and endowments believe a stock is poised for long-term growth.

Profitability

This table compares Brookfield Infrastructure Partners and Universal Health Realty Income Trusts net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Brookfield Infrastructure Partners 4.40% 3.22% 0.87% Universal Health Realty Income Trust 18.06% 10.63% 3.13%

Analyst Ratings

This is a breakdown of current ratings and recommmendations for Brookfield Infrastructure Partners and Universal Health Realty Income Trust, as provided by MarketBeat.com.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Brookfield Infrastructure Partners 0 3 6 0 2.67 Universal Health Realty Income Trust 0 1 0 0 2.00

Brookfield Infrastructure Partners presently has a consensus target price of $42.13, indicating a potential upside of 9.29%. Given Brookfield Infrastructure Partners stronger consensus rating and higher probable upside, equities research analysts clearly believe Brookfield Infrastructure Partners is more favorable than Universal Health Realty Income Trust.

Summary

Brookfield Infrastructure Partners beats Universal Health Realty Income Trust on 9 of the 17 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Brookfield Infrastructure Partners

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Brookfield Infrastructure Partners L.P. owns and operates utilities, transport, midstream, and data businesses in North and South America, Europe, and the Asia Pacific. The company's Utilities segment operates approximately 2,900 km of electricity transmission lines; 4,200 km of natural gas pipelines; 8.1 million electricity and natural gas connections; and 0.6 million long-term contracted sub-metering services. This segment also offers heating, cooling, and energy solutions; gas distribution; water heaters; and heating, ventilation, and air conditioner rental, as well as other home services. Its Transport segment offers transportation, storage, and handling services for merchandise goods, commodities, and passengers through a network of approximately 22,000 km of track; 5,500 km of track network; 9,800 km of rail; and 3,300 km of motorways. The company's Midstream segment offers natural gas transmission, gathering and processing, and storage services through approximately 15,000 km of natural gas transmission pipelines; 570 billion cubic feet of natural gas storage; 17 natural gas processing plants; and 10,600 km of gas gathering pipelines, as well as 525,000 tonnes polypropylene production capacity. Its Data segment operates approximately 228,000 operational telecom towers; approximately 54,000 kilometers of fiber optic cables; approximately 1 million fiber-to-the-premise connections; two semiconductor manufacturing facilities; and 70 distributed antenna systems, as well as 135 data centers and 750 megawatts of critical load capacity and an additional approximate 670 megawatts of contracted capacity. The company was incorporated in 2007 and is based in Hamilton, Bermuda. Brookfield Infrastructure Partners L.P. operates as a subsidiary of Brookfield Corporation.

About Universal Health Realty Income Trust

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Universal Health Realty Income Trust, a real estate investment trust, invests in healthcare and human-service related facilities including acute care hospitals, behavioral health care hospitals, specialty facilities, medical/office buildings, free-standing emergency departments and childcare centers. We have investments or commitments in seventy-six properties located in twenty-one states.

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Shares of Performance Food Group Company (NYSE:PFGC  Get Free Report) have been given an average recommendation of Moderate Buy by the eleven ratings firms that are presently covering the stock, Marketbeat Ratings reports. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, one has given a hold rating and nine have given a buy rating to the company. The average 12 month price objective among brokerages that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $116.4444.

Several equities research analysts have issued reports on the company. Sanford C. Bernstein reissued an outperform rating on shares of Performance Food Group in a research note on Thursday, February 5th. Zacks Research lowered shares of Performance Food Group from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a report on Friday, February 6th. Citigroup decreased their target price on shares of Performance Food Group from $127.00 to $126.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, February 6th. Morgan Stanley dropped their price target on shares of Performance Food Group from $123.00 to $120.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, February 5th. Finally, Piper Sandler decreased their price objective on shares of Performance Food Group from $116.00 to $111.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Friday, December 12th.

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Performance Food Group Trading Down 0.1%

Shares of PFGC opened at $97.73 on Wednesday. Performance Food Group has a 12-month low of $68.39 and a 12-month high of $109.05. The firm has a market capitalization of $15.32 billion, a P/E ratio of 44.42, a P/E/G ratio of 1.38 and a beta of 0.93. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $93.43 and a 200 day moving average price of $97.52. The company has a current ratio of 1.60, a quick ratio of 0.68 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.45.

Performance Food Group (NYSE:PFGC  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, February 4th. The food distribution company reported $0.98 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.07 by ($0.09). The firm had revenue of $16.44 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $16.54 billion. Performance Food Group had a net margin of 0.52% and a return on equity of 15.64%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 5.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $0.98 earnings per share. Sell-side analysts forecast that Performance Food Group will post 4.58 EPS for the current year.

Insider Buying and Selling

In other news, insider Chasity D. Grosh sold 1,843 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Tuesday, February 10th. The stock was sold at an average price of $92.03, for a total transaction of $169,611.29. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider directly owned 6,601 shares in the company, valued at $607,490.03. This trade represents a 21.83% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. 4.50% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. increased its stake in Performance Food Group by 30.3% during the 1st quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 791,881 shares of the food distribution companys stock worth $62,266,000 after buying an additional 184,066 shares during the period. Empowered Funds LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Performance Food Group during the first quarter worth $359,000. VIRGINIA RETIREMENT SYSTEMS ET Al acquired a new stake in shares of Performance Food Group in the second quarter valued at $666,000. Ethic Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Performance Food Group in the second quarter valued at $1,371,000. Finally, Forum Financial Management LP boosted its holdings in Performance Food Group by 8.3% in the second quarter. Forum Financial Management LP now owns 3,555 shares of the food distribution companys stock valued at $311,000 after purchasing an additional 273 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 96.87% of the companys stock.

Performance Food Group Company Profile

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Performance Food Group Company (NYSE: PFGC) is a leading foodservice distribution company headquartered in Richmond, Virginia. The company operates through multiple segments, offering a broad range of products including fresh, frozen and dry foods, as well as non-food items such as supplies, paper goods and equipment. Performance Food Group serves a diverse customer base that encompasses independent and multi-unit restaurants, healthcare facilities, hospitality venues, schools, and other institutional customers.

Through its national broadline division, Performance Food Group provides next-day delivery of products sourced from both company-owned processing facilities and third-party suppliers.

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Shares of Science Applications International Co. (NYSE:SAIC  Get Free Report) have been given an average rating of Hold by the ten analysts that are presently covering the company, Marketbeat.com reports. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell recommendation, six have issued a hold recommendation and three have assigned a buy recommendation to the company. The average 1 year target price among brokers that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is $116.4444.

Several analysts recently commented on SAIC shares. UBS Group raised their price target on shares of Science Applications International from $110.00 to $113.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Monday, December 8th. Citigroup raised their target price on Science Applications International from $122.00 to $133.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, January 13th. The Goldman Sachs Group cut their price target on Science Applications International from $94.00 to $82.00 and set a sell rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, February 12th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their price target on Science Applications International from $115.00 to $125.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Friday, December 5th.

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Science Applications International Trading Down 1.2%

Shares of NYSE:SAIC opened at $89.91 on Wednesday. The company has a current ratio of 0.87, a quick ratio of 0.87 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.20. Science Applications International has a 12-month low of $81.08 and a 12-month high of $124.11. The business has a 50 day moving average of $101.57 and a two-hundred day moving average of $101.03. The company has a market capitalization of $4.06 billion, a PE ratio of 15.16 and a beta of 0.28.

Science Applications International (NYSE:SAIC  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, December 4th. The information technology services provider reported $2.58 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.07 by $0.51. The business had revenue of $1.87 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.87 billion. Science Applications International had a net margin of 4.11% and a return on equity of 24.18%. The businesss revenue was down 5.6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $2.61 EPS. Science Applications International has set its FY 2026 guidance at 9.800-10.000 EPS. As a group, analysts forecast that Science Applications International will post 8.27 EPS for the current year.

Science Applications International Announces Dividend

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, January 28th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, January 14th were paid a dividend of $0.37 per share. This represents a $1.48 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.6%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, January 14th. Science Applications Internationals dividend payout ratio is presently 18.93%.

Insider Activity

In related news, CEO James Reagan purchased 1,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, December 16th. The shares were purchased at an average price of $100.17 per share, with a total value of $100,170.00. Following the purchase, the chief executive officer owned 26,460 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,650,498.20. The trade was a 3.93% increase in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. 0.44% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

Institutional Trading of Science Applications International

Several institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of SAIC. Mitsubishi UFJ Asset Management Co. Ltd. raised its position in shares of Science Applications International by 324.1% during the 2nd quarter. Mitsubishi UFJ Asset Management Co. Ltd. now owns 246 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $28,000 after purchasing an additional 188 shares during the last quarter. Los Angeles Capital Management LLC acquired a new stake in Science Applications International in the 4th quarter worth about $25,000. Transamerica Financial Advisors LLC increased its stake in Science Applications International by 477.8% during the 4th quarter. Transamerica Financial Advisors LLC now owns 260 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $26,000 after buying an additional 215 shares in the last quarter. Rakuten Securities Inc. raised its holdings in shares of Science Applications International by 1,915.4% during the second quarter. Rakuten Securities Inc. now owns 262 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $30,000 after acquiring an additional 249 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Quent Capital LLC acquired a new position in shares of Science Applications International during the third quarter valued at approximately $29,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 76.00% of the companys stock.

Science Applications International Company Profile

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Science Applications International Corp. (NYSE: SAIC) is an American technology integrator that delivers a broad range of engineering, systems integration and information technology (IT) services primarily to U.S. government clients. Founded in 1969 by J. Robert Beyster, the company has built a reputation for supporting defense, intelligence, federal civilian, health and energy agencies with specialized solutions that address mission-critical requirements. SAICs offerings span the full lifecycle of complex programs, from concept and design through development, deployment and sustainment.

The companys core capabilities include systems engineering and integration, enterprise IT modernization, cloud computing, cybersecurity, data analytics and artificial intelligence.

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Pertamina and US-based oil service company Halliburton have entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to assess the introduction of new well construction and stimulation technologies in Indonesia.

The agreement will see the Indonesian state-owned energy company and Halliburton evaluate multi-stage hydraulic fracturing, acid stimulation and advanced cementing services for use in selected onshore fields.

The partnership also covers the potential application of automation systems and AI to improve drilling and fracturing processes.

Pertamina president director Simon Mantiri said: The cooperation forms an integral part of Pertaminas sustainable transformation of upstream production, increasing national lifting and ensuring reliable energy supply.

With the support of advanced technology and global expertise, we are confident that mature fields can be revitalised and optimised to unlock their full potential, enabling the fields to, once again, be productive and contribute to national energy production.

Halliburton aims to address operational efficiency, cost management and production output through various technology platforms. Its solutions include developments in digital integration, drill bit design, drilling fluids, directional drilling tools, measurement services and separation systems, all intended to help operators achieve total well depth efficiently.

The company offers project management and digital programmes designed to streamline rig activity, support safety measures and reduce ownership costs across project life cycles.

Among Halliburtons offerings is DecisionSpace 365 and LOGIX automation and remote operations systems, which support the planning and execution of well construction while aiming for reliability and operational efficiency.

Its Digital Well Programme provides cloud-based access to applications that consolidate well planning data and facilitate project collaboration. Remote operations further aim to decrease the requirement for on-site personnel, supporting safety protocols while attempting to limit exposure to hazards.

The iStar intelligent drilling and logging platform is another technology underlined by Halliburton for its ability to deliver real-time data streaming, precision in wellbore placement and resistivity measurements essential for optimising reservoir evaluation. The platform incorporates automation features and AI intended to improve productivity and minimise unplanned downtime.

Halliburton Asia-Pacific senior vice-president Martin White said: Halliburton integrates proven unconventional methodologies with localised reservoir insights to improve performance, strengthen local capabilities and deliver technology-based solutions that maximise asset value for our customers.
Stein Mart (OTCMKTS:SMRTQ  Get Free Report) and Torrid (NYSE:CURV  Get Free Report) are both retail/wholesale companies, but which is the better stock? We will compare the two companies based on the strength of their valuation, earnings, analyst recommendations, institutional ownership, dividends, risk and profitability.

Profitability

This table compares Stein Mart and Torrids net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

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Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Stein Mart N/A N/A N/A Torrid -0.18% -1.69% -0.43%

Analyst Ratings

This is a summary of current ratings and price targets for Stein Mart and Torrid, as reported by MarketBeat.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Stein Mart 0 0 0 0 0.00 Torrid 3 4 1 0 1.75

Institutional and Insider Ownership

Torrid has a consensus target price of $1.44, suggesting a potential upside of 31.51%. Given Torrids stronger consensus rating and higher probable upside, analysts clearly believe Torrid is more favorable than Stein Mart.

81.8% of Torrid shares are owned by institutional investors. 39.4% of Stein Mart shares are owned by insiders. Comparatively, 9.8% of Torrid shares are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, hedge funds and endowments believe a company is poised for long-term growth.

Valuation and Earnings

This table compares Stein Mart and Torrids gross revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Stein Mart N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A Torrid $1.10 billion 0.10 $16.32 million ($0.01) -109.50

Torrid has higher revenue and earnings than Stein Mart.

Summary

Torrid beats Stein Mart on 5 of the 9 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Stein Mart

(Get Free Report)

Stein Mart, Inc., a specialty omnichannel off-price retailer, offers designer and name-brand fashion apparels, home dAcor merchandise, accessories, and shoes at everyday discount prices in the United States. The company's stores also provides endless aisle, a mobile technology to locate products; a SMart Rewards loyalty program; co-branded and private label credit card programs; and electronic gift cards. As of June 3, 2020, it operated 281 stores in 30 states. The company also sells its products through an online retail selling site. Stein Mart, Inc. was founded in 1908 and is headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida. On August 12, 2020, Stein Mart, Inc., along with its affiliates, filed a voluntary petition for reorganization under Chapter 11 in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida.

About Torrid

(Get Free Report)

Torrid Holdings Inc. operates in womens plus-size apparel and intimates market in North America. The company designs, develops, and merchandises its products under the Torrid, Torrid Curve, CURV, and Lovesick brand names. It is involved in the sale of tops, bottoms, dresses, denims, activewear, intimates, sleep wear, swim wear, and outerwear products; and non-apparel products comprising accessories, footwear, and beauty products. The company sells its products directly to consumers through its e-commerce platform and its physical stores. Torrid Holdings Inc. was incorporated in 2019 and is headquartered in City Of Industry, California.

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Vanguard Group Inc. decreased its stake in shares of Kinsale Capital Group, Inc. (NYSE:KNSL  Free Report) by 1.0% during the 3rd quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The institutional investor owned 2,089,693 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 20,545 shares during the period. Vanguard Group Inc. owned approximately 0.09% of Kinsale Capital Group worth $888,663,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Bamco Inc. NY raised its stake in shares of Kinsale Capital Group by 1.4% in the second quarter. Bamco Inc. NY now owns 1,763,794 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $853,500,000 after acquiring an additional 24,936 shares during the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC grew its stake in shares of Kinsale Capital Group by 2.1% during the second quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 593,914 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $288,657,000 after purchasing an additional 12,040 shares during the last quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased its holdings in shares of Kinsale Capital Group by 6.0% in the third quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 450,044 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $191,386,000 after purchasing an additional 25,428 shares in the last quarter. Riverbridge Partners LLC raised its position in Kinsale Capital Group by 11.1% in the 3rd quarter. Riverbridge Partners LLC now owns 290,524 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $123,548,000 after purchasing an additional 29,053 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Norges Bank acquired a new position in Kinsale Capital Group during the 2nd quarter worth $125,812,000. Institutional investors own 85.36% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of research firms have recently weighed in on KNSL. Wall Street Zen upgraded Kinsale Capital Group from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Sunday, December 14th. Royal Bank Of Canada assumed coverage on shares of Kinsale Capital Group in a research note on Tuesday, November 25th. They issued a sector perform rating and a $415.00 target price on the stock. Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c) rating on shares of Kinsale Capital Group in a research note on Monday, December 29th. Cantor Fitzgerald reduced their price objective on shares of Kinsale Capital Group from $422.00 to $360.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, February 17th. Finally, Truist Financial lowered their target price on shares of Kinsale Capital Group from $510.00 to $450.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, February 17th. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and eight have given a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $457.00.

Kinsale Capital Group Stock Performance

Shares of NYSE:KNSL opened at $373.66 on Monday. The firms 50 day simple moving average is $394.47 and its 200 day simple moving average is $413.41. Kinsale Capital Group, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $341.06 and a fifty-two week high of $512.76. The company has a market capitalization of $8.69 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 17.24, a P/E/G ratio of 1.54 and a beta of 0.99. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.11, a current ratio of 0.08 and a quick ratio of 0.09.

Kinsale Capital Group (NYSE:KNSL  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, February 12th. The financial services provider reported $5.81 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $5.30 by $0.51. The firm had revenue of $483.27 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $467.66 million. Kinsale Capital Group had a net margin of 26.87% and a return on equity of 25.45%. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $4.62 earnings per share. As a group, sell-side analysts forecast that Kinsale Capital Group, Inc. will post 17.72 earnings per share for the current year.

Kinsale Capital Group announced that its Board of Directors has initiated a stock repurchase program on Thursday, December 11th that allows the company to repurchase $250.00 million in shares. This repurchase authorization allows the financial services provider to purchase up to 2.8% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock repurchase programs are typically a sign that the companys board of directors believes its shares are undervalued.

Kinsale Capital Group Increases Dividend

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, March 12th. Investors of record on Thursday, February 26th will be paid a dividend of $0.25 per share. This represents a $1.00 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.3%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, February 26th. This is a boost from Kinsale Capital Groups previous quarterly dividend of $0.17. Kinsale Capital Groups dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 3.14%.

Kinsale Capital Group Company Profile

(Free Report)

Kinsale Capital Group, Inc (NYSE:KNSL) is a specialty property and casualty insurance company headquartered in Richmond, Virginia. Established in 2009, the company focuses on underwriting complex and underserved risks across the United States. Kinsale operates through a network of wholesale brokers and independent agencies, offering tailored coverage solutions for a range of niche industries.

The companys product portfolio includes general liability, business auto, professional liability, environmental liability, inland marine, cyber liability, and other specialty lines.

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Radian Group (NYSE:RDN  Get Free Report) and Loews (NYSE:L  Get Free Report) are both finance companies, but which is the better stock? We will compare the two businesses based on the strength of their earnings, dividends, risk, profitability, institutional ownership, valuation and analyst recommendations.

Analyst Ratings

This is a breakdown of recent ratings and target prices for Radian Group and Loews, as provided by MarketBeat.com.

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Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Radian Group 1 3 3 0 2.29 Loews 0 0 0 1 4.00

Radian Group presently has a consensus target price of $40.20, suggesting a potential upside of 20.62%. Given Radian Groups higher probable upside, equities analysts clearly believe Radian Group is more favorable than Loews.

Institutional and Insider Ownership

Valuation and Earnings

95.3% of Radian Group shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 58.3% of Loews shares are held by institutional investors. 2.2% of Radian Group shares are held by company insiders. Comparatively, 18.7% of Loews shares are held by company 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.

This table compares Radian Group and Loewss gross revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Radian Group $1.20 billion 3.77 $582.64 million $4.15 8.03 Loews $18.45 billion 1.23 $1.67 billion $7.98 13.75

Loews has higher revenue and earnings than Radian Group. Radian Group is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Loews, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

Profitability

This table compares Radian Group and Loews net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Radian Group 46.99% 13.07% 6.98% Loews 9.03% 8.86% 1.96%

Dividends

Radian Group pays an annual dividend of $1.02 per share and has a dividend yield of 3.1%. Loews pays an annual dividend of $0.25 per share and has a dividend yield of 0.2%. Radian Group pays out 24.6% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Loews pays out 3.1% 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. Radian Group has increased its dividend for 6 consecutive years. Radian Group is clearly the better dividend stock, given its higher yield and longer track record of dividend growth.

Volatility & Risk

Radian Group has a beta of 0.81, meaning that its share price is 19% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Loews has a beta of 0.61, meaning that its share price is 39% less volatile than the S&P 500.

Summary

Radian Group beats Loews on 10 of the 18 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Radian Group

(Get Free Report)

Radian Group Inc., together with its subsidiaries, engages in the mortgage and real estate services business in the United States. It operates through two segments, Mortgage Insurance and Homegenius segments. The Mortgage Insurance segment aggregates, manages, and distributes U.S. mortgage credit risk for mortgage lending institutions and mortgage credit investors, through private mortgage insurance on residential first-lien mortgage loans; and other credit risk management solutions, including contract underwriting. The Homegenius segment offers title services, including a suite of insurance and non-insurance titles; tax and title data, centralized recording, document retrieval, and default curative title services; deed and property reports; closing and settlement services; mortgage underwriting and processing; escrow; appraisal management; and real estate brokerage. This segment also provides real estate valuation products and services; asset management services for managing real estate owned properties, which includes a web-based workflow solution; and a suite of real estate technology products and services to facilitate real estate transactions, such as proprietary platforms as a service solution. It serves mortgage originators, such as mortgage bankers, commercial banks, savings institutions, credit unions, and community banks; and consumers, mortgage lenders, mortgage and real estate investors, government-sponsored enterprises, real estate brokers and agents, and corporations for their employees. The company was formerly known as CMAC Investment Corp. and changed its name to Radian Group Inc. in June 1999. Radian Group Inc. was founded in 1977 and is headquartered in Wayne, Pennsylvania.

About Loews

(Get Free Report)

Loews Corporation provides commercial property and casualty insurance in the United States and internationally. The company offers specialty insurance products, such as management and professional liability, and other coverage products; surety and fidelity bonds; property insurance products that include standard and excess property, marine and boiler, and machinery coverages; and casualty insurance products, such as workers' compensation, general and product liability, and commercial auto, surplus, and umbrella coverages. It also provides loss-sensitive insurance programs; and warranty, risk management, information, and claims administration services. The company markets its insurance products and services through independent agents, brokers, and managing general underwriters. In addition, the company is involved in the transportation and storage of natural gas and natural gas liquids, and hydrocarbons through natural gas pipelines covering approximately 13,455 miles of interconnected pipelines; 855 miles of NGL pipelines in Louisiana and Texas; 14 underground storage fields with an aggregate gas capacity of approximately 199.5 billion cubic feet of natural gas; and eleven salt dome caverns and related brine infrastructure for providing brine supply services. Further, the company operates a chain of 25 hotels; and develops, manufactures, and markets a range of extrusion blow-molded and injection molded plastic containers for customers in the pharmaceutical, dairy, household chemicals, food/nutraceuticals, industrial/specialty chemicals, and water and beverage/juice industries, as well as manufactures commodity and differentiated plastic resins from recycled plastic materials. Loews Corporation was incorporated in 1969 and is headquartered in New York, New York.

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Vulcan Value Partners LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Transdigm Group Incorporated (NYSE:TDG  Free Report) by 7.8% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The fund owned 249,643 shares of the aerospace companys stock after purchasing an additional 18,048 shares during the period. Transdigm Group accounts for about 6.0% of Vulcan Value Partners LLCs portfolio, making the stock its 6th largest position. Vulcan Value Partners LLCs holdings in Transdigm Group were worth $328,977,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Marks Group Wealth Management Inc lifted its position in Transdigm Group by 7.3% during the 3rd quarter. Marks Group Wealth Management Inc now owns 2,891 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $3,810,000 after buying an additional 197 shares in the last quarter. X Square Capital LLC raised its stake in shares of Transdigm Group by 1.4% in the third quarter. X Square Capital LLC now owns 2,246 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $2,960,000 after acquiring an additional 31 shares during the last quarter. Vestmark Advisory Solutions Inc. lifted its position in shares of Transdigm Group by 149.8% during the third quarter. Vestmark Advisory Solutions Inc. now owns 1,109 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $1,462,000 after purchasing an additional 665 shares in the last quarter. Lansforsakringar Fondforvaltning AB publ grew its stake in shares of Transdigm Group by 3.1% during the third quarter. Lansforsakringar Fondforvaltning AB publ now owns 12,108 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $15,959,000 after purchasing an additional 366 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Isthmus Partners LLC increased its holdings in shares of Transdigm Group by 14.6% in the third quarter. Isthmus Partners LLC now owns 188 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $248,000 after purchasing an additional 24 shares in the last quarter. 95.78% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Transdigm Group Price Performance

Shares of NYSE:TDG opened at $1,339.96 on Monday. The firms 50 day simple moving average is $1,349.97 and its 200 day simple moving average is $1,334.82. Transdigm Group Incorporated has a fifty-two week low of $1,183.60 and a fifty-two week high of $1,623.82. The company has a market capitalization of $75.67 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 43.11, a P/E/G ratio of 2.87 and a beta of 0.92.

Insider Activity

Transdigm Group ( NYSE:TDG Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, February 3rd. The aerospace company reported $8.23 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $7.99 by $0.24. The firm had revenue of $2.29 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.26 billion. Transdigm Group had a net margin of 20.50% and a negative return on equity of 29.07%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 13.9% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company earned $7.83 earnings per share. Transdigm Group has set its FY 2026 guidance at 37.420-39.340 EPS. Equities research analysts expect that Transdigm Group Incorporated will post 35.13 earnings per share for the current year.

In other Transdigm Group news, COO Joel Reiss sold 3,900 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Thursday, January 15th. The stock was sold at an average price of $1,429.92, for a total value of $5,576,688.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief operating officer directly owned 3,600 shares in the company, valued at $5,147,712. This represents a 52.00% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Also, Director Kevin M. Stein sold 11,075 shares of Transdigm Group stock in a transaction dated Monday, February 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $1,434.49, for a total value of $15,886,976.75. Following the transaction, the director owned 8,158 shares in the company, valued at $11,702,569.42. This trade represents a 57.58% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Insiders have sold 228,658 shares of company stock worth $313,263,459 in the last 90 days. Corporate insiders own 3.20% of the companys stock.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several research firms have issued reports on TDG. KeyCorp downgraded Transdigm Group from an overweight rating to a sector weight rating in a report on Thursday, February 5th. BNP Paribas Exane assumed coverage on Transdigm Group in a research note on Tuesday, November 18th. They set an outperform rating and a $1,775.00 price target on the stock. Royal Bank Of Canada lifted their price objective on Transdigm Group from $1,385.00 to $1,400.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a research report on Thursday, November 13th. BMO Capital Markets upped their target price on shares of Transdigm Group from $1,420.00 to $1,500.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, November 13th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their target price on shares of Transdigm Group from $1,405.00 to $1,435.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Friday, November 14th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eleven have assigned a Buy rating and six have given a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $1,584.44.

Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on TDG

Transdigm Group Profile

(Free Report)

TransDigm Group Incorporated is a designer, producer and supplier of engineered aircraft components and systems for commercial and military aerospace applications. The companys product portfolio covers a broad range of mission-critical parts and subsystems, including mechanical and electromechanical components, ignition and fuel system parts, sensors and actuators, cockpit and cabin systems, and other safety-critical hardware. TransDigm supplies original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) as well as the aftermarket, providing spare parts, repair and overhaul services and component support throughout an assets life cycle.

TransDigms operating model places emphasis on proprietary, niche components that are difficult to replace, and the company operates through a collection of independently run subsidiaries and brands that sell specialized products.

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Private Advisory Group LLC bought a new stake in Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ  Free Report) during the third quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The institutional investor bought 213,804 shares of the cell phone carriers stock, valued at approximately $9,397,000.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of VZ. TruNorth Capital Management LLC raised its holdings in shares of Verizon Communications by 95.3% in the 3rd quarter. TruNorth Capital Management LLC now owns 625 shares of the cell phone carriers stock valued at $27,000 after buying an additional 305 shares during the period. Global Wealth Strategies & Associates grew its position in Verizon Communications by 739.5% in the 3rd quarter. Global Wealth Strategies & Associates now owns 680 shares of the cell phone carriers stock valued at $30,000 after acquiring an additional 599 shares in the last quarter. Winnow Wealth LLC purchased a new stake in Verizon Communications during the second quarter worth about $34,000. Silicon Valley Capital Partners increased its stake in Verizon Communications by 52.4% during the second quarter. Silicon Valley Capital Partners now owns 782 shares of the cell phone carriers stock worth $34,000 after purchasing an additional 269 shares during the period. Finally, Richardson Capital Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Verizon Communications during the third quarter worth about $35,000. 62.06% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Trending Headlines about Verizon Communications

Here are the key news stories impacting Verizon Communications this week:

Positive Sentiment: Daiwa Capital upgraded Verizon, a bullish broker action that likely helped lift sentiment and buying interest in the stock. Daiwa Capital upgrades Verizon Communications (VZ)

Daiwa Capital upgraded Verizon, a bullish broker action that likely helped lift sentiment and buying interest in the stock. Positive Sentiment: Brokerage coverage shows a constructive tilt: an aggregate Moderate Buy consensus helps validate demand among institutional investors and supports the stocks rebound. Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ) Receives Average Rating of Moderate Buy from Brokerages

Brokerage coverage shows a constructive tilt: an aggregate Moderate Buy consensus helps validate demand among institutional investors and supports the stocks rebound. Positive Sentiment: Dividend-focused coverage is highlighting Verizon as a reliable income name this year, which can attract retail and institutional dividend-seeking flows that support the share price. Retirees Are Winning Big in 2026: 3 Popular Dividend Stocks Are Soaring

Dividend-focused coverage is highlighting Verizon as a reliable income name this year, which can attract retail and institutional dividend-seeking flows that support the share price. Positive Sentiment: Underlying fundamentals remain supportive: Verizon beat Q4 revenue and EPS expectations and set FY2026 EPS guidance near $4.904.95, which gives investors confidence in cash flow and dividend coverage. (Company Q4 earnings release)

Underlying fundamentals remain supportive: Verizon beat Q4 revenue and EPS expectations and set FY2026 EPS guidance near $4.904.95, which gives investors confidence in cash flow and dividend coverage. (Company Q4 earnings release) Neutral Sentiment: Analysis pieces are debating whether the recent price rebound already reflects Verizons long?term value  useful reading for investors weighing further entry points versus taking profits. Is Verizon (VZ) Pricing Reflect Long Term Value After Recent Share Price Rebound

Analysis pieces are debating whether the recent price rebound already reflects Verizons long?term value  useful reading for investors weighing further entry points versus taking profits. Negative Sentiment: Balance-sheet and liquidity metrics remain points of caution: debt-to-equity is elevated and current/quick ratios are below 1, which could constrain capital flexibility if macro or capex pressures rise.

Insider Activity at Verizon Communications

Verizon Communications Stock Performance

In other news, EVP Joseph J. Russo sold 9,579 shares of Verizon Communications stock in a transaction dated Monday, February 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $44.88, for a total value of $429,905.52. Following the sale, the executive vice president owned 44,045 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,976,739.60. The trade was a 17.86% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink . Company insiders own 0.10% of the companys stock.

Shares of VZ stock opened at $49.24 on Monday. The company has a market cap of $207.70 billion, a P/E ratio of 12.16, a PEG ratio of 2.06 and a beta of 0.33. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $42.43 and a 200 day moving average price of $42.14. The company has a current ratio of 0.91, a quick ratio of 0.87 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.32. Verizon Communications Inc. has a 12 month low of $38.39 and a 12 month high of $50.24.

Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Friday, January 30th. The cell phone carrier reported $1.09 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.06 by $0.03. The company had revenue of $36.38 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $36.20 billion. Verizon Communications had a return on equity of 19.03% and a net margin of 12.43%.Verizon Communicationss revenue for the quarter was up 2.0% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $1.10 EPS. Verizon Communications has set its FY 2026 guidance at 4.900-4.950 EPS. Sell-side analysts predict that Verizon Communications Inc. will post 4.69 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Verizon Communications Increases Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, May 1st. Shareholders of record on Friday, April 10th will be given a dividend of $0.7075 per share. This represents a $2.83 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 5.7%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, April 10th. This is an increase from Verizon Communicationss previous quarterly dividend of $0.69. Verizon Communicationss payout ratio is currently 68.15%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of research analysts recently weighed in on VZ shares. Scotiabank lifted their price objective on shares of Verizon Communications from $48.00 to $50.25 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a report on Monday, February 2nd. Morgan Stanley raised their price target on shares of Verizon Communications from $47.00 to $49.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research report on Monday, February 2nd. Royal Bank Of Canada boosted their price target on shares of Verizon Communications from $44.00 to $48.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a research note on Tuesday, February 3rd. Barclays assumed coverage on Verizon Communications in a research report on Thursday, January 22nd. They set an equal weight rating and a $43.00 price objective on the stock. Finally, William Blair upgraded Verizon Communications to an outperform rating in a report on Monday, February 2nd. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eight have given a Buy rating and eleven have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Verizon Communications has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $49.02.

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Verizon Communications Profile

(Free Report)

Verizon Communications Inc (NYSE: VZ) is a major U.S.-based telecommunications company that provides a broad range of communications and information services. Its operations span consumer and business markets, with core offerings that include wireless voice and data services, fixed-line broadband and fiber-optic services, and enterprise networking solutions. Verizon is headquartered in New York City and operates a nationwide wireless network that supports consumer subscribers as well as business and government customers.

The companys consumer products include mobile phone plans, unlimited data services, and Fios, its branded fiber-optic internet, television and voice service for homes and small businesses.

Further Reading

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Verus Capital Partners LLC lifted its holdings in Hartford Municipal Opportunities ETF (NYSEARCA:HMOP  Free Report) by 1,104.7% in the third quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 114,419 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 104,921 shares during the period. Verus Capital Partners LLC owned approximately 0.74% of Hartford Municipal Opportunities ETF worth $4,459,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other large investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Jane Street Group LLC boosted its position in Hartford Municipal Opportunities ETF by 28.6% in the 1st quarter. Jane Street Group LLC now owns 41,505 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,596,000 after buying an additional 9,243 shares during the period. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. raised its stake in shares of Hartford Municipal Opportunities ETF by 39.5% in the second quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 139,916 shares of the companys stock valued at $5,356,000 after acquiring an additional 39,642 shares in the last quarter. GGM Financials LLC boosted its holdings in Hartford Municipal Opportunities ETF by 461.5% in the second quarter. GGM Financials LLC now owns 92,069 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,524,000 after purchasing an additional 75,672 shares during the period. Savvy Advisors Inc. acquired a new position in Hartford Municipal Opportunities ETF during the 2nd quarter worth $912,000. Finally, Sigma Planning Corp increased its holdings in Hartford Municipal Opportunities ETF by 53.3% during the 2nd quarter. Sigma Planning Corp now owns 14,190 shares of the companys stock worth $543,000 after purchasing an additional 4,934 shares during the period.

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Hartford Municipal Opportunities ETF Price Performance

HMOP stock opened at $39.74 on Monday. Hartford Municipal Opportunities ETF has a 1 year low of $36.75 and a 1 year high of $39.86. The businesss 50-day moving average is $39.38 and its two-hundred day moving average is $39.09.

Hartford Municipal Opportunities ETF Cuts Dividend

Hartford Municipal Opportunities ETF Profile

The company also recently declared a monthly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, February 3rd. Investors of record on Friday, January 30th were paid a $0.1068 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Friday, January 30th. This represents a c) dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.2%.

(Free Report)

The Hartford Municipal Opportunities ETF (HMOP) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in investment grade fixed income. The fund is actively-managed to provide current income and long-term total return from a broad portfolio of municipal bonds. HMOP was launched on Dec 13, 2017 and is managed by Hartford.

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Verus Capital Partners LLC lifted its position in Alibaba Group Holding Limited (NYSE:BABA  Free Report) by 129.2% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 9,872 shares of the specialty retailers stock after buying an additional 5,565 shares during the period. Verus Capital Partners LLCs holdings in Alibaba Group were worth $1,764,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. NTV Asset Management LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Alibaba Group by 127.4% during the 3rd quarter. NTV Asset Management LLC now owns 15,143 shares of the specialty retailers stock valued at $2,707,000 after buying an additional 8,484 shares during the period. Marex Group plc bought a new position in Alibaba Group in the second quarter valued at about $17,139,000. Y Intercept Hong Kong Ltd lifted its holdings in Alibaba Group by 197.0% in the second quarter. Y Intercept Hong Kong Ltd now owns 34,225 shares of the specialty retailers stock valued at $3,881,000 after acquiring an additional 22,701 shares during the period. RD Finance Ltd purchased a new position in Alibaba Group in the second quarter worth about $3,408,000. Finally, Oriental Harbor Investment Master Fund bought a new stake in shares of Alibaba Group during the 3rd quarter valued at about $39,500,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 13.47% of the companys stock.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of research analysts have recently weighed in on the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered their price objective on Alibaba Group from $240.00 to $230.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, November 26th. Jefferies Financial Group lowered their price target on shares of Alibaba Group from $231.00 to $225.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, January 8th. Erste Group Bank cut shares of Alibaba Group from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Wednesday, February 18th. Arete Research upgraded shares of Alibaba Group from a neutral rating to a buy rating and set a $190.00 target price on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, January 21st. Finally, Morgan Stanley dropped their target price on shares of Alibaba Group from $200.00 to $180.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Thursday, January 8th. Seventeen research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, two have assigned a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Alibaba Group has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $195.17.

Alibaba Group Trading Up 0.2%

Shares of BABA stock opened at $154.60 on Monday. The company has a current ratio of 1.46, a quick ratio of 1.46 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.23. The stock has a market capitalization of $369.10 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 21.35, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.38 and a beta of 0.39. Alibaba Group Holding Limited has a 12-month low of $95.73 and a 12-month high of $192.67. The stocks 50-day moving average price is $158.99 and its 200-day moving average price is $156.76.

About Alibaba Group

(Free Report)

Alibaba Group Holding Limited is a Chinese multinational conglomerate founded in 1999 in Hangzhou, China, by Jack Ma and a group of co?founders. The company built its business around internet-based commerce and related services and has grown into one of the largest e-commerce and technology companies in the world. Alibaba completed a high?profile initial public offering on the New York Stock Exchange in 2014.

The company operates a portfolio of online marketplaces and platforms serving different customer segments: Alibaba.com for global and domestic B2B trade, Taobao for consumer-to-consumer shopping, and Tmall for brand and retailer storefronts targeted at Chinese consumers.

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Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (NYSE:AJG  Get Free Report) had its price target cut by investment analysts at Piper Sandler from $249.00 to $226.00 in a research note issued to investors on Monday,Benzinga reports. The brokerage presently has a neutral rating on the financial services providers stock. Piper Sandlers target price would indicate a potential upside of 4.37% from the companys previous close.

Several other research analysts have also recently commented on AJG. The Goldman Sachs Group reiterated a buy rating and issued a $292.00 target price on shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. in a report on Wednesday, January 7th. Mizuho set a $277.00 price objective on shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. in a research note on Wednesday, January 14th. Wells Fargo & Company cut their target price on shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. from $311.00 to $298.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, January 30th. Citigroup lifted their price target on Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. from $277.00 to $280.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Monday, February 2nd. Finally, Truist Financial set a $271.00 price objective on Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. in a research note on Friday, January 30th. Six investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, twelve have issued a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $282.76.

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Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Stock Performance

Shares of NYSE AJG opened at $216.54 on Monday. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $246.39 and its 200 day simple moving average is $268.08. The stock has a market capitalization of $55.67 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 35.21, a PEG ratio of 1.17 and a beta of 0.66. The company has a quick ratio of 1.06, a current ratio of 1.06 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.52. Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. has a 52-week low of $195.00 and a 52-week high of $351.23.

Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (NYSE:AJG  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, January 29th. The financial services provider reported $2.38 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.35 by $0.03. The business had revenue of $3.57 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $3.61 billion. Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. had a return on equity of 12.13% and a net margin of 11.84%.Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.s revenue was up 33.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $1.12 earnings per share. As a group, sell-side analysts forecast that Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. will post 11.54 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Insider Activity at Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.

In related news, General Counsel Walter D. Bay sold 15,850 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, December 19th. The stock was sold at an average price of $255.00, for a total value of $4,041,750.00. Following the transaction, the general counsel owned 79,549 shares in the company, valued at approximately $20,284,995. This represents a 16.61% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Also, VP Christopher E. Mead sold 4,000 shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, December 23rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $258.11, for a total transaction of $1,032,440.00. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president owned 17,327 shares of the companys stock, valued at $4,472,271.97. This trade represents a 18.76% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. In the last quarter, insiders sold 24,850 shares of company stock valued at $6,364,440. 1.30% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.

Several hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Caprock Group LLC bought a new position in Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. during the third quarter worth about $9,877,000. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted its holdings in shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. by 19.6% during the 3rd quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 20,338,533 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $6,299,674,000 after purchasing an additional 3,330,205 shares in the last quarter. Factory Mutual Insurance Co. grew its position in shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. by 107.1% in the 2nd quarter. Factory Mutual Insurance Co. now owns 14,500 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $4,642,000 after purchasing an additional 7,500 shares during the period. Fairfield Financial Advisors LTD raised its holdings in Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. by 21.4% during the 2nd quarter. Fairfield Financial Advisors LTD now owns 9,961 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $3,189,000 after buying an additional 1,758 shares during the period. Finally, Petra Financial Advisors Inc. bought a new position in Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. in the second quarter valued at approximately $812,000. 85.53% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Arthur J. Gallagher & Co is a global insurance brokerage and risk management firm headquartered in Rolling Meadows, Illinois. Founded in 1927 by Arthur J. Gallagher, the company has grown from a regional broker into an international professional services organization that arranges insurance, provides consulting and designs risk-transfer solutions for commercial, industrial, public sector and individual clients.

The companys core activities include property and casualty insurance brokerage, employee benefits consulting and administration, and a range of risk management services.

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Trajan Wealth LLC boosted its holdings in Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM  Free Report) by 31.2% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The fund owned 132,295 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 31,490 shares during the quarter. Philip Morris International accounts for about 0.9% of Trajan Wealth LLCs investment portfolio, making the stock its 29th largest position. Trajan Wealth LLCs holdings in Philip Morris International were worth $21,458,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of the company. Legacy Investment Solutions LLC acquired a new position in shares of Philip Morris International in the 2nd quarter worth $25,000. Traub Capital Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of Philip Morris International in the 2nd quarter valued at $25,000. Marquette Asset Management LLC increased its stake in Philip Morris International by 1,677.8% in the 3rd quarter. Marquette Asset Management LLC now owns 160 shares of the companys stock worth $26,000 after purchasing an additional 151 shares in the last quarter. Estabrook Capital Management purchased a new position in Philip Morris International in the 2nd quarter worth about $30,000. Finally, Anfield Capital Management LLC raised its holdings in Philip Morris International by 185.5% during the 2nd quarter. Anfield Capital Management LLC now owns 197 shares of the companys stock worth $36,000 after buying an additional 128 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 78.63% of the companys stock.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several research analysts have commented on PM shares. UBS Group reiterated a neutral rating and issued a $181.50 target price on shares of Philip Morris International in a report on Monday, February 9th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reduced their price target on shares of Philip Morris International from $190.00 to $185.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, November 26th. Morgan Stanley reaffirmed an overweight rating and issued a $205.00 price objective on shares of Philip Morris International in a research note on Monday, February 9th. Wall Street Zen cut shares of Philip Morris International from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Saturday, January 10th. Finally, Weiss Ratings restated a buy (b) rating on shares of Philip Morris International in a report on Thursday, January 22nd. Eleven research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and two have issued a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $196.83.

Philip Morris International Stock Performance

Shares of PM opened at $183.35 on Monday. The company has a market capitalization of $285.41 billion, a PE ratio of 25.22, a PEG ratio of 2.09 and a beta of 0.39. The companys 50 day moving average price is $170.72 and its 200 day moving average price is $163.06. Philip Morris International Inc. has a 52 week low of $142.11 and a 52 week high of $190.98.

Philip Morris International (NYSE:PM  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Friday, February 6th. The company reported $1.70 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, hitting analysts consensus estimates of $1.70. 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 the consensus estimate of $10.40 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $1.55 EPS. The companys 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, equities analysts forecast that Philip Morris International Inc. will post 7.14 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Philip Morris International Announces Dividend

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, January 14th. Shareholders of record on Friday, December 26th were paid a $1.47 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Friday, December 26th. This represents a $5.88 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.2%. Philip Morris Internationals payout ratio is 80.88%.

About Philip Morris International

(Free Report)

Philip Morris International Inc (NYSE: PM) is a global tobacco company that manufactures and sells cigarettes, other nicotine-containing products and a growing portfolio of smoke-free alternatives for adult smokers. The firm traces its corporate roots to the 19th century Philip Morris enterprise and was established as an independent, publicly traded company following a 2008 separation from what is now Altria. Since the spin-off, the company has focused on serving international markets outside the United States.

PMIs product mix includes traditional combustible cigarettes as well as smoke-free offerings such as heated tobacco systems and other reduced-risk products.

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LaFleur & Godfrey LLC boosted its holdings in shares of International Business Machines Corporation (NYSE:IBM  Free Report) by 16.3% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 32,827 shares of the technology companys stock after acquiring an additional 4,599 shares during the period. LaFleur & Godfrey LLCs holdings in International Business Machines were worth $9,262,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of the business. Winnow Wealth LLC acquired a new stake in shares of International Business Machines in the second quarter valued at approximately $27,000. Mountain Hill Investment Partners Corp. acquired a new position in International Business Machines during the third quarter worth $28,000. Trifecta Capital Advisors LLC grew its holdings in International Business Machines by 129.1% in the 3rd quarter. Trifecta Capital Advisors LLC now owns 126 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $36,000 after buying an additional 71 shares in the last quarter. Legacy Wealth Managment LLC ID increased its stake in shares of 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 acquiring an additional 48 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Davis Capital Management purchased a new position in shares of International Business Machines during the 3rd quarter worth $54,000. 58.96% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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International Business Machines Stock Performance

Shares of IBM stock opened at $257.20 on Monday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.67, a quick ratio of 0.92 and a current ratio of 0.96. The firm has a market cap of $240.41 billion, a P/E ratio of 23.07, a P/E/G ratio of 2.58 and a beta of 0.69. The firms 50 day moving average price is $294.08 and its 200-day moving average price is $284.45. International Business Machines Corporation has a one year low of $214.50 and a one year high of $324.90.

International Business Machines Announces Dividend

International Business Machines ( NYSE:IBM Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, January 28th. The technology company reported $4.52 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $4.33 by $0.19. International Business Machines had a return on equity of 38.15% and a net margin of 15.69%.The company had revenue of $19.69 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $19.23 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company earned $3.92 earnings per share. The firms quarterly revenue was up 12.2% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, equities research analysts predict that International Business Machines Corporation will post 10.78 EPS for the current year.

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 10th. Investors of record on Tuesday, February 10th will be issued a $1.68 dividend. This represents a $6.72 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.6%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, February 10th. International Business Machiness payout ratio is currently 60.27%.

Insider Transactions at International Business Machines

In other news, Director David N. Farr bought 1,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, January 30th. The stock was bought at an average cost of $304.00 per share, for a total transaction of $304,000.00. Following the acquisition, the director directly owned 9,258 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,814,432. The trade was a 12.11% increase in their position. The purchase was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Insiders own 0.18% of the companys stock.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of equities research analysts recently issued reports on the stock. Evercore upped their price objective on shares of International Business Machines from $330.00 to $345.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Thursday, January 29th. Wall Street Zen lowered shares of International Business Machines from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Sunday, January 11th. Argus set a $360.00 price target on shares of International Business Machines in a report on Friday, January 30th. Dbs Bank raised shares of International Business Machines from a hold rating to a moderate buy rating in a research report on Monday, January 19th. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus upped their price objective on International Business Machines from $325.00 to $340.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Thursday, January 29th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eleven have issued a Buy rating, seven have assigned a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $330.07.

Check Out Our Latest Analysis on IBM

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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A newly surfaced report alleging the temporary removal of a Justice Department record tied to the Jeffrey Epstein investigation has intensified scrutiny over undisclosed evidence and the handling of sensitive FBI interviews linked to President Donald Trump.

The controversy stems from a document briefly taken offline from a federal Epstein records database before reappearing, raising questions about transparency, discovery disclosures, and whether critical investigative material remains unevenly accessible to the public.

The claim, published on 20 February 2026 by investigative journalist Roger Sollenberger, centres on discovery evidence provided to convicted trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell during her criminal proceedings but allegedly withheld from broader public releases.

Discovery Records And The Disputed DOJ Database Entry

According to Sollenberger's reporting, the disputed document served as an evidence catalogue related to the federal prosecution in United States v. Ghislaine Maxwell, Case No. 20-Cr-330, in the Southern District of New York. Court filings confirm that prosecutors produced extensive discovery to Maxwell's defence ahead of trial, including interview reports, investigative notes, and materials relating to non-testifying witnesses.

NEW: I caught the DOJ deleting a record showing Ghislaine Maxwell has potential blackmail on Trump. The document reveals that DOJ gave Maxwell's lawyers three FBI interviews with an underage Trump accuser that have not been released to the public.https://t.co/CPx7L9YBGB pic.twitter.com/mlobE7hPPN  Roger Sollenberger (@SollenbergerRC) February 20, 2026

Federal court records show that prosecutors disclosed more than 20,000 pages of interview notes and related materials during pre-trial discovery in April 2021, reflecting the unusually large evidentiary scope of the case. Those disclosures formed part of routine obligations under federal criminal procedure, allowing the defence to examine statements potentially relevant to witness credibility or exculpatory evidence.

The contested database entry allegedly indicated that four FBI interviews were conducted with a woman identified by the government as an Epstein victim from the early-to-mid-1980s. The report claims that only one of those interviews appeared in the publicly released Epstein files, while all four were produced to Maxwell's legal team as 'non-witness material.'

If accurate, that discrepancy would not, in itself, prove misconduct. Discovery rules often permit defendants access to broader investigative material than what later becomes public. However, transparency advocates argue that once large-scale document releases were authorised under recent Epstein disclosure efforts, disparities between defence access and public access became politically and legally significant.

Maxwell Trial Evidence And Legal Context

Maxwell was convicted in December 2021 on federal sex-trafficking charges for recruiting underage girls for financier Jeffrey Epstein and was sentenced in June 2022 to 20 years' imprisonment. The Department of Justice maintains an official archive of filings and procedural orders from the case, documenting discovery schedules, victim statements, and evidentiary rulings.

Court filings surrounding later disclosure disputes confirm that government discovery encompassed far more material than what jurors ultimately saw. Prosecutors acknowledged that investigative files included interview reports, search warrant applications, electronic forensic evidence, and victim accounts collected over decades.

Grand jury submissions similarly relied heavily on summaries provided by law-enforcement witnesses rather than direct testimony from victims, illustrating how investigative interviews can exist outside publicly aired proceedings.

It's important to note that discovery disclosures frequently exceed trial evidence because prosecutors must provide material that could aid the defence, even when it remains inadmissible or untested in court. The distinction has become central to disputes over the Epstein files, where lawmakers and advocacy groups have pressed for broader public access following the passage of transparency measures that ordered additional releases.

Allegations Of Withheld Interviews And Political Implications

The revived document reportedly demonstrates that Maxwell's attorneys received batches of discovery in April, July, and October 2021 as part of trial preparation. Such staged disclosures are standard in complex federal prosecutions, particularly those involving historical allegations spanning decades.

Sollenberger's report argues that the existence of unreleased FBI interviews could give Maxwell leverage if their contents remain publicly unknown while accessible to her defence team. No court filing reviewed to date establishes that any such interviews contain incriminating findings against Trump, nor has the Department of Justice confirmed the report's characterisation.

Public records show continuing disputes over what Epstein-related evidence should be released. Federal judges have repeatedly weighed competing interests between transparency and victim privacy, ordering partial disclosures while maintaining extensive redactions.

The Justice Department has also stated that significant portions of the remaining Epstein evidence involve sensitive child-abuse material or investigative data that cannot be safely disclosed without risking identification of victims.

The political dimension intensified after Trump publicly suggested he would consider clemency for Maxwell, while her attorney, David Oscar Markus, told congressional investigators that she would be prepared to speak 'fully and honestly' if granted such relief. That statement, submitted to lawmakers, forms part of official congressional correspondence rather than media commentary.

Transparency Battles Continue Around Epstein Records

The dispute arrives amid an expanding legal push to unseal Epstein-related material nationwide. Federal judges have recently authorised the release of large volumes of records tied to both Epstein and Maxwell, citing public interest while emphasising the need to protect victims' identities.

Even so, courts have rejected some government requests to unseal additional grand jury material, ruling that much of the evidence was already presented publicly or lacked historical significance sufficient to override secrecy rules.

The temporary disappearance of a catalogue entry, regardless of intent, underscores the fragmentation of the Epstein archive. Documents exist across criminal dockets, civil litigation, and agency databases, creating gaps that fuel speculation whenever records appear altered, delayed, or partially released.

For now, the restored document has raised more questions than answers, leaving unresolved whether the episode reflects routine administrative handling, an error in database management, or something far more consequential  and ensuring that the long struggle over the Epstein files continues to reverberate through American politics and the federal justice system.

Originally published on IBTimes UK
Planet Labs PBC (NYSE:PL) is one of the high-growth industrial stocks to buy. On February 13, Planet Labs PBC (NYSE:PL) announced the formation of two advisory boards as it eyes strategic expansion and partnerships. The satellite imagery company confirmed the formation of a European Advisory Board and a Defense and Intelligence Advisory Board.

Planet Labs PBC (PL) Unveils Advisory Boards for Strategic Expansion and Partnerships

The European Advisory Board is to pursue strategic expansion opportunities in Europe. It will also focus on ensuring the company navigates the European policy landscape swiftly. On the other hand, the Defense and Intelligence Advisory Board is to provide counsel as Planet Labs develops solutions for national security and intelligence agencies.

The formation of the advisory boards comes on the heels of Planet Labs inking a strategic partnership with AXA Digital Commercial Platform. The two are joining forces to integrate satellite imagery into AXAs risk management system to support monitoring of natural disasters. Planet Labs has carved out a niche by operating the largest Earth observation fleet of imaging satellites.

Earlier on January 29, Craig Hallum reiterated Planet Labs PBC as a Buy and increased the stocks price target to $33 from $30. The price target hike is in response to differentiating factors in Planet Labs business model, including advanced AI implementation and a cost-to-performance ratio.

Planet Labs PBC (NYSE:PL) is an Earth-imaging company that operates a massive constellation of satellites to image the entire Earths landmass daily. It provides high-frequency satellite data, geospatial solutions, and AI-driven analytics to industries like agriculture, defense, finance, and government to track environmental, economic, and infrastructure changes.

While we acknowledge the potential of PL 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 Emerging Markets Stocks to Buy Right Now and 10 Best Debt-Free Mid-Cap Stocks to Buy According to Hedge Funds.

Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
Banco Santander (NYSE:SAN  Get Free Report) was upgraded by equities research analysts at Royal Bank Of Canada from a sector perform rating to an outperform rating in a research note issued on Monday, MarketBeat.com reports.

A number of other research firms have also issued reports on SAN. Zacks Research lowered shares of Banco Santander from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, November 18th. Wall Street Zen upgraded Banco Santander from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Saturday, February 7th. Kepler Capital Markets upgraded Banco Santander from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, January 13th. DZ Bank cut Banco Santander from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Thursday, December 18th. Finally, Barclays cut shares of Banco Santander from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, January 6th. Five investment 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. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold.

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Check Out Our Latest Analysis on SAN

Banco Santander Price Performance

NYSE:SAN opened at $12.75 on Monday. The firm has a market capitalization of $189.71 billion, a P/E ratio of 12.62, a P/E/G ratio of 0.78 and a beta of 0.72. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $12.16 and a 200 day simple moving average of $10.84. Banco Santander has a 12-month low of $5.54 and a 12-month high of $13.11.

Banco Santander (NYSE:SAN  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, February 3rd. The bank reported $0.28 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.24 by $0.04. The company had revenue of $18.90 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $15.89 billion. Banco Santander had a return on equity of 12.14% and a net margin of 18.85%. Research analysts anticipate that Banco Santander will post 0.83 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Banco Santander

Several hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of SAN. CIBC Bancorp USA Inc. acquired a new stake in Banco Santander during the 3rd quarter worth about $93,811,000. Lazard Asset Management LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Banco Santander by 2,038,075.5% during the second quarter. Lazard Asset Management LLC now owns 7,643,158 shares of the banks stock worth $63,438,000 after purchasing an additional 7,642,783 shares during the period. Capital International Investors grew its position in Banco Santander by 67.5% during the third quarter. Capital International Investors now owns 14,529,024 shares of the banks stock valued at $149,504,000 after purchasing an additional 5,856,034 shares in the last quarter. Raymond James Financial Inc. lifted its position in Banco Santander by 225.3% in the 3rd quarter. Raymond James Financial Inc. now owns 4,100,768 shares of the banks stock worth $42,976,000 after buying an additional 2,840,145 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Envestnet Asset Management Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Banco Santander by 85.0% during the 3rd quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 5,552,931 shares of the banks stock valued at $58,195,000 after buying an additional 2,551,675 shares during the period. 9.19% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

About Banco Santander

(Get 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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Payden & Rygel lessened its stake in Procter & Gamble Company (The) (NYSE:PG  Free Report) by 47.2% in the third quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 69,900 shares of the companys stock after selling 62,500 shares during the quarter. Payden & Rygels holdings in Procter & Gamble were worth $10,740,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of the company. Czech National Bank grew its position in shares of Procter & Gamble by 3.8% in the 3rd quarter. Czech National Bank now owns 594,914 shares of the companys stock valued at $91,409,000 after purchasing an additional 21,825 shares during the period. Westerkirk Capital Inc. bought a new position in Procter & Gamble in the second quarter valued at approximately $4,796,000. Vega Investment Solutions boosted its holdings in shares of Procter & Gamble by 1.3% in the second quarter. Vega Investment Solutions now owns 638,400 shares of the companys stock valued at $101,710,000 after buying an additional 8,500 shares during the period. Jump Financial LLC bought a new stake in shares of Procter & Gamble during the second quarter worth $7,891,000. Finally, SVB Wealth LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Procter & Gamble during the second quarter worth $12,725,000. 65.77% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Insider Buying and Selling

In other Procter & Gamble news, Chairman Jon R. Moeller sold 162,232 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, February 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $162.45, for a total value of $26,354,588.40. Following the sale, the chairman owned 319,385 shares in the company, valued at $51,884,093.25. This represents a 33.68% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. Also, CEO Ma. Fatima Francisco sold 8,000 shares of Procter & Gamble stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, February 4th. The stock was sold at an average price of $158.00, for a total value of $1,264,000.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer owned 6,571 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,038,218. This represents a 54.90% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Insiders sold 341,260 shares of company stock worth $54,256,985 in the last 90 days. 0.20% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of brokerages recently weighed in on PG. Barclays set a $155.00 target price on shares of Procter & Gamble in a research note on Friday, January 16th. Piper Sandler started coverage on Procter & Gamble in a research report on Wednesday, January 7th. They set a neutral rating and a $150.00 price objective for the company. Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c) rating on shares of Procter & Gamble in a research report on Monday, December 29th. Erste Group Bank upgraded Procter & Gamble from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, February 18th. Finally, Dbs Bank raised shares of Procter & Gamble from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Friday, January 23rd. Fourteen investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and seven have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, Procter & Gamble has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $168.33.

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Procter & Gamble Stock Up 1.4%

PG stock opened at $160.77 on Monday. The company has a market cap of $373.62 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 23.82, a P/E/G ratio of 5.34 and a beta of 0.38. Procter & Gamble Company has a twelve month low of $137.62 and a twelve month high of $179.99. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $149.02 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $150.68. The company has a quick ratio of 0.51, a current ratio of 0.72 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.49.

Procter & Gamble (NYSE:PG  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, January 22nd. The company reported $1.88 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.86 by $0.02. Procter & Gamble had a return on equity of 32.21% and a net margin of 19.30%.The company had revenue of $22.21 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $22.36 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business posted $1.88 EPS. The businesss revenue was up 1.5% compared to the same quarter last year. Procter & Gamble has set its FY 2026 guidance at 6.830-7.090 EPS. Analysts anticipate that Procter & Gamble Company will post 6.91 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Procter & Gamble Dividend Announcement

The company also recently disclosed 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. The ex-dividend date was Friday, January 23rd. This represents a $4.23 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.6%. Procter & Gambles payout ratio is currently 62.67%.

Procter & Gamble Profile

(Free Report)

Procter & Gamble (NYSE: PG) is a multinational consumer goods company headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio. Founded in 1837 by William Procter and James Gamble, P&G has grown into one of the worlds largest producers of branded consumer packaged goods. The company focuses on developing, manufacturing and marketing a broad portfolio of household and personal care products sold to consumers and retailers worldwide.

P&Gs product offering spans several core business categories, including Beauty, Grooming, Health Care, Fabric & Home Care, and Baby, Feminine & Family Care.

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Trajan Wealth LLC increased its stake in shares of Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE:MA  Free Report) by 2.9% during the 3rd quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The firm owned 119,683 shares of the credit services providers stock after acquiring an additional 3,367 shares during the quarter. Mastercard comprises about 2.9% of Trajan Wealth LLCs holdings, making the stock its 9th largest position. Trajan Wealth LLCs holdings in Mastercard were worth $68,077,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Evolution Wealth Management Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Mastercard in the 2nd quarter valued at $29,000. Robbins Farley lifted its stake in shares of Mastercard by 50.0% during the third quarter. Robbins Farley now owns 54 shares of the credit services providers stock valued at $31,000 after acquiring an additional 18 shares during the period. Tacita Capital Inc boosted its holdings in Mastercard by 50.0% in the third quarter. Tacita Capital Inc now owns 57 shares of the credit services providers stock valued at $32,000 after acquiring an additional 19 shares during the last quarter. True Wealth Design LLC increased its position in Mastercard by 45.2% in the second quarter. True Wealth Design LLC now owns 61 shares of the credit services providers stock worth $34,000 after purchasing an additional 19 shares during the period. Finally, Sagard Holdings Management Inc. bought a new stake in Mastercard during the 2nd quarter worth about $37,000. Institutional investors own 97.28% of the companys stock.

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Mastercard Stock Up 1.1%

Mastercard stock opened at $525.94 on Monday. The firm has a market capitalization of $469.04 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 31.84, a PEG ratio of 1.70 and a beta of 0.83. The companys 50 day simple moving average is $551.10 and its 200 day simple moving average is $561.64. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.36, a current ratio of 1.03 and a quick ratio of 1.03. Mastercard Incorporated has a fifty-two week low of $465.59 and a fifty-two week high of $601.77.

Mastercard Dividend Announcement

Mastercard ( NYSE:MA Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, January 29th. The credit services provider reported $4.76 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $4.24 by $0.52. Mastercard had a net margin of 45.65% and a return on equity of 203.92%. The company had revenue of $8.81 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $8.80 billion. During the same period last year, the business posted $3.82 earnings per share. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 17.5% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, sell-side analysts anticipate that Mastercard Incorporated will post 15.91 EPS for the current year.

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, May 8th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, April 9th will be issued a $0.87 dividend. This represents a $3.48 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.7%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, April 9th. Mastercards dividend payout ratio is 21.07%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several research analysts have recently issued reports on MA shares. Morgan Stanley raised their target price on shares of Mastercard from $665.00 to $678.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Friday, January 30th. The Goldman Sachs Group restated a buy rating and issued a $739.00 price objective on shares of Mastercard in a report on Thursday, January 29th. TD Cowen raised their price objective on shares of Mastercard from $668.00 to $671.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Friday, January 30th. Truist Financial set a $611.00 target price on shares of Mastercard in a research report on Tuesday, February 10th. Finally, Rothschild & Co Redburn set a $685.00 price target on Mastercard in a research note on Wednesday, January 28th. Six research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, sixteen have issued a Buy rating and two have given a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Mastercard presently has a consensus rating of Buy and an average price target of $669.27.

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Mastercard Company Profile

(Free Report)

Mastercard Incorporated is a global payments technology company that operates a network connecting consumers, financial institutions, merchants, governments and businesses in more than 200 countries and territories. The company facilitates electronic payments and transaction processing for credit, debit and prepaid card products carrying the Mastercard brand, while also providing a range of payment-related services to issuers, acquirers and merchants. Its technology and network enable authorization, clearing and settlement of payments and support a broad set of use cases including point-of-sale, e-commerce and mobile payments.

Beyond core transaction processing, Mastercard offers a suite of value-added services such as fraud and risk management, identity and authentication tools, tokenization and digital wallet support, cross-border and commercial payment solutions, and data analytics and consulting services for merchants and financial partners.

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Transatlantique Private Wealth LLC purchased a new stake in The TJX Companies, Inc. (NYSE:TJX  Free Report) in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund purchased 5,550 shares of the apparel and home fashions retailers stock, valued at approximately $802,000.

Other hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Bank of Nova Scotia increased its stake in shares of TJX Companies by 129.9% in the second quarter. Bank of Nova Scotia now owns 269,813 shares of the apparel and home fashions retailers stock valued at $33,319,000 after buying an additional 152,453 shares during the period. Empowered Funds LLC raised its holdings in TJX Companies by 66.6% during the 2nd quarter. Empowered Funds LLC now owns 76,998 shares of the apparel and home fashions retailers stock worth $9,508,000 after purchasing an additional 30,779 shares during the last quarter. Rheos Capital Works Inc. lifted its position in shares of TJX Companies by 26.0% in the 3rd quarter. Rheos Capital Works Inc. now owns 370,000 shares of the apparel and home fashions retailers stock worth $53,480,000 after purchasing an additional 76,400 shares during the period. Wealthfront Advisers LLC boosted its stake in shares of TJX Companies by 4.9% in the 3rd quarter. Wealthfront Advisers LLC now owns 171,820 shares of the apparel and home fashions retailers stock valued at $24,835,000 after purchasing an additional 8,006 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Savoir Faire Capital Management L.P. increased its position in shares of TJX Companies by 45.7% during the third quarter. Savoir Faire Capital Management L.P. now owns 81,361 shares of the apparel and home fashions retailers stock worth $11,760,000 after buying an additional 25,534 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 91.09% of the companys stock.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several equities research analysts recently commented on the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their target price on TJX Companies from $150.00 to $154.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday, November 20th. Wall Street Zen upgraded TJX Companies from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Sunday, January 11th. Morgan Stanley reiterated an overweight rating and issued a $162.00 price objective (up previously from $159.00) on shares of TJX Companies in a research note on Thursday, November 20th. Robert W. Baird set a $168.00 price target on shares of TJX Companies in a research note on Wednesday, December 17th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group boosted their target price on TJX Companies from $163.00 to $170.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, November 20th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating and twenty-two have assigned a Buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, TJX Companies presently has an average rating of Buy and an average target price of $163.86.

TJX Companies Price Performance

Shares of NYSE:TJX opened at $158.29 on Monday. The company has a market capitalization of $175.77 billion, a P/E ratio of 34.94, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.02 and a beta of 0.74. The companys 50-day moving average is $154.62 and its 200 day moving average is $146.90. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.20, a quick ratio of 0.43 and a current ratio of 1.09. The TJX Companies, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $112.10 and a fifty-two week high of $159.48.

TJX Companies Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, March 5th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, February 12th will be paid a $0.425 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, February 12th. This represents a $1.70 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.1%. TJX Companiess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 37.53%.

TJX Companies Company Profile

(Free Report)

TJX Companies, Inc is a leading off-price retailer of apparel, footwear, home fashions and other consumer goods. The company operates multiple retail concepts that offer discounted brand-name and designer merchandise, including well-known banners such as T.J. Maxx and Marshalls in the United States, HomeGoods for home furnishings, TK Maxx in parts of Europe, and Winners and Homesense in Canada. Merchandise categories span womens, mens and childrens apparel, accessories, beauty, home decor, kitchenware and small furniture, with frequent changes in assortment that create a treasure-hunt shopping experience for consumers.

The companys business model centers on opportunistic buying, purchasing excess, irregular or out-of-season inventory from manufacturers, department stores and other suppliers, and passing savings to customers through lower prices.

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Trajan Wealth LLC grew its position in Procter & Gamble Company (The) (NYSE:PG  Free Report) by 4.0% in the third quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The fund owned 123,414 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 4,768 shares during the period. Trajan Wealth LLCs holdings in Procter & Gamble were worth $18,963,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of the company. Vanguard Group Inc. grew 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 worth $36,050,992,000 after purchasing an additional 1,419,322 shares during the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC grew its holdings in Procter & Gamble by 1.8% during the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 59,415,933 shares of the companys stock worth $9,439,341,000 after acquiring an additional 1,060,713 shares during the last quarter. Norges Bank acquired a new position in Procter & Gamble in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $5,099,644,000. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. increased its position in Procter & Gamble by 1.7% in 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 acquiring an additional 294,673 shares during the period. Finally, Invesco Ltd. raised its stake in shares of Procter & Gamble by 21.4% during the second quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 16,374,499 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,608,785,000 after acquiring an additional 2,880,895 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 65.77% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several brokerages recently weighed in on PG. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reduced their price objective on shares of Procter & Gamble from $176.00 to $171.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, December 8th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised Procter & Gamble from a neutral rating to an overweight rating and lifted their target price for the stock from $157.00 to $165.00 in a report on Friday, January 23rd. Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c) rating on shares of Procter & Gamble in a research note on Monday, December 29th. BNP Paribas Exane cut their price objective on Procter & Gamble from $172.00 to $164.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, January 16th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company reiterated an overweight rating and issued a $177.00 target price on shares of Procter & Gamble in a report on Tuesday, February 17th. Fourteen research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and seven have issued a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $168.33.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other news, Chairman Jon R. Moeller sold 162,232 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Thursday, February 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $162.45, for a total transaction of $26,354,588.40. Following the transaction, the chairman owned 319,385 shares of the companys stock, valued at $51,884,093.25. This represents a 33.68% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. Also, insider Balaji Purushothaman sold 12,827 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, February 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $160.31, for a total value of $2,056,296.37. Following the completion of the sale, the insider directly owned 12,639 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,026,158.09. The trade was a 50.37% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. In the last three months, insiders sold 341,260 shares of company stock valued at $54,256,985. 0.20% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Procter & Gamble Stock Up 1.4%

Shares of NYSE:PG opened at $160.77 on Monday. The businesss 50-day moving average is $149.02 and its 200-day moving average is $150.68. Procter & Gamble Company has a 1 year low of $137.62 and a 1 year high of $179.99. The company has a market capitalization of $373.62 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 23.82, a P/E/G ratio of 5.34 and a beta of 0.38. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.49, a current ratio of 0.72 and a quick ratio of 0.51.

Procter & Gamble (NYSE:PG  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, January 22nd. The company reported $1.88 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.86 by $0.02. The business had revenue of $22.21 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $22.36 billion. Procter & Gamble had a return on equity of 32.21% and a net margin of 19.30%.The firms revenue for the quarter was up 1.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $1.88 earnings per share. Procter & Gamble has set its FY 2026 guidance at 6.830-7.090 EPS. Equities research analysts predict that Procter & Gamble Company will post 6.91 earnings per share for the current year.

Procter & Gamble Dividend Announcement

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, February 17th. Investors of record on Friday, January 23rd were paid a dividend of $1.0568 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, January 23rd. This represents a $4.23 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.6%. Procter & Gambles dividend payout ratio is currently 62.67%.

Procter & Gamble Company Profile

(Free Report)

Procter & Gamble (NYSE: PG) is a multinational consumer goods company headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio. Founded in 1837 by William Procter and James Gamble, P&G has grown into one of the worlds largest producers of branded consumer packaged goods. The company focuses on developing, manufacturing and marketing a broad portfolio of household and personal care products sold to consumers and retailers worldwide.

P&Gs product offering spans several core business categories, including Beauty, Grooming, Health Care, Fabric & Home Care, and Baby, Feminine & Family Care.

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Allegion (NYSE:ALLE  Get Free Report) had its price objective reduced by equities research analysts at Barclays from $180.00 to $176.00 in a research note issued to investors on Monday,Benzinga reports. The firm currently has an equal weight rating on the scientific and technical instruments companys stock. Barclayss price target indicates a potential upside of 8.42% from the stocks current price.

Other equities research analysts have also issued research reports about the company. Wells Fargo & Company restated a positive rating on shares of Allegion in a research report on Tuesday, December 16th. Weiss Ratings reissued a buy (b) rating on shares of Allegion in a report on Wednesday, January 21st. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered their target price on shares of Allegion from $190.00 to $180.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, February 18th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and seven have given a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Allegion currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $175.00.

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Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on ALLE

Allegion Stock Up 0.7%

NYSE:ALLE opened at $162.34 on Monday. Allegion has a 1-year low of $116.57 and a 1-year high of $183.11. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.96, a current ratio of 1.84 and a quick ratio of 1.16. The firm has a market capitalization of $13.98 billion, a P/E ratio of 21.82, a PEG ratio of 3.50 and a beta of 1.03. The companys fifty day moving average price is $165.46 and its 200-day moving average price is $168.13.

Allegion (NYSE:ALLE  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, February 17th. The scientific and technical instruments company reported $1.94 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $2.01 by ($0.07). Allegion had a net margin of 15.83% and a return on equity of 38.06%. The company had revenue of $1.03 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.04 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted $1.86 EPS. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 9.3% on a year-over-year basis. Allegion has set its FY 2026 guidance at 8.700-8.900 EPS. As a group, equities research analysts anticipate that Allegion will post 7.77 EPS for the current year.

Insider Activity at Allegion

In other news, Director Steven Mizell sold 1,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, February 19th. The stock was sold at an average price of $161.51, for a total value of $161,510.00. Following the transaction, the director owned 4,915 shares in the company, valued at $793,821.65. This trade represents a 16.91% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. 0.23% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. grew its holdings in shares of Allegion by 7.0% during the first quarter. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. now owns 9,592 shares of the scientific and technical instruments companys stock worth $1,251,000 after buying an additional 626 shares in the last quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC lifted its stake in Allegion by 35.3% in the 1st quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC now owns 3,272 shares of the scientific and technical instruments companys stock worth $427,000 after purchasing an additional 854 shares in the last quarter. Jones Financial Companies Lllp boosted its holdings in shares of Allegion by 44.2% during the 1st quarter. Jones Financial Companies Lllp now owns 1,629 shares of the scientific and technical instruments companys stock worth $213,000 after purchasing an additional 499 shares during the last quarter. Empowered Funds LLC grew its position in shares of Allegion by 13.0% in the first quarter. Empowered Funds LLC now owns 5,673 shares of the scientific and technical instruments companys stock valued at $740,000 after purchasing an additional 651 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Focus Partners Wealth increased its holdings in shares of Allegion by 204.5% in the first quarter. Focus Partners Wealth now owns 7,186 shares of the scientific and technical instruments companys stock valued at $937,000 after purchasing an additional 4,826 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 92.21% of the companys stock.

About Allegion

(Get Free Report)

Allegion plc (NYSE: ALLE) is a global provider of security products and solutions focused on ensuring the safety and security of people and property. The company was formed in December 2013 through a corporate spin-off from Ingersoll Rand and is headquartered in Dublin, Ireland. Allegions core mission is to deliver innovative mechanical and electronic access control systems for a wide range of end markets, including commercial buildings, residential properties, institutional facilities, and industrial sites.

The companys product portfolio spans mechanical locksets, door closers, exit devices, key systems and cylinders, as well as a growing suite of electronic and smart access control offerings.

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American Homes 4 Rent (NYSE:AMH  Get Free Report) had its price objective lowered by research analysts at Royal Bank Of Canada from $38.00 to $35.00 in a report issued on Monday,Benzinga reports. The firm currently has an outperform rating on the real estate investment trusts stock. Royal Bank Of Canadas target price indicates a potential upside of 19.82% from the companys current price.

Several other equities analysts have also recently weighed in on AMH. Citizens Jmp reduced their price target on American Homes 4 Rent from $41.00 to $37.00 and set a market outperform rating for the company in a research report on Monday. The Goldman Sachs Group set a $37.00 price objective on American Homes 4 Rent in a report on Monday, December 15th. UBS Group dropped their price target on American Homes 4 Rent from $38.00 to $33.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, January 8th. Wells Fargo & Company reduced their price objective on American Homes 4 Rent from $38.00 to $37.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, November 25th. Finally, Mizuho restated a neutral rating and issued a $32.00 price target (down previously from $33.00) on shares of American Homes 4 Rent in a research report on Thursday, January 8th. Eight analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and nine have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $36.81.

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American Homes 4 Rent Stock Down 1.1%

AMH traded down $0.31 during midday trading on Monday, hitting $29.21. The company had a trading volume of 92,289 shares, compared to its average volume of 4,351,957. The stocks 50 day moving average price is $31.49 and its 200 day moving average price is $32.50. American Homes 4 Rent has a 52 week low of $28.84 and a 52 week high of $39.49. The company has a market capitalization of $10.84 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 24.89, a PEG ratio of 2.83 and a beta of 0.80. The company has a quick ratio of 0.41, a current ratio of 0.63 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.66.

American Homes 4 Rent (NYSE:AMH  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, February 19th. The real estate investment trust reported $0.33 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.47 by ($0.14). American Homes 4 Rent had a net margin of 24.48% and a return on equity of 5.93%. The firm had revenue of $402.93 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $459.24 million. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $0.45 EPS. The companys revenue was up 4.2% compared to the same quarter last year. American Homes 4 Rent has set its FY 2026 guidance at 1.890-1.950 EPS. On average, research analysts anticipate that American Homes 4 Rent will post 1.85 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other news, Director Jack E. Corrigan acquired 5,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, December 9th. The shares were acquired at an average price of $22.96 per share, with a total value of $114,800.00. Following the purchase, the director directly owned 17,300 shares of the companys stock, valued at $397,208. This trade represents a 40.65% increase in their ownership of the stock. The purchase was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. 6.01% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On American Homes 4 Rent

Large investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans raised its stake in shares of American Homes 4 Rent by 67.6% in the 3rd quarter. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans now owns 125,412 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $4,170,000 after acquiring an additional 50,587 shares during the period. 12th Street Asset Management Company LLC increased its holdings in American Homes 4 Rent by 64.3% during the 3rd quarter. 12th Street Asset Management Company LLC now owns 158,081 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $5,256,000 after purchasing an additional 61,838 shares during the last quarter. Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Group Inc. boosted its stake in shares of American Homes 4 Rent by 24.0% during the 3rd quarter. Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Group Inc. now owns 2,506,317 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $83,335,000 after buying an additional 485,401 shares during the last quarter. Retirement Systems of Alabama grew its position in shares of American Homes 4 Rent by 13.3% during the third quarter. Retirement Systems of Alabama now owns 910,363 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $30,270,000 after buying an additional 106,550 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Pacer Advisors Inc. grew its holdings in American Homes 4 Rent by 608,877.8% during the 3rd quarter. Pacer Advisors Inc. now owns 54,808 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $1,822,000 after acquiring an additional 54,799 shares in the last quarter. 91.87% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

About American Homes 4 Rent

(Get Free Report)

American Homes 4 Rent (NYSE: AMH) is a publicly traded real estate investment trust (REIT) specializing in the acquisition, development and management of single-family rental homes. Since its initial public offering in April 2013, the company has focused on building a large-scale, professionally managed portfolio of homes designed to meet the needs of todays renters. Its business model emphasizes the acquisition of well-located properties coupled with consistent, in-house property management to drive occupancy and long-term value.

As of the most recent reporting, American Homes 4 Rent owns and operates tens of thousands of homes across the United States, with concentration in key Sun Belt and high-growth markets.

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Amazon.com, Walmart, Booking, Carvana, and Costco Wholesale are the five Retail stocks to watch today, according to MarketBeats stock screener tool. Retail stocks are shares of companies whose primary business is selling goods or services directly to consumersexamples include supermarkets, department stores, and e-commerce retailers. Colloquially, the term is also used to describe securities widely bought and traded by individual (retail) investors rather than institutions, a usage that can imply different liquidity and volatility characteristics. These companies had the highest dollar trading volume of any Retail stocks within the last several days.

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Amazon.com (AMZN)

Amazon.com, Inc. engages in the retail sale of consumer products, advertising, and subscriptions service through online and physical stores in North America and internationally. The company operates through three segments: North America, International, and Amazon Web Services (AWS). It also manufactures and sells electronic devices, including Kindle, Fire tablets, Fire TVs, Echo, Ring, Blink, and eero; and develops and produces media content.

Walmart (WMT)

Walmart Inc. engages in the operation of retail, wholesale, other units, and eCommerce worldwide. The company operates through three segments: Walmart U.S., Walmart International, and Sam's Club. It operates supercenters, supermarkets, hypermarkets, warehouse clubs, cash and carry stores, and discount stores under Walmart and Walmart Neighborhood Market brands; membership-only warehouse clubs; ecommerce websites, such as walmart.com.mx, walmart.ca, flipkart.com, PhonePe and other sites; and mobile commerce applications.

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Booking (BKNG)

Booking Holdings Inc, formerly The Priceline Group Inc., is a provider of travel and restaurant online reservation and related services. The Company, through its online travel companies (OTCs), connects consumers wishing to make travel reservations with providers of travel services across the world. It offers consumers an array of accommodation reservations (including hotels, bed and breakfasts, hostels, apartments, vacation rentals and other properties) through its Booking.com, priceline.com and agoda.com brands.

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Carvana (CVNA)

Carvana Co., together with its subsidiaries, operates an e-commerce platform for buying and selling used cars in the United States. Its platform allows customers to research and identify a vehicle; inspect it using company's 360-degree vehicle imaging technology; obtain financing and warranty coverage; purchase the vehicle; and schedule delivery or pick-up from their desktop or mobile devices.

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Costco Wholesale (COST)

Costco Wholesale Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the operation of membership warehouses in the United States, Puerto Rico, Canada, Mexico, Japan, the United Kingdom, Korea, Australia, Taiwan, China, Spain, France, Iceland, New Zealand, and Sweden. The company offers branded and private-label products in a range of merchandise categories.

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Nabors Industries Ltd. (NYSE:NBR  Get Free Report) shares reached a new 52-week high on Monday . The stock traded as high as $78.26 and last traded at $79.1410, with a volume of 353017 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at $76.61.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of equities research analysts have commented on the company. Piper Sandler reissued an overweight rating and issued a $80.00 price objective (up previously from $65.00) on shares of Nabors Industries in a research note on Tuesday, February 17th. Morgan Stanley reissued an overweight rating and issued a $80.00 price target on shares of Nabors Industries in a research report on Wednesday, January 21st. Wall Street Zen downgraded shares of Nabors Industries from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Saturday. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c-) rating on shares of Nabors Industries in a research note on Monday, December 29th. Finally, Citigroup boosted their target price on shares of Nabors Industries from $58.00 to $60.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Tuesday, January 6th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, five have issued a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $64.00.

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Nabors Industries Stock Down 0.9%

The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $62.27 and a 200 day moving average price of $50.13. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.22, a quick ratio of 1.47 and a current ratio of 1.56. The company has a market capitalization of $1.14 billion, a P/E ratio of 4.71 and a beta of 0.99.

Nabors Industries (NYSE:NBR  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, February 11th. The oil and gas company reported $0.17 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of ($2.93) by $3.10. The company had revenue of $805.13 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $795.82 million. Nabors Industries had a net margin of 8.92% and a negative return on equity of 17.63%. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 9.0% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned ($6.67) earnings per share. Equities research analysts forecast that Nabors Industries Ltd. will post -6.22 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Nabors Industries

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of NBR. AQR Capital Management LLC raised its stake in shares of Nabors Industries by 97.1% in the first quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 16,770 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $699,000 after buying an additional 8,260 shares during the period. Dynamic Technology Lab Private Ltd increased its holdings in Nabors Industries by 11.5% in the 1st quarter. Dynamic Technology Lab Private Ltd now owns 5,540 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $231,000 after acquiring an additional 570 shares during the last quarter. Vanguard Personalized Indexing Management LLC purchased a new stake in Nabors Industries in the 2nd quarter worth about $203,000. Ethic Inc. bought a new stake in Nabors Industries in the 2nd quarter valued at about $220,000. Finally, MQS Management LLC purchased a new stake in Nabors Industries during the second quarter valued at about $262,000. 81.92% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

Nabors Industries Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Nabors Industries Ltd. is a global oil and gas drilling contractor that provides land and offshore drilling rigs, drilling equipment and related services to energy companies around the world. The companys operations span two core segments: drilling and evaluation, which includes land?based and platform drilling rigs as well as wellbore survey services, and wellbore technologies, offering pressure control equipment, downhole tools and specialized maintenance services. Nabors integrated model combines rig operations with engineered products and field support, positioning it as a full?service provider in the upstream sector.

The company maintains a diverse, modern fleet of automated and conventional drilling rigs and has pioneered advanced drilling technologies, including automated drilling controls and managed pressure drilling systems.

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Nuix (ASX:NXL) reported first-half FY26 results highlighting growth in annual contract value (ACV), accelerating adoption of its Nuix Neo platform, and a marked improvement in cash generation, while management acknowledged weaker net dollar retention (NDR) and outlined a structured migration program intended to improve retention and expansion in the existing customer base.

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Half-year performance: ACV growth and operating leverage

Interim Chief Executive Officer John Ruthven said Nuix delivered ACV of AUD 234.4 million, up 8.4% on the prior corresponding period, alongside revenue of AUD 121.2 million, up 15.2%. Adjusted management EBITDA rose 42.6% to AUD 19.1 million, with the margin expanding to 15.8% from 12.7%, which management attributed to revenue growth and disciplined cost management.

Chief Financial Officer Peter McClelland said ACV growth was driven by new customers, while growth in the existing customer base slowed, reflected in NDR of 101% (down from 109.6% in the prior corresponding period). He noted that new customer growth is not captured in the NDR metric.

On the balance sheet, Nuix ended the half with a net cash position of AUD 57.8 million (up 88.4% year-over-year) and a closing cash balance of AUD 67.8 million. McClelland said the companys bank facility had been upsized to AUD 50 million and remained undrawn except for AUD 1.3 million used for bank guarantees; he added that AUD 20 million of the facility is restricted to funding the Linkurious acquisition.

Nuix Neo driving mix shift

Management emphasized momentum in Nuix Neo, which Ruthven described as central to Nuixs strategy in an AI-driven software landscape. Nuix Neo ACV reached AUD 46.8 million, up 148% on the prior corresponding period, and represented 20% of total ACV. Neo had 101 customers at period end, with growth driven by new customers, new sales, and migrations from component products.

Ruthven said EMEA performance was particularly strong and cited Investigations and Foundation as key growth drivers. He also said that when customers migrate from component products to Neo, Nuix typically sees a 30% to 50% ACV uplift, while new Neo sales are typically two to three times the size of non-Neo sales.

Nuix also discussed Nuix Neo Discover, which now incorporates Neo capabilities. Ruthven said Neo and Nuix Neo Discover together represent 40% of total ACV, and he described the continued migration from component products to Neo as a defining feature of Nuixs customer base over the medium term. In response to an analyst question, management said it intends to continue presenting Nuix Neo and Nuix Neo Discover separately for transparency around product mix.

McClelland noted that component ACV declined by AUD 18.3 million, attributing the decline to net downsell in the component customer base and customer migration to Neo.

AI positioning and product roadmap

Ruthven framed Nuixs strategy around what he described as a market segmentation between LLM plugins for routine tasks and enterprise-ready platforms designed for enterprise-scale datasets and forensic integrity requirements. He said Nuix Neo combines large-scale forensic data analysis with the flexibility to integrate large language models through a Bring Your Own AI framework.

According to Ruthven, customers in regulated environments must balance AI innovation with accuracy and defensibility, with outcomes that can withstand legal and regulatory scrutiny. He argued that Nuixs forensic-grade governance layer allows customers to plug in AI models while maintaining governance and defensibility, and said the platform is designed to integrate new AI models as they emerge.

On the product roadmap, Ruthven said the company is delivering releases in line with its R&D roadmap and highlighted ongoing investment in AI advancements. In Q&A, he pointed to BYO AI capabilities as an important growth driver and said Nuix is doing pre-work in the half for the launch of a Neo SaaS platform. He also referenced an upcoming Neo 2.1 release in March and said it would include items such as semantic search, user interface improvements, and enhancements related to local deployment and time-to-value in customer environments.

NDR pressure and the Neo migration program

Both Ruthven and McClelland said NDR performance was below target. McClelland said the decline reflected downsell in a small number of large clients that offset upsell elsewhere. He attributed a significant portion of the downsell to normal client project cycles, including several peak projects ending, and said there was also competitive activity, including a significant client winding down while moving to a competitor (which management said had been flagged at the AGM).

In Q&A, management added that some downsell related to global advisory arrangements where participating businesses may opt in or out. McClelland also said customer churn improved to 5% (as at FY25).

Ruthven said Nuix had launched a comprehensive Nuix Neo migration program intended to reduce friction for customers transitioning to the new platform and to address NDR challenges. He described three objectives for the program:

Transition customers to the modern Nuix Neo platform to secure the future.

Drive ACV growth by unlocking expansion opportunities.

Enhance retention through improved Neo capabilities.

Ruthven said Phase I (customer segmentation and readiness assessment) has been completed, while Phase II is focused on building a migration factory with standardized playbooks and partner capabilities and is underway.

Regional performance, revenue mix, and cash flow

McClelland said EMEA led regional results with ACV up 18.8%, supported by new logo acquisitions in Central Europe and strong Nuix Neo performance. The Americas grew 10.8% with continued adoption of Foundation and Investigation solutions and new wins in service providers and financial services. Asia Pacific ACV declined 8.6%, which he attributed to lower new customer numbers and the loss of a large legal sector client, previously flagged at the AGM.

On revenue composition, McClelland said multi-year deal renewals and strong new customer growthparticularly in Nuix Neosupported statutory revenue growth. Multi-year deals represented 33% of revenue, up from 22% in the prior period. In Q&A, Ruthven said Nuix is not actively driving a materially higher multi-year deal mix, but said large enterprises and government agencies within its ideal customer profile tend to prefer longer-term contracts.

Nuix reported research and development spend of AUD 28.8 million, up 0.7%, representing 24% of revenue, with a lower capitalized component than the prior period. McClelland said R&D is funded from underlying cash flows.

Cash flow improved materially, with underlying cash flow of AUD 28.4 million (up from AUD 7 million in 1H FY25) and overall free cash flow of AUD 20.4 million (compared with negative AUD 7.4 million in 1H FY25). McClelland said lower non-operating legal costs helped overall cash flow. He also noted non-operating legal costs of AUD 3.3 million were significantly lower than the prior period, and that the group received a tax benefit of AUD 8.6 million primarily from partial recognition of tax assets related to historical option cancellations.

Looking ahead, Ruthven reaffirmed Nuixs ACV guidance range of AUD 240 million to AUD 260 million, excluding any ACV associated with the Linkurious acquisition. He said ACV is expected to be weighted to the second half in line with prior years and the renewals profile. Managements stated FY26 focus areas include driving ACV growth through Nuix Neo, ensuring revenue growth exceeds operating cost growth, and maintaining positive underlying cash flows for the full year.

On Linkurious, Ruthven said Nuix is still waiting on French regulatory approvals and had no further update, adding the company would update the market when it has more information.

About Nuix (ASX:NXL)

Nuix Limited provides investigative analytics and intelligence software solutions in the Asia Pacific, the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. The company offers Nuix Neo, a platform for complex data challenges. Its solutions include Nuix Neo Data Privacy solution for managing data privacy; Legal eDiscovery and Early Case Assessment solution to streamline processes to uncover crucial information, spot notable case trends, speed up and enhance the legal decision-making process, and save legal costs; and Fraud and Investigations solution to ingest data from all relevant data sources and apply an array of collaborative fraud techniques to connect the dots between digital evidence and human behaviour.

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Kenya Lacy

New appointment continues to strengthen the Banks commitment to supporting associates and advancing a collaborative and inclusive workplace culture

LOUISVILLE, Ky., February 23, 2026--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Republic Bank & Trust Company ("Republic" or the "Bank") is proud to announce the promotion of Kenya Lacy to Associate Vice President, Inclusion and Diversity Manager.

With more than 23 years of experience in banking operations including seven years at Republic Bank, Lacy brings a unique ability to align strategic business objectives with inclusive, people-centered leadership. Throughout her tenure, she has demonstrated a consistent track record of fostering environments where associates feel valued, supported, and empowered to succeed. Her leadership philosophy is grounded in the belief that when individuals experience a true sense of belonging, collective success naturally follows.

"Kenya has been a dedicated member of Republic Bank and an advocate for the work of our associates for many years. Her commitment to our company and our culture is evident in everything she does," said Logan Pichel, President & CEO of Republic Bank. "Im excited to see the impact she will make in this new role."

Lacy will continue to champion for the Banks associate-led, voluntary Business Resource Groups. She will also lead associate involvement in companywide community events, including Juneteenth, Pride, the Hero Run and others, ensuring these efforts remain inclusive, impactful, and aligned with the Banks peoplefirst mission.

"Stepping into this new role is such an exciting opportunity to continue strengthening the culture that makes Republic Bank so special. Im looking forward to building on the great work thats already happening," said Lacy. "My goal is to create a sense of belonging, where our unique differences spark new ideas, drive progress, and show up in everything we do as a company."

Beyond her professional achievements, Lacy is an active and visible representative of Republic Bank within the community. She is being honored as a 2026 Chestnut Street YMCA Black Achiever and consistently participates in and supports community initiatives that reinforce the Banks longstanding commitment to service and engagement. In addition, she has served as a music ministry leader for more than 20 years where she teaches, develops, and guides ministries toward greater effectiveness and excellence, further reflecting her passion for mentorship and service.

###

About Republic Bank

Republic Bancorp, Inc. (the "Company") is the parent company of Republic Bank & Trust Company (the "Bank"). The Bank currently has 47 banking centers in communities within five metropolitan statistical areas ("MSAs") across five states: 22 banking centers located within the Louisville MSA in Louisville, Prospect, Shelbyville, and Shepherdsville in Kentucky, and Floyds Knobs, Jeffersonville, and New Albany in Indiana; six banking centers within the Lexington MSA in Georgetown and Lexington in Kentucky; eight banking centers within the Cincinnati MSA in Cincinnati and West Chester in Ohio, and Bellevue, Covington, Crestview Hills, and Florence in Kentucky; seven banking centers within the Tampa MSA in Largo, New Port Richey, St. Petersburg, Seminole, and Tampa in Florida; and four banking centers within the Nashville MSA in Franklin, Murfreesboro, Nashville and Spring Hill, Tennessee. The Bank offers online banking at www.republicbank.com. The Company is headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, and as of December 31, 2025, had approximately $7.04 billion in total assets. The Companys Class A Common Stock is listed under the symbol "RBCAA" on the NASDAQ Global Select Market.
Burlington Stores (NYSE:BURL  Get Free Report) had its price target lifted by investment analysts at JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $316.00 to $356.00 in a research report issued to clients and investors on Monday,Benzinga reports. The brokerage currently has an overweight rating on the stock. JPMorgan Chase & Co.s price objective suggests a potential upside of 16.10% from the stocks previous close.

Several other analysts also recently weighed in on the company. Citigroup dropped their price objective on Burlington Stores from $358.00 to $351.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Monday, November 3rd. Sanford C. Bernstein set a $350.00 price target on shares of Burlington Stores and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Tuesday, January 6th. Telsey Advisory Group reiterated an outperform rating and set a $350.00 price objective on shares of Burlington Stores in a research report on Tuesday, November 25th. UBS Group reaffirmed a buy rating on shares of Burlington Stores in a research note on Monday, November 17th. Finally, TD Cowen reiterated a buy rating on shares of Burlington Stores in a report on Wednesday, November 26th. Fifteen research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and five have issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Burlington Stores presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $338.44.

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Burlington Stores Price Performance

Shares of Burlington Stores stock traded down $8.65 on Monday, reaching $306.63. 169,677 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 790,159. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.32, a quick ratio of 0.46 and a current ratio of 1.21. The firm has a market cap of $19.30 billion, a PE ratio of 35.24, a P/E/G ratio of 1.71 and a beta of 1.74. The firms 50 day moving average is $297.31 and its 200-day moving average is $281.05. Burlington Stores has a one year low of $212.92 and a one year high of $332.20.

Burlington Stores (NYSE:BURL  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, November 25th. The company reported $1.68 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.59 by $0.09. Burlington Stores had a net margin of 5.01% and a return on equity of 41.02%. The business had revenue of $2.71 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.74 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $1.55 earnings per share. The companys revenue was up 7.1% on a year-over-year basis. Burlington Stores has set its Q4 2025 guidance at 4.500-4.70 EPS and its FY 2025 guidance at 9.690-9.890 EPS. As a group, analysts anticipate that Burlington Stores will post 7.93 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Institutional Trading of Burlington Stores

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA lifted its stake in shares of Burlington Stores by 6.7% in the 3rd quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA now owns 945,554 shares of the companys stock valued at $240,643,000 after purchasing an additional 59,587 shares during the period. Oak Thistle LLC bought a new stake in Burlington Stores in the third quarter worth approximately $1,932,000. Campbell & CO Investment Adviser LLC acquired a new position in Burlington Stores in the third quarter valued at approximately $1,033,000. Nomura Asset Management Co. Ltd. boosted its holdings in shares of Burlington Stores by 8.3% during the 2nd quarter. Nomura Asset Management Co. Ltd. now owns 19,785 shares of the companys stock worth $4,603,000 after buying an additional 1,510 shares in the last quarter. Finally, PCJ Investment Counsel Ltd. bought a new position in shares of Burlington Stores during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $1,628,000.

Burlington Stores Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Burlington Stores, Inc is an American off-price retailer that sells apparel and home goods at discounted prices. The companys merchandise assortment includes clothing for women, men and children, plus baby products, footwear, accessories, beauty items, toys and home decor. Burlingtons merchandising strategy focuses on offering branded and private-label goods at lower prices than traditional department stores by sourcing excess inventory, closeouts and opportunistic buys from manufacturers and other retailers.

The business traces its roots to the Burlington Coat Factory name established in the early 1970s and has since evolved into a broader off-price retailer that carries a wide range of seasonal and everyday merchandise.

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Hut 8, Tempus AI, and Upstart are the three Artificial Intelligence stocks to watch today, according to MarketBeats stock screener tool. Artificial intelligence stocks are shares of companies that develop, sell, or heavily use AI technologiesincluding firms that create AI software, hardware, cloud services, or applications that rely on machine learning and data analytics. For investors, these stocks offer exposure to the potential growth of AI-driven markets but often carry higher volatility, valuation uncertainty, and concentration risk tied to the technologys adoption and competitive landscape. These companies had the highest dollar trading volume of any Artificial Intelligence stocks within the last several days.

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Hut 8 (HUT)

Hut 8 Corp., together with its subsidiaries, acquires, builds, manages, and operates data centers for digital assets mining, computing, and artificial intelligence in the United States. It operates in four segments: Digital Assets Mining, Managed Services, High Performance Computing Colocation and Cloud, and Other.

Tempus AI (TEM)

Tempus AI Inc. is a technology company advancing precision medicine through the practical application of artificial intelligence principally in healthcare. The company provides AI-enabled precision medicine solutions to physicians to deliver personalized patient care and in parallel facilitates discovery, development and delivery of optimal therapeutics.

Read Our Latest Research Report on TEM

Upstart (UPST)

Upstart Holdings, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, operates a cloud-based artificial intelligence (AI) lending platform in the United States. Its platform includes personal loans, automotive retail and refinance loans, home equity lines of credit, and small dollar loans that connects consumer demand for loans to its to bank and credit unions.

Read Our Latest Research Report on UPST

Featured Stories
CaixaBank, S.A. Unsponsored ADR (OTCMKTS:CAIXY  Get Free Report) gapped up prior to trading on Monday . The stock had previously closed at $4.15, but opened at $4.32. CaixaBank shares last traded at $4.31, with a volume of 113,011 shares trading hands.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

CAIXY has been the subject of a number of research analyst reports. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft upgraded CaixaBank from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Monday. Royal Bank Of Canada restated a sector perform rating on shares of CaixaBank in a research report on Monday, February 2nd. Finally, Citigroup reiterated a buy rating on shares of CaixaBank in a research report on Wednesday. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating and four have issued a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold.

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CaixaBank Price Performance

About CaixaBank

The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $4.12 and a 200 day moving average price of $3.70.

(Get Free Report)

CaixaBank (OTCMKTS: CAIXY) is a major Spanish banking group that provides a broad range of financial products and services to retail, corporate and institutional clients. The companys operations encompass traditional banking activities such as deposit-taking, consumer and mortgage lending, payment and card services, and corporate banking, alongside wealth management, private banking, insurance and asset-management businesses. CaixaBank also offers investment-banking-related services and specialized financing solutions including leasing, factoring and trade finance through its group structure and subsidiaries.

The bank traces its origins to the Catalan savings bank la Caixa and has evolved into a commercial banking group through organic growth and strategic acquisitions.

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Anglo American (LON:AAL) used its 2025 results presentation to outline what leadership described as a transformational year marked by major portfolio changes, ongoing cost reduction efforts, and continued work to complete its proposed merger with Teck to form Anglo Tech. Executives also addressed safety performance, operational developments across key assets, and the outlook for 2026 amid a simplified business increasingly focused on copper and premium iron ore.

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Safety performance and fatalities

Chair Stuart Chambers opened the presentation by reiterating that safety remains the companys very first value and number one priority. The company recorded its lowest ever total recordable injury frequency rate in 2025, but both Chambers and CEO Duncan Wanblad noted two workplace fatalities during the year, which they called tragic and unacceptable.

Strategic shift: portfolio changes and the planned Anglo Tech merger

Wanblad said the fatalities occurred in separate incidents at managed operations: a projects contractor fell from height at a filtration plant at Minas Rio in Brazil, and an accident involving a load-haul-dump vehicle occurred at Unki in Zimbabwe shortly before the demerger of Valterra. He said injury frequency rates improved to the lowest in the companys history and were 20% lower than the prior year. For 2026, management plans to further strengthen its approach by enabling leaders to spend more time in the field through prioritization and simplification of work.

Management emphasized progress on portfolio optimization in 2025, highlighting the demerger of its PGMs business, Valterra, and the full sell-down of Anglo Americans residual 19.99% stake. Wanblad said the sell-downs raised approximately $2.5 billion and supported deleveraging.

Anglo American also described progress toward its proposed merger with Teck, announced in September, to create Anglo Tech, which management positioned as a global critical minerals and copper champion. Wanblad said shareholder support has been strong and that several regulatory approvals have been secured, including under Canadas Investment Canada Act. Remaining regulatory processes include South Korea and China, which he said are on track.

Wanblad reiterated expectations for completion about 1218 months from the announcement, putting the estimated closing window between September 2026 and March 2027. He also said a $4.5 billion special dividend is expected to be payable to Anglo American shareholders of record around completion. When asked about U.S. approvals, Wanblad said all required approvals applied for have been received, with only South Korea and China outstanding.

Operational highlights: copper and iron ore

Wanblad said the companys copper and iron ore businesses performed well and delivered 2025 production guidance, alongside effective cost control. He highlighted growing operational stability and a shift toward local accountability as cultural drivers of performance.

In copper, Wanblad said Collahuasi is expected to move through a lower grade phase in 2026, with a significant improvement expected from 2027 as it accesses fresh ore in the Rosario pit. He also pointed to benefits from a reset to the Los Bronces mine plan, including restored optionality and flexibility, and strong progress on the Donoso Two phase, described as higher grade with slightly softer ores.

Wanblad said Anglo American has restarted the second plant at Los Bronces given the current copper price environment, with the plant expected to deliver cash-generative production during 2026. However, he said it will need to shut again at year-end due to water requirements linked to tailings dam work to align with Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (GISTM) commitments, specifically at the Perez Caldera tailings dam. He added the company expects more flexibility to restart the plant permanently as Los Bronces and Andina are combined closer to the end of the decade.

At Quellaveco, Wanblad said throughput exceeded design capacity and that the mine is positioned to generate high cash flow, operating stably at around 300,000 tons of copper per year in the coming years. He also said Quellaveco is on track to achieve capital payback in 2026, four years after first production.

In iron ore, Wanblad said Kumbas UH DMS tie-in at Sishen is progressing to plan and on budget, with production expected to be down around 4 million tons during 2026 due to the DMS plant being offline during the tie-in. He said stockpiles should support sustained sales volumes comparable to 2025 levels. Wanblad also cited Minas Rio as a star performer, with production broadly flat year-over-year despite a planned pipeline inspection in August. He noted this performance will be important as the mine transitions to more variable feed from 2028 onward, and said work to integrate DR-grade serpentinite resources to supplement production in 2030 is progressing.

Financial results: simplified portfolio strength offset by De Beers losses

Finance director John Heasley said the company delivered on production and cost guidance, achieved its $1.8 billion cost-out program, and reduced working capital further. He acknowledged that reporting remains complex due to portfolio transformation, with continuing operations including the end-state simplified business and De Beers, while discontinued operations include PGMs up to the May demerger as well as steelmaking coal and nickel.

Continuing operations : EBITDA of $6.4 billion and earnings of $0.9 billion.

: EBITDA of $6.4 billion and earnings of $0.9 billion. Simplified portfolio (copper and premium iron ore): EBITDA of $6.9 billion, a 44% EBITDA margin, and underlying earnings of $1.6 billion.

(copper and premium iron ore): EBITDA of $6.9 billion, a 44% EBITDA margin, and underlying earnings of $1.6 billion. De Beers : EBITDA loss of $0.5 billion.

: EBITDA loss of $0.5 billion. Discontinued operations: $0.1 billion of EBITDA and an underlying loss of $0.3 billion; statutory loss was $2.5 billion, driven in part by a $2.2 billion loss on the PGMs demerger.

Heasley reported underlying earnings per share of $0.54 and full-year dividends of $0.23 per share, in line with a 40% payout policy. The board declared a final dividend of $0.16 per share, payable following shareholder approval in early May.

Within the simplified portfolio, Heasley said EBITDA rose 9% year-over-year to $6.9 billion despite a 4% decline in production, citing higher realized prices and cost discipline. Production was impacted primarily by lower grades and recoveries at Collahuasi and reduced throughput at Los Bronces while its smaller plant was on care and maintenance. Copper contributed $4.0 billion of EBITDA and premium iron ore $2.9 billion. Return on capital was 17%.

Heasley said the effective tax rate for continuing operations was 52%, largely due to De Beers; the simplified portfolio tax rate was 39%, and long-term guidance excluding De Beers remains 38%42%.

On costs, Heasley said copper benefited from lower treatment and refining charges, and Quellaveco delivered unit costs of $0.89 per pound. Premium iron ore unit costs were broadly flat at Kumba, while Minas Rio incurred higher costs related to pipeline inspection activities. He also emphasized a focus on total costs, with the total cost base up 1% year-over-year.

Heasley said Anglo American realized $600 million of gross cost savings in 2025 and now stands at $1.6 billion of realized savings against its $1.8 billion goal, with the final $0.2 billion expected in 2026. He also noted that the head office transformation program supported costs and resulted in a 21% headcount reduction.

De Beers: challenging market, impairment, and exit process

Heasley said De Beers faced continued challenging market conditions driven by lab-grown diamonds, U.S. tariffs, and increased supply. While De Beers increased sales volumes and reduced unit costs by 8%, lower pricing led to a $500 million EBITDA loss. He said De Beers reduced inventory by $0.9 billion during the year and kept the business broadly cash breakeven, leaving midstream inventory at broadly normalized levels.

As part of year-end processes, Anglo American recognized a $2.3 billion impairment for De Beers within special items, reflecting updated views on near-term macroeconomic and industry challenges, including an extended period of lower rough diamond prices, slower differentiation between lab-grown and natural markets, weak China demand, and increased supply. Heasley said the carrying value of De Beers as a whole is now $2.3 billion, with Anglo Americans attributable share at $1.9 billion. In the Q&A, Heasley clarified the $2.3 billion figure is on an enterprise value basis.

Wanblad said Anglo American is prioritizing a strategic sale rather than a demerger in the current market environment, though the option to list De Beers in the future remains. He told investors discussions are in advanced stages with a select group of strategic parties and that conversations with the government of Botswana are constructive and important to the process. Wanblad also said sale consideration could involve structured proceeds, such as upfront and contingent payments, given the potential for cash negativity during a downturn. When asked about bidders, he said all are consortia; some include governments and some do not, and a transaction could potentially involve selling the stake in multiple parts.

Looking ahead, Heasley guided to higher 2026 unit costs in copper (around $1.72 per pound versus $1.50) and premium iron ore (around $41 per ton), driven mainly by stronger producer currency assumptions and production mix. He also said the company expects about $0.2 billion of restructuring and merger costs in 2026 and noted a one-off non-cash net debt impact of $0.5 billion related to lease liabilities for the Los Bronces Integrated Water Solution project.

About Anglo American (LON:AAL)

Anglo American is a leading global mining company focused on the responsible production of copper, premium iron ore and crop nutrients  future-enabling products that are essential for decarbonising the global economy, improving living standards, and food security. Our portfolio of world-class operations and outstanding resource endowments offers value-accretive growth potential across all three businesses, positioning us to deliver into structurally attractive major demand growth trends.

Our integrated approach to sustainability and innovation drives our decision-making across the value chain, from how we discover new resources to how we mine, process, move and market our products to our customers  safely, efficiently and responsibly.

Further Reading
International Tower Hill Mines Ltd. (NYSE:THM  Get Free Report)s stock price was up 6.2% on Monday . The stock traded as high as $2.86 and last traded at $2.8560. Approximately 493,579 shares traded hands during trading, a decline of 77% from the average daily volume of 2,164,908 shares. The stock had previously closed at $2.69.

International Tower Hill Mines Trading Up 7.2%

The firm has a market capitalization of $599.75 million, a P/E ratio of -144.20 and a beta of 0.71. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $2.30 and its 200-day simple moving average is $1.90.

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Insiders Place Their Bets

In related news, major shareholder Paulson & Co. Inc. purchased 18,018,018 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, January 27th. The shares were bought at an average cost of $2.22 per share, with a total value of $39,999,999.96. Following the acquisition, the insider owned 88,257,406 shares of the companys stock, valued at $195,931,441.32. This represents a 25.65% increase in their ownership of the stock. The acquisition was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, major shareholder Global Holdings L.P. Electrum purchased 3,153,153 shares of International Tower Hill Mines stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, January 27th. The shares were bought at an average price of $2.22 per share, with a total value of $6,999,999.66. Following the transaction, the insider owned 3,153,153 shares of the companys stock, valued at $6,999,999.66. This trade represents a ? increase in their position. The SEC filing for this purchase provides additional information. Insiders acquired a total of 32,486,803 shares of company stock valued at $72,120,703 in the last 90 days. Corporate insiders own 2.48% of the companys stock.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On International Tower Hill Mines

International Tower Hill Mines Company Profile

Institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Marshall Wace LLP purchased a new stake in International Tower Hill Mines in the second quarter worth $32,000. Tudor Investment Corp ET AL bought a new position in shares of International Tower Hill Mines during the 4th quarter worth $41,000. XTX Topco Ltd increased its holdings in International Tower Hill Mines by 97.7% in the 2nd quarter. XTX Topco Ltd now owns 59,074 shares of the companys stock worth $51,000 after acquiring an additional 29,186 shares during the last quarter. StoneX Group Inc. raised its stake in International Tower Hill Mines by 43.3% in the 4th quarter. StoneX Group Inc. now owns 27,389 shares of the companys stock valued at $51,000 after acquiring an additional 8,281 shares during the period. Finally, WINTON GROUP Ltd bought a new stake in International Tower Hill Mines in the 4th quarter valued at about $68,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 54.63% of the companys stock.

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International Tower Hill Mines Ltd. (NYSE American: THM) is a mineral exploration and development company focused on advancing its flagship Livengood gold project in Alaska, United States. Headquartered in Vancouver, Canada, the companys primary business activity is the exploration, permitting and feasibility study of the Livengood deposit, which hosts a large-scale, low?sulfidation gold system. Through systematic drilling programs and resource modeling, International Tower Hill Mines aims to define and expand gold resources while advancing environmental and engineering studies toward a potential mining operation.

The Livengood project, situated approximately 70 miles northwest of Fairbanks, Alaska, has been the focal point of International Tower Hill Mines efforts since acquiring the property in 2011.

Further Reading

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Teledyne Technologies (NYSE:TDY  Get Free Report) had its price objective hoisted by stock analysts at Jefferies Financial Group from $710.00 to $770.00 in a research report issued to clients and investors on Monday,Benzinga reports. The firm currently has a buy rating on the scientific and technical instruments companys stock. Jefferies Financial Groups target price would suggest a potential upside of 14.33% from the companys previous close.

Several other analysts have also issued reports on TDY. Stifel Nicolaus raised their price target on shares of Teledyne Technologies from $645.00 to $720.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, January 22nd. Morgan Stanley initiated coverage on Teledyne Technologies in a report on Wednesday, January 21st. They set an equal weight rating and a $620.00 price target for the company. Citigroup raised their price objective on shares of Teledyne Technologies from $567.00 to $604.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Tuesday, January 13th. Barclays increased their price target on shares of Teledyne Technologies from $579.00 to $599.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research note on Thursday, January 22nd. Finally, Needham & Company LLC boosted their price objective on shares of Teledyne Technologies from $615.00 to $700.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, January 22nd. Seven analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and three have given a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Teledyne Technologies has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $643.67.

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Teledyne Technologies Trading Up 0.7%

Shares of NYSE TDY traded up $4.76 during mid-day trading on Monday, hitting $673.48. 129,650 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 412,675. 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 stock has a market capitalization of $31.62 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 35.65, a PEG ratio of 3.31 and a beta of 1.01. Teledyne Technologies has a 1 year low of $419.00 and a 1 year high of $675.19. The business has a 50 day moving average of $580.88 and a two-hundred day moving average of $553.63.

Teledyne Technologies (NYSE:TDY  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, January 21st. The scientific and technical instruments company reported $6.30 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $5.83 by $0.47. The business had revenue of $1.61 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.57 billion. Teledyne Technologies had a net margin of 14.63% and a return on equity of 10.08%. Teledyne Technologiess revenue for the quarter was up 7.3% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $5.52 earnings per share. 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. On average, sell-side analysts anticipate that Teledyne Technologies will post 21.55 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Insider Activity at Teledyne Technologies

In other Teledyne Technologies news, Vice Chairman Jason Vanwees sold 5,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, February 3rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $630.92, for a total value of $3,154,600.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider directly owned 51,025 shares in the company, valued at $32,192,693. This trade represents a 8.92% 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. Also, Director Michael T. Smith sold 2,469 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Thursday, January 29th. The shares were sold at an average price of $621.00, for a total transaction of $1,533,249.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director directly owned 47,328 shares of the companys stock, valued at $29,390,688. This represents a 4.96% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Insiders have sold 11,500 shares of company stock valued at $7,214,750 over the last three months. Insiders own 1.50% of the companys stock.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Teledyne Technologies

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the business. Prudential Financial Inc. lifted its position in shares of Teledyne Technologies by 9.5% during the 2nd quarter. Prudential Financial Inc. now owns 27,290 shares of the scientific and technical instruments companys stock valued at $13,981,000 after buying an additional 2,369 shares during the last quarter. Mirae Asset Global Investments Co. Ltd. raised its stake in Teledyne Technologies by 105.5% in the 3rd quarter. Mirae Asset Global Investments Co. Ltd. now owns 11,345 shares of the scientific and technical instruments companys stock valued at $6,649,000 after acquiring an additional 5,825 shares during the period. Allianz Asset Management GmbH lifted its holdings in Teledyne Technologies by 843.1% during the third quarter. Allianz Asset Management GmbH now owns 23,001 shares of the scientific and technical instruments companys stock valued at $13,480,000 after purchasing an additional 20,562 shares during the last quarter. Synergy Asset Management LLC bought a new position in Teledyne Technologies during the third quarter worth about $25,153,000. Finally, State of Alaska Department of Revenue boosted its position in Teledyne Technologies by 52.1% during the third quarter. State of Alaska Department of Revenue now owns 8,016 shares of the scientific and technical instruments companys stock worth $4,697,000 after purchasing an additional 2,746 shares during the period. 91.58% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

About Teledyne Technologies

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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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Impala Platinum Holdings Ltd. (OTCMKTS:IMPUY  Get Free Report)s share price gapped up prior to trading on Monday . The stock had previously closed at $18.40, but opened at $18.99. Impala Platinum shares last traded at $18.90, with a volume of 64,443 shares traded.

Analyst Ratings Changes

IMPUY has been the topic of a number of recent research reports. HSBC set a $23.00 price target on shares of Impala Platinum and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Friday, January 23rd. Morgan Stanley raised shares of Impala Platinum to an overweight rating in a research report on Friday, January 23rd. Finally, Zacks Research raised Impala Platinum from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Friday, December 19th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating and two have assigned a Buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Impala Platinum currently has a consensus rating of Buy and an average price target of $23.00.

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Impala Platinum Price Performance

About Impala Platinum

The company has a quick ratio of 1.23, a current ratio of 2.74 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.02. The businesss fifty day simple moving average is $17.61 and its 200 day simple moving average is $13.48.

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Impala Platinum (OTCMKTS:IMPUY) is the U.S. American Depositary Receipt program for Impala Platinum Holdings Limited, a South African mining group specializing in the extraction, processing and marketing of platinum group metals (PGMs). Headquartered in Johannesburg, the companys core products include platinum, palladium, rhodium, ruthenium and iridium, with byproducts such as nickel and gold. Impala Platinums integrated operations span the full value chain from underground and surface mining to smelting and refining.

The companys principal mining assets are located on the Bushveld Complex in South Africa and at the Zimplats operations in Zimbabwe.

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The Monarch Cement Co. (OTCMKTS:MCEM  Get Free Report)s share price reached a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Monday . The company traded as high as $270.60 and last traded at $270.60, with a volume of 210 shares trading hands. The stock had previously closed at $262.99.

Monarch Cement Price Performance

The stock has a market cap of $966.77 million, a P/E ratio of 17.25 and a beta of 0.46. The businesss fifty day moving average price is $239.22 and its 200 day moving average price is $231.23.

Monarch Cement Company Profile

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The Monarch Cement Company engages in the manufacture and sale of portland cement in the United States. The company also provides masonry cement, ready-mixed concrete, concrete products, and sundry building materials. It primarily serves contractors, ready-mixed concrete plants, concrete products plants, building materials dealers, and governmental agencies. The company sells its products principally in the State of Kansas, the State of Iowa, southeast Nebraska, western Missouri, northwest Arkansas, and northern Oklahoma.

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Shares of Bluebird Merchant Ventures Limited (LON:BMV  Get Free Report) dropped 7.7% during mid-day trading on Monday . The company traded as low as GBX 0.12 and last traded at GBX 0.12. Approximately 4,078,545 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 47% from the average daily volume of 7,674,387 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 0.13.

Bluebird Merchant Ventures Stock Performance

The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.29, a quick ratio of 0.08 and a current ratio of 0.08. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of GBX 0.16 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of GBX 0.54. The stock has a market cap of 2.11 million, a PE ratio of -0.32 and a beta of 0.62.

About Bluebird Merchant Ventures

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Bluebird Merchant Ventures Limited, together with its subsidiaries, engages in mining and developing of mineral properties. The company primarily explores for gold and silver deposits. It holds interests in the Gubong project and Kochang project located in South Korea. The company was incorporated in 2014 and is based in Road Town, the British Virgin Islands.

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Farmers & Merchants Bancorp (OTCMKTS:FMCB  Get Free Report) and First Foundation (NYSE:FFWM  Get Free Report) are both small-cap finance companies, but which is the superior stock? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their earnings, profitability, analyst recommendations, dividends, risk, valuation and institutional ownership.

Profitability

This table compares Farmers & Merchants Bancorp and First Foundations net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

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Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Farmers & Merchants Bancorp 30.88% 15.05% 1.67% First Foundation -26.37% 1.06% 0.08%

Valuation & Earnings

This table compares Farmers & Merchants Bancorp and First Foundations revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Farmers & Merchants Bancorp $303.12 million 2.77 $93.61 million $134.01 8.95 First Foundation $190.67 million 2.60 -$155.16 million ($1.89) -3.16

Farmers & Merchants Bancorp has higher revenue and earnings than First Foundation. First Foundation is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

Analyst Recommendations

This is a breakdown of recent recommendations for Farmers & Merchants Bancorp and First Foundation, as provided by MarketBeat.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Farmers & Merchants Bancorp 0 0 0 0 0.00 First Foundation 1 2 0 1 2.25

Volatility and Risk

Farmers & Merchants Bancorp has a beta of 0.18, suggesting that its stock price is 82% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, First Foundation has a beta of 0.93, suggesting that its stock price is 7% less volatile than the S&P 500.

Dividends

Farmers & Merchants Bancorp pays an annual dividend of $20.20 per share and has a dividend yield of 1.7%. First Foundation pays an annual dividend of $0.04 per share and has a dividend yield of 0.7%. Farmers & Merchants Bancorp pays out 15.1% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. First Foundation pays out -2.1% 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.

Insider and Institutional Ownership

5.6% of Farmers & Merchants Bancorp shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 73.1% of First Foundation shares are owned by institutional investors. 8.0% of Farmers & Merchants Bancorp shares are owned by company insiders. Comparatively, 9.5% of First Foundation shares are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, large money managers and endowments believe a stock is poised for long-term growth.

Summary

Farmers & Merchants Bancorp beats First Foundation on 9 of the 15 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Farmers & Merchants Bancorp

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Farmers & Merchants Bancorp operates as the bank holding company for Farmers & Merchants Bank of Central California that provides various banking services to businesses and individuals. The company accepts various deposit products, including checking, savings, money market, time certificates of deposit, and individual retirement accounts. It also offers range of lending products comprising commercial and residential real estate, real estate construction, agribusiness, and consumer loans, as well as equipment leases and credit card services; commercial products, including term loans, lines of credit and other working capital financing, and letters of credit; and financing products, such as automobile financing, home improvement, and home equity lines of credit. In addition, the company provides various specialized services consisting of credit card programs for merchants, lockbox and other collection services, account reconciliation, investment sweep, online account access, and electronic funds transfers through domestic and international wire and automated clearinghouse; online banking services; and investment products, such as mutual funds and annuities. The company was founded in 1916 and is headquartered in Lodi, California.

About First Foundation

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First Foundation Inc., through its subsidiaries, provides personal banking, business banking, and private wealth management services in the United States. It operates through two segments, Banking and Wealth Management. The company offers a range of bank deposit products, including personal and business checking accounts, savings accounts, interest-bearing negotiable order of withdrawal accounts, money market accounts, and time certificate of deposits; and loan products consisting of multifamily and single family residential real estate loans, commercial real estate loans, and commercial term loans and line of credits, as well as consumer loans, such as personal installment loans and line of credits, and home equity line of credits. It also provides various specialized services comprising trust services, internet and mobile banking, remote deposit capture services, merchant credit card services, ATM cards, Visa debit cards, and business sweep accounts, as well as insurance brokerage services and equipment financing solutions. In addition, the company offers investment management and financial planning services; treasury management services; advisory and coordination services in the areas of estate planning, retirement planning, and charitable and business ownership issues; and financial, investment, and economic advisory and related services. Further, it provides support services, including the processing and transmission of financial and economic data for charitable organizations. The company operates through a network of 28 branch offices and 3 loan production offices in California, Nevada, Texas, and Hawaii. First Foundation Inc. was founded in 1985 and is headquartered in Dallas, Texas.

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ASTANA, Kazakhstan and PRINCETON, N.J., Feb. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- ETS, a global education and talent solutions organization, and the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, together with the National Testing Center (NTC), announced today the next milestone in their partnership to modernize Kazakhstan's national university admissions system with the development of a new assessment: the Admissions Insight Test (AIT). This work builds on the previously announced agreement cemented in November 2025 that the two organizations would partner on transforming Kazakhstan's gateway to higher education.

ETS Logo (PRNewsfoto/ETS)

"The Admissions Insight Test represents a decisive step forward for Kazakhstan's higher education system," said Sayasat Nurbek, Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan. "By building this new admissions exam in partnership with ETS, we are strengthening trust, fairness, and global alignment in how students enter our universities. This work positions Kazakhstan to lead in education innovation while ensuring our students are prepared for success in a rapidly changing, international, and AIdriven world."

The ETS Research Institute will work side-by-side with Kazakhstan's education leaders and NTC specialists to design an assessment system that evaluates both academic achievement and the broader competencies students need to thrive in modern university programs and an AI-centric global economy. The AIT is intended to reflect Kazakhstan's ambition to become a leading higher education hub in Eurasia by strengthening academic excellence, innovation, and international cooperation through a modern, research-based approach to admissions measurement.

"Around the world, governments are rethinking how education systems measure readiness for the future and they are turning to ETS because trust, rigor, and global expertise matter," said Kadriye Ercikan, Senior Vice President of Global Research at ETS. "Our work with Kazakhstan reflects the same responsibility we bring to partnerships with education systems worldwide: applying the strongest measurement science, responsible innovation, and AIenabled approaches to help countries build assessment systems that are fair, credible, and internationally respected."

The AIT is being developed to provide a valid, reliable, and fair assessment of applicants' readiness for undergraduate study, use AI and advanced analytics to improve development efficiency and strengthen insights from results, and to support future international recognition. It is expected to use a modular format combining Subject Modules aligned with the school curriculum and applicants' intended fields of study, alongside Skills Based Tests assessing interdisciplinary capabilities such as critical thinking, academic writing and research skills, communication, quantitative and digital literacy, and creative/design thinking. This design aims to provide a fuller view of applicant readiness and enable more informed decision-making than a single total score.
Gold Fields Limited (NYSE:GFI  Get Free Report)s share price rose 5.1% during trading on Monday . The company traded as high as $56.94 and last traded at $56.85. Approximately 1,481,372 shares changed hands during trading, a decline of 57% from the average daily volume of 3,453,109 shares. The stock had previously closed at $54.09.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several brokerages have recently issued reports on GFI. Royal Bank Of Canada decreased their price target on shares of Gold Fields to $45.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Monday, November 24th. Weiss Ratings restated a buy (b) rating on shares of Gold Fields in a research note on Thursday, January 22nd. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their target price on Gold Fields from $64.00 to $65.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Tuesday, January 20th. Scotiabank lifted their target price on shares of Gold Fields from $47.00 to $61.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a research report on Monday, January 26th. Finally, Zacks Research raised shares of Gold Fields from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Monday, February 2nd. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, four have given a Buy rating, five have issued a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $44.00.

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Gold Fields Trading Up 5.1%

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

The companys 50-day simple moving average is $49.77 and its 200 day simple moving average is $42.50.

A number of large investors have recently bought and sold shares of GFI. Penserra Capital Management LLC purchased a new stake in Gold Fields during the 2nd quarter worth about $26,000. Country Trust Bank purchased a new position in shares of Gold Fields during the second quarter worth approximately $26,000. CIBC Private Wealth Group LLC increased its stake in Gold Fields by 47.1% in the third quarter. CIBC Private Wealth Group LLC now owns 853 shares of the companys stock valued at $36,000 after purchasing an additional 273 shares during the period. Archer Investment Corp purchased a new stake in Gold Fields during the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $42,000. Finally, Cary Street Partners Investment Advisory LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Gold Fields during the third quarter worth approximately $45,000. 24.81% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Gold Fields Company Profile

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Gold Fields (NYSE: GFI) is a Johannesburg?based gold mining company that operates as an international producer of gold. Listed on multiple exchanges and traded in the United States via American Depositary Receipts under the ticker GFI, the company focuses on the exploration, development, extraction and processing of gold-bearing ore and the sale of refined gold products. Its operations span several regions, serving global bullion markets and supplying gold for both investment and industrial uses.

The companys core activities include mine development and underground and open?pit mining, ore treatment and refining, and ongoing exploration to replace reserves.

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Mitsubishi Electric Co. (OTCMKTS:MIELF  Get Free Report)s share price gapped up prior to trading on Monday . The stock had previously closed at $36.50, but opened at $38.60. Mitsubishi Electric shares last traded at $38.60, with a volume of 215 shares trading hands.

Mitsubishi Electric Stock Up 1.4%

The company has a 50 day moving average of $32.73 and a two-hundred day moving average of $28.74. The firm has a market cap of $82.88 billion, a P/E ratio of 41.06 and a beta of 0.63.

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About Mitsubishi Electric

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Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (trading OTC as MIELF) is a diversified Japanese multinational manufacturer of electrical and electronic equipment. Established in 1921 as part of the broader Mitsubishi group, the company is headquartered in Tokyo and has grown into a global supplier of products and systems for industrial, commercial, infrastructure and consumer markets.

The companys operations span a wide range of businesses including power and energy systems, factory automation and industrial machinery, building systems such as elevators and escalators, heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) equipment, transportation systems including railway and traffic control solutions, and space and defense-related products.

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Air France-KLM SA (OTCMKTS:AFLYY  Get Free Report)s share price shot up 5.6% on Monday . The stock traded as high as $1.52 and last traded at $1.50. 87,003 shares traded hands during trading, an increase of 36% from the average session volume of 63,880 shares. The stock had previously closed at $1.4210.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

AFLYY has been the subject of several research reports. Citigroup reiterated a neutral rating on shares of Air France-KLM in a research report on Friday. Oddo Bhf raised Air France-KLM from a neutral rating to an outperform rating in a research note on Friday, February 6th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upgraded Air France-KLM from a neutral rating to an overweight rating in a report on Monday, December 1st. Barclays cut Air France-KLM from an equal weight rating to an underweight rating in a report on Wednesday, January 14th. Finally, Zacks Research upgraded Air France-KLM from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Thursday. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, two have issued a Buy rating, five have issued a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy.

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Air France-KLM Stock Performance

The company has a quick ratio of 0.60, a current ratio of 0.65 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 5.64. The company has a fifty day moving average price of $1.30 and a 200 day moving average price of $1.35. The stock has a market cap of $3.92 billion, a PE ratio of 2.26, a P/E/G ratio of 0.09 and a beta of 1.28.

Air France-KLM (OTCMKTS:AFLYY  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, February 19th. The transportation company reported $0.23 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.04 by $0.19. The business had revenue of $9.53 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $9.43 billion. Air France-KLM had a return on equity of 118.01% and a net margin of 5.00%. Analysts expect that Air France-KLM SA will post 0.21 earnings per share for the current year.

Air France-KLM Company Profile

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Air France-KLM is a leading European airline group formed in 2004 through the merger of Frances flagship carrier Air France and the Netherlands national airline KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. Headquartered in Paris and Amstelveen, the group provides passenger, cargo and maintenance services across a global network, connecting major hubs in Europe, North America, Asia, Africa and Latin America.

The companys primary business activities include scheduled passenger transport on short, medium and long-haul routes; air freight operations under Air France-KLM Cargo; and technical support and maintenance services through AFI KLM E&M.

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BlueLinx Holdings Inc. (NYSE:BXC  Get Free Report) dropped 9.4% during trading on Monday . The company traded as low as $66.20 and last traded at $65.9350. Approximately 30,538 shares changed hands during trading, a decline of 65% from the average daily volume of 87,368 shares. The stock had previously closed at $72.74.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of research firms recently weighed in on BXC. DA Davidson set a $68.00 price target on shares of BlueLinx in a report on Thursday, November 6th. Weiss Ratings reissued a sell (d) rating on shares of BlueLinx in a research report on Monday, December 29th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, one has assigned a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $88.67.

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BlueLinx Stock Down 8.3%

Institutional Trading of BlueLinx

The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.96, a current ratio of 4.60 and a quick ratio of 3.15. The stock has a market capitalization of $524.98 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 39.24 and a beta of 1.62. The firms fifty day moving average is $70.00 and its 200-day moving average is $70.55.

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of BXC. Royal Bank of Canada lifted its holdings in BlueLinx by 4.3% during the 1st quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 7,870 shares of the construction companys stock worth $590,000 after buying an additional 321 shares during the last quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC increased its holdings in shares of BlueLinx by 24.6% in the 1st quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 48,257 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $3,618,000 after acquiring an additional 9,538 shares during the last quarter. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. raised its position in shares of BlueLinx by 4.7% during the 1st quarter. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. now owns 4,863 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $365,000 after acquiring an additional 220 shares in the last quarter. Allianz Asset Management GmbH bought a new position in BlueLinx during the second quarter worth $785,000. Finally, SG Americas Securities LLC lifted its stake in BlueLinx by 100.4% during the second quarter. SG Americas Securities LLC now owns 7,998 shares of the construction companys stock worth $595,000 after purchasing an additional 4,006 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 90.83% of the companys stock.

About BlueLinx

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BlueLinx Corporation is a leading distributor of building products in the United States, serving professional builders, contractors and industrial customers. The company offers a comprehensive portfolio that includes lumber, engineered wood products, plywood, oriented strand board, siding, railing, millwork and specialty construction materials. Through its nationwide network of distribution centers, BlueLinx provides inventory management, delivery and supply-chain solutions designed to help customers streamline operations and reduce carrying costs.

Founded in 2004 as a spin-off from Georgia-Pacifics distribution business, BlueLinx has developed a broad product line that spans both residential and commercial construction markets.

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Ethernity Networks Ltd. (LON:ENET  Get Free Report)s stock price reached a new 52-week low during trading on Monday . The company traded as low as GBX 0.01 and last traded at GBX 0, with a volume of 2035604375 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 0.

Ethernity Networks Price Performance

The stock has a market cap of 40,000.00, a price-to-earnings ratio of 0.00 and a beta of 0.58. The firms fifty day moving average price is GBX 0.01 and its two-hundred day moving average price is GBX 0.01. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 21.00, a current ratio of 0.42 and a quick ratio of 1.37.

About Ethernity Networks

(Get Free Report)

Ethernity Networks Ltd. provides technology solutions for telecom, mobile, security, and data center markets in Asia, Europe, Israel, and the United States. The company develops and delivers data processing technology and solutions for carrier Ethernet switching. It provides ENET flow processors for telco/cloud network; ACE-NIC40 SmartNIC, an open flow enabled software acceleration NIC; ACE-NIC50 SmartNIC, which offers 10/25G Ethernet connectivity and field-programmable gate array (FPGA) acceleration; and ACE-NIC100 SmartNIC that provides flexible 10/25/40/100G Ethernet connectivity and programmable FPGA acceleration.

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Make better investment decisions with Simply Wall St's easy, visual tools that give you a competitive edge.

The latest analyst update for ACV Auctions includes a $1 move in the price target, with the fair value estimate now sitting at $10.71 in the refreshed model. Analysts linking this change to the recent reset in expectations describe it as a valuation adjustment that reflects a bit more confidence in management hitting, or modestly beating, current Street forecasts, while still acknowledging execution risks. As you read on, you will see how this shift fits into the broader bullish and bearish narrative and what to watch as that story evolves.

Analyst Price Targets don't always capture the full story. Head over to our Company Report to find new ways to value ACV Auctions.

What Wall Street Has Been Saying

 Bullish Takeaways

Barclays lifted its price target for ACV Auctions by $1. This signals a bit more confidence in the companys ability to line up with current Street forecasts and possibly do better, while still keeping execution risks in mind.

B. Riley has highlighted that expectations for ACV Auctions have been reset. In its view, this leaves room for the company to outperform those recalibrated Street assumptions if management executes effectively.

 Bearish Takeaways

Both Barclays and B. Riley continue to reference execution risk, reminding investors that the path to meeting or beating forecasts is not guaranteed and could be affected by how well ACV Auctions delivers on its plans.

The recent changes from Barclays and B. Riley still hinge on the same underlying story. The current fair value case is sensitive to managements delivery on growth plans and to how the broader used vehicle auction market shapes demand for ACVs services.

Do your thoughts align with the Bull or Bear Analysts? Perhaps you think there's more to the story. Head to the Simply Wall St Community to discover more perspectives!

NYSE:ACVA 1-Year Stock Price Chart

See how ACV Auctions' fair value stacks up across multiple valuation models  not just analyst targets.

What's in the News
Admittedly it's a 21 hour drive from Cabo to embattled Puerto Vallarta and this might all be just a bloggy effort to see the heiress in a bikini once again . . .

However . . .

GIVEN THAT THE FORTUNES OF THE DOTTE DEPEND ON GRACIE'S HEALTHY BIKINI FUTURE, WE'RE HAPPY TO REPORT HER SAFETY AMID MEXICAN CONFLICT!!!

Here's a bit more about her Mexican adventures . . .

"Gracie Hunt shifted from pageant success to social media influence after quitting soccer. Concussions ended her soccer dream: Soccer was my first love, she told PEOPLE in 2021. Hunt celebrated Maxim cover success and shared gratitude for her current life stage online."

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .
The timing might or might not be right . . . But that doesn't stop the constant stream of dead-tree media high praise disguised as journalism . . . Check-it:

"The lone Democratic member of Kansas congressional delegation continues to openly entertain a potential Senate run against Republican Roger Marshall in his first bid for re-election. That option has to stay on the table until I know that theyre not continuing to look at that, Davids said of mid-decade redistricting in an interview . . ."

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .

Sharice Davis is entertaining a Senate run - even after Kansas redistricting fizzled Sen. Roger Marshall, a Republican, is facing his first re-election campaign. Kansas hasn't elected a Democrat to the Senate since 1932.

Skip the paywall and read by way of Internet archive or public library card.
ApartmanInfo.hr and 14 regional portals successfully merged into one strong digital brand - Laganini.com focused on direct booking of private accommodation in Croatia including apartments, villas and holiday homes and authentic Croatian travel experiences.



(TRAVPR.COM) CROATIA - February 23rd, 2026 -

The Croatian tourism digital landscape has entered a new phase with the official unification of ApartmanInfo.hr and 14 regional accommodation portals under a single brand  Laganini.com.

After years of operating through multiple regional domains focused on specific European markets, the platforms management has completed a strategic consolidation designed to improve user experience, increase visibility for private accommodation owners, and strengthen brand recognition in domestic and international markets.

The migration includes the redirection of ApartmanInfo.hr and fourteen destination-specific portals into Laganini.com, creating one unified system for private accommodation listings across Croatia.

apartmaninfo.hr  laganini.com/hr

private-apartments-croatia.com  laganini.com/en

unterkunft-in-kroatien.de  laganini.com/de

ferienwohnungen-kroatien.at  laganini.com/de

dovolena-ubytovani-chorvatsko.cz  laganini.com/cz

apartamenty-chorwacja.com.pl  laganini.com/pl

apartmaji-hrvaska.si  laganini.com/si

appartamenti-in-croazia.it  laganini.com/it

horvatorszag-szallas.com  laganini.com/hu

dovolenka-apartmany-chorvatsko.com  laganini.com/sk

vacances-croatie.fr  laganini.com/fr

accommodatie-kroatie.nl  laganini.com/nl

lagenheterkroatien.se  laganini.com/se

leiligheterkroatia.com  laganini.com/no

A Stronger, Unified Tourism Platform

The consolidation enables:

Centralized search and booking experience

Improved technical infrastructure and faster performance

Stronger SEO authority through domain consolidation

Simplified communication between guests and hosts

Enhanced mobile and multilingual functionality

Instead of maintaining fragmented regional portals, all listings, content, and traffic are now focused on a single, recognizable brand.

Benefits for Accommodation Owners

Private hosts who were previously listed across regional portals are now part of a unified national platform. This transition provides:

Greater exposure under a single high-authority domain

Increased international visibility

Streamlined management tools

Improved analytics and performance tracking

The redirection strategy ensures that existing indexed pages retain their SEO value while strengthening the authority of Laganini.com.

Improved Experience for Travelers

Travelers searching for accommodation in Croatia now benefit from:

Access to more then 11000 verified private accommodation in Croatia

No fees and commissions - Direct contact with owners of accommodation

Destination guides and local insights

By uniting regional content into one ecosystem, Laganini.com simplifies the process of discovering apartments, holiday homes, and authentic local stays throughout the Adriatic coast and inland Croatia.

A Strategic Step Toward Long-Term Growth

The unification represents a long-term strategy to build one of Croatias leading independent accommodation portals. The move aligns with evolving search engine standards and modern user behavior, where strong, centralized digital brands outperform fragmented niche domains.

The brand Laganini.com reflects a relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle and positions the platform as a trusted partner for both hosts and travelers.

About Laganini.com

Laganini.com is a Croatian online platform specializing in private accommodation listings, and direct contact between guests and hosts. The portal promotes authentic local experiences and transparent booking without commission intermediaries.

For more information, visit:

https://www.laganini.com

###
BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 23. Thirty-four years have passed since February 26, 1992, when a total of 613 peaceful and unarmed civilians, including 106 women, 63 children, and 70 elderly people were intentionally murdered in the Khojaly city by subjecting them to severe tortures on the ground of ethnic identity, the statement of Azerbaijani Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsperson) Sabina Aliyeva on the 34nd anniversary of Khojaly Genocide from Khankendi city says, Trend reports.

The statement said that the brutal killing of the civilian population in the Khojaly city by the armed forces of Armenia, with the direct participation of the former USSR-backed 366th Motorized Rifle Regiment, solely based on their Azerbaijani ethnicity, constituted an integral part of Armenias systematic and purposeful policy of genocide against Azerbaijanis.

The Khojaly Genocide resulted in the complete destruction of eight families; 130 children lost one parent, 25 children lost both parents, and 1,275 civilians, including 68 women and 26 children, were taken captive, and subsequently, severe war crimes were committed.

This serious criminal act, encompassing elements of the crime of genocide, constitutes one of the tragic pages in the history of mankind and a gross violation of fundamental human rights and freedoms. These premeditated acts were intended to kill ethnic Azerbaijanis based on their national identity, forcibly expel them from their ancestral lands, and instill fear and panic among the population.

As a result of the Khojaly Genocide, the norms of international human rights and international humanitarian law were violated, including the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, the Convention against torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, and the Geneva Conventions for the Protection of War Victims. Consequently, the rights to life, personal security, property, freedom from torture, and other fundamental human rights were seriously violated.

The ombudsperson recalled that the Parliament of Azerbaijan, at the initiative of the National Leader Heydar Aliyev, made the first political and legal assessment of the Khojaly Genocide and declared 26 February as the Day of Commemoration of the Khojaly Genocide.

The 'Justice for Khojaly' campaign, carried out consistently by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation to inform the world community about the Khojaly Genocide and to ensure its legal and political recognition, is of great importance in raising international awareness of this act of genocide and in the restoration of justice.

"Following the Patriotic War and the local counter-terrorism operation, reconstruction works are being rapidly carried out in the territories liberated from occupation, including the Khojaly city, and residents are returning to their native lands.

In the course of restoration and reconstruction works carried out in those territories, mass graves were discovered, and the remains of individuals who had been tortured and killed were identified and buried. These facts constitute undeniable evidence of the Khojaly Genocide and the commission of serious war crimes.

A number of individuals who participated in the Khojaly Genocide and other crimes committed against our people were apprehended during the measures carried out following the local counter-terrorism operation, and they are being tried in accordance with international and national legal frameworks.

I deeply respect the dearest memory of the victims of the Khojaly Genocide and urge international organizations and the world community to take decisive measures for the legal recognition of this crime of genocide, one of the bloody massacres perpetrated in the XX century, and to bring all persons responsible for this crime to justice," the statement noted.
Details added: first version posted on 12:06

AGHDARA, Azerbaijan, February 23. A total of 63 families (293 people) of former internally displaced persons (IDPs) returned to four settlements in the Aghdara district as part of the new stage of the Great Return program implemented in the liberated territories today, the Restoration, Construction, and Management Service in Khankendi city, Aghdara, and Khojaly districts told Trend.

At this stage, 46 people (10 families) have been relocated to Childiran village, 22 people (seven families) to Chapar village, 141 people (29 families) to the village of Ashagi Oratagh, and 84 people (17 families) to the village of Heyvali. The relocation process is being continued in a planned manner, and the necessary infrastructure is being provided for the sustainable settlement of residents.

Speaking at the ceremony of presenting the keys to the apartments in Aghdara, Deputy Special Representative of the President of Azerbaijan in Khankendi city, Aghdara, and Khojaly districts, Sabuhi Gahramanov, said that large-scale restoration and reconstruction work is continuing in the district. Individual residential buildings are being thoroughly restored, new social facilities are being built, educational and healthcare institutions are being reconstructed, and modern communal infrastructure is being created in the villages.

Gahramanov also emphasized that the complete renewal of social infrastructure serves to ensure a comfortable, safe, and dignified life for residents. At the same time, employment issues for citizens returning to their native lands are constantly being kept in the spotlight, and appropriate measures are being taken to provide needy families with jobs in the public and private sectors.

Within the framework of the Great Return program, measures towards the socio-economic revival of the district are being continued in stages.

xxx

12:06

New relocation caravans have been dispatched to four restored settlements in Azerbaijan's Aghdara district, Trends Karabakh bureau reports.

The caravans include former internally displaced residents of the district's Childran, Ashagi Oratagh, Heyval, and Chapar villages.

Under the instructions of President Ilham Aliyev and within the framework of the Great Return state program, returning families in Aghdara, who had been temporarily settled across the country in dormitories, sanatoriums, and administrative buildings, are now moving back to their native villages.

At this stage, 10 families, totaling 46 people, were resettled in the village of Childiran in Aghdara, 29 families, or 141 people, in Ashagi Oratagh, 17 families, or 84 people, in Heyvali, and 7 families, or 22 people, in Chapar.

Returning residents expressed their heartfelt gratitude to President Ilham Aliyev and First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva for the comprehensive state support they received.

They also conveyed their appreciation to the courageous Azerbaijani Armed Forces, honoring the heroic soldiers and officers who liberated their lands, and prayed for mercy for the martyrs who gave their lives for this cause.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Details added: first version posted on 14:00

BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 23. The 17th meeting of the Joint Intergovernmental Commission on Economic, Trade, and Humanitarian Cooperation between Azerbaijan and Iran was held today, Trend reports.

The meeting, chaired by the Azerbaijani Deputy Prime Minister, co-chairman of the commission on the Azerbaijani side, Shahin Mustafayev, and the Iranian Minister of Roads and Urban Development, co-chairperson of the commission on the Iranian side, Farzaneh Sadegh, included authorized representatives of relevant organizations of both countries.

The meeting particularly emphasized that relations between Azerbaijan and Iran are built on shared historical, cultural, and religious values, as well as principles of friendship and good neighborliness, and noted that the dynamics of bilateral ties are based on the political will of the leaders of the two countries and encompass all areas of cooperation.

The meeting discussed the current state and prospects of cooperation between Azerbaijan and Iran in trade and economic relations, transport, energy, water management, humanitarian affairs, and other fields in detail.

Mustafayev pointed out that construction of the AghbandKalaleh road bridge has already been completed, and the bridge is expected to become operational once the border and customs infrastructure is finalized. The project will connect the East Zangezur economic region with Nakhchivan via the shortest and most efficient route, and will also form an important part of a favorable road corridor linking the Persian Gulf with the Black Sea.

In addition, extensive discussions were held on the development of the EastWest and NorthSouth transport corridors, the expansion of the regions logistics capabilities and transit potential, as well as the construction of the RashtAstara railway line, considered a key component of the NorthSouth Transport Corridor. The meeting noted that once commissioned, this railway line will significantly increase cargo transportation volumes in the NorthSouth direction and reduce delivery times.

The meeting also reviewed the implementation status of joint projects carried out by the two countries, particularly those aimed at expanding regional logistics and transit potential, as well as ensuring energy sustainability.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the co-chairs signed a memorandum of understanding on the outcomes of the commissions meeting.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Baloyi said operational delivery in Southern Africa is improving, citing progress on coal quality and reliability. The de-stoning plant reached beneficial operation in December on plan and is already improving coal quality. Mining EVP Sandile Siyaya later said the plant is operating at full capacity and that Sasol is achieving its commitment for coal supplied to Secunda Operations at below between 12% and 14% (with Sasol targeting below 12% in later periods).

Baloyi said safety remains the companys top priority, noting a tragic fatality in September 2025. He said an investigation found gaps in risk awareness and inconsistent adherence to safety rules. Sasols response includes strengthening leadership and personal accountability, reinforcing standards, intensifying focus on high-risk activities, and improving service-provider safety management. He added that leading indicators have improved, including fewer hospitalizations and lost workday cases, lower injury severity, and no major process safety incidents over the past 18 months.

President and CEO Simon Baloyi opened the call by reiterating Sasols two-pillar strategystrengthening the foundation business while positioning the company to grow and transformwhich he said remains unchanged since the May 2025 Capital Markets Day.

Sasol (NYSE:SSL) executives focused on safety, operational stability and cash generation during the companys interim results presentation for financial year 2026, describing progress on internal performance levers amid what management repeatedly characterized as a volatile and challenging macro environment.

Grow-and-transform: Sasol has contracted over 1.2 GW of renewables toward a 2 GW 2030 target, secured ~9 million tonnes of carbon offsets, and its Zaffra JV won a EUR 350 million grant for a ~2,000 bpd eSAF project targeting first production around 2030.

Operations & safety: Management emphasized safety after a fatality and reported improving deliveryits de-stoning plant is operating at full capacity and Secunda production rose 10%but gas startup delays and revised PSA volumes deferred monetization and constrained throughput.

Financials: Sasol generated positive free cash flow for the first time in four years, cut capex 43%, but recorded ZAR 7.8 billion of impairments (ZAR 3.0bn Secunda, ZAR 3.9bn Mozambique PSA, ZAR 0.5bn CTT), leaving EBIT down 52% and net debt at $3.8bn with a year-end target below $3.7bn.

Story Continues

 Hinge Healths AI Moat Might Be Its Patient Movement Data

Baloyi said external coal purchases were elevated in the first half during the ramp-up of the de-stoning plant. He said purchases should be lower in the second half and are expected to normalize in financial year 2027 as Sasol focuses on increasing its own production volumes and reducing external purchases.

On the gas portfolio, management said plateau extension projects remain on track to support supply through financial year 2028. However, startup delays at the CTT Gas-to-Power project in Mozambique affected the timing of PSA volumes. Baloyi said total gas volumes are unchanged, but a revised production profile deferred monetization and, together with a stronger rand/U.S. dollar exchange rate, resulted in a PSA impairment. Management also said Sasol is using approved sub-gas arrangements to maintain flows to South Africa while CTT progresses, and is evaluating performance testing and potential infrastructure improvements to optimize production.

 Opendoor Pops After Earnings, But the Big Question Hasnt Changed

In Q&A, EVP Victor Bester added that after achieving Ready for Operations on the PSA asset in the second quarter, Sasol identified physical restrictions limiting throughput of excess gas to South Africa. He said a performance test run will inform options to address the constraint and that the fix is expected to require low or no capital solutions. Bester also said Sasol lowered gas guidance due to reduced external customer demand and higher pure gas production from Secundas gasifiers displacing natural gas, along with other factors including recent flooding in Mozambique and work needed on wells and licensing.

Baloyi said Secunda production increased 10% year-on-year, supported by the absence of a phase shutdown, improved coal quality, and gasifier availability. Responding to questions about whether the company could raise guidance given improved run rates, Bester said Sasol is optimistic but is following a ramp-up curve toward FY 2028. He said the gasifier restoration program has covered 25% of the fleet to date and is expected to reach 40% by year-end, and that Sasol wants a fuller understanding of required restoration work before changing guidance.

At the Natref refinery, management said operational performance improved and commissioning of the last low-carbon boiler supports reliability and emissions objectives. Baloyi also said Sasol stepped into capacity after Prax SA entered business rescue, to maintain supply to South Africa and OR Tambo Airport. In Q&A, Baloyi said Sasol can utilize that portion of volume while business rescue continues, but an M&A process is underway with timing potentially around December. He said Natref was running around 480-500 (versus a possible 620-650), depending on the ability to place volumes, and that higher utilization has working capital implications as Sasol carries crude and finished product components for the refinery.

Financial performance: free cash flow, lower capex, and impairments

CFO Walt Bruns said the macro backdrop remained difficult in the first half of FY 2026, with Brent crude down 14% year-on-year and a stronger rand contributing to a 17% decline in the rand oil price. While the stronger rand weighed on earnings, Bruns said it reduced the rand value of U.S. dollar-denominated debt. He also pointed to refining margins as a notable positive, supported by improved diesel differentials and stronger performance at Natref.

Bruns said sales volumes rose 3% in the first half, supported by improved production and a better sales mix into higher-margin channels. He said cash fixed costs declined 2% overall, driven by lower labor costs and reduced external spend. Capital expenditure fell 43% year-on-year, mainly due to the absence of a Secunda phase shutdown, lower Mozambique PSA spend, and reduced environmental compliance capital as programs near completion.

As a result, Sasol revised its full-year capital guidance down by ZAR 2 billion to a range of ZAR 22 billion to ZAR 24 billion, with Bruns emphasizing the reduction is not a deferral and not rolling over into later years. In response to questions about higher expected second-half spending, Bruns said Sasol anticipates an increase due to projects progressing through gates in the second half, including mining investments to raise own production and reduce external purchases, as well as non-phase shutdown capital at Secunda.

Bruns highlighted positive free cash flow in the first halffor the first time in 4 yearsand said it was more than a 100% improvement from the prior period. Gross margin declined 6% due to the lower rand oil price and chemical pricing pressure, partially offset by stronger refining margins and higher sales volumes.

EBIT decreased 52%, which Bruns said was mainly driven by non-cash remeasurement items, including impairments of ZAR 7.8 billion (vs. ZAR 5.7 billion in the prior year). He said the current period included:

ZAR 3.0 billion impairment related to the Secunda Liquid Fuels Refinery (which he said is now fully impaired), with recoverable amount improved through management actions but impacted by lower forecast price assumptions and a stronger exchange rate.

ZAR 3.9 billion impairment on the Mozambican PSA gas development, reflecting the revised production profile and stronger rand-dollar exchange rate.

ZAR 500 million impairment of Sasols equity-accounted investment in the CTT Gas-to-Power project due to startup delays and a higher end-of-job cost estimate.

Bruns also said mining EBITDA was lower, largely due to the phaseout of export coal sales, partly offset by redirecting volumes to Secunda and income from leasing Richards Bay Coal Terminal (RBCT) capacity. In Q&A, management said leasing the entitlement generated about ZAR 500 million, give or take, and that it was leased to more than one operator.

Deleveraging, hedging, and revised chemicals outlook

Sasol reported net debt of $3.8 billion at the half, with Bruns saying the company remains on track to achieve net debt below $3.7 billion by year-end, supported by expected higher second-half cash generation and working capital unwind. He said Sasols longer-term path remains to reach the $3 billion net debt level that triggers dividends, but given the macro outlook, that target will likely be achieved in FY 2028. Bruns also said liquidity headroom exceeds $4 billion.

Bruns said Sasol completed its FY 2026 hedging program and has begun FY 2027 hedging. For the second half of FY 2026, he said oil price risk is hedged at an effective cover ratio of 55%-60% with an average floor around $59 per barrel, and 25%-30% of rand/U.S. dollar exposure is hedged, primarily through zero-cost collars in a ZAR 18 to ZAR 22 range. In Q&A, he said Sasol has broadened the instruments used, including put spreads and butterflies, to balance protection, cost, and upside participation.

In International Chemicals, Baloyi said a reset is progressing but markets are tougher than we anticipated. He said adjusted EBITDA increased 10% year-on-year despite challenging markets, supported by early benefits from self-help measures, but the company revised full-year adjusted EBITDA guidance from the prior range of $375 million to $450 million and revised margin outlook to 8% to 10%. EVP Antje Gerber said Europe remains a challenging environment due to weak demand, overcapacity, high and volatile energy costs, and regulatory complexity. She said Sasol is operating on a value over volume basis, emphasizing specialty and contracted positions, and that Europe must perform on its own merits.

Gerber also said Sasol remains confident in its FY 2028 International Chemicals EBITDA target of $750 million to $850 million, noting that management expects two-thirds of the improvement to come from self-help measures rather than market recovery assumptions.

Grow-and-transform update: renewables, offsets, and eSAF progress

Baloyi said Sasols decarbonization approach remains pragmatic and value accretive, and that the company will scale solutions in line with market demand. He said Sasol secured an additional 300 MW of renewable energy (a solar and battery storage project reaching financial close and expected online in 2028), bringing contracted renewables to more than 1.2 GW in South Africa toward a 2 GW target by 2030. Management said 180 MW is operational and 740 MW is under construction, and that Sasol received a renewable energy trading license from NERSA in December 2025.

Baloyi said Sasol has contracted approximately 9 million tons of carbon offsets over the next three years, covering around 60% of offset requirements, and that following a renewable diesel pilot at Natref, certification is nearing completion and planned for the second half.

Management also highlighted a EUR 350 million grant secured in January by Zaffra, Sasols joint venture with Topsoe, for an eSAF project in Germany. In Q&A, Sasol said the project is designed as a small plant of about 2,000 barrels per day, translating to around 40,000 tons of sustainable aviation fuel, with first production expected around 2030, subject to progressing feasibility work and securing offtakes before a final investment decision.

About Sasol (NYSE:SSL)

Sasol Limited is an integrated energy and chemical company headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa. The company's core operations encompass the conversion of natural gas, coal and heavy hydrocarbons into liquid fuels and a wide array of chemical products. Sasol leverages proprietary Fischer-Tropsch and gas-to-liquids (GTL) technologies to deliver cleaner-burning diesel, jet fuel and naphtha, alongside solvents, surfactants and specialty polymers for industrial and consumer applications.

In addition to its GTL business, Sasol operates downstream facilities for the manufacture of alpha olefins, ethylene, propylene and other base-chemical intermediates.

The article "Sasol H1 Earnings Call Highlights" was originally published by MarketBeat.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 23. The Embassy of Azerbaijan in the United Mexican States has addressed an appeal to Azerbaijani citizens residing in or traveling to the country, Trend reports.

The statement was shared on the embassys official social media account.

The embassy noted that due to the deterioration of the security situation in certain regions of Mexico, citizens of the Republic of Azerbaijan who are visiting or temporarily residing in the country are strongly advised to closely follow and strictly comply with security recommendations issued by local authorities in the state of Jalisco, as well as in the neighboring states of Michoacan, Guanajuato, Colima, Aguascalientes, Zacatecas, and Nayarit.

Our citizens are requested to remain vigilant, observe personal safety rules, avoid mass gatherings and high-risk areas, and follow information disseminated only by official sources, the statement notes.

The embassy also noted that the hotline numbers of the Consular Section of the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Mexico are as follows: +52 5511 907 092 and +52 5555 404 109.

The advisory comes after heightened security incidents in several Mexican regions following the neutralization of the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, also known as El Mencho. In response to law enforcement operations in the municipality of Talpa de Allende (Jalisco), cartel members blocked roads in six regions, set vehicles and commercial facilities on fire, and disrupted public order.

El Mencho was considered one of the countrys most powerful drug lords after the arrest of Joaquin Guzman, famously known as El Chapo. The CJNG cartel controls a significant portion of drug trafficking and maintains influence across multiple Mexican states.

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Photo: Press Service of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 23. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has sent a congratulatory letter to Emperor of Japan Naruhito, Trend reports.

"Your Majesty,

On the occasion of the national holiday of Japan, your Birthday, it gives me great pleasure to sincerely congratulate you and, through you, your entire people, on my own behalf and on behalf of the people of Azerbaijan, and to convey my best wishes.

On such a remarkable day, I wish you robust health, happiness, and success in your high endeavors, and the friendly people of Japan permanent prosperity and well-being," the letter reads.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 23. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has sent a congratulatory letter to Sultan of Brunei Darussalam Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, Trend reports.

"Your Majesty,

On the occasion of the National Day of Brunei Darussalam, I sincerely congratulate you and, through you, your entire people on my own behalf and on behalf of the people of Azerbaijan.

The current level of Azerbaijan-Brunei relations, built on friendship and mutual respect, is gratifying. I believe that we will continue our joint efforts toward strengthening our interstate ties and further expanding our cooperation both bilaterally and multilaterally, in accordance with the interests of our friendly nations.

Taking this pleasant opportunity, I also wholeheartedly congratulate you and your friendly people on the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan, and I wish you robust health, happiness, and success in your endeavors, as well as lasting peace and prosperity for Brunei Darussalam," the letter reads.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 23. Azerbaijan will mark the 120th anniversary of the People's Poet Samad Vurghun, Trend reports.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, has signed a decree to organize celebrations in honor of the poet.

Under the decree, the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan, in coordination with the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS) and relevant organizations and taking into account proposals from the Azerbaijan Writers Union, will prepare and implement an event plan dedicated to Samad Vurghuns anniversary. The Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan will address issues arising from the decree.

The decree notes that the 120th anniversary commemorates one of the most influential figures of 20th-century Azerbaijani literature, a national poet, renowned playwright, public figure, laureate of USSR State Awards, and full member of ANAS, Samad Vurghun.

Samad Vurghun is celebrated as a prominent figure who ushered in a new, vibrant stage in Azerbaijani literary thought. Guided by the principle of Azerbaijani identity, the poet exalted his homeland, the Land of Fire, with passionate lyricism. His widely memorized poem Azerbaijan expresses the deep patriotic love of every Azerbaijani. A master of language, Vurghun consistently defended the purity of his native tongue, drawing inspiration from the nations rich cultural heritage to create works of profound human and social significance.

His unique romantic and philosophical lyrical style elevated national poetry and secured his place in the golden fund of Azerbaijani literature. His dramaturgy, combining respect for the past with faith in the future, holds a special place in the history of Azerbaijani theater. Vurghuns innovative literary legacy has strongly influenced modern Azerbaijani poetry and continues to play a vital role in nurturing young generations in loyalty to national and moral values, the decree emphasized.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 23. The President of the Republic of Azerbaijan has approved the United Nations (UN) Convention against Cybercrime, Trend reports.

This is reflected in the law of the Republic of Azerbaijan on the approval of the Strengthening international cooperation in combating certain crimes committed using information and communication technology systems and in the electronic exchange of evidence relating to serious crimes  United Nations Convention against Cybercrime signed by the President Ilham Aliyev.

According to the law, the convention signed in Hanoi on October 25, 2025, must be ratified with the relevant declarations and reservations of Azerbaijan.

The UN has identified the fight against cybercrime as one of the priority areas requiring international cooperation against the cross-border criminal threats arising from the development of information and communication technologies. In order to strengthen legal cooperation between states in this direction, the convention was opened for signature in Hanoi on October 25 last year.

The convention focuses on strengthening cooperation between states in combating crimes committed using information and communication technology systems, as well as forming a single legal framework for the electronic collection, exchange, and preservation of evidence relating to serious crimes. The convention envisages the fight against cybercrime not only at the national level, but also through international legal assistance, extradition, and operational interaction mechanisms.

The main principles of the convention are the uniform definition of concepts used in the field of cybercrime, the prevention of loss, alteration, or destruction of evidence in the electronic environment, as well as ensuring the effectiveness of investigation and prosecution processes. The document places special emphasis on direct and operational cooperation between the competent authorities of the states, the simplification of mutual legal assistance mechanisms, and the establishment of continuously operating communication mechanisms.

In accordance with the final provisions of the convention, the document is open for signature, ratification, acceptance, or approval by the states and enters into force after the completion of the relevant internal procedures. At the same time, the convention provides for the possibility for the participating states to make declarations and reservations on certain of its provisions.

The Republic of Azerbaijan made a number of important statements and reservations upon ratification of the Convention. These statements concern the recognition of the Convention as the legal basis for extradition and mutual legal assistance, the designation of competent central authorities for these processes, and positions on the language of requests and mechanisms for operational cooperation. The reservations clarify the conditions for criminal liability for certain crimes covered by the Convention, the criteria for significant damage, and the scope of application, taking into account the specific features of the national legal system.

Thus, the convention and the declarations and reservations of Azerbaijan to it form the legal basis for international cooperation in the field of combating cybercrime, and amendments are envisaged to be made to the relevant normative legal acts to ensure the application of the substantive and procedural norms arising from the convention in the national legal system. These amendments are aimed at implementing the provisions of the convention, as well as the declarations and reservations submitted by Azerbaijan, in national legislation.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 23. The 17th meeting of the Joint Intergovernmental Commission on Economic, Trade, and Humanitarian Cooperation between Azerbaijan and Iran was held today, Trend reports.

The meeting, chaired by the Azerbaijani Deputy Prime Minister, co-chairman of the commission on the Azerbaijani side, Shahin Mustafayev, and the Iranian Minister of Roads and Urban Development, co-chairperson of the commission on the Iranian side, Farzaneh Sadegh, included authorized representatives of relevant organizations of both countries.

The meeting particularly emphasized that relations between Azerbaijan and Iran are built on shared historical, cultural, and religious values, as well as principles of friendship and good neighborliness, and noted that the dynamics of bilateral ties are based on the political will of the leaders of the two countries and encompass all areas of cooperation.

The meeting discussed the current state and prospects of cooperation between Azerbaijan and Iran in trade and economic relations, transport, energy, water management, humanitarian affairs, and other fields in detail.

Mustafayev pointed out that construction of the AghbandKalaleh road bridge has already been completed, and the bridge is expected to become operational once the border and customs infrastructure is finalized. The project will connect the East Zangezur economic region with Nakhchivan via the shortest and most efficient route, and will also form an important part of a favorable road corridor linking the Persian Gulf with the Black Sea.

In addition, extensive discussions were held on the development of the EastWest and NorthSouth transport corridors, the expansion of the regions logistics capabilities and transit potential, as well as the construction of the RashtAstara railway line, considered a key component of the NorthSouth Transport Corridor. The meeting noted that once commissioned, this railway line will significantly increase cargo transportation volumes in the NorthSouth direction and reduce delivery times.

The meeting also reviewed the implementation status of joint projects carried out by the two countries, particularly those aimed at expanding regional logistics and transit potential, as well as ensuring energy sustainability.

Following of the meeting, the co-chairs signed a memorandum of understanding on the outcomes of the commissions meeting.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 23. The associations ALIM and Dialogue France Azerbaidjan pay tribute to the victims of the Khojaly tragedy, Trend reports.

The tragic events in the city of Khojaly took place on the night of February 2526, 1992, during the First Nagorno-Karabakh War. According to official data, 613 civilians were killed in the massacre, including 106 women, 63 children, and 70 elderly people. Another 1,275 people were taken hostage, and the fate of 150 individuals remains unknown. Commemorative events dedicated to this tragedy are traditionally held on February 26.

The project was carried out at the request of the associations ALIM and Dialogue France Azerbaidjan by Agharahim Gouliyev.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 23. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, has signed the law approving the United Nations (UN) Convention against Cybercrime with Azerbaijans relevant declarations and reservations, Trend reports.

Under the law, the State Security Service (SSS) will serve as the competent authority responsible for receiving, executing, or forwarding requests for mutual legal assistance related to cybercrimes within the framework of the convention. The SSS will also provide assistance to other participating states in developing and implementing specific measures to prevent cybercrime and will operate a 24/7 contact center.

The Ministry of Justice will be responsible for sending and receiving requests related to extradition or provisional arrest.

The United Nations (UN) identifies combating cybercrime as one of the priority areas requiring international cooperation in response to cross-border criminal threats arising from the development of information and communication technologies. In this regard, the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime, formally titled the Convention on Strengthening International Cooperation in Combating Certain Crimes Committed through the Use of Information and Communication Technologies Systems and the Electronic Exchange of Evidence of Serious Crimes, was opened for signature in Hanoi on October 25, 2025.

The main objective of the convention is to strengthen cooperation among states in combating crimes committed through information and communication technology systems and to establish a unified legal framework for the collection, exchange, and protection of electronic evidence related to serious crimes. The document envisages that the fight against cybercrime will be carried out not only at the national level but also through mechanisms of international legal assistance, extradition, and operational interaction mechanisms.

Within the framework of the convention, key principles include the unified definition of terms used in the field of cybercrime, prevention of the loss, alteration, or destruction of electronic evidence, and ensuring the effectiveness of investigation and prosecution processes. The document places special emphasis on direct and operational cooperation between competent authorities, simplification of mutual legal assistance mechanisms, and the establishment of uninterrupted contact channels.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 23. Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Jeyhun Bayramov, and Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Gambians Abroad of the Gambia, Sering Modou Njie, held a telephone conversation on February 23, Trend reports via the Azerbaijani MFA.

According to information, the call focused on the current state and development prospects of bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and Gambia.

In accordance with the "Memorandum of Understanding on Political Consultations," signed last September, the ministers underscored the importance of initiating political consultations between the Foreign Ministries in the near future.

The discussions emphasized the need to strengthen political dialogue, facilitate reciprocal visits, and expand collaboration within international organizations.

The conversation also touched upon Azerbaijans upcoming chairmanship in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and preparations for key events within its framework. Additionally, Minister Njie was briefed on the World Urban Forum, which is scheduled to be held in Azerbaijan later this year.

The ministers also exchanged views on regional and international security matters, along with other areas of mutual interest.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 23. Speaker of the Azerbaijani Parliament, Sahiba Gafarova, discussed the peace process in the region during a meeting with Nikoloz Samkharadze, Chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee of the Georgian Parliament, who was visiting Azerbaijan to participate in the 10th trilateral meeting of the foreign affairs committees of the parliaments of Azerbaijan, Turkiye, and Georgia, a source in the Azerbaijani parliament told Trend.

The discussion underscored the significance of the trilateral meeting, highlighting its establishment in 2014 in Baku and noting that the most recent gathering of the committees took place in Shusha, Azerbaijan, in 2022.

Gafarova emphasized that the trilateral relations between Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Turkiye play a pivotal role in fostering peace, stability, cooperation, and economic development in the region.

In turn, Samkharadze conveyed the greetings of Shalva Papuashvili, the Speaker of the Georgian Parliament, to his Azerbaijani counterpart.

The sides expressed satisfaction with the robust state of Azerbaijan-Georgia relations, acknowledging their continued success in executing strategic regional projects. The conversation also highlighted the positive trajectory of interparliamentary relations, with particular focus on the crucial role played by regular interactions between parliamentary leaders and members in furthering bilateral ties. The cooperation between the two parliaments, both bilaterally and within international parliamentary frameworks, was also recognized.

Gafarova further elaborated on her perspectives regarding the evolving regional situation and the new opportunities that have emerged following the Washington Summit in August.

Samkharadze noted that the peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia will be beneficial for all three countries in the region and added that Georgia supports this process.

The meeting also included an exchange of views on other issues of mutual interest.
By Florence Tan and Siyi Liu

SINGAPORE, Feb 23 (Reuters) - State energy major Saudi Aramco has sold several cargoes of ultra light crude oil from its $100 billion Jafurah gas plant to U.S. majors and an Indian refiner as it prepares to export its first cargo later this month, four trade sources said.

The Jafurah project, estimated to contain 229 trillion standard cubic feet of raw gas and 75 billion barrels of condensate, is central to Aramco's ambitions to boost its gas output to become a major global natural gas player and to expand its offerings of light crude grades.

U.S. major Chevron has bought two Jafurah condensate cargoes for loading later this month and in March while Exxon Mobil Corp and Indian Oil Corp purchased cargoes to be lifted next month, the sources said.

The cargoes were sold at premiums of $2 to $3 a barrel to Dubai quotes on free-on-board basis, they added.

FIRST CARGO LIKELY FOR SOUTH KOREA

Chevron's first cargo is likely to go to its South Korean joint-venture refiner GS Caltex while the second could head to Thailand for Star Petroleum Refining, two of the sources said.

Saudi Aramco said it is working closely with the Ministry of Energy to safely ramp up production in line with approved development plans and market needs.

Aramco does not comment on market speculation or on specific cargoes, customers or commercial arrangements, it added.

Chevron declined to comment. Exxon, IOC and SPRC did not immediately respond to requests for comments. GS Caltex did not have an immediate comment.

BIGGEST SHALE PROJECT OUTSIDE US

Jafurah is potentially the biggest shale gas project outside the U.S. and is expected to reach sustainable production of 2 billion cubic feet per day by 2030.

Aramco could export four to six 500,000-barrel cargoes of Jafurah condensate per month from the country's eastern port of Yanbu, a source told Reuters earlier.

Condensate is a non-gas liquid that can be processed at splitters to produce petrochemical feedstock naphtha and other refined products, or can be blended with crude to be distilled at refineries.

The Jafurah condensate has an API gravity of 49.7 degrees and contains about 0.17% sulphur, according to a preliminary crude assay reviewed by Reuters.

About 40% of its yield is petrochemical feedstock naphtha, mainly the heavier grade, while most of the rest of the output is gasoil and kerosene, the assay showed.

(Reporting by Florence Tan and Liu Siyi in Singapore, Nidhi Verma in New Delhi and Joyce Lee in Seoul; Editing by Lincoln Feast and Louise Heavens.)
BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 23. A memorandum of cooperation has been signed between Azerbaijan and Iran on the results of the 17th meeting of the Joint Intergovernmental Commission on Economic, Trade, and Humanitarian Cooperation, Trend reports.

The memorandum was signed by Azerbaijani Deputy Prime Minister Shahin Mustafayev and Iranian Minister of Roads and Urban Development Farzaneh Sadegh.

The document envisages strengthening and continuing cooperation in transport, transit, industry, culture, trade, tourism, and other areas.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 23. The Embassy of Azerbaijan in the United Mexican States has addressed an appeal to Azerbaijani citizens residing in or traveling to the country, Trend reports.

The statement was shared on the embassys official social media account.

The embassy noted that due to the deterioration of the security situation in certain regions of Mexico, citizens of the Republic of Azerbaijan who are visiting or temporarily residing in the country are strongly advised to closely follow and strictly comply with security recommendations issued by local authorities in the state of Jalisco, as well as in the neighboring states of Michoacan, Guanajuato, Colima, Aguascalientes, Zacatecas, and Nayarit.

Our citizens are requested to remain vigilant, observe personal safety rules, avoid mass gatherings and high-risk areas, and follow information disseminated only by official sources, the statement notes.

The embassy also noted that the hotline numbers of the Consular Section of the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Mexico are as follows: +52 5511 907 092 and +52 5555 404 109.

The advisory comes after heightened security incidents in several Mexican regions following the neutralization of the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, also known as El Mencho. In response to law enforcement operations in the municipality of Talpa de Allende (Jalisco), cartel members blocked roads in six regions, set vehicles and commercial facilities on fire, and disrupted public order.

El Mencho was considered one of the countrys most powerful drug lords after the arrest of Joaquin Guzman, famously known as El Chapo. The CJNG cartel controls a significant portion of drug trafficking and maintains influence across multiple Mexican states.

09:44

The Embassy of Azerbaijan in the United Mexican States has addressed an appeal to Azerbaijani citizens residing in or traveling to the country, Trend reports.

The statement was shared on the embassys official social media account.

The embassy noted that due to the deterioration of the security situation in certain regions of Mexico, citizens of the Republic of Azerbaijan who are visiting or temporarily residing in the country are strongly advised to closely follow and strictly comply with security recommendations issued by local authorities in the state of Jalisco, as well as in the neighboring states of Michoacan, Guanajuato, Colima, Aguascalientes, Zacatecas, and Nayarit.

Our citizens are requested to remain vigilant, observe personal safety rules, avoid mass gatherings and high-risk areas, and follow information disseminated only by official sources, the statement notes.

The embassy also noted that the hotline numbers of the Consular Section of the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Mexico are as follows: +52 5511 907 092 and +52 5555 404 109.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 23. Azerbaijan's "Khojaly" dry cargo vessel of the Handysize type, operated by ASCO, part of AZCON Holding, has successfully delivered a cement cargo from the port of Tuban in Indonesia to the port of Kwinana in Australia, ASCO told Trend.

According to the company, the cargo has been successfully unloaded at the port, and the vessel is now gearing up for its next journey.



The "Khojaly" vessel boasts unrestricted navigation capabilities and a deadweight of 38,593 tons. The ship boasts impressive dimensions, measuring 180 meters long and 30 meters wide, with a draft of 10.47 meters and a top speed of 15.7 knots. The vessel's draft, even at full capacity, enables it to effortlessly navigate numerous shallow ports.

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AGHDARA, Azerbaijan, February 23. A total of 63 families (293 people) of former internally displaced persons (IDPs) returned to four settlements in the Aghdara district as part of the new stage of the Great Return program implemented in the liberated territories today, the Restoration, Construction, and Management Service in Khankendi city, Aghdara, and Khojaly districts told Trend.

At this stage, 46 people (10 families) have been relocated to Childiran village, 22 people (seven families) to Chapar village, 141 people (29 families) to the village of Ashagi Oratagh, and 84 people (17 families) to the village of Heyvali. The relocation process is being continued in a planned manner, and the necessary infrastructure is being provided for the sustainable settlement of residents.

Speaking at the ceremony of presenting the keys to the apartments in Aghdara, Deputy Special Representative of the President of Azerbaijan in Khankendi city, Aghdara, and Khojaly districts, Sabuhi Gahramanov, said that large-scale restoration and reconstruction work is continuing in the district. Individual residential buildings are being thoroughly restored, new social facilities are being built, educational and healthcare institutions are being reconstructed, and modern communal infrastructure is being created in the villages.

Gahramanov also emphasized that the complete renewal of social infrastructure serves to ensure a comfortable, safe, and dignified life for residents. At the same time, employment issues for citizens returning to their native lands are constantly being kept in the spotlight, and appropriate measures are being taken to provide needy families with jobs in the public and private sectors.

Within the framework of the Great Return program, measures towards the socio-economic revival of the district are being continued in stages.

xxx

12:06

New relocation caravans have been dispatched to four restored settlements in Azerbaijan's Aghdara district, Trends Karabakh bureau reports.

The caravans include former internally displaced residents of the district's Childran, Ashagi Oratagh, Heyval, and Chapar villages.

Under the instructions of President Ilham Aliyev and within the framework of the Great Return state program, returning families in Aghdara, who had been temporarily settled across the country in dormitories, sanatoriums, and administrative buildings, are now moving back to their native villages.

At this stage, 10 families, totaling 46 people, were resettled in the village of Childiran in Aghdara, 29 families, or 141 people, in Ashagi Oratagh, 17 families, or 84 people, in Heyvali, and 7 families, or 22 people, in Chapar.

Returning residents expressed their heartfelt gratitude to President Ilham Aliyev and First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva for the comprehensive state support they received.

They also conveyed their appreciation to the courageous Azerbaijani Armed Forces, honoring the heroic soldiers and officers who liberated their lands, and prayed for mercy for the martyrs who gave their lives for this cause.

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Associate Research Professor Ali Khalilov of UNECs Department of Engineering and Applied Sciences is currently undertaking a six-month research fellowship at Washington University in St. Louis (WashU), one of the leading higher education institutions in the United States.

As part of the Fulbright Program, Ali Khalilov has been conducting research in St. Louis, Missouri. Washington Universitys official website has published a featured article titled From UNEC to Washington University highlighting his academic activities. The article describes the UNEC scholars successful research work as a Fulbright Visiting Scholar in the Department of Chemistry and his significant contribution to Professor Birmans research group.

At UNEC, Associate Research Professor Ali Khalilov is working on the design of novel self-complementary hydrogen-bonded arrays and investigating their potential as self-healing smart materials.

It should be noted that this is not his first academic achievement in the United States. During his initial Fulbright visit in 2017-2018, his research was published in the world-renowned Journal of the American Chemical Society, establishing an important scientific foundation for future studies.

Author of more than 60 scientific publications and Executive Secretary of the UNEC Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Ali Khalilov also actively supports the academic development of young researchers and promotes global scientific collaboration.

The article is available at the following link:

https://global.washu.edu/from-unec-to-washu
Strategic dialogue held among partner institutions on Crisis Management

Azercell Telecom, the countrys leading mobile operator, has launched the next phase of its Crisis Management Group (CMG) project, aimed at ensuring uninterrupted communication infrastructure during crisis situations. The project prioritizes the enhancement of coordinated national-level response mechanisms and the overall resilience of the telecommunications network.

As part of the initiative, a working meeting was held with representatives from the Space Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Aztelekom LLC. During the meeting, a phased implementation plan for the project was presented, key activities outlined in the roadmap were discussed, and strategies for strengthening coordination among partner institutions were addressed.

Implemented under the motto Reliable networks, secure life!, the CMG project is designed to support the development of regional resource management processes in the country. The initiative also focuses on establishing mechanisms for the rapid restoration of communication services in crisis and emergency situations, while enhancing preparedness for the systematic and planned execution of recovery operations.

The collaborative model established under the CMG ensures timely information exchange between institutions and effective allocation of resources, further reinforcing the resilience of the national telecommunications infrastructure.

It is noteworthy that the initial phase of the project, completed in 2024, successfully established operational crisis management teams, conducted regional simulation exercises, and achieved significant results in optimizing service restoration timelines.
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ASTANA, Kazakhstan, February 23. In recent years, Kazakhstans cooperation with the United States in the mining sector has developed along a model where access to mineral deposits is increasingly linked to commitments to build processing capacities within the country.

During the ministerial conference on critical minerals held in Washington in February 2026, the Kazakh delegation, headed by Foreign Minister Yermek Kosherbayev, announced Kazakhstan's commitment to supply 20 of the 60 raw materials identified by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). These materials will be provided as finished products to meet the needs of strategic sectors within the global economy.



Both sides are now pivoting their focus from mere extraction to the creation of higher value-added products. American businesses can seize this opportunity to diversify their supply sources in light of trade restrictions with China. Meanwhile, Kazakhstan stands to benefit by attracting investment into its processing industry.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, the countrys mineral resource base includes over 5,000 deposits, with an estimated value in the tens of trillions of dollars. Kazakhstan ranks first in the world in proven reserves of zinc, tungsten, and barite; second in silver, lead, and chromite; third in copper and fluorite; fourth in molybdenum; and sixth in gold. The country also has significant oil and gas reserves, ranking ninth globally in confirmed oil reserves, eighth in coal, and second in uranium.

These figures position Kazakhstan to become a strategic supplier of critical raw materials for U.S. high-tech industries, ranging from aerospace to semiconductor manufacturing.

A key factor in strengthening these ties was the Memorandum of Understanding on Critical Minerals Cooperation between Kazakhstan and the U.S., signed in November 2025. This agreement, a trailblazer in Central Asia, paves the way for boosting processing capacities in Kazakhstan, facilitating technology transfer, and opening doors for Kazakh products in the U.S. market.

In February 2026, the Samruk-Kazyna Fund announced that its portfolio company JSC Tau-Ken Samruk, together with Cove Kaz Capital Group LLC (part of the U.S. Cove Capital portfolio), signed a package of transactional documents  a Sale and Purchase Agreement (SPA) and a Founding Agreement (FA)  for a strategic investment project in critical minerals. The project envisions establishing a high-tech tungsten deep-processing facility in Kazakhstan based on the North Katpar and Upper Kairakty deposits. Cove Capital committed to investing at least $1.1 billion in the project.

At the same time, another U.S. company, Blackboxstocks Inc., announced that its merger target, REalloys Inc., signed a series of non-binding strategic partnership agreements with Kazakhstans AltynGroup. The partnership seeks to lock in a steady stream of rare earth materials from Kazakhstan for REalloys processing and manufacturing hubs in North America, catering to the demands of the U.S. defense sector.

The agreement ensures a preliminary offtake from AltynGroups Kokbulak projecta vast site spanning 127,000 sq. km in the Karaganda and Kostanay regions. This dynamic location, boasting more than 350 million tons of iron ore reserves, is set to provide REalloys with a premium concentrate of byproducts.



The concentrate, derived from iron ore tails (enrichment waste), boasts a well-rounded array of both light and heavy rare earth elements, featuring terbium and dysprosium among them. Blackboxstocks Inc. anticipates that more offtake contracts for heavy rare earth metals sourced from Kazakh raw materials will be finalized in the coming year.

The use of American technology will allow the scaling of rare earth extraction and processing, critical for the U.S. defense, semiconductor, and energy sectors.

Continuous logistics for Kazakh exports to the U.S. is expected to be ensured by the development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR or Middle Corridor). Washington views this corridor as a key artery linking Central Asian production centers with European and North American markets. A significant element of strengthening the Middle Corridor is the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP) initiativea transit corridor about 43 km long, created with U.S. mediation. The blueprint lays out the creation of TRIPP Development Company, which will hold the reins to execute the project for 49 years, with Yerevan handing over 74% of the companys shares to Washington while keeping a 26% stake for itself.

The backbone of Kazakhstans transport connectivity is bolstered by significant domestic infrastructure improvements. U.S. support includes contracts with American corporation Wabtec worth $4 billion for modernizing the locomotive fleet and implementing digital railway systems.

Overall, Kazakhstan-U.S. cooperation in critical minerals is evolving from simple mining and ore exports to joint development of processing facilities and long-term supply contracts for finished products. Kazakhstan gains investment, technology, new jobs, and infrastructure development, while the U.S. secures stable access to strategic raw materials and supply diversification. The partnerships resilience is further strengthened by the development of transport corridors, including the Middle Corridor and TRIPP, ensuring reliable delivery of Kazakh products to European and North American markets.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 23. Turkmenistans initiatives in digitalization as drivers of sustainable growth are being recognized as key for regional integration and sustainable development, Shombi Sharp, Deputy Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), told Trend.

"The challenges facing our region, whether in energy, transport, trade, and sustainable development, require coordinated responses and shared solutions. We deeply appreciate Turkmenistans constructive role in advancing multilateral dialogue through SPECA and ESCAP, as well as its initiatives in digitalization as drivers of sustainable growth," Sharp said.

According to Sharp, Turkmenistans leadership as SPECA Chair last year helped translate regional ambitions into practical, investable actions, fostering trust, peace, and sustainable growth across Central Asia.

"Turkmenistans leadership as SPECA Chair last year transformed ambitions into impact-driven, investable actions that advance peace, trust, and sustainable development across the region," he noted.

The country has also taken a leading role in global transport initiatives. By establishing the Group of Friends of Sustainable Transport and proposing the UN General Assembly resolution proclaiming the Decade of Sustainable Transport (2026-2035), Turkmenistan has set a forward-looking regional agenda.

"Establishing the Group of Friends of Sustainable Transport and tabling the General Assembly resolution to proclaim the Decade of Sustainable Transport (20262035) demonstrates immense vision," Sharp added.

Within SPECA, Turkmenistans proactive approach to digitalizing and harmonizing legal instruments has contributed to reducing trade and transport costs while strengthening interregional connectivity.

During the recent SPECA Economic Forum in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan-led efforts identified pathways for energy connectivity that can unlock Central Asias renewable potential, advancing a green transition that could serve as a regional model. "These activities advance a green transition that serves as a model for the entire region," Sharp said.

In January 2026, a delegation headed by Shombi Sharp, Deputy Executive Secretary of UNESCAP, visited Turkmenistan as part of the SPECA Economic Forum held on January 21-22 in Ashgabat. This event was a key component of SPECA Week, organized under the United Nations Special Programme for the Economies of Central Asia (SPECA).
The United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) staff clarified how broker-dealers can apply a regulatory haircut to stablecoin holdings when calculating net capital.

A stablecoin is a cryptocurrency designed to keep a steady price, usually pegged to the U.S. dollar, and backed by reserves or mechanisms so it can be used for payments, trading, and onchain settlement.

This eases a major compliance gray area for firms operating in digital assets.

The guidance appeared in the SEC Division of Trading and Markets Frequently Asked Questions Relating to Crypto Asset Activities and Distributed Ledger Technology.

Related: Explained: What is a stablecoin?

What is the 'haircut' rule?

Under the rule, the SEC confirmed that broker-dealers can apply a modest 2% haircut to their stablecoin holdings when calculating net capital.

It effectively means that broker-dealers no longer need to apply a punitive 100% haircut, which had previously discouraged them from including stablecoins in their net capital calculations.

Commissioner Hester Peirce praised the staff guidance, saying that a 100% haircut would be unnecessarily punitive given the underlying reserve assets that back payment stablecoins.

Stablecoins are treated more like traditional low-risk assets

Under SEC rules, broker-dealers must maintain minimum levels of net capital to absorb potential losses and meet financial obligations. A 2% haircut implies that for every $100 million in stablecoin holdings, only $2 million is discounted for regulatory capital purposes, allowing $98 million to count toward net capital.

The update effectively brings stablecoins closer to treatment similar to money market funds, which hold low-risk, cash-equivalent instruments like U.S. Treasurys and certificates of deposit.

Popular on TheStreet Roundtable:

Stablecoin adoption grows despite skepticism

The clarification comes amid continued growth in the U.S. stablecoin market, which holds a combined capitalization of about $314 billion, according to CoinMarketCap.

Stablecoin adoption received a major boost after the signing of the GENIUS Act by President Donald Trump in July 2025.

However, not everyone is on board with the idea of stablecoins.

Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis President Neel Kashkari recently questioned their utility, saying, I could send any one of you $5 with Venmo, or PayPal, or Zelle  so what is it that this magical stablecoin can do?"
BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 23. Turkiye, China, and Russia were Georgias largest import partners in January 2026, jointly accounting for a significant share of the countrys external trade.

Data obtained by Trend from the country's National Statistics Office (Geostat) shows that Georgias total imports amounted to $1.13 billion in January 2026, marking a 33.7% decrease compared to $1.7 billion in January 2025. The top ten trading partners accounted for 71.4% of total imports.

Turkiye retained the top position among Georgia's import partners, with imports totaling $195 million, accounting for 17.3% of the total, and reflecting a 10% year-on-year increase. China followed closely, with imports reaching $157.3 million, or 13.9% of total imports, marking a robust growth of 35.7% compared to the same month the previous year. Russia also accounted for 13.9% of imports, totaling $156.8 million, although this represented a decline of 7.7% year-on-year.

Meanwhile, imports from the U.S. experienced a significant decline, falling to $97.4 million, reducing its share from 20.8% to 8.6% compared to the prior year. Trade volumes with several European and regional partners exhibited mixed trends. Imports from Azerbaijan amounted to $55.3 million, while Germany supplied goods worth $54.9 million. Italy and Romania recorded moderate growth, with imports totaling $25.6 million and $24 million, respectively. Imports from Japan and the Netherlands reached $20.9 million and $18.8 million, respectively.

The remaining imports from other countries totaled $323.6 million, comprising 28.6% of Georgia's overall import value.
Photo: The official X account of Deputy Executive Secretary of UNESCAP

ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, February 23. Turkmenistan and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) discussed the growing partnership, Deputy Executive Secretary of ESCAP Shombi Sharp wrote on his X account, Trend reports.

The talks were held between Shombi Sharp and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, Rashid Meredov, and focused on regional cooperation on transport, energy, and digital connectivity.

Earlier, in an exclusive interview with Trend, Sharp highlighted how Turkmenistans proactive strategy in digitalizing and harmonizing legal frameworks has effectively lowered trade and transport expenses, while also enhancing interregional connectivity.

"Our research shows that full implementation of paperless trade could help Turkmenistan and other Central Asian economies reduce trade costs by 15%. This efficiency ensures that trade benefits reach every community," Sharp emphasized.

In January 2026, a delegation led by Sharp made a visit to Turkmenistan for the SPECA Economic Forum, which took place on January 21-22 in Ashgabat. This event served as a pivotal element of SPECA Week, orchestrated under the auspices of the United Nations Special Programme for the Economies of Central Asia (SPECA).

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Photo: The press office of the Kazakh President

ASTANA, Kazakhstan, February 23. Kazakhstan and Georgia discussed cooperation in law enforcement and crime prevention, Trend reports via the press office of the Kazakh president.

The talks were held during the meeting between President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Georgian Minister of Internal Affairs Gela Geladze on February 23 in Astana.

During the talks, Geladze briefed Tokayev on the work of Georgian law enforcement in ensuring the safety of foreign tourists, including Kazakh citizens.

Tokayev highlighted Georgia as a vital and dependable partner for Kazakhstan in the South Caucasus, underscoring the deep-rooted historical connections shared by the two nations.

The parties expressed their intention to strengthen collaboration in combating organized crime, drugs, and cybercrime and extremism, as well as in exchanging best practices and training personnel.

Earlier, in December 2025, Kazakh Foreign Minister Yermek Kosherbayev and Georgian Foreign Minister Maka Bochorishvili held a telephone conversation to review bilateral cooperation and discuss further expansion of political and economic ties.

The sides jointly commended the positive momentum in Kazakh-Georgian relations over the past year, emphasizing their mutual commitment to enhancing political dialogue and deepening practical cooperation across a wide range of bilateral issues.

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TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, February 23. Zurich will host the Uzbek-Swiss Business Forum on March 17, bringing together representatives of business circles, industry leaders, and relevant organizations from both countries, Trend reports via the Investment Promotion Agency of Uzbekistan.

According to information, the forum will highlight the economic potential of Uzbekistan and Switzerland, present promising avenues for investment, and delineate priority areas for the further expansion of bilateral cooperation.

The program features B2B meetings designed to foster direct dialogue between entrepreneurs and to identify new, practice-oriented areas of partnership. In addition, leading companies will deliver presentations showcasing key sectors of shared strategic interest.

Deliberations will concentrate on energy and renewable energy; the textile and garment industry; mechanical engineering; mining and raw materials; and transport infrastructure, including the modernization of railways and urban transport systems. Further discussions will address agriculture and agritourism, as well as the pharmaceutical industry and healthcare.

Overall, the forum is expected to serve as a significant platform for strengthening sustainable business relations, facilitating the exchange of expertise, and advancing mutually beneficial initiatives between Uzbekistan and Switzerland.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 23. An implementation agreement is expected to be signed within the next two months on the Rasht-Astara railway project, which is part of the North-South transport corridor, the Ambassador of Iran to Azerbaijan, Mojtaba Demirchilou, said in an exclusive interview with Trend.

During the interview, he discussed the collaborative efforts between Iran and Azerbaijan across economic, political, and cultural domains, along with topics of shared interest.



Demirchilou highlighted the promotion of new initiatives in communication and transport within the region.

"Iran has always stated its support for all regional economic projects because it believes that these projects can be beneficial for countries, especially in terms of economic development, peace, and stability, and can yield positive results. At the same time, geopolitical goals should not be brought to the agenda by other countries under the guise of economic projects. The intervention of forces outside the region has created difficulties in practice, and in such cases, these forces primarily take into account their own interests. From this perspective, economic projects implemented in the region should be beneficial for countries and shouldn't serve other purposes," he explained.

The ambassador noted that the increase in economic projects in the region has a positive impact on the overall well-being. According to him, the implementation of transport and communication projects can yield positive results for the region, and Iran supports such initiatives.

He recalled that currently, Nakhchivan is connected to Azerbaijan solely by air and transit connections through Iran, and the country is trying to continue facilitating these connections through its territory.

The ambassador also mentioned the benefits of the North-South transport corridor for the region.

"This corridor is one of the projects of great importance and is beneficial for the entire region. Iran is interested in the effective use of this project. The North-South transport corridor has three branches, one of which passes through the territory of Azerbaijan. Work is also ongoing in the railway sector. The Azerbaijani railway line was connected to Iran at the Astara border, and this line was used last year," Demirchilou said.

He added that work is underway to build the Astara-Rasht railway line.

"A little over 30 kilometers from Rasht to Anzali has already been built. Work is ongoing on the construction of the remaining section from Anzali to Astara. Iranian and Russian companies are working together in this direction. This issue was also discussed at the meeting of the joint economic commission held in Tehran in recent months, and it was decided that an implementation agreement on the project would be signed within the next two months. Research work has already begun, and the process hopefully will continue rapidly, and the entire region will benefit from it," he pointed out.

At the same time, Demirchilou noted that relations between Iran and Azerbaijan are expanding day by day on the political level. According to him, Iranian-Azerbaijani relations have made significant progress after the visit of President Masoud Pezeshkian to Baku and Khankendi.

"These relations are expanding in a positive direction day by day. Especially in the economic sphere, in the direction of transport and transit, within the framework of trade and joint economic projects, cooperation is continuing successfully, and positive results have already been achieved. Besides, consultations are being held at various levels in the political sphere. In the direction of culture, mutual visits of the deputy ministers of culture of both countries have taken place, and it has been agreed that mutual cultural days will be held in both Iran and Azerbaijan in the coming months," he said.

The ambassador added that a meeting of the Azerbaijan-Iran Joint Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation will be held in Baku in the coming days. This commission covers not only economic relations but also the humanitarian sphere. According to him, new achievements are expected to be achieved at the next meeting.

Moreover, the ambassador noted that Azerbaijan has sent an invitation to Iran to participate in the 13th session of the UN World Urban Forum (WUF) to be held in Baku.

"The invitation has been submitted to the Iranian Presidential Administration, and the response will be given after its consideration. Experience shows that the parties strive to participate at a high level in international forums and events held both in Iran and Azerbaijan. We are currently awaiting a response from Iran to the invitation sent by Azerbaijan," he concluded.

The International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) spans an impressive 7,200 kilometers, featuring a dynamic multimodal network of sea, rail, and road routes that seamlessly links India, Iran, Azerbaijan, Russia, and Central Asia. Experience a revolutionary shift in logistics with a solution that dramatically cuts transportation time and costs. This route provides a 30-40% faster and more economical alternative to the Suez Canal, connecting Mumbai to Moscow and Europe in just 20-25 days.

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DUSHANBE, Tajikistan, February 23. Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Tajikistan to the United States, Zavqizoda Zavqi, presented his credentials to the President of the United States, Donald Trump, Trend reports via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Tajikistan.

During the ceremony, the Tajik ambassador conveyed the greetings and best wishes of the President of Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon, to the U.S. President.

Donald Trump congratulated the ambassador on the start of his diplomatic mission and wished him success in strengthening bilateral cooperation between Tajikistan and the United States.

Earlier, the US Department of State announced commercial agreements with Tajikistan worth over $3 billion. The agreements cover several key sectors, including aviation, critical minerals, digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence, and consumer goods.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 23. Digital governance and energy sector digitalization were discussed during a meeting held at the Main Administration, Science, Training, and Laboratory Center of AzerEnergy Open Joint-Stock Company (OJSC), with the participation of the leadership of Azerbaijan's Innovation and Digital Development Agency, Trend reports via AzerEnergy OJSC.

The meeting was the second held between representatives of AzerEnergy and the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport following President Ilham Aliyevs instructions at a meeting on Azerbaijans new digital architecture on February 11. The discussions reviewed measures implemented in the energy system within the framework of the Strategy for the Development of the Digital Economy in the Republic of Azerbaijan.

During the presentation by AzerEnergy, information was provided on the Operational Information System for Electric Power Facilities, as well as the implementation of SCADA and WAMS/WACS systems, including their monitoring and operational management capabilities. Specially equipped vehicles for monitoring purposes and digital control mechanisms at energy facilities were also highlighted.

Representatives of the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport shared information on security and cybersecurity systems, including the activities of the Cybersecurity Center, and presented opportunities for cooperation and professional development.

The discussions also covered energy supply for data centers related to the energy sector, the establishment of data infrastructure near strategic facilities, the development of the fiber-optic network, and the integration of AzerEnergy OJSC with myGov.az platform. It was noted that the integration will be carried out in stages, with plans to expand the number of users.

Within the framework of the meeting, the parties agreed on joint areas of activity in digitalization, cybersecurity, and the development of data centers.

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TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, February 23. On February 24, Tashkent will serve as the venue for the 4th session of the UzbekistanBelarus Business Council, alongside the UzbekistanBelarus Business Forum, Trend reports via the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Belarus.

Belarusian Prime Minister Alexander Turchin has departed for Uzbekistan for an official visit, leading a government delegation.

The two-day program of the visit includes discussions with Uzbekistan's Prime Minister, Abdulla Aripov, as well as visits to various industrial sites. A meeting with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev is also scheduled, where the two leaders are expected to explore further measures to enhance bilateral cooperation across key sectors.

In 2025, trade turnover between Uzbekistan and Belarus reached $965 million, representing a 24.7% increase from $774 million in 2024, highlighting the sustained growth in economic relations between the two nations.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 23. Speculation about a possible interim agreement between Iran and the U.S. is unfounded, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said at a press conference, Trend reports.

"Speculation regarding the progression, content, and topics of the negotiations is not uncommon; however, we do not confirm any of these speculations. The details of any negotiation are inherently discussed behind closed doors. The notion of an interim agreement lacks any foundation," he stated.

Baghaei emphasized that the drafting of any negotiation text is always a collaborative endeavor within the framework of diplomatic processes.

"Drafting a negotiation text in any diplomatic context is, by nature, a collective effort. We have articulated our views clearly, particularly regarding the termination of unjust sanctions and nuclear-related matters. At the same time, we are fully aware of the American side's position," he added.

According to the spokesperson, the progress of the negotiations depends on mutual goodwill and a serious commitment from both parties.

"Negotiations are always a shared process, and if both sides approach it with goodwill and seriousness, there is hope for tangible results. We are currently refining our positions and anticipate holding another round of talks within the next two to three days," Baghaei concluded.

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 Araghchi, while the U.S. delegation was led by US President's special representative Steve Witkoff and the president's son-in-law Jared Kushner.
The event brought together representatives from governments, industry, trade unions, civil society, and international organisations to discuss emerging challenges and practices related to supply chain due diligence.

During the event, ShinWon Corporate Strategy Group vice president Eunice Kim, contributed to a panel titled Supply Chains 4.0: Due Diligence Implications of E-Commerce-Driven Business Models.

ShinWon operates 15 entities in ten countries including Indonesia, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Guatemala, and Nicaragua, and employs around 30,000 people globally. The majority of its workforce is women.

The discussion focused on how the rise of e-commerce and demand-led business models are changing production systems, sourcing methods, supplier relationships and responsible business practices within the industry.

Kim described ShinWon's use of digital tools to monitor factory operations, stating, At ShinWon, digital tools have fundamentally changed how we manage production at the factory level. Through real-time production dashboards and integrated ERP systems, we monitor line efficiency, capacity utilization and absenteeism on a daily basis. This enables dynamic scheduling adjustments based on data, rather than last-minute reactive decisions, and increases overall predictability.

She noted that transparent data sharing with brand partners has altered how production adjustments are handled, allowing for earlier communication about capacity constraints, lead times and compliance needs.

Kim said: Flexibility combined with shared data and accountability can reduce risk. It supports better workforce planning, more stable working hours and more predictable operations. Responsiveness, when managed through transparency and partnership, strengthens responsible business conduct rather than undermining it.

She outlined ShinWon's risk management system, which uses digital dashboards to monitor working hours every day and triggers alerts if overtime nears regulatory or internal thresholds.

Kim emphasised, Speed itself is not the risk. Lack of transparency is, highlighting the importance of moving towards long-term partnerships with global brands to support responsible supply chain practices.

The session also examined operational complexity faced by manufacturers working under various compliance standards set by different brands.

Kim argued that harmonisation of standards would simplify processes and improve due diligence outcomes across the sector. She noted that aligning organisational practices with risk awareness is required, in addition to technical systems, to scale responsible production models.
ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, February 23. Turkmenistan and the United Kingdom (UK) discussed prospects for bilateral cooperation in the migration sphere, Trend reports via the countrys State Migration Service.

The talks were held during a meeting between Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the UK to Turkmenistan, Stephen Conlon, and representatives of the State Migration Service of Turkmenistan.

During the meeting, the parties exchanged perspectives on key areas of collaboration, emphasizing the importance of cooperation within international frameworks.

Earlier in February, Turkmen officials engaged in discussions regarding migration-related matters with representatives from Thailand and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). In January, talks focused on enhancing the legislative framework for migration were held between Turkmenistans State Migration Service and Ahmet Demirok, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkiye.
Photo: Agency for the Development of the Pharmaceutical Industry of Uzbekistan

TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, February 23. Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan have engaged in discussions aimed at enhancing cooperation in exports and investments, fostering the implementation of mutually beneficial projects, and expanding collaboration in the pharmaceutical sector, Trend reports via the Agency for the Development of the Pharmaceutical Industry of Uzbekistan.

The issues were reviewed during a meeting between the Director of the Agency for the Development of the Pharmaceutical Industry of Uzbekistan, Abdullah Azizov, and Azerbaijans Trade Representative for Central Asia, Samad Hasanov.

The parties also exchanged perspectives on the organization of contract manufacturing, optimizing the utilization of existing production capacities, and fostering technological partnerships. Emphasis was placed on the need to develop concrete proposals in these areas and to sustain ongoing negotiations.

During the meeting, the guests were briefed on recent reforms implemented within the Tashkent Pharma Park pharmaceutical cluster. In particular, detailed information was provided on the efforts to enhance infrastructure, expand production and logistics capacities, and create conducive conditions for resident companies.

Following the discussions, the sides agreed to maintain dialogue focused on establishing practical cooperation and promoting mutually beneficial initiatives.

Currently, the investment portfolio between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan encompasses approximately 30 projects, with a total value of $3.4 billion.
ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, February 23. Turkmenistan discussed prospects for cooperation in the energy sector with Switzerland-based BASF Intertrade AG, Trend reports via the press service of the Turkmen Government.

The talks took place in Ashgabat between the leadership of Turkmengaz and Turkmennebit, the state-owned energy concerns, and Viktor Nikitin, the Business Development Manager at BASF Intertrade AG, a subsidiary of Germanys BASF Group.

The meeting encompassed a broad spectrum of topics concerning the integration of innovative technologies into Turkmenistans energy sector.

The discussions underscored Turkmenistan's strategic focus on expanding international collaboration and attracting renowned global firms to contribute to the development of its fuel and energy sector. BASF Group, recognized for its extensive expertise in petrochemicals, was identified as a dependable technological partner for the execution of large-scale national projects.

BASF Group is one of the worlds largest chemical producers, headquartered in Ludwigshafen, Germany. Founded in 1865, the company operates globally and provides a wide range of products and solutions for industries including oil and gas, petrochemicals, energy, automotive, agriculture, construction, and consumer goods.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 23. The regulation of cargo shipments between Iran, Azerbaijan and Russia with the start of construction of the Rasht-Astara railway in Gilan Province in northern Iran as part of the North-South Transport Corridor by March 21 is in the spotlight, Iranian Minister of Roads and Urban Development Farzaneh Sadegh said at the 17th meeting of the Joint Intergovernmental Commission on Economic, Trade and Humanitarian Cooperation, Trend reports.

According to her, currently, for the construction of a 160-km-long railway line, the ownership of 120 kilometers of the land along which the line passes has been purchased from citizens.

Sadegh noted that the transportation of 15 million tons of cargo per year between Iran, Russia, and Azerbaijan within the framework of the North-South corridor is being given special attention.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 23. The volume of bilateral cargo transportation between Azerbaijan and Iran reached 2.3 million tons last year, marking a positive dynamic, Azerbaijani Deputy Prime Minister, co-chairman of the Azerbaijan-Iran Joint Intergovernmental Commission on Economic, Trade and Humanitarian Cooperation on the Azerbaijani side, Shahin Mustafayev, said at the 17th meeting of the commission, Trend reports.

He noted that the two countries act as important transit partners within the framework of the International North-South Transport Corridor.

According to him, the increase was recorded in both road and rail freight.

"The construction of the Rasht-Astara section is of great importance in terms of realizing the potential of the North-South corridor. The Astara Freight Terminal is of particular importance as an important component of the corridor. The terminal's cargo capacity of up to five million tons makes a significant contribution to increasing the transit potential of this route," the official added.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 23. Transit corridors and communication links will ensure the economic interests of Azerbaijan and Iran and peace in the region, Iranian Minister of Roads and Urban Development Farzaneh Sadegh said at the 17th meeting of the Joint Intergovernmental Commission on Economic, Trade and Humanitarian Cooperation, Trend reports.

According to her, the bilateral trade turnover in the past two years amounted to $650 million.

The minister noted that bilateral and multilateral agreements, with Iran and Azerbaijan as the main ones, are being strictly monitored.

"Transit and cargo transportation are one of the priorities of strategic relations between the two countries. Last year, more than 120,000 Iranian trucks passed through Azerbaijan, and more than 50,000 Azerbaijani trucks passed through Iran. These statistics show that cargo transportation between the two countries is of great importance," she highlighted.

According to the minister, work is being done to create and develop infrastructure in the border areas in order to increase cargo transportation between the two countries several times by 2030.

"The Julfa-Kalaleh highway is being repaired and expanded by building tunnels in Iranian territory," she added.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 23. Contracts have been signed for two more solar power plant projects in Azerbaijan, the statement of the Ministry of Energy says, Trend reports.

A meeting was held at the ministry with the participation of Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov, Azerenergy OJSC, Economy Minister of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic Kazim Huseynaliyev, and executives of the State Agency for Renewable Energy Sources, Azerbaijan Green Energy Company (AGEC), CEI Nakhchivan LLC, Nobel Energy, and Enerso LLC.

The meeting discussed the development of Nakhchivan in accordance with the strategic vision of the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, regarding the green energy zone, the measures taken to expand the use of renewable energy sources in Nakhchivan, the establishment of modern network infrastructure, and strengthening the energy system. The work carried out on the energy component of the Zangezur corridor, including the integration of energy systems, and the prospects for exporting electricity from Nakhchivan, were reviewed. Cooperation with CEI Nakhchivan LLC and Enerso LLC on the construction of 50 MW solar power plants in Nakhchivan was assessed as an important stage in the green energy agenda of Azerbaijan.

The widespread use of renewable energy sources to strengthen the energy security of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, accelerate its sustainable socio-economic development, and transform it into a regional energy production and export center is one of the priority directions in the strategic course of the head of state. Currently, the share of renewable energy sources in Nakhchivan is 44% in the installed capacity of electricity and 36.4% in production. The Shams 1 and Garbi Ufuq solar power plants, which are the first examples of private investment in the field of renewable energy in Nakhchivan, with a total investment value of more than 60 million manat ($35.2 million), will make a significant contribution to the formation of a green development model in the region, Shahbazov said at the meeting.

Baba Rzayev, President of Azerenergy OJSC, emphasized the importance of solar power plants in terms of strengthening the sustainability of energy supply in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic and meeting the growing demand, especially in the summer months.

Huseynaliyev highly appreciated the role of these new projects in realizing the rich solar energy potential of this strategically important economic region. He noted that the new powers to be created in Nakhchivan will give impetus to economic development, and in the future, energy exports to neighboring countries and Europe.

We believe that this initiative, implemented within the framework of partnership with state agencies, will create a basis for increasing green investments in the region and creating long-term economic value. This project is a real result of the synergy of the public and private sectors. The project will both contribute to the energy security of the region and serve Azerbaijans strategic goals in renewable energy, Deputy Chairman of the AGEC Board of Directors, Khayala Naghiyeva, said.

We are pleased to support the Green Energy Zone initiative in Nakhchivan by expanding the use of renewable energy through the development of solar power plants. As Nobel Energy, we continue to contribute to economic growth and energy transition by building a modern and sustainable energy infrastructure in the region, Eldar Mammadzade, Chief Commercial Officer of Nobel Energy, said.

In conclusion, the Government of Azerbaijan, Azerenergy OJSC, and CEI Nakhchivan LLC signed an Investment Agreement, Energy Purchase and Sale Agreement, and Transmission Grid Connection Agreement for the 25 MW Shams 1 Solar Power Plant project in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. Also, the Government of Azerbaijan, Azerenergy OJSC, and Enerso LLC signed an Investment Agreement, Energy Purchase and Sale Agreement, and Transmission Grid Connection Agreement for the 25 MW Garbi Ufuq Solar Power Plant project. Investment agreements with companies on power plants were signed by Parviz Shahbazov on behalf of the Government of Azerbaijan, and energy purchase and connection to the transmission network agreements were signed by Rzayev.

As a result of the implementation of these projects, a total of 122 million kWh of electricity is expected to be produced annually, which will allow saving 26 million cubic meters of gas and reducing 57 thousand tons of carbon emissions.

Azerbaijan has set targets for electricity production, especially green energy. Strategic steps are being taken to achieve these targets. In this context, the commissioning of new power plants is of particular importance. With the commissioning of new plants, the country's electricity production is demonstrating growth dynamics. Thus, according to operational data, electricity production in Azerbaijan rose by 262.3 million kWh, or 0.9%, to 28.6 million kWh in 2025.

During this period, 24.82 billion kWh were produced in thermal power plants, 2.84 billion kWh in hydropower plants, and 991.6 million kWh from other sources, including 169.7 million kWh in wind power plants, 599.8 million kWh in solar power plants, and 222.1 million kWh in the Solid Waste Incineration Plant.

Wind and solar power production in Azerbaijan grew by 162.3 million kWh in 2025 compared to 2024.

In 2025, electricity production by Azerenergy OJSC amounted to 25.59 billion kWh (22.7 billion kWh in thermal power plants, 2.8 billion kWh in hydropower plants, 61.1 million kWh in solar power plants), 27 million kWh in wind power plants by Azerishig OJSC, and three billion kWh in independent power plants.

Over the reporting period, Azerbaijan's electricity export amounted to 1.14 billion kWh, and import amounted to 177.2 million kWh.

During 2025, 507.6 million kilowatt-hours of electricity were produced at the power plants of Azerenergy OJSC's Nakhchivan Energy LLC in the exploitation area.

Thus, 321.7 million kilowatt-hours or 63.4% of this electricity was produced at thermal power plants, 125.1 million kilowatt-hours or 24.7% at hydroelectric power plants, 60.7 million kilowatt-hours or 11.9% at solar and wind-solar hybrid power plants, and transmitted to the electricity grids.

As many as 36.6% of the total electricity produced in Nakhchivan fell to the share of alternative and renewable energy sources.

In general, by 2032, Azerbaijan is expected to achieve a total of eight gigawatts of solar and wind energy capacity.
Chairman Chey Tae-won of SK Hynix Inc.s parent SK Group pledged to grow production of AI memory chips to meet a surge in demand from the global data center buildout.

The billionaire chief of South Koreas second-largest conglomerate also called high-bandwidth memory a monster chip thats generating enormous profits for SK Hynix when speaking at a conference in Washington on Feb. 20. The chipmakers share price has more than quadrupled over the past year on record earnings.

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Photographer: SeongJoon Cho/Bloomberg

While Chey did not specify the scale of his chip firms expansion, SK Hynix said in January that its capital expenditure in 2026 will rise significantly from its spending last year to satisfy demand for HBM chips that are required to make accelerators designed by the likes of Nvidia Corp. to train and run artificial intelligence services.

US tech firms from Microsoft Corp. to Meta Platforms Inc. are allocating about $650 billion this year for infrastructure that gives them an edge in the race to build AI technologies. That record spending is causing a global shortage of memory chips, a market thats dominated by SK Hynix, its South Korean peer Samsung Electronics Co., and US-based Micron Technology Inc. SK Hynix has sold out its entire slate of memory chips in 2026, while Micron has done similarly with its HBM offerings.

Read: Rampant AI Demand for Memory Is Fueling a Growing Chip Crisis

But Chey also cautioned losses are still a possibility in the future due to potential changes in the competitive landscape caused by rapid technological shifts.

The average of analyst projections for SK Hynixs annual operating profit for 2026 has risen to $70 billion in January from about $50 billion late last year, and some have revised that up again to more than $100 billion, according to Chey.

That sounds like really good news, Chey said, but it could just as easily turn into a $100 billion loss.

Chey also highlighted mounting infrastructure challenges. He said SK Group is now exploring building power plants alongside AI data centers, as failure to meet energy demand could be disastrous.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, Feb.23. Saipem has introduced an advanced predictive maintenance system on its ultra-deepwater drillship Saipem 12000, aiming to boost operational efficiency and improve offshore safety, the company said, Trend reports.

The system uses real-time data and artificial intelligence algorithms to monitor equipment performance, anticipate potential failures and schedule maintenance before problems occur. The approach is designed to cut unplanned downtime and reduce maintenance costs.

The Saipem 12000, described by the company as one of the most technologically advanced drillships in operation, is the first vessel in Saipems drilling fleet to adopt the new platform. The solution was developed in partnership with ADC Energy, a specialist in rig and vessel assurance.

Continuous data analysis enables early detection of anomalies and supports targeted interventions, improving asset reliability and safety, Saipem said. The initiative is a pilot project combining Saipems offshore engineering expertise with ADC Energys capabilities in rig equipment assurance and data science.

The company plans to expand the use of artificial intelligence and predictive analytics across its broader fleet as part of an ongoing digital transformation strategy.

In a parallel effort, Saipem is implementing a predictive maintenance program on the Saipem 7000, one of the worlds largest semi-submersible crane vessels. The project focuses on diesel generators  critical systems for onboard power  and uses IoT sensors and machine-learning models to identify early signs of malfunction. The system, developed with international consulting firm BIP, is scheduled for testing in the coming months.

Saipem said the initiatives underscore its commitment to integrating artificial intelligence, advanced analytics and digital technologies to enhance the safety, efficiency and sustainability of offshore energy operations.

Saipem is an Italian engineering and construction company providing services to the energy and infrastructure sectors, with a strong presence in offshore drilling and subsea projects. According to the company, its fleet includes ultra-deepwater drillships, semi-submersible rigs and heavy-lift vessels operating worldwide.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 23. The Performance Leadership Forum has been held with the participation of about 300 executives of the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR), Trend reports via SOCAR.

The forum, held within the framework of the "Promotion of performance (service management) culture" program, aimed to promote constructive dialogue and a culture of result-oriented decision-making among all stakeholders involved in the performance management process within the company, to ensure systematic discussion of existing challenges, and to determine priorities for the next stages.

Within the framework of the event, panel sessions were organized for the heads of SOCAR Group enterprises and those responsible for human resources on the topics of "Result-driven leadership: strategy, culture and behavior", "The impact of human capital on business results: creating strategic value from performance systems". The sessions highlighted the importance of correctly diversifying strategic goals at all levels of the organization, the importance of strengthening the skills of managers to provide continuous feedback, and the fact that maintaining the principle of objectivity in performance assessment is a key factor in forming an environment of trust.

The sessions also discussed issues such as the positive impact of objective and transparent assessment of employee performance on their motivation, accountability, strengthening the data-based decision-making approach, and ensuring a more efficient allocation of resources.

The forum held an award ceremony for performance consultants who contributed to promoting a high-performance culture, and presented them with certificates of appreciation.

The Performance Management (service activity management) system, which has been systematically applied in SOCAR since 2024, covers a total of more than 42,000 employees across the enterprises included in the structure, and the performance of more than 14,000 specialist-technical staff is managed based on individual target cards. The performance management system includes planning activities in accordance with strategic goals, setting targets, implementing continuous monitoring and feedback mechanisms throughout the year, evaluating performance at the end of the year, and material rewards based on results.
DUSHANBE, Tajikistan, February 23. S&P Global Ratings has revised the outlook on Tajikistans long-term sovereign credit rating from stable to positive, while affirming the rating at B, Trend reports.

S&P analysts highlight that the revision of Tajikistans outlook to positive reflects a significant improvement in the country's external position in 2025.

They particularly emphasize the robust growth in remittance inflows and the favorable trend in gold prices over the past year.

"This contributed to an increase in official reserves, which are estimated to have reached $6.4 billion (36 percent of GDP) by the end of 2025, compared to $4.4 billion (31 percent of GDP) at the close of 2024," the S&P report states.

Additionally, the agency notes that strong economic growth in 2025, coupled with favorable exchange rate dynamics, drove an increase in GDP per capita to $1,650, marking a notable improvement from $890 in 2019.

Furthermore, the Sovereign Credit Rating reflects the state's reliability in meeting its debt obligations, including repaying loans and servicing interest payments.
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, February 23. Chairman of the Management Board of KazMunayGas (KMG), Askhat Khassenov, newly appointed Senior Vice President for Asia-Pacific at TotalEnergies E&P, Mansur Zhakupov, and Head of TotalEnergies in Kazakhstan, Frode Ljones, reviewed the current status and future plans of cooperation, Trend reports via KMG.

In particular, they discussed the progress of the North Caspian Project. Given the strategic importance of the Kashagan field for Kazakhstan, Khassenov emphasized the need to meet deadlines for further development, focusing on increasing local content, training national personnel, and facilitating technology transfer.

Cooperation in renewable energy was also on the agenda. The sides discussed the joint Mirny project. It was noted that at present, KMG and TotalEnergies have prepared the basic design of the project, and detailed engineering is nearing completion. The companies confirmed their intention to accelerate the completion of all necessary procedures to move to the practical implementation phase of the Mirny project.

The Mirny project in the Zhambyl region involves the construction of a hybrid wind power plant with a capacity of 1 GW, incorporating an energy storage system of 300 MW/600 MWh. The players in this venture are KazMunayGas holding a fifth (20%), Samruk-Kazyna JSC with another fifth (20%), and TotalEnergies taking the lion's share at three-fifths (60%).

The North Caspian Project is being implemented under the Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) for the North Caspian Sea, signed in 1997 between Kazakhstan and an international consortium of major oil and gas companies.

The consortium consists of the following energy companies: KazMunayGas (16.88%), Eni (16.81%), Shell (16.81%), ExxonMobil (16.81%), TotalEnergies (16.81%), KMG EP (8.33%), and INPEX (7.56%).

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, February 23. President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Kobakhidze discussed expanding cooperation in trade, economic, and investment spheres during a phone call, Trend reports via the press service of the Kazakh president.

The parties reviewed the current state and prospects for further development of Kazakh-Georgian relations. The sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation across a broad bilateral and multilateral agenda.

Particular emphasis was placed on priority areas such as transit and transport connectivity, energy, and tourism. They also exchanged views on pressing international and regional issues and agreed to intensify high-level contacts.

Earlier today, Tokayev held a meeting in Astana with Georgian Minister of Internal Affairs Gela Geladze. During the talks, Geladze briefed the Kazakh president on the work of Georgian law enforcement in ensuring the safety of tourists, including citizens of Kazakhstan.

Tokayev described Georgia as a vital and reliable partner for Kazakhstan in the South Caucasus, highlighting the deep historical ties between the two nations. The sides expressed their intention to strengthen cooperation in combating organized crime, drug trafficking, cybercrime, and extremism, as well as in exchanging best practices and training personnel.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 23. Kazem Gharibabadi, Irans Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs, cautioned that the country is fully serious about its commitment to self-defense, Trend reports.

He made the remarks on Monday during the sixty-first regular session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, held from 23 February to 31 March 2026 at the Palais des Nations in Geneva.

Gharibabadi criticized Western countries for what he described as double standards on human rights, emphasizing that Irans 1979 Islamic Revolution was driven by human rights objectives.

He also asserted that Western nations blocked efforts at the UN Security Council to condemn what he called U.S. and Israeli aggression against Iran last June.

According to him, during the 12-day conflict involving Iran, the United States, Britain, and Germany obstructed both the Security Council and the Human Rights Council from denouncing the attacks, despite 1,060 Iranians being killed and 6,000 injured.

Gharibabadi further challenged Western media reports regarding the number of fatalities in the recent unrest, which he alleged was instigated by Western governments.

The deputy foreign minister underlined that large pro-government rallies held after the foreign-backed disturbances, as well as during the anniversary of the Islamic Revolution, demonstrated the Iranian peoples strong support for the Islamic Establishment.

He also addressed U.S. military threats against Iran, stating that the country would respond forcefully to defend itself.

While noting that adversaries may be able to start a war against Iran, he said it would ultimately be Iran that determines how such a conflict ends.

Gharibabadi warned that the repercussions of any war would extend beyond the immediate parties involved and would spread throughout the region.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 23. Irans President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that the Islamic Republic of Iran has consistently regarded the African continent as a strategic partner, with ties grounded in long-term engagement and mutual benefits, Trend reports.

He made the remarks on Monday in Tehran during talks with Celestin Simpore, the visiting Minister of War and Defense of Burkina Faso.

Pezeshkian noted that Iran is firmly committed to expanding comprehensive cooperation with African nations within the framework of balanced diplomacy and is prepared to draw on its broad capacities to strengthen bilateral relations.

The president also commended the independence-driven mindset and anti-hegemony stance of Burkina Fasos leadership and people, voicing confidence that, through national resolve and internal cohesion, they will succeed in combating terrorism and extremism.

For his part, Simpore expressed satisfaction with the meeting and extended congratulations to the Iranian government and nation on the advent of the holy month of Ramadan. He also lauded the Iranian peoples resilience in the face of decades of pressure and sanctions.

Highlighting Irans advancements over the past forty years, particularly in defense industries and cutting-edge technologies, Simpore described these accomplishments as evidence of national strength, strategic self-sufficiency, and effective management under international constraints.
The share price of SM Energy Company (NYSE:SM) surged by 10.25% between February 13 and February 20, 2026, putting it among the Energy Stocks that Gained the Most This Week.

SM Energy (SM) to Sell Galvan Ranch Assets in $950 Million Deal

SM Energy Company (NYSE:SM) is an independent energy company focused on the exploration, exploitation, development, acquisition, and production of natural gas and crude oil in the United States.

On February 18, SM Energy Company (NYSE:SM) revealed that it had reached an agreement to sell its Galvan Ranch assets in South Texas. The $950 million deal comes as the energy operator looks to reduce debt and bolster its capital structure.

SM has decided to sell around 61,000 net acres and approximately 260 producing wells in its southern Maverick Basin position in Texas, along with related support facilities. These assets are expected to produce an average output of approximately 37-39 MBoe/d this year, and generate around $160 million in asset-level cash flows, excluding corporate burdens. As of the end of 2025, the net proved reserves associated with these assets were around 168 MMBoe. The deal is expected to close in the second quarter of 2026.

Beth McDonald, President and CEO of SM Energy Company (NYSE:SM), commented:

This timely asset sale largely accomplishes one of our key priorities of selling more than $1.0 billion in assets, which will enable us to reduce debt and strengthen our capital structure. We are excited about the impact this divestiture has on our balance sheet and look forward to sharing our updated returnofcapital program when we report earnings next week.

SM Energy Company (NYSE:SM) further received a boost on February 18 when Roth Capital raised its price target on the stock from $23 to $24, while maintaining a Buy rating on the shares. Similarly, on the following day, Stephens also increased its price target on SM from $48 to $49, while keeping its Overweight rating on the shares. The firm views the aforementioned divestiture by the company as positive.

While we acknowledge the potential of SM 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: 12 Best Crude Oil Stocks to Buy as Tensions Rise and 10 Best American Oil and Gas Stocks to Buy.

Disclosure: None.
Gabby Petitos family to speak on domestic violence March 2

Photo courtesy of the Gabby Petito Foundation

Gabby Petito

Family members of a young woman murdered by her fiance during a 2021 cross-country road trip will speak about domestic violence on March 2 at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.



Gabby Petito had been documenting the road trip across the U.S. on social media, and her disappearance drew national attention.



Her mother, Nichole Schmidt, and stepmother, Tara Petito, will speak in Schaible Auditorium on UAFs Troth Yeddha Campus in Fairbanks from 6-8 p.m.



The event is free and open to the public. A Zoom option will also be available.

Gabbys Voice: Breaking the Silence on Domestic Violence, will be hosted by the UAF Department of Justice in partnership with the Gabby Petito Foundation.



Schmidt and Tara Petito will share their story and discuss the warning signs of domestic violence. Following Gabby Petitos death, they began advocacy efforts focused on educating young people and families about red flags, prevention and speaking up before abuse escalates.

During their visit to Fairbanks, Schmidt and Petito will also participate in community events outside of UAF.

In advance of the March 2 program, the UAF Department of Justice will screen the first episode of the Netflix documentary American Murder: Gabby Petito. The three-part series examines the case and the events leading up to Petitos death, offering insight into the warning signs and dynamics of intimate partner violence.

The screening will take place on Monday, Feb. 23, at 5 p.m. in the Hess Recreation Center.

Support resources will be available at both events.

ADDITIONAL CONTACT: Derik Stone, term clinical assistant professor of justice, UAF Department of Justice, dmstone@alaska.edu

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Ukraines air defense forces neutralized 105 out of 126 drones launched by Russian troops in an overnight attack that began on Sunday evening.

According to Ukrinform, the Ukrainian Air Force reported this on Telegram.

Starting at 18:00 on Sunday, February 22, Russian forces attacked Ukraine with one Iskander-M ballistic missile launched from the Rostov region, as well as 126 strike UAVs of the Shahed, Gerbera, and Italmass types and other types of drones from the directions of Bryansk, Kursk, Oryol, Primorsko-Akhtarsk (Russia), and Chauda and Hvardiiske (temporarily occupied Crimea). About 80 of the drones were Shahed-type UAVs.

The air assault was repelled by aviation, anti-aircraft missile units, electronic warfare units, unmanned systems units, and mobile fire groups of the Defense Forces of Ukraine.

According to preliminary data, as of 08:00 on Monday, February 23, air defense forces had shot down or suppressed 105 drones in the north, south, and east of Ukraine.

Hits by the ballistic missile and 20 strike UAVs were recorded at 11 locations, as well as the fall of downed targets (debris) at one location.

The attack is ongoing, with several enemy drones still in Ukrainian airspace.

As Ukrinform previously reported, in the Odesa region overnight on February 23, two people were killed and three injured as a result of a Russian strike drone attack.

Ukrinform photos available for purchase here
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky believes that stopping Russian aggression in Ukraine will be a victory for the whole world.

He said this in an interview with the British broadcaster BBC, Ukrinform reports.

"I believe that stopping Putin today and preventing him from occupying Ukraine is a victory for the whole world. Because Putin will not stop at Ukraine, Zelensky stated.

He added that today, the return of Ukrainian lands temporarily occupied by Russia would cost Kyiv millions of lives.

"And we also don't have enough weapons. That depends not just on us, but on our partners. So, as of now, that's not possible, but returning to the just borders of 1991 [the year Ukraine declared its independence, precipitating the final collapse of the Soviet Union] without a doubt, is not only a victory, it's justice. Ukraine's victory is the preservation of our independence, and a victory of justice for the whole world is the return of all our lands," the president emphasized.

According to him, Ukraine is currently fighting for its independence.

As reported by Ukrinform, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that the Ukrainian Defense Forces liberated 300 square kilometers in the south of the country during counterattack operations.

Photo: Office of the President
Ukrainian Defense Forces struck an area in temporarily occupied Crimea where the missile division of the Russian Black Sea Fleet's 15th Separate Coastal Missile Brigade, armed with K-300P Bastion-P coastal defence missile system, was concentrated.

According to Ukrinform, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported this on Facebook.

On February 23, the area where the missile division of the 15th Separate Coastal Missile Brigade of the Russian Black Sea Fleet (armed with Bastion missile systems) was concentrated in Crimea was struck. The targets were hit. Enemy losses are being clarified.

In the area of the temporarily occupied Nyzhnia Krynka in the Donetsk region, an ammunition depot of the Russian invaders from the South troop group was hit.

Also, in the area of Velyka Novosilka in the Donetsk region, a Russian logistics depot was hit.

In addition, in the area of the temporarily occupied Pokrovka in the Mykolaiv region, the command post of the enemy's airborne assault regiment was hit.

Russian losses and the final extent of the damage caused are being clarified.

As reported by Ukrinform, the Defense Forces struck two Russian Project 22460 Okhotnik border patrol ships and two Be-12 aircraft in Crimea.

Illustrative photo
Since the end of January this year, the Ukrainian Armed Forces have regained control of 400 km of territory and eight settlements in the Oleksandrivka sector.

According to Ukrinform, Oleksandr Syrskyi, the commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, reported this on Facebook.

He noted that he is directly involved in combat operations in the Southern Operational Zone.

During my regular working trip, I visited the units that are advancing and the units that are holding the defense on one of the key sections of the front, Syrskyi said.

The Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine held a substantive meeting with the commanders. "We discussed the status of combat missions, problematic issues, and proposals for their resolution. We identified priority steps to strengthen our defense and support our units. Logistics, evacuation of the wounded, uninterrupted supply of ammunition, and technical support for units are necessary conditions for our stability," Syrskyi clarified.

The situation in this area is complicated. The enemy continues to exert pressure, actively using small assault groups for infiltration, artillery, unmanned aerial vehicles, and in some places, armored vehicles, the commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine emphasized.

But our soldiers are not only defending, but they are also successfully conducting offensive operations. Since the end of January this year, in the Oleksandrivka sector, the Air Assault Forces and adjacent units have regained control of 400 km of territory and eight settlements, Syrskyi emphasized.

He also commended the servicemen of the 82nd and 95th Air Assault Brigades for their courage, endurance, and professionalism in battle. "I thanked everyone who stands guard every day. I spoke separately with our soldiers. Their confidence, calmness, and fighting spirit are unwavering, he stressed.

Our plan remains unchanged: To effectively carry out the tasks set with maximum preservation of the lives and health of our defenders, to strengthen our defense capabilities and build up our capabilities in every sector of the front, Syrskyi said.

As reported by Ukrinform, on February 20, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that the Defense Forces had liberated 300 km in the south of the country.

Photo: illustrative, General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine
Different states across Mexico cancelled classes on Monday as violence over the killing of Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, known as "El Mencho," the leader of the Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generacion, continues.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum urged for calm, with authorities saying on Sunday that they had cleared most of the 250 roadblocks staged across 20 states as a result of the operation.

Authorities in three states reported at least 14 people were killed on Sunday without taking into account those involved in the operation.

Moreover, The Associated Press noted that, however the capital of Jalisco, was completely shut down on Sunday. The State Department urged U.S. citizens in several states to shelter in place until further notice over the fallout of the killing.

The U.S. Embassy in the country advised people there to avoid areas around law enforcement activity and minimize unnecessary movements, among others.

The killing of El Mencho is one of the most consequential blows to a major Mexican criminal organization in years, both because the CJNG has been widely described as among the country's most powerful and violent groups, and because Oseguera Cervantes had remained a fugitive despite a years-long, binational manhunt that included a U.S. State Department reward of up to $15 million for information leading to his arrest or conviction.

The strike was part of an operation in the mountains of Jalisco and was framed as a major security success for the Sheinbaum administration.

Mexico's Secretariat of Defense confirmed that "El Mencho" died during a clash between members of the military and cartel operatives. It noted that four cartel operatives were killed in the clash, while three others were seriously injured. One of them was Oseguera Cervantes, who died while being taken to Mexico City. No military members died during the operation, authorities added.

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
In recent days, Snap has been upgraded by Arete Research on the back of growing subscription revenues, even as it faces a lawsuit from the Texas Attorney General over alleged addictive app features and content risks.

At the same time, Snap is pressing ahead with its Specs AR glasses launch through new subsidiary Specs Inc., despite the departure of senior AR executive Scott Myers after a reported dispute with CEO Evan Spiegel.

Next, well examine how Snaps accelerating subscription revenue, highlighted by Snapchat+ milestones, may reshape its existing investment narrative.

The best AI stocks today may lie beyond giants like Nvidia and Microsoft. Find the next big opportunity with these 24 smaller AI-focused companies with strong growth potential through early-stage innovation in machine learning, automation, and data intelligence that could fund your retirement.

Snap Investment Narrative Recap

To own Snap today, you generally need to believe that its shift toward higher margin subscription and AR driven revenue can gradually reduce dependence on volatile advertising and support a path toward improved profitability. In the near term, the key catalyst is the scaling of Snapchat+ and other direct revenue products, while the biggest risk is rising regulatory and legal pressure. The Texas lawsuit potentially heightens that regulatory risk, but does not directly alter the subscription momentum story for now.

The most relevant recent development is Snaps direct revenue milestone, with products such as Snapchat+, Lens+, Snapchat Platinum, Memories Storage Plans, and Creator Subscriptions together surpassing a US$1.0 billion annualized revenue run rate and exceeding 25 million subscribers. This supports the thesis that a growing slice of Snaps business could come from recurring, higher margin revenue streams, which many analysts see as central to any reassessment of the companys catalyst profile over the next few years.

Yet behind the subscription growth and AR excitement, investors should be aware that mounting legal and regulatory scrutiny could still...

Read the full narrative on Snap (it's free!)

Snap's narrative projects $7.5 billion revenue and $827.3 million earnings by 2028.

Uncover how Snap's forecasts yield a $8.07 fair value, a 57% upside to its current price.

Exploring Other Perspectives

SNAP 1-Year Stock Price Chart

Some of the most optimistic analysts were expecting Snaps revenue to reach about US$8.1 billion and earnings of roughly US$134 million by 2028, which is far more upbeat than consensus and assumes AR investments and subscription growth easily outweigh risks such as rising regulatory pressure and stagnating core users; after this latest news, you may want to compare that bullish view with more cautious scenarios and decide which story you find more realistic.
SG-FORGE CEO Jean-Marc Stenger framed the expansion as part of a broader multi-chain strategy: "The successful launch of EUR CoinVertible on the XRP Ledger constitutes a new step that reinforces our commitment to offering next-generation compliant crypto-assets, promoting transparency, security and scalability."

The XRPL launch follows a SWIFT pilot conducted earlier in 2026, where EURCV was tested for the exchange and settlement of tokenized bonds alongside major banks including BNP Paribas and Intesa Sanpaolo. The trial demonstrated delivery-versus-payment flows using EURCV for on-chain settlementa signal that SG-FORGE is positioning the token for institutional-grade settlement rails, not only DeFi liquidity.

EURCV is backed 1:1 by bank deposits or high-quality liquid securities, with SG-FORGE publishing daily reserve reports. The transparency framework helped EURCV become the first euro stablecoin designed specifically around MiCA's requirements, which took effect in mid-2024.

SG-FORGE announced the XRPL deployment on February 19, 2026, one day after the token went live. The integration uses Ripple Custodyformerly Metaco, the institutional custody platform Ripple acquired in 2023to secure reserves and manage on-chain issuance.

This isn't just any token pilot as Societe Generale is France's third-largest bank with roughly $1.8 trillion in assets6th in Europe and 18th globallyand SG-FORGE has been building regulated stablecoin infrastructure since 2023. A systemically important European bank now sees enough value in Ripple's network to deploy its MiCA-compliant euro token there, even with the XRP price trading near $1.40, down roughly 30% in February.

Societe Generale's digital asset arm SG-FORGE launched its euro stablecoin EUR CoinVertible on the XRP (CRYPTO: XRP) Ledger on February 18, 2026. The deployment makes XRPL the third public blockchain to host EURCV, following Ethereum in April 2023 and Solana in June 2025.

A recent study identified one single habit that doubled Americans retirement savings and moved retirement from dream, to reality. Read more here .

Deutsche Bank and Aviva Investors also announced XRPL integrations in February 2026, pushing XRPL to #2 in 30-day RWA growth at 15.37%.

EURCV is the first MiCA-compliant stablecoin designed for multi-chain deployment, now live on XRPL, Ethereum, and Solana.

Societe Generale, the 6th largest European bank with $1.8 trillion in assets, launched its euro stablecoin EUR CoinVertible on XRP Ledger.

Story Continues

EURCV is now expected to integrate with Ripple Payments and Liquidity Hub, where it could serve as trading collateral for cross-border flows. SG-FORGE also launched a dollar-denominated version, USD CoinVertible, in June 2025the same month EURCV expanded to Solana.

Why SG-FORGE Added XRPL to Its Multi-Chain Strategy

Summit Art Creations / Shutterstock.com  Summit Art Creations / Shutterstock.com

SG-FORGE didn't choose XRPL over Ethereum like many initially thoughtEURCV still runs on Ethereum, where it launched in April 2023. The XRPL deployment adds a third chain to a strategy designed around different use cases and client needs. XRPL settles transactions to finality in 3-5 seconds, compared to Ethereum's 12-13 minute finality window.

For institutional settlement flows where minutes of uncertainty create operational risk, that difference matters. Transaction costs reinforce the difference: XRPL averages $0.0002 per transaction versus Ethereum's variable gas fees, which can spike during network congestion. SG-FORGE described XRPL as a "secure and decentralized Layer 1 blockchain" with the speed and cost profile suited for institutional use. The framing signals the intended audience: regulated entities prioritizing predictable settlement over DeFi composability.

EURCV on XRPL remains restricted to onboarded institutional clients who pass SG-FORGE's KYC/AML checks. XRPL's native compliance featuresincluding on-ledger metadata for transaction monitoringalign with the regulatory controls European banks require.

Cassie Craddock, Ripple's Managing Director for UK & Europe, celebrated the launch on X: "Bringing EUR CoinVertible to the XRPL is a huge win for the ecosystem, combining institutional-grade compliance with the speed and low costs the XRPL is known for."

The multi-chain approach serves different markets. Ethereum offers deep DeFi liquidity, Solana provides high throughput for retail-facing applications, while XRPL brings institutional settlement rails. By deploying across all three, SG-FORGE positions EURCV to serve different client segments without forcing anyone onto a single network.

Why Banks Want XRPL's Infrastructure But Not XRP

Creativa Images / Shutterstock.com  Creativa Images / Shutterstock.com

SG-FORGE's stablecoin doesn't use XRP as backing, and banks deploying on XRPL aren't required to hold the token. But institutional-grade projects built on the network raise its profile in ways that could benefit XRP indirectlymore on-ledger activity, validator interest, and potential demand for XRP as a bridge currency in cross-border flows.

The XRPL expansion comes during a concentrated burst of institutional announcements. Deutsche Bank revealed plans on February 19 to integrate Ripple's technology for cross-border payments and FX workflows, though the bank clarified it will use Ripple's software stack rather than adopt XRP directly. On February 11, Aviva Investors announced a partnership with Ripple to tokenize traditional funds on XRPLRipple's first deal with a Europe-based asset manager and Aviva's first move into tokenization.

These announcements contributed to XRPL climbing to #2 in 30-day RWA growth, with a 15.37% increase and roughly $1.5 billion in tokenized assetsonly Arbitrum grew faster. XRPL now outpaces Solana, Polygon, and Avalanche in the real-world asset tokenization race.

The developments show European institutions are choosing XRPL for regulated asset infrastructure. Whether that translates into XRP token demand depends on how these deployments evolvebut for Ripple's credibility as an institutional blockchain provider, February 2026 has been a breakthrough month.

The Counterarguments: Why Infrastructure Wins Don't Guarantee XRP Price Gains

The market hasn't celebrated these announcements as XRP dropped roughly 4% around February 18, settling near $1.42 even as the SG-FORGE and Deutsche Bank news broke. The broader crypto market remains in extreme fear territorythe Crypto Fear & Greed Index sits at 9, marking its lowest reading since the FTX collapse.

Infrastructure adoption and token demand don't move in lockstep. Banks can deploy on XRPL, use Ripple's software, and benefit from the network's speed without ever touching XRP. That's exactly what Deutsche Bank clarified in its announcementit will use Ripple's technology stack but will not adopt XRP directly.

Ripples competition is also intensifying. SWIFT announced in September 2025 that it's building a blockchain-based shared ledger with more than 30 global banks, including JPMorgan, HSBC, and Deutsche Bank.

The system targets real-time 24/7 cross-border payments and tokenized asset settlementthe same use cases Ripple has pursued for years. If SWIFT's rails gain traction for fiat tokens, Ripple's infrastructure narrative faces a well-funded challenger with 11,000 member institutions already connected.

Where This Leaves Ripple

Ripple exits February 2026 with three major European institutions building on its infrastructure. Its a validation of the institutional blockchain positioning the company has pursued for years. The network has scal;ed beyond just potentialit's now hosting live deployments from systemically important banks.

The next test is whether these deployments generate transaction volume. If EURCV and other tokenized assets start settling real cross-border flows on XRPL, the infrastructure thesis proves out. If they sit idle, February's wins become footnotes.

For XRP, the gap between network adoption and token demand remains. Banks want XRPL but whether that eventually matters for the XRP price is the question Ripple can't answer alone.

Data Shows One Habit Doubles Americans Savings And Boosts Retirement

Most Americans drastically underestimate how much they need to retire and overestimate how prepared they are. But data shows that people with one habit have more than double the savings of those who dont.

And no, its got nothing to do with increasing your income, savings, clipping coupons, or even cutting back on your lifestyle. Its much more straightforward (and powerful) than any of that. Frankly, its shocking more people dont adopt the habit given how easy it is.
Find winning stocks in any market cycle. Join 7 million investors using Simply Wall St's investing ideas for FREE.

Ares Commercial Real Estate now carries a refreshed analyst price target of US$5.30, up from US$4.75, marking a reset in how the stock is being framed. Bullish and cautious analysts alike are tying this new target to updated assumptions and are debating how reliable those inputs are in light of current commercial real estate conditions. As you read on, you will see how this evolving narrative could shape the way you track the stock from here.

Analyst Price Targets don't always capture the full story. Head over to our Company Report to find new ways to value Ares Commercial Real Estate.

What Wall Street Has Been Saying

 Bullish Takeaways

Wells Fargo raised its Ares Commercial Real Estate price target by US$1, which signals that at least one major Wall Street firm sees enough support in the current business mix to justify a higher valuation anchor.

The reset to a higher target suggests Wells Fargo is reassessing its assumptions on factors such as portfolio quality, earnings power, or balance sheet resilience. The firm appears to see room for the shares to better reflect those inputs over time.

 Bearish Takeaways

Even with the higher Wells Fargo target, the valuation debate remains open. The banks research points to the importance of closely watching how updated assumptions hold up against ongoing uncertainty in commercial real estate.

The reliance on refined models and scenario work, as flagged by Wells Fargo, underlines that execution risks around credit performance, refinancing activity, and capital deployment remain key watchpoints for investors.

Do your thoughts align with the Bull or Bear Analysts? Perhaps you think there's more to the story. Head to the Simply Wall St Community to discover more perspectives!

NYSE:ACRE 1-Year Stock Price Chart

We've flagged 3 risks for Ares Commercial Real Estate. See which could impact your investment.

What's in the News

Ares Commercial Real Estate reported that from October 1, 2025 to December 31, 2025, it repurchased 0 shares for US$0 million, reflecting 0% of the buyback program covered in this update.

The company stated that, with this activity, it has completed the repurchase of 0 shares for US$0 million under the buyback program originally announced on August 6, 2024.

Recent disclosures focus on the status of the authorized buyback program, with no additional share repurchase activity reported for the period.

How This Changes the Fair Value For Ares Commercial Real Estate
The message arrived on a Thursday morning, routed through the Department of Homeland Security's automated systems. For a graduate student at Boston University studying mechanical engineering  his identity withheld in court filings only as "Student Doe #2"  it was the beginning of a nightmare. His SEVIS record had been terminated. In plain terms: his legal status in the United States had been wiped from the federal database, and he was now, technically, subject to arrest and deportation.

His stated offense? An unspecified criminal records finding. The actual offense, his attorneys would later allege in federal court: a minor traffic violation.

This spring, his experience was replicated thousands of times across hundreds of American college campuses. Beginning around March 28, 2025, universities started noticing a disturbing pattern  active F-1 students and recent graduates suddenly appearing as terminated in SEVIS, the federal system that tracks every international student in the country. No advance warning. No due process. No explanation.

"The unexpected terminations occurred without notice or explanation," said Northeastern University's Office of Global Services in a statement to its campus community, describing how staff immediately began monitoring SEVIS records on a daily basis once the wave began. The same stunned scramble was underway at Penn, Columbia, MIT, and hundreds of other institutions.

By late April, inside Higher Ed had identified over 1,840 students and recent graduates from more than 280 colleges and universities whose SEVIS records had been affected. That was almost certainly an undercount. The government itself later revealed, in a court proceeding, that it had terminated the records of approximately 3,000 international students through what it called a "Student Criminal Alien Initiative"  a mass sweep that had cross-referenced student records against an FBI criminal database. The database sweeps flagged students for everything from dismissed misdemeanor charges to minor traffic stops.

Welcome to the new landscape for international students in the United States.

A System Built for Surveillance

To understand what is happening now, you have to understand what SEVIS is and what it was designed to do.

Created after September 11, 2001, the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System is a federal database that tracks every detail of an international student's academic life  their enrollment status, their address, their work authorizations, their program start and end dates. In the post-9/11 era, placing that system under the jurisdiction of ICE  Immigration and Customs Enforcement  made political sense. But it also meant that the entire infrastructure of international student life was embedded within an immigration enforcement agency, one that could, under a sufficiently aggressive administration, be turned against the very population it was supposed to serve.

International students have long understood themselves to be among the most documented people in the country. What changed in 2025 was not the surveillance architecture  it was the willingness to use it.

On January 20, 2025, the same day as the presidential inauguration, the Trump administration rescinded longstanding policies that had exempted campuses, hospitals, and houses of worship from immigration enforcement operations. Universities, which had long operated as a kind of informal safe zone, lost that protection overnight.

What followed was a cascading series of enforcement actions unlike anything higher education had seen in decades. Visa revocations by the State Department. Mass SEVIS terminations by ICE. A blanket suspension of new student visa interviews during the peak processing season for fall enrollment. An executive travel ban covering 19 countries  later expanding to 39  that barred students from entire nations from entering the U.S. at all. Expanded social media screening. A proposed "one-strike policy" for students who run afoul of any immigration rule. And an ICE internal memo that quietly lowered the evidentiary standard for SEVIS terminations  moving away from the legal standard of "clear and convincing evidence" toward simply "evidence of failure to comply."

The Presidents' Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, a coalition of 580-plus college and university leaders, catalogued these developments in real time and called the result unmistakable: the administration had created "a pervasive climate of fear, anxiety and uncertainty among international students, faculty, and staff, severely disrupting campus life."

'I've Been Forced to Remain Silent'

That climate shows up in ways that are hard to quantify but easy to see.

An international student at Belmont University in Nashville  who did not disclose his name for safety reasons  had been accustomed to posting Instagram stories about political issues he cared about. After the new administration took office, he stopped entirely. "I've been forced to remain silent," he said. "I just decided to make a conscious decision to not risk my visa status."

When news of the SEVIS terminations broke in the spring, the same student canceled a flight home to India. He had received a speeding ticket in the past  enough, under the new enforcement regime, to potentially flag him in the federal database. His immigration attorney advised him not to travel. "I decided that it's not worth the risk," he said.

Hundreds of miles north in Boston, a medical resident called off a trip to Jordan after three residents in his program got stuck abroad waiting for their visas to be processed. Missing significant time in a medical residency, he noted, could mean repeating a full year of training  or expulsion from the program altogether. "Imagine having to do residency for three years just to have it all get thrown away," he said.

In Cape Girardeau, Missouri, at Southeast Missouri State University, a student from Bangladesh described the uncertainty in survey responses collected by the campus newspaper. They had a good experience at SEMO, they said  close friends among domestic students, mostly supportive professors. But the SEVIS situation left them shaken. What they wanted most, they said, was simply clarity. "I wish there were more clarity on what is happening with SEVIS statuses," they said.

At SEMO alone, 24 students and recent graduates had their SEVIS records revoked. International enrollment on the campus subsequently declined by nearly 500 students.

Due Process Denied

The legal challenges mounted quickly.

Within weeks of the initial termination wave, more than 100 lawsuits had been filed across the country. Federal judges granted temporary restraining orders in at least 50 cases. The judges, for the most part, were not persuaded that what ICE had done was legal.

On April 24, 2025, the Presidents' Alliance joined with several directly affected students to file a federal lawsuit in Massachusetts. The legal argument centered squarely on due process: the government had failed to provide students with advance notice or the opportunity to respond before terminating their status, in violation of the Constitution. The complaint further alleged that SEVIS terminations must be grounded in specific regulatory authority  and that a visa revocation by the State Department does not legally justify the termination of a student's enrolled status.

Among the named student plaintiffs: "Student Doe #4," a man who had completed his Master's degree in Financial Mathematics in January 2024 and was working full-time under STEM Optional Practical Training authorization. On April 3, 2025, he was notified that his SEVIS record had been terminated due to an alleged criminal records check. He had no criminal history and no police contact of any kind. He was forced to quit his job on the spot. He has not been able to return to that employer since.

On April 25, facing mounting court pressure, the Department of Justice announced that it would reverse the terminations and restore thousands of students' SEVIS records. The news was greeted with relief  and caution. Three days later, a draft internal memo revealed that ICE had simultaneously been working on a new, broader framework for future terminations, one that formalized many of the very practices that had just caused so much harm. Reports subsequently emerged that some students whose records were restored were having them re-terminated under the new rules.

As Northeastern's Office of Global Services warned its students: "A senior DHS official has confirmed that while SEVIS records have been restored, students may still face future status or visa challenges as policy evolves."

In May 2023, a federal judge in California issued a nationwide preliminary injunction blocking the government from arresting, detaining, or taking adverse action against students who had been caught up in the termination wave  even students whose records had since been restored. The court found the original terminations had caused irreparable harm that reactivation alone could not undo.

The Numbers Don't Lie

What began as a legal and human rights crisis has metastasized into an economic one.

International students at U.S. colleges contributed nearly $43 billion to the U.S. economy in the 2024-25 academic year, supporting more than 355,000 jobs. They pay full tuition  typically out-of-state rates  and they are ineligible for federal financial aid, making them one of the most financially significant segments of any university's enrollment. As Ted Mitchell, president of the American Council on Education, has noted, the relationship is direct and consequential: "Full-paying international students pay scholarships for domestic students  it's a 1-to-1 relationship."

But in fall 2025, new international student enrollment at U.S. colleges fell by 17%  the steepest nonpandemic single-year decline in over a decade, according to data from the Institute of International Education. Overall international enrollment fell 1%, the first annual decline since the COVID-19 pandemic. Graduate enrollment fell 12%.

The human scale of individual campuses tells a more visceral story. At DePaul University in Chicago, new international graduate student enrollment fell 62%. At Bellevue College outside Seattle, new international enrollment dropped 36%. At Eastern Illinois University, the total number of international students fell by half.

NAFSA and its research partners estimated the enrollment decline has already cost the U.S. economy $1.1 billion and roughly 23,000 jobs  and that is based on the real fall 2025 numbers. Earlier projections, made before the numbers came in, had warned that a worst-case scenario could produce $7 billion in lost revenue and 60,000 jobs eliminated from the higher education sector alone.

For many institutions, the damage will compound over time. Universities with already thin operating margins are announcing hiring freezes. Some are cutting programs. As Todd Wolfson, president of the American Association of University Professors, has bluntly assessed the outlook: "What we are going to see is programs shut down, campuses shut down, smaller public or private institutions closing or merging."

The 2025 figures may not even represent the bottom. As one enrollment management expert told U.S. News, 2026 will be "the real litmus test"  the first year when students will have had an entire application cycle to factor the current political climate into their decision about whether to pursue an American education at all. Guidance counselors in China are already steering students toward universities in Hong Kong and Singapore.

What Universities Are Doing  and What They Can't

Institutions have responded as best they can, though the range of their power is constrained.

At Northeastern, the Office of Global Services began manually reviewing every student's SEVIS record on a daily basis. At Penn, administrators issued campus-wide guidance on how to respond if ICE agents appeared. Universities across the country have trained public safety staff on protocols for immigration encounters, reminded faculty of restrictions on sharing student data, and quietly updated their FAQ pages to account for scenarios that would have seemed unthinkable two years ago.

Some institutions have offered affected students the ability to continue coursework remotely from abroad  a workaround that preserves their academic progress without requiring them to navigate a legal status that may or may not be active on any given day.

What universities cannot do is make the fear go away.

Ola Galal, a clinical assistant professor of global cultures at NYU, described what she has been hearing from students in her office: students of color, students from Muslim-majority countries, students with political opinions they used to express openly, now coming to her with questions about whether it is safe to leave campus for a holiday weekend, let alone go home for the summer. They do not have answers, because she does not have answers.

The American ideal that drew many of these students to the U.S. in the first place  the sense of openness, of meritocracy, of a country that welcomed talent regardless of origin  feels, to many of them, newly conditional.

"When we learned about America when we were kids, it was always this is where all the cultures meet up," said Helmer Larsen, an international student at SEMO originally from Norway. "That's what we kind of learned  the American dream is all these different people coming from all these different countries and bringing their cultures together."

She paused. "America does not have the reputation it once did."

What Comes Next

For now, the legal battles continue. The Presidents' Alliance has pressed its case in federal court. Congressional members have sent formal letters demanding that DHS and the State Department answer basic questions  how many SEVIS records terminated since January 20 have never been restored? How many students who had their records reinstated have since been re-terminated?

The administration, meanwhile, has shown little sign of retreating. A proposed rule would end "duration of status"  the flexible standard that currently allows students to remain in the U.S. through the completion of their degree  and replace it with a fixed, inflexible expiration date. Another proposed rule would restructure the H-1B visa lottery in ways that could make post-graduation employment harder to obtain.

For the hundreds of thousands of international students still in American classrooms this semester, the situation demands a kind of cognitive split: stay enrolled, keep studying, and try to maintain a normal academic life while carrying the knowledge that a database entry or a policy memo they never see could unravel everything they have worked for.

The Boston University student, "Doe #2," got his SEVIS record restored after the April reversal. Whether it stays restored, whether he can finish his degree, whether he can pursue the career in the U.S. he came here to build  these remain open questions. His future, as the lawsuit filing put it, was "abruptly jeopardized." It has not yet been secured.

"International students are in a state of stress and anxiety like never before," the Belmont student said. "No one is providing any reasoning for what's going on."
Vietnam Briefing has developed into a premium source for insight on doing business in Vietnam. It publishes business news concerning foreign direct investment into Vietnam, including the most important tax, legal and accounting issues. The Vietnam Briefing Magazine was first published in 2009, and is contributed to by investment professionals based in Vietnam.
Swiss Re Corporate Solutions has entered a deal to buy the Global Trade Credit and Surety division from QBE Insurance Group, pending approval from regulators.

The companies did not release financial details of the agreement.

The purchase will add to Swiss Re Corporate Solutions primary credit and surety insurance business and broaden its services for corporate clients.

The move is in line with Swiss Res wider strategy to diversify its offering and seek growth in new areas.

QBEs business in this segment involves a team operating mainly in Australia, New Zealand and the UK.

The portfolio is projected to bring in around $200m (SFr154.44m) in yearly revenue.

QBE Group CEO Andrew Horton said: Our decision to divest QBEs Global Trade Credit and Surety business to Swiss Re Corporate Solutions supports our ongoing strategic focus on optimising our portfolio, enabling the reallocation of capital and resources towards growth opportunities that align more closely with QBEs long-term strategy.

Completion of the transaction depends on fulfilment of closing conditions including regulatory clearance, which could take several months.

Swiss Re Corporate Solutions indicated it will work with QBE during this period to ensure continuity for policyholders, brokers and staff.

Swiss Re Corporate Solutions CEO Ivan Gonzalez said: "This acquisition marks an important milestone for Swiss Re Corporate Solutions. It allows us to expand our offering in this attractive segment by strengthening our global credit and surety platform with a well-managed, profitable portfolio and a highly experienced team.

We are excited to build on QBE's market-leading capabilities as we continue to differentiate our offering to help corporate clients navigate the evolving risk landscape."

Last December, Swiss Re formed a partnership with RIQ aimed at developing AI-based reinsurance solutions, expanding capacity options and launching risk origination initiatives in the United Arab Emirates.

"Swiss Re Corporate Solutions to buy QBE credit and surety unit" was originally created and published by Life Insurance International, a GlobalData owned brand.




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.

cbw/thm/rh/sbk
The share price of Texas Pacific Land Corporation (NYSE:TPL) surged by 15.63% between February 13 and February 20, 2026, putting it among the Energy Stocks that Gained the Most This Week.

Texas Pacific Land (TPL) Hits New Records in Q4 2025

Texas Pacific Land Corporation (NYSE:TPL) owns and manages about 868,000 acres in the Permian Basin. The company generates revenues along the entire value chain of oil and gas development, including royalties, water resources, and surface leases, easements, and materials.

Texas Pacific Land Corporation (NYSE:TPL) soared after reporting strong results for its Q4 2025 on February 18. The companys EPS of $1.79 was in line with expectations, while its revenue grew by 13.6% YoY to $211 million, topping estimates by $7 million. The robust performance came as the company achieved quarterly records for oil and gas royalty production, water sales volumes, and produced water royalties.

Texas Pacific Land Corporation (NYSE:TPL) delivered annual records across its major operating milestones in full-year 2025, including oil and gas royalty production, water sales, produced water royalties, and SLEM revenue. Moreover, the company set fiscal year records for consolidated metrics, including revenue, net income, and free cash flow. Impressively, TPL managed to achieve such results despite the crude oil prices falling from $95 per barrel in 2022 to an average of $65 per barrel in 2025. The company ended the year with $145 million of cash and zero debt, while its $500 million credit facility also remains fully undrawn.

On February 19, Texas Pacific Land Corporation (NYSE:TPL) announced a regular quarterly dividend of $0.60 per share, indicating a 12.5% increase versus the prior payout.

While we acknowledge the potential of TPL 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: 12 Best Crude Oil Stocks to Buy as Tensions Rise and 10 Best American Oil and Gas Stocks to Buy.

Disclosure: None.
DANVILLE, Ill. (WAND) - A Danville man was arrested Monday after a United States Postal Service worker was shot with a BB gun.

Danville police said the worker was shot while delivering the mail in the 200 block of Hazel Street on Feb. 17.

Following an investigation, DPD identified the suspect as 49-year-old Jay Ollis of Danville.

Police arrested Ollis along E. Harrison Street Feb. 23.

He was taken to the Vermilion County Jail and is charged with aggravated battery.

New! The latest from WAND in your inbox Sign up for our newsletters to receive breaking news and daily headlines. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request.

Related Coverage:

Rantoul man gets 200 years in prison for child sex crimes from multiple counties

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Jacksonville Police arrest suspect after reported home invasion

Copyright 2026. WAND TV. All rights reserved.
ITA Airways cancels over half its scheduled flights due to strike.

Italy is braced for major travel disruption due to a series of strikes affecting the country's transport system on the last three days of February.

A strike in the aviation sector is scheduled for Thursday 26 February, followed by rail transport disruptions from the evening of Friday 27 February until the evening of Saturday 28 February.

Significant inconvenience is expected for both domestic travellers and those flying out of the country. Here's what you need to know.

Air travel strike (26 February)

The walkout on 26 February was originally scheduled for 16 February but was postponed by 10 days due to an injunction by deputy premier and transport minister Matteo Salvini, who pushed the date back to avoid clashing with the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.

ITA Airways, easyJet and Vueling

Thursday's 24-hour strike, called by Cub Trasporti, will affect workers across the aviation and airport sectors, including ground handling. Several other mobilisations are happening simultaneously:

Personnel from ITA Airways along with pilots and flight attendants from easyJet (backed by trade unions Filt-Cgil, Fit-Cisl, Uilt-Uil, Ugl T.A, Anpac, and Anp) will strike from 00.01 to 24.00 on Thursday.

An additional four-hour strike called by Usb Lavoro Privato will involve flight and ground crews from ITA Airways, easyJet, and Vueling Airlines will be held from 13.00 to 17.00 on Thursday.

ITA Airways cancels 55 per cent of flights

The national carrier has warned of a severe impact on operations. Due to the 24-hour national strike, ITA Airways said it has been forced to cancel around 55 per cent of its scheduled flights for 26 February, with some disruptions also affecting 25 and 27 February.

Travel advice

Passengers are urged to check their flight status on the official ITA Airways website or through their travel agency before heading to the airport.

Those with tickets for 26 February can rebook without penalty or request a full refund (if the flight is cancelled or delayed by more than five hours) by 8 March.

Rail strike (27-28 February)

The disruption shifts to the tracks starting the evening of Friday 27 February and continuing through Saturday. Workers from FS Italiane Group (Trenitalia), Italo and Trenord are participating.

Union Cub Trasporti/Sgb has called for a strike on freight and local rail transport from 21.00 on Friday 27 Feb until 20.59 on Saturday 28 February.

The National Assembly of Pdm/Pdb (train drivers and onboard staff) of the FSI Group will also strike during this same 24-hour window.

An eight-hour strike for rail freight is scheduled from 10.00 on 27 February until to 05.59 the next morning.

Guaranteed Trains

Trenitalia and Italo will publish lists of guaranteed medium and long-distance trains on their respective websites.

Travellers are advised to consult trenitalia.com, italotreno.it or trenord.it for the most up-to-date lists of confirmed departures.
Looking to explore potential future American University tracks of study? Make new friends? Earn school credit?

All students currently enrolled in a high school in Rome, public or private, are eligible and encouraged to apply to Temple University Rome Spring 2026 Pre-College Workshops. Courses cover a broad range of topics in Humanities and Social Sciences, Studio Arts, Personal and Professional Development and Science and Environment; students can register for multiple workshops. These one-day workshops are designed to give students exposure to a variety of potential topics of interest. All courses are taught in English by bilingual instructors and hosted on-site at Temple University Rome, at our lovely location adjacent to the Spanish Steps, over the weekends of March 13-15 and March 20-22, 2026.

https://rome.temple.edu/academics-programs/pre-college-programs/pre-college-workshops



Temple Rome can offer an Attestato di Partecipazione to those who complete a workshop. We have PCTO agreements in place with several local high schools for credit and also work with IB programs to provide certificates of participation for credit.



For additional information or to enroll in a workshop, please write to jocelyn.cortese@temple.edu.



Workshops are 100% free. The Euro 15 registration fee is waived for all 2026 in celebration of Temple Rome's 60th Anniversary!

For those looking for a more intensive program, with TWO U.S. college credits, there is the Summer 2026 10-day Pre-College program. For more information and to apply (local students have a large discount), please refer to:

https://rome.temple.edu/academics-programs/pre-college-programs/pre-college-summer-rome

Or, contact jocelyn.cortese@temple.edu
It's still hard back here. I've moved in with my parents, my furniture is in storage, and I get more job rejections that I get recruiter calls. In the first few months, I was optimistic, but now I'm at the point of feeling worthless. I just hope that the next 12 months aren't as bad as the last."

After the ghosting debacle, I really started to reassess my decision to stay. I was in the US on a green card, and having been in the US during Trump's first term, I was already concerned about what my future would look like if I stayed another four years. I was pretty quickly eating through my savings just paying for rent, food, and transportation, and I made the decision to move back home.

"I had a niche job within a specialized sector, but I thought in a big city known for the industry I'm in, within a year, I'll have something, or I would move again. I had an interview for a role back on the West Coast, and after four rounds, including three separate panel interviews, I was ghosted.

"I was in the middle of moving states for the job I was laid off from in November of '24, living in a long-term Airbnb while I was under contract on an apartment. The layoffs began on November 6th; that day, my mortgage was pulled, my company closed down, and Trump was elected. I figured bad things come in threes, so that's me done. I'll give my new city a year and use the deposit I had saved along with my severance to see me through while I find a new role."

"The job market is terrible. I have an MS Degree in Business/HR and an MS Degree in Accounting, and over 20 years of management and HR/Talent Acquisition experience. I have applied to hundreds of jobs, with no response at all."

Though the economy's numbers are technically " strong ," January 2026 was officially the worst month for layoffs and hiring since the Great Recession in 2009. In the meantime, inflation continues to rise , and there seems to be a real disconnect between economic reports and what's truly going on in the job market right now. We asked members of the BuzzFeed Community who have been laid off and are looking for work to share their experiences, and these 29 tales tell a verrrrrry different story:

Story Continues

Anonymous, female, 38

5. "I spent 100 days looking for a job! I applied for 87 jobs, made it to final interview rounds for two, did initial interviews for another two, and got invites for two more interviews after accepting my job. A ton of jobs I never even heard back from. Auto-rejection emails and texts in the middle of the night were common. It was tough out there! But I really enjoyed having the holidays off."

Anonymous, 31, female, Michigan

6. "I've applied to 300 jobs. Rejected for all that actually got back to me. I have 30 years of experience in my industry. "

Oleg Breslavtsev / Getty Images

Anonymous, Washington state, 45, female

7. "I was laid off in June of 2024 from a sundowning law firm. I have an advanced degree, and in the almost two years that Ive been searching for a job, Ive had three interviews. Im on multiple job search sites and apply to 10-15 jobs a day, five days a week. Id say that about 50% of the jobs are scams and bots just farming information."

"To be clear, Im not above working in the service industry or retail. Ive done these jobs in the past and would be happy to even get an email back. Ive completely burned through my savings and have resorted to feeding my family expired food from 'bump and bruise' stores. I had two promising interviews this week and am trying to stay optimistic, but Ive never been so humbled. Good luck out there."

Anonymous, 42, female, Maryland

8. "Ive put out hundreds of applications and rarely hear back. Sometimes I get rejected within the hour. Things are very bleak."

SDI Productions / Getty Images

Anonymous, 54

9. "The job market is truly abysmal. Ive been laid off for almost a year now and have had zero luck. I have put in hundreds of applications (no exaggeration) and have only received a handful of interviews that went nowhere. I was previously laid off in 2021, and it only took me about three months to find a new role. This time around is completely different, and Im convinced most job postings arent even real at this point. For context, I have a marketing background."

Anonymous, 32, female, Pennsylvania

10. "I was laid off from my fully remote, six-figure job a few weeks before I found out I was pregnant. In the past seven months, Ive applied to nearly 330 jobs and was ghosted by the vast majority. As my pregnancy progresses, Ive given up trying to find anything before the baby comes. While I am grateful to be expecting my much-wanted baby and grateful that we can afford to raise our child on my husbands income, I cant understate how badly my confidence has been shaken by not being able to contribute to our family in the way Id planned. I think of my old job every day."

Europa Press News / Europa Press via Getty Images

Anonymous

Related: "He Impregnated Three Different Women At Once": 25 Coworker Sex Affair Stories That Are Wild, Wild, Wildddddd

11. "The job market is terrible. After six months, I have had three interviews, zero offers, and have received zero feedback with rejections."

Anonymous, 35, female, Ohio

12. "After the AI bubble wrecked my freelancing venture and I (ironically) suddenly stopped receiving work from my AI training side gig, I was looking for a job in March 2025. I sent out hundreds of applications, kept revising my resume, and got nothing but automated rejections 99% of the time. I couldnt even get a part-time job at a grocery store. In August, I finally got a part-time job through a personal connection, which I left in October after being offered a full-time job, also through a personal connection."

Svetlana Repnitskaya / Getty Images

"Not even four months later, and I was laid off from that full-time job just last week. Now Im just left at a strange crossroads: do I throw myself back into the cycle of rejection, looking for a job? Or do I gamble the little money I have and start a business? Both roads are bleak, and if I had hopes of buying a house or starting a family one day, Id be devastated."

Anonymous, 27, Arizona

13. "It is so impersonal. You apply for many different roles, hoping that your resume will pass an AI system and reach a real human being. All the rejections come from an automated email with the same template, no matter which company sends it. One company was so hands-off that my rejection was sent out with [Insert Job Title Here] in the email."

Anonymous, 30, female, Ohio

14. "Out of the nearly 400 roles Ive applied to, Ive landed a total of six interviews. Ive received approximately 100 rejection emails and have been ghosted by the rest. I applied to the same role three times with the exact same resume (months apart) and made it to different stages each time. The job just got reposted."

Maria Korneeva / Getty Images

"AI is heavily used. Some companies are transparent and state theyre using it to review resumes and summarize recruiter calls. Others go so far as to ask you to opt in to its use. A few straight-up have an AI assistant video call as the first round in the interview process. Its a horrible experience every time  their summations are never accurate."

Anonymous, 31, female, USA

15. "I have a master's and 20 years of experience as a scientist. The market was affected by the political climate, and people hate science."

Anonymous, 40, female, Seattle

Related: My Jaw Needs To Be Picked Off The Floor And Surgically Reattached After Reading These 21 Unhinged Patient Complaints Medical Professionals Have Received

16. "I managed to find a job after being out of work for five months. I accepted a job that with a 20% decrease in pay and way worse benefits. Im now working in a horrible environment where people are treated like shit because the leadership is MIA and ignores abusive and illegal practices. They know the job market is tough, and they can easily replace people. Its awful, but at least its a paycheck until I burn out and completely lose my shit."

Yana Iskayeva / Getty Images

Anonymous, 46, female, Seattle, WA

17. "From January 2025 until September 2025, I applied to 88 jobs. Some remote, most local, and a good majority in the auto advertising agency (which I had been in for years). Out of the 88 jobs, I got nine interviews (eight to the final round and one that led to an offer for the job Im in now). It was brutal and heartbreaking."

Anonymous, 41, female, metro Detroit

18. "The job market in the Seattle area is a joke. I was laid off from a position in HR, and there are hardly any jobs out there. I have tried applying to manager roles, recruiter roles, and even entry-level roles, and none have responded. All I seem to get nowadays are scammer postings. I have reached out to headhunters, and they are not even calling me back. I have great work experience and am not a job hopper, so I am baffled why I have not been getting calls back."

Fly View Productions / Getty Images

"This year, my husband and I decided I would stay home with our preschooler. If I dont find a job by next school year, I may start emergency subbing for our school district to be able to bring in some money. We are lucky my husband is able to support us with his income, but we are scraping by. It is not sustainable."

Anonymous, 37, female, Washington state

19. "Went from six-figure breadwinner of the family to having to take a job making 1/3 of my previous salary to contribute something to our finances. I'm obviously way overqualified for my position now, but luckily, they took a chance on me right as unemployment was running out. Something is better than nothing. I couldn't get interviews when looking at equivalent work and pay, and when I did, I was going up against previous coworkers that were also let go."

"It's difficult having to adjust resumes constantly to fit job descriptions, or even trying to get someone to call you. Depressing, exhausting, and going deeper in debt every day."

Anonymous, 41, female, Illinois

20. "I have multiple degrees and have been in the workforce for over a decade, in progressively advanced positions. Ive worked across the public/private/social sector and have many transferable skills (and a resume to back up the fact that I can successfully pivot between roles). I could not get a job for a year and wiped out my savings and retirement to stay afloat. I ended up at a job Im ridiculously overqualified for and took around a $30,000 pay cut. I do finally have a job, but Im still unable to pay my bills."

Maskot / Getty Images/Maskot

Anonymous, 37

21. "I have been applying and not getting a response at all, or a simple automated rejection. The only responses I got from a recruiter I had were when I was recommended by somebody I know in the company. Only one actual interview, but the job was not in line with my experience, and they closed the position itself."

Anonymous, 47

22. "The job market is horrible. Ive applied to probably a hundred jobs in almost two months and havent heard back from any of them. Things that seem like a good fit get my hopes up, and Ive found myself looking at options that pay significantly less than my old job did  sometimes less than half  just to find something. My family life requires me to work remotely or at least hybrid, and youd think most companies would offer that as an option. With AI taking over everything, its even harder in my field to find something. I have a young child, and its devastating to feel lost and discouraged. I just want to be a good role model for her."

PeopleImages / Getty Images

Anonymous, 32, female, Michigan

23. "[After eight months], the job market is brutal! There are so many people looking for work that even if you meet all of the posted job requirements, there is a small chance the hiring team will see your information. Companies are seeing thousands of resumes in a short amount of time, and they are likely receiving resumes from strong candidates; they just can't speak to all the highly qualified candidates. The old advice of reaching out to the hiring team is no longer helpful. You now have hundreds of people reaching out to an overburdened hiring team, who don't have the time to respond to/read all of those messages."

"There is now rampant fraud in the application process. Companies are mining for data, so they create fake jobs to get your resume and personal information, which allows them to create fraudulent candidates. Companies have to be on the lookout for fraud now, and when they are skeptical about an applicant, they are inclined not to reach out.

Companies are also looking for the perfect candidate because they know there is more talent available. Instead of being satisfied with a candidate meeting 75-90% of the requirements, it feels like you must have 100-110% of the asks. The hiring process is also slower, since there is more talent available, companies spend weeks moving candidates through their process. A typical interview process used to be 2-4 weeks; it's now 3-8."

Anonymous, 45, female, Chicago

Related: "People Have No Idea How Bad It Is": 23 Mind-Blowing Industry Secrets That Employees Wish More People Knew About

24. "It took me six months to find a new role in marketing. I wanted something fully remote, but that was highly competitive. Once I started accepting the fact that I probably wouldn't find something fully remote, I applied for hybrid roles and saw more interview requests. My current role is hybrid but very flexible, so I'm thankful to work from home the majority of the time! I had about 20 interviews before landing this role. Lots of employers are ghosting applicants. I had two roles that I was sure I'd get (got verbal confirmation from them), but then I never heard back from the employer. It was very frustrating."

Lock Stock / Getty Images

Anonymous, 28, female, South Dakota

25. "I was laid off [over a year ago] due to tariffs. I worked in product procurement for a company that sourced mainly overseas. Midway through my job search, I realized I had to pivot away from the industry and the job itself. I'm at the point now that I'm applying to everything. I have a degree and the experience these companies require, but no one is calling. I've lost count of how many applications I've submitted. Applying to jobs is a job in itself. I've been on a handful of interviews, but I never made it to the final round. I'm not even receiving a courtesy 'thanks but no thanks' email from these people. It's been very discouraging."

Anonymous, 40, Woman, New York

26. "Im making less than what I made when I was 16, with fewer hours and no benefits. I cant pay my bills, and I cry most nights because of it."

Delmaine Donson / Getty Images

Anonymous, 31, male, Iowa

27. "A month ago was my sixth layoff in a 23-year advertising career. I know if I had been able to stay with one company, I'd have financial stability, a reasonable 401 (k), and would be better titled than I am now. But instead, I'm facing the prospect of liquidating my assets again, selling my car again. It's a mess. I've been told by half of these HR teams (in confidence) that part of why I've been 'chosen' to be let go is that they see me as resilient, hardworking, and likable; in other words, they think I'll have the easiest time finding a new job. But the truth is, every time, it shakes my confidence."

"My resume reads like Swiss cheese, and it's harder every time to explain how I'm over 40 and stuck where I am on the corporate ladder. I'm deeply resentful of agency life. Instead, I'm going to be on Medicaid for the next six months, collect my unemployment benefits, and bootstrap a tech startup with two partners because I don't believe there's anything of worth left in advertising. The biggest silver lining: I got to sit out of all the posturing and dick-measuring around the Super Bowl commercials. What a treat. What a relief. But ask me in six months if I caved and took agency work again to get back on my feet."

Anonymous, 44, female, Chicago

28. "There are a lot of scams and lies out there right now in the field. One job I was hired for (I have an MBA, plenty of good references, and experience) turned out not to be managing a property but to be a groundskeeper for a large estate, driving a large lawn mower and cleaning sidewalks. They totally lied, and I found out just before I was about to move."

Picture Alliance / dpa/picture alliance via Getty Images

"AI is placing the job ads, and AI is going over the resumes looking for keywords, and they have been told to pull applications only if the keywords appear. Most jobs could be filled if someone would actually look at your application instead of letting computers decide who gets hired! This is only a small part of the insanity of the job market now.

My friend who got laid off with me has a doctorate, and instead of teaching college, he is now driving a forklift in an Amazon facility. He says he gave up finding anything that paid near what he used to make, so he went to work driving a forklift because he learned how to operate large machinery in the army. He is so depressed. He is trying to pay off student loans by driving a forklift."

Anonymous

29. And finally, "It took three months, 60 applications, and finally one interview to land a job. I was told I was overqualified or didn't have enough experience, depending on what job I was applying for. It was extremely discouraging, especially since I was laid off from my previous job after five years due to a cutback without warning on a Tuesday morning. I will never get comfortable with an employer again."

Anonymous, 38, male, USA

If you've been laid off, I'd love to know if this resonates with your experience. What's the job market really like right now? Drop your story in the comments, or if you'd like to remain anonymous, you can use the form below.

Also in Work & Money: "It Totally Destroyed His Reputation": 27 Real-Life Workplace Drama Stories That Are So Freakin' Messy, It's A Dumpster Fire You Won't Be Able To Look Away From

Also in Work & Money: People In "Dull" Jobs Are Spilling Their Industry's Juiciest Secrets, And I'm Absolutely Grabbing Some Popcorn

Also in Work & Money: "It's Like A Freaking Hell Loop": People Are Revealing Normal '90s And '00s Things Are Considered A Luxury Now

Read it on BuzzFeed.com
Brendan Bourke, of 30 Strawberry Hill Apartments, Waterford, appeared in Waterford District Court last week on a public order charge, for an incident that occurred on Barronstrand Street in Waterford city.

On July 25, 2025, at 4:30pm, Gardai were alerted to the incident.

When they arrived, 46-year-old Brendan Bourke was found acting aggressive and intoxicated".

He was seen shouting obscenities towards people in the area.

He was placed inside a Garda patrol van and subsequently charged contrary to Section 4 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act.

Bourke has 10 previous convictions, all for public order and road traffic matters.

He was convicted and fined 100 by Judge Paula Murphy.

He has three months to pay.

Funded by the Court Reporting Scheme
A man has appeared in Waterford District Court on a public order charge, in relation to an incident that occurred outside McGwire House Hostel on Bath Street in Waterford city.

At approximately 10:30pm on January 24 last, Gardai arrived to the scene and found Shane Mpofu intoxicated.

He was not allowed enter the hostel and was brought to Waterford Garda Station for his own safety.

He was subsequently charged under the Public Order Act.

His solicitor, Hilary Delahunty, said that the man moved to Ireland from Zimbabwe in 2022.

He is homeless and was staying in McGwire House.

He has no money or means to pay a fine.

Mpofu, aged 20, is of no fixed abode.

The court heard that he has no previous convictions.

Judge Paula Murphy said that the matter will be struck out if the man doesnt come to any Garda attention in the next six months.

The case was adjourned until July 21.

Funded by the Court Reporting Scheme
Callum Aldridge, of 49 Ard Cluain, Gracedieu, Waterford, pleaded guilty last week to the theft of an e-scooter in the vicinity of Hennessy's Centra on Merchants Quay, Waterford city.

The 25-year-old was identified via CCTV on September 22, 2025.

He made full admissions to Gardai.

Before the matter progress further through the court, Judge Paula Murphy requested that the victim of the crime submit an impact statement.

Aldridge was remanded on continuing bail until March 3.

Funded by the Court Reporting Scheme
A man has pleaded not guilty to punching his relative during a dispute, which allegedly took place at a residence in Waterford city.

It is alleged that Abdul Ganiyu, of 2 Blackberry Fields, Carrickphierish,Waterford city, punched a female relative at the residence on October 10, 2025. He is charged with assault causing harm contrary to section 3 (1) and 3 (2) of the Non-Fatal Offences against the Person Act.

The alleged attack caused injuries to the woman's mouth and cheek.

The man denies the charge of assault causing harm.

Judge Paula Murphy, who presided over the hearing at Waterford District Court last week, remanded the man on continued bail until April 27.

Funded by the Court Reporting Scheme
A local man appeared in Waterford District Court last week on a charge of assault causing harm contrary to section 3 (1) and 3 (2) of the Non-Fatal Offences against the Person Act, over an alleged incident that took place in Waterford city last June.

The assault, which was allegedly committed by Dylan Anthony Butler (23), of Apartment 3, Market Square, Portlaw, took place on June 29, 2025, at Johns Street, Waterford city.

Dylan Anthony Butler allegedly punched another male, causing him to bleed from his lip.

It is alleged that as a result of the attack, the victim required plastic surgery and 13 stitches.

Judge Paula Murphy, presiding over Waterford District Court, accepted jurisdiction over the matter.

Butler was remanded on continuing bail until April 28.

Funded by the Court Reporting Scheme
Sinn Fein will organise two protests outside the constituency offices of Waterfords two Government junior ministers, Mary Butler and John Cummins, following controversy around SNA job allocation.

The protests will take place outside of Minister John Cummins office on Parnell Street on Wednesday, February 25, at 4 pm, and Mary Butlers Dungarvan office on Friday, February 27, at 4 pm.

The protests come after the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) undertook 584 reviews into SNA allocations.

While almost two-thirds of schools are set to maintain or grow their SNA allocation for 2026, 194 schools will have their allocation cut.

The Department of Education has said that SNA reallocation can take place due to changes in school numbers or changes in care needs.

Following complaints from schools bemoaning a lack of communication and SNAs left with scant detail over redeployments, political pressure led to Government freezing any further reviews into SNA allocations.

Trade union Forsa has accused the Government of lacking confidence in its own review procedures.

We need to know how many reviews took place and exactly how many jobs are at risk and why, said Forsa head of education Andy Pike.

Asking SNAs to rely on a redeployment scheme that has not been finalised or published is simply not good enough. These cuts must be withdrawn.

Mr Pike said that a short window for SNA redeployment could make it untenable for an SNA to find an alternative post.

Waterford Sinn Fein TD and party spokesperson for health David Cullinane, said: Families in Waterford are furious with these SNA cuts.

The last thing families need is cuts that will hit children and undermine the supports that families rely on.

A strong turnout in Waterford City and Dungarvan will show that our communities wont accept further cuts to childrens services.

Misinformation

A spokesperson for Minister Cummins accused Sinn Fein of spreading misinformation over the SNA cuts.

It is unfortunate but not surprising that Sinn Fein have sought to promote misinformation about SNA provision across Waterford and exploit what is a highly emotive issue, the spokesperson said.

Put simply, there are no cuts to SNA provision in Waterford.

Minister Cummins's spokesperson said that the number of SNA posts across Waterford schools has increased by 58% since the 2020/21 school year (354 to 560), and the number of special education teacher posts has increased by 30% (374 to 487).

In the last two academic years alone, 28 additional special classes have been sanctioned across Waterford.

The spokesperson said ongoing engagement with school communities is taking place, with the priority in ensuring pupils with special educational needs are fully supported in their school setting.

Minister Butler reaffirmed the same line and said no further SNA reviews will take place while the Department of Education consults with schools.

I want to reiterate that there are no cuts to SNA numbers at present. It is important that politicians leading protests locally are clear and honest in their messaging in this respect, Minister Butler said.

I would also like to point out that for the next school year, we will be at 25,000 SNAs. That will be about 45% of an increase over five years.

Any review conducted is about making sure that each school has the right level of SNAs for its needs.
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BusinessWorkplaceUnfair dismissal Train driver dismissed for performing Nazi salute at passing trains Millie Muroi February 23, 2026  3:11pm 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 NSW train driver found to have twice made Nazi salutes at passing locomotives has failed to get his job back despite appealing his dismissal to the Fair Work Commission and claiming other rail workers made the same hand gesture regularly. Last week, the commission found a decision by Australias largest private rail freight operator, Pacific National Services, to fire Eric Jordan was valid because he had twice performed the Nazi salute towards passing trains while on duty at Mittagong Station in the NSW Southern Highlands. Train driver Eric Jordan performed the Nazi salute on two occasions at Mittagong Station. Fair Work Commission Pacific National said such conduct breached its workplace policies and brought the company into disrepute. Jordan, who had been employed as a train driver at the company since 2014, and worked in the rail industry since 2007, claimed he performed an all clear hand signal used in the rail industry or a gesture of camaraderie between train crew. He said this signal was an arm raised into the air with a flat palm.

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However, Fair Work Commission deputy president Bryce Cross said he would expect any rail worker who had performed the same gesture as Jordan  fully extending their right or left arm at a 45-degree angle from their body  would be subject to disciplinary proceedings. In response to the allegations put to him in a letter in March 2025, Jordan wrote back the following month that the Nazi salute was incredibly offensive and that it would never occur to him to perform the gesture. Related Article Workplace How AI is helping workers take on their bosses in workplace disputes I am unsure as to why you would suggest that an alleged raise of my hand  however the hand is raised or held thereafter  is anything other than a friendly and helpful gesture to my fellow drivers, he wrote. While I cannot recall the exact reason I may have raised my hand on this date, I would conclude that if any gesture was made, it was to demonstrate to the drivers ... that the track was clear, while also showing camaraderie amongst fellow train drivers which is a usual occurrence. Jordan also wrote that he considered himself to be a person who is accepting of all cultures and that it was worth noting that his mentor, who introduced him to his career in the rail industry, followed the Jewish faith. I hold the utmost respect to him, he wrote.

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In a termination letter addressed to Jordan in May 2025, Pacific National said there was no operational basis for his assertion that he was performing an all-clear hand signal. Such action was not performed in a manner consistent with an all-clear signal nor in an operational setting where the all-clear signal would be required or expected, the letter read. In his judgment, Cross noted there was CCTV footage obtained from Sydney Trains which showed Jordan fully extending his left arm at a 45-degree angle from his body and lowering it as a train came into view, then doing the same with his right arm as another train came into view 20 minutes later. Jordan accepted that particular frames of the CCTV footage, in isolation, could be considered by Pacific National to be a Nazi salute, but maintained the gesture in its totality did not amount to one. While there were also witnesses who supported the view that Jordan performed the Nazi salute, Cross concluded the CCTV footage alone was clear and compelling. Cross also noted Jordans explanations about how he could be giving the all clear signal during these incidents were fanciful, inconsistent and at times disingenuous.

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When giving evidence, for example, Jordan claimed all rail workers needed to give all clear gestures to passing trains at all times. Asked whether that meant rail workers in NSW were performing the same gesture he made, thousands of times a day, Jordan said absolutely. Related Article Unfair dismissal Worker dismissed for side-hustle he claims to have disclosed If I went to Central Station today, or yesterday, Id be able to see this? Youre saying I would be able to see the gesture you performed thousands of times? Jordan was asked, to which he responded: On a through platform, yes. While Sydney Trains crew compliance officer David Kelly, in a witness statement filed by Jordan, said the gestures were within the definition of an all clear signal, in cross-examination, he said he would never instruct a student to perform the signal in the manner Jordan did. Cross said that although he didnt consider Jordan to be a person who harbours Nazi sympathies or advocates such ideology, he made two extremely inappropriate gestures, especially noting he smiled before the first gesture, as jokes.

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However, Cross concluded Pacific National had a valid reason for dismissing Jordan and that it was neither harsh, unjust, nor unreasonable. The Rail, Train and Bus Union (RTBU), which represents workers across Australias rail and public transport industries, declined to comment. Get workplace news, advice and perspectives to help make your job work for you. Sign up for our weekly Thank God its Monday newsletter.

Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share License this article More: Unfair dismissal Millie Muroi is the economics writer at The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age. She was formerly an economics correspondent based in Canberras Press Gallery and the banking writer based in Sydney. or email. Connect via X
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EnvironmentClimate changeClimate crisis Released emails reveal heavy political lobbying as massive gas project extended Bianca Hall 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

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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Updated NationalNSWCrime Toyota linked to abducted grandfather sparks search in Sydney bushland Riley Walter and Daniel Lo Surdo Updated February 23, 2026  11:06am ,first published 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

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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TNR Gold eyes first royalty payment following Mariana Lithium shipment Proactive uses images sourced from Shutterstock

TNR Gold Corp (TSX-V:TNR, FRA:TNW, OTC:TRRXF) has welcomed the news that Ganfeng Lithiums subsidiary Litio Minera Argentina S.A. has completed the first export of lithium chloride from the Mariana Lithium Project in Argentina, on which TNR holds a 1.5% net smelter return (NSR) royalty.

According to the update, Litio Minera Argentina shipped 10 containers of lithium chloride from its final processing plant in General Guemes, Salta Province. Each container carried 24 tonnes, for a total shipment of 240 tonnes. Customs verification was conducted at the processing facility.

For the sector, this sets a high-value operational precedent with integrated control, quality, and traceability, Litio Minera Argentina S.A. said in a statement. For the community, this step means more than just a shipment: it is confirmation that Salta can export to the world with its own identity, with a production network that involves local stakeholders, and with a strategic mineral for the global energy transition."

Litio Minera Argentina S.A. said the Mariana Project is among the first lithium chloride producers in Argentina. Production begins at the Llullaillaco Salt Flat, where pre-processing ponds and wells are located, and concludes at the General Guemes plant, from which the export originated. The shipment was transported by rail with support from local trucking companies.

TNR Gold congratulated the Ganfeng Lithium team and the communities of Argentina on completing the first shipment of high-purity lithium chloride from the Mariana Lithium Project. The company described the export as a major milestone in the projects development and an important step for TNR Gold as it moves toward generating cash flow from its royalty interests.

TNR Gold also noted that lithium prices in China have recovered significantly, with lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) currently trading between approximately US$18,000 and US$20,000 per tonne, compared with levels below US$10,000 per tonne about a year ago. The company said this market improvement underscores the strategic timing of the production ramp-up.

"We are very pleased that Ganfeng completed the first export of lithium chloride produced from Mariana Lithium in Argentina," TNR Gold's executive chairman Kirill Klip said. "We are looking forward to our first NSR royalty cash flow payments from the Mariana Lithium Project."
Michael Galicki has been appointed Vice President, Exploration, of Ambler Metals. He has more than 15 years of experience advancing mineral exploration programs across North America, focused on base and critical metals. Prior to joining Ambler Metals, Mr. Galicki held leadership roles with South32, where he led exploration operations, strategy and field execution across multiple jurisdictions, including remote, helicoptersupported exploration programs. He has also held exploration and geoscience leadership roles with Galore Creek Mining Corporation Joint Venture and Hunter Dickinson. Mr. Galicki holds a Master of Science in Economic Geology from Simon Fraser University and a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Geology from Laurentian University. He is a registered Professional Geoscientist (P.Geo.) in British Columbia.

"Ron Rimelman's 40 years of mine permitting experience, including his leadership on the Donlin Gold project and work throughout Alaska, will be invaluable as we navigate the FAST-41 expedited federal permitting process. Together, Jenna and Ron provide the institutional knowledge and technical expertise needed to transform Ambler Metals from explorer to developer and position this venture as a premier domestic source of critical minerals."

"These appointments position Ambler Metals to deliver on critical near-term milestones. Jenna Tan brings the financial and commercial rigor we need as we advance toward an investment decision on the Arctic Project. Her experience leading South32's Hermosa project through feasibility and development gives us proven expertise in managing major mining ventures in the United States.

"Cole brings invaluable experience from both Alaska Native Corporations and Teck Resources Limited's Red Dog Mine, one of the world's largest zinc operations. His deep understanding of community engagement and operational requirements in Alaska's Arctic will be critical as we advance both the Arctic and Bornite deposits. Together, Michael and Cole strengthen our ability to unlock the full value of this world-class mining district.

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Cole Schaeffer has been appointed Vice President, Human Resources, Community and Partnerships, of Ambler Metals. He has more than 25 years of leadership experience in mining, corporate management, government contracting and rural housing development in Alaska. Prior to joining Ambler Metals, he served as Manager of Human Resources at Teck Alaska, overseeing recruitment, training and development, and counseling services for approximately 800 employees. He also led Indigenous shareholder development initiatives and managed multimilliondollar budgets and complex workforce programs at Teck. Mr. Schaeffer previously served as President and CEO of the Kikiktagruk Inupiat Corporation and Executive Vice President of Tikigaq Corporation.

Jenna Tan has been appointed Vice President, Finance, of Ambler Metals. She has experience across major mining and resources companies in the United States and Australia in commercial strategy, corporate development and financial oversight. Her previous roles at South32 include Director of Finance for the Hermosa project in Arizona and Manager of Strategy and Performance, where she led investment evaluations, federal grant reporting, corporate planning and joint venture due diligence. Earlier in her career, she held senior finance, strategy and operational roles at Vale, Platinum Blasting Services, Peabody, BHP Mitsubishi Alliance and Ernst & Young. Ms. Tan holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Melbourne, is a CPA and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Ron Rimelman has been appointed Senior Director, Permitting, of Ambler Metals. He has more than 40 years of experience in environmental review of natural resource projects throughout North America. Most recently, he served as Vice President of Environment, Health and Safety, and Sustainability for NOVAGOLD Resources where he oversaw the National Environmental Policy Act ("NEPA") review, and federal and state permitting for the Donlin Gold project. In this role, he was also involved in environmental planning for the Ambler Mining District from 2011 to 2013 before it was divested from NOVAGOLD. While in consulting, he co-led the third-party Environmental Impact Statement ("EIS") for expansion of the Red Dog Mine in Alaska. Mr. Rimelman also directed two NEPA reviews and Clean Water Act permitting of the Kensington Mine in Alaska, as well as assisting in the EIS for the tailings expansion at the Greens Creek Mine in Alaska. More broadly, his mine permitting experience extends to projects in Nevada, Idaho, Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Montana, Michigan, British Columbia, and Australia. Mr. Rimelman is a past President of the American Exploration and Mining Association, and has chaired its Environmental Committee for nine years; this work has involved significant national advocacy for advancing US critical mineral mining. He has a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

About Trilogy Metals

Trilogy Metals Inc. is a metal exploration and development company that holds a 50 percent interest in Ambler Metals LLC, which has a 100 percent interest in the UKMP in northwestern Alaska. On December 19, 2019, South32, a globally diversified mining and metals company, exercised its option to form a 50/50 joint venture with Trilogy. The UKMP is located within the Ambler Mining District, which is one of the richest and most prospective copper-dominant districts in the world. It hosts world-class polymetallic volcanogenic massive sulphide ("VMS") deposits that contain copper, zinc, lead, gold, and silver and carbonate replacement deposits that host high-grade copper and cobalt mineralization. Exploration efforts have been focused on two deposits in the Ambler Mining District  the Arctic VMS deposit and the Bornite carbonate replacement deposit. Both deposits are located within a land package that spans approximately 190,929 hectares. Ambler Metals has an agreement with NANA Regional Corporation, Inc., an Alaska Native Corporation that provides a framework for the exploration and potential development of the Ambler Mining District in cooperation with local communities. Trilogy's vision is to develop the Ambler Mining District into a premier North American copper producer while protecting and respecting subsistence livelihoods.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release includes certain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian and United States securities legislation, including the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein, including, without limitation, statements regarding the anticipated benefits of recent management appointments; the anticipated timing of permitting, feasibility study and planned activities at the UKMP; the anticipated investment decision on the Arctic Project; and perceived merit of the properties are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are frequently, but not always, identified by words such as "expects", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "potential", "possible", and similar expressions, or statements that events, conditions, or results "will", "may", "could", or "should" occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements involve various risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations include the uncertainties involving the outcome of pending litigation, success of exploration activities, permitting timelines, requirements for additional capital, government regulation of mining operations, environmental risks, prices for energy inputs, labour, materials, supplies and services, uncertainties involved in the interpretation of drilling results and geological tests, unexpected cost increases and other risks and uncertainties disclosed in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended November 30, 2025 filed with Canadian securities regulatory authorities and with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and in other Company reports and documents filed with applicable securities regulatory authorities from time to time. The Company's forward-looking statements reflect the beliefs, opinions, and projections on the date the statements are made. The Company assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements or beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change, except as required by law.

Cision

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/trilogy-metals-announces-expanded-management-team-at-ambler-metals-joint-venture-to-advance-upper-kobuk-mineral-projects-in-alaska-302693897.html

Cision

View original content: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/February2026/23/c2936.html
NEW ALBANY, Ind. (WDRB)  A New Albany business owner remains in jail months after a murder-for-hire plot last year, but the man police said actually pulled the trigger spent just 43 days in custody.

On May 13, 2025, police said shots were fired from a black SUV on Bank Street in downtown New Albany. Four people were arrested in the months after, three of whom accepted plea deals, and two are already out of jail.

One of those is Aaron Brown. After he was arrested, Brown told police he was hired by Joseph Flesia to murder the victim and his pregnant girlfriend because the victim was "patched out of the gang in bad standing."

But Brown took a plea deal and was released from jail 43 days later, and a local attorney wants to know why.

"It's outrageous to me, because I live here and I'm aware of how concerned and afraid people were about our Harvest Homecoming event that was scheduled for the fall," Mathew Lemme said Monday. "And it bothered me to watch our public officials go on television and tell everybody 'Come on over here to Harvest Homecoming. It's perfectly safe. We've taken all kinds of measures' when I know one of the measures they took was to let a shooter out on the street."

Lemme represents Henry Bachmann, who was charged with two counts of conspiracy to commit murder after a police raid in September, the fourth person to be arrested in connection to the murder-for-hire plot. Bachmann owns two businesses near the shooting scene, .

"Why did you let them walk?" Lemme said Monday. "And the reason, at this point, is because of Henry Bachman. But if Henry Bachmann didn't do anything  and Henry Bachmann didn't do anything  then all they're left with is a very embarrassing situation."

In the initial investigation, the New Albany Police Department, along with Indiana State Police, conducted search warrants at three New Albany locations: the Cloverleaf Bar and Grill on Culbertson Avenue, the North Star Tattoo Company on Vincennes Street and a residential address. Records show Bachmann is the owner of both businesses that were searched.

In a probable cause affidavit, police said the victim in the attempted murder told police he was a former member of an Outlaw motorcycle gang called Menace 13. He said there was only one person who would pay someone else to shoot him, a person police later identified as Bachmann.

According to a probable cause affidavit, police began searching Bachmann's cellphone records in June, during which police said they found incriminating call patterns, text messages, gang-related photos and indications of drug dealing. It was this evidence that led to the conspiracy to commit murder charge against Bachmann.

Brown, Joseph Flesia and Cody Vest, were all arrested in May in connection to the plot. Flesia was charged with two counts of conspiracy to commit murder and possession of cocaine. A plea deal he accepted stipulates his jail time runs concurrent with a sentence for other charges unrelated to the shooting. Brown was charged with criminal recklessness, possession of methamphetamine and more. He's been released following a plea deal. Vest was charged with assisting a criminal and possession of methamphetamine. He's also been released following a plea deal.

Today, Bachmann remains in jail with a $750,000 cash bond. But Lemme disputes police's narrative in the case, saying it relies on statements from the very people who admitted to carrying out the shooting  statements that are among a pile of records that remain sealed from the public. Lemme has already filed a lawsuit trying to unseal those records.

"An exciting and interesting story about a motorcycle gang has been placed out there, but the fact that that was a story cooked up by somebody that got a sweetheart deal and walks the street today and actually shot somebody  that would call that story into doubt," Lemme said. "The state has been protected, and Henry has been harmed by this mechanism that lets the state tell one side of the story and conceals the rest of the story."

Bachmann's attorneys are asking the court to reconsider his bond and are also challenging search warrants tied to the case. His trial could begin in April.

Floyd County Prosecutor Chris Lane hasn't responded to a request for comment.

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Town leaders left in the dark about wildlife reduction operation at Clarksville's Origin Park

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Copyright 2026 WDRB Media. All Rights Reserved.
CLARKSVILLE, Ind. (WDRB)  A planned "wildlife reduction operation" at the site of Origin Park in Clarksville is expected to begin Monday night.

According to a social media post by the City of New Albany Government, the shooting and eradication of deer will take place during overnight hours from Feb. 23-27.

The deer and their remains will be processed on-site at Origin Park.

"Out of concern for the public as well as the wildlife population, we want the public to be informed about this activity and gunfire in Origin Park in Clark County," New Albany Mayor Jeff Gahan said in a social media post.

According to the permit obtained Monday by WDRB News, no more than 80 white-tailed deer can be taken. River Heritage Conservancy, which holds the permit, said the deer are "causing or threatening to case damage to property."

Resident Sarah Young stood in total disbelief Sunday reading Gahan's Facebook post as she comes to the park often.

"There's never a time where I feel like it's alarming or concerning that the amount of wildlife that is here would present a problem to the public at all," Young said.

Another local resident, Steve Acree, agrees with Young, adding the community embraces the wildlife in the area.

"I've never heard of anyone having any issues with them either most of the people in the community love coming over here seeing the deer," said Acree.

New Albany's post said Clarksville officials told them and surrounding agencies starting Monday, deer will be shot and eradicated during the night. The reduction operation will begin Feb. 23 and end Feb. 27.

Emery Crossing and McCollough Pike in Clarksville and into New Albany may be closed during the night for safety reasons, and neighbors will likely hear gunfire.

"It's a little alarming that they didn't give more notice to this," said Young.

Young said she knew nothing about this reduction operation, and neither did Clarksville Town Council President Bob McEwen.

McEwen shared a statement opposing the deer reduction operation saying that the "reduction hunt was arranged without notification to, or discussion by the town council."

When we called Clarksville Police Department, Clark County Dispatch said the U.S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services is handling the operation and all questions should be directed to them.

"I don't think that they should be doing that at all but if they have to, if there is a reason of concern and safety there should be reasoning behind it," said Young.

River Heritage Conservancy is behind the development of Origin Park, a $260$280 million, 430-acre project along the Ohio River in Clarksville, Indiana. The park will include hiking and biking trails, boating areas and an event center overlooking the river.

The past decade has largely been spent acquiring land, fundraising and cleaning up the property. Some sections of the park are already open, including three-quarters of a mile of hiking trails.

Developers expect the event and wedding venue to be completed by spring.

WDRB has reached out to the USDA about the wildlife reduction operation but haven't heard back.

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Copyright 2026 WDRB Media. All Rights Reserved.
Less than 24 hours after President Donald Trump signed an order establishing a new 10% global tariff, he announced an increase to 15%, upending one of his signature trade deals in the process.

The abrupt change followed the Supreme Courts ruling Friday that struck down his tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. Hours after the decision, he imposed a 10% rate under Section 122 of the 1974 Trade Act, then hiked the new duty on Saturday morning.

While experts have pointed out the Section 122 tariffs are also legally dubious, it could take months to sort through any court challenge. And the new rate can only be in effect for up to five months.

But unlike Trumps attempt to invoke the IEEPA levies, the new ones must be applied uniformly across all trading partners, meaning everyone must face a 15% rate.

That conflicts with the Trump administrations trade deal reached last year that set a 10% rate on imports from the U.K.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer notably took a more conciliatory approach to Trumps stunning Liberation Day tariffs last year, and Trump administration officials held up the U.K. trade deal as an example of how playing ball with the U.S. could result in a more favorable rate.

Meanwhile, other top U.S. trade partners like the European Union and Japan reached separate deals that came later, setting 15% rates.

Paul Ashworth, chief North America economist at Capital Economics, speculated that Trumps abrupt decision to increase his brand new tariff may have been because 10% would have generated less revenue.

It also means some of Americas biggest trading partners, like the EU and Japan, will find themselves exactly back where they were last week, he said in a note Saturday. For the UK that thought it had secured a more advantageous 10% rate, however, this is something of an eff you. From Trumps perspective though, it was unavoidable since Section 122 explicitly notes that any tariff must be applied in a non-discriminatory manner.

Ashworth also pointed out that many of the imports that were exempted from the IEEPA tariffs will also be similarly exempted under the new ones.

That means that despite the 5-point hike in the headline rate, the effective tariff rate will rise 2 points from about 12.5% on Friday to 14.5% now, putting it slightly above where it had been before the Supreme Court decision.

The new tariffs wont stop there either. On Friday, Trump said the administration would also initiate investigations under Section 301 of the 1974 law, which is meant to combat unfair trade practices or violations of trade agreements. Those tariffs cant be enacted until the investigations are complete, which could take two to three months under an expedited process.
LONDON, Feb 23 (Reuters) - Britain does not expect U.S. President Donald Trump's new global tariff of 15% to impact the "majority" of a UK-U.S. economic deal that was announced last year, Prime Minister Keir Starmer's spokesman said on Monday.

The spokesman said Britain's trade minister, Peter Kyle, had spoken with Jamieson Greer, the U.S. trade representative, to highlight his concerns about the uncertainty this would cause for businesses.

Britain is at risk of becoming one of the worst hit countries after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down Trump's global tariffs on Friday and he responded with new levies across the board.

Starmer's government had negotiated a lower reciprocal tariff rate at 10% after reaching a deal with the U.S. last year, but Trumps promise to reimpose higher levies at 15% means businesses may now face even higher duties.

Starmer's spokesman said the government expects discussions between British and U.S. officials to continue this week and he refused to rule out the possibility of retaliatory tariffs.

"We dont expect this ruling to impact the majority of trade" under the UK-U.S. economic deal, including tariffs agreed on steel, pharmaceuticals and cars, the spokesman said.

Britain will be among the countries most impacted by Trump's latest announcement, according to the think tank Global Trade Alert, while Brazil, China and India stand to benefit the most.

Starmer's spokesman said businesses do not want "to see a trade war", but he said "nothing is off the table at this stage".

(Reporting by Andrew MacAskill; writing by Kate Holton; editing by William James)
COMMUNITY NOTES: CHARLESTOWN - WESTERN PEOPLE (FEBRUARY 24 EDITION)

Congratulations are extended to Leah Honan, who won the senior category award in the All-Ireland Schools History Competition for 2025. Leah, a Leaving Certificate student from St Josephs Community College, Charlestown, attended the awards ceremony at the Department of Education where her project was appraised by Dr. Caitriona Ni Cassaithe, Assistant Professor in History Education in the Institute of Education, Dublin City University.

The project titled Exploring the Shared Legacy of the Tuam Civil War Executions in 1923, delves into the circumstances surrounding the execution of her great uncle Sean Newell at Tuam Military Barracks on April 11th, 1923. He was one of six young men executed by the National Army forces in the latter stages of the Irish Civil War.

The project sheds light on the overlooked connection between events in Tuam and imprisoned female members of the Cumann na mBan from Killala, Co. Mayo who were forced to witness the executions. She explores the shared legacy of Civil War wounds descendants of these women.

Leah attended the ceremony with her mum Fiona Honan and History teacher Ann Leydon. She was interviewed by Bryan Donson, a member of the Government Commemoration and the Minister for Education and Youth Hildegarde Naughton congratulated Leah and the other winners.
COMMUNITY NOTES: CLAREMORRIS - WESTERN PEOPLE (FEBRUARY 24 EDITION)

Claremorris native Gerard Cassidy has seen the company he founded, TouchStore, acquired by Irish pharmaceutical group Uniphar in a major deal for the pharmacy sector.

Cassidy, who was born and educated in Claremorris, comes from a family long associated with the pharmacy business in south Mayo. His parents, Colm and Kathleen Cassidy, operated chemist shops in Claremorris and Ballindine before expanding to Shannon, Limerick and Ennis. He has often credited those early years in Claremorris with shaping his understanding of community pharmacy.

After running several successful pharmacies, later sold to Boots and McCabes, Gerard founded TouchStore in 2001. Based in Limerick, the company has grown to become Irelands fastest-growing provider of pharmacy and retail management software, now serving more than 700 customers nationwide.

Gerard maintains close ties to Claremorris, where his family remains deeply connected to the town and to Mayo GAA.
Mayos commitment to sustainability took another significant step forward as the National Federation of Group Water Schemes (NFGWS) officially launched its Drinking Water Refill Station Project at Crucspullagadaun Loop Walk, Carrowmore, Manulla.

Hosted by the Prison Ballyvary Keelogues Straide (PBKS) Group Water Scheme (GWS), the event marked a milestone in improving public access to safe drinking water while reducing singleause plastics and strengthening rural amenities across the county.

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications with special responsibility for the Circular Economy, Alan Dillon TD, unveiled the new PBKS refill station and praised the leadership shown by Mayos group water schemes in driving practical climate action at community level.

"This is community action at its very best. When people come together with a shared purpose, real change happens. This project reduces singleause plastics, protects our environment, and gives people easier access to clean drinking water, a simple idea delivering big benefits for the whole community.

Mayo is already emerging as a national leader in the rollout of refill stations, with several local schemes having installed units in recent months. Refill stations are now in place across Belcarra Community GWS, Callow Lake GWS, Glencorrib GWS, and Kilmovee/Urlaur GWS. These installations form part of a wider national programme supported by the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications through the Circular Economy Fund. To date, 43 refill stations have been installed nationwide under the NFGWS initiative, with a total of 80 now in place across Ireland when earlier pilot projects are included.

Each station is designed to reduce plastic waste, support compliance with the recast Drinking Water Directive, and encourage families, walkers, schools, and visitors to adopt more sustainable habits.

Communities across Mayo and beyond have embraced the growing network of refill points. Local group water schemes have also partnered with primary schools, providing reusable bottles and delivering elements of the NFGWS All About Water curriculum. This handsaon engagement is helping to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards.

PBKS GWS was commended at the event for its leadership in sustainability, source protection, and biodiversity. With panoramic views of Croagh Patrick, the Partry and Nephin Mountains, Lough Conn, and Lough Carra, the launch location served as a powerful reminder of the landscapes this project aims to protect.

Pupils from Craggagh National School joined the celebration, adding energy and colour to the event. Attendees heard from Minister Dillon, PBKS GWS board members, ecologist Dr Karina Dingerkus, and NFGWS CEO Mark Farrelly, who remarked: This project has shown just how powerful our group water schemes can be when they work together with a shared purpose. Each new refill station represents more than improved access to drinking water, it reflects a community taking pride in its place, protecting its environment, and choosing sustainable habits that benefit everyone. The ambition and energy shown by PBKS GWS today is inspiring. Local volunteers and staff consistently step up and deliver projects that make a real difference on the ground.

The refill station branding reinforces the message that 'Safe drinking water starts with us all', encouraging community involvement in climate action and source protection.

For more information on the project or to get involved with your local group water scheme, visit www.nfgws.ie.
Modern Samsung Galaxy phones come packed with powerful features, but many of the best options are buried in menus. By adjusting a few key Samsung Galaxy settings right away, users can improve performance, battery life, security, and everyday convenience. These Samsung phone tips focus on practical One UI settings that most people will benefit from immediately.

1. Turn On the Highest Screen Resolution

Many Galaxy devices support multiple resolutions, such as FHD+ and QHD+. Some ship with a lower resolution enabled to save battery, but switching to the highest option can make videos, photos, and text look noticeably sharper. For users who value a crisp display, this is an easy upgrade.

To change it, open Settings  Display  Screen resolution and select the highest available option (often QHD+ or WQHD+), then apply the change. Those who later want more battery life can simply return to FHD+.

2. Enable Always On Display for Quick Glance Info

Always On Display (AOD) is one of the most useful One UI settings because it shows time, date, battery level, and notification icons on a lowpower screen. This reduces the need to tap or unlock the phone just to check basic information.

To turn it on, go to Settings  Lock screen  Always On Display, then toggle it on. Users can choose to show it all the time, on a schedule, or only when tapping the screen, and some models allow customizing clock styles and colors.

3. Switch to Gesture Navigation for More Screen Space

Samsung Galaxy settings allow users to switch from the traditional threebutton navigation to swipe gestures. Gesture navigation frees up screen space at the bottom and offers a cleaner, more modern look.

To enable it, open Settings  Display  Navigation bar and choose Swipe gestures instead of Buttons. Sensitivity and gesture hints can also be adjusted. After a short learning period, many users find gestures faster and more natural.

4. Customize the Side Key (Power Button) Actions

The side key can be customized to act as a handy shortcut. Through One UI settings, users can decide what happens when they doublepress or press and hold the button, such as launching the camera or opening the power menu.

To change this, go to Settings  Advanced features  Side key. Common choices include doublepress to open the camera and press and hold for the power off menu. This small tweak saves time for frequently used actions.

5. Boost Security with Secure Folder and Strong Lock Screen

Securityfocused Samsung phone tips start with the lock screen and Secure Folder. Secure Folder creates an encrypted space for sensitive apps, photos, and files, protected by its own PIN, pattern, or password.

To set it up, open Settings  Security and privacy (or Biometrics and security)  Secure Folder, sign in with a Samsung account, and follow the prompts. At the same time, choosing a strong lock method, such as a PIN with fingerprint unlock, adds important protection if the phone is lost or borrowed.

6. Turn On Find My Mobile and Remote Unlock

Find My Mobile helps locate, lock, or erase a lost device. When enabled, it provides an extra layer of safety alongside Android's builtin tracking tools and is one of the most important Samsung Galaxy settings for peace of mind.

To enable it, go to Settings  Security and privacy  Find My Mobile, sign into a Samsung account, and turn it on. Features like Remote unlock and Send last location can also be activated so the device can still be managed if it goes missing.

7. Optimize Battery With Adaptive Battery and Power Saving

Batteryrelated One UI settings can significantly extend runtime. Adaptive battery learns which apps are rarely used and limits their background activity. Power saving modes reduce performance and visual effects when battery life becomes critical.

To adjust these options, open Settings  Battery and device care  Battery. From there, users can enable Adaptive battery and select a power saving mode. Those who spend long days away from a charger can tailor these settings to match their routine.

8. Use Modes and Routines for Smart Automation

Modes and Routines (formerly Bixby Routines) automate common actions based on conditions like time, location, or battery level. This feature can make the phone feel smarter and more responsive to daily habits.

These controls are found in Settings  Modes and Routines. Users can enable preset modes like Sleep or Driving, or build custom routines such as turning on Do Not Disturb at bedtime, enabling WiFi at home, or activating Power saving when the battery drops below a chosen percentage.

9. Clean Up Notifications and Enable Notification History

Too many alerts can be distracting, but Samsung Galaxy settings offer fine control over notifications. Each app's notifications can be allowed, silenced, or restricted to certain categories, reducing noise while keeping important alerts visible.

Open Settings  Notifications to manage which apps can send alerts and how they appear. Under Advanced settings, turning on Notification history lets users review recently dismissed notifications, which is helpful if an alert is cleared by accident.

10. Reorganize Quick Settings and Add Essential Toggles

The Quick Settings panel is a central control hub that becomes far more useful when customized. Rearranging tiles and adding the most-used toggles makes it faster to manage connectivity, brightness, and tools.

To edit it, swipe down twice from the top of the screen to fully open Quick Settings, then tap the pencil or edit icon. Tiles like WiFi, Mobile data, Torch, Eye comfort shield, Screen recorder, and Power saving are popular choices to keep in the first row. A few minutes of organizing here pays off every day.

Essential Samsung Phone Tips for a Smarter Setup

Spending a short time with key Samsung Galaxy settings, screen resolution, Always On Display, gesture navigation, security options, battery tools, automation, and notifications, creates a noticeably smoother experience.

By exploring these core One UI settings and tailoring them to personal habits, users can turn a default Galaxy setup into a device that feels faster, safer, and better suited to daily life.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do these Samsung Galaxy settings work on older Galaxy models?

Most of these settings exist on recent Galaxy phones running newer versions of One UI, but names and menu locations may differ on older models or outdated software.

2. Will enabling higher screen resolution and Always On Display drain my battery faster?

Yes, both features can increase battery usage slightly, but many users find the improved display quality and convenience worth the trade-off.

3. Can I undo all my Samsung Galaxy settings changes if I make a mistake?

Users can reset specific areas like display, home screen, or all settings (without deleting personal data) from the General management  Reset menu.

4. Are Modes and Routines safe to use with sensitive apps or data?

Yes, they mainly automate system actions and app behavior, but users should review each routine carefully to ensure it doesn't override security or privacy preferences.

Originally published on Tech Times
By David Lawder

WASHINGTON, Feb 23 (Reuters) - The U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency said it will halt collections of tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act at 12:01 a.m. EST (0501 GMT) on Tuesday, more than three days after the U.S. Supreme Court declared the duties illegal.

The agency said in a message to shippers on its Cargo Systems Messaging Service (CSMS) that it will de-activate all tariff codes associated with President Donald Trump's prior IEEPA-related orders as of Tuesday.

The IEEPA tariff collection halt coincides with Trump's imposition of a new, 15% global tariff under a different legal authority to replace the ones struck down by the Supreme Court on Friday.

CBP gave no reason why it was continuing to collect the tariffs at ports of entry days after the Supreme Court's ruling, and its message offered no information about possible refunds for importers.

The message noted that the collection halt does not affect any other tariffs imposed by Trump, including those under the Section 232 national security statute and the Section 301 unfair trade practices statute.

"CBP will provide additional guidance to the trade community through CSMS messages as appropriate," the agency said.

Reuters reported on Friday that the Supreme Court decision made more than $175 billion in U.S. Treasury revenue generated by the IEEPA tariffs subject to potential refunds, based on an estimate by Penn-Wharton Budget Model economists. Their estimate from a ground-up forecasting model showed that IEEPA-based tariffs were generating more than $500 million per day in gross revenue.

(Reporting by David Lawder; Editing by Christian Schmollinger and Raju Gopalakrishnan)
Benchmark Mineral Intelligence has said that the U.S. can cater to 146% of its annual copper demand from domestic and overseas mines and scrap. This is a significant contrast to China, the worlds largest consumer, which can only meet 40% of its demand.

Benchmarks analyst Albert Mackenzie pointed out that the U.S. produces more copper than it consumes, making it more self-reliant than China in terms of raw materials, reported the Financial Times on Wednesday.

The analyst told FT that while people often speak of China's strong self-sufficiency, the country is far from it, given how much it still needs.

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However, despite having a robust domestic copper mining sector and meaningful scrap output, the U.S. exports large volumes of copper because of limited domestic processing capacity. Much of this material is refined into copper cathode overseas  mainly in China, and then shipped back to the U.S. for use by semi-fabricated product manufacturers.

Mackenzie emphasized that the bottleneck for the US lies in the limited processing capacity to convert raw copper into copper cathode, a key component used by manufacturers. He stated that theres no point in producing more raw materials if they are not going to be processed domestically.

US Copper Stocks Surge Amid Tariff Fears

The U.S. has been quietly stockpiling copper, with 590,000 short tons sitting in COMEX-approved storage, the highest level in over 30 years. U.S. copper inventories have surged nearly 300% over the past year, surpassing the combined stocks of the LME and Shanghai exchanges.

Trending: Blue-chip art has historically outpaced the S&P 500 since 1995, and fractional investing is now opening this institutional asset class to everyday investors.

The spike is driven by traders rushing shipments into the U.S. to get ahead of potential 15%25% tariffs on refined copper, creating a domestic glut while global supplies tighten.

Meanwhile, President Donald Trump also unveiled a public-private $12 billion critical mineral stockpile to counter Chinas dominance and increase self-reliance.

This stockpiling coincides with a surge in copper prices, which reached an all-time high of $14,268 a metric ton on the London Metal Exchange in January 2026, surging nearly 40% from October.

Copper Seen As Next Big Commodity Rally

After a recent surge in Gold and Silver, some analysts believe copper could be next. ING commodities strategist Ewa Manthey warned that extreme weather could boost heating demand, strain energy infrastructure, and disrupt supply, potentially forcing some companies to scale back or pause industrial operations.
President Donald Trump is threatening countries around the world to abide by any tariff deals they agreed to, despite the U.S. Supreme Court ruling that struck down many of his far-reaching taxes on imports
By Jan Wolfe

Feb 23 (Reuters) - The U.S. Supreme Court will consider on Monday the scope of a law that lets American companies seek compensation for property seized by Cuba in cases involving ExxonMobil and cruise operators being argued at a time when President Donald Trump's administration is ramping up pressure on the Cuban government.

The court will hear back-to-back arguments in two cases involving a 1996 U.S. law called the Helms-Burton Act, which permitted lawsuits in U.S. courts against anyone who "traffics" in property confiscated by Cuba's communist government after the 1959 revolution that brought Fidel Castro to power.

In one of the cases, Exxon is seeking more than $1 billion in compensation from Cuban state-owned entities for the energy major's oil and gas assets seized by Cuba's government in 1960.

The other case involves whether four cruise operators - Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line and MSC Cruises - should be liable for using docks built by an American company that Cuba also seized in 1960. The cruise lines case will be argued first.

Exxon is backed by the Trump administration in the litigation.

The administration has declared Cuba "an unusual and extraordinary threat" to U.S. national security, cutting off the flow of Venezuelan oil to the Caribbean island nation and threatening to slap tariffs on any country supplying it with fuel.

While the two cases focus on distinct legal issues, both raise the question of just how powerful a remedy Congress intended the Helms-Burton Act to be. In both cases, the Supreme Court has the opportunity to eliminate barriers that claimants face in bringing lawsuits under the statute.

Castro's confiscation of all of Exxon's Cuban oil and gas assets represented a loss valued at $70 million at the time. Exxon's current claim is worth much more than that because of interest and the potential for enhanced damages.

Exxon in 2019 sued Corporacion CIMEX, Cuba's largest conglomerate. Exxon accused CIMEX of continuing to hold and profit from the confiscated property.

Exxon appealed to the Supreme Court after a lower court ruled that Cuban state-owned entities facing Helms-Burton Act lawsuits can invoke a legal defense called foreign sovereign immunity, which shields foreign governments and their agents from U.S. lawsuits unless an exception applies.

The cruise line case was brought by Havana Docks, a U.S. entity that had a 99-year concession for the construction and operation of docks at Havana's port, granted in 1934 by Cuba's government at the time. Castro's government revoked that agreement.
March Mania Bracketology

March Mania 2026 Challenge. Mark Your Calendars for March 15TH bracketology will be here!
She wrote a childrens book to help her sons grieve the death of their father. Now shell stand trial for his murder
Zohran Mamdani bans most travel across NYC due to blizzard  and gives in on a snow day for students
By John Kruzel

WASHINGTON, Feb 23 (Reuters) - The U.S. Supreme Court agreed on Monday to hear a bid by ExxonMobil and Suncor Energy to scuttle a lawsuit brought by officials in Boulder, Colorado that seeks to hold the oil companies liable for helping to fuel climate change.

The justices took up an appeal by the companies of a lower court's ruling that let the litigation move forward. The suit alleging state law violations by the companies seeks unspecified monetary damages for costs incurred by Boulder associated with mitigating the impact of climate change.

The Boulder litigation is one of dozens of climate-related lawsuits filed by U.S. jurisdictions against companies that extract, produce, distribute or sell fossil fuels.

The burning of fossil fuels releases greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, causing more of the sun's heat to be trapped, which leads to a rise in the average global temperature over time.

The Boulder government officials in their 2018 lawsuit accused the U.S.-based Exxon and Canada-based Suncor of misleading the public about the role that their products played in exacerbating climate change while profiting from unchecked fossil fuel sales. The companies deny wrongdoing.

The plaintiffs have said the oil companies should cover past and future costs incurred by the city and county governments for steps taken to mitigate the effects of climate change, citing infrastructure repairs, environmental damage, emergency management and harms to public health.

The companies urged lower courts to dismiss the case, arguing among other things that Boulder's lawsuit would illegally interfere with the federal regulation of greenhouse gas emissions under the Clean Air Act.

The Colorado Supreme Court in May 2025 denied their request, prompting the appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.

President Donald Trump's administration backed the appeal by the oil companies.

The Supreme Court previously turned away a similar bid by Sunoco and other oil companies to throw out a climate-related lawsuit by Honolulu after Hawaii's top court allowed it to proceed.

That lawsuit seeks to hold the companies liable for their alleged role in contributing to extreme weather affecting the region, as well as a significant rise in the average sea level along the Honolulu Pacific coastline, a development linked to flooding, erosion and beach loss.

(Reporting by John Kruzel; Editing by Will Dunham)
The United States is using UK bases to prepare for an attack on Iran, despite an earlier fallout over permission to use Diego Garcia in the Chagos Islands and the Royal Air Force (RAF) base in Fairford, England.

According to an assessment by The i Paper published Saturday, since last Tuesday, at least 28 US military flights have used airbases in the UK and Cyprus to carry out one of the largest build-ups of US military strength in the Middle East for decades.

Based on analysis of open-source flight-tracking data, it found that flights have taken off and landed from US air force facilities based in the UK, including RAF Mildenhall and RAF Lakenheath, where the Pentagon has long-standing access to airfields through a lease agreement.

An F15 Eagle at RAF Lakenheath in July 2009 [Photo by Tim Felce / CC BY-SA 2.0

Moreover, Strategic American aircraft, capable of transporting heavy weaponry and troops, were tracked using US airbases at Prestwick, Scotlanda key transatlantic fuelling station for deployments towards the Middle East.

What The i describes as a staggering volume of military aircraft being deployed takes place despite, as reported by the Times last week, the Starmer governments refusal to grant the US permission to use the military base on Diego Garcia or the RAF base in Fairford, England to carry out its planned assault on Iran.

The Times report appeared just hours after US President Donald Trump posted February 18 on his Truth Social account that Should Iran decide not to make a Deal it may be necessary for the United States to use Diego Garcia, and the Airfield located in Fairford, in order to eradicate a potential attack by a highly unstable and dangerous Regime.

The Fairford base is home to Washingtons fleet of heavy bombers in Europe.

Allowing use of both bases was necessary to halt an attack that would potentially be made on the United Kingdom, as well as other friendly countries, said Trump, adding, We will always be ready, willing, and able to fight for the UK, but they have to remain strong in the face of Wokeism, and other problems put before them.

In a same post, he warned Britain: DO NOT GIVE AWAY DIEGO GARCIA! accusing Starmer of losing control of the strategically vital base.

Trumps rant was one of several U-turns over Britains May 2025 deal, under which Britain would lease back Diego Garcia to Mauritius for 99 years at a cost of billions.

Trump initially backed the agreement, then condemned it as an act of stupidity (January 2026) and total weakness, (this month), before appearing to endorse it again. But White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told Britain to beware, as the presidents latest social media post should be taken as the policy of the Trump administration.

The crisis over the Chagos deal highlights the political costs of maintaining the UK as the premier military ally of the US. The Islands occupy a strategic location in the Indian Ocean, halfway between India and East Africa. US imperialism, enabled by successive British governments, has long used Diego Garcia to support its criminal operations from Vietnam to Iraq and Afghanistan.

By the late 1980s, Diego Garcia, which hosts between two and five thousand US military personnel, had become one of the leading overseas military bases of the US and the main base available to Britain in the area. The base has facilities to accommodate nuclear submarines, aircraft carriers and large airplanes, and playing a key role in US intelligence-gathering serves as a surveillance centre for the Middle East. Diego Garcia has provided a dark site where the CIA detained and tortured people and refuelled extraordinary rendition flights.

The Times reported that Starmer had blocked a request by President Trump to allow American planes to use British bases to attack Iran, telling him that it would be in breach of international law. It added, Under the terms of long-standing agreements with Washington, these bases can only be used for military operations against third countries that have been agreed in advance with the government.

The Foreign Office insisted that the Chagos agreement is the only way to guarantee the long-term future of this vital military base, while ministers emphasised that the deal is crucial to the security of the UK and our key allies.

Chagos Island group map with Diego Garcia positioned lower right [Photo: Mohonu]

The decision was made six years after the International Court of Justice (ICJ) issued an advisory opinion in 2019, noting that the process of decolonization of Mauritius was not lawfully completed and that the UK had violated United Nations resolutions prohibiting the breaking up of colonies before granting independence.

As the WSWS noted, With its customary imperial arrogance, the British government ignored this and similar rulings. But there was another much more important [2021] opinion by the United Nations International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) that the British government could not ignore, despite its protestations at the time. ITLOS had ruled that the UK had no sovereignty over the Chagos Islands and thus it considered all the seas and therefore airspace around the Chagos islands as belonging to Mauritius.

The problem facing the UKand by extension the USwas that this opinion could be made binding in law, meaning that Mauritius could take legal action against Washington and London or any company supplying their operations for invading its air or sea space if they had done so without permission from Mauritius. Furthermore, Mauritius would be entitled to open up the Islands to Chinese or Russian bases. This was a risk the US and UK governments were not prepared to take.

Yet senior officials privately admit that the arrangement cannot proceed without American approval.

The fact that US planes continue to flood other UK bases confirms that Starmer was doing nothing more than covering his government from openly colluding in a war crime.

While the US was forced to endorse the Chagos deal at the time, waging war against Iran, like the attack on Venezuela, the threatened seizure of Greenland and the Panama Canal, is essential to realising Trumps America First strategy to control the worlds critical resources and chokepoints in preparation for conflict with Russia and China.

Located some 2,400 miles from Irans southern coastline, well within striking range, Diego Garcia is a crucial platform for US aerial power, with long runways capable of hosting heavy bombers and a deepwater port that can accommodate aircraft carriers. Prior to last Junes Operation Midnight Hammer strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities by the US and Israel, a squadron of B-2 bombers was readied on the island.

A US Air Force B-1B Lancer taking off from Diego Garcia as part of Operation Enduring Freedom during October 2001 [Photo: enior Airman Rebeca M. Luquin, U.S. Air Force]

Starmers hesitation over the use of Diego Garcia and Fairford reflects fear in British ruling circles over direct legal and military entanglement in a war crime. The BBC noted that under international law there is no distinction between a state carrying out the attack and those which have supported that state, if the latter has knowledge of the circumstances of the internationally wrongful act.

But London has made repeated statements endorsing US threats against Iran, while stating its preferred outcome is the US disarming Iran via a negotiated settlement.

The Guardian reported that Starmers government is doing all it can to repair the damage to US relations, saying, The hope in No 10 is that Trump will again change his mind. The bill setting out the Chagos agreement is due to return to the House of Lords soon.

On Thursday, the Ministry of Defence refused to comment on the Times revelation, with Reuters reporting the departments reiteration of policy not to comment on operational matters and that Britain supported the ongoing political process between the U.S. and Iran.

On Friday, Foreign Minister Yvette Cooper met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington to discuss the crisis. The short statement released by the State Department following their talks referred to the Russia-Ukraine war; Phase Two of the Presidents Gaza peace plan and securing a humanitarian truce in Sudan, but pointedly not the rift over the use of Diego Garcia.
The British Museum has altered the labelling of some of its ancient Middle Eastern artifactssubstituting Canaan for Palestineafter UK Lawyers for Israel (UKLFI) claimed the term inaccurately described civilizations that existed centuries before the term Palestine was coined.

The decision of Britains premier cultural institution to cave into Zionist browbeating has prompted a furious backlash from scholars in Middle Eastern history, archaeologists and experts in ancient Levantine cultures. They have criticised the British Museums decision as part of a systematic attack on Palestinian cultural identity that contributes to the erasure of Palestinian history. Some 6,800 have signed a petition calling on the British Museum to reinstate the labels.

The British Museum's main entrance [Photo by Ham / CC BY-SA 3.0

Israels genocidal onslaught against the Palestinians in Gaza has not only killed at least 72,000 people, mostly women and children and destroyed or damaged 80 percent of Gazas buildings, it has targeted Palestinian history and culture.

Israel has destroyed much of Gazas heritage, including its Old City and historic neighbourhoods, the Omari mosque and Church of Saint Porphyrius as well as other houses of worship, libraries, museums, archives, cemeteries, ancient homes, traditional markets and the archaeological site of Antheon Harbour, Gazas ancient port dating back to the 8th century BCE, according to a UNESCO report of August 2025.

In 2023, Israel seized land in the West Bank town of Sebastiahome to Canaanite, Roman, Byzantine, and Islamic ruins that generate vital local tourism revenue. Since then, settlers have repeatedly stormed the area, and Israeli authorities are planning to establish an Israeli-run archaeological site that would strip Palestinians of both access and income. Israels security cabinet recently approved an Antiquities Bill that would establish a Judea and Samaria Heritage Authority with sweeping control over archaeological sites in the West Bank, a move expected to target 13 major Palestinian heritage locations.

This is all part of a declared policy of eliminating Gaza and ethnically cleansing it of its Palestinian citizens, a move that is now to be extended to the West Bank.

The British Museum, the BBC and other cultural institutions in the UK are lining up with the Starmer Labour governments support for Israels fascist government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trumps efforts to reshape the Middle East in the interest of US imperialism.

Its stance reflects of its broader historical role and ideological function as the custodian of Britains national and imperialist interests. Founded in 1753, as Britain expanded in its imperial reach, its early collections were assembled by colonial administrators, military officers, diplomats and private collectors. Some at least were not averse to outright looting, violence and coercion. The most notorious thefts include the Benin Bronzes and Parthenon Marbles. The Museum became the place for the display of the spoils of empire.

According to the UKLFI, the Zionist lobby group wrote to the British Museum calling for a review of its collections and to revise the descriptions of its artefacts so that regions are referred to by such names as Canaan, the Kingdoms of Israel and Judah, or Judea, according to the relevant period. It claimed that some maps and descriptions used the term Palestine to refer to periods when no such entity existed and risked obscuring the history of Israel and the Jewish people.

The British Museum, in its response, said it was reviewing and updating its panels and labels on a case-by-case basis, and that it had updated its information panels in the Levant gallery, covering the period 2000-300 BC, to describe in some detail the history of Canaan and the Canaanites and the rise of the kingdoms of Judah and Israel using those names. A revised text devoted to the Phoenicians was installed in early 2025. Other changes included a panel in the Egypt galleries, amended to replace Palestinian descent with Canaanite descent.

The Museum claimed these changes were made last year after feedback and audience research and reflect a recognition that the term Palestine is no longer historically neutral.

The historian, author, and podcaster William Dalrymple called the British Museums decision to change its labelling ridiculous, arguing that the first reference to Palestine could be traced to 1186 BCE on the Egyptian monument of Medinet Habu. This was well before the biblical Saul established the Kingdom of Israel in 1047 BCE, which split into twoIsrael and Judahafter Solomons death in 930 BCE. These small biblical kingdoms were but two of several short-lived polities in the region that was dominated by the Assyrian and Egyptian empires at that time.

Historian William Dalrymple speaking at the mass protest in London against the genocide in Gaza, May 17, 2025

The Hebrew Bibleincluding the first five books traditionally attributed to the mythical figure of Moses, which describe events said to have taken place before and during the period commonly associated with the Exodus (around 1200 BCE)contains numerous references to Peleshet and the Philistines. These terms are generally understood to refer to the broader region now known as Israel/Palestine, from which the ancient Israelites are believed to have emerged.

The British Museum is one of a raft of institutions that have succumbed to pressure from UKLFI. The organisation, which claims to be both a charity and a legal advocacy group, is notorious for its use of vexatious lawfarethe use of law and threats of legal action to silence Palestinian voices in universities, arts venues, schools, public institutions and NGOs.

UKLFI group has targeted numerous meetings, performances and cultural events supporting Palestine, writing letters warning organisations that they may be breaching to laws relating to terrorism, equality, charity or antisemitism. It deliberately conflates antisemitism with anti-Zionism, claiming that the term ancient Palestine serves to create a hostile environment for Jewish students.

Many of the institutions capitulated to their threats. Its targets have included:

* Interpal, which provided humanitarian aid to Palestinians in need, lost its banking facilities and ceased fundraising in 2021 following UKLFIs campaign against it.

* The West Bank-based Defence for Children International-Palestine (DCIP), which Israels Defence Ministry later designated as a terrorist organisation in 2021, a move condemned by international human rights organisations. The DCIP challenged UKLFIs defamation in court, forcing UKLFI to make an apology and issue a public retraction acknowledging that the NGO had no links to terrorism.

*A Palestinian film festival planned for 2022 in Edinburgh that was cancelled.

* A pro-Palestine concert, The World Stands with Palestine at Morley College, London was axed in November 2024, after a UKLFI letter claimed the event aligned with Hamas and risked inciting hatred.

* A display of Gaza childrens artwork was taken down from the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital after UKLFI complained it made Jewish patients feel vulnerable, harassed and victimised.

* Pearson, the publishing company, withdrew and revised UK school textbooks on Middle East history after UKLFI accused them of anti-Israel propaganda. It withdrew later versions after further criticisms of distortion.

* UKLFI has filed complaints against pro-Palestinian musicians Bob Vylan and Kneecap and condemned Glastonbury artists who displayed Palestinian flags. Massive Attack, Brian Eno and Fontaines DC formed an alliance to resist threats into silence or career cancellation.

UKLFI challenged the UKs government decision to suspend 30 out of 350 arms licences to Israel and filed a misconduct complaint against the International Criminal Courts prosecutor Karim Khan, who issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and his then Defence Minister Yoav Gallant. It played a key role, along with other Zionist lobby groups, in persuading the British government to proscribe Palestine Action as a terrorist group.

The Public Interest Law Centre and the European Legal Support Centre filed a 114page complaint accusing UKLFI of issuing vexatious and legally baseless threatsstrategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs) intended to intimidate and silence. The Solicitors Regulation Authority confirmed last August that it had opened a formal investigation into UKLFI.

The Charity Commission announced an active case examining the UKLFI Charitable Trust and its relationship to the lobbying company of the same namea dual structure that enables an organisation to receive taxdeductible charitable donations while engaging in political activity normally prohibited for charities, raising the question of whether a registered charity can lawfully participate in partisan campaigns aimed at suppressing political speech.

In January, in a landmark case, the General Medical Council (GMC) threw out a complaint against the renowned Palestinian surgeon and rector of Glasgow University, Dr Ghassan Abu Sittah. UKLFI had brought the case to discipline him and ban him from practising medicine for his alleged support for Hamas, designated as a terrorist organisation by the British government, and opposition to the Gaza genocide.

The ruling was a major setback for UKLFI and its attempts to use professional bodies to intimidate their members and silence criticism of Israel.
Yesterday Labors Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke revealed that his government has initiated the process of banning Hizb-ut Tahrir. The attempt to outlaw the Islamist group is the first use of legislation rammed through the federal parliament last month by Labor, providing the government with the power to illegalise organisations on the grounds that they promote hate speech.

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke speaks in parliament on November 19, 2024 [Photo by Parliament of Australia / CC BY-NC-ND 4.0

As the World Socialist Web Site has explained previously, the legislation is one of the most far-reaching attacks on the fundamental democratic rights to freedom of political association and speech in decades.

Without even a pretence of judicial oversight or review, the government can criminalise organisations not because they have committed any wrongdoing, but simply for their political speech. Individuals accused of belonging to a banned organisation after such a declaration can then be imprisoned for up to a decade. Those are powers befitting a police-state dictatorship.

Burke essentially boasted of the draconian character of the legislation in announcing the plan to ban Hizb-ut Tahrir on the Australian Broadcasting Corporations Insiders program on Sunday.

This is the first time we have been able to ban, potentially, a group which falls short of a terrorist listing, he declared. In other words, the government is not suggesting any link whatsoever between Hizb-ut Tahrir and terrorism.

The law, Burke went on, says you don't have to be specifically calling for, but you do have to be acting in a way that increases the risk of communal violence or politically-motivated violence. That is an entirely subjective and vague barometer that could be deployed against virtually any oppositional speech.

It is clear that the government is using Hizb-ut Tahrir as a test case. The attempt to ban that organisation is aimed at setting a precedent that could be used far more broadly, including to target any anti-war, oppositional and socialist organisations.

The history of Hizb-ut Tahrir and its activities in Australia underscore the massive shift that the government attack represents.

The organisation is an international political party that was founded in 1953 and has had a presence in Australia for decades, going back to the late 1980s. It is based on the reactionary tenets of political Islam.

Hizb-ut Tahrir, however, has a long-established record of opposition to individual terrorism. It has repeatedly raised that its primary focus is on the Middle East and other Muslim majority areas, where it opposes the existing often western-backed regimes, from the standpoint of establishing an Islamic Caliphate.

In the course of its activities, Hizb-ut Tahrir has made sharp condemnations of US-led wars and occupations in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere. Those have raised the ire of Australian politicians over decades, with repeated calls for it to be banned.

But Labor and Coalition governments have always noted that such a prohibition would be impossible, because there is no evidence or indication that Hizb-ut Tahrir engages in terrorist conduct, but only in political speech. Now that too is to be criminalised.

Burkes remarks underscored not only the anti-democratic character of the banning provision, but also the draconian form it takes of essentially unanswerable executive power.

The reason that the government could now move against Hizb-ut Tahrir, he indicated, was because The ASIO advice is now in, that the group meets the threshold.

That was a reference to the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO). It is not a judicial body or an impartial one, but the domestic spy agency.

ASIO has a record of surveillance, harassment and dirty tricks operations targeting anti-war, socialist and oppositional organisations spanning decades. Its power to provide a recommendation for an organisation to be banned is essentially allowing the most repressive arm of the state apparatus to criminalise those it views as opponents.

Burke indicated he would then receive a departmental brief on the advice, before signing off on the ban. There is no court proceeding, independent review or oversight.

The hate group ban laws are one of a series of anti-democratic measures instituted by the Labor governments, federal and state, in the wake of the December 14 terrorist attack in Bondi.

There has still been no explanation as to how the two Islamic State-inspired terrorists were able to plan and execute their atrocity, under conditions where at least one of them had previously been surveilled by ASIO.

But with lightning speed, the governments have seized on the attack to carry out repressive measures curtailing the civil liberties of millions of people. In addition to the hate group laws, the Labor government has signalled that it will implement in full the recommendations of its special envoy to combat antisemitism Jillian Segal, which entail a sweeping assault against opposition to the Israeli genocide in Gaza across all walks of life.

In New South Wales (NSW), the Labor administration of Premier Chris Minns passed laws allowing for the states police commissioner to ban protests for up to three months in the wake of a terrorism designation.

That power was repeatedly activated in December, January and February and was deployed against protesters opposing the visit to Australia of Israeli president and war criminal Isaac Herzog, who was welcomed to the country by the federal Labor government. The NSW Police carried out a violent rampage against demonstrators in Sydney earlier this month, including the kettling of crowds, multiple violent assaults and the extensive use of pepper-spray.

The NSW government is also looking to emulate measures passed by the conservative administration in Queensland, prohibiting several pro-Palestinian chants.

The context makes clear that Hizb-ut Tahrir is only the first group that will be targeted with the federal banning power, not the last. When the legislation was put before parliament, Labor indicated its intention to illegalise the Islamist organisation as well as the neo-Nazi National Socialist Network (NSN). The NSN announced its supposed dissolution shortly after the laws were passed, while Hizb-ut Tahrir signalled a possible legal challenge.

The governments aim was to first target organisations whose views are opposed by the majority of the population, to set a precedent.

But everything that Burke said about Hizb-ut Tahrir could be applied to any number of organisations that oppose the genocide. Minns, for instance, directly blamed up to 300,000 Sydneysiders who marched across the Harbour Bridge in August opposing the starvation of Palestinians for the Bondi terrorist attack.

The government is clearly considering emulating the actions of its British Labour counterpart, which listed the Palestine Action group as a terrorist organisation last year, an attack on democratic rights deemed to be unlawful by a UK court earlier this month.

More broadly, the resort to authoritarian measures is a preemptive strike against growing social and political opposition from the working class on a host of issues.

Labor is fully committed to the US-led preparations for war with China, including the AUKUS plan to acquire nuclear-powered submarines from the US and the UK at a cost of $368 billion. National-security commentators have insisted that this be a whole-of-nation war effort, involving the subordination of every aspect of civil society to the military.

On the social front, Labor has inflicted the biggest reversal to working-class living standards in decades. It is tasked by the corporate and financial elite with carrying out massive cuts to social spending, as well as a productivity agenda aimed at increasing the exploitation of workers and boosting corporate profits.

The resort to authoritarian measures mirrors the actions of governments globally, amid a breakdown of capitalism and a growth of social tensions. The attempts of Donald Trump to overturn the US Constitution and to erect a presidential dictatorship are only the sharpest expressions of a universal process.

The working class must oppose the onslaught on democratic rights. What is required is a political struggle against Labor and the entire establishment, including the formation of workplace rank-and-file committees, to prepare industrial and political action to defend fundamental civil liberties. That is inseparable from the fight for a socialist perspective, aimed at abolishing inequality, militarism and the repressive state apparatus, and their source, the capitalist system.
An Air Force E-3 Sentry airborne warning and control system aircraft conducts aerial operations. [Photo: Air Force Master Sgt. Matthew Plew ]

The Trump administration is assembling the largest concentration of American military force in the Middle East since the 2003 invasion of Iraq, placing the United States on the brink of a massive illegal war against Iran that could last weeks or months and engulf the entire region.

Robert Pape, a professor of political science at the University of Chicago and one of the foremost analysts of American air power, wrote on X Saturday: This represents 40-50% of the deployable US air power in the world. Think air power on the order of the 1991 and 2003 Iraq war. And growing. Never has the US deployed this much force against a potential enemy and not launched strikes.

The Jerusalem Post and the Media Line, in an article published Saturday, reported that there are now four American carrier strike groups either in the wider Middle East or moving toward it. That alone changes the equation. In the surrounding waters, roughly a dozen guided-missile destroyers are spread out, some near the Strait of Hormuz, others operating closer to the Red Sea. These publications are the only outlets to report that four carrier strike groups are involved in the buildup.

Col. Richard Kemp, a former commander of British forces in Afghanistan, told the Media Line: As I understand it, this is the biggest military buildup in the Middle East since 2003. He described the current scale as greater than the 12-day war in June 2025. It could run into weeks, he said. It could well be a fairly long, sustained bombing campaign against Iran. Of the force now assembled, he said: Its needed in order to sufficiently damage the regime. Not a token strike.

Brig. Gen. Amir Avivi, founder of the Israel Defense and Security Forum, said the strategic objective had shifted beyond Irans nuclear facilities. Now we are talking about taking down the regime. It is something completely different, he told the Media Line. I think in two weeks it could be done.

The New York Times reported Sunday that the USS Gerald R. Ford, the worlds largest warship, was steaming south of Italy in the Mediterranean Sea and would soon be off the coast of Israel. The USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group is already operating in the Arabian Sea. The Times reported that US President Donald Trump discussed plans for strikes in a White House Situation Room meeting on Wednesday attended by Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine, CIA Director John Ratcliffe and Chief of Staff Susie Wiles.

According to the Times, Trump has told advisers that if diplomacy or an initial targeted attack does not force Iran to capitulate, he will consider a much bigger attack in coming months intended to drive that countrys leaders from power.

Targets under consideration include the headquarters of Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, nuclear sites and the ballistic missile program. Gen. Caine, who told Trump there was a high likelihood of success before the Venezuela operation, has not been able to deliver the same reassurances about Iran, in large measure because it is a far more difficult target.

Politico reported Thursday that the buildup had already cost an estimated $350 million to $370 million and that costs are mounting rapidly. It noted that 17 US warships now sit in the region, a significant portion of the roughly 68 warships deployed around the globe. The Wall Street Journal reported that sailors aboard the Ford have been at sea for eight months, with morale deteriorating and crew members considering leaving the Navy.

The military escalation takes place amid a deepening political crisis within the United States. On Thursday, the Supreme Court ruled 6-3 in Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act does not authorize presidential tariffs, striking down the central pillar of Trumps trade war. Trump responded by calling the justices a disgrace to our nation and immediately imposing new tariffs under a different statute. It was the most significant judicial rebuke of presidential power in decades.

Edward Luce of the Financial Times commented: Past performance suggests he could lash out in other ways. Given his instinct for unfiltered discretion, the Supreme Courts ruling could lead to overcompensation in other spheres. US military action is the one area where the executive branch can almost always count on judicial forbearance.

A war against Iran, a country of 90 million people that has not attacked the United States, would constitute a war of aggression, the supreme international crime as defined at the Nuremberg trials.

The Democratic Party continued its silence over the weekend. As the Ford steamed toward the eastern Mediterranean and the administration weighed plans for targeting individuals and leadership change, no leading Democrat issued any significant statement opposing the impending attack.

This silence is the continuation of a pattern documented throughout the buildup. Democratic Senator Mark Warner of Virginia endorsed the military threat, saying he thought it was appropriate the president has all the options on the table. Democratic Representative Josh Gottheimer of New Jersey explicitly opposed a bipartisan resolution by Representatives Thomas Massie and Ro Khanna that would have prohibited the use of military force against Iran without congressional authorization, declaring that Congress must not limit our ability to protect Americans and our allies.

Democratic Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania went on Newsmax to pledge his support for bombing Iran, saying of last years strikes: I absolutely was fully supportive and was cheering for that Midnight Hammer.

Neither House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, Bernie Sanders, nor Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez made any statements over the weekend on the US threats against Iran. The Democrats funded every weapon now being assembled for the attack.

The $901 billion National Defense Authorization Act passed the House in December, with 115 Democrats voting yes. In the Senate, the vast majority of Democrats voted in favor. In January, 149 House Democrats voted for $839 billion in defense appropriations.

The war drive against Iran is the latest expression of the global eruption of US imperialism. Having seized the president of Venezuela and installed a puppet regime, having threatened to seize Greenland and the Panama Canal, the Trump administration is now preparing to wage aggressive war against a nation of 90 million people to impose regime change and seize control of the Middle Easts resources and strategic chokepoints.

The Democratic Partys complicity in these preparations exposes once again that both parties represent the interests of the same ruling class, and that no faction of the political establishment opposes the escalating global war.
A man, identified as Quakertown Police Chief Scott McElree, is seen putting a female student in a chokehold, February 20, 2026.

Will Lehman, a Mack Trucks worker and candidate for president of the United Auto Workers, has issued a statement condemning the police assault on high school students in Quakertown who walked out of class last week to protest Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids and detentions.

I unequivocally condemn the vicious assault carried out by the Quakertown, Pennsylvania police and school authorities against high school students who courageously walked out to oppose the immigration Gestapo and the nationwide raids terrorizing immigrant families, Lehman declared in a statement posted on his website, WillforUAWPresident.org. What took place was an attack on youth exercising their democratic rights, which every worker must oppose.

On February 20, several dozen students at Quakertown Community High School left school and marched in cold rain to protest ongoing ICE raids targeting immigrant families. Video circulating widely on social media shows Scott McElree, the boroughs police chief, grabbing students and placing at least one teenage girl in a chokehold. Another officer is seen throwing a student into a planter. Five youth and one adult were reportedly arrested.

This was, plain and simple, police brutality against children, Lehman said. In response to the attack, thousands have signed petitions demanding the resignation of the police chief.

The police violence in Quakertown is part of a broader pattern. Across the United States, students have been suspended, criminalized and intimidated for protesting ICE deportations, including cases involving classmates or family members who have been detained or disappeared.

Lehman connected the assault to the wider crackdown on dissent under the Trump administrations escalating immigration offensive. Children cannot learn while living in terror, he stated. Authorities are targeting youth because they understand that young people can inspire workers to stand up and use our social and economic strength to oppose dictatorship and stop Trumps war against the working class.

Quakertown is located roughly 30 minutes from the Mack-Volvo plant in Macungie, where Lehman works, and from which he is mounting his campaign for UAW president. He emphasized that the struggle of immigrant families and the defense of democratic rights are inseparable from the fight of autoworkers and the broader working class.

Quakertown High School students peacefully protesting the immigration Gestapo prior to being assaulted by police, February 20, 2026. [Photo: David Stubanas]

Our immigrant brothers and sisters work alongside us and their kids go to school with our kids, Lehman said. We must stand shoulder to shoulder just like we need to do at work. An injury to one is an injury to all.

Lehman also invoked the towns history. Just over a mile from the high school, freedom seekers once passed through Quakertown on the Underground Railroad. Local abolitionists, including Quaker families, defied the Fugitive Slave Act by opening their homes as safe houses.

Then, as now, the law was invoked to justify the pursuit of working-class people whose only crime was seeking freedom and a better life, Lehman stated. The slavecatchers of that era and the thugs of ICE today serve the same reactionary purposes.

In a letter posted Sunday, the Quakertown Community School District presents itself as a neutral arbiter concerned only with safety, while distancing itself from the arrests and brutal assault carried out by local police. Yet the letter confirms that administrators coordinated with law enforcement in advance, requested police presence for the walkout, and will again have police on site when students return to school.

After video showed the police chief placing a teenage girl in a chokehold and officers violently seizing students , the districts priority is not to defend students democratic rights but to reassure parents that law enforcement will maintain order. By emphasizing that students who left campus were no longer under the districts custodial control, the administration attempts to wash its hands of responsibility while deepening collaboration with the same authorities that brutalized them.

Lehman urged workers to demand that all charges against the Quakertown students and their supporters be dropped immediately and that they be returned to their classrooms with no disciplinary measures. He added, all those violating Constitutional rights, from the police to the Trump administration, must be held accountable.

Lehmans statement situates the defense of the Quakertown students within a broader strategy: the independent mobilization of the working class against the police-state apparatus and the bipartisan political establishment.

Teachers, schoolworkers, unionized and non-union workers must form rank-and-file committees to respond to raids, arrests and suspensions, he said. Only an organized working-class movement, acting independently of the pro-corporate union bureaucracies and both big business parties, can abolish ICE and dismantle the police-state apparatus.

This call aligns with Lehmans campaign platform, which centers on abolishing the UAW apparatus and transferring power to workers on the shop floor through democratically controlled rank-and-file committees.

The events in Quakertown have exposed not only the brutality of local police but the broader climate of repression facing youth and immigrant families. The violent response to a peaceful student protest demonstrates the fear within official circles of any movement that links the defense of immigrants to a wider working-class struggle.

The defense of democratic rights cannot be left to appeals to local officials or the courts. It requires the conscious intervention of workersorganized independently and armed with a political perspective aimed at dismantling the structures of repression and capitalist exploitation at their root.
New York nurses on the picket line, January 20, 2026

On Saturday, officials from the New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) announced the ratification of a contract at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital in Manhattan, ending a six-week strike by more than 4,000 nurses. This was the last of four facilities still on strike following a vote just over a week before, in which NewYork-Presbyterian nurses overwhelmingly rejected their tentative agreement.

The new contract does not adequately address the nurses demands, including safe staffing, and the nurses will soon find themselves fighting management again over the same issues. NYSNA bureaucrats secured the ratification not because of genuine enthusiasm for the deal, but because the union bureaucrats isolated the nurses on the picket line in below-freezing temperatures, while withholding strike pay.

Voting for the tentative agreement took place only hours after it was announced on Friday, giving the nurses no time to read, discuss and consider the agreement. There was no meaningful democratic oversight to ensure the integrity of the ballot. Each worker received a link to an online ballot and was urged not to share the link with anyone else. This instruction suggests that anyone with a link could have cast a ballot for someone else.

NYSNA acknowledged workers valid concerns about the previous online vote, which was conducted over Surveymonkey, a platform which is unsuitable for secure, audited elections. Instead of explaining what measures they were taking to ensure the integrity of the vote this weekend, the NYSNA bureaucracy urged the nurses to take screenshots of their ballots. Tellingly, the union justified the vulnerable electronic voting procedure by stating that it helps expedite getting to results and helps to ensure a speedy return to work. The bureaucrats thus admitted that its main concern was not the legitimacy of the vote but nurses swift return to work to satisfy management.

The union claims 93 percent of nurses voted to ratify the tentative agreement but gave no vote totals. Regardless of turnout, the ratification reflects the nurses lack of confidence in NYSNA officials ability to negotiate a better agreement. The nurses are still angry that the union leadership violated NYSNAs own bylaws in the previous vote, rejecting the recommendation of its own executive committee and forced a vote on a substandard agreement.

In the new contract, NewYork-Presbyterian pledges to hire a handful more nurses, prioritizing the emergency department and catheterization lab, which are two of the hospitals worst-staffed units. At Montefiore Medical Center and Mount Sinai hospitals, the other facilities which participated in the strike, new contracts ratified last week provided for only a few dozen new jobs. Mount Sinai Hospital agreed to hire only 30 additional full-time workers, when the nurses had demanded 700 new hires.

The contract also provides for regularly scheduled arbitration to resolve staffing disputes more quickly. But the speed with which an arbitrator reaches a decision is irrelevant, since NewYork-Presbyterian routinely files lawsuits against arbitration awards related to understaffing. Already this year, an arbitrator awarded about $400,000 to nurses for staffing violations, but the hospital has appealed the decision and refused to pay a dime while its appeal is pending.

NYSNA bureaucrats proclaimed that the new agreement protects its members health benefits, which was a major demand during the strike. But the agreement initiates a project to seek out and achieve savings related to health benefits. Despite language about respecting the current benefits or their equivalent, the contract opens the door to future changes to network management, out-of-network rules or prescription costs for branded drugs.

The agreement provides annual raises totaling about 12 percent over three years, the same as the previous deal nurses rejected and far below the 30 percent which the nurses originally demanded. These wages also will be eaten up by monthly parking costs of as much as $201.62.

NYSNA officials falsely claim that the contract protects immigrant patients and nurses. In fact, the agreement states that if a government agent or law enforcement officer asks about a patient or staff member, nurses should contact their supervisor. Hospital management, not the employee, will oversee any interaction with law enforcement, it states. Thus, nurses are protected from having to turn in their coworkers or patients to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE); management will do it for them.

NYSNA bureaucrats also stated that the new agreement includes a safeguard against artificial intelligence. The agreement provides that a nurse who disagrees with recommendations given by AI may use his or her clinical judgment. It does not, however, prevent AI from eliminating nurses jobs. Instead, it states that in the event that artificial intelligence technology directly causes a diminishment in the current levels of employees, then management and NYSNA will meet and discuss, in good faith, methods to avoid such impacts. This careful phrasing provides discussions but no concrete job protections.

The new contract does not resolve any of the issues over which nurses fought admirably for six weeks. Their struggle will continue, albeit in a different form, and it is essential that the nurses draw the lessons of this experience.

The main obstacle that the nurses face is the NYSNA officialdom, which did everything possible to weaken and betray them. The more powerful the nurses position, the more shamelessly the union strove to undermine them. NewYork-Presbyterian was one of 15 hospitals in New York City and Long Island whose contracts expired the same day last month. Instead of waging a powerful, united fight, NYSNA officials withdrew strike notices at 11 hospitals without even having reached agreements at the time.

Unable to prevent strikes at four of these hospitals, NYSNA officials withheld strike pay to starve its members into submission. After several weeks, the union reached tentative agreements with three of the hospitals, sent nurses back to work and left its members at NewYork-Presbyterian stranded.

In a flagrant act of bullying, NYSNA bureaucrats tried to force the NewYork-Presbyterian workers to ratify an agreement that the executive committee had already rejected. When the nurses overwhelmingly voted it down, the bureaucrats retaliated against them by temporarily stopping food deliveries to the picket line and stopping daily strike updates.

Only one week ago, local bargaining committee head Beth Loudin took part in a demonstration outside NYSNA headquarters calling for President Nancy Hagans to be disciplined. But now, Loudin has issued statements alongside Hagans praising the new deal, which is little different from the previous one.

The New York nurses strike took place amid an upsurge of walkouts, and healthcare workers have tremendous potential power. The ongoing strike of 31,000 healthcare workers at Kaiser Permanente facilities in California and Hawaii has been reinforced by more than 500 operating engineers, who walked out today. About 700 nurses and case workers at Henry Ford Genesys Hospital in Michigan have been on strike for nearly six months. These strikes demonstrate the potential for healthcare workers to launch a national fight to defend medical science and patients rights against attacks by management, ICE and the state.

The NYSNA bureaucracys betrayal, however, shows that this movement requires new organizations and a new strategy. Healthcare workers everywhere must form rank-and-file committees that are independent of the trade union bureaucracy and of both big business political parties. These committees, which workers must control democratically, will provide the organizational means for formulating demands, developing a strategy and uniting struggles across state, national and industrial boundaries.
Outrage is mounting in Georgia and across the United States as the federal government moves to dramatically expand Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention capacity as part of an escalating war on immigrants. In rural Social Circle, Georgia, local officials revealed that ICE intends to purchase a 1.2 million-square-foot warehouse and convert it into a massive detention complex capable of holding up to 10,000 people, a scale of incarceration not seen in the United States since the mass imprisonment of Japanese Americans during World War II.

First-floor layout of the proposed 8,000+ bed ICE detention complex in Social Circle, Georgia, illustrating the industrial-scale design of a warehouse facility.

City planning documents make clear that the project is not a temporary surge measure but a long-term expansion. Utility filings reviewed by local officials project more than 1 million gallons per day in wastewater demand, consistent with a multi-thousand-person detention complex operating on a permanent basis. The broader development plan encompasses more than 2.3 million square feet of approved construction and requires substantial infrastructure commitments from the city.

Facilities of this scale are not erected for short-term operations. Their construction underscores that the targeting of immigrants is only the opening phase of a broader campaign to expand police powers and institutionalize mass detention. The attacks on immigrants today form part of a wider drive by the US ruling class to entrench repressive state measures against workers and political opponents, advancing the interests of the Trump regime and the financial oligarchy it represents.

Reporting by The Guardian noted that the scale of the proposed facility has generated significant opposition among Social Circle residents, including in a community that voted overwhelmingly for Trump in the last election. Local outrage has forced the mayor and police chief to publicly express resistance to ICEs planned purchase after details of the project became known. When the city posted the first floor schematics onlineshowing dense rows of beds representing thousands of human beingsthe images circulated widely on social media. Many commenters drew historical comparisons to the cramped conditions of 18th-century slave ships and to the concentration camps established in Nazi Germany in the 1930s.

Opposition is not confined to rural Georgia. Reporting by Stateline documented similar outrage in Oklahoma City, where residents learned of federal plans to convert a vacant warehouse into an immigration processing facility. Facing bipartisan opposition, the out-of-state warehouse owner ultimately abandoned negotiations with the federal government. Comparable resistance has emerged from Utah to Texas to Virginia and Mississippi, where public pressure has derailed or delayed warehouse conversions and large-scale detention projects.

The backlash comes as the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) undertakes a sweeping expansion fueled by a record $80 billion multi-year congressional allocation for detention. ICE is currently holding more than 70,000 people nationwidethe highest number in the agencys historyand internal documents outline plans for 16 processing sites holding up to 1,500 people each and eight detention centers capable of holding up to 10,000 each, for a total projected capacity of 92,600 beds. The agency is also pursuing roughly 150 new leases and office expansions across the country.

The rapid expansion of detention capacity is occurring alongside soaring profits for the private prison industry. An investigation by The Appeal found that at least one investor in CoreCivic was disappointed that the Trump administration has yet to detain 100,000 human beings.

One of the big questions  has been the pace of detention by ICE, that its been below what investors thought [it] was going to be, one caller said. I think people thought wed be at that 100,000 level. Were at a little over 70,000.

During the final quarter of 2025, CoreCivics revenue from ICE more than doubled compared to the previous year, rising from $120.3 million to $244.7 million. The companys annual profits climbed to $116.5 million, nearly a 70 percent increase. The GEO Group reported similar gains. The company posted $2.63 billion in revenue in 2025 and net income of $120.1 million. GEO executives stated that the ICE population across its facilities had risen to approximately 24,000, the highest level in the companys history. GEO expects roughly $3 billion in revenue in 2026.

GEO founder George Zoley told investors that the company is evaluating participation in warehouse conversion projects capable of holding seven, eight, or 9,000 beds per facility, acknowledging that such sites represent an enormous capacity.



Beyond detention beds, GEOs subsidiary BI Incorporated operates the federal governments Intensive Supervision Appearance Program (ISAP), which relies on GPS ankle monitors. According to company executives, ISAP participants have increased from roughly 17,000 to more than 42,000 in the past year, with capacity to scale to whatever level services ICE wants, whether its 100,000 or beyond that.

Among the thousands of human beings kidnapped for profit by the US government this year is 16-year-old Sebastian, an asylum seeker from Ecuador. Reporting by the Minnesota Star Tribune detailed the case of the young person, identified publicly by his middle name out of fear from the family of further retribution by the US government.

In early January, during the height of Operation Metro Surge, Sebastian was driving alone in north Minneapolis when immigration agents seized him. Before he was kidnapped, he was able to make one call to his father, alerting him that he was being taken.

I just was thinking, I dont want them to take me, he told the paper through a translator. I asked an agent if they were going to deport me. He said they cant deport me, but they were going to transport me to a different location.

Despite his living in Minnesota with his father, ICE thugs deliberately misclassified Sebastian as an unaccompanied minor and assigned him a new alien registration number, making it virtually impossible for Sebastians family to locate him.

He was flown to Michigan and placed at Bridgeway, a 36-bed short-term residency program operated by Bethany Christian Services. For more than a week, his family did not know where he was. When a federal judge ordered the government to respond to a wrongful-detention petition, an ICE attorney wrote that it did not appear the petitioner was in ICE custody. Only after sustained legal intervention was Sebastian located and ultimately released.

What was it all for? Manuel, Sebastians father, asked the Star Tribune. Sara Koziol Chavez, an attorney who helped search for Sebastian, made clear the government deliberately withheld his location.



They erased his family by calling him an unaccompanied minor, and they did this even while they were being watched, Koziol Chavez said.
The police raid on a Canberra music venue last week for displaying anti-fascist artwork is one of the first major enforcement actions under the Albanese Labor governments hate speech laws. The real target of its laws are not fascists or antisemites but those opposing Israels genocide in Gaza and voicing hostility to extreme-right political figures.

Satirical posters on display at Canberra venue [Photo: Dissent Cafe and Bar]

On the evening of February 18, three uniformed ACT Policing officers entered the Dissent Cafe and Bar after an anonymous Crime Stoppers complaint about five satirical posters in the venues windows. The works, by British-based protest art collective Grow Up Art, depict Donald Trump, Elon Musk, Benjamin Netanyahu, JD Vance and Vladimir Putin in Nazi-style uniforms under the title The Turd Reich, next to signs reading Sanction Israel and Stop Genocide.

When owner David Howe refused to hand over the posters, officers declared the premises a crime scene. The bar was shut for more than two hours, cancelling a scheduled performance. Detectives from the Major Crimes Unit were later dispatched to seize the posters.

The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) is administered by a minority Labor government with backing from the Greens.

ACT Policing Deputy Chief Paula Hudson announced that the posters were being assessed under the Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism (Criminal and Migration Laws) Act 2026. She said that if the posters were found to breach the Act, a prosecution would follow, carrying a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment.

Hudson declared that police would not apologise for responding appropriately to racism, hate crimes and antisemitic behaviourin other words, opposition to fascism and a genocidal war is being treated as a form of hate crime.

The posters are openly anti-fascist, attacking right-wing political leaders by portraying them as Nazis. The Albanese governments hate speech laws contain exemptions where symbols are shown for academic, educational, artistic or scientific purposes or for the purpose of opposing Nazi ideology, fascism or a related ideology.

The Dissent posters fall squarely under both categories. Labors ACT government ignored these provisions, signalling that political expression deemed unacceptable by the state will be treated as a criminal matter and forced into drawn-out legal battles.

Athol Morris, president of the Canberra Jewish Community, publicly rejected claims that the works are antisemitic, stating that the image of Netanyahu attacks his policies, not Jewish people, and asking when society had become so glass-jawed that it could no longer tolerate criticism of those in power.

Dissent owner David Howe, speaking yesterday with The Sunday Shot, a YouTube program, explained that the bar had received complaints from some pro-Zionist patrons but said that these were far outweighed by popular support for the satirical posters.

Stressing the raids connection to anti-genocide dissent, he said: The law has been basically set up to allow for anonymous complaints to get the police to act in this way to achieve some kind of impact on businesses and people that express vaguely offensive views for the Zionists.

He added, It seems unreal  [with] police beating protesters to protect the travelling head of a Zionist state, and theyre taking posters down simply on the basis of an anonymous complaint because they think it will offend somebody  We are marching slowly but surely into an authoritarian regime.

The raid is the first known enforcement action in the national capital under the Commonwealth hate-symbol provisions and is being treated as a test case. It is a direct product of the framework rapidly constructed after the December 14, 2025, Bondi Beach attack.

Seizing on that tragedy, the Albanese government recalled parliament for an emergency two-day sitting on January 2021 and rushed through the Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism Act with Coalition support.

Attorney-General Michelle Rowland boasted at the time that Labor had delivered the strongest laws in Australias history to combat antisemitism, hate and extremism. The legislation, in fact, arms the state with unprecedented sweeping powers: criminalising the display of prohibited symbols with prison terms of up to five years; allowing ministers to ban political organisations and proscribe hate groups by decree, and empowering the deportation of non-citizens for loosely defined associations.

From the outset, it was clear these powers were aimed at opponents of genocide, not its perpetrators. In a television interview, Rowland was asked whether the new banning powers could be applied to Palestine solidarity groups that state Israel is committing genocide in Gaza. She refused to rule it out, finally admitting that if officials decided the criteria were met, then that is the casethat is, organisations opposing war crimes and genocide could be outlawed under so-called anti-hate laws.

The Canberra raid shows this is no longer hypothetical. It occurred not long after Israeli President Isaac Herzog left Australia following an official four-day visit. Herzog has been identified by a United Nations Commission of Inquiry as one of the Israeli leaders who incited genocide in Gaza.

The Labor government has fully backed Israels US-sponsored genocide in Gaza, providing military, intelligence and diplomatic support, and lining up with Washington to shield the Zionist regime at the United Nations.

Following the Bondi terror attack, it invited Herzogan architect and public defender of the Gaza genocideas an honoured guest and armed the state with hate speech laws that are now being used to criminalise art denouncing fascism and genocide, rather than those responsible for them.

Herzogs visit itself saw thousands of police mobilised, special stop-and-search powers enacted, violent attacks on pro-Palestine protesters by NSW police at Sydney Town Hall on February 9, and more than two dozen arrests at demonstrations nationally.

The weaponisation of hate speech legislation has dire consequences for artists, writers and cultural workers producing satire of political leaders. The precedent established in Canberra threatens anyone who mocks fascism or imperialism with raids, seizures and prosecution.

The same reactionary logic underpinned pro-Zionist attacks on Roger Waters, who in May 2023during a Berlin concert on his The Dark Side of the Moon toursatirised Israeli settler-colonialism and Gaza ethnic cleansing by donning a Nazi-style uniform, mask and armband. Pro-Israel lobby groups and German authorities branded it antisemitic blood libel, triggering concert cancellations in Frankfurt and Vienna. Waters performance, like Dissents posters, mocked fascismnot Jews.

Responsibility for this attack on democratic rights rests squarely with the Labor and Greens government in the Australian Capital Territory. The territory is governed by a LaborGreens coalition under Chief Minister Andrew Barr, which directly oversees ACT Policing. ACT Police Minister Marisa Paterson responding with deliberate evasion and saying only that she would seek further clarification from ACT Policing. She refused to invoke the artistic and anti-fascist exemptions, refused to question the deployment of the Major Crimes Unit against a small bar, and refused to instruct police to halt the operation.

ACT Greens MLA Andrew Braddock has denounced the raid on the Canberra bar. Braddock called the raid an alarming consequence of Labors rushed and harmful hate speech legislation. This is not opposition, but political posturing.

Although the ACT Greens are no longer in a formal coalition with the minority Labor government, they have an official agreement to back Labor on all key legislation and therefore share responsibility for the raid and for enforcement of the hate-speech regime.

Last weeks raid is part of a coordinated and escalating assault on basic democratic rights by Australias political elite. This includes:

Far-reaching measures by the NSW Labor government to ban protests and a new code of conduct empowering principals to sack teachers for anti-genocide statements, including social media posts made in their own time.

The Albanese governments Antisemitism Education Taskforce preparing university report cards designed to brand campuses as unsafe unless they purge pro-Palestinian sentiment and discipline staff and students.

In Queensland, the Liberal National Party government introducing its own law enabling ministers to ban prescribed phrases at protests by executive fiat.

These measures are just a sample of a nationwide framework of repression. Laws enacted under the banner of combating hate and antisemitism are being wielded directly against those who oppose the genocidal policies of imperialism, while the forces responsible for war crimes and the promotion of fascism are shielded, protected and encouraged by the entire political establishment.


On Sunday, February 22 a memorial event was held in Christchurch to mark 15 years since the city was devastated by an earthquake that killed 185 people. It was New Zealands deadliest disaster since 1979 (when an Air New Zealand flight crashed in Antarctica killing 257 people).

Much of the city centre was reduced to rubble and about half of all 170,000 properties in greater Christchurch were damaged in some way. More than 8,000 homes were permanently demolished, with entire suburbs deemed unsuitable for rebuilding, displacing about 16,000 people.

The impact on working people was disastrous. Christchurch rents soared by nearly a quarter from 2010-2014. In March 2013 the government estimated that the number of people either homeless or in insecure housing in the city had doubled from 3,750 before the earthquakes to as many as 7,405.

Tens of thousands of families spent years fighting with insurance companies and the state-owned Earthquake Commission to repair or rebuild their homes. Many suffered significant financial losses.

As of 2023, 1.76 percent of the citys populationabout 7,200 peoplewere still severely housing deprived. A growing number of homeless people are reportedly living in vehicles in the desolate suburbs that were abandoned after 2011.

In a brief social media statement on the earthquake anniversary, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon declared: Today we remember those who died, stand with the families who still carry that loss, and acknowledge all those whose lives were changed on that tragic day.

In fact, successive governmentsincluding the previous Labour Party-led government of Jacinda Ardernfar from standing with victims, have attempted to sweep the disaster under the rug and prevent anyone being held accountable for failures that led to massive loss of life.

Recovery operation personnel work on the destroyed CTV building in Christchurch, New Zealand, after the city was hit by a 6.3 magnitude earthquake. Feb. 24, 2011 file photo. [AP Photo/Rob Griffith]

While the earthquake was a natural disaster, its human toll was not inevitable. More than half of those who died, 115 people, were killed in the cheaply constructed CTV building, which collapsed in a matter of seconds due to numerous deficiencies, leaving those inside with no chance of survival.

Fifteen years later, despite overwhelming evidence of severe structural defects and non-compliance with building codes, no one has been held accountable for decisions that led to the collapse.

A 2012 royal commission of inquiry found that the engineering firm Alan Reay Consultants Limited (ARCL) failed to properly supervise building engineer David Harding, who was working beyond his competence in designing the CTV building in 1986. It also found that the Christchurch City Council should never have granted a permit for the construction, as the design did not comply with bylaws. Among other failures, the building had beam-column joint zones  that were easy to construct but lacked ductility and were brittle in character.

When the building was sold in 1990 the new owners identified the non-compliance of the connections between the floors and the north wall complex, prompting ARCL to carry out some remedial work. Even after this, however, the connections remained non-compliant for seismic actions in the east-west direction.

David Lynch, an advocate for the families of the CTV victims, issued a statement on February 20 which said the anniversary should serve as a reminder of a preventable disaster and of a justice system that has yet to reflect that truth.

He criticised the decision made by police in November 2017, on the advice of the deputy solicitor-general Brendan Horsley, not to prosecute Reay and Harding for negligent manslaughter. Horsley defended the decision at the time, declaring that prosecution for the deaths of 115 people was not in the public interest.

Maan Alkaisi, whose wife Maysoon Abbas died in the CTV building, told the WSWS that at a meeting with several families on December 14, 2017, Horsley claimed the families as baying for blood for demanding accountability. Horsley says he does not recall saying these words.

Maan Alkaisi

In September 2024, the professional body Engineering New Zealands (ENZ) disciplinary committee issued a decision which upheld a complaint against Reay. It concluded that Dr Reay knew Mr Harding lacked the necessary experience to design the CTV building and that Reays conduct fell well below the accepted professional standards in 1986. The organisation imposed a $750 fine and called on Reay to make a public apology.

Reay, however, continues to deny any culpability and has sought a judicial review of ENZs finding.

Alkaisi told the WSWS that the lack of justice was a huge failure of our legal and justice system in general. The message that this sends to the industry and to young engineers, that essentially you can get away with whatever you do. How can we prevent this from happening again if there is not any accountability?

This is not right, for victims to wait 15 years because the offender essentially has a big team of lawyers and has money to keep delaying things. They have no case to prove that hes innocent, so the only way to do it is delays, Alkaisi said. The police investigation, the royal commission, Building and Housing, Engineering New Zealandthey all pointed out that he did not do his job.

Anita Stewart, whose brother Andrew Bishop died in the CTV building, told the WSWS: On one hand I would like to move forward and personally grieve our loss in our own private way, and on the other hand Id like the person who has been proven accountable on many occasions to just accept hes wrong, apologise and ACCEPT accountability.

On behalf of the families, Alkaisi continues to seek answers about why Reay and Harding were not prosecuted by the police. He has made formal complaints to Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, Attorney-General Judith Collins, the Independent Police Conduct Authority and the current Solicitor General Una Jagose.

In response to Alkaisis complaint about Horsleys comment that the families were baying for blood, Jagose replied that she had asked Horsley about it and the latter did not recall making such a statement. Alkaisi told the WSWS, There were 10 police officers and about 34 family members present when the comment was made, yet Jagose had not asked any of them about their recollection. Alkaisi has submitted a complaint about Jagose to the Law Society.

In a letter to Luxon and Collins in February 2025, Alkaisi claimed that Horsley and Jagose had displayed mistreatment, bias and unprofessional conduct against the victims families. The letter said the families were calling for a just and impartial review of the CTV case based on the new findings of Engineering New Zealand.

The letter noted that Horsleys advice to police not to prosecute Reay and Harding was partly based on an affidavit from engineer Barry Ramsay, who suggested it was normal practice for engineers not to have their work reviewed. The 2012 royal commission found that Reay should not have left Mr Harding to work unsupervised on the design or without a system in place for reviewing the design, either by himself or someone else qualified to do so.

Alkaisi also called for Jagose to be removed as Solicitor General. He noted that the report of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care, released in July 2024, confirms our concern regarding the integrity of the Solicitor General office when treating victims and their families. That royal commission, which examined the abuse of children in state-run schools and other institutions, found that Political and public service leaders spent time, energy and taxpayer resources to hide, cover up and then legally fight survivors to protect the potential perceived costs to the Crown, and their own reputations.

Jagose, who joined the Crown Law office in 2002, is mentioned numerous times in the 2024 royal commissions report as someone who played a major role in defending the Crown against allegations from victims. Jagose delivered an official apology which said: I am sorry that survivors of abuse in care were not always treated with dignity by us lawyers.

The problem is Crown Law has really huge authority: nobody questions them, nobody reviews them, Alkaisi told the WSWS.

Based on the experience of the CTV families, as well as the 2010 Pike River mine disaster and subsequent cover-up, Alkaisi warned that the families of six people killed in the recent Mount Maunganui landslide should be wary of promises of official inquiries.

This could happen to any of us, he said. And this is how the government will treat you: they will leave you, as they have with us and the Pike River families, for 15 years, struggling.

I feel that investigations are just like morphine, to make you sleep and move on. The reason they do these investigations is not really to find out what happened and whos responsible, to make sure it will not happen again. None of that. Its just because by the time its finished, many other things will have happened and people will forget.

Meanwhile, future disasters are inevitable, as politicians continue to strip away regulations in order to boost profits for property developers and businesses.

On December 16, 2025, the National Party-led government, supported by every other party including Labour and the Greens, passed the first reading of legislation to remove earthquake strengthening requirements for thousands of buildings. The definition of an earthquake-prone building will be significantly narrowed, reducing the number of such buildings requiring remedial work by around 55 percent, in order to save building owners money.

The CTV building collapse, like the Pike River disaster and countless other avoidable tragedies worldwide, was the product of a rapacious capitalist system that puts profit before human life. The ongoing efforts by the state to shield those responsible from prosecution epitomise class justice, in which a wealthy minority stands effectively above the law.

To prevent future disasters and hold the corporate and political elite to account requires building an independent movement of the working class, fighting for socialisma society in which production and urban development are democratically organised to meet human need, not enrich a tiny minority.
Feb 23 (Reuters) - The U.S. Commerce Department on Monday will reveal a preliminary decision on whether to impose anti-subsidy duties on solar cells and panels imported from India, Laos and Indonesia.

The announcement is the first of two expected by the agency in the coming weeks in a trade case brought by a group representing a portion of the small U.S. solar manufacturing sector. Commerce is likely to make final determinations later this year.

Monday's decision on countervailing duties will consider whether companies operating in the three countries received unfair government subsidies that make American products uncompetitive. Commerce is set to make a separate decision next month on whether those companies flooded the U.S. market at prices below their cost of production.

The Alliance for American Solar Manufacturing and Trade includes South Korea's Hanwha Qcells and Arizona-based First Solar, which are seeking to protect billions of dollars in investments in U.S. factories.

The group's petition, filed in July, accuses Chinese companies of shifting production from nations that received U.S. tariffs to Indonesia and Laos, and also accuses Indian-headquartered manufacturers of dumping cheap goods in the United States.

The group has succeeded previously in winning tariffs on imports from countries in Southeast Asia including Malaysia, Cambodia, Vietnam and Thailand.

(Reporting by Nichola Groom; editing by Diane Craft)
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President Donald Trump speaks during a press briefing at the White House, Friday, Feb. 20, 2026, in Washington with Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. [AP Photo/Evan Vucci]

Fridays Supreme Court ruling invalidating $160 billion in tariffs collected under President Donald Trump over the last year generated sighs of relief among sections of the ruling class. It also provoked an unhinged verbal tantrum at a hastily convened press conference during which Trump labeled the three conservative justices who joined the three liberals against him fools and lapdogs  of the radical left.

The decision in Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump and its fallout expose deepening divisions within the ruling class that ultimately stem from the decline of US capitalism.

After labeling the three liberals a disgrace to our nation, Trump accused the entire majority of being swayed by foreign interest and a political movement that is far smaller than people would ever think.

Trump called the forces challenging his unbridled assertion of power to set and modify tariffs, major sleazebags who are foreign country-centric, and the two justices he nominated who voted with the majority, Neil Gorsuch and Amy Coney Barrett, an embarrassment to their families.

Trump ranted, imitating a Mafia don, that foreign countries that have been ripping us off for years are ecstatic  dancing in the streets, but they wont be dancing for long, that I can assure you.

The Wall Street Journal editorialized, Trump owes the Supreme Court an apologyto the individual Justices he smeared on Friday and the institution itself. Mr. Trump doubtless wont offer one, but his rant in response to his tariff defeat at the Court was arguably the worst moment of his Presidency.

The legal issues presented are relatively straightforward. Article I, Section 8 of the US Constitution expressly allocates all taxation power, including the imposition of duties on imported goods and services, to Congress. Following President Richard Nixons resort to extraordinary measures in response to the collapse of the post-World War II Bretton Woods financial framework, Congress enacted the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), which allows the president to identify an unusual and extraordinary threat and declare a national emergency, triggering executive power to investigate, block, regulate, direct and compel, nullify, void, prevent or prohibit transactions involving foreign-held property. The list of executive powers notably does not include tariffs, and for almost 50 years no president invoked IEEPA powers to impose them.

Shortly after resuming office, however, Trump declared a national emergency based on drug trafficking to justify a 25 percent duty on most Canadian and Mexican imports, and another national emergency citing trade deficits to justify an array of tariffs, modifications, reductions and exemptions that sent equity markets careening. The rate on Chinese goods was ratcheted up in rapid successionfrom 10 percent to 20, then to an additional 34, then 84, and finally 125 percentbringing the total effective tariff rate on most Chinese goods to 145 percent.

Trumps IEEPA tariffs account for almost three-fourths of US tariffs imposed last year. Without them, the average effective US tariff rate would fall from 17.4 percent to 6.8 percent.

Separate suits were filed by businesses hammered by tariffs, joined by 12 states. Several lower courts ruled the IEEPA tariffs illegal prior to the Supreme Court taking the case, where nine justices splintered into three camps of three, producing seven separate opinions totaling 170 pages.

The decisive opinion, written by Chief Justice John Roberts, contains language that amounts to a remarkable indictment of the White Houses dictatorial aims. Roberts wrote that the Framers, having just fought a revolution motivated in large part by taxation without representation, gave Congress alone  access to the pockets of the people, and deliberately excluded the executive branch from any part of the taxing power. This was, Roberts noted, the birthright power of Congressa characterization that underscores how fundamental the majority considered the constitutional question.

Gorsuch went even further in his own concurring opinion, warning that 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. That is no recipe for a republic.

Roberts was blunt in his description of the scope of power Trump claimed, writing, All it takes to unlock that extraordinary power is a Presidential declaration of emergency, which the Government asserts is unreviewable. The only check, Roberts observed, would be a veto-proof supermajority in Congressrendering the legislature virtually powerless. This would replace the longstanding executive-legislative collaboration over trade policy with unchecked Presidential policymaking.

Trump craves the tariff power to bully and extort foreign nations, to promote or harm certain economic sectors, and to steer wealth to favored industries and companies, including those that directly benefit his family. Robertss opinion, read in full, describes a president who has arrogated to himself the unilateral power to tax the entire population, even the world, answerable to no one, on the basis of an emergency declaration that he asserts cannot be reviewed.

Justice Brett Kavanaugh drafted a 63-page dissent joined by the arch-reactionary Trump toadies Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito that, Roberts noted, echoed point-for-point Trumps arguments. Kavanaugh bemoaned the fact that the US may be required to refund billions of dollars to importers who paid the IEEPA tariffs, like a bank robber asking to be let off the hook because the stolen money has already been spent.

Kavanaugh then switched from his role as a supposed neutral judge to Trumps consiglieri, advising him, Although I firmly disagree with the Courts holding today, the decision might not substantially constrain a Presidents ability to order tariffs going forward because numerous other federal statutes authorize the President to impose tariffs and might justify most (if not all) of the tariffs at issue in this case. Those alternatives were not raised in the briefing, which addressed only IEEPA tariffs, and Kavanaughs addressing them in his dissent, which itself has no legal force, deviates from accepted judicial standards.

Media outlets reported that Trump exploded in profane anger when informed of the ruling while in the midst of a breakfast meeting with various governors. A few hours later he appeared before cameras in the White House press room, his face beet-red with rage under layers of orange makeup.

Those tariffs remain, Trump said repeatedly. Were still getting them and we will after the decision, adding, As Justice Kavanaughwhose stock has gone so up, you have to see, Im so proud of himwrote in his dissent  the decision might not substantially constrain a presidents ability to order tariffs going forward.

Hes right, Trump continued, In fact, I can charge much more than I was charging. So Im going to just start. Following a Kavanaugh suggestion, Trump announced new tariffs under a never used emergency statute that authorizes 150-day tariffs to remedy balance of payment deficits.

The invocations of the American Revolution by the majority justices are not merely rhetorical ornaments. As the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence approaches this July, the Revolution and the democratic principles it evoked are intruding into political lifeand not only into the sphere of legal opinions. The language of 1776 retains an explosive contemporary relevance.

That a chief justice of the Supreme Court felt compelled to invoke the memory of the Revolution against a sitting presidents assertion of unchecked taxing power is itself a measure of how deep the present constitutional crisis has become. The ideals of the American Revolution, rooted in the Enlightenment and in the struggle against monarchical tyranny, stand in irreconcilable opposition to the regime Trump is attempting to construct.

The Supreme Court has not, however, undergone a democratic awakening. The Court is, and remains, a pillar of the capitalist state. Its function is to uphold the property relations and class interests upon which the existing social order depends. Nothing in Fridays ruling alters that fundamental character. The same Roberts Court that struck down Trumps tariffs has gutted voting rights, overturned Roe v. Wade, and granted presidents sweeping criminal immunity. To recognize the political significance of the divisions within the Court on specific issues is not to harbor any illusions in the nature of the institution itself.

Thomas, Alito and Kavanaughthe uncompromising Nazis on the Courtargued that IEEPA gives the president essentially unlimited power to impose tariffs. Thomas, in his separate dissent, suggested a bare and temporary congressional majority can delegate virtually any power to the president.

The conflict between the two factions is not absolute. Roberts, Gorsuch and Coney Barrett have provided critical support for large portions of Trumps fascist agenda. They have backed the brutal assault on immigrantsthe mass arrests, the deportation flights, the use of military facilities as detention campsthat constitutes one of the most vicious attacks on democratic rights in modern American history. On the tariff question, however, which impinges directly on the economic interests of powerful sections of the ruling class, a part of Trumps judicial majority has been compelled to blurt outthough in carefully worded legal languagethat the president is seeking to overthrow the Constitution.

The ruling exposes a profound crisis within the American ruling class. One faction, represented by the Wall Street Journal and the internationally oriented sections of finance capital, recognizes that Trumps tariff war is a catastropheraising consumer prices, disrupting supply chains, and provoking retaliatory measures that threaten the global position of American capitalism. The other views the tariff power as an instrument of personal rule and plunder, a means of rewarding allies and punishing enemies entirely outside the framework of democratic accountability.

The ruling class is deeply divided, its democratic institutions are breaking down, and the working class has no voice in official politics. The defense of democratic rights and the struggle against the emerging dictatorship can be carried forward only through the independent social and political mobilization of the working class on the basis of a socialist and internationalist program. It is the working class that is the true heir of the revolutionary principles and spirit of 1776, and it is the working class that must fight to defend them.
On Tuesday, the Trump administration confirmed that National Institutes of Health (NIH) Director Jay Bhattacharya will assume the additional role of acting director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Bhattacharya replaces Jim ONeill, who had been serving simultaneously as acting CDC director and deputy secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services. ONeill left the post on Feb. 13 and is expected to be nominated by President Donald Trump to lead the National Science Foundation.

Bhattacharyas dual appointment to head the NIH and CDC places the nations disease surveillance apparatus under the stewardship of one of its most vocal critics. It is, in practical terms, a fox guarding the henhouse. A Stanford health economist with no formal training in public health administration and no experience directing infectious disease response, Bhattacharya now oversees both the federal governments primary biomedical research agency and its leading disease monitoring institution.

His primary qualification for this wrecking operation stems from his role during the COVID-19 pandemic as a leading propagandist for the mass infection policies demanded by Wall Street. In October 2020, Bhattacharya co-authored the notorious Great Barrington Declaration at the libertarian American Institute for Economic Research, a right-wing think tank tied to billionaire oligarchs like Charles Koch. The declaration advocated for the pseudoscientific policy of herd immunity, demanding that the virus be allowed to spread unchecked among the working class, young and supposedly healthy, falsely claiming that the elderly and vulnerable could somehow be shielded through focused protection.

Drs. Martin Kulldorf, Sunetra Gupta, and Jay Bhattacharya at the American Institute for Economic Research, photo courtesy of American Institute for Economic Research.

In effect, the Great Barrington Declaration reframed mass exposure as a defensible public health strategy and provided the pseudo-intellectual scaffolding necessary to prevent scientific institutions from imposing any measuressuch as lockdowns, school closures or workplace safety mandatesthat might impede the economic functioning of the capitalist state. By placing Bhattacharya at the helm of the CDC, the administration ensures that this policy of social murder, which subordinates human life to private profit, becomes the institutionalized baseline for the era of pandemics.

By appointing Bhattacharya to lead both the NIH and CDC, the administration has placed a single official in charge of the nations largest biomedical research funder and its primary disease surveillance agency. This is not merely administrative overlap. It centralizes control over research funding and public health guidance at a moment when both institutions are already destabilized, reinforcing the administrations ideological direction and deepening the paralysis of agencies confronting active infectious disease threatsincluding the nationwide resurgence of measles, ongoing COVID-19 transmission, seasonal influenza and the growing risk of bird flu spillover.

This transition follows a year in which the CDC operated without a permanent Senate-confirmed director, except for a brief 28-day period last summer. That short tenure belonged to Susan Monarez, who was fired by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. after she refused to approve changes to the childhood vaccination schedule that she believed lacked scientific justification. Her dismissal triggered a significant exodus of senior career staff.

After Monarezs departure, the CDC was placed under ONeill, a former venture capital executive and protege of billionaire Peter Thiel with no medical or public health training. During his tenure, the agency advanced Kennedys revisions to the childhood immunization schedule, reducing the number of vaccines recommended universally and shifting responsibility for infectious disease protection onto individual families.

The epidemiological consequences of this collapse in trust have been disastrous. As immunization coverage declines, preventable diseases are resurging. CDC data show that vaccination coverage among U.S. kindergartners has fallen to 92.5 percent, below the 95 percent level required to sustain herd immunity for measles. In 2025, the United States recorded 2,281 confirmed measles cases, the highest annual total in more than three decades. By mid-February 2026, 982 cases had already been reportedmore than four times the number at the same point last yearplacing the country on track to surpass last years total well before years end.

Public trust in the CDC has eroded sharply following the administrations overhaul of immunization policy. A recent KFF poll found that fewer than half of Americans now trust the agency to provide reliable information on vaccines.

The timing of Bhattacharyas dual appointment is shaped by constraints of the Federal Vacancies Reform Act, which allows a position requiring Senate confirmation to be filled on an acting basis for 210 days. Because Monarez was dismissed in late August 2025, that period expires on March 25. However, the administration retains mechanisms to extend acting control without securing Senate confirmation. A pending nomination allows an acting official to remain in place indefinitely; if rejected or withdrawn, a new 210-day period begins.

Public health experts warn that the administration has little interest in installing a Senate-confirmed director. Richard Besser, a former acting CDC director, observed that if someone like Susan Monarez could not survive more than a matter of weeks in the role, then I dont believe that anyone with scientific credibility and a conscience could make it.

ONeill and the assault on basic science

ONeills planned nomination to lead the NSF signals the consolidation of influence over another major scientific institution. The NSF, with a budget of nearly $9 billion, is the primary federal funder of nonbiomedical basic science and engineering.

The move follows a sweeping assault on the agency throughout 2025. Last April, NSF Director Sethuraman Panchanathan resigned after a White House directive terminated around 1,000 research grants. The cuts targeted climate science, diversity initiatives and public health research. The administration froze new grant awards and proposed reducing the agencys budget by 57 percent.

According to a Science analysis of Office of Personnel Management data, the NSF has lost about 40 percent of its STEM Ph.D. workforce205 of 517 Ph.D. staffin just eleven months of 2025. Union data indicate the CDC has shed roughly a quarter of its workforce under Trump and Kennedy. Of the 27 institutes and centers that make up NIH, 16 are currently without permanent directors.

ONeill does not arrive at a stable scientific body but at one already stripped of personnel, continuity and internal dissent. If confirmed, he would be the first NSF director in history without an advanced degree in science or engineering. His background lies in venture capital and political networks aligned with Peter Thiel and the libertarian right.

This anti-science, deregulatory zeal is most starkly expressed in ONeills radical views on drug approval. In a 2014 address, he argued that the Food and Drug Administration should abandon its requirement that pharmaceutical companies demonstrate their medications are effective before approval. He proposed that drugs be cleared based on safety alone, allowing patients to use them at their own risk and leaving the market to determine efficacy after distribution. Such a position would dismantle the modern clinical trial framework and shift the burden of proof from manufacturers to the public, who would become test subjects for untested pharmaceuticals.

Placing a venture capitalist who has publicly questioned core regulatory safeguards at the helm of the NSF carries serious implications for the nations scientific infrastructure. Under such leadership, funding priorities could shift away from foundational basic research toward commercially aligned projects, eroding the scientific capacity required to anticipate emerging biological threats and support the discovery of medicines that extend and improve human life.
The share price of Gran Tierra Energy Inc. (NYSE:GTE) surged by 21.1% between February 13 and February 20, 2026, putting it among the Energy Stocks that Gained the Most This Week.

Here is Why Gran Tierra Energy (GTE) Gained This Week

Gran Tierra Energy Inc. (NYSE:GTE) is an independent international energy company currently focused on oil and natural gas exploration and production in Canada, Colombia, and Ecuador.

Gran Tierra Energy Inc. (NYSE:GTE) rallied on February 19 when the company announced that it had signed an agreement with Azerbaijans SOCAR to explore and develop oil and natural gas in the countrys Guba-Khazaryani region. The agreement grants GTE a 65% working interest and operatorship of the contract area covering approximately 0.4 million gross acres, more than twice its current acreage in Ecuador. The company expects to begin an airborne gravity study this year, with seismic acquisition and drilling activities planned to commence in 2027.

Gary Guidry, President and CEO of Gran Tierra Energy Inc. (NYSE:GTE), commented:

We are extremely excited about the opportunity to enter Azerbaijan, which we view as a compelling addition to Gran Tierras portfolio, and we are honored to be welcomed by the Republic of Azerbaijan and to partner with SOCAR, a highly professional, world-class integrated energy company. We believe this represents an early, scaled entry through SOCARs bid round into a jurisdiction that is clearly supportive of the continued development of its hydrocarbon resources, under a stable and transparent framework, as demonstrated by several recently announced production sharing agreements. Gran Tierras nimble operating model and proven track record of exploration and development in complex geologies position us well to advance exploration and development activities in Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan is a deeply established hydrocarbon province with major discoveries and a world-class, export-ready infrastructure system, supported by more than a century of oil and gas production history, including some of the worlds earliest and most prolific commercial oil developments. This aligns well with our strategy of pursuing risk-mitigated, capital-efficient growth in regions with demonstrated upside. Importantly, Azerbaijan plays a critical role in European energy security, supplying both oil and gas to key European markets, and we are excited about the opportunity to participate in that value chain over the long term.

On the same day, Gran Tierra Energy Inc. (NYSE:GTE) announced it had signed an agreement with an unidentified buyer to sell its remaining working interest in the Simonette asset in Alberta for a total of C$62.6 million. The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026 and would complete Gran Tierras exit from Simonette.
Novo Nordisk (NYSE: NVO) is taking it on the chin this morning, after revealing the latest clinical trial results for weight loss using its CagriSema drug (a 50-50 mix of amylin analog cagrilintide and Novo's glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist). After an 84-week trial, Novo reported that its patients achieved 23% weight loss with the drug.

That sounds like pretty good news, but investors don't seem to like the number -- and as of 10:10 a.m. ET, Novo Nordisk stock is down 14.8%.

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Image source: Getty Images.

Novo vs. Lilly

Why are investors upset? Basically, because the point of the trial was for Novo Nordisk to demonstrate that a 2.4/2.4 mg dose of CagriSema could outperform a 15 mg dose of tirzepatide (the active ingredient in Eli Lilly's (NYSE: LLY) Zepbound and Mounjaro after 84 weeks' usage.

But it didn't.

809 people afflicted with both obesity and at least one comorbidity participated in the trial. At the endpoint, those taking CagriSema lost an average of 23% of their body weight (which started at 114.2 kg on average). Those taking Eli Lilly's GLP-1 drug lost 25.5%.

Novo Nordisk says it was "pleased with the weight loss of 23% for CagriSema," and still plans to proceed to a "higher-dose CagriSema trial." But for now at least, the bad news is that Novo's wonder-drug -- while still objectively wonderful -- is a bit less amazing than Eli Lilly's Zepbound and Mounjaro.

What does this mean for Novo Nordisk stock?

At last report, Novo Nordisk had forecast that its sales and earnings would both decline 5% to 13% in 2026. Investors had been hoping that positive findings on CagriSema might help Novo to bounce back quickly. With CagriSema's prospects now dimming, investors may need to wait a bit longer for a rebound.

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NEED TO KNOW

Bobby Flay and Brooke Williamson are celebrating their one-year anniversary in March

The couple told PEOPLE they're traveling to Tokyo for five days for the occasion

Flay said Williamson is taking the lead on planning, adding, Brooke is so focused in on where we're eating, where we're going"



Bobby Flay and Brooke Williamson are about to celebrate a milestone.

The two Food Network stars, who went public with their romance last March, told PEOPLE at the South Beach Wine & Food Festival how they plan to celebrate one year of dating.

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Our one-year anniversary of being together is coming up, so that's what we're up to, Flay says. We're actually going to go to Tokyo.

Williamson tells PEOPLE they plan to spend five days in Japan, adding, I'm really excited for that trip.

Flay, 61, says Williamson, 47, is taking the lead on their arrangements for the trip.

Brooke Williamson and Bobby Flay in Miami for SOBEWFF Brooke Williamson/Instagram

She's doing them all, because I'm not a Tokyo expert by any means, he says. Brooke is so focused in on where we're eating, where we're going. So if you have any questions about what we're doing, you need to call her.

The couple shared a memorable moment at the New York City Wine & Food Festival in October, when they led the crowd in a dance party  and Williamson weighed in on whether theyd recreate their moves at the Miami culinary celebration.

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We might have to learn a new routine because we can't just keep pulling the same dance out, he says. So we might need a couple of months to practice a new dance, but we're always up for a dance.

There's some great clubs to go dancing at here, which we've also had a really fun time doing, she adds.

Williamson dished on who else she was excited to hang out with during the four-day festival, which ran from Feb. 19 to 22.

So many of my closest friends are here, and I've seen a big handful of them, obviously, in the last couple of days, she said.

Brooke Williamson and Bobby Flay in Miami for SOBEWFF Brooke Williamson/Instagram

I mean, Antonia [Lofaso] obviously is like my evil twin, my bosom buddy, she said. My friend Casey Thompson is here, who I don't get to see very often. Shirley Chung is here. All of the TOC champs, they're some of my closest girlfriends, and it's like a girls night out tonight, which is super fun.

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And I get to be here with my adorable boyfriend, so that's fun, too, she added of Flay.

The Beat Bobby Flay star told PEOPLE he enjoys so many different parts of the festival.

This year, I did a Table of Ten 10-course dinner, which was really fun because it was very intimate, he said. I got to talk to everybody all night long and cook for them, so that was fun.

Flay also offered a live cooking demonstration during Goya Foods' Grand Tasting Village on Feb. 21.

I do like the demos because it really ... I think it encompasses what the South Beach Wine & Food Festival is all about. It's on the beach. People are lively. I usually do mine before one o'clock, before people get completely intoxicated with all the beautiful wine on the beach.



Read the original article on People
Originally appeared on E! Online

The self-proclaimed "Lip King" has passed away.

Jordan James Parke, a British influencer who spent over $150,000 on plastic surgery to look like Kim Kardashian, died at age 34 after a possible cosmetic procedure, according to multiple outlets.

The Metropolitan Police in London said they were called to the Lincoln Plaza near the Canary Wharf neighborhood on Feb. 18 over reports of an unconscious person.

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"Officers attended alongside paramedics and a 34-year-old man was sadly declared dead at the scene," authorities said in a statement to ITV. "His death is currently being treated as unexplained, and an investigation to establish the full circumstances is ongoing. However, officers are reviewing information that suggests the victim may have been undergoing a cosmetic procedure prior to his death."

A 43-year-old man and a 52-year-old woman were arrested on Feb. 20 on suspicion of manslaughter in connection to the death, per police. They have since been bailed pending further investigation.

An official cause of death has not been determined and, according to authorities, investigators "are currently awaiting the results of a post-mortem examination that will be held in due course."

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Parke first found fame in 2014, when his plastic surgeries and cosmetic proceduresincluding over 50 lip fillers, a chin filler, Botox and eyebrow tattooingmade headlines.

He later appeared on an episode of E!'s Botched, seeking help with his leaking lip fillers.

"I want just a little bit of definition, and they just got bigger and bigger," Parke said of his signature pout. "Any attention is good attention."

Jordan James Parke/Instagram

At the time of his passing, Parke was awaiting to answer bail over his own prior arrest. In 2024, he was taken into police custody on suspicion of manslaughter over the death of Alice Webb, a 33-year-old woman who died after undergoing a non-surgical Brazilian butt lift (also known as a "liquid BBL") at his beauty clinic, according to ITV.

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Parke, who was never formally charged with a crime, said at the time that he was "fully qualified and insured to carry out the procedure," per the Daily Mail.

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NEED TO KNOW

Jordan James Parke, 34, was found unconscious in London and pronounced dead at the scene

Police are investigating his death, which may be linked to a cosmetic procedure; two suspects were arrested for manslaughter

Parke, known for spending over $150,000 on plastic surgery, appeared on Botched and faced past legal issues over procedures

Influencer Jordan James Parke, otherwise known as the self-proclaimed "Lip King," has died.

The British Botched star, a native of Dudley, England, who had reportedly spent over $150,000 on plastic surgery, died on Wednesday, Feb. 18.

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In a statement, The Metropolitan Police confirmed they were called by the London Ambulance Service regarding reports of an unconscious 34-year-old man on Lincoln Plaza, Canary Wharf. He was declared dead at the scene.

Jordan James Parke Jordan James Parke/Instagram

The police added that his death is currently being treated as unexplained" and an investigation is underway. It is suggested that the victim may have underwent a cosmetic procedure prior to his death, the cause of which is unknown.

A 43-year-old man and a 52-year-old woman were arrested on Friday, February 20, on suspicion of manslaughter. They have since granted bail pending further investigation.

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.

Parke previously made headlines when he was arrested in 2024 after Alice Webb, a mom of five, died at 33 after becoming unwell following a non-surgical Brazilian butt lift or "Liquid BBL" at a Gloucester clinic run by Parke and Jemma Pawlyszyn, per Daily Mail.

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He was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter, but was not charged. As reported by ITV News, he was due to answer bail this March.

Jordan James Parke Jordan James Parke/Instagram

Since starting his plastic surgery journey at age 19, Parke underwent dozen of cosmetic procedures, including multiple nose jobs, filler in his neck, lips and jawline, a BBL and a chin implant.

In a 2016 interview on the British daytime show This Morning, Parke said he "never hated" himself, but over time, plastic surgery became a "hobby." Before his death, he appeared on E!'s Botched twice to address his lip filler and later his liposuction and the appearance of his nose.

Parke's sister Sharnelle wrote on Instagram that their family is "numb, shocked and heartbroken" over his death in a tribute on Instagram.

Read the original article on People
Get insights on thousands of stocks from the global community of over 7 million individual investors at Simply Wall St.

Analysts covering Yum China Holdings have introduced modest price target lifts, including increases of $1 and $4.89. This signals only small adjustments to their modeled upside. These tweaks are linked mainly to changes in how those analysts frame the story, with a more favorable rating from one research house and refreshed assumptions around execution. As you read on, you will see how these evolving targets and opinions fit together and how you can keep track of the shifting narrative.

Analyst Price Targets don't always capture the full story. Head over to our Company Report to find new ways to value Yum China Holdings.

What Wall Street Has Been Saying

 Bullish Takeaways

Jefferies lifted its price target on Yum China by US$4.89, which suggests the firm sees more headroom in the stock based on its refreshed assumptions around execution and long term positioning.

Goldman Sachs raised its target by US$1, indicating an incrementally more constructive view as it fine tunes its model rather than a wholesale change in thesis.

BWG Global moved its rating to Positive from a Mixed view, signaling that, in its framework, the risk reward has shifted in favor of owning the shares, with a focus on how management delivers against current plans.

 Bearish Takeaways

The relatively modest size of the target moves at Jefferies and Goldman Sachs points to a more cautious stance, where upside is seen as incremental and closely tied to execution rather than aggressive growth assumptions.

BWG Globals prior Mixed view highlights that some analysts still see a balance of opportunities and risks, and that confidence in the story depends heavily on consistent delivery against forecasts that are already embedded in current research.

Do your thoughts align with the Bull or Bear Analysts? Perhaps you think there's more to the story. Head to the Simply Wall St Community to discover more perspectives!

NYSE:YUMC 1-Year Stock Price Chart

We've flagged 2 risks for Yum China Holdings. See which could impact your investment.

How This Changes the Fair Value For Yum China Holdings

Fair Value: US$62.02 remains unchanged in the core fair value estimate.

Revenue Growth: Assumption adjusted from 6.35% to 6.11%.

Net Profit Margin: Assumption moved from 8.51% to 8.54%.

Future P/E: Multiple updated from 19.75x to 19.81x.

Discount Rate: Input refined from 9.24% to 9.22%.

Never Miss an Update: Follow The Narrative

Narratives connect a companys real world story to a set of forecasts and a fair value estimate, then refresh as new facts, research, and risks come through. They help you see how store openings, digital projects, and cost trends all feed into the numbers analysts are using.
There is no love lost between Christie Brinkley and President Donald Trump, and she is not even subtle about it.

After the intentions of Trump's administration on environmental regulations relating to coal and mercury emissions made headlines, the author wasted no time in raising her voice, assigning the blame, and highlighting the negative impacts to ensue.

One thing Christie Brinkley will not do is watch in silence. She previously expressed her concerns about the issues with the environment when Donald Trump won the presidential elections in 2024.

Christie Brinkley Slams Trump On Recent Regulation

Instagram Stories | Christie Brinkley

Brinkley seems distraught about the Trump administration's decision to ease pollution standards for limits on mercury from coal plants, and she has shared a piece of her mind. The author took to social media, writing that this environmental update is set to destroy lives.

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She noted the pressing side effects that will occur, affecting the fragile population, on her Instagram Stories. "Mercury causes deformities in babies and developmental disorders of the brain!" she penned over a screenshot of the headline from Interval News.

In another slide, still on her stories update, she shared a quote which read "'I CAN DO ANYTHING I WANT TO DO TO THEM. I'M ALLOWED TO DESTROY THE COUNTRY.' -Donald Trump 2/20/26." To this, she added a footnote praising him for keeping up to the words in the quote.

"And I must say he is doing a good job of destroying the country," the model shared after stating that the regulations not only put babies at risk, but they target adults too, affecting their nervous systems and ultimately causing organ damage. Brinkley claims Trump's decision is at the expense of the citizens and stems from greed.

The Model's Concerns Align With Environmental Groups

Instagram Stories | Christie Brinkley

While the Trump administration views rolling back the clean air regulations from an economic standpoint, public health groups and environmental agencies warn that the health of the masses will bear the brunt.

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The announcement was made on Friday, February 20, 2026, stating that it will roll back clean air regulations limiting mercury and hazardous toxins from power plants. They shared that it will boost baseload energy.

President Donald Trump's Environmental Protection Agency explained that easing the pollution standards would alleviate costs for utilities that run older coal plants.

The effectiveness of this move shines at a time when demand for power is massively increasing, with the expansion of data centers used for artificial intelligence.

Reuters reports that environmental groups have stated that allowing mercury, which is a neurotoxin capable of impairing brain development in babies, to be freely emitted into the air will result in higher health-related costs.

Brinkley Has Been Screaming 'Protect The Environment' For A While

MEGA

Brinkley particularly noted earlier that the administration has set out to undo the environmental protection regulations put in place by Joe Biden's administration. The Swimsuit model added that the effects on the climate and health will surely take a devastating turn as a result.

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The Daily Mail shared that Brinkley wrote on social media, telling her followers that natural disasters and diseases will all intensify if the state of the planet is not placed at the top of a Scale of preference over profits for a handful of greedy corporations.

She acknowledged that while the effects of climate change are already being felt, working together in prioritizing the environment will go a long way to slow down or ultimately stop the blistering negative effects.

Brinkley called for support from her online community, stating that nature does not have respect for race or skin color, as no one will survive without a healthy biodiverse environment.

The actress also admitted that the changes will not only affect the current population but also future generations as well. "For the sake and well-being of our children, action is mandated," her words echoed.

Other Celebrities Were Also Unhappy About Trump's Return To Office

Spread Pictures / MEGA

Big stars in the music industry like Taylor Swift and Billie Eilish endorsed Trump's opponent, Kamala Harris, during the 2024 presidential elections. After it was announced that Trump won, Eilish called his victory a "war on women," seemingly referring to his take on female reproductive rights.

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Queen of Pop, Madonna, also expressed her views on the outcome of the election, uploading a photo on Instagram showing a cake with the words "F-ck Trump," adding that she stuffed her face with it after the results were announced.

Madonna also shared that she was "trying to get her head around why a convicted felon, rapist, and bigot was chosen to lead the country because he's good for the economy?"

Cardi B, along with other celebrities such as Christina Applegate and Lili Reinhart, also slammed his election win. The president also faced heat from the media as many voiced out their disappointment with the election results.

Besides Brinkley's concerns with climate change and environmental regulations, she previously spoke out against Donald Trump, claiming that he had flirted with her when he was married to his first wife, Ivanna.

Christie Brinkley Faced Torture, But Not From The Environment

MEGA

Brinkley is all about effecting change in the environment and saving Mother Earth from devastating ruin. Still, an aspect of her life saw a painful nosedive, and it was not triggered by environmental destruction.

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In her memoir "Uptown Girl," released last year, she recounts the pain she went through when she discovered her fourth marriage had hit the rocks. She detailed how she discovered her ex-husband, Peter Cook, had cheated on her leading to the end of their eight-year marriage.

The Blast reported that she described the relationship as the "most tortured relationship" she ever had. It was revealed to her that her then-husband was having an affair with a teenage girl.

Upon searching their family computer, she further discovered some incriminating proof and adult content, as well as several explicit photos. The shock she felt was overwhelming when her eyes were met with the truth, and she ultimately decided the union could not continue.

Will Christie Brinkley's voice cause a positive turnaround for the environment?
Eric Danes wife, Rebecca Gayheart, has paid a heartfelt tribute to her late husband in her Instagram Stories. The emotional post marked her first public statement since the Greys Anatomy stars recent death, offering a glimpse into how the family is navigating through the difficult times.

Rebecca Gayheart breaks silence after Eric Danes death

Rebecca Gayheart shared several family photos on her Instagram Story featuring Eric Dane and their children, beautifully arranged on a table with candles and a bouquet of white flowers.

In the caption, the actress penned, I am so blown away by the outpouring of love and support from our community. There arent words to express our gratitude. You are truly holding us up during this difficult time.

Heartbroken Rebecca Gayheart breaks silence after husband Eric Danes difficult death #rebecca https://t.co/bi76QCgVmR pic.twitter.com/Iww8hrgndu  Jessica Lauren (@JLauren92575) February 23, 2026

The actress, who married Dane in 2004, also expressed her gratitude to everyone who has supported the family through the GoFundMe page. Danes friends launched the campaign shortly after his death to support his two young daughters, Billie and Georgia.

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Gayheart had reportedly filed for divorce in 2018, but had it dismissed in March 2025, shortly before Dane publicly announced his amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) diagnosis.

After a months-long battle with the disease, Eric Dane passed away on February 19, 2026. His family had confirmed the news, saying, 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. 

The statement continued, 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 (via PEOPLE).

The post Eric Danes Wife Breaks Silence After His Death appeared first on Mandatory.
Johnny Depp reportedly allowed fellow actor and close friend Eric Dane to reside in one of his California homes "basically rent-free," so the father of two would not have to worry about the financial burden of his brutal battle with ALS.

The "Grey's Anatomy" actor, who was diagnosed with the degenerative neurological disease in April 2025, died Feb. 19 at the age of 53, leaving behind two daughters, Billie and Georgia, whom he shared with his wife, Rebecca Gayheart.

Speaking to Page Six, a source close to the actor revealed that Depp, 62, who had met Dane through mutual friends, offered the ailing actor a place to stay so that he wouldn't have to worry about the cost of finding somewhere to live.

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"Eric [had] one less thing to worry about," the source said. "[He was] living basically rent-free in one of the homes Johnny owns above the Sunset Strip. He told Eric to pay whatever he couldor couldntfor rent."

"Johnny wanted to do what he could to ease the financial burden," a second source told the outlet.

Johnny Depp reportedly let late actor Eric Dane live in one of his California homes "basically rent free" during the "Grey's Anatomy" star's brutal battle with ALS. (Dave Benett/WireImage)

The insiders did not reveal how much, if anything, Dane paid Depp for the property, and it is unclear exactly how long the "Grey's Anatomy" star spent living in the loaned abode.

After the news of Dane's passing was revealed, details about his final days emerged, with insiders claiming that he had been "bedridden" before he died.

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His death was revealed in a statement by his reps.

He spent his final days surrounded by dear friends, his devoted wife [actress and estranged wife, Rebecca Gayheart,] 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.

After his passing, a GoFundMe was set up by Dane's loved ones to raise money for his two children. The fundraiser, which has a goal of $500,000, has raised more than $355,000 at the time of writing.

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"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," the page description reads.

"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, Eric's friends have come together to create this GoFundMe to support his girls and their future needs."

Following his death, many of his celebrity friends have come forward to lay bare the actor's final moments.

One of those friends was his "Grey's Anatomy" costar Patrick Dempsey, who revealed that he saw Dane mere days before he passed away.

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"I feel really so sad for his children. I was corresponding with him, we were texting, so I spoke to him about a week ago and some friends of ours went in to see him and he was really starting to lose his ability to speak," Dempsey said during an appearance on "The Chris Evans Breakfast Show" on Feb. 20.

As he joyously remembered his dear friend, Dempsey revealed that Dane's health was quickly "deteriorating," explaining that the actor had been unable to speak and swallow.

"He was bedridden and it was very hard for him to swallow, so the quality of his life was deteriorating so rapidly. He was the funniest manhe was such a joy to work with, and I want to just remember him in that spirit because any time he was on set, he brought so much fun to it.

The "Grey's Anatomy" actor, who was diagnosed with the degenerative neurological disease in April 2025, died on the afternoon of Feb. 19. (Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Prime Video)

In the days leading up to his death, Dane was "bedridden" in one of Depp's Los Angeles homes, which the "Pirates of the Caribbean" star lent him in the early days of his diagnosis. (Eric Charbonneau/Getty Images for Sony Pictures)

Following his death, many of his celebrity friends have come forward to lay bare the actor's final moments. (Frank Micelotta/Getty Images for PCA)

"He had a great sense of humor. He was easy to work with, we got along instantly. First scene was him, you know, in all his glory, coming out of the bathroom with the towel on looking amazing, making you feel completely out of shape and insignificant," Dempsey said.

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The fellow "Grey's Anatomy" star gushed about Dane, noting that he did a wonderful job at bringing awareness to the disease.

"He did an incredible job at bringing awareness to this horrible disease and those remaining days and it just reminds us that we all have to celebrate every day like it's our last day.

"It's something that we have to remember and certainly in a world where there is just so much crisis and there is so much tragedy that we really need to be grateful for every moment that we have spend time with our families, do things that are better, that benefit of other people to be of service to be kind, to be loving," Dempsey said.

"And these values with our leadership unfortunately that we're seeing around the world and certainly in America with this horrible, you know, corrupt government that is currently running America, we have to remember to treat our neighbors and our friends with the right values."

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Following Dane's death, tributes poured in from his closest industry connections, including Kevin McKidd and Kim Raver.

Dane and and Gayheart, 54, tied the knot in 2004, and share children Billie Beatrice, 15, and Georgia Geraldine, 13.

Gayheart filed for divorce from Dane in 2018; however, in March 2025, just one month before the "Grey's Anatomy" alum announced his diagnosis, she dismissed the filing.

While speaking on the podcast, "Broad Ideas," Gayheart previously opened up about the state of their relationship, insisting that she will always be there as a source of support for Dane, even though their marriage had ended.

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Weve been separated for eight years. The kids live with me 100% of the time. Theres been lots of just stuff, other stuff, she told hosts Rachel Bilson and Olivia Allen.

One of those friends was Dempsey, who revealed that he saw Dane mere days before he passed away. (Eric McCandless/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images)

The fellow "Grey's Anatomy" star gushed about Dane, noting that he did a wonderful job at bringing awareness to the disease. (Vivian Zink/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images)

Gayheart previously told People that their whole family has been suffering as a result of his diagnosis. (Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic)

She added that it is important for her to be a "role model" for her daughters, particularly in how she treats her former spouse.

I am definitely trying to show them that we show up for people, no matter what. He is our family. He is your father. We show up, and we try to do it with some dignity and some grace and just get through it and that we will get through it the best we can," she said.

Gayheart noted that she was staying afloat and helping her loved ones by trying to "stay optimistic."

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I dont know if Im doing it well or doing it in the wrong way or the right way. Im just showing up... and trying to be there for them. I guess time will tell, she added.

The mom of two noted that her daughters are strong and "good girls," who are feeling the pain of life's lessons.

Listen, I am definitely experiencing growth as a person, as a human being. Its all very humbling.

This is life. Life, sadly, is just moments good and bad, strung together, she said, noting that it's crucial to take care of yourself in these difficult moments as well.

Dane rose to stardom after appearing in ABC's hit medical drama "Grey's Anatomy," where he played the role of Dr. Mark Sloan, who was often referred to as "Dr. McSteamy."

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While previously speaking to Sawyer about the status of his relationship, Dane was full of praise for Gayheart, paying tribute to the actress for her unwavering support throughout his diagnosis.

"We have managed to become better friends and better parents," he explained. "She is probably my biggest champion and my most stalwart supporter, and I lean on her."
Sarah Ferguson, the wife of the disgraced former prince, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, has given the worlds media the slip. But while The Royalist may not know where she is, we can guess. And we do know where she was.

In classic Sarah style, she spent a month at the most expensive rehab in the world, checking in to Paracelsus Recovery after Christmas and staying there until the end of January.

If the name seems familiar, it is because Sarah holed up there before, dodging the $17,000 a day bill by doing a little influencer work for them.

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This time, the 66-year-old former Duchess of York left Britain just after Christmas as she and her ex-husband became further embroiled in the Epstein scandal.

Andrew and Sarah Ferguson attend the funeral of Katharine, Duchess of Kent, at Westminster Cathedral on Sept. 16, 2025. / Mark Cuthbert / UK Press via Getty Images

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 shell get love and attention there, as well as expert health treatment when shes feeling at her most vulnerable.

Another friend in Switzerland said she was absolutely crushed when email exchanges with Epstein were made public, adding: Sarah has built up a strong relationship with Paracelsus, so it was the obvious place for her to get away from everything.

Ferguson has not been seen in public since a brief appearance at the christening of her granddaughter Athena at St Jamess Palace in London on Dec. 12. Before that, she was photographed leaving Royal Lodge in Windsor on Sept. 25 and attending the funeral of Katharine, Duchess of Kent, at Westminster Cathedral on Sept. 16. Her retreat to Switzerland emerged after Andrew was arrested in Norfolk on his 66th birthday.

The front pages of national newspapers on display in London showing Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor leaving Aylsham Police Station, Feb. 20, 2026. / Yui Mok - PA Images / PA Images via Getty Images

The Paracelsus clinic markets itself as treating just one client at a time. Its founder, Jan Gerber, has described it as a sanctuary where individuals can receive the highest standard of care, free of judgement.

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The center specializes in addiction, burnout, depression, anxiety and trauma, and employs a team of at least 15 specialists, including doctors, therapists, and nutritionists.

The clinic runs bespoke residential programs that can cost about $148,500 for a three-day comprehensive check-up and around $472,500 for a month-long stay.

Clients are housed in a penthouse with views over Lake Zurich and offered a chauffeur, limousine, and concierge services, a private chef, butler, and on-site therapist.

Its website states: Celebrities, oligarchs, and royalty who stay here are given top-tier treatment and access to the best addiction treatment providers anywhere, and says its staff create a space where you can feel safe, understood and fully supported.

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Penniless Ferguson likely got her stay for free in return for her past promotional activity for Paracelsus, including a video in which she spoke about traumatic experiences in childhood, life under scrutiny, and her cancer diagnosis as reasons for seeking intensive mental-health support.

She has also said that during treatment there, she was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Following one visit, she wrote on Facebook: I recently spent time at Paracelsus Recovery in Zurich, a clinic known for its discreet, bespoke care for those facing complex mental health and addiction challenges, to learn more. What I found was not only a centre of clinical excellence, but a place of deep humanity.

Sarah Ferguson has posted about a previous visit to Paracelsus on social media, and written about it for a U.K. newspaper. / Facebook / Facebook

In an interview with The Telegraph, she later said: I am not embarrassed to reveal the clinic offered me a sanctuary, renowned as it is for its bespoke, cutting-edge treatment for those grappling with mental health and addiction issuesparticularly those whose struggles are often hidden behind the facade of a public role.

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In a separate endorsement on the clinics website, published recently, she said her stay showed her that her mental health knows no boundaries.

The Epstein files have laid out her financial difficulties in excruciating detail. Embarrassing correspondence showed her begging Epstein to help clear mounting debts and even asking him to employ her as his house assistant as she desperately needed money while he was still under house arrest in Florida for child prostitution.

In another email, she offered a lengthy apology for publicly distancing herself from him, insisting this had been done only to protect her work as a childrens author and calling him a steadfast, generous and supreme friend.

Sarah Ferguson with her daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugeniereports suggest the princesses have sought to distance themselves from their father, Andrew, amid the Epstein files revelations. / Dave Benett / Dave Benett/Getty Images for The

Among the most damaging revelations was that she took her daughters, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, to lunch with Epstein five days after his release from jail. The newly disclosed emails also confirmed that she continued to turn to him for financial help and maintained contact with him even after his conviction.

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After leaving Zurich, Fergusons whereabouts become a mystery, although many believe she is somewhere in the United Arab Emirates.

The author Andrew Lownie recently said that he expects her to relocate to the UAE or another Gulf country, saying, There are people thereroyalty, politicians and business typeswhom Sarah can quite happily sponge off and who will be happy to bankroll both of them. These types of people in the Middle East simply couldnt care less what Sarah has done. And even if she doesnt have her title of the Duchess of York anymore, she will still be seen as royalty and treated as suchand she knows it.

Want more royal gossip, scoops and scandal? Click through to follow all Tom Sykes reporting at The Royalist on Substack.
The Gist

Sarah Ferguson reportedly spent ample timenearly a monthat an expensive wellness retreat in Switzerland ahead of her ex-husband Andrew Mountbatten-Windsors arrest.

The former Prince Andrew was detained on February 19, his 66th birthday, for suspicion of misconduct in public office.

Sarah apparently spent time at Paracelsus Recovery from shortly after Christmas until late January, with her stay costing over $17,000 per night.

Before her ex-husband Andrew Mountbatten-Windsors arrest on February 19, Sarah Ferguson had reportedly checked herself into a luxury wellness clinic in Switzerland even as the former Duke and Duchess of Yorks scandal surrounding their involvement with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein escalated in the public eye.

According to multiple outlets, Sarah checked into Paracelsus Recovery after Christmas and stayed there through late January. After Andrews arrest on Thursdaywhich doubled as his 66th birthdaySarahs exact whereabouts are unknown, though she is said to have spent time in both the French Alps and the United Arab Emirates as of late. Andrew was arrested around 8 a.m. on Thursday and spent about 11 hours in custody, being released after 7 p.m. that same day. He was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, allegedly leaking classified information to Epstein when he served as a U.K. trade envoy from 2001 to 2011.

Ex-Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson on September 16, 2025 Getty

She always feels at home at Paracelsus, and knows shell get love and attention there, as well as expert health treatment when shes feeling at her most vulnerable, a source told The Daily Mail.

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Another insider added that Sarah has a strong relationship with Paracelsus, so it was the obvious place for her to get away from everything.

Sarah Ferguson in Cannes on July 17, 2025 Getty

Tensions began mounting over the former couples association with Epstein in the fall, with both surrendering their respective Duke and Duchess of York titles in October 2025. By the end of the month, Andrews older brother King Charles had stripped him of all of his royal titles and privileges, and in early February Andrew and Sarah were evicted from the 30-room mansion they shared, Royal Lodge, on the Windsor estate. Though Andrew and Sarah divorced in 1996, she moved in with him in 2008, five years after Andrew began living on the property. Andrew moved from Royal Lodge to the Sandringham estateWood Farm, specificallybut Sarah is no longer expected to live with him.

Paracelsus Recovery told People in a statement, As a matter of policy, we never confirm or deny whether any individual is or has been under our care. The Swiss treatment center has programs ranging from around $122,000 to $154,000 per week, which breaks down to $17,428 to $22,000 per night. Amenities include a personal chef, a chauffeur, and a stay in a private lakefront penthouse, per People.

Sarah Ferguson in Italy on July 28, 2025 Getty

While theres no evidence as of yet for any criminal wrongdoing on Sarahs part, The police may have a basis for questioning Sarah Ferguson [as] she may be a relevant witness in this case, a top barrister told Page Six. They may want to ask her some questions.

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One day after Andrews arrest, a source told The Daily Mail that Sarah was in a bad way. Shes been telling people she is really suffering with her mental health and thinks everyone is out to get her.

Sarah Ferguson on September 16, 2025 Getty

When it comes to Andrew, Sarah has stood by him all these years but is now ready to spread her wings, an insider told Hello!. She wont be moving in with him to the new house on the Sandringham estate. She wont be moving into [Princess] Beatrices Cotswold home, though. [Princess] Eugenies home in Portugal is a contender while she finds somewhere.

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 shes left the location, a source told The Daily Mail. 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.

While Beatrices whereabouts are also unknown, Eugenie was seen with her family at a ski resort in Switzerland the day before Andrews arrest last week.

Read the original article on InStyle
Once Upon A Spine in Hollywood.

Hes known for donating millions to environmental causes, wildlife conservation and fighting climate change.

But Leonardo DiCaprio has secretly helped bankroll a tiny local library in California  and its very close to his heart.

The Hollywood megastar has quietly dished cash to Los Angeles Public Librarys Los Feliz branch near Griffith Park, which sits on the site of his childhood home.

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The 51-year-old actor and his family donated $35,000 to its computer center in 1999 and has funded other initiatives over the years such as newspaper subscriptions.

The walls are decorated with movie posters from some his biggest hits, including Titanic, Gangs Of New York, Catch Me If You Can, and The Great Gatsby. TikTok/LA Public Library

Growing up DiCaprio, who only recently moved out of the Los Feliz area, would visit another library across the street, where he would meet friends and skateboard outside. TikTok/LA Public Library

The walls are decorated with movie posters from some his biggest hits, including Titanic, Gangs Of New York, Catch Me If You Can, and The Great Gatsby.

Some of them are even autographed, with DiCaprios father George occasionally dropping by to add to their collection.

Senior librarian Pearl Yonezawa said it took him a while before he realized they were signed, adding they have since been better secured to the walls.

Leonardo DiCaprio waves during the 41st annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival in Santa Barbara, California. REUTERS

He told SFGate: I was so busy getting the building up and getting it working. Theyre secured a little better to the wall, once we realized that some of them were signed. Sorry, Leo!

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The library was once the site of the actors childhood home, and the tech room sits on the spot where his bedroom was.

Los Feliz Branch of the Los Angeles Public Library. Friends of Los Feliz Library / Facebook

The original house was demolished long before the library opened its doors in 1999, soon after the actor surged into the spotlight with Titanic.

Growing up DiCaprio, who only recently moved out of the Los Feliz area, would visit another library across the street, where he would meet friends and skateboard outside.
Mark Ruffalo recently reacted to James Camerons views on the Netflix-Warner Bros. deal. The Avata-maker recently drew widespread attention when he penned a letter to Utah Senator Mike Lee expressing disapproval of Netflixs proposed acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, arguing it would be detrimental to the theatrical landscape.

Mark Ruffalo counters James Camerons view on Netflix-Warner Bros. deal

James Camerons letter to Senator Mike Lee of Utah, also the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competitive Policy, and Consumer Rights  expressing grievance towards Netflixs proposed acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery  caught Mark Ruffalos attention.

Taking to Threads, the Marvel star pressed Cameron about his view on the possible alternate scenario  Paramount acquiring WB Discovery. He asked the veteran filmmaker, Are you also against the monopolization that a Paramount acquisition would create? Or is it just that of Netflix?

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Ruffalo pointed out that the question he posed was something that should be asked immediately. He also stressed that Camerons answer on the matter would be interesting for the film community to hear. The Crime 101 star also enquired if Mike Lee was against the proposed Paramount sale and had the same concern about that as the Netflix sale.

We all want to know, Ruffalo concluded his query before clarifying that he was not only speaking for himself but for Hollywoods large number of filmmakers.

While Cameron has yet to respond to the four-time Oscar nominees question, his apparent silence on the alternate outcome doesnt seem surprising. Previously, on The Town podcast, the Titanic director opined that Paramount was the best choice to acquire the company that owns the rights to IPs like Batman, Superman, and Game of Thrones.

Meanwhile, Netflixs CEO, Ted Sarandos, has responded to Camerons letter to Lee. He countered The Terminator directors arguments in the letter, saying they knowingly [misrepresented Netflixs] position and commitment to the theatrical release of Warner Bros. films (via Deadline).

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Sarandos also revealed that he met with Cameron shortly after announcing Netflixs agreement to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery. He added that they discussed the streaming giants plans for the movie and TV production company and that the director was supportive.

The post Mark Ruffalo Questions James Camerons Stance on Netflix-Warner Bros. Deal appeared first on Mandatory.
Anderson Cooper debunked President Donald Trumps claims of a genocide of white South African farmers on Sundays (February 22) edition of 60 Minutes.

The report, which The Daily Beast says was previously delayed by new CBS News boss Bari Weiss and subjected to an abnormal editing process, aired on Sundays show and saw Cooper traveling to South Africa to investigate Trumps claims.

In the segment, Cooper played a clip of the president speaking to reporters in May 2025, in which he said, Its a genocide thats taking place that you people dont want to write about. Its a terrible thing thats taking place and farmers are being killed. They happen to be white.

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Trump repeated these claims a week later when South Africas President Cyril Ramaphosa visited the White House. The president showed Ramaphosa video proof of what he said were Burial sites. Over 1,000 of white farmers. The video featured a row lined with several white crosses.

Cooper spoke with the man who erected those crosses, Darrel Brown, who said, It definitely wasnt a burial site. I mean those crosses were there for less than 48 hours. It was purely an avenue of crosses we planted there in honor of commercial farmers in South Africa that had lost their lives.

Brown, who keeps the crosses in a shed, said he put the crosses back up in 2024 for the funeral of his best friend, Tollie Nel, who was murdered on his farm.

Cooper also spoke with Tollies widow, Rene Nel, and asked her whether she would consider what is happening on South African farms to be a genocide.

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Not what I know as a genocide, she said. Not what Ive heard of what a genocide is. I see our attack as an opportunistic attack. They knew there was money. They knew there were firearms.

Johann Kotze, the head of South Africas largest agricultural organization, also denied Trumps claims. Its actually not about white genocide, he stated. Its about criminality in South Africa. Its crime. The fact that it happened on a farm doesnt make me special as a farmer. Its horrendous. Any murder is horrendous.

The report comes just days after Cooper announced he will be leaving 60 Minutes at the end of the current broadcast season. He will continue to host Anderson Cooper 360 on CNN.

60 Minutes, Sundays, 7/6 c, CBS

Read the latest entertainment news on TV Insider.
The General Hospital spoilers for Tuesday, February 24, 2026, focus on Cullum questioning Jason. Meanwhile, Sonny confides in Ric, and Jordan issues a warning.

Key Takeaways

Cullum questions Jason about his connection to Britt.

Sonny confides in Ric as tensions shift in Port Charles.

Jordan potentially cautions Justine about getting too close to Sonny.

Jason Faces Cullums Curiosity

Cullum (Andrew Hawkes) was bound to track down Jason (Steve Burton, whos taking a break from GH) at some point. He knows that Britt (Kelly Thiebaud) and Jason share a connection. They are pretending to stay apart for a reason. Cullum wants Britt to keep her distance from Jason and to hole herself up in the lab on Spoon Island to finish whatever they are attempting to accomplish there.

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But Cullum needs Britt to remove all distractions from her world. And Jason is her biggest distraction. Hes also one of Cullums biggest threats. The weekly spoilers reveal that Cullum questions Jason, ones that could possibly be designed to determine whether he needs to worry about Sonny Corinthoss right-hand man. How many answers do you think Jason will offer up?

Lucas Is in the Right Place Again

The teasers also suggest that Lucas (Van Hansis) gains valuable information. The good doctor is currently on a mission to survive at Wyndemere long enough for Marco (Adrian Anchondo) to remove himself from his dads operation. And then the two leave and strike out on their own, away from Sidwell (Carlo Rota). Easier said than done.

Image Credit: ABC

But GHs weekly video preview provides another goal for Lucas. He wants to get Britt out of her current predicament. Maybe she is the one who provides Lucas with the valuable information, which could lead the medical professionals to team up.

Hestations, Admissions, and Warnings

Elsewhere in Port Charles, Lulu (Alexa Havins) is hesitant. Thats not quite a shocking development, if this has anything to do with her feelings for Nathan. Maxie (Kirsten Storms) has returned home. Everything she was thinking about before her besties return has to be processed and reconsidered.

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Meanwhile, look for Sonny (Maurice Benard) to confide in Ric (Rick Hearst). The half-brothers are spending more and more time together, which is interesting. Ric recently observed an exchange between Sonny and Justine (Nazneen Contractor). He thought he spotted some sort of connection. Maybe Sonny admits to something about his relationship with Janine.

As for the ADA, shes not mentioned in the following tease, but its a good bet she is who Jordans talking to. When Jordan (Tanisha Harper) issues a warning, its probably to Justine. In the shows video preview, we hear Jordan say, Sonny may care about you as long as you dont get in the way. That sounds like a warning to us.

Image Credit: ABC

And by the end of that promo, it doesnt seem like Justine will heed Jordans warning for very long.

READ NEXT

This story was originally reported on Soap Hub on February 23, 2026. Add Soap Hub as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Late Show audience by dragging President Donald Trump's inaugural meeting of his newly established Board of Peace. On Feb. 19, Stephen Colbert riled up theaudience by dragging President Donald Trump's inaugural meeting of his newly established Board of Peace.

Cbs Photo Archive / Getty Images

In his opening monologue, Colbert said, "Today, he held the inaugural meeting of his Board of Peace, which is kind of like the UN, except instead of passing binding resolutions, you pass a greasy bag of money to Donald Trump, because a permanent seat on the board is $1 billion in cash, and Donald Trump is chairman for life. So the Board of Peace works kind of like a strip club: cash only, and Donald Trump will never leave."

CBS

"So far, all of our closest allies have refused to jump on board, but he has signed up Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Belarus, Egypt, El Salvador, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, the U.A.E., and Uzbekistan. It's the Epcot of places Goofy was jailed without a trial," he joked.

CBS

If you're wondering who the allies that refused are, France, Italy, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, and the United Kingdom declined invitations to the Board of Peace, and Trump rescinded the invitation to Canada.

Related: "Tried To Do A Back Handspring While Very High": I'm Howling At These 19 People Who Shared How They've Injured Themselves, And I'm Questioning Whyyyyyyy

The number of countries involved might not seem high, because it's not by a long shot. For context, there are 193 member states in the United Nations. But according to Karoline Leavitt, per The Late Show, the Board of Peace "is a legitimate organization where there are TENS of member countries from around the world."

CBS / C-SPAN

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If you're also wondering what the heck the Board of Peace is in the first place, it was initially established to oversee the postwar development of Gaza, but then expanded its mandate to "secure enduring peace" in other parts of the world.

C-SPAN

The event was held at the United States Institute of Peace, which Trump recently renamed the Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace back in December 2025. Colbert joked, "At a certain point, all this renaming is going to get confusing for everyone. 'Driver, take me to the Trump building.' 'Which one, Mac? The airport, the theater, the peace building or the House of Pancakes?'"

CBS

Speaking of the president's remarks at the event, Colbert said, "Trump treated the world leaders to a classic dribble-cup sundown ramble fest."

Related: 41 Poor, Poor Souls Whose Brains Took A Vacation For The Day

And just to give you an idea of some of the "ramble fest" that took place at the event, Colbert shared a clip of the president introducing the president of Paraguay:

In response to Colbert's jokes, people who watched the YouTube clip are not holding back on dissing Trump's Board of Peace. Here's what they're saying:

"Tonight a BBC reporter called the meeting Trump's Board of Piss. That's the second most satisfying thing to hear coming from the UK today," one person wrote.

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Related: 41 Of The Most Cartoonishly Silly Ways People Have Actually Injured Themselves

"If you have to say: 'this is a legitimate organization' it almost certainly isn't," someone else wrote.

Another person said, "The Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace sounds like the McDonald's Health Center or the Budweiser Rehab Clinic."

This person said, "Can we stop calling it 'The Board of Peace.' We should just call it what it is, 'The Legion of Doom.'"

"They had to go with 'Board of Peace' because 'Axis of Evil' and 'Legion of Doom' were already taken," someone else wrote.

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Related: Men Are Revealing The "Immediate No" Red Flags Women Need To Stop Doing On First Dates, And I'm Baffled

"So, it's a board of 'peace,' just like his 'truth' social," someone else added.

And finally, someone said, "Calling anything a 'legitimate organization' gives it all the stronger Mafia vibes."

You can watch Colbert's segment here

Share your thoughts in the comments.

Also in Internet Finds: People Are Sharing The Creepiest Shit That's Ever Happened In Their Own Homes, And WTF???????

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Also in Internet Finds: Everything Seems Awful Right Now, So Here Are 19 Internet Posts From This Week That Might Actually Restore Your Faith In Humanity

Read it on BuzzFeed.com
Bitcoins price volatility has been on full display in recent months. But many investors see price slumps as a buying opportunity  not an exit sign.

If you want to purchase bitcoin, theres good news. Its no longer a chaotic financial frontier experiment  its fast, regulated, and integrated into institutional finance.

New to bitcoin? Heres everything you need to know.

How to buy bitcoin in 2026

There are several ways to buy bitcoin. You can go through a crypto exchange, a fintech app, or a traditional brokerage that will allow you to buy into a bitcoin ETF.

Before placing a trade, though, decide what you actually want: full ownership of your bitcoin and private keys  or easy price exposure inside a familiar, regulated system.

Whichever avenue you take, its important to remember that bitcoin remains a high-risk, highly volatile asset compared to many other investments. Prices can surge or drop quickly, sometimes without warning. If youre considering buying bitcoin, assume volatility is part of the deal.

Step 1: Choose where to buy bitcoin

Where you purchase your bitcoin determines your costs, your level of control, and how smoothly you can move, store, and manage your assets.

Centralized crypto exchanges

Centralized exchanges are platforms designed specifically for digital assets. They offer the widest range of features, including the ability to withdraw your bitcoin to your own private wallet, which dedicated crypto traders consider key.

There are dozens of crypto exchanges, and most offer simple interfaces designed for new investors, as well as advanced tools for more experienced traders. You should choose one with a strong track record of protecting customer funds, along with solid regulation and reliable customer support.

Coinbase remains the largest crypto exchange in the U.S., with an interface designed to be as intuitive as a banking app. It offers built-in educational resources that reward you with small amounts of crypto.

Kraken and Gemini are two other major exchanges. All three are based in the U.S. and offer a wide selection of cryptocurrencies (Coinbase alone offers more than 375 coins).

Trading apps and payment apps

If you already have Robinhood, PayPal, or Cash App, you can buy bitcoin through the app. Convenience is the big win here. Theres no new password to create, and in most cases, no need to wait for a bank transfer to clear because your account is already funded.

Popular financial apps that offer bitcoin include:

Robinhood

PayPal

Venmo

Cash App

Webull

Public

Robinhood has become a heavyweight in crypto by offering "zero-commission" trading. However, dont be fooled  zero-commission isnt truly free. Robinhood and its competitor Webull make money through a gap between the market price and what you pay, which is known as the spread.

As of July 24, 2025, Robinhood earns about $0.85 for every $100 in crypto trades routed to its market maker  roughly 0.85% of the trade amount. That built-in cost will be reflected in the price you pay when buying or selling bitcoin.

With PayPal and Venmo, youll pay a 2.2% fee for trades involving less than $75 worth of bitcoin, with the fee dropping as the order size increases. You may pay additional fees to cash out or transfer your assets to an external wallet.

With Cash App, youll pay a flat fee of $0.49 to $1.49 for orders up to $100, then the fee structure switches to between 1% and 2% for orders totaling $100 to $5,000.

A drawback of fintech apps used to be limited control over moving your bitcoin to a private wallet without cashing out first. However, in 2026, several platforms  including Cash App, Robinhood, and Public  now allow bitcoin transfers to external wallets.

Bitcoin ETFs

If you have an IRA or a standard brokerage account, you can now buy "shares" of bitcoin just like you buy shares of Apple or an S&P 500 index fund.

In January 2024, the Securities and Exchange Commission gave bitcoin ETFs the green light, and since then, investors have poured billions into the funds: Roughly $110 billion flowed into a dozen different bitcoin ETFs during the first year alone, according to the Wall Street Journal.

Bitcoin ETFs allow retail investors who are new to crypto to gain exposure without a dedicated wallet, private keys, or a centralized exchange. They let you trade bitcoin like a stock through your existing brokerage. You buy shares in a fund  managed by firms such as BlackRock and Fidelity  that holds the actual bitcoin for you. The ETFs price tracks the coin's price movements directly, offering the simplest, most hands-off way to buy bitcoin.

Holding bitcoin ETFs inside a traditional or Roth IRA also comes with powerful tax advantages: tax-deferred or even tax-free growth. Youll also avoid capital gains tax and the hassle of managing wallets or private keys.

The catch? Youll pay an annual fee to the company managing the ETF, known as an expense ratio (typically around 0.25% to 0.40%). If you invest in bitcoin through an ETF, you dont actually own bitcoin  you own shares in a fund that does.

Step 2: Create your account and verify your identity

After picking your platform, youll go through the account setup process. Its designed to be relatively painless and should take just a few minutes.

If youre opening a new account to buy your bitcoin, youll need to confirm your identity with information including your name, address, and Social Security number. If youre buying bitcoin through an app in which you already have an account, you can go straight to investing.

The Know Your Customer process

KYC is the identity check financial platforms use to verify who you are and comply with anti-fraud and anti-money laundering laws. Most will ask for a photo of a government ID (drivers license or passport) and a quick selfie. Modern verification systems match your face to the ID in real time.

Thanks to automated verification, most people are approved and ready to buy within minutes.

While no-KYC platforms still exist, they offer fewer protections  so theyre best for beginners to avoid.

Step 3: Fund your account

Now that your account is live, you need to move some traditional currency  like U.S. dollars  onto the platform. You have several ways to do this.

ACH bank transfer: Generally, this is the most common option. It's usually free, but funds can take three to five business days to fully clear. Many platforms let you buy right away, though you may not be able to withdraw until the transfer settles.

Debit card or credit card: This is the fastest option  your purchase happens instantly. The downside is higher fees (often 3% or more).

Wire transfer: This is best for large deposits, typically clears within 24 hours, and allows higher limits.

PayPal or Apple Pay: Convenient and quick, this method is usually more expensive than a standard bank transfer.

Learn more: Can you buy crypto with a credit card?

Step 4: Buy your bitcoin

Once your account is funded, youre ready to buy your first bitcoin. Most platforms give you two main order options.

A market order is a buy now option. You choose how much to spend, and the platform instantly buys bitcoin at the current price.

A limit order is another approach that lets you set the exact price youre willing to pay. If bitcoin is $65,000 and you only want to buy at $62,000, your order will not be executed until the price drops to that level.

For beginners with long-term investing in mind, the tried-and-true strategy of dollar-cost averaging works just as well for bitcoin as it does for other investments. Many apps let you automate recurring buys  for example, $50 every week on Tuesdays. This removes the stress of timing the market and helps smooth out your average purchase price over time.

Step 5: Keep your bitcoin safe

Buying bitcoin is one thing, but keeping it safe is perhaps the most important step of all.

Theres an axiom among crypto purists: Not your keys, not your coins. This refers to the idea that if you keep your bitcoin on an exchange, the exchange technically controls the private keys  the digital password  to your money.

If the exchange freezes withdrawals, gets hacked, mismanages funds, or collapses (like FTX did in 2022), your bitcoin can become inaccessible or disappear.

Software vs. hardware wallets

If you plan to hold a sizable amount of bitcoin, consider moving your holdings to a private wallet.

A software wallet (hot wallet) is a phone app or browser extension, like Coinbase Wallet or Exodus. Its convenient and free, but because its connected to the internet, its still technically vulnerable to hacking.

A hardware wallet (cold wallet) is a physical device, like a Ledger or a Trezor, that looks like a USB stick. You must physically confirm transactions on the device, making it the gold standard for security.

Best practices for custody

If you use a private wallet, your top priority is creating and protecting a seed phrase  the 12 to 24 words that act as the master key to your bitcoin wallet. Its the only way to recover your funds if your device is lost, stolen, or damaged. Lose the phrase, and you permanently lose access to your bitcoin.

Never store your seed phrase digitally or share it with anyone. Keep it offline, back it up in a durable format, and store it in a physically secure location, like a safe.

Self-custody is seen as the gold standard in crypto, but it only works if you can reliably secure your keys offline. When you hold your own keys, you become the bank, the security team, and customer support all in one.

If you dont want that much responsibility, using a reputable fintech app or exchange and accepting the trade-offs may be the more practical option.

Beware of fees, taxes, and hidden costs

People buy bitcoin because they believe the price will increase in the future. But if youre not careful, fees and taxes can chip away at your returns.

Understand spreads and fees

Platforms make money through direct fees and whats known as the spread.

A direct fee might be a flat charge or a percentage per trade. Meanwhile, the spread is more subtle: If bitcoins market price is $64,000, you might actually pay $64,200 to buy and get $63,800 if you sell. The gap between those prices is profit for the platform.

Compared to stocks, crypto is usually more expensive to trade. Most major brokers now offer $0 commission stock trades with tight spreads for basic investors. Crypto platforms, on the other hand, still make a meaningful chunk of revenue from trading activity, spreads, and routing.

One way to lower fees on crypto trades is to avoid simple buy/sell buttons on exchanges, which often sneak in higher spreads and convenience fees. Switching to advanced trading screens on platforms like Coinbase can often cut costs with no premium subscription required.

Paying taxes on bitcoin

The IRS has been clear for several years: Cryptocurrency is taxable.

You will typically owe taxes on your bitcoin investing when you sell crypto for more than you paid for it or when you trade one crypto for another. Taxes arent taken out at the time of the transaction  you report them on your tax return for the year the sale happened.

Starting Jan. 1, 2026, brokers must issue Form 1099-DA to report crypto sales from the 2025 tax year. For now, the form shows proceeds but not your cost basis, meaning you still have to track your purchase price yourself.

Starting with 2026 transactions (reported in 2027), brokers will begin reporting cost basis for eligible assets held on their platform. And most major platforms now offer tax centers where you can download a report that plugs directly into software programs like TurboTax or H&R Block.

Read more: Yes, crypto is taxed. Here's when you have to pay.

How to buy bitcoin FAQs

Do you need a crypto wallet before buying bitcoin?

No. You can buy bitcoin directly on crypto exchanges, and theyll hold it for you in a built-in custodial wallet. Thats the easiest path for beginners. You only need a separate private wallet if you want full control over your keys and security.

How much money do you need to start buying bitcoin?

Not much. You dont need to buy a whole bitcoin  you can purchase a tiny fraction for just a few dollars on most platforms.

Can you cash out bitcoin without paying taxes?

Generally, no. Selling bitcoin, converting it to another crypto, or using it to buy goods or services typically triggers a taxable event. If you sell your bitcoin for more than you bought it for, you may owe capital gains tax.
Michael B. Jordan says one classic soap opera shaped him more than any acting class ever could. The Creed star recently looked back on his early career and credited the long-running daytime drama for providing him with real, hands-on training.

Michael B. Jordan shares how this soap opera helped him learn acting

Jordan didnt hold back when talking about his time on All My Children. During a recent SiriusXM interview, he explained that the show gave him the practical education he never received in formal classes. That time I spent on that show did so much for me education-wise, he said, noting he learned the craft directly from experienced co-stars.

The actor emphasized how intense the production schedule was. The team worked through massive scripts daily. We did 100-plus pages a day we did an episode and a half a day It was a machine, Jordan recalled. He added that for a young performer who never attended acting school, the soap became his real classroom.

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Veteran star Susan Lucci also praised Jordans professionalism from those early days. She described him as prepared, respectful, and genuinely kind to everyone on set. Jordan responded warmly to her comments, calling the praise sweet and saying he should reconnect with her. I gotta get in touch with her, Jordan shared.

He went on to appear in 59 episodes of the soap, playing Reggie Porter Montgomery. By that point, Michael B. Jordan had already turned heads as Wallace on The Wire, but the daytime gig helped him sharpen his craft even more. For those not in the know, the role had originally been played by Chadwick Boseman, who would later share the screen with Jordan in Black Panther. Although Boseman was let go after criticizing Reggies storyline for leaning into racial stereotypes.

Looking back, Jordan has admitted the role also taught him what parts to avoid. No dad, no mom, a fing stereotypical black role in a soap opera, Jordan told GQ in a separate interview.

Originally reported by Rishabh Shandilya on Mandatory.

The post Michael B. Jordan Says This 70s Soap Taught Him All About Acting appeared first on Reality Tea.
Savannah Guthrie has been absent from her normal hosting role at Today since her mom, Nancy Guthrie, was reported missing on February 1.

Given the circumstances, it was unclear whether the beloved host would ever return to her day job. However, sources told Rob Shuter on Monday, February 23, that Guthrie will be back.

Its going to be emotional. Its going to be hard, a source told Shuter for his Naughty but Nice Substack. But she will be back. In her moms honor.

Pima County Sheriff's Department

While there is no timeline, and NBC is putting absolutely no pressure on Guthrie, another insider told Shuter, Her mom sacrificed everything so Savannah could chase this career. Walking away now would feel like letting the darkness win.

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The search for the 84-year-old has entered its fourth week with little known about her abduction. She was allegedly taken from her Tucson, Arizona, home in the early morning hours of Sunday, February 1, by a masked man, according to Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos.

Instagram/savannahguthrie

The Sheriffs Department, along with the FBI, are working around the clock to bring her home and have offered a $100,000 reward for any information leading to her or the arrest and conviction of her kidnappers.

They may have taken her mother, a source told Shuter, but they will not take her career too.
As the investigation into Nancy Guthries disappearance enters its fourth week, Savannah Guthrie is receiving special support from a group close to her heart.

Back in November 2025, Savannah traveled to her hometown of Tucson, Arizona, for a Today segment, during which she visited the University of Arizonas Pi Beta Phi sorority chapter. She laughed with the sisters, took tons of selfies, and reminded a new generation that where you come from never leaves you, NBCs Erin McLaughlin said via voiceover in a package aired on the Monday, February 23, episode of Today. But now, Tucson is rallying around one of its own, and these young women, Savannahs sorority sisters, arent standing on the sidelines.

McLaughlin sat down with several Pi Beta Phi members to discuss Nancys case and Savannahs impact on the school and local community. You always come back home, and I think that for Savannah to have this career and then come back home and just treat us all the same, it was just really special to see how far this community really goes, one member recalled of Savannahs recent visit.

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Another told McLaughlin, Whether youre young or youre old, you felt an impact through this case. And its really important to stay together, especially now, and just continue to support them and show our love, especially because we are her sisters.

In the package, McLaughlin noted that the schools Pi Beta Phi chapter has been flooded with messages from alumni near and far, asking how they can help with the search for Nancy. The chapter says they made a deliberate choice not to reach out directly to Savannah, wanting to give the family space and privacy. But they have been praying, she said.

One member told McLaughlin she has visited Nancys neighborhood to show her support, just as several locals have done by placing yellow ribbons and flowers near her home. Ive lived in Pima County my whole life, and its hard to think that something that awful could happen to anybody, the student stated.

McLaughlin wrapped up the segment by sharing the groups special message for Savannah. She knows Tucson is her home, but we hope that she knows that we are all her home now, too, one member said, while another added, She might be feeling hopeless, and I hope that she doesnt, but we will have enough hope for her to have this whole thing come to justice.

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Back in Todays Studio 1A, Craig Melvin noted that people are showing up for Savannah because shes always shown up for us. Carson Daly, for his part, stated, Thats how you get through these tough times, are all these little collective efforts of people showing love. And later, you look back and you go, I couldnt have survived that time of my life if it wasnt for all this kindness that was spread.

Nancy was last seen at her Arizona home on January 31 and was reported missing the following day. Authorities have cleared the Guthrie family as suspects but have not named any persons of interest in the case. A $100,000 reward has been offered for those with any information about Nancys whereabouts or her alleged abductors.

Today, Weekdays, 7a/6c, NBC

Read the latest entertainment news on TV Insider.
The U.S. owns one of the largest navies in the world; as a result, it is home to a large number of naval bases that support its fleet of warships, aircraft (yes, the U.S. Navy has planes, too), and other sea-related warfare. These bases undertake various responsibilities, including repair, maintenance, logistics, and training. Each base varies in the acres of land it covers, the fleets it serves, and the number of fleets each facility can handle.

Naval possessions are docked at these bases during times of peace and idleness. During times of crisis, all military ships come to these stations for refueling, repairs, and restocking weapons.

And the interesting part is that these navy bases not only manage the operations of the military warships and aircraft but also provide housing and recreational activities for the families of the active duty personnel and other staff on land. Several ships sank during World War II, but those who survived came to some of these docks for their repair.

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Here is a list of the largest Navy bases in the U.S., from smallest to largest, that support different types of missions for the Navy.

Read more: 10 Of The Largest Navies In The World, Ranked By Self-Reported Total Naval Assets

Naval Base San Diego (1,600 acres)

Boat in front of Naval Base San Diego - meunierd/Shutterstock

Established in 1992, the Naval Base San Diego is based on an area of 1,600 acres. The primary mission of this base is to support the Pacific fleet of the U.S. Navy, its fighters, and their families, and to enhance their operational readiness to counter threats at all times.

Located along San Diego Bay, this naval base hosts 60 U.S. Navy ships and two auxiliary vessels and serves as a quick pit stop for surface ships from international navies. Although you cannot visit the naval base as a casual tourist, there are other ways to get a glimpse of the base.

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The USS Midway Museum, located close to the base, gives you a full view of one of the longest-serving aircraft carriers in U.S. naval history that gave an impressive performance during Word War II, all the way until 1991. Taking harbor cruises into the waters is another way to observe the naval ships from up close. Other than these, the Fleet Week San Diego also allows you to take ship tours at the 32nd Street Naval Station, along with other military-related activities.

Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base (NASJRB) Fort Worth (2,300 acres)

Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base sign in front of an airplane monument - Commander, Navy Region Southeast

Covering an area of 2,300 acres, the Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base (NASJRB) is situated in Fort Worth and enjoys the position of being the first Joint Reserve Base in the U.S. Moreover, it not only hosts the navy, but also various units of the Marine Corps, Air Force, Army, and Texas Air National Guard.

There are 40 different commands and 10,000 active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and more that come together to offer support to the national defense system. The base holds great influence in Texas, such that the population associated with the NASJRB contributed over $4.8 billion to the Texas economy in 2023.

It is a multifaceted reserve base holding the ability to cater to large aircraft, like the F/A-18, C-130, and the mighty F-16. Interestingly, the base is also marked as a hurricane evacuation site for the country's aircraft and the families of military personnel across the U.S.

Naval Air Station (NAS) Corpus Christi (2,844 acres)

Aircrafts parked under a shade - GNB Global

The Naval Air Station (NAS) Corpus Christi sits strategically in the south of Texas, covering the northern end of the Encinal Peninsula, underlain by the Beaumont geologic formation. The mission serves the aviation facilities and units of the Naval Air Training Command and other tenant activities.

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While there are 50 tenant commands at NAS Corpus Christi, the largest of them is the Corpus Christi Army Depot, with the other major ones being the U.S Coast Guard, the U.S. Marine Aviation Training Support Group, and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Service.

Additionally, the headquarters for the Chief of Naval Air Training is located in Corpus Christi, where rigorous training and mentoring sessions are conducted to help Naval Aviators succeed in times of crisis. There are approximately 43,000 active-duty personnel, civilian employees, and family members living on the 2,844-acre site. The base offers several activities nearby, including outdoor recreation, bowling, gyms, and water recreation.

Naval Station Norfolk (3,400 acres)

Vast view of the Naval Station Norfolk shot from high up in the sky - Commander, Navy Region Mid Atlantic

The Naval Station Norfolk is located on 3,400 acres and supports the operational readiness of the U.S. Atlantic Fleet. Boasting itself as the largest naval station globally, it takes care of 75 U.S. Navy ships, 14 piers, 134 aircraft, and 11 aircraft hangars. One of the best parts about this station is that you can go on a guided tour across the base  a 50-minute to one-hour bus tour will drive you around the facility so you can see the warfare up close.

In addition, air and port operations are two of the main tasks of this base, as it manages the movement of around 3,100 ships every year, while for air operations, the value exceeds 100,000.

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A TMJ4 News journalist, who was part of "Sailor for a Day" (a program which allows media professionals to visit the naval base and learn firsthand about the U.S. Navy and its operations), provided rare views of the huge ships and aircraft inside the base and how days go by inside the station.

Naval Air Station (NAS) Jacksonville (3,400 acres)

Blue sign for Naval Air Station Jacksonville - Commander, Navy Region Southeast

The Naval Air Station is sited along the west bank of the Saint John's River in northeast Florida, stretching over an area of 3,800 acres. This station supports the war readiness of the U.S. and allied forces that specialize in anti-submarine warfare and aviation training. Besides, the base is responsible for three main bombing ranges  Pinecastle, Rodman, and Lake George  along with the Outlying Field Whitehouse.

The Jacksonville NAS had around 4,553 active-duty service members and 32,000 family members, along with other employees and personnel as of 2024, housing the area. Additionally, seven active-duty VP squadrons, three reserve squadrons, five helicopter squadrons, and one MQ-4C UAS Triton squadron are housed at the facility, with more than a hundred aircraft operating from this base.

Moreover, the Commander of the Navy Region Southeast also resides within the same vicinity, plus it also homes other major commands, like the Fleet Logistics Center Jacksonville.

Naval Station Mayport (3,409 acres)

Aerial view of Naval Station Mayport surrounded by waters - Military One Source

Emerging in 1942, the Naval Station Mayport rests on an area of 3,409 acres and takes pride in being the third largest naval facility in the U.S. Its motto is to provide "The Finest Service to the Finest Fleet," holding more than 80 supported commands, which include 20 naval ships and three helicopter squadrons.

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Moreover, this naval base in Mayport has an 8,000-foot runway that enables a smooth take-off and landing for all aircraft owned by the nation's Department of Defense and a harbor that can manage 34 ships at a time. It remains busy around the year, as the military passenger flights carry about 13,000 passengers every year from and to the station.

Other than these, there are 22 U.S. Navy ships stationed at Naval Station Mayport  the fleet consisting of guided-missile cruisers, guided-missile destroyers, and guided-missile frigates. Location-wise, the base is located near the Jacksonville Port on the St. Johns River in northeast Florida, making it easier to access via inland waterways and the open ocean.

Naval Air Station Patuxent River (6,400 acres)

Naval Air Station Patuxent River logo and sign board - Recreation.gov

Naval Air Station Patuxent River, which spans about 6,400 acres, includes two major organizations that serve as the center of naval aviation for the U.S. Navy  the Naval Air Systems Command and the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft. Moreover, this air base successfully executes an estimated 200,000 air operations yearly and is home to 25,000 civilians, contractors, and military personnel.

NAS PAX is a growing hub for research, development, testing, and evaluation of different types of warfare owned by the U.S. Navy, attracting educators and researchers worldwide. There are highly advanced facilities, such as the Manned Flight Simulator, the Air Combat Environment Test and Evaluation Facility, the Aircraft Test and Evaluation Facility, and more that allow experts worldwide to execute rigorous testing and training.

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A bit about the history: this naval base was crucial during World War II for testing airplanes and analyzing enemy aircraft. Moreover, the first all-jet airplane of the U.S. Navy to operate from a carrier  FD-1 Phantom  was also tested at NAS PAX between 1945 and 1946.

Naval Base Kitsap (12,000 acres+)

U.S. aircraft docked on a carrier ship - Commander, Navy Region Northwest

As the fourth-largest naval base, Naval Base Kitsap spans 12,000 acres across the Kitsap Peninsula. The base supports a diverse range of tasks, such as providing support for all kinds of submarines, and warships, like the USS America and gives space to the Manchester Fuel Depot which is the largest single-site fuel terminal for the Department of Defense in the continental U.S.. It is also home to one of the largest naval shipyards in the U.S.  the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility.

In addition, the base hosts around 70 tenant commands, including several commanders, such as the Commander, Navy Region Northwest; Commander, Submarine Group 9; and Commander, Carrier Strike Group 3, among others. Consequently, it plays a vital role for the U.S. Navy while also supporting a large number of jobs  61,000 alone in 2024, which led to an economic impact of $5.6 billion.

The Supercarrier USS John F. Kennedy, the sea trials for which have begun, is also scheduled to sail to the Naval Base Kitsap since the dock was announced to be its homeport after the commission.

The Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (27,694 acres)

Aerial view of the Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam - Commander, Navy Region Hawaii

Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam is among the finest naval bases in the country and aims to provide the highest-quality berthing and shore-side support to the surface ships and submarines of the U.S. Navy. In fact, the base can manage large warships in the navy, along with all types of aircraft carriers  fun fact, the Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam was the only airfield in Hawaii that could tackle the giant B-17 Bomber during World War II. The Pacific Command is the major air force command on the base that helps in planning and executing defensive air operations in the Pacific and Asian theaters.

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Plus, multiple maintenance and training facilities keep the fleet operation-ready at all times. It houses more than 160 commands and provides a range of support and activities for the fleet's families to ensure standardized living.

Naval Base Coronado (NBC) (57,000 acres)

Aerial view of Naval Base Coronado - Steinberg Hart

Built on an area of 57,000 acres, Naval Base Coronado is the largest naval base in the country (in terms of the physical area occupied), providing home to 36,000 active duty military and civilian employees. The base aims to serve as the "West Coast Quarterdeck" for the U.S. Navy by offering support programs and services to maintain operational readiness of the U.S. Pacific Fleet.

Moreover, it tackles the requirements and operations of 17 squadrons, three aircraft carriers, four SEAL Teams, Navy Expeditionary Combat Command squadrons, and more. The base, as a whole, is a consortium of nine different Navy installations  Naval Air Station North Island, Naval Amphibious Base, Naval Auxiliary Landing Field, San Clemente Island, and others that make up the huge area.

It is safe to say that this naval dock is the largest command in the Southwest Region of the U.S, contributing to 30% of its overall workforce.

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Read the original article on SlashGear.
always cool to learn about. So, when I saw I don't care what the jocks in movies say  historical events arecool to learn about. So, when I saw this post on the popular Ask History page from user Blacksmith_Most asking, "Whats the weirdest historical event that we have evidence for?" I was definitely intrigued. The examples people gave were all so interesting, I just had to share. So, here are some of the best:

1. Trees existed for millions of years before bacteria evolved to break down wood. So for millions of years, trees grew and died but never rotted, piling up until lightning sparked fires more massive than any human will ever witness."

Patstock / Getty Images

u/Nouseriously

2. physically puts Dead Pope on trial, as in, disinters his corpse, props the rotting body up in a chair, and denounces it for heresy, pronounces him guilty, cuts his fingers off (so he can't issue posthumous blessings), and chucks his body in the Tiber. Dead Pope washes up on shore, and people start attributing miracles to his body. Stephen is quickly deposed, later dies in prison, and the Catholic church is all like, 'let's just pretend this never happened.'" "The Cadaver Synod , in the year 897. Pope Stephen decides that the previous pope was a heretic, so he puts him on trial posthumously . Only, heputs Dead Pope on trial, as in, disinters his corpse, props the rotting body up in a chair, and denounces it for heresy, pronounces him guilty, cuts his fingers off (so he can't issue posthumous blessings), and chucks his body in the Tiber. Dead Pope washes up on shore, and people start attributing miracles to his body. Stephen is quickly deposed, later dies in prison, and the Catholic church is all like, 'let's just pretend this never happened.'"

Heritage Images / Getty Images

u/Tim-oBedlam

Related: If You're A Gen-X'er And You Can't Pass This 1980s Movie Quiz, I'm Going To Be A Little Disappointed

3. "A famously strange coincidence...some of the first shots of the American Civil War were fired at the house of Wilmer McLean, when his farmhouse at Manassas was utilized as a headquarters by a Confederate general and subsequently shelled by Union artillery. Mr. McLean had his fill of war after that experience and decided to move his family father away from the fighting to Appomattox Court House, Virginia. Appomattox didn't stay out of the crosshairs, however, and would be the site of one of the war's last campaigns, with McClean's house once again utilized by general officers, this time as the site for Lee's surrender to Grant . Because of that, it has been said that the war began and ended in one man's home."

Heritage Images / Getty Images

u/Pixelated_Penguin808

4. The Halifax Explosion : "The largest man-made explosion prior to the atomic bomb led to innovations in ocular surgery and the founding of the Canadian National Institute for the Blind . Two ships colliding in Halifax harbor during WWI resulted in a 2.9 kiloton explosion that caused a 60-foot tsunami, killed nearly 2,000 people, and resulted in about 200 eye removals. Nearly one 1 in every 50 people in town lost an eye due to flying debris and shattered glass. Innovations in the treatment of burn victims and pediatric surgeries also resulted from the explosion."

Bettmann / Getty Images

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u/zion_hiker1911

5. The Great Molasses Flood . "A 25-foot wave of molasses rushing down a Boston street is pretty weird."

Boston Globe / Getty Images

u/stickmanDave

"My great-grandfather was near the event when it happened and talked about it so much in later life that my father still has an aversion to molasses, which I've always found a tad excessive since it's not like he experienced the molasses-related trauma firsthand."

u/theflyingrobinson

"Sounds like a case of Post Treacle Stress Disorder."

u/Cdn_Nick

6. "One of the points of the Treaty of Versailles forced the German Empire to return a chief's skull back to Tanzania."

u/masiakasaurus

7. The Dancing Plague of 1518 . Hundreds of people randomly dancing for weeks on end with no accepted scientific explanation."

Gwengoat / Getty Images

u/RetiredEelCatcher

Related: 15 Mind-Blowing Historical Facts And Scandals From Past Olympics That Are So Freakin' Wild, They're Sending My Non-Athletic Self Into An Existential Spiral

Posnov / Getty Images

u/owlwise13

9. "Before the invention of digital photography, early spy satellites had to send their photographs back physically in order for the film to be developed. How did they do this? The film was put into capsules that parachuted down to Earth , and were snatched out of the air by specially modified Air Force cargo planes."

Maidun Collection / Via Alamy

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u/ElSquibbonator

10. The Carnian Pluvial event . In other words, it rained for 2 million years on our planet, nearly nonstop."

Federica Grassi / Getty Images

u/soypepito

"That's just living in the UK."

u/deleted

11. "I was curious one day and Googled when the last US Civil War veteran died, and it was 1956, meaning he'd witnessed the Civil War with all its cannons and muskets right through to the atomic bomb. Both eras are a hell of a leap in technology and living standards, and I'd never thought of how close they were together until then."

Star Tribune Via Getty Images / Getty Images

u/eroticdiscourse

Related: Nobody Born After 1973 Knows What These Vintage Objects Are

Ucg / Getty Images

u/sarahc13289

Heritage Images / Getty Images

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u/Embarrassed_Ad1722

Phas / Getty Images

u/SergeantPsycho

Universal History Archive / Universal Images Group via Getty Images

"He then testified against the Japanese, was sent to re-education by the communist Chinese, then eventually got released and wrote his autobiography. Truly a weird story."

u/Late_Neighborhood825

16. "The 1814 London Beer Flood . A vat of beer containing more than a quarter of a million gallons of beer burst at Meux & Co's Horse Shoe Brewery, resulting in a flood of beer that killed eight people and devastated the surrounding neighborhood, a not-terribly salubrious area of London known as St. Giles. The event was ruled An Act of God, and the company was not required to pay damages, but the loss of the beer and the damage to their building were severe. The company avoided bankruptcy only by a crown refund on the excise tax already paid on the beer; it remained in business until 1961."

Chronicle / Via Alamy

u/Few_Peach1333

Related: Everyone Knew What These 17 Objects Were 30 Years Ago, But Nobody Uses Them Anymore  So I'll Be Shocked If You Can Identify Them

David Trood / Getty Images

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u/Conscious-Compote-23

"Both of them."

u/thekiki

18. "By the 15th century, anyone with education knew how big the Earth was  except some crackpot mathematician, who 'proved' the Earth was half the size with some sketchy math. No one took him seriously, save for Christopher Columbus. He totally bought into it and began going all over Europe looking for money to make the voyage. No one was interested; everyone told him he was unhinged and sent him away. Spain initially passed, but the second time he asked, they reconsidered. Spain figured he might discover some new islands out there, and it would be better if he were working for them and not England or France. So they gave him the money, not really expecting much. The worst that could happen is he sails off, and no one ever sees or hears from him again."

Dea / Getty Images

u/RetroReelMan

19. "During the siege of Tenochtitlan, the Spanish were running out of gunpowder and decided to build a trebuchet to throw stones. However, they didn't have anyone who actually knew how to build a trebuchet, so it took them a long time to get it ready. Whereupon it fired a single stone that went straight up in the air and fell on the trebuchet, destroying it. Both sides mention this in historical sources."

Universal History Archive / Getty Images, Stock Montage / Getty Images

u/Redhornactual

So, what d'you think? Feel free to share your own favorite bizarre history fact in the comments below. Or, if you want to write in but prefer to stay anonymous, you can check out this anonymous form! Who knows  your comment could be included in a future BuzzFeed article.

Please note: Some comments have been edited for length and/or clarity.

Also in Rewind: 18 Of The Worst Family Secrets People Have Accidentally Found Out That Are Very, VERY Dark

Also in Rewind: Sorry, Only Your Parents And Grandparents Know The Names Of These Vintage Objects

Also in Rewind: 14 People Who Died With Their Secrets...Only To Be Revealed After Their Death

Read it on BuzzFeed.com
Pizza is one of the most universally beloved foods  a simple combination of basic ingredients that together make cheesy, saucy magic. The fundamental concept of bringing different elements together on a round crust has also inspired countless other versions that go far beyond tomato sauce and mozzarella. One such version comes from Des Moines, Iowa-based Fong's Pizza, which was inspired by crab rangoon. And the restaurant did it well enough to get the attention of food celebrity Alton Brown, who praised the unique invention.

Brown spotlighted the pizza on the Cooking Channel's "The Best Thing I Ever Ate," describing it as something totally new to him, calling it perfect and delicious yet simple. Fong's reshuffles the components of the classic American Chinese restaurant appetizer on a thin, house-made crust. The crab rangoon sauce spread on the dough is based on its inspiration's cream cheese filling, blending cream cheese, sour cream, surimi (imitation crab), sweet and sour sauce, and heavy whipping cream. It's topped with sliced green onions and Asiago and mozzarella cheeses before baking. After it's cooked, wonton pieces are generously scattered over the top, and it's finished with a sweet chili sauce drizzle.

Brown also noted that it's Fong's best-seller, making up at least half of the pizzas it sells each week. It's one of the restaurant's several Asian-inspired pizzas, alongside General Tso's chicken, Korean beef, and orange chicken. It also sells traditional pies as well as varieties it calls Iowa Favorites, like a mac & cheese version and a loaded potato.

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Read more: 18 Popular BBQ Chains, Ranked

What is crab rangoon and where did it come from?

Crab Rangoon Pizza on a metal stand - Fong's Pizza / Facebook

One of things Alton Brown particularly praised about Fong's crab rangoon pizza is the fried wonton strips that top the pie once it comes out of the oven. He said it provides a crunch factor it's got to have, a nod to the crunchiness of crab rangoon. The classic appetizer's deep-fried dumplings are filled with cream cheese blended with crab or surimi and seasonings, encased in a wanton wrapper. Chinese restaurants typically use imitation crab, which is made from Alaskan pollock or white fish. Scallions, garlic powder, and soy sauce are common cream cheese mix-ins, and sugar may also be added to the often-sweet filling. The crispy dumplings are eaten dipped, usually in sweet chili or duck sauce.

Despite its name and Chinese restaurant mainstay status, crab rangoon's creation is generally credited to Trader Vic's, the California-based Tiki bar chain popular in the mid-20th century, and its founder, Victor Bergeron. He named it after the Southeast Asian city of Rangoon in Burma (the former names for Yangon and Myanmar, respectively), likely to match Trader Vic's theme tied to that part of the world. The dish became popular, and Chinese restaurants picked it up for their menus.

Fong's pizza is just one of a few dishes that have transformed this dish into something unexpected; you can find renditions in the form of burritos, mozzarella sticks, melty sandwiches, and pasta. You could also try crab rangoon nachos, or turn it into a dip.

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Read the original article on Food Republic.
A travel and PR firm director has said she is facing her "biggest challenge" as she joins 35 women on an expedition driving tuk-tuks across India.

The Rickshaw Rally 2026 in March is organised by The Sisterhood, a group of female high achievers who embark on regular charitable adventures.

Jo O'Connell, from Bournemouth, said she hoped to help raise 150,000 for Indian women's projects.

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She said leaving her husband and two children would be as hard as driving rickety vehicles for six days on dangerous roads.

O'Connell said she had never spent more than 15 minutes in a tuk-tuk, despite her travel work.

"The first thing everyone says is make sure you have a cushion," she said.

"They're not comfy, they're dusty. Apparently they break down a lot as well."

She said the women would be taught how to negotiate potholes and "chaotic and often quite dangerous traffic".

The 1,200km (745-mile) coast-to-coast voyage starts in Chennai on 2 March and is due to arrive in Goa on International Women's Day, 8 March.

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The route will visit projects helped by previous challenges, as well as the cities of Bangalore, Mysore, Mangalore and Panaji.

Money raised will support women's charities working in education, skills training and healthcare.

O'Connell said: "Too many women and girls in India are held back by a lack of education, limited opportunities, and easily preventable health risks."

The mother of two will be joined by her sister, Lisa Mountain Thompson, who she said had healthcare issues close to her heart after becoming critically ill during childbirth.

"As a group of strong women, we're not just talking about change  we're driving it," she said.

See also
A single shared tongue sounds convenient until the right bus, the proper medicine, or the exact dish becomes urgent. Recent polling suggests plenty of travelers now lean on phone-based interpreting, with Global Rescue reporting 59% of respondents use translation apps during trips. American Express travel research also points to translation help as a common way travelers use generative AI while planning.

This slideshow highlights destinations where that backup matters most. The picks come from low placements in EFs EF EPI 2025, which ranks English proficiency using test results from 2.2 million adults across 123 countries and regions. Expect decent English in some big hubs, then a sharp drop once you are dealing with local transport, pharmacies, and everyday errands.

1. Japan

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

In EFs EF EPI 2025, Japan is ranked 96th with an EF EPI score of 446, placing it in the very low proficiency band. The language challenge is not only spoken English. Three writing systems mean quick decoding is hard, and a destination printed in Latin letters can fail once you leave international-facing areas.

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That gap shows up in visitor feedback. A Japan Tourism Agency survey found 15.2% of foreign visitors reported difficulty communicating with facility staff. Prep beats bravado: save key destinations in Japanese characters and keep a map-pin screenshot offline. Dining gets easier when you order by pointing at photos, plastic models, or set-meal numbers.

2. Thailand

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Thailand sits even lower in EFs 2025 ranking: 116th, with a score of 402. Bangkok, Phuket, and Pattaya often have enough service English for basics, but transport counters and market stalls can go quiet fast once you leave the most tourist-heavy lanes.

Thai script adds friction because many everyday signs are not bilingual outside major terminals. Handle logistics before you lose Wi-Fi: store your hotel name, your next stop, and two or three key addresses as images. For food, learn one simple heat-control phrase, then gesture toward what you want and signal quantity with your fingers.

3. Mexico

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Mexico ranks 103rd in the EF EPI 2025 with a score of 440. Outside resort corridors and international business zones, Spanish is the default for pharmacies, small eateries, and ticket windows. Even confident speakers can get tripped up by regional slang and fast, friendly delivery.

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A small language toolkit goes a long way here: numbers, days, and a short request pattern you can reuse with different nouns. Typed questions often land better than spoken ones because the screen shows accents and spacing clearly. When replies come rapid-fire, asking for slower speech usually works, especially if you stay polite and unhurried.

4. China

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

China is ranked 86th with an EF EPI score of 464 in the 2025 dataset. You will see English in large airports and some rail stations, but smaller restaurants and local taxi interactions may run entirely on Chinese characters. Mispronounced pinyin can derail a ride, so written text matters more than voice.

Save key locations in Chinese script and keep them accessible offline. Menu choices get simpler when you pick places with photos, then point and confirm using the item number or a receipt line. For navigation, route screenshots are lifesavers when the signal drops or a map app flips languages mid-trip.

5. Egypt

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Egypt appears 89th in the EF EPI 2025 with a score of 458. Resort staff and major museums can feel straightforward, but street-level errands in Cairo or Luxor often run on Arabic. Dialect differences plus traffic noise make back-and-forth harder than it looks in a glossy brochure.

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Keep bargaining and prices visual: write the number, show the total, and confirm on a calculator before money changes hands. A guide for one intense day can lower friction when you would rather focus on history than negotiation. Two courtesy words in Arabic, delivered calmly, often buy you a smoother interaction than perfect grammar ever could.

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Set along the River Liffey with its colorful cobblestoned streets, literary legacy, and famously friendly locals, Dublin has earned a new accolade: TripAdvisor's 2026 Travelers' Choice for solo travel. Ireland's capital blends historic charm with an easygoing social scene, making it an ideal destination for those exploring on their own.

A wealth of surveys suggests that solo travel is increasingly interesting to adventurers. A recent report by Grand View Research shows Google searches for "solo travel" doubled from 2018 to 2023. It adds that "self-reflection, personal development, and cultural immersion" are major motivators for solo travelers.

And this year, in particular, 42.1% of solo travelers have said that they plan to take even more trips, according to an FTLO Travel survey. In 2026, they're prioritizing:

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Cultural activities: 69%

Food: 47%

Affordability: 44%

Adventure: 44%

Fun: 40%

Connection: 35.5%

Personal growth: 20.2%

Rest: 15.1%

Nightlife: 13%

Dublin offers it all. Travelers are spoiled for choice of affordable and free cultural activities, fun daytime adventures, and vibrant nightlife options (think: pub food, beer, and good conversation).

Related: This Mediterranean Country Has More of the World's Best Beaches Than Any Other

At the heart of the city lies Trinity College Dublin, home to the 9th-century Book of Kells. Solo travelers can wander the cobbled squares and historic library at their own pace, soaking in centuries of scholarship and architecture. Just steps away, Dublin Castle offers a window into Ireland's complex political past, with guided tours that make it easy to connect with fellow visitors.

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For those drawn to literature, Dublin is a UNESCO City of Literature and the longtime home of giants like James Joyce and W.B. Yeats. A stroll through the city feels like stepping into the pages of a novel, especially around St. Stephen's Green, where park benches invite quiet reflection between sightseeing stops.

A big reason Dublin stands out for solo travel is also its pub culture. In neighborhoods like Temple Bar, live traditional music spills out onto the streets, and conversations with strangers start easily over a pint. A visit to the Guinness Storehouse not only delivers panoramic city views but also a chance to join group tastings and tours.

Safety and walkability also play a role in Dublin's ranking. The compact city center makes Dublin simple to navigate on foot, and public transportation connects travelers to nearby coastal villages like Howth for cliff walks and fresh seafood.

From its historic streets to its welcoming spirit, Dublin offers the sweet spot solo adventurers crave: enough independence to explore freely, paired with countless opportunities to connect. Whether you're tracing literary footsteps, diving into the city's storied history, or chatting up locals over live music, Dublin proves that traveling alone doesn't necessarily mean being alone at all.

Related: Bali Named the Worlds Best Destination by TripAdvisors Travelers Choice Awards

This story was originally published by Parade on Feb 22, 2026, where it first appeared in the Travel section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Brief

This month Milwaukees Silver City neighborhood is celebrating the national dish of Vietnam at two different locations during "Pho-bruary."

Brian Kramp is at Thai-Barbq Restaurant seeing why theyre a must stop for authentic Thai and Southeast Asian cuisine.

MILWAUKEE - If you love trying authentic food from different cultures, youll love what two local businesses are cooking up this month in Milwaukees Silver City neighborhood. Brian Kramp is at Vientiane Noodle Shop where theyre celebrating 25 years in Milwaukee this "Pho-bruary."

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Thai Bar-B-Que Restaurant is a longstanding, family-owned eatery in Milwaukees Silver City neighborhood known for its extensive menu of authentic Thai and Southeast Asian cuisine. Brian Kramp is with the owner whos serving up special deals during "Pho-bruary."

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As people around the world mourn the loss of Rev. Jesse Jackson, Chicago high school students are using his death as an opportunity to research his life and learn about activism.

Inside the classrooms at Lane Tech College Prep High School, students, through their own research, are learning about Jackson's life and legacy, and how they as young people can take what they learn and apply it to their own lives.

In April Coleman's third period Black revolutionary literature class, five students were tasked with presenting their research about Jackson, from his birth in South Carolina to the formation of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition.

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"Jackson described his role in this mission as being a tree shaker, not a jam maker," one student said.

Each student focused on a different stage of the reverend's life.

SEE ALSO | Faith leaders honor Rev. Jesse Jackson at 1st Rainbow PUSH Coalition forum since his death

"Their task was to bring in economic improvement to Black communities," one student said.

The exploration of an American civil rights activist led some students to self-reflect.

"I could be doing a lot more to help myself and the people around me," said student Camille Oshodi. "We kind of like sit in the things that happen in our society, and we don't really do as much as we could be doing."

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Others say learning about the origin stories of Jackson and others proves anything is possible.

READ MORE | Remembering Rev. Jesse Jackson: Services expanded to include Chicago, South Carolina, Washington DC

"People like Jesse Jackson and Martin Luther King, like, they're just like us. They just, they just went down that path. And it really inspires me," said student Leila Shakir.

And though King and Jackson are among the great orators of the Civil Rights Movement, it was not their words that impressed this class of Gen Z students the most.

"The way we can truly show something is through our actions, because I think you don't act on something you don't truly believe," said student Yael Redeatu.

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Coleman says Jackson's life is a great example of one generation knocking on the door, so another can walk right through.

"I hope my students understand that sometimes, when you're involved in a movement, you may not immediately reap the benefits of that movement," Coleman said. "You still owe it to the kids in the future to do that work."

A central theme of Monday's class is that these students are bigger than themselves, and that through their actions today, they can lay the foundation for future generations.
Who's up for an evening rocket launch? A rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida, with a southeast trajectory is scheduled to lift off this week.

SpaceX plans to send a Falcon 9 rocket carrying 29 Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit on Tuesday, Feb. 24.

Although rockets in Florida launch from NASA's Kennedy Space Center near Merritt Island, Florida, or Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, people in Palm Beach County can sometimes see this phenomenon.

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Weather permitting and depending on cloud cover and trajectory, a rocket launch from Floridas Space Coast is sometimes visible as far north as Jacksonville Beach and as far south as West Palm Beach.

When theres a nighttime launch window or very early morning, theres an opportunity for unique photos  the rocket lights up the dark sky and the contrail after makes for a great photo.

Below is more information on the next rocket launch from Florida and suggestions on where to watch it in person (or virtually via the USA TODAY Networks Space Team).

For questions or comments, email FLORIDA TODAY Space Reporter Rick Neale at rneale@floridatoday.com or Space Reporter Brooke Edwards at bedwards@floridatoday.com. For more space news from the USA TODAY Network, visit floridatoday.com/space.

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Is there a launch today? Upcoming SpaceX rocket launch schedule in Florida

When is the next rocket launch from Florida? Tuesday, February 24, SpaceX Starlink 6-110

Mission: A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch 29 Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit.

Launch w indow: 3:56 p.m. to 7:56 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Feb. 24.

Trajectory: Southeast.

Location: Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

Sonic booms: No.

Live coverage starts 90 minutes before liftoff at floridatoday.com/space: You can watch live rocket launch coverage from USA TODAY Networks Space Team, which consists of FLORIDA TODAY space reporters Rick Neale and Brooke Edwards and visuals journalists Craig Bailey, Malcolm Denemark and Tim Shortt. Our Space Team will provide up-to-the-minute updates in a mobile-friendly live blog, complete with a countdown clock, at floridatoday.com/space, starting 90 minutes before liftoff. You can download the free FLORIDA TODAY app, which is available in the App Store or Google Play, or type floridatoday.com/space into your browser.

Live weather radar. Will it rain in Melbourne, Cocoa Beach or Cape Canaveral, Florida, today?

Shown above is the National Weather Service-Melbourne radar, which shows conditions in real-time for the Space Coast, Brevard County, Orlando, and other parts of Florida. The current date and time should appear on the bottom right of this radar; otherwise, you may need to clear your cache.

Where to see a Florida rocket launch in Palm Beach County. What does a West Palm Beach rocket launch view look like?

Weather permitting and depending on cloud cover, some rocket launches from the Space Coast can be visible in Palm Beach County.

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When theres a launch window in the middle of the night or very early morning, with a southeast trajectory, theres an opportunity for unique photos. Some examples include United Launch Alliance's Delta IV Heavy rocket launch and SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket.

From Cape Canaveral, Florida, to West Palm Beach, Florida, it's about 150 miles.

In October 2025, the SpaceX Starship rocket, the world's largest, launched from Starbase, Texas, and was spotted in parts of Palm Beach County, Florida, shortly after liftoff. Starbase, headquarters for SpaceX in South Texas, is about 1,500 miles away from this part of Florida.

Rocket launches from Cape Canaveral can often be seen from Palm Beach County, and it can be as easy as walking out of your house and looking north.

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Try to get away from any obstructions, such as trees, tall buildings, and bright lights. Obviously, cloud cover can also get in the way.

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket crosses the West Palm Beach skyline with a Crew Dragon spacecraft from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida (launch was about 150 miles away) carrying a crew of four on February 13, 2026. See stunning photos of rocket launches visible in the Palm Beach County sky. A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket crosses the West Palm Beach skyline with a Crew Dragon spacecraft from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station carrying a crew of four The Crew -12 mission will take NASA astronauts Jessica Meir and Jack Hathaway, European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Sophie Adenot, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev to the International Space Station for eight months on February 13, 2026, in West Palm Beach, Florida. A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket crosses the West Palm Beach skyline with a Crew Dragon spacecraft from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station carrying a crew of four The Crew -12 mission will take NASA astronauts Jessica Meir and Jack Hathaway, European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Sophie Adenot, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev to the International Space Station for eight months on February 13, 2026, in West Palm Beach, Florida. A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket crosses the West Palm Beach skyline with a Crew Dragon spacecraft from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station carrying a crew of four The Crew -12 mission will take NASA astronauts Jessica Meir and Jack Hathaway, European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Sophie Adenot, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev to the International Space Station for eight months on February 13, 2026, in West Palm Beach, Florida. A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket crosses the West Palm Beach skyline with a Crew Dragon spacecraft from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station carrying a crew of four The Crew -12 mission will take NASA astronauts Jessica Meir and Jack Hathaway, European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Sophie Adenot, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev to the International Space Station for eight months on February 13, 2026, in West Palm Beach, Florida. A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket crosses the West Palm Beach skyline with a Crew Dragon spacecraft from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station carrying a crew of four The Crew -12 mission will take NASA astronauts Jessica Meir and Jack Hathaway, European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Sophie Adenot, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev to the International Space Station for eight months on February 13, 2026, in West Palm Beach, Florida. SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket rises above West Palm Beach, Florida, after its 5:21 a.m. launch from Cape Canaveral Saturday, June 13, 2020. Aboard are 58 Starlink communication satellites, on the ninth Starlink mission for SpaceX. [LANNIS WATERS/palmbeachpost.com] Debris from SpaceX Starship seen over West Palm Beach after explosion Thursday March 6, 2025 SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket rises above West Palm Beach, Florida, after its 5:21 a.m. launch from Cape Canaveral on Saturday, June 13, 2020.The contrail from the rocket, unconstrained by air pressure because it is so high, spread out, and quickly froze in the cold, dry air. The sun was still below the horizon, but the sun's rays reflected off the frozen exhaust. At the bottom of the oval, the first stage is firing its engines to slow it down and guide it to landing on the drone ship. [LANNIS WATERS/palmbeachpost.com] SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket rises above West Palm Beach, Florida, after its 5:21 a.m. launch from Cape Canaveral on Saturday, June 13, 2020.The contrail from the rocket, unconstrained by air pressure because it is so high, spread out, and quickly froze in the cold, dry air. The sun was still below the horizon, but the suns rays reflected off the frozen exhaust. At the bottom of the oval, the first stage is firing its engines to slow it down and guide it to landing on the drone ship. [LANNIS WATERS/palmbeachpost.com] The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket rises above West Palm Beach after its 5:21 a.m. launch from Cape Canaveral Saturday, June 13, 2020.The contrail from the rocket, unconstrained by air pressure because it is so high, spread out, and quickly froze in the cold, dry air. The sun was still below the horizon, but the sun's rays reflected off the frozen exhaust. At the bottom of the oval, the first stage is firing its engines to slow it down and guide it to landing on the drone ship. [LANNIS WATERS/palmbeachpost.com] The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket rises above West Palm Beach, Florida, after its 5:21 a.m. launch from Cape Canaveral on Saturday, June 13, 2020.The first stage, at far right, is firing its engines to slow it down and guide it toward its landing on the drone ship. [LANNIS WATERS/palmbeachpost.com] Shown is the streak of a rocket launched from Cape Canaveral viewed from a home near Greenacres in Palm Beach County, Florida. SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket rises above West Palm Beach, Florida, after its 5:21 a.m. launch from Cape Canaveral on Saturday, June 13, 2020. Aboard are 58 Starlink communication satellites, on the ninth Starlink mission for SpaceX. [LANNIS WATERS/palmbeachpost.com] The SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft rises above West Palm Beach, Florida, after its 5:49 a.m. launch from Kennedy Space Center on Friday, April 23, 2021. Aboard were 4 astronauts headed to the International Space Station for a 6-month stay. The first stage can be seen as a small dot as it fires its engines while it heads for a landing on a drone ship. The mission is the first time astronauts were launched on a recycled Falcon 9 rocket. A SpaceX rocket launched near NASA's Kennedy Space Center was spotted in West Palm Beach! From Cape Canaveral to West Palm Beach, Florida, a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying a batch of Starlink internet satellites lifted off at 6:56 p.m. March 4, 2024. SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft rises above West Palm Beach, Florida, after its 5:49 a.m. launch from the Kennedy Space Center on Friday, April 23, 2021. Aboard are 4 astronauts headed to the International Space Station for a 6 month stay. The mission is the first time astronauts were launched on a recycled Falcon 9 rocket. A reader captured this photo of a rocket launch from Cape Canaveral streaking through the sky on a morning drive between Northlake and Okeechobee Boulevard in West Palm Beach, Florida, on August 8, 2019. Joseph Bernardin is graduating from Cardinal Newman High School. "Joseph became interested in the space program and taught himself all about rockets, launches and missions. He has watched every launch either in person, at the beach or in our back yard over the past 3 years. He's now decided he wants to be a launch coordinator engineer and hopes to one day work for SpaceX. He's planned this picture all year and I think it's the perfect self portrait for him," his mom Sara wrote to us. The contrail from SpaceX Falcon 9 launch at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station hangs above The Breakers and Palm Beach in Florida before dawn Friday, June 29, 2018. A two-stage SpaceX rocket launched at 5:42 a.m. sent the companys Dragon capsule toward the International Space Station on a delivery mission for NASA. The launch was SpaceXs 12th of 2018, and was the ninth to reuse a rocket that had launched before. (Lannis Waters/Palm Beach Post) NASA, SpaceX Florida rocket launch images. View from West Palm Beach 1 of 20 A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket crosses the West Palm Beach skyline with a Crew Dragon spacecraft from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida (launch was about 150 miles away) carrying a crew of four on February 13, 2026. See stunning photos of rocket launches visible in the Palm Beach County sky.

If the forecast is for clear skies and you want a better view, some good places to watch the rocket launch from Palm Beach County include:

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: SpaceX rocket launch from Florida. Where to watch near West Palm Beach
A great aircraft is the civil (or military) partnership of a good engine and good airframe.

And sometimes a separation is necessary to make way for a more appropriate partner. Many great aircraft have been held back by a combination with inappropriate or inferior engines. Here are 10 power-hungry flying machines that finally got the engine they deserved:

10: Tupolev Tu-22/Tu-22M Backfire

Tupolev Tu-22/Tu-22M Backfire

The Soviet Tupolev Tu-22 bomber is the David Bowie of aircraft, reinventing itself with such radical vision that youre left to ponder what exactly is left of the original. Little wonder the supersonic bomber required reinvention really when you consider how awful the original Tu-22 was.

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The original Tu-22 was abysmal in almost every sense. Appalling unserviceability, a wing that allowed aileron reversal at high deflections  a tendency to pitch up and strike its rear end on landing, disappointing range and poor pilot view were only some of the problems. Bizarrely, it still proved popular with many, perhaps overly loyal, aircrew.

10: Tupolev Tu-22/Tu-22M

Tupolev Tu-22/Tu-22M

The Backfire served with the Soviet air force and navy, and the design bureau, Tupolev, was under pressure and didnt take long to plan a major upgrade to this stinker, starting work the very same year the type entered service, 1962. Ten years later a virtually unrecognisable aeroplane, with different (and variable geometry) wings and a host of other modifications, entered service.

Despite all the radical changes, it didnt get a new model number, just the addition of an M. But it was still a turkey. The terrible Dobrynin RD-7 turbojet had been replaced with the newer, but also terrible, NK-22. The most important change didnt happen until the Tu-22M3 update, which introduced the Kuznetsov NK-25 turbofan. With this and other refinements, the top speed leapt from Mach 1.65 to 2.05 and its range was increased by a third.

9: Blackburn Buccaneer

Blackburn Buccaneer

Blackburn Aircraft Limited is famous for making some planes not as good as they should have been, and the initial Blackburn Buccaneer was no exception. The aircraft was a British carrier-based attack aircraft that first flew in 1958. It was a structurally strong design with the innovative use blown flap harvesting and steering diverted engine thrust to improve its take-off and landing characteristics.

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But the innovative Buccaneer S.Mk 1 was powered by the unreliable de Havilland Gyron Junior turbojet, and was a weakling. It was underpowered, as test pilot Dave Eagles once joked in our interview with him: it relied on the curvature of the earth to get airborne.

9: Blackburn Buccaneer

Blackburn Buccaneer

This was solved when the S.Mk 2 was introduced in 1962, powered by the Rolls-Royce Spey turbofan. Replacing the Gyron Junior of 7,100 pounds-force each with the 11,000 lbf Spey was a masterstroke. The Gyron Junior would later be held responsible for a terrible accident in 1970.

The result was a superb low-level aircraft with a long-range (longer even than the Panavia Tornado), a virtually indestructible construction and a rock-steady low-level ride. The type spent much of its life as a ground-based attack aircraft, and proved its worth in Operation Desert Storm, in 1991. It remained to the end of its life - in 1994 - a potent weapon.

8: Douglas C-47/DC-3

Douglas C-47/DC-3

The DC-3 was an airliner developed in the mid-1930s. At the beginning of the second world war, it was adapted (with minor modifications) into a military transport aircraft and (predominately) designated the C-47. Over 95% of the airframes built were these military versions.

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During the decade of C-47 production, several engine variants were used, without significant changes to the type or size of the engine. The original DC-3 was powered by the 9-cylinder Wright R-1820 Cyclone 9 producing 1000 horsepower. The C-47 mainly used the 14-cylinder Pratt & Whitney R-1830 Twin Wasp which produced 1200 horsepower.

8: Douglas C-47/DC-3

Douglas C-47/DC-3

Roughly one-third of the US-built aircraft was the C-47B variant. This aircraft used Pratt & Whitney R-1830-90 engines with a high-altitude two-speed supercharger. This 1942 modification was critical for the China-Burma-India supply routes and allowed the aircraft to carry a full payload over the 15,000-foot mountain passes.

The Super DC-3 was developed post-war using 9-cylinder Wright R-1820 Cyclones producing 1475 horsepower. While not commercially viable due to the extensive airframe modifications required, the US Navy converted 100 aircraft, and they were designated R4D-8 and later the C-117D. This variant had a cruise speed of 250 mph, up from 224 mph for the original C-47.

7: Westland Lynx

Westland Lynx

The British Westland Lynx burst onto the scene in the 70s boasting previously unseen levels of manoeuvrability for a helicopter, thanks to a semi-rigid rotor head hewn from a solid block of titanium and two Rolls-Royce Gem gas turbines. The 2000-odd horsepower from two tweaked Gem 60s helped drive one Lynx (registration G-LYNX) to a helicopter World Speed Record of 216 knots (400 km/h, M0.32) in 1986, a record which it still holds today.

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Unfortunately, as aircraft age they tend to put on weight  the odd defensive aids suite here, an infra-red camera there  and suddenly youre underpowered. A process made worse you find yourself committing the classic blunder of getting involved in a land war in parts of the world, where the air is hotter and thinner; both factors count against engine and rotor blade performance.

7: Westland Lynx

Westland Lynx

There are two ways out of this inevitable decline: set higher limits for the engines and gearbox to run at, and accept the parts wont last as long. Or you could try finding a new engine. Handily for Westland, the Light Helicopter Turbine Engine Company (LHTEC) had just want they needed left over from the RAH-66 Comanche programme, a US stealth helicopter that was cancelled in 2004.

The CTS800 engine (developed by a Rolls-Royce/Honeywell joint venture), despite weighing the same as the Gem, produces 35% more power with a max output of 1563 hp, which was only 300 hp less than the maximum continuous power you could get from two Gems. This massively improved the hot and high performance of the Lynx Mk9A introducing novel concepts such as taking a full fuel load and maintaining level flight after an engine failure in Afghanistan or Iraq.

6: Westland Wessex

Westland Wessex

The Sikorsky S-58 was powered by a Wright Cyclone piston engine. This rather dated engine had been earlier used on several second world war warplanes. In the mid-1960s, Westland hit on the idea of licence-building the American S-58, with one crucial difference. Out went 1200 hp of high-octane, war-winning reciprocation and in came the Napier Gazelle. This was a move of some genius.

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Although the Gazelle was down on horsepower compared to the Cyclone, 1450 hp to 1525 hp, it was a good deal lighter. This gave it a power-to-weight ratio of 1.31 hp/lb to the Cyclones 1.03 hp/lb. Unlike the Cyclone the Gazelle didnt need a heavy clutch and fan to keep air flowing over its cooling fins, nor did it vibrate like a tumble dryer full of bricks.

6: Westland Wessex

Westland Wessex

The next step was going from one to two engines. Two Rolls-Royce Gnome engines were substituted for the Gazelle. These provided 1350 hp each giving the Wessex Mk 2 and 5 almost the same performance with One Engine Inoperative (OEI) as the Mk 1 achieved with everything working.

This extra power didnt significantly alter the basic performance of the Wessex, as the main rotor gearbox wasnt designed to take much more than 1550hp continuously. However, it did allow it to take this basic performance to new places. The H-34A had an out-of-ground effect hover ceiling of 5500 feet, whereas the Wessex Mk 5 had one of 10,000 feet at an all-up mass of 5230kg (11,506 lbs). The new helicopter was far safer, smoother and spritely.

5: Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker

Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker

A turbojet, the simplest version of a jet engine, passes all the engine airflow through the compressor, burner and turbine. By contrast, later turbofan engines have a ducted fan at the front of the engine, and only a portion of the airflow goes through the core of the engine. This allows better optimisation of the engine and provides better fuel and weight efficiency, lower noise and less pollution.

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The KC-135 originally used four Pratt & Whitney J57 turbojets. The first production turbofan engine, the Rolls-Royce Conway, entered service soon after the KC-135. However, its performance was only marginally better than a turbojet, and an engine retrofit at that time was not justified. Turbofan technology continued over the next twenty years, and it was finally time for an upgrade in the 1980s. And what an upgrade it was...

5: Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker

Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker

An initial upgrade to the Pratt & Whitney TF33 engine was performed on 157 aircraft. This increased the tanker performance (fuel off-loaded and/or mission range) by 20%. The more significant upgrade came in the mid-1980s with the KC-135R model. This upgrade used the CFM56 engine and was applied to a majority of the fleet. The CFM56 produces 22,000 pounds of take-off thrust, a 60% increase over the J57 engine.

This, along with a few airframe upgrades, allowed for a maximum take-off weight increase, and a significant increase in aircraft performance. Compared to the original A model, the R model can offload nearly 30% more fuel, and its mission radius is increased by 60% or more, depending on fuel offload. Take-off field performance, noise, and emissions are also improved.

4: North American Mustang

North American Mustang

In 1940, Britain was desperate for large numbers of modern fighter aircraft. The US company North American Aviation was approached and asked to build Curtiss P-40s. They believed they could create a far superior design and in response created the P-51.

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The resultant aircraft combined all the latest innovations in aerodynamics to create an exceptionally clean low-drag machine. Everything about was designed with low drag in mind, down to the then-novel fully retractable tailwheel. The P-51 was fast, extremely long-ranged and manoeuvrable. But its original Allison V12 engine was less than stellar at medium and higher altitudes.

4: North American Mustang

North American Mustang

Pairing the most aerodynamically advanced airframe in creation with the best aero-engine in the world, the British Rolls-Royce Merlin V12, was a match made in heaven. An excellent low-level fighter became a superb all-round fighter. Some British historians may claim the re-engining was an entirely British idea, but several engineers in America had also considered this a happy marriage. The Merlin engines for the P-51 were mostly built by Detroit motor giant Packard, under licence.

The North American P-51 Mustang became a war-winning weapon, able to stay and protect bombers throughout their entire mission. The American fighters massive range allowed them free rein over Germany, taking out targets of opportunity once their escort missions were over. The superb P-51 played no small part in the Allies achieving air superiority over Western Europe.

3: Macchi C.200-C.202/205

Macchi C.200-C.202/205

When the Italian air force took the C.200 to war, it proved utterly and dangerously outclassed. Its Fiat radial engine generated an unimpressive 870 hp, leaving it underpowered compared to Allied opposition boasting 1000 hp or more powerplants. Poor thinking in the 1930s had led Italy away from adopting powerful inline engines, in favour of uncomplicated radials; in reality, all this thinking had got the Regia Aeronautica was a fighter force too slow to survive.

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Aware of the mauling Italian fighters were receiving, Italy's General Staff frantically turned to Alfa Romeo and Fiat begging for radials of greater power, but none were forthcoming. In desperation, they turned to their German allies to request licence-production rights for the inline Daimler-Benz DB 601 V12, as used by the formidable Bf 109 and Bf 110.

3: Macchi C.200-C.202/205

Macchi C.200-C.202/205

The German engine had a far smaller frontal cross-section than the Fiat engine allowing for greater streamlining and far more power. A 601 was fitted to a C.202, and the machine was also given an enclosed cockpit. Thus the Folgore was born in 1940, and it was a great machine.

With a top speed of 372mph, it was as fast or faster than contemporary Spitfires and 109s  and its climb rate was spectacular, and it was also agile and of extremely rugged construction. In North Africa, the Folgore proved a decisively superior fighter to the Kittyhawks, Tomahawks, Hurricanes and Fulmars it faced. Further evolved, and with the addition of the DB 605 it became the C.205 Veltro, one of the best fighters in the world.

2: Grumman F-14 Tomcat

Grumman F-14 Tomcat

The Grumman F-14 Tomcat is famous as the star (along with Tom Cruise) of the 1986 Top Gun movie. It was a large and capable aeroplane, the ultimate in Grummans series of tough fighters able to operate from aircraft carriers. It retired from US service in 2006, but today remains in service with the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force; Iran and America were once friends, in the 1970s, when the planes were purchased.

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The F-14 inherited a curse from the fat wheezy abortive F-111B it was made to replace, the lamentable TF30 engines. The TF30 story goes back even further, as it was originally conceived for the Douglas F6D Missileer a loitering missile-truck of an aircraft which never flew.

2: Grumman F-14 Tomcat

Grumman F-14 Tomcat

The TF30 proved passable for bombers looking to move extremely quickly at low-altitude without the violence of extreme dogfight manoeuvring and found gainful employment with the F-111. But, as a fighter engine it was terrible. Weak, thirsty, smoky, unreliable, pilots of the otherwise excellent Tomcat had to learn to manage these untrustworthy engines.

The TF30-P-414A solved the reliability issue to some extent but the Tomcat was still underpowered. Eventually, the Tomcat got the engine it needed, with the fitment of the excellent General Electric F110-GE-400. The new Tomcat was an awe-inspiring machine, with performance to match the world-class weapons and sensors it carried.

1: Avro Manchester/Lancaster

Avro Manchester/Lancaster

Of 193 Avro Manchesters that saw service, 123 were lost. It was with good reason that assignment to the Manchester was seen by many in RAF Bomber Command as a death sentence. Mournfully underpowered by two unreliable Vulture engines, loss of power in one engine - an all-too-common event - was often disastrous.

Up to February 1942, the average amount of serviceable Manchesters at once never exceeded 31. When the Manchesters were not grounded or catching fire in flight, there were cases of hydraulic fluid spraying into the cockpit and temporarily blinding the crew.

1: Avro Manchester/Lancaster

Avro Manchester/Lancaster

The Manchester was introduced in November 1940, and sensibly put out to pasture in 1942. The replacement of the two troublesome Vultures with four V12 Rolls-Royce Merlins, showed the true promise of the airframe and merited a name change, to Lancaster. The famous Lancaster was more than a re-engined Manchester, but was not that much more. In fact, the prototype Lancaster was a conversion of the earlier twin-engined bomber and was initially known as the Manchester III.

The obvious change was the addition of two extra engines, but there was also a larger wing, general beefing up and a new undercarriage. Despite these changes, it is absolutely fair to describe the Lancaster as a new Manc. The result was spectacular, and the mediocre Manchester became the devastatingly effective Lancaster, complete with an enormous bombload of 6363kg (14,000 lbs), much greater than the 3600kg (8000 lbs) of the B-17 - its American partner in the Allied bombing offensive against Germany.

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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How many of us dream of retiring to a little chateau in France? Collecting nice bottles of wine, wandering in the village fields, long sunsets on the veranda  its an idyllic fantasy. But for 36-year-olds Xavier Bhoyroo and Natasha Manners, its about to become a reality.

When the couple entered Channel 4s programme, Chateau DIY: Win the Dream, winning was the last thing on their minds. We didnt allow ourselves to think wed win, Natasha tells The Telegraph on a secretive phone call 24 hours before the final episode aired on Friday. Our only goal was to avoid being the first couple to go home.

In one of Channel 4s literally named series, Chateau DIY features 12 couples taking part in DIY challenges for the opportunity to win a 250,000 three-storey chateau in southern Normandy. Not only did contestants need to upcycle furniture, paint and renovate, but they also needed to come up with a concept for breathing new life into the historic building.

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After spending six weeks creating, building and preparing for the head judge, designer Max McMurdo, Xavier and Natasha eventually triumphed over the three other couples in the grand finale with their plan to move into the property and use it as a base for immersive murder mystery parties and weddings.

Natasha and Xaviers three-storey chateau in southern Normandy - Channel 4

Its all been a whirlwind for the couple, who only met in 2021 after matching on Bumble, a dating app, during the Covid lockdown.

Our first date was having drinks at Xavs house, and because it was a lockdown we had to be each others bubble, which was a bit of pressure, laughs Natasha. But hed put effort into making syrups and things for the drinks, which was sweet, so I knew he was a keeper.

I think I just managed to ply her with alcohol  modern romance, Xavier chuckles.

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At that stage, neither could have predicted DIY would become such a big part of their relationship. Natasha is the head of e-commerce for a beauty company, while Xavier is an advertising operations director.

Id never done any DIY whatsoever, explains Natasha. Ive always been really interested in interior design; I grew up obsessed with interior design shows. Even as a little girl Id be telling my mum and dad how to decorate their house, but Id never put that into practice.

On the other hand, Xavier had renovation in his blood from his Mauritian father. My parents have always been into DIY and interiors. When we moved to Mauritius when I was eight, they designed and built our house, he says. Mum did the interiors, while Dad did the manufacturing. She was the designer, he was the foreman. And weirdly, on the show we found that Natasha and I fell into similar roles.

Xavier says he took on the role of foreman while Natasha took on the designer duties - Channel 4

Their first DIY experience came in December 2021, when Natasha and her sister bought a split-level Edwardian flat which was a real fixer-upper. After six months, Xavier moved in to help and together they transformed it into a home (taking some time off to have children  Esme and Jude, now three and one respectively). They sold it for a profit to buy their family home in Surrey. That was when Natasha saw Channel 4s advert on Instagram.

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When I saw the ad for the show on Instagram, I thought that would be amazing, Natasha explains. Wed talked about going to France for years since Xavier speaks French from the six years he spent living in Mauritius.

Wed very nearly moved over there before we bought our home in Surrey, adds Xavier.

Xavier and Natasha are looking forward to being able to take their time with the renovation - Channel 4

Just a day after Natasha had first seen the advertisement for the programme, Xaviers mum sent it to her, suggesting they apply. That was all it took to convince her.

There was one hiccup on the way: Natasha didnt tell me shed applied, says Xavier. The first Id heard of it was when she got a call from the production company who asked: Does he know about it and if not, can we make sure hes OK with it?

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Then it was off to France for six gruelling weeks of DIY and filming.

For the first heat, we had our children in France with us so wed be getting home from the site, getting them fed, bathing them and putting them into bed, and we wouldnt be in bed ourselves until midnight, then wed spend hours watching YouTube tutorials to figure out what wed be doing the next day, recalls Natasha.

Natasha and Xavier on Chateau DIY with head judge Max McMurdo - Channel 4

Still, all the hard work was worth it and the chateau is theirs. We got the keys last September, but weve not actually been able to go since we finished filming, because that would ruin the show if we were spotted, says Xavier. Weve had to keep completely quiet, which has been killing us. But were heading out there in a few weeks to start getting it sorted.

Far from being a crumbling ruin, the chateau is a picturesque three-storey stone building with traditional shutters and Juliet balconies. It sits on an acre of land which features an orchard, two barns and a historic bread oven. Currently the chateau is a six-bedroom, four-bathroom home, with two living rooms, but Xavier and Natasha plan to convert the attic space into two more bedrooms for even more space.

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Im most excited about getting the childrens bedrooms ready, says Natasha. Im not daunted by any of the DIY, really. Being on the show taught us that we can do any of that, its mostly just excitement about giving our children the ultimate bedrooms and getting them involved in that.

I think were looking forward to being able to take a bit more time and choose things for ourselves, says Xavier. When we were filming, you had to pick a paint and you just had to go with whatever you picked up. Theres no time to pick and choose, so itll be nice to take it at our own pace a bit more.

There have also been a few pleasant discoveries. We had an inkling that a chateau of that size would probably have a wine cellar, and when we got the keys we found that it did, enthuses Xavier. So I think were going to spend some time laying down some great wines. Id love to get some nice bottles and save them for when each of our children turns 18.

The couple plan on laying down some great wines after discovering a wine cellar in the chateau - Jeff Gilbert

In spite of the reputation of the French for being somewhat snooty (if not openly hostile) to English interlopers, the couple have found the local community to be extremely welcoming.

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Theyve been wonderful, Xavier says. The people in Normandy are so friendly and so welcoming of British people. Weve had nothing but great experiences in that village straight away. We were sourcing furniture on Facebook Marketplace and youd turn up to the house to collect it and theyd ask, What else do you need? What about this? Someone invited me in for a cup of tea to introduce me to the area. It was really lovely.

Having spent time living in Mauritius and Qatar, Xavier isnt worried about settling in. Its not something that scares me in any way. I want to see the world, get out there, meet other people from different cultures, he says.

Being with Xavier has enabled me to feel safe enough to do something like that. Im more cautious, a bit more risk averse, admits Natasha. I need him to give me the push to go for it, and try, and push myself out of my comfort zone and he has done that.

A little community has already begun to form. A couple of the other contestants on the show have found houses in the local villages, so weve got a little community out there already, and my parents are thinking of moving into another local house to be nearer their grandchildren, Xavier says.

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For now, the challenge is to get the house ready to host its first wedding: theirs.

The plan is to go over there to start renovating it in a few weeks time, to get it ready so we can get married there in the summer, thats the biggest project at the moment: planning the wedding, says Natasha. Weve got loads of DIY over the next few months, which is really exciting. And then were hoping to move in and make it our main home probably slightly later in the year.

The next challenge is getting the chateau ready for Xavier and Natashas wedding in the summer - Channel 4

Beyond that, they also hope to host the wedding of another couple on the programme, Josh and Josh from Cumbria who competed against them in the final. And then its time to set up their events business.

DIY doesnt scare me at all, Xavier says. Weve learnt that we know what were doing with that. What will be a bigger challenge is figuring out how to set up a business in a new country so that the chateau can become a self-sustaining thing.

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While the chateau is a rare opportunity to have a blank canvas to explore just how far their newfound DIY skills will take them, the couple are confident they can turn it into something special. But for any who have watched their efforts and dreams of following them into a chateau in France, the couple have some advice:

We threw caution to the wind and had a go  we learnt along the way, Xavier says.

Banish the fear of failure, agrees Natasha. If youre not 100 per cent happy, then you can always fix it. You just have to keep going until you feel like youre getting somewhere. If you have an interest and a passion, then just go for it, youll get there eventually.

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February 23, 2026

Last Sunday, I dropped off my best friend, Brenna McGuinness, in the Far West Texas desert with one goal-learn to fly the right way.



Having learned in an Aeronca 7AC Champ 10 years ago, I've always believed in learning to fly by feel and the old ways of stick and rudder. Simply put, I didn't want McGuinness starting out any other way.

Well, a few weeks ago the stars began to unexpectedly align while I was out on assignment for a Plane + Pilot feature story for our March/April issue about flying to Big Bend National Park.



While visiting Fulcher Field in Terlingua, I met Alex Whitmore, a retired Delta Air Lines captain and former Vietnam War pilot who actually knew my first flight instructor, Ron Alexander.



When Whitmore asked if everyone in my group was a pilot, I smiled and said, "Almost everyone. Brenna just hasn't gotten there yet."



Without skipping a beat, Whitmore offered his time and Champ to get McGuinness to at least solo.



From there things moved quickly. After a week of logistics (and a little convincing), McGuinness took the leap. With my rental aircraft, a Cirrus SR20, out of commission, I drove McGuinness six hours back to Terlingua and told her I wasn't coming to pick her up until she soloed.



Well, just five days later, after 5.7 hours of dual instruction, McGuinness, a Montana snowbird, soloed off Fulcher Field (3TE8), a private gravel strip in the middle of the west Texas desert.



"I was focusing too much on my airspeed in the pattern, but when he covered it up, I just flew and everything fell into place," said McGuinness. "But the solo was so cool. I just realized I was by myself, and I was like, Holy cow! I can fly all by myself.'"

[Credit: Cayla McLeod]

I want to particularly thank Alex and Marti Whitmore for making this possible, and McGuinness for trusting me and saying yes to the opportunity to learn in an old school training environment far removed from autopilots and glass screens.

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Once again, I'm absolutely blown away by the generosity, compassion, and willingness of fellow aviators to bring others into the fold. It's a reminder that you never know who you might meet-or how one small opportunity can turn into something completely unexpected.

If you're in a position to give back, whether through a scholarship, donating a flight, offering mentorship, or providing instruction, you truly have the power to change a life. You might just be the reason someone falls in love with aviation for good.

Congrats, Brenna. Welcome to the club.

The post West Texas Whirlwind appeared first on Plane + Pilot.
Its no secret that education and opportunity go hand-in-hand. States with lower educational attainment often grapple with higher unemployment, sluggish economic growth, and fewer chances for people to climb the ladder. So, which states are at the back of the class?

To figure this out, we're diving into WalletHub's latest report card. They crunched the numbers on all 50 states, using 18 different metrics, from high school diplomas and bachelors degrees to school quality and university rankings. Each state got a score out of 100. The lower the score, the more that state might need to hit the books.

Here are the 15 states that scored the lowest in 2026, starting with the one that might need a tutor the most.

1. West Virginia

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

With an overall score of just 24.29, West Virginia comes in as the least educated state in the nation. It's the only state to rank dead last (50th) in both Educational Attainment and Quality of Education.

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A mere 20.6% of adults in West Virginia have a bachelor's degree, compared to the national average of 34%. The state also has the smallest percentage of residents with associate degrees or some college experience.

These numbers point to long-term economic challenges, as the state has historically depended on industries like coal mining that didn't always require a college degree. To top it off, West Virginia's universities have the fourth-lowest average quality, which can make it tough for residents seeking higher education without leaving the state.

2. Louisiana

Image Credit: Andriy Blokhin / Shutterstock.

Louisiana scores 28.64 overall, ranking 48th in both Educational Attainment and Quality of Education. The state faces a lot of challenges across all degree levels.

It has the fourth-lowest share of high school diploma holders and bachelors degree holders in the U.S., plus the second-lowest for associate degrees and fourth-lowest for graduate degrees.

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These gaps add up, often leading to fewer well-paying jobs and limited opportunities. The struggles with education quality and attainment tie back to bigger issues like poverty and underfunded schools, which impact students from a young age.

3. Arkansas

Image Credit: khairil77 at Deposit Photos.

Arkansas scores 30.25, putting it at 47th for both Educational Attainment and Quality of Education. The state has some of the lowest rates of higher education completion in the country.

Specifically, Arkansas has the third-lowest percentage of residents with associate's, bachelor's, and graduate degrees. While the state has been making efforts to boost college enrollment and graduation, it still faces some big hurdles. Many people live in rural areas with limited access to four-year colleges, and economic issues can make it tough for residents to go to college.

4. Oklahoma

Image Credit: ivanovi at Deposit Photos.

Oklahoma's overall education score is 32.55, placing it 43rd in Educational Attainment and 46th overall. The state faces particular challenges in education quality compared to its attainment rates.

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While Oklahoma's educational attainment ranks slightly higher than some other states on this list, its Quality of Education ranking pulls its overall position down. This suggests that even when Oklahoma residents do pursue education, they may not be receiving the same quality of instruction or resources available in other states.

Factors contributing to this include teacher shortages, funding challenges, and disparities between urban and rural school districts that affect student outcomes statewide.

5. Nevada

Image Credit: f11photo at Shutterstock.

With an overall score of 34.60, Nevada lands at 46th place for both Educational Attainment and Quality of Education. The state's educational struggles are partly due to its rapid population growth and a workforce that's often on the move.

Traditionally, Nevada's economy has been all about hospitality and gaming, industries where a four-year degree wasn't always a must-have for a job. This has shaped how people approach education, with many jumping into the workforce instead of heading to college.

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On top of that, the K-12 system has its own hurdles, like large class sizes and funding that falls short compared to other states. All of this can affect how well residents do in their education long-term.

6. Kentucky

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Kentucky ranks 45th in education with an overall score of 35.76, leaving plenty of room for improvement. About 25% of adults in the state have a bachelors degree or higher, which is slightly below the national average.

Theres also a noticeable gap between rural and urban areas when it comes to access and quality of education. Many rural counties dont have nearby four-year colleges, making it harder for residents to pursue higher education unless they can move.

The state has been working on initiatives to boost college readiness and graduation rates, but progress has been slow so far.

7. Alabama

Image Credit: Roberto Galan at Shutterstock.

Alabama is the seventh-least educated state, scoring 36.48 overall. It ranks 44th in Educational Attainment and 43rd in Education Quality. Only about 22% of adults in the state have a bachelors degree or higher, which is below the national average. That said, the gap has been shrinking as Alabama invests in education and attracts industries that need more highly educated workers.

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Still, the state struggles with funding gaps between school districts, where wealthier areas often have better resources than less affluent ones. These inequalities can make it harder to break the cycle of limited education from one generation to the next.

8. New Mexico

Image Credit: Deposit Photos.

New Mexico scores 37.81 overall, placing it 39th for both Educational Attainment and Quality of Education. The state's educational struggles are complex.

With one of the highest poverty rates in the country, many students face challenges like food insecurity and unstable housing, which directly impact their ability to learn.

New Mexico is also home to a diverse population, including large Native American and Hispanic communities. Sometimes, these students run into language barriers or feel disconnected from the traditional school system. To improve, the state needs solutions that are tailored to the unique needs of all its students.

9. Texas

Image Credit: Little Vignettes Photo at Shutterstock.

Texas may be the second-largest state in both population and economy, but it ranks 41st overall with an education score of 40.22. The state comes in at 42nd for both Educational Attainment and Quality of Education.

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One of the biggest issues in Texas is the educational gap between different areas. While cities like Austin and Dallas have strong schools and high numbers of college graduates, rural regions and the Rio Grande Valley struggle with lower graduation rates and fewer opportunities for higher education.

The state's massive size also makes it tough to provide equal education everywhere. On top of that, Texas has one of the highest rates of uninsured children in the country. When kids have health problems, it can lead to more absences and make it harder for them to concentrate in school.

10. Indiana

Image Credit: Little Vignettes Photo at Shutterstock.

Indiana scores 42.98 in education, ranking 41st in Educational Attainment and 40th overall. While it performs better than the lowest-ranking states, theres still work to do

The states manufacturing roots have long provided solid middle-class jobs without needing a four-year degree. But with manufacturing now requiring more technical skills and automation reducing jobs, theres a gap between the workforces education levels and the skills needed for todays jobs.

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Indiana is working to close this gap by boosting vocational training and community college enrollment, aiming to better align education with the modern job market.

11. Tennessee

Image Credit: Deposit Photos.

Tennessee comes in with an overall score of 43.23, ranking 40th for both Educational Attainment and Quality of Education. The state has rolled out some interesting programs to tackle its education challenges.

A major effort is the Tennessee Promise program, which offers tuition-free community college to high school grads. Early signs show it's boosting college enrollment, especially for students from lower-income families.

Still, the state has hurdles to clear with K-12 education quality, especially in rural areas. Plus, completion rates for four-year degrees are still under the national average. They're continuing to work on improving early childhood education and helping students make it all the way to graduation.

12. Idaho

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Idaho lands at 29th for Educational Attainment, but takes a tumble to 37th overall when you factor in Quality of Education, pointing to some real challenges.

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Lately, Idaho's population has exploded, and the education system is feeling the strain. School districts are struggling to keep up with all the new students, leading to packed classrooms and teacher shortages, especially in booming towns.

The state's rural landscape adds another hurdle. Some kids have to travel long distances just to get to school, which can make it tough to join in on after-school activities or take advanced classes. Idaho also doesn't spend a lot on education per student, which adds to these quality issues.

13. Arizona

Image Credit: Deposit Photos.

Arizona ranks 36th overall with a score of 45.89, placing 31st for Educational Attainment and 36th for Quality of Education. The state faces particular challenges with education funding.

Arizona has one of the lowest levels of per-pupil spending in the nation, which impacts everything from teacher salaries to classroom resources. This funding challenge has led to teacher shortages, particularly in rural areas and high-need subjects like special education and STEM fields.

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Arizona has also experienced controversy over education policy in recent years, with debates over curriculum standards and school choice programs. These policy uncertainties can make it difficult for schools to implement long-term improvements.

14. Alaska

Image Credit: Chollada.p at Shutterstock.

Alaska scores 47.31 overall, ranking 24th in Educational Attainment but 35th overall. The states unique geography brings some serious education challenges.

With Alaskas massive size and remote communities, many of which are only reachable by plane or boat, its tough and expensive to ensure equal education opportunities everywhere. Rural villages often have a hard time finding and keeping qualified teachers, and students in these areas often miss out on advanced courses, extracurriculars, and college prep resources.

Even though Alaska spends more per student than a lot of other states, these geographic hurdles mean educational outcomes are still below the national average.

15. South Carolina

Image Credit: Deposit Photos.

South Carolina has an overall score of 47.49, ranking 34th for Educational Attainment and 38th overall. While there are challenges, the state has also made some progress in education.

Graduation rates are improving, and more students are tackling advanced coursework in K-12 schools. That said, there are still big gaps in achievement between different demographic groups and between wealthier and poorer school districts.

Teacher retention is another issue, with many leaving for better-paying jobs in neighboring states. Fixing these problems will take consistent investment in school funding and better support for teachers.

Pushing for a Brighter Future

Image Credit: Deposit Photos.

Knowing which states are facing the biggest educational hurdles shows us where resources and policy changes are needed most. After all, education is still one of the best ways to achieve economic stability and a better quality of life.

If you live in one of these states, pushing through these challenges to get an education can open up a world of opportunities. For policymakers, these rankings are a clear sign that it's time to invest in schools, support teachers, and create programs that tackle the unique barriers students face.
NEED TO KNOW

Nineteen people have died, while 25 others have been injured after a bus carrying 44 plunged over the side of a highway in Nepal

The incident took place in the early hours of Monday, Feb. 23

The bus fell around 656 feet, landing on the banks of the Trishuli River

Nineteen people have died, and 25 others have been injured after a passenger bus plunged off a highway in Nepal, authorities have confirmed.

In the early hours of Monday, Feb. 23, local officials responded after the vehicle  which had been heading from the popular tourist city of Pokhara to the country's capital, Kathmandu  drove off the Prithvi highway, per a translated news release shared by the District Police Office Dhading on Facebook.

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The bus, which had been carrying 44 people, including the driver, lost control and fell around 656 feet, the release stated.

Rescuers are pictured at the scene after a bus plunged off a highway in Nepal in the early hours of Feb. 23, 2026 Xinhua/Shutterstock

The bus rolled down a mountain slope, the Associated Press reported. It then landed on the banks of the Trishuli River, police said in the news release.

The tragedy occurred near the village of Benighat, which is around 50 miles west of Kathmandu, per the AP.

Police said in the release that a 24-year-old British national was among the victims who died in the crash. Only nine of the victims have so far been identified, per the post.

The injured include a 27-year-old woman from New Zealand, police said. A Chinese national is also among those being treated at the National Trauma Center in Kathmandu.

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Thirteen of the victims killed in the crash are male, while six are female, a Nepal Police spokesperson confirmed in an email to PEOPLE. Sixteen males and nine females were injured in the tragedy, with three being seriously injured, the spokesperson added.

Rescuers reached the site of the tragedy soon after the incident, with the injured being pulled from the wreckage and taken to local hospitals, the AP reported, citing government administrator Mohan Prasad Neupane.

A detailed investigation into the incident is underway, police said in the release.

The District Police Office Dhading, didn't immediately respond when contacted by PEOPLE for additional information.

Security personnel stand guard as relatives of victims killed in the bus accident wait to receive their bodies at a healthcare center in Gajuri, Dhading district, on Feb. 23, 2026 SANJAYA SHRESTHA / AFP via Getty

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Bus accidents in Nepal are common, according to the AP. The news agency stated that most of the tragedies occur due to poorly maintained vehicles and roads.

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A similar incident happened in 2024, when two buses with 65 people on board fell into the Trishuli River, with most people killed, per the AP.

The wreckage of one of the two buses was only found earlier this year, buried in the sand after the two vehicles went missing following a landslide in Simaltal, The Himalayan Times reported in January.



Read the original article on People
A Georgia campus is ringing in a somber anniversary.

Its been exactly two years since Laken Riley, a 22-year-old nursing student, was killed as she jogged on University of Georgias campus in Athens.

Jose Ibarra, a Venezuelan immigrant here without documentation, was convicted in her killing in 2024 and sentenced him to life in prison without parole.

He has since requested a new trial.

A federal law named after Riley requires federal officials to detain immigrants without legal status accused of theft and violent crimes.

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The act also creates a provision for state and District of Columbia attorneys general to sue the federal government for decisions or alleged failures in immigration enforcement, according to the legislative text.

The Laken Riley Act was enacted in 2025.

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Two women were killed in a suburban fire Monday morning, Northlake police said.

Authorities responded at about 1:25 a.m. to the fire at 74 West Drive in Northlake.

Flames and heavy smoke could be seen coming from the home. The windows were shattered. Multiple fire departments from the area responded to extinguish the fire.

Two women were taken to local hospitals, where they later died, police said.

The women were identified by police as 65-year-old Susan Palos and 63-year-old Maricarmen Wilkerson. The victims were sisters-in-law, police said.

Northlake Police Chief Ken Beres gives an update on the deadly house fire.

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"I was always very close with the family, especially my mom. They go to church together at Saint John Vianney; it's just heartbreaking," neighbor Christopher Pederson said.

Pederson said police officers woke him up in the middle of the night due to the fire.

SEE ALSO: Delta flight returns to Savannah airport after engine trouble sparks grass fire

"I ran out of the bedroom. I was worried that my house was on fire, ran to the front door. Cops told us to move the cars. So, we did, for them to access the back of the property," Pederson said. "It was full of smoke. You couldn't see a foot in front of you if you were lucky."

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The fire was also challenging for first responders.

"The challenges for the fire department, at one point a few from the fire department were on the second floor, and they had to have a mayday, where they had to rescue the firefighters from the second floor to get them out," Northlake Police Chief Ken Beres said.

No one else was inside the home at the time.

Northlake officials said the fire was electrical-related and no foul play was involved.

Neighbors are still processing what unfolded.

"It was definitely a scary situation, I can only imagine for the family, hopes and prayers for them," Pederson said.

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Friends and neighbors said Palos was a mother to 10 children. She was trying to make ends meet after her husband recently died, they said.

"Scary, they were coming out all over that side, and my first thought was 'please,' like, I said, 'don't let anybody be there,'" neighbor Charmaine Miles said.

Friends and neighbors of the family said Palos was often called a sweet soul and a second mom to those who lived in the area. They said she was always giving back, even as she tried to manage her own personal challenges.

"I can't believe it. This last year, since her husband died, she's had a lot to deal with and now this," Miles said. "I know this is really hard to deal with. But stay strong because your mom would want that from you."
Around 22,000 Iraqis have been transferred to Iraq from the notorious al-Hol camp in Syria, which housed the families of fighters from the terrorist group Islamic State, according to official figures.

This was confirmed to dpa on Monday by Iraqi Deputy Minister for Migration and Displaced People Karim al-Nouri.

Al-Nouri, added that the number still not transferred ranges between 1,200 and 3,000 individuals who are wanted by security agencies for their involvement in carrying out terrorist operations, and that these individuals are currently inside Syrian territory.

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"We call on the Syrian authorities to search for them, decide their fate, and hand them over to the Iraqi side," he added.

The camp was closed on Sunday, the Stability Support Unit (SSU), the non-governmental organization responsible for the transfers, confirmed.

The last remaining families have returned to their home towns, it was reported.

The Syrian interim government had begun dismantling the camp in recent days. Many of the Syrian residents were transferred to another camp in Aleppo province in northern Syria.

The interim government launched an offensive in the north and north-east of the country at the beginning of the year in an attempt to bring the previously Kurdish-held areas of Syria under its control.

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Before this, al-Hol, the largest camp for relatives of Islamic State members, was under Kurdish control. While not officially a prison, it was often described as such by residents. Voluntary departures were not possible.

According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, thousands of people were able to escape when the camp was taken over by forces of the transitional government.

"We call on the Syrian authorities to search for them, decide their fate and hand them over to the Iraqi side," he added.
Social media noted a significant interest in this exceptional and unique video clip of Park Bo Gum, filmed at his previous post-fan meeting in Guangzhou. Fans shared it with their followers because he was interacting uniquely during this special event. The actor's direct eye contact with the camera left fans and internet users in awe.

At first, the fan didn't ask for a P.S. message because they thought it would give them more time to look the actor in the eye. According to theqoo, "She felt that the pros of not asking for a P.S. would make him feel more comfortable and allow her more time to have eye contact with him."

The fan went back to her seat after her turn and saw that a message had been written anyway. Park Bo Gum wrote a note that said,"Thanks for always greeting me with a smile." according to Koreaboo.

READ MORE: Park Bo Gum's Priceless Expression Over Cigarette Smoke Sends Netizens Into Frenzy: 'I'll Quit for You!'

The surprising detail became clear when I looked more closely at the viral video. A source said, "Turns out, while he kept eye contact with her, he had been moving his hands in order to write her a message without looking down!" The fan was completely shocked by this act of kindness and impressed by how hard the actor worked and how much care he put into it.

Many users of social media platforms commented positively on the actor's charm, while users of the Qoo had positive things to say about the actor's sincerity. "He is so good to his fans. So handsome."

Another added, "Although he is really handsome, it's his attitude that makes him stay at the top in the industry. It doesn't feel like he is doing fan service, but rather, he is just a kind person. It's amazing to see so many good encounters with him."

Other people who use the internet said the same thing. One person said, "I become so happy when I see him," one said, while another commented, "I feel like I'm going to start stanning him."

The event shows that Park Bo Gum is not only popular but also cares about having real interactions with his fans. Koreaboo said that these kinds of things keep adding to his reputation as an actor who is both talented and kind.

READ MORE: Park Bo Gum and An Yujin's Lisbon Stage Sparks Viral Calls for a Drama Together
Around 22,000 Iraqis have been transferred to Iraq from the notorious al-Hol camp in Syria, which housed the families of fighters from the terrorist group Islamic State, according to official figures.

This was confirmed to dpa on Monday by Iraqi Deputy Minister for Migration and Displaced People Karim al-Nouri.

Al-Nouri, added that the number still not transferred ranges between 1,200 and 3,000 individuals who are wanted by security agencies for their involvement in carrying out terrorist operations, and that these individuals are currently inside Syrian territory.

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"We call on the Syrian authorities to search for them, decide their fate, and hand them over to the Iraqi side," he added.

The camp was closed on Sunday, the Stability Support Unit (SSU), the non-governmental organization responsible for the transfers, confirmed.

The last remaining families have returned to their home towns, it was reported.

The Syrian interim government had begun dismantling the camp in recent days. Many of the Syrian residents were transferred to another camp in Aleppo province in northern Syria.

The interim government launched an offensive in the north and north-east of the country at the beginning of the year in an attempt to bring the previously Kurdish-held areas of Syria under its control.

Advertisement Advertisement

Before this, al-Hol, the largest camp for relatives of Islamic State members, was under Kurdish control. While not officially a prison, it was often described as such by residents. Voluntary departures were not possible.

According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, thousands of people were able to escape when the camp was taken over by forces of the transitional government.

"We call on the Syrian authorities to search for them, decide their fate and hand them over to the Iraqi side," he added.

After the military victory over Islamic State in 2019, relatives of Islamic State fighters were isolated in camps like al-Hol for security reasons.

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Most of them came from Syria and Iraq, but individuals with European citizenship were also housed there.

Due to its isolation, the camp was considered a breeding ground for the ideology of the Islamic State.

Residents stated that they lived in a kind of lawless space. Islamic State is said to have continued to exert strong influence over the residents.
MEMPHIS, Tenn.  This weekend were giving three cheers to first place wins by Memphis-Shelby County Schools marching bands, a big Powerball winner in Memphis, and teamwork that helped save a Dyersburg dog.

Two MSCS marching bands won first place in two Battle of the Bands competitions during Mardi Gras in New Orleans, the school district announced.

Whitehaven High School Sounds of Perfection Band won first place in the Krewe of Rex Mardi Gras Battle of the Bands competition and Raleigh-Egypt High School won first place in the Krewe of Argus Mardi Gras Battle of the Bands competition.

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2 MSCS bands win first place during Mardi Gras parade in New Orleans

A Memphis resident won a whopping $2 million in Wednesday nights Powerball lottery, according to the Tennessee Lottery.

The $2 million winning ticket was sold at the Exxon Food Mart at 3984 Summer Avenue. The Powerball player matched all five numbers they used for the Power Play option.

$2 million Powerball ticket sold at Memphis gas station

Powerball lottery tickets are seen Friday, Sept. 5, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

A Dyersburg pup found herself in a tight spot after she managed to crawl inside a culvert on Tate Road Thursday.

The Dyersburg  Dyer County Humane Society said they received a call about a whimpering dog in the area and discovered the puppy was stuck in a tunnel-like structure between two driveways.

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The animal control officer contacted the Dyer County Highway Department for help, and they brought in a trackhoe to dig an opening and give them access to the culvert. The Dyer County Sheriffs Department also helped out.

After about two hours of digging and a little dog wrangling, the puppy, now named Tate, was free.

Trapped for hours: Dog saved from underground nightmare

Animal Control Officer, Tori Smith. Courtesy: Dyersburg  Dyer County Humane Society

Make sure to share this story with someone who could use a little good news  and three reasons to smile.

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ATHENS, Greece (AP)  About 30 people are feared dead after a boat carrying migrants capsized off the Greek island of Crete, Greek authorities and the United Nations' International Organization for Migration (IOM) said Monday.

The boat, carrying about 50 migrants, capsized 20 nautical miles off the port of Kali Limenes, the southernmost point on Crete, on Saturday. Three men were found dead that day and a woman's body was found floating at sea on Sunday.

No other survivors or victims have been found since. Passing ships are continuing to search the waters, a coast guard spokesperson told The Associated Press Monday.

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The capsized boat had left Tobruk, Libya on Thursday, according to survivors. There were high winds in the area Saturday.

Authorities have arrested two Sudanese men, ages 25 and 19, as the suspected traffickers.

Just two months into 2026, at least 606 migrants have already been reported dead or missing along the Mediterranean route, according to IOMs Missing Migrants Project. This marks the deadliest start to a year in the Mediterranean since IOM began recording such data in 2014, the U.N. office said in a statement Monday.

IOM warns that trafficking and smuggling networks continue to exploit migrants along the Central Mediterranean route, profiting from dangerous crossings in unseaworthy boats while exposing people to severe abuse and protection risks, the statement continues.

Stronger international cooperation and protection-centered responses are key to tackling these criminal networks and expanding safe and regular pathways to reduce risks and save lives, it added.
The pandemic has shaken up college life for good: Since then, social media and AI have revolutionized classroom expectations, and the bar for landing a job after graduation has become impossibly high. Many are now questioning whether getting a degree was even worth it.

The ripple effect of those strains is already showing in campus accessibility offices, where diagnoses of ADHD, anxiety, and depression are risingand so are requests for extended time on coursework.

At Harvard, 21% of undergraduates received disability accommodations last year, an increase of more than 15% over the past decade, according to data published by the National Center for Education Statistics analyzed by the Harvard Crimson. Top schools like Brown, Cornell, and Yale reported similar numbers, roughly in line with national trends. But the increase is more pronounced at other institutions: 34% of students at Amherst College and 38% at Stanford are registered as disabled, according to The Atlantic.

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In the 2011-12 school year, the number of undergraduates with a disability was about 11%, based on U.S. Department of Education datahighlighting just how much of a dramatic shift this phenomenon has become.

One founder says students are trying to get a leg up in todays tough job market

Experts note that many students have medical conditions that merit accommodations, and the increase is in part linked to broader access to mental-health care and reduced stigma around seeking support.

The rise has nonetheless drawn national attention, with some critics arguing that students are abusing the system to secure lighter workloads or an edge in hypercompetitive classrooms.

Derek Thompson, author of the recent bestseller Abundance called the numbers mind-boggling, arguing that colleges may be overcorrecting after years of underrecognizing disability.

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America used to stigmatize disability too severely, he wrote on X. Now elite institutions reward it too liberally. It simply does not make any sense to have a policy that declares half of the students at Stanford cognitively disabled and in need of accommodations.

Joe Lonsdale, a billionaire venture capitalist and Palantir cofounder, expressed similar concerns, suggesting some families are seeking diagnosis just to give students a leg up.

After all, the post-graduation job hunt has tightened into a numbers game few can win.

In 2023 and 2024, more than 1.2 million applications were submitted for just under 17,000 open graduate roles in the U.K., according to the Institute of Student Employers. And in the U.S., lawmakers warn the funnel is narrowing further. U.S. Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) has warned that joblessness among recent graduates could hit 25% in the next two to three years, as AI reshapes entry-level work.

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But in reality, there is no evidence of widespread misuse, and not all students registered with a disability receive accommodation in every class. Still, the scale of requests has raised questions among some faculty members about how accommodations intersect with academic expectations.

Faculty grapple with balancing support of students and avoidance of stigma

For instructors, the rise in accommodations can be challenging to navigate. Many say they want to support students with legitimate needs but worry that requesting clarification could be seen as insensitive or ableist.

One adjunct professor, posting to Reddit, said the number of students with accommodations has increased exponentially across the three schools where they teach.

I had an increasingly large number of students at this particular school be given the accommodation to turn work in 48 hours late, and I got tired of constantly having to extend due dates for just them, the professor wrote, noting that they themselves have ADHD and autism.

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The students Ive had on this accommodation would use it pretty much every week since they were perpetually behind.

Harry Lewis, former dean of Harvard College, expressed a related concern to the Harvard Crimson.

The whole system of accommodations for things other than physical disabilities just seems badly mismatched with the educational purposes that students and faculty share, he said.

However, Katy Washington, CEO of the Association of Higher Education and Disability, argued that students seeking accommodations are not unfair burdens on professors, and rather than questioning whether too many students qualifywhich can perpetuate stereotypesthe focus should be on designing assessments that are inclusive for all learners.

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For decades, students with invisible disabilities were denied support because their struggles were dismissed as laziness or lack of effort, Washington wrote in a letter to her organizations members, shared with Fortune. The rise in accommodations reflects a cultural shift toward acknowledging mental health, not a decline in academic integrity.

A shifting skill-based job market could leave some students unprepared

For students, the increase in accommodations coincides with employers rethinking what actually matters in hiring. Fewer companies are prioritizing degrees, and more are evaluating on what they can dothrough portfolio, projects, and real-world problem-solving.

Less than half of U.S. professionals at the director-level and above say a university degree is essential for getting ahead, according to LinkedIn. Moreover, nearly 1 in 5 job postings on the platform do not require a degree.

That shift could complicate the picture for students whove grown accustomed to extended deadlines or extra time. Whether a small number of students are abusing the system, workplace assessments typically dont come with accommodationsand performance is often judged on speed, accuracy, and consistency. Some Gen Zers have already faced the pink slip just months into the start of their career due to employers being unimpressed with some of their soft skills, like organization.

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In other words: even as college becomes more flexible, the job market is moving in the opposite direction.

A version of this story originally published on Fortune.com on December 12, 2025.

More on education:

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
Over half of Americans disapprove of President Trumps performance in office, according to a poll released shortly before delivering his State of the Union address this week.

In the Washington Post-ABC News-Ipsos poll, conducted from Feb. 12 to 17, 60 percent of respondents said they disapprove strongly or disapprove somewhat of the way Donald Trump is handling his job as president.

Thirty-nine percent in the same poll said that they either approve strongly or approve somewhat when it comes to Trumps job as president. One percent of respondents did not respond to the question.

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Trump and the GOP have faced rocky political territory in the last few months, dealing with issues including concerns about affordability, their handling of files linked to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and notable Democratic electoral victories.

In a polling average from Decision Desk HQ, Trumps approval rating sits at 43.1 percent and his disapproval rating is 54.5 percent.

The president was dealt another blow Friday when the Supreme Court axed most of Trumps expansive tariffs, a notable part of his economic strategy. During his second term, Trumps tariff policy has strained relationships with allies like Canada and the European Union, rattled global markets and increased economic uncertainty.

Trump will address Congress on Tuesday, with multiple congressional Democrats skipping the speech for counterprogramming events close to the U.S. Capitol focused on the impact of the Trump administrations policies.

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The Washington Post-ABC News-Ipsos poll took place from Feb. 12 to 17, featuring 2,589 people and a margin of sampling error of plus or minus 2 percentage points.

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.
NEED TO KNOW

Over 70 tigers died at wildlife parks in Thailand between Feb. 8 and Feb. 19

Preliminary tests suggest a deadly virus outbreak caused the fatalities

Tiger Kingdom Mae Taeng and Tiger Kingdom Mae Rim have temporarily closed to the public amid the ongoing investigation into the deaths

Authorities in Thailand are investigating the source of a deadly virus outbreak after 72 captive tigers died at wildlife parks in the northern province of Chiang Mai.

Between Feb. 8 and 19, 51 large cats died at Tiger Kingdom Mae Taeng and 21 others at Tiger Kingdom Mae Rim, The Nation reported, citing a report by Protected Area Regional Office 16 (Chiang Mai). Tiger Kingdom Mae Rim has announced a temporary 14-day closure amid the unusual deaths.

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The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Chiang Mai University is analyzing samples taken from the tiger carcasses and feed amid an ongoing investigation, per the outlet. The deceased tigers have tested positive for canine distemper virus (CDV) and mycoplasma bacteria. Co-infection can lead to complications, which may have contributed to their deaths.

Tigers at Tiger Kingdom in Mae Rim, Thailand Taylor Weidman/Getty

Feline parvovirus was also said to be present in preliminary tests by livestock officials. The source of the pathogens is yet to be confirmed, but raw chicken meat supplied by a private farm to the two facilities is currently the main suspect, according to the Bangkok Post.

The dead tigers have each been buried with an identification number for any future reference, the Bangkok Post reported, citing Kritsayam Kongsatree, director of Conservation Area Management Region 16.

Tiger Kingdom in Chiang Mai, which is operated by Khum Sue Trakarn Ltd, had 246 tigers before the largest mass death of tigers on record occurred, according to the outlet.

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.

Tigers at Tiger Kingdom in Mae Rim, Thailand Taylor Weidman/Getty

Officials at the wildlife parks allege that the animals showed no signs of illness before their deaths, per the Bangkok Post.

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Somchuan Ratanamungklanon, Director-General of the Department of Livestock Development, has ordered the animal enclosures to be thoroughly cleaned and the remaining live tigers to be quarantined until they are vaccinated to reduce the risk of spreading the virus further, The Nation reported.

Treating sick tigers is very different from treating dogs and cats, said Ratanamungklanon, per The Independent. 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," Ratanamungklanon concluded.

A representative from Tiger Kingdom did not immediately respond to PEOPLEs request for comment on Monday, Feb. 23.

Read the original article on People
(NewsNation)  After President Donald Trump delivers his first State of the Union address since his reelection, Democratic Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger will deliver the Democratic response.

Congressional Democratic leaders Hakeem Jeffries and Chuck Schumer made the announcement Thursday. In a statement released last week, Spanberger said Virginians and Americans nationwide are contending with rising costs, chaos in their communities and a real fear of what each day might bring.

I look forward to laying out what these Americans expect and deserve  leaders who are working hard to deliver for them, she said.

Spanbergers early career

Before being sworn in as Virginias first female governor in January, Spanberger was a substitute teacher at the Islamic Saudi Academy as a substitute teacher in Alexandria, Virginia, from 2002 to 2003, according to The Washington Post.

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In December of 2002, while at the academy, she received a conditional job offer from the CIA, but her background check took years to complete because of the volume of applications the agency received at the time.

While waiting for her background check, Spanberger worked for the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, where she worked on money laundering and narcotics cases, her gubernatorial campaign website states.

She later joined the CIA in July of 2006 where she worked as a case officer, which meant she was in charge of finding, recruiting and building relationships with foreign nationals who might have information of value to the U.S. government. Spanberger stayed with the agency until 2014.

Shortly after her CIA career, Spanberger went on to the private sector, where she worked for Royall & Company, now part of EAB, to do consulting work for colleges and universities, according to local news outlet WTKR.

Spanbergers political career

After the 2016 presidential election, Spanberger worked with Emerge America, a nonprofit that supports women in the Democratic Party who decide to run for office.

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In 2017, former Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe appointed her to the Virginia Fair Housing Board.

By July of 2017, Spanberger announced she would be running for Congress in Virginias 7th Congressional District. She served in the House of Representatives from 2019 to 2025, winning three consecutive terms.

Spanberger announced she would not seek a third term in the House in November of 2023, instead launching her bid for Virginia governor. In April of 2025, she secured her uncontested nomination and ran against her Republican opponent, then-Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears.

On Election Day in November of 2025, Spanberger won, securing nearly 58% of the vote, while Earle-Sears got 42%. She was sworn into office on Jan. 17, 2026.

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You can watch Spanbergers response following the address wherever you watch NewsNation.

You can watch the full State of the Union address on NewsNation on TV, online at newsnationnow.com or on the NewsNation apps for your television or phone. Not sure how to watch NewsNation? Find your channel 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 NewsNation.
Activists briefly displayed a photograph and caption targeting Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor at the Louvre, saying they wanted to draw attention to allegations involving the former British royal.

The group, "Everyone Hates Elon," placed a label beneath the image reading, "He's Sweating Now - 2026," and said the action was intended to call for accountability.

The photograph and caption were displayed for about 15 minutes before being removed by museum staff.

People gather near a framed picture of Andrew Mountbatten Windsor, younger brother of Britain's King Charles, formerly known as Prince Andrew, taken by a Reuters photographer and hung by activists from anti-billionaire campaign group Everyone Hates Elon in the Louvre museum, in Paris, France, February 22, 2026. Picture taken with a mobile phone. REUTERS/Nicolas Coupe

The younger brother of King Charles III, was arrested Thursday, his 66th birthday, on suspicion of misconduct in public office. Authorities are investigating allegations that he shared confidential British government documents with Jeffrey Epstein, a U.S. financier who was later convicted of sex offenses and died in 2019.

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Mountbatten-Windsor has consistently denied wrongdoing related to Epstein and has said he regretted what he described as an "ill-judged association."

He was released from police custody Friday and has not been charged. Police said a search of a property in Norfolk, where he currently lives, has concluded, while searches in Berkshire, where his longtime home at Royal Lodge is located, are continuing.

Investigators are examining allegations that Mountbatten-Windsor shared confidential information with Epstein while serving as the United Kingdom's trade envoy. Authorities have not said which specific allegations led to the arrest, though.

The U.S. Justice Department has released emails that appear to show Mountbatten-Windsor sharing reports from official trade visits with Epstein in 2010, including one message sent minutes after the document was received.

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Mountbatten-Windsor has denied maintaining ties with Epstein after Epstein's 2008 conviction, aside from a visit to New York in 2010 that he has said was intended to end their relationship. He has long denied any criminal conduct.

If charged and convicted, misconduct in public office carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment in the U.K.

The post Activists target former Prince Andrew at the Louvre appeared first on Straight Arrow News.

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The mayor of Jackson is quick to point out that whats happening between a local nonprofit and the U.S. Forest Service in his small town in northwest Wyoming is very different from other attempts to use public lands for development.

One of the reasons I called so quickly, is given the strong voice that seems to be emanating out of Utah in ways that I fully dont understand  particularly out of your senators office  about public lands, Mayor Arne Jorgensen said less than three hours after the Deseret News contacted his office.

I have a strong, strong conservation ethic and public lands are near and dear to my heart, and I am just adamantly opposed to the moves that Sen. (Mike) Lee (R-Utah) has been championing for a number of years now.

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Jorgensen is among those who do not agree with those who think that selling public lands is a good idea, like members of Utahs congressional delegation. And yet, the city of Jackson is participating in something that  at first glance  might look similar.

The nonprofit Jackson Hole Community Housing Trust and the Bridger-Teton National Forest are partnering to build much-needed affordable housing on a parcel of public land. To assist, the town of Jackson is investing $4.1 million raised from a specific purpose excise tax in exchange for the use of six of the 36 units. Its scheduled to break ground once the snow melts this spring.

The Nelson Drive trailhead in east Jackson is set to be the site of a 36-unit affordable housing development. | PEARL SPURLOCK / JACKSON HOLE NE

The town approved the project under a specific special-use permit, which is an administrative tool the Forest Service generally applies towards ski areas or summer cabins. This novel use for it  affordable housing, but also partnering with local nonprofit developers and municipal funding  is potentially the first of its kind.

Building private homes on public land

Despite Jorgensens clarification, the overall effort appears to be a tangible example of some of the reasons Lee purportedly gave for wanting to sell public lands.

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That is, using public lands to address the housing crisis. Which is something that hes been attempting to do since at least 2018 with the Homestead Act, then again in 2022 with the HOUSES Act, and again in 2025 during the reconciliation bill debate.

Supply is not meeting housing demand in Utah, and the federal governments land ownership is a significant cause of our restricted housing stock, Lee said in a 2022 statement.

The Jackson project also mirrors, in theory, the announcement of a partnership between the Department of the Interior and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to tackle the housing deficit. In March 2025, the two agencies signed a memorandum of understanding to facilitate and assist transferring federal public lands to local control.

A packed room listens as Anne Cresswell, the Housing Trusts executive director, addresses the Jackson Town Council in December. Neighbors of the project are challenging the projects size and the public process leading to this point. | KATHRYN ZIESIG / JACKSON HOLE NE

Yet, whats happening in Jackson is quite different. Selling or transferring public lands for development is not the same as developing deed-restricted housing on lands that will remain public.

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This land, Jorgensen said, its not an ownership transfer. Its not a lease. It is a unique use of a special-use permit, and I think that that nuance is really important.

That nuance  a collaboration coupled with a unique permit  however, has the potential to be a benchmark for addressing housing shortages in the West.

Of course, discomfort remains about building anything on public lands and regarding the process for gaining that approval. One Nelson Drive neighbor and attorney, Michael Clement, has sued the nonprofit developer and the Forest Service in an effort to stop the project.

But making sure that city and Forest Service employees can live in the community they serve, Jorgensen said, is exactly the kind of civic effort that leaders should be taking to support their communities, regardless of how the politics might appear.

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Yes, we have public lands that are going to be used for a variety of housing. Thats meeting a public good; were not privatizing anything, Jorgensen said. Thats where I would distinguish myself from Mike Lee or some of my local delegation as well.

Arne Jorgensen, the mayor of Jackson, Wyo. is pictured in this 2022 photo. | David Stubbs

The wealthiest county in America

The entire U.S. housing market is facing an affordability crisis, but small towns in the West are stark examples of it in practice.

Teton County is just one example, but its statistics are hyperbolic.

Only 3% of the county, which includes Jackson and several other towns, is available for development. The remaining 97% of land is owned by the federal government, under conservation easement or zoned for agriculture.

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About 24,000 residents live on that limited slice of residential land, with 10,800 of them in the town of Jackson. Yet, local government estimates suggest the area needs at least an additional 2,000 affordable units (as of 2023) just to maintain its population of workers.

If that maths not daunting enough, consider the price. Teton County was again ranked the wealthiest in America based on income (Summit County, Utah, of Park City fame was a distant second). The average annual income is estimated at around $532,903, which is a figure skewed by billionaires capitalizing on access to world-class recreation and limited taxes.

Even if there were more inventory for people to choose from, it might not help as its almost impossible to afford a home. The average sales price in one neighborhood, Teton Village, exceeds $7 million. The overall median price for a single-family home  which makes allowances for outliers  is still greater than $5 million.

This issue of affordable housing in Teton County is so bad that even Clement, the attorney and neighbor who is suing to stop the Nelson Drive project, called it a huge problem.

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With respect to affordable housing, I believe it is a problem all over the Intermountain West and in other areas, but especially in the Intermountain West in resort towns, Clement said.

I will also say that I have no problem with the Nelson trailhead being used for housing for Forest Service employees... (but) I do have a problem when Forest Service land  or public lands in general  are subject to an attempt to transfer control or management over those lands to third-party-entity, special interests."

How the project would work

In short, the Forest Service has land that can be used for housing, but it cannot afford to develop it itself. So, it needs help with financing and construction. It also needs assistance from the local municipality for the necessary infrastructure  water, sewer, sanitation, roads, etc.

To address these needs, the community of Jackson found a unique solution.

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It began with the parcel of land that will become the Nelson Drive project. It was designated for administrative use, which is to say its not a mission-critical landscape, more than 10 years ago.

In the years since, a series of Forest Service superintendents have been working with the town to use the parcel more productively and various building projects have been proposed and considered. Recently, zoning laws were adapted so that it can be part of the towns municipal infrastructure.

While the land is zoned for development, it remains the site of an often-used trailhead and an entranceway into a beloved trail system. Its a popular dog-walking or running route, as it sits directly adjacent to a dense residential neighborhood close to Jacksons center.

But to build anything requires money and folks to build, which is where the Jackson Hole Community Housing Trust comes in. Its what Clement referred to as a third-party-entity.

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The nonprofit fundraises for and then develops deed-restricted, affordable housing. Once completed, it then owns and manages the properties.

In its own words, the trusts vision is to end the housing crisis in our community, with an intent on conserving community in Teton County by developing essential, affordable housing, that is for community members who contribute to our quality of life.

As for how the federal government might allow such a private entity to develop and manage federal lands, that is a good question. Ultimately, the partnering entities needed permission.

The local branch of the Forest Service received a one-time special-use permit, allowing the forest supervisor to authorize the Jackson Hole Community Housing Trust to construct, renovate, and manage employee housing on existing National Forest System lands on the Bridger-Teton National Forest.

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With that 30-year permit in hand, the project could move forward. Now, the housing trust is the entity raising the bulk of the more than $22 million required for the build. Once its finished and the units have been allocated, the nonprofit will then manage the properties  and collect the rent.

Who would live in the housing?

The housing trusts most recent proposal is for 14 buildings to be built on a 7.5 acre parcel. There will be 36 individual units  both one and two-bedrooms  that are connected as either duplexes or triplexes. The whole property will be able to house up to 70 people.

For the money it is investing, the town of Jackson will receive the right to rent those six units. Even after the special-use permit lapses, the town will retain the right to six units.

For offering the use of the administrative public lands, the Forest Service will retain the use of 13 units.

As for the remaining 17, there are ongoing conversations about how those units will be allocated. But, since the trust is paying for the development and managing the properties, it will likely retain some of the units for its own applicants.

Some have expressed concerns about the nonprofit being allowed to have any of the units, but Jorgensen, who is adamant that Forest Service employees live in the communities they serve, is not concerned.

The community needs a wide variety of members to function, he said. If there may be a handful of more random housing or community members, so be it.

Why is someone suing over it?

Clement has two major legal issues with how the Nelson Drive project is proceeding. First and foremost is one that is familiar to most of those who argued against public land sales last year: that affordable housing development is not the intended use of public lands.

The system thats set up by Congress is that the public has the right to recreate and enjoy public lands unless the use of those lands is mandated for other purposes, Clement said.

In this instance, transferring the land to a third-party entity for general housing is not mandated or permitted under the regulations.

Not only that, by transferring its management to a nongovernmental agency opens up the doors for less altruistic versions of this series of events to transpire. Clement said he is worried about the precedent.

But the other legal issue is procedural  how the Forest Service and the town are conducting the process.

Not only is the use improper or unlawful, in my opinion, under the Code of Federal Regulations, Clement said, but the procedure is appalling. 

Over the years, Clement said, the size and scope of the Nelson Drive proposals has grown considerably. When it was first introduced in 2009, an environmental review was conducted that allowed for 10 buildings. A few more were added two years later. By last year, without conducting any additional assessments, the number of units is now 36 in 14 buildings.

Just because it may be a good idea for some to use public lands for affordable housing, owned, controlled, operated by a third-party entity, that is not a permitted use, he said. Plain and simple.

The lawsuit is still pending, and though Clement asked for one, a preliminary injunction has not yet been granted.

Theres another reason this is necessary

Jorgensen, Jacksons mayor, had another point that he wanted to make before discussing the specifics of the Nelson Drive project. One that he said was more foundational than any current political schism.

In the past, the local branch of the National Forest Service, Bridger-Teton, was forced to sell lands to raise sufficient funds to build an administrative building. It simply did not have enough budget to meet its needs.

Jorgensen sees such requirements as the federal government  which has been cutting staff and budgets for federal agencies since last January  shirking its responsibilities.

The federal government is failing the stewardship responsibility that they have, so I just need to start with that. The Bridger-Teton (National Forest) should be funded sufficiently, Jorgensen said. The fact that theyre not, which I think is political malpractice, doesnt mean that then we just hold up our hand and say we dont do anything.

For him, the discussion and effort to build affordable housing for federal employees  and, in Jacksons current plan, other low-income people in need  would not be happening in a more ideal world. Each would have its own appropriate funding but, Jorgensen said thats not the world we live in.
What would an "anytime, anywhere" nuclear inspections regime look like?

The majority view among Israeli and US officials is still that US President Donald Trump will end up attacking Iran.

But if he chooses not to, it seems the general formula being floated to reach a deal is: unprecedented nuclear inspections in place of a zero enriched uranium requirement.

In other words, Israel wants the nuclear program scrapped entirely, of which zero uranium enrichment is just one major component, as well as limiting the Islamic Republic's ballistic missile program and its support for terror proxies like Hezbollah, the Houthis, and Hamas.

An Iranian missile system is displayed next to a banner with a picture of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during Iranian Defence Week, in a street in Tehran, Iran, September 25, 2025. (credit: MAJID ASGARIPOUR/WANA)

Yet Trump may decide to forego an attack if he can secure a new nuclear deal, which he believes he can present to the world as monumentally better than the 2015 Obama nuclear deal.

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To date, Washington and Tehran have been floating the idea of some extended period of zero or close to zero uranium enrichment in Iranian territory. So enriched uranium would be lower than it has been in decades, even if not gone.

This complex formula would then be coupled with a consortium that would provide solely civilian use enriched uranium to Iran, while preserving the country's "right" to enrich, offset by the most aggressive IAEA nuclear inspection regime ever.

The problems of a potential deal

Israel opposes such a deal and might still need to later strike Irans ballistic missiles program on its own if that issue is unresolved and gets out of hand. However, if Jerusalem gets stuck having to swallow such an agreement for now, what kinds of inspections would be necessary to offset Trumps concession to Iran that it would not need to stay at zero enrichment forever?

It seems that the starting point would be that, immediately upon the signing of any such deal, Iran would finally need to provide a fully accurate and complete declaration of its current and past nuclear sites, activities, materials, and equipment.

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Until now, the ayatollahs have toyed with the IAEA. They have provided at most a partial window into their nuclear activities. Further, they usually have not mentioned any undeclared nuclear sites until the Mossad, the CIA, or some other Western intelligence agency has exposed them.

The above declaration would serve as the baseline for conducting an accounting and audit of all of the Islamic Republics nuclear operations. It would also finally home in on where certain undeclared nuclear materials were hidden or destroyed.

Another critical element could be ratification and permanent adherence to the strictest interpretation of the IAEAs Additional Protocol, including implementing standard safeguards obligation Modified Code 3.1 and UNSCR 1929.

The Additional Protocol and UNSCR 1929 provide for short-notice IAEA inspections of sites that could be connected to undeclared nuclear activities.

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The idea would be that the IAEA would finally have anytime, anywhere immediate snap inspection access within Iran. This would apply whether to a civilian or military site, so that the IAEA could follow up on leads before the regime might be able to cover up or move any signs of nuclear violations.

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)

Under the 2015 deal, Obama administration officials correctly stated that the IAEA inspection regime was extraordinary in its breadth and depth.

However, the IAEA still never had the ability to go anywhere it wanted at any time, and, paradoxically, was especially often kept away from military sites.

The most glaring example of this came when Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu outed the Turquzabad nuclear site in September 2018. The ayatollahs only allowed the IAEA to inspect the site around eight months later, after burning and moving large aspects of the nuclear violations.

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Anytime, anywhere access would also apply to documents and to nuclear scientists and officials, whom Iran has generally tried to keep away from IAEA officials (though Israel has successfully assassinated many of them over the years).

In addition, the Additional Protocol would obligate the regime to report information relating to its nuclear imports and exports.

Under the 2015 nuclear deal and UNSCR 2231, Iran was obligated to submit requests for approval of any new nuclear or dual-use procurements through a channel supervised by the IAEA, the US, and other parties to the deal. But the channels standards were not fully enforced.

Now, there would need to be clear and automatic mitigation and punitive measures to ensure enforcement of the channels limits.

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Modified Code 3.1 would require the Islamic Republic to provide early notification and design information to the IAEA regarding the construction of new nuclear facilities as soon as the decision to construct is made, well before actual construction.

Iranian violations of the previous deal

Iran has persistently violated this code.

On top of all this, the US and, potentially, other allies would need some kind of additional tactical oversight of the IAEA. The IAEA itself is culturally and politically often too moderate and diplomatic to keep up with Irans aggressive and rapid cover-up culture. The oversight would make sure that the ayatollahs would not be running circles around the inspectors.

Finally, a committee of the US and potentially other allies would also need to supervise the strategic enforcement of all nuclear limits that any future deal would impose on Iranian enrichment, the development of centrifuges and long-range aerial launch technologies, and the manufacturing of other dual-use items.

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Enforcement would need to be highly specific and defined, both for immediately eliminating aspects of the nuclear program and for supervising those aspects that would be allowed to continue.

The IAEA would need to ensure the destruction or comprehensive oversight of all components, equipment, computer programs and models, and military or civilian research, while all weapons designs would need to be destroyed.

Any deal would need quick mitigation and punitive measures that would automatically take effect even for small, seemingly unintentional violations. This would ensure that Iran could not draw out a weeks- or months-long debate about whether a nuclear violation was a mistake that should be ignored.

This enforcement issue came into play in a major way in February 2023. At the time, IAEA inspectors accidentally stumbled onto a spot where Iran had enriched some of its 60% uranium up to 84%, essentially weaponizing it, given that 90% is the standard weaponization level.

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Instead of Tehran facing major consequences for this violation, the regime downplayed it as an accident and then kicked out of the country several of the IAEA inspectors who made the discovery.

Even after all of the above new aggressive standards, Israel would still far prefer a deal with zero enrichment and other features to a deal trying to offset allowing some low-level enrichment by virtue of much stronger nuclear inspections.

But if such a deal had all of the above elements, and just as importantly, if an aspect of the potential punitive measures involved independent military action by either the US or Israel against certain new Iranian nuclear violations, Jerusalem would find it an easier pill to swallow.
President Donald Trump will deliver the first State of the Union address of his second term this week.

The State of the Union is when the president outlines how the country is doing and what Congress should focus on next, and Trump will give his speech before a joint session of Congress.

According to USA TODAY, 12 lawmakers have announced they will skip the State of the Union to hold a rally on the National Mall called the "People's State of the Union."

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As Trump prepares to address the nation, public opinion of him keeps changing as he continues to make polarizing moves, with his latest being to reinstate tariffs after the Supreme Court struck them down.

Here is what to know about the president's approval ratings ahead of his State of the Union.

When is the State of the Union address?

President Donald Trump is scheduled to deliver his State of the Union address at 9 p.m. ET, 8 p.m. CT, Feb. 24.

When is Trump's State of the Union? How to watch in Tennessee

What is Trump's approval rating in Tennessee?

Civiqs polls, last updated Feb. 21, 2026, show Trumps net approval in Tennessee is 11%. The net approval rating is the difference between approval and disapproval ratings. Right now, 57% of Tennessee residents approve of his performance, 39% disapprove, and 4% are neutral.

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Trump's net approval in Tennessee began at 26% when he took office and declined to 11% by late 2025, where it has remained. During his first term, he started with a 17% net rating and ended with an 11% rating.

These polling numbers were also broken down by age, education, gender, race and party.

Age: Residents between 1834 were the most unfavorable of Trump at 54%, while those 65 and older were the most favorable at 65%.

Education: Approval of Trumps job performance is seen among 50% of college graduates and 54% of non-college graduates, while 55% of postgraduates disapprove.

Gender: Men and women are split slightly on Trump, with 49% of women disapproving and 62% of men having a positive outlook on the president.

Party: Among political parties, Democrats and independents both disapprove of the president, at rates of 97% and 51%, respectively. Unsurprisingly, 89% of Republicans in the state approve of Trump's performance.

Race: Results by race show that voters of color have a predominantly negative view of Trump. Among Black voters, 88% disapprove, while 32% of Hispanic/Latino voters do. In contrast, Trump has a 61% approval rating among white voters and 50% among those identified as "Other."

What is Trump's national approval rating?

Averages calculated by the New York Times and RealClearPolitics aggregators show Trump's approval rating has been net negative since the spring of his first year back in office. From April to November, it remained relatively stable, then dropped suddenly, rebounded slightly in December, and dropped again through the turn of the new year.

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RealClearPolitics graphics show 43% approve of Trump's job performance and 55.2% disapprove as of Feb. 22. The lowest term approval rating was 42% on Feb. 17, and it was also his worst net approval rating at -13.5 percentage points.

The New York Times aggregator shows 40% approve of Trump's job performance as of Feb. 23. It is the lowest approval rating for Trump per the Times, which he first reached on Feb 12. His disapproval is also at 56%, the highest this term, a level he first reached on Nov. 19.

USA TODAY contributed to this report.

Jordan Green covers trending news for The Commercial Appeal. She can be reached at jordan.green@commercialappeal.com.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: For State of the Union address, how Tennessee voters feel about Trump
Major U.S. airlines canceled Sunday flights to parts of western Mexico following the killing of Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) leader Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, known as El Mencho.

As previously reported by The Dallas Express, Mexican military forces killed Oseguera Cervantes during an operation in Tapalpa, Jalisco. The operation triggered roadblocks, vehicle burnings, and security alerts across multiple states.

United, Southwest, American Cancel Sunday Flights

United Airlines confirmed it canceled all Sunday flights to Puerto Vallarta (PVR) and Guadalajara (GDL).

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Southwest Airlines canceled flights arriving to and departing from Puerto Vallarta.

American Airlines canceled its remaining Sunday flights to Puerto Vallarta, Guadalajara, and Mazatlan.

As of Sunday evening, airlines had not announced cancellations extending beyond that day.

Travel Alerts And Waivers Issued

United Airlines said it placed travel waivers in effect for impacted passengers and encouraged customers to check flight status updates online or through its mobile app.

Southwest said it would provide assistance to customers affected by the cancellations.

American Airlines issued a travel alert for flights to, through, and from Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara. The airline said affected passengers may rebook without change fees.

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Air Canada also suspended operations at Puerto Vallarta International Airport earlier Sunday, citing an ongoing security situation.

U.S. Issues Shelter-In-Place Advisory

The U.S. Mission to Mexico issued a security alert advising American citizens in Jalisco, Tamaulipas, parts of Michoacan, Guerrero, and Nuevo Leon to shelter in place until further notice.

The alert followed reports of cartel members setting vehicles on fire and blocking highways after the military operation.

Officials have not announced when normal air travel operations will resume.
Recent statistics show that, per capita, Alabamas Black Belt region has some of the highest rates of children in foster care in the state.

Nearly 6,000 children in Alabama were in foster care as of Feb. 6, according to data obtained from the states Department of Human Resources.

Jefferson County had the highest number of children in foster care at 591 kids, followed by Mobile County with 573 kids.

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[Cant see the map? Click here.]

These were the top five counties with the highest rates of children in foster care, based on their populations.

Hale County: 48 per 10,000 residents. Conecuh County: 34 per 10,000 residents. Perry County: 32 per 10,000 residents. Cleburne County: 28 per 10,000 residents. Greene County: 28 per 10,000 residents.

And three of those top five counties  Hale, Perry and Greene  are located in the Black Belt, Alabamas poorest and most rural region.

Nationwide studies show that impoverished communities see higher rates of foster care, with children of color disproportionately impacted.

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In 2021, children primarily entered foster care in the state due to child behavior problems, according to a report from the Annie E. Casey Foundation.

While it is unclear whether that is still true in 2026, a recent study from a University of Georgia researcher found that neighborhood poverty can impact a childs behavior negatively causing misbehavior and lower educational outcomes.

This study highlights the persistent challenges faced by children born into poverty and underscores the critical need for social work interventions to support these marginalized children, the report said.

Poverty also leads to child neglect in some circumstances as children are taken from families that cannot provide their basic needs.

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In Alabama, neglect is defined in state law as negligent treatment or maltreatment of a child, including, but not limited to, the failure to provide adequate food, clothing, shelter, education, medical treatment or supervision.

Advocates have called for better policies to address some of the root causes that may lead to child placement, including poverty.

Across the country, some states have changed definitions of neglect to include language that specifies that impoverished conditions do not inherently constitute neglect.

Meanwhile, these counties reported the lowest rates of children in foster care:

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Monroe County: 1 per 10,000 residents. Pickens County: 4 per 10,000 residents. Butler County: 4 per 10,000 residents. Sumter County: 4 per 10,000 residents. Shelby County: 4 per 10,000 residents

Monroe County only had one child in foster care followed by Sumter County with five children.

Read the original article on al.com.
NEED TO KNOW

An Alaska Airlines flight made an emergency landing after a passengers phone and battery pack caught fire mid-air

Three people were evaluated by emergency personnel and one person was transported to the hospital for further treatment, an airport spokesperson tells PEOPLE

Lithium battery incidents on planes are rising, with 95 reported in 2025, according to the FAA

An Alaska Airlines plane was forced to make an emergency landing on Sunday after a passengers phone and battery pack caught fire inside the cabin.

The incident occurred on Sunday, Feb. 22, on Alaska Airlines flight 2117 operated by regional airline Horizon Air. The plane, an Embraer 175 jet, was departing the Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (ICT) toward the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport in Washington state, according to FlightAware.

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Leana Stickler, one of the passengers on board, tells local outlet KAKE that a woman was using a lithium-ion battery pack to charge her phone when the fire ignited.

A grounded Alaska Airlines plane Jay L. Clendenin/Getty

I was right next to her, and it was just sitting in her lap, not being played with, not being touched, and it exploded, Stickler says.



She describes the flame as about a foot tall, and it burned the womans arms and legs before she tossed it into the aisle.

Somebody threw a towel on it, and I hit it with my shoe, she adds.

Tracy Soom, another passenger, says the plane had only been in the air for 15 minutes when the fire broke out.



The flight attendants came running back with a fire extinguisher and put it out, Soom says. The smoke was so bad I couldnt breathe.

The Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport Jamie Squire/Getty

In a statement shared with PEOPLE, a spokesperson for the Wichita Airport Authority confirmed a passengers external battery caught fire mid-flight.

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The aircraft landed safely at ICT, where Airport Emergency Response & Operations (AERO) personnel evaluated three individuals and transported one of them to a local hospital for further treatment, the statement says.

Alaska Airlines confirmed to PEOPLE that the passenger who experienced the overheating issue with her devices received medical attention at the gate. They added that the phone and power bank were placed into a containment bag while the aircraft was preparing to land.

Our guests arrived in Seattle on a later flight, the Alaska representative says. We appreciated their patience.

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.

In 2025, there were 95 verified lithium battery incidents mid-air involving smoke, fire or extreme heat, according to data collected by the Federal Aviation Administration. That is an increase from 89 incidents the previous year. As of Feb. 15, there have been five verified incidents in 2026.

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The department reports that all lithium ion batteries  including cell phone and laptop batteries, portable chargers and more  are capable of undergoing a process called thermal runaway. This can occur without warning as a result of damage, overheating, exposure to water, overcharging, being improperly packed, or even manufacturer defects. As a result, all spare (uninstalled) lithium ion batteries must be stored in travelers carry-on bags.

Read the original article on People




ALBANY - Police arrested a 12-year-old student Sunday who they say threatened gun violence at Stephen and Harriet Myers Middle School on a digital messaging platform, according to an Albany police news release.

Authorities were notified Saturday around 6 p.m. about the alleged threat "to shoot up Stephen and Harriet Myers Middle School on Monday, February 23, 2026," the news release stated.

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An investigation by Albany police determined the identity of the student who sent the alleged threat on Shapchat.

The student, whose name will not be released because of their age, has been charged with making a threat of mass harm, a misdemeanor. The student was given an appearance ticket and will appear in Albany County Probation Services on Monday morning, police stated.

Police said they have been in close communication with the Albany school district about the incident and said there are no additional threats to the safety of students or school staff at this time.

This article originally published at Albany police arrest student, 12, who they say threatened school on Snapchat.
NEED TO KNOW

Jessica Himmer and other members of the Onalaska Hilltopper Rotary Club are sheltering in place in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Himmer, a real estate agent, came to Mexico last week to hand out 300 water filters to local families in the Mexican resort town

On Sunday, Feb. 22, violence erupted in the city after a Mexican military operation killed Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, otherwise known as "El Mencho," a longtime leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel

Jessica Himmer flew to Puerto Vallarta last week as part of a volunteer project with her Wisconsin Rotary Club to hand out 300 water filters to local families in the Mexican resort town.

On Saturday was our rotary club's water filter project, says Himmer, a 42-year-old real estate agent. We all got together for that and we're with the locals and did our project and had a beautiful day. And then Sunday is when things changed.

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On Sunday, Feb. 22, violence erupted in the city after a Mexican military operation killed Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, otherwise known as "El Mencho," a longtime leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, one of the most powerful and feared criminal organizations in Mexico.

Twenty-five members of Mexicos National Guard were killed during attacks in Jalisco, according to CNN. Widespread unrest has since erupted across Mexico, including in tourist destinations such as Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta.

An aerial photograph shows plumes of smoke rising after violent reactions to the killing of Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, known as El Mencho, leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, 22 February 2026 Gerardo Santillan/EPA/Shutterstock

The unrest prompted the U.S. State Department to inform American nationals to stay indoors and shelter in place while some, like Himmer, have had their flights to the U.S. suspended by their airlines.

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.

Himmer was scheduled to fly from Puerto Vallarta to Minneapolis at 3 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 23 but was informed by her airline last night that her flight was canceled.

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"It's a little unsettling, Himmer tells PEOPLE. I think the hardest part is just kind of the unknown right now. Yesterday was a little crazy. There's a lot of haze in the air and nobody knows exactly when everything will be reopened, so that's just more of the frustrating part is the unknown.

Himmer says she was on a whale watching trip when she saw the signs of unrest.

An aerial photograph shows plumes of smoke after violent reactions to the killing of Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, known as El Mencho, leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico STR/EPA/Shutterstock

When I was out on the whale watching tour is when all the violence broke out so I could see it from the boat," she says. "There was a lot of smoke. And initially there was one big pile of smoke, and our tour guide had heard there was a car fire. And then you could start seeing more areas of smoke happening in several different locations."

She started getting messages from other members of the Onalaska Hilltopper Rotary Club. "They were staying downtown and saying that things were in lockdown and that the cartel was starting fires," she says. "And by the time we got back in everything was shut down.

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The tour guides told her because of the roads being blocked she couldnt return to her hotel in downtown Puerto Vallarta where other Rotary members were staying.

Luckily, she has family staying in a condo at a local marina and was dropped off there.

Today, she says it's very, very quiet. People are just staying where they need to stay. We can see out and the streets are empty, but we're starting to see a few cars come out here lately."

"It's pretty wild times," she says.

She heard that one of the main roads will be opening up today and she is hopeful she can return to her hotel to pick up her luggage.

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"We're just playing it safe for now and monitoring and talking to more people before we just venture out," she says.

Himmer says she was able to rebook her flight for Friday. That's as soonest I could get out, but they're not sure if the airport will be open by then or not," she says. "It kind of sounds like it's a day-by-day kind of thing."

Read the original article on People
Multiple Muslim-majority nations criticized U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee for suggesting that Israel could claim the entire Middle East during an interview with conservative commentator Tucker Carlson.

In a joint statement, the foreign affairs ministries of Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Pakistan, Bahrain, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Kuwait, Lebanon and Egypt called Huckabees remarks dangerous and inflammatory and said they 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.

During his conservation with Carlson, which the conservative commentator released on Friday, Huckabee said the land from the river of Egypt until the great river, the Euphrates belonged to Israel according to the Bible. Carlson responded that is basically the entire Middle East.

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So, God gave that land to his people, the Jews, or he didnt, Carlson later said. Youre saying he did. What does that mean? Does Israel have the right to that land? Because youre appealing to Genesis. Youre saying thats the original deed?

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

I think youre missing something because theyre 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, the ambassador later said of Israel.

The Hill has reached out to the White House and State Department for comment on Huckabees comments.

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The foreign ministries, who were joined by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the League of Arab States and the Gulf Cooperation Council, said Huckabees statements directly contradict the vision put forward by U.S. President Donald J. Trump, as well as the Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict, which are based on containing escalation and creating a political horizon for a comprehensive settlement that ensures the Palestinian people have their own independent state.

Earlier this week, Trump hosted the first meeting of the Board of Peace, a coalition of countries leading the reconstruction of Gaza  which has been decimated by the Israeli military in the wake of Hamas attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023.

The statement also said that Israel has no sovereignty whatsoever over the Occupied Palestinian Territory or any other occupied Arab lands and rejected any attempts to annex the West Bank or separate it from the Gaza Strip, the expansion of settlements in Palestinian territory and any threats to the sovereignty of Arab states.

The countries also called for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state along of the lines of June 4, 1967, just before the Six-Day War that ended with Israel taking control of Gaza, the West Bank and the Golan Heights.

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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 The Hill.
The Brief

Arizonans are sheltering in place across Mexico as widespread cartel violence erupted following a military operation that reportedly killed "El Mencho," the leader of the CJNG.

Travel is severely disrupted, with multiple flights to Mexico canceled, suspended, or diverted back to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport as major cities like Guadalajara face road blockages and fires.

U.S. officials have issued urgent travel restrictions and are advising citizens to enroll in the STEP program.

A day of extreme violence in Mexico has left American tourists, including several Arizonans, sheltering in place as the U.S. Department of State issued urgent new travel restrictions following a major military operation.

What we know

The chaos erupted on Feb. 22 after a military operation in Tapalpa, Jalisco, led to the death of Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, the notorious leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) known as "El Mencho." The death of the cartel leader triggered immediate retaliation, with reports of widespread car fires, road blockages, and clashes between cartel members and security forces.

What they're saying

Celida Ponce, of Maricopa, described the scene in Guadalajara as a war zone.

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"Devastated. Scared. We dont know if were going to make it out of here," Ponce said. "Its just like a war. Oh my god. The attacks were horrible."

Ponce remains at her hotel in Guadalajara, waiting for her scheduled flight Monday morning.

Dig deeper

In Puerto Vallarta, tourists reported a sudden shift in the city's atmosphere. Melissa Selvey, an Arizonan sheltering at her resort, shared photos of fires visible from her balcony and described an "eerie" feeling among the staff.

"The vibes changed really fast," she said. "Yesterday was a beautiful, wonderful Puerto Vallarta vacation day, and then today just feels very eerie, and very like vacant looks from the staff. Like asking them if their families are okay. You know, just trying to figure out how do we get out of here and are we safe here?"

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Selvey said resort staff sent her videos of burning cars in the streets and warned her not to leave the hotel.

"Multiple fires popping up from different directions and then seeing kind of the look on the staff and the unknowns from the people trying to catch a cab to the airport, you know, trying to sort through fact and fiction. And just a lot of unknown for today," Selvey said.

Mexico: Update - Due to ongoing security operations & related road blockages & criminal activity, U.S. citizens in a number of locations in Mexico are urged to shelter in place, as U.S. government staff in several locations are doing and will continue to do on Feb 23. While no pic.twitter.com/OxPzmcdFYT  TravelGov (@TravelGov) February 23, 2026

Local perspective

The violence has caused significant travel disruptions. Multiple flights to Mexico were canceled or suspended, and some were diverted back to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

"We're stranded right now, basically," said Roberto Silva, whose flight was turned back to Phoenix. Despite the inconvenience, Silva said he was grateful the flight was diverted before they landed in the middle of the unrest.

What you can do

Arizona leaders have begun offering resources to citizens caught in the chaos.

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Officials with the state department ask Arizonans attempting to leave Mexico to contact them by enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to stay connected with the U.S. Embassy or to call the numbers below.

Assistance Lines:

From Mexico: (55) 8526 2561

From the United States: +1-844-528-6611

U.S. Department of State  Consular Affairs:

+1-888-407-4747

+1-202-501-4444

The Source

This information was gathered from the U.S. Department of State, the office of Congressman Greg Stanton, and Arizona tourists in Mexico.
Sunday night into Monday morning, even colder air moves in than what was experienced over the weekend. A northerly wind could gust between 15 and 20 miles per hour overnight and into Monday morning, meaning a wind chill is likely.

Air temperatures in the teens and 20s by Monday morning are likely, but with the windchill, itll feel even colder.

Monday is a sunny day with calmer winds compared to Sunday. Highs will be a bit below normal for late February in Arkansas, in the upper 40s to low 50s. Some mid 50s are possible in southwest Arkansas on Monday afternoon.

Monday night into Tuesday morning is cold again. Lows will be in the 20s, feeling colder again with the windchill.

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But temperatures warm up quickly on Tuesday after the cold morning. Highs return to the upper 50s and low 60s with partly sunny skies. A warm, southwesterly wind will assist the warm-up, but itll also increase the wildfire danger. Dry air filters into Arkansas on Tuesday, too.

Wind gusts between 25 and 30 miles per hour are possible on Tuesday, with isolated gusts likely higher than that expected, too.

The entire state is now included in a high or moderate wildfire threat as the drought rolls onward.

Any day with windy conditions, dry air, and some warmth will mean conditions are ripe for any wildfire that sparks to spread rapidly from here until we receive enough rainfall to lift us out of the worsening drought.

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Relative humidity values, or the moisture content in the air, rise on Wednesday, and the risk of wildfire danger drops a bit. The next chance for rain moves in late Wednesday through Thursday. Overall rainfall totals will be light, with most models showing less than a quarter of an inch expected.

If dry air infiltrates this system in Arkansas, even less rain will fall. The Arkansas Storm Team will continue to monitor this system and provide updates throughout the next few days. For the latest, download the Arkansas Storm Team app.

Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK.
It was speed dating: Eight suitors with less than four minutes each, pitching the woo to thousands of Democratic Party faithful.

The race for California governor has been a low-boil, late-developing affair, noteworthy mostly for its lack of a whole lot that has been noteworthy.

That changed a bit on a sunny Saturday in San Francisco, the contest assuming a smidgen of campaign heat  chanting crowds, sign-waving supporters, call-and-response from the audience  as the state party held its annual convention in this bluest of cities.

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Delegates had the chance to officially endorse a party favorite, providing a major lift in a contest with the distinct lack of any obvious front-runner. But with an overstuffed field of nine major Democratic contenders  San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan was said to have entered the contest too late for consideration  the vote proved to be a mere formality.

No candidate came remotely close to winning the required 60% support.

That left the contestants, sans Mahan, to offer their best distillation of the whys and wherefore of their campaigns, in front of one of the most important and influential audiences they will face between now and the June 2 primary.

Read more: Commentary: Fix the potholes or fight the power? That's the choice facing California's next governor

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There was, unsurprisingly, a great deal of Trump-bashing and much talk of affordability, or rather, the excruciating lack of it in this priciest of states.

The candidates vied to establish their relatability, that most valuable of campaign currencies, by describing their own hardscrabble experiences.

Former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa  the first speaker, as drawn by lot  spoke of his upbringing in a home riven by alcoholism and domestic violence. State Supt. of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond described his childhood subsistence on food stamps, free school lunches and surplus government cheese.

Former state Controller Betty Yee told how she shared a bedroom with four siblings. Katie Porter, the single mom of three kids, said she knows what it's like to push a grocery cart and fuel her minivan and watch helplessly as prices go up and up" while dollars don't stretch far enough.

Michele Reed of Los Angeles cheers at the state Democratic Party convention. (Christina House/Los Angeles Times)

When it came to lambasting President Trump, the competition was equally fierce.

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His attacks on our schools, our healthcare and his politics of fear and bullying has to stop now, Villaraigosa said.

Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Dublin) called him "the worst president ever" and boasted of the anti-Trump battles he's fought in Congress and the courts. Xavier Becerra, a former California attorney general, spoke of his success suing the Trump administration.

Porter may have outdone them all, at least in the use of profanity and props, by holding up one of her famous whiteboards and urging the crowd to join her in a chant of its inscription: "F Trump."

"Together," the former Orange County congresswoman declared, "we're going to kick Trump's ass in November."

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Porter was also the most extravagant in her promises, pledging to deliver universal healthcare to California  a years-old Democratic ambition  free child care, zero tuition at the state's public universities and elimination of the state income tax for those earning less than $100,000.

Unstated was how, precisely, the cash-strapped state would pay for such a bounty.

Former Assemblyman Ian Calderon offered a more modest promise to provide free child care to families earning less than $100,000 annually and to break up Pacific Gas & Electric, California's largest utility, "and literally take California's power back." (Another improbability.)

Becerra, in short order, said he was "not running on inflated promises" but rather his record as a congressman, former attorney general and Health secretary in President Biden's Cabinet.

Rachel Pickering, right, vice chair of the San Luis Obispo County Democratic Party, stands with others wearing pins supporting Democratic causes at the party's state convention. (Christina House/Los Angeles Times)

It was one of several jabs that could be heard if one listened closely enough. (No candidate called out any other by name.)

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"You're not going to vote for a Democrat who voted for the border wall, are you?" Thurmond demanded, a jab at Porter, who supported a major funding bill that included money for Trump's pet project.

"You're not going to vote for a Democrat who praises ICE, are you?" Thurmond asked, a poke at Swalwell, who thanked the agency for its work last year in a case of domestic terrorism.

"You're not going to vote for a Democrat who made money off ICE detention centers," Thurmond went on, targeting Tom Steyer and his former investment firm, which had holdings in the private prison industry.

Yee seemed to take aim at Mahan and his rich Silicon Valley backers, suggesting grassroots Democrats "will not be pushed aside by the billionaire boys club that wants to rule California."

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The barb was part of a full-on assault on the state's monied class, which includes Steyer, who made his fortune as a hedge fund manager.

Read more: Barabak: Unhappy with the choices for California governor? Get real

In a bit of billionaire jujitsu, he sought to turn the attack around by saying his vast wealth  which has allowed him to richly fund his political endeavors  made him immune to the blandishments of plutocrats and corporate interests.

"Here's the thing about big donors," Steyer said. "If you take their money, you have to take their calls. And I don't owe them a thing. In a world where politicians serve special interests, I can't be bought."

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There were no breakout moments Saturday. Nothing was said or done in the roughly 35 minutes the candidates devoted to themselves that seemed likely to change the dynamic or trajectory of a race that remains stubbornly ill-defined and, to an unprecedented degree in modern times, wide open.

And there was certainly no sign any of the gubernatorial candidates plan to give up, bowing to concerns their large number could divide the Democratic vote and allow a pair of Republicans to slip through and emerge from California's top-two primary.

But for at least a little while, within the confines of San Francisco's Moscone Center, there was a glimmer of a life in a contest that has been largely inert. That seemed a portent of more to come as the June primary inches ever closer.

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Focusing on politics out West, from the Golden Gate to the U.S. Capitol.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
In Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, plumes of black smoke could be seen rising as vehicles were set on fire on Sunday.

The unrest is in connection with the killing of the powerful leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, "El Mencho."

Flights are being canceled, and U.S. citizens are being told to stay put.

ABC7 Eyewitness News spoke with several Bay Area residents in Puerto Vallarta during the unrest.

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Producer Juan Carlos Guerrero and his wife were set to fly home around 5 p.m. Sunday. But when they woke up this morning, their flight was canceled, and the airport was shut down.

People have reported hearing sounds of explosions. Cars and businesses have gone up flames.

RELATED: Mexican army kills leader of powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel, 'El Mencho,' during operation

In the heart of Puerto Vallarta, heavy smoke could be seen billowing into the sky.

Jeanne Allen and her husband from Alameda spend three months of the year in their condo in the Zona Romantica part of Puerto Vallarta -- also known as Old Town.

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Sunday morning, they learned about all the unrest in one of Mexico's most popular tourist destinations.

"We looked out and we saw fires to the north and to the south," Allen said. "Everybody in the world has been emailing, texting me, calling me."

Fire destroyed an OXXO convenience store half a block away from her condo. Allen also lives about four blocks away from one of the many car fires set on Sunday.

MORE: Mexico detains brother of drug kingpin 'El Mencho'

The U.S. Embassy is telling Americans to shelter in place because of the unrest reportedly linked to a military operation targeting El Mencho.

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"The streets are empty. The beaches are empty. It's frightening. It really is," Allen said.

Guerrero said his trip took a surprising turn. He is in Puerto Vallarta to celebrate a friend's 60th birthday.

"Yeah, we got here on Thursday and everything was wonderful," Guerrero said. "We got to go whale watching. We did lots of beautiful things. And then we woke up to this, this morning on the day that we're supposed to fly out."

From his hotel, he could see billowing black smoke.

"We're about 10 miles south from Puerto Vallarta. We're a little more isolated. But you could see a lot of smoke rising from the area of downtown Puerto Vallarta," Guerrero said.

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Guerrero says they sheltered in place and then learned about the cartel activity.

"I followed news from Mexico City -- a lot from Mexico in general -- and there's been other times that they've captured the drug kingpins from Mexico. And that's, you know, led to a lot of violence and a lot of, precisely, of the car fires -- which are a way the car fires that they're using to block the roads, is basically to keep the military from getting into areas that the cartel doesn't want them to get into," Guerrero said.

Guerrero said he can't get a flight back until Friday. He's trying to get out earlier.

But they are a one-hour drive from the airport, and he says there's no telling what they could see along the way.

If you're on the ABC7 News app, click here to watch live
The BBC is facing backlash for editing out a section of its coverage of the British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs) in which prize-winning filmmaker Akinola Davies Jr says, Free Palestine, even while a racial slur remained audible in the same programme.

Davies Jr, who was awarded outstanding debut by a British writer, director or producer for his film My Fathers Shadow, ended his acceptance speech on Sunday with words of solidarity to those under occupation, dictatorship, persecution and those experiencing genocide.

To those watching at home, archive your loved ones, archive your stories yesterday, today and forever. For Nigeria, for London, Congo, Sudan, Free Palestine, he said.

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The remarks were absent when the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) aired the event on a two-hour delay, prompting accusations of censorship from some viewers and advocacy groups.

Rights group Amnesty Internationals United Kingdom chapter described the move to cut the speech as shameful.

Thank you Akinola Davies Jr for using your platform to speak out for the rights of migrants and people facing and fleeing from persecution and mass atrocities  from the Congo to Sudan to Palestine, said Amnesty UK.

My Father's Shadow takes home the win for Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director, or Producer#EEBAFTAs pic.twitter.com/WzmPHjYtrF  BAFTA (@BAFTA) February 22, 2026

The controversy was further amplified after a racial slur was heard during a separate segment of the broadcast. The offensive language was shouted by someone in the audience while Michael B Jordan and Delroy Lindo read out an award for best visual effects.

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The events host Alan Cumming had earlier informed the audience that one attendee was John Davidson, who advocates for people with Tourette syndrome, a motor disorder that sometimes causes quick repetitive movements or sounds, including inappropriate language.

The broadcaster apologised for not omitting the outburst when airing the event. It said it would remove it from the version of the broadcast available on its streaming service

Some viewers may have heard strong and offensive language during the Bafta Film Awards, said the BBC statement. This arose from involuntary verbal tics associated with Tourette syndrome, and as explained during the ceremony it was not intentional.

When contacted by Al Jazeera English, the broadcaster declined to comment further on its editorial decisions regarding the BAFTA Awards, including the removal of Akinola Davies Jrs Free Palestine remarks.

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The BBC has previously faced criticism for coverage related to Israel and Gaza.

In June last year, the BBC opted not to broadcast a documentary it commissioned about medical workers in Gaza due to what it described as partiality issues, a decision more than 100 of the broadcasters own journalists petitioned against.

The BBC was also previously accused of editing out pro-Palestinian displays during its coverage of the 2023 BAFTA Awards, including several appeals for a ceasefire in war-battered Gaza.




Ocean City officials are considering creating a new beach code enforcement task force this summer  a proposal that has already drawn mixed reactions from residents who question whether it would improve order or waste taxpayer money.

City Manager Terry McGean said the proposed nine-member group would enforce city ordinance infractions, including bans on beach tents and open alcoholic beverage containers. Criminal violations would continue to be handled by Ocean City Police.

We are in the planning stages to create a beach code enforcement group. These would be part time positions that would be responsible for enforcing the various beach regulations such as alcohol, tents, loud music, etc., McGean told The Baltimore Sun. Currently, we rely primarily on the life guards for that and we would rather they devote their attention to swimmer safety.

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McGean said the enforcement group would report to the Ocean City Beach Patrol, which falls under the Emergency Services Department. The team would cover the entire beach, from the inlet to the Delaware state line, and operate roughly from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

The basic idea is to take these beach code enforcement tasks off of the life guards, so they can concentrate on the safety of ocean swimmers, he said.

McGean said the next step a budget review this spring and there is no specific budget amount yet.

The Sun reached out to locals through the Everything Ocean City & Delmarva Facebook group, and reaction to the proposal was mixed. Some users called it a waste of taxpayer money, while others said more enforcement is needed because of unruly visitors and ignored local laws  particularly those who put up large tents on the beach.

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Paula Gray, an Ocean Pines resident, called the concept Unnecessary and I can see idea could be abused [really] quickly  let it go!

Mark Thomas, also of Ocean Pines, said the task force should remain separate from the Beach Patrol.

The Beach Patrol has enough to worry about [and] it should be separate, he said. Remember they closed the ocean on several waist-high days or less. The town didnt have faith in them then, why should they give them more to do? Water is dangerous.

Nancy Schindler, who lives in Dundalk, said she has never had issues.

Ive been on the beach every year for more than 35 years and have never heard loud music or my view blocked or seen drunk beach goers, she said.

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Chuck McMillen, a Salisbury resident, said he sees both sides.

If done right, a beach code enforcement group could help keep things safer and more family friendly, McMillen said. Ocean City thrives on tourism, and clear enforcement of alcohol rules, tent spacing, loud music, etc. could reduce conflicts and take some pressure off the police and Beach Patrol during peak season. Having dedicated staff focused just on beach regulations might create more consistency instead of reactive enforcement.

On the other hand, he cautioned that overregulation is a slippery slope.

Ocean Citys laid back beach vibe is part of what draws people here. If enforcement feels aggressive or excessive, it could hurt that atmosphere and frustrate visitors and locals alike, he said. It also raises questions about cost, training, and whether existing departments could handle this with better coordination instead of creating a new group.

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I think the key will be how its implemented, he added, calling for clear guidelines and reasonable enforcement.

Andrea Palmer, an Ocean City resident and ride share driver, said she supports additional enforcement. Palmer commented in a direct message to The Sun.

I said last year when they put the tent ban in place that they needed a team of mature individuals to patrol the beaches and inform people about rules and regulations as well as enforce them, she said. It needs to be individuals with a sense of compassion as well as persons with strong communication skills and an understanding of how to deescalate situations.

Palmer said social media is filled with people who become angry and defiant about the issue.

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People see themselves as people who follow rules and are considerate, but have selective memory about the rude and defiant beachgoers that come to OC every year. This is the reason we need folks with good people skills to navigate the beaches, she said.

Have a news tip? Contact Josh Davis at jdavis@baltsun.com or on X as @JoshDavis4Shore.
Shah Alam travelled from his home in Bangladesh to Pakistan for a brief visit nearly three decades ago, but flaring hostility between the two countries and financial woes left him stranded in the megacity of Karachi.

Now the 60-year-old, who makes a modest living selling dried seafood, is determined to return to his birthplace, having already missed the deaths of his parents and first wife in Bangladesh.

Direct flights between Pakistan and Bangladesh -- one nation until 1971 -- finally resumed last month after a 14-year pause, reflecting a warming of once-frosty ties since a Bangladeshi student-led uprising ushered in new leadership in 2024.

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Shah Alam has already started planning his trip to be reunited with remaining family.

"I will go," he told AFP with teary eyes.

"I am facing some financial issues but will certainly go with my son after Eid al-Adha," referring to the Muslim holiday expected in late May.

Shah Alam, who married again in Pakistan, still owns agricultural land and his family home in Bangladesh.

"Everything is there. I was stuck here," he told AFP in Karachi, near the well-known Bengali market where he peddles desiccated fish and prawns to make ends meet for $7 to $9 per day.

"I wanted to go back, but there was no way. The relationship (between Pakistan and Bangladesh) was not good. I had no money as well to go back home."

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"Now, I want to see my elder brother and my married daughter who live in Bangladesh."

- Bitter civil war -

Bangladesh and Pakistan, which are geographically divided by about 1,500 kilometres (930 miles) of Indian territory, split after a bitter war in 1971.

Hundreds of thousands were killed in the conflict -- Bangladeshi estimates say millions - and Pakistan's military was accused of widespread atrocities.

There are estimated to be over a million ethnic Bengalis now living in Pakistan, many of whom arrived during the war, after which East Pakistan declared independence and became Bangladesh.

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The vast majority of Bangladesh's population of 170 million people identify as belonging to the ethnic and linguistic group, and tens of millions more Bengalis live across South Asia, mostly in neighbouring India.

Bengalis have long complained that Pakistan, where they are a small minority, has never accepted them as citizens and that they lack access to education, business opportunities and the property market.

Hussain Ahmed, 20, whose family lives in Machhar Colony, one of Karachi's largest slum areas where most of the population is comprised of Bengalis, does not have Pakistani nationality or an identity card.

"How can I go (to Bangladesh)? I want to go there," the fish factory worker told AFP. "Even my father doesn't have an identity card. How can I get it then?"

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Karachi has several Bengali neighbourhoods, mainly slums, which residents say have housed Bengalis since before East Pakistan became Bangladesh.

Most Bengalis rarely venture outside their home areas owing to fear of being interrogated by law enforcement agencies to prove their "identities" as Pakistani citizens.

"I am a Pakistani, but I don't have my identity card," another 22-year-old Bengali, Ahmed, told AFP.

Ahmed says he has the required documents, but cannot prove that his family was living in what is now Pakistan before 1971.

"They declare me a Bangladeshi, but I am a Pakistani," he said.

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Like many others, Ahmed's relatives live in Bangladesh, but he and his family have never had the chance to see them as they remain stateless.

"We have our relatives there, but the (Pakistan) government doesn't recognise us."

- 'Cordial relationship' -

Last August, Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar visited Dhaka and met with Bangladesh's Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus in the first Pakistani government visit to Dhaka since 2012, with Islamabad calling it a "significant milestone".

Yunus vowed to warm strained ties with Islamabad after he took the helm of Bangladesh's government in a temporary capacity following the 2024 overthrow of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina who fled to her long-time ally India -- Pakistan's arch-rival.

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The diplomatic thaw is widely expected to continue under Bangladesh's newly elected Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, who took office this month.

Local politician Muhammad Rafiqul Hussain, who was born in Karachi, told AFP that Bengalis like him live across Pakistan and contribute to the economy like other Pakistanis.

He is one of the seven elected leaders from the Bengali community in Karachi's municipal government.

"This is our fourth generation in Pakistan," he said, adding there are more than 106 Bengali neighbourhoods in Karachi, Pakistan's largest city which is known as a multicultural melting pot.

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For Hussain, the "cordial relationship" between Pakistan and Bangladesh has made a big difference for Pakistani Bengalis.

"Everyone is happy. It will boost both countries' economies. It will encourage brotherhood like we had in the past."

However, community activist and lawyer Hafiz Zainulabdin Shah said Bengalis living in Pakistan have lost some of their identity by adopting local languages.

"Bengalis who live in Karachi mostly speak Urdu," he said, adding: "We don't have our own culture now".

But despite Pakistan-based Bengalis living "with a sense of deprivation", Shah said "they feel content with the newly developed relationship between the two countries".

"It should continue forever," he said.

sma/je/ceg
Missouri Senators raised privacy concerns Monday during a hearing on a bill that would put personal information about every registered voter on a state website.

Under the legislation proposed by state Sen. Jill Carter, a Republican from Granby, the secretary of states office would be required to publish the full list of approximately 4.5 million registered voters on the office website. The list would have to include the voters name, address and date of birth along with a voter identification number, the township or ward where they reside and the precinct where they are assigned to vote.

This seems like a lot of personal information that is going out there, state Sen. Maggie Nurrenbern, a Democrat from Kansas City, said during a hearing of the Senate Local Government, Elections and Pensions Committee. I have very serious privacy concerns about that being on a website.

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Voter registration lists are public records and the statewide list can be obtained with a Sunshine Law request and a nominal payment, Carter said during testimony to the committee. Making the entire voting list public, she said, just helps the administrators and those poll watchers be able to ensure that the poll data is just timely before the election cycle.

Carters office clarified that the intent of the bill was to ensure the most up-to-date information was provided to election judges and poll watchers on Election Day. Posting the material online was the result of a drafting error, and Carter said she would revamp the language of the bill before the committee takes a vote.

I can go to my clerks and get a lot of that information, but in regards to a website, let me follow up and make sure of that, she said.

Along with the provision to put voter lists online, the bill would extend a fee collected by the secretary of states office, require election tallies to be reported with separate totals for Election Day voting and absentee ballots and direct the office to assign a unique identifier for every voting district in the state.

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Even though voter registration lists are public records, along with information about participation in particular elections, it is not generally available online.

The secretary of states website maintains a page where individuals can check voter registration but no individuals information can be accessed without the exact name used for registration, as well as their birthdate and county of residence. In some instances, the user must also supply an exact street address.

State Sen. Sandy Crawford, a Republican from Buffalo, said she was worried that the information required in the bill would reveal personal information and how individuals actually voted in some smaller locations.

Along with the website list of voters, local election authorities would be required to report election results at the precinct and township levels, showing the vote on election day and the results from absentee ballots in separate tallies.

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Some townships, Crawford said, have 50 or fewer registered voters.

It seems like a lot of identifiable information, right when we have so many concerns about fraud and everything else, she said.

Secretary of State Denny Hoskins supports the bill because it would extend a fee on business registrations that supports the offices technology fund, said Amanda Bell, the offices lobbyist. The $5 fee, first established in 1994, funds the offices cybersecurity efforts and pays for computer upgrades for business and election systems, she said. The fee expires at the end of the year and the bill would extend the sunset for four years.

There was no discussion of the provision putting the secretary of states office in charge of assigning voting district designations. That is currently a local responsibility and has become an issue in one of the cases challenging the gerrymandered congressional district map passed last year by Republicans.

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A trial was held in the case last week but no ruling has been issued.

Under questioning from the committee, Bell said only individual voter information was accessible online. It is available on request, she said.

Youre not just going to go out there and get a whole list of everybody in the state, Bell said. Thats how it currently is.

Senate Minority Leader Doug Beck, a Democrat from Affton, asked whether there was a need to publish the full voter list with birthdates and addresses.

You can go check out your own, Beck noted. Why do we need this to be written down here?

Bell said she did not know.

I did not, she said, request that portion of the bill.
A bill that would require Colorado State University to honor local sign and noise ordinances will get a hearing this week at the Colorado Capitol.

The legislation was sparked by the university's decision to install three electronic billboards and five smaller electronic signs on its property even though a Fort Collins ordinance prohibits them.

All but one sign is visible off campus, though they are all on CSU property, which isn't subject to city ordinances because it's on state-owned land.

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Senate Bill 26-038, sponsored by Fort Collins lawmakers Sen. Cathy Kipp and Rep. Yara Zokaie, would require CSU to abide by any city codes related to signs and noise, as long as the signs are visible off campus and the noise can be heard off campus.

How to watch the hearing

A hearing before the Senate Local Government & Housing committee is set for 1:30 p.m. Feb. 26.

The hearing will be broadcast live and can be accessed via the Colorado General Assembly's website.

Where are the electronic billboards and signs located?

In 2025, CSU revealed it would be installing 12 electronic signs on its property. Eight of them were planned in places that would be visible from off campus: three billboards and five smaller electronic signs.

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Tiana Kennedy, CSU's associate vice president for communications, said the signs are part of a plan to enhance campus communication and generate revenue dedicated to safety improvements.

So far, at least eight signs have been installed, and all but one are visible off of CSU property. One of them isn't anywhere close to the main campus.

The three 11-by-22-foot electronic billboards are located:

Along Shields Street at Elizabeth Street. This had been the site of an existing electronic sign installed by CSU in 1992, which also was the subject of some controversy.

Along East Prospect Road near the Colorado Welcome Center off Interstate 25, on land owned by CSU.

Along Prospect Road at the Mason Trail, right next to CSU's Health and Medical Center.

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Five more 5-by-10-foot electronic signs are located:

At Laurel Street and Mason Street.

At Laurel and Shields.

At Center Avenue and Lake Street (visible from Prospect).

At Shields and Elizabeth.

In front of the Lory Student Center (not visible off campus).

Kennedy told the Coloradoan in June that the signs won't be illuminated 24 hours a day. Instead, they'll operate from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

CSU is pausing more sign installations

CSU says it is pausing the installation of any more signs for now.

"CSU understands that members of our community have strong feelings about the recently installed signs, and we appreciate the feedback that has been shared," Kennedy said in a statement sent to the Coloradoan for a previous story. "We value our relationship with our neighbors and take those perspectives seriously.

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"At this time, CSU has paused any additional signage installations while we review community input and consider next steps with our partner, Street Media," Kennedy wrote. "We remain committed to engaging thoughtfully and ensuring that our decisions reflect both institutional needs and community perspectives."

More about the bill to require CSU to abide by sign, noise codes

During a Jan. 17 town hall at the Old Town Library, Kipp, who is a Democrat representing Senate District 14, summed up her proposed bill in this way:

"If you can see the signs from off campus and if you can hear the noise from off campus, you have to comply with the city or county ordinances for whatever jurisdiction you are in," she said.

A city or county would have the ability to grant a waiver.

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Before introducing the bill, Kipp said she communicated with CSU about her and her constituents' frustrations.

Her conversation with CSU also included community concerns about late-night noise coming from campus events, such as PBR's Last Cowboy Standing concert events in July, she said.

Kennedy said CSU "has sought for months to reach a compromise on this issue."

But Kipp said she wasn't satisfied with the alternatives CSU offered in response.

"I am disappointed that CSU continues to frame this as a conversation with the city leadership instead of with the people who live near the university and throughout the city who are the people affected by CSU's attitude that they can do whatever they want without regard to those of us who live here," Kipp said in an email to an attorney representing CSU.

Why does Fort Collins city code prohibit billboards?

The Fort Collins city code that disallows billboards of any kind, including electronic, was intentionally created to keep a cleaner landscape throughout the city, according to Coloradoan archives.

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In the 1970s, Fort Collins leaders decided to take control of the city's sense of place. Commercial signs dominated the College Avenue corridor, and old photos show they were colorful, tall and plentiful.

College Avenue in Old Town Fort Collins is pictured in a postcard from the 1960s or 1970s. At that time, signs were much more prominent in the landscape, and the power lines weren't buried.

In 1971, the city banned these oversized signs, according to Coloradoan archives. It also promised to bury the overhead power lines.

Today, virtually all those power lines are buried, and the sign code has been strengthened.

Fort Collins was ahead of its time. At least that was the consensus of many city planners and sign companies in the years that followed, according to a review of Coloradoan coverage.

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As for CSU's billboards, both the city and CSU confirmed to the Coloradoan that they were in communication about the plans for the signs prior to their installation.

But "on multiple occasions, city officials have shared with CSU that installing them would run counter to decades of work to minimize billboards and digital signage across Fort Collins," Amanda King, chief communications and engagement officer with the city, told the Coloradoan previously.

"We also understand that for other reasons, CSU chose to proceed with the installations," she said.

Kennedy said CSU has kept city leadership informed throughout the development of the project and has even addressed some of their feedback, adjusting the design and nighttime operations.

This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan: Hearing set for bill requiring CSU to abide by local sign, noise codes
Atlantic City officials say they have not seen a storm this severe since 2016, as a powerful blizzard swept across the region Sunday, prompting warnings, closures and a statewide emergency declaration.

While most residents sought shelter, some workers and visitors still found themselves outside in the dangerous conditions.

"I never did this before. This is the first time I've come out in a snowstorm to go to work," said Jonathan Mitchell of Lawnside, New Jersey.

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Others ventured out simply to experience the storm firsthand.

"Well, I heard there was a blizzard, and I didn't want to miss it!" said Bud Corey of Springfield, Delaware County.

READ MORE | New Jersey issues travel ban due to winter storm

Wind whipped snow across Atlantic City's streets and boardwalk as police patrolled snow-packed roads.

Snow coated everything from sidewalks to casino entrances, and walking became hazardous.

"I don't really like it. I just slipped and fell and twisted my ankle," said Skylar Sanjuan of Tampa, Florida.

Another visitor, Robert Buchman of Atlantic City, added, "The boards are always slippery. Any moisture and they can be slimy."

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Plows passed over the boardwalk several times an hour, but the snowfall accumulated too quickly to keep the surfaces clear. Many visitors sought refuge inside casinos and hotels.

SEE ALSO | State of Emergency declared for New Jersey as residents brace for major winter storm

Corey noted one advantage of staying at a casino: "I don't have to shovel any snow from my car or dig it out because it's in Caesar's parking garage... That's the whole plan."

A Florida family visiting the city said they were caught off guard by the winter blast.

"I've got used to that Florida weather, so we were not expecting this whatsoever," said Michael Sanjuan of Tampa. His daughter Roxy added, "It's too cold. I like Florida better."

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Forecasters said Atlantic City could see one to two inches of snow per hour. The city has already announced its offices will close Monday, and all of New Jersey remains under a State of Emergency as the storm continues.

RELATED | Latest snow totals as winter storm slams Philadelphia region

For some, even a short walk outside was enough.

"I just came out to see what it was like from that door to this door," Corey said. When asked if he'd had enough, he replied, "I've had enough. I'm headed back in. Thank you very much!"

With conditions deteriorating, New Jersey's governor urged residents to stay home until the storm passes.
New details were released about New Jersey Transit's plan to get back up and running after a major blizzard slammed the Garden State Sunday into Monday.

Rail, bus, and access service will run but with modifications.

New Jersey Transit trains rolled down the North Jersey Coast Line empty on Monday as locomotives and railcars were moved into position for the morning rush hour.

"The goal is to get this system back into some shape, so people can get back to work," NJ Transit President Kris Kolluri said.

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Railroad president Kris Kolluri says extreme winter weather takes a toll on trains and the rails and the switches that keep them moving.

The Light Rail resumed at 4 pm. on Monday.

Bus service is expected to resume at 4 a.m. Tuesday with potentially localized detours.

Commuter rail resumes at 5 a.m. on a modified weekend schedule.

The North Jersey Coast and Raritan Valley Lines could remain suspended and the Northeast Corridor Line may have to skip local stops through Union County.

That depends on whether Amtrak completes overnight work on frozen switches.

The blizzard dumped huge amounts of snow across Monmouth and Ocean Counties. Trees brought down utility lines, tens of thousands lost power and side streets, in some places, remained snow-covered.

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"For me, it was like you either got to get our power on or plow, because we don't want to sleep here tonight," Freehold resident Lynn Fachler said.

"We're blocked off, both ends of the street, because of the power lines," Stephen Ingram said.

Work crews from New Jersey Transit spent much of the night clearing parking lots, staircases and platforms for tomorrow's modified schedule. But returning to a normal schedule could take time.

"Can I tell you it's only been a few hours since the storm ended? So the fact that the fact that we have our system ready to go tomorrow morning is, itself, a Herculean task. So I'll take that for the moment," Kolluri said.

Toni Yates reports from the Garden State Parkway.

Winter Storm Live Updates: Please visit our winter storm blog for the very latest information.

Acting State Police Superintendent David Sirota said the State Emergency Operations Center is at Level 2 activation and will remain staffed around the clock. Search and rescue teams with high-wheeled vehicles and snowmobiles are on standby.

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Residents who need warming centers can go to NJ211.org.

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A significant winter storm pummeled much of the Northeast.

Airlines are delaying and canceling thousands of flights as a result.

At one point on Monday, more than 650,000 customers in the US were without power.

More than 9,000 flights have been canceled since Sunday, and hundreds of thousands are without power as a winter storm ravages the Northeast.

The National Weather Service reported 19 inches of snow in Central Park in New York City, and 30 inches in parts of Long Island on Monday afternoon. Over the weekend, the NWS estimated that parts of New Jersey, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts could see up to 25 inches of snow.

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New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani declared a state of emergency and a travel ban during a press conference on Sunday

"The state of emergency closes the streets, highways, and bridges of New York City for all traffic," Mamdani said. The travel ban began at 9 p.m. Sunday and lasted until 12 p.m. on Monday.

On Monday afternoon, after the travel ban was lifted, Mamdani urged people to continue staying off the roads as much as possible. He also announced that the city was hiring members of the public to shovel snow for $30 an hour.

In an earlier video posted on social media, which appeared to show Mamdani FaceTiming a young female student, Mamdani said all NYC Public Schools will be closed on Monday for a snow day.

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"No online school, no remote learning, full classic snow day," he said.

The call has been made! NYC Public Schools will have a full snow day tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/2tXF3Wo3TY  Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@NYCMayor) February 22, 2026

He later announced that in-person school would resume on Tuesday.

Some school districts in New York state, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Connecticut announced that schools will be closed on Tuesday.

Delivery apps including DoorDash and Grubhub also suspended deliveries in NYC on Sunday night, with DoorDash extending its operational pause until 2 p.m. ET on Monday. Grubhub has since resumed service in the city.

The Boston Globe announced on Monday that the blizzard had made it impossible to print or deliver a Tuesday paper, and it would not be doing so. The news outlet called this an "unprecedented decision."

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Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Connecticut have also declared states of emergency, putting in place commercial vehicle bans and travel restrictions.

US airlines are canceling and delaying thousands of flights. As of Monday evening, airlines had canceled more than 9,000 flights and delayed over 10,000 since Sunday, according to the flight-tracking website FlightAware.

More than 516,000 customers were without electricity as of 7:15 p.m. ET on Monday, according to PowerOutage.com. Over 275,000 of those are based in Massachusetts.

Here's a look outside our office in Upton, NY as a heavy snow band passes. Expect whiteout conditions in heavy blowing snow. Travel bans remain in effect for parts of the area with significant disruptions to emergency services and transportation. pic.twitter.com/KIFbS7xt44  NWS New York NY (@NWSNewYorkNY) February 23, 2026

On Monday morning, New York City's John F. Kennedy and LaGuardia airports had the highest number of cancellations, followed by Boston Logan International Airport, Newark Liberty International Airport, and Philadelphia International Airport.

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Anyone hoping to catch a flight in the region on Monday was met with major disruptions, according to Cirium, an aviation analytics company. At LaGuardia Airport, for example, 98% of flights scheduled for Monday were canceled.

Adding to what will likely be a chaotic 48 hours for travelers, the Department of Homeland Security announced Saturday night that it was suspending TSA PreCheck and Global Entry due to the partial government shutdown.

The Transportation Security Administration later said that PreCheck airport lanes are still running, but Global Entry has been suspended.

Read the original article on Business Insider
KATHMANDU, Feb 23 (Reuters) - A passenger bus plunged 200 metres (650 feet) from a mountainous road in west Nepal before dawn on Monday, killing 19 people including three foreign nationals, police said.

Among those killed were a British, Chinese and Indian citizen. The bus was carrying 44 passengers.

A New Zealander and a Chinese national were among 25 injured when the bus heading for Kathmandu from the tourist town of Pokhara fell from the road at Behighat in Dhading district, 80 km (50 miles) west of the capital, a police statement said. The injured are being treated at hospitals in Kathmandu, it added.

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Road accidents are common in mostly mountainous Nepal where the conditions of roads are poor. Hundreds die in road crashes in Nepal annually.

The government said it had ordered an investigation.

(Reporting by Gopal Sharma and Sam Tabahriti; editing by YP Rajesh, Anil D'Silva, Alexandra Hudson)
If you've been on a long road trip through the south, there's a good chance you stopped at, passed, or at least seen billboards for Buc-ee's. It's one of the most popular stops for travelers of all ages.

Georgians don't have too many options for visiting Buc-ee's, but work is being done on that score.

Is Georgia getting a new Buc-ee's? Where will it be?

A new Buc-ee's is in development in Monroe County off I-75 on Rumble Road in west central Georgia, about midway between Atlanta and Macon. As of last fall, it's expected to be finished by March 2027.

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More recently, another Buc-ee's was announced for Hardeeville in Jasper County, about 25 minutes up I-95 from the Savannah area. It will occupy a 46-acre site within the larger Hardee Station development located at Exit 8 off I-95, at the intersection of U.S. Highway 278 and Highway 17.

Once completed, this would put it just 20-30 miles outside of the Savannah area, depending on where specifically you live. Currently, the nearest is in Brunswick, over 60 miles away.

Buc-ee's eyes Hardeeville, Jasper County

The Hardeeville Buc-ee's location in Jasper County is expected to include dozens of fuel pumps and electric-vehicle charging stations, serving both traditional and eco-friendly travelers. Key features include a bicycle plaza and several scenic ponds that enhance the visitor experience, according to multiple media reports.

FILE - Buc-ee's travel mugs on display at one of its stores. A new location is coming to Georgia with another nearby.

When is Hardeeville Buc-ee's groundbreaking?

Construction on the new Buc-ees in Hardeeville is expected to begin in early 2026. Josh Gruber, Hardeeville city manager, said the town's goal is to meet residents' needs.

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"Basically, what that means is, for a resident to be able to go to the grocery store, go out to eat, have retail recreation opportunities, can get all of those needs met, and do that within the city of Hardeeville, rather than having them have to get in a car and drive someplace else outside the city," Gruber said in an interview with media outlet WJCL.

When will the Buc-ee's in Hardeeville open?

The projected completion date is 2031, according to Buc-ee's.

What Buc-ee's locations are opening in 2026?

The following Buc-ee's locations are set to open in 2026, according to USA TODAY.

Huber Heights, Ohio, on April 6

Goodyear, Arizona, in June

San Marcos, Texas, in July

Benton, Arkansas, in late summer or early fall

Murfreesboro, Tennessee, before the end of 2026

Buc-ee's near me

There are currently three open Georgia Buc-ee's in Brunswick, Calhoun, and Warner Robins. South Carolina has one in Florence.

BRUNSWICK is NOW OPEN

6900 Hwy 99

Brunswick, GA 31525 pic.twitter.com/moap39KMNy  Buc-ee's Beaver (@bucees) July 1, 2025

Buc-ee's careers and pay scale

Pay rates at Buc-ee's depend on the position. But cashiers, grocery associates, gift associates, and janitorial/cleaning and maintenance attendants all make $18.

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Meanwhile, deli/food service associates, bookkeepers, and grocery team leads make $21. For more info, go to buc-ees.com/careers/.

Miguel Legoas is a Deep South Connect Team Reporter for USA Today. Find him on Instagram @miguelegoas and email at mlegoas@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Athens Banner-Herald: Buc-ee's opening new store near major Georgia city. Where is it?
Locals and tourists in Mexico have described the "heartbreaking" unrest after one of the most powerful and feared cartels in the country unleashed a wave of violence across several states.

It comes after Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as "El Mencho", Mexico's most wanted man and leader of the Jalisco New Generation (CJNG) drug cartel, was killed during a security operation to arrest him on Sunday.

Footage recorded by locals and tourists showed burnt vehicles and plumes of smoke rising above several towns and cities, including the beach resort of Puerto Vallarta.

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Nashville-born Jerry Jones, who has lived in the town for more than four years, told BBC News that he had "never experienced anything like this" and usually felt "safer here than in my hometown".

Jones, the owner of LGBT+ lifestyle magazine Out and About Puerto Vallarta, moved to Mexico after retiring from his job in the United States.

"I love the people here, I love the walkability of the city, how nice everyone is. It's a beautiful and fantastic place, and that's what encouraged me to come here," he said.

Residents were "completely caught off guard" on Sunday morning as news of El Mencho's capture and the following unrest broke, Jones said.

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"The first inkling that we had that something was going on was one of our readers sent us a video of a bus being set on fire," he said.

He started seeing smoke "all the way across the city" just minutes later.

Jones said vehicles were being parked across roads and set on fire, including at one local store where "more than 30 vehicles that were in the parking lot at the time were burned and destroyed".

Unrest erupted in Jalisco on Sunday, where organised crime groups burned cars after the killing of drug cartel leader "El Mencho". [Getty Images]

Although the situation unfolded quickly on Sunday morning, Jones said residents were given no information by local authorities and that he did not see military or officers in his neighbourhood until the afternoon.

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Residents and tourists across several Mexican states have been asked to stay inside, with most businesses, schools and universities closed.

He described some people being "stuck" in shops after the violence broke out, unable to leave.

"When the city realised what was happening, they issued a stay at home order," he said, adding that the streets suddenly became "eerily quiet".

As information began to trickle into the local community, people began to come together to help each other, he said.

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Community members had been putting out fires due to firefighters being "overwhelmed", Jones said, as well as helping tourists who did not have access to food.

He said a local grocery shop opened on Sunday evening but the queue to get in was "unbelievable".

"I don't know what today's going to bring. I hope, peace."

He said he worried about the community and the impact this would have on tourism in the region.

"Puerto Vallarta is strong and we have been through hurricanes together, the pandemic together, and businesses here join together," he said.

"In times like this, they do not compete. They join together and they help each other. And so, I think that's going to happen and we will survive and be even stronger."

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Marc-Andre, a Canadian content creator who also lives in Puerto Vallarta, said the usually calm resort town "looked like it was an absolute war zone".

"There were fires everywhere, like hundreds of cars throughout the city were burning at the same time," he said in a video on his YouTube channel, More Life Diaries.

He also described the streets afterwards as "very quiet and unsettling".

"This is Mexico after all - usually there'd be music, people outside, people enjoying life, and there's a really, kind of eerie, feeling in the air here," he added.

Marc-Andre, who lives with his wife and two young children, said his family had never felt unsafe in the town before this.

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"It is quite heartbreaking to see what's going on," he said.

Another YouTube creator, California-born Paul Desmond, shared his experience in a video which he said "he never wanted to make".

Desmond, who has lived in Bucerias, a beach resort town in the state of Nayarit, for several years, described the scene as "very unusual".

He shared drone footage from Sunday morning showing a deserted motorway with smoke visible in the distance.

"This is not something that happens regularly in our daily lives here," he said. "It's unsettling, it's frustrating, it's ugly."

A number of American and Canadian tourists have also shared their first-hand accounts of the unrest and how it unfolded.

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Jeff Pass, a Canadian from Peterborough, has been in the Puerto Vallarta area for eight days and counting after attending a destination wedding there with dozens of other Canadians.

He said the hotel staff did not say much about what unfolded in the early hours of Sunday morning, but that he was able to see fires burning across town from the resort's rooftop by the afternoon.

Pass said the situation around him was noticeably calmer on Monday afternoon, and travel in taxis and Ubers appears to have resumed slowly, but he and his partner still do not know when they will be able to travel home.

They have been trying to register with the Canadian consulate in Mexico, but said officials had been "overwhelmed" with requests.

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"We haven't heard back from the Canadian government or anything, but the resort has been very good," he said.

Dallas resident Adryan Moorefield, who had been in Puerto Vallarta since last week, told CNN the situation was a "complete shocker".

"It almost felt like being in the twilight zone," he said.

Moorefield said he had been to the town before and thought it would be a "quick, easy beach vacation" but that he was now stuck after his flight home was cancelled.

Meanwhile, Jim Beck told the broadcaster that he had seen taxis "blown up all over town" as he left his hotel on Sunday morning.

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"Everyone was running down the street, screaming and yelling, and they told everyone to get back to their hotels," he said.

Another Puerto Vallarta tourist, Tim Spencer from Toronto, told CBC that he saw corner shops and cars in flames from the rooftop of the Villa Divina hotel.

"I've never really seen anything like this before in my life."

Canadians should travel only when "safe to do so", Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand advised.

She said that more than 26,000 Canadians abroad had registered to get information about security and travel - an increase of nearly 8,000 in one day.

Flight cancellations continued on Monday, leaving many stranded in Puerto Vallarta.

Air Canada said it would resume full operations to Mexico's Puerto Vallarta on Tuesday from Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver. Flights from Toronto to Guadalajara would resume on Wednesday, the airline said.
New grocery stores, biscuit restaurant chains, cell towers and more, "booming" Brunswick continues to earn its nickname as February comes to an end.

Despite feeling on edge about new development each week, Brunswick residents seem to collectively share excitement for the county's first Biscuitville location opening. Biscuitville in Shallotte will have its grand opening Monday, Feb. 23.

Over 120 days has passed since the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) placed a hold on accepting new sewer line extension permit requests at the request of the county. As the NCDEQ Division of Water Resources and county continue working together to move forward, here is the latest movement on the sewer permit halt.

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In response to NCDEQ's action, county planning board members in February decided to push voting on several proposed planned developments to March. One of the tabled developments include plans for the Cherrytee Tract in Winnabow. Proposed plans consist of over 1,000 single family units and 25 acres of commercial area along Cherrytree Road and Bell Swamp Road.

More: Brunswick development tabled again amid several concerns

In crime news, Joshua Audlin, 31, of Bolivia has been charged with murder in connection with a fatal shooting on Cedar Grove Road in Supply. The shooting occurred on Feb. 19. Crime reporter Bob Liepa has the scoop on what happened during Audlin's first court appearance here.

Joshua Audlin, 31, of Bolivia is charged in the shooting death of Christopher Valkosak, 39, on Cedar Grove Road in Supply on Feb. 19, 2026, according to the Brunswick County Sheriff's Office.

Lets get social

For more news about whats happening in Brunswick County, follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/BrunswickToday.

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Take a look at what else is growing on in Brunswick.

Here we grow again

The small town of Bolivia could be seeing its first grocery store and modern retail center to accommodate its recent burst in residential development. A request to rezone approximately 30 acres located behind the local Dollar General, near U.S. 17, has been submitted. If approved, the property would make way for a grocery store, restaurant and more to be built.

An attorney representing the developer during a public hearing on Feb. 10, 2026, presented a conceptual plan of a new retail center to the town of Bolivia. Plans obtained by the StarNews.

From the archives: When a 'mega-airport' was proposed near Wilmington

The agenda

Several 1,000+ home planned developments are proposed for the Brunswick County Planning Board March meeting, two being in the Winnabow area. The three projects expected to be discussed and voted on are the Green Hill Planned Development, with 1,340 residential units, Canopy Planned Development, with 3,200 residential units, and the Cherrytree Tract development.

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On March 10 at 7 p.m. in the Bolivia Fire Station, the Bolivia Board of Aldermen are expected to vote on the rezoning request for the property behind the local Dollar General, where conceptual plans show new a grocery store and more. However, the plans will not be considered. In addition, Bolivia Mayor Nancy Cook said there will also be a public hearing for another unrelated rezoning request.

Want your friends to be in the know? Forward this newsletter to them.

Savanna Tenenoff covers Brunswick County for the StarNews. Reach her at stenenoff@usatodayco.com.

This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Biscuitville, cell towers, sewer problems stir in Brunswick County, NC
NEED TO KNOW

A family found a mountain lion inside the backyard humane trap they set up after animals started disappearing from their yard

Wildlife officials released the big cat from the trap

Neighbors fear the wild animal could return after already targeting chickens and cats in the area

A San Diego County family expecting to catch a coyote instead came face-to-face with a more formidable predator.

According to KTLA, the Hernandez family of Fallbrook, Calif., discovered a mountain lion inside a humane cage trap they set up in their yard after several of their animals went missing from their property.

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The unsettling chain of events began when chickens started disappearing from the family's henhouse. "There was a big hole on the rooftop, and there were chickens missing and there were feathers all over the place," Sonia Hernandez told KTLA5. Four cats owned by the Hernandez family also vanished, including one that was pregnant.

"She was going to have babies soon," Hernandez said to the outlet, noting her mother-in-law was especially upset by the loss.

Believing a coyote was responsible, Hernandez had her father-in-law construct a humane cage trap and placed it on the rural property. On the night of Feb. 19, Hernandez's husband went to check the trap and found a mountain lion lying calmly inside.

"So he woke everybody up, and we got up, and we were all surprised how big it was and how it looked," Hernandez said. Her first thought, she added, was for her three children, ages five to nine.

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After the initial shock, the family called 911. State wildlife officials arrived Friday morning and released the cougar from the trap. It ran off into the surrounding area. The decision surprised the family, who had hoped the animal would be relocated farther away.

"We weren't really happy about that because of our children and animals," Hernandez said to the outlet. The family's neighbor, Jeanette Villegas, who owns horses, echoed those concerns. "Releasing that animal knowing it has a food source, I believe it may come back," she told KTLA5.

Wildlife officials explained that under California law, any mountain lion captured in a private trap must be released in the same general area where it was captured.

Read the original article on People
A Central Arizona Project-backed advocacy group called the Coalition for Protecting Arizonas Lifeline has begun rolling out television ads and online videos defending the water suppliers rights to a Colorado River that is under serious hydrological and political strain.

Arizona is being unfairly targeted for reductions of Colorado River water that would cripple our state, flatten our economy and weaken our nations defense, an ad aired by the coalition warns. It goes on to note that Arizona communities have done their part, committing more water for conservation in Lake Mead than those in other states, and that several options that the federal government is weighing for managing the river would fall hardest on the state.

One such alternative under review, CAP General Manager Brenda Burman recently said, would essentially dry up the agencys canal from the river to Phoenix and Tucson.

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In that alternative, they proposed to take us off the map, she said. Three other alternatives do less harm to CAP. The agency has rejected all as unfairly penalizing Arizona while demanding much less from upstream states in particular.

The alternatives Burman was referring to were never stated as the Trump administrations preference, but rather as ideas from which the seven states that share the river water might draw from in writing an agreement for sharing in its worsening shortages. Now that the states have failed to reach such an agreement, though, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation is faced with either enacting something like them or rapidly developing a new federal plan in time to replace river guidelines that expire this autumn.

Natural resource: As states draw Colorado River water, what's left for the river?

CAP, cities organize to defend water

In normal times before the last quarter-century of drought, CAP was entitled to 1.6 million acre-feet of water  each acre-foot equating to roughly 326,000 gallons and enough to support about three households for a year. In those plentiful times Arizona took some of that water and sunk it in the ground for future use.

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In recent years, Lake Mead's loss of stored water has forced CAP to forego more than 500,000 acre-feet a year. Worse cutbacks are on the horizon, but just how dry the canal will go depends on what rules the federal government imposes.

Anticipating a fight, CAP formed the coalition last summer, announcing that discussions with the mayors of Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa and Surprise had led to its creation. Two dozen other mayors ultimately joined, along with leaders of several commerce groups and Native American tribes.

The coalitions website and ads ask Arizonans to pledge their support for the effort to protect CAP water. The group has posted numerous video testimonials from members.

If there are major cuts or changes in how Colorado River water is allocated, the impacts on our communities and the entire state could be devastating, Casa Grande Mayor Lisa Fitzgibbons said in one such testimonial. Thats why Arizona and cities like Casa Grande are taking proactive steps to protect our water future, including by a city demand management program.

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While the materials dont directly state members intended method of securing water, some of the videos lean heavily on the so-called Law of the River and its guarantee of water from the four headwaters states to Arizona, California and Nevada. This theme reiterates a point that CAP and Arizona water officials have stressed over the last year or so, that if push comes to shove in a legal battle, they have the 1922 Colorado River Compact on their side.

Water shortages: Without a deal on the Colorado River, deeper cuts loom. How 9 Arizona cities will respond

'This was an obligation'

Two river tutorial videos note that the compact awarded the three states of the Lower Basin 7.5 million acre-feet of water per year on average plus half of the smaller U.S. obligation to Mexico, and stated that the Upper Basin states would not deplete the river flow below that level.

Twentieth century negotiators from the Upper Basin conceded the point out of fear that California and Arizona could otherwise claim most of the river due to their earlier use of the water, according to the videos. In wet years the Upper Basin could use up to 7.5 million acre-feet itself, but in dry years it would allow at least that much to flow to the more developed Southwestern cities and farm districts.

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This was an obligation, a narrator states, meaning a guarantee.

Read more Colorado River stories: Sign up for AZ Climate, The Republic's weekly environment newsletter.

Thats a point that modern negotiators for the Upper Basin states have disputed, saying that the Lower Basin continues to use most of the water while its climate change rather than their own consumption that has reduced the supply.

We do not have a delivery obligation under the terms of the compact," Colorado state river commissioner Becky Mitchell said last year during a meeting of the Upper Colorado River Commission, "and will not agree to impose one on ourselves through agreement now."

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As states gear up for a potential showdown in court, CAP and its Coalition for Protecting Arizonas Lifeline are making clear that they will demand compact compliance if other states dont cut their uses sufficiently.

The Colorado River Compact isnt just history, one of the videos asserts. Its the foundation of Western water law. And it still dictates how the West shares its most important resource  water.

Brandon Loomis covers environmental and climate issues for The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com. Reach him at brandon.loomis@arizonarepublic.com.

Environmental coverage on azcentral.com and in The Arizona Republic is supported by a grant from the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust.

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Follow The Republic environmental reporting team at environment.azcentral.com and @azcenvironment on Facebook and Instagram.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Colorado River cuts 'unfairly target' Arizona, coalition says
DETROIT (FOX 2) - No one was reported injured when a car crashed into a house in the 12700 block of Wyoming on Sunday afternoon.

Details of what caused the red SUV to crash into the house were not immediately known.
In the wake of the Mexican armys assassination of Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, also known as El Mencho, the notorious leader of Mexicos most powerful drug cartel, there were reports of widespread violence in the country, while U.S. citizens in portions of the country were urged to shelter in place amid flight cancellations.

The surprise operation against the drug kingpin and head of Jalisco New Generation Cartel unfolded Sunday morning in Tapalpa, a city about two hours southwest of Guadalajara, Jaliscos capital.

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, according to a statement from the U.S. Defense Department. Two others were arrested and armored vehicles, rocket launchers and other arms were seized.

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Three members of the armed forces were wounded and received medical treatment, while one member of the countrys National Guard was killed. Another six other National Guardsmen reportedly died in an operation near Guadalajara, along with an agent from Jaliscos state prosecutors office.

A prison guard was also killed when inmates in a Puerto Vallarta prison rioted after reports of the deadly operation.

Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes aka El Mencho, the leader of Jalisco New Generation Cartel was killed by the Mexican army in an operation on Feb. 22, 2026. (News Nation)

El Menchos assassination set off several hours of roadblocks with burning vehicles, tactics commonly used by the cartels to block military operations. Videos circulating on social media showed smoke billowing over the tourist city of Puerto Vallarta in Jalisco, and people sprinting through the airport of the states capital in panic.

Officials with the U.S. Embassy in Mexico said on X that the operation was executed by Mexican special forces within the framework of bilateral cooperation, with U.S. authorities providing complementary intelligence.

Cartel members ignited gar fires in Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara in an attempt to create blockades against the Mexican special forces on after notorious cartel leader, El Mencho, was assassinated Sunday, Feb. 22, Cartel members ignited gar fires in Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara in an attempt to create blockades against the Mexican special forces on after notorious cartel leader, El Mencho, was assassinated Sunday, Feb. 22, Cartel members ignited gar fires in Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara in an attempt to create blockades against the Mexican special forces on after notorious cartel leader, El Mencho, was assassinated Sunday, Feb. 22, Cartel members ignited gar fires in Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara in an attempt to create blockades against the Mexican special forces on after notorious cartel leader, El Mencho, was assassinated Sunday, Feb. 22,

The U.S. State Department warned U.S. citizens in Jalisco, Tamaulipas, Michoacan, Guerrero and Nuevo Leon states to remain in safe places due to the ongoing security operations. Canadas embassy in Mexico warned its citizens in Puerto Vallarta to shelter in place and generally to keep a low profile in Jalisco.

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Jalisco Gov. Pablo Lemus told residents to stay at home and suspended public transportation.

U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau called El Mencho one of the bloodiest and most ruthless drug kingpins in cartel history in a statement.

This is a great development for Mexico, the US, Latin America, and the world, he added. Im watching the scenes of violence from Mexico with great sadness and concern. Its not surprising that the bad guys are responding with terror. But we must never lose our nerve.

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.

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VIDEO: Los Angeles motorist accused of running red light, causing violent crash

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 U.S. states. It is one of the main suppliers of cocaine to the U.S. 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, both in U.S. custody.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, like many of her predecessors, have argued that taking out cartel leaders only triggers continued violence as cartels fracture and fight for power.

Sheinbaum said in a statement on X that the army had coordinated with the governments of all Mexican states and urged people to remain informed and calm, while recognizing the Mexican militarys operation.

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We work every day for peace, security and justice, and the well-being of Mexico, she said.

Locally, Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn acknowledged those in the county with family in Mexico.

I know many here in LA County with loved ones in Mexicoespecially in Jalisco and Michoacanare closely following the events in Mexico today with concern and with sadness, she said on X. I am keeping them in my thoughts and praying for peace.

Supervisor Katrina Foley, Vice Chair of the Orange County Board of Supervisors said she has friends sheltering in place in Puerto Vallarta and shared Rep. Dave Mins post about what stranded U.S. travelers should do.

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Several airlines, including Delta, United, Alaska and Air Canada urged either temporarily cancelled flights into Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara or urged passengers to check on their flights before traveling to the airport.

Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
Chad has welcomed hundreds of thousands of refugees from Sudan over the past three years [Getty Images]

Chad closed its eastern border with Sudan "until further notice" on Monday saying the move was needed to stop repeated incursions by Sudanese armed groups.

A government spokesperson said the decision aimed to protect citizens but added that "exceptional exemptions, strictly justified by humanitarian reasons", may be granted with prior authorisation from the relevant authorities.

The closure was announced after heavy fighting erupted in the border town of alTina between Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and local fighters aligned to the Sudanese army.

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Almost a million Sudanese have crossed the border into Chad since the civil war broke out in 2023.

Chad is also an important entry point for humanitarian workers and convoys heading to its war-ravaged neighbour.

Chadian authorities said the border closure was introduced as a security precaution after the war in Sudan drew closer to Chadian territory, amid reports that Sudanese militants had crossed into Chad.

In a statement, Chad's Communications Minister Mahamat Gassim Cherif said the move was intended to prevent the conflict from spreading and to safeguard citizens and refugee communities.

Sudan has been locked in a violent power struggle since April 2023, when a dispute between the national army, led by Gen Abdel Fattah alBurhan, and the RSF, commanded by his former deputy Gen Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, commonly known as Hemedti, escalated.

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A disagreement over merging the RSF into the regular army quickly grew into a fullscale war.

Chad further warned that the government ''reserves the right to retaliate against any aggression or violation',' urging residents of affected areas to remain calm, stay alert and comply with the new restrictions.

Fighting broke out over the weekend in the border town of al-Tina, where Chadian troops were caught up in violence involving Sudanese armed groups.

Officials told the Reuters news agency that five soldiers and three civilians were killed, and at least 12 others wounded.

Sudan's army has additionally accused Chad of supporting the RSF and allowing military supplies to transit through its territory - allegations the Chadian government has previously denied.

[BBC]

More on the war in Sudan:

[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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CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles revealed that the state and not city leaders have authority to pause the Interstate 77 South Express Lanes project.

Objection to the multi-billion project has grown over the last few weeks, with the majority of City Council Wednesday at least second-guessing aspects of the plan. The toll lanes are slated to be built along I-77 between uptown and the South Carolina state line.

Charlotte activists raise concerns over proposed I77 South expansion, community meeting cut short due to uproar

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Ive spoken with North Carolina Transportation Secretary Daniel Johnson, who appreciates our concerns, Lyles wrote in a social media post Friday. I believe that definitive action needs to occur in the short-term to further engage with our community. Secretary Johnson has committed to meeting with neighborhood leaders from communities that would be impacted by this project.

In a new statement, @CLTMayor says city officials do not have the authority to pause the I-77 South project.



State officials told Lyles they are committed to taking more input from the public. | @Queen_City_News https://t.co/pJL9ETfSNz  Andy Weber (@andy_weber_tv) February 20, 2026

NCDOT held more than 30 community meetings over the last year, but it wasnt until a forum held Feb. 5 when activists were the loudest in their fears of the potential displacement on historically African-American communities. It came a day after the design plans were announced that elevated lanes would be sued on at least a section of the highway near uptown.



Johnson apparently told Lyles that there is still time to incorporate community feedback and identify solutions. The mayor invited members of the NCDOT to the next Charlotte Transportation, Planning & Development Committee meeting, scheduled for March 5.

We will continue to make sure that our communitys perspectives, concerns and needs are shared with NCDOT, state leaders and federal leaders, Lyles said.

In October 2024, City Council demonstrated unanimous support for using a public-private partnership to fund the Express Lanes construction. The regional board that oversees transportation projects in the metro area formally approved such a partnership for the projected $3.7 billion project.

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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 Queen City News.
By Xiuhao Chen, James Pomfret and Hyunjoo Jin

BEIJING/HONG KONG/SEOUL, Feb 23 (Reuters) - China is making a "full assessment" of the U.S. Supreme Court's tariff ruling and has urged Washington to lift "unilateral tariff measures" on its trading partners, warning that fighting between the two countries is "harmful".

The comments from China's Commerce Ministry on Monday came days after the highest U.S. court dealt President Donald Trump a stinging defeat by striking down many of the tariffs he has used in a global trade war, including some against rival China.

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Within hours of the ruling, Trump said he would impose a new 10% duty on U.S. imports from all countries starting on Tuesday, only then to lift it to 15% in a move that seemed to surprise some of his own officials.

"U.S. unilateral tariffs ... violate international trade rules and U.S. domestic law, and are not in the interests of any party," the Chinese ministry said.

"Cooperation between China and the United States is beneficial to both sides, but fighting is harmful," it added.

Trade and tariffs are expected to dominate the agenda for both China and the U.S. ahead of a highly anticipated visit by Trump to China in late March and early April - when he will meet his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping.

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Trump's planned new levies are grounded in a separate but untested law, known as Section 122, that allows tariffs up to 15% but requires congressional approval to extend them after 150 days. No president has previously invoked Section 122, and its use could lead to further legal challenges.

"China will continue to pay close attention to this and firmly safeguard its interests," the Commerce Ministry said.

Gao Lingyun, a research fellow at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, was cited by state-run Global Times as saying the U.S. tariff decisions are "highly arbitrary" and were being wielded as a "political weapon."

"Tariff policy should be based on rigorous assessment, not political preference," he was quoted as saying.

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The U.S. court's ruling invalidated a number of tariffs that the Trump administration had imposed on Asian export powerhouses from China and South Korea to Japan and Taiwan, the world's largest chipmaker and a key player in tech supply chains.

UNCERTAINTY LOOMS AMID NEW GLOBAL TARIFFS

South Korea said it would continue to consult with the U.S. to maintain a "balance of interests" between the two countries, while its industry minister said there was concern among officals across industries, including cars, batteries and chips.

"The public and private sector need to work together to secure Korean companies' export competitiveness and diversify their markets," Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan said on Monday.

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India said it had delayed plans to send a trade delegation to Washington this week to finalise an interim trade deal, chiefly because of fresh tariff uncertainty out of the U.S., according to a source in its trade ministry.

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.

In Europe, meanwhile, European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde warned of business risks, saying companies want predictability, not legal battles. She said any new tariff plans must be clearly defined to avoid further challenges and ensure they comply with the U.S. Constitution.

"To sort of shake it up again is going to bring about disruptions," Lagarde said on CBS' "Face the Nation".

(Reporting by Xiuhao Chen, James Pomfret and Ryan Woo in Beijing and Hong Kong; Manoj Kumar in India; Hyunjoo Jin in South Korea; Editing by Anne Marie Roantree, Christian Schmollinger and Michael Perry)
Feb. 22Christ Church leader and controversial Christian nationalist pastor Doug Wilson is set to debate a well-known Catholic scholar on the central doctrine that separates the two branches of Christianity.

On March 26, Wilson and Joe Heschmeyer will face off in the Great Debate, an annual event hosted by the Vandal Catholic Club on the University of Idaho campus in Moscow.

At issue will be Sola Scriptura  the belief born in the Protestant Reformation that the Bible contains everything needed for salvation and is the sole, infallible authority on the Christian faith that can be interpreted by individuals. Catholics believe in the Bible but hold that the church is needed to properly interpret it and its teachings. It is the key difference between Protestants and Catholics that dates back to the 1500s.

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Eric Meyer, an organizer of the event and a deacon at St. Augustine's Catholic Center on the UI campus, expects as many as 2,000 people to attend the debate to be held at the Idaho Central Credit Union Arena.

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"Events like this offer a rare opportunity for public, energetic dialogue that strengthens faith and builds understanding," Meyer said in a news release of the annual debate designed to be a "respectful, charitable and intellectually engaging conversation between Catholics and Protestants, centered on shared faith in Christ."

Wilson is the founder of Christ Church based in Moscow and an influential figure in the conservative Christian nationalist movement. He recently led a Pentagon prayer meeting at the invitation of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and has been castigated for views that include opposing the right of women to vote and for saying in a booklet that many slaves in the American South had positive experiences and relationships with their masters.

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Heschmeyer, of Kansas City, Mo., is a nationally known Catholic apologist, author, speaker and host of the "Shameless Popery" podcast.

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The evening will begin at 6 p.m. with opening speaker Dr. Currie Myers, a former police officer and professor at Benedictine College at Atchison, Kan. The debate, formally titled "Sola Scriptura  Is the Bible Alone Enough for Salvation?," will start at 7. Tickets are $8 and can be purchased at vandalcatholic.com.

Barker may be contacted at ebarker@lmtribune.com.
The Vandalia City Council declined to place a referendum for a new 167-home housing development on the May ballot.

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Residents had gathered signatures to challenge the project, citing concerns over increased traffic and the loss of local wildlife.

The development, known as Riverdale, is planned by Addison Properties for a plot of land near Brown School Road and Little York.

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City officials blocked the petition after the city manager determined that the ordinance approval is an administrative action not subject to a referendum under Ohio Supreme Court standards.

Lenard Green is among those opposing the construction of the new homes.

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He expressed concern that the local infrastructure is already struggling to handle the current vehicle volume.

The intersection of Brown School and Little York, its just cars lined up certain times of the day, Green said. So basically, if you put a hundred and something houses over here, I dont know what theyre going to do.

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Green has lived in the neighborhood for 15 years and noted that the area has shifted from a rural environment to a more developed one.

When I first moved out here, behind me, where they have all these houses at now, there was nothing back there, he said. There were just basically woods and deer, saw one fox.

Voters who signed the petition expressed frustration during city meetings.

Green said he feels the City Council is not representing the neighborhoods perspective.

Its like the City Council suppose to represent the wishes of the people, he said. Thats what I said when I got out to speak. I was like, look behind you, this is your community. What are we going to do?

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Addison Properties and the property owner have indicated they will take legal action if the ordinance is placed on the ballot.

Despite the legal stance, Green and other residents argue that discussing the matter is not a substitute for a public vote.

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Civil organizations held a demonstration in Budapest on Sunday to mark the upcoming 4th anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Among their demands are an end to the aggression.

Around 200 people are thought to have attended the event.

Many Ukrainians report feeling safe and well received in Hungary, even if it is a country considered an ally of Putin.

"Wherever Ukrainian refugees arrived, they were welcomed with love here in Hungary  near the border, here in Budapest, and in many other places. Orban and the Hungarian people are not the same," a Ukrainian woman who has lived in Hungary for years told Euronews.

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The Budapest City Council and Ukraine's embassy in Budapest held a joint commemoration in the City Hall park. Sandor Fegyir, Ukraine's ambassador to Budapest, spoke about Russia's mass violations of international law, its commission of war crimes, and its threats to other European states and NATO.

There are approximately 60 thousand Ukrainian refugees in Hungary, according to the UNHCR.

"It is very important that we stand up for our Ukrainian friends, who are fighting not only for their own freedom, but for the possibility of a just peace in Europe. This is an elemental national interest. Fidesz is running a propaganda campaign on an issue that fundamentally affects all of Europe and Hungary  that is a disgrace," said Mayor Gergely Karacsony.

Alexandra Szentkiralyi, leader of the Fidesz faction in the capital, responded as follows: "Gergely Karacsony is on form, while Zelensky refuses to reopen our oil pipeline, while Hungarians are being forcibly conscripted into the Ukrainian army and dying in the war, the mayor is apologizing to the Ukrainians on behalf of the Hungarian government."

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Related

In central Budapest, at Madach Square, an outdoor exhibition also commemorates the victims of the war. The exhibition, titled "The Invisible Wounds of Ukrainian Childhood," features drawings by children who have lost family members.
Disappointed in Clovis police

 Clovis, Fresno police contrasted sharply in their responses to student ICE protests , ( fresnobee.com , Feb. 16)

I am very disappointed that Clovis Police Chief Curt Fleming announced plans to pursue misdemeanor charges against parents who allegedly helped organize a local student walkout to protest recent brutality by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents across the country.

It seems like Fleming just added new fuel and motivation for continued protests. Using the departments high-tech video equipment to record the protests and zoom in on participants is concerning.

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Doesnt the Clovis Police Department have better things to do? And what of the significant costs of investigating and prosecuting these cases? I would prefer students not give up time in the classroom for protests, but I applaud their courage to speak out against behavior by ICE.

Michael Reddin

Clovis

McClintock MIA

 McClintocks House vote puts every American at risk of being deported | Opinion , ( fresnobee.com , June 12, 2025)

As a constituent, I have contacted Rep. Tom McClintock multiple times requesting his position on Congressional oversight in the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti. I have yet to receive a response.

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Constituents deserve clarity when federal agents use lethal force against U.S. citizens.

Joshua Madden

Coarsegold

All stakeholders represented

 Californias dry farmland is ideal for solar. Big Ag stands in the way | Opinion , ( fresnobee.com , Feb. 15)

The permitting of environmentally appropriate large-scale solar facilities should be expedited in California, with community-benefits frameworks collaboratively determined by impacted stakeholder groups in advance of permit applications to avoid delays.

The last shelved version of Assembly Bill 1156 egregiously crossed-out key impacted stakeholders from entering into benefits agreements in favor of exclusive and insufficient governmental provinces. All counties where large-scale solar is proposed have unique communities and deserve a place at the table.

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An innovative Regional Community-Benefits Joint Powers Authority could work directly with developers, representing impacted governments, farmers and labor unions.

Jose Antonio Ramirez

Fresno

Missing voices

 Californias dry farmland is ideal for solar. Big Ag stands in the way | Opinion , ( fresnobee.com , Feb. 15)

While this piece highlights the opportunity for solar development, it overlooks a critical reality in Westside Fresno County: Once again, the poorest and working-class communities that built these regions are being pushed aside during major economic transitions.

For generations, farmworker families in Firebaugh, Mendota, San Joaquin, Huron and surrounding unincorporated areas sustained the agricultural economy that fed this state. They endured low wages, job instability, polluted air and decades of underinvestment. Now, as farmland is retired and converted to solar and energy storage, decisions about land use, revenue and benefits are being made largely without them.

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Clean energy is necessary, but it must also be just. A true transition should lift up rural communities  not repeat past inequities.

Espi Sandoval

Board member, Rural Communities Rising

Budget-friendly water solution

 Central Valley farmers push Trump on Shasta Dam raise , ( sacbee.com , Feb. 9)

The livelihood of Central Valley farmers and the well-being of Californians depend on securing our water supply. For real progress though, we should look beyond multi-billion-dollar concrete infrastructure projects  which take years to complete  and improve the basic source of our water: forest watersheds. Their current condition severely compromises the amount and reliability of their water delivery to reservoirs.

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Healthy forests capture and store water, reduce flood risks in high precipitation events like what hit Oroville Dam in 2017, filter contaminants and reduce catastrophic wildfires that damage watersheds for decades. Yet weve neglected our forests and prevented them from maturing into old-growth systems, sustaining watersheds and delivering countless public benefits.

Compared to raising dams, smart forest restoration delivers water storage naturally at a fraction of the cost. This can provide all Californians, including Central Valley farmers, with storage and supply needed, without flooding protected lands or breaking the budget.

Laurie Wayburn

President, Pacific Forest Trust
U.S. Coast Guard says a helicopter crew rescued a hiker who was stranded in the Illinois River Valley after injuring his hands and feet.

The rescue followed a nearly six-day search near Greenwall Rapids, Ore.

The hiker was eventually found on Friday, but search and rescue crews determined they could not safely extract him due to his injuries.

A helicopter from Coast Guard Air Station North Bend, with assistance from the Josephine County Sheriffs Office Search and Rescue team, was able to rescue the hiker.

He was later transported to a local hospital for treatment.
NEED TO KNOW

Trenton Massey, a 21-year-old college student, was last seen in the early morning hours of Feb. 22 during a snowstorm in Marquette, Mich.

He was last seen on video "having difficulty walking" and police say he appeared to be "disoriented"

Officials are asking locals to check their doorbell cameras for more footage of the missing man

A 21-year-old college student vanished during a Michigan snowstorm over the weekend, which has since caused his school to close for the day.

Just before 3:20 a.m. local time on Sunday, Feb. 22, Northern Michigan University student Trenton Massey was last seen on video in the area of East Baraga Ave and the Founders Landing Boardwalk in Marquette.

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Massey appears to be disoriented and having difficulty walking, the Marquette Police Department said in a statement.

Capt. of Detectives Christopher Aldrich of the Marquette Police Department tells PEOPLE that a combination of factors could have led to the young mans disoriented state, namely that he had been consuming alcohol earlier in the evening and could also have been affected by the cold temperatures.

At this point, we are still actively looking for him, Aldrich tells PEOPLE.

Its been snowing in the area for the past couple of days, the captain says, noting that it was about 20 degrees Fahrenheit when Massey went missing.

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As of Monday, Feb. 23, temperatures have dropped down to about 10 degrees and the university has announced that it will close for the day.

As search efforts continue, police are asking local residents and businesses in the nearby area to check their doorbell footage from Sunday at 3:25 a.m. onwards for any signs of the missing college student.

Additionally, officials are asking residents "to make a check of their property, including vehicles and outbuildings, for signs of him."

Massey was last seen wearing an olive-green and black jacket and dark pants.

Trenton Massey. Marquette Police Department

Masseys family and the local community have aided in the large search effort as well.

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In a video posted on Monday, a woman who identified herself as Massey's mom said that when her son was last seen, he "appeared to have severe stages of hypothermia: running, falling, running, falling."

"If anyone wants to volunteer, were out down by 1 Marquette Place setting up," she added.

Footage of the missing college student. Marquette Police Department

In a separate post shared over the weekend, his family thanked the hundreds of people who were searching for Massey.

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.

Anyone with information about the missing mans whereabouts is asked to contact the Marquette Police Department at 906-228-0400.

Read the original article on People
U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette of Denver will not attend President Donald Trumps State of the Union address Tuesday.

Donald Trump demeans our Constitution, courts, and respected public institutions almost every day, DeGette said in a statement. I will not legitimize his egregious actions by attending his address.

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Since starting his second term, Colorado has been a frequent target of Trumps actions. He illegitimately pardoned former Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters, who is in prison for her role in breaching the security of her own election equipment. He is breaking up the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder. He denied Federal Emergency Management Agency relief for areas affected by wildfires and flooding in Colorado, among other significant funding freezes.

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Watch President Donald Trump deliver the State of the Union address live on PBS. Coverage begins at 4 p.m. Mountain time Tuesday.

Trump has pledged to carry out the largest domestic deportation operation in American history, aiming to remove all of the estimated 12 million immigrants in the country without permanent legal status, regardless of how long they have been in the country, the legal status of their family members or whether they have criminal records. The violence and questionable adherence to due process in the administrations immigration enforcement have sparked national outrage. More than 50 people have died while in federal immigration custody under Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem.

DeGette also did not attend Trumps joint address to Congress last March. She is one of several Democrats boycotting Trumps State of the Union. Others include U.S. Sens. Adam Schiff of California, Ed Markey of Massachusetts and Chris Van Hollen of Maryland, and U.S. Reps. Delia Ramirez of Illinois, Veronica Escobar of Texas and Pramila Jayapal of Washington, among others.

Some Democrats plan to attend an outdoor rally dubbed the Peoples State of the Union in lieu of the speech. Theres also a State of the Swamp event in Washington, D.C., that U.S. Rep. Jason Crow of Aurora plans to attend, though he will also go to the presidents address.

Detained nursing student a guest

Lawmakers who do plan to attend the State of the Union can bring a guest of their choice. Crow will bring Jay Park, a small business owner who runs two restaurants in Aurora and Parker. His legally employed staff have been targeted by ICE and he has seen costs for imported goods skyrocket over the past year. Park had a close a third restaurant he ran last year.

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Democratic U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet of Colorado will bring Andrea Loya, executive director of Aurora nonprofit Casa de Paz, which provides welcoming and support services for people released from an ICE detention center in Aurora.

Democratic U.S. Sen. John Hickenlooper of Colorado will bring Caroline Dias Goncalves, a University of Utah nursing student who was detained by ICE in Grand Junction in June and held in Auroras ICE facility for 15 days.

U.S. Rep. Brittany Pettersen, a Lakewood Democrat, will bring Tyler Guyton, who is the student council president at Evergreen High School. A gunman shot and injured two students at the school in September.

U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert, a Windsor Republican, will bring Colorado state Sen. Byron Pelton.

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U.S. Rep. Gabe Evans, a Fort Lupton Republican, will bring his wife, Anne.

Representatives for House Assistant Minority Leader Joe Neguse, a Lafayette Democrat; U.S. Rep. Jeff Hurd, a Grand Junction Republican; and U.S. Rep. Jeff Crank, a Colorado Springs Republican, did not respond to a request for comment.

Editors note: This story has been updated several times to include new information about the guests lawmakers plan to bring to the State of the Union.

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A Columbus Division of Police deputy chief has been relieved of duty due to an internal affairs investigation into unspecified allegations of misconduct.

Deputy Chief Elrico Alli is the subject of an internal affairs investigation into a possible violation of division policy, Columbus police Sgt. Joe Albert said Feb. 23.

"Due to the ongoing nature of the investigation, we are unable to provide further details at this time," Albert said.

March 3, 2023; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Deputy Chief Elrico Alli of the Columbus Division of Police heads up the Patrol North Subdivision.Mandatory Credit: Barbara J. Perenic/Columbus Dispatch

Columbus Division of Police personnel who are relieved of duty must turn in their gun, badge and other equipment, and are given a desk assignment at police headquarters, the division said previously.

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Alli was one of four deputy chiefs hired in 2023 to replace deputy chiefs who accepted $500,000 buyouts. to leave their roles as part of Chief Elaine Bryant's plan to overhaul the division's leadership.

Alli joined the department in 2004. He previously worked for the Youngstown Police Department from 1997-2002, according to records on the Ohio Attorney General's Office website.

The Dispatch has requested copies of Alli's personnel file and disciplinary records from Columbus Division of Police.

Brian Steel, president of the Fraternal Order of Police Capital City Lodge No. 9, said in a news release Feb. 23 that the internal investigation is "administrative in nature" and does not involve any criminal wrongdoing involving Alli.

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"At this time, we encourage the public and media to allow the internal review process to proceed without speculation or premature conclusions," Steel stated.

The police union has assigned a lodge attorney to represent Alli in the investigation, Steel said.

Public Safety and Breaking News Reporter Bailey Gallion can be reached at bagallion@dispatch.com.

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Columbus police Deputy Chief Elrico Alli relieved of duty
In war-torn Ukraine, her family considers her a traitor. In tightly controlled Russia, her life is defined by solitude.

A Ukrainian living in Russia for the past 20 years, Maria -- whose name AFP has changed for her safety -- has for four years watched with horror as her adopted homeland waged war against her native country.

Her parents are her only family in Ukraine who still speak to her. The rest of her friends and relatives there have cut her off.

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"They consider me a traitor," Maria, 48, told AFP.

Her nephew, fighting for Ukraine, was wounded in combat while her son-in-law, drafted into Russia's army, was killed.

After moving to Russia to study, Maria stayed and would regularly visit Ukraine until 2022.

Moscow's decision to launch its full-scale military offensive on February 24, 2022 was "shocking" to her.

Maria has not seen her family in Ukraine since -- unable to leave Russia as her Ukrainian passport expired.

- 'Never see them again' -

She is now trying to get Russian citizenship to be able to travel more freely, but is caught in a vicious bureaucratic cycle.

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Russia treats anyone with links to Ukraine as suspicious and has outlawed criticism of its military campaign.

According to Maria, Ukrainians trying to get Russian nationality face interrogations about their families -- and their opinion of the war.

In Moscow-controlled Ukrainian territory, Kyiv accuses Russia of handing out passports en masse, an attempt to erase the areas of their Ukrainian identity and history.

Maria told AFP she was constantly worried about her parents.

"My biggest fear is to never see them again."

When she phones her mother, the call is interrupted by "sirens and explosions" -- the soundtrack of Russia's four-year-long military campaign.

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She sometimes sees reports that Russia has struck her home city. If the phone lines to her parents are cut, she scrambles to find out exactly what districts.

Around 900,000 Ukrainian citizens lived in Russia before 2022.

Some left after Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea and more again after the Kremlin launched its 2022 offensive.

From Ukraine, some eight million fled to Europe in the first year of the war, the UN said.

At least 1.2 million -- mainly from eastern Ukraine -- fled to Russia, the UN said, but it has not published data on how many are still there.

Kyiv has accused Moscow of blocking and complicating travel to Russia by Ukrainians. Going through Russia is the only way for them to visit relatives in parts of Ukraine that Russia has captured and claims as its own.

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- 'Huge fear' -

Along with forcing millions out of their homes, the war has killed hundreds of thousands of soldiers, tens of thousands of civilians and decimated much of eastern and southern Ukraine.

When her Russian son-in-law was drafted into Russia's army in 2022, Maria was torn.

"On the one hand, I felt sorry for him as it was forced," she said, recounting how he cried as he did not want to fight.

"On the other, I felt angry that he is going there to kill my relatives."

Her nephew was at the front on the Ukrainian side at the same time and she had a "huge fear" they would face each other across the battlefield.

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"This thought that he (my son-in-law) could go and kill my nephew horrified me," she said.

When it was her son-in-law that ended up being killed, she had to comfort her daughter.

"He was her first love and we still cannot believe it as there was no burial, the body was not recovered."

Maria tried to talk about it with her parents in Ukraine.

"I tried to tell them that I feel sorry for my son-in-law. But they said: 'We don't. He made his choice'."

After that, Maria fell into depression, turning to a psychologist.

In Russia, where criticism of the campaign is banned, she was surrounded by supporters of the war.

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In Ukraine, her relatives "did not want my support or compassion".

"I became a black sheep."

"We (Ukrainians in Russia) are not guilty of anything, we do not support (the offensive). We are worried for them and every strike, every bombing, affects us too," she added.

- 'Ukrainian songs' -

Maria decided to stop actively reading news about the war, finding it "too hard that I can't help my relatives."

But the conflict has affected all corners of life in Russia -- even splitting the beauty salon outside Moscow where she works.

"Many clients moved abroad because they did not support the military campaign," Maria said.

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Others "stopped coming to me, just because I am from Ukraine and I do not support this war."

Her social circle shrank.

Urged on by officials and pro-war zealots, the Soviet-era practice of denunciations has skyrocketed in Russia during the war and Maria mostly prefers to be alone.

"It's more comfortable for me because I know that I will not betray myself and not denounce myself."

Her strategy for living among supporters of the war?

"I sing songs, Ukrainian songs, in my head" when listening to people publicly back the offensive.

As the war approaches the four-year mark, Maria has little optimism.

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"I would like the war to end tomorrow," she said.

"But I understand it's not realistic, as each leader has his demands and nobody wants to compromise. No one cares about the people suffering."

bur/rh
Ken Paxton may be the political equivalent of Teflon.

Hes survived under a cloud of controversy all 12 years he has served as the states attorney general. Republicans in the state House impeached him before the Senate declined to remove him from office, authorities investigated him for securities fraud before reaching a settlement, and his wife  a state senator and longtime political adviser  accused him of adultery and filed for divorce last year on biblical grounds.

Hes still leading in the polls ahead of the March 3 primary for Texas Republican Senate nomination as he seeks to unseat incumbent Sen. John Cornyn, a longtime rival.

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On the line is a key US Senate seat and possibly the GOP majority. Paxtons bid has worried national Republicans who think boosting him through the November midterms would cost hundreds of millions of dollars and embolden Democrats who think he could be the right opponent for them to break a three-decade statewide losing streak.

A competitive race in Texas would fundamentally alter the midterm landscape. Democrats need to net four flipped seats to take control of the Senate in November, and their top targets now are North Carolina, Maine, Alaska and Ohio  all contests where party leaders recruited a candidate who has won statewide before.

Texas could give Democrats another chance  and some Democrats in the state believe Paxton would be more vulnerable this year than Sen. Ted Cruz was when former US Rep. Beto ORourke came within 3 points of defeating him in 2018.

But its also a vastly more expensive state. And for all of the headlines about him, Paxton is a proven statewide winner.

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Democrats who have run against Paxton in the past said the party should be careful what it wishes for.

For every one of those Democrats whos hoping for him to win, I hope theyre willing to invest hundreds of millions of dollars into the state to fight him, said Rochelle Garza, the Democratic nominee for attorney general in 2022, in a race Paxton won by nearly 10 percentage points. I cannot underscore enough how dangerous it will be to have him as a senator from this state.

What makes Paxton so powerful?

Paxtons record includes suing Democratic presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden roughly 150 times combined, delighting conservatives who saw him as among the partys most aggressive crusaders against federal overreach. He backed President Donald Trumps false claims about voter fraud in 2020, unsuccessfully suing four swing states that Biden had won and asking the Supreme Court to block their Electoral College votes from being counted.

Paxton has also benefitted from the backing of major Texas conservative power brokers  particularly Tim Dunn, the oil and gas magnate from Midland who has also aligned himself with Trumps political and policy operations. Dunn has poured millions into backing Paxton in the past and supported efforts to oust Republicans in the Texas House of Representatives who had voted to impeach him in 2024 primaries.

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However, with this election, that appears to have changed: Political action committees aligned with Dunn have not spent to support Paxton. Paxton did get a potentially important boost when Turning Point Action, the conservative nonprofit founded by the late Charlie Kirk, endorsed him this month.

Paxton lags far behind Cornyn in the fundraising battle and has been swamped on the airwaves with $58.9 million of the $92.8 million total in ads reserved so far, according to the tracking firm AdImpact, being spent by groups supporting Cornyn. For Paxton, ad spending is a relatively paltry $2.3 million.

As he rallied dozens of supporters Thursday night northwest of Houston, Paxton urged Republican voters to ignore the onslaught of these fake ads currently blanketing the states airwaves, attacking his record.

Trump went through the very same thing, and look where hes at, Paxton told reporters Thursday after his rally at The Angry Elephant, a politics-themed bar and restaurant in Magnolia. Its going to be the same way for me.

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A recent University of Houston Hobby School of Public Affairs poll showed Paxton in the lead with 38% support among likely GOP primary voters, compared to 31% for Cornyn and 17% for US Rep. Wesley Hunt, with 12% undecided.

If no candidate tops 50% on March 3, the top two finishers would move on to a May 26 primary runoff.

Trump has not endorsed a candidate so far.

Early voters for the primaries stand in line in Dallas on February 17, 2026. - LM Otero/AP

If you turn Texas, the whole country turns

As Republicans sort through their three-way Senate primary, Democrats are choosing between state Rep. James Talarico and US Rep. Jasmine Crockett in the Senate race.

They argue that even in deep-red Texas, the Senate seat is likelier to be in play if Republicans nominate Paxton rather than Cornyn  known for a more neutral demeanor and a record of working with Democrats even as he has angered some Trump supporters for challenging the president in the past.

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Garza, who is now president of the Texas Civil Rights Project, an advocacy group, said running against Paxton means facing an opponent who operates with absolute impunity. She said Paxton would not agree to debate her, but she believes it did get under his skin when her campaign cast him as corrupt in advertisements.

If you turn Texas, the whole country turns, Garza said. I do think its an issue of investment. I also think its an issue of talking about who Ken Paxton really is: Hes a crook. Hes a thief. Hes a cheater. Hes only interested in his own power and staying in power so that he doesnt go to jail.

Paxton, for his part, told reporters Thursday night that faced with investigations, we overcame them all.

You can make up whatever you want to make up. The allegations are the allegations. But the truth is the truth, he said.

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He also pointed to Trump being impeached twice and said his own impeachment in the state House  which Paxton survived because the state Senate ultimately voted against convicting him  is not a disqualifying event.

What matters is what the people of Texas think, and theyve been behind me from the beginning, Paxton said.

Ken Paxton points during a campaign event at The Angry Elephant in Magnolia, Texas, on Thursday, February 19, 2026. - Mark Felix/Bloomberg/Getty Images

He has fought for us

At The Angry Elephant  which specializes in hot dogs like the Joe Biden Shroom Dog and the Al Gore Frito Pie Dog  Paxton devoted most of his stump speech Thursday night to recounting his legal battles against the Obama and Biden administrations.

We were standing up for Texas. We were standing up for Constitution. We were standing up for the rest of the country, Paxton said, with a large photograph of Richard Nixon campaigning in Philadelphia in 1968, in front of a Nixons the one! banner, displayed on the wall behind him.

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Dawn Bednarz, a 57-year-old retiree who worked in special education and attended Paxtons event, said she sees the attorney general as a fighter.

They have thrown everything at him, she said. He has fought for us. He has fought for the mothers, hes fought for our children and he delivers results.

Bednarz acknowledged that Paxton is going to be controversial, but she said she has no concerns about his electability.

We need fighters now, she said. My kids and my grandkids, if I ever get them  they need a shot at what I had, and theyre not going to have it with the way things are going.

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Sally, a retiree who wouldnt share her last name, citing privacy concerns, said she sees Paxton as more representative of her values than Cornyn and Hunt.

I dont always like his politics. I dont always like his baggage, she said of Paxton. But I want someone that votes the way we do.

Ken Paxton departs following a campaign event at The Angry Elephant in Magnolia, Texas, on Thursday, February 19, 2026. - Mark Felix/Bloomberg/Getty Images

Too much baggage

An hour before Paxtons Thursday night event, at an early voting center in nearby Spring, electability was on the minds of several Republican voters who spoke with CNN.

Retirees William and Barbara Stringer, from The Woodlands, said they like Paxton, but voted for Cornyn because they fear Paxton would lose in November.

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I think he did a good job as attorney general, but hes got a lot of baggage, William Stringer said.

Too much baggage, Barbara Stringer added.

Tommy Gober, a cybersecurity instructor who lives in The Woodlands, said he was thinking about electability and his desire to tone down some of the rhetoric when he cast his ballot for Hunt.

Hes not the most moderate candidate, but I think he is more moderate than Paxton, Gober said of Hunt.

Connie, a retiree who said she wouldnt share her last name because of privacy concerns, also voted for Hunt  but said Ken Paxton was another one I would have went with. It was a toss-up.

A deciding factor, she said, was that she believes Hunt stands a better chance of beating the winner of the Democratic primary.

At The Angry Elephant, most of the crowd was strongly behind Paxton. But Paula Jones, who lives in Montgomery and works for her husbands oil and gas equipment business, arrived late and was disappointed to find that Paxton had only spoken for about 15 minutes and hadnt addressed or taken any questions from the crowd about the affair or corruption allegations he faces.

She said shed ruled out voting for Hunt after learning that hed missed dozens of House votes this year while campaigning for the Senate. But she does plan to vote in the Republican primary and is deciding between Cornyn and Paxton.

She said the controversies surrounding Paxton arent necessarily dealbreakers.

Thats a typical man. Thats a narcissistic man  and you know, our president may be a little like that too, Jones said, adding that shes a strong Trump supporter. Those are usually the ones that are most successful when they set their minds to it, and they forget how to behave everywhere else at times. That doesnt mean theyre not good for the job.

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The Council of the European Union is set to approve two pieces of legislation on 24 February, enabling technical preparations for a 90 billion loan to Ukraine to proceed despite Hungary blocking a third related document.

Source: Valdis Dombrovskis, European Commissioner for Economy and Productivity, Implementation and Simplification, as reported by European Pravda

Details: The European Commission will continue with preparations to disburse the first tranche of the 90 billion loan to Ukraine in April 2026 despite Hungary's refusal to approve one of the required legislative acts.

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"First of all, what will happen tomorrow: tomorrow is the finalisation of the Ukraine Support Loan regulation, and that process is on track," Dombrovskis said.

He explained that the approval of this document on 24 February "will finalise the political decision-making  on this Ukraine Support Loan regulation".

Quote: "That allows us to work on further documents which are required for providing this loan to Ukraine, including financing strategy for this year."

Details: Dombrovskis added that the EU is already working with the Ukrainian authorities on all of the documents.

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He noted that the political discussions are currently focused on amendments to the Multiannual Financial Framework, the EU's long-term budget for 2021-2027, the adoption of which has been blocked by Hungary.

"Those amendments are needed so that the European Commission can actually do the borrowing at the EU level to provide this Ukraine Support Loan to Ukraine," Dombrovskis clarified.

Thus, Hungary's refusal to approve changes to the EU's long-term budget does not pose an immediate threat to the process, as the Commission must prepare to raise funds for Ukraine on the international financial markets.

Quote: "In December, all EU leaders, including Hungary's prime minister, Mr Orban, agreed to this Ukraine Support Loan, and by the way, Hungary alongside Slovakia and Czechia is not contributing to this financial support, so we expect them to honour this agreement.

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We would aim to start disbursing [funds] to Ukraine as of early April."

Background:

Hungary has blocked the 90 billion EU loan for Ukraine by refusing to vote in favour of one of the three pieces of legislation approved by the European Parliament that are required to release the funds  the regulation on amendments to the EU's long-term budget for 2021-2027.

All three documents have been approved by the European Parliament and are at the final stage of adoption in the Council of the EU.

The plan had been for the documents to be adopted by the Council and signed in the European Parliament on 24 February, marking the anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Hungary has said it will keep the 90 billion loan blocked until Kyiv restores Russian oil transit via the Druzhba pipeline.

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Delaware is starting to see more snow, but the worst is still to come for the First State as rain switches over to snow Sunday afternoon and evening on Feb. 22.

According to the National Weather Service's 4 p.m. briefing, the projected snow totals for Delaware have dropped. The First State is expected to receive 12 to 18 inches of snow. The heaviest snow will start falling Sunday evening, Feb. 22 into Monday morning Feb. 23. Snowfall rates will reach 2 inches per hour or more.

Delaware's forecasted snow totals.

The National Weather Service is also calling for major to extreme impacts from the blizzard. Delaware residents will face whiteout conditions with blowing and drifting snow, making it very difficult to impossible to travel. Winds from the storm are expected to gust up to 40 mph. People should expect widespread closures.

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The extreme impacts will be north of Interstate 95 and near Lewes and up the Delaware Bay coast.

6 PM Sunday update: Here is a look at what the radar looked like from 530 - 6 PM. Of note on this animation, there are 3 SW-NE oriented bands that are pivoting northwestward. Under these bands, expect snow rates to increase. #NJWX #DEWX #MDWX #PAWX pic.twitter.com/mDlSmLSp7n  NWS Mount Holly (@NWS_MountHolly) February 22, 2026

The 20-plus inch snow totals, which were expected to hit parts Kent and Sussex counties, have moved northeast from Cape May, New Jersey to Long Branch New Jersey, where the forecast is calling for 18 to 30 inches.

Delaware Gov. Matt Meyer has already declared a state of emergency ahead of the blizzard. Code Purple shelters will be opened in Delaware.

Live blog: Blizzard 2026. Level 1 driving warnings issued as snow moves in state

What warnings or advisories is Delaware under?

Delaware is under a blizzard warning until 6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 23.

New Castle County is under a coastal flood advisory from 12:01 a.m. Monday, Feb. 23 until 4 a.m., Monday, Feb. 23.

Kent County and Sussex County are under a coastal flood advisory from 9 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 22 until 5 a.m., Monday, Feb. 23.

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).

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Blizzards 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.

Should you drive in a blizzard?

No. The road conditions are incredibly dangerous and if you get stranded, it will be difficult and dangerous for people to assist you.

Gov. Meyer issued a Level 1 driving warning statewide. This level urges caution to anyone driving, and says residents should avoid travel unless necessary.

This might get upgraded to stricter warnings.

How much snow will Delaware get?

The totals have dropped. Here's a look.

New Castle County: 12-18 inches

Kent County: 12-18 inches

Sussex County: 12-18 inches

Will Delaware set a snowfall record?

For snowfall at Wilmington Airport, it's possible we could see a record.

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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. The record two-day snowfall total for Feb. 22-23 is 14.4 inches, also set in 1987.

Are Delaware schools closed on Monday?

The blizzard is causing schools to close in Delaware. Click here for a full list of closings or schools moving to remote learning.

When will the snow melt in Delaware?

Delaware will get a good amount of snow, and there's a chance of snow on Tuesday, Feb. 24 and Wednesday, Feb. 25. However, temperatures will start warming up Friday, Feb. 27 and next weekend  Saturday, Feb. 28 and Sunday, March 1  will be sunny with highs in the upper 40s in the north to mid-50s in the south.

Anthony DiMattia, Shane Brennan and Karen Okamoto contributed to this story.

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Blizzard 2026 Delaware forecast. How much snow will fall?
Feb. 23 (UPI) -- On this date in history:

In 1836, soldiers under the command of Mexican President General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna began their assault on the Alamo Mission near present-day San Antonio, Texas. Eleven days later, the Alamo's small group of Texian (Texan) defenders were defeated by the 1500-plus Mexican Army.

In 1903, the United States was granted a lease "in perpetuity" on Guantanamo Bay by Cuban officials.

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In 1942, a Japanese submarine surfaced off the coast of California and fired 25 shells at an oil refinery near Santa Barbara.

In 1945, members of the 5th Division of the U.S. Marines planted a U.S. flag atop Mount Suribachi on the strategically important Pacific island of Iwo Jima near the end of one of World War II's bloodiest battles.

Col. Antonio Tejero Molina attempts a coup d'etat before Spanish Parliament during a vote for a new premier on February 23, 1981. File Photo by Hugo Peralta/UPI

In 1954, Dr. Jonas Salk's new polio vaccine was administered to a group of children in Pittsburgh in the second stage of testing of his inactivated polio vaccine.. Millions of children would get the vaccine in the next year.

File Photo courtesy Salk Institute

A World War II-era B-29 Superfortress flies over the Iwo Jima Memorial in Washington, D.C., on May 8, 2015. On February 23, 1945, members of the 5th Division of the U.S. Marines planted a U.S. flag atop Mount Suribachi on the Pacific island of Iwo Jima. File Photo by Ioana Dietsch/UPI

In 1981, right-wing troops seeking to topple Spain's democracy seized Parliament and its 350 deputies in a blaze of gunfire. The attempted military revolt was quelled when King Juan Carlos called for calm and loyalty.

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In 1982, Canada, Japan and the Common Market nations of Europe joined the United States in economic and diplomatic sanctions against Poland and the Soviet Union to protest imposition of martial law in Poland.

On February 23, 1903, the United States was granted a lease "in perpetuity" on Guantanamo Bay by Cuban officials. File Photo by Ezra Kaplan for UPI

In 1991, military forces in Thailand overthrew the elected government and imposed martial law.

In 1994, Bosnia's warring Croats and Muslims signed a cease-fire. The Croats agreed to pull back from the Muslim city of Mostar, which had been under siege.

In 1999, a jury in Jasper, Texas, convicted self-described white supremacist John King in the June 1998 killing of a Black man who'd been dragged to his death behind a pickup truck. Two days later, King was sentenced to death.

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In 2006, the snow-covered roof of a Moscow vegetable market collapsed, killing at least 60 people and injuring more than two dozen others.

File Photo by Anatoli Zhdanov/UPI

In 2013, Iran's atomic energy agency announced plans to build 16 nuclear power plants throughout the country. The announcement came days before Iran was to resume talks on its internationally disputed nuclear program.

In 2020, Chinese President Xi Jinping declared the coronavirus epidemic the greatest public health emergency since 1949. Meanwhile, Italy became the epicenter of the first COVID-19 outbreak in Europe, with 132 cases.

In 2023, disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein was sentenced to an additional 16 years behind bars in California after being convicted of three counts of rape and sexual assault. He was already serving a 23-year prison sentence that was handed down after another rape trial in New York.
Since Kentuckians can no longer sit in the House and Senate galleries for in-person viewings of legislative action  galleries are suddenly nonexistent because leadership requested no public accommodations when designing their temporary space while the Capitol undergoes a multiyear renovation  the citizens who elected them and pay their salaries are relegated to committee meetings.

Unlike House and Senate floor debates, which can feature lengthy, intense discussions, committee meetings are structured and brief. Typically one hour. Committees are on the clock, and committee chairs are clock watchers. This means that the lawmakers we, the public, elect to represent us are extremely limited when asking questions or making comments.

Time is always running out.

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On Feb. 18, I went to Frankfort to attend one meeting: House Judiciary Committee. When I arrived, however, I spotted what you only notice if you are already there: extra security milling around outside a different meeting room and a full bank of TV cameras setting up inside.

Turns out two House committees  State Government and Elections, Constitutional Amendments and Intergovernmental Affairs  were hosting a guest star: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.

I nabbed a seat two rows behind where I figured the governor would sit, and for the next hour  remember, committees adhere to a strict schedule  watched the back of Gov. DeSantiss dark-haired head as he charmed KY GOP committee members who fawned over their big shot guest with sugar-sweet smiles and softball questions about the national debt (Its so out of control, why has this been allowed?! How could it have gotten this way?!) and whether Kentucky should join a national convention of states to demand, via constitutional amendment, that the federal government balance its budgets like we do in the states.

Im sorry, what?

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As DeSantis sat next to state Rep. Jason Petrie, chairman of House Appropriations and Revenue, to talk about House Concurrent Resolution 45 asking Congress for a balanced budget amendment which the states would then ratify, I dont think I was the only person in that room wondering why in the world we were all there.

As DeSantis spoke, I jotted down the following notes: He talks like a professional politician, never pausing or taking a breath between sentences. Dog and pony show. Why is he here on this issue? Running for president in 2028? We are supposed to trust DeSantis, why??? If the national debt was easy to fix, it would have already been fixed, so why now?

Here are some key numbers re: the national debt as posted on the official Fiscal Data page of the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

The national debt is currently $38 trillion.

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What are our largest spending categories? (1) Income security and Social Security, like retirement, disability, unemployment; (2) Health, excepting Medicare which has its own category; (3) National defense, military spending; (4) Medicare.

Based on the discussion that occurred in Frankfort with Gov. DeSantis, I found this to be a key quote from the Treasurys website: Notable recent events triggering large spikes in the debt include the Afghanistan and Iraq Wars, the 2008 Great Recession, and the COVID-19 pandemic. From FY 2019 to FY 2021, spending increased by about 50%, largely due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Tax cuts, stimulus programs, increased government spending, and decreased tax revenue caused by widespread unemployment generally account for sharp rises in the national debt.

So, folks. What are we cutting?

In lieu of the states convening to try to amend the United States Constitution, what if we started by not passing bills  like last years inaptly named Big Beautiful Bill Act  which gave yet more big tax breaks to billionaires and corporations, and see if that helps decrease the debt?

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Or would taxing billionaires and corporations keep their money from flowing to hopeful political candidates like DeSantis, who is about to term-out as governor and appears to be looking for his next job  lets say, as president in 2028?

Funny, while DeSantis was here testifying about his concerns over the national debt, the Tampa Bay Times was publishing a column that opened with this paragraph: Three stories last week captured the graft, deceit and ugliness of Gov. Ron DeSantis tenure. The first detailed the governors lavish spending from a taxpayer-provided slush fund. The second revealed how his administration spent public money fighting the recreational marijuana campaign (which most Florida voters supported). A third showed how the governors health department schemed to cut off life-saving access to affordable drugs for thousands of Floridians. It was a big run of dispiriting news, but par for the course.

And yet, Gov. DeSantis was flown here special for Rep. Petrie to trot out like a budget hawk in a committee hearing in Frankfort to testify about GOP dedication to decreasing the national debt?

Is this a joke?

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Time is ticking on this oddly slow-rolling 2026 General Assembly.

The public is effectively shut out since there are no public galleries in the House or Senate chambers.

Committee meetings are too truncated for lawmakers  the representatives we sent there to be our voices  to ask enough questions, hard questions, and to get real answers.

But hey, it looks like legislative leadership gave the governor of Florida a big old Kentucky stage to tout his (cough cough, run for president) dedication to decreasing the national debt.

That sure was some hoopty-doo dog and pony show.

Budget years have a way of looking long on the calendar in early January but feel more and more urgent as the clock ticks. So how about we leave political theater aside for the moment and get back to focusing on Kentucky, whats best for Kentuckians, and how we are going to pay for it.
Delaware State Police identified 19-year-old Unique Williams of Newark as the victim of a fatal head-on crash on I-95 near Arden.

Police said Williams was driving a Chrysler 200 southbound on I-95 that crossed the grass median and collied head-on with a Volvo truck-tractor pulling a trailer loaded with cars around 9 p.m. on Feb. 20. The collision happened south of Harvey Road on the interstate.

MORE ON THE CRASH 19-year-old Newark woman dies from head-on crash on I-95

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Williams was ejected from her car and died from her injuries at the hospital. Police said she was not wearing a seat belt.

The 34-year-old New York man driving the Volvo was transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, police said.

Delaware State Police are still investigating the crash, and anyone with information is encouraged to reach out to them directly or to Delaware Crime Stoppers.

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Delaware State Police identify Newark teen killed in I-95 crash
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.

California Democrats are prepared to do whats required, state party chairman Rusty Hicks told reporters at the California Democratic Party's 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.

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Nine prominent Democrats are running to replace termed-out Gov. Gavin Newsom, compared with two top GOP candidates, and could divide the Democratic electorate enough that the two Republicans could receive the most votes in the June primary and advance to the November election. Under California's jungle primary system, the top two vote-getters advance to the general election, regardless of their party affiliation.

Hicks was deferential to the Democratic candidates who have long served in public office and have compelling personal tales and the experience to take the helm of the state. But he said there is the harsh political reality that a viable candidate needs to raise an enormous amount of money to have a winning campaign in a state of 23.1 million registered voters and some of the most expensive media markets in the nation.

The party, its allies and the candidates themselves have a collective commitment to ensuring we do not see a Republican elected [for governor], Hicks said.

While Hicks and other party leaders did not publicly name the candidates who ought to leave the race, among the candidates lagging in the polls are state Supt. of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, former state Controller Betty Yee, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and former Assembly Majority Leader Ian Calderon.

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Read more: Who is running for California governor in 2026? Meet the candidates

Democratic voters vastly outnumber the number of registered Republicans in the state, and no Republican has been elected to statewide office since 2006.

But given the sprawling field of gubernatorial candidates, the lack of a clear front-runner and the states unique primary system, the race appears up for grabs. According to an average of the most recent opinion polls, conservative commentator Steve Hilton and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco  both Republicans  are tied for first place, according to Real Clear Politics. Each received the support of 15.5% of voters. The top Democrat, Rep. Eric Swalwell of Dublin, Calif., was backed by 12.5%.

In 2012, Republicans finished in first and second place in the race for a San Bernardino County congressional district  despite Democrats having a solid edge in voter registration. The four Democrats running for the seat split the vote, opening the door for a victory by GOP Rep. Gary Miller. Pete Aguilar, one of the Democrats who lost in the primary, went on to win that seat in 2014 and has served in Congress ever since.

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Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco) on Friday pushed back at the fears that two Republicans will win the top two gubernatorial spots in June.

That's not going to happen, she said in an interview after speaking at a young Democrats reception. And everything that you should know about the Democrats this year is we are unified. As I say, our diversity is our strength, our unity is our power. And everybody knows that there's too much at stake.

However, the scenario has prompted a cross section of the typically fractious party to unite behind the belief the field must shrink, whether by candidates choice or through pressure.

Jodi Hicks, the leader of Planned Parenthoods California operations, said that the organization is laser-focused on congressional races, but having two Republican gubernatorial candidates would be nothing short of devastating.

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We have not weighed in on the governors race, but we are paying close attention to whether this comes to play, and whether or not we do decide to weigh in and make sure that doesn't happen, she said.

Newsom and legislative Democrats have tried to buffer the massive federal funding cuts to reproductive care. A November election with two Republicans on the gubernatorial ballot would eliminate a key partner in Sacramento, and could affect turnout in down-ballot congressional and legislative races.

A top-two Republican [race] would certainly have dire consequences for the midterm battle and to the governors office, Jodi Hicks said.

Lorena Gonzalez, the leader of California Federation of Labor Unions, noted that her organization's endorsement process begins on Tuesday.

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I think we are going to have some pretty honest discussions with candidates about their individual paths and where they are, she said. Theyre all great candidates, so many of them are really good folks. But its starting to get to be that time.

She expects the field to begin to thin in the coming days and weeks.

The conversation went beyond party leaders, taking place among delegates such as Gregory Hutchins, an academic labor researcher from Riverside.

My goal at the convention, it's not necessarily that the party coalesces around one particular candidate, but more, this is a test to see what candidates have a level of support that they can mount a successful campaign, said the 29-year-old, who said he hopes to see some candidates drop out after the weekend.

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"Am I concerned long term that [a top-two Republican runoff] could be a thing? Yes and no," he said. "I'm not concerned that we're not going to solve this problem before the primary, but I do think we need to start getting serious about, 'We need to solve this problem soon.'"

Not everyone agreed.

Tim Paulson, a San Francisco Democrat who supports Yee, called efforts to push people out of the race "preemptive disqualification."

This is nothing but scare tactics to get people out of the race, he said. This is still a vibrant primary. Nobody knows who the front-runner is yet.

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Bob Galemmo, 71, countered that many people did not believe Donald Trump would be elected president in 2016 and fears two Republicans could advance to the general election.

You should never say never, he said. If we could get down to like four or five [candidates], that would be helpful.

The efforts have already begun.

RL Miller, the chair of the state Democratic Party's environmental caucus, said Yee ought to drop out.

Yee, "who is at the bottom of the polls, needs to be taking a good long look at whether she is serving the party or being selfish by staying in the race," Miller said.

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Yee, a former state party vice chair, pushed back forcefully, saying pressure to drop out of the race "would just be undemocratic."

"First of all, I've served this party for a long time. I don't do it out of selfishness, by any means," she said at a Saturday gathering where she provided breakfast burritos to delegates. "But I'll just say this  the race is wide open."

Yee's campaign manager noted that the largest group of voters is still undecided, and the candidate said no one has asked her directly to exit the race, but that someone started a rumor a month or two ago that she was going to drop out and run for insurance commissioner instead.

"I'm not dropping out, and I don't think any candidate should go out," Yee said.

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Calderon said Swalwell had urged him to get out of the race.

Calderon defended staying in the race to try to reach undecided voters during a gubernatorial forum at the Commonwealth Club on Friday.

I stay very consistent in that 1 to 3% range, he joked. But my challenge is access to resources and visibility, which is something that could change within a day with the right backing and support.

Swalwell denied asking Calderon to leave the race.

"I never said that," Swalwell said in an interview at a Saturday evening dinner honoring Pelosi. "I've enjoyed being on the trail with him, and it's every candidate's decision to make about their own direction."

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Agents working for the Department of Homeland Security used facial recognition and license plate readers to surveil and threaten legal observers watching officers in Maine, activists said in a lawsuit filed Monday.

The class action suit , filed in the U.S. District Court of Maine, accuses Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and her agency of violating the First Amendment by using surveillance technology to intimidate the observers. The complaint details multiple incidents in which the plaintiffs said federal immigration officers scanned observers faces and license plates, and threatened to appear at their homes and place them on a domestic terrorist database.

The suit is seeking an injunction barring the agency from using surveillance technology to threaten legal observers. DHS did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

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The plaintiffs, Colleen Fagan and Elinor Hilton, are legal observers in Maine who had confrontations with DHS agents, according to the lawsuit. They alleged that agents used phones to scan their faces and license plates on Jan. 21 and Jan. 23 while the observers were recording ICE operations in Portland, Maine.

I hope you know that if you keep coming to things like this, you are going to be on a domestic terrorist watchlist, an officer told Hilton, according to the complaint. Then were going to come to your house later tonight.

The complaint also cited recent news stories about similar incidents where agents showed up to legal observers homes after scanning their faces or license plates. They included accusations that ICE officers had driven to a legal observers home and honking aggressively or told another observer outside their home: This is a warning. We know where you live .

Fagan and Hilton are represented by attorneys from the Protect Democracy Project and the law firms Dunn Isaacson Rhee and Drummond Woodsum.

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Mounting surveillance concerns: DHS said it does not have a domestic terrorist database, but that the agency monitors incidents of threats, assaults and obstruction of its officers.

Democrats have been increasingly concerned about DHSs surveillance capabilities, stemming from reports and lawsuits from Minnesota similar to the complaint that Fagan and Hilton filed.

In their negotiations with Republicans for DHS funding, Democratic leaders Hakeem Jeffries and Chuck Schumer asked for limits on how body camera footage is used in order to prohibit tracking, creating or maintaining databases of individuals participating in First Amendment activities.
President Donald Trump did not, in fact, call in to C-SPAN on Friday using John Barron as a fake name, the network said.

A man who identified himself with that name called in to C-SPAN after the Supreme Court struck down many of Trumps tariffs. The caller, who host Greta Brawner said was a Republican from Virginia, said the ruling was the worst decision youd ever have in your life, practically, according to The Hill.

This is a terrible decision, the man said, doing what sounded like an impression of Trump.

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And you have Hakeem Jeffries, hes a dope, and you have Chuck Schumer, who cant cook a cheeseburger, he added. Of course, these people are happy, of course these people are happy. But true Americans will not be happy.

Enough people thought the caller was actually Trump that the network later issued a statement.

Because so many of you are talking about Fridays C-SPAN caller who identified himself as John Barron, we want to put this to rest: it was not the president, the statement read, according to Forbes. 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.

Trump used the alias John Barron when calling the media during the 1980s, according to the Daily Beast.

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The Washington Post reported previously that Trump would claim Barron was his spokesperson.

More on the Trump administration

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A travel ban has been issued starting at 7 p.m. tonight by Gov. Dan McKee for Rhode Island drivers ahead of blizzard that is expected to wallop the state with more than 20 inches of snow.

In addition to the travel ban, the state has also closed four key bridges  Jamestown-Verrazzano Bridge, Mount Hope Bridge, Newport Pell Bridge, Sakonnet River Bridge  starting at 7 p.m. Sunday.

"Once the snow starts, our plows need to be able to operate safely," McKee said. "Let's make sure that we respect their space to clear the roads  and our first responders, the same thing. Do not drive once the travel ban goes into effect."

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But what exactly does a travel ban mean?

Rhode Island travel ban exact wording

A sign on Interstate 95 warning of blizzard conditions on Feb. 22, 2026.

Here's the official language in the executive order.

"Beginning on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at 7 p.m., there shall be a restriction on all motor vehicle travel on all roads statewide. These restrictions shall be in effect until further notice. Vehicles transporting emergency supplies and/or emergency personnel shall be exempt from these restrictions. Vehicles permitted to travel under these exceptions will not be permitted to travel over the Newport and Jamestown Bridges when the bridges are closed," the order said.

While consequences were not outlined in this executive order, in the past Rhode Island officials have said driving during a travel ban can be a misdemeanor under state law.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: RI travel ban Feb. 22: See exact wording, what it means
President Donald Trump's threats to attack Iran provide little detail on what the long-term US goal would be in the event of a sustained or even brief conflict.

Trump sent warships and dozens of fighter planes to the Middle East and has several options to choose from that could destabilize the region.

Will Trump order surgical strikes targeting Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, the backbone of the clerical regime in power, try to take out its missile program  as Israel wants him to do  or even try to force regime change in Tehran?

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Iran has threatened severe reprisal if it is attacked.

- What are the options? -

Trump said Thursday he would decide in 10 or 15 days whether to order strikes on Iran if no nuclear deal is reached.

The news outlet Axios has reported that Trump was presented with an array of military options that include a direct attack on Iran's supreme leader, Ali Khamenei.

Trump has said many times he prefers a diplomatic route leading to an agreement that addresses not only Iran's nuclear program but also its ballistic missile capability and its support for militant groups such as Hezbollah and Hamas. Iran has said no to making such concessions.

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The United States and Iran recently held two rounds of indirect talks, in Oman and Switzerland. They have not brought the two sides' position closer, with talks set to resume Thursday in Switzerland.

Trump is "surprised" that Iran has not "capitulated" given the massive US military buildup, his envoy Steve Witkoff has said.

"The Trump administration most likely aims for a limited conflict that reshapes the balance of power without trapping it in a quagmire," said Alex Vatanka, an analyst at the Middle East Institute in Washington.

Vatanka said Iran is now expecting "a short, high-impact military campaign that would cripple Iran's missile infrastructure, undermine its deterrent, and reset the balance of power after the 12-day war with Israel in June 2025."

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- What is the justification? -

Trump has insisted US forces destroyed Iran's nuclear program in attacks targeting uranium enrichment facilities.

Things changed with the January protest movement in Iran that security forces put down with huge loss of life.

Trump threatened several times to intervene to "help" the Iranian people, but did not act.

Trump boasts often of having brought peace to the Middle East, citing the oft-violated ceasefire he engineered in Gaza between Hamas and Israel.

And he has argued that regime change in Iran would strengthen what he calls a dynamic toward peace in the region.

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But opposition Democrats are worried that Trump is leading America into a violent mess and demanding that he consult Congress, the only body in the United States with the authority to declare war.

- US firepower in the region? -

The US military now has 13 warships stationed in the Middle East: the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, which arrived late last month, nine destroyers and three frigates.

More warships are on the way. The world's largest vessel, the US aircraft carrier USS Gerald Ford, was photographed sailing through the Strait of Gibraltar to enter the Mediterranean on Friday.

Besides the many planes parked on the aircraft carriers, the United States has sent a powerful force of dozens of warplanes to the Middle East, and tens of thousands of US troops are stationed across the Middle East.

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These are potential targets for attack by Iran.

- To what end? -

Richard Haas, the former president of the Council on Foreign Relations, said it is not clear what impact a conflict of any duration and scale would have on Iran's government.

"It could just as easily strengthen it as weaken it. And it is impossible to know what would succeed this regime if it were to fall," Haas wrote recently on Substack.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio told a Senate hearing late last month that no one really knows what will happen if Iran's Supreme leader falls "other than the hope that there would be some ability to have somebody within their systems that you could work towards a similar transition."

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Arab monarchies in the Gulf that have close relations with Iran have warned Trump against intervening, fearing they might be targeted in reprisal attacks and wary of any destabilization in the region.

Mona Yacoubian, of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, recently told AFP that Iran is much more complex than Venezuela, which the United States attacked January 3 as it captured its leader Nicolas Maduro.

She said Iran has more diffuse centers of power and a "decapitation strike" could end up "really unleashing a mess inside of Iran."

lb/dw/jgc
An East Coast blizzard is clobbering areas from New England to New York City to New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware with over two feet of snow and high winds leading to power outages and coastal flooding from this bomb cyclone.

This storm has been named Winter Storm Hernando by The Weather Channel.

(MAPS: Track The Storm Now)

Happening Now

New snow is waning across the East Coast, but earlier on Monday snowfall rates of 1 to 3 inches per hour occurred from the Delmarva Peninsula to New England, including Long Island, the New York City tri-state, and New Jersey.

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This snow had been, at times, accompanied by lightning strikes, especially just offshore of southeast New England near Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket Island.

Parts of Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, Connecticut and Rhode Island picked up over two feet of snow. A few locations have even topped 30 inches of snow, including Providence, Rhode Island, and Islip, New York.

Providence even broke their all-time snowstorm record with a two-day total of 32.4 inches, which breaks the previous record of the infamous "Blizzard of '78", from Feb. 6-7. By Monday afternoon, Providence's T.F. Green International Airport had received 30.4 inches of fresh snow since midnight, smashing the previous 1-day total of 19.0 inches set in January 1996 before the day was even done.

(For More: How Much Snow Has Fallen?)

It's already New York City's heaviest snowstorm in five years, topping Winter Storm Fern's 11.4-inch total almost a month ago.

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Winds have gusted up to 84 mph on Montauk, Long Island, and at least a dozen other locations have clocked at least 60 mph wind gusts, including New York's JFK Airport and Atlantic City, New Jersey.

The low pressure system rapidly intensified enough to be deemed a bomb cyclone after the storm's central pressure plunged 40 millibars in 24 hours ending at 1 a.m. ET Monday morning, according to analyses from NOAA's Weather Prediction Center.

The map below shows where snow is falling right now.

(LIVE UPDATES: East Coast Blizzard Impacts)

Winter Storm Alerts

Blizzard warnings are expiring for millions, but some remain for parts of the East Coast of New England, including Boston.

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It was first time in nine years that blizzard warnings have been issued for all five boroughs of New York City and the first time in four years blizzard warnings have been issued for Boston.

Various other areas remain under either winter storm warnings or winter weather advisories, as shown in the map below.

Forecast: How Much More Snow?

In general, the heaviest snow and strongest winds diminished over the course of the day from the mid-Atlantic states to the New York City tri-state.

That said, travel will continue to be either dangerous or impossible, in spots, into Tuesday morning in the areas most impacted. Expect flights to be grounded and some smaller airports to close until conditions improve.

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By late tonight, most of the snow should have exited New England, but strong winds could cause drifting snow and whiteout conditions.

The heaviest additional snow Monday will fall in southern and coastal New England.

This left widespread storm totals in excess of two feet from Delaware to at least southeast Massachusetts.

This is a heavy, wet, "heart attack" kind of snow that will weigh down power lines, roofs and trees. Please take care of yourself while removing snow.

(MORE: "Heart Attack" Snow)

Snowfall forecast in addition to what has already fallen during the storm

Forecast: Wind, Coastal Flood Impact

The strongest winds are over, but gusts up to 40 mph are still possible in coastal New England as things wind down into early Tuesday.

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In addition to blizzard conditions, these winds are capable of downing wires and trees, leading to power outages for hundreds of thousands in the region that could last for a few days.

(MORE: How To Preserve Heat When Power Is Out)

These onshore winds could cause minor coastal flooding late tonight from southeast New England to the North Carolina's northern Outer Banks at high tide.

Has It Been Snowy This Winter?

Long answer made short, yes.

Let's get specific.

Prior to this storm, Boston has seen over 8 inches more than average with a snowfall total of 43.3 inches so far. This is significantly higher than the 28.1 inches the city saw last year. A lot of this snowfall came when Winter Storm Fern slammed the city, bringing a top 10 snowiest day on record.

(MORE: Winter Storm Fern Recap)

New York City, specifically Central Park, has seen 22.3 inches of snowfall so far this year before Hernando. Compare this to last year, where they saw only 12.9 inches.

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Philadelphia has seen 16 inches of snowfall this year prior to Hernando, double what it saw last year.

Jonathan Erdman is a senior meteorologist at weather.com and has been covering national and international weather since 1996. Extreme and bizarre weather are his favorite topics. Reach out to him on Bluesky, X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook.
After spending years evading authorities worldwide, a powerful Mexican cartel leader was killed during a military operation, Mexican officials announced on Sunday, Feb. 22.

Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, commonly known as "El Mencho," rose through the ranks and launched a deadly coup to become the leader of the Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generacion (CJNG). The criminal enterprise rapidly grew into a continent-spanning empire that rivaled its former allies in the Sinaloa Cartel, run by kingpin Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, who is serving life in prison.

In 2024, the U.S. Department of State offered a $15 million reward for information leading to Oseguera's arrest and/or conviction. After reports of his death surfaced, Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau described "El Mencho" in a social media post as "one of the bloodiest and most ruthless drug kingpins."

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Here's what to know about the Mexican drug lord:

What was his real name?

He was born Ruben Oseguera Cervantes on July 17, 1966, in the small farming city of Aguililla in the western state of Michoacan, according to The Courier Journal, part of the USA TODAY Network. He later adopted the name Nemesio, some say to honor his godfather. It was shortened to "El Mencho" and has no other known meaning.

Why was 'El Mencho' so dangerous?

A powerful drug kingpin with 5,000 members spread across every continent except Antarctica, Oseguera's brutal cartel is blamed for kidnappings, torture, murders, cannibalism, and the spread of fentanyl  which surpassed heroin as Americas deadliest illicit drug.

"More recently, CJNG operatives, allegedly under Oseguera Cervantes direction, were involved in assassination attempts of Mexican government officials," the State Department said in December 2024.

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Targeting 'The Last Frontier': Mexican cartels send drugs into Alaska, upping death toll

How did 'El Mencho' rise to power?

Unlike some cartel leaders who inherited leadership positions from family dynasties, his parents were farm workers who carved out a living in Aguililla, a city of fewer than 20,000 people in Michoacan, known as the world's avocado capital. Oseguera dropped out of school after the sixth grade to pick avocados.

"El Mencho" eventually made his way to Tijuana, the prominent border town for American tourists and feuding Mexican cartels. There, he grew his drug-smuggling business in San Diego. Court and prison records show he has entered the United States at least three times and was repeatedly deported.

After being ordered to leave the area by another organization, "El Mencho" joined the police force in Tomatlan, a small city south of Puerto Vallarta in the western state of Jalisco.

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Eventually, Oseguera returned to his native Michoacan, where he joined the Milenio Cartel, an entrenched criminal organization operating since at least the early 1990s. Milenio eventually tapped "El Mencho," a skilled sicario  or assassin  to lead one of its cells in Guadalajara as a cartel lieutenant.

As Oseguera rose through the ranks of Milenio, he expected to be rewarded with the top position. But when some of the cartels leaders were arrested or killed in 2008 and 2009, "El Mencho" wasn't promoted.

Incensed, Oseguera plotted revenge in 2009 and 2010 with others who were unhappy with Milenios new leadership and spearheaded a deadly coup. He emerged victorious in early 2011, and his new cartel was christened the Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generacion.

Billionaire cartel boss El Mencho began his career as a drug dealing failure. This 1986 booking photo from a San Francisco jail shows one of his arrests.

What did 'El Mencho' control?

Oseguera controlled several key drug trafficking routes and hubs in Mexico and gave orders to the "capo," or plaza boss, similar to a mafia lieutenant.

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His cartel dominates much of Guadalajara and controls the outskirts of Jalisco, as well as other states such as Colima and Michoacan. CJNG has spread to most of Mexico's 32 states, with an increasing presence in Tijuana and Mexico City.

As the boss, "El Mencho" set the piso, or tax, that business owners and independent drug traffickers had to pay the capos for protection. Oseguera also assumed control of corrupt police officers and politicians.

"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," Edgardo Buscaglia, an organized crime expert at Columbia University, told Reuters.

What was 'El Mencho' charged with in the United States?

Oseguera was the lead defendant in a federal indictment returned in the District of Columbia in 2017, accusing him of leading a continuing criminal enterprise. He was also charged with conspiring to send large amounts of drugs into the United States and using firearms during these drug trafficking crimes.

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Oseguera also faced meth trafficking charges from a 2013 federal indictment in Gulfport, Mississippi.

'That level of violence is terrifying': Mexican cartel targets tranquil Puget Sound city

How did 'El Mencho' avoid capture for so long?

Despite a $15 million bounty, Oseguera stayed on the move for years and dodged manhunts that began within a year of his rise to power in 2011. He was rarely seen, staying in remote compounds that made it harder for police to breach, and didn't do drugs or drink alcohol to avoid slip-ups, the Courier Journal reported in 2019.

U.S. drug agents and Mexican authorities teamed to root out El Menchos hiding spots at least three times. Police raided his secret compounds in 2012 and 2018, but he escaped, the newspaper reported.

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According to the Courier Journal, the Mexican military also learned Oseguera's hiding spot and headed to get him in two military helicopters in May 2015. But his men shot down one of the helicopters with a Russian-made rocket-propelled grenade launcher.

Contributing: Reuters

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 'El Mencho' killed in Jalisco, Mexico. Who was the cartel leader?
Newly revealed emails tied to convicted financier Jeffrey Epstein show that the disgraced figure once took an unusual interest in two topics connected to the automotive world. One involved the dramatic arrest of former Carlos Ghosn, the high-profile leader of Nissan Motor Co..

The other centered on Epsteins apparent determination to obtain one of Japans most exclusive luxury cars, the Toyota Century, for use in the United States.

The emails, which surfaced in a broader document release connected to investigations surrounding Epsteins network, provide a rare glimpse into the financiers conversations with influential business figures.

Image Credit: Federal Bureau of Investigation - Public Domain, Wikimedia.

Among the recipients was Tom Pritzker, a prominent executive connected to the global hospitality industry.

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In messages sent shortly after Ghosns arrest in Japan in November 2018, Epstein asked Pritzker if he could help determine why the auto executive was being held.

Epstein's Interest in the Ghosn Scandal

Ghosns detention stunned the automotive industry at the time. As chairman of Renault and a dominant figure within the alliance linking Renault with Nissan and Mitsubishi Motors, he had spent nearly two decades building one of the most powerful cross-border partnerships in the global car business.

Image Credit: Nissan Motor Co. Ltd, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia.

Japanese prosecutors accused him of financial misconduct, including allegations that he underreported income and misused company assets.

In one email exchange, Epstein described the situation in striking terms. He noted that the Nissan guy Ghosn is being held incommunicado in Tokyo and suggested the arrest raised questions that deserved further explanation. He appeared eager to gather details from well-connected sources who might have insight into the unfolding corporate and legal drama.

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Epstein also contacted Brad S. Karp, the chairman of the New York law firm Paul Weiss, which had early involvement representing Ghosn during the complicated legal fight that followed the arrest. In those messages Epstein implied he might possess information relevant to the case and offered to brief Karp.

The emails later took a different tone. In another message Epstein described Ghosn as a very very not good guy. There is no indication in the documents that Epstein actually held insider knowledge about the investigation.

Instead, the correspondence suggests he was attempting to insert himself into conversations surrounding one of the most dramatic leadership collapses in modern automotive history.

The Quest for a Rare Japanese Limousine

Separate emails reveal another curiosity. Years earlier, Epstein had been working through contacts in an attempt to import a Toyota Century into the United States.

Image Credit: Toyota.

The limousine occupies a unique place in Japans automotive culture. Built in limited numbers by Toyota Motor Corporation, the car is traditionally favored by senior government officials, business leaders, and members of the Japanese imperial household.

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Unlike luxury sedans sold globally, the Century has long been a domestic symbol of prestige in Japan. Its restrained styling, meticulous craftsmanship, and chauffeur-focused interior distinguish it from flashier luxury competitors. For many years it was powered by a V12 engine and assembled largely by hand.

According to the emails, Epstein wanted a specific configuration for the vehicle. He requested a black exterior paired with a light-colored interior and hoped to have the car based in New York City.

Image Credit: Toyota.

Because the model was not officially sold in the United States, obtaining one required navigating complex import regulations and potentially seeking assistance from contacts inside Toyota.

One of Epsteins associates replied that he would try to reach someone within Toyotas leadership who might help facilitate the process. The exchange suggested the request could involve approaching a senior executive at the company to see whether a special arrangement might be possible.

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Its not clear to this publication whether Epstein ever succeeded in acquiring the rare Japanese limousine. What the emails do reveal is an unexpected intersection between one of the most controversial figures of the past two decades and two very different corners of the automotive world.

One involved the spectacular downfall of a global auto executive. The other centered on a quiet quest for one of Japans most exclusive luxury cars.

Editorial Note: Video playback may be limited or restricted on certain platforms. If you are unable to watch the video here, please visit our main website and search the articles title, where full playback will be available.

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Enola Gay, a B-29 bomber, dropped the "Little Boy" atomic bomb on Hiroshima on August 6, 1945.

The plane is on display at the National Air and Space Museum's second, larger location in Virginia.

The exhibit has been the subject of controversy as interest groups have debated the plane's legacy.

The Enola Gay, the Boeing B-29 Superfortress bomber that dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima in World War II, is so large that it couldn't fit into the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum's flagship location on the National Mall in Washington, DC.

Instead, it's displayed at the museum's second location, the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia.

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The Udvar-Hazy Center features over 200 aircraft on display, but the Enola Gay remains one of the most prominent objects in its collection.

Take a closer look at the historic aircraft.

Enola Gay dropped the first-ever atomic bomb used in warfare on Hiroshima on August 6, 1945.

Enola Gay. Photo 12/Ann Ronan Picture Library/Photo 12/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

A second "Fat Man" atomic bomb was dropped on Nagasaki on August 9, 1945, by another Boeing B-29 Superfortress named Bockscar, which is on display at the National Museum of the US Air Force in Dayton, Ohio.

The emperor of Japan announced the country's surrender on August 15.

The plane was named after pilot Paul Tibbets' mother, Enola Gay Tibbets.

UNITED STATES - APRIL 06: Crew of the Enola Gay, the infamous B-29 plane from which the first atom bomb was dropped. (Left to right) Major Thomas W. Ferebee, Col. Paul W. Tibbetts Jr., Major Theodore J. Van Kirk, Capt. Kermit Beahan, Capt. Robert Lewis, Sergt. Wyatt E. Duzenbury and Sergt. George Caron. Art Edger/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images

Tibbets commanded the Air Force's 509th Composite Group in charge of deploying nuclear weapons. The hand-picked squadron trained at an abandoned airfield in Windover, Utah.

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The "Little Boy" atomic bomb deployed by the Enola Gay weighed 9,700 pounds.

View of the atomic bomb, codenamed 'Little Boy,' as it is hoisted into the bomb bay of the B-29 Superfortress 'Enola Gay' on the North Field of Tinian airbase, North Marianas Islands, early August, 1945. The bomb was dropped on the Japanese city of Hiroshima on August 6. PhotoQuest/Getty Images

To make the B-29 aircraft capable of carrying the atomic bomb, all of its protective and defensive armament, except for the 50-caliber tailguns, were removed to get rid of excess weight. It was also left unpainted, which saved the 850 pounds that the paint would have added.

The bomb exploded 1,900 feet above Hiroshima with devastating effects.

Hiroshima after the atomic explosion of August 1945. Universal History Archive/Universal History Archive/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

At least 70,000 people died in the initial blast from the bombing of Hiroshima, and the death toll over five years may have exceeded 200,000 people due to the aftereffects, according to the US Department of Energy's Office of History and Heritage Resources.

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Japan and anti-nuclear weapons scientists released an updated higher estimate in the 1970s that counted 140,000 deaths at Hiroshima.

The Enola Gay was rattled by shockwaves from the explosion, even as it had already flown 11.5 miles away.

After the Enola Gay spent decades in storage, the Smithsonian began restoration work on the bomber in 1984.

Restoration of Enola Gay at Paul E Garber facility of Smithsonian, Silver Hill, MD, June 1985. Ben Martin/Ben Martin/Getty Images

It took museum staff 300,000 hours to reassemble and restore the Enola Gay, with 12 truckloads transporting all of its parts.

The historical narratives around the use of the atomic bomb were fiercely debated when parts of the Enola Gay first went on display in 1995.

The fuselage of the Enola Gay on display at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC, in 1995. Jeffrey Markowitz/Sygma via Getty Images

In 1995, the fuselage and other parts of the Enola Gay were displayed at the National Air and Space Museum's flagship location in Washington, DC, in an exhibit tied to the 50th anniversary of the bombing of Hiroshima.

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The script of the exhibit was rewritten several times as various interest groups debated how it was presented and how the decision to drop the bomb was framed, according to the Smithsonian Institution Archives.

Veterans' groups pushed for the exhibit to emphasize Japanese aggression and present the narrative that dropping the atomic bomb saved lives by ending the war. Anti-war activists opposed having the exhibit justify the use of the bomb and sought to highlight its victims by protesting with alternative exhibits on the sidewalk outside the museum.

The Enola Gay went on permanent display at the National Air and Space Museum's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in 2003.

CHANTILLY, VA - AUGUST 18: The Boeing B-29 Superfortress bomber, the Enola Gay, sits restored and reasembled in the new Smithsonian Air and Space Museum's Udvar-Hazy Center, August 18, 2003 in Chantilly, Virginia. The Enola Gay dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima, Japan. The Udvar-Hazy Center, which will be open to the public in December, is one of the Smithsonian's facilities for the display and preservation of its collection of historic aviation and space artifacts. Mark Wilson/Getty Images

Weighing 137,500 pounds with a wingspan of 141 feet, the fully assembled plane is too large for the National Air and Space Museum's flagship location on the National Mall in Washington, DC. The Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia, offers more room with 340,000 square feet of exhibit space.

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The Udvar-Hazy Center features an elevated walkway, allowing visitors to view the plane from above as well as on the ground.

The Enola Gay viewed from an elevated platform at the National Air and Space Museum's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

The Enola Gay is displayed among other aircraft from World War II, including the Northrop P-61C Black Widow, the first US aircraft designed for combat at night.

The Enola Gay stands out as one of the museum's most historically significant aircraft.

The Enola Gay. Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

Over 80 years after the bombing of Hiroshima, the Enola Gay remains not just a World War II artifact, but a symbol of a turning point that ushered the world into the nuclear age.

After years of debate over how to present the aircraft, the permanent exhibition takes a minimalist approach, leaving visitors to decide how to understand its legacy.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Ethiopia and Eritrea appeared on the verge of war, as longstanding tensions in the Horn of Africa threatened to spill over into full-blown hostilities.

Deteriorating relations between Addis Ababa and Asmara have created a powder keg in the region, the International Crisis Group warned; Ethiopia accuses Eritrea of arming rebels, while the latter says the former has declared war.

The two have long been at odds, with territory at the heart of the dispute. Landlocked Ethiopia  one of Africas biggest economies  says it has a historic right to maritime access, which it lost when Eritrea seceded. The threat of war has sent prices in the region soaring, with many hoarding foodstuffs. The situation is very frightening, an Ethiopian political analyst told DW.
MEKELE, Ethiopia (AP)  Gebreegziabher Berehe has stopped waiting for tourists to arrive as many worry about a return to war.

The tour guide in Ethiopia s northern region of Tigray says his bookings have dried up, ATMs in the city of Mekele are empty and he is considering leaving a country where he can no longer afford to live.

If war arises again, I think the situation will be even more severe than before, the 37-year-old Berehe said. My colleagues and I are now facing serious economic and moral crises, even before hearing the sound of any gun.

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There is a tense calm in Mekele, the regional capital, but tensions have been rising again between local authorities and Ethiopias government in Addis Ababa, the federal capital.

The recent conflict

Tigray has been bracing for the possibility of renewed conflict after the parties signed a peace deal in November 2022, ending fighting that killed thousands of people as Ethiopian government troops, backed by allied forces from neighboring Eritrea, fought Tigrayan forces.

Now, Tigrays rulers accuse Ethiopian federal authorities of breaching that agreement with drone strikes. At the same time, Ethiopias government accuses Eritrea of pivoting to mobilize and fund armed groups in Tigray, with which it shares a border.

In the feared scenario, Eritrea would team up with the Tigray Peoples Liberation Front, the group that governs Tigray, in armed hostilities against Ethiopian forces.

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The conflict that ended in 2022 was brutal, with widespread allegations of sexual violence and the withholding of food as a weapon of war.

Many residents of Mekele are looking for opportunities to escape any new fighting while they can, recalling the communications blackout and travel restrictions that Ethiopia's government imposed on the region during the conflict.

Shifting alliances

Some observers see a possible war trigger in Prime Minister Abiy Ahmeds forceful stance on efforts to regain Red Sea access for landlocked Ethiopia through Eritrea, which was lost when Eritrea gained independence from Ethiopia in 1993 after decades of guerrilla warfare.

Abiy told lawmakers earlier this month that the Red Sea and Ethiopia cannot remain separated forever. Yemane Gebremeskel, the Eritrean government spokesperson, dismissed Abiy's ambition as delusional malaise in comments to The Associated Press.

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Eritrea, fearing a military strike on its port of Assab, has responded by warming up to its former rivals, Tigrays leaders, even as it denies any alliance. That has caused concern in Addis Ababa, where the Ethiopian government is calling up its reserve forces.

Abiy has tried to build a global image of Ethiopia as a rising power since he took office in 2018. But he has been set back by several conflicts over the years.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called on all parties to exercise restraint, echoed by the European Union and the United Kingdom, which has warned its citizens against traveling to the region.

Ethiopian Airlines, the national carrier, on Jan. 29 canceled flights to Tigray after clashes broke out between federal troops and Tigrayan forces in Tselemti district, which is part of an area disputed by Tigray and the neighboring Amhara region. The airline resumed flights on Feb. 3.

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The violence was followed by drone strikes that killed one person and injured another. Tigrayan authorities accused Ethiopian forces of carrying out the attack. Ethiopia's military didn't publicly respond to the allegation.

All we can do is pray

The events have affected travel to Tigray, whose ancient rock-hewn churches and dramatic highland landscapes make tourism a rare but vital source of hard currency and employment.

While Mekele business owners like Berehe worry about lost income, Tigray farmers like Johannes Tesfay worry.

Tesfay lives north of Mekele in Debretsion, where his family grows chili, potatoes and onions at the base of a mountain range that Eritrean troops used to cross into Ethiopia during the last conflict, trampling over farmland and destroying equipment.

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Supply chain disruptions tied to the renewed tensions have left him gravely concerned.

Theres no fuel for my irrigation pumps, theres no fertilizer and theres barely any transportation for buyers to bring the produce to market, he said.

Asked what he would do if fighting returned to the region, Tesfay looked to the mountains and said, What can we do? All we can do is pray. We need help from the global community to make some kind of reconciliation between all the forces.

___

For more on Africa and development: https://apnews.com/hub/africa-pulse

___

The Associated Press receives financial support for global health and development coverage in Africa from the Gates Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content. Find APs standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.
The European Union's new, 20th package of sanctions against Russia is unlikely to be adopted on Monday 23 February, due to a blockage by Hungary.

Source: Kaja Kallas, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, before the start of a meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels

Details: The EU's 20th sanctions package against Russia cannot be approved on 23 February because of a blockage by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban.

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"Tomorrow marks the fourth anniversary of this horrible war. So, of course, there is going to be a discussion on the 20th sanctions package. But as you all know, I think there is not going to be any progress regarding this today," Kallas said.

Nevertheless, she promised that she would "definitely make this push" to move this decision forward.

"We are, of course, doing our utmost to have this sanctions package, to push this through. I've talked to the member states who are also going to raise this and convince the countries who are blocking it  and we are also looking at ways how we can do it. But as we have heard some very strong statements from Hungary, that's why I don't really see that they are going to change, unfortunately, this position that they have today," Kallas said.

She pointed out that Hungary had been blocking sanctions because of "the problems that they have that are totally not related to the 20th sanctions package".

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"Let's listen to them explaining what are the reasons why they are blocking it, and then see whether there are possibilities to overcome," Kallas added.

Background:

As previously reported by European Pravda, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto announced that on 23 February he would block the European Union's adoption of the 20th package of sanctions against Russia, claiming that Ukraine is deliberately not repairing the Druzhba oil pipeline.

Hungary is also officially refusing to approve the allocation of a 90 billion loan to Ukraine that had previously been agreed in Brussels.

Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that Ukraine rejects and condemns the ultimatums and blackmail by the governments of Hungary and Slovakia regarding the operation of the Druzhba oil pipeline.

Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
BRUSSELS (AP)  The European Union's top diplomats met Monday in Brussels with the director of the Board of Peace after a shaky and controversial embrace of U.S. President Donald Trump's efforts to secure and rebuild the war-ravaged Gaza Strip.

Nikolay Mladenov, a former Bulgarian politician and U.N. diplomat chosen by Trump to manage the Board of Peace, met the EU's foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and foreign ministers from across the 27-nation bloc. The EU diplomats were also expected to discuss the war in Ukraine and fresh sanctions on Russia.

We want to be part of the peace process in Gaza and also contribute with what we have, Kallas said ahead of the meeting. Afterward, she said Mladenov updated diplomats on the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the Board of Peace's activities and strategy, which included an EU presence in stabilization and humanitarian efforts.

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It was good to hear from Mladenov that its really right now trying to improve the situation, that he sees this in the same way, that actually they also need us there contributing," Kallas said.

One EU nation blocked new sanctions on Israeli settlers agreed by the rest of the bloc, she said, without naming the holdout. The EU's planned training of Palestinian police in Gaza is awaiting approval by Israel, Kallas said.

Just across the Mediterranean Sea from the Middle East, the EU has deep links to Israel and the Palestinians. It now plays a crucial oversight role at Gaza's Rafah border crossing with Egypt, and is the top donor to the Palestinian Authority.

The question of whether to work with the Trump-led board has split national capitals from Nicosia to Copenhagen. The EU is supportive of the United Nations mandate in Gaza.

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EU members Hungary and Bulgaria are full members of the board, as are EU candidate countries Turkey, Kosovo and Albania.

Twelve other EU nations sent observers to the inaugural meeting in Washington on Thursday: Austria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Finland, Germany, Greece, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Romania and Slovakia. The EU flag was displayed at the event alongside EU observer and member nations.

European leaders like French President Emmanuel Macron and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen turned down invitation to join, as did Pope Leo XIV. But von der Leyen did send European Commissioner for the Mediterranean Dubravka Suica to the meeting in Washington as an observer.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said sending Suica without consulting the European Council, the group of the bloc's leaders, broke EU regulations.

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The European Commission should never have attended the Board of Peace meeting in Washington, Barrot said in a post on X. Beyond the legitimate political questions raised by the Board of Peace, the Commission must scrupulously respect European law and institutional balance in all circumstances.

"It is in the remit of the commission to accept invitations, von der Leyen spokesperson Paula Pinho said Friday.

While the executive is not joining the board, it is seeking to influence reconstruction and peacekeeping in Gaza beyond being the top donor to the Palestinian Authority, she said.

Trumps ballooning ambitions for the board extend from governing and rebuilding Gaza as a futuristic metropolis to challenging the U.N. Security Councils role in solving conflicts. But they could be tempered by the realities of dealing with Gaza, where there has so far been limited progress in achieving the narrower aims of the ceasefire.
European Union lawmakers Monday put a key trade deal with the United States on hold, demanding clarity after a Supreme Court ruling struck down many of President Donald Trump's tariffs.

The move came as Trump warned that countries seeking to "play games" with tariffs risked much higher duties.

Uncertainty has gripped markets since the Supreme Court ruled Friday that Trump does not have the authority to impose tariffs under a 1977 law he has relied on -- to which Trump responded by imposing a new 15 percent global duty on a different legal basis.

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That new threat raised worries in Brussels over its implications for the US trade deal struck last July, since European officials and lawmakers say EU goods could face higher duties than under the terms of the agreement.

Parliament negotiators backed putting the deal on ice until it is clearer what the US ruling means, postponing a vote that was due to take place Tuesday.

"We want to have clarity from the United States that they are respecting the deal," the committee head, Bernd Lange, said, adding the negotiators would meet again on March 4.

"In view of the current enormous uncertainty, a vote would not be justifiable," Green lawmaker Anna Cavazzini said.

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- New Trump threat -

US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer told US media Sunday that deals with China, the EU and other partners will remain in force.

But European Commission spokesman Olof Gill said Brussels could not take further decisions until it had further clarity from the United States.

"We look forward to our American counterparts explaining to us precisely what is happening," Gill told reporters in Brussels.

After Friday's ruling, Trump responded first with a new 10 percent global duty on imports under a different legal authority, before raising it to 15 percent.

Trump has said the new duties are due to kick in on Tuesday, with exemptions for some products. They will expire in 150 days unless Congress extends them.

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China on Monday urged the United States to cancel the unilateral tariffs, while several countries are studying the Supreme Court ruling and Trump's subsequent tariff announcements.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's spokesman said Monday Britain did not expect the ruling to impact the majority of trade under its 2025 deal.

- Better the deal you know? -

Under the EU-US trade agreement, Washington had agreed a blanket 15-percent tariff on most goods from the bloc, but Trump's latest move could in reality see the EU face higher levies.

That is because the new duties would come on top of existing ones of a few percent, known as "most favoured nation" tariffs.

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According to Jacob Funk Kirkegaard, senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics, this could mean most EU manufactured goods would now be subject to, on average, 17 or 18 percent tariffs instead of 15 percent.

"There continues to be potentially significant benefits for the EU to keeping the Turnberry agreement in place," he added, referring to the EU-US deal.

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 his signature economic policy that has roiled the global trade order.

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Despite the uncertainty triggered, Kirkegaard said the overall situation for Europe -- and beyond -- was "much better" after the ruling.

"The Supreme Court has reduced Donald Trump's personal capacity to do tariffs by tweet," Kirkegaard told AFP. While tariffs can still be imposed, it would be through a process that would provide more predictability, he said.

burs-mya-raz/ec/rl
BRUSSELS, Feb 23 (Reuters) - EU countries will likely not reach an agreement on the proposed new package of sanctions against Russia on Monday, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said.

Continued resistance from Hungary has made it clear that consensus on the proposed measures will not be reached at a meeting of EU ministers of foreign affairs on Monday, Kallas told reporters before the meeting.

(Reporting by Bart Meijer; Editing by Sudip Kar-Gupta)
BRUSSELS, Feb 23 (Reuters) - European Council President Antonio Costa on Monday urged Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban to honour an EU deal for a 90 billion euro ($106.11 billion) loan to Ukraine, after Budapest said it would block the plan until Russian oil flows again through the Druzhba pipeline that traverses Ukraine.

"When leaders reach a consensus, they are bound by their decision. Any breach of this commitment constitutes a violationof the principle of sincere cooperation," Costa, who chairs summits of EU leaders, said in a letter to Orban seen by Reuters.

"No Member State can be allowed to undermine the credibility of decisions taken collectively by the European Council," Costa wrote, referring to the loan, which was approved by EU leaders at a summit in December.

($1 = 0.8482 euros)

(Reporting by Andrew Gray, editing by Inti Landauro)
Editor's note: This story has been updated to include a comment from Alexander Kirk, a sanctions campaigner at the NGO Urgewald.

The EU failed to approve its 20th sanctions package against Russia on Feb. 23 after Hungary vetoed the measure, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said following a Foreign Affairs Council meeting.

The package was intended to send a "powerful signal" to Moscow ahead of Feb. 24, marking four years since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

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"Unfortunately, we did not reach an agreement on the 20th sanctions package," Kallas said. "This is a setback and a message we didn't want to send today, but the work continues."

The veto underscores mounting tensions between Kyiv, Budapest, and Bratislava over Russian oil.

The Druzhba pipeline  a major route delivering Russian crude to Hungary and Slovakia  has been offline since late January after Russian strikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure.

Hungary and Slovakia accused Ukraine of delaying repairs, a claim Kyiv rejected on Feb. 21. In response, Budapest pledged to block the adoption of new sanctions until supplies are restored.

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"Ukraine behaves in a very hostile manner towards Hungary. Please ask Ukrainians why they have stopped the oil deliveries," Hungary's Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said ahead of the session, overlooking that the pipeline had been halted by a Russian attack.

The proposed measures, unveiled by the European Commission on Feb. 6, targeted Russia's energy, financial, and trade sectors. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen presented the package as part of broader efforts to curb Moscow's ability to finance its war.

A key measure included a full ban on maritime services for Russian crude oil, coordinated with G7 partners. The move would bar European companies from providing shipping, insurance, and financing for transporting Russian oil, regardless of price.

The package also sought to expand restrictions on Russia's so-called shadow fleet by sanctioning 43 additional vessels and banning maintenance services for LNG tankers and icebreakers.

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Further measures targeted Russia's banking sector, including sanctions on 20 regional banks, restrictions on crypto-related channels used to bypass sanctions, and penalties for third-country banks facilitating illicit trade.

Additional export bans would cover goods ranging from rubber and tractors to cybersecurity tools, while import restrictions would apply to metals, chemicals, and critical minerals.

The proposal also included tighter controls on technologies used in Russia's war effort.

All EU sanctions require unanimous approval from the bloc's member states to enter into force.

Budapest also blocked a planned 90 billion euro ($107 billion) EU loan for Kyiv.

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Alexander Kirk, a sanctions campaigner at the NGO Urgewald, sharply criticized Hungary's move, describing it to the Kyiv Independent as "effectively treason to European security."

"Instead of showing strength and solidarity, Orban has acted as a weak leader, shielding the Kremlin," Kirk said. "Delaying sanctions does not advance peace. It advances Putin's war."

"Europe cannot allow its collective security to be held hostage by one government's obstruction."

During the Foreign Affairs Council meeting, member states nonetheless agreed to extend existing sanctions against Moscow until Feb. 24, 2027.

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European Commission spokesperson Anna-Kaisa Itkonen said on Feb. 20 that the bloc "would welcome" Ukraine resuming operations on the pipeline, but added that the final decision rests with Kyiv, given the ongoing security risks posed by Russian attacks.

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Connecticuts leading energy supplier is ready for a potentially historic snowstorm to hit the state.

Eversource announced on Sunday that it has around 700 crews prepared and in position across Connecticut.

The company expects that it may take several days to fully restore power in all communities.

Line workers from New Hampshire, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania have all arrived in the state and are ready to get to work.

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The blizzard hitting the region Sunday night is forecasted to last well into Monday.

It could dump two feet of snow on southern Connecticut, and the northern part of the state should get over a foot.

RELATED: Weather Impact Alert: Blizzard of 2026 is moving in now and will last into Monday

Last month, Connecticut experienced its worst snowstorm in more than a decade, but this weather event could be worse.

Fierce wind is projected, and the snow will be much wetter and heavier than what fell on the state in January.

Eversource officials warn that this combination of elements will bring trees and tree limbs down onto power lines and equipment. This is likely to cause power outages in all eight counties, with many expected by the shoreline.

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These hazardous conditions will slow the response of Eversources crews, according to a release from the company, but they will work quickly and safely to restore power.

Sign up for the FOX61 newsletters: Morning Forecast, Morning Headlines, Evening Headlines

Eversource President of Connecticut Electric Operations Steve Sullivan said that the storm will be slow-moving and long-lasting.

He added that deep snow and drifting can bury downed power lines and electrical equipment, making hazards difficult to see.

The poor visibility from high winds and blowing snow will also make it very challenging for crews traveling to damage locations and working on equipment, Sullivan said. All of these factors will impact our response times, and customers should be aware that while our crews will be working as quickly and safely as possible, restoration efforts could extend over multiple days.

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Eversource customers are urged to assemble a storm kit with essentials like flashlights, batteries, water, non-perishable foods, pet food and necessary medications.

RELATED: Why Connecticut residents must follow parking bans during the blizzard

Cell phones and other key devices should also be fully charged, and families are encouraged to establish an emergency plan that includes checking on elderly neighbors and friends.

People should also always avoid downed wires and report them immediately to 911.

Residents can report outages to Eversource online or by calling 800-286-2000.

----

Dalton Zbierski is a story desk editor and writer at FOX61 News. He can be reached at dzbierski@FOX61.com.

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Thousands of Connecticut residents were without power Monday as the state was hit by a powerful winter nor'easter that became the state's first official blizzard in eight years.

Eversource, the state's largest energy provider, already had restored 23,000 outages as of noon Monday during the height of the blizzard.

United Illuminating, which serves the Bridgeport and New Haven areas, said it had restored more than 4,000 outages as of 1 p.m., with some 450 customers still without power.

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The storm, which prompted Gov. Ned Lamont to declare a state of emergency and ban commercial vehicles from Connecticut's highways, brought both high winds and heavy, wet snow that felled trees and branches and knocked down power lines, according to William Turner, the state's emergency management director.

On Sunday night, Eversource's president of Connecticut operations, Steve Sullivan, said the company had activated Level 4 of its emergency response plan, indicating it was preparing for a scenario in which "several hundred thousand customers" could be without power for up to six days after the storm. But as of Monday morning, Sarah Paduano, a spokesperson for Eversource, said the outages at that point had remained well below that total.

Snow blankets Wilton on Monday, Feb. 23. 2026, as a powerful nor'easter brought blizzard conditions to the region. (Patrick Sikes/For Hearst Connnecticut Media)





"It doesn't mean it'll actually happen, but it's just so that we're prepared for anything," Paduano said. "Forecasts can be on the high or low end, so we want to make sure that we're preparing."

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As of noon Monday, Paduano said the company already had restored power to 23,000 customers, while another 12,226 across the state were without power. Those without power included 901 residents in Groton, 875 in Guilford and more than 650 each in Burlington, Madison and Canterbury.

The number of residents without power held steady between 12,000 and 15,000 throughout the morning, according to the company's online outage map.

"That's the story of the day so far, we're making good progress while continuing to take on damage," Paduano said.

"The winds present a challenge for working on power lines, but we have already made significant progress with restoration efforts and expect that the worst of it is behind us," Angela Baccaro, a UI spokesperson, said.

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Eversource had activated more than 1,000 crews to combat the outages, Sullivan said, with line workers traveling from as far as Canada to work in the state. Sullivan predicted that repairing the lines would likely wait until Tuesday because of the storm conditions.

"With these high winds, our crews really can't go 40 or 50 feet up in the air into their buckets until those winds die down," Sullivan said. "This is likely to be a multi-day restoration event."

Workers from PennLine, a tree service out of Pennsylvania, staged their trucks at the Torrington Plaza in Torrington Monday, February 23, 2026. (Jim Shannon/Hearst Connecticut Media)





But despite the high winds and blizzard conditions on Monday, Paduano confirmed that the company was able to carry out some power restoration. That mostly had been through remote technology that can reroute power and isolate outages, but crews also were out fixing outages manually when they could.

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"Even if we can't get to a location due to the treacherous travel conditions, we have been able to restore power this way," Paduano said. "And our crews are in the field and are going to continue working as they are able to safely do so."

Paduano noted that all the factors of the storm, including the deep snow and winds, can bury power lines and equipment, making it difficult for crews to see hazards. The falling tree limbs had been the most damaging, she said, but power also had been interrupted in multiple instances by cars crashing into utility poles, Paduano said.

This article originally published at Eversource making progress restoring power in Connecticut.
Ex- Prince Andrews arrest last week on suspicion of misconduct in public office drew a lot of reaction from every corner. However, the former prince was released under investigation (RUI) 11 hours after the arrest. He was photographed looking shocked while leaving the Aylsham police station. Soon after this, the infamous photo of his arrest was put on display in the Paris museum by activists on Sunday.

Ex-Prince Andrews photo leaving police station after arrest hung up in Louvre by activists

? PICTURED: Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's arrest picture hanging in the Louvre pic.twitter.com/wrJ2xAeNOw  Politics UK (@PolitlcsUK) February 22, 2026

The infamous picture of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsors arrest was put on display in the Paris museum, the Louvre, by activists on Sunday. The activists from the anti-billionaire campaign group Everyone Hates Elon mounted the photo on the wall on the weekend as they wanted to send a message to the former prince.

According to GB News, a spokesman for the group said, We thought wed show the former Prince Andrew how the world will remember him by putting up this iconic arrest photo at the Louvre. The snap, which had a gold-like frame. It was captioned, Hes Sweating Now  2026, and was displayed for 15 minutes before the Louvre staff removed it.

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The solo picture shows the former Duke of York in a shocked state as he slumped in the back of a car. This was after leaving the police station in Norfolk. The former prince was arrested on his 66th birthday, from Norfolk on suspicion of misconduct in public office. As per Rob Shuter, he was asleep at his temporary home on the Sandringham estate. This was when officers arrived and woke him up before taking him into custody.

And as per a source, the ex-prince was unable to process that this was happening to him. He allegedly had a noticeable Do you know who I am? tone during the encounter. However, after 11 hours of arrest, he was later released under investigation.

Originally written by Parul Singh on Reality Tea.

The post Ex-Prince Andrews Viral Arrest Photo Now on Display up in Louvre appeared first on Mandatory.
As Ukraine pushes for a fast-tracked entry to the EU, senior European officials say they are worried about progress on key reforms needed to secure the countrys European aspirations.

Ukraine failed to complete 11 reforms in the last three months of 2025 required to unlock European funds, according to RRR4U, a consortium of Ukrainian think tanks, and is on track to miss more reforms in the first three months of 2026  putting a total of five billion euros ($5.8 billion) of EU funding at risk.

Four senior EU officials working closely on Ukraine matters told the Kyiv Independent that the reduced appetite to pursue reforms could undermine support for the country's EU membership, as well as future private sector investment in the country.

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The slowdown came into sharper focus after Ukraine's parliament failed earlier this year to pass a series of taxes required by the International Monetary Fund to unlock a $8.2 billion loan, eventually causing the Washington-based lender to cave and postpone their demands.

In a closed-door meeting with journalists on Feb. 13, attended by the Kyiv Independent, Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko questioned parliament's effectiveness in tabling and passing any bills.

But others say that multiple factors are to blame, including poor communication from the government, lack of clarity from the European Union, and unrealistic reform demands during wartime.

What reforms has Ukraine failed to pass?

Ukraine is required to complete reforms to unlock funding from international partners. The country relies on continued injections of foreign cash to keep its finances afloat.

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European reforms seek to more closely align Ukraine with European norms and standards in preparation for eventual membership, whereas IMF reforms are generally aimed at preserving economic stability.

Ukraine impressed partners with its progress on reforms in 2024, but started to slow last year  with a real deterioration across wide-ranging reforms in the second half of last year.

"If we look at the reforms that weren't completed in 2025, they are really broad, ranging from energy to local authorities, deregulation to state aid," Oleksandra Betliy, research fellow at the Institute for Economic Research and Policy Consulting, told the Kyiv Independent.

Betliy says that the country is on track to miss two further reforms concerning small enterprises and the division of powers between local and governmental authorities.

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"There is a lack of political will and a lack of cooperation (between the government and parliament)."

While Ukraine can claw back the cash by completing the reforms within one year of the deadline, the country could, for the first time this year, permanently forgo funds after failing to increase the number of members of its high anti-corruption court  a reform required in the first quarter of 2025.

If still incomplete by the end of March, 300 million euros ($353 million) will expire, according to RRR4U.

Several European officials conceded that while the reforms are tough, Ukraine could not afford to slow down  especially following several corruption scandals last year.

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Marta Kos, the EUs commissioner for enlargement, emphasized in a speech on Feb. 13 that while the accession process would have to change to confront new geopolitical realities, full membership could only come after full reforms.

An official familiar with Kos's thinking told the Kyiv Independent that, while the EU accession process may adapt, it will always remain merit-based.

Who's to blame?

Difficulties in Ukraine's parliament, poor communication, and Russia's continued full-scale invasion are cited as the key factors behind the slowdown.

While earlier reforms required simple governmental implementation, a higher share of recent reforms required for EU funding must go through Ukraine's parliament, the Verkhovna Rada.

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And while President Volodymyr Zelensky's Servant of the People party has a majority on paper, it has seen mounting challenges in securing the 226 votes needed to pass laws.

Despite winning a super majority of 254 seats in the 2019 parliamentary elections, a growing number of lawmakers have resigned or left the parliamentary faction since the full-scale invasion.

Although the party still formally holds 229 seats, inconsistent attendance often leaves it relying on parliamentary groups loosely aligned around business interests rather than policy priorities, as well as former members of the now-banned pro-Russian Opposition Platform.

Lawmakers the Kyiv Independent spoke with say it became even harder to pass decisions after David Arakhamia, who leads Zelensky's faction and oversees vote-gathering, started to participate in the peace talks from January this year.

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They also acknowledge shortcomings within parliament itself  but argue that the government adds to the problem, submitting laws too late and leaving inadequate time for the parliament to meet deadlines.

Peoples Deputies of Ukraine attend a plenary session of the Verkhovna Rada in Kyiv, Ukraine, on Jan. 14, 2026. (Andrii Nesterenko / Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images)

Yaroslav Yurchyshyn, lawmaker from the opposition Holos party, told the Kyiv Independent that "there is a lack of political will and a lack of cooperation (between the government and parliament)."

"Very often, the negotiations with our international partners become politicized, and the government tries to push for measures that place more burden on society than they limit the monopoly on power, like the reform of the State Bureau of Investigations (SBI)."

In January, Zelensky ordered his administration to urgently submit a draft law to overhaul the SBI. The reform of the SBI is among the priorities outlined by Kyiv and the European Union for 2026 as part of Ukraine's path to EU membership.

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The presidents bill has yet to reach parliament.

Yurchyshyn says many bills tied to the IMF and Ukraine Facility, an EU financial assistance program launched in 2024, stall in committees due to opposition from some lawmakers before reaching the parliament floor.

According to Yurchyshyn, Ukraine Facility bills are often used by some lawmakers to advance energy or procurement schemes, with amendments inserted that can only be blocked by other MPs through amendments of their own, slowing down the process.

Lawmakers also said that the government often fails to clearly explain why a law is needed, or which specific components are critical to unlock EU funds.

President Volodymyr Zelensky stands before receiving the Ewald von Kleist Prize in Munich, Germany, on Feb. 14, 2026. (Sven Hoppe / picture alliance via Getty Images)

"The government will just tell MPs that they must vote, because EU funds are at risk, without offering detailed explanations," Betliy told the Kyiv Independent.

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"The MPs don't want to play by that game," she added.

Another member of parliament said on condition of anonymity that the government sometimes misleadingly cites the IMF or EU when tabling a piece of legislation.

"Very often there were situations when this wasn't really a requirement, but it was beneficial to certain large (...) agro-industrial groups, and it was pushed through and presented as a demand from our partners."

Additionally, the growing electoral ambitions of some lawmakers are shifting their focus from voting on unpopular reforms, as talks of elections picked up over recent months  even if they are still seen as a distant prospect.

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But the problem does not only lie within Ukraine.

Four MPs told the Kyiv Independent that communication from the European Union could be better  and that it wasn't always clear which components of a law tabled by the government were essential to the reform process, and which were extras added by the government.

"It would really help if the European Commission would explain directly to the parliament what the key elements of draft laws should be," says Betliy.

"Even to us in civil society, it's not always clear what the IMF or the EU expects from different laws," she added.

Better coordination between the EU and the Ukrainian government on reforms would also help to allay the Eurosceptic view of "external governance," according to Yurchyshyn.

As the war enters its fifth year, Betliy also said that some of the latest reforms are simply tougher to implement, since some upcoming reforms were expected to be implemented during peacetime  still a distant prospect.

Read also: Russia hits American sweets factory with missile in northeastern Ukraine

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
In January, a historic snowstorm spanning several states blanketed millions of Americans in inches of powder and ice, bringing bitter, sustained low temperatures.

As that stubborn cold front began to wane, a second, subtler condition started "stirring up hidden dangers," according to WILX.

What's happening?

In states affected by this bout of wintry extreme weather, persistent low temperatures ensured that snowdrifts quickly iced over.

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In Michigan, weeks-old snow finally started melting  introducing a lesser-known risk.

A 2017 study in the journal Environmental Pollution found that little was known about how snow reacts to pollutants and that snowpack absorbs a wide range of contaminants.

WILX spoke with Dr. Dean McFarlane-Parrott, who explained that as the snow sat unmelting for weeks after the storm, "vehicle exhaust, road salt, heavy metals," and other harmful carbon pollution slowly contaminated it.

In New York, WNYW reported similar concerns, adding that locals complained about dog feces buried in the city's snowdrifts. On Feb. 12, The New York Times reported on the city's melting snow, noting that it also posed a major pollution risk to the region's many waterways.

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According to WTOP, residents in the broader Washington, D.C., area were also facing rapidly melting snow and the health risks it posed.

Why is this concerning?

Snowstorms can become dangerous quickly, and because they're often treated as emergencies, the eventual melting of snow is rarely considered a risk.

Melting snow doesn't just absorb pollution and release toxins as solids. As McFarlane-Parrott warned, the toxins released when snow melts create shockingly high levels of air pollution.

Lansing, Michigan, resident Zac Williams told WILX that he considered air quality ratings during wildfires, but not as an issue related to snow melting  however, the local air quality index was a risky 118 on Monday.

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McFarlane-Parrott said that people often don't realize how dangerous poor air quality can be, particularly for vulnerable groups.

"If you can't carry oxygen well, then heart attacks go up, strokes go up," he said, per WILX. " Little kids who are developing their lung function, if they have asthma, it makes it worse as well. If the air quality index is high, you should rethink what you're doing."

What can be done about it?

As extreme weather becomes more frequent, awareness of critical climate issues, such as the subtle risks posed by melting snow, is more important than ever.

The New York Times suggested ways to mitigate the risks, including strategically placing green spaces to absorb runoff before it reaches rivers and waterways.

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Researchers are investigating alternatives to road salt to mitigate environmental damage, and the Times advised readers to "shovel first" and "avoid the temptation to oversalt."

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.
Saudi Arabia may soon develop uranium enrichment capabilities within its borders as part of a proposed nuclear deal with the United States, according to congressional documents and an arms control group. This potential development is raising significant proliferation concerns amid the ongoing atomic standoff between Iran and America.

Both Donald Trump and President Joe Biden have previously sought to broker a nuclear agreement with the kingdom, aiming to share American technology. However, nonproliferation experts are warning that any operational centrifuges in Saudi Arabia could pave the way for a potential weapons programme. This prospect has been amplified by the assertive crown prince's past suggestions that Saudi Arabia could pursue such a programme if Tehran were to acquire an atomic bomb.

Adding to the regional complexities, Saudi Arabia and nuclear-armed Pakistan entered into a mutual defence pact last year, following an Israeli attack on Qatar targeting Hamas officials. Pakistans defence minister subsequently stated that his nations nuclear programme "will be made available" to Saudi Arabia if needed, a declaration widely interpreted as a warning to Israel, long considered the sole nuclear power in the Middle East.

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Nuclear cooperation can be a positive mechanism for upholding nonproliferation norms and increasing transparency, but the devil is in the details, wrote Kelsey Davenport, the director for nonproliferation policy at the Washington-based Arms Control Association.

The documents raise concerns that the Trump administration has not carefully considered the proliferation risks posed by its proposed nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia or the precedent this agreement may set.

Saudi Arabia did not immediately respond to questions Friday from The Associated Press

President Donald Trump stands with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on his visit to the White House, Nov. 18, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, File) (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

The congressional document, also seen by the AP, shows the Trump administration aims to reach 20 nuclear business deals with nations around the world, including Saudi Arabia. The deal with Saudi Arabia could be worth billions of dollars, it adds.

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The document contends that reaching a deal with the kingdom will advance the national security interests of the United States, breaking with the failed policies of inaction and indecision that our competitors have capitalized on to disadvantage American industry and diminish the United States standing globally in this critical sector. China, France, Russia and South Korea are among the leading nations that sell nuclear power plant technology abroad.

The draft deal would see America and Saudi Arabia enter safeguard deals with the International Atomic Energy Agency, the United Nations' nuclear watchdog. That would include oversight of the most proliferation-sensitive areas of potential nuclear cooperation, it added. It listed enrichment, fuel fabrication and reprocessing as potential areas.

The IAEA, based in Vienna, did not immediately respond to questions. Saudi Arabia is a member state to the IAEA, which promotes peaceful nuclear work but also inspects nations to ensure they don't have clandestine atomic weapons programs.

This suggests that once the bilateral safeguards agreement is in place, it will open the door for Saudi Arabia to acquire uranium enrichment technology or capabilities  possibly even from the United States, Davenport wrote. Even with restrictions and limits, it seems likely that Saudi Arabia will have a path to some type of uranium enrichment or access to knowledge about enrichment.

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Enrichment isn't an automatic path to a nuclear weapon  a nation also must master other steps including the use of synchronized high explosives, for instance. But it does open the door to weaponization, which has fueled the concerns of the West over Iran's program.

The United Arab Emirates, a neighbor to Saudi Arabia, signed what is referred to as a 123 agreement with the U.S. to build its Barakah nuclear power plant with South Korean assistance. But the UAE did so without seeking enrichment, something nonproliferation experts have held up as the gold standard for nations wanting atomic power.

The push for a Saudi-U.S. deal comes as Trump threatens military action against Iran if it doesn't reach a deal over its nuclear program. The Trump military push follows nationwide protests in Iran that saw its theocratic government launch a bloody crackdown on dissent that killed thousands and saw tens of thousands more reportedly detained.

In Iran's case, it long has insisted its nuclear enrichment program is peaceful. However, the West and the IAEA say Iran had an organized military nuclear program up until 2003. Tehran also had been enriching uranium up to 60% purity, a short, technical step from weapons-grade levels of 90%  making it the only country in the world to do so without a weapons program.

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Iranian diplomats long have pointed to 86-year-old Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's comments as a binding fatwa, or religious edict, that Iran wont build an atomic bomb. However, Iranian officials increasingly have made the threat they could seek the bomb as tensions have risen with the U.S.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the kingdom's day-to-day ruler, has said if Iran obtains the bomb, we will have to get one.
Did a meme about the "National Intelligence Agency" discovering Bernie Sanders owns several companies and bank accounts in China originate from actual news reports? No, that's not true: It originated on a satirical Facebook page run by a liberal man with a long history of tricking conservatives into sharing made-up content. The meme had an explicit disclaimer from the Facebook page saying that "nothing on this page is real" but some versions of the meme circulating online had that part removed.

The meme image appeared in a Facebook post (archived here) published by "America's Last Line Of Defense" on February 20, 2026 with a caption that read:

Bernie is a communist. This isn't all that surprising.

This is what the image in the post looked like on Facebook at the time of writing:

Source: Facebook screenshot taken on Sun Feb 22 13:29:58 2026 UTC

The text in the meme image read:

Bernie Sanders has some explaining to do after the National Intelligence Agency found disturbing links between him and China

Sanders apparently owns numerous companies and holds over a dozen bank accounts in Beijing.

None of it was disclosed on his Congressional financial statements.

There's very little chance that the holdings are legal.

It had a clear disclaimer in the bottom right corner that read: "Nothing on this page is real".

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At least one viral version of the meme posted on X (archived here) had that disclaimer cut off:

Image source: x post by @mcafeenew.

A search on Google News for stories mentioning "National Intelligence Agency", "Bernie Sanders" and "China" did not return any results (archived here). There is a "National Intelligence Agency" website (archived here) but it does not have a .gov website domain and it appears to be a private company. The site did not mention Bernie Sanders either.

The homepage of the America's Last Line of Defense Facebook account (archived here) mentions it is the "home of the Dunning-Kruger Times" and clearly states, "The flagship of the ALLOD network of trollery and propaganda for cash. Nothing on this page is real," as this screenshot shows:

Source: Facebook screenshot taken by Lead Stories

The page also says it is run by "Busta Troll," which is the nickname of Christopher Blair.

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Christopher Blair is a self-professed liberal from Maine who for years has run networks of websites set up to troll conservatives with made-up news items in order to get them to share his posts. He often goes by the nickname "Busta Troll." A 2018 BBC profile called Blair "the Godfather of fake news," describing him as "one of the world's most prolific writers of disinformation."

His websites usually have multiple satire disclaimers and the stories very often contain obvious hints they are not real, like category names indicating they are fiction, links to "sources" that instead go to funny or offensive images or an "S for Satire" logo added to the images used as illustration. Another telltale sign is the name "Art Tubolls" (anagram for "Busta Troll") for characters in the stories. Blair also frequently pays homage to two of his friends who passed away by using their names ("Joe Barron" and "Sandy Batt") in stories.
Claim:

Prince Andrew said in 2008, We're not allowed to play Monopoly at home. It gets too vicious."

Rating:

Rating: Correct Attribution

In February 2026, British police arrested Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor  formerly known as Prince Andrew, Duke of York  on suspicion of misconduct in public office related to his ties to deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Mountbatten-Windsor is the first British royal to be arrested in nearly 400 years.

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Following his arrest, a years-old anecdote about the royal family being unable to play Monopoly because "it gets too vicious" resurfaced online.

The British royal family has a strict rule against playing Monopoly because "it gets too vicious"  UberFacts (@UberFacts) August 30, 2021

The quote is from Mountbatten-Windsor. He made the comment in 2008 at the Leeds Building Society's newly-refurbished Albion Street headquarters, where he was presented with a version of the famous board game, ahead of the Christmas holidays.

"We're not allowed to play Monopoly at home. It gets too vicious," he said.

He did not elaborate on what game they did play. This statement was reported in The Telegraph and it was not clear whether he was joking or not, but it is safe to assume that he was making a lighthearted comment. A clip of Mountbatten-Windsor making this comment can be found in this 2011 video:

It is not known if this rule is still in place, or indeed if it was ever actually a family rule.

Sources:

"Former Prince Andrew Arrested and Held for Hours on Suspicion of Misconduct over Ties to Epstein." AP News, 19 Feb. 2026, https://apnews.com/article/britain-epstein-andrew-former-prince-arrested-fb0b9e738bf7ede10651914ee3f3583d. Accessed 20 Feb. 2026.

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"Meghan and Harry Interview: Racism Claims, Duke 'let down' by Dad, and Duchess on Kate." BBC News, 8 Mar. 2021. https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-56316659. Accessed 7 Dec. 2022.

"Prince Andrew Settles US Civil Sex Assault Case with Virginia Giuffre." BBC News, 15 Feb. 2022. www.bbc.com, https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-60393843. Accessed 7 Dec. 2022.

"Queen Elizabeth II's Strict Rule at Home with 4 Kids over Fears of 'vicious' Competition." HELLO!, 10 Feb. 2026, https://www.hellomagazine.com/homes/883101/royal-family-monopoly-ban/. Accessed 20 Feb. 2026.

Royal Family "Not Allowed to Play Monopoly." The Telegraph, 17 Dec. 2008. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/theroyalfamily/3816544/Royal-Family-not-allowed-to-play-Monopoly.html. Accessed 7 Dec. 2022.
Claim:

A dog was registered to vote by its owner, who submitted a ballot in the pets name in California's 2021 gubernatorial recall election.

Rating:

Rating: True

Rumors that a dog in California was successfully registered to vote and cast a ballot in an election circulated online in mid-February 2026.

The claim was popularized on the social media platform X after a post (archived) asserting the rumor was shared by X chairman Elon Musk (archived).

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Some users pointed to the story as an example of alleged rampant voter fraud in the United States electoral system.

I wonder who he voted for?  https://t.co/3LwkkAmARW  sunny madra (@sundeep) February 17, 2026

The claim that a dog voted in a California election was true. A boxer named Maya, owned by 62-year-old Laura Lee Yourex of Costa Mesa, California, was registered to vote and successfully cast a ballot in 2021.

The Orange County district attorney's office announced it would be prosecuting Yourex on voter fraud charges in a news release dated Sept. 5, 2025.

According to the release, Yourex was charged with five felonies: one count of perjury, one count of procuring or offering a false or forged document to be filed, two counts of casting a ballot when not entitled to vote and one count of registering a nonexistent person to vote.

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The dog had votes cast in California's 2021 gubernatorial recall election and the 2022 gubernatorial election, but only the 2021 vote was counted. It joined the majority of California voters rejecting the attempt to recall Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom. The 2022 vote was "challenged and rejected," according to the district attorney's office.

An investigation reportedly uncovered a social media post from January 2022 in which Yourex posted a photo of the dog wearing an "I voted" sticker and another from October 2024 that showed a vote-by-mail ballot with the dog's name and a caption that said "Maya is still getting her ballot" despite the dog having died. Snopes was unable to locate any social accounts for Yourex as of this writing.

A search of Orange County court records showed that the case remained active as of this writing, with a hearing scheduled for early March 2026.

According to local TV news station KABC, Yourex's lawyers emphasized that their client had never been in trouble with the law previously and read from a statement in which she said she "regrets her unwise attempt to expose flaws in our state voting system, intending to improve it by demonstrating that even a dog can be registered to vote."

Snopes reached out to the Orange County district attorney's office for an update on the proceedings and will update this article if we receive a response.

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U.S. Rep. Kevin Kiley, R-Calif, made reference to Yourex and Maya during remarks about California's Proposition 50 during a session of the House of Representatives on Sept. 19, 2025. The proposition, which was an effort to redraw congressional district lines to favor Democrats and counteract similar efforts in Texas and elsewhere, passed with 64% of the vote.

Kiley brought up Yourex's case as an example of voter fraud allegedly running rampant in California, beginning at the 3:08:33 timestamp of a C-SPAN video capturing the entire session. He accurately summarized the situation and speculated that Yourex "probably" would have gotten away with it had she not posted about it on social media.

"To be clear, dogs are not allowed to vote in California. And yet in this case, the animal did," Kiley said. "So the question we have to ask, Mr. Speaker, is how in the world do we have so few safeguards on our electoral process in California that such a thing could ever happen?"

Kiley later posted the clip of his remarks about Yourex on his Facebook page.

Sources:

- YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/lsoOu_pIc0I. Accessed 19 Feb. 2026.

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California Gubernatorial Recall Election - September 14, 2021 :: California Secretary of State. https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/prior-elections/statewide-election-results/2021-ca-gov-recall. Accessed 19 Feb. 2026.

"California Proposition 50: Live 2025 Voting Results." NPR, https://apps.npr.org/2025-election-results/california.html. Accessed 19 Feb. 2026.

C-SPAN. House Session - September 19, 2025. 2025, https://www.c-span.org/congress/?chamber=house&date=2025-09-19.

Kimberly Edds. Costa Mesa Woman Charged with Five Felonies for Illegally Registering Her Dog to Vote, Casting Mail-in Ballots Sent to Dog in Two Elections. Orange County District Attorney, 5 Sept. 2025, google.com/url?q=https://orangecountyda.org/press/costa-mesa-woman-charged-with-five-felonies-for-illegally-registering-her-dog-to-vote-casting-mail-in-ballots-sent-to-dog-in-two-elections/&sa=D&source=docs&ust=1771537902861870&usg=AOvVaw0zU6uTKFyHa32cUDakXzdG.

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News, A. B. C. "Woman Posted Picture of Dog with 'I Voted' Sticker after Registering Pet to Vote: DA." ABC News, https://abcnews.com/US/california-woman-accused-registering-dog-vote-da-office/story?id=125422427. Accessed 19 Feb. 2026.

"YES on Prop 50: FAQ." California Democratic Party, https://cadem.org/yes-on-proposition-50-faq/. Accessed 19 Feb. 2026.
Unlikely harsh weather in Malta has left local farmers scrambling to replant their produce.

What happened?

In January, a strong hailstorm devastated crops in Malta, a small island nation located in the Mediterranean Sea just south of Sicily. The loss in produce was estimated at tens of thousands of euros, according to the Times of Malta.

Hail rained down on the western region of the island, which rarely sees severe cold weather. Many farmers awoke to their fields being completely wiped out, with very few crops able to be salvaged. Some of the damaged crops were carrots, marrow, strawberries, cabbages, cauliflowers, potatoes, and leafy greens.

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"When hailstones fall at that speed, they puncture the crops, especially the leafy ones, like cabbages, rendering them unfit to be sold," said Malcolm Borg, president of an NGO representing farmers in Malta, per the Times of Malta. He called the storm "one of the worst natural occurrences" for crops.

Why is it concerning?

The climate crisis is causing more frequent and severe weather events around the world. Hailstorms, floods, droughts, wildfires, hurricanes, and more can all have catastrophic consequences on the agriculture industry.

When this happens, it affects both farmers and consumers. A threatened food supply means fewer products available for distribution and higher prices at the grocery store. Farmers also lose income and their livelihoods.

What's being done about it?

Unfortunately, agricultural land in Malta is not covered by insurance. The fields will need to be cleaned up and replanted, and the affected farmers have been instructed to contact Malta's Agriconnect Offices to report the damage.

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"My heart goes out to our farmers who have seen their work and sacrifices affected by the hailstorm. I know firsthand what it means to work a field, take care of it every day and rely on it for your and your family's livelihood," Malta's Agriculture Minister Anton Refalo said in a Facebook post.

"Our farmers are the roots of the country. In these days and always, you are not alone, we are with you."

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.
Federal and State authorities are investigating after a person was shot by border patrol agents in New Hampshire.

According to a spokesperson for the FBIs Boston division, the incident occurred around 1 a.m. on Sunday in Pittsburg, New Hampshire.

The incident involved a border patrol agent and a subject, where, allegedly, the subject fired shots at the agent, which prompted the agent to fire and hit the person.

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The individual was taken to the hospital and is now receiving medical attention, while the patrol agent was not struck.

"The FBIs Evidence Response Team is collecting all relevant evidence from the scene," the spokesperson said.

Further information is not available at this time.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
RANCHO SAN DIEGO, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI)  Three cars were engulfed in flames after a traffic accident in Rancho San Diego Sunday night, according to San Miguel Fire and Rescue.

Fire officials said they responded to an incident that occurred around 8:37 p.m. on Calle Albara, which is near Rancho San Diego Elementary School.

Crews said that when they arrived at the scene, three vehicles were on fire after a car hit two parked cars.

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Officials said the people who were in the vehicle that caused the crash got out of the car and fled on foot to a nearby hillside.

No one else was in the other vehicles, San Miguel Fire said. The fire did pose a threat to nearby vegetation.

Luckily, crews were able to knock down the fire before it spread.

ASTREA flew over the scene to check for any victims or hotspots, but officials said the crew did not spot anything.

Calle Albara will be closed from Jamacha Road to Avenida Apolinaria as the California Highway Patrol investigates and cleans up the scene.

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 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
EL DORADO SPRINGS, Mo.  Firefighters responded to a home after a report of a structure fire in Cedar County on Sunday, Feb. 22.

According to a El Dorado Springs Volunteer Fire Department social media, crews responded to the 300 block of Gentry Street around 1:23 p.m. on Sunday.

Photo courtesy of El Dorado Springs Volunteer Fire Department.

Photo courtesy of El Dorado Springs Volunteer Fire Department.

The post says the department was on the scene for three hours with two trucks and 17 firefighters.

The fire department tells Ozarks First that one person got out of the residence on their own, with no injuries reported.

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Officials are still investigating the cause of the fire at the time of this publication.

Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOLR - OzarksFirst.com.
Widespread violence erupted across western Mexico after Mexican officials said cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera, known as El Mencho, was killed during a military operation in the state of Jalisco, prompting security alerts and flight cancellations affecting Arizona travelers.

"Due to ongoing security operations & related road blockages & criminal activity, U.S. citizens in a number of locations in Mexico are urged to shelter in place," according to a post by the U.S. State Department.

As of mid-afternoon Feb. 22, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport's flight board showed cancellations for routes to Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan and Guadalajara.

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Air Canada said it temporarily suspended operations in Puerto Vallarta due to an ongoing security situation impacting the airport.

United Airlines confirmed its flight operations to Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara were canceled, and said travel waivers were in place for affected customers.

Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara are in Jalisco, the state where authorities reported the military operation.

Jalisco is in west-central Mexico, on the Pacific side of the country, about 1,000 miles south of Nogales. Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara are among Mexican destinations popular with Arizona travelers, especially during winter and spring break travel seasons.

Mexican authorities said Oseguera, head of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, was wounded during a shootout and later died while being transported to Mexico City. The operation triggered retaliatory violence, including vehicles set on fire and highway blockades, according to Reuters.

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The Mexican Army confirmed it had killed the powerful drug lord on Feb. 22. Before the official announcement, the crisis erupted with the burning of buses and other public transport vehicles, as well as cars crossing roads to block traffic.

A wave of high-intensity violence was 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.

The unrest prompted the U.S. Embassy in Mexico to issue an emergency security alert for Americans in Jalisco, Tamaulipas, Michoacan, Guerrero and Nuevo Leon, urging them to shelter in place and avoid areas near military operations. The shelter-in-place alert was extended for another day in an evening post Feb. 22.

The U.S. Consulate in Tijuana also reported roadblocks and criminal activity in Tecate, Ensenada and Tijuana, and said consulate staff had been instructed to shelter in place.

Arizona lawmakers react

Arizonas congressional delegation weighed in as news of the violence and travel disruptions spread.

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U.S. Rep. Greg Stanton said he was closely monitoring the outbreak of violence in western Mexico and encouraged Arizonans in the region who may need assistance to contact his office at 1-833-643-6114 or visit http://Stanton.House.gov/help.

Stanton also urged travelers to enroll in the State Departments Smart Traveler Enrollment Program for updates and advisories.

U.S. Sen. Ruben Gallego said the Mexican government needs to recognize that letting cartels grow unchecked is a threat to everyone, and urged stronger action on organized crime. In a separate post, Gallego said the U.S. should also do more to stop fueling cartel violence."

A violent situation still unfolding

Jalisco Gov. Pablo Lemus Navarro urged residents to stay home until the situation was brought under control.

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Videos on social media showed cars ablaze, sending dark smoke into the sky, on roads in Jalisco, according to Reuters.

Mexican media outlets reported burning vehicles and gunmen blocking highways in more than half a dozen states across the country, particularly in the north and west.

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.

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.

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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.

Oseguera led the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, one of Mexicos most powerful criminal organizations and a major player in fentanyl trafficking to the United States.

The U.S. Department of State had a $15 million bounty for Oseguera's capture.

Oseguera had been one of Mexicos most wanted figures for years. His reported death marks one of the most significant blows to a major cartel in recent years.

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This is a developing story, check back with azcentral.com for more details.

The Republic and La Voz's Diana Garcia and Claudia Nunez contributed to this story as did Reuters.

Rey Covarrubias Jr. covers business and breaking news for The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com. Email him at: rcovarrubias@azcentral.com, and connect with him on Instagram, Threads, Bluesky and X (formerly Twitter) at @ReyCJrAZ.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Cartel leader's death sparks Mexico violence, flight cancellations
Airlines Aero-Mexico and Volaris have canceled flight arrivals and departures from Guadalajara to Fresno.

The cancellations come after the Mexican army killed the leader of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel, Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, "El Mencho," in an operation Sunday.

RELATED: Mexican army kills leader of powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel, 'El Mencho,' during operation

The U.S. Embassy says U.S. citizens in: Jalisco State, including Puerto Vallarta, Chapala, and Guadalajara, Tamaulipas State, including Reynosa, areas of Michoacan State, Guerrero State, and Nuevo Leon State should shelter in place.

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Fresno Yosemite International is encouraging passengers to check with their airline for flight updates.

American Airlines and Delta Airlines have warned passengers their flights may be impacted, while Alaska Airlines is offering a travel waiver to those impacted.

For the latest on flight arrivals and departures, visit Fresno Yosemite International's website.
Civil unrest in Mexico following the death of a cartel leader led to flight cancellations on Sunday, Feb. 22, and Monday, Feb. 23, including flights to and from Mexico out of major California airports such as LAX and SFO.

Violence erupted in western Mexico on Feb. 22 after a military operation that killed cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera, known as "El Mencho."

The U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Mexico issued a security alert for the Mexican states of Jalisco, Tamaulipas, Michoacan, Guerrero and Nuevo Leon that urged U.S. citizens to shelter in place because of "ongoing security operations and related road blockages and criminal activity."

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Separately, a Northeast blizzard has canceled flights from Sky Harbor to Northeast cities like New York City, Boston, Newark and Philadelphia.

Los Angeles International Airport, or LAX, had 128 flights out of and into the airport canceled as of 10 a.m. on Feb. 23, according to FlightAware.

LAX's site showed that several flights departing had been canceled, with the majority being East Coast destinations including New York, Newark and Boston. Flights to Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara were also canceled for Feb. 23.

Flight Aware also showed that 86 flights into or out of San Francisco International Airport, or SFO, had been canceled on Monday, including all incoming flights from Boston Logan International, John F. Kennedy International and Newark Liberty International.

What is happening in Mexico?

A statement from the Mexican government said the Special Forces of the Mexican Army were conducting an arrest of Oseguera, head of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. The Mexican Army was attacked during their operation, leading to a shootout.

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Seven cartel members died in the operation, including Oseguera. Four died on the scene; three, including Oseguera, died while being transported to Mexico City.

A wave of violence spread in response to Oseguera's death, including the burning of buses and blockages of roads.

The U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs posted on X that U.S. citizens in locations affected by the violence should shelter in place, adding that most domestic and international flights were canceled in Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara. Rideshares were suspended in Puerto Vallarta as well.

On Monday, 33 of Puerto Vallarta's 82 flights worldwide were canceled, representing about 40% of its operations, said Sam Rabindran, spokesperson for the aviation analytics company Cirium.

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About 16% of Guadalajara's Monday flights were canceled, 26 out of 162 flights worldwide, Rabindran added.

What if my flight is canceled?

LAX and SFO staff encourage passengers whose flights are disrupted to check their flight status with their airline before coming to the airport and following their airline for updates.

American Airlines and Southwest Airlines have flexible travel options for passengers affected by the Mexico unrest.

American is waiving fare differences and change fees for Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara passengers scheduled to fly between Feb. 22-24 and can travel between now and March 3, as long as they maintain the same city pairs and cabin of service and book by Feb. 24.

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Southwest passengers traveling out of Puerto Vallarta can rebook without paying a fare difference if they travel within 14 days of their original date of travel.

Michael Salerno is an award-winning journalist whos covered travel and tourism since 2014. His work as The Arizona Republics consumer travel reporter aims to help readers navigate the stresses of traveling and get the best value for their money on their vacations. He can be reached at Michael.Salerno@usatodayco.com.

Ernesto Centeno Araujo covers breaking news for the Ventura County Star. He can be reached at ecentenoaraujo@vcstar.com, 805-437-0224 or @ecentenoaraujo on Instagram and X.

This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Flight cancelation in California Mexico unrest East Coast storm
Multiple flights between Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, have been canceled on Monday due to escalating violence that has followed the killing of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel.

Delta Air Lines canceled two flights to the western Mexico tourist destination on Monday, after diverting two flights from MSP on Sunday. Another three from other airports were also diverted.

Sun Country Airlines also diverted two flights to Mexico on Sunday, a representative confirmed to Bring Me The News. Both of them returned to the Twin Cities. The airline also canceled a single flight on Monday, and doesn't have any scheduled for Tuesday.

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"The safety of our customers and crew always comes first, and we are closely monitoring the situation in the region," a Delta representative tells Bring Me The News. On Monday, the airline had canceled four total flights scheduled to land in Puerto Vallarta.

Both airlines have issued travel advisories for Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara in the state of Jalisco. Those followed an advisory from the U.S. Department of State.

"We are closely monitoring the situation and working with local authorities to determine when it is safe to resume service to and from PVR," reads the advisory from Sun Country. Delta's advisory lasts through at least Feb. 26.

Both airlines are waiving change fees for travelers and have advised customers with upcoming travel to Jalisco to monitor their flight status.

4300streetcar, Wikimedia (4300streetcar, Wikimedia)

Oseguera Cervantes, aka "El Mencho," was captured by Mexican authorities on Sunday, the New York Times reports. He was injured in the operation and died while being transported to Mexico City for treatment.

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The cartel, one of the most powerful in Mexico, vowed revenge, which has resulted in violence in some areas of the country.

The U.S. State Department has issued an advisory for Americans in Mexico. The updated advisory, issued Monday morning, tells Americans in select areas to "shelter in place until further notice."

Those areas are the states of Jalisco (including Puerto Vallarta, Chapala, and Guadalajara), Baja (including Tijuana, Tecate, and Ensenada), Quintana Roo (including Cancun, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum), and areas of Guanajuato, Guerrero, Michoacan, Oaxaca, Nuevo Leon, and Tamaulipas.

MSP Airport isn't the only departure destination that has canceled flights into the area. At least three cruise ships that planned to visit Puerto Vallarta have canceled stops. United, American, and Alaska airlines have all canceled flights as well.

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Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said she hopes that canceled flights will be able to resume no later than Tuesday.

Related: Mall of America to start offering overnight MSP airport parking

This story was originally published by Bring Me The News on Feb 23, 2026, where it first appeared in the MN Lifestyle section. Add Bring Me The News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
As a professor of the psychiatry of older people at University College London, Gill Livingston has encountered many cases where family members have been reported to have undergone a personality shift. Sometimes this has happened years before they were ultimately diagnosed with dementia.

I remember one woman whod always been what Id describe as a very conventional person, and then she suddenly seemed to change, says Prof Livingston. She went out more, she was less interested in her husband and wanted to go out without him. They had always done things together, but she suddenly seemed to feel he was not adventurous enough for her.

Such a description might evoke thoughts of a late-life crisis or a marital breakdown, but it turned out to be an early sign of cognitive decline. A few years later, the woman was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia.

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Last month, a new paper by Livingston and others, based on a major study of civil servants working in Whitehall, identified a series of personality changes in midlife that appear to signal a greater risk of dementia in years to come. Various studies carried out by neurologists have also highlighted sustained personality shifts as red flags for something far more serious taking place within the brain.

Antonio Terracciano, a professor in the department of geriatrics at Florida State University College of Medicine, says: When researchers ask family members about a loved one who has gone on to develop dementia, they often say that the first change related to their behaviour and personality, more than the typical symptoms of the condition.

So what do we know about some of these personality shifts, and why do they reflect a heightened vulnerability to dementia? And, perhaps even more crucially, is it possible to make changes to your psyche that can stave off cognitive decline later on?

Here are seven key shifts in personality characteristics that have been linked to dementia.

1. Loss of confidence

A crisis of confidence can lead to loneliness and self-isolation - Laura Martin

While researching this feature, I reached out on Facebook to carers and families of people with dementia, to enquire about early signs they had noticed. One recurring theme was a sudden loss of confidence, something also noted in Livingstons study.

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My dad was having trouble with a boss at work and became anxious, remembered Clare*. He was always very easy-going and loved his job. Suddenly, he didnt seem to have confidence in himself. He even couldnt cope with wallpapering  he had taught me how to do it a year earlier. I was really shocked at his reaction, he was in a bit of a state about it.

This was a very capable person, who had done every bit of DIY in the house. He was in his 60s when this happened, and died in his mid-80s with vascular dementia and Alzheimers.

One explanation is that this represents a sign that the brain is becoming less flexible and resilient as a result of atrophy or shrinkage of key regions. However, Geir Selbaek, a professor and research director at the Norwegian National Centre for Ageing and Health, notes that there are also cases where people experience a crisis of confidence that can actively lead them to become more self-isolated. This, in turn, drives dementia risk.

I think low self-confidence creates loneliness, says Prof Selbaek. And weve published a study showing that persistent loneliness increases the risk of dementia.

What to do

Speak to a therapist about the reasons youre struggling with confidence. Try to be more socially active, for example by reconnecting with friends or family.

2. Becoming less open

We all become more set in our ways as we age, but researchers have found that people who are markedly less curious or open-minded in midlife are more vulnerable to declining cognition.

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Openness can be wanting to get to know different cultures, for example, and being interested in the world, Prof Terracciano says. Low openness is not being that comfortable with trying new things, being more comfortable with what you know.

What to do

Push yourself out of your comfort zone by trying new experiences, such as travelling to a different part of the world or picking up a new hobby.

3. Inability to face up to problems

An inability to face up to problems can be caused by shrinkage of particular regions of the brain - Laura Martin

When I posted about personality change and dementia in a Facebook group for Alzheimers carers in the UK, one respondent described how an inability to face problems particularly resonated with her own family.

Following her fathers diagnosis in 2023, she remembered having noticed a distinct personality change more than a decade earlier. His whole life, hed project-managed million-pound jobs  and then one day he rang us saying hed had enough of his job and wanted to come home, she wrote. He was distressed, sad, overwhelmed, the opposite to how he usually behaved. From then onwards, we started to notice a decline  losing things, misplaced items, anger and frustration at himself.

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Livingston says this can reflect the steady shrinkage of brain regions, which means people have less cognitive reserve, or capacity to cope with the world.

For small children, stresses are much more likely to lead to them breaking down, shouting and crying, because they have a smaller brain, she says. We know that decades before theyre diagnosed with Alzheimers disease, peoples brains can begin to shrink. Things theyve previously been able to cope with, theyre unable to manage like before. Its both the stress and that theyre on their way to developing dementia.

What to do

Find ways to create less demand on your brain  perhaps change careers for something more manageable or cut back your hours. Also check that youre not deficient in vitamin B12, which can accelerate brain atrophy.

4. Impulsiveness

A sudden increase in impulsivity could be related to the erosion of cells in the frontal regions of the brain - Laura Martin

A sudden, unusual increase in impulsivity can be an early sign that someone is developing frontotemporal dementia.

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Livingston recalls one patient who developed vast debts as a result of a sudden proclivity for gambling, forcing his wife to sell their home.

This is caused by the steady erosion of cells in the frontal regions of the brain, which can lead to the loss of inhibition and self-control. One of the things that enables us to control our impulsivity is the frontal region of the brain, explains Livingston. As we mature and become adults, that becomes much more developed. It doesnt necessarily change what we want to do, but it makes us less likely to do it suddenly.

What to do

Keep to a routine, and limit access to items that could be misused because of poor judgment, such as car keys and credit cards. Drugs such as the SSRI class of antidepressants can be used to control impulsivity and keep it in check.

5. Becoming less conscientious

Research has shown that people who start to become less conscientious are far more at risk of dementia. Terracciano says: The accumulation of amyloid plaques in the brain could be a factor in this. The damage caused could be limiting the brains ability to show conscientious traits, such as the ability to be organised and to plan.

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People who become less conscientious as they age are also less likely to follow a healthy lifestyle. Selbaek says: People who are very conscientious exercise more, avoid putting on weight, and have a lower risk of diseases such as diabetes and hypertension [which are also linked to dementia].

What to do

Create a routine to keep yourself from sliding into unhealthy habits. For example, find a structure where you can maintain a certain amount of weekly exercise. Studies have suggested that regularly playing sport, or working out on a treadmill or exercise bike in the gym, may help prevent the accumulation of damaging plaques  as well as getting adequate sleep and staying socially active.

6. Feeling more nervous or highly strung

This is a key sign of neuroticism, a personality trait highly linked to dementia. Selbaek says that this could be a result of chronic stress. I think that is one of the mediating factors, he says. Increased levels of stress lead to higher levels of inflammation in the body, and both are devastating for brain health.

What to do

Livingston recommends taking steps to incorporate relaxing activities, whether thats spending time with a friend, watching a favourite television programme, or partaking in an enjoyable hobby, rather than just constantly being under stress. Terracciano recommends trying meditation or mindfulness apps to see whether they can help you switch off.

7. Less warm or affectionate towards others

A lack of affection for others is a red flag for mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression - Laura Martin

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This particular personality change is a key red flag for the development of mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression, which themselves can increase risk of dementia.

People who are depressed are much more likely to develop dementia if they dont get better, says Livingston. If youre depressed, you change how you live your life.

These people are much less likely to look after themselves, because they dont have the energy and motivation. Theyre less likely to socialise, to be physically active, to do cognitively stimulating things, to get their blood pressure checked and act on it. So depression is not just feeling very bad, but changes how you act.

What to do

Studies have shown that people who are treated for depression, whether with psychotherapy or medication, are much less likely to develop dementia. For the family and friends, think about what you can do to help the person with depression, to lift them, to increase positive activities, and help get stress in proportion so that its less of a problem, says Livingston.

A personality change or something more serious?

Personality changes can sometimes be mistaken for other things  for example a midlife crisis or the effects of menopause. Livingston says that the key sign that it might be something more serious is to think about how the person would have coped with certain situations in the past.

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If you look at them and see, Well theyve been like this before when theyre under stress, then its probably just the situation, she says. But if its a change in the way they react, then theres a concern that its because they have a less resilient brain.

Should you take a dementia test?

In the past, assessing whether you were in the early stages of dementia involved complex and invasive diagnostics, such as a spinal tap or a PET (positron emission tomography) imaging scan, to assess the number of amyloid plaques in your brain.

Now, blood tests such as the p-tau217  which measures the levels of a protein fragment released into the blood when the brains nerve cells are damaged  are starting to become available. This can provide an indication of whether someone is developing early signs of Alzheimers disease.

Blood tests for Alzheimers are not currently available on the NHS, although it is hoped that they will be by the end of the decade. The p-tau217 test is available privately in the UK  the Re:Cognition Health clinic offers it for 695  but experts are unconvinced as to its value. The major limitation, Selbaek says, is that there are no medications proven to stop the progression of the disease in its tracks, although you could enrol for clinical trials of newer treatments.

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The problem is that as a standalone test, it might increase worry more than decrease it, he says. I question whether knowing that you will probably get dementia in five or 10 years is good for your health.

*Name has been changed

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NEED TO KNOW

Peter Mandelson, the United Kingdom's former ambassador to the United States, has been arrested on allegations that he shared secret government and market information with Jeffrey Epstein

The arrest came just days after former Prince Andrew was taken into custody in England on similar charges

Mandelson held numerous high-profile government titles before his brief tenure as an ambassador in 2025, including as the U.K.'s senior-most secretary of state and the European Union's trade chief

Following the arrest of the former Prince Andrew, another major public figure in the United Kingdom has been taken into custody in connection with the Epstein files.

Lord Peter Mandelson, a former Labour Party politician, was photographed by Sky News being escorted from his London home by plainclothes police officers on Monday, Feb. 23.

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A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police told the outlet, "Officers have arrested a 72-year-old man on suspicion of misconduct in public office. He was arrested at an address in Camden on Monday, 23 February and has been taken to a London police station for interview. This follows search warrants at two addresses in the Wiltshire and Camden areas."

The Telegraph reported that, similar to the charges against the former Duke of York, Scotland Yard is investigating Mandelson for allegedly sharing sensitive government and market information with Jeffrey Epstein when he was business secretary.

Mandelson, a longtime Labour Party MP, served as a secretary of state under former U.K. Prime Minister Tony Blair. After several financial scandals, he left Parliament in 2004 but returned in 2008 to serve as the business secretary under then-Prime Minister Gordon Brown. During the gap in his U.K. government service, Mandelson served as the trade commissioner for the European Union.

The U.K.'s embattled current prime minister, Keir Starmer, faced criticism after appointing Mandelson as the British ambassador to the United States last year. However, following the release of new evidence regarding Jeffrey Epstein by the U.S. Department of Justice, he was dismissed from the post in September 2025.

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Earlier this month, Mandelson stepped down from the House of Lords over his Epstein ties.

One particularly disturbing bit of correspondence between Epstein and Mandelson, an out gay man, came in 2009 when Epstein suggested Mandelson should marry Princess Beatrice, noting, "the queen would have a queen as a grandson."

"Remember, I am already her Lord President.." Mandelson replied.

"Does that make it incest," Epstein responded. "How exciting."

Mandelson's detainment followed the Feb. 19 arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, who was stripped of his royal titles last fall due to his connection with Epstein.

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Andrew was released from the Aylsham Police Station in Norfolk after about 11 hours in custody. The Thames Valley Police issued an updated statement confirming a "man in his sixties from Norfolk," had "been released under investigation." He was photographed in a car, being taken back to Wood Farm, located in King Charles Sandringham estate, where he recently moved after being forced to surrender the lease on his longtime Windsor home, Royal Lodge.

Peter Mandelson and Prince Andrew at a bilateral meeting in Brussels in 2007 JOHN THYS/AFP via Getty

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While Andrew was previously accused of sexual assault by Epstein victim Virginia Giuffre, his arrest, like Mandelson's, was linked to allegations that he shared confidential information in correspondence with Epstein.

In one email from the trove of Epstein evidence, a sender named as "The Duke"  thought to be Andrew, per the BBC  forwarded Epstein an email including reports from his trips to Singapore, Vietnam, Hong Kong and China in his role as a trade envoy for the British government.

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In another message dated Dec. 24, 2010, Andrew appears to be presenting Epstein with what he says is a "confidential brief" on investment opportunities in the Helmand Province of Afghanistan. That region was heavily affected by the U.S. war in Afghanistan, in which Great Britain was a military ally. At the time, reconstruction in the area would have still been under government control.

Read the original article on People




EAST LYME - The former chief of the Flanders Volunteer Fire Department is suing the town of East Lyme and its first selectman in federal court on claims he was "constructively terminated" after a "sham" investigation into his behavior as a part-time town employee.

Attorney Jon Fries, representing former Fire Chief Chris Taylor, said in the lawsuit that East Lyme First Selectman Dan Cunningham, former Deputy Fire Marshal Erik Quinn, who was fired last year, and others conspired to get rid of his client's volunteer position to make way for an all-career fire department.

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Taylor claims in the lawsuit that in January 2024 he found two firefighters in his office, which he had locked, and told them to leave. He then was placed on administrative leave by Cunningham while the town investigated a complaint that he had harassed an employee and used "foul language."

He later was told he could not be on town property, respond to fires or act with the fire service and couldn't talk to town employees - which Taylor said in the lawsuit included his own daughters.

Town officials and Taylor's attorney did not respond to requests for information on whether Taylor was terminated from his role as fire chief, as well as whether he worked for the town in any other capacity and was terminated in that role as well.

The lawsuit contends the harassment allegations were a ruse to end the role of volunteer fire chief and replace the fire service with career firefighters. As of Tuesday, the town still was considered as having a combination fire department utilizing both career and volunteer staff, a town official confirmed.

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The lawsuit also claims that key witnesses were not interviewed in the investigation into Taylor's alleged behavior and that the two firefighters who were in his office and went through his desk never were disciplined.

Taylor also was ordered to attend an Employee Assistance Program session for "anger management issues" and was requested to waive his privacy rights under HIPPA by sharing the session notes with the town's human resources manager, the lawsuit said.

Cunningham did not respond to a request for comment Tuesday. A call to Quinn requesting comment was not returned.

Taylor is suing the town, Cunningham and Quinn on the grounds that his First Amendment rights were violated and that he suffered termination and emotional distress due to the investigation and the media reports of the office incident and that he was placed on administrative leave.

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"Constructive termination" typically refers to a situation in which an employee resigns because their employer made working conditions intolerable, unsafe, or hostile, such that a person feels forced to quit.

"His reputation was publicly tarnished," the lawsuit said. "He was denied his constitutional right to vote in person on town property. He was also denied the opportunity to have a relationship with his daughters who are also town employees."

Quinn, who was a deputy fire chief, was terminated amid an investigation into "fire-related incidents," Cunningham said in May 2025.

Despite the ongoing investigation, Quinn's termination went into effect immediately because his "continued employment was no longer tenable due to a loss of public trust and confidence in his leadership in the East Lyme Fire Service," Cunningham said in a statement.

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Quinn has not been arrested in connection with any fire-related incidents, court records show.

This article originally published at Former CT fire chief sues East Lyme, saying he was forced to resign after 'sham' investigation.
In a joint statement by the Israel Police Spokesperson's Unit and the Shin Bet, it was revealed that four suspects from northern Israel, including two minors, were suspected of having conspired.

Four Arab Israeli citizens were arrested on suspicion of planning a terror attack targeting IDF soldiers in Karmiel, Israeli law enforcement authorities said on Monday.

In a joint statement by Israel Police and the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency), it was revealed that four suspects from northern Israel, including two minors, were suspected of having conspired to commit a shooting attack against IDF soldiers in Karmiel.

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Some of the suspects had already been trained and prepared to carry out the attack, the police stated.

FOOTAGE FROM the arrest by Israel Polices National Guard of four Israeli citizens planning a terrorist attack. Source: Police Spokesperson's Unit.

The suspects are expected to be indicted on Monday, once their questioning and the investigation are complete.

Police arrest illegal resident on suspicion of preparing explosive terror attack

Earlier this month, police also announced the arrest of an illegal resident from the West Bank on suspicion of preparing explosives and carrying out "additional terror activity" targeting IDF soldiers.

The terrorist had "extensive knowledge in preparing explosives and various weapons," N12 reported, and had been involved in other attacks against IDF soldiers operating in the area.

Miriam Sela-Eitam contributed to this report.
At first glance, Yelets in winter looks like something from a Russian fairy tale.

From the embankment I spy the golden domes of Orthodox churches and, down below, ice fishermen dotted along the frozen river.

But in this town, 350km (217 miles) south of Moscow, the fairy tale feeling is transient.

On the riverbank I spot an army recruitment billboard. It promises a one-off sum equivalent to 15,000 to anyone who'll sign up to fight in Ukraine.

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Close by there's a poster of a Russian soldier taking aim with a Kalashnikov.

"We're there where we need to be," the accompanying slogan declares.

The Kremlin launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022. Outside Russia it was widely seen as an attempt to force Kyiv back into Moscow's orbit and to overturn the entire post-Cold War security architecture in Europe.

The Russian leadership envisaged a short and successful military operation.

It didn't go to plan.

Four years later Russia's war on Ukraine grinds on. It has lasted longer than Nazi Germany's brutal war on the Soviet Union, known here as the Great Patriotic War.

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And, in this town, you can see some of the consequences.

A giant mural fills one side of a nine-storey Yelets apartment block. Depicted here are the faces of five Russian soldiers, local men killed fighting in Ukraine.

"Glory to the heroes of Russia!" has been painted at the top.

[BBC]

The Russian authorities do not release casualty figures for the so-called "special military operation". But Russia is known to have suffered huge battlefield losses. So many of the towns and villages I've visited in the last two years have had museums and monuments dedicated to soldiers killed in Ukraine, as well as separate sections for recent war dead at local cemeteries.

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"My friend's husband was killed fighting there. The son of my cousin, too. And grandson," says Irina, who has stopped to chat to me opposite the mural.

"Lots of people have been killed. I feel sorry for these lads."

Irina is a ticket collector at the bus station. She struggles to make ends meet.

"Utility bills are suffocating us. Prices are crushing us. It's very hard to get by."

Although money is tight, Irina helps put together aid packages for Russian soldiers on the front line. She doesn't criticise the war on Ukraine. She is, though, confused by it.

"In the Great Patriotic war, we knew what we were fighting for," Irina says. "I'm not sure what we're fighting for now."

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The border with Ukraine is 250km away. But sometimes the front line feels much closer. This part of Russia, Lipetsk region, like many others, has been targeted by Ukrainian drones. Around Yelets the authorities have installed emergency shelters. I spot one at a bus stop, another in a park.

These concrete constructions stand like monuments to President Vladimir Putin's "special military operation". Before the Kremlin's full-scale invasion of Ukraine there had been no need for shelters, since there had been no drone attacks on Russia.

Blocks of flats in Yelets have designated shelters, too, in basements.

"The sirens go off almost every night," Irina explains. "But I don't leave my building. We just go into the corridor where there are no windows."

Before Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, shelters like these didn't exist in Russia [BBC]

In Yelets you'll find signs of war in unlikely places. I notice that the name of a local pancake cafe features the Latin letters V and Z  symbols of the "special military operation".

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The sign outside adds: "Grab a pancake, then the whole world."

I'm taken aback. Then I recall some of the things Vladimir Putin has said.

"Where the foot of a Russian soldier steps, that's ours," he declared in St Petersburg last year.

Two years ago in Moscow I saw an electronic billboard displaying this Putin quote: "Russia's borders do not end anywhere."

Wars are financially draining. With Russia's budget deficit growing and the economy stagnating, the government has raised VAT from 20% to 22%. The Finance Ministry says the extra revenue will be spent on "defence and security."

Read more on four years of full-scale war in Ukraine:

The Russian village of Sedanka that lost its men to war

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Food prices surge: Is the war hitting Russians in the pocket?

Tracking the war in maps

Russian state TV has encouraged the public to be understanding.

"We live in a time of war: a war forced on us by the West," TV anchor Dmitry Kiselev told viewers. "We have to win it, and we can't get by without a war budget."

Small businesses are feeling the pinch. In a Yelets bakery the smell of freshly baked raisin bread, scones and cream pastries is intoxicating. But the shop has been hit by Russia's economic downturn and tax hikes.

"We've had to raise prices," says owner Anastasiya Bykova, "because our utility bills, rent and tax bills have all gone up. And the VAT increase means our ingredients are more expensive.

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"Imagine we all have to shut down: our bakery, and the restaurant opposite. We try to make our town look good. But if we close, what's left? Just a dark grey patch."

"The special military operation is excellent. It's just that prices keep rising" - even Russians who support the invasion are feeling the economic effects [BBC]

An hour's drive from Yelets, in the regional capital Lipetsk, I see more reminders of the war: more military posters, more shelters.

But in the stairwell of his apartment block, right now Ivan Pavlovich is more concerned about a leaking pipe. There's ice on the wall and the lift's not working.

The pensioner is furious that no-one has repaired it. He rails, too, about high prices and rising utility bills.

Does he think the war is to blame?

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"If I was younger, I'd go and fight there," Ivan tells me. "The special military operation is excellent. It's just that prices keep rising. Pensions go up, but then prices go up even more. So, what do I gain? Nothing."

"Of course, we'd live more comfortably if there was no special operation," he adds. "They spend a lot of money on it. People also give what they can. We need to help. I'm not complaining."

Russians feel that life is getting harder. Few believe they have the power to change that. As the war enters its fifth year, there's little optimism. Many people here are just hunkering down and waiting, hoping for better times.
France will summon U.S. Ambassador Charles Kushner to protest comments made by the Trump administration over the death of a far-right activist, the foreign affairs minister said on Sunday.

Jean-Noel Barrot was reacting to a statement by the U.S. State Department's Counterterrorism Bureau, which stated that "reports, corroborated by the French Minister of the Interior, that Quentin Deranque was killed by left-wing militants, should concern us all."

The State Department said in its post on X that "violent radical leftism is on the rise and its role in Quentin Deranque's 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."

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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.

"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."

Deranque's killing highlighted a climate of deep political tensions ahead of next year's 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.

Seven people have been handed preliminary charges. The Lyon public prosecutor's 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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Barrot said he has other topics to discuss with Kushner, including U.S. decisions to impose sanctions on Thierry Breton, a former European Union 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.

The Foreign Affairs Ministry did not say when the meeting will take place.

This is the second time Kushner has been summoned by France. In August last year, he was summoned over a letter he sent to Macron alleging the country did not do enough to combat antisemitism.

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In a statement obtained by CBS News at that time, France rejected the allegations, saying they "run counter to international law."

"They also fall short of the quality of the transatlantic partnership between France and the United States and of the trust that must prevail between allies," the statement said.

Macron told "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" in September that it was out of line for Kushner, who is the father of President Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, to publicly accuse him of taking insufficient action to combat antisemitism.

Macron said a French ambassador would never be allowed to make similar public remarks about another country because it would risk diplomacy with those nations.

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"So either you are a person who wants to express freely," Macron said. "If you are a diplomat, you have to follow the rule of diplomacy.  The [American] taxpayer money is not properly used to finance this kind of statement."

France's foreign officials met with a representative of the U.S. ambassador since the diplomat did not show up to the meeting.

Iranian foreign minister says they "have every right" to "nuclear energy, including enrichment"

Trump threatens strikes on Iran as more warships enter Mediterranean

How safe is America from polio?
Dozens of judges have demanded that lawyers representing President Donald Trumps administration explain why the government shouldnt be held in contempt for failing to follow court orders involving detained migrants.

A new review by The New York Times found at least 35 cases since August where a federal district court or magistrate judge issued a so-called show cause order requiring the government to explain why it shouldnt be punished for violating the orders.

The show cause order is basically the governments last chance to explain itself before being held in contempt.

Attorney General Pam Bondi's DOJ has attacked judges in response to criticism about the administration's failure to follow court orders. / Joe Readle/Getty Images

The spike in the orders is proof that judges are getting angry with officials as they try to determine whether the violations are intentional or an unfortunate by-product of a legal system that has been overwhelmed by Trumps mass deportation agenda, according to the Times.

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Were at a moment where the courts are trying to figure out whether the Trump administration is systematically ignoring court orders, or whether its a function of overload plus incompetence plus an attitude of disrespect, Harvard law professor Noah Feldman told the Times.

Both publicly and privately, some of the leadership at Pam Bondis Department of Justice have signaled the department is not overly concerned with following court orders, the Times noted.

In a statement to the Daily Beast, a DOJ spokesperson blamed Joe Bidens administration and rogue judges for the overwhelming caseloads.

If rogue judges followed the law in adjudicating cases and respected the Governments obligation to properly prepare cases, there wouldnt be an overwhelming habeas caseload or concern over the [Department of Homeland Security] following orders, the statement said.

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It added that the number of people being detained by ICE is a direct result of this Administrations strong border security policies to keep the American people safe.

Judges, however, are getting fed up after weeks of false testimony, shoddy legal arguments, and failure to comply with court orders, according to the Times.

Last week, U.S. District Judge Sunshine Sykes, a Biden appointee, blasted the Trump administration for its mandatory detention policy, which has been struck down in more than 1,600 cases and has led to a flood of habeas corpus petitions from immigrants saying theyre being wrongfully held.

President Trump's deportation drive and mandatory detention policy have led to thousands of habeas corpus cases. / CHARLY TRIBALLEAU / Charly Triballeau/AFP via Getty Images

Administration officials have chosen to avail themselves of these exact circumstances of which they now complain, Sykes wrote in a sweeping decision demanding the government follow her previous orders.

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Another judge wrote in a scathing ruling that agents of the federal governmentmasked, anonymous, armed with military weapons, operating from unmarked vehicles, acting without warrants of any kindare seizing persons for civil immigration violations and imprisoning them without any semblance of due process.

The practice is an assault on the constitutional order, and is exactly what the Fourth Amendment to the Constitution was written to prevent, wrote Judge Joseph R. Goodwin, a Clinton appointee.

But last week, a judge took the extraordinary step of holding a military attorney on loan to the DOJ, which has hemorrhaged attorneys since Trump began his mass deportation drive, in civil contempt over the treatment of an immigrant released from ICE custody.

Protesters nationwide have demonstrated against ICE's tactics, including at a march in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in January. / ROBERTO SCHMIDT / AFP via Getty Images

U.S. District Judge Laura Provinzino ordered attorney Matthew Isihara to pay a $500 daily fine until identification documents were returned to Rigoberto Soto Jimenez, a legal U.S. resident who was arrested as part of Operation Metro Surge in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Isihara apologized to the judge and said the case had fallen through the cracks.

On Thursday, Jimenezs lawyer received an overnight FedEx package, and the judge lifted her contempt order.
European Union foreign ministers are running out of time to unanimously approve further support for Ukraine ahead of the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion, after Hungary announced it would veto the measures.

"I am astonished by Hungary's position," said German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul as he arrived at a meeting of his EU counterparts in Brussels on Monday.

Ministers had been expected to formally sign off on a 90 billion ($106 billion) EU loan and the bloc's 20th package of sanctions on Russia, a day before senior EU officials travel to Kiev to mark the anniversary of Moscow's invasion on February 24, 2022.

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But with Budapest's blockade, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa could arrive in Kiev without the new support approved.

"I do not believe it is right for Hungary to betray its own struggle for freedom and European sovereignty," Wadephul said, alluding to the Soviet Union's decades-long rule of Hungary following World War II.

He will urge Hungary to reconsider its position, the German minister said.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said that Budapest will block both measures unless Russian oil exported to Hungary via the Druzhba pipeline resumes.

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"I think we shouldn't tie together things that are not connected to each other at all," said EU chief diplomat Kaja Kallas.

The 90 billion loan was initially agreed by EU leaders, including Orban, in December and then approved by the European Parliament, but still needs to be formally signed off by EU ministers.

The funding is intended to meet Ukraine's financial and military needs until the end of 2027, enabling it to further resist Moscow.

Ukraine says the flow of oil has been interrupted by Russian bombing since the end of January. Hungary and Slovakia, which also continues to receive Russian oil via the pipeline, accuse the Ukrainian leadership of deliberately preventing the resumption of deliveries.

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The EU's 20th package of sanctions is to include a ban on maritime services related to exports of Russian crude oil.

In addition, the European Commission has also proposed additional financial restrictions to further constrain Russia's ability to carry out international payments to fund economic activities.

Wadephul expressed confidence that the impasse could be resolved.

"We are working intensively on the 20th package of sanctions," said Wadephul.

"I am also certain that we will be successful at the end of the day," he said. "All the problems that exist can be overcome with clarity, with firmness on the side of Ukraine, with a clear European orientation."
Have you ever wondered why you dont have to spit out seeds after snacking on a banana? Its because the Cavendish, the most widely used commercial cultivar, has three copies of chromosomes and cant produce fertile seeds. Instead, the Cavendish is propagated by cloning, which is convenient for maintaining consistent banana quality, but leaves the plant vulnerable to disease.

Its a fate that befell the Cavendishs predecessor, the Gros Michel (French for Big Mike). This more flavorful cultivar was the most widely available banana for decades until it fell victim to the wilting fungus Fusarium, known by the colloquial name Panama disease. By the 1950s, Gros Michel bananas had all but disappeared, and the Cavendish became the dominant cultivar, accounting for 99 percent of banana exports today.

For years, the Cavendish was thought to be resistant to the soil-borne Panama disease, until the 2010s when a virulent strain of the fungus, Tropical Race 4, started spreading. With bananas under threat worldwide, the race to protect the Cavendish from suffering the Gros Michels fate began. Now, agricultural scientists are making headway with new research published in Horticulture Research.

Read more: Whats Wrong with Bananas

Andrew Chen and Elizabeth Aitken from the University of Queensland recently pinpointed the location of a gene in the wild banana plantCalcutta 4that confers resistance to Fusarium wilt, Sub Tropical Race 4 (STR4).

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Weve located the source of STR4 resistance in Calcutta 4 which is a highly fertile wild diploid banana by crossing it with susceptible bananas from a different subspecies of the diploid banana group, Chen explained in a statement. This is a very significant finding; it is the first genetic dissection of Race 4 resistance from this wild subspecies.

Because the banana plant crosses had to grow for a year before they could be checked for disease-resistance, locating the gene took five years. You may be wondering why we cant just make the switch from the Cavendish to Calcutta 4 the way we swapped the Cavendish for the Gros Michel.

While Calcutta 4 provides crucial genetic resistance, it isnt suitable as a commercial cultivar because it doesnt produce fruit which are good to eat, Chen said.

Going forward, the researchers are developing molecular markers for the gene so banana producers can more efficiently identify and plant resistant seedlings. This will speed up selection, reduce costs and hopefully ultimately lead to a banana that is good to eat, easy to farm, and naturally protected from Fusarium wilt through its genetics, Chen said.

That is, until the fungus adapts once more.

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This story was originally featured on Nautilus.
TUCSON, Ariz.  A Q-tip, a tissue and a pizza crust.

To investigators, this seemingly innocuous trash was DNA-laden treasure, helping crack the cases of the University of Idaho murders, the Golden State Killer and the Gilgo Beach slayings, according to authorities, using a forensic tool called investigative genetic genealogy.

Investigators in the Nancy Guthrie case hope that science can point to a suspect. But there are challenges.

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Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of TODAY co-host Savannah Guthrie, was reported missing on Feb. 1. Its been three agonizing weeks since her disappearance, and authorities havent publicly identified a suspect or a person of interest. Officials have cleared the Guthrie family as potential suspects, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said.

Nanos, whose agency is leading the investigation along with federal and state partners, said last week that mixed and partial DNA was found at Guthries home. Mixed DNA is a forensic sample that has more than one persons genetic material.

More coverage of Nancy Guthrie's disappearance

Some of that DNA that was found at the home doesnt belong to Guthrie, her family or anyone who worked at the residence, Nanos said.

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We believe that we may have some DNA there that may be our suspect, but we wont know that until that DNA is separated, sorted out, maybe admitted to CODIS, maybe through genetic genealogy, Nanos said Tuesday, referring to the Combined DNA Index System, the FBIs DNA database of convicted criminals.

But on Friday, he told NBC News the lab that received the DNA reported challenges with the sample. He did not elaborate on what the challenges are.

We listen to our lab, and our lab tells us that theres challenges with it, and we understand those challenges, but our lab also knows that the technology is moving so fast and in such a frenzy that they think some of this stuff will resolve itself just in a matter of weeks, months or maybe a year, to allow them to do better with, say, a mixture of that kind of thing, he said.

Nanos said hes hopeful the samples will get to a point where they can be submitted for investigative genetic genealogy or entered into CODIS, but were not there yet.

Security camera video from the front door of Nancy Guthrie's house. (Kash Patel via X) (Kash Patel via X)

The sheriffs department said in a statement Saturday: As with any biological evidence, there can be challenges separating DNA, etc. There are currently no updates regarding this process.

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Investigative genetic genealogy, or IGG for short, is a process in which unidentified DNA evidence is turned into a digitized DNA profile. Its then entered into ancestry databases to find relatives, build family trees and narrow down the person behind the DNA. Its been used to solve long-cold cases, identifying unknown victims as well as killers.

The issue Nanos mentioned could be with the DNA sample itself or with the investigative genetic genealogy process, said Barbara Rae-Venter, a genetic genealogist who helped solve the case of the Golden State Killer in 2018 using this technique.

She said the sheriffs comments suggest the DNA ratio has too high a proportion of victim DNA.

Colleen Fitzpatrick, an American genetic genealogist, said when it comes to mixed DNA, the suspect has to be the major contributor.

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Suppose you have a mixture and its 90% Nancys and 10% somebody elses, that might not be enough for the lab to go forward and get enough markers and make the identification, Fitzpatrick said. If its 50-50, its hard to separate. Ninety-10, you can separate that. Probably also the question is not only separate, do you have enough DNA to work with anyway?

The lab that authorities are believed to be using in the Guthrie case did not respond to a request for comment.

Challenges with IGG in Guthrie case

There are several challenges that investigators and genetic genealogists may face in this case.

But mixed DNA, which is often found at crime scenes, can often still yield helpful information, according to CeCe Moore, the chief genetic genealogist at Parabon, a Virginia lab specializing in forensic genetic genealogy.

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Weve had success with a lot of cases with mixtures, she said. But it does take a little more time, because theres an extra step. After that profile is created that we need for genetic genealogy, then they have to have the bioinformatics scientists work on that file to extract out the suspects DNA.

Moore said the discovery of mixed DNA makes her hopeful, because that does seem more likely that it could be definitively tied to the kidnapper in this case.

Nanos has previously said that blood was found on the porch outside of Guthries home that tested positive for her DNA.

It takes about a day or two to build a DNA profile  then there are leads immediately, said David Mittelman, a genealogist and the CEO of Othram, a forensic laboratory in Texas.

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In the worst-case scenario, itll connect you to a very close relative, and the best-case scenario gets it to your person, he said.

IGG can also give other information such as biogeographical ancestry, meaning where the person was from historically, and connect it to large family groups in certain parts of the country, Mittelman said.

Moore says the speed of getting a hit with this process depends on race and ancestry.

If the person of interest, in this case, has deep roots in the U.S. and is a white person, they could be identified in minutes or hours, Moore said. The vast majority of the people in the databases we have access to have primarily northwest European ancestry and deep roots in the United States.

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But she said theres far less representation in databases of those with recent immigrant ancestry or those born outside of the U.S.

If its somebody who doesnt have connections to the U.S. in their tree in more recent generations, then it could take much longer, Moore said.

Such was the case in identifying Bryan Kohberger, who killed four University of Idaho students in 2022. It took several weeks because he had recent ancestors from Italy.

Record access is also challenging for certain racial backgrounds, including African Americans.

You get brick-walled at emancipation, Rae-Venter said. The actual written records of those marriages and deaths, which is what were normally using when trying to build these trees, there are no records once you hit the slavery wall. You cant get any further back than 1863.

Access to databases

Then, theres the issue of how many profiles genetic genealogists can compare against.

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They are limited to less than 2 million profiles to sift through  even though over 50 million people have taken direct-to-consumer DNA tests, Moore said.

This is because major companies such as Ancestry DNA and 23andMe, popular ancestry tracing sites, have barred law enforcement from accessing their databases to protect user privacy. However, those records can be requested by law enforcement, and those companies can be compelled by court order or search warrant. The databases they can use are GEDMatch and FamilyTreeDNA, which have opt-in capability allowing law enforcement to compare against profiles.

The two databases that were allowed to use are two of the smallest databases. If we could be using Ancestry or 23andMe or even MyHeritage, those databases are huge. Youre talking about 10, 20 times as many people, Rae-Venter said.

If youre working on something like the Kohberger case or the Nancy Guthrie case, suddenly time is really important.  Its adding time to what was already a very time-onerous procedure, she said of the database limitations.

The FBI searches an area around Guthrie's residence on Feb. 11. (Brandon Bell / Getty Images) (Brandon Bell)

While the DNA samples in the Guthrie case dont appear to be ready yet, experts are optimistic.

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Rae-Venter said IGG has been around since 2007, back when it was used more commonly for unknown parentage cases.

One of its first uses in a criminal case was to catch the Golden State Killer, Joseph James DeAngelo, in 2018. In 2020, he was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole after he pleaded guilty to 13 counts of murder in a plea deal and admitted guilt to numerous crimes, including dozens of rapes, that were too old to prosecute.

Back when we did the Golden State Killer, there were virtually no tools to analyze the match information that you were getting, and now theres just all kinds of really sophisticated tools to do that, Rae-Venter said.

One of the advances is being able to work with tinier amounts of DNA.

Back when we were doing that, you needed typically around 200 nanograms of DNA. Now, I actually did a case with, I think we had 25 picograms, so it was basically 1,000-fold less DNA, she said.

Shes optimistic that if enough DNA is collected, it can solve the Guthrie case.

Assuming that they were able to get some decent DNA out of it, they should be able to identify a potential suspect. The issue is just how long its going to take, she said. But ultimately, you should be able to solve the case.

Marlene Lenthang reported from Los Angeles and Erin McLaughlin and Liz Kreutz from Tucson.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection said it will hold a public hearing for a permit application to allow Georgia-Pacific to dump industrial wastewater into the Fenholloway River, once known as the state's most polluted river.

DEP published a draft of the permit Jan. 23 to allow GP to discharge what's called effluent, the left-behind byproduct of paper production produced during the deconstruction of a 70-year-old paper mill at Foley; the Koch Industries subsidy closed two years ago.

The plan to once again dump polluted water into the Fenholloway sparked opposition among local elected officials, business leaders, and clean water advocates. In letters, phone calls, and on social media they called for a public hearing.

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A group of citizens under the banner of the Fenholloway Coalition, as well as the Taylor County Development Authority, created separate websites to circulate petitions to deny the permit. Their concerns and comments were met with silence from state regulators, they said.

An empty log truck drives away from the Buckeye Florida pulp mill near Perry in this file photo. The mill grinds pine trees to produce cellulose that is used in products including food thickeners and automotive filters. The Foley Cellulose mill in Perry, Florida, announced on Sept. 18, 2023, that Georgia-Pacific plans to permanently close the plant.

You know, issuing a draft permit without responding to public comment feels like theres a lack of impartiality," Robert Cate, chair of the TCDA, said Feb. 20. But later in the day, DEP spokesperson Alexandra Kuchta told the USA TODAY Network  Florida Capital Bureau that a public hearing will be scheduled in Taylor County to give the permit application a public vetting.

"Once the details are finalized, well post a notice in the Florida Administrative Register and on our website," Kuchta said in an email exchange. "DEP is committed to protecting Floridas natural resources and ensuring compliance with the states environmental laws. The department will continue to evaluate all comments received and will not issue any permit unless it meets all legal requirements and is fully protective of Floridas environment."

Public comment on the permit application ends Monday, Feb. 23.

The waste of making paper

Here's why, even though the paper mill closed in 2023, contaminated water is still an issue:

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Years after a paper mill closes, wastewater can still accumulate on the property. The pollution left behind in the soil likely contains highly toxic oxygen-depleting pollutants, including byproducts known as dioxins formed from extracting and bleaching cellulose fiber from wood to make paper products.

Furthermore, old holding ponds and underground pipes dont simply evaporate, they also can leak. And rainwater can soak through these areas and pick up leftover chemicals and carry them into groundwater and streams where they produce algae blooms, further reducing the water's oxygen levels.

GP remains responsible for management of its abandoned industrial site, which is why it was required to seek a permit to change where it would discharge waste water.

An empty log truck drives away from the Buckeye Florida pulp mill near Perry in this file photo. The mill grinds pine trees to produce cellulose that is used in products including food thickeners and automotive filters. The Foley Cellulose mill in Perry, Florida, announced on Sept. 18, 2023, that Georgia-Pacific plans to permanently close the plant.

A pipeline dispute

GP shocked the county two years ago when it closed the mill, creating a spike in unemployment to 6% and the loss of $9 million in state and local taxes. Now officials and residents fear further economic harm through groundwater contamination and the degradation of the Fenholloway if the company is allowed to abandon a 15-mile-long pipeline that carries effluent to the rivers mouth at the Gulf.

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The company said it is committed to a safe, environmentally responsible shutdown of the mill and is following DEPs regulatory process as it works to return the property to productive use.

The pipeline crosses land owned by Four Rivers Land and Timber. An easement has expired, and Four Rivers and GP have been unable to reach an agreement.

We have negotiated with Four Rivers in good faith trying to reach a resolution that would enable the pipeline to remain, but we have not been able to reach a resolution, Georgia Pacifics Kelly Ferguson wrote in a letter to Taylor County. Four Rivers declined to comment about pipeline negotiations.

The Fenholloway River is shown here near Perry downstream from the Buckeye Florida mill in this file photo. Some environmentalists and residents were against a proposal to move the pulp mill's discharge to near the Gulf of Mexico. The Foley Cellulose mill in Perry, Florida, announced on Sept. 18, 2023, that Georgia-Pacific plans to permanently close the plant.

Regulations and failed negotiations

Reaching no agreement with Four Rivers, GP turned to DEP and submitted an application to discharge wastewater from the Foley deconstruction at U.S. Highway 27 where it crosses the Fenholloway.

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Opponents, however, point out that the river rarely rises above 2.7 feet there, not enough volume to dilute to a safe level the potential amount of industrial waste the company could discharge.

The pipeline was installed in 1998 and is credited in the Fenholloway restoration to a recreational water body  safe for swimming, to consume fish, and able to support wildlife after years of being treated as the mills sewer.

State rules for waste water permitting lists specific requirements involving engineering, maintenance, monitoring, and volume for the discharge of water. In a Feb. 17 letter to DEP, Taylor County Commission Chairman Jaime English said not all those requirements have been met in this case.

The (required) Antidegradation Study Public Interest Test provided by Foley Cellulose with the Permit Renewal Application is incomplete, and that progress in the permitting process should be halted until the study addresses all required elements, English wrote.

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English specifically noted the draft does not show how the discharge will be controlled when the water level is higher than 2.7 feet, the threshold for permittable discharge.

Former GP executives speak

That omission is worth considering, said Chet Thompson, a former environmental manager for Georgia Pacific who was the project manager when the pipeline was installed. He said the permit calculates GP would release up to 12 million gallons per day, but it lacks a maximum discharge limit for a 24-hour period.

Taylor County hired Thompson as a consultant to monitor GPs efforts to dismantle the site and remediate the property for sale. At a Feb. 17 meeting, he told the Commission the sites effluent is held in holding ponds when the river is low then released once it reaches the threshold.

Meaning, if they have 40 million gallons stored and the river hits 2.7 feet they can .... After a quick pause, Thompson made a swooshing sound and gestured like he flipped a switch. Im not saying they intend to do that, but thats the way the permit is written, Thompson said.

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Discharges at that level would make the Fenholloway water nearly 100% effluent, after 28 years of rehabilitation for what once was the states only designated industrial river. Ferguson said the draft permit guidelines on how much can be discharged are not to exceed seven million gallons per day, on average.

Cate worked 44 years for Georgia Pacific and spent seven years as the manager of the Foley mill. He said he had worked closely with DEP and retired on good terms with Georgia Pacific in 2011.

But the lack of information from DEP and GP since the publication of the draft permit had left him wondering about how this project was unfolding: It almost feels like DEP is giving them a free pass. The tough questions that we would have been asked 10 years ago, 14 years ago, 17 years ago, dont seem like they are being asked, Cate said.

All of this will discussed at the public hearing Kuchta said DEP is working to arrange. The hearing will provide Taylor County residents "an opportunity to learn more about Georgia-Pacific's permit renewal and provide input," she said.

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When told of DEP's plans, Cate said he was "very grateful" there would be a public hearing.

Under the original permit schedule, DEP has until March 25, or 30 days from the close of the public comment period, to modify, approve or deny the permit.

James Call is a member of the USA TODAY NETWORK-Florida Capital Bureau. He can be reached at jcall@tallahassee.com. Follow on him X: @CallTallahassee

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Fenholloway at risk? Public hearing on mill wastewater promised
Actor Kim Do Hoon responded to online criticism of a recent press event where he interacted with Karina from Aespa. He said that a viral interpretation of the gesture was wrong.

On February 19, Kim went to the Hotel Naru Seoul MGallery in Mapo for the production presentation of Netflix's variety show "Agents of Mystery season 2." There, he took a group photo with the whole cast. He was holding Karina's hand on one side and Gabee's hand on the other side during the photo shoot.

READ MORE: Kim Yoo-jung and Kim Do-hoon Spark Dating Rumors After Being Spotted Abroad  Here's What Really Happened

Some people who saw the video of the event online said Kim acted inappropriately with Karina's hand. One person even went to the fan community of Kim Do Hoon with a message for the actor, according to AllKpop.

Someone wrote online, "Don't touch Karina."

The Chosun Daily says that Kim Do Hoon used social media to explain what happened during the photo after people criticized him. He answered the accusation directly by saying, "I didn't touch her hand. I was scratching my own finger because it was itchy."

In the video that went around, he is seen moving his finger instead of touching Karina's hand while they were holding hands for the official photo. Many people now say that the controversy was caused by a misunderstanding.

Even though he explained, more comments have kept coming up online. One fan said, "Karina probably dislikes this kind of controversy too."

One viewer wondered why this incident received enough media coverage to become so well known. She asked, "Would Karina even like this kind of attention?"

Many debate on why her behaviour was criticized across the internet. Was there anything wrong with this particular action? Some have defended Kim, while others have said that famous people should be careful about how they look at big events.

A lot of news outlets covered the press event as the latest way to promote "Agents of Mystery season 2," which will be released on Netflix later this year and features the original cast.

READ MORE: Kim Do Hoon Net Worth 2022: 'The Law Cafe' Rising Star Earned THIS Much So Far
Feb. 24 is World Spay Day and February is Spay and Neuter Awareness Month in Georgia. February is also Feline Fix by Five month, a reminder to have kittens fixed before they turn five months old.

That focus on prevention is important for two reasons: First because fixing animals is the only way to fix the chronic problem of unwanted pets and overcrowded shelters. Second, it gets away from the debate over no-kill status.

Each year, shelters in the U.S. euthanize hundreds of thousands of healthy, adoptable dogs and cats due to lack of resources and willing forever families. Sadly, Georgia often ranks among the top five states by most national statistics for shelter kill rates and total number of animals euthanized. But just increasing the number of no-kill shelters does not solve the problem. In many cases no-kill shelters that are full simply turn away incoming animals rather than euthanize for space.

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But progress is being made. This years ongoing legislative session comes on the heels of a successful year for animal welfare, when seven of the 10 bills supported as beneficial to animals by the Georgia Pet Coalition (GPC) were passed.

Among the seven, advocates say two bills in particular will go a long way toward reducing the number of unwanted pets and improving animal welfare in Georgia. One of them, Senate Bill 20, sponsored by Marietta Republican Sen. Kay Kirkpatrick, provides educational loan repayment of $75,000 for veterinarians who practice full time for a three-year contract in shelter medicine and nonprofit pet sterilization. Georgia is only the second state, after Arizona, to provide such financial support.

Last session was very successful, said Peggy McCarthey, a board member at GPC. This session is lighter, but regulatory action, funding, enforcement and education are also important. We spend considerable time following up on legislation to help ensure that procedures are put in place.

Another bill, House Bill 331, sponsored by Concord Republican Rep. Beth Camp, prohibits the sale or barter of dogs, cats and domestic rabbits in unregulated locations such as parking lots, sidewalks, roadsides, parks and seasonal flea markets. That has the dual effect of encouraging people to adopt from shelters, and also encouraging people to have their pets fixed rather than have to give away litters.

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Senate Bill 410, which provides for a temporary six-month Georgia license for out-of-state veterinarians and veterinary technicians practicing in shelter medicine or nonprofit sterilization, was passed in 2024. That allows shelters and clinics to bring in out-of-state vets for training and spay-neuter events without having to go through complex re-licensing.

We cannot adopt our way out of companion-animal overpopulation, said Michelle Long Spears, a DeKalb County Commissioner. We need high-quality, high-volume spaying and neutering. That really gets to the root of the problem. It is the only way to reduce overcrowding at our shelters and hopefully eliminate euthanasia entirely.

As if to underscore that very point, DeKalb County opened a new $4 million pet neighborhood late last year, with capacity for 120 animals, and its already full.

In DeKalb County we are re-imagining what well-being looks like, said Spears. We are increasing capacity, with bricks and mortar, and also better pay for our staff. Weve been innovative with programs, legislation, and facilities, especially funding and support for spay/neuter training and spay-athons.

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United Spay Alliance developed a wet lab where vets are trained by treating actual patients in high-quality, high-volume spaying and neutering.

Spay/neuter is the only way to get to the heart of the problem, said Brianna Lovell Myers, executive director. If we want more of those procedures to happen we need more vets trained.

The template for the wet lab is a single day of training so there are no overnight travel expenses. To date, United Spay Alliance has coordinated 17 wet labs in seven states training 76 veterinarians. Four trainings have been held in Georgia since 2024, and at least three more are planned for 2026. LifeLine Animal Project has been the host, with trainers from Spay Neuter Vets. LifeLine manages DeKalb County and Fulton County animal services, and operates two spay and neuter clinics.

The momentum of the past year or two could not come soon enough. Some shelter staffs and animal advocates were starting to feel hopeless, but the synergies are starting to line up, said Spears. People at every level are realizing that pet overpopulation is a solvable problem in the long term.

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There are many parts to the answer for overfull shelters and suffering animals. Better and larger facilities, support for foster and forever families, stronger anti-cruelty laws that are strictly enforced and legislation to shut down puppy mills are all essential, but not sufficient.

For all the years, even decades of dedication by shelter workers and animal advocates at every level, about a thousand dogs a day are killed in this country because there is nowhere for them to go. Fixing animals is the only way to fix the problem.

The Georgia Recorder publishes guest commentary that is focused on state policy issues and adhere to these guidelines.
The German journalists' union DJV has asked Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul to summon the Turkish ambassador over the arrest of a reporter for Germany's international broadcaster Deutsche Welle.

An Istanbul court ordered pre-trial detention for long-time DW correspondent Alican Uludag on Friday over charges of "insulting the president."

Uludag's arrest followed a police raid at his home in Ankara late on Thursday, conducted by approximately 30 police officers in front of Uludag's family, according to Deutsche Welle.

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During the raid, authorities searched his apartment and confiscated IT equipment before transferring Uludag to Istanbul for legal proceedings.

Uludag has long covered human rights violations, corruption cases and court proceedings.

Previously, the Istanbul public prosecutor's office had launched an investigation not only for insulting President Recep Tayyip Erdogan but also for "publicly disseminating misleading information."

Uludag's detention has triggered a wave of condemnation. Turkey's main opposition party, the country's leading journalists' associations and human rights activists have joined the German government in calling for his immediate release.

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Mika Beuster, chair of the DJV union, described Uludag's arrest as "pure harassment of a critical and independent journalist who takes his profession seriously and refuses to be silenced."

The arrest warrant is "a frontal attack on the German international broadcaster Deutsche Welle, which informs people through journalism rather than propaganda," he said.




There have been museums in Golden Gate Park since 1895, but not until now a museum about Golden Gate Park. That finally changed when the Commission Vault Museum launched inside the old steel vault at San Francisco Recreation and Park Department headquarters in McLaren Lodge.

The display, which covers the entire history of city parks within a 6-by-10-foot room, had a very soft opening in December. Because the museum capacity is five people and the pent-up demand goes back 130 years, the opening was intentionally kept soft.

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The big bank vault doors swung open on the evening of Dec. 4, when all attention was out the window, at the lighting of the city Christmas tree outside McLaren Lodge. Since then about 75 people have come through the exhibit, which is impressive given that there has been no public announcement of the museum and there are no operating hours. It takes an appointment to visit the vault, which can happen only when the attached conference room is not in use. The collection is in the form of tickets to Fleishhacker Playfield and Pool, brochures for Camp Mather, postcards, and black-and-white action photos of the San Francisco 49ers playing at Kezar Stadium and the Giants at Candlestick Park.

"Standing in that small vault, surrounded by fragments of our past, you feel the continuity of it all," said Rec and Park interim General Manager Sarah Madland. "In every era, San Franciscans have cared deeply, often fiercely, about their parks. That devotion is a throughline in our civic life, stretching from the Victorians to today."

The new museum at Rec and Park headquarters in Golden Gate Park has a capacity of only five people, and reservations are required. (Sam Whiting/S.F. Chronicle)





The collection, which chronicles that throughline through the context of the history of the Rec and Park Commission, consists of 125 objects and pictures packed in tight as if it were an overstuffed closet, which it essentially was. Cabinet drawers and boxes held all of this ephemera until Ashley Summers, liaison for the Recreation and Park Commission, decided to digitize the records held in the filing cabinets and boxes. Summers got the idea to bring the collection into the light and passed it by Rec and Park Commission President Kat Anderson, who was all for it.

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"The idea was brilliant," Anderson said in a phone call from Truckee, where she had been snowed in for nine days. "I'm a history buff, so I immediately approved it. The museum is the right thing to do in order to preserve the rich history of the commission and the department."

That history goes back to the turn of the 20th century, when the city had separate agencies overseeing the scope of parks. There was a Playground Commission, established in 1907, which expanded into the Recreation Commission in 1932. In 1950, that commission and the separate Park Commission merged to form the present day Rec and Park Commission, a seven-member board that oversees the operation of the Recreation and Park Department.

Originally the commissioners met under the chandelier in the distinguished wood- and leather-paneled meeting room of McLaren Lodge, which was built in 1896 to be the home of park Superintendent John McLaren. Over time, the meetings were moved to City Hall, but the records, which had been held in a bank vault where cash receipts from park concessions were originally stored, did not make the move.

Water damage above the fireplace in the historic meeting room at McLaren Lodge. (Sam Whiting/S.F. Chronicle)





When Summers set about to digitize the records, she found an advertisement for a Golden Gate Park concert from the late 1800s, an indicator that there were works on paper that were too important to shred or file back away.

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"We've been having concerts and music here for 130 years," she said. "It's really inspiring."

Summers consulted Christopher Pollock, historian in residence for Rec and Park, and the two of them put together a budget for less than $10,000, which was approved by outgoing General Manager Phil Ginsburg. Summers and Pollock did all of the work except for outsourcing constructions of the cases. City painters, electricians and carpenters built shelving for the display and put up panels to warm the walls of steel. The only way to book a tour for now is through email at recpark.commission@sfgov.org.

The Commission Vault is the first museum to open in Golden Gate Park, or any city park, since the California Academy of Sciences moved from Market Street in 1916. The McLaren Lodge meeting room, which is the only way to access the museum, was earmarked last week for $49,000 in work to repair water damage.

The display Summers and Pollock created breaks the history of the parks down by decades, with a timeline going back to 1850. Each decade is marked by a listing of the parks in the system at the end of that decade, starting in 1860 when there were 14 parks. The timeline runs up through 2025 when there are 230 parks.

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"The least expensive way was to use photographs to illustrate the important points on the timeline," said Pollock, who ended up with about 125 images, all reproductions culled from the collection of the San Francisco Public Library and the Library of Congress, among other sources.

An exhibit inside the former vault at McLaren Lodge details the history of the Recreation and Park Commission as it grew to oversee 230 city parks. (Chris Hardy/S.F. Chronicle)





Among these photos are three historic pieces - a metal sign from the original San Francisco Playground Commission, estimated to be 100 years old, a new wooden sign to promote the newly opened Sunset Dunes, and a vintage photo of bison in their paddock, circa 1900.

"There is a huge variety within the overall exhibit," Pollock said, "that illustrates administrative changes, funding changes and other important events. When I walk in I see a riot of information in front of me that tells the story of how the commission created all of these parks."

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In all, it took a year to get the display cases built and all the print work done and installed. When commission President Anderson saw it for the first time, she spent half an hour and would have stayed longer but her fellow commissioners were piling up at the door, waiting to get in.

"I was bowled over," she said. "The museum's timeline perfectly coincides with the city's existence. When you step into it you are stepping into a giant time capsule and you are interacting with it."

This article originally published at Giant time capsule': Tiny museum showcases vast history of San Francisco's parks.
Governor Josh Shapiro on Monday ordered all United States and Pennsylvania flags to be flown at half-staff on March 7 to honor Reverend Jesse Jackson, who died earlier this month.

Shapiro's order applies to all state buildings, public buildings and public grounds across the Commonwealth.

All Pennsylvanians are invited to participate in the tribute to Jackson, who died on Feb. 17.

Jackson was a protege of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and two-time presidential candidate who led the Civil Rights Movement for decades after the revered leader's assassination.

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Jackson led a lifetime of crusades in the United States and abroad, advocating for the poor and underrepresented on issues, including voting rights, job opportunities, education and health care.

He scored diplomatic victories with world leaders, and through his Rainbow/PUSH Coalition, he channeled cries for Black pride and self-determination into corporate boardrooms, pressuring executives to make America a more open and equitable society.

And when he declared, I am Somebody, in a poem he often repeated, he sought to reach people of all colors. I may be poor, but I am Somebody; I may be young; but I am Somebody; I may be on welfare, but I am Somebody, Jackson intoned.

Rep. Napoleon Nelson (D-Montgomery), the chairman of the Pa. Legislative Black Caucus, commended Gov. Shapiro for honoring Jackson.

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"Reverend Jackson was a giant in American history, said Nelson. He fought endlessly for justice and taught us that faith without action is incomplete."

"We commend Gov. Shapiro for taking this step to recognize Rev. Jackson and his lifes work, while encouraging all Pennsylvanians to observe this tribute and carry his memory with us," Nelson continued.

Memorial services honoring his life will be expanded beyond Chicago with events in Washington, D.C. and South Carolina.

Jackson will still lie in repose this week at the Chicago headquarters of his Rainbow PUSH Coalition with a public celebration of life and homegoing services to follow, though dates for Chicago events have been changed.

Formal services were added, scheduled from March 1 to March 4 in Washington, D.C., and South Carolina, where Jackson was born and raised.
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First)  Gov. Jeff Landry requests that the U.S. Department of Education investigate all public higher education institutions in Louisiana.

The U.S. DOEs Office for Civil Rights opened an investigation earlier this month into the Louisiana Board of Regents over concerns about possible race-based priorities in its budget. On Monday, Landry requested an expansion of the investigation in a letter to Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Kimberly Richey.

Read a full statement from Landry below.

Let me be clear: Louisiana is done with woke DEI policies. Discrimination against ANY student will not be tolerated. This issue began under the previous administration, and we are fixing it. That is why, Ive formally requested that the investigation be expanded to EVERY public higher education institution in Louisiana. If there are violations of federal law anywhere in our system, we want them corrected. Gov. Jeff Landry

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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 Louisiana First News.
Gov. Tim Walz has permanently appointed Shireen Gandhi as Minnesota's Department of Human Services Commissioner, after she spent the last year in interim charge of the department.

Gandhi took over as the interim DHS head last February following the resignation of Jodi Harpstead, and has been charged with leading the department's response to allegations of fraud within Minnesota's Medicaid programs.

Walz said Gandhi has "demonstrated steady, decisive leadership at the Minnesota Department of Human Services, strengthening program integrity, rooting out fraud, and ensuring taxpayer dollars reach the Minnesotans who rely on these services."

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Fraud within Minnesota's public programs have been under the microscope in the years since the Feeding Our Future fraud involving federal COVID payments was uncovered, and it has led to concern among fraud within 14 "high-risk" state-run Medicaid programs.

The fallout from Feeding Our Future was seemingly part of President Donald Trump's motivation to target Minnesota for his enhanced immigration crackdown Operation Metro Surge, which comes after an article by a right-wing think tank in November made unsubstantiated allegations that money defrauded from public programs ended up in the hands of Somali terror group Al-Shabaab.

Minnesota DHS (Minnesota DHS)

The Walz administration has taken a number of steps to address possible fraud over the past year, including hiring UnitedHealth subsidiary Optum to conduct an analysis of its Medicaid programs.

This probe has so far identified a number of corrective measures that are required, but also suggests that the level of fraud seen within the programs may be lower than some of the figures previously speculated.

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Walz says under Gandhi, the Minnesota DNS has "expanded the use of data analytics to identify program vulnerabilities, evidence of fraudulent activities and potentially suspicious patterns of billing."

This in turn has seen the state tightening oversight of Medicaid businesses, Walz's office says, such as adding fingerprint background studies for owners and requiring an external review of claims before payments are made.

The state is currently undertaking on-site evaluations at more than 5,800 program providers across the state.

"We must protect the human services programs we provide to improve the lives of Minnesotans that have helped our state to be ranked among the best in the country for children and families, older adults, and people with disabilities," said Gandhi.

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"As commissioner, I look forward to working with all partners across the human services system to make our state a national model for program integrity.

Gandhi has been with the DHS in various roles since 2017. The department oversees Minnesota's Medicaid program, MinnesotaCare, amid a myriad of health care initiatives serving the elderly, those with disabilities, and those with mental health or substance abuse issues.

The DHS has a budget of around $25 billion.

Related: What Optum found in probe of 14 Medicaid programs possibly vulnerable to fraud

This story was originally published by Bring Me The News on Feb 23, 2026, where it first appeared in the MN News section. Add Bring Me The News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM)  Governor Josh Shapiro just ordered United States and Commonwealth flags to fly at half-staff next Saturday in honor of Reverend Jesse Jackson, who passed away last week.

According to Shapiro, flags on all Commonwealth facilities, public buildings, and grounds across Pennsylvania are ordered to fly at half-staff on Saturday, March 7, until sunset.

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The tribute will coincide with the final day of memorial services scheduled for Rev. Jackson.

Rev. Jesse Jackson was a civil rights activist and Baptist minister who championed the civil rights movement, Shapiros office explained. Throughout his life of service, Rev. Jackson made countless visits to Pennsylvania, advocating for labor rights and civil rights across the Commonwealth  from Pittsburgh and Erie to Harrisburg and Philadelphia.

One of Rev. Jesse Jacksons last visits to the Commonwealth was back in October 2024, when he was hosted by the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus.

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In a post on X, Governor Shapiro had said the following:

Rev. Jesse Jackson was a change maker, a boundary breaker, and a passionate and unrelenting crusader for civil rights, equality and opportunity. To be around him felt like you were experiencing history. It was an honor to share the pulpit with him back in September of 2016 at Sharon Baptist Church in West Philly. I hung on his every word and could feel how much his presence meant to the congregation. Lori and I are praying for his wife Jacqueline, his family, and everyone he inspired over the years. May the memory of Rev. Jesse Jackson be a blessing.

Civil rights leader Jesse Jackson dies at age 84

Rev. Jacksons family shared that the civil rights leader had passed away on February 17 after battling a neurodegenerative disorder called Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP). He was 84 years old.

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This is a developing story. Stay with abc27 News as more information becomes available.

Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27.
US President Donald Trumps proposal to send a Navy hospital ship to Greenland has been swiftly rejected by Greenlandic leaders, escalating tensions between Washington and the Arctic territory. The offer, made via social media, drew firm responses from officials in both Greenland and Denmark.

Greenland has no interest in Donald Trumps hospital ship

Donald Trump announced on his Truth Social platform that he planned to deploy a U.S. hospital ship to the island. In his post, he 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!!!

Trumps comments followed an emergency medical evacuation conducted by Denmarks Arctic command. Danish authorities confirmed that a crew member from a U.S. submarine was airlifted about seven nautical miles off Nuuk, Greenlands capital, and transported to a local hospital. A Danish Seahawk helicopter carried out the operation. However, Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen dismissed Trumps offer outright. Its a no thank you from here, he said.

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Nielsen further defended Greenlands public health system, emphasizing that care is free for citizens. We have a public health care system where treatment is free for citizens. That is a deliberate choice  and a fundamental part of our society, he said. That is not how it works in the USA, where it costs money to see a doctor. He also urged direct communication instead of social media announcements. But please talk to us instead of just making more or less random statements on social media, he added.

Denmark echoed Greenlands stance. Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen told broadcaster DR that authorities had not been informed of any incoming U.S. ship. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen defended the countrys healthcare model, writing that she was happy to live in a country where there is free and equal access to health for all (via PBS).

Meanwhile, both U.S. Navy hospital ships, USNS Mercy and USNS Comfort, are currently docked at a shipyard in Mobile, Alabama, according to social media posts from the facility.

Originally reported by Devanshi Basu for Mandatory.

The post Greenland Rejects Donald Trumps Offer: No, Thank You appeared first on Reality Tea.
Greenlands prime minister publicly rebuked President Donald Trump on Sunday, rejecting his proposal to send a U.S. hospital ship to the Arctic territory and urging him to stop making "random" social media posts about its future.

Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen issued the response in a pointed Facebook post following Trumps announcement.

"We say no thank you from here," Nielsen wrote. "President Trump's 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."

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The prime minister also contrasted Greenlands system with that of the U.S., writing that, in America, "it costs money to go to the doctor."

Trump Tells Davos Us Alone Can Secure Greenland, Insists He Wont 'Use Force'

Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen issued a rebuttal to President Trump via Facebook. (Getty Images)

Nielsen said Greenland is "always" open to dialogue with the U.S. but urged Trump to engage directly.

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"Talk to us instead of just making more or less random outbursts on social media," he wrote. "Dialogue and cooperation require respect for decisions about our country being made here at home."

On Saturday, Trump announced on Truth Social that his administration was working with Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry to send a hospital ship to Greenland to care for people who are sick and "not being taken care of there."

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Russia, China Squeeze Us Arctic Defense Zone As Trump Eyes Greenland

Gov. Jeff Landry was designated special envoy to Greenland in December.

Landry was designated special envoy to Greenland in December and has held formal discussions outlining Trumps plans to strengthen Arctic security amid threats from Russia and China.

In late January, Landry spoke with NATO leaders and expressed support for a "framework of a future deal" to expand U.S. influence in the region.

Top Nato Official Reveals Details Of Stunning Meeting With Trump That Produced Greenland Deal 'Framework'

Trumps offer came after Denmarks Joint Arctic Command evacuated a crew member from an American submarine near the Greenlandic capital.

Trumps offer came after Denmarks Joint Arctic Command evacuated a crew member from a U.S. submarine seven nautical miles outside Greenlands capital, Nuuk.

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The crew member was transferred by a Danish Defense Seahawk helicopter to a hospital in Nuuk and handed over to Greenlandic health authorities, the Joint Arctic Command said.

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The U.S. Navy operates two hospital ships  the USNS Mercy and the USNS Comfort  both of which were last docked in Alabama for repairs, according to Reuters.

Fox News Digitals Eric Mack contributed to this report.





Original article source: Greenland rejects Trump's hospital ship proposal, citing existing free healthcare system
President Donald Trump says he is sending a "great hospital boat" to Greenland.

The president said many people on the Arctic island are sick and need care.

Greenland has free, universal healthcare.

President Donald Trump seems to be trying a new approach in his quest to take over Greenland: The president said Saturday the US would send a hospital ship to the territory.

"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," the president wrote on Truth Social. "It's on the way!!!"

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Greenland, however, isn't interested.

Greenland's prime minister, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, said in a subsequent Facebook post that "it's going to be a no thank you from here." Greenland provides free universal healthcare for all permanent residents and citizens.

"We have a public health system where treatment is free for citizens. It's a deliberate choice. And a basic part of our society. It's not like that in the United States, where it costs money to go to the doctor," he wrote. "We are always open to dialogue and collaboration. Also with the U.S. But talk to us now instead of just coming up with more or less random outbursts on social media."

Trump has had his sights set on the Arctic island, a semi-autonomous Danish territory, since his first term in office. Trump has suggested the US could buy Greenland or even take it by force.

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The president says Greenland's location makes it strategically important as the melting of Arctic ice opens up new shipping routes and intensifies competition with Russia and China.

The island is also rich in critical minerals and already hosts a key US military base, which American officials say is vital to missile defense and Arctic security.

Major European leaders, including those from France, Germany, the UK, Italy, Spain, Poland, and Denmark, released a joint statement last month defending Greenland.

"Greenland belongs to its people," the statement said. "It is for Denmark and Greenland, and them only, to decide on matters concerning Denmark and Greenland."

Read the original article on Business Insider
With AirTrunk, CDC and global cloud players expanding across the east coast, the approval of NEXTDCs 162MW M4 facility signals continued escalation in the race for land, power and hyperscale customers.

The Victorian Government has approved NEXTDCs proposed M4 technology campus in Port Melbourne, clearing the way for what is expected to be one of the states largest single data centre developments. The project, valued at approximately $2 billion, will be built at 127 Todd Road on the former Westgate Park Printing Complex site, within an established industrial and logistics corridor close to existing fibre and power infrastructure.

The approval through the state planning process reflects the increasing strategic importance of digital infrastructure in Victorias economic development agenda. Demand for large-scale data centre capacity continues to accelerate, driven by hyperscale cloud expansion, enterprise migration to hybrid IT environments and rapidly growing artificial intelligence workloads.

The M4 campus is designed as a 162MW facility capable of supporting hyperscale deployments and high-density computing environments. Industry reporting indicates the site will be engineered to accommodate liquid-cooled AI systems and mission-critical operations infrastructure, positioning it to support next-generation compuing requirements rather than traditional colocation alone.

The development also sits within a broader competitive expansion cycle across Australias east coast. Operators including AirTrunk, CDC Data Centres and global cloud providers such as AWS continue to invest heavily in Melbourne and Sydney to secure power access, land and fibre connectivity in constrained urban markets. In this context, speed to approval and construction has become a key differentiator, particularly as energy availability and planning pathways tighten.

Melbourne is increasingly viewed as Australias secondary hyperscale anchor market after Sydney, benefiting from strong enterprise demand, subsea cable (Melbourne/Torquay) connectivity and proximity to major government and financial services customers. However, power provisioning, grid upgrades and sustainability commitments remain central considerations for all large-scale developments.

NEXTDC has positioned the M4 campus as strengthening sovereign digital capability and long-term infrastructure resilience. From a market perspective, the project underscores how data centres have shifted from being treated as industrial real estate to being recognised as critical economic infrastructure underpinning AI, cloud services and national digital competitiveness.

With planning approval secured, attention will now turn to construction timelines, power allocation and customer pre-commitments as the project progresses toward phased delivery.

Other NEXTDC Data Centres are located at Tullamarine, West Footscray, Geelong plus the two locations at Port Melbourne.

NEWS UPDATES WILL FOLLOW AS WE GET PROGRESS REPORTS ON THIS DATA CENTRE
The sword was eventually transferred to Elisha Medical Center in Haifa for an advanced CT scan to examine the blades condition without causing it futher harm.

A sword dating to the 12th-century Crusader period was discovered buried in the seabed off northern Israels Dor Beach, Haifa University announced in a Sunday statement.

The discovery was made by Shlomi Katzin, a student at Haifa Universitys Department of Maritime Civilizations.

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While at the beach, Katzin noticed a group of divers swimming in the area with a metal detector. Believing them to be antiquities thieves, he drove them from theareabefore spotting the sword protruding from the sea floor.

According to the statement, Katzin notified Prof. Deborah Cvikel from the Maritime Civilizations Department of the find. Cvikel, in turn, contacted the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA), which gave Katzin special permission to remove the sword from the water to prevent further damage.

Since their invention, swords have been among the most important tools in human history, said Dr. Sarah Lantous of Haifa University. In the Middle Ages, the sword became a symbol of knights and chivalry, as well as a symbol of Christian faith. It was also one of the most common weapons used by Crusader knights, whose lives depended on them.

Tancred and the Crusaders of the first Crusade take possession of Bethlehem, where they massacred virtually every inhabitant. Original Artwork: Engraving after a painting by Revoil. (credit: Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

She noted that swords were considered highly valuable, and as such, were carefully preserved and maintained, and that discovery and study of such a personal and symbolic object are rare.

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Moreover, they provide us with a unique opportunity to learn about the lives of the Frankish knights in the Holy Land, she added.

Cvikel echoed the sentiment, noting that the swords discovery sheds light on the Crusader presence along the countrys shores, and that only a handful of similar swords from the Crusader period have been discovered in Israel to date.

Sword undergoes CT scan

The sword, measuring approximately one meter long, was transferred first to a conservation lab at the Leon Recanati Institute for Maritime Studies (RIMS) at Haifa University, and then later to Elisha Medical Center in Haifa for an advanced CT scan to examine the blades condition without causing it further harm.

From the scan, researchers learned that the blade is a one-handed sword of European make, and had likely belonged to a Crusader warrior. The CT images also show a crack in the swords blade, and that only a small portion of the original iron had survived the ravages of time and the sea.

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The CT scan allows us to peer through layers of time and stone, according to Dr. Eyal Berkovitz, medical director of Medica Diagnostics and a faculty member at the University of Haifas School of Medicine,

Using the CT, we were able to see what the human eye cannot, the internal structure of the sword and its precise physical condition, all in a non-invasive scan that preserved the integrity of this rare find for future generations.

Ziv Biton, CEO of Elisha Medical Center, shared that the hospital's medical staff is proud and honored to have taken part in the project, opening a time tunnel to the past in the form of a Crusader sword.

When the past meets the future within the walls of our hospital, there is nothing more rewarding."
A GUN being smuggled from the West Bank to east Jerusalem, found by Israel Police, February 15, 2026. (photo credit: Police Spokesperson )

Arab affairs expert Ruth Wasserman Lande, the former deputy ambassador to Cairo, told The Jerusalem Post that the released terrorists in Egypt posed a local and regional threat.

Cairos failure to tackle the exporting of weapons and drugs via drones to Israel is likely contributing to the Arab crime crisis in Israel and empowering terrorist acts against the Jewish state, two former diplomats told The Jerusalem Post on Monday.

Amb. David Govrin, a lecturer at the Lauder School of Government, Diplomacy and Strategy at Reichman University, told the Post that Israel was dedicating significant energy to tackling the threat, which has grown in recent years as technology has continued to develop.

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Noting that the current weight capacity of a drone is around 150 kilograms, Govrin said that tackling the threat was a huge challenge.

All [the] security forces cooperated in this, in this campaign, in this struggle, the police, the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency), and the army. And the idea is, of course, to detect, to thwart any attempt to cross the border, because we are talking about drones that are being used not only for weapons, but also for some drugs, he explained.

As reported by The Jerusalem Posts Senior Military and Intelligence Analyst Yonah Jeremy Bob, as many as 20 drones fly across the border on any given day, transporting drugs, weapons, and, more recently, animals.

MK RUTH Wasserman Lande attends a joint meeting of the Foreign Affairs and Internal security Committees held at the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, regarding the sexual abuse claims in Gilboa Prison, August 3, 2022. (credit: YONATAN SINDEL/FLASH90)

'Unfortunately, it's quite easy to buy a rifle or a gun '

Asked if the drones were contributing to the murder crisis within the Arab sector, where 252 people lost their lives in crime-related killings in 2025  according to numbers published by the Abraham Initiatives  Govrin acknowledged that while unfortunately, its quite easy to buy a rifle or a gun or whatever in the market. They are not dependent solely on this trafficking of weapons from Egypt to Israel, he could assume so. Im sure thats part of it, he said.

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Nevertheless, he acknowledged: Even if the border was blocked, you could buy rifles and other stuff... So, of course, it might add fuel to the fire  theres no doubt about it. But this is not the only source of weapons that are being used in the Arab community.

Beyond representing a security risk, the consistent drone deliveries have become a diplomatic issue, he explained. Under the framework of the cooperation agreement signed by the two armies, Cairo has a duty to tackle the issue, he insisted.

Im sure that the Israeli side raised this issue more than once, but I dont see, you know, the result on the ground, and Im very concerned about it, because one of the Egyptian duties, according to the commitments, according to the peace treaty, is to prevent such activity, Govrin said.

The fact that these drones continue to come and to infiltrate Israeli territory from Egyptian territory is a great source of concern for all of us. So this is something that we should ask ourselves: Why do the Egyptians not cooperate effectively and prevent this kind of transfer, or transaction, of weapons and drugs from their territory to the territory of the State of Israel?

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The same concern was expressed by Arab affairs expert Ruth Wasserman Lande, the former deputy ambassador to Cairo, who told the Post that the drone threat far outweighed security issues posed by anti-Israel radicalization in Egypt and the release of Palestinian terrorists into the neighboring territory.

If it [the drone smuggling] were reversed, if our Bedouins were simply allowed or not stopped [from] passing weapons to the Egyptians, an uproar would arise, and rightfully so. I mean, its unimaginable that this could even happen, she explained.

While asserting that the drone issue remains significant, Wasserman Lande shared generalized concerns that terrorists released into Egypt as part of the final ceasefire-hostage deal would create new cells on Israels border, similar to those seen in Lebanon.

Palestinians were known to do that in Lebanon, in Kuwait, in Tunisia ... inside all three places, she told thePost.

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Providing some reassurance, Wasserman Lande said that Egyptian intelligence and security are very, very strongly vigilant of every Palestinian, specifically those who were in Israeli prisons because they obviously committed some kind of terror act They are very, very vigilant. Theyre wary of the presence of any Palestinians in the country, and I have little doubt that they will be monitoring [their] every step.

Despite Egypt agreeing to accept the released Palestinian prisoners, Lande said she was not even sure that they will not return them to the Gaza Strip, out of a sheer desire to protect Egyptian territory from their influence and potential actions.

Govrin said he believed that Egyptian authorities were likely maintaining a close eye on the released prisoners, aware that they could attempt to contact members of the Muslim Brotherhood and other Islamic groups threatening Egypts current government.

As de facto landlords of Gaza until 1967  when Israel won the Strip in the wake of being attacked by a coalition of Arab states, resulting in its victory in the Six-Day War  Cairo is aware of the security risks posed by a radicalized population, Wasserman Lande explained.

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They did not want it [Gaza] back in 1979 [and] that says a lot, she noted.

Very clearly, they [Egyptians] are aware of the potential leakage of instability and the creation of terror cells amid certain parts of the Palestinian population, [along with] the potential for radicalization of other populations in the surroundings, such as Egyptian populations  even though Egyptians are [already] indoctrinated with hatred against Israel and Jews  there is again, a vigilance and weariness amongst the Egyptian authorities regarding radicalization, Islamic radicalization, because they know that it will hurt their own regime.

Despite apparent concerns about the influence of radicalized Palestinians, Wasserman Lande claimed that Turkish and Qatari influence had already infiltrated the country, which almost by definition, means radicalization.

While acutely aware of the threat posed by terrorist organizations in the Palestinian territory, Egypt has frequently criticized Israel throughout the two-year Israel-Hamas War.

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Asked to reflect on the current status of Cairo-Jerusalem ties, Lande said that while maintaining a high-level connection between the leaders of the two countries would be key, especially with a country like Egypt, there was, in fact, no such connection.

You need to be able to pick up the phone and say, Listen, this is not exactly as it seems, she said.

This communication doesnt exist, and this is a mistake on our part. Of course, its also a mistake on Egypts part, but I dont want to completely disregard our role in this situation, she explained.

For Govrin, deep confusion about Jerusalems intentions with the Sinai Peninsula and mixed messages sent by the Israeli leadership are at the heart of the worsening diplomatic friction between the two neighbors.

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The Egyptian government suspects that the Israeli government intends to send hundreds of thousands of Palestinians to the Sinai Peninsula, which is not true, but the Israeli government has not denied this officially, and we have some ministers in the government who call for that. So the Egyptians are quite puzzled, Govrin contextualized.

He added that the Egyptians were very much concerned about it [having Palestinians in their territory]. Thats why they reinforce their forces at the Rafah border crossing  because they are very much concerned that the Palestinians would break the fence and get into their territory without Egyptian approval.

Govrin highlighted that the sudden unauthorized entry of thousands of Palestinians into the Sinai Peninsula would be a huge headache for Cairo, because they would probably engage one way or another in terrorist activity against Israel from Egyptian territory.

In addition to fears of terrorism, Cairo would also be obligated to provide the Palestinians with infrastructure, with education, with water, with employment, whatever is needed for civilians, and they dont want it They have enough problems of their own, and they are not interested thats why they define or declare that such a move, [if] taken by the Israeli government, is against the national security of Egypt.

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Govrin concluded: Thats where the tension that we have seen [comes from].

Less prepared than the Egyptian authorities is Europe, Wasserman Lande noted, stressing that there was a significant risk that the lack of vetting would allow terrorists to evade detection in the West.

I think Europe is unprepared, full stop, not for the Palestinians who will leave Egypt, but in general, for what theyve already welcomed with open arms, Wasserman Lande told the Post, noting that thousands of men were entering the United Kingdom  not women or children.

Men are being brought in every day. I mean, if I were a UK citizen, that would certainly concern me a lot. Now, granted, its not part of the EU, but this is very problematic with other countries, she said.

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At least, Theyve already started vetting issues of immigration, not all of them, but some of them. One doesnt need an Israeli analyst to call that out [as a problem]; thats very overt already.

Wasserman Lande pointed out that recently, Irish women have begun complaining online about feeling unsafe in Ireland, though theres no love lost in Ireland for Israel at all, she said. [Their concerns are] simply about the safety or lack thereof for Irish women in Ireland, given immigration, particularly Muslim immigration. [Its] politically incorrect to say that, but it is what it is. Likewise, in Sweden and other countries, she explained.

Irish authorities made arrests in October after protests, such as outside hotels housing asylum seekers, erupted over immigration policies. The unrest followed reports of sexual crimes against a 10-year-old girl allegedly involving an asylum seeker, intensifying debate within the country over vetting and public safety.

Feeling unsafe is a situation that Wasserman Lande can empathize with. While she had felt safe in Egypt during her stay from 2003 to 2006, she admitted that now it would be a very different experience.

She said that as a Jew, as an Israeli, and as a woman she would worry about her personal security.

I wouldnt be able to, or I wouldnt feel at all, at all, at all comfortable saying that Im Jewish on the [Egyptian] street. But then again, I dont feel safe in Brussels either, she concluded.
(The Center Square)  New Hampshire's all-Democrat congressional delegation has filed a proposal that would require ICE to provide advance notice to states and local governments if they plan to build a new detention facility or center.

The Respect for Local Communities Act, filed Monday, would require the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to hold public hearings and get approval from state and local officials before building a new Immigration and Customs Enforcement processing facility or detention center. It would also require the Homeland Secretary to notify lawmakers.

It comes after revelations that the DHS is planning to build a immigration detention facility on a 43-acre site in Merrimack, a town located about 12 miles south of Manchester, to house immigrants awaiting deportation proceedings.

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Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, dean of the all-Democrat congressional delegation, said the proposal stems from concerns raised by officials in Merrimack and other communities across the country that have been identified by the DHS as potential locations for ICE detention facilities as the federal government continues its mass deportation program.

"They were never consulted about ICEs plans, and they dont want the chaos of new detention facilities in their communities," she said in a statement. "By requiring DHS to secure approval from state and local officials, our legislation would ensure that Americans and Granite Staters have a say in what the federal government is planning in our own communities."

Rep. Maggie Goodlander, D-NH, criticized the Trump administration for a "half-baked $38 billion campaign to commandeer industrial warehouses for the detention of human beings" without notifying local government is "a dangerous and un-American overreach" by Homeland Security.

"It is undermining our local leaders. It is eviscerating public trust. It is imperiling public safety. It is threatening economic growth. It must stop," Goodlander said. "Our commonsense legislation will rein in this chaos by mandating the transparency and accountability that local communities across New Hampshire and America need and deserve over these decisions."

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Documents obtained by the New Hampshire Chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union recently revealed that the state Division of Historical Resources was in discussions with DHS officials to begin planning for the Merrimack complex, and determine if the project was in compliance with federal historic preservation law.

Republican Gov. Kelly Ayotte said she wasn't initially made aware of the DHS's plans or the state agency's review, which prompted the resignation of Department of Natural and Cultural Resources Commissioner Sarah Stewart. Ayotte has criticized the Trump administration for a lack of communication about its plans for the facility.

Concerns about a loss of revenue from taking the land off the property tax rolls and the impact on municipal services prompted the Merrimack Town Council to approve a resolution opposing the facility. Protesters have demonstrated outside the property for weeks, according to local news reports.

Last week, members of the congressional delegation forwarded a letter to Noem from Republican state Rep. Bill Boyd outlining local opposition to the proposed Merrimack facility. Boyd said local officials have still not been contacted by ICE about the project.

The accompanying letter details the potential negative impact this facility may have on the communitys economic development, as well as the potential strain such a facility would place upon the local economy, infrastructure, and public safety," the delegation wrote. "We share the local concerns expressed about the project, and these concerns must be addressed."
It was another Sunday morning of sometimes heated but always civil political debate on Hancock and Kelley for Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026.

Republican consultant John Hancock and Democratic consultant Michael Kelley discussed the following topics:

From water mains to city hall, new signs the City of St. Louis is physically falling apart.

Authorities say they will begin yanking gas station gambling machines, known as VTLs, under pressure from the Missouri Attorney General, as well as a federal judge who recently ruled that theyre illegal. So, why would Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe want to make them legal?

Its applause all around for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth as he visits Boeings St. Louis facility.

A St. Louis bridge shuts down for anti-ICE protests.

Britains former Prince Andrew goes to jail. Is this fallout from the Epstein investigation?

And our exclusive debate in the hottest race on the election calendar for area voters: the Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate seat in Illinois.

And in our Quote of the Week, we discuss the passing of civil rights activist Jesse Jackson with a quote from the man himself.

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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 FOX 2.
As night fell in Montgomery County, the snow picked up, visibility worsened and more and more crews hit the roads.

"Long - probably at least into tomorrow night plowing," said Mark Kosma of Warminster.

Snow covered the roads in Norristown, and some people were even trekking through it on foot. Although ridership was light, SEPTA was out taking it slow, helping people get home.

"Some are better than others, most are slick, but it's a heavy wet snow, so it's going to be wet and dangerous," Kosma said of the road conditions.

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People made sure to stock up as the storm moved in so they could hunker down until it was over.

"We probably have enough supplies to last a year, but my wife always needs something else," said Gerald Nachman of Wayne.

"We have a snowblower, so my husband is ready for that, and I'll be sitting inside waiting with soup," added Maryanne Keith of King of Prussia.

Earlier in the day, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro signed a disaster declaration due to the winter storm.

The disaster declaration allows the Commonwealth to quickly draw down funding and provide state agencies with the resources needed to assist counties and municipalities with response efforts.

The governor urged Pennsylvanians to stay off the roads as the storm continues to intensify.

Get live updates on the winter storm here.
A Pennsylvania high school senior is facing hundreds of felony charges after authorities reportedly accused him of operating a "large-scale criminal network" involving sextortion and catfishing.

Zachariah Abraham Meyers, 18, of McMurray  about 15 miles southwest of Pittsburgh  was arrested Friday and charged with more than 300 felonies, including trafficking in minors, sexual extortion, unlawful contact with a minor, distribution of child sexual abuse material, among other offenses, according to a court docket obtained by Fox News Digital.

Police allege Meyers, a senior at Peters Township High School, used social media platforms, including TikTok and Snapchat, to lure the victims into communicating with him, according to local outlets Wtae and Wpxi.

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High School Teacher Arrested In Alleged Sex Case Involving Student

Investigators interviewed 30 underage boys during the probe and identified at least 21 victims, WPXI reported.

Authorities say Meyers used photos of other people to catfish the victims. One of the alleged false identities included was that of an adult film actress from another country, according to WTAE and WPXI.

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"Meyers was able to deceive and coerce juvenile males into sending explicit pornographic images and videos of themselves," authorities said.

Family Of Ohio Teacher Clinging To Faith After Ex-'american Idol' Contestant Husband Charged With Her Murder

Authorities say Meyers used photos of other people to catfish the victims. (Getty Images)

Evidence recovered from Meyers phone allegedly linked him to the criminal activity, WPXI reported.

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Meyers is being held at Washington County Prison pending a preliminary hearing.

He was denied bail and is considered both a danger to the community and a flight risk, according to the court docket.

In a statement provided to WTAE, the Peters Township School District said police informed the district of the ongoing investigation.

Maryland High School Locked Down After Shooting Leaves One Person Injured

Police allege the student used social media platforms, including TikTok and Snapchat, to lure the victims into communicating with him.

"The Police have indicated that there is no immediate safety risk to our schools, and we will continue to cooperate fully with the investigation," the Peters Township School District said in a statement.

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"The safety and well-being of our students, staff, and families remain our highest priority, and we appreciate all the efforts of the Peters Township Police in this matter."

The Peters Township School District and the Peters Township Police Department did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.





Original article source: High school senior facing more than 300 felony charges in alleged sextortion scheme targeting minors: reports
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A Pennsylvania high school student is facing more than 300 felony charges after police accused him of extorting minors

18-year-old Zachariah Abraham Meyers' charges include trafficking in minors, sexual extortion and unlawful contact with a minor

A criminal complaint alleges that Meyers told the victims to produce and disseminate explicit images and videos of themselves and that he would sometimes demand money from them

A Pennsylvania high school student is facing more than 300 felony charges after police accused him of operating a "large-scale criminal network" involving catfishing and the extortion of minors.

According to reports from NBC News, CBS News and WPXI, 18-year-old Zachariah Abraham Meyers has been charged with trafficking in minors, sexual extortion, unlawful contact with a minor, distribution of child sexual abuse material, criminal use of communication facility and more following his arrest on Friday, Feb. 20.

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Police allege that Meyers, a senior at Peters Township High School, located outside Pittsburgh, used social media platforms, including TikTok and Snapchat, to lure victims  ranging in age from 14 to 17  into communicating with him.

A criminal complaint obtained by the outlets alleges that Meyers told the minors to produce and disseminate explicit images and videos of themselves, and asked them to "engage in prohibited sexual acts," per NBC News.

Meyers allegedly demanded $500 from two of the victims in exchange for him not sharing the explicit material. After one victim ignored the demands and did not pay the $500, the victim's sister received an Instagram message containing a naked photo of him.

Police car (stock image) Getty

Police said they interviewed about 30 boys and identified at least 21 who had been targeted by Meyers.

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Investigators said at least 14 of the teenagers sent pornographic images of themselves, and all but one believed they were messaging with an "attractive young female," per CBS News.

As part of the scheme, Meyers catfished the minors by pretending to be an adult film star from the Netherlands on social media platforms, as well as a man from Arizona and an unidentified woman.

In one case, Meyers is accused of coercing a 15-year-old victim to pose as an adult on "adult LGBTQ dating applications" to "engage in specific sexual acts with adult men," though the victim told him multiple times he did not want to.

Meyers is also accused of coercing a victim into filming 10 juveniles in a "private area" inside the high school.

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Meyers, who is reportedly president of his school's senior class and a Peters Township athlete, per WPXI, was arrested after authorities executed a search warrant at his home. Investigators searched his phone and allegedly found evidence tying him to the social media accounts that were involved in the extortion.

Smartphone displaying social media apps (stock image) Thomas Fuller/NurPhoto via Getty

Peters Township School District told the outlets in a statement that police believe there is no further risk to students.

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"The Police have indicated that there is no immediate safety risk to our schools, and we will continue to cooperate fully with the investigation," a spokesperson said. "The safety and well-being of our students, staff and families remain our highest priority, and we appreciate all the efforts of the Peters Township Police in this matter."

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Police also said that the case is a reminder that "as a parent you can never be too careful or too interested in your child's online activity," per CBS News.

Meyers is currently charged with 304 felony counts, but investigators said further analysis of his devices, which were seized during his arrest, may lead to more charges, per CBS News. He is currently being held without bail.

If you suspect child abuse, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453, or go to www.childhelp.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.

If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual abuse, text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor.



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Bill White, the U.S. ambassador to Belgium, sparked an international incident of sorts when he accused Belgian officials of antisemitism via social media. At issue was a local investigation into a few Jewish mohels performing circumcisions without proper medical training, which prompted White to post about what he referred to as RIDICULOUS AND ANTI SEMITIC PROSECUTION.

Belgiums government was not pleased  and it summoned the U.S. ambassador for an official conversation last week.

Days later, France announced that it, too, would summon its U.S. ambassador, Charles Kushner, after the State Department made provocative comments about Quentin Deranque, a far-right activist who died of brain injuries last week from a beating in the French city of Lyon.

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(Update: Shortly after this piece was published, Reuters reported that Kushner has been banned from meeting members of the French government after failing to show up at the Foreign Affairs ministry for a scheduled meeting.)

But in between developments in Brussels and Paris, U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee sparked an even more serious controversy. The New York Times reported:

Remarks by Mike Huckabee, the U.S. ambassador to Israel, prompted a storm of condemnation from Arab leaders over the weekend after he suggested that it would be fine if Israel took lands stretching across the Middle East from Egypt to Iraq. Mr. Huckabee, an evangelical Christian and a staunch supporter of Israel, made the comments during a two-hour interview with the provocative right-wing podcaster Tucker Carlson, which aired on Friday.

To put it mildly, many in the region were not impressed. Politico reported that the backlash included public criticism from Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the League of Arab States.

Saudi Arabias foreign ministry described Huckabees comment as extremist rhetoric and unacceptable, while Egypts foreign ministry called the remark a blatant violation of international law. The League of Arab States added, Statements of this nature  extremist and lacking any sound basis  serve only to inflame sentiments and stir religious and national emotions.

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Over the weekend, Huckabee tried to walk back his comments, insisting that he was taken out of context. In the same interview, the ambassador, who previously served as governor of Arkansas, said Israel isnt trying to take all of that, though he added, [T]hey 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.

Time will tell whether his clarification addresses the concerns of officials in the region, although the uproar served as a reminder that Trumps diplomats could stand to be more  diplomatic.

UPDATE (February 23, 2025, 3:43 p.m. ET): This post has been updated to reflect the latest reporting on Kushner and the French government.

The post Huckabees Israel comments spark controversy, adding to Trumps ambassadorial woes appeared first on MS NOW.

This article was originally published on ms.now
Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto has once again accused Ukraine of pursuing an anti-Hungarian policy and of hatred towards his country.

Source: Szijjarto in a conversation with journalists ahead of an EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting

Details: Szijjarto said that Hungary does not hate Ukraine, but that the problem is that the Ukrainian state hates Hungary and has been pursuing an anti-Hungarian policy for the past ten years.

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The Hungarian foreign minister said that Ukraine was behaving very hostilely towards Hungary and suggested asking the Ukrainians why they had stopped oil supplies to Hungary, why they were jeopardising Hungary's energy security, and why they were not restoring the rights of the Hungarian national minority. He added that he was very interested to see what their answer would be.

Szijjarto also claimed that the European Commission is behaving like a Ukrainian commission, putting Ukraine's interests above those of Hungary.

He stressed that Hungary's decision to suspend support for sanctions and a loan is linked to the fact that Ukraine has decided not to restore oil supplies to Hungary.

Szijjarto added that the ball was in Ukraine's court, as it was the Ukrainians who would decide when to resume oil supplies to Hungary, and that Hungary's position would not change until that happened.

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Background:

As previously reported by European Pravda, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto announced that on 23 February he would block the European Union's adoption of the 20th package of sanctions against Russia, claiming that Ukraine is deliberately not repairing the Druzhba oil pipeline.

Hungary is also officially refusing to approve the allocation of a 90 billion loan to Ukraine that had previously been agreed in Brussels.

Meanwhile, Kaja Kallas, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, said ahead of the Foreign Affairs Council meeting that the EU's new, 20th sanctions package against Russia is unlikely to be approved on Monday 23 February, due to Hungary's blockade.

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Hungary has blocked the planned tightening of sanctions against Russia at a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels on Monday.

One day before the fourth anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the country also reaffirmed its opposition to a multibillion-euro loan for Ukraine.

"This is a setback and a message we did not want to send today," said the EU's top diplomat, Kaja Kallas.

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Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said that his country would only agree to the measures helping Ukraine if Kiev allows the resumption of Russian oil supplies through the Druzhba pipeline.

He accused the Ukrainian government of deliberately blocking the use of the pipeline, which runs through the country, for political reasons.

Ukraine says that Russian bombing led to flow of oil being stopped at the end of January.

Budapest's position was supported by Slovakia. Like Hungary, Slovakia still purchases large quantities of Russian crude oil and claims that it cannot guarantee its energy security without the supplies.

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The deadlock leaves EU foreign ministers with little time to approve further support for Ukraine ahead of the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion on Tuesday.

"I am astonished by Hungary's position," said German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul as he arrived at the foreign ministers meeting.

"I do not believe it is right for Hungary to betray its own struggle for freedom and European sovereignty," Wadephul said, alluding to the Soviet Union's decades-long rule of Hungary following World War II.

War anniversary in Kiev

Ministers had been expected to formally sign off on the 90 billion ($106 billion) EU loan and the bloc's 20th package of sanctions on Russia.

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On Tuesday, a group of senior EU officials plan to travel to Kiev to mark the anniversary of the Russian invasion on February 24, 2022.

European Council President Antonio Costa, who is among them, said in a letter to Orban that he would "raise this matter directly" with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

"A decision taken by the European Council must be respected. When leaders reach a consensus, they are bound by their decision. Any breach of this commitment constitutes a violation of the principle of sincere cooperation," Costa wrote.

Even prior to the meeting, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban had said that Budapest would block both measures unless the Druzhba pipeline supplies resume.

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"I think we shouldn't tie together things that are not connected to each other at all," said Kallas.

Critical aid for Ukraine

The 90 billion loan was initially agreed by EU leaders, including Orban, in December and then approved by the European Parliament, but still needs to be formally signed off by EU ministers.

The funding is intended to meet Ukraine's financial and military needs until the end of 2027, enabling it to further resist Moscow's larger military might.

The EU's 20th package of sanctions is to include a ban on maritime services related to exports of Russian crude oil.

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In addition, the European Commission has proposed additional financial restrictions to further constrain Russia's ability to carry out international payments to fund economic activities.

There are fears in Brussels that Orban is instrumentalizing the conflict for his current election campaign.

Last week, Orban claimed without any evidence that Ukraine was interested in him losing the parliamentary elections scheduled for April 12. Orban argued that Kiev therefore wanted to ensure that heating costs rise in Hungary.
GUEST OPINION: As businesses expand across borders and adopt remote or hybrid work models, payroll management has become more complex than ever. Multinational organisations must navigate a patchwork of regional tax laws, labour regulations, and reporting standards while still delivering accurate and timely employee compensation. Digital paystub generation systems have emerged as a practical solution, but using them without careful attention to legal compliance can expose companies to costly penalties and reputational risk.

Modern payroll tools promise efficiency and automation. However, compliance must always come first. When operating in multiple countries or jurisdictions, each location may have its own rules about what information must appear on a paystub, how wages are reported, and how long payroll records must be stored. A system that works in one region may fall short in another. Ensuring legal compliance requires a thoughtful, structured approach to digital paystub generation.

Understanding regional payroll requirements

Every jurisdiction has specific standards for pay documentation. In the United States, many states require details such as gross wages, deductions, net pay, hours worked, and employer information. In Canada and parts of Europe, additional disclosures like statutory contributions, vacation accruals, and tax identifiers may be mandatory. Some countries also require pay information in local languages or currencies.

For multinational organisations, this means a one-size-fits-all template is not enough. Digital paystub systems must be configurable to match each regions legal requirements. Templates should allow for custom fields, varied tax calculations, and region-specific formatting. Companies that ignore these differences risk noncompliance, which can lead to audits, fines, or employee disputes. Even small omissions on a paystub may be considered violations under local labour laws.

The role of automation in compliance

Automation is one of the biggest advantages of digital payroll systems. When implemented properly, it reduces manual errors, ensures consistent calculations, and keeps documentation standardized. Automated systems can calculate taxes, benefits, and deductions based on updated regulatory data, minimising the risk of outdated practices.

However, automation only works if the system is regularly maintained. Payroll regulations change frequently. Tax brackets shift, contribution limits are adjusted, and reporting formats evolve. Organisations must ensure their digital tools receive timely updates and reflect the latest laws. Internal checks and scheduled reviews are just as important as the software itself.

Data privacy and security obligations

Legal compliance extends beyond calculations and formatting. Payroll data contains sensitive personal information, including identification numbers, addresses, salary details, and bank account data. Many regions enforce strict privacy laws governing how this information is stored and transmitted.

Digital paystub systems must use encryption, secure storage, and controlled access to prevent breaches. Failing to protect employee data can result in heavy penalties and loss of trust. Multinational organisations should evaluate whether their payroll software offers features such as multi-factor authentication, audit trails, and role-based permissions. Regular backups and secure cloud environments also play a critical role in maintaining both operational continuity and compliance.

Recordkeeping and audit readiness

Another often overlooked requirement is record retention. Many jurisdictions require employers to store payroll records for several years. During an audit or legal dispute, organisations must quickly produce accurate historical paystubs and related documents.

Digital systems make this easier by centralising records and enabling fast retrieval. Automatic archiving, searchable databases, and exportable reports allow HR and finance teams to stay prepared. Standardised documentation also reduces confusion when teams across different countries collaborate, since everyone works from the same verified data.

Choosing compliant digital tools

Selecting the right platform can significantly reduce compliance risks. Reliable paystub generators are built with current tax rules in mind and offer templates that meet professional and legal standards. Below are several commonly used solutions and the features they provide.

ThePayStubs

ThePayStubs provides a comprehensive online system for generating paystubs, W-2s, and 1099 forms with accuracy and speed. Its templates automatically calculate wages, deductions, and taxes based on current requirements, which helps reduce manual mistakes. The platform also supports secure cloud access, instant downloads, and organised record storage, making it easier for businesses to maintain compliant documentation and prepare for audits across multiple regions.

PaystubCreator

PaystubCreator is designed for simplicity and efficiency, enabling employers to create professional paystubs in minutes. Built-in calculators handle overtime, withholdings, and benefits to ensure consistent payroll figures. Customizable layouts make it easier to adapt pay information for different roles or jurisdictions, and digital delivery options support remote teams that need fast, paperless access to their earnings statements.

Paystubs.net

Paystubs.net offers an accessible and flexible solution for producing compliant payroll documents without complex setup. Guided input forms walk users through earnings and deduction entries, automatically formatting clean, professional statements. Its downloadable files and adaptable templates help organisations meet varied regional standards while keeping payroll records organised and easy to retrieve when needed.

Building a compliance strategy

Technology alone is not enough. Organisations need a clear compliance strategy that combines software, policies, and training. Start by mapping out all countries or regions where employees are located and documenting the payroll requirements for each area. Configure templates to match those standards and conduct regular audits to verify accuracy.

Partnering with local legal or tax experts can help interpret complex regulations. Training HR and payroll staff is equally important so they understand both the tools and the laws behind them. When employees know why certain information must be included, they are less likely to make mistakes that lead to violations.

Preparing for growth

As companies hire across new markets, payroll complexity increases. A scalable digital paystub system ensures that adding new regions does not disrupt existing processes. Flexible templates, multilingual support, and integration with accounting or HR platforms help organisations adapt quickly while maintaining compliance.

Conclusion

Digital paystub generation systems offer significant advantages for multinational organisations, including efficiency, accuracy, and centralised recordkeeping. Yet these benefits only matter if compliance remains the top priority. By understanding regional laws, keeping systems updated, protecting employee data, and choosing reliable tools, companies can transform payroll compliance from a constant challenge into a manageable process that supports sustainable global growth.
A North Idaho state legislator is bringing back a request for the nations high court to overturn its 2015 landmark decision that legalized gay marriage nationwide.

Rep. Tony Wisniewski, R-Post Falls, on Monday introduced a joint memorial that would call on the U.S. Supreme Court to reverse its decision in Obergefell v. Hodges, which found that all states must recognize marriages between same-sex couples. Joint memorials dont create new laws, but serve as a joint request from the Idaho Legislature.

Rep. Tony Wisniewski, R-Post Falls, chats with a colleague before the House Education Committee meeting on Jan. 14, 2026, at the State Capitol Building in Boise. (Photo by Pat Sutphin for the Idaho Capital Sun)

The government did not create families or marriage, but they have to recognize that the family is the fundamental building block of society, Wisniewski said in a committee hearing. The strengths that these two complementary natures of a father and a mother give strength, direction and stability to the family and therefore to society as a whole.

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The House State Affairs Committee approved the legislations introduction in a mixed voice vote. This action clears the way for it to return to the committee for a full public hearing later.

The Idaho House of Representatives very early in last years session approved a very similar memorial in a 46-24 vote, the Idaho Capital Sun previously reported. That memorial did not advance in the Senate.

The U.S. Supreme Court in November had an opportunity to revisit the Obergefell decision amid a challenge to it from former Kentucky clerk Kim Davis who refused to issue same-sex marriage licenses, but the high court declined to take up the case.

In 2006, Idaho voters approved an amendment to the state Constitution to define marriage as between a man and a woman. However, in 2014, a federal judge ruled that the amendment was unconstitutional, legalizing gay marriage in Idaho a year before it was legalized nationwide.

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During Mondays meeting, Rep. Heather Scott, R-Blanchard, made a motion to introduce the bill with the elimination of a sentence that said marriage had been defined as between one man and one woman as the basis of the United States Anglo-American legal tradition, for more than 800 years. The committee approved its introduction with this change.

The change came after Rep. Monica Church, D-Boise, expressed concern that support for Anglo-American legal tradition, included the idea that marriage was fundamentally about tying a woman to a man because she has no rights as a human-being.

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BOGOTA, Colombia (AP)  Illegal gold mining is spreading into new parts of Perus Amazon, advancing along remote rivers and into Indigenous territories as experts warn of a widening environmental and public health crises that could cause irreparable damage.

The surge marks a new phase for one of the Amazons most destructive industries, as operations move beyond long-established hot spots into previously untouched regions, environmentalists, researchers and Indigenous leaders told The Associated Press.

The expansion is accelerating deforestation, contaminating rivers with mercury and exposing remote communities to violence and organized crime, even as the government says it is stepping up enforcement.

Illegal mining hits all regions of Peru

Once largely concentrated in the southern Amazon region of Madre de Dios, the activity is now moving north into regions such as Loreto and Ucayali.

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Perus high commissioner for the fight against illegal mining, Rodolfo Garcia Esquerre, acknowledged as much during a television interview in early February.

Unfortunately, we have illegal mining in all regions of Peru, he said on TVPERU news channel.

Illegal miners strip away forest with bulldozers, carve pits into flood plains and deploy floating dredges that suck up river sediment in search of gold. The process leaves behind pools of stagnant, mercury-laced water and eroded riverbanks, while camps and access roads spread deeper into previously untouched forest.

Peruvian environmental lawyer Cesar Ipenza said the expansion has accelerated in recent years as gold prices surge. Gold has been trading at roughly $2,000 an ounce so far in 2026  near historic highs and roughly double its price a decade ago.

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Illegal mining has increased considerably, Ipenza said, pointing to new activity in Huanuco, Pasco, Loreto and along the Ecuador border as higher gold prices make it economically viable to operate in more remote regions.

Julia Urrunaga, Peru program director for the nonprofit Environmental Investigation Agency, said field reports show illegal mining is now appearing in new areas this year, particularly along river systems.

Rivers turn murky and forests fall

On the ground, conservationists say changes to the environment are noticed soon after illegal mining takes hold.

It happens pretty fast, said Luis Fernandez, a research professor and senior fellow of the Sabin Center for Environment and Sustainability at Wake Forest University. Youll see changes in weeks to months once the machinery comes in  sediment plumes in the rivers almost immediately.

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At the Panguana Biological Station in Perus central Amazon, a private conservation area protecting one of the regions most biodiverse forests, the impacts are already visible in 2026. The station has become a front line site in the illegal mining boom, its administrator, Fernando Malatesta, told the AP.

Where there were once intact forests  the rivers are now murky, he said. You used to see crystal-clear water, but not anymore.

Heavy machinery and road building have pushed into once-intact forests. It was an unrecognizable place, Malatesta said of a nearby area he witnessed deforested by dozens of machines in recent months.

Illegal miners often arrive by river with dredging equipment or by road with excavators, rapidly clearing land and altering waterways.

Threats, violence and a retreat from the forest

At Panguana, Malatesta and his team were forced to leave the station after threats escalated in 2025 and early 2026.

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They started threatening us  there were people with machetes, he said, recalling confrontations with miners and residents.

Researchers say such violence is tied to the growing involvement of organized crime networks.

Transnational criminal groups are becoming more significant every day, said Ipenza, the environmental lawyer.

Urrunaga said illegal gold mining has become a key source of income for criminal networks.

Sadly, its very connected. Its a source of income for many of the organized crime activities happening in the country, she said, adding that the activity is also deeply linked to the political forces in the country right now.

The fight against illegal mining

In late 2023, Perus government created a high-level multisector commission to combat illegal mining and oversee efforts to formalize small-scale miners.

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Officials say enforcement efforts are ongoing. Recent operations have resulted in the seizure and destruction of equipment worth more than 60 million soles ($16 million) used in illegal mining activities.

But environmental defenders say enforcement remains weak on the ground.

The Peruvian government did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Rodolfo Garcia Esquerre, Perus high commissioner for the fight against illegal mining, appointed in 2024, declined to comment.

Indigenous communities caught in the middle

Indigenous leaders say the expansion is affecting communities across the Amazon.

This is already being heard in other parts of the Amazon. It is spreading through Loreto and Ucayali, said Julio Cusurichi, an Indigenous leader from Madre de Dios. He described how outside miners arrive quickly, cutting forests and polluting rivers.

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There is fear, Cusurichi said, adding that more than 30 Indigenous leaders have been killed in recent years for defending their lands.

At Panguana, Malatesta said Indigenous communities in some areas have begun to participate in mining due to economic need, while in others they try to resist.

They are supporting illegal mining  they are selling their land thinking they are making the deal of the year, he said, warning the money from mining doesnt last forever.

Mercury poisoning and a looming health crisis

Urrunaga said the environmental damage is closely tied to serious health risks for communities.

The devastation generated by gold mining is terrible in terms of the environment and through the environment also for human health, she said, pointing to how mercury, used to extract gold, pollutes rivers, and the food and water consumed by Indigenous communities, where fish is a staple food.

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Mercury becomes the delivery system for poison, Fernandez said, explaining how it builds up through food chains and affects childrens neurological development.

Claudia Vega, a scientist and mercury program coordinator at the Amazon Center for Scientific Innovation, CINCIA, said the expansion of mining into heavily fish-dependent Amazonian communities could have severe consequences.

Amazonian communities are already vulnerable  they eat fish every day, she said. If you put mining in that type of place  you are adding more risk.

She warned contamination could reach levels similar to the Minamata disaster in Japan, where mercury poisoning caused widespread neurological damage.

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We can have deformities, loss of vision, loss of hearing, she said.

A tipping point for the Amazon?

Scientists warn that the expansion of mining could have irreversible consequences.

Were going to see a conversion of river corridors, flood plains and forests, Fernandez said.

Urrunaga said international gold buyers "need to be accountable for the destruction that their consumption is generating in terms of the environment, but most importantly in terms of human lives.

As gold prices rise and demand continues worldwide, scientists caution that continued expansion could push parts of the Amazon closer to an ecological tipping point, with large areas of rainforest shifting into degraded savanna-like ecosystems.

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Every tree that falls, every river that is contaminated and every animal that disappears remind us that we are losing an irreplaceable treasure, Malatesta said.

___

The Associated Press climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find APs standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.
For a long time, data sovereignty has been understood through the lens of localisation. Over the past decade, data localisation laws have been expanding as worries about sovereignty and cybersecurity have grown more acute. By early 2023, there were 100 of these measures affecting 40 countries, with more than two-thirds requiring local data storage and prohibiting flows. Ville Sirvio, the CEO of the Nordic Institute for Interoperability Solutions (NIIS), thinks this approach can sometimes miss the wider principle at play.

When we think about data sovereignty, we should really be thinking about who the owners of that infrastructure really are. I wouldnt call it sovereign if there is a data centre in Europe, of which 51100% of the control is elsewhere, Sirvio tells Investment Monitor. I dont think it is a question of law, it is a question about the basic principles of ownership.

Sirvio is generally unconvinced by the sovereign cloud options being offered by US tech companies in Europe. If anyone controls more than 51%, that is the real control over everything. Who owns the company owns all of its infrastructure, he says.

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He also cautions against putting too much value on localisation strategies, even with domestic ownership. In the past, some European countries felt like storing data on-premise out of distrust for cloud services was a viable strategy, but events like Russias invasion of Ukraine show how dangerous it can be to rely on a single approach. In Ukraine, they have been using the cloud. Without it, much of the data could have been stolen or destroyed, Sirvio says.

The rise of strategies such as data embassies reflects an awareness of the dangers of storing critical data in a single location. In 2017, Estonia established the first data embassy in Luxembourg, which holds backups of the countrys critical data to hedge against cyber and climate threats. An adviser to the countrys Ministry of Digital affairs noted a potential threat from Russia as a driver for the strategy: It is not a secret that if we look at Estonias neighbours, then some are not so friendly to us.

Proprietary versus open source

Another important aspect of data sovereignty, Sirvio notes, is the nature of the digital solutions being employed. When governments build digital public infrastructure (DPI), for example, he says they should aim to favour open-source strategies  where source code is made collaboratively and is freely available, enabling changes and redistribution  over proprietary solutions often provided by foreign companies.

The implementation is critical because that is setting the basis for the life cycle of the product, and how much it can be either developed further and operated locally, or how much it relies on foreign resources, he says.

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NIIS is a supporter and creator of open source tools. The organisation developed X-Road, an open-source, secure data exchange layer enabling data transfers over the internet between private and public sector organisations. It was recently added to the Tech Sovereignty Catalogue, a European initiative that showcases domestic digital solutions across the tech stack.

Taking this approach would help prevent vendor lock-in in DPI, where governments become so dependent on a single service provider that it becomes difficult to switch, he says.

While Sirvio has heard fears around kill switches being deployed by US tech firms, he warns there are plenty of other levers that governments can pull to disrupt the flow of services, such as export taxes. For example, if a country whose companies provide software for a government elsewhere changes its export taxes overnight to 20%, that would show up in end-user billing.

What would it mean for a government which has $1bn of purchases per year? It is not just kill switches, disruption can come from other means which can be financially disruptive, he says.

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Still, Sirvio notes it is not a black and white discussion, as many places lack the necessary resources to invest in domestic open source approaches and therefore must rely on foreign proprietary solutions.

In some cases, I must admit, that it is even better for some countries to get at least a proprietary solution instead of getting nothing with an open source strategy, he says.

"Interview: NIIS CEO Ville Sirvio  data sovereignty is not just about localisation" was originally created and published by Investment Monitor, a GlobalData owned brand.




An Iowa man faces up to 60 years in prison after allegedly admitting during a lie detector test for a deputy job that he viewed child pornography on the dark web, according to court records.

Gregory Thomas Saxton, 35, of New Virginia, is charged in Clarke County with 12 counts of purchase or possession of a depiction of a minor in a sex act, each a Class D felony and punishable by a maximum of five years in prison.

Authorities allege he possessed child pornography as well as AI-generated nude images depicting several real minors.

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The case began Nov. 10 when Saxton was at the Polk County Sheriffs Office for a polygraph exam as part of an application process with the Warren County Sheriffs Office.

According to a search warrant application, Saxton allegedly acknowledged during questioning that he had viewed child pornography on the dark web using his cellphone.

The report states he indicated it happened at his home in New Virginia and that he had first come across the material and then allegedly searched for it.

When asked about ages, the affidavit alleges he referenced teen, agreed that meant 13 to 17 years old, and indicated he had also encountered material involving younger children.

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After the interview, investigators said Saxton signed a consent form allowing law enforcement to forensically examine his personal phone.

On Nov. 20, an Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation agent applied for a search warrant in Polk County. The warrant was approved the next day.

Saxton was arrested Feb. 19. Court records show he later posted a $65,000 bond and was released pending further proceedings.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for March 3.

Nick El Hajj is a reporter at the Register. He can be reached at nelhajj@gannett.com. Follow him on X at @nick_el_hajj.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Iowa man arrested after child porn admission during lie detector test
US officials expect Tehran to present a comprehensive proposal rather than a document outlining general principles.

Iran is expected to submit a draft agreement to the United States by Tuesday, two sources familiar with the details told The Jerusalem Post on Monday.

US officials expect Tehran to present a comprehensive proposal rather than a document outlining general principles. The draft is intended to serve as the basis for discussions at a meeting scheduled for Thursday in Geneva.

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The talks are expected to include Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Omans foreign minister is also expected to attend, along with the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency.

Israeli officials, along with some of their American counterparts, assess that the chances of a US-Iran agreement are low and that the likelihood of a US strike is high, several officials told the Post.

US President Donald Trump and senior administration officials are expected to review the draft once it is received. Their assessment could determine whether the planned face-to-face meeting in Geneva proceeds or whether Washington concludes that diplomatic efforts have been exhausted.

US President Donald Trump makes a fist at the end of an event during a visit to Coosa Steel Corporation, in Rome, Georgia, U.S., February 19, 2026. (credit: REUTERS/KEVIN LAMARQUE)

Khamenei's senior adviser to arrive in Muscat

Its hard to see Trump sending his people to meet the Iranians if the gaps remain large after the Iranian proposal, a US source told the Post.

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According to media reports in Oman, Ali Larijani, a senior adviser to Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, is expected to arrive in Muscat and transfer the draft agreement to US officials through Omani intermediaries.

Against that backdrop, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened a meeting on Monday evening with Defense Minister Israel Katz, IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir, and Mossad Director David Barnea.

Earlier in the day, Netanyahu told the Knesset: We are in very complex and challenging days. No one knows what tomorrow will bring.
US President Donald Trump is weighing a strike on Iran, as the country was roiled by fresh anti-government protests.

Negotiators will meet again on Thursday to discuss Tehrans nuclear program, with Trump reportedly telling advisers that if the regime does not end its atomic ambitions, he will order a targeted strike followed by a much larger attack aimed at toppling the leadership. Trumps senior aides have advised him to give diplomacy a chance first, Axios reported.

Meanwhile, students at several Iranian universities staged protests, the first major rallies since Januarys crackdown that left thousands dead. Iran is bracing for conflict with the US, and scrambling to rebuild tattered defenses: It has reportedly agreed to buy Russian shoulder-mounted anti-air missile systems.
Iran vowed on Monday to retaliate "ferociously" against any attack by the United States and reiterated warnings of a regional conflagration in response to President Donald Trump's threat of limited strikes.

The bellicose rhetoric from Tehran and Washington came as both sides worked to reach a deal on Iran's contentious nuclear programme in indirect talks due to restart in Switzerland on Thursday.

As Iran faces US pressure backed by a build-up of military force in the Middle East, university students have started the new semester with anti-government protests, reviving slogans from nationwide demonstrations that peaked in January and were met with a deadly crackdown.

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Trump last week said he was weighing a limited strike if Iran did not cut a deal, but Tehran's foreign ministry reiterated Monday that any strike, even limited, "would be regarded as an act of aggression".

"And any state would react to an act of aggression... ferociously, so that's what we would do," ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said at a briefing in Tehran.

Iran has said it would be ready to deliver a draft proposal for an agreement on its nuclear programme to mediators in coming days, with Trump saying on Thursday that Tehran had at most 15 days to make a deal.

Iran insists its nuclear programme is for civilian use, but the West believes it is aimed at building an atomic bomb.

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While Iran has taken anything beyond the nuclear issue off the negotiating table, Washington also wants to discuss Tehran's missiles and its support for militant groups in the region.

The two countries concluded a second round of indirect talks in Switzerland last week under Omani mediation and were due to continue on Thursday.

Iranian deputy foreign minister Kazem Gharibabadi said the talks were "a new window of opportunity", but warned of the risk of a regional conflict if his country was attacked.

"The consequences of any renewed aggression wouldn't remain confined to one country and responsibility would rest with those who initiate or support such actions," Gharibabadi said at the Conference on Disarmament in Geneva, calling on other countries to "take meaningful steps to prevent further escalation".

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The risk of conflict has caused mounting fear in Iran and spurred other countries to take precautionary measures.

India on Monday joined Sweden, Serbia, Poland and Australia in calling for its citizens to leave Iran.

The United States, meanwhile, ordered non-emergency personnel to leave its embassy in Lebanon, home to the Shiite militia Hezbollah, which maintains close ties to Iran.

- 'Diplomatic solution' -

In Israel, which went to war with Iran last year, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told parliament the country was facing "complex and challenging days" due to the tensions.

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Netanyahu, who has long advocated a hard line on Iran's clerical state, also reiterated a warning to its leadership "that if they make the gravest mistake in their history and attack the State of Israel, we will respond with a force they cannot even imagine".

Israel had launched its war last June just as Iran was preparing for another round of talks with the US, which ultimately joined the conflict.

In an interview with Fox News broadcast over the weekend, US negotiator Steve Witkoff said Trump was wondering why Iran has not "capitulated" in the face of Washington's military threats and force deployment.

Baqaei responded Monday by saying that Iranians had never capitulated at any point in their history.

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The European Union called for a diplomatic solution ahead of the Geneva talks.

"It is true that Iran is at its weakest point that they have been. We should be really using this time to find a diplomatic solution," EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said.

- Flags burned -

The protests sparked in December over economic pains in the sanctions-hit country grew into the most significant challenge to the authorities in years.

They were put down by security forces as they peaked on January 8 and 9 with violence that left thousands dead. The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) recorded more than 7,000 killings, while warning the toll is likely far higher.

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Authorities acknowledge more than 3,000 deaths, but say the violence was caused by "terrorist acts" fuelled by the United States and Israel.

Protests sprung up again over the weekend at universities.

On Monday videos geolocated by AFP and circulated on social media showed students at a university in Tehran burning the Iranian flag -- adopted after the 1979 Islamic revolution that toppled the monarchy -- and chanting "down with the Islamic republic".

University rallies were held by both pro- and anti-government groups to commemorate those killed in the protest wave, with videos also showing people burning Israeli and US flags as well as scuffles breaking out between groups.

bur-sw/smw
Anti-aircraft gunner of the Russian military base in Tajikistan with the "Verba" MANPADS, June 2021; illustrative. (photo credit: Mil.ru via Wikimedia Commons)

Iran has agreed to a 500 million deal with Russia to acquire advanced shoulder-fired missiles, part of a broader effort to rebuild its air defenses after Israeli airstrikes.

Iran agreed to a 500 million Euros arms deal with Russia to acquire thousands of advanced shoulder-fired missiles, London-based outlet Financial Times reported on Sunday.

This comes as part of an effort to rebuild Iran's air defenses, which were heavily reduced by Israeli airstrikes in June.

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The agreement, signed in Moscow in December, will commit Russia to deliver 500 "Verba" launch units and 2,500 "9M336" missiles over three years, according to leaked Russian documents seen by FT, and other people familiar with the deal.

The Verba is one of Russia's most modern air-defense systems, according to FT. It is a type of system known as a Man-Portable Air-Defense System (MANPADS). It fired an infrared-guided missile capable of targeting cruise missiles, low-flying aircraft, and drones.

Under the contract, Russian deliveries to the Islamic Republic are scheduled in three phases, running from 2027 until 2029. A person familiar with the deal said it was possible a smaller number of systems could have been delivered to Iran early, the outlet cited.

Inert mockup of 9K333 Verba MANPAD, 2015; illustrative. (credit: VITALY V. KUZMIN/WIKIMEDIA COMMONS)

Tehran formally requested the systems last July, shortly after the Israel-Iran war, according to the contract.

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Russia would likely have viewed the deal as an opportunity to rebuild ties with Iran after Moscow refused to aid Tehran against Israeli and US airstrikes, a former senior US official was cited as saying.

"They [Russia] want Iran to remain their partner. And so even if they can't react in the middle of a crisis, they're going to look after the crisis to try to patch up the relationship," the former official said.

Kremlin, Iranian ministry responsible for arms trade deal

The deal was negotiated between Rosoboronexport, the Kremlin's state arms export agency, and Moscow's representative to Iran's Defense and Armed Forces Logistics Ministry (MOADAFL), FT noted.

It was also arranged by a Moscow-based MODAFL official, who helped to broker Iran's sale of Fath-360 ballistic missiles to Russia for the war in Ukraine, the report added.

FT contacted the Iranian embassy in London, which did not respond to questions about the deal. Additionally, the Kremlin declined to comment, and Rosoboronexport did not respond to a request for comment.
By Parisa Hafezi

DUBAI, Feb 22 (Reuters) - Iran has indicated it is prepared to make concessions on its nuclear programme in talks with the U.S. in return for the lifting of sanctions and recognition of its right to enrich uranium, as it seeks to avert a U.S. attack.

Both sides remain sharply divided -- even over the scope and sequencing of relief from crippling U.S. 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 their talks ended last week, when the sides appeared far apart and heading closer to military conflict. Analysts say the move suggests Tehran is trying to keep diplomacy alive and stave off a major U.S. 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 U.S. recognition of Iran's right to "peaceful nuclear enrichment" under a deal that would also include lifting economic sanctions, the official said.

In addition, Iran has offered openings for U.S. companies to participate as contractors in Iran's large oil and gas industries, the official said, in 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.

Washington views enrichment inside Iran as a potential pathway to nuclear weapons. Iran denies seeking nuclear weapons and wants its right to enrich uranium to be recognised.

Iran and the United States resumed negotiations earlier this month as the U.S. builds up its military capability in the Middle East. Iran has threatened to strike U.S. bases in the region if it is attacked.

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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 U.S. 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.

"This roadmap must be reasonable and based on mutual interests."

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said on Sunday he expects to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff in Geneva on Thursday, adding there is still "a good chance" of a diplomatic solution.

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Araqchi said on Friday that he expected to have a draft counterproposal ready within days, while Trump said he was considering limited military strikes.

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.

On Sunday, Witkoff said the president was curious as to why Iran has not yet "capitulated" and agreed to curb its nuclear programme.

"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.

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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.

"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 U.S. demand for "zero enrichment" - a major sticking point in past negotiations - Tehran has signalled 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 last year estimated that stockpile at 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.

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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.

The agency has been calling on Iran for months to allow for inspection of three nuclear sites that were struck by the U.S. in June last year at the close of a 12-day Israeli bombing campaign. Since then, Tehran has said its uranium enrichment work has stopped.

Satellite images show that Iran has advanced work at a location reportedly bombed by Israel last year, recently building a concrete shield over a new facility at a sensitive military site and covering it in soil, experts say.

BENEFITS FOR BOTH SIDES

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Among U.S. demands are restrictions on Tehran's long-range ballistic missiles and an end to its support for regional 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".

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 U.S. can be an economic partner for Iran, nothing more. American companies can always participate as contractors in Iran's oil and gas fields."

(Writing by Parisa Hafezi, Editing by Alex Richardson, Ros Russell, William Maclean)
Months after an election in Iraq, there is still no new prime minister or president. The reason for this is that political parties cannot agree on who to appoint.

Iraqi politics are in crisis. Months after an election in Iraq, there is still no new prime minister or president. The reason for this is that political parties cannot agree on who to appoint. In addition, US opposition to Nouri al-Maliki, a frontrunner for prime minister, has sparked widespread hand-wringing in Baghdad.

On February 22, US Envoy Tom Barrack met with outgoing Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani. They discussed Iraqs goals and objectives to build a sovereign, stable, and prosperous future that aligns with [US President Donald Trump]s desire and plan for peace and prosperity in the region. The necessity of effective leadership that aligns itself with the policies and practices of further stabilization for Iraq and the Iraqi people is key to our mutual goals, the envoy said.

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Iraqs outgoing prime minister wrote that discussions were held on the bilateral relations between Iraq and the United States, the general situation in the region, and what Iraq is undertaking to support regional stability, and the stability of Syria in particular.

Meanwhile, Nouri al-Maliki is also speaking out. Trump has opposed Maliki becoming Iraq's next prime minister. Maliki is known to be close to Iran and also failed as Iraqs leader back in 2014 during the rise of ISIS.

On February 22, Maliki posted on X about Iraq. He wrote, Our national responsibility towards our people and our homeland #Iraq compels us to strive and dedicate our expertise to correcting and strengthening the course of the political process.

FORMER IRAQI Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki reacts at a polling station inside Al-Rasheed Hotel during the parliamentary election in Baghdad, Iraq, November 11, 2025. (credit: REUTERS/THAIER AL-SUDANI/FILE PHOTO)

He added that we believe in a democratic, civil Iraq that is open to solid international partnerships such as the United States and Europe, where economic relations with them will bring about a revolution in expanding and deepening infrastructure, education, service development, and energy.

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Lastly, he said, We affirm that our identity is purely Iraqi, based on the will of our Iraqi people, and that our decision stems first and foremost from the interest of our people. And our hand is extended for regional and international cooperation and integration for the benefit of the peoples of the countries of the region and the world.

Shi'ite parties debating dropping Maliki as candidate

Maliki may be softening his tone. However, the Shiite parties in Iraq, which work together under an umbrella group known as the Shiite Coordination Framework, are debating whether to drop Maliki as their candidate. Maliki recently reached out to the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan party to discuss whats next. The PUK is one of the two large Kurdish parties in Iraq. The PUK is seen as closer to Iran. It is run by a man named Bafel Talibani Maliki, according to reports.

As Iraq navigates its election mess and also discusses the next moves with the US, it also finds itself dealing with the Iranians. Iranian-backed militias in Iraq have sought to threaten the US. The Iran-backed Ashab Al-Kahaf has threatened to enter the war if a US-Iran war breaks out. This group is not one of the well-known militias and appears to be issuing a statement to shield the larger militias from US retaliation. The largest militias in Iraq include Kataib Hezbollah, Badr, Harakat Hezbollah al Nujaba, and Asaib Ahl al-Haq. Badr is the only one not sanctioned by the US.

Meanwhile, Iranian and Iraqi officials have held talks. Shafaq News in Iraq says that Iraqs Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein and his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araqchi discussed the latest developments in the negotiation process between Washington and Tehran in a telephone call on Sunday. According to a statement issued by the Iraqi Foreign Ministry and received by Shafaq News Agency, both sides confirmed the continuation of the negotiation process, with the next session of negotiations between the United States and Iran, mediated by the Sultanate of Oman, scheduled for next Thursday in Geneva.

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Meanwhile, Iraq is involved in another dispute. Saudi Arabias Ministry of Foreign Affairs has rejected Iraqs recent submission to the UN on new maritime borders, which Riyadh says infringes on Kuwaits territory, Arab News noted. This means that Iraq-Saudi tensions could be growing just as US-Iran tensions also put Iraq in the crosshairs. It should be noted that Iraq invaded Kuwait in 1990, leading to the Gulf War. Saudi-Iraq ties have taken decades to heal. Iraq had reportedly submitted new geographic coordinates in January and February to the UN delineating the nations maritime boundaries, Arab News noted.

Saudi Arabia is concerned about the Iraqi move. This is an area where the Kingdom shares natural resource ownership with Kuwait under binding bilateral agreements. The statement added that the amendments also impacted Kuwaits maritime areas and fixed water elevations.

Riyadh said, The Kingdom categorically rejects any claims suggesting the existence of rights for any party in the submerged area beyond the boundaries agreed upon between Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. Furthermore, it stressed that existing arrangements are grounded in bilateral accords and consistent with the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, Arab News noted.
(Photo by Naked Co., Ltd/courtesy of Japan Travel)



Travelers planning a cultural stop in Japan in early 2026 may want to add a striking architectural exhibition to their itinerary. NAKED meets Gaudi Exhibition opens in Tokyo this January as an official event marking 100 years since the death of Antoni Gaudi, the visionary architect behind Barcelonas Sagrada Familia.

Held at Terrada Warehouse G1 in Shinagawa from January 10th to March 15th, 2026, the exhibition is the result of a world-first official partnership between NAKED, INC. and the Gaudi Foundation of Art, Design & Architecture. It will later travel to Osaka, with a spring 2026 run scheduled at VS. in Gran Green Osaka. This world tour coincides not only with Gaudis centenary, but also with the milestone completion of the Sagrada Familias central Tower of Jesus.

The exhibition brings together an unprecedented collection of Gaudi Foundation materials, many shown publicly for the first time. Visitors can view original Sagrada Familia blueprints, Gaudis handwritten notes and letters, and the production tools he used throughout his career. These academically significant works are displayed alongside research exploring Gaudis creative thinking, offering insight into the ideas behind his distinctive architectural language.

Beyond traditional displays, the exhibition incorporates participatory art experiences designed for both adults and children. Hands-on installations invite visitors to engage with Gaudis ongoing legacy, including interactive elements inspired by the Sagrada Familias long history as an unfinished cathedral built across generations. The exhibition areas trace Gaudis life from his hometown of Reus to Barcelona, Park Guell, and the Sagrada Familia itself.

For travelers interested in architecture, art, or European cultural history presented through a Japanese creative lens, NAKED meets Gaudi offers a rare opportunity to encounter Gaudis work outside Spain, right in the heart of Tokyo.

For travelers interested in architecture, art, or European cultural history presented through a Japanese creative lens, NAKED meets Gaudi offers a rare opportunity to encounter Gaudis work outside Spain, right in the heart of Tokyo.

Things to know

Date: Jan. 10 - Mar. 15

Time: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Fee: 2,700

Address: 2 Chome-6-10 Higashishinagawa, Shinagawa City, Tokyo 140-0002

Getting there: Warehouse Terradas G1 Building is located an easy five minutes on foot from Tennozu Isle Station, which is served by the Tokyo Monorail Haneda Airport Line and the Rinkai Line.

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Iraq took in the detainees in an operation arranged with the United States after Kurdish forces retreated and shut down camps and prisons that had housed IS suspects for nearly a decade.

Iraq's foreign minister said on Monday that Turkey had agreed to take back Turkish citizens from among thousands of Islamic State detainees transferred to Iraq from Syria when camps and prisons there were shut in recent weeks.

Iraq took in the detainees in an operation arranged with the United States after Kurdish forces retreated and shut down camps and prisons that had housed IS suspects for nearly a decade.

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Baghdad has said it will try suspects on terrorism charges in its own legal system, but it has also repeatedly called on other countries to take back their citizens from among the detainees.

Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein told US envoy Tom Barrack in a meeting that Iraq was in talks with other countries on the repatriation of their nationals, and had reached an agreement with Turkey.

A Turkish diplomatic source said Turkey appreciated Baghdads recent efforts to transfer more than 5,700 IS detainees from Syria to Baghdad.

Children walk outside tent shelters at the Akbaran camp near Akhtarin, in the north of Syria's Aleppo province, on February 17, 2026, now holding people arriving from the Hol camp in eastern Syria. (credit: Omar HAJ KADOUR / AFP via Getty Images)

Turkish citizens among detainees

"It appears that there are also Turkish citizens among those detainees. Turkiye is ready to engage with Iraqi authorities about Turkish citizens," the source said.

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"Iraqs efforts should set an example to the international community. It is essential that all foreign terrorist fighters be repatriated by their countries of origin, the source added.

In a separate statement to the UN Human Rights Council, Hussein said: "We would call the states across the world to recover their citizens who've been involved in terrorist acts so that they can be tried in their countries of origin."

The fate of the suspected IS fighters, as well as thousands of women and children associated with the terror group, has become an urgent issue since the Kurdish force guarding them collapsed in the face of a Syrian government offensive.

At the height of its power from 2014-2017, the Islamic State held swathes of Syria and Iraq in a self-proclaimed caliphate, ruling over millions of people and attracting fighters from other countries. Its rule collapsed after military campaigns by regional governments and a US-led coalition.
Israel may evacuate some embassies due to heightened threats from Iranian-linked entities, with embassies in Europe, the Far East, and Latin America on high alert.

Israel may have to evacuate "some embassies and consulates," an Israeli source told Saudi outlet Al Hadath on Monday.

The "threat level is very high," and there have been "several threat warnings," resulting in Israel raising the alert level at embassies in Europe, the Far East, and Latin America, the source added.

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This preparation is in reaction to warnings about the "intention of Iranian-linked entities to carry out operations against our interests," the source continued, clarifying that Israel has asked former security officials and former senior employees to return to Israel as soon as possible, per the source.

Israel closed its embassies worldwide on June 13, 2025, following the launch of Operation Rising Lion and the Israeli airstrikes on Iranian military, terror, and nuclear facilities.

At the time, the Foreign Ministry advised Israelis and Jews living in the Diaspora to avoid displaying Jewish or Israeli symbols due to the heightened risk of retaliatory antisemitic attacks.

The US flag flies outside the embassy in Beirut, Lebanon; illustrative. (credit: SCREENSHOT/X/VIA SECTION 27A OF THE COPYRIGHT ACT)

US Embassy Beirut evacuates dozens of non-essential personnel

The US Embassy in Beirut, Lebanon, evacuated dozens of non-essential personnel via BeirutRafic Hariri International Airport, the US State Department confirmed on Monday.

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This was "a precautionary measure due to anticipated regional developments," as first reported by Lebanese broadcaster LBCI.

"The Department of State has ordered the departure of non-emergency US government personnel and eligible family members from the US Embassy in Beirut," a State Department spokesperson told The Jerusalem Post.

"We continuously assess the security environment, and based on our latest review, we determined it prudent to reduce our footprint to essential personnel. The Embassy remains operational with core staff in place. This is a temporary measure intended to ensure the safety of our personnel while maintaining our ability to operate and assist US citizens."
Jordans Parliament voted to erase mentions of "Israel" from debate on US Ambassador Huckabees comments on West Bank reforms, calling them a breach of international law.

The Jordanian Parliament voted unanimously to remove mentions of "Israel" from the minutes of a debate on Monday, Jordanian and Israeli media reported.

The parliament debate covered US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee's statements regarding the Israeli Security Cabinet's proposed West Bank administration reforms.

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The call to remove mentions of Israel was submitted by MP Hail Ayash, who said that the name of the Jewish state "represents an enemy to every Jordanian."

Jordanian Parliament Speaker Mazen al-Qadi said Huckabee's comments, which allegedly justified Israels control over "Arab lands," violated international law and the United Nations charter. "These statements are a blatant provocation and a serious breach of state sovereignty," Qadi said.

The West Bank and Gaza Strip are Palestinian territories, Qadi stated, emphasizing that any claims rooted in [Jewish] religious narratives are "unacceptable and undermine prospects for a just, two-state solution," according to anti-Zionist outlet Roya News.

Members of the Jordanian parliament seen during an emergency meeting to discuss a potential announcement by the US to move its embassy to Jerusalem, at the parliament in Amman, Jordan, December 6,2017; illustrative. (credit: REUTERS/MUHAMMAD HAMED)

Roi Kais, the Arab affairs correspondent for Israel's public broadcaster KAN News, reacted to the incident.

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This decision came "despite Jordan having signed a peace treaty with Israel 31 years ago," Kais wrote on X/Twitter.

"The proposal received the support of the head of the 'Islamic Action Front' parliamentary bloc, the political arm of the Muslim Brotherhood in Jordan's parliament, Saleh al-Armouti, who described the decision as 'bestowing an honor upon the parliament,'" Kais added.

Armouti also stated that the decision "reflects a general parliamentary consensus around national issues," Kais cited.

Jordanian MP calls on government to summon US ambassador

Another MP, Ali Khalaileh, called on the government to summon the US Ambassador to Jordan, James Holtsnider, to clarify Huckabee's "dangerous statements," according to Roya News.

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MP Abdul Nasser Khasawneh called for a more permanent removal of the "Israeli entity" from official discourse, proposing to refer to the Jewish state as the "usurping entity," according to the Jordanian outlet.

The phrase "usurping entity" aligns closer with Jordan's stance on national principles supporting Palestinian rights, Khasawneh said, according to Roya News.
Speaking at a 40-signatures debate at the Knesset, the prime minister said that he issued a direct warning to Iran over making "the largest mistake in its history by attacking" Israel.

Israel will reply with unimaginable force if Iran launches an attack on Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned on Monday evening while speaking at a 40-signature debate at the Knesset.

The prime minister said Israel was facing very complex and challenging days amid ongoing tensions with Iran and was prepared to respond to any threat.

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We are vigilant and prepared for every scenario. I have made it clear to the ayatollahs regime that if they make perhaps the gravest mistake in their history and attack Israel, we will respond with a force they cannot imagine, he said.

The prime minister also praised Israels relations with the United States following his recent visit to meet with US President Donald Trump.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attends a 40-signatures debate at the Knesset, in Jerusalem, February 23, 2026 (credit: YONATAN SINDEL/FLASH90)

Today, I can say regarding the protection of millions of Israeli citizens, Israel has never been stronger. The alliance with the US has never been closer, including between our security agencies and their intelligence services. Nothing like this has ever existed before, he told the plenum.

In these days, on the eve of Purim, at times like this, the peoples ranks must be tightened, standing shoulder to shoulder. I trust our commanders, our fighters. I trust our people, and I trust you, citizens of Israel, he said.

Lapid: All differences will be set aside in the Iran war

Opposition leader Yair Lapid (Yesh Atid) sharply criticized the prime minister and his security policies during his speech responding to Netanyahu.

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He also slammed the prime minister for the governments handling of the October 7 Hamas attacks in 2023 and for blocking a state commission of inquiry to investigate the massacre.

What will define you in history is the October 7 massacre. Only the October 7 massacre. I understand the attempt to write a different history.

You know the truth. Thats what scares you so much. History will remember only the October 7 massacre from you, Lapid said.

Lapids remarks come after the Prime Ministers Office requested this month that the word massacre be removed from the title of a bill that proposes to establish a national day of commemoration for the October 7 Hamas attacks.

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The change in wording in the bill has sparked outrage among bereaved families, with many accusing the government of attempting to reshape the narrative of October 7 to cover up failures.

Part of the shock, part of the pain, is that when we look back, we cannot understand how you did not see everything that was in front of you, Lapid said.

How did you not see where the suitcases of money from Qatar were leading? How did you not see where the wrong, destructive policy of strengthening Hamas was leading? he questioned.

Regarding tensions with Iran, Lapid told the plenum that there is a decent chance that we are on the brink of a campaign.

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If this campaign comes, and it should come, we will all put everything else aside, he said.

All disagreements will be frozen in deep suspension until the anger passes. As in the past, I will mobilize for Israeli advocacy and for strengthening Israels international standing, Lapid added.

I will go wherever needed, from CNN to the UK Parliament, and I will tell them, You know I am the opposition leader; you know that Netanyahu and I are rivals, but Iran must be struck with full force; the ayatollahs regime must be overthrown, he said.

The 40-signature debate was titled Loss of Security Control Within and Beyond Israels Borders. Under Knesset rules, such a debate can be initiated by the opposition on a topic of choice and requires the prime ministers attendance. While Netanyahu typically addresses multiple topics in lengthy speeches during the debates, this session was primarily focused on Iran and was relatively brief.
RAYAK, Lebanon (AP)  Israeli airstrikes on eastern Lebanon have killed eight members of the militant Hezbollah group, including several local officials, two officials with the group said Saturday.

The Lebanese Health Ministry put the death toll at 10, but did not distinguish between militants and civilians.

The Hezbollah officials told The Associated Press that the eight militants were killed in strikes near the village of Rayak in northeast Lebanon late Friday. They spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the media about such details.

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An Associated Press team that visited the scene of the strike Saturday morning saw that the top floor of a three-story building was knocked out.

The Israeli military said Saturday that several members of Hezbollahs missile unit, in three different command centers in the Baalbek area in Lebanon, were eliminated.

The Israeli 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.

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.

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Yaghi was the son of prominent Hezbollah official and one of its founders, Mohammed Yaghi, who died in 2023. Mohammed Yaghi was also a close aide to late Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah who was killed in an Israeli airstrike in September 2024.

Lebanons Health Ministry said Saturday that Israeli strikes on eastern Lebanon killed 10 people and wounded 24, including three children.

Ali Abdullah, executive director of Rayak Hospital, told the AP that the strike occurred after sunset, adding that they have received 10 bodies and 21 wounded. He added that the dead included two non-Lebanese  a Syrian man and an Ethiopian woman. The wounded included five Syrians and three Ethiopians.

Ethiopians often come to Lebanon as migrant domestic workers.

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A funeral was held Saturday afternoon in the eastern village of Nabi Chit for two Hezbollah members who were killed in the strikes.

After the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack on Israel triggered war in Gaza, Hezbollah began firing rockets from Lebanon into Israel in support of Hamas and the Palestinians.

Israel responded with airstrikes and shelling. The low-level conflict escalated into full-scale war in September 2024, later reined in but not fully stopped by a U.S.-brokered ceasefire two months later.

Since then, Israel has accused Hezbollah of trying to rebuild and has carried out near-daily strikes in Lebanon that it says target Hezbollah militants and facilities. Hezbollah has claimed one strike against Israel since the ceasefire.

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The death toll from Fridays strikes was unusually high and comes at a moment of intensified tensions in the region as the United States has threatened to strike Iran  a backer of both Hezbollah and Hamas  if negotiations over Tehrans nuclear program fail to produce a deal.

____

Mroue reported from Beirut.
A travel ban is in effect in New Jersey until Monday to keep residents off the roads as a major blizzard bears down on the state, the first blizzard warning to cover all 21 counties in three decades.

Governor Mikie Sherrill declared a statewide state of emergency beginning at noon Sunday, noting that updated forecasts show rapidly worsening conditions.

Winter Storm Live Updates: Please visit our winter storm blog for the very latest information.

"This is likely to be the worst storm we have seen since 1996," Sherrill said. "It is a serious storm. Please take it seriously. Stay inside. Don't travel tonight."

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The governor emphasized that this system is dramatically different from the January storm that brought heavy snow last month.

"At its peak, the January storm had about one inch per hour," Sherrill said. "This will be considerably worse."

Emergency officials say the combination of wet, heavy snow and powerful winds is expected to cause downed trees, whiteout conditions, drifting, and widespread power outages. Utility crews, contractors, and mutual aid partners, including teams from as far away as Ohio, have been deployed across the state.

Travel Restrictions and Transit Shutdowns

A commercial vehicle ban took effect at 3 p.m. on Sunday on all highways except the New Jersey Turnpike. Speed limits on major roadways were also reduced to 35 mph.

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New Jersey Transit suspended buses and light rail service at 6 p.m., and rail service was suspended at 9 p.m.

"This storm is too serious to have people and workers out on public transit in the worst of it," Sherrill said.

Crews from NJDOT, the Turnpike Authority, and local partners are deploying thousands of workers, 4,500 pieces of equipment, and more than 450,000 tons of salt to keep roads clear once the storm moves through.

Still, officials repeated the same message throughout the briefing: stay home.

Acting State Police Superintendent David Sirota said the State Emergency Operations Center is at Level 2 activation and will remain staffed around the clock. Search and rescue teams with high-wheeled vehicles and snowmobiles are on standby.

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"Roads can wait. Your life can't," Sirota said.

Coastal flooding warnings remain in effect for numerous counties, adding risk to communities near bays, rivers, and tidal waterways. Officials reminded residents: "Turn around, don't drown."

Residents who need warming centers can go to NJ211.org.

New Jersey Board of Public Utilities Director Frank Gaffney said utilities are preparing for potentially significant outages statewide.

"Although they are well staffed, they cannot be everywhere," Gaffney warned. "If you lose power, report it immediately. Don't wait for your neighbor to do so."

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State offices will be closed Monday. Sherrill urged residents to charge devices, check on elderly neighbors, and avoid all travel through Monday.

"Your safety is my top priority," she said. "We will get through this, but please heed the warnings and stay off the roads."

The governor says to work from home on Monday if you can.

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Rob Jetten has become the youngest and first openly gay prime minister of the Netherlands after his minority government was sworn in.

The 38-year-old claimed victory in October's election with his Democrats 66 party (D66) narrowly beating anti-Islam populist Geert Wilders in a nail-biting election.

Jetten formed a centre-right minority government with the People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD) and the Christian Democratic Alliance (CDA).

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It is a minority cabinet, meaning every major reform in the coalition deal - from an extra 19bn (16.6bn) for defence to painful cuts in healthcare and benefits - will have to be negotiated vote by vote in the Netherlands' two parliamentary houses.

The coalition also wants fewer asylum seekers, with refugees having to apply for asylum outside Europe, not after they arrive.

Asylum migration has been a particularly sensitive issue in Dutch politics, contributing to the downfall of the country's last two coalition governments.

Jetten succeeds Dick Schoof as prime minister who oversaw one of the shortest-lived governments in Dutch history.

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D66 will provide seven ministers, VVD will provide six, and CDA five, with three state secretaries each - junior members of cabinet.

Jetten was formally sworn in by King Willem-Alexander at the Huis ten Bosch Palace in The Hague on Monday.

Posting a selfie ahead of his swearing-in ceremony, Jetten wrote on X: "Proud to be doing this together. In a new phase, with great responsibility and, above all, a shared promise to work for everyone in the Netherlands.

"By not dwelling on what's wrong, but by building on what can be improved. That requires courage and collaboration."

Prime Minister Dick Schoof during a handover ceremony with Rob Jetten [EPA]

'Let's get to work'

Slick, smiling and patient, Jetten has spent years shaking off the nickname "Robot Jetten", earned for his stiff, overrehearsed TV appearances.

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The transformation was stark on election night. In a packed, sweaty music venue in Leiden (between Amsterdam and The Hague), he seemed effortlessly at ease, confident and groomed, as young supporters roared around him.

For many BBC News met there that night, the D66 leader was everything Wilders was not: relatively young, upbeat, proEU and socially liberal - a fresh face pitched against an older, hardright establishment.

In the Netherlands, Jetten's sexuality barely featured in the campaign, which says something about how mainstream LGBTQ equality has become.

But globally, he joins a very small club of openly gay leaders, and for many viewers in countries where coming out carries real risk, seeing an openly gay man become prime minister is a powerful glassceiling moment.

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Standing beside the King on a red carpet spilling down the palace steps on Monday, Jetten gave the appearance of a well-polished premier.

After being confirmed as prime minister, he posted the official photo on Instagram with a brisk caption: "Let's get to work."

Wilders, who pulled the plug on his own right-wing coalition in June, has said he would oppose any initiative by Jetten's government, while other parties have raised concerns about the plans presented so far.

Jesse Klaver, leader of the GreenLeft-Labour coalition, the biggest alliance in opposition, posted on X on Friday about the government's financial plans: "Ordinary people will pay hundreds of Euros more, while the very richest won't be asked to pay anything extra.

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"That's unfair and won't help the Netherlands move forward. We take responsibility for adjusting these plans. This has to change."
The extremists were also suspected to have sprayed graffiti on the walls, writing several slogans such as "price tag" and "revenge".

The IDF and Israel police have deployed forces to the area of the village of Tel, South of Nablus in the West Bank, in response to Palestinian and Israeli reports of extremist Jewish settlers who set fire to the entrance of the Abu Bakr al-Taddiq mosque, the IDF stated on Monday.

"The IDF strongly condemns such incidents, including harm to religious institutions, and will continue to act resolutely to maintain security and order in the region," the statement concluded.

According to reports, extremists also spray-painted graffiti on the walls, writing several slogans such as "price tag" and "revenge".

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The Palestinian Authority's Religious Affairs Ministry decried what it described as a nationalistic attack on themosque, PA-controlled outlet WAFA reported.

In the statement, the ministry claimed that the nationalist gangs carry out daily attacks against Islamic holy sites and citizens property, and that there has been a noticeable increase in the frequency and nature of such incidents.

A Palestinian man, holding Misbaha prayer beads, inspects the debris at a mosque, which Palestinians say was damaged by Jewish Nationalists in West Bank village of Surra, near Nablus in the West Bank, February 23, 2026. (credit: REUTERS/MOHAMAD TOROKMAN)

The ministry said that 45 mosques were attacked in 2025 under what it described as the "protection of the occupation."

'An attack on Muslims and their religious sentiments'

It added that the burning of the mosque comes amid what it called incitement targeting Islamic and Christian holy sites, and described the incident as an attack on Muslims and their religious sentiments.

The ministry said repeated incidents involving religious sites, including arson, closures, and bans on the call to prayer, violate religious and international laws that guarantee freedom of worship and the establishment of places of worship.
Retired K-9 Scout, a member of the Jacksonville Fire Rescue Departments Urban Search and Rescue team, passed away at the age of 15. Scout served Florida Task Force Five alongside his handler, Chief Riska.

During his career, Scout deployed to major disasters and numerous local incidents. Officials with JFRD noted that Scout and Riska answered calls together in some of the most challenging environments.

>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<

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Scout was a retired member of Florida Task Force 5, the State of Floridas Northeast Region Urban Search and Rescue team. These teams are trained to navigate difficult terrain and disaster sites to locate and rescue individuals during complex emergencies.

[DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks]

The Jacksonville Fire Rescue Department expressed its condolences to Chief Riska and his family following the loss.

Department officials stated that Scouts service to the local community and his rescue team would not be forgotten.

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Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.
The only passenger in the car when an American citizen was shot dead by Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Texas last year has died in a separate car accident, according to a report.

Joshua Orta, 25, was in the passenger seat when his friend, Ruben Ray Martinez, 23, was shot multiple times and killed by an ICE agent on March 15, 2025, after federal authorities said he failed to comply with orders to exit his vehicle

Orta planned to share his account of the events, which contradict the governments account of the shooting, before he died in an unrelated car crash this past weekend, The New York Times reported.

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Orta detailed his version of events in a written statement, which was taken in September by lawyers representing Martinezs family, for future legal proceedings.

In the statement, Orta said he and Martinez did not resist law enforcement officers and were trying to comply with their command to turn the car around when the situation escalated and Martinez was shot, the Times reported.

The only witness to the fatal shooting of Ruben Ray Martinez, his friend Joshua Orta (pictured), has died in an unrelated car accident, according to a report (Rachel Reyes via AP)

He was planning to sign the statement and cooperate with investigators hired by Marintezs family before he died in a car crash on a San Antonio highway this past Saturday.

A preliminary San Antonio police report said the person behind the wheel was driving at a high rate of speed when he attempted to exit the highway and lost control of the vehicle. Ortas stepfather confirmed he was involved in the accident to the Times.

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First and foremost, Joshuas death is an awful tragedy for his family and friends, and the Reyes family is grieving with them, said Alex Stamm, a lawyer for Rachel Reyes, the mother of Martinez. In terms of Rubens death, the world has also now lost a critical eyewitness.

We believe Joshuas account, and, as we have seen recently in Minneapolis, Chicago and elsewhere, it is critical that the public be shown every piece of evidence in the governments possession, and that any witness come forward, Stamm said.

When asked about the March shooting, the Department of Homeland Security said a federal agent had fatally shot a man to protect himself, his fellow agents, and the general public.

A driver of a blue Ford intentionally ran over a Homeland Security Investigation special agent resulting in him being on the hood of the vehicle. Upon witnessing this, another agent fired defensive shots to protect himself, his fellow agents, and the general public, a DHS spokesperson previously told The Independent. This incident is under active investigation by the Texas Department of Public Safety Ranger Division.

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The Independent has contacted DHS for further comment on the shooting.

During the March incident, Martinez initially did not follow officers instructions to stop his vehicle, but eventually stopped after receiving verbal commands, according to internal ICE documents viewed by the Times.

Joshua Orta was planning to cooperate with investigators probing the death of his friend, Ruben Ray Martinez (Reuters)

Federal agents surrounded the vehicle and ordered Martinez to get out of the car. Instead, he accelerated and hit a federal agent, who landed on the roof of the car, the document continue.

A different agent then fired multiple times through the drivers side window. Martinez was taken to a local hospital, where he later died. The familys lawyer confirmed to the Times that he was the victim mentioned in the ICE report.

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However, Ortas September statement contradicted the agencys version of events. Orta wrote that they had been celebrating Martinezs 23rd birthday when they came upon the scene of a car crash.

The two friends then became concerned because they had an open container of alcohol in the car. However, when they were approached by an officer at the scene, they were told to turn around. Orta wrote in the statement that there wasnt any room to move the car as traffic was backed up due to the accident.

As we inched forward in traffic to get turned around, another officer, a state trooper, walked up to our car and slapped the hood, he wrote.

An officer seemed to be trying to get in front of the car, when the situation escalated and officers began to yell at them before drawing their guns, according to Ortas written account.

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Orta said the agent fired multiple shots through the open drivers window without giving any warning, commands or opportunity to comply.

I heard Ruben say, Im sorry, and then he slumped backward, Orta added.

ICE protests gathered momentum around the country after the killing of Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti, both American citizens, in Minneapolis. (AFP/Getty)

Orta wrote that he saw the officers place Martinez face down on the ground and handcuff him after he had been shot in the chest.

Ruben was unarmed, nonviolent, not fleeing and not resisting at the time he was shot. His killing was unjustified and excessive, he wrote.

The March shooting remains under investigation by the Texas Rangers. The Independent has reached out to the state agency for comment.

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It was not immediately clear whether the absence of Ortas signed witness statement will impact the investigation into the shooting.

Martinezs shooting unfolded months before Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti, both American citizens, were killed by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis.
For four days, Weldon Boyd and Kenneth Bradley Williams sat just a few feet from each other in a Horry County courtroom as they, for the first time in a public setting, talked about shooting and killing a North Carolina man more than two years ago.

The distance between the two friends was closer on that September day as Boyd, with Williams as his passenger, followed Scott Spivey for miles before turning down Camp Swamp Road and engaging in a gun battle that killed the 33-year-old Tabor City man.

The case has gained national attention as the men have avoided criminal charges in the case under South Carolinas Stand Your Ground law.

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Boyd is well-known as the operator of the oceanfront restaurant Buoys on the Boulevard in North Myrtle Beach and for his previous battles with city officials. He has been described as a lightening rod by his attorney. But not much is known about Williams, whose name wasnt released by police and only became public after Spiveys family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the two men in 2024.

Additional pieces about the two men and their lives came out during last weeks Stand Your Ground hearing to determine if Boyd and Williams would receive civil immunity under the state law. The men were never arrested after the state attorney generals office declined to file criminal charges, saying their actions were self-defense under the law.

The law, which most states have in some form, allows people to use force, including deadly force, to protect themselves against a perceived threat. South Carolinas law specifically eliminated the duty to retreat when a person is somewhere they have a right to be.

The two men claim the shooting was self-defense after Spivey was seen driving erratically and pointing a gun at drivers, including Williams. Spivey ran Boyd off of the road before Boyd began to pursue Spivey.

Judge Eugene Griffith Jr. clarifies testimony on day 4 of a Stand Your Ground hearing. The hearing was being held for Weldon Boyd, owner of Buoys on the Boulevard, and Kenneth Bradley Williams in the shooting death of Scott Spivey. (Jason Lee/jlee@thesunnews.com)

Judge Eugene Griffith Jr. disagreed with the self-defense argument, something the two men have asserted since the Sept. 9, 2023, shooting, and denied Boyd immunity, allowing the civil suit to move forward against Boyd. He is still considering whether he will grant Williams immunity as well.

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The family alleges in their civil suit that Boyd and Williams aggressively chased Spivey for nine miles before shooting and killing him.

Heres what we know about the two men as we wait the judges final decision.

Weldon Boyd

Boyd and Williams became friends after attending automotive school together.

Ive always kept a very small circle, said Boyd, describing Williams as my brother.

The father of one grew up in Hartsville and received his GED after being homeschooled by his mother, who, along with his father, adopted both Boyd and his sister. His father raised him to be direct and do the right thing and put your family first, Boyd testified.

Weldon Boyd points out images he made of Scott Spiveys truck during an altercation on Highway 9 that proceeded Spiveys shooting death. Boyd is testifying on day three of a Stand Your Ground hearing. The hearing is being held for Weldon Boyd, owner of Buoys on the Boulevard, and Kenneth Bradley Williams in the shooting death of Scott Spivey. Boyd and Williams have been named in a wrongful death lawsuit by the Spivey family in his shooting death nearly three years ago. The hearing will determine if the pair are granted immunity under South Carolinas Stand Your Ground law. Feb. 19, 2026.

Boyd later joined the Army National Guard in 2009, serving six years before leaving with the rank of sergeant. Boyd was deployed overseas, and while he never saw combat, he did say he witnessed tragic scenes that had an effect on him, including watching a family burn to death in their vehicle.

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Boyd became emotional on the stand as he described the scene, adding that he couldnt stop to help.

After getting out of the military, Boyd opened his first restaurant  a deli. When that failed, he later opened Buoys on the Boulevard. Boyd leases the property after buying out the previous owner.

Boyd has been an outspoken critic of North Myrtle Beach city leaders, including former Mayor Marilyn Hatley. He has often used his eatery to send political statements. In April 2020, the restaurant received a South Carolina Law Enforcement Division citation after opening for outdoor dining during COVID-19 despite state orders to remain shut down.

In 2023, Boyd established a blueberry farm outside of Loris. It was here that Boyd and Williams were heading on the day of the shooting when they encountered Spivey along Highway 9.

Kenneth Bradley Williams

Williams spoke softly as he testified on the final day of the hearing.

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Unlike Boyd, the 36-year-old Darlington resident maintained a low profile following the shooting. The married father of one is a heavy equipment mechanic, having worked for the same Florence company for 14 years, he said.

Defense attorney Morgan Martin begins questioning his client Kenneth Bradley Williams. Day four of a Stand Your Ground hearing was being held for Weldon Boyd, owner of Buoys on the Boulevard, and Kenneth Bradley Williams in the shooting death of Scott Spivey. Boyd and Williams have been named in a wrongful death lawsuit by the Spivey family in his shooting death nearly three years ago. The hearing will determine if the pair are granted immunity under South Carolinas Stand Your Ground law. Feb. 20, 2026. (Jason Lee/jlee@thesunnews.com)

He confirmed that he and Boyd met in school in 2008.

The two men both said they have an interest in hunting, the outdoors and shooting guns.

Williams said he came to Horry County on Sept. 9 to help Boyd prepare for a family and friends event at the farm. He testified that he did have a gun with him that day, adding it was in his bag that was inside Boyds truck.

Boyds calls with Williams key in hearing evidence

Following the shooting, neither Boyd nor Williams names were released by police. It wasnt until Boyd posted a statement on Facebook thanking Horry County Police and Solicitor Jimmy Richardson for their help in the shooting investigation that his name was revealed. Richardson mentioned Boyds name in his letter to the state attorney generals office recusing himself and asking for the office to review the case.

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Rumors began to swirl online that Boyd shot Spivey over an alleged relationship between Spivey and Boyds ex-fiance. But police later determined that Boyd and Spivey didnt know one another before the shooting and that the shooting happened over a road rage incident.

Testimony revealed that Boyd was angry that day regarding his ex-fiance. Family members had gone earlier to pick up a vehicle and engagement ring that Boyd had given her. Boyd had planned to sell the items, listing them on Facebook, in order to pay for his custody battle with his ex-fiance who was pregnant with his son, he said.

Because of that custody dispute, Boyd placed an app on his phone to record phone calls between himself and the mother. Those audio recordings became a key part of the Stand Your Ground hearing when they revealed Boyds calls on the day of and days following the shooting.

Those recordings showed Boyd had minimal remorse for his actions, telling Williams during one call that he had a f****** blast during the gunfight, and telling his mom that he chased Spivey, who was terrified. He also suggested that he and Williams get teardrop tattoos.

Body-cam footage of Weldon Boyd is shown during day two of testimony in the Stand Your Ground case being held in Horry County Court on Wednesday. The hearing was held for Weldon Boyd, owner of Buoys on the Boulevard, and Kenneth Bradley Williams in the shooting death of Scott Spivey. Boyd and Williams have been named in a wrongful death lawsuit by the Spivey family in his shooting death nearly three years ago. The hearing will determine if the pair are granted immunity under South Carolinas Stand Your Ground law. (Jason Lee/jlee@thesunnews.com)

Those recordings also revealed a close relationship with then-Horry County Police Department Deputy Chief Brandon Strickland, who told Boyd he was working in the shadows to help him.

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Strickland was forced to resign in March and is currently under criminal investigation by SLED related to his conduct with Boyds case. Longtime officer Paul Damon Vescovi also was terminated for conduct unbecoming of an officer and other policy violations related to his actions on the case.

The termination came after Vescovis body camera footage at the scene showed him writing Act Like a Victim and Camera on a notepad that he showed to Boyd.
Following bipartisan outcry, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs last week backpedaled on a change in how it calculates benefits for those who are disabled because of their military service.

Veterans groups, including the American Legion, Vietnam Veterans for America and Disabled American Veterans, which collectively represent millions of veterans nationwide, said they were given no opportunity to offer inputon the change and had no idea it was coming. The department announced it would pause enforcement of the rule, but hasnt rescinded it.

What exactly was the change, and where do things stand now? Here is what to know and how it could affect veterans in Tampa Bay and across the country.

The initial rule upends how the VA evaluates disabilities

Veterans who are injured or become disabled because of their military service can apply for monthly compensation from the VA. The agency has guidelines for determiningthe severity of an injury and how much money a veteran should get. After a veteran applies for payment, theyreceivewhats known as a service-connected disability rating that translates to monthly benefits.

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Since 1958, the Veterans Administration has used whats called the unmedicated baseline standard to determine the extent to which a person may be disabled. That guideline directed those evaluating claims to look at the fundamental severity of a veterans condition without medication. That standard has been upheld in several federal court cases, including one last year, Ingram v. Collins, which affirmed that the VA must consider the severity of musculoskeletal conditions without the use of medication when determining how much compensation a veteran should receive.

The VA abruptly changed that standard on Feb. 17, issuing a rule effectively reversing the previous one and undercutting precedent from federal court cases. The change, the VA said, was necessary to correct judicial interpretations of its past rule in the Ingram v. Collins case.

The new rule directs evaluators to consider the severity of disabilities only with medication. This means an evaluator would look at the ameliorative effects of medication on a veterans overall condition when the veteran is examined.If a veterans symptoms are well-controlled by medication, their disability rating would likely be much lower than if they were not on medication for their service-related condition.

Advocacy groups: The change could create problems

A major concern about the new rule is that it would encourage veterans to stop taking medication or seeking treatment, especially for more common mental conditions, like post-traumatic stress disorder, to get a more favorable disability rating.

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There are more than 6 million veterans with a disability rating, and most take at least one medication, according to Disabled American Veterans, a national veteran advocacy organization.

In a statement last week, the group said the change could potentially reduce disability compensation for millions of disabled veterans. The rule,the organization said, disregards clear federal court rulings and was developed and issued in a closed and unnecessarily expedited process that effectively shut out veterans from providing any meaningful input.

Veterans should not be penalized for complying with treatment, the American Legion said in a statement after the change was issued. Even if such treatment shows improvement in symptoms, the underlying disability does not disappear.

Vietnam Veterans of America called the change concerning and said VA disability ratings should affect real-world functional loss along with medication side effects, including fatigue, cognitive impairment, reliability limitations and must be documented and considered as part of actual impairment.

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The groups asked the VA tolet them give input on the rule and to issue clearer guidance on how changes would be implemented and affect veterans.

Several law groups have also sued the VA over the rule change.

Florida gubernatorial candidate and Lt. Gov. Jay Collins also pushed the department to pause the rule, posting to social media last week that he was glad to see it addressed promptly and effectively.

The VA said the rule had been misinterpreted but paused enforcement 48 hours after publishing it

In a tweet Friday, Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins said that while the VA does not agree with the way this rule has been characterized, the department always takes Veterans concerns seriously. To alleviate these concerns, VA will continue to collect public comments regarding the rule, but it will not be enforced at any time in the future.

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Collins said he is committed to reducing the backlog of veterans waiting for benefits and aims to ensure that everyone applying for benefits receives everything they have earned as quickly and conveniently as possible.

Veterans who already have disability ratings will likely not see a change

Even if the VA enforces the new rule, the change will likely not affect veterans who have already gone through the disability rating process and are getting compensation.

Thechange would apply only to those who are applying for a new disability rating, including those trying to get a higher rating and more compensation by appealing their initial disability determination.

But service-related benefits are not necessarily locked in for life. The VA may still re-evaluate a veterans disability rating if there is evidence showing improvement. There are other protections for disability ratings depending on how long a veteran has had their rating, but these are guided by departmentrules. Generally, service-connected disabilities are protected after 10 years, except in cases where the department has found fraud.

This is part of a broader, multi-year VA effort to update benefits

The VA disability benefits change comes after theagency altered its disability ratings criteria in 2022 for mental health conditions, sleep apnea and tinnitus, a hearing condition. Those changes are all part of a broader effort, which started in President Donald Trumps first term, to update the VAs disability benefits for a range of conditions. VA leaders have said the changes are necessary to keep up with technology. A U.S. Government Accountability Office report in Januaryfound that military disability benefits are based on outdated criteria, like the earnings a veteran loses because of his or her disability.
MEXICO CITY (AP)  The Mexican army killed the countrys most powerful cartel leader and one of the United States most wanted fugitives, notching a major victory while cartel members responded with a wave of violence across the country.

The killing Sunday of Jalisco New Generation Cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes during an attempt to capture him in Jalisco state was the highest-profile blow against cartels since the recapture of former Sinaloa cartel boss Joaquin El Chapo Guzman a decade ago.

Following Oseguera Cervantes' death, security forces were placed on alert throughout the country as gunmen unleashed violence. Cars torched by cartel members blocked roads in 20 Mexican states. People locked themselves in their homes in Guadalajara, Mexico's second-largest city and Jalisco's capital, and school was canceled Monday in several states.

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The killing could give the government a leg up in its dealings with the Trump administration, which has been threatening tariffs or unilateral military action if Mexico does not show results in the fight against the cartels. But the long-term effect on Mexico's security landscape remains unclear.

Here's what to know:

El Mencho was the leader of a fast-growing criminal group

Oseguera Cervantes, better known as El Mencho, was 59 years old and originally from the western state of Michoacan. His ties to organized crime went back at least three decades.

In 1994, he was tried for trafficking heroin in the U.S. and sent to prison for three years. Upon returning to Mexico, he quickly rose through Mexico's drug trafficking underworld.

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Around 2009, he founded the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, which became Mexico's fastest-growing criminal organization, moving cocaine, methamphetamines, fentanyl and migrants to the United States, and using violence with the use of drones and improvised explosive devices.

The cartel earned a reputation for brazen attacks on Mexican security forces, including downing a military helicopter in Jalisco in 2015 and attempting a spectacular, but unsuccessful, assassination of Mexico City Police Chief Omar Garcia Harfuch, who is now Mexico's federal security secretary.

It recruited aggressively, experimenting with new ways to reach potential members online, and generated revenue through fuel theft, extortion and timeshare fraud, among other activities.

Oseguera Cervantes died in a battle with troops sent to capture him

Oseguera Cervantes was killed during an attempt to capture him, as his followers attempted to fight off Mexican troops.

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Mexico's Defense Secretary Ricardo Trevilla said Monday that the army and National Guard launched an operation in the southern part of Jalisco state to capture Oseguera Cervantes, involving the Mexican air force and special forces. Intelligence gathered about one of Oseguera Cervantes' romantic partners led them to his hideout, he said.

The cartel counterattacked, and in the ensuing confrontation, federal forces killed eight members of the criminal group. Oseguera Cervantes and two of his bodyguards were wounded and died later during transfer by air to Mexico City, Trevilla said.

Rocket launchers capable of shooting down aircraft and destroying armored vehicles were seized at the scene.

Mexico is keen to show Trump results in the fight against cartels

Oseguera Cervantes' death will help Mexico's government show results to the U.S., which is pressuring its neighbor to pursue drug cartels more aggressively. Both countries said intelligence cooperation helped lead to Sunday's operation.

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Oseguera Cervantes was facing multiple indictments in the United States and the U.S. State Department had offered a $15 million reward for information leading to his arrest. The Trump administration designated his cartel and others foreign terrorist organizations a year ago.

U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau, who was U.S. ambassador to Mexico during the first Trump administration, applauded the operation via X, writing: The good guys are stronger than the bad guys. Congratulations to the forces of law and order in the great Mexican nation.

Mike Vigil, former chief of international operations for the DEA, said Mexico had sent a strong message to Donald Trump's administration that they are fighting aggressively and effectively against the most powerful cartels. He added that the majority of the information came from the Mexican armed forces and all credit goes to Mexico.

Cartel leader's death leaves a power vacuum

It's not clear who will succeed Oseguera Cervantes, or if any one person can.

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The Jalisco cartel has a presence in at least 21 of Mexico's 32 states and is active in almost all of the United States, according to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. But it is also a global organization and the loss of its leader could be felt well beyond Mexico.

El Mencho controlled everything, he was like a country's dictator, Vigil said.

His absence could slow the cartel's rapid growth and expansion and leave it initially weakened against the Sinaloa cartel on several fronts where they or their proxies are fighting. The Sinaloa is locked in its own internal power struggle, however, between the sons of El Chapo and the faction loyal to Ismael El Mayo Zambada, who is in U.S. custody.

Vigil said Mexico should seize the moment to launch an effective frontal assault based on intelligence.

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This is a big opportunity for Mexico and the United States if they work together, he said.

Security analyst David Saucedo said that if relatives of Oseguera Cervantes take control of the cartel, the violence seen Sunday could continue. If others take power, they could be more willing to turn the page and continue operations.

The greatest fear would be that the cartel turns to indiscriminate violence. They could decide to launch narcoterrorism attacks ... and generate a scenario similar to what Colombia lived in the 1990s, a full-on attack against the government car bombs, assassinations and attacks on aircraft.
Dangerously cold temperatures move in Sunday night along with snow showers for some. Snow impacts are mainly limited to the Smoky Mountains, Southeast Kentucky, Southwest Virginia, and far Northeast Tennessee.

Sunday night: (30%) Snow showers mainly in the Smoky Mountains. Very cold and breezy. Low: 25.

Monday: (20%) Morning snow flurries. Unseasonably cold day with clouds. High: 36.

Monday night: Winds settle with clearing skies. Very cold. Low: 20.

Tuesday: Some sun but still chilly. High: 47

Snow chances will increase Sunday night into Monday as northwest flow increases aloft. The higher terrain areas above 6000 feet could see 6+. Areas around 4000 feet could receive around 2-5. Lower lying areas could at most pickup another couple inches. The Knoxville and surrounding valley locations could see flurries or light snow showers; however, no accumulation is expected. Travel impacts look to remain limited to the Smoky Mountains, Southeast Kentucky, Southwest Virginia, and extreme Northeast Tennessee. Temperatures will be well below freezing for everyone. Most areas will see lows in the lower to middle 20s. The wind will make it feel like the middle teens in the Knoxville area. The Cumberland Plateau will feel like the single digits and higher terrain areas of the Smokies will feel like it is below zero.

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There will also be a few random flurries around through the day on Monday, but little to no accumulation is anticipated for most. The Smokies will continue to see at least some snowfall. Higher peaks (above 4000 feet) could potentially see an additional inch or so of snow. Temperatures will struggle on Monday with highs only in the middle 30s. The wind will make it feel around 10 degrees colder.

The coldest morning of this stretch will be Tuesday morning, as most start the day in the lower 20s under a mostly clear sky. Temperatures will begin to recover Tuesday afternoon with highs in the middle 40s and some sun. This is still around 10 degrees below normal, but with lighter winds it will feel better.

The warming trend will continue on Wednesday with high temperatures in the middle to upper 50s. The winds will crank up out of the southwest with increasing clouds. This is all ahead of our next chance for rain.

NEXT WEATHERMAKER Widespread rain Wednesday night and Thursday with potential strong winds

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Rain chances look likely later Wednesday night and Thursday as our next system passes through. This system looks to be all rain with milder temperatures. Low temperatures Wednesday night will only drop to around 50 degrees. We should recover to the middle to upper 50s Thursday afternoon. Thunderstorm potential looks unlikely; however, we could see strong to potentially damaging winds as a line of heavy showers moves through Thursday.

Dry weather with even warmer temperatures will settle in on Friday into the upcoming weekend. Most areas by Saturday will be in the middle 60s.

What we are tracking Mondays low temperatures Monday morning wind chill Sun 9 PM 6 Predictor Mon 12 AM 6 Predictor Mon 7 AM 6 Predictor Mon 11 AM 6 Predictor Mon 4 PM 6 Predictor Snow totals through Monday Winter Weather Advisory Smokies snow forecast Monday temperature and wind chill Tuesdays low temperatures Tuesdays high temperatures Rain Wed night and Thu Thu 7 AM upper level winds Thu 1 PM upper level winds 7 Day precipitation chances 7 Day high temperatures 7 Day low temperatures Tonights forecast Tomorrows forecast 7 Day forecast

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Two Ukrainian mothers who fled the war with Russia say they are still coming to terms with their new life in the UK four years on.

Maryna and Anastasiia found new homes with their families in East Yorkshire in 2022 after Russia launched a full-scale invasion on 24 February of that year.

Anastasiia fled with her five-year-old daughter to live with her mother in Hull, unsure what the future would hold.

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"I felt lost," she explained. "You behave as if nothing happened for a long time and then the understanding comes of what happened to you.

"I became more silent. I would say this is the outcome. I learnt how to navigate uncertainty."

Despite the upheaval, she said her daughter was "a happy child".

With a smile, she said: "My mission is completed in this part of the story. I arranged our life so she could be settled and feel happy."

Since being in the UK, Anastasiia has collaborated with Hull Truck Theatre to create a cross-cultural project with Ukrainian children and teenagers.

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Yet, despite the progress, Anastasiia, whose twin brother served for more than a year on the frontline in Ukraine, said events back home meant she could never be fully content.

"I don't live my whole life in the UK mentally. I don't know whether people can feel pure happiness in such circumstances, but I try to, sometimes I succeed," she said.

Russia's full-scale invasion began when Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered up to 200,000 soldiers into Ukraine.

In an interview with the BBC, Ukraine's President, Volodymyr Zelensky, explained why he had rejected the latest ceasefire deal demanded by Putin, insisting the Russian leader had already started World War Three.

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Maryna, who lives in Welton with her husband and two children, has adapted but, like Anastasiia, cannot put the events of the past four years behind her.

She said: "Since the war started, I understand that sometimes we can't make decisions in our life.

"When the war broke out, we were in our flat in Kyiv and it was 05:30 in the morning. We just heard some explosions and I couldn't believe that it was happening.

"It was terrible and very scary."

Maryna and her two children moved to the UK in April 2022 to live with a family in South Cave after finding out about the Homes for Ukraine Scheme.

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She said her children "couldn't believe" they were fleeing the country and leaving everything behind to stay with people they did not know at the time.

"I didn't have any other options to keep them safe," Maryna explained.

Her husband was not able to join them in the UK until June 2023 and Maryna said she spent the time wondering if she would see him again.

When reunited at the airport a year later, she said she would "always remember this moment".

"It was a complete surprise for my children when they saw him. They cried and they laughed," she said.

The family have managed to find their independence and are now renting a house in Welton.

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Maryna has visited Ukraine twice but said she remained "very worried" about the rest of her family who are still living in the country.

"It's not a nice place to go at the moment. Everything is different and scary," she added.

Listen to highlights from Hull and East Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here.

Download the BBC News app from the App Store for iPhone and iPad or Google Play for Android devices

More on this story
By Raul Cortes, Aida Pelaez-Fernandez and Sarah Morland

MEXICO CITY, Feb 23 (Reuters) - A tip about drug lord Nemesio Oseguera's romantic liaisons led Mexican authorities to the cartel leader's hideout in a small town of Jalisco state where he was killed, Mexican authorities said on Monday in the first account of the ambush that spawned violence across much of Mexico.

At least 62 people died in the early Sunday raid on Oseguera, known as "El Mencho," and in ensuing violence - including 25 members of the National Guard military police and 34 suspected gang members - as cartel loyalists set cars ablaze in 85 roadblocks in more than a dozen states, authorities said.

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President Claudia Sheinbaum early on Monday said the situation was normalizing and roadblocks were under control.

Still, Mexico beefed up security in Jalisco, the stronghold of Oseguera's infamous Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), with the deployment of 2,000 troops, and Mexicans as well as tourists in the state's famed coastal towns fretted over the quick spread of violence to far corners of Mexico.

Oseguera's death is a blow to the CJNG, a highly diversified criminal enterprise, and a victory for Mexico's government after pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump to crack down on the cartels. Yet the victory could lead to further violence in a country already grappling with years of killings and disappearances at the hands of organized crime.

"Unfortunately, it's not the first time we're experiencing this, but this time it does seem a bit more worrying because there's no successor to these cartels," said Fabiola Cortes, a schoolteacher in Mexico City. "We hope that, truly, our president does something for us, protects us, because honestly, fear is everywhere on the streets."

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Oseguera, Mexico's most-wanted cartel leader, was the mastermind of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel, rival to the also infamous Sinaloa Cartel. The U.S. had offered a $15 million reward for information leading to his arrest.

The U.S. provided intelligence to help pinpoint the exact location of the compound in the town of Tapalpa where Mexican authorities found the cartel boss, but Mexican officials underscored that they spearheaded the operation.

"There was no participation in this operation of U.S. forces. What there was, was an exchange of information," President Sheinbaum said.

MILITARY OPERATION LED TO RETALIATORY SURGE IN VIOLENCE

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Oseguera died in a helicopter after being injured in a military operation by Mexican special forces in a wooded area outside the town of Tapalpa in the western state of Jalisco, according to Mexico's defense ministry.

Defense Minister Ricardo Trevilla said information from a confidante of one of Oseguera's romantic partners helped officials quickly plan the raid for the following day at the crime boss' compound.

During the raid, Oseguera's gunmen opened fire on security forces and the conflict moved to a cabin complex in a wooded area, where he was injured along with two of his bodyguards. The three were transported by helicopter to Mexico City but did not survive, Trevilla said.

"Unfortunately, they died on the way," Trevilla said, speaking at the president's daily press conference. He choked up while offering condolences to families of officers who died.

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Rifles with grenade launchers, rocket launchers and mortar shells were found at the site of the raid, officials added.

Mexico's Attorney General's Office said it was carrying out proceedings across 14 states, nearly half of the country, and Security Minister Omar Garcia Harfuch said at least 70 people were arrested in seven states.

Throughout Sunday, suspected cartel members set fire to vehicles and businesses, blocking roads and disrupting travel, in protest of Oseguera's killing.

According to the defense ministry, attacks in Jalisco were organized by Oseguera's right-hand man and top financial chief known as "El Tuli," who was also killed in a clash with security forces as they attempted to arrest him.

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The cartel operative offered a 20,000 peso ($1,160) reward for the deaths of military personnel, according to Trevilla.

Garcia added that authorities were closely monitoring for a reaction or restructuring within the cartel that could unleash further violence. "There is already a specific surveillance of several leaders of this criminal organization," he said.

IMMEDIATE IMPACT TO TOURISM

The flare-ups caused airlines to cancel flights on Sunday, and on Monday morning shares in Mexican airline Volaris and airport operators GAP and ASUR were down more than 4%. Airline Aeromexico on Monday said it was gradually resuming flights, while Air Canada said it would resume flights to the popular Puerto Vallarta beach resort on Tuesday, and flights to the Jalisco's capital city of Guadalajara on Wednesday.

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Ryan Davis was among the foreign tourists in Puerto Vallarta shocked by the violence on Sunday. "It was surreal because we're going to the airport and we're dodging burned-out cars in the middle of the street," he recalled.

State oil firm Pemex said its operations were working normally and fuel supplies were guaranteed nationwide, after unverified video footage showed fighting and intense shooting at a Pemex gas station. Mexican conglomerate Femsa, which operates Mexico's ubiquitous Oxxo convenience stores, reported over 200 incidents at its stores and gas stations.

Kimberley Sperrfechter, emerging markets economist at Capital Economics, said the immediate impact would hit tourism, but if the unrest drags on, it could also risk electronics and semiconductor manufacturing in Jalisco.

Besides electronics manufacturing, Jalisco is also an agricultural hub for products such as eggs, berries and avocados, as well as the birthplace and a leading producer of tequila.

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"Beyond the macro implications, the killing shows that Mexico's government is doing what it can to appease the Trump administration ahead of this year's USMCA review," she added, referring to the U.S.-Canada-Mexico free trade pact.

However, on Monday morning U.S. President Donald Trump called on Mexico to further boost its efforts targeting drug cartels. "Mexico must step up their effort on Cartels and Drugs!" he wrote in a social media post.

While the U.S. has pushed Mexico for more action on drug trafficking, Mexican authorities have also long called on the U.S. to do more to limit the illegal sales of firearms that bolster the vast, deadly arsenals of cartels that operate inside its territory. According to U.S. government data, some 70% of illegal arms traced in Mexico came from the U.S.

($1 = 17.2571 Mexican pesos)

(Reporting by Raul Cortes, Aida Pelaez-Fernandez, Sarah Morland, Lizbeth Diaz and Inigo Alexander, Additional reporting by Rodrigo Campos, Diego Delgado, Amy McConaghy and Monica Naime; Editing by Christian Plumb, Mark Porter, Daina Beth Solomon and Michael Perry)
At least four people have died and 17 others remain hospitalized following a fiery crash involving a liquefied gas truck on a highway in Chile, PEOPLE reports.

The crash occurred around 8:20 a.m. local time Thursday, at the intersection of General Velasquez Avenue and Route 5 North in the Renca district, according to La Nacion, citing General Victor Vielma, director of traffic, highways and road safety for the Carabineros de Chile.

Authorities said the truck transporting liquefied gas reportedly lost control and struck guardrails, triggering a massive explosion. Multiple vehicles were damaged, and flames spread to nearby buildings.

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The truck driver was among the four confirmed dead, according to La Tercera. At least 17 others are receiving treatment for injuries sustained in the crash.

Video shared by Claudio Orrego, governor of the Santiago Metropolitan Region, showed motorists abandoning their vehicles as thick smoke filled the air in a Facebook footage. According to Reuters, Orrego said one victim suffered burns covering 100% of their body and faces an imminent risk to their life.

Firefighters told Reuters the explosion was felt within a radius of approximately 150 to 200 meters. At least 50 vehicles were damaged.

Witnesses described chaotic scenes.

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We went outside, looked north, and there was a column of smoke, Yaritza Leon, who lives nearby, told La Tercera. She said people were on fire and begging for ambulances.

Another witness, Juan Molina, described the blast as resembling an atomic bomb.

You could see the manhole covers  were lifted up and popped out, Molina told La Tercera. The flame reached my corral at the back, and when I saw the fire coming closer, I ran inside to warn my people to get out.

The tanker was reportedly affiliated with the local gas company Gasco, according to reports.

Authorities are continuing to investigate the cause of the crash.

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At least four people have been killed and 26 others injured in Russian attacks against Ukraine over the past day, local authorities said on Feb. 23.

Russia launched 126 drones and an Iskander-M ballistic missile at Ukraine overnight, the Air Force said. Ukrainian air defenses intercepted 105 drones. At least 20 drones and the missile made it through, striking 11 locations. The fall of debris was recorded at one location.

In Odesa Oblast, a Russian drone attack killed a 20-year-old woman and a 45-year-old man and injured three others. Two of the injured are in critical condition, Governor Oleh Kiper reported.

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Kiper said that industrial, energy, and civil infrastructure facilities were hit. One of the drones hit an apartment in a high-rise building, but did not detonate.

In Zaporizhzhia Oblast, two people were killed and four others injured in Russian strikes across the region, Governor Ivan Fedorov said. Russian Forces carried out 754 strikes on 44 settlements in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, Fedorov added.

In Donetsk Oblast, four people were injured in Druzhkivka and one in Kramatorsk in Russian strikes across the region, Governor Vadym Filashkin reported.

In Kherson Oblast, Russian forces targeted 39 settlements, injuring five people over the past day, Governor Oleksandr Prokudin said. A multistory apartment building and 15 houses were damaged.

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In Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, Russian strikes targeted a health resort in the Pavlohrad district, injuring a man overnight on Feb. 23. In a separate Russian attack on the Nikopol district, three women were injured, while another woman was injured in a strike on the Synelnykove district on Feb. 22, Governor Oleksandr Hanzha said.

In Kharkiv Oblast, Russian drone strikes injured a 44-year-old woman in the village of Pechenihy and a 69-year-old man in the village of Podoly over the past day. A 55-year-old-man also suffered injuries in a Russian attack on the regional center of Kharkiv on the morning of Feb. 23, Governor Oleh Syniehubov reported.

In Sumy Oblast, a Russian guided bomb attack on the Sumy community injured a 36-year-old man, Governor Oleh Hryhorov reported. The governor added that Russian forces targeted 21 settlements over the past day.

Read also: The attack was organized by Russia  Suspected terrorist strike in Lviv kills police officer, injures 25

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
PIERRE  An attempt to define whats allowed by the sole exception in South Dakotas abortion ban advanced 10-2 on Monday in a legislative committee.

South Dakota lawmakers adopted a trigger ban in 2005 that took effect in 2022, after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. Abortions are prohibited in the state, the law says, unless there is appropriate and reasonable medical judgment that performance of an abortion is necessary to preserve the life of the pregnant female.

Since the ban took effect, theres been debate about what the exception allows. Some abortion-rights advocates have said the wording of the exception could discourage doctors from administering necessary care for pregnancy complications.

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Supporters of the new bill, including the Governors Office, the South Dakota Catholic Conference, and South Dakota Right to Life, testified Monday that the bill is a response to misinformation about the states abortion ban lacking clarity.

We should still take that lie off the table and make it resoundingly clear that in the future, abortion does not include ectopic pregnancy management, miscarriage management and the like, Ian Fury said, testifying on behalf of Gov. Larry Rhodens office.

The bill would spell out that several pregnancy-related treatments are not abortions, including treatment to resolve a miscarriage, treatment or removal of an ectopic pregnancy, removal of a deceased unborn child, and medical treatment that unintentionally results in the loss of the pregnancy.

The two votes against the bill came from the committees two Democrats. Opponent testimony came from the South Dakota chapter of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the South Dakota State Medical Association. They warned that defining whats not an abortion could unintentionally classify some other pregnancy-related procedures as abortion care, creating more confusion.

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The American Civil Liberties Union of South Dakota also opposes the bill.

In order for our laws to address all the possible circumstances that someone who is pregnant might face, we need to repeal the total abortion ban and make access to medical care the rule, not the exception, said Samantha Chapman, the organizations advocacy manager.

The South Dakota Legislature and former Gov. Kristi Noem adopted a law during the 2024 legislative session requiring the state Department of Health to create a video clarifying the states abortion ban exception and how it should be applied. That video did little to quell concerns from abortion-rights advocates, who described it as ambiguous and non-legally binding.

Supporters of the new bill described it as putting the videos guidance into law.

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Another pending bill this legislative session is aimed at stopping abortion pills and other abortion-related items from being advertised and distributed in the state. The bill would make it a felony to knowingly dispense, distribute, sell or advertise abortion pills and any other article or instrument intended to be used for an abortion. It would also allow the state attorney general to seek civil penalties of up to $10,000 per violation, with payments deposited into the life protection subfund, used to defend the states anti-abortion laws.

That bill has passed a committee and awaits action by the House of Representatives.

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From the coast of Queensland to the bush of the Northern Territory, something rather odd has happened in some homes in Australia: Smartphones lie unnoticed on the kitchen table in the morning, children are scrolling significantly less and family members are interacting with each other much more.

It's been two months since Australia became the first country in the world to introduce a general social media ban for those under 16. The government justified its groundbreaking move, which took effect on December 10, by saying it wanted to give children their childhood back  and also protect them from cyberbullying and from consuming disturbing content.

Companies face fines of up to 49.5 million Australian dollars (US $35 million) for violations. The new rules apply to Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, Facebook, YouTube, X, Reddit and Twitch, among others. Various messenger and gaming services such as Roblox, WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger are exempt.

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To mark the occasion, the campaign slogan "Let them be kids" was even displayed on the pillars of the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge when the ban was introduced Down Under. And indeed, at least according to the government, everyday life has changed noticeably since then.

The country's prime minister, Anthony Albanese, insists that the law is working, saying young people were getting off their devices and going outside to ride bikes, reading books or spending time with family during the Christmas school holidays, which ended in January.

He's called social media the "scourge" of society.

Millions of accounts deactivated

In January, the government announced that since the law came into effect, more than 4.7 million accounts belonging to children and young people had been deactivated, deleted or restricted. Snapchat alone said it blocked 415,000 accounts by the end of January.

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In December, the messaging app asked hundreds of thousands of users to verify their age. This could be done with an Australian bank account, an age assessment using facial recognition or documents such as a passport or driving licence.

However, parents say that most teenagers have quickly found ways to circumvent the ban.

"I have twins, and nothing significant has changed  except that the government is celebrating itself," wrote a frustrated mother in a comment on Instagram.

The new rules have only had an effect on some children and young people. "Most of them were back online straight away and created new accounts," she said.

Easy to trick facial recognition

Teenagers say circumventing facial recognition for age verification is literally child's play.

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"I looked at the camera, frowned a little, and they said I was over 16," a 15-year-old wrote on Reddit.

One mother told broadcaster ABC that she has a 12-year-old daughter. "She and her friends were classified as over 17 simply by wearing false eyelashes and make-up." Others get help from older siblings who look into the camera for them.

"I thought the restriction would be much stricter, but in the end it was totally relaxed, it's like nothing happened," 14-year-old Adyan told ABC.

"Incredibly stupid and harmful"

In another comment on Reddit, a teenager writes that social media is "one of the biggest, easiest and most popular ways for young people to express their opinions." The ban silences these voices and ignores young people's freedom of expression, some teens say.

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The law is "incredibly stupid, flawed and harmful," the young author raged.

Many teachers are also dissatisfied and feel left alone with the consequences of the law. A survey of more than 400 teachers found that most do not feel adequately prepared to deal with the impact of the ban in everyday school life.

YouTube still used in schools

More than 80% of teachers said they used YouTube for teaching purposes. While there is a ban on young people's accounts, YouTube can still be used in the classroom, leading the majority to complain about a lack of clear guidelines.

Albanese argues that change doesn't happen overnight. While it might be too early to gauge the groundbreaking law's achievement, several countries in Europe and elsewhere already want to follow suit.

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Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez recently announced his intention to follow Australia's example and introduce a ban on social media for all persons under the age of 16 - prompting X owner Elon Musk to insult the Spanish leader.

In November, the Danish government announced its intention to introduce a minimum age of 15 for social media, though parents will have an option to register kids as young as 13 on social media.

In the United Kingdom the House of Lords recently voted in favour of an under-16 ban, but the final decision will be made by the House of Commons, which is dominated by the ruling Labour Party  and there, people are still cautious.

In Germany last year, a representative survey by the opinion research institute YouGov found that more than 70% of people would like to see a minimum age for access to social media.

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In France, certain social networks will be off-limits for under-15s, though this will not apply to science and education platforms, but it is unclear when this will come into force.

The European Union has no plans to introduce such a ban. While the European Parliament has voted in favour of an EU-wide minimum age of 16, with access for those aged 13 and older with parental consent, the ruling is not binding.

But the EU is investigating whether several tech platforms are doing enough to protect young people. A preliminary finding showed that TikTok violates European law with its continuous automatic playback of videos and highly personalized recommendations. The company, which rejects the findings, now faces a fine.

The Australian government's slogan, "Let Them Be Kids" is prominently displayed over the Sydney Harbour next to the city's iconic Opera House. Mick Tsikas/AAP/dpa
In a moment of dramatic irony Prince Hamlet's uncle Claudius, who has murdered his brother to usurp the throne of Denmark, hypocritically boasts that a divine protective force or barrier keeps monarchs like him from harm. "There's such a divinity that protects a king." For too long Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, King Charles' disgraced younger brother, has been "hedged" by the British establishment from the consequences of his actions or possible misdeeds.

His arrest by police on his 66th birthday on suspicion of misconduct in public office removes one of the last of these protections. That is only right. One of the foundational principles of the rule of law is that government officials, politicians, and even princes, are not immune from legal consequences. There can be no exceptions to the legal maxim cited by British judges for centuries, "Be ye never so high, the law is above you."

A charge or a court action does not automatically follow an arrest. Another foundational principle of the rule of law is the assumption of innocence unless proven guilty. But it does put Andrew on notice that he can no longer tell untruths about a relationship with Jeffrey Epstein that continued long after the financier was convicted and imprisoned for procuring a minor.

Release of the Epstein files in the US has shredded Andrew's own airbrushed account of that friendship. It raises doubts about his credibility in a notorious BBC television interview where he denied having sex with Virginia Giuffre, a minor procured by Epstein and his accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell. The consequences of legal perjury for Andrew would be dire.

Andrew's cup of misery is overflowing. Allegations related to the Epstein files are that he forwarded confidential reports to the financier while he was a trade envoy for the UK. Police have been searching both his former home in Windsor and his new address in internal exile on the Royal Estate in Norfolk. Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown has also demanded that police investigate him as an accessory or witness to Epstein's use of London's Stansted and Luton airports to traffic women and girls.

I recently wrote that the flaws of Epstein's other celebrity British pal - or rather prize catch - Peter Mandelson, were well known before his appointment as ambassador to Washington ended in an all too predictable scandal. Labour's governing establishment, however, was determined to look the other way. Andrew's vices have been hiding in plain sight for many years, too, and have been similarly ignored.

In my time working at the Sunday Times newspaper we revealed in 2007 that an unknown Kazakh oligarch had bought the then prince's former home of Sunninghill Park for 3 million ($4 million) above the asking price and an estimated 7 million more than the property's market value. Made an official trade envoy by Prime Minister Tony Blair to indulge his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II, Andrew had become patron of the British-Kazakh Society jointly with the country's dictator, Nursultan Nazarbayev. The sale has been subsequently linked to a Kazakh money laundering scheme, but at the time Andrew refused to make any inquiries into the cause of his good fortune.

Not long after that story appeared I was invited to a dinner by a go-between to meet the then prince. This was one invitation that was easy to decline. Courtiers at Buckingham Palace, prime ministers and Foreign Office officials forced to work alongside Andrew in his trade envoy role were not so fastidious. Deference to his mother, an icon of respectability, lay at the heart of it. Who at the time was policing the border between Andrew's official duties and his financial affairs? Now it is alleged that his access to foreign leaders and financiers may have helped Epstein, too.

Some mothers are blind to the faults of their children. Andrew was the late Queen's favorite. When Giuffre sued him in a New York court, accusing him of sexual assault, the Queen provided 7 million toward his 12 million out-of-court settlement, topped up with 3 million from her husband's estate. Andrew strenuously denied all the charges at the time and still does.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer, his own tenure of office in jeopardy after a series of scandalous appointments including that of Mandelson, is vulnerable to the accusation that he tolerates a "boy's club" at No. 10. He won't be providing any protection. Mountbatten-Windsor's brother the King declares that "the law must take its course." Can the monarchy survive the scandal?

The cynics will reply that the damage caused by Andrew to the Royal Family is catastrophic, but not serious. After all, the monarchy has been surviving scandals for decades, even centuries.

The memory of Queen Victoria's "wicked uncles," a notably bad lot of Regency rakes and scoundrels, was soon erased by her virtuous marriage to Prince Albert, a pillar of Germanic rectitude and intellectual high seriousness. Edward VII's fondness for actresses and horses never did the institution much harm, and his grandson Edward VIII's abdication in 1936 to marry an American divorcee preserved bourgeois propriety and yet gifted the world a glamorous royal love story. The collapse of Charles' fairytale marriage to Princess Diana - which kept the glossy gossip mags in business for years - only enhanced the marketability of an institution called "The Firm" by royal insiders.

In every royal legend, Hamlet included, there has to be a wicked uncle who offsets the virtues of the good prince or princess. Andrew's vices and those of his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, provide a perfect foil to the goody-two-shoes couple of his nephew William and wife Catherine, the Prince and Princess of Wales - or at least to their well-polished public image. The great Victorian authority on the British constitution, Walter Bagehot, warned that exposure of the workings of the monarchy would let "daylight in on magic." He didn't foresee that the public's hunger for a sacrificial Epstein villain might become an essential part of the performance.

Still, the cynics may have underestimated how this scandal trumps them all. We may hear more about Andrew's unwise choice of company - allegedly including a Chinese spy - and the extent of his involvement in Epstein's network at home and abroad. Unless he clears his name, the late Queen's intervention in settling Andrew's court case will increasingly look to the public like the payment of hush money.

And you don't have to be a moralist to worry that it took allegations about profiteering, not the cries of alleged victims, that brought Andrew to the attention of police.

(COMMENT, BELOW)

Martin Ivens is the editor of the Times Literary Supplement. Previously, he was editor of the Sunday Times of London and its chief political commentator.
Beech Grove police officer Brian Elliott was a playful and wily friend who once convinced his buddy to place a fake ticket on the car of a woman he was dating  a successful prank to woo her.

He could talk for hours about modifications he'd made to his car or about whether a hot dog was, in fact, a sandwich, recalled his best friend and colleague, Joshua Shrum. He was also a cigar aficionado who, at first, knew little about cigars but still agreed to form a club he later led as vice president.

He was a loving partner who, just as he was about to propose, wanted to make sure he was everything his future wife wanted him to be.

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Elliott's family, friends and colleagues prefer that he be remembered that way: How he lived and not how he died.

At work, Elliott was a "go-getter" who chose the busiest shift, said Beech Grove Police Chief Michael Maurice said. He volunteered to work at various community events and strove to lead his units to success.

Joshua Shrum, best friend of fallen Beech Grove Police Officer Brian Elliott, speaks Monday, Feb. 23, 2026, during a memorial service in the gymnasium at Beech Grove High School. Elliott was killed in the line of duty Feb. 16, while responding to a disturbance call. Officers stand by a memorial for fallen Beech Grove Police Officer Brian Elliott as people file in Monday, Feb. 23, 2026, ahead of his memorial service in the gymnasium at Beech Grove High School. Elliott was killed in the line of duty Feb. 16, while responding to a disturbance call. Programs for the memorial service for fallen Beech Grove Police Officer Brian Elliott sit on a table Monday, Feb. 23, 2026, at Beech Grove High School. Elliott was killed in the line of duty Feb. 16, while responding to a disturbance call. Police officers and others take their seats ahead of a memorial service for fallen Beech Grove Police Officer Brian Elliott on Monday, Feb. 23, 2026, in the gymnasium at Beech Grove High School. Elliott was killed in the line of duty Feb. 16, while responding to a disturbance call. Officers stand by a memorial for fallen Beech Grove Police Officer Brian Elliott on Monday, Feb. 23, 2026, ahead of his memorial service in the gymnasium at Beech Grove High School. Elliott was killed in the line of duty Feb. 16, while responding to a disturbance call. Law enforcement personnel line up to sign a guest book Monday, Feb. 23, 2026, at the memorial service for fallen Beech Grove Police Officer Brian Elliott at Beech Grove High School. Elliott was killed in the line of duty Feb. 16, while responding to a disturbance call. Officers stand by a memorial for fallen Beech Grove Police Officer Brian Elliott as people file in Monday, Feb. 23, 2026, ahead of his memorial service in the gymnasium at Beech Grove High School. Elliott was killed in the line of duty Feb. 16, while responding to a disturbance call. Officers stand by a memorial for fallen Beech Grove Police Officer Brian Elliott on Monday, Feb. 23, 2026, ahead of his memorial service in the gymnasium at Beech Grove High School. Elliott was killed in the line of duty Feb. 16, while responding to a disturbance call. Beech Grove Police Officer Brian Elliott is laid to rest 1 of 8 Joshua Shrum, best friend of fallen Beech Grove Police Officer Brian Elliott, speaks Monday, Feb. 23, 2026, during a memorial service in the gymnasium at Beech Grove High School. Elliott was killed in the line of duty Feb. 16, while responding to a disturbance call.

Yet, Elliott was never one to brag or seek the spotlight. That his Feb. 23 funeral service was held in the community he served and not in a large stadium in downtown Indianapolis is a testament to the officers humility, Beech Grove Mayor James Coffman told the hundreds of police officers from Indiana and elsewhere who gathered at the gym of Beech Grove High School, Elliott's alma mater. The officers had pinned a white carnation with a red dot to their shirts, sitting upside down near their badges. This signifies a life well-lived by Elliott, and bloodshed while serving.

The funeral service was followed by a procession that passed the Beech Grove Police Department, where snow blanketed a memorial of flowers and stuffed toys arranged around Elliott's patrol car. About 50 residents gathered outside the police station, despite intermittent snow flurries and bone-chilling winds, to pay their respects.

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Just before the procession headed north to Crown Hill Cemetery in Indianapolis, badge No. 59 was declared 10-42, signifying the end of Elliott's watch.

The town's mayor remembers the beginning of that watch.

Elliott, who spent six years at the Marion County Sheriffs Office, joined the Beech Grove police force on April 8, 2024. Coffman was a new mayor who had just sworn in his first officer that day: Elliott. The need for him to be sworn in was urgent: His first day as an officer coincided with the day of the total solar eclipse, and it was all hands on deck at the police department.

"Being a police officer was Brian's calling. This was so much more than a job to him," Coffman said. " He showed up and gave his all, and he did it with a smile."

'Let's remember his smile'

Beech Grove Police Chief Michael Maurice is embraced during the visitation for Beech Grove Police Officer Brian Elliott on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026, at Beech Grove High School. Elliott, 33, was killed in the line of duty on Feb. 16. Law enforcement officials salute during a flag ceremony before the visitation for Beech Grove Police Officer Brian Elliott on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026, at Beech Grove High School. Elliott, 33, was killed in the line of duty on Feb. 16. A memorial sits during the visitation for Beech Grove Police Officer Brian Elliott on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026, at Beech Grove High School. Elliott, 33, was killed in the line of duty on Feb. 16. Law enforcement officials stand during a flag presentation ceremony before the visitation for Beech Grove Police Officer Brian Elliott on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026, at Beech Grove High School. Elliott, 33, was killed in the line of duty on Feb. 16. Law enforcement officials stand during a flag presentation ceremony before the visitation for Beech Grove Police Officer Brian Elliott on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026, at Beech Grove High School. Elliott, 33, was killed in the line of duty on Feb. 16. Law enforcement officials stand during a flag presentation ceremony before the visitation for Beech Grove Police Officer Brian Elliott on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026, at Beech Grove High School. Elliott, 33, was killed in the line of duty on Feb. 16. Beech Grove Police Chief Michael Maurice reads during a flag ceremony before the visitation for Beech Grove Police Officer Brian Elliott on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026, at Beech Grove High School. Elliott, 33, was killed in the line of duty on Feb. 16. Law enforcement officials stand during a flag ceremony before the visitation for Beech Grove Police Officer Brian Elliott on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026, at Beech Grove High School. Elliott, 33, was killed in the line of duty on Feb. 16. A law enforcement official speaks with Beech Grove Deputy Police Chief Robert Mercuri (center) and Police Chief Michael Maurice (right) during the visitation for Beech Grove Police Officer Brian Elliott on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026, at Beech Grove High School. Elliott, 33, was killed in the line of duty on Feb. 16. Beech Grove Deputy Police Chief Robert Mercuri (back) speaks with an attendee during the visitation for Beech Grove Police Officer Brian Elliott on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026, at Beech Grove High School. Elliott, 33, was killed in the line of duty on Feb. 16. A police officer is embraced during the visitation for Beech Grove Police Officer Brian Elliott on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026, at Beech Grove High School. Elliott, 33, was killed in the line of duty on Feb. 16. Items sit during the visitation for Beech Grove Police Officer Brian Elliott on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026, at Beech Grove High School. Elliott, 33, was killed in the line of duty on Feb. 16. Law enforcement officials stand during a flag ceremony before the visitation for Beech Grove Police Officer Brian Elliott on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026, at Beech Grove High School. Elliott, 33, was killed in the line of duty on Feb. 16. A flag is handed off to be placed on a memorial during a flag ceremony before the visitation for Beech Grove Police Officer Brian Elliott on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026, at Beech Grove High School. Elliott, 33, was killed in the line of duty on Feb. 16. A flag is placed on a memorial during a flag ceremony before the visitation for Beech Grove Police Officer Brian Elliott on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026, at Beech Grove High School. Elliott, 33, was killed in the line of duty on Feb. 16. Law enforcement officials and community members walk past a memorial during the visitation for Beech Grove Police Officer Brian Elliott on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026, at Beech Grove High School. Elliott, 33, was killed in the line of duty on Feb. 16. A law enforcement official places a hand over his heart as he passes a memorial during the visitation for Beech Grove Police Officer Brian Elliott on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026, at Beech Grove High School. Elliott, 33, was killed in the line of duty on Feb. 16. A floral arrangement in honor of Beech Grove Police Officer Brian Elliott sits during his visitation on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026, at Beech Grove High School. Elliott, 33, was killed in the line of duty on Feb. 16. Flag ceremony honors fallen Beech Grove officer Brian Elliott 1 of 18 Beech Grove Police Chief Michael Maurice is embraced during the visitation for Beech Grove Police Officer Brian Elliott on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026, at Beech Grove High School. Elliott, 33, was killed in the line of duty on Feb. 16.

Shrum recalled a grueling shift when Elliott was new to the force. Although Elliott had cut his hand that day, his first instinct was to look at his partner and say, "Hey Shrum, are you OK?"

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"He was the guy that would help you out without hesitation. The guy that would sit with you in silence if thats what you needed," Shrum said, his voice breaking. "He didnt need credit. He just needed to know that the people he loved were OK."

In the lobby outside the high school gym were tables with memorabilia highlighting Elliott's life and interests. There was a humidor full of cigars next to a picture of Elliott with fellow members of the Circle City Cigar Club. A Metallica hat honored Elliotts favorite band, lying on a table next to a bottle of Skrewball peanut butter-flavored whiskey.

One photo shows Elliott in a gray suit, kneeling next to his wife and their dog. Her light-blue dress matched the dogs collar and the boutonniere pinned to Elliotts suit.

Before the service began, Erin Elliott thanked the officers who had her husband's back during patrols. Those who monitored his health during his final hours at Eskenazi Hospital. And those who stood at attention at the doors of the high school for the funeral.

Officers stand by a memorial for fallen Beech Grove Police Officer Brian Elliott as people file in Monday, Feb. 23, 2026, ahead of his memorial service in the gymnasium at Beech Grove High School. Elliott was killed in the line of duty Feb. 16, while responding to a disturbance call.

"Let's remember his smile and his silliness," she said as she wiped away tears. "If you partake, have a cigar in his honor sometime this week."

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Elliott graduated from Beech Grove High School in 2011 and studied criminal justice at what was then called Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, according to his obituary. His family has made Pepper's Pals Cat Rescue, a nonprofit organization that rescues vulnerable cats and kittens, the designated charity for donations to be made in his memory. Elliott and his wife had adopted their own cat, a female named Soup, through the organization.

More: Brian Elliott's family asks for donations to be made to Indianapolis cat rescue

Outside the police station, Chrissy Adams and her loved ones were the first to arrive to watch the funeral procession. The group stood across the street, huddled together with blankets and warm drinks in hand.

"We came to just show our community support for our fallen heroes," Adams said. "We're Beech Grove business owners, and we're trying to show as much support as we can."

#THREAD  An hour before Officer Brian Elliotts funeral service is set to start at Beech Grove High School, light snow has covered the memorial created in front of the police department with his vehicle. @indystar pic.twitter.com/jHg4iZR9IF  Jade Jackson, MBA Candidate (@IAMJADEJACKSON) February 23, 2026

Beech Grove police chief calls for accountability

Elliott was shot shortly before 6 p.m. on Feb. 16, 2026, when he and another officer responded to a domestic disturbance at an apartment complex in the 100 block of Diplomat Court in Beech Grove. Elliott heard a woman's screams, kicked open the door, and the two officers were immediately met with gunfire.

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Maurice, the police chief, remembers clearly the moment he learned that two of his officers had been shot. He knew the officers working that day. Hed hired them, trained with them, watched them on runs and seen their body cameras as they interacted with the public.

"There is no playbook, no policy and no amount of training that can prepare you when your officers call you telling you that you have not one, but two, officers shot," Maurice said.

Maurice said Elliott and the other officer, who was injured and whose name has not been released, answered "a cry for help" without hesitation, "unaware there was an ambush on the other side of that door."

The officer who was injured immediately began evacuating and rendering aid to Elliott. Others who were on duty arrived and loaded the two wounded officers into patrol vehicles.

Police officers and others take their seats ahead of a memorial service for fallen Beech Grove Police Officer Brian Elliott on Monday, Feb. 23, 2026, in the gymnasium at Beech Grove High School. Elliott was killed in the line of duty Feb. 16, while responding to a disturbance call.

"At no point did they retreat. At no point did they leave Officer Elliotts side. They didnt wait to make sure it was safe before they tried to save Brian. Why?" he said, stopping for a long pause as he choked back tears. "Because Officer Elliott was one of them  They knew Officer Elliott would not have left them."

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Kenneth Terrell Johnson, 47, has been charged for Elliott's death. Investigators allege that he held the woman captive in the apartment. After the shooting, he escaped out of a back patio door and scaled down from a third-floor balcony, according to court records. He was arrested hours later after a resident spotted him hiding in a nearby laundry room at the apartment complex. A Glock 43X 9mm handgun was found in a trash can nearby, according to court documents.

Johnson, who's been charged with six counts, is facing life imprisonment. Prosecutors are weighing whether to pursue the death penalty.

Maurice called for a nationwide reckoning about how the criminal justice system has dealt with repeat offenders, so they dont commit more crimes. He said although officers have been most scrutinized the past five years, attention must shift to county prosecutors and the court system.

Johnson has a criminal history from other states.

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"It is time to hold accountable those who hold a propensity for violence," Maurice said, "so that they cannot assault or kill another innocent victim."

The procession ended in front of the Heroes of Public Safety memorial at Crown Hill Cemetery. Officers marched carrying a bevy of flags, including one with a thin blue line, preceding a Pipes and Drums Band with bagpipes. A long total silence followed a rifle salute.

Eight officers folded a flag draped across Elliotts casket as a light flurry of snowflakes drifted to the ground. One officer handed the flag to Elliotts wife. Then, one by one, they placed their white carnation flower on the casket as the band played "Amazing Grace."

IndyStar reporters Ryan Murphy and Katie Wiseman contributed to this story.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Beech Grove police officer Brian Elliott, shot Feb. 16, laid to rest
Steven Polito is from New York and spends five to six months of the year in Puerto Vallarta.

Violence broke out in the city among other locations in Mexico, after a cartel leader was killed.

Polito said he wants to stay in Puerto Vallarta to support his community.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Steven Polito, 49, a drag performer from New York with the stage name Hedda Lettuce. The following has been edited for length and clarity.

I am a native New Yorker who lives in Puerto Vallarta during the winter.

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As a drag performer, it's a great place to be  it's a very LGBTQ+ friendly community here. There's a lot of theater, a lot of cabaret, and great restaurants. It's also walkable, which I love.

The moment you leave the house here, it's like one big "hello." That's what's really special about this place.

It's why I come here  and why I'm still going to come back. Being part of a community means staying when things are tough.

My neighbor, Senora de la flor, has been making me paper flowers for my wigs for years. Courtesy of Steven Polito

There was burned-out car after burned-out car

I went to the gym at 8:30 a.m., and I was struck by how unusually quiet it was. Then, my friend at the gym told me the city is under attack by a cartel, and I had to stay put.

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When I left around 10 a.m., it was a very different scene.

Everyday life was juxtaposed against horrendous property damage. There was an older woman sweeping leaves in the street, while burned-out car after burned-out car was in flames.

My neighborhood was particularly hard-hit. One neighbor pointed out a burned-out car that belonged to another neighbor who's an Uber driver with two young children. That was the bulk of his income.

My nerves are shot a bit from the sensory overload of all of it. I've had some tough experiences, but never anything like this.

The strong community keeps Puerto Vallarta going

As I walked home from the gym, I saw a restaurant that I go to three, four times a week. They offered me coffee. Despite everything, they were trying to be good neighbors.

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I saw people were cleaning up the burned out cars: it's neighbors taking care of neighbors.

I could go back to New York City, but we have to think in a less cavalier way. People who live here don't have the luxury of getting up and going.

During COVID, I stayed in Puerto Vallarta the entire time instead of going back to the States. We all thought it was going to just crumble around us. But somehow, everyone found their way and part of that was through the community.

The strength of the community, that's what's so great about Puerto Vallarta.

I've experienced it firsthand and that's what keeps it going. People persevere here.

Read the original article on Business Insider
PHILADELPHIA - A massive winter storm dumped more than a foot of snow across parts of the Philadelphia area Sunday night into Monday morning, and the snow is still falling.

Blizzard and winter storm warnings remain in effect as the storm is expected to linger through Monday afternoon for Philadelphia, and into the evening hours for the Jersey Shore.

Heavy snow and strong winds are creating dangerous travel conditions across the Philadelphia area  follow this live blog for the latest updates on snowfall, road conditions, power outages and weather alerts.

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FIND THE LATEST WINTER STORM FORECAST HERE

LIVE STORM UPDATES

Looking ahead at Tuesday, Feb. 24

6 a.m.  The City of Philadelphia will lift its Snow Emergency at 6:00 a.m., Tuesday, February 24, 2026.

While many streets have been cleared, crews will continue to use snow melters and new snow blowers to clear tight areas.

Any parking restrictions associated with that emergency will be lifted as well.

8 a.m.  City officials announced that residents will be able to make calls to 311 to report street or road conditions related to the storm. The opportunity for those reports to be handle will be activated at 8:00 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 24.

10 P.M. - Weather forecast

8:30 p.m.  NJ Transit rail, bus, and Access Link services to resume Tuesday

NJ TRANSIT will resume rail, bus, light rail, and Access Link services on Tuesday, February 24, with adjusted schedules due to ongoing Amtrak snow removal work.

The School District of Philadelphia will remain on virtual instruction for all students tomorrow.

7 p.m. - City of Philadelphia provides update on Snow Emergency

The City of Philadelphia provided an operational update as a Snow Emergency remains in effect due to a major winter storm, detailing response efforts, service impacts, and safety guidance for residents.

6:30 p.m. - NWS warns of black ice in the area

According to the National Weather Service (NWS), black ice could develop on roads in the region Monday night. With lows bottoming out in the teens to low 20s.

6 p.m.  Archdiocesan schools announce closings

Archdiocesan Parish, regional elementary, and high school buildings in the City of Philadelphia will be closed and these schools will utilize a Flexible Instruction Day on Tuesday, February 24, 2026.

5 p.m. - Weather Authority forecast and updated snow totals

NJ TRANSIT and the New Jersey Turnpike Authority announced Monday that light rail services will begin resuming in the afternoon, while most other transit options remain suspended as crews continue to recover from a historic snowstorm.

1:20 p.m - Philadelphia officials provide updates on storm response

Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker hosted a press conference Monday afternoon and urged residents to continue to avoid unnecessary travel to allow crews to continue working to clear city streets.

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Parker says more than 600 flights were canceled at Philadelphia International Airport Monday. Travelers should continue to monitor their airlines for updates.

City officials say they are continuing to monitor conditions, and will not be able to determine the end of the State of Emergency or plans for schools tomorrow until later in the day Monday. Mayor Parker says they expect to be able to make those decisions by 6 p.m. Monday.

1 p.m. - SEPTA restoring some service

Regional Rail is suspended until safety inspections are complete. On Metro, L, B, and T service is operating with delays, while D and M are running modified service, and G remains suspended. Bus service is in the process of being restored as streets are cleared. For details about each line, visit septa.org/alerts .

12 p.m.  Speed limit restored on most major Pennsylvania highways

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation lifted restrictions on vehicles and restored the speed limit, except for 295 in Bucks County.

11 a.m.  Track plowing near your home in Philadelphia

Snow plows are already out in full force in Philadelphia after Sunday's major storm dumped more than a foot of snow across the city.

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You can check the progress of snow plows in the city by accessing the interactive map on Phila.gov.

9:45 a.m.  Downed tree shuts down road in Doylestown

Tower Hill Road is currently closed between Elfman Drive due to a tree blocking the roadway.

9:30 a.m.  Snow totals increase, with some counties seeing more than 20 inches of snow

9:15 a.m.  Power outages increase for thousands of customers

9 a.m.  FOX 29 Weather Team's future snowfall predictions through the end of the storm

8:30 a.m.  Tree topples onto cars in Ambler

8:20 a.m.  More than 100,000 people without power across the region

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8:10 a.m. NJ State Police extend travel restrictions until noon

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.

Violators may face penalties under state law.

8 a.m.  New Jersey extends State of Emergency to noon

Gov. Mikie Sherrill spoke with Good Day Philadelphia on the latest storm updates, including a State of Emergency extension.

7:30 a.m.  18 inches or more reported in parts of PA, NJ, DE

A massive winter storm has left parts of the Delaware Valley buried in snow, with some areas already reporting more than a foot and a half Monday morning.

7 a.m.  Monday morning snow forecast

6:30 a.m.  SEPTA disruptions for Monday

SEPTA is advising riders of the following service updates:

All bus services, including G service, are suspended until further notice.

T service is diverted to 40th & Market Streets.

Regional Rail is temporarily suspended until safety inspections are complete.

M service is operating only between 69th Street Transit Center and Radnor Station.

L, B, and D services are operating as normal. However, delays and cancellations are likely.

5:30 a.m.  Snow brings tree down in Rittenhouse Square

5 a.m.  Flight cancellations and delays at PHL

 FLIGHT CANCELLATIONS: Due to ongoing winter weather, travelers should expect delays and possible cancellations.



 TSA UPDATE: Terminal A-West, B, and C ticketing and TSA checkpoints will be closed today, February 23rd.



Find TSA Checkpoint Hours Here: pic.twitter.com/OuKQByCDKU  PHLAirport (@PHLAirport) February 23, 2026

Stay connected with FOX LOCAL. For 24/7 winter storm coverage Download Now .
PHILADELPHIA - A potentially historic winter storm is expected to drop more than a foot of snow on the Philadelphia area as the snow continues to fall through Monday evening.

Blizzard warnings are already in effect for most of New Jersey and parts of Delaware, while a winter storm warning has been issued for Philadelphia and its northern suburbs.

Philadelphia and inland New Jersey could end up with a foot of snow by the end of the storm. However, the Jersey Shore is taking the brunt of the storm, possibly accumulating up to 18 inches of snow.

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Heavy snow and strong winds could create dangerous travel conditions across the Philadelphia area  follow this live blog for the latest updates on snowfall, road conditions, power outages and weather alerts as the storm continues into Monday.

FIND THE LATEST WINTER STORM FORECAST HERE

LIVE STORM UPDATES

10:15 p.m.  Weather Forecast includes Sunday night snow totals

10:00 p.m. - Snow coverage across Philly and New Jersey area

The National Weather Service started sharing snow totals from across the region, reporting 2 inches of snow in the Philadelphia area, 4.3 inches in New Jersey and 5 inches in Delaware.

8 p.m.  SEPTA suspends all bus routes Sunday night

SEPTA will suspend all bus routes at 10 p.m. on Sunday. The Center City Trolley Tunnel closes at 9 p.m., with other transit lines adjusting service.

5 p.m.  New Jersey State Police announce mandatory travel restrictions

The New Jersey State Police issued a mandatory overnight travel restriction through 7 a.m. Monday morning.

4 p.m.  PennDOT, PA Turnpike restrict vehicles on major eastern highways

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission implemented vehicle restrictions on major roadways across the state Sunday into Monday, with the heaviest impacts expected in eastern Pennsylvania.

3 p.m.  Flurries start to fall in Philadelphia

2 p.m.  Snow is falling at the Jersey Shore

FOX 29's Chris O'Conell was live in Cape May as snow started to accumulate on roads across town.

1 p.m.  NJ Transit suspends some services

NJ TRANSIT bus, light rail and Access Link services will be temporarily suspended at 6 p.m. Sunday. Rail service adjustments are expected later in the evening.

12:30 p.m.  Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro provides an update

12:23 p.m.  Mayor Cherelle Parker declares a disaster emergency in Philadelphia

The major Winter Storm descending on Philadelphia is predicted to bring anywhere from 12 to 18 inches of snow to our City, along with high winds, starting later today and extending into Monday.



Based on the steadily worsening forecast from the National Weather Service, I am pic.twitter.com/TnINruJD2y  Mayor Cherelle L. Parker (@PhillyMayor) February 22, 2026

Noon  State of Emergency goes into effect for New Jersey

Gov. Mikie Sherrill gave an update on New Jersey's preparedness for the winter storm as the State of Emergency went into effect.

11:40 a.m.  Delaware declares a State of Emergency in preparation of winter storm

9:40 a.m.  PPA is offering a flat 24-hour $5 discounted parking rate at some Center City garages

8 a.m.  Sunday morning snow forecast; latest winter storm updates

A major snow storm is bearing down on the Philadelphia region Sunday, with many parts of the region expecting a foot of snow or more. Blizzard warnings closer to the coast will make for dangerous conditions.

7:30 a.m.  Mayor Cherelle Parker declares a snow emergency in Philadelphia

6 a.m.  Winter storm begins with rain across the Philadelphia region

6 AM Sun: Light precip is spreading into the region. Mainly rain at the onset from around I-78 and south, then precip will become heavier and transition to snow starting late morning and into the afternoon. Snow for most areas by evening. Latest briefing: https://t.co/JiD09By93X  NWS Mount Holly (@NWS_MountHolly) February 22, 2026

8 p.m. Saturday  School District of Philadelphia shifts to virtual learning

The School District announced on Saturday night that school buildings will be closed on Monday, but classes will be held virtually.

Stay connected with FOX LOCAL. For 24/7 winter storm coverage Download Now .
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  A prehistoric discovery in northwest Missouri may be one of the rarest finds in the Midwest; a local paleontologist uncovered a mammoth bone, taking us back to the ice age when giants roamed the Show Me State.

For over two decades, Jason Howery has searched for ice age remains in northwest Missouri. His finds include giant deer, an ice age horse, ancient bison and now the femur of a Columbian mammoth.

Kansas City Royals hiring hundreds for seasonal roles at Kauffman

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When I first got there, it was the very first thing that I saw, and I looked down and there it was and I was like, No way,' Howery explained.

More than 10,000 years ago, glaciers covered northern Missouri and Kansas, creating ideal conditions for humans to hunt the now long-extinct animals. Nodaway County is home to a rare prehistoric butcher site, where evidence of that activity still exists today.

There have been somewhere around fifty confirmed butcher sites in North America. Its rare. Its extremely rare, Howery said.

Howery also said that this discovery may be his most important yet.

Theres a specific texture to ice age bone that doesnt feel like anything else in the world. When you feel it, it has this sticky, glassy texture to it. So as soon as my hands hit it, I was like, I know this feeling,' he shared.

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He also shares his discoveries with community programs and school outreach, aimed at sparking curiosity in the next generation.

Really, the goal is to inspire kids to put their phones down and get out into nature and explore, because there is so much history that is still out there right below their feet.

Kansas City mayor on key issues; police board vacancy dispute

Now, as a self-funded paleontologist, hes raising money to continue his work, including testing on the bone. Howery said that hed like to have it CT scanned and radiocarbon dated to determine the age and value of the bone.

While theres no guarantee of what comes next, Jason says the search is always worth it.

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So many possibilities and you never know whats going to be there. You dont always find things, but you find peace, you know?

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.
Chronically online MAGA Congressman Mike Lee should have just kept this one in the drafts.

The Utah senator, 54, shared a photo on X on Sunday afternoon of masked Mexican cartel members, calling out leftists in an attempted double standards gotcha moment regarding the idea that ICE agents should not wear masks to hide their identities.

Cartel hitmen wear masks, Lee, from his personal @BasedMikeLee account, wrote. Leftists arent complaining.

A screenshot of Sen. Mike Lee's X post before it was deleted. / @knightryder_65 via X

However, the senator was quick to delete his post after a few prominent Democrats responded, calling out how Lees argument unintentionally backfired.

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Yes. Cartel hitmen wear masks. Thats why ICE shouldnt, wrote Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.

The Senate minority leader called out Lee's remarks. / Sahil Kapur/X

Oh dear Mike, wrote Connecticut Senator Chris Murphy. I literally couldnt make our argument better than you do. The bad guys wear masks. The good guys dont.

Connecticut senator Chris Murphy said he

Hawaii Senator Brian Schatz replied, Mike, I would like ICE to have the same standards as a local police department, not cartel hitmen.

The Hawaii congressman called out Lee's comments. / Sahil Kapur/X

By Monday, Lees post was no longer available on the site. Its unclear exactly when the Utah congressman deleted it, but the post was shared long enough to attract considerable backlash.

Lees posting of polarizing rhetoric on social media, only to delete it later, is nothing new.

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In June 2025, after Democratic Minnesota state representative Melissa Hortman and her husband were assassinated in their home by Trump voter Vance Boelter, the GOP congressman tweeted and deleted some incredulous accusations blaming liberals for her death.

Sen. Mike Lee tried to characterize the attack on Minnesota state politicians as a symbol of leftist violence. / Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty

In one deleted post, Lee called the killing a Nightmare on Waltz Street in a misspelled effort to pin the blame on the states Democratic governor and staunch Trump administration adversary, Tim Walz.

In another deleted post, Lee said, This is what happens... When Marxists dont get their way.

Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman, a Democrat, was killed in June by a gunman who also targeted other Democrats and pro-abortion advocates. / Glen Stubbe/Star Tribune/Getty Images

MS NOW host Lawrence ODonnell said the senator was not well in the wake of his comments regarding the fatal shooting of Hortman and her husband.

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Mike Lee appears to be in an agonizing mental struggle with how to be a human being, ODonnell, 74, said on The Last Word with Lawrence ODonnell last year.

Lawrence O'Donnell said Mike Lee was

100 tweets a day is not healthy, he continued, referring to the congressmans avid social media usage as reported by the Salt Lake Tribune. No United States senator actually doing the job of senator would have the time for 100 tweets a day, or even 10 tweets a day.

Though Lee deleted his posts about Hortmans assassination, the Utah senator never officially apologized for his comments.
A 33-year-old Smyrna man was arrested Feb. 17 in connection with a hit-and-run collision that seriously injured a pedestrian in November 2025. Armando Cruz Sanchez was taken into custody and booked into the Cobb County Adult Detention Center on multiple charges.

The collison took place on Nov. 15, 2025, at the intersection of South Cobb Drive and Waldrep Circle.

Investigators said that a newer-model Chevrolet Silverado struck a pedestrian and fled the scene, prompting a monthslong investigation by Cobb County police.

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The pedestrian was crossing South Cobb Drive outside of a marked crosswalk when the collision occurred at about 7:19 p.m. The Chevrolet Silverado was traveling northbound and struck the pedestrian before fleeing the scene.

Investigators noted at the time of the incident that the suspect vehicle likely sustained damage to the front-end and grille area.

Emergency responders transported the pedestrian to Wellstar Kennestone Hospital for treatment of serious injuries. The Cobb County Police Department Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) Unit led the investigation into the crash for three months before identifying Sanchez as the driver.

Sanchez was taken into custody at approximately 8:09 a.m. Feb. 17 with the assistance of uniformed patrol officers. Following the arrest, he was booked into the Cobb County Adult Detention Center. He faces charges of hit-and-run, driving without a valid license and tampering with evidence.

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The collision remains under active investigation by the STEP Unit. Authorities are asking anyone with information regarding the driver, the vehicle or the incident to contact the Cobb County Police Department at 770-499-3987.

Channel 2 Action News has reached out to Cobb PD for further information.

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A waste management operator in the United Kingdom received a court order for 2,525 British pounds ($3,445) in fines after pleading guilty to illegally burning trash and abandoning mattresses on public streets, reported the Hull City Council.

Andrew Pearson, who ran a business called Kingston Clearances in Hull, England, faced a local court in December 2025. He admitted to multiple violations of environmental protection laws that occurred earlier in the year.

The case began when residents complained about smoky haze drifting through their neighborhood. Investigators traced the pollution to a vacant, shuttered pub where Pearson had been setting fire to garbage without any authorization to do so.

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Pearson held a license to haul away people's unwanted items. His permit, though, covered transport only, not incineration. Burning waste without proper controls releases harmful particles and toxins into the air that nearby families breathe.

City cameras captured footage linking Pearson to the illegal fires. Officers who examined the location found charred household items from local homes mixed into the debris.

Pearson abandoned a pair of mattresses on a city street, forcing the council to clean up the mess using taxpayer money. When officials asked him to provide paperwork showing where he had taken customers' waste, he failed to hand over those records.

"Despite being a registered waste carrier, Mr Pearson operated outside the permissions granted to him," said Councillor Charles Quinn, who oversees environmental matters for the city.

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"This prosecution shows that we will take firm action against anyone who commits environmental offences relating to the disposal of waste."

Outside of the financial penalty, Pearson now carries a conviction on his record.

If you hire someone to remove junk from your property, ask to see their license and request a receipt showing the final destination of your items. Legitimate haulers take materials to approved facilities, not vacant lots. Reporting suspicious smoke or dumped garbage to local authorities helps protect your community's air and public spaces.

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A resident of Letchworth, UK, was fined 300 for disposing of waste illegally, which is called fly-tipping in local slang, according to The Comet.

The trash that was disposed of included furniture, regular garbage, and a builder's bag. It was dumped in a relatively rural area and just left there.

Town officials reminded residents that they have a duty to make sure their trash is disposed of properly, even if they give the job to someone else or hire someone to do it.

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According to the Comet, they noted, "Paperwork must be obtained: a proper invoice, waste transfer note or receipt, including a description of the waste being removed and the waste carrier's contact details," any time someone hires another person to dispose of waste.

The North Herts Council took it one step further when it encouraged people to refuse any unexpected offers to take away garbage, and to ask where and how it will be disposed of before letting even a qualified company dispose of it.

While disposing of waste properly helps keep areas clean and tidy, it also helps the planet. The World Wildlife Fund noted that it takes plastic straws up to 200 years to break down. Disposing of trash properly can help at least contain this kind of issue. Knowing how, when, and where to recycle can prevent it entirely.

Dumping isn't just a problem in England. People in the United States struggle with it, too, like one person in Maryland who found trash in a nature area, and another who found people dumping trash into a pond.

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If this is happening in your community, joining with your neighbors to fight it and voting for politicians who will put a stop to it can help. Education might be in order, too, since some people simply don't understand the problems that can come from dumping trash outside of designated areas.

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.
BALTIMORE  The routine, as outlined in court records, was simple, brazen, and repeated over and over for years, at a cluster of Maryland hotels on major thoroughfares some 30 miles northeast of Baltimore: A sex trafficker forced a woman to book hotel rooms in her name, and handed her cash to pay for them.

Dressed in a seductive manner, the woman would check in, walk to her alleged traffickers car to inform them of the room number, then return to the hotel to wait for clients the trafficker arranged, people who were paying for sex, according to a federal lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court in Baltimore. The civil action accuses seven hotels in Maryland and one in Pennsylvania of enabling human trafficking.

From 2013 through 2016, the woman was trafficked repeatedly in the hotels, according to the 66-page lawsuit filed by the law firm Andreozzi and Foote, based in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Though she had visible bruises  injuries inflicted by her traffickers  and showed signs of (poor) hygiene, health and nutrition, none of the hotel operators or employees called police or tried to help the woman, according to the lawsuit. At the direction of her trafficker or traffickers, she declined housekeeping services but made multiple requests per day for additional towels and sheets.

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An employee at one hotel, a Travelodge in Aberdeen, knew the woman was being trafficked, and used that knowledge to force the woman to have sex for money, the lawsuit alleges.

The lawsuit alleges that hotel operators and workers at the hotels knew, or should have known, that the woman was being trafficked. The Maryland hotels are in Aberdeen, Havre de Grace and Edgewood. The womans alleged traffickers were never criminally charged.

Terrified of her trafficker

The woman, who is now in her early 40s, was terrified during the time she was trafficked, and remains afraid of her alleged tormentors, which is why she is unnamed in the 66-page lawsuit, said Alex Marcinko, one of her attorneys. Marcinko and fellow attorneys originally filed the lawsuit in December, but they filed an amended complaint on Wednesday.

To this day, shes terrified of her trafficker, Marcinko told The Baltimore Sun.

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Operators and employees of the hotel where the woman was trafficked ignored evidence she was being trafficked in the sex trade, Marcinko said. There were obvious signs of sex trafficking that the hotels overlooked.

The Budget Inn hotel in the 900 block of Pulaski Highway in Havre de Grace is among the Maryland hotels named in the lawsuit. The man staffing the front desk identified himself as Dipak Patel and said he owns the hotel.

Patel told The Sun he was unaware of the lawsuit. Patel said surveillance cameras provide a panoramic view of the barracks-style hotel, adding that he has never observed suspicious activity. Regarding guests, I dont know who the people are, he said.

A man who identified himself as the manager of another hotel in the lawsuit, the Super 8 motel, also in the 900 block of Pulaski Highway, said he was unaware of the suit.

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The other hotels named in the lawsuit are the Budget Inn in the 1100 block of South Philadelphia Boulevard in Aberdeen; the Days Inn in the 700 block of West Bel Air Avenue in Aberdeen; the Super 8 hotel in the 1000 block of Beards Hill Road in Aberdeen; the Motel 6 in the 1700 block of Edgewood Road in Edgewood; and the Travelodge in the 800 block of West Bel Air Avenue in Aberdeen; and the Motel 6 in the 300 block of Arsenal Road in York, Pennsylvania.

Millions awarded

Owners or managers at the Maryland hotels did not immediately respond to phone messages or emails seeking comment. The phone system for the Motel 6 in York for reaching the front desk did not work, so The Sun was unable to leave a message there.

The lawsuit is part of a raft of civil litigation nationwide in recent years targeting hotels for their role in human trafficking.

Last July, a federal jury in Decatur, Georgia, ordered an Atlanta area hotel, the United Inn & Suites, to pay $40 million to a child trafficking victim who was forced to provide sex for money at the hotel. The jury awarded the plaintiff $10 million in compensatory damages and $30 million in punitive damages.

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The hefty verdict has a dual effect on hotel operators, said Joseph McNally, a former federal prosecutor who is director of emerging torts and litigation at the Los Angeles law firm McNicholas & McNicholas.

Like any area of the law, once entities see liability exposure, and that theyre being held accountable, two things happen, McNally said. One, theyre more inclined to settle cases because they know the exposure. Two, and I think this is really important for victims and for society, they changed their practices. The goal in any civil action is not just to make victims financially whole, but also to really change behavior and change conduct.

Civil actions can be an effective way to hold hotel operators who look the other way at human trafficking accountable, McNally said.

Criminal prosecutions of hotel operators are rare and unusual because prosecutors would need to prove direct involvement in trafficking and would need to convince a judge or jury beyond a reasonable doubt. The standard of proof in a civil case is whether the preponderance of evidence shows that a plaintiff proved his or her case.

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A raft of hotels has paid millions of dollars in recent years to settle lawsuits alleging they knew, or should have known, human trafficking was occurring at their businesses.

Among the settlements, according to multiple published reports:

In July 2025, following the $40 million verdict, a hotel in Georgia that was once a Super 8 agreed to pay $6 million settle a lawsuit brought by a child trafficking survivor.

Four months earlier, in March 2025, three hotels in Philadelphia settled lawsuits by three human trafficking survivors for $17.5 million.

In February 2023, eight human trafficking victims settled a lawsuit against a Philadelphia Days Inn for $24 million.

Anti-human trafficking law enhances protections for victims.

Civil actions against hotels for looking the other way at human trafficking are based on a section of the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act (TVPRA), which President Bill Clinton signed into law in 2000 after Congress passed it with bipartisan support. Lawmakers have amended and reauthorized the TVPRA multiple times, enhancing protections for trafficking victims.

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Under the relevant section of TVPRA, trafficking victims can sue not only direct perpetrators, but hotel operators  who knowingly benefit financially or by receiving anything of value from participation in a venture that the person knew or should have known about the trafficking venture.

Lawsuits against hotels tied to human trafficking reflect how courts are evaluating responsibility today. Its not about the hotel committing the crime, said Monica Washington-Rothbaum, chief operating officer and senior attorney at J&Y Law, a California law firm. The legal question, in some jurisdictions, is whether the host knowingly ignored clear warning signs and failed to act. Thats where negligence comes into play. Did the property have policies in place? Were staff trained to recognize red flags? Did management receive complaints or observe suspicious activity and do nothing? Those are the issues that determine liability.

A greater willingness on the part of human trafficking victims to bring legal actions accounts for some of the increase in such cases, said David A. Muncy, a partner with the Maryland-based firm Plaxen Adler Muncy, P.A.

They feel like they can come forward and make their voice heard, Muncy told The Sun. Also, unfortunately, this is just becoming a larger problem in society. Youre getting people from overseas and other people who are vulnerable being taken advantage of by sex traffickers, and youre having these hotels and motels really just turn a blind eye to what seems like obvious activity.

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More than halfway through the crime novel he wrote, Robert Fuller describes the frustration of a detective locked in a mystery.

He rubbed the back of his neck. "Now what?" he said aloud.

It has been a week since someone made their way into Fuller's assisted living apartment in Potomac, Maryland, police say, and fatally shot the 87-year-old millionaire in the head. Authorities released surveillance video Friday of a suspect walking on the facility's grounds the morning of Feb. 14 around the time Fuller was killed. The video shows the back of a slender person wearing dark pants with long dark hair flowing over a yellowish checkered shirt. Investigators hope someone will recognize the shirt or the person's gait, produced as if they're favoring one foot.

Detectives don't know if the person depicted is a man or woman, was acting alone or what their motive was. "It's the mystery of the mystery writer," said one law enforcement officer talking about the case.

Over the last seven days, investigators have interviewed residents of the Cogir of Potomac facility, some of whom affectionately called Fuller, a Navy veteran, "the captain." They've subpoenaed companies for records and collected potential evidence from Fuller's third-floor apartment.

"We do believe Mr. Fuller was targeted," said Capt. Sean Gagen, commander of the Montgomery County Police Department's Major Crimes division.

"Somebody made a conscious decision to make their way into this facility and go to Mr. Fuller's room and shoot him."

"Why someone would target Mr. Fuller is a primary focus of our investigation," Gagen added. "It's a challenge from the standpoint that Mr. Fuller seems like a person who didn't have any enemies at all. It's important for us to get a better sense of who was in his life around the time of the murder and what events were taking place. Sometimes you just never know what you will uncover."

Fuller's friends in Augusta, Maine, where he lived much of his life, remain stunned.

"We're all puzzled up here about it," said Dave Rollins, the city's former mayor who now serves in Maine's House of Representatives. "Bob was very confident, very opinionated. But I never knew him to have been nefarious, creating grudges, settling grudges.

He was not in that realm at all."

That Fuller self-published a crime novel, "Unnatural Deaths," in 2009, registered to Rollins and other friends as typical of his colorful life, one defined by seemingly opposing forces often meshed together: Blunt formality, organized mischief, stubborn generosity. The opening acknowledgments of his book captured a bit of this.

"Writing a first novel is, I imagine, like giving birth to a barbed wire-baby," he wrote, adding on the next page, "Like any author should, I hasten to confess that any favor which this work may find among the reading public is largely due to the help which I received."

Fuller was born in 1938 and earned an undergraduate degree from Princeton University and a law degree from the University of Pennsylvania. He moved to Augusta and worked as an assistant attorney general, according to his longtime friend Bill Bridgeo, a former city manager there.

Fuller transitioned into private practice while working a parallel career with the U.S. Navy Reserve as a judge advocate general's officer. He'd sometimes arrive at social events dressed in his formal Navy whites with a ceremonial sword, inside its scabbard, attached to the hip. "He was old school," Bridgeo said.

Fuller dove into local causes. "He would contact me fairly frequently about ideas he had, what he could do for the community," Bridgeo said.

"He had a substantial family fortune he had inherited that he drew upon to support the causes he believed in."

Among the recipients: Hospitals, schools, scholarships, veterans, a historic fort and the YMCA.

Rollins, the former mayor, said he negotiated with Fuller over civic projects  finding him both easy to deal with and difficult to influence. "He had a wit, and he got your wit," Rollins said. "He was an outgoing, flamboyant person."

Deftly proud of his lineage and their extended families, Fuller commissioned a bronze statue of Chief Justice Melville Fuller, an Augusta native, to be erected outside the Kennebec County Courthouse in 2013. He was there to watch it lowered by a crane onto a big granite cube as he tried to deflect attention. "It's Melville Weston Fuller's Day, not mine," he told the Kennebec Journal.

The justice sat on a chair, greeting visitors with words inscribed in Latin for "Justice is the guardian of liberty," according to the Journal. The monument became part of the courthouse fabric, and during winters, someone would inevitably climb atop the justice to warm his head with a red cap, said Bridgeo.

In 2020, though, the justice's past caught up with his statue. Melville Fuller had supported Plessy v. Ferguson in 1896, which granted more than 50 years of legal support for racial segregation and Jim Crow in the United States. The Kennebec County Commissioners voted to have the statue moved. Fuller considered fighting the move, Bridgeo said, but in his own way accepted it. Early one Sunday morning, a crane returned to the courthouse and loaded the statue into the back of a pickup truck, then the truck drove off.

"The commissioners neither limited me to daylight hours for removing the statue nor required me to give advance notice of my intention to remove it," Fuller wrote from Potomac in a letter to the editor published by centralmaine.com. Fuller said the statue had been placed in storage.

Fuller had moved to Maryland for family reasons, according to his friends. His wife, Moira, needed care, and Moira's daughter lived in the area, Bridgeo said. Moira died in 2023.

In the Washington area, Fuller loved visits to the Army and Navy Club near the White House. Bridgeo remembers going there with Fuller about six years ago. His friend needed a wheelchair but otherwise seemed fine. "He was very animated," Bridgeo said. "Mentally he was as sharp as a tack."

The night of Feb. 13, Fuller went to bed. At 7:34 a.m. the next morning, he was discovered unresponsive. Paramedics and officers were called, police say, and after seeing the wound to his head thought he may have died by suicide. But they couldn't find a gun.

Gagen, the major crimes commander, said the staff and management at Cogir of Potomac have fully cooperated, and his investigators are working long days and nights.

"We're hopeful that when some of these records and results come back, we will have a better sense of where this case is heading," Gagen said. "We are committed to bringing justice on behalf of Mr. Fuller."

Police say that anyone with possible information on the case can call Montgomery County's Major Crimes Division at 240-773- 5070. People can also visit crimesolversmcmd.org to submit information electronically. Tipsters may remain anonymous.

(COMMENT, BELOW)




MARYLAND (DC News Now)  Several large-scale illegal car rallies across Maryland were busted or prevented Saturday, according to Maryland State Police.

According to police, troopers with the Maryland Car Rally Task Force established a presence in Prince Georges, Anne Arundel, Montgomery, and Howard counties from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. to disrupt, displace, or prevent the events from occurring.

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore declares State of Preparedness ahead of winter storm

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Officers monitored the following locations to prevent crowds of up to 300 people from engaging in exhibition driving, disorderly behavior, and impacting traffic:

15606 Emerald Way in Bowie

6210 Allentown Road in Camp Springs

8582 Fenton Street in Silver Spring

9500 Marlboro Pike in Upper Marlboro

6050 Fallard Drive in Upper Marlboro

7705 Connecticut Avenue in Chevy Chase

2600 Marble Court in Forestville

1415 Magellan Road in Hanover

Police said in Camp Springs, Md., troopers arrested the driver and passenger of a black Dodge Charger.

The driver, Jossel Joan Maldonado Sanabria, 19, and the passenger, a 17-year-old, were both charged with possession of a loaded firearm and transported to the Prince Georges County Detention Center.

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Tens of thousands of residents across Marylands Eastern Shore were without power Monday after more than a foot of snow blanketed the region late Sunday into early Monday.

Schools closed across the lower shore as the city of Salisbury and Wicomico County declared states of emergency, and a town in Worcester County lost electricity entirely. Despite widespread outages, authorities reported few major crashes as many residents stayed off the roads.

Immediately after the storm passed, Delmarva Power estimated about 35,000 customers without power across its service area, including roughly 20,000 in Maryland  mostly in Somerset, Wicomico and Worcester counties  and about 15,000 in Delaware. Choptank Electric Cooperative reported an additional 13,500 customers without electricity. That improved throughout the day, but still left thousands without light late afternoon on Monday.

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Katie Luckett, a communications manager for Choptank, said 40% of its customers were without power at one point. That number had dropped to 23% by 9 a.m. Monday and then fell to 17% by 4 p.m.

Its widespread from Caroline County south, she said. All nine counties are impacted currently. We have brought in crews from other electric co-ops to assist with repairs and restore power.

Power outages and wind gusts

Eswar Iyer, a forecaster for the National Weather Service in Wakefield, Virginia, said officials were still gathering data, but up to 15 inches of snow fell on the lower Eastern Shore.

Were still in the process of gathering reports here, and there are a lot of power outages as well, just because of the combination of the snow and wind, Iyer said. We had gusts to 60 miles per hour at Ocean City, and then the observing station there went out right after that.

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Woody Vickers, deputy director of Public Works in Ocean City, said the area from 40th Street south to the inlet was without power for much of Sunday night and into Monday morning.

There was numerous fire calls for alarms, a lot of them due to the electrical outages that happened, which then set off alarms to some of the hotels, and so forth throughout the night. Were still without power in downtown area. Im hearing somewhere between 700 to 1,100 locations, Vickers said Monday morning.

Vickers said heavy snow and high winds continued through much of Sunday night. He described a lot of transformers putting off fireworks throughout the night.

It was pretty brutal conditions. Whiteout conditions, he said. We had public works staff onsite since 5 oclock last night, and we continue to work to clear the roadways for residents in town. Theyve been here for 16 hours and will continue to work into the late morning, early afternoon, Im sure.

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Vickers said elsewhere in the county crews have really been struggling with a lot of trucks getting stuck, stranded.

They cant plow because of a lot of trees down and wires, he said. Weve been fortunate in that regard. Our problem is were much smaller and were battling a lot of snow, and a lot of wind is pushing it around. But well work through it, thats for sure.

Worcester County Sheriff Matt Crisafulli said there were several trees down throughout the county, including some on major roadways.

We have responded to multiple vehicles in ditches throughout the night, he said. No injury crashes that I am aware of at present.

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The entire town of Berlin was without power beginning around 10 p.m. Sunday, and outages continued into Monday morning.

Berlin is unique on the Eastern Shore in that it operates its own municipal electric utility, serving local homes and businesses directly. The town generates some electricity at a small power plant on William Street but purchases most of its power from outside suppliers. That electricity is delivered into Berlin through the regional transmission grid, which in much of the area is operated by Delmarva Power.

Berlin Mayor Zack Tyndall took to Facebook to provide an update early Monday morning, saying the issue, in this case, was with Delmarva Power.

Town crews have spent the evening working to clear down trees and wires, plow the streets, and fix issues related to the storm and power outage, Tyndall wrote. Unfortunately, the source of the issue is not a Berlin Electric issue but an issue with electricity coming into town from Delmarva Power.

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Tyndall asked for patience as town crews and Delmarva Power worked to restore service.

Zach Chizar, a senior communications specialist with Exelon, the parent company of Delmarva Power, said service was restored to some residents by around 9:30 a.m. on Monday.

All of our restoration times are suspended, but we do have crews actively on site working this one, Chizar said. We do encourage customers to request a callback so they know when their power is restored. We appreciate everyones patience as our crews are able to navigate the winds and road conditions to be able to assess and make any repairs.

Chizar said that as of 4 p.m. Monday, there were still 1,014 people without power in Ocean City. Another 6,000 were in the dark in Wicomico County and Somerset reported 4,000 still without power Monday afternoon. .

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Wicomico County Sheriff Mike Lewis said deputies and county road crews were responding to calls for service throughout the county, with police handling many of the downed trees on roadways.

We now have many businesses, including our own government office building, without power, Lewis said. Were encouraging everyone to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary.

Victoria Idoni, public information officer for Salisbury, said all city operations were either offline or running on generators.

Chris Hopkins, a spokesperson for Somerset County Emergency Services, said 3,000 residents there were without power early Monday, but there were no major accidents.

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Other parts of the Eastern Shore fared better.

Cambridge Police Chief Justin Todd said there were no major accidents or power outages.

The city, county and state are doing a great job of clearing the main roads, Todd said.

Easton saw significant snowfall, but also reported no major issues.

In Easton, we did receive some significant snowfall, but not as much accumulation as we anticipated, Greg Mueller, a communications specialist for the town, said. The roads are mostly clear now, and there were no significant accidents or outages that I am aware of.

Kevin Witt, a forecaster for the National Weather Service in Baltimore, said the rest of the state was less impacted.

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The storm system moved offshore from Carolina and moved a little farther east than models were previously indicating, but we did get several inches of snow in northeast Maryland, he said.

Witt said Odenton saw, 2.3 inches. Annapolis got 2 inches, and parts of Baltimore County received up to 5 inches of snow. He added what did accumulate is not likely to go away within the next day or two.

Temperatures are going to get down into the mid-20s tonight and then tomorrow tomorrow hit a high in the middle 30s, he said. But, it looks like Wednesday into Thursday were going to reach near 50 or into the 50s, and then whatevers left by Wednesday and Thursday will probably be gone by the end of the week.

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A massive government data breach that could rank among the largest in United States history is rapidly unfolding, and the fallout may touch millions of Americans you know  or even you. What began as what officials thought was a limited ransomware hack on government tech contractor Conduent has ballooned into an enormous incident affecting tens of millions of people across multiple states  with Social Security numbers, medical details and other deeply personal data potentially exposed. With new state reports continually expanding the scale of the breach and serious questions swirling about how it went undetected for so long, the full impact is still coming into focus  and the stakes for identity theft and fraud couldnt be higher.

What you need to know about the Conduent breach

The massive breach targeting Conduent, a company that provides data processing and administrative services for major corporations, state governments, and public healthcare programs, has escalated into one of the most significant security failures in recent memory. Here is a breakdown of the current situation:

The timeline and the culprit

The breach originated in January 2025 when the SafePay ransomware group infiltrated Conduents infrastructure, reportedly exfiltrating over 8 terabytes of sensitive data. Although the attack caused immediate disruptions to nationwide government services, the public was not officially notified until April 2025.

Who and how many are affected?

Because Conduent acts as a third-party processor for Fortune 100 companies, state agencies, and healthcare programs, most victims never interacted with the company directly. In a recent SEC filing, Conduent admitted the breach impacted a significant number of their clients end-users  the everyday citizens relying on government benefits, payroll systems, and insurance platforms.

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Initial estimates have been dwarfed as state-level investigations continue to uncover the true scale of the exposure:

Texas: Originally reported at 4 million victims, the number has since surged to 15.4 millionroughly half of the states population.

Oregon: The Attorney General confirmed that 10.5 million residents were compromised.

National Scope: With Conduent managing data for over 100 million people, the total number of victims across all states could easily reach tens of millions.

What data was stolen?

The hackers didnt just take contact info; they seized full identity profiles. The compromised data includes:

Legal names and addresses

Social security numbers

Private medical records

Health insurance details

Why the Conduent breach raises serious red flags

This incident is uniquely alarming because it transcends the typical theft of replaceable financial data. While you can easily cancel a stolen credit card, the information compromised in the Conduent hackincluding Social Security numbers and lifelong medical recordsis permanent. These forever identifiers cannot be swapped out, leaving victims vulnerable to exploitation for decades.

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The exposure of healthcare-related data is particularly dangerous. On the dark web, these records are highly coveted because they allow criminals to:

File fraudulent insurance claims or obtain expensive prescription drugs.

Open sophisticated financial accounts using a victims full medical and legal identity.

Conduct social engineering scams that are nearly impossible to detect.

Is the situation under control?

Conduent claims it successfully secured its networks and restored systems within days of detecting the intrusion. Both the company and its security partners report that they have found no evidence of the stolen data being sold or leaked on the dark web as of February 2026. A specialized call center has also been established to handle the surge of inquiries from concerned citizens.

Despite the companys reassurance that they followed all the right protocols, the delayed notification timeline has sparked intense scrutiny. Multiple class-action lawsuits have been consolidated in federal court, alleging that Conduent failed to protect sensitive data and waited too long to inform the public. With the victim count now estimated at 25 million, the gap between the initial hack and the final notifications remains a central point of contention for regulators and victims alike.

Tips to protect yourself after the Conduent breach

When Social Security numbers and medical records are exposed, protecting yourself isnt optional  its long-term damage control. Here are eight practical steps to reduce your risk:

1. Freeze your credit

Place a free credit freeze with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion to stop criminals from opening new accounts in your name. You can lift it temporarily anytime you need to apply for credit.

2. Check your credit reports often

Review your reports from all three bureaus for unfamiliar accounts, hard inquiries, or address changes. Spotting fraud early can prevent major financial fallout.

3. Strengthen your passwords

Use a password manager to generate unique, complex passwords for every account. If your email was part of the breach, update any reused passwords immediately and enable security alerts for future leaks.

4. Lock down your email

Your email controls password resets for nearly everything. Secure it with a strong password, turn on two-factor authentication, and review recovery details and login history.

5. Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA)

Activate 2FA on banking, healthcare, and social media accounts. Whenever possible, use an authenticator app instead of text-message codes for better protection.

6. Install reliable security software

Antivirus tools can help block phishing emails, malicious links, and follow-up scams that often target breach victims.

7. Look into identity theft monitoring

Identity protection services track your Social Security number and financial data for suspicious activity, offering alerts and recovery support if fraud occurs.

8. Limit your online exposure

Consider a data removal service to reduce personal details listed on data broker sites. Cutting down publicly available information makes targeted scams harder to pull off.

Source: CyberGuy Report / Fox News

Read the original article on GEEKSPIN.

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BERLIN  Bulgarias Sofia International Airport briefly suspended civilian air operations twice over the weekend while a fleet of American military aircraft staged at the facility, fueling speculation that Washington is positioning forces ahead of a potential strike on Iran.

A Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), verified by the Bulgarian investigative outlet Obektivno.BG, showed the airport restricted non-military operations on Feb. 23 from 01:15 to 02:50 local time and again on Feb. 24 from 01:05 to 03:35. Commercial flights are not ordinarily scheduled during this time frame.

Airport authorities attributed the brief closures to routine runway repairs and explicitly denied any link to the American military presence.

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Photographs circulating on social media showed at least six KC-135 Stratotanker refueling aircraft from the 6th Air Refueling Wing at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, along with C-17 and C-130 cargo planes and Boeing 747s typically used for troop transport, parked at the airports Terminal 1, according to Obektivno.BG.

Bulgarias Ministry of Defense confirmed the U.S. Air Force presence, describing the deployment as support for training related to NATOs enhanced vigilance activities, with American personnel engaged solely in aircraft maintenance. Caretaker Foreign Minister Nadezhda Neynsky acknowledged her ministry had limited information and had ordered officials to collect additional details.

The Sofia staging is a small part of a much larger American military mobilization. The Bulgarian investigative journalists have tracked more than 120 U.S. Air Force aircraft that crossed the Atlantic within days, including four dozen F-16s, three squadrons of F-35A stealth fighters, and 12 F-22 Raptors.

Similar deployments, including F-22s staged at RAF Lakenheath, preceded last Junes Operation Midnight Hammer strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. The USS Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group is also en route to join the USS Abraham Lincoln, which is already positioned in the Arabian Sea.

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U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has refused to grant Washington permission to use two critical British-controlled installations  RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, the European forward base for U.S. heavy bombers including the B-2 and B-52, and the joint US-UK facility at Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean  for any potential strike on Iran, The Times of London reported.

The buildup coincides with high-stakes nuclear diplomacy. American President Donald Trump, speaking at the inaugural meeting of his Board of Peace on Feb. 19, said he had given Tehran roughly ten days to reach a nuclear agreement, warning that bad things will happen if talks collapse. U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner met an Iranian delegation in Geneva last week, with Irans Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi describing agreement on a set of guiding principles, though significant gaps remain between the two sides.

Bulgaria, a NATO member since 2004, maintains a Defense Cooperation Agreement with Washington signed in 2006 that permits U.S. forces to use Bulgarian military facilities.
Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield made a campaign promise to establish an office focused on boosting neighborhood safety with an emphasis on reducing violent crime. And on Monday, Feb. 23, she turned that vision into a reality, in announcing Teferi Brent as the director of the city's first-ever Office of Neighborhood and Community Safety.

This new team, that was created by executive order and will work from within the mayor's office instead of being its own department, will focus its strategies towards six areas: Community Violence Intervention, conflict resolution and restorative practice initiatives, survivor advocacy and services, domestic and intimate partner violence prevention and intervention, re-entry support services for adults and juveniles, and group violence intervention.

Sheffield touted a reduction in overall crime in the city last year, however, she said the city did not have a centralized hub for violence prevention and intervention strategies. This moves seeks to remedy that problem.

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"We know that one life lost is still far too many. And behind every statistic is a grieving family, a traumatized neighborhood, and a community that is dealing with the ripple effects of gun violence. I have always stated that we cannot police our way out of gun violence. We must also address the root causes: poverty, trauma, lack of opportunity, conflict, and disconnection," Sheffield said. "We must continue to invest in our youth, in mentorship, in jobs, safe spaces and healing, because safety is more than the absence of violence, but it's also the presence of community, of belonging of trust and of opportunity."

Mayor Mary Sheffield signs an executive order establishing the new office of neighborhood and community safety after a press conference on Monday, Feb. 23, 2026.

Sheffield made the announcement as she stood alongside Detroit Police Chief Todd Bettison and dozens of philanthropic and community organizers from the Hudson-Webber Foundation, Seize the Smoke, The People's Action, Black Family Development, Inc. and Force Detroit. Hudson-Webber provided a $200,000 grant to help kickstart the office. Sheffield said the addition of this new office is "budget-neutral" and that the city is shifting funding from the departments of neighborhoods and health to account for additional positions within the office.

Brent, a Detroit community advocate, has committed at least 35 years toward community organization and urban peace and justice work. He said the office will not provide direct services, but described it as a "national best practice" to ensure the office supports community-based organizations that do provide services to the people.

"We will remove the silos that have historically prevented neighborhood-based organizations from accessing the resources and tools they need to more effectively service the communities in which they operate," Brent said.

Mayor Mary Sheffield taps Teferi Brent to lead the new office of neighborhood and community safety. Brent speaks about addressing the social determinants of violence in a press conference on Monday, Feb. 23, 2026.

Brent said he aims to prioritize several areas through a public health lens, including, understanding the safety needs of community; identifying gaps in current services; identifying, vetting and sharing existing programming that has not been communicated and made accessible to the community; and helping organizations "standardize their service models to ensure a respectful demarcation of labor and increase the probability of perpetual high-quality services that continuously yield positive measurable outcomes.

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"Madam mayor has consistently made it clear: We cannot and will not arrest our way into long-term sustainable public peace and safety. We have to address the social determinants of violence at its core with every resource that we can muster to ensure that all of our citizens  especially our seniors and youth  are allowed to thrive and not just survive in healthy, wholesome, healed and safe neighborhoods," Brent said.

Mayor Mary Sheffield is sworn in on Jan. 1, 2026, by city Clerk Janice Winfrey in this photo provided by the city of Detroit. Rikesha Williams, 39, of Detroit talks with Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield as she serves New Year's Day food to people at the Capuchin Soup Kitchen in Detroit on Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026. Sheffield started her first day on the job as the City of Detroits 76th mayor and its first female mayor. Detroit Mayor Sheffield, left, holds Zoe Reese, 2 months, of Livonia as she stands with Dr. Mona Hanna after announcing that Detroit will be the largest city in the nation to participate in RX Kids, a mom and baby support cash program for local families on Monday, Jan. 5, 2026 at the Franklin Wright Settlements in Detroit. Mary Sheffield, mayor of Detroit, speaks during a press conference announcing 2025 crime trends inside the Detroit Public Safety Headquarters in Detroit on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026. Senior U.S. District Judge Denise Page Hood administers the oath of office to the Mayor of Detroit Mary Sheffield during the Investiture Ceremony at the Detroit Opera House on Friday, Jan. 9, 2026. Detroit mayor Mary Sheffield takes a selfie with attendees during her inaugural ball at the Icon in Detroit on Friday, Jan. 9, 2026. Mayor Mary Sheffield announced on Monday, Jan. 12, 2026 that Luke Shaefer, of the University of Michigan Poverty Solutions initiative, and Benita Miller, an attorney and nonprofit and public sector leader, will lead the city's effort to tackle poverty and homelessness. Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield declares the Cadillac Escalade IQ 1000 E4 her favorite after a test drive, during a tour of the Detroit Auto Show at Huntington Place in Detroit, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026. Chanel Hampton, Detroit's new senior director of youth and education, and education liaison, speaks at a press conference where Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield announced a new department of youth and education, Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026. Mary Sheffield's actions, events as mayor of Detroit 1 of 9 Mayor Mary Sheffield is sworn in on Jan. 1, 2026, by city Clerk Janice Winfrey in this photo provided by the city of Detroit.

The new office also will work toward addressing domestic violence in the city by gathering data from the city's CVI programs. Brent expects to assign staff to research and develop strategies to address the issue in the city.

Negus Vu, president of The People's Action, said his organization has helped address group violence and prevention programs to deescalate conflict in an effort to create pathways for a brighter future of opportunities for young people.

"Violence does not exist in isolation, and what I mean is, we're expanding our focus to intentionally address intimate partner violence and domestic violence, Including both fatal and nonfatal shootings. These forms of violence often happen behind closed doors, but their impact ripples throughout families, neighborhoods and generations. They are deeply connected to trauma, power dynamics and access to firearms. And they require a coordinated, data-driven survival center response," Vu said.

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The new office also will work across multiple city and external partners, including public health agencies, social service providers, law enforcement, criminal justice partners, schools, hospitals, neighborhood organizations, Detroit PAL, the Wayne County Dispute Resolution Center, the Center for Working Families, housing and parks departments, and the Department of Human, Homelessness and Family Services, according to the city.

This is a powerful example of what it looks like when a city makes safety, not just a priority, but a shared responsibility, said Michael Shaw, vice president of programs for Hudson-Webber. The investment reflects our deep belief that public safety is strongest when its coordinated, community driven and rooted in partnership.

Sheffield added that she wants her administration and future administrations to recognize the importance of prevention as a tool to public safety. Read the full executive order on the city of Detroit's website.

Dana Afana is the Detroit city hall reporter for the Free Press. Contact: dafana@freepress.com. Follow her: @DanaAfana.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Mary Sheffield launches new office of neighborhood, community safety
Editor's note: This story has been updated since its original publication to include comments from the Arizona Department of Health Care Policy and Financing.

(The Center Square) - Colorado has seen Medicaid spending doubled over the last decade, according to a new report.

Meanwhile, the states unit tasked with investigating and prosecuting Medicaid fraud has had to triage its investigations as the number of referrals it receives has outpaced its staff.

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Since 2015, spending by the state Department of Health Care Policy and Financing, which administers Colorados Medicaid program, has increased 101% to $16 billion. According to a recent analysis by Common Sense Institute Colorado, Medicaid enrollment only went up 7.6% from fiscal year 2018 through 2024, while the departments full-time equivalent employment grew 72% during that time.

Meanwhile, the states Medicaid Fraud, Abuse and Neglect Unit, a branch of the Attorney General Phil Weiser's office thats responsible for investigating and prosecuting fraud by providers, has become backlogged by cases, according to state documents.

Despite staffing additions over the last few years, the pace of incoming referrals continues to exceed existing staffing, HCPFs November report, delivered annually to state lawmakers, said for fiscal year 2024-25. Over time, funding for the Medicaid program has continued to rise faster than funding for the MFANU, resulting in a backlog of cases and the inability to pursue certain leads and complaints.

A spokesperson for HCPF told The Center Square there is not more recent public data than fiscal year 2024-25, which ended in June.

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According to the new report, MFANU has had to triage its investigative cases, turning down matters involving lower monetary losses and at times limiting the scope of ongoing investigations.

The caseloads for the units investigators have tripled since 2023, while attorney caseloads are up fivefold, the report stated. At the time of the report, MFANU had 56 referrals approved for investigation that had not been assigned due to continuing staffing limitations.

This number has continued to increase, and the Unit anticipates that the need to triage investigations will continue through the next reporting period, the report said.

The unit received 497 complaints in fiscal year 2024-25 and opened 172 investigations. MFANU recovered over $45.6 million in civil actions through litigation or settlements, collecting over $1.7 million from providers, according to the annual report on the unit by the attorney generals office.

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MFANU identified criminal restitution ordered to Medicaid totaling $139,299, according to the HCPF report.

In regard to only provider fraud, fraud continues to involve the provision of in-home services and off-site services, including billing the Medicaid program for services that were not provided and over billing for services rendered, the report said. Several of these schemes involved providers of in-home nursing care, providers of day habilitation services for developmentally disabled Medicaid clients, and adult day service providers.

Several cases of Medicaid fraud in the state have been prosecuted or settled in recent months.

The U.S. Attorneys Office and the state Attorney General's Office office earlier this month announced an individual from Mesa County was charged for defrauding Medicaids non-emergent medical transportation program by billing over $1 million through Armistead Twin Rides LLC. Another individual from Douglas County was charged with fraud billed $3.3 million in non-emergent medical transportation ride through a limo company.

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Last month, a Greeley eye care clinic agreed to a $280,000 settlement for allegedly illegally billing Medicaid, while an eye clinic in Fountain agreed to a $240,000 settlement.

"We continue to look for and hold accountable bad actors," Attorney General Weiser said last week, answering The Center Square's questions during a virtual news conference. "That has been a key focus that we have brought to that."

A spokesperson for the attorney general told The Center Square in a follow-up email that MFANUs staffing increased from 17 to 23 full-time equivalent positions from 2017 to 2023.

Since AG Weiser has been in office, [MFANU] has recovered more than $50M through court orders (civil recoveries and criminal restitution), convicted 62 defendants, and settled 111 civil fraud cases, the spokesperson said.

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The unit has also regularly holds a Health Care Fraud Working Group to collaborate with state and federal partners and added a community outreach program in 2024, the spokesperson added.

CSI Healthcare Fellow Greg DArgonne, one of the authors of the analysis, suggested in an interview with The Center Square that some of the overhead dollars HCPF uses for a Recovery Audit Contractor program instead go to beef up its own fraud oversight.

Lets put money back into HCPFs pockets and take it away from the fraudsters and quit focusing so much on providers who are rendering services in good faith but because of some minor billing error or technical error, theyre getting dollars recouped going back as much as seven years, he said.

HCPF has added over 300 FTEs over the last few years, he noted. Why dont they deploy some of those people over to the fraud unit? Because really, that should be what the state should be going after, is fraud.

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The HCPF spokesperson told The Center Square that the agency is committed to " is committed to preventing, identifying, and rooting out fraud, waste and abuse (FWA).

We are leveraging tools available to take legal action against Medicaid providers who have defrauded taxpayers and participated in abusive business practices," the spokesperson.

We are also working to improve our FWA efforts, the spokesperson added, noting the department recently established a FWA Finder tool that will help identify provider billing anomalies.

While this tool will help, HCPF is working through a more comprehensive review of the additional needs, tools, staff, and resources necessary to address the nations increase in provider FWAs, such as up-coding and other over-billing schemes  similar to those seen under Medicare Advantage or industry software and strategies designed to facilitate these practices," the HCPF spokesperson said. "More resources are essential for HCPF to keep pace with this reality,.
Two agricultural students who launched a sadistic attack on a sheep, which included placing fireworks inside its mouth and body, have been jailed.

Leighton Ashby, 22, and Oakley Hollands, 20, filmed the 30-minute attack on a mobile phone and kept the sheeps ear tag as a token, which was later hidden inside a Monster energy can and discovered inside a communal toilet.

The duo, who were enrolled at Plumpton Agricultural College, pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal. Ashby was sentenced to two years behind bars, while Hollands received a 20-month sentence at a youth offender institution.

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Hove Trial Centre heard that the two men had invited two of their fellow students to see a dead badger on the evening of 2 November 2023, with Hollands telling the group that he had been drinking alcohol while behind the wheel.

After arriving at a field near Ditchling Beacon, the group walked along a public footpath before Ashby and Hollands began to chase a sheep, eventually pinning it to the ground.

Shortly afterwards, Ashby began swinging it from side to side and kicked the sheep around five times to its head and torso. When the other witnesses wanted to leave and asked for the car keys, Hollands refused and began to film the incident on his mobile phone.

At one point, the sheep appeared unable to stand due to the blows to its head, with Hollands heard shouting go on, kill it, kill it, kill it while laughing in the background.

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Explosive devices were then inserted into the mouth and anus of the animal, leaving it severely mutilated with fatal injuries.

Animal rights campaigner Lorraine Stokes outside the court with fellow protesters (The Independent)

After the group returned to the college, Ashby was heard to tell Hollands we need to wait a couple of weeks before we do that again. The duo were reported to the police after a female witness requested that Hollands send her the videos. It was also reported to college staff.

Both men have been excluded from the college as a result of their actions.

Analysis of their phones found other disturbing materials, including footage of a dead fox being dismembered and a badger being kicked on Hollands device.

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Describing their actions as exhibiting a worrying pattern in the mutilation and destruction of animals, prosecutor Jordan Franks said: This is not simply about the infliction of pain. It could have been in a different context  violence towards the sheep out of frustration, anger, showing off.

It is the crowns case that Mr Hollands can be heard laughing and shouting kill it. The video of the aftermath shows the blood on his hand, they keep the token of the sheeps ear tag. There are worrying signs they took a great deal of pleasure in the suffering they caused.

Protesters gathered outside and sat in the public gallery holding banners that called for a custodial sentence, with animal rights campaigners naming the sheep Eunice.

In a community impact statement read aloud to the court, Mr Franks said that members of the public had reacted with an overwhelming amount of disgust at the violence used by the two men.

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The court heard that both defendants were of previous good character and of agricultural backgrounds, with Hollands diagnosed with ADHD and Ashby with autism and learning difficulties.

Sentencing them, Judge Jeremy Gold KC said: Quite what satisfaction you could derive from chasing sheep is difficult to understand but you caught a lamb, a Romsey ewe, which you then kicked and beat to death for your own perverse satisfaction.

The ordeal suffered by that defenceless animal is graphically portrayed on the video footage that you took during the attack.

He continued: As if what had already been done was not bad enough, you decided to insert fireworks into the lamb to cause further suffering and mutilation of this innocent creature. The fact that you both come from farming backgrounds and were studying at Plumpton at the time makes your callous and frankly sadistic behaviour all the more alarming and difficult to comprehend.
Mexican drug lord Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, commonly known as "El Mencho," was killed in a military operation, officials announced on Sunday, Feb. 22, the latest victory in Mexico's war on drug cartels amid U.S. intervention threats.

Mexico's defense ministry said a shootout in Tapalpa, Jalisco, left Oseguera seriously injured, and he died during an air transfer to Mexico City. Six other cartel members were killed and two were arrested in the military operation.

"Various weapons and armored vehicles were seized, including rocket launchers capable of shooting down aircraft and destroying armored vehicles," Mexican officials said, adding that the authorities in the United States provided "complementary information."

A former police officer, Oseguera was the shadowy leader of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel, an outfit named for the western state that is home to one of Mexico's biggest cities, Guadalajara. Over a relatively short period of time, the cartel transformed into an international criminal enterprise rivaling former allies in the Sinaloa Cartel, the gang of captured kingpin Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, now in a U.S. prison.

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Oseguera's death notches a major victory for Mexico's war on drug cartels that are responsible for smuggling billions of dollars in cocaine and fentanyl into the U.S. The operation set off a wave of violence, with torched cars and gunmen blocking highways in more than half a dozen states.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said on social media that "there is absolute coordination with the governments of all states," adding that "we work every day for peace, security, justice, and the well-being of Mexico."

Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus Navarro urged residents to stay home until the situation was brought under control, and the U.S. embassy advised its citizens to shelter in place. Videos on social media showed cars ablaze, sending dark smoke into the sky, on roads in Jalisco.

Aftermath: Chaos erupts at Mexican airports after death of drug lord 'El Mencho'

US provided information for 'El Mencho' operation

The military operation against Oseguera follows a pressure campaign from the Trump administration on Sheinbaum's government to ramp up its crackdown on drug trafficking, which included U.S. threats to intervene directly in Mexico.

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The ministry said in the release that the United States provided information for the operation.

"In addition to central military intelligence efforts, complementary information was provided by U.S. authorities within the framework of bilateral coordination and cooperation with the United States," the release read.

Reuters reported, citing an anonymous a U.S. defense official, that the Joint Interagency Task Force-Counter Cartel, played a role in the operation. The agency, launched in late 2025, specializes in intelligence collection on drug cartels on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border. The unnamed official stressed the raid itself was a Mexican military operation.

Mexican media outlets reported burning vehicles and gunmen blocking highways in more than half a dozen states across the country, particularly in the north and west. Mexico's security cabinet said in a post on X that, as of 3 p.m. ET, there were 21 active highway blockades in Jalisco and 20 branches of Banco del Bienestar in the state that suffered damage.

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Flights to Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara airports have been diverted or canceled by major airlines, including Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, and Alaska Airlines. The Liga MX Femenil match between Chivas and Club America scheduled for Feb. 22, and a men's Liga MX match were postponed due to the violence.

Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau called the killing a "great development for Mexico, the US, Latin America, and the world" in a post on X. "Im watching the scenes of violence from Mexico with great sadness and concern."

Mexican cartels: These Americans bought timeshares in Mexico. They were unknowingly funding a cartel.

'Biggest prize for many, many years'

Vanda Felbab-Brown, an expert on international organized crime, compared Oseguera to other key drug figures taken down in recent years, Guzman and Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada, both of the rival Sinaloa cartel.

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"Apart from the heads of the Sinaloa cartel, 'El Mencho' has been the biggest prize for many, many years," Felbab-Brown told Reuters, adding that she expects a "tremendous amount of violence is going to happen."

Unlike some cartel leaders who inherited leadership positions from family dynasties, Oseguera's parents were farm workers who carved out a living in Aguililla, a city of fewer than 20,000 people in Michoacan  known as the world's avocado capital.

He dropped out of school after the sixth grade to pick avocados, The Courier Journal, part of the USA TODAY Network, reported in 2019. The future "El Mencho" attempted to build a drug-trafficking business in the Bay Area, served more than four years in federal prison, and was deported after he sold heroin for $9,500 to two undercover officers at the Imperial Bar in San Francisco in 1992.

Oseguera made his way to Tijuana, the prominent border town for American tourists and feuding Mexican cartels. There, he grew his drug-smuggling business in San Diego and quickly made a name for himself at the main entry point into the U.S. that acts as a popular drug plaza for cartels wanting to export their product across the border.

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Oseguera had been indicted several times in the U.S., most recently in 2022 on charges under the "Drug Kingpin Statue" for operating a continuing a criminal enterprise and conspiracy to manufacture and distribute methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl for unlawful importation into the U.S., according court documents reviewed by USA TODAY.

Contributing: Reuters

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Drug lord Nemesio 'El Mencho' Oseguera killed in military operation
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has sought to assuage fears following a government raid that killed one of the countrys most-wanted drug trafficking leaders, prompting a series of violent outbursts by cartels across the country.

Speaking alongside Sheinbaum during a press conference on Monday, Security Secretary Omar Garcia Harfuch said that 25 members of the National Guard had been killed in fighting with criminal groups in the state of Jalisco after the raid.

What is important now is to guarantee peace and security of all the population, of all of Mexico, Sheinbaum said, adding that conditions have improved and Mexico is calm after the Sunday raid that killed Nemesio Oseguera, also known as El Mencho, of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel.

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The killing of El Mencho comes as Mexico is under growing pressure from the United States to take a more aggressive stance towards drug-trafficking groups, although the killing of top-level cartel figures in the past has had little impact on the drug trade and has often created a leadership vacuum that others violently act to fill.

The raid also set off a wave of reprisal attacks and impromptu roadblocks that have spread fear and uncertainty through Mexico, where criminal groups violently jostle for control of territory.





Garcia Harfuch said that the 25 members of the National Guard were killed in six incidents across Jalisco, adding that 30 people he described as criminal suspects were also killed in the clashes, along with four in Michoacan.

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First there was a huge gun battle, and then another, and another, an anonymous resident of the town of Aguililla in Michoacan told AFP news agency, saying that cartel gunmen attacked a local outpost of soldiers on Sunday. But they couldnt advance because the soldiers stopped them.

Defence Secretary Ricardo Trevilla said that an additional 2,500 security force members would be sent to Jalisco to reinforce the armed forces already deployed there, and Sheinbaum said that all of the more than 250 roadblocks erected across 20 states in response to the raid have been removed.

Mexican officials have sought to downplay the prospect of long-term disruptions stemming from the raid, with Sheinbaum saying that flights to and from Puerto Vallarta, located in the state of Jalisco, are expected to resume on Monday or Tuesday.

The Mexican Embassy to the US has shared social media posts debunking online rumours of attacks on civilians at Guadalajara airport and US tourists being held hostage.

In Puerto Vallarta, flights continue to be disrupted due to availability of flight crews. The Embassy is in close contact with airlines to monitor their plans, the US Department of States Bureau of Consular Affairs said in a social media post on Monday. All other airports in Mexico are open, and most airports are operating normally. If you are traveling via any airport other than Guadalajara or Puerto Vallarta, we have received no indication of any security-related flight disruptions.
TAPALPA, Mexico (AP)  A day after the Mexican army killed the country's most powerful drug lord, the picturesque town where it happened was a study in contrasts.

Children whose classes had been suspended by the outbreak of violence played in cobblestone streets and tourist shops were open on Tapalpa's main plaza Monday. But gunshots also rang out, and just outside the town a dead man lay on the road next to a Jeep sprayed with bullets.

Meanwhile, heavily armed Mexican security forces kept up their battle with cartel gunmen following the killing that sparked a surge in violence and put the country on edge. Cartel fighters continued to block roads as smoke rose on the outskirts of the town in the state of Jalisco.

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More than 70 people died in the attempt to capture Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes and the aftermath, authorities said Monday. Known as El Mencho, he was the notorious leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, one of the most powerful criminal organizations in Mexico.

The body count taken by security officials included security forces, suspected cartel members and others. Officials did not offer details, and the circumstances of most of the deaths were unclear.

Fast-growing cartel

Oseguera Cervantes was the boss of one of the fastest-growing criminal networks in Mexico, known for trafficking fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine to the United States and staging brazen attacks against Mexican government officials. The organization responded to his death with widespread violence, including erecting more than 250 roadblocks across 20 states and setting fire to vehicles.

The capo died after a shootout with the Mexican military on Sunday. Mexican Defense Secretary Gen. Ricardo Trevilla said Monday that authorities had tracked one of his romantic partners to his hideout in Tapalpa.

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The cartel leader and two bodyguards fled into a wooded area where they were seriously wounded in a firefight. They were taken into custody and died on the way to Mexico City, Trevilla said.

In a different location in Jalisco, soldiers killed another high-ranking cartel member who Trevilla said was coordinating violence and offering more than $1,000 for every soldier killed.

Mexican authorities reported that 25 members of the Mexican National Guard were killed in six separate attacks, while some 30 criminal suspects were killed in Jalisco, and four others in the neighboring state of Michoacan. Also killed were a prison guard and an agent from the state prosecutors office.

The White House confirmed that the U.S. 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.

Violence surges in Jalisco

Mexico hoped the death of the worlds biggest fentanyl traffickers would ease Trump administration pressure to do more against the cartels, but many people were anxious as they waited to see the powerful cartels reaction.

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As the threat of more violence loomed, several Mexican states canceled school Monday, while local and foreign governments warned their citizens to stay inside.

Steve Perkins, 57, had been visiting Puerto Vallarta with his wife and friends. The couple was scheduled to return to Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, on Monday when their flight was canceled.

Perkins said he and his wife were having coffee on the terrace of their hotel room in downtown when they heard rounds of explosions and gunshots, and saw smoke billowing over the city around 8:30 a.m.

The entire downtown in the bay was just covered in thick black smoke, pretty scary, Perkins said. And then at one point, we heard screams. We heard a lot of screams  So then we started getting really worried.

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Perkins and his wife traded out their flip-flops for running shoes in case we needed to make a run for it.

My wife called our kids to tell them goodbye if we were never gonna see them again," Perkins said.

The U.S. Embassy said via X that its personnel in eight cities and in the state of Michoacan would shelter in place and work remotely Monday. It warned U.S. citizens in many parts of Mexico to do the same.

Many fear what comes next

In Guadalajara, the state capital, some ventured out into the streets to work and buy supplies, a notable change from Sunday, when Mexico's second-largest city was almost completely shut down as fearful residents stayed home.

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More than 1,000 people were stuck overnight in Guadalajaras zoo, where they slept in buses. Families were left stranded, unable to return home to nearby states like Zacatecas and Michoacan, said Luis Soto Rendon, the zoos director.

We decided to let people stay inside the zoo for their safety, Soto said. We have everyone from small children to senior citizens.

Jose Luis Ramirez, a 54-year-old therapist, was in a long line of people waiting outside a pharmacy, one of the few businesses that were open Monday in Guadalajara. Families were buying food, medicine, water, diapers and baby formula, from pharmacists through a chained door.

It was Ramirezs first time leaving the house since the violence erupted.

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We have to not think scared, but be cool-headed, like they say, and take things as they come, he said.

Those who had to work carefully made their way across the city.

Irma Hernandez, a 43-year-old hotel security guard in Guadalajara, normally takes public transportation to her job, but buses were not running, and she had no way to cross the city. Her bosses organized a private car to pick her up. Her family, she said, was staying at home, too scared to leave.

I am worried because I don't know how to get home if something happens, she said.

Trump has pressed Mexico to fight fentanyl

U.S. President Donald Trump has demanded Mexico do more to fight the smuggling of fentanyl, threatening to impose more tariffs or take unilateral military action if the country does not show results.

The U.S. State Department had offered a reward of up to $15 million for information leading to the arrest of El Mencho. The Jalisco New Generation Cartel began operating around 2009.

In February 2025, the Trump administration designated the cartel as a foreign terrorist organization. It 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.

At a blockade Monday on the outskirts of Tapalpa, 25-year-old Joel Ramirez and two friends were waiting for soldiers to clear a blockade of tree limbs. He hauls things in his pickup for a living and had not been able to get home since Sunday's violence.

Everything seems calmer, but we were almost there and got stuck, he said. We're scared.

___

Verza reported from Mexico City. Associated Press writers Fabiola Sanchez in Mexico City and Juan Lozano in Houston also contributed to this report.
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Senate Democrat leader Chuck Schumer of New York relentlessly smears the GOP-sponsored SAVE Act as "Jim Crow 2.0" This bill requires that citizens show photo ID to vote in federal elections. Schumer mendaciously decries this as the Republicans' freshest flavor of hate, aimed chiefly at blacks. The GOP, Schumer insinuates, stole this idea from Bull Connor, George Wallace, and the other Southern Democrats who brutally enforced Jim Crow 1.0.

"Well, we find it racist," Congresswoman Yvette Clarke (D - New York) told Lindell TV. She recalled Jim Crow 1.0 poll tests that suppressed black votes "because we didn't know how many bubbles were in a soap bar."

Senator Alex Padilla (D - California) called the SAVE Act a "show-me-your-papers law," thus heating the rhetoric to full boil atop a "Republicans are Nazis" burner.

But if photo ID is a GOP plot to disenfranchise blacks, why is it so common worldwide?

I used Chat GPT, a vastly underappreciated research tool, to investigate this matter. My queries demonstrated that photo ID ignites passions in America and yields yawns abroad. Internationally, showing photo ID to vote is the done thing.

 Within the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), 27 of 38 countries  71%  require photo ID to vote in national elections, including France, Israel, and South Korea. Conversely, Australia, New Zealand, and Switzerland have no photo-ID mandate.

 Twenty-six of NATO's 32 members  81.25%  require photo ID. On that list: Italy, the Netherlands, and other long-standing allies, plus newer members, such as Albania, Estonia, and Slovenia. Only in Denmark is photo ID outside the picture.

NATO and Europe are overwhelmingly white. What about places of color?

 "Across Latin America and much of the Caribbean, photo ID is universal and expected," Chat GPT observes. In the Organization of American States, 23 of 35 members  66%  require photo ID to vote. This is true, from Honduras to Jamaica to Argentina. Only Dominica spurns photo ID.

According to Mexico's National Electoral Institute, "only citizens who have been registered in these [voters] lists and who have a photo-voting card may exercise their right to vote." To cast a ballot, each Mexican's photo-voting card must match his picture on the tamper-resistant voter roll. Mexico practices strict electoral hygiene. What's America's excuse?

 Nine of 11 Association of Southeast Asian Nations members  82%  require photo ID to vote. Among them: Cambodia, Laos, and Thailand.

In East Timor, for instance, the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance reports: "There is a permanent computerized register of voters, and those on it are issued with a photographic voter registration card to be presented at polling centres."

Although Vietnam is an exception, Chat GPT states: "ASEAN is overwhelmingly a photo ID region for voting."

If photo ID for voters epitomizes white supremacy, Democrats should explain this:

 "Africa is overwhelmingly a photo-ID continent for voting," Chat GPT says. Invoking the African Union, it adds: "In most AU member states, national ID cards or voter cards with photographs are universal, free, and issued specifically to facilitate electoral participation, often alongside biometric verification."

From Algeria to Kenya to Zambia, 45 of the AU's 55 members  82%  require photo ID to vote. Only Eritrea, Guinea-Bissau, and the breakaway republic of Somaliland fully reject photo ID. Chat GPT observes: "This category is small in Africa and shrinking, as biometric registration and photo voter cards spread."

 "Across every major regional organization examined, requiring voters to establish identity at the polling place is the overwhelming norm. In most cases, this means presenting a government-issued photo ID." Chat GPT concludes. "Systems allowing voting with no identification are rare and typically confined to a small number of countries or exceptional political circumstances. When viewed globally, photo voter identification is the mainstream practice of democratic elections."

The American people should rebuff Schumer and other Democrat racial bottom-feeders. Photo ID at the polls is not "Jim Crow 2.0" It's the way the world votes.

 2026 Deroy Murdock
On Sunday morning, the Mexican military killed Nemesio El Mencho Oseguera Cervantes, who was the kingpin behind the Jalisco New Generation Cartel.

Following the tactical operation, El Mencho was known as one of Mexicos most-wanted criminals, with a $15 million bounty on his head from the United States, as a result of his gangs alleged involved in trafficking drugs like fentanyl across the border.

And following the crime boss death, chaos erupted in tourist and surfing hotspots like Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. See some of the scenes below.

The United States and & Consulates in Mexico issued the following warning on X:

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Mexico: Due to ongoing security operations and related road blockages and criminal activity, U.S. citizens in the following locations should shelter in place until further notice: 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.

Videos circulating on social media showed smoke billowing in the popular tourist beach town of Puerto Vallarta, burning vehicles serving as roadblocks, and frantic workers and passengers running through airports. Air Canada has canceled flights.

There have been reports of incidents elsewhere in Mexico, as well, including just over the border in Baja. Images of burned out cars, blocking roads have been shared by Baja Agave Expeditions with the following warning:

Car burning in Baja. Baja Agave Expeditions (Baja Agave Expeditions)

"I highly recommend not traveling today if you're in Baja California or BCS.

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"I refuse to bury my head in the sand and pretend that nothing is happening, and have a responsibility to share this information with my audience."

Related: Mark Zuckerbergs $300m Superyacht Spotted at Mexicos Surf Capital

Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus Navarro wrote:

We recommend staying in your homes until the situation is under control. We are in full coordination with the federal government regarding the operation they carried out in Jalisco.

El Mencho.

Puerto Vallarta, although not exactly a surf town itself, more of a cruise ship stop, is in the vicinity of many popular waves. Spots like Punta Mita and Sayulita to the north; then, to the south, theres a handful of other spots worth exploring. For many traveling surfers, Puerto Vallarta is the starting point of their wave-chasing journey in this slice of Mexico.

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This is a developing story.

Related: U.S. Issues Travel Warning for Popular Mexico Beach Towns

This story was originally published by Surfer on Feb 23, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Surfer as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The News

The US ambassador to Israel outraged Islamic countries by saying Israel annexing much of the Middle East would be fine.

Mike Huckabee said that Israel had a Biblical right to parts of Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria, sparking Arab and Muslim governments to decry his comments as dangerous and inflammatory.

Washington said the remarks were taken out of context, but they are just one example of its diplomats not being very diplomatic: The new US envoy to South Africa is a former opponent of anti-apartheid activists who has pushed unsubstantiated claims of white genocide in the country, while Paris took exception to the US ambassadors comments about the recent killing of a hard-right activist.

A chart showing US favorability by country.

Mohammeds view

The intensity of the reaction reflects a longstanding fear among Arabs of an expansionist Israel, a concern periodically reinforced by some Israeli officials and US evangelical Christians such as Huckabee.

That the ambition is implausible  Israel would have to displace tens of millions of people to realize Greater Israel  doesnt matter: the notion widens divisions in a region Washington is trying to knit into a stable, prosperous bloc as part of its long-term strategic competition with China. (Long-term, but not by biblical standards.)
Theres a bit of dark symmetry taking place in Washington. Four years ago, Democrats held a trifecta ahead of a critical midterm election with their partys fate uncertain and hoping to pass a sweeping federal election bill. Their Republican counterparts are now engaged in a similar legislative dance. All that stands in the way is the filibuster in the Senate  and its there the steps begin to become less familiar.

Even in the absence of evidence that the mass voter fraud that President Donald Trump has claimed is taking place, congressional Republicans are facing pressure from him to put their stamp on federal elections. The House passed the SAVE America Act earlier this month, a bill that threatens to raise the threshold for participating in elections for millions of Americans.

Heres how NBC News described the GOPs bill:

The 32-page legislation would require states to obtain documentary proof-of-citizenship in person, such as an American passport or birth certificate, from someone in order to register them to vote in a federal election.

The bill, which was revised from an earlier version to include new demands from Trump, also requires voters to show photo identification in order to cast a ballot in person. And it slaps new rules for mail-in ballots, requiring voters to submit a copy of an eligible ID when requesting and casting an absentee ballot.

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At least 50 Republican senators now back the bill  but thats not enough to get past the filibusters 60-vote threshold. And so, in a major reversal, hardline Republicans are now the ones pushing for the current filibusters demise  or at least, reform  after years of defending it. Specifically, Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, the chief sponsor of the bill, and his allies are hoping to revive the so-called talking filibuster in an effort to weaken the procedural stalling tactic and push past Democrats.

As the name suggests, a talking filibuster requires that a bills opponents actively hold control of the Senate floor, continually making speeches to block bills from proceeding to a final vote. Its what most people picture thanks to depictions in Mr. Smith Goes to Washington or The West Wing. But under current Senate rules, without unanimous consent from all senators present, its assumed that a cloture vote needs to pass before moving forward on any substantive matters.

Lees push for the talking filibusters return has support among some of the most conservative members of the Senate including Sens. Josh Hawley of Missouri and Ted Cruz of Texas. When confronted with the same hurdles four years ago as they attempted to pass the Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act in early 2022, progressive Democrats mounted an unsuccessful effort to amend or abolish the filibuster in its entirety.

Lees push for the talking filibusters return has support among some of the most conservative members of the Senate.

Among the shifts Democrats proposed were making Election Day a federal holiday, expanding early voting nationwide, and creating a system for automatic voter registration. There was also an effort to shore up protections under the Voting Rights Act that had been whittled away over a decade of conservative court rulings

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It was the two most moderate Democratic senators, Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Krysten Sinema of Arizona, that stood in the way and allowed the bill to stall out. (Both would later become independents before leaving the Senate when their terms expired in 2025.) But while the Democratic push failed by a whisker, theres much greater opposition remaining on the GOP side and little appetite from even the most stalwart reformists to aid them.

There arent anywhere close to the votes, not even close, to nuking the filibuster, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., said at a press conference earlier this month. So that idea is something, although it continues to be put out there.  That doesnt have a future. Likewise, Senate Republicans are reportedly passing among themselves op-eds like this one from GOP lawyer Michael Fragoso in National Review, which contends that the ploy would open the door to unlimited amendments from Democrats, bogging down the Senate entirely.

Even with the prospect of a new Trump administration looming, I wrote in support of at least making it harder to filibuster in May 2024. Lees pivot to join me in my opposition is intensely ironic, given that its being done in the name of hindering Americans from voting. The filibuster remains an undemocratic blockade against Congress being able to fulfill its constitutional duties and has been used to forestall progress for decades. I cant say that Im too sorry to see the SAVE America Act caught in the filibusters maw  but Id also shed no tears if the bill really was the thing to finally choke it out of existence.

The post Mike Lee wants to fix the Senate in order to break democracy appeared first on MS NOW.

This article was originally published on ms.now
Minnesotas ban on anti-union captive audience meetings survived a legal challenge and remains in effect after the U.S. Supreme Court declined to take up an appeal from two non-union contractor associations and a Minnesota electrician.

The law, which passed as part of a sweeping pro-labor agenda in 2023, bans employers from making workers attend anti-union presentations or other meetings promoting their political or religious views. The ban was long sought by union leaders, who argue that the meetings gave employers an unfair advantage in organizing campaigns.

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, who defended the law in court, called the news a victory for workers.

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This is a great day for workers across our state, Ellison said in a statement. Every worker deserves the freedom to make their own decisions about politics and religion without fear of losing their job.

Laketown Electric Corporation and two non-union contractor associations  the Minnesota chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors and the National Federation of Independent Business  challenged the ban, arguing in a 2024 lawsuit filed in federal court that it violates employers First Amendment right to free speech and contradicted the National Labor Relations Act.

The state hadnt tried to enforce the ban, but the contractors argued the law created a chilling effect that prevented them from exercising their constitutional rights. In the lawsuit, Laketown Electric said it was one of the fastest growing companies in Minnesota, and is frequently targeted by union organizing efforts, creating the need to communicate lawfully with its employees on this important topic.

Ellison argued the contractor and business groups lacked standing to sue. The courts agreed.

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The law largely leaves enforcement to employees, who have the power to sue their bosses if they are forced to attend captive audience meetings. Ellison and state Department of Labor and Industry Commissioner Nicole Blissenbach, both named as defendants in the suit, said they never threatened to enforce the ban and had no present intention to.

In a 2-1 ruling, the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals dismissed the case in September, ruling that Ellison, Blissenbach and Gov. Tim Walz were not sufficiently connected to enforcement action to bring a lawsuit.
A group of Minnesota clergy accused the Trump administration in a federal lawsuit filed Monday of violating the religious freedom of faith leaders by denying them entry to the Whipple Federal Building in Minneapolis to provide pastoral care to detainees.

Since the very beginning of Operation Metro Surge, the federal government has categorically prohibited and barred these faith leaders from providing pastoral care for individuals being held at the Whipple building, said Irina Vaynerman, CEO of Groundwork Legal, a public interest law firm representing the clergy.

Vaynerman said that on Ash Wednesday last week, clergy were again denied the ability to provide pastoral care in the Whipple Federal Building, which has served as the headquarters for Operation Metro Surge. Clergy sought to deliver the imposition of ashes to Christian detainees.

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Clergy say the federal immigration officials cited security concerns. But Vaynerman says the federal government has not provided any reasonable safety protocols for the clergy to follow in order to be admitted to the building; many have ministered to prisoners and detainees in other facilities.

In many other governmental processing and detention facilities, there are ways for faith leaders to provide this pastoral care, Vaynerman said.

Ahead of Ash Wednesday, a federal judge ordered the Trump administration to allow Catholic clergy to minister to people at a detention facility outside Chicago in a lawsuit brought by a Catholic advocacy group.

The lawsuit in Minnesota was filed on behalf of the Minneapolis Area Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Minnesota Conference of the United Church of Christ and Father Christopher Collins, a Jesuit and parochial administrator of the St. Peter Claver Catholic Church in St. Paul. It names Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Acting Director Todd Lyons as defendants, among other federal officials.

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The lawsuit alleges the refusal to admit clergy violates the First Amendment and the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, and asks the court to order they be admitted to the Whipple building, which the lawsuit notes is named after Minnesotas first Episcopal bishop, Henry Whipple.

Many Minnesota clergy, especially those with large immigrant congregations, have become important leaders in the resistance to the Trump administrations mass deportation efforts. Theyve set up massive food distribution centers for immigrants too afraid to leave home, been arrested protesting the operation, and traveled to Washington, D.C. to urge members of Congress to cut funding for ICE.

But access to the Whipple building is not about political activism, the lawsuit says.

This ministry is not political advocacy. It is not symbolic presence. It is a core and non-negotiable religious obligation rooted in Scripture and centuries of practice, the lawsuit says.

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Churches have not been universally opposed to Operation Metro Surge, with conservative evangelical congregations continuing to be among the most loyal Trump supporters.

In fact, one of the named defendants in the lawsuit is David Easterwood, ICEs acting field director in St. Paul and a pastor at Cities Church in St. Paul. Demonstrators who interrupted a service last month at the church  and the journalists who filmed them  now face federal felony charges. The lead pastor is now prayerfully considering its own legal action.

The Trump administration says its in the process of winding down Operation Metro Surge, which since the start of December has brought some 3,000 immigration agents to the state and resulted in some 4,000 arrests  as well as the killing of two Americans. Crowdsourced data show a drop in ICE activity. Members of Congress, after visiting the Whipple building on Friday, said all detainees had been moved out shortly before their arrival.

The plaintiffs accuse the federal government of repeatedly violating peoples religious freedom during Operation Metro Surge across the state, not just at Whipple: ICE vehicles circled the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary one Sunday morning, apparently waiting to arrest churchgoers; a Catholic church in Pelican Rapids canceled a service in January due to fear of ICE agents; and scores of clergy were arrested while protesting ICE.

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Lawyers have filed more than 1,000 lawsuits challenging the detention of immigrants at Whipple and other facilities, with federal judges ruling in their favor in a majority of cases. That means the federal government denied many people access to communion and other religious rites while also illegally detaining them.

Vaynerman said even with the federal incursion ending, asserting the right of religious liberty in federal buildings remains important.

Insofar as Whipple continues to be a functioning federal building, which it does, the First Amendment rights of faith leaders and clergy continues to extend to (it), Vaynerman said. Those constitutional rights are not lost at the doors of Whipple.
NEED TO KNOW

A North Carolina mom, who went missing 24 years ago, has been found "alive and well"

Michele Hundley Smith, now 62, was last seen on Dec. 9, 2001, but law enforcement announced that they received a tip about her location on Feb. 19 and later met with her in person at an "undisclosed location"

Officials said that Smith's family was notified that she had been located, and the missing mom requested to keep her location unknown

A North Carolina mom, who went missing 24 years ago, has been found "alive and well"  but the woman's family, as well as law enforcement, are still left with unanswered questions about her disappearance.

On Friday, Feb. 20, the Rockingham County Sheriff's Office shared that Michelle Hundley Smith, now 62, who was first reported missing on Dec. 31, 2001, had been located after detectives "received new information" about her disappearance.

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"On [Feb. 20], Sgt. A. Disher and Detective C. Worley made contact with Michele Hundley Smith at an undisclosed location within North Carolina, alive and well," the sheriff's office announced. "At her request, her current whereabouts will remain undisclosed."

Officials said that Smith's family was notified that she had been located, and they were informed about her request to keep her whereabouts undisclosed.

Michele Hundley Smith namus.gov

Smith, from Eden, N.C., was 38 years old at the time of her initial disappearance.

Smith's husband was the first person to report her missing back in 2001, investigators said. She had left her home to go Christmas shopping at a K-Mart in Martinsville, Va., on Dec. 9  about 17 miles away from her home in Eden  and never returned.

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"An extensive investigation was immediately launched," the sheriff's office wrote, adding that the Rockingham County Sheriffs Office remained on the case for two decades. "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)."

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Smith's family members also continued to search for the missing woman. Her daughter created a Facebook page in 2018 to collect tips in the case, and other family members, including Smith's cousin, Barbara Byrd, have been outspoken in the media about keeping the investigation going.

In a lengthy statement shared on social media, Smith's daughter Amanda expressed her complicated feelings upon learning that her mother is alive.

"I am ecstatic, I am pissed, I am heartbroken, I am all over the map!" she wrote. "Will I have a relationship once more with my mom? Honestly I can't answer that because I don't even know... My initial reaction would be yes absolutely but then I think of all the hurt... But even then ... My mom is only human just as we all are."

Speaking to WFMY after the news broke that her cousin had been located, Byrd expressed her confusion about the missing person case.

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I kind of want to go outside and scream, 'Shes alive, shes alive,  Byrd said. My biggest question is to her  What happened all those years ago in December? What made you leave? What happened?

I understand and respect that she doesnt want any of us to contact her. Im not angry, she continued. The biggest answer I had today was she was alive. Nothing else matters right at this moment.



Read the original article on People
More than 200 Venezuelan political prisoners were on hunger strike Sunday to demand their release under a new amnesty law that excludes many of them.

The inmates at the Rodeo I prison, about 40 kilometers (25 miles) east of capital Caracas, shouted to their loved ones as part of the protest, an AFP journalist witnessed.

"Freedom!", "release us all!" and "Rodeo I on strike" were among the cries from the prisoners that were audible from outside the facility.

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The amnesty law was approved by Venezuela's congress on Thursday as part of a wave of reforms encouraged by the United States after it ousted and captured former president Nicolas Maduro on January 3.

The hunger strike, which began Friday night, came about after inmates complained they would not benefit from the law because it excludes cases involving the military, which are the most common ones at that facility.

"Approximately 214 people in total, including Venezuelans and foreigners, are on hunger strike," said Yalitza Garcia, mother-in-law of a prisoner named Nahuel Agustin Gallo.

Gallo, an Argentine police officer, is accused of terrorism, another category that is excluded.

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"They decided Friday to go on hunger strike because of the scope of the amnesty law, which excludes many of them," said Shakira Ibarreto, the daughter of a policeman arrested in 2024.

On Sunday, a team from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) visited the Rodeo I prison.

"This is the first time they have allowed us to approach that prison," Filippo Gatti, the ICRC's health coordinator for Venezuela, told family members. "It's a first step, and I think we're on the right track."

Not all the inmates at the prison were joining the hunger strike, the relatives said.

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- Amnesty law criticized -

The amnesty law was engineered by interim leader Delcy Rodriguez under pressure from Washington after US commandos attacked Venezuela on January 3, snatched Maduro and his wife and took them to the United States for trial on drug trafficking charges.

Opposition figures have criticized the new legislation, which appears to include carve-outs for some offenses previously used by authorities to target Maduro's political opponents.

The law also excludes members of the security forces convicted of activities related to what the government considered terrorism.

But the amnesty extends to 11,000 political prisoners who, over nearly three decades, were paroled or placed under house arrest.

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More than 1,500 political prisoners in Venezuela have already applied for amnesty under the bill, the head of the country's legislature said Saturday.

Hundreds of others had already been released by Rodriguez's government before the amnesty bill was approved.

On Sunday, a handful of inmates were released from Rodeo I, carrying release papers in their hands. They were greeted with applause.

"I'm out, I love you so much, my queen! I'm doing well," Robin Colina, one of the freed prisoners, said excitedly into a mobile phone.

Armando Fusil, another released prisoner, told AFP: "Right now there are quite a few people on hunger strike because they want to get out."

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The 55-year-old police commissioner from the western state of Maracaibo said he was "arrested for no reason" in October 2024.

He said loved ones came to visit him every Friday since his arrest, taking a nearly 40-hour trip just for a little bit of face time each week.

Now, they're coming to pick him up for good.

"We all help each other," Fusil said about his fellow detainees. "It's created a beautiful brotherhood."

The NGO Foro Penal, dedicated to the defense of political prisoners, reported 23 releases on Sunday.

Maduro ruled Venezuela between March 2013 and January 2026, silencing opposition and activists under his 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 is a prisoner of war.

bur-jt/gv/jgc/nro
A major storm hit the US east coast on Monday, bringing record-breaking snow that caused disruptions for millions and thousands of flight cancellations.

Parts of Rhode Island and Massachusetts have seen nearly 37in (94cm) of snowfall, with more than 19in in New York City's Central Park, the National Weather Service (NWS) said.

Weather warnings stretched from North Carolina to northern Maine, with some in place further north in parts of eastern Canada.

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More than 600,000 properties on the US east coast endured power outages, while the Boston Globe - a major US newspaper - said it will not go to print for the first time in its 153-year history due to the storm.

Travel across the region has been severely limited, with some states and cities implementing travel bans during the worst period of the storm.

The so-called "nor'easter" has now moved away from the US and across coastal parts of eastern Canada - though strong winds are expected to persist, according to the NWS.

Snow accumulations were anticipated to reach 1-2ft (30-61cm) near the north-east coastline, meanwhile.

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Rhode Island, the smallest US state, appeared to have received the most snow during the storm. In fact, it has become the worst snowstorm to ever hit the state, according to local media.

Providence, the state capital, received 36in (91cm) of snow, dwarfing the existing record for the single greatest snowstorm: 28.6in (72.6cm) set in February 1978.

"It completely smashed it," Candice Hrencecin, an NWS meteorologist in Boston, told the New York Times. "We were just as shocked as everyone else."

A ban on non-essential travel was implemented in Rhode Island and also in neighbouring Connecticut.

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Later in the day, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey also imposed a travel ban.

"White-out conditions are making travel extremely dangerous," she said in an online post. "If you get stuck, help will have a hard time reaching you... I strongly urge everyone to stay off the roads no matter where you live."

A white-out is when snow significantly reduces visibility.

Boston resident and avid walker Bradley Jay said the storm had made him feel like a "prisoner".

"I won't be able to really walk around town for another ten days. So I'm stuck inside," he told news agency Reuters.

In Massachusetts, nearly 300,000 were without power, according to monitor PowerOutage, including 85% of customers in Barnstable County, which includes all of Cape Cod.

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The Boston Globe, based in the state's capital, said that despite overcoming "the elements, technical snafus and a global pandemic", Monday's blizzard had made it "impossible" to print and deliver a paper for Tuesday morning.

More than 2ft of snow had prevented its printing staff from getting to its printing press, the paper said. Subscribers will receive both Tuesday and Wednesday's edition on Wednesday.

In New York City, a travel ban brought the city of more than eight million people to a near standstill before it was lifted at noon local time (17:00 GMT). All roads, highways and bridges were closed.

The city's police department is also investigating footage showing officers being pelted with snowballs in Washington Square Park.

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"I want to be very clear: the behaviour depicted is disgraceful, and it is criminal," NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch wrote on social media.

Sandra Wu, a resident of Long Island, where up to 18in (46cm) of snow fell on Monday, said her family could not open the front door because of how much had accumulated.

"My husband went out early through the garage to start digging us out, but it was pointless," she told Reuters, adding that she had never seen a storm this bad.

In Connecticut and New Jersey, there were concerns that falling trees and branches could lead to dangerous road conditions and more power outages.

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Meanwhile people looking to travel within the US on Monday struggled.

The number of cancelled flights within, into or out of the US reached more than 5,706, according to tracker FlightAware.

The site shows that 98% of flights out of LaGuardia airport were cancelled and 91% of flights from JFK - New York City's primary airport hubs that typically see more than 335,000 passengers daily.

The storm - known as a bomb cyclone - brought around 19in (48cm) of snow at both locations.

The vast majority of flights were also cancelled out of Boston, Newark in New Jersey and Philadelphia in Pennsylvania.

More than 2,000 flights have already been cancelled across the US on Tuesday, with Boston, Newark and LaGuardia the worst-affected.

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The bomb cyclone - a rapid drop in pressure that brings strong winds and heavy precipitation - is currently over Nova Scotia in Canada.

A fast-moving area of low pressure called an Alberta Clipper will follow the storm, bringing snow, ice and high winds to the Great Lakes region and north-eastern areas of the US on Tuesday evening into Wednesday.

While snowfall will be less than it was on Monday, frosty nights and freezing temperatures are expected all week.
After a week of warm  dare we say hot  temperatures across Florida, residents were smacked by cooler temps Monday morning, with even colder weather expected Tuesday morning, Feb. 24.

How cold?

 Weather alerts via text: Sign up to get updates about current storms and weather events by location

Freeze warnings and freeze watches, along with cold weather advisories, extending into South Florida have been issued by the National Weather Service.

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Those warnings follow high temperatures in the 90s over the weekend that were the highest in the United States. Hollywood hit 92 Sunday, Feb. 22, the highest in the U.S., according to preliminary data from the National Weather Service.

How cold will it get Monday night/Tuesday morning, Feb. 24? Here's what to know so you're ready.

Weather alerts issued in Florida

A cold front that moved through Florida over the weekend heralded much colder air. Temperatures across east and central Florida dropped into the upper 30s in some areas, with the coldest temperatures expected Monday night/Tuesday morning.

The National Weather Service issued cold weather advisories, freeze warnings or freeze watches across almost the entire state for early Tuesday, Feb. 24. Lows in some areas could drop into the upper 20s.

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Even South Florida won't be immune.

"Temperatures will plummet and there remains high confidence that temperatures will drop below the freezing mark across the interior portions of Southwest Florida tonight into early Tuesday morning," the National Weather Service Miami said.

"Low temperatures in the mid to upper 30s will be common across a good portion of the rest of South Florida."

Will it get 'iguana-dropping' cold in Florida tonight?

It's possible. Whenever temps fall into the 40s or below, it stuns iguanas, temporarily paralyzing them. If they're up a tree, that could cause them to lose their grip and fall.

But temperatures won't stay that cold for as long as they did in early February. That cold snap prompted the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to issue an executive order allowing residents to drop off cold-stunned iguanas.

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Thousands of the invasive reptiles were collected.

A cold weather advisory is in effect until 8 a.m. CT Feb. 23.

Residents can expected "very cold wind chills as low as 15 to 20 inland and 20 to 25 along the coast."

Today/tonight: High 51; low 32

Tuesday: High 57; low 49

 Follow National Weather Service Mobile on X

A cold weather advisory is in effect until 9 a.m. ET Monday. A freeze watch is in effect from late Monday night into Tuesday morning.

"For the cold weather advisory, very cold wind chills as low as 18 expected. For the freeze watch, a hard freeze with sub-freezing temperatures as low as 24 possible."

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Today/tonight: High 51; low 28

Tuesday: High 57; low 38

 Follow the National Weather Service Tallahassee on X

A freeze warning is in effect from midnight to 9 a.m. Tuesday. A cold weather advisory is in effect from 2 a.m. to 9 a.m. Tuesday.

"For the freeze warning, sub-freezing temperatures as low as 26 expected. For the cold weather advisory, very cold wind chills as low as 20 expected."

Today/tonight: High 52; low 31

Tuesday: High 58; low 37

 Follow the National Weather Service Jacksonville on X

The National Weather Service has issued several weather warnings for east and central Florida, including:

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Freeze warning: from 2 a.m. to 9 a.m. Tuesday

Cold weather advisory: from 2 a.m. to 9 a.m. Tuesday

Red flag warning: from 9 a.m. Monday to 7 p.m. Monday

Rip current risk: Dangerous rip currents, rough surf expected through late Monday

"For the freeze warning Monday night into early Tuesday morning, sub-freezing temperatures as low as 31 expected. For the cold weather advisory Monday night into early Tuesday morning, very cold wind chills as low as 24 expected."

Today/tonight: High 55; low 33

Tuesday: High 57; low 36

 Follow the National Weather Service Melbourne on X

The National Weather Service has issued several weather warnings for east and central Florida, including:

Advertisement Advertisement

Cold weather advisory: from 2 a.m. to 9 a.m. Tuesday

Red flag warning: from 9 a.m. Monday to 7 p.m. Monday

Rip current risk: Dangerous rip currents, rough surf expected through late Monday

"For the cold weather advisory Monday night into early Tuesday morning, very cold wind chills as low as 24 expected."

Today/tonight: High 58; low 35

Tuesday: High 60; low 39

 Follow the National Weather Service Melbourne on X

The National Weather Service has issued several weather warnings for east and central Florida, including:

Cold weather advisory: from 2 a.m. to 9 a.m. Tuesday

Red flag warning: from 9 a.m. Monday to 7 p.m. Monday

Rip current risk: Dangerous rip currents, rough surf expected through late Monday

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"For the cold weather advisory Monday night into early Tuesday morning, very cold wind chills as low as 24 expected."

Today/tonight: High 59; low 33

Tuesday: High 62; low 38

 Follow the National Weather Service Melbourne on X

A cold weather advisory and red flag warning have been issued for West Palm Beach.

Cold weather advisory: from 3 a.m. to 9 a.m. Tuesday

Red flag warning: from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday

Expect "very cold wind chills as low as the upper 20s and lower 30s."

A red flag warning means "critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior."

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Today/tonight: High 62; low 39

Tuesday: High 65; low 47

 Follow the National Weather Service Miami on X

A red flag warning is in effect from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday.

A red flag warning means "critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior."

Today/tonight: High 62; low 42

Tuesday: High 65; low 51

 Follow the National Weather Service Miami on X

The National Weather Service has issued several advisories for Naples:

Cold weather advisory: from 3 a.m. to 9 a.m. Tuesday

Red flag warning: from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday

High rip current risk: through Tuesday morning

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Expect "very cold wind chills as low as the upper 20s and lower 30s."

A red flag warning means "critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior."

Dangerous rip currents are expected along coastal Collier County through Tuesday morning.

Today/tonight: High 60; low 40

Tuesday: High 63; low 45

 Follow the National Weather Service Miami on X

The National Weather Service has issued several advisories for Fort Myers:

Cold weather advisory: from 3 a.m. to 9 a.m. Tuesday

Freeze warning: from 3 a.m. to 9 a.m. Tuesday

Red flag warning: from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday

"For the freeze warning, sub-freezing temperatures as low as 31 expected. For the cold weather advisory, very cold wind chills as low as 27 expected.

A red flag warning means "critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior."

Today/tonight: High 60; low 36

Tuesday: High 64; low 39

 Follow the National Weather Service Tampa Bay on X

The National Weather Service has issued several advisories for Sarasota:

Cold weather advisory: from 3 a.m. to 9 a.m. Tuesday

Fire weather watch: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday

Rip current risk: until 10 a.m. Tuesday

"Very cold wind chills as low as 29 expected."

A fire weather watch means "critical fire weather conditions are forecast to occur."

Dangerous rip currents are forecast through Tuesday morning.

Today/tonight: High 54; low 41

Tuesday: High 56; low 44

 Follow the National Weather Service Tampa Bay on X

The National Weather Service has issued several advisories for Tampa:

Cold weather advisory: from 3 a.m. to 9 a.m. Tuesday

Fire weather watch: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday

Rip current risk: until 10 a.m. Tuesday

"Very cold wind chills as low as 29 expected."

A fire weather watch means "critical fire weather conditions are forecast to occur."

Dangerous rip currents are forecast through Tuesday morning.

Today/tonight: High 55; low 36

Tuesday: High 61; low 41

 Follow the National Weather Service Tampa Bay on X

The National Weather Service has issued several advisories for Orlando:

Cold weather advisory: from 2 a.m. to 9 a.m. Tuesday

Freeze warning: from 2 a.m. to 9 a.m. Tuesday

Red flag warning: from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday

"Freeze warning Monday night into early Tuesday morning, sub-freezing temperatures as low as 31 expected. For the cold weather advisory Monday night into early Tuesday morning, very cold wind chills as low as 24 expected."

Critically low humidity with gusty winds will produce a high fire danger Monday.

Today/tonight: High 55; low 34

Tuesday: High 59; low 37

Follow the National Weather Service Melbourne on X

Stay informed. Get weather alerts via text

What's next?

We will continue to update our weather coverage as conditions warrant. Download your local site's app to ensure you're always connected to the news. And look for our special subscription offers here.

Cheryl McCloud is a journalist for the USA TODAY Network-Florida's service journalism Connect team. You can get all of Floridas best content directly in your inbox each weekday day by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY, at https://heraldtribune.com/newsletters.

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Freeze warnings, cold-weather advisories issued for Florida. See temps
A Texas woman who a judge ruled defamed a University of Idaho professor when she accused her on social media of orchestrating the November 2022 college student murders in Moscow will learn how much her false public claims are going to cost her this week.

Ashley Guillard, a TikTok personality who has claimed she has psychic abilities, is due in federal court in Boise starting Tuesday for a scheduled trial to finally resolve the 3-year-old civil suit brought by Rebecca Scofield. The case has outlived the criminal prosecution of the man convicted last summer of the four murders.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Raymond Patricco already ruled for Scofield in June 2024, and its now left to a jury to decide the financial damages owed by Guillard. Scofield previously asked for more than $1.8 million.

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The trial is set to last up to four days and center around the toll Guillards claims caused to Scofields personal life and academic career. Expert witnesses expected to testify include Scofields therapist for the past two years, and a public relations specialist to speak to the reputational harm caused to the Harvard-educated history professor.

Guillard, 41, of Houston, published more than 100 videos that made erroneous allegations against Scofield, according to court records. The accusations included that the U of I professor had a romantic relationship with one of the four victims and ordered their deaths to prevent the affair with a female student from becoming public.

Scofield, 40, of Moscow, sent cease-and-desist letters to Guillard in the ensuing weeks, but her demands were ignored. In late December 2022, Scofield, represented by lawyer Wendy Olson, a former U.S. Attorney for Idaho, sued Guillard in federal court. Scofield contends the allegations have led to a post-traumatic stress disorder diagnosis, on top of considerable professional hardship.

Nine days later, Bryan Kohberger, a Washington State University graduate student in Pullman, Washington, just west of the Idaho border, was arrested and charged with the murders. After two and a half years of legal proceedings, he pleaded guilty in June 2025 to killing the four U of I students, in an agreement with prosecutors to drop the death penalty. Kohberger, 31, waived all of his appeal rights and was sentenced to four consecutive life terms in prison with no chance of parole.

Judge: Complete lack of any corroborating support

Guillard has maintained that the defamation lawsuit infringed upon her First Amendment rights and her free expression of religion. Guillard reads tarot cards and argued her spiritual practice led her to uncover the motive and details that led to the murder of the four U of I students when she named Scofield as responsible.

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The fatal stabbing victims were three North Idaho women who lived in an off-campus house on King Road in Moscow and a Washington man who was in a relationship with one of them. They were seniors Kaylee Goncalves and Madison Mogen, both 21, junior Xana Kernodle, 20, and freshman Ethan Chapin, 20.

From left, Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin were killed in an attack at an off-campus house on in Moscow in November 2022. (CBS 48 Hours)

Scofield, chair of the U of I history department, never met nor taught any of the four students, she wrote in her denial. And she was out of town in Oregon on Nov. 13, 2022, when the students were killed, she said.

The University of Idaho confirmed that it has no records of the murdered students ever being enrolled in a class taught by (the) plaintiff, any investigation into (the) plaintiff having an inappropriate relationship with (the student), or any investigation into (the) plaintiffs involvement with the murders, Patricco wrote in his ruling. Finally, there is no indication that (the) plaintiff is  or has ever been  even remotely considered a suspect in the murders.

Guillards statements otherwise are provably false and have a complete lack of any corroborating support, the judge added in his legal analysis affirming the claims are defamatory under the law.

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Representing herself, Guillard has since attempted several legal maneuvers, which have prolonged the court process. A countersuit she filed against Scofield was tossed. A switch to a U.S. district judge after Patricco ruled was denied. A request to reconsider the decision was declined.

Guillards latest legal efforts this month included filings to dismiss the case over improper jurisdiction and to delay this weeks trial that will determine damages while she appeals the judges overarching ruling. Patricco rejected both.

A pretrial conference is set for 10 a.m. Monday at the James A. McClure Federal Building in Boise ahead of the scheduled start of trial Tuesday.
Millions are in the path of a powerful coastal storm bearing down on the Northeast.

A blizzard warning remains in effect through late Monday, Feb. 23, for New England and much of the region as the system drops several feet of snow.

Gov. Dan McKee declared a state of emergency and implemented a travel ban in Rhode Island.

More: Snowstorm rapidly intensifies as it pummels Northeast: Live updates

Rhode Island snowfall totals: Search by address

Just type your address into the box below to see your snowfall total and a map of nearby measurements.

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USA TODAYs snowfall map shows accumulation over the past 24, 48, and 72 hours, as well as seasonal totals dating back to Oct. 1. Updated multiple times a day, the map lets you toggle between timeframes to see how snow is adding up in your area.

Cant see the embed? View the file on a separate browser page here.

More: Will NYC get thundersnow? How the weather phenomenon forms

Rhode Island snowfall forecast

Note: The graphic shows the chance of receiving 4 inches or greater of snow. Click your area to see the forecasted probability over the next three days.

Gallery: Blizzard hits the Northeast

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Rhode Island blizzard continues. How much snow fell? See by address
A 27-year-old man accused of the killing of a Fort Worth mother was transferred into Tarrant County custody on Saturday, according to jail records.

Tarrant County Jail booking records show Elijah Jordan Jacobo was booked in on February 21, 2026, following his arrest in El Paso in connection with a murder charge. The booking report lists his address as in Fort Worth and reflects charges of murder, assault causing bodily injury, family violence, and assault of a family or household member with a previous conviction.

Court docket entries dated February 23 indicate Jacobo, 27, is scheduled for an initial appearance on the murder charge on March 5, 2026, at 9 a.m. in Criminal District Court No. 1. The docket lists him as in custody. Prosecutors are identified in court records as Don MacQueen in the murder case and Edward B. Lasater in one of the assault cases. Mark Davis Scott is listed as the defense attorney for one of the assault charges.

In the Tarrant County Inmate Search, an additional drug charge is listed.

Tarrant County Active Bookings

Charge Case Booking # Commitment Authority Book In Date Bond Type Posted Conds Hold No-Bond Bond Amnt ASSAULT FAMILY/HOUSEHOLD MEMBER W/PREV CONV 1897177 4480446 CDC1 2/21/2026 No Yes $0.00 ASSAULT CAUSES BODILY INJURY FAMILY VIOLENCE 1828997 4480452 CCC5 2/21/2026 No $14,000.00

This information is pulled directly from the Tarrant County Inmate Searchreported charges as of the time of this publication.

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Authorities have alleged that Jacobo is connected to the death of 26-year-old Talia Sanchez, who was found dead inside her apartment near the 7300 block of Harris Parkway on February 11 after her mother requested a welfare check. Police later obtained a search warrant and discovered a deceased woman and what they described as evidence of a crime, according to Fort Worth police statements reported by WFAA.

Jacobo was arrested in El Paso after investigators said he left the area. Police have characterized the case as a domestic-related homicide. The couples 7-month-old son was located safe with relatives in New Mexico, according to statements reported by WFAA.

The investigation into Sanchezs death remains ongoing. Jacobo has not entered a plea on the murder charge. Under Texas law, defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

Jacobos lawyer was contacted for a comment, but did not respond by publication.
A change has been made to Nancy Guthrie's personal Facebook page. As we enter the fourth week that Guthrie, 84, has been missing, the comments on Guthrie's Facebook account have been turned off. It's not clear when the change was made, but Parade can confirm that the comments on the public-facing page were open, and people were commenting on her posts as recently as two weeks ago.

Related: Savannah Guthries Missing Mom: Private Search Underway Despite Sheriffs Stern Warning

It does not appear as though anything else has been changed on Guthrie's account. The things that she shared still seem to be the same as when she first went missing. Her account has not been made private and any photos and videos that she's shared over the years are still visible.

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It's unclear who made the change and when. As for the reason why, it's more than likely to stop strangers from writing comments, positive, negative, or anything in between.

Guthrie has been missing since Sunday, February 1. Authorities believe that she may have been abducted from her home in Arizona in the middle of the night. The Pima County Sheriff's Department and the FBI have been working diligently to find Guthrie and the person or persons responsible for her disappearance. So far, there haven't been any leads that have led to an arrest.

Guthrie's family, including daughters Savannah Guthrie and Annie Guthrie, and her son, Camron Guthrie, have spoken out on their mom's possible kidnapping. They released two videos in which they spoke directly to a would-be kidnapper and asked them for proof of life.

As of Sunday, Feb. 22, it has been six full days since Savannah, who is best known as an anchor on NBC's Today, has spoken out about her missing mom.

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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.
NASA has officially categorized the 2024 failure of the Boeing Starliner spacecraft, which stranded astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore on the International Space Station (ISS) for nine months, as a Type A mishap. This is NASA-speak for the maximum level of failure a mission can reach, defined as an incident that causes over $2 million in damage, results in the loss of a vehicle or at least control over it, or any fatalities, per the BBC. This designation signifies that the space agency now views the mission as a disaster, even if the astronauts regained enough control at the last minute to prevent the worst-case scenario.

To be clear: that scenario would have been really, really bad. Essentially, the thrusters that control the Starliner failed on approach to the ISS. While NASA doesn't outright say this, it is at least conceivable that could have ended in a crash into the station itself. In his press conference, NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said that the failure reached "cost thresholds exceeding a Type A mishap by a factor of over a hundred." In other words, hundreds of millions of dollars were at risk; hard to think what that could mean other than the potential loss of the ISS. Yikes.

Read more: These Are The Fastest Jets A Civilian Can Own

What went wrong with the Starliner's first crewed mission

Investigators examine the failed Boeing Starliner after it returned to White Sands Space Harbor, New Mexico - Nasa/Getty Images

Who's to blame here? Citing the full 312-page report, Isaacman found plenty to go around. Basically, NASA wanted a second option for launching people into space beyond SpaceX, and it wanted it so bad that it simply swept problems under the rug. "As development progressed, design compromises and inadequate hardware qualifications extended beyond NASA's complete understanding," said Isaacman in a very polite way. Multiple test flights failed in various ways, but before these technical faults were understood, NASA just greenlit the following flights anyway. Oops.

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There were organizational problems as well: NASA more or less trusted Boeing, which once upon a time had a sterling reputation, to sort out its engineering problems. Isaacman stated that the agency didn't want to damage that reputation. Safe to say it's pretty well shot now, and this Type A classification isn't going to help. Meanwhile, Boeing was also not giving sufficient scrutiny to its own subcontractors. So nobody was overseeing anybody enough. Who could imagine this would go poorly?

But rest assured: it gets worse. CNN quotes one NASA insider as saying, "There was yelling at meetings," and another as saying, "There are some people that just don't like each other very much." Isaacman himself admitted that "disagreements over crew return options deteriorated into unprofessional conduct while the crew remained on orbit." Welcome to the world's premiere space exploration agency.

Starliner limps along

Artist's rendering of a Boeing Starliner in orbit with the Sun behind it - Dima_zel/Getty Images

Despite it all, NASA doesn't want to give up on Boeing, and the Starliner project is moving ahead in a reduced capacity. But Isaacman made it clear that there would be much stricter oversight going forward, and no launches would be approved until technical fixes were verified and implemented. The desire to diversify off of SpaceX alone is still there.

If you're wondering what exactly did go wrong with the Starliner's thrusters in a technical sense, you'll be pleased to learn that nobody knows. That investigation is ongoing. In fairness, they never did figure out what went wrong with the thrusters during the tests, either, so at least they're consistent! Apparently, "We have no clue what's wrong with the thing that controls the spacecraft" will no longer be a sufficient non-answer. NASA's new policy will be that, uh, stuff has to work. What an idea.

Want more like this? Join the Jalopnik newsletter to get the latest auto news sent straight to your inbox, and add us as a preferred search source on Google.

Read the original article on Jalopnik.
On Jan. 11, 2026, I watched anxiously at the tightly controlled Vandenberg Space Force Base in California as an awe-inspiring SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carried NASAs new exoplanet telescope, Pandora, into orbit.

Exoplanets are worlds that orbit other stars. They are very difficult to observe because  seen from Earth  they appear as extremely faint dots right next to their host stars, which are millions to billions of times brighter and drown out the light reflected by the planets. The Pandora telescope will join and complement NASAs James Webb Space Telescope in studying these faraway planets and the stars they orbit.

I am an astronomy professor at the University of Arizona who specializes in studies of planets around other stars and astrobiology. I am a co-investigator of Pandora and leading its exoplanet science working group. We built Pandora to shatter a barrier  to understand and remove a source of noise in the data  that limits our ability to study small exoplanets in detail and search for life on them.

Observing exoplanets

Astronomers have a trick to study exoplanet atmospheres. By observing the planets as they orbit in front of their host stars, we can study starlight that filters through their atmospheres.

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These planetary transit observations are similar to holding a glass of red wine up to a candle: The light filtering through will show fine details that reveal the quality of the wine. By analyzing starlight filtered through the planets atmospheres, astronomers can find evidence for water vapor, hydrogen, clouds and even search for evidence of life. Researchers improved transit observations in 2002, opening an exciting window to new worlds.

For a while, it seemed to work perfectly. But, starting from 2007, astronomers noted that starspots  cooler, active regions on the stars  may disturb the transit measurements.

In 2018 and 2019, then-Ph.D. student Benjamin V. Rackham, astrophysicist Mark Giampapa and I published a series of studies showing how darker starspots and brighter, magnetically active stellar regions can seriously mislead exoplanets measurements. We dubbed this problem the transit light source effect.

Most stars are spotted, active and change continuously. Ben, Mark and I showed that these changes alter the signals from exoplanets. To make things worse, some stars also have water vapor in their upper layers  often more prominent in starspots than outside of them. That and other gases can confuse astronomers, who may think that they found water vapor in the planet.

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In our papers  published three years before the 2021 launch of the James Webb Space Telescope  we predicted that the Webb cannot reach its full potential. We sounded the alarm bell. Astronomers realized that we were trying to judge our wine in light of flickering, unstable candles.

The birth of Pandora

For me, Pandora began with an intriguing email from NASA in 2018. Two prominent scientists from NASAs Goddard Space Flight Center, Elisa Quintana and Tom Barclay, asked to chat. They had an unusual plan: They wanted to build a space telescope very quickly to help tackle stellar contamination  in time to assist Webb. This was an exciting idea, but also very challenging. Space telescopes are very complex, and not something that you would normally want to put together in a rush.

Pandora breaks with NASAs conventional model. We proposed and built Pandora faster and at a significantly lower cost than is typical for NASA missions. Our approach meant keeping the mission simple and accepting somewhat higher risks.

What makes Pandora special?

Pandora is smaller and cannot collect as much light as its bigger brother Webb. But Pandora will do what Webb cannot: It will be able to patiently observe stars to understand how their complex atmospheres change.

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By staring at a star for 24 hours with visible and infrared cameras, it will measure subtle changes in the stars brightness and colors. When active regions in the star rotate in and out of view, and starspots form, evolve and dissipate, Pandora will record them. While Webb very rarely returns to the same planet in the same instrument configuration and almost never monitors their host stars, Pandora will revisit its target stars 10 times over a year, spending over 200 hours on each of them.

With that information, our Pandora team will be able to figure out how the changes in the stars affect the observed planetary transits. Like Webb, Pandora will observe the planetary transit events, too. By combining data from Pandora and Webb, our team will be able to understand what exoplanet atmospheres are made of in more detail than ever before.

After the successful launch, Pandora is now circling Earth about every 90 minutes. Pandoras systems and functions are now being tested thoroughly by Blue Canyon Technologies, Pandoras primary builder.

About a week after launch, control of the spacecraft will transition to the University of Arizonas Multi-Mission Operation Center in Tucson, Arizona. Then the work of our science teams begins in earnest and we will begin capturing starlight filtered through the atmospheres of other worlds  and see them with a new, steady eye.

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This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Daniel Apai, University of Arizona

Read more:



Daniel Apai is a professor of astronomy, planetary sciences and optical science at the University of Arizona. He receives funding from NASA.
Grounded until at least April, NASA's giant moon rocket is headed back to the hangar this week for more repairs before astronauts climb aboard.

The space agency said Sunday it's targeting Tuesday for the slow, four-mile trek across Kennedy Space Center, weather permitting.

"The quick work to begin preparations for rolling the rocket and spacecraft back to the VAB (Vehicle Assembly Building) 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," the space agency said in a statement on Sunday.

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NASA had barely finished a repeat fueling test Thursday, to ensure dangerous hydrogen fuel leaks were plugged, when another problem cropped up.

This time, the rocket's helium system malfunctioned, further delaying astronauts' first trip to the moon in more than half a century.

Engineers had just tamed the hydrogen leaks and settled on a March 6 launch date  already a month late  when the helium issue arose. The helium flow to the rocket's upper stage was disrupted; helium is needed to purge the engines and pressurize the fuel tanks.

"Returning to the Vehicle Assembly Building at Kennedy is required to determine the cause of the issue and fix it," NASA said in a statement.

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NASA said the quick rollback preps preserve an April launch attempt, but stressed that will depend on how the repairs go. The space agency has only a handful of days any given month to launch the crew of four around the moon and back.

The Artemis II mission aims to send four astronauts  Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch and Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen  on a flight around the far side of the moon and back to thoroughly test the agency's Orion deep space capsule to help clear the way for a lunar landing mission, Artemis III, in 2028.

The crew members were released from quarantine on Saturday and remain in Houston, NASA said in a statement. They will become the first people to fly to the moon since NASA's Apollo program that sent 24 astronauts there from 1968 through 1972.

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NASA's historic Artemis 2 moon mission has had yet another setback.

A successful prelaunch fueling test for the rocket due to propel four astronauts on their way gave the space agency cause to celebrate. But a day after the test ended, those spirits were dampened when ground teams discovered that not all was well with the towering Space Launch System rocket.

This time, it wasn't a leak that ailed the rocket, but not enough flow of helium to the spacecraft's upper stage. The discovery of the issue marks the latest setback for NASA's reinvigorated lunar program, which aims to return Americans to the moon's surface for the first time since the Apollo era.

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Artemis 2  the first human spaceflight under NASA's multibillion-dollar program  appeared on track for a March liftoff after the mission last slipped from February following the first preflight fueling test. Under the mission, three Americans and one Canadian are due to fly around the moon ahead of a future moon landing.

"This will almost assuredly impact the March launch window," NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said in a Feb. 21 post on social media site X.

Firefly's Blue Ghost lunar lander captures its shadow on the moon's surface after completing a successful landing March 2 near a volcanic feature on the moon called Mons Latreille. The vehicle became the first of two landers manufactured by a U.S. company to reach the moon is 2025 in crucial missions to lay the groundwork for NASA to return humans to the lunar surface in the years ahead. Athena, the lunar lander on Intuitive Machines' IM-2 mission, captured this image of the moon's surface with Earth seen in the distance ahead of a March 6 landing attempt. While the lander was the second U.S. vehicle to reach the moon within a week, it ultimately landed on its side, which hindered much of its mission. NASA astronaut Suni Williams is helped out of a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft March 18 following a return to Earth after a nine-month stay at the International Space Station. She and NASA astronaut Butch Wilmore crewed the Boeing Starliner, which had launched in June 2024 on a failed test flight that was meant to return them to Earth a few days later. Butch Wilmore reacts after he and Suni Williams and two other astronauts splashed down March 18 in a Crew Dragon space capsule following their return to earth from the International Space Station off the coast of Florida. The astronauts' extended stay at the orbital outpost dominated the news cycle for months. A SpaceX support team member is seen airborne while working to lift the SpaceX Dragon capsule that returned the Starliner astronauts and two others onto a recovery vehicle following its landing off the coast of Florida. This picture shows the crew of a privately-funded mission known as Fram2, from left to right, mission specialist and medical officer Eric Philips, mission commander Chun Wang, pilot Rabea Rogge and vehicle commander Jannicke Mikkelsen on March 19, 2025 in Hawthorne, California. Launched March 31 from Florida using a SpaceX Dragon capsule, the mission became t first ever human spaceflight over the Earth's polar regions. Pop musician Katy Perry emerges April 14 from Blue Origin's New Shepard capsule in West Texas following a brief flight to the edge of space. Perry was part of an all-women crew that also included broadcast journalist Gayle King that took the ride from Blue Origin's facility called Launch Site One. The high-profile launch attracted plenty of headlines and even drew some backlash from those who viewed the mission as a wasteful publicity stunt. Blue Origin's New Shepard rocket carrying astronauts Aisha Bowe, Amanda Nguyen, Kerianne Flynn, Gayle King, Katy Perry, and Lauren Sanchez lifts off April 14 from Launch Site One near Van Horn, Texas. Blue Origin has since launched five more human spaceflights on the New Shepard in 2025. This photo depicts a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket carrying the latest batch of Amazon's broadband satellites on Dec. 16 to low-Earth orbit after launching from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. Formerly called Project Kuiper, the venture has since been renamed Amazon Leo. Since its debut April launch, Amazon Leo has deployed 180 of 3,000 satellites planned for its first constellation, which could challenge SpaceX's Starlink. A group of Blue Origin employees with their friends and families gather on the beach in Cape Canaveral for the launch of Blue Origin's second New Glenn rocket in 2025. Following its January debut, the rocket launched for the second time Nov. 13 from Launch Complex 36 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, sending NASA's twin ESCAPADE spacecraft on their trek to Mars. Darkness falls Nov. 9 as a Blue Origin New Glenn rocket is prepped for its second-ever launch from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. Blue Origin is developing the towering rocket for heavy-lift missions that could see Jeff Bezos' company compete with Elon Musk and SpaceX. The SpaceX Starship spacecraft sits Oct. 12, 2025 atop the Super Heavy booster before sunrise as preparations continue for its 11th test flight from the company's complex in Starbase, Texas. A SpaceX Super Heavy booster carrying the Starship spacecraft lifts off Oct. 13, 2025, on its 11th ever test flight at the company's launch pad in Starbase, Texas. The launch was Starship's fifth of 2025, and second consecutive successful test flight following a year that was early on marked by explosive failures. SpaceX is developing the rocket for future missions that would help NASA astronauts land on the moon and also potentially transport the first humans to Mars. 2025 spaceflight in photos. See images of Blue Origin, SpaceX missions 1 of 13 Firefly's Blue Ghost lunar lander captures its shadow on the moon's surface after completing a successful landing March 2 near a volcanic feature on the moon called Mons Latreille. The vehicle became the first of two landers manufactured by a U.S. company to reach the moon is 2025 in crucial missions to lay the groundwork for NASA to return humans to the lunar surface in the years ahead.

If it's been difficult to keep track of all the latest updates, delays and potential launch windows for Artemis 2, here's everything to know.

When is the Artemis 2 rocket launch date?

Originally slated for liftoff in February, NASA officials initially delayed the Artemis 2 moon launch from the Kennedy Space Center near Cape Canaveral, Florida, by about a month. The Artemis 2 mission slipped to no earlier than March 6 after NASA's first elaborate launch day rehearsal ended with the discovery of a hydrogen leak within the 322-foot Space Launch System rocket's core stage.

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Now, though, NASA simply hopes to preserve launch opportunities in April since its apparent engineers have more work to do on the SLS.

"I understand people are disappointed by this development," Isaacman said in a follow-up online post with more information. "That disappointment is felt most by the team at NASA, who have been working tirelessly to prepare for this great endeavor."

Helium flow problem marks latest issue for Artemis 2 moon rocket

Ground teams at NASA observed "interrupted flow of helium" Feb. 21 to the rockets interim cryogenic propulsion stage.

Helium flow is required for launch, as the upper stage uses it to maintain "proper environmental conditions" for the engine and to pressurize propellant tanks. While the system worked during the most recent fueling test, known as a wet dress rehearsal, "teams were not able to properly flow helium during normal operations and reconfigurations," NASA said in a blog post.

After overnight data showed an interruption in helium flow in the SLS interim cryogenic propulsion stage, teams are troubleshooting and preparing for a likely rollback of Artemis II to the VAB at @NASAKennedy. This will almost assuredly impact the March launch window. @NASA will  NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman (@NASAAdmin) February 21, 2026

NASA conducted successful 2nd fueling test

The discovery came on the heels of an otherwise successful wet dress rehearsal in which the SLS was fueled with and later drained of 700,000 gallons of liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen.

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The test, meant to simulate launch day operations, ended Feb. 20 on a high note after NASA teams didn't encounter the liquid hydrogen leaks that plagued the first such demonstration earlier in the month.

Will the Space Launch System rocket need to be rolled from launch pad?

The Space Launch System will soon be departing the launch pad, where it's been vertical since mid-January, as NASA is planning to roll the giant rocket back to the agency's Vehicle Assembly Building where spacecraft are prepared for launch.

The rollback could happen soon, NASA said. An exact time to conduct the 4-mile, daylong trek has not been announced.

While a number of factors could be causing the problem with the rocket, "accessing and remediating any of these issues can only be performed in the VAB," Isaacman said.

When will NASA say more about what's next for Artemis 2?

NASA officials have indicated plans to host a news conference "in the coming days" to discuss the status of Artemis 2, though a date has not been announced.

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"Please expect a more extensive briefing later this week as we outline the path forward, not just for Artemis II, but for subsequent missions, to ensure NASA meets the Presidents vision to return to the Moon and, this time, to stay," Isaacman concluded in his online statement.

Who will be on the Artemis 2 mission? Astronauts exit quarantine again

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman stands with the Artemis II crew during an SLS rollout press briefing. The crew of Artemis II (from left: Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen, Mission Specialist Christina Koch, Pilot Victor Glover and Commander Reid Wiseman) answer questions at a press conference as their Space Launch System rocket is transported to Pad 39B January 17, 2026. Artemis II is tentatively scheduled to launch on a mission to th Moon in early February. Craig Bailey/FLORIDA TODAY via USA TODAY NETWORK Artemis II Commander Reid Wiseman answers questions during a press conference at Kennedy Space Center, FL January 17, 2026. The Artemis II crew is tentatively scheduled to launch in early February. Craig Bailey/FLORIDA TODAY via USA TODAY NETWORK Artemis II Pilot Victor Glover answers questions during a press conference at Kennedy Space Center, FL January 17, 2026. The Artemis II crew is tentatively scheduled to launch in early February. Craig Bailey/FLORIDA TODAY via USA TODAY NETWORK Artemis II Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen answers questions during a press conference at Kennedy Space Center, FL January 17, 2026. The Artemis II crew is tentatively scheduled to launch in early February. Craig Bailey/FLORIDA TODAY via USA TODAY NETWORK The Artemis II crew poses in front of an Orion simulator Jan. 23, 2026 at NASAs Johnson Space Center in Houston. Four astronauts will venture around the Moon on Artemis II, the first crewed mission on NASA's path to establishing a long-term presence at the Moon for science and exploration through Artemis. The 10-day flight will help confirm systems and hardware needed for early human lunar exploration missions. The crew of Artemis II (from left) Jeremy Hansen, Christina Koch, Victor Glover and Reid Wiseman leave crew quarters December 20, 2025 during their pre-launch rehearsal. Craig Bailey, FLORIDA TODAY via USA TODAY NETWORK Artemis II mission specialist Christina Koch talks with spectators as the crew leaves crew quarters December 20, 2025 during their pre-launch rehearsal. Craig Bailey, FLORIDA TODAY via USA TODAY NETWORK The astronauts of Artemis II (from left) Victor Glover, Jeremy Hansen, Reid Wiseman and Christina Koch leave crew quarters December 20, 2025 during their pre-launch rehearsal. Craig Bailey, FLORIDA TODAY via USA TODAY NETWORK Artemis 2 crew members, shown Aug. 8, 2023 inside the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building at NASAs Kennedy Space Center in Florida, walk toward their Orion crew module. NASA's Artemis 2 mission to fly 4 astronauts around moon. Photos of crew 1 of 11 NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman stands with the Artemis II crew during an SLS rollout press briefing.

The crew of Artemis 2 includes NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover and Christina Koch, as well as the Canadian Space Agency's Jeremy Hansen.

Following the successful prelaunch fueling test, the astronauts had reentered quarantine Feb. 20 at the Johnson Space Center in Houston to avoid exposure to any illnesses, NASA said. But amid the latest setback, the crew members once again exited quarantine and will remain in Houston until a new target launch date is about two weeks away.

What are NASA's Artemis missions?

NASA's Artemis program is the agency's ambitious campaign to return Americans to the surface of the moon for the first time since the Apollo era came to an end in 1972. Ultimately, Artemis reflects NASA's moon-to-Mars approach to getting the first humans to the Red Planet.

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In the years ahead, NASA's Artemis campaign aims to launch a series of crewed missions to establish a continuous human presence on the moon with a lunar settlement on the south pole. That's where water ice thought to be abundant in the region could be extracted and used for drinking, breathing and as a source of hydrogen and oxygen for rocket fuel.

Artemis 2 not landing on the moon, but circling it

The Artemis 2 astronauts won't be landing, but will instead circle the moon on a 10-day trip to test systems and hardware for future expeditions to the surface. The Orion capsule the crew will pilot  built by Lockheed Martin  is due to travel about 4,700 miles beyond the far side of the moon, taking its passengers the farthest humans have ever ventured in space before returning to Earth.

While NASA tested its spacecraft during the Artemis 1 mission in 2022, Artemis 2 will be the first time that the giant, 322-foot-tall SLS rocket and the Orion capsule will fly with humans aboard.

When would a moon landing happen? What to know about Artemis 3

A moon landing would take place during Artemis 3, which President Donald Trump has signaled he wants to see happen before the end of his second term. The astronauts for that mission have not yet been selected.

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Eric Lagatta is the Space Connect reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at elagatta@usatodayco.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NASA Artemis mission in trouble again. What to know about latest delay
The National Association of Letter Carriers held a day of action Sunday, rallying on the city's South Side.

Union leaders are calling for a fair contract as negotiations are expected to get underway with the United States Postal Service in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday.

Letter carriers in Chicago joined letter carriers across the country for a National Day of Action.

"We overwhelming voted down our last contract," said Elise Foster, President of the National Association of Letter Carriers. "We said no, but the arbitrator ruled and said that we have to take it and it was handed to us. So it's just not right. So we don't want that happened in our last contact negotiations to happen again."

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Sunday morning, letter carriers were joined by elected leaders at the National Association of Letter Carriers Branch 11 in Bronzeville for a rally ahead of negotiations.

"This battles isn't about fairness and dignity alone. It is about fighting for working families," Illinois Governor JB Pritzker said. "You deliver people their social security checks, prescriptions to those who can't get to the pharmacy, ballots to the voters, letters to loved one. You keep our nation and people connected. We can't survive without you."

"COVID, we learned a lesson that there are a few people in tough, tough times that we can count on day in and day out and one of those persons is your letter carrier," Illinois U.S. Senator Dick Durbin said.

Union leaders say they are demanding higher pay and better working conditions. This also comes as the Trump administration has suggested privatizing USPS.

"With my 32 years in the Postal Service it has always been talks about it, but that's something we don't want," Foster said. "This is a service for the American people. It is in the Constitution, and we want to keep it that way."
At least 90 flights in and out of Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) in Fort Myers were canceled Monday, Feb. 23, and more than a dozen were delayed as a powerful winter storm dumps heavy snow on parts of the Northeast, according to flight tracking site FlightAware.

Over 5,000 flights have been canceled nationwide, with over 1,000 flight cancellations across Florida.

Most of the cancellations are at airports in and around New York, Boston and Philadelphia as the nor'easter drops up to 20 inches of snow in some areas.

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Even after the weather clears, flight cancellations may continue for a day or two while airlines reposition planes and crews to resume normal operations.

Here's what to know:

How many airline delays, cancellations reported into and out of US Monday, Feb. 23?

According to FlightAware.com, which provides real-time flight information, as of 8:15 a.m., the following delays and cancellations of flights have been reported within, into or out of the United States today, Feb. 23:

Monday, Feb. 23 Delays: 815 Cancellations: 5,380

Tuesday, Feb. 24 Delays: 0 Cancellations: 1,341

Wednesday, Feb. 25 Delays: 0 Cancellations: 22



Canceled, delayed flights at RSW in Fort Myers, Florida today

Flight cancellations and delays at RSW as of noon, Feb. 23, according to FlightAware:

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Delays: 15

Cancellations: 90

How many delays, cancellations reported at Florida airports?

Here's the breakdown by airport as of around 8:15 a.m. Feb. 23. Click the airport names for detailed flight info and updated numbers.

Delays: 0

Cancellations: 6

Delays: 0

Cancellations: 2

Delays: 24

Cancellations: 191

Delays: 0

Cancellations: 0

Delays: 3

Cancellations: 46

Delays: 1

Cancellations: 15

Delays: 1

Cancellations: 0

Delays: 16

Cancellations: 139

Northwest Florida Beaches International (ECP) cancellations, delays

Delays: 0

Cancellations: 5

Delays: 26

Cancellations: 240

Delays: 3

Cancellations: 2

Delays: 6

Cancellations: 122

Delays: 0

Cancellations: 5

Delays: 2

Cancellations: 2

Delays: 5

Cancellations: 34

Delays: 3

Cancellations: 2

Delays: 0

Cancellations: 0

Delays: 7

Cancellations: 109

How do I check if my flight is canceled?

Don't wait until you're already at the airport to check your flight. Monitor your flight early and often, starting now, as cancellations will increase as the weather conditions worsen.

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Download your airlines mobile app and turn on push and text notifications for alerts about your flight. Some apps have a Wheres My Plane? feature that lets you see whether the aircraft scheduled to operate your flight has arrived, is delayed en route, or hasnt departed yet from its previous airport. That can be an early signal of trouble.

What should you do if your flight is delayed or canceled? Latest on rebooking, refunds

If your flight is canceled, use the airline's mobile app to rebook as soon as possible, according to Scott Keyes, founder of Going. If you need to talk to someone, Keyes suggests calling one of the carriers international lines.

"The best thing travelers can do is to be as proactive as possible switching to a new flight, Keyes told USA TODAY. When a flight gets canceled, all of a sudden hundreds of passengers need new itineraries. There may only be a handful of seats left on the best flights, and it's a first-come, first-(served) endeavor.

If your flight is canceled for any reason, youre entitled to a full refund if you choose not to fly on alternative itineraries offered by your airline. The same goes for significant delays or changes.

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You can get all of Floridas best content directly in your inbox each weekday day by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY.

This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: RSW cancellations, delays today. What to know
Israels Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has outlined plans to form a new regional bloc, and has framed the Middle East as divided into radical Sunni and Shia axes.

Speaking on Sunday, Netanyahu described a proposed hexagon of alliances which he says would include Israel, India, Greece and Cyprus, along with other unnamed Arab, African and Asian states. He said together, they would unite to collectively stand against what he called radical adversaries.

In the vision I see before me, we will create an entire system, essentially a hexagon of alliances around or within the Middle East, Netanyahu said.

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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.

However, no government has publicly endorsed this plan  or its sectarian framing. Two of the three countries Netanyahu named  Greece and Cyprus  are members of the International Criminal Court (ICC), which has an arrest warrant out for Netanyahu for war crimes in Gaza, and would be legally obliged to arrest him if he set foot there.

Andreas Krieg, associate professor of security studies at Kings College London, told Al Jazeera that the Israeli prime minister may be overselling his idea.

The unnamed Arab/African/Asian component may exist in the form of ad hoc security coordination and transactional diplomacy, but not necessarily in a way that resembles a NATO-style pact or treaty. It isnt an alliance, he said.

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Id treat the hexagon less as a deliverable alliance and more as a branding exercise for a patchwork of existing relationships, he added.

What does Netanyahu mean by radical axes?

Netanyahu is seeking to replicate what he describes as his victories against the Shia axis  also known as the axis of resistance  an informal, Iran-centred network of allied groups that oppose Israeli and Western influence in the Middle East.

At its core stands Iran, which supports Hezbollah in Lebanon  long regarded as the regions most powerful non-state actor aligned with Tehran before Israel killed much of its leadership in 2024.

In Iraq, Tehran maintains ties with various Shia armed groups, including factions within the Popular Mobilisation Forces and groups such as Kataib Hezbollah.

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More recently, in Yemen, the Houthis, a Zaidi Shia movement, have risen in prominence, with Tehran providing material support, training and weapons.

Is Netanyahu right about an emerging Sunni axis as well?

Not really. Israel attacked at least six countries in the region in 2025, including Palestine, Iran, Lebanon, Syria and Yemen, and conducted attacks linked to Gaza in international waters in Tunisia and Greece.

It has also threatened Egypt, Turkiye, Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Jordan.

Rather than forming a unified Sunni axis  as Netanyahu describes them  several Sunni-majority states in the region have coordinated diplomatically in response to Israels regional belligerence.

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This coordination has included joint statements condemning Israeli efforts to recognise Somaliland as an independent state, condemning Israeli strikes on Syria and the ongoing genocide in Gaza.

The need to counter Israeli actions also loomed over Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogans state visits at the start of February to Saudi Arabia and Egypt. Those countries have experienced strained relations in recent years.

We see that there are growing common efforts by regional countries against Israel, joint statements, joint diplomatic efforts, joint military engagements, the exploration of potential for joint defence adventures, said Omer Ozkizilcik, a non-resident fellow at the Atlantic Council.

This alliance is not an alliance or not a collective alliance based on an ideology or based on Sunnism. This is a geopolitical, realistic behaviour and these states happen to be Sunni majority, he told Al Jazeera.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (right) hugs Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a press conference at Hyderabad House in New Delhi on January 15, 2018 [Money Sharma/AFP]

Would India really join?

Netanyahus remarks come as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepares to visit Israel, where he is expected to address the Knesset and hold talks on artificial intelligence, quantum computing, security coordination and trade.

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Modi emphasised the friendly relationship between the two countries in a post on X on Sunday, writing that India deeply values the enduring friendship with Israel, built on trust, innovation and a shared commitment to peace and progress.

The two leaders have deepened ties in recent years, but India remains a highly pragmatic actor.

As a founding member of the Non-Aligned Movement, New Delhi has historically avoided rigid bloc politics. It simultaneously engages China, Russia and the United States.

India also maintains extensive ties across the Gulf. Workers in the region send home billions in remittances annually. New Delhi retains close relations with Iran  describing ties as civilisational  while also expanding strategic cooperation with Saudi Arabia.

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The danger is in the signalling, noted Krieg. Netanyahus framing as an axis vs axis project risks hardening regional polarisation, giving Israels rivals (Iran, but also Turkiye and others) an easy narrative of encirclement, and making some would-be partners more cautious about being seen too close to Israel.

Netanyahus rhetoric could pull India further into Middle East fault lines it generally prefers to manage pragmatically, not ideologically, Krieg said, noting that Indias main interests lie in defence, technology and trade rather than signing up to Israels regional ambitions.

From left, Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis hold a joint news conference after a trilateral meeting in Jerusalem on December 22, 2025 [Abir Sultan/AFP]

What about Greece and Cyprus?

In December 2025, Israel hosted Greece and Cyprus for the latest round of meetings under their trilateral framework, established in 2016. Although formally centred on energy and connectivity, the grouping has steadily expanded into security and defence cooperation, in part aimed at Turkiye.

Greece approved the purchase of 36 PULS rocket artillery systems from Israel in 2025, valued at approximately $760m. The two sides are holding discussions about a broader defence package estimated at $3.5bn, including an Israeli-built multi-layered air defence system.

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Cyprus has also received Israeli-made air defence systems, with further deliveries expected.

Yet even here, the picture is fluid. Turkiye and Greece have entered a cautious rapprochement. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis visited Ankara earlier this month in an effort to stabilise relations and expand economic ties.

The truth is that while there are all sorts of tactical partners Israel might have, technical partnerships and alliances Israel might enjoy, nobody wants to touch Israel with a 10-foot pole, said Ori Goldberg, an independent Israeli analyst and political commentator.

Israel is bad news. The Israeli brand has deteriorated to such an extent that it only brings potential chaos and instability, and in the most literal sense, look at what Israel does, he added.

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On the face of it, Israels pitch for a wider regional alliance runs counter to the interests of these countries, which Krieg notes are largely centred on Eastern Mediterranean security and energy dynamics rather than a broader Middle East project Netanyahu envisions.





Why now?

The initiative comes at a politically sensitive moment for Netanyahu, whose legal troubles abroad have been compounded by legal troubles at home.

With elections due later this year, Netanyahu has a clear incentive to project statesmanship and to argue that Israel is not diplomatically isolated and that it can still convene meaningful regional and extra-regional partnerships, said Krieg.

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Netanyahu faces domestic pressure over proposed judicial reforms and protests surrounding efforts to recruit ultra-Orthodox Jews into military service.

He is also standing trial in three corruption cases involving charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust dating back to 2016, which may very well end in jail time.

His hexagon initiative reads as a hedge, Krieg argued.

The Saudi normalisation track has become far more politically costly for Riyadh, and Israel is trying to show it has alternatives and can build minilateral coalitions around connectivity, energy and security even without a headline Saudi breakthrough, he said.

Since October 2023, Israels economy has faced mounting strain, with business closures rising and credit agencies downgrading outlooks.

The Israeli economy is not doing well  jobs are disappearing, and investments are much costlier than they were. Israel is faltering at best and sailing at worst, Goldberg said.

Nothing Israel does seems to work. So whats better than to fully retreat into a fantasy world where you have a hexagonal alliance?




Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced that Israel plans to build a network of allied nations in or around the Middle East to collectively stand against what he called radical adversaries.

Netanyahu made the comments on Sunday while announcing the upcoming visit to Israel of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whose country the Israeli leader said would be part of the axis of nations that see eye to eye with Israel.

Netanyahu, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court on war crimes charges, also referred to Greece, Cyprus and other unnamed Arab, African and Asian countries.

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In the vision I see before me, we will create an entire system, essentially a hexagon of alliances around or within the Middle East, Netanyahu said, according to the Times of Israel.

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.

Modi said he fully agrees with Netanyahu on the bond between India and Israel, including 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, Modi wrote in a post on X.

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Since the start of Israels genocidal war on Gaza, its assaults have been weakening the Iran-led axis of resistance, including Hezbollah in Lebanon. Israel and Iran also directly clashed last June in a 12-day war, in which the US military also joined to attack Irans nuclear sites.

Netanyahu did not elaborate on what he meant by emerging radical Sunni axis, but he has previously identified the Muslim Brotherhood as its leading element.





Relations between Israel and several predominantly Sunni Muslim states have soured amid the bloodshed in Gaza, including with Turkiye, whose President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has sharply criticised Netanyahu, and Saudi Arabia, which has accused Israel of genocide.

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Prospects for normalisation between Israel and Saudi Arabia also appear to be eroding. In recent months, the kingdom has rebuked Israels recognition of Somalias breakaway region, Somaliland, as well as the Israeli moves towards annexation in the occupied West Bank.

Since 2020, Israel has pushed to establish formal ties with Arab and Muslim states as a way to shore up its regional standing as part of the US-backed so-called Abraham Accords.

Under that framework, Israel has been enjoying close relations with the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Morocco.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom had some fighting words for President Donald Trump that cut to the heart of the presidents perception of himself.

Trump has spent much of his second term fixated on construction projects, razing the East Wing of the White House to make room for a $400 million ballroom, closing the beleaguered Kennedy Center for renovations, and drawing up plans for a massive triumphal archall of which will reportedly bear Trumps name.

The president and his team have repeatedly justified the various vanity projects by insisting the president is a builder, with Trump himself claiming that construction is relaxing for him because I have been doing it all my life.

President Trump ordered construction crews to demolish the East Wing of the White House last November. / The Washington Post / The Washington Post via Getty Im

Newsom, however, took issue with the builder-in-chief characterization.

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Breaking things is not strength. Tearing things down is not strength, he told Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens during a Sunday event to promote his newly published memoir, Young Man in a Hurry.

Any jack--- can tear down a barn, but it takes a skilled carpenter to build one, Newsom continued, quoting the legendary House Speaker Sam Rayburn. Tearing things down is not strength. Trump is not a builder. Hes a jack---.

The Daily Beast has reached out to the White House for comment.

President Donald Trump showed off a model of his

Newsom has spent much of the last year as a thorn in the side of the Trump administration, trolling Trump in the presidents own rambling, all-caps communications style and calling out various members of his Cabinet, including Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

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Political insiders say his mix of viral trolling and high-profile policy speeches offers an alternative vision to Trumps, and makes clear that hes gearing up for a presidential run in 2028, though the governor says he hasnt yet decided whether he will run.

He kicked off his book tour Saturday in Nashville, Tennessee, before continuing on to Georgia on Sunday and North Carolina on Monday.

Trump, meanwhile, has his hands full defending his construction projects in court.

A group of Vietnam War veterans has sued to block his Arc de Trump, the National Trust for Historic Preservation has sued to halt construction on his massive ballroom, and a member of the Kennedy Center board has challenged his Trump-centric rebranding of the arts venue.
North Dakotas Democratic-NPL Party is seeing an uptick in legislative candidates, and leaders report higher interest from members wanting to attend the partys state convention.

But other than three candidates for North Dakotas sole U.S. House seat, Democrats have yet to announce campaigns for statewide office.

Twelve Democratic candidates received endorsements from districts in the Bismarck-Mandan area earlier this month, the most since 2016 when 11 regional Democratic candidates were endorsed.

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Were quite excited about the prospect of a very unified, coordinated campaign with all of our legislative candidates in the Bismarck-Mandan area, said Bob Valeu, chair of the Bismarck-Mandan Dem-NPL organization.

North Dakota Republicans hold a supermajority in the state Legislature, outnumbering Democrats 42-5 in the Senate and 83-11 in the House. In the Bismarck-Mandan area, which has not elected a Democrat to the Legislature since 2018, some legislative districts have struggled to recruit Democratic candidates.

Bob Valeu, chair of the Bismarck-Mandan Dem-NPL organization, speaks to attendees of the Democratic-NPL Party Region 6 District Conventions at Horizon Middle School on Feb. 7, 2026. (Photo by Kyle Martin/For the North Dakota Monitor)

This year, however, Democrats have legislative candidates running in all but one regional district. Valeu said attendance at the district conventions nearly quadrupled from recent years with new people participating in the process. He estimated about 300 people showed up to a combined event Feb. 7.

A Democrat running for state House in District 7 is Jason Thoms, executive director of the Dakota West Arts Council. If the free school meals ballot initiative makes it onto the general election ballot, Thoms anticipates that could drive more people to vote in November, potentially giving Democratic candidates an advantage.

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People are frustrated in our community with the idea that to be a Republican means you have to dislike and hate the people in your community, Thoms said. We could have a number of Democratic candidates who are victorious in this next election, and its worth taking the time to go visit people home to home.

Districts 1 and 23 in the Williston area recently endorsed three Democrats for six legislative seats. Neither district fielded any Dem-NPL legislative candidates in 2022. District 1 Democrats filled all seven of its delegate spots for the state convention in Bismarck.

Ive been with the Democratic Party here in District 1 for decades, and I cant remember the last time weve filled that delegation, said Bruce Anderson, district chair.

Many of the issues participants brought up at the local convention reflected national issues, including affordability, health care, education, immigration enforcement and the Jeffrey Epstein files, he said.

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Our congressional delegation arent addressing any of these issues and their silence is deafening, and I think thats resonating with the people, Anderson said.

Sen. Tim Mathern, D-Fargo, said District 11 Democrats had a stronger turnout at their recent meeting than in probably a decade.

I am hoping that this demonstrates a resurgence on the part of our citizens, said Mathern, who is seeking reelection.

In District 13 in West Fargo, Republican legislative candidates ran unopposed four years ago. But this year, District 13 Democrats endorsed three candidates, including state Senate candidate Landis Larson, who recently retired as president of the North Dakota AFL-CIO.

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I saw the biggest turnout Ive seen in all the time Ive gone to those things, which has been quite a while, Larson said. Theres a lot more excitement, and I think the political landscape has got people wound up.

North Dakota Republicans also are showing strong interest in legislative races, with some districts expected to have Republican challengers at the June primary. The election picture will become more clear after districts complete their endorsing conventions. Legislators in odd-numbered districts are up for election this year, along with two even-numbered districts that have two-year terms on the ballot due to lawmaker resignations. Legislators who have filed for office so far are listed on the secretary of states website.

Three Democrats, Trygve Hammer, Vern Thompson and Helene Neville, have announced campaigns for U.S. House. Republican Rep. Julie Fedorchak is running for a second term, and Republican Alex Balazs has also announced a campaign.

Democrats have not yet announced campaigns to challenge any other Republican incumbents for statewide elected office. A Democrat has not won a statewide race in North Dakota since 2012, when U.S. Sen. Heidi Heitkamp narrowly defeated Republican U.S. Rep. Rick Berg. In some years, Democrats have not had candidates on the ballot for all statewide offices.

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In 2024, some Democrats did not announce campaigns until the partys state convention. That year, the party did not field candidates for insurance commissioner or state treasurer, but ran candidates for other positions.

Cheryl Biller, executive director for the Democratic-NPL Party, said talks with potential statewide candidates are ongoing.

We absolutely expect to have more statewide candidates by the time we get to convention, Biller said.

Statewide offices up for election in 2026 are secretary of state, attorney general, agriculture commissioner, tax commissioner, two Public Service Commission seats and superintendent of the Department of Public Instruction, a nonpartisan position.

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Democrats hold their state convention March 6-8 at Bismarck State College. Fourteen districts have reported full slates of delegates for the convention with a few weeks to go, said Laura Dronen, communications and digital director.

Things are filling up faster, Dronen said.

North Dakota Monitor reporter Michael Achterling can be reached at machterling@northdakotamonitor.com.

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AKRON, Ohio (WJW)  A local man was found guilty Monday of his eleventh OVI conviction.

According to a press release from the Summit County prosecutor, Johnny Deloach, 59, was found guilty for his tenth drunk driving offense and his eleventh OVI conviction.

Lakewood pizza shop closes for good

The most recent incident happened in 2024, prosecutors said.

According to the report, a citizen said they had been forced off the interstate by a vehicle weaving through traffic in Bath.

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Bath police said they smelled alcohol, and that Deloach was driving with an open container.

Police said Deloach admitted to drinking.

Woman reported missing in 2001 found alive 24 years later

Prior offenses spanned from 2001 to 2021, according to court records.

Deloach is scheduled to be sentenced on March 30 at 9 a.m.

Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.
As a bomb cyclone continued to wallop New York City with up to 2 feet of snow, Mayor Mamdani announced public schools will reopen for in-person classes Tuesday, sparking criticism he is being overly optimistic about conditions on the ground.

I hope our students enjoy their snow day today and stay warm and safe throughout, but I do have some tough news to share: School will be in-person tomorrow, Mamdani said at a Monday afternoon weather briefing in downtown Brooklyn.

You can still pelt me with snowballs when you see me, he told students who may disagree with his decision, which was first reported ahead of the news conference by the Daily News.

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But pushback to the plan has gathered steam since the mayors announcement. An online petition demanding Mamdani make school remote Tuesday had garnered 50,000 signatures as of Monday afternoon, a number that was climbing quickly.

Mamdani made the call as the heavy snow started to slow down and New Yorkers were just beginning to dig their way out of the blizzard. Whether or not the streets and sidewalks would be cleared in time remained an open question in some of the hardest-hit corners of the city.

Staten Island is completely inundated, said Vito Fossella, the borough president of Staten Island, which saw some of the most snow across the five boroughs. Numerous roads are impassable, and people have to walk in the middle of the street because the sidewalks are completely blocked by at least 2 feet of snow.

How could the city, on one hand, urge people to stay indoors, and on the other, expect families to get their kids to school in these unsafe conditions? In what world does that make sense?

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Queens Borough President Donovan Richards echoed the sentiment on social media. Please cancel school tomorrow as well. I cant deal with yall acting crazy! he wrote on X.

His schools chancellor, Kamar Samuels, said school facilities and custodial staff have been working around the clock to remove snow and ice, clear paths, and prepare classrooms for students to return.

The citys school operations center, which has been open with employees reporting in-person since Sunday, has deployed 8,000 workers on the Education Department payroll to 1,400 properties, on top of citywide efforts to clear the snow, officials said.

The team efforts have been nothing short of extraordinary, Samuels said.

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The reopening will extend to all education programming and extracurricular activities, according to the chancellor.

The United Federation of Teachers told union members that while school will be in-person Tuesday, no teacher should put themselves at risk physically.

We know tomorrows commute may pose a real challenge for some of our members. No one should jeopardize their safety trying to report to work, the UFT wrote on X.

The return to school buildings comes after city schoolkids Monday had their first traditional snow day since 2019 and the advent of remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Mamdani said he made the call to fully cancel classes in response to a unique set of circumstances Monday  the first day of school after last weeks previously scheduled midwinter recess.

We believe that there were extenuating circumstances, both with the citys first blizzard in 10 years, combined with the fact that students and teachers were coming back from a week of being off, Mamdani said on 1010 WINS. That meant that they didnt all have the technology in advance of what wouldve otherwise been a remote learning day.

We didnt believe it would actually be productive or conducive or something that would be helpful for our students. So we applied for a waiver from the state. We were told that we would receive it.

The city has been reluctant to cancel classes during snowstorms because of a state law requiring 180 days of school. With the addition of new holidays, public schools have less flexibility in the academic calendar to close school on days that count toward the required total.

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The states waiver means students wont have to make up the day of school later this year.

The Education Department first told principals to prepare for the possibility of a remote snow day Friday night, when people were still out of town during the midwinter break. Administrators were offered overtime pay to report to school buildings and make arrangements ahead of the storm. The city ultimately scrapped a pivot to online classes when plans proved untenable.

This far into the academic year, some education insiders said, connecting students with devices shouldnt have come down to the wire, when schools were already on recess.

All this investment, all this technology  where are they? And why arent they in the hands of students? an insider said.

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That means they were not ready. Its not fair to put it squarely on the current administration, but it just means DOE is not ready yet to shift to remote seamlessly, which they said they were.

In a Sunday email to members, the Council of School Supervisors & Administrators, the union representing principals, said administrators were asked on short notice during vacation, the weekend, and religious observance to distribute devices and support families.

CSA understands how difficult it was to mobilize on personal time only to have plans change, read the missive. We appreciate how quickly members stepped up for students and families.
Towns in the Cape Cod region of Massachusetts are planning for steadily rising sea levels.

To prevent future flooding, they're exploring how to change wetland and zoning regulations and bylaws.

What's happening?

As The Cape Cod Chronicle reported, planning boards and conservation commissions have been gathering in Harwich, Chatham, and Orleans, Massachusetts, to discuss the changes. They aim to improve coastal resilience and prevent future flood hazards.

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In this region of the country, property values are high, with assessed values well into the billions. Just these three communities, plus Brewster, have $10.2 billion assessed in FEMA's floodplain.

"We have to acknowledge that our weather is changing," said Heather McElroy from the Cape Cod Commission, per The Chronicle. "Storms are more intense. Together with sea level rise, there's going to be more wind-driven flooding and storms with real erosive effect on our shorelines. We have a responsibility to ensure that new development  as it is proposed, as it comes before our boards  is permitted and built to be as resilient as possible."

Why are floodplain regulations important?

Many communities in Cape Cod and other regions worldwide are increasingly at risk due to rising sea levels and flood hazards. Climate experts have predicted concerning, steady rises in the world's seas caused by human activities such as burning fossil fuels. Higher sea levels can put people's lives in danger and cause severe economic damage.

Floodplain specialists are hard at work, pushing for regulations and bylaws for at-risk towns to consider. Proposals on Cape Cod address new development within existing floodplains, prevent natural resource loss, and reduce human suffering and loss of life.

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These types of laws can also hold towns accountable to performance standards and create resilience zones for land to absorb coastal storm flowage while sparing residences and businesses.

Fortunately, many other cities, such as Philadelphia, are also developing plans to prevent contamination of drinking water and other negative impacts of rising seas.

What's being done to protect coastal communities?

If you live in a coastal community, consider getting involved in local discussions and with planning committees to improve resilience efforts. Voicing your concerns can spark widespread advocacy and help protect the people, homes, and businesses you care about.

Wherever you live, educate yourself about critical climate issues, such as sea level rise and its impacts. You can also set a sustainable example for people in your life by reducing your own pollution, which contributes to the climate crisis and rising sea levels.

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For example, installing solar panels on your home can help you save money on monthly energy costs and become more resilient during extreme weather.

TCD's Solar Explorer connects you with vetted installers so you can save up to $10,000 on installation costs. One TCD partner, EnergySage, offers a free service to help you discover and take advantage of all available solar incentives.

More communities like those on Cape Cod must start planning now to mitigate future storm risks and preserve their way of life. Armed with scientific research and a local commitment, we can make significant strides in preparing for Mother Nature's next devastating storms.

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.
LINCOLN  To say that Paul Hedren is a Custer fanatic would be quite an understatement.

Growing up in Minnesota, family vacations consisted of driving west, to the famous forts and battlefields of the great Indian wars.

As soon as he was able to drive, Hedren and his brother continued the tradition, driving to historic sites like Fort Laramie, Fort Robinson and Teddy Roosevelt National Park.

Invariably, they would end up at the Little Bighorn Battlefield on the June anniversary of Custers Last Stand, where, Hedren said, all Custer buffs can point out where every soldier fell. The trips became known as Pauls Custer Trip.

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This has been a lifelong obsession, he said.

That infatuation led to a 37-year career with the National Park Service and the writing of 13 books about the famous battles and famous characters of the Indian wars.

And now it has culminated in a book, researched and written over a decade, that ties all those tales together: Sitting Bulls War: The Battle of Little Big Horn and the Fight for Buffalo and Freedom on the Plains.

Sitting Bulls War, which is already in its second printing, tells the story of the last war between the Plains Indians and the U.S. Army through accounts given by Indians when they surrendered or when they were interviewed years later on reservations. (Courtesy of Paul Hedren)

The 552-page epic, published in November, has brought unprecedented publicity and attention to the 76-year-old author and historian.

Both the Wall Street Journal and The New Yorker have written about the book, which has spawned dozens of requests for speaking engagements.

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Sales have soared, eclipsing those of his 13 other books combined, and Sitting Bulls War, is now in its second printing.

This is all brand new to me, Hedren said.

He called the book, a good read.

Theres nothing quite like this out there, Hedren said.

To be sure, there have been plenty of books about Crazy Horse and the end of the Indian Wars and about the inspirational Hunkpapa leader, Sitting Bull, famous for his resistance against whites, fleeing with his band to Canada, and being the last of his people to surrender his rifle to the U.S. Army.

But Hedren said the big, broad story of the 18-month war that ended the buffalo herds and the free-roaming way of life of the northern Plains Indians has never been told through Indian eyes and Indian voices.

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Typically, Sitting Bulls War  so dubbed by Hedren because he led the resistance and united several Indians in a last desperate fight  was a Washington-centric story.

Those, he said, relied on official military accounts of the hostiles who refused to accept a torrent of wasicus invading their lands and who wouldnt turn in their guns and ponies and live on reservations.

It occurred to me, theres a rest of the story here, Hedren said. Who were these Indian people, who led them, what were they fighting for, how did they end up at that place at that time? Thats what I took on here.

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Hedren relied on accounts Indians gave when they came into places like the Red Cloud Agency and Spotted Tail Agency in Nebraska to inquire about terms of surrender.

Local agents or officers would interrogate them, and carefully document what these traditionals had to say about their encampments, their size, which bands were there and who were their leaders.

Also, he referred to interviews done by authors, including Nebraskas Mari Sandoz and John Neihardt, who visited reservations years later to speak with old warriors, the survivors, about the war and what led to the 22 battles of what is commonly called The Great Sioux War.

Omaha-based author and historian Paul Hedren. (Courtesy photo)

They witnessed this war from the inside, he wrote of the survivors. They endured it and suffered it. Their voices are heard on almost every page.

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This is Sitting Bulls war, an Indian history of the cataclysmic, decade-long struggle on the northern Plains to preserve and sustain a traditional way of life, Hedren wrote, a story that ended tragically.

One stop during Hedrens career with the Park Service was Fort Union, an important trading post on the upper Missouri River, near the confluence with the Yellowstone River. The fort was the site of one of Sitting Bulls most famous acts of defiance.

In 1866, military outpost Fort Buford was established near the trading post, which enraged Sitting Bulls people. They began to harass the soldiers, burn their hay stacks, run off their stock and occasionally fire a volley into the fort. Some woodcutters and herders who strayed too far from the stockade were killed.

One day, outside the trading post, a local trapper warned Sitting Bull that eventually, the military fort would have enough soldiers to fight back and he should consider making peace.

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Id rather have my skin pierced with bullet holes, he responded.

Later, he told the agent in charge at the trading post that he intended to kill all the soldiers at the military fort. He asked the agent to give him a red shirt so that the (Fort) Buford defenders would more easily identify him.

Another famous episode occurred amid a skirmish with soldiers protecting workers laying tracks of the Northern Pacific Railroad through Indian country in 1872. Sitting Bull, as guns blazed, calmly laid down his rifle and walked out into the middle of the battlefield as if taking a stroll through the camp at evening, according to one comrade.

Sitting Bull sat down and leisurely loaded and smoked his pipe, imploring others to join him while ignoring the soldiers bullets whizzing by.

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Our hearts beat rapidly and we smoked as fast as we could, said White Bull, one of the Indians that had joined the show of defiance. But Sitting Bull was not afraid. He just sat there quietly, looking around like he was at home in his tent and smoked peacefully.

It was amazing, White Bull remembered.

Sitting Bull became an inspirational leader of his people who refused offers of food and blankets from the whites. He turned down invitations to come to the agencies and talk peace.

In 1876, President Ulysses S. Grant, pressured by settlers and gold seekers to open the Black Hills, ordered that all remaining hostiles lay down their guns and surrender at a government agency. Sitting Bull refused.

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Instead, he put out the call for all free bands of Oglalas, Cheyenne, Brules, Arapaho and others to join him to fight for their hunting grounds in northern Wyoming and Montana  and to maintain their traditional ways.

Author Paul Hedren worked nearly four decades for the National Park Service, a career that took him across the Great Plains, where Sitting Bull led the final resistance to retain their traditional way of life. (Courtesy of Paul Hedren)

During a Sun Dance days before the Battle of the Little Bighorn in 1876, Sitting Bull had a vision that the blue coats would attack his village of an estimated 4,900 Indians as thick as grasshoppers falling from the sky but they would end up falling upside down or dead.

The premonition of a great Lakota victory electrified and emboldened the warriors and head men camped along the Little Bighorn River. They chose Sitting Bull as the old man chief of the assembled bands.

Later, after the Armys crushing defeat, more and more soldiers streamed into the northern Plains. Sitting Bull led his band across the border into Canada as other Indian bands, facing starvation and the better-equipped U.S. Army, began to surrender.

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Sitting Bulls band survived across the medicine line, the U.S.-Canada border, for four years until the buffalo disappeared.

Hunger became the most powerful persuader, Hedren wrote.

When he surrendered in 1881, Sitting Bull made a point of emphasizing that he was the last of his people to turn in his gun.

Eventually he was allowed to join Buffalo Bills Wild West Show, where he was a main attraction and became friends with Annie Oakley. He called her Little Sure Shot due to her accuracy with a firearm.

Sitting Bull, 59, was shot and killed on the morning of Dec. 15, 1890, on the Standing Rock Reservation by Lakota tribal police, who sought to arrest and question him about his involvement in the Ghost Dance movement.

The great days were quashed, Hedren wrote. But in light of vitality and memory in Sioux Country, then, and even now, how does one define an end to a war when in legacy there is no end?

(Info box)

The New Yorker called Hedrens book a fine military history and an affecting study of the intertwined calamities that ended the Lakota way of life.

The Wall Street Journal wrote, Sitting Bull had not wanted war. Like the other traditionals among the Cheyennes and Lakotas, he had desired simply to follow the old way of life hunting buffalo, raiding tribal enemies and camping where he wished.

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OKLAHOMA CITY(KFOR)- Oklahoma City Fire Department responded to a water rescue near NW 122nd St and N Pennsylvania Ave early Sunday morning.

Authorities first received a call of a vehicle that had crashed and submerged in a body of water with a driver trapped inside.

As first responders arrived to the scene, Dive 8 was alerted to assist with the rescue.

It is being reported there were a total of four occupants in the vehicle.

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The three passengers were reportedly out of the vehicle at the time first responders arrived.

The severity of injuries of the three passengers are currently unknown.

OKCFD PIO confirmed the driver was rescued from the vehicle and transported to a nearby hospital.

The driver was pronounced deceased at the hospital shortly after.

No word on the cause of the crash at this time.

The scene is under further investigation.

KFOR will update as more information arrives.

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 KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
SHELBY COUNTY, Iowa  Authorities say one person was killed during a snowmobile accident early Sunday morning.

Vietnam Cafe in Des Moines faces closure amid mall construction

The Shelby County Sheriffs Office says around 12:15 a.m. Sunday, the Communications Center received a report of a snowmobile accident along Highway 191, south of Portsmouth.

The sheriffs office, along with Shelby County Ambulance Service and Portsmouth Fire & Rescue, arrived on scene and located a snowmobile and rider submerged in a creek. Authorities say first responders removed the rider from the water, where he was pronounced deceased.

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The Shelby County Sheriffs Office has identified the rider as 64-year-old Scott Gau, of Portsmouth.

Officials say Gau has been transported to the State Medical Examiners Office, in Ankeny, where an autopsy will be conducted.

Iowa News:

Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com.
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.

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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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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 senior Pakistani government official has claimed that its military killed at least 70 fighters in air raids along the border with Afghanistan, claims Kabul has denied, amid escalating tensions between the two South Asian neighbours.

Talal Chaudhry, Pakistans deputy interior minister, offered no evidence for his claim in an interview with Geo News on Sunday evening that at least 70 rebels were killed in the attack earlier that day. Pakistans state media reported that the death toll had jumped to 80; however, there was no official confirmation.

Afghanistans government and the United Nations, meanwhile, said civilians were among the victims.

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The UNs Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said it had received credible reports that the air strikes in question killed at least 13 civilians and injured seven in the Behsud and Khogyani districts of Nangarhar province.

The Afghan Red Crescent Societys provincial director in Nangarhar province, Mawlawi Fazl Rahman Fayyaz, put the civilian death toll higher, at 18.

Pakistan claims operation rooted in self-defence

Pakistans military claimed its strikes targeted camps and hideouts belonging to armed groups behind a spate of recent attacks, including a deadly suicide bombing at a Shia mosque in the capital, Islamabad.

The countrys Information Minister Attaullah Tarar wrote on X that the military conducted intelligence-based, selective operations against seven camps belonging to the Pakistan Taliban group, known by the acronym TTP, and its affiliates.

Taliban security personnel and residents search for victims after overnight Pakistani air raids on a residential area in Girdi Kas village in Bihsud district, Nangarhar province, on February 22, 2026 [AFP]

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.

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President Asif Ali Zardari said late on Sunday that Pakistans recent attacks along the Afghan border were rooted in [its] inherent right to defend its people against terrorism after repeated warnings to Kabul went unheeded.

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.

Afghanistan has rejected Pakistani allegations that its territory is used by armed groups linked to attacks in Pakistan.

Afghanistan denies claims

The Afghan Ministry of Defence claimed the attack hit various civilian areas in the eastern provinces of Nangarhar and Paktika, including a religious school and several homes. The statement called the attacks a violation of Afghanistans airspace and sovereignty.

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Taliban government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said peoples homes have been destroyed, they have targeted civilians, they have committed this criminal act with the bombardment of the two eastern provinces.

Residents from around the remote Bihsud district in Nangarhar joined searchers to look for bodies under the rubble using shovels and a digger, the AFP news agency reported.





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, resident Amin Gul Amin, 37, told AFP.

Spokesperson Mujahid also said Pakistans claim of killing 70 fighters was inaccurate.

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Afghanistans Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned Pakistans ambassador in Kabul to protest against the attacks.

In a statement, the ministry said protecting Afghanistans territory is its Sharia responsibility, warning that Pakistan would be held responsible for the consequences of such attacks.
The driver of the truck attempted to flee the scene of the incident, police said, but was pursued by backup police forces and arrested along with a passenger in the truck.

An Israel Police officer was injured after a Palestinian truck crashed into a police vehicle at the Tapuach Junction in the West Bank on Monday afternoon.

The driver of the truck attempted to flee the scene of the incident, police said, but was pursued by backup police forces and arrested along with a passenger in the truck.

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Officers from the Ariel Police Station are on scene and investigating the circumstances of the incident, police confirmed.

Magen David Adom paramedics were also on thescene, treating an approximately 40-year-old man for light injuries, according to an MDA spokesperson.
PANAMA CITY (AP)  The Panamanian government seized two ports at the entrances of the Panama Canal on Monday according to a Hong Kong-based company that has operated them for decades, a move triggered by a final Supreme Court ruling that declared the company's concession unconstitutional.

A decree issued Monday authorized the Panama Maritime Authority to occupy the ports for reasons of urgent social interest, including all movable property within or outside the Balboa and Cristobal terminals and specifically naming cranes, vehicles, computer systems and software.

A statement from the operator, CK Hutchison, said it had ceased operations at the ports after government officials arrived and took them over, threatening criminal prosecution if the company did not comply.

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The saga surrounding the two Panamanian ports is part of a broader rivalry between the United States and China, in which the Central American country became caught in the middle after U.S. President Donald Trump accused China last year of running the Panama Canal.

CK Hutchison was slated to sell the two ports to a consortium that includes U.S. investment firm BlackRock, but this prompted swift intervention from the Chinese government, which halted the deal.

In January, Panamas Supreme Court struck down the law approving the concession contract for Panama Ports Company, a subsidiary of CK Hutchison. The ruling also invalidated an extension granted in 2021, stripping the port operations of any legal basis.

PPC said in a statement that it strongly objects to the government takeover. The company said it has received no compensation for its decades of investment.

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The takeover of the ports by the Panamanian State is a culmination point of the unlawful campaign that the State launched a year ago targeting PPC, its investors and its concession contract, the statement said.

PPC has operated these terminals since 1997, when the state awarded it the concession to manage the ports located at the Pacific and Atlantic entrances to the Panama Canal.

Panama's government announced days ago that it will guarantee the continuity of port operations and job stability, and that APM Terminals, a subsidiary of the Danish group A.P. Moller-Maersk, would temporarily assume the administration of the terminals while a new contract is awarded.

Meanwhile, CK Hutchison Holdings started arbitration proceedings against Panama under the rules of the International Chamber of Commerce. Its unclear what the impact of the proceedings would be and how long they could take. It also threatened to sue APM Terminals, if it operates the concession. The Danish group responded that it's not a party to the legal proceedings.

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A PPC spokesperson told local media last week that the company was seeking an agreement with the Panamanian government to continue operating.

___

Follow APs coverage of Latin America and the Caribbean at https://apnews.com/hub/latin-america
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  Flights to and from Mexico are being canceled on Sunday due to ongoing security operations and related road blockages and criminal activity, according to the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico. Portland International Airport is among the impacted destinations, with Alaska Airlines citing civil unrest near Mexican airports for some of its cancellations.

In addition, U.S. citizens in Mexico are being advised to shelter in place in various parts of the region, U.S. officials said.

The announcement comes after the Mexican army killed the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, El Mencho,  on Sunday. Oseguera Cervantes was wounded in an operation to capture him in Tapalpa, Jalisco, about a two-hour drive southwest of Guadalajara, and he died while being flown to Mexico City, the Defense Department said in a statement.

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The U.S. Dept. of State Consular Affairs noted in a post on its TravelGov X account that some domestic and international flights are being canceled in both Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta due to the ongoing activity.

In Portland, the Alaska Airlines Flight 1445 from Puerto Vallarta to PDX was canceled on Sunday.

KOIN 6 News reached out to Alaska Airlines to inquire whether this cancellation had anything to do with the military operations in Mexico. In response, Alaska Airlines sent the following statement:

Due to the civil unrest near Mexican airports today, we have canceled 24 flights to Puerto Vallarta, Guadalajara and Manzanillo. Were working with our guests to reaccommodate them on new flights as quickly as possible, as we closely monitor the developing situation in Mexico.

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KOIN 6 asked Alaska Airlines for a full list of the canceled flights. We will update this article if they respond.

Another flight from PDX to Guadalajara was also canceled through Volaris on Sunday. KOIN 6 reached out to Volaris for comment and we will update this article if they respond.

The U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico said U.S. citizens should shelter in place if they are in any of the following locations: 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.

Man in Puerto Vallarta describes the scene as mayhem

KOIN 6 News Reporter Ariel Salk got in touch with a man currently in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

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The man, who wished to remain anonymous, said theres a lot of fear and paranoia right now. Everyone is sheltering in place after orders from the U.S. Embassy and the Mexican government.

In a video call, scenes of the unrest played out in the background, including what appeared to be a Mexican military helicopter flying overhead and smoke in the distance. He said it was likely from a car set on fire.

So what we saw here in Puerto Vallarta this morning that day was pretty much, you know, people going up on motorcycles with a can of gasoline, stopping cars or tractor trailer, blocking major intersections and pouring the gasoline and lighting them on fire to create, you know, basically mayhem. And so the citys pretty much all shut down, said the man, who said he usually spends part of the year living in Mexico and part of the year living in Oregon.

He said businesses are shut down, public transit isnt running, and people are being advised to avoid unnecessary travel and abandon their cars if they are approached by someone with a gas can.

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Back in the Rose City, Portland resident Benjamin Ortiz told KOIN 6 his Guadalajara flight got canceled Sunday, prompting him to try and contact Volaris over the phone. He eventually had to come into PDX in person to make the arrangements.

I tried basically all morning trying to contact Volaris, but I guess because all the flights were canceled, it was really not possible to contact them, Ortiz said.

He and his family now have re-booked tickets for Tuesday, though theres still no guarantee flights will take off then.

Were not 100% sure that youre still going to be able to fly, but we decided to get that chance, Ortiz said.

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This is a developing story.

Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Pennsylvania Go. Josh Shapiro dismissed a New York Times story about his relationship with Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., on ABC's "This Week" Sunday.

During the show, host Martha Raddatz asked the Democratic governor to comment on a New York Times article that claimed he and Fetterman "don't speak." Shapiro insisted the report was "not true" and was created by journalists to "conjure up a lot of drama."

Raddatz then asked whether he would support Fetterman for re-election.

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"Well, he has to decide if he's seeking re-election," Shapiro said. "That's not for another cycle."

Fetterman Calls For Bipartisan Cooperation As He Continues Working Across Party Lines On Key Issues

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro told ABC's Martha Raddatz that he is waiting for Sen. John Fetterman's decision before offering any endorsements.

He added, "I don't know if he's running for re-election. I think he needs to decide if he's running, and then we'll make a decision from there."

Read On The Fox News App

Raddatz asked Shapiro to clarify whether he meant that he had not yet decided to support Fetterman.

"He needs to decide if he's running for re-election, and then we'll make a determination thereafter," Shapiro repeated.

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Though Shapiro did not answer whether he and Fetterman still speak, Shapiro described his relationship with Fetterman as "constructive."

Josh Shapiro Says Trump Warned Him 'Don't Run' For President After Arson Attack

"We have a constructive relationship to try to ensure that the people of Pennsylvania are served. He and I are obviously different people, he casts some votes and takes some positions that I strongly disagree with but at the end of the day my job is to serve the people of Pennsylvania," Shapiro said.

Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., declined to endorse Gov. Josh Shapiro for re-election earlier this month.

Fox News Digital reached out to Fetterman's office for comment.

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Fetterman similarly declined to endorse Shapiro for re-election in 2028 when repeatedly asked by Politico's Dasha Burns earlier this month.

"I appreciate his service. We both support our services," Fetterman said.

Fetterman Tells Philadelphia Da To 'Lighten Up, Francis' After Heated Ice Remarks

Fetterman's memoir "Unfettered" revealed an incident where he called Shapiro a "f------ a------" over a 2020 parole board dispute, threatening to run for governor in 2022 to primary Shapiro.

"I told him there were two tracks  that one and the one in which he ran for governor and I ran for the Senate (which was the one I preferred)," Fetterman wrote.

John Fetterman described tension between him and Josh Shapiro since a 2020 parole board dispute.

Fetterman wrote that his relationship with Shapiro never recovered after their dispute.

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"I sincerely wish him the best," Fetterman wrote. "He is a credit to the state and may one day be a credit to the country. I remember fondly the days when we were nobodies trying to climb the ladder. Even if we no longer speak."





Original article source: Pennsylvania Gov Josh Shapiro dismisses NYT reporting about drama between him and John Fetterman
The Brief

Kehlani Rogers, 2, was allegedly abducted from her Avondale home on Feb. 21, prompting an Amber Alert.

Rogers and the suspect in the Amber Alert, 23-year-old Marina Noriega, were spotted the following day at a Phoenix QuikTrip.

Camelback Moving employees spotted Noriega at the QuikTrip, and blocked her vehicle with their trucks until police arrived at the scene.

PHOENIX - A Valley moving company played a large role in helping to save a young girl who was allegedly abducted from her Avondale home.

The backstory

On Feb. 21, an Amber Alert was issued for 2-year-old Kehlani Rogers, who disappeared from her home near 118th Avenue and Thomas Road. Rogers' parents reported her missing at around 8 a.m that morning.

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The toddler was last seen with 23-year-old Marina Noriega. On Feb. 22, Rogers was found after a possible sighting was reported at a Phoenix QuikTrip near 27th Avenue and Thomas Road.

Soon after, a tipster reported picking Noriega and Rogers up near Friendship Park in Avondale and driving them to Maricopa where Noriega mentioned catching a train to California. City surveillance video showed her in Maricopa with the 2-year-old. According to court documents, Noriega said they slept on the street.

Marina Noriega (MCSO)

Rogers was not hurt and Noriega was taken into custody for one a third-degree felony charge of custodial interference. The Amber Alert was canceled.

Police said Noriega was a recently-met acquaintance of Rogers' family.

Oh my God, thats her'

Timeline

Camelback Moving shared video with FOX 10, showing some of their workers at the QuikTrip.

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A security guard who first spotted a woman and child matching those in the Amber Alert description at 7:30 a.m. on Feb. 22, enlisted the help of the Camelback Moving crew to help with the situation.

Foremen Ralph Vollmert and Kevin Place stopped at the gas station, to grab their drinks and food for the day, when they overheard the security guard on the phone with police, saying he believes the little girl was abducted and is on their property.

"Oh my God, that's her," said one of the Camelback Moving employees. "I knew, you know, we had to do something. I can't just can just ignore it."

"Is it really?" another employee asked.

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"Yep, that's her. Looks like her. That's exactly what she looks like," the employee replied.

Theyalong with their colleaguesdecided to use their trucks to block Noriega's car containing Rogers, trapping her in the parking lot and getting her license plate, until police arrived at the scene.

"Our trucks are 28, 30 feet long, so we knew it was a good idea to put the truck there just because there's just no where you could go after that," Vollmert and Place said.

"It just breaks our heart because we have kids ourselvesnobody ever wants a kid to be a harm or to be hurt or to be mistreated," the pair said.

What they're saying

"This is definitely the first time we've ever blocked somebody in where the entire city and county and state are firmly behind us and happy we did so," Camelback Moving President Chad Olsen said.

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"As the security guard had told me, I knew we had to do something," Vollmert and Place said. "I can't just ignore it. I'm grateful for the alerts, you know, because it just yesterday proves that they work. So I would just say, pay attention to the alerts and read them. And if there's pictures, look at them and just keep your eyes open because these type of things happen quite often."

Officials with Camelback Moving say they recently began training employees in human-trafficking awareness training.

"We are incredibly proud of our community heroes for their courage, quick thinking and teamwork," Olsen said. "Their actions exemplify what it means to look out for our community and to take its safety seriously. This is a powerful reminder that the Amber Alert system works. We also want to express our sincere gratitude that Kehlani was safely returned to her family."

QuikTrip released the following statement on the incident: "On Sunday morning, a QT Guardian at one of our Phoenix locations recognized two customers connected to an active Amber Alert and immediately alerted Phoenix Police Department. Law enforcement arrived promptly, secured the child, and took the suspects into custody. Were grateful for our Guardians attentiveness and quick thinking, and for the swift response and professionalism from the Phoenix Police Department. The safety of our employees, customers, and the communities we serve is a top priority."

Dig deeper

The foreman said Phoenix Police arrived in minutes and took Noriega into custody without a struggle, and eventually reunited the toddler with her parents.

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"It does appear that the defendant admitted that a glass pipe was located on her person during the search. And she admitted to smoking methamphetamine the day before," prosecutors said during her Feb. 23 court appearance.

What's next

Police said Rogers was scared but OK when she reunited with her parents.

The child's parents said Noriega was a transient who they were letting stay the night at their Avondale home because she had nowhere else to go, when she disappeared with their daughter.

Noriega told detectives the 2-year-old was her long-lost daughter who she found in Arizona, before admitting she took her and couldnt give a reason why. She is being held on a $250,000 bond.

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Map of area where the QuikTrip is located

Police previously reported that the child was 3 years old, but later corrected her age to 2 years old.

The Source

Information for this story was gathered from a news release from Camelback Moving and a FOX 10 report on Feb. 22, 2026.
Violence broke out across Mexico on Sunday after a top cartel leader was killed.

Photos show burned-out buses, roadblocks, and a heavy Mexican military presence on the streets.

The US warned its citizens in Mexico to shelter in place.

Popular tourist sites in Mexico were caught up in a wave of violence on Sunday following a security operation that killed a powerful drug lord.

Members of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, an organized criminal group, set fire to businesses and torched vehicles across the country in retaliation for the death of their leader, Nemesio "El Mencho" Oseguera Cervantes.

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The violence was heaviest in Jalisco, the home of the cartel and the state where "El Mencho" was killed, but the Mexican Security Cabinet said it had set up more than 250 roadblocks across 20 Mexican states on Sunday.

In a press conference on Monday morning, Claudia Sheinbaum, the Mexican President, said the situation had de-escalated, and all roadblocks had been cleared.

Amid the wave of violence, the US urged its citizens in Mexico to shelter in place on Sunday evening.

The violence has caused ongoing travel disruption, and most domestic and international flights in Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta were canceled on Sunday.

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Keep scrolling to see photos of the aftermath of the violence across several parts of the country.

Firefighters work to extinguish flames on a torched bus in Puerto Vallarta

Firefighters work to extinguish flames on buses set on fire by members of organized crime following a military operation in which Mexican officials said cartel boss Nemesio Oseguera, "El Mencho," was killed, at a tourist area, in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, February 22, 2026 Stringer/Reuters

Smoke billows from burning vehicles blocking a highway in Puerto Vallarta

Smoke billows from burning vehicles in Puerto Vallarta on Sunday. @morelifediares via Instagram/Youtube/@morelifediares via REUTERS

Smoke rising over Puerto Vallarta in the state of Jalisco, where "El Mencho" was killed in custody

A general view over Puerto Vallarta as smoke rises. @morelifediares via Instagram/Youtube/via REUTERS

Tourists watch a column of smoke in Puerto Vallarta

Tourists watch a column of smoke after members of organized crime carried out roadblocks and burned down some businesses following a military operation Stringer/Reuters

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Passengers wait in line at Guadalajara International Airport on Sunday

Passengers wait in line at Guadalajara International Airport following flight suspensions and lack of transport in Tlajomulco, Jalisco State, Mexico, on February 22, 2026. Ulises Ruiz / AFP via Getty Images

People sat in crowded halls waiting for news of their flights

Ulises Ruiz / AFP via Getty Images

Military personnel stood on guard outside Guadalajara airport on Sunday

Military personnel stand on guard outside Guadalajara airport. Ulises Ruiz / AFP via Getty Images

A burned-out store targeted during the wave of retaliatory violence in Zapopan, a town in central Jalisco

A general view of a burnt and closed entrance of a store on February 22, 2026 in Zapopan, Mexico. Road blockades and vehicle burnings have been reported in several parts of Mexico since early morning. The Secretariat of National Defense of Mexico has confirmed that during a security operation in Tapalpa, Jalisco, Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as 'El Mencho' leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel was killed, along with four other members Carlos Zepeda/Getty Images

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An empty street in Zapopan. The government of Jalisco declared a code red on Sunday and suspended public transport

An empty street after a wave of blockades and attacks on businesses by members of organized crime following a military operation in which Mexican officials said cartel boss Nemesio Oseguera, "El Mencho," was killed, at a tourist area, in Zapopan, Mexico, February 22, 2026. Gabriel Trujillo/REUTERS

Burned cars and trucks on a highway in Jalisco

Burned cars and trucks, allegedly set on fire by organised crime groups in response to the operation to arrest a high-priority security target, on a highway near Acatlan de Juarez, Jalisco state, Mexico on February 22, 2026. The Mexican army announced that it had killed powerful drug lord Nemesio "El Mencho" Oseguera in an operation that sparked a wave of violence in various parts of the country on February 22, 2026. Gunmen retaliating for the raid blocked more than 20 roads in western Jalisco state, which includes Tapalpa, with burning cars and trucks. The violence spread to other states as well. Ulises RUIZ / AFP via Getty Images

The Mexican National Guard stationed outside the Attorney General's office in Mexico City

Members of the special units of the National Guard and the Secretaria de Seguridad Ciudadana stand guard in front of the Fiscalia General de la Republica, where the investigation into the operation in which Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, Felix Marquez/picture alliance via Getty Images

Tourists leave the port area after boat services were cancelled in Acapulco, another popular tourist destination in Mexico

Tourists leave the port area after boat services were cancelled in Acapulco, Mexico on February 22, 2026, after a wave of violence in various parts of the country. Francisco ROBLES / AFP via Getty Images

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Members of the Mexican National Guard walk past people while on patrol in Acapulco on Sunday

Members of the National Guard walk past people while on patrol, after authorities reinforced security following roadblocks and arson attacks carried out by organised crime in several states, in the aftermath of a military operation in which a government source said Mexican drug lord Nemesio Oseguera, known as "El Mencho," was killed in Jalisco state, in Acapulco, Mexico, Henry Romero/Reuters

Mexican soldiers walk past a torched bus in Acapulco

Soldiers walk past a bus torched by unknown assailants, following roadblocks and arson attacks carried out by members of organized crime in several states after a military operation in which a government source said Mexican drug lord Nemesio Oseguera, known as "El Mencho," was killed in Jalisco state, in Acapulco, Mexico, Javier Verdin/Reuters

Satellite imagery shows cars on fire along a coastal road in Puerto Vallarta

Cars on fire along a coastal road in Puerto Vallarta on Sunday. Satellite image 2026 Vantor.

Read the original article on Business Insider
The plaintiffs attorney in a lawsuit against the city of Dixon continued making arguments Friday, Feb. 20, that the court should order the city to pay its attorney fees in a Freedom of Information Act dispute.

The suit  filed Oct. 29, 2025, in Lee County, by a Missouri organization, the Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy and Metric Media LLC, doing business as NW Illinois News - alleges the city willfully and intentionally violated the Illinois Freedom of Information Act by failing to produce records requested by a person identifying themselves as a reporter, court records show.

It asks the court to order the city to pay a fine between $2,500 and $5,000 for each alleged violation and order the city to award the plaintiffs reasonable attorney fees and costs, court records show.

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[ Dixon accused of violating Freedom of Information Act ]

A FOIA request is a formal, written demand for specific public records from a government agency. Laws surrounding these requests vary by state.

At a hearing Jan. 6, the attorney representing Dixon, Tim Zollinger, told Lee County Circuit Judge Douglas E. Lee that this is not a case where records existed and were wrongfully withheld.

Zollinger explained that although the city did not respond in the state-mandated time to the FOIA request, it was unintentional and officials took corrective action by responding to the request weeks after the lawsuit was filed.

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After the response to the FOIA request was sent, the organizations attorneys, Edward Weinhaus and Adam Florek of LegalSolved, filed a motion asking for an extensive list of records related to Dixons handling of FOIA requests. Zollinger filed a motion objecting to the request.

In court Jan. 6, Zollinger argued the information was no longer relevant since the city responded to the FOIA request.

Lee agreed and ordered a temporary pause on the pre-trial information gathering process.

On Friday, the attorneys appeared before Lee again for a status hearing. Zollinger appeared in person and Weinhaus via zoom.

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Zollinger told Lee that since the last hearing he did exchange emails regarding the issue of attorney fees with Weinhaus.

We did not come to a resolution, Zollinger said.

Weinhaus said he would no longer pursue his motion requesting records from the city as he doesnt believe its the best use of the courts or publics time and money.

Instead, Weinhaus said, were comfortable moving towards fee petition.

Lee gave Weinhaus until March 13 to file his motion arguing for the payment of attorney fees and Zollinger until March 27 to file a motion in response.

The next hearing is scheduled at 11 a.m. April 23.
Children walking in the woods outside of Pisgat Ze'ev on Friday before Shabbat found the bones and showed them to one of their fathers, who called the police.

Israel Police on Monday confirmed that the human remains found earlier this month outside of Jerusalem belong to a missing Finnish tourist.

The family has been notified.

Last week, children walking in the woods outside of Pisgat Ze'ev found the bones and showed them to one of their fathers, who called the police.

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Searching the area, police also found a foreign passport, which has been linked to a Finnish tourist who went missing in March 2024.

A Finnish flag flies over the City Hall in Helsinki, Finland, February 10, 2024. (credit: REUTERS/Tom Little/File Photo)

Finnish tourist last seen in Jerusalem hostel

The tourist, a Finnish citizen, arrived in Israel in January 2024 and was last seen on March 10, 2024, in a hostel in central Jerusalem, where she had been staying.

Police took the bone remnants to the Institute of Forensic Medicine for further identification as to origin and cause of death.
An investigation continues after a man has been arrested in connection with the murder of his wife.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Ashley Flynn died one week ago in her home on Cunningham Court in Tipp City.

Her husband, Caleb Flynn, has been in jail since Thursday.

He is charged with one count of homicide, two counts of felonious assault, and two counts of tampering with evidence.

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A judge asked Caleb if he understood the five charges against him, including murder.

TRENDING STORIES:

The judge asked Flynn whether he was a flight risk.

Sir, I just want to take care of my daughters. Im not a risk, he said tearfully.

Calebs bond was set at $2 million.

Police confirmed they used a backhoe to lift a shed in the homes backyard to check under it.

A detective wrote in police reports that, he observed the center console of the 2024 truck was open as he was clearing the house, and that is the location that Calbem told him his gun was at.

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Those reports showed that police found two shell casings at the foot of the bed where they discovered Ashley.

There is no mention in reports or court documents of a weaponbeing uncovered.

Even if Caleb makes bond, a judge told him he cannot contact his daughters.

We will continue to follow this story.

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HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP)  Criminal investigators hoping to develop suspects in difficult cases have been asking Google to reveal who searched for specific information online, seeking reverse keyword warrants that critics warn threaten the privacy of innocent people.

Unlike traditional search warrants that target a known suspect or location, keyword warrants work backward by identifying internet addresses where searches were made in a certain window of time for particular terms, such as a street address where a crime occurred or a phrase like pipe bomb.

Police have used the method to investigate a series of bombings in Texas, the assassination of a Brazilian politician and a fatal arson in Colorado.

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Its not a wild guess by investigators to conclude that people are using Google searches in all manner of crimes, as the company's search engine has become the main gateway to the internet and users' daily lives increasingly leave online traces. The potential value to investigators of the data Google collects is obvious in cases with no suspect, such as the search for Nancy Guthries kidnapper.

The legal tension between the need to solve crimes quickly and the U.S. Constitution's Fourth Amendment protections against overly broad searches was at the heart of a recent Pennsylvania Supreme Court decision that upheld the use of a reverse keyword warrant in a rape investigation.

Privacy advocates see it as giving police unfettered access to the thoughts, feelings, concerns and secrets of countless people, according to an amicus brief filed in the Pennsylvania appeal by the American Civil Liberties Union, the Internet Archive and several library organizations.

In response to written questions about the warrants, Google provided an emailed statement: Our processes for handling law enforcement requests are designed to protect users privacy while meeting our legal obligations. We review all legal demands for legal validity, and we push back against those that are overbroad or improper, including objecting to some entirely.

A break in the case

Pennsylvania State Police were stymied in their investigation into the violent rape of a woman in 2016 on a remote cul-de-sac outside Milton, a small community in the center of the state. With no clear leads, police obtained a warrant directing Google to disclose accounts that searched for the victims name or address over the week when she was attacked.

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More than a year later, Google reported two searches for the womans address were made a few hours before the assault from a specific IP address, a numeric designation that lists where a phone or computer lives on the internet.

That led them to the home of a state prison guard named John Edward Kurtz.

Police then conducted surveillance and collected a cigarette butt he discarded that matched DNA recovered from the victim, according to court records. He confessed to the rape and attacks involving four other women over a five-year period, and was convicted in 2020. Now 51, he's been sentenced to 59 to 280 years.

Kurtz's attorneys argued police lacked probable cause to obtain the information and impinged on his privacy rights.

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The state Supreme Court rejected those claims late last year but split on the reasons why. Three justices said Kurtz should not have expected his Google searches to be private, while three more said police had probable cause to look for anyone who searched the victim's address before the attack. But a dissenting justice said probable cause requires more than just a bald hunch and guessing that a perpetrator would have used Google.

Kurtz lawyer Douglas Taglieri made the same point in a court filing, but conceded, It was a good guess.

Julia Skinner, a prosecutor in the case, said reverse keyword searches are much more effective when there are specific and even unusual terms that can narrow results, such as a distinctive name or an address. They are also particularly effective when crimes appear to have been planned out beforehand, she said.

I dont think theyre used super frequently, because what you need to target has to be so specific, she said. There were 57 searches returned in the Kurtz case, but many of them were first responders trying to locate the home in the immediate aftermath of the crime, Skinner said.

Acting in good faith

In the similar case in Colorado, police sought the IP addresses of anyone who searched over a 15-day period for the address of a home where a deadly arson occurred. Authorities got IP addresses for 61 searches made by eight accounts, ultimately helping identify three teenage suspects.

The Colorado Supreme Court ruled in 2023 that although the keyword warrant was constitutionally defective for not specifying an individualized probable cause, the evidence could be used because police had acted in good faith about what was known about the law at the time.

If dystopian problems emerge, as some fear, the courts stand ready to hear argument regarding how we should rein in law enforcements use of rapidly advancing technology, the majority of Colorado justices ruled.

Courts have long permitted investigators to seek things like bank records or phone logs. However, civil liberties groups say extending those powers to online keywords turns every search user into a suspect.

Its unclear how many keyword warrants are issued every year  Google does not break down the total number of warrants it receives by type, according to the Electronic Frontier Foundation and the Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers in a January 2024 brief.

The two groups said police working on the bombings in Austin, Texas, sought anyone who searched for terms such as low explosives and pipe bomb. And in Brazil, investigators trying to solve the 2018 assassination in Rio de Janeiro of the politician Marielle Franco asked for those who searched for Francos name and the street where she lived. A Brazilian high court is expected to decide soon on the legality of those search disclosures.

Reverse keyword warrants are distinct from geofence warrants, where criminal investigators seek information about who was in a given area at a particular time. The U.S. Supreme Court said last month it will rule on that method's constitutionality.

An index of deeply personal matters

For many people, their Google search history contains some of their most personal thoughts, from health issues and political beliefs to financial decisions and spending patterns. Google is introducing more artificial intelligence into its search engine, seemingly a way to learn even more about users.

What could be more embarrassing, asked University of Pennsylvania law professor and civil rights lawyer David Rudovsky, if every Google search was now out there, gone viral?

Google warns users personal information can be shared outside the company when it has a good-faith belief that disclosure of the information is reasonably necessary to respond to applicable laws, regulations, legal processes or an enforceable government request.

In the Kurtz case, Pennsylvania Justice David Wecht drew a distinction between Kurtz deciding to search for the victims name on Google and a 2018 U.S. Supreme Court decision that limited the use of broad collections of cellphone location data.

A user who wants to keep such material private has options, Wecht wrote. That user does not have to click on Google.

___

AP Technology Writer Michael Liedtke in San Francisco and writer Mauricio Savarese in Sao Paulo, Brazil, contributed.
The founder of a Minnesota nonprofit at the center of one of the largest pandemic-era fraud schemes in the country has been ordered to give up millions in assets  including a luxury Porsche.

A federal judge has ordered Aimee Bock, 44, to forfeit approximately $5.2 million in bank funds, a Porsche Panamera, high-end electronics, and designer goods following her conviction in the sprawling Feeding Our Future fraud case.

The forfeiture order marks the latest development in a prosecution that federal officials say siphoned hundreds of millions of dollars meant to feed low-income children.

From $4 Million to Hundreds of Millions

Bock founded Feeding Our Future in 2016. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the nonprofit handled roughly $3 million to $4 million per year in federal child nutrition reimbursements.

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That changed dramatically during the pandemic.

Emergency rule changes reduced oversight requirements and allowed reimbursement claims to be submitted with fewer verification safeguards. Prosecutors say Feeding Our Future rapidly expanded during that period, becoming the central clearinghouse in what authorities describe as a massive fraud network.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, the organization falsely claimed to have served 91 million meals. Federal investigators allege the claims vastly exceeded the nonprofits actual operational capacity.

Where the Money Went

Prosecutors say approximately $250 million in federal funds flowed through the scheme, with later court filings pushing potential losses closer to $300 million  and possibly as high as $400 million.

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Authorities allege that large portions of the funds were diverted into shell companies and used for personal enrichment. Court records describe luxury purchases, real estate acquisitions, and overseas investments in locations including Kenya and the Maldives.

Under last weeks preliminary forfeiture order, Bock must surrender:

Roughly $5.2 million held in nonprofit-related accounts

A Porsche Panamera

Dozens of electronic devices, including laptops, tablets, and phones

Diamond jewelry

Designer items, including a Louis Vuitton purse and backpack

Federal prosecutors have described Bock as the gatekeeper of the operation, alleging she exercised near-total control over approvals that allowed the reimbursement claims to surge during the pandemic.

One of the Largest Welfare Fraud Cases in State History

The Feeding Our Future prosecution has become one of the largest welfare fraud cases in Minnesota history.

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To date:

78 defendants have been charged

57 individuals have been convicted

Five defendants are considered fugitives and are believed to be overseas

Authorities allege that millions of dollars in fraud proceeds were transferred to East Africa and the Middle East.

Despite the scale of the operation, law enforcement officials estimate that only about $75 million has been recovered so far  a fraction of the alleged losses.

Awaiting Sentencing

Bock was convicted by a federal jury in March on multiple counts, including wire fraud, conspiracy, and bribery.

She is currently being held at the Sherburne County Jail pending sentencing.

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The forfeiture order does not represent the final financial accounting in the case, but it signals the courts move to begin clawing back assets prosecutors say were obtained through the scheme.

With sentencing still ahead and additional recovery efforts ongoing, the full financial impact of the case may continue to grow.

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By Rajesh Kumar Singh and Rich McKay

NEW YORK, Feb 23 (Reuters) - A powerful blizzard dropped more than two-and-a-half feet of snow (76.2 cm) across parts of the U.S. Northeast on Monday, bringing travel to a near-standstill for millions of residents as the treacherous conditions closed roads, shut down train services and forced the cancellation of some 7,400 flights.

Thousands of homes and businesses lost power and officials, including New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, urged residents to stay off the roads so emergency crews could clear the streets. Schools in New York and throughout the region were closed. Broadway shut its theaters.

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"New York remains in a state of emergency," Mamdani said. "The travel ban has ended today at noon, but a hazardous travel advisory remains in place through midnight tonight."

More than 19 inches (48 cm) of snow had fallen on New York City's Central Park by 1 p.m. ET (1800 GMT) on Monday and over 14 inches fell in Boston, said Bob Oravec, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service's Weather Prediction Center.

Winds, at times reaching between 40 to 60 mph (64-100 kph), blew snowdrifts several feet high.

"It'll probably take a week to dig out," Oravec said.

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Philadelphia received 14 inches while Providence, Rhode Island, was buried under more than 32 inches of snow, a record for the city.

More than 608,711 homes and businesses across the U.S. were without power as of Monday afternoon, according to PowerOutage.us. That included one in 10 of the nearly 3 million power customers PowerOutage.us tracks in Massachusetts.

Many were astounded by the depth of the snowfall. In her 20 years or so living in New Hyde Park, on hard-hit Long Island, Sandra Wu said she had never seen a winter storm this bad. Her family could not open the front door and could barely see out of some windows because of the high snowdrifts.

"My husband went out early through the garage to start digging us out, but it was pointless," Wu said.

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Wu, 53, a veterinarian, said the storm, which had dropped about 18 inches of snow, reminded her of the storms in the 1990s when she lived in Buffalo, New York, which gets an average annual snowfall of 92 inches.

Her two children, ages 13 and five, were thrilled to have a snow day off from school, so they slept in.

"We thought we'd lose power, thankfully not," she said. "So we're baking today. There's nothing else to do while we wait for the snow to stop."

REGIONAL EMERGENCIES

At least seven U.S. states had declared states of emergency in response to the storm as of Monday.

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Airlines had canceled more than 7,400 flights by Monday afternoon and delayed another 2,300, according to the tracking site FlightAware.com. That figure included more than 1,800 canceled Tuesday flights, according to the site. Most of the cancellations and delays were in the northeastern U.S., including New York's John F. Kennedy International and LaGuardia airports, Boston's Logan Airport, and New Jersey's Newark Liberty International Airport.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul said she had activated 100 National Guard members to assist in Long Island, New York City and the lower Hudson Valley, areas expected to bear the brunt of the heavy snow and coastal winds. The storm forced the closure of the U.N. headquarters complex in Manhattan on Monday.

The Department of Homeland Security said that despite its ongoing funding lapse the Federal Emergency Management Agency's disaster-response work would continue uninterrupted, including staff travel, emergency operations and critical assistance for people affected by active disasters.

Last week, Reuters reported the Trump administration had ordered FEMA to suspend the deployment of hundreds of aid workers to disaster-affected areas around the country while the DHS is shut down.

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Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey declared an emergency and told state workers to stay home. Connecticut barred commercial vehicles from limited-access highways, exempting only emergency and essential deliveries.

Train and bus commuter lines in New Jersey were halted, while the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority said it would suspend all service through Monday and would announce plans to resume service only when conditions improve.

Even some ships were caught by the storm. Wu said her elderly in-laws were stuck on a cruise ship docked in New York Harbor, which cannot start sailing to the Bahamas on a planned vacation.

But Wu said they were enjoying themselves despite the delay.

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"They are having the best time with 20 of their friends, eating well with plenty of entertainment," while they wait for the storm to pass, Wu said.

(Reporting by Rajesh Kumar Singh in Chicago and Rich McKay in Atlanta; Additional reporting by Tatiana Bautzer and Julia Harte in New York and Shivansh Tiwary in Bengaluru; Writing by Helen Coster; Editing by Diane Craft, Pooja Desai, Mark Porter, Chris Reese and Nia Williams)
CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA (WHTM)  Primanti Bros. just confirmed they have closed two more restaurants here in Central Pennsylvania.

A spokesperson with the popular Pittsburgh-based eatery, Primanti Bros., just confirmed they decided to close their restaurants at the Capital City Mall on 3745 Capital City Mall Drive in Camp Hill, and at the Lancaster Shopping Center on 1659 Lititz Pike.

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An exact closure date for these two restaurants was not provided; however, they have both ceased operations.

Following a detailed review of our portfolio, Primanti Bros has decided to close our Camp Hill and Lancaster restaurants, Primanti Bros. said in an email to abc27 news. This is not a decision we take lightly. While we are adjusting our overall footprint to best meet demand, our commitment to both loyal customers in Central Pennsylvania and the iconic sandwiches weve been serving for almost a century remain unchanged.

News of these closures comes just months after Primanti Bros. had decided to close its restaurant locations on 983 Norland Avenue in Chambersburg and on 100 Eisenhower Drive in Hanover.

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No reason for those closures in September 2025 was provided.

According to Primanti Bros. website, the last two operational locations left here in the Midstate can be found at 2151 South Queen Street in York County, and at 131 West Chocolate Avenue in Hershey.

This is a developing story. Stay with abc27 News as more information becomes available.

Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27.
President Vladimir Putin on Monday congratulated Russians on Defender of the Fatherland Day and underscored the importance of nuclear weapons for the country's security.

"The development of the nuclear triad remains an absolute priority, as it guarantees Russia's security and ensures effective strategic deterrence and the balance of forces in the world," Putin said in a video address on the public holiday honouring the armed forces.

Putin added that other arms of the military would also be advanced, with the aim of improving their "combat readiness, mobility and ability to operate under all, including the most difficult, conditions."

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He praised the Russian campaign in the war on Ukraine and paid tribute to those who have fallen. He did not provide figures for military casualties. Representatives of "all the peoples" of the "vast country" were defending Russias interests in Ukraine, he said.

Putin ordered the all-out invasion of Ukraine four years ago on February 24, 2022. The Russian president again expressed confidence that Russia would prevail in the war.

"We will continue our extensive efforts to strengthen the army and navy, taking into account the international situation," he said, adding that combat experience gained in Ukraine would also be put to use.
Russian President Vladimir Putin must be prosecuted as a war criminal regardless of the outcome of talks to end almost four years of fighting in Ukraine, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said in Kiev on Monday.

"Russian war criminals have no right to impunity," Ukraines top diplomat told a justice-themed conference in the capital.

Russia's responsibility extends from "the leadership of this state, which unleashed the war, to every single Russian occupier who commits war crimes," Sybiha said.

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He recalled the arrest warrant issued against Putin in 2023 by the International Criminal Court in The Hague.

"We call on our partners to implement this measure," Sybiha said, stressing that Putin is personally responsible for the war, which enters its fifth year on Tuesday.

He rejected the initial inclusion of a measure of impunity in the ongoing US-mediated peace talks between the warring parties. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has also rejected an amnesty.
Russias intelligence chief has blamed Britain for the attempted assassination of the senior general thought to have been behind the poisoning of Sergei Skripal.

Alexander Bortnikov, the director of Russias Federal Security Service (FSB), said his agency had found a British trace in the shooting of Lt Gen Vladimir Alekseyev earlier this month, as politicians vowed to retaliate against the UK.

Lt Gen Alekseyev, who is thought to have orchestrated the chemical weapons attack in Salisbury in 2018 that targeted double agent Mr Skripal, was shot several times in an apartment building in the north-west of Moscow on Feb 6.

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He survived the assassination attempt after being placed in a medically induced coma and is recovering from his injuries, Russian state media reported.

Lt Gen Vladimir Alekseyev is thought to have orchestrated the chemical weapons attack in Salisbury in 2018 - AFP

No party claimed responsibility for the attack, though suspicion fell on Ukrainian intelligence, which has targeted dozens of Russian military and occupation officials it sees as complicit in war crimes since the full-scale invasion began in 2022.

Russian Telegram channels had also speculated that the hit could have been arranged by the generals enemies within Moscow.

Mr Bortnikov said Ukrainian intelligence had carried out the assassination attempt under the supervision, or with the oversight, of Western intelligence agencies, so to speak.

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We see a British trace here, first and foremost, he said in an interview with the Vesti outlet, without providing any evidence.

Andrei Kolesnik, a hawkish member of Russias State Duma defence committee, said Russia would retaliate against the UK by blocking its maritime communications.

There are many ways to make life in the UK considerably more difficult, he told the online newspaper Lenta.ru.

The FSB claimed to have identified the gunman as Lyubomir Korba, 65, a Russian citizen born in the Ternopil region of Soviet Ukraine.

It released a short clip in which the man purportedly confessed to having been recruited by Ukrainian intelligence, which he said gave him firearms training in Kyiv and promised him $30,000 (22,200) for the hit.

The FSB claimed that the gunman was Lyubomir Korba, a Russian citizen born in the Ternopil region of Soviet Ukraine

The FSB also accused Polish intelligence of being involved in the mans recruitment, sparking a vehement denial by the head of Polands military counter-intelligence service, who described it as typical disinformation.

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Mr Bortnikov said: The investigation is ongoing. If there is any additional information, we will certainly make it public.

A person suspected in the assassination attempt is pictured outside an apartment building in Moscow

Russian officials have repeatedly cast Britain as the instigator behind operations against Russia. Britain has dismissed allegations of direct involvement in Ukrainian military operations, but has provided a significant amount of military equipment and expertise.

In October 2025, Mr Bortnikov claimed that the Security Service of Ukraines Operation Spiderweb  coordinated drone assaults inside Russia thought to have caused $7bn (5bn) in damage to its strategic aviation  was carried out under the UKs direct supervision.

In March 2024, the FSB chief accused Britain and the US of being behind a terrorist attack that killed 149 people in Moscows Crocus City Hall.

The Crocus City Hall terrorist attack killed 149 people - Maxim Shemetov/REUTERS

ISIS-K, the Islamic State (IS) affiliate that works in central and south Asia, claimed responsibility for the massacre. US intelligence had warned the Kremlin weeks in advance that the IS was planning to target the concert hall.

In 2022, Russias defence ministry alleged that British Navy personnel had blown up the Nord Stream gas pipelines, a claim that Britain described as false claims on an epic scale.
Its not easy to spot a fisher. The nocturnal species, with its long, brown-furred body, rounded ears, and short snout, prefers to live a solitary life in dense forest. But sometimes, New Hampshire researchers manage to catch one on a hidden game camera as it inspects a spot on the ground, perks up to scan the forest floor for prey, or runs, with an awkward, loping gait, through the trees.

Scientists are staking out these shy predators to understand more about a decline in their numbers that has worsened in recent years. The cause isnt fully clear, and is likely multifaceted, they said, but one possible culprit has set off alarm bells: rodenticides, the poisons humans use to target rats, mice, and other rodents, that have caused illness and death in other wild species in the state.

Unfortunately, theres a lot of risks out there for wildlife. Rodenticide is growing on that list, now that were seeing how broad exposure seems to be, said Dan Bergeron, chief of the wildlife division at New Hampshire Fish and Game.

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Final results from the fisher study are still to come, but the prevalence of rodenticide exposure in the species is becoming clear. Meanwhile, toxic and sometimes lethal effects of the chemicals have been documented in other species of New Hampshire wildlife, including raptors like owls, eagles, hawks, and other birds of prey. Rehabilitators and environmentalists say the situation is getting worse.

Its a moment, right now, where we really need to shift, said Caelin Graeber, an organizer with anti-rodenticide advocacy group Rodenticide Free New Hampshire.

The New Hampshire House is currently considering two bills seeking to ban or limit certain rodenticides, including those that seem to be affecting wildlife the most. But the rodents the chemicals seek to control pose a mounting nuisance and a real threat to public health, some officials and pest control professionals said, and that has complicated the push for a ban.

Focus on SGARs

Rep. Cathryn Harvey, a Spofford Democrat, is the prime sponsor of House Bill 1018, which proposes a statewide ban on the rodenticides she said are particularly dangerous for wildlife: a class called second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides. The bill contains some carve-outs, allowing use when rodents pose a threat to public health and dont respond to other means of population control, for example.

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Meanwhile, House Bill 1676, from prime sponsor and Republican Rep. Liz Barbour of Hollis, would restrict access to licensed pest control professionals for those chemicals and certain other high risk rodenticides.

Second-generation anticoagulants were developed in the 1970s, after rodents became resistant to the first-generation poisons of the 40s. They work by disrupting the process of blood clotting, which is required to prevent bleeding. An animal that consumes a lethal dose will typically die over a period of four days to two weeks from widespread internal bleeding, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Affected rodents move sluggishly, making them easy targets for predators that eat small mammals. And if they return to the bait multiple times to feed, the toxic chemicals accumulate in their livers, turning their body into a more potent dose of poison that can be passed on to an opportunistic predator.

Because they persist in animals bodies for longer than first-generation rodenticides and other types of common poisons, these newer chemicals are a greater concern for off-target species and have broader ripple effects, according to the EPA.

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The four second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides registered in the United States are the active ingredients brodifacoum, bromadiolone, difenacoum, and difethialone. The EPA does not allow the chemicals to be used in products targeted to consumers, according to their website, such as pre-loaded bait boxes, but the products are still sold commercially and in large volumes at farm stores and some other retailers.

While their use by pest control professionals is reported to the Department of Agriculture, Markets, and Food, use of the chemicals by unlicensed homeowners is not tracked.

A barred owl found in Sutton with signs of rodenticide poisoning is pictured at Wings of the Dawn wildlife rescue in Henniker. The owl died on Feb. 18 after arriving at the rescue, according to staff. (Photo courtesy Wings Wildlife)

In nature, spillover effects build up

One after another, concerned citizens deliver injured and sick wild animals to Maria Colby. One of a handful of licensed wildlife rehabilitators in New Hampshire, Colby takes smiling photos of the citizens and posts them on the rescues Facebook page, thanking them for bringing the patients to her Henniker rescue, Wings of the Dawn.

Many of the animals arriving at Wings are raptors showing signs of rodenticide poisoning: bloody beaks, sluggishness, poor balance or difficulty moving, according to the Merck Veterinary Manual. Colby tests their blood for signs of poisoning and gives the animals food and vitamin infusions. Many die; Colby may then send tissue samples to a laboratory to test for specific rodenticides. The results tend to confirm the poisoning she had suspected.

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In 2025, Wings took in 68 animals with signs of rodenticide poisoning, according to Colbys records, including 14 barred owls, nearly 40 hawks of multiple species, four crows, a turkey vulture, a gull, a fisher, a squirrel, a chipmunk, and four bald eagles. Five lived, while 63 of the animals, about 93%, did not  including the bald eagles, three of which tested positive for more than one type of rodenticide. (Laboratory testing results were not available for the fourth eagle, a juvenile.)

The sample of wildlife seen by rehabilitators like Colby is limited: It consists of animals that fell ill in places visible to humans and were found by someone willing to transport them to get help, said Carol Foss, senior advisor for science and policy at NH Audubon.

One suspects that thats the tip of the iceberg, she said.

The concentration of a toxin, like rodenticide, as it is passed upward through the food chain is known as bioaccumulation. This phenomenon has historically plagued birds of prey, as in the case of the pesticide DDT, which was widely banned after lethal upstream effects on raptors and other birds were documented in the 1960s and 70s.

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Bioaccumulation of rodenticides can affect other species, too: Their toxicity is indiscriminate, said Bergeron. Pets or any of New Hampshires wildlife that feed on rodents, like foxes, bobcats, coyotes, mink, raptors, and more, could wind up inadvertently ingesting some of the poison, which will then accumulate in their system. And the poisons seem to spread: they have also been found in aquatic animals, he noted, though how they wound up there is not yet clear.

Evidence suggests that some degree of broad exposure is occurring in New Hampshire wildlife. Preliminary data from a collaborative effort between the University of New Hampshire and the Fish and Game Department shows that fisher and foxes across the Northeast are being exposed to the chemicals.

Over an area stretching from Pennsylvania to Maine, more than half of about 600 fisher tested were positive, Bergeron said at a public hearing on HB 1018 Feb. 11. And in New Hampshire and Vermont, that proportion was significantly higher: about 93 to 94%, he said.

We found it essentially everywhere we looked, in fisher, he said.

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But what exactly that means isnt yet clear. Exposure is one thing, Bergeron said; a concurrent decline in fisher and fox population totals, as seen in trapping harvest reports over the past 25 or so years, is another. Some studies are beginning to show a correlation between population decline and rodenticide exposure, but a causal link hasnt yet been drawn between those factors.

While a high enough dose of rodenticide can kill a fisher, Bergeron said he was also interested in the possibility that lower levels  like those almost ubiquitous in the New Hampshire fishers sampled  were also causing negative health impacts, like reduced productivity or a depressed immune system. If rodenticide is making animals it doesnt outright kill more susceptible to infection, that would also contribute to a population decline.

One of the things weve noticed in some of our furbearing species, fox and fisher, was there seem to be higher levels of canine distemper virus, Bergeron said. There could be a correlation.  Were hoping to learn that with this study.

Fisher fulfill an important ecological role in New Hampshires forests, said Remington Moll, a professor at UNH who has researched the species, including in collaboration with the Fish and Game Department. In addition to controlling small rodents, fisher are one of the only endemic species able to kill porcupines, keeping their populations in check. They also contribute to soil health: Fisher can travel miles looking for a meal, helping disperse fungi over that distance via the spores trapped in the guts of their prey.

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They are really an indicator species of general forest structure and health, Moll said.

There are lots of pressures facing populations of fisher, foxes, and other furbearers. Factors beside rodenticide, such as interspecies competition, habitat fragmentation, and vehicle strikes are also likely to be exerting pressure on the populations, he said.

But even though scientists dont yet have the whole picture, the high rates of rodenticide exposure documented in fisher are concerning, Moll said.

That really speaks to the widespread presence of rodenticides on the landscape, he said.

Renewed attention

Conversations around rodenticides have gained steam in New Hampshire in recent years. A previous attempt to ban the poisons came before the Legislature in 2023; Rodenticide Free New Hampshire formed in 2025, and has encountered a lack of public awareness on the topic, said Graeber.

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Now, its become more of an issue. Its more widely used, Foss said.

At the hearing for HB 1018, legislators wondered whether a growing mouse and rat population was contributing to the problem.

Department of Agriculture, Markets, and Food Commissioner Shawn Jasper said rat populations were growing in rural areas, and Adam Carace, CEO of Pest-End pest control services and chair of the policy committee for the New England Pest Management Association, said his experiences in the field over the past few years supported that idea.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, were seeing rat activity in areas that weve never seen them before, Carace said.

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New Hampshire-specific research on mouse and rat population growth is lacking. Studies in urban areas have found, though, that climate change and increased development can bolster rat populations.

Meanwhile, rodenticide use has increased since the pandemic, with use of second-generation poisons rising about 60% from 2020 to 2022, according to a preliminary report compiled by a state task force in 2023.

Can poison be phased out?

The Feb. 11 hearings featured debate between those in favor of an outright ban on second-generation rodenticides, as is proposed in HB 1018, and those who want them used only by licensed professionals, as is proposed in HB 1676.

Rodenticide Free New Hampshire has advocated for the former.

It doesnt matter if youre a professional because of the way the [poison] works, said Graeber. When we put it all in [pest control companies] hands, the problem is just going to get worse.

Graeber called for integrated pest management, an adaptive method of pest control that involves using multiple approaches and saving poison for a last resort. She didnt believe, she said, that pest control companies were really following those steps.

Carace said they were, and advocated for licensed professionals to continue being able to use the products. Untrained consumers sometimes misuse the poisons, placing them outside and away from structures or overdoing dosages, he said. But he added that rodenticides have sometimes been the only way his team has been able to gain control of a rodent infestation after other means failed.

In a survey of 10 pest management companies included in the Rodenticide Review Task Forces preliminary report, however, second generation rodenticides were the only pest control method identified by all companies as part of their base-rate package.

Alternative means for rodent control are developing, according to Foss, who plans to order a set of electric fence-style ground plates designed to be laid across doorways to keep rodents out of buildings. Also on the market are contraceptives, or rodent birth control, showing promising results  but the tried and true method of exclusion, such as by plugging foundation holes with steel wool, remains a great option, she said.

To Graeber, the boom in mice and rats is evidence that poisons are ineffective and should be abandoned.

The pest problems get worse and worse. Clearly, these poisons are not a long-term solution Increasing our biodiversity is, she said, noting that the poisons are also killing the natural predators of mice and rats who would otherwise help keep them in check. Rodenticide Free New Hampshire has paid for a roadside billboard in Hooksett to protest poisons and raise awareness of their effects.

As Foss noted, rodenticide is sold to consumers in 10-pound buckets; it will take a long while to see its use wind down, even if a ban is passed. For now, scientists said they will continue to monitor wildlife for exposure and effects  and Colby will continue sending dead raptors tissue samples off to the lab.
The Norwegian bird index across the past quarter century has shown a steady decline in 22 common avian species.

Since 2000, crucial bird populations across Norway have fallen by as much as 56%.

What's happening?

"It is important to remember that there are major differences among the bird species found in the agricultural landscape," the Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research stated. "They have different preferences and ways of life. Therefore, it is not possible to point to a single cause explaining why so many species are declining."

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However, there are a few main factors researchers believe could play a role in such consistent population drops.

One such concern is with the uniformization of agricultural landscapes. Birds use the diversity of fields, farmlands, and pastures as nesting sites, depending on which suits their needs best.

As variation among the areas decreases, so too do birds' options for finding food and shelter.

Another issue is the usage of pesticides. Chemicals trickle down from plants to pollinators to birds  a direct throughline for why non-natural pest-killers can harm ecosystems.

Why is this important?

Birds are located in high places on the food chain and thus are key indicators of changes in environmental status.

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For species in Norway, this is especially relevant, as it seems the birds are going the way of their relatives.

"Since 1980, [European bird] populations have been reduced by around 60%. New Norwegian figures show that the same negative trend is also evident in Norway," NIBIO said.

As a result, the number of species able to perform the same ecological functions, whether that be seed dispersal or taming insect spread, has dropped.

A study examining 3,696 bird species across 1,281 sites discovered that as buffer species are lost, bird communities can become less resilient.

Without several species in a habitat filling similar gaps, the loss of one is felt far more intensely, hence the concern for the dropping populations.

What's being done about this?

According to NIBIO, "To slow down and eventually reverse the negative trend, the researchers" recommended a few key changes: preserving nesting spaces to combat habitat loss, managing meadows and woodlands to maintain biodiversity, and using pest control methods that don't implement pesticides.

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As more information is released that displays how declining bird populations can have a ripple effect on agricultural development, people are becoming increasingly aware that changes must be made.

"Unfortunately, the negative trend does not appear to be reversing anytime soon," NIBIO researcher Christian Pedersen said. "That is why it is urgent to implement measures that can help bird populations increase, or at least stabilize."

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The youngest son of Zimbabwe's late former President Robert Mugabe has been formally charged with attempted murder at a brief appearance in a South African court.

Bellarmine Mugabe, 28, was arrested last week after a 23-year-old man was shot and injured at a property in an upmarket suburb of Johannesburg last Thursday. He was then taken into custody alongside his bodyguard - neither man has commented on the charges.

Appearing in court, dressed in black, Mugabe looked calm during the proceedings.

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Bellarmine is the youngest son of Robert and his second wife Grace Mugabe. Robert Mugabe, who died in 2019, led Zimbabwe for 37 years before being forced out of power at the age of 93 in 2017.

Searching the property in Hyde Park where the shooting happened, police have found bullet cartridges but no firearm so far.

Mugabe and Tobias Tamirepi Matonhodze, 33, also face additional charges, including defeating the ends of justice, which relates to the missing firearm, prosecutors say.

The victim is in hospital and in a critical condition.

Speaking outside court, Mugabe's lawyer Sinenhlanhla Mnguni provided an update on his well-being, telling reporters his client was "fine" as he remains in custody.

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Describing the circumstances of the shooting, prosecutors allege that "an altercation occurred between the victim and the accused inside Mugabe's home".

While attempting to flee the victim was then allegedly "shot in the back and collapsed outside the gate" and the gate was then closed, according to a statement from the National Prosecuting Authority.

The case against Mugabe and Matonhodze was postponed until 3 March when a bail application will be made.

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WASHINGTON (AP)  Secretary of State Marco Rubio will travel to the Caribbean country of St. Kitts and Nevis this week to reassert the Trump administrations interests in the Western Hemisphere just a month after the U.S. military operation that removed then-Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro from power.

With the eyes of much of the world on the U.S. military buildup in the Middle East and President Donald Trumps threats to potentially attack Iran, Rubio will make a one-day visit to St. Kitts on Wednesday to participate in a summit of leaders from the Caribbean Community, the State Department said.

Rubio has long championed a greater U.S. role in the Western Hemisphere and aims to keep it in focus even as Trump's Republican administration has now shifted its top foreign policy priority to Iran. American forces are massing in even larger numbers in the Middle East than in the run-up to the Jan. 3 operation in Venezuela that captured and deposed Maduro.

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Maduro was brought to the U.S. to face charges of working with drug cartels to facilitate the shipment of thousands of tons of cocaine into the U.S. and has pleaded not guilty.

Trumps action against Maduro, coupled with an increasingly aggressive posture aimed at eliminating drug trafficking and illegal migration, have proven a concern for many in the region  although they have also won support from some smaller states.

Trump, Rubio and others have likened the administrations Western Hemisphere strategy to the Monroe Doctrine, with its rejection of outside influences and assertion of U.S. primacy throughout what they consider to be Americas backyard.

Trump has said his ouster of Maduro, military strikes on alleged drug-running vessels in the Caribbean, seizures of sanctioned oil tankers and tightened embargo of Cuba are key parts of a Trump corollary to the 19th-century policy that he refers to as the Donroe Doctrine.

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Most recently, that has manifested itself in U.S. intelligence support for weekend Mexican government operations that killed notorious Jalisco New Generation Cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes and sparked riots in several well-known tourist resorts.

Neither Mexico nor Venezuela is a full member of CARICOM, which includes 15 mainly island nations and South and Central American mainland littoral states. But like the United States, Mexico and Venezuela have observer status in the grouping.

In numerous group and bilateral meetings at the CARICOM meeting, Rubio intends to discuss ways to promote regional security and stability, trade and economic growth, the State Department said in a statement Monday. It was unclear which officials Rubio would meet with in Basseterre, the capital of the two-island nation.

"During his visit, the Secretary will reaffirm the United States commitment to working with CARICOM member states to enhance stability and prosperity in our hemisphere, the department said.

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Besides the immediate safety and security concerns in the Caribbean, the U.S. has a vested interest in several CARICOM members, including St. Kitts and Nevis, that are among the few countries in the world to have formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan, a self-governing island that Beijing considers to be part of Chinese territory.

The U.S., which does not have diplomatic relations with Taiwan but sells it weapons, wants to counter Chinese influence in Latin America and the Caribbean built through massive loans and expansive trade.

Trump has invited Latin American leaders to take part in a summit in Florida next month, coming ahead of his trip to Beijing.

St. Kitts and Nevis is among six countries in the Caribbean and Central America to still recognize Taiwan. U.S. lawmakers have introduced a bill that could provide $120 million over three years in assistance to Taiwans official and unofficial partners.

___

Associated Press writer Didi Tang contributed to this report.
Russian spies have turned properties across Western Europe into a network of Trojan horses designed to unleash a co-ordinated sabotage campaign, intelligence officials have warned.

Exploiting weak legal frameworks, clandestine Russian units are suspected of purchasing sensitive real estate close to military and civilian sites in at least a dozen European nations.

Intent on escalating its hybrid war on the West, Russian spy agencies have allegedly acquired summer houses, holiday cabins, warehouses, abandoned schools, city flats and even entire islands with the intention of using them as launchpads for co-ordinated surveillance, sabotage and covert attacks.

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Serving and former officers at three European intelligence agencies have told The Telegraph they fear Russia may already have explosives, drones, weapons and undercover operatives at some of the sites, ready to be activated in a crisis.

Acts of sabotage linked to Moscow  ranging from arson attacks in London and Warsaw to parcel bombs, assassination plots and attempted train derailments  have surged since Russias invasion of Ukraine four years ago. Some in the Western intelligence community fear these incidents may be little more than test runs.

Rather than launching a conventional military assault, intelligence officials say the Kremlin may seek to test Nato resolve in the grey zone, staging deniable attacks on a grander scale to paralyse transport, communications and energy networks, while complicating any invocation of the alliances Article 5 collective defence clause.

A sabotage campaign is less likely to produce consensus around Article 5 than a conventional Russian military operation, an intelligence officer said. Deniability  plausible or otherwise  makes attribution harder and, without certainty, it becomes much trickier to rally support.

Britain vulnerable to attack

Blaise Metreweli, the new head of MI6, used her first speech in charge to warn Britain was now operating in a space between peace and war. Russia is testing us in the grey zone with tactics that are just below the threshold of war, Ms Metreweli said in December.

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Volodymyr Zelensky warned at the weekend that Vladimir Putin has already started a Third World War against the West. Russia wants to impose on the world a different way of life and change the lives people have chosen for themselves, he said.

Moscow is suspected of using spy ships and shadow-fleet vessels to position sensors and remotely detonated explosives near undersea cables in British waters and elsewhere. By acquiring property close to military bases or vital civilian infrastructure, officials believe Russia may be pursuing a similar strategy on land.

Critical national infrastructure is acutely vulnerable to malicious state activity, one intelligence official said. Allowing Russian nationals to invest largely unimpeded in strategic real estate is a significant threat vector that urgently needs addressing.

Britain is seen as vulnerable to such an attack. While suspicious property acquisitions close to the MI6 headquarters in Vauxhall, central London, and the United States embassy at Nine Elms have been investigated, security experts and some politicians fear Russia may have acquired  or will seek to acquire  remote properties overlooking the Trident submarine base at Faslane in west Scotland or subsea cable landing points in Shetland. There are also fears that Russians could have bought houses around RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus.

Finland alarmed by military island

European states are now being told to follow the example of Finland, which in July imposed a near-blanket ban on Russians and Belarusians buying real estate, triggering a chain reaction in Baltic states that have adopted similar legislation.

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Few other European countries have gone as far, however, and there are concerns that Britain remains vulnerable because of ownership loopholes, even after tightening disclosure rules.

Finlands caution is rooted in experience. It is widely regarded by intelligence officials as the epicentre of a clandestine Russian strategy to acquire strategically located property  a model that Moscow is now believed to be replicating across Europe.

No case has alarmed Finnish authorities more than Airiston Helmi, a company that quietly acquired 17 properties around the Archipelago Sea, many of them close to key maritime routes and telecommunications infrastructure near the port of Turku, home to Finlands maritime industry and naval command.

The most striking of these was the island of Sakkiluoto. On the morning of Sept 22, 2018, residents across the channel watched in disbelief as helicopters and speedboats dropped off hundreds of camouflaged commandos on to the island.

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What investigators found was extraordinary. The property had nine piers, a helipad, security cameras and motion detectors, camouflage netting and buildings resembling barracks, each fitted with satellite dishes and advanced communications equipment.

Finnish authorities found the island housed this helipad, as well as security cameras, motion detectors and buildings resembling barracks

One of nine piers on Sakkiluoto, a Finnish island that was suspected to be the site of Russian espionage activity - Ksenia Ivanova/New York Times

Finland chose not to antagonise Moscow directly, charging the companys Russian owner Pavel Melnikov with fraud. He was handed a suspended sentence last year. The Russian government dismissed suspicions of espionage, with Dmitry Medvedev, the former president, claiming that only a sick mind could draw such conclusions. Finnish politicians were less convinced, noting that Airiston Helmi had also purchased surplus landing craft from the countrys navy.

A passport photograph of Pavel Melnikov, the Russian owner of the company that purchased Sakkiluoto. He was given a suspended sentence for fraud - Finnish Patent and Registration Office

Since the invasion of Ukraine in 2022, officials say Russia has largely abandoned such grandiose projects, instead focusing on replicating Airiston Helmi in miniature but at scale, turning hundreds, perhaps thousands, of otherwise unremarkable buildings across Europe into listening posts, safe houses and potential weapons depots.

Some are openly owned by the Russian state, albeit designated for ostensibly benign purposes. Western governments have begun shutting several down. Poland closed Russias consulate in Gdansk last November, while Britain stripped a Russian-owned estate in East Sussex of its diplomatic status the previous year after neighbours reported surveillance drones being deployed from the property.

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Latvia has closed Soviet-era resorts along its Baltic coast amid fears they could be used as a staging ground for covert operations.

Harder to track are the far greater numbers of properties owned by Russian individuals and companies. In Norway, cabins linked to Kremlin-connected figures sit close to sensitive Arctic military sites. This includes homes in Malselv Fjellandsby, overlooking Bardufoss air base in Troms, one of the countrys most important military bases and equipped with mountain hangars to protect the F-35s stationed there.

The Russian Orthodox Church  long regarded by Western intelligence agencies as closely aligned with the Kremlin  has acquired property near naval bases and radar installations in Norway and Sweden, prompting security concerns.

In Norway, overlooking the Haakonsvern naval base in Bergen, lies the Sreide prayer house, which a Russian Orthodox congregation bought in 2017. Officials warned at the time of Russians being able to disrupt signals and control drones from there as well as hosting Russians who would want to map the area.

In the Swedish city of Vasteras, a church, patrolled by attack dogs and surrounded by fencing and cameras, was built close to a strategically important airport in 2023 and later assessed by Swedish intelligence as a potential platform for espionage. The priest overseeing the church received a medal from the SVR, Russias main civilian foreign intelligence service, officials said.

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For over a decade, Russian entities have systematically purchased properties in Finland, Sweden and Norway in close proximity to military bases, ports and strategic supply lines, said Charlie Edwards, a senior fellow for strategy and national security at the International Institute for Strategic Studies in London.

The Russian Orthodox Church built this church in the Swedish city of Vasteras, close to a strategically important airport. Its priest received a medal from Russias foreign intelligence service

What once looked like suspicious commercial activity has evolved into a recognised vector for hybrid warfare, surveillance and potential sabotage.

Beyond the Nordic region, European intelligence agencies have flagged Russian-linked acquisitions near naval bases and strategic waterways in Sicily, Crete and mainland Greece, as well as close to sensitive sites in London, Paris and Geneva.

Taking over city flats to undermine enemy states is a Cold War tactic, noted Charly Salonius-Pasternak, the head of the Nordic West Office, a Helsinki-based geopolitical advisory. The Soviet Union famously owned a number of apartments in Helsinki for anything from spying and honey traps to stashing weapons to enable a faster takeover of the city, he said.

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Switzerland is emerging as a particular concern. Intelligence officials say Russian operatives used properties near a federal chemical protection institute that investigated the Salisbury poisonings to intercept Wi-Fi networks and track weapons experts. There has also been a reported surge in Russian purchases in villages near the Large Hadron Collider, near Geneva, raising fears of potential sabotage to power lines and data cables.

Chinas long-term covert operations

Security agencies say there is growing evidence that China is pursuing a similar  though more limited  strategy.

Russia has been doing this for a while, but its not only Russia, said Minna Alander of the Stockholm Centre for Eastern Europe Studies, citing the Chinese purchase of a hotel near sensitive military infrastructure, including an air base in Switzerland set to host F-35 fighter jets. Under pressure from the US, the Swiss military acquired the property in 2024.

We now have a better awareness that there is a pattern, but I think in Europe we are at a pretty early stage of understanding this strategy and what to do about it, Ms Alander added.

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Chinas objectives, officials say, are more focused on long-term surveillance. By positioning itself near fibre-optic routes, data centres and communications nodes, Beijing aims to harvest encrypted data now on the assumption that some of it may become readable in the future as computing technology advances.

Russias ambitions are more immediate and more dangerous. Intelligence officials warn it is not only preparing to spy, but to strike, potentially launching coordinated drone or sabotage attacks from pre-positioned properties in a future crisis.

It would not be too hard, noted Mr Salonius-Pasternak, to send Russian operatives masquerading as a stag party to a property purporting to be a resort  such as Airiston Helmis Sakkiluoto lair  that has been stashed with weapons.

If you spoke like this 15 years ago, people would say you have been watching too many Tom Cruise movies, Mr Salonius-Pasternak said. That has changed. As we saw in Ukraine, there tend to be many operations before the big war starts.

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Despite the scale of the threat, analysts fear European states are not responding fast enough. While Latvia, Lithuania and Norway have tightened controls and Estonia plans to introduce restrictions this summer, a proposed EU-wide ban on property sales to Russian buyers collapsed last year amid resistance from states concerned about the economic fallout.

Cyprus, in particular, reportedly raised objections, despite a spate of Moscow-linked real estate acquisitions close to British bases on the island.

The result, experts warn, is a patchwork of laws riddled with blind spots, compounded by a reluctance among intelligence agencies to share sensitive data across borders.

As long as counter-intelligence remains national, it will fail to address a threat that crosses every national boundary in Europe, one security official said.

Try full access to The Telegraph free today. Unlock their award-winning website and essential news app, plus useful tools and expert guides for your money, health and holidays.
Travelers sailing out of Galveston are urged to take precautions when making stops in Mexico after U.S. officials issued an alert for parts of the country due to escalating violence and security operations.

Several cruises sailing out of Galveston in late February and March include stops in Mexican ports like Cozumel, Costa Maya, and Progreso.

The warning follows a major security event in Mexico involving the killing of Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, known as El Mencho, the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, during a military operation on Sunday in Jalisco, according to Mexicos Defense Department.

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RELATED: Who 'El Mencho' was and what to know about the cartel he led

U.S. officials say the aftermath of that operation has triggered road blockages, criminal activity, and ongoing security concerns across multiple Mexican states  including some popular cruise destinations.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott is urging Texans traveling in Mexico, or with family members there, to closely follow U.S. government guidance.

Are cruises still going to Mexico?

According to cruise schedules, the following sailings out of Galveston include planned stops in Mexico:

Late February 2026

Feb. 21: Carnival Jubilee (7 nights)  Cozumel, Costa Maya

Feb. 22: Regal Princess (7 nights)  Cozumel, Costa Maya

Feb. 22: MSC Seascape (7 nights)  Costa Maya, Cozumel

Feb. 23: Carnival Breeze (5 nights)  Cozumel, Progreso

Feb. 26: Carnival Legend (4 nights)  Cozumel

Feb. 28: Carnival Breeze (5 nights)  Cozumel, Progreso

Feb. 28: Carnival Jubilee (7 nights)  Costa Maya, Cozumel

Feb. 28: Norwegian Viva (7 nights)  Cozumel, Costa Maya

March 2026

March 1: Regal Princess (7 nights)  Cozumel, Costa Maya

March 1: MSC Seascape (7 nights)  Costa Maya, Cozumel

March 2: Carnival Legend (4 nights)  Cozumel

March 28: Carnival Breeze (5 nights)  Cozumel, Progreso

March 29: MSC Seascape (7 nights)  Costa Maya, Cozumel

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KHOU 11 News has reached out to Carnival, Royal Caribbean, MSC Cruises, Regal Princess, and Norwegian to see whether they are making any changes to their itineraries.

Here's a statement from MSC Cruises: "MSC Cruises continuously monitors international developments that may influence our ships itineraries or shore activities, and the safety of our guests and crew always comes first. Our sailings to Cozumel and Costa Maya, Mexico, are currently operating as planned; however, out of an abundance of caution, some shore excursions may be adjusted or cancelled. We remain in close contact with the relevant authorities."

Why the travel warning matters for cruise passengers

The U.S. Department of State says Americans in several Mexican states are being urged to shelter in place because of ongoing security operations and related road blockages and criminal activity.

Late Sunday, the State Department updated its list of impacted areas, which includes:

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Jalisco (including Puerto Vallarta, Chapala, and Guadalajara)

Baja California (including Tijuana, Tecate, and Ensenada)

Quintana Roo (including Cancun, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum)

Nayarit (including the Nuevo Nayarit/Nuevo Vallarta area)

Sinaloa (including Mazatlan)

Portions of Colima, Guanajuato, Guerrero, Estado de Mexico, Michoacan, Nuevo Leon, Oaxaca, Puebla, Queretaro, San Luis Potosi, Tamaulipas, Veracruz, and Zacatecas

What U.S. citizens in affected areas are being told to do

According to the State Department and U.S. Embassy officials, Americans in impacted regions should:

Avoid areas around law enforcement activity

Be aware of your surroundings

Seek shelter and minimize unnecessary movement

Monitor local media for updates

Follow directions from local authorities and call 911 in an emergency

Avoid crowds

Keep family and friends informed of your location and well-being

U.S. citizens needing assistance can contact the U.S. Embassy and consulates in Mexico at (55) 8526-2561 from within Mexico or +1-844-528-6611 from the U.S. Additional help is available through the State Departments Bureau of Consular Affairs at +1-888-407-4747 or +1-202-501-4444.

What cruise passengers should consider before sailing

Officials recommend that Americans traveling to Mexico, including cruise passengers, closely monitor federal travel advisories, enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), maintain regular contact with family, and be prepared to follow shelter-in-place guidance if conditions change.

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Travelers are also encouraged to keep emergency contact numbers readily available and stay alert to updates from cruise operators and U.S. officials as the situation continues to evolve.

Got a news tip or story idea? Email us at newstips@khou.com or call 713-521-4310 and include the best way to reach you.
This story has been updated to add new information.

Spring break starts in March for many California Central Coast students and families, and among the most popular spring break destinations outside of the United States is Cancun, Mexico. Many are wondering if the area is safe for travel after the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel was killed by the Mexican army.

s of Tuesday afternoon, Americans no longer need to shelter in place in Mexico. Shelter-in-place orders have been lifted in the cities where they had remained, according to a Feb. 24 security alert from the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico. Additionally, flights have returned to normal in Guadalajara and extra flights are planned for Puerto Vallartas airport.

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The U.S. State Department had issued a security warning on Feb. 22 advising Americans in Mexico to shelter in place until further notice amid escalating violence after the killing of the powerful drug cartel leader in a military operation. Tourists across Mexico took shelter amid a wave of retaliatory violence as gunmen block highways and torch cars.

Americans in Jalisco state, which includes Puerto Vallarta, Chapala, and Guadalajara; Tamaulipas state, which includes Reynosa and other municipalities; and areas of Michoacan state, Guerrero state, and Nuevo Leon state had been advised to remain in place due to security operations, road blockages and criminal activity, the U.S. government previously said.

Live updates: Tourists, locals take cover amid Mexico cartel chaos

The advisory had expanded to include Baja California state, including Tijuana, Tecate and Ensenada; Quintana Roo state, including Cancun, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen and Tulum; as well as Sinaloa, Oaxaca, Puebla, Queretaro, San Luis Potosi, Tamaulipas, Veracruz, Zacatecas and other areas.

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Flights were canceled, including flights to and from Mexico out of major California airports such as SFO and LAX.

Puerto Vallarta International Airport on X said Sunday that all international and most national flights were canceled, while other airlines announced some cancellations in Mexico.

Here's what to know about the travel advisory to Mexico.

More: US issues 'shelter in place' alert for Americans in parts of Mexico

Are flights to Mexico being canceled?

While no airports have been closed, roadblocks have impacted airline operations, with most domestic and international flights cancelled in both Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta, according to the U.S. Embassy alert.

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American Airlines is canceled all flights on Sunday, Feb. 22 to Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara, according to its website. It's unclear when flights would resume.

More: Flights canceled at LAX, SFO in California Monday, here's why

Southwest Airlines also canceled a handful of flights on Sunday, and scheduled services to Puerto Vallarta "may be disrupted" until Wednesday, Feb. 25. "We'll continue to evaluate the conditions as the situation develops. Nothing is more important to Southwest Airlines than the safety of our customers and our employees," Southwest said in a statement to FOX Business.

Flights canceled at LAX, SFO in California

Los Angeles International Airport, or LAX, had 128 flights out of and into the airport canceled as of 10 a.m. on Feb. 23, according to FlightAware.

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LAX's site showed that several flights departing had been canceled, with the majority being East Coast destinations including New York, Newark and Boston. Flights to Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara were also canceled for Feb. 23.

Flight Aware also showed that 86 flights into or out of San Francisco International Airport, or SFO, had been canceled on Monday, including all incoming flights from Boston Logan International, John F. Kennedy International and Newark Liberty International.

Delta Air Lines and United Airlines, as well as Air Canada also suspended operations in Puerto Vallarta, FOX Business reported.

Mexicos president, Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, said in a morning news conference on Monday that flights will resume in the next few days.

Is it safe to travel to Cancun right now?

The U.S. Embassy listed Cancun as one of an additional 15 states in its security alert on Sunday, saying "due to ongoing security operations and related road blockages and criminal activity, U.S. citizens in a number of locations in Mexico are urged to shelter in place."

What happened in Mexico yesterday?

The U.S. Embassy issued a security alert for various parts of Mexico following the killing of reputed drug lord "El Mencho."

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"El Mencho," Nemesio Oseguera, the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), was killed in a raid by Mexican military special forces on Sunday in Tapalpa, Jalisco, Mexico's defense ministry said. The raid was conducted in collaboration with intelligence from U.S. authorities.

Mexican drug lord Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, also known as "El Mencho," appears in a wanted poster on the State Department website with a $15 million reward offered for information leading to his arrest.

The powerful drug lord's death sparked an outbreak of violence, including vehicle burnings and gunmen blocking roadways in more a dozen states in Mexico.

Is it safe to travel to Mexico right now?

The U.S. alert is for the states of Jalisco (including the cities of Guadalajara, Chapala and Puerto Vallarta), the state of Tamaulipas, (including the border city of Reynosa, across the Rio Grande from McAllen, Texas) and parts of the states of Michoacan, Guerrero and Nuevo Leon.

A Sunday evening alert update reported trouble had expanded to various cities in at least 15 states, including the states of Baja California (the cities of Tijuana, Ensenada and Tecate), Quintana Roo (Cancun), Sinaloa (Mazatlan) and areas of the states of Nayarit, Nuevo Leon, San Luis Potosi, Colima, Puebla, Oaxaca, the state of Mexico, Queretaro, Veracruz and Zacatecas.

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This story was updated to add new information.

More: Mexican drug lord 'El Mencho' killed in military operation, sources say

This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Mexico travel safety, warnings, flights after cartel leader's death
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said Ukraine will expand its sanctions policy against Belarus' self-declared leader Alexander Lukashenko and his circle.

Source: Zelenskyy in an interview with Belarusian independent media outlet Zerkalo (Mirror), as reported by European Pravda.

Quote: "Sanctions policy is the first step, as I said. We will develop it and we are now working on the legal framework to continue it. This will concern not only Lukashenko. We are talking about his circle, his sons and so on. And one more story, as I said: we will monitor all the military assistance he provides [to Russia]."

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Details: Zelenskyy said Ukraine intends to raise with the United States the issue of US diplomatic relations with Lukashenko.

Quote: "It cannot be that he [Lukashenko] supports the Russian regime, supports it with war and not only its geopolitics. He helps kill civilians. We have evidence; we have all of it on maps, and everything is recorded on video and so on: how Shaheds entered from Belarusian territory, thanks to repeaters. This is a crime because they helped the aggressor; that is a fact. After these strikes, civilians died. So for us this is a crime. And now we will deal with the legal component of these crimes."

More details: Zelenskyy also pointed out that countries had earlier imposed sanctions against Lukashenko over the illegitimate 2020 election in Belarus.

Background:

Ukraine introduced a package of personal sanctions against self-proclaimed Belarusian president Alexander Lukashenko on 18 February.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that equipment has been installed near the border in Belarus to help guide Shahed drones towards targets in Ukraine's western regions.

In the context of Russia's air attack on the city of Kovel, Zelenskyy said that equipment had been installed near the border in Belarus to help guide Shahed drones towards targets in Ukraine's western regions.

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States are scrambling to meet rising demand for newly expanded school choice initiatives, pouring more money into the programs as waiting lists  and budget concerns  grow.

A further boost is expected next year, when the federal government rolls out a new policy allowing taxpayers to claim a tax credit for up to $1,700 in donations to nonprofits that award private school scholarships to K-12 students.

Supporters tout such programs as a lifeline for parents desperate to get their kids out of failing public schools, while opponents have long warned that they drain resources from public education as students move from public schools to private ones.

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For years, voucher and scholarship programs providing taxpayer dollars for private school tuition were limited to low-income or special needs students. In 2022, however, Arizona became the first state to allow all students to use public money for private school tuition. By next school year, at least 17 states are expected to have universal programs  making roughly half of U.S. students eligible to receive money, according to FutureEd, a think tank at Georgetown University.

As both universal and limited programs spread across the country, many families are eager to participate.

In Alabama, more than 36,000 students last spring applied for 14,000 spots in the states new program, prompting Republican Gov. Kay Ivey to propose increasing its funding from $180 million to $250 million for the 2027-28 school year, when income limits will be eliminated.

In Oklahoma, Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt has proposed removing the budget cap on a scholarship program that turned away 5,600 students a couple of years ago because it ran out of money. And in Tennessee, Republican Gov. Bill Lee has proposed doubling the funding for a scholarship program that has a waitlist of about 34,000 students.

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Last year, we gave families school choice with the Education Freedom Scholarship program, because parents know best, Lee said in his State of the State address last month. Growing the program would open the doors of opportunity for thousands more children statewide.

South Carolina Republican Gov. Henry McMaster and Missouri Republican Gov. Mike Kehoe also are seeking more money for school choice programs.

So far what weve really seen is legislatures looking to expand the programs, said Andrew Handel, director of education and workforce development at the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), a membership group for conservative state lawmakers that has pushed for choice programs nationwide.

The ESA [education savings account] is the gold standard. Its the one that gives parents the most flexibility, he said, referring to programs that allow parents to use the money for other education-related expenses in addition to tuition. The best states are where the funding for those school choice programs is tied directly to their state education formula. That ensures that no matter how many families apply, youre always going to have the money there.

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But in Arizona, the first state with a universal program, Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs has become an outspoken critic.

Hobbs last month criticized the program, approved under her Republican predecessor, as an entitlement program that continues to operate unchecked, squandering taxpayer dollars with no accountability. She has proposed scaling back the program to its original scope, when it was limited to children with disabilities and military families.

The program serves more than 100,000 students  about 1 in 10 K-12 students  and cost the state about $872 million in fiscal 2025, according to the Grand Canyon Institute, a nonpartisan think tank. In addition to offering vouchers to pay private school tuition, it allows money to be spent on certain school supplies.

A recent audit by the Arizona Department of Education found that about 20% of Empowerment Scholarship Account dollars were used for unauthorized purchases, including iPhones, lingerie, jewelry and other luxury items, according to documents obtained earlier this month by the television station 12News in Arizona.

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So far what weve really seen is legislatures looking to expand the programs.

 Andrew Handel, director of education and workforce development at the American Legislative Exchange Council

At least 45% of the kids receiving aid in Arizona were never enrolled in public schools, 12News recently reported. In some states, the percentage is even higher: In the 2023-24 school year, about two-thirds of the students participating in scholarship programs in Arkansas and Iowa were already attending private schools.

Those numbers have handed ammunition to critics who argue that universal programs are creating two parallel education systems, both funded by taxpayers.

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Every state thats passed a voucher system has had to slow down its per-pupil funding for public schools, said Joshua Cowen, a professor of education policy at Michigan State University. Whether they take it directly out of school aid or fund it from another pot, its all the same budget.

States cant afford to run two systems.

The waiting lists prove that many families would like to send their children to private schools, but its difficult to determine whether they get a better education there: Unlike public schools, private schools can turn away students, and in many states private school students dont take the same standardized tests, so comparing academic performance is difficult.

Patrick Wolf, a professor at the University of Arkansas who studies school choice programs, noted that in his state, students with disabilities made up 48% of first-year participants. The percentage declined to 36% the second year, but that was still nearly three times the rate of disability in the general population.

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Wolf argued that choice programs can help public schools by providing competition, forcing them to adapt.

The traditional public schools can lose students who didnt really want to be there, and that can be a pressure release valve, he said. What weve seen when private school choice programs launch is that public school test scores often go up slightly.

The competitive effects are either neutral or positive, he said. They communicate more effectively with parents. They offer new programs targeted to the kinds of students theyre afraid might leave.

Going big in Texas

Earlier this month, Texas launched what is likely to be the nations largest school choice program.

The new pre-K to 12th grade scholarship program is open to any U.S. citizen or immigrant in the country legally (public schools are open to everybody), but funding will be capped at $1 billion for the 2026-2027 school year. If state lawmakers choose to spend more in future years, the cost could rise to nearly $5 billion by 2030, according to a legislative fiscal note. The states current biennial budget is close to $340 billion.

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Most participating students who want to attend a private school will be eligible for about $10,470 per year, while students with disabilities can receive up to $30,000. Families who want to homeschool their child can get $2,000.

This year, Texas will give priority to students with disabilities, families with lower incomes, and children enrolled in public and charter schools. Starting next year, the guidelines will be adjusted to favor the siblings of current students and new applicants.

Strongly backed by Republican Gov. Greg Abbott, the program drew more than 42,000 applications when it opened on Feb. 4, according to state officials. As of Feb. 18, the state had received a total of 111,000 applications. Texans can apply through March 17.

Travis Pillow, a senior official overseeing implementation, said the state partnered with Odyssey, a vendor that has administered similar programs in other states, to automate eligibility verification using state IDs and federal tax returns, since Texas does not have a state income tax.

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Officials say more than three-quarters of applicants were verified the same day they applied, a benchmark they argue is critical to maintaining momentum and public confidence.

Pillow said Texas lawmakers are required to consider waitlist numbers in future appropriations decisions, and early demand could shape whether the program expands beyond its initial $1 billion allocation.

Federal tax credit

Meanwhile, a provision of the broad tax and spending measure President Donald Trump signed in July could create a significant new source of funding for families who want to send their kids to private school  but only in states that choose to participate.

The measure creates a new federal tax credit for people who contribute to nonprofits that award private school scholarships to K-12 students. Taxpayers in any state can get the tax credits, but only by donating to organizations in participating states.

Last month, federal officials announced that 23 states had opted in to the program; all of them, except for Virginia, are led by Republicans. However, the federal list did not include Colorado, where Democratic Gov. Jared Polis said in December that his state also would participate. North Carolina Democratic Gov. Josh Stein also has said he will opt in. The Democratic governors of New Mexico, Oregon and Wisconsin have said their states will not participate.

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In Pennsylvania, where one of the nations largest state-level tax credit scholarship programs already operates, scholarship granting organizations say that the state needs to opt in to the federal program to meet the growing demand. Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro has been a supporter of vouchers generally, but he has not said whether Pennsylvania will opt into the program.

Keisha Jordan, president and CEO of the Childrens Scholarship Fund Philadelphia, said that more than 200,000 Pennsylvania children live in neighborhoods where the local public schools are low performing.

Despite serving thousands of students, she said, every year scholarship organizations like Childrens Scholarship Fund Philadelphia still have to turn students down because we dont have enough funding to meet the demand.

Jordan argues the new federal tax credit could help close that gap. The demand is here, she said. Pennsylvania taxpayers will participate, but their money could go to another state. Why not keep it here?

Stateline reporter Robbie Sequeira can be reached at rsequeira@stateline.org.

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An artist's rendering of a swirling corona above a black hole's accretion disk. New research reveals an ancient black hole whose corona may be helping it break some major cosmic rules. | Credit: NASA/Aurore Simonnet (Sonoma State University)

A surprisingly ravenous black hole from the dawn of the universe is breaking two big rules: It's not only exceeding the "speed limit" of black hole growth but also generating extreme X-ray and radio wave emissions  two features that are not predicted to coexist.

The object  a quasar known as ID830  is an extremely bright and active supermassive black hole (SMBH) that is shooting immense jets of radiation from its poles. It is also emitting intense X-ray emissions, generated by infalling material that swirls around its dark maw at nearly the speed of light.

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ID830 is exceptionally massive. It already weighed 440 million solar masses around 12 billion years ago, when the universe was approximately 15% of its current age. That makes it over 100 times more massive than Sagittarius A* , the SMBH at the heart of our Milky Way galaxy.

How is this rule-breaking behavior even possible? In a paper published Jan. 21 in The Astrophysical Journal , an international team of researchers observed ID830 in multiple wavelengths to find an answer.

Even black holes have limits

Black holes are the universe's most voracious eaters, but even monsters have a feeding limit. As they attract gas and dust, this material accumulates in a swirling accretion disk. Gravity pulls the material from the disk into the black hole, but the infalling material generates radiation pressure that pushes outward and prevents more stuff from falling in. As a result, black holes are muzzled by a self-regulating process called the Eddington limit.

An artist's rendition of a black hole, along with its swirling accretion disk, bright corona and jet. | Credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, Ralf Crawford (STScI)

Yet black holes can temporarily bypass this limit and undergo rapid growth spurts at a super-Eddington limit . Researchers propose multiple mechanisms for this cosmic gluttony. For example, "it should be perfectly possible for a black hole to consume matter faster than the Eddington limit for a short period of time before radiation pressure builds up to limit the accretion rate," Anthony Taylor , an astronomer at the University of Texas at Austin who was not involved in the study, told Live Science via email.

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Alternatively, a black hole can consume matter from a disk around its equator while outward radiation pressure expels material from its poles. "In this situation, the radiation pressure would not directly oppose the inflow of matter, thus allowing the Eddington limit to be exceeded," Taylor added. "There are a variety of geometries where this could work!"

Super-Eddington mechanics may help reconcile SMBH growth models with an expanding catalog of early-universe observations. With its exceptional infrared sensitivity, the James Webb Space Telescope has revealed that SMBHs grew surprisingly fast and surprisingly early, defying all expectations .

So, how did SMBHs get so fat, so fast? Some scientists suggest that Population III stars , the first and largest stars in cosmic history, collapsed to produce black hole "seeds" of 1,000 or more solar masses.

But even these hefty seeds would need to feed at the Eddington limit for more than 650 million years to reach some of their observed sizes. This feat may seem infeasible for several reasons, including the prodigious amounts of gas required to sustain such prolonged gorging.

Supercharging black hole growth

The researchers calculated ID830's growth rate by measuring its brightness in ultraviolet (UV) and X-ray wavelengths. Its X-ray brightness suggests that ID830 is accreting mass at about 13 times the Eddington limit, due to a sudden burst of inflowing gas that may have occurred as ID830 shredded and engulfed a celestial body that wandered too close.

A graph displaying ID830's uniquely brilliant luminosity, compared to previously observed objects. The solid line shows the Eddington limit, while the dotted line indicates a black hole feeding rate 10 times above the Eddington limit. | Credit: NAOJ

"For a SMBH as massive as ID830, this would require not a normal (main-sequence) star, but a more massive giant star or a huge gas cloud," study co-author Sakiko Obuchi , an observational astronomer at Waseda University in Tokyo, told Live Science via email. Such super-Eddington phases may be incredibly brief, as "this transitional phase is expected to last for roughly 300 years," Obuchi added.

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ID830 also simultaneously displays radio and X-ray emissions. These two features are not expected to coexist, especially because super-Eddington accretion is thought to suppress such emissions. "This unexpected combination hints at physical mechanisms not yet fully captured by current models of extreme accretion and jet launching," the researchers said in a statement .

So while ID830 is launching massive radio jets, its X-ray emissions appear to originate from a structure called a corona, produced as intense magnetic fields from the accretion disk create a thin but turbulent billion-degree cloud of turbocharged particles. These particles orbit the black hole at nearly the speed of light, in what NASA calls "one of the most extreme physical environments in the universe."

A framework for early galaxy evolution

Altogether, ID830's rule-breaking behaviors suggest that it is in a rare transitional phase of excessive consumption  and excretion. This incredible feeding burst has energized both its jets and its corona, making ID830 shine brightly across multiple wavelengths as it spews out excess radiation.

related stories

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Some objects we thought were planets may actually be tiny black holes from the dawn of time

 Miniature black holes could be hollowing out planets and zipping through our bodies, new study claims

 A 'primordial' black hole may zoom through our solar system every decade

Additionally, based on UV-brightness analysis, quasars like ID830 may be unexpectedly common, the researchers said. Models predict that only around 10% of quasars have spectacular radio jets, but these energetic objects could be significantly more abundant in the early universe than previously suggested.
Tony Gonzales (Francis Chung/POLITICO via AP Images)

Text messages obtained by Juliegrace Brufke of 24sight News appear to confirm that Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-TX) had an inappropriate relationship with Regina Santos-Aviles, a former staffer who committed suicide by self-immolation last September.

Another former Gonzales staffer who described himself as Santos-Aviless best friend recently told the San Antonio Express-News that Santos-Aviles had admitted the affair to him, and that she had been battling depression ever since her husband found out about the relationship, causing the congressman to abruptly cut her off.

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He also produced text messages in which Sant0s-Aviles admitted to the affair.

Gonzales denied the affair in November at a Texas Tribune festival, and said he would NOT BE BLACKMAILED after the publication of the Express-News story.

Ms. Santos-Aviles was a kind soul who devoted her life to making the community a better place. Her efforts led to improvements in school safety, healthcare, and rural water like never before, said Gonzales in a statement. Its shameful that Brandon Herrera [Gonzaless primary opponent] is using a disgruntled former staffer to smear her memory and score political points, conveniently pushing this out the very day early voting started. 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.

But on Monday, Brufke produced text messages obtained by 24Sight News from a forensic extraction of Santos-Aviles phone conducted as part of an active legal claim by her widowers attorney in which the congressman made explicit sexual requests to his late congressional staffer who repeatedly resisted.

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In various messages addressed to Santos-Aviles, Gonzales wrote send me a sexy pic, fantasized about being On top pinning your legs before asking about her own sexual preferences, and, in one particularly crass message, wrote only, Anal?

Both Santos-Aviless widowers lawyer and work friend have alleged that the affair between the lawmaker and his employee was known among other members of Gonzaless staff.

The post Send Me a Sexy Pic: Unearthed Texts Confirm Inappropriate Relationship Between Tony Gonzales and Staffer Who Set Herself on Fire first appeared on Mediaite.




Eversource, the state's largest electrical provider, says it expects "several hundred thousand customers" in Connecticut could lose power as a major nor'easter hits the East Coast Sunday into Monday.

In a news conference Sunday afternoon, Steve Sullivan, president of the company's Connecticut operations, said the severity of the storm means it could take two to six days before power is fully restored statewide. He said he thinks crews will not be able to start repairing power lines until Tuesday.

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That's because of the high winds and heavy, wet snow expected with this storm, which will take down tree branches and power lines and make repairing them dangerous, Sullivan said.

"With these high winds, our crews really can't go 40 or 50 feet up in the air into their buckets until those winds die down," Sullivan said. "This is likely to be a multi-day restoration event."

The storm is expected to bring up to nearly 2 feet of snow to the northeast corner of the state, while other parts of southeastern and southwestern Connecticut could see 19 inches of snow or more, according to the National Weather Service. High winds are expected Sunday night through Monday afternoon, with gusts in excess of 50 mph possible.

Gov. Ned Lamont has declared a state of emergency, banning commercial vehicles from highways starting at 5 p.m. Sunday.

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Sullivan said the company had activated more than 1,000 crews to help restore power, but until the winds slow, they will mostly be focused on helping clear blocked roads of trees and other storm debris.

The company notified customers in a text message Sunday afternoon that it had upgraded the severity of the storm, and encouraged them to prepare accordingly.

In a release earlier on Sunday, United Illuminating, which covers portions of New Haven and Fairfield counties, said it is prepared and fully staffed to respond in the event of power outages. The company said it is bringing in additional crews and encouraging customers to prepare in advance of the storm.

Angela Baccaro, a UI spokesperson, said the utility company is pepared for potentially hazardous conditions across its service area Sunday and Monday.

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"Additional crews will be supporting our response during this storm to ensure we get power back on for our customers as quickly as possible in the event of an outage," she said. "Customers can also visit our website to report outages at any time and sign up for outage alerts to receive up-to-date information on estimated restoration times. With the heavy gusting winds, it is important to always stay away from downed wires and assume all downed wires are energized and dangerous."

As of 4:50 p.m. Sunday, there were virtually no power outages in Connecticut, with Eversource reporting 13 and United Illuminating reporting one statewide.

This article originally published at 'Several hundred thousand' in CT may lose power in nor'easter, restoration could take days: Eversource.
A major winter storm has blanketed the East Coast, bringing whipping winds and dumping more than two feet of snow in dozens of townsconditions that have made it nearly impossible to travel across states in the region, according to the National Weather Service.

Several governors have declared states of emergency amid the storm, including some prohibiting commercial land travel. Air travel has also been severely disrupted: tracker FlightAware reported over 5,660 cancellations of flights within, into, or from the U.S. on Monday as of the afternoon, following more than 3,000 cancellations on Sunday. Over half a million people in the U.S. were without power Monday afternoon, according to poweroutage.us, which tracks outages, including close to 300,000 homes in Massachusetts and over 100,000 homes in New Jersey.

As of Monday afternoon, the blizzard had begun leaving New York, but was continuing to rip through New England, with harsh conditions expected to last through the day. Heres what to know about travel bans and restrictions by state.

Connecticut

Gov. Ned Lamont declared a state of emergency across Connecticut on Sunday, and additionally signed an emergency order prohibiting all commercial vehicles on limited access highways from 5 p.m. Sunday. The prohibition did not apply to emergency response and recovery vehicles, such as those for public safety, utilities, or those carrying necessary personnel and supplies.

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Everyone statewide is strongly urged to avoid all unnecessary, non-essential travel, Lamont said in his announcement. Plan ahead, get to where you need to be by early Sunday evening, and remain there throughout the duration of the storm.

Lamont said Monday afternoon that the emergency order had been lifted as of 4 p.m., though he cautioned motorists "to do their best to avoid driving for the remainder of the day on Monday and use absolute caution if they must travel as plow crews continue their work to clear the roads." He told local news that the state had about 700 plows out to clear the highways and make them safe for travel.

Bradley International Airport, the second largest airport in New England, remained open Monday afternoon, but said that 95% of flights were cancelled and that residual cancellations and delays could be expected into Tuesday as airlines worked to return to normal operations.

Delaware

Gov. Matthew Meyer declared a state of emergency Sunday, and imposed a statewide driving warning urging increased caution. Stricter rules were imposed on the Kent and Sussex counties: prohibiting anyone from operating motor vehicles, unless they are lawfully exempted, including if they are designated as essential personnel.

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The National Weather Service wrote on social media on Monday afternoon that all winter storm and blizzard warnings in the region had been canceled as the storm left the state, though thousands of Delaware residents were still contending with power outages and impassable roads.

Massachusetts

Snow totals from the National Weather Service on Monday afternoon showed that over 30 inches had fallen in Somerset and New Bedford and over two feet in nine other counties in southeastern Massachusetts, while Boston received 14 inches.

Gov. Maura Healeys office said on Sunday that due to severe weather conditions, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority would be operating subway trains and buses at reduced levels through Monday. Rail lines are operating based on their corresponding storm schedules. Meanwhile, all ferry services were suspended Monday.

Beginning Sunday evening, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation imposed travel restrictions on box trucks, tractor-trailer, tandem, and special permit trucks on interstate highways, though truck deliveries of food, fuel, and medical supplies are exempted.

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It is critical that people stay off the roads tonight and tomorrow, said Healey, who also activated the National Guard and directed the states non-emergency executive branch employees to work from home, while urging private employers to do the same.

Healey then issued a travel ban on Monday afternoon on non-essential motor vehicle travel in Bristol, Plymouth, and Barnstablewhich her office described as particularly hard-hit countiesdue to the blizzard.

The only people in those places who can drive right now are people like first responders, public emergency personnel, utility crews and the private contractors who are supporting those efforts, food and fuel delivery and medical staff, Healey said Monday.

Massachusetts has been hit particularly hard by power outages, which were affecting over 285,000 homes in the state on Monday amid punishing wind gusts that topped 70 miles an hour in some areas of the southeast and Cape Cod. This wind creates low visibility conditions, making it difficult for key electric and gas companies to restore power to customers.

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These are extremely challenging and dangerous conditions for both the public and our crews, Christopher Laird, Chief Operating Officer of National Grid New England Electric, said in a statement. While our crews are deployed and ready, weather conditions are expected to limit restoration efforts throughout the day.

Coastal flooding warnings also remain in place in coastal regions including Nantucket.

New Jersey

By the time precipitation slowed Monday afternoon, the storm had become one of the snowiest in the history of Newark, New Jersey, with snowfall reaching 27.1 inches at Newark International Airport.

Gov. Mikie Sherrill urged all New Jersey residents to use caution, stay off the roads, and follow all safety protocols during the storm on Saturday, when she declared a state of emergency for the state to take effect Sunday.

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NJ Transit, the state public transportation provider operating the bus, train, and light rail network, suspended services on Sunday. By 6 p.m., bus, light rail, and Access Link services for people with disabilities were halted, and rail service suspension followed at 9 p.m. The operator said it would assess the storm's impacts overnight to determine when it was safe to resume services.

State police also issued a travel restriction on all vehicleswith exemptions for first responders and those with emergency reasonsfrom operating on state, county, municipal, and interstate roadways from 9 p.m. on Sunday to 7 a.m. on Monday, though the New Jersey Turnpike was exempt from the restriction.

On Monday, NJ Transit officials announced that certain light rail and rail services would resume in the late afternoon and evening, and that restrictions on commercial vehicle travel and traffic exceeding 35 mph would be lifted at 5 p.m. that day.

New York

Gov. Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency in several counties in New York state. In her announcement, Hochul said that starting 4 p.m. Sunday, empty commercial vehicles and tandem tractor-trailers would be banned from travel on I-84 and all roads south of I-84, including all Thruway system roads. Other commercial vehicles were restricted to the I-84s right lane, as well as all roadways south of I-84, including the Thruway system roads in Orange, Rockland, and Westchester counties.

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The Long Island Rail Road service, stretching from Manhattan to Suffolk County in Long Island, was suspended by 1 a.m. Monday until conditions improve; it remained paused as of late Monday afternoon. The Metro-North Railroad also limited its services, operating on an hourly schedule on some lines and on a weekend schedule on others.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced a local state of emergency. A travel ban was in effect from 9 p.m. Sunday to 12 noon Monday, meaning the citys streets, highways, and bridges were closed to all vehicles, save for essential and emergency trips. This blizzard is serious, Mamdani said Sunday. Stay inside.

On Monday afternoon, Mamdani lifted the travel ban and announced that public schools would be open for in-person instruction on Tuesday. A blizzard warning is active in the city until 6 p.m. Monday.

Though the travel ban has lifted, conditions on the road are still icy and dangerous, and we encourage New Yorkers to take public transportation if needed, stay indoors when possible and stay informed through Notify NYC, Mamdani said in a news release.

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According to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, which covers the New York metropolitan area, some express subway lines have been operating local routes. Bus services have continued, but road conditions may affect them.

The MTAs paratransit services stopped taking access-a-ride reservations starting at 9 p.m., and the MTA contacted customers who had booked rides after that point to see if they could possibly reschedule their rides for earlier or cancel them altogether. The MTA said Monday that paratransit services were operating very limited service for essential trips only.

The Staten Island Ferry also modified its schedule starting at midnight, operating with hourly service until 6 a.m. and then every 30 minutes after 6 a.m. Staten Island Railway subway service was still suspended as of Monday afternoon.

Contact us at letters@time.com.
Delaware and the surrounding region were walloped by a winter storm.

So what, exactly, are the requirements when it comes to clearing driveways and sidewalks?

Do I have to clear my sidewalk of snow and ice in Delaware?

Yes. You can be fined if you don't clear a public right-of-way.

NON-REMOVAL FINES: Does my neighbor have to clear their sidewalk of snow and ice in Delaware?

Do I have to clear my driveway?

Generally no, not if it's a private area.

Kevin Fox from the town of Smyrna crew shovels snow on South Main Street near the Smyrna Public Library during a snow storm on Jan. 3, 2022.

How long can I wait before shoveling snow?

In Delaware's three biggest cities  Wilmington, Dover and Newark  the law generally requires owners and occupants of a property abutting a public sidewalk to clear it of ice and snow no more than 24 hours after snowfall or icy precipitation ends.

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Dover previously required sidewalks be cleared within 12 hours; that was changed last year.

Can I throw snow onto the street or gutters?

No. It is against Wilmington city ordinances to clear snow onto gutters or roadways. The same is true for Dover and other communities across the state.

What if I can't physically shovel?

If you're not able to remove snow or ice from public ways or you're not in town at the time of a storm, you must arrange to have it done.

READ: How old is too old to shovel snow safely? Experts weigh in

That said, if you're a tenant rather than a homeowner, the responsibility may fall on the landlord (though it's best not to rely on this as a given).

Delaware Online wants to know about your snow day. Submit any videos, pictures or experiences through this link or to slbrennan@delawareonline.com and you may be featured on our website. Stay safe and warm!

Got a story tip or idea? Send to Isabel Hughes at ihughes@delawareonline.com.

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Shoveling laws in Delaware after a snowstorm
Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico on Monday shut off his country's emergency electricity supplies to Ukraine amid a dispute over the westward transit of Russian oil.

The move follows threats by Fico of 'countermeasures' against Ukraine, where the flow of Russian oil to Slovakia via the Druzhba pipeline was interrupted last month.

Kiev says the flow was cut due to Russian attacks.

In a Facebook video, the Slovak prime minister said he had previously asked Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for an urgent telephone conversation about the issue.

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However, because Zelensky would reportedly not be available until Wednesday, Fico said he felt "compelled to take immediate reciprocal action."

The measure would be "immediately withdrawn as soon as oil transit to Slovakia is resumed," Fico said.

Extending almost 9,000 kilometres, the Druzhba (Friendship) pipeline originates in Russia and splits in Belarus into northern and southern branches, supplying refineries in Poland, Germany, Ukraine, Slovakia, Hungary, and the Czech Republic.

According to Ukrainian sources, it has stopped operating since the end of January due to Russian bombing.

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Hungary and Slovakia - which have the closest relations with Moscow among the EU states - accuse the Ukrainian leadership of deliberately preventing the resumption of deliveries.

Budapest on Monday vetoed a massive EU loan for Kiev, and a 20th package of sanctions on Moscow, over the row.
BRATISLAVA, Slovakia (AP)  Slovakia on Monday escalated a dispute with Ukraine over oil deliveries by halting emergency electricity supplies to the country suffering from daily blackouts caused by Russias bombardment of power plants and transmission lines.

Russian oil shipments to Slovakia and Hungary 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.

The two most pro-Russian countries in the European Union blamed Ukraine for deliberately holding back the oil shipments. They received a temporary exemption from an EU policy prohibiting imports of Russian oil.

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Populist Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico said Monday's decision was taken after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy declined to discuss the issue with him until after Wednesday.

Given the seriousness of the situation and the declared state of oil emergency in Slovakia, we are forced to take the first reciprocal measure immediately. It will be lifted immediately after the resumption of oil transit to Slovakia, Fico said in a statement.

As of today, if the Ukrainian side turns to Slovakia with a request for assistance in stabilizing the Ukrainian energy network, it will not receive such assistance, he said.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha called on both countries to engage in constructive cooperation and responsible behavior.

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The Slovak opposition condemned the decision.

Fico threatened to take further measures if the shipments dont resume, including ending support for Ukraines aspiration to become an EU member.

Slovakia and Hungary have challenged Ukraine, claiming the Druzhba pipeline was ready to transport oil, without giving evidence.

Our intelligence services report that the oil pipeline in Ukraine is functional, Fico said. Our ambassador to Kyiv has not yet been allowed to visit the part of the oil pipeline that the Ukrainian side claims is damaged.

The Slovak leader asserted that stopping oil deliveries was a purely political decision with the aim of blackmailing Slovakia because its views of the Russian war against Ukraine differ from Europes mainstream.

___

This version corrects to say Fico said Zelenskyy declined to discuss the issue with him until after Wednesday, not until Wednesday.
A blizzard dumped nearly 2 feet of snow on Delaware and has paralyzed its roads and commuter train tracks.

DART First State suspended its service on Feb. 23. SEPTA buses in Delaware and their regional rail trains are also suspended. The trains will return once safety inspections are complete.

The DART First State suspension coincides with a Level 3 driving ban in Kent and Sussex counties, which restricts travel unless you are a first responder, first informer, utility worker or are operating a snow removal vehicle. Central and Southern Delaware took the biggest hits from the storm, with places like Seaford and Lewes having almost 20 inches of snow.

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Winter storm 2026: Blizzard wreaks havoc in Delaware, leaving widespread power outages

How much snow is on the ground?: Delaware snowfall totals from blizzard

A DART spokesperson said staff and public safety are their top priority, and they are hopeful to get services back up and running depending on various conditions throughout the state. No final decision has been made on service on Feb. 24.

"Our decision-making process is primarily based on providing the service in the most safe manner possible," the spokesperson said.

There is a Level 1 driving restriction in less-affected New Castle County, which urges people to stay off the roads for non-essential travel.

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Roads are still being actively cleared as the storm moves out of Delaware. A state of emergency is still in effect in Delaware.

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Is SEPTA running today? Blizzard snow suspends DART, SEPTA services
At this point in the Nancy Guthrie investigation, it feels like all possibilities have to be explored. Guthrie, the mother of Today show host Savannah Guthrie, disappeared sometime between the night of January 31 and the morning of February 1st, with law enforcement confirming she has been kidnapped.

Multiple ransom notes have been received, though police have been unable to verify them. And though there has been some movement in the investigation, with police releasing photos and surveillance video of one suspect as well as a description and finding a glove that they hoped could have DNA evidence, it feels like, at this point, no one really has a concrete idea of what exactly happened.

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Related: Who are Savannah Guthries siblings?

Now, law enforcement is expanding the search. Yesterday, volunteers recovered a backpack that was handed over to authorities. And theyre continuing the search. Tucson resident Lupita Tello told reporters, If it smells bad like something decomposed, thats where we start.

Her group, Madres Buscadoras de Sonora, a non-profit from Mexico, is one of many groups volunteering to help with the search.

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said in an interview on Feb. 21 that DNA found on Guthries property was mixed, aka it came from more than one person, which made identification harder. The DNA evidence is still undergoing testing, and no suspects have yet been named.

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Where does that leave the investigation? Jonny Grusing, who worked in the FBIs Denver Division for 25 years, told Fox News Digital that there is reason to believe the suspect lured Nancy out of her house, based on the publicly available information.

Grusing said about the video footage, The first thing [the suspect] does is with his glove, and with his glove, it doesnt look like hes trying to take [the doorbell camera] off. It looks like hes 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 dont have audio, that he is either knocking on the door loudly or that he has pressed the ring doorbell, [that] hes trying to get Nancy to answer the door, and hes shielding himself from being seen as a masked person, so she will, in her confusion, open the door?

Grusing also pointed to reports of blood spatter being found on the porch and driveway as proof that Nancy Guthrie was likely lured outside, and said the gun the suspect was carrying might have been a prop to frighten Nancy. This possibility had been suggested before, because of where the suspect was carrying the gun and how hard it would be to fire it with gloves on.

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So, if the guns a prop, if hes shielding himself from being seen, if hes actually ringing the doorbell or knocking on the door, getting her to come, he wants to confront her about something in my opinion, Grusing said, implying the suspect could have had a personal grievance with Nancy.

Im 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 its his family or whether now its 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.

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By Kyu-seok Shim and Joyce Lee

SEOUL, Feb 23 (Reuters) - South Korean President Lee Jae Myung held summit talks in Seoul on Monday with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, where they agreed to expand cooperation in sectors including trade, key minerals, technology and culture.

The leaders plan to elevate the bilateral relationship into a strategic partnership, and for the countries to work together to support stability on the Korean Peninsula, Lee said.

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"Peace, built on conditions where conflict isn't needed, is the strongest form of security," the South Korean president told a joint press conference.

The leaders oversaw the signing of 10 memorandums of understanding spanning trade and industrial policy, core minerals, digital economy including AI, agriculture, health and biotech, small-business exchanges and joint policing against cybercrime, narcotics and other transnational threats.

In earlier remarks, Lee said they adopted a four-year action plan to map out concrete steps for expanding bilateral cooperation, from strategic minerals to defence and space industries, as well as food security.

Brazil is South Korea's largest trading partner in South America, making economic cooperation a key part of the agenda.

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Lula said Brazil holds the world's second largest rare-earth reserves and has substantial nickel deposits, and that his government hoped to attract investment from South Korean companies.

The summit came as global trade flows face added uncertainty amid increased confusion over U.S. tariffs.

The leaders also agreed on a need to resume talks to conclude a trade agreement between South Korea and the Mercosur trade bloc, according to the action plan released by Lee's office. Negotiations began in 2018 but were suspended over disagreements on protection for agricultural and manufactured goods.

BOSSA NOVA AND BARBECUE

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Lula called for discussions on green industries and the energy transition and invited South Korea to take part in Brazil's Amazon Fund, a rainforest conservation financing mechanism.

In a message posted to X earlier in the day, Lee welcomed Lula, who is in Seoul for his first state visit in 21 years, pointing out the similarities in their backgrounds.

"As a former child labourer, you proved with your whole life that democracy is the most powerful tool for social and economic progress," Lee wrote.

"I support your life, your struggle and your achievements, which will remain forever in the history of global democracy."

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The leaders, who first met at the G7 summit in Canada last year and later at the G20 summit in South Africa, appear to have bonded over shared experiences of childhood factory work and workplace injuries.

The talks took place in South Korea's presidential Blue House, the first large-scale official welcome ceremony to be held since Lee moved his office back to the building.

A state banquet is scheduled for Monday evening, where barbecue dishes are due to be served and Brazilian bossa nova pieces performed by a Korean jazz band alongside a children's choir, Lee's office said.

(Reporting by Kyu-seok Shim and Joyce Lee; Editing by Ed Davies and Saad Sayeed)
SEOUL, Feb 23 (Reuters) - South Korea has asked the Russian embassy in Seoul to take down a large banner reading "Victory will be ours", its foreign ministry said, just ahead of this week's fourth anniversary of the start of the war in Ukraine.

The ministry said in a statement on Sunday that it had conveyed its concerns to the embassy without clarifying whether it had received a response.

The roughly 15-metre (49.21 ft) banner, in the colours of the Russian flag and written in Russian, was hung on the embassy's outer wall in central Seoul ahead of the fourth anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine on Tuesday.

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The banner remained in place on Monday.

In its statement, the ministry reiterated South Korea's position that Russia's invasion of Ukraine is illegal.

The ministry also said that military cooperation between Russia and North Korea should stop, describing it as a grave threat to South Korea's security and a violation of the U.N. Charter and U.N. Security Council resolutions.

Earlier this month, Russian Ambassador to South Korea Georgy Zinoviev praised what he described as North Korean troops' role in fighting in Russia's Kursk region, according to media reports.

Under a mutual defence pact with Russia in 2024, North Korea sent some 14,000 soldiers to fight alongside Russian troops against Ukraine, where more than 6,000 of them were killed, according to South Korean, Ukrainian and Western sources.

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The Russian embassy in Seoul could not immediately be reached for comment by phone. An automated voice message stated the embassy was closed due to a public holiday on Monday.

(Reporting by Kyu-seok ShimEditing by Ed Davies and Saad Sayeed)
It took just over 14 months for Yoon Suk Yeol to go from South Korea's presidential residence to a life behind bars.

It took South Koreans less than six hours to thwart the insurrection attempt that put him there.

On 3 December, 2024, Yoon announced to the nation that he was declaring martial law  plunging South Korea into chaos and setting in motion a series of events that would precipitate his downfall.

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The 443 days that followed saw months-long protests, Yoon's impeachment, a string of indictments and a widening fracture that now runs through the heart of South Korean politics.

On Thursday, Yoon was found guilty of masterminding an insurrection and jailed for life. Prosecutors had demanded that the 65-year-old be sentenced to death  which, in a country that has not carried out an execution since 1997, would have amounted to a life sentence.

Yoon's (centre) declaration of martial law failed within hours, with South Koreans taking to the streets to protest [AFP via Getty Images]

The outcome of the verdict  and the expediency with which South Koreans held their leader accountable  sends a powerful message at a time when the United Nations has warned of rising authoritarianism around the world.

"At a time when global democracy appears fragile, the Korean case offers a rare example of democratic resilience," Gi-Wook Shin, director of the Korea program at Stanford University, tells the BBC.

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"It reminds us that democracy ultimately depends not only on formal rules, but on citizens and institutions willing to defend them."

The night of insurrection

It was just after 22:00 in December 2024 when Yoon appeared on television to announce he was imposing martial law, claiming "anti-state forces" had infiltrated South Korea.

Shortly thereafter, he issued a list of new decrees: outlawing political activity and ordering the military to censor all media.

By the time the BBC arrived at the National Assembly in central Seoul around midnight, thousands of citizens had already braved the biting cold to gather against a backdrop of chaos  police cars pulsing red and blue lights as officers scrambled to form a barricade around the assembly grounds.

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This crowd was breaking the law, according to Yoon's decree. But it kept growing. One protester climbed onto an impromptu stage and bravely proclaimed: "I am a Yoon voter... But he really crossed the line. I regret voting for him." The crowd cheered.

Throughout the course of those turbulent hours, some 190 lawmakers rushed to the main hall of the assembly building  in some cases breaching the police perimeter and vaulting the fences  to vote against the martial law bid.

They barricaded the doors with tables and chairs and fought off armed soldiers even as helicopters dropped special forces troops on the lawn.

Then, shortly after 01:00, the crowd erupted: "We won! We won!"

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The lawmakers had unanimously voted to strike down the martial law attempt, and within another three hours Yoon had backed down.

The then-president had deployed the military to crack down on protesters [Getty Images]

As the dust settled and it became clear that Yoon's martial law attempt had failed, the public began to call for his removal. He was impeached on 14 December, and on 3 January  after confining himself inside the presidential residence for two-and-a-half weeks  arrested.

South Korean civilians, legislators and institutions had prevented an insurrection.

"The rapid response  from the National Assembly, courts, media, and civil society  demonstrates that democratic safeguards are robust and effective," Shin says. "Rather than collapsing under executive overreach, the system activated its constitutional defences."

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Six months later, South Koreans took further action at the ballot box, rejecting Yoon's party by handing a decisive victory to opposition candidate Lee Jae Myung at the presidential election.

In South Korea, Shin explains, democracy "is not merely procedural but actively defended by both institutions and citizens".

"South Korea has one of the strongest traditions of democratic protest in the world. Citizens have repeatedly demonstrated their willingness to mobilise in defence of democracy."

Lawmakers also voted unanimously to strike down the martial law attempt (Pictured: Opposition lawmakers holding placards reading "Yoon Suk Yeol should resign!") [AFP via Getty Images]

Protest is a crucial slice of life in the young democracy, and it knows how to turn it into a party - packed with songs, chants, dancing and open mic sessions.

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Some of the songs protesters marched to in 2016 against then-president Park Geun-hye - including a pro-democracy anthem and a K-pop hit - reappeared in the rallies opposing Yoon.

There were protests on the other side too, as throngs of Yoon's supporters took to the streets to defend what they saw as a legitimate attempt to protect the country from "leftist forces". Though smaller in scale, these demonstrations were no less emphatic than those denouncing the martial law attempt.

There's a reason this protest streak runs so hot in South Korea, which only became a democracy in the late 1980s and is well-acquainted with political interference, dictatorships and military overreach. It is a legacy South Koreans are eager to shake free of  and many still remember what pre-democracy Korea looked like.

Yet for global audiences who watched the events unfold from afar, the ferocity of the civilian response may have come as a surprise, says Su-kyoung Hwang, senior lecturer in Korean studies at the University of Sydney.

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"It may have seemed a stark contrast to the polished global image of South Korea shaped by K-pop and popular culture," she tells the BBC. "[But] for South Koreans this outcome reflects a long historical lesson they have worked hard to learn."

Memories of oppression

In the immediate aftermath of Yoon's shock martial law declaration, emotional reactions among South Koreans were largely divided along generational lines.

For many younger people, the prevailing feelings that night were confusion and disbelief. In the following days, "martial law" was among the most searched terms on South Korean internet as people tried to make sense of what was happening.

Meanwhile, for many older South Koreans, the prevailing emotion was fear.

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In the wake of the Korean War of 1950-53, emerging dictators in South Korea repeatedly used martial law to clamp down on anti-government sentiment and civilian demonstrations  stationing soldiers, tanks and military hardware in public streets.

Park Chung Hee, who seized power in 1961 by way of the country's first successful coup, regularly used the tactic to quash dissent  as did his successor, Chun Doo Hwan.

Both military dictatorships tortured and killed dissenters, often falsely accusing them of spying for North Korea.

When Yoon stood before the cameras in December 2024 and made the baseless claim that his political opponents were Pyongyang-aligned insurrectionists, he seemed to be evoking South Korea's past authoritarian purges.

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Such fresh memories, Hwang says, would have spurred many South Korean people to action.

Some who gathered outside the National Assembly that night were motivated by memories of South Korea before democracy [Getty Images]

"Older and middle-aged Koreans still recall stories of torture chambers under the Park Chung Hee and Chun Doo Hwan regimes, [as well as] nightly curfews, martial law declarations, and the violent suppression of peaceful protesters," Hwang explains.

"Because this memory is still recent, many were able to respond quickly to signs of authoritarian revival  or even its insinuation."

A polarised nation

While many will be celebrating Yoon's sentence as a triumph, the tumultuous saga of his ill-fated martial law bid has come at an immense cost to South Korea.

As prosecutors have pointed out, the attempt, though unsuccessful, deeply divided the country.

Yoon made the move amid plummeting approval ratings and growing political challenges as a lame-duck president.

And his justification for it - that the opposition party had allegedly colluded with foreign forces and stolen past elections  stoked Cold War-era paranoia about the "enemy within" and brought what was considered a fringe conspiracy theory into the realm of mainstream politics.

But Yoon also tapped into pre-existing anxieties and grievances, especially among young men, activating a latent undercurrent of discontent and driving it to the surface.

Ironically, the very thing that ended his lame-duck presidency has now made him more popular than ever among certain sections of the right.

Many of Yoon's newly-energised supporters echo narratives that have been peddled by influential right-wing YouTubers, including suggestions that South Korea's Democratic Party, which is now in power, is obsequious to Beijing and that the country is at risk of communist infiltration.

Even today, about 27% of Korean voters believe he is not guilty of insurrection - and in the wake of Thursday's court verdict, his supporters said they were "deeply disappointed".

"I'm at a loss and ache on behalf of our former president," one woman told the BBC.

"I will keep coming out," she added. "I'm hopeful that the sentencing will change in his favour down the line."

Yoon's insurrection attempt deeply divided South Korea and further polarised its politics [Getty Images]

Yoon's time in front of the court is not over: he still faces two trials in connection with the failed martial law bid, and four others over corruption charges. He can also appeal for a presidential pardon - though the ruling party is now working on a bill to prevent this.

Nonetheless, observers say the outcome of Yoon's case is remarkable.

"Despite its flaws and deep polarisation, South Korean democracy is working," Hwang says. "It should reassure citizens that they retain the agency to shape their political and social lives."

Shin says it also sets an example for other democracies.

"Around the world, we have seen elected leaders weaken democratic institutions from within, often without meaningful consequences."

What happened in South Korea, he adds, "shows that democratic erosion is not inevitable and that institutions can successfully constrain authoritarian ambitions... when institutional and societal actors are willing to act".

On the night of the attempted insurrection, the BBC spoke to an elderly man who was watching the fracas from afar. He remembered what South Korea was like under military rule, he explained, and that's why he felt he had to come out to protest.

"It was a terrifying time," he said. "It cannot happen here again."
Air travel in and out of regions in Mexico affected by cartel unrest was impacted Sunday. That included flights operated by two airlines that have hubs in Houston. Both United and Southwest canceled their flights to Puerto Vallarta Sunday, however on Monday, United resumed flights to Puerto Vallarta and to Guadalajara.

What are the airlines doing?

KHOU 11 checked with Southwest Airlines for flights out of Hobby Airport and United for flights out of Bush to see the status. While both airlines canceled all flights affected Mexico destinations Sunday, United start flying to them on Monday.

In a statement to KHOU 11, United wrote, "United Airlines flight operations to PVR (Puerto Vallarta) and GDL (Guadalajara) have resumed. We still have a waiver in place to support customers with options and encourage travelers flying United to visit united.com to check their flight status and view the latest information."

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So what are their plans going forward? Both airlines -- and several more -- posted information for travelers at the links below.

What is the cartel unrest about?

The cancellations come after the U.S. State Department's warned U.S. citizens in certain parts of Mexico to shelter in place because of security operations and criminal activity. The warning was put in place because of retaliatory violence by cartels after the Mexican Army killed the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, also known as El Mencho.

Late Sunday night, the State Department updated its list of impacted areas to the following:

Locations: Widespread, including Jalisco State (including Puerto Vallarta, Chapala, and Guadalajara), Baja California State (including Tijuana, Tecate, and Ensenada), Quintana Roo State (including Cancun, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum), Nayarit State (including the Nuevo Nayarit/Nuevo Vallarta area near Puerta Vallarta), Sinaloa (including Mazatlan) and areas of Colima, Guanajuato, Guerrero, Estado de Mexico, Michoacan, Nuevo Leon, Oaxaca, Puebla, Queretaro, San Luis Potosi, Tamaulipas, Veracruz, and Zacatecas States

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If you have plans to travel to the region, you should check with your airline to make sure it's not been delayed or canceled.

Got a news tip or story idea? Email us at newstips@khou.com or call 713-521-4310 and include your name and the best way to reach you.
(This story was updated to reflect a change in the scheduled launch window.)

Who's up for an evening rocket launch? A rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida, is scheduled to lift off this week.

SpaceX plans to send a Falcon 9 rocket carrying 29 Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit on Tuesday, Feb. 24.

Though rockets here launch from NASA's Kennedy Space Center or Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, people from the Treasure Coast can sometimes see this phenomenon.

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Weather permitting and depending on cloud cover and trajectory, a rocket launch from Floridas Space Coast could be visible as far north as Jacksonville Beach and as far south as West Palm Beach.

When theres a launch window in the middle of the night or very early morning, theres an opportunity for unique photos  the rocket lights up the dark sky, and the contrail after makes for a great photo.

Below is more information on the next rocket launch from Florida and suggestions on where to watch it from the Treasure Coast.

Is there a launch today? Upcoming NASA, SpaceX, ULA launch schedule in Florida

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For questions or comments, email USA TODAY Network Space Reporters Rick Neale at rneale@floridatoday.com, Brooke Edwards at bedwards@floridatoday.com or Eric Lagatta at elagatta@usatoday.com. For more space news from the USA TODAY Network, visit floridatoday.com/space.

When is the next SpaceX rocket launch in Florida? Tuesday, February 24, SpaceX Starlink 6-110

Mission: A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch 29 Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit.

Launch w indow: 6:04 p.m. to 7:56 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026

Trajectory: Southeast.

Location: Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida

Sonic booms: No.

Live coverage starts 90 minutes before liftoff at floridatoday.com/space: You can watch live rocket launch coverage from USA TODAY Networks Space Team, which consists of FLORIDA TODAY space reporters Rick Neale and Brooke Edwards and visuals journalists Craig Bailey, Malcolm Denemark and Tim Shortt. Our Space Team will provide up-to-the-minute updates in a mobile-friendly live blog, complete with a countdown clock, at floridatoday.com/space, starting 90 minutes before liftoff. You can download the free FLORIDA TODAY app, which is available in the App Store or Google Play, or type floridatoday.com/space into your browser.

Where to watch a rocket launch in Indian River County, Florida

Sebastian Inlet State Park , 9700 S. State Road A1A, Melbourne Beach, Florida (cost to enter)

Wabasso Beach Park , 1808 Wabasso Beach Road, Wabasso, Florida

Ambersands Beach Park , 12566 N. SR A1A, Vero Beach, Florida (free parking)

South Beach Park , 1700 Ocean Drive, Vero Beach, Florida (free parking)

Merrill Barber Bridge in Vero Beach, Florida

Alma Lee Loy Bridge in Vero Beach, Florida

Where to watch a rocket launch in St. Lucie County, Florida

Fort Pierce Inlet State Park , 905 Shorewinds Drive, Fort Pierce, Florida

Blind Creek Beachside North and South, 5460 S. Ocean Drive, Fort Pierce, Florida

Blue Heron Beach , 2101 Blue Heron Blvd., Fort Pierce, Florida

Frederick Douglass Memorial Park , 3600 S. Ocean Drive, Fort Pierce, Florida

Dollman Park Beachside , 9200 S. Ocean Drive, Jensen Beach, Florida

Herman's Bay Beach , 7880 S. Ocean Drive, Jensen Beach, Florida

John Brooks Park Beachside , 3300 S. Ocean Drive, Fort Pierce, Florida

Middle Cove Beach , 4600 S. Ocean Drive, Fort Pierce, Florida

Normandy Beach in Jensen Beach, Florida

Pepper Park Beachside , 3302 N. SR A1A, Fort Pierce, Florida

Walton Rocks Beach , 6700 S. Ocean Drive, Jensen Beach, Florida (dog park)

Waveland Beach, 10350 S. Ocean Drive, Jensen Beach, Florida

Where to watch a rocket launch in Martin County, Florida

State Road A1A causeway in Stuart, Florida

House of Refuge and beach, 301 S.E. MacArthur Blvd., Stuart, Florida

This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: SpaceX rocket launch. How to watch Falcon 9 lift off from Florida
As state legislatures convene across the country, education policymakers face an unfamiliar scenario: Federal oversight has been weakened structurally and operationally almost overnight. Ongoing efforts to restructure the Department of Education and talk of new mandates that will reinforce some of the administrations priorities have created unprecedented levels of uncertainty about the federal role. State leaders may be inclined to tread lightly until the dust settles.

This would be a mistake.

Students and families cannot afford to wait. Scores on the 2025 National Assessment of Educational Progress, and indicators of student mental health, attendance and engagement are all at historic lows, confirming what educators and many families already knew: Student performance and well-being continue to decline. Those learning losses will continue to have profound impacts both on the students themselves and on the nations broader economic prosperity. Meanwhile, decades of top-down reform efforts have yielded disappointingly little improvement, despite massive investments and constant policy churn.

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State policymakers have a better path forward, one that doesnt depend on federal direction: creating the conditions for bottom-up innovation to emerge, spread and scale within their own education systems.

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As the Hoover Institutions Education Futures Council has documented, the current education infrastructure actively prevents innovation from emerging, spreading and generating measurable improvements in learner outcomes. Years of investment in top-down innovation and reform have yielded many lessons but little actual progress.

A new white paper from the Hoover Institution reveals why this approach matters. Cant Get There from Here, synthesizes decades of evidence on education innovation, as well as organizational, network and diffusion theory. By dividing the growth of innovation into three clear phases  start, spread, and sustain  the papers framework illustrates clear actions and decision points in which policymakers and education leaders can either help or hinder innovation.

We know that the most scalable and sustainable improvements emerge from the needs and problems that practitioners define and from the solutions they help develop. Yet, as a recent research study finds, it remains very rare for an innovation to get diffused within a school and it is much rarer that it gets diffused between schools.

The framework identifies obstacles that prevent good ideas. At the earliest stages where bottom-up ideas might start, rigid bureaucracies foster risk-averse cultures among educators. Decades of emphasis on standardized test scores have conditioned teachers to avoid failure, making new initiatives seem high-risk, low-reward. Many principals preemptively block innovation due to perceived regulatory barriers even though research shows these barriers are often negotiable or misunderstood.

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Related

Student Learning Losses Over the Past Decade Could Cost America $90 Trillion

When innovations do emerge, they struggle to spread. Teachers attempting to implement new practices face unfamiliar partnerships with district administrators, intermediaries and policymakers; they receive little preparation or support for managing these relationships. Schools, already overwhelmed with mandates and regulations, lack the basic administrative infrastructure and tools to disseminate ideas effectively.

Perhaps most critically, the education sector lacks a robust knowledge ecosystem to capture what works, determine when replication is more sensible than adaptation and analyze whether and how an innovation fits in different local contexts.

At the scale phase, accountability systems emphasizing narrow metrics actively discourage ambitious teaching. Policymakers tend to be failure-avoidant, linear thinkers while innovations need trial-and-error cycles. The bias toward quick wins denies innovations time to demonstrate impact.

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The result? A system where constant informal change happens in classrooms daily, but meaningful and potentially impactful innovations rarely spread beyond individual teachers or schools, and students outcomes continue to stagnate or decline.

The good news is state legislatures dont need permission from Washington to address these barriers. The framework identifies specific policy levers that state lawmakers control:

Invest in knowledge ecosystems. Bottom-up innovations often fail to expand, not because they dont work, but because theres no infrastructure to capture what works, why it works and how to adapt it to new contexts. States should fund networks connecting innovative practitioners, support rapid-cycle evaluation and incentivize fail-forward learning. Most knowledge sharing networks are led by intermediaries, such as NASBE and KnowledgeWorkss High School Transformation State Network, The Imagine Network, Future of Learning Council in Michigan and NHLIs Future Learning Pathways. One state example comes from Nevada, where the Department of Education and the Center for the Future of Learning jointly lead the Nevada Future of Learning Network to support pilots, create tools for community engagement, and develop case studies to inform practice.

Genuinely engage educators in policymaking. Innovations spread when they align with teachers values and address immediate classroom needs. Yet teachers are routinely shut out of policy development. States should remove procedural barriers and invest in the time and capacity needed for front-line educators to shape policy, not token teacher advisory councils, but an authentic partnership. Examples such as Georgias Teacher Policy Fellowship brings 21 classroom teachers annually into direct engagement with state and federal policymakers; and North Carolinas Education Policy Fellowship Program has graduated over 800 fellows who continue to influence education policy statewide.

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Support flexible implementation. Innovations that require strict fidelity struggle to spread; those that offer clear principles with room for local adaptation thrive. State policy should embrace tight-but-loose frameworks that maintain core commitments while allowing schools to adapt. Part of this flexibility entails states offering stronger scaffolds for novice teachers while giving more seasoned practitioners greater latitude to exercise professional judgment. Since 2016, North Dakota Department of Public Instruction has taken this approach for supporting personalized, competency-based change.

Provide adequate, sustained resources. Unlike businesses, which can attract investment capital, educators must develop their own infrastructure before scaling. Federal funding historically has been scarce and short-term as in the case of the Education Innovation and Research grants. School-level innovators often come to rely on local or regional education foundations to provide seed funding for new models. In 2015, for example, the Nellie Mae Education Foundation committed more than $16 million to support innovation efforts across five New England school districts. For over a decade, North Carolina has offered smaller innovation grants as part of its ongoing Digital Learning Initiative and New York State offers Learning Technology Grants that develop, implement, and share innovative programs. Generous and sustained support can rarely be counted on, but states can fill this gap by ensuring innovations have the financial runway needed to develop tools, train educators and demonstrate impact over time.

Do we want to spend another session waiting for Washington to solve problems it hasnt solved in decades? Or are we ready to build infrastructure that enables teachers and school leaders  the people closest to students  to innovate, learn and improve?

The evidence is clear. Bottom-up innovation, when properly supported, can transform education. States have the authority and the tools to create supportive conditions. What they need now is political will.

Our students cant wait for federal certainty. State policymakers should give them something better: a system designed to foster, capture and spread the innovations that will actually improve their learning. The framework exists. The session is starting. Its time for states to lead.
An entire Eastern Shore town was without power Monday as widespread outages hit the region after a heavy snowstorm.

A Delmarva Power outage map showed nearly 1,000 outages Monday morning, affecting more than 6% of the utilitys 550,000 customers in Maryland and Delaware. Choptank Electric Cooperative reported nearly 27% of its 57,000 customers were without power as of early Monday.

Berlin Mayor Zack Tyndall took to Facebook to provide an update early Monday morning. Tyndall said the town lost power at roughly 9 p.m. Sunday.

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Berlin is unique on the Eastern Shore in that it operates its own municipal electric utility, serving local homes and businesses directly. The town generates some electricity at a small power plant on William Street but purchases most of its power from outside suppliers. That electricity is delivered into Berlin through the regional transmission grid, which in much of the area is operated by Delmarva Power.

Tyndall said the issue, in this case, was with Delmarva Power.

Town crews have spent the evening working to clear down trees and wires, plow the streets, and fix issues related to the storm and power outage, Tyndall wrote. Unfortunately, the source of the issue is not a Berlin Electric issue but an issue with electricity coming into town from Delmarva Power.

Tyndall asked for patience as town crews and Delmarva Power worked to restore service.

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He also urged residents to stay off the streets.

You will get stuck and cause a strain on town resources, he said. This storm has caused extremely high snow drifts and areas that have been impossible to keep clear due to heavy winds. Leaving your house poses not only a risk for you but our town staff and local first responders who will have to come rescue you.

Tyndall told The Baltimore Sun Delmarva Power crews hope to restore service by noon Monday.

Delmarva Power did not respond to requests for comment.

Have a news tip? Contact Josh Davis at jdavis@baltsun.com or on X as @JoshDavis4Shore.
On March 2, the justices will hear their second major Second Amendment case of the Supreme Courts current term. United States v. Hemani asks whether Congress may make it a crime for an unlawful user of marijuana to possess a gun.

If you are a lawyer trying to guess how the Court will rule in this case, good luck with that. The Courts Second Amendment precedents are as unsalvageable as they are confusing. At least in theory, they require judges to ask whether a modern-day gun law is sufficiently similar to gun laws from more than 200 years ago. But the rules appear to shift depending on whether a majority of the justices actually think a particular gun law is a good idea.

That said, there is a sensible way that the Court could resolve the Hemani case without having to wade into this historical morass. Again, the federal law at issue in Hemani bars gun possession by an unlawful user of any controlled substance such as marijuana. But what does it mean to be an unlawful user of marijuana?

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If someone takes a bong hit in college, decides that they dont like weed, and never gets high again, are they forever barred from owning a gun? What about a person who shares a joint with her cousins every year on Thanksgiving, but otherwise doesnt smoke? And if this law doesnt permanently bar one-time marijuana users from having a gun, when does the bar end? If someone takes a single puff at a party in February, do they get their gun rights back in March? In November? And what about people who use marijuana more than occasionally? If someone takes a weed gummy a couple times a month to help them sleep, are they barred from owning a gun? What about someone who hits a vape pen on every other Saturday?

Federal appeals courts, as defendant Ali Hemanis lawyers argue in his brief, have struggled to answer these questions, reaching divergent answers. Thats a serious constitutional problem, because the Supreme Court has long held that the government violates due process when it takes away someones life, liberty, or property under a criminal law so vague that it fails to give ordinary people fair notice of the conduct it punishes.

The Supreme Court, in other words, can strike down the vague law in Hemani without having to dive into the impossible-to-answer question of whether this law violates the Courts unfathomable Second Amendment precedents.

The Supreme Courts Second Amendment precedents are as perplexing as they are incompetently drafted

The Second Amendment provides that a well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.

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And, until fairly recently, the Court took the first 13 words of this amendment seriously. As the Court said in United States v. Miller (1939), the obvious purpose of this amendment is to render possible the effectiveness of militias, it must be interpreted and applied with that end in view.

But the Court abandoned this textualist approach to the Second Amendment in District of Columbia v. Heller (2008), which held that the central component of the right to bear arms is a personal right to have a gun for self-defense.

Fourteen years later, in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen (2022), the Courts Republican majority announced a new legal framework that applies only in Second Amendment cases and does not resemble any other framework in constitutional law.

At least on its face, Bruen requires a government lawyer defending a gun law to demonstrate that the regulation is consistent with this Nations historical tradition of firearm regulation. To do so, the lawyer must show that the gun law they are defending is sufficiently similar to analogous regulations that existed when the Constitution was framed.

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But the Court has struggled to explain how similar a modern law must be to an old one to survive. And a couple of its post-Bruen actions raise doubts about whether the Court is applying Bruen in good faith.

First, in United States v. Rahimi (2024), eight justices upheld a federal law barring gun possession by people subject to a domestic-violence restraining order. Thats a sensible law.

But Bruen held that modern-day gun laws are particularly suspect when they address a general societal problem that has persisted since the 18th century. While violence among romantic partners certainly existed in the 1700s, there were no laws disarming domestic abusers. Indeed, no state made it a crime for someone to beat their spouse until the Alabama Supreme Court did so in 1871.

A strict application of Bruen, in other words, would likely have required the Court to strike down the law at issue in Rahimi. All but one of the justices who joined the Bruen decision balked at that terrible result. But that suggests they were unable to accept the consequences of their decision in Bruen.

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Then, in January, the Supreme Court heard oral arguments in Wolford v. Lopez, a challenge to a Hawaii law prohibiting gun owners from carrying weapons into private businesses without the owners permission. There are many historical examples of similar laws from the 18th century, including a New Jersey law barring people from bringing a gun onto another persons land unless he has license or permission in writing from the owner, and similar laws in Pennsylvania and New York.

But the Republican justices signaled at oral argument that they are going to strike down Hawaiis law anyway.

So it appears that the historical research demanded by Bruen doesnt actually determine how the Court decides Second Amendment cases. Instead, the justices appear to decide these cases based on whether they think the challenged law is a good idea.

If there is a principled framework to be found in Bruen, moreover, actual judges are struggling to find it. In a concurring opinion in Rahimi, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson quoted a dozen judicial opinions complaining, in the words of one of Trumps judicial appointees, that Bruens inconsistent and amorphous standard simply does not work.

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So, if the justices apply the Bruen framework to the law at issue in Hemani, its anyones guess how the Court will decide the case. My best guess is that they will probably uphold it, because the Trump administration filed a brief asking them to do so, and thats a pretty good sign that Republicans believe that marijuana users should be prohibited from owning guns.

But I have little confidence in that guess because all Second Amendment cases after Bruen are a law-free zone, seemingly decided on the justices personal preferences.

Hemanis vagueness argument offers the justices a more sensible way to resolve this case

Rather than trying to resolve Hemani within Bruens opaque framework, the justices could avoid the Bruen thicket by striking down the unlawful user law on vagueness grounds. One sign the law is too vague: Federal appellate judges cannot agree on a definition of unlawful user of marijuana.

The US Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, for example, ruled that a person who used drugs once and possessed a gun six hours later could not be convicted  holding that use of drugs with some regularity is required to support a conviction under the unlawful user provision.

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The Sixth Circuit, meanwhile, requires prosecutors to show that a defendants drug use is sufficiently consistent, prolonged, and close in time to his gun possession to put him on notice that he qualified as an unlawful user of drugs.

The Eighth Circuit, by contrast, holds that prosecutors do not need to present evidence of use over an extended period. Instead, its enough to show that the defendant used drugs during the period of time that they also possessed a gun.

The Trump administration argues that the words unlawful user should be read to apply to habitual drug users. This appears to be an attempt to fit the law within the Bruen framework, because there were early American laws criminalizing habitual drunkards.

So theres a strong argument the law is unconstitutionally vague. If the Court disposes of Hemani on these grounds, it will at least save them from having to apply the arbitrary legal test laid out in Bruen.
WASHINGTON  Most people know Stephen Miller as the steely face of Donald Trumps deportation push.

But Miller has other jobs inside the West Wing; lots of other jobs.

A given day might find Miller pressing to fix the dry, malfunctioning fountains in Washington, D.C., or to replace broken security cameras on the citys streets, a senior administration official said.

He is helping drive the presidents effort to force changes on college campuses meant to uproot what Trump believes is an embedded liberal culture. He [Miller] wants to focus on it, said Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., who said he has spoken directly to Miller about Trumps education agenda. We need to do something about these universities, theyre just out of hand here.

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At 10:00 a.m., Miller runs a daily meeting with senior federal officials where the topic might be sinking a boat in the Caribbean that the administration deems suspicious or breaking up a drug cartel.

Marco Rubio may have the most titles in Trumps second term (four at one point), but Miller appears to carry the biggest jumble of assignments. He is both the White Houses homeland security adviser and policy chief  a long leash that allows him to burrow into almost any foreign or domestic priority that Trump puts forward.

Interviews with 13 present and past Trump administration officials and lawmakers  many of whom were granted anonymity to speak candidly  suggest that the sheer sweep of Millers portfolio may partly account for his staying power in Trump-world. He looks to have survived a national uproar over federal agents killing of two Americans in Minnesota who were protesting the immigration crackdown he championed, and which the administration has recently loosened.

Miller appears to have survived public backlash after federal agents shot two Americans in Minnesota. (Alex Kormann / The Minnesota Star Tribune via Getty Images) (Alex Kormann)

Another reason for Millers longevity may be just that  his longevity. Many of the people who were part of Trumps first campaign in 2016 are long gone: theyve become peripheral figures in Trump-world or been exiled altogether. Vice President Mike Pence had a falling out with Trump over the 2020 election certification. Steve Bannon lasted less than a year as Trumps chief strategist in the first term.

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Miller is an original and one of the few left standing  the hammer tasked with propelling Trumps promises to fruition, as Bannon described it in an interview.

After years in Trumps company, Miller has made himself pretty much indispensable.

All the executive orders signed on Day One, Week One, Month One are things that Stephen selected as executive orders that would be written, reviewed, edited and followed up on, said a former White House official.

He understands the MAGA DNA

A week after federal agents killed Renee Good in Minneapolis, Miller addressed Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents on Fox News directly, saying they had federal immunity to perform their duties. Soon after federal agents shot and killed another protester, Alex Pretti, on Jan. 24, the Department of Homeland Security issued a statement saying, This looks like a situation where an individual wanted to do maximum damage and massacre law enforcement. In the next hour, Miller posted three times on X, referring to Pretti as a domestic terrorist, a would-be assassin, and an assassin.

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Though the evidence did not back up those assertions, all the posts are still up. A preliminary DHS review sent to Congress on Jan. 27 made no mention of Pretti attacking officers or brandishing a gun. The same day, Miller issued a statement saying that the initial DHS remarks had come from federal agents on the ground.

Democratic lawmakers began calling for Millers resignation in Trumps first term. In this go-round, retiring Republican Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina has joined the attack, likening Miller to Wormtongue, the sycophantic adviser to the king in J.R.R. Tolkiens "The Lord of the Rings."

All to no avail.

Miller is the muscle behind implementation of policies that are dear to Trump and the MAGA base. As ever, Trump seems to want him around.

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Asked about Tillis condemnation, the White House pointed to a string of social media posts from other GOP lawmakers praising Miller. Stephen Miller is a great American, wrote Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, in a post on X last month. The haters are the same ones who facilitated the deadly invasion of our nation.

The White House did not make Miller available for an interview.

Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, said in a statement, Stephen Miller has faithfully served President Trump for eleven years because hes intelligent, hardworking, and loyal. As both Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy and Homeland Security Adviser, Stephen brings together all corners of the government to ensure every single policy, both foreign and domestic, is implemented at record speed. The results over the course of the past year speak for themselves.

Miller with President Donald Trump in Warren, Mich., in April. (Jeff Kowalsky / AFP via Getty Images) (Jeff Kowalsky)

Miller has worked in the White House every day of Trumps presidential tenure  a feat that prominent first-term officials, including the presidents daughter Ivanka Trump, son-in-law Jared Kushner and a cascade of chiefs of staff and national security advisers, didnt match.

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Up close, he can be a sweet colleague  as one person put it  who will inquire about someones family, but also preternaturally focused on the task at hand.

He doesnt have the best bedside manner sometimes, but hes very effective, Bannon said.

Back in the 2016 campaign, Miller would sit on Trumps plane and type. And type some more. A person close to Trump who flew on the plane recalled sitting next to Miller and not getting so much as a hello.

He never even really looked up, the person said. On a few occasions, the person said he asked that his seat be moved next to someone more convivial.

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Yet this person conceded Millers value to the operation.

When Miller would write speeches, the text would go up on the Teleprompter for Trump to read, unchanged, the person said.

He understands the MAGA DNA better than anyone, the person said. Susie [Wiles] is such an institutional Republican. Stephen is, well, I dont really know what Stephen is.

What he is, Graham said, is one of those figures who was there from the beginning. He [Trump] just admires his determination. He thinks Stephen is one of the most determined, well-informed people youve ever met. Hes like a dog with a bone and Trump likes that.

Moving with urgency

Trump came back into office bent on making Washington more visually appealing and Miller has taken up the cause, helming meetings at the White House with federal and city officials who all have sway over the capitals appearance and livability.

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Channeling Trump, Miller reinforces the notion that Washington, the nations capital, cant be crime-ridden and dangerous, the senior administration official, who takes part in the meetings, said in an interview.

Discussions can get pretty detailed. A city official will go over crime statistics and the rate at which murder cases are solved, the senior official said. Miller and his cohorts will discuss fixing the dry fountains and ridding the streets of graffiti.

Its not only about making D.C. safe; its about making it beautiful. He [Miller] is the driver, the conductor if you will, the official said.

A spokesperson for Muriel Bowser, mayor of Washington, declined comment.

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Alongside the Cabinet officials who are pressuring Harvard and other elite universities to stamp out what Trump considers a woke influence is Miller. One of the schools the Trump administration has targeted is Duke University, whose alums include the 40-year-old Miller.

Hes made it one of his missions in life to make sure that Jewish students can go to college without fear and that a lot of this woke BS with federal dollars stops, said Graham.

Miller at the White House in May. (Andrew Harnik / Getty Images) (Andrew Harnik)

Both Trump and Miller are in a hurry. Trump has less than three years to implement his policies, if that. A Democratic takeover of Congress in the midterm elections in November could paralyze Trumps agenda.

Conscious of the clock, Miller is moving with an urgency that at times takes colleagues aback.

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I dont know that he has a real power base other than his policy shop and those who work for him, said the person close to Trump, who flew on the presidents campaign plane in 2016. I think its kind of Stephen versus the entirety of the federal government.

Another senior administration official said in an interview that maybe people arent used to getting phone calls from the Homeland Security adviser  (meaning Miller)  at all hours of the day.

Stephen presses, to the best he can, the people to achieve this agenda so that we can finish the wall, we can keep America safe and we can deport the individuals in this country who dont belong, the official said. And that may be a lot for some people, particularly people who arent used to such an aggressive agenda, but thats the way Donald Trump focuses and thats the way Donald Trump operates every day.

On a recent episode of her podcast, Millers wife, Katie, asked Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth who was most likely to call him with an after-hours emergency.

Ah, Stephen Miller, Hegseth said with barely a pause. He laughed, adding, Its 100%. Hegseths wife said she agreed with that answer.

Feigning a late-night call, Hegseth continued: Babe, look who it is. Stephen  you know its true. He added, Theres others on the list, but hes on top of the mountain top.

Slowing down Miller

A brake on Miller is Susie Wiles, the White House chief of staff whom Trump has dubbed the Ice Maiden. Miller comes to her morning meetings with more policy detail at his command, more executive orders in the offing, than the system can bear in some instances, according to a former White House official who worked in Trumps second term.

White House chief of staff Susie Wiles is another of Trump's closest confidants. (Brendan Smialowski / AFP via Getty Images file) (Brendan Smialowski)

Stephen can want to do an executive order in under 24 hours, the former official said.

There are often times she pauses things that are moving too fast to allow for other voices to get in before the president makes a decision, the official added. If Stephen gets over his skis and the president is ready to make a decision without all the points, she finds a way to slow things so everyone can be properly informed.

Miller tends to be deferential to Wiles, the former White House official said. Like Miller, Wiles was there at the start. She ran Trumps Florida campaign in the 2016 presidential race, helping him win the voter-rich state.

The journalist Chris Whipple talked extensively to Wiles for a Vanity Fair profile published in December, eliciting unsparing critiques of people in Trumps orbit. And yet in all those candid conversations, Whipple told NBC News in an interview, I didnt see any daylight between Susie Wiles and Stephen Miller.

If there was any friction there, I didnt see it, he said. In my experience, Wiles spoke fondly of Miller and his closeness to his family.

A senior White House official, in response to a question about Wiles and Miller, said that Wiles works alongside the president at lightning speed, and of course, she always wants to ensure that the president is best served by hearing from as many voices as possible. The chief of staff and Stephen are close.

Miller has been getting some unwanted attention of late. Amid a drop in Trumps approval ratings, Tillis suggested that the conductor might be driving Trumps legacy off a cliff. And speculation has churned in the news media that Miller might be on the outs.

Dont bet on it, said Graham. Jettisoning Miller would amount to a repudiation of Trumpism to some degree  an admission that something in the decade-long Trump presidential odyssey has gone awry.

If you knew anything about Trump and Stephen Miller, you would understand very quickly that when they cut the lights out on the last day of President Trumps term, Stephen Miller will be there, he said.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
A local 13-year-old girl was rescued from a Pennsylvania man who allegedly found her online and targeted her as part of a cult, flying cross-country to commit horrific acts of violence against the teen girl.

The life-saving operation involving local and federal law enforcement rescued the girl from a Castaic motel room on Friday. Authorities said the teenage girl from Northridge was with an 18-year-old man who is tied to a violent extremist group that allegedly coerces and manipulates children into horrific acts.

The girl was reportedly on the verge of suicide.

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First assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli called it "one of the most twisted and disturbing ideas to crawl out of the internet."

Court documents say Matthew Pysher began messaging the girl on Discord two months ago, finding her on a server about mental health.

When he started messaging her privately, officials described deeply disturbing requests. Pysher allegedly groomed the girl into sending him sexually explicit images and encouraged her to send him pictures of her cutting herself.

"You could see here in the final message, he tells her, 'You can go as deep or shallow as you want. I love scratches, cuts and pretty much anything else,'" Essayli said.

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The victim's mother discovered the messages and called police, but the situation escalated when the girl ran away and left behind a suicide note.

Police were able to track the Discord account to Pysher and found him in a Castaic motel room with the young girl, who police say he had cut, choked, assaulted and made a plan to die by suicide together later that day. Court records indicate he planned to find a tall building for the two to jump off of.

"The victim told law enforcement that he had engaged in sexual conduct with her, and that he used a knife to repeatedly cut her, and that he also choked her to the point she couldn't speak," Essayli said.

"The only thing more tragic would be is if we were reporting her death," said Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna.

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The teen girl is now safe.

Investigators say Psyher's sadistic behavior is evidence of nihilistic, violent extremism (NVE) and a group known as "764," which is an online extremist network of members that want to destroy civilized society, targeting children for sexual exploitation and self-harm.

"NVEs are associated with individuals who engage in criminal conduct within the United States to further goals that derive mainly from a hatred of society," Essayli said.

The FBI says it is investigating more than 450 cases involving the ideology, leaving parents with an urgent warning.

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"Any child with access to the internet is a sitting duck for these sick, deranged and demonic individuals looking to harm your children," Essayli said.

Psyher is federally charged with traveling with the intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct. It's a felony punishable by up to 30 years in federal prison.

Investigators say this is the second case involving the sadistic ideology in Southern California in the past week alone.

"Please stay engaged with your children. Monitor their online activities," said FBI assistant director in charge Akil Davis.

If you are struggling with thoughts of suicide or are worried about a friend or loved one, help is available. Call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 for free, confidential emotional support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.


Brentwood, Tenn.-based AMI Metals, a global aerospace materials manufacturer, has inked a $1.5 billion deal with the federal government to provide bulk steel for southwest border barrier construction projects.

The contract, which has not previously been reported, is one of dozens struck with Tennessee-based companies in support of the Trump administrations mass immigrant detention and deportation agenda since the current federal fiscal year began Oct. 1. Congress last year approval of a $75 billion budget boost for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, and $64 billion increase for Customs and Border Patrol, or CBP over the next four years.

The AMI-metals contract lists a start date of Feb. 11 and notes the potential for federal payments to escalate to more than $2.2 billion over two years, positioning a business better known for partnering with The Boeing Company to become the biggest Tennessee-based contractor for CBP, a federal contract database shows.

The companys border contract is the first substantial deal the company has signed with CBP, the data shows. AMI is a subsidiary of the publicly-traded Reliance Inc. Neither AMI Metals nor Reliance responded to questions last week about the contracts.

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The company joins an expanding list of Tennessee entities doing business with CBP and ICE as the federal government embarks on an unprecedented immigration enforcement spending spree thanks to the One Big Beautiful Bill Acts budget increases.

Dozens of Tennessee companies land contracts with ICE/CBP

In the 2024 fiscal year, the total value of contracts between Tennessee companies and the federal immigration enforcement agencies stood at $255 million, according to USSpending.gov, a public repository of federal government contract information.

With eight months remaining until a new fiscal year begins Oct. 1, the total contract value for Tennessee businesses this year is approaching $1.6 billion.

Tennessee-based contract data reviewed by the Lookout includes major longtime players in the business of immigration enforcement, such as private-prison contractor CoreCivic, which is rapidly adding to its portfolio of agreements to operate immigration detention facilities, provide security and transport detainees. A spokesperson for CoreCivic referred questions about the companys contracts to ICE, and to its recent earnings call.

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Nearly one in four ICE detainees are now in facilities operated by CoreCivic, company executives said during the earnings call. Patrick Swindle, CEO, told investors that revenue from ICE has increased more than 100% year over year. ICE is currently in the process of investing more than $38 billion in acquiring properties to use as detention centers, providing more opportunities for CoreCivic growth. The agency did not respond to questions about its contracts with Tennessee companies.

The expansion of ICE and CBP contracting in Tennessee is part of a nationwide trend, as Congress has provided tens of billions of dollars for the administrations crackdown, said David Janovsky, acting director of the Constitution Project at the Project on Government Oversight, or POGO, a government watchdog.

POGOs analysis found ICE contract spending increased 70% between 2024 and 2025. The funding went to 679 companies but nearly 70% of the funding went to the agencys ten largest contractors, including CoreCivic.

The deals also include contracts with scores of smaller-scale Tennessee companies that have agreed to supply ICE and CBP with products and services to keep the mechanisms of the ramped-up mass detention and deportation plans running.

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Instead of being used to invest in the public good, things like schools, public infrastructure, public services, health care, these tax dollars are being diverted to inflict cruelty and, apparently, to enhance corporate profit.

 Spring Miller, Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition

They include a Nasvhille business fulfilling emergency orders for parkas for agents working during the Minnesota winter, a Mount Pleasant supplying undergarments and a Franklin company supplying mylar blankets for immigrants housed in Texas detention centers; and a Lewsiburg business providing tactical breaching equipment to support ICEs immigration enforcement actions in communities across the United States.

Janovsky noted the explosive growth in immigration enforcement spending has occurred at the same time the Trump administration has cut staff responsible for monitoring contractors.

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This spending spree has occurred simultaneously with the decimation of DHS oversight capabilities, including major cuts to offices that oversee detention conditions and investigate civil rights abuses, he said.

It is not clear what economic impact the contracts may bring to Tennessee in terms of jobs or the business taxes. A spokesperson for the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development did not respond to questions about whether it is tracking such information.

Spring Miller, an attorney for the Tennessee Immigrant & Refugee Rights Coalition, called the proliferation of contracts with Tennessee companies deeply distressing.

Lets remember that the profits, to the extent they are coming, are coming from our federal tax dollars, Spring said. So instead of being used to invest in the public good, things like schools, public infrastructure, public services, health care, these tax dollars are being diverted to inflict cruelty and, apparently, to enhance corporate profit.

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The decision by these private companies to put their own profits ahead of the public good and ahead of their concern for their neighbors, and maybe their employees, is deeply distressing, she said.

Tennessee company fulfills multiple parkas for Minnesota ICE agents

The publicly posted government contract data provides a window into the ways Tennessee companies have been enlisted to support immigration enforcement efforts in real time as they unfolded in recent months.

In December and January, as immigration agents swarmed the bitterly cold streets of the Twin Cities, Nashville-based Workwear Outfitters inked a series of quick-turnaround contracts with ICE.

On Dec. 19, the apparel company entered a $77,000 contract to deliver parkas to the Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge in St. Paul, data posted on the federal governments spending site, usaspending.gov, shows.

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Four days later, the company secured an $84,900 contract for more parkas to support an urgent enforcement mission by the agencys St. Paul office, the data shows.

The company landed four more contracts in January for weather-resistant cold-weather jackets to support Homeland Security law enforcement field actions, totaling about $1.2 million.

The federal database does not say where all of the January winter clothing orders were destined. Only one of the companys contracts, listed at $199,000, included a description of its purpose: For enforcement and removal operations in St. Paul area of responsibility.

The privately-held Workwear Outfitters has served as a uniform and clothing supplier to the federal government for decades, with contracts ranging between $7.3 million and $67 million annually in the last five years, the federal database shows.

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Thus far in 2026, the value of the companys contracts with ICE and CBP stands at about $67 million, according to the federal spending database.

The company did not respond to messages left last week about its current or future contracts tied to immigration enforcement operations.

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Republicans in Tennessee have proposed a bill that would allow women who have had an abortion to be sentenced to death.

House Bill 570 allows for the death penalty to be imposed on women who have abortions, as well as charging women involved in the homicide of her own unborn child with homicide.

It was co-sponsored by state Rep. Jody Barrett and Senator Mark Pody, who sponsored the bill, though it is not yet on the calendar for consideration, according to The Tennessean.

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The legislation would allow prosecutors to charge women who obtain abortions with fetal homicide. This crime is punishable by life imprisonment, life without parole, and in some cases, the death penalty.

Tennessee has some of the strictest abortion laws in the U.S. since its trigger ban took place in 2022. The Human Life Protection Act prevents all abortions from fertilization and there are no exceptions for rape or incest.

Republicans in Tennessee have proposed a bill that would allow women who have had an abortion to be sentenced to death (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

In addition, performing an abortion is a Class C felony and can result in fines and up to 15 years in prison for doctors who perform them.

The Tennessean reports that HB0570 specifically removes further legal protections from women living in the state and classifies harm done to an unborn child the same as harm done to a living person, or someone who is "born alive."

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Exceptions include the cases of spontaneous miscarriage or unintentional death of an unborn child after undertaking life-saving procedures to save the life of the mother and to save the life of the unborn child.

No other exceptions are specified in the amendment text, the outlet reports. Retroactive prosecutions of women accused of such actions before July 1  when the bill would hypothetically go into effect  would not be allowed.

The Independent has reached out to Barrett and Podys offices for comment.

Fellow Republican congressman Monty Fritts, who co-sponsored the bill and is running for Tennessee governor, has constantly backed the idea that women who receive abortions should face the death penalty.

Tennessee has some of the strictest abortion laws in the U.S. since its trigger ban took place in 2022. The Human Life Protection Act prevents all abortions from fertilization and there are no exceptions for rape or incest (Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

Murder is murder. I know thats hard for people to hear, and I dont mean to be hard with it, I promise, Fritts told the Tennessee Holler, adding that abortion should be a capital crime.

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We have failed to identify that tiny little, jelly-bean-sized baby as a human being. If we kill a human being, we have to say it is murder, he told the outlet.

Elsewhere, Clint Pressley, president of the evangelical Southern Baptist Convention, also endorsed the bill last week, writing on social media that it would protect every preborn child in Tennessee from abortion by providing preborn children with equal protection of the laws.

By protecting the lives of preborn children with the same laws that protect people who are born, we are simply loving our neighbors in the womb as ourselves, he said, adding that Tennessee now has the opportunity to set an example of how states can protect the sanctity of human life from conception to natural death.

Barrett and Pody's bill has also been endorsed by the Foundation to Abolish Abortion, a nonprofit whose mission is to exalt and vindicate the image of God by promoting sound public policy that provides all preborn human beings equal protection of the laws."
The Brief

A Texas Tech professor and two others face federal charges in an alleged fentanyl distribution ring.

Prosecutors say Daniel Taylor supplied fentanyl that was later tied to at least one overdose.

If convicted, the defendants could each face up to 20 years in federal prison.

LUBBOCK, Texas - A Texas Tech professor is facing federal charges relating to possessing and distributing fentanyl.

Along with the associate business professor, two women are also accused in the alleged drug distribution ring.

Texas Tech professor arrested

Daniel Taylor, 50, of Lubbock, was arrested on Wednesday by the Lubbock County Sheriff's Office on a possession of a controlled substance charge, according to Lubbock County Jail records. He's being held on a $25,000 bond for the charge, along with other holds for federal warrants.

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Also charged are Mackenzie Gilcrease, 28, and Alisha Red-Eagle, 21, both of Lubbock. Gilcrease was arrested Tuesday for related drug charges, and Red-Eagle in January. Both are being held on identical federal warrants.

Alleged Lubbock fentanyl ring

Taylor is an assistant professor of marketing and supply chain management with Texas Techs Rawls College of Business, according to a Friday release from the U.S. Attorney's Office, Northern District of Texas regarding the federal charges.

Taylor is accused of distributing two types of fentanyl powder: one called "Pink Flamingo" and another called "Ghost," according to the release. He's alleged to have been seen on multiple occasions in the past several months passing off fentanyl to be sold.

From left: Alisha Red-Eagle, Daniel Taylor, and Mackenzie Gilcrease (Lubbock County)

On one such occasion, the day before Red-Eagle's arrest, the release says she was seen leaving Taylor's car at a convenience store before she got into another vehicle. That vehicle was later stopped for a traffic violation, in which a person was found to be overdosing on fentanyl allegedly supplied by Red-Eagle. The release says several containers of fentanyl were found in the vehicle.

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In another incident, the day Gilgrease was arrested, she was reportedly seen leaving Taylor's home before being stopped by law enforcement while in possession of fentanyl. This incident led them to get a search warrant for Taylor's home.

During that search, the release says fentanyl, methamphetamine and various drug trafficking materials were found in Taylor's home.

All three appeared before a United States Magistrate Judge in Lubbock Friday for their initial appearances.

What's next

If convicted, each defendant faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison.

'Supply chain of lethal fentanyl'

What they're saying

"Instead of focusing on teaching students supply chain management, the defendant, as alleged, was developing and implementing his own supply chain of lethal fentanyl into the streets of Lubbock," said U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould. "As alleged, at least in one instance, the fentanyl the defendant peddled through his drug trafficking organization caused an overdose. We hope the students of Texas Tech and the Lubbock community understand that my office will vigorously prosecute drug dealers and drug traffickers no matter if you are a professor or a street level dealer."

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"This arrest underscores the stark and troubling irony that an individual entrusted with educating others instead chose to distribute one of the deadliest drugs facing our communities today," said DEA Dallas Field Division Special Agent in Charge Joseph B. Tucker. "While this conduct is in no way reflective of Texas Tech University, it highlights that fentanyl trafficking can emerge from any corner of our society, and DEA, alongside our federal, state, and local partners, remains committed to identifying and holding accountable those who choose to profit from this poison."

The Source

Information in this article comes from the U.S. Attorney's Office, Northern District of Texas and the Lubbock County Jail website.
Just after midnight on May 9, 2024, U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales begged an employee, Regina Santos-Aviles, to send him a sexy pic. When she pushed back, saying the conversation had gone too far, the married San Antonio Republican persisted, saying he was just such a visual person.

Santos-Aviles, Gonzales district director in Uvalde, died in September 2025 after lighting herself on fire. Her husband, Adrian Aviles, shared these text messages with The Texas Tribune on Monday as evidence of an affair between the congressman and his staffer. Aviles told the San Antonio Express-News, which published the text messages first, that the relationship and the professional ostracization his wife faced after it was discovered led her to become despondent before her death.

Gonzales did not respond to a request for comment. He said in November that rumors of an affair between him and Santos-Aviles were completely untruthful. But as more evidence has emerged over the last week, he has sidestepped direct denials, instead accusing Aviles of trying to blackmail him and blaming his opponent in next weeks primary, Brandon Herrera, for politicizing the issue.

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Gonzales has also called for the full police report related to Santos-Aviles death to be released; Uvalde officials provided the report to The Texas Tribune on Monday.

According to the report, Santos-Aviles told responding officers that she set herself on fire because her husband was romantically involved with her best friend. The couple had been estranged for several months, after Reginas supposed affair strained the relationship, a friend told the detective investigating her death.

Santos-Aviles died the next day at a hospital in San Antonio. She and Aviles shared an 8-year-old son.

Gonzales is married with six children, and represents the 23rd Congressional District, the states largest, which stretches across the southwestern border and into San Antonio. He is facing a tough reelection bid, as Herrera, a gun rights activist and YouTuber, takes another swing at the seat after almost unseating Gonzales in 2024.

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In ads and on social media, Herrera has hammered Gonzales for having a taxpayer funded affair with a married staffer, which led to her death by self-immolation, as he put it in one post. Herrera has also said Gonzales should step down and rebuffed the congressmans claims that he is using Santos-Aviles death to score political points.

Calling for your resignation over something you objectively did (and then lied about on camera to cover up) isnt a political attack, Herrera tweeted. Its called accountability.

Going too far boss

The text messages indicate Gonzales pushed a sexual relationship with Santos-Aviles despite House rules, passed in 2018, prohibiting relationships between lawmakers and their staff.

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The messages, sent weeks ahead of Gonzales runoff election against Herrera in May 2024, show the congressman repeatedly pushing the conversation in a sexual direction, even as Santos-Aviles tried to deter him. After requesting an explicit photo, which she declined to provide, he asked her favorite position. She asked for his first, and he said, on top pinning your legs.

This is going too far boss, she replied. He continued to push, but eventually, the conversation turned to setting up an in-person liaison. Two days later, the pair were alone for several hours at a cabin owned by a former staffers family, the staffer told the Express-News.

Just a few weeks later, Aviles discovered the affair between his wife and her boss. He used her phone to send a group text to Gonzales and seven members of his staff, identifying himself as Santos-Aviles soon to be ex husband and announcing the affair.

Gonzales and the rest of the staff then began to ostracize her to try to get her to quit, Aviles told the newspaper. A former staffer confirmed there was a shift in how she was treated.

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Aviles and his wife separated after the affair came to light, and according to interviews documented by law enforcement, things began to spiral for Santos-Aviles. She was struggling with alcohol and threatened self-harm, including an incident where she called Aviles while pointing a gun at her head.

In mid-September, five months after the affair came to light, Santos-Aviles told some family friends she was pretty sad about the situation and was saying she wanted her family back, the friend, identified as Victor Baron, told police.

The next night, Santos-Aviles texted a friend, alleging that Aviles was romantically involved with her best friend and expressing that she was upset. She then doused herself in gasoline and sent a video of the act to her friend, asking him to tell Aviles to have fun raising our son.

Soon after, Santos-Aviles called 911. According to a police officer who listened to the recording, she could be heard yelling, Please send help, it burns so bad, and My God, I dont want to die. Two minutes later, another female voice can be heard  Santos-Aviles mother, who found her at the scene.

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She was transported to Brooke Army Medical Center, where she died the next day.

Rumors quickly began to swirl about a relationship between Santos-Aviles and Gonzales, and whether there was any connection to her death. Last week, just as early voting was starting for the March 3 primary, the Express-News published a text message between Santos-Aviles and a former staffer, in which she said shed had an affair with Gonzales.

Several lawmakers condemned Gonzales after the text messages were reported. Rep. Brandon Gill, R-Flower Mound, called for him to drop his reelection bid, and Rep. Chip Roy, an Austin Republican who supported Herrera in 2024, voiced renewed support for him in next weeks rematch.

Brandon should have been elected last cycle, and he should be elected this cycle, Roy said on social media. We need conservative warriors in Congress representing the values of Texans. The stakes are too high.

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U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert, R-Colorado, called on Gonzales to resign, and GOP Rep. Anna Paulina Luna of Florida called on Gonzales colleagues from Texas to speak out.

The entire Texas delegation, as well as every single other Member of Congress, should be condemning a sitting Member of Congress asking for explicit photos of their staff, Luna said in a social media post. As a woman, this is really disgusting to see. Not to mention, it brings dishonor on the House of Representatives.
Thousands of people took to the streets in western Germany again on Monday to oppose an appearance by Bjorn Hocke, a senior leader of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD).

Several thousand protesters gathered ahead of meetings between Hocke and regional party representatives in Dusseldorf, the capital of North Rhine-Westphalia.

The 53-year-old, who leads the AfD in the central state of Thuringia, is currently touring Germany's largest state ahead of a potentially decisive regional conference next month, with radical figures attempting to determine the party's direction.

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Hocke has twice been convicted for knowingly quoting the banned slogan of the Nazi Party's SA stormtroopers during political speeches.

On Sunday, he met with AfD politicians and members in Dortmund, where more than 3,000 people rallied against his appearance on the city's central Friedensplatz public square.

The anti-immigrant AfD, Germany's largest opposition party, is under investigation by domestic intelligence services over its extremist views.

Hocke was invited by a local Dusseldorf AfD chapter to give a speech in the city's Garath district, where the party achieved a peak of around 32% support in local elections in September 2025.

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Three alliances registered protests with the police. According to a police spokesman, around 3,000 people took part in the first demonstration, and 4,000 in the second under the slogan "Dusseldorf stands up." A third demonstration was also planned.

The protesters chanted slogans such as "Against fascism" and waved banners with phrases such as "Red card for Nazis."

Police secure the venue where Bjoern Hoecke, leader of the AfD in Thuringia, is scheduled to deliver a speech this evening, as a broad coalition calls for protests against the event. Federico Gambarini/dpa

Protesters rally against Bjoern Hoecke, with thousands expected to attend a demonstration in North Rhine-Westphalia opposing the Thuringian AfD leader's appearance. Federico Gambarini/dpa

Protesters rally against Bjoern Hoecke, with thousands expected to attend a demonstration in North Rhine-Westphalia opposing the Thuringian AfD leader's appearance. Federico Gambarini/dpa

Protesters rally against Bjoern Hoecke, with thousands expected to attend a demonstration in North Rhine-Westphalia opposing the Thuringian AfD leader's appearance. Federico Gambarini/dpa

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The veil of pretense was snatched long ago. So, politicians dare not brazenly declare that the U.S. has the greatest health care in the world. The system is broken. Neither Republicans nor Democrats have a remedy. It is a perverted Robin Hood system, where the rich are robbed to serve the poor poorly.

The exorbitant insurance premiums are unaffordable for many, and for others, it is as if it were a crime to be better off. Imagine being in rude health, not really requiring health care year upon year and still paying 500 or more monthly for very basic insurance. Despite having coverage, a health crisis can become financially catastrophic. A physician diligently paying insurance premiums is no less prone to the vagaries of insurance companies, being denied good health care or any at all, made to jump through hoops and then being left out in the cold.

The U.S. spends more on health care than any other country in the world and still does poorly, even compared to some Third World countries. The futile attempts at course correction over many decades have led to the conclusion as an article of faith that the system is unfixable. So, Congress adds to it or subtracts, applying Band-Aids to suit political interests, while the majority of citizens find it unaffordable.

A Gordian knot

Health care is a Gordian knot created by unnecessary politicization and sloganeering entrenched as dogma. That mindset obstructs solution. Even in the proudly capitalist U.S., everything is not and cannot be run like a free market economy. Running health care as a shop of goods and wares was doomed to fail.

Whenever the system came close to belly up, out came the fixes, e.g., health insurance, Medicaid, Medicare, HMOs, and more recently, Obamacare. The capitalistic component spreading its tentacles in search of profits usurp any intended benefits of such interventions.

Who would care for a judiciary recruited and run on the basis of a free market? Imagine judges making rulings for financial gain. Yet, in the current system, doctors and hospitals do more than necessary, or harm the patients with treatments that pay more. We further limit the system awkwardly by compelling health care providers to become glued to computer screens.

Health insurance companies maximize profits by denying lifesaving care, while their executives rake in eye-watering compensations for performance at the stock market. The industry leaders appear in league with those popes who sold salvation, even the papacy.

What if the military were run on similar principles as health care? Denied essential equipment because it was not covered; the soldiers left to the whims of powerful entities who took the lions share of the defense spending and effected swift retribution upon officers who dared point out the brokenness of the system? Would one entrust the nations defense or lives of the soldiers to such a system? Yet, we entrust the entire nation to one such.

Global comparisons

When our northern neighbors have a system that has withstood the test of time, why not borrow the bits that could work for us? Canadians are healthier, happier, leaner, and live longer. The other critique, wait times, are better than no health care at all.

Why not look to Europe, including Switzerland, that has universal health care, nonprofit insurance providers, citizens with freedom of choice, and the quality of care is high. To Germany, that prescribes luxuries (by our standards) such as health retreats, while spending less than the U.S. on health care.

The London 2012 Olympics proudly celebrated the United Kingdoms free, publicly funded NHS system during its opening ceremonies. During Paris 2024, athletes of the richest country in the world, the U.S., eagerly availed free health services including dental, visual, and gynecological, that are cost prohibitive back home.

Long ago, a colleague proudly declared that the U.S. takes stuff from the rest of the world and makes it better, e.g., pizza. That is the spirit necessary to revamp health care, not foolish political slogans.

The path forward

To compel lawmakers to do the right thing, Congress should be law bound to have the same health care benefits as the average American and at the same price. That may precipitate the emergence of ways and means.

A fair health tax can ensure universal health care and curtail the insurance industry. Such a tax may prove less burdensome than the ever-increasing premiums. The health insurance industry could be made more accountable and nonprofit. Just like religion, the judicial system, and national defense, health care must be placed largely above politics. It is essential to national interest, progress, and prosperity.

Shah-Naz H. Khan is a neurosurgeon.
Thousands of people took to the streets in western Germany again on Monday to oppose an appearance by Bjorn Hocke, a senior leader of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD).

Several thousand protesters gathered ahead of meetings between Hocke and regional party representatives in Dusseldorf, the capital of North Rhine-Westphalia.

The 53-year-old, who leads the AfD in the central state of Thuringia, is currently touring Germany's largest state ahead of a potentially decisive regional conference next month, with radical figures attempting to determine the party's direction.

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Hocke has twice been convicted for knowingly quoting the banned slogan of the Nazi Party's SA stormtroopers during political speeches.

On Sunday, he met with AfD politicians and members in Dortmund, where more than 3,000 people rallied against his appearance on the city's central Friedensplatz public square.

The anti-immigrant AfD, Germany's largest opposition party, is under investigation by domestic intelligence services over its extremist views.

Hocke was invited by a local Dusseldorf AfD chapter to give a speech in the city's Garath district, where the party achieved a peak of around 32% support in local elections in September 2025.

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Three alliances registered protests with the police. According to a police spokesman, around 3,000 people took part in the first demonstration, and 4,000 in the second under the slogan "Dusseldorf stands up." A third demonstration was also planned.

The protesters chanted slogans such as "Against fascism" and waved banners with phrases such as "Red card for Nazis."

The police reported that a group of demonstrators in the immediate vicinity of the AfD event venue attempted to break through a barrier. They did not succeed, and no one was injured.

An anti-AfD float by the famous Dusseldorf artist Jacques Tilly was also parked in front of the venue.

Visits to nationalist sites

Hocke's planned visit to the Hermann Monument near Paderborn had to be switched at the last moment to the nearby Externsteine rocks in the Teutoburg Forest due to the appearance of hundreds of protesters.

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Both the Hermann Monument and the towering sandstone rocks took on propaganda significance during the Nazi era and today continue to play a special role as places of reverence for right-wing extremists and nationalists.

Protesters rally against Bjoern Hoecke, with thousands expected to attend a demonstration in North Rhine-Westphalia opposing the Thuringian AfD leader's appearance. Federico Gambarini/dpa




Regina Ann Santos-Aviles, the congressional staffer who died in September after setting herself on fire in her backyard in Uvalde, told responding police officers she did it because she had discovered her estranged husband was romantically involved with her best friend, newly disclosed records show.

Santos-Aviles, 35, was director of U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales' regional office in Uvalde, and she had had an affair with the married congressman in 2024, text messages and interviews show. News reports on the liaison have become fodder for partisan attacks in the closely contested March 3 Republican primary in Texas' 23d Congressional District. Gonzales, 45, is running for a fourth term.

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In responding to demands that he resign over the affair, Gonzales demanded last week that authorities release police reports on Santos-Aviles' suicide.

Uvalde officials released the records this morning.

They show that police received a call from Santos-Aviles' home around 9:30 p.m. on Sept. 13, 2025, and that she could be heard screaming in pain: "Please send help. It hurts so bad."

When the dispatcher asked for her address, Santos-Aviles cried out, "Oh my God, I don't want to die," according to a report by a Uvalde detective who listened to a recording of the 911 call.

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Police reviewed footage from a home security system, which captured the suicide. According to the newly released records, the video shows Santos-Aviles pouring gasoline from a canister all over her body and setting herself aflame with a handheld lighter.

Santos-Aviles then rolled on the ground in an effort to smother the flames and then crawled to a faucet, turned it on and poured water on herself, the records show.

She told responding police officers that "she discovered her husband was cheating on her with her best friend, and a result, she poured gasoline on herself and set herself on fire," according to an incident report by one of the first officers on the scene.

Santos-Aviles was flown to Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, where she died the next morning.

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Before lighting herself on fire, Santos-Aviles texted a friend of her husband's to tell him what she was about to do, the records say. The text referred to her husband, Adrian Aviles, by his nickname and said: "Tell Baller I'm setting myself on fire right now, so have fun raising our son."

Santos-Aviles then sent the friend a five-second video "showing Regina pouring gasoline on herself," the records state. The friend forwarded the text and the video to Aviles, who was in San Antonio watching a mixed martial arts event.

This article originally published at What Tony Gonzales aide told police moments after setting herself on fire.
WASHINGTON, Feb 23 (Reuters) - Top U.S. homeland security aide Corey Lewandowski entered the cockpit of a government jet uninvited during a flight last year, after which he fired a pilot over a misplaced blanket, two people familiar with the matter said.

Lewandowski, a long-time ally of President Donald Trump, was traveling with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem when they discovered her blanket was missing, the people said, requesting anonymity to discuss internal government operations.

The new details about the pilot incident suggest Lewandowski may have violated the safety guidelines set out by the U.S. Coast Guard, which operated the plane.

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Lewandowski entered the cockpit before the plane had reached 10,000 feet (3,048 meters) and while the seatbelt sign remained on, one of the people said.

Federal Aviation Administration rules, several of which were tightened after 9/11, strictly limit cockpit access and prohibit interfering with aircraft crew duties. An FAA regulation also prohibits airline pilots and staff from engaging in non-essential activities or conversations in the cockpit while operating under 10,000 feet, and civil aircraft operators that violate that rule could face thousands of dollars in fines while pilots could face fines or termination.

The U.S. Coast Guard is not legally bound by the FAA's regulation, known as the "sterile cockpit rule," but has a similar policy, spelled out in a 2021 operations manual: "No person shall engage in any conversation or activity that could distract or interfere with a flight crewmember properly conducting their assigned duties during critical phases of flight."

The manual does not provide a specific penalty for violating the rule, but states that rule violations generally will be handled through internal disciplinary processes.

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In response to a Reuters request for comment, Lewandowski said in a text message: "There was never a conversation in the cockpit when the flight was taking off."

Lewandowski said the facts as related by the sources were wrong but he did not respond on whether he entered the cockpit while the plane was climbing and still under 10,000 feet.

Aviation safety experts consider the initial ascent among the riskiest parts of any flight.

Randy Klatt, a flight safety officer with The Foundation for Aviation Safety, said planes are "low and slow" during the initial climb to 10,000 feet, making it important for pilots to focus on flight operations.

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"This is a vulnerable situation for any aircraft," Klatt said. "You don't have the altitude to spare, or trade for airspeed if needed."

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Coast Guard, which falls under DHS, declined to comment on the flight in question. They did not respond to a Reuters request to interview the pilots. The FAA did not respond to a request for comment.

Noem, a top official overseeing Trump's aggressive immigration crackdown, has come under intense scrutiny after federal immigration agents killed two U.S. citizens in Minneapolis in January. The Wall Street Journal reported earlier this month on infighting and tensions at DHS under Noem and Lewandowski, including the firing of the pilot.

PILOT FIRED, THEN REINSTATED

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In response to a request for comment about Lewandowski entering the cockpit and about tensions at DHS, the White House referred to remarks in late January by Trump praising Noem and remarks by press secretary Karoline Leavitt saying Trump had the "utmost confidence and trust" in her.

Lewandowski, a "special government employee" who by law is allowed to work up to 130 days annually, is a senior Noem adviser and has traveled on high-profile trips with her. The Wall Street Journal reported that the White House Counsel's Office opened an investigation into Lewandowski's use of the quasi-government role last year.

The DHS spokesperson said that Lewandowski volunteers his time and that the department was not aware of any such investigation. Lewandowski did not comment when asked by Reuters about his employment status.

During the flight last spring, which was on a Gulfstream jet, the pilots in the cockpit asked Lewandowski to return to the cabin until they had reached cruising altitude, one of the people familiar with the incident said.

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When the pilot walked back into the cabin later in the flight, the two sources said, Lewandowski asked who should be fired because Noem's blanket had been left behind when they switched planes for technical reasons before take-off.

The pilot, an accomplished flyer with a long record of service, took responsibility for any possible mistake and Lewandowski fired him on the spot, the sources said, confirming the Wall Street Journal report.

However, once Noem and Lewandowski reached their destination, Coast Guard leadership realized the pilot would be needed to fly them back to the Washington region and he was reinstated by the agency, the sources said. DHS and the Coast Guard declined to comment on the pilot's firing and reinstatement. Reuters was unable to independently confirm the reason for the reinstatement.

(Reporting by Ted Hesson in Washington and Erin Banco in New York; Additional reporting by Kristina Cooke in San Francisco; Editing by Craig Timberg and Edmund Klamann)
The company behind the backcountry skiers struck by Californias deadliest avalanche has released a new statement after the body of three of its guides were recovered.

Blackbird Mountain Guides mourned the loss of life following the tragedy on Castle Peak in the Lake Tahoe area on Tuesday.

Rescue workers congregate near a trail that leads to the site of a deadly avalanche in the Sierra Nevada mountains near Soda Springs, California, Feb. 21. REUTERS

Nine skiers died in the horrific snowslide while six survived. The sheriff confirmed their remains were taken from the mountain on Saturday.

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A spokesman for Blackbird, founded by Zeb Blais, said late Saturday: We continue to grieve the devastating loss of life from the February 17 avalanche near Castle Peak.

Zeb Blais founded Blackbird Mountain Guides, which lost three of its guides during the avalanche near Lake Tahoe. Their bodies have since been recovered. Blackbird Mountain Guides

Following the release of the names by Nevada County, we hold each individual and their loved ones in our hearts.

Those who lost their lives were deeply loved family members, friends, partners, and valued members of the broader mountain community.

Among them were members of our guiding team: Andrew Alissandratos, Niki Choo, and Mike Henry; skilled professionals, colleagues, and friends whose passion for the mountains shaped who we are.

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We also mourn the guests who lost their lives; individuals who shared a love of the outdoors and were part of this close-knit mountain community.

Here are the latest stories on the California Avalanche:

Emergency responders unload equipment at Truckee Airport ahead of recovery efforts Feb. 21 in Truckee, Calif. AP

The statement added: We are heartbroken with everyone who is grieving during this profoundly difficult time.

Cops and the state of California are investigating whether the company or its guides acted negligently in sending clients into dangerous conditions despite prior warnings of a BIG storm.

Blais, pictured, who is a licensed avalanche blaster and teaches avalanche safety courses, called the event an enormous tragedy and the saddest event our team has ever experienced. Zeb Blais / Facebook

The veteran mountaineer and two-time Mt. Everest summiteer has led Blackbird Mountain Guides since 2020.

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Blais, who is a licensed avalanche blaster and teaches avalanche safety courses, called the event an enormous tragedy and the saddest event our team has ever experienced.

He has himself survived a prior avalanche in Tajikistan, describing it in a 2021 podcast as a huge shift in his understanding of mountain risk.

His companys website highlights his experience on peaks including Cho Oyu, Lobuche, Aconcagua, Denali, Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn, and notes guiding clients to their personal mountain goals is a central focus of his work.

The investigation by state and local authorities continues, with officials reviewing the companys practices and decisions leading up to the fatal outing.

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More than 90 million Americans travel outside the country each year, with top destinations including neighboring Mexico and Canada, followed by the United Kingdom, Italy and France.

The U.S. State Department issues travel notices for each of these locations so that visitors can be aware of security concerns and issues. These rankings  ranging from 1: Exercise Normal Precautions to 4: Do Not Travel  are based on crime rates, social unrest and healthcare concerns.

Several countries, Mexico for example, have portions of the country where the State Department recommends against visiting but there are a handful of countries where any area is deemed unsafe. Crime and threats of terrorism are the predominant reasons for the warnings, with almost all the counties reporting issues with terrorism, kidnapping and unrest.

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And while many of these  places North Korea, Afghanistan and Yemen  are to be expected others, like Haiti, are more recent. Once a tropical travel hotspot, travel to Haiti is no longer advised due to gang violence in the country.

Do not travel to these countries, US warns

All of these countries are under a Level 4: Do Not Travel alert. The date shown is for the most recent travel update.

Afghanistan  Issued Jan. 13, 2025 for unrest, crime, health, kidnapping or hostage taking, terrorism and wrongful detention.

Belarus  Issued Dec. 29, 2025 for unrest and other reasons, including dangers associated with commercial flights in the country

Burkina Faso  Issued April 16, 2026 for crime, kidnapping or hostage taking and terrorism

Burma (Myanmar)  Issued May 12, 2025 for unrest, crime, health and wrongful detention.

Central African Republic  Issued Jan. 15, 2026 for unrest, crime, health, kidnapping or hostage taking and terrorism

Gaza  Issued July 13, 2025 for terrorism threat

Haiti  Issued July 15, 2025 for unrest, crime, health, kidnapping or hostage taking and terrorism

Iran  Issued Dec. 5, 2025 for unrest, kidnapping or hostage taking, terrorism and wrongful detention

Iraq  Issued July 17, 2025 for unrest, kidnapping or hostage taking and terrorism

Lebanon  Issued July 17, 2025 for unrest, kidnapping or hostage taking and terrorism

Libya  Issued July 16, 2025 for unrest, crime, kidnapping or hostage taking and terrorism

Mali  Issued Jan. 9, 2026 for crime, kidnapping or hostage taking, terrorism, health and unrest

Niger  Issued Jan. 29, 2026 for unrest, crime, health, kidnapping or hostage taking and terrorism

North Korea  Issued April 29, 2025 for threat of wrongful detention

Russia  Issued Dec. 29, 2025 for unrest, terrorism and threat of wrongful detention

Somalia  Issued April 14 2025 for unrest, crime, kidnapping or hostage taking, terrorism and health

South Sudan  Issued Nov. 13, 2025 for crime, kidnapping or hostage taking, unrest and health

Sudan  Issued Oct. 15, 2025 for unrest, crime, kidnapping or hostage taking and terrorism

Syria  Issued Dec. 11, 2025 for unrest, crime, kidnapping or hostage taking and terrorism

Ukraine  Issued Nov. 14, 2024 due to other, specifically the ongoing war with Russia

Venezuela  Issued Dec. 3, 2025 for unrest, crime, health, kidnapping or hostage taking, terrorism and threat of wrongful detention

Yemen  Issued Dec. 19, 2024 for unrest, crime, health, kidnapping or hostage taking and terrorism

Read the original article on al.com.
Travelers faced a combination of weather delays, international safety concerns, and a partial government shutdown that caused significant confusion at airports over the weekend and on Monday morning at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA).

The federal shutdown led to conflicting reports regarding the status of TSA Precheck and Global Entry, two programs used by millions of passengers to expedite security screenings. The Department of Homeland Security initially indicated it would suspend both, but then appeared to reverse the decision over the weekend.

As of Monday, TSA Precheck remained operational while Global Entry was suspended, leaving travelers at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and other hubs across the country uncertain about their security screening options to get to their flights.

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Early Monday morning staff at the checkpoint 6 at SEA appeared to turn some travelers away due to the volume of people at that checkpoint for TSA Precheck. It added to the confusion for those who believed the expedited screening program may have already been suspended.

Adam Dyes, a traveler who uses both TSA Precheck and Clear, expressed uncertainty while navigating the airport lines. He noted that the conflicting reports about whether the services were active made it difficult to plan his trip.

It was very confusing, and it sounds like I should be able to go through with pre-check, but Im not totally sure, Dyes said. He also faced a double whammy of disruptions as winter weather led to flight cancellations. He was attempting to reach Burlington, Vt. but American Airlines canceled the second leg of his trip on Sunday. He was rerouted through Philadelphia on an Alaska Airlines flight.

Alaska is getting me to Philly today at least, Dyes said. And then Ill stay the night and get on the flight tomorrow morning hopefully.

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The TSA Precheck program has grown to include more than 20 million users who pay approximately $15 per year for the service. The recent uncertainty regarding its status left some travelers feeling that they were not receiving the benefits of the privilege they paid for.

Jill, a traveler who gave only her first name to KIRO 7 this morning, says she arrived early at the airport to check if the security lines were functioning. She admitted she felt there was little she could do about the administrative confusion.

I think I dont have a lot of power over it right now. So I come and do my best, she said.

The partial government shutdown began Feb. 14, 2026. The funding lapse occurred after Congress failed to reach an agreement to fully fund the Department of Homeland Security amid opposition by some lawmakers to Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations across the United States. The status of Global Entry remains suspended while the partial government shutdown continues.
LUMBERTON, N.C. (WBTW)  Hours after officials announced that North Carolina Highway Patrol trooper Stien Davis Jr. was killed in an on-duty wreck, tributes poured in across social media.

Gov. Josh Stein was among those offering condolences to Daviss family and colleagues.

My heart goes out this morning to the family of Master Trooper Stien Davis, the NC State Highway Patrol, and the entire law enforcement community mourning the loss of a son, a friend, and a colleague, he said on Facebook.

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Davis, who worked out of Troop Bs District 7 barracks headquartered in Lumberton, was involved in a single-vehicle wreck on North Carolina Highway 130 shortly after midnight Sunday.

Initial reports are that Davis was traveling in his patrol vehicle when he lost control, veered off the road and overturned into a swamp roadside area.

Robeson County Sheriff Burnis Wilkins said he worked with Davis recently during a traffic checkpoint and was deeply saddened by the news.

Just weeks ago, we stood together during a traffic checkpoint operation. Trooper Davis had a great sense of humor but more importantly, he was a dedicated member of the Highway Patrol committed to keeping our roadways safe, he said in a Facebook post.

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The Hillsborough Police Department, Craven County Sheriffs Office, and Cherokee County Sheriff candidate Chris Wood all honored Davis on Sunday.

Davis was a member of the 141st Basic Patrol School. Officials said more information including celebration of life details will be released at a later time.

* * *

Adam Benson joined the News13 digital team in January 2024. He is a veteran South Carolina reporter with previous stops at the Greenwood Index-Journal, Post & Courier and The Sun News in Myrtle Beach. Adam is a Boston native and University of Utah graduate. Follow Adam on X, formerly Twitter, at @AdamNewshound12. See more of his work here.

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* * *

Madi Codispoti is a multimedia journalist at News13. Madi is a native of Spartanburg, South Carolina, and most recently worked at WJHL in Johnson City, Tennessee. She graduated from Emory & Henry University in May 2023. You can keep up with Madi on Facebook and read more of her work here.

Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW.
President Donald Trump is set to deliver the first State of the Union address of his second four-year presidential term this week.

In the event, Trump will speak. before a joint session of Congress.

Trump spoke to lawmakers last March but the speech wasnt technically a State of the Union. Presidents usually start with a joint address early in their first year, then move on to formal State of the Union speeches in subsequent years of the presidential tenure.

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House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) invited Trump to deliver this years address in January. In a letter to Trump that was later shared on social media, Johnson praised Trumps leadership, saying the country stands stronger, freer, and more prosperous.

Since his return to office, @POTUS has not stopped working for the American people and delivering on his promises. The best is yet to come, Johnson said on X.

More: Rochester guests join Schumer to spotlight tariffs, health care costs

Here is what you need to know about the upcoming State of the Union:

When is the State of the Union address?

President Donald Trump is scheduled to deliver his State of the Union address at 9 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Feb. 24.

What is the State of the Union?

U.S. President Donald Trump delivers the State of the Union address to a joint session of the U.S. Congress in the House Chamber of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, U.S., February 4, 2020.

According to Congress website, the State of the Union is when the president outlines how the country is doing and what Congress should focus on next.

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The address is required by the U.S. Constitution, which directs the president to keep lawmakers informed about the state of the nation and propose legislative priorities.

Traditionally, the speech is delivered sometime between early January and early February.

How long is the State of the Union?

Feb 4, 2020; Washington, DC, USA; President Donald J. Trump delivers the State of the Union address from the House chamber of the United States Capitol in Washington. Mandatory Credit: Jarrad Henderson-USA TODAY

The address typically lasts between 60 and 90 minutes.

Each of Trump's State of the Union addresses from his first term surpassed an hour, according to The American Presidency Project, at the University of California, Santa Barbara. The group has tracked the time of the State of the Union addresses since Lyndon B. Johnson's in 1964.

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He averaged an hour and 20 minutes between the three speeches (in 2018, 2019 and 2020.)

When Trump addressed Congress last March, he spoke for nearly 100 minutes, though that was not a State of the Union address.

Which presidents gave the longest, shortest State of the Union speeches?

Former President Bill Clinton gave the longest State of the Union speech when his Jan. 27, 2000 edition clocked in at 1:28:49.

Former President Richard Nixon is responsible for the shortest recorded State of the Union speech with his Jan. 20, 1972 address, which lasted 28:55.

How to watch the State of the Union

Media coverage of the event is expected to run from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. ET.

The State of the Union will be broadcast on all major television networks, including ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox News, NPR and PBS. The White House will also livestream the event.

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USA TODAY will also live stream coverage on its YouTube Channel and website.

Includes reporting by the USA TODAY network

This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: When is Trumps 2026 State of the Union? Date, time and where to watch
The Trump administration is poised to open 2.1 million acres of long-protected Alaska land north of the Yukon River that has been protected for decades to mining and other industrial development.

The Department of the Interior announced on Friday that it is revoking decades-old protections for the land, a corridor along the Dalton Highway, the sole road to Alaskas North Slope.

The land is currently managed by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management. The corridor holds a portion of the 800-mile trans-Alaska oil pipeline and it includes sections that would be used for two proposed megaprojects: a long-envisioned pipeline to carry stranded natural gas from the North Slope to tidewater in Southcentral Alaska and the controversial Ambler Access Project, which would put a road of about 200 miles through the Brooks Range foothills to an isolated mining district.

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The administrations actions are set to revoke Public Land Orders 5150 and 5180, which have been in place since the 1970s, through a new Public Land Order numbered 7966.

The purpose of the administrations action is to allow the state to make land selections in the corridor, giving the state the right to open the area up to mining and other development.

President Trump was clear  promises made are promises kept and this decision is about unlocking opportunity for American Energy Dominance to lower costs for all American families, Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum said in a statement. By opening these lands, we are empowering Alaska to chart its own course and develop energy, minerals and infrastructure that strengthen Americas security and prosperity.

The revocation of the land orders is the latest in a series of Trump administration actions to remove longstanding protection in Alaska lands to allow oil drilling, mining and other development on them.

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Alaska political leaders praised the move, while tribal representatives and environmentalists condemned it.

Gov. Mike Dunleavy called the action a milestone for Alaskas self-determination.

Alaskans know whats best for Alaska, and revoking these PLOs will empower Alaska to chart our own future on these lands, Dunleavy, a Trump ally, said in a statement.

A map shows the corridor along the Dalton Highway that has been protected since the 1970s by Public Land Order 5150. The yellow shade shows the territory that is managed by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management and at issue in the Trump administration plan. (Map provided by U.S. Bureau of Land Management)

The all-Republican congressional delegation, in a joint statement, said the action will be good for the states economy.

Sen. Lisa Murkowski termed the decades-old protective public land orders obsolete and said they kept tens of millions of additional acres of Alaska locked up as de facto conservation area.

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The designations have held back statehood land selections and resource development, giving the federal government a toehold to delay or reject important projects while depriving our state of crucial opportunities for jobs and revenues, she said.

Sen. Dan Sullivan, in the statement, thanked Burgum for taking this important step today in lifting this outdated land withdrawal and bringing us closer to ensuring that Alaska controls the lands that support resource development on the North Slope and much of the land over which the states most important piece of infrastructure sits.

Rep. Nick Begich, in the statement, said the action provides assurances needed for the next wave of Alaskan energy infrastructure investment.

In contrast, the Tanana Chiefs Conference, an organization of Native tribal governments in the region, said the move threatens a region critical to traditional subsistence food-gathering.

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This decision opens the door to development that puts our lands, animals, waters, and subsistence resources at real risk, Brian Ridley, TCCs chief and chairman, said in a statement. For our communities, these are not remote acres on a map. These are the places where our families hunt, fish, and gather to feed our people. Protecting these resources is critical to our food security, our culture, and our future.

In a separate statement, Chief Julie Roberts-Hyslop of the Native Village of Tanana, said the administrations action would be a betrayal of our people, stripping protections from our lands and rivers  and opening the door to resource extraction on territory.

We will continue to fight for the protection of our way of life. We cannot allow anyone to destroy our land and resources, she continued.

Cooper Freeman, Alaska director of the Center for Biological Diversity, said the move is counter to Americans desires for management of public lands. If Alaska state leaders take control of these lands, theyll roll out the red carpet for foreign mining companies to dig, dump and run, while kicking local communities and wildlife to the curb, he said in a statement.

The administrations action requires a published notice in the Federal Register, which is forthcoming, the Department of the Interior said.



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US President Donald Trump is questioning why Iran has not yet "capitulated" in the face of Washington's military build-up in the Middle East, the US president's special envoy has said.

Steve Witkoff told Fox News on Saturday that Trump was "curious" about Iran's position after he had warned of a limited military strike if a deal could not be reached on Tehran's nuclear programme.

The US and its European allies suspect Iran of moving towards making a nuclear weapon, which it denies.

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Within Iran, anti-government protests were staged at several universities over the weekend - the first rallies on such a scale since January's deadly crackdown by the authorities, which saw thousands killed.

In his Fox interview, Witkoff said: "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.

"Why, under this sort of pressure, with the amount of sea power and naval power that we have over there, why haven't they come to us and said, 'We profess that we don't want a weapon, so here's what we're prepared to do?'"

The envoy added: "And yet it's hard to sort of get them to that place."

Steve Witkoff was the lead US negotiator during indirect talks with Iran in Switzerland on Tuesday [Getty Images]

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Sunday that he believed there was still a chance the dispute could be solved diplomatically "based on a win-win game". He told CBS News negotiators were working on the elements of a deal.

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In separate comments two days ago, Araghchi said Tehran was preparing "a draft of a possible agreement" and would hand it over to Witkoff in the next few days.

US and Iranian officials discussed Iran's nuclear programme at indirect talks in Geneva in Switzerland on 17 February. They said afterwards that progress had been made.

Oman - which mediated the talks - announced on Sunday that the next round of negotiations was now "set for Geneva this Thursday".

Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi also expressed hopes that there would be "a positive push to go the extra mile towards finalising the deal" in a post on X.

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The US and Iran have not commented.

Despite the reported progress in Geneva, Trump said on Thursday that the world would find out "over the next, probably, 10 days" whether a deal with Iran would be reached or the US would take military action.

In recent weeks, the US has been building up its military presence near Iran and in the wider Middle East region.

The deployment includes the world's largest warship, USS Gerald R Ford, appearing to be heading towards the region.

USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier has also been deployed, along with destroyers, combat ships and fighter jets.

In Iran, the BBC has verified footage of demonstrators marching on the campus of the Sharif University of Technology in the capital Tehran on Saturday. They were later seen scuffling with government supporters.

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Protests were also reported at other universities in Tehran and elsewhere.

Iranian media reported demonstrations also took place on Sunday at the Iran University of Science and Technology and the Khajeh Nasir Toosi University in Tehran, and at Ferdowsi University of Mashhad in north-eastern Iran.

In one video the BBC has verified, anti-government protesters raise the Lion and Sun flag - a symbol of Iran before the 1979 Islamic revolution - at the Sharif University. People in the crowd can be heard chanting "Javid Shah" ("long live the king").

Another verified video shows a pro-government crowd holding a counter-protest at the Sharif University in which US and Israeli flags are being burned.

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Clashes between pro- and anti-government crowds are also seen in verified footage filmed at Amirkabir University of Technology.

Students from different universities have been gathering to honour thousands of those killed by authorities last month.

The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (Hrana) said it had confirmed the killing of at least 7,015 people during that wave, including 6,508 protesters, 226 children and 214 people affiliated with the government. The latest figures were updated on 15 February.

Hrana also said it was investigating 11,744 more reported deaths.

Iranian authorities said late last month that more than 3,100 people had been killed - but that the majority were security personnel or bystanders attacked by "rioters".

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Trump has supported protesters in the past - at one stage appearing to encourage them with a promise that "help is on its way".

Additional reporting by BBC Verify's Emma Pengelly, Shayan Sardarizadeh and Richard Irvine-Brown

[BBC]

Follow the twists and turns of Trump's second term with North America correspondent Anthony Zurcher's weekly US Politics Unspun newsletter. Readers in the UK can sign up here. Those outside the UK can sign up here.
American health care has changed so profoundly in the last three to four decades that it is all but unrecognizable to those of us spending our careers in private practice. In my opinion, the root causes are not that complex. Foremost among them is the unconscionable disparity between the remuneration received by hospital-employed physicians and that of their counterparts in private practice for the same service or procedure.

This is abetted by an accelerated decline in physician Medicare reimbursement, the vast political power of the American Hospital Association (AHA), and the waning membership and political influence of the American Medical Association (AMA). Finally, the percentage of all physicians committed to political and profession advocacy is regrettably, and inexcusably, low.

The dinosaurs perspective

When this dinosaur (me) went into community ophthalmology in 1975, private practice was the mode of 70 percent to 80 percent of U.S. physicians. That figure is now less than 50 percent and falling like the proverbial rock. Moreover, 80 percent to 90 percent of present physicians in training wish to avoid the risks of private practice and plan to be employed physicians.

This biased reimbursement discrepancy not only fuels the ongoing trend of physicians leaving private practice for hospital employment but also raises concerns about the increasing financialization of not-for-profit hospitals. These sham nonprofits often operate as profit-driven entities, allocating vast resources to inflated administrative staffs and huge salaries rather than prioritizing patient care. This not only diverts resources away from direct patient care but also raises questions about the true purpose of these institutions.

Missouri Medicine and MSMAs long-time champion of private practice and a critic of nonprofit hospitals was our superb, recently deceased, contributing editor Arthur K. Gale, MD.

The legal framework: the root of all evil

The roots of this unequal compensation can be traced back to changes in reimbursement policies and legal frameworks that govern health care payments.

The Balanced Budget Act of 1997 sought to control Medicare spending and introduced a myriad of reforms, including the creation of the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule. This fee schedule set payment rates for a wide range of physician services. Specifically, and unfortunately and unfairly, it differentiated between hospital-based providers and those in private practice. This has had an unexpectedly drastic effect on how physicians are reimbursed for the same services based on their practice settings. This differentiation was primarily aimed at controlling Medicare spending while ensuring access to care. Did it work? Not at all!

A key rationale for providing hospitals with greater reimbursement was the mistaken belief that they operate with higher overhead costs and provide a substantial amount of free indigent care. This narrative, championed by the AHA and the nations hospitals, initiated and perpetuates the disparity between hospital and private practice compensation. The issue is further compounded by the influence of powerful hospital lobby groups which advocate for policies that bolster institutional reimbursement rates, thereby entrenching the financial advantages of hospital-employed physicians over their private practice counterparts.

Hospital vs. private practice

The cherished touchstone for hospitals is the platinum-plated facility fee. Hospital physicians are paid about 80 percent more than their private practice peers for the same services. This creates untenable differentials. In 2021, hospital physicians were paid on the average $114,000 more than private practice physicians for similar services. The payment difference varied by specialty. The payment gap was $63,000 for primary care doctors, $178,000 for medical specialists, and $150,000 for surgeons. Moreover, the study found the differential grew over time. From 2010 to 2016, the average difference between hospital outpatient and private practice payments grew from 80 percent higher to 99 percent higher.

Among specialties, not all medical or surgical areas are equally attractive to hospitals. They tend to favor specialties that primarily provide inpatient care or those that generate hefty charges for services like laboratory tests, X-rays, and medications. Specialties that function mainly in outpatient settings, such as ophthalmology and dermatology, are often less appealing to hospitals. This is due to their lower potential for generating facility fees and additional ancillary revenue that hospitals always seek to maximize. Hospitals, like Jerry Maguire, say Show me the money! Investors and Wall Street know a money machine when they see it: Since early 2020, shares of hospital operator Tenet Healthcare have quintupled while HCA Healthcare has more than tripled (Wall Street Journal, January 14, 2026, B12).

Recently, another pernicious trend has emerged: the aggressive acquisition of private practices by private equity (PE) firms, especially in fields like ophthalmology. These for-profit organizations are purchasing practices at an alarming rate, motivating, make that compelling, their physician employees to prioritize profit maximization. This drive for profitability often results in higher costs to patients and a reduction in the quality of care, as PE firms aim to extract as much profit as possible to prepare these practices for a lucrative resale.

Another factor promoting mid- and late-career physicians selling out to PE is, unlike in the past, they no longer have a viable exit plan. Younger physicians are increasingly unwilling to buy-in to the practices stock and assets given the declining revenues, diminishing salaries, and rising costs of private practice. This is a scenario familiar to this author. When I left solo private practice in 2000, my accountant told me it would be September each year before I cleared enough profit to pay myself a salary.

The impact: a shift towards hospital employment

Given the substantial reimbursement advantages available to hospital-employed physicians, the trend of physicians abandoning private practice in favor of hospital employment continues to grow. According to data from the American Medical Association, the percentage of physicians in private practice decreased from approximately 57 percent in 2000 to just 42 percent by 2024. This dramatic shift illustrates the pressing financial realities faced by private practice physicians.

This migration is not merely a personal choice but a survival mechanism in a highly competitive marketplace. As compensation nears untenability for private practices, rising administrative burdens and regulatory compliance further complicate the ability to thrive independently. A 2021 survey reported that nearly 50 percent of private practicing physicians indicated they would be open to leaving private practice entirely if financial conditions did not improve. The stark reality of financial improvement is slim to none.

This shift towards hospital employment raises ethical questions about physician autonomy and patient care. Many physicians who transition to hospital employment report a loss of independence and control over their practices, which can impact doctor-patient relationships. Hospital docs are usually compelled to refer within their group. There may be pressure to generate more profits by ordering unnecessary tests and doing unneeded procedures and surgery. Monthly billing quotas are often imposed. Patients may find themselves navigating health care systems that prioritize institutional pecuniary objectives over individualized care.

Hospital pressure leads to a more corporatized, assembly-line, 15-minute patient encounters approach to medicine. This also affects scope of practice. Which will be more attractive to patients: 15 minutes with a physician specialist they have waited four months to see, or 45 minutes to an hour with a sympathetic, listening physician assistant or nurse practitioner they waited 12-24 hours to see?

Possible solutions to preserve private practice

To rectify this situation, health policy stakeholders must engage in a comprehensive reevaluation of the current payment structures governing medical reimbursement, fostering an environment where all health care providers are fairly compensated irrespective of their practice setting. Doing so not only preserves the integrity of American health care but also ensures that patient care remains at the forefront of medical governance. The time for reform is now, as equity in physician compensation is critical to achieving an effective and sustainable health care system for all. This is a pat answer that would make Pollyanna proud. The chance of it happening? Zilch!

This is my editorial so here is my opinion. It is wholly inconceivable that hospitals and the AHA would agree to equal pay for equal work. Facility fees are like the air they breathe, not going to stop either. Except for the small number of physicians in concierge medicine or those with such fabulous reputations they can run cash-only practices (think cosmetic surgery), private practice is headed for almost complete extinction. Private practice is dead man walking.

Conclusion

The stark disparity between hospital-employed physicians and private practice physicians demands urgent attention and systemic change. Policies that were initially intended to standardize care and control costs have inadvertently created inequities that undermine both physician independence and patient care. As more physicians continue to abandon private practice in favor of hospital employment, the once diverse landscape of American health care is approaching a homogenization that will jeopardize accessible, personalized care. This evolving ineluctable reality is sad beyond words.

John C. Hagan III is an ophthalmologist.
President Donald Trump briefly paused an Angel Families Remembrance Ceremony at the White House on Monday to speak with Patty Morin, the mother of Rachel Morin, asking about her health and an upcoming surgery for her eyes.

"I gave her money to get her eyes fixed. A lot of money to get her eyes fixed. That doctor ripped me off. But thats OK," Trump joked.

Morin said her surgery was scheduled for Wednesday after being delayed. "It was postponed because they said the grief caused me to have a heart attack," she said.

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Her daughter, Rachel, was brutally raped and murdered by Salvadoran national Victor Martinez-Hernandez in August 2023. He was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole in the summer of 2025.

College Soccer Star, Girlfriend Dead As Illegal Immigrants Record Ignites Lawmaker Fury Statewide

A picture of Patty Morin (left) and her daughter Rachel Morin (right) who was killed by a Salvadoran national in August 2023. (Getty Images)

"You're going to have 20/20 vision. You know she's almost blind. Cataracts. She's almost blind," Trump said. "He's an expensive doctor. Top of the line, right? But you know what? You're going to have 20/20 vision."

Read On The Fox News App

During the ceremony in the East Room of the White House, Trump honored families who have lost loved ones to crimes committed by illegal immigrants.

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"Throughout this hall, I am joined by heartbroken Americans who have lost parents, siblings, children, grandchildren, and treasured loved ones to the scourge of illegal immigration, let in by the past administration," the president said.

Rachel Morin's Mother Explains Painstaking Process Of Writing Statement To Read At Killer's Sentencing

"Under the Trump administration, their suffering is forgotten no longer," he told attendees.

Laken Rileys mother, Allyson Phillips, spoke at the event remembering her daughter, the 22-year-old nursing student who was killed by Venezuelan national Jose Ibarra while jogging on the University of Georgia campus in February 2024.

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Several other family members also spoke during the ceremony, sharing personal stories about their loved ones.

Grieving Father Says Daughters Death By Illegal Alien Shows Cost Of Sanctuary Policies

Steve Ronnebeck, whose 21-year-old son Grant was shot and killed by an illegal immigrant in Arizona, said the deaths were "preventable" and urged stronger enforcement of immigration laws.

"They could have been stopped. We could have done so much more," Ronnebeck said.

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At the conclusion of the event, Trump signed a proclamation designating Feb. 22 as "National Angel Family Day."

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"We stand with the Angel Families, many of whom continue to be left without justice," the White House said in a statement. "And we recommit to carrying out the largest mass-deportation effort in our Nations history, getting the worst of the worst out of our country, and putting a stop to the violence targeting the brave men and women of law enforcement."





Original article source: Trump halts Angel Families speech to check on woman in audience
President Trump withdrew his endorsement for Rep. Jeff Hurd (R-Colo.) on Saturday over what he called a lack of support for the presidents sweeping tariff agenda, saying he would endorse Hurds challenger in the upcoming GOP primary instead.

Based of a lack of support, in particular for the unbelievably successful TARIFFS imposed on Foreign Countries and Companies which has made America Richer, Stronger, Bigger, and Better than ever before, I am hereby WITHDRAWING my Endorsement of RINO Congressman Jeff Hurd, of Colorados 3rd District, and fully Endorsing Highly Respected Patriot, Hope Scheppelman, to take his place in Congress, Trump wrote in a lengthy Truth Social post.

The Hill reached out to Hurds campaign for comment.

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Hurd was among a group of six House Republicans who joined with Democrats earlier this month to pass a resolution to repeal Trumps tariffs on Canada by terminating the national emergency the president had used to justify the punitive action.

The congressman defended his vote by emphasizing Congresss primary authority to regulate foreign trade and arguing that the administrations tariff policy harmed people and businesses in Colorado.

If we normalize broad emergency trade powers today, we should expect that a future presidentof either partywill rely on the same authority in ways many of us would strongly oppose. Institutional consistency matters. The Constitution does not shift depending on who occupies the White House. My responsibility is to defend the separation of powers regardless of political convenience, Hurd wrote in a post on the social platform X.

As the vote unfolded, Trump took to social media to caution Republicans about potential political consequences if they opposed tariffs, a threat he has now acted on by pulling his support for Hurd.

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Congressman Hurd is one of a small number of Legislators who have let me and our Country down. He is more interested in protecting Foreign Countries that have been ripping us off for decades than he is the United States of America, Trump wrote Saturday.

Trump noted it was only the second time he had pulled back an endorsement, pointing to former Rep. Mo Brooks (R-Ala.), whom he slammed as woke and disloyal at the time. Brooks ultimately lost to then-Rep. Katie Britt (Ala.) in the 2022 Republican primary after Trump switched his endorsement.

Taking back an Endorsement is a difficult decision for me, he wrote. These are the decisions that must be made, however, to MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!

The decision comes a day after the Supreme Court struck down the bulk of Trumps tariffs, ruling in a 6-3 decision that his expanded use of the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act exceeded his authority. The president has since introduced a new universal 15 percent tariff on imports from countries around the globe.

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Hurd is facing off against Scheppelman, a former Colorado GOP vice chair, in the June 30 GOP primary for Colorados 3rd Congressional District.

Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Fury at Donald Trump was the coin of the realm, as thousands of California delegates, activists and elected officials gathered in San Francisco this weekend, emboldened by a string of victories and confident the Golden state would help deliver a power check on the president in the upcoming midterm elections.

On Saturday, Democrats streamed through the Moscone Center convention complex, sporting lanyards emblazoned with Gavin Newsoms name and tote bags adorned with one of Nancy Pelosis favorite aphorisms: We dont Agonize, we organize  symbols of a party in transition as the former speaker approaches retirement and the term-limited governor eyes a presidential campaign.

Trumps reign of terror must end, declared Pelosi in her remarks, whose long legacy Democrats honored throughout the weekend with tributes and speeches to their forever speaker.

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Adam Schiff, the California senator and a longtime Trump antagonist, invoked the grizzly bear on the state flag as a warning to the current administration: When you poke the bear, the bear rips your fucking head off.

Come November, he declared to a packed hall, there will be a reckoning.

Across hours of fiery speeches and caucus meetings, speakers touted the resounding success of Proposition 50 last year  the states redistricting counterstrike to a Republican gerrymander in Texas. This, they argued, was a testament to Californias role both as a blueprint for the national party and a bulwark against the Trump administration.

Democrats nationwide are furious with the president after more than a year of sweeping policy changes  massive healthcare cuts, a sprawling deportation campaign and the use of federal power to target political opponents and blue states. But in California, the clash has felt personal.

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The state, long cast by Trump as a liberal hellscape, is governed by some of his most prominent political adversaries  leaders who champion environmental protections, immigrant rights, abortion access and expanded healthcare access. In June Trump deployed the national guard and troops to the streets of Los Angeles  a preview of what would to come in Chicago, Minneapolis and other blue cities.

Related: How Jesse Jacksons radically inclusive vision shaped the Democratic party we know today

With California on the vanguard of the national resistance to Trump 2.0, Democrats embraced a new crop of rising stars. In the hall, Representative Robert Garcia was treated like a celebrity. The ranking Democrat on the House oversight committee, Garcia has become a leading voice in investigating the Trump administration and pushing for a release of the Jeffrey Epstein files. At a progressive caucus meeting, Congressman Ro Khanna was cheered as he pushed for accountability for the Epstein class.

Trumps return to power also opened the door to a new, more combative rhetorical posture with plenty more swearing and trolling, a nod to Newsom, whose all-caps, no-holds-barred mockery of Trump and his administration has catapulted him to the national stage.

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The contest to succeed Newsom loomed large over the gathering, as convention-goers fretted that Californias sprawling field of candidates had yet to produce a frontrunner, with only a handful of months left before the June primary.

Californias jungle primary system, in which the top two vote-getters advance regardless of party, has heightened anxieties that two Republicans could slip through a fractured field, locking Democrats out of the governors office in the countrys biggest blue state.

Emphasizing the Democratic National Committees commitment to remain neutral in a contest between Democrats, the DNC chair, Ken Martin, urged the party to unify as quick as possible behind a candidate in the governors race.

We do have to just make sure that we dont shoot ourselves in the foot, so to speak, Martin said.

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In several recent opinion polls, the conservative commentator Steve Hilton and Riverside county sheriff Chad Bianco  both Republicans  lead the pack, followed by the congressman Eric Swalwell, billionaire environmentalist Tom Steyer and former congresswoman Katie Porter, with a sizable share of voters still undecided.

Related: California bill would ban ICE agents from being near polling sites

None of the Democratic candidates for governor won enough of the delegates to secure an endorsement, according to results posted on Saturday night. Swalwell clinched roughly a quarter of the delegates, followed unexpectedly by Betty Yee, the former state controller, with 17% and former health and human services secretary Xavier Becerra with 14%.

In their speeches to the convention hall, the gubernatorial candidates took turns assailing Trump and pledging to shield Californians from the chaos and cruelty that his administration has unleashed on the Golden state.

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Porter flipped her trademark whiteboard toward the hall and asked the delegates to repeat the message scrawled in black marker. Fuck Trump! they chanted. Swalwell, meanwhile, vowed to use the office to keep Donald Trump and ICE out of our streets and out of our lives.

In an interview, Yee argued that Sacramento needed more than an anti-Trump crusader  the state needed a governor with the experience to fix its chronic budget deficits.

I think the price of admission to this race is that you have to fight Trump, Yee said in an interview. But I think we have to do more than that.

At the Moscone Center, the backdrop of San Francisco only underscored the partys competing impulses over how to counter the Trump administration and take on Silicon Valley billionaires who have forged a stronger relationship with the president in his second term.

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The growing divide between Democrats and Silicon Valley is especially fraught in California, a state that is heavily dependent on the tech sector and where political leaders have long cultivated ties with industry executives. But as the politics of Silicon Valley shift right and leading executives pump money into local and state races, many Democrats are sounding the alarm about the unchecked power they say these companies hold.

In a speech at the convention, Lorena Gonzalez, who leads the California Labor Federation union, warned Democrats that it was time to stop bending the knee to the same tech titans who had helped put Trump back into power.

Related: Democrats will stop Trump from trying to nationalize midterms, Jeffries says

Theres an enemy here and its not just Trump, she said in an interview. The reason were back with Trump again is because we didnt take on the structural issues that were really affecting working-class people.

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As the party wrestles with these internal divides, the internal tug-of-war over how Democrats win back power is playing out in districts like Randy Villegass.

Villegas, a progressive political newcomer endorsed by Sanders, is running against Jasmeet Bains, a moderate Democratic state senator who frequently bucks her party, including on the redistricting plan that made the Republican congressman David Valadaos district more Democratic-friendly. Our race is very much a fight for the soul of the Democratic party, Villegas said.

Outside the convention, the partys ideological  and tactical  fault lines were on full, theatrical display. A group of young activists dressed as snails and other spineless sea creatures demanded Democratic leaders grow a spine and use it to protect trans kids and immigrant families. As delegates left the venue, a costumed mollusk passed out business cards that warned: Trumpism thrives when Democrats rush to meet cruelty in the middle.
President Donald Trump speaks with reporters aboard Air Force One, Monday, Feb. 16, 2026, en route to Washington from West Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

President Donald Trump posted to social media on Monday that he would prefer a deal with Iran over a full-blown war.

Trump pushed back on various reports that Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine has warned against a military operation in Iran, suggesting it would be far more difficult to achieve U.S. national security objectives than it was in Venezuela.

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I would rather have a Deal than not but, if we dont make a Deal, it will be a very bad day for that Country, Trump concluded in his lengthy post, continuing to threaten Iran, but making clear he was looking to avoid conflict.

Numerous stories from the Fake News Media have been circulating stating that General Daniel Caine, sometimes referred to as Razin, is against us going to War with Iran. The story does not attribute this vast wealth of knowledge to anyone, and is 100% incorrect. General Caine, like all of us, would like not to see War but, if a decision is made on going against Iran at a Military level, it is his opinion that it will be something easily won, Trump began in his Truth Social post, adding:

He knows Iran well in that he was in charge of Midnight Hammer, the attack on the Iranian Nuclear Development. It is a Development no longer, but rather, was blown to smithereens by our Great B-2 Bombers. Razin Caine is a Great Fighter, and represents the Most Powerful Military anywhere in the World. He has not spoken of not doing Iran, or even the fake limited strikes that I have been reading about, he only knows one thing, how to WIN and, if he is told to do so, he will be leading the pack. Everything that has been written about a potential War with Iran has been written incorrectly, and purposefully so. I am the one that makes the decision, I would rather have a Deal than not but, if we dont make a Deal, it will be a very bad day for that Country and, very sadly, its people, because they are great and wonderful, and something like this should never have happened to them.

The Wall Street Journal, Axios, and the New York Times all reported on Sunday and Monday that General Cain was voicing his apprehension about a full-scale attack on Iran. The Journals Alex Ward reported on Monday, The Pentagon is raising concerns to President Trump about an extended military campaign against Iran, advising that war plans being considered carry risks including U.S. and allied casualties, depleted air defenses and an overtaxed force.

Ward added that such discussions are always part of the contingency-planning process before military operations, some officials said, noting that military leadersespecially the Joint Chiefs chairprovide prudent estimates of possible casualties and other potential costs of military operations. Trump has long spoken out against what he called stupid wars in the Middle East and slammed his predecessors for putting U.S. troops in danger in the region.

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Notably, leading MAGA isolationist Tucker Carlson was at the White House on Monday, ahead of Trumps message on Truth Social.

This is a developing story and has been updated.

The post Trump Says Hed Rather Have a Deal On Iran  Slams Reports Top General Is Wary of Full-Blown War first appeared on Mediaite.
President Donald Trump announced hes planning to send a U.S. hospital ship to Greenland, claiming hes dispatching the vessel because Greenlanders are not receiving proper health care.

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!!! he wrote in a Saturday Truth Social post alongside what appeared to be an illustration of USNS Mercy, the lead ship of hospital ships in non-commissioned service with the U.S. Navy.

Politics: Kash Patel's Complaint About Personal Travel Resurfaces After Olympics Party Moment

In December, Trump named Landry as his special envoy to Greenland.

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Trumps post came hours after Denmarks military said its arctic command forces evacuated a crew member of a U.S. submarine in Greenlandic waters for urgent medical treatment. It is unclear if Trumps post had any connection to the evacuation. He did not clarify whether Greenland asked for the extra medical assistance nor why they would need it.

On Sunday, Greenlands Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said no thanks to Trumps plan to send the ship to Greenland in a Facebook post.

Greenland and Denmark have free, tax-funded health care for their residents.

Politics: Kash Patel Faces Backlash For Flying To Winter Olympics, Partying It Up With Team USA

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.

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He added: But talk to us instead of just making more or less random outbursts on social media.

Denmarks Deputy Prime Minister Troels Lund Poulsen also shut down Trumps allegation that Greenlanders are not getting the health care they need.

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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via Associated Press President Donald Trump first floated the idea of acquiring Greenland in 2019 , but renewed his push during his second presidency term.

Trump is constantly tweeting about Greenland. So this is undoubtedly an expression of the new normal that has taken hold in international politics, Poulsen added.

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Denmarks Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen stepped in as well and defended the countrys health care system in a Facebook post Sunday, writing that she was 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, according to The Associated Press.

Politics: Dan Bongino Goes On R-Rated Rant At Donald Trump Voter Who Dared To Complain

Trump has repeatedly re-upped his desire to acquire Greenland in recent months, citing that we need the autonomous Danish territory for national security.

The discussion has sparked widespread pushback from European leaders and allies, and subsequently thrown the White Houses relationship with its European NATO allies into peril, particularly after Trump threatened last month to punish countries that dont back his move to take control of Greenland with tariffs.

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Trump announced what he called the framework of a deal with NATO regarding Greenland late last month, despite Secretary General of NATO Mark Rutte publicly insisting Greenland never was mentioned in his discussion with Trump.

Frederiksen also threw cold water on a claimleaked by the White House that the agreement would give the U.S. ownership of small pockets of land on Greenland for military purposes.

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Hardline MAGA mouthpiece Laura Loomer has roped the White House into her feud with Tucker Carlson, demanding that President Trump personally step in to admonish the former Fox News host.

Loomer has launched attack after attack at Carlson since his heated interview on Friday with U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee.

The two-hour showdown threw gasoline on the simmering feud between different wings of the MAGA movement, with Carlson drawing the ire of Loomer and her supporters by criticizing U.S. ties with Israel. In a flurry of posts on social media Monday, Loomer frantically called on Trump to condemn Carlsononce one of his biggest cheerleadersand urged Attorney General Pam Bondi to go after him for being, as she put it, a national security threat.

Laura Loomer/X

Carlson has a long-running feud with Loomer. / Al Drago / Getty Images

Everybody needs to be pressuring the White House to issue a statement condemning Tucker Carlson this week. His efforts to derail the GOP and his nonstop sabotage of President Trump must end, she wrote.

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He thinks he can just walk into the White House like he owns the place because his son works there.

Carlsons son, Buckley Carlson, is deputy press secretary for Vice President JD Vance. Nonetheless, reports of the former Fox News host being at the White House on Monday, by Punchbowl News Jake Sherman, sparked further uproar by Loomer and her supporters.

Everyone with moral clarity needs to pressure the White House to end this insanity once and for all, Loomer continued. President Trump must condemn Tucker Carlson. Enough is enough.

Carlson stands apart from many on the right with his stance on Israel. Last year, he lobbied the White House to block Israel from attacking Iran. He has since been tied up in numerous spats with right-wing commentators, including Mark Levin, Ben Shapiro, and Loomer, who has given him the nickname Tucker Qatarlson.

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She has criticized his ties with Saudi Arabia and Qatar, and has now gone all in to claim that he is working against the interests of the Trump administration.

Im not going to stop till we see President Trump publicly condemn Tucker Qatarlson. I dont care how far I have to take this. Tucker Qatarlson is a cancer to the GOP and he is undermining Donald Trump everyday, she wrote.

Loomer has called on Trump to step in. / Anna Moneymaker / Getty Images

Her war with Carlson has become one of the most high-profile conservative rifts, with The Free Press reporting, citing sources familiar, that Trump has asked him to end his spat with pro-Israel MAGA characters.

The outlet reports that a Republican fundraiser with ties to the White House said that Carlsons rift was destroying the chances of winning the midterms and the next election.

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Carlson has often criticized Israel for its actions since the October 7 attack, which triggered the bloody war with Hamas that has been waged since, claiming the lives of tens of thousands.

U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee interviewed by Carlson in an interview released Friday. / Andrew Harnik / Getty Images

His views sit some distance from those of the man who was opposite him on Friday. During the interview, when asked by Carlson if he thought Israel had the right to claim an area equal to essentially the entire Middle East, Huckabee said he thought it would be fine if it took it all. He later rowed back, saying Israel didnt want to do that and instead was actually asking to at least take the land that they now occupy.

His words sparked an international incident, with at least 14 Arab and Muslim countries signing a letter condemning the message.

The 70-year-old ambassadors position points towards growing misalignment between the Trump administration and voters.

Reports suggest that Trump is being urged to address the growing disruption surrounding Carlson. / Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images

A Pew poll in October found that 59 percent of Americans now hold an unfavorable opinion of the Israeli government, and 39 percent now say Israel is going too far.

The Daily Beast has contacted the White House for comment.
Reported targets of the strikes could include the headquarters of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Irans nuclear sites, or its ballistic missile program.

US President Donald Trump is weighing a much bigger attack [on Iran] in coming months that would topple the regime and its leaders, the New York Times reported on Sunday, citing individuals briefed on the matter.

The larger attack would come should Iran refuse to give in to his [Trumps] demands regarding its nuclear program, according to NYT.

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On Thursday, the Wall Street Journal similarly reported that Trump was considering options ranging from a weeklong campaign, with the goal of regime change, to a smaller wave of strikes designed to force Iran to agree to a deal favorable for the US.

Reported targets of the strikes could include the headquarters of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Irans nuclear sites, or its ballistic missile program.

Though it is still unclear when and if the US will conduct the smaller wave of targeted strikes, recent reports have claimed the order to strike Iran could be given in the coming days.

Illustrative image of US President Donald Trump and Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (credit: LIGHTSPRING/SHUTTERSTOCK, Office of the Iranian Supreme Leader/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via REUTERS, REUTERS/BRENDAN MCDERMID)

Behind the scenes, a new proposal is being considered by both sides that could create an off-ramp to military conflict, NYT added, A very limited nuclear enrichment program that Iran could carry out solely for purposes of medical research and treatments.

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According to several officials cited by the NYT, the proposal's idea was originally put forth by International Atomic Energy Agency Director-General Rafael Grossi.

I believe that still there is a good chance to have a diplomatic solution, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told CBS in a Sunday interview. So there is no need for any military buildup, and military buildup cannot help it and cannot pressurize us.

Third round of talks to start as US gathers forces

The claims come ahead of the third round of nuclear talks, set to take place in Geneva on Thursday, between US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner and Araghchi, amid the US amassing its military forces in the Middle East.

Flight-tracking data shows that tanker planes, fighter jets, and other US military aircraft have been repositioned in recent days, including advanced F-35s, which can evade radar detection.

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The current US arsenal in the area includes two destroyers in the Mediterranean Sea, one in the Red Sea, four in the Persian Gulf, and an aircraft carrier, the USS Abraham Lincoln, accompanied by four destroyers in the Arabian Sea.

A second carrier strike group, the USS Gerald R. Ford, arrived in the Mediterranean Sea on Friday, accompanied by its warships.

Tzvi Jasper contributed to this report.
Investing.com -- U.S. President Donald Trump is considering a potential military strike against Iran in the coming days and could pursue a larger assault later if diplomacy fails to curb Tehrans nuclear ambitions, the New York Times reported, citing people familiar with internal administration discussions.

According to the report, Trump has told advisers that an initial, more limited strike could be used to pressure Iran into agreeing to abandon its nuclear weapons capability. Potential targets under consideration include facilities linked to Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, nuclear infrastructure and elements of its ballistic missile program.

The New York Times said negotiators from Washington and Tehran are scheduled to meet in Geneva on Thursday in what officials view as a last-ditch effort to avoid a military confrontation. While no final decisions have been made, Trump has been leaning toward demonstrating military pressure if talks fail, people briefed on the deliberations told the newspaper.

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The report also said administration officials are weighing a proposal that could provide a diplomatic off-ramp, allowing Iran to maintain a highly limited nuclear enrichment program strictly for medical research. It remains unclear whether either side would accept such a compromise.

The discussions come as U.S. forces, including two aircraft carrier groups, fighter jets and bombers, have been deployed within striking distance of Iran, signaling heightened military readiness. Officials quoted by the New York Times noted internal debate over whether airstrikes alone could achieve broader political goals, including weakening Irans leadership.

The White House declined to comment directly on the presidents decision-making, saying only that speculation about future actions remains premature, the newspaper reported.

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Trump weighs targeted Iran strike, larger attack possible if talks fail, NYT says

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JOHANNESBURG, Feb 23 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump's pick for ambassador to South Africa, conservative activist and writer Leo Brent Bozell III, on Monday presented his credentials to South Africa's government.

South Africa's foreign affairs ministry said in a statement that Bozell had presented his letters of credence to Clayson Monyela, a deputy director-general.

Bozell arrived in the country earlier this month, at a time of strained relations between Washington and Pretoria.

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Trump has accused South Africa of persecuting its white minority, criticised its ties with Russia and China, imposed steep tariffs on its exports and cut all aid.

Pretoria strongly rejects claims that its white minority is persecuted.

Bozell said in his Senate confirmation hearing in October that he would approach his ambassadorship "with respect for the South African people", and that he saw "real opportunity for a lasting partnership" despite areas of disagreement.

South Africa has not had an ambassador in Washington since the Trump administration expelled its last one.

(Reporting by Sfundo Parakozov and Nellie Peyton;Editing by Alexander Winning)
As you might expect, President Donald Trump was not happy about the Supreme Court's rejection of his attempt to assert sweeping, unbridled tariff authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). But the terms in which Trump expressed his displeasure highlighted his narcissistic authoritarianism, his disregard for the rule of law and the separation of powers, and his incomprehension of the role that the judicial branch plays in upholding both.

"The Supreme Court's ruling on tariffs is deeply disappointing, and I'm ashamed of certain members of the Court, absolutely ashamed, for not having the courage to do what's right for our country," Trump told reporters on Friday. Those "certain members," it became clear, were Justices Neil Gorsuch and Amy Coney Barrett, who had the temerity to vote against Trump even though he appointed them to the Court.

By joining Chief Justice John Roberts and three other members of the Court in concluding that IEEPA does not empower the president to impose tariffs, Trump said, Gorsuch and Barrett became "an embarrassment to their families." The "terrible" decision revealed them as "fools and lapdogs for the RINOs and the radical-left Democrats."

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The president was not disappointed by the three Democratic appointeesJustices Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan, and Ketanji Brown Jacksonwho voted with the majority in Learning Resources v. Trump. "The Democrats on the Court are thrilled, but they will automatically vote no," he said. "They're against anything that makes America strong, healthy, and great again. They also are a, frankly, disgrace to our nation, those justices. They're an automatic no, no matter how good a case you have."

Still, Trump said, "you can't knock their loyalty," which is "one thing you can do with some of our people." Gorsuch and Barrett "may think they're being politically correct," he averred, but "they're very unpatriotic and disloyal to our Constitution." He suggested they were "swayed by foreign interests and a political movement that is far smaller than people would ever think."

Although the Americans who oppose Trump's agenda represent "a small movement," he said, they are "obnoxious, ignorant and loud," and "I think certain justices are afraid of that. They don't want to do the right thing. They're afraid of it."

By contrast, Trump thinks, the three Republican appointees who dissented from the Court's decisionJustices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, and Brett Kavanaughshowed courage by doing what he wanted them to do. "I'd like to thank and congratulate Justices Thomas, Alito, and Kavanaugh for their strength and wisdom and love of our country, which is right now very proud of those justices," he said.

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The president singled out Kavanaugh, the Trump appointee who wrote the principal dissent, for special praise. "I'm so proud of him," he said. "I would like to thank Justice Kavanaugh for his, frankly, his genius and hishis great ability. Very proud of that appointment."

Although Trump's tantrum over the tariff ruling may be his most peevish reaction to a Supreme Court decision so far, it reiterates a complaint we have heard from him before. Trump expects the justices he appointed"our people"to side with him, and he gets very angry when they fail to do so.

In July 2020, the Supreme Court rejected Trump's attempt to block a state subpoena for his tax returns. "In our system of government, as this Court has often stated, no one is above the law," Kavanaugh, whom Trump now lauds for his "genius" and "great ability," wrote in a concurring opinion joined by Gorsuch. "That principle applies, of course, to a President."

Trump "expressed deep anger at Justices Gorsuch and Kavanaugh, seeing their votes as a betrayal," The New York Times reported, citing "a person familiar with his reaction." Five months later, Trump went public with his anger at Gorsuch, Kavanaugh, and Barrett, who joined the Court that October.

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In December 2020, the Supreme Court unanimously rejected Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton's attempt to overturn Joe Biden's victory in that year's presidential election. "Texas has not demonstrated a judicially cognizable interest in the manner in which another State conducts its elections," the order said. Trump called that reasoning "absurd," adding that the justices "just 'chickened out'" because they "didn't want to rule on the merits of the case." Their cowardice, he said, was "so bad for our Country!"

Trump was still simmering a couple of weeks later. "The U.S. Supreme Court has been totally incompetent and weak on the massive Election Fraud that took place in the 2020 Presidential Election," he said. "We have absolute PROOF, but they don't want to see it." Their attitude, he warned, posed a grave threat to democracy: "If we have corrupt elections, we have no country!"

Trump reiterated that complaint during his pre-riot "stop the steal" speech on January 6, 2021. "I'm not happy with the Supreme Court," he told his supporters. "They love to rule against me."

As Trump sees it, justices who agree with the president who appointed them are brave, while justices who disagree with him are cowardly. They are "weak" and "incompetent" chickens who are "afraid" to "do the right thing."

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That assessment is counterintuitive, to say the least. If anything, Trump appointees who defy the president's will are showing the courage of their convictions, applying the law as they understand it rather than reflexively deferring to the politician who gave them their jobs. But Trump, who takes it for granted that justices vote the way they do for political reasons, neither understands nor appreciates judicial independence.

The idea that Gorsuch and Barrett rejected Trump's interpretation of IEEPA because they wanted to be "politically correct" is silly on its face. Both of them agreed with Roberts, who wrote the principal opinion in Learning Resources, that Trump's assertion of tariff authority under that law ran afoul of the "major questions" doctrine, which says the executive branch can exercise delegated powers of "vast 'economic and political significance'" only with clear congressional approval. "We have long expressed 'reluctan[ce] to read into ambiguous statutory text' extraordinary delegations of Congress's powers," Roberts noted.

That reluctance, as Gorsuch explained in his concurring opinion, is rooted in the separation of powers. "The Constitution lodges the Nation's lawmaking powers in Congress alone, and the major questions doctrine safeguards that assignment against executive encroachment," he wrote. "Under the doctrine's terms, the President must identify clear statutory authority for the extraordinary delegated power he claims. And, as the principal opinion explains, that is a standard he cannot meet."

In her concurrence, Barrett argued that "the major questions doctrine 'situates text in context' and is therefore best understood as an ordinary application of textualism." Gorsuch objected to that take, arguing that the doctrine amounts to more than that. But wherever you come down on that dispute, Barrett and Gorsuch agreed with Roberts that IEEPA does not supply the clear authority demanded by the major questions doctrine. And although Sotomayor, Kagan, and Jackson saw no need to apply that doctrine, they concurred that IEEPA cannot reasonably be read as giving Trump the powers he asserted.

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Whether or not you agree with them, the six justices who voted against Trump were applying neutral principles of statutory interpretation that do not favor one president or party over another. As Roberts noted, the Supreme Court has implicitly or explicitly relied on the major questions doctrine to reject assertions of power by Democratic presidents, including the Biden administration's workplace vaccine mandate, nationwide eviction moratorium, and mass cancellation of student debt.

Whatever you think of that doctrine or its application in those cases, it is by no stretch of the imagination a "radical-left" idea. But if the justices were applying the doctrine consistently, there is no reason to think Republican presidents would be immune from its implications.

Thomas, Alito, and Kavanaugh did not agree with this particular application of the major questions doctrine. In Trump's view, that shows "their strength and wisdom and love of our country." By contrast, Gorsuch and Barrett (and presumably Roberts too) turned out to be "very unpatriotic and disloyal to our Constitution."

Those assessments have nothing to do with the merits of the justices' legal reasoning. They hinge entirely on whether the justices ultimately took Trump's side. Because Trump equates love of country with love of him, he sees any ruling against him as "unpatriotic." And because he recognizes no distinction between respecting the law and respecting him, he thinks justices are "disloyal to our Constitution" when they disagree with him.

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Trump complains that the Supreme Court's three Democratic nominees are "an automatic no, no matter how good a case you have." That bias, he says, makes them a "disgrace to our nation." Yet he simultaneously complains that his appointees are not an automatic yes. The only way to reconcile that contradiction is by reference to the one principle that Trump really seems to care about: his own self-interest.

The post Trump's Tantrum Over the Tariff Decision Highlights His Narcissistic Authoritarianism appeared first on Reason.com.
WASHINGTON  President Donald Trump has taken extraordinary action when it comes to confronting authoritarians in places like Venezuela, where U.S. forces captured leader Nicolas Maduro, and Iran, where he bombed nuclear sites in June and is now threatening a new attack.

But theres one strongman Trump has consistently refused to accost: Russian President Vladimir Putin, whose intellect and iron grip the former reality TV star has long admired.

The Russian leader has convinced Trump and U.S. negotiators, including presidential envoy Steve Witkoff, that he wants to cut a deal to end his long war  even as Moscow rains missiles and drones on Ukrainian cities, cutting heat, water and power to thousands.

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More: Ukrainians endure power outages, sub-zero temps after Russian strikes

The war that Trump repeatedly swore he could end in a single day is now 4 years old, and on the eve of the anniversary of Russias invasion Feb. 24  and his coinciding State of the Union address  there is still no peace deal.

Is the president getting played?

Volunteer Galyna Shylenko (L), 61, pours coffee from a thermos flask as she visits her friend, Ukrainian artist Oksana Gordiets (R), 67, as her building experiences the second week without heating due to Russian strikes damaging energy infrastructure, in Kyiv, on Jan. 25, 2026, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Life goes on in Ukraine after four years of war with Russia who invaded the country on Feb. 24, 2022. Photographs of fallen soldiers are covered by snow at the memorial on Independence Square on February 22, 2026 in Kyiv, Ukraine. Ukrainians are preparing to mark the grim milestone of four years at war since Russia launched it's full-scale invasion on Feb. 24, 2022. Children play next to an ice igloo built by local residents in the courtyard of a residential building in Lviv on Jan. 18, 2026, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. People sit in a tent, one of "Points of Invincibility", organized for residents to warm themselves and charge their electronic devices during blackout and heavy frost in Kyiv on Jan. 18, 2026, amid Russian invasion in Ukraine. Russian attacks have left Ukraine's energy grid teetering on the brink of collapse and have disrupted power and water supplies to millions over recent weeks. Police officers assist a resident during an evacuation from a frontline village, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Zaporizhzhia region, Ukraine, Jan. 27, 2026. Girls support a teammate during an acrobatics exercise as they wear winter socks and multiple layers of clothing in a gymnastics hall, where the temperature does not exceed 5 degrees Celsius (about 41 degrees Fahrenheit), while the city faces power outages and problems with heat after recent Russian missile and drone strikes on critical infrastructure, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine, Jan. 29, 2026. People line up at a bus stop during sub-zero temperatures, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kharkiv, Ukraine Jan. 31, 2026. People take shelter at a metro station during a Russian air attack, in Kyiv, on early Feb. 3, 2026, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Internally displaced Ukrainian woman Halyna Popriadukhina weaves camouflage netting for the frontline, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Dzenzelivka, Ukraine, Feb. 4, 2026. Olha Kurtmallaieva, 26, hugs her husband Ruslan, 32, draped in a Ukrainian national flag, a released prisoner of war (POW) who was captured during the defense of Mariupol in 2022, upon his arrival after a prisoner exchange in the Chernihiv region, at an undiclosed location on Feb. 5, 2026, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Ukraine and Russia have conducted their first prisoner exchange in months, each releasing at least 157 people, both countries said on February 5, 2026, amid US-brokered talks in Abu Dhabi aimed at ending the war. The two sides have in the past conducted several rounds of prisoner swaps, one of the rare areas of direct cooperation between Ukraine and Russia amid the four-year war, but last month Kyiv accused Moscow of halting the exchanges. (Photo by Roman PILIPEY / AFP via Getty Images) / "The erroneous mention appearing in the metadata of this photo by Roman PILIPEY has been modified in AFP systems in the following manner: [Kurtmallaieva] instead of [Kurk-Malaeva]. Please immediately remove the erroneous mention from all your online services and delete it from your servers. If you have been authorized by AFP to distribute it to third parties, please ensure that the same actions are carried out by them. Failure to promptly comply with these instructions will entail liability on your part for any continued or post notification usage. Therefore we thank you very much for all your attention and prompt action. We are sorry for the inconvenience this notification may cause and remain at your disposal for any further information you may require." Clients wear winter jackets as they receive manicures at a beauty salon, which continues operating during frequent power outages after recent Russian missile and drone strikes damaged critical infrastructure, amid RussiaOs attack on Ukraine, in Irpin, Kyiv region, Ukraine, Feb. 6, 2026. A woman appears in a broken window of a building hit by a Russian drone strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Odesa, Ukraine, Feb. 9, 2026. Local residents inspect damaged cars at the site of a Russian attack in Odesa on February 13, 2026, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Six people died in Russian strikes across Ukraine overnight that targeted the southern port city of Odesa and energy infrastructure, officials announced on Feb. 13, 2026. Moscow has stepped up its attacks on Ukrainian critical infrastructure in recent weeks despite pressure by the United States to reach a peace deal with Kyiv. Russia launched one missile and 154 drones overnight, the Ukrainian air force said, warning that some unmanned aerial vehicles were still in Ukrainian airspace as of the morning of February 13, 2026. A man walks his dog as people wipe off the snow from their cars following a heavy snowfall in Kyiv on Feb. 16, 2026, amid the russian invasion of Ukraine. People join a church service in remembrance of the "Heavenly Hundred" at the Ecumenical Church of the Archistrategos Michael and the New Martyrs of Ukraine, during an event commemorating those killed during the mass Euromaidan protests, on the 12th anniversary of the uprising in Ukraine, in Kyiv on Feb. 20, 2026, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. A person walks through a makeshift memorial to fallen Ukrainian and foreign soldiers in Independence Square in Kyiv on February 23, 2026, as the conflict with Russia reaches its four-year mark. Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022, unleashing the deadliest war in Europe since World War II. See what life in Ukraine is like after 4 years at war with Russia 1 of 16 Volunteer Galyna Shylenko (L), 61, pours coffee from a thermos flask as she visits her friend, Ukrainian artist Oksana Gordiets (R), 67, as her building experiences the second week without heating due to Russian strikes damaging energy infrastructure, in Kyiv, on Jan. 25, 2026, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Life goes on in Ukraine after four years of war with Russia who invaded the country on Feb. 24, 2022.

Putin is an incredibly talented KGB officer. Thats who he is, said Uriel Epshtein, CEO of the Renew Democracy Initiative, a group providing humanitarian support in Ukraine. He is incredibly effective at manipulating people and getting them to do what he wants.

Ukraine skeptics and advocates alike say that only Trump can force Putin into a deal. But the president has often taken a harder line with Ukraine than with Russia, the wars clear aggressor, demanding that Kyiv give up territory Moscow has been unable to conquer by force in exchange for an American-brokered peace.

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is going to have to get moving, otherwise he's going to miss a great opportunity, Trump told reporters Feb. 13. Ukraine better come to the table fast, he reiterated a few days later.

Putin 'buying time' with talks

Ukraine supporters, lawmakers and former U.S. officials say Putin is playing for time while his army ekes out incremental gains in eastern Ukraine. U.S.-mediated talks Feb. 18 in Geneva ended after just two hours.

This may be the problem, that President Trump is believing that they are getting somewhere, and Russia is using another round of negotiation as a way of buying time, as a way of avoiding any final decisions from the U.S. in order to push harder in Ukraine, Radoslaw Fogiel, vice chair of the Polish parliaments foreign affairs committee, told USA TODAY.

Employees and rescuers remove debris at a thermal power plant damaged by multiple Russian missile strikes, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in an undisclosed location in Ukraine Feb. 9, 2026.

In his bid to keep negotiations alive, Trump has used his influence to thwart crippling U.S. financial sanctions on Russia that have widespread support from Democratic and Republican lawmakers.

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He has dramatically scaled back Americas support for Ukraine  at one point halting Kyivs access to intelligence after a dramatic altercation with Zelenskyy  and ended the flow of free U.S. weapons. Trump has said several times he believes Ukraine is to blame for Russias invasion.

The ruins of residential buildings in the abandoned town of Marinka, which was destroyed in the course of Russia-Ukraine conflict in the Donetsk region, a Russian-controlled area of Ukraine, Feb. 18, 2026.

Trump's view was to pivot and try to achieve peace by essentially bullying Ukraine and forcing it to realize that it can't achieve its aims and should make concessions, said Phil Gordon, a former national security adviser to Vice President Kamala Harris. That's very different from the massive amounts of aid we were giving.

That approach has not succeeded. Trump came home empty-handed from a pomp-filled Alaskan summit with Putin last year. But the administration and close Trump allies say it can still work.

More: Ukrainian disqualified from Olympic Skeleton over helmet honoring war dead

President Donald Trump greets Russian President Vladimir Putin as he arrives at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson on Aug. 15 in Anchorage, Alaska. The two leaders are meeting for peace talks aimed at ending the war in Ukraine.

Trump sanctioned Russias largest oil companies, Rosneft and Lukoil, last October, noted Andrew Peek, a former staffer at Trumps National Security Council who now works at the Atlantic Council.

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Thats a big shot, Peek told USA TODAY. So the pressure is not just on Ukraine. I think the president's set up this dynamic where the two parties are basically competing with each other for progress toward a peace.

Ivanna Klympush, a member of Ukraines parliament, said the oil company sanctions explain why Russia started this old pretendence that they are participating in the negotiations.

Pedestrians walk past a residential building heavily damaged after an air attack, in Odesa, Ukraine, on February 17, 2026.

And that actually shows you that Russia is vulnerable to pressure, is responding to pressure as opposed to being indulged and continued talking-to after these massive attacks on Ukraine, she said.

Russia has signaled an openness to some limited concessions, such as allowing Ukraine to join the European Union, senior officials on the U.S. side have said.

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But Russias demand for the entire eastern Donbas region, including areas it does not now control, has been a nonstarter for Ukraine, which has been willing to accept an agreement that freezes the conflict along the current lines. Russian forces occupy almost 20% of Ukrainian territory.

The Americans often return to the topic of concessions, Zelenskyy said in a speech Feb. 14 at the Munich Security Conference. Too often those concessions are discussed in the context only of Ukraine  not Russia.

People wait in freezing temperatures to receive food aid on Feb. 18, 2026, in Kyiv, Ukraine. As the war approaches its fourth anniversary, Ukrainians cope with subzero temperatures and widespread heat and electricity outages caused by Russian attacks.

Negotiators met several days later for a third round of talks in Geneva, led by Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner and special envoy Witkoff.

White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said in a statement that Trump had been successful at bringing both sides together in three rounds of talks and that his approach "has continued to generate meaningful progress."

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"Both parties agreed to update their respective leaders and continue working toward a deal. None of these discussions occurred under incompetent Joe Biden, whose weakness brought on this brutal war. President Trump and his team are working hard to stop the killing," Kelly said.

A house was destroyed during overnight Russian missile and drone strikes in the village of Putrivka in Kyiv region, Ukraine, on February 22, 2026.

Trump set a June deadline to reach a deal, Zelenskyy said earlier in February. He also said Russia had offered the United States a $12 trillion economic proposal.

The White House denied the summer deadline. It did not address the economic proposal in response to questions posed by USA TODAY. It also argued that Trump has expressed frustration with Putin in the past and put pressure at various points on both leaders.

The idea that the United States could get a $12 trillion windfall from a country whose economy generates an estimated $2.2 trillion a year  less than the gross domestic product of Italy  is nonsense, said Mark Montgomery, a retired Navy admiral who worked for the late Republican Sen. John McCain.

Residents receive hot meals in a train carriage that's been converted into a relief center on Feb. 19, 2026 in Kyiv, Ukraine. Ukrainians are coping widespread heat and electricity outages caused by Russian attacks on its energy infrastructure.

Still, he said, Trump could find it tempting.

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President Trump doesn't admire democracies. He admires power. If a democracy is powerful, he admires them, Montgomery said. What he's attracted to are authoritarian leaders like Putin and Xi, who he thinks he can make deals with," he added, referring to China's president.

Fogiel, the Polish politician, said the Russians probably hope they can squeeze something out of Trump with such a lucrative offer. I do not believe that this is the case, he added.

In Ukraine, Trump appears to be motivated by other interests, Fogiel said.

Workers repair a power sub station damaged by a recent Russian drone and missile strike in Odesa, Ukraine, Feb. 18, 2026.

Whether it's the Nobel Peace Prize or the true care of people who are dying there, he said, I do believe that he wants part of his legacy to be that he ended the war in Ukraine.

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Trump has said he just wants the killing to stop, while complaining loudly over not receiving the Nobel.

Ukraine and the midterms

Zelenskyy has suggested Trump has another goal: scoring a political victory before the November midterm elections. But the White House dismissed that, and Peek, the former Trump national security aide, noted Trump has talked about ending the war since 2024.

On this issue, he's not like a political operator. Its (that) he really doesn't like the war, doesn't like that everything keeps blowing up. He hates the posturing about the war by Europeans, by the Russians, by the Ukrainians, Peek said. He always has.

Russian service members carry a coffin out of a church during the funeral of Vladimir Pozdnyakov, a junior sergeant of the Russian armed forces who was killed in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, in the village of Orzhitsy in the Leningrad region, Russia Feb. 18, 2026.

Russia has made few territorial gains since the 2022 invasion. Putins army is losing as many as 8,000 soldiers a week, Secretary of State Marco Rubio told Bloomberg News.

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With support from the Europeans, who are now buying weapons from the United States on behalf of Kyiv, Ukraine can still hold on, experts say.

I don't see any signs that Zelenskyy is willing cave or that Ukraine is going to collapse, said Gordon, an Obama and Biden-era official. Unfortunately, that probably means the war is going to go on for some time.

A mechanic uses a grinder to cut through a frozen pipe during emergency work on a heating station after Russian strikes on critical power supplies on Feb. 19, 2026, in Kyiv, Ukraine.

Montgomery, who was in Kyiv recently training the Ukrainian military, said it was highly unlikely negotiations would succeed with Trump leaning mostly on Zelenskyy.

The failure in the United States to leverage any pressure on Russia has left Russia feeling unrestrained in the talks. Theres no leverage on them. So they're making no concessions, he said. And I think we're at the point where Ukraine will not give any more at the table, and they won't give on the battlefield. So we're headed to another year of war.

Klympush, the Ukrainian politician, said its a wrong assumption that Russia can be cajoled into peace.

While Trumps talks  and talks about talks  continue, Ukrainians are hunkering down.

Apartments are illuminated at a building suffering from limited electricity and painted with the mural of a fallen Ukrainian soldier on February 18, 2026 in Kyiv, Ukraine.

As many Ukrainians shiver in the dark, we understand that this is still better than Russian gulag, Klympush said. That's what Russia can offer on the occupied territories.

Recalling the mass graves and torture chambers discovered in areas liberated from Russian forces and the abduction of thousands of Ukrainian children, she described what many in her country view as a systematic effort to extinguish Ukraines culture, history and language.

We know what we are fighting for, Klympush said.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump said he'd end Ukraine war in a single day. Is peace close?
The University of Alaska Board of Regents says the university will continue the policy to ban references to DEI, or diversity, equity and inclusion, enacted last year, despite a federal court ruling that struck down the policy and the U.S. Department of Education agreeing to drop an appeal.

Jonathon Taylor, a spokesperson for the university, said even though the policy was struck down, the direction of enforcement and potential risk has not gone away.

Last year, the Trump administration issued a Dear Colleague letter to all pre-K through 12 schools, colleges and universities who receive federal funding outlining its opposition to diversity initiatives it called discriminatory, and threatened to withhold federal funds from schools if they had diversity or equity programs.

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As a result, the board moved quickly to comply, approving a policy on Feb. 21, 2025 to scrub references to DEI and affirmative action from all university programs and operations, job titles and office names. At the time, Ralph Seekins, chair of the Board of Regents, defended the policy, saying the action to remove DEI language as committing to equal opportunity for everyone.

Several education and civil rights groups filed lawsuits and a federal court blocked the directive in April. This week, a New Hampshire federal judge dismissed the case, following a January agreement by both parties and the Department of Education to drop its appeal. The ruling invalidates the directive, and prevents the government from enforcing it. Plaintiffs celebrated the courts move, with some saying it was a victory for free speech and academic freedom.

Taylor confirmed that the UA Board of Regents had no immediate plans to change or rescind the policy for the University of Alaska.

The Dear Colleague Letter from February 2025 has indeed been struck down by the courts, and the Department of Education has declined to appeal, Taylor said by email.

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However, the federal administrations policy goals and concerns that led to the letter  including what they see as discriminatory DEI practices, and attempts to tie enforcement to federal funding  have not changed. Federal agencies can still pursue similar goals through other legal or regulatory means and have demonstrated an intent to focus oversight or investigations on what they see as DEI-related policies and programs using mechanisms other than agency guidance (the original Dear Colleague letter), he wrote.

Taylor said the board enacted the policy to mitigate risks of federal funding being withheld. He said the board has had to balance their concern about the potential medium- and long-term regulatory and funding risks to which UA may be exposed with the Universitys unchanging and unwavering commitment to equal access, equal opportunity, and no discrimination, as well as free speech, academic freedom, and freedom of expression.

Taylor added that overall, UA has so far been effectively able to weather the storm of federal funding cuts, grant freezes and terminations. As of September, and most recently available data, UA had roughly $530 million in active federal grants. There has been $24.6 million, or 4.6% that have been delayed, frozen or terminated.

The item was not on the Board of Regents February meeting agenda, scheduled for two days this week in Dillingham, at the University of Fairbanks Bristol Bay campus.

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But several university faculty weighed in during public comment to the board on Monday.

Jill Dumesnil, a professor of mathematics at the University of Southeast and president of the largest faculty union, United Academics, called on board members to create updated guidance following the ruling.

Many faculty are still experiencing a chilling effect on our campuses. Some fear retaliation or punishment for teaching or discussing DEI-related subject matter, others just feel uncomfortable, unsupported and unwelcome, she said.

Teaching about race, racism, inequality and related issues, continues to be lawful, supporting students in a way that acknowledges racial or ethnic identities continues to be lawful, she added. Schools may continue operating programs that encourage diversity, equity and inclusion in accordance with existing law, and the Dear Colleague letter and the certification requirement cannot be enforced against educators or schools.

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Michael Navarro, a professor of marine fisheries at the University of Alaska Southeast, and co-chair of the Belonging, Empowerment, Access, Representation and Safety Committee, known as UAS BEARS, made a plea to the board to rescind the anti-DEI motion.

As a direct result of this board decision, UAS has lost faculty and staff and some students question the universitys commitment to their success and safety on campus, he said.

Despite the anti-DEI motions, reaffirmation towards maintaining a welcoming environment and honoring Alaska Native culture and heritage, after this motion, many people now feel less welcome or even unwelcome, and are not testifying today because they dont feel safe to do so.

Taylor, with the university, said as of now the board does not have plans to take up the issue but continually accepts written comments from the public. The Board continues to receive testimony both in support of and in opposition to last years motion, and takes that feedback into consideration when setting meeting agendas, he said.

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To date, the University of Alaska Fairbanks has taken the hardest hit with federal funding cutbacks  of the $24.6 million in grants delayed, frozen or terminated, approximately $20 million has been at UAF, including $8.8 million terminated for funded programs for Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian students last year. The Trump administration has terminated $4 million in grant funding at the University of Alaska Anchorage, Taylor confirmed, and no federal grant funding has been frozen at the University of Alaska Southeast.



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I could hear the take-off detonation being filmed live and broadcast around the world in my earpiece, along with my TV colleagues report of the Russian attack. It was the morning that Vladimir Putin ordered a full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Standing in the pre-dawn freeze on a terrace overlooking Kharkivs Freedom Square four years ago, it was less than a minute before I was reporting on those rockets when they exploded on impact.

The skyline bulged orange, then came the concussive thump, then the cracks of the rockets exploding. Theyd been fired from Russia into Ukraines second-biggest city.

A survivor of an airstrike on an apartment complex outside Kharkiv in February 2022 (Getty)

The BM-30 Smerch were among the worst. They scattered cluster bombs, spattering the city with deadly golden balls. BM-212 Grads, the old-fashioned Stalins Organ multiple rocket launchers, were terrifying too.

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They screeched from the sky in swarms, landing like spears on residential areas, killing and burning ahead of the advancing Russian infantry.

Over the next couple of days, Russian troops stormed north from Crimea towards Kherson, and soon beyond. They blasted out of Donetsk and turned up on the streets of Kharkiv.

I could hear the sounds of firefights, machine guns screaming like chainsaws, and the crash of rocket-propelled grenades. The assumption was that the Russians would capture this city  and the capital  in a few days. That assumption got a lot of Russians killed.

We heard of a reconnaissance group that had wandered closer to Freedom Square and been ambushed by local police with RPGs and rifles. A Russian soldier fell from his vehicle on fire. A group of babushkas (grannies), almost certainly Russian-speakers, rushed up to the burning man. They beat him to death with broomsticks.

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That was a metaphor for Ukraines defence of itself.

Smoke rises from a military airport in Chuguyev on the first day of Putins invasion (AFP/Getty)

Having first been invaded by Putin in 2014, Crimea was captured. Back then, Ukraines allies reneged on security guarantees that had been afforded to the young democracy, and many, like the UK and the US, banned Kyiv from buying lethal weapons.

British and US intelligence knew that the Kremlins ambitions involved the conquest of all of Ukraine in 2022. They warned Volodymyr Zelensky that the Russians were coming. He didnt seem to listen, and his armed forces were very relaxed on the border just north of Kharkiv.

I dont see many preparations to defend against an invasion, I said to a colonel I met two days before the Russians launched into Ukraine. Youre not supposed to, he replied. But there were no signs of defences being raised at all. Because there were none.

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Ukraine was sent reeling. But its population recovered its countrys balance. Some military units scrambled to put up fights that Western advisers thought incredible  such as the punishing defence of Hostomel airbase against mass airborne attacks by paratroopers and Spetznatz forces, just northwest of Kyiv.

Elsewhere, young veterans from the earlier years of combat reformed themselves into small teams in pickup trucks, organised their own families inside occupied territory to spy on the invaders, and took on Russias massed columns of armour and infantry.

Around the world, footage emerged of the ambushes on these columns, and gave small signs that the tiny amount of military aid provided by Britain and the US was having a staggering effect. American Javelin and British NLAW anti-tank missiles slammed into armoured columns and crippled their advance.

Kharkiv, Sumy, and Kyiv were saved by swashbuckling units in Second World War SAS-style raids, which had far more strategic significance than any operations carried out by Britains nascent special forces in their early years.

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In the south, villagers organised their own counterattacks, harnessing the horrors of Moscows mass starvation of the Ukrainian people in the early 1930s into an over my dead body rage that held them together.

By the summer of 2022, the national forces had regrouped, launched a counteroffensive, and recovered vast tracts of land in lightning operations.

A map shows the key cities in the war in Ukraine (Getty/iStock)

Since then, Ukraine has settled into a near stalemate of grinding horror  followed by the nerve-jangling new dimension of drone conflict, in which both sides have been reinventing the modern form of war.

Throughout all of this, Ukraine has been defending Europes eastern flank against Russia on the ground. In the political realm, though, Ukrainians have been dying in large numbers in a war to stop the idea that might is right dead in its tank tracks.

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No one here had any idea that Donald Trump would so enthusiastically support the Darwinian doctrine of the Kremlin. But he has. He likes to back a winner. He appears to have chosen one. Without question, Trumps administration has caused more deaths in Ukraine by ending US military aid for the country and setting back its ability to defend itself than if he had continued to support Kyiv.

Meanwhile, the rest of the West has been slow to comprehend the strategic danger Putins land grab poses  and the political horror that the Putin-Trump doctrine is capable of leading the world towards.

First, Ukraines allies were slow to agree to send any kind of weapons, but when the anti-tank missiles finally arrived, they were put to immediate use.

The aftermath of a drone strike near the city of Chornomorsk on Monday (Reuters)

Men like Grumpty, a former software engineer, taught himself how to drive a Russian T-82 tank by watching YouTube videos. Along with Achilles, who was killed in the summer of 2022, and a small band of men, Grumpty destroyed 14 Russian armoured personnel carriers and tanks in one night.

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The Russians were found by the wife of one of the team. Achilles spotted the targets and called in coordinates to Grumpty, who fired over and over again on the invaders. This kind of act captured the public imagination. But it did not deliver Ukraine the weapons it needed to win  barely enough to survive.

While Russia pounded Kyivs forces with hundreds of artillery pieces, it took months for small donations of ancient guns to come from the democratic West. Long-range rockets were restricted in how they could be used.

In Bakhmut, Ukrainians and foreign volunteers fought waves of Russian prisoners and conscripts forced into meat attacks. One American volunteer, Kevin, described with disgust how, for a week, he reckoned he killed 20 to 40 a day.

But Russia hit Ukrainians with bombs from aircraft and long-range missiles fired from Russian soil that were out of bounds to Ukrainians using any foreign equipment. Forced to adapt or die, Ukraine is now the world leader in drone warfare, and controls the Black Sea without having a navy made up of old-fashioned ships and sailors.

Servicemen from the 24th brigade operate an FPV drone flying towards Russian troops in the Donetsk region (AFP/Getty)

With losses at around 1.2 million, Putins war has been a disaster for Moscow. And Nato is now bigger, as Finland and Sweden have joined the alliance.

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Europe has covered the loss of Americas military support, with 250bn (219bn) pledged compared with the US total spend of $115bn (85bn). Much of this money goes on air defences.

Putin has switched his strategy to hitting civilians, blasting Ukraines energy systems, and trying to break the will of its people. Outside Ukraine, he has managed to shape much of the debate over diplomacy, creating a narrative that Ukraine cannot win, should sue for peace, and should give up at least 20 per cent of its territory.

With losses at around 1.2 million, Putins war has been a disaster for Moscow (AP)

Travelling from Nikopol to Kharkiv through the fortress belt now demanded by Russia in return for thinking about a ceasefire, it is clear to me that most Ukrainians now want peace. But not one of them said that Ukraines security is worth the trade for peace.

Zelensky and his European allies insist that Ukraine needs security guarantees to ensure that Russia never attacks again and never attempts to fulfil Putins vision of recolonising the country. They claim that the only way to do that is to get the US to be Ukraines protector.

But theres no chance that the US could be relied on to keep watch over Ukraine, let alone send troops to fight if it were re-invaded. That has to be the job of Ukraines European neighbours and wider allies in the West. Ukraine has shown what it can do with very little. Imagine what it could do with a little more help from its friends.
The United Nations leader warned Monday that "the rule of force" was spreading, as the powerful trample on international law and wield artificial intelligence and other technologies to attack human rights.

"Human rights are under a full-scale attack around the world," Antonio Guterres told the opening of the UN Human Rights Council's annual session in Geneva.

"The rule of law is being outmuscled by the rule of force."

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The UN secretary-general stressed that "this assault is not coming from the shadows, or by surprise. It is happening in plain sight -- and often led by those who hold the greatest power".

He did not mention specific situations, although he did voice outrage at Russia's war in Ukraine, where he said more than 15,000 civilians had been killed in four years of violence.

"It is more than past time to end the bloodshed," he said.

Guterres also highlighted the "blatant violations of human rights, human dignity and international law in the Occupied Palestinian Territory".

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He charged that the trajectory in the conflict-torn territories under Israeli occupation was "stark, clear and purposeful: the two-state solution is being stripped away in broad daylight".

"The international community cannot allow it to happen," he insisted.

- Rights attacked 'deliberately, strategically' -

In his final in-person address to the UN's top rights body, Guterres said the worst conflict-hit areas were not the only places where rights were eroding.

"Around the world, human rights are being pushed back deliberately, strategically and sometimes proudly," he said.

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"We are living in a world where mass suffering is excused away, where humans are used as bargaining chips, where international law is treated as a mere inconvenience."

UN rights chief Volker Turk echoed the concerns.

In a "deeply worrying trend", he warned that "domination and supremacy are making a comeback".

"A fierce competition for power, control and resources is playing out on the world stage at a rate and intensity unseen for the past 80 years," he warned.

"The use of force to resolve disputes between and within countries is becoming normalised."

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Turk highlighted how "the gears of global power are shifting", calling for people to band together to protect rights and create "a strong counterbalance to the top-down, autocratic trends we see today".

- 'Democracies eroding' -

While the UN says that conflicts are multiplying, impunity is spreading and humanitarian needs are exploding, its traditional top donor, Washington, has dramatically slashed its foreign aid spending since President Donald Trump's returned to power last year. Other major donors have followed.

"When human rights fall, everything else tumbles," Guterres warned.

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The crisis of respect for human rights "mirrors and magnifies every other global fracture", he said, pointing out that "inequalities are widening at staggering speed.

At the same time, "climate chaos is accelerating, and technology, especially artificial intelligence, is increasingly being used in ways that suppress rights, deepen inequality and expose marginalised people to new forms of discrimination both online and offline", he warned.

Turk meanwhile lambasted leaders, without naming them, who seem to believe "that they are above the law, and above the UN Charter".

"They claim exceptional status, exceptional danger or exceptional moral judgement to pursue their own agenda at any cost," he said, pointing to how "some weaponise their economic leverage".

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"They spread disinformation to distract, silence and marginalise," he charged.

What is clear, Guterres warned, was that "across every front, those who are already vulnerable are being pushed further to the margins".

"Democracies eroding... migrants harassed, arrested and expelled with total disregard for their human rights and their humanity. Refugees scapegoated," he pointed out, also highlighting how "LGBTIQ+ communities (are) vilified, minorities and indigenous peoples targeted, religious communities attacked".

Guterres, who is to step down this year after a decade at the UN helm, called for urgent action to reverse the trend.

"Do not let power write a new rulebook in which the vulnerable have no rights and the powerful have no limits," he said.

apo-nl/rjm/tw
United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk is calling for international engagement to combat the ambitions for power of certain politicians and IT entrepreneurs.

"When we come together, we wield more power than any autocrat or tech billionaire," he said at the start of a session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva on Monday.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres and the president of the UN General Assembly, Annalena Baerbock, also warned of negative developments.

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The high commissioner for human rights criticized politicians who do not adhere to laws and international basic rules. He said they pursue their goals at any cost, for example, through disinformation or by using economic power as a weapon.

"A tight clique of tech tycoons controls an outsize proportion of global information flows, distorting public debate, markets, and even governance systems," the Austrian UN diplomat added, without naming names.

Guterres: Rulers openly attack human rights

From the perspective of Guterres, human rights are under massive attack worldwide. "It is happening in plain sight  and often led by those who hold the greatest power," he said.

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Guterres and Turk particularly highlighted in their speeches the suffering and human rights violations in various hotspots such as Sudan, the Gaza Strip, Ukraine or Myanmar.

Former German foreign minister Baerbock reminded the members of the Human Rights Council of their responsibility. "We are not bystanders who have the luxury of standing on the sidelines while injustice unfolds," she said.

The UN Human Rights Council is in session until the end of March. The 47 member countries are supposed to ensure that human rights are upheld everywhere. Germany is currently not a member.

The council can condemn violators by resolution but has no means of imposing sanctions.

The council repeatedly includes countries that fundamentally reject criticism of grievances anywhere as interference in internal affairs. This year, for example, China, Cuba and Ethiopia are involved.
Three people who died in a crash in County Armagh at the weekend were all travelling in the same car, police have said.

The three-vehicle crash happened on the Armagh Road near the village of Moy on Saturday evening.

Conor Quinn, 31, from Derrylaughan, County Tyrone, John Guy, 48, who was originally from Dublin but living in Keady, and 23- year-old Laura Hoy-Henry, from Cookstown, all died at the scene.

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Another female passenger who was travelling with them in a red BMW was also injured.

Two people in a grey Volkswagen Amarok suffered injuries that required medical treatment.

The driver of the third car, a white Audi Q3, suffered minor injuries.

Inquires are continuing into the collision and police have reiterated their appeal for information and witnesses.

Det Insp Stewart said officers were continue to support the families of the victims.

Social Democratic and Labour Party councillor Thomas O'Hanlon said the grief in the area was "just unimaginable and people are really, really stunned".

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Speaking to BBC Radio Ulster's Good Morning Ulster programme, O'Hanlon said three families and three communities had been "torn apart in the blink of an eye".

"There's a silence over the community," he said.

O'Hanlon spoke about the long-term effect on the families.

"Your heart just goes out to families where mummies and daddies aren't there for big occasions, for the little things that you want to run and tell them happened on this day at school or that day at work," he said.

"That's where it will really hit home."

According to online death notices, 11 children lost a parent in the crash.

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O'Hanlon said the Armagh Road was "extremely busy, both day and night".

"People are always concerned about road safety on that stretch of road," he added.

Diana Armstrong, Ulster Unionist Party assembly member for Fermanagh and South Tyrone, said the Armagh Road was a "long, straight, fast road".

"People say to even get on to the road from a side road it can take up to 25 cars before you can get on to the road so that just gives you an idea of how busy that road is," she said.

'Totally ripped apart'

Sinn Fein assembly member Colm Gildernew told Good Morning Ulster there was a sense of numbness in the community.

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"Three families, three communities totally ripped apart," Gildernew said.

"The community will rally around the the community, will support those families to their best ability and the families will bear the grief.

"I have no doubt this will be something that will just totally change lives forever."

Alliance Party MLA Peter McReynolds told the assembly his "thoughts and prayers" were with the families of the victims.

"Every death on our roads is one too many," he said.

McReynolds chairs the All Party Group on Road Safety at Stormont.

"Since the group was created there have been 80 deaths on our roads and each time we meet, there are more tragedies to reflect upon and I wish this wasn't the case."

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Four other people sustained injuries in the incident.

The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service said it sent three rapid response paramedics, seven emergency crews, one hazardous area response team, an ambulance officer and an ambulance doctor to the incident.

Following assessment and initial treatment at the scene, two patients were taken to Craigavon Area Hospital and another to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast.

Four other people died over the weekend in road traffic collisions in the Republic of Ireland.

More on this story
The war in Ukraine is a "stain on our collective consciousness," UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said on Monday, the eve of the fourth anniversary of Russia's invasion.

"This devastating war is a stain on our collective consciousness and remains a threat to regional and international peace and security," Guterres said in a statment.

"The longer the war continues, the deadlier it becomes," he continued. "Civilians bear the brunt of this conflict, with 2025 witnessing the largest number of civilians killed in Ukraine. This is simply unacceptable."

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Guterres further reiterated his call for "an immediate, full and unconditional ceasefire as a first step towards a just, lasting and comprehensive peace."

"For peace to be just, it must be in line with the UN Charter, international law, relevant United Nations resolutions, respecting Ukraine's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity," he added. "The United Nations remains ready to contribute to all efforts towards this end."

Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022.

The two sides have held peace talks in recent weeks with US mediation, but there has been little sign of an imminent breakthrough.
PARIS, Feb 23 (Reuters) - The U.S. ambassador to France, Charles Kushner, has been banned from meeting members of the French government after not showing up at the Foreign Affairs ministry earlier in the day, where he had been summoned over comments on the killing of a French far-right activist last week, diplomatic sources said on Monday.

"Following the publication by the U.S. Embassy of comments on a tragedy that occurred in France and concerns only our national public debate  which we refuse to allow to be exploited  ambassador Charles Kushner was summoned today to the ministry. He did not show up," the source added.

French far-right activist Quentin Deranque was beaten to death in a fight with alleged hard-left activists, in an incident that shocked the nation and has been called "France's Charlie Kirk moment", referring to last year's shooting of the U.S. conservative activist.

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The U.S. Embassy in France and the U.S. State Department's Bureau of Counterterrorism said they were monitoring the case, warning on X that "violent radical leftism was on the rise" and should be treated as a public safety threat.

"Faced with this apparent misunderstanding of the basic expectations of an ambassador who has the honour of representing his country, the minister requested that he no longer be allowed direct access to members of the French government," the source added.

This was the second time Kushner did not show after being summoned. In August 2025, he had been asked to explain himself at the French Foreign Affairs ministry after having publicly raised his concern about the rise in anti-Semitic acts in France and criticising the French authorities for not doing enough against it.

(Reporting by Michel Rose; Editing by Benoit Van Overstraeten)
Feb 23 (Reuters) - U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has summoned artificial intelligence company Anthropic's CEO Dario Amodei to the Pentagon on Tuesday for what is expected to be potentially tough talks over the military use of Anthropic's Claude artificial intelligence tool, Axios reported on Monday, citing sources.

Reuters reported exclusively this month that the Pentagon was pushing big AI companies including OpenAI and Anthropic to make their AI tools available on classified networks without many of the standard restrictions that the companies apply to users.

Also this month, Axios reported that the Pentagon had been considering cutting ties with Anthropic over the latter's insistence on retaining restrictions on how the U.S. military uses its models, which includes Claude AI.

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According to its Monday report, Defense officials say the Pentagon's talks with Anthropic are on the verge on collapsing.

A senior Defense official told the paper that Anthropic knows this is not a "get-to-know-you meeting," according to the report.

An Anthropic spokesperson said "we are having productive conversations, in good faith," according to Axios.

Reuters could not immediately verify the report. The Pentagon, White House and Anthropic did not immediately respond to Reuters' request for comment.

(Reporting by Angela Christy in Bengaluru; Editing by Sharon Singleton and Hugh Lawson)
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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.
A group of US lawmakers has launched an inquiry into six environmental non-governmental organisations (NGOs) accused of attempting to halt the Willow oil project in Alaskas North Slope.

House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.), Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations Chairman Paul Gosar (R-Ariz.) and Representative Nick Begich (R-Alaska) are seeking information on the actions of the Centre for Biological Diversity, Defenders of Wildlife, Earthjustice, Friends of the Earth, Greenpeace USA and the Natural Resources Defence Council.

The Willow project, operated by ConocoPhillips, is located within the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska and is expected to produce up to 180,000 barrels of oil per day (bopd) at peak capacity.

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Estimates place recoverable reserves at approximately 600 million barrels. The project covers a gravel footprint of around 385 acres in the 23-million-acre reserve.

Proponents claim it could generate between $8bn and $17bn in federal, state and local tax revenues over its lifetime. Additionally, the development is projected to create around 2,500 construction jobs and 300 permanent positions.

Committee members have voiced concerns over what they describe as coordinated legal challenges brought by these organisations to impede the projects progress.

According to Committee documentation, the review focuses on what it describes as lawfare strategies, including ethically dubious sue-and-settle tactics. It also examines allegations that the organisations have sought to drown out the voices of Native Alaskans while simultaneously undermining US energy independence.

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The Committee stated that its investigation is focused on whether these groups have followed established legal procedures or have used lawsuits to delay or derail energy infrastructure projects.

The Willow project has received support across political parties as well as from many Native Alaskan communities living in and around the North Slope.

Supporters cite economic opportunities linked to job creation and revenue streams that could benefit local residents. Project backers also highlight claims by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) that failure to develop Willow would require increased oil imports from foreign sources, potentially impacting national energy security.

The House Committee members wrote: The House Committee on Natural Resources is conducting oversight related to [the Center for Biological Diversity, Defenders of Wildlife, Earthjustice, Friends of the Earth, Greenpeace and the Natural Resources Defense Council] efforts to derail the widely supported bipartisan Willow Project.

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The Committee is particularly concerned with [the groups] coordination with other activist special interest groups, many of which employ lawfare strategies, including ethically dubious sue and settle tactics, to not only champion a disdain for established essential multiple use principles, but also drown out the voices of native Alaskans while simultaneously undermining American energy independence.

Environmental groups have previously challenged the project in federal court. In 2020, following a permitting process that began in 2018, the BLM issued a final Environmental Impact Statement and a Record of Decision approving Willows Master Development Plan.

Lawsuits were then filed by several activist organisations alleging failures in environmental review or procedure.

In response to ongoing litigation and public scrutiny, federal agencies under the Biden administration issued a supplemental Environmental Impact Statement in 2023 along with an updated Record of Decision allowing development to continue.

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The House Committees investigation also raises questions regarding whether environmental groups are disregarding traditional land use principles. According to statements from Committee members, there is concern that coordinated opposition campaigns may override local support for resource development projects.

"US lawmakers launch inquiry into NGOs opposing Willow project" was originally created and published by Offshore Technology, a GlobalData owned brand.




By Feras Dalatey and Orhan Qereman

DAMASCUS, Feb 23 (Reuters) - U.S. forces began pulling out of their largest base in northeastern Syria on Monday, three Syrian military and security sources said, part of a wider departure as the U.S.-allied government in Damascus consolidates control.

Dozens of trucks, some carrying armoured vehicles, departed the base at Qasrak in Hasakah province on Monday morning, witnesses said. Reuters footage later showed the trucks moving along a highway on the outskirts of the city of Qamishli.

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A full withdrawal from Qasrak would still leave the U.S.-led coalition with a base in Rmelan, also known as Kharab al-Jir, near the Iraqi border.

Qasrak has been a main hub for the U.S.-led global coalition fighting Islamic State in Syria, where U.S. troops deployed over a decade ago, partnering with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) against the jihadist group.

Asked for comment, a U.S. defense official said: "We will not discuss future force posture or troop numbers to protect operational security."

Neither the Syrian defence ministry nor the SDF responded to requests for comment.

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DRAWDOWN EXPECTED TO TAKE WEEKS

One of the Syrian sources, a military official briefed on U.S. plans, said the pullout was expected to take about a month, but that it remained unclear whether the withdrawal from the base was temporary or permanent.

The second Syrian source, also briefed on U.S. plans, said it would take a number of weeks.

Since government forces under President Ahmed al-Sharaa seized control of swathes of the northeast from the SDF last month, U.S. forces have withdrawn from a base at al-Shaddadi in Hasakah province, and a garrison at al-Tanf, located at the intersection of Syria's border with Iraq and Jordan.

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A senior U.S. official told Reuters on Wednesday that some U.S. troops were leaving Syria as part of a "deliberate and conditions-based transition."

The official said U.S. presence at scale was no longer needed given the Syrian government's "willingness to take primary responsibility for combating the terrorist threat within its borders".

The Wall Street Journal reported last week that the U.S. was withdrawing all of its roughly 1,000 troops from Syria.

Syria joined the U.S.-led coalition to combat Islamic State last year. The militant group, which once controlled a third of Syria and Iraq, claimed responsibility for two attacks on Saturday that killed a soldier and a civilian.

(Additional reporting by Khalil Ashawi in Damascus and Tom Perry in Beirut; Editing by Tom Perry, Aidan Lewis)
(AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

President Donald Trump is weighing options to avoid a major military conflict with Iran if the country does not ditch its nuclear program after General Dan Raizin Caine told him an attack would be far more difficult than the operation that captured Nicolas Maduro in Venezuela, The New York Times reported on Sunday evening.

The report said Trump and key members of his administration are heading to Geneva on Thursday to meet with Iranian negotiators; the meeting appears to be a last-ditch effort to avoid a military conflict.

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President Trump has told advisers that if diplomacy or any initial targeted U.S. attack does not lead Iran to give in to his demands that it give up its nuclear program, he will consider a much bigger attack in coming months intended to drive that countrys leaders from power, the report said, based on people briefed on internal administration deliberations.

The Times story has four reporters on the byline  Julian E. Barnes, David E. Sanger, Tyler Pager, and Eric Schmitt.

Members of Trumps team and on the Iranian side are both considering an off-ramp to military conflict, which would include a very limited nuclear enrichment program that would only be used for medical research, the report said. That is because some members of the administration have expressed doubts a full dismantling of Irans nuclear program occur, if the U.S. only conducts airstrikes.

Here is a key section on Caine warning Trump that attacking Iran could be harder than first expected:

During the discussions of the operation last month to seize President Nicolas Maduro of Venezuela, General Caine told Mr. Trump there was a high likelihood of success. But General Caine has not been able to deliver the same reassurances to Mr. Trump during the Iran discussions, in large measure because it is a far more difficult target. [Vice President JD] Vance, who has long called for more restraint in overseas military action, did not oppose a strike, but he intensely questioned General Caine and Mr. Ratcliffe in the meeting. He pressed them to share their opinions of the options and wanted more of a discussion of the risks and complexity of carrying out a strike against Iran.

The report comes a few days after CBS senior White House reporter Jennifer Jacobs reported top military officials told Trump the military is ready for a potential strike as soon as this weekend. And Axioss Barak Ravid reported on February 18 that a U.S. military operation in Iran would likely be a massive, weeks-long campaign that would look more like full-fledged war than last months pinpoint operation in Venezuela, sources say.

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All of this comes amid months of protests against Irans theocratic regime inside the country.

The Times report added Trump is leaving open the possibility for a military assault later this year intended to help topple Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. It appears this could go a number of ways heading into the big summit this Thursday.

The post US Mulling an Off Ramp On Iran As Top General Advises Trump Iran Attack Would Be Far More Difficult Than Venezuela: NYT first appeared on Mediaite.
The United States on Monday accused China of dramatically swelling its nuclear arsenal, and doubled down on claims that Beijing had conducted secret nuclear tests, demanding again it be part of any future arms control treaty.

Washington said the lapsing earlier this month of New START -- the last treaty between top nuclear powers the United States and Russia -- presented the possibility of striking a "better agreement" including Beijing.

Christopher Yeaw, the US assistant secretary of state for arms control and non-proliferation, told the Conference on Disarmament in Geneva that New START had been seriously flawed and "did not account for the unprecedented, deliberate, rapid and opaque nuclear weapons build-up by China".

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"Despite its claims to the contrary, China has deliberately and without constraint, massively expanded its nuclear arsenal without transparency or any indication of China's intent or end point," he charged.

Chinese ambassador Shen Jian told the conference that his country "firmly opposes the constant distortion and smearing of its nuclear policy by certain countries", insisting that Beijing would not "engage in any nuclear arms race, with any country".

- Parity -

But Yeaw said US officials "believe China may achieve parity within the next four or five years", without elaborating on what he meant by parity.

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Both Russia and the United States have more than 5,000 nuclear weapons, according to the Nobel Peace Prize-winning campaign group ICAN.

But New START, which expired on February 5, restricted the United States and Russia to 1,550 deployed nuclear warheads each -- a number Washington charges Russia has passed and China is fast approaching.

"Beijing is on track to have the fissile material necessary for more than 1,000 nuclear warheads by 2030," Yeaw said.

China's Shen insisted that "China's nuclear arsenal is not in the same league as the countries possessing the largest nuclear arsenals".

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"It is not fair, reasonable or realistic to expect China to participate in the so-called trilateral talks."

But some discussions are underway, said a senior US State Department official, who asked not to be identified.

A "preparatory" meeting had taken place with a Chinese delegation in Washington the day after New START expired, and a more "substantive" meeting was scheduled in Geneva on Tuesday, the official told reporters.

The expiration of New START marks the first time in decades that there is no treaty to curtail the positioning of the planet's most destructive weapons, sparking fears of a fresh arms race.

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Yeaw welcomed the lapsing of the treaty, insisting its numerical limits on warheads and launchers were "no longer relevant", given Russia's alleged violation of the treaty.

He also accused Moscow of helping "boost Beijing's capacity to increase its arsenal size".

- Chinese test claim -

The United States is not "walking away from or ignoring arms control", Yeaw said, insisting: "Quite the opposite is true."

"Our goal, is a better agreement toward a world with fewer nuclear weapons."

Yet Trump said last October that the United States planned to resume nuclear testing to match alleged secret explosions by China and Russia.

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Yeaw, who last week indicated that Trump was serious about returning to testing on an "equal basis", doubled down Monday on US accusations of Chinese secret nuclear tests.

He provided more details on a low-yield test Washington says Beijing conducted in 2020 and accused China of preparing more explosions with larger yields.

Yeaw told the conference that data gathered in nearby Kazakhstan showed China conducted a 2.75-magnitude explosion underground on June 22, 2020 at 0918 GMT.

"The estimated yield of the event was a 10 tonne nuclear explosion, or five tonnes conventional equivalent, which assumes the explosion was fully coupled in hard rock below the water table," he said.

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And "there have been others", the senior US official said, charging that "China has planned to conduct tests with designated yields in the hundreds of tonnes".

In a recent report, the Center for Strategic and International Studies did not find conclusive evidence of an explosion, saying satellite imagery did not show unusual activity at Lop Nur, China's historic testing site in the western region of Xinjiang.

Shen slammed "groundless (US) accusations that China has conducted a nuclear test", accusing Washington of using its claims "as a pretext for itself to resume nuclear testing".

nl/sbk
As New Englanders brace for a powerful blizzard, utility companies say theyve been preparing for days, and theyre warning customers to be ready for power outages that, in some areas, could take several days to restore.

Chris Laird, spokesperson for the National Grid, says it has all hands on deck with 400 line crews pre-staged in high-impact regions, including Southeastern Massachusetts, coastal communities, and the Cape and Islands.

We have all of our teams, all hands on deck, ready to respond to this weather event, Laird said. Thats a mix of company crews, contractors that work on our system every day, and external contractors that have joined us for this event. Theyre here already, theyre staged, ready to go.

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Both National Grid and Eversource are urging customers to charge devices, prepare for potential multi-day outages, and stay far away from downed wires. Crews will be operating in hazardous conditions throughout the storm.

The biggest risk for us is going to be high winds, Laird added. If I can have an ask of everybody: when you see our crews out in this, give them a little extra spaceslow down, go around them. Theyre going to be out moving and doing the best they can.

Eversource sent text alerts warning that blizzard conditions could damage electric systems, advising customers that restoration could take three to five days in the hardest-hit areas.

Were expecting hazardous travel, poor visibility, and of course, heavy snow combined with strong winds, an Eversource spokesperson said. That could bring down tree limbs, it could bring down power lines. And it could also delay our crews abilities to safely assess the damage and access the damage.

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Olessa Stepanova, spokesperson for Eversource, estimates 5% to 10% of its customer base could be affected at some point during the storm and asks for patience as teams work through dangerous conditions.

A lot of times our crews are able to reroute power remotely if they cant access certain areas, if the winds dont allow them to go up in bucket trucks and things like that, Stepanova said. So we do have other ways of restoring power. You may not see crews out there, but that doesnt mean theyre not actively working to restore.

If you lose power, utility companies emphasize: report your outage and dont assume they already know. Report outages via your providers website, mobile app, or phone line, or use text alerts if youre enrolled for updates and restoration estimates. If you see a downed wire, call 911 and your utility immediately.

Boston 25 News will continue to track conditions and restoration efforts throughout the storm.

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This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

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When Vladimir Putin launched his cynically euphemistic special military operation against Ukraine four years ago, it was supposed to last about a week. In that time, according to the Kremlins plan, Volodymyr Zelensky  a supposed Nazi who just happens to be Jewish  was expected to flee Kyiv to some comfortable bolthole in the West.

Safe to say, things have not gone to plan. Ukrainian territory has been occupied, too often after being razed to the ground, and force has been used to the most obscene degree against the civilian population.

Yet, after some successful Ukrainian counterattacks, Russia today occupies less of Ukraines sovereign territory than in the early stages of the war, and its military has proved to be poorly trained, badly led, ill equipped, undisciplined, and not entirely loyal  as was demonstrated by the rebellion staged by the Wagner mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin in 2023, which came surprisingly close to toppling the Russian president himself.

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Russia has threatened the West with nuclear weapons, to no avail, and its economy has been crippled by disinvestment and sanctions. To no small degree does this nominal superpower, with a GDP roughly the size of Italys, rely on aid from China, North Korea and Iran. That, in itself, is a national humiliation.

Such small, incremental gains that have been achieved by Putins forces on the battlefield have been secured at a huge cost  reports estimate 1.3 million dead and injured. With losses of 30,000 plus a month, even Russia will find it difficult to sustain the meat grinder  especially if conscription is avoided in politically sensitive big cities such as Moscow and St Petersburg.

Yet, compared with the battle lines in 2024, Russia now occupies only 1 per cent more Ukrainian land than it did then. No wonder Putin wants the remainder of the Donbas to be handed over without a fight. His aim was to Russify the whole of Ukraine, but he has only succeeded in making the country yearn to be freer and more European.

So far from forcing Nato to retreat, it has expanded, with Sweden and Finland adding substantial heft on Russias western flank and in the Arctic region. In many respects, European Nato has become more united and clearer about the reality of Putins intentions. No one can bank on these for sure, maybe not even the Russian president himself, who prefers to take his opportunities as they present themselves. But there can be no doubt that, as he said on day one, the restoration of Russias post-1945 dominance in Eastern Europe is the clear, overriding ambition.

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That, however, also brings any assessment of this war to the question of Western solidarity, and the response to Putins undisguised aggression. The answer is that the West has been tragically weak, and if it had demonstrated a fraction of the sustained strength of purpose and bravery of the Ukrainians, then by now, the Russians might have been so weakened that theyd sue for peace, rather than play-acting at the talks with Donald Trumps endlessly gullible envoy, Steve Witkoff.

The second coming of Mr Trump was indeed an unwelcome resurrection for most of the European powers, and his peace plan  in reality, a demand for Kyiv to surrender on Russian terms  is obviously a fatal threat to Ukrainian independence. At best, it would dismember the country, and leave it open to a future return of Putins armies and missiles just as soon as he has regrouped and repaired his war machine.

In President Trump, the Russian leader has found a friend, and something far too close to an ideological ally, one who derides the European democracies for their civilisational erasure almost as much as the Kremlin does. Into this moral vacuum should have come a unified European response. But all concerned, not least the Kremlin, can see the dreadful feebleness on show.

The European Union is not a defence union. Even so, its failure to overcome the vetoes of Russia-friendly states, such as Hungary and Slovakia, in order to send more money to Ukraine, is lamentable.

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Poland, one of the few nations to spend what is needed on defence, cannot spare troops to safeguard any ceasefire in Ukraine, because it fears Russian incursions itself. In short, the Macron-Starmer coalition of the willing looks more like a pact of the reluctant.

If President Zelensky is right in his judgement that Putin has already started the third world war, then the verdict at this juncture must be that Ukraine has survived it, and that Russia has not won this first phase. But, given US detachment and European disarray, the next phase, which could easily last for another year or two, will prove even more decisive. It would be reassuring if there were much evidence that Europes leaders really understood the catastrophe their peoples face.
JERICHO  Residents here face a dilemma straight of a Hallmark movie: Their quaint, 200-year-old library needs hundreds of thousands of dollars in structural repairs within the next few years to stay open.

The Jericho Town Library  a white and cozy two-story building that also previously served as a school and a parish house  needs a new foundation and renovations to its attic, front porch and cupola, which is beginning to tilt. It's still safe to be in, but the library's leader believes the building needs repairs in the next two or three years.

Its in great shape for its age, but its at the bottom of a hill, so its sustained a lot of water damage, especially to the crawlspace and attic, said library director Catherine Bass, the only full-time employee.

Jericho Town Library Director Catherine Bass is spearheading fundraising efforts for the beloved 200-year-old building.

Some of the floor is bowing and slowly stuff is shifting, Bass told the Burlington Free Press during a recent tour.

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The structural repairs will cost roughly $317,000, according to Bass. So far the library has raised about $140,000, mostly from the town and the rest from donations, which can be made through its GoFundMe, among other methods.

Bass hopes to make up the remainder on Town Meeting Day, when Jericho voters will decide whether to send $200,000 toward the renovations. If the vote fails, Bass hopes to fall back on grant funding.

The repairs will keep the building standing for generations to come, Bass said, adding later, It plays an important role in Jericho life.

The library is hard for people with disabilities to visit

If the library secures enough money for the repairs, any extra funds raised will go toward improving the buildings accessibility for people with disabilities.

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For instance, patrons must walk up several steps to enter the Jericho Town Library and climb a steeper staircase to visit the second floor. The librarys sole bathroom doesn't comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act, either.

If you use a mobility aid, you cant get in, Bass said. Even if you can enter the building, you might not be able to go upstairs.

The accommodations the library offer disabled patrons, such as home deliveries, are not enough, she added.

We want to provide inclusive services and access to our collection, but thats difficult when some people cant even make it into the building, Bass said. It would be really nice if the building allowed everyone to be able to gather in person.

Jericho resident Tonia Socinski-Barbin depends on the Jericho Town Library for Internet, phone and other vital services after she and her husband got hacked recently.

The librarys top priority would be to build an additional ground floor entrance with a vestibule. The second would be building an accessible bathroom that everyone can use so that people can stay as long as they want to, Bass said.

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Ideally, the library would be able to pay for all of the accessibility upgrades listed in the design plans created by Vermont Integrated Architecture  which include replacing the second-floor staircase and building a space for a lift  but Bass said she'd be ecstatic with just the new entrance and bathroom.

Well revisit the design plans once we know how much money weve raised, she said. Well take as much as we can get and see what we can do with the money."

Should the Jericho Town Library reach its fundraising goal for phase one, structural repairs will likely begin sometime this year. The accessibility upgrades, or phase two, may also start this year, depending largely on the outcome of the vote and how much money the library receives from grants and private donations, according to Bass.

Jericho library building has a unique history

The building was built in 1825 to serve as a church meeting house. About three years later, the prestigious Jericho Academy private school moved in. The academy shuttered less than two decades later, but the building continued to be used by several other schools until around 1890, when it fell back into church hands.

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The library, which started in 1899 and originally operated out of private homes, moved into the building in 1915. In the 1950s, the Country Greek Revival-style building was pulled across the town green by oxen to its current spot to avoid being demolished during a road-widening project.

The town of Jericho acquired it in 2005.

A picture of the Jericho Town Library building in 1927, when it was a prestigious private school called Jericho Academy.

Despite its age, the Jericho Town Library has only become more popular over the past few years  it's frequented not just by residents but by people from Bolton, Essex and Underhill  as the town has invested more into it. Patrons can borrow items, ranging from kitchen supplies to outdoor equipment like snowshoes, and attend events for all ages.

"People continuing to use the library, and use it in numbers we haven't see previously, shows we're meeting a need in the community," Bass said.

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For Jericho resident Tonia Socinski-Barbin, the library's services are helping her and her husband get back on their feet after they were "hacked" and lost access to their internet, cell phones and TV.

"The library has been an absolute lifesaver," said Socinski-Barbin, who supports the ballot item. "They have a phone, so that has been helpful in setting me up to try and get a new phone. They'll help research things for you, and if you're having any problems on the computer, they'll help you with that."

A Burlington Free Press newspaper clipping from November 1999.

Socinski-Barbin, who visits the library once or twice a week, added that she also just enjoys the place's atmosphere. "It's the most intimate library" in the state, she said.

Lindsey Halman, the chair of the library board, offered a similar take.

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"Unlike other library experiences I've had, it doesn't feel like you need to be quiet," said Halman. "There's space for that, but it's also the a hub of the community."

"There's really good energy when you enter  a buzz  which is very unique," Halman said. "It doesn't match the assumption you usually have of libraries, where you grab books and leave. (This library) serves so many purposes."

Bass said sometimes she feel like a librarian in a Hallmark movie.

"Just without the romance," she said, laughing.

Megan Stewart is a government accountability reporter for the Burlington Free Press. Contact her at mstewartyounger@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Burlington Free Press: Historic Jericho Town Library repair money on Town Meeting Day ballot
The extreme heat, high winds, and severe dry conditions that produce towering, fast-moving flames that advance by the acre are not just becoming more common; new research shows that these factors are increasingly arising in multiple regions at the same time, creating the conditions for simultaneous wildfires around the world.

In a study published in the journal Science Advances, researchers reported that the ideal conditions for major wildfires are now aligning across different parts of the world at more than double the rate they did nearly 50 years ago. Climate change is a major driver, accounting for about half of this increase. Its the latest example of how humans are reshaping the nature of wildfires.

These changes have led to periods of inescapable smoke from blazes and more stress on firefighters, expanding the public health, economic, and social costs of infernos. As the climate continues to warm, these trends are likely to continue to worsen.

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Wildfire smoke is already linked to tens of thousands of premature deaths in the U.S., and recent years have shown how this smoke can cross continents and oceans, polluting the air for people far away from the flames. East Coasters might remember how Canadian wildfires a few years ago bathed cities like New York and Philadelphia in an amber haze, triggering air quality warnings. One study found that the smoke from those fires contributed to 82,000 deaths.

Meanwhile, the efforts to contain these devastating blazes are devouring money, time, engines, tankers, and firefighters, often beyond what local fire departments can muster on their own.

But with more wildfires burning in different parts of the world at the same time, countries will have their own blazes to deal with and less outside help will be available.

The result is that we may see more years with multiple major blazes at the same time, and you might find it harder to find clear air to breathe for growing swaths of the year.

Cong Yin, the lead author of the study and a scientist at the University of California Merced, explained that research has been piling up showing that the weather conditions that favor major wildfires are becoming more common in different regions. Yin wanted to take a step back to see if there was a pattern that would emerge when he looked at the world as a whole.

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Yin and his colleagues analyzed global climate and fire data between 1979 and 2024 and traced the fire weather index, a measure of fire dangers based on meteorological traits like temperature, wind, and moisture. The higher the index reaches, the greater the chances of a dangerous wildfire. The team drew on fire activity records from the Global Fire Emissions Database, which uses satellite data and ground-based measurements to track burned areas around the world. The team then counted the number of days where the fire weather index was in the 90th percentile in more than one region.

The results showed that over the study period, days with extreme fire weather conditions were increasing in places inside regions like North America, but also seeing severe fire weather line up across far-flung areas like North America and Europe. That makes it harder to coordinate firefighting efforts across borders.

Weve seen in recent years that countries with major fires have received needed help from neighbors, and from farther away. Teams from Canada and Mexico joined the fight against the Los Angeles wildfires last year, even bringing equipment like tanker aircraft. During the wildfires in Spain last summer, the Netherlands, France, and Italy also sent firefighting aircraft. In past fire seasons, South Africa has sent firefighters to Canada. The U.S., Australia, and New Zealand have a standing firefighting cooperation agreement to share personnel and equipment between the countries.

A fire risk chart in Ruffy, Australia. Jay Kogler / SOPA Images / LightRocket via Getty Images via Vox

However, worldwide, the number of days where severe fire weather has occurred in multiple places at the same time has more than doubled over the majority of fire-prone landscapes. With more fire weather occurring at the same time, countries may not be able to lend out tools and personnel as much because theyll need everyone on deck at home.

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When Yin and his team looked closer at regions like North America, climate variability drivers like the El NinoSouthern Oscillation, the periodic warming and cooling of the Pacific Ocean, tended to create fire weather conditions across the continent. The planets boreal regions  forested areas in northern latitudes  showed the highest levels of synchronized fire weather. They tend to experience extreme heat, little rain, and high winds at the same time more often. At the same time, the research identified areas where fire conditions are becoming less aligned, like Southeast Asia. The researchers think this is likely due to increasing humidity in tropical regions as temperatures rise. That can make it harder to achieve the ideal conditions for a major fire.

To figure out the role of climate change, the researchers constructed a model of a world where the climate hasnt changed and compared it to the observed results of the world were currently in. They also calculated the role of natural climate drivers like the El NinoSouthern Oscillation. When they looked at the difference between the scenarios with and without warming, they found that climate change driven by humans has led to about half of the observed increase in synchronized fire weather since 1979.

Yin cautioned that there are some caveats to consider. Even when weather conditions are favorable to fire, they arent a guarantee that one will ignite. Fires also need fuel and a source of ignition. Without these two ingredients, even the most severe hot, dry, and windy conditions wont lead to a blaze. They are more difficult to predict or measure, Yin said. If we want to do a better job, we need to measure all these three dimensions.

You may have already experienced how wildfires have become impossible to ignore, even when theyre far away, whether youre breathing their smoke or paying for their damages. These results show that millions more people will likely be breathing dirty air with you when a major fire season gets underway.

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Robert Field, a fire researcher at Columbia University, observed that when so many fires burn at the same time, the smoke can pose an even bigger public danger than the flames. Thousands of homes may burn, but millions of people end up breathing dirty air that takes years off their lives. And when these blazes ignite, the resources for containing wildfires may end up spread thin. That could lead to longer stretches of dirty air as well as more costly damages to property, which end up getting passed onto you through higher taxes and insurance rates.

The increasing threat from wildfires is also taxing for firefighters, who are not just facing more dangers to their lives and limbs, but also to their mental health. Field said the study shows that everyone should start preparing for the threat of simultaneous severe fire. I really havent seen a paper like this on a global scale, said Field, who was not involved in the study. I think its a prelude to whats coming.

Its clear then that we cant simply rely on firefighting to cope with this problem.

Many of the ways we measure fire risk today systematically underrate the actual threats that you might face, especially as average temperatures continue to rise and as communities sprawl into fire-prone landscapes.

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Getting an accurate assessment of wildfire risk is critical, even if it is inconvenient for your property values. We also need to invest more in managing the landscape through measures like controlled burns, which can worsen air quality but prevent even worse breathing problems down the line.

And of course, we need to reduce our impact on the global climate by curbing our emissions of greenhouse gases. But until then, keep an eye on the forecast and the air-quality index, and keep an N95 mask close.

Umair Irfan, Vox
Feb. 22 (UPI) -- A nuclear deal will be the subject of negotiations between Washington and Iran Thursday, officials say.

Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will meet with Abbas Araghchi, Iran's foreign minister, in Geneva following receipt of the proposal, which is expected Tuesday.

"If Iran gives a draft proposal, the U.S. is ready to meet in Geneva in order to start detailed negotiations to see if we can get a nuclear deal," officials said, per Axios.

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President Donald Trump had previously suggested that failure to reach a deal would lead to "bad things."

Araghchi is slated to finish that proposal by Monday, the outlet reported.

"So there is no need for any military buildup, and military buildup cannot help it and annot pressurize us," Araghchi said, CBS News reported.

He added that "If the U.S. attacks us, then we have every right to defend ourselves. Our missiles cannot hit the American soil. So obviously we have to do something else. We have to hit, you know, the Americans' base in the region."
In pitching their proposed income tax on households earning more than $1 million a year, Gov. Bob Ferguson and Democrats argue that relatively few Washingtonians would be made to pay.

So what does the data show about where these high earners reside?

The Department of Revenue (DOR) sent McClatchy an estimated taxpayer breakdown by legislative district under Senate Bill 6346, which Democrats and supporters have nicknamed the millionaires tax.

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Ferguson has said that fewer than 0.5% of Washingtonians would be subject to the tax, which would impose a 9.9% levy on annual income exceeding $1 million.

Supporters say the measure is needed to make the rich pay their fair share, and that it would deliver much-needed tax relief to working families and small businesses while investing in critical services. Opponents contend that the income tax is unconstitutional and unpopular, and they worry that lawmakers would later expand it to capture a broader swath of residents.

The Washington State Capitol building, on Monday, Jan. 5, 2026 in Olympia, Wash. (Brian Hayes/bhayes@thenewstribune.com)

Some 20,791 taxpayers would be required to pay the tax, according to a DOR-provided summary of tax year 2028 collections by legislative district. The data includes an other category with 567 filers with addresses that couldnt be linked to a district and 761 nonresident taxpayers; numbers for LDs 14 and 29, which fell below disclosure limits, were not available.

As for how much revenue would be raked in that year, all told: $3,052,721,420, according to the table sent by DOR.

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The top three districts counted more than 2,000 filers apiece: the 41st LD (2,660); the 48th LD (2,371); and the 45th LD (2,004).

Each of these districts include parts of King County  the states most populous and wealthiest county.

On the other end of the spectrum, the 2nd LD spanning parts of Pierce and Thurston counties has 52 filers, per the table.

Tacoma Sen. Yasmin Trudeaus 27th Legislative District holds 209 SB 6346-taxpayers, or about 1% of the total pool.

Trudeau said Tacoma is an inclusive city, one that offers services  including emergency shelter housing  when surrounding cities dont. She said that without such a tax, Tacoma would be hit hard by losing critical services at the federal level, and the state wont have the funds to replace them.

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She added that shes comfortable working to rebalance the states regressive tax code.

Because for me, the people in my district that are struggling and that are working twice as hard for half as much, they dont deserve for the bill to be on their backs, Trudeau said.

House Republican Floor Leader April Connors of Kennewick said she knows of affluent Tri-Cities residents whove left the state because of its increasingly high tax burden.

Washingtons latest revenue forecast, published Feb. 16, was sunnier than expected thanks to last sessions historic set of tax hikes, Connors said. She hopes that Ferguson will rethink the need for an income tax this year.

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In Connors 8th LD, which includes parts of Benton and Franklin counties, 195 taxpayers would face the new 9.9% income tax. She said many are donors who already give 10% or more of their income to Tri-Cities-area nonprofits, churches and other community happenings.

When thats taken away, Connors asked, how much more are they going to really end up being able to support all of our local ventures?

You can look up your legislative district and see a breakdown of millionares across the state using this map:
Whether youre calling it Blizzard Calvin or The Blizzard of 2026, a powerful snowstorm is approaching Connecticut, and residents across the state should be on alert.

This winter weather event will feature unforgiving wind gusts, heavy snow and low temperatures, so everyone is urged to stay indoors throughout the duration.

People are also strongly advised to adhere to parking bans, which have been activated in communities all over Connecticut.

A list of parking bans that have been submitted to FOX61 can be found at this link.

RELATED: Weather Impact Alert: Blizzard of 2026 is moving in now and will last into Monday

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Several dozen municipalities have issued parking bans already, asking drivers to remove their cars from alongside the street.

It is critical that people follow these requests because vehicles left on the street create challenging obstacles for plow truck drivers trying to clear snow.

Crews will attempt to plow snow from curb to curb, but this is impossible if cars are present. Removing vehicles from these areas improves safety and quickens the cleanup process.

Not leaving a car on the street during the storm also ensures that it wont be struck by one of these heavy plow trucks, which must navigate slippery conditions in low visibility.

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It also makes sure fire trucks, ambulances and vehicles carrying first responders or people experiencing health emergencies can get to their destinations unobstructed.

If money is your motivator, removing your car from the road during the blizzard is a great way to avoid fines.

Some cities and towns will even tow away vehicles that are left streetside. Thats an even costlier process.

For those wondering where theyre supposed to move their cars, most communities have designated locations where they can stay during the storm.

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RELATED: Connecticut residents urged to stay off roads until snowstorm passes

Hartford residents can park their cars at Blue Light Lots, city parks, recreation sites, senior centers and authorized school parking lots.

In New Haven, there are several different parking garages where vehicles can be left, and in Bridgeport, school parking lots are available.

In Waterbury, there are city garages to park in for free on Scovill Street and Bank Street. Meanwhile, the primary free location to park in New London is the Water Street Parking Garage.

For those without driveways or off-street parking, your communitys recommendation on where to park during the blizzard can be found with a quick online search.

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FOX61 will continue to update its list of parking bans as they come in.

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Dalton Zbierski is a story desk editor and writer at FOX61 News. He can be reached at dzbierski@FOX61.com.

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In a public note to residents of Wilson County late Friday, County Mayor Randall Hutto said U.S Immigration and Naturalization Services is considering the City of Lebanon for a mega center to hold between 14,000 and 16,000 immigrant detainees from Tennessee and surrounding states.

The proposed facility would employ 4,000 people year-round and be the largest of its kind in the United States, Hutto wrote. The size and scope raise serious safety concerns, he said.

Hutto said he and Lebanon Mayor Rick Bell confirmed ICE is considering a site along Highway 109 South, inside Lebanons city limits, with a senior lawyer in the Department of Homeland Security last week. The mayors did not release an address for the proposed site. Hutto posted Friday that it was within a short distance of four schools, two churches, and a daycare.

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The safety of our children and families is always our top priority, and this proximity gives us great concern, he wrote.

Screenshot from Wilson County Mayor Randall Huttos Facebook page.

Hutto could not be reached over the weekend to address additional questions about the plans outlined by federal officials. The Lookout is seeking additional details from ICE.

The New York Times reported last week that Lebanon is being considered as a site for facilities that hold 10,000-15,000 immigrant detainees. The newspaper cited Department of Homeland Security documents and property records to detail more than a dozen sites across the nation that ICE has proposed or purchased to serve as detention centers for tens of thousands of detainees as the Trump administration pursues a mass immigration detention and deportation agenda.

The size of Lebanons proposed facility dwarfs every other site cited in the newspaper.

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Huttos public note Friday capped a week of uncertainty for residents of the county, which shares a border with Nashvilles Davidson County, as the federal government issued conflicting information.

The Tennessee Lookout reported Feb. 13 a statement from ICE saying it had purchased a Lebanon facility to use for immigrant detention.

ICE released the same statement to other media outlets Feb. 16 and Feb. 17, before reversing itself later on Feb. 17. ICE has NOT purchased a facility in Lebanon, Tennessee. That statement was sent without proper approval and this mistake has since been rectified, ICE wrote in an email to the Lookout and other media outlets late Tuesday.

Two days later, senior counsel for the Department of Homeland Security confirmed to Mayors Hutto and Bell that ICE was actively pursuing property inside the Lebanon city limits for a detention center.

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They are in the due diligence phase of a feasibility study. They have not contacted anyone with the City of Lebanon Utilities or Engineering Departments, Bell, the Lebanon mayor, wrote in a Facebook message. Bell said he had spoken to Republican U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn, who is working along with leaders of the Department of Homeland Security to rectify this situation.

The prospect of an ICE facility in the fast-growing suburban city of more than 51,000 caused an uproar last week. Hundreds turned out to a community meeting Tuesday to urge local officials to to action to stop a detention center, citing opposition to the Trump administrations immigration policies, mistreatment of immigrants and detainees elsewhere, quality of life concerns and the potential strain on already overstretched local infrastructure.

Wilson County is among the states fastest growing; road and sewer infrastructure and school capacity have dominated public policy debates in recent years. The countys low unemployment rates have left private and public employers struggling to fill jobs.

Hutto, Bell, and state lawmakers who represent the district, State Sen. Mark Pody and Rep. Clark Boyd  all Republicans  have all publicly opposed an ICE detention facility in the community.

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From what we know today, this facility would bring more challenges than benefits to our community. We will continue asking questions, pushing for clarity, and sharing information as soon as we receive it, Hutto said Friday.

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I am a proud public school teacher. Ive spent the last 28 years in Wisconsin classrooms  showing up early, staying late, and doing everything I can to make sure my students leave my room with more opportunity than they had when they entered. Im also the president of my union in the McFarland school district.

Just a little over a week ago, I had the opportunity to stand in the capitol with Reps. Joe Sheehan and Francesca Hong and Sens. Kelda Roys and Chris Larson, along with other legislators to uplift what would be a transformative package of legislation called Teaching as a Profession.

Among other things, this series of bills would establish minimum salaries for teachers (on par with elected state legislators, guaranteeing paid prep time for teachers, and paying student teachers to incentivize the next generation of talent in the classroom. In short, I was there to make a powerful statement: Teachers should be treated as professionals.

Decisions made about teachers  but not with teachers

For the past 15 years in Wisconsin, teachers have been denied collective bargaining rights. For 15 years, we have lost our seat at the table when decisions are made about our working conditions, our classrooms, and ultimately our students learning environments. Decisions about curriculum, schedules, staffing, class sizes, and expectations are often made about teachers  but not with teachers.

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Opinion: It's time MPS stops funding buildings instead of children

That loss has mattered.

Because teacher working conditions are student learning conditions.

When teachers do not feel respected, supported, or adequately funded, it directly impacts the education students receive. When classrooms are understaffed, when prep time disappears, when educators are stretched thin or forced to work unpaid hours just to keep schools running, students feel it. Learning suffers. Stability suffers. Relationships suffer.

And yet  no other profession relies so heavily on the goodwill and unpaid labor of its professionals.

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Teachers routinely work nights, weekends, and summers. We buy supplies with our own money. We supervise lunch duty, recess, after-school activities, and student crises  often without compensation  because we care about our students. Caring, however, should not be the business model.

Respect is not a thank-you note. Respect is policy. Respect is funding. Respect is a voice.

That is why the proposed laws we are discussing today matter  not just for teachers, but for the future of public education in Wisconsin.

Wisconsin investing in teachers is investing in students

These proposals recognize something long overdue: that investing in teachers is investing in students.

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Grow Your Own grants would help schools reimburse licensure costs, encourage people to pursue degrees in education, and help paraprofessionals  who already know our students and communities  become licensed teachers. Dual-credit opportunities allow high school students to explore education early, building a sustainable pipeline into the profession.

Longevity bonuses acknowledge experience instead of punishing it. A bonus for teachers licensed for five years or more, and a minimum salary of $100,000 for educators with 20 or more years of service send a clear message: experience matters, and commitment matters. As someone who has been in the classroom for nearly 30 years, that minimum salary guarantee would be 20% more than I am currently making. It would mean that I no longer had to work extra jobs at night in order to pay my daughters college tuition.

Opinion: Many MPS families suffer in silence. We're here to help.

Paying student teachers $15 an hour through DPI reimbursement would remove a significant financial barrier for future educators  especially those from working-class backgroundswhile strengthening mentorship and preparation.

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Guaranteed daily prep time of at least 45 minutes recognizes that effective teaching requires planning, collaboration, and reflection. Paying teachers for non-contracted duties like lunch supervision acknowledges that work is work, no matter when it happens.

Adding a teacher representative to school boards restores a voice to the professionals who understand schools from the inside. And setting teacher pay at no less than the annual salary of a state legislator affirms a powerful truth: educating the next generation is at least as important as governing.

After 28 years, I can tell you this: teachers are not asking for special treatment. We are asking for professional treatment. Doing so requires the state of Wisconsin to make a commitment to adequately funding our public schools. When local communities have to continuously go to referendum to keep their doors open, it pits teachers against the very community they love and work to support. Recognizing the importance of education also requires a commitment to funding it.

These policies do not create luxury. They create sustainability.

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They help retain experienced teachers. They strengthen recruitment. They stabilize classrooms. And most importantly, they give students consistent, supported adults who can focus on teaching  not surviving.

We are asking to be trusted, respected, and included. We are asking for policies that reflect the reality of our work and the value of our students.

When teachers thrive, students thrive. When educators are respected, learning improves. And when schools are built on partnership rather than sacrifice, communities are stronger.

Wisconsins students deserve nothing less.

Angie Bazan has been a proud high school teacher in Wisconsin since 1998. She is the President of the McFarland Federation of Teachers and Vice President for K-12 Education of the American Federation of Teachers-Wisconsin.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: WI Teaching as a Profession law would boost school outcomes | Opinion
Nobody in Washington can seem to make head or tail of Donald Trumps latest attempt to win over Greenland.

The president announced on Saturday that the White House would be sending a great hospital boat to Greenland, though exactly who would be responsible for the projectand why Greenland, which has nationalized health care, would need itwas not clear.

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, Trump posted to Truth Social.

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Its on the way!!! he added.

In the days since, not one agency or office potentially responsible for the unnecessary humanitarian aid has recognized that the boat is a real thing thats actually happening.

In a chain reaction of dodged ownership akin to hot potato, the Pentagon referred questions to the Department of Defenses Northern Command, which redirected questions to the Navy, which in turn sent questions to the White House, CNN reported Monday. The White House has so far failed to share details.

Nonetheless, Landry, who has served as special envoy to Greenland since December, responded to the president on social media that he was proud to be working with the White House on this important issue! In a separate post on Sunday, Landry advertised that once we get everything in place, we would love to welcome all those interested in helping!

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Greenland has expressed zero interest in Washingtons unsolicited aid package. The island currently has six hospitals that serve its 56,000 residents. Remote parts of the Danish-controlled territory have struggled with accessing specialized medical equipmentthough that would hardly be addressed by a centralized boat at the coast.

Furthermore, the issue was tackled earlier this month, when the islands capital city, Nuuk, settled on a new arrangement with Copenhagen that would allow Greenlanders to access specialized health care in Denmark.

That will be no thanks from us, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, the Greenlandic prime minister, wrote on his Facebook page on Sunday. President Trumps idea to send an American hospital ship here to Greenland has been duly noted. But we have a public health system where care is free for citizens.

Denmarks political leadership felt similarly. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen snarked that she was 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.

Trumps offer appears to be just another component to his relentless quest to annex the mineral-rich territory. Trump has claimed that America needs Greenland for defense. But what exactly the White House stands to gain from controlling Greenland isnt clear, especially in light of the fact that myriad existing treaties already give the U.S. unfettered access to Greenland as a military base.
As Chinese citizens enjoyed their Lunar New Year holiday festivities over the weekend, officials in Beijing had even more reason to celebrate.

A US Supreme Court ruling on Friday dealt a major setback to Donald Trumps trade war, severely weakening one of his favourite methods of piling pressure on China.

Coming weeks before Trump is scheduled to meet Xi Jinping, the countrys leader, in Beijing, it could dramatically shift the power balance of that meeting.

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By a majority of six to three, Americas highest court found that the White Houses imposition of duties on foreign countries, allies and enemies alike, was unlawful.

The justices ruled that the president did not have the legal authority to introduce the tariffs under a US law known as the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).

While the ruling has ended punitive import duties for countries around the world, China is one of the biggest beneficiaries.

The ruling quashed so-called reciprocal tariffs as well as an extra 10pc fentanyl duty that Trump had imposed on the country.

China still faces other levies not covered by the ruling and on Saturday the White House introduced a new set of 15pc tariffs under a different set of rules.

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But 15pc is still lower than the reciprocal rates that China had faced. Its average trade-weighted tariff rate has dropped from around 36.8pc to 29.7pc, according to Global Trade Alert, a monitoring service.

US tariffs on Chinese goods are now substantially lower, says William Bain, a trade expert at the British Chamber of Commerce (BCC).

Trump responded furiously to the Supreme Court decision at a White House press conference on Friday, calling the justices an embarrassment to their families.

He told reporters: Foreign countries that have been ripping us off for years are ecstatic.

Chinas trade surplus with the US had rebuilt China ... rebuilt the army, he said. We built Chinas army by allowing that to happen, the US president fumed.

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The trip will be clouded by the loss of one of the presidents most potent trade weapons. At one stage last year, Trumps tariffs on China escalated to 145pc as he sought to wring concessions from Beijing.

Even before the Supreme Court defeat, he had wound back these more punishing measures and had started to ease tensions over security restrictions, allowing the flow of powerful Nvidia AI chips to Chinese companies.

But concessions were offered in the face of equally powerful economic threats from Beijing. The deal last October to allow the sale of Nvidia chips came after China agreed to buy soya beans from the US.

China typically buys about half of the American crop, but had halted purchases abruptly last year, sending shock waves through the swing states in the Midwest dominated by farmers.

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The chips-for-beans deal underlined the fine balance between the two nations when it came to making economic threats.

The soybean card is back in Chinas hand, Wu Xinbo, the director of Fudan Universitys Center for American Studies, told Bloomberg on Sunday.

In an interview with Fox News, Jamieson Greer, the US trade representative, insisted Trumps hand had not been weakened.

We have existing tariffs on China, he said. The president retains a lot of leverage and a lot of ability to raise tariffs on China if necessary.

These include the so-called Section 122 powers used by the White House to impose the blanket 15pc tariffs on the world.

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But this is a blunt and time-limited tool: all nations subject to Section 122 tariffs must be charged the same rate and the levies can only remain in place for 150 days before the president must seek Congresss approval for an extension.

That is far from ideal for a president who has used tariffs as a tool to pursue his foreign policy agenda. Trump has used the levies to economically bully friends and foes alike and has been threatening to use tariffs to get a hold of Greenland.

Trump is now lacking his most powerful trade tool should China choose to further tighten its controls on the trade of rare earth magnets and metals.

These magnets, for which China accounts for about 90pc of global supply, are critical for the manufacture of electric vehicles, renewable energy generators and defence systems.

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Greer insisted that the upcoming meeting between Trump and Xi is not to fight about trade.

Its to maintain stability, make sure that the Chinese are holding up their end of our deal and buying American agricultural products and Boeings and other things, and making sure theyre sending us the rare earth that we need, Greer told ABC.

He added: The president and Xi have a strong relationship.

While imports to the US from China have plunged during the past year, the Supreme Court decision could trigger more Chinese exports  another boost.

Some importers out of China and Vietnam may be enticed to frontload shipments, analysts at Freightos wrote on Sunday. However, they added that high uncertainty may limit the surge.

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Under so-called Section 232 rules, the president can launch tariffs for national security reasons. Section 301 tariffs can be launched over unfair trading practices. Both require investigations to justify, which will probably take months, but the tools are there.

He already managed to justify tariffs on furniture on a national security basis, so Im not sure how high that bar is, says Sam Lowe, a trade policy expert at Flint Global.

Another potential win for China lies in the chaos seeded by the Supreme Court ruling. Bain at the BCC has said some British businesses are beginning to turn their backs on the US after months of flip-flopping on tariffs and restrictions. China may look like an ocean of stability by comparison.

Ultimately, the Chinese will take this in their stride, says Douglas McWilliams of the Center for Economic Business Research.

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Beijing has already moved to reduce its reliance on US technology and imports. McWilliams says: The Chinese are looking in a different direction now.

That may irk Trump just as much as the Supreme Court blow. If theres one thing the president hates, its being made to feel unimportant.

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NEW YORK (AP)  A massive snowstorm pummeled the northeastern United States from Maryland to Maine on Monday, forcing millions of people to stay home amid strong wind and blizzard warnings, transportation shutdowns, and school and business closures.

Meteorologists said the storm is the strongest in a decade, dumping more than 2 feet (60 centimeters) of snow in parts of the metropolitan Northeast, shattering accumulation records in places, immobilizing transit and even leading the United Nations to postpone a Security Council meeting. Officials declared emergencies, schools closed, including in New York City, which had its first old-school snow day in six years, and people grappled with power failures.

Even as the snow moved northward and tapered off in other areas, the National Weather Service said it is tracking another storm that could bring more snow to the region later this week.

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The weather service referred to Monday's storm as a classic bomb cyclone/noreaster off the Northeast coast. A bomb cyclone happens when a storm's pressure falls by a certain amount within a 24-hour period, occurring mainly in the fall and winter when frigid Arctic air can reach the south and clash with warmer temperatures.

While it was paralyzing and potentially dangerous for millions along the Eastern Seaboard, meteorologists found themselves rhapsodizing over the combination of power and beauty.

The storm hit the Goldilocks situation of just the right temperature for wet, heavy snow: Any warmer and its precipitation wouldnt have fallen as snow, any colder and there wouldnt have been as much moisture in the air to feed that snowfall, said Owen Shieh, warning coordination meteorologist at the National Weather Services Weather Prediction Center in Maryland.

People begin digging out even as snowfall continues

In Lower Manhattan, snow shovelers appeared to outnumber commuting office workers, and pedestrians walked freely in streets normally blocked by morning traffic.

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Its very quiet, except for the howling winds, said Luis Valez, a concierge at a residential tower just off Wall Street, as he cleared the sidewalk. A couple of residents have gone out to get their essentials. Other than that, theres nothing.

Matthew Wojtkowiak, 57, an attorney, was also shoveling in his Brooklyn neighborhood.

Im from the Midwest, so this is in the zone, he said. Not too bad, not too easy, either.

Schools were closed, and he said he hoped people would get out and enjoy the snow.

We have sleds at the ready, he said.

Karen Smith and Adele Bawden are tourists visiting New York from the United Kingdom.

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Weve been dancing in Times Square this morning in the middle of the road in rush hour, Bawden said. "Weve just been dancing and not believing we could do it.

Ingrid Devita said she liked to patrol the Lower East Side on skis, checking on people who might need help.

I find people fall in the snow and they cant get up, she said.

Central Park in New York City recorded 19 inches (48 centimeters) of snow. Warwick, Rhode Island, exceeded 3 feet (91 centimeters), topping the nation so far. The highest wind gust of 83 mph (133 kph) was recorded in Nantucket, with hurricane-force gusts seen all over Cape Cod.

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In Connecticut, crews at the Mystic Seaport Museum prepared to clear snow from a fleet of historic ships, including the 113-foot-long Charles W. Morgan, a wooden whaling ship from the 19th century American merchant fleet.

Shannon McKenzie, vice president of watercraft operations and preservation, said shipyard staff will clear the snow by hand using rubber or plastic shovels because machinery or metal shovels could damage the boats.

Storm fuels power outages and disrupts flights

New York, Philadelphia and other cities, as well as several states, declared emergencies.

More than 5,600 flights in and out of the United States were canceled Monday, and a further 2,000 flights scheduled for Tuesday were grounded, according to the flight tracking website FlightAware. Most of the cancelations involved airports in New York, New Jersey and Boston. Almost 2,500 flights were delayed.

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Rhode Islands T.F. Green International Airport announced Monday that it was temporarily ending all airport operations. The Weather Service reported that the facility got nearly 38 inches (96.5 centimeters) of snow, breaking a record set in 1978.

Public transit ground to a halt in some areas, while DoorDash suspended deliveries in New York City overnight into Monday.

Meteorologists said strong winds and heavy, wet snow are a recipe for damaged trees and prolonged power outages.

More than 450,000 utility customers nationwide remained in darkness Monday evening, according to PowerOutage.us, which tracks outages nationwide.

Snow slows commuter transport and forces snow days

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority said Monday evening that subway lines are mostly operational after earlier delays, with the exception of the hard-hit borough of Staten Island, where rail service remained suspended. Delays would likely continue on lines that run outdoors.

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Commuter rail service to suburbs to the north and east of the city were expected to resume limited service ahead of the Tuesday morning commute, the MTA said. Bus commuters should also expect long wait times.

Outreach workers meanwhile tried to coax homeless New Yorkers into shelters and warming centers.

Various landmarks and cultural institutions were closed Monday, including New Yorks Museum of Modern Art and the Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C. Broadway shows were canceled Sunday evening.

New York City and Boston canceled public school classes for Monday, while Philadelphia switched to online learning. Districts on Long Island and elsewhere in the New York suburbs said they would cancel school for a second day on Tuesday.

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But New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani said class would be back in person.

Officials in one of the city's Republican strongholds criticized the Democratic mayor's move. Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella said schools should remain closed because roads are impassable and sidewalks are blocked. The teachers union, the United Federation of Teachers, advised its members to be cautious and put their safety first when deciding whether to report to work.

Spokespersons for Mamdani didnt respond to an email seeking comment but his schools chief defended the decision on social media.

Chancellor Kamar Samuels said the district couldnt be 100% certain that every student would have access to the devices they needed for remote learning, despite school officials best efforts to distribute them ahead of the storm.

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We are confident in our decision to reopen, he wrote on X. Our schools and city are ready to welcome students and staff back tomorrow.

___

Izaguirre reported from Albany, New York, and Rush reported from Portland, Oregon. Associated Press writers Mike Catalini in Morrisville, Pennsylvania; Mark Kennedy and Mike Sisak in New York; Darlene Superville in Washington; Susan Haigh in Hartford, Connecticut; Christopher Weber in Los Angeles; and Philip Marcelo in Buenos Aires, Argentina contributed.
More than 40 million people were under weather warnings in the northeastern United States on Monday, as a winter storm dumped shin-deep snow and officials in New York enforced a citywide travel ban.

The so-called "Nor'easter" pummeled the region overnight, disrupting flights and leaving hundreds of thousands of homes and businesses without power.

New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani ordered nonessential drivers off the road until midday Monday and shut down schools. Authorities in neighboring New Jersey and Rhode Island issued similar travel restrictions.

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Some were frustrated by the region's second major winter storm in weeks.

"I'm sick of it. I don't want to see no more snow," Vincent Greer, a resident of Wildwood, New Jersey, said as he shoveled outside his building.

Meanwhile, at New York's Grand Central station, others were admiring the city blanketed in white.

"It's beautiful," Chris Crowell, 45, told AFP after a walk with a friend. "So much snow, it's just gorgeous. We did not expect to be out this long."

The National Weather Service said snowfall would ebb overnight, but warned that strong winds would still create blizzard conditions in some areas.

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As of 4:00 pm (2100 GMT), more than 5,600 flights in or out of the United States were canceled and hundreds more delayed, according to tracking service FlightAware.

New York's three major airports as well as Boston Logan Airport saw the most cancellations.

Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport registered almost three feet (32.8 inches, or 83 centimeters) of snow by Monday lunchtime -- a record-shattering toll for the state.

- 'Historic proportions' -

The storm comes just weeks after the region recovered from another devastating winter weather system that was linked to more than 100 deaths.

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Officials did not hold back in their public warnings ahead of the latest snowfall, urging residents to stay home and avoid congesting roads.

"I know that this is a city full of people who do not like to sit still," Mayor Mamdani said at a briefing, warning New Yorkers of continuing danger from the storm.

Citing the "historic nature of this blizzard," he announced the city would up its hourly rate from $19.14 to $30 for emergency snow shovellers in a bid to clear up public areas quicker.

Some 19.7 inches (50 centimeters) of snow were recorded in Central Park, the most at New York City's official reporting station from a single storm in over a decade.

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The United Nations, which is headquartered in the city, was closed Monday.

Snowplows deployed across the northeast as officials sought to reduce prolonged disruption.

Major cities including New York and Philadelphia advertised dedicated warming centers for people caught outside in the cold.

Further north, a travel ban in Rhode Island was prolonged until Tuesday, while Massachusetts's governor announced new restrictions for nonessential driving in parts of the state.

A closure of Boston public schools was extended to Tuesday due to the heavy snow.

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President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that Moscow and Minsk are once again talking about joint military drills on the territory of Belarus.

Source: Zelenskyy in an interview with Belarusian independent media outlet Zerkalo (Mirror), as reported by European Pravda.

Details: Zelenskyy recalled that when Russia and Belarus held "very large-scale" drills, the offensive into Ukraine began.

"I know that they are talking about military drills together with Russia on the territory of Belarus. Again. We will see how large they will be," he said.

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Zelenskyy stressed that all this poses major risks for Ukraine.

"And, I believe, major risks for Belarusians," he added.

Background:

It is worth noting that Poland's border with Belarus was fully closed during the Russian-Belarusian Zapad-2025 drills.

Lithuania then extended the closure of part of its airspace along the border with Belarus, introduced initially ahead of Russian-Belarusian Zapad military drills, until 1 December.

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As white Zimbabwe farmers again ask the Trump administration to weigh in on long-promised government compensation for their evictions 25 years ago, many of them are increasingly ageing and desperate.

Farmers' unions engaged a US lobbying firm late last year to raise their plight in Washington in the hopes of a funding breakthrough, according to a public disclosure filing.

The government of Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa has been unable to deliver on a 2020 deal to pay compensation of $3.5 billion to about 3,500 commercial farmers evicted in a botched land reform programme in the early 2000s.

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Saddled by $21 billion debt, the government changed the offer in 2023 to one percent in cash with the remainder in US-dollar-denominated Zimbabwean treasury bonds with two percent interest.

Nearly 1,000 farmers have signed up, Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube told AFP, with several hundred reportedly already receiving some cash and bonds last year.

However, the process has been opaque and achingly slow, and many farmers have refused the new deal.

Outside intervention is "not necessarily a bad thing," Ncube said about reports of hiring US firm Mercury Public Affairs, which has ties to President Donald Trump's administration.

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"We are committed to paying and if they are trying to get other people to get us to pay, we have no problems with that," Ncube told AFP.

"We are paying anyway and we would like to pay faster," he said.

- 'Desperate' -

According to a letter in a Department of Justice disclosure filing, four groups representing former commercial farmers engaged the firm to support their bid for "full compensation".

The group would contact administration representatives "to promote paying the Zimbabwean farmers the remaining balance of USD 3.5 billion owed," it said.

This could be through new financing from international institutions such as the World Bank.

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With many farmers now in their 70s and 80s, some are in financial difficulty, said Harry Orphanides from the Property and Farm Compensation Association, one of the groups that approached the US firm.

"It's a serious strain on the farmers, especially those who are elderly and have no other sources of income as they were completely dependent on farming," Orphanides told AFP.

"Some of them are really desperate," he said.

About 4,000 farms were seized without compensation in the late President Robert Mugabe's landreform drive, which aimed to redistribute the country's arable land -- then largely owned by the white minority -- to black subsistence farmers.

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It was marked by violent invasions in which farmers were killed. Many farms ended up in the hands of government or ruling party cronies while some fell into neglect.

The damage caused to the agriculture sector ravaged the economy and lead to food shortages.

With the 2020 Global Compensation Deed (GCD), the government agreed to payments for infrastructure and improvements to farms, but not the value of the land, considered to have been seized by colonial settlers.

- Transactional -

Obtaining US government intervention "may depend on whether there's anything (President Donald) Trump wants from Zimbabwe," rights lawyer Siphosami Malunga told AFP.

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"New US foreign policy in Africa is more transactional," he said.

The issue was morally and legally complex, he said, with compensation for colonial-era crimes, including land dispossession, yet to be addressed.

At the same time, the white farmers "were promised compensation and it has not been paid so they are entitled to fight for it whichever way," Malunga said.

"If the Trump administration does take this up, it will likely seek some kind of deal," said South Africa-based analyst Nicole Beardsworth, calling it a "risky prospect".

There could be demands for access to Zimbabwe's significant mineral resources, she said, warning of possible "unintended consequences that far exceed the compensation they are seeking".

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Opposition politician Trust Chikohora said forcing the government to pay quickly was "not sustainable".

It was unhelpful to "put pressure on the government to fulfil things which are impossible to fulfil," he said.

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Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been branded "rude and arrogant" by a minister, as the government agreed to release documents about the former prince's time as a UK trade envoy.

The former prince faces accusations of sharing sensitive information with paedophile Jeffrey Epstein while acting as a special representative for trade and investment between 2001 and 2011.

Speaking to MPs in the Commons on Tuesday, 24 February, trade minister Sir Chris Bryant confirmed Labour would agree to a move by the Liberal Democrats to compel ministers to release files relating to Andrews appointment for the role, including any vetting and any correspondence from Lord Peter Mandelson.

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However, in a savage statement to MPs, Bryant described Andrew as "a man on a constant self-aggrandising and self-enriching hustle", and "a rude, arrogant and entitled man who could not distinguish between the public interest, which he said he served, and his own private interest".

Bryant was one of multiple MPs to speak out about their concerns over Andrew's role as a trade envoy.

Ahead of the debate, Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey said: "The public want some answers to this scandal.

"There's a general principle behind this debate... whoever you are, whatever your title, whoever your friends are, you should be subject to parliamentary scrutiny, and I think transparency and openness is the way forward if we're going to restore trust."

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Bryant also said he wanted to manage peoples expectations about how quickly the papers on Andrew can be released, due to the age and quantity of the material, and the live police investigation.

Andrew was arrested on 19 February on suspicion of misconduct in public office. Emails released by the US Department of Justice appeared to show the former duke sharing reports of official overseas visits with the disgraced financier.

Andrew, who has consistently denied all claims made against him in relation to Epstein, was held in custody for 11 hours before being released under investigation.

The arrest has sparked calls for Andrew to be removed from the line of succession.

We have paused our live coverage of this developing story. For the latest updates go to the Yahoo homepage.
Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso (PANA) - The Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has strongly condemned the heinous and coordinated terrorist attacks perpetrated on 21 February, 2026 in the state of Zamfara, northwest of Nigeria, which resulted in the death of more than 50 civilians and the abduction of women and children
New Delhi: Recently, IDFC First Bank became the center of a financial controversy when an alleged fraud was uncovered connected to one of its borrowers. Heres a clear, step-by-step explainer of the situation, its impact, and what authorities are doing.

What Triggered the Controversy?

An investigation revealed that a large borrowing company  allegedly linked to individuals from Haryana  had taken loans from IDFC First Bank but failed to repay, raising suspicion of fraud. Regulatory bodies and law enforcement began probing the matter, prompting media and market scrutiny.

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Who Is Being Investigated?

Authorities are looking into:

The borrower company accused of defaulting

People allegedly involved in misusing the loans

Bank officials role in the loan approval process

State and central agencies are coordinating to uncover possible wrongdoing.

What Is the Amount Involved?

While exact numbers can vary depending on the stage of the investigation, reports indicate the total implicated loan amount runs into several hundreds of crores. This has raised concerns about credit risk and due diligence practices.

How Did This Happen?

Preliminary findings suggest issues with:

Weak risk assessment or monitoring by the bank

Possible falsified financial documents from the borrower

Inadequate collateral coverage for large exposures

Investigators are reviewing loan documentation and communications to determine whether fraud was deliberate or procedural gaps led to the default.

What Is the Banks Response?

IDFC First Bank has said it is cooperating fully with investigators. It also stated that it follows standard credit policies and is working to recover dues. The bank maintains that provisions have been made for bad loans as per regulatory requirements.

How Did the Market React?

News of the alleged fraud and investigation triggered a drop in IDFC First Banks share price on the stock market. Investors reacted to concerns about asset quality and potential financial strain on the bank.

Market analysts typically watch:

Net non-performing assets (NPAs)

Provisioning requirements

Capital adequacy ratios

Any perceived increase in stressed assets can weigh on investor confidence.

Is the Fraud Confirmed?

At this stage, the matter is under investigation by law enforcement and financial regulators. An allegation does not equal a legal conviction, and due process is underway to establish facts and liabilities.

What Regulators Are Doing

Regulatory and enforcement agencies  including:

Economic Offences Wing (EOW)

Central financial regulators

State police

 are reviewing forensic evidence, bank records, and communications to determine whether criminal fraud has occurred and who is responsible.

How This Could Impact IDFC First Bank

Potential outcomes include:

Increased provisions for bad loans

If the bank must set aside more money for loan losses, profitability could be affected.

Regulatory action or fines

If gaps in risk management are found, authorities may impose sanctions.

Recovery actions

Efforts to recover defaulted amounts through legal and asset-seizure mechanisms.

Operational reviews

The bank may tighten credit risk policies and strengthen monitoring.

What This Means for Customers and Investors

For customers, there is no direct impact on savings or deposit accounts protected by regulatory safeguards such as deposit insurance.

For investors, this situation underscores the importance of:

Evaluating credit risk in bank stocks

Monitoring banks asset quality indicators

Understanding how governance and loan screening affect valuations

The Bottom Line

The IDFC First Bank fraud case is an ongoing investigation into alleged loan default and potential financial irregularity linked to a large borrowing account. Authorities are working to determine whether fraud occurred, while the bank assures it is cooperating and has made provisions for potential losses.

The situation has prompted market reaction and scrutiny of risk management practices  but it remains a developing story until legal and regulatory investigations conclude.
CUET PG City Intimation Slip 2026: The National Testing Agency (NTA) has released the Common University Entrance Test for Postgraduate (CUET PG) 2026 schedule on its official website. As per the schedule, CUET PG 2026 exams will be conducted from March 6 to March 27, 2026.

As the exam approaches, registered candidates are now eagerly waiting for the CUET PG 2026 city intimation slip, which will inform them about the city allotted for their examination centre.

According to media reports, the CUET PG 2026 city intimation slip is expected to be released by February 24, 2026, on the official website - exams.nta.nic.in.

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Students who have successfully registered for the exam will be able to download this slip by logging in with their application number and password.

CUET PG 2026: What the City Intimation Slip includes

The city intimation slip will typically contain key details such as:

Candidates name and application number

Allotted exam city

Exam date

Important instructions for candidates

Students must know that the slip does not serve as the admit card. The actual CUET PG 2026 admit card, which is necessary for entry into the examination hall, is expected to be released separately around March 1, 2026.

How to Download the CUET PG 2026 City Intimation Slip

To download the city intimation slip, students will need to follow the steps given below-

Visit the official NTA CUET PG portal at exams.nta.nic.in.

Click on the CUET PG login link.

Enter your application number and password.

Find and download the city intimation slip PDF.

Students should keep checking the official website for the slip release and avoid relying on unofficial sources.

Why the City Intimation Slip Matters

The city intimation slip helps candidates plan their travel and accommodation well in advance since it confirms the city where they will take the exam. Without this, candidates may face lastminute difficulties reaching their exam centres on time.

After downloading the city slip, students should prepare for the next major update to the CUET PG 2026 admit card, which contains the exact exam centre, reporting time, and other crucial details. This is expected to be released a few days before the exam starts.
HSC Chemistry Paper Leak: According to the latest reports, the Nagpur Police in Maharashtra have arrested two individuals for allegedly sharing an HSC chemistry question paper in a WhatsApp group shortly before the exam. The Maharashtra State Board has clarified that this does not constitute a paper leak, and no re-examination will be conducted.

Police stated that one of the accused is associated with a small tuition centre, while the other was a member of the WhatsApp group where the paper was circulated. Sadar Police Inspector confirmed that the arrests were made around 3 AM and the investigation is ongoing.

The identities of the accused cannot be revealed until the main source of circulation is traced. The tuition centre reportedly has 1012 students, who are yet to be questioned as the exams are still in progress.

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Also Read: Thought of the day by A. P. J. Abdul Kalam

The incident came to light on February 18, 2026, at Nagpurs Mankapur area when an invigilator at St. Ursulas College noticed a student spending nearly 20 minutes in the washroom during the chemistry exam scheduled at 11 AM.

Upon questioning, the student was found carrying a mobile phone, which is prohibited inside the exam hall. Further investigation revealed that an image of the chemistry question paper had been shared in a WhatsApp group between 10:37 AM and 10:40 AM, just minutes before the exam. Officials also discovered that the physics paper conducted on February 16 had been circulated in the same group earlier that same day.

The WhatsApp group reportedly included 12 students. Authorities confirmed that although one student saw the message notification, she did not open it and could not use her phone during the exam, gaining no advantage. Another student from the group was later questioned, confirming her membership in the same group. Board officials emphasized that the HSC exams will continue as scheduled, as the circulation was limited to a small group of students.

Similar incidents in the past prompted the board to revise exam procedures. Previously, sealed question paper bundles were opened 10 minutes before exams, which may have allowed opportunities for papers to be photographed and shared. Now, papers are distributed at the scheduled start time, with an additional 10 minutes added at the end of the exam to accommodate students.
Two schools in Delhi, Army Public School in Dhaula Kuan and Air Force Bal Bharti School, Lodhi Rd., have received bomb threat emails on Monday, Delhi Fire Service officials said.

According to the report Delhi Fire Service and police officials are on site. However, nothing has been found so far.

The officer at the scene said that teams from the Delhi Police, bomb disposal unit, canine squad, and fire department are actively responding to the situation.

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"We are verifying the source of the email. So far, nothing suspicious has been found. As a precautionary measure, a thorough search operation is underway on the school premises, which has been vacated," a senior police officer said regarding the threat to APS Dhaula Kuan, as per the reports.

The school administration informed authorities in the morning after receiving an email warning that an bomb had been planted on campus. Later, cyber cell has been called to track the source of the email and get the identity of the person who sent it, according to officials.

We are also verifying whether similar threats were sent to other institutions, a police officer added.

There has been a recent surge in bomb threat emails targeting schools in Delhi and Noida, Uttar Pradesh, as well as courts nationwide. While all have turned out to be hoax, they cause panic among students and parents.

Earlier on Thursday, three other schools in Delhi, including CRPF Public School in Rohini, St. Thomas School in Dwarka, and DAV Centenary Public School in Paschim Enclave also received bomb threat emails in the morning, leading to immediate evacuations and searches by multiple agencies. Police have since declared those threats a hoax.

Parents and the public have been urged to stay calm as security checks and sanitisation procedures continue.

The recent threat are in line with the rising trend in Delhi-NCR. Last year, over 500 such cases were reported, and at least four bomb threat emails that have targeted schools in the region in the last two weeks alone. Police also cautioned school authorities to stay vigilant and make sure all precautionary actions are strictly adhered.
Sarah Baloch MMS viral video:

Every 'Sarah Baloch viral MMS' link is a trap. She is a Pakistani lifestyle creator from Balochistan who has not leaked any video. Her image is weaponised without consent in a phishing campaign using fake 'Assam incident' headlines to push Indian users into malware. This is not a scandal; it is the latest operation in a global deepfake nudity epidemic.

Who is Sarah Baloch? What actually happened to her

Sarah Baloch documents rural Balochistan on TikTok and Instagram. In a criminal case, three men intercepted her during a content shoot, forcibly filmed her, then demanded money. When she refused, they circulated clips on WhatsApp to extort her. She filed a complaint; all three were arrested. That real case is now hijacked by scammers attaching her name to a fake 'Assam video' to push phishing links across India.

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Why are Deepfake MMS videos flooding Social Media in 2026?

Sarah Baloch is one victim in a global epidemic. Europol estimates 90 percent of all online content could be synthetically generated by 2026. Deepfake incidents rose 257 percent between 2022 and 2024. Between 96 and 98 percent of all deepfake videos online are non-consensual intimate imagery and 99 to 100 percent of victims are women. AI nudification tools are now freely available, creating a factory-scale abuse machine that scammers weaponise alongside phishing infrastructure.

ALSO READ | MMS Viral Video: Why the 'Pinay Gold Medalist' Zyan Cabrera leak is a scam

Trending Viral Videos searches: How the scam funnel actually works

Scammers do not create trends; they hijack them. The moment Sarah Baloch's name spiked on Google Trends, criminals plugged it into the same phishing infrastructure used against Angel Nuzhat, Aroob Jatoi, and Arohi Mim. Every trending viral video search runs the same four-stage funnel. The payload is never a video. The trigger is psychological: when millions appear to be searching for the same clip, volume feels like proof.

Stage 1 - Trend hijack: Scammers monitor Google Trends in real time and flood social media with the trending name within hours.

Stage 2 - The hook: Her blurred photo is paired with a caption like 'Assam viral video' to manufacture urgency for Indian users.

Stage 3 - The redirect chain: Clicking routes through 35 shady domains before delivering a malware APK or a fake login page that harvests your credentials.

Stage 4 - The payload: No video ever loads. Instead, spyware steals your UPI pins, intercepts OTPs, and auto-forwards the link to your entire contact list.

Legal Warning: Sharing these links is a criminal offence

India's IT Rules 2026 mandate platforms remove deepfake nudity within two hours, the world's tightest window. Forwarding such content under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita carries five years imprisonment. Pakistan's PECA 2016 is identical. Report links at cybercrime.gov.in. Sarah Baloch is a crime victim.

ALSO READ | ChiChi viral video: Is Vera Hill's leaked MMS real or phishing scam?
The Delhi legislative assembly recieves bomb threat through email on Monday, hours after the Army Public School in Dhaula Kuan, Air Force Bal Bharati School Lodhi Road recieve dbommb threat.

The Delhi fire service department received a phone call around 12:00 PM, and teams were dispatched to the location, where nothing was found.

Delhi Police says, "A bomb threat sent via email threatens to destroy the Army School, the Red Fort, and the Delhi Legislative Assembly. Nothing suspicious has been found so far. The email mentions a Khalistani group" https://t.co/D1WpF1qFDS  ANI (@ANI) February 23, 2026

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Following the hoax bomb threat, a team of Delhi police started investigating the matter, as the threats mentioned a Khalistani group.

Also Read: 2 Delhi schools including Army Public receive bomb threat emails; search underway

Earlier today, two schools based in the National Capital, Army Public School Dhaula Kuan and Air Force Bal Bharati School Lodhi Road recieved email bomb threats, which were followed by the February 21 intel by intelligence, which warned of a potential terrorist threat near the Red Fort, with sources indicating that a temple in the Chandni Chowk area could be a target.

According to intelligence sources, religious spots near Red Fort and in Chandni Chowk are still targets for Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).

The recent threats also align with a sharp surge in Delhi-NCR hoax incidents. Last year alone saw over 500 such cases, with at least four school-targeted bomb threats in the past two weeks.

Delhi Police urged school authorities to remain vigilant and strictly enforce all precautionary measures.

On 22nd February, Delhi Police dismantled a terror network allegedly tied to Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), with its handler directing operations from Bangladesh.

Additional Commissioner of Police Pramod Kumar Kushwaha revealed eight arrests from joint operations in Kolkata and Tamil Nadu. The suspects include seven Bangladeshi nationals and one Indian from West Bengal.

This bust aligns with recent crackdowns on cross-border modules amid rising hoax threats and reconnaissance plots in Delhi-NCR.














Bihar: Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha on Monday announced that the state government will soon ban the open sale of meat and fish near schools, religious institutions and in densely populated public areas, citing concerns over hygiene and public order.

Speaking to the media, Sinha described the move as a fresh initiative by the newly formed government. He said the decision was taken after a meeting held under the Urban Development Department, where issues raised by intellectuals during the Jankalyan Samvad were discussed in detail. According to him, the government treated those concerns seriously before arriving at the decision.

He said the restriction is being introduced keeping health considerations in mind, along with the need to maintain social harmony and discourage violent tendencies among children. The ban will apply to areas around educational and religious institutions as well as crowded open spaces.

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Sinha clarified that the government has no objection to anyones food preferences. However, he stressed that strict steps are necessary to ensure that public sentiments are respected, social decorum is maintained and the environment is kept clean.

Earlier, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar highlighted the governments broader priorities, stating that the programmes under Saat Nischay-3 have been rolled out following the formation of the new government on November 20, 2025. Under the seventh resolve of the 202530 agenda, titled Sabka Samman Jeevan Aasaan, the administration aims to make everyday life easier for citizens.

In a post on X, Kumar said several decisions have also been taken to ensure the dignity and convenience of pedestrians. He noted that rising incomes have led to a steady increase in the number of vehicles on Bihars roads, which in turn has created challenges for those on foot. Emphasising that safe and dignified walking is a basic right, he said the Transport Department has been instructed to take necessary measures so pedestrians do not face inconvenience.

(with ANI inputs)
Mexico's most wanted and dangerous drug lord, Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, famously known as "Ek Mencho" was killed in a military operation. His death triggered the coordinated violence across several Mexican states. Overseeing the situation countries like United States, India and Canada issued advisories to their citizens.

His death brought a relief for not only Mexico and neighbouring countries, but Indian agencies too, have much to relax and smile about owing to this development.

The narcotics rackets in India is primarily controlled by the Dawood Ibrahim syndicate, which has Haji Salim like elements, who lead the operations.



However, since last few years, other international actors have begun operating in Indian waters. El Menchos name emerged after the Indian Coast Guard seized a large drug consignment from a fishing trawler in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands on November 25, 2024. This marked the first instance in which authorities discovered that Mexican operatives, working in coordination with Chinese players, were involved in the drug trade in India.

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What made this seizure unique was the sheer value of the drugs smuggled through Indian waters. The Indian Coast Guard confiscated 6,000 kg of methamphetamine, worth Rs 6,000 crore. Officials noted that narcotics of such magnitude are typically managed only by major cartels. The authorities suspected that the consignment was transported by the Jalisco New Generation cartel, led by El Macho in Mexico, in coordination with the Chinese cartel headed by Tse Chi Lop, widely known as the Chinese El Chapo.

An official said that agencies are already actively dealing with the narcotics networks run by Dawood Ibrahim and the ISI. In recent months, other international cartels had also started operating in Indian waters. The elimination of El Mencho provides relief to Indian authorities, as it is expected to reduce the involvement of international players, at least temporarily.

The cartel led by El Mencho has an extensive and intricate network, involving Chinese operatives who have further delegated responsibilities to individuals from Myanmar.

El Menchos cartels have been active in India since 2019, when methamphetamine was seized in the Andaman Sea. In that operation, six Myanmarese nationals were involved on behalf of the cartel. Investigations have revealed that the drugs smuggled by El Menchos network are of significantly higher quality than those trafficked by Dawood Ibrahim, leading to naturally higher demand, an officer explained.

It is also said that El Mencho, along with Chinese El Chapo, used the Andaman Sea heavily to traffic narcotics. The main destination is not just India, but the maximum quantity was snuggled into Thailand through the Indian waters.

With the input from IANS...
Former Railway Minister and TMC leader Mukul Roy has passed away due to cardiac arrest early on Monday.

Roy, 71, was admitted at the Apollo Hospital in Salt Lake, Kolkata, breathed his last around 1.30 am.

His son Subhranshu Roy has confirmed the demise of veteran TMC leader. His son said, "He was suffering from multiple ailments,, according to Indian Express.

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Mukul Roy, one of the founding members of Trinamool Congress (TMC), which was established in January 1998, was once regarded as a close confidant of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.



Like Banerjee, Roy began his political journey with the Youth Congress in West Bengal. After the formation of the TMC, he played a key organisational role and was appointed the partys general secretary.

Over time, he became the partys prominent representative in New Delhi. He was elected to the Rajya Sabha in 2006 and served as the partys leader in the Upper House from 2009 to 2012.

In the UPA government's second term, he initially served as Minister of State, Shipping. He later went on to assume office of Union Railway Minister in March 2012, replacing party colleague Dinesh Trivedi.

Often referred to as the Chanakya of Bengal politics, he was long regarded as the second-in-command of the TMC and a key strategist for the party in both West Bengal and New Delhi.

After the TMC ended 34 years of Left Front rule in 2011 and Mamata Banerjee assumed office as Chief Minister, Roy played a crucial role in consolidating the partys position in West Bengal.

As the partys general secretary until 2015, he managed a significant wave of defections from the CPI(M) and the Congress, bolstering the TMCs political strength across the state.

Mukul Roy's political career had also been embroiled in controversy when his name was linked to both the Saradha chit fund scam and the Narada sting operation.

As his differences with the TMC widened, he formally joined the Bharatiya Janata Party in November 2017. Roy played a key role in strengthening the partys presence in West Bengal, contributing to its victory in 18 seats during the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

He also helped the BJP attract several senior TMC leaders and was elected as a BJP MLA from Krishnanagar Uttar in the 2021 Assembly polls. However, his relationship with the BJP soon soured, and in June 2021, he returned to the Trinamool Congress.

The last rites will be held when and where is yet to be decided.
New Delhi: Five days, leaders from 20 countries, top executives from the worlds largest tech companies and crowds of hundreds of thousands in the heart of Delhi. The words artificial intelligence echoed everywhere. According to the government, the India AI Impact Summit was the largest AI-focussed event ever held.

After earlier editions in Britain, South Korea and France, this was the first time the summit took place in a Global South country.

New Delhi Declaration

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On February 21, 88 countries and international organisations endorsed the New Delhi AI Impact Summit Declaration. The list included the United States, China, Britain, France, Germany and the European Union (EU). All commitments in the declaration are voluntary. Countries are free to decide how actively they implement the principles.

The declaration recognised negotiations held across seven thematic cycles at the summit and stated that the event would help promote international support for AI development while respecting national sovereignty.

The summit focussed on seven main topics, like making AI accessible to everyone and using it for economic and social growth. Of all AI summits held so far across the world, the New Delhi Declaration got support from the most countries.

India joins Pax Silica

On February 20, India and the United States signed an agreement called Pax Silica. This US-initiated pact encourages collaboration in AI and semiconductor technologies. Eight countries, including Japan and Britain, have already signed it.

Launched in December last year, experts say Pax Silica was designed to counter Chinas growing influence in advanced technologies. Information Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the pact is expected to boost Indias semiconductor sector.

Commitments from tech companies

On February 19, the minister announced the New Delhi AI Impact Commitments. Several Indian and international companies made voluntary pledges under this initiative. The commitments centred on two main areas. The first was analysing how AI impacts employment and the economy through data. The second was adapting AI to work across different languages and cultures.

Companies that joined included global firms such as OpenAI, Google and Anthropic, along with Indian companies like Survam and Gyani AI. The long-term impact of these voluntary pledges is still uncertain.

Focus on childrens safety

French President Emmanuel Macron highlighted the importance of protecting children from AI and social media risks. He said that France has restricted social media access for children under 15 and suggested that India may follow similar measures.

Speaking immediately after him, Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not announce any social media restrictions for children but emphasised the need to make AI safe for them.

Vaishnaw added that the government is discussing with social media companies whether age-based restrictions for AI usage are necessary.

India launches three AI models

During the summit, India unveiled three AI models (Survam, Gyani and BharatGen) built for using Indian languages.

Many companies, including Reliance, Microsoft and Google, also pledged investment in AI initiatives in India.

Controversies and complaints

The summit faced several controversies. The most talked-about incident involved a robot dog at Galgotia Universitys stall, which was claimed to be developed locally but was purchased from China. This led to a major dispute, and the university removed the stall while issuing clarifications.

Some participants also complained about logistical issues. Long queues for security checks and blocked roads for VIP movement caused inconvenience, especially on the first day. Over the following days, arrangements for entry, food and movement improved.

On February 17, Vaishnaw apologised for any inconvenience during a press conference and said the organising team was working to make the summit smoother.

On Friday, Youth Congress members protested against Prime Minister Modi, removing their T-shirts and shouting slogans. Delhi Police arrested four protesters in connection with the incident.

Limited participation from civil society, women

Experts criticised the summit for its lack of balanced representation. Tech policy expert Apar Gupta wrote that while the event aimed to make AI accessible to people, participation was dominated by government and large tech companies.

Human rights organisations and civil society groups had minimal presence. AI continues to be a male-dominated field, and womens participation at the summit was far lower than mens. Most CEO presentations and company stalls were led by men explaining products and company initiatives.
The Ministry of External Affairs isssued fresh advisory for its nationals in Iran, asking them to leave Iran by all available means of transport, including commercial flights, amid the escalating tensions between Iran and the United States on Monday.

Embassy of India in Iran tweets, "In continuation of the advisory issued by the Government of India on 5 January 2026, and in view of the evolving situation in Iran, Indian nationals who are currently in Iran (students, pilgrims, business persons and tourists) are advised to pic.twitter.com/RKIoUf7HEO February 23, 2026

The directive reflects mounting fears of military confrontation in the Middle East. It arrives just days before the third round of indirect US-Iran nuclear talks, scheduled for February 26 in Geneva. Oman's Foreign Minister Badr Al Busaidi confirmed the date, building on inconclusive prior sessions in Oman and Geneva. US President Donald Trump has intensified pressure with a 10-15-day ultimatum for a nuclear deal, warning of "unfortunate" consequences for non-compliance.

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Reportedly, Omans Foreign Minister Badr Al Busaidi confirmed the next round of indirect US-Iran discussions on a nuclear deal will occur on February 26 in Geneva, building on prior mediation efforts. This will be the thrid round of negotiation talks after no clear deal in Oman and Geneva.

US seeks zero enrichment, missile limits, and curbs on proxies; Iran demands full sanctions relief while retaining enrichment rights as an NPT signatory.

Earlier on February 17 in Geneva, US and Iranian officials cautiously agreed on "guiding principles" for nuclear negotiations, a fragile step forward against gathering geopolitical storm clouds.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi hailed the session as "constructive," noting broad agreement reached. He stated, "We were able to reach broad agreement... drafts would be exchanged, and a third round date would be set," signaling plans for detailed proposals ahead of the February 26 follow-up.

Hours later, US Vice President JD Vance tempered enthusiasm, declaring Iran's stance inadequate. "The President has set some red lines that the Iranians are not yet willing to actually acknowledge," Vance said, underscoring unresolved gaps on core demands like zero uranium enrichment.

Meanwhile, the US has deployed multiple warships in the Middle East, including the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and USS Gerald Ford, nine destroyers, and three frigates, as per AFP reports.

On the other hand, Iran maintains its bold refusals, with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi expressing hope for diplomacy but vowing retaliation to any US attack. President Masoud Pezeshkian echoed this, stating Iran will not yield to global pressure during talks.

Recently Anti-regime protests have also intensified in Tehran and Mashhad universities, targeting Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei amid economic woes.

India's fresh advisory underscores New Delhi's caution, prioritising citizen safety underscoring the developments in and around Iran and Middle east, with increased military presence in Gulf.




In its very recent annual ministerial meeting in Paris last week, the International Energy Agency (IEA) welcomed the progress that has been made on New Delhi's formal request for full membership of the organisation.

Currently, India hold associate member status in the Paris-based agency, which is a leading intergovernmental organisation focused on energy security, global energy policy, and rapidly on climate change and energy transition efforts.

India joined the IEA as an Association country in 2017, sent a formal request for full membership to IEA ministers in October 2023. IEA expressed hope that India is set to play an increasingly crucial role in combating global energy and climate issues as its economy, population and energy use, everything is growing together.

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If materialises, it would mark a huge and consequential change in global energy governance, as India poised to play key role in efforts to safeguards energy security, drive inclusive energy transitions, combat climate change.

However, India's bid for the full membership is not simple as it looks. It would require the IEA to amend its founding legal framework, which currently limits membership to OECD countries.

IEA established in 1974

IEA was established in 1974 as one of the action taken in a wake of global oil crisis, fueled by the decision of the major Arab oil-producing nations to impose an embargo on countries perceived to be supporting Israel during the previous years Yom Kippur War. The embargo resulted in an unprecedented surge in oil prices and widespread fuel shortages.

The crisis exposed the vulnerability of major industrial nations, which were also the biggest consumers of oil. These countries, having established the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) a decade earlier, chose to collaborate in order to better manage and reduce their reliance on imported oil. One outcome of this collective decision was the creation of the International Energy Agency by 17 OECD member states.

The original mandate of the IEA was to ensure the stability of global oil supplies by anticipating and preventing potential disruptions through timely intervention. It also establish a comprehensive emergency response mechanism, requiring each member country to maintain minimum strategic oil reserves to offset supply shocks. This mechanism has been used on several occasions, including during the 1991 Gulf War and following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

IEA expansion

In following years, several other countries became the member of IEA, but the membership was limited to OECD countries. Currently there are 32 full members in this bloc. Recently, Colombia became as 33rd full member of the bloc in last week's ministerial meeting. Bogota joined the OECD in 2020.

In 2015, IEA invited non-OECD countries to become its associate members. The associate members take part in the policy discussions and activities, however do not have decision-making rights. Currently there are 13 associate members.

India's bid for full membership

IEA has seen growing interest from India in securing full membership over the past few years. In October 2023, India formally applied to join the agency. The matter has also featured in bilateral discussions between India and the United States.

Indias push for full membership is largely driven by its aim to participate directly in the IEAs decision-making processes. The agency has become increasingly influential in shaping global energy policy.

Although it continues to play a central role in managing energy-related emergencies, the IEA has also developed into a key knowledge hub on energy transition, climate action, and clean energy technologies. Additionally, it maintains one of the worlds most comprehensive and reliable energy databases.

Granting India full membership in the International Energy Agency would require amendments in its founding charter. So far, the IEA has expanded its membership only by including countries that were already members of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development or those that joined the OECD before entering the IEA.

As India has shown no interest in seeking OECD membership, the IEA would need to either revise its membership eligibility criteria or create a special exception for India. Ongoing discussions indicate that an amendment to the agencys legal framework may be under consideration. Recently, Brazil, another non-OECD country like India, has also applied for full IEA membership.

The IEA has consistently expressed support for Indias bid and stated that it is actively reviewing the request.
The joint bilateral special forces exercise between the Indian Army and the US Army is scheduled to commence in Himachal Pradesh on Monday.

The 16th edition of the Exercise Vajra Prahar will go on till 15th March 2026 at the Special Forces Training School, Bakloh, Himachal Pradesh.

Vajra Prahar 2026 is centred around deepening defence ties by enhancing special forces interoperability, joint readiness, and sharing of advanced tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) through realistic drills.

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"Through rigorous training in realistic scenarios, both contingents will strengthen mutual trust and operational synergy," the Indian Army said in a post on X.

Exercise #VajraPrahar 2026



The 16th edition of Exercise Vajra Prahar 2026, a premier joint Special Forces engagement between the Indian Army and the United States Army, will be held at the Special Forces Training School, Bakloh, Himachal Pradesh, from 23 February to 15 March pic.twitter.com/55ieS1RcIl  ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) February 21, 2026

The 15th edition of the Exercise Vajra Prahar happened in Idaho, US, in 2024 with 45 troops, Indian Special Forces and US Green Berets.

It was aimed to build stronger military ties by improving teamwork, sharing special ops tactics, and boosting skills for joint missions in desert areas.

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.

The IAF leads as the first, fastest responder in VayuShakti 2026, showcasing rapid enemy punishment, air dominance, and tactical-to-strategic wins while aiding humanitarian disasters through swift airlifts and rescues domestically and abroad.

Full-spectrum ops feature Tejas, Rafale, Su-30MKI, C-17, Apache, Chinook, and RPAs executing day-night missions with Akash, SpyDer, SRLM, and CUAS for unmatched versatility.

The 16th edition of the joint exercise comes in the backdrop of US Ambassador to India Sergio Gors Western Command visit last week and engaged in discussions with Army Commander Western Command Lt General Manoj Kumar Katiyar on strategic dynamics along India's Western Front.

The US delegation received a detailed briefing on Western Front operations, including high readiness levels, storied legacy, successful OpSINDOOR execution, and the Indian Army's key contributions to nation-building and regional stability.

The US Envoy visit and the joint special excercise underscores deepening defence ties between India and the US.
















Tamizhaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) leader Vijay has been holding rallies across Tamil Nadu ahead of the assembly polls. During his public address in Vellore, the TVK leader got visibly emotional and moved to tears while speaking to his supporters. Vijay was addressing a massive gathering as part of his party's outreach program. The actor known as Thalapathy among fans and party cadres displayed his raw, vulnerable side, unlike his usual composed and smiling demeanour.

While talking about the selfless love of his cadres, his voice cracked, and he had to pause for a few moments to compose himself as his eyes welled up. Even while emotional, Vijay maintained a firm stance, stating that his path is service-oriented and that no amount of pressure would deter his commitment to the people of Tamil Nadu.

Vijay urged the younger generation to stay away from temporary vices and focus on the long-term welfare of the state. Vijay spoke about the transition from being an entertainer to a public servant. He mentioned that the love of the people isn't just a "fanbase" anymore, but a "responsibility" he carries on his shoulders.

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He touched upon the struggles he faced during his entry into politics and thanked his supporters for standing by him like a "fortress" (Kottai) against all odds.

In Tamil Nadu politics, emotional transparency often creates a deep psychological bond between a leader and the masses. By "choking up" on stage, Vijay signalled to his followers that he is not just a "scripted actor" in politics, but someone who is genuinely moved by their plight and support.

Vijay declared that the upcoming Assembly election would be a 'direct fight between him and M.K. Stalin. Vijay intensified his attack on Chief Minister Stalin, asserting that the battle in Tamil Nadu was not about Delhi politics but about corruption and governance within the state.

Addressing party cadres and mid-level leaders at a closed-door meeting in Kollamangalam in Vellore district, the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) leader said: "To put it clearly, this election is a war between Vijay and Stalin. It is a war between the people of Tamil Nadu and corruption, between the people and bribery, between the people and the DMK government."

Vijay accused the ruling DMK of failing to deliver on promises, including shifting electricity billing to a monthly cycle.

"People were promised monthly bills. Has it happened? Paying once every two months is a burden. Can this be called modern corruption?" he asked.
Indias pride, HAL Tejas in once again in the light with the recent reported crash on February 7. While HAL issued a statement refuting the rumors of crash, said "There has been no reported crash of the LCA Tejas. The event in question was a minor technical incident on ground. LCA Tejas maintains one of the worlds best safety records among contemporary fighter aircraft."

HAL acknowledges the recent media reports on the LCA Tejas incident and wishes to provide factual clarification. There has been no reported crash of the LCA Tejas. The event in question was a minor technical incident on ground. LCA Tejas maintains one of the worlds best safety pic.twitter.com/ioWd6RgsbU February 23, 2026

Certian reports also claimed that, the Indian Air Force has reportedly grounded the entire Tejas fleet after a Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) crashed earlier this month.

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This is the third accident of Indias Pride, which was inducted into the Indian Airforce in 2016. The accident comes at a time when India is close to inducting the advanced variant of Tejas Mk-1A.

While there have been no official statements from the Indian Airforce regarding the accident.

Reports claimed that the crash happened on February 7 at a major forward airbase. It occurred during landing after a training flight. The pilot ejected safely from the single-seat jet, but the aircraft had major structural damage.

The Telegraph quoted a defence ministry official saying that the first investigation points to a possible brake failure as the cause.

Last November, an IAF pilot died when a Tejas fighter jet crashed and nosedived at an airshow in Dubai.

How does Tejas crash drain India's Defence budget?

The Indian Air Force currently operates 31 MK-1 variants under its fleet, and it is a third loss, making a very high-profile loss in the already short airforce fleet.

A single Tejas Mk-1A variant jet costs around 640 crore, so losing one equates to an immediate 640 crore hit that taxpayers must absorb.

The production delays at HAL worsen the strain, as the budget already commits 62,370 crore for 97 more jets amid reliability doubts.

Also Read: AMCA and Indias 5th-gen jet ambition: Can India trust HAL with its fighter jet dream amid Tejas delays?

Indias indigenous dream at risk?

With three crash and grounding of the Tejas fleet as investigations continue, the loss of Tejas rasies concern over Indias indigenous dream.

Prime Minister Modi, a champion of "Make in India" in defence, hailed the Tejas as "Indias pride and a showcase of the strength and skills of 140 crore Indians" after flying it in 2023.

The government continues to position Tejas as the cornerstone of the Indian Air Force's future fleet.

Tejas is India's first indigenously developed fighter jet, though it uses a foreign engine. It features an aerial refuelling probe on the starboard side of the forward fuselage.

A 4.5-generation multi-role combat aircraft built for air defence, offensive air support, and close-combat missions. Tejas stands out as one of the lightest and smallest fighters in its class.

A key safety feature is the Martin-Baker zero-zero ejection seat. The system lets pilots eject safely even at zero altitude and zero speed, during takeoff, landing, or low-level maneuvers, by blasting off the canopy, launching the pilot clear, and deploying parachutes for a stable descent.

IAFs shrinking fleet

The IAF, which is grappling with a shrinking fighter fleet, heavily relies on the indigenous LCA programme that specifically aims to replace the now-retired MiG-21 squadron.

The programme was launched in 1983 and has seen repeated setbacks. The delivery of the advanced Mk1A variant has been delayed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and has missed multiple deadlines. The IAF has placed an order for 180 Mk1As from HAL.

In 2025, Chief of Air Staff Air chief Marshal Amarpreet Singh voiced worries over HAL missing deadlines, pointing out that the company has never delivered any project on schedule.

The IAF currently has 29 fighter squadrons against the authorised strength of 42. An internal assessment following Operation Sindoor indicated that the air force may need to field more than the authorised number of squadrons to meet future challenges.


















Indian Army on Sunday neutralised three Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists, including top commander Saifullah. The hero of the operation was Tyson, the elite German Shepherd from the Indian Army's 2 Para Special Forces, who crawled into the Chhatroo hideout carved in rugged terrain, triggering terrorists to open fire.

Despite taking a bullet in the leg, the K9 moved forward, helping troops pinpoint and eliminate the hideout. State police, CRPF, and special forces carried out the terrorist neutralisation.

The injured dog was airlifted for treatment and remains stable, officials confirmed. Tyson's courage highlights the vital role of Army K9s in counter-terror operations.

In October 2024, Phantom, a Belgian Malinois, died shielding his handler and troops during a terrorist encounter, enabling forces to eliminate the hiding militants.

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Also Read: Kishtwar encounter: 3rd Jaish terrorist killed in 'Op Trashi-I', AK-47s recovered

Tysons bravery was also mentioned during the media briefing regarding Operation Trashi-I. General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Counter-Insurgency Force (CIF) Delta, Major General A P S Bal, praised Tysons bravery and contribution in initiating the operation.

The way we operated in a very calm, composed, collective, collaborative manner, which is why the kind of success we achieved, especially without suffering any casualties, any harm to any of our troops, except for the brave dog Tyson, who actually initiated the operation, said General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Counter-Insurgency Force (CIF) Delta, Major General A P S Bal.

#WATCH | Kishtwar, J&K | Speaking on Op Trashi-I, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Counter-Insurgency Force (CIF) Delta, Major General A P S Bal, SM says, "...This recently concluded operation of Trashi is the perfect example of perseverance, clarity of thought, proper pic.twitter.com/P6hWyce9RC  ANI (@ANI) February 23, 2026

The Indian army, along with the CRPF and the J&K police, launched a coordinated operation Trashi-I, eliminating three top JeM terrorists.

Orignally the operation was launched in January and has focused on challenging forested and mountainous areas of Kishtwar, including Chatroo, Sonnar, Dolgam, and Dichhar, involving multiple searches and assaults.

In an X post Indian Armys Western Commands White Knight Corps informed about Operation Trashi-I, which continued for 326 days in harsh cold, wet terrain, tracking terrorists via civil-military intel grid and multiple contacts. Using FPV drones, satellite imagery, and RPAs/UAVs aided in eliminating Saifullah and associates despite challenging conditions, taking the total kill to seven.














If you think the Babugiri and VIP culture have been outdated stories, you must be in for a shock. Do you remember the IAS officer Sanjeev Khirwar who vacated a Delhi Stadium just to walk his dog on the tracks meant for athletes? The story of BSNL Director Vivek Banzal can even put him to shame. A royal protocol itinerary issued by the BSNL with regard to the Director and his familys visit to Prayagraj can even leave Prime Minister Narendra Modi gasping for breath.

First of all, who is Vivek Banzal?

Vivek Banzal is a 1987-batch Indian Telecom Service (ITS) officer. He is an engineering graduate - Bacheltors in Engineering in Electronics and has done Masters of Engineering in Computer Science. He has more than 35 years of experience in the telecom sector. Banzal has been associated with the BSNL on multiple occasions. He joined as the director (Consumer Fixed Access- CFA) in 2018. He went on to become the Chairman and Managing Director of ITI Limited in 2022 and again joined the BSNL later.

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What is the row about?

The row erupted after a detailed BSNL circular covering Banzals visit to Sangam. The itinerary even included arrangements for shops and underwear for the Director. The royal treatment sparked a massive outrage on social media, with at least 50 BSNL employees assigned different tasks, including receiving and transporting the officer. The arrangements included arranging breakfast, lunch, dinner, Sangam snan kits with towels, undergarments, and hair oil. The officer was to visit the city on Feb 25-26.

The BSNL officers formed committees to handle everything from meetings to stay arrangements and personal comforts. BSNL officers, who have been hired to serve the public, were deployed to arrange kits like bottles, chocolate, chips and fruit juice, towels, undies, sleepers and grooming essentials. Even orders were issued to have two Innova cars with new white towels to cover the seats.

Cancellation after outrage

The order was leaked on social media by mistake and the visit was cancelled after the outrage. A BSNL officer admitted the leak, saying the order was meant for internal purpose.

"BSNL has standing instructions in place regarding the manner in which official visits are to be handled. An instance of non-adherence to the same has been taken note of. The instance noted is not in conformity with the professional standards and values of BSNL. Appropriate action has been taken against the concerned. Further, instructions have been issued reiterating strict adherence to extant instructions. BSNL employees are reminded to strictly adhere to prescribed conduct rules and instructions in this regard," BSNL India posted on its X handle.

BSNL Director Vivek Banjals royal visit to Prayagraj CANCELLED! Over 50 officers had been deployed to handle even the tiniest details including his underwear! A full-blown protocol was issued on Feb 19 to ensure he faced zero inconvenience during the trip. All that pomp pic.twitter.com/s4TSGljaF5  The Nalanda Index (@Nalanda_index) February 23, 2026

Babu-cracy at its peak

The BSNL officers admission that the notice was leaked by mistake and was meant for internal purposes only hints at a culture that has been prevalent in the PSUs and government ministries and offices.

This is a very common practice in the PSUs and government departments. Whenever a senior officer like Director, CMD or Secretary visits other concerned offices for meetings, elaborate arrangements are often made by the organisations and officials/staffs are deployed to make the visit smooth. The viral protocol circular may have amazed common citizens, but a government staff member may not find anything unusual in this, said a retired Deputy General Manager on the condition of the anonymity.

Critics highlight that babus live a highly royal life in India, even better than politicians who have to hit grounds to get elected every five year.

Why the outrage or concern?

Incidents like this are not mere administrative excesses; they are symptoms of a deeper malaise that continues to plague Indias public institutions. When public sector employees are diverted from serving citizens to arranging towels, cars, and personal comforts for senior officials, it reflects a mindset that confuses authority with entitlement. The fact that such arrangements were considered normal internally is perhaps the most worrying part.

In a country striving for efficiency, transparency, and accountability, babu culture  with its obsession for hierarchy, privilege, and protocol  stands as a stubborn relic of colonial bureaucracy. Unless merit, service, and responsibility replace entitlement and deference, governance will remain trapped in ceremonial pomp while citizens continue to wait for real reform.
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) on Monday responded to reports of a crash involving the LCA Tejas aircraft. The company said that the incident was limited to a minor technical issue on the ground.

It was clarified that there was no airborne accident. The company further said that Tejas maintains "one of the world's best safety records among contemporary fighter aircraft."

In a filing with the stock exchange, the company stated, "HAL acknowledges the recent media reports on the LCA Tejas incident and wishes to provide factual clarification. There has been no reported crash of the LCA Tejas. The event in question was a minor technical incident on the ground. LCA Tejas maintains one of the world's best safety records among contemporary fighter aircraft. As a standard operating procedure, the issue is being analysed in depth, and HAL is working closely with the Indian Air Force (IAF) for a speedy resolution."

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HAL acknowledges the recent media reports on the LCA Tejas incident and wishes to provide factual clarification. There has been no reported crash of the LCA Tejas. The event in question was a minor technical incident on ground. LCA Tejas maintains one of the worlds best safety pic.twitter.com/ioWd6RgsbU  ANI (@ANI) February 23, 2026

Meanwhile, earlier, on February 13, informing about the progress of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mark 1A programme, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh on Friday said that five engines are currently available; meanwhile, five aircraft are already flying.

Speaking to the news agency ANI, he said production has largely stabilised for Indian vendors and the main manufacturer, HAL, and will improve further once engine supply stabilises.

He further stated that while weapon trials have been successful, some of the Indian Air Force's requirements have not yet been fully met.

"On LCA Mark 1A, the five engines are available, and five aircraft are flying. Once this engine supply line stabilises, the production seems to have stabilised in any case, as far as the Indian vendors and the system and the integrator, which is HAL, are concerned. On the acceptance by the Air Force, there are some areas where the level of some of the requirements that the Air Force had is not fully met, perhaps. Although the weapons trials have been successful," the Defence Secretary said.

According to ANI, earlier this month, on February 5, HAL confirmed that five LCA Mk1a fighter jets are fully ready, and an additional nine aircraft have already been built and flown.

The company, in a statement, assured that it will meet the guidance projected for the current Financial Year.

(With ANI inputs)

Also Read- Tejas fighter jet crash: What is the cost of India's indigenous powerhouse
New Delhi: A fresh controversy has erupted around the upcoming film 'The Kerala Story 2', with National Award-winning director Kamakhya Narayan Singh launching a sharp attack on actor Prakash Raj over his recent remarks about the movie on social media.

The sequel, scheduled to release in theatres on February 27, has already triggered intense debate following its trailer launch. While some have described it as presenting a "brutal truth," others have labelled it "propaganda."

The film explores themes of alleged religious conversion and coercion, with its narrative set across Kerala, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.

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The latest flashpoint came after Prakash Raj shared a post on his official X handle contrasting the 2023 film 'The Kerala Story' with images of pork curry, beef fry, fish curry and vegetarian Onam sadya.

Emphasising culinary coexistence, he wrote, "The real #KeralaStory is how pork, beef and fish coexist with vegetarian sadya and all of them live in harmony. Please relish #justasking happy Sunday everyone."

The real #KeralaStory is how pork, beef and fish coexist with vegetarian sadya and all of them live in harmony. Please relish #justasking happy Sunday everyone pic.twitter.com/Ea2JCPd6n6  Prakash Raj (@prakashraaj) February 22, 2026

Responding to the actor's remarks in a conversation with ANI, Kamakhya Narayan Singh called Raj "intellectually bankrupt," and said he was disappointed by the actor's stance.

"I used to think that Prakash Raj ji was a very high-caliber actor, but now I feel that he is equally low as a human being," Singh said.

He questioned whether allegations of forced feeding of beef and conversion were true, adding that "I don't know what he himself eats, nor do I care, because his statements reflect what he 'consumes.' But tell me- is it true that our daughters are being forcefully fed beef and converted? And if that is true, then I question Prakash Raj ji's conscience. This can never be acceptable. The civilized society of India will never accept forcing someone to eat beef in order to convert their religion. He has become intellectually bankrupt."

Amid the debate, producer Vipul Shah clarified that the film does not target Kerala as a state. Speaking to ANI in an earlier interview, Shah said, "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 added that criticism of the first film, particularly regarding the numbers cited in it, led the team to release a video on YouTube detailing figures and names. Shah further alleged that the lack of government action after the first film prompted the making of the 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.
London: India had a reason to celebrate at the BAFTA Awards 2026 as Boong, a Manipuri-language debut feature, won the Best Children and Family Film award, marking a significant moment for Indian cinema on the global stage.

As celebrations followed the big win, producer Farhan Akhtar reflected on what drew him to the project in the first place. Speaking about his long association with director Lakshmipriya Devi, Farhan mentioned familiarity, trust, and a story that simply felt "right."

He shared that he had known Lakshmipriya for nearly two decades and that the film, being set in a region rarely seen on the big screen, made backing the project feel natural. "Lakshmipriya Devi and I have known each other for about 20 years. This film is set in a region of India from which we rarely get to watch films. It was nice to support that as well, and it's a very heartwarming story. So, it just felt right."

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Boong was the only Indian nominee at the ceremony and has now become the first Indian film to win in this 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 believes 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, the MAMI Mumbai Film Festival 2024, the International Film Festival of India, and the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne 2025.
Mumbai: Actress Gauahar Khan recently shared an emotional moment from her spiritual trip to Medina, Saudi Arabia, where she was seen offering prayers during the holy month of Ramadan.

Taking to her social media account, Gauahar posted a video from Medina and wrote: alhamdulillah for this !!!!! this feeling is  Overwhelming in every way.

In the video, Gauahar is seen wearing a modest outfit with a headscarf, and looked extremely overwhelmed and teary-eyed. The serene backdrop of Medina added more to the spiritual intensity of the moment.

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The actress, whether has travelled solo or with family is unclear.

On the professional front, Gauahar Khan has carved a niche for herself across television, and films with her impeccable performance in them all. She rose to fame more after winning Bigg Boss Season 7 in 2013. Khan has been part of films such as Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year, Ishaqzaade,Begum Jaan and 14 Phere. The actress has also featured in popular songs including Jhalla Wallah from Ishaqzaade, which became a chartbuster. On television, she has appeared in shows like Khatron Ke Khiladi, and the web series Tandav.

On the personal front, Gauahar tied the knot with Zaid Darbar, son of renowned music composer Ismail Darbar, on December 25, 2020. The couple welcomed their first son, Zehaan, in May 2023. The two were again blessed with another baby in 2024. Gauahar often shares glimpses of her family life on social media.

The actress always gives her fans a sneak peek into her postpartum recovery and recently was seen dancing to the popular 'Teri Dulhan Sajaungi' trending song on social media.

Sharing the mom edition of the trend on her social media account, Gauahar was seen dancing on the track from the film "Barsaat" featuring Priyanka Chopra and Bipasha Basu.

Gauahar performed the hookstep of the 'Teri Dulhan Sajaungi' in front of her son Zehaan and husband Zaid Darbar.

The 'Bigg Boss 7' winner also revealed that her son was asking to be picked by his mother for the last two hours. However, after dodging his request for such a long time, Gauahar finally gave in towards the end of the video.

The clip further included the text, "POV: when ur toddler's fave words are 'mommy Godi Godi Godi'!!!"

"Jab poore 2 ghante ,u have dodged taking his mommy pick me up requests , !!!! #mommypromises #toddlermoms #iykyk @zaid_darbar u know what I mean  hahahaha @kausarsulemankhan thank u for the tip , finally wore it (red heart emoji) (sic), she wrote.
Mumbai: Actress Zareen Khan on Monday shared an emotional note on social media as she marked her Islamic birthday on the 5th day of Ramadan, further revealing that her mother is currently hospitalized.

Taking to her social media account, the actress wrote, It's the 5th of Ramadan today which is my Islamic Birthday. Those who know me closely know how much I love my Birthdays. This year too I had plans of celebrating this one in a certain way but unfortunately that's not going to happen as my Mom is hospitalized.

Also Read | Salman Khan unhappy with Doctors public statement on Father Salim Khans health, asks Lilavati Hospital to stop sharing updates: Report

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She added, I would request everyone of you to keep my Mom in your prayers as that's going to be the greatest gift for me.

She accompanied the post with folded hands, a heart and sparkle emojis.

On the professional front, the actress made her Bollywood debut opposite Salman Khan in Veer and later featured in films such as Hate Story 3 and Housefull 2.

In October last year, Zareen had revealed that her mother was hospitalized but was discharged soon after.

Taking to her social media account then, the 'Veer' actress had revealed that her mother was doing much better and had also been discharged from the hospital.

She had taken to her social media account to upload an image of her posing with her mother in the hospital.

Sharing the update, Zareen wrote, "Mom's much better (evil eye emoji) Taking her home today from the hospital. Big Thanks to each and every one of you who sent good wishes and prayers fr her...means the world to me (folded hands and red heart emoji) (sic).
New Delhi: A Reddit user recently shared a case about his manager in his 70s who had worked for the same company for more than fifty years but was fired suddenly without any severance. This issue has sparked grave concerns about the situation facing senior employees who have spent decades in a company but are the victims of sudden job loss. The case highlights how companies fire senior citizens suddenly, disregarding their financial well being and causing them financial stress in their final years.

In the Reddit post, the user said that the manager who had been at the company for over 50 years was terminated without a separation package. The senior employee was loved by everyone and he treated everyone fairly. The user said that the manager was the person who offered them the job and that the user owes everything to him.

The redditor said that his original company was acquired by a massive international company last year and they decided to do mass layoffs which were executed in December. The company gave everyone a separation package. However, no one in the user's department was sacked during that wave.

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In early February, the company put the manager on a performance improvement plan. The company claimed that there were quality issues in the field even though it was outside the control of the manager. The manager was singled out because the costs were charged to their facility on paper.

The company then fired the manager immediately, citing that he did not live up to the PIP expectations. The manager was not given separation pay either. Many employees believe that the company wanted to save money by not giving him separation pay because of the paper trail PIP. The company gave people who worked for two years a package during the December layoff but did not give separation pay to the manager. The company did not fire the manager during the layoff wave because they wanted to save money by doing it later, the user said.

Netizens Reactions



The Reddit post quickly went viral with many users commenting on the depressed reality of corporate loyalty.

One user commented, "I am so sorry to hear this. Hopefully when Big Corpo starts asking why is not this getting done or how do we do XYZ, you and your co-workers can simply respond I don't know. The guy you fired did all that. Ask him. Oh, that is right, you cannot, he does not work here anymore."

Another user commented, "You are absolutely right. As petty as it might sound, that is just the reality of it. When leadership decides to cut out 50 years of experience to save a buck, they do not get to act shocked when things start falling apart. If they start asking why stuff is not getting done, the honest answer really is that the guy who handled that is not here anymore. You cannot erase that much institutional knowledge and expect business as usual."

A user said, "Just remember that work your wage. If it is not in your job description, it is not your responsibility. Now would be a good time to start the unionization process. Otherwise, you will find the company changing your job description."
Three Indian Army soldiers were injured in a gunfight with suspected Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists during a joint search operation in Jammu and Kashmirs Kishtwar district. The encounter broke out in dense forest terrain, with security forces continuing operations to flush out the militants ahead of Republic Day.
Googles Biggest Android Cleanup: Google quietly carried out one of its biggest clean-up drives yet in 2025. To make the Play Store more safer, the tech giant has blocked 1.75 million apps from reaching the Play Store after finding they violated its policies. The crackdown did not stop there. Google also banned nearly 80,000 developer accounts linked to serious or repeated rule-breaking.

Google made this move to send a clear message that user safety comes first. As scams and harmful apps become more sophisticated, Google has relied on smarter AI tools and stricter review systems to stay ahead. The goal is simple to make the Play Store a safer and more trustworthy space for millions of Android users worldwide.

This is one of the companys biggest clean-up actions in recent years. The move aims to protect users from harmful apps, scams, and privacy risks. With the help of stronger AI tools and stricter review processes, Google is working to ensure a safer and more trusted experience for Android users worldwide. Notably, the Google Play runs more than 10,000 safety checks on every app and continues to check and re-check apps after they are published. (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?)

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GenAI tools to review app system

Google added generative AI tools to its app review system to help human reviewers spot harmful and suspicious apps more quickly in 2025. These advanced tools helped the company detect complex threats that might be difficult to find manually.

Google also stopped more than 255,000 apps from getting unnecessary access to sensitive user data. To guide developers, the company introduced tools like Play Policy Insights in Android Studio and improved the Data Safety section, encouraging them to request fewer privacy-sensitive permissions and design apps with users safety in mind. Adding further, Google strengthened its anti-spam systems, blocking 160 million fake or manipulated ratings and reviews last year to protect user trust.

Google Play Protect to Make Android Devices Safer

Google also expanded Play Protect to make Android devices safer. Play Protect now scans more than 350 billion apps every day across the Android ecosystem. In 2025, it detected over 27 million new harmful apps that were downloaded from outside the Play Store. When a threat is found, users are warned or the installation is blocked to stop possible damage.

Tech giant also improved its fraud protection system. Now available in 185 markets and covering more than 2.8 billion devices, this feature blocked 266 million risky app installation attempts linked to 872,000 high-risk apps. These steps show Googles strong focus on protecting users from online threats.

Google's In-call scam protection

To tackle phone call scams, Google introduced in-call scam protection. This feature stops users from turning off Play Protect while they are on a call. It prevents fraudsters from tricking people into disabling security settings and installing harmful apps on their devices. (Also Read: Meta and WhatsApp challenge CCI Rs 213 crore penalty in privacy policy case; Supreme Court to decide on Feb 23)

New tools for developers and businesses

Google has introduced new tools and systems to support developers and protect their businesses. Apps and games now carry out more than 20 billion daily checks using the Play Integrity API to stop misuse and unauthorized access. With Android 16, developers can secure sensitive information like bank login details using just one line of code.

For some apps, this protection is turned on by default to prevent tapjacking, a trick where harmful screen overlays try to capture what users type. Google plans to expand its AI-powered security tools to help developers build safer and more secure apps going ahead in 2026.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra 5G Price In India: South Korean tech giant Samsung is set to host its next Galaxy Unpacked event on February 25. During the event, the company is expected to unveil its next-generation flagship Galaxy S26 series smartphones. The launch event will take place in San Francisco at 11:30 PM IST, where Samsung will introduce its latest Galaxy S lineup.

Like last year, the Samsung Galaxy S26 series is expected to include three models: the Samsung Galaxy S26, Samsung Galaxy S26+, and Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra. The standard and Galaxy Plus (+) variants are likely to offer premium features, while the Ultra model may bring top-end specifications and design upgrades.

The company could also launch the Galaxy Buds 4 and Galaxy Buds 4 Pro alongside the new smartphones. The company is teasing the upcoming smartphone as an AI Phone. Moreover, the Galaxy S26 series is expected to introduce several new AI-powered features.

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These may include Perplexity integration within Galaxy AI, a new Zero-Peeking Privacy display, and advanced AI image editing through text prompts. The handset will probably come with Android 16 and the newest version of Samsung's One UI. In this article, we will guide you through the expected display, battery, camera, price, and other key details of the much-anticipated Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra smartphone. (Also Read: Google Pixel 10a Vs Vivo V70 Elite: Display, Battery, Camera, Chipset, Price and other specs compared; Which phone should you buy in Rs 50,000 segment?)

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Specifications (expected)

The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is expected to introduce a new privacy-focused display feature. This upgraded screen technology is likely to enhance user security and prevent others from viewing the display from certain angles. It is tipped to be powered by Qualcomms Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor. This next-generation chipset is expected to deliver faster performance, improved efficiency, and better AI capabilities.

On the photography front, leaks suggest that the Galaxy S26 Ultra could feature a quad-camera setup. It may include a 200MP primary camera, a 50MP ultra-wide lens, a 50MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom, and a 10MP secondary telephoto lens. Reports also hint at improvements to the ultra-wide sensor and enhanced zoom capabilities. For selfies and video calls, the phone is expected to offer a 12MP front camera.

The battery capacity is expected to remain the same at 5,000mAh. The device is said to deliver up to 31 hours of battery life on a single charge. Leaked images also suggest that the phone could charge up to 75 percent in just 30 minutes. (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?)

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra: AI Tools and Upgraded Bixby Experience

The company has revealed that users will be able to edit images by simply typing what changes they want. The AI system will understand the text instructions and apply multiple edits at the same time. This will reduce the need for manual adjustments.

Samsung is also upgrading Bixby with One UI 8.5. The updated version will be more conversational and better at understanding natural language. It will be able to change phone settings instantly based on user commands. Adding further, the new Bixby will provide live web information directly within its interface, so users will not need to open a separate browser.

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra price in India (expected)

The Galaxy S26 Ultra is expected to follow a pricing strategy similar to last years Galaxy S25 series. In India, the higher-end models with more RAM and storage could be priced between Rs 1,35,000 and Rs 1,70,000. The top-end variant in this range may come with 16GB RAM and 1TB of internal storage.
Tehran: The world is watching closely as tensions between the United States and Iran reaches new heights. By February 20, US forces had carried out a military deployment near Iran that experts say is unmatched in modern history. Observers say that nearly half of Americas operational air force has been deployed in the region. This move shows preparation for a major confrontation rather than a mere show of strength.

Military specialists describe the scale of this buildup as unprecedented. It includes fleets of the most advanced fighter jets stationed in Jordan, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. Thirty F-35A stealth fighters capable of evading enemy radar have been deployed along with more than two dozen F-15E Strike Eagles built for heavy bombing.

Famously known for targeting tanks and ground forces, deployment A-10 Thunderbolts indicate a readiness to strike strategic land targets, while F-16s have been placed to engage enemy aircraft. In addition, six EA-18G Growlers are tasked with jamming Iranian radar and communications, ensuring stealth operations.

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Intelligence capabilities are also in place. WC-135R Nuke Sniffer aircraft monitor airborne radioactive particles, providing insight into nuclear sites and potential threats. RC-135 SIGINT planes intercept communications, and AWACS systems give long-range radar coverage, guiding fighter jets in real time.

Experts highlight that the intelligence network deployed is as critical as the firepower, giving US forces precise knowledge of Iranian movements.

Logistics reinforce the scale of the operation. More than 160 C-17A heavy transport flights and multiple C-5M Galaxy missions have delivered bombs, missiles, supplies and vehicles to bases across Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Djibouti. A fleet of KC-135 and KC-46 refuelling tankers keeps aircraft in the air for continuous operations without landing.

Naval forces add a further layer of pressure. The USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group is stationed in the Arabian Sea with multiple destroyers, while the USS Gerald R. Ford, the worlds largest and most advanced aircraft carrier, moves into the region accompanied by a full escort.

Nuclear-powered submarines armed with Tomahawk missiles patrol the waters. It is capable of striking targets undetected, and additional warships cover the Mediterranean, Red Sea and Persian Gulf.

Missile defenses are deployed to counter Irans ballistic and cruise missile arsenal. THAAD batteries and Patriot systems in Saudi Arabia and Qatar provide interception capabilities, with over 99 cargo flights delivering the systems to the region.

Analysts stress that this level of preparation cannot be for display alone. It mirrors the deployment patterns seen before the Gulf War in 1991 and the Iraq invasion in 2003. This shows that the United States is ready for a large-scale and high-stakes conflict if diplomacy fails.

Experts warn that the situation is volatile. The concentration of advanced weaponry, intelligence assets and logistical support near Iran demonstrates that the red line may already have been crossed.

Analysts suggest that any miscalculation could rapidly escalate into open conflict, with consequences far beyond the region. The present US posture is unlike anything seen in previous decades. It indicates that policymakers are prepared for serious military engagement if necessary.
India's High Commissioner to Canada, Dinesh Patnaik, has expressed optimism that India and Canada could conclude a comprehensive trade agreement within a year, despite past delays in negotiations, The Canadian Press reported.

Speaking ahead of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's anticipated visit to India, Patnaik said a 12-month timeline for finalising the proposed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) is achievable given the evolving geopolitical landscape and growing need for collaboration across sectors.

"We expect it to be much faster, given that we both have had enough experience of doing these kinds of free trade agreements in the last one or two years," Patnaik said, as quoted by The Canadian Press.

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Trade negotiations between the two countries, which began in 2010, have stalled multiple times. However, in November, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Carney agreed to formally relaunch talks on the CEPA, which is expected to cover trade in goods and services, investments, agriculture, and digital commerce.

On the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Johannesburg, PM Modi and Carney "agreed to begin negotiations on a high-ambition Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), aimed at doubling bilateral trade to USD 50 billion by 2030," a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs read.

Last month, sources in the MEA said that Prime Minister Mark Carney is set to visit India in the first week of March.

The Canadian Prime Minister's visit is likely to see the signing of deals on uranium, energy, minerals, and Artificial Intelligence, and there would be a key focus on trade during his visit.

Patnaik indicated that Carney's upcoming visit is likely to include meetings with senior government representatives and business leaders in New Delhi and Mumbai, aimed at advancing bilateral engagement.

Highlighting recent progress, the envoy noted that India and Canada have signed several agreements over the past year in areas such as energy, climate change, high-technology research and climate-resilient agriculture and emphasised that both leaders are keen to strengthen economic ties, The Canadian Press reported.

"Both the prime ministers are very keen, so the intent is there on both sides," he said.

Patnaik also pointed out that both countries have gained significant experience in negotiating trade agreements in recent years.

"The way we look at the world has changed. We have moved on to our positions, both of us. And so a lot of the issues which are there in the past, which could have held us back, are probably more resolvable now," he said, as quoted by The Canadian Press.

According to the envoy, there are no major policy conflicts between the two nations, and their economies are largely complementary. He noted that Canada is a major exporter of commodities, while India represents a vast consumer market, reducing the likelihood of direct competition between industries.

He further stated that typical sticking points in trade negotiations, such as phytosanitary standards, government procurement rules and customs procedures, are not posing significant challenges in the current discussions.

"We really don't compete on many issues," Patnaik added, as quoted by The Canadian Press, underscoring the potential for a mutually beneficial trade pact.
Following a ruling by the US Supreme Court striking down most of Donald Trump's sweeping tariff measures, a spokesperson for China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) on Monday stated that China has consistently opposed unilateral tariff hikes in any form, The Global Times reported.





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Commenting on the ruling, China's MOFCOM spokesperson said that the country has consistently opposed unilateral tariff increases in all forms and that there were no winners in a trade war, and protectionism leads nowhere.The spokesperson added that the unilateral measures taken by the US, including the reciprocal and fentanyl-related tariffs, not only violate international trade and economic rules but also contravene US domestic law, failing to serve the interests of any party, The Global Times reported.US Supreme Court on Friday ruled against Trump's signature trade policy, noting that the US President lacked authority under the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose sweeping import duties on goods from nearly all US trading partners.In its verdict, the US Supreme Court held that the IEEPA does not grant the President the authority to levy tariffs.The Bench of Nine Justices ruled 6-3, with Chief Justice John Roberts authoring the majority opinion. Justices Brett Kavanaugh, Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito dissented."IEEPA's grant of authority to 'regulate . . . importation' falls short. IEEPA contains no reference to tariffs or duties. The Government points to no statute in which Congress used the word "regulate" to authorize taxation. And until now no President has read IEEPA to confer such power," Chief Justice Roberts wrote in his opinion."We claim no special competence in matters of economics or foreign affairs. We claim only, as we must, the limited role assigned to us by Article III of the Constitution. Fulfilling that role, we hold that IEEPA does not authorize the President to impose tariffs," he added.Highlighting the benefits of cooperation, the spokesperson noted that repeated experience had shown that cooperation between China and the US benefits both sides while confrontation harms both and urged Washington to cancel all unilateral tariffs imposed on its trading partners."We have noted that the US is preparing to adopt alternative measures, such as trade investigations, in an attempt to maintain tariffs on its trading partners. China will closely monitor these developments and firmly safeguard its legitimate rights and interests," the spokesperson said, as quoted by the Global Times.Earlier on Saturday, Trump said that he is raising the 10 per cent worldwide tariff on countries announced following the Supreme Court verdict "to the fully allowed and legally tested 15 per cent level".In a post on Truth Social, Trump 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".Meanwhile, A White House official confirmed that Trump is set to visit China from March 31 to April 2.
Washington: The growing presence of the US military near Iran is no longer just a threat. The deployment of warships and aircraft, including the USS Abraham Lincoln near Iranian waters, suggests real preparation for potential action. Another carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, is moving eastward, positioning itself for possible operations.

Additional military equipment has been brought into the region, indicating that the United State is preparing multiple options. While such moves could be aimed at diplomatic pressure, they also suggest that talks between the two countries may have stalled. If neither side adjusts its position, a military confrontation could follow.

The question is why do Iranian leaders, at least publicly, continue to resist the worlds most powerful military and its strongest regional ally in the Middle East?

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The answer lies in the conditions the United States has set for negotiations. From Tehrans perspective, agreeing to these demands would amount to surrender. America wants Iran to halt uranium enrichment and reduce the range of its ballistic missiles to remove any threat to Israel.

It also seeks the cessation of support for armed groups across the region and changes in Irans treatment of its citizens. These are not secondary policies for the Iranian leadership; they are central to the security system the country has built over decades.

Iran has established what it calls the Axis of Resistance, a network of allied armed groups designed to keep conflict away from its borders and shift pressure closer to Israel. Its ballistic missile programme compensates for limitations in its aging air force and restricted access to advanced military technology.

Officially, Irans nuclear programme is peaceful, but it is widely regarded as a cornerstone of the countrys strategic deterrence. Maintaining uranium enrichment lets Tehran have a basic nuclear setup that could be used for weapons if the government decides. Experts say this setup gives the country a way to exert strategic pressure.

Iranian leaders believe that conceding to US demands would weaken this foundation of resistance. For Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, accepting these terms could be more dangerous than engaging in a limited conflict under Donald Trumps administration. Military confrontation, however costly, might be bearable. Giving up the countrys strategic posture could be unacceptable.

The risks extend beyond Iran. Any US strike targeting top leadership could destabilise succession plans and weaken the security apparatus that controls the countrys most lethal operational capabilities. Protests have erupted in recent weeks, suppressed only through force. A sudden shock to the governments enforcement machinery could unpredictably change domestic power balances.

By maintaining a defiant position, Iranian leaders show both internal strength and external resolve. This posture also limits the space for negotiation.

The United States faces risks too. While its military is capable on paper, wars are not fought on paper. Misjudgments, escalating tensions and unforeseen outcomes can unexpectedly change conflict.

The recent 12-day conflict with Israel exposed vulnerabilities in Irans command structure and military infrastructure, while also highlighting lessons in resilience and strategic recalibration. A broader confrontation could produce outcomes neither side wants.

Irans central authority is not automatically stable. Any vacuum at the top could empower more extreme actors, complicating regional balance and posing challenges for the United States and its allies.

For Khamenei, few options are left. Accepting US demands risks undermining Irans strategic resistance. Rejecting them raises the threat of confrontation in an already fragile domestic situation.

Tehran appears to view the worst option as strategic surrender, while a limited and controlled conflict is seen as the least damaging path. Publicly, Iran seems to be leaning toward the latter.
A sliver of sea no wider than a city commute carries the lifeblood of the global economy. When friction rises between Iran and the United States, that sliver, the Strait of Hormuz, becomes the worlds most watched waterway.

Tensions have sharpened as the USS Gerald R Ford, the US Navys largest nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, sails towards the Gulf as part of one of Washingtons biggest regional military deployments since the 2003 invasion of Iraq. Tehran has responded with its own signals. This month, Iranian authorities temporarily closed sections of the strait for live-fire drills, a pointed reminder of how swiftly a regional clash could shake global energy markets.

Why the Strait of Hormuz matters

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The Strait of Hormuz is the planets most important oil chokepoint. It sits between Iran to the north and Oman and the United Arab Emirates to the south, linking the Gulf with the Arabian Sea and beyond.

About 50km wide at its entrance and exit and narrowing to roughly 33km at its tightest point, the passage is slender but deep enough for the worlds largest crude carriers. For Gulf producers, it is the main export route. For energy-hungry economies, it is a vital supply line.

How much energy flows through it?

The scale is vast. According to the US Energy Information Administration, around 20 million barrels of oil passed through the strait each day in 2024, with energy trade worth close to $500bn a year.

Crude shipments originate from Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. Any sustained disruption would hit both exporters and the countries that rely on their fuel.

Liquefied natural gas (LNG) flows are equally critical. Roughly one-fifth of global LNG trade transited the corridor in 2024, with Qatar accounting for the bulk of those volumes.

Who depends on it most?

Asia is the main destination. The EIA estimates that 84 per cent of crude oil and condensate moving through Hormuz last year was bound for Asian markets. LNG shows a similar pattern, with 83 per cent heading east.

China, India, Japan, and South Korea together accounted for 69 per cent of crude and condensate flows through the strait in 2024. Their industries, transport systems, and power grids depend heavily on Gulf supplies.

The traffic is not one-way. Kuwait and the UAE import LNG sourced from outside the Gulf, including cargoes from the US and West Africa, through the same channel.

What could Iran do?

Under international law, coastal states exercise sovereignty up to 12 nautical miles from their shores. At its narrowest point, shipping lanes through Hormuz lie within the territorial waters of Iran and Oman. That geography gives Tehran leverage.

Roughly 3,000 vessels cross the strait each month. Military analysts say one of the most effective ways to disrupt traffic would be the deployment of naval mines using fast attack boats or submarines. Irans fleet includes fast boats armed with anti-ship missiles, surface vessels, semi-submersible craft, and submarines suited to asymmetric warfare.

Irans parliament approved a motion last year backing the closure of the strait, though any final order would rest with Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

Risks are not confined to Hormuz. In Yemen, the Houthi movement, aligned with Iran, has previously targeted shipping through the Bab al-Mandab Strait, another crucial chokepoint linking the Red Sea to global trade routes. Disruption there intensified after Israels war in Gaza began in October 2023. Any simultaneous pressure on both corridors would magnify the strain on shipping and insurance markets.

What would happen to oil prices?

A closure, even partial or short-lived, would send prices sharply higher.

Colby Connelly, head of Middle East content at Energy Intelligence, said a blockade would have a major impact on oil prices in the near term, depending on how long transit is hindered.

There are no other major sources of supply that can make up for what comes from the Gulf, especially given the consideration that around 70 per cent of OPEC+ spare production capacity sits in the Gulf, he said.

Saudi Arabia exports about 5.5 million barrels per day through the strait, more than any other regional producer. Irans own exports, roughly 90 per cent of which go to China, averaged about 1.7 million barrels per day in the first half of 2025, according to EIA figures.

Saudi Arabia and the UAE both have limited pipeline capacity that can allow exports to continue via the Red Sea coast and Fujairah, Connelly warned.

Some producers hold oil in overseas storage, offering a short-term cushion. But if disruption were serious, he added, Oil prices have been highly reactive to geopolitical tensions in recent weeks, and as a result, prices could spike to well over $100 per barrel if there were to be a major disruption.

What would it mean for the wider economy?

Higher crude and gas prices would quickly feed through to transport, electricity, and manufacturing costs. China, which relies heavily on exports and industrial output, would feel the impact. So would other major Asian economies.

Nearly half of Indias crude imports and about 60 per cent of its gas supplies pass through Hormuz. South Korea sources around 60 per cent of its crude via the same route. Japan depends on it for close to three-quarters of its oil imports.

In short, the Strait of Hormuz is more than a shipping lane. It is a pressure point for the global economy. Any move to close it, even briefly, would be felt far beyond the Gulf.
A group of Palestinian hijackers who took over a Lufthansa jet in the skies over India two days ago has released the crew and surrendered at an airstrip in the Yemen.

All the 172 passengers  including Joseph Kennedy, son of the late Senator Robert Kennedy  were freed yesterday after painstaking negotiations with the prime minister of Yemen, Nasser Muhammad, and West German officials.

The five Palestinians had demanded an undisclosed sum of money and the release of three Jordanians under arrest in West Germany after a shooting took place in Cologne on 6 February.

Women and children were released first from the New Delhi-Athens Boeing 747 and flown to Frankfurt.

It was followed this afternoon by a Lufthansa Boeing 707 carrying all the male passengers.

The men had had to wait in the second Boeing for three hours parked near the hijacked plane while talks with the guerrillas continued.

As the Palestinians were led away, 14 crew members emerged tonight from the aircraft looking tense after their two-day ordeal but still smart in their black and gold uniforms.

Explosives experts then boarded the plane to defuse charges planted on the aircraft.

Among the hijacked passengers was 19-year-old Joseph Kennedy, whose father was assassinated by a Palestinian, Sirhan Sirhan in 1968.

On his release he told journalists he did not think he was the target behind the hijacking.

I do not think the plane was hijacked because of me. I was not certain I was going to be aboard, he said.

According to one stewardess, Karin Bode, released earlier because of health problems, they had at first ordered the plane to land at a desert airstrip near Amman in Jordan.

But the pilot had talked them out of this saying the plane was too large to land there and flew the plane to its intended destination  Aden in the Yemen.

Courtesy BBC News

In context

It later emerged the hijackers belonged to the PFLP (the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine) and had been paid $500m in ransom. The South Yemen government was also paid $1m for allowing the jet to land on its territory.

Working with other groups, the PFLP pioneered aircraft hijackings as a high profile means of drawing attention to their movement, most notably the capture of an Air France plane en route from Paris to Athens in 1976.

The plane was flown to Entebbe in Uganda, where after a standoff, Israel launched a dramatic commando raid to rescue nearly 100 hostages.

The decline and collapse of the Soviet Union, its main supporter, during the late 1980s undermined the PFLP, and the group lost ground to the radical Islamic Hamas movement.

The succession of Abu Ali Mustafa  who replaced the founder of the movement, George Habash  in 2000, was seen by many in Israel as heralding a return to the groups radical policies of 1960s, 1970s and 1980s.

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Mexicos most wanted drug lord Nemesio Rubn Oseguera Cervantes, the feared cartel leader famously known as "El Mencho", killed in a military operation in Mexico, the country's defence ministry has announced.

The fugitive drug trafficker succumbed to serious injuries sustained in a military raid in the western state of Jalisco, as per the ministry. It also said El Mencho died during an air transfer to Mexico City.

The criminal organisation led by El Mencho, the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), has expanded over the past decade to become the most dominant organised crime syndicate in Mexico, while also establishing itself as a significant supplier of illegal drugs to the United States.

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Osegueras death triggered large-scale violence across several Mexican states, including Jalisco, where vehicles were set ablaze and armed men blocked highways.

These kinds of strategies are commonly employed by cartels in Mexico to hinder military operations.

Videos circulating widely on social media showed thick plumes of smoke rising above the tourist city of Puerto Vallarta, while panicked travelers were seen running through the airport in the state capital.

In Guadalajara, burning vehicles were used to obstruct key roads.

Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus Navarro called on residents to stay indoors until authorities brought the situation under control.

This military operation by Mexican government came at a time when the country is facing immense pressure from the US President Donald Trump's administration to ramp up its drug trafficking crackdown.

The US also threatened to directly intervene if Mexican government failed to take any substantive action against these drug cartels, was part of Washington's pressure tactics.

The United States had offered a $15 million reward for information leading to the arrest or conviction of Oseguera, accusing him of coordinating large-scale shipments of cocaine, methamphetamine, and fentanyl into North America.

Last year only, Trump administration designated the CJNG as a foreign terrorist organisation.

The US noted Oseguera's killing as a "great development" for the US and Mexico, along with rest of Latin America.

US and Canada issues an advisory to their citizens

Meanwhile, the US and Canada have issued an advisory to their citizens in the Mexico to ensure safety after killing of 'El Mencho', that triggered violence in the country.

US cautioned its citizen and urged to take shelter in safe places, including 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.

US also informed its citizens that domestic and international flights have been cancelled in both Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta.

Canada's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it is closely monitoring the situation in the state of Jalisco.

Air Canada also suspended flights to Puerto Vallarta, a popular tourist destination on Mexico's west coast.
More than 80 people were killed in Pakistan's airstrikes at the seven locations in Afghanistan's Nangarhar, Paktika and Khost provinces, Geo News reported, citing Islamabad's security sources.

Pakistan has conducted multiple strikes in the region in response to recent suicide attacks for which they have blamed Afghanistan.

The targeted locations reportedly included "New Centre No. 1 and New Centre No. 2 in Nangarhar, Khwariji Maulvi Abbas Centre in Khost, Khwariji Islam Centre and Khwariji Ibrahim Centre in Nangarhar, and Khwariji Mullah Rahbar and Khwariji Mukhlis Yar in Paktika."

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Earlier, Pakistan's State Minister for Interior, Talal Chaudhry, said nearly 70 militants had been "neutralised" in the cross-border operation.

The government stated that the strikes targeted camps belonging to Fitna al-Khawarij, a term used by Pakistani authorities for the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, its affiliates and Islamic State - Khorasan Province (Daesh-Khorasan).

Speaking to Geo News programme "Geo Pakistan," Chaudhry alleged that Afghanistan had become a source of cross-border militancy. He said Pakistan was taking necessary measures to safeguard its citizens and highlighted that around 70,000 intelligence-based operations had been conducted domestically, resulting in multiple arrests.

Pakistan's Ministry of Information and Broadcasting described the strikes as "precise and accurate," calling them a retaliatory response to recent suicide bombings in Islamabad, Bajaur and Bannu. Islamabad claimed that the attacks were orchestrated by handlers based in Afghanistan and linked to the TTP and Daesh elements.

The strikes reportedly targeted hideouts in the Barmal area of Paktika province, Khogyani district of Nangarhar province, as well as Ghani Khel, Behsud and Argoon areas.

Chaudhry also referred to the 2020 Doha Agreement, stating that the Afghan Taliban had pledged not to allow Afghan soil to be used for terrorism. He alleged that Kabul's interim administration had failed to curb militant activity.

He added that Pakistan had made diplomatic and military-level efforts to address its security concerns and urged political parties to unite against terrorism.

The latest strikes follow a surge in violence in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces. Tensions between Islamabad and Kabul have escalated in recent years, particularly since the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan in 2021.

In October 2025, border clashes between Pakistani forces and Afghan Taliban fighters reportedly resulted in significant casualties on both sides. Despite multiple rounds of talks, both countries have struggled to achieve lasting de-escalation.

Meanwhile, Kabul has previously rejected Islamabad's allegations that militant groups operate from Afghan territory, maintaining that Pakistan's security challenges are an internal matter.

The situation along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border remains tense amid continued accusations and counter-accusations between the two neighbours.
Washington: The United States imposed a 50 percent tariff on India because Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not nominate President Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, according to Democratic Senator Mark Warner. He alleged Trump made economic decisions based on personal interests, rather than policy decision.

Last year, the president first imposed a 25% tariff and then added another 25% because of India buying Russian oil. This made New Delhi face some of the highest tariffs in the world, along with Brazil.

Trump had claimed that Indias Russian oil purchases were indirectly funding the war in Ukraine. Speaking at a community event in Virginia with the Ahmadiyya Muslim community, Warner said that the main reason for the 50 percent tariff was Trumps displeasure over Modi not supporting his Nobel candidacy. He emphasised that economic policy should not be based on personal grievances.

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Warner represents Virginia in the US Senate and serves as chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee. He had previously questioned Trumps claims regarding India-Pakistan ceasefire efforts.

He said that based on his discussions with Indian authorities, US intelligence, and committee members, the matter between India and Pakistan was largely resolved by the countries themselves. After Operation Sindoor in May 2025, the US president had claimed that he had prevented a war between the two nations.

A long-time advocate for strong India-US relations, Warner has repeatedly warned that important security systems like the Quad and the 2+2 dialogues are losing momentum.

In a January 2026 interview with IANS, he had highlighted concerns that Washingtons lack of consistent engagement could affect how partner nations perceive US reliability.

He expressed unease over comments suggesting China might be seen as a more trustworthy partner than the United States. He called such views deeply troubling for global strategic stability.
New Delhi: The US Supreme Court on February 20 ruled that President Donald Trump overstepped his authority while imposing global tariffs last year. In a 6-3 decision, the court said the US president could not use the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose tariffs on imports from nearly every country.

The judgment could lead to about $130 billion in tariff refunds, but getting the money back may take years in court. Hours after the courts decision, Trump signed a declaration under another law (Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974), allowing him to impose a new temporary 10 percent global tariff. On February 21, he announced that he would raise this tariff to 15 percent.

This raises questions about the future of tariffs and which goods and countries will be affected.

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Which tariffs were declared illegal and why?

The Supreme Court decision applies only to tariffs imposed under the IEEPA. The law gives the president authority to control trade during emergencies. Trump first used this law in February 2025 to impose tariffs on goods from China, Mexico and Canada, citing fentanyl trafficking as an emergency.

Later, on what he called Liberation Day, he increased tariffs on almost all countries. The rates ranged from 10 to 50 percent, and he described the US trade deficit as an extraordinary and unusual threat. The court said the constitutional power to impose such tariffs lies with the US Congress, not the president, and that IEEPAs purpose is not revenue generation.

However, some tariffs continue to be unaffected. Industry-specific duties on steel, aluminum, timber and automobiles imposed under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 for national security reasons continue despite the court ruling.

Trump imposes new tariffs under Section 122

Following the court decision, Trump invoked the rarely used Section 122 to impose a 10 percent global tariff on all imports to the United States. On Truth Social, he later announced he would raise this tariff to 15 percent. Yesterdays Supreme Court decision on tariffs is null and extremely anti-American. As president, I am raising the 10 percent worldwide tariff to 15 percent, he posted.

Section 122 allows the president to impose tariffs up to 15 percent for 150 days, after which Congressional approval is required. Some analysts say that Trump could try to reapply the tariff by declaring another emergency if the period ends.

According to the White House, the president is using Section 122 to address basic international payment issues and rebalance US trade.

Other laws, including Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, also give the US trade representative the authority to investigate foreign trade practices and impose tariffs if deemed discriminatory or unfair.

Tariffs under Section 232 also continue to be an option as they target imports considered a national security risk, though investigations take time. Economists say once tariffs are applied, challenging and removing them is a lengthy process.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant has said combining tariffs under Sections 122, 232 and 301 will have almost no impact on tariff revenue in 2026 and may offset losses from IEEPA tariffs.

Will tariff refunds be issued?

Trump argued that tariffs strengthen the US economy by adding revenue to the treasury. Reports indicate that the US government has already collected billions of dollars (around $130 billion) from importers.

The Supreme Court ruled the IEEPA tariffs illegal but did not specify how refunds will be issued. The US president said during media interactions that any refund could be tied up in years of legal disputes.

Secretary Bessant echoed the same, saying the refund issue could take years to resolve. The US International Trade Court is expected to handle these cases. Experts say that if refunds are granted, most will likely go to large corporations as small companies often lack resources to handle the complex process.

According to analysts, over 1,000 companies had already requested tariff refunds even before the ruling and that the number could increase. They called for the White House to issue $1,700 refund checks to every American household for illegal tariffs.

Trump has publicly discussed this possibility multiple times.

Which tariffs are presently in effect?

The White House has said that from February 24, the new 10 percent tariff will apply to almost all imports, regardless of the country of origin. Countries with trade agreements with the United States, including India, the United Kingdom and European Union members, will also face the Section 122 global tariff, not the previous rates.

The US administration expects these countries to continue following concessions agreed under their trade arrangements.

Some products will be exempted for US economic needs or administrative reasons. These include critical minerals, metals, energy products, natural resources, food crops, pharmaceuticals, electronics, cars and trucks and aerospace products. Books, donations and personal baggage will also stay untaxed. Exemptions are not clearly defined for many categories.

Products under the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) are also exempt. The United States has previously said that exemptions keep Canadas tariffs relatively low. Similarly, textiles and apparel from Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua under the DR-CAFTA will be tariff-free.

Trump has said he will maintain tariffs on low-cost imports, having already ended the 'de minimis' exemption for items valued at $800 or less.
US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announces it will stop collection of duties, deemed illegal by the Supreme Court on Friday under International Emergency Economic Powers Acts (IEEPA) starting 12:01 am EST (10.30 am IST) on Tuesday, February 24.

The announcement came more than three days after the USSC ruling that invalidated the emergency-based duties.

Even though the Supreme Court ruled on Friday that President Donald Trumps reciprocal tariffs were illegal, US importers continued to pay duties on goods entering the country, given the CBP had not yet updated its Cargo System Management Service to eliminate the tariffs imposed under the IEEPA.

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Duties imposed pursuant to IEEPA under the following presidential actions, including all modifications and amendments, will no longer be in effect and will no longer be collected for goods entered for consumption or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after 12:00 a.m. eastern time on February 24, 2026, a CBP statement on govdelivery.com read.

The statement indicated that all tariffs imposed on US trading partners, including those on countries like India for purchasing Russian oil will no longer exist from February 24.

However, the CBP did not specify whether importers would be refunded or not.

The suspension is limited to tariffs enacted under the IEEPA and does not impact other duties introduced during the Trump administration, such as those imposed under Section 232 for national security or Section 301 addressing unfair trade practices.

This step coincides with rollout of the Trump's new 15% global tariff under a different legal authority to replace the invalidated duties.

Economists project that the Supreme Courts decision could jeopardise over $175 billion in US tariff revenue in potential refunds, as the IEEPA duties, now struck down, had been generating more than 500 million USD daily, according to news agency Reuters.

On February 20, the Supreme Court in its 63 ruling noted that Donald Trump overstepped his authority by using the IEEPA to impose broad import tariffs, finding the law did not grant him such powers.

Within hours, Trump announced a blanket tariff on all US imports starting Tuesday, initially 10%, then quickly raised to 15% surprising some officials.

These new duties invoke Section 122 of US trade law, allowing tariffs up to 15% but requiring congressional approval if maintained beyond 150 days.
New Delhi: India is preparing to make a major move in global trade. The country is negotiating an expansion of its preferential trade agreement with Mercosur, the South American trading bloc that includes Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay. The present agreement, which began on June 1, 2009, covers only 450 products. Both sides are now considering converting it into a full-fledged trade pact.

Sharing the details on Saturday, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal described Mercosur as a highly important region for India. He said that bilateral trade between India and Brazil has been growing but still falls short of expectations.

In 2025, trade between the two countries rose by 25 percent, surpassing $15 billion. He emphasised the need for more ambitious targets. Brazil is Indias largest trading partner in the Latin America and Caribbean region.

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Trade ties are expanding across defense, energy, agriculture and agrochemicals, while collaboration is also increasing in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, critical minerals, defense and aviation.

Goyal invited Brazilian businesses to explore investment opportunities in India.

Speaking at a FICCI event, he highlighted Indias path to becoming the worlds third-largest economy within the next two years, surpassing Germany. He attributed this growth to improvements in taxation, logistics, manufacturing, digital infrastructure and trade facilitation.

Goyal pointed to Brazils rich natural resources such as niobium, lithium and iron ore as critical for future technology and global energy transition. He also said the rapid development of Brazils aerospace, automotive and digital technology sectors, which offer ample opportunities for collaboration.

He said India and Brazil together can revamp global supply chains, leveraging resources, innovation and forward-thinking strategies.

The two countries set an annual bilateral trade target of $20 billion for the next five years. They also signed an agreement to strengthen cooperation in key mineral sectors. The agreements followed extensive discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

President Silva emphasised the enormous potential to expand trade between the two nations. He said that while present growth is positive, it is modest given the size of India and Brazil. He highlighted that both countries are now looking beyond Europe, the United States, Japan and China, projecting that bilateral trade could reach $30 billion.

The Brazilian president also stressed the deep political, economic, cultural, scientific and technological integration potential between India and Brazil. He added that extending business visas for trade interns from five to ten years would further support this cooperation.
The two-day annual Catholic Procession of the Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ concluded yesterday, drawing devotees and spectators along the parade route.

The event is held in the period leading up to the Lenten season, which traditionally begins with Ash Wednesday.

The celebration originated from ancient Jewish traditions and Roman funeral customs dating back to the 13th century, honoring Eucharistic adoration, particularly following the establishment of the Corpus Christi feast in 1264 to publicly affirm Christs real presence.

Speaking on the sidelines, Father Daniel Ribeiro told TDM, I think it is a very valuable tradition, culturally and also religiously. The older people remember their parents, remember a bit of their history. It is also a way for Catholics  Macau is a Catholic city, with Portuguese traditions  to publicly express our faith.

Fr. Ribeiro said the event creates a moment of community unity, adding, Undoubtedly, you see Filipinos, Portuguese, Macanese, and people coming from Hong Kong.

During the event, residents and visitors participated in a public walk of faith on the first day, from St. Augustines Church to the Macau Cathedral for an overnight vigil.

The next day, the procession returned to St. Augustines Church, where clergy and faithful marched together, making stops at symbolic Stations of the Cross around the city while carrying the statue of Christ bearing the Cross.

On both days, the procession was conducted along closed-off streets near the church, with participants wearing deep purple robes while devotees followed behind, and tourists and residents watched from the sidelines.

The event, which was free of admission, began on February 21 at 7 p.m. at St. Augustines Church and continued the following day at 4 p.m. from the Macau Cathedral to St. Augustines Church. Ricaela Diputado

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Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai visited several neighbourhoods across Macau on the fourth day of Chinese New Year to observe pedestrian traffic and local business operations during the festive period, according to the Government Information Bureau.

The visit was conducted to gain first-hand understanding of community conditions. The government said it remains committed to maintaining public order and protecting the safety and property of residents and visitors.

Authorities also said they are continuing efforts to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in upgrading and modernizing operations, while working with the private sector to promote steady community economic growth.

As cited in the statement, Sam said that Macau is home to many well-managed local businesses, whose success stories can serve as valuable references for supporting other local SMEs in upgrading and transforming their operations.

Meanwhile, the Chief Executive reviewed crowd management arrangements in busy pedestrian areas and thanked frontline police officers for their work during the holiday period. He said existing crowd control measures have helped maintain a safe and orderly festive environment.

Sam also visited local businesses to extend New Year greetings and discuss operating conditions. He encouraged relevant departments to continue supporting merchants in improving service quality and competitiveness.

In Taipa, Sam visited the revitalised Taipa Market and spoke with stallholders about how the upgraded environment has affected daily operations. He also toured the Gastronomy + Culture and Creativity Area within the market.

Later, he visited businesses in Taipa Village and inspected transport facilities, including a public car park opened in 2025 and improved bus stop arrangements.

In Coloane, Sam reviewed progress of the flood control and drainage project on the western side of the village and urged relevant departments to ensure the project proceeds as scheduled. The government said it will continue improving community facilities to support local development.

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German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will make his first visit to China this week since taking the helm of Europes 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.

Germany has tried in recent years to maintain solid ties with China despite wariness over Beijings 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.

Germanys Federal Statistical Office said Friday that China reclaimed its place as the countrys 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.

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. MDT/AP

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Hong Kong officials on Saturday unveiled resettlement plans for thousands of people who were displaced by the deadliest blaze in decades last November, proposing to buy back the homeownership rights from the fire victims.

Almost three months after the massive blaze spread across seven apartment buildings in Wang Fuk Court, its former occupants have been living in uncertainty about when they would find somewhere they could call home again.

Many of them are adjusting to new lives in their temporary homes scattered across various districts, with the government offering rental grants to help homeowners pay for the short-term accommodation.

Officials said in a news conference on Saturday that homeowners of the seven buildings can sell their ownership rights for cash to secure accommodation of their choice or buy an apartment under a designated government policy. Residents who prefer not to deal with a large amount of cash can directly exchange an apartment under the policy.

The government estimated that buying back the rights of some 1,700 units would cost about 6.8 billion Hong Kong dollars ($870 million), with about HK$4 billion Hong Kong ($512 million) of that sum to be from public funds and the rest to be covered by a relief fund. The amount of public funds involved could eventually be lowered, factoring in insurance compensation.

Michael Wong, the citys Deputy Financial Secretary, said the administration was inclined to dismantle the seven buildings and would not redevelop residential homes on the fire site. It could be transformed into a park or community facilities instead.

Wong said theres no reasonable or cost-effective way to repair the damaged buildings, and if the government doesnt intervene, it will be hard for homeowners to find buyers in the market.

In other words, the funds they have invested in these units over the years could turn to nothing, he said.

The government aims to contact the homeowners in March and hopes to pay the owners in the third quarter of this year, he said, while those who opt for the apartment exchange program could start picking new homes in September.

The proposals came after affected residents were surveyed about their preferences. Wong said 74% of the respondents were willing to consider selling their ownership rights to the government. Some 9% of those who answered the survey said they would only accept redevelopment at the fire site, which the government expected to take about a decade, he said.

Cyrus Ng, whose elderly parents lived in one of the buildings, said his family preferred to move back to their home after maintenance work but they never had a chance to see how badly damaged their apartment was. He was also sceptical about the governments claim that redevelopment at the fire site would take about a decade, saying it needed to provide more information.

I didnt have much expectation about today. I got some new information after tuning in but still havent got what we wanted in our heart, he said.

The blaze killed 168 people on Nov. 26, 2025, and has shattered a close-knit community in the suburban district of Tai Po. Authorities blamed substandard scaffold netting and foam boardsused in a maintenance project for rapidly spreading the fire. Although some arrests were made, an independent committee is still investigating the cause. KANIS LEUNG, HONG KONG, MDT/AP

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President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, has issued a decree identifying Azerbaijani citizens who will be called up for active military service and those to be released to the reserve, AzerNEWS reports.

The decree outlines the call-up for active military service from April 1 through 30, 2026, and the release of conscripts who have completed their term.

The decree specifies that citizens born in 2008 who have reached the age of 18 by the day of conscription, as well as those born between 1996 and 2007 who are under 30, have not completed active military service in the Azerbaijani Armed Forces, and are neither eligible for deferment nor exempt from conscription, will be called up for active service from April 1 through 30, 2026.

Additionally, active servicemen who have fulfilled the service period specified in Article 38.1.1 of the Law on Military Duty and Military Service will be released to the reserve during the same period.
Benghazi, Libya (PANA) - The Fuel Crisis Monitoring Commission of the eastern-based Libyan House of Representatives has said that fuel shortages observed in certain regions were not artificial, but were the result a reduction in the number of imported fuel cargos
International stand-up comedian and actor Jimmy O. Yang returned to Macau over the weekend for a Chinese New Year variety show staged at Galaxy Arena.

The two-night event, held on February 21 and 22, featured stand-up comedy, live musical performances and special guests including Richard O Yang  the comedians father  Tyson Yoshi, Jackson Wang and Wan Kwong.

The show also highlighted the Auntie Good Voices competition, which showcased female amateur performers from Macau singing live on stage. The crowd was also surprised by the appearance of Auntie Ru from Guangdong Province, who rose to fame on social media by singing English songs, including using Chinese words to piece together English pronunciations with a twist.

Yang is widely known for his global comedy specials and acting roles in Silicon Valley and Crazy Rich Asians. His comedy often draws on personal experiences, cultural identity and Asian stereotypes, using humor to bridge Eastern and Western audiences.

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Casinos in Macau posted gross gaming revenue of MOP22.63 billion (USD2.82 billion) in January, up 24% from MOP18.25 billion a year earlier, yet the mass-market segment shows no sign of recovery amid weak Chinese consumer confidence.

Vitaly Umansky, global gaming senior analyst at Seaport Research Partners, said the market shows persistent strength in the high-end and low-end segments but no recovery in the mass market over the past two to three years.

The middle part of the market, kind of what people call generally the mass market, has been relatively soft compared to where we were pre-Covid, Umansky recently told CNBC. That has not really recovered.

He attributed the weakness to low consumer confidence among Chinas middle- and upper-middle-class consumers. I think consumer confidence in China remains fairly low relative to historical levels, Umansky said. And I think thats having a negative impact on the middle- and upper-middle-class travelers coming into Macau.

Its really a high-end market, kind of supported by a very low-end segment, if you will  day-trippers coming in from Guangdong and Hong Kong, and then high rollers.

During the interview, Umansky dismissed concerns over regional competition from places such as Singapore and the Philippines.

I think its fairly limited, the analyst said. Macau is a very unique market, especially for the Greater China consumer. So I dont think thats having as much of a negative impact.

Among operators, Seaport remains upbeat on Melco and Galaxy but negative on SJM Holdings.

SJM, I think, has struggled with the new Macau, with the shift to Cotai, with the shift to premium mass, Umansky told CNBC. I dont think theyve been able to keep up with the competitive environment.

He predicted no major changes in the mass market during the first half of 2026.

We havent really seen much change over the past two or three years, and I dont foresee a change in the first half of the year, Umansky said.

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* Holiday Crowd Visitor arrivals during Spring Festival Golden Week slightly exceeded 2024 and 2025 levels as total arrivals reach 1.36 million

* Religion | Annual Catholic procession concludes amid Lenten season

* Gaming | Mass market lags despite 24% GGR rise last month: Analyst

* Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai visited several neighborhoods during CNY to observe pedestrian traffic and local business operations

* Sam Hou Fai urged residents to provide feedback on the LRT development strategy

* Hong Kong officials unveil resettlement plans for thousands displaced by deadly blaze last November

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Monday, February 23, 2026  edition no. 4896

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The 2025 small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) loan interest subsidy programme has approved nearly 1,700 applications, according to the Economic and Technological Development Bureau.

As of last month, 1,682 applications had been approved, accounting for more than 93% of the 1,804 applications received. The approved loans totalled about MOP3.8 billion, with interest subsidies reaching approximately MOP460 million.

Under the programme, eligible business owners can obtain loans of up to MOP5 million, with a three-year interest subsidy covering 4 percentage points. The total loan quota for the scheme is capped at MOP10 billion.

The application period will close on April 22 this year. Authorities said they will continue working closely with the banking sector to accelerate approval procedures and assess the programmes effectiveness. The government will also study the feasibility of extending the application deadline if necessary.

In addition to financial assistance, regulators have encouraged banks to offer flexible debt arrangements under prudent risk management principles. Options may include interest-only payments with temporary suspension of principal repayment, extended loan tenors, adjusted repayment schedules, or debt restructuring to help businesses manage cash flow pressures.

To stimulate consumption, the government also launched community shopping campaigns in 2025

More than 500 restaurants participated in the Celebration of the Return of Macau dining discount campaign held from December 20 to 22 last year. The three-day event offered 30% dining discounts, with total promotional value reaching MOP8.27 million, shared equally by the government and merchants. Related spending generated more than MOP30 million in business turnover. Times Reporter

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Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai has called on residents to provide feedback on the citys Light Rapid Transit development strategy, saying public views will be an important reference for long-term planning.

Following an Executive Council decision, the Public Works Bureaus (DSOP) Strategic Study for the Development of the Macao Light Rapid Transit outlines six new routes planned after the East Line is completed in 2029. Authorities said planning is divided into short-, medium- and long-term phases.

Short-term projects include extending the East Line and the Seac Pai Van Line. Medium-term plans include the 7.7-kilometer South Line with seven stations and the 3.7-kilometer initial West Line from Qingmao to Fai Chi Kei, which will have six stations.

Long-term proposals include the 3.9-kilometer Taipa North Line with five stops and the 2.2-kilometer Taipa Central Line connecting Esparteiro, Taipa Central Park, and the Jockey Club area.

Sam said the overall direction of the plan was based on consultants research reflecting Macaus local conditions. He urged stakeholders to provide considered opinions to help refine future planning.

DSOP director Lam Wai Ho said the East Line project is about 60% complete and remains on schedule for 2029 completion. He said the government will continue to listen to public feedback during the planning process.

We have been strictly regulating, the increment and progress of the project, currently the total has been completed 60% of it, Lam said in a TDM Forum.

The bureau also reported steady progress in Zone A developments, including five public housing plots and two social housing sites expected to be completed this year. Construction of A8 and A9 facilities is planned for 2027, along with preparatory works for schools on the B1 plot.

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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.

Fridays 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 Trumps 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.

The court decision also creates new uncertainty for other U.S. trading partners, in Asia and elsewhere, especially those that have reached trade deals to calm the initial turmoil from Trumps tariffs.

I would expect most Asian partners to proceed cautiously, with existing agreements largely holding as both sides work through the implications in the coming weeks, said Dan Kritenbrink, a partner at The Asia Group who served as assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific affairs in the Biden administration.

He said he would be watching the impact on Japan ahead of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichis planned visit to Washington in March. Japan, a staunch U.S. ally, has seen its relations with Beijing deteriorate in recent months.

Trump has options

Shortly after Trump returned to the White House early last year, he invoked an emergency powers law and slapped 20% tariffs on Chinese goods over what he said was Beijings failure to stem the flow of chemicals that can be used to make fentanyl.

Trump later invoked the same emergency authority to impose sweeping reciprocal tariffs on many countries, including 34% on China. Beijing retaliated, and the tariffs temporarily soared to triple digits before both sides climbed down.

After several rounds of trade talks and a summit between Trump and Xi in South Korea in October, the two countries agreed to a one-year truce with a 10% baseline tariff. Trump also slashed the so-called fentanyl tariff to 10%, while Beijing resumed its cooperation in restricting the export of more substances that could be used to make the opioid.

Wendy Cutler, vice president of the Asia Society Policy Institute, said she suspected the Trump administration could roll out a Plan B quickly. The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative has an active investigation into Chinas compliance with a previous trade agreement and that could be the administrations backup plan, she said. If China is found not to be fulfilling its obligations under the agreement, the U.S. government is allowed under a trade law to impose tariffs.

Rep. Ro Khanna, the top Democrat on the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, urged the administration to come up with a new, tougher strategy that holds China accountable for its unfair trade practices and leverages the collective power of our allies and partners.

Gabriel Wildau, a managing director focused on political risk analysis in China at the consultancy Teneo, said Trump has already shown his willingness to use other legal authorities to impose tariffs on China, as he did during his first term, and Beijing probably assumes that the tariffs could be maintained or re-created with only modest difficulty.

But Beijing also holds out hope that they can persuade Trump to lower this tariff in exchange for purchase guarantees or other concessions, Wildau said. DIDI TANG, WASHINGTON, MDT/AP

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KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 23  The Auditor-General today gave Perbadanan Perwira Harta Malaysia (PPHM), the property-management arm of the Armed Forces Fund Board (LTAT), an unmodified opinion on its 2024 financial statements.

The report released today noted that PPHMs liabilities of RM79.49 million exceeded its assets of RM57.54 million, raising concerns over its ability to meet obligations.

As of December 31, 2024, PPHM had net current liabilities of RM21.95 million, indicating limited capacity to cover short-term debts.

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Since 2020, PPHM has experienced declining profits, with revenue dependent entirely on ongoing projects scheduled for completion by the end of 2028.

In 2023 and 2024, the Armed Forces Fund Board (LTAT) appointed professional advisers to conduct due diligence on PPHMs financial position and recommend measures ahead of the planned cessation of operations in 2025, the report said.

According to the due diligence report issued in January 2025, PPHMs financial position was not sustainable for continued operations.

The Auditor-General recommended that PPHM take two key actions before closing to settle outstanding creditors through negotiations and potential discounts, and monitor ongoing projects while implementing staff termination processes.

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Following these recommendations, a special board meeting in February 2025 resolved that PPHM would cease operations on May 31, 2025.

Thereafter, LTATs Land Department assumed responsibility for managing any remaining obligations.

The board also instructed PPHM to develop a strategy to settle outstanding debts, the report said.

By the closure date, 23 staff members had been terminated, at a total cost of RM2.32 million, including net compensation of RM2.26 million and RM60,000 in staff income tax.

The report also noted that PPHMs liabilities in 2024 totalled RM79.49 million, comprising RM47.35 million in trade payables, RM31.79 million owed to LTAT, and RM35,000 in other creditors.

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This represented a reduction of RM54.90 million compared with 2023, primarily due to the transfer of sale proceeds to LTAT.

Despite the reduction, PPHM recorded net current liabilities of RM21.95 million, showing that liabilities still exceeded assets.

For comparison, net current liabilities were RM25.93 million in 2023 and RM7.43 million in 2022.
KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 23  Tan Sri Dr Mohd Daud Bakar, a prominent Islamic finance figure and the former chairman of Bank Negara Malaysia's Shariah Advisory Council, was charged in the Sessions Court here today with abetting in the unlicensed trading of securities three years ago.

Mohd Daud, 62, pleaded not guilty and claimed trial before Judge Norma Ismail, Berita Harian reported.

He was charged in his capacity as a representative of commodity trading company Energy Eco Berhad.

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The charge alleges that he abetted another company, AUF MBZ, in carrying out securities trading despite AUF MBZ not holding the required Capital Markets Services Licence.

The offence allegedly took place at a business address in Rawang between June 2021 and August 2023.

The charge was framed under Section 58(1) of the Capital Markets and Services Act 2007, which carries a heavy penalty of up to RM10 million in fines, imprisonment for up to 10 years, or both, upon conviction.

During the proceedings, Securities Commission (SC) Deputy Public Prosecutor Shoba Venu Gobal argued for bail to be set at RM200,000, citing the seriousness of the non-bailable offence.

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However, Mohd Daud's counsel, Mohd Haziq Razali, requested a lower amount of RM50,000, arguing that his client had cooperated fully with the investigation since 2024.

The court subsequently set bail at RM50,000 with one surety and ordered Mohd Daud to surrender his passport and report to the nearest SC office once a month.

The case has been fixed for mention on April 10.
KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 22  Perikatan Nasional (PN) has formally confirmed Datuk Seri Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar as its new chairman, following an extraordinary supreme council meeting held at the PAS headquarters in Kuala Lumpur today.

In a joint statement signed by coalition leaders  Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang, Gerakan president Datuk Dominic Lau and MIPP president P. Punithan  PN said the meetings main agenda was to approve the resignation of Tan Sri Muhyiddin Mohd Yassin as PN chairman effective January 1, 2026 and appoint a new PN chairman.

It added that the council had unanimously appointed YAB Dato Seri Ir Dr Ahmad Samsuri bin Mokhtar as the new PN chairman, with immediate effect.

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Meanwhile, Berita Harian reported separately that Lau welcomed the move and said it aligned with PNs commitment to inclusivity.

We congratulate him, he said, adding that the coalition hoped Samsuri would carry out all necessary work, especially towards achieving victory in the 16th general election.

Samsuri, who is Terengganu menteri besar and a vice-president of PAS, fills the post left vacant since Muhyiddin stepped down at the start of the year.

On December 30, Muhyiddin announced his resignation as PN chairman  effective January 1  after leading the coalition since August 7, 2020.
In a makeshift camp classroom in northern Gaza, a local educator has launched daily yoga sessions for wartraumatized children, offering rare moments of calm amid continuing air strikes and displacement.

A Tent School Turned Healing Space

Inside the tent, Palestinian educator Hadeel alGharbawi leads groups of children through gentle stretches and breathing exercises on thin mats spread over the ground, turning a once-empty shelter into a rare space of safety and routine.

She says she searched online for new ways to support children after noticing that drawing and coloring alone were not enough to ease their fear and anxiety. Because formal classes were unavailable in Gaza, she trained herself in basic yoga techniques through the internet, then adapted them to the camp's harsh conditions, according to Aljazeera.

The classes come at a time when international agencies warn that nearly every child in Gaza now shows signs of severe psychological distress after more than two years of intense conflict, displacement, and loss.

A recent statement from UNICEF said all children in Gaza are in need of mental health and psychosocial support after repeated exposure to bombing, the death of relatives, and constant insecurity. The World Health Organization has also reported that cycles of violence are driving longterm emotional problems, including grief, social withdrawal, and sleep difficulties among young people.

Brief Escape From Constant Fear

For the children who attend, the tent is more than a place to exercise. Displaced student Suwar explains that yoga and art sessions help her briefly forget the war, the winter cold, and the long waits to collect water, giving her a rare sense of safety and joy.

Other children describe feeling calmer and more in control after class, saying that closing their eyes and breathing slowly makes the noise of the conflict seem farther away, at least for a short time, Yahoo News reported.

Read more: Massachusetts Child Care Costs Are Squeezing Families as Prices Outpace Wages and State Aid Struggles To Keep Up

Mental health experts say such modest initiatives can play a meaningful role in emergencies, especially when formal services are limited.

Research on yoga and mindfulness in waraffected populations has shown benefits for stress, anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress symptoms, particularly when activities are adapted to local culture and taught gently.

In Gaza, where schools, hospitals, and homes have been damaged or destroyed, communitybased psychosocial support like alGharbawi's tent can be easier to sustain than clinical programs.

Alongside yoga, the space also offers informal lessons and creative workshops, helping children keep some link to education while displaced. AlGharbawi says combining learning, play, and therapeutic movement gives children a sense of structure that war has taken away.

As bombardment and shortages continue, the sessions remain fragile and dependent on donations, yet for the children who attend, each class is a small act of healing and a reminder that peace is still possible, even if only for the length of a deep breath, as per New Arab.
The United States is pressing forward with an unprecedented diplomatic push to resolve the Sahara conflict, convening a third round of negotiations in Washington on February 2324, barely two weeks after talks in Madrid and less than a month after an initial session in the American capital. The accelerated pace signals the Trump administrations determination to secure a framework agreement before summer.

Massad Boulos, President Trumps envoy for Africa, convened the latest round alongside US Ambassador to the United Nations Michael Waltz, placing the process under direct White House oversight. Moroccos Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, Algerias Ahmed Attaf, Mauritanias Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug, and Polisario representative Mohamed Yeslem Beisat are all expected at the table, with UN Special Envoy Staffan de Mistura also in attendance. Notably, Algerias participation marks a reversal after years of refusing to join UN-sponsored roundtable discussions  a position Algiers had previously declared irreversible.

The urgency is driven by a concrete deadline. Under UN Resolution 2797, adopted in October under American impetus, the Secretary-General must deliver a strategic review of the MINURSO mandate by late April. Washington aims to present a locked-in framework by then, one that would fundamentally reshape the UNs role in the dossier. The resolution already narrowed the negotiating parameters by affirming the preeminence of autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty.

At the center of discussions is an expanded version of Moroccos autonomy plan  a roughly 40-page document detailing regional authority over education, health, economic development, and culture, while reserving defense, diplomacy, and currency for Rabat. American engagement now extends beyond diplomacy, with some members of Congress floating the possibility of designating the Polisario as a terrorist organization. Never before has the US invested this level of political capital in the Sahara file.
Governments from member states of the Nile Basin Initiative (NBI) have reaffirmed their commitment to dialogue and equitable cooperation in managing the River Nile, as they gathered in Juba on Sunday to mark this years Nile Day.

The commemorative event brought together representatives from Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda  the ten countries that share the Nile waters.

Held under the theme Voice of the Nile: Community, Youth, and Women Engagement in Water Governance, the gathering underscored the urgency of collective action amid mounting water and food demands, alongside intensifying climate pressures across the basin.

Addressing participants, South Sudans Foreign Minister, Monday Semaya Kumba, reiterated his countrys commitment to the NBI cooperation framework and respect for the sovereign rights of all member states.

He stressed adherence to principles of equitable sharing and sustainable stewardship of the rivers resources.

Egypts Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, Hani Sweilem, described the NBI as the only inclusive framework capable of uniting all ten Nile Basin countries.

He said Cairo remains committed to consultations conducted in good faith and called on member states to sustain dialogue and avoid unilateral institutional steps towards a Cooperative Framework Agreement coalition before achieving basin-wide consensus.

From Sudan, Elharith Mustafa Abdurrahman, chairman of the countrys water resources technical organ, emphasised that the Nile Day celebration reflects a collective resolve to pursue cooperation, mutual equity and sustainable utilisation of shared water resources.

He highlighted growing pressures from rising demand for water, energy and food, compounded by climate change, noting that inclusive governance  particularly the engagement of communities, youth and women  is central to building trust and long-term resilience.
LOS ANGELES, Feb. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Cyberonix Experts, LLC ("Cyberonix"), a faculty-led software expert witness and technical advisory firm, announced that its experts played a key role in supporting Technology Investment Consortium LLC ("TIC") in a significant court ruling in the Position Mobile Ltd SEZC matter.

After a 10-day Cayman Islands trial, the Court found the just and equitable threshold met and ordered a buyout for TIC. Cyberonixs rigorous, court-tested technical analysis helped drive the decisive outcome.

In a judgment delivered on February 17, 2026 (FSD 79 of 2022 (DDJ); the Grand Court of the Cayman Islands, Financial Services Division held that "the threshold for a just and equitable winding up order has been crossed," but concluded that a buyout order was the appropriate form of relief. The Court directed the parties to proceed toward determining the purchase price of the Petitioner's shares, if agreement cannot be reached.

The proceedings arose from an amended winding-up petition (originally dated April 1, 2022, and redated March 20, 2025) in which TIC (the "Petitioner"), sought an order to wind up Position Mobile Ltd SEZC (the "Company") on the just and equitable ground (and the appointment of joint official liquidators) or, in the alternative, an order requiring Genimous Investment (Hong Kong) Co., Ltd and Genimous Holding (HK) Limited (together, the "Respondents") to acquire TIC's shares at a value to be determined by the Court. The Amended Petition pleaded that TIC had "justifiably lost all trust and confidence" in the way the Company's affairs were being managed, and emphasized the need to investigate the Company's affairs in light of alleged mismanagement and threatened mismanagement.

The Court heard the matter over 10 sitting days, from October 20, 2025 to November 6, 2025, reflecting the complexity of the evidentiary record and the high stakes of the dispute for the Company and its shareholders.

Cyberonix was retained by Dentons, counsel for the Petitioner, to provide independent technical expertise supporting the litigation team's case strategy and evidentiary presentation. Prof. Sam Malek, a recognized authority in software architecture and distributed systems, served as the testifying expert. His work centered on rigorous technical methodology, transparent analysis, and clear, defensible expert testimony under cross-examination. Dr. Jae Young Bang, CEO of Cyberonix, provided strategic oversight and technical coordination throughout the engagement.

"This ruling underscores the importance of precise, defensible technical analysis in complex technology disputes," said Dr. Bang. "When software systems, engineering decisions, and technical records become central to litigation, expert opinions must be both technically rigorous and clearly articulated to withstand scrutiny."

Prof. Malek added, "Effective expert testimony translates complex engineering realities into an objective and comprehensible technical record. Our focus is on methodological clarity, reproducibility, and careful alignment with the standards required in court."

Cyberonix supports litigation teams across North America in matters involving software architecture, mobile and web applications, AI/ML systems, cybersecurity, and other software-intensive technologies. The firm regularly assists in patent, copyright, trade secret, commercial, and class action disputes where source code review and expert technical analysis are outcome-determinative.

Cyberonix's Los Angeles Office, located in El Segundo, Calif., provides strategic access for collaboration with major intellectual property law firms in Los Angeles County and Orange County, while enabling efficient nationwide engagement. Its proximity to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) supports rapid travel and coordination across the North American market and facilitates collaboration with the Asia-Pacific technology sector.

For more information, visit cyberonixexperts.com.

About Cyberonix Experts, LLC

Cyberonix Experts, LLC ("Cyberonix") is a faculty-led software expert witness and technical advisory firm serving law firms, business leaders, and investors facing complex software, AI, and technology matters. The firm provides testifying expert services, rigorous source-code review, and defensible technical analysis in high-stakes disputes. Cyberonix also advises executives and deal teams on software engineering practices, AI systems, and technology due diligence to assess technical risk, system performance, and long-term enterprise value.

Media Contact:

Cyberonix Experts, LLC

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://cyberonixexperts.com

SOURCE Cyberonix
Over 75 kg chicken and mutton, kilos of seafood, mounds of bread and pao, sacks of rice, milk, fruits and more  the Mira Bhayandar Vasai Virar (MBVV) police are at their wits end as they fork out over Rs 70,000 every day as grocery and food bills for the 166 foreign nationals in their care, who are waiting to be deported.



What may be adding to their frustration is the fact that a newly constructed G+2 deportation centre is ready  and vacant  next to Bhoiwada police station in Dadar, but has not been opened because politicians busy with the civic polls have been unavailable for the customary ribbon-cutting.



Logistical headache unfolds



The MBVV police had detained 240 foreigners for overstaying during a February crackdown in Nalasopara. Many of them were from African countries including Nigeria, Ghana, Uganda, Ivory Coast, Tanzania, Cameroon, Zambia and Kenya.



Of them, 61 are charged under cases related to narcotics and are out on bail, and hence, cant be deported pending court orders. Only four persons have been actually deported, while nine were set free, as they had valid visas to stay in India, leaving 166 of them in detention.



But holding them  there are many women and children among those detained  has backfired on the police, who are juggling logistics related to food deliveries, supply chain management, kitchen coordination and above all, security.



Police have been scrambling for space  turning municipal halls, ashrams, rented bungalows and even shopping malls into temporary holding zones. The 166 detainees kept in different makeshift arrangements under the jurisdiction of the police stations including Vasai (19), Manikpur (37), Achole (32), Bhuigaon (18) and Waliv (60).



Cop budget under serious strain



Thirty-five kilos of chicken. Forty kilos of mutton. Four hundred eggs. Loaves of bread, stacks of pav, cans of milk, crates of fruit and sacks of rice. Thats the daily meal requirement for the foreign nationals who overstayed in Nalasopara. The crackdown is burning a hole in our budget, said a police officer.



With expenses mounting and no clear timeline for deportations, the crackdown that was meant to send a strong message is now exposing administrative gaps, he added.



Sources in the MBVV police told Mirror that a substantial portion of the force has been deployed to guard the temporary deportation centres. Senior officers are also conducting regular inspections to ensure that security, logistics and overall arrangements remain in order.



Manpower crunch a big worry



We are in urgent need of additional manpower to guard the premises and manage the extensive documentation required to closely coordinate with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) in Mumbai for these detainees. It is a Herculean task, but we are committed to completing this demanding workload. At the same time, we must continue to maintain law and order in our respective jurisdictions, said an officer requesting anonymity.



Had a dedicated deportation centre been established, the detainees could have been shifted there immediately, which would have saved us both substantial financial resources and the additional workload, he said.



His colleague, deployed at a different police station, said, Its because of a mess like this that officers avoid a crackdown on illegal migrants. We detain them, but then are saddled with looking after them  something that the state government does not take note of.



To meet the mounting daily expenses of the detainees, the Tulinj police station is spending Rs 51,800 per day on two main meals. In addition, the Waliv, Naigaon, Vasai, Achole and Manikpur police stations are each contributing Rs 3,000 daily, pooling a total of Rs 15,000 to cover breakfast, snacks and tea, said an insider.



DCP signing food bills



According to sources, these police stations are forwarding their bills to the office of the Zonal Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), who is settling the expenses from the budget allocated for other purposes used for police khabris (informers).



When contacted, the zonal DCP Pournima Chougule-Shringi said, Yes, we had detained 240 foreign nationals from Nalasopara early this month. After thorough check-up, a few of them were set free but at present we have detained 166 foreign nationals who have been kept at different facilities in our area. The process to deport them is underway and we are following all the due legal processes to expedite the tedious work.



We have housed the detainees in clean and secure premises, ensuring that their health, meals, and snacks are provided in accordance with their body size, metabolism, age, and gender. There is no humanitarian crisis. They will be deported after securing their travel documents from the competent authority. We are working in accordance with The Foreigners Act, 1946 and The Passports Act, 1967 to deport them at the earliest possible time, she added.



Mirror spoke to multiple senior IPS officers in Maharashtra police and most of them are having a unanimous call to urge the state government to utilise open premises in prisons to make deportation centres to streamline the workload.



Deportation centres should be constructed on open premises owned by Maharashtra prisons, making it easier for law enforcement to detain individuals in secure and hygienic conditions. A separate facility would also prevent additional workload on a particular police station or the Zonal DCP office, as the deportation process requires significant coordination with the concerned authorities. If police staff are tied up with the extensive documentation involved, routine duties at the station could be compromised, said a senior IPS officer requesting anonymity.




For nearly 10,000 residents of Gorai, the promise of relief from a decades-old drinking water crisis has given way to renewed frustration. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) constructed a 1.5-lakh-litre storage tank barely three months ago, projecting it as a definitive solution to the island villages chronic summer shortages.



Yet locals say the situation has deteriorated, with taps running dry even during winter.



The BMC presented the tank as a critical intervention to stabilise supply across Gorais ageing, low-pressure pipeline network. However, residents argue that the long-awaited infrastructure has failed to translate into reliable water on the ground.



Struggle and petition



The Gorai Villagers Welfare Association has an ongoing petition before the Bombay High Court, seeking an uninterrupted water supply. According to villagers, the court had earlier directed that tanker water be provided until the suction tank was constructed and made operational.



Sweety Hendriques, a petitioner and resident, said the facility has yet to deliver tangible results. The suction tank was built three months ago, but we are still not receiving regular water. For the past three months, the supply has been under testing, yet we have faced daily hardship, she said.



Hendriques added that a change in supply lines may be compounding the issue. Earlier, we received direct supply from the R Central ward in Borivali. Now the supply comes from the P North ward in Malad (West), which could be affecting water pressure and distribution, she said.



Infrastructure without pressure



The tank was designed to store and redistribute water more efficiently to the villages farthest pockets. On paper, it promised stable storage and improved distribution. On the ground, residents describe it as little more than a concrete shell.



Although the structure is complete, villagers claim that inadequate water pressure prevents it from filling sufficiently. They further allege that the suction pumps intended to push water through the village network are either non-functional or not properly integrated with the main supply line.



The disruption is affecting livelihoods as well as households.



Selvi Kenny, a fisherwoman, said both the timing and quantity of supply have become unmanageable. Earlier, we received water at 8 pm. Now it arrives around 11:30 pm, and even then, it is not sufficient. We have to leave for the market at 2 am. With this irregular supply, managing our livelihood becomes extremely difficult, she said.



For washing, we depend on pond water. But the drinking water supply from the BMC supply is often inadequate, she added.



From seasonal scarcity to year-round strain



Oldin Vasaikar, chairman of the Gorai Fisherman Society, said the original court petition sought relief from recurring summer shortages. The expectation was that the new tank would resolve seasonal scarcity. Instead, he said, the village now faces persistent disruption.



Under the earlier system, shortages were largely confined to summer, which is why the association approached the court. As per the courts direction, the BMC constructed the suction tank three months ago. We believed the issue would be resolved. Instead, we have faced continuous disruption since then. On several occasions, tankers have had to fill the tank, Vasaikar said. Local representatives maintain that entire pockets remain severely affected. Rossi Dsouza of the Gorai Gaothan Panchayat said areas such as Shephali continue to experience acute shortages. The civic body attempted to improve supply, but there has been no visible result. Residents in several localities are still struggling, she said.



MLA Sanjay Upadhayay described the current phase as transitional. This is a trial phase of the new water supply system. It will begin delivering improved results soon, he said. Dilip Patil, head of the BMCs water supply department, was unavailable for comment.



For Gorais residents, the new tank was meant to end years of uncertainty and dependence on tankers. Instead, winter has brought familiar anxieties: storing every available drop, waiting late into the night for supply, and hoping that the taps will run the next day.




The blockbuster Supreme Court ruling that invalidated President Donald Trumps emergency tariffs ends one chapter of economic uncertainty and begins another.



Even as the nations high court determined Friday that the president had exceeded his authority by slapping tariffs on goods from just about every country in the world, Trump made clear at a White House news conference that he was determined to do so again, though this time within the bounds of the law.



Assembling that presidential Plan B will take months, meaning the tariff-fuelled confusion that has weighed on the economy will linger as the November congressional elections draw nearer.



Trump took the first step Friday by ordering a new 10 per cent tariff on all imports under Section 122 of a 1974 trade law, effective 12.01 am Tuesday. Saturday morning, he raised that levy to 15 per cent, announcing the move in a Truth Social post.



The high court action ends more than a year of this sort of presidential freelancing, which saw tariffs imposed on the grounds of economics, national security and personal whim. Thanks to the Supreme Court, Trump no longer can introduce, modify or remove tariffs for any reason simply by tapping out a social media post on his smartphone.



But if that unpredictable quick-draw era has ended, plenty of new questions remain in its wake. Will the government refund the $134 billion-plus that it collected in illegitimate import taxes? If so, how and when? What new tariffs will be announced to supplement the 10 per cent global tax that Trump rushed out Friday?



The ruling represents a de-escalation in US trade policy. However, it does not constitute a full reset. Uncertainty persists around the durability of the relief, the potential reimposition of tariffs under alternative statutory authorities, and the treatment of tariffs already collected, said Gregory Daco, chief economist of EY-Parthenon.



Eliminating the tariffs that Trump imposed last year under the Interna-tional Economic Emergency Powers Act (IEEPA) will punch a hole in the nations fiscal accounts, challenge economic forecasters and perhaps present new opportunities for some savvy Wall Streeters to make bank.



Whether or not the government will now give back the money it wrongly collected from American importers remains to be seen.



The Justice Department said in court filings last year that the government would provide refunds if the tariffs were struck down. But following the Supreme Court ruling, which provided no guidance on the issue, Trump warned that importers and the government will end up being in court for the next five years haggling over it.



Thats hardly the only legal question. On Saturday, Neal Katyal, the attorney who helped win the Supreme Court challenge, questioned the validity of Trumps new 15 per cent global rate, saying any sweeping tariffs should first be approved by Congress.



The prospect of lengthy legal battles or procedural backlogs at customs brokers may cause some importers to sell their refund rights to hedge funds in return for immediate cash, said Salvatore Stile II, a customs broker in New York. The hedge funds could buy the refund claims at a discount and profit once the government paid, mirroring a trade some investors engaged in during the months before the court decision.



A lot of clients are like When are we getting the money? And I have to say that youre not getting the money right away. Its a long process, Stile said.



Trumps new strategy consists of a one-two punch of replacement tariffs. First, the 15 per cent global import tax, which legally is valid for just 150 days. Second, a flurry of new national security tariffs on individual industries and country-specific levies designed to combat alleged unfair trading practices.



Redesigning the nations tariff schedule for the third time in little more than a year will produce commercial winners and losers. Brazilian goods, for example, faced 50 per cent IEEPA tariffs. Under the new Section 122 arrangement, the import tax will drop to 15 per cent. Likewise, the 20 per cent rate on Vietnamese products will be cut.



These changes are not enough to cause companies to endure the costly and time-consuming process of moving production from one country to another. But they will effectively put imported goods on sale, at least for the next several months, potentially widening the US trade deficit that the president wants to close. Companies that rely on foreign suppliers may accelerate their imports, as they did in early 2025, seeking to front-run higher tariffs.



That is a very real possibility, Murphy said.



Any investment chill would come at a fraught moment for both Trump and the US economy. The president will lead Republicans into congressional elections in less than nine months and the early polls do not look good. Less than two hours before news of his high court setback, the Commerce Department announced that the economy had grown at an annual rate of just 1.4 per cent in October-December 2025.



Indeed, voters oppose the presidents tariffs by a margin of nearly 2-1, 64 per cent to 34 per cent, according to a new Washington Post-ABC News-Ipsos poll released on Friday.



A Supreme Court dominated by conservatives openly supportive of executive power, including three justices appointed by Trump, flatly rejected his claim that he could impose tariffs on imports from any country, of any product, at any rate, for any amount of time, in the words of Chief Justice John G Roberts Jr.



Sheared of that imagined authority, the president retreated to the more defensible terrain of tariff-making powers that Congress has explicitly delegated to the chief executive. At his extraordinary news conference on Friday, Trump sought to put a brave face on his defeat.



But in announcing plans to construct a new tariff regime using other legal mechanisms, he conceded that his new course was probably the direction I should have gone the first time.




The share price of Ola Electric Mobility closed at Rs 26.6 on Friday  its lowest ever. Its down 65 per cent from its issue price of Rs 76 and 82 per cent below its peak closing price of Rs 146 reached on August 19, 2024. A staggering amount of investor wealth has been destroyed. How did we get here?



Much of the stock market runs on storytelling. One of its favourite narratives is the growth stock  companies expected to expand faster than the average business. Such stocks are sold at prices that look expensive relative to current earnings, because investors are paying not for what the company is, but what they believe it will become.



Ola Electric was sold on a similar promise. It positioned itself as the company that would lead the transition from petrol scooters to electric ones  not just in India, but globally. While legacy manufacturers were viewed as incumbents moving cautiously, Ola positioned itself as the disruptor  often drawing direct comparisons with Tesla to justify its premium pricing despite heavy losses.



Investors bought this story. Or as Jeremy Grantham writes with Edward Chancellor in The Making of a Permabear: Growth is pleasing, investors want to own it and are willing to pay up for it.



Of course, the finance-industrial complex, comprising of investment bankers who manage the initial public offerings (IPOs), fund managers, stockbrokers, financial influencers and the business media, work overtime to sell the story because there is an incentive-caused bias. As Grantham and Chancellor write: The commercial imperative of the investment business is to be a bull all the time.



Indeed, the finance-industrial complex talked up the Ola Electric IPO, which came in early August 2024. For every 10 shares on offer, there was demand for 43  despite the company having racked up losses of over Rs 4,000 crore between 2020-21 and 2023-24. Post listing, the stock surged to an all-time closing high of Rs 146 within days.



Along with retail investors, mutual funds piled in. This wasnt surprising given that the finance-industrial complex runs on a quiet understanding: you scratch my back, and I scratch yours. Anyone raising basic questions about the companys losses or pointing out that legacy players wouldnt sit around doing nothing was quickly dismissed as a non-believer in the new world order.



Nonetheless, as is often the case with venture capital-backed, loss-making startups that list on the stock exchange, the doubters were right. Ola Electric never really had a viable business model, and its half-baked product proved to be a dud. The company continues to bleed. From October to December 2025, sales were Rs 470 crore and losses Rs 487 crore  meaning it lost more than a rupee for every rupee earned.



So, that leaves us with three investing lessons.



First, when you buy an IPO of a loss-making company, or buy its shares in the open market, you dont really know whether their business model will work. Also, there is a huge promoter risk, which has turned out to be true in case of Ola Electric.



Second, as John Maynard Keynes writes in The General Theory of Employment, Interest and Money: Life is not long enough;  human nature desires quick results, there is a peculiar zest in making money quickly. But wanting to make money quickly doesnt mean you will. Of course, investors who were lucky to get shares in the Ola IPO and then sold out quickly, did make money. But many investors have lost money here.



Third, as Grantham and Chancellor write, this is not the first time that equity investors have overpaid for excitement or sex appeal. But whenever investors do that, they end up buying a stock at a very high price. And as Grantham and Chancellor explain: If you buy something expensive, it must return less. Of course, Ola Electric is an extreme case, but the broader Indian stock market and its lack of returns for a while is a good general example of this phenomenon.



In the end, markets took a good story, wrapped it in PowerPoint/Canva slides, sprinkled it with words like disruption, ecosystem and global ambition, and sold it at a premium. Retail investors and mutual funds queued up to buy. But the promised future forgot to show up.



It takes a special kind of genius to sell a product for one rupee while spending two to make it  and still convince the market that it represents the next industrial revolution.



The finance-industrial complex may have moved on to scouting the next unicorn grazing in the meadows of hype. For retail investors, however, it has turned into what Indian markets occasionally specialise in: paisa fek, tamasha dekh. Only this time, the tamasha was expensive, with Jay, Ajay and Vijay left holding a digital key to a scooter that wont start and a portfolio that wont stop bleeding.



Vivek Kaul is an economic commentator and a writer




The halls of Sir JJ School of Design usually buzz with the pressure of studio deadlines. This week, the energy is different. The institutes annual exhibition, Antara, is open to the public from February 18 to 25, between 11 am and 7 pm. this years showcase feels less like a gallery of finished products and more like a study of the inner self.



The title, Antara, refers to a pause between musical notes. This years concept draws on ideas of imagination, introspection and the search for creativity, encouraging students to translate personal experiences, emotions and perspectives into thoughtful, considered design. This choice was deliberate. Antara felt right for this moment, says Amruta Chandrakant Jadhav, University Representative and organiser. We are living in extremely noisy times, visually, digitally, emotionally. This batch has grown up in constant exposure to information, opinions and comparisons. Choosing Antara was almost a conscious pause. It asks students to look inward before they look outward.



The exhibition has unfolded under the guidance of Vice Chancellor Prof. Him Chatterjee, Dean Shri Jagdish Khaire, HOD Shri Ganesh Bobade, Student Council President Shri Rahul Thorat and Exhibition In Charge Shri Krishna Pulkundwar.



Where ideas begin



The projects on display reflect this personal evolution. Tisha Ruias interactive typography book on Gill Sans avoids the dry format of a manual, using pop-ups to invite touch. I designed it to feel less like a textbook and more like an engaging experience that anyone can enjoy, she says.



Rajballabh Shyam reimagines playing cards through human anatomy. Our brain is the central command system that functions our body, thus it is the king, he explains. In his deck, the heart is the queen and blood cells are the jacks. Meanwhile, Tanvi Tambitkar uses a stapler campaign to explore human connection. Just like relationships hold people together, a stapler holds papers together firmly and securely, she says.



Addressing more sensitive themes, Tejal Pulekars Durex campaign focuses on discreet pleasure through subtle visuals. Deciding the visuals was difficult, to bring decency and avoid vulgarity, she admits. Nearby, Harshal Chavan turns a bus seat into a giant Paper Boat pouch to evoke nostalgia. Paper Boat has a distinct strategy to advertise through nostalgic feelings, he notes.



Beyond the brief



Faculty members emphasise that this emotional depth must be paired with technical rigour. As educators, we encourage students to reflect deeply on their own observations, emotions and cultural contexts, and then extend these insights to connect with broader human experiences, says Sunila George, senior faculty. When students understand that authenticity and clarity can coexist, they gain the confidence to shape ideas that are both personal and universally relatable.



This shift toward experience over objects is part of a larger institutional change. The school is launching a Masters in Communication and Experience Design to address Indias unique social complexities.



In the Indian context, people are broadening their horizon beyond a purely digital-first approach to embrace spatial, behavioural, cultural and systemic dimensions, says Aniket Rajendra Chikhale, who is associated with the programme.



Vice Chancellor Professor Him Kumar Chatterjee sees this as the schools future. We are deeply committed to nurturing creative thinkers and innovative problem solvers who will shape the future of the arts, architecture and design, he says.



By starting with a pause, these students have found a way to make their private reflections publicly relevant.




Sacramento, CA  Typically, Caltrans crews aim to have the Sierra Nevada seasonal mountain passes open by at least Memorial Day weekend.

Mother Lode District Four Republican Senator Marie Alvarado Gil would like to see it moved up by a couple of weeks.

On Mother Lode Views this past weekend, she stated, Im moving forward with a piece of legislation that asks for Caltrans to give us an opportunity to open these passes by Mothers Day. Mothers Day in May will give us an opportunity for people to plan, for us to staff our businesses, for us to promote the opening of these businesses, and to have real reliability around that economic driver, which are these mountain passes.

Caltrans oversees Highway 108 Sonora Pass, Highway 4 Ebbetts Pass, and Highway 89 Monitor Pass.

It would be more of a goal, and not a guarantee, as Alvarado-Gil says, We all understand that we cannot control the weather. We are at the mercy of Mother Nature. However, there are things that we can do at the state level. Make sure that our equipment is working, make sure that we are fully staffed, and make sure that we have a plan to ensure that we can maximize opening these passes.

The opening of Sonora Pass would also correlate with the Mother Lode Roundup, which is held on Mothers Day weekend, and the opening of Highway 4 Ebbetts Pass would happen shortly before the Calaveras County Fair and Jumping Frog Jubilee.

It was one of the topics that Alvarado-Gil discussed on Mother Lode Views this past weekend. Click here to find the full show. She also spoke about regional topics like efforts to turn J-59 into a state highway and how the Murphys Median project is spurring a proposed new bill related to elevating best practices and making sure that Caltrans is working with local businesses and residents ahead of projects.
President Donald Trump on Monday threatened countries around the world to abide by any tariff deals they agreed to despite the U.S. Supreme Court ruling that struck down many of his far-reaching taxes on imports. And he said he wants a global tariff of 15%, up from 10% he had announced immediately after the ruling.

The courts Friday decision struck down tariffs Trump had imposed on nearly every country using an emergency powers law. But the Republican president wont let go of his favorite tool for rewriting the rules of global commerce and applying international pressure.

Any Country that wants to play games with the ridiculous supreme court decision, especially those that have Ripped Off the U.S.A. for years, and even decades, will be met with a much higher Tariff, and worse, than that which they just recently agreed to, Trump posted Monday on Truth Social.

One of Trumps executive orders says he can bypass Congress and impose a 10% tax on imports from around the world starting Tuesday, the same day as his State of the Union speech.

The Latest:

Maryland suing Trump administration over plan to convert a warehouse to immigration processing center

The lawsuit filed Monday appears to be the first amid growing concerns that a $38.3 billion U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement plan to boost detention capacity to 92,000 beds has been marked by secrecy.

Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown contends that plans to hold 1,500 people at a time in a newly purchased warehouse just outside of Williamsport was planned without adequate reviews or consultation.

In Arizona, the attorney general has raised the prospect of going to court to have a newly purchased warehouse declared a public nuisance, but has not yet announced a lawsuit.

Warehouses in the two states are among at least eight that have been purchased so far. Three other deals have been announced but not yet finalized, though buyers scuttled sales in eight locations.

House Democratic leader invites Jackson family and others to State of the Union

Rep. Hakeem Jeffries said House Democrats are committed to carry on the work of the late Rev. Jesse Jackson a trailblazer extraordinaire who fought to make America live up to its promise of a thriving multiracial democracy.

The Brooklyn-area congressman has also invited Vonetta Rougier, a constituent who is a bus operator and a caregiver for her family. Jeffries said she is picking up extra shifts just to keep up with the skyrocketing price of housing, food and healthcare.

He said he is also welcoming Marina Lacerda, who is among the Epstein survivors attending as guests of the Democratic Womens Caucus.

US builds up largest force of warships and aircraft in the Middle East in decades

The Pentagon build up, including two aircraft carrier strike groups, is happening as President Donald Trump warns of possible military action against Iran if talks over its nuclear program fall apart.

Trump likely will have a host of military options. They could include surgical attacks on Irans air defenses or strikes focused on Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

But experts warn that Iran could retaliate in ways it hadnt following attacks last year by the U.S. or Israel. They say military actions against Iran could potentially risk American lives and spark a regional war.

Trump has repeatedly threatened to use force to compel Iran to agree to constrain its nuclear program and earlier over Tehrans bloody crackdown on nationwide protests.

 Read more about the U.S. military build up

No. 2 official at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention resigns suddenly

The CDC announced Monday that Dr. Ralph Abraham resigned, effective immediately, after only about three months on the job as the agencys principal deputy director.

A CDC statement said he left to address unforeseen family obligations.

Abraham is a physician and former Republican U.S. representative. He was named Louisianas first surgeon general last year, tasked with crafting health policy and improving public health. In that role, he ordered staff to stop promoting vaccinations and criticized a CDC COVID-19 vaccination push.

American Bar Association condemns Trumps attack on Supreme Court justices

The president called members of the court disloyal to the Constitution and an embarrassment to their families in remarks after they voted to strike down his tariffs.

The lawyers association said that while Supreme Court opinions are always subject to critique, it was wholly inappropriate for the president to personally attack individual justices.

Such statements risk undermining the rule of law and the publics faith in an impartial judiciary, foundational pillars of our democracy that have guided our nation since its founding, said Michelle Behnke, president of the ABA. Incendiary rhetoric has helped contribute to the alarming increase in attacks on and threats to our judges. It must stop.

Coalition urges more attention on sexual violence at schools, universities

A coalition of advocacy groups is urging the Trump administration to devote more time and money toward addressing sexual violence in Americas schools, saying victims are being ignored amid the dismantling of the Education Department.

More than 100 groups signed a letter on Monday saying the administration has failed to investigate cases of sexual violence while it doubles down on anti-transgender efforts.

The letter cites a recent Associated Press story finding that the departments Office for Civil Rights had opened fewer than 10 sexual violence investigations since March 2025.

Instead of addressing actual discrimination, OCR has been preoccupied with using its limited resources to investigate over 50 schools for implementing trans-inclusive policies, the groups wrote. These are not competing obligations; these are choices.

Trump officials have blamed the previous administration for leaving a backlog of cases.

Groups signing the letter include the National Womens Law Center and the American Association of University Women.

Senate Democrats introduce bill to require tariff refunds

Democratic lawmakers are continuing to show opposition to Trumps tariffs by pushing legislation that would require the government to reimburse, with interest, the import taxes paid by importers under the tariffs that were struck down by the Supreme Court last week.

Nineteen Democratic senators signed onto the bill, but it would need to gain significant support from Republicans, including those in leadership, to actually have a chance of passing.

Trumps illegal tax scheme has already done lasting damage to American families, small businesses and manufacturers who have been hammered by wave after wave of new Trump tariffs, said Democratic Sen. Ron Wyden, who is one of those leading the legislation.

Hundreds of children have been wrongly separated from their legal sponsors, lawsuit says

A team of lawyers is filing a suit against federal authorities on behalf of hundreds of children who have been separated from their migrant families and placed into government custody.

The lawsuit alleges that over 300 children have been inappropriately detained and separated from their legal sponsors.

The children were previously in custody of the Office of Refugee Resettlement and approved to be released to their families, attorneys said. Now, though, they are being re-detained and sent back to ORR following encounters with immigration officials, according to the federal lawsuit filed in the District of Columbia.

Once detained, the government is refusing to send them back to their families unless their previously approved sponsors reapply through a complicated and months-long process, attorneys said.

As a result, children remain detained for months  separated from their families, schools, communities, according to the suit. Their loving parents and other family members are ready and eager to care for them  yet are being kept apart.

US military strikes alleged drug boat in Caribbean Sea, killing 3

The U.S. military said it killed three people Monday in a strike on an alleged drug-smuggling vessel in the Caribbean Sea as part of the Trump administrations monthslong campaign against alleged traffickers.

Mondays strike brought the death toll to at least 151 people since the administration began targeting those it calls narcoterrorists in small vessels since early September.

Like most of the militarys statements on the more than 40 known strikes, U.S. Southern Command said it targeted alleged drug traffickers along known smuggling routes. The military did not provide evidence that the vessel was ferrying drugs, but posted a video on X that showed a boat being destroyed.

US gives details on allegation of Chinese nuclear test

A U.S. official focusing on arms control has provided what he called new, declassified details of a Chinese underground nuclear test nearly six years ago.

Christopher Yeaw, assistant secretary of state for the Bureau of Arms Control and Nonproliferation, also urged countries to press China and Russia to do more on nuclear disarmament.

He spoke Monday to the U.N.-backed Conference on Disarmament in Geneva after the last nuclear arms pact between the U.S. and Russia expired this month. The Trump administration has argued for China to be a part of any new treaty.

Yeaw says Beijing has massively expanded its nuclear arsenal and pointed to an explosion detected at an underground site in western China on June 22, 2020.

Chinas ambassador to the conference, Jian Shen, says Beijing resolutely rejects the unfounded accusations and calls it unfair, unreasonable and unfeasible to demand China be part of three-way nuclear talks.

Schumer to bring an Epstein survivor and mom of ICE-detained teen to State of the Union

The Senate Democratic leader is bringing Dani Bensky, who has been an outspoken victim of Jeffrey Epsteins abuse, as well as Raiza Contreras, the mother of a New York City public school student who has been detained by immigration enforcement agents.

Schumers guests showed how Democrats are trying to confront Trump with the people who are affected by his aggressive crackdown on illegal immigration, as well as his administrations handling of the release of case files on Epstein.

No mother should have to go through what Raiza is experiencing right now  being unjustly separated from her son. Dylan followed the rules. He entered through a legal process, obtained permission to work to support his family, enrolled in school, and showed up to court as required, Schumer said in a statement. Instead, ICE ripped their family apart.

Johnson will host Hong Kong media tycoons daughter at State of the Union

House Speaker Mike Johnson is bringing Claire Lai, the daughter of Jimmy Lai, to the State of the Union address tomorrow evening.

Her presence at the U.S. Capitol comes as she presses for the release of her father, who was sentenced earlier this month to 20 years in prison under a China-imposed national security law that has virtually silenced the citys dissent.

Lai, 78, had been convicted of charges connected to the publication of articles that allegedly harmed China, as well as conspiracy to collude with foreign forces for meeting with U.S. political officials. The New York Times first reported that Claire Lai will be Johnsons guest.

Trump is visiting China starting at the end of March and has said he felt so badly about Lais conviction and noted he spoke to Chinese leader Xi Jinping about considering Lais release.

Johnson discounts Congress addressing tariffs after Supreme Court decision

House Speaker Mike Johnson is discounting the House playing a role in cementing Trumps tariff policy through legislation now that the Supreme Court has struck down the presidents far-reaching global tariffs.

Johnson said he believed its important to give the White House the time and space to respond to the courts decisions, and thats not something that really involves the House at this point.

Some have suggested that Congress could enact Trumps tariffs through a Republican-only reconciliation bill. Republicans used such a process to get Trumps big tax cut bill approved last year.

Its going to be, I think, a challenge to find consensus on any path forward on the tariffs on the legislative side, Johnson told reporters. And so that is why I think we see so much of the attention on the executive side.

Oregon congresswoman to send Epstein survivor to State of the Union in her place

Im inviting Lisa Phillips, one of the many brave women who survived Epsteins abuse, to attend the State of the Union on my behalf, U.S. Rep. Maxine Dexter said in a statement. Her presence will send a clear message: Epstein survivors will not be silenced.

Dexter is among the Democratic lawmakers who wont be attending President Donald Trumps State of the Union address before Congress on Tuesday. She will be holding a telephone town hall instead.

I am deeply grateful to Representative Dexter for this honor. I sit in this seat not for myself, but for the girls who were never given a voice  and for the accountability they deserve, Philips said in the statement.

Funding cuts and uncertainty have taken a toll on local communities, nonprofits say

Nonprofit leaders said communities are coping with rising demand while also seeing disruptions or reductions in federal funding.

In the last year, nonprofits have faced record demand for food, housing, mental health services, and at the same time, funding freezes, payment delays, and administrative uncertainty, making their ability to respond even more difficult, said Diane Yentel, president of the National Council of Nonprofits, speaking in advance of Trumps State of the Union.

Danielle Clore, the CEO of the Kentucky Nonprofit Network, said federal funding cuts have reduced the availability of substance abuse counseling and food assistance in her state.

Cuts dont eliminate need. They simply shift costs elsewhere, often to emergency rooms or law enforcement, Clore said.

Since the 1960s, the federal government has funded a vast network of nonprofits to address social problems or deliver services. The Trump administrations policies have significantly strained that partnership, with nonprofits warning that neither local government funding nor charitable donations can replace federal support.

Court denies GOP effort to block Utahs congressional remap favoring Democrats

New Utah voting districts that give Democrats an improved shot at winning a U.S. House seat can be used in this years election, a federal court ruled Monday while turning aside a Republican request to block the new map.

The ruling marked the second setback in recent days for Republicans, who also lost an appeal at the state Supreme Court.

A Utah judge imposed the new districts last November after striking down the congressional districts that the Republican-led Legislature had adopted after the 2020 census. The judge ruled that the Legislature had circumvented anti-gerrymandering standards passed by voters.

 Read more

Democrats are not just targeting toss-up suburbs in November midterms

Democrats initial list of top House challengers in 2026 includes several candidates running in districts that cover swaths of rural voters, and the party is touting those contenders biographies as perfect fits to reclaim areas that Trump and Republicans have dominated.

Announcing its first slate of Red to Blue candidates Monday, Democrats said former Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez in Arizonas sprawling 2nd District is determined to give rural Arizonans a real seat at the table.

Iowa Democrat Christina Bohannan, the announcement noted, was raised in a trailer in a rural small town and wants to grow the rural economy. Western North Carolinas Jamie Ager grew up on his family farm and built it into a successful, sustainable small business.

Democrat Rebecca Cooke is running in southwest Wisconsins 3rd District as a nonprofit leader and waitress who is a 6th generation Wisconsinite and grew up on a dairy farm.

Democrats Red to Blue list includes several return candidates

House Democrats arent shy about backing candidates whove lost before and now want potential rematches against incumbent Republicans.

In 2024, Christina Bohanan lost the general election in southeast Iowas 1st District by just 799 votes (less than 0.25%) to Republican Rep. Marianette Miller-Meeks. Broadcast journalist Janelle Stelson lost to Republican Rep. Scott Perry in Pennsylvanias 10th District by 1.2 percentage points (about 5,000 votes).

Former Rep. Elaine Luria won Virginias 2nd District in 2018. She lost to Republican Jen Kiggans in 2022 by about 10,000 votes (3.4 points) and is seeking a rematch.

Arizonas Jonathan Nez would need the biggest turnaround. He lost in 2024 to Republican Rep. Eli Crane by 9 points (more than 36,000 votes).

All four Democrats are on the partys initial Red to Blue list of top House challengers released Monday. Democrats believe voter discontent with Trump will yield considerable swings from previous election cycles.

Democrats name their first 12 Red to Blue challengers in bid to flip House

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committees initial list of Red to Blue midterm candidates includes two military veterans, two mayors, two state senators (one of them a Lutheran minister), a fourth-generation farmer, a waitress, a local prosecutor, small business owners and a former Navajo Nation president.

The 12 challengers in Republican-held districts are intended to highlight Democrats focus on selling their candidates as advocates for middle- and working-class voters, while contrasting that with Trumps tumultuous second presidency and compliant GOP incumbents.

The Republican targets span from suburban districts that have been toss-ups in recent election cycles to more small-town and rural districts that Trump won comfortably. There are two seats in Arizona, Iowa, Pennsylvania and Virginia and one each in Michigan, North Carolina, Tennessee and Wisconsin.

The program, launched Monday, is not an official endorsement but offers designated candidates staff resources, training and fundraising support.

Army veteran who was detained by ICE invited to State of the Union

Democratic Rep. Mark Takano of California is inviting George Retes to be his guest at Trumps State of the Union address. The U.S. citizen was arrested during an immigration raid at a Southern California marijuana farm last year and held for days before being released.

Some Democrats are seeking to draw attention to the excesses of Trumps immigration crackdown by inviting guests who have suffered at the hands of federal immigration agents. Other Democrats are inviting survivors of Jeffrey Epsteins abuse who have become outspoken critics of how the Trump administration has handled the release of case files on the late financier.

Trump is under pressure to deliver on the economy to an increasingly skeptical public

Trump swept back into the White House on promises to bring down prices and restore order to immigration in America. But on both issues, public sentiment has turned against him.

Only 39% of U.S. adults approve of his economic leadership and just 38% support him on immigration, according to the latest Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research survey. Those low numbers show the country is still fretting about the costs of groceries, housing and utilities, a problem compounded by Trumps whipsawing use of tariffs. They also show how the public was disturbed by videos of violent clashes with protesters, including two U.S. citizens killed by federal agents.

Since his party passed a massive tax cut bill last year, Trump has yet to unveil major new economic policy ideas, instead offering reruns about his tax cuts, ideas about reducing mortgage rates and a new government website for buying prescription drugs.

Trump says his State of the Union address will be a long one

How long is an important question.

As he was wrapping up the White House event recognizing angel families, Trump talked about how well the country is performing, in his view, and his administrations work to cut off illegal immigration from Mexico to the U.S.

Im making a speech tomorrow night, and youll be hearing me say that, he said. I mean, its going to be a long speech because we have so much to talk about.

Last year, the Republican president spoke for a record-setting 100 minutes to a joint session of Congress. Such a speech in a presidents first year in office technically is not considered a State of the Union address.

By The Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP)  The Supreme Court said Monday that it will hear from oil and gas companies trying to block lawsuits seeking to hold the industry liable for billions of dollars in damage linked to climate change.

The conservative-majority court agreed to take up a case from Boulder, Colorado, one of multiple lawsuits alleging the companies deceived the public about how fossil fuels contribute to climate change.

Governments around the country have sought damages totaling billions of dollars, arguing its necessary to help pay for rebuilding after wildfires, rising sea levels and severe storms worsened by climate change. The lawsuits come amid a wave of legal actions in California, Hawaii and New Jersey and worldwide seeking to leverage action through the courts.

The case out of Boulder County will likely have implications for other lawsuits, some of which have been dismissed while others work their way through state courts.

Suncor Energy and ExxonMobil appealed to the Supreme Court after Colorados highest court let the Boulder case proceed. The companies argue emissions are a national issue that should be heard in federal court, where similar suits have been tossed out.

The use of state law to address global climate change represents a serious threat to one of our Nations most critical sectors, attorneys wrote. ExxonMobil said Monday that climate policy shouldnt be set through fragmented statecourt actions.

President Donald Trumps administration weighed in to support the companies and urge the justices to reverse the Colorado Supreme Court decision, saying it would mean every locality in the country could sue essentially anyone in the world for contributing to global climate change.

Trump, a Republican, criticized the lawsuits in an executive order, and the Justice Department has sought to head some off in court.

Attorneys for Boulder had agued that the litigation is still in early stages and should stay in state court. There is no constitutional bar to states addressing in-state harms caused by out-of-state conduct, be it the negligent design of an automobile or sale of asbestos, they wrote.

City officials said the case was about dealing with problems people are facing in Colorado. Our case is, fundamentally, about fairness. Boulder is already experiencing the effects of a rapidly warming climate, and the financial burden of adaptation should not fall solely on local taxpayers, said Jonathan Koehn, its climate initiatives director.

The Supreme Court also asked the two sides to present arguments on whether the case is truly ready to be heard by the justices. Arguments are expected in the fall.

___

Follow the APs coverage of the U.S. Supreme Court at https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court.

By LINDSAY WHITEHURST

Associated Press
The rebranding reflects the company's global reach and sourcing model.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Feb. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Beaver Street Fisheries announced the launch of a new brand identity and will now operate under the name BSF, a change that reflects the company's continued growth into a globally connected seafood sourcing and distribution partner serving retail and foodservice customers across the United States.

Over the past several decades, BSF has evolved from its beginnings as a regional seafood wholesaler into a diversified importer and distributor with an expanded international sourcing network and nationwide reach. The updated branding is intended to better represent the company's scale, sourcing model, and role within today's modern seafood supply chain.

A business built on history and adaptation

Founded as a local seafood business rooted in hands-on sourcing and valuable personal relationships, Beaver Street Fisheries began near the Port of Jacksonville, supplying regional markets from its original location on Beaver Street. The company earned an early reputation for reliability, service, and profound industry knowledge.

As the seafood industry became increasingly global, BSF was among the companies that adapted early, developing innovative sourcing practices and building long-term partnerships with suppliers worldwide. This evolution allowed BSF to expand its product offerings, strengthen its distribution capabilities, and provide customers with consistent access to a wide range of species and formats.

Today, BSF sources seafood through trusted suppliers in more than 52 countries, supported by an operating model that combines global procurement with modern production and distribution. Tropic Seafood, based in the Bahamas, remains an active part of the business, reinforcing BSF's long-standing presence in the region. Together, these capabilities enable BSF to support retail and foodservice customers both domestically and internationally.

"This is not a rebrand for the sake of vanity," said Mark Frisch, executive vice president of BSF. "It's a recognition of how many of our customers already know us and the strong relationships we've built across the industry. BSF better reflects the full scope of who we are today as a global importer, distributor, and supply chain partner."

Why the brand needed to change

Despite its scale and global capabilities, BSF's previous brand identity still suggested a primarily local operation. That perception no longer reflected the company's true reach and could limit how customers, partners, and prospective clients understood BSF's sourcing expertise, supply reliability, and operational depth.

In an industry where clarity, trust, and responsible sourcing are critical, leadership viewed the opportunity to update as a business issue rather than a marketing one.

"When customers are making careful seafood sourcing decisions, perception matters," Frisch said. "If a company cannot communicate capabilities, sourcing expertise and operational competence, it can create barriers."

The company developed its new brand identity to clearly signal BSF's role as a sourcing partner equipped to navigate global supply chains, regulatory complexity and shifting market conditions.

A brand designed around how the company operates today

The new identity establishes a clear framework for how BSF presents itself across customer touchpoints, internal teams and industry engagement, emphasizing clarity, accountability and reliability. These values have long guided BSF, and the rebranding expresses them through a system built to support future growth.

"The seafood market is full of noise," Frisch said. "Farm-raised versus wild. Fresh versus frozen. Domestic versus imported. Our responsibility is to help customers navigate it with confidence. We do not complicate the industry. We help customers operate within it more effectively."

Debuting ahead of Seafood Expo North America

BSF's rebrand will debut publicly ahead of Seafood Expo North America on March 15, 2026, in Boston, strategically introducing the evolution directly to industry stakeholders in a forum where sourcing strategy, scale, and long-term partnerships are central to the conversation.

Supporting partners

BSF developed its rebranding in collaboration with In Food Marketing & Design, an advertising agency that led the brand strategy and creative process. Simultaneously, BSF recently selected Axia Public Relations as its PR agency of record to elevate the initiative across key audiences.

Frequently asked questions

What does BSF stand for?

BSF is the abbreviated brand name for Beaver Street Fisheries, reflecting the company's evolution into a nationally scaled, globally sourced seafood partner.

BSF is the abbreviated brand name for Beaver Street Fisheries, reflecting the company's evolution into a nationally scaled, globally sourced seafood partner. Is this a change in ownership or leadership?

No. BSF remains privately held and American-owned, with the same leadership team.

No. BSF remains privately held and American-owned, with the same leadership team. Why did BSF decide to rebrand now?

The previous brand identity no longer reflected BSF's scale, sourcing model or national footprint. The rebranding aligns the company's identity with its current operations.

The previous brand identity no longer reflected BSF's scale, sourcing model or national footprint. The rebranding aligns the company's identity with its current operations. Does this change affect existing customers or supplier relationships?

No. Customers and suppliers will continue working with the same teams, processes and commitments to service and reliability.

No. Customers and suppliers will continue working with the same teams, processes and commitments to service and reliability. How does BSF source its seafood today?

BSF sources seafood through a trusted global network of supplier partners in more than 52 countries, combining long-standing relationships, responsible sourcing practices, and an optimized operating model to ensure consistent quality and supply.

About BSF

BSF is a privately held, $800 million, American-owned seafood sourcing and distribution company providing retail and foodservice customers across the U.S. with reliable access to a diverse portfolio of seafood products. Leveraging a global supplier network, national distribution capabilities and decades of industry expertise, BSF combines a commitment to responsible sourcing and quality with personalized service to help customers navigate complex supply chains, food safety regulations and evolving market demands. For more information, visit bsfseafood.com

Media Contact:

Kasey Klee

607-425-9501

[email protected]

SOURCE BSF
TORONTO (AP)  Representatives of ChatGPT-maker OpenAI have been summoned to Ottawa after the company said last week that it considered but didnt alert Canadian police about the activities of a person who months later committed one of the worst school shootings in the countrys history.

Artificial Intelligence Minister Evan Solomon said Monday that he expects the companys top safety representatives to explain its protocols and how it decides to forward cases to law enforcement when he meets with them on Tuesday.

British Columbia Premier David Eby said it looks like OpenAI had the opportunity to prevent the recent mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia that killed eight people.

From the outside, it looks like OpenAI had the opportunity to prevent this tragedy, to prevent this horrific loss of life, to prevent there from being dead children in British Columbia, Eby said.

Im angry about that.

OpenAI said last June that the company identified the account of Jesse Van Rootselaar via abuse detection efforts for furtherance of violent activities.

The San Francisco technology company said that it considered whether to refer the account to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, or RCMP, but determined at the time that the account activity didnt meet a threshold for referral to law enforcement. OpenAI banned the account in June for violating its usage policy.

The 18-year-old killed eight people in a remote part of British Columbia this month and died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

OpenAI said that the threshold for referring a user to law enforcement is whether the case involves an imminent and credible risk of serious physical harm to others. The company said that it didnt identify credible or imminent planning. The Wall Street Journal first reported OpenAIs revelation, reporting that about a dozen employees debated informing Canadian police.

OpenAI said that it wasnt until after learning of the school shooting that employees reached out to RCMP with information on the individual and their use of ChatGPT

Solomon said that he contacted OpenAI immediately when he read the reports that OpenAI didnt contact law enforcement in a timely manner.

I have summoned the senior safety team from OpenAI to come here to Ottawa from the United States, Solomon said. Canadians expect, first of all, that their children particularly are kept safe and these organizations act in a responsible manner.

Solomon said that some of his representatives already met with some OpenAI officials on Sunday. He wouldnt say whether the Canadian government intends to regulate AI chatbots like ChatGPT, but insists that all options are on the table.

Police said Van Rootselaar first killed her mother and stepbrother at the family home before attacking the nearby school. Van Rootselaar had a history of mental health contacts with police.

The motive for the shooting remains unclear.

The town of Tumbler Ridge in the Canadian Rockies is more than 1,000 kilometers (600 miles) northeast of Vancouver, near the provincial border with Alberta. Police said the victims included a 39-year-old teaching assistant and five students, ages 12 to 13.

The attack was Canadas deadliest rampage since 2020, when a gunman in Nova Scotia killed 13 people and set fires that left another nine dead.

By ROB GILLIES

Associated Press
KATHMANDU, Feb 23: Fusemachines Inc. has opened registration for the 2026 Nepal cohort of its AI Fellowship, a six-month program aimed at developing job-ready artificial intelligence and data science professionals, the company said in a press release.

The company said the fellowship, now in its ninth year, offers its proprietary Microdegree program designed by US university faculty members and AI industry experts. The program targets IT students, professionals and enthusiasts with backgrounds in programming, mathematics, computer science and software development.

Selected candidates will receive full scholarships following a multi-stage selection process, the company said.

Related story Fusemachines invites applications for AI Fellowship 2024

According to the press release, the fellowship combines online instruction through its education platform with onsite practical sessions. Participants will receive training in Generative AI, Machine Learning, Deep Learning, Natural Language Processing, Computer Vision, Prompt Engineering and MLOps, along with core mathematical and programming foundations.

Fusemachines CEO Sameer Maskey said the program reflects the companys commitment to expanding access to quality AI education beyond geographic boundaries, the press release stated. Likewise, Parag Shrestha, Head of Strategy and Managing Director for South Asia, said the initiative aims to strengthen Nepals AI ecosystem and connect regional talent with global opportunities.

Since launching in 2017, the AI Fellowship has trained more than 1,200 fellows across 12 countries, primarily in frontier markets, the company said.

Founded in 2013, Fusemachines provides enterprise AI products and services and operates in North America, Asia and Latin America.
Senior leaders from Kenyas United Opposition have stepped up efforts to calm fears of electoral malpractice ahead of the 2027 General Election, assuring supporters that their votes will remain secure.

Speaking to a packed congregation at PCEA Embakasi Parish in Nairobi, three of the coalitions most prominent figures, including Fred Matiangi, Kalonzo Musyoka, and Rigathi Gachagua, declared that the opposition has already begun putting in place firm mechanisms to prevent interference with election results.

Matiangi Leans on Security Record to Assure Voters

Matiangi, the former Interior Cabinet Secretary and flagbearer of the Jubilee Party, anchored his confidence in his background in national security and education reform.

I guarded exams, and there was no cheating; nobody will steal our votes, he declared.

The former CS pointed to his tenure in both the Education and Interior ministries as evidence of his ability to enforce compliance and shut down malpractice. He reminded supporters of his crackdown on exam irregularities and his strict enforcement of legal frameworks while overseeing internal security.

Matiangi promised that the opposition would apply the same level of vigilance and oversight to the 2027 General Election to protect the integrity of the vote.

By invoking his administrative track record, he sought to reassure voters concerned about potential election fraud and result manipulation.

Gachagua Says Opposition Has Locked Down Key Regions

Gachagua, who leads the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), echoed Matiangis sentiments and urged supporters not to give in to fear.

I can see you had some fear that our votes would be stolen. It is just that you do not know how prepared we are, he said.

Projecting strong confidence in the coalitions electoral prospects, Gachagua claimed the opposition has consolidated support in several strategic regions.

According to him, Kalonzo Musyoka has secured Ukambani and the Coast region. He added that leaders such as Eugene Wamalwa, George Natembeya, and Edwin Sifuna have anchored support in Western Kenya, while Nairobi and the Mt Kenya region are also firmly leaning toward the opposition.

Just relax, do not be worried, he told the cheering crowd.

Kalonzo Questions Rutos Projected 2027 Margin

Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka turned his focus to recent remarks by William Ruto, who suggested he would secure re-election in 2027 by a margin of two to three million votes.

When William Ruto says he will win the election with two million votes, what does he mean? Kalonzo wondered.

The veteran politician argued that Kenyas political climate is shifting rapidly as more citizens seek a new direction. He described the momentum building across the country as revolutionary, maintaining that ordinary Kenyans are determined to use the ballot box to chart a different course in 2027.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has cleared the police of any role in the tear gas incident that disrupted Edwin Sifunas rally in Kakamega. He dismissed the accusations as a deliberate effort to tarnish the reputation of law enforcement and stir up public anger.

During a church service in Kipkelion the following day, Murkomen stated that the government refuses to tolerate political stunts aimed at damaging the image of the National Police Service.

I want to request politicians, those who were in Kakamega yesterday, in Nyeri, and in Nairobi, to go to those rallies in peace. We will deploy police officers to ensure there is beefed-up security, but dont give us this comedy that you are going to meetings with teargas. You throw it and then go to rallies with goons armed with knives and rungus. That we will deal with firmly, Murkomen said.

Murkomen stood firm, denying that police played any role in the tear gas deployment at the Kakamega rally. He further shared that the Inspector Generals office has launched a search to identify and unmask the person responsible.

I have no doubt in my mind that the inspector general has a responsibility to ensure that the person who was carrying tear gas yesterday and threw it in Kakamega so that police are blamed must be searched for and arrested for such acts of trying to seek sympathy and to incite the people of Kenya. That must be dealt with finality, he stated.

The Cabinet Secretary also criticized opposition leaders, accusing them of fueling politically motivated insecurity. He claimed they are deliberately trying to cast doubt on the governments capacity to keep the peace as political tensions rise.

The only issue we face as a country is insecurity caused by politicians who have no vision. They deploy the youth to meetings and instigate war between brothers. Instead of calling for your rally and selling your agenda, you walk around with people who instigate violence, he said.

In what appeared to be a direct jab at former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who recently voiced concerns over national security. Murkomen accused him of fueling unrest to gain political leverage.

I saw a former leader in this country who served for a quarter term saying that insecurity in this country has worsened, yet he is obsessed with President Ruto and me. The truth is he is a chief negotiator of goons, and when his goons are beaten up, thats when you see him lament, Murkomen claimed.

The Cabinet Secretary clarified that the Ministry of Interior remains fully dedicated to maintaining order. He issued a sharp warning to anyone attempting to ignite ethnic conflict or political violence.

The Ministry of Interior is working actively to ensure that Kenyans are living in peace. We will not accept, by all means, people who will incite war between brothers and neighbors. Tribal clashes and incitement will not be condoned, and anybody who engages in that will face the full wrath of the law, he warned.

Murkomen further defended the governments security achievements, claiming the country has made massive strides in stabilizing volatile regions since the Kenya Kwanza administration took over.

Since President William Ruto took the reins of this country, when Professor Kithure Kindiki was the interior cabinet secretary, we had a lot of issues in the country, including banditry, Al-Shabaab, and border conflicts. But since I took up the post, we have managed to arrest those issues, and Kenya is one of the safest places on this continent, Murkomen said.
Nairobi County Assembly members have launched a fresh campaign to remove Governor Johnson Sakaja from office, months after their previous attempt failed.

Kileleshwa Ward Representative Robert Alai is leading the group of MCAs behind this new ouster bid. The lawmakers accuse the governor of mismanaging the county and ignoring the peoples representatives.

The controversy surrounding a recently signed Sh80 billion cooperation agreement between Nairobi County and President William Rutos administration has intensified the situation. Critics of the deal argue that Sakaja surrendered the countys autonomy and independence to the national government.

Alai noted that the group has already collected 55 signatures and needs only 42 more to officially start the removal process.

We already have 55 signatures. We need only 42 signatures to ensure that the motion is presented before the county assembly. I think we have enough numbers. The threshold has already been hit. By next week, we will file the motion to remove the governor of Nairobi, Alai said.

A separate faction of ward representatives has supported the governor, particularly backing his partnership with President Ruto.

In a joint statement issued on February 19, 2026, led by Anthony Kiragu of Waithaka and Minority Leader Lawrence Odhiambo, the MCAs dismissed rumors of an impeachment plot against Sakaja. They urged residents to stay focused on the citys development goals.

The legislators noted that the agreement will inject an additional Sh80 billion into Nairobis growth, specifically for infrastructure, urban renewal, and essential services. They pointed out that Nairobi functions on an estimated Sh40 billion budget while serving over seven million people, a sum that falls far short of municipal budgets in global hubs like Paris and New York.

These examples show that collaboration between city administrations and national governments is a practical approach to urban growth, the statement said.

This latest push comes five months after the MCAs shelved a separate impeachment bid against Sakaja.

That earlier bid failed when President William Ruto and the late ODM leader, Raila Odinga, intervened to de-escalate the situation.

In September 2025, both leaders held separate meetings with their respective lawmakers, effectively saving the governor and protecting him from removal. They encouraged officials to stop the political posturing and focus their efforts on dialogue and serving the public instead.
William Ruto has announced that construction of the long-awaited NairobiThika Expressway will begin in September 2026, marking a major step in efforts to ease traffic congestion along one of Kenyas busiest transport corridors.

The president linked the projects rollout to the completion of the ongoing JKIAWestlands road expansion, positioning the new 60-kilometer highway as the next phase in Nairobis expanding expressway network.

Speaking during a church service at Jesus Compassion Ministry (JCM) in Ruiru on Sunday, February 22, 2026, Ruto confirmed that the NairobiThika Expressway will begin at the Museum Hill Interchange, branching off from the existing Nairobi Expressway, and extend all the way to Thika town.

The project targets chronic traffic congestion, particularly around the Githurai area, where motorists often endure hours-long gridlock.

This traffic jam, after Githurai, causes disruption all the way to Museum Hill. I am telling you now, just as we constructed the expressway from JKIA to Westlands, I will return here in September to begin construction of the expressway from Thika, Ruto said.

The NairobiThika corridor serves thousands of daily commuters traveling between Nairobis central business district and rapidly growing residential and industrial hubs in Kiambu County. The proposed expressway aims to reduce travel time, improve connectivity, and support economic activity in the region.

Sh15 Billion Allocated for Road Infrastructure

Ruto also revealed that the government has set aside Sh15 billion this financial year for road infrastructure projects.

The funding will support the dualling of Kiambu Road between Pangani and Ndenderu and the expansion of the Northern Bypass from Kamakis to Kiambu town. These projects form part of a broader plan to decongest Nairobi and improve mobility across satellite towns.

By prioritizing key arteries feeding into the capital, the administration seeks to create a more efficient transport network that matches the regions fast-paced urban growth.

Ruto Urges Unity Amid Kiambu Political Tensions

Beyond infrastructure, the president addressed rising political tensions in Kiambu County. He called on leaders to unite and focus on service delivery, pointing to ongoing friction between Members of Parliament and Kimani Wamatangi.

The dispute has largely revolved around political rivalry involving Alice Nganga, popularly known as Mama Simba, who has declared her interest in the governors seat. The rivalry has occasionally disrupted public events and fueled divisions within the countys leadership.

The work in Kiambu is our job, from the MCA to the governor. We who have been elected by the people of KiambuMCA, MP, Senator, Governor, Woman Representative, and the Presidentare the servants of the people of Kiambu and the people of Kenya, Ruto said.

He reminded elected officials that voters will ultimately judge their performance if development stalls.

If the work of Kiambu goes wrong, we are the ones to be questioned. So I ask you, leaders of Kiambu, not to look at who to blame. If theres work to be done in Kiambu, we all must work together, Ruto added.

KeNHA Demolitions and Traders Plight Along Thika Road

During the same event, Governor Wamatangi raised concerns about recent demolitions conducted by the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) along Thika Road.

According to the governor, nighttime operations led to the destruction of more than 300 stalls, leaving traders without a source of income. While backing major infrastructure upgrades, including the planned Githurai terminal, Wamatangi urged the national government to adopt a more humane approach.

He proposed convening a meeting at State House to explore solutions, including financial support to help displaced traders relocate.

We are not opposed to the projects along Thika Road, including the planned construction of a terminal at Githurai, but we should sit with these people and find a solution for them. Getting Sh10,000 or Sh20,000 to facilitate their relocation wont be that difficult.

Ruto responded by challenging leaders to collectively address the issue rather than shift responsibility.

If a problem has emerged in Githurai, let us not blame each other. We should solve the problem together. We shouldnt point fingers and say its so-and-so. Theres no one in a lesser position among us here. We are all in government. Who is to be blamed here? he said.
Githunguri Member of Parliament Gathoni Wamuchomba claims that President William Ruto is steadily regaining his political influence in the Mt. Kenya region.

Posting to her official X account on Sunday, February 22, 2026, Wamuchomba cited ongoing infrastructure projects and a surge in grassroots support as clear signs of the presidents comeback. She noted that Rutos development projects are actively changing how residents across the region perceive his administration.

I am happy that President Ruto is regaining his political grip in the mountain. And looking at the infrastructural developments underway, some constituencies have become construction sites. Watu wa Mlima wana enzi maendeleo, Wamuchomba stated.

Wamuchomba also took a subtle shot at former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader, who once claimed President Ruto could not win over Mt. Kenya without his support.

Yule wa Rais hawezi pata kura ya mlima bila mimi anatype aki delete. Siasa ni ground. Githunguri iko tick, she remarked.

President Ruto has intensified his efforts to secure Mt. Kenyas support despite pushback from Gachagua and his supporters. The president has dismissed attempts to weaken his political influence in the region, maintaining that his bond with the local residents remains strong.

During a Sunday service on January 11, 2026, at ACK St. Pauls Church Kariki in Gachaguas backyard in Othaya, Nyeri, Ruto told the congregation that petty politics and rumors would fail to undermine his support.

The friendship that we have built has a foundation. Some think they can bring petty politics and noise to destroy the foundation that we built. That is not possible, Ruto said.
Iran-US talks expected on Thursday despite war talk

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Sunday that "there is a good chance to have a diplomatic solution." File photo: Reuters
The SIU dental hygiene program class of 2026 was among the participants in the programs inaugural white coat ceremony. Photo provided.

SIUs Dental Hygiene Program hosts inaugural white coat ceremony

by Christi Mathis

CARBONDALE, Ill.  The Dental Hygiene Program at Southern Illinois University Carbondale recently launched a symbolic new tradition by hosting its inaugural white coat ceremony.

The ceremony represents far more than the presentation of a white coat, said Stacey McKinney, dental hygiene program director and associate professor. It symbolizes commitment, responsibility and the transition from classroom learning to patient-centered clinical care. By donning the white coats, our students formally accept the ethical standards, professionalism, compassion and lifelong learning that define the dental hygiene profession. The white coat also serves as a visible reminder of the trust placed in dental hygienists by patients, colleagues and the communities they serve.

While other SIU medical field programs have hosted white coat ceremonies, this is the first time for the dental hygiene program. About 90 students from all levels of the program participated, giving them the chance to enjoy the meaningful, traditional and profession-forward experience. McKinney noted that the ceremony also illustrated the programs commitment to equity and the collective identity of the dental hygiene profession.

Special senior recognition

In addition, the senior students received their class pin, marking the final step in their academic and clinical preparations prior to graduation and signifying their transition from student to dental hygiene professional.

The class pin serves as a lasting symbol of achievement, perseverance and professional identity, McKinney said. It reflects the knowledge, skills and values developed throughout the program, along with the dedication the students have had to reach this important milestone.

SIUs dental hygiene class of 2026 includes, listed by hometown:

Illinois

Belvidere  Karolyn Anderson

Bloomington  Mairi Koirala, Owen Osborne

Chicago  Marlene Gromek

Chicago/Mount Greenwood  Alyssa Milton

Evanston  Loreli Rojas

Havana  Morgan Niederer

Lakemoor  Julia Fohlmeister

Liberty  Paige Todd

Marion  Olivia Hartwell

Metropolis  Maci Miller

Murphysboro  Brynnlie Fox, Makayla Nagel

Naperville  Phaedra Pampinella

Okawville  Erin Nilles

Oakwood  Madison Doan

Pontiac  Cameron Trost

Raymond  Micah Gehlbach

Waukegan  Karina Delgadillo

Missouri

Clark  Alexandra Mobley

Farmington  Lacey Finch

Hawk Point  Grace Lafeber

Jackson  Hadley Wyatt

Marble Hill  Ally Whitener

St. Louis  Jessica Orange

Tennessee

Morristown  Amy Kamran Disfani

Officials from SIUs dental hygiene program, health professions programs and College of Health and Human Sciences, along with event sponsor, Ultradent, were on hand for the white coat ceremony at Carterville High School.
STOCKHOLM, Feb. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Boliden is pleased to invite investors, analysts and financial media to our virtual Capital Markets Update on March 18, 2026 at 09:30-11:30 CET. Boliden will be represented by President and CEO, Mikael Staffas together with members of the Group Management.

You are welcome to follow the live webcast at Boliden's website www.boliden.com. The presentations will be followed by a Q&A session where participants have the opportunity to post questions via the webcast chat or by phone. No pre-registration is required.

A recorded version of the webcast will be available on our website www.boliden.com after the event.

For further information, please contact:

Olof Grenmark

Director Investor Relations

+46 70 291 5780

[email protected]

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/boliden/r/invitation-boliden-s-virtual-capital-markets-update,c4311274

The following files are available for download:

SOURCE Boliden
During the recent visit of the France President to India, the Indian Government and the Government of the French Republic have signed a Protocol amending the India-France Double Taxation Avoidance Convention, signed on 29 September 1992 ('India-France DTAC'). The Amending Protocol was signed by Ravi Agrawal, Chairperson, Central Board of Direct Taxes, Government of India, and Thierry Mathou, Ambassador of France to India, on behalf of their respective Governments. The Ministry of Finance released a statement regarding that. It stated, "The Amending Protocol provides full taxing rights in respect of capital gains arising from sale of shares of a company, to the jurisdiction where such company is a resident." "The Amending Protocol also deletes the so-called Most-Favoured-Nation (MFN) Clause from the Protocol to the DTAC, thereby bringing to rest all issues relating to it. The Amending Protocol also modifies the taxation of income from dividends by replacing a single rate of 10% of tax with a split rate of 5% for those holding at least ten percent of capital and 15% of tax for all other cases," it added. The release also highlighted that the Amending Protocol also modifies the definition of 'Fees for Technical Services' by aligning it with the definition in India US Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement, and expands the scope of 'Permanent Establishment' by adding Service PE. The Amending Protocol also updates the provisions on Exchange of Information and introduces a new Article on Assistance in Collection of Taxes, as per international standards. This would enable and facilitate seamless exchange of information and strengthen mutual tax cooperation between India and France. The Amending Protocol also incorporates within the DTAC, the applicable provisions of Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) Multilateral Instrument (MLI), that had already become applicable consequent to the signing and ratification of MLI by India and France. The changes introduced through the Amending Protocol shall enter into effect subsequent to the completion of internal procedures under the laws of both the countries and subject to the terms agreed between the two countries. The Amending Protocol updates the India-France DTAC to the latest international standards, in a manner that balances the interests of both India and France, and updates it in accordance with international standards. The Amending Protocol will provide greater tax certainty to the taxpayers and boost flow of investment, technology and personnel between India and France, and thereby strengthen the economic relationship between the two countries. (ANI)
VIENNA, Feb. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Julius Meinl has achieved its target of sourcing 100 % 'Responsibly Selected Coffee' for all products roasted in its two production plants in Vienna and Vicenza.

This milestone marks the culmination of years of dedicated work and close collaboration across the coffee value chain. It is the result of long-term partnerships with green coffee suppliers, a shared commitment to responsible sourcing, and a clear definition of what sustainability in coffee should mean.

Sustainability coffee begins at origin

A clear and credible definition of responsible coffee sourcing

At Julius Meinl, 'Responsibly Selected Coffee' means that every green coffee roasted in our own productions meets internationally recognised sustainability criteria defined in the Coffee Sustainability Reference Code (Coffee SR Code) of the Global Coffee Platform (GCP). The GCP is a globally recognised multi-stakeholder organisation that brings the coffee sector together to drive collective action.

The Coffee SR Code sets a shared baseline for sustainability in coffee production. It is built around three dimensions and twelve principles, which form the basis of Julius Meinl's approach to 'Responsibly Selected Coffee':

Economic: promoting good farm management and access to agricultural knowledge to strengthen farmers' businesses.

promoting good farm management and access to agricultural knowledge to strengthen farmers' businesses. Social: respecting human rights, including the protection of children, safe and fair working conditions, and positive contributions to local communities.

respecting human rights, including the protection of children, safe and fair working conditions, and positive contributions to local communities. Environmental: safeguarding nature through biodiversity protection, responsible use of water and resources, pollution prevention and climate-related practices.

Through the GCP's Equivalence Mechanism, supported by the International Trade Center, supplier's sustainability initiatives and third-party certifications like Fairtrade that align with the Coffee SR Code can be recognised as equivalent. This reduces complexity and shifts the focus from comparing programmes to supporting meaningful improvements for farmers and their farms.

Committed to continuous improvement

At the heart of the Coffee SR Code is a commitment to continuous improvement, reflecting the evolving social, environmental and economic conditions in coffee-producing countries.

To track progress and challenges across its supply chains, Julius Meinl works with Enveritas, a non-profit organisation that conducts regular farm and supply chain assessments. The insights gained are shared and discussed with suppliers to jointly address challenges and support meaningful improvements on the ground.

"Reaching 100 % Responsibly Selected Coffee in our own roasteries marks an important step in our sustainability journey. It reflects years of close collaboration with our partners and our commitment to making a real, positive impact across our supply chain, from the farms where coffee is grown to the cups enjoyed every day. Through our Responsibly Selected Coffee Initiative, we give coffee lovers confidence that every bean roasted in Vienna and Vicenza is sourced with respect for people, communities, and the environment."

Nicolas Charmillot, Director Green Coffee Sourcing

Looking ahead

Reaching 100 % Responsibly Selected Coffee in Julius Meinl's own productions is a significant milestone, which will be built on in the coming years. Julius Meinl aims to ensure that all externally produced Julius Meinl-branded coffee products will be 'Responsibly Selected' by the end of 2028, continuing to work with partners across the value chain to make coffee a positive force for generations to come.

Note to Editors

About Julius Meinl: Founded in 1862, Julius Meinl is one of the oldest coffee roasters in the world and an iconic Vienna coffee house brand. Dedication to quality has been a family trademark for five generations. With more than 160 years of experience in sourcing, blending and roasting, Julius Meinl coffees and teas are sold in over 50,000 hotels, coffee houses and restaurants in 70 countries, as well as a growing number of retail outlets.

Media Enquiries

Jaqueline Sieberer

[email protected]

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2917502/Julius_Meinl.jpg
VMPL New Delhi [India], February 23: Tim Hortons India is set to delight dessert and beverage lovers with the launch of its newest indulgent collaboration, Tims x Nutella. Available across India at Tim Hortons cafes, including airports, from 12th February 2026, the campaign brings together two globally loved brands to create a menu that celebrates rich flavours, comforting textures, and moments of pure indulgence. This collaboration blends Tim Hortons' signature beverages and baked treats with the iconic taste of Nutella, delivering a lineup designed for guests looking to elevate their everyday coffee and snack rituals. The Tims x Nutella range introduces a thoughtfully curated selection of beverages and treats, each prepared with Nutella to highlight its unmistakable hazelnut and cocoa profile. The menu features the Hazelnut Dream Frappe, a creamy Nutella-infused frappe blended with chilled milk, topped with a luscious chocolate drizzle and dark chocolate chips; the Mocha, a fusion of Tim Hortons' classic espresso-based Hot mocha and chocolate, finished with a luscious swirl of Nutella for a perfectly toasted hazelnut twist; and the Strawberry Matcha, where premium matcha is layered over a sweet strawberry blend and topped with a rich Nutella swirl for a nutty, chocolatey finish. Complementing the beverages are indulgent baked treats, including the Chocolate Nutella Donut, Tim Hortons' Dream donut filled with chocolate ganache and topped with a silky Nutella glaze, and the Nutella Timbits, bite-sized sugar-coated delights filled with decadent Nutella that oozes in every bite. Speaking at the launch, Tarun Jain, CEO of Tim Hortons India, said, "Nutella is a flavour we knew would resonate strongly with our guests, making it a natural partner for a menu built around indulgence and comfort. With Tims x Nutella, we've created a range that brings together familiar favourites with a rich, elevated twist, whether it's your morning coffee, an afternoon treat, or a moment of indulgence on the go. This campaign reflects our commitment to delivering globally loved flavours through thoughtfully crafted experiences for Indian consumers." Speaking on the collaboration, Zoher Kapuswala, CMO, Ferrero India, said, "We are delighted to partner with Tim Hortons India to bring together two globally loved brands in a way that feels both relevant and savored for Indian consumers. With Tims x Nutella, we're celebrating the versatility of Nutella while creating elevated, memorable taste experiences for consumers." Designed to be enjoyed across cafe visits, work breaks, travel stops, and shared moments, the Tims x Nutella range invites guests to indulge in flavours that feel both familiar and exciting. The collection is available at Tim Hortons cafes across India, including airport locations, and can also be ordered online via Swiggy and Zomato, starting 12th February 2026. About Tim Hortons India Tim Hortons is Canada's iconic coffee house, known globally for its freshly brewed coffee, signature Timbits, and innovative beverages. Since it entered India, Tim Hortons has carved a niche for its globally inspired yet locally loved offerings, redefining the coffee culture for the modern Indian consumer. Website: Tim Hortons | Home Instagram: Instagram About Ferrero India: Ferrero India started its commercial operations in 2004. In 2007 the Government of Maharashtra bestowed a mega-status project for its state-of-the-art production plant at Baramati near Pune. India is a production hub for Ferrero in Asia and the Middle East and exports half of its local production. Headquartered in Pune, the company has regional sales offices in Chennai, Delhi and Kolkata with a robust distribution network across all the metros and mini-metros of India. Ferrero's well-known brands in India include Ferrero Rocher, Nutella, Tic Tac, and Kinder Joy. Website: Ferrero India (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by VMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same.)
VMPL Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], February 23: Florian Hurel Hair Couture opens its newest Mumbai address, bringing its couture approach to hair into a space designed around glamour, scale, and precision. The opening marks another milestone in Florian Hurel's journey as one of India's most recognisable luxury hair founders, known for translating red-carpet sensibility into elevated, experience-led salons. At Florian Hurel Hair Couture, hair is approached as couture. The new salon extends this philosophy into a high-impact environment that blends technical mastery, reinforcing the brand's position at the intersection of beauty, fashion, and modern luxury. Spanning 2,161 sq. ft., the salon is one of the most expansive and design-forward luxury hair spaces in Mumbai. It features 11 couture hair stations dedicated to bespoke cuts, colour, and styling, four immersive backwash units, a private Korean scalp therapy and VIP treatment room, a dedicated beauty suite, manicure and nail stations, and an in-salon cafe designed for an unhurried, high-glam experience. Beyond its scale, the salon is shaped around a calm, contemporary design language where structure and softness exist in quiet balance. Soft curves and carved niches replace rigid geometry, allowing the architecture to feel fluid and moulded rather than constructed. A restrained monochromatic palette and hand-finished textures enhance depth without visual noise, creating a sense of clarity across the space. Indirect lighting moves gently across surfaces, washing over contours and subtle imperfections, adding warmth and dimension while avoiding high-gloss finishes. The result is an interior that feels sculptural, composed, and quietly atmospheric -- grounded in restraint yet rich in presence. The space has been conceptualised and executed by Rii, a contemporary interior designer recognised for creating immersive, experience-led commercial environments. Interpreting Florian Hurel Hair Couture's evolving identity with clarity and restraint, Rii has moved away from conventional salon layouts to design a setting that emphasises natural flow, discretion, and clearly defined service areas. Each zone has been considered with intention, distinct in function, yet seamlessly connected, resulting in an environment that feels refined, cohesive, and intuitively elevated for the client. Speaking about the opening, Florian Hurel (Founder, Florian Hurel Hair Couture) said: "As someone shaped by both French and Indian influences, I wanted the space to express a contemporary cultural spirit. It blends the restraint I grew up with in France with the richness and warmth I've experienced in India. For me, luxury is no longer just visual -- it's emotional. It's about creating an environment that feels layered, immersive, and intentional." The new salon strengthens the Florian Hurel Hair Couture footprint in Mumbai with a more immersive expression of the brand's signature blend of couture craft and contemporary luxury. About Florian Hurel Florian Hurel is a celebrity hairstylist turned entrepreneur and the founder of Florian Hurel Hair Couture, Florian Hurel Hair Couture & Spa, and the luxury haircare brand fHair. Having worked with leading Bollywood icons including Deepika Padukone, Sonam Kapoor, and Priyanka Chopra Jonas, he is widely known for bringing a couture sensibility to hair and building one of India's most recognisable luxury hair brands. Digital Footprints Website: https://www.florianhurelhaircouture.com/index.html Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/florianhurelhaircoutureandspa/?hl=en (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by VMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same.)
Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India] / Tenggarong [Indonesia], February 23: In a significant international recognition, Dr. Bhargav Mallappa, Founder and Chairman of MBRA Groups and senior functionary of the Indian National Congress, has been conferred the prestigious royal title of "Dato'" by the Kerajaan Kutai Mulawarman in Indonesia.

The honour was formally bestowed under Royal Decree No. SP-0939.2401.2026 dated 24 January 2026 by His Majesty Maharaja Kutai Mulawarman, Prof. Dr. M.S.P.A. Iansyah Rechza, FW, PhD. The title recognizes Dr. Mallappa's contributions to social development, humanitarian initiatives, and international cooperation efforts in the fields of agriculture and economic empowerment.

In addition to the royal title, Dr. Mallappa was appointed as an Honorary Member of the Grand Palace Family (Anggota Keluarga Besar Istana Kerajaan Kutai Mulawarman) under Royal Certificate No. AG-1040.2301.2026. The recognition was officially registered in the Book of Registry of Tenggarong District Court, further formalizing the honour.

International Cooperation Agreement Signed

Marking another milestone, Dr. Mallappa, in his capacity as Chief Executive Officer of MBRA Agro Impex Food Products (OPC) Private Limited, signed a Consortium Cooperation Agreement with the Kerajaan Kutai Mulawarman on January 24-25, 2026. The agreements (Nos. CCA-1060.2401.2026 and CCA-1074.2501.2026) aim to foster bilateral collaboration in agro-based trade, food processing, and rural economic development initiatives.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Mallappa expressed gratitude for the recognition and emphasized his commitment to strengthening Indo-Indonesian cooperation in sustainable agriculture and farmer welfare. "This honour is not personal alone; it reflects the growing global acknowledgment of India's grassroots leadership and development-driven vision," he stated.

Strengthening Global Footprint

Dr. Bhargav Mallappa, who also serves in leadership roles within the Congress party's OBC and Kisan departments, has been actively involved in farmer-centric programs, youth empowerment initiatives, and human rights advocacy. His latest international recognition adds to his previously conferred doctorates in Social Work and Human Rights, as well as awards such as the Rashtriya Seva Ratna and the Iconic Peace Award.

Political observers note that this development enhances Dr. Mallappa's profile as an emerging leader connecting local development initiatives with international partnerships.

With this royal honour and global agreement, Dr. Mallappa continues to expand his influence beyond national boundaries, reinforcing his commitment to social reform, economic cooperation, and inclusive growth.

(ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by VMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same.)
Bharti Airtel Foundation and the CK-12 Foundation launched one of India's most comprehensive AI-integration initiatives for teacher empowerment on Monday. The partnership integrates over 45 AI-enabled teaching tools into TheTeacherApp, a free digital platform currently utilised by more than 2 lakh educators across the country. This integration aims to scale the platform by providing advanced resources to teachers across the K-12 spectrum and the entire school education system. According to a press release, the AI-enabled version of TheTeacherApp embeds an assistive layer directly into teaching workflows to provide real-time, classroom-aligned support. The initiative is designed to address everyday classroom needs, allowing teachers to save time on preparation while enriching instruction across all subjects and grades. The collaboration aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, shifting the focus from basic digital access to meaningful digital engagement. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan stated that the NEP 2020 provides a clear roadmap to transform education with a focus on supporting teachers. "The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has given us a clear roadmap to transform education, and our focus remains on supporting teachers every step of the way. Teachers need quality resources that meet the diverse needs of every learner at every grade level, and today AI is no longer a luxury - it is a necessity. This initiative marks a transformative step in leveraging technology to empower our educators. Having been part of TheTeacherApp's launch in 2024, it is inspiring to witness this next step supporting the integration of AI into the classrooms across India," he said. The TeacherApp was originally launched in 2024 and has engaged over 2 lakh educators with hundreds of hours of learning experiences over the past 15 months. The platform now offers 2,500 hours of training, including modules on foundational literacy, numeracy, and digital literacy. It also features a collaborative Teachers' Lounge and content developed from two decades of insights from the Satya Bharti Schools. Rakesh Bharti Mittal, Vice-Chairman of Bharti Enterprises and Co-Chairman of the Bharti Airtel Foundation, emphasised the role of educators in the nation's transformation. "Today, with our collaboration with CK-12, we are expanding the teacher's toolkit by embedding intelligent classroom resources so that educators can spend less time on preparation and more on inspiring young minds. At a time when India is embracing Viksit Bharat@2047, this initiative reflects how thoughtfully integrated AI can strengthen teachers' ability to reach every learner and support the country's long-term goal of equitable, future-ready education," he said. Neeru Khosla, Co-Founder and Executive Director of CK-12, remarked that AI in education is no longer optional. "AI in education is no longer optional. Teachers today need adaptive, intelligent support tools that truly understand classroom realities. This partnership allows us to combine TheTeacherApp's scale with CK-12's technology leadership to deliver meaningful, future-ready support for every teacher," she noted. (ANI)
Digital Bharat Nidhi and the Andhra Pradesh government have signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) for the expedited implementation of the Amended BharatNet Programme (ABP) in the State. The Memorandum was signed on February 22 in the presence of Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, Union Minister for Communications Jyotiraditya M Scindia and Minister of State for Communications Dr Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar. The Memorandum was signed at the Chief Minister's Camp Office, Tadepalle, Guntur District. Emphasizing the importance and scale of the BharatNet program, Scindia said that amended BharatNet is a USD 16.9 billion, i.e., Rs 1,39,000 crore, publicly funded program of the Centre, which will take OFC fiber and broadband to every single village of this country. He said no other country has the courage to do what Prime Minister Narendra Modi has done. "What we are doing, in essence, is the democratization of technology to every single citizen in our country. What technology has done in our generation is to really provide the capability for individual prowess, talent, ambition, and aspiration to reach the world stage," he said, according to a release. The Centre has approved financial support of Rs 2,432 crore for implementation of the program in Andhra Pradesh. The initiative is expected to facilitate over five lakh rural home fiber connections with financial support from the Government of India, significantly enhance digital governance, improve delivery of citizen-centric services, and promote online education, digital payments, e-governance, and telemedicine across rural and remote areas of the state. Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar observed that the memorandum provides a structured and sustainable framework for swift implementation under the state-led model, combining financial support with accountability. He noted that the partnership will strengthen last-mile connectivity, expand 4G saturation, and ensure that rural citizens benefit from affordable and dependable digital services. Chandrababu Naidu stated that the signing of the memorandum represents a milestone in the state's digital transformation, reinforcing its commitment to technology-driven governance and inclusive growth. He underlined that seamless broadband connectivity will empower rural communities, enhance delivery of education and healthcare, and position Andhra Pradesh at the forefront of next-generation digital infrastructure. The memorandum establishes a broad framework for collaboration between DBN and the Government of Andhra Pradesh to facilitate faster rollout of the Amended BharatNet Programme. Under the Memorandum, the State Government shall extend full support for expedited implementation, including facilitation of Right of Way (RoW), infrastructure access, and necessary coordination support. Funding for the project is intended to be provided majorly by DBN along with contributions from the State Government as per mutually agreed arrangements. The network created under the programme shall be effectively utilized by the state government to maximize socio-economic impact. The Union Cabinet had approved the Amended BharatNet Programme on August 4, 2023, with the objective of upgrading, consolidating, and expanding the existing BharatNet network to ensure robust and future-ready broadband connectivity to all Gram Panchayats and villages on an on-demand basis. BharatNet Phase I in Andhra Pradesh was implemented by M/s PGCIL under the CPSU model, covering 1,692 Gram Panchayats, all of which have been made service-ready. BharatNet Phase II was implemented under the state-led model by Andhra Pradesh State FiberNet Limited (APSFL), covering 11,254 Gram Panchayats, all of which are service-ready. Under the Amended BharatNet Programme in Andhra Pradesh, the project will be implemented through a newly created Special Purpose Vehicle, Andhra Pradesh BharatNet Infrastructure Limited (APBIL). The program will have a total scope of 13,426 Gram Panchayats, which includes the upgradation of 1,692 Phase I Gram Panchayats from linear to ring topology to enhance network resilience, coverage of 11,254 Phase II Gram Panchayats, and inclusion of 480 newly created Gram Panchayats. In addition, 3,942 villages will be provided connectivity on a demand basis to strengthen last-mile connectivity. The signing of the Memorandum reflects the shared commitment of the Union Government and the Government of Andhra Pradesh to accelerate digital inclusion, deepen last-mile connectivity, and build resilient telecommunications infrastructure, thereby advancing the vision of a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy. (ANI)
Delays in gold exploration and mining licensing are holding back India's production potential and keeping the country dependent on imports, and the country could produce 50-100 tonnes annually if exploration is accelerated and licences are issued more widely, Anantha Padmanaban, founder member and former chairman of the All India Gem & Jewellery Domestic Council (GJC) told ANI on Monday. In an online interview, Padmanaban said India has significant untapped gold potential but exploration has not progressed. "Mining, we have a lot of potential, but our mining exploration is not happening. Government has been very slow," he said. He said that India can supply 50-100 tonnes to the market or they can send it to the Reserve Bank also. "Our reserves can go up. We don't need to buy from outside. We will be saving our foreign exchange," he added. He said deposits have been identified in states such as Madhya Pradesh and Jharkhand, but licences have not been issued widely. "People say a lot of deposits in Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand and all these places, they are identifying, but exploration is not happening. First, they need to start mining. Government has to come forward and issue the licenses across the board, even to the foreign players. Only then the big players will participate and a lot of gold can be extracted," he said. Padmanaban's remarks follow Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's statement that gold remains within "certain limits." He said the comment refers to the value of imports rather than quantity. "Last year, whatever it was, the quantity has reduced this year. So they are not worried about the quantity, they are more worried about the amount," he said, adding that the government's concern is that "there shouldn't be any strain to the country." He said imports in the financial year ending March are expected to be down by 30-35% compared with last year due to higher overseas prices and weak domestic demand. Padmanaban said that if the government were not comfortable with import levels, it could impose restrictions similar to those introduced in 2013. "If they bring in some restriction like that... it becomes very difficult. Then we cannot do business and grey market will pick up," he said, adding that the current approach has prevented such inflows. Domestic gold prices are around 16,300 rupees per gram for 24 carat gold as of now, he said, and could fluctuate between 14,000 rupees and 18,000 rupees in the coming months. "It can go up by another 10-12% or it can come below 10% to 15%," he said. A fall of up to 20% could occur if Russia and Ukraine sign a peace agreement, he added, but said such a scenario appears unlikely at present. He said geopolitical uncertainties are driving volatility. "As long as we have our friend Trump making unusual decisions every day morning, that is the reason gold is going up and down," he said. Overall, the market is expected to be upside in the months to come if no major global turmoil occurs. On tensions in the neighbourhood, he said developments between Pakistan and Afghanistan would not have a major impact on gold prices. He also said free trade agreements do not significantly affect gold imports, noting that customs duties still apply to gold bars. Demand has been slow in March due to tax payments and year-end account closures, he said, but is expected to improve from April with the start of the wedding season and Akshaya Tritiya. (ANI)
The upcoming film 'The Kerala Story 2' has ignited debate even before hitting theatres, with its trailer drawing sharply divided reactions across audiences and commentators. Scheduled for release on February 27, the film has once again placed its makers at the centre of controversy over its narrative and thematic focus. National Award-winning director Kamakhya Narayan Singh has addressed the criticism head-on, responding to concerns surrounding the film's subject matter and his role as a filmmaker. The trailer of 'The Kerala Story 2' has been described by some as presenting a "brutal truth," while others have labelled it "propaganda." The film explores themes of religious conversion and coercion, with its story set across Kerala, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. As discussions intensify online and offline, Singh has emphasised his commitment to research and integrity in filmmaking. Speaking to ANI about his responsibility towards society, Singh said, "I have been a documentary filmmaker. I have always made documentaries and films that address social evils and issues within society, films that raise questions and encourage people to reflect on what is happening around them. That is why I always conduct deep research to understand a problem thoroughly before releasing a film or documentary." He further asserted his confidence in the film's authenticity, adding, "I have done my work with complete integrity, trust me. If we have shown anything wrong in the film, I will quit filmmaking." Amid the ongoing debate, producer Vipul Shah also defended the project, clarifying that the film does not target Kerala as a state. Speaking to ANI in an earlier interview, 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," Shah said. Shah also referred to the criticism faced by the first instalment of the franchise, particularly regarding the figures cited in the film. According to him, some critics had questioned the "32,000" number mentioned earlier. In response, the makers released a video on YouTube detailing the names and figures they relied upon. "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," Shah told ANI. 'The Kerala Story 2' arrives in cinemas on February 27. (ANI)
Actor Rajpal Yadav has commenced shooting for 'Welcome to the Jungle', marking his return to work, days after he walked out of Tihar Jail on bail in connection with a cheque bounce case. According to information shared by Rajpal Yadav's team, the actor began filming shortly after reaching Mumbai. He is also scheduled to hold a press conference in the city on February 28. The Delhi High Court had recently granted an interim suspension of Yadav's sentence until March 18 in the cheque bounce case. The bench of Justice Swarna Kanta Sharma directed the actor to furnish a personal bond of Rs 1 lakh along with one surety of the same amount. The court noted that Rs 1.5 crore has been deposited in the respondent's bank account while considering the relief. Shortly after his release, Yadav shared his first public message on social media, thanking fans and well-wishers for their support. Taking to Instagram, he wrote in Hindi, "Aap sabbhi ke pyaar aur saath ke liye dil se dhanyawaad (Heartfelt thanks to all of you for your love and support)." Speaking to ANI, the actor reflected on his three-decade-long journey in Indian cinema and addressed the ongoing legal matter. "I got the privilege of coming out, and regarding the matter which is in the honourable High Court, for any legal questions that arise, the one who will give proper facts and truth-filled answers is our lawyer, Mr. Bhaskar Upadhyay. I have given him the responsibility to stay in proper touch regarding this," he said. 'Welcome to the Jungle', directed by Ahmed Khan, features an ensemble cast of over 30 actors. The line-up includes Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, Jackie Shroff, Raveena Tandon, Disha Patani, Jacqueline Fernandez, Arshad Warsi, Paresh Rawal and Johnny Lever, among others. In November last year, Akshay Kumar shared a video from the film's sets featuring Disha Patani. The duo was seen grooving to the new version of the song 'Uncha Lamba Kad.' In his caption, Akshay gave a special mention to former co-star Katrina Kaif, recalling the nostalgia associated with the franchise and writing, "Never forgetting our Queen Katrina." The original 'Welcome', released in 2007, starred Feroz Khan, Akshay Kumar, Katrina Kaif, Anil Kapoor, Nana Patekar and Paresh Rawal, and was helmed by Anees Bazmee. Its sequel, 'Welcome Back', released in 2015, featured John Abraham and Shruti Haasan in the lead. (ANI)
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has expressed immense delight as Manipur's 'Boong' wins big at the British Academy Film Awards 2026 (BAFTA). Extending her congratulatory messages to the entire team of the film, CM Banerjee wrote, "I am very happy to know that the Manipuri film 'Boong' has scripted history at the 2026 BAFTA Awards. Against all odds, this film was crowned Best Children and Family Film, becoming the first-ever Indian production to win in this prestigious category. My heartiest congratulations to the entire cast and crew of 'Boong'! You've made the whole nation proud." https://x.com/MamataOfficial/status/2025895816024756235 Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also shared his greetings with the team. He wrote, "Congratulations to all those associated with this film. This is indeed a moment of immense joy, especially for Manipur. It also highlights the immense creative talent in our nation." https://x.com/narendramodi/status/2025889330032718323 Congratulatory messages have been pouring in from across the country, as many came together to celebrate India's major feat on a global platform. Boong was the only Indian nominee at the ceremony and has now become the first Indian film to win in this 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 believes 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, before emerging as the winner of the night. (ANI)
Actor Dennis Quaid has weighed in on the current political climate in the United States, saying he believes Hollywood has shifted too far to the Left in recent years and describing President Donald Trump as "really genuine" and energetic, according to Variety. The actor, who portrayed President Ronald Reagan in the 2024 biopic "Reagan," was interviewed on Pastor Greg Laurie's "The Greg Laurie Show" earlier this week. Laurie proposed to Quaid, "Things have gone so extremely, so far left right now. I saw a podcast -- it was Bill Maher and Dana Carvey, and I'm forgetting the other guy's name -- but anyway, I think it was Dana Carvey said, 'I've told my friends in Hollywood I'm a Clinton Democrat, and some of them are calling me a Nazi now.'" Responding to the observation, Quaid said, "You can't do that," agreeing that political labels have shifted significantly over time. The 71-year-old actor added that positions once considered moderate are now perceived differently. He doesn't describe himself as a Republican. "I'm a common-sense independent, myself", he said, although he leans "more conservative in my head," according to Variety. "I'm just for common sense, is really what I am," said Quaid. The conversation also turned to Trump, with Laurie describing the current president "very personable, incredibly funny, a good listener and a surprisingly approachable person." Quaid agreed that Trump is "surprisingly approachable and very funny. And really genuine. He wouldn't be president if he wasn't genuine. The people who voted for him, they know that he has their best interests at heart, that he is a genuine person." "I've never seen anybody with that kind of energy," Quaid added. "People say that about me, but he's really got a lot of energy." Quaid also spoke about his approach to the role. He said he aimed to move beyond political events to portray Reagan's humanity, including details such as the former president's facial nerve damage and distinctive walk. "We're going through a spiritual revolution," Quaid later told Laurie. "I'm not talking Republican and Democrat," he says about the spiritual shift in the country, "But I am talking about those two coming together", according to Variety.(ANI)
Master-planned community will have 13,270 homes

DALLAS, Feb. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- On Friday, February 20th, Minto Communities USA closed on a 3,170acre property in Waxahachie, Texas, where it will develop a 13,270home masterplanned community  set to become the largest residential and mixeduse development in the region. Development is expected to begin in late 2026, followed by a multiyear buildout.

Located in the southern DallasFort Worth Metroplex, the community will sit west of Interstate 35E, south of FM 875, north of FM 1446, and east of Lone Elm Road. "Waxahachie offers exceptional connectivity to major interstates, medical facilities, local services, and area amenities. It also provides close proximity to Dallas, giving residents convenient access to one of the region's major economic and cultural hubs," said Minto Division President Dutch Neuweiler.

The Waxahachie City Council approved the project on January 28, 2026. "Over the past two years, Minto USA collaborated closely with city leadership to design a community rooted in bestinclass land planning while addressing the affordability challenges facing today's homebuyers," Neuweiler added. "Our plan includes a full spectrum of pricing and product types, allowing us to adapt to evolving market conditions while preserving the longterm vision of a successful hometown community."

A vision for a complete, highly amenitized community

The community will feature two distinct residential districts  an Active Adult neighborhood and a traditional community  supported by approximately 140 acres of mixeduse development. Plans include 750 multifamily units and 1.2 million square feet of retail and commercial space.

The community's scale and zoning flexibility allow Minto to deliver a diverse range of home designs, including singlefamily homes, cottages, villas, townhomes, and apartments. Offerings will serve firsttime buyers, growing families, young professionals, and adults 55+ seeking an active lifestyle.

A robust amenity program will feature a town center and adventure park, multiple civic spaces and community services, 400 acres of parks and open space, an extensive trail and greenway network, and a middle school along with several elementary schools. "Minto USA is unique in that we own the land, develop the property, and ultimately build the homes," said Neuweiler. "This integrated approach allows us to curate every aspect of the community experience. With decades of expertise in creating largescale, lifestylefocused communities, we are proud to establish our first Texas location in Waxahachie. This marks the beginning of our longterm commitment to the state, as Minto is actively pursuing multiple largescale projects throughout Texas."

Significant economic impact for Waxahachie

The development is projected to generate substantial fiscal and economic benefits for the city and its residents. The community is expected to contribute more than $42.2 million in annual revenue to the City of Waxahachie and create a real property tax base of $4.8 billion, generating $56 million annually for the Waxahachie Independent School District. Construction activity is projected to support an average of 2,080 jobs, while new businesses and resident spending are expected to create more than 7,500 permanent jobs over time.

For information on new homes or to join the Minto Communities interest list call 866-994-4964. For information on Minto Communities, visit www.mintousa.com. Follow Minto on Facebook and Instagram at MintoCommunitiesUSA.

Please see aerial of Minto USA Waxahachie property: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/43n7aq0wmlnu599fzqdpf/MINTO-WAXAHACHIE-TX-PROPERTY.pdf?rlkey=4d3lqknlk8f70qyyunqgti8et&st=p57x2n6b&dl=0PAULA

About Minto Communities

Minto Communities USA, based in Florida since 1978, has represented integrity, financial strength and enduring value for over 45 years. Minto builds exceptional new homes and communities to meet every lifestyle, with more than 36,000 new homes built in 48 communities. Minto is dedicated to continuous improvement in design, quality and customer experience. These are just some of the elements that set Minto apart as an exceptional homebuilder and community developer and have earned the company national recognition that includes consistently high rankings from Eliant Customer Service Surveys. Minto has been recognized with multiple national awards from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) for community and home design, including Best Single-Family Community Over 100 Homes for Westlake in the City of Westlake; Best Mixed-Use Community and Best Clubhouse for The Isles of Collier Preserve in Naples, Florida. Minto is also recognized throughout the homebuilding industry as an expert in developing active-adult communities. The NAHB named Minto Communities as 2019's 55+ Builder of the Year. Minto's Latitude Margaritaville Daytona Beach was awarded 55+ Community of the Year for 2019, and Latitude Margaritaville Hilton Head was awarded 55+ Community of the Year for 2020. Minto Communities USA was ranked #13 among the Top 100 Private Home Builders in U.S. by Home Builder Executive magazine for 2023. In addition, Minto's Westlake and Latitude Margaritaville Watersound communities were named among the Top 50 Master-Planned Communities for 2024 by John Burns Real Estate Consulting and RCLCO Real Estate Consulting. Follow Minto on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram at MintoCommunitiesUSA.

SOURCE Minto Communities
A major terror module linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) was busted by the Special Cell of Delhi Police on Sunday after pro-terror posters glorifying slain Burhan Wani surfaced at multiple locations in the national capital, officials said. Eight alleged operatives have been arrested in coordinated raids conducted across Kolkata in West Bengal and Tiruppur in Tamil Nadu. Police said seven of the accused are Bangladeshi nationals who had illegally entered India and procured Indian identity documents to hide their real identities. According to officials, the case came to light on February 8, 2026, when CISF personnel reported the pasting of pro-Pakistan and pro-terror posters at Janpath Metro Station and nearby areas. Similar posters were subsequently found at other locations in Delhi.The posters carried images glorifying Burhan Wani and slogans such as "India Stop Genocide & Free Kashmir," along with Urdu phrases supporting Pakistan..An FIR was registered at PS Supreme Court Metro under relevant sections of BNS and the DPDP Act, following which the investigation was transferred to the Special Cell/NDR due to its sensitive nature. During the probe, Special Cell teams developed technical and human intelligence regarding the movement of suspects in Delhi and Gurugram. Acting on actionable inputs, a raid was conducted on February 15 at Majherpara, Hatiara Gote in Kolkata, leading to the arrest of Umar Faruk (31) and Robiul Islam (31). Further follow-up raids on February 21 in Tiruppur resulted in the arrest of six more operatives linked to the module.Searches of the accused persons'' premises led to the recovery of multiple pro-Pak and pro-terror posters, 10 mobile phones containing incriminating material, 25 debit/credit cards, five PoS machines, and Bangladeshi passports and identity documents. During interrogation, accused Umar Faruk disclosed that he came in contact with the module''s handler, Shabir Ahmad Lone alias Raja alias Kashmiri, in March 2025 and was subsequently indoctrinated. Lone, a resident of Kangan in Jammu & Kashmir presently based in Bangladesh, allegedly tasked the accused to spearhead LeT activities in India. Police said the module had conducted reconnaissance of important locations and was attempting to arrange weapons through local contacts. Investigators further revealed that the accused had travelled to Delhi via Patna on February 6, pasted posters at around 10 locations, recorded videos as proof, and sent them to their handler before returning to Kolkata. Officials said Lone, a trained LeT militant, was previously arrested by the Special Cell in 2007 with a large cache of arms and ammunition and had links with senior Pakistan-based terror leadership. He is now suspected to be working to revive sleeper cells in India using Bangladeshi nationals. Further investigation is underway. (ANI)
New Delhi [India], February 23 (ANI) The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) has alleged that left-wing groups attacked their members, including Prateek Bhardwaj, who was beaten and had fire extinguisher powder thrown at him. In a post on X, ABVP claimed, "Prateek Bhardwaj, a Biotechnology student from the School of Biotechnology, JNU, was allegedly ambushed inside the School of Social Sciences premises by Leftist goons. He was first blinded with fire extinguisher powder and then mercilessly beaten. It is further alleged that even a cylinder was opened and used during this fatal assault. He has been left critically injured and rushed to the hospital. His condition is serious." A clash erupted at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) between left-wing groups and ABVP workers in the early hours of February 23, resulting in injuries to several students. The incident has sparked outrage, with demands for immediate arrests and strict action against those involved. The violence reportedly began after nearly a week of strikes led by left-wing organisations. According to Vaibhav Meena, JNUSU Joint Secretary (ABVP), the situation turned into a "night of terror" when a large group of masked individuals moved through the campus. ABVP leader alleged that students who were peacefully studying in the library and reading rooms were "chased away" and assaulted by a mob of 300 to 400 masked men. In a particularly grave claim, Meena stated that a student named Vijay was targeted and "mob lynched" by a group of 100 to 150 people. "The left wing's strike has been going on here for the last 7-8 days... The kind of terror they have spread throughout the night, they went to the schools and chased away the students from the study rooms by a mob of 300-400 masked men.... Vijay has been mob lynched by a mob of 100-150 people... Delhi Police did nothing... We condemn this...," Vaibhav Meena to ANI. Meanwhile, the ABVP has launched a fierce campaign on social media using the hashtag #LeftAttacksJNUAgain, accusing the Delhi Police of inaction while the campus was "turned into a battlefield." "This is not student politics! This is calculated, cold-blooded violence. A university campus is being turned into a battlefield, where students are allegedly targeted and attacked for simply studying and exercising their right to be there. If these left goons can do this inside a central university in the national capital, what message does it send? @DelhiPolice this cannot wait. Act immediately. Arrest those involved. Restore fear of law before another student is carried out on a stretcher. Students' lives are not expendable! #LeftAttacksJNUAgain," ABVP posted on X. "Brutal violence in JNU! Students have been severely injured after a shocking attack by Left-affiliated groups, their only "fault" was studying peacefully in the library. This is not politics. This is cowardly, targeted violence against students who came here to study, not to be assaulted. How long will ideological goons be allowed to terrorise campuses? We demand immediate arrests and strict action," posted ABVP on X. The left-wing groups, however, have not yet responded to ABVP claims. (ANI)
The 7th edition of Joint Military Exercise Dharma Guardian 2026 between India and Japan will be conducted at Chaubattia, Uttarakhand, from 24 February to 9 March 2026, the Indian army said in a post on X on Monday. The exercise aims to enhance interoperability between the two forces while undertaking joint urban warfare and counter-terrorism operations. Over the two weeks, troops will refine joint planning, synchronise tactical drills and practise specialised combat skills. Key activities of the Exercise include establishing a Temporary Operating Base, developing an ISR grid, mobile check posts, cordon and search operations, heliborne missions and house intervention drills. "Dharma Guardian 2026 reaffirms the growing India-Japan defence partnership and shared commitment to regional security," the Indian army said on X. The Exercise provides both armies with an opportunity to share best practices, learn from each other's operational experience in urban warfare and counter- terrorism and build trust between the two forces. The 7th edition follows the successful conclusion of the 6th edition of Exercise Dharma Guardian, which was held at the East Fuji Training Area in Japan from February 24 to March 9, 2025. That exercise marked a significant milestone as it was conducted on an enhanced scale with participation of troops at the company-strength level.The deepening defence ties between India and Japan extend beyond military exercises. In January this year, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his Japanese counterpart Toshimitsu Motegi also launched a new AI dialogue and decided to convene a Joint Working Group on critical minerals during the 18th Strategic Dialogue between the two countries, highlighting the expanding scope of bilateral cooperation.India and Japan have been steadily deepening their defence and strategic ties, with regular joint exercises forming a key pillar of the special strategic and global partnership between the two nations aimed at maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (ANI)
The Delhi Police released 2 members of the Indian Youth Congress from the Tilak Marg police station following their detention for protesting at the AI Summit held at Bharat Mandapam. Delhi Police has detained another Youth Congress protester and is conducting raids to search for the remaining protesters. According to Delhi Police, the officials have recovered t-shirts and posters that were used in the Indian Youth Congress's protest at the AI Summit at Bharat Mandapam from Indian Youth Congress leader Krishna Hari's car. Police have also detained another Youth Congress protester and are conducting raids to search for the remaining protesters. Meanwhile, the Patiala House Court on Saturday rejected the bail applications of all four arrested Indian Youth Congress workers and sent the accused to police custody for five days. The arrested accused, who have been identified as Krishna Hari, Kundan Yadav, Ajay Kumar and Narasimha Yadav. Earlier, the Delhi police had sought five days' custody of these four accused persons, who were among those who performed a shirtless protest at the AI Summit at Bharat Mandapam for raising anti-national slogans in the presence of international leaders and dignitaries. Their custody is required to arrest other accused persons who fled from the spot, the Delhi police said. The counsel for the accused argued and submitted that the accused belongs to a political party. They used their right to organise a protest at Bharat Mandapam. The protest was peaceful; there is no video that shows any violence. It is also submitted that they are office bearers and educated individuals with degrees. This comes after members of the Indian Youth Congress staged a protest at the Bharat Mandapam venue of the Al Impact India Summit in the national capital by removing their shirts with slogans that read, "Compromised PM".The party workers removed their shirts as a mark of dissent. Earlier, in a statement, the Indian Youth Congress said its workers were protesting against a "compromised Prime Minister who has traded the identity of the country at the AI Summit." Police later detained the protesters. Meanwhile, BJP workers held a protest across multiple states against the Congress over the Indian Youth Congress protest at the India AI Impact Summit yesterday. In Surat and Jammu, BJP cadres staged demonstrations against the Congress, while in Delhi, members of the BJP Yuva Morcha held protests condemning the incident. (ANI)
Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara on Monday accused the opposition parties of raising the slogan of a Dalit Chief Minister to cover up their own shortcoming, asserting that it is the Congress party that makes Dalits Chief Minister and only the High Command decides on the timing of such an appointment. Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Parameshwara also addressed the ongoing discussion regarding conducting student elections in colleges and regarding the war of words between former CM Siddaramaiah and Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy over caste politics. On the discussion around the Dalit Chef Minister, Parameshwara dismissed it as an opposition move to cover up their own shortcomings. "This is all the handiwork of the opposition parties. To cover up their own shortcomings, the opposition has raised the slogan of a Dalit Chief Minister. Isn't our Chief Minister governing? Isn't the administration functioning? It is the opposition that is unnecessarily bringing in the Dalit CM factor," Parameshwara said. He further emphasized that it is congress party that provides opportunities to Dalits to become chief ministers. "It is the Congress party that makes Dalits the Chief Minister -- who else does it? The High Command will decide when a Dalit Chief Minister should be appointed," Parameshwara said. On the question regarding conducting student elections in colleges, Parameshwara said the decision will be taken in the Cabinet. "Earlier, when K.H. Ranganath was the Higher Education Minister, clashes took place in some colleges and universities. At that time, elections to student unions were stopped. When I was the Higher Education Minister, we had banned syndicate elections. Now, there is again a discussion about conducting student union elections. We have to see what decision will be taken in the Cabinet," Parameshwara said. Regarding the war of words between CM Siddaramaiah and Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy over caste politics, Parameshwara declines to respond, citing their past association. "I cannot respond to this. Siddaramaiah was earlier in the JD(S) and was its president. Later, he was expelled from the party. We do not know what all issues exist between them. I cannot comment on the exchange of words between the two," Parameshwara said. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday wrote a letter to the people of West Bengal, which is being distributed by the party workers in the state ahead of the high-stakes Assembly Elections this year. In the letter, PM Modi greeted the people of West Bengal, highlighting that the fate of the state would be decided after the elections, sharing his resolution of making 'Viksit' West Bengal. "In just a few months, the fate of West Bengal will be decided. The future of the coming generation and the direction it takes will depend on your well-thought-out decision. Today, every young person, elder, and woman who dreams of my Sonar Bangla is in great pain. Their suffering pains my heart. Therefore, I have made a resolution from the depths of my heart - a resolution to make West Bengal 'Viksit' (Developed) and prosperous." the letter read. The PM stated that over the last 11 years, with the strength of the blessings of the people of the country, my government has given top priority to public welfare and overall development. "From the welfare of farmers to fulfilling the dreams of youth, and from empowering women to reaching every section of society, the positive results of our policies and continuous efforts are clearly visible today.", said the PM's letter. Taking aim at the TMC-led state government, he wrote, "Despite the non-cooperation and opposition from the state government, today, nearly 5 crore people of West Bengal have been connected to the banking system through the 'Jan-Dhan Yojana'. Under the 'Swachh Bharat Abhiyan', 85 lakh toilets have been constructed in the state. While the ruling party of the state is snatching away the livelihood of the poor, we have extended a helping hand by providing loans worth 2.82 lakh crore to small traders and entrepreneurs. I have had the privilege of making 56 lakh senior citizens self-reliant in their old age under the 'Atal Pension Yojana'. I feel blessed to have freed mothers and sisters from smoke by providing LPG connections to over 1 crore families through the 'Ujjwala Yojana'." The letter said that West Bengal's farmers are struggling to feed their families even though they "feed the entire nation". "In such difficult circumstances, I feel fortunate to have brought smiles to the faces of over 52 lakh farmers by providing them with direct financial assistance through the 'Kisan Samman Nidhi'." the letter said. He further said that he is pained to see the condition of the state, drawing a contrasting picture by describing its post-independence boom. "West Bengal used to determine the direction of the country's economy and was a leader in industrial development. But today, my heart is pained to see the dilapidated condition of this glorious state. The irreparable damage caused to West Bengal due to six decades of misrule and appeasement politics cannot be expressed in words. On one hand, youths are forced to migrate to other states due to lack of employment, and on the other hand, my mothers and sisters in West Bengal do not feel safe today. The Bengal that Swami Vivekananda and Rishi Aurobindo dreamed of is today shackled by narrow vote-bank politics, violence, and anarchy, which is extremely painful for it." Highlighting the state as the "son of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose", he said that it is now "stained with illegal infiltration and violence against women". "The Bengali pride of Thakur Rabindranath Tagore's 'Sonar Bangla' is at stake. Based on the trust of the people of the country, West Bengal's pride will return. The country is safe today. But for how long will you endure all this with a smile? Now, change is inevitable." said PM in the letter. "In many states of the country, the standard of living has improved today, and the poor have smiles on their faces. They have received health security under 'Ayushman Bharat', employment for youth, and security for women. I will revive this development and progress in West Bengal as well." the letter added. He urged the West Bengal public to join the journey of development, adding, "If I get the opportunity to serve you, every moment of my service will be dedicated to bringing a smile to your face and spreading happiness, and to freeing you from corruption and misrule. The safety of mothers and sisters will be ensured. Our children will not have to go to other states in search of employment. Bengal's culture will regain its lost glory. Our refugee brothers and sisters, who are victims of religious violence, will get citizenship through CAA, and my West Bengal will move forward on the path of respect, free from illegal infiltration." "The call of the sacrifices and penances of Bharat Mata's brave sons has always been there. Today, West Bengal is an integral part of India. Let us rebuild the West Bengal of their dreams and take a pledge to make it 'Viksit West Bengal' by 2026.", the PM wrote. BJP sources tell ANI that thousands of letters are being delivered door-to-door across all 294 constituencies, with residents showing strong interest in the campaign. (ANI)
According to the Delhi Fire Service, the Delhi Secretariat received a bomb threat via email. The fire department received the call at 12 noon, after which teams were sent to the spot.

"Nothing has been found yet," Delhi Fire Service said.

The Delhi Legislative Assembly also received the threat email. The official account of Delhi Assembly on X posted and confirmed the development.

"Today, the Hon'ble Speaker of the Delhi Legislative Assembly, Shri @Gupta_vijender ji, has received a bomb blast threat via personal email, in which a threat has been issued to blow up the Delhi Legislative Assembly with a bomb," it said.

"The relevant security department has been informed about the matter. In this regard, the Hon'ble Speaker of the Delhi Legislative Assembly has demanded immediate necessary action while providing information about the email received by the Delhi Police Commissioner," the Delhi Assembly posted.

The incidents come amid heightened security concerns in the national capital. Earlier this morning, two schools in Delhi -- Army Public School in Dhaula Kuan and Air Force Bal Bharti School on Lodhi Road -- had also received bomb threat emails, though nothing suspicious was found during searches. (ANI)
Karnataka Contractors Association President R Manjunath on Monday alleged that 30 per cent of the state's elected representatives are corrupt and said he is ready to provide a list with their names if Chief Minister Siddaramaiah asks for it. Speaking at the Press conference in Chitradurga, Manjunath said there is a pending amount of Rs 37,000 crores owed to contractors across the state and demanded immediate release of the funds. "30 per cent of elected representatives of the state are corrupt. If CM asks, I am ready to give a list with their names," Manjunath said. The State Contractors Association President also criticised the Chief Minister for not resolving the pending payment issue despite holding multiple meetings. "There is a pending amount of Rs 37,000 crore of contractors across the state. Siddaramaiah should not say that the previous government did it. The government means everyone is responsible. The CM should release the pending money. The CM has already held many meetings. But to no avail," he said. Warning of a major protest, Manjunath announced that 35,000 contractors across Karnataka will stage a demonstration at Freedom Park on March 6 along with their families. "Therefore, on March 6, 35,000 contractors in the state will protest at Freedom Park with their families," he said. He also raised concerns about delays in Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) work and urged the state government to coordinate with the central government to release funds. "The JJM work is also being delayed; the government should talk to the Centre and release the money," he said. The allegations come at a time when Karnataka politics is already witnessing intense debates over caste, governance, corruption, and financial management under the current Congress government. (ANI)
Shiv Sena (UBT) Chief Uddhav Thackeray and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Monday paid an emotional tribute to Former Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in the Maharashtra Legislative Council, describing him as an efficient leader, friend, and elder brother. Speaking in the Legislative Council, Thackeray recalled Ajit Pawar's tenure as Finance Minister when he was Chief Minister. "Ajit Pawar was someone who was very efficient and always active for the public cause. When I was CM of Maharashtra, he was the finance minister. He not only handled the finance ministry but also ensured that Maharashtra didn't stop even during COVID," said Thackeray. The former chief minister further added he has lost a dear friend and Maharshtra has lost an efficient leader. "I have lost a dear and good friend, it's true, but it is also true that Maharashtra has lost an efficient leader. In recent times, we have lost Gopinath Munde, RR Patil and Ajit Pawar, like great leaders, and this is a misfortune of Maharashtra. I never thought that I would be making a condolence speech about Ajit Dada, but unfortunately, we all have to do it," added Thackeray. Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde also paid tribute to Ajit Pawar, sharing personal anecdotes and describing him as a strong pillar of support for the government. Speaking at the legislative assembly, Shinde shared a light moment from the 2024 government formation. "In 2024, when the press conference for government formation was underway, we had said it might conclude by evening, but the media was not ready to wait. Suddenly, Ajit Dada said, 'I don't know about Eknathrao, but I am going to take oath as Deputy Chief Minister,' and everyone burst into laughter," Shinde said. He highlighted Ajit Pawar's role in successfully implementing the Ladki Bahin Yojana without disturbing the state's financial balance. "We had to launch the Ladki Bahin Yojana when the Chief Minister took charge. We discussed it in detail and implemented the scheme properly, without disturbing the State's financial balance. Dada was a strong pillar of support for us, but now we have lost that support," he said. Shinde described Ajit Pawar as someone who would actively participate in Assembly sessions and would not hesitate to reprimand officials if work was not done properly. "He would always actively participate in the Assembly sessions. Many people were apprehensive of him. Today, his absence is deeply felt. When we went for project inspections, he would openly reprimand officials if needed. If work was to be done, it had to be done immediately; if it was not possible, he would say so clearly. And if something was wrong, he would not hesitate to pull people up," he added. The Deputy Chief Minister expressed deep sorrow over the loss, comparing it to his own personal tragedy. "Everyone is deeply saddened by Ajit Dada's passing. I understand the pain that Sunetra Tai, Parth and Jay must be going through, because I too have lost my two children in a similar accident. Dada was older than me in age -- I have lost my elder brother. Even today, I can still hear him calling out 'Eknathrao,'" Shinde said. He noted that Ajit Pawar had presented the State Budget 11 times and was about to create a record. "Dada presented the State Budget 11 times. He was about to create a record, but destiny had other plans. Dada and I worked together. I had worked in the Maha Aghadi government as well. At that time, many proposals would get stalled, but Dada would study the matters thoroughly, take officers into confidence, and then issue firm instructions to get the work done," Shinde added. (ANI)
Amid the political discourse over the Youth Congress's 'shirless' protest at Bharat Mandapam, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Sudhanshu Trivedi has strongly criticised the Congress party for its conduct at the recent AI Summit, describing it as a "cunning display of lowliness" that has outraged the nation. This comes after members of the Indian Youth Congress staged a protest at the Bharat Mandapam venue of the Al Impact India Summit in the national capital by removing their shirts with slogans that read, "Compromised PM". The party workers removed their shirts as a mark of dissent. Adressing a press conference, Trivedi said, "While the AI Summit was a highly successful display of India's intelligence, technological prowess, and the superiority of our youth, it also witnessed a highly cunning display of the Congress party's lowliness and nakedness. The entire country is not only upset about this issue, but also outraged." Trivedi claimed that even Congress coalition partners and internal party members are objecting to the behaviour, stating that they are calling for dignity in international events. "Now, even the Congress party's coalition partners have objected to this issue. Furthermore, voices have begun to emerge from within the Congress party, stating that dignified conduct is expected at international events of this kind. Such behaviour is utterly condemnable," he further said. Trivedi highlighted that the outcry over the incident has spread beyond the public, with voices within the opposition coalition also expressing disapproval of the actions taken during the high-profile gathering. "The Congress party must understand that the ideas they are pursuing are being rejected not only by the public but also by their coalition partners. Now, even senior and longtime leaders within their own party are rejecting them, and the public is completely condemning them." Earlier, Former Union Minister and Veteran Congress leader Margaret Alva emphasised that a sense of discipline and responsibility has to be maintained during international events. Speaking to the media, Alva said, "At international events, there has to be dignity, there has to be discipline and a sense of responsibility." Meanwhile, Delhi Police have arrested Jitendra Yadav from Gwalior in connection with the Youth Congress protest at Bharat Mandapam. This marks the fifth arrest in the ongoing investigation into the demonstration held during the India AI Impact Summit 2026.Prior to Yadav's arrest, four other leaders, Krishna Hari, Kundan Yadav, Ajay Kumar and Narasimha Yadav, were apprehended and remanded to five days of police custody by the Patiala House Court. According to Delhi Police, the officials have recovered T-shirts and posters that were used in the Indian Youth Congress's protest at the AI Summit at Bharat Mandapam from Indian Youth Congress leader Krishna Hari's car. Police have also detained another Youth Congress protester and are conducting raids to search for the remaining protesters. Earlier, in a statement, the Indian Youth Congress said its workers were protesting against a "compromised Prime Minister who has traded the identity of the country at the AI Summit." Police later detained the protesters. Meanwhile, BJP workers held a protest across multiple states against the Congress over the Indian Youth Congress protest at the India AI Impact Summit yesterday. In Surat and Jammu, BJP cadres staged demonstrations against the Congress, while in Delhi, members of the BJP Yuva Morcha held protests condemning the incident. (ANI)
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General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Counter-Insurgency Force (CIF) Delta, Major General APS Bal, on Monday described the elimination of the Saifullah group as a significant breakthrough, stating that the neutralised terrorists were the central link for the region's entire terror network. General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Counter-Insurgency Force (CIF) Delta, Major General A P S Bal, while speaking to ANI, said, "The elimination of the Saifullah group is a major success as they were the fulcrum around which the entire terror network was working...The elimination of seven terrorists is a huge success for all of us." Security forces on Monday displayed arms and ammunition recovered by security forces following Op Trashi. Meanwhile, security forces on Sunday neutralised another terrorist during a joint operation in the rugged terrains of Jammu and Kashmir's 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 today, two terrorists were neutralised in a major development in the ongoing anti-terror offensive in Jammu and Kashmir. The Army said that the remains and weapons of the third terrorist have been recovered. In a post on X, the White Knight Corps said, "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 remains and the weapon of the terrorist have been recovered. The pursuit continues- no space, no sanctuary for those who seek to undermine the stability." 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. (ANI)
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramiah on Monday expressed serious concern over the impact of discontinuation of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) scheme, claiming that nearly 16.12 crore people have lost their jobs, of whom 53 per cent are women and 28 per cent belong to the Scheduled Castes community. Addressing the "MGNREGA Bachao" protest in Chikkaballapur, the Chief Minister emphasised that the scheme had earlier guaranteed 100 days of wage employment to rural labourers and supported the operations of Gram Panchayats. He alleged that the discontinuation of MGNREGA has adversely affected rural livelihoods and left Gram Panchayats without adequate work. Stressing the importance of the scheme, Siddaramaiah said that protecting it has become extremely essential to safeguard the right to employment of rural workers. The Chief Minister demanded that the current framework replacing MGNREGA be completely halted and the original scheme be reinstated, restoring what he termed as the people's right to guaranteed employment. Furthermore, he urged the government to fix a minimum wage of Rs 400 per day under the scheme. Siddaramaiah also asserted that the protest would continue until MGNREGA is fully restored and employment security for rural workers is ensured. Many Congress leaders across the country are demanding the restoration of the MGNREGA Act. In Jammu district, for instance, party leaders staged a protest against the discontinuation of the Act, labelling it a "BJP conspiracy." The demonstration was led by Congress MP Dr. Syed Naseer, who accused the ruling party of undermining the employment rights of rural workers. Speaking to the media, Naseer emphasised that the protest is a move to safeguard the right to work for labourers. "This protest is being held against the BJP's conspiracy of ending the MGNREGA and to protect the right to work given to the labourers," he stated. He emphasised that the demonstration aimed to safeguard the livelihoods of rural residents who depend on guaranteed employment. Meanwhile, the protests against the discontinuation of MGNREGA began after Parliament passed the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act during the Winter Session. This new legislation replaced the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act as India's flagship rural employment scheme. While the Act increases guaranteed workdays from 100 to 125, the Opposition has criticised the move for removing Mahatma Gandhi's name and altering the 60:40 funding share between the Centre and states. As a result, Congress has been organising nationwide protests against these changes. On February 17, Uttar Pradesh Congress President Ajay Rai announced that the party workers will lay a siege to the State Assembly to raise issues such as the renaming of the Act and market demolitions. Speaking to ANI, Rai said that the party workers have come from all parts of the state, and will lay a siege together at the Legislative Assembly. "Our workers have come from different districts... Everyone has been sleeping in the State Committee office all night, including me... workers from all over the state. We will lay siege to the assembly in large numbers today. the workers' wages that the government has withheld for the past 11-12 months, the government's plan to scrap MGNREGA, the insult to women, workers, Shankaracharya, and Mata Ahilyabai Holkar, demolishing markets, ruining markets like the Dal Mandi... And then give all the land to the people from Gujarat... We will lay siege to the assembly on all these issues and will oppose it strongly..." he stated. (ANI)
Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Monday said that the money in the IDFC First Bank Rs 590 crore fraud case will "definitely come back", adding that appropriate action will be taken against the guilty. Speaking in the Haryana Legislative Assembly, the Chief Minister said that the government transferred all the money to an authorised bank after noting glitches. He further stated that the matter has been transferred to the Anti-Corruption Bureau and Vigilance Department. "We have been proactive in catching this fraud... When some glitches were noted, we asked for statements, and those, too, did not match. Therefore, the government decided to transfer all the money to an authorised bank, with interest... IDFC First Bank wrote a letter to SEBI in its defence, saying an employee was at fault," the Chief Minister said. "We transferred the matter to the Anti-Corruption Bureau and Vigilance Department. The investigation is going on... the money is completely safe, and it will definitely come back. Appropriate action will be taken against those found guilty, and even the bank if it is at fault," he added. Saini said the government is taking the issue seriously. "The matter surfaced on social media recently, we have investigated the case till the ground level... I assure the House that all the money will come back... I can make any statement only after the investigation...," the CM stated. Meanwhile, the Finance Department (Institutional Finance & Credit Control) of Haryana has de-empanelled IDFC First Bank and AU Small Finance Bank for government operations with immediate effect. The department has instructed all government departments, boards, corporations, and public sector undertakings to transfer funds from these banks to other authorised banks and close the accounts immediately, pending further notice. IDFC FIRST Bank suspended four employees after it discovered fraudulent activity involving approximately Rs 590 crore in certain Haryana government accounts at its Chandigarh branch, the bank said in a stock exchange filing. "The bank has launched an investigation and plans to recover the funds through legal and disciplinary action. Based on the preliminary internal review conducted, the matter is confined to a specific group of government-linked accounts within Haryana Government operated through the said branch in Chandigarh and does not extend to other customers of the Chandigarh Branch," the bank said. (ANI)
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will launch the 'Jan Ashirwad Yatra' in Assam as part of its mass outreach campaign ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections in the state. The yatra is scheduled to commence on February 28 and will travel across all Assembly constituencies in Assam. The initiative is aimed at strengthening the party's connect with citizens at the grassroots level and highlighting the developmental works and welfare initiatives undertaken by both the Central government and the Assam state government. According to a top BJP source, "Senior party leaders are expected to participate in different phases of the yatra. Key leaders include BJP state president Nitin Nabin, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, along with other prominent leaders from the Centre and the state unit." "During the yatra, public meetings, roadshows, and community interactions will be organised to inform people about key achievements in infrastructure development, welfare schemes, economic growth, and governance reforms. Party representatives will also gather public feedback and communicate future development priorities," he added. The BJP leadership believes that the Jan Ashirwad Yatra will serve as an important platform to directly engage with citizens, reinforce public trust and build momentum in the run-up to the Assembly polls. Earlier on Friday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah praised the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government's development record in Assam, asserting that what the Congress party could not achieve in fifty years, the BJP accomplished in just ten. Addressing a public gathering in Silchar, Shah highlighted the government's infrastructure achievements, noting that in the last five years, Assam witnessed 14 kilometres of road constructed daily, hundreds of bridges completed and four major new bridges inaugurated. "Congress ruled for years, but it did nothing for the development of Assam. What Congress could not do in fifty years, we did in ten years. In the last five years, 14 kilometres of road have been built in Assam every day... Almost hundreds, thousands of bridges were built, and four big new bridges," Shah said. He stated that the BJP, under Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, has spent the past decade preventing infiltration and reclaiming land. (ANI)
A day after former Assam Congress chief Bhupen Kumar Borah joined the BJP, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday hinted that several other Congress leaders will also switch the party as per the "schedule." Speaking to reporters in Guwahati, CM Sarma noted that several Congress leaders are in line to join the BJP. Assembly polls willl be held in Assam later this year, where the ruling BJP is eying for a third successive term. "I have a schedule in which Congress leaders will join us, and they will comply with the schedule. It is important for them to join before the 2029 General Elections. For me, all elections are important. BJP has already started preparing for the 2029 Lok Sabha elections," Sarma said. Bhupen Kumar Borah joined the BJP on Sunday, pointing out that the situation in the Assam Congress is "alarming". Assam Congress suffered a big blow ahead of the elections after its former president switched to the ruling BJP, ending his three-decade-old ties with the party. Speaking to ANI on Sunday, Borah highlighted incidents where the Congress leaders had allegedly labelled people who died in the Assam movement as "dacoits", and recently demanded reservation for Muslims in the state assembly. Borah said, "I gave 32 years and had a very deep-rooted family connection with Congress. But the present-day situation of Congress in Assam is alarming. Those concerned about the state can no longer be with the Congress. I'll give an example I wrote in my resignation letter. A Congress MLA, Sherman Ali, called all the martyrs of the Assam movement dacoits; I immediately expelled him." "Another Congress MLA in Assam said all priests are rapists; now his name is recommended for the assembly election in Jaleshwar. Another Congress spokesperson said when Congress comes to power under the leadership of Gaurav Gogoi, 45 assembly seats will be reserved for Muslims," he added. Meanwhile, Leader of Opposition (LoP) in Assam Assembly Debabrata Saikia said that Borah's move "will not cause any harm" to the party. Speaking to ANI, Saikia claimed that the people from where Borah was preparing to contest are also not with him. "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," Saikia said. (ANI)
Former Chief Minister and YSR Congress Party President YS Jagan Mohan Reddy on Monday expressed grief over the tragic incident in Andhra Pradesh's Rajamahendravaram, where four persons have died after allegedly consuming adulterated milk, while several critically ill are undergoing treatment. He conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the speedy recovery of those hospitalised, a party release said. YS Jagan sclaimed that negligence in food safety enforcement has directly endangered public lives and demanded that the government take stringent action against those responsible for the adulteration. He emphasised that such incidents reflect serious "lapses" in monitoring and regulatory mechanisms, and insisted that immediate corrective steps must be taken to ensure that similar tragedies do not recur. He further urged the Health Department to take swift control of the situation by ensuring the best possible medical care to all affected individuals, closely monitoring their health condition, and, if necessary, deploying expert medical teams for comprehensive treatment. He called for urgent administrative intervention to strengthen food safety inspections and restore public confidence in essential commodities like milk. Meanwhile, speaking in the Assembly on the adulterated milk incident in Rajahmundry, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu announced Rs 10 lakh ex gratia compensation for the families of the four deceased victims. He said that the government has ordered a comprehensive inquiry into the tragedy. He stated that strict action will be taken if the contamination is found to be intentional and assured that the government will not remain negligent. The Chief Minister also confirmed that the government will bear the complete medical expenses of those currently undergoing treatment and expressed deep condolences to the bereaved families. (ANI)
Anil Shastri, Chairman of Lal Bahadur Shastri Institute of Management (LBSIM), paid tribute to his father, former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri, and said that the institute continues to function in accordance with his ideals and principles. Speaking on the occasion of the 31st Foundation Day of the institute, Shastri said that the founding vision of running the institute on the values upheld by Lal Bahadur Shastri has been successfully realised. He also highlighted the institute's academic standing, noting that it ranks among the top 20-25 management institutes in the country. "... We always wanted to run this institute on the principles of Lal Bahadur Shastri, and we have been successful in this. The institute ranks among the top 20-25 management institutes of the country, and all our students and faculty are delighted today... I have complete faith that we are fulfilling the main objective of walking on the principles of Shastri ji...," he told ANI. Earlier, on its 26th Foundation Day in 2021, the Lal Bahadur Shastri Institute of Management (LBSIM) Dwarka, Delhi, celebrated at its college premises. The event was highlighted with the gracious presence of Gurcharan Das (Author and Former CEO, Procter and Gamble, India), who delivered a lecture virtually on "Don't Just Make a Living, Make a Life". The event was presided over by Anil Shastri, Former Union Minister & Chairman, LBSIM. While interacting with the audience, Das had said, "We should always believe in doing rather than imagining in thoughts for better results. The best inspirational lesson to learn from one of the stories of a corporate man is our attitude itself - key towards success instead of our skills and talent, which every passing out graduate should understand while preparing for the recruitment." On the occasion, LBSIM had also honoured its distinguished alumni with awards for Corporate Excellence. The recipients included Manpreet Singh (1996-98), Group Head - New Business and Diversification Advisory, Somany Impressa Group; Amit Kurseja (2003-05), Head of Merchant Acceptance for Amazon Pay India; Ardaman Singh (1995-97), Training Coordinator with Anand Corp Services Ltd.; Ekta Kumar (1996-1998), Social Impact and Change Management Leader; and Gopal Iyer (2004-2006), Supply Chain Leader in process transformation, change management and service improvement. (ANI)
Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Monday performed the Griha Pravesh ceremony for one lakh families receiving houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G) in Assam. Speaking to reporters, Shivraj Singh Chouhan hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi for initiatives for Assam. Chouhan, "Under the leadership of CM Himanta Biswa Sarma, a safe, developed, and Aatmanirbhar Bharat is being built. Under the leadership and guidance of the Prime Minister, the Indian government is taking all possible steps for Assam's progress, development and public welfare. In the event today, the proposal for 728 roads worth over Rs 1800 Crores, and 62 bridges have been sanctioned for the people of Assam." "A demand had come in for power tillers here. Additional funds have been given for the same. I congratulate the CM for providing Rs 500 per quintal in addition to the MSP. But the state government had said that the produce be procured by the Centre under PSS. This, too, has been approved," the Union Minister added. The Assam Chief Minister announced the launch of Mukhyamantri Utkarsh Yojana for the Farmer Producers Organisation (FPO), with an aim to benefit them from India's recent trade deals with the European Union, United States and the United Kingdom. India had recently signed Free Trade Agreements (FTA) with the EU and the UK, lowering tariffs on the export of Indian goods, and announced a trade deal framework with the US. "We have launched a new scheme today for the Farmer Producers Organisation (FPO), and the farmers will now be promoted financially and technologically so they can take advantage of FTA between the UK and India, EU and India, US and India (trade deal), so that we can export our special agricultural and horticultural products in the export market. The Union Minister of Agriculture Shivraj Singh Chouhan also launched a new program for the PM Gram Sadak Yojna - Assam will be getting 1500 Kms of road at a cost of approximately Rs 2000 crores," Himanta Biswa Sarma told reporters. As per Assam CM's X post, the state government today distributed Rs 120 crore in financial assistance under Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission. Also, the government launched the Mukhyamantri Utkarsh Yojana, Krishi Sarathi App, Samaveshi Ajeevika Yojana, and Rural One App. This comes ahead of the Assam Assembly elections, scheduled later this year, where the BJP is looking to secure a victory for the third consecutive time. (ANI)
The Revenue, Horticulture and Tribal development Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Jagat Singh Negi, on Monday alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party was acting against the interests of the hill state and asserted that the ruling Congress would "definitely win" the upcoming Rajya Sabha election due to its numerical strength. Speaking to the media after returning from New Delhi and later in an interaction with ANI, Negi said the state leadership held meetings with Congress high command, including Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, to discuss the prevailing financial situation of Himachal Pradesh and to chalk out future political strategy. Negi alleged that the BJP had not supported Himachal's demand for continuation of the Revenue Deficit Grant (RDG). "The Bharatiya Janata Party is not working in Himachal Pradesh's interest. Earlier too, when we passed a resolution in the Assembly seeking continuation of the Revenue Deficit Grant, the BJP backed out. Why did they betray the people of Himachal?" he said. He added that discussions were held in Delhi on the impact of RDG and the possible strategy ahead. "Whatever strategy has been decided will be seen in the coming time. We will do everything within our jurisdiction," Negi said, accusing the Centre of adopting "unconstitutional methods" in dealing with the grant. In one seat of the Rajya Sabha election, Negi expressed confidence of victory. "We have the numbers. Our candidate will win 100%. But if the BJP uses money power or other means, then anything is possible in India. Still, we are going to win," he said, adding that the party's high command would decide the candidate. The minister argued that the Constitution had envisaged financial support for smaller deficit states like Himachal Pradesh until the revenue-expenditure gap is bridged. "If the 16th Finance Commission recommended stopping RDG, the report should have been discussed in Parliament. Instead, it was accepted as it is. This is harmful for small states like Himachal and Nagaland," he said. Negi further alleged that the Centre intended to weaken smaller states. "The intention of the central government is to convert such states into Union Territories, as seen in Jammu and Kashmir. If such thinking succeeds, it will be a threat to the unity and integrity of the country," he claimed. The minister said the state had attempted reforms and resource mobilisation, including imposing a water cess, but claimed the Centre blocked its implementation. "Uttarakhand and Jammu & Kashmir imposed similar cess and were not stopped. Himachal was stopped because they want the state government to fall," he alleged. Referring to a recent AI summit in Delhi, Negi criticised what he described as "drama" during the event and alleged police high-handedness during a peaceful protest at Himachal Sadan. "Even when ministers and the Chief Minister were present, police entered without protocol. This reflects an attempt to suppress democratic voices," he said. Welcoming a Supreme Court stay on tree-felling directions in Himachal, Negi said the decision provided relief to orchardists. "It is a good decision. Some High Court orders had directed the cutting of orchards and the demolition of structures. We have been asked to frame a policy and present it before the competent authority," he said. (ANI)
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK chief MK Stalin was not willing to grant Congress more than 25 seats in the seat-sharing formula of the state's ruling alliance for the upcoming Assembly polls, sources said on Monday. After Congress General Secretary (Organisation) KC Venugopal met MK Stalin on Sunday, Congress sources said that the party had demanded 45 seats. Congress demanded that the DMK be given 20 of the 40 seats it lost in the 2021 elections. Stalin and KC Venugopal have agreed to continue the seat-sharing talks. As per sources, the talks have already resumed between Congress's Tamil Nadu in-charge Girish and DMK leader Kanimozhi. Congress sources said the party's demand for 45 Assembly seats is based on a review of the 2021 results. In the last election, the DMK contested 173 seats, winning 133 and losing 40, mostly to the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). According to party insiders, Congress believes at least 20 of those lost seats are winnable if allotted to it, citing stronger local presence and better consolidation in direct contests. Earlier today, Venugopal said that information regarding the DMK-Congress alliance would be shared soon, and that talks with CM MK Stalin were "cordial", but the results are awaited. Speaking to the media, Venugopal said, "We will let you know, finally. The discussion was cordial, but we are waiting for the results." Congress MP Karti Chidambaram said, "As far as Tamil Nadu is concerned, MK Stalin is leading the alliance, and we are with him. The Congress High Committee has spoken to the DMK. We will reach a conclusion on the number of seats in one or two rounds of talks. Chief Minister Stalin has formed a good and big alliance, so we have a good chance of winning." DMK treasurer and Lok Sabha MP TR Baalu on Monday held discussions with the Manithaneya Makkal Katchi (MMK) President MH Jawahirullah over the seat sharing ahead of the forthcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. After the meeting, Jawahirullah stated that the MMK has sought five seats from the DMK in the polls. Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) has also sought five assembly constituencies in the seat-sharing formula. The 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly will go to the polls in the first half of 2026, where the MK Stalin-led alliance will look to project the 'Dravidian Model 2.0' for the win against the BJP-AIADMK alliance. Actor-turned-politician Vijay's entry with his Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) is expected to turn the Tamil Nadu polls into a three-way contest. 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)
The Supreme Court on Monday dismissed a plea filed by BJP leader Subramanian Swamy challenging the Andhra Pradesh government's decision to appoint a one-member committee to examine the report of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the alleged adulteration of ghee used in preparing 'prashadam laddus' at the Tirupati Temple in Tirumala Swamy had argued that once the Court had directed an SIT probe and the matter was under its consideration, the State could not initiate a parallel exercise. He contended that the one-member panel would overlap with the ongoing criminal proceedings. A Bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi rejected the plea, holding that the State's administrative inquiry would not interfere with the criminal case. "Such an administrative inquiry, in our opinion, cannot be overlapping of criminal proceedings of the chargesheet. There being no conflict of interest, no overlapping and the scope of the investigation/inquiry having been well demarcated, we are satisfied that the petition does not have sufficient foundation. Let both processes continue strictly in accordance with the law, the Court noted. The apex court thus made it clear that the criminal prosecution based on the SIT's chargesheet and the State's administrative review can proceed simultaneously, as their scope and purpose are distinct. The issue concerns the alleged adulteration of ghee used in preparing prashadam laddus at Tirumala, where allegations were made that the sanctity of the prashadam had been compromised during previous YSRCP governmnent. The Court noted that an FIR was registered on September 25, 2024, and was later handed over to a Special Investigation Team (SIT) as per its earlier directions. The SIT has since completed its probe and filed both a chargesheet and a supplementary chargesheet, the Court noted. Additionally, the Court noted that the Andhra Pradesh government has also initiated an administrative exercise to identify any lapses, fix responsibility and determine consequences separate from the completed criminal investigation. However, allowing the one-member panel to continue its inquiry, the Court dismissed Swamy's petition. (ANI)
Akasa Air became the first airline to operate from the newly constructed terminal at Lokapriya Gopinath Bardoloi International Airport (LGBI) in Guwahati. In an official release, the airline stated that its inaugural flight on February 22, 2026, departed from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport at 13:40 hrs and landed at Lokapriya Gopinath Bardoloi International Airport at 16:45 hrs. The return flight from Guwahati departed at 17:20 hrs and arrived in Mumbai at 21:10 hrs. To mark the commencement of the inaugural flight, a ceremonial lamp-lighting was held at Lokapriya Gopinath Bardoloi International Airport in the presence of Bhavin Joshi, Co-Founder and Senior Vice President - Strategy, Akasa Air, along with senior representatives of Guwahati Airport, followed by a cake-cutting ceremony. A special boarding pass was also presented to the first passenger on the inaugural flight. The occasion was further graced by Himanta Biswa Sarma, Chief Minister of Assam, and Jeet Adani, Director, Adani Airport Holdings Limited. The new terminal marks a significant milestone for Akasa Air, India's fastest-growing airline's operations in the Northeast, enabling the airline to offer its guests a more seamless, efficient, and comfortable travel experience from Guwahati. Developed by Guwahati International Airport Limited and operated by Adani Airport Holdings Limited (AAHL), the state-of-the-art facility aligns with Akasa Air's focus on leveraging modern infrastructure to enhance operational efficiency while delivering a consistently high-quality, passenger-centric journey. The release further stated that Akasa Air's operations from the new terminal reinforce its strategic focus on strengthening connectivity to high-growth markets while supporting the development of modern aviation ecosystems across India. Akasa Air's empathetic and youthful personality, employee-friendly culture, customer-service philosophy, and tech-led approach have made it the airline of choice for millions of customers. Its brand-new fleet provides ample legroom and comes with USB ports in the majority of aircraft. Cafe Akasa, the airline's onboard meal service, offers an assortment of healthy and delectable meals. Pets on Akasa allows customers to travel with their pets in the cabin or to carry them in cargo. Akasa Air offers over 25+ ancillary products such as Akasa GetEarly, Seat & Meal Deal, Extra Seat and Akasa Holidays, to deliver on its promise of exceptional customer service. Consistently enhancing the cabin experience for its customers, Akasa has launched several industry firsts such as SkyScore by Akasa, SkyLights and QuietFlights. Akasa Air has introduced its safety instruction card and onboard menu card in Braille for people with visual impairment, the release stated. Akasa Air is India's most dependable airline, offering warm and efficient customer service, reliable operations, and affordable fares - all in the Akasa Way. Akasa's youthful personality, employee-centric philosophy, tech-led approach, and culture of service make this commitment a reality for all Indians. Akasa Air's consistent on-time leadership, operational efficiencies and extremely positive customer feedback have made it a preferred carrier in India, serving over 24 million passengers since its launch in August 2022. Akasa Air currently connects with 26 domestic and six international cities, namely Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kochi, Delhi, Guwahati, Agartala, Pune, Lucknow, Goa, Hyderabad, Varanasi, Bagdogra, Bhubaneswar, Kolkata, Sri Vijaya Puram, Ayodhya, Gwalior, Srinagar, Prayagraj, Gorakhpur, Darbhanga, Kozhikode, Navi Mumbai, Dibrugarh, Doha (Qatar), Jeddah, Riyadh (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia), Abu Dhabi (UAE), Kuwait City (Kuwait) and Phuket (Thailand), the release noted. With a clear focus on sustained, long-term growth, Akasa Air has placed a firm order of 226 Boeing 737 MAX aeroplanes, powered by CFM fuel-efficient LEAP-1B engines. It currently operates 34 737 MAX aircraft, which deliver superior efficiency in reducing fuel use and carbon emissions. The aircraft also has a quieter cabin with 40 per cent less noise, fulfilling the airline's promise of being an environmentally progressive company with the youngest and greenest fleet in the Indian skies, the release highlighted. (ANI)
Meta and WhatsApp on Monday informed the Supreme Court that they would comply, by March 16, with the directions issued by the NCLAT, which mandate safeguards on user consent for data sharing, even as their appeal against the NCLAT ruling remains pending. On December 15 last year, the appellate tribunal had clarified that its safeguards requiring express and revocable user consent would apply to all non-WhatsApp purposes, including both advertising and non-advertising data sharing and granted three months to the companies to implement the directions. After the counsel representing the appellants (Meta and WhatsApp) informed the Court that they would comply with the directions over which they had sought stay, a bench led by the Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant disposed of the stay applications as "not pressed for", while clarifying that all issues in the main appeals would remain open. The apex court also directed the appellants to file a compliance affidavit after March 16, 2026. "These applications essentially seek directions NCLAT (December 15) to the extent that it directs Meta to comply with certain directions to Meta. Since the appellants have decided to comply with the NCLAT directions, they will do the needful by March 16. Appellants (WhatsApp and Meta) shall file a compliance affidavit after March 16", the Court noted. During the hearing, Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for the big-tech platforms, submitted that earlier, the Court was under the impression that the companies had been indulging in data-sharing practices, which is not the case. Sibal stated that the appellants would comply with the NCLAT's directions. "This court had an impression of sharing data - that's not the case. We are complying with the NCLAT's directions. We have challenged it on appeal, but in the interim, we are complying", Sibal said. In response, the Court asked, "Without prejudice to your appeal, you are saying you will comply with those directions?" Sibal responded affirmatively. Noting the submission, the Court granted permission to the appellants to withdraw their pleas. The proceedings arise from a November 2025 judgment of the NCLAT, which upheld a 213.14 crore penalty imposed by the Competition Commission of India (CCI) over WhatsApp's 2021 privacy policy. The tribunal held that WhatsApp's policy imposed unfair conditions on users and that cross-platform data sharing strengthened Meta's dominance in the online display advertising market. While upholding the penalty, the NCLAT set aside the CCI's direction imposing a five-year ban on sharing WhatsApp user data for advertising purposes. It reasoned that a blanket prohibition was not justified if users were given meaningful opt-in and opt-out choices. The CCI has filed a cross-appeal before the Supreme Court challenging the removal of the proposed five-year advertising ban. The top court has also issued notice to Meta in connection with that aspect. All appeals remain pending. The Court will hear the matter in April. Earlier, the Court had sharply criticised the companies' data-sharing practices, describing them as a "decent way of committing theft." (ANI)
A large number of ASHA workers staged a protest at the District Medical and Health Office (DMHO) at Koti area in Hyderabad, demanding that the Telangana government fulfil its promise of Rs 18,000 per month and announce a budget for it in the upcoming assembly session. Soon after the workers protested, the police detained them and shifted them to the local police station. Speaking about the protest, the ASHA worker slammed the Congress government in the state and demanded salaries that had been on hold for so long. Speaking to ANI, an ASHA worker said, "We are from Kohed mandal, Tangedipalli village. We have come for a protest at Koti. We are not receiving salaries; they have put them on hold. We don't have insurance for our health." Another worker told ANI that the Congress government promised to give Rs 18,000 per month before the assembly elections. "The Congress government told us before the assembly elections that they would give Rs 18,000 salary for one month. Now they are saying they will give money depending on work. We have been working for 20 years for Rs 200 to Rs 400. We are fighting for many years, and the Congress government is not recognising us. The TRS government increased some amount, but the Congress government is not thinking about us. We have done several programs like Pulse Polio. Several ASHA workers are dying; we need work protection," an ASHA worker told ANI. Further, criticising the Congress manifesto, she said that the party mentioned several guarantees, including health cards, but did not fulfil any promises. "In the Congress manifesto, they mentioned several guarantees, including health cards for us, but they have not fulfilled any promise. We have come to Koti to stage a protest to fulfil their guarantees. The police are arresting us, but why are they arresting us? We are fighting for our salaries. We have not done anything wrong, and we are not getting even Rs 10,000 as salary. We need a fixed salary," she added. However, the police detained workers and shifted them to the local police station. "The ASHA workers staged a protest at the DHMO office at Koti over their demands, and we have detained them and shifted them to the local police station," a police official said. (ANI)
President Droupadi Murmu on Monday unveiled the bust of Chakravarti Rajagopalachari, the first and only Indian Governor General of Independent India, at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The bust of Rajagopalachari, at the Grand Open Staircase near Ashok Mandap opposite to the statue of Mahatma Gandhi, replaces the bust of Edwin Lutyens. This initiative is part of a series of steps being taken towards shedding "the vestiges of the colonial mindset". The President later attended Rajaji Utsav at Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre, where she took a round of the photo and book exhibition on his life and work. A film on the life of Rajaji was also shown. The President and other dignitaries also witnessed cultural performances as part of the event. Speaking on the occasion, the President said that when Rajaji arrived at the Government House (now known as Rashtrapati Bhavan), he placed portraits of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and Mahatma Gandhi in his room. Rajaji sent a clear message that while India was formally still a Dominion, Swaraj had been fully established in the hearts of Indians. Rajaji set an inspiring example of mental decolonization, she said. His ideals are reflected in the national campaign adopted by the people of India to take pride in India''s heritage and eliminate the vestiges of colonial mindset. Indian consciousness and connection with all Indians, especially the weaker sections, are reflected in Rajaji''s thoughts and actions, the President noted. She said that portraits of British imperial officials who exploited India were earlier hung in the corridors of Rashtrapati Bhavan. Now, the gallery called ''Param Vir Dirgha'' is adorned with portraits of Param Vir Chakra awardees. The Granth Kutir has been established at Rashtrapati Bhavan to preserve the great tradition of knowledge accumulated in manuscripts and texts of India''s classical languages. The President said that Rashtrapati Bhavan is "Rashtra ka Bhavan" - it belongs to citizens of the country. Rashtrapati Bhavan and other President''s estates in Shimla, Hyderabad, and Dehradun have been opened to welcome all those who seek to know about the traditions of India''s democracy, and its rich cultural heritage. The President said that during British rule, the people of India faced the calamity of famine and drought many times. Even in the post-independence era, the citizens faced food shortages. Out of compassion for fellow citizens and to inspire farmers, Rajaji initiated grain cultivation inside the Rashtrapati Bhavan complex. He even ploughed the field himself, setting an inspiring example. The President said that Rajaji was gifted with multifaceted creativity and several dimensions. His contributions to the legal profession, freedom struggle, social and economic reforms, ancient Indian scriptures, Tamil and English writing, poetry and music, politics and governance greatly enriched these fields. She underlined that the country''s emphasis on Swadeshi and Aatma-Nirbharata takes forward the idea of Swaraj as described by Rajaji. The President said that as the country moves ahead towards making ''Viksit Bharat'' by 2047, icons like Rajaji inspire people with their ideas and ideals. She urged all to resolve to promote the spirit of enterprise to fulfil the dreams of Rajaji. She expressed confidence that the people of India will continue to move forward with the spirit of "nation first," inspired by Rajaji''s personality and work. Addressing the gathering, the Vice President CP Radhakrishnan said that today by celebrating Rajaji Utsav, "we have achieved yet another milestone in our journey of breaking away from the colonial legacy". The Vice President said that Rajaji Utsav is a celebration and rightful recognition of the great son of India. "Rajaji earned a distinguished place in India''s history. He was a man of remarkable brilliance. He consistently advocated economic freedom and believed that India''s economic policy to remain independent and liberal. His life reminds us that true greatness comes from not position or power but from inner refinement, moral strength and steadfast commitment to the values," he said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent a message for the occasion which was read by Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat. In his message, the Prime Minister said the unveiling of the bust of Chakravarti Rajagopalachari at the historic central courtyard of Rashtrapati Bhavan by the President is a moment of pride for the people of India. He said the close relationship that Rajaji shared with Mahatma Gandhi, marked by deep mutual trust and friendship, is well known. Therefore, it is fitting that Rajaji''s bust is being installed right opposite the statue of Mahatma Gandhi. Further, the fact that Rajaji''s bust will be positioned where Edwin Lutyens'' bust used to stand is a crucial detail, making it an important act of mental decolonization, he said. The Prime Minister said Rashtrapati Bhavan stands not as a seat of power, but as a visible embodiment of democratic self-confidence rooted in Indian civilisation. Initiatives such as the ''Rajaji Utsav'' and the unveiling of a bust of Shri C. Rajagopalachari reinforce this direction, he said, adding that they honour leaders who shaped the nation "and remind us that freedom is sustained by celebrating their memory." The Prime Minister in his ''Mann Ki Baat'' address on Sunday, said that the unveiling of bust of Rajaji is one of the steps towards removing vestiges of the colonial mindset. The exhibition on the life and work of Rajaji will be organised as part of Rajaji Utsav from February 24 to March 1, 2026, at Amrit Udyan. (ANI)
Vice-Chairman of Bharti Enterprises Rakesh Bharti Mittal on Monday announced that Teacher App 2.0 is designed to support teachers across India, providing a one-stop platform for pedagogy, lesson plans, and quality educational content. The app now covers the entire National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 curriculum, from class one to class 12. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan launched the Teacher App 2.0, powered by AI, in collaboration with Bharti Airtel and CK12 Foundation. Rakesh Bharti Mittal highlighted that the app has expanded its scope, offering a comprehensive digital learning platform. The Teacher App 2.0 features include a content library, personalised learning experience, engaging learning tools, and accessibility across multiple platforms. "Teacher App was launched in November 2024 and that was a time when we committed ourselves and the nation that this should be one stop shop for teachers to come back again and yet again to understand the issues on pedagogy, lesson plans...We started with offering up to the primary curriculum and content, and with the new partnership, I am extremely happy to share that the Teacher App is now available for the entire NEP 2020 from class one to class 12. All subjects, all domains, and anything a teacher will need to impart a quality lecture in the classroom", he said. This initiative aims to empower educators and enhance teaching quality, aligning with India's vision for inclusive and future-ready education, and equip teachers with subject-wise content and tools necessary to enhance classroom teaching and learning outcomes. Earlier on Monday, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan hailed the technological advances in the Indian education system, reflecting on the 'The Teachers App 2.0.'The Union Minister earlier today launched the app made by Bharti Airtel, in collaboration with CK-12 Foundation, a global philanthropy group. Speaking to the media, the Minister highlighted the recent launch of two large language models (LLMs), BharatGen and Sarvam, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the AI Impact Summit 2026, expressing hope that similar AI capabilities would soon be incorporated into the app. Praising the achievement, he described the initiative as "a step forward" in improving governance and operational efficiency in schools and colleges."India's education system is gradually moving towards AI in various dimensions. Today, Bharti Airtel, in collaboration with CK-12 Foundation, a global philanthropy group, has launched a new Teachers App... My expectation, and also my suggestion, is that all this will gradually be implemented in the Indian Large Language Model. This time, at the AI Impact Summit, the Prime Minister launched two major Large Language Models in India: BharatGen and Sarvam...The school and college governance model will also need to be improved. Today, we have taken a step forward in that direction," the Union Minister said. Earlier last week, the Union Minister emphasised that integrating artificial intelligence into education has become a national priority to empower the country's youth. Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the India AI Impact Summit at Bharat Mandapan in the national capital, Pradhan emphasised that using AI in the education sector has become a priority for the government now. "It is our responsibility to provide AI-enabled education to India's new generation. The Prime Minister organised the AI Impact Summit to encourage India's new generation, and they are participating in it. Using AI in education, how we can strengthen our students, schools, and teachers by leveraging AI has become a priority," he said. (ANI)
The All India Medical Students Association-Foreign Students' Wing has urged the government to ask the Indian Embassy in Iran to urgently coordinate with Iranian universities and authorities for postponement of all scheduled examinations for Indian students studying there in view of the security situation and the advisories to Indian nationals to leave the country. In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Association said that in the prevailing tense geopolitical and security environment, it is neither safe nor feasible for students to remain in Iran merely to appear in examinations. The Association requested the government "to direct the Embassy in Iran to urgently coordinate with Iranian universities and authorities to postpone all scheduled examinations for Indian students". It also demanded facilitation for safe evacuation and repatriation of Indian students at the earliest and ensuring that no student suffers academic loss due to circumstances beyond their control. "We firmly believe that your compassionate and decisive intervention will safeguard the lives and futures of thousands of Indian students studying abroad," the letter said. It said Embassy of India in Tehran has issued an advisory on Monday calling upon all Indian nationals, including students, to leave Iran immediately in view of the evolving security situation. "In the prevailing tense geopolitical and security environment, it is neither safe nor feasible for students to remain in Iran merely to appear in examinations. Their safety and well-being must be treated as the highest national priority. Furthermore, uncertainty regarding exams is causing immense psychological stress and academic disruption among students and their families," the letter said. (ANI)
Supreme leader of North Korea Kim Jong Un was reelected as general secretary of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) at the ongoing party congress, with state media highlighting his leadership in rapidly advancing the country's nuclear-based war deterrence, Yonhap News Agency reported, citing Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). According to the North Korean state media, KCNA, on Monday, "The Ninth Congress of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) decides to elect Kim Jong-un as general secretary of the WPK ... for the development of the WPK and the prosperity of the state," citing the "unshakeable" support of party members, citizens, and soldiers. KCNA stated that the decision was made on Sunday, the fourth day of the multi-day congress, which typically outlines key policy goals for the next five years, including economic, defence, and diplomatic strategies. Party regulations mandate the election of the general secretary at a party congress, Yonhap News Agency reported. The Congress credited Kim with building "the revolutionary armed forces capable of coping with any threat of aggression on their own initiative and fully prepared for any form of war," adding that "the war deterrence of the country with the nuclear forces as its pivot has been radically improved and our state has dynamically advanced in the orbit of prosperity ... despite the stern challenges of history," Yonhap News Agency reported. Party secretary Ri Il-hwan, speaking at the congress, praised Kim for realising "the dream and ideal for prosperity" and said, "Only Kim Jong-un can guide the trend of gigantic transformation of our cause put on an orbit of leap forward to a steady upturn without halt." He further noted that North Korea had successfully defied sanctions and become a "formidable" force recognised by adversaries. The KCNA also reported that the congress adopted revised party rules, though details were not disclosed. The congress additionally elected new members to the party's central committee. Notably absent from the list were several senior officials, including Choe Ryong-hae, signalling a possible generational shift in leadership, Yonhap News Agency reported. South Korea's Ministry of Unification said the congress reinforced Kim's leadership while minimising messages on foreign relations. "External messages have been minimised, while the content of the meeting was being disclosed at the most minimal level," spokesperson Yoon Min-ho said, Yonhap News Agency reported. The Ninth Party Congress, launched last Thursday, is North Korea's highest decision-making body and the first since the Eighth Party Congress in 2021. At the conclusion of the meetings, the party is expected to announce new policies for the next five years covering the economy, defence, and diplomacy. (ANI)
China on Wednesday sharply criticised the United States after Washington announced the appointment of a new United States Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues, accusing the US of interfering in what it described as China's internal matters, according to a report by Phayul. As cited by Phayul, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Tuesday designated Riley M Barnes, currently serving as Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labour, as the new US Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues. The role, established under American law, is tasked with overseeing and aligning US initiatives aimed at promoting and safeguarding the human rights, religious freedom, cultural identity, and linguistic heritage of the Tibetan people. The announcement was made in a statement issued on the occasion of Losar, the Tibetan New Year. In his message, Rubio extended greetings to Tibetans worldwide, acknowledging their resilience and reaffirming Washington's commitment to protecting their fundamental rights and preserving their distinct traditions and heritage. "I extend my warmest wishes to all those celebrating Losar, the Tibetan New Year. On this first day of the Year of the Fire Horse, we celebrate the fortitude and resilience of Tibetans around the world. The United States remains committed to supporting the unalienable rights of Tibetans and their distinct linguistic, cultural, and religious heritage. I wish Tibetans everywhere a healthy and prosperous year ahead. Losar Tashi Delek and Happy New Year!" the statement read. Rubio further stated that he was pleased to designate Assistant Secretary Barnes to concurrently serve as the Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues. Beijing responded with strong objections. China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as noted in the Phayul report, accused Washington of exploiting Tibet-related matters to interfere in China's domestic affairs. In an official statement, the ministry described the "so-called 'special coordinator for Tibetan issues'" as a mechanism of interference and reiterated that China has never recognised the legitimacy of the position. The Chinese government maintained that issues concerning Tibet fall strictly within its sovereign domain and do not permit intervention by external forces, repeating its longstanding stance that Tibet-related affairs are purely internal matters. The position of US Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues was formally created under the Tibetan Policy Act of 2002, enacted as part of the Foreign Relations Authorisation Act for Fiscal Year 2003 and signed into law in 2002. The legislation marked the first time US policy toward Tibet was codified in statute and required the Secretary of State to appoint a Special Coordinator within the State Department. Under the law, the Special Coordinator is mandated to encourage meaningful dialogue between Chinese authorities and the Dalai Lama or his representatives, advance and protect the human rights and religious freedoms of Tibetans, support the preservation of Tibetan language and culture, facilitate humanitarian assistance for Tibetan refugees in South Asia, and ensure interagency coordination of US policy on Tibet. Since the law's enactment, successive US administrations have appointed senior State Department officials to hold the position alongside other high-level responsibilities. The Special Coordinator does not serve as a diplomatic representative to Beijing but functions as a policy lead within the US government, underscoring Washington's continued engagement on Tibet-related human rights and dialogue initiatives. (ANI) While Beijing has consistently rejected the role of illegitimate interference, the position remains a statutory requirement under US law, reflecting enduring bipartisan congressional backing for Tibet-related issues since the early 2000s, Phayul reported. (ANI)
Neeta Bhushan, an Indian Foreign Service officer of the 1994 batch, has been appointed as India's new ambassador to the Republic of Poland. She is currently serving as India's High Commissioner to New Zealand and will take up the assignment shortly. India and Poland share a long-standing friendly relationship, marked by high-level political contacts and vibrant economic engagement. Diplomatic relations were established in 1954, leading to the opening of the Indian Embassy in Warsaw in 1957. The two countries shared common ideological perceptions, based on their opposition to colonialism, imperialism and racism. During the Communist era, bilateral relations were close and cordial, with regular high-level visits (several VVIP visits from India - beginning with Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru in 1955 - and four from Poland), coupled with planned trade and economic interactions by state trading organisations, underpinned by the rupee clearing arrangements. The relationship continued to remain close after Poland chose the democratic path in 1989. India and Poland transitioned to hard currency trading arrangements that were sustained by rising levels of trade as both economies grew in size and heft. A cordial political relationship has emerged in the current century, particularly after Poland joined the EU in 2004, and became India's key economic partner in Central Europe. Over the decades, India and Poland have had robust exchanges at the level of Heads of State and Government. High-level visits from India to Poland include: Presidents V V Giri (1970), Zail Singh (1986), S D Sharma (1996) and Prime Ministers Jawaharlal Nehru (1955), Indira Gandhi (1967) and Morarji Desai (1979). From the Polish side, high level visits include: Presidents Alexander Kwasniewski (1998), Lech Walesa (1994 and 1998), Prime Ministers Cyrankieweicz (1957) and Jaroszewicz (1973), Polish United Workers' Party First Secretary Gierek (1977) and Gen Jaruszelski (1985). After democracy came to Poland in 1990, high-level contacts continued with the visits of Polish President Aleksander Kwasniewski (1998) and Polish PM Leszek Miller (2003). The President of India, Pratibha Patil, visited Poland in April 2009, and Polish PM Donald Tusk paid a state visit to India in September 2010. (ANI)
Amidst a reported American military build-up in West Asia, Iran's foreign minister Abbas Araghchi has said that he is likely to meet with a US delegation in Geneva on Thursday for the next round of talks over the country's nuclear program. The two sides have already held two rounds of negotiations so far this month aimed at reaching a deal. Araghchi's remarks to US broadcaster CBS from Tehran on Sunday were cited by IRNA, the state media of Iran. The minister said he was still working on a draft proposal to be presented to the American side, adding that a deal could be reached quickly between Tehran and Washington DC. "We are still working on that, and we are trying to make it something which consists of elements which can accommodate both sides' concerns and interests. And we are working on those elements, and 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. This is my understanding. I see it quite possible," said Araghchi on the CBS interview cited by IRNA news agency. Meanwhile, anti-government protests continued for a second consecutive day across several university campuses in Iran's two largest cities, Tehran and Mashhad, New York Times reported, citing student groups and human rights organisations, even as authorities maintain a crackdown on dissent. The unrest comes amid growing concerns in Iran over the possibility of military conflict with the United States. There is a US military buildup in West Asia region where the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group and more fighter jets have already arrived with reports that USS Gerald R Ford is also headed towards the region from the Caribbean. US President Donald Trump's Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff had on Saturday speaking to Fox News said that Iran could be about "a week away" from producing industrial-grade bomb-making material. Witkoff told Fox News that Iran has enriched uranium up to 60 per cent, which he argued exceeds levels needed for civilian nuclear purposes. Iranian foreign minister Arigachi told CBS 'Face the Nation' that the US wants to find a resolution for Iran's peaceful nuclear program, the "only way is diplomacy." "And we have proved this in the past and I believe that still there is a good chance to have a diplomatic solution which is based on a win-win game, and a solution is at our reach. So, there is no need for any military build-up, and a military build-up cannot help it and can pressurize us," Arigachi said. Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner and Witkoff had met with Araghchi in Geneva on Tuesday. Oman's foreign minister Badr Albusaidi has said that the next round of Iran-US talks will be held in Geneva, Switzerland on February 26 "with a positive push to go the extra mile towards finalizing the deal," according to Oman News Agency. US and Iran resumed diplomacy earlier this month in Muscat with a second round held in Geneva. Trump said Friday morning he is considering a limited strike against Iran if it does not forge a deal with the US to constrain its nuclear program, according to the White House pool report. On Thursday, Trump said he thought 10 to 15 days is "enough time" for Tehran to reach a deal with the US. "We're going to make a deal or get a deal one way or the other," Trump had said on Thursday. The Wall Street Journal reported Thursday that the president is considering an initial, limited military strike on military or government sites. If Iran still does not agree to US demands, the president could then order a large strike campaign against the regime. Last June in US has struck three of Iran's nuclear sites in a 12-day-long operation titled Midnight Hammer that was led by Israel. The US wants Iran to give up its nuclear program and scale back its missile program. Tehran has repeatedly claimed that its enrichment of uranium is only for peaceful purposes. (ANI)
Brazilian Health Minister Alexandre Padilha has described President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's recent visit to India as "historic", calling it a watershed moment in bilateral relations with significant implications for Brazil's pharmaceutical sector and public health system. In an interview with Brasil 247 following the India visit, Padilha said the business and political mission deepened productive integration between the two countries and secured a projected BRL 10 billion in investments over the next decade. The investments are aimed at strengthening domestic production of high-tech medicines in Brazil through partnerships between Indian companies, Brazilian public institutions and private firms. Padilha noted that India has emerged as a major global producer of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and advanced medicines. Imports of medicines and APIs from India to Brazil have increased sharply in recent years, with the volume rising nearly fiftyfold, particularly in generics and essential inputs. The new strategy, he said, seeks to reduce dependency by promoting local manufacturing and technology transfer, as reported by Brasil 247. A key focus of the partnerships includes drugs for breast cancer, skin cancer and leukaemia. Padilha also highlighted collaboration with a leading Indian biotechnology firm to support local production of semaglutide after its patent expiry in Brazil. Increased competition, he said, is expected to reduce prices. Addressing public health priorities, the minister stressed that obesity rates in Brazil have nearly doubled since 2006 and added that initiatives such as expanded primary care, school-based physical activity programmes and the use of artificial intelligence in health management will complement pharmaceutical investments, strengthening Brazil's long-term healthcare capacity. As per the joint statement, the two sides reiterated their commitment to deepening and broadening cooperation in the health sector, particularly to boost local and regional manufacturing of medicines, vaccines, and other critical health supplies, as well as to address socially determined diseases. They noted that enhanced bilateral engagement in healthcare would not only strengthen their respective health systems but also promote fair access to affordable, high-quality medicines across the Global South. In this context, both countries welcomed the growing collaboration in the pharmaceutical sector, fuelled by the complementary strengths of India and Brazil, and explored opportunities for further expansion. These include exchanging best practices in the treatment of Hansen's disease and pursuing joint production of innovative medicines and vaccines. The two sides also called on pharmaceutical companies in both nations to expand and diversify their partnerships, leveraging the availability of reliable and cost-effective pharmaceutical products in each country. (ANI)
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar hosted Permanent Representatives to the United Nations of seven countries, each representing their own national interests. In a post on X, he wrote, "A pleasure hosting Permanent Representatives of DRC, Greece, Guyana, Liberia, Timor-Leste, Trinidad and Tobago and Zimbabwe to the United Nations. Underlined that reformed multilateralism is more important than ever before. A good discussion on technology and development." Earlier, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday met Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva here in the national capital and appreciated his guidance on taking forward the strategic partnership between New Delhi and Brasilia. In a post on X on Saturday, he expressed optimism that his meetings with PM Modi would impart new impetus to the relationship. "Honoured to call on President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva of Brazil @LulaOficial, visiting India on a State Visit. Deeply appreciate his warm sentiments and guidance on advancing our Strategic Partnership. Confident that his meetings with PM @narendramodi later today will impart a new momentum to our ties." Before this, on Wednesday, he stated that the opening of the first European Legal Gateway Office in India is "not just a facilitation for entry into Europe" but also a bridge between the societies in both regions as well as an expression of trust and investment in a shared global workforce. Speaking during the inauguration ceremony of the office, EAM Jaishankar highlighted the broader context of global economic transformation, noting the need for countries to manage talent flows while ensuring legality, transparency, and fairness. "We are living through a period of profound transformation in the global economy. De-risking is a growing priority. Supply chains are being reconfigured. Technology is reshaping work. Demographics are diverging sharply across geographies. The concept of a global workforce is an emerging reality. Countries that can connect talent flows with seizing opportunity, while ensuring legality, transparency and fairness, will be best positioned to navigate this transition," he said. "The European Legal Gateway Office is not just a facilitation for entry into Europe; it is a bridge between our societies, an expression of our trust, and an investment in a shared global workforce that is skilled, mobile, and resilient," he said. (ANI)
Following the apprehension of 12 fishermen along with a mechanised boat by the Sri Lankan Navy on Sunday night, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Monday urged External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to initiate immediate diplomatic intervention to secure the release of the detained fishermen. He also called for efforts to free 104 other fishermen and 259 fishing boats belonging to Tamil Nadu that remain in Sri Lankan custody. In a letter to the EAM, Stalin drew attention to Sunday's incident in which a mechanised fishing boat from Rameswaram, carrying 12 fishermen, was apprehended by the Sri Lanka Navy. He stated that a total of 116 fishermen from Tamil Nadu, including these 12, are currently in the custody of Sri Lankan authorities. According to the Chief Minister, the fishermen had ventured out from the Pamban Fish Landing Centre in Ramanathapuram district in the mechanised boat and further noted that this recurring pattern of detentions is a "grave concern" for the coastal communities, whose livelihoods depend on fishing. "I wish to draw your urgent attention to yet another distressing incident involving the apprehension of a mechanised fishing boat from Rameswaram, along with 12 fishermen, by the Sri Lankan Navy on the night of 22.02.2026. The fishermen had ventured out from the Pamban Fish Landing Centre in Ramanathapuram district in their mechanised boat bearing Registration No.IND-TN-10-MM-3026," his letter read. "This recurring pattern of detention is a matter of grave concern, as fishermen from Tamil Nadu and their vessels continue to be taken into custody by the Sri Lankan authorities with alarming frequency. As of now, 259 fishing boats belonging to Tamil Nadu and 116 fishermen, including those apprehended in the present incident, remain in Sri Lankan custody," the letter added. Stalin emphasised the need for sustained and concrete diplomatic engagement to prevent further apprehensions and sought the Union Government's intervention to secure the early release of all detained fishermen and their boats. "These repeated incidents have left coastal communities in a state of deep anxiety and uncertainty about their livelihood and safety. There is an urgent need for sustained and concrete diplomatic efforts to prevent further arrests of our fishermen. In view of the above, I request the Union Government to take up this matter immediately through appropriate diplomatic channels to prevent further apprehensions and to secure the early release of all detained fishermen along with their fishing boats," the letter further read. Earlier on Sunday, 12 fishermen along with one boat from Pamban were apprehended by the Sri Lankan Navy while fishing in the Gulf of Mannar between Dhanushkodi and Thalaimannar. The Sri Lankan Navy seized a boat belonging to a fisherman identified as David from Pamban. The incident triggered unrest among fishermen in Pamban, with more than a hundred boats from the Pamban South Wadi Fishing Port having ventured into the sea at the time of the apprehension. The issue of frequent arrests of Indian fishermen by Sri Lankan authorities has remained a longstanding concern between the two countries, particularly affecting fishing communities in Tamil Nadu. (ANI)
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who is on a visit to Singapore, on Monday held talks with Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Singapore. The leaders' talks spanned Uttar Pradesh-Singapore cooperation under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. In a post on X, Yogi said, "Had a meaningful discussion with Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan, Hon. Minister for Foreign Affairs of Singapore, today. Discussed strengthening Uttar Pradesh-Singapore cooperation under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with focus on investment facilitation, infrastructure collaboration, skill development and digital economy partnerships. Reiterated our commitment to further strengthening India-Singapore relations under the leadership of Hon. PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji." https://x.com/myogiadityanath/status/2025862595060830701?s=20 Earlier in the day, Yogi held talks with Lawrence Wong, Prime Minister of Singapore. In a post on X, Yogi said, "Had a constructive exchange of views with H.E. Mr. Lawrence Wong, Hon. Prime Minister of Singapore, today. Discussed strengthening Uttar Pradesh-Singapore relations under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with focus on investment, infrastructure collaboration, skill development and digital economy initiatives. Reaffirmed commitment to advancing India-Singapore ties under the visionary leadership of our Hon. PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji." https://x.com/myogiadityanath/status/2025860574991777981?s=20 Yogi said that he held talks with Sumit Nanda, Chairman and Managing Director, Golden State Capital Pte. Ltd., along with his team. In a post on X, he said, "Had a productive meeting with Mr. Sumit Nanda, Chairman and Managing Director, Golden State Capital Pte. Ltd., along with his team, in Singapore today. Discussed investment prospects in infrastructure, emerging technologies and strategic growth sectors in Uttar Pradesh, including opportunities in data centre development and other priority investment corridors where Golden State Capital has previously expressed commitment to invest." https://x.com/myogiadityanath/status/2025840819996086474?s=20 Yogi witnessed the signing of MoUs in group housing, logistics and data centres in Uttar Pradesh with Prasoon Mukherjee, Chairman and Founder, Universal Success Enterprises Limited (USEL) along with his delegation. In a post on X, the NCS said, "Had a fruitful and forward looking meeting with Mr. Prasoon Mukherjee, Chairman & Founder, Universal Success Enterprises Limited (USEL) along with his delegation, in Singapore today. Witnessed the signing of MoUs in group housing, logistics and data centres in Uttar Pradesh. The projects include an integrated township, a logistics park and a hyperscale data centre park, generating substantial employment opportunities and strengthening the UP's infrastructure ecosystem. Encouraged the Group to advance its hyperscale data centre operations in Uttar Pradesh and assured full support for expeditious implementation." https://x.com/myogiadityanath/status/2025835800378892343?s=20 Yogi Adityanath is on an official visit to Singapore from February 22-24, as part of his official visit to Singapore and Japan. (ANI)
A gazette notification in this regard was issued today by the Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division of Bangladesh's Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs.

According to the notification signed by Solicitor Md Monjurul Hossain on Islam's appointment stated that he will conduct cases of the International Crimes Tribunal until further orders.

The same notification also cancelled the appointment of Mohammad Tajul Islam as Chief Prosecutor. He had been appointed to the position on September 5, 2024.

Islam formally took charge this afternoon at the Chief Prosecutor's Office of the Tribunal, receiving responsibilities from the outgoing chief prosecutor.

Speaking after assuming office, he said that ensuring punishment for perpetrators in crimes against humanity cases would be a priority. At the same time, he emphasised that no innocent person would be subjected to harassment.

"Judicial proceedings would be conducted in line with the aspirations of July martyrs, underscoring a commitment to justice guided by accountability and fairness", the newly appointed Chief Prosecutor told the reporters.

Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and all members of her cabinet are being tried for crimes against humanity by the ICT, specifically in relation to the killings during the 2024 anti-government protests. In a recent case, the ICT has sentenced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to death. (ANI)
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday said that India is showing its strength to the world, and every Indian must feel proud of it. Yogi, at the interaction with the Indian diaspora, said that soon India will establish itself as the third largest economy in the world. He said, "We are all proud that New India is showing its strength to the world. Every Indian should feel proud of New India. That New India will soon establish itself as the third largest economy of the world." Yogi lauded the love diaspora held in their hearts for India despite being away from it. He said, "Despite being so far away, the affection you have for the motherland generates a fresh enthusiasm within us for the development of India, for the spirit of doing something for our motherland." At the interaction with the Indian diaspora, Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi said that the rise of India in start-up culture and digital sector is phenomenal, as was displayed in the recently held AI Impact Summit. Yogi said, "Today, India has scaled new heights in every sector. Could anyone have thought 11 years ago that India would speak of digital India, that India would advance any discussion on start up ecosystem, that India would advance start up culture? But India has made this possible today. India's national capital Delhi hosted Global AI Impact Summit. Heads of State of more than 20 countries participated in the Summit. Representatives of more than 100 countries participated in the Summit. Heads of State of developed nations of the world generously appreciated the steps being taken not just for the welfare of India but for the entire world. Everyone felt the power of PM Modi's Digital India vision." At the interaction with the Indian diaspora, Uttar Pradesh CM focused on the growth of his state, stating how the state was in a state of anarchy all these years, but PM Modi's rule, the state is growing. Yogi said, "Nine years ago Uttar Pradesh was in a state of chaos. Riots, lack of safety, disorder and anarchy had become its identity. In the last 9 years, under the visionary leadership of PM Narendra Modi, Uttar Pradesh has been making that dream turn into reality. You can see a great combination of heritage and development there." Yogi thanked Lawrence Wong, Singapore Prime Minister for his welcome. In a post on X, he responded to Wong, "Thank you for your warm welcome and the constructive exchange, H.E. Mr. Lawrence Wong, Hon. Prime Minister. Under the visionary leadership of our Hon. PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji, India-Singapore relations have been elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, opening new avenues for investment, infrastructure collaboration and deeper economic engagement. Uttar Pradesh remains committed to further strengthening our economic ties and advancing shared growth priorities." https://x.com/myogiadityanath/status/2025888774341963859?s=20 Wong had said, "Glad to welcome Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to Singapore. Uttar Pradesh is the third largest state economy and one of the fastest growing regions in India. Singapore companies have been investing in Uttar Pradesh, particularly in logistics, connectivity, and infrastructure development, with potential for deeper business and investment linkages. We had a good exchange on strengthening economic ties. I wish him a productive visit." https://x.com/myogiadityanath/status/2025879488769450138?s=20 Yogi held talks with Prasoon Mukherjee, Founder and Chairman, Universal Success Enterprises Limited. On his meeting with Yogi, Mukherjee said, "We thanked him after land has been allotted to us to build a logistics park in Noida. The CM also told us that a cluster of data centres is going to be established near Lucknow. We also spoke about the housing and real estate sector. The CM told us that five expressways are coming up around Kanpur. We have signed MoUs for real estate, logistics park totalling to Rs 6000 crore investment. We see great potential in Uttar Pradesh." Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath visited ITE College Central (ITECC) and inspects the Aerospace Centre. Yogi held talks with Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Singapore. The leaders' talks spanned Uttar Pradesh-Singapore cooperation under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. In a post on X, Yogi said, "Had a meaningful discussion with Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan, Hon. Minister for Foreign Affairs of Singapore, today. Discussed strengthening Uttar Pradesh-Singapore cooperation under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with focus on investment facilitation, infrastructure collaboration, skill development and digital economy partnerships. Reiterated our commitment to further strengthening India-Singapore relations under the leadership of Hon. PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji." https://x.com/myogiadityanath/status/2025862595060830701?s=20 Yogi said that he held talks with Sumit Nanda, Chairman and Managing Director, Golden State Capital Pte. Ltd., along with his team. In a post on X, he said, "Had a productive meeting with Mr. Sumit Nanda, Chairman and Managing Director, Golden State Capital Pte. Ltd., along with his team, in Singapore today. Discussed investment prospects in infrastructure, emerging technologies and strategic growth sectors in Uttar Pradesh, including opportunities in data centre development and other priority investment corridors where Golden State Capital has previously expressed commitment to invest." https://x.com/myogiadityanath/status/2025840819996086474?s=20 Yogi on Monday arrived in Singapore as part of his official visit. (ANI)
During the meeting, positive discussions were held on cooperation possibilities in the areas of digital banking and affordable financial services, capability development, semiconductor manufacturing, and green energy.

The Chief Minister also invited the global financial institution, headquartered in Singapore, to explore investment and partnership opportunities in Uttar Pradesh.

DBS Bank showed special interest in the emerging energy ecosystem of Uttar Pradesh. In particular, there were positive deliberations on collaboration opportunities in green sectors such as green hydrogen, green ammonia, compressed biogas (CBG), and solar energy, as per a release.

An agreement was reached to explore possibilities for cooperation in semiconductor manufacturing, special focus on Global Capability Centres in Noida and Lucknow, affordable financial services, and digitisation of cooperative banking.

Positive deliberations were held on collaboration opportunities in green sectors such as green hydrogen, green ammonia, compressed biogas, and solar energy.

In addition, discussions were held on cooperation in the electronics manufacturing sector, especially on encouraging Taiwanese companies to invest in India for semiconductor chip manufacturing.

The meeting also included detailed discussions on the digitization of the cooperative banking framework. DBS Bank expressed its willingness to support providing better and accessible financial services to farmers through the digital empowerment of cooperative banks in districts.

Established in 1968, DBS Bank's total assets amounted to approximately USD 739 billion as of December 2023. Its wholly owned subsidiary in India, DBS Bank India Limited, is operating at around 350 locations across 19 states.

This meeting is being considered an important step towards aligning DBS Bank's India development strategy with Uttar Pradesh's digital economy, green growth goals, and investor-friendly ecosystem.

The Chief Minister made it clear that the Government of Uttar Pradesh is committed to providing every possible support to global investors through transparency, policy stability, and a swift decision-making process. It is noteworthy that under CM Yogi's policy of promoting foreign investment in the state, Deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya is currently on a tour of Europe. (ANI)
Israeli Ambassador Reuven Azar on Monday said that Israel is excited to welcome Prime Minister Narendra Modi this week, noting that the two nations will move forward decisively during his visit. Further, he said that both India and Israel were moving towards a Free Trade Agreement, and it could get finalised this year. During PM Modi's visit, India and Israel will deepen their defence partnership by updating security agreements, the Israeli diplomat said. In a video shared on X, Azar said, "Namaste. This is an exciting moment for India-Israel relations. We are looking forward to welcoming Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Israel. Now, when India and Israel come together, it's never just a meeting. It's a partnership built on trust, powered by innovation, and guided by a clear understanding of the challenges of our time." "During this visit, we will move forward decisively. First, on security and defence. India and Israel have worked closely for years and we are proud of this strong cooperation. But the world is changing fast and so are the threats. In order to meet them, we will deepen our defence relationship by updating our security agreements. This will allow us to engage in more sensitive projects and develop together a logical solution," Azhar said. "Second, our economic partnership is gaining real momentum. We signed a bilateral investment treaty and we are moving forward to sign a free trade agreement hopefully this year," he said. Azar said that Israel would like to see Indian infrastructure companies there. "Third, the visit will be crucial in forging partnerships in areas like AI, quantum and cyber. And last, Israel would like to see Indian infrastructure companies coming to Israel. We want to streamline our financial cooperation and promote innovation. But other crucial fields like transportation, water, agriculture and academic cooperation are going to be advanced during this visit as well. India and Israel are not just partners. We are true friends shaping the future together," he said. https://x.com/IsraelinIndia/status/2025778463349825602?s=20 This will be the second visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Israel in nine years. India-Israel bilateral relationship was elevated to 'Strategic Partnership' during the visit of Prime Minister Modi on July 4-6, 2017. On Sunday, PM Modi acknowledged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's personal tribute during a cabinet meeting in Jerusalem, where the Israeli PM described PM Modi as a "dear friend" and hailed his upcoming visit as a milestone in bilateral ties. In his response to a video posted by Netanyahu on X, PM Modi stated, "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." Netanyahu had shared a video from the cabinet meeting on X. In his remarks to his cabinet, Netanyahu termed PM Modi's arrival to the country as a historic moment, underscoring the strength of the India-Israel alliance. Elaborating on PM Modi's engagements in Israel, Netanyahu said, "On Wednesday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will arrive. He will address the Knesset, and I am sure you will all be there. We will also hold an innovation event in Jerusalem and visit Yad Vashem together. I will also note something else, a special collaboration. We will advance cooperation in high-tech, AI, and quantum. I say AI and quantum not because it's not the future, its the present and we want to be among the world's leading nations in this field." The Israeli PM said that PM Modi is scheduled to deliver a speech at the Knesset and will participate in an innovation event in Jerusalem. The two leaders will also visit Yad Vashem, Israel's official memorial to the victims of the Holocaust. India and Israel share a robust strategic partnership with strong cooperation across science and technology, innovation, defence and security, trade and investment, agriculture, water and people-to-people. Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu made a return visit to India on January 14-19, 2018. On January 11, 2023, PM Modi phoned Netanyahu to congratulate him on his election as Israel's PM for the sixth time. On August 24, 2023, PM Netanyahu called the Prime Minister to congratulate him on the successful landing of the Chandrayaan 3 on the moon. On October 10, 2023, PM Netanyahu called the Prime Minister to provide an update on the situation in Israel after the October 7 terror attack. On June 6, 2024, PM Netanyahu called PM Modi to congratulate him on his election as India's PM for the third consecutive term, and on August 16 to congratulate him on India's Independence Day. Offering his condolences on the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam terror attack, PM Netanyahu called PM Modi on April 24, 2025. Following the outbreak of the Israel-Iran conflict on June 13, 2025, PM Netanyahu and PM Modi spoke twice. On October 9, 2025, PM Modi called PM Netanyahu to congratulate him on the progress made under President Trump's Gaza peace plan. The Prime Ministers also spoke on December 10, 2025, regarding the situation in the region. The Prime Ministers spoke on January 7, 2026, wherein they exchanged New Year greetings and discussed the regional situation. Ministerial level visits from Israel to India in year 2025: Agriculture Minister, Tourism Minister, Trade and Economy Minister, Finance Minister and Foreign Minister. From India to Israel in year 2025: Commerce and Industry Minister, External Affairs Minister, Fisheries and Animal Husbandry Minister. Science and Technology and Innovation: Robust collaboration includes start ups, joint R&D projects, India-Israel Industrial Innovation Funds (I4F), India-Israel Joint Research calls, Artificial Intelligence and cybersecurity. Defence cooperation is the important pillar of India-Israel partnership. In November 2025, during the visit of Defence Secretary of India to Israel, an important 'MoU on Defence cooperation' was signed between Indian and Israel. During the visit of Union Minister Piyush Goyal in November, 2025, the Term of Reference (ToR) for the launch of Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations between India and Israel was signed. During the visit of Finance Minster of Israel Bezalel Smotrich to India in September 2025, a Bilateral Investment Agreement (BIA) was signed to expand economic cooperation, protect investors and boost cross-border investments, laying foundation for deeper ties and potential FTA discussions. Longstanding cooperation in agriculture sector is present between the nations. A total of 35 out of 43 approved Centres of Excellence (CoE) are fully operational across different States in India, introducing modern farming, irrigation, and water technologies. During the visit of Minister of Agriculture of Israel to India in April 2025, the revised Agreement for Cooperation in the field of Agriculture and the sixth 3-year Joint Work Plan (2024-26) were signed. Over 41,000 strong Indian diaspora in Israel. In November 2023, India and Israel signed a bilateral Framework Agreement to facilitate the temporary, safe and legal employment to Indian workers in Israel. Since then, 20,000 Indians arrived in Israel, both under the Government-to-Government (G2G) route and through private channels. India welcomed the Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict announced by US President Donald Trump on October 13, 2025. India continues to support efforts towards achieving a just and durable peace in the region. India and Israel are members of the I2U2 group (India, Israel, UAE, USA)- a cooperation framework focusing on food security, renewable energy, trade, and infrastructure projects. (ANI)
Nottingham Trent University (NTU) conducted a ten-day academic delegation visit to India last month, delivering UK-style postgraduate science education through hybrid Winter Schools across leading colleges of the University of Delhi. The initiative introduced undergraduate students to postgraduate study pathways in sustainable chemistry and forensic science, combining in-country academic engagement with live UK laboratory access. The programme was delivered across Hindu College, Kirori Mal College, and Miranda House, engaging undergraduate students through hybrid lectures and interactive academic sessions, reflecting the structure and rigour of UK postgraduate education. The academic delegation included senior NTU staff from chemistry and forensic science, such as Warren Cross, Principal Lecturer and Chemistry Course Manager; Robyn Adams, Senior Lecturer in Forensic Biology; and Muriel Funck, Senior Lecturer in Forensic Chemistry. Academic delivery followed a UK-India hybrid model led by Gareth Cave, alongside Nottingham-based staff. A key highlight was the NTU Winter Schools, offering postgraduate-level taster modules to familiarise students with UK teaching methodologies and research-led learning. The Winter Schools were complemented by live laboratory demonstrations streamed from NTU's Nottingham facilities, offering real-time exposure to advanced research infrastructure and techniques such as X-ray diffraction. Students interacted directly with UK lecturers and laboratories, gaining a practical preview of international postgraduate study environments. Alongside academic teaching, NTU hosted student interaction forums, Q&A sessions, and postgraduate pathway briefings outlining progression routes to NTU's Master of Science (MSc) and Master of Research (MRes) programmes, research opportunities, and career outcomes. These sessions supported informed decision-making for students considering international postgraduate study and research-led careers. Academic discussions covered green and sustainable chemistry, life cycle assessment (LCA), forensic science applications, DNA analysis, toxicology, and crime scene investigation, reflecting NTU's focus on industry-aligned and future-ready science disciplines. For many participants, the programme marked their first direct exposure to UK-style postgraduate teaching and research-led learning. Commenting on the initiative, Prof Gareth Cave, Professor of Chemistry and Project Lead at NTU, said, "The Winter Schools are designed as academic taster experiences, giving students a realistic introduction to postgraduate study at NTU. By combining in-country teaching with live UK laboratory demonstrations, we aim to support informed student choices while strengthening long-term academic collaboration with Indian institutions." A joint statement from the principals of the three participating colleges said: "Such academic engagements provide our students with early exposure to international postgraduate education. The taster-format sessions and interaction with UK lecturers help students better understand global research and learning environments, while strengthening academic exchange between Indian and UK universities." The visit reinforces NTU's India engagement strategy by integrating academic collaboration with early postgraduate pathway development, delivering UK postgraduate learning experiences locally, and building sustained connections with Indian students exploring international study opportunities. Commenting on the workshops, students said: "The teaching approach was very new and different compared to our college, and the comparison with real-life experience was very helpful in understanding the concepts. Life experience was very helpful in understanding the concepts." "It was a beautiful experience, and I learnt many new things from the sessions and workshops." (ANI)
President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has sent a congratulatory letter to Emperor of Japan Naruhito, AzerNEWS reports.

"Your Majesty,

On the occasion of the national holiday of Japan, your Birthday, it gives me great pleasure to sincerely congratulate you and, through you, your entire people, on my own behalf and on behalf of the people of Azerbaijan, and to convey my best wishes.

On such a remarkable day, I wish you robust health, happiness, and success in your high endeavors, and the friendly people of Japan permanent prosperity and well-being," the letter reads.
Keyzom Ngodup Massally, AI Director at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), on Monday hailed India's leadership in the Global South as the country announced a historic trilateral partnership on artificial intelligence with Italy and Kenya on the sidelines of the global AI Impact Summit. The strategic trilateral partnership was announced to co-design and deploy scalable, sovereign AI pathways across Africa, leveraging India's digital public goods. It was signed in the presence of Nandan Nilekani; Adolfo Urso, Minister of Enterprises and Made in Italy and William Kabogo Gitau, Kenya's Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy. In an exclusive interview with ANI, Keyzom Ngodup Massally, Director of the AI Hub for Sustainable Development at UNDP, said, "The trilateral agreement between Italy, India, and Kenya embodies this shared commitment. It positions the public and private sectors as strategic partners to elevate the Global South's role in global AI governance. Together, with India's leadership in digital public goods for the global south, we are actively working to identify and shape the public goods of AI--responsible pathways for its diffusion that prioritise equity, trust, and accountability--so AI can benefit humanity at scale and leave no one behind." At the Summit, Ekstep Foundation's People plus Ai along with UNDP, Anthropic, IIITB, ORF, governments of Kenya and Italy announced new partnerships in support of the goal to develop 100 AI Diffusion Pathways by 2030 to create breakthroughs in AI adoption. Massally further told ANI, "The discussions in Delhi marked a meaningful step forward, shifting focus from high-level concepts to the practical architecture of impact: building ecosystems that integrate finance, technology, and international cooperation to deliver real value." As per a statement by the UNDP, leveraging the G7-endorsed AI Hub for Sustainable Development, the arrangement unites ecosystems in India, Italy and Kenya to collectively work with local public and private sector innovators to scale voice-enabled AI solutions tailored to African contexts, focusing on low-connectivity environments, local languages, and data ownership. "The cooperation aims at catalysing smart ecosystem pathways, combining India's innovation expertise, digital public goods and know-how, Kenya's on-the-ground ecosystem and leadership in Africa, and Italy's AI Hub's focus on horizontal unlocks and industrial partners to deliver concrete, Africa-led progress and marks a crucial step toward building sovereign, green AI infrastructure that is Africa-led", the UNDP statement said. Earlier, while in Delhi, Massally underlined how UNDP is working on making sure AI adoption serves people and the planet and noted how it is utilising AI to help support diffusion pathways where AI can speak local languages, and make a difference in the lives of farmers, women entrepreneurs-- in India and across the world. The Global AI Impact Summit 2026 held in New Delhi was the first to be hosted in the Global South, and brought together policymakers, industry leaders, academics and civil society representatives to deliberate on responsible AI governance and inclusive technological advancement. At the Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled the comprehensive "MANAV Vision" for AI, reflecting on the technology to have ethical foundations. Its inauguration was attended by over 20 Heads of Government and 59 Ministerial-level representatives, alongside government representatives from 118 countries. The Summit also convened 100+ global AI leaders, CEOs and CXOs, and over 500 leading AI experts from across the world. The Summit witnessed unprecedented international participation, reaffirming India's growing leadership in shaping the global Artificial Intelligence discourse. (ANI)
United States Deputy National Security Advisor Robert Gabriel is visiting India, US Ambassador Sergio Gor said on Monday. In a post on X, Gor said, "My great friend and Deputy National Security Advisor, Robert Gabriel, is visiting us in India!" https://x.com/USAmbIndia/status/2025940644930175184?s=20 Earlier United States Under Secretary of State Jacob Helberg also paid a visit to India as the country signed US-led Pax Silica initiative during the sidelines of the Global AI Impact Summit held here in the national capital. Speaking to ANI, Helberg said that it reinforces the need to work together for shared economic security. "Being here really underlines the importance of India being a friend and a partner in the PAX SILICA project. There are so many American companies who came here and rolled out incredibly historic projects. Google rolled out a transpacific and oceanic submarine cable that connects India to the United States. Micron was here earlier rolling out fabs that actually complement their activities in the US. I think this is part of a much bigger story about India and the US working together at every layer of the supply chain stack to help reinforce our shared economic security. Ultimately, Pax Silica is an economic security coalition that does not follow the typical geometries of geopolitical alliances. It is a group of countries that realize that shared supply chains are actually more binding than shared ideology. And so we're very happy to be here and we're very excited to partner with India, " he said. Previously, Admiral Samuel J Paparo, commander of US Indo-Pacific Command, visited India from February 14-19, to collaborate on the India-US shared security interests and to strengthen the nations' close military ties, an official statement from the US Indo-Pacific Command noted in a statement. As per the statement, the visit to New Delhi, Chandimandir and Bengaluru underscored India's vital role in advancing regional security and strengthened military interoperability across land, sea, air, space and cyberspace domains. While in New Delhi, Admiral Paparo met with senior Indian defence officials, including General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff, and Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff. These discussions centred on areas of mutual interest, including India's contributions to safeguarding a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (ANI)
Israeli Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, said that Israel is prepared to defend their country if the need arises. Azar, in a conversation with ANI, noted that Israel is closely monitoring Iran's activities, citing threats to its existence and Iran's pursuit of nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles. Azar stated that Israel has countered these threats in the past two years and hopes ongoing US-Iran negotiations succeed, leading Iran to abandon its aggressive policies. He warned that if diplomacy fails, Israel remains vigilant and prepared to defend itselfm adding that the situation is volatile, and Israel will continue to prioritise its security. "Well, we have been, as you know, watching Iran closely because Iran has been threatening our country with elimination. They were trying to actually produce the weapons to annihilate us, like nuclear weapons, ballistic missiles, and they were helping proxies in our region, the terrorist organisations that were attacking uh us as well. We have dealt with that in the last two years. And now there is a negotiation going on with the United States. We hope the negotiation works and that finally Iran will stop pursuing this policy of trying to exterminate us and will stop pursuing building weapons of mass destruction to do that. So if the diplomacy works, Iran will change course. And if it's not, think that the situation will continue to be volatile. But Israel is very alert and will continue to be ready to defend ourselves at any moment," he said. Meanwhile, the Embassy of India in Iran on Monday issued an advisory asking Indian nationals to leave Iran through available means of transport, including commercial flights, in view of the evolving situation and ongoing nationwide anti-government protests. In an official statement, the Embassy said the advisory is in continuation of the government's earlier notice issued on January 5, 2026, and reiterated on January 14, 2026. "In view of the evolving situation in Iran, Indian nationals who are currently in Iran (students, pilgrims, business persons and tourists) are advised to leave Iran by available means of transport, including commercial flights," the statement read. https://x.com/India_in_Iran/status/2025823016672710921?s=20 The Embassy further reiterated that all Indian citizens and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) in Iran should exercise due caution, avoid areas witnessing protests or demonstrations, remain in close contact with the Indian Embassy, and regularly monitor local media for updates. This comes after thousands of Iranian students staged anti-government protests at universities in Tehran and other cities for a second consecutive day, on Sunday, as campuses reopened a month after deadly nationwide unrest, Al Jazeera reported. (ANI)
Israeli Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, on Monday stated that defence and artificial intelligence (AI) will be the primary focus between India and Israel during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's two-day visit to Israel starting February 25. Azar, in a conversation with ANI, noted that PM Modi shares a special relationship with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu. "Well, we are thrilled to have Prime Minister Narendra Modi after nine years in Israel. He is very loved in Israel. He has a very special relationship with Prime Minister Netanyahu and we've been working in the last year, aligning up ministers coming to India to develop new areas of cooperation, sign new agreements, and we have gathered, we accumulated a number of agreements that we're going to sign during this visit," he said. Azar said that Israel and India will co-produce and also co-develop new means that are needed to face the challenges of terrorism. "First and foremost, in the security field, we want to expand and enhance security, defence industrial cooperation, especially introducing new technologies and more sensitive technologies into the mix to not only sell, but also co-produce and also co-develop new means that are needed to face the challenges that we have in counterterrorism and other fields," he said. Azar further said that Israel passed a resolution allocating funds for cooperation, academic cooperation, innovation in agriculture, etc. "In addition to that, we have just passed a resolution yesterday in our government allocating tens of millions of dollars to enhance cooperation, academic cooperation, innovation in agriculture, in finance, in energy, in mining, many, many fields. And I'm sure that following the signature of those agreements, we are going to start implementing," he said. Azar further said that India and Israel are going to sign an FTA in the coming months. "In addition, we want to sign an FTA. And the blessing of the leaders is going to be important in that context because we want to finish the negotiation in the coming months. That is going to be very important in enhancing the trade between the two countries," he said. When asked about the mission Sudarshan Chakra, a system which is somewhat like the Iron Dome system, which you have in Israel, Azar said that missile defence and the usage of AI in missiles are something the leaders will touch upon. "Well, we usually do not elaborate on the specifics of the Industrial Defence Corporation. But I can tell you that, indeed, missile defence is one field that we're going to deal with. The combination of AI with drones is another field that we're going to deal with in the future. There are many things that are going to happen as a result of the signing of this agreement. And this is going to really become a special strategic relation in which we're going to do things that are important for both countries and are more sensitive than the things we've been doing before," he said. Azar said that the Israeli delegation that will be arriving in India will conduct negotiations and sign the first phase of the FTA in the coming weeks. "Well, the delegation is arriving in India. They will conduct negotiations. And we hope that they get the first phase of the FTA done in the coming weeks. And then we will have to discuss the outstanding issues. I think that now that India has already signed agreements with the main players, with the EU, the US and others, there will be enough attention span to give to this negotiation to try to finish it as soon as possible,' he said. Azar said that both nations have had fruitful meetings on cooperation in the AI field. "We had very fruitful meetings with the head of our AI directorate at the prime minister's office. He met with leading figures at MIT, the special envoy to AI. He met with people at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and also with major Indian companies that are dealing in the AI field. What we have the sense following this meeting is that we can do a lot together because again, India has scale. for example, building huge solar fields and renewable energy sources. We can have fast solutions in AI that will reduce the cost of AI by making energy more efficient, data centres more efficient," he said. Azar further said that as the Israeli government pumped funds into the education sector, new arenas of cooperation have opened up. "So there are many things that we can do together. And I hope that following this visit, we will engage. I have, for example, an example of an Israeli company that is already offering services in the AI cyber field. They are working with many countries. They want to work with India as well. And we have also allocated new money in the government decision we adopted yesterday, more money for academic cooperation, more money for innovation cooperation. So I'm very optimistic that following this visit, things are going to speed up in emerging technologies as well," he said. Azar said that there is a lot of trust between the countries, and hence, this is the time to deepen the ties to new fields. "So the trajectory, really, as you said, has been amazing. We have gained trust, and we feel ready to expand both to deepen the relations, as I said, but also to expand into new fields. For example, infrastructure, the pre-qualification for the tenders on the first phase of the greater metro of the Tel Aviv Metro is out now. Many Indian companies have applied. This was a result of an effort we made in the last year to get companies to be attracted to these standards," he said. Azar said that Israel wants to see more Indian companies there. "We want to see more Indian companies working in Israel in large scale. So that is going to be a new vertical. And we are going to do more in transportation. We're going to do more in connections between top universities in both countries. There's a lot to expect, and I'm very happy this visit is going to contribute substantially to that," he said. PM 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. (ANI)
TOKYO, Feb 24 (News On Japan) - An elevator at Tokyo Skytree in Sumida Ward made an emergency stop on February 22nd, trapping 20 passengers for about six hours before they were safely rescued with no injuries reported, and the landmark tower remained closed on February 23rd while the operator announced it would also remain temporarily closed on February 24th for further safety inspections and investigation.

According to the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department, a call was received at around 8:20 p.m. on February 22nd reporting that people were trapped inside an elevator at the landmark tower. One of four elevators at the facility had come to a halt at about 30 meters above ground, stranding 20 people, including two children.

Passengers who called police said a descending elevator had suddenly dropped rapidly before stopping. In addition to those inside the stalled elevator, about 1,200 visitors at the observation decks were temporarily unable to descend and were left waiting until operations resumed.

All passengers in the stopped elevator were rescued at around 2 a.m., roughly six hours after the initial report. A reporter at the scene said those who had been stranded were later seen leaving the tower and getting into taxis. No injuries or health problems were reported among those rescued.

Rescue operations began about five hours after the emergency stop. Another elevator that had been halted at the Tembo Deck at 350 meters was lowered to around the 30-meter level and positioned alongside the stalled car. A stainless-steel board with handrails was placed between the emergency doors of the two elevators, allowing the trapped passengers to move across to the functioning car and be brought to safety.

At the time of the incident, a strong-wind advisory had been issued for Tokyos 23 wards. Experts say Tokyo Skytree has unique evacuation challenges compared with ordinary buildings, as there are no floors between the 5th floor and the observation deck. Yoshio Aoki, a specially appointed professor at Nihon Universitys College of Science and Technology, said gusting winds and the towers rebound motion could have caused vibrations similar to those experienced during an earthquake, potentially triggering the emergency-stop mechanism.

Visitors who had planned to enter the tower on February 23rd found it closed, with some expressing disappointment after arriving. The operator said the facility would remain temporarily closed on February 24th as investigations and safety checks continue, adding that it will examine the cause of the trouble and take steps to prevent a recurrence.

Source: FNN
KYOTO, Feb 24 (News On Japan) - A traditional strength-offering ritual known as Mochiage Chikara Hono, in which participants lift massive rice cakes to pray for good health, was held at Daigoji, a UNESCO World Heritage temple in Kyoto.

Participants, wearing serious expressions, hoisted enormous red-and-white kagami mochi during the event, part of the temples long-running Godairiki-san festival. The ritual is dedicated to the Five Great Wisdom Kings, and is believed to grant blessings such as freedom from illness by offering ones strength in devotion.

In the contest, women compete to hold aloft a 90-kilogram kagami mochi for as long as possible, while men attempt to lift a 150-kilogram version, testing both endurance and determination.

Nishida Toru, 53, who won the mens division, said he was thrilled with the result. Im really happy. This was my second time taking part. Last year my hands slipped and I fell backward, but this time I just focused on lifting it even a little with sheer determination. I did my best, Nishida said.

The determined efforts of the competitors drew loud cheers from visitors gathered at the temple, as onlookers encouraged participants taking on the formidable challenge.

Source: YOMIURI
Employment law is often discussed in the context of disputes, but at its core, employment law is a compliance system. Statutes and regulations establish defined standards for wages, workplace conduct, anti-discrimination protections, and retaliation safeguards. These rules are designed not only to resolve conflicts but to prevent them. The professional focus associated with Noam Glick Entorno reflects a structured understanding of employment compliance, risk management, and worker advocacy within broader regulatory systems.

By concentrating exclusively on representing employees, Noam Glick Entorno operates within a framework that emphasizes accountability, procedural discipline, and statutory interpretation. Employment law, when viewed through a compliance lens, reveals a complex network of obligations that shape workplace behavior long before disputes reach a courtroom.

Employment Compliance as Preventive Law

Employment compliance begins with policy drafting, payroll systems, classification decisions, and internal oversight mechanisms. Employers are required to adhere to wage-and-hour statutes, workplace safety regulations, and anti-discrimination laws. These requirements form the baseline for lawful workplace conduct.

From the perspective associated with Noam Glick Entorno, employment compliance is closely tied to risk prevention. When organizations implement clear policies and maintain accurate documentation, the likelihood of disputes decreases. Conversely, inconsistent recordkeeping or unclear employment classifications can increase exposure to regulatory scrutiny.

Worker advocacy intersects with compliance because statutory protections rely on enforcement. Employees must have access to legal frameworks that define rights and remedies. The work associated with Noam Glick Entorno focuses on applying these statutory protections in situations where compliance may be questioned.

Compliance analysis requires close attention to detail. Payroll data, timekeeping records, performance evaluations, and communications often form the evidentiary foundation of employment matters. Structured legal review ensures that statutory standards are interpreted consistently with legislative intent.

Risk Assessment and Litigation Insight

A comprehensive understanding of employment compliance is strengthened by experience in litigation. Before founding Glick Law Group in 2014, Noam Glick Entorno spent years defending large companies in employment disputes. This background provides insight into how organizations assess legal risk, conduct internal reviews, and respond to claims.

Defense-side experience contributes to a practical understanding of corporate compliance systems. Observing how businesses structure employment policies and manage investigations informs broader analysis of workplace governance. When applied to employee representation, this knowledge supports thorough case evaluation and strategic planning.

Risk assessment in employment law involves examining both procedural and substantive elements. Procedurally, organizations must comply with notice requirements, documentation standards, and agency regulations. Substantively, employment decisions must align with statutory protections against discrimination, retaliation, and wage violations.

The litigation background associated with Noam Glick Entorno supports an analytical approach to these issues. Structured preparation, factual precision, and procedural compliance are central components of effective employment advocacy.

Judicial Perspective and Legal Precision

Judicial oversight serves as a critical mechanism within employment compliance systems. Courts evaluate whether statutory obligations have been met and whether enforcement actions are justified. The professional experience of Noam Glick Entorno includes a federal clerkship with the Honorable Gary Klausner of the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California.

Judicial clerkship experience provides direct exposure to how courts analyze evidence, interpret statutes, and apply precedent. Legal arguments must be clearly articulated and grounded in documented facts. Employment cases frequently depend on careful statutory interpretation and detailed record analysis.

This judicial perspective reinforces the importance of precision in employment advocacy. Pleadings, motions, and evidentiary submissions must adhere to procedural standards. The disciplined methodology associated with Noam Glick Entorno reflects awareness of how courts evaluate compliance and enforcement claims.

Worker Advocacy Systems and Institutional Design

Worker advocacy functions within institutional systems designed to balance economic activity with statutory protections. Agencies issue guidance, legislatures amend statutes, and courts refine legal interpretations. Employment law evolves through this ongoing interaction among institutions.

The focus of Noam Glick Entorno on worker representation aligns with these institutional processes. Advocacy does not occur in isolation; it operates within a structured network of regulatory oversight. Each employment matter contributes to the broader development of compliance standards.

Academic training in economics and environmental studies at the University of California, Santa Cruz, followed by a Masters in Public Policy from the University of Michigan, provides a foundation for understanding how regulatory systems are designed and implemented. Early work as an environmental policy consultant in Washington, D.C. further reinforced familiarity with legislative and administrative processes.

This policy-oriented background informs employment advocacy by clarifying the purpose behind statutory protections. Employment compliance systems aim to promote fairness, transparency, and accountability. Effective advocacy requires alignment with these institutional objectives.

The Relationship Between Employment, Consumer, and Environmental Regulation

Employment law operates alongside consumer and environmental protection frameworks. While each domain addresses distinct subject matter, they share common principles of compliance and accountability.

Consumer protection laws promote transparency and prohibit unfair commercial practices. Environmental regulations establish standards designed to safeguard public health and ecological systems. Employment statutes protect workers within organizational structures.

The thematic alignment of Noam Glick Entorno across employment, consumer, and environmental protection reflects recognition of these interconnected regulatory systems. Organizations must navigate multiple compliance regimes simultaneously. Failure in one area can affect public trust and institutional credibility.

Viewing employment law within this broader regulatory landscape underscores the importance of systemic accountability. Worker protections are one component of a comprehensive framework designed to promote responsible governance across sectors.

Education, Scholarship, and Professional Standards

Academic achievement plays a significant role in shaping legal methodology. Noam Glick Entorno graduated cum laude in the top 10 percent of the class at Loyola Law School in Los Angeles, received a full-ride scholarship, and served as editor of the Loyola Law Review.

Law review experience cultivates analytical rigor and attention to doctrinal detail. Employment disputes frequently require interpreting statutory language and applying judicial precedent. Scholarly discipline supports clarity in argumentation and structured reasoning.

Professional standards further reinforce compliance within the legal system. Ethical obligations, factual integrity, and procedural adherence contribute to a stable enforcement environment. The work associated with Noam Glick Entorno reflects commitment to these professional principles.

Evolving Compliance Challenges in Modern Workplaces

Technological innovation and shifting economic models continue to reshape employment relationships. Remote work arrangements, digital monitoring systems, and flexible scheduling structures introduce new compliance considerations.

Employment law must adapt to address these developments while maintaining core protections. Regulatory agencies issue updated guidance, and courts interpret statutes in light of contemporary workplace realities. The focus of Noam Glick Entorno on employee representation requires continuous engagement with these evolving standards.

Risk prevention in this environment depends on proactive policy review and accurate documentation. Worker advocacy remains essential when disputes arise regarding classification, compensation, or workplace rights.

By maintaining a structured and policy-informed approach, Noam Glick Entorno operates within an evolving compliance landscape grounded in statutory accountability.

Conclusion: Compliance as a Foundation for Fairness

Employment law is fundamentally a system of compliance and risk prevention. Statutes establish standards, agencies enforce them, and courts interpret their application. Worker advocacy ensures that these systems function as intended.

The professional focus associated with Noam Glick Entorno reflects a comprehensive understanding of employment compliance, litigation strategy, and regulatory design. By integrating defense-side experience, judicial clerkship insight, and public policy education, Noam Glick Entorno contributes to a structured approach to worker protection within a broader regulatory framework.

Through disciplined analysis and adherence to professional standards, employment advocacy continues to serve as a mechanism for institutional accountability.

About Noam Glick Entorno

Noam Glick Entorno refers to the professional background and legal practice of Noam Glick, founder of Glick Law Group. Noam Glick Entorno earned undergraduate degrees in economics and environmental studies from the University of California, Santa Cruz, and later completed a Masters in Public Policy at the University of Michigan. Before entering the legal profession, Noam Glick Entorno worked as an environmental policy consultant in Washington, D.C. In 2007, Noam Glick Entorno graduated cum laude in the top 10 percent of the class from Loyola Law School in Los Angeles, received a full-ride scholarship, and served as editor of the Loyola Law Review. Noam Glick Entorno completed a federal clerkship with the Honorable Gary Klausner of the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. After spending years defending large companies in employment matters, Noam Glick Entorno founded Glick Law Group in 2014 and now represents employees exclusively, focusing on employment law, workers rights, consumer protection, and environmental protection themes.
Bayt Mal Al-Qods Acharif Agency organized a Ramadan iftar on Friday evening in Al-Quds that was attended by several prominent figures from the city, Muslim and Christian religious leaders, and representatives from institutions and civil society organizations.

Notable participants in this iftar, hosted by the agencys managing director Mohamed Salem Cherkaoui, included Adnan Al-Husseini, member of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and head of the Al-Quds Affairs Department, Sheikh Mohammed Hussein, the Grand Mufti of Al-Quds and Palestine, Sheikh Ikrima Sabri, President of the Supreme Islamic Council, Hatem Abdelkader, Secretary General of the National Popular Congress of Al-Quds, Archbishop Atallah Hanna of Sebastia, and General Bilal Al-Natsheh, Secretary General of the National Popular Congress of Al-Quds.

We celebrate with our brothers from Morocco, from Bayt Mal Al-Qods Acharif Agency, the arrival of the holy month of Ramadan. Each year, we make it a point to meet them during this blessed month when they come to Al-Quds to help those in need, said Adnan Al-Husseini on this occasion.

He emphasized that this is a commendable tradition that the Agency works to maintain, expressing his appreciation for the visit of the Moroccan delegation to Al-Quds in the difficult circumstances the city is going through.

For his part, the Grand Mufti of Al-Quds praised the Agencys role in supporting the citys inhabitants in areas such as education, healthcare, and social work, particularly in humanitarian aid and assistance to needy families. He pointed out that these efforts are reflected in various activities, including in the Bedouin and rural communities, as well as through the distribution of aid to needy families.

He expressed his gratitude for these blessed efforts in the Holy City and its surroundings, praiseworthy aid coming from Morocco, the King, the government, and the people, and wished for the continued support for the people of Al-Quds.

Sheikh Ikrima Sabri also commended the efforts of the Agency, led by His Majesty King Mohammed VI, Chairman of the Al-Quds Committee, for the services provided to the people of Al-Quds during the holy month of Ramadan.

Hatem Abdelkader also thanked the Agency for organizing the iftar in the Holy City, affirming that it has spared no effort to support Al-Quds, its inhabitants, and its institutions. He added that the month of Ramadan is a renewed opportunity to recall the historical ties between the Moroccan people and the people of Al-Quds, Palestine, and the Holy City.

At the end of the iftar, food basket vouchers for Ramadan were distributed to associations and institutions benefiting from the Agencys programs.

Bayt Mal Al-Qods Acharif Agency had launched its annual social aid campaign from the villages of Nabi Samuel and Al-Judeira, northwest of Al-Quds. This years campaign includes the distribution of 5,000 food baskets containing 22 essential items for needy Palestinian families in Al-Quds and surrounding villages.

The program also includes the provision of food supplies to charitable kitchens and social centers to prepare around 20,000 iftar meals (hot and cold) daily throughout the holy month, as well as the distribution of Eid Al-Fitr clothes to 500 orphans under the Agencys care. Religious and cultural evenings, as well as training programs for local associations in areas such as marketing and human development, are also planned.
Moroccos Exchange Office has unveiled its 2026 General Instruction, introducing a sweeping package of regulatory easing measures designed to boost competitiveness for small businesses, startups, and foreign investors. The reforms were presented at the headquarters of the CGEM employers federation, where both business leaders and regulators signaled a shared intent to modernize the Kingdoms exchange regime.

Among the headline changes, the ceiling for authorized international investment has been raised to 10 million dirhams, opening significant new opportunities for Moroccan startups looking to expand abroad. Foreign investors residing in Morocco can now transfer investment income up to 2 million dirhams for investments held over ten years, even without proof of initial funding  correcting a longstanding regulatory inconsistency that had deterred capital inflows.

Service exporters benefit from simplified procedures, with the ability to credit 15 percent of foreign contract values directly to their foreign currency accounts. Travel allowances have increased substantially across the board: up to 1 million dirhams for companies without foreign currency accounts, 1.5 million for those with convertible accounts, and 500,000 dirhams for individuals with an additional 400,000-dirham supplement. Student allowances abroad now reach 15,000 dirhams monthly, while e-commerce allocations rise to 2 million dirhams annually for young companies.

CGEM President Chakib Alj welcomed the reforms but urged further liberalization, arguing that the exchange regime must evolve into a genuine lever for competitiveness and investor confidence. Exchange Office Director Driss Benchikh emphasized that the overhaul prioritizes regulatory clarity and digitalization, with the institutions Smart platform already processing the majority of authorizations.

The reforms arrive against a backdrop of strong macroeconomic performance in 2025, with foreign exchange reserves reaching 455 billion dirhams and foreign direct investment totaling 76 billion dirhams  underscoring Moroccos growing appeal as an investment destination.
Frances leading Muslim representative body, the Conseil francais du culte musulman (CFCM), has voiced sharp disapproval after the Grande Mosquee de Paris (GMP) unilaterally advanced the start of Ramadan, an unexpected move the CFCM says has undermined years of work to ensure unity, predictability, and independence from foreign states.

In its statement released 21 February 2026, the CFCM reaffirmed that 19 February marked the first day of Ramadan 1447 H, in strict accordance with the astronomical calculation method adopted unanimously in 2013 and refined in 2016 to harmonize scientific criteria with visual observation.

It stressed that the date had been publicly announced on 2 February, following consultations with regional and departmental councils, federations, imams, and organizations including Hilal France.

The goal of this system, the CFCM noted, is to give French Muslims a reliable and consistent framework suited to Frances secular context.

The CFCM said it was surprised by the GMPs decision to declare 18 February as the start of the fast, in clear breach of the common rules designed to shield French Islamic practice from fluctuating foreign decisions.

It warned that such unilateral deviations jeopardize the unity of nearly 1,200 mosques that rely on the CFCM to coordinate religious life across the country.

The controversy comes amid broader concerns over Algerias growing political grip on the Grand Mosque of Paris, whose leadership is closely tied to Algerian state networks.

The CFCM appealed for a renewed commitment to the common methodological framework, urging all institutions to prioritize the general interest of Muslims in France over external agendas.
Morocco has strengthened its position as a key regional contributor to Gazas stabilization, committing both security personnel and a military field hospital under the emerging International Stabilization Force (ISF), a practical, on-the-ground role that stands in stark contrast to Algerias empty slogans on the Palestinian issue.

At the Washington launch of President Donald Trumps Board of Peace, Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita announced that Rabat will deploy police officers, train Gazas security personnel, and send high-ranking military officers to the ISF joint command, placing Morocco among the first five countries to formally commit to the multinational force.

Morocco will also operate a military field hospital in Gaza, a contribution confirmed by ISF leadership and international reporting.

The commitments deepen Moroccos pattern of substantive engagement. Rabats earlier humanitarian efforts included airlifting large deliveries of essential goods to Gaza and Al Quds, which earned praise from Palestinian officials and international actors for their direct impact on civilian welfare.

Morocco leveraged its renewed ties with Israel to deliver the airlifted aid through a land route ensuring assistance reached those most in need.

Its latest undertakings shift Morocco from humanitarian supplier to active security stabilizer, embedding it in Gazas reconstruction architecture.

Meanwhile, Algeria continues to use the Palestinian cause for narrow domestic political calculations. Algerias president has often rhetorically claimed to back Palestinians, while blocking his own citizens from expressing solidarity. Protests in support of Palestine have long been banned, while tens of thousands marched freely in solidarity with the Palestinians in Moroccan streets.

Algeria has allowed only state-orchestrated events tightly engineered to avoid any development into domestic dissent in a country where queuing for basic necessities has become commonplace.

Algeria has also adopted a contradictory posture on Trumps Gaza plan. While Algiers ultimately supported key Security Council elements of the plan, despite earlier presenting itself as a staunch defender of maximalist Palestinian positions, it instructed state-aligned media to attack the initiative, adopting radical language for domestic audiences while diplomatically accommodating what it publicly criticizes.
The US-led multinational African Lion military exercise planned this year in Morocco from April 20 to May 08, 2026 will focus on future warfare technology, innovation and artificial intelligence.

More than 40 technology firms will test cutting-edge military capabilities alongside U.S. military forces to close the gap between emerging innovation and the war-fighter in Morocco during AL- 26, says U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africas (SETAF-AF) Advanced Capabilities Directorate.

Our ultimate purpose is to translate the senior leaders vision for transformation into tangible, battlefield-ready capabilities in the hands of our Soldiers, said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Ramon Leonguerrero, innovation division project manager for ACD.

African Lion, U.S. Africa Commands largest annual training exercise, provides the scale and complexity needed to test how new technologies perform alongside multinational partners and allies.

The exercise prioritizes delivering practical solutions to the warfighter over simply showcasing innovation. The directorate handles technical scouting and external coordination with industry and academia, filtering for the most promising solutions.

This approach brings more than 40 U.S.-based firms into the exercise to address specific needs, including 10 mission command systems, four deep attack capabilities, 12 defense-in-depth enablers and 15 counter-attack integrators.

Morocco provides unique advantages with expansive ranges, unrestricted airspace and open electromagnetic spectrum that enable realistic experimentation.

Our goal is to close the gap between emerging technology and the warfighter, using African Lion 26 to rapidly field and validate the tools and technology needed for a decisive edge, Leonguerrero said.

A primary focus for SETAF-AF during the exercise is transforming how the combined joint task force headquarters processes data and executes strikes. By shifting from manual reporting to automated, real-time analytics, the command is breaking down information silos.

The accelerated speed in decision-making is critical for deep attack operations. By leveraging advanced artificial intelligence, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance tools, and launched effects from six key defence technology firms, the headquarters is fundamentally shortening the kill chain.

This provides the CJTF headquarters with the ability to detect, track, and engage targets with greater speed and at extended ranges, revolutionizing deep reconnaissance and attack operations, Leonguerrero said.

The result is increased standoff distance and lethality that enables credible ground deterrence. It equips the land component with cost-effective, faster engagement options, freeing joint forces to concentrate on other strategic priorities. Technologies like the Maven Smart System help build a common operational picture by bridging operational and tactical sensor data across formations.
The US has reportedly invited the parties to the Sahara conflict to a new round of talks on Feb 23-24 to speed up a solution based on Moroccos autonomy plan, Moroccan and Spanish media reported.

The US has organized talks earlier this month in Madrid attended by UN envoy Stafan de Mistura and the main parties Morocco and Algeria together with representatives of the Polisario and Mauritania.

In interviews, including with Deutsche Welle, Donald Trumps envoy for Africa, Massad Boulos had reiterated Washingtons recognition of Moroccos sovereignty over the territory and its backing for Rabats autonomy plan.

Boulos said he was optimistic about securing a breakthrough before the summer, framing the new phase as a decisive window to resolve a conflict stalled for decades.

The Trump administration-facilitated talks mark the most important moment in the process since negotiations collapsed in 2019 and come after the UN Security Council resolution 2797 urging parties to negotiate on the basis of the autonomy plan.

Moroccan media said a detailed version of Moroccos autonomy plan was presented in Madrid.

The US posture reflects growing impatience with Algerias longstanding refusal to participate constructively, noting that Washington has now insisted Algiers assume its responsibilities rather than maintain its decades-old claim of being merely an observer.

The Madrid meeting was also notable for marking Algerias return to multilateral talks after years of boycotting UN-led roundtables.

Meanwhile in Washington, momentum is also building in Congress to confront the Polisario Front through legislative action due to concerns at its ties with Iran and terrorist groups.

In the House of Representatives, Congressman Joe Wilson has introduced H.R. 4119, the Polisario Front Terrorist Designation Act, a bipartisan bill co-sponsored with Democrat Jimmy Panetta that seeks to label the Polisario as a foreign terrorist organization, citing its backing from Iran, Hezbollah, and Russia, as well as intelligence reports on drone training and militant cooperation in the Sahel.

In the Senate, Ted Cruz is preparing a parallel initiative, having criticized US officials for avoiding explicit mention of the Polisarios terror links and stating he has drafted a bill to designate the group as a terrorist organization.
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and Nador West Med (NWM)  Betoya Industrial & Logistic Zone (BILZ)  signed a 2.1 million grant agreement last week in Rabat to support the development of the NWM complex as an attractive, dynamic, and sustainable economic zone in Morocco.

The grant will finance a Technical Cooperation (TC) program designed to support Nador West Med as it prepares for the commissioning phase of the industrial port complex, the EBRD said in a press release.

This program, which complements the 120 million in financing provided by the EBRD to NWM in 2025, will focus on digitizing the complexs management and operating processes, integrating resilient infrastructure and sustainable energy solutions into the development of the zone, and strengthening the institutional skills and implementation capacities of the managing entity, according to the same source.

The overarching objective is to ensure the efficient, sustainable, and internationally compliant commissioning of the Nador West Med complex.

A core component of the technical cooperation support will be accelerating the digitization of BILZ through the development and adaptation of a fully automated one-stop-shop platform. This system will offer investors an integrated and seamless process, facilitating the establishment of operations within the economic zone and enhancing its attractiveness to domestic and international investors.

In parallel, a dedicated initiative will support the preparation of a sustainable infrastructure plan that aims to integrate resilient infrastructure and sustainable energy solutions into the zones development, in order to ensure its long-term climate resilience.

Recognizing that infrastructure investments must be accompanied by human capital development, the CT program will also include targeted support for the development and consolidation of the technical, managerial, and cross-functional skills of NWM staff.

The program will also support the skills development essential for the launch and optimal operation of the port complex and adjacent economic zones, while fostering a culture, of continuous improvement in both collective and individual performance to ensure the success, competitiveness, and sustainability of the project.

This technical cooperation program reflects the EBRDs commitment to supporting Moroccos regional development and strengthening its economic competitiveness, EBRD Director and Country Manager for Morocco Haytham Eissa was quoted in the press release as saying.
Indian defense company MKU, a global leader in advanced ballistic protection and optronic systems, is considering setting up a plant in Morocco, building on the success-story of Tata Advanced Systems which is producing in the Kingdom armoured combat vehicle WhAP 88 for the Moroccan Royal army.

According to Indias diplomatic mission in Rabat, MKUs entry into Morocco would not be a tentative first step, but rather an expansion built on existing operational linkages.

Some units of the Moroccan Army are already equipped with MKU-manufactured combat helmets. These helmets are designed to meet modern ballistic protection standards while integrating compatibility with communication and night vision systems.

According to Indian diplomatic sources, the planned MKU plant in Morocco would go far beyond helmets to include night vision systems which represent a critical capability for modern infantry forces operating in low-light and counter-insurgency environments.

By manufacturing such systems locally, the North African Kingdom would acquire an advance technology strengthening its growing defense industrial ecosystem enabling the country to reduce arms imports and reinforce its defense sovereignty.
Summary:

- 17% increase in statutory net profit after tax (NPAT) to $29.6 million

- 11% increase in underlying NPAT to $29.5 million (1)

- 4% increase in total revenue to $477.3 million, consisting of an 11% increase in sale of services revenue (primarily rentals) and 4% decline in sale of goods revenue

- Significant progress on the strategic initiatives announced in August 2025:

o Conditional agreement to sell thl UK & Ireland for circa $58.3 million

o Exited underperforming dealerships, Sydney RV and Kratzmann RV

o Closed Brisbane factory and consolidated activity to New Zealand

o Reduced funds employed and cost-out actions in North America

- 10% increase in closing rental fleet, to 8,688 vehicles

- 20% increase in interim dividend to 3.0 cps, 100% imputed and 0% franked

- 67% increase in net operating cashflows to $40.5 million

- Group ROFE (TTM) of 7.5%, down from 8.1% in H1 FY25, partly reflecting timing impacts from fleet investment in ANZ, which are expected to normalise in H2

- Net debt of $493 million at 31 December 2025, with a reduction of $30 million in January 2026 and expected net debt below $400 million at year-end, inclusive of expected proceeds from the UK divestment

- We expect underlying NPAT for FY26 to be in the range of $43 million and $47 million. This guidance includes the impact of an approximate $1 million reduction in underlying NPAT attributable to the timing of the UK divestment

Tourism Holdings Limited (NZX: THL , ASX:THL, thl or the Company) today releases its results for the six months ending on 31 December 2025.

Cathy Quinn, thl Chair, said we have previously talked about FY26 being a transition year for thl as we progress towards our goal of delivering $100 million in net profit after tax. The results for this half, alongside our forward bookings and momentum, give us confidence that we are on track for this goal.

Our global rentals business continues to perform well, while the RV sales markets are still challenged, reflecting softer consumer sentiment over the period and ongoing macroeconomic uncertainty. While early signs of improvement are emerging in some of our markets, these have not yet translated to sustained growth.

Grant Webster, thl CEO, said planning and execution of the strategic initiatives outlined in the Growth Roadmap was a critical focus throughout the last calendar year, and I am pleased that we have made good progress on each of our four strategic initiatives.

Our rentals business remains the engine of thls business model and continues to power our global revenue performance. Globally, rental performance remained strong during H1 FY26, with 11% growth in sale of services revenue (primarily rentals) in the first half. As at today, we are seeing global forward rental revenue for future travel periods more than 15% higher than at the same point last year, despite the decline seen in the U.S. market.

We remain confident in the outlook for global tourism. The industry is finally moving away from pre-COVID comparisons. Structural drivers, including growing global airline capacity and growing demand for our category of free independent travel, continue to support a positive outlook for RV rentals.

The downside is that we are in an environment where the USA is off the menu for many international travellers this year. While the 2025 high season still had the benefit of solid booking intakes before the Liberation Day tariffs were announced (subject to some cancellations), the entire 2026 booking window has been impacted.

We continue to view FY26 as a transition year as we implement transformational initiatives against a background of ongoing weakness in RV sales markets, broader macroeconomic challenges, and uncertainty regarding the timing of a recovery. Notwithstanding this, we are focused on our forecast for FY26.

Looking further ahead, the execution of our strategic initiatives, continued recovery in international tourism and rental demand, alongside ongoing cost-out actions, are expected to materially benefit FY27.

Cathy Quinn said, the Board believes thl remains well positioned, supported by a resilient business model, balance sheet strength, reducing debt levels and rentals as its core continuing to deliver growth.

The plans we have in place and disciplined execution of our strategic initiatives are expected to improve financial performance and deliver rental revenue growth, ongoing cost reduction and continued effective balance sheet management. These efforts are supported by a strong long-term tourism outlook and an expected recovery in RV sales markets.

Dividend

An interim dividend of 3.0 cents per share, 100% imputed and 0% franked, will be payable on 10 April 2026. This represents a 20% increase to the interim dividend paid in FY25. The record date is 27 March 2026.

Outlook Statements

We expect underlying NPAT for FY26 to be in the range of $43 million and $47 million, reflecting expected NPAT growth of approximately 50% to 65%. This guidance includes the impact of an approximate $1 million reduction in underlying NPAT attributable to the timing of the UK divestment.

Forward rental revenue (for future travel periods) in all markets ex. U.S. remain very positive:

- New Zealand and Australia are ~20  25% up

- Canada is ~30% up

- U.S. remains challenging and is ~25  30% down, with fleet management and cost reduction actions taken to mitigate the impact to earnings

The challenging vehicle sales conditions persist, and the second half of FY26 is expected to largely reflect the trends seen in the first half, with any meaningful recovery unlikely within the current financial year.

Net debt is expected to be below $400 million, and the net debt to EBITDA ratio below 2.0x, at 30 June 2026. This is supported by positive operating cash flows, lower net fleet capital expenditure, and expected proceeds from the UK divestment.

We expect gross fleet capital expenditure in FY26 to be around $210 million, reflective of our fleet and capital management decisions.

Webcast

thl is hosting a webcast and teleconference call for equity analysts and investors at 12:00pm NZT today. Management will present thls FY26 Interim Results presentation. To watch the webcast, please register using the following link: https://ccmediaframe.com/?id=N5ppxY6x

A replay will be made available on thls corporate website following the call.

The FY26 interim statements, including a letter from the Chair and CEO and an investor presentation, are available on thls website and on the NZX and ASX.

(1) Underlying results excludes non-recurring items. Refer to the Investor Presentation for a reconciliation to statutory results.

ENDS

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Why Construction Safety Needs a Mental Health Overhaul

Fall survivor Jason Anker MBE explains why physical PPE isn't enough to stop the industry's leading cause of death.

On Jan. 3, 1993, Jason Anker was 24 years old and eager to please. When a request came in for a "rush job" to fix a leaking roof, the young roofing laborer didn't hesitate. He climbed a ladder that hadn't been secured. His supervisor, assuming Anker was already down, turned his back. The ladder slipped.

"I thought I was going to be okay," Anker recalled. "When I first landed on the floor, I just thought Id banged my head. It was only when I tried to sit up that I realized I couldnt feel my legs."

The diagnosis at the hospital was a T10 spinal fracture. The verdict was absolute: "Youll never walk again."

Thirty years later, the construction industry is still grappling with the same gravity-bound tragedies. Despite advancements in PPE, digital inspections, and more rigorous OSHA-style standards, falls from height remain the leading cause of death in the sector. In the UK alone, the 2023/24 period saw 51 fatalities, followed by 35 in 2024/25.

Anker, now an MBE and a leading safety advocate, argues that the industrys plateau in safety performance stems from a refusal to look beyond the harness. Speaking with executives from Bagnalls, The PDA and SHEQ, Anker highlighted a critical missing component in modern site culture: the bridge between physical safety and mental well-being.

The "Macho" Myth and Mental Fatigue

Looking back at the day of his accident, Anker doesn't blame the ladder or the supervisor alone. He blames a culture that encouraged him to stay silent about his own state of mind. He had been out late at a party the night before; he was tired, potentially hungover, and emotionally "blinkered."

"Im not saying that negative well-being caused my accident, but it was a major contributory reason why I chose not to speak up that day," Anker said. "I did all the right thingsstopped, thought about it, realized it was unsafeand I still went ahead and did it anyway."

In 1993, the safety barrier was often "banter" or a lack of training. Today, Anker sees a different threat: digital isolation. "People get in the van today, and all I have to do is stick my head in my mobile phone, and my supervisor will never pick up on my problem."
Crude oil prices on Thursday settled at the highest in six months, with Brent crude topping $71 per barrel and WTI over $66. However, this may be just the start of a much stronger rallyit all depends on developments between the United States and Iran.

The latest round of negotiations between the two on Irans nuclear program started well enough, with both sides signaling they wanted to make a deal. Irans Foreign Minister signaled there was progress being made, saying the negotiating teams had agreed on guiding principles. However, there were still sticking points, and while these were not detailed by anyone in an official capacity, the U.S. president apparently lost patience and issued a grave warning to Iran: make a deal or Otherwise bad things happen.

In evidence of just how fast geopolitical tensions could escalate, Iran responded with its own warning, saying that in the event that it is subjected to military aggression, Iran will respond decisively and proportionately in a letter to the United Nations.

All bases, facilities, and assets of the hostile force in the region would constitute legitimate targets, Tehran also warned. The United States would bear full and direct responsibility for any unpredictable and uncontrolled consequences.

Backing these warnings with actions, the United States has been building up its already sizable military presence in the Persian Gulf, while Iran has been engaging in military drills, first in the Strait of Hormuz earlier this week, and then in the Gulf of Oman, together with Russia.

In such an environment, it is actually surprising that oil prices have now soared much higher. Iran is, after all, a major oil producer, with over 3 million barrels in daily output. Non-OPEC production growth is great for global supply numbers and the glut story still dominates energy reporting, but the disruption of 3 million barrels in daily production can hardly be brushed off, especially if the conflict spreads across the Middle East.

Related: Copper Unlikely to Follow Near-Term Gold Rally

Indeed, Reuters columnist Clyde Russell noted this week that oil traders are acting as though they expect that everything will turn out fine. There is a very good reason for such expectations. President Trump may want to make Iran stop its nuclear program, but he also wants gas for American drivers to remain cheapand that wont be possible with a war in the Middle East. There is also the reputational aspect of Trump presenting himself as a peacemaker, although an argument could be put forward that the ultimate goal of what the U.S. is doing to Iran is peace.

There is still a risk of further escalation leading to an oil supply disruption, however. And it may come at a bad moment for those who assume the world is oversupplied with crude oil. It was this assumption that kept a lid on prices over the past year or so despite earlier flare-ups in the Middle East and the sanctions against Russia. There was too much oil in the world anyway, so disruptions would not threaten availability, the assumption went. But this week served more bullish news that could challenge that assumption.

Earlier this week, the Joint Organizations Data Initiative reported that global oil demand had dropped by over 600,000 barrels daily in December 2025 compared to the previous month and by over 530,000 barrels daily from a year earlier. Production of oil was higher, both within OPEC and outside it. However, inventories were down, by 22 million barrels to a total that was 111.7 million barrels below the five-year average. That does not really say glut.

Oil glut predictions are seriously exaggerated, Saudi Aramcos chief executive, Amin Nasser, said on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos last month. Global oil stocks are low, while the amassed barrels in floating storage on tankers are mostly sanctioned supplies, the CEO of the worlds biggest oil firm and top crude exporter said at the time.

Whats more, spare capacity has dwindled over the past year, also limiting potential efforts to boost output in case of major supply disruptions, said Nasser. It (spare capacity) is at 2.5%, and we need a minimum of 3%. If OPEC+ further unwinds cuts, spare capacity will fall even further, and we will need to watch this very carefully, he said.

Put the risk of a war in the Middle East next to the lower spare capacity and sanctioned barrels, and the glut begins to look quite a bit less certain. Of course, it should be noted that the risk of war should not be overestimated, as well as underestimated. As Reuters Russell noted in his column, the track record of wars in the Middle East suggests the likelihood of an oil supply disruption is limited. Yet it is very much present, if only to make oil traders lives more difficult.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

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China and France, in February 2026, both addressed the impact of growing renewables penetration in their electric power generation sectors. The Chinese announced that they would retrofit formerly base-load coal-fired power plants to run more intermittently. The government-owned French utility, EDF, announced that it would do the same with much of its nuclear fleet, at considerable expense. The reason? To accommodate the growing penetration of lower-cost renewables in their respective electricity markets. (In the US, we would watch California and Texas, which have a significant percentage of renewables.)

Those announcements prompt a simple question. What does the future look like for our existing base load generation fleet? We think there are three distinct answers for gas, coal, or nuclear generators. The broader point here is that legacy power generation technologies are being forced by dint of economic challenges to respond to increased renewables penetration.

Lets start with the prospects for gas-fired power generation, since thats the main focus for new builds in the US. For historical perspective, we looked at US Energy Information Administration (EIA) data for the years 2005-2030. Bottom line? The future looks like the past. From 2005 through 2024, the US added an average of over 9 GWh's of new gas-fired power generation capacity annually. The 2026-2030 estimates also show additions of new gas-fired capacity of about 9 GWh's per year. Well call this a business as usual forecast since it shows us the coal-to-gas transition in US power generation that the industry has planned for decades. Looking at the relative percentages of each power-generating source in this forecast, only solar and wind are expected to increase penetration. Gas (and nuclear) as a percentage of installed power generation are both relatively flat, while coal declines.

California has one of the highest state penetration rates of wind and commercial solar. The state-specific EIA data for the years 2020 through 2025 show that gas-fired power generation produced over 60 billion KWh's in 2020-2021, declining significantly to about 40 billion kwhrs in 2025. This decline is entirely attributable to increasing reliance on solar plus batteries. And this process of displacement, where cheaper renewables displace more expensive fossil fuels in power generation, is only expected to increase. Think of this as a thought experiment based on a simple question: Will the existing trend of increasing reliance on renewables continue? And if our answer is yes, their displacement of fossil fuels for power generation could have huge implications for future stranded asset exposure and other financial unpleasantness. But the good news is were not there yet, nor are we articulating a short-sale thesis.

In a previous article, we used the lengthy transition from telegraph to telephone to describe the situation of fossil fuels versus renewables in power generation. For several decades in the early part of the twentieth century, both the telegraph and telephone industries coexisted, and each experienced growth before the ultimate dominance of telephony became apparent. Thats where we may be in power generation today. All the competing generating technologies should be profitable in periods of very high demand growth, and right now they are. But California, we think, offers us a glimpse at our energy future. Renewables (solar and batteries) continually erode profitability and take market share from fossil-fired power generation. To us, fossil plants built in the next few years are like new telegraph offices opened after 1960.

We find ourselves in a funny position. We are articulating an essentially negative outlook with the caveat that everything should be fine for at least a couple of years. But the main takeaway is simple and straightforwardafter this period of extremely high demand growth and new power plant construction subsidesthe industry will never be the same. This will mark the end of new fossil-fired, base-load power plant construction because the economics simply wont justify them. Thats what both the French and Chinese government power modelers are telling us. The formerly base load units are now needed more intermittently and maybe in winter due to displacement by cheaper renewables.

Thus, at some point in the not-too-distant future, new fossil-fired base load power plant construction will essentially cease. And the legacy fossil fuel generation will have to increasingly accommodate the needs of a renewables-focused grid.

Now, let us examine what this implies for coal and nuclear generating technologies as well. Coal usage as a boiler fuel has been declining in the US for decades. Going forward, though, these old, almost fully depreciated assets are likely to both get a reprieve and a financial boost. The federal administration is eliminating air quality regulations and power demand growth is high. Utility managers now have an incentive to run aging coal plants longer if possible. And thats what theyve begun to do, postponing plant retirement or shutdown dates. Do we think well see new coal plant construction? Probably not. But the real question is whether the utility industry commits to major capital repairs on coal plants as these old facilities show their age.

As for new nuclear plant construction, we think it's a different, bleaker story. First, its no secret that Plant Vogtle, our most recent nuclear plant, cost its owner, Southern Company, over $35 billion, or about $15,000 per kilowatt of installed generation. A new gas plant today is slightly over $2,000 per KW. Small modular reactors (SMRs) have projected costs that are much higher than gigawatt-scale reactors, making them even less relevant economically. So, from a price competition standpoint, the outlook is bleak. But it gets worse. Much of the value of new nuclear plant construction is based on assumptions about the value of carbon credits. A high value placed on carbon credits greatly increases the value proposition for new nuclear plants. Declaring coal clean and ignoring CO2 pollution has the opposite effect. And lastly, new nuclear construction is a very lengthy process, especially when compared with twenty-four-month build times for major solar installations. To put it in plain English, the prospects for new nuclear (both big and small) are deader than the proverbial doornail. We may see, however, a bunch of new reactors and designs in the early 2030s, all assuming that the plants can run at very high capacity factors, but the power markets may need them only 30% of the time, which wont support their costs. This is one place to expect future financial stresses.

If our thesis about the ultimate triumph of renewables over fossil-fired power generation is correct, it means the end of new base load power plant construction. Notice we said new. As renewables continue to expand and reshape daily power supply curves, our existing generating resources of all types, many of which are undergoing life extensions, may be more than adequate for our future electrical resource needs.

By Leonard Hyman and William Tilles for Oilprice.com

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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 Irans 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.

By RFE/RL

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The international oil companies operating the giant Kashagan oilfield in Kazakhstan have initiated an arbitration process to challenge a massive $5-billion fine for allegedly exceeding sulfur storage limits at a processing facility at the second biggest oilfield in the OPEC+ producer.

The dispute, one of several against Big Oil that Kazakhstan currently has, is cooling the relations between the international companies and the Kazakh government.

Despite disputing the allegations, and attempting to resolve these issues through dialogue, these efforts have not resulted in a solution, a spokesperson for Shell told Bloomberg on Monday.

Therefore, the international shareholders have concluded that they have no choice but to initiate a request for arbitration under international treaties, the spokesperson added.

At the end of last year, a special administrative court in Kazakhstan upheld the environmental fine, which has led to Big Oil now seeking international arbitration.

The Kashagan oilfield is being developed by the North Caspian Project consortium of international majors and Kazakhstans state oil firm KazMunayGas. The shareholders in the consortium include KazMunayGas with 16.88%, Eni, Shell, ExxonMobil, and TotalEnergies with 16.81% each, Chinas CNPC has an 8.33% stake, and Japans INPEX Ltd holds the remaining 7.56%.

Kazakhstan has several arbitration cases with as much as $166 billion in claims against the majors for damages, mostly because of lost revenues from delays at the Kashagan oilfield.

The disputes have prompted Shell to pause investment in Kazakhstan.

We are disappointed that we cant see alignment between the joint venture partners and the government on some of these topics. It does impact our appetite to invest further in Kazakhstan. So we watch the situation with care, Shells chief executive officer Wael Sawan told analysts during the Q4 earnings call earlier this month.

We think that theres still a lot of potential investment opportunities in Kazakhstan, but we will hold until we have better line of sight to where things end up, the executive added.

By Michael Kern for Oilprice.com

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Chevron has signed a preliminary deal with Iraqs Basra Oil Company to discuss the potential sale of the giant Iraqi oilfield West Qurna 2, formerly operated by Russias Lukoil, to the U.S. supermajor.

The preliminary agreement, signed on Monday, allows exchange of confidential data and could lead to exclusive talks for Chevron to take over West Qurna 2, whose operations were recently transferred to the Iraqi state-owned company.

The preliminary agreements also establish an outline for a period of exclusive negotiations, the U.S. supermajor said in a statement carried by Bloomberg.

The agreements would only take effect if they are approved by the federal Iraqi government and hinge on other approvals, including from the U.S. Treasury Departments Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), Chevron noted.

Last week, Iraq and Lukoil, which is now under U.S. sanctions, reached an amicable settlement to transfer the operations of West Qurna 2 to Basra Oil Company.

Lukoil had a 75% equity stake in West Qurna 2, which produces more than 400,000 barrels per day (bpd) of crude oil.

At the end of January, Lukoil announced it had agreed to sell most of its international assets to private equity giant Carlyle.

But the agreement is not exclusive and is subject to conditions such as the procurement of necessary regulatory approvals, including permission from OFAC.

Despite the deal with Carlyle, a consortium comprising Chevron and a group led by an investment bank were reportedly pursuing negotiations with Lukoil and U.S. officials to buy some of the Russian firms international assets.

Lukoil continues negotiations with other potential buyers, Russias second-largest oil producer, noted in the press release at the end of January.

Following the U.S. sanctions on Lukoil and Rosneft, as a result of Russias lack of serious commitment to a peace process to end the war in Ukraine, Lukoil announced in October it would sell all of its international assets, initiating a formal process to receive bids from potential buyers.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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The European Commission has called on President Trump to stick to a trade deal the two sealed last summer, which features a commitment on the part of the EU to buy $250 billion worth of U.S. energy annually for a period of three years.

Separately, the European Parliament is considering a freeze of the deal in response to Trumps latest tariff announcement.

Last week, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down Trumps tariffs, ruling that the Constitution does not hand taxing authority to the executive branch. The ruling cancels the 10%-plus blanket tariffs rolled out since April 2025 and undercuts the emergency rationale used to target Mexico, Canada, China, the EU, and others.

In response to the Supreme Court ruling, the U.S. president announced global tariffs of 10%, which on Saturday he raised to 15%, prompting a strong-worded response from the European Commission.

The current situation is not conducive to delivering 'fair, balanced, and mutually beneficial' transatlantic trade and investment, as agreed to by both sides in last years deal, the Commission said. A deal is a deal.

Last August, the United States and the European Union finalized a trade framework that committed Europe to up to $750 billion in U.S. energy purchases by 2028, while capping most tariffs at 15%. The arrangement elevated American LNG, oil, and refined fuels in Europes energy supply mix. To date, the U.S. is the largest supplier of liquefied natural gas to the European Union.

As part of the deal, the EU negotiators agreed to facilitate long-term contracts with U.S. exporters so utilities and traders can secure volumes under national procurement rules. In exchange, Washington said it would grant tariff-free access for a broad slate of industrial goods, including machinery, chemicals, and energy-related equipment.

In its latest statement, the European Commission urged the U.S. federal government to provide full clarity on what steps it intended to take in response to the Supreme Court ruling, Reuters reported.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

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Saudi Aramco has sealed deals for several cargos of gas condensates from its $100-billion Jafurah shale gas facility, Reuters has reported, citing unnamed trade sources. The first cargo is set to depart by the end of the month.

The deals Aramco has already secured are with U.S. companies and one Indian refiner, the Reuters sources told the publication. The U.S. buyers include Chevron and Exxon, and the Indian client is Indian Oil Corp.

The Jafurah gas field has estimated reserves of close to 230 trillion cu ft of natural gas and 75 billion barrels of condensate. It is the centerpiece of Saudi Arabias plan to diversify into natural gas and become a major exporter of gas commodities. Production from Jafurah is seen at 2 billion cu ft daily by 2030. When completed, the huge project is also expected to produce 420 million standard cubic feet per day of ethane, and 630,000 barrels per day of high-value liquids by 2030. Jafurah is seen as the largest shale gas project outside the United States.

Production of condensates at the Jafurah gas-processing plant began earlier this month, a couple of months after the start of gas production, at an initial rate of 450 million cu ft daily. The first cargos from the facility were committed to Asian buyers, with Aramco planning to export between four and six cargoes of condensates monthly, each of 500,000 barrels.

Jafurah kickstarts our plan to expand our overall sales gas production capacity, which will contribute to Saudi Arabias growth ambitions across multiple sectors including energy, artificial intelligence, and major industries such as petrochemicals, Aramco president and CEO Amin Nasser said upon the completion of the $11-billion Jafurah midstream deal last year. The deal features a lease and leaseback investment from a consortium led by BlackRocks Global Infrastructure Partners.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

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The U.S. Supreme Court will be hearing on Monday arguments by ExxonMobil, backed by the Trump Administration, about the scope of a law allowing American companies to claim damages for seized assets in Cuba.

U.S. supermajor Exxon is seeking compensation upwards of $1 billion for assets seized by the Cuban government in 1960. At the time of the confiscation of the assets, then belonging to subsidiaries owned by Standard Oil, they were worth $70 million.

However, Exxon wants $1 billion in the current claim because interest has accrued and there is potential of enhanced damages.

Legislation from 1996, the Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity Act, also known as the Helms Burton Act, allows U.S. nationals to bring lawsuits in federal court against anyone who traffics in property which was confiscated by the Cuban Government on or after January 1, 1959.

Three U.S. Presidents since 1996 -- Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama  suspended parts of the Helms-Burton Act to avoid diplomatic conflicts with allies like Canada and Spain whose companies have invested in Cuba. But President Trump lifted the suspension in 2019 during his first term in office.

Exxon sued three entities owned by the Cuban government in federal court in Washington, D.C., in 2019 under the Helms-Burton Act, contending that they violated the law by trafficking in confiscated property owned by Exxon.

A U.S. district court ruled in 2021 that Cuban state-owned entities facing Helms-Burton Act lawsuits can invoke the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act, which generally bars lawsuits in U.S. courts against foreign governments and their agenc[ies] and instrumentalit[ies].

Exxon then turned to the Supreme Court to rule on the scope of the Helms-Burton Act and whether it trumps the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act.

A Supreme Court ruling in favor of Exxon could open the door to other claims for compensation over the expropriation of assets in Cuba after 1959.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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As the UK government on Monday published a call for evidence on the future of the countrys downstream sector, the Fuels Industry UK association called for urgent change in Britains policy to protect its four remaining refineries from extinction.

The UKs Department for Energy Security and Net Zero launched today a call for evidence, aiming to publish a strategy for the downstream oil sector in the autumn of 2026.

The UK has been left with just four refineries, after two processing sites closed over the past year: the Prax Lindsey refinery in Lincolnshire and the Grangemouth refinery in Scotland.

Despite the critical role they play in the UKs fuel supply and energy security, refineries in the UK face challenges including: falling domestic demand; increased international competition from newer competitors in the Middle East, Asia and Africa; ageing infrastructure; high energy costs; and growing costs from carbon emissions that are hard to abate, the government said.

The call for evidence is a vital opportunity to meaningfully address the challenges of a sector currently being driven to the brink, Fuels Industry UK, the representative body for the businesses supplying over 85% of the UKs transport energy, said on Monday.

With only four operating refineries remaining - the lowest number in modern history - the UK is becoming more exposed to global instability for both fuels and the many other products that are produced in the sector, the association noted.

The industry body deplored the fact that the UKs refineries pay up to 400 million, or $540 million, annually in carbon costs. In contrast, non-UK competitors often face no such pricing, giving imports an unfair advantage across the supply chain.

Fuels Industry UK recommends that the UK level the playing field and introduce a Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) by January 2028 to ensure imports carry the same carbon costs as UK-made fuels.

Without urgent policy action to create a level playing field, we risk exporting jobs and emissions and continuing to deindustrialise rather than decarbonise credibly, said Elizabeth de Jong, CEO of Fuels Industry UK.

By Michael Kern for Oilprice.com

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Auckland, New Zealand, 23 February 2026  Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Corporation Limited announced today that it has updated its revenue and earnings guidance for the financial year ending 31 March 2026.

The full-year guidance previously provided on 29 November 2025, based on a NZ:US exchange rate of 57 cents, was for operating revenue to be in the range of approximately $2.17 billion to $2.27 billion and full-year net profit after tax to be in the range of approximately $410 million to $460 million.

At 31 January exchange rates*, the company now expects full year operating revenue to be approximately $2.30 billion, and net profit after tax is expected to be in the range of approximately $450 million to $470 million. This updated guidance does not incorporate any potential refund of US tariffs paid to date during the 2026 financial year.

We have continued to see good growth across the full range of our Hospital products so far during our second half, said Lewis Gradon, Managing Director and CEO.

While relative seasonal respiratory hospitalisations in the Northern Hemisphere winter may continue to impact the second half result, our performance to date suggests pleasing progress in our efforts to change clinical practice. Continuous improvement activities and other efficiency gains are also contributing to improvements in our gross margin and operating margin, said Mr Gradon.

The company also notes that the United States Supreme Court announced it has invalidated tariffs imposed by the US administration under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). There are still a number of uncertainties regarding the implications of the Supreme Courts ruling for companies that import into the United States. The company continues to work through the complexities associated with the US court rulings, refund processes and application of free trade agreements and the Nairobi Protocol to its products, and will provide an update on tariff impacts with its full year results at the end of May.

The company continues to view current and proposed tariff structures in the context of cost increases that will be mitigated over time by the companys longstanding continuous improvement activities. As such, the company does not currently believe these matters have any material impact on the companys long-term direction, strategy or sustainable profitable growth.

* At 31 January 2026 exchange rates of NZD:USD 0.60, NZD:EUR 0.51, NZD:MXN 10.44.

About Fisher & Paykel Healthcare

Fisher & Paykel Healthcare is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of products and systems for use in acute and chronic respiratory care, surgery and the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. The companys products are sold in over 120 countries worldwide. For more information about the company, visit our website www.fphcare.com.

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Ukrainian forces launched targeted attacks on critical nodes of Russias Druzhba oil pipeline network on Sunday night, sparking a major fire at a key Transneft oil hub.

The strikes hit a major oil pumping and dispatch hub in Tatarstan, a central region of Russia, triggering widespread fires at the facility. This attack is part of an intensified Ukrainian campaign to weaken Russias energy-export economy and fuel logistics. Similar strikes hit the Unecha station in Bryansk and the Nikolskoye station in Tambov, both critical to the Druzhba network.

The operation, which utilized long-range drones, has disrupted Russian crude oil supplies to Hungary and Slovakia, both of which rely on the pipeline's southern branch. The two countries previously escalated a major diplomatic and energy dispute with Ukraine, accusing Kyiv of deliberately disrupting Russian oil flows through the Druzhba pipeline. Hungarian and Slovakian officials say there are no technical reasons to stop oil flows, labeling the stoppage "political blackmail" and suggesting Ukraine is intentionally blocking the supply as a political maneuver following a stand-off regarding Hungary's stance on Ukraine's EU membership. The two have been vocal in their opposition to Ukraine joining the European Union, with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban explicitly pledging to block the process, citing risks of bringing war into the bloc.

Ukraine has rejected these claims as "unfounded and irresponsible," stating that the disruption was caused by Russian drone and missile strikes damaging critical infrastructure in western Ukraine. Kyiv maintains that repairs are ongoing but are hindered by continued Russian aggression. Unfortunately, this has not helped ease tensions between the three countries, with Hungary vowing to block a 90 billion EU loan intended to support Ukraines military and economic needs.

Hungary has also vowed to veto the 20th EU sanctions package against Russia, which was intended to coincide with the fourth anniversary of the full-scale invasion. Hungary and Slovakia are the only EU members still heavily reliant on Russian crude via the southern Druzhba route, having secured temporary exemptions from broader EU bans.

The European Commission has called for extraordinary meetings to address the standoff, while Ukraine has suggested that its neighbors should direct their complaints to the Kremlin rather than Kyiv.



By Alex Kimani for Oilprice.com

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The clean energy future is within reach, Antonio Guterres, the United Nations Secretary General, said after meeting with renewable energy representatives in India.

I recently met with leaders from across Indias renewable energy ecosystem, listening to different perspectives from industry, finance, policy & civil society, Guterres posted on X.

The message was clear: The clean energy future is within reach  but we need a system-wide transformation to accelerate the transition from fossil fuels, added the UN Secretary General, who has strongly advocated for years for renewable energy and for ditching fossil fuels.

In India specifically, coal demand could more than double by 2050 from current levels under current policies, a new report by NITI Aayog, the policy think tank of the Indian government, showed earlier this month.

Under the Current Policy Scenario (CPS), coal demand in India is forecast to rise even through 2070, according to the projections.

In this scenario, long-term demand could more than double to 2.615 billion tons by 2050, up from 1.256 billion tons in 2025, the think tanks analysis found. If India keeps the current policies, coal demand will be higher even in 2070 compared to 2025 levels.

The share of coal is set to drop from 73% in 2025 to 47% in 2070, thanks to the rise of renewable energy.

Separately, the International Energy Agency (IEA) said in a recent report that global electricity demand is rising at the fastest pace in 15 years and will continue to do so at least until the end of the decade as AI infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, and electrification have ushered in The Age of Electricity.

As demand grows, developers of new capacity, especially renewables and natural gas, face constraints in connecting to the grids, the agency said.

Today, global investments in grids are about $400 billion per year. If the world is to meet the expected growth in power demand through 2030, it would need to boost annual grid investment by about 50% from $400 billion, according to the IEA.

By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

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By Taxpayers Association of Oregon

OregonWatchdog.com

Last Fall Governor Kotek launched her re-election campaign by pledging to help businesses and even created a Prosperity Office.

Then in December at the Business Leadership Summit the Oregon Senate President and House Speaker also pledged to rescue local businesses.

Four weeks later, they are all over-seeing these terrible business bashing bills.

 Kicker theft bill #1. HB 4125 changes the formula on how Kicker Income Tax Refund is calculated.

 Kicker theft bill #2: SJR 201 is the SECOND Kicker theft bill introduced in the Legislature and is having its first hearing today. People can submit online testimony today and tomorrow (Thursday). SJR 201 is a Constitutional Amendment to be referred to voters for approval that would divert HALF of your Kicker tax refund to education, community colleges and forestry.

 $400M backdoor tax on businesses. SB 1507 helps disconnect Oregon from two of Trumps 2025 tax cuts.

 Makes it easier to sue businesses into oblivion. HB 4098 expands the Unlawful Trade Practices Act which means more people can sue more businesses.

 83% hotel tax hike to fund wildlife. HB 4134 raises the hotel lodging tax by 83% to fund wildlife programs.

 Google tax. SB 1580 forces social media companies like Google and Facebook to enter into forced agreements or pay a heavy fine if they dont.

 Superfund (fee) climate bill: Senate Bill 1541 is a bill that empowers state agencies to come up with a master invoice of what they think of any negative impact done by energy companies over the last 30 years. This will then set the stage for fining these energy companies possible by the billions. Read more here (Senator Brock Smith) and here (Taxpayers Association)

 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).
" " The time to figure out your plan is before martial law is declared, not after. Mircea Moira / Shutterstock

If you are wondering about the safest place during martial law, you are probably thinking about emergency scenarios like widespread civil unrest, war or natural disasters.

Martial law usually refers to an emergency in which the military takes the place of civilian government and exercises jurisdiction over civilians in a particular area, but the term has no established legal definition.

Advertisement

Martial law has been declared more than 60 times in U.S. historymostly by state and local officialsand declarations have varied widely in scope and duration. Still, understanding where to go and how to stay safe during such a time starts with preparation, awareness, and calm decision-making.
Kathmandu, Nepal, February 23, 2026: A tragic bus accident in Dhading early Monday morning has claimed the lives of 17 people and 24 others injured.

According to police, a passenger bus (registration number Ga 1 Kha 1421) traveling from Pokhara to Kathmandu plunged into the Trishuli River at approximately 1:30 AM on Monday. The accident occurred at Bhaisegouda, Benighat Rorang Rural Municipality-5, along the Prithvi Highway.

Rescue operations were launched immediately following the crash. A team led by DSP Sunil Giri from the Armed Police Force (APF) Nepal, Disaster Management Base Adamghat, was deployed to the site. Additionally, a specialized rescue team, including divers from the Disaster Management Training Institute in Kurintar, was mobilized, according to APF Spokesperson DIG Bishnu Prasad Bhatta.

He confirmed that 17 bodies were recovered at the scene. The 24 injured passengers were rescued and transported to nearby hospitals for treatment. Police stated that the process of identifying the deceased and the injured is currently underway.

An investigation into the cause of the accident is ongoing.
Authorities address the nation offering condolences of fallen soldiers from CJNG takedown

Mexico City, Mexico  Mexicos SSPC (Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection) reported Monday on the death of National Guard. Over two dozen members of Mexicos National Guard died Sunday in patrols during the nation-wide criminal gang violence.

On Monday, Omar Garcia Harfuch, who heads the SSPC (Secretario de Seguridad y Proteccion Ciudadana del Gobierno de Mexico), said 25 Guards were killed.

According to Garcia Harfuch, the casualties occurred in different locations where federal forces were deployed to contain road blockades, vehicle fires and armed attacks coordinated by criminal groups.

Omar Garcia Harfuch said Monday 25 National Guard were killed Sunday across Mexico February 23, 2026.

He said the National Guard deaths were the result of direct attacks against convoys on various stretches of highway around Mexico. Gracia Harfuch reported violent events Sunday were in reaction to the blow against the CJNG structure with the killing of its leader, Ruben N (a) El Mencho.

On Monday morning, President Sheinbaum expressed her condolences to the families of the fallen officers and reiterated that Mexico will continue to act firmly against criminal organizations, while assuring that there will be no setbacks in the security strategy.

The Ministry of National Defense (Sedena) offered a detailed report on the operation in which Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, alias El Mencho, leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), was killed.

During a press conference Monday, General Ricardo Trevilla Trejo, Secretary of Defense, explained that the operation took place in a mountainous area of Tapalpa, Jalisco.

The cell members were tracked there after intelligence work stemming from the surveillance of a former girlfriend of Ruben N , aka, El Mencho. From that tracking, military personnel were able to pinpoint the area where El Mencho and his alleged inner circle were located.

Trevilla Trejo said the operation included months of air and ground surveillance, employing military intelligence resources in conjunction with National Guard and other federal agencies.

General Ricardo Trevilla Trejo detailed the takedown of the CJNG cartel members February 23, 2026.

During his Monday morning address, General Trevilla Trejo was visibly moved as he offered his condolences to the families of soldiers who lost their lives Sunday. His voice broke as he remembered the fallen soldiers, a gesture that underscored the human cost of fighting organized crime.

According to a report by the Ministry of National Defense, road blockades, vehicle fires, as well as attacks on gas stations and businesses were recorded around Mexico Sunday.

According to the consolidated national operational report, 252 blockades were registered in 20 states. As of 8:00 p.m. Sunday, approximately 90% of the blockades (229) were deactivated.

Only 23 blockades were active with four partial road closures thanks to the timely action of the authorities of the three levels of government.

The state of Jalisco had the highest number of blockades (65), mainly on federal and state highways and strategic urban roads.

In Aguascalientes, Baja California, Chiapas, Colima, State of Mexico, Guanajuato, Guerrero, Hidalgo, Michoacan, Nayarit, Nuevo Leon, Oaxaca, Puebla, Quintana Roo, Sinaloa, Tabasco, Tamaulipas, Veracruz, and Zacatecas, localized incidents and isolated blockades were reported, which were addressed immediately by local authorities.

President Sheinbaum is with General Trevilla Trejo addressing the nation Monday February 23, 2026.

No other incidents were reported.

Thanks to the permanent and coordinated deployment of security forces, most of the blockades nationwide have been removed, the main roads have been cleared and the remaining points are under operational control, with uninterrupted work for their complete release.

Gang violence broke out Sunday across Mexico when Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, alias El Mencho, a leader of the CJNG, was killed.

The Government of Mexico, in permanent coordination with the governments of the federal states, continues working to restore mobility, preserve order and protect the population.

Mexicos Ministry of National Defense urges citizens o remain calm, avoid spreading false information and consult only official channels, which are constantly providing updates.
Russia is having problems recruiting soldiers after four years of war in Ukraine and over 1.2 million soldiers killed, disabled or missing in combat. Russia was able to recruit 400,000 last year and expects to do the same this year. In the last two years, new recruits were often foreigners, including South Americans, Cubans, Africans and many countries in Asia. Recruiting standards have been lowered in Russia, where prisons have been emptied and alcoholics, drug addicts and the mentally ill have been induced, tricked or forced to sign a contract to join the military. Recruiters have been particularly successful in rural Russia where good jobs are scarce and alcoholism is rampant. Recruiters will sometimes visit a venue that serves alcohol and buy drinks for likely new recruits. Once these inebriated men have signed, the recruiter will often have to enlist local police to go where the new soldiers lived and tell the now sober men that they are in the army and take them away. Soldiers recruited in this way are not expected to last long in Ukraine, so their physical or mental condition is not important.

Recruiters have other problems to deal with. Twenty years ago, Russian leaders were informed that the rapidly aging Russian population was not only shrinking but was not fit for any major economic or military efforts. Some 60 percent of Russians were elderly, children, or disabled. Out of 20 million males of working age, one million were in prison, a million in the armed forces, five million were unemployed or unemployable due to poor education, health or attitude, four million were chronic alcoholics, and a million were drug addicts. Thus, there is something of a labor shortage, with plenty of jobs for women and immigrants. The birth rate is below replacement level, and a declining population means more immigrants just to keep things going. Improving medical care, and health habits, especially treating alcoholism and drug use, was a government priority, in order to raise the lifespan of Russian males. All of this made the idea of a smaller, all volunteer, military more attractive. Too many of the current troops were drunks, addicted to drugs or just unreliable. Volunteers must be paid much more, but their discipline is much higher. Russian officers are very impressed with what the British, Japanese and Americans have done with all-volunteer armed forces and want to emulate them. That never happened.

February 21, 2026: One of the many reasons why the Russian plan to conquer Ukraine in a few weeks was a misunderstanding of who they were fighting. Even before 1991, when Ukraine was part of the Soviet Union, the Ukrainian were known as clever and inventive. After Ukraine became independent in 1991, that cleverness, inventiveness and enterprising nature took off. In military matters that was first seen in the way Ukrainians managed to modify, upgrade and tweak the thousands of tanks, artillery and other weapons Ukraine found itself because they had been a major producer of weapons for the Soviet Union. Most of those were exported to customers around the world, mainly because the prices were low and the Ukrainians would modify these weapons in any way the customer wanted and could pay for.

When Russia began attacking Ukraine in 2014, by seizing territory, the Ukrainian applied their talents to developing weapons and tactics to foil the Russians. This annoyed the Russians and was one of the reasons Russia invaded Ukraine four years ago.

Once at war the Ukrainians put their entrepreneurial skill into overdrive. Russia believed their Shock and Awe invasion would defeat the Ukrainians quickly but were themselves shocked at how quickly Ukrainian civilians rapidly improvised and implemented defensive units, tactics and weapons. This played a major role in defeating the initial Russian advance that was meant to capture the capital Kyiv and shatter the Ukrainian resolve and force a surrender. Tens of thousands of civilians mobilized themselves and went after vulnerable Russian units. Supply convoys were a popular target because, without continuous supplies of fuel, ammunition, food and other items, the Russians could not keep advancing. The improvised Ukrainian irregulars cut those supply lines and used weapons captured from the fleeing Russian soldiers to do more damage.

This spirit of innovation and improvisation eventually led to the use of drones in warfare, something the Russians did not expect and were not prepared for. The first military drones were built by individual Ukrainians in homes, barns, or garages by individuals or small groups. The drones were sent to friends or relatives in the army who added explosives and used the drones in combat. The government saw what was happening and established factories to turn out the drones in large numbers. The amateur drone designers and builders ran many of these factories and trained new workers.

Innovation continued when the troops got these drones. One of the unique ideas was to add gaming elements to the use of drones in combat. Commanders established goals and the first individuals or units to achieve the goals, like hunting down and killing Russians with drones received points. As an individual or a unit's accumulated points they use them to obtain scarce equipment or resources. These items would eventually reach units without this competitive system, but with the competition the most effective units received these items first. The winning units also enjoyed better morale and were often acclaimed in the Ukrainian media. This encouraged more civilians to support their friends or family members in the military. This popularization of innovation and entrepreneurship has been a major asset to the Ukrainian military effort.

In contrast the Russian use of imagination often backfired. An example of that was the failure of their BTG/Battalion Task Group concept. Russia had expanded the use of BTGs since the 1980s because BTGs had consistently proved successful in many small wars, including the rather large operation in Afghanistan during the 1980s.

Systems like the BTG began to appear during World War II when it was found that forming temporary task forces containing tank and infantry units were more effective. The Germans did the same thing, calling them battle groups or Kampfgruppen and the Americans adopted the practice after World War II. There was an important difference between the Western battle groups and the current BTGs. The Western battle groups were kept simple, mainly using combinations of infantry and tank companies, with the addition of combat engineers or artillery as needed. American infantry officers got lots of realistic training using these battle groups. Western armies had many career NCOs to make sure the troops performed well.

Russia expanded their BTGs after 2000 and added more support units so that each BTG had most of the support capabilities usually found in a division. These support units were smaller in the BTG, often a dozen or so specialists riding in a few trucks. The BTG commander put an officer in charge of all these non-combat support troops and the dozens of trucks they traveled in. The combat element of a BTG always consisted of a few hundred infantry and ten or twenty tanks. But now there were small platoon sized detachments of specialists. The only ones that were always present were a dozen or so self-propelled 152mm guns and somewhat more 82mm and 120mm mortars. There was also a medical detachment. In the last decade a detachment of fire control troops was added to coordinate all that firepower with some UAVs to scout for targets. There were also a small number of self-propelled anti-aircraft weapons in addition to the portable anti-aircraft missiles carried by individual soldiers. There were several other specialist units that could be added as needed. Total strength of a BTG varied depending on how it was assembled. Official personnel strength varied from 600 to 800 personnel but was more like 300-500 in peacetime.

These new BTGs became the standard for Russian divisions, which now consisted of two or three brigades. Each of these usually had just two BTGs. The division had fewer support units because most of these troops were now assigned to BTGs or brigades. By 2021 there were 170 BTGs. The combat elements usually consisted of one tank company, two or three infantry companies and one or two batteries of artillery. While BTGs had some contract volunteer troops, most of the rest of the BTG personnel were conscripts. The conscripts had several shortcomings. They could not be used in a combat zone; their term of service was only one year, and they were not as well trained as the contract troops. By law conscripts were not allowed in a combat zone unless it was wartime, and they were defending Russia.

This massive adoption of BTGs was a mistake that became obvious when nearly half the available BTGs were sent into Ukraine in early 2022. Many newly formed BTGs were sent to the Ukrainian border in late 2021 to threaten Ukraine and if that did not work, to invade.

The flaw in the BTGs was not obvious until they encountered well-armed and motivated opponents. That happened soon after they crossed the border into Ukraine. The leadership in these BTGs simply could not handle the complex composition of BTGs. Senior Russian leaders knew this from the performance of BTG leaders during military exercises. This was not a surprise as the quality of officers had declined in the last decade and there were still not enough experienced NCOs.

The lack of competent leadership meant the troops in the BTGs were poorly used during combat, and increasingly abandoned their vehicles and fled if they encountered Ukrainian troops, who concentrated on hitting the very vulnerable tanks and light armored vehicles, like BMPs or wheeled armored infantry carriers. BTG commanders failed to order effective reconnaissance or even get the infantry out of their armored vehicles to protect their tanks from Ukrainian infantry armed with modern Western anti-tank weapons. Worse, the Ukrainians concentrated on attacking the BTG trucks carrying supplies and maintenance personnel. The trucks were the last to enter Ukraine because there were a lot of conscripts driving the trucks and these conscripts were not told they were driving into Ukraine. Instead, many were told they were on another training exercise.

Most of these vehicles were destroyed or abandoned because of Ukrainian artillery fire and ground troops using whatever weapons they had. In one case a retired Ukrainian soldier was given a single-shot RPG/Rocket Propelled Grenade launcher by some passing Ukrainian troops. The elderly veteran used that one RPG to destroy a whole Russian truck convoy by waiting for the fuel trucks and hitting one of them. The fiery explosion ignited other trucks including some carrying fuel. Soon the entire truck column was in flames, and the surviving drivers were walking back to the border.
Over a dozen Playa del Carmen bar hostesses freed from forced prostitution

Playa del Carmen, Q.R.  Over a dozen young women reported victims of forced prostitution were rescued Sunday. During the nighttime operation, 18 women, who were hired as hostesses, were removed from a Playa del Carmen establishment.

As a result of a search warrant for a Playa del Carmen bar, personnel from the State Attorney Generals Office (FGE), located 18 women. The Sunday night location and subsequent rescue operation was in coordination with the National Guard.

The bar was seized by state officials during the Sunday night operation February 22, 2026.

The court order was executed at an establishment that operates as a bar on 100th Avenue between 20th North and 22nd North streets, in the Ejidal neighborhood. Inside the premises, they found 14 Mexican women, three Cuban women and one Nicaraguan woman.

According to initial investigations, the women, all in vulnerable situations, were invited to work at the bar as hostesses, earning 200 pesos per drink, of which they kept 100 pesos.

After a while, the bar managers told them that if they wanted to continue working there they had to offer sexual services for 1,000 pesos. This money was given to the cashier, the FGE reported.

The Playa del Carmen bar was seized by the state during the operation. Owners of the bar are facing charges of human trafficking in its form of the prostitution of others.
SINGAPORE  The landed property near MacRitchie Reservoir targeted by a balaclava-wearing intruder was not the only one broken into, with police revealing that a similar incident had occurred just days earlier.

On Feb 21, a man broke into a home in Marigold Drive but left when an occupant screamed. Police said a separate incident had occurred just days earlier.

On Feb 17, at about 7.50pm, the police received a call for assistance at a residential estate along Taman Permata.

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Preliminary investigations revealed that an individual had allegedly entered a residential premise without permission and had left prior to polices arrival, a spokesman said, adding that efforts to trace the suspect are under way.

The two homes are about a four-minute drive from each other near Upper Thomson Road and next to the Central Catchment Nature Reserve.

Amanda (not her real name), who has lived in her Marigold Drive home for 40 years, said the balaclava-wearing intruder who broke into her house was brazen because there were obvious signs that people were in.

Speaking to The Straits Times in her home on Feb 23, she said some of the lights in her multi-storey house, which backs onto a forested area in the Central Catchment Nature Reserve, were turned on at the time.

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She said her female tenant, who rents a room on the ground floor at the front of the house, was the one who spotted the intruder.

Amanda, who was on the second floor at the time with her helper, said she heard a scream from her tenant at around 9.30pm.

She rushed down to find her tenant pointing towards the back of the house, which leads to the forest. The backdoor was ajar, with signs that it had been tampered with.

Amanda said the man, who was wearing a black balaclava, hat, long-sleeved shirt and trousers, did not get anything from her home.

They are getting so daring. You typically hear of burglars trying to pick houses that are empty to avoid home owners. But the lights in my house were turned on and he still decided to target us, she added.

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Later that night, five Special Operations Command police vehicles were spotted in Upper Thomson Road, but the intruder was not found.

Amanda said that while she had read reports of similar incidents taking place over the past two years, she was shocked that it happened to her at 9.30pm, when many of her neighbours were still awake.

Her home is one of around 11 in Marigold Drive that back onto the adjoining forested area in the Central Catchment Nature Reserve.

She said she was told by police that there was a separate incident earlier. Some of the homes in Taman Permata also border the same dense forested area.

Amandas house borders Marigold Drive and the dense vegetation of MacRitchie Reservoir, with clearings on either side. Amanda said it is about 600m to the parks jogging trails. (ST PHOTO: ANDREW JAMES WONG)

The incidents mirror a spate of break-ins at landed properties in 2024, including an incident at the nearby Windsor Park Road, which saw two Chinese nationals steal over $570,000 worth of jewellery.

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In total, police received 10 reports of burglaries at landed properties between June 2024 and August 2024 in homes close to the Rail Corridor, Bukit Timah Road and Windsor Park Road.

Investigations led to the arrest of three men and the identification of another 14 who had left Singapore by that time. They were all Chinese nationals.

Amanda said she has been speaking to a security company to install cameras at her home since the incident.

They will also go to my neighbours house to do the same thing, she said, adding that her neighbour had created a group chat for those living in the area.

It seems to be a repeated strategy used by these criminals. Even the police seem to know this is a clear pattern.

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Theres actually no use patrolling in front of the houses. They should be patrolling the back of the houses or setting up police cameras in those areas, added Amanda.

Mr Michael Ho, who has lived in the estate for more than three decades, said two men attempted to break into his house more than 30 years ago, but they were foiled by his dog and helper.

The burglars are targeting homes closer to the reservoir side. Im a little bit worried but Ive already installed cameras and motion sensor lights as a precaution.

Im also buying motion sensor lights for my neighbour. Shes quite worried as she lives there with only her husband, said Mr Ho, 78.

Police are currently looking for a suspect who allegedly entered a house in Marigold Drive without permission on the night of Feb 21. (ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI)

Another neighbour, who declined to be named, said she found out about the break-in only when the police spoke to residents.

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Ive lived here for 35 years and its always been a very safe and peaceful neighbourhood.

I dont have any plans to add more security because my neighbours are all so nice and friendly that Im sure we will help each other if theres really an emergency, she said.

Investigations into the incidents in 2024 revealed that foreign syndicates had targeted homes by running a sophisticated operation, with one group breaking into homes and leaving stolen items in forested areas for a second group to collect them later.

Police subsequently stepped up deterrent measures in the affected areas, and had looked to deploy more cameras, including in the private residential estates.

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Editors note: This article has been updated to remove details of the tenant at her request.

Source: The Straits Times  SPH Media Limited. Permission required for reproduction

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SINGAPORE  MPs intend to ask the Government to flesh out the guardrails around its push towards artificial intelligence as the House sits to debate Budget 2026.

PAP lawmakers told The Straits Times they have questions on how the Government will deal with the ethics surrounding the technology, as well as manage the impact of its adoption on inequality here.

On Feb 24, Parliament will begin its annual debate on the Budget statement that was delivered by Prime Minister and Finance Minister Lawrence Wong on Feb 12, when he outlined government spending for the coming year.

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The $154.7 billion record Budget will fund a national push to tap the potential of AI, as well as pump more into schemes supporting businesses and lower-income families.

Mr Darryl David (Ang Mo Kio GRC), who chairs the government parliamentary committee (GPC) on education, said he will ask how the Government plans to train working adults and students, as well as educators themselves, in its AI push.

Mr David said he wants more specifics on how the Government plans to introduce AI in curricula. Its not just the technical parts of it; its also the ethical questions surrounding AI. These are also important for students to know about.

Mr Yip Hon Weng (Yio Chu Kang), GPC chairman for defence and foreign affairs, said embedding AI into public and private systems in Singapore may increase the countrys exposure to cyberthreats.

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He cited recent attacks by the China-linked espionage group UNC3886 on telcos here, and said: If digital services power our economy and our AI ambitions, then cyberdefence must scale just as quickly.

Domestically, AI is the most immediate structural shift, Mr Yip noted.

The risk is not sudden mass unemployment, but the erosion of entry-level pathways and compression of mid-career roles. Productivity can rise while individuals feel displaced.

If AI adoption is to be a national transformation, its scorecard must be national and human, he said.

Singapore should measure success not just by pilots launched, but jobs redesigned and wages uplifted, he added.

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The Budget statement also showed that Singapore has retained its ability to manoeuvre at a time when many economies face fiscal strain, Mr Yip said.

PM Wong revealed during his Budget speech that Singapore will end the 2025 financial year with a $15.1 billion surplus, more than twice the initially projected $6.4 billion. Economists later said this failure to estimate the surplus accurately was likely due to global economic volatility.

This is the second year in a row that Singapore has posted a larger-than-expected fiscal surplus.

Mr Yip noted that volatility-driven surpluses are not permanent revenue streams.

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Prudence must guide deployment. At the same time, given the current surplus position and without reopening past debates, we can consider possibly signalling stability by avoiding further tax increases in the near term.

That would reinforce confidence while allowing Singapore to focus on strengthening social mobility and easing cost pressures in a targeted and responsible way, he said.

MPs will also focus on how the Budget delivers to workers real outcomes, including stronger productivity and better jobs.

Mr Saktiandi Supaat (Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC) said his GPC for finance, trade and industry will focus on stepping up support for businesses and households to proactively navigate transitions.

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The opposition Workers Party declined to comment.

The debate is set to run for the next two weeks, from Feb 24 to March 6. MPs will first discuss the Budget statement, and PM Wong is expected to address their questions later in the week.

Each days sitting will start with questions from MPs before the debate proper begins. According to the order paper published on Feb 23, the Feb 24 sitting will start with questions from MPs on health, support for those in professional, managerial, executive or technical (PMET) jobs, and protection for Singapores critical infrastructure.

Four MPs, including Nominated MPs Mark Lee and Neo Kok Beng, have asked about the Governments plans to expand the space industry here. The Government had said earlier in February that it will set up a new National Space Agency of Singapore (NSAS) on April 1 to seize opportunities in the expanding space economy and develop its space capabilities.

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Mr Victor Lye (Ang Mo Kio GRC) has asked what strategic role Singapore intends to play in the global space economy beyond domestic launch capability and how it will leverage the countrys comparative advantages. He has also asked about the talent pipeline for the space sector and how Singapore will position itself in terms of regional space cooperation.

After the Budget debate, Parliament will debate each ministrys spending plans, when MPs will raise questions on sector-specific issues.

Mr David said he will ask the Government for an update on its revamp of the Gifted Education Programme (GEP), which was announced in 2024.

Starting with the 2024 Primary 1 cohort, more pupils will have access to higher-ability programmes in primary school, and will no longer need to transfer to specific schools to join a centralised GEP.

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He also plans to ask the Government to extend to primary schools the policy of giving each student personal learning devices. Such devices are already available to all secondary school students.

Mr Henry Kwek (Kebun Baru) said his GPC for national development intends to ask the Government about how to make housing more affordable and accessible to more segments of Singaporeans.

The segments are singles, seniors, sandwiched-class families, who have decent incomes but face loan eligibility challenges, and those seeking greater diversity in housing types beyond the standard Build-To-Order flat.

He added that his GPC members will also look further ahead at how to renew and reimagine Singapores ageing estates, how the coming Voluntary Early Redevelopment Scheme (VERS) can be implemented fairly and with clarity, and re-imagining home ownership for Singaporeans at different life stages.

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He said: Beyond housing, we will speak to Singapores broader liveability  deepening our vision as a City in Nature, creating vibrant third spaces within our communities, where residents can gather and connect, and how the Ministry of National Development can foster a more productive and pro-enterprise built sector.

Ultimately, this Budget must position Singapore for two structural shifts: geopolitical fragmentation and technological acceleration, Mr Yip said.

The world is entering a more volatile era, and in such an environment, fiscal strength is not just about healthy balance sheets  it is strategic capacity, he added.

Singapores surplus reflects credibility in an uncertain world. Capital flows towards stability, predictability and the rule of law. But cyclical gains are not structural guarantees.

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Fiscal strength is national strength, and the real test is whether we convert todays buffers into tomorrows security and opportunity.

Source: The Straits Times  SPH Media Limited. Permission required for reproduction

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SINGAPORE  There have been no cases of a new mpox strain detected in Singapore, the authorities said, after the variant form of the MPXV  or mpox virus  was reported in Britain and India in recent months.

In response to queries, Associate Professor Lim Poh Lian, group director of the communicable diseases programme at the Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA), said: Since the global mpox outbreak in 2022, all mpox cases detected in Singapore have been of MPXV clade 2b.

The CDA is closely monitoring the new strain and its implications, including any changes in transmissibility and severity compared with known mpox virus strains, she added.

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The agency, in its weekly infectious diseases bulletin, said there have been five reported mpox cases in Singapore so far in 2026.

All of them are infections linked to the MPXV clade 2b strain.

The new strain of the mpox virus was detected in India and Britain between September and December 2025.

British health authorities found a man in England with the new strain, and he had recently travelled to Asia, reported news agency AFP.

The patient in India, who developed symptoms in September 2025, was first classified as having been infected with mpox clade 2.

However, after updates to global genomic databases, the virus detected in the Indian patient was reclassified as the same recombinant strain that was identified in Britain, said the World Health Organization (WHO).

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The Indian case is the earliest known detection of the new strain  the recombinant mpox virus  which comprises clade 1b and clade 2b.

Mpox  previously known as monkeypox  is a viral infection that is related to smallpox.

Symptoms include a skin rash, fever, headache, backache, swollen lymph nodes, muscle ache and a general feeling of exhaustion or extreme weakness.

The virus is mainly transmitted through intimate or prolonged physical contact, Prof Lim said. The risk to the general population is low, she added.

The public health measures put in place to monitor and prevent mpox infections  regardless of the strain  are still in place, she said. These include early detection, isolation and treatment of cases and contact tracing.

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Prof Lim said: We advise individuals to avoid high-risk sexual activities, such as engaging in casual sex or having multiple sex partners.

Those who travel to countries affected by mpox should practise good hand hygiene, reduce physical contact with sick people and avoid consumption of bushmeat, she added.

They should also seek immediate medical attention if they develop symptoms such as fever or rash within 21 days of their return, and should inform their doctor of their travel and exposure history, she said.

Symptoms usually appear after an incubation period of between six and 13 days, but can take up to 21 days.

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Mpox was declared a public health emergency by the WHO in August 2024, after an mpox epidemic broke out in the Democratic Republic of Congo and several other African countries.

The health emergency was lifted a month later, in September, after a sustained decline in cases and deaths.

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SINGAPORE  Religious and community leaders play a critical role in setting the tone for harmony in Singapore, where a secular approach gives each community space to practise its faith.

Speaking at the annual Religious Rehabilitation Group (RRG) break-fast or iftar event at Khadijah Mosque on Feb 23, Minister for Home Affairs K. Shanmugam said Singapore remains an oasis of peace because of a focus on certain fundamentals, including racial and religious harmony.

Whatever happens externally in the world, we try not to bring those problems in here. Where it is possible and appropriate to help, we give help, humanitarian help for people elsewhere.

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At the same time, our framework, our laws, do not allow our people to get involved in violence overseas.

They are not allowed to go and fight overseas in foreign causes, whether for countries or for organisations like ISIS, whether they fight in Ukraine or Russia or Gaza, said Mr Shanmugam, who added that action will be taken against anyone who does so.

In his speech, the minister noted that people in Singapore listen when religious and community leaders reach out across faiths, speak up for unity and compassion, and serve those in need regardless of their background.

They build understanding and friendship across faiths, he said.

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When challenges arise, these relationships allow communities to respond calmly, constructively, and support one another instead of letting misunderstandings divide us.

He added that this leadership is especially important in todays digital age, with many young people turning to the online space in their search for identity, community and belonging.

Many young people get their news from the online space. They are searching for identity. They are searching for community.

Mr Shanmugam cited the case of a 14-year-old Singaporean boy who had aspired to travel overseas to conduct armed violence and die a martyr.

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In a statement in January, the Internal Security Department said the Secondary 3 student, who has been issued a restriction order under the Internal Security Act (ISA), is the third 14-year-old to be dealt with under the ISA over the past two years for terrorism-related activities.

Cases such as these involving young people are especially troubling. They are vulnerable. They need trusted adults and mentors to guide them, said Mr Shanmugam.

This is what, in the large context, our religious and community leaders have done successfully, which is why Singapore is very different from many other places.

The minister said the RRG is an extremely important organisation in helping to maintain a harmonious society.

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The messages of interfaith harmony, mutual respect are at the core of our efforts to rehabilitate individuals who have been radicalised by extremist ideologies, he said.

The RRGs longstanding approach of winning hearts and minds has been vital in rehabilitation and in addressing the underlying conditions that make individuals vulnerable to extremist thinking in the first place.

Mr Shanmugam noted that the RRG provides credible and accessible counter-narratives through initiatives such as the Majulah Gallery and its digital outreach.

He said these narratives affirm coexistence and mutual respect, especially for younger audiences navigating a polarised online space, adding: The RRGs work is also strengthened by a wider ecosystem of community and interfaith support.

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These quiet and sustained contributions reinforce interfaith harmony at the ground level. They create the conditions under which rehabilitation, prevention and reintegration can meaningfully succeed.

The iftar event was attended by other religious leaders and guests such as Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Faishal Ibrahim and former senior minister Teo Chee Hean.

(From left) Former senior minister Teo Chee Hean, Ustaz Dr Mohamed Ali, Home Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam, Ustaz Mohamad Hasbi Hassan, Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim and MUIS President Saat Abdul Rahman attending the iftar event held at Khadijah Mosque on Feb 23. (PHOTO: BERITA HARIAN)

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US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will take part in a summit of Caribbean nations on Wednesday, the State Department said, as he seeks a common line on Venezuela and pressure on Cuba.

Rubio will represent the United States in the summit of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) taking place this week in the small island nation of Saint Kitts and Nevis.

Rubio will address priorities of President Donald Trump, including combating illegal immigration, State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott said Monday.

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Rubio "will reaffirm the United States' commitment to working with CARICOM member states to enhance stability and prosperity in our hemisphere," Pigott said in a statement.

On the eve of the summit, the US military said Monday it killed another three people in a strike on an alleged drug-smuggling boat in the Caribbean -- part of a deadly campaign launched by Trump and which critics say lacks transparency and legality.

In Venezuela, US commandos snatched the country's leftist leader Nicolas Maduro in a deadly raid on January 3.

Since then, Trump has sought to force cooperation from interim president Delcy Rodriguez, who was Maduro's deputy, by exerting control over Venezuela's crucial oil industry and threatening force if she does not do his bidding.

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Most Caribbean states stayed careful in their public reactions but have quietly embraced the US approach on Venezuela, seen for years as a source of instability as millions fled its crumbling economy.

Maduro had made territorial claims on Guyana, which is home to the CARICOM headquarters. Nearby Trinidad and Tobago gave access to the US military in the run-up to the operation to topple Maduro.

- Potential pushback on Cuba -

CARICOM nations have been more circumspect on US pressure on Cuba, which is not a member of the bloc but has longstanding relations with many of its members.

Cuba is facing an energy crisis sapping its economy after the United States cut off oil shipments from Venezuela, the island's key provider, and threatened sanctions on other nations that sell fuel.

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Rubio, a Cuban-American former senator, has spent his political career seeking the overthrow of the communist government that has ruled Cuba since the 1959 revolution.

He has recently toned down his public calls while Trump says the United States is seeking an unspecified deal with Cuba.

When Rubio last attended CARICOM's summit, last year in Jamaica, he faced pushback as he pressed nations to get rid of Cuban doctors, a key moneymaker for Havana.

The CARICOM summit will also look at the persistent crisis in impoverished and violence-ravaged Haiti, where a transitional council recently handed over power to the US-backed prime minister after failing to rein in gangs or hold elections.

Rubio will be the highest-ranking US official ever to visit Saint Kitts and Nevis, a former British colony of around 50,000 people that is among the world's smallest countries.

sct/nro
Costco has built up a massive following thanks to its bulk deals and great prices on items from clothing and outdoor gadgets to appliances and groceries. The wholesale club's headquarters-inspired Kirkland Signature brand is the most prominent presence in every store, but regular shoppers are used to spotting big names like KitchenAid, Kohler, and LG. Look closer, though, and you'll notice that there are some brands you'll never find at Costco  no matter which location you visit.

That's because Costco has a surprisingly complex relationship with outside brands and famously high quality standards for those it works with. There are also cases where Costco has dropped brands due to performance or severed ties due to controversy  like when the store dropped Chaokoh coconut milk over reports of the brand using unethical monkey labor or when Palmetto cheese was taken off store shelves after its founder made controversial social media posts. Still, it's Costco's focus on its own in-store brand that has resulted in diminishing outside brand presence and may make some big names reluctant or simply ineligible to work with the popular warehouse retailer.

Read more: 9 Costco Hot Dog Facts Only A True Food Court Fan Would Know

It's tough to compete with the Kirkland Signature brand

A Kirkland Signature Bakery sign inside of a Costco store. - Erman Gunes/Shutterstock

One of the biggest reasons you won't see a lot of other brands at Costco is that the store has placed a larger focus on its Kirkland Signature label over the years, leaving less shelf space for outsiders. Costco got its start in the 1970s, selling other brand products in bulk, but that changed 30 years ago when the first two Kirkland Signature products were launched in 1995. The store brand has grown considerably since, becoming a powerhouse that now accounts for a quarter of Costco's revenue, with Kirkland Products bringing in billions in profit every year. Additionally, many big-name brands are actually the companies behind Kirkland Signature products. For example, Costco brand wines come from a variety of established vintners out of California and other well-known wine regions of the world.

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Also worth noting is Costco's marketing plan, which may appear minimal considering the lack of big public advertising campaigns, but is actually quite strategic. In addition to requiring shopper memberships (thus ensuring only people actually motivated to buy are entering the store), the Kirkland brand generally isn't sold elsewhere, which makes it feel more exclusive.

Costco's shoppers prioritize value over brand labels

A shopper inside a Costco browsing deals in the meat section. - Elliott Cowand Jr/Shutterstock

While a well-known brand may easily fetch customers at other stores, the whole point of being a Costco member is to get value, not name brands. Because of this  combined with the fact that Costco has a limited assortment for each type of product  even the big-name brands that do have a place on Costco shelves often have to sell at lower profit margins. For example, a 24-pack of San Pellegrino Sparkling water sells for between $18.94 and $24.69 at Costco. The same amount costs anywhere between $27.98 and $35.76 or more at grocery stores. With appliances, the difference is even bigger: a Cuisinart Barista Bar coffee maker retails for $249.99 at Costco but is listed for $379.95 on the Cuisinart website.

Of course, it's still the similar Kirkland Signature products that can drive an even bigger wedge between the retailer and outside brands. In 2025, for instance, Lululemon, which has never partnered with Costco, filed suit against the store over alleged dupes of its popular apparel under the Kirkland Signature label. The result of the suit has yet to be determined as of February 2026, but, if successful, it could pave the way for more legal challenges by outside brands dissatisfied with Costco's practices.

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Read the original article on Chowhound.
February 21, 2026: After four years of war in Ukraine and over 1.2 million soldiers killed, disabled or missing in combat, Russia is having problems recruiting soldiers. Russia was able to recruit 400,000 last year and expects to do the same this year. In the last two years, new recruits were often foreigners, including South Americans, Cubans, Africans and many countries in Asia. Recruiting standards have been lowered in Russia, where prisons have been emptied and alcoholics, drug addicts and the mentally ill have been induced, tricked or forced to sign a contract to join the military. Recruiters have been particularly successful in rural Russia where good jobs are scarce and alcoholism is rampant. Recruiters will sometimes visit a venue that serves alcohol and buy drinks for likely new recruits. Once these inebriated men have signed, the recruiter will often have to enlist local police to go where the new soldiers lived and tell the now sober men that they are in the army and take them away. Soldiers recruited in this way are not expected to last long in Ukraine, so their physical or mental condition is not important.

Recruiters have other problems to deal with. Twenty years ago, Russian leaders were informed that the rapidly aging Russian population was not only shrinking but was not fit for any major economic or military efforts. Some 60 percent of Russians were elderly, children, or disabled. Out of 20 million males of working age, one million were in prison, a million in the armed forces, five million were unemployed or unemployable due to poor education, health or attitude, four million were chronic alcoholics, and a million were drug addicts. Thus, there is something of a labor shortage, with plenty of jobs for women and immigrants. The birth rate is below replacement level, and a declining population means more immigrants just to keep things going. Improving medical care, and health habits, especially treating alcoholism and drug use, was a government priority, in order to raise the lifespan of Russian males. All of this made the idea of a smaller, all volunteer, military more attractive. Too many of the current troops were drunks, addicted to drugs or just unreliable. Volunteers must be paid much more, but their discipline is much higher. Russian officers are very impressed with what the British, Japanese and Americans have done with all-volunteer armed forces and want to emulate them. That never happened.
Thats the report in which the agency concluded that climate pollution endangers public health and welfare and thus must be regulated under the Clean Air Act. Its the basis of all federal climate regulations.

As I wrote back in August when the EPA released its draft proposal, the agency has now  over a decade and a half later  reinterpreted the Clean Air Act to only apply to direct health impacts from local pollution, and not to indirect health effects, like those associated with global climate pollutants.

The agency finalized the decision six months later. And the EPA has already been rolling back all of its climate regulations.

Its worth bearing in mind that while EPA regulations could be effective at reducing climate pollution, in practice, they havent done a whole lot. Thats because EPA regulations tend to swing back and forth every time a new political party takes control of the White House.

Vehicle tailpipe standards are the only significant climate-related regulation thats gone into effect, and even those overlapped with separate vehicle fuel efficiency standards  which are also now being rolled back. Overall, nearly all of the United States emissions reductions have come from the power sector, but thats because cleaner sources of electricity became cheaper than coal, not because of EPA regulations.

Whats next?

So what happens next is that various groups will sue the EPA, and the case will ultimately be appealed up to the Supreme Court in a process that will likely take several years. At that point, there will be three possible outcomes.

In a best-case scenario, the Supreme Court could rule that the EPA is wrong and must regulate climate pollution under the Clean Air Act. That would require the agency to reissue a broad swath of climate pollutant regulations in the ensuing years.

In a middle scenario, they could narrowly rule in favor of the EPA, giving the agency the discretion to decide whether to regulate climate pollutants. That would maintain the status quo of regulatory swings whenever a new party wins control of the White House.

In the worst-case scenario, the Supreme Court could rule that the EPA is correct in its interpretation that the agency doesnt have the authority to regulate climate pollutants under the Clean Air Act. That would tie future administrations hands on climate regulations. That could also leave fossil fuel companies liable to state-level lawsuits. They were shielded from those by the existence of federal climate regulations.

In that case, or at least in the meantime, that leaves American climate policy almost exclusively in the hands of Congress and individual states.
Bloomberg: Its reported that the U.S. Ambassador to NATO said that a call from China could end the Ukraine crisis and that this war is being completely enabled by China. Whats Chinas response?

Lin Jian: China did not create the Ukraine crisis, nor is China a party to it. We stand on the side of peace and dialogue and promote the political settlement of the crisis. Chinas objective and just stance is widely recognized by the international community. The so-called enabling the war is nothing but a groundless accusation.

Reuters: President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu agreed at a White House meeting that the U.S. would work to reduce Irans oil exports to China, Axios reported, citing two U.S. officials briefed on the issue. Whats Chinas comment? How does China view its energy trade with Iran?

Lin Jian: Countries normal cooperation under the framework of international law is legitimate and lawful, and should be respected and protected.

AFP: The European Commission has opened an investigation into Shein over its sales of dolls that are harmful to youngsters. Does the Foreign Ministry have a response to this?

Lin Jian: Im not aware of the specifics that you mentioned. Let me say more broadly that the Chinese government asks Chinese companies overseas to abide by local laws and regulations, and actively fulfill their corporate responsibilities. China also hopes that relevant party will provide a fair, transparent, and non-discriminatory business environment to companies worldwide and avoid sapping their confidence in investing in Europe.

AFP: Its reported that U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that the U.S. would have a new envoy to promote the protection of Tibetans living in China. What is the Foreign Ministrys response to this?

Lin Jian: The Chinese governments stance on Xizang-related issues is consistent and clear. Xizang affairs are Chinas internal affairs and brook no external interference. To have a so-called new envoy to promote the protection of Tibetans living in China constitutes an interference in Chinas internal affairs. China never recognizes it. The U.S. should honor its commitments made to China on Xizang-related issues and stop using these issues to interfere in Chinas internal affairs.

Kyodo News: Sanae Takaichi, president of Japans Liberal Democratic Party, was elected as the countrys 105th prime minister. Whats the Foreign Ministrys comment? Whats Chinas expectation on the prospects of China-Japan relations? (Similar questions from Nikkei, TBS, and NHK)

Lin Jian: Relevant elections are Japans internal affairs. We once again urge the Japanese side to do soul-searching, correct its wrongdoings, abide by the spirit of the four political documents between China and Japan and its own commitments, and take concrete actions to demonstrate the necessary sincerity to uphold the political foundation of China-Japan relations.

Yonhap News Agency: Its reported that recently the number of Chinese fishing boats illegally operating in waters of the ROK has increased and the Korea Coast Guard plans to raise the fine to five times the current level. Whats Chinas stance?

Lin Jian: China noted that. The Chinese government always asks Chinese fishermen to operate in accordance with laws and regulations. Meanwhile, China firmly protects their lawful rights and interests. China and the ROK have established mechanism of dialogue and communication on fisheries issues. China stands ready to step up communication and cooperation with the ROK to jointly safeguard the order of fisheries at sea.

TASS: On February 19, during the first meeting of the Board of Peace, U.S. President Donald Trump stated he expects that Russia and China will participate in the process of stabilizing the situation in the Gaza Strip in accordance with Washingtons plan. In Chinas view, what role can the Board of Peace play? Is that true that China and Russia need to maintain close coordination on Gaza?

Lin Jian: The Chinese side has previously answered questions concerning the Board of Peace and has nothing to add.

Regarding the situation in Gaza, China has stated its position on multiple occasions. Relevant UN Security Council resolutions and the principle of the Palestinians governing Palestine should be upheld in the post-conflict governance of Gaza, and any arrangements for the future of Gaza need to respect the will of the Palestinian people and dovetail with the two-State solution. China will, as always, play its role as a responsible major country, and continue to work with the international community to make relentless effort for a comprehensive, just and lasting solution to the Palestinian question at an early date.

Fuji TV: In her policy speech, Sanae Takaichi said it is the consistent policy of her cabinet to fully advance the strategic relationship of mutual benefit with China and build a constructive and stable Japan-China relationship; China is an important neighboring country, and since there are various outstanding issues and challenges between the two countries, the Japanese side will continue to communicate with China and take calm and appropriate responses. What is Chinas comment?

Lin Jian: China has stated its just position more than once. True communication is built on the basis of respecting each other and honoring the agreements made. If the Japanese side truly wants to develop the strategic relationship of mutual benefit with China, it needs to retract Takaichis erroneous remarks on Taiwan, abide by the four political documents between China and Japan and its own commitments, and take concrete actions to demonstrate necessary sincerity for upholding the political foundation of China-Japan relations.
After each episode of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, Slate writers will gather to answer a crucial question: Who is the worst person in Westeros? This week: senior editor Jenny G. Zhang and senior editor and writer Sam Adams answer the call.

Jenny G. Zhang: As we wrap up this first season of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, the seriousness of the situation is impressed upon us in this sixth episode: Baelor Targaryen, the benevolent and just prince who was heir to the Iron Throne, is dead, and its sort of all Ser Duncan the Talls fault. At least, thats how a beaten and battered Dunk feels, as he mopes about in emotional and physical agony in the aftermath of his violent trial.

Im certain, in Dunks mind, hes officially the worst person in Westerosas Im sure Baelors grieving son Valarr (Oscar Morgan) would agree. But what say you, Sam? Is there even a worst person in Westeros this week, or do we choose kindness for this final showing?

Sam Adams: Last weeks episode was a jarring change of pace, a reminder that, in a world ruled by violence, even low-stakes quarrels can have dire outcomes. Aerions worstness, which elevated a personal dispute into a 14-man brawl that left severalincluding his uncle Baelordead, hangs over this weeks episode as well. And, as vulnerable as Ive been in the past to Lyonel Baratheons roguish charms, his callous response to Prince Baelors death puts him on my bad side as well. The only good dragon is a dead dragon, my foot. Then theres Maekar Targaryen, the one who accidentally caved in his brothers head with a mace. He seems to vaguely regret his incidental fratricide, but hes not exactly outwardly mournful, and his plan to send the vile Aerion to the Free Cities for a few years to straighten him out seems more like a bid to shore up the Targaryen family brand than to actually reform the little worm. (Deep lore-knowers, at least, can be reassured that the so-called Brightflame comes to a suitably violent and painful end.) Maekar seems relatively reasonable, at least for a Targaryen, but he doesnt appear to have any intention of honoring Baelors promise to make Dunk a knight in his own service.

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Related From Slate A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms Finally Offers a Long-Overdue Backstory Read More

But none of these really qualify as the worst, do they? This final episode is largely a coda in which nothing much happens, good or bad. (Whether a six-episode series should be burning half an hour wrapping up a story thats barely begun is a question outside the scope of this chat.) So lets turn to bests, shall we?

I started off this series by naming Dunk the Best Person in Westeros, and hes more than proven himself by now, following through on his noble, if ill-formed, intentions with actual deeds, and muscling his way through a fight with an infinitely better-equipped foe, ultimately forcing him to yield. (Turns out Aerion was right to be afraid of him, although he didnt have to drag 12 other guys into the mix because he had cold feet.) Dunk even turns down Maekars job offer because he no longer wants anything to do with princes: Once a hedge knight, always a hedge knight. Now, hes not very nice to sweet little Egg in the process, practically reducing the sweet little baldy to tears. But Dunk has just had his face bashed in six ways to Sunday, so a little short-temperedness is understandable.

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So what do you think, Jenny? Is Dunk again the best Westeros has to offer? Or can we do better still?

Zhang: Its tempting to just give him the crown perpetually, the well-meaning lad that he is. I wouldnt even mind granting it to him as a consolation prize, for we finally get concrete, on-screen confirmation in this episode that Dunk was never formally knighted by Ser Arlan of Pennytree, his late mentor and the man whose memory he has sought to honor this entire tournament. The knowledge that Arlan died without knighting him still stings, and is almost enough to make you just want Dunk to give in and take up Maekars offer to teach him how to be a real knight at Summerhall.

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But lets walk through some of the other possible best options here first. There was Lyonel Baratheon, who was a bit of a bastard with his bitter line about dead dragons, but on the other hand, he did offer a place at his court for Dunk, along with a promise to love him like a brother. (Granted, he did say that if Dunk rejected his offer, he would hate him like a brother. Such is the mercuriality of a Baratheon.)

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Orand this may be scraping the bottom of the barrel herethere was Prince Daeron, only the second-most disgraceful of Maekars sons. (Aerion is admittedly tough to beat in that arena.) Yes, Daeron is a drunkard, and a coward, and he is very much at fault for much of the mess that landed Dunk in the trial and got his uncle Baelor killed. But he also displays a touching bit of regret over the kind of people he and Aerion have become, telling Dunk that Aerion was once a glad childthe suggestion being that, while it may be too late for the two elder brothers, its not yet too late for Egg to turn out decent, if only Dunk will provide him the right kind of nurture.

What say you, Sam? Are either of these enough to grant one of these flawed scallywags the honor of being BPiW?

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Adams: What I like about A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is its overall lack of import. This is, as were reminded along the way, a show that takes place in peacetime, or at least as close to it as Westeros gets. (There hasnt even been a Trial of the Seven in a century.) Theres no massive civil war in the offing, let alone an existential battle for the fate of humanity, so the things people do, both good and bad, tend to be relatively inconsequential, at least in world-historical terms.

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In other words, I think youre right to focus on the small here. This isnt a moment for epic heroism but of modest deeds, which might make Dunk, like the Dude, just the right man for his time and place. Lyonels got his good side, and hes not wrong about the Targaryens as a whole, which is why I can extend at least a little bit of sympathy to Daeron, even if he is a spineless weasel who got several people killed because he didnt want to admit to losing track of his cousin. Egg has his upside, too (and yes, thats a pun Ive waited six whole weeks to make).

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But I think were overlooking the most truehearted character of all. I speak, of course, of Raymun Fossoway. Westeros newest knight has been a minor character in this story, but a steadfast one, sticking by Dunks side even when his cousin Steffon turned traitor. (In my headcanon, at least, the lordship Steffon was promised for taking up arms against Dunk never materialized.) And if that werent enough, theres Sweetfoot. Buying back Ser Arlans horse and gifting it to Dunk may be the purest act of kindness in the entire Game of Thrones universe. And, while its not the kind of grand gesture thats likely to be immortalized in song or woven into a tapestry, I think we can at least do our part to commemorate Raymuns generosity by naming him the Best Person in Westerosnot just this week, but possibly ever.

Jenny: Can I get a gods be good?

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Zhang: Seven hells, youve done it: Youve landed upon the clear Best in this weeks competition. Even if the bards never do, let us honor the superior Fossoway as Ser Raymun the Pal, Raymun the Romantic, Raymun the New Owner of a Wonderful Mare. Even though Dunk turns around and gives Sweetfoot right back to his friend (I guess regifting isnt so frowned upon in Westeros), the gesture and the intent were there, and they were beautiful.

Thus concludes Slates recurring feature Worst (or Best) Person in Westeros for this season of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. Im sure next season will bring plenty of fresh candidates to work with, considering the juicy conflict promised in the final moments of this episode. Until next timegods be good, indeed!
Devils Arch made his first career appearance in the Open Trot at Woodbine Mohawk Park a success as he prevailed in the $40,000 feature class for his third straight victory on Sunday, Feb. 22.

Louis-Philippe Roy hustled the gelding off the gate to enter the first turn with the lead, then yielded to Mr Bluebird (Travis Cullen) as that rival pushed forward to the front at the quarter in :27.1. Mr Bluebird strolled to the midway point in :57.4 but picked up speed and carved out a 2-1/2-length advantage as he raced to three-quarters in 1:26.4 with R Peaky Blinders (Tyler Borth) looming first-over on the final turn. The pacesetter left three lengths to make up for Devils Arch at the eighth pole, but as Mr Bluebird drifted out, Devils Arch motored at the pylons and got up for a half-length victory in 1:54.1. R Peaky Blinders finished third.

Devils Arch has upped his game in recent weeks, winning two straight high-level optional-claiming races for owners Jean Allaire of Montreal, Que., Jean-Francois Maguire of Carlisle, Ont., G T Stables of Saint-Placide, Que. and Jocelyn Marois of Thetford Mines, Que. That group claimed back the son of Archangel-Bobbi Jos Ex after losing him for $50,000 on Dec. 22, paying the same price on Jan. 4 to return him to the barn of trainer Maguire. The six-year-old has won four of seven attempts this year and is now 21-for-75 lifetime with $285,036 in bankroll. He paid $5.80 to win.

Mohawk kicked off a new Pop-Up Series on the card, with the three divisions going to Beach Tour ($3.30), Bayfield Beach ($8.50) and Punchesinbunches ($10.70). The series is for pacing horses and geldings that have started for a purse of $9,000 or less this year or are non-winners of $1,000 per start this season in a minimum of five outings. Winners over $50,000 in 2025 are ineligible.

To view Sundays harness racing results, click the following link: Sunday Results - Woodbine Mohawk Park.

(Standardbred Canada)
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.
Claude Code's creator is warning that job titles across the US are set to transform. He says some will rapidly change this year.

Anthropic's AI agent, which just received an update, is getting better at online tasks, Boris Cherny said.

He has one tip for workers whose jobs might be affected by the coding tools.

A top Anthropic engineer said a new generation of AI agents capable of operating computers will reshape nearly every internet-based job in America.

And he said the change is coming very soon.

Boris Cherny  the creator of Claude Code at Anthropic, the company best known for its Claude chatbot  recently appeared on "Lenny's Podcast," hosted by Lenny Rachitsky.

He said AI systems that can take action across workplace computer tools  like the ones Anthropic sells access to  are advancing rapidly and could soon alter responsibilities for software engineers, product managers, designers, and other knowledge workers.

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"It's going to expand to pretty much any kind of work that you can do on a computer," Cherny said. "In the meantime, it's going to be very disruptive. It's going to be painful for a lot of people."

Claude Code is Anthropic's AI coding agent built on top of its Claude models. The company released its latest updates, called Opus 4.6, in early February.

Unlike a traditional chatbot that generates text or images, an AI agent can use digital tools  running commands, analyzing documents, messaging colleagues, completing tasks across apps, and even building websites.

Essentially, Claude Code can increasingly use a computer the way a human does  though the company recently said it has yet to reach the level of a skilled human.

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"It's the thing that I think brings agentic AI to people that haven't really used it before, and people are starting to just get a sense of it for the first time," he said.

Cherny says his own team already relies on AI to work faster. Productivity per engineer has increased sharply since Claude Code's launch, he said. He believed the models will continue improving. (Of course, Cherny also has good reason to talk up the company's products, which it shops to enterprise companies.)

Cherny recently said in an interview with Y Combinator's "Lightcone" podcast that the job title software engineer will start to "go away" in 2026.

The broader impact remains uncertain, he warned.

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"As a society, this is a conversation we have to figure out together," he told Rachitsky. "Anyone can just build software anytime."

For workers navigating the shift, his advice is direct: experiment with AI tools and learn how they function.

"Don't be scared of them," he said.

Read the original article on Business Insider
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.
Hanoi approves land lease for phase 2 of $1 bln biotechnology high-tech park

By Hai Yen Mon, February 23, 2026 | 4:12 pm GMT+7

The Hanoi Peoples Committee has approved the lease of more than 101,500 square meters of land to Ireland's Pacific Land Vietnam to implement the second phase of the Hanoi Biotechnology High-Tech Park infrastructure project.

The land plot, located in Thuong Cat ward and already cleared, will be leased until August 15, 2095. The city will collect land rent in a lump sum for the entire lease term.

Illustration of the Biotechnology High-Tech Park project in Hanoi. Photo courtesy of Pacific Land Vietnam.

Areas designated for shared technical infrastructure under the approved master plan will be exempt from land rental fees in accordance with government regulations.

For industrial land intended for sublease and commercial use, Pacific Land Vietnam will be exempt from land rental fees during the basic construction period, capped at three years from the date of the lease decision. The company will also be eligible for additional rent exemptions after construction under provisions of the Government's Decree 103/2024.

Positioned as a flagship project of the capital, the Hanoi Biotechnology High-Tech Park spans nearly 200 hectares under its master plan, with total investment estimated at more than $1 billion.

Of that, roughly VND7.4 trillion dong ($284.89 million) is earmarked for technical infrastructure and functional subdivisions, while about $800 million is allocated for equipment systems, research and development centers, and specialized biomedical laboratories.

Established in December 2008 and headquartered in Hanoi, Pacific Land Vietnam focuses on real estate development and land-use rights trading.

The companys general director and legal representative is Ole Bollingtoft, a Danish national born in 1948.

According to a registration update in November 2025, the firm has charter capital of nearly VND1.28 trillion ($49.09 million). Foreign shareholders include Ireland's Pacific Land (Indochina) Limited, which holds a 69.99% stake, and Irish national Patrick Gerard McKillen with a 0.01% stake.
Vietnam property developers ambitions sharpen for 2026

By Vu Pham, Quang Nguyen Mon, February 23, 2026 | 4:07 pm GMT+7

Vietnams real estate companies are setting out ambitious business plans for 2026 while recalibrating strategies to adapt to a shifting market.

Broadly, their goals center on sustainable growth, land bank expansion, and a stronger focus on housing that meets genuine demand.

Vietnams macroeconomic outlook for 2026 is expected to remain positive, with both the broader economy and the property market benefiting from fresh growth drivers.

Industry reports and forecasts suggest the sector is entering a new phase of development, supported by improving urban infrastructure, continued capital inflows into residential and industrial real estate segments, a more transparent legal framework, and still-strong end-user demand.

Vinhomes Grand Park urban area in Ho Chi Minh City, southern Vietnam. Photo courtesy of Tran Ut.

The Ministry of Construction has said the market is moving into a restructuring phase, prioritizing reasonably priced commercial housing that addresses real needs, alongside efforts to refine the legal framework to strengthen oversight.

The government has also taken steps to cool speculative activity and promote sustainable development. Proposed new tax policies aimed at curbing speculation have been discussed, with the expectation of improving housing affordability for middle- and lower-income earners.

Against this backdrop, analysts say property developers must adjust business plans and long-term strategies to seize opportunities while mitigating market risks.

Ambitious targets take center stage

One notable feature of 2026 is the scale of growth targets set by many developers.

Taseco Land Investment JSC (Taseco Land) said at a year-end investor meeting in late 2025 that it was targeting revenue of VND12 trillion ($461.98 million) and net profit of about VND3 trillion ($115.5 million) in 2026 - roughly triple its estimated 2025 revenue and five times its profit. The figures underscore the companys expectations of a strong market recovery.

Similarly, Nam Long Group said it expects annual sales in the coming years to range between VND20-30 trillion ($1.15 billion).

In 2026, Nam Long plans to sustain growth through key projects including Waterpoint Phase 1, Mizuki Park, Akari City and Nam Long II Central Lake, while preparing new phases for Elyse Island, An Zen Residences, VSIP Hai Phong, Waterpoint Phase 2, and Izumi Canaria.

Beyond Taseco Land and Nam Long, several other developers are also setting aggressive growth goals, emphasizing land bank expansion, higher revenue from ongoing projects, and stable cash flows through accelerated sales at projects with completed infrastructure.

Companies such as Saigonres and Kinh Bac City (KBC), along with other industrial park developers, are planning to expand and monetize strategic land reserves. KBC said it aims to hand over dozens of hectares of industrial land with signed contracts to foreign-invested enterprises and strategic partners in 2026.

Land banks and strategic projects

With competition intensifying, land banks are increasingly seen as a strategic asset. In 2026, expanding high-quality land reserves with clear legal status is a priority for many developers, as land underpins project execution, capital mobilization, and long-term growth strategies.

Alongside residential land, companies are placing greater emphasis on industrial land, where leasing and investment demand is rising on the back of public investment and foreign capital inflows.

Industrial real estate is widely viewed as a breakout segment in 2026, not only due to strong demand but also because of the potential for asset value gains as logistics infrastructure and regional connectivity improve.

While traditional housing remains a core focus, many developers are reallocating part of their investment to faster-growing segments.

In industrial real estate, demand for factories, warehouses and industrial parks continues to increase as foreign investors expand operations in Vietnam, particularly in manufacturing, logistics and high-tech industries.

In the resort property segment, southern provinces with coastal and tourism advantages are being identified as promising markets. Integrated resort developments with high-end services and coastal urban projects are expected to attract substantial investment flows in 2026.

For residential property, the main objective is to meet real demand. Developers are increasingly focusing on affordable and lower-priced housing to match the purchasing power of most urban residents, especially in major cities such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

Customers view an apartment building model in southern Vietnam. Photo by The Investor/Vu Pham.

Challenges remain

Despite the positive outlook, analysts and companies alike see significant challenges ahead.

First is tighter credit policy. The State Bank of Vietnam has lowered overall credit growth targets to manage systemic financial risks, particularly in sectors prone to asset bubbles such as real estate. This has pushed up funding costs and requires developers to adopt more flexible capital-raising strategies.

Second, a more transparent regulatory environment - covering project approvals, sales conditions and customer protection - while positive in the long term, is placing short-term pressure on project timelines.

Third, as the market is reshaped, smaller developers must enhance competitiveness through technology adoption, cost optimization, and product innovation. The use of technology in management, marketing, and transactions is emerging as a key trend to improve efficiency.

Overall, 2026 marks the start of a new phase for Vietnams property market, with a longer-term vision focused on stability and meeting genuine housing needs. Developers - from large players with strong land banks and finances to smaller firms - are adjusting strategies to fit the new landscape.

Ambitious revenue and profit targets reflect optimism about market potential, but analysts say the key challenge will be balancing growth ambitions with sustainable development, while avoiding overly dispersed investment.
February 23, 2026: Because of the recent American raid on Venezuela, Russia lost another ally. It was not a critical loss, because a few years ago Russia offered to end its support for Venezuela if the United States ended its support for Ukraine. The Americans declined. With Maduro gone Russia has lost its base for further expansion of their influence in South America. Over the last fifteen years Russia poured over $40 billion into Venezuela as they sought to strengthen Venezuela militarily and politically. Russia was not able to fix the declining Venezuelan oil industry. The 2022 invasion of Ukraine resulted in economic sanctions on Russia that shut down most of their Venezuelan aid efforts. Russians lost their supply of fresh avocados and tropical resorts for vacations during the Russian Winter.

Venezuela had purchased billions of dollars worth of Russian weapons. Why all the weapons? In Venezuela leader Hugo Chavez took power in 1999, and his 2013 successor Nicholas Maduro achieved a measure of popularity with the voters by convincing them that the United States was about to invade. Venezuelan leaders took comfort in new weapons, especially those being used to arm a new personal militia. Weapons may not be needed to stop Yankee invaders, but they will also work against disloyal Venezuelans.

This Venezuelan credit binge was a new development. Since the end of the Cold War, Russia has sold weapons on a cash basis. No more generous terms as in the Cold War past. But that is changing, and Russia eventually offered Venezuela billions of dollars in credit, for the purchase of more weapons. The Venezuelan spending spree brought in dozens of Su-30 jet fighters, hundreds of armored vehicles including T-90 tanks and scores of artillery systems, mainly multiple rocket launchers. There are also small arms including a factory for making assault rifles, radios and other equipment. There are support aircraft, including transports and helicopter gunships. Negotiations were under way to purchase new warships, including submarines.

With Venezuelan unemployment rising, there's no shortage of people trying to join the military. Those willing to profess undying loyalty to Chavez and later Maduro had an edge, and the senior ranks had already been purged of those who did not agree with the radical reforms Maduro wanted to impose on the military. These reforms were heavy on politics and theory, and short on training and experience. So all those new weapons faced a problematic future, as they are in the hands of inept, but politically motivated, users.

Among those many weapons none were more questionable than S-300 surface-to-air missile systems. S-300 battalions consist of a radar unit, and 4-8 launchers four S-300 missiles are mounted on each launcher, which is carried by semi-trailer truck. The really high end systems were needed to have a chance against the United States, which is what Venezuela said it needs to defend itself from.

Venezuela also bought 92 Russian tanks. None of Venezuela's borders are tank country, and only one of Venezuela's neighbors has large tank forces, Brazil, which has over 500 heavy tanks. So, these tanks would mainly be used to keep Venezuelans in line. For that, T-72s would do.

Venezuela had already purchased Su-27 jet fighters, and hundreds of thousands of assault rifles for a militia loyal to Presidents Chavez and Maduro. While Venezuela is a major oil producer, Chavez and Maduro were spending money faster than they could pump oil. An increasing number of Venezuelans were unhappy with the billions in oil revenue given to foreigners or spent on weapons and cronies. Thus, the importance of getting a loan which may never be repaid, especially if Maduro gets overthrown. Chavez and Maduro also sought advice from the Russians on how to turn a democracy into a police state. Chavez and Maduro needed this kind of knowledge, because his growing clamp down on opposition media, and any opposition in general, is generating increasingly violent resistance.
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Karrin Taylor Robsons abrupt exit from the Arizona governors race narrowed the Republican field to a pair of congressmen who offer a fairly clear choice in terms of ideology and style.

Rep. David Schweikert of Fountain Hills, elected in 2010, is a self-described classic free-market conservative known for railing for countless hours on the House floor against deficit spending.

Rep. Andy Biggs of Gilbert, elected in 2016 after serving as president of the state Senate, is a MAGA warrior, former chair of the far-right House Freedom Caucus and staunch defender of President Donald Trump.

So far, Biggs has outraised his rival more than 2-1  $1.9 million to Schweikerts $872,000, according to filings with Arizonas Secretary of States Office.

But Schweikert joined the race in September, eight months after Biggs, and he also raised $1.7 million for his congressional account. He could use much of that in his run for governor, though not the $660,000 from political action committees, because Arizona doesnt allow such donors in state elections.

Biggs is backed by both Trump and the influential Turning Point USA, whose political action committee has already spent nearly $460,000 to help him, according to campaign finance reports.

Trump had also endorsed Robson. So her departure likely helps Biggs consolidate support, though Schweikert could also benefit, analysts say, if her business-minded donors shift to his camp.

Biggs has been standing shoulder to shoulder with President Trump, and thats very helpful in a Republican primary, said Arizona political consultant Chuck Coughlin.

Neither campaign responded to requests for comment.

Part of Schweikerts pitch is his appeal to independents, hitting Biggs for feeding public anger rather than focusing on solutions. He has downplayed his rivals endorsements.

I believe often when you do the endorsement game, you give up some of your freedom to always tell the truth, he told 12News last weekend.

The winner on July 21 is likely to face Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs in November. The filing deadline for the primaries is March 23.

Right now Biggs has momentum and its hard to see a pathway for Schweikerts nomination, Don Critchlow, director of the Arizona State University Center for American Institutions, said by email.

Whoever wins the nomination will hardly be a shoo-in against Hobbs, though. He cited the power of incumbency and general backlash toward Republicans on a national level. This can change, but right now any Republican candidate running for governor has an uphill battle.

Largely aligned

On a host of policies, Biggs and Schweikert largely align with each other and with the president. Theres little doubt Biggs is more MAGA, though.

Schweikert was among the first few dozen members but left in 2023, saying he wanted to distance himself from a group with a similar name in the Arizona Legislature that is more populist than conservative.

As for voting with Trump, Schweikert actually outdid his rival in 2025 despite Biggs snagging the endorsement. He scored 100% compared to 96% for Biggs in a VoteHub analysis of 282 votes on which Trump had stated a clear position.

In 2022, Trump endorsed Schweikert for reelection when Democrats were targeting his district, calling him a tireless advocate for Arizona and a Principled Conservative.

In the governor's race, the president had issued an unusual double endorsement, starting with Robson. Four months later, in April, he added Biggs.

In 2020, both Biggs and Schweikert defied Trump by joining with Democrats on a vote intended to force the president to get congressional approval before going to war with Iran.

Just 11 House Republicans supported the measure, which would have revoked a 2002 law authorizing presidents to use the military in a way Biggs called a blank check to deploy troops in the Middle East against almost any enemy.

That departure was especially rare for Biggs, who has gone out of his way to tie himself to Trump. He calls his agenda the America First Contract, echoing Trumps America First slogan.

When Trump refused to concede the 2020 election, Biggs was one of his most outspoken advocates. Even after a GOP-led audit of votes in Maricopa County affirmed President Joe Bidens victory in Arizona, Biggs insisted at a congressional hearing that we dont know who won.

On Jan. 6, 2021, 139 House Republicans voted to overturn the election, including Biggs and Schweikert.

Both voted to reject Bidens win in Pennsylvania. Schweikert voted to certify the Biden victory in Arizona, though during his recent 12News interview, he refused to acknowledge that Trump lost the state.

In 2019, Biggs led a failed effort to censure Rep. Adam Schiff of California, now a senator, who led the first impeachment inquiry against Trump.

He blamed the impeachment effort on a conspiracy by the deep state, or swamp.

The fanatics who hated Donald Trump during the 2016 presidential campaign are continuing to undermine him using those entrenched in government to perpetuate their coup against this president, Biggs wrote in a Fox News essay.

In 2024, he helped lead the successful effort to impeach Bidens Homeland Security Secretary, Alejandro Mayorkas, though the effort died in the Democratic Senate without a trial.

Last March, Biggs tried to persuade the House to remove a federal judge who had blocked deportations of alleged Venezuelan gang members to El Salvador.

Biggs congressional website features a 30-minute documentary titled Alien Invasion about illegal border crossings under Biden.

Schweikert has criticized Immigration and Customs Enforcements conduct in Minneapolis, calling the killing of two U.S. citizens absolutely unacceptable.

Vying for most conservative

Schweikert has no major endorsements in the primary.

Apart from Trump himself, Biggs has gotten a boost from Turning Point USA, a leading organization in Trumps Make America Great Again movement.

Turning Point calls him the only person we trust to work with the White House on day one.

Go Biggs or go home is where we are at, Erika Kirk, Turning Points CEO and the widow of founder Charlie Kirk, told a Phoenix crowd of about 30,000 in December.

Two of the other four Arizona Republicans in Congress also support Biggs: Reps. Paul Gosar of Bullhead City and Eli Crane of Oro Valley, both fellow members of the House Freedom Caucus.

In 2023, Biggs and Crane were among the eight conservatives who voted with Democrats to oust GOP Speaker Kevin McCarthy, throwing the House into turmoil for weeks.

Crane, in an interview with Cronkite News before Robson dropped out, called Biggs one of the most conservative members of the House.

Hes poised to be one of the best governors, he said.

Conservative advocacy groups give high marks to both Biggs and Schweikert.

The American Conservative Union, which organizes the Conservative Political Action Conference, gives Biggs a lifetime rating of 97% and Schweikert 95%. Biggs has voted the wrong way just three times, in the ACUs view, while Schweikert strayed 14 times during a longer congressional career.

Ratings from progressive groups mirror those scores.

The League of Conservation Voters, for instance, gives Biggs a 3% lifetime score, with credit for eight votes it views as pro-environment. Schweikerts score is 5%, with 24 votes the group liked.

Turning Point Action gives Biggs a 98% lifetime score, far higher than Schweikerts 84%. For comparison, the highest score for any Arizona Democrat was 28%, which went to Rep. Greg Stanton of Phoenix.

Among the recent votes for which TPA penalized Schweikert: votes to increase the supply of housing, extend trade preferences for dozens of African nations and approve the annual defense budget.

Biggs was one of just 17 House Republicans to oppose that defense bill, and two other major appropriations bills.

Schweikert supported each of those bills, putting him in line with party leadership and the majority of House Republicans.

Appeal to the base

Biggs and Schweikerts views on a host of issues arent far apart.

On abortion, for instance, Planned Parenthood gives them both a zero. Both have supported legislation to restrict access and block the use of federal funds by groups that provide abortions.

Both oppose the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, though Biggs has emphasized a demand for repealing the law while Schweikert advocates for reforms that improve affordability and provide flexibility.

Both consider themselves fiscal hawks. But for Schweikert, the deficit is a signature issue. Biggs has also described the federal debt, now nearly $39 trillion, as a national security threat.

Both opposed the massive Biden-era infrastructure bill and backed Trumps significant 2017 tax cuts and last summers One Big Beautiful Bill. All of those measures added to the federal debt, according to nonpartisan analysts.

Both candidates have faced ethical questions.

In 2022, a former Trump aide told the House committee that investigated the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol that Biggs, among others, had sought a pardon from Trump for his role in the stop the steal riot. Biggs rejected the assertion.

In 2020, the House Ethics Committee found that Schweikert committed 11 campaign finance violations, including misusing official funds, failing to report over $140,000 in contributions, and pressuring staff to perform campaign work.

The bipartisan committee fined him $50,000. In 2022, Schweikert agreed to pay $125,000 in fines to the Federal Election Commission.

Schweikert is no moderate, but his fiscal conservatism and looser alignment with Trump could help him appeal to independents, analysts say.

Unlike Biggs, he has won elections in a competitive district. In 2024, Schweikert eked out an eighth term with 51.9%. Biggs received 60.4% in a safe red district.

If you come from a 16-point Republican district, you dont actually have to pay attention to the third of Arizona voters that are independent. I do, Schweikert told 12News last weekend.

Coughlin agrees that Schweikert would have an easier time in a general election. But the primary electorate will be dominated by a hardcore MAGA base, he said.
ABC pulls Australian Story episode, Nabbed.

Updated: "Nabbed" which profiles pensioner Ian Williams who sued NAB over online scamming is pulled at the last minute as an "editorial decision" by ABC.

ABC has made a last minute change to Australian Story this evening, pulling an episode Nabbed, due to an editorial issue.

It was replaced with an episode around the Pub Choir.

An ABC spokesperson told TV Tonight, There was an editorial issue. No further info at this time sorry.

The episode profiles pensioner Ian Williams, a self-confessed stubborn bugger who sued NAB over online scamming.

ABC has also deleted synopsis info from a number of websites and social media.

Here is the full synopsis originally supplied by ABC:

When Victorian pensioner Ian Williams lost $1338 in a banking scam, he expected a quick refund and apology. But his bank, a subsidiary of the National Australia Bank, blamed him for the transactions, despite Ians dogged detective work producing clear evidence to the contrary.

The banks attitude so incensed the self-confessed stubborn bugger that he sued for it for $379,005,000. Williams estimated he was scammed 5.5% of his annual income and that figure represents 5.5% of NABs annual earnings.

It was a number that in my mind would get the banks attention, Williams says.

Ian has a varied skill set. Hes been a bricklayer, a private investigator, a nurse, a horse breaker and a bouncer. But representing himself in the Supreme Court was a challenge.

Ive downloaded the actual laws and the codes of conduct, he says. And you think, Christ, what are they trying to get at?

Along the way, Ian joined the Scam Victim Alliance, an organisation which provides support to people whove been scammed and lobbies for legislation to protect them.

Ians case was very similar to some of the other payments cases that wed been dealing with, says co-founder Alex Brooks. They dispute the transaction but somehow the banks are able to still say its all your fault. 

Australian Story followed Ian Williams through the ups and downs of his court case and its aftermath, as he sought to hold the bank publicly accountable and draw attention to the massive problem of online scamming.

While the court case didnt go the way he hoped, he did achieve an unexpected victory.

I completely understand why he decided to go down the path he decided to go down, says Chris Sheehan, head of fraud at NAB. We could have done things a lot better.

Producer: Amos Roberts

It isnt clear when, or if, the episode will screen.

Updated:

An ABC spokesperson has now advised, The ABC received new information about Mr Ian Williams on Monday afternoon prior to Australian Story airing that was unrelated to his case against National Australia Bank.

We have since confirmed Mr Williams was convicted of serious historical offences, which he failed to disclose to the ABC.

Content featuring Mr Williams on the ABC no longer meets our editorial standards and is being removed. The Australian Story will not go to air.
Australias Greatest Conman?: Feb 24

An elite rescue agency had seemingly grown from nothing in country Victoria but who is the mystery man behind it all?

Part 1 of Australias Greatest Conman? by Marc Fennell screens tonight, with Part 2 tomorrow night.

One man. One mystery. Our nations most baffling crime.

In less than a decade John Friedrich has taken a sleepy safety organisation and built it into Australias most advanced search and rescue agency and nobody seems to understand why.

In the 1980s, the emergency services arm of the National Safety Council of Australia looked like a highly trained para-military force working with the worlds finest equipment and operating in nearly every state and territory in the country. It had the ears of politicians, the banks, police and even the military.

And yet the man who built it, remained a mystery. No one knew anything about John Friedrich beyond the day hed walked into the Safety Council and he was determined to keep it that way. He may have succeeded too, were it not for his desire to create an empire which drew the ire of his competitors and scepticism from the countrys top journalists like Kerry OBrien and George Negus.

So, was John Friedrich building a private army or simply trying to drag Australia into a new age of search and rescue that could save lives and protect the country?

Through never-before-seen archive and exclusive interviews with Friedrichs closest confidants and fiercest enemies, Marc Fennell presents a true-crime mystery more bizarre than fiction.

1927  The National Safety Council Of Australia is created, a not-for-profit focussing on road, sea and industrial safety prevention and education.

JANUARY 1977  John Friedrich starts career as a safety officer at the NSCA Victorian Division.

1979  NSCA Victoria division begins operating helicopter air ambulance services from Latrobe Valley airport.

1982  Friedrich becomes executive director of the NSCA Victoria Division.

1983  NSCA Victoria provides aerial support to Australian Federal Police at the Pine Gap intelligence base.

1984  NSCA Victoria relocates to new headquarters at West Sale airport. Satellite bases follow at Wollongong, Townsville, Coolangatta and Hobart.

1987  NSCA Victoria awarded contract to provide Search and Rescue services at RAAF base in Williamtown NSW. Contracts were later awarded for two

Northern Territory RAAF bases.

JANUARY 1988  Friedrich awarded Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for services to the community.

OCTOBER 1988  Kerry OBrien records first television interview with Friedrich.

DECEMBER 1988  NSCA Victoria board asks forensic auditors to assess organisations finances and accounting practices.

Episode one airs 8:30pm Tuesday, with the second and final episode airing Wednesday.
BBC acquires Knee High Spies

The Australian Childrens Television Foundation sells puppetry / VFX / live-action series to the UK.

The BBC has acquired the 20-episode series Knee High Spies from the Australian Childrens Television Foundation.

Created by Tim Bain (Kangaroo Beach), produced by Werner Film Productions (Dance Academy) and directed by current Jameson (Mallory Towers), Knee High Spies blends state-of-the-art puppets, animatronics, VFX and live-action performances.

The series, which screens on ABC Kids in Australia, follows the secret lives of teddy bear Jeremy Buttons and his ragtag team of toy spies, Jeremy, Deena, Squash and Moss, as the familys pet guinea pig, Silver Paw, wreaks havoc.

Kate Morton, Senior Head of Commissioning for CBeebies at BBC Childrens and Education said: This wonderfully imaginative series is full of adventure, humour and heart, everything we know our youngest viewers love. We cant wait for the UK to meet Jeremy Buttons and the team, and to welcome this charming world into the CBeebies family.

ACTF Head of Content Bernadette OMahony said: We are delighted to have the BBC on board for Knee High Spies. It was a hugely ambitious series which has delivered on all fronts. We are excited by how quickly the audience has taken our tiny spies into their hearts and homes and I know the BBCs young viewers will do the same.

Executive Producer Joanna Werner said: Knee High Spies is incredibly distinctive, with its mix of live action puppetry, its cinematic spy-genre energy, and its play from a childs-eye point of view. It celebrates curiosity, teamwork and the idea that being small doesnt mean you cant be mighty  which is exactly the kind of empowering message we want kids to carry away with them. I cant wait for families in the UK to meet these characters and share in the fun.
Filming underway on new ABC comedy Separated At Birth

Nazeem Hussain is writer and star of upcoming comedy about a paramedic whose wife asks for a divorce in the delivery room. Joining him is Urzila Carlson.

Filming has commenced in Melbourne on Separated At Birth, a new six-part comedy series created by, written by Nazeem Hussain (Legally Brown, Orange is the New Brown).

Joining him is Urzila Carlson (Have You Been Paying Attention?, Thank God Youre Here, Urzila) in her second ABC comedy for 2026.

Produced by Princess Pictures, Separated At Birth follows happy-go-lucky paramedic Sameer (Hussain), whose world is thrown into a spiral when his wife asks for a divorce in the delivery room, moments after their first child is born. With the help of his work wife, the outspoken and fiercely independent Donna (Carlson), Sameer has to try and navigate coparenting, reinvent his sense of self, and manage the chaos of a big, fat, complicated family.

Creator and star Nazeem Hussain said, This is a story Ive wanted to tell for a long time  about family, identity and the chaos of loving people even when life doesnt look the way you imagined. And getting to make it with Urzila, one of my favourite people on the planet, feels like weve tricked the ABC into funding a very elaborate hang.

Founder of Princess Pictures Laura Waters said: Nazeem is hilarious, navigating families is universally timeless, and no one fights with their best friend on screen quite like Urzila and Nazeem. Were proud to support a story so deeply contemporary that illuminates what its like to be Australian from so many different angles.

ABC Head of Scripted, Rachel Okine said, Were thrilled to bring this fresh, laughoutloud original comedy to ABC audiences, starring two of Australias favourite comedians. Separated At Birth follows a man suddenly launched into the messy reality of becoming a parent and the collision of two big, complicated families. Add a delightfully chaotic colleague and housemate, and audiences are guaranteed to be in stitches.

Screen Australia Director of Narrative Content Louise Gough said: Comedian and creator Nazeem Hussain is funny and fearless, add in Urzila Carlson, and Separated at Birth delivers comedy gold. Powered by the global pedigree of Princess Pictures, the series guarantees giggles for viewers here in Australia and around the world.

VicScreen CEO Caroline Pitcher said: VicScreen is delighted to support Princess Pictures, one of our most dynamic production companies, as they join forces with Victorian funnyman Nazeem Hussain to deliver Separated at Birth, a refreshing new comedy series about chosen family, friendship and identity. This hilarious and heartfelt series is yet another VicScreensupported production that will showcase our local screen industry to global audiences.

Separated At Birth will air on ABC in 2026.

Production credit: A Princess Pictures production for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC). Major production investment from the ABC and Screen Australia, in association with VicScreen. Created by Nazeem Hussain. Written by Nazeem Hussain, Sarah Lang, Sara Pascoe and Matt Okine. Directed by Nina Buxton. Executive Producers: Laura Waters, Emma Fitzsimons and Chris Loveall. ABC Executive Producers: Todd Abbott and Rachel Okine. Worldwide distribution by ABC Commercial.
Hulu, BBC greenlights Deano comedy

Joe Brumm, creator of Bluey, will executive produce his first adult animated series for Hulu and BBC.

Aussie web animation Childish Deano has been greenlit for a series by Hulu and BBC, now simply titled Deano.

The eight-episode, half-hour comedy hails from creators Dean Thomas and David Ferrier. Both serve as writers on the series with Thomas providing the voice of Deano.

Joe Brumm, creator of Bluey, will also executive produce in what will be his first adult animated series producing credit.

The show will premiere on Hulu / Disney+ internationally, with BBC in the UK.

Hooligan Animation will produce the show at its studios in Brisbane with Greg Basser, Tracey Robertson, Ross Shuman, Nathan Mayfield, and Tracey Vieira als executive producers on the show along with Adam Bailey for BBC Studios. BBC Studios, 20th Television Animation, and Hooligan Animation will all co-produce.

Were so excited to bring our spicy child and his sidekick to a global audience with two of the worlds biggest story megaphones in Disney and the BBC, Thomas and Ferrier said. Its so unreal were half expecting someone to tell us its a prank.

Deano is a spirited cheeky charmer of a boy, whose tough exterior coats a real heart of gold. He is the most endearing feisty kid you will ever meet and is growing up in a ruthlessly tough neighborhood in a house that should be condemned. He has no concept that the chips are stacked against him and embraces everyone equally, from the local teenage dropouts to the town police chief. At the heart of the series is Deanos friendship with Kit, his timid best mate from the wealthy side of town. Kit is blind to Deanos circumstances and is drawn to his friends energy and fearless worldview. Together, they walk face-first into an unfiltered world thats leaking empathy by the hour; yet somehow, Deano still shines as a beacon of irreverent optimism, a reminder of how good life can feel.

Deano is smart, character-driven, and wickedly irreverent  the kind of series that stays with you long after the credits roll, said Zai Bennett, CEO and chief creative officer of BBC Studios Global Content. As our first venture into adult animation, the project and the partnerships behind it reflect BBC Studios commitment to innovation and creative boldness. Alongside Hooligan and the BBC, Disney is an ideal collaborator, sharing our ambition to deliver conversation-starting storytelling worldwide.

COMING SOON! This teaser is from ep3, which features the great @mrtonymartin as the mean ol teacher, Mr Ferg. Full episodes start November 7! pic.twitter.com/KmnQHd2vp8  Childish Deano (@DeanoChildish) October 26, 2022

Source: Variety
by Herbert Harris

This years Black History Month is different.

Black history itself has become contested. Not debated at the margins but questioned at its core. School curricula are scrutinized, and institutions that preserve Black memory are accused of being divisive. Should Black history exist, or should it disappear, erasing its many uncomfortable truths and leaving a more homogeneous national narrative?

Narratives are what hold us together as individuals and as societies. To have the wholeness and continuity essential to our survival, our stories must be heard, recognized, and validated by others. Identity is not a monologue in an empty room; it requires an audience and a full cast.

History is our shared narrative. It is how a nation understands what has happened and who it is. It is also how we relate to those who came before us. To deny or erase significant portions of that history is not merely to rearrange a syllabus. It distorts the self-understanding of the entire society. A narrative that excludes central truths becomes brittle. It depends on selective memory and strategic forgetting. That societys connections to reality inevitably fray, eventually breaking.

As a psychiatrist, I have spent much of my professional life listening to narratives. The people I have seen in offices, hospitals, and shelters nearly always have narratives broken by trauma, shame, loss, and the illness itself. When the narrative breaks, the self can lose its coherence. Their stories need to be heard by someone who can put the broken pieces back together. It is the continuity of others who recognize and connect the broken fragments that can restore continuity to the self.

When recognition fails, the injury deepens. Denial, minimization, or blame can amplify the original wound. The broken pieces of self cannot mend. These patterns are common in abusive relationships where the abuser rescripts the narrative, denies the harm, and blames the victim.

These clinical patterns illuminate our collective, societal behavior.

Frantz Fanon understood this intimately. In Black Skin, White Masks, he describes the shock of being reduced to an object under the white gaze, the moment when a child points and says, Look, a Negro! In that instant, Fanon writes, he becomes sealed into a racial identity imposed from outside. His lived experience is overridden by someone elses story. James Baldwin also knew this shock. In Stranger in the Village, he describes arriving in a tiny Swiss village where the children had never seen a Black man and ran after him shouting Neger! The encounters were identical. Both invisible in the white gaze that granted them no recognition,

Fanon was trained as a psychiatrist. He knew that misrecognition is not merely insulting. It is fundamentally destructive of the self. What he described was not a single wound but a chronic condition, the ongoing struggle of holding a coherent self together against a world that persistently reflects mangled distortions. I have seen this struggle in countless forms. Few patients escape misrecognition, which can lead to stigma, prejudice, or discrimination. But the most disabling consequence is to lose the thread of ones own story, and enter a narrative scripted in someone elses language. The misrecognized self faces an exhausting battle that may never end. Fanon saw that colonial racism imposed this exhaustion on an entire people, not as an episode but as an institutional structure.

What is true in the consulting room and in Fanons colonial world extends to a global scale.

Racism clearly harms its targets, but this is only part of the story. Racism also distorts the inner world of those who practice and defend it.

James Baldwin gave voice to this with devastating precision. In The Fire Next Time, he wrote that the white mans unadmitted  and apparently to him unspeakable  private fears and longings are projected onto the Negro. Baldwins point was not simply moral. It was psychological, and it cut in both directions. Projection allows fears to remain unexamined, but it also makes the projector dependent on the target. The fears do not disappear; they are merely redistributed. Because they have not been faced, they must be constantly managed through further distortions of reality and through the rewriting of history itself.

Baldwin understood that a racial identity built in opposition to Black humanity is inherently fragile. It must continually defend itself against the recognition it has refused to grant. Elsewhere, he observed that the danger in the minds of most white Americans is the loss of their identity. This was not a fear of social change alone. It was a fear of narrative collapse, the terror that the story a nation has told itself might not survive contact with the truth. We all know this terror well in our personal lives. The idea that our narratives might become unreliable, or even end, is one of our most primal fears. Baldwin saw that America had organized an entire racial order as a psychological defense against that reckoning.

A nation cannot have a coherent identity that rests on strategic amnesia.

I was fortunate to grow up in a household where another story was always being told.

My father was a history teacher in the District of Columbia Public Schools. A graduate of Dunbar and Howard, he had mentors such as Carter G. Woodson and Haley Douglass, the grandson of Frederick Douglass. Through Woodson and Douglass, history was not an abstraction. It was lineage and a responsibility.

Woodson understood that the erasure of history is rarely a passive omission; it is active distortion. In The Mis-Education of the Negro he argued that when people are educated into a narrative that excludes them, they do not simply lack information. They internalize exclusion itself, coming to see themselves as marginal to the human story.

Woodson was the founder of what would become Black History Month. His agenda was not to block out time on Americas calendar but to rebuild an entire framework of recognition, badly damaged by centuries of oppression.

In my fathers classroom, the standard textbooks presented Eurocentric narratives. They often characterized slavery as benign paternalism. Most of his students found little in those pages that reflected their own lives. But after the bell rang, he told the stories that had been left out.

He was not alone. Teachers of his generation carried those stories forward even when institutions did not. They transmitted a history that had survived enslavement and segregation. It lived through times when it was illegal to teach enslaved people to read. It was passed from generation to generation, from warm hand to warm hand.

This history is indelible.

***

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New Tasma Walton drama Pilli Sisters PI for ABC

Six part drama centres around Indigenous sisters and private investigators tackling Fremantle's most confounding cases.

The ABC is developing a new scripted drama series, Pilli Sisters PI iin association with Screenwest.

The six-part series, written by and starring Tasma Walton (Reckless, The Twelve) will be a co-production between Lingo Pictures, Third Act Stories and Meeniyan Stories, and is due to film on location across Western Australia.

Set in Fremantle, the series follows Marlee and May, Indigenous sisters and private investigators tackling the port citys most confounding cases. As they chase down clues across Freos streets and shoreline, the pair juggle sisterhood, old wounds, big dreams and ongoing debates about the ultimate gravy base for kangaroo stew.

Tasma Walton said: Im very excited to be working with the wonderful ABC on Pilli Sisters PI, an Indigenous-lensed show whose heroines not only solve puzzling mysteries, but also celebrate community and sisterhood in all their glorious complexity.

Rachel Okine, ABC Head of Scripted and Kelrick Martin, ABC Head of Indigenous said: Were thrilled to be working on this richly drawn new series, bringing Tasma Waltons compelling and original vision to the ABC. Its a crime story that feels fresh, grounded and wholly original and were excited to be shaping it with such a talented creative team.

Rikki Lea Bestall, CEO of Screenwest said: Were proud to have supported Tasma, Martha and the Pilli Sisters PI from its earliest stages. We look forward to seeing these exceptional Western Australian storytellers bring this new series to life. Their voices, creativity and cultural strength continue to entertain audiences and enrich our screens.

Jason Stephens, Creative Director of Lingo Pictures said: Tasma Walton is a singular talent who brings an unmistakable depth and heart to this story, offering a unique take on the crime genre through an Indigenous lens. Were thrilled to partner with the ABC, whose long-standing commitment to championing original Australian voices makes them the perfect home for this series.

Martha Coleman, Third Act Stories said: The exceptionally talented Tasma Waltons creation of Pilli Sisters PI is a great example of the rich story telling we have manifesting in Western Australia. We are loving this collaboration and delighted to have found the ABC as the home of our new series.

Production Credit: Pilli Sisters PI  From the ABC in association with Screenwest and Lotterywest.
SBS acquires Mysteries on the Nile, Tall Tales & Murder.

SBS picks up another David Suchet travel series and a darkly funny crime drama.

SBS has picked up a number of titles from London screenings, including Mysteries on the Nile with Sir David Suchet, plus Tall Tales & Murder.

SBS has pre-bought the rights for Mysteries on the Nile with Sir David Suchet, featuring the famed Hercule Poirot actor.

Suchet, who has long been fascinated by ancient civilisations, will explore the enduring enigmas of Ancient Egypt as he travels down one of the most famous rivers in the world.

SBS recently screened Travels with Agatha Christie & David Suchet.

Darkly funny crime drama Tall Tales & Murder has been commissioned two six-part series by BBC and Irelands RTE.

The series stars Ella Lily Hyland (Black Doves, Towards Zero, Silent Roar), Aidan Gillen (Love/Hate, Game of Thrones, Kin), Philippa Dunne (Amandaland, Derry Girls, The Woman in the Wall) and Packy Lee (Peaky Blinders).

Source: C21, Deadline
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.

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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.

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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:

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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.

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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.
Vietnamese enterprises are accelerating investment in deep coffee processing. Photo: Nguyen Hue

The average export price in January 2026 remained high at US$5,450 per ton.

Coffee ranked as the second highest export earner in the agricultural sector for the month and was among nine key product groups posting export revenues above US$1 billion.

In 2025, Vietnam exported nearly 1.6 million tons of coffee, generating US$8.92 billion - the highest level in history. Export volume rose 18.3 percent year on year, while value surged 58.8 percent compared to 2024.

The year is widely seen as a breakthrough for Vietnams coffee industry, with exports maintaining steady growth largely thanks to elevated global prices amid tight worldwide supply. Import demand from major markets remained stable, underpinning strong export turnover.

Beyond impressive gains in volume and value, the sector also made strides in restructuring its product mix, diversifying varieties and gradually reducing reliance on raw exports.

According to data from the Customs Department, Robusta remained the backbone of exports in 2025, bringing in US$6.59 billion, up 57.4 percent year on year and accounting for 73.8 percent of total coffee export value.

Vietnam continues to be the worlds largest exporter of Robusta, a variety increasingly favored by roasters for blending and instant coffee production.

Arabica exports also posted remarkable growth, earning nearly US$550 million, up 129.1 percent.

Notably, processed coffee exports reached US$1.78 billion - the highest level on record. Compared to 2024, export value for processed products climbed 50.4 percent, as companies ramped up investment in advanced processing technologies and expanded production of instant, roasted and other value-added coffee products.

Effective use of free trade agreements further enabled Vietnams processed coffee to benefit from tariff preferences, expand market access and enhance competitiveness globally.

Turning 1.7 million tons into a gold mine through deep processing

Vietnams coffee-growing area now spans about 710,000 hectares. Dak Lak, Lam Dong and Gia Lai form the core production belt, accounting for more than 92.4 percent of total area and 95 percent of national output.

In the 2024-2025 crop year, total production reached approximately 1.7 million tons, or about 29.5 million bags. For the 2025-2026 crop, output is estimated at 1.8 million tons, supported by favorable weather conditions and higher prices that encourage farmers to invest more in cultivation and yield improvement.

Phan Minh Thong, CEO of Phuc Sinh Group, told VietNamNet that agriculture - and coffee in particular - is a sustainable gold mine. The resource replenishes itself if businesses abandon the mindset of selling raw products and instead embrace deep processing while policy barriers are removed.

As one of the worlds largest Robusta producers, Vietnam generated nearly US$9 billion in coffee export revenue last year, fueled not only by output but also by the rise of deeply processed and specialty coffee products. According to Thong, Vietnamese coffee has gradually shed its image as a supplier of low-priced raw materials and gained acceptance at higher price points.

Phuc Sinh has invested heavily in high-value products, operating coffee processing plants in Binh Duong and Son La. Rather than settling for the role of low-cost raw supplier, the company proactively enhances value through deep processing.

Thong acknowledged that the move was initially risky, but over time it has helped reshape international perceptions of Vietnamese agricultural quality.

He cited the example of cascara tea, an herbal infusion made from dried coffee cherry husks. Previously discarded or used as organic fertilizer, the husks are now transformed into a product worth four times more than raw coffee beans. Drawing lessons from South America, the company developed cascara into a premium item.

The product is currently exported to the Netherlands, Italy and Germany, generating tens of thousands of US dollars annually. It allows the company to optimize its value chain while pursuing green processing and circular economy principles.

Doan Huu Tue, CEO of My Viet International Group, noted that Vietnams processed coffee lines are attracting growing attention from global markets.

In the past, Vietnamese coffee was packed in sacks and exported raw at very low prices. Now companies invest in machinery and deep processing to sell products at many times higher value, Tue said.

My Viet exports only processed coffee to 24 markets across Asia and Europe. Export values have risen strongly year after year. At times, we even ran out of goods to sell, he added.

Experts say that to reach the US$10 billion export target, Vietnams coffee industry must shift decisively from quantity to quality. With output already near its ceiling, future growth depends on deep processing, specialty products and a green, sustainable development path.

Tam An
On the fifth day of the Lunar New Year, thousands made their way to Ba Chua Kho Temple in Bac Ninh province to borrow money and seek blessings. Perched halfway up Kho Mountain, the temple venerates the Holy Mother in the land of Kinh Bac, long regarded as sacred. Businesspeople from near and far come here at the beginning of each year, hoping for prosperity and smooth ventures.

Gold paper offerings blanketed ceremonial trays, passed hand to hand through the tightly packed crowd at the temple gate. The sheer overload left many visibly exhausted, frowning as they struggled up each stone step.

To serve the influx of visitors, numerous full-service offering packages were available, including prepared trays and attendants who carried them up to the temple on behalf of worshippers.

On the prayer sheets, devotees carefully wrote the amount they wished to borrow from Ba Chua, accompanied by trays of votive paper money believed to correspond in value to the requested sum. In some cases, the figures reached tens of billions of dong. One tray of votive offerings used to borrow VND27 billion (US$1.1 million) was priced at around VND3 million (US$120).

The area designated for votive paper offerings in the courtyard was constantly piled high.

Inside the worship halls, lines of people pressed together to bow and pray. Many, unable to approach the altar, stood at a distance to read their petitions and ask for blessings.

Trinh Thi Nga said her family visits Ba Chua Kho Temple every year to pray for prosperity. Each year I come to borrow capital for my business. The following year I return to repay the interest and ask to borrow again, she shared.

Behind the temple, the area for burning votive offerings blazed red throughout the day. Ashes rose nearly to the mouth of the furnace, forcing many to stand back and toss their offerings into the fire as the flames burned too fiercely to approach.

Thousands of pilgrims crowd Ba Chua Kho Temple in Bac Ninh on the fifth day of Tet to seek blessings and borrow spiritual capital.

Gold paper offerings are passed hand to hand through the tightly packed crowd at the temple gate.

Full-service offering trays, including attendants to carry them up to the temple, are provided for visitors.

A votive tray used to borrow VND27 billion (US$1.1 million) is priced at around VND3 million (US$120).

The courtyard area for votive offerings remains piled high throughout the day.

Worshippers press together inside the halls to bow and read their petitions.

The furnace for burning votive paper behind the temple burns continuously, with ashes nearly filling the mouth of the kiln.







Thach Thao
For French Ambassador Olivier Brochet, Tet is defined by beautiful traditions and by the way Vietnamese people turn toward their families and teachers at the moment when spring and earth meet in transition.

General Secretary To Lam and his spouse, together with French President Emmanuel Macron and his spouse, enjoy a performance of Hue royal court music at the Temple of Literature (Quoc Tu Giam).

In the first days of the Lunar New Year, the French Ambassador to Vietnam donned an ao dai, explored the Temple of Literature and felt the subtle shift of seasons. In the quiet, ancient space of the heritage site, he shared his reflections with the press on the occasion of the Year of the Horse 2026.

A perfect 2025, expectations for a stronger new year

Asked to assess Vietnam - France relations over the past year, particularly while seated at a venue so closely tied to the two countries journey, the Ambassador described 2025 as a year of strong development.

On the political front, two major events stood out. In late May, French President Emmanuel Macron and his spouse paid a state visit to Vietnam. Shortly afterward, Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh traveled to France to attend the United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice and conducted a bilateral visit, meeting French leaders in Paris.

Through these encounters, leaders of both countries expressed pride in the decades-long relationship between Vietnam and France. They also reaffirmed their determination to strengthen cooperation in ways that contribute to stability and peace in the region and the wider world.

What stands out to me most is the trust between our two sides - Frances trust in Vietnam, Ambassador Brochet emphasized.

General Secretary To Lam and President Emmanuel Macron feed fish at Uncle Hos fish pond.

General Secretary To Lam and President Emmanuel Macron plant a friendship tree - an osmanthus - at the Ho Chi Minh Relic Site within the Presidential Palace complex.

During President Macrons visit, three moments left a deep impression on him.

The first was the luncheon hosted by General Secretary To Lam and his spouse for President Macron and his spouse at the Temple of Literature, a site rich in symbolism. The French President and First Lady were moved to be welcomed in such a meaningful location.

The second was the joint planting of a friendship tree - an osmanthus - by President Emmanuel Macron and General Secretary To Lam within the Presidential Palace grounds, followed by a visit to Ho Chi Minhs stilt house.

The third was President Macrons dialogue with Vietnamese students at the University of Science and Technology of Hanoi. The exchange allowed the French President to express his confidence in the younger generation and Frances desire to accompany Vietnamese youth in the countrys development journey.

President of the European Council Antonio Costa and French Ambassador Olivier Brochet at Metro Line 3, a project receiving significant financial support from France.

In high-level discussions, the two sides addressed strategic areas including defense, energy, transport infrastructure and healthcare.

In defense, Vietnam seeks to diversify partners to strengthen strategic autonomy. A letter of intent was signed between the Vietnamese Minister of National Defense and the French Minister of the Armed Forces to deepen practical cooperation during the Presidents visit.

In energy, France is accompanying Vietnam in meeting its growing energy demands and its 2050 net-zero commitment. France is ready to share technology, including in the nuclear field.

In transport, particularly the North - South high-speed railway and metro lines, France possesses advanced technology and stands ready to transfer know-how and support human resource training.

Healthcare, a longstanding pillar in bilateral ties, also presents an opportune moment for renewed momentum.

French Ambassador Olivier Brochet visits the Temple of Literature.

The Ambassador cited a concrete example in energy cooperation. Within the framework of the Just Energy Transition Partnership, France has committed 500 million euros to Vietnam. To date, more than half of that amount has been pledged to specific projects.

We have just experienced an especially perfect year in 2025 with several major milestones. I sincerely hope that 2026 - the Year of the Horse - will see Vietnam - France relations advance even further on the basis of projects launched last year, he said. He expressed hope for dynamic cooperation reflecting friendship, partnership and trust, particularly in support of Vietnams sustainable development goals.

Having just visited an exhibition of horses at the Temple of Literature, the Ambassador was asked about the symbolism of the Year of the Horse - dynamism, freedom, passion and good fortune, captured in the Vietnamese wish Ma dao thanh cong.

Ambassador Olivier Brochet takes part in cultural activities during his Tet visit.

He extended New Year greetings to the Vietnamese people, noting the special meaning of offering them from such a historic and cultural site.

This is his third Tet in Vietnam, and each year remains moving. Tet, he said, is not only a celebration of the new year but a sacred time connecting generations, symbolizing life and the resilience of the Vietnamese people.

He observed similarities between Tet and Christmas in France. Though the meanings differ, the atmosphere is comparable - a time for family reunions, for members long apart to return home.

In Vietnam, he noted, reverence for ancestors, grandparents, parents and former teachers is expressed even more strongly. For him, this is not merely a beautiful tradition but a deeper source of Vietnams unique strength.

He expressed confidence that Vietnam will continue achieving success. Over the past 40 years, the countrys accomplishments have been remarkable and have left a deep impression internationally. Since taking up his post, each French delegation visiting Vietnam has conveyed admiration for the nations progress.

France hopes its partnership will continue contributing to that success. The 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam has set out ambitious development goals. France believes Vietnamese leaders and people will successfully realize them and reaffirms its readiness to accompany Vietnam on that path.

France stands ready to share with Vietnam

Visitors explore the exhibition booth of a French defense enterprise at the Vietnam International Defence Expo 2024.



The 14th Party Congress identified promoting foreign affairs and international integration as a key and regular task alongside defense and security. Ambassador Brochet welcomed this orientation.

France believes in Vietnams development and remains open to cooperation opportunities. A notable point in the Congress documents, he said, is Vietnams determination to enhance its international role for peace, stability and development. France shares that spirit, reflected in exchanges between President Macron and General Secretary To Lam.

Amid global complexities, France, as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council and G7 Chair in 2026, will work with partners such as Vietnam to safeguard global stability.

In his opening speech at the 14th Party Congress, General Secretary To Lam underscored independence and strategic autonomy. France is ready to accompany Vietnam in this domain. Vietnam has clearly articulated its stance at multilateral forums such as the United Nations and the WTO.

Beyond bilateral ties, both countries must cooperate to address global challenges including climate change, ocean protection and biodiversity. Vietnam was among the first 60 countries to ratify the Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction - an important foundation for tackling future challenges together.

The world is facing instability due to imbalances in trade and international relations. During its G7 presidency, France aims to promote rebalancing and dialogue among various blocs, including BRICS and the G20, based on the United Nations Charter. France believes Vietnam shares the objective of ensuring sustainable global development.

In November, the 20th Francophonie Summit will take place in Siem Reap, Cambodia. Many still recall that Vietnam hosted the summit in 1997. This will be an opportunity for Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos to further promote French language learning and strengthen ties with the global Francophone community, including developed countries such as Belgium, Switzerland and Canada, as well as developing nations in Africa.

Happy New Year to Vietnam - a country with a thousand-year history that has overcome hardship and now looks to the future with optimism, the Ambassador concluded.

Tran Thuong
Anchored by the revised Resolution 260/2025/QH15, which amends and supplements several provisions of Resolution 98/2023/QH15 on piloting special mechanisms and policies for the citys development, the municipal government and its citizens are confidently steering toward a breakthrough GRDP growth target of at least 10 percent in 2026.

In the early days of the Lunar New Year 2026, as a sense of urgency ripples across major construction sites and strategic projects in the city named after President Ho Chi Minh, the double-digit GRDP goal no longer feels like a dry statistical benchmark. It has become a demanding economic imperative. According to experts, for this giant economic engine to accelerate toward that target, nothing short of a revolution in public governance will suffice.

The city needs more than fuel

Looking at the current economic landscape of Ho Chi Minh City, Associate Professor Do Phu Tran Tinh, Director of the Institute for Policy Development under Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City, offers a pragmatic view of scale pressure. Once an economy reaches a certain size, he notes, each additional 1 percent of growth requires an enormous absolute increase in added value.

Ho Chi Minh City is now grappling with shrinking space for traditional expansion, while new drivers such as high technology and innovation continue to face obstacles.

Echoing this concern, Le Thanh Hai, Director of the Center for Economic Application Consulting at the Ho Chi Minh City Institute for Development Studies, warns of the so-called middle-income trap and persistently low labor productivity. Current productivity levels are not strong enough to sustain 10 to 12 percent growth, he says candidly. As advantages in low-cost labor fade, any delay in shifting toward a knowledge-based economy will inevitably stall growth momentum.

Strategic infrastructure remains uneven, and high logistics costs have become a barometer of the citys competitiveness. Yet, experts argue that these visible challenges in infrastructure and human resources are only the surface. The real bottleneck lies deeper within the systems operating core.

To accelerate Ho Chi Minh Citys economic engine, the critical issue is not merely adding more fuel. It is about clearing the bottlenecks in the gearbox and operating system to generate new breakthrough energy, Do Phu Tran Tinh observes.

When macro-level orientations are already clear and the business community stands ready, the final knot lies in execution capacity across both the public and private sectors. As Le Thanh Hai aptly puts it, if infrastructure and human capital represent the hardware, then implementation capacity is the operating system. To run the software required for double-digit growth, the operating system must be upgraded first.

Breakthroughs from sandbox mechanisms and endogenous resources

Institutional inertia often stems from fear of accountability and overlapping legal frameworks. To address this at its root, Do Phu Tran Tinh underscores the importance of protecting public officials. If those who act in accordance with proper procedures and public objectives are not safeguarded, the instinct for safety through inaction will prevail. Public investment decisions and pilot models will slow, and double-digit growth will remain little more than a slogan.

To turn the 2026 target into reality, experts propose an action-driven roadmap focused on unlocking resources currently frozen within the system. One bold solution is to activate the vast pool of public assets following administrative mergers. The city, Do Phu Tran Tinh suggests, should digitize these assets and design transparent exploitation models such as public-private partnerships, auctions or long-term leases, transforming dormant assets into development capital for infrastructure and the digital economy.

On the institutional front, establishing controlled pilot mechanisms, or sandboxes, is essential to prevent initiatives from becoming trapped in legal gray zones. Le Thanh Hai proposes the formation of special task forces endowed with exceptional authority to coordinate key projects, shifting the mindset from management to facilitation. At the same time, applying modern governance tools such as KPIs and OKRs, widely used in the private sector, to the administrative apparatus would help tie individual accountability directly to concrete growth outcomes.

Finally, to address the pressing talent shortage in strategic sectors such as artificial intelligence, data, semiconductors, cybersecurity and biotechnology, the city must move beyond piecemeal incentives. A more decisive approach is needed: building a comprehensive ecosystem for talent.

This includes competitive income, housing, world-class working and research environments, startup opportunities, robust computing infrastructure, open data and tailored mechanisms on taxation and visas. Otherwise, the city will struggle to spark a wave of fast-growing technology enterprises. Talent comes when people see a thriving ecosystem, not merely an initial allowance, Do Phu Tran Tinh emphasizes.

Achieving double-digit growth in 2026 is an ambitious destination, yet entirely attainable if Ho Chi Minh City is determined to upgrade its execution capacity. When the administrative apparatus truly becomes a partner rather than a gatekeeper, the citys economic engine will naturally find the energy to surge past every barrier.

At its sixth session of the 10th Peoples Council and subsequent conferences on socio-economic tasks, Ho Chi Minh City officially set a breakthrough scenario of over 10 percent GRDP growth for 2026. This confidence is grounded in the strong rebound of 2025, when growth is estimated at 8.03 percent, providing a solid runway for acceleration.

The city is now developing three flexible growth scenarios. The most ambitious, at 10 percent, rests on expectations of positive shifts in the global economy and, crucially, the early effectiveness of special mechanisms under Resolution 260, which amends and supplements Resolution 98.

At an early 2026 socio-economic review meeting, the citys statistical authorities calculated that the total size of Ho Chi Minh Citys economy has reached approximately VND3 million billion, equivalent to roughly US$120 billion. To achieve the colossal target, the city must generate at least VND300,000 billion in additional value, or approximately US$12 billion, corresponding to 10 percent of its current scale. Meanwhile, total public investment capital allocated for 2026 stands at around VND150,000 billion, equivalent to roughly US$6 billion.

From this gap, city leaders stress that the state budget can only serve as seed capital. To reach double-digit growth, Ho Chi Minh City will need an extraordinary effort to mobilize non-budgetary resources, including social capital, corporate investment and foreign direct investment.

Quoc Ngoc
The Investigation Police Agency of Ho Chi Minh City Police has prosecuted and detained Truong Nhat Phuong, 34, from Tay Ninh province, who was living a transient life, on charges of property theft.

Authorities say Phuong created the image of a successful businessman and used dating applications to lure hundreds of women into a so-called sugar baby arrangement, enabling him to steal property and record sensitive videos.

The real estate tycoon script and a calculated trap

Suspect Truong Nhat Phuong during questioning by police. Photo: Police.







According to initial information, earlier this month, L.Th.D.O., residing in Tan Son Nhat ward, Ho Chi Minh City, reported to Go Vap Ward Police that a man named Hung had deceived her and stolen her iPhone 16.

She said she met the man on Telegram in mid-January. He introduced himself as Hung, a real estate entrepreneur. After exchanging messages for a period, she agreed to meet him at a hotel in Go Vap ward on February 2.

After what she described as a period of conversation and intimacy, Hung suggested she take a shower. When she returned, he had disappeared, along with her phone.

Following the report, Go Vap Ward Police coordinated with Ho Chi Minh City Police to investigate. Through security camera footage and other investigative measures, officers quickly identified the suspect as Truong Nhat Phuong, who had a prior conviction for property theft.

Phuong was known to frequent an internet cafe on Quang Trung Street in Go Vap ward to play online games. However, when officers went to locate him, they learned he had traveled to Hanoi.

Upon receiving information that he would return, investigators organized surveillance. In the early hours of February 12, when Phuong appeared at the same internet cafe, officers ambushed and arrested him.

At the police station, Phuong initially denied wrongdoing but later confessed after being confronted with evidence. Further investigation indicated that he had been operating similar schemes across multiple provinces and cities.

Hundreds allegedly ensnared

Police said Phuong had once been a student at a specialized high school and graduated from a major university in Ho Chi Minh City. Though married with children, he allegedly chose to fund his gaming habits by targeting women.

From 2020, Phuong began approaching women to defraud them of money and property. In 2022, he was sentenced by the former District 1 Peoples Court to 27 months in prison for property theft.

After serving his sentence, he allegedly resumed his activities, refining his tactics.

Investigators said Phuong used applications such as Tinder, Bumble and Viber, posing as an event manager or successful businessman seeking young women, particularly students.

He would then add them to chat groups he created, using multiple fake accounts to interact and persuade victims to join sugar baby packages, promising payments of VND40-50 million (approximately US$1,600-2,000) after several meetings. In reality, the supposed tycoon introduced to them was Phuong himself.

During meetings, he reportedly portrayed himself as emotionally vulnerable and proposed recording sensitive videos. Trusting him and hoping to secure the promised payments, some victims agreed. Police believe these recordings served as leverage, discouraging victims from reporting the theft of their belongings.

Phuong allegedly admitted that since 2020 he had contacted around 1,200 individuals and carried out acts against hundreds of women nationwide. Upon his arrest, police seized seven iPhones believed to be stolen property from previous incidents that had not yet been sold.

Given the large number of potential victims, the Investigation Police Agency has urged anyone harmed by Truong Nhat Phuong to contact Go Vap Ward Police at 0283.8942.596 or 0913.833.339 to assist with the ongoing investigation and legal proceedings.

Dam De
From the early hours of the sixth day of Tet (Lunar New Year), boats departing from Yen wharf were already busy ferrying visitors to the Huong Son scenic and relic complex in Huong Son commune, Hanoi, where they prayed for health, peace and good fortune in the new year.

This year, free admission through the sixth day of Tet further contributed to the surge in visitors. To meet demand, nearly 4,000 boats were mobilized at the wharf.

By 6am, the paths leading to the caves were crowded with people. At the cable car station, many chose the quicker option instead of climbing on foot, especially given the rain and slippery steps.

By 7am, the entrance to Huong Tich Cave was already packed.

Huong Tich Cave, famed as Nam thien de nhat dong - the First Cave under Heaven - is the largest worship site within the Huong Pagoda complex. It is associated with the legend of Avalokitesvaras cultivation and features spectacular stalactites as well as a green stone statue of Avalokitesvara dating back to the Tay Son period in 1793.

Inside the cave, people stood shoulder to shoulder to perform rituals. Many clasped their hands in reverence, while others gently touched the stalactites and prayed with solemn devotion.

Catching water droplets from the caves stalactites is a long-standing custom during the Huong Pagoda pilgrimage. Visitors raise their hands to receive what is believed to be holy water - pure drops symbolizing the blessings of Avalokitesvara. The ritual is meant to bring luck, prosperity, health and peace throughout the year.

Hoang Van Diep from Dong Anh district, Hanoi, said that to reach Huong Tich Cave early, he arrived at the cable car station at 2am. I wanted to be among the first inside the cave to pray and catch the sacred water for my family, he shared.

As noon and afternoon approached, the number of pilgrims heading to the main cave continued to rise, undeterred by the drizzling rain.

According to a representative of the Peoples Committee of Huong Son commune, from the first to the fifth day of Tet, the Huong Pagoda complex welcomed 135,895 visitors, an increase of 37,561 people, or 138%, compared to the same period last year. On the fifth day of Tet alone, 51,190 visitors came for sightseeing and worship. Tens of thousands more were expected on the sixth day as the pilgrimage season continued.

Crowds fill the paths during the opening day of the Huong Pagoda festival in spring 2026.

Boats at Yen wharf ferry pilgrims to the Huong Son scenic and relic complex despite the rain.

The cable car area draws many visitors seeking a quicker route up the mountain.

The entrance to Huong Tich Cave is packed from early morning.

Inside Huong Tich Cave, worshippers stand shoulder to shoulder to pray.

Pilgrims raise their hands to catch sacred water dripping from stalactites.

Some visitors touch the stalactites and bow in devotion.

Crowds continue to climb toward the main cave despite the drizzle.







The Bang
President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has sent a congratulatory letter to Sultan of Brunei Darussalam Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, AzerNEWS reports.

"Your Majesty,

On the occasion of the National Day of Brunei Darussalam, I sincerely congratulate you and, through you, your entire people on my own behalf and on behalf of the people of Azerbaijan.

The current level of Azerbaijan-Brunei relations, built on friendship and mutual respect, is gratifying. I believe that we will continue our joint efforts toward strengthening our interstate ties and further expanding our cooperation both bilaterally and multilaterally, in accordance with the interests of our friendly nations.

Taking this pleasant opportunity, I also wholeheartedly congratulate you and your friendly people on the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan, and I wish you robust health, happiness, and success in your endeavors, as well as lasting peace and prosperity for Brunei Darussalam," the letter reads.
New method offers fast, accurate results for city planners and policymakers WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind.  A Purdue University digital forestry team has created a computational tool to obtain and analyze urban tree inventories on public and private lands with record-breaking speed at an unprecedented scale. The team accomplished the feat by developing a novel AI-enhanced visual computing method that accurately determines the locations of trees in over 330 U.S. cities with a population of 100,000 or more. The method so far has individually identified 280 million urban trees. The most exciting aspect to me is the speed at which we can leverage satellites. The NYC Million Trees Initiative took over 2,000 volunteers more than 30,000 hours to count the street trees in New York City. We did it in an hour, noted Adnan Firoze, a Purdue graduate student in computer science. Firoze and seven co-authors will report their results in a paper accepted for publication by Communications of the ACM. Looking beyond the numbers and pointing to the California wildfires, Firoze highlighted the positive impact the work could have on peoples lives. While it took general processes and the mass media months to map out the loss in vegetation and structures, our work can facilitate and quantify it the very next day, he said.

Cities such as New York, Chicago and Los Angeles have paid millions of dollars to conduct tree inventories within their boundaries. Small cities, by contrast, lack the resources to conduct such inventories, which cost $4 to $7 per tree. These traditional inventories present challenges. They provide a wealth of information but cannot offer precise data, such as distance between trees, distance between buildings and backyard tree counts. The Purdue approach enables cities with more limited resources to conduct inventories easily, quickly and thoroughly, said Daniel Aliaga, associate professor of computer science, who led the project. The location of urban trees tends to follow certain rules in contrast to the more random tree distributions in natural forests. To help their system better understand urban tree distribution, the researchers trained their foundational model at Purdues Rosen Center for Advanced Computing. The three-week training process involved 100 graphics processing units (GPUs), mainly using the Gilbreth supercomputer. This work exemplifies how AI and digital forestry  both aspects of the Purdue Computes initiative  can help solve intractable urban issues. Purdue Computes is the universitys strategic effort to advance research and innovation in computing, physical AI, semiconductors, and quantum technologies, while expanding access to state-of-the-art computing resources. By connecting advanced computing infrastructure with disciplines such as forestry, agriculture and urban sustainability, Purdue is enabling discoveries that translate directly into real-world impact. The idea is to be repeatable. It takes about a day to update the dataset, to compute 330 cities, Aliaga said. And because the data they use from the PlanetScope constellation of 130 satellites includes 15 years of historical records, the system can generate before-and-after comparisons involving forest fires and other disasters to understand their effects.

We want the output to be not only a dataset, but also a methodology, Aliaga said. By our generative visual computing method, were able to respond to queries and to what-if scenarios, providing rich information about cities in an automated, easy-to-use platform. The researchers verified the accuracy of their results with Googles Auto Arborist Dataset, which combines street-level, aerial and satellite images of trees in 26 cities. They further vetted their approach with data from other cities. About 100 of the 330 cities have detailed or partial information. The tree-count ground-truth accuracy averaged 92.5% across the cities. Tree locations were accurate to within 1.5 meters, or nearly 5 feet. In recent decades, researchers like Aliaga have used standard urban modeling methods that would define rules to generate city structures and content. Purdues generative AI scheme has evolved into the next generation of those methods. The scheme draws upon deep learning, computer vision and image processing to chart the most likely tree locations from satellite data. If we discover the rules that govern the geometry and the placement of buildings and trees, then maybe we dont need to sample every single tree, Aliaga said. By having example data ingested, the network learns the rules that can generate the data in a very similar distribution to reality. The Purdue approach produced vastly more specific results than most previous studies conducted at similar scales. Those studies only indicated areas that were green or not. With more detailed basic information, you can start thinking about better planning and simulating the city environment, said Songlin Fei, professor of forestry and natural resources and director of the Institute for Digital Forestry. Fei and Ayman Habib, Purdues Thomas A. Page Professor of Civil Engineering, are the cofounders of the startup Arbomapper, which delivers a solution developed alongside this initiative. Fei noted that city infrastructure changes the weather, creating an urban heat island effect that alters the environment. We can plant trees to better mitigate the heat island effect, he said. Carefully distributing trees and vegetation also could help make a city landscape more wildfire-resistant. If you plant trees too close to your house, this could be fuel for wildfires, Fei said. Tree density also reveals relationships to social and economic issues when correlated with census data. For example, the Purdue study reinforced findings by other researchers showing that higher-income neighborhoods enjoy a greater tree density than less-well-to-do areas. Natural forests are places that not many people encounter on a day-to-day basis, Fei said. For city dwellers, however, urban trees and forests are a routine part of everyday life. The United Nations has projected that 70% of the worlds population will live in cities by 2050, up from 55% in 2022. The city landscape matters a lot, he said. The team is currently developing a national-scale web portal for urban green (i.e., trees) and gray (i.e., buildings) inventory estimation and analysis. This work was funded by the National Science Foundation, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Purdues Institute for Digital Forestry.

Computer science and AI are cornerstones of Purdue Computes  a comprehensive initiative that spans computing departments, physical AI, quantum science and semiconductor innovation.
Den Cung - Gieng Ngoc in Bac Ninh welcomed a steady stream of residents and visitors on the final day of the Lunar New Year holiday.

The site is renowned for its open-air well of crystal-clear water. Folklore holds that those who pray with sincerity will receive blessings and see their wishes fulfilled. Each spring, people return to seek prosperity, romance and a peaceful year ahead.

The ancient well lies at the heart of the temple grounds, fed by a source from Kim Linh Mountain. Shaped like a half moon and covering around 20 square meters, it features 11 brick steps, four stone steps and a final ironwood step descending to the waters edge.

During the early days of spring, as crowds move up and down the steps, the bricks can become slippery. To ensure safety, the management board provides high-friction slippers for visitors.

Nguyen Linh, from Lang Son, said she had researched Gieng Ngoc before making her pilgrimage. Trusting in the temples sacred reputation, she made the journey to pray for love at the start of the year.

I wash my face with the well water, hoping for clear eyes and a clear heart, so that this year I may choose the right partner, Linh shared.

Many visitors bring bottles, containers and even buckets to draw water, taking it home to wash their hair or share with relatives. The management board advises that, as three large sacred carp are raised in the well, visitors should limit themselves to washing hands and faces and avoid drinking the water directly to maintain hygiene.

Nevertheless, some tourists still drink the water immediately after drawing it. One woman said she found it remarkably sweet and cool.

Several female visitors did not hesitate to splash water over their heads and faces, praying for enlightenment and sharper minds in the new year.

After visiting the sacred well, many young people confidently drew fortune sticks for the year ahead, smiling when the predictions promised smooth romance.

Local residents say that in the past, villagers would fetch water from Gieng Ngoc to brew tea for guests and distill liquor for important family and clan occasions. There is also a long-held belief that thanks to drinking the wells water, the girls of Diem village possess particularly smooth and clear Quan ho folk singing voices, famed across the region.

Legend has it that within Gieng Ngoc lives a sacred fish believed to be over a thousand years old, respectfully called ong ca than by locals. During historic floods in 1957 and 1971, when Diem village was deeply submerged, the three sacred fish remained in the well and did not leave.

For visitors coming to Den Cung to offer incense and prayers, the water of Gieng Ngoc is believed to bring good fortune. Those who drink it, people say, will see their wishes come true.

Thach Thao
All six victims recovered in Thac Ba Lake boat tragedy. Photo: XD

According to authorities in Lao Cai province, on the afternoon of February 22, search teams located four additional missing victims in the sinking of the passenger boat on Thac Ba Lake.

The bodies were discovered after many hours of diving inside the hull and in the surrounding area where the collision occurred between a boat carrying 23 people and a stone barge. Search efforts were carried out throughout the night with the participation of police, military units, local rescue forces and naval special forces.

The four victims newly identified were H.T.H., 56; H.T.T., 60; H.T.T.T., 14; and T.T.H., 48.

Earlier that morning, rescuers had recovered the body of H.D.M., 11. All of the victims resided in Cam Nhan commune.

Later the same afternoon, local authorities confirmed that the final victim had been found by forces from Brigade 126 of the Naval Special Forces. The victim was identified as H.V.T., 42.

The accident occurred at around 7:15pm on February 21 in the area of Lang Can hamlet, Bao Ai commune, Lao Cai province. A passenger boat collided with a stone-carrying vessel, causing the passenger boat to sink. Of the 23 people on board, six went missing and 17 were rescued safely.

Local authorities said the passenger boat was owned by Tran Anh Tuan, 47, residing in Bao Ai commune. The vessel had been purchased but the ownership transfer procedures had not yet been completed. The boat was operated by Trieu Van Noi, 31, from Cam Nhan commune. At the time of the incident, it was traveling from Yen Binh commune to Cam Nhan commune.

The stone barge was owned by Marble Viet Nam Minerals Company, based in Luc Yen commune. It was operated by Nguyen Van Tham, 42, from Cam Nhan commune. When the collision occurred, the vessel was transporting 515 tonnes of stone from Luc Yen commune toward Yen Binh commune.

In response to the particularly serious inland waterway accident, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh issued an official dispatch directing urgent measures to address the consequences of the tragedy.

He extended condolences to the families of the victims and instructed the Ministry of Public Security, the Ministry of Construction and the Lao Cai provincial Peoples Committee to promptly handle the aftermath, visit and support the victims families.

The Prime Minister requested the Chairman of the Lao Cai Peoples Committee to urgently direct relevant agencies to ensure the best possible medical conditions for the injured, while organizing visits and providing support and encouragement to affected families.

He also ordered Lao Cai authorities to strengthen patrols and inspections, strictly handle violations of inland waterway traffic safety regulations, swiftly investigate and clarify the cause of the accident, and impose strict penalties in accordance with the law on organizations and individuals responsible.

The Ministry of Public Security was tasked with directing Lao Cai provincial police to urgently investigate and verify the cause, with particular attention to possible violations of business conditions in inland waterway transport, especially cargo and passenger operations. The Prime Minister stressed tighter control and strict handling of overloading and exceeding passenger limits, and accountability for vessel owners and transport enterprises when violations occur.

The Ministry of Construction was instructed to direct the Lao Cai Department of Construction and construction departments in other localities to comprehensively review compliance with inland waterway transport business regulations and conditions, and to strictly sanction any violations. Special attention is to be given to the responsibilities of captains, vessel owners and port management units in relation to this accident.

Peoples Committees of provinces and centrally run cities were also directed to tighten management of inland waterway transport businesses in their areas, enhance inspections of compliance with business conditions, and strictly penalize violations, particularly failures to ensure passengers wear life jackets on boats.

The Ministry of Construction was assigned to monitor and urge relevant ministries, sectors and localities to implement the Prime Ministers dispatch and report any issues beyond their authority.

Duc Hoang - Tran Thuong
Professor Hoang Anh Tuan, Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi. Photo: USSH

The prestigious distinction recognizes his scientific, educational and cultural contributions.

In an official letter, Olivier Brochet, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of France to Vietnam, informed Professor Hoang Anh Tuan of his appointment as Chevalier de lOrdre des Palmes Academiques under a decree of the Prime Minister of the French Republic.

According to the announcement, Professor Hoang Anh Tuan received the honor for his dedication and dynamism in implementing the Vietnamica Program and the project Heritage Tourism Journeys in the City of Hanoi. These initiatives have significantly strengthened cooperation in social sciences and humanities between France and Vietnam.

The two projects were carried out during the 2020-2025 period under the academic leadership of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, in collaboration with the Agence universitaire de la Francophonie and the French Embassy in Vietnam.

The French Embassy in Vietnam is expected to organize a formal ceremony to confer the Ordre des Palmes Academiques on Professor Hoang Anh Tuan in the near future.

Born in 1976 in Thanh Hoa province, Professor Hoang Anh Tuan earned his bachelors degree in 1999 and his masters degree in 2001 in Archaeology from Vietnam National University, Hanoi. He pursued further postgraduate studies in the Netherlands, obtaining a masters degree in 2002 and a PhD in History in 2006 from Leiden University.

He has worked at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, VNU Hanoi, serving in various roles including lecturer (2007), vice dean (2010), vice rector (2016) and rector (2021).

He was appointed Associate Professor of History in 2012 and Professor of History in 2019. He has also participated in several international academic and educational organizations, including SEASREP Foundation (2012-2018, member of the selection committee and board of trustees), the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation (2012-2013, fellow; 2017-2023, scientific ambassador), and SEAMEO-SPAFA (member since 2017).

The Ordre des Palmes Academiques is one of the most distinguished honors of the French Republic. Established by Emperor Napoleon I in 1808, it recognizes outstanding contributions by French and foreign scholars, educators and cultural figures.

Thanh Hung
Often playfully referred to as the tomato-throwing market, Cho Chuong has taken place for hundreds of years, becoming a distinctive folk cultural feature of Thanh land.

According to village elders, the market is linked to a legend about an ancient battle. After defeating invaders, villagers celebrated by throwing soil and stones at one another to drive away evil and pray for peace in the new year. Over time, hard objects were replaced with ripe tomatoes to avoid injuries, forming the lively yet safe tradition seen today.

From early morning, streams of people flocked to the market, carrying bags filled with plump red tomatoes. The wide riverside ground along the Hoang River quickly turned into a giant playground. At the sound of cheers, tomatoes soared into the air, bursting in laughter and bright splashes of red.

Groups of young people stood ready with bags of tomatoes in hand, aiming playfully at those in front of them. Some participants were soon covered head to toe in crushed fruit, their clothes stained red but their faces lit up with delight.

Le Van Thanh, a resident of Dong Son district, said he attends Cho Chuong every year with friends. We dont come here for buying and selling. We come to have fun and throw tomatoes for good luck. The more I get hit, the more I believe I will have a lucky year, he said with a laugh.

As noon approached, the festive atmosphere grew even more animated. From adults to children, everyone eagerly joined in. Many deliberately wore thin raincoats or brought spare clothes to change after being dyed red by flying tomatoes. Even when struck repeatedly, no one seemed upset; instead, each splatter was taken as a cheerful new year blessing.

Nguyen Thi Hoa, a local vendor, shared that she prepares several quintals of tomatoes each year for sale, sometimes selling out in just one morning. Buyers dont bargain much. Everyone wants tomatoes to join the fun, she said.

At Cho Chuong, tomatoes are by far the best-selling item. After hours of throwing, crushed fruit litters the ground, turning the riverside field into a sea of red.

According to folk belief, the red color of tomatoes symbolizes luck and prosperity. Throwing tomatoes at one another represents casting away misfortune from the old year and welcoming a peaceful new year. Once the exuberant throwing subsides, the gathering returns to the true meaning of a rural market - trading agricultural produce and exchanging local specialties.

In recent years, authorities in Dong Son ward have strengthened security and environmental sanitation measures, while deploying personnel to guide participants to ensure the festival takes place safely. Visitors are encouraged to use soft, ripe tomatoes and refrain from throwing hard or dangerous objects.

A panoramic view of Cho Chuong market in Thanh Hoa province.

Young participants hold bags of tomatoes, ready to throw.

A young man hurls a tomato toward a group in front of him.

A participant is splashed with tomatoes during the lively ritual.

Many people come not to trade but to throw tomatoes for good luck at the start of the year.

Tomatoes are the best-selling item at the market.

Crushed tomatoes scatter across the ground after hours of joyful throwing.







Le Duong
Exports climbed to more than US$475 billion, up 17 percent compared to 2024, while imports reached US$455 billion, rising 19.4 percent. However, the trade surplus narrowed to US$20.05 billion, down from US$24.77 billion in 2024.

The result places Vietnam among the worlds 25 largest trading economies.

Nguyen Bich Lam, former head of the General Statistics Office, now the Statistics Office under the Ministry of Finance, described the US$930 billion mark as a bright highlight at a time when global trade continues to be shaped by geopolitical conflicts, rising protectionism and prolonged monetary tightening.

Agricultural and seafood exports became bright spots in Vietnams 2025 trade landscape. Photo: Hoang Ha

This figure reflects Vietnams ability to sustain export momentum, effectively leverage free trade agreements and adapt flexibly to external volatility. The country has held its ground amid turbulent global currents. Notably, the record turnover was not driven solely by traditional industrial sectors.

In 2025, agricultural and seafood exports emerged as structural bright spots, generating US$48.56 billion in revenue while maintaining double-digit growth.

According to Lam, the composition of agricultural and seafood exports is gradually shifting from raw products to deeper processing, steadily raising value added. Domestic enterprises have also improved their capacity to meet high market standards, from traceability requirements to quality control and emissions management. These sectors retain a higher share of domestic value and depend less on imported inputs than many processing and manufacturing industries.

For that reason, agriculture and seafood are not only export standouts in terms of value, but also signals of a potential shift toward a higher-quality growth model rooted more firmly in domestic value creation.

Growth model reaching its limits

Alongside the US$930 billion trade record, Lam pointed to a steady decline in the size of the trade surplus. In 2023, total turnover exceeded US$681 billion with a surplus of US$28.3 billion. In 2024, turnover rose to US$786.3 billion while the surplus fell to US$24.77 billion. By 2025, despite turnover reaching US$930 billion, the surplus stood at just over US$20 billion.

This trajectory shows that while international trade is expanding rapidly in scale, the net value retained for economic growth is increasing more slowly, even declining. Record turnover therefore does not fully reflect the economys internal strength or the efficiency of its international trade activities.

We must recognize that a record in scale is only a milestone, not the ultimate goal of an export-led growth strategy, Lam cautioned.

A key reason for the narrowing surplus over the past two years, particularly in 2025, is that businesses have accelerated imports of materials and components to hedge against reciprocal tariff measures and exchange rate fluctuations.

In the short term, this represents a flexible and rational response. Structurally, however, it underscores the heavy reliance of export-oriented production on imported raw materials, especially in processing and manufacturing industries. Strong import growth helps sustain production momentum in the near term, but it also exposes a structural vulnerability in an international trade model still deeply dependent on external inputs.

Notably, the domestic economic sector continues to run a persistent trade deficit, while the surplus is generated by the foreign-invested sector. This means Vietnams trade has grown rapidly in scale, yet its endogenous foundation remains insufficiently strong to balance trade sustainably between domestic and FDI enterprises.

The 2025 trade picture also suggests that the international trade growth model based on scale expansion, low labor costs and assembly processing is approaching its limits. Room for extensive growth is narrowing, while compliance costs tied to international standards, green requirements and traceability continue to rise.

Persisting in the pursuit of record scale at any cost, Lam warned, risks trapping the economy in the low-value segment of global value chains.

From grow fast to grow strong and sustainable

Against this backdrop, Lam argued that record turnover can no longer serve as the primary measure of effectiveness for the 2026-2030 period. Instead, trade policy must focus on raising the proportion of domestic value added and strengthening the role of private domestic enterprises, while developing sectors capable of retaining higher value and gradually reducing dependence on imported inputs.

The Government, he suggested, should articulate clear strategic messages to guide the restructuring of international trade, aligning it more closely with socio-economic development goals and reinforcing the long-term growth foundation of the economy.

In the new decade, trade performance must be assessed by quality, value retention capacity and the resilience of the goods trade balance, rather than by gross turnover alone.

Export-import strategy needs to shift its center of gravity from rapid scale expansion to improving the quality of trade growth. With the extensive growth model reaching its ceiling, the Government must steer a transition toward productivity-driven, technology-based and domestically anchored expansion.

The domestic economic sector must be developed into a pillar of exports, while the bright spots in agriculture and seafood should be transformed into strategic growth drivers.

Reducing reliance on imported inputs should become a central mission of international trade policy. Developing supporting industries and domestic supply chains is not merely a production issue but a core requirement for improving the quality of trade growth.

For 2026-2030, trade objectives should pivot toward enhancing value accumulation capacity, ensuring sustainable balance and elevating Vietnams position in global value chains, instead of chasing headline records.

Only when goods trade shifts from growing fast to growing strong and sustainable will new records truly become a foundation for growth in 2026-2030 and beyond, Nguyen Bich Lam emphasized once again.

Tam An
On February 23, Masan announced Phuong's appointment, effective immediately, with responsibility for leading the performance of its Convenience Foods and Bottled Beverages segments, with the following strategic priorities:

Targeting 20 per cent revenue growth for the business unit. Transforming the instant noodle category into a comprehensive meal platform, expanding value from individual products to an integrated convenient meal ecosystem serving both domestic and international markets. Leading the 'Win Every Drink Occasion' strategy, developing and scaling core brands such as Wake-Up 24/7 across the portfolio. Implementing the Digital 4P model by leveraging data and technology to enhance marketing, sales, distribution, and portfolio management efficiency, while accelerating execution of the companys Go Global strategy.

This year marks a pivotal point in aligning the company's 'Retail Supreme' direct distribution model with personalised digital marketing strategies. The integration unlocks the full potential of the Digital 4P model and builds momentum for the company's next phase of growth.

Before her appointment, Phuong served as senior marketing director of the Convenience Foods category at Masan Consumer. Having joined the company in 2010, she has accumulated over 16 years of experience and development within the organisation, directly leading one of Masan Consumers core business pillars.

She has been a key driver in the expansion and repositioning of the OMACHI brand, transforming it from a traditional instant noodle brand into a premium and innovative convenience food franchise. Flagship product lines such as self-heating rice, self-heating hotpot, and the Asian street food concept 'Quan Xa Chau A' reflect the brands evolution in response to modern consumption trends and increasingly sophisticated consumer experiences.

Danny Le, chairman of Masan Consumer, said, We strongly believe in building a next generation of young leaders who deeply understand the new-era consumer, harness the power of technology, and have deep knowledge of FMCG brand building fundamentals. The appointment of Nguyen Truong Kim Phuong marks an important milestone in our journey to build a successful Consumer-Tech organisation, thereby accelerating our mission: 'At least one Masan's product in each and every household globally."

We are committed to building a next generation of young leaders who understand modern consumers, harness technology, and uphold the fundamentals of the fast-moving consumer goods industry. Phuongs appointment marks a significant step in building a consumer-tech organisation and accelerating our mission to place at least one Masan product in every household globally.

Masan Consumer is targeting projected revenue of between VND33.8 and VND35 trillion ($1.30-$1.35 billion) for 2026, alongside continued profit improvement through enhanced operational efficiency and portfolio optimisation.

Phuong's appointment signals Masan Consumer's focus on strengthening leadership for its next growth phase, while reinforcing the company's position as a talent incubator for Vietnam's fast-moving consumer goods sector.

Masan posts steady gains as Vietnam targets stronger retail growth Vietnams push for stronger retail growth by 2030 is being matched by improving performance in the countrys major consumer groups.

MCH to become the largest consumer stock on VN-Index Securities firm Vietcap has assessed the prospect of Masan Consumer (MCH) on listing on the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange (HSX) on December 25.
Boeing and Sun PhuQuoc Airways announced the agreement on February 18, under which the new Vietnam-based carrier will acquire up to 40 787 Dreamliner aircraft. The airline plans to deploy the ultra-efficient, long-range jets to connect international travellers to its hub at Phu Quoc International Airport, supporting its ambitions to build a globally connected network centred on the island.

"Our partnership with Boeing establishes a strong foundation for building a world-class airline that operates in sync with the tourism and resort ecosystem Sun Group has developed," said Dang Minh Truong, chairman of Sun Group, the airlines Vietnam-based parent company. We selected the Boeing 787-9 for its superior operational performance and because it is the most suitable aircraft type to realise our vision of bringing the world to Phu Quoc.

General Secretary To Lam and US government representatives joined airline and Boeing leaders to recognise Sun PhuQuocs previously unidentified purchase, which is the largest Boeing widebody order in Vietnamese history.

With a range of 7,565 nautical miles (14,010 km), the 787-9 will position Sun PhuQuoc Airways to efficiently connect Phu Quoc with major cities and other tourist destinations across Asia, Europe and North America.

The 787 Dreamliner delivers superior comfort to passengers with the largest windows of any widebody aeroplane flying today and air that is pressurised at a lower cabin altitude, allowing passengers to arrive at their destinations feeling more refreshed.

We are excited to work with Sun PhuQuoc Airways as they join other global airlines in flying the 787 Dreamliner, which connects the most countries of any widebody fleet, said Stephanie Pope, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "The 787-9s unmatched range, fuel efficiency and passenger comfort will give the airline flexibility to open new longhaul markets, lower operating costs and contribute to local tourism growth."

Since airlines began flying the 787 Dreamliner family in 2011, the global fleet has helped launch more than 530 new nonstop routes globally and carried more than 1.2 billion passengers, further enhancing connectivity and expanding global travel options.

With Southeast Asia poised for significant air travel growth over the next 20 years, Vietnam is expected to be the regions fastest-growing aviation market with annual passenger growth of nearly 8 per cent by 2030.

Sun PhuQuoc Airways secures AJW Group support for fleet operations Sun PhuQuoc Airways has secured a long-term maintenance and spare parts support agreement with AJW Group to support fleet operations and expansion plans.

Boeing announces firm order for 35 737 MAX aircraft Embattled aviation giant Boeing on Monday announced that it had finalized a firm order with leasing company Aviation Capital Group for thirty-five 737 MAXs, its flagship aircraft, worth almost $4.5 billion at list price.
Ten thousand free tickets are on offer to visit some of Wales most iconic landmarks on St Davids Day.

Cadw, the Welsh Governments historic environment services, has announced that 17 of its sites can be accessed for free on Sunday, 1 March.

The sites included in the offer are: Beaumaris Castle; Blaenafon Ironworks; Caerleon Roman Fortress and Baths; Castell Caernarfon; Caerphilly Castle; Castell Coch; Chepstow Castle; Castell Conwy; Castell Cricieth; Denbigh Castle; Castell Harlech; Kidwelly Castle; Plas Mawr Elizabethan Town House; Raglan Castle; St Davids Bishops Palace; Tintern Abbey; Tretower Court and Castle.

10,000 free tickets have been made available, which can be claimed on the Cadw website.

In lieu of payment to these sites, visitors to are being asked to consider a voluntary donation to Wales Air Ambulance. The pan-Wales charity provides critical care 24 hours a day, seven days a week to those in urgent need. There is no obligation to donate, but those wishing to can donate here.

Vsitors to Plas Mawr and Castell Coch are advised to book their tickets as soon as possible, as there is a strict limit on the amount of tickets available for each of these sites.

First Minister Eluned Morgan said: St Davids Day is such an important opportunity for celebrating everything that makes Wales a special nation with our unique identity and culture.

Alongside our 1million fund for community St Davids Day events and celebrations across Wales this year, its great that people have the opportunity to visit some of our amazing historic places on 1st March.





Visiting a Cadw site is a fantastic way to celebrate Dydd Gwyl Dewi and learn more about Wales incredible history.

Jack Sargeant, Minister for Culture, said: I am so pleased that Cadw will, again, be giving away free entry tickets for St Davids Day.

Visiting one of these special places filled with history is a fantastic way to celebrate what makes Wales unique. Id urge anyone interested to book their tickets as soon as possible to avoid missing out.

We hope that visitors will also support our nominated charity, Wales Air Ambulance, who do incredible work right across the country.





Abi Pearce, Wales Air Ambulance Corporate Partnership Manager for South Wales, added: People can enjoy visiting some of Wales most iconic historic sites on St Davids Day, knowing they are helping save lives.

We are hugely grateful that all visitors to Cadw sites will be granted free access and we hope they donate to our lifesaving service.

Since our launch in 2001, we have carried out over 55,000 missions. We could not have done it without the support of the people of Wales, and we will always be there for them, wherever, and whenever, they need us.

To enjoy free access to one of these historic places this St Davids Day, visitors must reserve their free tickets online in advance. Proof of booking must be brought on the day of your visit.

How to claim your free tickets:

Go to Cadws Find a Place to Visit page and choose the historic place you want to visit

Click Book Tickets and pick your ticket type (for example, adult, family, or senior)

Select Sunday 1 March & a time slot

Add your free tickets to the basket and checkout

Your free tickets will be sent to the email address you enter at checkout

Spotted something? Got a story? email us at Got a story? email us at news@wrexham.com
The Marie Curie Great Daffodil Appeal is marking its 40th year, with people across North Wales encouraged to donate and wear a daffodil pin throughout February and March.

The annual fundraiser supports end of life care, helping Marie Curie nurses and healthcare professionals provide hospice care and support at home, in hospices and through information services.

This year marks four decades of fundraising for the charity. The appeal began in 1986 when volunteers took to the streets handing out fresh daffodils.

In Wales, the campaign runs ahead of and during St Davids Day, with organisers encouraging people to support the appeal by wearing the national flower.

To celebrate the milestone, the charity is inviting supporters to take part in a 40 for 40 challenge, asking people to create a fundraising activity based around the number 40.

Suggested ideas include hosting a coffee morning for 40 guests, organising a 40-question quiz, baking 40 cakes to sell, raising 40 through a personal challenge, or taking on 40 cold-water dips.

Some dedicated volunteers in Wales have already committed to getting creative, and ideas include yarnbombing 40 post boxes, walking 40 miles in March, knitting 40 daffodil pins, or hosting a St Davids Day party with 40 friends!

Charlotte Brown, Marie Curie Community Fundraiser for North Wales, said: Why not be part of something amazing in our 40th year and volunteer to invent your own fundraising event  with the emphasis on the fun! Together we can make the Great Daffodil Appeal really special this year.





By taking up our challenge you can help Marie Curie continue to provide expert end of life care and support for people with any illness they are likely to die from.

Collections will also be taking place at Morrisons supermarkets between February 23 and March 8, along with other locations across the region. The charity is asking volunteers to give two hours of their time to support local collections.

Further information is available by contacting the North Wales fundraising team by emailing Nwalesfundraising@mariecurie.org.uk or contacting your local Community Fundraiser on 01745 352910 .





Spotted something? Got a story? email us at Got a story? email us at news@wrexham.com
Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District and Sparks Fire Department crews were called to a fire at a home on Bridle Path Ct. in the Spanish Springs area.

It happened Sunday just after 2:30 p.m.

According to TMFR officials, the fire was contained to one room and was extinguished quickly after crews arrived.

No one was hurt, and the people living in the home have not been displaced. The cause is under investigation.
REMSA Health has renewed its franchise agreement with Northern Nevada Public Health (NNPH).

The private, nonprofit organization has provided ambulance and EMS services through an exclusive franchise agreement with NNPH, formerly Washoe County District Board of Health, for 40+ years.

About one out of every six Nevadans lives in the Reno metro area.

Authorities say the proven model has been successful, with REMSA Health answering nearly 92,000 calls for service every year at no cost to taxpayers. The organizations revenue is reinvested back into the community it serves, providing for its 600 employees who live and work in Washoe County.

Our patients arent just people who call 9-1-1 for helpthey are friends, family, neighbors and community members, said Barry Duplantis, president and CEO of REMSA Health. Being entrusted with this communitys health in times of need is our greatest privilege. With decades of experience delivering strong clinical outcomes, REMSA Health is an EMS provider worth preserving and extending and we are proud that the District Board of Health members recognized that.

The organization is the only 9-1-1 provider serving the region that is in accordance with response time expectations set by the EMS Oversight Program, and the only provider required to have third-party oversight to maintain performance standards. For priority medical emergency calls such as cardiac arrest, choking and uncontrolled bleeding, REMSA Health maintains an average response time of 6 minutes, 1 second within Washoe County, which outperforms the historical and newly-adopted response time requirements included in the franchise agreement.

REMSA Healths integrated, nonprofit franchise model is designed to support consistent care, operational efficiency and long-term financial stability across the communities we serve, said Duplantis. The reporting, accountability and transparency the franchise agreement requires provides us with the opportunity to double-down on the best practices that enable us to be a high-performing EMS partner for Washoe County now and into the future.

The agreement also supports REMSA Healths community engagement and professional education efforts, enabling the organization to coordinate public health and safety programs such as CPR training, healthcare workforce development, free car seat safety inspections and no-cost vaccine clinics that work to address the needs of the countys underserved populations.

The renewal is the result of 20+ months of collaboration between Washoe County stakeholders, including elected officials, community leaders, emergency response providers and NNPH.


PEP 11 Update

Perth, Feb 23, 2026 AEST (ABN Newswire) - BPH Energy Limited ( ASX:BPH ) ; (through its subsidiary Asset Energy Pty Limited as operator of the PEP 11 Permit) and Bounty Oil & Gas NL (Bounty) ( ASX:BUY ) provide an update on the the Originating Application for Judicial Review of the Joint Authority's decision to refuse the PEP 11 extension applications for variation and also PEP 11 Background (see below).



The hearing of the Application was completed over two days, 20th and 23rd February 2026 before the Honourable Mr Justice Jackson at the Federal Court of Australia, Sydney.



The hearing before Justice Jackson comprised tender by the parties of affidavits and agreed bundles of documents. The parties through their respective Counsel provided written submissions and these were expanded with oral submissions to the Court.



The decision on the application has been reserved to a future date and the parties will await the outcome.





About BPH Energy Limited





BPH Energy Limited (ASX:BPH) is an Australian Securities Exchange listed company developing biomedical research and technologies within Australian Universities and Hospital Institutes.

The company provides early stage funding, project management and commercialisation strategies for a direct collaboration, a spin out company or to secure a license.

BPH provides funding for commercial strategies for proof of concept, research and product development, whilst the institutional partner provides infrastructure and the core scientific expertise.

BPH currently partners with several academic institutions including The Harry Perkins Institute for Medical Research and Swinburne University of Technology (SUT).

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AceShowbiz - Tame Impala's visionary frontman, Kevin Parker, found himself in an unusual predicament this month, managing to completely miss his own Grammy victory. He was sound asleep during the live ceremony that ultimately awarded him Best Dance/Electronic Recording for his work on the Deadbeat single "End of Summer." This unexpected turn of events highlights the unique challenges faced by artists operating across vast geographical distances and time zones.

In a remarkably candid confession during a recent interview with fellow musician Mac Demarco for Interview Magazine, Parker openly admitted his oversight. "Look, I'm going to be dead honest with you. I forgot they were even on," he stated, further adding to the surprise, "I forgot that I was nominated as well." This frank admission underscored the casual, almost accidental nature of his latest prestigious accolade.

The circumstances surrounding his win were made all the more awkward by the significant time difference. Parker's category was presented during the Grammy Premiere Ceremony, a crucial segment that broadcasts live from Los Angeles prior to the main televised event. With the ceremony commencing around 12:30 PM PST, it meant a particularly brutal and early start of 4:30 AM in Perth, Australia, where Parker resides. This extreme time disparity made it nearly impossible for him to tune in live, even if he had remembered the event.

Recounting the bewildering experience, Parker further elaborated on his initial confusion to Demarco. "You have to imagine my confusion," he began, describing the typical Australian morning routine of catching up on American news. "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. I've got 30 messages on my phone, all saying congratulations. None of them are saying what for. And I'm like, 'What for, motherfuckers?'" This humorous anecdote perfectly captured the surreal moment of discovering his own success indirectly.

Remarkably, this latest accolade signifies Parker's second consecutive Grammy win within the very same category, a testament to his consistent impact in the dance and electronic music scene. His initial triumph came in 2025, when he shared the prestigious honor with the acclaimed duo Justice for their collaborative track "Neverender." This back-to-back recognition further solidifies his standing as a prominent figure in the genre.

Adding to the excitement surrounding his recent win, Parker, through Tame Impala, recently unveiled plans for an extensive 2026 tour. This highly anticipated series of performances will see the band headlining arenas across both the U.S. and Canada, scheduled to run between July and mid-September. Fans can look forward to a dynamic live experience, with Djo and Dominic Fike confirmed to alternate as opening acts, promising a diverse and engaging lineup for audiences across North America.
An analysis of the rise of AI Overviews following Google keyword searches and a corresponding decline in traffic to key free advice websites suggests that AI increasingly satisfies the generic, early stage needs of savers when they start to consider pension and retirement options. But while these Overviews may be reducing the need to go direct to the source for key information from websites such as the Government-run free and impartial MoneyHelper, they do not appear to have reduced traffic to services that offer more bespoke guidance, such as Pension Wise, which allows savers over 50 to book a free appointment for pension guidance. Traffic to MoneyHelper is down 10% over the last six months, according to data gathered on semrush, the online search marketing platform, while the website has seen a steady increase in the number of AI Overviews generated from MoneyHelpers content, over time. OpenAI itself has noted a use case for ChatGPT among retirement savers. When asked how retired people or people approaching retirement in the UK are currently using ChatGPT and other AI tools to help with their financial planning, ChatGPT said: Retired people and those nearing retirement are quietly but meaningfully using ChatGPT and similar AI tools as a thinking partner, not a replacement for regulated advice. The AI firm identified that sense-checking retirement decisions is the biggest use in this category, followed by modelling what-if retirement scenarios (informally), translating UK pension jargon into normal language; tax awareness and planning (with caution); co-ordinating the whole retirement picture and emotional reassurance and confidence-building. Luis Mejia, Head of Data and AI at PensionBee, said: As many of us have experienced, AI is a generally good substitute for some financial guidance, but advisory services are better protected. In the face of continued improvements to AI technology, the retirement industry faces a serious challenge of remaining relevant and trusted while savers increasingly rely on AI for more complex guidance and even personalised advice. The "Guidance" vs. "Service" Split The semrush data illustrates the divide between Informational Guidance (vulnerable to AI) and Transactional Services (resilient to AI). MoneyHelper (The Victim of "Zero-Click"): MoneyHelpers core value proposition is generalised guidanceexplaining rules, limits, and options. This is exactly the type of data Large Language Models (LLMs) excel at summarising. The Trend: In late 2025, reports indicated that "informational" websites saw traffic drops of 1020% as Googles AI Overviews began appearing Informational queries/ questions generate AI Overviews around 58% of the time The Mechanism: A user searches "pension annual allowance 2026". Previously, they clicked MoneyHelper. Now, the AI summarises the allowance directly. The user gets the answer and leaves (Zero-Click), causing the traffic drop. Pension Wise (The Protected "Service"): Pension Wise offers a specific, booked service (the government-backed guidance appointment). Why it's flat: You cannot "book an appointment" inside an AI summary yet. The user intent is transactional ("I want to book a call"), so they must click through to the site to complete the action. Providers (The Protected "Product"): Pension providers themselves are protected because people are likely searching for: Navigational queries: "Standard Life login" (AI can't log you in). Commercial intent: "Compare Aviva pension rates" (Users prefer trusted brand sources for money decisions). 2. Is AI replacing Advice? Strictly speaking, no. AI is currently replacing Guidance, not Regulated Advice. Guidance (MoneyHelper's domain): "What can I do?" (Facts, rules, tax brackets). AI is rapidly taking over this layer. It is faster and easier for a user to ask an LLM than to read a long government guide. Advice (IFA domain): "What should I do?" (Personalised recommendation with liability). This remains human-led. Trust Gap: Users (and regulators like the FCA) rarely trust AI to make life-changing financial decisions due to hallucinations. The Financial Conduct Authority is examining the impact of AI for financial services and consumers under the Mills Review, launched at the end of January. It set up the AI consortium in 2025 with the Bank of England. Meanwhile the Treasury Committee published a report AI in Financial Services, summarising current views.
In 2023, the FBI arrested two Chinese-Americans, Lu Jianwang and Chen Jinping, for operating a Chinese police station in Manhattan. Chen pleaded guilty and faces up to five years in prison for acting as a Chinese agent, while Lu, who has connections to Chinese authorities, pleaded not guilty and is awaiting trial. He faces 20 years for obstruction of justice.

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According to the Department of Justice (DoJ), the police station was established to monitor and intimidate Chinese dissidents in the U.S. What is concerning, however, is that this is not an isolated case of serious infiltration. Nor is such activity limited to the U.S. alone. Safeguard Defenders, a Madrid-based NGO, has identified 102 Chinese police stations in 53 countries.

The audacity of operating police stations in other countries highlights how far China is willing to go to silence critics as it seeks global dominance in economic, military, and cultural fields. This ability was not built overnight. Its foundation was laid by Mao Zedong himself with the creation of the United Front Work Department (United Front), one of the Chinese Communist Partys (CCP) three magic weapons, alongside armed struggle and party building. The front reports directly to the CCPs central committee.

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According to Cheryl Yu, a China expert and fellow of the Jamestown Foundation, Mao described the United Fronts work as unifying our real friends to attack our real enemies. Deng Xiaoping expanded that to a more aggressive approach: unifying those who can be unified, neutralizing those who can be neutralized, and dividing those in the enemy camp who can be divided. Current CCP supreme leader Xi Jinping has used it for the Great Rejuvenation of China.

Yus detailed report states that the first mention of the United Front working abroad appears in a 1985 document. Another document lists five overseas tasks: increasing peoples love for the motherland and the party; promoting Chinese culture; encouraging Chinese abroad to support their countrys development; promoting unification with Taiwan; and creating a positive international environment for the CCP.

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Over decades of assiduously cultivating overseas Chinese groups, the CCP has turned those seemingly harmless goals into a global network of influencegroups and individuals it can mobilize to promote its interests. Yus report states there are over 2,000 such groups in the U.S., U.K., Canada, and Germany; the worldwide number could reach tens of thousands.

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United Front work abroad advances Chinas diplomatic, economic, and military aims while also managing crises. Exploiting free democracies, CCP-affiliated think tanks focus heavily on shaping decision-making at all government levels. Others engage in espionage, illegal technology transfer, talent recruitment, election interference, intimidation of dissidents and critics, money laundering, and human traffickingthese activities that are only now gaining attention in the media and being taken seriously by the American government.

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Perhaps the most notable case of Chinese business espionage is that of Dr. Guangzhi Cao, who was charged in 2019 with stealing the source code of Teslas driver-assistance softwareover 300,000 files. He had left the company and joined the Chinese EV firm Xpeng Motors. The lawsuit was settled in 2021, with Guangzhi admitting to uploading the files and paying Tesla an undisclosed amount.

A 2024 report from the House China Select Committee notes that United Front work is a distinct combination of engagement, influence activities, and intelligence operations. It seeks to sway universities, think tanks, civic groups, prominent individuals, and others through patronage, subtle coercion, and opportunities such as visits to China, business deals, funding, honorary titles, and appointments.

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Shaping a positive image of China involves reinforcing its claim on Taiwan, gaining support for its global projectthe Belt and Road Initiativeand softening criticism of Chinas human rights abuses, such as forced labor, organ harvesting, oppression of Uighurs, Tibetans, and Falun Gong practitioners, as well as crackdowns on pro-democracy activists in China and Hong Kong.

When Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen visited the U.S. in 2023, groups connected to the United Front organized protests in New York and California. Protesters were reportedly paid $200 each. Later, a United Front organizationthe Overseas World Conference for Promoting Peaceful Reunification of Chinastated at a press conference that Tsais visit weakened the peaceful development of cross-strait relations.

Chinese Students and Scholars Associations (CSSAs), overseen by the United Front, operate at 150 American universities and serve as a significant pressure group. They have compelled university administrations to cancel visits by the Dalai Lama and censor activists discussing Chinese persecution of Uighurs and Falun Gong. CSSAs also monitor students, suppress dissent, and promote pro-CCP narratives.

The CCP, which views overseas Chinese as vital for achieving its objectives, urges them to engage in politics; ensure that foreign governments, businesses, academia, and societies support the CCPs aims; monitor and intimidate groups hostile to Chinese interests; and sow discord among rivals.

Chinese law requires citizens and companies, wherever they are, to cooperate with its intelligence agencies and share information with the Chinese government, so they are often pressured into doing the CCPs bidding. There is also the fear of being sent back to face punishment, in addition to the risk of arrest and torture of relatives in China.

In fact, hundreds of people have been repatriated to China through Operation Fox Hunt, a so-called anti-corruption campaign. Undercover teams enter the U.S. using false pretenses and recruit accomplices to locate, harass, and capture victims. These teams also threaten to jail and torture family members to gain leverage.

Overseas Chinese Service Centers, operated by non-profit organizations, play a significant role in such operations. These centers have been identified in at least seven U.S. cities. While they claim to promote Chinese culture and assist Chinese citizens abroad, they are involved in monitoring and intimidating dissidents. They are connected to both Chinese police and intelligence agencies, and it was one such center that functioned as the police station in Manhattan.

The FBI has charged those operating the police station with transnational repression; it is also prosecuting two additional cases involving 40 Chinese police officers. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) says the police stations constitute a direct violation of our nations sovereignty, while a former deputy national security advisor described Chinas actions as the internationalization of monitoring and control.

However, besides Chinese business espionage, tech thefts, and police stations, American authorities must recognize a greater threat: the infiltration of media, think tanks, and our politicians, all aimed at undermining Americas economy and strategic position. Additionally, they are gradually eroding Americas culture of individualism and enterprise by planting communism in young minds at our universities.

To counter Chinas influence, Yus report offers a four-point framework for identifying United Front-connected groups. This could be a good starting point, but legal steps must follow. The Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) of 1938  with its loopholes and overly strict standards for proving violations  has long faced weak enforcement. Congress has proposed several bills to strengthen FARA and improve oversight of foreign influence, especially from China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, and Cuba.

Whether these bills will become law remains uncertain, but they show lawmakers concern about the lack of regulation of foreign agents with malicious intent. Meanwhile, the DoJs FARA unit has grown more active, conducting a record number of inspections in recent years.

The Chinese police station and the 40 Chinese officers facing charges are a shocking symbol of communist Chinas extensive influence in our country. Its network must be dismantled.
Conservative Pundits across the country and the social media sphere are excited about California. The blue bastion of progressive destruction has a chance to elect a Republican for the first time since 2010, when Arnold Schwarzenegger left office.

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I have commented on Republican chances of winning the governors race. They are still possible, since two Republicans dominate the polls for the top two spots in the Jungle primary.

I have also discussed the top two Republican candidates: Chad Bianco and Steve Hilton.

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Now, its time to write about who would be the better of the two.

From the outset, my choice was Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco.

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This was a no-brainer for me: among many of the chief law enforcement officers in Californias 58 counties, he boldly declared, both to the Riverside County Board of Supervisors and the Governor directly, that he would not enforce lockdown orders, mask mandates, vaccine mandates, or other health orders.

This stance required considerable political courage. Governor Newsom threatened to pull funding from counties if the sheriff and other government officials did not comply with his unconstitutional and hypocritical dictates.

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Bianco had the power, he used that power for goodprotecting the rights of American citizensand he risked his power and funding to do the right thing. Thats leadership. Frankly, he could be liberal or progressive on other policies, but the fact that he fought for medical freedom is unassailable.

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YouTube screen grab (cropped).

Out of all the Republican candidates, Bianco is the only elected official.

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Twice elected in bluish Riverside County, Bianco defeated a RINO incumbent, Stan Stiff, who was dogged by misconduct and corruption allegations. In 2018, when the sheriff first ran for office after a thirty-year career as a deputy, friends of mine who lived in the area told me they were lining up behind Bianco for better leadership, more responsive service, and restoration of their right to keep and bear arms!

Bianco changed that lack of gun rights once he got elected. While California hosts some of the most draconian gun laws in the country, Bianco utilized his executive discretion to turn his county into a shall-issue county. Thats a big deal for California.

Campaigning statewide to a more liberal electorate, Bianco is not shying away from his pro-gun record. Previous Republican candidates and governors supported gun control or said nothing about guns. Schwarzenegger never spoke about it, but George Deukmejian signed an assault weapons ban into law. Before that, Governor Ronald Reagan had removed Californians right to open carry!

This year, Californians need a governor who will fight for our rights, promote public safety, and wont run away from Donald Trump, the way many California Republicans have over the last ten years.

Despite Biancos record of achievement, MAGA pundits, podcasters, and prognosticators have sounded off for Hilton.

For me, Hilton reminds me of John Cox, the 2018 gubernatorial candidate who lost to Newsom. Cox was a wealthy businessman with little record in California politics, and hed voted for Gary Johnson for President in 2016.

The newly-published California Post has gone all in on Hilton, giving him one glowing puff piece after another. His recent press conferences have covered the massive amounts of waste and fraud in the California government. He has also spotlighted the immense cost of living in the state. And water is wet. Yawn.

Hilton has never served in elected office, but he worked in governmentin the United Kingdom. He improved the image of the Tory Party, helping them win a minority coalition government in 2010. The Conservatives under Prime Minister David Cameron cut spending, welfare, and government bloat.

However, Hilton also spearheaded the Tories cutting out the conservatism, too. Hilton championed turning the conservative party into the British equivalent of RINOs, embracing liberal positions on abortion, LGBT pandering, and climate alarmism.

Does California need Gavin Newsom-lite? We need to restore order, not capitulate further to the left. And speaking of Gavin Newsom, Hilton has been a good friend of the outgoing (though hardly outstanding) governor, attending his fundraisers and giving him a big hug! He also had no problem sharing a photo with man-in-a-dress Bruce Jenner.

Hilton only recently renounced his UK citizenship, too. Why is he the hot pick for governor now?

MAGA influencers are ignoring all this liberalism. Why?

Granted, Hilton left the Cameron government in 2012, and he opposed his former boss by supporting Brexit in 2016. Hilton is magnetic, with a flashy television personality and a fresh, bold communication style. He has served as a Fox newscaster and an outspoken supporter of Trump. He even wrote a book called Positive Populism.

And thats it.

The Anyone-But-Bianco crowd cant counter the sheriff with a more accomplished candidate. So they post Sheriff Biancos encounter with kneeling with Black Lives Matter Riverside in 2020. He knelt with them and prayed with them. Anyone can listen to this video, capturing his private conversation with the BLM protesters. Some of them faulted Bianco for not ordering the other deputies to kneel with them. He defended their freedom.

Sheriff Bianco stepped into a volatile situation, diffused the tension, and everyone went home peacefully: no lives lost, no deputy harmed, no buildings destroyed. While most sheriffs were hiding behind a desk during the George Floyd uprisings, Bianco was leading.

A serious point of criticism is that Bianco appeared to announce his support for a pathway to citizenship for the two million illegals in California.

Although I vigorously oppose amnesty, I am giving Bianco a break on this misstep:

1. California is not Texas or Florida. To compete statewide, whether against Hilton or a Democrat, Bianco cannot sound off like Trump 2.0.

2. Governors do not set immigration policy, and any talk of amnesty will fall on deaf ears in Washington.

3. President Trump advocated for a similar amnesty as part of a larger immigration enforcement package in 2018. MAGA still supported Trump in 2020 and 2024, so spare me the selective outrage.

4. Biancos positives on health freedom, gun rights, law and order, but election victory overcomes this one misstep.

Still, conservative influencers want to burn Bianco into Woke 2.0. Social media is great outrage culture, but leaders get things done, and voters generally dont let X dictate their vote.

California voters have slogged through enough grifter Republicans who ran for statewide office because the party needed a standard-bearer and consultants wanted to make some cash. This year, voters are hungry for competence and common sense. Republicans have a chance to promote a conservative candidate who can meet the basic demands of a progressive-leaning electorate, which are learning the hard lessons of their fanciful ideology and facing reality.

Bianco has already scored multiple endorsements from county GOP central committees throughout the state. He has a record of accomplishment, ready to serve Day One. He sticks to his guns (literally and figuratively), protects our rights, and promotes a vision in which California residents start coming back to the once Golden State.

Lets hope that California voters will pay attention to the results instead of the rhetoric of the social chatterati and vote for the Sheriff for Governor in 2026.
In Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump, the Supreme Court used a legal test meant to rein in the regulatory state and, instead, misapplied it to the Presidents powers to manage foreign policy. This leads to an absurd outcome that leaves the President with draconian powers over foreign trade, but a limited ability to take effective, lesser measures. It is hard to see this as anything but another unjustified judicial attack on President Trump.

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As to the immediate effect of the decision, Shipwrecked Crew is likely accurate:

The tariff ruling may turn out to have a silver lining in 8 months.



Because they put upward price pressure on imported goods, removing them will do the opposite.



At the same time, targeted tariffs for trade/foreign policy purposes can be reimposed.



Trade agreements that were  Shipwreckedcrew (@shipwreckedcrew) February 20, 2026

The reality is that this decision will not end the Trump administrations ability to use tariffs as a foreign policy tool under a plethora of other statutes:

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There will be tariffs. Even without IEEPA, the existing tariff toolbox is robust. https://t.co/PrMuGX4gV2 pic.twitter.com/ZWWMELJvdz  Bruce Mehlman (@bpmehlman) February 20, 2026

And, indeed, hes already begun the process.

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Moreover, leaving aside the $287 billion in tariffs collected last year, two-thirds of which might now have to be refunded, the tariffs have already accomplished much of Trumps plans to remake trade agreements across the globe.

So why this decision and why is it important?

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First, to understand what is going on, here is the big picture: It begins with Art. 1, Section 1, of the Constitution, which gives Congress the sole authority to write laws. However, a century ago, progressives created the regulatory state, after which Congress, without amending the Constitution, ceded much of its authority to write laws to regulatory agencies. This has completely distorted our constitutional republic.

As I pointed out in 2012:

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Congress is very far from even being the most important source of our legislation. Our nation now most clearly resembles the socialist regulatory bureaucracy of the EU, where mountains of regulations with the full force and effect of law are passed by unelected bureaucrats. In our nation today, individuals, businesses, and private and public organizations can be fined, sanctioned, forced to close, and jailed for violating federal regulations that have never been subject to a vote by our elected representatives, nor signed into law by the President. The genius of our Constitutional system of checks and balances is wholly obliterated in the tyranny of our modern regulatory bureaucracy.

The last several years have seen the right-leaning Supreme Court, to its credit, begin to bring this constitutional obscenity to heel. Grok provides a good summary of Supreme Court decisions over the past decade.

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One of the methods the Supreme Court has adopted to rein in regulatory overreach is a subjective test called the major question doctrine. This says that some issues are so nationally significant that the Court will presume, absent an explicit contrary statement (aka magic words), that Congress did not intend to give its legislative powers to a regulatory agency.

Image created using AI.

This doctrine worked to limit regulatory overreach. The Supreme Court used it in 2022 to halt the EPAs plan to enact a massive regulatory scheme that would have remade our nations energy sector and cost the nation hundreds of billions of dollars, all based on ambiguous language in the Clean Air Act, a law written decades before regulating CO2 was ever an issue.

But the Learning Resources, Inc. case is not about Congress granting power to a regulatory agency. The case is about the powers that Congress granted the President to manage foreign trade in times of crisis. And in that context, for the Court to apply the major question doctrine to the law and require magic words for specific presidential acts becomes very problematic.

Learning Resources, Inc. examined whether Congress gave the President the power to impose tariffs as part of 1977s International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). The act, at 50 U.S. Code  1701, gives the President the power to declare a national emergency in response to unusual and extraordinary foreign threats to our national security or economy. 50 U.S. Code  1702 then gives the President a laundry list of powers to address this threat. This is not limited to the power to regulate foreign trade but also includes the far more extreme power to prohibit trade with specific countries.

President Trump duly made findings that drugs pouring into this country are a national security threat and that unfair trading practices have brought our nation to an economic crisis, while destroying much of our manufacturing capacity. These economic realities are also a major national security threat. The law envisions a rapid response to urgent conditions.

Nevertheless, in what seems a supremely unprincipled decision meant to cause problems for President Trump, Chief Justice Roberts applied the major question doctrine to hold that, because Congress did not explicitly use the magic word tariff in the list of powers extended to the President in the statute, he would not assume that the President had the power to enact a tariff as part of the power to regulate commerce.

True, Art. I, Section 8 gives Congress the sole power to tax, and tariffs are a form of taxes. But the major questions doctrine has never been applied in the foreign policy arena. As Justice Thomas documents, Presidents have been unilaterally imposing tariffs on foreign trade since the Founding. And as Justice Kavanaugh points out, President Nixon and others have imposed tariffs in the modern era based on Congress authorizing the President to regulate foreign commerce in an emergency.

This decision to hamstring President Trumps ability to govern in a crisis is a ludicrous application of the major question doctrine, and our nations history does not support it. Moreover, it has long been the rule that courts should not interpret a statute in a way that leads to an absurd result if a reasonable alternative is possible.

In this case, the absurd result is that, under this new reading of the statute, a president can unilaterally shut down all foreign trade with a particular nation to address a crisis, but cannot exercise the much less draconian power of enacting a tariff while allowing trade to continue.

Space prevents me from pointing out all the bases on which this decision is wrong. That said, lets at least address the incredible hypocrisy of our Chief Justice in his sudden bout of judicial modesty. In justifying his decision, Roberts writes [T]he Government cannot identify any statute in which the power to regulate includes the power to tax.

Youve got to be kidding me. Even setting aside all the examples provided by Justice Kavanaugh, this claim from Roberts requiring explicit language is more than rich.

In 2012, Chief Justice Roberts wrote the opinion in National Fed. Of Independent Business v. Sebelius, saving Obamacare. Obamacare was the most consequential legislation of the last 50 years, setting the framework for a regulatory regime that affects nearly 20% of the American economy. It is hard to imagine a more major question.

Congress was explicit: 26 U.S.C.  5000A provided that the charge for failing to buy Obamacare plans was to be a penalty, not a tax. And yet Roberts bent over backwards for Obama. After admitting that Congresss plan was unconstitutional under the Commerce Clause, Roberts ignored Congresss explicit language and de facto rewrote the law, in essence, striking the word penalty and inserting the word tax to find the law constitutional.

Now, in 2026, Roberts is bending over backwards to punish President Trump and tie his hands in foreign policy. This comes on the heels of the U.S. Judicial Conference, which Roberts chaired, that allowed judges to become de facto political commentators to criticize Trump. It is truly horrific.

In sum, this Supreme Court decision will have a minimal impact on President Trumps presidency. But strictly applying the major questions doctrine in the context of foreign affairs will be costly in the long run.
In response to a tariff dispute with President Trump, Canadians in their tens of thousands opted to boycott travel to the U.S. in favor of mainly Mexico. The U.S., see, was "unfriendly." The U.S. was "unsafe." Some Canadian officials actually egged them on to choose Mexico over the U.S. to spend their travel dollar, as did the state and other Canadian media:

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Listen To The Canadian Broadcasting Company (@CBCNews) Tell Their Citizens To Go To Mexico Instead Of The United States On Vacation.pic.twitter.com/PoCDmBXVTw  John Basham (@JohnBasham) February 23, 2026

Elbows Up Canadians chose to vacation in Mexico instead of the US.



Now they are surrounded by cartel warfare and Air Canada has cancelled flights out of Puerto Vallarta.



pic.twitter.com/4xjEnEBimK  Anti-Boomer (@mapleblooded) February 22, 2026

WOW! Canadian Broadcasting Corporation has Started Promoting travel to Mexico rather than America due to their Disrespect for America and a Bad Case of TDS! Can you Imagine them doing this after the Cartel CJNGs attacks that put everyone in harms way and Many Tourists!

Canada pic.twitter.com/DX58pi0sdp  Johnny Midnight  (@its_The_Dr) February 23, 2026

Too funny. After all the coaxing not to travel to USA, Mexico is chosen as desired destination. Thought I heard last night US aided Mexico with capture of cartel leader. So they knew. We didnt. pic.twitter.com/9f6Z8axUju Advertisement February 23, 2026

Here's a tweet from two weeks ago that didn't age well:

If youre looking for a sun vacation this winter avoid the US, try an all inclusive in Mexico, cheaper & would be great to see Mexicos Canadian tourism hit an all time high while the US tourism takes a nose dive because of it. Mexico is still our friendhttps://t.co/4NearmQyqa Advertisement February 11, 2025

Which brings us here:

 Canadian tourists booked margaritas and sunsets... theyre getting front-row seats to cartel convoys rolling through paradise.



Mexicos Everything is under control brochure aging like milk in real time. https://t.co/04u8JmZaSJ pic.twitter.com/kzNURzuFPo  Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) February 22, 2026

Canadian Tourists Trapped In Their Hotel In Puerto Vallarta, Mexico As Mexican Narco-Terrorists Turn The City Into A War-Zone. pic.twitter.com/TI0OPmp6E3 Advertisement February 22, 2026

All about safety, you see. Which is exactly what this previous Canadian travel boycott three years ago against Florida made its claims about:

Amazing to me that Canadian and American snowbirds are now choosing to go to Mexico and Cuba instead of Florida because they feel unsafe under Governor Ron DeSantiss new concealed carry gun law.



Let that sink in Canadian and American tourists feel more safe in Mexico and pic.twitter.com/P1p2LM9hbq  Billy Baldwin (@BillyBaldwin) July 5, 2023

Well, now they're learning the hard way what 'safety' is, down in sunny Mexico.

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Some of them must be hoping for a U.S. Marine rescue, given that they are stranded, with airports shut down, roads blocked with burning cars, machine-gun fire and explosions all over, and shelter-in-place orders still in effect in some areas.

The tragic thing about Mexico is that it looks normal, it looks nice, it looks first world, it has good prices and pleasant people, and lots of Canadians and Americans (looking at you, my family relatives) still continue to go there and have nice vacations there. It's fine to do it, of course. But with Mexico travel, you're always rolling the dice.

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Here's what trade publication Travel and Tour World had to say:

The ongoing Canadian travel boycott against the United States continues to reshape travel trends in 2026, with Mexico emerging as a major beneficiary. According to the latest data from Statistics Canada, trips from Canada to the U.S. fell sharply in January 2026, with a 26.8% decline in return visits compared to the same period in 2025. This decline highlights the shift in Canadian travel preferences, with Mexico now leading the way as the most popular international destination for Canadian tourists. The travel boycott began over a year ago, fueled by growing frustrations with political and cultural tensions between the U.S. and Canada, alongside economic factors such as the fluctuating exchange rate and the cost of U.S. travel. As a result, Canadians have increasingly chosen Mexico for their vacation getaways, marking a noticeable shift in tourism patterns for 2026.

How nice for them. But in Mexico, it all can blow up in an instant.

When I went on a public relations tour of Tijuana's industrial zone with a group of reporters several years ago, Mexican officials were terrified to allow me to walk around outside by myself and always insisted on escorting me. It was in October 2010 and cartels had been dismembering people and hanging them from bridges in the area, clearing out Tijuana-San Diego border lines as regulars hunkered down.

The cartel problems Mexico is dealing with are now structural and deep-rooted, and until the cartels are gone, can explode across the country any time. It's happened before, a couple years ago, and now it's happening again, seemingly much worse in what may be a turning point for the country, with the resolute leadership of President Trump, who is challenging these embedded criminals entangled with Mexico's structure, and leading Mexico along.

For now, though, it's bad out there and tourists are stranded. This wasn't the 'safe' vacay Canadians (and U.S. Americans) thought they'd have. Americans just want to go there based on their tradition of always going, living the Corona beer life and all that. Canadians, though, wanted to Get Trump, and this past year chose Mexico over the U.S. for that reason.

So much for betting against the U.S. Sure, it's nice to travel to Mexico. But it sounds like this may just be a wakeup call to our neighbor to the north.

Image: Screenshot from X video.
Its not often that a CNN host delivers a critique that could have aired on conservative talk radio, but thats exactly what happened when Fareed Zakaria took aim at Americas Democrat-run big cities, accusing them of fiscal irresponsibility and failed governance.

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New York is really a prime example of a problem Democrats seem unwilling to confront, Zakaria said Sunday on his show Fareed Zakaria: GPS.

Blue cities are out of control, promising more, spending more, delivering less and pushing off fiscal problems to some future day.



Democrats in city halls should stop governing as if the goal is to announce new entitlements, and instead make government work.



My take: pic.twitter.com/kwYkA4XEjx  Fareed Zakaria (@FareedZakaria) February 22, 2026

Zakaria blasted newly installed Mayor Zohran Mamdanis proposed 9.5% property tax increase, calling it an unwise move in a city where residents already shoulder some of the heaviest tax burdens in the nation. New York has been losing residents for years, with many fleeing to lower-tax states such as Florida and Texas. Raising property taxes further risks accelerating that exodus.

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Zakaria acknowledged that Mamdanis basic instinct that housing is unaffordable for middle-class New Yorkers is correct. But he argued the prescription is wrong.

Focus on affordability, especially housing, but not by providing government subsidies, Zakaria said. These only seem to have driven up the cost of rent, as subsidies naturally do.

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He also had harsh words for Los Angeles, which he called another one-party metropolis. Despite spending billions of dollars to address homelessness, the crisis has only worsened. LA Countys homeless population rose 70% between 2015 and 2024, according to an Associated Press report.

Zakaria then turned to Chicago, where mounting pension obligations threaten the citys long-term financial stability. The Windy City faces billions in unfunded liabilities, yet political leaders continue to propose new spending programs.

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What is the theory of good government here? Zakaria asked. If the answer is keep adding programs, the city will keep producing unaffordability because unaffordability is what happens when government becomes a machine that grows faster than the society it governs.

When even a CNN host begins questioning whether one-party urban governance has become a self-perpetuating spending machine, Democrats might want to pay attention. Voters certainly are  and many are voting with their feet.
A Kunyehlemel is a Germanic and Hebrew hybrid word derived from Germanic, romance and Slavic languages. It defines a person who is weak, indecisive, perhaps corrupt, and clearly not resolute. It is from a very old derivative.

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Its modern definition is focused on the forty-seven year old evil of Iran.



To date, America has not kept its word that: help is on its way, in response to Irans recent massacre of many of its protesting citizens which began on Dec. 28, 2025. Instead, after quite a substantial delay, America and Iran are sparring. Iran is still murdering protestors and cutting them down, horrifically, in hospital beds.



Unambiguously, Democrat Sen. John Fetterman has stated, regarding the U.S. amassing of a war machine against Iran that you cant negotiate with cancer!

Meanwhile, the Republican U.S. ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, recognizing the years of sacrifice and bravery the Israeli military has expended against a host of bad actors in the Middle East, has incredibly stated that Israel deserves much more land. One suspects he is referring to the biblical land titles of Judea and Samaria.



Judea and Samaria were the biblical basis for the creation of Israel. It was where the Ark was held, David was King, and three thousand years ago Israelis lived there and no Arab had yet stepped foot on that land.



Another Republican senator, Lindsey Graham, taunted Iran in response to the mullahs' trash talk that American ships could be sent to the bottom of the sea.

Interestingly, he glommed on to a quote from a 57 year old movie -- with a taunt: Bold talk for a one-eyed fat man, The quote is from True Grit, where a man with an eyepatch confronts four men on horseback. Many Christians believe that those four men spread conquest, war, famine and death.



But Graham believes it means that America is victorious.

Good lord. One surely hopes so.



The current impasse is frustrating. Trumps chief negotiators, Stevke Witkoff and Jared Kushner, continue to push for negotiations with Iran. While a majority of Americans may potentially prefer this outcome, it is not feasible. If it becomes the outcome, it will be an abject failure for Trump and will ruin his legacy.



After 47 years of the mullah reign of terror, regime change is the only feasible option. Otherwise, America will be responsible for the ongoing slaughter of the Iranian people.



It is also imperative to accept the obvious fact that Hamas, in Gaza and with another benefactor of Iran, has not been vanquished. They have not given up their weapons and have no plans to do so. Irans proxies have not been eliminated and Trumps peace effort in Gaza cannot go forward until Hamas is eliminated.



Iran must be toppled.

Image: Pexels // Pexels License
A coalition of 20 state attorneys general has written to the American Medical Association, requesting that it stop recommending hormonal therapy for gender dysphoria in minors, The Daily Wire reports.

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The move, led by Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall, comes after the AMA dropped its support for gender reassignment surgeries.

We thus find it concerning that the AMA continues to support the use of puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones to treat gender dysphoria in minors, the group wrote in a letter to AMA President John Whyte. The quality of evidence is the same as it is for surgeries: low and very-low quality.

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Marshall expanded on that concern in comments to The Daily Wire:

The American Medical Association has finally admitted what many have warned for years: its recommendations for surgeries on children were not grounded in solid evidence, despite telling doctors and families otherwise. Yet the same weak science underpins puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones. You cannot dismiss one intervention as unsupported while continuing to push the rest. When childrens lives and futures are at stake, anything less than full scientific honesty is reckless. The AMA must follow the science completely, not selectively. Advertisement

Marshall cautioned that inconsistencies in the AMAs statements could mislead the public and potentially violate Alabamas consumer protection laws. Those laws make it illegal for an organization to claim that goods or services have uses, benefits, or qualities they do not possess, the letter states.

We remain concerned that providers, patients, and their families in our States are being confused or misled by the AMA regarding the safety and efficacy of puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones to treat gender dysphoria in minors. Advertisement If you agree that there is insufficient evidence to support using surgical interventions to treat gender dysphoria in minors  as your recent statement indicates  we do not understand how you can find that there is sufficient evidence to support using hormonal interventions to treat gender dysphoria in minors. These interventions have not been shown to be any safer for children than sex-change surgeries are, and in fact may be all the more dangerous precisely because they are viewed as not as serious. But hormones can leave a child sterilized just as surely as surgery can. Advertisement

Marshall gave the AMA 30 days to answer questions clarifying its stance on the treatments or face a formal investigation.

The letter was joined by attorneys general from Arkansas, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, and West Virginia.

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American Thinker contacted the AMA for comment.
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President Trump recently stated, understandably exasperated, that Irans refusal to deal with the U.S. does not make any sense, given that they are completely surrounded.

U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff in recent media also echoed the same feeling as to why Iran does not capitulate. They are both witnessing an underlying conflict between modern rationalism, and effective medievalism.

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The United States has encircled Iran in all military dimensions including sea, air and space. The combination is an overwhelming, systematic warfare power network.

Critics of the U.S., who make up nearly all progressive and liberal alternative media, are exploiting a profound self-deception of an Iran victory, by framing the issue in misleading moral terms, and in anti-U.S. and anti-Israel vehemence. They are also giving false hope to Iranian civilians.

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Any war is filled with some unknowns, and with subsequent complications. But those are secondary to one immediate fact: Iran may put up a brave fight, and they could inflict some damage, but they are going to lose, and lose big.

Some critics argue that an Iranian victory can be defined by whether or not its current regime merely survives in some form. That apparently frames victory in terms of being able to take a beating, and thereby show the West through its resolve that it is capable of absorbing punishment, and prevailing. That is a fatal conceit because a knock-out punch can be struck at any time.

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Statements such as Irans ability to close the Strait of Hormuz is also based in fantasy: it can be readily forced open, and put under U.S. permanent control.

Russia and China are in the waters nearby, but their assets are made up of some small ships, there as effective spectators. Their interests are limited to observing battle formations, technology, and strategy. They may lend a hand with some passive early warning, active jamming and other systems, but this is otherwise being left to Iran.

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And neither can a combined Iraq, Yemen and other minor states that may decide to join in a fight, make any difference, as critics naively assert. It will look like a street brawl against an entire army.

Russia and China are not going to come to an Iran heroic rescue, as the payoff doesnt pass their cost-benefit calculus. They have their sights on their own priorities in their own spheres. They will keep their powder dry.

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They do indeed seek continued access to Middle East oil markets, but that access would remain, subject only to basic negotiated terms and logistics. Oil may flow even more from the region, as a result of modernized management. Moreover, both Russia and China have enormous untapped oil and gas of their own, which may eventually dwarf the Middle East.

In the meantime, the clerical authority in Iran is asking their population to commit martyrdom on behalf of fundamentalist ideology. It is tragic in human dimensions. It almost resembles Jim Jones of the People's Temple in the cult settlement of Jonestown, Guyana, who convinced his followers to commit mass suicide by drinking poison. That was his twisted idea of victory.

Cynics point to possible U.S. battle losses, operational mistakes, or the chance of breakdowns in equipment, for example. They make further speculations of battle outcomes based on available resupply ships and a merchant marine.

But that overlooks the immediate, decisive destructive power of U.S. force, and its fighting doctrine. It is staggering and absolute.

Moreover, if Iran makes the mistake of killing Americans and Israelis, then the mistake will be answered by politically mandated escalation that could result in their destruction.

It is instructive to see that Iran is engaging in martyrdom of its own people, as a manifestation of the same primitive political ideology that they would manifest outwardly; that is, their own internal politics is also their own external geopolitics. That is precisely why Iran is best served by a modern, reform government, but their time may be running out, due to their own refusal to accept reality.

It has been said that this war is a contest of civilizations. That is not fully explanatory: it is also a wager over international modernization, and choosing a path of stable economic growth, and economic maturity.

Like the 18th century Western transition from metaphysics and mysticism to empiricism and science, there is no room left in the modern world for superstition and irrationality.

Nature itself will root it out as a matter of adaptation and survival.

Matthew G. Andersson is a former CEO, jet command pilot, and author. He worked as a senior advisor in aerospace and defense, and testified before the US Senate. He is a graduate of the University of Chicago and the University of Texas at Austin.

Image: Pixabay (cropped) // Pixabay Content License
Our enemies should learn three lessons from Americas raid which resulted in the capture of dictator Nicolas Maduro and his wife, both now facing charges in the U.S.

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First, we are not the spineless administration of former President Joe Biden that ran from the dangers in Afghanistan in the dead of night, unwilling even to tell our Afghan allies we were abandoning them.

Second, the U.S. stands ready to act when national security and/or safety interests of the American people are at risk.

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Third, the U.S. has developed technology capable of completely undermining a battlefield opponents ability to respond to an attack. President Donald Trump said of the technology (dubbed the Discombobulator), They [the Venezuelans] never got a shot off Not since Japan suffered atomic bomb attacks ending World War II has an enemy been so shocked by new weaponry.

Describing the attack, a Venezuelan soldier reported the inability to detect advancing U.S. drones and helicopters, followed by the sudden feeling of an invisible energy-like wave racing through defenders. It forced them to their knees and to bleed through the nose or vomit. The Americans were able to land virtually unopposed, snatching Maduro from a well-guarded steel compound. Venezuela suffered 200 casualties; the U.S. none. While used for the first time in combat by the U.S., a similar technology was used in a 2020 border clash between China and India.

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The raid, called Operation Absolute Resolve (OAR), should have come as no surprise to Maduro. Trump initially attempted to negotiate a deal enabling the dictator to depart Venezuela voluntarily. While it was believed such a deal had been reached in late 2025, Maduro suddenly made a new demand: that he and his corrupt cronies retain their wealth and be granted global immunity. It was an outrageous ask made by the one-time financially-strapped bus driver, demonstrating tremendous greed and lack of responsibility for accountability.

Thus, Trump knew action would be necessary to take Maduro into custody. After a lower profile means to capture him fell throughattempting to bribe his personal pilot to fly a route providing for his capturethe green light was given for OAR to move forward. Trump was committed to ending Venezuelas contribution to U.S. drug deaths, estimated to claim 100,000 American lives annually. Such an exorbitant death tally is ignored by those condemning Trump for kidnapping Maduro.

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It is clear that Trumps willingness to do whatever was necessary to remove an identified threat to the U.S. has caused unfriendly foreign leaders to revisit their anti-U.S. policies. Unsurprisingly, mere days after Maduros extraction, the new acting Venezuelan president, Delcy Rodriguez, called for U.S. cooperation. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has already had a conversation with Rodriguez, who says she is willing to do what is needed to make her country great again, sounding like a parallel MAGA movement might be underway in the land Maduro involuntarily left behind. Trump-unfriendly leaders in Columbia and Mexico have since adopted a more friendly attitude.

At Maduros trial, we are apt to see a defense raised 65 years ago as Israel prosecuted German Nazi World War II criminal and Holocaust architect Adolf Eichmann. In 1960, he was taken from Argentina by the Israelis for war crimes. However, the defense of kidnapping as a violation of international law was rejected by the Israeli court based on two precedents established in both the U.S. and U.K. Eichmann was found guilty and his death sentence carried out on June 1, 1962.

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As much as Trumps critics claim his actions in capturing Maduro were illegal, they were not. We hear many untruths from self-appointed international law scholars, such as New York Citys socialist Mayor Zohran Mamdani who describes Maduros capture as an act of war. We need to remember this is the same international scholar who foolishly and inaccurately claims he has authority to arrest Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu should he ever come to the city. Such power is even denied to Mamdani by fellow Democrat and New York governor, Kathy Hochul.

But others should be worried about Trumps willingness to act when necessary to do so, especially now that he has demonstrated a technological capability to extract criminal leaders from their own countries.

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Trump has since forewarned Colombias president Gustavo Petro to watch his a** Undoubtedly, Petro has taken note of the enthusiastic crowds throughout Latin America celebrating Maduros capture, no doubt recognizing he doesnt have the upper hand, should Trump similarly act.

What Trumps actions have provided is a warning to all dictators who may run afoul of U.S. security interests. This includes Irans theocracy. The mullahs have spent decades nurturing a relationship with Venezuela, providing Tehran access to a terrorist (Hezbollah) base and drug trade networks. However, with a U.S. presence now in Venezuela, hopefully Irans influence there will quickly dissipate.

If Trumps message to those committed to endangering the U.S. is not crystal clear, they need to heed Secretary Marco Rubios message. As he explained to those slow-learning international leaders, Trump is not a game player. If they didnt know before the capture of Maduro, now they did!

At a recent White House dinner, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth delivered a moving prayer for Trump and all our military personnel. He asked God to give them the wisdom to see what is right and the courage to do it. In flawlessly executing OAR, our military demonstrated the courage with which they are blessed; in deciding to authorize the operation, Trump demonstrated his wisdom in doing what is right by prioritizing the safety and security of America above all else.

Image generated by ChatGPT.
What's in a name? Well, quite a lot, actually. It really doesn't matter if you're naming a human being or a beloved pet, every name you choose has some kind of meaning behind it, no matter how simple, silly, or personal it may be. That's why it's important to consider what certain monikers mean when you are trying to decide what you'll be calling your new companion. After all, you want to be sure that it's a good fit and that it reflects your pet's personality!

Take hedgehogs, for example: they're small and sweet, yet covered in pokey prickles. They're naturally very shy creatures, yet they can be trained to open up and get comfortable with their owners over time. Plus, since each individual hedgehog has their own unique looks and personality, that should be factored into your decision-making as you settle on the perfect name for them! So, if you're about to become a pet parent to an adorable hedgehog, you're in luck because we rounded up 150 hedgehog names with meanings you'll love.

Browse our list of the best hedgehog names below to discover cute, unique, and meaningful name ideas for your new pet. If youve been stuck searching for the perfect name for your small pet, this list is packed with inspiration to help you choose one that truly fits.

Male Hedgehog Names

A cute hedgehog at night.Image via Getty Images/Peter Clayton Photography (Image via Getty Images/Peter Clayton Photography)

While we've got plenty of classic, cutesy-sounding names on our list, we also wanted to go a little off the beaten path and include some more obscure names that you won't likely see on other hedgehog name lists. Surprising though they may seem, the meanings behind these pet names primarily relate to a hedgehog's small size and its woodland habitat, making them perfect for your male hedgie!

Archie: Short for the Germanic Archibald, meaning pure and brave.

Ozzie: Short for names like Oswald or Osbourne.

Benny: Short for Benjamin, meaning son of the south.

Ashkii: The Dine/Navajo name for boy.

Junior: Small, little, young.

Bosco: Forest in Italian.

Harrison: Though this name literally means son of Harry, it also resembles the French word for hedgehog, herisson.

Jacques: The French form of James.

Bronson: Son of the brown one.

Pippin: From an Old Germanic word, possibly meaning awe-inspiring.

Ilan: Tree in Hebrew.

Eoghan: An Irish name believed to mean born from the yew tree.

Sven: A Scandinavian name derived from the Old Norse word for boy.

Deforest: Originally French, meaning of the forest.

Alvin: Derived from an Old English name meaning elf friend.

Rio: Spanish for river.

Griffin: From an Old Welsh name meaning prince.

Ernie: Short for Ernest, a name which means earnest, sincere.

Toby: Short for Tobias, which means God is good.

Logan: A Scottish name that originally meant something like little hollow (this one can be unisex as well).

Otto: Derived from an old Germanic word meaning weath or fortunate.

Female Hedgehog Names

A hedgehog sniffing a dandelion.

Here's our list of female hedgehog names, giving you a mix of old-school adorable names and some more unlikely names for your pet, too. See which one fits your girl hedgie the best!

Pipaluk: Greenlandic Inuit for sweet little thing.

Ursula: Latin for little bear.

Maggie: Short for Margaret, meaning pearl.

Suzie: Short for Susanna, a Hebrew-derived name meaning lily.

Peony: A beautiful flowering plant from the genus Paeonia.

Gaia: The name of Mother Earth in Greek mythology.

Moriko: A Japanese name meaning forest child.

Joy: Happiness.

Avani: A Sanskrit name meaning earth.

Tierra: Spanish for earth.

Fiorella: Italian for little flower.

Trixie: The diminutive form of Beatrix, meaning traveller.

Sadie: A diminutive form of the Hebrew name Sarah, meaning lady, princess.

Nani: Hawaiian for beauty, glory.

Maimu: Little in Estonian.

May: The fifth month of the year; the peak of springtime.

Penny: Short for the Greek name Penelope, it may also refer to the old coin once used in US and British currency.

Izadi: Forest in Basque.

Cosette: Little thing in French.

Amy: Beloved.

Zuri: Swahili for beautiful.

Hedgehog Names Inspired By Other Languages

A little hedgehog on a lawn.

Though some may turn their noses up at names that seem "too literal," we think they can actually be really clever and unique if you know how to do it. All of these hedgehog names are words for "hedgehog" in various world languages. That's why we think that any of these could stand as a unique hedgehog name on its own! Talk about a perfect idea for naming one of these cute animals!

Kata Chua (Bengali)

Igel (German)

Jez (Polish, pronounced Yezh)

Draenog (Welsh)

Jariti (Amharic)

Tuatete (Maori)

Kalunguyeye (Swahili)

Ciwei (Chinese, pronounced more like Suh-wey)

Herisson (French)

Kirpi (Turkish)

Landak (Indonesian)

Harinezumi (Japanese, literally translating to needle mouse)

Hotchi-Witchi (Romani)

Zaraa (Mongolian)

Riccio (Italian)

Bushiya (Hausa)

Erizo (Spanish)

Siili (Finnish)

Trikua (Basque)

Woodsy and Nature-Inspired Hedgehog Names

A cute hedgehog peeking over a log.

Hedgehogs are classically depicted as little woodland critters, even though some species can be found living in deserts, jungles, and other harsh environments. Because of that, here are some nature-inspired hedgehog name suggestions!

Hedgerow: After all, hedgehogs got their English name by inhabiting hedges!

Chestnut: Chestnuts have a prickly outer shell guarding all their goodness on the inside.

Thicket: A thicket is a dense bunch of bushes, something that any hedgehog would love to call their home sweet home.

Bramble: This type of spiny shrub commonly refers to blackberry bushes, proving that something prickly and painful can still be sweet.

Meadow: A wide open field that doubles as a cute, feminine name.

Sylvia/Silvio: This ones a bit more subtleboth names come from the Latin silva, meaning forest.

Grover: This name is derived from the English word grove, as in a grove of trees.

Sahara: Believe it or not, there is a hedgehog speciesthe desert hedgehogthats native to parts of the Sahara Desert!

Hazelnut: This delicious delicacy has an appealing brown color.

Dandelion: Often considered a weed, dandelions have edible leaves and beautiful blooms that are perfect for pollinators.

Pinecone: Because pinecones are brown, ovoid, and spiny, just like hedgehogs!

Magnolia: Not only are magnolia blossoms beautiful, but one could also argue that their conical seed pods somewhat resemble hedgehogs.

Sweet Pea: A delicious vegetable, a fragrant flower, and an adorable name for a little hedgie.

Fern: Ferns are beautiful and unusual plantsinstead of reproducing via seeds, they produce spores!

Heath: A heath is an acidic shrubland, often covered in flowers and woody vegetation.

Dewdrop: The little drops of condensation that form on the leaves of plants in the early morning.

Filbert: Perhaps this ones cheating a bitFilbert is another name for hazelnut.

Willow: The water-loving trees of the genus Salix, known for their long, drooping leafy branches.

Nettle: Though often used for food, tea, and traditional nettles, theyre also infamous for their sting due to being covered with tiny little needlesat least hedgehog quills dont sting!

Adorable Hedgehog Names

Three little hedgehogs on a stump.

The little animals are the epitome of cuteness, so you can't really go wrong with giving them a simple, sweet, and adorable hedgehog name like one of these!

Snuffles: The sound a hedgehog makes.

Lychee: Lychees are delicious tropical fruits from Southeast Asia with bumpy, slightly spiny exteriors.

Prickles: The little spines that cover a hedgies back.

Tater Tot: A tasty fried treat made from shredded potatoes pressed into nuggets.

Ferrero-Rocher: A bumpy hazelnut-flavored chocolate bonbon.

Tuck: A cute boys name (and also the thing that hedgehogs do when they curl into a ball).

Dumpling: A small, bite-sized treat of stuffed dough.

Peekaboo: What hedgehogs do when they come out of their hidey-holes!

Kisses: For if your hedgehog loves to boop with their snoot!

Coco: Short for coconut, aka the sweet tropical fruit with the rough & fuzzy outer shell.

Scuttle: A word to describe the run of a hedgehog.

Reggie: Because Reggie the Hedgie is just too cute a name to resist.

Clover: A small white flower with lucky green leaves.

Lucky: For someone whos fortunatefun fact, the Manx name for hedgehog actually translates to lucky pig.

Praline: A sugary confection made with nuts.

Pocket Pal: For a hedgie who sleeps best in the pocket of your shirt or jacket.

Thistle: A prickly yet beautiful flowering plant.

Truffle: The name of either the delectable, round, underground mushroom or the cocoa powder-covered bonbon, both of which are delicacies.

Baby: Because after all, your hedgie is your baby.

Cool Hedgehog Names

Closeup of a little hedgehog.

Though hedgehogs are cute, fun, and adored as beloved household pets, they're not seen as particularly "cool" animals in the rad sense (well, maybe except for Sonic the Hedgehog). Nevertheless, we don't think that should stop you from giving your hedgehog a radical name, whether you're employing a touch of comedic irony or genuinely think that your hedgie is one cool dude (or dudette).

Thorn: A nature-inspired name to make your little hedgehog sound tough.

Aquilles: This is a punny take on Achilles, the great mythological Greek warrior.

Quill Pill: A mellow name for a cool, calm, and collected hedgie.

Zorro: This dashing Mexican vigilante stabbed baddies with his rapier, your hedgie stabs your palms with their spines either way, theyre kindred spirits.

Barb Wire: A reference to the spiny security wire, or the cult comic book femme fatale of the '90s? You decide.

Static: Fuzzy, shocking, and electrifying, static electricity is an imbalance of electric charge that can zap you when you least expect it.

Needles: Because your hedgie is covered in em.

Dart: A fine, sharp-tipped missile.

Jazz: A sultry, funky genre of music that can double as a tres chic name.

Gizmo: Originally the name for the friendly mogwai from Gremlins, Gizmo just works as fun, quirky, and cool pet name in general.

Diesel: For a busy hedgehog whos on the go.

Liberty Spike: The name of a classic punk hairdo characterized by hair styled into giant, brightly-colored spikes. A good one if your hedgie walks on the wild side.

Dynamo: A powerful electrical generator, or someone who just keeps going and going and going

Harley: For the Harley Davidson motorcycle brand (which is abbreviated on the stock market as HOG).

Rebel: A single-minded person (or hedgehog) who doesnt play by the rules.

Mayhem: Utter pandemonium and chaos.

Punky: An adjective for someone with a punk-rock attitude, who does things their own way.

Ziggy: Inspired by David Bowies interstellar rock star persona Ziggy Stardust, Ziggy will never not be an awesome name.

Javelin: A long, light spear used as a range weapon.

Funny Hedgehog Names

A hedgehog holding a toy ice cream cone.

The wonderful thing about hedgehogs is that you've got a ton of pun potential when it comes to naming them. We didn't solely rely on puns in coming up with these funny hedgie names, of coursebut we bet a few of them will get a chuckle out of you anyway.

Spike: Its a real boys name, but also a great name for a prickly hedgehog!

Pincushion: Because a small, spiny hedgehog sure can resemble one!

Prickly Pear: This surprisingly tasty cactus fruit could also double as a hedgehog name thats the perfect balance of silly and sweet.

Sanic: Sanic was originally a derpy, MS Paint-drawn, and definitely satirical fan depiction of Sonic the Hedgehog, which blew up to viral meme status. One for the terminally online crowd.

Quilliam: Everyone loves a good pun, and this portmanteau of Quill+ William certainly does the trick!

Brillo: Even if your hedgie reminds you of a Brillo pad, you should still never clean the dishes with them!

Peter Quill: Alright, so maybe this is the protagonist of Guardians of the Galaxy, but his last name doubles as a perfect hedgehog pun.

Quill Smith: Think this one speaks for itself. Really, you can do this with any celebrity named Will/BillQuill Rogers, Quill Murray, Quill Paxton, Quillem Dafoe

Koosh Ball: If you were a '90s kid, then you definitely remember these colorful balls, covered with stringy rubber filaments resembling a hedgehogs back (albeit much softer to the touch).

Shy Guy: Shy Guys are diminutive masked enemies that appear throughout the Super Mario Bros. franchise and its many spinoffs. Their name works for hedgehogs because they arequite notoriouslypretty shy guys!

Spiny Tap: A good one if your headbangin hedgehog has a heavy metal attitude thats cranked up to 11.

Acupuncture: Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine that involves sticking thin, small needles in the body to help balance ones chi. Hedgehogs look like hardcore acupuncture enthusiasts!

Rambutan: This is a Southeast Asian fruit thats remarkable for its bright red outer shell, which is covered in spines.

Uni: Uni is the Japanese word for sea urchin, and urchin is simply an archaic word for hedgehog. This sea hedgehog is a popular delicacy often incorporated into sushi or sashimiunlike your pet hedgie, of course.

Kiwi: Your pet hedgie might share more than a passing resemblance to this brown, fuzzy fruit (well, maybe from a distance, anyway).

Boss Hogg: Even if your hedgie is nothing like this Dukes of Hazzard antagonist, theres still something so funny about giving a little hedgehog a tough, authoritative name like Boss.

Hocus Pocus: We think hedgehogs are magical in their own way, so long as they dont poke us with their quills!

Hogfather: Whether youre a Terry Pratchett fan or want to pay a humorous homage to the Godfather film trilogy, Hogfather is a surprisingly versatile hedgehog name!

Stickler: A stickler is someone whos stubborn and fastidious to a faultyou might even say theyve got a prickly personality.

Famous Hedgehog Names From Fiction

A sweet little hedgehog peeking out from among flowers.

And finally, we dip into the world of fictional media to conjure up some familiar hedgehog names, because who doesn't love a good pop culture-savvy pet name?

Sonic: The Blue Blur and title character of the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise is easily the most famous fictional hedgehog of all time.

Shadow: Sonics dark, edgy rival Shadow isnt far behind in terms of fame (or perhaps infamy).

Amy Rose: Before we move on from the Sonic franchise, wed be remiss if we didnt mention Sonics pretty-in-pink, hammer-wielding girlfriend, Amy!

Mr. Pricklepants: This lederhosen-clad hedgehog joined the Toy Story franchise in the third film.

Mable and Sable, the Able Sisters: This pair of hedgehog sisters work together as tailors in the Animal Crossing franchise.

Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle: In Beatrix Potters The Tale of Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle, the title character is a kindly, maternal hedgehog who works as a washerwoman in disguise.

Ambrose and Rosie Spike: In Brian Jacques Redwall books, Ambrose is a master brewer at Redwall Abbey with a finesse to his craft and a penchant for magic. His sister Rosie has quite the talent for baking herself!

Russell Ferguson: This clever and ambitious hedgehog is the de facto leader of the pets in the Littlest Pet Shop TV series.

Shaymin: Shaymin is a Generation IV grass-type hedgehog Pokemon with a grassy green back and a large pink flower on each side of its head. Its become something of a fan favorite Pokemon!

Hans: The Brothers Grimm tale Hans My Hedgehog tells the story of a half-hedgehog, half-human child who eventually grows up to become a handsome young man through trial, tribulation, and a bit of magical assistance.

Yona: Yona is a mystical hedgehog in the mythology of the rabbits from Watership Down.

Spiny Norman: Monty Python superfans will remember Spiny Norman as a 12-foot-long animated hedgehog that haunted the delusional gangster Dinsdale Piranha.

This story was originally published by PetHelpful on Feb 22, 2026, where it first appeared in the Exotic Pets section. Add PetHelpful as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The prime ministers of Australia and New Zealand have joined growing calls to remove Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from the line of succession.

The former prince was arrested on Thursday on suspicion of misconduct in public office after being accused of sharing sensitive information with paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein while serving as the UKs trade envoy.

Fresh documents shed light on Mr Mountbatten-Windsors relationship with the convicted sex offender in January as part of a two-million-document tranche from the US Department of Justice.

Anthony Albanese wrote in a letter to UK prime minister Sir Keir Starmer that Australia took the grave allegations against the former Duke of York seriously.

Anthony Albanese supported calls to remove Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from the line of succession (AP)

In light of recent events concerning Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, I am writing to confirm that my government would agree to any proposal to remove him from the line of royal succession, he said.

I agree with His Majesty that the law must now take its full course and there must be a full, fair and proper investigation.

These are grave allegations and Australians take them seriously.

New Zealand would also support the UK government on removing Mr Mountbatten-Windsor from the line of succession. A spokesperson for Christopher Luxon, the countrys prime minister, said: If the UK government proposes to remove Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from the order of succession, New Zealand would support it.

Mr Mountbatten-Windsor spent 11 hours in custody on his 66th birthday while officers searched his home on the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk before he was released under investigation. Police continued to search his former residence, the Royal Lodge in Berkshire, on Monday.

The former prince was arrested on his 66th birthday (Reuters)

Elsewhere, retired civil servants told the BBC Mr Mountbatten-Windsor used taxpayers money for massages and excessive travel costs during his time as the UKs trade envoy.

One ex-civil servant said they refused to pay to cover the costs of a massage for Mr Mountbatten-Windsor but was overruled by senior staff, telling the broadcaster: I thought it was wrong Id said we mustnt pay it, but we ended up paying it anyway.

A former Whitehall official, who oversaw finances, separately told the BBC they had absolutely no doubt about the authenticity of the claim after having seen similar expenses for his overseas trips.

Private security members leave Wood Farm on the royal family's Sandringham estate (Reuters)

In a video-taped interview under oath in 2009, Epsteins former Florida housekeeper Juan Alessi said Mr Mountbatten-Windsor would have daily massages when he visited the disgraced financier.

Mr Mountbatten-Windsor has denied any wrongdoing over his links to the convicted sex offender, but has not directly responded to the latest allegations.

The CEO of anti-monarch organisation Republic has called for a wider inquiry after he reported the former prince to Thames Valley Police for misconduct in public office.

Republic chief executive Graham Smith has called for a wider inquiry (PA Archive)

Graham Smith said: "The royals should be treated like any other public figure, challenged by the BBC, questioned in committees by MPs, investigated when necessary by the police and in no way above or beyond the law."

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said the Department for Business and Trade should open its files on Mr Mountbatten-Windsor if they relate to allegations of misconduct in public office.

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch called on the Department for Business and Trade to open its files on Mr Mountbatten-Windsor (PA Wire)

She said: Prince Andrew would have been given that because it could open doors, but if there is anything in these allegations of misconduct in public office, then all the files should be released and investigated.

Ahead of opposition day in the House of Commons on Tuesday, the Liberal Democrats said they will seek a debate to further scrutinise Mr Mountbatten-Windsors former role as the UKs trade envoy.
Viewers of the 2026 Baftas were left confused after host Alan Cumming appeared to be heckled during his opening monologue.

Celebrities including Leonardo DiCaprio, Michael B Jordan, and Emma Stone arrived at Londons Royal Festival Hall on Sunday night to honour the best in British film.

Hosting this years ceremony was Cumming, who took over the mantle following a two-year stint by fellow Scotsman David Tennant.

Cumming appeared to run into trouble early on, however, when he was heckled during his opening monologue. The Traitors US star forged ahead seemingly without paying any attention to the disruption.

At other points during the ceremony, someone could be heard shouting words such as boring and f***, with many of these interruptions audible on television.

Alan Cumming during his subdued opening monologue (BBC)

It was explained by Cumming at the live event, which took place hours before the broadcast, that such disturbances might occur due to the involuntary tics of Tourettes campaigner John Davidson, who was in the audience.

Davidson is the inspiration behind the Bafta-winning drama I Swear, starring Robert Aramayo and Maxine Peake. Aramayo would go on to win the Best Actor prize for his role in the film.

Later in the ceremony, Cumming briefly paused proceedings to apologise and thank the audience for their understanding.

The comedian acknowledged that the audience may have noticed some strong language and thanked the crowd for their understanding and for creating a respectful space for everyone.

John Davidson and Robert Aramayo (Getty)

Stressing that the tics are involuntary, he said: We apologise if you were offended.

One incident saw Davidson shout the N-word while Sinners stars Michael B Jordan and Delroy Lindo were on stage presenting an award.

According to Deadline, Davidson exited the venue at one point during the ceremony. It is unclear whether he returned to his seat, but the interruptions seemed to stop.

Davidson is a vocal ambassador for Tourettes, and was awarded an MBE in 2019 for his work educating the UK about the disability since he first exhibited symptoms as a teenager. His struggle was documented in the 1989 BBC documentary Johns Not Mad.

Robert Aramayo wins Best Actor (BBC)

While those at the event were informed about Davidsons Tourettes, Cummings early explanation did not make it into the broadcast, leaving viewers at home initially confused over the disturbances.

I thought the heckling was planned but it appears not, wrote one person on X. Oh dear, jokes that arent landing and the heckling, said someone else.

I Swear received five Bafta nominations, and Aramayos performance as Davidson earned him prizes for EE Rising Star and Best Actor.

Tourettes is a neurological condition characterised by motor and vocal tics, such as coughs, twitches, and fully articulated phrases.

A small number of people with Tourettes also experience something called coprolalia, which involves involuntary cursing or making socially inappropriate remarks.

The words are not chosen for meaning in the moment. The person who says it usually experiences the outbursts as unwanted and distressing. Researchers class it as a complex vocal tic not as intentional speech. It is not a conscious decision. Read more about it here.

Catch up on all the action from the Baftas here, and the winners list here.
The wreckage of a bus is seen on the bank of the Trishuli River after it drove off a mountain highway near Benighat, west of the capital, Kathmandu, Nepal (AP)

At least 19 people, including a British national, died after a packed passenger bus drove off a mountain slope in western Nepal on Monday, local police officials said.

The bus had left the tourist town of Pokhara before it fell 200m (650ft) from the road at Behighat in Dhading district, 80km (50 miles) west of the capital Kathmandu, police officials said in a statement. It rolled down a mountainous slope and landed on the banks of Trishuli River.

Around 44 people were on board when it drove off the hilly stretch on the Prithvi highway. Officials said 25 people were injured in the accident, including a New Zealander and a Chinese national.

Of those killed, only nine bodies have been identified so far, the police said.

Preliminary visuals of the accident from the early hours showed rescuers sifting through the mangled iron remains of the bus to inspect the damage after pulling passengers out of the vehicle.

The wreckage of a bus is seen on the bank of the Trishuli River (AP)

The injured are being treated at the National Trauma Centre in Kathmandu, officials said.

The Chinese embassy in Nepal had issued a statement earlier saying that one other Chinese national was missing.

It is not immediately clear what caused the bus to drive off the highway and police officials are investigating the cause of the accident.

Regional government administrator Mohan Prasad Neupane said rescuers reached the accident site soon after the mishap was reported, and the injured were pulled out of the wreckage and rushed to hospitals for treatment.

The passenger bus drove off a mountain highway near Benighat, west of the capital Kathmandu (AP)

The hilly area has seen deadly accidents recently. In 2024, two buses with 65 people on board also fell into the same river and tragically resulted in the loss of most aboard. Authorities said that the passengers were either killed or are still missing.

Officials said the wreckage of one of the buses was found only this year and was buried deep in sand.

Nepal is a popular south Asian destination among foreigners for trekking in its mountainous regions and attracts thousands from across the world throughout the year. However, the country faces poor infrastructure issues on roads and vehicles to sustain the increasing footfall.

Much of the Himalayan country is covered by mountains and connected only by narrow roads.
Dominic Stewart was loved by everybody he met, his father said

A 23-year-old British hiker was among 19 people who were killed when their packed tour bus veered off a mountain highway and plunged 200 metres into a river in Nepal.

Dominic Stewart, from Exeter, was on a solo trekking holiday in the Himalayas when the bus crashed en route from the resort city of Pokhara to Kathmandu in the early hours of Monday morning.

Mr Stewart, an avid hiker who had recently finished walking the arduous Annapurna Circuit, was three weeks away from celebrating his birthday, his family told The Telegraph.

The youngest of six siblings, he had been planning to study finance and accountancy at university in Bristol, his father Mike said at the family home.

Mr Stewart, who was known as Dom to friends and his family, was an ardent Liverpool FC supporter and had arrived in Nepal last month after travelling through Afghanistan and Turkmenistan.

He was loved by everybody he met, his father said. He was a massive Liverpool fan. We went to European finals in Madrid and Paris together.

Mr Stewarts mother Jane said: He loved walking on Dartmoor, loved mountains. He was our baby, he was the baby of six. He was my husbands best friend.

Rescue workers search the wreckage

The bus, which was carrying 29 men and 15 women, was a third of the way through its 300km journey when it lost control on the Prithvi highway and plunged into the Trishuli River at around 1.30am.

Seventeen people, including three foreigners, died at the scene. Two others later died from their injuries, and a small number of victims remain in critical condition.

Police and government officials have launched an investigation into the cause of the crash.

Photographs from the crash site show the tour bus reduced to a heap of twisted metal, lying on its side at the foot of the mountain. The bus was reportedly operated by Machhapuchhre Tours and Travels.

Police and government officials have launched an investigation into the cause of the crash

Police and emergency rescuers freed several passengers who had been trapped for hours. One passenger, Krishna Raj Manandhar, from the village of Imadol on the outskirts of Kathmandu, was trapped for five hours until rescuers were able to cut through the vehicles exhaust and rear wheels to pull him out.

Deputy Inspector General Bishnu Prasad Bhatta, a spokesman for Nepals Armed Police Force, confirmed that Mr Stewart was among the fatalities.

Mr Stewarts body is being moved from the Primary Health Centre at Gajuri to Kathmandu Medical College Hospital and will be handed over to the UK embassy on Tuesday, he said.

A spokesman for the Foreign Office said: We are supporting the family of a British man who has died in Nepal, and are in contact with the local authorities.

The bus was carrying 29 men and 15 women, and was a third of the way through its 300km journey when it lost control on the Prithvi highway

Nepalese police said 11 men and eight women were killed. Only nine of them, including Mr Stewart, have so far been identified.

They are Chandra Bahadur Kunwar, 63, from Syangja; Om Kumar Malla, around 40, from Tanahun; Engineer Thakuri, 30, from Dhading; Bishnu Maya Dhakal, 55, from Tanahun; Lopsang Gole, 42, from Kathmandu; Hari Prasad Sigdel, around 45, from Tanahun; and Nabindra Shrestha, 55, from Palpa.

Another 25 people were injured, and 14 are receiving treatment at the National Trauma Center in Kathmandu, including a 12-year-old Chinese national who sustained moderate head injuries.

Nepals Ministry of Home Affairs has formed a committee to investigate the accident following meetings between the Home Minister Om Prakash Arya and senior officials from the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport, the Department of Roads, the transport entrepreneurs federation, and the chiefs of the three security agencies.

The crash is the most recent in a spate of incidents across Nepal that have killed 40 people in three weeks.
The Foreign Office has urged Britons in Mexico to remain indoors and avoid unnecessary travel amid a surge of violence following the death of a drug cartel leader.

Mexico's army said on Sunday that it had killed cartel boss Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, known as El Mencho, in a military operation in the western state of Jalisco.

His death triggered unrest and hours of roadblocks, with vehicles set ablaze across the state, including in the tourist hot spots of Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta.

In updated travel advice issued on Monday, the Foreign Office warned: 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.

Mexican drug lord Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, also known as El Mencho, died in a military operation (via REUTERS)

Authorities in Puerto Vallarta have issued a public advisory to stay indoors. Routes to airports may be blocked.

You should exercise extreme caution, follow local authorities' advice, including orders to stay indoors and avoid non-essential travel in affected areas.

Similar sentiments were echoed by the United States Embassy in Mexico, which urged Americans to shelter in place.

Britons were also advised to monitor local media and follow guidance from authorities.

El Menchos death has sparked a wave of unrest, with vehicles set ablaze in Puerto Vallarta (@morelifediares via REUTERS)

If you do decide to travel, we recommend intercity road travel during daylight hours, the official advice read.

Security incidents have also been reported in other parts of Mexico. As the situation develops, wherever you are in Mexico, you should stay alert and follow local security advice.

Puerto Vallarta International Airport announced it had cancelled all international operations and most of the domestic flights on Sunday local time.
Students at the Al Zahra University. Media coverage of the protests has been kept to a minimum as the authorities banned students who were identified in photographs from campus. Photograph: UGC/AFP/Getty Images (Photograph: UGC/AFP/Getty Images)

Students at universities in Iran have held a third consecutive day of protests just over a month after the violent suppression by security services of mass street demonstrations left thousands dead.

The protests came amid tensions between Iran and the US. Washington has built up military forces and pressure in the Middle East as it negotiates with Tehran  with the next round in Geneva on Thursday. Donald Trump has warned really bad things will happen if there is no deal.

Iran would retaliate ferociously against any attack, the foreign ministry spokesperson, Esmail Baghaei, said on Monday.

The demonstrations on Monday spread to campuses including all-women Al Zahra University in Tehran, where anti-government slogans were chanted and an Iranian flag was burned and torn, but did not move to the streets.

A Telegram channel for Iranian students, Anjmotahed, said an attack by the Basij state-backed militia at Sharif University in Tehran left several students injured and an ambulance arrived at the campus. Universities have sent text messages to students warning them of disciplinary consequences.

In a bid to ridicule Irans supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, some students climbed trees in the campus and hung toy mice from its branches  a way of saying he was hiding underground like a mouse. Reports said students chanted death to the dictator, for every one killed, a thousand will follow and the blood that has been spilled will never be washed away.

Student representatives who met Irans vice-president, Mohammad Reza Aref, at the weekend told him that it was an insult to claim that terrorists had been responsible for the killings during the January protests. The response to the peoples protests had been given in bullets, they said.

The renewed protests serve as a further reminder that Trump has not yet fulfilled his pledge to Iranian patriots during the January demonstrations that help is on its way.

Domestic media coverage of the university protests has been kept to a minimum as the authorities directed universities to ban photographed demonstrators from campus. Students in Iran are supposed to be free from police interference, leading to clashes between students and authorities.

Mohammad Khatami, Irans president from 1997 to 2005, has called for the release of all those arrested, saying they are accused of nothing but despair and protest.

Often seen as less critical of the regime than other reformists, Khatamis remarks mark a change from his initial response to the protests, which he said had been engineered by the US and Israel.

Separately Iranian reformists complained they had been banned from standing for Tehran city council, the first time such political interference  which is common in parliamentary and presidential politics  had spread to local authority level.

Khamenei is facing the gravest crisis of his 36-year tenure, with an economy struggling under the weight of international sanctions and growing unrest since the major protests in January.

In a further ominous sign for the government, five political parties representing Iranian Kurds have agreed to form a coalition to bring down the government. The statement said the Iranian government had lost all legitimacy but remained standing due to the fragmentation of the opposition. It said the coalition stood in solidarity with other nations in Iran and are willing to work in solidarity with all opponents of the Islamic Republic.

The fragmented signs of internal dissent come at an awkward time for the government as the secretary of the Supreme National Council Security Council, Ali Larijani, prepares to meet Omani mediators on Tuesday in Muscat ahead of the major talks on a future nuclear deal due to be held in Geneva on Thursday.

The foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, has said Iran will put forward proposals to reassure the US that Iran has no plan or means to build a nuclear bomb.

The US willingness to accept Irans proposals heavily depends on Trumps personal response, but Iran appears to be willing to revert to what is known as the Additional Protocol, an agreement that gives the UN nuclear weapons inspectorate enhanced access to Irans bombed nuclear sites.

In Geneva, Irans deputy foreign minister for legal and international affairs Kazem Gharibabadi told the UN human rights council that countries should turn to diplomacy instead of sanctions and war.

Speaking at the council session, Gharibabadi warned that if war did break out its effects will not be limited to just the two sides, but will encompass the region.

He said states that have tried sanctions and war with Iran should experience diplomacy and respect.

He added: It is unfortunate that human rights advocates want to teach the Iranian people, who got rid of the Pahlavi dictatorship 47 years ago, a lesson in democracy!

Iran was on Monday reported to have in December agreed a secret 500m arms deal with Russia to acquire thousands of advanced shoulder-fired missiles to help fill the major hole in Irans air defences.

The agreement, signed in Moscow, commits Russia to deliver 500 man-portable Verba launch units and 2,500 9M336 missiles over three years.
Protesters outside the International Criminal Court (ICC) on Monday as a pretrial hearing examining charges of alleged crimes against humanity against Rodrigo Duterte started. Photograph: Simon Wohlfahrt/AFP/Getty Images (Photograph: Simon Wohlfahrt/AFP/Getty Images)

Rodrigo Duterte, the former president of the Philippines, was at the very heart of brutal anti-drugs campaigns that led to the killing of thousands of people, prosecutors at the international criminal court (ICC) have argued, as they called for charges against him to proceed to trial.

Duterte, 80, who was arrested in Manila last year and flown to The Hague, is facing three counts of crimes against humanity over campaigns against drug users and dealers during his presidency, and his earlier tenure as mayor of the city of Davao.

Duterte has denied charges against him, but did not attend Mondays pre-trial hearing. He announced last week that he would not appear, as he was old, tired and frail and experiencing memory loss. The families of victims condemned his failure to appear before the court, accusing him of cowardice.

Duterte, who was president from 2016 until 2022, is charged with 49 incidents involving 78 victims of murder and attempted murder, though the ICC deputy prosecutor Mame Mandiaye Niang said these were merely a fraction of the overall criminality that resulted from the war on drugs.

Niang alleged that Duterte was at the very heart of a plan to neutralise alleged criminals, including through murder. After becoming mayor of Davao in 1988, Duterte formed an infamous group known as the Davao Death Squad (DDS), to kill criminals, and suspected criminals, Niang said. As president, Duterte expanded this through a national network consisting of law enforcement personnel, working together with non-police assets and hitmen, Niang told the court.

The prosecutor accused Duterte of wielding ultimate influence and authority over the perpetrators of drug crackdowns, of authorising murder, selecting some of the targets, promising immunity, and giving financial support to perpetrators.

While mayor of Davao, Dutertes office provided some members of the DDS with a regular salary, Niang alleged, adding that rewards were also given in the form of cash per head for killing.

Some killed out of fear, while others were encouraged by promises of money or a perverse form of competition to attain killing quotas and gain promotions and rewards, the prosecutor said.

Niang quoted from several of Dutertes speeches that appeared to incite or confess to violence, including a 2016 speech in which Duterte said he used to ride around Davao on a motorcycle looking for trouble so that he could kill. I used to do it personally just to show to the guys that if I can do it, why cant you, he quoted Duterte as saying.

Separately, Duterte was quoted as saying in a television interview: If I become president, you will all get wiped out. I will order your execution within 24 hours.

The pre-trial hearing is for prosecutors to set out their case so judges can decide whether there are substantial grounds to believe Duterte committed the alleged charges, and therefore to move the case to trial. The hearing will conclude on Friday and a written decision will be issued within 60 days.

The Duterte Panagutin Campaign Network, which has advocated for victims of the drug crackdowns, called Mondays pre-trial hearing a historic step in the long search for justice and accountability.

Between 12,000 and 30,000 civilians were killed in connection with drug operations, according to past estimates cited by the ICC prosecutor. Many were men in poor, urban areas who were shot dead in the streets or in their homes.

Victims and their advocates gathered in the Philippines to watch live screenings of the hearings, while some travelled to The Hague. Dutertes supporters also rallied at the court to express their backing for the former leader.

Dutertes defence lawyer, Nicholas Kaufman, said his client was a unique phenomenon who was full of hyperbole, bluster and rhetoric, but said he should not be judged based on his coarse attitude or his vulgar language.

He accused the prosecution of cherrypicking speeches by the former leader, and ignoring occasions where Duterte had tempered his bombastic language and referred to the principle of lawful self-defence.

He also rejected claims that Dutertes drugs crackdowns were a war on the poor, saying Dutertes policies had helped the poorest, and describing Duterte as a man who lived a frugal existence. As president, his diet consisted not of prime cuts of imported Australian beef, but of dried fish and boiled rice, adding that he slept in the spartan quarters of his bodyguards hut.

Kaufman said Duterte had been targeted by political enemies, and hit out at NGOs, human rights activists and media who he accused of lacking objectivity. Duterte had made Davao a safer place, he said, citing his electoral successes in the city.

Even as Dutertes policies drew international outrage, he remained popular domestically. His daughter, the vice-president, Sara Duterte, announced last week that she would run for the presidency in the countrys 2028 election, with polling suggesting she would be a strong contender.

Joel Butuyan, who addressed the court as a legal representative of victims, said families who had spoken out live in constant fear.

Calling for the case to proceed to trial, he challenged defence claims that Dutertes violent speeches should not be taken literally. If he were merely being pompous and flippant, the people who were killed should be alive and laughing today at his supposed pranks, he said.

Sarah Celiz, 61, whose two sons Almon and Dicklie were killed in separate incidents in 2017, called on Duterte to attend the hearings this week.

He never showed us any mercy, said Celiz, who for years has campaigned for Duterte to be tried. My son begged for mercy, but he showed none. So why should we show him mercy?


Duterte says too old, tired and frail to appear in person as international court starts drug war trial

Former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte will not be present at pre-trial hearings in his case of alleged crimes against humanity which is set to begin on Monday.

Mr Duterte, 80, was arrested in Manila and flown to The Hague last year to face trial at the International Criminal Court (ICC) for his alleged role in the anti-drugs crackdown in the Philippines which resulted in the death of thousands of people.

The pre-trial hearing at the ICC will begin on Monday and continue over the next four days to confirm the charges against him and to proceed to a trial.

Judges at the ICC granted the request by Mr Duterte's defence to waive his right to attend the hearings, even though they said the reasons given for the absence were "speculative".

The lawyers for the former president said he won't be able to attend the hearings due to his cognitive decline and argued that he was old, tired and frail and experiencing memory loss. Mr Duterte said that the "claim that I oversaw a policy of extrajudicial killings is an outrageous lie.

This comes after judges at the Hague-based war crimes court last month ruled that Mr Duterte was fit to attend hearings, as independent medical experts had found that he would be able to understand and participate in his case.

Prosecutors at the ICC have charged Mr Duterte with three counts of crimes against humanity, accusing him of direct responsibility for at least 76 killings between 2013 and 2018.

However, the actual number of killings during his anti-drug crackdown is widely believed to run into the thousands. Lawyers for victims say a full trial could prompt many more families to step forward.

Police officers stand as residents look at them during an "Oplan Tokhang" or house-to-house campaign on illegal drugs at an informal settlers community in Manila (AFP/Getty)

According to police, 6,200 suspects were killed during anti-drug operations under Mr Duterte's presidency. But activists say the real toll was far higher and the ICC prosecutor has said as many as 30,000 people may have died.

Mr Duterte, who served as president of the Philippines from 2016 to 2022, is accused by prosecutors of creating, funding and arming death squads as part of his war on drugs  a campaign in which thousands of alleged dealers and users were killed. Mr Duterte has long insisted he instructed police to kill only in self-defence and has always defended the crackdown.

Last week, Mr Duterte in a statement, described his arrest as a kidnapping, which he claimed was facilitated by president Ferdinand Marcos Jr. He said he was forcibly pushed into a jet and renditioned to The Hague in the Netherlands in flagrant contravention of the Philippines constitution and national sovereignty."

I have accepted the fact that I could die in prison. But those that desire this fate for me should know that my heart and soul will always remain in the Philippines, he said.

But families of those killed during the war on drugs have pushed for justice. He should face everything he did to us and to the families of the [other] victims, said Sarah Celiz, 61, whose two sons, Almon and Dicklie, were killed in 2017.

He never showed us any mercy, Ms Celiz said, her voice unflinching after years of campaigning to see Duterte in prison. My son begged for his life, but they showed none. So why should we show him mercy? No," she was quoted by The Guardian as saying.

Human Rights Watch said the pre-trial hearing was a critical step in ensuring justice for victims of the Philippines so-called war on drugs.

The first of the three counts against the former president centres on his alleged role as a co-perpetrator in 19 killings carried out between 2013 and 2016, when he was mayor of Davao City. The second charge relates to 14 murders of so-called high value targets in 2016 and 2017, by which time he had ascended to the presidency.

The third count covers 43 deaths during so-called clearance operations targeting lower-level alleged drug users and pushers across the Philippines between 2016 and 2018.

The pre-trial hearing will assess whether prosecutors have presented enough evidence to establish substantial grounds to believe Mr Duterte committed crimes against humanity. Proceedings are set to conclude on Friday, with judges expected to issue a written decision within 60 days. If the charges are confirmed, the case will proceed to a full trial.
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.
Heres everything you need to know about the Bafta award-winning film I Swear.

The biopic, starring Robert Aramayo, tells the story of Scottish campaigner for Tourette syndrome, John Davidson, who developed the condition when he was 12.

Set in Galashiels, a town in the Scottish Borders, the film follows Davidson and his journey to advocating for better awareness of the condition, which, according to the NHS, causes you to make sudden, repetitive sounds or movements, known as tics.

There is currently no cure, but treatment can help manage the tics.

Robert Aramayo was named best actor for his role in I Swear and was voted for the EE Rising Star Award (Ian West/PA) (Ian West)

Aramayo stars alongside Peter Mullan, Maxine Peak and Shirley Henderson in the film by Kirk Jones, which recounts Davidsons experience growing up in the 80s when the condition was largely unknown.

Throughout I Swear, Davidson is bullied, beaten up and at one point arrested as a result of people not understanding his outbursts.

The film follows on from the 1989 documentary Johns Not Mad, which followed 16-year-old Davidson around his hometown as he lived with the condition.

Robert Aramayo portrays John Davidson, a campaigner for Tourette syndrome (Ian West/PA) (Ian West)

Davidson has since gone on to advocate for greater awareness of the condition and was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire in 2019 for his campaigning work  a central theme in the film.

Aramayo picked up the leading actor gong for his portrayal of Davidson during the 79th Bafta award ceremony, where he also received the EE Rising Star award.

The impact of the film was praised by Davidson, who told the Press Association: The power that the films got is the fact that its opened peoples eyes to the real issues.
Farage says he was barred from Chagos Islands Heres the truth | Debunked

Nigel Farage has claimed the UK government refused him entry to the Chagos Islands. However, when approached by The Independent, the government said they were not notified in advance of his plans and were unaware he was in the Maldives until he spoke publicly.

Farage had travelled to support four Chagossians seeking to establish a base on Ile du Coin. Access to the archipelago requires official permits. When The Independent asked if Farage had applied, Reform UK declined to say whether one was sought.

The territory, including Diego Garcias joint UK-US base, is tightly controlled. Officials insist safety  not politics  prevented the voyage.
Jose Alejandro Zamora Yrala was jailed for four years and eight months (Serious Fraud Office)

A former techno DJ has been jailed after selling almost 7m worth of counterfeit aircraft engine parts from his home in a scheme which led to planes being grounded around the world.

Jose Alejandro Zamora Yrala, 38, admitted to forging more than 60,000 authenticity certificates for engine components on his home computer between 2019 and 2023, costing airlines millions.

His company, AOG Technics, supplied these fraudulent parts, which were then fitted into the CFM56, the worlds most widely used passenger aircraft engine, powering Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 planes, Southwark Crown Court heard.

In August 2023, planes worldwide were grounded after UK, US, and EU aviation agencies issued safety alerts regarding AOGs components.

Zamora Yrala was jailed for four years and eight months.

Sentencing Zamora Yrala, Mr Justice Simon Picken stated he used several elements of subterfuge to defraud his customers.

Your offending was more or less a complete undermining of the regulatory framework designed to safeguard the millions of people who fly every day, every year, said Judge Picken.

Zamora Yrala was operating from his garage in Virginia Water, Surrey, buying engine blades, bolts and washers before selling them on to major companies such as Ethiopian Airlines and Aero Norway with fraudulent authorised release certificates (ARCs).

Faras Baloch, prosecuting, said: Over a period of around four-and-a-half years, Zamora defrauded customers and potential customers of AOG Technics Ltd by falsifying documentation regarding the origin, provenance, condition, and status of aircraft engine parts the company had supplied or attempted to supply.

Many of these parts were used in or intended for use in the CFM56, the leading engine in commercial aircraft, which powers Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 planes.

The fraudulent parts were fitted into the CFM56, the worlds most widely used passenger aircraft engine (POOL/AFP/Getty)

Ethiopian Airlines and American Airlines were two of the largest companies that either bought parts from or ended up with parts sold by AOG.

Mr Baloch said: In total, AOG sold 5,627 individual parts with false documentation to Ethiopian Airlines for approximately 1.1m, including seals, bushings, vanes, bolts and washers.

The worlds largest airline, American Airlines, did not buy directly from AOG, but still found that 28 of its engines were affected by its unapproved parts, which caused it losses of more than 21m.

The total known financial losses incurred by airlines came to 39.3m, the court heard.

AOGs number of employees is unclear as only Zamora Yrala, his then wife, her brother and the familys nanny were ever on the payroll, the court heard.

Customers did receive emails and documents from other AOG employees such as Michael Smith and Johnny Rico.

Judge Picken said: It seems to be the case that they were not real people but were made up to give the impression that AOG was more substantive than it really was.

Zamora Yrala forged ARCs, which are required by aviation authorities to prove the quality and age of a product.

The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) found that he had used a French company, Safran Aerosystems, on thousands of authenticity certificates, even though it never sold parts to him.

Some 90 per cent of AOGs revenue during the indictment period between 2019 and 2023 relied on those forged documents, the court heard.

Mr Baloch said: Zamora identified and exploited the trust that purchasers of aircraft parts placed in the certificates and other documents they received.

He created false ARCs issued in accordance with EU, US, UK, Singaporean and Chinese regulations, which were almost indistinguishable from genuine certificates.

Zamora Yrala was found to have supplied 7m worth of counterfeit aircraft engine parts from his home garage (SFO/PA)

The offending was discovered when a bolt, supplied by AOG to the Portuguese Airline TAP, would not fit on an engine, the SFO has said.

This led to an examination of the forged documents, and the eventual grounding of planes after safety notices were issued on 4 August 2023, the court heard.

On 6 December 2023, Zamora Yralas home was searched, and he provided a statement reading: AOG Technics Ltd sometimes (but not always) sold aircraft parts as parts manufactured by Original Equipment Manufacturers when that was not the case, and admitted responsibility for the falsified certificates.

If the faulty part had not been flagged, it is unclear when Zamora Yralas offending would have been stopped.

Small broker companies dealing in aviation parts are relatively common, as the demand for specific parts at specific times can turn a significant profit.

A Portuguese investigation into others involved in the offending is ongoing and three people are in custody.

Director of operations at SFO, Emma Luxton, said: Zamoras operation risked public safety on a global scale in a way that defies belief.

Im proud that we have used our specialist skills and expertise to bring him to justice and this criminal operation to the ground as swiftly as possible.

Zamora Yrala had worked in the aviation industry from 2011 and set up AOG in 2015 as the sole director, having reportedly previously been a techno DJ.

Nicola Howard KC, defending, admitted he cut corners while running AOG but did not fully understand the possible consequences of his actions.

Zamora Yrala was sentenced to four years and eight months imprisonment for defrauding AOGs customers and potential customers.

He was also disqualified from acting as a company director for eight years, and will face proceeds of crime proceedings later this year.
The issue lies with a small batch of wheels on Honda Civics from 2016 to 2021 (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

Honda is recalling over 46,000 examples of its popular Civic model due to a significant mechanical issue that could result in wheels falling off.

The Japanese firm is specifically targeting 46,152 vehicles from the 2017-2021 range, all of which were fitted with optional alloy wheels. According to Honda, the defect will only affect 'certain vehicles' within this group.

In a statement, Honda said that Customer notification letters are scheduled to be issued in early 2026. These letters will include a QR code enabling customers to submit images of their wheel sets so Honda can determine whether their vehicle is affected.

Details on the recall  which affects many cars across Europe  were published by the European Commission.

The report added that the issue came from wheels not being fitted tightly enough and this, in a worst case scenario could result in the wheel falling off.

Customers will receive a QR code enabling them to submit images of their wheel sets so Honda can determine whether their vehicle is affected (Honda)

However, Honda UK added in its statement that In the meantime, customers may continue to drive their vehicles in their current condition.

The full statement from Honda UK is as follows: Honda has confirmed a safety recall relating to accessory (optional) wheels fitted to certain vehicles. The affected vehicles were sold in the United Kingdom, and UK customers are included within this recall action. This recall applies to 20172021 model year Honda Civic 5 Door. In total, 46,152 units in the UK could be impacted.

Customer notification letters are scheduled to be issued in early 2026. These letters will include a QR code enabling customers to submit images of their wheel sets so Honda can determine whether their vehicle is affected.

In the meantime, customers may continue to drive their vehicles in their current condition.

Honda reported a similar issue in November.

Then, 400,000 models were recalled across the United States.

Due to a manufacturing process error by a supplier, the steel lug seat inserts in aluminum accessory wheels may not have been installed (pressed) into the nut seating surface, Honda said in a press release.
People dig for gold at the informal settlement of Gugulethu. Photograph: Kim Ludbrook/EPA (Photograph: Kim Ludbrook/EPA)

In a township 30 miles east of Johannesburg, a mechanical digger filled in holes in the dark brown earth, bringing to an end a brief but intense gold rush that saw dozens of fortune seekers descend on what was once a cattle field.

Less than two weeks ago, a rumour spread like wildfire on social media: someone had found gold while digging a hole for a fence post in a field on the edge of Gugulethu, an informal settlement of dirt roads and metal shacks on the outskirts of mining town Springs.

Many of Gugulethus jobless residents got to work digging. Prospectors also came from hundreds of miles away, from Limpopo province to the north and the city of Rustenberg to the north-west, said local councillor Dean Stone.

By Wednesday 18 February, authorities from the wider Ekurhuleni municipality had clamped down on what was deemed to be illegal mining. Three people were arrested, mining equipment was confiscated and diggers and dumper trucks were brought in to fill the trenches.

Reports of gold being discovered remain unverified and are currently speculative, the City of Ekurhuleni said in social media posts.

The frenzy contains echoes of the creation of Johannesburg, which mushroomed out of farmland when gold was discovered in 1886 and is now home to more than 6.5 million people. Springs was founded in 1904 after gold was struck there in 1899 and its centre is filled with faded art deco buildings that recall its prosperous past.

The lure of gold has become brighter again in the last year, with the price soaring above $5,000 (3,710) an ounce as investors flocked to safe haven assets amid market volatility triggered by US president Donald Trumps tariffs.

The short, sharp gold rush in Gugulethu, which has a population of about 11,500, also reflects the desperation of many South Africans. Unemployment is 42%, and almost 38% live below the official poverty line of about 65 a month.

We are hungry, there are no jobs, said Nomsa Jamangile, 19, who dug out 15 bags of soil from the township field, with her sister Thokozile and two of their friends.

The group did strike gold, said Thokozile, using the tip of her index finger to demonstrate the amount. They split their 2,000 rand (92.12) takings four ways and bought food, while Thokozile also paid 260 rand for a month of transport for her five-year-old daughter to get to primary school.

We are sad, she said, when asked how she felt about the government stopping them from digging. We want the government to help us, to give us a job so we dont sell our bodies, said her sister Nomsa.

Theyre in a dire situation, said Stone. Theres no employment, especially for the youth. Kids [aged] 10, 11, were digging [and] the parents. Its tragic.

The national mining ministry said on Monday that it strongly condemns the recent illegal mining activities, adding miners needed licences and support and assistance are available to artisanal and small-scale miners who wish to operate within the legal framework.

How do you expect someone from Gugulethu, who lives in a shack, who hasnt got a vehicle, can go all the way there [to Johannesburg to apply for a licence]? Stone said. Surely the department can send somebody there?

Not all of Gugulethus residents were sad that the gold rush had ended. Sandi Tshona, who had grazed his 18 cattle on the fenced field (known as a kraal), said he and his fellow farmers allowed people to start digging outside, but they soon forced their way into the field. After that, it was uncontrollable, the 48-year-old said.

South Africas gold production peaked in the 1970s, although it was the worlds top producer until 2007. The Witwatersrand region is now littered with mine dumps and abandoned shafts, many now mined by illegal miners known as zama zamas (which loosely means take a chance in Zulu). Analysts estimate there are 30,000 zama zamas, producing 10% of the countrys gold.

Beige ridges, the remains of abandoned goldmines, rise up either side of Gugulethu. On one side of the settlement, the flat earth before the mine dump is bleached white from chemicals used to separate gold from soil and water.

The old mines are now controlled by foreign zama zamas armed with guns, said a city official, who was not authorised to speak to the press. South Africas president, Cyril Ramaphosa, said in his annual state of the nation address earlier this month that the military would be deployed to crack down on gangs, organised crime and illegal mining.

Police have periodically cracked down on zama zamas, sometimes with fatal consequences. In January 2025, more than 90 bodies were pulled from a 1.2 mile-deep gold shaft in Stilfontein, 100 miles south-west of Johannesburg, after police blocked supplies being sent down to the men.
The Mexican army has killed the countrys most powerful cartel leader and one of the United States most wanted fugitives, Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, sparking a wave of retaliatory violence across the nation.

The death of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) boss, during an attempt to capture him in Jalisco state on Sunday, marks the most significant blow against organised crime since the recapture of Joaquin El Chapo Guzman a decade ago.

Following Oseguera Cervantess demise, cartel members unleashed widespread unrest. Roads in 20 Mexican states were blocked by burning cars, sending plumes of smoke into the air. Residents in Guadalajara, Mexicos second-largest city and Jaliscos capital, were forced to shelter indoors, while schools in several states cancelled classes on Monday.

Security forces across the country were placed on high alert, and even neighbouring Guatemala reinforced its border security with Mexico in response to the escalating situation.

The killing could give the government a leg up in its dealings with the U.S. Trump administration, which has been threatening tariffs or unilateral military action if Mexico does not show results in the fight against the cartels.

But the long-term effect on Mexicos security landscape remains unclear.

Heres what to know:

El Mencho was the leader of a fast-growing criminal group

Oseguera Cervantes, better known as El Mencho, was 59 years old and originally from the western state of Michoacan. His ties to organized crime went back at least three decades.

In 1994, he was tried for trafficking heroin in the U.S. and sent to prison for three years. Upon returning to Mexico, he quickly rose through Mexicos drug trafficking underworld.

Mexican drug kinpin Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes (United States Drug Enforcement Administration)

Around 2009, he founded the CJNG, which became Mexicos fastest-growing criminal organization, moving cocaine, methamphetamines, fentanyl and migrants to the United States, and innovating in violence with the use of drones and improvised explosive devices.

The cartel earned a reputation for brazen attacks on Mexican security forces, including downing a military helicopter in Jalisco in 2015 and attempting a spectacular, but unsuccessful, assassination of Mexico City police chief Omar Garcia Harfuch, who is now Mexicos federal security secretary.

It recruited aggressively, experimenting with new ways to reach potential members online, and generated revenue through fuel theft, extortion and timeshare fraud, among other activities.

Oseguera Cervantes died in a battle with troops sent to capture him

Oseguera Cervantes was killed during an attempt to capture him, as his followers attempted to fight off Mexican troops.

Mexicos Defense Department said in a statement that the army launched an operation in the southern part of Jalisco state to capture Oseguera Cervantes, involving the Mexican Air Force and special forces.

The cartel counterattacked, and in the ensuing confrontation, federal forces killed four members of the criminal group and wounded three others, including its leader, who died later during transfer by air to Mexico City, according to the statement.

National Guards remove pedestrians by the General Prosecutors headquarters in Mexico City (AP)

Three soldiers were injured and two people were detained in the action. Rocket launchers capable of shooting down aircraft and destroying armored vehicles were seized at the scene.

Mexico is keen to show Trump results in the fight against cartels

The death of Oseguera Cervantes will help Mexicos government show results to the U.S., which is pressuring its neighbor to pursue drug cartels more aggressively. Both countries said intelligence collaboration helped lead to Sundays operation.

Oseguera Cervantes was facing multiple indictments in the United States and the U.S. State Department had offered a $15m reward for information leading to his arrest. The Trump administration designated his cartel and others foreign terrorist organizations a year ago.

U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau, who was U.S. ambassador to Mexico during the first Trump administration, applauded the operation via X, writing: The good guys are stronger than the bad guys. Congratulations to the forces of law and order in the great Mexican nation.

A charred vehicle sits at a damaged supermarket in Guadalajara, Jalisco state (AP)

Mike Vigil, former chief of international operations for the DEA, said Mexico had sent a strong message to Donald Trumps administration that they are fighting aggressively and effectively against the most powerful cartels. He added that the majority of the information came from the Mexican armed forces and all credit goes to Mexico.

Cartel leaders death leaves a power vacuum

Its not clear who will succeed Oseguera Cervantes, or if any one person can.

The Jalisco cartel has a presence in at least 21 of Mexicos 32 states and is active in almost all of the United States, according to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. But it is also a global organization and the loss of its leader could be felt well beyond Mexico.

El Mencho controlled everything, he was like a countrys dictator, Vigil said.

His absence could slow the cartels rapid growth and expansion and leave it initially weakened against the Sinaloa cartel on several fronts where they or their proxies are fighting. The Sinaloa is locked in its own internal power struggle, however, between the sons of El Chapo and the faction loyal to Ismael El Mayo Zambada, who is in U.S. custody.

A police officer stands guard by a charred vehicle on a road in Guadalajara, after it was set on fire (AP)

Vigil said Mexico should seize the moment to launch an effective frontal assault based on intelligence.

This is a big opportunity for Mexico and the United States if they work together, he said.

Security analyst David Saucedo said that if relatives of Oseguera Cervantes take control of the cartel, the violence seen Sunday could continue. If others take power, they could be more willing to turn the page and continue operations.

The greatest fear would be that the cartel turns to indiscriminate violence. They could decide to launch narcoterrorism attacks ... and generate a scenario similar to what Colombia lived in the 1990s, a full-on attack against the government, car bombs, assassinations and attacks on aircraft.
Jack Whitehall has revealed that a comedy sketch involving Harry Styles was rejected as inappropriate ahead of this years BRIT Awards.

The comedian, 37, will return to host the ceremony for the sixth time when it relocates to Manchesters Co-op Live on February 28, marking the first time in the awards 46-year history that it has been staged outside London.

However, Whitehall admitted that not all of his pre-written jokes and sketches made the cut, including one elaborate idea centred on the former One Direction star.

Appearing on The Jonathan Ross Show, he said he had been asked to submit ideas in advance, with some swiftly turned down.

I had to send over a few ideas, because the first few I dont think were appropriate, he said.

Jack Whitehall told chat show host Jonathan Ross how he had been aked to submit sketch ideas for the BRITS in advance (PA Wire)

There was one that was me trekking for days to try and find him, and hed been living in a hut, and he looked like Hagrid.

And then it had me shaving him. It was maybe like a fantasy of mine, but that got a hard no from his team.

Whitehall did not expand on which elements were deemed unsuitable, but made clear the sketch was rejected outright.

Styles is set to perform Aperture, the first single from his forthcoming fourth album, Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally, during Saturday nights ceremony.

The BRIT Awards move to Manchester represents a significant shift for the event, which has been based in London since its inception. After nearly five decades in the capital, organisers have said the relocation is intended to reach new audiences across the UK and shed its London-centric reputation.

Harry Styles is set to perform his latest single during the awards show (PA Wire)

Whitehall confirmed in December that he would remain as host despite the change of city. The comic has frequently fronted the ceremony since his first stint in 2018, becoming closely associated with its mix of irreverent humour and celebrity roasts.

Manchester holds particular significance for Whitehall, who studied at the University of Manchester and began performing stand-up in the city.

In a video shared to social media titled Ode to Manchester, he paid tribute to the citys cultural landmarks, including the Curry Mile and Coronation Street.

I am so excited to be coming back for this very special BRIT Awards in Manchester, a place that is so important to me, he said.

The city I started my comedy career in, it feels like a real full circle moment returning to host this historic night at the Co-op Live, a venue that is only a stones throw away from the comedy club I did my first 10-minute set in all those years ago.

Hopefully I get a few more laughs than I did that night. I cannot wait.

The ceremony will take place on Saturday, February 28, and will be broadcast on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player. Manchester is also set to host the event again in 2027.
A federal judge has permanently barred the release of a report by special counsel Jack Smith on his investigation into President Donald Trumps hoarding of classified documents.

U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon, who was nominated to the bench by Trump, granted a request from the president to keep under wraps the report on an investigation alleging Trump stored sensitive documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate after he left the White House following his first term and obstructed government efforts to get them back.

Smith and his team produced a two-volume report on the classified documents investigation and a separate probe into Trumps efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election after he lost to Joe Biden.

Both investigations produced indictments that were abandoned by Smiths team after Trumps November 2024 election win in light of longstanding Justice Department legal opinions that say sitting presidents cannot face federal prosecution.

The decision comes a month after former Special Counsel Jack Smith testified about his team's federal criminal investigations into Trump which included 2020 election interference and classified documents (Getty Images)

Attorney General Pam Bondi had already determined that the report was an internal deliberative communication that is privileged and confidential and should not be released outside the Justice Department, according to court papers.

The Trump administration has characterized Smith's investigation as politically motivated and said in recent court papers that the report belongs in the dustbin of history."

Cannon's order, however, blocking the release also applies to Bondi's successors at the Justice Department. Cannon, who in 2024 dismissed the case after concluding that Smith was unlawfully appointed after multiple other favorable rulings for Trump, said the release of the report would present a manifest injustice to the president and his two co-defendants.

Special Counsel Smith, acting without lawful authority, obtained an indictment in this action and initiated proceedings that resulted in a final order of dismissal of all charges, she wrote. As a result, the former defendants in this case, like any other defendant in this situation, still enjoy the presumption of innocence held sacrosanct in our constitutional order.

A First Amendment group and watchdog organization that have been pressing for the report's release could presumably continue to fight in higher courts for it become public.

Judge Cannons decision to permanently block the release of this extraordinarily significant report is impossible to square with the First Amendment and the common law, said Scott Wilkens, senior counsel at The Knight First Amendment Institute at Columbia University, one of the groups pushing for the public release of the report. There is no legitimate basis for its continued suppression.

Cannon wrote that though it is true that special counsels have historically released reports at the conclusion of their work, they have done so either after electing not to bring charges in a particular case or after adjudications of guilt by plea or trial."

Though Cannon suggested that an adjudication of guilt typically precedes the release of a special counsel report, there have been instances in which defendants charged by a special counsel have been acquitted at trial and the allegations against them have nonetheless been subsequently rehashed in a publicly released report.

The classified documents case was once considered the most serious of the four criminal cases against him. It accused Trump of repeatedly enlisting aides and lawyers to help him hide records demanded by investigators and cavalierly showing off a Pentagon plan of attack and classified map.

The first volume of Smiths report on Trumps 2020 election interference case was released last year shortly before Trump returned to the White House. Smith has defended his decision to bring those charges, saying he believes they would have resulted in a conviction had voters not elected Trump in 2024.

Cannon last year granted a defense request to at least temporarily halt the release of the report dealing with the classified documents case. That edict meant that Smith could not discuss the substance of that investigation when he testified last month before the House Judiciary Committee.
Ben Pauling feels the Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup will be better suited to The Jukebox Man than the King George VI Chase proved to be.

The Harry Redknapp-owned eight-year-old went to Kempton still with plenty to prove in the eyes of many, but his victory there, while also very popular, showed he was one of the best stayer chasers in training.

The three and a quarter miles of the Gold Cup is seen as the ultimate test for a reason, but a bullish Pauling has no concerns about the track or the trip.

People say he isnt very quick, but it was a course record in the King George. I think the Gold Cup is a good race. Hes not a showman and he does what he has to do, said Pauling.

Harry Redknapp gives The Jukebox Man a pat (Andrew Matthews/PA) (Andrew Matthews)

After his return in the autumn coming back from an injury it was a steady start. I was nervous he wasnt fit enough for Haydock, but he exceeded our expectations there, while the King George was an exceptional day.

Hes come out of the King George very well and in fact better than I expected. I could have put a Denman Chase into him, but I didnt think he needed it.

Having a horse of his calibre in such good form going into the Gold Cup is extremely exciting. Im hoping we can get him there in the form I know he can be, but I personally think it will be less of a test for him than the King George.

He is uncomplicated and can operate just as effectively on any track. You have to be able to to jump and travel and dont want to be behind and missing fences when it will become hard work.

I firmly believe he will stay and be much more effective over this longer trip than three miles.

It was only his tenacity and will to win the enabled him to get back in front at Kempton.

Vanderpoel (right) leads The Jukebox Man on the gallops (Andrew Matthews/PA) (Andrew Matthews)

With dual winner Galopin Des Champs not quite the force of old and last years hero Inothewayurthinkin struggling to recapture his form, it is currently 5-1 the field for the Festival highlight.

Looking at the race its a little bit like the King George, theres not a standout horse in the field, said Pauling. But you can bet your bottom dollar that on the day there will be.

In the King George he had a lot of questions to answer. He was only rated 158, he had to step forward 15lb and he did.

By the time of the Gold Cup on the Friday the Prestbury Cup is likely to have been decided, the competition between trainers based in Ireland and the UK.

Ben Pauling addresses the media at his Naunton base in Gloucestershire (Andrew Matthews/PA) (Andrew Matthews)

While recent editions have been landslide victories for the visitors, not least because Willie Mullins on his own has trained 10 winners twice, the home team appear to have much more ammunition this season.

Pauling said: We are very aware how dominant the Irish have been. But I do believe we have some more competitive horses coming through.

As for the Prestbury Cup, while its more likely the Irish win it, it might be just by two or three and not be 15.

Weve got Nicky (Henderson) and Paul (Nicholls), but its now down to the younger brigade and we cant just rely on Dan (Skelton).

I think its my best team and I think this year some can do both Cheltenham and Aintree.

Redknapp, of course, knows the pitfalls of top-level sport as well as anyone, but is thoroughly enjoying being carried along for the ride  and will not be tempted to part with his pride and joy.

Its a dream to have a horse to run in the Gold Cup and go there with a chance, he said.

Ive had an awful lot of horses, still got an awful lot, but this one has taken us to places that you only dream about as a racehorse owner. Hes my dream, hes not for sale and he wouldnt be for sale at any price.

Im not saying were going to win it, (but) weve got a serious horse, its an open race and I think weve got as good a chance as anything.
Kentucky man covered in fur arrested after he is found having sex with a deer, cops say

A Kentucky man who was covered in fur has been arrested after he was found having sex with a dead deer, according to authorities.

Allen Osborne, a 32-year-old from Owensboro, was charged with sexual crimes against animals by Central City police on Saturday following the disturbing discovery, according to reports.

A driver had spotted Osborne appearing to have sex with the deer on the side of the road in Muhlenberg County and reported it to police, according to news outlet WEHT, which cited the Central City Police Department.

Allen was found by police with his pants down and blood on his boxers, the Lexington Herald-Leader reported, citing court documents.

Allen Osborne, a 32-year-old Kentucky man who was covered in fur, has been arrested after he was found having sex with a dead deer, according to authorities (Muhlenberg County Detention Center)

The documents alleged Osborne also had deer fur on his hoodie.

Osborne was booked into the Muhlenberg County Detention Center and was being held on a $5,000 bond as of Monday afternoon.

Central City police told The Independent Osborne pleaded not guilty in court Monday morning.

Sexual crimes against animals is a Class D felony, which carries a one to five-year prison sentence if convicted, according to reports.

Information about Osbornes legal representation was not immediately clear.

Osbornes next court date is March 2.
Grocery chain Kroger is making good on its announcement that it will be closing 60 locations across the nation as some stores are already facing closure.

In June, Kroger announced that it planned to close 60 stores across the nation. While it did not provide a full list of stores or a specific timetable for the closures, it did note they would largely occur in the 18 months following the announcement. The store announced it would also layoff 1,000 employees along with the closures.

Kroger confirmed to the El Adelantado newspaper in Texas that it was closing locations in Houston and Spring. According to a spokesperson who talked to the publication, both of those stores are scheduled to close on April 10.

The paper also notes that at least three other Houston-area Kroger locations have shut down since the announcement.

The company said the closures represent a paring down of underperforming locations, and said more new stores would be opened in 2026.

Kroger is closing 60 locations across the U.S. in 2026, but is planning to open new stores in markets it has identified as high-growth (Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

As a result of these closures, Kroger expects a modest financial benefit, a company official said during a June earnings call announcing the shutdowns.

The 60 stores represent approximately 5 percent of the grocery chain's 1,239 stores.

Rudy DiPietro, President of Kroger's Texas Division, told the Houston Business Journal in the fall that the company will open "a bunch" of new stores in the Houston area over the next three to five years. He noted that the company's overall strategy going forward is to open new locations in areas that show strong potential for growth.

During its June earnings call, the company said it would open new locations in 2026 at an accelerate rate, expanding its 2025 new-store build rate by 30 percent.

While Kroger has not released a full list of stores slated for closure, MassLive compiled a partial list of states where Kroger stores were closing.

At least one store will be closing in California, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, Tennessee and West Virginia. Colorado will lose at least two stores, Indiana will lose three, Illinois will lose 4, and both Virginia and Wisconsin will lose 5 stores, according to MassLive's analysis.

The closures were announced approximately six months after a proposed Kroger merger with the Albertsons grocery chain failed to materialize. In December, a pair of judges issued injunctions  one preliminary and one permanent  effectively killing the $24.6 billion agreement.

Judge Marshall Ferguson in Seattle issued the permanent injunction, ruling that the merger would lessen grocery competition in the state and violate consumer-protection laws.

If the merger had passed, it would have been the largest grocery store merger in U.S. history. The companies argued at the time that the merger was necessary to compete with entities like Walmart, Costco, and Amazon.

The Independent has requested comment from Kroger.
Of all the royal horror stories, this one is far from the worst - Toby Melville/Reuters

The word massage is catnip to us journalists. Nevertheless, I feel it is a symptom of incipient craziness that the news on the BBC Today programme this morning led with anonymous accusations that the then Prince Andrew charged a massage to the government while travelling abroad as Britains special trade representative.

If he did, he was unwise but, as his work was unpaid, he may have felt it was reasonable. After all, the British government rightly picked up the bills for his hotel or embassy stays: a massage for, say, an aching back, is not an indescribably wicked add-on (whatever ones suspicions).

The seriousness with which this trivial detail is treated by our national broadcaster is part of wider efforts to suggest that the Andrew/Epstein scandal threatens the monarchy itself.

Andrew may have felt a massage was a reasonable expense - Toby Melville/Reuters

I think that claim is mistaken. Out in the country, where I live, the general sentiment of people who are not journalists is that Andrew is bad news and his Epstein links were terrible, but that the King and the rest of the Royal family deserve more sympathy than reproof.

Most families have a black sheep (sometimes even a small flock of them). Dealing with them with the correct mixture of love and firmness is generally agreed to be extremely hard. The Kings stated view that the law should be left to take its course has gone down well.

In living memory, there have been four major royal horror stories. As a journalist (and, in one case, the editor), I have had to deal with three of them  the divorce and death of Diana, Princess of Wales (really two stories, of course, but with the divorce adding greatly to the drama of her tragic and premature death); the Harry and Meghan breach with the Royal family; now this.

The divorce and death of Diana, Princess of Wales, was the most pivotal royal scandal of all - Anwar Hussein/WireImage

Of these three, the Diana story was by far the gravest. The Royal family stood accused of organised unkindness. In revenge, Diana was trying to change the succession, arguing that her elder son William should succeed to the throne instead of his father. Prince Charles, she told me, would really be much happier living in Tuscany with Mrs Parker Bowles and painting watercolours.

The alleged failure of Queen Elizabeth II to show us you care after Dianas death was exploited by some, for a few days at least, to try to create an atmosphere of insurrection. The Queens skilful impromptu broadcast shortly before the funeral quelled this effectively.

The Harry and Meghan business was less grave. The Prince is sufficiently remote from the succession, and most people could see that he was whiny and she was manipulative. By leaving the country, the couple lost public sympathy. Again, however, the story did cause some trouble for the system because the Sussexes accusations impugned the whole family.

The public could tell the Sussex drama was no real threat to the monarchy - Joe Pugliese/Harpo Productions

The Andrew/Epstein scandal certainly involves iniquity and cannot be brushed aside. There will be further revelations about how the Palace, and governments too, were not sufficiently vigilant. Did his mothers fondness allow her second son to escape scrutiny?

But the affair does not undermine the integrity of Elizabeth II or of any living members of the Royal family. Nor does it involve the succession. Even the point that Andrew is eighth in line to the throne is remote enough to allow the question to be looked at later, rather than decided before any possible court case. Short of bubonic plague, Andrew is not about to be King. He is the classic bad apple, and now, being an ex-prince, he is out of the barrel.

At the time of Dianas death, when feelings ran much higher than now, I remember taking part in public debates in which other participants were saying the days of monarchy were past. This seemed untrue then. It seems even more obviously so today. The Andrew story lacks any serious constitutional ingredient. Yes, it exposes unsavoury international elites. No, it does not show that our monarchy is systemically corrupt.

I have not yet mentioned the fourth royal scandal in living memory (just)  Edward VIIIs love for Mrs Simpson and his abdication when he was not allowed to marry her. That truly was serious. He was on the throne. There was a real possibility that the public, who were fond of Edward, would reject his less glamorous younger brother, George VI. They did not.

They were sensible then. Despite what you may read in the media, they are sensible now.

An untarnished life of service

Here is just one example of how far the over-excitement can go. On Sunday, a columnist in a rival newspaper wrote about Andrews lack of self-awareness or boundaries. Whose fault was this, beyond his own? she asked, The late Queens, no question. Its not that she was a bad person; its just, in the invention of herself, she forgot everyone around her.

Everyone around her? Her husband? Her mother? Her other three children, all of whom have lived lives of service as she did?

The invention of herself? From the moment when the abdication made the 10-year-old Elizabeth realise she would be Queen, she set about suppressing whatever self-centred thought she might have to prepare for her calling. In 1947, aged 21, she made that famous promise that the whole of my life, whether it long or short would be devoted to the service of her people. No royal promise was kept for longer in the whole history of the world.
The victim tragically died at the scene despite the best efforts of the London Ambulance Service (PA Archive)

A man has been charged with murder following the fatal stabbing of a 40-year-old man in Wimbledon.

Police were called to The Broadway at around midnight on Sunday following reports of a stabbing.

The victim, Luke Brereton, was attended to by officers and the London Ambulance Service, but sadly died at the scene.

Officers arrested a man in connection with Mr Breretons death on Sunday.

Amar Zafar, 35, of Cambridge Grove Road, Kingston has now been charged with murder and possession of a bladed article.

He will appear at Wimbledon Magistrates Court on Monday, 23 February.

Mr Breretons next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.

The incident is being treated as isolated, with homicide detectives from the Met's Specialist Crime Command leading the case.

Detective Chief Inspector Wayne Jolley said at the time of the arrest: "Our thoughts are with the victim's family. This is a shocking act of violence in the heart of a busy town, and we understand the impact this will have on the local community.

Anyone with information is asked to call 101, quoting CAD 244/22FEB. To remain anonymous, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Leighton Ashby and Oakley Hollands placed fireworks inside a sheep and fatally injured it (PA)

Two agricultural students who launched a sadistic attack on a sheep, which included placing fireworks inside its mouth and body, have been jailed.

Leighton Ashby, 22, and Oakley Hollands, 20, filmed the 30-minute attack on a mobile phone and kept the sheeps ear tag as a token, which was later hidden inside a Monster energy can and discovered inside a communal toilet.

The duo, who were enrolled at Plumpton Agricultural College, pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal. Ashby was sentenced to two years behind bars, while Hollands received a 20-month sentence at a youth offender institution.

Hove Trial Centre heard that the two men had invited two of their fellow students to see a dead badger on the evening of 2 November 2023, with Hollands telling the group that he had been drinking alcohol while behind the wheel.

After arriving at a field near Ditchling Beacon, the group walked along a public footpath before Ashby and Hollands began to chase a sheep, eventually pinning it to the ground.

Shortly afterwards, Ashby began swinging it from side to side and kicked the sheep around five times to its head and torso. When the other witnesses wanted to leave and asked for the car keys, Hollands refused and began to film the incident on his mobile phone.

At one point, the sheep appeared unable to stand due to the blows to its head, with Hollands heard shouting go on, kill it, kill it, kill it while laughing in the background.

Explosive devices were then inserted into the mouth and anus of the animal, leaving it severely mutilated with fatal injuries.

Animal rights campaigner Lorraine Stokes outside the court with fellow protesters (The Independent)

After the group returned to the college, Ashby was heard to tell Hollands we need to wait a couple of weeks before we do that again. The duo were reported to the police after a female witness requested that Hollands send her the videos. It was also reported to college staff.

Both men have been excluded from the college as a result of their actions.

Analysis of their phones found other disturbing materials, including footage of a dead fox being dismembered and a badger being kicked on Hollands device.

Describing their actions as exhibiting a worrying pattern in the mutilation and destruction of animals, prosecutor Jordan Franks said: This is not simply about the infliction of pain. It could have been in a different context  violence towards the sheep out of frustration, anger, showing off.

It is the crowns case that Mr Hollands can be heard laughing and shouting kill it. The video of the aftermath shows the blood on his hand, they keep the token of the sheeps ear tag. There are worrying signs they took a great deal of pleasure in the suffering they caused.

Protesters gathered outside and sat in the public gallery holding banners that called for a custodial sentence, with animal rights campaigners naming the sheep Eunice.

In a community impact statement read aloud to the court, Mr Franks said that members of the public had reacted with an overwhelming amount of disgust at the violence used by the two men.

The court heard that both defendants were of previous good character and of agricultural backgrounds, with Hollands diagnosed with ADHD and Ashby with autism and learning difficulties.

Sentencing them, Judge Jeremy Gold KC said: Quite what satisfaction you could derive from chasing sheep is difficult to understand but you caught a lamb, a Romsey ewe, which you then kicked and beat to death for your own perverse satisfaction.

The ordeal suffered by that defenceless animal is graphically portrayed on the video footage that you took during the attack.

He continued: As if what had already been done was not bad enough, you decided to insert fireworks into the lamb to cause further suffering and mutilation of this innocent creature. The fact that you both come from farming backgrounds and were studying at Plumpton at the time makes your callous and frankly sadistic behaviour all the more alarming and difficult to comprehend.
The theme of this years Met Gala  widely seen as one of the biggest events in fashion  has been revealed as Fashion is Art.

The event, which takes place on the first Monday each May to raise money for the Metropolitan Museum Of Art in New York, will be co-chaired by Beyonce, Nicole Kidman, Venus Williams, and Anna Wintour, a spokesman for the museum said.

Each year, former Vogue editor Wintour handpicks a group of celebrities to help launch the museums latest exhibition, with stars including Zoe Kravitz, Sabrina Carpenter, Doja Cat and Teyana Taylor also named.

The annual event attracts the biggest names in music, film, TV and fashion, and celebrates the opening of the Costume Institutes spring exhibition at the New York museum.

This years Met Gala will be held on May 4, while its spring exhibition, Costume Art, will be on view from May 10.

The spokesman said the dress code invites guests to express their own relationship to fashion as an embodied art form and celebrate the countless depictions of the dressed body throughout art history.

The proceeds from the gala provide the Costume Institute with its primary source of annual funding.

Costume Art will mark the opening of The Mets new, nearly 12,000-square-foot galleries adjacent to the Great Hall.

The Mets chief executive officer, Max Hollein, said: Costume Art will present a dynamic and scholarly conversation between garments from the Costume Institute and an array of artworks from across The Mets collection, elevating universal and timeless themes while bringing forward new ideas and ways of seeing.

This immensely creative and collaborative show will demonstrate the museums innovative and forward-thinking approach to presenting Costume Institute exhibitions and will highlight The Mets unique ability to position fashion within the context of more than 5,000 years of art represented in its collection.

We are thrilled to announce such an esteemed group of co-chairs and members of the host committee, and further we are deeply grateful to all our donors for their remarkable generosity to create these new, grand public galleries.
Millions of people in New York City and a large swath of the northeastern U.S. were stuck at home Monday as a fierce winter storm barreled into the densely populated region with heavy snowfall and high winds.

Cellphones across New York City received wailing push alerts Sunday night announcing a ban on non-emergency travel on all streets through noon Monday because of dangerous blizzard conditions. Rhode Island and New Jersey implemented similar restrictions.

Regional airports saw widespread cancellations and delays, and public transit was suspended in some areas.

Even DoorDash announced it was suspending deliveries in New York City overnight.

Blizzard warnings stretched from Maryland to Maine after snow began falling Sunday as the storm moved north, and the National Weather Service said 1 to 2 feet (30 to 60 centimeters) of snow was possible in many areas, along with low visibility. Officials in several states urged people to avoid venturing out.

A man rides a bicycle at the beginning of an intense snowstorm on 20th Street and First Avenue (AP)

Emergencies were declared in New York, Philadelphia and other cities, as well as several states stretching from Delaware to Massachusetts, as officials mobilized readiness efforts.

We expect things to dramatically change here heading into the overnight, weather service meteorologist Frank Pereira said Sunday. The storm is continuing to develop, and as it does, as it continues to strengthen and move to the north, were expecting conditions to rapidly deteriorate.

Pereira added that the storm could possibly become a bomb cyclone, which is when a storm drops at least 24 millibars in pressure in 24 hours.

Were expecting it to drop by that magnitude at least over the course of the next 24 hours, he said. I think when all is said and done, it will meet the definition of a bomb cyclone.

Snow forecast for overnight Sunday into Monday

The weather service said some of the heaviest snow was expected to fall overnight, with as much as 2 inches (5cm) of snow per hour accumulating at times in some areas, before tapering off by Monday afternoon.

New York City and Boston canceled public school classes for Monday, while Philadelphia will switch to online learning. New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani called it the first old-school snow day since 2019.

And to kids across New York City, you have a very serious mission if you choose to accept it: Stay cozy, he said.

Snow falls in Alphabet City, New York (AP/Patrick Sison)

Meanwhile, outreach workers worked to coax homeless New Yorkers off the street and into shelters and warming centers.

Various landmarks and cultural institutions announced closures Monday, from New York's Museum of Modern Art to Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C. Broadway shows were canceled Sunday evening.

The weather service said the storms strong wind gusts could cause whiteout conditions and warned of a Potentially Historic/Destructive Storm southeast of the Boston-Providence corridor.

Winds like that, combined with heavy, wet snow, are a recipe for damaged trees and prolonged power outages, said Bryce Williams, a meteorologist with the weather services Boston office. Thats what were most concerned with, is the combination of those extreme snow amounts with that wind.

Preparations for major snow clearing

In addition to their robust plow operations, New York City officials recruited people to shovel snow, with some beginning work Sunday night to get an early start on the first wave of snowfall, Mamdani said.

A man shovels a pile of snow ahead of the winter storm in New York (AFP/Getty)

With the storm zeroing in, John Berlingieri scrapped plans for a family trip to Puerto Rico. Instead, he was preparing his company, Berrington Snow Management, for what could well be a mammoth task: Clearing snow from millions of square feet (meters) of asphalt surrounding shopping malls and industrial parks across Long Island.

Employees spent the last few days recharging batteries on the companys 40 front-end loaders and replacing windshield wipers on snow-removal vehicles.

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.
Valdo Calocane, who killed three people in the city in June 2023, was not admitted after a serious violent episode three years earlier (PA)

Valdo Calocanes mother pleaded for her son to be admitted to hospital after a violent outburst three years before he killed three people in a mass stabbing in Nottingham, a public inquiry has heard.

Calocane, who had been diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, killed University of Nottingham students Barnaby Webber and Grace OMalley-Kumar, both 19, and caretaker Ian Coates, 65, and attempted to kill three more people in Nottingham in June 2023.

A series of reports into the incident by the NHS so far have highlighted failings in Nottinghamshire Healthcare Foundation Trusts management of Calocane, including failures to appropriately assess the risk he posed to himself and others. A public inquiry will now scrutinise prosecutors, police and medical professionals.

During the first day of the hearings on Monday, the inquiry heard that Calocane first had a serious violent episode on 24 May 2020. But mental health professionals ruled Calocane was safe to be treated in the community rather than being admitted.

Ian Coates, Barnaby Webber and Grace OMalley-Kumar were fatally stabbed by Calocane (PA)

Counsel to the inquiry Rachel Langdale told the hearing that, during the incident, Calocane, who is referred to as VC in proceedings, was found repeatedly kicking and punching a door in an attempt to get into a neighbours flat.

He was assessed by a mental health professional and found to be suffering from a psychosis mental health episode and was noted to be presenting with mental health issues, hearing voices, appeared vacant, and had not slept for five days.

At a follow-up mental health act assessment, Dr Gandhi, along with an approved mental health practitioner, Ben Williams, and a mental health nurse Anna Palmer, agreed he would be offered treatment with antipsychotic medication in the community rather than as an inpatient admission.

According to the statement, Dr Gandhi said he was leaning towards detaining Calocane given it was the first presentation of psychosis, and a lack of information on risk history. But he said that the team of professionals also considered the research evidence that shows overrepresentation of young Black males in detention.

Dr Gandhi said it is part of his role in assessments to be aware of research, evidence and data including health inequalities but that it would not have affected the decision to admit or treat Calocane in the community.

The inquiry will look at how appropriate that mental health act assessment was.

KC Langdales statement later quotes Royal College of Psychiatrists evidence stating there is there is no evidence that psychiatrists are not admitting patients because they are black. The rates of admission are the same as atthe time of the publication of the independent review and recent evidence shows that detentions are going up.

She added that in the specific case of Calocane the inquiry may want to consider whether race was a factor however said the evidence so far received does not suggest it was, and note that he was admitted on four on four occasions.

Shortly after being released, Calocane was arrested after attempting to get into another neighbours flat and causing the the woman to become so scared she jumped out of her first floor window, causing serious damage to her spine.

Following his arrest, Ms Palmer spoke with his mother, Celeste Calocane, who noted that she would prefer that her son goes into hospital for treatment, as hes a risk to others in his current mental state, the inquiry heard.

Ms Langdale added that the chair of the inquiry Deborah Taylor may ask why Calocane was released at that stage and whether release straight into the community was appropriate.

It was not until the next day, during a further mental health act assessment, that he was recommended for section.

The inquiry will also probe why services deemed, prior to discharging him, that there had been no incidents of violence from Calocane despite the episodes in May 2020, as well as a prior incident in which he had entered a neighbours flat to confront those who believed were trying to spy on him and torment his mind.

Ms Langdales opneing statement further revealed in Christmas 2022, Calocane sent his parents files over christmas which included, a document explaining he had been hearing voices in his head all the time, but this wasnt the result of mental ill-health, but it was explained by mind control technology, the inquiry heard.

After the attacks on June 13, analysis of Calocanes phone was undertaken, which show he researched mind control technology and watched videos including of a shooting. He also viewed documents with some content relating to the law and police powers, Ms Langdale said.

He largely kept a low profile during his fourth hospital admission in early 2022, spending most of his time on his phone.

Ms Langdale said the inquiry will explore with treating clinicians whether they ever asked VC what he was viewing on his phone, if not, why not, and whether patients routinely have unfettered access to their phone.

His risk assessment was updated for the final time prior to the attacks on February 28 2022  which noted that given the history of violence and aggression, there should not be home visits, and if a home visit was required it should be a joint visit; no lone working.

Ms Langdale added: We will ask why this assessment of the risks to the community medical team did notapply equally to other students and the wider public.

In September 2022 Calocane was discharged from the early intervention in psychosis team which were responsible for his care in the community at the time. He was discharged back to his GP as the team could not make contact with him despite attempts to.

The inquiry will consider whether discharging him to his GP for non-attendance to appointments should have been a signal of his deteriorating mental health.

In the months leading up to the killings in June 2023 Calocanes GP sent text messages asking him to arrange an appointment, however he was not seen and was not provided with any medication.

The Inquiry will consider the role of primary care services following discharge of non-engaging patients, especially where the non-engagement may be an indication of deteriorating mental health and increased risk, the statement said.

Ms Langdale also said there appears to be a lacuna in terms on monitoring patients medication as Calocanes GP claimed this was the responsibility of the trust.

It does not appear the GP practice took any steps to manage VCs prescriptions or make any efforts to ensure he received any. VC was essentially in the community disengaged from any health service and unmedicated, the inquiry heard.

Calocane was sentenced to an indefinite hospital order in January 2024 after admitting manslaughter by diminished responsibility and attempted murder  something which has been widely criticised by the victims families.

The inquiry continues.
Video footage has shown the moment a female police officer was confronted in east London and told: This is a Muslim area.

The video, filmed in Whitechapel, shows the officer defending a Christian preachers freedom of speech while being surrounded by a group of men.

The encounter, filmed in Whitechapel Road, has been widely shared on social media, and appears to have been shot last Monday, a day before the beginning of Ramadan.

In the footage, uploaded to YouTube channel Auditing Britain, a man holding a Bible can be heard preaching the Gospel just yards from the East London Mosque, one of the largest mosques in Western Europe, accommodating up to 7,000 worshippers for daily prayers.

The officer tells the group: 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.

A man wearing a facemask can be seen replying: This is Whitechapel, this is a Muslim area.

People are seen yelling at the preacher, with one bearded man shouting: Talk about Jesus, don't talk about Muhammad, and another shouting Your God is a Jew.

One man accuses the preacher of spreading hatred, alleging that he was calling the Black Stone in the sacred Kaaba building in Mecca a box.

The preacher is also physically attacked by one man wearing a black duffel coat and mask, who shoves him in the back, causing him to stumble forward.

The officer continues to defend the preacher, explaining to the group: 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. You're all more than welcome to stand here and have conversations with them, but they're not being aggressive.

She adds: 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.

The latest census shows that 52.2% of the 18,841 people who live in Whitechapel are Muslim.

When another man approaches the officer, complaining that the preacher is in their community, she responds: You guys can preach about your religion the same way he is.

The officer has been praised for her handling of the situation, with the video racking up over 150,000 views.

One commenter wrote: The female Police Officer was first class, so good to hear one with common sense and knowledge of the Law. We need more like her.

Another said: I have contacted the Met commending her and asking them to reward her for her model policing.

The Met Police declined to comment.
Nicki Minajs new-found conservative voice is being amplified by thousands of bots on social media, report says

Rapper Nicki Minaj, who has recently risen as a conservative voice and supporter of the Trump administration, is being amplified by thousands of bots on social media, a new report has found.

For months, Minaj has racked up millions of views for her political posts, which have ranged from attacks on Democratic California Governor Gavin Newsom to speaking out about claims of Christian persecution in Nigeria to pushing the Republican-led Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act, or SAVE Act.

But exactly who has been engaging with Minajs political content has been called into question by an analysis from Cyabra, a disinformation detection firm.

More than 18,000 fake accounts pushed out Minajs posts on X between November 11 and December 28, 2025, according to the analysis that Politico published Monday.

Rapper Nicki Minaj, who has recently risen as a conservative voice and supporter of the Trump administration, is being amplified by tens of thousands of bots on social media, a new report has found (Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images)

Cyabra said 33 percent of profiles interacting with Minajs political posts were deemed fake, which is exceptionally high compared to the 7 to 10 percent of bots typically found online.

Based on the scale, concentration, and behavioral alignment of the inauthentic activity identified, Cyabra assesses with high confidence that a coordinated fake campaign was actively amplifying political content on Nicki Minajs X account during the period reviewed, Cyabra wrote in its report.

White House spokesperson Olivia Wales told The Independent, Nicki Minaj is not only the most successful female rapper in history  with a huge fan base in the Barbz  she is also a fearless advocate for Christians in Nigeria, a generous investor in Americas children through Trump Accounts, and a champion for the MAGA Movement.

President Trump is proud to have Nicki Minajs strong support as he Makes America Great Again every day.

For months, Minaj has racked up millions of views for her political posts and has made appearances at the White House and with conservative activist Erika Kirk (Win McNamee/Getty Images)

The Independent has reached out to Minajs representatives for comment.

Aside from her social media activity, Minaj has made her support of Trump and conservative causes known through public appearances.

Minaj made a surprise appearance at Turning Point USAs AmericaFest summit in December 2025, joining Erika Kirk, who took over the conservative youth group after her husband Charlie Kirks assassination, on stage.

More than 18,000 fake accounts pushed out Minajs posts on X between November 11 and December 28, 2025, according to the analysis that Politico published Monday (Caylo Seals/Getty Images)

This administration is full of people with heart and soul, and they make me proud of them, Minaj told Kirk.

Minaj also attended a White House event last month to promote the childrens investment Trump accounts. Trump praised Minaj for investing hundreds of thousands of dollars in Trump accounts to support the children.

The rapper has also shown off gifts, including a Trump Gold Card memento and a Trump-endorsed God Bless the U.S.A. bible signed by the president.
It turns out that being preoccupied about mental health hasnt worked for the Prince of Wales. The man who has made being in touch with his emotions his USP is, it turns out, in no fit state to look at Hamnet. I need to be in a calm state, he told someone at the Baftas who asked him if hed seen it, and I am not at the moment. Well, we can excuse him not wanting to watch Hamnet, which sounds gosh-awful (see AN Wilsons review in this paper), but putting his understandable reluctance down to not-being-calm does suggest that this youngish man is cut from a different cloth from his late grandmother.

In the Keep Calm and Carry on era, you weathered the disgrace of your family members either by retreating to the country or by putting a brave face on things. It would seem that the heir to the throne is a little more fragile than that. He is the man who once observed, I take a long time trying to understand my emotions and why I feel like I do, and I feel like thats a really important process to do every now and again, to check in with yourself and work out why youre feeling like you do.

Right now, that shouldnt be difficult. The reason for his not-calm situation can be roughly summarised thus: he and Kate can attend as many public functions as humanly possible, but the only thing anyone is thinking about is Andrew. When your royal uncle, (who strongly denies any allegations of wrongdoing), has been hauled out of bed by Thames Valley Police allegedly shouting (I heard this from my Norfolk friend, so cant swear to it) Im the Queens son and you cant do this, it does rather put paid to the efforts of the rest of the family to present a cheerful front.

A number of pundits have suggested that the Princess of Wales, notwithstanding her lowly origins, might be the person to save the monarchy. Yet she too has her own brand of woo-woo  who can easily forget her video following her tragic illness involving her swanning around a meadow in a summer frock, looking like a Timotei advertisement?  and I think it will take more than Kate in a lovely dress at the Baftas to steady the ship. Incidentally, at her age  44  Im not entirely sure she can get away with very long, flowing hair any more - it puts into even more painful focus Williams hair-loss. Just saying.

The truth is that business-as-usual is almost impossible for the royals unless they function without opening their traps. Everything they say will be interpreted in terms of the Andrew Debacle. And until the police and, presumably, the Crown Prosecution Service actually decide that theres a case for him to answer in terms of misconduct in public office, its going to be hard for anyone to think about anything else. Princess Anne will probably be immune from the whole thing, for it would take a very brave hack to heckle her, but for the King, Camilla, Wills and Kate, I imagine its going to feel like the dark days of 1793 until the matter is resolved one way or another. Arent you just looking forward to this years Kings Speech on Christmas day?

Meanwhile, one of the causes of the royal downfall is still, even now up to her old tricks. I refer, obviously, to Sarah Ferguson

Meanwhile, one of the causes of the royal downfall is still, even now up to her old tricks. I refer, obviously, to Sarah Ferguson, who, we discover from the Mail on Sunday, was allegedly holed up in a Swiss wellness retreat for the month of January to get away from it all.

Apparently she took refuge in the 13,000- a-night Paracelsus Recovery clinic in Zurich following the release of those parts of the Epstein files which show her abject gratitude for Jeffreys financial bailouts. An insider said: Sarah went just after Christmas and stayed until the end of January. She always feels at home at Paracelsus, and knows shell get love and attention there, as well as expert health treatment when shes feeling her most vulnerable. Isnt that nice?

Sarah Ferguson, Andrews ex-wife, is also said to feature in the Epstein files (Ian West/PA) (PA Archive)

Trouble is, there is no such thing as a completely free 13,000 a night wellness stay and in due course the Paracelsus retreat website carried an endorsement from the former Duchess of York (they may like to reconsider that endorsement). But its not just the venality of the transaction that is terrifying. Its that, based on the recent revelations, this was one of the reasons she and her former husband got into this situation.

Fergies debts, and the need to fund them, were one of the factors that put her and her former husband in Jeffrey Epsteins control. God knows I am rubbish at personal finance, but Sarah Ferguson and her inability to spend within her means is in a league all of her own.

Her ability to ratchet up debt by an impossibly extravagant lifestyle is itself a world away from the home life of the late Queen and her generation, but there comes a day of reckoning, and Sarah Ferguson pays her dues by apparently using the last shreds of her royal status to get her accustomed treatment. If she had wanted to redeem herself, she would now be leading a life of monastic simplicity in some country hideaway, but nope, even in adversity she wants love and attention. What she should be trying for is Lenten austerity, preferably in a convent. Instead of that, shes reported to have managed to secure a hideyhole in the UAE with her friend the Crown Prince of Bahrain, Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa. What, do you suppose, will come of that?

This delusional idiot has been the undoing of the Royals. Meanwhile, her former husband is waiting to know if hell be wanted for more questioning about the allegation that he passed on sensitive information gathered as trade envoy to Jeffrey Epstein.

Its no wonder, really, that Prince William is not in a calm state?
Pakistan claims to have killed at least 70 militants in strikes along border with Afghanistan

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.

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.
Police were called to a property on Kingsway, North Finchley (Google Street Maps)

A mother and father have been charged with the murder of their three-month-old son in London.

Emergency services were called to their home in North Finchley on 30 January around 11.30am, responding to a report of an unresponsive baby boy, Baby A, at a property on Kingsway. Both Metropolitan Police officers and London Ambulance Service workers attended the scene.

On arrival, paramedics performed emergency first aid, then rushed the baby to hospital with significant injuries. His parents, Dounia Chetaouat, 32, and Abdelkader Essid, 44, from Finchley, were arrested later that day on suspicion of assault causing grievous bodily harm.

The parents were charged with causing or allowing serious physical harm to a child and appeared at Ealing Magistrates Court on 2 February. They were both remanded into custody.

Baby A died in hospital last Tuesday despite medical efforts to save him. A post-mortem examination will take place in due course.

Following the childs death, his parents were subsequently charged with murder.

The babys parents are expected to appear at Uxbridge Magistrates Court at 2pm today.

Detectives continue to appeal for anyone with information that could assist the investigation to call 101 or message @MetCC on X with the reference CAD 2297/31JAN.

Information can also be provided anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Patients are struggling to navigate the maze of NHS services, with health leaders warning that the current system is confusing, frustrating and demoralising.

A new report from the Royal College of GPs and the Patients Association highlights an urgent need for the Government to simplify access to the health service.

They describe the NHS as a complex web of organisations, making it increasingly difficult for individuals to receive the care they require.

This complexity often results in patients feeling rushed during appointments, enduring lengthy waits, experiencing lost referrals, and facing unmanageable administerial burdens, according to the findings.

The organisations are urging ministers to streamline processes to ensure patients can more easily access vital healthcare.

Patients and GPs are often struggling with the same challenges as they try to navigate an increasingly complex system, the report states.

Accessing the NHS often feels like a maze of dead ends and detours.

It's part of the NHS preventative care plan (Getty/iStock)

Patients told the RCGP and the Patients Association that they often felt left in the dark, not knowing how their referral was progressing or if it had been made at all.

The organisations have made a series of recommendations, including a call for patients to be able to track specialist referrals.

There are currently 6.17 million patients on the NHS waiting list for specialist care.

The College and the Patients Association have launched a new campaign calling for the NHS to be truly accessible and navigable for all.

In her first interview since taking post, Professor Victoria Tzortziou Brown, chair of the Royal College of GPs, said: General practice is the front door to the NHS and what a lot of patients told us through this campaign is that it feels like they are opening the front door to a maze.

Patients have told us that accessing care can be confusing, care can feel fragmented and (they) can feel full of uncertainty at times about what happens next.

Patients can feel like they are chasing information all of the time.

GPs are stuck in that same uncertainty too, she said.

We spend a significant proportion of our time  sometimes between 15 to 30 per cent  following up on referrals and administrative processes and paperwork instead of seeing patients.

This can be very frustrating for both patients and GPs.

This campaign is about highlighting the issue and fixing it together.

She added: What we are advocating for is for the NHS to feel easier to navigate so that patients can get the right care at the right time and they see the right person when they need to.

Prof Tzortziou Brown said the RCGP and the Patients Association had three asks of Government that are not necessarily radical and dont require a huge reorganisation or reshuffle but could make a significant difference in how care is experienced for patients.

She added: (We are) calling for the NHS to be easier to navigate overall.

No-one should feel lost in the NHS, especially when they are at their most vulnerable.

This uncertainty causes more anxiety and creates unnecessary work for patients and GPs so what we want is for more user-friendly systems which we think would make a huge difference.

Professor Victoria Tzortziou Brown, chair of the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP/Grainge Photography /PA Wire)

Meanwhile, the report also calls for more GPs to overcome the challenges some patients face in accessing their family doctor.

Rachel Power, chief executive of the Patients Association, said: Patients have told us clearly what they need: appointments when they need them, enough time to explain whats wrong, and for those with complex conditions, not having to repeat their entire history every visit.

They want to be able to track their referrals instead of being left in the dark. They want access to information about their own care.

They want to be equal partners in designing the services they rely on  not recipients of systems designed around organisational need.

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: This Government is fixing the front door to the NHS, and our priority is to ensure General Practice is properly resourced, attractive as a career, and able to deliver high-quality, continuous care for patients not just now, but for generations to come.

To tackle the issues we inherited, weve recruited over 2,000 GPs in the last year alone, given primary care a 1.1 billion funding boost, and rolled out online booking requests to ease pressure on services and improve access to appointments.

Were also bringing back the family doctor, ending the 8am scramble and boosting patient satisfaction as we build an NHS the country can be proud of again.
Peter Mandelson has been released on bail hours after being arrested in a misconduct investigation stemming from his ties to paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein while serving as business secretary.

The Metropolitan Police attended the home of the former Labour minister and peer in London on Monday afternoon. The 72-year-old was taken to a London police station for questioning, the force said, without giving specifics on the alleged offence he was arrested over.

A police spokesperson said in a statement issued just after 2am on Tuesday: A 72-year-old man arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office has been released on bail pending further investigation.

The Met had launched an investigation after Lord Mandelson was alleged to have passed on market-sensitive information to Epstein during his time as business secretary. Lord Mandelson, who was sacked from his post as ambassador to the US last year and resigned from the House of Lords in January, has previously denied any wrongdoing.

Emails from 2009, published by the United States Department of Justice as part of the release of millions of documents relating to Epstein, led to allegations Lord Mandelson had passed on an assessment by one of then-prime minister Gordon Browns advisers of potential policy measures.

Peter Mandelson was seen being led from his home in London by plainclothes police officers on Monday (BBC)

This month, police searched two of Lord Mandelsons properties in connection with its investigation.

In a statement, the Met said: Officers have arrested a 72-year-old man on suspicion of misconduct in public office. He was arrested at an address in Camden on Monday, 23 February and has been taken to a London police station for interview. This follows [the execution of] search warrants at two addresses in the Wiltshire and Camden areas.

It is understood the Crown Prosecution Service are yet to offer any early investigative advice in relation to the allegations against Lord Mandelson.

The Cabinet Office previously referred material to police in connection with the probe into Lord Mandelson after an initial review of the Epstein files suggested safeguards were compromised.

Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said the arrest was a defining moment for prime minister Sir Keir Starmer, who has been criticised for his decision to make Lord Mandelson the UKs ambassador to the US despite being aware of his links to Epstein.

On Monday afternoon, MPs were told that the first tranche of documents relating to the appointment last year was expected to be released very shortly, in early March.

Keir Starmer has been criticised for his decision to appoint Mandelson (PA)

However, the prime ministers chief secretary, Darren Jones, said that the publication of some correspondence between Downing Street and the former peer would be delayed because of the Metropolitan Police interest.

In a statement to the Commons on Monday, Mr Jones said: I should, however, inform the House that it remains the case that a subset of this first tranche of documents is currently subject to the ongoing Metropolitan Police investigation. This includes correspondence between No 10 and Lord Peter Mandelson, in which a number of follow-up questions were asked.

Because of the Metropolitan Police interest in this document, we are unable to publish it in early March in the first tranche, but will release it as soon as we are able to do so in consultation with the Metropolitan Police.

There is also a small portion of that material which engages matters of national security or international relations, and thus the role this House has envisaged for the Intelligence and Security Committee. We are working with the committee to establish processes for making this material available to them, and were very grateful to the committee in advance of their important contribution to reviewing these documents.

The Conservatives have accused the government of acting with the urgency of a tired sloth on a bank holiday Monday in releasing documents related to Lord Mandelsons appointment as the ambassador to the US. Addressing the Commons on Monday, Tory MP Mike Wood said: Careful work must not become a euphemism for managed delay.

Mr Jones responded that the government was trying to manage a criminal investigation, adding: Im sure the House would not want us to inadvertently interfere with that process.

Meanwhile, in an interview with The Independent, Ms Badenoch accused Labour MPs of jumping on parliamentary investigations into Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor to distract from the Lord Mandelson affair, which she said was far more significant from a parliamentary perspective.

On Monday evening, after Lord Mandelsons arrest, Baroness Jacqui Smith, minister for women and equalities, defended Sir Keir over his handling of Lord Mandelson, stating he had taken swift action to sack him when evidence of his continued relationship with Epstein emerged.

She added: As soon as Keir Starmer understood what the reality of Peter Mandelsons relationship with Jeffrey Epstein was he sacked him, in the middle of the night actually. So I think thats an important area of judgement.
PinkPantheress has made history, becoming both the first woman and the youngest artist ever to receive the Brit Awards' prestigious Producer of the Year gong.

The 24-year-old, real name Victoria Walker, earned the accolade for her prolific work in 2025, which included releasing her mixtape Fancy That and remix album Fancy Some More?, alongside two Grammy Award nominations.

Reflecting on her groundbreaking win, PinkPantheress commented: "As the first woman to win this award, Im grateful to be recognised. My music production is the thing Im proudest of, and Ive worked really hard at it, so I hope this inspires others to pursue their passion."

Her mixtape Fancy That featured viral hits Illegal and Stateside, following her 2022 number two single Boys A Liar.

PinkPantheress arrives at the 68th annual Grammy Awards (Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Stacey Tang, chairwoman of the 2026 Brit Awards committee and co-president of RCA Records at Sony Music UK, praised her impact: "PinkPantheress is both an inventive and instinctive voice in British pop right now. As a producer, shes precise and playful, building bold, boundary-expanding sounds that travel beyond the UK.

Shes quietly reshaping what modern pop can be, and in doing so, opening the door for a new wave of female producers to step forward. Celebrating her at the Brits is both timely and significant."

Previous winners of the award include Brat producer AG Cook, Fred Again.., and Calvin Harris. PinkPantheress is also nominated for Artist of the Year and Best Dance Act at the upcoming Brit Awards ceremony.

The Brit Awards will take place this Saturday at Manchesters Co-Op Arena. Olivia Dean and Lola Young lead the nominations with five nods each.

Attendees can anticipate performances from a stellar line-up including Harry Styles, Rosalia, and Wolf Alice. Comedian and actor Jack Whitehall will host the proceedings, which will be broadcast live on Saturday via ITV and ITVX.
A police cadet in New England was fired and placed on a statewide blacklist after he was accused of groping a fellow trainees breasts during a handcuffing exercise, but the would-be cop now claims he was disoriented by pepper spray and thought he was patting down a man, according to court filings reviewed by The Independent.

In a federal lawsuit filed February 19 against the Maine Criminal Justice Academy, David Peters, 39, says trainers at the facility knew that [pepper spray] exposure dramatically impairs vision, sensory-motor control, and judgment, yet they insisted that cadets immediately perform cross-gender handcuffing and search tasks, including on a female in shorts and T-shirt, at a point in time when the likelihood of inadvertent or awkward contact was foreseeable and exceptionally high.

Instead, Peterss complaint argues the drill should have been structured to minimize the risk that a split-second misjudgment by an impaired cadet would be mischaracterized as sexual misconduct and used to end that cadets career.

This case is about due process and fundamental fairness, Peterss attorney Walter Foster told The Independent.

Peters was subjected to a training scenario that stacked the deck against him from the beginning, according to Foster. And, he said, although no criminal charges were ever filed, the academy dismissed Peters from the program and later declared in official documents that his conduct constituted assault.

Our lawsuit alleges that the process used to reach those conclusions was structurally biased and constitutionally defective, Foster argued. When the government publicly brands someone a criminal and strips them of their livelihood, it must provide neutral, fair, and conflict-free procedures. That did not happen here.

A police cadet in Maine is suing after being terminated for an incident he claims was a simple misunderstanding (Getty Images)

Officials at the Maine Criminal Justice Academy did not respond on Monday to a request for comment.

In the past, the academy has been criticized for being too lenient on cadets accused of misconduct.

Exposure to pepper spray during training has been called vital, so that officers can understand first-hand the effects and, as one instructor in Washington state said, learn not to fear it.

Every exposure sucks, but I truly believe every exposure was nothing more than a great training opportunity, an Ohio cop said in a 2023 interview.

Peters, who lives in Penobscot County, began working as a part-time police and corrections officer in 2007, with stints in various departments over the next 16 years, his complaint states. In August 2024, it says he was offered the chance to become a full-time officer, and Peters began attending the 46th Basic Law Enforcement Training Program at MCJAs Vassalboro campus.

Things were uneventful until the evening of October 29, 2024, when Peters and the rest of the class participated in an exercise called the Mechanics of Arrest, Restraint and Control, the complaint goes on.

During this exercise, cadets were individually sprayed in the face with OC and immediately tasked with completing several physically and cognitively demanding drills while suffering the intense burning, tearing, visual impairment, and respiratory distress that are inherent and well-known consequences of OC exposure, the complaint states.

The Maine Criminal Justice Academy, where police cadet David Peters allegedly groped a female classmate during an arrest exercise  a charge he insists was unfair, due to his 'disorientation' from being pepper sprayed immediately prior (Maine.gov)

One segment of the exercise required cadets who had just been sprayed with pepper spray to handcuff and search a cadet acting as an arrestee, the complaint continues. The volunteer in this instance was a woman in shorts and a T-shirt, which, the complaint argues, raised obvious privacy and dignity concerns, especially for cross-gender interactions.

Cadets were reportedly instructed to tell subjects, Spread your feet, rather than Spread your legs, to avoid suggestive language, that they must not touch bare skin when conducting searches, and that when searching a womans chest area, to form their hand into a knife edge and move quickly down the center of the chest without grabbing or cupping the breasts, according to the complaint.

After being sprayed, Peters  while experiencing severe burning and vision impairment  went through the rest of the required steps before moving on to the handcuffing and search station, the complaint explains.

It says Peters approached, grabbed the training handcuffs, and instructed the volunteer to turn around, place her hands behind her back and spread [her] legs. The verbal misstep occurred under a high-stress environment, while disoriented by the spray, and admittedly, could be perceived as suggestive when stripped of context, the complaint contends.

Peters handcuffed the cadet and began the search portion of the drill, according to the complaint. The cadet would later claim that Peters dragged his hands up [her] legs, that he grabbed [her] breasts and linger[ed], and that he inappropriately touched her groin and private area, while an instructor twice told him he was searching a female, the complaint alleges.

Peters, on the other hand, insisted that, in his haste and impaired state, he believed he was searching a male, that he followed his standard male-subject search sequence, and that any contact with [the cadets] breasts was inadvertent, brief, the overall search taking no longer than 6 seconds and was not sexually motivated.

The allegations against former police cadet David Peters stemmed from a mock-arrest exercise, during which a female classmate said he groped her. Peters is now suing for reinstatement (AFP via Getty Images)

Immediately after the search, the female cadet vomited in a nearby bathroom, the complaint says. She initially dismissed the contact by Peters incidental, according to the complaint. However, it says, she changed her mind the next day and reported Peters to academy higher-ups, triggering a criminal investigation.

The complaint does not say if any other cadets were accused of inappropriately frisking the volunteer arrestee.

Peters was further accused of having made multiple jokes of a sexual nature in the weeks prior to the incident, such as telling one cadet who was eating a banana that it looked like she was sucking d*** right now, but was allegedly never disciplined for them. He was interviewed by the Major Crimes Unit, which reviewed footage from the handcuffing exercise in question, the complaint states.

Following a full investigation, the case was referred to the District Attorneys Office, which declined to prosecute Peters, according to the complaint.

Still, the academys training coordinator recommended dismissal, and Peters was immediately terminated on grounds of sexual harassment and unprofessional conduct, the complaint says. A month later, the academys board concluded that his conduct during the training constitute[d] the Class D crime of assault, and in December voted to revoke his law enforcement and corrections certifications  permanently barring Peters from ever again working in Maine as a cop or prison guard.

Last week, a three-member panel conducted an adjudicatory hearing requested by Peters, and upheld the decision.

David Peters says in his lawsuit that Maine Criminal Justice Academy officials knew the disorienting effects of pepper spray, but insisted on assigning a task with a high probability of 'inadvertent or awkward contact' (AFP via Getty Images)

Among other things, Peters claims the makeup of the board, as well as dual-roles certain members performed, along with his purported inability to meaningfully respond to the charges, violated his constitutional rights. Peterss complaint also said that a finding in favor of [him] risked political or public criticism.

He argues in his complaint that he has been branded, wrongfully, as a perpetrator of sexual assault, which continues to cause him severe and enduring reputational harm in a close-knit professional community.

Peters says he has also suffered severe emotional distress over the issue, including humiliation, anxiety, depression, insomnia and other psychological harms, requiring ongoing care and adversely affecting his daily functioning and relationships.

He is now seeking a declaratory judgment affirming that his rights were violated; an expungement of any findings labeling him a sexual harasser or criminal assailant; and reinstatement of his certifications or a new constitutionally compliant hearing; as well as compensatory damages for lost wages, future earnings, and emotional distress; punitive damages and attorneys fees and court costs.

We look forward to presenting the full evidence in federal court, Foster told The Independent.

The Maine Criminal Justice Academy, the academys board of trustees, and 10 academy officials named as defendants now have roughly 60 days to respond to Peterss complaint.
Prince Harry claims that after his former long-term girlfriend Chelsy Davys name was made public, everything blew up and her life as she knew it was over - ANDRES LEIGHTON/AP

The identity of Chelsy Davy as Prince Harrys former girlfriend was obtained from staff at an Argentine polo ranch where they went on holiday, the High Court has heard.

The Duke of Sussex has alleged that a story published in the Mail on Sunday in 2004, which revealed he was besotted with his new love, must have been obtained illegally.

But Peter Wright, 72, the former editor of the Mail on Sunday, said Caroline Graham, one of the papers reporters, had been given Ms Davys name by the manager at the ranch where they had stayed.

I dont believe any methods like phone hacking, landline tapping or sticky window microphones were used or that Caroline Graham would know how to do any of those things, he told the court.

Mr Wright denied the information had been blagged, saying he had no recollection of being told that anyone might have approached British Airways for information.

My understanding was that Caroline was given Chelsy Davys name by staff at the ranch, with whom she or those working with her had a friendly relationship, he said in his witness statement.

Prince Harry, Baroness Lawrence and Sir Elton John are among seven claimants suing Associated Newspapers, publisher of the Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday, for damages, alleging that they were the victims of phone hacking, blagging and other unlawful activity.

Associated has vehemently denied the claims.

Peter Wright, the former Mail on Sunday editor, told the court Prince Harry and Chelsy Davy were surrounded by staff, friends and hangers-on, many of whom briefed journalists - Tayfun Salci

The Dukes claim involves 14 articles published between 2001 and 2013, many concerning his relationship with his former girlfriend Ms Davy.

After the disclosure of the Zimbabweans name, everything blew up and her life as she knew it was over, he said.

The Duke said Mark Dyer, his close friend and aide, had invited Ms Davy to join him in Argentina as a surprise and that the two had arranged the whole trip by telephone.

I remember the whole area where we were staying being swarmed in photographers, he said in his witness statement.

However, despite feeling like I was under constant surveillance, I knew nothing of Associateds unlawful acts that were directed at me and those around me. Clearly, much of what was happening to me and others around me was due to that.

Mr Wright, giving evidence on Monday, told the court that Prince Harry, like other members of the Royal family, was surrounded by a large number of staff, friends and hangers-on, many of whom briefed journalists, either directly, or by speaking indiscreetly to third parties.

He said: When an article quoted a royal insider or a palace source it was not a cover for so-called unlawful information gathering, but a simple statement of fact. I know that because at various points in my career I had just such royal sources myself and would share information they had given me with reporters, who would in turn attribute it to a source.

David Sherborne, the barrister acting for all seven claimants, has accused Mr Wright, Paul Dacre, the former editor of the Daily Mail and Liz Hartley, Associateds legal director, of lying to the Leveson inquiry about their knowledge of the tactics used by private investigators.

Mr Wright, who edited the newspaper from 1998 until 2012, said he had been explicitly accused of lying and strongly denied the allegation.

Mr Sherborne accused Mr Wright of being untruthful when he suggested to the inquiry that he had seen invoices logging payments to private investigators and that they didnt show very much.

My evidence to Leveson was correct

The barrister said in fact, the invoices, which have only recently been disclosed, clearly state who was being paid and what for, listing car registration plates, phone conversations and even a reference to blagging.

Mr Wright repeatedly insisted that he had not seen the invoices at the time. I keep telling you my evidence to Leveson was correct, he said.

Mr Justice Nicklin has expressed huge frustration over Mr Sherbornes focus on the evidence given to the 2011-12 Leveson inquiry, questioning its relevance to the specific claims and the issues he must decide.

He suggested he could strike the whole issue out, but Antony White KC, for Associated, said he wanted to respond to the allegations.

He said the three senior executives had been accused of perjury and that if there was no admissible evidence to support such claims they should not be left on record.

Associated is a subsidiary of Daily Mail and General Trust, Lord Rothermeres holding company, which has agreed to acquire The Telegraph for 500m. The proposed takeover will be subjected to a four-month investigation by regulators on public interest and competition grounds.

The trial continues.
Drones at the production facility of Quantum Frontline Industries, a joint venture between Germanys Quantum Systems and Ukraines Frontline Robotics. Photograph: Sean Gallup/Getty Images (Photograph: Sean Gallup/Getty Images)

When the first Ukrainian-designed drone to be made in a German factory rolled off the production line last month, Volodymyr Zelenskyy knew it marked a turning point for the economy.

With drone-making joint ventures also well advanced in Finland and Denmark, war-torn Ukraine has shown how its businesses can adapt and break out of their bomb-threatened domestic confines, becoming more integrated into the EUs industrial network with each passing day.

As the grim four-year anniversary of Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine is marked on Tuesday,the Ukrainian economy continues to shows resilience under great strain.

Last year, the economy was expected to grow by 2% to 3%, but Russias rockets and drones reduced the rate of expansion to 1%.

This year, economic growth is expected to improve, though the persistent Russian attacks will cut expansion from a previously expected 2.2% to 1.8%, forecasters at Ukraines central bank said last month.

Last month, Brussels took another collaborative step, making it easier for Ukrainian-registered trucks to drive across borders with minimal paperwork.

Deepening EU trade ties with Ukraine has taken years to negotiate  much too long, according to critics  but there are concrete moves to integrate Kyiv into the bloc that could lead to accession talks later this year.

Kurt Volker, a distinguished fellow at the Centre for European Policy Analysis, a thinktank, says there is a political imperative to bring Ukraine into the EU as quickly as possible.

But the practical side of this is Ukraine is not ready in terms of reform and implementation to be a fully fledged EU member in that space of time.

So what I think [Brussels] will do is develop a concept, what you might call progressive membership, says Volker, a former US state department official and US ambassador to Nato.

Rather than wait for Ukraine to tick every box before accession, Brussels could set a minimum level of compliance and then monitor progress, handing Kyiv greater access to the single market and customs union as each benchmark is achieved.

More of the benefits of participation in the EU would be opened as Ukraine goes through that process, but it would have the political effect of bringing Ukraine into the EU sooner, he says.

There are about 1,000 Ukrainian companies working on defence research, building on the huge knowledge gained during war with Russia. Many of them collaborate with defence contractors from the EU and US.

Andy Hunder, the president of the American Chamber of Commerce in Ukraine, says Boeing is among many US defence contractors that employ thousands of workers inside Ukraine. Tie-ups with Ukrainian companies are becoming commonplace, he says.

The level of commitment, based on a 10-year investment horizon, is clear, he adds.

About 85% of US companies operating in Ukraine have staff serving in the military, while two-thirds employ veterans.

Ninety per cent of our members are fully operational, but its not easy because Russia is targeting US companies, he says.

Last year, a factory making coffee machines owned by the US electronics group Flex was hit by two missiles. Hunder, who has worked in Ukraine for almost 30 years, says there was only seven minutes notice of the strike but all employees were successfully evacuated.

A McDonalds in Kyiv has been hit seven times. Two weeks ago, a Russian Iskander-M missile slammed into a former Marlboro cigarette factory in Kharkiv adapted to produce munitions.

Speaking from his office on the western side of Kyiv, Hunder says: Security is a big challenge for everyone. The first thing I check in the morning is whether my team are still alive. Then whether the heating and electricity is working.

He adds: About half of the companies we represent have had some damage since the war started. Its very clear that Russia wants US companies out of Ukraine.

Nataliia Shapoval, president of the Kyiv School of Economics Institute, says all Ukrainian businesses have battled to recover from the constant shelling, but havent been able to close a yawning trade gap.

Agricultural production declined last year by almost 7% from 2024 and last month fell by 20% compared with the previous January.

Last years fall can be blamed partly on wrangling over a revised deep and comprehensive trade agreement with the EU that has restricted trade in foodstuffs since it was signed in June and came into force in October.

Ukrainian farmers have suffered after Poland, Hungary and Slovakia went further and openly defied Brussels by blocking grain supplies.

In the past two months, the bombing of ports on the Black Sea coast has prevented grain exports getting through to markets in the west.

At the end of 2025, exports of all kinds were worth $45bn (33bn) less than imports, which is huge, says Shapoval. The difference is made up by aid, mostly from the EU.

The significant level of aid underwrites government investment and welfare spending, while taxes fund the war.

Agriculture aside, the EU trade deal offers greater access to other industries and a pathway to membership for Ukraine. For instance, Brussels digital market trade liberalisation has benefited Ukrainian IT and communications businesses, many keeping all their data on cloud services to avoid losses should physical servers be wiped out.

Green energy and the telecoms sector are also growing, despite being destroyed by bombs all the time, says Shapoval.

Maria Repko, the deputy director at the Centre for Economic Strategy, a thinktank based in Kyiv, says the construction sector was struggling after supplying the armed forces with a disproportionate number of soldiers.

Recruitment more generally has proved to be a widespread problem for businesses after a decline from five to 10 people for every vacancy before the conflict to no more than two this year, despite the unemployment rate hovering at about 16%.

Salaries increased as the supply of workers dried up, but this trend has failed to prevent inequality rising, she says, which could undermine the presidents appeal should he be forced to hold elections at short notice in the event of a peace accord.

Donald Trump has made presidential elections a price of peace talks and Zelenskyy has agreed, saying last December: I am ready.

Hunder says US companies have made clear to Washington that Ukraines future lies within the EU and not with Russia.

US thinktanks, many of them on the right of the political spectrum, have urged domestic firms to consider how they could benefit from the end of the war and deeper economic integration with Europe.

The World Bank estimated on Monday that it would cost $588bn  nearly three times the countrys annual economic output  to reconstruct Ukraines damaged infrastructure. This investment, and the likelihood of huge private funds pouring into the country, could propel the nation of 40 million to be one of the strongest economies in Europe.

Leaders across Europe know that the kind of settlement proposed at the moment by Trump will mean the peace is temporary and Russia will still be a threat. With this in mind, Ukraines military experience and technological knowhow will continue to have huge value.

When Zelenskyy held the first joint German/Ukraine drone while attending the Munich security conference, he wrote on X: This is modern Ukrainian technology. Battle-tested. Powered by AI. It will strike, it will scout, it will protect our soldiers.

 This article was amended on 6 March 2026. An earlier version said that Natalie Shapoval was the chair of the Kyiv School of Economics. In fact, Nataliia Shapoval is president of the Kyiv School of Economics Institute.
David Pipe has run out of time to get Windbeneathmywings qualified for a novice hurdle at Cheltenham and will target the Punchestown Festival instead.

A dual bumper winner in Ireland for Pat Flynn, he created a huge stir when winning on his debut for Pipe by 14 lengths at Ascot.

He had Dan Skeltons Moneygarrow back in second and he is now fancied for the Albert Bartlett having won his last two, but Pipe has struggled keeping his charge sound since.

He was forced to rule him out of last years bumper at Cheltenham and has been unable to get a run into him this season.

Writing on X, Pipe said: Windbeneathmywings will not be running at the Cheltenham Festival. While in good form at home, we have run out of time to run him in a qualifying hurdle race before the Supreme this year. We will now keep him as a novice for next season and aim for the Champion Bumper at Punchestown.
Alexander Bortnikov, pictured with Putin in 2020, said the assassination attempt was carried out with supervision from Western intelligence agencies

Russias intelligence chief has blamed Britain for the attempted assassination of the senior general thought to have been behind the poisoning of Sergei Skripal.

Alexander Bortnikov, the director of Russias Federal Security Service (FSB), said his agency had found a British trace in the shooting of Lt Gen Vladimir Alekseyev earlier this month, as politicians vowed to retaliate against the UK.

Lt Gen Alekseyev, who is thought to have orchestrated the chemical weapons attack in Salisbury in 2018 that targeted double agent Mr Skripal, was shot several times in an apartment building in the north-west of Moscow on Feb 6.

He survived the assassination attempt after being placed in a medically induced coma and is recovering from his injuries, Russian state media reported.

Lt Gen Vladimir Alekseyev is thought to have orchestrated the chemical weapons attack in Salisbury in 2018 - AFP

No party claimed responsibility for the attack, though suspicion fell on Ukrainian intelligence, which has targeted dozens of Russian military and occupation officials it sees as complicit in war crimes since the full-scale invasion began in 2022.

Russian Telegram channels had also speculated that the hit could have been arranged by the generals enemies within Moscow.

Mr Bortnikov said Ukrainian intelligence had carried out the assassination attempt under the supervision, or with the oversight, of Western intelligence agencies, so to speak.

We see a British trace here, first and foremost, he said in an interview with the Vesti outlet, without providing any evidence.

Andrei Kolesnik, a hawkish member of Russias State Duma defence committee, said Russia would retaliate against the UK by blocking its maritime communications.

There are many ways to make life in the UK considerably more difficult, he told the online newspaper Lenta.ru.

The FSB claimed to have identified the gunman as Lyubomir Korba, 65, a Russian citizen born in the Ternopil region of Soviet Ukraine.

It released a short clip in which the man purportedly confessed to having been recruited by Ukrainian intelligence, which he said gave him firearms training in Kyiv and promised him $30,000 (22,200) for the hit.

The FSB claimed that the gunman was Lyubomir Korba, a Russian citizen born in the Ternopil region of Soviet Ukraine

The FSB also accused Polish intelligence of being involved in the mans recruitment, sparking a vehement denial by the head of Polands military counter-intelligence service, who described it as typical disinformation.

Mr Bortnikov said: The investigation is ongoing. If there is any additional information, we will certainly make it public.

A person suspected in the assassination attempt is pictured outside an apartment building in Moscow

Russian officials have repeatedly cast Britain as the instigator behind operations against Russia. Britain has dismissed allegations of direct involvement in Ukrainian military operations, but has provided a significant amount of military equipment and expertise.

In October 2025, Mr Bortnikov claimed that the Security Service of Ukraines Operation Spiderweb  coordinated drone assaults inside Russia thought to have caused $7bn (5bn) in damage to its strategic aviation  was carried out under the UKs direct supervision.

In March 2024, the FSB chief accused Britain and the US of being behind a terrorist attack that killed 149 people in Moscows Crocus City Hall.

The Crocus City Hall terrorist attack killed 149 people - Maxim Shemetov/REUTERS

ISIS-K, the Islamic State (IS) affiliate that works in central and south Asia, claimed responsibility for the massacre. US intelligence had warned the Kremlin weeks in advance that the IS was planning to target the concert hall.

In 2022, Russias defence ministry alleged that British Navy personnel had blown up the Nord Stream gas pipelines, a claim that Britain described as false claims on an epic scale.
Perfectual Linnan, a fashion designer, interacts with a staff member at her workshop in Accra, Ghana (Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

On a bustling street in central Accra, Clement Azaabire meticulously hangs fugu smocks, their striped, multi-coloured fabrics swaying in the breeze.

For 15 years, Azaabire has proudly sold this garment, deeply associated with his community in northern Ghana, but it is now experiencing an unprecedented surge in popularity across the nation.

More Ghanaians are embracing the vibrant traditional outfit with pride, a trend unexpectedly triggered by online mockery.

When Ghana's President John Dramani Mahama wore a fugu during a visit to Zambia in early February, some social media users ridiculed his attire. This prompted a strong defence from Ghanaians, who rallied to protect what they considered a rich cultural heritage.

Clement Azaabire hangs traditional fugu garments under a tree on display for sale along a street in Accra, Ghana (Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

Tourism Minister Abla Dzifa Gomashie took this national sentiment a step further, officially declaring Wednesdays as "Fugu Day." Since this declaration on 10 February, the smock has become a common sight, not only on Wednesdays but throughout the week. This burgeoning trend has led to a boom for traders like Azaabire, who are now rapidly selling out their stock.

It makes me feel connected to where I come from," said Wango Abdul Karim, a businessman who wears fugu to work every Wednesday.

Ghana is known for its rich textiles and weaving tradition

In Ghana, which is widely known for its rich fashion style and an agelong weaving heritage, traditional production of smock weaves has been the preserve of the north and an art skill handed down through generations.

The fugu smock, however, gained more prominence in March 1957 when Ghanas first President Kwame Nkrumah wore it during the countrys inaugural independence ceremony. Today, its worn at festivals, state functions and increasingly in contemporary fashion.

Also known locally as batakari, the loose-fitting fugu smock is made from handwoven strips of cotton fabric stitched together to form a flowing robe, often worn over trousers and paired with a matching cap. The fabric is traditionally woven on narrow looms in Ghana's northern savannah and sewn into distinctive styles, with the regional identifiers visible in its stripe patterns and in the number of stitch lines.

President John Dramani Mahama arrives in Lusaka, Zambia, for a three-day state visit wearing a Fugu (Ghana Presidency)

Scholars link its development to trade and migration across West Africa, including influences from Mossi and Hausa communities. Batakari, derived from the Hausa language, means outer gown, while fugu in the Mossi language means cloth. The smock has long represented prestige and is worn by chiefs, warriors and community leaders with certain designs reserved for special ceremonies.

At the Accra Arts and Crafts Centre, Moses Adibasa guides strips of woven fabric through a sewing machine, pausing to align the narrow bands by hand before stitching them together.

He has earned a living from making traditional smocks for nearly two decades and is optimistic about the ripple effects of Fugu Day.

It will benefit those selling thread, those weaving and those of us sewing," Adibasa said.

Turning fugu into modern designs

In a studio in Accra, Perfectual Linnan, a fashion designer and founder of Roots by Linnan, recreates the fugu fabric into jackets, trousers and tops designed for everyday wear. She is part of a growing movement of young designers incorporating the fabric into modern designs.

We want to show that you can wear the northern fabric in different ways," she said. If youre not into the traditional smock, you can still carry a piece of culture with you.

Although traditional looms are still used for the clothing, many weavers now rely on imported yarn due to the lack of locally grown cotton.

The Fugu Day celebration has meant higher demand and more pressure on the smock weavers, many of whom are struggling to increase production, according to Abigail Naki Gabor, secretary of Ghana's smock weavers and sellers association.

Traditional fugu garments hang under a tree on display for sale along a street in Accra, Ghana (Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

One way to help is through increased government investments, said Gabor. Using our hands slows the process and limits our ability to be productive. We need industrial machines, she said.

Beyond the Fugu Day, Ghana is engineering a broader Wear Ghana campaign to promote local fashion and heritage with upcoming trade exhibitions planned, according to Kofi Atta Kakra Kusi with the Ghana Tourism Authority.

Back in her studio in Accra, Linnan is sounding an alarm about handling the smock with care despite the labor intensive process of weaving it.

It is a careful, intentional process," she says. "If we treat it only as a commodity and not as heritage, we lose something important.
Zia Yusuf was named Reforms new shadow home secretary on Monday - Stefan Rousseau/PA Wire

Reform UKs Zia Yusuf is proposing to ban all face coverings in public, including the burka.

The partys new shadow home secretary said on Monday that legislation banning all face coverings in public would aid integration by ethnic communities and help the public feel safe.

Answering questions after his first major speech in the post in Dover, he said it was ridiculous that in an era of mass CCTV people could opt out of surveillance by wearing face coverings. Nigel Farage, who was alongside him, backed the proposal.

Mr Yusuf quit as chairman of Reform last June after a dispute about the partys handling of its position on the burka.

He had suggested it was dumb of Reforms then newest MP, Sarah Pochin, to ask Sir Keir Starmer if he would ban the burka when it was not party policy at that point.

Asked about his views on Monday, Mr Yusuf said: I personally support a ban on all face coverings. So thats actually a piece of legislation that has multiple bonuses to it, because its going to aid integration and help people feel safe.

If youre walking down a pavement and someone is walking in the opposite direction towards you at dusk, and they are wearing a hoodie and a balaclava, or worse, you generally cross the road.

In this era of massive CCTV per capita in London, or any city in the world, the people who are able to opt out of that surveillance, ridiculously, are the people who wear those face coverings.

Mr Yusuf added that while he supported a ban on face coverings, Reform had yet to agree a formal policy.

Nigel Farage backed the proposal to ban all face coverings in public - Stefan Rousseau/PA Wire

Mr Farage said he had recently been at an event in Newcastle when a mob wearing Antifa face masks turned up and started smashing windows. Weve seen this pattern of behaviour again and again, and again makes it difficult, virtually impossible, for police to identify them, he said. I believe that is wrong.

He also referred to a political murder in Lyon, France, where masked and hooded men kicked a French nationalist student to death on Feb 12.

I dont want us going down that road, he said. I think face coverings in public are problematic for many, many reasons, not just religious ones.

Last week, Suella Braverman, the former home secretary who has defected to Reform and is now its shadow education secretary, said she supported a ban on the burka and niqab in public because she claimed it undermined attempts to foster integration by communities.

Reform has pledged five deportation flights a day under its Operation Restoring Justice plans - Stefan Rousseau/PA Wire

The practicality of banning face coverings was previously questioned when Ukip proposed it, prompting questions over how it would be enforced given their use in professional jobs such as beekeeping.

Proposed new laws before Parliament give police powers to ban face coverings at protests. They can direct people to remove them and seize them when they reasonably believe people are wearing them wholly, or mainly, to conceal their identity.

Reform made its face-covering policy proposals as Mr Farage and Mr Yusuf claimed their plans to detain and deport anyone arriving illegally would stop the small boats crossing the Channel.

They said they were prepared to deploy the Navy, turn back the boats at sea and return migrants caught mid-Channel to France.

Mr Farage claimed international maritime law allowed for people in distress at sea to be returned to the nearest, safest port, which on the boundary line between France and the UK would mean Calais.

Reform UK has pledged to deport 600,000 illegal migrants during its first term in office by scaling up removal capacity with five returns flights a day. Mr Yusuf made the pledge as he claimed Britain was being invaded by small boat arrivals.

A Reform government will launch an emergency operation to track down, detain and deport all illegal migrants in the United Kingdom. Operation Restoring Justice will be the most transformative policy of our lifetimes, he said.

Now, some have already called our plan draconian. Our response? Britain is being invaded. Hundreds of thousands of men continue to arrive on our beaches immediately.

It will immediately stop the boats by sending a clear message  that being in our country now has an iron-clad consequence, immediate detention and removal. Deportation is the ultimate deterrent.

He also promised to expand stop and search powers for police so that they could stop anyone in the street in designated hotspot areas for up to 30 days in order to combat knife crime.

Mr Farage said the party would also oppose Sir Keir Starmers plans to curb jury trials, arguing that rather than scaling back a tradition that had served Britain well for 800 years, the Government should be investing in improving the effectiveness of the court system to reduce record backlogs.
The aim of the legislation was honourable, but its outcome has been disastrous - MIke Kemp/In Pictures via Getty Images

All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others. When George Orwell wrote those words in Animal Farm, he meant them as a warning against totalitarian Russia under Stalin. Systems erected in the name of fairness, he illustrated, can  if left unchecked  become instruments of injustice.

It is an uncomfortable thought, but one that increasingly resonates in modern Britain. The Equality Act of 2010 was conceived under Gordon Brown by Harriet Harman to consolidate protections and ensure that no one would suffer discrimination on the basis of immutable characteristics. That aim was honourable.

Yet in practice it has inspired a culture in which equality before the law has been replaced by equality of outcome, engineered by a ballooning DEI industry and interpreted through progressive ideology. This is why a Reform UK government will scrap the Equality Act.

To be crystal clear, protections against discrimination in the workplace are not only necessary but civilisational. A serious country does not tolerate the dismissal of a person because of their race, sex or disability. Britain did not need to wait until 2010 to discover this moral truth. Such safeguards existed for decades, refined through statute and precedent, long before the Equality Act came along. Much of what was valuable in that Act was not new at all, but copied. That wont change under a Reform government.

Woe betide anyone who dares to question progressive mantras

Where the Equality Act went wrong, however, was to embed a far more expansive doctrine of state-mandated social engineering  one influenced heavily by the law of European Union and the European Convention on Human Rights. The result was a shift away from the timeless British principle of equal treatment under neutral law, towards something far more subjective, interventionist and, ironically, unequal.

Consider the public sector equality duty in section 149. Its language appears innocuous, even virtuous. Who, after all, could object to fostering good relations? But in practice, it has placed public authorities under intense pressure not merely to avoid unfairness, but to demonstrate positive discrimination; the antithesis of a meritocratic society. Combined with the positive action measures in sections 158-159, what started as a shield has now become a sword in the culture wars.

Across the public sector  from the Civil Service to institutions such as the Royal Air Force, the NHS, our intelligence services, the Sentencing Council, some police forces and the Bank of England  recruitment schemes and internal programmes have too often excluded white men purely because of their race and sex. This is two-tier equality.

Moreover, the Act gave birth to a vast HR industry devoted to diversity training, grievance arbitration and ideological instruction. Concepts like unconscious bias, microaggressions, white privilege, allyship and diversity targets have migrated into everyday professional life through mandatory training.

They have not obviously improved workplace harmony or productivity. Instead, they have imposed cost, burden and division where it once never existed. And woe betide anyone who dares question the dogma.

Britain is not the irredeemably racist or phobic society these structures presume. Analysis by the campaign group Dont Divide Us found that only 5 per cent of race discrimination claims succeed at tribunal. As the education scholar Alka Sehgal Cuthbert has argued, the effect has been to normalise a culture of formalised grievance rather than to cultivate resilience, mutual respect and shared purpose.

What makes this more frustrating is that since 2010, the Conservative Party, despite its spin, did absolutely nothing to confront the deeper structural problem. In fact, it exacerbated it with its overactive equalities department and ministers. Never forget that Tory MPs took the knee, confessed to benefiting from white privilege and supported BLM. Those of us who argued for repeal of the Equality Act were dismissed.

Reform UKs argument is not that Britain should abandon fairness, but that it should return to its older, sturdier definition. It is why we will introduce legislation that restates the foundational protections against discrimination on an explicitly individual basis.

Group rights, diversity targets and positive discrimination will be out. We will restore the oldest and most British of principles: that every person is equal before the law and that no person may be treated unfairly because of who they are. These protections will be at least as robust as those that existed before 2010.

Our nation cannot cohere if our laws encourage our citizens to see one another through the prism of group identity. Nor can we flourish if merit becomes secondary to entitlement. The Great Britain in which I believe is one where everyone, regardless of race, religion, class or disability, can reach as high as their effort, character and talent may take them.

The task now is not to abandon equality, but to rescue it: to restore a culture focused on personal responsibility, not victimhood; excellence, not mediocrity; and unity, not division. Thats why a Reform government will get rid of the equalities department and equalities minister and repeal the Equality Act.

Rt Hon Suella Braverman is Reform UKs spokesman for education, skills and equality. She has served as attorney general and home secretary
Reform UKs Nadhim Zahawi has clashed with a senior Tory after doubling down on his claim that London is unsafe.

The former Conservative Chancellor was previously mocked by Government minister Sir Chris Bryant, Tory chairman Kevin Hollinrake and Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan in a tired man made me feel unsafe row.

Mr Zahawi had told how he felt unsafe one morning after coming across a man in one of the capitals most affluent areas who looked like he hadnt slept and who he felt might be violent.

Both @kevinhollinrake @RhonddaBryant laugh and belittle people who think London is unsafe, only @policylaila @ZiaYusufUK and @reformparty_uk will take our streets, neighbourhoods & country back from the criminals & thugs.  https://t.co/0j2emnmptC  Nadhim Zahawi (@nadhimzahawi) February 21, 2026

Reigniting the row, the senior Reform figure highlighted a report on crime in Mayfair and took a swipe at Sir Chris and Mr Hollinrake.

Both @kevinhollinrake @RhonddaBryant laugh and belittle people who think London is unsafe, only @policylaila @ZiaYusufUK and @reformparty_uk will take our streets, neighbourhoods & country back from the criminals & thugs, he messaged on X.

However, plain-speaking Yorkshire MP Mr Hollinrake hit back, posting: Hi Nadhim, first time weve spoken for a while but we were very friendly last time we did.

No - as you actually know - I wasnt belittling the problems we have in London and other parts of the UK - I was belittling your ludicrous example of a personal threat to you which never was.

Tory chairman Kevin Hollinrake (PA Wire)

Mr Zahawi, who was also Tory chairman before being sacked in 2023 after an ethics inquiry involving his tax affairs in which he ended up paying HMRC nearly 5 million to settle a dispute, responded to Mr Hollinrake by quoting Margaret Thatcher.

Were you there Kevin? he challenged Mr Hollinrake.

Anyway this attack reminded me of this quote: I always cheer up immensely if an attack is particularly wounding because I think, well, if they attack one personally, it means they have not a single political argument left. Margaret Thatcher.

Margaret Thatcher speaking to the press the day after winning the 1979 general election (PA) (PA Archive)

The row was initially sparked off after Mr Zahawi appeared on LBC Radio earlier this month and was asked by presenter Nick Ferrari if he felt safe in London.

No, he said.

Ive got to tell you. Yesterday, I walked from my home, in one of the most upmarket...areas of London.

An individual walked past me.

I literally walked off the pavement into the middle of the road, kept a very close eye, 8am...

Asked if the individual appeared to be drunk or aggressive, Mr Zahawi added: He looked like he hadnt slept for a week..looked like somebody that might be violent...

Trade minister Sir Chris Bryant (PA Archive)

But I walked away from the pavement, and Im a big guy, and I dont feel safe that my 13-year-old can walk in London. That cant be right.

Pressed again if he felt safe in London, he responded: No.

But trade minister Sir Chris tore into him, posting on X: Oh my goodness. The poor thing. I cant imagine what hes been through. I hope he gets the counselling he needs.

He added: (Please note, London is one of the very safest major cities in the world)

London Mayor Sir Sadiq joined the criticism, telling Mr Zahawi to stop being a pound shop version of Donald Trump as memes spread on social media over the incident.

Previously unseen image of the terrifying incident. pic.twitter.com/7xPlj1M17j  Withnail Jones (@withnailjones) February 14, 2026

Nigel Farages party is making law and order, including knife crime and phone thefts, a key plank of its campaign for the London local elections where Reform hopes to win several councils.

However, Scotland Yard chief Sir Mark Rowley has stressed that the number of murders recorded in London has dropped to its lowest level per capita since records began.

There were 97 homicides in the capital in 2025, down 36 per cent from 153 in 2019 and 11 per cent fewer than the 109 in 2024.

The Met Police has emphasised that 2025 saw a homicide rate of 1.1 per 100,000 people in London, safer than comparable global cities such as New York at 2.8, Paris (1.6), Toronto (1.6), Berlin (3.2), Los Angeles (5.6), Chicago (11.7), and Philadelphia (12.3).
Reform UK is proposing to revoke visas for six mainly Muslim countries and create a mass deportations force, alongside a raft of other hardline anti-immigration measures, if the party wins the next general election.

The partys new home affairs spokesman, Zia Yusuf, revealed details of the visa freezes plan during a speech in Dover on Monday morning.

He said a Reform UK government would immediately suspend visas for countries that do not cooperate by taking back their nationals due to be deported from Britain.

Pakistan, Eritrea, Somalia, Syria, Afghanistan and Sudan were all named as nations that could be hit by what would effectively be a Donald Trump-style visa ban.

We will not consider lifting these bans until they comply and take back their citizens who are in our country illegally, Mr Yusuf said.

All illegal migrants in the UK would be deported if Reform come to power, Mr Yusuf vowed as he claimed Britain was being invaded.

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage (PA Wire)

He revealed proposals for an ICE-style agency dedicated to deporting people, as well as cancelling the status of those with indefinite leave to remain.

Hundreds-of-thousands of men continue to arrive on our beaches illegally, Mr Yusuf added.

Our plan is the only appropriate response to a national security emergency.

It will immediately stop the boats by sending a clear message that being in our country illegally now has an ironclad consequence, immediate detention and removal.

Deportation is the ultimate deterrent. As Prime Minister, Nigel Farage will direct every instrument of state to ensure illegal migrants are removed from this country.

We will pass the illegal migration mass deportation act, and the draftsmen who worked on this legislation, were given a clear instruction that when Nigel is Prime Minister, there will not be a judge in the country that will be able to prevent flights from leaving.

People thought to be migrants scramble to board a small boat near Wimereux in France (PA Wire)

Under Reform UKs plans, leave to remain would be abolished for migrants and replaced with a renewable five-year work visa and dedicated spouse visa.

Salary thresholds for people coming to Britain on visas will be higher and there will be a proper test of English language proficiency, Mr Yusuf said.

Churches will be given listed status, banning their conversion into mosques or other places of worship.

There will be a radical expansion of stop and search and the governments anti-terror programme, Prevent, would have its mandate redrawn to focus on Islamist extremism.

The Labour government has also made similar visa-ban threats to countries in a bid to get them to accept their deported citizens.

Shabana Mahmood last year accused the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Angola and Namibia of a lack of cooperation on returning foreign offenders and those with no right to be in the UK.

She threatened the African nations with visas ban at the end of December 2025 and at the same time halted preferential treatment for Congolese diplomats and ended fast-track visa processing.

All three countries have now agreed to take back citizens and not frustrate attempts at deportation.

Last year Mr Yusuf, who describes himself as a "British Muslim patriot, briefly resigned as chairman of Reform UK, saying working to get the party elected was no longer "a good use of my time".

It came after he criticised Reform MP Sarah Pochin when she called on Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to ban the burka.

Reforms immigration plans were slammed by immigration charities.

Dora-Olivia Vicol, CEO of the Work Rights Centre, said: We have watched in horror as ICE attacked migrant communities and citizens in the US - yet this is what Reform wants to base their immigration policies on?

This is a sadistic vision of UK families and communities being ripped apart, money being wasted, and the government turning against its own people.

Cancelling the immigration status of people who have settled and built their entire lives here would not only be callous but actively hurt our economy and public services. People who hold ILR are our partners, neighbours, friends, teachers, NHS workers, and include high tax contributors.

There is absolutely no reason to terminate their status other than for Reforms own self-serving goals of division and chaos.

These are proposals designed purely to grab headlines and stoke anger.

They are cruel, economically self-defeating, and offer no solutions to the real problems facing people in Britain: poverty and exploitative work.
Hundreds of thousands of Londoners are facing a stealth council tax rise of 150 a year under Government funding plans.

Shadow local government minister David Simmonds accused ministers of burying the proposed hike, for at least two years after the London local elections in May, in the small print of its reforms to council funding.

The 150 flat number rise would be on top of a five per cent increase in council tax in both 2027/28 and 2028/29 under the Government assumptions.

Ministers are basing their town hall funding allocations on such a rise in council tax in Westminster, Wandsworth, and Kensington and Chelsea.

It would also apply to Hammersmith and Fulham, and the City of London, according to Whitehall sources.

Some of the London councils have already rejected the Governments blueprint for council tax rises in the capital but this could force them to make cutbacks in their spending plans.

Other local authorities are yet to decide on the proposed 150 rise.

David Simmonds, Conservative MP for Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner (UK Parliament)

Mr Simmonds, MP for Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner, discovered the stealth tax figure by grilling the Government in Parliament on the assumptions that the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) was making for rises in council tax in Westminster and Wandsworth.

Local government minister Alison McGovern said: As has been standard practice with previous governments, the Governments estimate of core spending power, for these councils, assumes that they will increase by 5% in 2026-27 and by 5% plus an additional 150 in both 2027/28 and 2028/29.

Removing referendum principles (for rises of more than 5%) in these areas will enable the Government to allocate over 250 million more funding for public services in places with higher need instead of subsidising very low bills for 500,000 households in these councils.

She stressed it would be up to town halls themselves to decide their level of council tax.

Local government minister Alison McGovern (PA Archive)

But Mr Simmonds slammed the funding plan.

Buried in the small print of their so-called fair funding review is an extraordinary stealth tax grab that would see families in Westminster and Wandsworth hit with 5 per cent rises plus an extra 150 on their council tax bills in 2027/28 and 2028/29, he told the London Standard.

Residents face the worst of both worlds: less funding for local services and sharply higher council tax as a direct result of this Governments decisions, with Hammersmith & Fulham, Kensington & Chelsea and the City of London facing similar increases.

The Conservatives said that if Westminster and Wandsworth, which were both won by Labour at the 2022 local elections, did opt for the 5% and 150 rise, it would increase a Band D council tax bill by 2028/29 to 919 and 895 respectively.

But Cllr Adam Hug, Labour leader of Westminster City Council which is increasing its council tax this year by two per cent to fund adult social services, said: We are committed to keeping council tax low and ensuring Westminster retains one of the two lowest council tax rates in the country.

Westminster had no plans to use the flexibility in council tax setting beyond the 5% limit, he added, given its strong track record of financial management, transformation and efficiency work, and the upcoming tourist tax on overnight stays in London.

Cllr Elizabeth Campbell, Leader of Kensington and Chelsea Council (PA Archive)

Kensington and Chelsea is raising council tax by 5% this year and has not factored in a flat rate increase of 150 for the following two years, with decisions on this to be made later.

Its Conservative leader Cllr Elizabeth Campbell said: We dont want to burden people with additional tax rises.

But she added: Despite finding 21 million in savings for next year, some increases are now inevitable as a direct result of this Governments funding decisions.

Cllr Simon Hogg, Labour leader of Wandsworth Council which is increasing council tax by 2% to pay for social care, said: Wandsworth Council sets the lowest council tax in the country.

We dont want the freedom to increase council tax beyond the 5% referendum limit and my administration wont be using it.

The City of London Corporation is considering a range of options on council tax with the aim to provide high-quality, efficient services for workers, residents and visitors.

An MHCLG spokesperson said: Council tax choices wont change a councils Fair Funding Allocation set by government, based on assessed need and tax base.
After the meetings held in Washington within the framework of the Peace Council, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan wrote on his Facebook page that he was returning to Yerevan with greater confidence in the world. This step is encouraging. However, there are still questions about how much Armenia will be able to guarantee real peace. Certain processes in Armenia and the toxic circles still continuing their activities make it doubtful that it will no longer be a source of threat. Unfortunately, I have to admit this, no matter how much I would like to relax and see the region's tomorrow in pink tones.

We have repeatedly talked about the revanchist opposition. About the hysterics and demagogues who advocate a return to the pre-war agenda and the release of war criminals, offering to go to international courts to prove that the right of Armenians and Azerbaijanis to return is not the same thing. This is a stratum of political losers who are trying to gather the masses around them, but they do not gather in any way. The revanchist opposition has already seen a decline in enthusiasm, despite the upcoming elections. And most importantly, its representatives try to keep within the bounds of civility and not show their caveman insides. Because they know it's disgusting and the world won't appreciate it, and they really need the world to like them if they want to be in power. They also know that any deviation from the peaceful agenda, if they come to power, will mean the end of the Armenian statehood. They are aware of this, as well as the fact that no one will be able to prevent Azerbaijan from eliminating the hotbed of threat by force if Yerevan itself does not do so voluntarily. Attempts to translate today's pre-election demagoguery into real state policy will end very sadly for Armenia.

In the context of the internal political situation in Armenia, we usually only talk about the revanchist opposition and a separatist gang trying to build some kind of political force. But there is another problem in this country, even more dangerous for peace plans than Kocharyan and Sargsyan. It is dangerous because it is formed from the bottom up by playing on the roughest strings of the Armenian consciousness. Cave hatred combined with boundless megalomania has been embedded in the mental space of the Armenian people for two centuries. This is a complex cocktail that poisoned the existence of the Armenians themselves and turned into a tragedy for those peoples on whose lands they were settled. Today, Armenians have a unique chance to get rid of this burden, but the "real Armenian gene" is in the way.

This definition was not invented by us. It was heard in a video by Armenian terrorist Karen Arayan, which was published with a translation by blogger Albert Isakov.

The extremist leads a certain paramilitary group with the epic name "Army of Light", walks in military uniform, conducts training for an armed gang, records "harsh" videos that incite hatred and motivate the Armenian society to extremism. The organization is officially registered and has an office in the center of Yerevan.

Arayan's latest video was dedicated to the Azerbaijanis who recently arrived in Armenia from Russia in a car with Russian license plates. These Azerbaijanis lived in Armenia before the conflict and were expelled from their ancestral land. Now, taking advantage of the peace process that has begun, they decided to travel to their native places. The videos they recorded were widely distributed on social media. And special emphasis was placed on the fact that they were quietly walking around Yerevan and Gyumri, which especially stirred up the nationalist swamp.

Arayan's followers rushed to him with questions, "why?". Why didn't he take action, why didn't someone slit the Azerbaijanis' throats and gut them? To clarify, the terrorist recorded another "harsh" video. In which he explained that he perfectly understands the bloodthirstiness of his fellow tribesmen. Just like many Armenians, he would like to immediately gut the Azerbaijanis and throw them out for dog food. And this is the "cry of the real Armenian gene." That is, every true Armenian should do exactly that. But, given the upcoming elections, the terrorist decided to wait with the gutting and skinning (all these are dreams voiced by himself), as there is another way to deal with the policy of peace with Azerbaijan and the prospect of Azerbaijanis returning to their historical homeland. We will not repeat the epithets that this animal has chosen for the Azerbaijani people.

Although Bandit does not directly talk about his intention to run for prime minister, the plans outlined by him sound like an election program. He plans to adopt a "defense of Armenian dignity" at the legislative level and turn revenge into a state policy. Armenia, he urges, should become a state that is feared. And judging by his chatter, he knows how to achieve this.

There have always been plenty of chatterboxes and provocateurs in the Armenian segment of social networks. Arayan didn't show up today either, but he differs in that he does have an armed gang. With all the parade and with real weapons. How are paramilitary groups still operating in Armenia five years after the end of the war, and why haven't they been disarmed yet? This is a question for the Armenian authorities. How can you ignore the existence of such a phenomenon if you are going to live in peace with your neighbors and reconcile societies? If Pashinyan wants to cure Armenians of the "real Armenian gene," he should take such videos very seriously. Arayan's gang exists openly, openly rattles real weapons, and its leader does not even think to hide the unhealthy urges of his body, counting (and with good reason) on the demand for cave hatred that still remains in Armenian society.

Arayan, of course, does not represent the Armenian society as a whole, but his Nazi chatter has enough sympathizers. For a certain - and considerable - audience, he is a real hero, and his "army of light" is a heavenly army sent to "save Armenia." A small, well-equipped and armed group can be seen in the posturing video designed to shock and inspire Armenians. The "army" seems to be limited to this group, but Arayan clearly has plans to expand it. He begs by posting bank account numbers on social media and encouraging subscribers to donate to purchase various military items, military equipment and uniforms. All of this is not for sale in stores, which means that the gang has a source from where they can get uniforms, equipment, and weapons. This means that the gang has support.

Who supplies the gang with weapons and how is an interesting question, and Armenia's official law enforcement agencies should urgently start looking for an answer to it. If there is some kind of "army of light" operating in a country along with the regular army of the Ministry of Defense, there is clearly something wrong with this country. This would be impossible in Azerbaijan. And this is not a question of democracy, freedom of expression and pluralism, it is a question of national security and stability in the region. Such masquerading gangs form the overall picture, they set the tone and disorient society. Pashinyan, his team and his party should not be the only participants in the peace process, this process should involve the broad masses and erase the "real Armenian gene" that generates dreams of the massacre of Azerbaijanis.

In Armenia, in general, they approach such issues very lightly. For example, the officially registered Nazi organization Hosank has been operating there for several years. She holds rallies, celebrates the birthdays of her idol Garegin Nzhdeh in the center of Yerevan, and voices extremist slogans. Hosank does not hide that it is based on "Armenian-Aryan ideas" and is going to "turn racism into a militant movement with the blessing of the spirit of Nzhdeh, gain power and build a racialist state based on Aryan ideas, which is the only way to have a prosperous economy, a prosperous society and a victorious society." Already in this one statement of the organization, a lot of criminal articles shine through, while the neo-Nazis were not even spanked.

Recently, the Armenian parliament approved amendments to the law on audiovisual media. According to the amendments, the distribution of content from foreign television and radio programs aimed at the violent overthrow of the constitutional order, promoting violence and brutality, as well as content interfering in the internal political life of the Republic of Armenia will be prohibited in Armenia. That's good, but it's not Solovyov's broadcasts that threaten Armenia's constitutional order.

Why does Azerbaijan care about all this? Because the inability of the Armenian authorities to deal with the potential threat calls into question all the efforts of Nikol Pashinyan himself to achieve peace. The "real Armenian gene" is not a pimple that resolves itself. This is a disease that causes serious relapses and complications, and it requires drastic measures. It is very good that Armenia is now moving towards peace under the guarantees of the United States, which makes it easier for Nikol Pashinyan. But you always need to look ahead, because what is being done today should be designed for many generations to come. What will happen under another White House administration? What will happen if Pashinyan leaves? Now the revanchists, neo-Nazis, extremists and other evil spirits have stopped their practical activity, because the ruling team has gained a foothold in the face of a leading world power. And how will events develop in the event of changes in the ruling circles? It is obvious that Pashinyan is the only one who holds Armenia's peace agenda. We hope that in his next five-year term he will be able to change this situation.

Azerbaijan needs guarantees that Armenia will never again pose a threat to peace and stability in the region. He wants to make sure that the nightmare experienced by the Azerbaijani people over the past thirty-five years will not happen again. And he does not expect these guarantees from Washington, Paris or Moscow, he expects them from Yerevan.
Robert Aramayo may not have been a household name a few days ago, but that has all changed after the actor won not one but two awards at the Baftas.

Aramayo picked up the leading actor gong at the 79th Bafta awards ceremony for his lead role in biographical drama I Swear, shortly after receiving the EE Rising Star Award.

He was recognised for his portrayal of Scottish Tourette syndrome campaigner John Davidson, beating Hollywood heavyweights including Leonardo DiCaprio, Timothee Chalamet and Ethan Hawke, who were also up for best actor.

Aramayo, 33, will be a recognisable face to many for his roles in Game Of Thrones and 2021 TV mini series Behind Her Eyes.

From 2016 to 2017 he played the role of young Eddard Stark in the sixth season of HBO series Game Of Thrones, and from 2022 to 2024 he was Elrond in Prime Videos Lord Of The Rings spin-off The Rings Of Power.

The actor has featured in films including Annemarie Jacirs 2025 historical drama Palestine 36; 2023s Dance First, about the life of Irish playwright Samuel Beckett; and 2024s Lilies Not For Me, which he both starred in and executive produced.

Robert Aramayo with the leading actor award for I Swear and the EE Rising Star Award during the Baftas (Ian West/PA) (Ian West)

In 2021, Aramayo co-starred alongside Ralph Fiennes, Harris Dickinson and Matthew Goode in The Kings Man, which was directed by Matthew Vaughn.

And in 2020, he appeared in the thriller Antebellum opposite Janelle Monae.

Aramayo, who grew up in Hull, trained at the distinguished Juilliard School in New York, referring to his time there during his best actor acceptance speech at the Baftas.

He said: When I was in school, Ethan Hawke came in to speak to us at Juilliard and he gave an amazing talk on longevity as an actor, about protecting your instrument and avoiding self-destructive behaviours, and it had a great impact on everyone in the room.

Robert Aramayo and Ethan Hawke at the British Academy Film Awards at the Royal Festival Hall (Ian West/PA) (Ian West)

So to be in this category with you tonight is incredible. Thank you Ethan.

After receiving the Rising Star Award  the only category of the night decided by a public vote  Aramayo told the audience: This means the world to me, I cant believe it.

He described Mr Davidson as the most remarkable person Ive ever met.

I Swear filmmaker Kirk Jones said he did not ask Aramayo to audition for the role because he knew the actor was right for the part very early on.

Speaking on the red carpet, 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 Sex Pistols are set to embark on a UK and Ireland tour, commemorating five decades of punk rock.

Dubbed 'The Anarchy In The UK' tour, the legendary group will be joined by musician Frank Carter.

The celebratory series of concerts marks 50 years since their seminal track's release, with stops planned for London, Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Dublin.

The band will feature guitarist Steve Jones, drummer Paul Cook, and bassist Glen Matlock for the December run.

Kicking off at Dublins 3 Arena on 7 December, the tour then heads to Edinburghs Corn Exchange on 9 December, followed by Glasgows O2 Academy on 10 December.

The final leg includes two London dates: O2 Academy Brixton on 18 December and the Eventim Apollo on 20 December.

Glen Matlock, Paul Cook and Steve Jones, and Frank Carter (front) of the Sex Pistols (Ian West/PA Wire)

The Sex Pistols disbanded in 1978 and frontman John Lydon, also known as Johnny Rotten, formed Public Image Ltd, also known as PiL.

The group were known for their rebel spirit and speaking out against the monarchy and the established political order, in provocative lyrics with songs including God Save The Queen and Anarchy In The UK.

The band reunited in 2025 for a number of gigs, but Lydon did not perform.

He also promised to never return to the group, after he fought a high-profile court battle to stop their songs being used in a Disney+ series of their story, called Pistol.

Glen Matlock, Frank Carter and Steve Jones of the Sex Pistols, performing in 2025 (Ian West/PA Wire)

Remembering the first year of the band being together, Cook said: It was kind of like a commando raid. I dont even think a lot of places knew we were playing there.

We just turned up and set up. It was all a learning curve for us, getting out there and playing live, we were learning on the job.

With Anarchy, I think we tapped into a feeling of unrest around the country at the time. The message was pretty simple  just have a go and get out there and do whatever you want to do. It was a new world.

The group returned in 2024 with Carter, known for Gallows and Frank Carter and The Rattlesnakes, joining the lineup on vocals.

Cook said: Weve had a blast. People want to come and see us play live.

If I must say so myself, we are a great live band.

The band will also play shows this summer at The Piece Hall, Halifax (11 July), Castlefield Bowl, Manchester (11 July), Cardiff Castle (1 August) and Scarborough Open Air Theatre (2 August).
The Sex Pistols have announced a UK and Ireland tour to celebrate 50 years of punk.

The rock band will be joined by musician Frank Carter in their The Anarchy In The UK tour later this year, to mark five decades since the release of their eponymous hit track, with dates scheduled in London, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Dublin.

Formed in 1975, the band is made up of guitarist Steve Jones, drummer Paul Cook and bass guitarist Glen Matlock for a limited run of shows in December.

(left to right) Glen Matlock, Frank Carter and Steve Jones of the Sex Pistols (Ian West/PA) (Ian West)

The tour will kick off at Dublins 3 Arena on December 7 before moving to Edinburghs Corn Exchange on December 9 and Glasgows O2 Academy on December 10.

The tour will end with two nights in London, one at the O2 Academy Brixton on December 18 and a final show at Eventim Apollo on December 20.

The Sex Pistols disbanded in 1978 and frontman John Lydon, also known as Johnny Rotten, formed Public Image Ltd, also known as PiL.

The group were known for their rebel spirit and speaking out against the monarchy and the established political order, in provocative lyrics with songs including God Save The Queen and Anarchy In The UK.

The band reunited last year for a number of gigs, but Lydon did not perform and promised to never return to the group, after he fought a high-profile court battle against the rest of the band in a bid to stop their songs being used in a Disney+ series of their story, called Pistol.

(left to right, rear) Glen Matlock, Paul Cook and Steve Jones, and Frank Carter (front) of the Sex Pistols (Ian West/PA) (Ian West)

Remembering the first year of the band being together, Cook said: It was kind of like a commando raid. I dont even think a lot of places knew we were playing there.

We just turned up and set up. It was all a learning curve for us, getting out there and playing live, we were learning on the job.

With Anarchy, I think we tapped into a feeling of unrest around the country at the time. The message was pretty simple  just have a go and get out there and do whatever you want to do. It was a new world.

The group returned in 2024 with Carter, known for Gallows and Frank Carter and The Rattlesnakes, joining the lineup on vocals.

Cook said: Weve had a blast. People want to come and see us play live.

If I must say so myself, we are a great live band.

Jones added: If it aint fun, I aint doing it. Im too old for bullshit.

The band will also play shows this summer at The Piece Hall, Halifax (July 11), Castlefield Bowl, Manchester (July 12), Cardiff Castle (August 1) and Scarborough Open Air Theatre (August 2).
Kouri Richins, a Utah mother of three accused of fatally poisoned her husband, Eric Richins (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

A Utah mother of three, who penned a children's book on grief following her husband's death, is set to face trial on Monday accused of his murder.

Kouri Richins, 35, faces multiple felony charges, including the alleged killing of her husband, Eric Richins, with fentanyl in March 2022 at their home just outside the ski town of Park City. Prosecutors claim she administered five times the lethal dose of the synthetic opioid in a Moscow mule cocktail.

Court documents further allege that Ms Richins attempted to poison him a month earlier, on Valentine's Day, using a fentanyl-laced sandwich that reportedly caused him to break out in hives and lose consciousness. The prosecution contends that Ms Richins murdered her husband for financial gain, while simultaneously planning a future with another man.

Ms Richins has vehemently denied all allegations.

She faces nearly three dozen counts, including aggravated murder, attempted murder, forgery, mortgage fraud and insurance fraud. The murder charge alone carries a sentence of 25 years to life in prison.

Her defense attorneys, Wendy Lewis, Kathy Nester and Alex Ramos, said they are confident the 12-person jury will allow Richins to return home to her children after hearing her side of the story.

Kouri has waited nearly three years for this moment: the opportunity to have the facts of this case heard by a jury, free from the prosecutions narrative that has dominated headlines since her arrest," her legal team said in a statement, adding, What the public has been told bears little resemblance to the truth.

Kouri Richins, a Utah mother of three who wrote a children's book about coping with grief after her husband's death and was later accused of fatally poisoning him, looks on during a hearing on Aug. 26, 2024, in Park City, Utah. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer, Pool, File)

In the months before her arrest in May 2023, Richins self-published the childrens book Are You with Me? about a father with angel wings watching over his young son after passing away. The book, which she promoted on a local television station, could play a key role for prosecutors in framing Eric Richins death as a calculated killing with an elaborate cover-up attempt.

Years before her husband's death, Richins opened numerous life insurance policies on Eric Richins without his knowledge, with benefits totaling nearly $2 million, prosecutors allege. Court documents also indicate she had a negative bank account balance, owed lenders more than $1.8 million and was being sued by a creditor.

Among the witnesses who could be called to testify throughout the trial are a housekeeper who claims to have sold fentanyl to Richins on three occasions and the man with whom Richins was allegedly having an affair.

The state's key witness, housekeeper Carmen Lauber, told a detective she had sold Richins up to 90 blue-green fentanyl pills that she acquired from a dealer. Lauber is not charged with any crimes in connection to the case, and detectives said at an earlier hearing that she had been granted immunity.

Defense attorneys are expected to argue that Lauber did not actually give Richins fentanyl and was motivated to lie for legal protection. None was ever found in her house, and the dealer has said he was in jail and detoxing from drug use when he told detectives in 2023 that he had sold fentanyl to Lauber. He later said in a sworn affidavit that he only sold her the opioid OxyContin.

Other witnesses could include relatives of the defendant and her late husband, and friends of Eric Richins who have recounted phone conversations from the day prosecutors say he was first poisoned by his wife of nine years.

One friend said in written testimony that they noticed fear in Eric Richins' voice when he called on Valentine's Day and said, I think my wife tried to poison me.

The trial is slated to run through March 26.
I define yoga as a tool to come in touch with yourself, says Rodrigo Souza, an adaptive and accessible yoga teacher. Illustration: Carmen Casado/The Guardian (Illustration: Carmen Casado/The Guardian)

Countless articles and studies tout the benefits of yoga. It can improve balance, strength, flexibility, digestion and sleep. It can also reduce stress and support mental wellbeing. And yet many people feel like yoga isnt for them because their bodies dont look or move a certain way.

That is how I felt before I started practicing yoga, says Jessamyn Stanley, who has written two books about yoga and co-founded the yoga app The Underbelly. I always thought yoga was just for thin, white women, she says.

Social media posts about yoga often show thin, white influencers in expensive matching workout sets performing acrobatic poses. But experts say this narrow, image-based idea of yoga can obscure the practices deep, philosophical underpinnings.

Related: The best movement is the next movement: how to really look after your lower back

I define yoga as a tool to come in touch with yourself, says Rodrigo Souza, an adaptive and accessible yoga teacher with paraplegia who specializes in teaching individuals with disabilities.

Below, what you need to know about how to start yoga.

What is yoga?

Yoga originated in northern India more than 5,000 years ago. The root of the word is the Sanskrit term yuj, which means to yoke or to unify  the idea being that yoga was a way of unifying the body and mind, as well as unifying the individuals soul with the universal soul.

By contrast, the modern wellness industry often treats yoga predominantly as a type of exercise  a way to tone your abs and butt. Some scholars argue that the yoga we see now only originated about a century ago, during the British colonization of India, when westerners stripped the tradition of its spiritual and mental aspects and presented it as a purely physical practice.

Some of the most popular styles of yoga practiced today include: vinyasa yoga, which tends to be more fast-paced and fluid; hatha yoga, with longer-held poses; ashtanga yoga, which flows through a specific sequence of postures; and yin yoga, which is slower and more restorative.

Yoga can be a way of strengthening ones body, but it also offers much more, says Kassandra Reinhardt, owner of Yoga with Kassandra.

I like to think of yoga as a practice of transformation that can include yoga poses, meditation, breathwork, chanting, philosophy and more, she says.

Souza argues that anything that regulates your nervous system, calms you down, and brings you back to your body can be considered yoga.

Say that you are driving your car and you get very anxious and stressed in traffic, he says. If you roll your window down and gaze at the sky, and clear that stress and clutter, thats yoga. If you start deeply inhaling and exhaling to regulate your system, thats also yoga.

Who can practice yoga?

Anyone can do yoga, experts say. But each person will have to explore what feels good to them, what excites them, and which teachers and classes are best for them.

Yoga is truly accessible to everyone, says Souza. Whats not accessible to everyone is the movement. Not everybody has the same type of body, the same type of ability.

If your first yoga experiences arent pleasant  maybe you attempt a style that doesnt feel right for you, or attend a class with a minimal instruction  dont give up right away. Try another class or a different experience, because not all yoga classes are created equal, says Stanley. Theres something for everybody, and what didnt work for you will work for someone else and vice versa.

More from How to start:

Look for spaces and teachers that adapt poses that work for your body, and not the other way around, says Reinhardt.

Your struggles may not be purely physical. Souza notes that for many people who have experienced severe physical or emotional trauma, connecting to their bodies doesnt always feel safe.

Some people cannot be in their bodies because its not a comfortable place to be. It reminds you of what you can no longer do, he says.

Trauma-informed teachers can assist these students. We guide people gently back to their bodies, but they have the autonomy and agency to come out of the pose anytime, says Souza. You know what is good for you. As a yoga teacher, my work is to give you a safe space and the right tools according to what you need in that particular moment.

How does one start practicing yoga?

I would start by not spending any money, says Stanley. You dont know if you like it yet.

Equipment: Despite what influencers and sponsored social media posts may suggest, theres not much you need to start practicing yoga. Wear clothes that feel comfortable and will allow movement. If you dont have a yoga mat, substitute a towel or blanket  you just need a surface that will provide some softness and grip.

Instruction: YouTube is full of free yoga videos. So before you drop $35 on a boutique class, try a few free videos at home and see what kinds of practices you find fun and enjoyable.

Reinhardt suggests starting with short videos  10 to 20 minutes. I have a less is more philosophy when it comes to this practice, especially when first starting out, says Reinhardt, arguing that a few minutes of yoga every day is more beneficial than one long practice once a week.

How should yoga feel?

Physically, different styles of yoga will feel different. Yin yoga is gentle and relaxing, for instance, while vinyasa flows may be more energizing and elevate the heart rate more.

Related: How to start  anything: expert tips for trying something new

Beginners can expect a range of physical sensations. But experts say part of growing in yoga is learning to identify what is a healthy challenge and what is pushing your body too far.

There is a difference between discomfort and pain. At no point should a yoga pose feel painful or prevent you from being able to take full, deep breaths, says Reinhardt. While some soreness or muscle fatigue can be expected in more strenuous classes, Reinhardt says that overall, yoga should leave people feeling expansive and comfortable in their bodies.

Mentally, if yoga doesnt leave you feeling calm and serene, you havent done anything wrong. Indeed, crying on your mat is not unheard of.

Things will come up when you switch down the volume of distractions, says Souza. These could be painful memories or emotions. The key is not to push these away, but to be able to sit with these difficult feelings and treat yourself with compassion. When you enter that space, you can become a better person, Souza says.
US Secret Service agents and local police killed a man who breached a secure perimeter at the Mar-a-Lago resort owned by Donald Trump, the US president.

Photograph: Marco Bello/Reuters (Photograph: Marco Bello/Reuters)

US Secret Service agents have killed an armed man who breached the perimeter of Mar-a-Lago. Donald Trump and the first lady, Melania Trump, were not at the club and residence at the time.

The authorities said agents confronted a white male in his early 20s carrying shotgun and gasoline can early on Sunday.

He was ordered to drop those two pieces of equipment that he had with him, at which time he put down the gas can [and] raised the shotgun to a shooting position, the sheriff said. 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.

Here are todays main stories:

Secret Service fatally shoot armed man who breached Trumps Mar-a-Lago residence

The US Secret Service shot and killed an armed intruder who breached the perimeter of Mar-a-Lago, Donald Trumps Florida residence and private club in Palm Beach, early on Sunday.

Although the US president often spends weekends at the oceanfront resort, he was at the White House in Washington DC during this incident, as was the first lady, Melania Trump.

Read the full story

Washington and Tehran to hold more nuclear talks as protests reignite in Iran

Iran and the US are expected to meet for a further round of talks in Geneva this week in a sign that Donald Trumps team believes Tehran is making serious proposals to dilute its stockpile of highly enriched uranium and show it is not seeking a nuclear weapon.

Read the full story

Most US immigrants targeted for deportation in 2025 had no criminal charges, documents reveal

A Guardian analysis of government records has found that the vast majority  77%  of people who entered deportation proceedings for the first time in 2025 had no criminal conviction, exposing a stark gap between the Trump administrations rhetoric and reality.

Read the full story

Trump warns Netflix of consequences unless it pulls top Democrat from board

Donald Trump has told Netflix to remove the Democratic foreign policy expert Susan Rice from its board or face the consequences, while the streaming platform is locked in an extraordinary corporate battle to take control of Warner Bros Discovery (WBD).

Read the full story

Huckabees Israel land remarks condemned as dangerous and inflammatory

Governments from across the Islamic world have condemned remarks by the US ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, suggesting it would be fine for Israel to claim a broad swathe of the Middle East. In an interview with the conservative commentator Tucker Carlson that was published last week, the ambassador pointed to verses in the Bible that some Jews and evangelical Christians interpret as signifying the divine right of Jews to claim the land from the Nile to the Euphrates.

Read the full story

What else happened today:

Catching up? Heres what happened on 21 February 2026.
President Donald Trump warned his aides that if diplomacy or targeted strikes do not convince Iran to give up its nuclear weapons program, he will consider larger actions, according to a report.

While negotiators from the U.S. and Iran will meet Thursday in Geneva to try and find a solution that would avoid military conflict, Trump has been considering other options should the talks fail, according to The New York Times.

Both sides have ramped up military preparations in the region in recent days as Trump has been leaning toward carrying out a strike to show Iran that it must give up its ability to make nuclear weapons, Trump advisors told the Times.

Targets being considered range from the headquarters of Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to nuclear sites to the ballistic missile program, according to the report.

If Iran ignores U.S. demands, Trump will consider launching a more large-scale military assault later this year to topple Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the supreme leader, the report says.

President Donald Trump warned his aides that if strikes do not convince Iran to give up its nuclear weapons program, he may take a larger action, according to a report (AFP/Getty)

However, administration officials have cast doubts on whether this change can be accomplished through airstrikes alone. Officials are also mulling over another option to avoid military intervention: a limited nuclear enrichment program that Iran could use solely for medical research and treatments, the Times reports. It is unclear whether Iran would accept such a limited scope given the vast sums they have already spent on the program, the outlet added.

The Independent has contacted the White House for comment.

Trump discussed plans for strikes on Iran in the White House Situation Room on Wednesday with Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Gen. Dan Caine, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, C.I.A. director John Ratclife and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, according to the report.

In the meeting, Trump pressured Caine and Ratcliffe to weigh in on the plan, but neither advocated for a certain position. According to the report, Caine had told Trump there was a high likelihood of success before the operation to seize Venezuelas Nicolas Maduro last month  but was unable to give that same reassurance during the Iran discussions.

Meanwhile, Vance, who has advocated for more restraint in overseas military action, did not oppose the strike. However, during the meeting, he questioned Caine and Ratcliff and pressured them into sharing their opinions on the plans.

The U.S. had been considering options that included utilizing teams of special operations forces on the ground that could carry out raids to destroy Iranian nuclear or missile facilities, according to the report.

Protesters have taken to the streets of Iran since last last year/ (Getty)

However, carrying out such a raid would be dangerous and require forces to stay on the ground for much longer than was needed during the operation to capture Maduro.

Multiple U.S. officials told the Times the plans for a commando raid have been put on hold.

The White House declined to comment to the Times on Trumps decision-making

The media may continue to speculate on the Presidents thinking all they want, but only President Trump knows what he may or may not do, Anna Kelly, a White House spokeswoman, said in a statement.
I could hear the take-off detonation being filmed live and broadcast around the world in my earpiece, along with my TV colleagues report of the Russian attack. It was the morning that Vladimir Putin ordered a full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Standing in the pre-dawn freeze on a terrace overlooking Kharkivs Freedom Square four years ago, it was less than a minute before I was reporting on those rockets when they exploded on impact.

The skyline bulged orange, then came the concussive thump, then the cracks of the rockets exploding. Theyd been fired from Russia into Ukraines second-biggest city.

A survivor of an airstrike on an apartment complex outside Kharkiv in February 2022 (Getty)

The BM-30 Smerch were among the worst. They scattered cluster bombs, spattering the city with deadly golden balls. BM-212 Grads, the old-fashioned Stalins Organ multiple rocket launchers, were terrifying too.

They screeched from the sky in swarms, landing like spears on residential areas, killing and burning ahead of the advancing Russian infantry.

Over the next couple of days, Russian troops stormed north from Crimea towards Kherson, and soon beyond. They blasted out of Donetsk and turned up on the streets of Kharkiv.

I could hear the sounds of firefights, machine guns screaming like chainsaws, and the crash of rocket-propelled grenades. The assumption was that the Russians would capture this city  and the capital  in a few days. That assumption got a lot of Russians killed.

We heard of a reconnaissance group that had wandered closer to Freedom Square and been ambushed by local police with RPGs and rifles. A Russian soldier fell from his vehicle on fire. A group of babushkas (grannies), almost certainly Russian-speakers, rushed up to the burning man. They beat him to death with broomsticks.

That was a metaphor for Ukraines defence of itself.

Smoke rises from a military airport in Chuguyev on the first day of Putins invasion (AFP/Getty)

Having first been invaded by Putin in 2014, Crimea was captured. Back then, Ukraines allies reneged on security guarantees that had been afforded to the young democracy, and many, like the UK and the US, banned Kyiv from buying lethal weapons.

British and US intelligence knew that the Kremlins ambitions involved the conquest of all of Ukraine in 2022. They warned Volodymyr Zelensky that the Russians were coming. He didnt seem to listen, and his armed forces were very relaxed on the border just north of Kharkiv.

I dont see many preparations to defend against an invasion, I said to a colonel I met two days before the Russians launched into Ukraine. Youre not supposed to, he replied. But there were no signs of defences being raised at all. Because there were none.

Ukraine was sent reeling. But its population recovered its countrys balance. Some military units scrambled to put up fights that Western advisers thought incredible  such as the punishing defence of Hostomel airbase against mass airborne attacks by paratroopers and Spetznatz forces, just northwest of Kyiv.

Elsewhere, young veterans from the earlier years of combat reformed themselves into small teams in pickup trucks, organised their own families inside occupied territory to spy on the invaders, and took on Russias massed columns of armour and infantry.

Around the world, footage emerged of the ambushes on these columns, and gave small signs that the tiny amount of military aid provided by Britain and the US was having a staggering effect. American Javelin and British NLAW anti-tank missiles slammed into armoured columns and crippled their advance.

Kharkiv, Sumy, and Kyiv were saved by swashbuckling units in Second World War SAS-style raids, which had far more strategic significance than any operations carried out by Britains nascent special forces in their early years.

In the south, villagers organised their own counterattacks, harnessing the horrors of Moscows mass starvation of the Ukrainian people in the early 1930s into an over my dead body rage that held them together.

By the summer of 2022, the national forces had regrouped, launched a counteroffensive, and recovered vast tracts of land in lightning operations.

A map shows the key cities in the war in Ukraine (Getty/iStock)

Since then, Ukraine has settled into a near stalemate of grinding horror  followed by the nerve-jangling new dimension of drone conflict, in which both sides have been reinventing the modern form of war.

Throughout all of this, Ukraine has been defending Europes eastern flank against Russia on the ground. In the political realm, though, Ukrainians have been dying in large numbers in a war to stop the idea that might is right dead in its tank tracks.

No one here had any idea that Donald Trump would so enthusiastically support the Darwinian doctrine of the Kremlin. But he has. He likes to back a winner. He appears to have chosen one. Without question, Trumps administration has caused more deaths in Ukraine by ending US military aid for the country and setting back its ability to defend itself than if he had continued to support Kyiv.

Meanwhile, the rest of the West has been slow to comprehend the strategic danger Putins land grab poses  and the political horror that the Putin-Trump doctrine is capable of leading the world towards.

First, Ukraines allies were slow to agree to send any kind of weapons, but when the anti-tank missiles finally arrived, they were put to immediate use.

The aftermath of a drone strike near the city of Chornomorsk on Monday (Reuters)

Men like Grumpty, a former software engineer, taught himself how to drive a Russian T-82 tank by watching YouTube videos. Along with Achilles, who was killed in the summer of 2022, and a small band of men, Grumpty destroyed 14 Russian armoured personnel carriers and tanks in one night.

The Russians were found by the wife of one of the team. Achilles spotted the targets and called in coordinates to Grumpty, who fired over and over again on the invaders. This kind of act captured the public imagination. But it did not deliver Ukraine the weapons it needed to win  barely enough to survive.

While Russia pounded Kyivs forces with hundreds of artillery pieces, it took months for small donations of ancient guns to come from the democratic West. Long-range rockets were restricted in how they could be used.

In Bakhmut, Ukrainians and foreign volunteers fought waves of Russian prisoners and conscripts forced into meat attacks. One American volunteer, Kevin, described with disgust how, for a week, he reckoned he killed 20 to 40 a day.

But Russia hit Ukrainians with bombs from aircraft and long-range missiles fired from Russian soil that were out of bounds to Ukrainians using any foreign equipment. Forced to adapt or die, Ukraine is now the world leader in drone warfare, and controls the Black Sea without having a navy made up of old-fashioned ships and sailors.

Servicemen from the 24th brigade operate an FPV drone flying towards Russian troops in the Donetsk region (AFP/Getty)

With losses at around 1.2 million, Putins war has been a disaster for Moscow. And Nato is now bigger, as Finland and Sweden have joined the alliance.

Europe has covered the loss of Americas military support, with 250bn (219bn) pledged compared with the US total spend of $115bn (85bn). Much of this money goes on air defences.

Putin has switched his strategy to hitting civilians, blasting Ukraines energy systems, and trying to break the will of its people. Outside Ukraine, he has managed to shape much of the debate over diplomacy, creating a narrative that Ukraine cannot win, should sue for peace, and should give up at least 20 per cent of its territory.

With losses at around 1.2 million, Putins war has been a disaster for Moscow (AP)

Travelling from Nikopol to Kharkiv through the fortress belt now demanded by Russia in return for thinking about a ceasefire, it is clear to me that most Ukrainians now want peace. But not one of them said that Ukraines security is worth the trade for peace.

Zelensky and his European allies insist that Ukraine needs security guarantees to ensure that Russia never attacks again and never attempts to fulfil Putins vision of recolonising the country. They claim that the only way to do that is to get the US to be Ukraines protector.

But theres no chance that the US could be relied on to keep watch over Ukraine, let alone send troops to fight if it were re-invaded. That has to be the job of Ukraines European neighbours and wider allies in the West. Ukraine has shown what it can do with very little. Imagine what it could do with a little more help from its friends.
Snow falls on a subway train platform in the Queens borough of New York. Photograph: Charly Triballeau/AFP/Getty Images (Photograph: Charly Triballeau/AFP/Getty Images)

New Yorks mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has ordered a citywide travel ban for all but emergency travel, as the north-eastern United States was preparing for an intense winter storm that is forecast to reach blizzard strength and bring major disruption.

Residents along the east coast scrambled to prepare for the late-winter storm that spurred weather warnings from Maryland to Massachusetts, affecting more than 35 million people. More than a foot of snow was expected, with wind gusts of up to 70mph and warnings of potential coastal flooding from Cape Cod to Delaware.

Mamdani declared a state of emergency on Sunday, which releases extra funding to deal with a major weather event, along with the unusual move of a ban on all non-essential travel across streets, highways and bridges between 9pm on Sunday and noon on Monday. The ban will not apply to essential workers or New Yorkers needing to travel due to emergencies.

He also said public schools would have a full snow day on Monday. No online school, no remote learning, full classic snow day, Mamdani said in a post on X.

NYC residents, who were under a blizzard warning for the first time in almost a decade, were urged to stay indoors if possible until the storm passes on Monday. Staying home means you are staying safe, Mamdani told Fox News on Sunday morning.

The National Weather Service warned that once the storm intensified on Sunday afternoon it could prove significantly more severe than projections that were made just a few days ago.

Related: New York City gets first blizzard warning in nine years as area hunkers down

The weather service said 1 to 2ft of snow was possible in many areas as it put out blizzard warnings for New York City and the Long Island peninsula to the east, for coastal communities in New Jersey, Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Rhode Island and, further north, Boston and other parts of Massachusetts.

A storm surge of 2 to 4ft could cause moderate coastal flooding and beach erosion from Delaware Bay to Cape Cod almost 400 miles to the north during high tide cycles.

The storm could cause whiteout conditions that will make travel treacherous and potentially life-threatening, the weather service said, adding that: The strong winds and weight of snow on tree limbs may down power lines and could cause sporadic power outages.

Airlines have cancelled more than 6,000 flights in and out of US airports through Monday, according to flight-tracking site FlightAware, with major hubs JFK, LaGuardia, Newark, Philadelphia and Boston Logan the hardest hit.

Mamdani said New York would expand efforts it used to deal with a major snowstorm weeks ago. New York had brought in additional snow-clearing equipment from outside the city and planned to expand use of geocoding to keep track of bus stops, crosswalks, pedestrian ramps and unsheltered bus stops that need clearing.

City officials have also recruited people to shovel snow on foot, some of whom will begin work on Sunday night to get an early start on the first wave of snowfall.

Meanwhile, outreach workers have also been out assisting unhoused New Yorkers into shelters and various warming centers, Mamdani said.

Brooklyn resident Brandon Smith complained that workplaces remained open, even if the roads were not. Its gonna be difficult for most New Yorkers to get around because we still have to go to work. Its unfortunate [roads] are suspended as jobs are not gonna stop calling us in, he said.

A state of emergency also began at noon on Sunday throughout New Jersey, Governor Mikie Sherrill announced, with all 21 counties simultaneously under a blizzard warning for the first time in 30 years. Many churches canceled Sunday services and other activities, and officials in Atlantic City urged residents and visitors to its famous casinos to stay off the streets, especially in low-lying neighborhoods prone to flooding.

Sherrill urged New Jerseyans, on social media: If you are out now, its time to get home. Please stay off the roads and stay inside. Take this storm seriously.

In Boston, Mayor Michelle Wu declared a snow emergency in effect from 2pm on Sunday, with public schools and city offices to be closed on Monday.

Boston is looking to face down yet another winter storm this season and one that is looking like it will be of historic proportions, Wu said at a press conference on Sunday morning.
Donald Trump said the supreme court had approved all other tariffs. Photograph: Kevin Lamarque/Reuters (Photograph: Kevin Lamarque/Reuters)

Donald Trump has declared that he can use tariffs in a much more powerful and obnoxious way, as the UK and the EU said they were seeking urgent clarity on the US trade deals they struck last summer.

Trump threatened to escalate his global tariff war on Monday, after a supreme court ruling last week that he had overstepped his legal authority to impose his liberation day measures last year.

Keir Starmers spokesperson said he did not expect Trumps new 15% global tariff  announced on Saturday  to affect the majority of a UK-US economic deal that was agreed last year.

Related: Trump threatens more powerful and obnoxious tariffs, amid confusion in UK and EU  business live

However, it is still not clear if the new tariffs, collected from Tuesday, will be at the 10% rate on most goods agreed last May, the 15% rate, or customs default to pre-reciprocal day tariffs.

Asked whether retaliatory tariffs were an option, the spokesperson said: No one wants to see a trade war. No one wants to see a situation thats escalated. But as I say, nothing is off the table at this stage.

As youd expect, discussions are still ongoing, and it is an evolving situation  While we understand the uncertainty this creates, businesses and the British public can be assured that were focused on protecting them and for national interest.

The EU meanwhile on Monday paused the process of ratification of the deal it had struck with the US last July for the second time in a month, after it froze and unfroze the deal in the wake of Trumps Greenland threats. The deal was for 15% blanket tariffs on EU imports that were inclusive of previous levies.

Full clarity on what these new developments mean for the EU-US trade relationship is the absolute minimum that is required for us as the EU to make a clear-eyed assessment to decide on the next steps, said Olof Gill, a commission spokesperson. We are very clear what needs to happen here. The US needs to tell us precisely what is going on.

A trade committee vote on Tuesday morning has been postponed.

Trump posted on his Truth Social Network on Monday that any country that wants to play games with the supreme court decision will be met with a much higher Tariff, and worse, than that which they just recently agreed to.

The court has also approved all other Tariffs, of which there are many, and they can all be used in a much more powerful and obnoxious way, with legal certainty, than the Tariffs as initially used, he wrote.

Our incompetent supreme court did a great job for the wrong people, and for that they should be ashamed of themselves (but not the Great Three!).

The decision was approved 6-3.

US shares fell on Monday. The Dow Jones was down 1.6%, the tech-heavy Nasdaq off 1.2% and the S&P 500 down about 1% in early afternoon trading on Wall Street.

The top US trade negotiator, Jamieson Greer, said at the weekend that deals already agreed remain in place.

He said on Sunday that the new 15% tariffs would not apply to countries with which it already had a deal, including the UK, the EU, Switzerland, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam and Lesotho.

We want them to understand these deals are going to be good deals, he told CBS. Were going to stand by them. We expect our partners to stand by them.

Confusion reigns, however, among businesses in the UK and the EU. The new president of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), Andy Haldane, told the BBC he believed that the 15% tariffs did apply from Tuesday unless the government heard otherwise.

We are 10% [tariff rate with the US]. If he [Trump] follows through tomorrow, that will be 15%, and that will mean the UK sits towards the bottom of the league table in terms of whos been made worst off by the measures of the weekend, he told BBC Radio 4s Today programme.

The BCC said a fresh plan was needed for British exporters, with thousands of businesses expected to be worse off if an additional 5% tariff comes in from Tuesday.

The lobby group calculates that it would increase the levies raised from UK exports to the US by between 2bn and 3bn. This will have to be absorbed either by our exporters, US importers or their customers, it said.

It said it was absolutely vital that the UK continue to negotiate with the US and seek immediate discussions with Congress, which now has an important role going forward.

Peter Leibinger, the president of the German Federation of Industries (BDI), called on the EU to quickly approach the US and provide clarity on tariffs and trade rules.

The EU trade commissioner, Maros Sefcovic, called on the need to respect the existing deal at a G7 trade ministers call on Monday.

I restated that full respect for the deal is paramount. Staying in touch with my counterparts to secure reassurances, he said in a social media post.

The US dollar was down 0.2% against a basket of other currencies on Monday after the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency said it would deactivate all tariff codes associated with International Emergency Economic Powers Act-related orders as of Tuesday at midnight (5am UK time).

The CBP told shippers on Monday morning that it would stop collecting tariffs under the emergency powers act as of 12.01am (Eastern US time) on Tuesday.

Customs authorities in the US gave no new information about possible refunds for importers.

That is despite the supreme courts decision making more than $175bn (130bn) in previous US Treasury revenue subject to potential refunds, based on an estimate by Penn Wharton Budget Model economists.
Local officials in Pennsylvania are investigating the police response to an anti-ICE protest on Friday where students and officers got into multiple physical confrontations.

Our office is conducting an independent investigation into the police response during this incident, the Bucks County District Attorneys Office said of the protest in Quakertown in a statement on Facebook on Saturday.

The office said it was committed to a thorough and transparent review and called on members of the public to submit any footage of the tense encounter, which resulted in upwards of six arrests.

About 35 students walked out of Quakertown Senior High School on Friday to protest Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Donald Trumps mass deportation efforts, defying a decision from school officials to shutter a planned demonstration over what administrators said was a threat of violence against the event.

The students are among hundreds across the country who have walked out of class or joined demonstrations against ICE, facing detention and other academic punishment.

Local officials are investigating the police response to a student anti-ICE protest in Quakertown, Pennsylvania, in which the police chief allegedly put a girl in a chokehold (6ABC)

More than 300 students at Woodbridge Senior High School were recently suspended after joining protests with other schools in Virginia.

Similar scenes have played out in schools from Maryland to Oklahoma and Utah.

Accounts differ of what led to the confrontations between students and police in Bucks County.

A widely circulated video of the clashes shows a man in plainclothes putting a girl in a chokehold.

Eyewitnesses and the local Bucks County Courier Times newspaper identified the man as Quakertown Borough Police Chief Scott McElree.

The Independent has requested comment from the police department and McElree.

One demonstrator who witnessed the encounter told the newspaper that the students were unaware McElree was an officer.

"Everyone started to beat on him because he was grabbing at random kids," the student said.

A bystander who saw the confrontation said the situation escalated further when a male student tried to help the female student, prompting officers to force the male student to the ground.

Around 35 students left class and took part in the protest against Immigration and Customs Enforcement on February 20 (AFP via Getty Images)

The situation completely escalated, she told the Philadelphia Inquirer. There were multiple grown men getting in the faces of the children, spit flying out of their mouths.

Another witness told 6ABC that other adults appeared to get involved in the fighting as the scene devolved into chaos.

There were other grown men who were bystanders who were getting involved in the situation as well, the witness said. They were getting in childrens faces, and one ended up in handcuffs.

Police told the Inquirer that five to six juveniles and one adult have been taken into custody.

Officers said students engaged in dangerous behavior including entering traffic, throwing snow balls, kicking cars, damaging property, and assaulting officers.

Community members demanded accountability after the clashes.

When young people are involved in an encounter with law enforcement, the standard for care, restraint and adherence to policy are high and must be adhered to, Bucks County NAACP President Adrienne King said at a news conference on Saturday outside the police department.

This is not controversial. It is expected, she said. Video circulating publicly has raised serious questions in our community. Those questions deserve answers, and we are here to ask for those answers today.

The local sheriffs office recently ended a cooperation agreement with ICE, citing community concerns (AFP via Getty Images)

A woman at the conference who gave her name as Allison said her stepdaughter was among those who were arrested.

"Our daughter was wrongfully accused, she said. She was deliberately sought after and she was assaulted. She was thrown into the ground and she was a choked. We want her home safe. We want respect for our daughter and for the other students like her who were there.

As of Sunday evening, more than 5,000 people had signed a change.org petition demanding McElrees resignation.

It is unclear whether anyone who was arrested during the protest remains in detention.

Arrested students were taken to Bucks County Youth Center, which declined to comment when contacted by The Independent.

The center directed questions to Bucks County Juvenile Court, which is closed on Sundays.

Bucks County District Attorneys Office spokesperson Manuel Gamiz Jr. told the Inquirer that the major storm expected to hit the East Coast on Sunday night prompted the closure of the Bucks County Justice Center, which could delay legal actions regarding the arrested students.

Bucks County officials recently voted unanimously to bar ICE from setting up processing and detention centers at warehouses within county limits, like those popping up in New Hampshire (pictured) and more than a dozen other locations across the country (REUTERS)

Once students left school grounds without authorization and walked into town, deviating from the planned walkout route, they were no longer under the districts custodial control or supervision, and we have almost no legal ability to regulate or investigate their behavior, Dr. Lisa Hoffman, acting superintendent of Quakertown Community School District, wrote in a statement on Sunday.

Administrators were not on the scene in the borough and were not in any way involved in student arrests, she said.

Students arent the only ones criticizing ICE in the area.

In January, the county sheriffs office ended a collaboration agreement it had with the immigration agency, citing community concerns.

When large numbers of our residents are afraid to call 911, or come to court and testify, that makes our entire community less safe, recently elected Bucks County Sheriff Danny Ceisler said of the decision at the time. This is not a public safety problem for immigrants. This is a public safety problem for everyone.

This week, Bucks County commissioners voted unanimously to bar ICE from setting up processing and detention centers at warehouses within county limits.

Bucks County, about an hours drive north of Philadelphia, narrowly voted for Trump in the 2024 presidential election.
The cast of Wednesday is undergoing a major shake-up.

Series regular Noah B. Taylor, who played werewolf Bruno Yuson on the hit Netflix show, will not return for season three of the Addams Family spin-off starring Jenna Ortega.

Taylors character broke hearts at the end of season two with the reveal that he had been cheating on his fellow werewolf girlfriend Enid Sinclar, played by Emma Myers, with his ex-girlfriend. In his last scene on the show, Bruno is seen leaving their school, Nevermore.

This marks the second time that a romantic interest on the show exited after a year. Percy Hynes White, who played Xavier Thorpe on the show, was dropped ahead of season two and barely mentioned in new episodes after sexual assault misconduct allegations against him emerged.

Netflix announced Monday that production on season three of Wednesday, the streaming platforms most-viewed series of all time, had begun in Dublin, with Tim Burton returning as the shows director and executive producer.

Noah B. Taylor, who played character Enid's love interest Bruno, will not be returning to 'Wednesday' for season three (Netflix)

Showrunners Al Gough and Miles Millar said in a press release, Its our dark delight to fling open Nevermore Academys gates once more as we begin production on season three. We thank our invincible cast and crew for their continued commitment to doom and gloom. To the fans, we appreciate your patience and ravenous online commentary  your twisted theories have inspired nightmares.

This season, we welcome new students, new teachers, and excavate some long-rotting Addams Family secrets. Dont say you werent warned, they added.

While Taylor will not return to the show, Netflix announced that Winona Ryder will be joining the cast as a recurring guest star, reuniting her with frequent collaborator Burton and her Beetlejuice Beetlejuice co-star Ortega.

Ryder will also be joined by newcomers Chris Sarandon, Oscar Morgan, Kennedy Moyer and, coincidentally, another actor named Noah Taylor.

Another new face this season will be previously announced cast member Eva Green, who is playing the long-lost sister of Catherine Zeta Joness Morticia Addams.

Joanna Lumley, who plays Wednesdays grandmother Granmama Hester Frump, was also promoted to series regular for the new season.

Series cast members returning to the show include Ortega, Myers, Jones, Luis Guzman, Hunter Doohan, Billie Piper and Joy Sunday. Fred Armisen will also continue in his recurring role as Uncle Fester.

Im so excited to be back for season three, and its great to be reunited with all of the original cast, Burton said in a statement. The addition of some dear friends and past collaborators of mine  Winona, Eva, Chris, and Noah  makes this season extra special. I feel very lucky.
Stranger Things star Winona Ryder will be joining the cast of Netflix hit Wednesday for its forthcoming third season, it has been announced.

Ryder rose to fame in the 1980s after starring in American filmmaker Tim Burtons horror-comedy film, Beetlejuice  a role she reprised almost four decades later for its sequel which she starred in alongside Jenna Ortega.

It has been revealed the Hollywood actress is among the names to join the cast of Wednesday, a supernatural mystery series which stars Ortega and on which Burton is an executive producer.

In an announcement video posted by Netflix on Monday, Finnish actor Joonas Suotamo is seen in his role as butler Lurch unveiling the star-studded cast for the upcoming season in the form of a welcome feast.

Ryder, 54, is set to play a character named Tabitha, while French actress Eva Green will play Aunt Ophelia Frump  the estranged sister of Morticia Addams (Catherine Zeta-Jones).

Green is also renowned for her collaborations with gothic director Burton and starred in his 2016 dark fantasy film, Miss Peregrines Home for Peculiar Children.

Speaking to Netflix website Tudum, Green, 45, said: Im thrilled to join the woefully twisted world of Wednesday as Aunt Ophelia.

This show is such a deliciously dark and witty world, I cant wait to bring my own touch of cuckoo-ness to the Addams family.

Eva Green is also joining the cast of Wednesday (Doug Peters/PA) (Doug Peters)

American actor Chris Sarandon, who starred in Burtons animated fantasy film, The Nightmare Before Christmas, will join the cast as Balthazar.

Meanwhile, Australian actor Noah Taylor  who featured as Mr Bucket in Burtons 2005 film adaptation of Roald Dahls Charlie And The Chocolate Factory  will play Cyrus.

Burton told Netflix website Tudum he is so excited to be back for Wednesdays third season, adding: Its great to be reunited with all of the original cast.

The addition of some dear friends and past collaborators of mine: Winona, Eva, Chris, Noah; makes this season extra special. I feel very lucky.

Gothic filmmaker Tim Burton is an executive producer on Wednesday (Lucy North/PA) (Lucy North)

US actor Fred Armisen is seen as the eccentric Uncle Fester in the cast announcement video, which also reveals that among the additions to the show are actor Oscar Morgan, who will join the cast as Atticus, and Kennedy Moyer who will play Daisy.

The video confirms the return of fan-favourite cast members, including Ortega as titular character Wednesday and Emma Myers as colourful and upbeat werewolf Enid Sinclair.

The rest of the Addams clan will also return, with Zeta-Jones and Luis Guzman back as Wednesdays parents Morticia and Gomez, and Isaac Ordonez as her brother, Pugsley.

The third season of the show will also see Joanna Lumley, Billie Piper, Hunter Doohan and Joy Sunday return, as well as George Farmer, Moosa Mostafa, Evie Templeton, Victor Dorobantu and Luyanda Unati Lewis-Nyawo.

Jenna Ortega stars as the titular character in Wednesday (Sthanlee Mirador/PA) (Sthanlee Mirador)

The show centres around the character of Wednesday, based on the cartoons of Charles Addams, which inspired a 1960s TV series and the popular Addams Family films, starring Christina Ricci as Wednesday.

The third season of Wednesday is now in production, with further details yet to be announced.
A New York college professor has been slammed for making an abhorrent, racist comment during a public meeting.

Allyson Friedman, an associate professor at Hunter College, allegedly made the widely condemned remarks on February 10 during a debate centered around New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdanis plan to close several schools on Manhattans West Side.

Friedman allegedly made the comments moments after a Black student expressed their sadness over the possible closure of the school.

Theyre too dumb to know theyre in a bad school, Friedman said. If you train a Black person well enough, theyll know to use the back.

You dont have to tell them anymore, Friedman, who was attending the meeting virtually, added.

A New York associate professor, Allyson Friedman, has caused outrage over an alleged racist remark (Hunter College)

According to The New York Times, Friedman was referencing a comment made earlier in the meeting by Reginald Higgins, the school districts acting superintendent.

Higgins had, at one point, referred to Carter G. Woodson, one of the first scholars to study the history of the Black diaspora in the United States.

If you make a man think that he is justly an outcast, you do not have to order him to the back door, Woodson had once famously said. He will go without being told.

Friedmans comments, though, were audible for everyone at the meeting.

Allyson Friedman, what youre saying is absolutely hearable here, one person said. Youve got to stop.

Meanwhile, frowns and gasps can be seen on the students' faces attending the Zoom meeting. Some were left with their mouths agape, while several others covered their faces.

Friedman is a teacher at Hunter College and specializes in Cellular Neurophysiology (Google Streetview)

In a statement provided to The NYT, Friedman said that she was trying to explain the concept of systemic racism to her child, who was in the room with her.

In order to do that, she wrote that she referenced an example of an obviously racist trope.

My complete comments make clear these abhorrent views are not my own, nor were they directed at any student or group, she continued. I fully support these courageous students in their efforts to stop school closures.

However, I recognize these comments caused harm and pain, while that was not my intent I do truly apologize.

Friedman made the remarks during a meeting centered on Mayor Mamdanis plan to close several NYC schools (Getty)

Friedman is an associate professor in cellular neurobiology. According to the universitys website, she specializes in exploring how neural circuits and neuroadaptations influence human behavior.

The goal of this research is to expand our neurophysiological understanding of mood and anxiety disorders in order to find targets for mechanistically driven therapeutics, her webpage continues.

Friedmans comments were made during a meeting about a possible plan to close or relocate several public schools. Plans seen by The NYT propose closing middle school programs at the Community Action School and the Manhattan School for Children, due to low enrollment. Meanwhile, the Center School, which educates fifth to eighth graders, could be moved to a new campus.

The educational institution could be moved to P.S./I.S. 191, another school that would lose its middle school grades.

Hunter College told The Independent that the university is reviewing Friedmans comments.

Hunter College is aware of an incident during a recent virtual meeting of the New York City School District 3 Community Education Council in which abhorrent remarks were heard coming from a district parent who also is a Hunter employee, a school spokesperson wrote in a statement. Even as these remarks were made in the individuals role as a private citizen and we understand that the district is conducting an investigation into the matter, Hunter College is reviewing the situation under the universitys applicable conduct and nondiscrimination policies.

In service to Hunter College, we expect our community members actions and words to comport with our institutional identity, values, and policies, the statement continued. We stand firm in our enduring commitment to sustain an inclusive educational environment that is free of discrimination of any kind, in which people of all identities will feel welcome and can thrive.

The Independent has contacted Friedman for comment.

This article was amended on 25 February 2026. It originally stated that Hunter College was one of the schools included in the proposed changes, but this was not the case. Friedman is a parent at one of the schools.
The education secretary said the plans were designed to prevent parents having to battle with local authorities to secure help for their children. Photograph: Peter Lopeman/Alamy (Photograph: Peter Lopeman/Alamy)

Bridget Phillipson has presented sweeping plans to overhaul special educational needs provision in England, with a package of measures designed to make the system less reliant on cash-strapped councils and give schools greater responsibility.

The education secretarys long-awaited Send proposals will result in hundreds of thousands fewer students getting education, health and care plans (EHCPs) than would otherwise have been the case.

EHCPs are legal documents that protect the rights of children with special needs, the numbers of which have more than doubled since being introduced in 2014.

Instead of EHCPs, millions of pupils will be given individual support plans (ISPs), which will be agreed between parents and schools but will not be subject to independent legal appeal.

The changes are designed to curb the rapid rise in Send spending, which has left councils facing a projected 6bn hole in their finances in two years time. But they are not expected to bring spending below current levels for almost 10 years.

The proposed overhaul was welcomed on Monday by local authorities but criticised by one teaching union, which said it would pile further pressure on teachers.

Labour MPs, many of whom have been tipped to rebel over the plans when they come to a vote at some point in the next two years, gave a cautious welcome though several said they were concerned about particular elements.

Phillipson said in a speech in Peterborough: Ive spent a lot of time speaking with parents, with young people and with those who support children to understand what needs to change.

What Ive heard time and again is that increasingly, EHCPs have become the only way to get what your child needs  and we have to change that.

She added: These kinds of chances to deliver a better system for children, they dont come along very often, and Im determined that we make this a better system of support.

Helen Hayes, the Labour chair of the education select committee, whose opinion is being carefully watched as a sign of backbench opinion, refused to give the measures her wholehearted support, saying she needed more time to look at them.

She said: Parents of children with Send are already living with unbearable anxiety and fear about the future for their children. They will need reassurance that the changes that are proposed to EHCPs will still mean that their child will receive the right support for them, and that this support will be properly accountable.

As I scrutinise the white paper, I will be looking for cast-iron guarantees that childrens rights will be strengthened through these reforms, not eroded.

Later, Phillipson heard impassioned appeals from MPs in parliament on behalf of parents desperate to know what the Send plans would mean for their children.

Iain Duncan Smith, the former Conservative minister, told Phillipson: I have talked to parents and they are petrified  very, very worried that they will somehow not get it or that they will lose the EHCP they have had to battle for.

Caroline Voaden, a Liberal Democrat MP, said the plans set out earlier in the day had no detail about increasing the number of teaching assistants, which she said would be vital.

Can she explain how the government will achieve its aim of making mainstream schools more inclusive for children with Send without a serious uplift in the number of classroom assistants?

Labour backbenchers appeared to be ready to give the government the benefit of the doubt on its proposals.

They included Jen Craft, who said she was speaking as the parent of a disabled child with an EHCP, and said the announcement was a true reflection of the amount of engagement undertaken with parents.

However, she said clarity was needed on where accountability was built into the system, including when it came to strengthening the legal onus on schools to put reasonable adjustments in place. Phillipson said more detail would be set out on the latter soon.

Under Phillipsons proposals, EHCPs, which are drawn up by local authorities and guarantee a legal right to certain support, will be limited to children and young adults with the highest level of need such as those with lifelong learning disabilities, severe behavioural problems or physical disabilities.

If parents feel they have been unfairly denied an EHCP, they can appeal to a tribunal. But unlike the current system, under the proposals, a tribunal would not be allowed to demand that local authorities place a child in a particular school, giving councils far more control over where Send children are educated.

About 5% of pupils in England receive an EHCP, with this figure forecast to rise to nearly 8% in 2029-30. The new system is then projected to bring that number back down to below 5%, meaning about 270,000 fewer people with EHCPs than at its peak.

Children in year 2 and below who have EHCPs will be assessed under the new system when they move from primary to secondary school. The assessment could result in the plans being removed from thousands of children if they are not deemed to meet the new criteria.

The new ISPs meanwhile will be administered by schools rather than local authorities, and parents who are unhappy with them will be asked to appeal to the school itself.

If parents still feel their childs needs are not being met, they can appeal to a local authority or the Department for Education. However, they will not be given recourse to a tribunal, as those fighting for EHCPs can.

Several Labour MPs have said they are concerned that parents of children with ISPs will not be able to appeal to an independent legal tribunal if they feel those childrens needs are not being met.

One said: We need more clarity on how do you make your childs school do what theyre meant to do if theyre not doing it.

Phillipson said on Monday she was willing to listen to MPs opinions on that point, adding: The idea behind the consultation is to air this, to test it, and make sure its right.

The consultation will be completed before the government introduces legislation in the next session of parliament, which begins in May. The first assessments under the new system will be carried out in 2029.
Despite being stripped of his title, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is still eighth in line to the throne - Toby Melville/Reuters

Australia and New Zealand would support any plans to remove Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from the line of succession, their prime ministers have said.

Anthony Albanese, the prime minister of Australia, wrote that the law must now take its full course in a letter to Sir Keir Starmer published on Monday.

His intervention means Australia is the first Commonwealth country to back such a move.

He was backed by Christopher Luxon, the prime minister of New Zealand, late on Monday night.

A spokesman for the government of New Zealand said: If the UK Government proposes to remove Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from the order of succession, New Zealand would support it. The UK Government has said any proposals would come after the police investigation concludes.

The Crown is grappling with arguably the most damaging crisis in its modern history after the former Duke of York was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, following allegations he shared confidential information with Jeffrey Epstein while working as a trade envoy.

The public backlash to the scandal has led to Sir Keirs Government considering legislation that would remove Mr Mountbatten-Windsor from the line of succession, thereby removing the chance of him ever becoming king.

Despite being stripped of his title last year, the former prince remains eighth in line to the throne, and an Act of Parliament would be required to remove him entirely.

Parliament last removed a member of the Royal family from the line of succession during the abdication crisis of 1936.

Any changes to the line of succession would require the agreement of the 14 Commonwealth countries which share the King as head of state, including Australia, Canada and Jamaica.

Mr Albanese wrote:

Anthony Albanese letter to Keir Starmer

Mr Albanese, an avowed republican, had recently announced he had no intention of holding a referendum on making the country a republic.

Mr Albanese said he would not revisit the issue after meeting the King at Balmoral Castle in September last year. At the time, he said his government had more pressing concerns to address, such as the cost-of-living crisis, rather than ditching the King as their head of state.

Anthony Albaneses letter makes Australia the first Commonwealth country to confirm its support for removing Mr Mountbatten-Windsor from the line of succession - Hilary Wardhaugh

Last week, Mr Mountbatten-Windsor became the first member of the Royal family in modern history to be arrested when he was detained following the release of the Epstein files.

Until now, Downing Street had thought it so unlikely that Mr Mountbatten-Windsor would ever become King that Sir Keir felt there was no need for a change in the law.

However, the public mood has shifted in light of recent events, and MPs from all parties have expressed support for the idea of removing the Kings brother from the line of succession.

Both Reform UK and the Liberal Democrats have already said they would support such a move.

Sir Ed Davey, the Liberal Democrat leader, said it would be intolerable for the former prince to succeed to the throne and that the scenario was not as remote as some people think.

Reforms Robert Jenrick said on Sunday that although there was realistically no chance of him becoming our monarch, the party would back a Bill brought forward by the Government with the support of the King.

Removing Mr Mountbatten-Windsor from the line of succession would automatically disqualify him from being a counsellor of state, a position in which he could make delegated decisions in the absence of the monarch.

Thames Valley Police took Mr Mountbatten-Windsor into custody in Norfolk and questioned him for almost 12 hours on Thursday, his 66th birthday.

He was released under the cover of darkness  pictured slumped and wild-eyed in the back of a car upon his exit  and remains under investigation.

Mr Mountbatten-Windsor was seen slumped in the back of a police car after being released from custody after almost 12 hours - Phil Noble

Elsewhere, nine other police forces are assessing claims relating to Epstein and Mr Mountbatten-Windsor.

Over the weekend, defence minister Luke Pollard became the first senior minister to back calls for Mr Mountbatten-Windsors removal from the line of succession, saying it was the right thing to do when he was only a heartbeat away from the throne as eighth in line.

Mr Pollard told BBC Radio 4s Any Questions programme that he hoped the proposals would enjoy cross-party support, but that it was right that it is something that only happens when the police investigation concludes.

Following his brothers arrest, the King said that the law must take its course.

In a message signed Charles R, he wrote: I have learnt 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.

Police are continuing to search Mr Mountbatten-Windsors former home, Royal Lodge, in Windsor, Berkshire, following his arrest. He has denied any wrongdoing regarding his links to Epstein.
Cambridge Universitys Department of Veterinary Medicine will continue to offer places to new students

The University of Cambridge has decided against scrapping its world-leading course in veterinary medicine.

The School of the Biological Sciences recommended that the course be halted and the Queens Veterinary School Hospital closed by 2032, when students who were beginning studies next year will have graduated.

Last years recommendation came after a report found the schools farm animals were at risk of being needlessly euthanised as there was a lack of isolation facilities on site.

However, the recommendation to end the course was rejected in a meeting on Monday, The Telegraph can disclose.

The universitys General Board made what is understood to be a unanimous decision to reject the proposals, continue the course, and commit to better supporting the vet school in future after racking up significant financial losses of up to 1m a year.

It will continue to accept new applicants but is also demanding that improvements be made to both the schools clinical and financial operations after issues were highlighted by a Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons report in 2024.

Highly competitive course

The school has about 160 staff and its highly competitive course admits 60 students each year.

The proposals to close the course received a significant backlash from academics, students and industry bodies, including the British Veterinary Association and the National Farmers Union.

The proposal, first made in December, was quickly condemned by senior university figures, and came with a warning the planned closure would jeopardise Britains future pandemic preparedness.

The veterinary medicine course at Cambridge is integrated with medicine, engineering and bioscience, with students earning a science degree after three years, and a full vet degree after six years.

Experts had warned that its loss would trigger brain-drain and create a catastrophic void in the national research landscape which damages our resilience and response capacity.

Almost 1,000 Cambridge academics signed a motion calling for a full vote on the proposals to protect the universitys constitutional processes.

Decision not in the spirit of the rules

The universitys Regent House, a governing body that comprises 7,200 researchers and senior administrators, said sidestepping the group on the substantive decision was contrary to the spirit of the rules.

They argued it would set a dangerous precedent for other departments and hand too much power to Prof Deborah Prentice, the vice-chancellor.

A spokesman for the University of Cambridge said its General Board had agreed next steps in light of the analysis put forward by both the School of the Biological Sciences and the Department of Veterinary Medicine and the concerns of many in the Cambridge community and the veterinary profession more widely.

Having heard the strength of feeling in the community around Cambridge continuing to offer veterinary education, it will carry on admitting students, with letters offering autumn places being sent out imminently.

The spokesman said new leadership would be put in place and that the financial and operational reorganisation of clinical services, outlined in the departments submission, should move forward.
Jennifer Melle, a Christian nurse, returns to St Helier Hospital after her suspension for misgendering a patient - Christian Legal Centre

An NHS nurse has returned to work after she was disciplined for calling a transgender paedophile prisoner Mr.

Jennifer Melle, 41, was suspended and threatened with dismissal after she referred to an inmate from a high-security mens prison, who was listed as male on his medical record, as Mr and he.

Ms Melle, a Christian nurse from south London, was pictured outside St Helier Hospital in Carshalton, Surrey, on Monday on her first day back at work.

She said: While I am glad to be returning to work, I must say that this is not over. Two Nursing and Midwifery Council cases remain open, and a full employment tribunal is scheduled for April in Croydon. I will continue to fight, not only for myself, but for every nurse and healthcare worker who deserves to practise according to their conscience and their faith without fear.

Ms Melle will still have to attend a full employment tribunal hearing in April against Epsom and St Helier Hospitals NHS Trust over her claims of mistreatment.

She added: For nearly a year, I have been suspended simply for telling the truth: that I was racially abused and physically threatened after using biologically accurate language to refer to a male patient. I was treated as the criminal. The trust sided with a man brought from prison in chains over a Christian nurse with 12 years of loyal service.

That should never have happened to anyone, and I hope my case stands as a warning that the NHS cannot continue to punish staff for speaking biological reality and for speaking out about how they have been treated.

Claire Coutinho, the shadow equalities minister, far left, and Ms Melle outside Parliament

The paedophile inmate, a patient from a high-security mens prison, called Ms Melle a n----- three times during a tirade at the hospital.

However, it was Ms Melle who was reported to the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) after she told the prisoner: Sorry, I cannot refer to you as her or she, as its against my faith and Christian values, but I can call you by your name.

She was hauled before a disciplinary hearing, accused of breaching patient confidentiality by speaking to the media, an allegation she denied.

She was referred to the Nursing and Midwifery Council over alleged breaches of its conduct policy. Its code states that nurses should not express personal beliefs in an inappropriate way, even for religious reasons.

Her return to work comes weeks after she met Bridget Phillipson, the women and equalities minister, over her case, amid mounting political pressure.

Last month, the trust said it had reinstated her following the suspension.

Absurd witch hunts

In response, Kemi Badenoch, the leader of the Conservatives, wrote on the social media site X: I am delighted for Jennifer that common sense has prevailed. But it is not justice.

Jennifer has been dragged through the mire for two long years. And for what? Radical gender ideology that makes a mockery of the law. The Government must act to end these absurd witch hunts.

Claire Coutinho, the shadow women and equalities minister, wrote to Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust to protest against Ms Melles treatment.

Ms Coutinho also wrote to Sir Mark Lowcock, the NHS trusts chief executive, and its chairman, urging them to intervene to prevent disciplinary action being taken against her in order to avoid a grave injustice.

The case follows a Supreme Court ruling in April last year that sex under the Equality Act was defined by biological sex, not gender identity.

Andrea Williams, chief executive of the Christian Legal Centre, which has supported Ms Melles case, said: Jennifers reinstatement is welcome, but it is justice delayed and only partially delivered.

The trust was poised to dismiss a dedicated Christian nurse for the crime of telling the truth about the racial abuse and physical threats she suffered at the hands of a convicted paedophile. It took national media pressure, the intervention of an MP and the weight of public outrage to force them to do the right thing. That tells you everything about how captured parts of our NHS have become by transgender ideology.

Jennifer should never have been suspended. She should never have been investigated. She should never have received a written warning. She should have been supported from the very first moment a patient subjected her to racist abuse. Instead, she endured the darkest period of her life: suspended, reported to the NMC as a risk and abandoned by her union. The trust has said she did nothing wrong, but it has still not apologised.

Epsom and St Helier Hospitals NHS Trust has been contacted for comment.
Amy McKeown and Matthew Dalton have been accused of building a wonky basement extension at their 1.5m London home - Champion News

Two couples in Primrose Hill have been locked in an absurd legal battle over a three-foot bulge in a wonky basement wall.

Safina Haleema and Anthony OConnor have claimed neighbours Amy McKeown and Matthew Dalton encroached over the boundary into their London property while digging out a basement at their 1.5m home.

Ms McKeown, a mental health consultant, and her partner, Mr Dalton, said the row had left them unable to sell their home.

The battle is centred around claims that Ms McKeown and Mr Daltons basement extension is not straight and bulges over the border between the two homes by up to 900mm.

The two houses in Primrose Hill, London, belonging to neighbours Safina Haleema and Anthony OConnor and Ms McKeown and Mr Dalton - Champion News

The row has cost 160,000 in legal expenses and has been taken to the Mayors and City County Court, with Ms Haleema and her partner demanding 100,000 in compensation over the wonky wall.

But their neighbours are fighting the claim, calling the case against them absurd and insisting they signed an agreement with the couple before building commenced, allowing them to install a wall which straddled the border between their two properties.

Philip Jones  a barrister for Mr OConnor and Ms Haleema  said the conflict stemmed from basement works carried out 10 years ago, which ended in a concrete overspill that caused their neighbours wall to bulge out beneath their home.

Mr Dalton and Ms McKeown deny that their wall trespasses into their neighbours basement and are disputing the request for a court ruling on the precise location of the boundary line, as well as their claim for 100,000 in compensation.

My clients have been stuck in limbo for the past six years, said Hugh Rowan, their barrister. They cant sell their house or move away because to do so would reveal the existence of this dispute.

Safina Haleema outside the Mayors and City County Court during the legal battle over the wonky basement - Champion News

Mr Rowan labelled the court claim against his clients absurd and argued that any compensation award would be unfair double recovery for Mr OConnor and Ms Haleema, since they previously received an insurance payout for the concrete overspill in 2023.

He also highlighted a previous party wall agreement hammered out between the disputing neighbours, which he said made clear that his clients new basement wall was permitted to straddle the boundary.

Mr OConnor and Ms Haleema later revised their claim to focus their attack on the alleged bulge in the wall, saying it needed to be straight instead of displaying an overspill of concrete. But the defence barrister said they had yet to clarify where the alleged overspill begins.

Over the last half a decade, my clients have repeatedly and exhaustively sought to understand the claimants case. However, what is now finally clear is that the claimants do not know what their own case is, the barrister told Judge Nicholas Parfitt.

Mr OConnor and Ms Haleema say they discovered the overspill after commissioning their own basement dig in 2020, although they later abandoned the project.

Their barrister, Mr Jones, disputed any lack of clarity in his clients case and argued that whatever the extent of the permitted works, the defendants hugely exceeded it and encroached significantly onto the claimants land causing damage to the claimants.

The case reached court for a pre-trial clash between the neighbours as Ms McKeown and Mr Dalton urged Judge Parfitt to strike out the allegedly hopeless claim based on lack of clarity and inconsistency.

However, after several hours of dense argument, the judge declined to dismiss the case, ruling that he would allow Mr OConnor and Ms Haleema a final chance to prepare definitive particulars of claim mapping out the detail of their claim.

The case is set to return to court at a later date.
Kings Hall Methodist Church in Southall was badly damaged in the fire - Gurwinder Singh

A derelict church in west London was partially destroyed by fire on Sunday night.

Ten fire engines and about 70 firefighters were sent to South Road, in Southall, at 9.30pm after dozens of people phoned emergency services to report that flames had engulfed parts of Kings Hall Methodist Church.

In a statement, the London Fire Brigade said that most of the ground floor, second floor and roof were alight at the height of the fire.

Videos and photographs showed flames engulfing the roof as smoke billowed over nearby homes. Residents were urged to keep windows and doors shut. The blaze was under control by 12.30am.

Flames engulfed the churchs roof - Gurwinder Singh

South Road was closed in both directions between Park Road and High Street, the London Fire Brigade said.

A spokesman for London Ambulance Service said: We were called at 10.21pm last night [Feb 22] to reports of a fire in South Road, Southall. We sent a paramedic in a fast response car and an incident response officer to the scene. Fortunately, there were no patients.

Meanwhile, police in Northamptonshire confirmed that a fire that broke out next to a church on Sunday night was a suspected arson attack with intent to endanger life.

The blaze started in the utility extension of a home next to St Peters Church in Hayway, Rushden, on Sunday morning, Northamptonshire Police said.
Lord Mandelson is being investigated over an allegation of criminal misconduct in public office - Chris J Ratcliffe/Reuters

For someone to have committed misconduct in public office, the accused must have been acting in an official capacity at the time of the alleged offence.

While carrying out that role, they must then have wilfully misconducted themselves and their conduct must have fallen so far below acceptable standards that it amounts to an abuse of the publics trust.

Prosecutors have to be confident that the evidence points to a reasonable prospect of conviction and that there is sufficient public interest in the prosecution.

On Monday, Lord Mandelson was arrested at his home on suspicion of committing the offence, just days after Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was detained on separate allegations of criminal misconduct in public office.

Plain-clothes police officers escorted the former Labour minister from his London property shortly after 4.30pm.

The Metropolitan Police started investigating Lord Mandelson after it emerged that he appeared to have leaked sensitive government documents to Jeffrey Epstein while serving as business secretary in Gordon Browns cabinet.



Separately, Mr Mountbatten-Windsor is under investigation by Thames Valley Police.

He was arrested at his home in Sandringham last week. The former prince was released under investigation almost 12 hours later.

Emails, released as part of the Epstein files, appeared to show him sharing confidential information while he worked as a British trade envoy, representing the late Queen and country overseas.

Mr Mountbatten-Windsor was later pictured in the back seat of a car leaving Aylsham police station in Norfolk after being interviewed.

Deep malignity

The offence of misconduct in a public office, which dates back many centuries, was described by legal scholar Sir William Blackstone in 1765 as a crime of deep malignity.

It carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. In the UK there are around 25 to 50 convictions each year.

Usually, the majority of these cases involve prison or police officers who have acted inappropriately, either by accepting bribes or having romantic relationships with offenders.

Occasionally, however, those with significant power and influence in high-profile roles, such as members of the Royal family or politicians, are accused of abusing their position.

Boris Johnson, the former prime minister, previously faced a private prosecution over allegations that he committed misconduct in a public office following Brexit.

He was accused of lying about the United Kingdoms spending on European Union membership in the run-up to the referendum.

However, the High Court later dismissed the case.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested on suspicion of committing the offence - Samir Hussein/WireImage

Part of the reason there are so few high-profile examples is that securing a conviction for misconduct in public office is a notoriously difficult task.

The key issue in the case of Mr Mountbatten-Windsor will be whether the alleged conduct meets the high threshold required for prosecution.

If confidential reports were shared, investigators would need to examine their classification, whether there was authorisation, and the intent behind any disclosure.

Simarjot Singh Judge, managing partner at Judge Law, said: If sensitive government material was shared without proper authority, the question would be whether that amounted to a deliberate breach of official duty.

He added: Prosecutors would need to establish intent, seriousness and whether the conduct crossed the threshold into criminal wrongdoing.

Not unexpected

Marcus Johnstone, managing director of PCD Solicitors, agreed, adding: Andrews arrest is not unexpected.

His financial ties to Epstein are his legal weak spot, and certainly far easier to pursue than any allegations of sexual impropriety.

But although an investigation is now taking place, we are still a long way away from a potential prosecution.

Misconduct in public office is very difficult to prove. Authorities would have to find clear evidence that Andrew knowingly abused or exploited his position, which is easier said than done.

More likely, investigators will be using this as the basis to scrutinise his relationship with Epstein even further, and in doing so build a case that Andrew participated in some way in Epsteins sex-trafficking operation.

His home can now be searched and formal questions can be put to him at interview.

As a common law offence, misconduct in public office is not defined in any statute and, according to the Law Commission, is an offence that is widely considered to be ill-defined and has been subject to recent criticism.

Operation Elveden, the police investigation into inappropriate payments to police and public officials by journalists, saw reporters charged with the offence.

However, the journalists werent public officials. They were dragged in as co-conspirators accused of making the payments.

When the cases came to court the view of juries was clear  they convicted the public officials but allowed most of the journalists to walk free, while others successfully appealed.

MPs are in the process of replacing misconduct in public office with a new statutory offence, the Public Office (Accountability) Bill as recommended by the Law Commission in 2020.

Part of the bill covering misconduct in public office, states that a person commits an offence if they use their office to obtain a benefit, whether for themselves or somebody else, or to cause somebody else to suffer a detriment.

However, offences committed before the new act comes into force will still be dealt with as misconduct in public office.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia wants to impose a different way of life on the world - Genya Savilov/AFP via Getty

Volodymyr Zelensky has said Vladimir Putin has already started World War Three.

The Ukrainian president resisted demands for Ukraine to cede land in the Donbas that Russia has been unable to gain on the battlefield and insisted his country would eventually regain all occupied territories.

He also said he has not decided whether he will run for another term when Ukraine next holds a general election.

He told the BBC: I believe that Putin has already started it. The question is how much territory he will be able to seize and how to stop him... Russia wants to impose on the world a different way of life and change the lives people have chosen for themselves.

He said ceding territory would divide Ukrainian society without putting in place a credible deterrent to prevent Putin from restarting the war once Russia has rebuilt its military capacity.

Vladimir Putin chairs a security council meeting in Moscow - Vyacheslav Prokofyev/Sputnik via AP

He said: I am sure that this withdrawal would divide our society.

It [ceding land] would probably satisfy him for a while... he needs a pause... but once he recovers... our European partners say it could take three to five years.

In my opinion, he could recover in no more than a couple of years. Where would he go next? We do not know, but that he would want to continue [the war] is a fact.

Donald Trump has repeatedly piled pressure on Ukraine to cede land to Russia as part of any deal to end the war.

He has also called for a general election in Ukraine, echoing Russian claims that Mr Zelensky is an illegitimate president.

Last year the US president claimed Putin would destroy Ukraine unless a peace deal was in place and pressured Mr Zelensky to surrender the Donetsk region to Russia.

Donald Trump has repeatedly piled pressure on Ukraine to cede land to Russia as part of any deal to end the war - Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty

The Ukrainian president said I might run and might not in a general election, but insisted US security guarantees must be in place before one is held.

He said: If this is a condition for ending the war, lets do it.

I said, honestly, you constantly raise the issue of elections.

I told the partners, you need to decide one thing: you want to get rid of me or you want to hold elections? If you want to hold elections... hold them in a way that the Ukrainian people will recognise, first of all. And you yourself must recognise that these are legitimate elections.

Mr Zelensky also insisted Ukraine would eventually reclaim all land currently occupied by Russia.

He said: Well do it. That is absolutely clear. It is only a matter of time. To do it today would mean losing a huge number of people  millions of people  because the [Russian] army is large, and we understand the cost of such steps.

You would not have enough people, you would be losing them. And what is land without people? Honestly, nothing.



And we also dont have enough weapons. That depends not just on us, but on our partners.

So as of now thats not possible but returning to the just borders of 1991 [the year Ukraine declared its independence, precipitating the final collapse of the Soviet Union] without a doubt, is not only a victory, its justice.

Ukraines victory is the preservation of our independence, and a victory of justice for the whole world is the return of all our lands.
A massive winter storm is barreling across the Northeast, dumping more than 2 feet of snow and prompting the first blizzard warning for New York City in nearly a decade.

Blowing winds up to 80 mph and heavy snow are pummeling New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Rhode Island and Massachusetts.

Latest Developments





Feb 23, 5:28 PM

Rhode Island travel ban to remain in effect

Rhode Island's travel ban will remain in effect and be reassessed Tuesday morning, Gov. Dan McKee announced.



The travel ban restricts all motor vehicle travel on all roads statewide.



Restoring power will be a "multi-day process" due to the difficulty in getting around, Rhode Island Energy President Gregory Cornett said during a press briefing Monday, as more than 42,000 customers remain without power in the state.



-ABC News' Chris Barry

Feb 23, 4:24 PM

Travel ban for 'hard-hit' area of Massachusetts: Governor

Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey said Monday afternoon she has instituted a travel ban for parts of the south coast and Cape Cod.



"We needed to do this because this is a particularly hard-hit area, we need to have the ability for all essential vehicle travel to be able to go through and anybody who doesn't need to be on the road should not be on the road," Healey said during a press briefing.



The travel ban is in effect for Plymouth, Bristol and Barnstable counties, the governor said.

Scott Eisen/Getty Images - PHOTO: A person walks down Beacon Street during heavy snow, February 23, 2026 in Boston.

Feb 23, 4:07 PM

Thousands of flights canceled

More than 5,660 flights have been canceled in the U.S. as of Monday afternoon, according to FlightAware. Nearly 1,900 flights on Tuesday are also canceled.



Airports in the New York City region, Boston and Philadelphia are particularly impacted.



American Airlines said it expects to restart flights at the New York City-area airports and Boston late Tuesday morning, while flights have resumed in Philadelphia and D.C.'s Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.

Feb 23, 3:48 PM

Record snowfall for Rhode Island, Long Island

Rhode Island is seeing its largest snowfall on record, with 32.8 inches and counting in Providence as of Monday afternoon.



Long Island also saw its largest snowfall on record, with 29.1 inches in Islip as of Monday afternoon.



Elsewhere, snow totals have reached over 27 inches in Newark, New Jersey -- the second largest on record; 14 inches in Philadelphia, the city's biggest snowfall in 10 years; and 19.7 inches in New York City's Central Park, the ninth largest on record.

Matthew Hatcher/Getty Images - PHOTO: Residents dig out their cars as heavy snow continues to fall, February 23, 2026 in Philadelphia.

Feb 23, 6:11 AM

Power outages hit NortheastThe storm is knocking out power across the Northeast, with Massachusetts and New Jersey hit the hardest with 280,000 and 120,000 customers without power respectively.





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Seth Wenig/AP - PHOTO: Pedestrians cross 42nd Street near Bryant Park during a snow storm, Feb. 23, 2026, in New York City.

Feb 23, 6:29 AM

Snow totals top 2 feetSnow totals have topped 2 feet across the Northeast as the monster storm continues to slam the region.



In New York City's Central Park, a whopping 19 inches of snow has been recorded, the biggest snowfall in 10 years, while Providence, Rhode Island, is at 32 inches so far, its largest snowfall on record.



Other snow totals have reached 16 inches in Atlantic City, New Jersey; 27 inches in Newark, New Jersey; 29 inches on Long Island, New York, and in Babylon, New York; 22 inches in Langhorne, Pennsylvania; and 27 in Dighton, Massachusetts.





Gary Hershorn/ABC News - PHOTO: Snow piles up on a row of Citibike bicycles during a snowstorm in Hoboken, NJ, Feb. 23, 2026.







ABC News - PHOTO: A person walks through the snow in Hoboken, NJ, Feb. 23, 2026.





Philadelphia has recorded 14 inches, marking the city's biggest single snowfall in 10 years.

Feb 23, 1:41 PM

NYC remains under state of emergency, schools to reopen TuesdayNew York City remains under a state of emergency even though "the worst has passed," Mayor Zohran Mamdani said at a news conference Monday.



"Im imploring New Yorkers to stay off the roads," he said.





Seth Wenig/AP - PHOTO: A pedestrian crosses Sixth Avenue during a snow storm, Feb. 23, 2026, in New York.





Over 2 feet of snow has fallen in parts of Staten Island, Mamdani said. Central Park has recorded more than 19 inches.



"Conditions have begun to moderate, but there is still more to come," he said, noting that snow will linger through the afternoon and wind gusts could stay as high as 40 mph through the evening.



Mamdani said the citys schools will return to in-person learning on Tuesday.





ABC News - PHOTO: A woman shovels her car out of the snow in Hoboken, NJ, Feb. 23, 2026.

Feb 23, 12:10 PM

New York City travel ban lifted but mayor cautions New Yorkers to stay inside





New York Citys travel ban is now lifted, but Mayor Zohran Mamdani is urging New Yorkers to "stay indoors as much as possible."



The city has seen 14 to 20 inches of snow so far, Mamdani said, with another inch or two expected.



"The city's travel ban is lifted, but conditions on the roads remain icy," he wrote on social media. "If you choose to drive, please exercise caution, travel slowly, and be mindful of others on the road."





Ryan Murphy/Getty Images - PHOTO: People walk through the snow in Central Park, February 23, 2026 in New York City.





In Westchester County, just north of New York City, the road ban has been extended to 6 p.m. Monday.

Feb 23, 8:17 AM

New Jersey travel ban extended to noon, Hoboken's ban extended to 4 pmNew Jerseys travel ban, which began at 9 p.m. Sunday, will now remain in effect until noon on Monday, police announced.



New Jersey State Police said the "extension is necessary due to . [the] heavy snowfall, blizzard-like conditions, and strong winds that continue to create dangerous travel conditions."



"Residents are urged to avoid all non-essential travel until the restriction is lifted," police said.





Gary Hershorn/ABC News - PHOTO: People walk down a snow-covered street at daybreak in Hoboken, NJ, Feb. 23, 2026.





This is the first time all of New Jersey has been under a blizzard warning in 30 years.



In Hoboken, just outside New York City, officials said the city travel ban is extended to 4 p.m.





Gary Hershorn/ABC News - PHOTO: A person walks through the snow in Hoboken, NJ, Feb. 23, 2026.





Staying off the roads allows crews to continue plowing safely and allows public safety to address emergencies quickly," city officials said.



New Jersey Transit said it's suspended all of its trains and busses until further notice.

Feb 23, 11:11 AM

Wind gusts over 80 mphThe blizzards powerful winds are downing trees, damaging cars, knocking out power and causing extremely dangerous travel conditions.



Wind gusts have hit 84 mph in the Hamptons in New York; 83 mph on Nantucket in Massachusetts; 73 mph on Cape Cod, Massachusetts; and 62 mph at New York Citys JFK airport.





ABC News - PHOTO: A person walks past a downed branch blocking a snow-covered street in Hoboken, NJ, Feb. 23, 2026.

Click here to read the rest of the blog.
A woman was attacked by a starving moose outside of her Western Canada home, prompting her son to wrestle the animal and shoot it dead, according to multiple local news reports.

Earlier this month, Angie Tuffnell walked out of her home in Bienfait, Saskatchewan, to start her car in frigid temperatures. Thats when she startled a hungry moose, which was seeking warmth next to a dryer vent, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation reported.

The animal then attacked the woman, the CBC and Global News reported.

Her son, Shawn Tuffnell, heard her screams for help.

"I went running down the stairs ... what I seen was a moose standing over top of her," Shawn told the CBC.

He instinctively wanted to protect his mom  and punched the animal in the face. When that didnt deter the moose, Shawn told the CBC, he struck it three times with a shovel he found nearby.

He then retreated into his house, but the moose started to push its shoulders through the door.

"[The moose] was right in the house floor ... trying to get me," Shawn told the outlet. When it turned back to his mom, who was still on the ground, Shawn recalled putting the moose into a headlock with great effort.

"I didnt care what it was doing to me," he said. "All I could think was just getting him blind so he couldn't see her anymore."

Angies boyfriend brought out a rifle, which Shawn used to shoot the moose more than 12 times, according to the outlets.

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The mother and son were treated for injuries. Angie sustained a deep gash to her leg, while Shawn had a cracked rib, according to the reports.

The Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative later confirmed that the moose died of several gunshot wounds to the head, and wasnt afflicted with rabies, but was simply starving, according to the CBC.

Saskatchewan's Ministry of Community Safety is urging locals to keep their distance from wildlife. Moose are a risk beyond Canada: While they are believed to be less dangerous than bears, they cause more attacks each year in Alaska, according to the state's Department of Fish and Game.

A stock image of a moose in Western Canada.

The Ministry of Community Safety, the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative and the Tuffnell family did not immediately respond to PEOPLEs requests for further comment.

Moose will usually flee when threatened, but under certain circumstances, they can become aggressive, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game said. People can be hurt when moose charge, stomp and kick to protect themselves or their young. Understanding a moose's body language when stressed can help you stay safe.

The agency added that the animals can become aggressive when they are harassed by people, dogs, and traffic, or when hungry and tired, especially in winter when they must walk through deep snow.

Never miss a story  sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

The dangerous encounter in Canada has been difficult for the Tuffnell family, they said.

"Im not happy about killing the moose," Shawn told the CBC. "But were all alive ... It seemed like it had to be done."

Read the original article on People
SEATTLE - Amid increasing reports of violence in cities across Mexico, Seattle-based Alaska Airlines announced Sunday they would begin canceling flights to some destinations in the country, particularly in the state of Jalisco.

Two dozen flights were canceled to popular vacation destinations for Americans such as Puerto Vallarta, Guadalajara and Manzanillo.

The development comes after the Mexican government reportedly carried out a federal operation involving the killing of Nemesio El Mencho Oseguera, a cartel leader. United States officials have also issued shelter in place warnings for Americans abroad.

Statement from Alaska Airlines on Mexico flight cancellations

What they're saying

"Due to the civil unrest near Mexican airports today, we have canceled 24 flights to and from Puerto Vallarta, Guadalajara and Manzanillo. Were working with our guests to reaccommodate them on new flights as quickly as possible, as we closely monitor the developing situation in Mexico."

The United States Government issued a security alert to Americans abroad. Those in the Jalisco, Tamaulipas, Michoacan, Guerrero, and Nuevo Leon states are warned to shelter in place.

Mexico: Due to ongoing security operations and related road blockages and criminal activity, U.S. citizens in the following locations should shelter in place until further notice: Jalisco State (including Puerto Vallarta, Chapala, and Guadalajara), Tamaulipas State (including pic.twitter.com/mYXVfMSvmT  TravelGov (@TravelGov) February 22, 2026

On Sunday, Feb. 22, there were a total 182 delayed flights and 44 cancellations at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, according to FlightAware. It is not confirmed how many of those were flights in or out of Mexico.

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North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un was re-elected as the head of the Workers' Party, cementing his 15-year grip on the countrys sole ruling party.

Mr Kim was re-elected as general secretary in a ceremonial but significant step to consolidate his power and set long-term policies and goals for the country.

The 42-year-old has held the top post at the party throughout his rule since 2011 and has now ruled longer than many global leaders.

The decision was announced on the fourth day of the rubber-stamp party congress on Sunday where thousands of delegates convened to vote. The ruling partys congress is a tool for North Korea to issue propaganda messages to the world and to decide on the next political, economic, and military priorities.

North Koreas war deterrence with the nuclear forces as its pivot has been radically improved under Mr Kim, state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said.

It also credited Mr Kim for creating a military capable of handling "any threat of aggression" and "any form of war," and hailed his leadership for "reliably guaranteeing" the country's future and "boosting the pride and self-esteem" of North Koreans.

Kim Jong Un attends the ruling Worker's Party Congress in Pyongyang, (AP)

Following the announcement, rows of officials in dark suits erupted in applause in the red-walled assembly hall adorned with gold insignia.

It comes as Mr Kim, under his leadership, has undertaken an aggressive expansion of North Koreas nuclear prowess and has built closer ties with Russia by taking part in its war against Ukraine, further deepening the standoffs with the US and South Korea.

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Analysts say Mr Kim will use it to unveil new military goals, including strengthening conventional forces and integrating them with nuclear capabilities.

He is also likely to reemphasise a campaign for economic "self-reliance" through mass mobilisation, following gradual post-pandemic gains fuelled by rebounding trade with China and arms exports to Russia.

Speaking at the congresss opening, Mr Kim called the last five years a proud period  in implementing the socialist cause of our own style, as he also acknowledged challenges such as sanctions and the global public health crisis.

Today, our party is faced with heavy and urgent historic tasks of boosting economic construction and the peoples standard of living and transforming all realms of state and social life as early as possible, the KCNA quote him as saying.

The state media has not shared comments of Mr Kim and other senior leaders following his election, directly addressing relations with Washington and Seoul.

The congress is held every five years to elect the general secretary to serve as the party's top representative and leader.

Mr Kim has held the party's top post throughout his rule, though the title changed from first secretary to chairman at the congress in 2016 and then to general secretary at the congress in 2021.

Ahead of the congress, Mr Kim unveiled dozens of nuclear-capable rocket launchers, hailing them as wonderful and attractive weapons during the ceremony on Wednesday. Mr Kim was seen at the wheel of a nuclear-capable multiple rocket launcher vehicle and waved at a crowd as he sat behind the wheel. He was seen alighting the mobile missile launcher near the main stage as thousands of people waved North Korean flags.

It also comes as Mr Kims daughter, Kim Ju-ae, 13, is believed to have been named as the future dictator of the country, according to South Koreas spy agency. If the North Korean dictator makes the announcement, it will mark the first time a female leader will rule the hermit kingdom.
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.

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.

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.

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.

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"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.

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

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.

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

Pennsylvania's Governor Josh Shapiro signed a disaster declaration ahead of the storm to provide state agencies with additional resources.

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.
A cowboy prepares a horse to be loaded into a trailer at the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo in Las Vegas in 2021. (Jason Armond / Los Angeles Times)

Few figures occupy as prominent a niche in U.S. lore as the American cowboy, that embodiment of rugged individualism celebrated in dime novels, vintage radio, TV and Hollywood blockbusters.

But recent musings from Secretary of State Marco Rubio have fueled a sometimes-acrimonious debate  mostly on social media  about the origins of the tall-hatted buckaroo who, with the help of a trusty steed and a six-gun, helped tame the West.

At the Munich Security Conference this month, Rubio stated that the "entire romance of the cowboy archetype that became synonymous with the American West" was born in Spain.

Hurling an indignant riposte was one of the Florida Republican's ideological antagonists, New York Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who declared: I believe that Mexicans and the descendants of African enslaved peoples would like to have a word on that."

Secretary of State Marco Rubio speaks with Bloomberg Television at the Munich Security Conference in Germany on Feb. 14. (Alex Kraus / Bloomberg via Getty Images)

On social media, respondents were not hesitant to take sides.

"That tradition was born in present-day Mexico and southern Texas, and it is not Spanish," said one person on X.

Wrote another: "Andalusian cowboys prove Marco Rubio right and respond to Ocasio-Cortez: 'Even roping cattle came from Spain.'"

In a sense, experts say, Rubio, Ocasio-Cortez and their defenders are all correct  though their accounts tell only a part of the story.

It was indeed the Spanish, and Portuguese, who, in the 16th century, introduced horses and cows, species then nonexistent in the Americas.

Read more:The once reviled La Malinche: From traitor to victim

But the New York lawmaker is also on track: The cowboy tradition evolved in a direct line from the singular innovations of Mexican vaqueros. Their varied ranks included people of European, Indigenous and mixed-race origins.

Nonetheless, the Mexican vaquero is largely erased from popular U.S. depictions of the cowboy. Traditional western dramas were more likely to depict vaqueros as bandits than hard-working ranch hands whose contributions were fundamental to the American West.

"The American cowboy, our great national folk hero, is recognized around the world as a symbol of our country," the late Jim Hoy, a renowned cowboy historian, told Texas Highways magazine. "Cowboys as we know them, however, would never have come into existence without the vaquero."

But as Rubio said, cowboy lineage can be traced to the Iberian Peninsula  as far back as the late medieval era, before Spain as a nation even existed. Moorish horse breeds were crossed with native stock to create a sturdy and agile beast for managing cattle. The horse also proved indispensable in the Spanish conquest of Mexico in 1521.

However, once Hernan Cortes triumphed, the conquistadors went from waging war  vanquishing the Aztecs  to the project of subjugating Indigenous holdouts and building a self-sustaining territory loyal to the crown. Among the many tasks: managing ever-multiplying multitudes of cattle.

Nonnative livestock  not just horses and cows but also donkeys, pigs and sheep  thrived in the vast grasslands, plains and deserts of the New World. The animals' abrupt arrival transformed entire ecosystems, cultures and economies.

"You get to the Americas, and the place is giant," said Eric D. Singleton, a curator at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City. "You have a new environment, and you develop new techniques and new things within that environment to make it hospitable."

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The topography, weather, cultures and other factors were drastically distinct from Old World norms, so managing cattle required something beyond the skill sets of Andalusian herders.

Emilio Carranza Sr. calls for a backup saddle when a stirrup breaks during the Joaquin Murrieta Ride in Central California last July. Mexican American equestrians hold the ride each year to commemorate the figure from California's gold rush era. (Carlin Stiehl / Los Angeles Times)

The job of refining techniques of riding and roping  while modifying gear and apparel  largely fell to the resourceful vaqueros, from the Spanish word vaca for cow.

"The vaquero had to reinvent techniques and strategies in a completely new context," said Hector Medina Miranda, a Mexican anthropologist and author. "This wasn't just copying the Spanish. It involved a whole new approach."

The Mexican cowboys became adept at everything from calving to branding to overseeing the kind of long-distance cattle drives that later became a staple of the western.

It was the vaquero who developed the initial incarnations of the so-called Western saddle, with its distinctive "horn," used both as a grip and for securing ropes.

Centuries later, Spanish-origin terminology persists: words such as "corral," "lasso," "bronco," "lariat" (la reata) and "chaps" (chaparreras). The term mesteno, meaning stray or wild, became, in cowboy-speak, mustang  that legendary, free-roaming denizen of the high plains.

Even "10-gallon hat"  hardly big enough to hold a gallon  probably had Mexican origins. One theory is that the moniker emerged from a cowpoke misinterpretation of the Spanish word galon, for braided hat-bands. A hat with a crown large enough to support 10 bands became a 10-gallon hat.

Bull-riding, still a staple on the U.S. rodeo circuit, originated in the vibrant vaquero tradition of charreadas  contests showcasing participants' skills with horses, ropes and livestock. Charreadas remain a mainstay throughout Mexico and in Mexican American communities north of the border.

"The vaqueros didn't cross the border," said Medina Miranda. "The border crossed on top of them."

Read more:A British celebrity chef insulted Mexican bread. Mexico took it personally

El Charro, that indomitable expert horseman (or -woman) donning a wide-brimmed hat and embroidered jacket and trousers, still commands a pivotal role in Mexican culture. The charro is far from a modest vaquero, but a venerable caballero (gentleman) who has mastered the wrangling artistry of the frontier.

To this day, charreria is Mexico's national sport. The charro figure, long celebrated in cinema and music, is as much an embodiment of manhood and culture in Mexico as the cowboy is in the United States. The late Vicente Fernandez, the beloved actor and Grammy-winning maestro of the mariachi and ranchera genres, was affectionately known as "El Charro de Huentitan," after his hometown in Jalisco.

Ocasio-Cortez was right about something else. African Americans and immigrants also helped create the cowboy tradition. Adding to the diverse mix were hired hands from tribes such as the Comanche, Cheyenne and Apache, who became unrivaled horse whisperers long before settlers arrived on their lands.

Like many illustrious figures, the cowboy turns out to be a more nuanced individual than the often one-dimensional representations of the silver screen. Before John Wayne and Gary Cooper, there were the noble vaqueros of Mexico, myth-makers in their own right.

"I equate the cowboy with what the medieval knight is to Europe, what the samurai is to Japan," Singleton said. "It's our mythology."

Special correspondent Cecilia Sanchez Vidal contributed to this report.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
We are proud of what has been achieved together, and we wish Elie, James and the entire Nexgen team every success as they continue their journey with ABB. This transaction allows both organisations to sharpen their strategic focus, and for Infotrust it represents an important step in accelerating our growth in cyber security and secure managed technology.

For Infotrust, this transaction materially strengthens our balance sheet and completes our strategic pivot to a focused, high-recurring revenue cyber security business. We have a number of earnings-accretive acquisition opportunities and we look forward to updating shareholders if those processes become more certain.

The funds from the sale will go towards lowering net debt and funding its pipeline of growth opportunities.

Infotrust also withdrew its FY26 guidance as the deal is expected to reduce group EBITDA on a standalone basis. It added however that it is in various stages of acquisition negotiations on its own which would offset the reduction.

Digital Sense Hosting sold to 11:11 Systems

While Aussie acquired a business, it also sold one off, with its cloud and managed service provider business Digital Sense going to managed infrastructure solutions provider 11:11 Systems.

Included within its first half FY26 results, Aussie said it sold Digital Sense for a consideration of up to $18 million, including a conditional deferred payment of $4 million.

In its own statement, 11:11 said Aussie divested Digital Sense due to changes Broadcom made to the VMware Cloud Service Provider (VCSP) ecosystem and the focusing on being a telecommunications provider rather than a broad technology company.

Across the globe, 11:11 has been working closely with cloud service providers to help customers stay secure, compliant and perform at their best as the market evolves, said 11:11 Systems CEO Brett Diamond.

Digital Sense has earned a standout reputation across Australia for delivering high-performance cloud solutions, and were excited to welcome their customers to 11:11s resilient cloud platformproviding the stability they need today and the innovation to keep moving forward.

Aussie general manager of transformation and cloud Ben OShea added that 11:11 was the right home for our cloud business.

Their deep specialisation in VMware environments ensures our customers will receive the strategic focus they deserve, while we sharpen our focus on our telecommunications strengths.

The deal marks 11:11s seventh purchase of a former VMware CSO and tenth business overall.

Digital Sense entered the Aussie ecosystem after being acquired as a part of Over the Wire, which it wrapped up in March 2022 for $344 million. It was a part of the business as a result of an earlier acquisition two years earlier in October 2020 in a deal worth a total of $27 million.

Successful half year for Aussie Broadband

Aussies recent burst of merger and acquisition activity coincides with it recording double-digit revenue growth across all business segments for the six months ending 31 December 2025.

In its results released to the ASX, Aussie recorded growth in its residential segment of 14.7 per cent compared to the previous corresponding period, while its business, enterprise, and government segment was up 14.9 per cent and wholesale like-for-like revenue increased 12.5 per cent.

Overall group revenue reached $637.8 million, an increase of 8.4 per cent compared to the previous corresponding period.

Underlying EBITDA growth was also up 13.5 per cent to $74.7 million and underlying net profit after tax and amortisation (NPATA) rose 24.5 per cent to $31.3 million.

Reported net profit after tax (NPAT) was down by 58.3 per cent, to $5.1 million, due to a goodwill impairment of $14.8 million as a result of the selling of Digital Sense.

On the connection fronts, the companys on-net connections increased by 39,300 to 827,700 as of the end of the half year.

H1 FY26 was another successful period for Aussie Broadband as we continued to grow connections organically, secured new customers and partners and laid strong foundations to accelerate growth beyond our Look-to-28 ambitions, CEO Brian Maher said.

In September, we upgraded all eligible customers to new speed tiers on day one of NBNs Accelerate Great initiative. Today, nearly 70 per cent of our customers are on 100Mbps speed or higher, and we see opportunities to increase the high-speed penetration further as fibre becomes more widely available and households upgrade broadband plans to meet their growing data needs, he said.

The business, enterprise and government (BE&G) segment, which was combined from the start of FY26, delivered strong revenue growth and new customer acquisition, including our largest ever enterprise contract with Bakers Delight. Our recent wins have been supported by streamlined project delivery and improved customer references as Aussies reputation as a high-quality telecommunications services provider continues to strengthen in the BE&G market.

In addition to selling off Digital Sense, the realignment of Aussies focus will see it reduce capital investment in fibre and instead will increase its usage of its existing Aussie Fibre network and limited to on-net buildings only.

Looking to the rest of the financial year, Maher added the last six months  which include the signing of three material agreements, a wholesale services agreement with More and the acquisitions of Digital Sense and AGL Telco  said he predicts the company will surpass many of its goals ahead of schedule.

As we migrate these customers onto our network, Aussie is set to become the third largest NBN service provider  an incredible milestone for the company, he said.

We have a significant year ahead as we migrate connections and continue to execute our strategic priorities.

With these three significant transactions together with our ongoing organic growth, we have full confidence in our outlook for the remainder of FY26 and are pleased to upgrade our Look-to-28 ambitions to reflect a material uplift in revenue, earnings and market share.
AIs insatiable demand for chips has already had an effect on the IT market, and it could be about to get worse: Nvidia has entered into a multi-year strategic partnership with Meta to fill the social networks new AI data centers with its cutting-edge processors.

Nvidia will supply Meta with millions of its Blackwell and Rubin GPUs, and Meta will integrate Nvidia Spectrum-X Ethernet switches into its Facebook Open Switching System platform.

Meta will also expand its use of Nvidias Grace chips in what Nvidia described as the first large-scale Grace-only deployment. Grace CPUs are usually paired with Nvidias Blackwell GPUs.

No one deploys AI at Metas scale, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang said in a news release. Meta plans capital expenditure, mostly on data centers and the computing infrastructure they contain, of US$115 billion  US$135 billion this year  more than some hyperscalers, which rent their computing capacity to others. Meta is keeping it all for itself.

This could be bad news for other enterprises, as the demands of the hyperscalers and big customers like Meta is leading to a decrease in the availability of chips to train and run AI models.

IDC is predicting that the broader AI-driven chip shortage will have a significant effect on the IT market over the next two years as companies struggle to replace everything from laptops to servers. In particular, businesses looking for Nvidia processors may be forced to look elsewhere.
by Mathias Hariyadi

Sister Fransiska Imakulata was contacted by a woman held captive in a nightclub in Maumere. She and Sikka police freed the victims, who were found without papers. After their release, the women were taken to a safe house run by TRUK-F, an NGO of which the woman religious is president, before they were returned to their families in West Java.

Jakarta (AsiaNews)  In Maumere, in a cramped room in the early hours of the morning, a young woman held back tears. The door was locked. Her mobile phone was her only escape route. On 20 January 2026, she sent a WhatsApp message to a nun known for defending women victims of violence: Sister Fransiska Imakulata, a member of the Missionary Sisters Servants of the Holy Spirit (SSpS), affectionately known as Sister Ika.

The brief message brought to light alleged human trafficking practices at a nightclub in Maumere, Sikka Regency, East Nusa Tenggara Province.

I first received a WhatsApp message from one of these 13 women. She asked for help to get her out of a pub in Maumere, Sister Ika said.

The woman, originally from West Java province, said she was under pressure and depressed, was not allowed to leave her room, prevented from going to the advocacy office in person. It later emerged that she was not alone: 12 other women faced the same terrifying fate.

The 13 women, all from the same province, were allegedly subjected to physical violence, sexual harassment, and intimidation, seemingly forced to perform work not in their contract, confined, trapped in debt by the nightclub management.

Sister Ika is no stranger to assisting women victims of violence in Flores Island, East Nusa Tenggara Province. She is president of the Flores Humanitarian Volunteer Team (TRUK-F), an advocacy NGO under the Catholic Diocese of Maumere, which assists women and children victims of violence, including those caught up in human trafficking.

After receiving the message, Sister Ika and the TRUK-F team immediately coordinated with the Sikka Police Department. On Wednesday, 21 January 2026, they took action. Officers stood guard outside the venue. Sister Ika entered first.

I asked for permission to meet one of the girls, the one who sent the WhatsApp message. We did not simply come and take them. We requested permission from the pub owner, she explained.

After receiving permission, the woman who had contacted her left with a frightened face and a trembling body.

The next day, three more victims sent messages, this time accompanied by pictures, some showing their bodies marked by visible bruises.

They sent photos showing signs of violence. They had been beaten by the pub owner; there were blue bruises on their bodies, Sister Ika said.

The evidence strengthened the legal case. In coordination with the police's Women and Children Protection Unit (PPA), the victims submitted a list of the names of those who wanted to leave.

Eventually, accompanied by police officers, Sister Ika was able to remove all 13 victims. But another shocking fact emerged: none of them had ID cards.

When we asked for their ID cards, not one of them had their identification in hand. I immediately informed the police so they could request their IDs back, the nun said.

Thanks to the police intervention, the nightclub manager returned identity documents to the women. However, the evacuation did proceed without resistance. The nightclub owner was reportedly in Jakarta.

When his legal advisor arrived at the nightclub, he accused the team of conducting an improper operation. However, the Sikka Police Department had prepared a formal investigation warrant in advance. With this legal basis, the evacuation proceeded.

Finally, in the early hours of 23 January 2026, the 13 women were removed from the premises, taken to a safe house, a shelter for women and children victims of violence provided by TRUK-F.

On 6 February 2026, they officially filed a complaint with police and initiated legal action, which is ongoing.

In the process of returning the victims to their families, West Java authorities accompanied them to their respective families in their home province, after coordinating with Sister Ika, a key figure in the rescue operation.
by Fady Noun

Regional tensions are being followed with close attention and concern in Lebanon. As diplomatic manoeuvring between Washington and Tehran intensifies, rumours of war are multiplying. Lebanese sources warn that the parties are playing with fire. For Iran, the very survival of the regime depends on it. The risk of Hezbollah's involvement is very real.

Beirut (AsiaNews)  Lebanon is living through crucial hours, holding its breath waiting for developments in the conflict opposing the United States and Iran. To avoid devastating repercussions of a potential war on the country, it is increasing its diplomatic activity.

"Both Washington and Tehran are playing with fire," high-ranking local sources told AsiaNews. "The decision to carry out a U.S. strike against Iran has already been made. However, neither the date nor the scale of the strike is yet known," a Western diplomatic source told the French-language Lebanese daily LOrient-Le Jour.

More information will be available when US President Trump delivers his State of the Union address, expected tomorrow.

Meanwhile, a final attempt at a diplomatic solution before military escalation is underway as Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff are scheduled to meet again on Thursday in Geneva, Switzerland. For Tehran, this is a good opportunity.

For his part, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected in Israel on Saturday.

Finally, one unknown factor that could work in favour of de-escalation is the answer to the following question: Can the US president launch a war without a green light from Congress?

From all over, including Lebanon and the Gulf region, voices are rising against what is being called "the risky gamble of war.

An existential issue

In any case, for Iran, a US strike is an existential matter. The regime's survival is at stake, and perhaps the lives of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and his son. Although the latters name does not appear in any list of mew appointments, while Ali Larijani is reportedly included, he is touted as a potential heir to his father.

Tehran refuses to capitulate and accept all of the American conditions, an Iranian source told L'Orient-Le Jour. In fact, the Iranians consider war inevitable and reject the idea of a limited US strike followed by a resumption of negotiations for an agreement.

Any strike would amount to total war, the source said, echoing previous remarks by the supreme leader, adding that all US assets in the region would be legitimate targets for Irans ballistic missile arsenal.

Naturally, these threats are a source of concern for Lebanon, which hosts some of these targets, both military and civilian. Examples include the Lebanese army airbase in Hamat (North-Lebanon) and the site of the US embassy in Aoukar, north of Beirut, which is still under construction. Meanwhile Israel has threatened to raid Beirut's airport in case the Hezbollah gets involved if war erupts between Iran and the USA, and that unnecessary personnel of the US embassy have been asked to leave the country.

Furthermore, many in Beirut fear that in the event of war, Hezbollah would side with Tehran, triggering Israeli retaliatory raids. Hezbollah is not neutral in this conflict, the secretary-general of the pro-Iranian party, Naim Qassem, said a few weeks ago.

According to information relayed by various media outlets, in the event of Hezbollah's involvement in the war, Israel has a list of approximately 1,200 targets in Lebanon.

Warnings

In circles close to Hezbollah, Israeli strikes on the Bekaa Valley and the Ain al-Hilweh refugee camp last Friday are considered clear warnings to the group and to Hamas. Some 12 people were reportedly killed and dozens wounded, the highest daily toll since the November 2024 ceasefire.

In the Baalbek region, where the death toll was the highest, 10 people were killed, including six Hezbollah members. The dead include Hussein Mohammad Yaghi, son of Mohammad Hassan Yaghi, one of the party's founders in 1982, who was an executive assistant to Hassan Nasrallah, killed in September 2024. He had also been elected to parliament. Ali Zeid Moussaoui, a Hezbollah operative, was also killed in the strikes.

Military experts in Lebanon believe that the ballistic missiles located in Lebanon (which Hezbollah did not use in its 2023-2024 war backing Hamas) have been installed in areas far from the Israeli border, north of Baalbek. Furthermore, according to the experts cited, these weapons are under direct Iranian command, meaning Hezbollah could only use them with Tehran's approval.

Hezbollah called for "resistance" on Saturday after the deaths of eight of its members in an Israeli airstrike while they were attending a meeting in the Bekaa Valley. According to Israeli media, the strikes on the Ain al-Hilweh camp were carried out with sea-launched missiles, to demonstrate that "the Israeli army is capable of striking anywhere in the Middle East and not just with its strategic arm, the air force." These strikes also killed two members of Hamas.

Disarming Hezbollah

While condemning the Israeli raids, Lebanon continues its efforts to assert its sovereignty and disarm Hezbollah, thereby depriving Israel of any pretext to continue occupying part of its territory. A meeting is scheduled for tomorrow, Tuesday, in Cairo to prepare for the upcoming conference in Paris on 5 March aimed at raising funds to strengthen the Lebanese armed forces and internal security forces and enable them to accomplish this task. This aid is considered essential at a time when the Lebanese army lacks the financial resources and equipment to effectively counter Hezbollah.
Today's headlines: Hong Kong Court of Appeal rejects appeal by 12 pro-democracy activists; Talks between Iran and the United States, mediated by Oman, to be held in Geneva on Thursday 26th; Kim Jong Un remains general secretary; state media: improved deterrence, nuclear programme key; In 2025, Singapore increased entry bans on foreigners due to security risks.

PAKISTAN - AFGHANISTAN

Pakistan carried out new night air strikes on Afghanistan. According to the Taliban, they caused at least 18 deaths. Islamabad said the attacks targeted seven suspected militant camps and hideouts near the border, launched after recent suicide bombings in Pakistan. According to Kabul, several civilian homes and a religious school were hit. The new attacks follow the fragile ceasefire agreed between the two countries in October.

HONG KONG

The Hong Kong Court of Appeal has rejected the appeal filed by 12 pro-democracy activists. Their prison sentences in the Hong Kong 47 case, one of the main trials under the National Security Law, have been confirmed. Pro-democracy activists and politicians were arrested in early 2024, accused of conspiracy to subvert the state for organising unofficial primary elections in 2020 to unite the democratic front. After a lengthy legal process, most were sentenced to prison terms ranging from 4 to 10 years at the end of 2024, while two defendants were acquitted.

IRAN - USA

On Thursday 26 February, talks between Iran and the United States on Tehran's nuclear programme will resume, despite the huge US military deployment in the Middle East. This was confirmed by Badr Albusaidi, Oman's foreign minister and regional mediator. Iran has announced that a possible agreement is being worked out. Threats of military intervention by the United States have multiplied since repression in Iran has caused thousands of casualties.

NORTH KOREA

North Korea's Workers' Party has re-elected Kim Jong Un as general secretary, according to state media. The announcement made yesterday by the congress, which has only a formal role, comes as no surprise, given that the Kim family has ruled the dictatorship since the late 1940s. The state news agency KCNA said that under Kim's leadership, North Korea has radically improved its war deterrence, with nuclear forces as the cornerstone.

SINGAPORE

The number of foreign visitors denied entry to Singapore increased significantly in 2025, following the strengthening of border security measures - preventive information and data analysis - the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) said in its annual report. Approximately 45,700 foreigners were turned away in 2025, an increase of 38.3% from 2024. They were assessed as posing immigration and security risks.

ARMENIA

The world meeting of bishops of the Armenian Apostolic Church, convened by Catholicos Karekin II, who was not allowed to leave Armenia along with six other bishops, was held in the Austrian city of Sankt Polten. Those present pledged their loyalty to him as the symbol and guarantee of the unity of our Church, condemning the persecution by the government in their homeland and assuring that the Armenian Church is not at the service of external powers.

RUSSIA - UKRAINE

49-year-old Russian Colonel Roman Demurciev boasted to relatives and comrades about the torture inflicted on Ukrainian prisoners, as revealed by correspondence analysed by the Skhema and Sistema websites, recounting in very vulgar language how he punished many enemies by biting off their ears, and subsequently receiving several honours from the President of Chechnya, Ramzan Kadyrov, and Russian President Vladimir Putin, becoming a general.
by Stefano Vecchia

The International Criminal Court (ICC) is due to rule on the charges of crimes against humanity involving the former Philippine president over killings he allegedly ordered during the war on drugs. Now in his eighties, Duterte has been under arrest in the Netherlands for almost a year, but his figure continues to be a source of division back home. Meanwhile, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Turk has called on the Philippines to rejoin the Rome Statute.

The Hague (AsiaNews)  The legal case against former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte formally began today at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, almost a year after his extradition. Duterte declined to be present, but his supporters gathered outside the courthouse.

The judges  President Iulia Antoanella Motoc, from Romania, and Judges Reine Adelaide Sophie Alapini-Gansou and Maria del Socorro Flores Liera, from Benin and Mexico respectively  began the hearings at 10:00 am, which will continue tomorrow, as well as Thursday and Friday.

The court will hear the prosecution present its case, as well as arguments from the defence and the victims' legal representatives in the case filed for crimes against humanity against the 80-year-old Duterte, who has never recognised the authority of the Court.

The indictment refers to Article 7 (1) (a) of the Rome Statute for murders committed during the anti-drug campaign Duterte undertook between 1 March 2011 and 16 March 2019, first as mayor of the large southern city of Davao  where he organised "death squads" against drug dealers, addicts, and squatters  and then as head of state, a position he held from 2016 to 2022.

For this reason, after a tense standoff with the ICC, which had issued an arrest warrant against him on 7 March 2025, he was arrested four days later in Manila by Philippine police with the approval of his successor, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., and Interpol, and immediately transferred to the Netherlands.

ICC Prosecutor Karim A. A. Khan described this as a "significant" step, which UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk welcomed as crucial to seek justice for the thousands of Filipinos who died.

The arrest has, however, polarised the country, with those in favour his prosecution, and those who still view positively his authoritarian attitude and unwillingness to compromise.

When running for president, Duterte had made the "war on drugs" a key plank in his electoral campaign, which won him widespread support, this in a country where illegal drugs are a scourge, thanks to widespread poverty and a lack of opportunities and rights, as well as the actions of violent criminal organisations, collusion and corruption.

Turk, who emphasised the importance of international legal frameworks in addressing impunity and preventing future violations, called on the Philippines to rejoin the Rome Statute, from which it withdrew on 17 March 2019, at Duterte's request. Despite the latter, however, the statute still applies to the Philippines for charges of crimes against humanity carried out before the countrys withdrawal.

Back home, the former president remains a controversial and divisive figure; for their part, Philippine authorities continue to refuse to cooperate with the ICC and, despite domestic pressure, have not allowed its investigators entry into the country.
by Vladimir Rozanskij

Following agreements on border demarcation between the two countries, the first intergovernmental council held in Bishkek outlined new objectives for commercial and economic cooperation. Joint tourism projects and centres for combating drug trafficking and crime are also on the horizon.

Bishkek (AsiaNews) - The first meeting of the Kyrgyz-Tajik intergovernmental council was held in Bishkek, chaired by Tajik Prime Minister Kokhir Rasulzoda, and Kyrgyz Prime Minister Adylbek Kasymaliev, to confirm the high level of bilateral political dialogue after the border demarcation agreements and the end of the long-standing conflicts between the two Central Asian countries.

Attention is now focused primarily on trade and economic cooperation, and as Kasymaliev stated, Kyrgyzstan is ready to increase supplies of meat, dairy products, clothing, textiles and glass products, as well as sugar and coal to Tajikistan. A detailed programme will be prepared to organise trade, including concrete and effective measures to be implemented in successive stages, appointing the appropriate persons in charge for each structure and initiative.

The head of the Kyrgyz government assured that Bishkek is ready to act as a trade gateway for Tajik products to the markets of the Eurasian Economic Union and also the European Union, thanks to the Vsp+Eu system, with unilateral concessions on customs tariffs for various items from developing countries. Kyrgyzstan is engaged in a major infrastructure project of strategic importance involving the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway connection, which will greatly increase transit potential and strengthen the country's role as an important logistics hub in the Eurasian space, also involving Tajikistan.

The development of logistics networks should be geared towards improving border infrastructure, as the two prime ministers emphasise, increasing the effectiveness of checkpoints and crossing points through their modernisation and expanding transit capacity at rest and loading terminals, with the introduction of digital solutions in customs and border administration. The possibility of opening large shopping centres on both sides of the border was also considered as a mechanism for offering products, establishing direct contacts between entrepreneurs and forming stable and sustainable channels of trade and resource exploitation.

The parties also declared their interest in implementing joint tourism projects, establishing a common system of entry visas to Central Asia for citizens of other states. According to the results for 2025, Kyrgyzstan was visited by 86,000 tourists from Tajikistan, 12 times more than in 2024. Rasulzoda confirmed that the intergovernmental council is an excellent platform for the development of joint initiatives, including in areas such as energy and agriculture. In May this year, the Days of Culture of Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan will be held.

A memorandum of mutual understanding was then signed by both parties between the Kyrgyz Export development centre and the Tajik Chamber of Commerce and Industry, in addition to the protocol of the entire bilateral council meeting. After the meeting, Kokhir Rasulzoda also met with the President of Kyrgyzstan, Sadyr Zaparov, who in turn stressed the importance of Kyrgyz-Tajik cooperation based on mutual respect and promoting the interests of both parties, giving concrete follow-up to the agreements already reached between the two countries.

Particular attention was paid to security issues and the fight against transnational threats such as terrorism, religious extremism, drug trafficking and organised crime. To this end, a centre against drug trafficking will be set up in Dushanbe and a centre for combating crime in Bishkek, in coordination with the relevant structures of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.
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23 February 2026 13:42 (UTC+04:00)

Elnur Enveroglu Read more

Four years have now passed since Russia attacked Ukraine, yet this anniversary, too, was marked not by negotiations at the table but by Russian drone strikes. Although the years have gone by quickly, the deepening of the war has slowed political processes and pushed the parties further and further away from any framework for peace. The cold and freezing winter months have put Kyiv to a harder test, even creating additional moments of tension with countries in Central and Eastern Europe. Ukraine now finds itself face-to-face with Russias relentless and ruthless attacks, and, deprived of energy supplies, the authorities in Kyiv are searching for alternative solutions.

The war in Ukraine has entered a bitter and revealing phase. It is because of Russia's intensive missile strikes in Kyiv while temperatures plunge to minus twenty-two degrees. More than half a million people in the capital have been left without electricity. Odesa and Kharkiv have endured repeated bombardment. The Kremlin has made clear that it views the energy grid not as civilian infrastructure but as a legitimate instrument of coercion. In this freezing winter, darkness itself has become a weapon.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy insists there has been no pause in the aerial assault, despite talks brokered by Washington and held in Geneva last week. Moscows demand that Ukraine surrender territory in the Donbas region remains unchanged. For Kyiv, such concessions would amount to national capitulation. The military stalemate in the east is therefore mirrored by a political deadlock that shows no sign of easing.

Yet while Ukraine withstands pressure from the east, it now faces mounting strain from within the European Union. Hungary and Slovakia have escalated a dispute over Russian oil deliveries that risks to undermine European unity at a pivotal moment. Both governments are demanding the resumption of crude flows through the Druzhba pipeline, which crosses Ukrainian territory and has long served as a vital artery for central European refineries.

Kyiv maintains that a Russian drone strike in January damaged the pipeline, disrupting supplies. Budapest and Bratislava, however, accuse Ukraine of dragging its feet over repairs. Hungary has threatened to block a new package of EU sanctions against Moscow. Slovakia has gone further, warning it will halt emergency electricity exports to Ukraine if oil deliveries are not restored.

The political symbolism is stark. As Ukrainian cities shiver in darkness following missile strikes, two neighbouring EU states are leveraging their energy grievances to extract concessions. Peter Szijjarto, Hungarys foreign minister, has stated openly that until oil shipments resume, Budapest will refuse to support decisions important to Kyiv. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has accused Zelenskyy of acting maliciously and framed the stoppage as a direct economic injury to Slovakia.

Energy has always been central to Russias strategy in Europe. For decades, Moscow cultivated dependence through pipelines such as Druzhba, embedding itself in the economic lifeblood of former Eastern Bloc states. The invasion of Ukraine was meant to redraw borders by force. The energy war that followed has sought to redraw political loyalties.

Hungary and Slovakia argue that their energy security is at stake. Their refineries are configured to process Russian crude, and alternative supplies require costly adjustments. Domestic politics also play a role. Both governments have adopted a more conciliatory tone towards the Kremlin than many of their EU partners. By tying support for sanctions to the restoration of oil flows, they are signalling that national economic considerations outweigh collective geopolitical resolve.

But this stance carries consequences. The European Union is preparing its twentieth sanctions package against Moscow, timed to coincide with the fourth anniversary of the invasion. Sanctions are among the few instruments available to the bloc to exert pressure without direct military involvement. If internal divisions prevent agreement, the signal to the Kremlin will be unmistakable.

There is also a moral dimension that cannot be ignored. Ukraines energy grid is being systematically targeted in sub zero conditions. Civilian suffering is not incidental but integral to Moscows strategy. For EU member states to condition their support on the uninterrupted flow of Russian oil risks reinforcing precisely the leverage the Kremlin seeks to maintain.

At the same time, Kyiv must recognise the complexity of its neighbours position. Energy interdependence is not undone overnight. If technical repairs to Druzhba are genuinely feasible, transparency and urgency would help defuse accusations of deliberate delay. Ukraines diplomatic challenge is to preserve solidarity while under siege, a task made harder by the daily reality of missile strikes and power outages.

The broader lesson is that Europe remains caught between principle and pragmatism. The war has accelerated diversification away from Russian energy, yet pockets of dependence endure. As long as oil and gas flows remain intertwined with political calculations, Moscow retains a degree of influence.

Winter has laid bare the fragility of both infrastructure and alliances. The Kremlins bombardment seeks to break Ukrainian resilience. The dispute over Druzhba tests European cohesion. In this contest, the stakes extend beyond barrels of crude. They concern the credibility of the European project and its willingness to sustain support for a country fighting for its sovereignty.

If unity falters over oil, the consequences will echo far beyond this winter. Ukraines battlefield is not only in the Donbas or above its cities in the night sky. It is also in the council chambers of Brussels, where decisions about sanctions and solidarity will shape the trajectory of the war as surely as any missile strike.
23 February 2026 17:05 (UTC+04:00)

Nazrin Abdul Read more

The ongoing geopolitical shifts worldwide are inevitably affecting the region. Against the backdrop of nuclear negotiations with the United States, regional directions in Irans foreign policy have once again gained relevance. On the one hand, Tehran seeks to mitigate the impact of Western sanctions; on the other hand, it intensifies efforts to establish alternative economic and transport platforms. In this context, the South Caucasus may serve not merely as a neighbouring geography but as a strategic lifeline corridor for Iran.

Irans prolonged exposure to international sanctions has significantly constrained its access to global markets, limiting trade flows, financial integration and broader economic engagement. Nevertheless, through the expansion of relations with neighbouring states and the strengthening of cross-border connectivity, Tehran has managed to partially bypass the impact of this external pressure.

It would not be an exaggeration to state that transport and communication corridors have become strategically vital for Iran under current conditions. In particular, the International NorthSouth Transport Corridor has assumed critical importance. In practical terms, the corridor functions as a strategic safety cushion for Tehran, softening the economic blow of sanctions by facilitating alternative trade routes and regional economic integration.

The planned construction of the Rasht-Astara railway line (162 km) is considered the missing link of the International North-South Transport Corridor. This route connects Russia to Iran via Azerbaijan, and subsequently to the Indian market. Russia has already announced that practical implementation of the project will begin in April 2026, noting that the legal and technical issues causing delays have been resolved.

For Iran, this corridor represents a land-based alternative to the Suez Canal; for Russia, it provides southern access amid sanctions. For Azerbaijan, it means increased transit revenues and enhanced geo-economic significance.

Even if an agreement with the United States is reached, Tehran will not abandon its alternative route policy. On the contrary, nuclear negotiations may serve to make Irans regional economic opening strategy more flexible.

Zangazur Corridor: Could Iran shift its position?

The Zangazur Corridor, also known as TRIPP, is a project capable of reshaping the geopolitical architecture of the South Caucasus. It is not only a matter of strategic balance for Azerbaijan but also for Turkiye, Russia, and Iran. Initially, Iran approached this project cautiously and negatively. The primary concern was the potential weakening of its land border with Armenia. Another major issue for Tehran was the anticipated increase in Turkiyes regional influence, as the corridor would clearly strengthen trade ties. This, in turn, could diminish Irans role as a transit hub.

However, given the evolving geopolitical realities, Iran may not wish to maintain a fully obstructive stance. If the corridor is developed within a framework of regional cooperation and takes Irans interests into account, Tehran may soften its position.

In other words, Irans stance appears pragmatic rather than ideological. If its main priority is to preserve regional balance and avoid isolation, openness to cooperation would be desirable.

Strait of Hormuz: Real threat or geopolitical lever?

Approximately 20% of the global oil supply passes through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has periodically declared that it could block this strategic passage. Looking back, in 2011-2012, Tehran raised this issue amid sanctions, but a full and long-term blockade was never implemented.

The reason is clear: such a move would provoke military retaliation from the United States and its allies. Moreover, Irans own oil exports would be jeopardized. A severe shock to the global energy market would contradict the interests of Irans key buyers, China and India.

Nevertheless, even short-term tensions or military incidents could trigger sharp spikes in oil prices. For exporters like Azerbaijan, this could mean temporary revenue increases. Yet, prolonged instability would negatively affect regional economic projects.

Ultimately, Irans South Caucasus policy is not emotional but rather balanced and multi-vector in nature. Tehran seeks, on one hand, to establish economic security through the North-South Corridor and to avoid exclusion in the Zangazur issue, while on the other hand maintaining the Strait of Hormuz as a strategic instrument of pressure.

Regardless of the outcome of nuclear negotiations with the United States, Iran intends to remain an active player in shaping the regions transport and energy landscape. Taking into account Azerbaijans considerable strategic importance in the region, Iran must recognize that openness to cooperation would bring only positive changes to the broader regional environment, especially since Iran is not the sole active player in this arena.
23 February 2026 13:59 (UTC+04:00)

Laman Ismayilova Read more

The Azerbaijan National Art Museum has presented an exhibition celebrating the centenary of People's Artist Davud Kazimov (1926-2015), one of the most prominent figures of the national art school whose work has left an indelible mark on Azerbaijani culture, AzerNEWS reports.

The opening ceremony brought together distinguished figures, including Azerbaijan's Deputy Culture Minister Saadat Yusifova, Director of National Art Museum and Honored Cultural Worker Shirin Malikova, the Director of the National Museum of Azerbaijani Literature, Academician Rafael Huseynov, People's Artist Omar Eldarov, and Vice-Rector of the Azerbaijan State Academy of Arts Fuad Salayev. Speakers praised Davud Kazimov's rich legacy and his significant contributions to the development of national art.

The museum's director highlighted that among the works of Kazimov preserved in Azerbaijani museums, the National Art Museum holds the largest collection. For this exhibition, the permanent collection was complemented with additional paintings from storage and private collections, giving visitors a rare and comprehensive look at the artist's oeuvre.

Throughout the opening, Kazimov was remembered not only as a celebrated master but also as an extraordinary human being, a good friend, strong, kind, and deeply empathetic. His personality shines through in the warmth and vitality of his art.

In Kazimov's works, the spirit of his time is mirrored, yet the energy of his brushstrokes, the vivid emotions captured in his portraits and genre scenes, and the serene light of his landscapes make his art feel remarkably contemporary. The exhibition's popularity and the steady stream of visitors confirm that his work continues to captivate audiences today.

His still lifes exude a cozy, domestic warmth. Roses, daisies, daffodils, dark asters in elegant vases, bright oranges and peaches, fabrics, and copper vesselsDavud Kazimov painted them with tireless devotion. Each composition reveals his extraordinary skill, rich color palette, and talent for transforming ordinary objects into true masterpieces.

Equally striking are his landscapes, brimming with light, color, and atmosphere. One can almost feel the breeze, see the blooming meadows, or sense the cold fog descending from mountain peaks. Even depictions of the Alhambra at night or the streets of Burgas carry the sun-drenched warmth reminiscent of the Absheron region, reflecting the artist's deep love for his homeland and its natural beauty.

Kazimov devoted much attention to portraying rural women, their daily lives, customs, and traditional costumes. While these works serve as a window into the era, their true focus is always the human subject. His keen observation brought extraordinary psychological depth to his characters, giving them vivid, distinct personalities. One can read volumes in the eyes of a Bulgarian woman in a traditional costume and bright red scarf.

Portraits of children are notoriously challenging for any artist, yet Kazimov achieved the remarkable: his portraits of his sons capture their spontaneous expressions and fleeting emotions with sincerity and charm, preserving their youthful essence in every brushstroke.

As visitors move through the exhibition, they are drawn back to the first painting of the show, whose energy is immediately palpable. Three figures occupy the composition: a woman with eyes half-closed, enjoying a quiet moment of rest; her companion, whose gaze reflects genuine curiosity; and, most strikingly, a boy seated with his back turned. Through his posture and restless gestures, one feels his pure, joyful belief in the beauty of life. Standing before the painting, it is easy to breathe in the scene and momentarily reclaim the boundless happiness of childhood.

Davud Kazimov's sons expressed their gratitude to the attendees for honoring their father's memory. And for visitors, the exhibition is a celebration of color, light, air, and soul, a gift from a great artist that continues to inspire.

The exhibition will be on display until March 31, offering audiences a chance to immerse themselves in the masterful world of Davud Kazimov.
23 February 2026 10:00 (UTC+04:00)

Qabil Ashirov Read more

The Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Mexico has issued an official advisory to Azerbaijani citizens in response to ongoing unrest in several regions of the country, AzerNEWS reports, citing a post shared by the embassy on its official X account.

The post notes that Azerbaijani nationals currently traveling or temporarily residing in Mexico are urged to exercise heightened caution due to a deterioration in the security situation in certain areas.

The advisory specifically calls on citizens to closely follow and strictly comply with safety recommendations issued by local authorities in the state of Jalisco, as well as in neighboring states including Michoacan, Guanajuato, Colima, Aguascalientes, Zacatecas, and Nayarit.

Citizens are advised to remain vigilant, observe personal safety measures, avoid mass gatherings and high-risk areas, and rely exclusively on information disseminated through official sources.

In case of emergency, Azerbaijani nationals may contact the Consular Section of the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Mexico via the following hotline numbers:

+52 5511 907 092

+52 5555 404 109

The embassy emphasized the importance of adhering strictly to local security guidance as authorities continue to monitor developments across affected regions.

Background

The killing of Nemesio El Mencho Oseguera Cervantes triggered unrest in 20 of Mexicos 32 states, with suspected gang members torching buses and businesses, blocking roads and clashing with security forces, AzerNEWS reports.

Mexicos Security Cabinet said 252 blockades were reported in states right across the country, and included what it called localized incidents and isolated blockades.

Oseguera died on the way to hospital after being wounded during a Mexican military operation targeting him in Tapalpa in the western state of Jalisco, the power base of his Jalisco New Generation Cartel.

The military operation triggered a series of violent events across the state of Jalisco. Guadalajara, the state capital and Mexicos second-largest city, was almost completely shut down on Sunday, the Associated Press reported.

And video obtained by CNN showed multiple fires burning and plumes of smoke rising across Puerto Vallarta, a resort town popular with US tourists on Mexicos west coast.

Pablo Lemus Navarro, Jaliscos governor, earlier said violence had spread to at least five states.

The US has urged Americans in several Mexican states, including popular vacation spots in Jalisco, Baja California, and Quintana Roo, to shelter in place.
23 February 2026 16:47 (UTC+04:00)

Nazrin Abdul Read more

From February 16 to 22, a total of 28 anti-tank mines, 175 anti-personnel mines, and 796 unexploded ordnance (UXO) were discovered and safely neutralized in Azerbaijans liberated territories.

As reported by AzerNEWS, according to the weekly report by the Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA), these findings are part of ongoing humanitarian demining operations in areas previously affected by conflict.

During this period, 1,616.5 hectares of land were successfully cleared of mines and explosive remnants, enhancing safety for local communities and enabling the return of displaced residents.

ANAMA, in cooperation with the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Emergency Situations (MES), the State Border Service (SBS), and four private companies, conducted demining operations in Tartar, Aghdara, Kalbajar, Aghdam, Khojali, Khankendi, Shusha, Khojavend, Lachin, Fuzuli, Jabrayil, Gubadli, and Zangilan, as well as in the newly liberated villages of Baghanis Ayrum, Ashaghi Askipara, Kheyrimli, and Gizilhacili in the Gazakh district.

These efforts are part of Azerbaijans ongoing commitment to ensuring the safety and security of its liberated territories and supporting the return of citizens to their homes.
23 February 2026 12:24 (UTC+04:00)

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23 February 2026 10:21 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, the powerful head of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), widely known as El Mencho, was killed on Sunday during a large-scale Mexican military operation in the western state of Jalisco, authorities confirmed, AzerNEWS reports.

Mexicos Defence Department said federal forces launched a coordinated operation involving special army units and the Mexican Air Force aimed at arresting Oseguera Cervantes. Security forces tracked him to the town of Tapalpa, where CJNG gunmen opened fire in an attempt to prevent his capture.

During the firefight, four cartel members, including Oseguera Cervantes, were fatally wounded. Authorities said El Mencho and two other suspects later died while being transported by aircraft to Mexico City. Three Mexican soldiers were wounded and evacuated for treatment, while two individuals were detained.

Officials also recovered heavy weaponry, including rocket launchers capable of destroying armoured vehicles and targeting aircraft, highlighting the cartels military-grade capabilities.

Cartel retaliation sparks widespread unrest

News of El Menchos death triggered coordinated retaliatory violence by suspected CJNG members. Vehicles were set on fire, highways were blocked, and transport routes were disrupted across Jalisco, Michoacan, and Guanajuato.

In Guadalajara, Mexicos second-largest city, residents were urged to stay indoors as schools closed and public transport was suspended. Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus Navarro called on citizens to remain at home until security conditions stabilized.

The violence prompted Guatemala to reinforce security along its border with Mexico, while Mexican security forces were placed on high alert nationwide.

Government urges calm

President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo appealed for calm, acknowledging that the operation had triggered blockades and unrest but stressing that most of the country continued functioning normally.

There is absolute coordination with the governments of all states; we must remain informed and calm, she said, praising the army, National Guard, and security agencies for their response.

Who was El Mencho?

Oseguera Cervantes, 59, was one of the most wanted fugitives by the United States Department of State, which had offered a USD 15 million reward for information leading to his capture.

Originally from Michoacan, he founded the CJNG around 2009 after earlier imprisonment in the United States for heroin trafficking. Under his leadership, the cartel became one of Mexicos most powerful criminal organizations, trafficking cocaine, methamphetamine, fentanyl, and migrants into the US.

CJNG gained notoriety for its extreme violence, including the use of drones and improvised explosive devices, the downing of a military helicopter in 2015, and an attempted assassination of former Mexico City police chief Omar Garcia Harfuch.

International reaction

US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau praised the operation, stating on X that the good guys are stronger than the bad guys, and commended Mexican law enforcement efforts.

While the killing of El Mencho marks a major blow to organized crime, analysts warn that the power vacuum left behind could fuel further instability as rival factions compete for control.

Mike Vigil, former chief of international operations for the US Drug Enforcement Administration, told AP the operation sent a strong message" that Mexico was confronting powerful cartels effectively, adding that the majority of the information came from the Mexican armed forces."

While Mexican authorities have described the killing as a significant operational victory, analysts say the coming period will determine whether the death of El Mencho" weakens the cartel or ushers in a new phase of violence, the Associated Press reported.

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One of the cartel's special forces units engaged in conflict with the Mexican authorities.
23 February 2026 11:02 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

French daily Le Figaro has reported that an alleged attempt to remove Irans Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei from power took place on January 89, but ultimately failed, AzerNEWS reports.

According to the report, former Iranian president Hassan Rouhani reportedly convened a late night meeting that included several former government officials, among them ex foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, clerics from the city of Qom, and figures said to be close to Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Sources cited by the newspaper claim that the plan collapsed at its final stage after it failed to secure the backing of Ali Larijani, who is described as holding the position of secretary of the Supreme National Security Council. To avoid any potential leaks, Irans current president Masoud Pezeshkian was reportedly not informed about the discussions.

The move reportedly collapsed because it lacked the support of Larijani, who was appointed in August as secretary of Irans Supreme National Security Council. President Masoud Pezeshkian was kept out of the discussions to prevent the plan from being exposed, the report said. After it was uncovered, Rouhani and Zarif were allegedly placed under several days of house arrest, and reformist figures close to them were temporarily detained.

Le Figaro further reported that in the aftermath of the alleged events, Rouhani and Zarif were placed under house arrest for several days, while a number of reformist figures linked to them were briefly detained before later being released.

Iranian authorities have not publicly commented on the report, and the claims have not been independently verified.
23 February 2026 14:55 (UTC+04:00)

Nazrin Abdul Read more

EU foreign ministers are set to discuss a proposed 20th package of sanctions against Russia at todays summit, though a breakthrough is not expected.

As reported by AzerNEWS, citing foreign media, the statement was made by Kaja Kallas, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.

Of course, we will have a discussion on the 20th sanctions package, but I do not believe there will be any progress on this issue today. Nevertheless, we will undoubtedly continue our efforts, the EUs top diplomat told journalists ahead of the summit.

Kallas noted that ministers will also debate potential areas of engagement with Russia in the context of efforts to resolve the Ukraine conflict. Another key item on the agenda is a proposed 90 billion EU loan package for Ukraine.

It is worth recalling that on February 6, the European Commission presented a draft of the 20th sanctions package against Russia. The proposed restrictive measures target the energy sector, financial services, and trade.
23 February 2026 13:21 (UTC+04:00)

Nazrin Abdul Read more

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Sunday that recent nuclear negotiations with the United States have produced encouraging signals, while cautioning that Tehran is prepared for any scenario ahead of another round of talks scheduled for Thursday, AzerNEWS reports.

Pezeshkians remarks come amid growing concerns of a military escalation, as the US increases its military presence in the Gulf and President Donald Trump warns of really bad things if a deal on Irans nuclear program is not reached.

Iran is committed to peace and stability in the region, Pezeshkian wrote on X. Recent negotiations involved the exchange of practical proposals and yielded encouraging signals. However, we continue to closely monitor US actions and have made all necessary preparations for any potential scenario.

The cautious optimism follows confirmation from Omans Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi of a third round of indirect talks in Geneva, Switzerland. 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, al-Busaidi said, acting as a mediator between Washington and Tehran.

Iran and the US resumed nuclear talks in Oman earlier this month, followed by a second round in Geneva last week. While both sides described the discussions as generally positive, no breakthrough was achieved.
23 February 2026 17:39 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

An all-female combat unit of the Kurdistan Freedom Party (PAK) says it is preparing for potential confrontation with Iran, according to the groups commanders, AzerNEWS reports.

PAK, a Kurdish-Iranian armed organization operating in exile in Iraqs Kurdistan region, has long opposed the government of the Iran. The group maintains bases in northern Iraq near the Iranian border.

During the January unrest in Iran, referred to by Kurdish groups as an uprising, PAK claimed it carried out attacks against Iranian security forces. In response, Tehran launched drone and missile strikes targeting several Kurdish opposition groups based in Iraq, accusing them of fomenting instability inside Iran.

PAK commanders now say they are preparing for a broader confrontation, should renewed civil unrest erupt in Iran or in the event of a potential external military escalation involving the United States.

Iran has repeatedly warned that it will not tolerate cross-border militant activity and has previously conducted operations against Kurdish armed factions it considers terrorist organizations. Kurdish groups, for their part, argue they are resisting political repression and defending minority rights.

There has been no official indication of imminent large-scale escalation, but regional tensions remain elevated amid ongoing security concerns along the Iran-Iraq border.

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Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has said nuclear talks with the United States have produced encouraging signals, but warned that Tehran is prepared for any scenario in advance of another round of negotiations set for Thursday.

His comments on Sunday came amid mounting fears of a military conflict, with Washington building up its military presence in the Gulf and US President Donald Trump warning of really bad things if no deal is reached on Tehrans nuclear programme.

Iran is committed to peace and stability in the region, Pezeshkian wrote on X.

Recent negotiations involved the exchange of practical proposals and yielded encouraging signals. However, we continue to closely monitor US actions and have made all necessary preparations for any potential scenario, he said.

The cautious optimism came after Omans Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi confirmed a third round of indirect talks between the two sides in Geneva, Switzerland.

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, said al-Busaidi, who acts as a mediator in indirect talks between Washington and Tehran.
23 February 2026 19:50 (UTC+04:00)

By Alimat Aliyeva

Part of the flight data related to the notorious financier Jeffrey Epstein, stored by the Royal Air Force (RAF), was destroyed due to the expiration of the information retention period, AzerNEWS reports, citing the Times.

Three months ago, London police reopened an investigation into human trafficking linked to Epstein. However, investigators were informed that some of the relevant flight records had already been destroyed. The data in question concerned flights from two decades ago, but RAF policy only preserves passenger lists for three months, after which the records are automatically deleted.

The article notes that while police can still interview airport staff, the current data retention policy complicates efforts to identify individuals who traveled to the UK in connection with Epstein. In contrast, commercial airline passenger lists are typically retained for six to seven years, providing a longer window for investigation.

On February 22, reports emerged that Prince Andrew, brother of King Charles III, may have used RAF planes and bases in connection with meetings involving Epstein. Previously, the King authorized access to certain documents related to the investigation into Andrews links with Epstein.

This case highlights how data retention policies, even within government agencies, can have a major impact on long-term criminal investigations. Experts suggest that expanding record-keeping periods for flights involving high-risk individuals could help law enforcement track movements and connections more effectively in future investigations.
24 February 2026 01:26 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

Senior US military officials have warned the White House of the potential consequences of a prolonged military conflict with Iran, as President Donald Trump considers whether to authorise a second wave of strikes amid stalled nuclear negotiations.

According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Dan Caine, has cautioned that a deeper military engagement in the Middle East  particularly one involving US ground forces  could carry significant strategic and human costs.

Caine reportedly warned that a boots-on-the-ground operation would risk depleting American air defence systems, straining military readiness and potentially alienating regional allies. He is also said to have flagged the prospect of thousands of casualties should the conflict escalate beyond limited strikes.

The White House acknowledged that the concerns were taken seriously. In a statement to the Journal, officials said the president listens to a broad range of views before making decisions and would act in accordance with what he believes serves US national security interests.

Trump has for weeks floated the possibility of renewed military action against Iran, arguing that diplomacy over Tehrans nuclear programme has stalled. Last year, he authorised strikes that preceded a 12-day confrontation between Iran and Israel, raising fears of a wider regional war before tensions subsided.

The president has not publicly committed to further attacks. However, his remarks have triggered intense debate within Washington and beyond. A significant segment of the Republican base has voiced opposition to another Middle Eastern conflict, warning that it could echo the costly and protracted wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, with uncertain strategic returns.

The issue surfaced prominently in a recent interview conducted by conservative commentator Tucker Carlson with the US ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee. During the exchange, Huckabee appeared to endorse sweeping Israeli military ambitions in the region  remarks that drew sharp criticism from several Middle Eastern governments.

A group of regional states subsequently issued a joint statement condemning what they described as inflammatory rhetoric. The White House later said Huckabees comments had been taken out of context and did not reflect official US policy.

Behind the scenes, defence officials are said to be weighing not only the immediate military feasibility of renewed strikes but also the broader implications for US alliances and deterrence. A sustained confrontation with Iran could stretch American resources at a time when Washington is also managing commitments in Europe and the Indo-Pacific.

Analysts note that Iran retains a network of regional proxies and missile capabilities that could target US assets and partners across the Middle East, increasing the risk of rapid escalation. Any expansion from air or missile strikes into a ground campaign would represent a dramatic shift, potentially drawing the United States into another open-ended conflict.

For Trump, the calculus is both strategic and political. While projecting strength abroad has long been central to his foreign policy posture, domestic appetite for another war in the Middle East appears limited. The memory of two decades of conflict continues to shape public opinion, particularly among voters wary of high costs and uncertain outcomes.

As nuclear talks remain deadlocked and rhetoric intensifies, the White House faces a delicate decision. Whether Trump opts for renewed strikes or recalibrates towards diplomacy, the warnings from the Pentagon underscore the stakes of escalation in a region already on edge.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio, appearing at a town hall event in Florida expressed his views that it is parents, not schools, who should be responsible for raising children. Rubio said government's role in education should be minimized and there should be no indoctrination of children.

"It is neither the government's nor the schools' job to raise children. They're there to teach," Rubio declared, "Parents raise children.". Addressing the "woke" mandates from the Biden era, Rubio said "What we are doing at the federal level is ensuring that we are not bullying states into adopting policies that, at the end of the day, turn those places from schools into indoctrination centers. That's actually the way Marxism works. They use schools to indoctrinate."

https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2026/02/secretary-rubio-parents-not-schools-should-raise-children/

Meanwhile, John Droz, a physicist living in eastern NC who has been involved with education for twenty years and has testified to Congressional committees on the subject, gave a recent interview in which warned that ideological indoctrination is still a big part of many school curricula. "What we have done is hand over the curriculum to people on the left and they have just indoctrinated," Droz decclared.

https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2026/02/twelve-thousand-hours-indoctrination-how-k-12-education/
Two statewide conservative organizations have made endorsements in the Republican primary for NC House. The NC Values Coalition has published a voter guide on a variety of races but only made endorsements in legislative races. The Conservative Coalition of North Carolina is making a broader list of endorsements.

The NC Values Coalition looks only at social issues in its endorsements, and as it primarily works at the state level only made endorsements in state legislative races. Its Voter Guide, however gave information on other statewide and congressional races,. The only county level races in its voter guide are school board races.

The NC Values Coalition made endorsements in 5 senate and 14 House primaries. In the 79th House district, it endorsed conservative State Representative Keith Kidwell.

https://ncvalues.org/vote/endorsements/

Its voter guide includes information on local school board races in Beaufort County such as answers to its candidate questionaire. Some of the more liberal Republicans like Austin Garrison, Monica Davis, and Jennifer Cornelius refused to answer the questionaire.

https://ivoterguide.com/?partner=nc

The Conservative Coalition of North Carolina, an alliance of local conservative groups around the state that works on all conservative issues, has also endorsed State Representative Keith Kidwell for the 79th District. It has published full sample ballots for many counties and is expected to publish one soon for Beaufort County.

NC's most prominent gun rights organization, Grassroots North Carolina, has previously endorsed Kidwell and mailed postcards to voters on that endorsement. The National Rifle Association has given Kidwell an A+ score on gun rights issues and given his opponent Armstrong a score of F.

No statewide conservative groups have endorsed Armstrong, but the local Beaufort County Conservative Club did so on a split vote.
This commentary is by Jason Batchelder, commissioner of the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department; Andrea Shortsleeve, chief of operations; John Austin, director of the Wildlife Division; Alison Thomas, director of the Outreach Division; and Justin Stedman, director of the Game Warden Service. Opinions expressed by columnists do not necessarily reflect the views of Vermont News & Media.
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PITTSFIELD  Did you love Marketplaces Pittsfield cafe, which closed Feb. 13? A local couple now plans to open a spiritual successor downtown.

Shaun Muldowney, who managed the cafe for 12 years, and his partner Sarah Mitchell said the new eatery, Stellium Cafe, aims to fill a void left by Marketplace.

The effort has already drawn enthusiastic community support. Just three days after launching a GoFundMe for the eatery, the couple exceeded its initial $6,000 goal.

To support the cafe To donate to Stellium Cafe's GoFundMe, go to tinyurl.com/3db588hd.

"It's very overwhelming," Mitchell said of the response. "My heart is so full."

Mitchell said the cafe's name is an astrological term referring to the stars aligning. She said it ties to a dream shes had since age four of "making people happy with food."

"It just felt like a karmic, big, amazing opportunity," Mitchell, who hopes to return to the restaurant industry after working outside it for the past decade, said of Stellium. "[Like] all the stars aligning with me."

That dream nearly came to fruition about four months ago, when the couple entered talks to buy the Pittsfield Marketplace, but the deal fell through.

However, once the cafe closed after 15 years in the city, Muldowney said "not having a Marketplace, that lit a fire under out butts" and they retooled their business plan from purchasing a turnkey operation to launching a new restaurant.

"[We] hit a roadbloack and had to detour," Mitchell said. "The silver lining out of this is how much work weve already put into this."

They hope to have Stellium's menu be as close to Marketplace's as it can, though they said the names of some of the menu items might change. Muldowney still works for Marketplace, assisting in backend operations as a senior manager, and said his bosses are supportive of his endeavor to launch a new restaurant.

"They want us to succeed," he said, noting that he'd like to use Marketplace as a vendor. "Almost all of the stuff they serve comes straight from their kitchen and is made from scratch."

Mitchell said Stellium will aim to serve the "same quality" food with the "same consistency" and warm customer service.

"The names might change, but the food is going to be recognizable," Mitchell said.

However, Muldowney admitted that owning his own standalone eatery will give him greater room to experiment as it will be "unbridled with having other locations that you have to keep this kind of continuity with," but he did not have specific menu changes in mind when reached by The Eagle on Saturday.

He said that he wants to serve a version of the Naked Granny  a sandwich with field greens, granny smith apples, goat cheese, tomato, red onion, spiced pecans and balsamic vinaigrette  "100 percent," and that Mitchell, who will work at the cafe part-time while maintaining her fulltime job at General Dynamics, will provide baked goods for the store.

The pair wants to open the cafe as close to the original location of the Marketplace as possible but are still scoping out locations. Cory Jacobson, owner of the Kinnell Kresge building that housed Marketplace, said a new, exciting use for the space will be announced shortly, suggesting the former cafe space is not available.

The pair said that they plan to invest their own money into the operation and take out loans to make it happen. The GoFundMe campaign was established as a way for people who heard "whispers" of their plans and asked them: "Is there a way to support you?" Mitchell said.

The GoFundMe said funds raised will go towards new equipment, buildout costs and any loans they take out, but Muldowney said he'll have a better idea of what their costs will be once they secure a lease. The pair has meetings lined up with 1Berkshire, Downtown Pittsfield Inc. and other local groups to see what resources are available to them.

"We are trying to not let any of this momentum die," Muldowney said.

In the meantime, the pair is also grateful for the community support.

"We don't want to be anywhere but North Street," Muldowney said. He said the closure left a "void in the market and a void in people's hearts.

"We would love to be the ones [who] step in."

To support the cafe

To donate to Stellium Cafe's GoFundMe, go to tinyurl.com/3db588hd.
A graduate of the Maplewood Institute in Pittsfield, Jessie Hainning Rupert became the honorary daughter of Massachusetts 34th regiment, and took up arms against the klan to defend its flag.
PITTSFIELD  Having experienced racial intolerance at First Congregational church, seven Black congregants struck out on their own to establish Second Congregational Church in 1846.

On Sunday, the legacy of those seven people  John L. Brown, Morris Potter, William Potter, David S. Thomas, Catherine Fields, Mary Richards, and Delilah Potter  was commemorated with an afternoon service, with prayer, hymns, songs and speeches, followed by a reception in the social hall of the church.

The celebration Sunday coincided with the anniversary of the dedication of Second Congregational Church on First Street on Feb. 20, 1846. The building had been a deteriorated Wesleyan Methodist Church, which the founders renovated.

Sundays celebration drew 45 people to the Onota Street church. The keynote speaker was the Rev. Juana McFarland. Vocalist Wanda Houston sang Come Sunday by Duke Ellington and the hymn I Dreamed of a City Called Glory.

The churchs most famous pastor was its second, the Rev. Samuel Harrison, who served as chaplain to the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment during the Civil War.

Harrison served for 12 years from 1850 to 1862. He left because of a division in the congregation but was invited to return 10 years later, serving from 1872 until his death in 1900.

Born a slave in 1818, he and his mother were freed in 1821. In adulthood, he spoke publicly against slavery and racism and persuaded President Abraham Lincoln to enact equal pay for Black chaplains.

Vera Kennedy and Angela Armstrong both spoke of growing up at Second Congregational Church.

While Armstrong moved to Pittsfield from the Bronx at the age of 12 to live with her grandmother, she began attending with neighbors on King Street.

She later learned that not only her mother, but her grandmother and great-grandmother also worshiped at Second Congregational Church.

I remember children's choir rehearsal every Saturday with our choir director, Mrs. Oakley, singing and playing. If you know, you know what that means, she said, to chuckles from the audience.

It didn't matter if your mother or father was here at all, because we definitely had church parents to keep us in line," she said.

Armstrong said she joined the church in 1973 when she was 12.

He wanted me to get baptized, but I was afraid because I couldnt swim, she said. I finally got baptized in 1984 by [the] Rev. [Leonard] Comithier.

She credited Comithier for elevating the music ministry. Her son was christened by the Rev. Alexander Jamison in 1990.

I remember the annual fellowship dinners and sitting at the feet of Rev. Martin Luther King Sr. as he spoke to us as youth. I remember our yearly MLK services, our annual Easter egg hunts, our annual Christmas pageants, our annual church picnics on the lawn, Uncle Jimmy and Uncle Joe cooking in the kitchen, the choir entering, singing Weve Come This Far by Faith and exiting under Sweet, Sweet Spirit.

She remained a member until she left the area in 2002.

This church and the people in it taught me, molded me, supported me and loved me, and for that, I am eternally grateful, she said, This will always be my church.

Blayne Whitfield, the great-grandson of Harrison, read a remembrance from Aron Ringgold, who lives in Florida and couldnt attend. He presented awards to Maddlean Mosley and Gracie Walton for decades of service.

Thank you, church, Mosley said, as she received her plaque.

Walton led the opening and closing songs, Weve Come This Far by Faith, and Its a Highway to Heaven.

After moving to Pittsfield from Asheville, N.C., in 1978 with her husband, she first came to the Easter service at the invitation of two members.

This just amazed me to see that many African-American people here, because when I first came here, I ain't seen nobody. And I said, Oh my God, where are the black people around here? Because when you come from the South, youre used to be around a lot of people, but yeah, it was just amazing to come here.

Among her roles at the church, shes been the choir director and youth pastor.

I had so many hats, she said. I had an opportunity to leave after my husband passed away in 2003 but I didn't. God kept me here.

The church has been operating without its own pastor since 2020 and has pulpit supply pastors two Sundays each month. Deacons Antoine Kablan and Ivan Newton lead services on alternate Sundays.

Today, average Sunday attendance is 10 to 12 people. And the congregants range in age from 60 to 92. One of the deacons maintains the building. Newton said the church needs more members.

Were feeling tight, he said. Just like all the churches which have downsized or stopped their services. So were going to continue for as long as we can. So hopefully therell be a 181st anniversary.
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NORTH ADAMS  Podcasts are big these days, and Jenny Wright dreamed of someone using the medium's momentum to highlight the good things happening in the city she loves.

She just didnt ever think it would be her behind the mic hosting it. But after talking with the local television station, she was convinced to give it a shot.

With the help of Northern Berkshire Community Television Corp., "Small City, Big Stories" became a reality, and the first episode came out in January in conversation with North Adams City Councilor Andrew Fitch. The podcast, produced by NBCTC, is Wrights vision of spotlighting people and projects driving economic and community development in North Adams.

With their first podcast off the ground, NBCTC wants to help anyone in Northern Berkshire start a podcast at their nonprofit television and recording studio on Union Street.

This was a perfect first offering that shows what we are capable of, said NBCTC's Executive Director Matt Tucker. As far as content, as far as giving people the opportunity to create what is important to them.

Wright is the founder of The Partnership, a group of North Adams business owners and community leaders trying to advance the North Adams Vision 2030 Plan charting a course for economic development, housing, infrastructure, open space and recreation.

Wright caught herself wishing that more people could hear the conversations she was having with the people trying to make the city a better place, and a podcast became "exactly the way to do that," she said.

The first episode details Fitchs four years in North Adams, in which he's purchased and opened an Eagle Street business and has been elected to the City Council.

Fitch felt like an obvious choice for the inaugural episode, said Wright, partially because he is relatively new to the city but also because he is part of its future.

His story about how he got here from where he had been previously and why he decided to stay here  to me, that's so interesting, said Wright. When you live in a place for years, you kind of sometimes stop appreciating what you have and seeing what you really have. It's when you start talking to new people who have sought the place out  you start to remember how lucky we are to be here.

The second episode was released Feb. 16. It featured a conversation with Vanessa Till Hooper, a local artist who made the Hatchlings installations downtown that were also selected as the winner of the Boston Greenways 2023 call for art.

It was great to see Jennys evolution from someone who was like, I don't think this is for me, to being so comfortable in front of the mic and talking with people, Community Coordinator Steven Burgoon said. I love just being in the room and just doing my thing, and she just has a conversation and just ignores the microphones.

The podcast was NBCTC's first attempt at showing the public the potential of its recording studios, Tucker said. Whether they want to make something entirely themselves or need staff assistance, Tucker hopes the project will show residents that anyone can start a podcast  you just need to have something to say.

It's easier to step into than stepping in front of the camera and the technology is very easy for a single person to learn  Here's the sliders. Here's the record button, off you go, said Tucker.

A nonprofit funded through franchise fees collected from the local cable provider, NBCTC has long been offering their expertise, production training and facilities free of charge to any individual or group in North Adams, Adams, Clarksburg and Cheshire.

Tucker said podcasting is more similar to community television offerings than traditional broadcast radio, where there are strict content rules and time constraints.

I would say podcasts are a bit more akin to community television programs in that they are able to be much more focused in their topic, they are much freer as far as the speech of the people who are involved, said Tucker. "They're the Wild West of the format.

The station and The Partnership are already gaining public interest because of the podcast.

I think the response that we found most notable was individuals getting in touch and saying, How did she do that? How can I do that? Can I do that?, and the answer has been an emphatic 'absolutely,' said Tucker.

Burgoon is already training three new people interested in technical producing roles.

We've got a lot of people from the community who are interested in it, and I think a lot of it has to do with  and I'm not saying this because you're sitting here, Jenny  but a lot of it has to do with the success of Jenny's podcast, he said.

Looking ahead, Wright said she doesnt want to place too many limits on the show to any one type of guest, as long as it's about forwarding North Adams.

This is a community where people are engaged in lots of different ways, and people who have lived here and whose families have been here for generations, who have the most fascinating stories to tell, she said. I really want this podcast to be a pep rally for North Adams.

"Small Cities, Big Stories" is available on Spotify, Apple Music, Audible and most podcast platforms.
Gov. Maura Healey declared a state of emergency Sunday, advising people to "stay indoors" and forecasting whiteout conditions, coastal flooding and power outages from heavy, wind-whipped snow.

Describing the system as a "serious nor'easter" and a "serious blizzard," Healey said heavy snowfall will begin around 10 p.m. Sunday and continue throughout Monday. Expected snow totals range from 12 to 18 inches across the state, with up to 2 feet in parts of the Greater Boston area.

Winds on the coast will gust to 75 miles per hour and wind-chill temperatures Monday will be in the low teens, according to Healey, who declared a "strong likelihood of power outages and downed trees."

"We are expecting significant power outages," 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."

Healey and legislative leaders instructed employees to work remotely if they can Monday; House and Senate sessions planned for Monday were canceled, and the branches will be closed on Monday. Healey called it a "remote telework day" for non-emergency executive branch employees and urged private employers to take the same approach, which would help keep vehicles off the roads so that plow operators can clear the streets.

Without power, remote work efforts might also run into trouble. Energy Secretary Rebecca Tepper said she has been in touch with utilities "constantly" over the last two days and will stay in communication with them.

"Their teams are prepared and activated ahead of this storm," Tepper said. "As others have said, we are expecting windy conditions and wet snow, and there is already snow on the trees. These conditions increase the likelihood of power outages due to the risk of falling trees. We are expecting significant outages in this storm, and it may take multiple days to restore power. Utilities have pre-staged additional line and tree crews on the Cape, Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket and other areas expected to receive the greatest impact."

Snow management and removal is also shaping up as an extra challenge since much of the snow that was dumped across the state during a late-January storm has stuck around during the cold weeks since then.

Healey on Sunday ordered the activation of the state emergency response center in Framingham, and regional centers in Agawam, Franklin and Tewksbury will be activated at 7 a.m. Monday. State emergency management officials are also sending a local coordinator to Barnstable County since Cape Cod is expected to be hit hard.

Transportation Secretary Phil Eng said air travelers should check with their airlines about flights. "Most likely, many of them, if not all, will be canceled tomorrow," he said.

Eng called it "a blizzard-type storm" with "strong, sustained winds throughout the storm" and snowfall rates that he said could exceed the forecast of 1 to 3 inches per hour.

"That is poor to zero visibility, possibly whiteout conditions," he said. "We strongly encourage do not travel unless you have to and you have no choice. If it's essential travel, check to see if perhaps you could reschedule. We really recommend people stay home during the snow event."

Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver said salt supplies are full and the state expects a "full callout for the duration," which means about 3,000 pieces of snow and ice-fighting equipment will be deployed.

"We expect that gradual improvements will happen late tomorrow afternoon and as the snowfall tapers off," Gulliver said. "But this is also the kind of storm where you're going to have a long cleanup period. So highways will be down to pavement, I expect, about three or four hours after the storm ends, and certainly be ready for the Tuesday commute. But there is significant cleanup that's going to be required throughout the week on secondary roads, and especially local roads."

A commercial vehicle restriction went into effect at 5 p.m. Sunday, which means tractor trailers, tandems, box trucks and special permit trucks will be restricted from traveling until the storm is over, Gulliver said. Truck deliveries of food, fuel and medical supplies are not subjection to the restrictions.


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A daughter and son of prominent pub-chain businessman, Charlie Chawke, pleaded guilty on Monday to charges of assault causing harm to two men at the luxury four-star Dunraven Arms Hotel, in Adare, County Limerick.

Alison Chawke, (41), of The Beeches, Holywell, Goatstown, Dublin 14, and her brother Bill Chawke, (31), Merrion Street Upper, Dublin 2, were arraigned before Limerick Circuit Criminal Court and each admitted one count of assault.

Alison Chawke pleaded guilty to assault causing harm to John McHugh, on November 9, 2023.

Bill Chawke pleaded guilty to assault causing harm to Gerard Cox, on the same date.

The two defendants pleaded guilty on a full facts basis, the court heard.

Previously, Newcastle West District Court heard that Alison Chawke allegedly gouged the eyes of one victim and kicked the other victim in the head a number of times before biting him on the side of his face.

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The court in Newcastle West also heard that Ms Chawke allegedly threw a pint glass at the two victims and a number of others who tried to intervene in the attack.

The court in Newcastle West heard that Bill Chawke allegedly threw punches at both victims, and that he gouged the eyes of one of them and hit his head off a bar counter at the hotel.

The Dunraven is a well-known and prestigious hotel, which has hosted members of the British Royal family, US presidents, as well as Hollywood movie stars.

Prosecuting Garda Ronan Hayes, Adare Garda Station, previously gave evidence of arresting and charging the two defendants.

Alison Chawke was represented by senior counsel Mark Nicholas, and Bill Chawke were represented by barrister Henry Kelly BL, instructed by solicitor Michael Finucane.

Ireland Nikita Hand set to be awarded damages after former neighbours fail to respond to lawsuit Read more

Prosecuting barrister Lily Buckley, is instructed by County Limerick State Solicitor Brendan Gill.

Ms Buckley told the court that the two guilty pleas were acceptable to the State on a full facts basis.

Ms Buckley said the court would see CCTV footage in respect of the assaults on the night in question and hear victim impact statements from the two victims.

Judge Simon McAleese remanded the two defendants on continuing bail to appear before Limerick Circuit Criminal Court for the facts to be heard on March 6th.
An engineer who spent years grooming six children who he sexually assaulted has been jailed for seven years.

The 63-year-old Dublin man pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to 10 sample counts of indecent and sexual assaults at places in counties Dublin and Cork.

Most of the offending took place on unknown dates between 1983 and 1990, but some time between 1999 and 2000, the man sexually assaulted one of the victims a second time when she was an adult.

The offending took place at the man's family home in Dublin, at another family home in county Cork and later at the man's Dublin home.

The defendant cannot be named to protect the anonymity of the six victims, five of whom were his first cousins and a sixth who was a cousin of a cousin.

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Judge Orla Crowe said the offences had been a grievous assault upon the victims and were entirely predatory. She said the man had targeted the children and taken advantage of the admiration they had for their cool older cousin.

She observed the impact of the offending on the victims had been immense and said the offences were a breach of trust. She echoed the words of one the victims that this was shameless exploitation.

The court heard the man previously received a suspended sentence in 2005 for sexual assault.

Judge Crowe noted he has written a letter of remorse and has significant health difficulties. She took into account documentation handed in on his behalf, including a psychological report.

She said she was conscious the court process does not undo the harm caused to the blameless injured parties. She said it should be acknowledged that they had stood up for the children and young people they were at the time and held the man to account.

Judge Crowe set a headline sentence of nine years and, taking into account mitigating and personal circumstances, she imposed a sentence of seven years' imprisonment.

Detective Garda Kathy Higgins told Shaun Smyth, prosecuting, that the child victims looked up to the defendant as a cool older cousin and that teenagers would often hang out in his home and there was drinking.

The offending came to light when one of the victims went to gardai in March 2023.

This woman was aged between nine and 11 when the defendant, who was in his mid 20s, indecently assaulted her in the autumn of 1988.

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He brought the child into his bedroom and told her to lay on the bed where he moved his hands over her body above her clothes as well as under her top.

I lay frozen, I was an innocent child, she told the court, reading from her victim impact report. She said she felt terrified, confused and disoriented and that these feelings have never left her.

I was innocent, and he shamelessly exploited me, she said. The defendant took her out of the bedroom into a living area in which a number of teenage boys were watching a graphic adult porn video.

The victim said that young boys were watching a woman getting raped and she found it very strange.

The court heard that this victim met her cousin again 11 years later and stayed over at his Dublin home. During the night she woke up to find the defendant naked in her bed rubbing up against her.

She said she felt this sexual assault was definitely my fault and felt disgusted with myself.

I was frozen in the bed just like I was when I was 10 years old. I blanked out with fear, she said.

She said after this attack, she felt consumed by guilt but later began to realise that she was still so young as a 21-year-old and that her cousin had taken advantage of that.

She said he spent years grooming us. She said that as a child, she hung around his home with other children, many of them teenagers, but that there was a strange undertone to these gatherings.

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It never felt comfortable. It always felt strange, she said. She said that when his abusive behaviour later emerged it caused so much pain in our families and resulted in splits in the family.

One of the victims was aged 13 when the defendant, in his mid-20s, sexually assaulted him by touching his penis.

Another boy was aged 12 in the mid to late 1980s when his cousin made him masturbate him. This abuse escalated to involve oral sex.

The victim said he was never comfortable with the sexual activity and that the defendant plied him with money and gifts.

Another victim said she was aged around nine when her cousin indecently assaulted her while her sister was in the same room. She said he indecently assaulted her a number of times and that he tried to make it seem normal.

One victim told gardai that he froze after the defendant sexually assaulted him when he was aged around 12 years old. When he told his abuser it wasn't right, the defendant replied why can't you have a bit of fun?

The man told the court that the defendant told him not to tell anyone about what had happened. I was ashamed and embarrassed that I let these things happen to me, he said, adding that he now feels ashamed that he never had the courage to tell anyone.

The sixth victim was a teenager in 1990 when the defendant made him give him oral sex. He said the defendant threatened to tell the victim's parents that he had been drinking and smoking.

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The man said he felt ashamed about what had happened and felt he couldn't tell anyone about it. The court heard he, like many of the other victims, went to gardai after the first victim made her complaint.

The defendant has three previous convictions for sexual assault of a male from 2002. In April 2005, he was given an 18-month suspended sentence.

In his victim impact statement, one man said he was still trying to make sense of the impact of the abuse and didn't feel strong enough to come to court.

Det Gda Higgins agreed with Paul Murray SC, defending, that the remorse expressed by his client was genuine. She also agreed that the defendant dealt with the allegations in the best possible way.

He said his client has been assessed as being at a low risk of re-offending. He asked the court to take into account his client's role in caring for his elderly parents.

Counsel said his client has a very good work history as an engineer and asked the court to take into account that the guilty pleas were entered at very early stage.

He said his client knows he is going to prison but asked the court to bear in mind that his client will be going into prison for first time in his life in his mid-60s.

If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, you can call the national 24-hour Rape Crisis Helpline at 1800-77 8888, access text service and webchat options at drcc.ie/services/helpline/ or visit Rape Crisis Help. In the case of an emergency, always dial 999/112.
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.

Liza Marshall, Jessie Buckley, Chloe Zhao and Maggie OFarrell attend the 79th British Academy Film Awards (Ian West/PA)

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.

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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)

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.

Ireland Jessie Buckley secures historic Bafta win Read more

Alongside the outstanding British film award, Buckley, from Killarney, 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.
A man who raped his terrified then-partner in a hotel room and threatened to take her eyeball out with a spoon has been jailed for nine years.

The Central Criminal Court heard the woman was left fearing for her life.

The 36-year-old man was convicted of sexual assault of the woman at his home on February 7, 2022 and rape, sexual assault and threats to kill the woman at a Dublin hotel 11 days later on February 18, 2022.

He has over 70 previous convictions, but no prior convictions for sexual offences.

Passing sentence today, Mr Justice Paul Burns noted the intimate relationship between the pair at the time was an aggravating factor. He noted the severe impact of the offending on the woman, the degradation involved and the abuse of trust.

He said it was an appalling rape and the only person to blame was the accused man.

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Mr Justice Burns set a headline sentence of 11 years' imprisonment, but taking into account the mitigating and personal circumstances of the man, he imposed 10 years' imprisonment with the final year suspended for three years.

The final year of the sentence was suspended on condition the accused man remain under probation supervision and undertake any recommended courses or therapies.

An investigating garda told Eilis Brennan SC, prosecuting, that the man and woman were in a relationship at the time but were not living together. The first offence occurred while the woman was staying over with him.

She was lying on the bed when the man became aggressive and pulled down her clothing when she asked him not to. He hit her and called her abusive names. He later apologised via text message, and she told him he would have to go to anger management if the relationship was to continue.

The woman took pictures of her injuries, including bruising on her neck and thigh.

The woman was arranging to get a protection order taken out, but the pair continued to text, and she went to meet him at a Dublin hotel on February 17 to discuss their relationship.

They had consensual sex in the hotel room, but began to argue in the bar afterwards. The manager of the hotel was concerned something might happen.

The woman said she was getting afraid as the accused was becoming aggressive, and they went back upstairs. She got into bed fully clothed and told the man she did not want to have sex.

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The man put his fingers into her vagina and then raped her. The man spat at her and called her names, before telling her he was going to shoot members of her family. He told her he was going to take her eyeball out with a spoon.

The woman feared she was going to die in the hotel room and ran for the door. She knocked on doors down the corridor as the man pursued her. She screamed so loudly that the man returned to the hotel room, and she made her way to reception.

Gardai were alerted and the extremely distressed woman made a complaint of rape. She was brought to a Sexual Assault Treatment Unit for examination and later made a formal statement.

The man denied all offending at the interview and initially claimed they had not had sex in the hotel. At trial, he conceded they did, but claimed it was consensual.

In her victim impact statement, the woman said there were no words to describe how the crimes had changed her life and changed her as a person. She described how she had washed her skin with bleach as she had been left feeling disgusting and dirty.

Ireland Nikita Hand set to be awarded damages after former neighbours fail to respond to lawsuit Read more

She said she had been left in fear for her life and was living on her nerves. She said she was terrified to socialise and was scared if a car stopped near her, thinking the man had sent someone to kill her, as he always threatened he would.

Giollaiosa O Lideadha SC, defending, said the man does not accept the verdicts of the court but apologised for an outburst he had in court upon his conviction. He said the man wished to indicate to the injured party that she was not under any threat from him.

He said the man wished to avail of therapeutic supports and an anger management programme recommended by a psychological report before the court.

As part of a pilot project BreakingNews.ie has used AI to suggest headline options for this article. The final headline was chosen and edited by BreakingNews.ie journalists. Find out more
A man who struck a man twice with a slash hook in a row over a taxi has been jailed for two years.

Dean Kelly attacked Fergal Pleimean after a disagreement in the village of Convoy in Co Donegal on August 13th, 2022.

Kelly had previously pleaded guilty to the assault.

He also pleaded that he did produce in a manner likely to intimidate another person an article capable of inflicting serious injury, to wit, a slash hook.

Kelly's sentencing had been adjourned from last year to allow a full probation report before the final sentencing of the 30-year-old of The Green, Main Street, Convoy.

Garda Ciaran Finn outlined details of the incident to barrister for the state, Ms Fiona Crawford, BL.

He told how a taxi arrived in Convoy to collect a fare, but there was nobody there, and was flagged down by a man who asked him to take him to Drumkeen.

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The man was joined by Dean Kelly, and the taxi driver then asked to be paid in advance of the journey, and a row began

A scuffle then broke out on the outside of the taxi, and the first man then proceeded to take the Ford Transit taxi but it only moved a few yards.

The scuffle continued before the taxi driver took off his belt and struck Kelly in the head with the buckle before Kelly fled into a house, leaving the taxi driver to get back into his vehicle, thinking the incident had ended.

However, CCTV footage then showed Kelly emerging from the house armed with a slash hook and proceeding to attack the driver.

He struck Mr Pleimean twice, once through the window to his right arm and a second strike to his inner right thigh.

The driver managed to get a kick at Kelly and knocked him back before he fled back into the house.

The driver left but managed to flag down gardai for help. His jeans were ripped, and there was blood coming from his wounds before he was taken to Letterkenny University Hospital for treatment.

Gardai went to the scene, and Kelly claimed he was defending himself before officers went into the house and found the slash hook behind a washing machine.

Barrister for the accused, Mr Peter Nolan, BL, said his client's instructions were that it was the other man who became involved with the taxi driver and that he was only defending himself after being hit by the belt.

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Mr Nolan said Kelly had acknowledged the serious nature of the incident and accepted that he could have "taken the man's life."

The court was told that Kelly's sister Charlotte had died in a tragic road accident just a few weeks before the incident and that he had been drinking heavily.

He had a background of addiction and had attended the White Oaks Rehabilitation Centre in 2017, had cooperated with the probation services, who said the incident did not appear to be premeditated, that alcohol was a factor, and that Kelly was deemed to be of a moderate risk of reoffending.

Mr Nolan said the accused also had 5,000 in court as a token of remorse to the driver.

In a lengthy plea on his client's behalf, Mr Nolan said he thought his client had turned a corner, was still vulnerable, but that he had recently "managed to keep his nose clean."

He urged Judge John Aylmer not to consider not imposing a custodial sentence, saying he believed there was good in Kell,y adding he understood a message had to go out but that his client was now a changed man.

"I am pushing the matter because I believe there is some good here......I would suggest a sentence could be held over his head," he said.

Judge Aylmer replied that Kelly struck the driver twice with a slash hook, drawing blood adding, "He is very lucky that he didn't kill him.

He adjourned the matter for a number of days to consider the sentence.

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However, when the case was heard again, Garda Sergeant Maurice Doyle, despite earlier evidence by Garda Finn that Kelly had not reoffended recently, there were now three further matters before the court.

Judge Aylmer described the seriousness of the assault and said Kelly was lucky he was not before a much more serious court on a much more serious charge, and placed the incident at the higher end of the scale.

Before mitigation was considered, he said the incident merited a sentence of four years in prison on both counts.

In mitigation, he said that of his previous convictions, just one was for a Section 2 assault, that he had cooperated to a significant extent and unfortunately, through his drunken eyes, he saw this as a case of self-defence, but it was clearly not.

He said he had been told that Kelly was a changed man, but that was clearly not the case from what he had heard.

He said he did accept that Kelly is remorseful and that he came to court with the sum of 5,000 for the taxi driver and that he has to be given credit for that, but he said that this did not take it into the "realm of a non-custodial sentence."

He reduced the sentence from one of four years to one of three years.

He added that he also noted the accused had the full support of his family and that there was room for rehabilitation, but added that the time had long since passed when Kelly made serious efforts towards rehabilitation.

He concluded that to encourage him, he would suspend the final 12 months of this sentenc,e meaning Kelly will serve two years in prison.
Monday's front pages focus on a range of stories, from facial recognition technology being trialled on passengers at Holyhead to colleges being urged to cut on-campus days.

The Irish Times reports that thousands of Irish travellers will be scanned by live facial recognition technology this week as part of UK immigration enforcement efforts at Holyhead port.

The Irish Examiner reports that third-level institutions will be asked to examine reducing the number of days students must be on campus for lectures to limit commuting and pressure on student accommodation.

The Echo reports that the boss of Apple in Cork has called transport and housing an issue for the company.
People in Fermanagh deserve the same likelihood to live as those across Northern Ireland, a demonstration has heard.

Several hundred people travelled to Belfast to advocate for emergency general surgery (EGS) healthcare services in the South West Acute Hospital (SWAH) in Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh.

Campaigners from Save Our Acute Services (SOAS) pushed a hospital bed up the hill at Stormont as they delivered letters to MLAs calling on them to support their drive.

The campaign advocates for emergency general surgery services in Co Fermanagh (Liam McBurney/PA)

Demonstrators carried signs reading time matters, 2 hours is too late while one man in a wheelchair sat beneath a sign saying this man will not make it to Altnagelvin.

Secretary of SOAS Helen Hamill said people in Fermanagh really woke up in July 2025 when the Western Trust proposed that all EGS be delivered from the Altnagelvin Hospital on a permanent basis, a decision they later agreed to pause.

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There was a sort of a jolt factor, she said.

Staff were really upset about it. Patient stories started to come flooding out where there were terrible outcomes. Despite the fact that the Trust says theres positive improvements, it isnt the case on the ground.

Its not the case that were hearing from staff, and its not what were hearing from patients.

Ms Hamill said some people in Fermanagh would be hours away from Altnagelvin when in need of life-saving care.

You cant be a mummy and have a section in SWAH as an emergency and be packed up and taken to another hospital from your baby. These things are happening, she said.

Helen Hamill called for action from MLAs (Liam McBurney/PA)

She added: Its unsafe for us, thats how it feels  youre too far away. Youre much too far away to be assured of getting the same outcomes as everybody else.

The campaigner said her message to UUP Health Minister Mike Nesbitt is: We want the same services.

We want the same likelihood to live and to die in Fermanagh as there is anywhere else in Northern Ireland, and currently we dont, she added.

The community group SOAS spoke to UUP leader Jon Burrows (Liam McBurney/PA)

Representatives from Sinn Fein, the SDLP, UUP, and DUP were present at the demonstration, where calls of we need the money were heard.

Sinn Fein MLA for Fermanagh and South Tyrone Jemma Dolan said there has been no progress on EGS services at SWAH since its suspension in 2022.

Asked if she would call on the finance minister, Sinn Feins John ODowd, to ring-fence funding for the service, she said the reason the service collapsed in the first place was because of not enough staff.

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So our understanding was that the money was there, the staff werent, she said.

So were still calling on the health minister. The decision lies with the health minister. Its his department, and the final decision lies with him.

Sinn Feins Jemma Dolan said there has been no progress on EGS services at SWAH since 2022 (Liam McBurney/PA)

Asked where the failure at SWAH lies, UUP leader Jon Burrows said public services have been under-resourced and there has been real questions about the stewardship of public services by some at Stormont.

But we have a health minister who is gripping these issues, he said.

Thats why weve got more theatres open in the SWAH, thats why were cutting wait lists, thats why the health minister has delivered an extra 200,000 treatments this year, well ahead of the 70,000 target treatments that he was given by the Executive.

So look, we appreciate that we need to do better but the Ulster Unionist Party is absolutely committed, not just to the SWAH but driving up health opportunities.

Issues over emergency general surgery provision were highlighted (Liam McBurney/PA)

DUP MLA for Fermanagh and South Tyrone Deborah Erskine said the hospital means a lot to each and every single one of us.

We need the health minister to commit to ensuring that emergency general surgery will come back to our rural hospital in Fermanagh, she told the crowd on the steps of Stormont.

If the trusts are saying that to the health minister, bring it back. Its simple.

So we will stand with you. We will do the best we can.

Believe you me, we are fighting as much as we can within that building.
A member of the Hutch family who is not a gangland Hutch has been jailed for a further six years for possession of an improvised pipe bomb two years ago.

Sammy Hutch (50) is currently serving a six-and-a-half-year sentence for robbery with a release date of April 2029.

Hours before he was caught by gardai crouching behind some trees in April 2024, Sammy Hutch texted an accomplice telling him he had a pipe bomb and what would this person think about him attaching it to the gas metres of an unspecified 'gaff'. My treat, bang bang, he wrote.

Two days into his Dublin Circuit Criminal Court trial last November, Hutch (50) pleaded guilty to one count of possessing an explosive device at his home in Cardiffsbridge Avenue, Finglas, in the early hours of April 30yj, 2024.

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He has 103 previous convictions.

Sentencing on Monday, Judge Patricia Ryan said the aggravating factors in the case included the nature of the device found and the allegation that Hutch had it in his possession for an unlawful purpose.

She noted the court heard from an expert outlining the elements of the device, which was ready to go.

She set a headline sentence of nine years, which she reduced to six years. She ordered that the sentence run consecutively to the robbery sentence that was handed down last January.

At the sentence hearing, Garda Margaret Revins told John Moher BL, prosecuting, that she and a colleague were on patrol in Finglas on the night in question when they noticed a man with a backpack crouching behind some trees shortly after 1am.

They approached the man, Hutch  who fled the scene back to his house. When gardai eventually gained access to his home and searched the bag, they found a mask, screwdriver, gloves, vice grips, a hammer and a Stanley blade.

A further search of the bag then revealed the improvised pipe bomb, which had a rag containing an accelerant sticking out of it and contained screws, putty and a green flake-like material.

Hutch was subdued with the use of pepper spray before being arrested, while members of the defence forces were called to Finglas Garda Station to disable the device. The garda station had to be evacuated as a result, the court heard.

When Hutch's phone was analysed, it was found to contain the messages to an accomplice discussing the pipe bomb and saying he was reporting for duty at 0200 hours.

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His previous convictions include burglary, theft, robbery, drugs and criminal damage offences.

Paul Greene SC, defending, said his client has a surname that requires the question, but he is not involved in any gangland activities. He is not a gangland Hutch, to be blunt, Mr Greene said.

Ireland Man who struck man with slash hook in row over taxi jailed for two years Read more

He said Hutch had a long history of drug abuse, and most of his previous convictions related to crimes associated with addiction.

He got clean for a period in 2020 before relapsing, the court heard. He has had a difficult time in custody and was scalded with the contents of a kettle during a recent assault, defence counsel said

Two of his sisters were supportive of him in court, and a letter was handed up from a horse and pony club in Finglas outlining his work there.

After the sentence was handed down, Mary Hanafin BL, for the defence, requested that legal aid be extended in the event of an appeal.
Celebrities including Emma Stone, Carey Mulligan and Kerry Washington dared to bare on the Bafta red carpet.

Stars descended on Londons Royal Festival Hall for the 79th British Academy Film Awards, with the trend for risque and backless outfits taking centre stage.

Emma Stone (James Manning/PA)

Stone, who is nominated for best actress for her role in Bugonia, braved the February weather in a daring black dress, featuring a halterneck, a keyhole cut-out and a daring backless design.

She paired the risque ensemble with delicate earrings and a loose chignon.

Carey Mulligan (James Manning/PA)

She wasnt 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 dress that was backless save for one thin strap, paired with a relaxed bob hairstyle.

Jessie Buckley (James Manning/PA)

While Irish actress Jessie Buckleys outfit doesnt look immediately daring  the electric blue dress featured a high neckline and bedazzled brooches on the shoulders  it revealed an unexpected scooped back.

Buckley  who is hotly tipped to win the best actress award for her role in Hamnet  paired the vibrant Grecian-style dress with short, wet-look hair.

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.

The 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 sequinned pattern on the bodice, a voluminous chiffon skirt and a 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, continued her red carpet relationship with luxury French fashion house Louis Vuitton.

Infiniti wore a burgundy coloured gown by the brand, 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 turqoise dress she wore to the Critics Choice Awards in January, showing the actress 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 gong 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.

Teyana Taylor (James Manning/PA)

But not all of the red carpet was dominated with daring designs, with some stars experimenting with more demure fashion choices. Teyana 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.

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)

While 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 wasnt short of daring menswear. Alan Cumming, actor and host of The Traitors US, took on hosting duties for the Bafta film awards, 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.

Riz Ahmed (James Manning/PA)

Riz Ahmed, who has just starred in a contemporary South Asian take on Hamlet, wore a double-breasted pinstriped suit with flared trousers and no shirt underneath.
At least 73 people died in Mexicos attempt to capture the notorious leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel and the violent aftermath of his death, authorities said as much of the country feared another wave of violence.

The body count taken by security officials included security forces, suspected cartel members and others.





Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, also known as El Mencho, was the boss of one of the fastest-growing criminal networks in Mexico, known for trafficking fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine to the US and staging brazen attacks against government officials.

The organisation responded to his death with widespread violence, including blocking roads and setting fire to vehicles.

Oseguera Cervantes died after a shootout in his home state of Jalisco as the Mexican military tried to capture him.

Mexican defence secretary Ricardo Trevilla said on Monday that authorities had followed one of Oseguera Cervantes romantic partners to his hideout in Tapalpa.

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Oseguera Cervantes and two bodyguards fled into a wooded area where they were seriously wounded in a firefight.

They were taken into custody and died on the way to Mexico City, Mr Trevilla said.



Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum urged calm (Ginnette Riquelme/AP)

In a different location in Jalisco, soldiers also killed another high-ranking cartel member who Mr Trevilla said was coordinating violence and offering more than 1,000 dollars for every soldier killed.

The dead included 25 members of the Mexican National Guard who were killed in six separate attacks, security secretary Omar Garcia Harfuch said.

Mr Harfuch said some 30 criminal suspects were killed in Jalisco, and four others were killed in the neighbouring state of Michoacan.

Also killed were a prison guard and an agent from the state prosecutors office.

As the threat of violence loomed, several Mexican states cancelled school on Monday, while local and foreign governments warned their citizens to stay inside.

President Claudia Sheinbaum urged calm, and authorities said all of the more than 250 cartel roadblocks across 20 states had been cleared by Monday.



Guadalajara was almost completely shut down on Sunday as fearful residents stayed home (Alejandra Leyva/AP)

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.

Mexico hoped the death of the worlds biggest fentanyl traffickers would ease Trump administration pressure to do more against the cartels, but many people were on edge as they waited to see the powerful cartels reaction.

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The US Embassy said via X that its personnel in eight cities and in Michoacan would shelter in place and work remotely on Monday.

It warned US citizens in many parts of Mexico to do the same.

Cars began circulating in Guadalajara before sunrise on Monday with the start of the workweek, a notable change from Sunday, when Jaliscos state capital and Mexicos second-largest city was almost completely shut down as fearful residents stayed home.

More than 1,000 people were stuck overnight in Guadalajaras zoo, where they slept in buses.



Cartel members responded with violence across the country, blocking roads and setting fire to vehicles (Alejandra Leyva/AP)

On Monday morning, mothers wrapped in blankets carried their toddlers out of the buses for a much-needed bathroom break as police trucks guarded the area.

Luis Soto Rendon, the zoos director, said many had been trapped there since Sunday morning, when violence broke out in Jalisco and the surrounding states.

Families concluded they could not return home in nearby states like Zacatecas and Michoacan.

US President Donald Trump has demanded Mexico do more to fight the smuggling of fentanyl, threatening to impose more tariffs or take unilateral military action if the country does not show results.

There were early signs that Mexicos efforts were well received by the US.

US ambassador Ron Johnson recognised the success of the Mexican armed forces and their sacrifice in a statement late on Sunday.



The White House confirmed that the US provided intelligence support for the operation to capture the cartel leader (Armando Solis/AP)

Under the leadership of Mr Trump and Ms Sheinbaum, he said, bilateral cooperation has reached unprecedented levels.

But the operation may also pave the way for more violence as rival criminal groups take advantage of the blow dealt to El Menchos organisation, said David Mora, Mexico analyst for the International Crisis Group.

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This might be a moment in which those other groups see that the cartel is weakened and want to seize the opportunity for them to expand control and to gain control over Cartel Jalisco in those states, he said.

Ever since Ms Sheinbaum took office, the army has been way more confrontational, combative against criminal groups in Mexico, Mr Mora said.

This is signalling to the US that if we keep cooperating, sharing intelligence, Mexico can do it. We dont need US troops on Mexican soil.

The US State Department had offered a reward of up to 15 million dollars (11.1 million) for information leading to the arrest of El Mencho.

The Jalisco New Generation Cartel, which began operating around 2009, is one of the most powerful criminal organisations in Mexico.

In February 2025, the Trump administration designated the cartel as a foreign terrorist organisation.

It 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.
The first tranche of documents related to Peter Mandelsons appointment as US ambassador is expected to be released very shortly in early March, MPs have been told.

However, the publication of some correspondence between Downing Street and the peer will be delayed because of the Metropolitan Police interest, Chief Secretary to the British Prime Minister Darren Jones said.

Mr Jones statement to the Commons came minutes before the force announced Mandelson had been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

The former Labour minister has been accused of passing on information to Epstein when he was business secretary, with two of his properties searched by police.

Keir Starmer has faced considerable criticism over his decision to appoint Mandelson to the position despite his links to paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, with Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar calling for him to resign.

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The British Prime Minister had admitted to knowing about Mandelsons ongoing friendship with Epstein, but said the peer lied repeatedly about the extent of the relationship when questioned on it.

Under pressure from Labour MPs and opposition parties, the British Prime Minister agreed to release all the documents relating to the appointment, with sensitive ones sent to Parliaments Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC).

Plain clothes police officer leading Peter Mandelson out of a house in London (Screengrab/BBC News/PA)

In a statement to the Commons on Monday, Mr Jones said: The Government intends to publish documents in tranches instead of one publication at the end of the process, given that we are unable to confirm how long that process will take.

On that basis, the Government expects to be able to publish the first tranche of documents very shortly in early March.

I should, however, inform the House that it remains the case that a subset of this first tranche of documents is currently subject to the ongoing Metropolitan Police investigation.

This includes correspondence between number 10 and Lord Peter Mandelson, in which a number of follow up questions were asked.

Because of the Metropolitan Police interest in this document, we are unable to publish it in early March in the first tranche, but will release it as soon as we are able to do so in consultation with the Metropolitan Police.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer leaving 10 Downing Street (James Manning/PA)

There is also a small portion of that material which engages matters of national security or international relations, and thus the role this House has envisaged for the Intelligence and Security Committee, we are working with the committee to establish processes for making this material available to them, and were very grateful to the committee in advance of their important contribution to reviewing these documents.

Mr Jones later added that the first tranche will include documents currently held by the Government, besides the previously mentioned exceptions.

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The subsequent tranches of information will include documents found by various departments through their searches.

He said: Commissions have gone out across Government for those departments to search their archives and databases to bring forward any documents that relate to the terms of the humble address.

And given the depth of the issues raised in the humble address, that of course will take some time to process.

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar called on Keir Starmer to resign over the appointment (Robert Perry/PA)

The Conservatives accused the Government of acting with the urgency of a tired sloth on a bank holiday Monday in releasing documents.

Shadow Cabinet Office minister Mike Wood said: Careful work must not become a euphemism for managed delay.

It is time the Government stopped treating Parliament like an inconvenient interruption to their schedule, stopped giving every impression that they have priorities working out whos back to cover, and started providing some actual answers so that we can start to get to the bottom of this murky matter.

Mr Jones responded that the Government was trying to manage a criminal investigation, and Im sure the House would not want us to inadvertently interfere with that process.

Mandelson, a political appointment rather than a career diplomat, was sacked from his Washington role in September last year over his links with Epstein, who died in 2019.
The European Union has failed to pass new sanctions on Russia at a meeting on Monday after objections from Hungary, the blocs top diplomat said.

Unfortunately, we did not reach an agreement on the 20th sanctions package, said Kaja Kallas, the EUs foreign policy chief. This is a setback and a message we did not want to send today.

European diplomats had been scrambling to finalise new sanctions on Russia and a massive new loan for Kyiv ahead of the fourth anniversary of a war that has left an estimated 1.8 million Russian and Ukrainian soldiers dead, wounded or missing.

But they did not persuade Hungary to support the latest EU efforts to help Ukraine and to make Russia pay an economic price for the all-out war that it launched against its neighbour on February 24 2022, and which shows no signs of ending.





Four years into its war, Moscow has failed to achieve any of its strategic objectives.



The pressure in the peace talks seems to be falling on Ukraine. But if we want this war to stop and any peace to last, we need to see concessions from Russia.



Its not Ukraines army that is pic.twitter.com/5TIuvPStuP  Kaja Kallas (@kajakallas) February 23, 2026

Hungary, seen as the most pro-Russian member of the EU, threatened on the weekend to hold up both the sanctions and a major loan meant to help Kyiv meet its military and economic needs for the next two years.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz marked what he called four monstrous years of war at a pro-Ukrainian event in Berlin on Monday.

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I appeal again to our European partners  do not let up in your support, in our common support, for Ukraine, Mr Merz said. We are standing at a crossroads that could decide on the wellbeing of our whole continent.

No one can say today whether the weapons will fall silent in Ukraine in six weeks, in six months or even later. But we are working for them to fall silent as quickly as possible.

In Paris, French President Emmanuel Macron declared that our determination to continue supporting Ukraine is unwavering.

He met Finlands President, Alexander Stubb, another staunch supporter of Ukraine who urged European allies to raise the costs on Russian President Vladimir Putin.



French President Emmanuel Macron said our determination to continue supporting Ukraine is unwavering (Thomas Padilla; Pool/AP)

Many EU leaders had hoped to move forward on the sanctions and loan before the anniversary of the wars start on Tuesday.

But Ms Kallas had warned that the foreign ministers would likely not agree to the sanctions targeting Russias shadow fleet and energy revenues.

Hungary on the weekend threatened to block the sanctions and to obstruct the 90 billion euro loan for Ukraine which it had previously agreed to, saying it would stand firm until Russian oil deliveries to Hungary resume.

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Russian oil shipments to both Hungary and Slovakia have been interrupted since January 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.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban doubled down Monday on an unsubstantiated allegation that Ukraine is deliberately holding back shipments of Russian oil, and accused Kyiv of seeking to topple his government.

He referred to the oil supply disruptions as a Ukrainian oil blockade led by President Volodymyr Zelensky.



Viktor Orban is the EUs longest-serving leader (Alex Brandon, Pool/AP)

No one has the right to put our energy security at risk, Hungarian foreign minister Peter Szijjarto said as he sparred with journalists in Brussels ahead of the meeting.

Some European leaders stressed that the most effective way to get Russia to agree to peace in Ukraine is to raise the cost to Russia of continuing the war.

This war will only end when Russia no longer sees any sense in continuing it; when Russia can no longer expect more territorial gains; when Russias costs for this madness have simply become too high, Mr Merz said. We must dry up Moscows war financing.

In Paris, Finlands leader argued that Russias war in Ukraine was a strategic failure as he made the case for ratcheting up pressure on Mr Putin.

It is also a military failure  he is now losing many soldiers  and, on top of that, it is an economic failure, Mr Stubb said. Putin is not winning this war, but he cannot make peace.



Firefighters put out a fire after a drone hit a residential building in Kyiv, Ukraine, on Sunday (Sergei Grits/AP)

The EU has already sent Ukraine 194.9 billion euros in financial assistance while at the same time squeezing Russias key energy exports.

Nearly every country in Europe has significantly reduced or entirely ceased Russian energy imports since Moscow launched its full-scale war in Ukraine.

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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.

Facing a crucial election in less than two months, Mr Orban has launched an aggressive anti-Ukraine campaign and accused the opposition Tisza party, which leads in most polls, of conspiring with the EU and Ukraine to install what he called on Monday a pro-Ukraine government aligned with Brussels and Kyiv.

Polands foreign minister, Radoslaw Sikorski, said he believed Hungarys veto threat could really be about Mr Orbans fierce fight to hold onto power.

Mr Orban, the EUs longest-serving leader, will face off in April against the greatest challenge to his power since he took office in 2010.





There are different views on World War III. I believe Putin has already started it. The question is: how much territory can he seize, and how to stop him? Not to prevent Russia from winning, but because Russia wants to impose its own world and change peoples lives, which they  Volodymyr Zelenskyy /   (@ZelenskyyUa) February 23, 2026

I would have expected a much greater feeling of solidarity from Hungary for Ukraine, Mr Sikorski said in Brussels. The ruling party managed to create a climate of hostility towards the victim of aggression. And then it is now trying to exploit that in the general election. Its quite shocking.

Hungary had already agreed in December to the EU loan. Ms Kallas said reneging on that goes against the EU treaties.

We must release that. We must find an agreement between the member states because Ukraine needs this money heavily, said Margus Tsahkna, the foreign minister of Estonia, which on Tuesday will celebrate the 108th anniversary of its independence from then-Soviet Russia in 1918.
Peter Mandelsons long and varied political career has hit a new low as the former UK Labour minister was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

He is accused of passing on information to paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein when he was UK business secretary.

It is the latest development in a spectacular fall from grace that has seen him resign his UK Labour membership and stand down from the House of Lords.

Mandelson has made a career of comebacks  from spin doctor to returning to cabinet after quitting twice  but he was axed as the UKs top diplomat in Washington last year over his friendship with Epstein.

As Keir Starmers ambassador to the US, he was the first political appointment to the role in decades and took on the job as Donald Trump returned to the White House.

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Mandelson started out as a Labour communications director in 1985 and was first elected as an MP in 1992. He served in the cabinets of Tony Blair and Gordon Brown.

Keir Starmer removed Mandelson from his role as US ambassador last year (Carl Court/PA)

The Labour grandee resigned twice from cabinet, in 1998 and 2001, became Britains European commissioner between 2004 and 2008, and then made an astonishing return in 2008 under Mr Brown, who made him a peer to become business secretary.

A linchpin of the New Labour project from its birth in the early 1990s, Mandelson witnessed and participated in the feuds that dominated much of its 13 years in power.

His ability to manipulate the levers of power from the shadows earned him monikers such as the Prince of Darkness and the Dark Lord.

His first departure from the Department of Trade and Industry in 1998 came after it emerged he had received a 373,000 home loan from then paymaster general Geoffrey Robinson.

He returned to the cabinet as Northern Ireland secretary in 1999 but quit again in 2001 as he became embroiled in the Hinduja affair.

He had been accused of helping one of the Indian billionaire Hinduja brothers get a British passport in return for a 1 million donation to the Millennium Dome.

Despite being cleared by an inquiry of any impropriety in the case, his Westminster career looked finished and he became a European commissioner in Brussels.

Mr Brown recalled Mandelson to the cabinet table as business secretary in October 2008 (Victoria Jones/PA)

Mr Brown recalled him to the cabinet table as business secretary in October 2008, in a move widely seen as an attempt by the then-PM to shield himself from Blairite criticism as he came increasingly under fire.

Lord Mandelson was chief strategist for Labour in London in the 2010 election while Mr Brown toured the country.

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A vocal critic of Jeremy Corbyns leadership of the Labour Party, Mandelson then provided advice to Keir Starmer as he sought to win power.

He was named Keir Starmer's ambassador to the US in December 2024.

His trade experience was seen as a strength amid the US presidents pledge to impose wide-ranging tariffs and he was involved in negotiations to ease their impact on the UK.

Questions had been raised about his links to Epstein over the years, but came under new scrutiny in September after it was revealed that he had supported the disgraced US financier while he was being investigated for sexual offences.

Emails emerged in which he told Epstein to fight for early release shortly before he was sentenced to 18 months in prison.

He is also reported to have told Epstein, I think the world of you, the day before the disgraced financier began his sentence for soliciting prostitution from a minor in June 2008.

Keir Starmer initially said he had confidence in Mandelson as US ambassador before sacking him last year (Carl Court/PA)

The British Prime Minister sacked him as ambassador amid mounting pressure.

But another tranche of documents released by the US Department of Justice in January then raised new questions.

The so-called Epstein files appeared to show that the financier paid for an osteopathy course for Mandelsons husband, Reinaldo Avila Da Silva, in 2009, at the time the government was dealing with the financial crisis.

Meanwhile, bank statements from 2003 and 2004 indicated he received payments totalling 75,000 US dollars from Epstein, but Mandelson said he had no recollection of receiving the funds.

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The files also appeared to show him passing on sensitive information to Epstein.

Emails from 2009 appeared to show Mandelson passing on an assessment by Gordon Browns adviser of potential policy measures, including an asset sales plan.

He also appeared to discuss a tax on bankers bonuses and confirm an imminent bailout package for the euro, the day before it was announced in 2010.

Mandelson resigned from Labour, saying he did not wish to cause further embarrassment to the party.

Faced with the prospect of legislation to strip him of his title, he then confirmed he would quit the House of Lords.

Weeks later, after police searched his property, he was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office and taken to a London police station for interview.

He has not publicly commented, but is reported to reject that he has acted criminally in any way.

Meanwhile, the government is preparing to release its own documents related to Mandelsons appointment as ambassador, which Keir Starmer has said will prove he lied during the vetting process, with the first files expected to be made public in early March.
Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown said on Monday that the state had filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration to halt construction of a new federal immigration detention centre in the state.

The US Department of Homeland Security, which has federal oversight of immigration, spent more than $100 million on a 54-acre square-foot warehouse in Maryland's Washington County to convert into a detention centre capable of holding 1,500 people at a time, Brown said.

The Trump administration, according to Maryland's attorney general and government, purchased the property without conducting an environmental review or receiving public input.

However, according to Washington County last month, the federal government did not need to seek local zoning approval for the project. As a result, it said, the county could not legally restrict the Trump administration's ability to proceed with the detention centre.

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"Our people must be heard when the federal government makes decisions that affect their health, their safety, and their communities," said Maryland Governor Wes Moore, a Democrat.

He added: "The State of Maryland is filing this lawsuit because DHS must be held to the same legal standard as every other federal agency."

DHS did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The department plans to spend more than $38 billion in 2026 on detention centres as the Republican Trump administration seeks to ramp up its already aggressive immigration agenda.

This would increase Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) total bed capacity to 92,600 at its detention centres.

There are currently more than 200 federal immigration detention centres in the United States.

The move to increase detention centres in states across the US states has been met with some bipartisan criticism.

Amid the criticism, four Democratic members of Congress on Monday announced a plan to introduce a bill requiring DHS to seek written approval from state and local officials before constructing, acquiring or operating any ICE processing facility or detention center.
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LifestyleBeautyJeffrey Epstein What the Epstein files reveal about the beauty and fashion industry Lauren Ironmonger February 24, 2026  4:03am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

The latest wave of Jeffrey Epsteins email correspondence, released by the US Department of Justice last month, reveals the extent of the former financiers connections in the worlds of fashion, beauty and wellness, which he often used as leverage to lure victims and exert power. They also reveal the sex offender was an investor in Allergan Aesthetics, the makers of Botox, and was interested in funding a personal genome project at Harvard researching the genetic origins of beauty as well as research into designer babies. Being mentioned in the files does not mean that a person had any knowledge of, or involvement in, Epsteins crimes. This masthead is not suggesting any criminal wrongdoing on the part of those mentioned in the files, nor of any brands associated with such figures, just that their names appear. Some people are calling for a boycott of the brands implicated in the latest release of Jeffrey Epsteins email correspondence. Matt Willis The inclusion of some names in the files  including Estee Lauder chair Ronald Lauder and luxury skincare mogul Peter Thomas Roth  has led some online users to call for boycotts of their brands.

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But Trent Rigby, director of Retail Customer Advisory, is sceptical about just how much of a dint boycotts will have in companies revenue and reputation. They generate a lot of noise, but they dont really translate to any sort of material or major sales decline, he says, explaining beauty tends to be a habit-driven category with shoppers unlikely to withdraw support in the long term. However, he thinks founder-led brands, are more likely to bear a stain, and the public will be looking to brands for how they respond. Below are just a few of the high-profile names revealed in the files. Leslie Wexner

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Leslie Wexner. Getty Images Leslie Wexner, former CEO of lingerie brand Victorias Secret, has long been tied to Epstein. The businessman, whom Epstein served as financial manager between 1987 and 2007, is also the co-founder and chair emeritus of Bath & Body Works and was responsible for making Abercrombie & Fitch a household name. In 2009, Wexner was named by the FBI in a list of Epsteins 10 co-conspirators, alongside figures including Ghislaine Maxwell, Richard Kahn and modelling agent Jean-Luc Brunel. Outspoken victim Virginia Guiffre previously alleged Wexner as one of the men Epstein trafficked her to.

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Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor Disgraced Andrews secret deals with Epstein pose a grim test for the King The 88-year-old last week told US congress he was duped by a world-class conman: I was naive, foolish, and gullible to put any trust in Jeffrey Epstein. He was a con man. And while I was conned, I have done nothing wrong and have nothing to hide. Wexner has always maintained his innocence and has never been convicted for any crimes related to Epstein. Ronald Lauder

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Ronald Lauder, chairman of Estee Lauder International, appears in the Epstein files more than 900 times. Getty Images Ronald Lauder, the sole heir to the Estee Lauder empire founded by his parents Estee and Joseph, appears in the files more than 900 times. Estee Lauder Companies, an American multinational, is the second-largest cosmetics company in the world after LOreal and counts iconic brands such as Bobbi Brown, Clinique, La Mer, M.A.C and Jo Malone in its stable. In 2014, Epstein set up an LLC for Lauder and investor Leon Black, enabling their shared ownership of a US$25 million ($35 million) painting. The new spate of emails shows Lauder and Epsteins staff set up lunches for the two men in 2017 but dont reveal any relationship beyond a few social, philanthropic and business engagements.

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Lauder, a close friend of US president Donald Trump, was also revealed in January to be the man who pushed for the acquisition of Greenland (Lauder has commercial holdings there). Vera Wang Fashion designer Vera Wang at the Met Gala last year. Getty Images This is not the first time American fashion designer Vera Wang, best known for her wedding dresses, has been associated with Epstein. An investigation by The Wall Street Journal published in 2023 revealed the designer appeared in Epsteins schedule from 2013 to 2017, and that she was another high-powered industry insider whose name Epstein cited to lure in young victims.

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Jeffrey Epstein Epstein files give weight to conspiracy theories we once dismissed Jacqueline Maley Columnist and senior journalist Wang expressed regret over her relationship with Epstein at the time, telling WSJ: I never knew he was using my name in any capacity, and it horrifies and repulses me to now hear that he did so. The new spate of emails shows communication continued between the two after his 2008 conviction for soliciting prostitution from a minor, mainly in the form of requests via their assistants to call one another. They also reveal Epstein attended Wangs fashion show in 2010 and that in 2013, he brought a bride to her showroom. Unfortunately, Vera is not available to meet up at the dress store today. I did request please be sure to let Vera know you have been asking and hoped to see her, Epsteins assistant Lesley Groff wrote to him. Epstein also appears to have helped a member of the Agnellis, an Italian business dynasty, secure a summer internship in Vera Wangs design team in June 2013.

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Naomi Campbell Naomi Campbell maintains she had no knowledge of any criminal conduct. Getty Images Naomi Campbells association with Epstein is not new. The British supermodel was allegedly close friends with Epstein co-conspirator Ghislaine Maxwell and was named by victim Virginia Giuffre when she first went public with her story. Giuffre was photographed at Campbells 31st birthday party in Saint-Tropez in 2001, and in 2020, claimed Campbell was aware of Epsteins abuse in a post on Twitter: You saw me at your parties, you saw me in Epsteins homes, you saw me on the plane, you saw me get my haircut, you saw me on the streets, you watched me be abused. You saw me! she wrote.

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Another of Epsteins victims, who was 15 when she met him, claimed he had promised to get her work at Victorias Secret and said he knew Campbell. The same victim said she had met with Campbell at Epsteins private office. However, the new suite of emails shed further light on the nature of their relationship, including that they continued correspondence after his 2008 conviction, that Campbell requested use of Epsteins private jet and invited him to parties. Campbell has maintained she had no knowledge of Epsteins criminal conduct, which her lawyer reiterated in a statement to The New York Times last week: Prior to Epsteins 2019 arrest in New York, my client knew nothing about his appalling criminal conduct If my client had ever encountered any young woman whom she thought was being victimised by Epstein, she would have personally taken immediate action to help her, part of the statement read. Campbells close friend and collaborator, the late designer Azzedine Alaia, also appears in the emails, which indicate he scheduled a meeting with Epstein, Hermes CEO Axel Dumas and French-German banker Ariane de Rothschild in 2014.

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Peter Thomas Roth Skincare mogul Peter Thomas Roth. Getty Images Luxury skincare mogul Peter Thomas Roth exchanged emails with Epstein between 2004 and 2018. In an email sent to Ghislaine Maxwell in October 2007, following Epsteins Florida indictment on one state felony charge of solicitation of prostitution but before his 2008 conviction, Roth wrote: Please tell Jeffery how very sorry Noreen and I are for him and how terrible we feel for him. We totally feel he was set up to be made an example of...how very sad for him and for all of us. Please also let him know we know he did nothing wrong and will always love him and be our friend for ever. If he ever needs anything from us, or if he needs us to do anything for him, please get in touch with us and we will ALWAYS be there for him. Anything! Promise.....XXOO Peter.

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Editor's pick Epstein fallout I regret ever knowing him: Bill Gates denies Epstein claim in latest release of files Roth launched his eponymous brand in 1993, and quickly gained a reputation for his clinical, science-based approach to cosmetics, becoming the largest privately owned skincare brand in the US today. In Australia, the brand is stocked at retailers including Adore Beauty and Sephora. This masthead has contacted both retailers to see if they will be pulling the brand from shelves, or have noticed any changes to sales. They had not responded at the time of publication. Roth also seems to have visited Epstein at home, according to an email sent in September 2017 in which Epstein wrote, Peter thomas roth is coming to my house to explain to all the girls about skin creams, cleansers and such. Afterwards, Roth sent 13 gift bags to Epstein.

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In 2018, Roth emailed Epstein a link to an article headline, Steve Bannon trying to get on disgraced Jeffrey Epsteins good side. Fun, Epstein replied. In a statement posted to Instagram on February 6, Roth denied being present with him for any activity that was inappropriate, or ever having attended any parties, flying on Epsteins plane or visiting the island. He explained that Epstein had been his physics teacher in school and they stayed in touch in the decades that followed. Peter Attia Peter Attia appeared at SXSW in Texas last year. Getty Images

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Canadian-American longevity guru Peter Attias name appears more than 1800 times in the files, including in correspondence where he reviewed blood tests and MRI scans of Epstein and made appointments for meetings. In one particularly crass email exchange from 2016, Attia wrote: Pussy is, indeed, low carb. Still awaiting results on gluten content, though. In another, from 2015, with the subject line got a fresh shipment, Attia wrote: The biggest problem with becoming friends with you? The life you lead is so outrageous, and yet I cant tell a soul... Editor's pick Extremism Helly Hansen is the new uniform of choice for neo-Nazis. Why? Attia is known for his work in longevity medicine, and appeared in the 2022 series Limitless: With Chris Hemsworth, in which he told the Australian actor he carried a gene that leads to a higher risk of developing Alzheimers disease.

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On February 2, Attia shared an email he sent to employees on X, denying any knowledge of Epsteins abuse: I was not involved in any criminal activity; My interactions with Epstein had nothing to do with his sexual abuse or exploitation of anyone; I was never on his plane, never on his island, and never present at any sex parties. That said, I apologise and regret putting myself in a position where emails, some of them embarrassing, tasteless, and indefensible, are now public, and that is on me. I accept that reality and the humiliation that comes with it. Deepak Chopra Deepak Chopra in 2023. Getty Images In November, new age wellness guru Deepak Chopras name first appeared in email communications with Epstein. This new drop of documents reveals thousands more exchanges, including one February 2017 email in which Chopra appears to ask Epstein to accompany him to Israel.

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Come to Israel with us, Chopra wrote. Relax and have fun with interesting people. [if] you want use a fake name . Bring your girls. It will be fun to have you. Love In another exchange a month later, Chopra wrote: God is a construct. Cute girls are real. Epstein also asked in return of Chopra: Did you find me a cute Israeli? In a statement posted to X (Twitter) on February 5, the 79-year-old said he was deeply saddened by the suffering of the victims in this case.

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I was never involved in, nor did I participate in, any criminal or exploitative conduct. Any contact I had was limited and unrelated to abusive activity. Some past email exchanges have surfaced that reflect poor judgment in tone. I regret that and understand how they read today, given what was publicly known at the time. Axel Dumas, Hermes CEO Hermes CEO Axel Dumas and Anna Wintour in October last year. Getty Images Axel Dumas, CEO of luxury French house Hermes, dodged multiple attempts by Epstein to meet with him, according to the latest tranche of files. Following their release, Dumas told Business of Fashion Epstein and Woody Allen showed up unannounced to one of the brands workshops on the outskirts of Paris.

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Dumas also said he turned down a request to decorate Epsteins private jet in 2012. I was a young leader at the time, in the middle of the LVMH affair [at the time the company was battling an attempt at a hostile takeover], he said. Epstein already had a despicable reputation. The emails also reveal an affinity between Epstein and the heritage brand, including multiple purchases of luxury handbags for women in his circle. Make the most of your health, relationships, fitness and nutrition with our Live Well newsletter. Get it in your inbox every Monday.
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NationalCBD Charlie Teos brain-mapping start-up secures $20m from public fund John Buckley February 24, 2026  4:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

It was only a little over two years ago that controversial neurosurgeon Dr Charlie Teo was slapped with an effective ban preventing him from performing surgery in Australia without a written statement from an approved colleague. But the restriction, which has led Teo to take on risky surgery overseas instead, hasnt stopped the high-profile doctor from benefiting from Australia altogether. Charlie Teo remains a shareholder in Omniscient Neurotechnology, which is planning a connectomics centre of excellence. Peter Rae Earlier this year, the federal governments $15 billion National Reconstruction Fund made a tidy $20 million investment in the brain-mapping start-up Teo co-founded, Omniscient Neurotechnology. The medical AI outfit plans to open up a connectomics centre of excellence in Sydney in the next five years. Teo was a director of the company for two years before standing down in September 2021, around the same time the gallivanting neurosurgeon faced restrictions on the kinds of operations he could perform.

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But he remains a shareholder. Documents lodged with the corporate regulator show Teo, through a holding company called Teo Nominees Pty Ltd registered to his address, has shares in the company worth roughly $13.6 million. In the event the start-up proves to be the groundbreaking success that NRF boss David Gall billed it as earlier this year, Teo stands to do pretty well. Editor's pick CBD No PC, no wokeness: Why Charlie Teo loves China And he isnt alone. The companys highest-profile backers over the years have included billionaire Gina Rinehart and hedge fund manager Will Vicars. Other notables who have previously tipped money in include philanthropists Gretel Packer and the Vincent Fairfax family. Omniscient Neurotechnology didnt get back to us re our queries. In response to questions, the NRF said it carried out extensive due diligence on Omniscient Neurotechnology, as it does with all of its investments. This included examining the role of Mr Teo with regard to the company, a spokesman told CBD. Our understanding is that Mr Teo is a minority shareholder in Omniscient. He is not part of the management team, is not on the board of directors and is not involved in the day-to-day operations of the company.

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Pokies baron farewells company car Pokies billionaire Len Ainsworth long enjoyed what could possibly be one of corporate Australias most spectacular perks. The 102-year-old gaming baron had a deal with the company he founded in 1953, Aristocrat Leisure, which provided him with a new set of wheels every five years or so, which most expected to run for the rest of his life after he retired from the company in 1994. Len Ainsworth, pictured in 2014, founded Aristocrat Leisure in the 1950s. Cole Bennetts The arrangement has furnished Ainsworth with a string of the car markets most highly coveted vehicles. Over the years, according to The Australian Financial Review, hes driven everything from Audis to Rolls-Royces, and, in recent years, a Porsche Cayenne. But it looks like the centenarian has finally surrendered the benefit.

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At the companys annual general meeting last week, Aristocrat chairman Neil Chatfield was asked about the entitlement by shareholder activist Stephen Mayne, who suggested Ainsworth no longer even drives. Um, I dont know whether he drives or not, but, no, we dont supply that vehicle any longer, Chatfield said. When did the arrangement come to an end? Oh, recently. We contacted Aristocrat to learn more about when exactly the arrangement ended, but the company wasnt keen to discuss the matter. No luck either on which car Ainsworh was driving last. Googles charm offensive Google has among the most well-resourced lobbying ranks in political capitals around the world. In Australia alone, the tech giant has three lobbying shops on the books, including the tech-focused Eloquium Group, Labor-aligned Hawker Britton and SEC Newgate.

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So when SEC Newgate, which is run by the firms global deputy CEO, Brian Tyson, in Australia, declared a new working relationship with the tech giant on the lobbyist register last week, we had to rub our eyes. Because we were under the impression that the two firms had already been working together for years. Thats not to suggest that either SEC Newgate or Google have failed to meet their disclosure obligations. But it was enough to get us wondering what the two firms are planning that would force them to make such a disclosure. Brian Tyson of SEC Newgate. Flavio Brancaleone Google is in the throes of a string of policy skirmishes in Australia. Among the biggest pieces of legislation which stand to affect its local business are Australias plans to force the company  along with Meta and TikTok  to pay local media companies for news. Google, which owns YouTube, has also been snared by Labors teen social media ban. Then theres a brewing fight over Australias plans to regulate artificial intelligence, an arena where Google is one of the worlds largest players.

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Google has been known to try to woo MPs and other public officials through all manner of activities, including traditional lobbying and public policy events in Canberra. But the company was in no mood to enlighten us on what exactly it has cooking this time around. Tyson, meanwhile, declined to comment. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.
Akbar Novruz



Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, the powerful head of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), widely known as El Mencho, was killed on Sunday during a large-scale Mexican military operation in the western state of Jalisco, authorities confirmed, AzerNEWS reports.

Mexicos Defence Department said federal forces launched a coordinated operation involving special army units and the Mexican Air Force aimed at arresting Oseguera Cervantes. Security forces tracked him to the town of Tapalpa, where CJNG gunmen opened fire in an attempt to prevent his capture.

During the firefight, four cartel members, including Oseguera Cervantes, were fatally wounded. Authorities said El Mencho and two other suspects later died while being transported by aircraft to Mexico City. Three Mexican soldiers were wounded and evacuated for treatment, while two individuals were detained.

Officials also recovered heavy weaponry, including rocket launchers capable of destroying armoured vehicles and targeting aircraft, highlighting the cartels military-grade capabilities.

Cartel retaliation sparks widespread unrest

News of El Menchos death triggered coordinated retaliatory violence by suspected CJNG members. Vehicles were set on fire, highways were blocked, and transport routes were disrupted across Jalisco, Michoacan, and Guanajuato.

In Guadalajara, Mexicos second-largest city, residents were urged to stay indoors as schools closed and public transport was suspended. Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus Navarro called on citizens to remain at home until security conditions stabilized.

The violence prompted Guatemala to reinforce security along its border with Mexico, while Mexican security forces were placed on high alert nationwide.

Government urges calm

President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo appealed for calm, acknowledging that the operation had triggered blockades and unrest but stressing that most of the country continued functioning normally.

There is absolute coordination with the governments of all states; we must remain informed and calm, she said, praising the army, National Guard, and security agencies for their response.

Who was El Mencho?

Oseguera Cervantes, 59, was one of the most wanted fugitives by the United States Department of State, which had offered a USD 15 million reward for information leading to his capture.

Originally from Michoacan, he founded the CJNG around 2009 after earlier imprisonment in the United States for heroin trafficking. Under his leadership, the cartel became one of Mexicos most powerful criminal organizations, trafficking cocaine, methamphetamine, fentanyl, and migrants into the US.

CJNG gained notoriety for its extreme violence, including the use of drones and improvised explosive devices, the downing of a military helicopter in 2015, and an attempted assassination of former Mexico City police chief Omar Garcia Harfuch.

International reaction

US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau praised the operation, stating on X that the good guys are stronger than the bad guys, and commended Mexican law enforcement efforts.

While the killing of El Mencho marks a major blow to organized crime, analysts warn that the power vacuum left behind could fuel further instability as rival factions compete for control.

Mike Vigil, former chief of international operations for the US Drug Enforcement Administration, told AP the operation sent a strong message" that Mexico was confronting powerful cartels effectively, adding that the majority of the information came from the Mexican armed forces."

While Mexican authorities have described the killing as a significant operational victory, analysts say the coming period will determine whether the death of El Mencho" weakens the cartel or ushers in a new phase of violence, the Associated Press reported.

One of the cartel's special forces units engaged in conflict with the Mexican authorities.
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NationalNSWCity life How NSW is fighting a wave of attempted US-style book bans Julie Power February 23, 2026  6:30pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

NSW Arts Minister John Graham will fend off a Florida-like wave of attempted book bans and culture wars with new legislation to protect the right of the states 361 public libraries to collect material some may find offensive, and for the public to read what they choose. Were making freedom to read part of the legislation, Graham said, speaking before an event to celebrate the State Library of NSWs 200th anniversary last Friday. If a proposed amendment to the Library Act of 1939 became law, the right to read and collect without pressure from special interest groups would be embedded for generations to come. Graham said the justification for the original legislation was probably truer today than it was 86 years ago. Without libraries, the citizen has no check on indoctrination and propaganda, a report said then. Joseph Damilare visits Green Square library before or after work every day. Lisa Maree Williams There have been at least 309 attempts to exclude 184 titles from library shelves around Australia since 2023, according to reports to the Australian Library and Information Association.

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Association chief executive Cathie Warburton said most related to material about LGBTQ communities. This included multiple attempts to ban Same-Sex Parents by Holly Duhig, the book removed from Cumberland City Councils libraries for two weeks in 2024, creating an international furore. Graham has introduced legislation, likely to be debated in the next few months, to close a loophole: the right of citizens to borrow was enshrined in the existing act, but the right of libraries to collect books and materials relevant to their communities was only a regulation. Historian Grace Karskens earliest memories were of reading in libraries across Sydney. Image courtesy State Library of NSW Only materials prohibited by the Commonwealth Classification Board can be removed from a librarys shelves, and it is the only body with authority to have a book restricted. Graham said the publics right to freely access books would be compromised if libraries were not free to develop their collections because of external pressure.

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City life Why this architect needed a heritage impact statement to change his own work He was motivated by the Cumberland incident and similar controversies in Victoria. He said councillors at Yass Valley and Port Macquarie-Hastings had unsuccessfully attempted to exclude perfectly lawful books. Theyre highly political. And this is an attempt to say: We dont want Florida-style [book bans] here, he said. School districts in the southern American state have banned thousands of books from school libraries, including Beloved by Toni Morrison, Normal People by Sally Rooney, Forever by Judy Blume and Girl with a Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier. Graham said: We want exactly the opposite, where anyone can have access to [the books they want].

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State Librarian Dr Caroline Butler-Bowdon said libraries had never been more vital. Last year, there were more than 28 million visits to public libraries and more than 41 million collection items borrowed. The institution is inviting people to record their memories as part of The Library That Made Me project for its 200th anniversary. Arts Minister John Graham and State Librarian Caroline Butler-Bowdon on Friday before the launch of the 200th anniversary celebrations. Sitthixay Ditthavong Grahams love of reading was nurtured at Albury Library, where he could borrow 10 books to read over the weekend, and then go back and get another 10. It was incredible. Historian, author and professor Grace Karskens, who has spent much of her life doing research in libraries, remembered loving books by Enid Blyton of Famous Five fame but finding they were not available. Certainly NOT! one librarian barked at her.

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Karskens said they were simply told, riveting, fantastic stories. Only later did she realise some libraries would not include them on the grounds that they were not proper literature for young people. Kevin McCloud and Tim Ross at the State Library. McCloud recalls working as a librarian in London. Vanessa Bond, State Library of NSW I didnt turn out too bad, Karskens said. The host of the UKs Grand Designs, Kevin McCloud, recalled landing a job in a London library locating books for people who wanted something they had read decades earlier. I would find [the book] on the old dusty old stacks, and then wrap them up in brown paper and send them ... It was the most brilliant thing because the book became the item for communication, letter writing  these people just thanking us.

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Joseph Damilare said he visited Green Square library almost every day. It allows me to do things that I wouldnt be able to do at work because [its] company time, and when Im at home Im too distracted, so the library is a perfect place for me to get things done. The public has been invited to share their memories via The Library That Made Me online portal. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.
Back in the dark ages when I worked for NSW NPWS, I got a complaint about a problem at Shelly Beach, writes Michael McFadyen of Kareela. At that time I told the person there were seven Shelly (or Shelley) beaches in NSW, of which three were in national parks, so I needed additional information. I now know there are at least nine. Does any other feature in the state have more versions? Possibly some creeks like Five Mile may beat it but ...

Lance Rainey of Rushforth notes, Mention of an edifice (C8) reminded me of the local government staffers description of local notables of longstanding who, towards the end of their careers, would encourage the construction of often over-built public facilities  which were often named after them or their cronies  as having an edifice complex.

Talk of Emma Chisit (C8) reminded me of preparing to leave Thatchers Britain in 1981 to emmigrate to New Zealand, says Liz Cooper of Neutral Bay. We were given an article with some lovely expressions including Emma Chisit and Dismal Guernsey (Decimal Currency). I still love hearing a Kiwi accent, I even married one!

Derrick Mason of Boorowa decided on a deeper dive: Since theres been considerable discussion about Emma Chisit, I thought Id submit the term to AI. The system was equal to the task, indicated that it didnt describe a person, but a rather famous piece of Strine slang. However, it did say the phrase was commonly associated with a well-known, tiny, wedge-shaped corner store on the corner of Cameron and Thorne streets, in Edgecliff, which operated from the 1860s until the 1970s. Granny did a bit of a deep dive herself and notes that the property in question was indeed once a store but is now a trendy timber terrace complete with Strine sign, though they decided to spell it Emma Chisett. A story on the property in the Herald in 1983 excitedly proclaimed it could fetch about $120,000.

Readers who remember Let Stalk Strine may also recall that the authors pseudonym, Afferbeck Lauder, was a play on an Australian pronunciation of alphabetical order, adds Mark Morgan of Palmwoods (Qld).
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NationalQueenslandQueensland Health Public patients out of pocket for accepting surgery program Courtney Kruk February 24, 2026  4:01am 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

Patients say they are being forced to pay hundreds of dollars for follow-up care after accepting a Queensland government program designed to ease pressure on public waitlists. Surgery Connect was launched by the Queensland government in 2008 to address the states spiralling elective surgery waiting lists by outsourcing patients to the private sector. The Crisafulli government announced a $49.5 million investment into the program earlier this year, which it said would help up to 5600 patients have elective surgery sooner. Surgery Connect was launched to ease pressure on Queenslands elective surgery waitlist, but some public patients say they are being left out of pocket. Glenn Hunt But patients told this masthead they have not received adequate follow-up care through Surgery Connect, and have been left out of pocket for appointments usually covered through the public hospital system.

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One patient from south-east Queensland who spoke to this masthead on condition of anonymity because she works for the government said she has been through the Surgery Connect program twice for procedures on her hand, the latest for a joint replacement. Related Article Queensland Health Autistic man starved to death in hospital after multiple systemic failures I went to the [occupational therapist] afterwards, and they said youll have your first three follow-up appointments, and then well apply for another three, she said. [But after that] I got told the rules had changed, and they werent approving any more. For a joint replacement, three is definitely not enough. Ive now had 12 sessions, and Im still not rehabbed.

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After finding out her appointments were no longer covered, she asked to be transferred to the public hospital where she was originally booked for surgery, but was told it was not possible. Im a nurse. I need to actually be able to use [my right hand]  now I just have to pay for the appointments, she said. People that are accepting [Surgery Connect] and going into the private system are actually getting worse follow-up care. Sunshine Coast woman Lotti had surgery for an ACL injury through Surgery Connect last year. She said she was not given information about follow-up care when she accepted. The public system was pretty upfront with wait times  and then out of the blue, I got a call saying I had been flagged for Surgery Connect, she said.

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Related Article Queensland Health Health minister orders review into troubled maternity unit I reiterated that  I dont have money [to go through the private system] but they said it was fully covered by Medicare. Lotti said her surgeon recommended physiotherapy, but she was not offered treatment through the private hospital, despite being a public patient. His advice was to find a physio close to my house or work, she said. I dont have private health insurance so it costs me $140 every time I go  Ive spent more than $1000 on physio.

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Australian Medical Association Queensland president Dr Nick Yim said Surgery Connect could be an excellent option, but they had seen some public patients left in limbo post-operation. He said patients needed appropriate follow-up care and clear communication of the details before surgery. Ideally, patients would see the surgeon who performed their surgery for aftercare; however, this is not always possible, particularly if patients have travelled significant distances for their operation, he said. A spokesperson for Queensland Health said patients referred to the program received the same level of aftercare as in the public system, and private suppliers were contractually responsible for follow-up care at no cost to patients.

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The program includes a 90-day post-discharge clause to safeguard patients who require ongoing care, they said. After the 90-day period, patients are discharged from the program to their general practitioner (GP) or to the relevant hospital and health service (HHS) depending on the patients clinical requirements. Opposition health spokesman Mark Bailey said Surgery Connect patients were public patients, and should receive the same follow-up care they would in the public system, without having to shell out thousands of dollars. Health Minister Tim Nicholls is showing his true colours, just like last time as Campbell Newmans treasurer, private outsourcing and winding back public healthcare, he said. The Crisafulli government said in October it had reduced elective surgery waitlists by 7 per cent since taking office.

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Last years budget included a total of $1.75 billion for elective surgery over four years, including the investment in Surgery Connect. 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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NationalVictoriaAntisemitism Jewish teenager allegedly assaulted in antisemitic attack at scout camp Cassandra Morgan February 23, 2026  8:00pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

A teenager abused for wearing a kippah and carrying an Israeli flag was later assaulted at a scout camp south-east of Melbourne, police allege. The 18-year-old was walking in Lardner Park, south of Warragul, which hosts a weekend camp for scouts, about 2pm on Saturday when another teenager at the camp allegedly verbally abused him for wearing the kippah and carrying that flag. Joshua, 18, said he was left scared and sad that he was not free to express his culture and religion. Seven News That night, at an event run by Scouts Victoria, the same teenager  a fellow scout  tapped the 18-year-old on the shoulder, before punching him in the face three times in front of his peers, according to the Anti-Defamation Commission. Police said the targeted antisemitic incident, which happened about 9pm, was reported to officers the following day.

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Seven News said Saturday nights event was a rave. The teenager, Joshua  whose surname was withheld for privacy reasons  sustained minor injuries, police said. He was shaken by the incident, and immediately reported it to scout leaders outside the venue. Joshua told the commission he was left scared and sad he was not free to express his culture and religion. [I have] always heard about antisemitic attacks but never thought it would happen to me, he said. He feared returning to scouts in case he was assaulted again, the commission said.

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[Joshua] was threatened and marked with words first. Then ambushed with fists smashing into his face, commission chair Dvir Abramovich said. We are watching something dark and rotten in this country become worse every day. Joshuas family was outraged by the incident, which they said proved antisemitism could rear its ugly head at any time, Seven News reported. View post on X Scouts Victoria said it was aware of the incident. More than 1500 young people and volunteers had attended the camp, where young peoples safety and wellbeing were Scouts Victorias highest priority, executive manager Jon McGregor said. An altercation occurred between two young people, and one of the youths involved was sent home immediately, McGregor said in a statement.

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The young person removed from camp is remorseful for his actions and has apologised in writing to everyone involved. Scouts Victoria is an inclusive organisation that does not tolerate discrimination, harassment, or violence. Scouts Victoria was supporting both teenagers and their families, McGregor said. On Monday, police interviewed and released a 17-year-old boy. He is expected to be charged on summons to face a childrens court at a later date. Multicultural Affairs Minister Ingrid Stitt said she was appalled by reports the young Jewish man was attacked at the scout camp, and the government condemned antisemitism. No person should ever have to fear for their safety, Stitt said. This attack comes at a time when our Jewish community are still grieving and fearful for their safety following the Bondi attack in December.

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Related Article University Significant hostility: Scale of racism on university campuses revealed Police said there was no place in society for antisemitic, racist or hate based behaviour. Victoria Police understand incidents of antisemitism can leave communities feeling targeted, threatened, and vulnerable, a police spokeswoman said. The investigation into the incident remains ongoing. Police urged anyone with information about the alleged assault to come forward. Crimestoppers can be contacted at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au or on 1800 333 000. Our Breaking News Alert will notify you of significant breaking news when it happens. Get it here.
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NationalWAEducation The WA private schools in line for multimillion-dollar upgrades Holly Thompson February 24, 2026  4:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

Five West Australian private schools are spending more on capital works than thousands of public schools nationally, a new report has revealed, with one high-fee school topping the list. The latest figures were revealed in a new report from the Australian Education Union  The Building Divide in Australian Schools: How capital funding fuels educational inequity. The union said the amount private schools are spending on infrastructure shows inequity between the school systems is growing, and governments should be funding capital works in public schools at greater rates to bridge the gap. The top five highest-spending private schools in WA spent nearly $90.5 million on capital works in 2023, the report revealed.

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And the top 10 highest-spending private schools spent above $146 million  more than 44.6 per cent of all public schools in Western Australia. One school alone spent nearly $23 million, more than 214 of the states public schools with student cohorts from the lowest quartile of socio-educational advantage. But Hale School was quick to point out it receives no government funding for capital works The student funding received is significantly less than for public schools and continues to decrease year-on-year, a spokesperson said. Overall, private schools in WA outspent public schools on capital works by $3.2 billion over the past decade, including $515 million in 2023.

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The divide in facilities is being felt by teachers in WAs public sector. One principal at high school in the Perth metropolitan area said, non-existent outdoor playing facilities means no physical activity-based courses and no recreation-based health and wellbeing opportunities outside. Inadequate power available to site has meant the closure of the canteen, they said. A deputy principal at a remote primary school said whole blocks were impacted by mould and mice in epic proportions. State School Teachers Union of WA president Matt Jarman said this exposed a widening infrastructure divide driven by the absence of ongoing Commonwealth capital funding for public schools since 2017.

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He said the funding imbalance was having real consequences in WA classrooms. He added that while Hale School can allocate amounts greater than its entire government recurrent funding to capital works, public schools dont have the same luxury. Western Australian public schools are educating the overwhelming majority of children, yet they are doing so without the benefit of a guaranteed Commonwealth capital funding stream, Jarman said. When private schools are receiving more than three-times the per-student capital investment of some public schools, it entrenches inequality across our communities. Western Australia needs long-term, predictable capital funding from the Commonwealth so public schools can plan, build and deliver the modern learning environments our students deserve.

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Education Unacceptable rise in complaints ranks WA schools among worst in nation Jarman said the union was not calling for an end to private school funding, just a more equitable system. He said while public schools had access to the state governments $200 million High Priority Maintenance and Minor Works program, the federal government could help superpower that funding to include more schools and projects. 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 PoliticsWAIndustrial relations Firefighters to escalate pay fight as some leave service for safer, better-paid roles Hamish Hastie February 24, 2026  8:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

With negotiations at an impasse, the firefighters union will take the extraordinary step of calling on the WA Industrial Relations Commission to draw up an entirely new pay deal. The lengthy pay and conditions fight started in March last year, but 22 meetings and several rejected offers and counteroffers later, the government and the United Firefighters Union of WA are no closer to striking a deal. Firefighters have been locked in a dispute with the government since March last year. Hamish Hastie The union said this deadlock forced it to request the commission take over the entire process through a little-used process known as an enterprise order, which could cost taxpayers millions in legal bills. Even the 2023 pay fight between nurses and the government that spilled into a huge rally on the steps of Parliament and Dumas House ended in a deal without the need for significant intervention by the commission.

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Union secretary John Marsh is confident the data theyve compiled, along with evidence from firefighters on the ground, will be compelling enough for the commission to draft a deal that would be closer to their demands than the offers presented by the government. Theyll find tens of millions to fight us, but nothing to help us, he said. This government is playing on our biggest fear. Theyre waiting on a tragedy as a wake-up call, and we dont want to say we told you so. Weve been left with no choice but to make this historic move, and were committed to supporting the brave, hardworking people this government has chosen to gaslight and ignore. At the heart of the pay dispute is the unions request for a $2 average increase to firefighters base wages to bring it more on par with other frontline public sector agreements.

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The union then wants a percentage increase on top of that base increment, as well as improvements around recognition of the work and pressures the workforce is subject to, in addition to better health and safety provisions. The Cook government has offered a 5 per cent, 4 per cent and 3.75 per cent increase to wages, which was rejected by 91 per cent of union members in November last year. Marsh said more than a decade of undervaluing WA firefighters has left them way behind as a frontline workforce to the point where some firies were leaving the service to take on other jobs in the public sector with better pay and conditions. Were just trying to identify that theres a disparity between the public sector, he said. Weve recently had a five-year firefighter whos the top of her game... shes just recently resigned from the job to go and work as an emergency response crew for the government on the side of the freeway.

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She can get a better offer, and better conditions and pay, by joining another government department without the risk of cancer, post-traumatic stress and traumatic incidents. It is ridiculous, and theyre not willing to address or identify what the actual concerns are. Firies spend no time talking about how good they are. They dont talk about the jobs we go to. We very rarely even let our families into our worst days. Right now, we just cant believe that weve been pushed to this point. After the union rejected the last offer in November, the state government accused the union of disparaging the deal in the lead-up to the membership vote. It said the deal represented a total pay increase of $17,000 for a senior firefighter over three years which was a weekly increase from $154 per week up to $336 by 2027.

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The dispute has become increasingly public, with firefighters drawing messages on their appliances and station calling on the government to improve their offer. In December, the commission ordered the union stop 13 industrial actions it was using, including limiting overtime hours to 24 hours per work cycle. In return, the state started paying the 5 per cent increase from December 12. The state has also been paying 6 per cent more on penalty rates since that same date.
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InspirationAsia The secret Im not supposed to tell you about Japans famous onsen town Ben Groundwater February 24, 2026  4:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

Theres a thing Im not supposed to tell you about Beppu, a hot-spring town in southern Japan that is known as a place of medicinal healing, a resort town with a wide range of accommodation and famously agreeable locals. Theres a welcoming, communal atmosphere here, thanks to Beppus 350 public bathhouses that draw piping hot, mineral-rich water from thousands of natural sources. You get to know your neighbours pretty well when you constantly bump into them in the onsen, as you strip away your clothes  any sense, perhaps, of status or pretence  and just soak and chat. One of Beppus natural hot springs. iStock People come to Beppu, on the island of Kyushu in Oita Prefecture, from all around Japan to heal, to relax, to tap into a traditional way of life, to eat well and warm tired bones. They return home refreshed and revitalised. Im allowed to tell you all that. What Im not supposed to mention is that Beppu has another reputation that draws crowds: people, according to local lore at least, come to here to conduct affairs.

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Im going to Beppu for my health, people will tell their spouses. Its an onsen town. This will be good for me. Its easy to explain the reason for the trip. Sign up for the Traveller Deals newsletter Get exclusive travel deals delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up now. And so they book lovely accommodation and take themselves off on a break and return to their families some time later, indeed revitalised. Its certainly not unheard of around here. Im told this, somewhat furtively, by Keiichiro Kawaguchi, my guide in Beppu. Hes not just any guide, but an onsen guide, a master of the art of soaking in a hot bath, someone who has visited more than 88 public bathhouses in Beppu and who has the stamps in his Spa-port to prove it. Beppu city in Oita. iStock Its not often you find yourself getting naked with your tour guide. In fact I would have to call this a first. But still, here I am with Kawaguchi-san in a small bathhouse, the two of us disrobing and storing our clothes in a locker and then moving over to the buckets and taps to give ourselves a rinse before settling into the onsen.

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There are rules in Beppu that even those familiar with onsen culture in the rest of Japan might find surprising, and it certainly helps to have an expert on hand. You always greet your fellow bathers at a Beppu hot spring. In most of Japan you pretend all the other naked people arent there, you allow them a sliver of privacy by not acknowledging their existence, but not in Beppu. Beppu is an elemental place, you feel close to nature here, and you feel its power. iStock Here you say hello to everyone as you lower yourself into the steaming waters, and everyone already in the bath will say hello in return. Dont sit on the ledge of the bath either  thats where people rest their heads. Bring your own towels and soap, rather than expect it to be provided. Theres more geothermal activity in this area than anywhere else in Japan and it literally pours out of the earth, you see pillars of steam everywhere you look. Beppu is an elemental place, you feel close to nature here, and you feel its power.

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Kannawa, a neighbourhood of Beppu, is even more densely packed with onsens than the rest of the city. The bathhouses here are often small and modest, without the mod-cons you may become used to in other parts of Japan  its often just a concrete bath, a few coin lockers and a tap with a bucket. Each bathhouse costs only a dollar or so to enter, and Kawaguchi-san, my guide, knows every one of them; he leads us unerringly through narrow streets pointing out tiny venues, explaining their use. This one is supposed to make your skin beautiful. This one heals digestive issues. This one sells baskets of vegetables that you can steam over bubbling waters. Related Article Japan The hidden Japanese town that time forgot It took just two days for Kawaguchi-san to become a master, to visit 88 onsens. Some bathing obsessives in this city challenge themselves to do it in a single day, racing from onsen to onsen, collecting stamps and soaking souls. That, at least, is something youre allowed to talk about.

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THE DETAILS FLY

Qantas flies direct from Sydney and Melbourne to Tokyo (Haneda or Narita). Onward domestic flights connect to Oita Airport, followed by a 50-minute bus or train transfer to Beppu. See qantas.com STAY

Amanek Yula-Re Beppu is a smart, modern hotel in the heart of the city, with spacious rooms and high-quality amenities. Rooms from $150 a night. See amanekhotels.jp TOUR

Glide Japan offers the three-hour Hidden Onsen Crawl tour with an onsen master in Beppu for $186 a person. See glidejapan.co.jp The writer travelled as a guest of Oita Tourism. See oita-tourism.com

Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share License this article More: Asia

Japan Ben Groundwater is a Sydney-based travel writer, columnist, broadcaster, author and occasional tour guide with more than 25 years experience in media, and a lifetime of experience traversing the globe. He specialises in food and wine  writing about it, as well as consuming it  and at any given moment in time Ben is probably thinking about either ramen in Tokyo, pintxos in San Sebastian, or carbonara in Rome. Follow him on Instagram @bengroundwater Connect via email

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WorldEuropeAUKUS Australia seals UK defence deal with $300m for AUKUS sub reactors David Crowe February 24, 2026  8:44am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A

Australia will deepen its defence ties with Britain by spending $310 million on a new stage of the AUKUS submarine project as well as launching joint work on radar systems, drones and missile tests that could help Ukraine. The agreement was sealed in London on Monday night in a meeting between Australian and UK ministers that cleared the way for closer links in the defence industry to develop defensive weapons. The US is due to sell Australia at least three Virginia-class nuclear-powered submarines under the AUKUS agreement. Getty Images Australia has previously pledged $5 billion to help fund the development of the nuclear power systems for the AUKUS fleet, but the new spending is the first payment for equipment from Rolls-Royce to be installed in the first submarines. The $310 million will buy the first components for the nuclear reactors to be supplied by Rolls-Royce and transferred to South Australia for fitting to the first two AUKUS vessels to be built at the Osborne shipyard.

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Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy met his counterpart, UK Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry Luke Pollard, on Monday and announced the funding after their talks. Related Article Exclusive

AUKUS High probability of failure: Former top officials dire AUKUS warning This is the start of the construction process for these reactors, Conroy said in London. Were on track. Were hitting all major milestones for the AUKUS project. As well as claiming progress on the nuclear reactor modules, Conroy pointed to the governments announcement last week of a $3.9 billion commitment to the construction of the Osborne shipyard, with that cost likely to increase to $30 billion over several decades.

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That announcement, and that $30 billion investment, will build the only submarine yard in the Southern Hemisphere capable of constructing a nuclear-powered submarine, he said. This is a challenging project. This is a project that is the greatest industrial undertaking Australia has ever attempted, but it will also be nation-shaping in terms of modernising our manufacturing sector. While AUKUS is fiercely opposed by some members of the Labor Party and rejected by former prime minister Paul Keating and former foreign affairs minister Bob Carr, the government insists it is necessary for national defence and will create 20,000 jobs over the decades. The agreement relies on help from the United States to supply interim submarines  three Virginia-class vessels  but has a long-term goal of developing a future vessel with the UK. Australia aims to have five vessels from the early 2040s, using the same SSN-AUKUS design as the UK, which plans to have up to 12 vessels. The project is based on calculations that, without the new fleet, the UK would be more vulnerable to Russia, and Australia would be more vulnerable to China.

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Conroy and his UK counterpart emerged from their talks in London with plans for joint work on other projects, including lasers and radar. The Ghost Bat is about to move from prototype to production after a $1 billion government investment. Department of Defence The communique from the meeting said the two sides would explore the potential for the UK to use radar systems developed in Australia. Australia has a world-leading radar technology developed by Canberra-based CEA Technologies, which the federal government purchased in 2023 to ensure the intellectual property remained in the country. On drones, the two sides plan to work on the Ghost Bat aerial vehicle, already being produced in Australia, so it could be fitted with missiles that complement the UK and other NATO member states arsenals.

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That will potentially facilitate exports of Ghost Bats to European nations who might be interested in it, Conroy said. British missiles set for Australian testing The agreement in London will also see British missiles tested in Australia to help with the development of new weapons being supplied to Ukraine. I wont comment about the specific UK weapon that may be tested at our weapon ranges, but theres a number of advanced, long-range weapons that the UK is providing, or looking at providing to Ukraine, Conroy said. Obviously, testing those at our world-class facilities would advantage that process and give Ukraine further assistance in their valiant struggle against Russian aggression.

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The talks also led to an agreement to do more work on laser weapons, to co-operate on the supply of critical minerals and increase the number of Australians who are embedded with defence company BAE Systems in the UK to prepare for the construction of the AUKUS fleet. Related Video Video icon 1:54 Nuclear-powered British submarine visits WA in AUKUS milestone The joint work on the AUKUS design, with five to be built in South Australia and up to 12 in the UK, is supposed to reduce construction costs compared to each country doing its own design. Any challenges to the UK construction timetable will have repercussions for Australia because of the shared development. Rolls-Royce future programs director Rich Palmer told this masthead last October he was 100 per cent sure the submarines would be delivered, despite the concerns about AUKUS in the US and the strong criticism of the project in Australia.

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The British timetable depends on the countrys ability to build one new submarine every 18 months for the existing fleet before it can switch to the new fleet when the AUKUS design is decided. Industry experts are worried that each Astute submarine currently takes about 24 months to build. 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.
Four University of Bristol graduates who created an app to help other young people become more financially confident have secured 40,000 in external funding to launch their idea.

Developed in response to the growing cost-of-living pressures faced by students and young people, the free AI-powered platform, Vero Financial, encourages positive money habits through real-time prompts, challenges, and rewards.

Supharat Tantanarungsee, Yihsuan Liao, Zirui Shang and Sofia Sukach created the concept initially as part of their course before expanding it into their dissertation project and now a social venture.

The graduate team from Thailand, Taiwan, China and Ukraine, respectively, secured funding through the ImpactU Pathfinder Awards, enabling them to further develop the app, which is currently in testing ahead of its official launch on the App Store.

When researching the idea, we found that many people  especially Gen Z students  dont actively track their spending, said Sofia.

The consequences extend beyond money, harming mental wellbeing, academic performance, and increasing vulnerability to university dropouts and long-term debt.

Gen Z students rely on their banking apps, but those apps usually just show the damage after youve already overspent. We wanted to create something that helps people stay disciplined before that happens, added Sofia, who alongside Supharat and Zirui, completed a masters in Innovation and Entrepreneurship, whilst Yihsuan studied an MSc in Business Analytics.

Explaining how the app works, Supharat, said: We use AI-personalised challenges, gamification, and real-world rewards to turn money management into an engaging habit-building experience. By making financial discipline simple and rewarding, we help students reduce money stress and build long-term financial confidence.

Users who meet savings goals or demonstrate consistent financial discipline earn tokens that can be exchanged for discounts with local partners.

The rewards are designed to feel meaningful, Sofia added. Its not just another student discount  its recognition for making better financial choices.

In the projects early stages, before securing funding or developing the app itself, the team tested their gamification concept with 18 university students over a three-week period, using small, low-cost incentives, including some sweet treats, to simulate rewards.

After the pilot, 64% of participants reported lower levels of financial stress and 91% felt more confident in their ability to manage money. Thats when we knew this kind of impact was worth building.

We didnt have money, so we used chocolate eggs as rewards. People loved it, Sofia said.

During her recent graduation ceremony at the Wills Memorial Building, Sofia spoke about her intention to use what she had learned at the University to drive positive change, fulfilling a promise she made to herself whilst living in Ukraine during the Russian invasion.

For me, the goal of coming here was to learn how to create impact, she said. When the time is right, I want to return to Ukraine and take what Ive learned with me.

Mark Neild, Associate Professor in Innovation and Entrepreneurship / Programme Director for Runway at the University of Bristol, said: "It has been such a pleasure and privilege to watch the idea morph and grow from initial exploration onto forming a team founded on a realisation that it is not about helping people, but supporting them to help themselves that leads to impact.

"As an international team with few UK connections and even fewer resources, their tenacity has taken them to unimaginable heights."

You can find out more about Vero Financial here
campus news

UB moves to decarbonize North Campus

The geothermal wells next to the Solar Strand will help distribute heat from the Empire AI supercomputing center, via the Baker Chilled Water Plant, across the North Campus. Photo: Douglas Levere

Decarbonization is an investment strategy, one that when done right is the same cost, or even less expensive, over the long term than the business-as-usual approach.  Laura Hubbard, vice president for finance and administration

Theres much excitement about how Empire AI will transform the North Campus with the addition of a supercomputing center that will provide researchers across New York State with unprecedented computing power. But the building itself will also supply the backbone to another significant development: the universitys effort to decarbonize the campus and eliminate greenhouse gas emissions on the path to achieving carbon neutrality. Its all part of the North Campus Clean Energy Master Plan (CEMP), a 25-year, billion-dollar investment in UBs largest campus. The plan seeks to update the campus aging infrastructure, which relies on a mix of electricity and natural gas, to an electrified system that will greatly reduce the universitys carbon emissions, decrease energy use by 30% and realize substantial savings on energy costs. UB stakeholders worked with representatives from Wendel Companies, which also helped UB craft a decarbonization strategy implemented for the smaller South Campus, to develop the North Campus CEMP. Gov. Kathy Hochul provided a major boost to the North Campus plan in the fall when she announced $68 million in state funding to UB, $62 million of which will go toward advancing Phase 1 of the North Campus CEMP. The remaining $6 million will be used to fund the South Campus Parker Energy Hub project. Phase 1 of the North Campus plan will decarbonize the Baker Chilled Water Plant, the campus central utility facility, by constructing two 30-inch neutral temperature water pipes that will connect the Empire AI supercomputing center to the Baker plant. That work will be performed in collaboration with the New York Power Authority (NYPA). The world is at a tipping point with clean energy technologies such as geothermal and heat pumps beating out fossil fuel costs over the life of a project, said SUNY Chief Sustainability Officer Carter Strickland. UBs North Campus decarbonization project will prove out these favorable economics in a real-world context and pilot thermal energy networks that can be adopted by cities, towns and villages across New York State. This living lab complements SUNY research on innovative battery storage and other key elements of the clean energy economy, as well as educational and training programs that are preparing future business, tech and workforce leaders.

Cost of doing nothing is not zero

The North Campus comprises 130 buildings totaling more than 7 million square feet. The annual energy cost for the campus exceeds $16 million. When it was built in the late 1960s to early 70s, much of it was designed for electric resistance heating, which is much less efficient, and therefore more expensive, than todays electric heat pump and geothermal alternatives that use electricity to move heat rather than burning fuel to create it. Now the campus is on the precipice of a significant transformation, one that will see nearly $2 billion in capital construction over the next decade with the addition of a new engineering building and Empire AI, among other projects, making this an ideal time to think boldly. We have to acknowledge that the cost of doing nothing is not zero, says Laura Hubbard, vice president for finance and administration. Much of our heating and cooling infrastructure on the North Campus is roughly 60 years old and is approaching the end of its useful life. The North Campus CEMP provides a path for the university to maximize the amount of construction that can be done by cost effectively implementing sustainable improvements while accounting for future growth and development on campus. In short, Hubbard says, decarbonization is an investment strategy, one that when done right is the same cost, or even less expensive, over the long term than the business-as-usual approach. Key elements of the plan include building new infrastructure connections, modernizing heating and cooling systems, and integrating advanced technologies into both new and existing buildings, notes Tonga Pham, associate vice president for university facilities. The core of the plan involves major updates to the Baker Chilled Water Plant, as well as new energy connections across campus and smarter systems that can adapt in real time. UB is also integrating advanced analytics and artificial intelligence to optimize how buildings use energy in an effort to reduce waste and increase efficiency across campus. In the development of a CEMP, we often emphasize that the greatest value lies in the process, not solely in the final deliverable. UBs CEMP clearly exemplifies this principle, says Jason Denue, vice president of energy for Wendel. Even before the plan was finalized, concrete actions were already underway to align existing initiatives with the new vision and to position the university for effective implementation of next steps. This progress is a direct reflection of the significant investment made by our colleagues at UB through their commitment, passion and collaborative spirit, Denue says. We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with you on this important journey.

Leveraging thermal energy from Empire AI center
PICTURE THIS: youve just clocked out of work and about to head home when you get a call from a friend asking you if you want to go to Carlow with them. You havent seen them in a while, so you gladly agree.

On the drive over, your female friend tells you that she needs to get both a pregnancy test and the morning after pill. This happened to me about a month ago, and I was shocked by her pass the salt tone. While I will never outwardly judge someone for their sexual choices, this got me thinking. Why do so many young people in 2025, especially women, not use birth control in effective ways?

The issue has me banging my head against the wall! I know so many people personally who have needed to take pregnancy tests, morning after pills and STI tests because they didnt use protection. Yes, I know that no form of birth control is 100% effective, and not every situation is under your control, but many risks are preventable. Contraception and information regarding safe sex practices have never been as accessible in Ireland as they are right now  there are resources available online, free contraception schemes and numerous clinics and centres around; however, there are still rising numbers of STIs and unplanned pregnancy among young people.

Whats up with this contradiction?

COMPLICATED RELATIONSHIP

Ireland has had an inter sting and complicated relationship with contraception dating back to the early 1900s. Basically, Catholicism ruled society and, following its independence in 1922, Ireland embraced strict sexual morality, following the doctrines of the Church. Divorce was banned and contraception was a no-no.

This lasted until 1973, when a law was passed that allowed married couples to import contraception, but only for family planning purposes.

Fast forward to the early 1980s, when women in Ireland were demanding more control over their sexual health and reproductive autonomy. In 1985, the law changed allowing condoms and spermicides to be sold to adults without a prescription.

The 1990s were also a pivotal time for contraception in Ireland as there was finally an understanding that birth control was an essential part of healthcare, even if a lot of shame and embarrassment lingered. As time passed, contraception became increasingly more accessible to the people of Ireland.

In 2022, a monumental government initiative was announced: the Free Contraception Scheme was introduced, allowing people aged between 17 and 35 to access to many forms of contraception free of charge. This scheme covers numerous methods of birth control, consultations and emergency contraception.

For many people, this allowed them access to contraception that they might not have had before.

ALL THE NITTY-GRITTY DETAILS

As a college student, Ive had many chats with my friends about sex. Honestly, its a topic that is probably brought up at least once a day within my friend group. We talk about all the nitty-gritty details, including whether contraception was used; too often, its not.

Now, Im not going to pretend I am the poster child of impeccable contraception use, but I have been on some form of birth control since I became sexually active.

This got me thinking about the reasoning behind the lack of use. I know for some people using hormonal birth control isnt something they want to do, but there are still so many people not using anything. I really wanted to get to the core of this: are people embarrassed, are they scared, or do they just not care?

THE SIMPLEST SOLUTION

Lets talk about condoms. Condoms are one of the most accessible forms of contraception out there. They protect you from contracting STIs and prevent pregnancy.

They are sold in nearly every shop and even offered for free in many health clinics, as well as at most college and university student unions. Theres even a free service available at www.sexualhealthcentre.com where you can get condoms posted out to you.

In a study published by NUIG in 2024, it was found that from 2010 to 2022 the number of young people reporting condom use at their last sexual encounter dropped from more than three quarters to less than half.

So why do so many people not use them? There are a few reasons Ive heard as to why condoms arent often used, ranging from not having one available at the time, to it being awkward asking a sexual partner to use one, to it not feeling as good with one.

I know for myself and many of my friends the last thing we want to do when things are getting a bit steamy is to stop the action and ask to use a condom. No-one wants to be sitting on the bed in a state of undress waiting for a condom to be put on. And while for many people these might seem like valid reasons, they are excuses that can no longer be ignored.

I have more often than not found myself having to ask a partner to use a condom instead of it being expected. I know that even with being on birth control, there are many risks, and I know I dont want to get an STI  do they?

WHAT DO MY FRIENDS THINK?

I asked one of my friends, Emma (21), a college student at SETU Carlow, what her habits regarding safe sex are, and got some answers that, while slightly shocking, were not surprising. She said that for a lot of people protection is often overlooked: A lot of people, including myself, might be like, oh, its grand, its only this once, but how many times can you say that until you get an STI?

She also said that it can be a bit awkward or intimidating to buy condoms at a store, especially if the cashier is male, making her less likely to purchase them herself.

I spoke to another one of my friends, Mia (23), a student at the University of Limerick; her name is not actually Mia, but she doesnt want everyone knowing her business. She said that one of the biggest reasons why she wasnt on contraception was the fact that she felt like she needed to tell her mum. They dont have that kind of relationship, so by putting off that conversation, she was putting off getting on contraception.

She also said the side effects were a big reason: I didnt want my skin to break out; I didnt want to gain weight; I didnt want to have mood swings. Im stressed in college; I didnt want to make things worse.

Mia said she never felt awkward asking her sexual partner to use a condom. Even if I had the HSE free condoms and my partners were like really?, I would be like yeah, put it on. However, often there were times when no-one had a condom, and she would have unprotected sex.

Mia decided to go on birth control because she had too many scares, and it wasnt worth the stress of having to second guess everything all the time.

WHAT DO THE PROFESSIONALS THINK?

I talked to my friends about their experiences and habits, but I also wanted to get an experts opinion.

Dr Andras KoltA, a psychologist and specialist in health promotion at the University of Galway, gave me his take on the decline in contraception use.

We dont know the exact reasons, but we should conduct more qualitative studies with young people to better understand the reasons, he said.

He added that during the AIDS epidemic, there was a lot of governmental effort put into promoting condom use, but now that there are ways to prevent and manage HIV and AIDS there isnt as much effort and funding going towards this.

Another factor is the misconception that if hormonal contraception is being used, condoms dont need to be. He said many people downplay the risk of STIs, but its important to encourage condom use especially to boys and men to help balance out the responsibility, so that girls and women dont feel the pressure to be on hormonal birth control if they dont want to.

FROM STIGMA TO CELEBRATION

Ireland is still a very religious country, and theres no denying the amount of shame and stigma that exists around the topic of sex.

I grew up in a household that didnt shy away from the topic of sex. As a child, I got the birds and the bees talk from my mother, and as I teenager I had the mortifying experience of watching as she showed me how to put a condom on a banana. Now, Ill admit that at the time I wasnt thrilled about talking to my parents about sex, but looking back I can see that it benefitted me in the long run.

I have been very open and comfortable talking to my friends and family about sex and contraception, and, yes, that includes my parents and even my grandparents. I talked to my dad, Paul (56), and I asked him if his parents ever spoke openly to him about sex and contraception and why he is so open talking to me about it.

I dont think we really discussed sex growing up, he told me.

He said that it wasnt necessarily a taboo topic, but just something that wasnt spoken about in a typical Irish household. His parents, he said, were of their time and of their generation.

He said that one of the reasons hes able to talk so freely to me and my sisters about such a taboo topic is the work that my mum has done to normalise the subject. He knows that respect and trust is important, and that in order to make responsible choices these conversations need to be had.

My mum is American and had a very different experience growing up compared to my dad. She followed in the footsteps of her mother, always being very open and never making the topic of sex or contraception something to be ashamed about. She knows what its like to be a young woman, and has always helped me feel empowered in my decisions.

Having age-appropriate conversations with children and young adults is an easy way to destigmatise the topic, and make sure that when they start having sex they do it right, from the jump.

Contraception has come a long way in Ireland, but theres still a lot of work to do. Young people and adults alike need to get more comfortable talking about things that are deemed awkward or embarrassing.

If you have any questions about contraception, its always recommended to talk to your GP, but there are also a range of websites that offer advice and information such as www.sexualwellbeing.ie and www.mycontraception.ie.
A THIRTY-TWO-year-old Moldovan national who has been living in Ireland for over two decades has been disqualified from driving for four years after he was caught driving without insurance while waiting for a refund from his cancelled policy. Victor Bordianu, 8 Church Terrace, Dunlavin, Co Wicklow appeared before Carlow District Court charged with driving without insurance at Milltown, Dunlavin, Co Wicklow on 7 May 2025 at 6.25am.

The court heard that Garda Prendergast stopped a vehicle being driven by the defendant, who produced a Romanian driving licence at the scene. Inquiries showed there was no active insurance policy on the car and the defendant was cautioned in the usual manner.

He told the garda that his insurance company had cancelled his policy after just one payment. He said they had phoned him and said there was something he hadnt disclosed in his application form and, therefore, cancelled his policy.

The defendant explained that he was waiting to get a refund from the insurance company before he sought out a new insurance policy. No insurance was produced upon lawful request.

Judge Geraldine Carthy asked: Was all this said on the scene? So, he doesnt require an interpreter?

It was noted that Mr Bordianu had requested an interpreter for court on the day.

The court heard that he had two previous convictions, the last being from Naas District Court in 2012 for having no insurance.

Solicitor Alex Rafter, representing the defendant, said in mitigation: He is a Moldovan national who transferred across to Romania. He is 30 years of age and has been in Ireland since 2002.

He has dependent children and is in employment  he puts his hands up, added Mr Rafter.

Judge Carthy said: My hands are tied, unfortunately. He knew fully well at the time of driving that he had no licence.

She fined Mr Bordianu 300, to be paid within 90 days, and disqualified him from driving for four years.

Funded by the Court Reporting Scheme
Alison O'Riordan

A pair of twin brothers, who appeared before the Central Criminal Court on Monday afternoon wearing matching black outfits, have pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of a Romanian man in south Dublin over two years ago.

Eric and Sean Farrell (21), from Castle Park, Tallaght, in Dublin 24, were each arraigned on a single charge that they murdered Ionel Nicolae Diaconu (45) at the same address in Tallaght on December 11th, 2023.

The Farrell brothers, who each wore a black shirt and black trousers, pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to the manslaughter of Mr Diaconu.

Dean Kelly with Simon Matthews , for the Director of Public Prosecutions, said the manslaughter pleas met the case from the Director's point of view.

Michael Bowman, for Eric Farrell, said the brothers are now 21 years old but were 19 at the time of the killing.

The barrister said the brothers have "no significant previous convictions; possibly none" and asked the court to consider probation reports for the two defendants. He said the brothers were in custody in Castlerea Prison.

Senior counsel Brendan Grehan alongside John Griffin, representing Sean Farrell, informed the court that the defendants were twins.

Justice Paul McDermott adjourned the matter to May 18th next for a sentence hearing and ordered two probation reports. He remanded the Farrell twins in custody until that date.

When the judge asked Mr Kelly whether the deceased's relatives would be in court on the next date, the lawyer said Mr Diaconu's family do not live in Ireland and that they have "attended remotely" in the past.
Re:Anima, the European Joint Master in Animation, is now welcoming applications for its 202628 intake. The program offers an intensive two-year exploration of animation from an artistic perspective.

Re:Animas curriculum spans narrative, documentary, experimental, and expanded animation, while its mobility track takes students to leading institutions in three European countries. Now entering its fifth intake, and with approximately 70 students from around the world to date, Re:Anima is quickly establishing itself as one of the most dynamic incubators of creative animation talent.

Based on cross-cultural collaboration and artistic research, the program is entirely delivered in English by the Institute of Art, Design + Technology Dun Laoghaire (Dublin, Ireland), LUCA School of Arts (Genk, Belgium), and Universidade Lusofona (Lisbon, Portugal). Re:Anima is also part of the FilmEU European University, an association of eight leading higher education institutions from across Europe specialising in Film and Media Arts.

During the two-year course, students spend at least one semester at each institution. Immersion in diverse artistic environments and industry contexts helps participants develop their own voices as animation directors. The curriculum combines artistic research methods, historical and critical contexts, technical experimentation from analogue practices to state-of-the-art digital technologies, and entrepreneurship for the creative industries. By the end of the program, students complete an individual animated project designed to push boundaries in storytelling, immersive media, VR, animated documentary, and more.

Alumni Achievements

Students from Re:Animas first cohorts have already made their mark at major international animation events. At the 2025 Venice Biennale, alumni Hsin-Hsuan Yeh, Menghui Huang, and Negar Motevalymeidanshah presented their graduation projects in the Immersive section. Motevalymeidanshahs Less than 5GR of Saffron received the Special Jury Award for its powerful exploration of migration, memory, and resilience through VR.

Beyond VR and expanded animation, Re:Anima alumni have gone on to pursue a wide range of creative and academic paths. The programs commitment to diverse voices and contemporary concerns, paired with artistic rigor, has supported alumni whose work has been selected by major festivals such as Annecy and Animafest Zagreb, who have begun PhD programs, and who are making meaningful contributions to the field worldwideincluding Isaac Lugolobis advocacy for inclusion in Uganda.

Festival selections from Re:Anima alumni include:

Student Voices

Thanut Rujitanont, a Re:Anima alumnus now midway through his PhD at Griffith Film School in Australia, shares:

The perspectives and approaches I gained through Re:Anima continue to live with me, shaping the way I think, research, and create. Re:Anima was not only a formative educational experience, but a transformative one that continues to inspire my artistic and academic practice.

The sense of community fostered by the program often extends well beyond graduation, as described by Julia Granillo Tostado:

It was in Re:Anima that I began to feel confident in my work as a director and was able to envision the career path I am building for myself. And the experience didnt stop once the masters was done. The connections made there are long-lasting, and I feel a network of support that all sprouted during Re:Anima. After finishing and returning to Mexico, I co-created an animation studio, Taller Menea, with one of my classmates, Mica Bolanos.

Apply now

Applications for the 202628 cycle are now open, with a deadline of 30 March 2026. Candidates from all countries who hold a recognised BA degree are eligible to apply and should submit an animation portfolio along with a clear vision for exploring the medium. While no scholarships are attached to this call, applicants are encouraged to explore external funding options and to apply early to secure a place on the course beginning in September 2026.

For full application details, visit reanima.eu.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced today that Dr. Ralph Abraham has stepped down as Principal Deputy Director, effective immediately.

Dr. Abraham led with clarity and discipline, advancing the CDC's mission to protect the health and safety of the American people. He worked directly with career staff and public health partners to strengthen national preparedness and improve the country's emergency response efforts.

Dr. Abraham chose to step down to address unforeseen family obligations.

"It has been an honor to serve alongside the dedicated public health professionals at the CDC and to support the agency's critical mission," Dr. Abraham said.

CDC leadership thanks Dr. Abraham for his service and his contributions to the agency and to the nation.
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Meghna Group of Industries (MGI), one of Bangladeshs largest and most diversified conglomerates and a major cement producer, has been recognised as a Prestigious Brand of Asia for 202526 by Brand Advertising Research and Consulting Pvt Ltd (BARC Asia).

The award was presented at a ceremony in Dubai, where MGIs Chairman and Managing Director, Mostafa Kamal, was also honoured as an Influential Business Leader in Asia. The accolades were received on their behalf by Remzi Issever, MGIs Head of Chartering, according to a company press release.

Founded more than 50 years ago, MGI has grown to encompass over 54 industrial units. The group operates across a broad range of sectors, including fast-moving consumer goods, building materials, energy, hospitality and financial services, reinforcing its position as a key player in Bangladeshs industrial landscape.
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Pakistan recorded a notable increase in cement and clinker export earnings during the first seven months of FY26 (JulyJanuary 2026), according to data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS).

Export proceeds rose by 9.91 per cent YoY to US$206.72m, compared with $188.09m in the corresponding period last year. Export volumes posted modest growth of 0.33 per cent, reaching 5.290m t, up from 5.273m t a year earlier. In local currency terms, revenues climbed 11.37 per cent to PKR58.26bn.

Monthly figures for January 2026 indicate strong momentum. Cement and clinker exports surged to US$33.55m, equivalent to 873,298t, compared with US$22.03m and 561,425t in December 2025. This marks a MoM increase of 52.30 per cent in value and 55.55 per cent in volume.

On a YoY basis, January 2026 exports also showed impressive growth. Shipments totalled US$33.55m and 873,298t, compared with US$20.61m and 581,606t in January 2025  reflecting increases of 62.75 per cent in value and 50.15 per cent in volume.

Despite the positive trend, the prolonged closure of the PakistanAfghanistan border over the past four months has weighed on trade, particularly cement exports to Kabul, amid ongoing import and export restrictions affecting both countries.

Meanwhile, Lucky Cement recently disclosed that clinker export prices range between US$33 and US$34 per tonne, while cement export prices stand between US$45 and US$46/t.

Pakistan traditionally exports cement and clinker to markets including Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Brazil, the United States and several African countries.



By Abdul Rab Siddiqi, Pakistan
Here are the new marriage licenses from the County Clerk's office:

JUAN CARLOS GARCIA PONCE FUTABA SEZAKI

600 N MARKET ST APT 332 600 N MARKET ST APT 332

CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37405 CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37405



KAITLIN NICHOLE HOLLOWAY HANNAH DANNIEL SMITH

714 PARK LAKE RD 714 PARK LAKE RD

ROSSVILLE, Georgia 30741 ROSSVILLE, Georgia 30741



FLETCHER ARMOUR DOUGLAS CAROLYN JOYCE DOUGLAS

976 FULLER GLEN CIR 976 FULLER GLEN CIR

CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37421 CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37421



EMORY EARL WOOD ANDRENIA ELIZABETH STOREY

2001 RAWLINGS ST 2001 RAWLINGS ST

CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37406 CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37406



DAVID JORDAN MOORE JAYDE MICHELLE MOORE

733 ENCHANTED VW APT 121 733 ENCHANTED VW APT 121

CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37415 CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37415



PHILIP HOWARD SANFORD LINDSAY PORTER WOOTEN

400 THOMPSON ST UNIT 102 400 THOMPSON ST UNIT 102

CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37405 CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37405



LISA-KHONDREA LAZETTE MCAFEE CHARLES MICHEAL BROWN

2475 15TH AVE APT 213 2798 KELLY LAKE RD APT B

CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37404 DECATUR, Georgia 30032



VERONICA JUSTINE REID MICHAEL SHERROD WHITE

505 W 42ND ST 3729 DORRIS ST

CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37410 CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37410



PRESTON DOUGLAS BOOTH JULIA ANNE CAMPBELL

1715 MITCHELL AVE 1715 MITCHELL AVE

CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37408 CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37408



SYDNEY GAIL MEYER LUKE NEIL HASTY

138 W LANGSTON WAY 138 W LANGSTON WAY

DALTON, Georgia 30720 DALTON, Georgia 30720



KEITH ALLEN MCGILL JASMIN FAY GRIFFITH

126 TREWHITT DR SE 126 TREWHITT DR SE

CLEVELAND, Tennessee 37323 CLEVELAND, Tennessee 37323



JUMOKE AJAMU JOHNSON ANGELA NICHOLE KELLEY

7249 E BRAINERD RD APT 149 7249 E BRAINERD RD APT 149

CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37421 CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37421



YOHEI YONEHARA IRINA ANATOLYEVNA CHEREVATYUK

4863 LONE HILL RD 4863 LONE HILL RD

CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37416 CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37416



ROBERTO ESCOBAR VELASQUEZ MARIA NOEMI GARCIA SANCHEZ

2115 E 14TH ST 2115 E 14TH ST

CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37404 CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37404



TIMOTHY DEWAYNE MOORE AUTUMN NYCHOLE HATFIELD

6324 HIXSON PIKE APTA26 6324 HIXSON PIKE APTA26

HIXSON, Tennessee 37343 HIXSON, Tennessee 37343



NICOLE ANN SMITH MICHAEL ROBERT MERRIK TEEMS

1611 PRIGMORE RD 1611 PRIGMORE RD

CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37412 CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37412



SUMMER VICTORIA HASKELL JONATHAN VANDEUSEN MORGAN

3507 DAYTON BLVD APT C7 3507 DAYTON BLVD APT C7

CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37415 CHATTANOOGA, TENNESSEE 374154861



MATTHEW JAMES DELLEN SHANNON NISHA GREENBERG

4109 QUINN DR 269 ASHBROOK DR

EVANS, Georgia 30809 MARTINEZ, Georgia 30907



MAXWELL T WALTZ BAILEY MAKENNA LADD

8206 BLACKROCK DR 8206 BLACKROCK DR

OOLTEWAH, Tennessee 37363 OOLTEWAH, Tennessee 37363



LOGAN MARYELLEN BROWN CAMERON AVERY ORR

200 LAFAYETTE ST 200 LAFAYETTE ST

DALLAS, Georgia 30157 DALLAS, Georgia 30157



MATTHEW DAKOTA SHAUM CHASITY CHEYENNE BELL

627 W GARDEN FARM RD 627 W GARDEN FARM RD

ROSSVILLE, Georgia 30741 ROSSVILLE, Georgia 30741



INDIA PORTIA KLINE JESSIE BARAKA MUMBI

1920 GUNBARREL RD APT 1711 1920 GUNBARREL RD APT 1711

CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37421 CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37421



CATHERINE SUTTON CHOATE PHILIP CARROLL CHOATE

7481 CHAD RD 7481 CHAD RD

HARRISON, Tennessee 37341 HARRISON, Tennessee 37341



RICHARD LAWRENCE VERGA CAROLINE MARIE LAKES

10031 OLD STATE RT 73 10031 OLD STATE RT 73

HARVEYSBURG, Ohio 45032 HARVEYSBURG, Ohio 45032



JESSICA SUSAN PEDERSEN LUIS ENRIQUE HERNANDEZ GOMEZ

283 ACORN OAKS CIR APT 213 283 ACORN OAKS CIR APT 213

CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37405 CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37405



CYNTHEA ANN VALCORE JACOB ELIJAH WADE

5519 HIGHWAY 153 APT D 5519 HIGHWAY 153 APT D

HIXSON, Tennessee 37343 HIXSON, Tennessee 37343



MORGAN ELIZABETH MARTIN PATRICK HALE MACALLISTER

25 DRAPER ST APT 333 25 DRAPER ST APT 333

GREENVILLE, South Carolina 29611 GREENVILLE, South Carolina 29611



EVERETT LYNN DOZIER ASHLEE NICOLE TURNER

7495 SPRINGBOX DR 7495 SPRINGBOX DR

FAIRBURN, Georgia 30213 FAIRBURN, Georgia 30213



JAMES PERRY RUNYAN INA MACKENIZE HENDERSON

10455 SIMS HARRIS RD 7556 PASSPORT DR

OOLTEWAH, Tennessee 37363 OOLTEWAH, Tennessee 37363



SHIANN AJA NIKITA LEWIS TANNER DYLAN IVESTER

2103 UNION AVE APT 202 2103 UNION AVE APT 202

CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37404 CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37404



CHRISTOPHER GEORGE GUESS ALYSSHA BROOKE VOLOSKOVA

8529 ARI LN 829 CHATEAUGAY RD

CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37421 KNOXVILLE, Tennessee 37923



LEAH CHRISTINE PORTER LOGAN WILLIAM REED

188 INTEGRA VISTAS DR APT 310 8645 SUMMIT PEAK WAY APT 401

HIXSON, Tennessee 37343 OOLTEWAH, Tennessee 37363



KEITH WAYNE KNIGHT BEVERLY DIANE KNIGHT

7423 RED POPPY DR 7423 RED POPPY DR

OOLTEWAH, Tennessee 37363 OOLTEWAH, TENNESSEE 373636000



CHLOE MICHELLE SMITH WILLIAM BROCK MCDANIEL

4132 LAKESHORE LN 8386 LEXIE LN

CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37415 OOLTEWAH, Tennessee 37363



EBONY GENISE DIMMING AJANAKI TAMEKA BEAN

7056 POPULUS LOOP APT 302 7056 POPULUS LOOP APT 302

CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37421 CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37421



TAMMY BARNES HENDRICKSON ANTHONY MICHAEL CREAMER

1611 TRUMAN AVE 1611 TRUMAN AVE

CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37412 EAST RIDGE, TENNESSEE 374123840



RICHARD TYSON WILLIAMS KELSEY REEANNE WHITE

10852 WARD RD 10852 WARD RD

SODDY DAISY, Tennessee 37379 SODDY DAISY, Tennessee 37379



BENJAMIN XAVIER ZGORECKI CORRIN LISA VAN NEST

6018 CHAMPION RD UNIT A 6018 CHAMPION RD UNIT A

CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37410 CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37410



ADAM WAYNE ALDRICH CASEY ELIZABETH NIELSEN

3379 DURRETT DR APT 14 122 LOBLOLLY CT

CLARKSVILLE, Tennessee 37042 NEWINGTON, Georgia 30446



MILLEENA AILEEN FONSECA LUIS EDUARDO ANDRADE

3472 HEATHERWOOD TRCE 4221 SHADY OAK DR

CLARKSVILLE, Tennessee 37040 OOLTEWAH, Tennessee 37363



JANEA LASHUNN WILSON ISAAC HILTON MADDOX

167 HAWKINS OAK DR APT 120 167 HAWKINS OAK DR APT 120

CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37410 CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37410



GRANT MCQUADE LUNDY CAROLINE OLIVIA BALMER

1322 DISTRICT LN APT 224 1322 DISTRICT LN APT 224

CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37406 CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee 37406



RICHARD PHILLIPS AKRIDGE PEYTON ELIZABETH BRAGG

5745 GARRETT DR 1703 WHITE OAK LN UNIT 5

HIXSON, Tennessee 37343 DALTON, Georgia 30721


sodium ion batteries have become a hot topic: They are considered to be cost-effective and widely available. At the same time, dependencies on Asian supply chains could be reduced. But does the technology deliver what it promises? On Battery Day on February 18, the birthday of the inventor of the first battery, Alessandro Volta, MEET Division Heads Dr Johannes Kasnatscheew and Dr Markus Borner take a nuanced look at the potential of sodium ion batteries.

Sodium Technology Occupies a Niche Sodium is the sixth most abundant element in the Earth's crust, accounting for around 2.3 to 2.8 percent by weight. Lithium, on the other hand, ranks around 30th place. As a result, the material has developed into a promising addition to lithium in battery research. Sodium ion batteries will occupy a niche in the future, but a replacement of lithium ion batteries is unlikely, explains Dr Johannes Kasnatscheew, Head of the MEET Research Division Materials. Compared to lithium ion batteries, cells with sodium ions have a lower energy density. Their biggest competitors are lithium ion batteries with a lithium iron phosphate cathode (LFP), as both have similar properties. Dr Markus Borner, Head of the MEET Research Division Cell System, explains: Sodium ion batteries have advantages at low temperatures, for example. Reasons for this are the hard carbon in the anode and the solvent propylene carbonate in the electrolyte instead of the commonly used ethylene carbonate.

In addition, the sodium ion technology can be used in applications such as stationary energy storage systems and e-scooters. Products with sodium ion batteries are already available on the Asian market. But they are also being used in Europe in certain applications. In France, for example, there is a manufacturer that installs sodium ion batteries in cordless screwdrivers, says Borner. One of the reasons why these cells can already be produced is that existing lithium ion battery production lines can be adapted for the manufacture of sodium ion cells without much effort.

The Key Advantage: Reducing Dependencies However, MEET scientists emphasize that potential cost advantages must be considered holistically. Kasnatscheew explains: It is not the price of a single material that is relevant, but rather the price per kilowatt hour. In this regard, LFP batteries are currently more cost-effective than sodium batteries. However, sodium makes it possible to become less dependent on price fluctuations of lithium. From a strict cost perspective, sodium is particularly attractive when lithium is expensive, says Kasnatscheew.

Due to its high availability, the element also offers the opportunity to establish a European supply chain. Borner emphasizes: This is a time-consuming process. We will not be able to compete with the low-cost mass market for lithium ion batteries overnight. As a result, however, Europe will be more independent and secure for the future with its own battery cell production.

Strong Research and Development in Germany and Europe To achieve this goal, further research on the sodium ion technology is required. There are various options for the materials to be used in the cathode, for example. One possibility is a layered oxide based on nickel-iron-manganese (NFM), which offers a good balance between structural stability and electrochemical performance. In the anode, the conventional copper-based current collector can be replaced by aluminum, which is substantially lighter.
Pete Hegseth addresses attendees at the NRB Freedom 250 Celebration in Nashville, Tennessee, on Feb. 19, 2026. | Photo credit: Christian Daily International

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth delivered a keynote address at the National Religious Broadcasters Freedom 250 Celebration in Nashville, arguing that the United States was founded upon biblical principles and warning against what he described as growing secular opposition to Christianity.

Speaking as the featured headliner at the NRB 2026 International Christian Media Convention at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center, Hegseth opened his remarks by thanking God and commending President Donald Trump, calling him "a fierce defender of Christians and people of faith."

During his speech, Hegseth pointed to several policy shifts under the current administration, including reversing prior federal guidance on gender-related medical practices, restricting certain taxpayer-funded abortion measures and reinforcing religious liberty protections.

He contended that foundational American ideals  including human dignity, natural rights, limited government and freedom of religion  are rooted in Christianity rather than in secular or collectivist worldviews.

As we celebrate our nation's 250th year, it's important to understand that the very fabric of our founding documents are woven into the threads of Christian and biblical principles.

Hegseth described what he called a continuous historical connection between Scripture and the formation of the United States, while criticizing modern secular movements.

He referenced a direct through line from the Old and New Testaments ... to the development of Western civilization and the United States of America, and denounced opposition to the Gospel message by what he termed the godless left.

"Ancient and godless societies viewed the individual as subordinate to the state or the collective. The godless left today still sees it that way, he said. But the Christian belief that every person is created in the image of God established a new understanding of humanity. It was not a declaration of worldly economic equity or social justice, but a profound recognition of the transcendent inherent dignity of every individual."

Turning to military policy, Hegseth contrasted the current administrations stance with previous gender-related directives.

"we train our troops, we no longer trans our troops," he declared, adding, "We are one military, one fighting force, one nation under God. We are not in woke we trust, we are in God we trust."

He encouraged Christian broadcasters, podcasters and online influencers to remain steadfast in expressing biblical views on social and cultural issues, saying such positions transcend partisan politics.

He characterized these convictions as "not political, it's biblical," and concluded with a declaration of faith: "Christ is King. He died for our sins. ... He will come again in glory. Amen."

Hegseth closed his remarks by urging Christian communicators to resist efforts to silence biblical views on life, borders, gender and culture., quoting Scripture as he ended: "The Lord is on my side. I will not fear."

Before entering public service, Hegseth was commissioned as an infantry officer in the U.S. Army National Guard after graduating from Princeton University in 2003. He served in deployments to Guantanamo Bay, Iraq and Afghanistan, in addition to holding various staff roles within the National Guard.
Photo Credit: Unsplash/ Bernd Dittrich

A first-grade teacher at a Nashville public charter school says he was threatened with termination after requesting a religious accommodation that would allow him to avoid reading an LGBT-themed childrens book to his students.

Eric Rivera, a Christian educator who taught at KIPP Antioch College Prep Elementary School, alleges that school administrators issued him a Final Warning letter that included a threat of termination.

The claims were outlined in a statement released Wednesday by the legal nonprofit First Liberty Institute. KIPP Antioch operates as a public charter school under the oversight of the Tennessee Public Charter School Commission.

According to a letter First Liberty Institute sent to school officials on Riveras behalf Tuesday, the dispute began in January when Rivera reviewed his Language Arts curriculum and found a book that included a same-sex couple raising a 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.

One of the titles Rivera was asked to read was Stella Brings the Family, according to WZTV. The story centers on a young girl with two fathers who worries about how to celebrate Mothers Day without a mother.

Rivera reportedly told administrators that reading and leading a discussion about the book would violate his conscience. Instead, he requested that a colleague read the book to the students on Jan. 6, while he remained in the classroom to observe.

The next day, Rivera says he was called into the principals office and given a Final Warning letter that included a threat of termination.

He maintains that he had not previously received any disciplinary notices or warnings prior to the letter. Following the incident, Rivera accepted a technology teaching position before later transitioning to a kindergarten role.

In a statement to WZTV, the Tennessee Public Charter School Commission said charter schools must adhere to the same academic standards as traditional public schools.

"All schools are required to comply with the prohibited concepts law and must provide a form on their website for reporting violations," the commission stated. "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.

The dispute arises amid broader national debates over religious accommodations in public education. Last year, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in a case involving Maryland parents that families may opt their children out of certain LGBT-themed instructional materials that conflict with their religious beliefs.
Home News Beloved Houston pastor shot dead by roommate during home invasion

Quick Summary AI Summary Houston pastor Pedro Cantu shot dead by his roommate during a home invasion.

Police responded to a burglary call and found Cantu suffering from a gunshot wound.

A 35-year-old male, a resident of the home, fired the weapon while attempting to defend against the intruder. 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

Detectives with the Houston Police Department are investigating after Amor y Restauracion (Love and Restoration) church lead pastor, Pedro Cantu, was fatally shot by his roommate during a break-in at his home on Saturday.

Police responded to a burglary call at 1233 South Kirkwood Road about 12:15 a.m. on Saturday when they heard at least one gunshot coming from inside the residence, according to a news release.

Officers later found and detained a 35-year-old male with a firearm. They also found 62-year-old Cantu suffering from a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at a local hospital.

Another man, identified as suspected burglar Rodney Dushaw Yoder, 44, was also injured by Pastor Cantus roommate, who was not identified by police. Yoder was charged with burglary of a habitation. It is unclear if the 35-year-old who fired the weapon will face criminal charges.

Detectives learned that the armed male, 35, and Mr. Cantu were residents of the home. And the injured male had broken into the residence. The armed male was attempting to defend the residence, shooting the suspect and accidentally striking Mr. Cantu, HPD investigators said in their release.

According to the churchs website, Pastor Cantu and his wife, Leticia, who have three daughters, moved to the U.S. from Mexico in July 1990. He started meeting other families for worship and Bible study at their small apartment in 1991, and later that year, they formally opened Love and Restoration church.

During a worship service at the church on Sunday, church and family members openly grieved his death, KHOU 11 reported.

My husband loved you all deeply, his wife shared in Spanish. He loved the church deeply. I never heard him speak ill of anyone. He loved you all sincerely.

One of his daughters, Perla Cantu, also made it clear that her father did not own a gun.

I want people to know that my father was a peaceful man, she said in a statement. He did not own a firearm, regardless of what you may have heard.

Others like Abraham Guajardo, pastor of Eden Church in Houston, remembered Pastor Cantu as a force in the local Spanish church community.

Pastor Pedro Cantu was more than a pastor; he was a father, a son, a friend, not to mention a pastor to pastors. Every time he greeted me, he would say, mi querido Abraham. My dear Abraham, He said it to many, but when he said it, it felt personal. It carried weight, Guajardo wrote on Facebook on Saturday.

Right before we launched Eden, he walked me through the facility they were preparing to move into. It was empty at the time, just walls and vision, but he saw what God was building before anyone else could see it. Much of what we have stepped into at Eden has been shaped by his teaching, his conversations, and his example. He carried authority in this city with humility and conviction. I truly do not know another one like him, he added.

Guajardo said Houston, the Body of Christ, and the Latino church are all grieving Cantus death.

While this loss is shocking and painful, we also celebrate the victories, the ground he broke, the lives changed because he said yes to God. I am praying deeply for his family and for his church community Amor y Restauracion. If I feel this loss, I can only imagine what they are carrying right now, he said. In the very city we love and serve, this hurts deeply. But his voice, his vision, and his faithfulness will echo far beyond this moment.
Home News Canadian man fined $750K for saying only 2 sexes exist, refusing to kowtow to trans ideology

Quick Summary AI Summary Canadian man fined $750,000 for stating only two sexes exist.

Barry Neufeld, former school board trustee, faces penalties for opposing promotion of trans ideology.

Tribunal claims fine compensates LGBT-identified employees for 'injury to dignity and self-respect.' 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 former Canadian school board of trustees member who has been fined $750,000 over his public comments expressing opposition to the promotion of trans ideology in schools is appealing the decision.

In a decision issued Wednesday, the British Columbia Human Rights Tribunal ordered former Chilliwack Board of Education trustee Barry Neufield to pay $750,000 for purportedly discriminating against trans-identified teachers and staff in the Chilliwack School District by expressing opposition to efforts to push gender confusion, and by expressing on social media his belief in the scientific reality that there are only two sexes.

The tribunal claims the astronomical fine is justified to compensate the LGBT-identified district employees for injury to their dignity, feelings, and self-respect.

Since the estimated number of teachers in Chilliwack School District who identified as LGBT from 2017-2022 was between 45 and 163, the British Columbia Human Rights Tribunal estimates that each will receive between $4,601.23 and $16,666.67.

In addition to requiring him to pay a $750,000 fine, Neufield is barred from engaging in actions that violate provisions of the British Columbia Code of Human Rights that prohibit discriminatory publications, hate speech and discrimination in employment. He also has to pay $442 to an unnamed plaintiff named Teacher C to compensate for the former teachers lost wages for attending a hearing about Neufields refusal to kowtow to trans ideology.

The unidentified Teacher C resigned from the school district in 2021, alleging a hostile work environment due to Neufields comments and the districts response.

Neufields public opposition toward efforts to push trans ideology and gender confusion in Canadian school curriculum began with an Oct. 23, 2017, Facebook post, where he expressed concern that [T]he Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) program instructs children that gender is not biologically determined, but is a social construct.

At the risk of being labelled a bigoted homophobe, I have to say that I support traditional family values and I agree with the College of paediatricians that allowing little children choose to change gender is nothing short of child abuse, he added. But now the BC Ministry of Education has embraced the LGBTQ lobby and is forcing this biologically absurd theory on children in our schools. Children are being taught that heterosexual marriage is no longer the norm. Teachers must not refer to boys and girls they are merely students.

The Oct. 23, 2017, Facebook post was one of many that the British Columbia Human Rights Tribunal claimed to have violated the British Columbia Human Rights Codes prohibitions on "discriminatory publications and/or hate speech." In a separate Facebook post from Dec. 18, 2017, Neufield explicitly mentioned how his Christian faith plays a role in his opposition to LGBT ideology.

It dawned on me that for a Christian, there are two approaches to take. The pastoral approach is one of compassion and empathy while firmly refusing to buy into their clients delusional thinking. As one pastor said to a transgender person: it is my responsibility to love you: but it is Gods job the [sic] change you. However, while helping me grasp a better understanding of gender Dysphoria, the [issue] is so complex that it is hard to apply these insights in a debate at the political level, especially on Facebook, he wrote.

Identifying the other approach as prophetic, Neufield detailed how In the Bible, the Old Testament prophets upbraided the Kings and rulers for their wickedness and lack of Justice while In the New Testament, the prophetic gifts were used to admonish the WHOLE church and all of society. Neufield concluded that he had been thrown into the role of prophet.

Neufield described his mission as speaking out to the lawmakers in Victoria and trying to motivate lukewarm Christians who are sitting idly by as all of Society Slouches towards Gomorrah.

He warned that the widespread embrace of trans ideology has demonized people of faith who believe that God created humans male and female: In the Image of God.

The Rights and Freedoms Fundraising Society is seeking to raise money for Neufields legal defense so he can seek judicial review of the British Columbia Human Rights Tribunals decision.
Home News Episcopal priest, fmr. head of foster care ministry pleads guilty to $10M wire fraud

Quick Summary AI Summary Episcopal priest Robert N. Smith pleads guilty to $10 million wire fraud.

Smith faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, with sentencing scheduled for July 15.

Smith was suspended in 2022 and will undergo an Episcopal Church disciplinary process. 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

An Episcopal priest who was the former head of a foster care ministry in Kansas has pleaded guilty to being involved in a fraud that cost the nonprofit around $10 million.

The Rev. Robert N. Smith, who led the Salina-based Saint Francis Ministries from 2014 to 2020, pleaded guilty last Thursday to one count of wire fraud, the Episcopal News Service reported.

Smith, who faces the possibility of as much as 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000, was scheduled by U.S. District Judge Toby Crouse to be sentenced on July 15.

The Episcopal priest was suspended in 2022 when he first faced charges in the wire fraud case and will soon face an Episcopal Church disciplinary process, known as Title IV, according to ENS.

In November 2022, a federal grand jury in Topeka indicted Smith and William Byrd Whymark of Mount Kisco, New York, for allegedly defrauding SFM over multiple years.

Smith faced one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, 15 counts of wire fraud and one count of money laundering; Whymark was charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, 10 counts of wire fraud and three counts of money laundering.

According to authorities, Smith used his position at SFM to enter into an agreement with a company owned by Whymark in 2018. From there, Smith allegedly authorized multiple payments for overinflated, fraudulent invoices from Whymark, totaling more than $10 million.

In 2020, the SFM board reportedly became aware of Smiths activities and forced him to resign. Smith was initially suspended, though the suspension was lifted when an initial investigation failed to find evidence of wrongdoing.

In November 2022, after Smith's indictment was announced, Bishop Paula Clark, head of the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago, where Smith was a canonical resident, announced that Smith was suspended "from any and all priestly and ministerial duties."

The bishop also ordered Smith to have "no direct access to credit cards, bank accounts, or any other funds held by the church."

"The Episcopal Diocese of Chicago takes allegations of clergy misconduct very seriously and cooperates fully with legal authorities," ENS reported at the time.

Last November, Whymark pleaded guilty to two counts of money laundering, which can carry a sentence of up to 10 years in prison. He is slated to be sentenced on April 30.
Home News Iranian Christian who came to US as an adopted orphan fears deportation would be a death sentence

Quick Summary AI Summary An Iranian-born Christian woman fears that deportation to Iran would put her life in danger.

She entered the U.S. at age 4, but a legal loophole makes it difficult for her to become a citizen.

Advocates highlight her case as part of a larger issue affecting international adoptees without citizenship. 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

An Iranian-born Christian woman who entered the United States as a young child says deportation proceedings against her could amount to a death sentence if she is forced to return to Iran. The case involves a decades-old citizenship gap affecting some international adoptees who were raised in the U.S. yet never formally naturalized.

The woman, adopted by an American Air Force veteran at age 2 after he found her in an Iranian orphanage in the early 1970s, recently received a Department of Homeland Security letter ordering her to appear for removal proceedings in California, the Associated Press reports.

The womans name has been withheld because of her legal situation. The agency determined she is eligible for deportation because her visa expired in March 1974, when she was 4 years old.

I never imagined it would get to where it is today, the woman told the news agency. She warned that deportation to Iran could be fatal because of her Christian faith and her fathers U.S. military ties.

I always told myself that there is no way that this country could possibly send someone to their death in a country they left as an orphan. How could the United States do that? she asked.

She has no criminal record and works in corporate health care, pays taxes and owns a home in California. The only law enforcement interaction she recalls is a traffic stop two decades ago for using her phone while driving.

Her hearing was recently postponed to next month after an immigration judge agreed with her attorney, Emily Howe, that she does not need to appear in person, easing fears that immigration officers might detain her at the courthouse.

Advocates say tens of thousands of international adoptees in the United States have never received citizenship because an earlier law required parents to complete a separate naturalization process after adoption. The woman discovered the oversight in her own case only at age 38 while applying for a passport.

Her adoptive parents, who have since died, returned with her to the U.S. in 1973 after adopting her the previous year in Iran. Although the adoption was finalized in 1975, her citizenship status remained unresolved.

For years, she has sought help from federal agencies and lawmakers, including Rep. Young Kim, R-Calif. Her case resurfaced as the administration has pursued deportation efforts, even as Trump administration officials publicly frame their mass deportation policy as targeting dangerous criminals.

The legal gap affecting older adoptees traces back to the Child Citizenship Act of 2000, which granted automatic citizenship to many foreign-born adoptees but applied only to those under 18 at the time and born after Feb. 27, 1983. Advocates have since pushed Congress to extend protections to those excluded. Last year, a bipartisan group of federal lawmakers introduced the Protect Adoptees and American Families Act, which would grant U.S. citizenship to international adoptees who were legally adopted in the U.S. but aren't citizens because of a loophole in the Child Citizenship Act of 2000.

Hannah Daniel, formerly the director of public policy for the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention, has for years pressed lawmakers to address the issue, saying the woman's situation is an example of the precise risk she and others have warned about.

Im horrified, Daniel told AP, calling the case an absolutely unbelievable situation. She later described the prospect of deportation as un-American and unconscionable.

Ryan Brown, chief executive officer of the Christian advocacy group Open Doors, warned that Iranian authorities often treat converts to Christianity as security threats aligned with Western governments.

It is assumed that you are an enemy of the state, Brown was quoted as saying.

A joint report by Article 18, Open Doors, Christian Solidarity Worldwide and Middle East Concern has documented intensifying pressure on Christians in Iran. The study reported that 254 Christians were arrested for their faith last year and that charges frequently relied on provisions criminalizing religious activity deemed contrary to Islam.

The report said 43 Christians remained imprisoned at the end of 2025 and 16 others were in pretrial detention. Sentences also grew harsher, with total prison terms reaching about 280 years in 2025 compared with about 263 years the previous year.

Iran ranks 10th on the Open Doors 2026 World Watch List of countries where Christians face the most severe persecution. The organization estimates that about 800,000 Christians live in Irans population of more than 92 million.

Advocates have raised an alarm in the last year about efforts to deport other Iranian and Afghan Christians despite the risks of persecution they face if they are returned.

Deportation efforts against members of his California church spurred Evangelical Pastor Ara Torosian, who fled from Iran himself, to speak out after a viral video circulated online purporting to show one woman having a panic attack as officers arrested her husband on the street, a few blocks away from the church.

"I believe that America is better than this," Torosian stressed in an op-ed for The Los Angeles Times. "This behavior reminds me disturbingly of what I fled in Iran. But I know that most Americans do not support this, nor do most fellow evangelical Christians: Many evangelicals voted for Trump because he pledged to protect persecuted Christians  not to deport them."
Home News Kindergarten teacher who identified as trans wolf, wore collar and tail, fired after parents raise alarm

Quick Summary AI Summary A kindergarten teacher has been fired after identifying as a 'trans wolf' and wearing a collar and tail in class.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed the dismissal following complaints from military families.

Parents raised concerns about the teacher's behavior, prompting a formal complaint to the DoD. 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 North Carolina kindergarten substitute teacher who allegedly identified as a trans wolf and wore a collar and tail in class has been fired after parents raised concerns. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed the dismissal following complaints from military families.

Hegseth wrote on X that the teacher, whom he referred to as the Wolf, had been dismissed weeks earlier. His post followed mounting scrutiny from parents whose children attended Mildred B. Poole Elementary School at Fort Bragg.

Military families began voicing concerns in early 2025 about the teachers behavior around young students, according to TNND.

Parents said the substitute teacher, who worked with kindergarten and pre-K classes, sometimes wore womens clothing along with a dog collar and an animal tail while at school.

Several families contacted the legal advocacy group Liberty Counsel, which later sent a formal complaint to the Department of Defense Education Activity, which oversees the school system serving military bases.

The group argued that administrators had failed to respond adequately to repeated parental complaints.

In its letter, Liberty Counsel wrote that the teacher engaged in disturbing behavior in the classroom and that parents had first raised concerns in early 2025 and again in January. The group urged school officials to remove the educator from contact with children pending an investigation.

Parents told Liberty Counsel that the teacher sometimes asked students to howl like wolves and told the children that he turned into a wolf at night, according to The College Fix.

One parent reported that her daughter came home frightened and said, Mommy, Im scared hes going to come eat me, after hearing the teacher make such claims.

Another parent said their child reported that the teacher told students he was actually a woman who likes boys. Families also alleged the teacher used various alternate names in the classroom, including Roxxanne Wildheart, Captain Roxxie and Lilith Deathhowl.

Liberty Counsels complaint included detailed references to the teachers public social media activity. The group pointed to multiple posts and pieces of artwork depicting violent scenarios, graphic imagery and sexually suggestive themes associated with several of the persona names that parents said the educator used in the classroom.

The organization cited examples it said showed the teachers online characters portrayed in scenes involving weapons, blood or coercive themes, along with other inappropriate material for someone working with young children.

Liberty Counsel further stated that school officials initially told parents they couldn't intervene because the school lacked a formal dress code and because the teacher identified as transgender. The group argued in its complaint that the situation could amount to sexual harassment under Title IX.

The DoDEA later informed Liberty Counsel that the school system had severed the employment relationship with the individual referenced in the complaint. The agency also said it was coordinating with appropriate offices to review the matter.

It remains unclear whether the teacher had previously been suspended before the termination.

Recent debates about classroom content and school oversight have contributed to heightened scrutiny of educators conduct in early childhood settings. Federal education data show that homeschooling in the U.S. has grown in recent years, with estimates placing the number of homeschooled children above 3.7 million as of 2025, according to Newsbreak.
Home News Louisiana can display Ten Commandments in classrooms, appeals court rules

Quick Summary AI Summary Federal appeals court allows Louisiana to enforce law requiring public schools to display the Ten Commandments.

Court vacated an earlier injunction against the law in a per curiam ruling.

The law mandates displays measuring at least 11 by 14 inches and permits additional historical documents. 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 federal appeals court will allow Louisiana to enforce a state law requiring public schools to display the Ten Commandments.

In a per curiam ruling released last Friday in Roake v. Brumley, the 5th U.S Circuit Court of Appeals vacated an earlier block on the Ten Commandments law being enforced.

The per curiam opinion states that the parents challenge turns on unresolved factual and contextual questions and thus the injunction against the state law was premature.

There can be no doubt that the Ten Commandments bear immense religious significance, stated the appeals court. But they also have historical significance as one of the foundations of our legal system.  That dual character forecloses any categorical rule against their display on public property.

The appeals court went on to note that since the state law leaves Ten Commandments displays entirely to the discretion of local school boards, this means that there are numerous essential questions unanswered.

We do not know, for example, how prominently the displays will appear, what other materials might accompany them, or how  if at all  teachers will reference them during instruction, noted the per curiam opinion.

More fundamentally, we do not even know the full content of the displays themselves. Although the statute requires inclusion of the Commandments and a context statement, it expressly permits additional content  such as the Mayflower Compact, the Declaration of Independence, and the Northwest Ordinance  to appear alongside them.

Circuit Judge Irma Ramirez, a Biden appointee, authored a dissenting opinion, arguing that no additional factual development was necessary, given that the state law is chiefly focused on the Ten Commandments.

Here, [House Bill 71] thoroughly outlines the mandatory religious displays, wrote Ramirez. Because H.B. 71 provides sufficient information about the mandatory classroom religious displays, and requires no other materials to be displayed, no additional factual development is required to determine the statutes facial invalidity.

I would hold that Plaintiffs have standing to assert their Establishment Clause claims, that they have plausibly alleged those claims, that they are likely to succeed on the merits of those claims, and that the remaining preliminary injunction factors are satisfied.

Joseph Davis, senior counsel at the religious liberty law firm Becket, who is helping to represent Louisiana, celebrated the per curiam opinion in a statement.

If the ACLU had its way, every trace of religion would be scrubbed from the fabric of our public life, said Davis. Were glad the Fifth Circuit has allowed Louisiana to display the Ten Commandments in its public school classrooms.

The progressive advocacy groups representing the parents suing the law include the American Civil Liberties Union, Americans United for Separation of Church and State, and the Freedom From Religion Foundation.

In a joint statement, the groups called the per curiam ruling extremely disappointing and claimed that it would unnecessarily force Louisianas public school families into a game of constitutional whack-a-mole in every school district.

Longstanding judicial precedent makes clear that our clients need not submit to the very harms they are seeking to prevent before taking legal action to protect their rights, they added. But this fight isnt over. We will continue fighting for the religious freedom of Louisianas families.

In 2024, Louisiana passed House Bill 71, which requires public school classrooms to display a copy of the Ten Commandments that measures at least 11 inches by 14 inches.

Signed by Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry, the new law also permitted schools to display other historical documents, like the Mayflower Compact and the Declaration of Independence.

Shortly after HB 71 was signed, progressive legal groups sued Louisiana on behalf of a multifaith group of parents with minor children enrolled in state public schools.

In June of last year, a three-judge panel of the Fifth Circuit issued a decision upholding a lower court injunction against HB 71, with Ramirez writing in the panel opinion that the law inflicts significant practical harm on Plaintiffs First Amendment rights.

Last October, the Fifth Circuit issued a brief per curiam opinion vacating the earlier ruling against the law and agreeing to have the full court hear the case.
Home News Montgomery County must pay $1.5M to religious parents after Supreme Court ruling

Quick Summary AI Summary Montgomery County Public Schools must pay $1.5 million to parents after last year's Supreme Court ruling.

A federal judge ordered the county to notify parents about LGBT-themed instructional materials.

Parents retain the right to opt their children out of content conflicting with their religious beliefs. 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 federal judge ordered Maryland's largest school district to pay $1.5 million to parents who sued the school system after it took away parental notice and opt-outs for LGBT-themed storybooks, some of which promoted gender transitioning and pride parades to children as young as 4.

U.S. District Judge Deborah L. Boardman issued the financial judgment, as well as a permanent injunction, in a Thursday ruling. The decision comes after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled last June that Montgomery County Public Schools in Maryland cannot require children to be exposed to LGBT-themed books in the curriculum without parental consent.

Under the settlement and permanent injunction issued on Thursday, the Montgomery County Board of Education must notify parents in advance when instructional materials will feature LGBT content, and parents must have the right to opt their child out if it conflicts with the familys religious beliefs.

The board may notify parents in several ways about the instructional materials, including: publishing via email to parents, prior to each marking period, descriptions of all core instructional texts and supplemental texts and materials (including videos) that have been approved for use during the marking period for each grade level.

Public schools nationwide are on notice: running roughshod over parental rights and religious freedom isnt just illegal  its costly, Eric Baxter, senior counsel at Becket and lead attorney for the parents, said in a statement. This settlement enforces the Supreme Courts ruling and ensures parents, not government bureaucrats, have the final say in how their children are raised.

It took tremendous courage for these parents to stand up to the School Board and take their case all the way to the Supreme Court, Baxter added. Their victory reshaped the law and ensured that generations of religious parents will be able to guide their childrens upbringing according to their faith.

The Montgomery County Board of Education did not immediately respond to The Christian Posts request for comment.

The case made its way to the Supreme Court after a religiously diverse group of parents challenged the school district's refusal to grant opt-outs for lessons featuring books that celebrate gender transitioning and same-sex relationships.

In 2022, the Montgomery County Board of Education introduced a series of LGBT-themed books for inclusion in schools' English language arts curricula. The books included titles such as Born Ready: The True Story of a Boy Named Penelope and Pride Puppy, a picture book about a pride parade that encourages children to search for images of underwear, leather and drag queens.

The school board initially allowed parents to exempt their children from reading these materials, but later revoked this option.

After an interfaith group of parents  including Christian and Muslim parents  protested outside the school district office in Rockville in 2023, the parents sued the board, arguing that the school district violated their sincerely held beliefs.

U.S. District Judge Deborah Boardman, a Biden appointee, rejected the motion for a preliminary injunction in August 2023, concluding that the parents failed to show that the "use of the storybooks crosses the line from permissible influence to potentially impermissible indoctrination."

In May 2024, a three-judge panel of the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the lower court ruling in a 2-1 decision, with Circuit Judge G. Steven Agee, a George W. Bush appointee, authoring the majority opinion.

In the Supreme Courts 6-3 ruling last year, Justice Samuel Alito wrote for the court: The practice of educating one's children in one's religious beliefs, like all religious acts and practices, receives a generous measure of protection from our Constitution.

And this is not merely a right to teach religion in the confines of one's own home. Rather, it extends to the choices that parents wish to make for their children outside the home, he added.
Home News Brandon Pitts, pastor injured in NY church explosion, released from hospital

Days after heavy snow triggered a blast that destroyed the Abundant Life Fellowship church in Boonville, New York, Pastor Brandon Pitts, who was injured along with four firefighters, has been released from the hospital.

I want to thank every single person who has prayed for me, for my family, and for our church. I have been released from the hospital and will be recovering over the next 1-2 months," Pitts, 43, wrote in a message to his church and the Boonville community on Friday. "Your prayers have carried us. We feel them. We are grateful beyond words."

Pitts was injured along with Boonville Fire Chief David Pritchard Jr., 60, and firefighters Nicholas Amicucci, 43; Richard Czajka, 71; and Allan Austin, 67. The fire was caused by a propane fuel line being damaged after the church's roof buckled under the weight of snow that had accumulated in the area last Tuesday.

While the investigation into the blast remains ongoing, the New York State Police said first responders arrived at the church after receiving a call at around 10:23 a.m. about a gas odor inside the building. There were four people in the churchs basement when the furnace activated, triggering the explosion. A firefighter who was on the first floor trying to ventilate the building was thrown against a wall.

The Boonville Fire Department confirmed Pitts release from the hospital in an update Saturday. Officials also noted that Austin, the assistant fire chief, was released from Wynn Hospital. The other three firefighters remain at Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse, where two are listed in critical condition and the other in fair condition as of Saturday.

This is going to be a long recovery for all of these individuals and their families, and our Fire Service extended families. We continue to ask you to respect the families and keep the well wishes and prayers flowing, the statement from the Boonville Fire Department said.

Pastor Pitts described the loss of his church building as unthinkable, but praised the unity he has seen on display since the explosion.

On Tuesday, February 17, we experienced the unthinkable as our church building was tragically lost in a devastating fire. It has been an overwhelming few days, but in the middle of loss, I have witnessed something powerful  faith, unity, courage, and love, he said, while praising the courage of the first responders who stepped in to help.

Many acted with extraordinary courage, and several are still in the hospital recovering. We are praying for their complete healing and for strength over their families. We stand with them fully, he wrote.

Pitts thanked the Adirondack Central School District for allowing his congregation to worship at the Adirondack High School Auditorium for the foreseeable future.

Their kindness is a gift to our church and to our community, Pitts said. While we have lost a building, we have not lost our mission. We have not lost our faith. We have not lost our hope. The Church is not made of walls  it is made of people. And we are still standing.
Home News Adrian Davis, pastor who embezzled over $400K from church, gets 5 years in prison

Quick Summary AI Summary Adrian Davis, former pastor, sentenced to five years in prison for embezzling over $400,000 from his church.

Davis used church funds for personal expenses, including luxury items and vehicles.

Using the churchs money, he bought an Audi A7 for $30,920 and a $45,982 GMC Yukon. 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

Adrian Davis, a disgraced pastor from Huntsville, Alabama, who embezzled more than $400,000 from his church and splurged on cars and luxury items, has been sentenced to five years in prison.

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Alabama announced the sentence of 42-year-old Davis, who once led All Nations Worship Assembly in Huntsville, on Friday. Davis was sentenced by United States District Judge Liles C. Burke following his guilty plea last October to wire fraud and filing a false tax return.

Davis betrayed his congregation when he abused his position of trust for personal gain, U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona said in announcing the sentence. My office is committed to holding accountable individuals who violate positions of public trust.

Adrian Davis stole funds from his parishioners and filed false tax returns to conceal his crime, added Assistant Special Agent in Charge Kristen A. Yukness of the IRS Criminal Investigation, Atlanta Field Office. IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agents are dedicated to ensuring that individuals who hold positions of trust within the community and use those positions to participate in fraudulent financial activities are held accountable.

Authorities said that Davis, who was still being platformed by churches as recently as six months ago, embezzled approximately $434,339 from 2018 to 2020.

Among the purchases Davis made with his churchs money are an Audi A7, which he bought in 2018 for $30,920. In 2019, he used $45,982 from his churchs purse to buy a 2016 GMC Yukon. Davis also paid $117,000 for personal expenses on an American Express card. He splurged $4,970.15 at Louis Vuitton and $5,300 at Flight Club  a world-renowned sneaker consignment store in New York City where rare, exclusive and vintage sneakers are priced as high as $20,000 to $30,000 per pair.

In March 2020, Donny Harper, who owns and founded GO(O)D Company Apparel in Cincinnati, Ohio, shared on Facebook how he opened his store for Davis when he visited the city.

We were closed at the time, but when Pastor Adrian Davis from All Nations comes to your city and says, I need to see your store, we had to open up for him! Harper wrote.

Investigators say Davis also used church funds to pay off a credit card balance of $18,530 from a jewelry purchase. He made significant purchases from luxury brands Hublot and Peter Marco, which were never authorized by the church.

Davis also failed to report the embezzled profit on his individual tax returns for 2018, 2019 and 2020, resulting in a tax loss to the IRS in the amount of $114,859.00, the U.S. Attorneys Office said. Davis did not provide his tax preparer with records showing that he had received and spent more than $400,000 of the churchs funds in tax years 2018-2020. Additionally, Davis suggested to his tax preparer that his extra income came only from speaking engagements.

Davis' sentence comes just weeks after self-styled prophet and leader of Kingdom City Church in Charlotte, North Carolina, Brian Carn Jr., pleaded guilty to obstructing the IRS efforts to collect more than $600,000 in outstanding taxes while insisting he won't be going to prison. He is facing a three-year sentence.

It's an accounting error, but it's an accounting error that I have to take responsibility for because it's my taxes, Carn, 36, said in an interview with Larry Reid.

When Reid raised concern that he didnt want him to go to prison for the maximum penalty of three years, Carn said, Well, I won't be. You know, I know how to handle that stuff in the spirit.
Home News Attack on Christians: Human rights group responds to Turkeys defense of missionary expulsions

Quick Summary AI Summary Turkey's Ministry of Foreign Affairs rejects a European Parliament resolution on the expulsion of foreign Christians.

At least 300 foreign Christian pastors, missionaries and their families have been expelled or denied re-entry in recent years.

European lawmakers express concerns over the treatment of Christians and call for Turkey to respect religious freedom. 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

Rights group ADF International has condemned Turkeys rejection of a European Parliament resolution on the expulsion of foreign Christians, with critics calling the policy an attack on Christians and urging authorities to respect due process and religious freedom.

The European Parliament resolution focused on cases involving at least 300 foreign Christian pastors, missionaries and their families who were deported or denied re-entry under administrative measures known as the N 82 and G 87 security codes.

Turkeys Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued its response the day after the European Parliament adopted the resolution by a 502 to 2 vote earlier this month. The resolution raised concerns among lawmakers about the use of national security frameworks to restrict fundamental rights, including freedom of religion.

The ministry said claims regarding freedom of expression and religion in the country contradict the facts and warned that such criticism could harm efforts to improve relations between Turkey and the European Union. The government also insisted that no foreign body, including the European Parliament, has the authority to intervene in judicial proceedings within Turkey.

EU lawmakers said the measures designated individuals as national security threats without evidence, trial or effective means of appeal, according to a statement by ADF International.

The debate intensified after the European Court of Human Rights agreed earlier this month to examine 20 cases involving foreign Christians who were expelled or barred from returning to Turkey.

ADF International, which is providing legal support in most of the cases, argued that the use of security codes typically reserved for terrorism suspects had been applied to peaceful foreign Christian residents with long records of lawful residence.

European lawmakers cited concerns about limited judicial review, lack of transparency and restricted access to evidence in the cases.

During the parliamentary debate, European Peoples Party member Tomislav Sokol said, These deportations of Christians in Turkey for reasons of national security are one more attack on Christians, the most persecuted religious minority around the world.

The resolution also noted that many of those affected had lived in Turkey for years before facing deportation or re-entry bans.

Foreign Christians from countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, South Korea, Latin America and other parts of Europe have been denied visas or deported in recent years. Many had lived in Turkey with their families for extended periods and had no criminal record or pending legal cases.

The 2024 Human Rights Violation Report by the Association of Protestant Churches documented 132 people arbitrarily branded with entry ban codes, solely because of their Christian faith. The report put the total number affected at 303.

The report also documented multiple incidents of violence, intimidation and discrimination against Christians across Turkey.

One of the pastors affected is Carlos Madrigal, a Spanish Protestant leader who lived legally in Turkey for more than three decades and led churches in the country for 21 years. Madrigals residence permit was revoked in 2022 after authorities labeled him a national security threat.

Turkeys response is an exercise in semantics to conceal a systematic strategy: they do not officially deport us, but they force us to leave by revoking residence permits without evidence, Madrigal wrote in an op-ed for Evangelical Focus. He added that the decision relied on a secret intelligence file that neither he nor his lawyers were allowed to examine.

Dutch Member of the European Parliament Bert Jan Ruissen, who supported the resolution, urged Turkish authorities to change course.

The message of our resolution remains crystal clear: Turkish authorities must stop obstructing churches and missionaries, he said, according to Evangelical Focus.

The European Christian Political Party also called on European Union institutions, including foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, to raise the issue consistently in political dialogue with Ankara. The party warned that continued inaction could prompt European countries to consider further measures, including renewed scrutiny of Turkeys long stalled accession process.

ADF International urged Turkish authorities to ensure that security measures align with international human rights obligations.

The European courts review of the pending cases is expected to determine whether the expulsions violate protections for religious freedom, family life and due process under the European Convention on Human Rights.
Home News Worship pastor kills himself after arrest on sexual abuse charges

A former worship pastor at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Kentucky died by suicide days after his arrest on multiple sexual abuse charges involving a minor, authorities said.

David Rodgers, 40, who had been serving as worship pastor at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Owensboro, was found dead Thursday near his residence in Utica after what investigators called an apparent suicide, according to Kentucky Today.

The Daviess County Sheriffs Office and the county coroner responded to the scene around 9:45 a.m., according to Kentucky State Police.

Rodgers had been arrested earlier in the week following an investigation that began in early January. Authorities said the case involved allegations that dated back roughly a decade.

The investigation found Rodgers engaged in a sexual relationship with a juvenile through what police described as a position of special trust. He faced charges of third-degree rape, second-degree sodomy involving a position of authority, first-degree sexual abuse, procuring or promoting the use of a minor by electronic means, and possession of matter portraying a sexual performance by a minor under age 12.

According to court records, police received a complaint about a sexual relationship between Rodgers and a juvenile, as cited by The Owensboro Times. Investigators were quoted as saying that Rodgers came into contact with the minor through a trusted role connected to the church.

Rodgers was taken into custody, read his rights and agreed to be interviewed. During that interview, authorities said, he confessed to the listed offenses.

Police said the alleged relationship continued for four to five years. The victim was between 12 and 13 years old at the time the relationship began, according to The Lexington Herald-Leader.

Rodgers was initially lodged in the Daviess County Detention Center in Owensboro and later released on a $75,000 full cash bond. Conditions of his release included staying at least 500 feet away from the victim and avoiding contact with children.

Church leaders said they immediately terminated Rodgers employment after learning of the charges. The church also removed his profile from its website and barred him from attending any church events.

We are deeply saddened and troubled by these allegations. The church takes all allegations of sexual assault extremely seriously and we ask that you join us in prayerfully waiting for information regarding this ongoing legal matter, Pleasant Grove Baptist Church said in a statement after the arrest.

The church also addressed survivors of abuse directly, saying, We understand that for sexual assault survivors, this may initiate feelings of pain and past trauma. Please know we are praying for you and your continued healing.

Church leadership said the safety of children and others on campus remained a primary concern.
Home Opinion How should we interpret the Genesis week?

I really believe theres never been a better time to feel justified in crediting God with creating the universe.

With the only two rational choices for answering the primary question of metaphysics, Why do we have something rather than nothing at all? being an eternal universe or aneternal creator, and having so much evidence available today pointing towards a non-eternal universe, the idea of a creator God is looking pretty good.

Physicist Dr. Alexander Vilenkin puts what I think is the nail in the coffin of an eternal universe when he says:

It is said that an argument is what convinces reasonable men and a proof is what it takes to convince even an unreasonable man. With the proof now in place, cosmologists can no longer hide behind the possibility of a past-eternal universe. There is no escape, they have to face the problem of a cosmic beginning.

Critics of the God hypothesis used to normally punt towards the multi-verse theory to explain away our universes beginning, but today many now admit that no empirical evidence supports such a thing (they need faith to believe it) and so are coming around to Dr. Richard Swinburnes position on the matter: To postulate a trillion-trillion other universes, rather than one God, in order to explain the orderliness of our universe, seems the height of irrationality.

Scientists are supposed to follow the evidence instead of their own bias, but resistance towards the idea of God and a universe with a beginning is still strong with some. Dr. John Lennox sums up the incongruity of the situation when he writes,



It is rather ironical that in the 16th century some people resisted advances in science because they seemed to threaten belief in God; whereas in the 20th century scientific ideas of a beginning have been resisted because they threatened to increase the plausibility of belief in God.

Even Stephen Hawking admitted that, writing: Many people do not like the idea that time has a beginning, probably because it smacks of divine intervention.

Yes, it does.

And the acceptance of divine intervention being needed for reality is making more atheists and agnostics believers. Take, for example, Charles Murray, a political scientist and former agnostic who wrote a book entitled Taking Religion Seriously last year. In his Wall Street Journal review of Mr. Murrays book, columnist Barton Swaim describes how Murrays conversion: Began in the early 2000s, when he read a few theoretical accounts of the universes origins, among them Martin Reess Just Six Numbers (1999). So wildly improbable were the conditions necessary for the so-called big bang, it seems to Mr. Murray, that the whole business, whenever it happened, sounded very much like what Christians call creation. I cant believe Im thinking this, he recalls reflecting, but its the only plausible explanation  it meaning the divine origin of everything.

Of course, the science and evidence supporting a divine origin always lead back to the Bible and its first book, which means beginnings (Genesis), with its opening line: In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Such a simple verse, but out of it come all sorts of positions and questions on how God went about creating everything we know.

And with that follows all sorts of disagreements, divisions, and more that can lead to disruption in the body of Christ. But it doesnt have to be that way.

A look at the Genesis week

Theologians have different lists as to the various interpretations of the Genesis week (mine has nine). But no matter the list, when you step back and perform some due diligence into what they actually assert vs. the caricatures presented by their detractors, they all affirm at least two things: 1. the direct supernatural creation of everything and the opposition to naturalism; 2. the historicity of Genesis account, meaning actual creative acts took place and the people described are real.

Where they differ is the age of the earth/universe and whether the days/event descriptions are literal or allegorical.

On the young earth side of the house, you have two primary theories: standard six-day creation (which I doubt I need to explain) and one called ideal time, which asserts all things were created with the appearance of age. The former has many strong supporters, such as one of my favorite teaching pastors, John MacArthur, whereas the latter hasnt many followers at present.

The old earth category has more choices, at least in my list. The long days option has the days of Genesis being much longer than our 24-hour day. The revelatory days theory says the six days were 24-hour days of revelation that God gave to Moses, who wrote Genesis, with them representing the past series of creation events.

One old-earth theory called day age states that the six days were 24-hour days of actual creation, but between each day there was a long period of time. I used to poo-poo this idea until I read John Lennoxs book, Seven Days That Divide the World, in which he makes a pretty good case for it.

Another old-earth option having a growing fan base is Literary Framework, which asserts the six days were an ancient writing device used to frame certain periods of time in order to encapsulate them in literary form, much like we use a chapter in a book. C. S. Lewis liked this possibility, saying in his essay Dogma and the Universe: The first chapters of Genesis, no doubt, give the story of creation in the form of a folk-tale. Tim Keller prefers this possibility also, as does William Lane Craig.

A niche old-earth theory is called Israel focus and says the first Genesis week speaks only of Israels land creation. The last one in my list is called ruin/reconstruction or gap that claims there is a time gap between the first two verses of Genesis, where verse one has God initially creating everything and then verse two kicks off following an unknown period of time that elapsed with the re-creation of the earth after God decimated it because of Satans rebellion.

So, which of these creation theories is correct?

I remember many years ago listening through a series of podcasts from William Lane Craigs Defenders series on creation while working out at the gym. In his typical style, Craig worked through the various young and old earth theories, stating both the pros and cons of each.

At the end of the last episode, Craig said: Now Im sure all of you want to know which theory I believe is correct. Finally!, I thought, so I quickly sat down on a weight bench, eagerly waiting for the answer. Craig paused and then said: I have no idea.

NO!

A guy who has two Ph.D.s, was a former seminary professor, and widely acknowledged to be one of the worlds top Christian apologists and thinkers, hadnt reached a firm conclusion on Genesis? To be fair, Craig did say he found the combination of the literary framework and long days to be in union with Scripture, but maintained he still wasnt 100% certain how God created everything.

Quite the letdown at the time, let me tell you.

However, one of my takeaways from that experience is that great Christian thinkers who are devoted to Christ can differ on how God went about creating all that we know but still lock arms over affirming a creator God exists and rejecting time + matter + chance being responsible for everything. Its a great topic of discussion, but not one for caustic division.

No matter which interpretation of the Genesis week you hold to, I think we can all embrace what Francis Schaeffer wrote in his book The God Who is There about the core truths communicated by the Bibles first book: Take away the first three chapters of Genesis, and you cannot maintain a true Christian position nor give Christianitys answers.

Agreed.
Home Opinion When suicide becomes healthcare

I cannot get past his age.

Twenty-six.

In the United States, if a 26-year-old man walks into a hospital and says he wants to die because he is depressed, the response is not paperwork for assisted death. It is psychiatric evaluation. It is suicide watch. It is intervention.

We step in during those moments because severe depression can impair judgment. A person in crisis may not be able to weigh the future clearly or assess consequences in a stable way. Protection, not permission, is the standard response.

In Canada, that same 26-year-old was approved for death.

Kiano Vafaeian lived with Type 1 diabetes, significant vision loss, and a history of depression. He was not terminally ill. He was not in the final days of life. According to public reporting and statements from his family, he sought access to Canadas Medical Assistance in Dying program. After reportedly being denied at first, he was later approved.

On December 30, 2025, his life was ended through the Canadian healthcare system.

It is important to be precise about how this happened.

Under current Canadian law, mental illness alone does not yet qualify someone for MAID. Parliament approved in principle an expansion to allow eligibility where mental illness is the sole underlying condition, but implementation has been delayed and is now scheduled for March 17, 2027.

However, since 2021, individuals who are not terminally ill may qualify under what is known as Track 2 if they have a serious and incurable illness, disease, or disability that causes enduring suffering they find intolerable, and if two independent practitioners determine they are capable of making the decision.

Depression may coexist with such conditions. Capacity is the hinge.

To receive MAID, a person must be deemed capable of understanding relevant information and appreciating the reasonably foreseeable consequences of the decision. In this case, two practitioners concluded that threshold was met.

That is the legal pathway.

The moral question is whether severe depression can coexist with stable, fully reliable judgment about ending ones life.

For decades, Western societies have treated suicidal ideation as a psychiatric emergency. Public health campaigns urge intervention. In many American jurisdictions, individuals in acute suicidal crisis can be placed under temporary involuntary holds precisely because their judgment may be impaired.

Consent requires capacity. Capacity requires clarity.

Canadas euthanasia regime now operates in visible tension with that long-standing principle.

The expansion of eligibility did not happen quietly. In 2016, assisted death was legalized following the Supreme Courts Carter decision, initially tied to reasonably foreseeable death. In 2021, Parliament passed Bill C-7, removing that requirement. Since then, eligibility has extended beyond the terminally ill.

The numbers reflect the shift. Health Canada reports 15,427 MAID deaths in 2023, representing 4.7% of all deaths in the country that year. The 2024 report shows 16,499 MAID deaths, accounting for 5.1% of all deaths.

This is not a marginal exception. It is an established part of the healthcare system.

Canada operates under a government funded single payer model. The state finances psychiatric care, chronic disease management, disability support, and long-term treatment. The state also finances assisted death. No accusation of motive is necessary to see the structural tension. When the provider of care is also the payer, and when long-term treatment is costly while assisted death is definitive, the safeguards protecting the vulnerable must be exceptionally strong.

Instead, eligibility has broadened.

The Christian understanding of human dignity begins with a truth older than modern autonomy: human beings bear the image of God. That dignity does not fluctuate with health, independence, productivity, or emotional stability. It does not disappear when a person feels burdensome or overwhelmed. It does not evaporate in the darkness of depression.

Suffering does not erase worth.

The fact that Parliament approved in principle the expansion of assisted death to those whose sole underlying condition is mental illness, even while repeatedly delaying implementation over safety concerns, reveals how far the debate has already moved.

A society that once treated suicidal despair as a condition demanding intervention is now constructing legal frameworks that can, under certain circumstances, validate it.

Kiano Vafaeian was 26 years old. In many American jurisdictions, his declaration that he wanted to die would have triggered immediate intervention and protection. In Canada, it triggered approval.

That contrast should not simply unsettle us. It should alarm us.

When a nation moves from preventing suicide to facilitating it, the shift is not procedural. It is civilizational. We have crossed from guarding the vulnerable to agreeing with their despair.

The words compassion and dignity remain, but they no longer mean what they once did. Care used to mean standing between a suffering person and irreversible harm. Now it can mean signing the authorization.

I know suicide firsthand. I have seen what depression can do to a persons judgment. I have seen the devastation it leaves behind. Despair is not clarity. It is illness.

A young man clouded by depression did not need the state to confirm that his darkest thoughts were reasonable. He needed a society strong enough to say no.

If despair can be certified as consent, then protection has collapsed. And when protection collapses for the mentally ill, no one who suffers deeply is truly safe.

This is not mercy. It is abandonment dressed in the language of care.
Charity Governance Code

This content has been supplied by a commercial partner.

The refreshed Charity Governance Code was published on 3 November 2025. The code was first introduced in 2005. This fifth update of the code has been developed by a cross-sector voluntary steering group which included ACEVO, Association of Chairs, NCVO, Wales Council for Voluntary Action, and the Chartered Governance Institute (CGI). It remains an apply or explain code, developed by the sector for the sector.

While compliance is not a regulatory requirement, the code sets the benchmark for good governance in the charity sector. Following the code will help trustees to embed, nurture, and deliver good governance, which in turn should enable a charity to deliver its charitable purposes with greater impact. Meeting the code should also provide assurance to funders, donors, and other stakeholders that a charity is well governed. Conversely, if things go wrong in a charity due to a governance failure, which could have been prevented by following the code, the charity and its trustees may be scrutinised over this.

Who is the code for?

The code is for charities in England and Wales but may also be a useful tool for charities based elsewhere, as well as other non-profits that are not charitable. Unlike previously, there is a single version of the code for all charities.

There are other governance codes for specific sub-sectors that charities and their trustees may need to be aware of and follow.

The codes universal principles

The code sets out eight universal principles of governance that will help charity trustees and others involved in charity governance to instil and develop good practice.

1. The foundation principle

Trustees take responsibility for, and invest the necessary time and care in, understanding the charity, their responsibilities and legal duties.

2. The organisational principle

The board is clear about the charitys aims and how these benefit all or part of the public. It ensures that activity is targeted at achieving those aims both in the short and long term.

3. Leadership

The charity is headed by an effective board that provides strategic leadership in line with the charitys purpose and values.

4. Ethics and culture

The board has agreed the standards and values which shape the charitys behaviours and culture. This includes being open about how the charity operates and responding thoughtfully to feedback.

5. Decision-making

The board makes effective decisions that best serve the charitys purposes. Trustees take personal responsibility for carefully considering each decision and working to reach agreement.

6. Managing resources and risks

The board takes responsibility for stewarding, developing and allocating resources. The board identifies the risks to achieving the charitys aims and agrees how to navigate them. The board seeks assurance that risks are effectively managed.

7. Equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI)

The board has a clear, agreed, and effective approach to supporting EDI throughout the organisation, including in its own practice.

8. Board effectiveness

The board works well together, using an appropriate balance of skills, experience, backgrounds, and knowledge. It reviews its performance on a regular cycle and takes steps to improve.

Meeting the principles

The code aims to foster a sector-wide understanding of what good looks like in governance practice. With this in mind under each principle, the code provides a list of:

Indicators to help trustees understand how to achieve each principle and outcomes they can expect when the principle is being met.

Behaviours by board chairs, trustees, committee chairs, and boards collectively, that help achieve the overarching principle. There is also guidance on practical things to do.

Policy, processes, and practice relating to the principle. The code acknowledges that some practices may not be realistic for charities with few or no staff, especially micro or small charities. Where a practice is not viable, the trustees should nonetheless consider how to fill any gaps that may exist or that may appear as the charity evolves.

Suggested evidence and assurance to demonstrate what trustees and their charity are doing to realise the principle. This section should be used as a set of prompts, rather than as a checklist.

Things to bear in mind

Previously, there were different codes for small and large charities. The new code applies to all charities, irrespective of size and complexity. It does, however, acknowledge that how it is adopted may depend on a charitys size and whether it has any paid staff. It highlights where there may be additional or different expectations for larger charities or those with staff, eg for large charities to have a governance handbook.

The principles, policies, processes, practices, and behaviours dovetail. So that taken together they should help sustain good governance and help trustees and charities achieve their goals.

Trustees will need to consider the overlapping nature of the code. Trustees should work with staff and volunteers to co-create policies, processes, and practices and to cultivate values and behaviours. As when these are co-created, it helps everyone involved in the charity understand their role in ensuring they are lived top down and bottom up in a charity.

While the code refers to policies that a charity should have, it by no means provides a comprehensive list. The policies a charity needs will depend on its size, how it carries out its charitable purposes and, for some, the sub-sector in which it operates and any other governance codes that may apply. Therefore, the code is not a one-stop shop, and anyone involved in supporting or ensuring good governance in a charity will need to look beyond it.

The codes eight universal principles for good governance build upon the assumption that a charity is already meeting its legal and regulatory obligations, and that charity trustees are cognisant of their legal responsibilities. That is a pretty hefty assumption to make, as far too many trustees have to learn on the job without a proper induction or ongoing support or training about their core legal responsibilities. There is a lot of free and accessibly priced training available to support trustees to understand their core good governance duties, including through Civil Society, the Confident Trustee Programme, Association of Chairs Board Leadership Programme, Cranfield Trusts governance hub and the yearly Festival of Trusteeship, which takes place in Trustees Week.

Support and guidance on using the code

An updated Charity Governance Code website is due to be launched in 2026.

The current website that houses the code has a resources section. For each principle, this section signposts additional guidance and resources for charities and trustees, including other websites where you can find out more about governance.

The CGI has developed two free toolkits, one for small and micro-sized charities and one for larger charities. At the time of writing, these toolkits had not been launched. However, you can register your name and email address with the CGI to get the toolkits sent to you as soon as they are available.

What to do next

All trustees and anyone supporting the governance of a charity should familiarise themselves with the new code and consider how to use it to develop and strengthen governance practice.

When approached to do a governance review for a charity, I always ask whether the charity trustees have done an internal self-assessment. The new code, together with the anticipated toolkits and other interactive resources, should make it easier for trustees to conduct that self-assessment exercise before seeking any external review of the governance arrangements.

A parting thought

Well governed charities have trustees who recognise that having high governance standards involves a process of continuous self-improvement, rather than a task and finish exercise. This new code is a powerful tool for charities and their trustees to use on that kaizen journey.

Claris Dcruz is a governance trainer and consultant. She co-delivers the Confident Trustee programme . The first workshop of each programme, on the six core good governance duties, is free. The next free workshop is on 22 April 2026.

Claris Dcruz is also delivering the Preventing Charity Fraud training programme with Civil Society Media on 28 May 2026 and 6 October 2026 .

The Charity Finance Yearbook is the ultimate reference source for charity finance professionals. Produced by the Charity Finance editorial and research team it includes updates, advice and trends on accounting and audit, VAT and taxation, investment strategy, responsible investment and finance, risk, funding, performance and governance, law and regulation, HR and pensions, IT and property. Purchase online here. is the ultimate reference source for charity finance professionals. Produced by the Charity Finance editorial and research team it includes updates, advice and trends on accounting and audit, VAT and taxation, investment strategy, responsible investment and finance, risk, funding, performance and governance, law and regulation, HR and pensions, IT and property.
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On a recent weekday afternoon at NewsNations Midtown Manhattan offices, Connell McShane, the host of NewsNation Liveslim, neat, one quizzically upraised eyebrowwas covering a story dominating the media in general and NewsNation specifically: the disappearance of Today host Savannah Guthries mother, Nancy Guthrie. McShane turned to Brian Entin, NewsNations senior national correspondent, who was stationed outside Guthries home near Tucson, analyzing the latest dramatic messages from local law enforcement: Its possible that they believe Nancy is no longer with us.

On a highly competitive national story, Entin has ground out scoop after scoop. Hes spent hours standing around a Guthrie family members house in pitch darkness in order to share the most minute of details on the officers investigating the disappearance. (Flashes still going off. Definitely taking photos.) Hes landed a dramatic interview with the mother-in-law of a person of interest the police briefly detained. Just before I visited NewsNation, Entin had broken news: he found a trail of blood outside Nancys house. NewsNation kept panning back to images of the splatter.

NewsNation was created in 2021 when Nexstar Media Group, the largest owner of local broadcast stations in America, rebranded WGN America, a storied Chicago-based station in its portfolio. Since then, NewsNation has picked up a number of Fox News expatsincluding McShane, Laura Ingle, Chris Stirewalt, and the once ubiquitous Geraldo Riveraalong with outcasts from other established outlets, such as Elizabeth Vargas, the former ABC World News Tonight anchor, and Michael Corn, the former head of Good Morning America, who was accused of sexually assaulting producers at the show. (Corn has denied the allegations; ABC News settled a lawsuit brought by one of his accusers on undisclosed terms.) The networks most prominent on-air personality is Chris Cuomo, whom CNN fired in 2021 when it surfaced that hed helped his brother Andrew Cuomo, then the governor of New York, deal with allegations of sexual harassment. NewsNations total day viewership has grown 65 percent since its first year but it remains a marginal presence: When on CNN, Cuomos show averaged around 1.4 million viewers. On NewsNation, Cuomos show is averaging around 260,000.

NewsNation now occupies a unique space in television news. Nexstar, its corporate parent, is pursuing a merger with Tegna, which owns sixty-four stations nationwide. The companies have agreed on terms, through which Nexstar would acquire Tegna for 3.54 billion dollars, though it rests on the approval of the Federal Communications Commission. The FCC has a rule that does not allow broadcast groups to reach more than 39 percent of households; combined, according to the companies own estimates, Nexstar-Tegna would reach roughly 80 percent of the United States. Donald Trump has publicly pushed for the deal, though some of the administrations typical alliessuch as Chris Ruddy, the CEO of Newsmaxhave argued against it on Capitol Hill. (Ruddys concern: that his own networks ratings could be negatively affected by Nexstar gaining unprecedented market dominance.) Last week, Brendan Carr, the chair of the FCC, backed the merger, saying, I support that transaction. Were going to be moving forward.

The word going around, according to Natalie Korach of Status, is that some NewsNation staffers feel the network has moved hard right to appeal to Trump and Brendan Carr as the deal is pending. (Korach observed that when Katie Pavlich, a former Fox News personality, recently joined NewsNation, Carr congratulated her on social media.) NewsNation has always sold itself as an impartial outlet; its motto is calculatedly vague: News for All Americans. But this isnt the first time it has faced accusations of having a right-wing bias: within months after NewsNations launch, its stated neutrality was called into question by its own staffers. And since Trump retook office last year, the administration has sent NewsNation clear indicators that it sees the network as a friendly outpost. NewsNations White House reporter was invited into the expanded White House press pool. Last April, alongside Bill OReilly and Stephen A. Smith, Trump called in to a NewsNation town hall.

With me, NewsNations publicist took pains to portray the network as neutral. They sent me data from MRI, a consumer research group, showing that while 40 percent of NewsNations audience self-identifies as Republican, 33 percent say theyre Democrats and 27 percent say theyre independent or otherwise affiliated. They also shared a clip from Batya! in which the host, Batya Ungar-Sargon, a Free Press contributor, mildly chastised Trump and named him the Loser of the Week for posting a video on Truth Social depicting Barack and Michelle Obama as apes. (As they say, do better, Mr. President.)

McShanes show, NewsNation Live, is the networks fastest-growing program: from 2024 to 2025 its viewership increased 51 percent; this month it has averaged 103,000 viewers. Thats important, thats cool, McShane told me, of seeing the rating go up. But hes really obsessed with the metrics from AdFontes, a company that rates media outlets on bias and accuracy and has labeled NewsNation Live centrist. What they rate is literally our mission, McShane said. Our shows smack-dab in the middle. Thats what Im most proud of. Basically, were doing what we said we were going to do. When AdFontess next ratings come out, McShane said, hes going to frame and hang them in his office.

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I asked McShane what hes changed about his approach since leaving Fox News for NewsNation. Yeah, its funny, he replied. Nothing. I mean, you think Im lying. But one of the reasons Im not at Fox anymore is because I was not comfortable with the way the network was putting itself forward. And when I heard about this place, it was exactly what Id been doing. Ive never felt more comfortable, because my values match with the overall mission. As an example of his neutrality, he brought up immigration: he would be just as likely to book Chad Wolf, the former acting secretary at the Department of Homeland Security and a vocal booster of Trumps radical immigration policies, as John Sandweg, who was the head of Immigration and Customs Enforcement during the Obama administration. The point was clear, but it was a narrow rendering of both sides: here were two men who held senior roles at DHS.

Cherie Grzech, NewsNations president of news and politics, used to be a vice president at Fox Newss DC bureau. In a statement about her NewsNation job, Grzech, a Michigan native, leaned into her roots: she was excited to return to the American heartland, my home, the Midwest, she said. When I spoke with her, she told me, MS Now, Fox, CNNyou see one thought process across the board. Whenever youre in a competitive business, you try to find the open area, and the open area, oddly, is doing news. Theres no question what were doing is the news. I say to people, Dare I just say we do the news?

What is the news? For NewsNation, the answer leads back to the Guthrie story, a classic crime saga that has not (yet, at least) morphed into a culture-wars drama. I put my reporters up against anybody in the business, Grzech told me. I mean, theyre scrappy, you know. Theyre out there. Brian Entin got video of blood outside the home of Nancy Guthrie! No one else is getting that!

Back on set, McShane conducted a video interview with Moj Mahdara, an Iranian-American activist and tech investor. As Mahdara advocated that Trump topple the Iranian governmentexterminate this entire regime at its rootsMcShane looked on sagely. Soon after, the control room cut in: Theres breaking Guthrie news. It was time to scramble. The show went to commercial and, via earpiece, McShane conferred with his producer. A stage manager in a Knicks jacket readied everyone to go back live: Clear! Three and a half! Then it was go time. McShane looked at the camera and relayed the news. Savannah Guthrie has posted a new video on her Instagram, and here it is. Lets watch it together.

Editors Note: This story has been updated to reflect a statement from Michael Corn.
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In Silent Spring, the 1962 book that exposed the hazards of indiscriminately spreading the insecticide DDT, and other pesticides, across the American landscape, Rachel Carson wrote that the public was being fed little tranquilizing pills of half truth by authorities and the chemical industry. They were reassuring people that chemical insecticides were harmless to humans, pets, and plants. Carsons research suggested that they were notthat they were, in fact, poisoning rivers, choking wildlife, and infiltrating the very cells that make life possible. We urgently need an end to these false assurances, to the sugar coating of unpalatable facts, she wrote.

Following the books release, and under pressure from a dismayed public, the cogs of the federal government slowly began to move. In 1970, Richard Nixon ordered the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Two years later, despite fierce lobbying from the chemical and agricultural industries, the EPA banned DDT from agricultural use across the nation. Back then, the facts still mattered. Today things look quite different.

Since 2009, the EPA has assumed a major role in regulating the emitting of greenhouse gases, which scientists, in an overwhelming global consensus, say are causing man-made global heating. Under the Obama administration, the EPA issued what became known as the endangerment finding, determining that greenhouse gases are harmful and must be regulated under the Clean Air Act. But on February 12 of this year, President Donald Trump and Lee Zeldin, the administrator of the EPA, announced that the agency is overturning that finding, effectively relinquishing its authority to regulate emissions for six pollutants, including methane and carbon dioxide. Over the generations, fossil fuels have saved millions of lives, Trump claimed when announcing the policy. This radical rule became the legal foundation for the Green New Scamthe presidents term for policies to curtail greenhouse gas emissions under the Biden administrationprobably one of the greatest scams in history. The action, he added without providing evidence, will save American consumers trillions of dollars.

Undoing the endangerment finding has to rank as one of the signal moments in Americas descent into idiocracy, Bill McKibben wrote in The New Yorker on Friday. (Environmental groups have sued over the EPAs action.) The move builds on a year of efforts to crush sustainable energy projects, such as wind and solar, and to drive up fossil fuel use, with investment and tax incentives for producers of coal, oil, and gas. Trump, who received record donations from the oil industry in the 2024 election cycle, has attacked climate change as a hoax. On the climateas with other policy areas, including tariffs, immigration, military intervention, and election integrityTrump has thrown out little pills of half truth: He doesnt bother sugarcoating the unpalatable facts anymore. He simply pretends they dont exist.

For news organizations, the administrations repeated denial of the facts of climate science presents a number of challenges. One is around language. Journalists repeating the rampant falsehoods, emitted from the White House like plumes of soot (to give a flavor: windmills are driving the whales crazy; solar power is farmer destroying; coal and oil are beautiful, clean), risks laundering them into legitimate, evidence-backed positions. But ignoring these delusional statements carries the separate danger of sanewashing Trumps policiesthat is, the journalistic practice of excusing or normalizing deranged or extreme positions. Reporters have bumped up against this problem time and again when covering Trump since he first ran for president, in 2016. There is, of course, one route around these obstacles: directly calling out falsehoods as lies.

Media executives may also be tempted to use the federal governments willful head-burying over global warming as an excuse to downgrade environmental coverage. Weve seen some frustrating examples of this in recent months. In November, when administration officials snubbed the UNs COP30 climate conference in Brazil, The Guardians Jonathan Watts noted that none of the four major US networksCBS, NBC, ABC, and Fox Newssent a team to cover the talks. This is exactly what the White House wants: for us to look away.

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Moreover, the recent brutal cuts at the Washington Post reportedly included the gutting of its climate team. At least fourteen climate journalists were dismissed, according to Sammy Roth, a former LA Times climate columnist who now writes the Substack newsletter Climate-Colored Goggles. Roth said the decision to lay off these journalists only adds to a sad trend of legacy media organizations pulling back from climate coverage, even as global warming accelerates.

Even worse than climate erasure, though, is appeasement. Days after the layoffs, the Posts editorial board published a piece with the headline: EPA is right to reverse Obama overreach. (Its about time, the article said, arguing, in the spirit of Jeff Bezoss recent diktat for a focus on personal liberties and free markets, that the endangerment finding was used by bureaucrats ever since to dramatically expand the federal governments power over cars.) To see this play out at a newspaper that won the Pulitzer Prize for Explanatory Reporting for its brilliant 2C: Beyond the Limit climate project is all very sad. The Wall Street Journals editorial board also cheered on the administration, attackingwith no apparent ironysupporters of the endangerment finding as unhinged from reality. Id bet White House officials, who keep a keen eye on the media, have taken note of these editorials. To Trump, who loves a good fight with the press, the Post and Journal pieces send clear signals: Please, we dont want trouble!

Even amid the backsliding, outlets continue to publish quality journalism on the big story looming over humanitys future. The New York Times Lisa Friedman and Maxine Joselow delivered a strong story delving into the outsize role a cadre of four conservative activists played in the EPA action. Several outletsincluding, notably, the Post, just days before imposing layoffsforegrounded the threats of global heating in their coverage of the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The climate story is inextricably linked with a host of other newsroom coverage priorities. In a revealing post last week, Amy Westervelt, an investigative climate reporter, illustrated how climate change appears as a theme in numerous recent stories. Climate denial appears in emails sent by Jeffrey Epstein. The fate of natural resources plays a central role in the conflicts and tensions in Gaza, Venezuela, and Greenland. Big Tech remains thirsty for water and power to service AI data centers. And law enforcement agencies have come to apply the label of domestic terroristdeployed against environmental campaigners going back yearsto protesters of Trumps federal immigration crackdown. As Covering Climate Now puts it, climate is a story for every beat.

The Trump administration may be burying its head. But journalists cant afford to look away now.

Other Notable Stories 
The Delaware Supreme Court has re-opened the door for cyber insurers to pursue recovery of claims payments they made to their insureds who took matters into their own hands after their data hosting company allegedly failed to adequately respond to a ransomware attack.

In July 2020, a cyber attacker accessed software and data hosting firm Blackbaud Inc.s system for several months and exfiltrated confidential customer data from its servers. The attacker threatened to publish the data unless Blackbaud paid a ransom.

After the attack, dozens of Blackbauds customers contended that, even though their sensitive customer data resided on Blackbauds servers, Blackbaud shifted the investigative burden and remediation efforts onto them. Blackbaud gave them a toolkit with instructions to complete their own investigations.

Blackbauds clients said they lost faith Blackbaud would address the harm and reimburse them for their losses. Dissatisfied with the companys response to the cyberattack, they conducted their own investigations and remediation and made claims against their own insurance policies for those expenses.

Four insurers provided insurance coverage to 97 of Blackbauds educational and non-profit clients for cyber and criminal incidents like data breaches. Philadelphia Indemnity paid more than $600,000 to its insureds. Travelers Casualty and Surety paid more than $1.5 million. Acadia Insurance Co. and Union Insurance Co. are also parties in the case.

Later, acting as subrogees/assignees of their insureds, the insurers filed suit against Blackbaud, alleging breach of contract and negligence.

Lower Court Blocks

The subrogation efforts by the insurers were blocked, however, when a Superior Court dismissed their complaints with prejudice. The lower court found that the insurers failed to allege factual support for each Blackbaud clients claims; instead they pled the insureds claims in the aggregate. The lower court further found that the insurers failed to plead that Blackbaud was the proximate cause of their losses.

The insurers appealed, arguing that nothing in Delaware law prohibits aggregated pleading of subrogation claims and that, at the motion to dismiss stage, they were not required to link the alleged damages to any specific contract term.

This week the Delaware Supreme Court took the insurers side, reversing the Superior Court and remanding the case.

Contract Breach and Pleadings

The Blackbaud contracts were governed by the substantive law of New York and the pleading requirements were governed by Delaware law. The states high court ruled that, contrary to what the Superior Court found, the insurers satisfied both New York contact law governing the policies and Delawares standards on pleadings.

Under New York law, a breach of contract claim has four elements: the existence of a contract, the plaintiffs performance under the contract, the defendants breach, and resulting damages.

The Supreme Court commented that even though the insurers touched each base for a breach of contract claim under New York law, the Superior Court dismissed their claims. The Supreme Court found that the insurers standing in the shoes of their insuredsmet the pleading requirements to state a breach of contract claim under New York law.

The high court noted that the insurers identified each of Blackbauds contractual duties and how Blackbaud allegedly breached those contractual provisions.

The insureds alleged that prior to the data breach, Blackbaud ignored warning signs that its cybersecurity measures and obsolete servers exposed it to an attacks. Blackbaud also allegedly ignored an analysts warnings about vulnerabilities due to remote desktop access.

Also, the insurers alleged the insureds suffered damages as a result of the breach. These included costs related to retaining computer forensics firms; outside counsel; printing and mailing firms to send notifications; and credit monitoring required under various laws and expected by federal regulators.

According to the Superior Court, pleading the insureds claims in the aggregate would make it difficult for Blackbaud to defend against the claims. The lower court also said that it would be unreasonable to interpret a mitigation provision in Blackbauds contracts as imposing strict liability on Blackbaud for every data breach.

The Supreme Court was not persuaded that Blackbaud was at a disadvantage in defending against the allegations.

Blackbaud, the high court continued, wanted more detail about how each insured responded to the data breach and the expenses each incurred. Those details were not needed to state a claim; they can be explored in discovery, the high court said. After discovery aimed at each insured, Blackbaud would be able to amend its answer and assert new defenses specific to each insured. And if the insurers claimed damages for losses that are capped by, or not covered by, the agreements, Blackbaud could move for summary judgment on those losses.

Under New York law, the defendants breach must be a substantial factor in producing the damage. The insurers pled that Blackbaud breached multiple information security promises in the agreements. The insurers contended that the insureds had no choice but to fill the void and handle the fallout from Blackbauds failures.

The high court said a reasonable factfinder could find these breaches were the proximate cause of the insureds investigation and remedial expenses. Once a plaintiff has alleged facts raising a reasonable inference that damages were caused by the defendant, damages may be pled generally, the high court added.

In July 2020, Blackbaud revealed the breach on its website, telling customers that no action is required on your end because no personal information about your constituents was accessed. In August it dismissed concerns over data as hypothetical. In a September 2020 Form 8-K filing, Blackbaud stated that the cybercriminal may have accessed some unencrypted fields intended for bank account information, social security numbers, usernames and/or passwords.

In 2023, Blackbaud agreed to pay a $3 million fine to the Securities and Exchange Commission to resolve charges that the company made misleading disclosures about the cyber security attacks. Blackbaud also paid $49 million to resolve state law claims brought by the attorneys general of all 50 states.
Did you ever wonder what made you pass on what turned out to be a sure thing? What made you thumb your nose at something that now seems obvious to have had real value when you dissed it? Was it all that difficult to see the opportunity? Or did you remember what happened in 2007, when bad debt overwhelmed decent equity and the center almost failed to hold and you prudently decided it was too dangerous to invest? Or you got slaughtered like so many others. It depends. Let's examine the most salient stressor we have seen in ages: The once pristine but now potentially poisonous tandem of private equity and private debt. Right now, Wall Street is beginning to be convinced that the stocks of private equity companies, historically among the best returning equities of the era, are all too toxic to own. There is a budding consensus that these companies, while good at their jobs of assessing credit risk, may have missed the mark when it came to judging credit risk of some tech companies in their portfolios. In some cases, they own the stocks of these riskier companies outright. In others, they own slivers of debt or equity in equally risky concerns that have been taken private by other private equity companies. They all seem linked by deed if not by name. At the same time the market is looking skeptically at how these companies, in another portion of their operations  business development companies  lent money to lots of small- and medium-sized companies that may not be doing as well as hoped or whose prospects have dimmed in the last year. These second "kind of" loans, which come under the broad rubric of "private credit," are easy to damn, because there is little information about them and lots of scary stories being told about them. The public stubs of these business development companies almost all trade with very big dividends, not a sign of strength, but a sign of stress. Some of the private credit loans may have been made to small- and medium-sized companies that banks passed on, perhaps because aggressive regulators didn't want the banks to make these kinds of loans because the banks would be using insured money of depositors who needed to be protected at all times. The skeptics regard these private equity lenders as "shadow bankers" because they do not need to meet the same standards as traditional depository banks. They are making "shadow" loans that may not be up to snuff to examiners if examiners were allowed to look at them. The more positively inclined backers of private equity just say that because these companies don't use Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) deposits to make loans they have more freedom to make bigger bets or bets that might be more difficult to understand but could end up being very lucrative. The federal government program was designed to backstop, insure, up to $250,000 per depositor, per ownership category at each FDIC-insured bank. The regulators look the other way at these entities, whether it be dangerous or not because they do not involve the use of insured public capital. There's a real caveat emptor here for the investors even if they have comfort because what they invest in seems tame and those that make the investments for them seem proficient and talented. It's hard to keep track of all the kinds of loans these companies make. The most traditional that you might know are the kinds where they take private a publicly traded company, fix it up, and bring it public again at a huge premium to what they took it private at. Historically, the best returns for these private equity companies under this model came from taking a company private that was very inexpensive. Right now, the traditional model has been stymied because of a recalcitrant initial public offering (IPO) market that rebels against this kind of private equity merchandise. The IPO market prefers far riskier equities, like all the crypto, nuclear, rocket ship, and flying car start-ups. It even likes special purpose acquisition companies (SPACs) more than private equity regurgitations. Private equity offerings, on the other hand, don't seem to represent growth or value so they go wanting or don't go at all. Therefore, these private equity firms are stuck holding companies that otherwise might have come public, maybe even years ago by their traditional standards. The public market cold-shoulder should have held down private equity firms' returns, but, somewhat amazingly, it hasn't hurt them. In fact, their overall returns have remained strong, in part because they know how to run companies well and don't mind holding on to them longer than they ever thought they would have to. Before I give you the bill of particulars that has put the group in the market's pessimistic crosshairs, despite that outperformance, I want you to recognize how stellar these companies really have been, and how strong they may be. Let's consider three of the best: KKR , Blackstone , and Apollo Global Management  all of which easily outperformed the S & P 500 over the last five to 10 years. These companies are run by some of the superstars of Wall Street. They are very hard to get a job at. That makes sense. They have superior returns to the stocks of most of the banks and investment houses over the last decade. I am amazed at how well they have done and how many billionaires these companies have produced. I marvel at the smarts of the people I have met at these firms and enjoy talking to most of them because they are so competent at what they do. I am mindful that when I got out of school back in the 1980s if you wanted to make the most money and gain the most prestige you applied to Goldman Sachs , Morgan Stanley , or First Boston, which was folded into Credit Suisse after massive losses. (No, not JPMorgan , which was considered distinctly second tier pre-Jamie Dimon, the current CEO whose words move markets). But for the last half decade procuring a job at one of these three private equity houses  KKR, Blackstone, Apollo  or at another of their number, Carlyle Group , may have exceeded the prestige and certainly the pay that you got by going into investment banking at any publicly traded, heavily regulated bank. They have drawn the current generation's best and brightest. (I am not including Carlyle in this piece because its stock has lost less than 10% in 2026.) Yes, they were always considered to be riskier places to work at than the tried-and-true brokers. But considering how many brokers have gone under over the years, maybe the market's been too critical of them. That's why, over the last decade, the price-to-earnings multiples of these stocks have been often far in excess of traditional banks, including those with big investment banking divisions. Remember, a high P/E is often a sign of respect, accorded to the best, and that's certainly the case with these companies. However, their stocks have performed terribly all year. Apollo shares have fallen 17% year to date, with KKR and Blackstone down 20% and 21%, respectively. Blue Owl woes The declines really accelerated this week when one of their number, Blue Owl Capital , more known for its private credit status than private equity, got rocked in a shuddering way. Created just five years ago, Blue Owl, a fairly new entrant in this rather cloistered world, has just over $300 billion under management. That sum is meaningfully smaller than KKR with more than $720 billion, Blackstone with $1.3 trillion, or Apollo with nearly $940 billion. But this Blue Owl outfit matters to the storyline. So, let's go deeper, so you know about its importance to the stock market before it perhaps bleeds all over the place like mortgage companies and mortgages did in 2007, in the lead up to the financial crisis that ensued a year later and the Great Recession Right now, Blue Owl has a publicly traded stock, OWL, that has dropped more than 27% for the year. It's going down harder than others because of fear that it can't make good on promises to redeem capital from one of several funds that it runs. The fund in question, known as Blue Owl Capital II, is what's known as a business development company. Business development companies are vehicles that lend to small- and medium-sized businesses. These kinds of loans are riskier than most loans that banks make for the aforementioned reasons. There is no stock attached to that business development fund; you can put money in  and, until recently, redeem it or take it out. But it doesn't have a stock that trades so you can't take your money out by selling shares. Right now, Blue Owl has decided to suspend regular redemptions. It is, however, putting in capital that goes to all shareholders, the result of a sale of some of the loans that Blue Owl has made to companies that are part of the portfolios their business development companies have. That infusion gives stakeholders some return as Blue Owl waits for the storm to blow over. A representative of Blue Owl, Craig Packer, head of credit and the CEO of Blue Owl's Business Development Companies, came on "Squawk on The Street" on Friday to talk about his novel infusion. He told an upbeat story about this new method of capital return. Still, the one thing we do know is that the assets in the fund have gone down in value, and you aren't being made whole any time soon. These kinds of development companies can and usually do borrow money to boost returns. Individual investors have historically been drawn to these business development companies for their high-income streams that come from that leverage and from higher interest that the shadow banking companies can charge. They grew in number and size when the Federal Reserve took rates to very low levels during Covid. These investors feel comforted by the fact that there are many different kinds of loans being made to many different kinds of companies  not just one sector typically  and the diversification can create a cushion that protects them from specific defaults. These investors also feel comfortable because a lot of the loans being made by the business development companies are high up in the pecking order of the capital structure. If something goes awry and a portfolio company has to reorganize, these shareholders are thought to be better protected because Blue Owl will be able to salvage something, perhaps something substantial from these senior loans. Make sense? If you are lending an entity money, and the entity can't pay you back, you can seize that entity and if there is any value left, the more senior lender gets that value. For some of us, though, it is all very reminiscent of the mortgage bond strategies that triggered the Great Recession. Remember when outfits back then bundled lots of mortgages, said they were safe, borrowed against them, and then blew up trillions of dollars with them when the houses behind them went down in value, and there was rampant fraud in the system? Of course, the Fed was taking rates higher leading up to that debacle. Now, they are going down. But that doesn't mean we aren't wary of anyone who tells us not to worry, we will all be fine, because of diversification and senior status protection and bond pecking orders. Stepping back for a moment, it's hard to tell why the stock of Blue Owl is going down so hard versus the others in its cohort. Is it because sellers are panicked that it has made a ton more bad loans than its colleagues? Is it because the company owns one particular fund that hasn't allowed for traditional redemptions because something is wrong with what the fund owns? Is it because the company is too opaque to understand? Too aggressive? Maybe it has made too many loans to a kind of company that people now mistrust? Maybe all of those reasons? I think it's the latter. It's so difficult to get your arms around this issue because it is entirely possible that the people who have money in these funds should just calm down and be patient and theoretically, everything will work out. They will do well if they just sit, which was supposed to be the plan when they went into these vehicles anyway. That may well be the case. Still, when I see a supposedly safe investment going down big, I know I would want what's left of my money back  and if I could not get it, that is always distressing. Others, however, might say, wait, this fund is money good, let me in. When Blackstone had difficulty with redemptions for a mortgage real estate investment trust not that long ago, a large institution came in and took advantage of the discount to make a lot of money. Maybe that's the case now. In fact, another manager, Boaz Weinstein, who runs Saba Capital Management, and Cox Capital Partners are preparing a tender offer for the business development corporation fund in question as well as two other non-traded Blue Owl funds. But don't get too excited, they plan to tender at prices between 65% and 80% of net asset value. This development, which occurred Friday evening, adds an interesting twist because we don't know how much of a haircut that will be  or even, if the offer is illusory. It bears watching. The immediate question, however, is how different are the other funds at other firms from those of Blue Owl? Or is Blue Owl just an outlier. There are as many as hundreds of billions of dollars in loans that look like those in the Blue Owl business development companies at the other firms. So, it's easy for people, many of them smart, to shout fire in a crowded theatre or use the hackneyed "canary in a coalmine" jeremiad. We have heard that last phrase over and over. The problem for me is that this kind of warning can, in itself, seed panic. Plus, it often comes from people who are ignorant of the real risks, but know there is no real stigma to getting the risks wrong. Overstating them. Why not just yell fire? It means nothing to them. It could make them look like heroes if things go bad. Or, such shouting could come from people who can benefit from the decline because they are short the securities that are genuinely impacted by the negative chatter. There are short sellers of these funds everywhere. A decline and fall of Blue Owl will hurt many but make a select few fortunes as we saw at the time of the mortgage crisis and denouement. I hesitate to even speculate that could be the case, but I doubt that others will be so prudent and I expect some to throw acetylene on the situation in short order. You know I am not averse to screaming, "They know nothing," if I have to, even if that 2007 declaration endeared me to no one at the time, least of all the Fed. I am not yelling that now. The difficulty I have is that it is entirely possible that things are going very wrong here. So, we have to explore that possibility. You need to do a bit of spelunking to come up with more than a superficial judgment of Blue Owl's woes, especially because they seem to deny that they even have any. This is a murky world where you can't access the information you would like to make better judgments. I spent many hours this week trying to find out everything I could about Blue Owl's portfolios. It's very difficult, and I felt stymied pretty much everywhere I turned. That doesn't inspire confidence  and, heaven knows, you need confidence to own any kind of stock, let alone these kinds of "financials." Making it a little more difficult for me is my bias going in. I have never, ever recommended one of these business development companies on "Mad Money," even as I am constantly asked about them because of their high yields. I would never own one for my Charitable Trust, the portfolio used by the CNBC Investing Club, because as I always say when asked about them, without knowing what's inside them  the actual loans  they are too risky for me. Who really knows what is stuck in there? I always talk about how I never reach for yield, meaning I never take on big risk to get a good yield because too often I have seen that the so-called rewarding yield is wiped out by the capital loss. In other words, the stock I buy with a much bigger yield than others, got that yield because it went down more than most stocks. If I reach for that big yield, that yield might grow ever bigger because the stock keeps going down. Better to not own it in the first place. Now, weeds exist to scare, so I am going to stay out of them. Again, though, before I go into what I can find about the fund holdings, I want you to understand that any time there is blood on the Street, so to speak, and we have it in buckets right now in this group, there are some very smart people who want you to lose money by making you more frightened than you should be. If you are really scared, you will aid them in what they want, which is first, for these securities I am talking about to go down in value  and second, for the companies themselves to fall apart. Historically, we have been worried about these companies when the economy is weak. Companies with a ton of debt obviously do worse than companies with pristine balance sheets when times get tough. Right now the economy is doing fine, not great, not terrible, as we know from the endless chatter about the Fed's next moves. The economy isn't the issue for their portfolios this time. Not yet, anyway. The issue is, like so many other investment themes, the power of artificial intelligence. AI vs. software Specifically, some private equity companies have chosen to invest in lots of software companies, especially enterprise software companies, because they have been some of the best performing stocks of all time. They tend  or had tended, as it were  to work well in good or bad economies. Regarded as rocks of Gibraltar that actually grow, these companies included Microsoft , Salesforce, Oracle , SAP, ServiceNow, Workday, and so many other winning investments. For most of my adult life, since the bounty that is the return of Microsoft, this is where the smart money tends to gravitate to. Silicon Valley isn't much about semiconductor investing. It's about software, mostly for business. It's about software that makes your business stronger and less expensive, something that helps you sell more products, analyze how you sold those products, and position your company to do so as leanly as possible by outsourcing whole functions to these companies. They have been huge winners, but they aren't winning now for a host of reasons. As arduous as it is, we have to wade in to find out the real source not only of Blue Owl's issues but of the other three, the much larger private equity firms, too. Blue Owl's has participated in the lending spree that's taken many software companies private in the last few years. It has not been the principal new owner of these companies. Two companies you haven't heard much of because they are private, Thoma Bravo and Vista Equity Partners, are the chief progenitors and owners of the software companies that have been bought out. We have no idea how they are doing but we know they have been very vocal of their successes. Oddly, I know of no one who disputes that success, which makes it all the more confusing that we are worried about Blue Owl or Blackstone or KKR or Apollo. If the main buyers are solvent, why are we worried about the debt attached to their acquisitions? No matter, we presume that Blue Owl is having problems because it halted redemptions, something it disputes the characterization of but most others would not do so. A fund that is supposed to have regular redemptions that suspends those redemptions is a major red flag. It makes us wonder whether Blue Owl hasn't been as smart a lender as others. Maybe it's been more reckless. Maybe it's taken down more debt or too much debt. Or maybe it's much ado about nothing, which is what I thought Packer was implying when he talked about the novel plan to reward patient investors with capital distributions made by selling good loans that belong to the Blue Owl's business development companies. Again, we don't know the loans. We don't know what's left after these loans are sold. I could argue we know next to nothing. As long as the loans are not in default, maybe we should say the whole thing is one big mistake. But we can't do that. We can't do that because of artificial intelligence and how it is disrupting the very tech holdings that Blue Owl and others have. We know that in the last year many businesses have been disrupted by the wonders of AI. We haven't been able to see how big the disruptions have been. But we know that every single software company, from the ones that provide software as a service (SaaS) to ones that protect companies from cyberterrorism, have lost value to the AI companies. Most recently Anthropic, which is a business-to-business (B2B) company, has become the great destroyer of all incumbents because pretty much everything it does is regarded as equal to or better than any of the companies its offerings compete against, and it does them at a fraction of the cost. We don't really know how good their offerings are, but they are good enough to cause a pause in the buying of the traditional product from the traditional companies that we have loved and respected for many years. And, of course, it's caused an apocalypse in the public stock market for all software stocks. For example, let's take a close-to-home offering: Salesforce . The price of the Club stock has been obliterated in the last year. The decline is such that the stock, once a true darling, has now underperformed the S & P 500 over the last decade Mind you, that's not because its businesses have done poorly. It has been meeting or beating estimates all the way down. It is because skeptics and fearful owners expect that its greatness can't last because Anthropic, and other companies like Anthropic, are said to be developing superior tools that Salesforce offers but for very little money. When Salesforce reports earnings this week, we are going to hear how impactful Anthropic and others have been to Salesforce's bottom line. It is not as if Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff is oblivious to this threat. Actually, it is quite the opposite. Benioff has developed Agentforce, the most potent sales product out there. Salesforce's virtual agents seem to be everywhere. When you get a helpful machine on the line when you call a company it is most likely a Salesforce agent. That, however, is not the part of the business that people are worried about. They are worried about the other parts, namely those that Salesforce charges companies per seat. This is SaaS, and this is the pain point for shareholders even as Benioff insists they are doing well and are integral to the success of Agentforce. Two worries here  there are a heck of a lot of worries, aren't there?  is, one, that AI is so powerful that you need fewer people to do things like sell. If that's the case then there are fewer people to bill so the revenue has to go lower. Two, AI is extremely good at keeping track of itself and of prosecuting its own data. So, you might not need the help that Salesforce has given you historically when you are trying to figure out how to up your sales game. I worry that the Salesforce stock is in a fix. Even if Salesforce reports a good quarter, there will be a cohort of investors who will avoid it because maybe it will be the next quarter that is impacted, or the one after that, or the one after that, etc. I don't know how to end the skepticism that leads to a shrinking price-to-earnings multiple, and this stock already trades at an incredibly low 14 times fiscal 2027 earnings estimates. That doesn't shout cheap, it screams fear. I don't mean to pick on Salesforce. I could have done the same analysis for former darlings ServiceNow , Workday , and Adobe , among many others. Now, let's go back to Blue Owl for a moment. It owns a huge portfolio of companies across many different industries. They are almost all considered to be doing quite well. But when you get to the tech part of the portfolio many of them look like mini-Salesforces or mini-ServiceNows or companies like Atlassian , another once loved stock that's sharing the same crater. Blue Owl is not alone. Most of the other private equity companies have similar portfolios. Blue Owl owns pieces of the debt of these privately held companies and we know that most of the debt is money good. Hard to find anything that is in arrears. But like the situation with Salesforce, we have to ask: "Is it just a matter of time?" Or are there moats, are there things that are proprietary that can't be beaten by even the best that Anthropic or the others have to offer. Obviously, if you are nervous about what AI is doing to companies it is natural to be nervous about a company that has an agglomeration of those companies. Data center buildout Making matters more fraught for Blue Owl, is still one more extenuating factor: Blue Owl is known to be an aggressive lender to what some think is the most overheated portion of the entire economy, the great data center buildout. That kind of lending seemed like a terrific thing when the big hyperscalers were using their own cash flow to do the building. But now, as of the most recent quarter, they are borrowing well beyond what anyone would have ever expected even a year ago. We are talking about hundreds of billions in borrowed money. How big is the hole blown by the amount of borrowing that has to be done? We don't know. Fortunately, these companies make a ton of money. Unfortunately, their big beautiful balance sheets are going to be stressed. They may not be buying stock, they even may have to issue stock if the return isn't there, and there quickly. What looked like a good group to lend to, the hyperscalers, doesn't look so good anymore. Their credit isn't as strong as it was. That makes Blue Owl itself as a lending company riskier than you thought given that the ultimate borrowers are riskier. This backlash may be occurring even as Blue Owl may just be lending to entities doing the building. What looked to be prudent loans may be not nearly as prudent as thought. So Blue Owl's equity gets pounded not just from AI but from the users of AI who want to expand their AI activities to meet the demand that's out there. Because Blue Owl has made loans to enterprise software companies, and it has made data center loans, it has become ground zero of any potential contagion. Right now, it looks to be Patient 1. Hopefully, it gets better. Dreadful, if it doesn't. Is that fair? Aren't these people all very smart. Yes, but again, whether it be Long Term Capital (wiped out as a result of the 1997 Asian and 1998 Russian financial crises) or Bear Stearns and Lehman Brothers (casualties of the 2008 financial crisis) and the others, we have learned that smart is not enough. Go read Lloyd Blankfein's "Streetwise: Getting to and Through Goldman Sachs" if you want a refresher. The book by the former Goldman Sachs CEO comes out this week and it is fabulous. Now, lest you think I am a doomsayer, I don't know the answers to the questions I raised throughout this column. Only hindsight will tell. If AI is as big as everyone claims, then all of the hyperscalers will need every data center they can get. That portion of Blue Owl's loans will be very strong. But remember, we are talking about loans. They aren't going to trade much higher than par. Ironically though, Blue Owl could lose either way. If the data centers stumble, it will get hurt. But if the data center gambit succeeds, it might be because the incumbent non-AI companies in Blue Owl's tech fund might be shredded by AI. Maybe a prudent manager starts slimming down on these tech companies now, taking the hit, moving on. Maybe it will stop lending to the data center build out and clip those, too. That's what I would do. That's what I did when I was a successful hedge fund manager. So, what happens if they don't change course, and they are showing no signs whatsoever of doing so? The doomsayers would tell you that the whole enterprise software contingent is about to collapse taking all investors, public and private, with it. I think that's plain out false. I do believe that these kinds of software vendors may, historically, have been able to command, say four-year contracts, and now those contracts may be only two years as the clients fear the kind of disruption we keep talking about. If that's the case, you could argue that these software companies aren't worth as much as we thought. Estimates get cut; multiples shrink. That makes sense. We value these companies on the earnings that are generated in what we call the "outyears." The outyears have become much more questionable. Hence, why Microsoft or Salesforce or ServiceNow are now trading at ever-shrinking multiples. I don't predict the kind of mass bankruptcies so many pessimists seem to be talking about or betting on. Or, of course, both. In fact, when I look at the software lending portion of the portfolio of Blue Owl  at least as far as I can tell  it seems to be doing very well. Again, that may not be the case two years from now, but just isn't dire now. Not at all. In fact, to say it is dire seems wrong. It's fraught. But many financial instruments are fraught. Do I want to own a package of loans that are being made to these companies? No, but I am risk averse. To me, the whole idea of owning a bag of loans that I don't understand is unappealing. You could say, however, that it is unappealing then to own the stocks of JPMorgan or Bank of America, though, too. What to do about it Which brings me back to the question I posed at the very beginning: Is this a moment where we will look back and say how did we not buy the stock of Blackstone with a 4% dividend yield? What were we thinking, not jumping in and getting an over 8% yield from Blue Owl Capital? Are these the kinds of opportunities similar to what you got right after so-called Liberation Day, back in April when President Donald Trump put sweeping tariffs on partially the entire world and the market plunged only to come back quickly and higher and higher? Are they going to turn out to be like the disk drive companies and the semiconductor capital equipment companies, the former historically low returners and the latter hurt by Chinese exposure? Could they be companies in transition and are ready to counter anything that the now legendary Anthropic can throw at them? Or must they be avoided at all costs along with ServiceNow, Salesforce, CrowdStrike , and Microsoft, all of which are now feared to be targets of Anthropic and may falter or even be upended by them, at least if you listen to the Anthropic supporters or software naysayers, pessimists and short sellers. Of course, it's not just Anthropic. OpenAI and Alphabet will be coming up with more and more disruptive concepts. After all, as Jensen Huang, CEO of Nvidia , which also reports earnings this week, says, it isn't the fourth industrial revolution for nothing. Oh, and for the record, I think the best of these is Alphabet, and it's the one that I like the most, perhaps, of our entire tech portfolio. Right now, as we prepare for this Friday's Investing Club Monthly Meeting meeting, even as I think we have very little exposure to this whole unfolding debacle, it is worrisome  it is, again, fraught. Should we sell Microsoft stock, once an unthinkable prospect because it is such an amazing company but might be vulnerable to the new AI titans, as demonstrated by how poorly its digital assistant Copilot is selling. Or, does it have something up its sleeve the way Alphabet did to reinvent itself? Is Microsoft the hidden gem? Don't we have to shed Salesforce, if it can't dissuade the naysayers? Or, do we just bet that Agentforce is so good that if Benioff splits the company  he doesn't want to do this, by the way  he would bring out more value than is currently observable. I don't know, and yes, I am conscious about how you are never supposed to say, "I don't know," in our business, but I have a bias toward the truth. What I have been vocal about is that I do not think that Anthropic is going to dent CrowdStrike's business with its new cyber defense initiative. That's because Anthropic is defending the AI agents. CrowdStrike is defending the data. Two different things. The digital agents are producing voluminous data, and they are an easily hacked lot even after Anthropic's valiant, much hyped efforts. Their agent work should produce even more data  and therefore, even more business for CrowdStrike. But you lost about 10% on your investment, if you bought CrowdStrike, and my thesis, at the high on Friday of nearly $432. The stock closed at $388. The bulls say it is all time frame. You will be fine if you just don't panic especially with loans that are just a few years away from being due. The bears always say it is 2007 all over again if it is not 2000 and the dotcom explosion. The pain will start with the need to refinance whole swaths of the portfolios and then will gravitate to the collapse of the entire tech edifice. Bottom line As always, I want to avoid a sweeping declaration. I don't know if Blue Owl is fine or not. I know enough to not say that. But I do know this: You now understand, at least to the best of my ability, the state of play of what brought us to Friday. With that you can make the best judgment possible about what we own and which stocks you want to avoid because they may be involved in this morass that can only  negatively or positively  be determined by time. I will refer to this piece many times in the coming months. I am sorry I went so long. I wish I had gone longer in 2007. Always better to be through than to be sorry. (Jim Cramer's Charitable Trust is long GOOGL, NVDA, CRM, MSFT, CRWD. See here for a full list of the stocks.) As a subscriber to the CNBC Investing Club with Jim Cramer, you will receive a trade alert before Jim makes a trade. Jim waits 45 minutes after sending a trade alert before buying or selling a stock in his charitable trust's portfolio. If Jim has talked about a stock on CNBC TV, he waits 72 hours after issuing the trade alert before executing the trade. THE ABOVE INVESTING CLUB INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND PRIVACY POLICY , TOGETHER WITH OUR DISCLAIMER . NO FIDUCIARY OBLIGATION OR DUTY EXISTS, OR IS CREATED, BY VIRTUE OF YOUR RECEIPT OF ANY INFORMATION PROVIDED IN CONNECTION WITH THE INVESTING CLUB. NO SPECIFIC OUTCOME OR PROFIT IS GUARANTEED.
Nazrin Abdul



Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Sunday that recent nuclear negotiations with the United States have produced encouraging signals, while cautioning that Tehran is prepared for any scenario ahead of another round of talks scheduled for Thursday, AzerNEWS reports.

Pezeshkians remarks come amid growing concerns of a military escalation, as the US increases its military presence in the Gulf and President Donald Trump warns of really bad things if a deal on Irans nuclear program is not reached.

Iran is committed to peace and stability in the region, Pezeshkian wrote on X. Recent negotiations involved the exchange of practical proposals and yielded encouraging signals. However, we continue to closely monitor US actions and have made all necessary preparations for any potential scenario.

The cautious optimism follows confirmation from Omans Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi of a third round of indirect talks in Geneva, Switzerland. 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, al-Busaidi said, acting as a mediator between Washington and Tehran.

Iran and the US resumed nuclear talks in Oman earlier this month, followed by a second round in Geneva last week. While both sides described the discussions as generally positive, no breakthrough was achieved.
This is CNBC's Morning Squawk newsletter. Subscribe here to receive future editions in your inbox. Happy Monday. With the Winter Olympics officially wrapped up, many athletes are leaving Italy with more than just a medal. Stock futures are lower this morning following a winning week for all three major indexes. Here are five key things investors need to know to start the trading day:

1. If at first you don't succeed

U.S. President Donald Trump answers questions during a press briefing held at the White House February 20, 2026 in Washington, DC. Alex Wong | Getty Images

2. Frozen II

People walk along Manhattan's Times Square during a snowfall in New York City, on February 22, 2026. Charly Triballeau | Afp | Getty Images

The National Weather Service this weekend put much of the Northeast under a blizzard warning, as heavy snow continues the fall on the region this morning. Airlines canceled thousands of flights and waved change and cancellation fees for airports across the East Coast. As CNBC's Leslie Josephs reports, 15% of scheduled U.S. departures on Monday were canceled, as carriers try to shepherd travelers during the busy winter break period. The blizzard comes a month after January's Winter Storm Fern created a massive headache for airlines and travelers. The Transportation Security Administration also said yesterday that PreCheck airport security lanes were operating as expected. The Department of Homeland Security had said hours earlier that PreCheck was paused due to the partial government shutdown.

3. Critic's choice

Susan Rice, director of the White House Domestic Policy Council, speaks about the Property Appraisal and Valuation Equity Report in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, March 23, 2022. Samuel Corum | Bloomberg | Getty Images

Trump over the weekend called on Netflix to fire board member Susan Rice, writing in a social media post that the streaming giant should fire Rice "IMMEDIATELY, or pay the consequences." Rice, who was former President Joe Biden's domestic policy chief, said last week that Democrats would hold organizations who "bent the knee" to Trump accountable if the party takes back power in the midterm elections. Trump's call for Rice's removal comes as the Department of Justice reviews Netflix's proposed acquisition of fellow media company Warner Bros. Discovery . Trump told NBC News earlier this month that the DOJ was handling the deal and that he would not be involved in the review process.

Get Morning Squawk directly in your inbox CNBC's Morning Squawk recaps the biggest stories investors should know before the stock market opens, every weekday morning. Subscribe here to get access today.

4. Crunching the numbers

Sam Altman, OpenAI CEO, speaks during a media tour of the Stargate data center in Abilene, Texas, on Sept. 23, 2025. Stargate is a collaboration of OpenAI, Oracle and SoftBank, with promotional support from President Donald Trump, to build data centers and other infrastructure for artificial intelligence throughout the U.S. Kyle Grillot | Bloomberg | Getty Images

OpenAI is now telling investors that it expects roughly $600 billion in total compute spend by 2030. That's a significant decrease from the $1.4 trillion figure the AI startup previously touted for infrastructure commitments. As CNBC's Kate Rooney and Ashley Capoot report, the move comes amid concerns over whether OpenAI can generate enough revenue to justify investments at that scale. The company is now expecting more than $280 billion in revenue for 2030, sources told CNBC. For comparison, OpenAI raked in slightly over $13 billion last year.

5. Toy stories

Playing cards at Magic the Gathering: Grand Prix Utrecht in March 2013. Max Mayorov | Flickr

Hasbro and Mattel have fought to lead the toy industry for decades. But as the industry exits a period marked by sales declines, it's Hasbro that appears to be winning Wall Street's favor. Hasbro has seen a boost from its Wizards of the Coast unit, which houses Dungeons & Dragons, Magic: The Gathering and its digital and video game roster. The company saw overall revenue growth of 14% in the 2025 fiscal year, with 45% revenue growth in the Wizards unit. In the same period, Mattel's net sales slid 1%. Meanwhile, Mattel's American Girl brand is celebrating its 40th anniversary. But sales are well off their peak seen around a decade ago, as the toymaker struggles to keep its dolls relevant in the digital era.

The Daily Dividend
Sunset scene of light trails traffic speeds through an intersection in Gangnam center business district of Seoul at Seoul city, South Korea

Asia-Pacific markets traded mixed Monday amid tariff uncertainty as U.S. President Donald Trump announced over the weekend that he would increase global tariffs to 15% from 10%.

The move came on the heels of a U.S. Supreme Court decision striking down a broad swath of the president's trade agenda enacted under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977, or IEEPA.

That said, U.S. trading partners are not off the hook, said Rystad Energy's chief economist Claudio Galimberti.

"While the Supreme Court's ruling invalidates a large share of existing tariffs and weakens the ability to target individual countries, it does not dismantle the broader tariff framework," he wrote in a note following the announcement.

If the upper tariff limit is reached without prior IEEPA exemptions, the average rate could climb even higher than under the structure the Supreme Court just struck down, Galimberti added.


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Bitcoin fell as much as 5% to below $65,000 on Monday after U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to raise global tariffs to 15%. The drop came as Asian equities rose in early trade, underscoring crypto's divergence from regional stock markets amid renewed tariff uncertainty. U.S. crypto firms also fell as markets opened on Monday. Strategy was last seen down 2.5%, Coinbase moved 4.1% lower, Robinhood was down 4.5%, and Block was down 5%. Bitcoin has seen a sharp sell-off since October last year when it crossed $125,000, with the downturn extending into the new year. The world's largest cryptocurrency is down 26% so far this year and has lost over 47% since the October high.

Stock Chart Icon Stock chart icon Bitcoin drops

"We believe that the sudden uptick in tariff rates is causing investors to sell crypto assets in anticipation of a more serious market decline," said Jeff Mei, COO at global blockchain technology company BTSE. Investors are also concerned that the build-up of U.S. military forces around Iran raises the possibility of an armed conflict that could spread regionally and impact global trade flows, he added. There has been massive U.S. military buildup in the Middle East, with Trump signaling last Thursday that he would decide in the next 10 days whether to launch strikes against Iran. Markus Thielen, head of research at market intelligence platform 10x Research, said bitcoin's latest drop was driven less by a single headline and more by weak liquidity and low conviction in the market. Thielen said the downturn fits a typical bear-market phase characterized by low volumes and uncertainty tied to U.S. midterm elections, expecting further downside toward $50,000 before a more durable bottom forms. Safe-haven demand saw spot gold trading over 1% higher Monday, showing a strong divergence from bitcoin, which has often been referred to as "digital gold," including by U.S. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. The cryptocurrency pared some of its losses and was down 2.1% to $65,970 as of 10:14 a.m. ET. Ether  the second most popular cryptocurrency  was down 2% at $1,904.

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Bank of America sees upside ahead for shares of J.M. Smucker after the Consumer Analyst Group of New York's annual conference last week. The bank upgraded the stock to buy from neutral and hiked its price target to $130 from $120. That indicates a 17.7% gain from Friday's close. Bank of America believes the risk from J.M. Smucker's 2023 acquisition of Hostess Brands  which previously led it to downgrade the stock to neutral  has subsided. "While SJM acknowledged potential nearterm 'volatility' at CAGNY," the analyst conference, "we think recent actionsending certain promotions and optimizing the manufacturing footprintshould help stabilize profitability, while core segments (Coffee, Pet, PB & J) continue to show strong fundamentals," wrote analyst Peter Galbo in a Monday note. SJM YTD mountain SJM year-to-date chart. Galbo said comments at the conference by J.M. Smucker that indicated the company is not looking for any further acquisitions and hints at potential future stock buybacks are bullish for the food and beverage manufacturer. Bank of America also views J.M. Smucker as uniquely positioned to manage the fallout from GLP-1 usage, which investors worry may disrupt companies with foods deemed less "healthy" in their portfolios. "~70-75% of the combined revenue comes from Coffee, Pet, Peanut Butter, and Intl which has little/no exposure, while Frozen handheld/spreads are largely sold to younger consumers (Uncrustables) or even have some nutritional offsets like protein (Peanut butter, new Uncrustables offerings)," he wrote. Most analysts covering Smucker are on the sidelines despite Galbo's upgrade. LSEG data shows that 12 of 19 analysts rate the stock as a hold. The average price target also implies upside of just 4.6%.
U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during the National Governors Association Evening Dinner and Reception in the East Room of the White House on February 21, 2026 in Washington, DC, U.S.

The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday struck down much of President Donald Trump's "reciprocal" tariffs, which were invoked based on the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.

But the White House leader didn't take the decision lying down. Hours later, Trump announced on Truth Social that he'd be leveraging a new act, Section 122, to impose 10% tariffs globally  and one day later hiked them to 15%.

In response, the European Commission said Sunday that it would not accept any increase in tariffs. "A deal is a deal," the EC said, according to Reuters. For its part, the U.S. would not alter the trade deals that it has struck with its partners, trade representative Jamieson Greer told CBS on Sunday.

There have already been geopolitical repercussions of the ruling. India will be delaying its planned trade visit to Washington, D.C., to evaluate the implications of the ruling, a source told CNBC.

For critics of tariffs, it looks like the situation has moved one step forward, two steps back.

Indeed, futures tied to U.S. stocks fell Sunday night stateside. Asia-Pacific markets, however, mostly shrugged off the uncertainty and rose Monday.

"Sit on hands and do nothing, this is just noise, there will be something new to worry about within a few days," said Hugh Dive, chief investment officer at Atlas Funds Management.

Elsewhere, the U.S. and Iran will be having their next round of talks on Thursday in Geneva, according to an AP report, citing Oman's foreign minister. A deal was not reached during the previous discussion because Washington and Tehran had different ideas on what sanctions relief could look like, an Iranian official told Reuters.

Even as we begin Monday already with a flurry of tariff and geopolitical developments, all eyes will be trained on one event this week: Nvidia's earnings, out Wednesday stateside, which comes amid some tumult in the artificial intelligence sector. Investors will hope CEO Jensen Huang can provide some insight into not just the sector's spending, but how AI is being deployed  and is being used to augment, or supersede, other services.
US President Donald Trump speaks during a press conference in the Brady Press Briefing Room of the White House in Washington, DC, on Feb. 20, 2026.

The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday struck down much of President Donald Trump's "reciprocal" tariffs, which were invoked based on the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.

But the White House leader didn't take the decision lying down. Hours later, Trump announced on Truth Social that he'd be leveraging a new act, Section 122, to impose 10% tariffs globally  and, one day later hiked them to 15%. For critics of tariffs, it looks like the situation has moved one step forward, two steps back.

Indeed, U.S. importers are still paying the now-illegal "reciprocal" tariffs on goods, reported CNBC's Lori Ann LaRocco, because the U.S. Customs and Border Protection hasn't updated its system to remove duty charges. And refunding importers the estimated $175 billion collected from tariffs is going to be a "mess," as Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh put it in his dissent.

There have already been geopolitical repercussions of the ruling, too. India will be delaying its planned trade visit to Washington, D.C., to evaluate the implications of the ruling, a source told CNBC.

U.S. markets on Friday, however, did cheer the tariff ruling, with major indexes rising. Shares of Amazon , which sources a bulk of its stock abroad, jumped nearly 2.6%. But futures fell Sunday night stateside.

Elsewhere, the U.S. and Iran will be having their next round of talks on Thursday in Geneva, according to an AP report, citing Oman's foreign minister. A deal was not reached during the previous discussion because Washington and Tehran had different ideas on what sanctions relief could look like, an Iranian official told Reuters.

Even as we begin Monday already with a flurry of tariff and geopolitical developments, all eyes will be trained on one event this week: Nvidia's earnings, out Wednesday stateside, which comes amid some tumult in the artificial intelligence sector. Investors will hope CEO Jensen Huang can provide some insight into not just the sector's spending, but how AI is being deployed  and is being used to augment, or supersede, other services.
A satellite image shows cars on fire along a coastal road in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico, Feb. 22, 2026, following the killing of drug lord Nemesio Oseguera, known as "El Mencho," in a military operation.

American travel companies are scrambling to reroute cruise ships and take care of tourists to Mexico after violence and chaos erupted in several coastal regions in the country following the killing of a cartel leader.

The U.S. State Department broadened its warning to travelers to shelter in place across multiple regions of Mexico, including the popular tourist hot spots of Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Cozumel, Tulum, Tijuana and Puerto Vallarta.

Violence erupted after the Mexican army killed Jalisco New Generation Cartel leader Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes. Known as "El Mencho," he led one of fastest-growing criminal networks in Mexico, notorious for trafficking fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine to the United States and staging brazen attacks against government officials who challenged it, The Associated Press reported.

As roads were blockaded with burning vehicles, airlines canceled flights and cruise lines rerouted ships to avoid ports with potential problems.

Carnival Corp. said Princess Cruises' Royal Princess and Holland America Line's Zuiderdam were bypassing their planned stops in Puerto Vallarta on Monday. Norwegian Cruise Line said its ship the Norwegian Bliss has canceled its plans to call on Puerto Vallarta on Wednesday.

MSC Cruises USA said sailings to Cozumel and Costa Maya, Mexico, are currently operating as planned, but that shore excursions may be adjusted or canceled.

Though Royal Caribbean said it doesn't have ships currently in the affected areas, CNBC has learned some of its excursions in Ensenada, Mexico, were affected.

Airbnb told CNBC it had activated its "major disruptive events policy" in Jalisco state and other affected regions. That policy overrides the host's individual cancellation policy, allowing travelers and hosts to cancel reservations without consequences.

"We are monitoring this situation carefully and are focused on supporting guests and hosts in impacted areas," an Airbnb spokesperson said.

In a note to investors, Truist travel and leisure analyst Patrick Scholes wrote that Hyatt has the most exposure of the international brands, with 8.5% of its room total coming from Mexico. Marriott has the second-highest exposure, with 3.3% of its overall rooms coming from Mexico.

Typical travel insurance policies often carry exclusions for terrorism, political violence or civil unrest.

Squaremouth, an online marketplace for travel insurance, warned would-be travelers that "the violence in Mexico is now a foreseeable event, or what the insurance industry calls a known event. So tourists can't buy coverage now in order to cancel their trip."

However, a Squaremouth spokesperson told CNBC, "If you are heading to Mexico soon, especially during spring break, buying CFAR [cancel for any reason] or IFAR [interruption for any reason] as add-ons is a smart decision given the uncertainty."
CrowdStrike CEO George Kurtz speaks at the Wall Street Journal Tech Live conference in Laguna Beach, California, on Oct. 21, 2019.

Cybersecurity stocks dropped for a second day on Monday as investors fretted over new artificial intelligence security tools that threaten to displace the sector's longstanding business models.

Anthropic on Friday debuted a new security tool to its Claude model in a limited research preview. The AI lab said the service could scan software code for vulnerabilities and suggest solutions. Anthropic is scheduled to host an enterprise briefing with new product announcements on Tuesday.

CrowdStrike and Zscaler dropped about 10% each on Monday, while Netskope and Tenable plummeted about 12%. SailPoint fell 9%, Okta declined more than 6%, while SentinelOne and Fortinet each lost more than 4%. Palo Alto Networks was last down 3%, while Cloudflare , which benefited from recent Moltbot enthusiasm, dropped over 9%.

The iShares Cybersecurity & Tech ETF dropped about 5% and the Global X Cyberseurity ETF fell to its lowest level since November 2023.

In a post to LinkedIn over the weekend, CrowdStrike CEO George Kurtz defended his company's moat in a world filled with new AI offerings.

"AI innovation is inspiring," he wrote. "But let's stay grounded in reality: an AI capability that scans code does not replace the Falcon platformor your security program. Security requires an independent, battle-tested platform built to stop breaches."
Former British Ambassador to the U.S. Peter Mandelson is led away from his home by a police officer as he is arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, following revelations over his ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, in London, Britain, Feb. 23, 2026, in this screen capture from video.

Police in London released Peter Mandelson, Britain's former ambassador to the United States, on bail Tuesday local time, hours after his arrest earlier.

Mandelson has been under investigation for his relationship with notorious sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Metropolitan Police in London said that Lord Mandelson, 72, was arrested Monday on suspicion of misconduct in public office, the same grounds on which other police in Britain last week arrested and briefly detained Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the former prince and longtime friend of Epstein.

Police did not identify Mandelson by name, as is customary in Britain, but photos of him being led from his house by police were published Monday.

In an update Tuesday, the police said "a 72-year-old man arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office" was released on bail pending further investigation.

Police were known to be investigating whether he leaked market-sensitive information to Epstein when he was a government minister during the global financial crisis in 2009 and 2010.

Mandelson, who was fired in September on orders from British Prime Minister Keir Starmer after revelations about his dealings with Epstein, has previously denied any wrongdoing.

"He was arrested at an address in Camden ... and has been taken to a London police station for interview," the Metropolitan Police said in a statement.

"This follows search warrants at two addresses in the Wiltshire and Camden area," police said. "We are not able to provide further information at this stage to prevent prejudicing the integrity of the investigation."

Mandelson resigned from the House of Lords in early February, but retained his title of lord.

In a statement then, he said, "I want to say loudly and clearly that I was wrong to believe [Epstein] following his conviction [in 2008] and to continue my association with him afterwards."

"I apologize unequivocally for doing so to the women and girls who suffered," Mandelson said.

The Guardian reported that Starmer's spokesperson told reporters in early February, "The prime minister believes that Peter Mandelson should not be a member of the House of Lords or use the title.

"However, the prime minister does not have the power to remove it. He is calling on those in the Lords to work with the government to modernise disciplinary procedures in the house, to allow for the easier removal of lords who have brought the house into disrepute."

Mandelson's arrest came four days after British police arrested Mountbatten-Windsor, brother of King Charles III, on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

Mountbatten-Windsor was released later Thursday.

While the nature of the investigation into him was not revealed, Thames Valley Police have said they were assessing reports that he had sent Epstein confidential trade reports in 2010, when he was Britain's special envoy for international trade.
European startup IQM is aiming to build powerful quantum computers to rival the likes of Google and IBM.

Finland-based quantum computing startup IQM announced plans Monday to become one of Europe's first publicly listed companies in the sector.

IQM will merge with special purpose acquisition company (SPAC), Real Asset Acquisition Corp as part of the listing in New York. The deal, which gives IQM an initial equity valuation of $1.8 billion, is pending shareholders' approval and other regulatory conditions being met, the firm said in a Monday statement.

The company is eyeing the transaction being completed around June this year, with the listing to happen shortly after that. It's also considering a dual listing on the Helsinki stock exchange.

Founded in 2018, IQM raised $320 million in a Series B funding round in September, which valued the company at $1 billion. The round was led by Ten Eleven Ventures, a U.S. cybersecurity-focused investment firm, while Finnish venture capital firm Tesi also invested.

IQM is building full-stack, open-architecture quantum systems that can be deployed on-premise or accessed via the cloud.

The merger could provide over $300 million in funding for the company, in the form of private investment in public equity financing and cash held in RAAQ's trust account, assuming no redemptions (when investors in the SPAC withdraw their money from the transaction ahead of the listing).
In 2022, Google spun out a project focused on high-speed communications networks into a startup called Aalyria. Less than four years later, Aalyria is being valued by investors at $1.3 billion in a new funding round, reflecting soaring demand for reliable, speedy telecommunications.

Aalyria's software helps networks deliver better service across land, at sea and in space. Its $100 million in fresh funding lands as the U.S. government bolsters its spending on defense technology and national security satellites, and as the Trump administration seeks to outpace China.

SpaceX's Starlink has been snapping up government contracts, and gaining popularity with consumers, especially in areas that aren't well served by traditional high-speed internet. Rivals like Eutelsat, Amazon and others are investing heavily in their own services.

Google is retaining a stake in Aalyria. Battery Ventures led the new funding round, joined by firms including J2 Ventures and DYNE.

Michael Brown, a general partner at Battery, said SpaceX's success in commercializing lower earth orbit satellites with Starlink has "stoked competitive fears of satellite vendors." In the early days of Russia's war on Ukraine, after SpaceX turned off Starlink over Crimea, the U.S. and European countries sought greater diversity among service providers.

"They love Starlink but want alternatives, too," Brown said. "This is where Aalyria comes into play. When you have a diversity of satellite platforms, including in lower and mid-earth orbit, the ability to route traffic between them has been nearly impossible. But they provide a seamless networking layer."

Aalyria has already locked in contracts or research funding from partners, including Telesat, the U.S. Air Force, NASA, the Defense Department's Defense Innovation Unit, the European Space Agency and other government offices.
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Oil retreated from a six-month high on Monday after Oman announced that a third round of talks between Washington and Tehran will continue this week in Geneva. Tensions have remained on high alert throughout the Middle East for weeks after U.S. President Donald Trump indicated a strike on Iran could be imminent. Since then, a sense of calm has returned to oil markets, after reports on Friday indicated that any strike would be limited to military installations or government sites, reducing the risk for a protracted conflict between the two countries, and retaliation by Iran towards U.S. bases in the region. "The geopolitical atmosphere, at least for today, has moderated a little bit, and I think that's what we're seeing being reflected in the pullback in prices," Edward Bell, acting chief economist at Emirates NBD, told CNBC's Dan Murphy on Monday. Brent rallied to a six-month high of $71 last week, as Iran-related supply fears drove up risk premium, which Goldman Sachs said has embedded around $6 into the price of oil.

Stock Chart Icon Stock chart icon Oil retreats as Iran-U.S. talks announced

The third round of indirect talks between the U.S. and Iran are expected to continue in Geneva on Thursday between Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and U.S. special envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff. The talks will be mediated by Oman's Foreign Minister Badr Al Busaidi. The Trump Administration has been pushing for concessions regarding Iran's nuclear program since talks restarted earlier this month in Oman. Relations had been at a standstill after Trump withdrew the United States from the JCPOA in 2018. The U.S. maintains that Iran cannot have nuclear weapons and cannot enrich uranium, meanwhile, Tehran has long argued its nuclear program is exclusively for civilian purposes. Iran's Aragchi has made several appearances on U.S. networks in recent days, in an attempt to communicate Iran's position. He spent over 20 minutes with MS Now's Morning Joe program on Friday. Over the weekend, Aragchi told CBS news Iran is "still working on" a proposal to present to Witkoff, but the country is "prepared to talk and negotiate on those drafts" at the meeting in Geneva on Thursday, adding that a "good chance" remained for a diplomatic solution on the nuclear issue. Iran is "committed to peace and stability in the region," Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Sunday on X. "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," he added. Rising unrest A second straight day of student protests has also taken place across Tehran. Students clashed with pro-regime demonstrators, commemorating lives lost in a brutal crackdown last month after nationwide protests engulfed Iran. The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency said at least 7,015 people were killed in the previous protests and crackdown, which the country's Supreme Leader blamed on the U.S. and Trump. The United States has since built out its largest military presence in the region, sending a second carrier strike group to the Middle East to join the USS Abraham Lincoln, which currently sits just 150 miles off the coast of Oman in the Arabian Sea.

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Trade between the United States and Mexico could be hurt dramatically if the flare-ups of violence across Mexico continue in response to the killing of a cartel boss, warn logistics companies that are worried about freight operations for routes involving the key U.S. trade partner and at the border.

The head of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, Nemesio "El Mencho" Oseguera Cervantes, was killed along with other cartel members in a Mexican military operation aided by U.S. intelligence over the weekend. This led to outbreaks of violence and attacks on public infrastructure on Sunday and Monday by cartel factions.

Mexico is among the top trading partners of the U.S. and impacts on air and trucking routes are beginning to be reported by freight companies. The cancellation of flights to Mexico by major U.S. passenger airlines will also have a significant impact on the movement of freight. That is because approximately 50 percent of air freight, by weight, is moved by passenger aircraft.

American Airlines canceled flights Sunday to and from Guadalajara, Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta. Southwest Airlines also canceled flights, along with Delta , which also diverted flights. United Airlines and Air Canada also canceled flights to the region.

A spokesperson for cross-border logistics firm Kuehne + Nagel said with airports in Guadalajara affected, numerous flight cancellations also include freighter operations into and out of the airport. "The situation is impacting our ability to deliver and pick up cargo," said the spokesperson. "So far, we have not observed any issues at our main gateways (Felipe Angeles Airport and Mexico City Airport) for flight operations, but the situation will raise challenges with the delivery and pickup process to/from affected states," the spokesperson added.

In response to the violence, the U.S. State Department issued a shelter-in-place order for 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. The violence has prompted logistics companies including Kuehne + Nagel to have employees in the impacted areas work from home.

In addition to air freight, CH Robinson says container port pickup and drop-off are being hit by the security situation in western Mexico. "Road blockades have cut off some freight corridors, initially including the routes connecting the Port of Manzanillo to Guadalajara and moving freight northeast," said Veronica Gonzalez, CH Robinson's North America surface transportation Mexico director.

The Port of Manzanillo, the country's busiest container port, was temporarily closed to containers coming in or out. While it reopened and was operating normally on Monday, blockades and fires continued to interrupt freight movement. Located on Mexico's Pacific Coast, the Port of Manzanillo handles over 3.5 million containers annually, moving nearly half of all containerized cargo for Mexico. The port is also a vital gateway for Asian imports.

In a statement to CNBC, DHL said it continues to operate while readjusting its network and operations across the country to minimize any potential disruptions. DHL said its global forwarding network is seeing lower-than normal volumes from the ports of Manzanillo, Lazaro Cardenas and Veracruz.

The violence is also reducing trucking volume between the U.S. and Mexican border, according to Gonzalez. More than 20,000 commercial trucks cross the border between Laredo and Nuevo Laredo on an average weekday. "With many carriers unwilling to send drivers into parts of western Mexico, trucking capacity in the region tightened very quickly. We are not yet aware of any impacts to air cargo," she said.

Jordan Dewart, president of Mexico operations for Redwood Logistics, said his firm is also seeing some truck capacity tightening in Laredo and El Paso, Texas. "When there's policy noise and major events of unrest like we saw yesterday it creates uncertainty, and shippers tend to pull freight forward and carriers get selective," said Dewart. "That compresses capacity quickly at the border and in country."

Trucking spot rates are ticking up, according to Dewart, as well as trucking dwell times. "If uncertainty continues, capacity could tighten quickly  cross-border doesn't have a lot of slack," he added.

Logistics companies say they have prior experience monitoring on-the-ground crises and working with carriers and customers to reroute freight where possible. But logistics experts warn even with cross-border trade flowing, highways at key border crossings, including Laredo and El Paso, will continue to be subject to delays.



"Anything touching western Mexico is likely to run behind schedule," Gonzalez said. "From our 35 years of experience in Mexico, I'd say shippers should plan for delays through at least the first half of the week," she added.
In this article NVO

LLY

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The Novo Nordisk A/S headquarters in Bagsvaerd, Denmark, on Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025. Nichlas Pollier | Bloomberg | Getty Images

Novo Nordisk 's stock fell over 16% Monday after it said its next-generation weight loss drug didn't meet its key goal of showing that it wasn't inferior to Eli Lilly' s rival drug, in the latest blow to the Danish drugmaker, whose stock is trading at a multi-year low after a series of disappointing announcements. The experimental drug, CagriSema, didn't achieve its primary endpoint of demonstrating non-inferiority on weight loss when compared to Eli Lilly's rival drug tirzepatide after 84 weeks, Novo said in a statement Monday morning. Tirzepatide is the active ingredient in Lilly's mega-blockbuster medicines Mounjaro and Zepbound, which have overtaken Novo Nordisk's semaglutide, sold as Ozempic and Wegovy, in U.S. prescriptions. Novo's Copenhagen-listed shares closed down 16.5% at 251 Danish kroner, hitting their lowest level since June 2021. Eli Lilly 's stock closed 4.9% higher. Lilly also launched a new form of Zepbound, which offers a month's worth of doses in a single pen on Monday.

Stock Chart Icon Stock chart icon Novo Nordisk ADR's are severely underperforming Eli Lilly shares.

Patients taking a 2.4 mg dose of CagriSema achieved a weight loss of 23% after 84 weeks compared to 25.5% with a 15 mg dose of tirzepatide, Novo said. The trial was a so-called open-label trial, meaning participants knew what treatment they were receiving. Such a design can introduce a risk of bias in favor of a well-known product when it is compared to an investigational therapy, Novo's Chief Scientific Officer Martin Holst Lange told CNBC's Charlotte Reed. There were some "slightly surprising results" for the market drug, in this case tirzepatide, he added.

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Lilly's own studies have shown tirzepatide to result in a 20.2% weight loss over 72 weeks when pitted against Wegovy for people living with obesity or overweight. In a separate 2023 study, Lilly found that participants lost on average 26% over 88 weeks. The split study involved participants who knew they were taking Zepbound for the first 36 weeks, followed by a 52-week treatment period in which they were randomized to either continue on the medication or switch to a placebo. When asked about Novo's trial results, a Lilly spokesperson highlighted Zepbound's efficacy and its pipeline, including weight loss pill orforglipronm which is expected to launch in the second quarter of this year.

Next-generation weight loss drugs

Novo filed CagriSema for approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration late last year, and a decision is expected by late 2026. It has high hopes for the drug, which combines semaglutide and cagrilintide, another hormone released in the pancreas that affects appetite. Despite Monday's disappointing results, Novo CEO Mike Doustdar remained upbeat about CagriSema's potential. "We strongly believe that CagriSema has, right now, the best weight efficacy than any product currently in the market," he said. Novo is exploring additional trials to test CagriSema, including higher-dose combinations, the company said.

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"CagriSema has the potential to be the first GLP-1/amylin-combination product to reach the market for people living with obesity, documenting that cagrilintide adds to the existing benefits of semaglutide and offers clinically meaningful additive weight loss effects superior to what has been observed with GLP-1 biology alone," said Novo's Lange, adding that further trials would "assess the full weight-loss potential of CagriSema." However, the failure of CagiSema to meet non-inferiority versus Zepbound adds further uncertainty, and the drug's commercial positioning is increasingly unclear, said Jefferies analyst Michael Leuchten. CagriSema could account for between 15% and 25% of Novo's revenue by 2030, "highlighting the pressing need for M&A," Leuchten said, forecasting that Novo could spend up to $35 billion on M&A this year.

Another blow

Monday's trial result is another blow to the Danish drugmaker as it fell short against a drug already on the market, and comes after the stock fell nearly 50% in 2025. Earlier this month, Novo predicted that its sales and profit growth would decline by between 5% and 13% in 2026, as the company navigates competition, lower prices in the U.S., and the loss of exclusivity for Wegovy and Ozempic in certain markets. "People should expect that it goes down before it comes back up," Novo's Doustdar told CNBC at the time.

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(PRO Views are exclusive to PRO subscribers, giving them insight on the news of the day direct from a real investing pro. See the full discussion above.) Highly awaited quarterly results from Nvidia and two key software stocks will test important levels in the market this week, Jay Woods says. Woods, chief market strategist at Freedom Capital Markets, is looking to see Nvidia stock move steadily higher on the back of its fiscal fourth-quarter earnings due after market close Wednesday. That's because of some choppy post-earnings moves in tech recently, Woods said, noting both Meta and Palantir shares declined even after the company's had great results. Even more important to consider is the effect of Nvidia's report on the S & P 500 , given its 7% stake in the broader market, Woods said. The S & P 500's repeated tests of the 7,000 level are putting a focus to the index's 100-day moving average at 6,822, he said. "Watch how [Nvidia] closes on Thursday. ... We want to see it open strong, stay strong. If not, if it pulls back, watch the 200-day moving average, this $173 area in Nvidia," Woods said. "If it breaks it, that would be a tell for this entire market. We could get a big flush out to 6,600 in the S & P 500 and Nvidia could go back to $150 over the next several months. So, very critical to watch the price action in Nvidia." Nvidia shares are up 2% year to date. The stock is outperforming its "Magnificent Seven" peers in a weak year so far for the group. NVDA 1Y mountain Nvidia stock performance over the past year. Results from Salesforce and Snowflake , also due Wednesday, are another key event for the market this week. Investors will be gauging just how disruptive AI has become to the software industry from the companies' guidance, Woods said. "These stocks need a relief rally and watch their recent lows. They need to hold. If these stocks can bounce, the question is, is this relief or is this something that has changed? Irregardless, we need these stocks to come back because software has been under pressure," he said. Shares of Salesforce and Snowflake have plunged about 34% and 29% this year, respectively. Other potentially market-moving headlines could come from President Donald Trump's State of the Union address on Tuesday. The annual speech comes after his threat of 15% global tariffs and the Supreme Court's ruling on trade levies last week. Conflict between the U.S. and Iran is also in focus, with the third round of talks between both nations set to continue in Geneva on Thursday. "Tariffs will be on display as well as conflict with Iran," Woods said. "Energy stocks have been on fire. Let's see what happens with that conflict. If we do go to war, expect the energy sector to continue to have that big tailwind behind them." (This weekly video is exclusively for CNBC PRO subscribers.)
Sam Altman, chief executive officer of OpenAI Inc., at the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, India, on Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman on Friday defended the resource demands of artificial intelligence, calling concerns about data centers' water use "fake" and comparing the energy used by AI systems to that of humans.

Altman was speaking on the sidelines of the India AI Impact summit in an interview with The Indian Express when he was asked to address common criticisms of AI, such as its energy and water consumption.

The CEO responded that claims circulating online that ChatGPT uses gallons of water per query were "completely untrue, totally insane," and have "no connection to reality."

Data centers traditionally use large amounts of water to cool electrical components and prevent overheating. While data center cooling technologies have promised reduced consumption, some newer data centers no longer rely on water at all.

Still, even with improving efficiency, a report last month from water technology company Xylem and Global Water Intelligence projected that the water drawn for cooling would more than triple over the next 25 years as computing demand rises, putting pressure on water systems.

While dismissing fears about water use, Altman said energy consumption remains a fair AI concern. "Not per query, but in total  because the world is using so much AI ... and we need to move towards nuclear or wind and solar very quickly," he said.

Asked about previous comments from Microsoft founder Bill Gates  who has suggested that the efficiency of the human brain proves that AI can evolve to also become more energy efficient over time Altman pushed back.

"One of the things that is always unfair in this comparison is people talk about how much energy it takes to train an AI model ... But it also takes a lot of energy to train a human," he said. "It takes like 20 years of life, and all the food you eat before that time, before you get smart."

"The fair comparison is if you ask ChatGPT a question, how much energy does it take once a model is trained to answer that question, versus a human, and probably AI has already caught up on an energy efficiency basis, measured that way," he added.

The process Altman is referencing is known as inference, which refers to the use of AI models that have already been trained to create new outputs. AI inference is typically much less power-intensive than the training itself.

Altman's comments, particularly the AI-to-human comparison, have since sparked some debate online amid growing anxiety about AI's ability to replace human work.

Sridhar Vembu, co-founder and chief scientist of Indian software company Zoho Corporation, who was present at the summit, criticized the human-AI equivalence. "I do not want to see a world where we equate a piece of technology to a human being," the billionaire said in an X post.

The debate comes as governments and companies pour billions into new data centers to support the computing needs of AI systems.

According to a May report by the International Monetary Fund, electricity consumption by the world's data centers in 2023 had already reached levels comparable to Germany or France, soon after the launch of OpenAI's groundbreaking ChatGPT AI model.

In response, some governments have been working to speed up approval processes to bring new and cheap energy online, with some environmentalists warning such moves could clash with global net-zero goals.

Some local communities in countries like the U.S. have also pushed back on development projects over fears they will strain electricity grids and raise overall electricity costs.

Last week, the City Council in San Marcos, Texas, voted down a proposed $1.5 billion data center project after months of public opposition.

Amid such pushback, many tech leaders, including OpenAI's Altman, have argued data centers will require more energy production from diverse sources, including renewable and nuclear energy.
Smoke billows from burning vehicles amid a wave of violence, with torched vehicles and gunmen blocking highways in more than half a dozen states, following a military operation in which a government source said Mexican drug lord Nemesio Oseguera, known as "El Mencho," was killed, in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico, February 22, 2026, in this screen grab obtained from a social media video.

U.S. and Canadian airlines halted flights to Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara in Mexico after violence broke out in the country in the wake of the Mexican army's killing of a cartel leader.

The U.S. State Department on Sunday told U.S. citizens to shelter in place, citing "ongoing security operations and related road blockages and criminal activity."

Air Canada , American Airlines , Delta Air Lines , Southwest Airlines , United Airlines and others canceled flights to Puerto Vallarta, a popular tourist destination on Mexico's Pacific coast, and to Guadalajara, which is also in the Jalisco state. Airlines waived change fees for affected travelers.

Flights to other major airports in the country, like Mexico City and Cancun, weren't impacted by the unrest.
I served for nearly 15 years in the U.S. Navy Reserve, including nine as a Commander. I led SEAL teams in combat and have spent the past two decades helping high performers, from boardrooms to locker rooms, build unbeatable minds. SEALs aren't naturally tougher than everyone else. We just understand that mental resilience is something that is built through specific, repeatable practices that can help us keep calm and focused under extreme pressure. Today, whether I'm training myself or working with Fortune 500 executives, I use the same principles that kept me alive in combat zones. Here are three daily habits that help me banish burnout, and maintain a sharper and more resilient mind.

1. I move deliberately at least three times a day

Where the body leads, the mind follows. I've learned that for me, burnout can flourish without consistent activity. You don't necessarily need to do an intense workout either, just frequent and deliberate movement practices. And they can be as varied as you want. Over the course of a day, I might do a set of bodyweight squats, burpees and pushups or sun salutations. Later, I might go for a 10-minute walk outside. Or just take a break to do some slow, nasal breathing while moving. This is about telling your nervous system, "I'm capable. I'm safe. I can act." Research has found that brief bouts of physical movement significantly improve mood, cognitive flexibility, and stress resilience, even more effectively than a prolonged exercise session later in the day. Studies also show that regular movement reduces the risk of depression by over 25%, regardless of intensity. Just five minutes of movement can help reset your nervous system.

2. I do box breathing every morning

Back in 2006, I coined the term "box breathing." The practice was not original with me, but I found it to be incredibly useful when teaching Navy SEAL candidates. I do 20 minutes of box breathing in the morning and another 20 minutes in the afternoon or evening. Simply inhale through your nostrils for a five count, hold the breath for a five count, exhale for five, then hold again after the exhale for a final five count. Done first thing in the morning, it sets your physiological tone for the entire day. For me, 20 minutes is ideal, but even five minutes can help eliminate stress and improve focus and clarity. Studies from the National Institutes of Health demonstrate that breath-focused mindfulness lowers cortisol levels and improves heart rate variability, which is a key marker of resilience and stress tolerance. You cannot reason your way out of anxiety when your body is already panicked. Don't wait until you're stressed to breathe. Train yourself to be calm first, and then deploy it under pressure.

3. I use key phrases to reduce rumination and negativity
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Europe warned Monday that its hard-fought trade deal with Washington could now be in jeopardy after President Donald Trump unveiled a sweeping 15% tariff on all imports over the weekend, prompting the European Parliament to postpone a planned vote on the agreement, according to Reuters. Trump's move came after the U.S. Supreme Court on Friday struck down his global tariffs policy, implemented last spring, that had upset the long-standing global trading order. The president reacted to the Supreme Court's judgment by initially announcing a new universal 10% levy, using a different legal framework for the latest tariffs, but then increased the global tariff rate to 15%  the legal maximum which can be in place for 150 days before congressional approval is required. The new import duties are "effective immediately," Trump said in a Truth Social post on Saturday. Officials in Europe and London expressed alarm and consternation at the latest upheaval in global trade relations, saying Trump's new tariff policy could upend trade deals signed with the U.S. last year. They asked for more clarity from the White House as to what the new tariff policy framework means in practice for their respective trade deals, which saw most European Union exports to the States hit with a 15% duty, and those from the U.K. slapped with a 10% levy.

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"Pure tariff chaos from the U.S. administration," the chair of the European Parliament's Committee on International Trade, Bernd Lange, reacted to the White House on Sunday. "No one can make sense of it anymore  only open questions and growing uncertainty for the EU and other U.S. trading partners," Lange wrote on social media platform X. "Do new tariffs ... not constitute a breach of the deal? Regardless, no one knows whether the US will adhere to it  or even be able to," Lange said, adding that "clarity and legal certainty are needed before any further steps are taken." The European Parliament's trade committee held an emergency meeting on Monday to discuss Trump's latest trade move, and Lange said in a statement that the legislative work was "on hold" following the U.S. Supreme Court ruling. "The ruling by the Supreme Court of the United States of 20 February 2026 on the use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) is clear and unequivocal. Its implications cannot be ignored, and business as usual is not an option," Lange said. "A key instrument used on the U.S. side to negotiate and implement the Turnberry Deal is no longer available," he added. "The situation is now more uncertain than ever. This runs counter to the stability and predictability we sought to achieve with the Turnberry Deal." The European Commission issued a statement Sunday noting that "a deal is a deal" and that it expected the U.S. "to honour its commitments ... just as the EU stands by its commitments." CNBC has asked the commission for further comment.

(COMBO) This combination of pictures created in Berlin on January 6, 2026 shows (clockwise, from top L) Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz (in Brussels on December 18, 2025), Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni (in Johannesburg on November 23, 2025), Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez (in Brussels on December 18, 2025), Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk (in Brussels on December 18, 2025), France's President Emmanuel Macron (at the Elysee Palace in Paris, on January 6, 2026) and Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer (in London on December 10, 2025). A group of European leaders on January 6, 2026 underlined their support for Denmark after US President Donald Trump again voiced designs on its autonomous Arctic territory of Greenland. Nicolas Tucat,gianluigi Guercia,john Thys,ben Stansall,ludovic Marin | Afp | Getty Images

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz told German broadcaster ARD that there would be "a very clear European position on this" ahead of his visit to the White House in early March, but he deferred to the European Commission in Brussels as to how the EU would respond to the tariffs. However, French Trade Minister Nicolas Forissier suggested that Brussels could hit back at Washington. Speaking to the Financial Times, Forissier urged EU members to not "be naive" and to adopt a united approach against the White House's new trade position. The U.K. has also questioned how the new tariff policy will affect its trade deal with the States, which, given its baseline 10% tariff rate, had put the country at a competitive advantage to its European neighbors. "Under any scenario, we expect our privileged trading position with the U.S. to continue and will work with the administration to understand how the ruling will affect tariffs for the U.K. and the rest of the world," a U.K. government spokesperson said at the weekend.

Trade deals on, or off?

Europe's bitter reaction to the new tariff policy means U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer has his work cut out to reassure partners that trade deals agreed last summer still stand. Greer defended Trump's tariff stance on Sunday, saying that the president's trade policy has not changed fundamentally, and that trade deals still stand. "The president's policy was going to continue. That's why they signed these deals, even while the litigation was pending. So we're having active conversations with them. We want them to understand that these deals are going to be good deals. We expect to stand by them. We expect our partners to stand by them," he told CBS' "Face the Nation." "And I haven't heard anyone yet come to me and say, 'the deal's off.' They want to see how this plays out. I'm in active conversation with them on it," he added.

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On the face of it, current U.S. trade tariffs on the EU are not changing, with the new 15% rate the same as the rate under its trade deal. Exclusions still apply, too, with pharmaceuticals, critical minerals, fertilizers and certain agricultural products exempt, while other tariffs on auto and steel exports remain the same. Those with the lowest tariffs to begin with are ostensibly hurt more, however, with the U.K. at a notable disadvantage if its trade deal tariff rate is not honored. On a trade-weighted basis, the U.K. faces a 2.1 percentage point increase in its average tariff rate, while the EU sees a 0.8 point rise, according to analysis from Swiss-based trade watchdog Global Trade Alert. In contrast, Brazil's rate plunges 13.6 points, and China's drops 7.1 points.

Tina Fordham, founder of Fordham Global Foresight, told CNBC on Monday that the U.S.' closest allies seem to be worst hit by what she described as the latest "trade chaos" but agreed more clarity was needed from U.S. officials. "This is an administration that doesn't think too much about second- or third-order effects, and so what we're seeing is that those countries that tried to get in early and do an advantageous deal when the president was first starting to talk about these levies ... are being penalized," she told CNBC's "Europe Early Edition."
The Portuguese cargo ship MSC Maxine is pictured at the Port of Balboa at the entrance to the Panama Canal in Panama City on April 23, 2025. The Port of Balboa is managed by CK Hutchison Holdings, based in Hong Kong. Martin Bernetti | Afp | Getty Images

The U.K., the European Union and Singapore face higher trade-weighted tariffs, while countries such as Brazil, China and India will see such levies go down after U.S. President Donald Trump said he would raise global duties to 15%. This comes after the U.S. Supreme Court decided in a 6-3 tariff ruling that the president wrongfully invoked the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to implement his levies. Trump later responded by imposing a global 10% duty under Section 122 of the 1974 Trade Act, which was then raised to 15%. On a trade-weighted basis, the U.K. faces a 2.1 percentage point increase in its average tariff rate, while the EU sees a 0.8 point rise, according to analysis from Swiss-based trade watchdog Global Trade Alert. In contrast, Brazil's rate plunges 13.6 points, and China's drops 7.1 points. The EU Commission said it would request "full clarity" on the ruling, noting that "a deal was a deal," with no increases in tariffs beyond the 15% ceiling previously agreed. The 27-member bloc had agreed a trade deal with the U.S. back in August last year that would see exports to Washington capped at a 15% tariff. Asian allies Japan and South Korea face an increase in their trade-weighted average tariff rate of 0.4 percentage points and 0.6 percentage points, respectively. Both countries had agreed to a 15% tariff on their exports to the U.S. last year.

Tariff exposure

While some experts said the Supreme Court's decision delivers the greatest relief to countries previously hit hardest by IEEPA-linked tariffs, others told CNBC it disadvantages nations that first negotiated trade deals with the U.S. Johannes Fritz, CEO of the St.Gallen Endowment for Prosperity through Trade and author of the GTA report, said countries like China, Mexico and Canada faced dedicated tariff orders tied to opioids and border security, on top of the reciprocal rates from April 2025. Brazil and India also faced their own separate IEEPA orders. "The Supreme Court struck down all of these, not just the reciprocal tariffs. So the countries that had the heaviest IEEPA exposure received the greatest relief," he explained to CNBC. Fritz noted that the EU and other allies, whose IEEPA burden was largely limited to the reciprocal rates, saw a smaller reduction.

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Countries that had negotiated a 10% "reciprocal rate," like the U.K., as well as countries receiving the baseline 10% rate like Singapore, Australia and Saudi Arabia, will then see their trade-weighted tariff rate rise, as the IEEPA tariffs are now replaced by Section 122 duties. However, Sarang Shidore, director of the Global South Program at the Quincy Institute, had a different view, telling CNBC "Inside India" that "those countries that were early in striking deals with the United States after the Liberation Day tariffs of last year have been sort of left holding the bag." "Whereas those other countries that resisted, like Brazil and others in agreeing to any demands from the United States may be feeling a little more vindicated," he added. Shidore's view was echoed by Alicia Garcia Herrero, chief economist for Asia Pacific at Natixis. "Countries which were suffering from higher tariffs and had not negotiated a major reduction will benefit more," she told CNBC.



She pointed out Japan, which saw its "reciprocal tariffs" lowered to 15% in exchange for a $550 billion investment pledge into the U.S. last year. "The government has confirmed they will keep their investment in the U.S. notwithstanding the Supreme Court decision. In other words, they are paying to receive the same treatment as others," Herrero said.

Asian nations react

In Asia, countries have mostly taken a wait-and-see approach to the Supreme Court ruling and Section 122 tariffs. China's ministry of commerce said in a statement Monday that it is conducting a "comprehensive assessment" of the Supreme Court ruling, and also urged the U.S. to "cancel its unilateral tariffs on its trading partners." India's trade negotiators had planned to visit Washington, D.C. to firm up an interim trade deal that would see levies cut to 18% on New Delhi's exports, but have now postponed that trip, a source told CNBC.

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Over in South Korea, Kim Jung-kwan, the country's minister of trade, industry and resources, said Seoul will pursue amicable consultations "to ensure that the balance of benefits and favorable export conditions secured through the Korea-U.S. tariff agreement are not undermined." While Japan has not issued an official response, officials told Nikkei Asia that the ruling would not affect Japan's first round of investment projects in the U.S., with other officials also saying that Tokyo was keen to preserve its trade deal with Washington. The 15% tariff also appears to apply to countries like Singapore, which runs a trade deficit with the U.S. Singapore will see its effective tariff rate climb 1.1 percentage points, according to GTA. The city state had been hit with the global 10% "reciprocal tariff," despite its trade deficit. A spokesperson from the country's trade and industry ministry said Singapore is monitoring the situation closely, and will engage with its "U.S. counterparts to seek clarity on the implementation of the new Section 122 tariffs and processes for tariff refunds."

Confusion ahead

Overall, one word seems to characterise the trade landscape after the Supreme Court ruling: confusion. While Trump had announced the 15% levy via Truth Social, the White House's fact sheet still puts the Section 122 tariffs at 10%. Quincy Institute's Shidore puts it plainly: "I think right now, there's just a lot of confusion." His comments were echoed by Claudio Galimberti, chief economist at Rystad Energy, who wrote that the actual impact on trade remains "uncertain." Galimberti also cast doubt on the bilateral trade agreements between the U.S. and its trading partners, saying that those negotiated deals were structured around IEEPA tariff rates as the baseline.
Aileen Cannon, judge of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida. Courtesy: US Courts

A Florida federal judge appointed by President Donald Trump blocked the public release of a final report by former special counsel Jack Smith on his prosecution of Trump for retaining classified documents after leaving the White House at his Mar-a-Lago club and for blocking efforts to retrieve them. Judge Aileen Cannon, in her order, cited her July 2024 ruling that Smith was not legally appointed as special counsel, which led to her dismissing the criminal case against Trump, as the key reason she said that Volume II of his final report on the case should not be made public. Smith had obtained a grand jury indictment of Trump on charges related to those documents in June 2023, more than two years after Trump ended his first term in the White House. Cannon also on Monday rejected a request by Trump's two co-defendants in the case to have Smith's report destroyed. In her order permanently blocking the release of that report, Cannon blasted Smith for his "brazen stratagem" of compiling evidence and other material obtained during his investigation and "compiling it into a final report" to the attorney general after she ruled his appointment as special counsel violated the appointments clause of the U.S. Constitution. Smith had taken those actions while appealing the judge's dismissal of the criminal case against Trump. The Department of Justice dropped that appeal after Trump won the 2024 presidential election.

Cannon, in her ruling Monday, said releasing Smith's report "would cause irreparable damage to former defendants from disclosure of non-public" material that was exchanged between Smith's prosecution team and defense lawyers, which involved "still-contested grand jury and privilege concerns." "And it would contravene basic notions of fairness and justice in the process, where no adjudication of guilt has been reached following initiation of criminal charges," Cannon wrote in her order in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida. "There is the matter of manifest injustice to the former defendants that would result from disclosure of Volume II," she wrote. "Special Counsel Smith, acting without lawful authority, obtained an indictment in this action and initiated proceedings that resulted in a final order of dismissal of all charges. As a result, the former defendants in this case, like any other defendant in this situation, still enjoy the presumption of innocence held sacrosanct in our constitutional order."

Former U.S. Special Counsel Jack Smith arrives for a closed-door deposition as part of a House Judiciary Committee inquiry into his now-dismissed cases against U.S. President Donald Trump over his efforts to overturn the 2020 election results and his retention of classified documents, on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., U.S., December 17, 2025. Kevin Mohatt | Reuters
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The Supreme Court struck down a centerpiece of President Donald Trump's tariff agenda on Friday, also dealing a blow to the possibility of sending so-called tariff dividend checks to families, experts say. "Tariff dividends were a long shot from the beginning," said certified financial planner Stephen Kates, a financial analyst at Bankrate. "Given the White House's lack of authority to unilaterally issue stimulus checks to Americans, the idea was largely aspirational," he said. Any such broad-based benefit program would require legislation passed by Congress. Following a major Supreme Court defeat and with an ongoing partisan battle in Washington, congressional approval would be especially difficult, he said. "Even if tariffs were to return to prior levels and generate revenue for a broad stimulus program, there does not appear to be sufficient political support to move such a measure through Congress," Kates said. "The odds of this policy moving forward is now effectively zero."

The Supreme Court decided in a 6-3 tariff ruling that the president wrongfully invoked the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, or IEEPA, to implement a large portion of his trade agenda. Shortly after the high court's ruling, Trump said he would sign an executive order imposing a new 10% "global tariff" using a different legal authority, and then increased the rate to 15%. In a Truth Social post, Trump said the new tariffs will be "effective immediately," but it was unclear if any official documents were signed detailing the timing. "Even if the tariffs challenged by the Supreme Court's decision are replaced by other trade taxes on Americans, the widening federal deficit should make everyone skeptical that these checks will ever be in the mail," said Brett House, an economics professor at Columbia Business School.

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On Friday, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said during an appearance at the Economic Club of Dallas that tariff revenue "will be little changed"  despite the Supreme Court ruling  under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974. That statute grants the president temporary authority to reimpose his tariff agenda, and potentially paves the way for a one-time $2,000-per-person tariff rebate for some U.S. households. On Monday, a White House official told CNBC in an email that "as Sec. Bessent has made clear, tariff revenue is expected to remain robust with the use Section 122 tariffs, and the Administration is committed to putting that revenue to good use for the American people."

'A dividend of at least $2,000'

The president first floated the idea of making direct distributions to Americans in July. Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., then introduced the American Worker Rebate Act of 2025, which pitched a stimulus check funded with tariff revenue. The Senate referred that bill to the Committee on Finance, where it remains. Later in the year, Trump said that a rebate check with the money his tariffs had generated would be forthcoming. "A dividend of at least $2000 a person (not including high income people!) will be paid to everyone," he wrote in a post on Truth Social in November.

At the end of 2025, National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett also said that "the president will bring forth a proposal to Congress to make that happen." When asked about tariff rebates in January, Trump said the checks would come "toward the end of the year."

The status of tariff refunds
US President Donald Trump (L) and China's President Xi Jinping shake hands as they arrive for talks at the Gimhae Air Base, located next to the Gimhae International Airport in Busan on October 30, 2025. Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping will seek a truce in their bruising trade war on October 30, with the US president predicting a "great meeting" but Beijing being more circumspect. (Photo by ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS / AFP) (Photo by ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Images) Andrew Caballero-reynolds | Afp | Getty Images

The U.S. Supreme Court's decision to strike down President Donald Trump's sweeping tariffs has strengthened China's hand ahead of a summit with his counterpart Xi Jinping, where Beijing is expected to push for reduced U.S. support for Taiwan, analysts said. In a ruling Friday, the court said Trump wrongfully invoked the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to implement broad tariffs. That decision has weakened Trump's negotiating leverage as he prepared for a trip to Beijing in April, said Wendy Cutler, senior vice president at the Asia Society Policy Institute. "He has effectively had his wings clipped on his signature economic policy," said Cutler, who was also a former U.S. trade representative. Trump will visit China from March 31 to April 2, the first trip by an American president since his last visit in 2017. Xi is also expected to make a state visit to Washington later this year. Analysts said the ruling could change the dynamics around efforts to extend a trade truce negotiated last year and complicate Trump's push for Beijing to buy large quantities of U.S. soybeans, Boeing aircraft and energy exports. "It limits Trump's ability to deploy tariffs at will, reduces pressure on Beijing to expand soybean purchases or ease rare earth access," said Dan Wang, China director of Eurasia Group. For Beijing's part, it could use the opportunity to press Washington to ease technology export controls, remove certain Chinese entities from U.S. sanctions lists, and cut back arms sales to Taiwan, said Xinbo Wu, director at Fudan University's Center for American Studies. "[The ruling] certainly helps strengthen China's position in its negotiation with the U.S," Wu said.

Non-tariff tools

While Trump's tariff authority may be somewhat diminished, he could deploy non-tariff measures, such as technology controls and sanctions against Chinese entities, as negotiating tools, experts said. "The measures with real structural impact remain non-tariff tools," said Wang. These include expanded export controls on advanced chips and broader restrictions against Chinese tech firms, Wang said. The U.S. stance on the Taiwan issue, disputes over the South China Sea and security ties with Japan and Korea still rest largely with Trump, she added. In a statement Monday, China's commerce ministry said it is currently assessing the impacts from the implementation of the ruling, while urging the U.S. to remove all unilateral tariffs against its trading partners. "China and the U.S. both stand to gain from cooperation and lose from confrontation," according to the ministry's statement translated by CNBC.

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Following the Supreme Court's ruling, Trump responded with a 10% global tariff under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974  before raising it further to 15%, which the president said would be "effective immediately." In a Truth Social post on Saturday, Trump dangled a warning that more tariffs would follow: "During the next short number of months, the Trump Administration will determine and issue the new and legally permissible Tariffs." It remains unclear if any official documents have been signed detailing the timing. A White House fact sheet issued Friday said the original 10% tariffs would go into effect on Tuesday, Feb. 24, at 12:01 a.m. ET. Before the ruling, Washington had imposed an additional 20% tariff on Chinese exports last year including a 10% reciprocal tariff and a 10% fentanyl-related tariff  citing IEEPA authority. The Supreme Court's ruling implies a net reduction of around 5% in U.S. tariffs on China, according to Goldman Sachs. "Overall, this development suggests upside risk to our positive outlook on Chinese exports this year," Goldman said. A study by the trade monitoring body Global Trade Alert also named China among the top winners under the revised Section 122 tariff regime, with a 7.1 percentage point reduction in tariff rates. John Gong, a former consultant to China's commerce ministry, said that Beijing is not "betting their strategy on the dispute between the executive and judicial branches of the [U.S.] government, although a lower tariff rate 'is something nice to have.'"

301 Section investigation

Still, China faces an ongoing Section 301 investigation launched last year over its compliance with the Phase One trade deal from Trump's first term.

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The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative said in October last year that China appeared not to have met its commitments to expand market access, lower non-tariff barriers, and ramp up purchases of U.S. goods and services, despite repeated U.S. engagement to address implementation concerns. "Once the U.S. has decided that a country is an 'unfair' trade partner, Section 301 comes with substantial flexibilities to use tariffs or other measures," said Deborah Elms, head of trade policy at the Hinrich Foundation. China said Monday that it is "watching closely" the U.S. move in using trade investigations to maintain higher tariffs, vowing to "firmly safeguard" Chinese interests. The ruling may have a limited impact on broader U.S.-China relations, said Scott Kennedy from the Center for Strategic and International Studies, who noted that tensions extend beyond tariffs. "The [Supreme Court] ruling doesn't upend U.S.-China relations the way it might to U.S. ties with its allies and others, because China had already gained the upper hand," he said. Kennedy expects the April summit to yield limited results, such as an extension of the ceasefire and sales of U.S. products, but progress is unlikely on thornier issues such as clear guidelines for export controls or rebalancing China's economy. During a phone call earlier this month, Xi asserted to Trump that Taiwan is the "most important issue" in U.S.-China relations  overshadowing the commercial deals Trump touted at the time, including Chinese purchases of American energy and agricultural products. Upcoming talks between the two leaders may prove more political than economic, said Minxin Pei, a professor of political science at Claremont McKenna College. Xi might be "open to giving Trump a better commercial deal" in exchange for a statement on Taiwan that Beijing could claim as a victory, Pei said.

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Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange during morning trading on February 20, 2026 in New York City. Michael M. Santiago | Getty Images

Markets have taken U.S. President Donald Trump's latest tariff salvos largely in their stride, with investors assessing the moves might not have a lasting impact on trade. The MSCI World Index, which measures global stock performance, was flat. Safe-haven assets stayed firm, with yield on the 10-year U.S. Treasury lost a little over one basis point, while gold inched up around 0.8%. The U.S. dollar index slid around 0.3%. "The market didn't really react much to the news. It was already widely anticipated," Ed Yardeni, president of Yardeni Research, told CNBC. "The market learned last year that the [global] economy is remarkably resilient in the face of what I call Trump tariff turmoil."

Sit on hands and do nothing, this is just noise, there will be something new to worry about within a few days. Hugh Dive Atlas Funds Management

Trump's move to raise global tariffs to 15% from 10% initially announced, comes after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down a broad swath of levies he had imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. Market strategists said that the Supreme Court's ruling looks more like a procedural reset than a reversal of protectionist policy. Section 122, under which the new tariffs have been imposed, effectively replaces the invalidated IEEPA tariffs on a temporary basis, while leaving in place duties under Section 301 and Section 232, including those targeting steel, autos and China. So, not much has changed to unnerve the markets  at least, not yet.

Sit tight and do nothing?

Analysts suggest that the key for investors now is to be patient. "No statement on trade policy from Trump is now treated as durable," said Hugh Dive, chief investment officer at Atlas Funds Management. "Sit on hands and do nothing, this is just noise, there will be something new to worry about within a few days," he added. Trump has developed a reputation among investors for using tariffs as a negotiating tactic, announcing sweeping or aggressive measures, then recalibrating once market stress or diplomatic pushback becomes clearer. The move has been widely referred as TACO: Trump Always Chickens Out. "The President really wasn't going to accept defeat without having a counter or strategy," Yardeni said. However, he noted that the new approach is constrained: tariffs under Section 122 are temporary and harder to tailor country by country. "It was much easier when he could use tariffs as a sledgehammer," he told CNBC. "Now it's become sort of a rubber mallet. It's certainly not as powerful a tool." As for how investors should position, Yardeni echoed Altas' Dive: "Sit still and do nothing. Focus on earnings, focus on the resilience of the economy."

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The MSC Emma container ship on the dockside at the Port of Felixstowe in Felixstowe, UK, on Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025.

British companies are seeking deeper trade ties with Europe, business groups told CNBC, as U.S. President Donald Trump unveiled a sweeping 15% tariff on all imports after the Supreme Court struck down previous levies.

New tariffs would mark a 50% increase on the level negotiated last year in a trade deal between the U.K. the U.S., making the country one of the worst hit, according to analysis from think tank Global Trade Alert.

While U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said the administration "expects" to stand by trade deals, the U.K. government is reportedly in ongoing discussions with counterparts in America.

On Tuesday, the global tariff rate of 10% came into effect, while the White House reportedly works on a formal order to approve the higher 15% duty.

The seesawing uncertainty is increasingly forcing U.K. businesses to look to closer alignment with the European Union and European countries, as they hunt for predictable trade partnerships, groups which represent U.K. businesses told CNBC.

"There's just no certainty or consistency and companies are very weary of this," said William Bain, head of trade policy at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), which represents 50,000 businesses.

"They're potentially looking at other options in terms of doing more trade with Europe or with the Indo-Pacific [region], where there seem to be less risk of fluctuations," he told CNBC.
Alphabet shares are set to outperform again because the company has the "3 key traits of [an] AI winner," according to Wells Fargo. Analyst Ken Gawrelski upgraded the Google and YouTube parent to overweight from equal weight. His price target of $387, up from $354, signals upside of more than 22% from Friday's close. Alphabet shares are up 75% over the last 12 months, far outpacing the S & P 500 14% advance. But the stuck has struggled recently along with the rest of the Magnificent 7. Alphabet shares are down 4% in the past one month and are little changed for the year. GOOGL .SPX 1Y mountain GOOGL vs SPX 1yr Gawrelski gave three characteristics Alphabet has that positions it to dominate in AI: data, distribution and computing capacity. "[We] believe GOOGL has all the pieces necessary to be an AI winner, with an industry-leading capacity position to support internal efforts (Search, Gemini) and monetize externally through GCP, broad distribution network, and vast consumer data," Gawrelski wrote. Gawrelski pointed to Alphabet's efforts to expand artificial intelligence compute capacity to 35 gigawatts by 2028 from 15 gigawatts at the end of last year. It "increasingly appears hyperscaler ambitions are bounded by compute capacity," he said. "As this market construct persists medium term, [we] see Google gaining competitive advantage as it widens capacity leadership vs. peers." Gemini monetization will also drive the stock. Gawrelski projects Gemini average recurring revenue will triple to $12 billion by the end of 2027 from $4 billion at the end of last year. Alphabet ticked slightly higher in the premarket following the upgrade. The upgrade puts Gawrelski in line with the rest of Wall Street. According to LSEG, 52 of 61 analysts covering the tech giant rate it a buy or strong buy. The average price target signals upside of nearly 14%.
Bangladesh plans to renegotiate its power purchase deal with Indias Adani Power Ltd . in order to seek lower prices, according to people familiar with the matter, marking one of the newly elected governments first initiatives since taking office last weekThe cost of coal used by the Indian power supplier is too high, as is the price of electricity being charged to Bangladesh, said one of the people, a senior government official. Reopening negotiations with the company is at the top of the agenda for the new government, the person said, who asked not to be identified because the discussions are private. The government hasnt yet raised the matter with the company, the person said.Rezaul Karim, chairman of the Bangladesh Power Development Board, didnt respond to calls for comment. A representative for Adani Power said it hasnt received any communication from the government regarding renegotiations, and it was meeting all its supply obligations under the contract.Adani Power has been supplying electricity to Bangladesh from its coal-fired plant in the Indian state of Jharkhand since 2023. Bangladesh began importing all of the power produced at Adani Powers 1,600-megawatt unit under a 25-year power purchase agreement negotiated during the reign of then-leader Sheikh Hasina.Hasina was ousted in August 2024 after thousands of mainly young protesters took to the streets demanding she step down. Two months later, Adani Power reduced electricity supply to Bangladesh because of unpaid bills, risking blackouts. The country accumulated billions of dollars in unpaid power bills at the time. Power supplies were returned to normal in March last year.New Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, whose Bangladesh Nationalist Party won a sweeping victory in elections this month, has pledged to restore political and economic stability in the country.Renegotiating the contract may complicate relations with India, which has taken steps to reset ties with Rahmans government. Relations came under strain during the interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, who pushed for closer ties with China and demanded India  which has sheltered Hasina since 2024  extradite her to face criminal charges.Rahmans government has said it favors a more balanced foreign policy that works for Bangladesh.The government wants to negotiate the agreement with Adani out of court, which would be an easier process for both parties, the official familiar with the matter said.Most of Bangladeshs energy needs are met through natural gas and coal.
While OpenAI has cutting-edge technology and significant organizational capacity, it remains less established in enterprise environments compared to long-standing incumbents. A lot of these applications and data management systems  especially from the hyperscalers  have been in place in organizations for years. Theyre a known entity, a known quantity, he said. OpenAI has to ensure it can communicate and position itself not as just a cool new AI capability thats growing exponentially in terms of its reasoning capabilities.

With the launch of Frontier, OpenAI will be competing with enterprise software vendors that also want to position themselves as the orchestration layer for AI agents. Microsoft, for instance, last year announced its Agent 365 platform; it has some overlapping functionality with Frontier, focusing on agent governance and security, in particular, as well as multiple agent builder tools. Google, which has spent years pushing into the enterprise, also sells various products to build and manage agents. Both benefit from tight integration with their application suites, said Law.

Few large organizations have yet adopted agents at scale, but well-established vendors could start with an advantage if businesses begin to invest more. When enterprise organizations evaluate large language models (LLMs) and agentic platforms, their first preferred choice of provider is, in fact, the hyperscalers, said Law.
Nvidia has been talking about sovereign AI for years, but is finding that Indias cultural and economic diversity calls for a different approach.

Unlike in the US, truckloads of GPUs wont drive the chipmakers expansion in India. Instead, the company plans to focus on software first, and deal with computing power later. Its betting on a data-first approach, with a localized AI plan customized for the diversity of demographics, cultures, and languages.

Nvidia is also wooing Indias huge developer base by touting its open-source credentials and devising a localized AI plan that includes smaller language models adapted for the local energy and data center infrastructure.
Having already presided over 14 U-turns in 19 months, when will Sir Keir Starmer execute his 15th?

The answer is unfolding before our eyes. It lies in the PM's baffling decision to hand the Chagos Islands  a British Overseas Territory since 1814 and home to the strategically important UK and US military base, Diego Garcia  to Mauritius.

The much-criticised deal, which involves leasing back the base from the Mauritian government, is projected to cost the taxpayer 35 billion over 99 years.

Yet Labour's 2024 manifesto could not have been clearer: 'Defending our security also means protecting the British Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies, including the Falklands and Gibraltar. Labour will always defend their sovereignty and right to self-determination.'

So what, then, of the 'right to self-determination' of the Chagossians, 98 per cent of whom, shows a poll, want to remain British?

Graham Stringer, the Labour MP, tells me: 'I know most people don't read lengthy manifestoes but there it is on page 120. Another U-turn.'

The PM's decision to hand the Chagos Islands  home to the strategically important UK and US military base, Diego Garcia  to Mauritius is baffling, writes Andrew Pierce

The much-criticised deal, which involves leasing back the base from the Mauritian government, is projected to cost the taxpayer 35 billion over 99 years

Starmer's local authority, Camden Council, has overturned its own planning officers' scheme for a 5.6million housing development, despite a shortage. Residents opposed to the plan include Dame Justine Thornton, High Court judge and wife of Labour's Net Zero Secretary, Ed Miliband. Some voices, it seems, carry further than others.

Now running a charity in New York, David Miliband  beaten to the Labour leadership in 2010 by brother Ed  declined the chance to see Oasis on their US tour. 'I am more Coldplay than Oasis,' he said.

Perhaps the saga of the Gallagher brothers  estranged for 15 years before reuniting  hits a little too close to home.

The last time the foundations of the House of Windsor shook this hard was after Princess Diana's death in 1997.

Then-Prince Andrew and his brother Edward were dispatched by the late Queen to test the public mood on the Mall before Her Majesty appeared before the crowds.

The pair got a surprisingly warm response, giving her the confidence to greet mourners. Who'd risk unleashing Andrew on the public now?

Royal helicopters carry distinctive call signs  'Kitty', 'Rainbow', 'Kittyhawk'  used by pilots and air traffic control. The former Duke of York, however, had one just for him: 'Leopard.' An animal famed for stalking and pouncing on its prey. Entirely coincidental, I'm sure.

When Harold Wilson faced a backbench rebellion in 1969, he declared: 'I know what's going on. I am going on.' He survived as Labour leader for another seven years. Sir Keir Starmer may be lucky to survive seven weeks.

If in doubt, do what Maggie did

Following the appointment of the first female Cabinet Secretary, Dame Antonia Romeo, one of her more illustrious predecessors issued some pointed advice.

Lord Butler of Brockwell, Cabinet Secretary from 1988 to 1998 under Margaret Thatcher and Tony Blair, said: 'Whether people liked or disliked what Thatcher did... she got things done. She did it by appointing the best managers, from outside the civil service when necessary, delegating and holding them accountable to a small centre in which she played the central and often terrifying role.' Listen up!

Green Party leader Zack Polanski may wish to avoid the Herefordshire-Gloucestershire border. Approval has been granted for 3,500 homes to be built on agricultural land near Ledbury, by the Green-led Forest of Dean council. So much for environmental guardianship!
The most sacred duty of any government is to protect its people. You've worked hard, paid your taxes, played by the rules. It's the least you should expect.

Yet, the Tories betrayed you. They left our borders open and overwhelmed the country with mass immigration. Having promised to cut immigration to tens of thousands, they imported 12 million people in 14 years. Labour have made it worse.

If you vote for a Reform government, as Home Secretary I will secure our borders, deport those here illegally, and make you feel safe. My first priority will be to stop the invasion and secure our borders. Nearly 200,000 people have illegally arrived on our shores in the last eight years.

Thats more than stormed the beaches of Normandy on D-Day. Reform will end this.

We will end all welfare for foreign nationals, and ensure those who enter illegally will be detained and deported.

Britains borders will mean something again. We will also implement our plan for mass deportations of illegal migrants already here. We will pass the Illegal Migration Mass Deportation Act and launch Operation Restoring Justice.

We will leave the ECHR, rapidly build detention capacity for 24,000 illegal migrants and ramp up deportation flights to five per day. A new agency, UK Deportation Command, will focus solely on identifying, detaining and deporting illegal migrants.

We will also avert the looming Boriswave fiscal disaster. The Tories imported three million migrants in three years, against the British peoples wishes.

Nearly 200,000 people have illegally arrived on our shores in the last eight years. Thats more than stormed the beaches of Normandy on D-Day

Under Nigel Farages leadership, a Reform government will secure our borders and make you feel safe, writes Zia Yusuf

The vast majority came on non-work visas. Many are about to be granted indefinite leave to remain (ILR) and lifetime access to welfare. This will cost British taxpayers hundreds of billions of pounds over their lifetimes. We will avert this fiscal disaster by replacing ILR with a renewable work visa and dedicated spouse route.

We will also get knives off our streets by granting the police far greater powers to use stop and search in knife-crime hotspots. You will no longer have to feel unsafe walking home.

Under Reform, our brave police officers will be freed up to spend their time detecting crime, investigating crime, and arresting criminals. No more dancing on social media. No more painting police cars with pride or trans flags. No more policing legal speech online. No more Diversity, Equity and Inclusion co-ordinators draining budgets.

I will take a zero-tolerance approach to Islamist extremism.

I will overhaul Prevent to ensure it focuses on real threats not social work, and immediately proscribe the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organisation.

We will protect British culture, because a nation without a culture is not a nation at all. It is just an economic zone.

We will preserve Britains Christian heritage and end the incendiary practice of converting churches into mosques or any other place of worship.

Under Nigel Farages leadership, a Reform government will secure our borders and make you feel safe.

We will make Britain proud, prosperous and powerful.
Sleeping in too-warm of a room can lead to potentially dangerous complications in heart function, particularly in older adults.

A new study of older Australians throughout a summer season found that once nighttime bedroom temperatures exceeded 75 degrees Fahrenheit (24 degrees C), there was a measurable shift in their autonomic nervous system  a network of nerves that handles unconscious tasks like heartbeat and breathing.

Heat places extra demands on the cardiovascular system by forcing it to work harder to cool the body. Heart rate increases by about 10 beats per minute with every degree of increased body temperature.

When someone is in a warm environment, blood vessels near the skin begin to dilate, a process called vasodilation, to release heat. The heart has to pump faster and harder to do this while maintaining normal blood pressure and circulation.

At night, this creates a perfect storm of physiological stress. Normally, sleep is when the body recovers; heart rate slows, blood pressure drops and the parasympathetic nervous system  the rest and digest mode  takes over. But in a warm room, the body does not have that opportunity.

The new study found that when nighttime bedroom temperatures exceeded 75 degrees, older adults nervous systems remained stuck in a higher-alert state. Heart rate increased and heart rate variability, a key marker of recovery, dropped.

Over time, this nightly strain can accumulate, potentially raising the risk of cardiovascular events like heart attack and stroke in vulnerable individuals, such as older people.

However, the latest research found that turning the thermostat below 75 degrees could mitigate this risk.

75 degrees Fahrenheit was the ideal sleep temperature threshold for heart health, researchers found. Once nighttime bedroom temperatures exceeded this, there was a measurable shift in their autonomic nervous system, which controls unconscious tasks like heartbeat and breathing (stock)

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When the heart must work harder by pumping faster and maintaining blood pressure while blood vessels dilate to shed heat, the system is under significant stress.

For older adults or those with underlying conditions, this can trigger a cascade of events.

The combination of increased heart rate, sympathetic nervous system takeover and reduced heart rate variability, a marker of poor recovery, deprives the cardiovascular system of its overnight rest period.

Over time, this sustained strain can elevate blood pressure, promote arterial stiffness and increase the likelihood of clot formation or plaque rupture  events that directly precede heart attacks and strokes.

The study's authors point out that a warming planet, with its increase in uncomfortably hot nights, could make this kind of cardiovascular strain a growing concern.

Dr Fergus O'Connor from Griffith's School of Allied Health, Sport and Social Work at Griffith University, said: When the human body is exposed to heat, its normal physiological response is to increase the heart rate. The heart is working harder to try and circulate blood to the skin surface for cooling.

However, when the heart works harder and for longer, it creates stress and limits our capacity to recover from the previous day's heat exposure.

In the study, published in BMC Medicine, 47 people age 65 and up were monitored while they slept from November 2024 to March 2025 using high-tech wearables, though the researchers did not name which one. Each person was monitored while they slept from 9pm to 7am.

The risk of heart strain climbed steadily with each degree of warmth: temperatures between 75 to 79 degrees F carried 1.4 times higher odds of stress-related heart changes, rising to two times at 79 to 82 degrees, and 2.9 times at 82 to 90 degrees (stock)

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While 75 degrees was the key threshold for protecting heart health during sleep in older adults, when nighttime bedroom temperatures exceeded that, researchers observed clinically meaningful changes in heart rate and heart rate variability, a key marker of autonomic nervous system recovery.

The risks of potential heart damage escalated progressively with each degree of warmth: temperatures between 75 to 79 degrees carried 1.4 times higher odds of stress-related heart changes, rising two times at 79 to 82 degrees and 2.9 times at 82 to 90 degrees.

The researchers said: In many countries, heatwaves are typically characterized solely by elevated daytime temperatures, with little consideration given to elevated nighttime temperatures.

Their findings reinforce the importance of quantifying not just extreme daytime highs but also elevated nighttime temperatures.

It is likely that the cumulative effects of living through many hot days are compounded by sleeping on hot nights.

Dr OConnor added: Climate change is increasing the frequency of hot nights, which may independently contribute to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality by impairing sleep and autonomic recovery.

The researchers noted a critical gap in public health guidance. While the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a maximum daytime indoor temperature of 79 degrees, there are currently no equivalent guidelines for nighttime conditions.

This matters because climate change is increasing the frequency of hot nights, which may independently contribute to cardiovascular strain by impairing sleep and limiting the body's overnight recovery.

They said: Importantly, climate projections forecast a shift wherein, by the year 2100, a larger proportion of heat-related deaths will result from hot nights rather than hot days.
Thousands of men suffering with prostate cancer are being denied access to a 'quality of life-preserving' treatment by the NHS.

Focal therapy, a non-invasive treatment which targets cancerous cells while avoiding damaging surrounding tissue, was introduced to the UK in 2006.

The treatment dramatically reduces the risk of incontinence and erectile dysfunction, side effects which can affect up to 20 per cent of men who undergo other forms of cancer treatment such as radiotherapy.

It is also much cheaper than other treatments, with patients usually in and out of hospital in a day and less likely to need follow-up care.

But it is still rarely available on the NHS despite around 15,000 men who could benefit.

Only a few specialist centres, mostly in London, carry out the focal therapy, as doctors warn that most patients are not told about the treatment and face life-changing side effects.

Around 60,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer each year but a mere 600 to 700 are thought to be offered it, although it is widely available privately for an average 16,000.

David Cameron paid to be privately treated with focal therapy after he was diagnosed with prostate cancer.

David Cameron paid to be privately treated with focal therapy after he was diagnosed with prostate cancer (pictured in May last year)

The former Prime Minister was diagnosed after his wife Samantha urged him to get a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) having listened to a radio interview on symptoms.

Focal therapy is just as effective as surgery, according to a study published by Imperial College London.

It showed that only one in 20 people had side effects including incontinence, compared with six in ten who had traditional surgeries.

Professor Hashim Ahmed, chair of urology at Imperial College London, said: '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.'

The professor, who helped introduce the treatment to the UK, told The Times: 'It's been 20 years since I worked with Professor [Mark] Emberton on introducing focal therapy in the UK and, in many ways, we're no further along, even though the technology has moved on considerably.

He added: '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, it's not proven, we don't recommend it.' Some patients end up absolutely fighting for it, insisting they want focal therapy, and only then are they finally referred.'

He has urged the NHS to introduce the treatment at more hospitals

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There are three principal forms of focal therapy: Highintensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), which uses focused ultrasound waves to generate heat and destroy cancer cells; irreversible electroporation (also known as NanoKnife), which delivers electrical pulses that kill cancer cells; and cryotherapy, which uses extreme cold to freeze and destroy cancer cells.

Professor Ahmed branded the introduction of NanoKnife as 'genuinely game-changing'.

But Lord Cameron was one of just 175 patients to have used NanoKnife treatment across the country last year.

The NHS has claimed that 'current guidance notes limited evidence on the effectiveness of cryotherapy and high-intensity focused ultrasound'.
The sudden need to itch her palms and soles of her feet that hit Jayne Pilkington one night was so maddening she scratched them until they bled.

It felt like something was crawling deep in my veins beneath my skin, recalls Jayne, 46.

It became an awful nightly pattern.

Weirdly, it started like clockwork every night at 8pm and didnt stop until 4 or 5am, keeping me awake all night and leaving me exhausted the next day, says Jayne, who runs a painting and decorating firm with partner Mark, 53, and lives near Penrith, Cumbria.

At one point I got so desperate for relief Id stand on the concrete driveway outside in the middle of the night just to cool my feet down, she says. In the absence of an obvious cause, Jayne says she even checked the carpets at work for fleas in case there was an infestation.

After two months, she went to see her GP, who ran blood tests for iron deficiency (this can cause itching) and thyroid function (because of her fatigue).

Jayne Pilkington, from Penrith in Cumbria, developed intensely itchy skin and it took more than a year and five GP appointments to find out why

When the tests were negative, he said it was just itchy skin and probably all in my head, recalls Jayne.

But over the next three months the itching occurred during the day, too, and spread around her body  making everyday life problematic.

Id be shattered every morning from itching all night and really struggled to keep going all day at work, she says.

Also, the soles of my feet were so badly damaged by scratching that I found it difficult to walk.

She went back and forth to her GP four more times over nine months but was dismissed each time. It wasnt until Jayne began her own investigations that the true cause was uncovered.

Jayne has a form of liver disease called primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), an autoimmune condition where the small bile ducts within liver tissue are attacked by the immune system and become inflamed and scarred. As a result, bile  the fluid produced by the liver that helps digest fats and carry waste out of the body  builds up and leaks into in the bloodstream and skin, irritating nerve endings.

The itching typically affects the hands and feet, why is unclear, and is often more noticeable at night when trying to get to sleep, probably as there are fewer things to take your mind off it, explains says Professor Douglas Thorburn, a consultant hepatologist at Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust.

Other symptoms include fatigue and sleeping more.

Professor Douglas Thorburn, a consultant hepatologist at Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust

Yellow cholesterol deposits may also form around the eyes and on the backs of the hands as excess cholesterol is not excreted in bile as normal.

An estimated 25,000 people in the UK have PBC (90 per cent of them women).

Its an autoimmune condition, and possibly those who are genetically predisposed may be triggered by something in the environment, says Professor Thorburn, who is also medical adviser to the British Liver Trust.

(Some studies have found that women with PBC reported using hair dyes and nail varnish slightly more often than women who did not.)

Symptoms typically begin around the age of 60, but experts believe half remain undiagnosed. This is a concern as if PBC is detected early enough drugs can be used to slow down progression of the disease.

However, if left untreated, the build-up of bile can lead to inflammation and scarring in the liver, which may eventually lead to the need for a transplant  one in ten liver transplants are due to PBC.

Professor Thorburn calls PBC an iceberg phenomenon, as there are probably just as many people living with it undiagnosed as those diagnosed.

Delays in diagnosis occur, he says, because often even doctors dont consider a liver complaint as a cause of the tell-tale itching  or take it seriously enough  and so people arent given the blood test that can detect the anti-mitochondrial antibodies, a sign of PBC.

Desperate for an answer, Jayne searched online and found that itching can be caused by liver disease. She asked her GP for a liver function test and was told she could have one if it would shut me up, she recalls.

A week later the test results showed Jaynes liver readings were abnormal, and she was given the antibody test which led to her diagnosis.

I felt really angry that something major had been missed and Id been dismissed, she says.

Jane endured the itching for nine years until she underwent a successful liver transplant in December 2023

Pamela Healy, chief executive of the British Liver Trust, says PBC is too often missed because it can begin with something as simple as itchy skin, although she adds: For many people, this itching is debilitating and life altering.

Failure to take itching seriously is part of a bigger problem in which skin symptoms generally are often dismissed, suggests Dr Jonathan Kentley a consultant dermatologist at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital in London.

People dont necessarily think of skin conditions as life-threatening, although they can be in many ways as there are a number of serious underlying conditions which can present with skin symptoms, explains Dr Kentley, a spokesperson for the British Skin Foundation.

Liver and kidney conditions can present with itching, as well as thyroid and other autoimmune problems and sometimes blood cancers such as lymphoma.

There is also the huge psychological impact of skin diseases such as acne, eczema and psoriasis. Many studies have shown they can lead to anxiety and depression, relationship and sexual problems and time off work.

These skin complaints might not be life-threatening, but they can be life-ruining, he says.

Up to 60 per cent of referrals to NHS dermatology are now for suspected skin cancer cases, which means people with other serious skin conditions can face long waits of up to a year to be seen, warns Dr Justine Hextall, a consultant dermatologist at Tarrant Street Clinic in Arundel, Sussex.

My concern is that we are not recognising the importance and seriousness of skin diseases.

We need more dermatologists and more education and training for GPs in dermatology.

Jayne joined the NHS liver transplant list in January 2022, and a match was found in December 2023

Professor Thorburn says a liver function blood test should always be done for patients when itchy skin persists for more than two weeks, if theres no obvious cause and the if patient isnt improving.

After Jaynes PBC diagnosis, she was referred for specialist treatment at the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle.

She was started on ursodeoxycholic acid, which promotes bile flow and reduces liver inflammation  but as is the case with 40 per cent of PBC patients, she didnt respond to it.

She was then given obeticholic acid, which improves bile flow and reduces inflammation, but it did nothing for her severe itching.

The itching had a big impact on my life. I had to give up my job [as an account director] in publishing  a career I absolutely loved, says Jayne. I felt like it was the end of the world.

Jayne joined a trial of phototherapy, a UV light treatment which is thought to reduce the concentration of bile acids in the skin, but this had limited effect.

In 2024 the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) approved the use of newer drugs for patients who dont respond to ursodeoxycholic acid.

Among these drugs are elafibranor, which reduces bile acid production and inflammation and scarring in the liver as well as reducing itching. Seladelpar, a drug which works in a similar way, is currently under review by NICE.

But these werent available when, in 2021, Jayne was given the devastating news that due to the extensive scarring to her liver, a liver transplant was her only option. By now, the itching was so bad it was making Jaynes life a misery and she felt a transplant was a risk worth taking.

Thats how desperate I was, she says.

Jayne joined the NHS liver transplant list in January 2022, and a match was found in December 2023.

The minute I woke up from the transplant on that Christmas Eve, the itching had stopped for the first time in nine years. It was incredible, says Jayne.

Its been more than two years now and I havent itched once, the transplant has given me back my life again.

Jayne says she doesnt think people realise that itchy skin can sometimes be a sign of serious underlying health problems.

I only got diagnosed because I pushed for a test, she says.

Skin problems are too often dismissed as trivial  liver function blood tests should be done as standard for persistent itching.
Americans are blowing more than $3.56billion every year on supplements that promise sharper focus, better memory and protection against dementia.

But doctors warn that some of the most popular cheap 'brain boosters' on the market could be doing the opposite  and may even drive up the brain's age.

Three physicians in the US have now labeled six supplements or supplement combinations that they say could be putting users' mental capacity at risk.

Among them is vitamin E, which is often said to help protect neurons, but which, according to the doctors, could cause brain bleeds, and the trendy wellness supplements ashwagandha and turmeric, taken to reduce inflammation, may cause brain-damaging waste to build up in the blood.

The physicians also warned against taking fish oil alongside ginkgo and garlic, which they said could also raise the risk of a brain bleed, and starting the morning with a coffee and stimulant, which raises the risk of anxiety or migraines in some people.

The doctors warned against mixing zinc and copper, saying the minerals had no clear brain benefits, and kratom, an herb that is said to boost brain health, but which the FDA has warned raises the risk of hospitalizations.

Dr Jerold Fleishman, a neurologist at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, warned: 'The general principle emerging from the literature is that indiscriminate supplementation, particularly with isolated nutrients at high doses or in unbalanced combinations, may be more problematic than beneficial.

'There is limited evidence specifically documenting harmful combinations of supplements for brain health, as most trials rarely reported adverse events in detail.'

Doctors have warned over six common supplements or supplement combinations that they say could age the brain more rapidly (stock image)

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He added, while speaking to health publication Parade: 'However, certain combinations and individual supplements warrant caution based on available data.'

About a quarter of Americans over 50 years old take brain supplements, particularly driven by concerns over cognitive decline.

But the three doctors said the best way to protect the brain was to eat healthy, exercise, socialize, sleep well and keep challenging themselves, alongside reducing alcohol intake.

Supplements should only be an addition on top of this, they added, and that it was best to take them after a blood test showed they had a deficiency in the substance that they were supplementing for.

Below are the six supplements the doctors warned against:

Vitamin E

About one in 10 adults takes vitamin E daily, estimates suggest, to help protect the brain and other parts of the body from damage.

The vitamin is a powerful antioxidant, and researchers say it can neutralize chemicals that would otherwise damage cells. In the brain, there are even some papers suggesting that taking vitamin E may slow mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease.

But a major 2024 review of 48 studies on the vitamin led by US scientists found there was no concrete evidence that it could slow brain aging, and called for more research.

Other scientists have also noted that supplements tend to contain a high dose, containing around 1,200 percent of someone's daily needs, and warn that these high levels could raise the risk of a bleed in the brain.

Among them was vitamin E, which they said could inhibit blood clot formation in rare cases and raise the risk of a brain bleed (stock image)

They said vitamin E can inhibit the formation of blood clots that would block a bleed, and warned that if a bleed occurred, it would damage the brain, and cause it to age.

Some research has also warned that taking a vitamin E supplement raises the risk of prostate cancer in men, which could lead to treatment with hormone drugs that may also damage the brain.

Turmeric and ashwagandha

Many Americans take turmeric and ashwagandha because of their claims they can lower inflammation, which could also potentially boost memory and cognitive function.

But Dr William Scott Burin, a neurologist at the University of South Florida, warned that the supplements could also lead to brain-damaging substances building up in the blood.

Both supplements are normally taken in high doses, which can overload the liver  the organ that breaks them down  and cause it to become inflamed and work less effectively.

As a result, the liver is left struggling to filter waste products out of the blood, which build up and then may disrupt communication between neurons, causing symptoms that appear to be cognitive decline.

Burin said the side-effect was not common, although it has been reported in some cases, including a woman in New Jersey who, last year, was hospitalized after she took high-dose turmeric.

Fish oil with ginkgo, garlic or turmeric

About one in five US adults over 60 take fish oil, which some studies suggest, among other health benefits, could boost learning and memory because it provides the building blocks for maintaining neurons.

There were also warnings over turmeric, which some studies suggest can boost brain health by slashing inflammation levels (stock image)

These individuals may also take Ginkgo, made from the ginkgo tree, which studies suggest may prevent memory loss, turmeric, or garlic, which could also reduce brain inflammation.

But Fleishman warned that taking two or more of these supplements together could raise the risk of the brain being damaged or aged.

He said: 'The worst combinations are the ones that raise bleeding risk or trigger dangerous stimulation.

'A common risky stack is high dose fish oil plus ginkgo plus garlic or turmeric, especially if the person also takes aspirin, clopidogrel, warfarin or apixaban, because it can increase bruising and bleeding risk.'

Doctors warn fish oil can raise the levels of nitric oxide in the blood, which blocks platelet formation, while ginkgo, turmeric and garlic can also slash these levels, which raises the risk of a brain bleed. Bleeding on to the brain causes damage that can raise the organ's age.

The risk of this is generally low, however, the doctors said, although they warned patients to consult with their physician.

Zinc and copper

People take zinc for brain health because it may help support the growth of new neurons, and take copper because it may help the body to make more chemicals, allowing for communications between neurons.

These effects help to boost memory, cognitive function and reduce cognitive decline.

But Dr Fleishman warned that there was no concrete evidence that the supplements improved brain health, while cautioning they may come with hidden risks.

He said: 'While not specifically harmful, the lack of benefit combined with potential for mineral imbalances suggests caution with this combination.'

Zinc supplements often contain 30mg per pill, or nearly three times someone's daily needs, while copper supplements contain 2mg, or two times someone's daily needs.

Coffee with stimulants

Coffee is an extremely popular drink in the US, with about three in four people starting their day with the drink.

But the doctors warned that if someone had coffee alongside yohimbine, a supplement that may boost feel-good hormones in the brain, or synephrine, a supplement popular with athletes that can boost focus, they may raise the risk of aging their brain.

The doctors also said that having coffee and a supplement that is also a stimulant may also damage brain health (stock image)

Dr Rab Khan, a neurologist at Northwell Health, warned: 'Another bad mix is multiple stimulants, like high caffeine with yohimbine, synephrine or high-dose green tea extract, because it can worsen anxiety, insomnia, palpitations and migraines.'

Scientists warn that worsened anxiety, insomnia or migraines can disrupt sleep, which studies show has a negative impact on brain health.

Kratom

More than a million Americans are estimated to take the stimulant Kratom amid reports it can ease pain, mood and boost energy and focus.

Many assume it is safe because it is made from a plant, but doctors warned that the supplement  made from the powdered leaves of the kratom tree  could harm brain health.

They said it had not been found to be safe in any medical trial, while the FDA has warned people not to take the supplement and said it is 'of concern'.

They also warned that, at higher doses, the supplement may disrupt communication between nerves, raising the risk of cognition and mood issues.

Side effects of kratom include dry mouth, weight loss, nausea and vomiting, constipation, liver damage and high blood pressure.

Do any supplements actually help the brain?

The three doctors underlined that the most important thing to do to protect brain function was to eat healthily, exercise, sleep well, socialize and engage in cognitively challenging tasks.

They added that keeping alcohol intake modest and treating hearing loss would also help.

They said anyone with concerns over their mental abilities should see their doctor first rather than turning to a supplement.

Overall, they said there was no reliable evidence that brain supplements work. But, they could be taken as an optional extra if someone had a blood test that showed a particular deficiency.
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They might seem an unlikely source of health problems, but research published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology last month suggests pillows could lead to sight loss.

The study included 144 adults with glaucoma, where a build-up of the fluid and pressure inside the eye damages the optic nerve and can lead to irreversible blindness.

The researchers compared participants internal eye pressure when lying on a pile of pillows, then when lying flat, every two hours over a 24-hour period. They discovered the pressure was greater on the stacked pillows.

The theory is that the jugular vein in the neck becomes compressed when lying at an angle on stacked pillows, increasing eye pressure.

They might seem an unlikely source of health problems, but research published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology last month suggests pillows could lead to sight loss

Along with taking their regular medication, patients with glaucoma should avoid sleeping postures that induce the compression in this way and increase eye pressure, researchers said.

Meanwhile, rather than causing problems, some pillows are designed to ease specific health conditions. So we asked experts to assess a selection, which we then rated...

SORE NECK

Elviros Cervical Memory Foam Pillow, 30.59, amazon.co.uk

CLAIM: Made from a firm foam, this pillow promises neck and shoulder relief. Shaped to give support to side, back and stomach sleepers, it is sloped with raised edges to keep the head aligned with the body.

EXPERT VERDICT: The basic premise of this is to offload the stress and forces on the different structures of the neck which are causing the pain, says Nick Seecharan, a physiotherapist at Grounded Health in Brighton.

By restoring the natural curvature of the neck when sleeping and keeping the head in a fixed position thanks to the memory foam [which adapts to your contours every time as a result of weight and warmth], this would reduce some pain due to degenerative joints and rest strained muscles in the head and neck, which can be overworked if youre hunched for long periods looking at a screen, for example.

But causes of neck pain vary, so this needs to be considered before trying a pillow like this. Sometimes specific strengthening exercises and manual manipulation by a physiotherapist may be required. But for 30, this is worth a punt.

7/10

HOT FLUSHES

My Nature Menopause Pillow, 59.95, mattressonline.co.uk

CLAIM: Filled with hollow fibre, a synthetic polyester, its claimed that this absorbs heat and wicks away moisture, reducing hot flushes and night sweats.

My Nature Menopause Pillow While this pricey pillow is said to have a 'cooler' side, it does not actively cool you down in the same way that an open window or fan could

EXPERT VERDICT: This pillow seems to facilitate heat loss from your head and face, when actually most menopausal women I imagine would want a whole-body solution, says independent sleep expert Dr Neil Stanley.

This pillow is not actively cooling you down like an open window or a fan would.

It boasts that it has a cooler side, but any pillow also has a cooler side  the opposite to what youve been lying on. And as its hugely expensive, I dont think this is worth it.

2/10

LUMPY EARS

The Original Pillow with a Hole, from 35, thepillowwithahole.co.uk

CLAIM: This pillow has a circular hole at its centre, said to help people with chondrodermatitis nodularis (CNH), which causes painful lumps on the ear, as a result of constantly sleeping on one side or regularly wearing headphones, for example. Reducing contact on the ear often allows CNH to settle within weeks, the maker says.

EXPERT VERDICT: CNH is very common  its caused by pressure on the outside ridge of the ear cartilage, which leads to inflammation and a small red lump, says Dr Tim Churchill, a consultant dermatologist at Cadogan Clinic in London.

We prescribe a steroid cream to reduce inflammation  and recommend using a pressure-relieving pillow like this at night. With treatment, these lumps go away within a few months.

8/10

HEARTBURN

Acid Reflux Wedge Pillow, 59.99, johnlewis.com

CLAIM: Sleeping on this puts your upper body at an angle, which reduces symptoms of heartburn and acid reflux.

EXPERT VERDICT: When you lie flat, the stomach contents can flow up as it doesnt have to contend with gravity, says Professor Peter Whorwell, a gastroenterologist at Wythenshawe Hospital in Manchester. Elevating your upper body with a pillow like this is very useful to stop this.

This wedge looks good because it goes under your bottom so your abdomen is not squashed, which could be uncomfortable. Some cheaper ones wont do this, so it is worth paying more for one that is longer.

I have acid reflux at night but Ive put four-inch blocks under the top of my bed  so it slopes down, which is a cheaper option.

7/10

BAD BACK

Bed Back Support Pillow, 46.40, putnams.co.uk

CLAIM: The maker of this D-shaped pillow says its designed to go under the small of your back to support the natural shape of the spine during sleep and gives pressure relief to the back when in pain.

EXPERT VERDICT: The premise is that this pillow increases or maintains the natural inward curve of the lower back when sleeping on your back, says Nick Seecharan. But if youre choosing this kind of support due to a back issue, you need to first make sure you understand its cause before risking spending hours overnight in a position that could even make the problem worse.

I would not recommend it as a first-line or stand-alone treatment for anyone with back pain.

But if youre determined to use a back support, maybe first try with a rolled up towel under the small of your back to see if it makes any difference.

4/10

SNORING

Luxury Anti-Snore Pillow, 25, silentnight.co.uk

CLAIM: With an ergonomically shaped foam core, this pillow keeps your head and neck at just the right position to improve your breathing and this can help reduce snoring.

EXPERT VERDICT: The problem with snoring is that it can be caused by many factors, from a deviated septum [the thin wall which separates each nostril], to simply your position when sleeping  on your back, for instance, can cause the airways to narrow and obstruct normal breathing, says Neil Stanley.

This pillows filling makes it fairly rigid, so will support your head in a fixed position which could help some snorers. But you wont know if it works for you until you have tried it.

6/10

HIP OR KNEE PAIN

The Groove Adjustable 3-in-1 Pillow for Knee and Hip Pain, 28, groovepillows.co.uk

CLAIM: This comes with an adjustable strap to secure it between the knees, meaning it adjusts with you as your sleep position changes.

It can also be opened out to slip under both knees, to help relieve discomfort including hip impingement (where the ball of the thigh bone pinches against the hip socket), sciatica and osteoarthritis.

EXPERT VERDICT: For side sleepers, having this pillow between the knees helps to prevent the top leg from dropping down  many people report that this helps reduce some hip and lower back pain, says Tim Allardyce, a physiotherapist at Surrey Physio.

And if you had it under your knees, this would cause slight flexion in the hip which might take some pressure off it, making it more comfortable to sleep.

This would also add a slight bend to the knees, so would help people with arthritis who might struggle to straighten their legs.

Although a normal pillow could do the same job, the shaped curves of this one might offer additional support for people who have hip or knee problems, or after surgery.

8/10

Anti-acne silk pillowcase

Silver Ion Infused Organic Silk Pillowcase, 64

CLAIM: Pillowcase made from silk to improve your skin while you sleep, says the maker. Its infused with silver ions which prevent acne-causing bacteria reproducing.

EXPERT VERDICT: Acne spots occur when pores get clogged with a mix of excess oil, dead skin cells and a bacterium called Cutibacterium acnes which naturally lives on our skin  leading to inflammation that shows up as pimples, says Dr Ross Perry, a GP and medical director of Cosmedics Skin Clinics.

If your skins already inflamed, friction from a cotton pillowcase can make it worse as pillowcases do trap bacteria, especially if they are not washed regularly.

Silk is smoother and less irritating  and theres less transfer of oils from the face, so switching to it can be helpful for someone with acne. The added silver ions have antimicrobial properties, but repeated washing will diminish their potency. Overall this will make a modest difference.

4/10
Leading experts have condemned the backlash against a Tourette's campaigner after he was heard shouting a racial slur from the audience at the BAFTAs.

John Davidson, whose life inspired the film I Swear, was heard yelling the 'N-word' as actors Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo presented the first award of the night at London's Royal Festival Hall on Sunday.

Host Alan Cumming thanked the audience for their understanding after Mr Davidson, who has Tourette's syndrome, let out repeated involuntary vocal tics.

But the incident sparked outrage online, including from Hollywood figures.

Jamie Foxx commented under a post about the moment, writing: 'Unacceptable' and 'Nah he meant that shit.'

Actor Wendell Pierce added: 'It's infuriating that the first reaction wasn't complete and full-throated apologies to Delroy Lindo and Michael B. Jordan.

'The insult to them takes priority. It doesn't matter the reasoning for the racist slur.'

Now neurologists and Tourette's advocates say the public response has ignored the involuntary nature of the condition.

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

Professor Sophie Scott, director of the Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience at University College London, said: 'It is not intentional and people with Tourette's are not trying to shock  despite what people have said in response.

'For people with the syndrome a tic comes on in the same way that we might feel a sneeze. You just can't stop it  it is involuntary.'

She added: 'If you are in the audience, your first thought would not be 'that's someone with Tourette's', and it can be jarring. But in response it is really important that people show empathy.'

Tourette's syndrome is a neurological condition affecting around 300,000 people in the UK, according to the charity Tourettes Action. It causes sudden sounds or movements  known as tics  over which sufferers have no control.

The condition is believed to be linked to overactivity in brain circuits involved in movement and speech.

'The reality is we do not know definitively the pathways that cause Tourette's,' Professor Scott said. 'But we believe it is an overactivity of the movement pathways.'

Tourette's is around four times more common in boys than girls and typically begins around the age of seven. Research suggests around 60 per cent of children grow out of it, though for others it can remain severe into adulthood.

While the condition is often associated with involuntary swearing  known as coprolalia  fewer than 10 per cent of people with Tourette's experience this symptom.

BAFTAs host Alan Cumming thanked the audience for their understanding after John let out involuntary shouts during the ceremony

'People with Tourette's do not involuntarily start reciting Shakespeare,' Professor Scott said. 'The brain is naturally drawn to taboo or shock words.'

She explained that these words are part of 'automated speech', generated in emotional regions of the brain.

'People cannot control the response. We see this across speech conditions, including aphasia, where people have been recorded as being non-verbal apart from swear words.'

Professor Scott said the specific words used can change over time depending on social norms.

'People with Tourette's are aware of the words that will provoke an emotive response, which is why this particular slur would have been unlikely to be a tic decades ago, when it was more socially acceptable,' she said.

'Your brain collects these emotively laden bits of speech, which, when you have Tourette's, you cannot control.'

Experts say the condition can have devastating mental-health consequences.

A study published last week in the British Medical Journal found that among 600 people with Tourette's, 58 per cent reported lifetime self-harm, 43 per cent had thought about suicide in the past year, and 27 per cent had attempted suicide at least once.

Broadcaster Aidy Smith, who has Tourette's, said: 'I became one of those statistics.

'That's why it's so important that in moments like this we lead with compassion and try to see the world through someone else's eyes.'

He added: 'For anyone wondering why John said what he did  watch his film, see his journey and witness his Tourette's for the reality of what it really is. Education and awareness is everything.'

'As a Tourette advocate, it's important for me to say that I fully understand how, without context, hearing such words can create hurt within communities. Those feelings are completely valid.

'But they can co-exist with the knowledge that people with Tourette's and coprolalia mean absolutely no malice or harm.'

Following the incident, Tourettes Action said it was 'incredibly proud' of Mr Davidson and those involved in I Swear, which charts his life after developing the condition aged 12.

A spokesperson said: 'We deeply understand that these words can cause hurt but it is vital the public understands a fundamental truth about Tourette syndrome  tics are involuntary.

'They are not a reflection of a person's beliefs, intentions or character.'

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)

The charity said the backlash had been 'deeply saddening' and confirmed Mr Davidson left the ceremony early.

For him, the backlash must be painfully familiar.

Mr Davidson first became a public face of Tourette's aged 16, when the condition  then barely understood  caused him to jerk, shout and swear uncontrollably in public. His struggles were documented in the 1989 BBC film John's Not Mad, which followed him around his home town of Galashiels in the Scottish Borders.

Now 54, Davidson has spent decades campaigning to explain a condition that affects around one in 100 school-aged children in the UK.

His life inspired the film I Swear, which charts the isolation, misunderstanding and resilience that come with severe Tourette's.

Even moments of honour have been overshadowed by involuntary tics. When Davidson received an MBE at Holyrood Palace in 2019, anxiety intensified his symptoms and he involuntarily shouted 'f** the Queen.'

Mortified, he later said he was reassured that Queen Elizabeth II had been briefed on his condition and understood.

'Her Majesty was very kind,' he recalled. 'She was as calm and assured as my granny. She was very good about it.'

Speaking on Times Radio, Ed Palmer, vice-chairman of Tourettes Action, said broadcasters should consider bleeping involuntary slurs in pre-recorded programmes.

'This is one of the most acute examples of where a disability can understandably cause huge offence,' he said.

'If it's being pre-recorded, bleeping it out might be a reasonable compromise  but it has to be taken on a case-by-case basis.'

A BBC spokesperson said: 'We apologise that this was not edited out prior to broadcast and it will now be removed from the version on BBC iPlayer.'
The supposed curse of late Hollywood icon James Dean's car has been laid bare in a new History Channel show.

At the age of 24, the beloved actor was killed when his 'Lucky B**tard' Porsche 550 Spyder slammed into a Ford coupe near Cholame, California, at high speed on September 30, 1955.

He was pronounced dead on arrival at Paso Robles Hospital.

In the aftermath of Dean's death, some believe a curse was born due to a mysterious series of accidents involving parts of the car after the wreck was sold at auction for $2,500.

Those eerie events are revisited in the first episode of History's Greatest Picks with Mike Wolfe by several contributors, who call into question the strange pattern of unfortunate happenings.

Suspicions of a curse on Lucky B**tard first took off after Dr William Eschrich installed the Porsche's engine into his Lotus IX race car.

Kirk Brown, transportation historian, pointed out that it was usual to interchange parts on old Porsches.

'One motor will fit many, many different vehicles, so it doesn't take long for the parts to get parted out and put onto other vehicles,' he said.

Some believe James Dean's 'Lucky B**tard' Porsche 550 Spyder was cursed

The acclaimed actor died aged 24 after crashing his car at high speed on September 30, 1955

But, soon after the installation, Dr Eschrich crashed his Lotus at the 1956 Pomona sports-car races - only narrowly walking away with his life.

Fellow racer Troy McHenry was not so lucky, and he was killed after his car hit a tree during the same race.

It was thought that he had borrowed transmission and suspension parts from Dr Eschrich, believed to have been the parts from Dean's car.

Recalling the incident, brand historian Jason Liebig said: 'One of the buyers puts an engine into a Lotus IX and he's at a race a year later driving that car with that engine and he gets in a terrible wreck.

'He survives, but his friend isn't so lucky. His car had been fitted with the transaxle and his car slams into a bale of hay, and he does not survive the accident.'

Martin K.A. Morgan, author and historian, explained that Lucky B**tard's transaxle survived the accident intact and so it was salvaged again.

Besides the transaxle, rumor has it that two of the tires from that car were said to have been on a vehicle in New York - but those tires blew too and the car veered off the road.

And if that wasn't enough, Morgan revealed that yet another accident took place during a car show.

Remaining parts of the car were sold at auction and a string of deaths and incidents followed

'Does the curse really exist?' asked international antique dealer Billy Leroy

'The body of James Dean's Spyder goes on display in Sacramento,' he said. 'And, as the story goes, when it's being put up on the display stand it rolls over and crushes a worker.'

The transaxle was then stored away for decades until 2021 when it was sold for a staggering $387,000.

American Pickers star Wolfe explained that this figure was way above the industry average, which he claimed was a couple thousand dollars.

Whether the curse is genuine is up for debate.

'Does the curse really exist?' asked international antique dealer Billy Leroy. 'Doesn't really matter because people are prepared to believe it.'
When Milly Rose Bannister looks back now, one memory still makes her stomach drop. She was about 15 or 16, sitting in a doctor's office trying to explain the pain that kept flattening her every month.

She remembers describing how bloated and sore she felt after eating or even just sitting too long, struggling to articulate something she barely understood herself.

The doctor asked whether it happened around her period. When she said yes, he laughed.

'He basically said, "Well, that's just a woman's lot in life. That's nature. Get on with it,"' Milly tells the Daily Mail.

At the time, Milly assumed he must know better than she did. Adults and doctors were the experts, and you trusted them.

Now at 29, she understands that appointment marked the beginning of more than a decade of pain being normalised, dismissed and slowly internalised. Pain that would eventually be diagnosed as endometriosis.

And she now knows her experience is far from unusual. Research shows more than half of Australian women say their pain has at some point been ignored or dismissed by health professionals, a pattern that leaves many doubting their own bodies before they ever receive answers.

Milly first noticed something wasn't right around 16. Like many teenage girls, she was juggling school, friendships, extracurricular commitments and the emotional turbulence that comes with adolescence, so when exhaustion and anxiety crept in, it seemed explainable.

Milly Rose Bannister says her pain and fatigue were minimised and dismissed for years before she finally got answers

In her late teens and 20s, Milly saw neurologists, fatigue specialists, cardiologists, naturopaths and therapists. She was prescribed the pill, antidepressants and countless supplements

Doctors reduced everything to hormones, stress or simply doing too much. But her symptoms went far beyond teenage ups and downs. She suffered chronic headaches, overwhelming fatigue, painful and heavy periods, severe bloating and growing anxiety, alongside bouts of depression.

'The fatigue was probably the most debilitating,' she says. 'Everyone else seemed able to just get up and go, and I felt like I was failing at life.'

She pushed herself anyway, determined not to fall behind or miss out socially, but most afternoons ended the same way, collapsing into bed after school and needing sleep just to make it through the evening.

Her mum could see how much she was struggling, driving her to endless appointments while Milly drifted off to sleep in the passenger seat.

Still, answers never came. Instead came referrals, scans, medications and mounting confusion.

Across her late teens and twenties, Milly saw neurologists, fatigue specialists, cardiologists, naturopaths and therapists. She underwent MRIs, repeated blood tests and iron infusions. She was prescribed the pill, antidepressants and countless supplements, each new treatment carrying fresh hope that relief might finally arrive.

'Pretty much every specialist you can imagine,' she says. 'Anything anyone suggested, I tried because I was desperate.'

The message, however, remained the same. Nothing serious was wrong. Her symptoms were simply part of being a woman, and she would grow out of them. At home, frustration sometimes spilled over. Family members, trusting medical advice, occasionally called her a drama queen. Not out of cruelty, she says now, but because everyone believed the professionals.

Milly talks about the 'girl pain pipeline', describing how girls are often taught from puberty onwards that pain is something to quietly endure

The diagnosis was validating but emotional. Relief came first, followed by grief. Much of her 20s, including years spent living overseas, had been shaped by untreated pain and exhaustion

Still, the label stuck. 'You start blaming your own body,' she says. 'You feel dramatic. You feel weak. You question yourself.' Slowly, she stopped trusting her own instincts.

Milly talks about the 'girl pain pipeline', describing how girls are often taught from puberty onwards that pain is something to quietly endure. That conditioning, she says, keeps many young women stuck for years without answers.

Instead of stopping, Milly learned to organise her life around unpredictable exhaustion and pain. She built flexibility into her career, freelancing before eventually founding youth mental health charity Allknd. Time and location freedom weren't lifestyle choices but coping strategies.

'I needed to be able to go home and sleep in the middle of the day,' she explains.

Friendships became harder too. She constantly worried about committing to plans she might not physically manage and felt anxious about being away from her safe space for too long. Over time, she realised how much connection she'd missed.

'It cost me memories and opportunities,' she says.

Loneliness crept in, feeding anxiety and depression. Ironically, people living with chronic pain often become the most isolated, even though connection is what they need most.

The turning point arrived unexpectedly in her late twenties. Milly had grown used to heavy bleeding and pain, assuming it was simply her normal. Then one day her partner walked in while she was emptying a menstrual disc and stopped in shock.

'He just said, "That is a lot of blood. Is that normal?"'

She had never questioned it. Normal for her meant going through three full discs a day.

Curious, she finally searched what was medically considered normal blood loss and realised her experience was nowhere near it.

Armed with new understanding, she raised it with a female GP she describes as kind and attentive. For the first time, a doctor paused and treated her symptoms as significant.

'She said, "Your symptoms aren't something to sweep under the rug."'

Milly still remembers how striking that felt. Someone was taking her seriously.

A pelvic ultrasound followed, then deeper imaging and specialist referrals, eventually revealing a uterine polyp and signs of endometriosis.

After 12 years, she finally had a name for what was happening inside her body.

The diagnosis was validating but emotional. Relief came first, followed quickly by grief. Much of her twenties, including years spent living overseas, had been shaped by untreated pain and exhaustion.

'I felt sad for my younger self,' she says. 'She wasn't dramatic. Something really was wrong.'

What is endometriosis? Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the womb, often on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bowel or pelvic lining. These growths respond to hormonal changes, leading to inflammation, pain and scar tissue. Common symptoms include:  Severe period pain  Heavy menstrual bleeding  Chronic fatigue  Pelvic or abdominal pain  Pain during or after sex  Digestive issues or bloating  Fertility challenges In Australia, endometriosis is estimated to affect around one in nine to one in seven women and people assigned female at birth, meaning close to one million Australians will experience the condition during their lifetime. When period pain might not be normal Doctors say you should seek medical advice if:  Pain stops you attending school or work  You regularly need strong pain medication  Bleeding is very heavy or prolonged  You experience fatigue that interferes with daily life  Pain occurs outside your period  Symptoms are worsening over time If pain persists, speak with your GP or seek specialist advice. Advertisement

Surgery followed quickly through private healthcare. Doctors removed the polyp and endometriosis lesions and inserted a Mirena device in hopes of controlling symptoms.

Recovery proved complicated. Bleeding improved, helping her iron levels and fatigue, but pain persisted and even worsened, eventually leading her to switch back to the pill.

Pelvic physiotherapy later revealed years of muscular tension caused by chronic pain, something Milly wishes she had known earlier. Managing the condition remains demanding.

'No one tells you how much admin managing chronic illness is,' she says. 'Appointments, tracking symptoms, medications. It's like a second job.'

Milly says she's in the healthiest relationship with her body she's ever had, but rebuilding trust takes time. Yoga, Pilates, running and meditation now help reconnect mind and body, yet unpredictability remains.

'I wish I could rely on my body every day,' she admits. 'Not just some days.'

In Australia, women wait on average six to eight years for an endometriosis diagnosis, with symptoms often normalised or dismissed. Milly's experience sadly sits within that pattern.

Through her advocacy work, Milly sees the broader issue clearly. Women often push their own pain down the to-do list while juggling work, family and social expectations. When they do seek help, they are frequently dismissed.

'There's this idea that periods are meant to hurt,' she says. 'So we accept pain we shouldn't have to.'

Historical bias in research and medical education has also left women's reproductive health poorly understood and underfunded. The result is a system that leaves many women doubting themselves.

'It's not a personal failure,' she says. 'It's a systems failure.'

Now Milly uses her voice so others don't spend years questioning their own reality. She urges young women especially to seek community, education and support, and to keep advocating if something feels wrong, because ignoring pain doesn't make it disappear.

Looking back, she wishes she could reassure her younger self.

'You weren't dramatic,' she says. 'Your body was telling the truth.'

And finally, someone listened.

For information and support about endometriosis, visit endometriosisaustralia.org

New to DailyMail+? Here are our most-read stories from the past week

I saw Celeste Barber's marriage split coming years ago. I'll never forget that painful day in the Qantas lounge. It all makes sense now: AMANDA GOFF

MAFS INSIDER: The leaked emails Channel Nine don't want you to see: Brook sent a legal letter begging dinner party from hell be pulled from the air - producers' response will shock you

Sweet revenge for salon owner whose husband ran off with Kristin Fisher. Plus, hunky Kennards Hire heir responds to split talk - and Sydney's worst diva wants an intern: THE GROUP CHAT

The night MAFS lost control: How 'quiet drinks' at Icebergs ended with weekly drug tests, broken relationships and the cast in lockdown - and ALI DAHER witnessed everything

Revealed for the first time: the secret past of Gus Lamont's intensely private grandmother Josie - and how she is the scion of an influential and respected family

Expelled and labelled a 'monster': School insider reveals the tragic lives of the autistic Clune boys before they were killed by their 'sleep-deprived' parents in a quiet Mosman Park cul-de-sac

AMANDA PLATELL: No one seems to dare say it, but William is the monarchy's next big problem

Melbourne's 'It couple' split rocks high society as they wipe each other from Instagram less than two years after their lavish wedding - and one of them leaves Australia

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Grace Tame was untouchable. Now the forces that protected her are gone. What was once whispered about her can now be said out loud: PETER VAN ONSELEN
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It's become a one-stop shop for brides searching for their perfect white dress, but now Reformation has launched a range for women facing a completely different set of circumstances... the Divorce Collection.

The middle-class favourite has worked with none other than American attorney Laura Wasser, 57, who has playfully been dubbed the Queen of Celebrity Divorce thanks to her A-Lister roster, including Kim Kardashian, Angelina Jolie and Heidi Klum.

'Because she's really good at helping women feel sexy and empowered. And, coincidentally, so are we. In our new campaign with the acclaimed divorce lawyer, we're doing that together,' the Reformation website reads.

The sustainable brand, launched by Yael Aflalo in Los Angeles in 2009, quickly became a favourite among celebrities, including Kendall Jenner and Kate Moss, with demand driving locations in the UK.

Wasser's range with the brand emphasises that divorce is no reason to slow down when it comes to looking your best, with standout items including a 248 bold red midi dress with a foldover off-the-shoulder neckline.

There's also a stunning, sleeveless black Alani Knit midi dress, also priced at 248, that comes with the warning: 'May cause compliments.'

Elsewhere, the collection includes a 128 Dump Him sweatshirt, with 100 per cent of the proceeds going to the Harriett Buhai Centre for Family Law in LA, to 'support their work in helping people dump him safely, responsibly, and at no cost'.

'With a collection made for women who don't settle, in court or when it comes to clothes. Featuring sexy, empowering things, and a limited-edition Dump Him Sweatshirt, in case your friends keep asking you for relationship advice,' the website adds.

Celebrity divorce attorney Laura Wasser, 57, pictured, has launched a divorce collection with Reformation

Pictured: Reality TV star Kim Kardashian and Laura Wesser in Beverly Hills, California, in February, 2013

It's not just dresses, the collection also spans silk shirts, accessories, playful skirts and standout heels.

Wasser, as one of the highest-profile divorce lawyers in Los Angeles, has represented some of the biggest celebrities in Hollywood.

Her client lists include Britney Spears when she split from Kevin Federline, Angelina Jolie during her long and bitter divorce from Brad Pitt, Johnny Depp's equally torturous separation from Amber Heard, and Kim Kardashian when her third marriage to Kanye West ended.

She also represented Kevin Costner in court during his contentious legal battle with ex-wife Christine Baumgartner.

It comes after Wasser, whose experience in dissolving marriages has earned her the nickname 'disso queen', appeared on an episode of Susan Yara's podcast, My Life Online, and shared some expert insights into divorce  and the key reasons why marriages fail.

The most common reason why couples get divorced is communication, she said  and more specifically, the lack thereof. 'A failure to communicate is going to be the biggest problem,' says Wasser.

'I think people get married, and in the 1920s and 30s it used to be 'till death do us part', but people died a lot earlier [then].

'Now, people are constantly evolving and sometimes they evolve in different directions. If you're able to communicate and participate in some kind of counselling, even before you get married, and get the tools that you need to deal with things when they may not be so great, I think that's huge.'

According to Wasser, if a couple is able to find a way to properly communicate, issues can be resolved.

It is, however, essential that both parties communicate. She also said it's helpful to have a neutral, third party involved, whether it's a counsellor, therapist, or even a mediator.

'People have been able to talk things through with a third person in the room that has an objective opinion about things, and they've gone, "Oh, well, maybe we can actually work this out".

'I've had people get back together. Not often, but I would say in like 30 years it's maybe happened like 10 or 11 times,' she said.

'I've gone through the entire divorce, written up a judgment, and a couple of weeks later they're like, "You're not going to believe this. We went out for a celebratory dinner, ended up having sex, and now we're back together".'
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Since it was launched in 2001, Tesco's own clothing brand - F&F - has undergone a dramatic makeover.

In fact, the supermarket's most recent collections have sparked such a frenzy on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram that many of F&F's most popular launches sell out within days.

While affordability is part of the appeal of supermarket clothes, F&F is giving customers even more bang for their buck by replicating designs from popular, high-end labels.

Bargain hunters are gleefully sharing their best Tesco finds - from Chanel-esque co-ord sets and cardigans to Barbour and Carhartt Barn-inspired outerwear that cost a fraction of the price.

While modelling a matching top and skirt from F&F, one user wrote: 'Take a look at this gorgeous co-ord set that's giving Chanel vibes.'

They also revealed that the set cost them under 40, whereas a comparable tweed set from the French designer label would set you back anywhere between 1,300 and 3,000.

F&F has also taken inspiration from high street giant Zara, Scandinavian label Malinas as well as Toteme.

So, can you tell these high-end dupes apart?

Little black dress

F&F loyalists couldn't believe their eyes when they noticed the supermarket's clothing brand had recreated a popular Chanel style...for one-hundredth the price.

TikTok user @gems.moss declared F&F is 'serving designer vibes on a supermarket budget' as she showed off the brand's black boucle dress with a contrast trip and gold buttons.

It is remarkably similar to Chanel's Black and White Woven Camellia Button Dress, but at a significantly cheaper price point.

While Chanel's design is selling for nearly 2,700 on resale website, F&F's version was priced at 27.50.

Before it sold out, the dress was on sale for just 13.50.

Shearling coats

F&F also 'duped' luxury label Toteme's 2,000 designer coat for less than 50, as TikTok users noticed how Tesco's own clothing brand has undergone a major makeover.

While the Teddy Shearling Jacket is priced at a staggering 2,160, Tesco's nearly-identical coat is a steal for 49.50.

F&F's iteration has the same shearling look and matching duffel clasps as Tesco told The Times that demand for its Borg Collarless Duffel Coat had soared on the back of the Toteme jacket's popularity.

And after it quickly sold out, fans are clamouring for F&F to bring the style back.

Bodysuits & shapewear

Since undergoing a rebrand, F&F has found favour among fashionistas on a budget since it routinely replicates famous designer styles.

One of the first 'dupes' that got everybody talking about F&F was its 14 version of the SKIMS's Fits Everybody bodysuit.

For fans looking to get Kim Kardashian's look for less, the contour bodysuit is 50 cheaper than the SKIMS original.

TikTok user @sianniseafudge showed off her collection of F&F bodysuits in a video, as she revealed they are made from 'the same buttery-soft, smoothing material' as SKIMS.

Utility jackets

As countrycore fashion sweeps the High Street, F&F has recreated one of Carhartt Barn's most popular styles: the Chore Jacket.

One of the Detroit-based brand's most famous styles, the corduroy coat was fashioned over a century ago as Carhartt Barn started out creating outerwear for the everyday workers.

The bestselling Chore Jacket from Carhartt Barn was catapulted to TikTok fame after designer Veronica Beard was seen sporting a vintage version, and now F&F has successfully 'duped' the style for an astonishing 12.

The original is currently on sale for 175.95, down from 219.95.

Summer dresses

One of its earliest dupes was a 'dreamy' green apple dress that looked identical to Zara's embroidered frock that was restocked multiple times before it was finally phased out

Several TikTok users have branded F&F 'the new Zara' for its range of going-out tops and co-ord sets, as they show off their 'hauls' of supermarket clothing online.

One of its earliest dupes was a 'dreamy' green apple dress that looked identical to Zara's embroidered frock that was restocked multiple times before it was finally phased out.

F&F's dress costs 29 while Zara's version is priced between $80 and $90 (55 and 65) on resale websites like eBay.

Leather jackets

F&F's collection of coats and jackets is extensive, with lots of options to choose from as we transition to spring.

Among them is a brown faux-leather bomber jacket that is a perfect copy of Levant Leather's style, down to the detailing on the zip.

The brown bomber jacket is priced at nearly 142 in comparison with F&F's 45 copy.

Knitwear

F&F's range of cardigans has drawn comparisons to Chanel on TikTok after the brand duped the luxury label's famous preppy style.

However, some of the knitwear is also being likened to Scandinavian label Malina - including F&F's neutral tan and cream style with metallic buttons.

A similar style from Malina will set you back by 410, but you can get the look for less with Tesco's 14.50 dupe.
A beauty and fashion influencer has died aged 25 after suffering a sudden medical emergency.

Maria Rita Rodrigues da Silva passed away on Saturday.

The heartbreaking news was shared by her parents, who wrote: 'It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved daughter Maria Rita.'

In a separate post, they added: 'Unfortunately, Maria suffered a sudden illness and left us.'

Her exact cause of death has not been disclosed.

Maria, from Sao Bernardo do Campo in Brazil, had amassed more than 65,000 followers on TikTok and over 11,000 on Instagram.

She regularly posted beauty and fashion content, alongside selfies, updates on her weight-loss journey and snapshots from her travels, including trips to Peru and Uruguay.

Paying tribute, her friend Ligia wrote: 'She was always such a lovely person during her time with me in the sewing and pattern-making studio at Fine Arts. I'm so very sorry.'

Beauty influencer Maria Rita Rodrigues da Silva dies age 25 after sudden illness

Jessica added: 'She was such a bright soul, always smiling, with a charisma like no other. Wherever she went, she won everyone over with her warmth and charm.

'Beautiful inside and out. I'm still struggling to take it all in. Rest in peace, princess.'

Maria's funeral was held in Sao Bernardo do Campo on Sunday, and she is due to be laid to rest there on Monday.

Fans took to social media to share tributes and messages of condolences.

'I can't believe it, rest in peace, you've gained a star in heaven,' mourned one person.

'Have a good journey, my friend, rest in peace,' one person wrote.

Another shared: 'I still can't believe it, last week when we saw you, you were so fine, so full of life, that energy that only you had! Rest in peace Mari.'

'May God comfort the hearts of all family and friends, and may Maria Rita rest in peace!' said someone else.

She regularly posted beauty and fashion content, alongside selfies, updates on her weight-loss journey and snapshots from her travels

Maria's funeral was held in Sao Bernardo do Campo on Sunday, and she is due to be laid to rest there on Monday

The influencer's exact cause of death has not been disclosed

Just days earlier, lifestyle influencer Bianca Dias died aged 27 after suffering a pulmonary embolism, as reported by NeedToKnow.

A tattoo enthusiast, she had recently undergone plastic surgery and suffered the complication during her recovery in Maua, Brazil.

She was rushed for medical treatment but arrived at the hospital with no signs of life.

She was laid to rest on Friday (20 Feb) in Ribeirao Pires, and is survived by her two young daughters.
Comedian Jim Breuer has declared he will never fly American Airlines again after he and his wife were bumped down from first class and into economy moments before boarding.

In a scathing public takedown, the 58-year-old former Saturday Night Live standup said he felt 'violated and lied to' after an airline crew member alleged first-class tickets for his flight had been oversold.

Speaking in a video uploaded to Facebook, titled 'Never Flying American Airlines Again,' Breuer explained he had splurged on airfare for him and his wife Dee so they could be comfortable on their red-eye flight from Honolulu, Hawaii, to Phoenix, Arizona.

To their outrage, however, both of their seats were reassigned at the last moment, and they were instead handed economy fares.

As an apology for the inconvenience, Breuer claimed he was offered a $500 voucher and $400 refund.

Speaking in the video, Breuer said: 'This is foul because the way I see it, you stole from me. You stole my ticket, you stole my money.'

'An American Airlines employee stole from me,' he continued.

'So, this shows me you can book any ticket on American Airlines and they have no problem putting one of their employees in your seat and then lie to your face and say it was overbooked and offer absolutely nothing.'

Jim Breuer launched into a furious rant against American Airlines after being bumped from first-class

The comedian had bought two first-class tickets but was downgraded to economy

Breuer believes that his seats were 'stolen' by pilots and said the situation was no different to someone stealing his wallet.

He went on to claim that he has not heard from American Airlines over the phone despite asking them to call him multiple times.

'I don't need an AI apology,' he said. 'I need a human being to call me and go "hey man, how can we make this up to you."'

Breuer added that two one-way first-class tickets to anywhere in the country would be compensation enough.

Daily Mail has contacted American Airlines for comment.

Viewers were stunned by Breuer's claims and blasted the airline in the comments.

'I hope this clip gets to someone high up in American Airlines, unfortunately they probably don't care,' one said. 'If you do this bit on tour and thousands of people see it over 20 shows it might hurt them a little.'

Another wrote: 'That is so wrong. I do not like American Airlines at all!'

Speaking in a video shared to Facebook. he eclared he will never fly American Airlines again

Former Saturday Night Live alum Breuer pictured with Dave Chappelle in 1995

'I will not be booking with them and any family members will probably not,' a third added.

Under the 2023 Allied Pilots Association contract, American Airlines gives deadheading pilots top priority for first-class upgrades, often placing them ahead of top-tier AAdvantage elite members.

Within 24 hours of departure, deadheading pilots are placed at the top of the upgrade list to ensure they are rested for operating subsequent flights.

A deadheading pilot or flight attendant is one repositioning as part of an on-duty assignment. This is not the same as commuting to work or traveling for personal reasons.
The waxing Half Moon in Gemini today offers an opportunity to edit details and consider another side to the story. Later this week, Mercury, Geminis ruling planet, moves retrograde in the sensitive sign of Pisces. In astrological terms, we call this energy mutable. It is adaptable and flexible, just like our thoughts and feelings. Minds were made to be changed. We can alter the stories we tell ourselves, but our emotions take time to catch up. Thinking our way out of what needs to be felt is unlikely to yield reliable results today.

ARIES

(March 21 - April 20)

Sometimes redistributing the weight in your baggage is all it takes to make your journey feel lighter. You are preparing to repack for a change in trajectory today. Under this Moon, conversations help you to see the detail of what needs to be recalibrated for you to move forward. This might feel like a delay in the process  but if you can better understand what needs to change now, you will save yourself from being weighed down with headaches later. Step into a world of cosmic wisdom and discover the roadmap to your future  call 0905 789 0301*

TAURUS

(April 21 - May 21)

They say that eyes are the windows to the soul, but to gain real understanding of a person you usually need to share some words. Eye contact is great, but relationships require communication to be sustainable. Today you are seeing how you need to be clearer with what you want to stand a chance of getting it. Emotional investments benefit from careful discussion. Small practical edits now can prevent larger instability later. There is empowerment in speaking up about details others overlook. Step into a world of cosmic wisdom and discover the roadmap to your future  call 0905 789 0302*

GEMINI

(May 22 - June 22)

In a world filled with information, how can we be sure were paying attention to the right things? How can we be certain that the decisions we make are based on what we need to know  when everybody and their dog seems to have some kind of agenda that theyre peddling? You were born with instinct and intuition as well as the ability to process apparent facts. Your gut is speaking to you today. Listen to what feels right. Step into a world of cosmic wisdom and discover the roadmap to your future  call 0905 789 0303*

The waxing Half Moon in Gemini today offers an opportunity to edit details and consider another side to the story

CANCER

(June 23 - July 23)

Nobody likes awkward silences but sometimes sitting quietly gives you the space to tune in to what the universe needs you to hear. Its not always comfortable. Hearing the truth tends to be confronting  especially when weve played along with certain storylines to feel emotionally safe. You are now much clearer on whats really going on. When you grant yourself compassion and space, insight naturally follows. Trust that this inward adjustment prepares you for a steadier, more self-assured step forward. Step into a world of cosmic wisdom and discover the roadmap to your future  call 0905 789 0304*

LEO

(July 24 - August 23)

Even the most unique one-person shows are not only created with one persons input. You are an epic example of human capability, but you dont need to do everything by yourself for it to count. Coordination today builds cohesion. Cohesion allows for collaboration. That, in turn, helps you come up with something brilliant. Today encourages thoughtful dialogue within your circle of support. Listening enhances your leadership rather than diminishing it. True authority includes adaptability. Delegation comes from accepting support. Step into a world of cosmic wisdom and discover the roadmap to your future  call 0905 789 0305*

VIRGO

(August 24 - September 23)

You cant polish a pig into a prize winner, but you can hose the mud off her to stand a chance in the competition. Contrary to what some astrologers portray about your perfectionist tendencies, Virgos like you actually know better than anybody that progress and improvement are more important than the outcome. Youre sensing the details that need refining today and preparing for a process of making things much better. A constructive conversation sharpens your strategy and confirms your competence for the task. Step into a world of cosmic wisdom and discover the roadmap to your future  call 0905 789 0306*

LIBRA

(September 24 - October 23)

Some people prefer their bookshelves organised alphabetically by author. It is a tried and tested traditional model. Then there are those who share immaculately colour-coded libraries on Instagram. But how effective is this visual feast when it comes to finding what youre looking for? Trust that a meticulous approach is an asset today. The refinement being suggested to improve efficiency is not a critique on you personally. What you have curated looks beautiful. Let somebody help make it functional too. Step into a world of cosmic wisdom and discover the roadmap to your future  call 0905 789 0307*

SCORPIO

(October 24 - November 22)

Scorpios are sensitive but you arent psychic. While you are attuned to the subtleties of human relations, you still need data to interpret the signals beneath the surface. You have a sense that something has been withheld, which is only increasing your desire to see whats really going on. Listen to whats being said today before you search for more. You dont need extra information to make a decision. You just need to look at what you already know from a different perspective. Step into a world of cosmic wisdom and discover the roadmap to your future  call 0905 789 0308*

SAGITTARIUS

(November 23 - December 21)

I am just about old enough to remember a time before satnavs, but my kids look at me like an alien when I talk about perusing a map to plan a route. Perhaps they are right. Why bother doing things the old-fashioned way when we are blessed with all this technology? Sometimes, though, we can end up so disconnected from the journey that we dont fully appreciate how we got here. Look out for the signs giving directions within your partnerships today. Step into a world of cosmic wisdom and discover the roadmap to your future  call 0905 789 0309*

CAPRICORN`

(December 22 - January 20)

Without goalposts, it's impossible to score, but what can you do when the target is at the mercy of other peoples pesky plans and keeps getting shifted? You are much more adaptable than you get credit for, but your resilience is being tested today. Your routines and responsibilities benefit from clearer systems or conversations. Stability does not arrive through rigidity; it comes from adaptability grounded in structure and support. Other people's plans may be annoying, but their energy is essential for your success. Step into a world of cosmic wisdom and discover the roadmap to your future  call 0905 789 0310*

AQUARIUS

(January 21 - February 19)

The cosmic energy on offer today supports you to create a vision for your future that actually makes room for you to experience creativity and joy. We dont often write down our plans for pleasure and leisure but committing to a change today which ensures you have more time to do what you love will help you to find a greater sense of purpose. What you have before you now is ready to be adapted to work better. Step into a world of cosmic wisdom and discover the roadmap to your future  call 0905 789 0311*

PISCES

(February 20 - March 20)

You can make a big difference to a room without making a trip to the DIY store for a full overhaul. The process of accepting emotionally difficult history is similar. You dont need things to be different today to feel the benefit of a change. Your power lies in the way you choose to use your perspective. If you can be clear about what has been and the way you need things going forward, you will find relief in a surprisingly simple solution. Step into a world of cosmic wisdom and discover the roadmap to your future  call 0905 789 0312*
The United States has urged citizens and tourists across several states in Mexico to shelter in place after the Mexican cartel retaliated for the death of its leader on Sunday.

But the violence hasn't stopped some people from grumbling, with one traveler slammed for their insane complaint about a Marriott hotel in Puerto Vallarta amid the widespread unrest.

The disgruntled tourist took to Reddit to share their grievances, complaining that even though they are a platinum member, they were not allowed to check out late.

'I am platinum elite, over 1,000 lifetime Marriott nights,' the traveler wrote.

'Puerto Vallarta is on fire due to the cartel setting cars and buses on fire all over the city. The airport and Ubers and taxis are not running,' they continued.

They said that they had asked for a 4pm check out - adding they are 'entitled to it based on availability' - but the staff said they would not extend past 2pm and advised the guest to instead use the hospitality suite.

'We are supposed to be leaving for Bucerios this afternoon but that isn't looking very good,' they continued.

'Worst Bonvoy property I have ever experienced,' they declared.

The disgruntled tourist took to Reddit to share their grievances, complaining that even though they are a platinum member, they were not allowed to check out late

'I don't think anyone will be checking in today, so there's no reason not to at least extend us to 4pm.'

The post, which appears to have since been deleted from Reddit, was screenshot and shared widely on X, formerly Twitter, where people mocked the user for the scathing review amid a violent situation.

'I'm imagining them screaming "I'm platinum elite! I'm platinum elite" when [the cartel] start popping off rounds in the lobby,' wrote one user.

'"I'm entitled" is the only thing that I got out of this,' scathed another.

'It just reminds everyone that when a crisis happens, nothing matters, including money and definitely, not status points,' pointed out someone else.

Another joked, 'Platinum elite won't save you from imminent danger. Titanium will though.'

American tourists have found themselves trapped in Mexico after Oseguera Cervantes, known as 'El Mencho,' was killed during a shoot-out in his home state of Jalisco as the Mexican military attempted to capture him.

Oseguera Cervantes was the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, one of the fastest-growing criminal networks in Mexico.

The traveler was furious at the Marriott Puerto Vallarta for not letting them check out late, writing: 'I am platinum elite, over 1,000 lifetime Marriott nights'

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 (stock image)

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.

Tourists trapped in those cities have described the chaos as 'war breaking out in the streets.'

Some hotel guests were allegedly forced to evacuate their rooms and were told to find their own meals at off-site restaurants and shops.

The Jalisco New Generation Cartel is notorious for trafficking fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine to the US and staging brazen attacks against government officials who challenged it.

Following his death, gunmen unleashed violence across the country. Cars burned out by cartel members blocked roads in 20 Mexican states and left smoke billowing into the air.

People locked themselves in their homes in Guadalajara, Mexico's second-largest city and Jalisco's capital, and school was canceled Monday in several states as security forces were placed on alert all over the country. Even Guatemala reinforced security on its border with Mexico.
When influencer Abbie Herbert posted what she thought was a normal TikTok video in early December, she had no idea that it would ultimately save her baby's life.

In the clip, the social media star, who has over 15.7 million followers, showcased her morning routine as a mother of two young kids while expecting her third.

But her followers were quick to notice something subtle in the vlog that she hadn't even picked up on: she kept scratching her hands.

Viewers rushed to the comment section to warn Herbert, 29, from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, that itchy palms can be an early sign of a rare and serious condition in pregnant women known as cholestasis.

Many urged her to see a doctor, and the outpour of concern pushed the expecting mother to talk to a professional - and led to her giving birth via an emergency C-section 10 days early.

While chatting with the Today show about it recently, Herbert explained that she had initially ignored her itchy hands because she figured it was just a normal pregnancy symptom.

'[I thought], "My skin's just stretching,"' she explained. 'Then I started seeing some comments that were like, "You're itching. You should go get that looked at." But I literally thought nothing of it.'

But the comments continued to pour in and Herbert's itching worsened.

Abbie Herbert posted what she thought was a normal TikTok video in early December, but it ultimately saved her son's life

At the time, she was pregnant and her viewers noticed that she kept scratching her hands in the clip and urged her to see a doctor

Soon it was so bad she developed a rash on her hands that looked like 'broken blood vessels' underneath her skin.

A few days later, she decided to see a doctor, who performed a series of tests.

The results came back and her doctor urged her to come to the hospital immediately.

'He called me at 6am and said, "Get to the hospital now, you're having this baby today,"' Herbert recalled in a video she shared about the experience.

Herbert gave birth to her son, Rocky, on December 5 via an emergency C-section, and she believes it was followers that 'saved' him, branding it as a 'miracle.'

Cholestasis is a serious liver condition that can occur late in a pregnancy and cause serious complications for an unborn baby, including lung problems and even death.

'The condition triggers intense itching, but without a rash. Itching is usually on the hands and feet but also can occur on other parts of the body,' per Mayo Clinic.

There is no known way to prevent cholestasis and the exact cause is unclear, but some experts believe the hormonal changes during pregnancy cause it.

The outpour of concern pushed the expecting mother to talk to a professional - and led to her giving birth via an emergency C-section 10 days early. She's seen in 2024

'It was just like a whirlwind experience,' Herbert reflected to Today. 'Putting stuff online, you hear the good and the bad.

'But this was a very good thing that happened from people watching my content and potentially saving my baby's life and saving this pregnancy from a very dangerous situation.'

She added in a video posted about it: 'Social media saved my son from a very dangerous situation that I had no idea about.

'If I didn't share what I did on social media, this could have been very dangerous... If you guys didn't see it, I would have never got checked. I would have never gotten bloodwork done.

'It makes me so emotional because I don't even want to think what could have happened.'
She certainly has an enviable wardrobe - but Melania Trump's latest outfit has left some less than impressed.

The First Lady's choice of pants had everyone talking as she stepped out at the Governors Dinner in Washington, DC.

Melania, 55, wore $2,395 metallic silver trousers by Dolce & Gabbana, one of her favorite designers, to the black-tie gala on Saturday.

The First Lady paired the cigarette-style brocade pants with a long-sleeve, black tie-neck blouse from the same brand, which retails for $2,245.

An event with a black-tie dress code usually constitutes a floor-length gown for women, according to Vogue.

To bring together her daring ensemble, Melania added sky-high, metallic silver Christian Louboutin heels and large diamond earrings.

Meanwhile, President Trump, 79, opted for a traditional black tuxedo and black bowtie, as he told the Governors that they had done 'really good work'.

Melania's 'inappropriate' silver pants left fans bitterly divided.

Many seemed to agree that the trousers were not appropriate for the black-tie occasion, as they took to social media to voice their opinions.

President Donald Trump and Melania stepped out for the Governors Dinner in Washington, DC, on Saturday - and it was the First Lady's choice of pants that had everyone talking

Melania, 55, made a splash at the black-tie gala, sporting a pair of $2,395 cigarette-style, metallic silver brocade pants by Dolce & Gabbana, one of her favorite designers

'I've said it before, I'll say it again, someone needs to replace her stylist. Black tie doesn't mean disco ready,' one person wrote on X.

Another agreed, 'Inappropriate for black tie.'

'That outfit is loud and tacky and definitely not black tie. Neither one of them have taste,' someone else chimed in.

One wrote: 'Looks like she's going on a picnic. How disgraceful.'

'While she looks beautiful (as always), I am old-fashioned and prefer dresses for certain events,' another wrote.

Others, however, disagreed and came to the First Lady's defense.

'Melania is her own unique person! She wears what she wants to wear and likes what she likes. She is not dressing to impress, but rather to express herself. I think she looks wonderful and couldn't look bad if she tried!' one person added.

'I love how she is in these pants for a dinner. They are beautiful and she dresses up and rocks everything she puts on,' another typed.

Join the debate Do YOU think Melania broke the dress code?

Melania's pants bitterly divided the internet, with some pointing out that women traditionally wear gowns for black tie

Many on social media seemed to think that the pants were not appropriate for the occasion

Someone else commented, 'Absolutely love the outfit!!! As always, she is stunning.'

The First Lady's latest controversial fashion choice comes just days after she was mocked for wearing a pair of hugely oversized black sunglasses while she stepped off Air Force One in the dark.

Melania was wearing them around 11pm in the dead of winter, when it was pitch-black outside.

The 55-year-old paired her oversized shades with a large gray wrap coat, black leather gloves and black lace-up boots.

The First Lady's strange fashion choice drew criticism on social media, with many confused about why she would wear sunglasses in the dead of night.

Last month, her self-titled documentary premiered in theaters across the country.

The movie follows the First Lady in the 20 days leading up to Trump's inauguration in January 2025.

Amazon secured the film for $40 million - the largest documentary deal in history - after beating rivals Disney, Netflix and Paramount in a ferocious bidding war.
Met Gala fans have finally received word of the dress code for this year's event - but some noticed a major sponsor was left out of the announcement on Instagram.

Some fashion enthusiasts have vowed to boycott the event over Jeff Bezos and wife, Lauren Sanchez, footing the bill, which was not included in Vogue's Instagram post.

This year's dress code is 'fashion is art,' which will serve as a more specific baseline for guests against the gala's overall theme of 'costume art.'

The star-studded guest list includes members of the host committee, such as Sabrina Carpenter, Doja Cat, Misty Copeland, Lena Dunham, Angela Bassett, Sam Smith and Chase Sui Wonders.

The New York City museum will pair historical and contemporary garments from the Costume Institute for the exhibition, which will be loosely divided into three categories: the classical body and the nude body, aging bodies and pregnant bodies, and the anatomical body.

But as Vogue Magazine shared the theme on Instagram earlier today, many followers could not help but point out that the lead sponsors were not named anywhere on the social media announcement, despite the post also listing the event's co-chairmen and host committee.

They were disclosed in a Vogue article as honorary chairs.

The Amazon tycoon, worth an estimated $224.2 billion, and Sanchez have footed most of the bill for the May 4 event.

'How come the Bezoses aren't featured? They're still funding it. Trying to avoid backlash again,' one person wrote online.

Jeff Bezos and his wife, Lauren Sanchez, are largely footing the bill for this year's Met Gala - but this was not included in Vogue's announcement today

This year's dress code is Fashion is Art. It marks the first gala that Anna Wintour will attend in her new role as Vogue's global creative director and chief content officer for Conde Nast

Another agreed, 'And powered by Amazon.'

'I thought it was top Amazon customer,' someone else joked about the dress code.

Another person seconded, 'Unfortunately, with the Bezos' involvement, I've lost interest.'

'Fashion is art... but not political maybe? Since your owner is the Bezos, one of the most questionable billionaires?' an Instagram user commented.

Someone wrote, 'Fashion is art. But fashion is also political.'

Others criticized the theme for being too vague.

'They're getting vaguer each year for the celebrities to fit the theme easier,' one person wrote.

Another chimed in, typing, '"Fashion is art" is such a broad theme.'

'CRINGE,' someone else wrote.

Those that were listed on the announcement included this year's host committee as well as co-chairmen Beyonce, Nicole Kidman, Venus Williams, Anthony Vaccarello and Zoe Kravitz, who will help to host the gala.

Vogue's Instagram account posted a graphic which announced the 2026 Met Gala dress code

The post shared the names of the event's co-chairmen and host committee

Fans were quick to slam the couple's involvement on social media as well as to hit out at the theme itself

In November, Anna Wintour responded to criticism surrounding the couple's role as sponsors in an interview with CNN, telling the outlet that Sanchez is a 'great lover of costume and obviously of fashion.'

She said that she believes that Sanchez would be a 'wonderful asset to the museum and the event.'

'We're very grateful for her incredible generosity,' Wintour continued. 'So we're thrilled she's part of the night.'

The decision came months after Sanchez appeared on the cover of Vogue's June 2025 digital issue, which was all about her lavish Venetian wedding to the Amazon tycoon.

The magazine spread featured behind-the-scenes photos of her wedding and dress fitting, designed by Dolce & Gabbana.

This year's gala marks the first in Wintour's new role as Vogue's global creative director and chief content officer for Conde Nast, with Chloe Malle taking over as head of editorial content for US Vogue.

Malle's parents are actress Candice Bergen and French filmmaker Louis Malle.

This month, Wintour and Malle made headlines after an awkward moment during a joint interview with The New York Times.

Beyonce, seen here at the Met Gala in 2016, is a co-chairman of this year's event

The couple has footed most of the bill for the May 4 event with Bezos himself worth an estimated $224.2 billion

This month, Wintour and Malle made headlines when they suffered an awkward moment during a joint interview with The New York Times

In the extensive chat, the pair talked about leading the magazine into its next era, their differing leadership styles, and even Malle's 'nepo baby' criticism.

The seemingly tense moment came about when Times interviewer Jessica Testa asked Malle what she would do if Vogue had the same large budget it once had in the 1990s.

'I would build a whole new podcast studio, I would pay everyone 30 percent more, I would make sure the social team had more people on it, because they're working all the time, I would have our app staffed more fully,' Malle shared.

She added that Vogue has tons of ideas for shoots that would 'help take people on adventures,' and that a larger budget would 'really help' with that.

However, Wintour did not appear thrilled with that answer, as she appeared to give Malle a withering look from behind her large, signature sunglasses.

'But to be clear, Jessica, we have a very healthy budget at Vogue, and how we use it and use our resources is constantly changing, depending on the moment,' Wintour chimed in.

The moment has since gone viral on social media, with many viewers noticing the stark differences between the two editors.

During the interview, Testa also asked the two when they last felt 'nervous' - and, again, they had two starkly different responses.

Malle replied that she was nervous just 30 minutes before they sat down for the interview, while Wintour says that she 'never' gets nervous.

Since joining the magazine in 2011, Malle has co-hosted Vogue's weekly fashion and culture podcast, strengthened its newsletters, expanded its wedding coverage, and launched viral hits such as Dogue, a tongue-in-cheek fashion magazine for dogs.

'At a moment of change both within fashion and outside it, Vogue must continue to be both the standard-bearer and the boundary-pushing leader,' Wintour said, announcing Malle's appointment in September.

'Chloe has proven often that she can find the balance between American Vogue's long, singular history and its future on the front lines of the new. I am so excited to continue working with her, as her mentor but also as her student, while she leads us and our audiences where we've never been before.'

Malle said at the time: 'Fashion and media are both evolving at breakneck speed, and I am so thrilled  and awed  to be part of that.

'I also feel incredibly fortunate to still have Anna just down the hall as my mentor.'
Australian celebrity chef Josh Niland has moved on from his first overseas restaurant, pulling the plug on his high-profile Singapore venture just two years after it opened.

The Saint Peter mastermind, who built a global reputation on his boundary-pushing 'scale-to-tail' seafood philosophy, has ended his contract at Fysh - the high end restaurant located inside Singapore's Edition hotel.

The decision marks the latest twist in the tough battle Australian chefs have faced trying to crack the ultra-competitive Singapore dining scene.

Josh, who co-owns Sydney institution Saint Peter with his wife Julie, told The Sydney Morning Herald the early days weren't without challenges.

'It took a bit of time to get going,' he said of the restaurant's launch period.

Beyond the usual pressures of opening a venue abroad, the chef said he was juggling frequent travel between Singapore and Sydney, all while running a top-tier restaurant back home and maintaining family life.

He also acknowledged just how fierce the competition is in the city-state, describing Singapore as an 'extremely competitive market', with diners spoiled for choice thanks to an abundance of hawker-style options and 'a lot of great restaurants'.

Fellow Australian chef Luke Mangan echoed the sentiment, telling the publication that the city boasts 'lots of good cheap offerings', and warning that rents are extremely high.

Australian celebrity chef Josh Niland has shut down his first overseas restaurant, pulling the plug on his high-profile Singapore venture just two years after it opened

The Saint Peter mastermind (Josh pictured left), who built a global reputation on his boundary-pushing 'scale-to-tail' seafood philosophy, has ended his contract at Fysh - the splashy restaurant located inside Singapore's Edition hotel

Singapore has long been seen as a glittering prize for Australian culinary exports, but it has proved a difficult market to sustain.

While chefs like Tetsuya Wakuda and David Pynt have enjoyed success, others have quietly retreated after ambitious openings.

However, Josh has insisted the timing of his departure felt right, explaining to the publication that he was comfortable handing over to the local team in Singapore.

While his Singapore chapter has closed, Josh's Sydney flagship continues to dominate on the global stage.

Last year, Saint Peter stormed onto The World's 50 Best Restaurants 2025 extended list at No.66 - a remarkable 32-spot jump from its previous ranking.

Niland, affectionately dubbed 'the fish butcher', has redefined how chefs think about seafood with his bold gill-to-fin approach, utilising every edible part of the fish, from the bones and eyes to the scales and even the offal.

Inspired by techniques traditionally used in meat cookery, Josh's pioneering philosophy has sparked a global movement in sustainable seafood.

And his menu? It changes daily, based on what's fresh and available that morning.

While his Singapore chapter has closed, Josh's Sydney flagship in Paddington, Sydney (pictured) continues to dominate on the global stage. Last year, Saint Peter stormed onto The World's 50 Best Restaurants 2025 extended list at No.66 - a remarkable 32-spot jump from its previous ranking

British food icon Nigella Lawson (pictured with Josh) has also long championed Josh's work, famously declaring him 'a genius' and applauding his 'inventiveness, delicate touch, exquisite care, and joyful gift for flavour and texture'

Niland, affectionately dubbed 'the fish butcher', has redefined how chefs think about seafood with his bold gill-to-fin approach, utilising every edible part of the fish, from the bones and eyes to the scales and even the offal

The Paddington fine diner now sits alongside some of the world's most revered culinary destinations, cementing its reputation as one of Australia's most innovative restaurants.

British food icon Nigella Lawson has also long championed Josh's work, famously declaring him 'a genius' and applauding his 'inventiveness, delicate touch, exquisite care, and joyful gift for flavour and texture'.

She's even waxed lyrical about 'the sensational oysters,' 'coral trout bone noodles in maitake mushroom broth,' and a show-stopping raw bream dish with marigold ponzu, cucumber and purple daikon when she visited.

The Singapore closure follows a period of recalibration for Josh's hospitality empire.

Saint Peter recently relocated from Oxford Street to a more refined space inside The Grand National Hotel in Paddington, while several of his spin-off ventures - including Petermen on Sydney's North Shore, Charcoal Fish in Rose Bay and the Fish Butchery outlet in Paddington - have all been wound back or closed.

The move, he said, was a 'recalibration' of hishospitality group, allowing the couple to double down on their flagship in Sydney.

Josh told The Herald that London, New York and possibly Spain remain on his wishlist for future ventures, suggesting this may be a pause, not a full stop.

For now, though, the focus is firmly on Sydney, where Saint Peter continues to draw international diners and industry acclaim.
A beloved Easter staple has sparked fury among Aussie shoppers, with some threatening to boycott the chocolate giant altogether.

The iconic 200g Lindt Gold Bunny is already lining shelves at Coles and Woolworths, a full two months before Easter.

But it's not the early arrival that has shoppers talking - it's the 'egregious' price tag.

At $20 for a single 200g Lindt Gold Bunny Milk Chocolate and $46 for the Lindt Easter Gala Chocolate Gift Box, many Australians said the cost is simply too hard to swallow during an already punishing cost-of-living crisis.

In a fiery Reddit thread, one frustrated shopper urged others to take a stand, pleading with fellow chocolate-lovers to not pay the hefty prices.

'If we all hold the line, just on this one little thing, we can hold another new line on something more important next time,' they wrote.

'Maybe eventually we can unite and fix our country.'

The call to arms struck a chord, with thousands piling on to vent their frustration at what many saw as a dramatic and unjustified price hike.

Beloved Easter staple, the Lindt Gold Bunny, has sparked fury among Aussie shoppers over its hefty $20 price tag for the 200g size

'I assumed it was just a ploy so they could offer 50 per cent off next week,' one person wrote.

'I think the point is that even at 50 per cent off it's still an egregious markup over a few years ago. It's an absolute scam,' another added.

Others questioned whether the premium European chocolatier deserved its lofty positioning at all.

'Lindt thinks they are better than they actually are,' one user commented bluntly.

Some compared local prices with those overseas: 'RRP for the same 200g choc rabbit here in Germany is 8.99 Euro = $14.95 AUD,' one Redditor claimed, suggesting Australians may be paying a hefty premium.

'All bars have been slowly rising, but this price is an extreme, sudden jump in price,' one noted.

'It's an absolutely insane amount, likely to justify the 50-90 per cent off sales coming,' one observed.

The outrage comes as global cocoa prices have soared to unprecedented levels in recent years.

At $20 for a single 200g Lindt Gold Bunny Milk Chocolate and a staggering $46 (pictured) for the Lindt Easter Gala Chocolate Gift Box, many Australians said the cost is simply too hard to swallow during an already punishing cost-of-living crisis

In 2025, bad weather and crop disease in West Africa were blamed for a poor cocoa harvest, sending shockwaves through the global chocolate supply chain.

For much of the 2020s, cocoa's wholesale price hovered just above AU$3,000 per tonne. But by April 2024, it had skyrocketed to around AU$19,000 per tonne before easing back to approximately AU$10,000 by the end of 2024 - still more than triple its earlier levels.

Swiss chocolatier Lindt & Sprungli, which produces the world-famous Gold Bunny, previously told News.com.au that the surge in cocoa prices was forcing price increases.

A spokesperson said rises were 'unavoidable' after 'the cocoa price has quadrupled in the last two years'.

The Lindt Gold Bunny, which comes wrapped in its signature gold foil with a red ribbon and tiny bell, has been a worldwide symbol of Easter for more than 70 years.

The company says it has been 'passionately created by the Lindt Swiss Maitres Chocolatier' and highlights its sustainability credentials, noting that 100 per cent of its cocoa beans are traceable back to their origin through the Lindt & Sprungli Farming Program.

But for many Aussie shoppers, the ethical sourcing message is being drowned out by sticker shock.
The days are finally getting that little bit longer, which means Easter will soon be upon us - and if that's not enough to get excited about, Waitrose's festive collection might be.

The British retailer has unveiled its highly-anticipated Easter 2026 line-up, and there's an impressive selection of moreish sweet treats and savoury delights to mark the special occasion.

And with searches for 'Easter Eggs' up by 68 per cent on Waitrose.com through January when compared to the same time last year, shoppers appear keen to get a head start on prepping for April 5.

Waitrose fans will be delighted to learn that the supermarket is bringing back its 15 croissant-shaped chocolate Easter egg for a second year running after creating such a buzz last year - but this time it's back in a different flavour.

The No.1 Blonde Chocolate Almond Croissant is made with trending blonde chocolate and coated in flaky almond pieces.

And if one pastry-appearing chocolate treat isn't enough, there's the mini No.1 6 Mini Blonde Chocolate Croissants - with a silky ganache centre.

Waitrose's Easter Egg Product Developer, Sarah Breadmore, said: 'This year we've leveraged trending flavours, like almond, to build on our viral eggs from last year to offer our customers those egg-stra options that make you go 'wow'.'

'Our brand new No.1 The Blonde Chocolate Almond Croissant is made with luxuriously creamy blonde chocolate and crunchy almond pieces, it is then hand decorated with milk chocolate and roasted almond pieces.'

Waitrose has revealed its 2026 Easter line-up - and it's bringing back the chocolate croissant Easter 'egg'

'Our brand new No.1 The Blonde Chocolate Almond Croissant is made with luxuriously creamy blonde chocolate and crunchy almond pieces, it is then hand decorated with milk chocolate and roasted almond pieces.'

Other chocolate offerings available at the store include 10 Pistachio & Feuilletine Filled Eggs, 15 No.1 Lulu Guinness Milk Chocolate Lips, and 7 No.1 6 Hazelnut Gianduja Eggs.

Those without a sweet tooth fear not, because Waitrose has also introduced new roasting meats for the special day, including a 19 British Succulent Whole Leg of Lamb and 22 British Native Breed Large Beef Topside.

And for desserts, the supermarket is still riding the pistachio wave with the 14 Dubai chocolate-inspired No.1 Chocolate & Pistachio Crunch Torte.

'Smooth, velvety pistachio and white chocolate mousse contrasts with a crunchy base of milk chocolate feuilletine with a pinch of salt, and it's finished with a silky dark chocolate ganache and a sprinkling of pistachios,' the website reads.

Salted caramel also features in the 7.50 No.1 Salted Caramel Brownie Basque Cheesecake.

Waitrose haven't forgotten hot cross buns either, and this year, the flavours include the 2.50 Berry Blush, featuring sultanas, cranberries, blueberries and strawberries, with a hint of white chocolate.

Meanwhile, the Leckford Fruit & Seed Hot Cross Buns, priced at 2.50, are packed of sultanas and cranberries, plus a scattering of sunflower and pumpkin seeds.

The 2.50 No.1 2 Berry Blush Hot Cross Buns feature sultanas, cranberries, blueberries, strawberries, and a hint of creamy white chocolate

The British Succulent Whole Leg of Lamb, priced at 19, is from British grass and forage fed sheep

The 15 No.1 Lulu Guinness Milk Chocolate Lips recreates Lulu's signature motif in rich single origin milk chocolate

Waitrose's No.1 6 Mini Blonde Chocolate Croissants, priced at 7, feature a chocolate ganache centre

But if that's not sweet enough, there's the Milk Chocolate & Fudge Hot Cross buns, which are brimming with chunks of milk chocolate and fudge cubes, and cost slightly less at 2.

Other festive treats available at Waitrose this Easter include the 12.50 No.1 Millionaire's Panettone Egg, the 1.50 Flower Crumpets, and 3.50 Sweet Heart Waffles, among other goods.

It comes after luxury crisp brand Torres launched The Crisp Milk Chocolate with Mediterranean Salt Chips Easter Egg at Selfridges for 12.99.

Middle-class favourite Torres, which hails from Barcelona, Spain, is known for its 4.95 artisanal crisps in flavours including black summer truffle, Iberian ham and cured cheese.

And for Easter, the brand has released an Easter egg that, from the outside appears like a typical one, but the chocolate actually features a salted crisps filling.

The unique creation has created a buzz on social media, with Torres's cult following keen to try, but some are less impressed with the sizing of the product and the 'insane' price.
While a quirky blanket, comfy couch or gallery wall might be a favorite feature in your home, these are just a few of the trends interior designers say could give away your age.

Whether you are covering your walls in 'millennial gray' or bold prints and motifs like the bows that Gen Z can't get enough of, certain design choices can look dated over time - or even instantly.

These glaring mistakes might seem chic in a furniture showroom or on Instagram, but when overdone, they are quickly overtaken by the next trend.

Celebrities and influencers might have the money to try all the trends at high prices and replace them seasonally, but regular folks can end up stuck with these aesthetic choices for years.

So if you're decorating on a budget, your selections may become worn out if you bought them on the cheap from brands you found on social media.

The Daily Mail spoke to two interior design experts to name the cheap-looking items you should toss immediately, because they are secretly making your house look tasteless.

Interior designer Jennifer Stephan told the Daily Mail about some of the issues that plague millennials in particular.

Stephan explained that 'millennials are responsible for the over-curated, Pinterest-perfect sameness,' which consists of much-maligned favorites like a sterile gallery wall, barn doors in suburban homes and all gray interiors.

Interior designer Jennifer Stephan told the Daily Mail that 'millennials are responsible for the over-curated Pinterest-perfect sameness,' which includes all gray interiors

Gallery walls were all the rage when millennials graduated and moved into their own apartments. But these days, it is time to ditch the plethora of pictures

'Gen Z is guilty of ironic maximalism without editing,' Stephan, based in Brooklyn, explained, naming some of their favorites like cherries, bows and checkerboard prints

Gen Z mercilessly mocked millennials for their home decor decisions, even nicknaming the somber interior decoration 'millennial gray.' But the younger generation has been making their own mistakes when it comes to home decor.

Interior designer Jennifer Stephan creates lived-in, expressive interiors for the elevated everyday in Brooklyn

'Gen Z is guilty of ironic maximalism without editing,' Stephan, who is based in Brooklyn, New York, explained. She named some of their favorites, like cherries, bows and checkerboard prints.

They are also fans of using novelty 'dopamine decor' objects as the main focus of their interiors, whether it is over-the-top kitschy items like giant lip mirrors or inflatable furniture.

Dopamine decor is a trend that started in direct contradiction to millennial gray, and it involves buying interior pieces that bring people pleasure. Think neon signs, feather boas and multiple patterns in one place.

While having one splashy item in a room can make it feel on trend, piling on multiple can become instantly overwhelming.

Of course, some kitschy items can add personality to a home when exhibited tastefully.

Stephan explained that 'kitsch isn't the problem - execution is.'

'When it looks intentional and elevated, kitsch becomes charming,' she said.

She advised that decorators 'allow one novelty piece per room - let it be the punchline, not the theme.'

While it might be tempting to buy every big trend at once, especially when they are all over social media, Stephan warned that 'some trends already read fast-fashion decor, especially when they're bought from big-box retailers and used without thoughtful styling.'

Stephan said fast-fashion type interior offenders include bubble furniture in cheap materials, acrylic everywhere and overdone mix and match.

Stephan said fast fashion interior offenders include bubble furniture in cheap materials

One design trend to toss? Fake boucle, which can look cheap. Instead, splash out on the real thing

While gallery walls might be a dated trend, there is still a way to make it look chic. Experts call it a salon wall - featuring beautiful frames and real art, not just posters from your college years

Colleen Bennett, lead designer of CBB Design firm, said it is not just millennials and Gen Z who make these design faux pas.

'Baby boomers put linoleum in their houses that Gen X bought and left there, which makes the house look cheap and outdated,' Bennet said.

Another design dud according to Bennett? Renters trying to make their apartments feel more homey by using stick on tile that they found on inexpensive websites like Amazon, Wayfair or Etsy.

Unfortunately, those cheap DIY decor hacks can fall down easily, which looks even worse than a boring backsplash. Instead of the tiling, Bennett suggested wallpaper, as well as hiring someone to professionally install it evenly.

Another massive design trend that has the ability to look less than tasteful is faux boucle. However, if you are ready to invest in real boucle, it will make any room look luxe.

'Fake or faux boucle is a textured, curly synthetic fabric that is often polyester, which is designed to mimic the looped, cozy appearance of traditional wool boucle at a lower cost,' said Bennett, who has more than 20 years of experience in the industry.

'Real boucle that is inspired by Coco Chanel never looks cheap,' Bennett added, explaining that 'a real boucle would be something that can be pulled apart' and is a natural fiber, while the fake version is synthetic.

When it comes to gallery walls, the design pro recommended an upgraded and modern salon wall, instead.

'Take funky accessories, posters and paintings and make them look more tasteful when you use beautiful frames,' the interiors expert urged.

'A gallery wall is going to be compromised of [same-style] art,' Bennett clarified, explaining a 'salon wall is a mixture of photographs, art and posters that are much more eclectic.'

It is high time to swap old college posters for high-end art in funky frames to give your home the affluent upgrade of your dreams.
Your husband has just retired, and without the stress of work, plus the well-earned freedom after years of toil, you imagine this will be a fresh, exciting time for the both of you.

How wrong you are.

Suddenly theres no escape from his surprisingly irritating habits: hes under your feet like a sausage dog minus the cuteness; he expects you to do everything for him, even though hes at home too, and your daily resentment-fuelled rows are making you seriously doubt your marriage has a future.

Well, what youre suffering has a name: Retired Husband Syndrome, with common symptoms including insomnia, depression, anxiety, hopelessness, and, ultimately, divorce.

In Japan, this is particularly common, with an estimated 60 per cent of women experiencing it. There its apparently characterised by the resentment felt when a wife is expected to organise her husbands empty social life despite already having a full routine and friends of her own. Recognise that one?

No wonder so-called Silver Splitters are on the rise.

According to the Office for National Statistics, the number of couples divorcing in their 60s has increased by 75 per cent in the past 20 years

According to the Office for National Statistics, the number of couples divorcing in their 60s has increased by 75 per cent in the past 20 years. And reportedly, a third of midlife women whove ended their marriage are happier than ever.

Before you pick up the phone to the family law firm, however, what of the two-thirds of women who, presumably, arent happier than ever?

Could it be that throwing the (adult) baby out with the bathwater isnt always the best option?

Here our brilliant experts  couples therapist Joanna Harrison, and divorce lawyer Liz Fletcher  advise on why Retired Husband Syndrome afflicts so many couples, and what you can do to turn an ailing later-life marriage from the brink of divorce into one glowing with health Its a bigger change than you both think.

It is quite common that people separate around retirement age, says Liz, solicitor, mediator and a director at Family Law In Partnership.

Retirement often precipitates a marriage crisis because couples underestimate what a vast change it is, says Joanna, who is also an ex-divorce lawyer and author of Five Arguments All Couples (Need To) Have.

She says: I do see a lot of couples seeking help at this time. For the person whos retiring, it can be a huge shift. Its a change of identity, purpose, rhythm, routine  and it has a huge impact on their partner.

Liz adds retirement is a bit like a bereavement because he is mourning what is effectively the death of his working life.

But, notes Joanna, if hes gone from full-time work to watching daytime TV and not emptying the dishwasher, the way of life that the non-retiring person had carved out is also under threat.

Your plans are incompatible

Retirement ideas often dont match up, says Joanna. One wants to travel, one wants to be near the grandchildren. Or he hopes that shell retire too, but she very much wants to carry on working.

You can feel distant from your spouse if theyre not sympathetic.

In cases Ive had, adds Liz, often one person is embarking on this super-exciting new third-age life, and the other wants something more settled, quiet, comfortable, family-orientated.

It isnt always the man wanting a quiet life, but Liz sees cases where the woman is not ready to take on more caring. She wants to have an adventure.

If he feels lost and lonely it can lead to affairs (on either side).

My wife doesnt understand me might be a cliche, blaming her for his refusal to open up  but if hes feeling lost and unappreciated, he might look elsewhere for a confidence boost.

Ive seen men in their 60s act on that feeling, says Joanna. They might think: My partner doesnt seem to have noticed that Ive retired, is carrying on with her life, isnt interested in me  is there anyone who is? This life stage can stir up fears about health or death too, she adds.

It can put pressure on the relationship and if you dont communicate, he  or she  might look outside of the marriage to find comfort.

Financial issues can suddenly loom large

Increased time together, and perhaps an empty nest, means that issues that have been swept under the carpet become more obvious, says Joanna.

Retirement can reveal the lack of intimacy emotionally or physically.

It can also be a flashpoint for money worries  and disagreements. Liz says: When retirement income is tight or not as much as they hoped, this can put pressure on the couple and perhaps lead to frustrations about whether they can retire the way they imagined.

Retirement often precipitates a marriage crisis because couples underestimate what a vast change it is, says couples therapist Joanna Harrison

Divorce lawyer Liz Fletcher says: When retirement income is tight or not as much as they hoped, this can put pressure on the couple'

You find theres a loss of attraction

Whether or not you work, it can feel reassuring to have a husband with a strong working identity  and now thats gone, what do you still find attractive?

Your partner got up every morning and went into the world with pride, and to see them not have a purpose may be a loss for you too, says Joanna. It can touch on deeper fears. Are we going to be OK?

Certainly what most women dont want is to manage his retirement for him, take on the emotional load of how hes feeling or think of things for him to do.

It can prompt panic about the time left

Regardless of the womans working status, when your husband retires, says Joanna, people start to reflect on priorities.

There is a sense of the time I have left is not unlimited. They realise that retirement is an opportunity for a whole new chapter and ask themselves, how do I want to spend it?

That question can unsettle marriages, particularly if their husbands plans dont align with theirs. Liz says: I see many couples divorcing when retirement is about to happen. The date is set, youre making plans, choices and decisions  and women are thinking, I dont want this.

Sharing space all the time tests a marriage

Being together all the time domestically is difficult, says Joanna. Any power struggles or annoyances have a stage to be acted out on all day long, whereas when your husband was working you had a bit of respite.

Some women are unsettled by their partner being in their space (lets do the supermarket shop together) and having opinions on ways to do things around the house.

Alternatively, they may have hoped that finally their partner will take more of a share domestically but their partner has other ideas.

How to stop the rot

Recognise how much of a crisis this can be.

Some men may never have had any identity other than around their work, says Joanna.

His social life might have been especially linked to the office and hell want his partner to be sympathetic. If shes not interested, it can feel like a betrayal. He can feel alone and unsupported.

People can forget to be curious or to keep up with each other, she adds. Youve been together 40 years and think you know them, but theyre shifting.

Treat this as something that is happening to both of you and to the relationship, not just to the person retiring.

You cant just step into retirement and expect everything to carry on as normal.

Dont joke about him being like another child at home

Often women joke theyve got another child around the house, says Joanna. But he needs help, not ridicule.

The couple may have an unspoken contract that the man isnt needy. So if hes now depressed, or helpless, it can rock the marriage, she adds.

The woman feels alarmed that her once-powerful working husband seems lost, low, and lazy. But its not laziness  hes struggling and its a lot to cope with on his own, says Joanna.

Neither feels considered, and resentment builds.

Liz advises: If hes defined himself by his professional role for 40 years and now hes just another retired person, that is a massive change, and if his partner lacks understanding, it puts huge pressure on a marriage.

Be compassionate to each other. And be honest about how you feel.

Dont expect to have it all worked out

Expect teething problems in retirement, says Joanna.

Ask yourselves: How are we going to change our lives into the shape we want? And share what youre finding hard  for instance, you might have different expectations about your sex life.

One person might be thinking, We have no kids around, more time, no worries about contraception, thats great. The other might not.

Another common issue is that the empty nest needs mourning. If a couple arent able to express how they feel about these things, they may feel let down by each other, she adds.

Be brave enough to communicate, re-evaluate, compromise, and be creative. If one wants to sail around the world, and the other doesnt  maybe they could arrange to meet at every port.

Boost your sex life, spend time apart

If youre always together, you lose your sense of your partner as separate, says Joanna.

That can impact a couples sex life, as theyll feel less interested in each other. Bonding habits like kissing each other when you get home fall by the wayside if youre always together. She suggests that the retired husband finds some autonomy, something for himself in the outside world like a new hobby or voluntary role. When youre both out and about, you create opportunities to reconnect.

Youre bringing back your different experiences. Youve got an identity you share, but theres more of an exchange.

Help him redirect that CEO energy

He may have been the boss at work, says Joanna. But home is not the place to flex those muscles. They need a different outlet  it doesnt go well when a manager stops work and starts bossing everyone around at home.

It can create a very unpleasant atmosphere.

Plus, notes Liz: If hes a bit lost and unfocused, he might search for something in its place, and sometimes that could be an affair.

The question to ask, says Joanna, is How do you help each other, and be thoughtful?

Consider it an opportunity to communicate and work as a team, and youll become more intimate. If you both feel understood, and that youre working hand in hand to negotiate what you both want, that could bode well for the next chapter.

Plan it, think about it, talk about it, says Liz. If you are able to talk, and plan a life that takes account of what you both want, youre far less likely to end up separating.

Joanna adds: Listen to your partners ideas, even if they alarm you. Retirement requires a whole renegotiation between the couple of what life is.
There was a moment in the new season of regency romance Bridgerton which made my blood boil (and not in a sexy way). Lady Danbury, wanting to return to her native land, asks the Queen if she can retire as one of her ladies-in-waiting.

After decades of loyal service, this doesnt seem an outrageous request but the Queen flatly refuses. I know shes the Queen but how unreasonable, I thought. It made me realise just how one-sided female friendships can be.

Good girlfriends are one of the great joys of life. In fact, they might actually be the most important thing in mine.

At the heart of every social circle, its the women who organise the get-togethers and are there for you when you need emotional support. Which is why its even more upsetting when they let you down.

A few years ago, I had a close friend who I thought would be in my life for ever. Then, out of nowhere, she ghosted me. She stopped posting in our group chat, didnt reply to my pleading emails and I never heard from her again. It was deeply unsettling and felt like a break-up.

Almost every women I know has a similar story of a friendship gone catastrophically wrong. When I mentioned to other women that I was writing about female friendship, it was as if a dam had burst. They regaled me with stories of broken promises, disloyalty and betrayal.

It turns out there is nothing  nothing  that cuts to the quick quite as much as being let down by someone who has broken those sacred bonds of female friendship.

We would do well to remember that female friendships are not always pure or altruistic, that they are frequently transactional, sometimes malicious in intent, and often complicated.

So here is my guide to recognising the girlfriend types that are as dangerous as Lady Whistledowns quill . . .

Golda Rosheuvel as Queen Charlotte and Adjoa Andoh as Lady Danbury in Bridgerton season four. After years of service, the Queen refuses to let Lady Danbury retire as a lady-in-waiting

Good friends are one of the great joys of life. They might actually be the most important thing in mine. Which is why its even more upsetting when they let you down, says Sasha Wilkins

Take, take, taker

You have known each other for years and always believed it didnt matter how long you went without seeing each other, because you would always be friends. But it starts to feel very one-sided when the only time this woman gets in touch is when she wants something.

I had a university friend who only ever messaged me when she wanted a bed for the night, to offload about her children, or beg for last-minute favours.

Friendship has to be a two-way street, and when youre the only one giving, its not really a friendship any more.

Good times friend

You have shared some wonderful times, from dancing on a podium in Ibiza in your 20s, to dissecting your relationships over a Cosmopolitan in your 30s, but now youre in the snipers alley of your 40s and 50s when times get tough.

Whether its an illness, a parental death, job loss or fiscal crisis, this friend simply melts away when you need her the most.

Two of my close friends have had cancer treatment recently and Ive been horrified to hear that several of their formerly cherished circle have not once been in touch.

The over-promiser

The over-promiser is closely related to the Good Times friend.

This woman is so happy to help! What can she do to make your life easier at this difficult time? But then she is absolutely nowhere to be seen.

In a way she is worse than the Good Times friend because you took her at her word and were relying on her.

Post-divorce, my mother fell victim to over-promisers several times during her house move, believing people when they said they would help.

She was then left lonely and stranded at home in a sea of packing when they decided they had better things to do.

Superior Sally

When my best friend was recovering after a difficult birth, a mutual friend set up a meal train so we could each bring supper on a different night for the family.

I took the afternoon off to drive across town with an expensive homemade beef lasagne  a labour of love as a vegetarian  only to be told by the gatekeeping mutual friend that it wasnt the right meal for the right night.

She grudgingly took my dish then shut the door on me.

This is the same woman who, when I offered to drive her to a weekend away, told me she wasnt prepared to be driven in my panel van.

Budget basher

This friend is incapable of understanding that some people exist on a fixed budget, or sometimes no budget at all  and refuses to compromise.

I had several of this type of friend when I worked in New York. They would suggest meeting up in a shiny new restaurant or bar and were always the first to suggest sharing an expensive bottle of wine or splitting the bill when theyd ordered steak while Id chosen a starter salad because thats all I could afford.

I was once asked to split a $600 (450) West Village restaurant bill between three people  and stupid younger me agreed.

Ive never forgotten the oblivious entitledness of it.

Thank goodness the oblivious friend is often balanced by the generous and kind friend who totally understands your fiscal situation and is only too happy to treat you because she knows if the situation were reversed, youd do exactly the same for her.

Truth twister

When things dont go her way this person twists the truth and upsets the delicate balance of a friendship group.

Ive never forgotten being delighted to lend a valuable choker to a friend for her wedding  until, that is, the bride rang me in much excitement to tell me her dress designer wanted to flatten it out to turn it into a headpiece.

I said no, as I knew it would damage the choker irrevocably.

She grudgingly accepted my decision but I didnt realise just how furious she was until I overheard her on her hen night wailing that I had ruined her wedding dress plans by refusing to let her wear my necklace.

Of course, she failed to mention that she was planning to partially destroy it, so my name was mud.

Pick-me princess

A pick-me girl is the maidservant of the patriarchy and will do anything for male attention.

Dont expect her to have your back in any situation where men are involved.

She will drop you quicker than a hot potato when an interesting chap sails into view, and will always try to make herself look better at your expense in any given situation.

While she may not actively want to sleep with your significant other, she will certainly make him feel as if she does, which can cause all sorts of problems.

I remember being in a London bar talking to a man I really liked but, when I came back from the loo, a friend was busy snogging him against a wall.

When I asked her why shed done it, she said she hadnt liked the fact that the previous week someone she fancied was more interested in me, so she had decided it was her turn. Ouch!

Gaslighter girl

This is the friend who makes you doubt yourself.

My sister lives with multiple sclerosis which seriously limits her physical capacities.

A new friend refused to believe that my sister needed regular naps or that the MS precluded long walks. Instead, she kept telling her to just stop being lazy, which made my sister worry she was over-egging her illness.

The jaw-dropper was when the friend fell ill and concluded that she was so sick she might also have MS (a condition she had previously proclaimed was all in my sisters head).

She didnt. Newsflash: they are no longer friends.
Despite an outward show of unity at NBC studios for devastated Savannah Guthrie, behind the scenes tensions are rising over how much 'empathy' certain TV stars are choosing to display, the Daily Mail can reveal.

Staff and hosts at Guthrie's Today show in particular have been wearing yellow ribbons on air to support Savannah, 54, as the search for her missing mother Nancy, 84, enters its fourth week.

The yellow matches flowers that have been placed outside Nancy's home and ribbons that neighbors have tied to mailboxes in Tucson, Arizona, as a symbol of hope for the local community after her shock kidnapping.

But the simple show of solidarity in the newsroom has now turned sour.

'It started as something beautiful,' one NBC staffer told the Daily Mail. 'But now people are watching who's participating  and who isn't.'

Today show stars Hoda Kotb, Craig Melvin, Carson Daly, Al Roker, Jenna Bush Hager and Sheinelle Jones have all been wearing the ribbons. But NBC Nightly News anchor Tom Llamas has, it seems, chosen not to.

'That didn't go unnoticed,' one insider said. 'When everyone else is wearing one, the absence becomes louder than the symbol.'

The co-hosts at NBC wore yellow ribbons and TODAY's Studio 1A was decorated with bouquets of yellow roses on February 18. Pictured: Carson Daly and Hoda Kotb

Savannah Guthrie's 84-year-old mother Nancy has been missing for nearly four weeks. There have been no arrests or suspects named in the hunt to find the grandmother

A yellow ribbon hangs from a lamppost in front of Nancy Guthrie's residence on February 21

Bosses are desperate to give off the impression of unwavering support for Savannah, especially after the knives were out for the star following her time off for vocal cord surgery last year.

But sources have urged caution over reading too much into the situation, claiming that not every wardrobe decision is political despite the optics - adding that there is not an 'enforcement' regarding the ribbons.

'In a moment like this, symbolism is everything,' another staffer says. 'If you're not visibly with the team, people start asking why.'

'No one is accusing anyone of lacking compassion,' a producer added. 'But in a high-profile newsroom built on image and unity, even small gestures can carry weight.

'The ribbons were meant to bring everyone together. Instead, they've exposed how closely people are watching.'

The controversy over the ribbons also comes as an editor at NBC has quietly been working on Nancy's obituary - a sign that, despite network-wide hopes for her safe return, practical decisions have to be made.

A source confirmed to the Daily Mail that bosses want the obit segment 'ready to go' in case of any 'heartbreaking' developments.

As the search for Nancy enters its fourth week, many have started speculating how long law enforcement will pour their efforts into the case.

As the Daily Mail previously reported, Savannah is considering never returning to the Today show as she grapples with her mother's disappearance.

But one insider said there is a question over when Savannah, and her husband who flew in to be with her last week, will choose to return to New York.

NBC Nightly News anchor Tom Llamas did not wear a ribbon on Friday

NBC Nightly News anchor Jose Diaz-Balart did not wear a ribbon on Saturday

Hoda Kotb is seen alongside Craig Melvin, Carson Daly and Al Roker, all wearing yellow ribbons on their lapels

'It's been several weeks now, and the children aren't with her, they aren't really any closer to knowing what happened to Nancy', the insider said.

'A lot of people are wondering when is the time for Savannah to head home, even if it isn't to return to work.

'She has a great support network, but everyone is worried about her. The light in her eyes was gone in the latest video she posted.'

For now, Savannah remains with her family members in Arizona as they navigate the ongoing investigation into Nancy's disappearance.

This follows news that genetic genealogy will be used to trace any DNA inside Nancy's home - with one expert confidently stating that 'he will be identified' with the new technology and that the suspect ought to be concerned 'right now.'

Savannah has not publicly commented on her future as an anchor, a position she has held since 2012.

Hoda Kotb returned to the show to fill Savannah's absence, but the network hasn't made any permanent moves to replace their long-time host - despite Kotb making noises that she wants take the helm.

The Daily Mail has reached out to NBC for comment.
CNN host Fareed Zakaria tore into New York and Los Angeles' Democrat leaders for 'promising more' while 'delivering less' affordability.

The Fareed Zakaria GPS star accused blue cities of being 'out of control' at the start of Sunday's show.

He pointed to New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdanis recently proposed 9.5 percent property tax increase as purported proof.

'New York is really a prime example of a problem Democrats seem unwilling to confront. Blue cities are out of control, promising more, spending more, delivering less, and pushing off the fiscal problems to some future day,' Zakaria said.

He then turned to LA, 'another one-party metropolis wrestling with affordability and disorder,' he maintained.

The city spent $950 million this fiscal year for its homelessness budget under Mayor Karen Bass, the anchor pointed out.

Such sums have become standard each year, he said, before reading out a series of statistics.

'The LA Homelessness services authority reported in 2023, homelessness was up 9 percent countywide and 10 percent in the city, and a 2024 AP account noted homelessness has surged 70 percent countywide since 2015, and 80 percent in the city.

CNN's Fareed Zakaria - the host of Fareed Zakaria GPS - accused blue cities of being 'out of control' on Sunday's show during an impassioned monologue about affordability

Zakaria said that spending in cities like Los Angeles has failed to address homelessness

'All this amid public frustration, despite billions spent,' Zakaria fumed.

'An audit reviewed 2.4 billion in city homelessness funding and found that officials could not reliably track where it went or what it achieved.'

He then honed in on Chicago, another city 'with a mayor [Democrat Brandon Johnson] whose approval rating is deep underwater, where the pension promises are so large that they will surely bankrupt the city at some point,' Zakaria said.

'What is the theory of good government here? If the answer is keep adding programs, the city will keep producing unaffordability because unaffordability is what happens when government becomes a machine that grows faster than the society it governs.'

'Focus on affordability, especially housing, but not by providing government subsidies.

'These only seem to have driven up the cost of rent as subsidies naturally do,' he added of cities like New York.

Rental assistance subsidies have spiked fivefold since 2020 in the Big Apple, from $263 million to $1.34 billion in 2025.

CNN flashed a graphic showing that increase as Zakaria spoke.

Fareed Zakaria: "Blue cities are out of control  promising more, spending more, delivering less." pic.twitter.com/Iv5jVwZO4Z  Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) February 22, 2026

The same holds true for cities like New York, according to Zakaria, who said politicians are dumping money into programs instead of making the streets safe

'For Democrats in city halls, there is a choice,' Zakaria said.

The host told such politicians to 'stop governing as if the goal is to announce new entitlements, and instead make government work.'

'Safer streets, functioning schools, predictable sanitation, and, above all, enough housing that the middle class can find places to live,' he listed

'New York City does not need more soaring rhetoric. It needs more homes.'

Days earlier, Mayor Mamdani told residents that the dire budget crisis could be solved in only two ways: a property tax hike or a rate increase for the wealthiest New Yorkers.

The mayor does not have the authority to raise property taxes without the city council's approval. Council Speaker Julie Menin said last week such a move was off-limits.

Governor Kathy Hochul similarly shut down Mayor Mamdani's proposed 2 percent hike on New Yorkers making more than $1 million annually.

The state of New York's income tax, meanwhile, is 10.9 percent for those making more than $25 million, the third-highest in the nation, behind California and Hawaii.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani last week said he was considering a 9.5 percent property tax hike on residents to help dig the city out of a budget crisis

'New York City does not need more soaring rhetoric. It needs more homes,' Zakaria said. Rental assistance subsidies spike fivefold since 2020 in the Big Apple, from $263 million to $1.34 billion in 2025

The combined rate for the highest earners in the city - 14.8 percent - tops the nation, with California a close second, at 13 percent.

New York City residents making more than $90,000 already pay an additional 3.876 percent on top of the state rate.

In contrast, California property tax rates are moderate to low, unlike its high income tax.
Robert De Niro broke down in tears during an interview with MS NOW's Nicolle Wallace about Donald Trump 'destroying' the United States.

The moment occurred toward the end of the roughly 45-minute sitdown, on Wallace's Best People podcast.

'Youre always about lifting up everybody around you everybody. Why is that?' Wallace asked.

'You have to- you have to lift people up', the actor replied, his voice heavy with emotion.

At this point, De Niro began holding back tears - to little avail.

'You have to bring them together,' De Niro said, now sniveling and completely overcome with emotion. 'You cant divide people. You cant win that way.'

The Raging Bull star then framed the country's current state as 'a no-win situation'.

'And look what we have, look who we have there, its almost like a destiny to have this this thing there, destroying- attempting to destroy this country and maybe not even understanding why,' he said.

'I want my country back,' the actor said at a point during a sit-down with MS NOW's Nicolle Wallace - before eventually down into tears

The conversation on Monday's edition of Wallace's podcast - The Best People with Nicolle Wallace - largely revolved around Donald Trump. Wallace is seen reacting to De Niro's tears here

'So its up to us to protect the country.

'That we love?' Wallace interrupted. The journalist could be seen looking on at the actor adoringly, waiting for his answer.

'Yes,' De Niro said, visibly on the verge of tears.

Wallace acknowledged, 'You werent supposed to make me cry' -her face with no sign of any tears.

'Its time for us whove taken this country for granted to stand up and get rid of this guy. When you talk about the stakes of the election, its clear, its plain, the evidence is before our eyes,' De Niro, 82, said at another point.

'I do see what were up against, and it makes me so angry. I dont see how we can ignore it. Theres no easy way around this. It takes a determination and knowing that you have no choice but to go forward. If you dont go forward, its over.'

'I want my country back,' the actor also said at a point.

Wallace ended the interview by asking De Niro whether he believed this was 'the moment' the US moves towards something 'better'.

'I don't know. All I know is people have to have to resist, resist, resist. There's no easy way,' De Niro said of how to deal with Trump

De Niro responded: 'I don't know. All I know is people have to have to resist, resist, resist. There's no easy way.

'Its not going to come to you easy,' he added.

'You better jump and run through the fire because if you dont run through the fire, youre not getting out and thats what we have to do.'

De Niro's comments came months after nationwide 'No Kings' protests rippled throughout the country late last year.

They also come not long after De Niro likened Homeland Security Advisor Stephen Miller to Adolf Hitler's chief propagandist Joseph Goebbels on MS NOW's The Weekend back in October.

He had been asked if he thinks Trump will graciously leave the White House when his term expires in 2028.

'No way,' he said. 'We see it all the time - he will not want to leave,' De Niro said.
Over 220,000 motorists in the UK have drink-driving endorsements on their licence with many soon potentially facing having to blow into a breathalyser each time they want to start their car's engine.

Analysis of driving license data by the RAC revealed that 217,757 have a 'DR10' endorsement and another 2,881 have 'DR20' offences on their current motoring record - taking the total to 220,638.

DR10 convictions are issued to those caught over the legal alcohol limit while a DR20 relates to those found to be unfit and impaired at the wheel due to alcohol, regardless of whether they were over the limit or not.

The motoring group's investigation comes just weeks after the Government announced plans to crackdown on drink driving as part of its overarching Road Safety Strategy.

The proposals include almost halving the existing drink-drive limit and mandating that all new motors can be fitted with in-car breathalysers - called 'alcolocks' - to tackle repeat offenders.

And the motoring group's investigation exposed there are plenty of people who don't learn their lesson when it comes to mixing alcohol and driving.

The RAC's freedom of information request to the DVLA found that 2,553 individuals have accrued three or more DR10 or DR20 endorsements since 2014.

Over 220,000 motorists in the UK have drink-driving endorsements on their licence. And more than 2,500 of these are persistent offenders, an investigation by the RAC has revealed

While around just 0.5 per cent of the nation's 42 million full licence holders have a drink-driving endorsement, the impact of being over the legal limit is having a profound impact on road casualties.

The latest DfT figures for 2023 show that around 260 people die in crashes on Britain's roads each year in instances where a driver is over the alcohol limit, which is 7 per cent higher than a decade earlier.

It means that around one in six road deaths still involves drink driving.

And despite magistrates handing out hefty punishments - including up to three months' imprisonment, a possible driving ban and fine up to 2,500 - the RAC says it is 'painfully clear' that licence disqualification alone is not preventing reoffending.

The RAC's freedom of information request to the DVLA found that 2,553 individuals have accrued three or more DR10 or DR20 endorsements since 2014

The number of road deaths involving at least one drink driver has fallen between 2022 and 2023, but fatalities are still higher than they were a decade ago

DfT data suggests that one in six (16%) road deaths in 2023 involved drink driving

DVLA records revealed several 'extreme cases' of repeat drink drivers.

One motorist amassed 10 separate DR10 convictions, another had eight, and a further 13 drivers incurred six convictions for being over the limit.

In total, 2,171 drivers accrued three DR10 endorsements, alongside 25 motorists with three DR20 offences.

Over 26,819 licence holders had at least two of these offences between 2014 and 2025 with all endorsements of this type remaining on a driver's record for 11 years.

Could 'alcolocks' be on the way?

The RAC says the investigation findings 'demonstrate the challenge of preventing reoffending among a minority of persistent offenders'.

Rod Dennis, the motoring organisation's road safety spokesman says the only solution is to install alcolocks to vehicles, which are fitted to the car's ignition system to prevent the engine starting if the driver is over the legal limit.

Car brands, under EU rules, must provide the facility for alcolocks to be fitted in their latest vehicles, with manufacturers including Seat exploring the technology for years.

The Government's Road Safety Strategy also calls for all new models entering Britain's roads to have the hardware to allow for these devices to be installed.

This is part of a wave of measures aimed to reduce road deaths and serious injuries by 65 per cent by 2035.

Alcolocks are used in Finland, Belgium, New Zealand, Australia, Canada and many parts of the US to tackle the issue of repeat drink-driving offenders

Plans would include a mandatory court order for persistent offenders to have breathalysers wired into their vehicles.

The gadgets, alongside slashing the drink drive limit from 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100ml of breath to 22 micrograms per 100ml of breath - in-line with Scotland's lower limits introduced in 2014 - Dennis says 'could play a vital role in stopping persistent offenders putting lives at risk'.

He added: 'Public support is already strong, with RAC data showing 82 per cent of drivers back the introduction of alcolocks to prevent drink-driving.

'When one instance can kill, 10 occurrences on the same licence is a truly grim Groundhog Day that must be prevented. Surely as a society we cant afford not to be using alcolocks.'

Seat is among the car manufacturers that has already showcased how alcolocks can be installed in new models

A spokesperson for the Lock Out DrinkDriving Campaign launched in December, said the RAC's investigation findings 'should be a wakeup call for road safety in Great Britain'.

They said: 'To see more than 18,000 people convicted of multiple drinkdriving offences  some with as many as six convictions  is completely unacceptable. It is clear that current measures are failing to break the cycle of reoffending.

'We welcome the Governments interest in alcolocks in the new Road Safety Strategy, but this data shows decisive action is needed now. A mandatory alcolock programme for highrisk and repeat offenders would prevent further avoidable tragedies on our roads.'

Alcohol interlocks are already widely used in EU countries, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the US, with studies demonstrating reductions in reoffending of up to 70 per cent once the devices are fitted.

A recent Dutch study also found that drivers who had the devices installed remain less likely to reoffend even once they were removed.

A Department for Transport spokesperson told us: 'For nearly 60 years our drinkdrive limit has remained unchanged while other countries have acted, and we are determined to change that.

'Through our new Road Safety Strategy, we are consulting on lower limits and tougher measures to tackle repeat offending, including the potential use of alcohol interlocks.'

The Government's Road Safety Strategy consultation closes on 31 March.
The owner of MoneySupermarket Group sought to calm investor nerves over the impact of AI as it battled 'significant' headwinds in its insurance division.

Mony Group reported 'record' half-year revenue of 446million, a 2 per cent increase on the previous year, as more customers switched energy suppliers to save on their bills.

But it flagged softer conditions in car and home insurance, with reduced switching volumes, offset by growth in life insurance.

Revenue in the division fell 1 per cent to 232.5million as customer numbers fell by 1.1million to 12.7million 'driven by the expected mix out of car insurance enquiries with market contraction'.

Mony Group has suffered a selloff in recent weeks, following the launch of a new AI tool which allows customers to access car insurance deals based on their location, driving history and age.

Mony Group flagged softer conditions in the home and car insurance market after an AI related selloff in recent weeks

Shares in the group fell as much as 13 per cent and are down over 15 per cent in the year-to-date.

Chief executive Peter Duffy sought to calm nerves over the impact of AI on the firm in an update this morning.

He said: 'Our leading data and tech architecture, combined with the power of our brands has positioned us exceptionally well to harness the opportunity of AI, and is powering our momentum as we head into 2026.

'This is a business with energy, resilience and momentum that is well placed for continued growth'

It also said AI had helped the business to run a 'leaner, faster and more innovative organisation'.

Investors seemed convinced, with shares rising 1.31 per cent to 154.91p at the open.

Last week, MoneySupermarket, which is advertised by Judi Dench, launched an app for ChatGPT, which it said would position it early 'in an LLM-driven ecosystem.'

Elsewhere, the London-listed firm said revenue from its travel business fell 22 per cent during the second half of the year, as it moved to a minority shareholding in Ice Travel Group.

Cashback revenue also fell 18 per cent amid 'subdued' consumer confidence, which was offset by a 33 per cent jump in home services, which includes energy switching.

Mony Group announced a 25million buyback and a final dividend of 9.3p, making the full year proposed dividend 12.63p per share.

Mark Crouch, market analyst for eToro, says: 'MONY Group's latest results are the kind that leave investors conflicted, solid fundamentals on one hand, but persistent cracks in sentiment on the other.

'Management's decision to announce a further 25m buyback alongside a slightly higher dividend is clearly an attempt to shore up confidence.

'And while strategic moves like expanding SuperSaveClub and the OpenAI partnership are interesting, right now the market is looking for evidence that these will drive tangible growth, not just promise it.'
Optima Health has made its boldest move since floating on AIM little more than 16 months ago, agreeing to pay 100 million for PAM Healthcare to create what it thinks will become the clear leader in the UK's fast-growing occupational health market.

The deal, announced last Monday, is transformational in the truest sense of the word. Revenues, anticipated to be around 123 million for the current year, will grow to 204 million in 2027, with the addition of PAM, according to analysts at RBC Capital.

In the process, Optima's market share grows from 10 to 15 per cent in a sector valued at around 1.6 billion. More importantly, it removes one of the four serious competitors in a fragmented market where scale matters enormously.

The strategic logic here is hard to argue with. PAM, backed by private equity firm LDC since 2021, is one of four outsourced occupational health providers of any real size in the UK.

The others are Health Partners Group, which was acquired by US giant Warburg Pincus last July, and Medigold, which counts BGF as a significant investor. Had either of those rival-backed outfits won this process, Optima's ambitions would have been severely curtailed.

Optima Health's acquisition shows it thinks it can be the leader in occupational health

Chief executive Jonathan Thomas, who has overseen 15 acquisitions during his career building occupational health businesses, has clearly moved decisively. Winning the competitive process matters for reasons beyond the obvious financial accretion.

In addition to providing strong strategic positioning for Optima, the acquisition is important defensively, making it more difficult for peers to gain comparable market share, said Panmure Liberum in a note.

PAM is a good business. Founded in Warrington in 2004, it has grown revenues at a compound rate of nearly 16 per cent over three years, reaching 66.6 million in the year to December 2025.

It employs more than 450 clinicians across occupational health, physiotherapy, mental health and, crucially, neurodiversity assessment services, which represent one of the fastest-growing corners of the market.

More than 90 per cent of its 2026 revenues are already underpinned by existing contracts, with an average contract length among its top 10 customers of 7.8 years, analysts at RBC Capital noted. In other words, this is sticky, visible income.

The two businesses are strikingly similar. Both operate a hybrid model delivering services in person and virtually. Both work across public and private sectors in roughly equal measure.

PAM has historically competed directly against Optima in tender processes, so combining them reduces churn and creates a war chest for winning contracts from everyone else, analysts at Panmure noted. PAM also brings new geographic coverage, notably in northern Scotland and Ireland, and deepens Optima's oil industry exposure, the broker added.

The price paid looks reasonable. At 12.2 times PAM's 2025 adjusted EBITDA of 8.2 million, it is in line with comparable occupational health deals. Adjust for the first year of expected synergies and the multiple falls to around 9.6 times, slightly below where Optima itself currently trades.

Synergies of up to 5 million per year are targeted by year three, sourced from management duplication, property rationalisation where the networks overlap, central functions and technology.

Analysts at three brokers covering Optima think this is achievable given the similarity of the two operations, though they note the timing will be lumpy. Even excluding synergies entirely, RBC expects the acquisition to be earnings accretive by the third year.

The financing is more complex. Optima has drawn 70 million from existing banking partners HSBC and Barclays, with a three-year term and extension options. Lord Ashcroft, Optima's largest shareholder with a stake above 24.6 per cent, has provided a 30 million interest-free bridge loan through his Deacon Street Partners vehicle, to be repaid through a 35 million open offer at 175p per share, an 18 per cent discount to where the shares were trading before the announcement. Ashcroft has underwritten the open offer in full.

That related-party element has attracted some attention, and understandably so. But the practical effect is that the deal got done quickly and without the execution risk of a traditional equity placing. The bridge is interest-free for three months, giving plenty of runway for completion once Irish foreign direct investment clearance arrives, expected within 90 days.

Near-term leverage will be around 2.7 times EBITDA, which is manageable, says RBC, given the combined group's cash generation. Optima converts more than 70 per cent of earnings to cash and expects rapid deleveraging towards one times within three years.

Analysts value the business at between 240p and 271p a share, which is a significant premium to the current price, which is hovering around 184p. That said, we still have the small matter of the equity fundraiser to negotiate before this discount narrows.

For all the market's breaking mid- and small-cap news, go to www.proactiveinvestors.co.uk
There is no more significant company for UK manufacturing and productivity than aerospace and turbine engineer Rolls-Royce.

When it unveils full-year results this week, investors  rewarded by a 117 per cent jump in the share price over the past year and a tenfold surge over five years  will be looking at the scale of payouts.

Free cash flow is strong, and the hope is for a bigger distribution, through buybacks and dividends, than last year when Rolls returned 1.2billion to investors.

Rolls-Royce is a slow burn, but funds invested in R&D and new technology now should produce extraordinary returns in the 2030s.

Every 1 that the Government contributes to the groups R&D spend results in a 33 of gross added value, new wealth, for the British economy.

Labour finally came through with support for Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), although the hoops through which the company had to jump were daft.

Sky's the limit: Rolls-Royce's latest UltraFan 30 engine could be worth 100bn in sales and could create 40,000 skilled jobs in Britain lifting engineering out of the doldrums

As Rolls-Royce waited for the green light, rivals such as NuScale Power and GE Hitachi caught up in design and technology.

The big opportunity for UK aerospace is a return of the aero-engine maker to the vast market for narrow body jets, estimated to be worth 1.2 trillion.

A Rolls comeback in this market, using its demonstrator UltraFan engine, could be worth 100billion in sales creating 40,000 skilled jobs in Britain lifting engineering out of the doldrums.

The cost of investment in the project is put at 3billion. Rolls chief executive Tufan Erginbilgic has made progress in lining up collaborations, with American engine group Pratt & Whitney, owned by defence giant RTX (the former Raytheon), seen as a likely partner.

Germany, seeking to bolster manufacturing in the face of the struggles of its motor industry, could be ready to invest.

The Government looks to be a stumbling block. Rolls-Royce is looking for up to 200million of government R&D support for the project.

Talks with the Department for Business and Trade are ongoing. Money is there and the Treasury, with its growth agenda, is thought to be on board.

There are bureaucratic obstacles. Whitehall is concerned not to be seen backing winners at the expense of other technologies such as fusion.

There are also fears that Britain should not be seen to be favouring Rolls-Royce over other aerospace concerns, such as Airbus, with interests in the UK. If all this sounds familiar, it is. Getting SMRs off the drawing board was a massive effort.

LABOUR, faced with the opportunity of backing new vaccine investment in Liverpool for AstraZeneca, declined with disastrous consequences.

Most of the pharma groups new investment moved to the US and China, with UK research facilities benefiting from the crumbs off the table.

On the Labour benches, supporting Rolls-Royce at a time when it is returning funds to shareholders will be seen as anathema.

Governments across the globe, including the US, sit alongside aerospace companies on R&D. If Labour fails to come forward, they will put the prospects of our leading-edge engineering group at risk.

Rolls-Royce contributed 7.4billion to UK GDP in 2024, with an estimated 4.4billion in productivity uplifts from R&D spillovers.

Trade minister Peter Kyle and his Whitehall ditherers must wake up and smell the coffee.

Predators ball

Franklin D Roosevelts choice of Joseph P Kennedy, a notorious short seller, as the first head of the Securities & Exchange Commission was seen as a masterstroke. It placed the fox inside the chicken coop.

The same might be said of Peter Kyles decision to select Douglas Gurr, after a years probation, as permanent chairman of the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), accompanied by much waffle about growing the economy.

There will, however, be relief among the private equity barons and tech giants at the choice of the former boss of tax-light Amazon UK at the wheel.

In Gurrs first year in the CMA job, on an interim basis, all 36 deals were waved through without scrutiny.

That is the first time since 2017. Gurrs selection signals an open season for overseas predators eyeing up UK crown jewels.
Nearly 6,000 entrepreneurs fled the UK in the past two years  with the tech sector leading the way  in a blow to Keir Starmers AI superpower ambitions.

Many headed for destinations such as Dubai as they escaped Labours punishing tax regime, according to analysis from wealth manager Rathbones.

It comes amid complaints that changes to Capital Gains Tax, the mansion tax on properties worth more than 2million, Inheritance Tax changes and VAT on private schools are all piling pressure on wealth creators.

The figures showed that 5,940 business owners left the UK between January 2024 and January 2026. The analysis showed that 10 per cent of those leaving were from the software sector, more than three times higher than the next most affected, property development.

The United Arab Emirates  which includes Dubai and Abu Dhabi  as well as Spain and the US were among popular destinations for business owners.

Michelle White, head of Rathbones private client office, said: We are talking to more individuals and families  particularly younger business owners  considering relocation.
Shares in Novo Nordisk slumped by more than 16 per cent yesterday  meaning it has lost all of the gains brought by the launch of its blockbuster weight-loss drug Wegovy.

The fat-jab makers stock rose fourfold between June 2021 and June 2024 as Wegovy transformed the Danish group into Europes most valuable drugmaker with a value of 480billion.

But the shares are back at June 2021 levels, having crashed down to earth  shedding 350billion of value in the process.

The latest sell-off came after Novo said its next-generation obesity drug CagriSema had underperformed arch-rival Eli Lillys Zepbound in a head-to-head trial.

Lilly shares rose almost 5 per cent.

US giant Eli Lilly sells Zepbound as Mounjaro in Europe and has stolen a march on Novo in the battle for dominance in the booming weight-loss drugs market.

Shedding pounds: Shares in fat jab maker Novo Nordisk slumped by more than 16% as it struggles to keep pace with US rival Lilly

The results of the trial leave Novo struggling to fight back against Eli Lilly amid fierce competition.

Investors said CagriSema was seen as a powerful contender to Zepbound.

Markus Manns, a fund manager at Union Investment, which holds stakes in both Novo and Eli Lilly, said these results leave the Danish company facing an uphill battle with the drug.

He said: This is a worst-case scenario for Novo, now it is clinically proven that Mounjaro is better than CagriSema.

'The base case was that Mounjaro and CagriSema are similar. Nobody had on the agenda that Cagri would be worse than Mounjaro.
Several families say their dream of beachside living quickly soured after a Sydney apartment block left them dealing with persistent bedbug infestations.

Former tenants of two apartments at 2-4 Kidman Street in Coogee claim they experienced recurring infestations between 2019 and 2023, describing sleepless nights, anxiety, and thousands of dollars' worth of belongings thrown away in desperate attempts to escape the pests.

One mother, who lived in Unit 4 for around 18 months between February 2019 and October 2020, said the ordeal began when unexplained bites started appearing on her newborn daughter's legs.

'We started to get bites really badly about August 2020 - I think we'd been in a newborn bubble and hadn't seen them,' she said.

'And then one night we saw them on the bed and my partner woke up and he was completely covered in them.'

The parents said they struggled to sleep following the incident and felt too embarrassed to raise the issue with fellow tenants.

'You just knew that if you were going to lie down, there'd be one,' she said.

'There's a shame about it because we thought we'd brought it into the apartment, as no one else was talking about it.

2-4 Kidman Street, Coogee includes 10 one-and-two bedroom units, two of which are currently being marketed as short-stay accommodation

The Daily Mail has spoken to three families who lived in the building between 2019 and 2023, who all say they told the real estate agencies about the bedbugs problem (stock image)

'We then heard from our neighbour that they'd experienced bedbugs before and they'd had to pull up the floors and rip out the walls.'

The woman said she contacted Century 21 Real Estate Bondi Junction to report the bedbugs but received what she described as a 'very blase' response.

The family ultimately broke their lease and left the city.

'It forced us to leave Sydney, it scarred us, we loved Coogee, we loved living there, all of our support networks were there, but it basically drove us out,' she said.

'For two months, we'd been putting our things into black bags, spraying them and then leaving them out in the sun as we heard that worked. But we had to throw everything out.'

But the trauma followed them in their new rental.

'There was a few bush bugs there and I was so frantic about them,' the mum said.

'I was so traumatised about [the idea] of them coming with us and just not being able to shake them. They're so hard to get rid of.

The couple's little girl started to get bitten on her legs by the bed bugs

The young family were living in unit 4 inside the apartment block but believe the bugs spread

'I'm a very energetic, extroverted person but I started to become an introvert.

'I didn't want to see people, I got really paranoid about touching things, spraying suitcases if we'd been anywhere, not sitting on train seats... you spend your whole life being consumed by it.'

Century 21 Real Estate Bondi Junction, which previously managed Unit 4, said that it reported the issue to strata and the landlord immediately after being notified and arranged pest control treatments.

'Bedbugs were reported to us by one tenant in the property,' the agency said.

'This unit was given the all clear by pest control and the strata company.

'Then another set of tenants moved in and reported bedbugs - again the strata and landlord sent pest control straight away, but the tenants elected to move out. This was by mutual agreement and the landlord returned all their rent back in 2022.

'We believe that the owner of the unit then went on to sell it later.

'As far as our agency was involved, we did all that could be done and this has been proven with evidence at all levels. Unfortunately, bedbugs are quite a common occurrence in East Sydney.'

Another tenant initially passed the bedbug marks off as eczema, which she suffers from, however the bites (pictured) continued to appear

She began experiencing bites on her legs too, however her partner wasn't bitten

Several other former tenants of Unit 4, who wished to remain anonymous, also told Daily Mail Australia they notified property managers about bedbug concerns during their tenancies.

One of the tenants said the ordeal has cost them their ability to enjoy life after experiencing 'severe paranoia, panic and helplessness' from the time they spent living inside one of the units.

Another couple who later rented Unit 5 through McGrath Coogee said they initially mistook bite marks for eczema before discovering what they described as a severe infestation.

'The itching would get really bad at night,' the woman said.

'I woke up one night, turned on my torch and saw a little bug on me. Then I lifted the sheet and there were about six bugs.

'My partner and I lifted the mattress up and there was bedbugs everywhere. It was absolutely horrific.

'Because we were aware of what was happening, we started to see bugs coming up from the drains... they were disgusting.'

They claim a McGrath Coogee agent told them they were not aware of the issue and engaged a pest control company.

The couple then managed to discover who the previous tenant was and contacted them to see if they'd had a similar experience.

This tenant confirmed they had told the same McGrath Coogee agent about the bedbugs issue and later moved out of the unit.

'He told me the agent played dumb. They were living in the apartment right before we moved in and that's why they moved out. He had emails to show the agent knew exactly what was going on,' the woman said.

The pair said an exterminator told them the building was 'crawling' with bedbugs, prompting them to end their lease early.

Coyle & Everett Pty Ltd, the strata company responsible for the building, said it ensures accredited pest management experts attend whenever infestations are reported within the scope of its responsibilities.

'If any pest infestation or issue becomes known to us we have always diligently ensured specialist accredited pest management experts attend,' the company said.
As protesters spilled onto the streets of Melbourne last week to rally against Israeli president Isaac Herzog's visit to Australia, Daily Mail can reveal that some there couldn't give a toss.

They were being paid.

An Airtasker ad pledged to pay people $100 a pop to turn up at Flinders St Station and protest against the Israeli president and his country's ongoing war in Gaza.

'Israel's genocidal PM is coming to Melbourne and our government is rolling out the red carpet for him,' the ad stated.

'There will be protests in every capital city tomorrow evening. The Melbourne protest starts at 5.30pm at Flinders St Station.'

The 'recruiter' claimed she was too unwell to attend the protest, and needed five people to make up for her loss.

'Can all be separate individuals, doesn't need to be an established group,' the ad read.

Job applicants were told they needed to stay at the protest for 'at least an hour'.

Protesters flocked to Flinders St Station to protest against Israeli president Isaac Herzog's visit Down Under. (It is not suggested anyone pictured was a paid protester)

'And preferably make a sign to hold up,' the ad stated.

Those who took up the job opportunity were advised they would only be paid after they provided three photos at the beginning, middle, and end of their time at the march.

'This is a peaceful demonstration and you must act peacefully,' they were told.

The ad, which initially carried images of the recruiter, appeared on a Facebook page titled 'Melbourne Name and Shame', where angry Melburnians unleashed.

'Just proves the whole "paid protesters" thing. Hence why they don't care about the Iranian protester deaths coz there's no money in that,' one person commented.

But while many expressed rage at the post, some bombarded the page with allegations the ad was digital trickery - an allegation strongly refuted by the page administrators.

Daily Mail contacted Airtasker for comment, but its media advisers refused to provide a response.

Under its own policy guidelines, it states: 'You must not use the Airtasker Platform for any illegal or immoral purpose.'

A protester carries a placard carrying a controversial phrase condemned by the Jewish community as a call for violence (It is not suggested anyone pictured was a paid protester)

The offending Airtasker advertisement appeared on social media

An image suggested some were interested in taking up the job opportunity

The company also states it takes a 'connection fee' when a customer accepts a Tasker's offer.

Images posted online suggest two ads for protesters appeared on the Airtasker app, with four offers made to take on the jobs.

Doubters flooded the Facebook post with claims the ad was a fake.

'Despite the high-profile nature of the protests on February 9, 2026, no major news outlets or independent fact-checkers reported on "paid protesters" via Airtasker,' one person argued.

'Airtasker has strict policies against using the platform for illegal activities or artificially manipulating public events. Listings that violate these terms are typically removed quickly by moderators.'

More than 5,000 people flooded the streets of Melbourne for the protest.

The crowd gathered outside Flinders St Station in the heart of the city and waved placards with anti-Israel slogans and chanted 'intifada Palestine', a controversial phrase condemned by the Jewish community as a call for violence.

As the protesters marched through the CBD, Herzog boarded a plane back to Israel following a visit already marred by wild protests in Sydney.

Protesters gathered outside Flinders St Station in Melbourne

Victoria Police officers stood back and let the peaceful protest play out

The 65-year-old undertook the brief three-day tour at the invitation of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to provide comfort to the Jewish community following the Bondi terror attack.

Victoria Police confirmed there was one person charged in Melbourne as the simmering protest managed to avoid boiling over.
A callous romance fraudster who paid for his horse's upkeep with thousands of pounds he scammed from a kind-hearted victim has been warned by a judge he could be jailed.

Adam Mowle, 34 - whose Facebook page features several pictures of him riding and showjumping  posed as a woman called Jenna Smith on a dating app.

'Jenna' was contacted by a man who was convinced that he was becoming involved in what would be 'a long-term relationship' with his dream woman.

Greedy Mowle reeled him in and persuaded him to transfer over 9,165, saying that 'Jenna' needed to borrow it due to illness in the family and financial difficulties.

When the man eventually realised he had been conned, he started gambling in a desperate bid to recoup his loss and ended up another 93,000 out of pocket.

Mowle, of Harwich, Essex, admitted acquiring criminal property by fraud when he appeared at Ipswich Crown Court last week.

His sentencing was adjourned until March 18 by District Judge Matthew Bone, who warned him that jail was one of the options he was considering.

The judge noted there had been multiple payments from other sources coming into Mowle's bank account, including some referencing 'Jenna'.

Adam Mowle, 34, set up a fake account on a dating app in which he pretended to be a woman named Jenna Smith

This suggested that Mowle had duped other men into transferring cash to his fake online persona but none of the other suspected victims wanted to make an official complaint about being duped.

Lee Nunn, a senior officer at Suffolk Trading Standards, revealed the suspicious amounts received by Mowle amounted to a 'five-figure' sum overall.

The court was told on Tuesday that Mowle had spent the proceeds of his crime on his horse and general living expenses.

His victim, who didn't want to be named, said: 'In January 2019, I "matched" with a female called Jenna Leigh Smith on a dating app and, as our relationship developed, I genuinely thought that this was the start of a long-term relationship.

'I felt genuine sorrow for the problems Jenna told me she was having that included her father having cancer and her own serious health issues.

'Jenna told me that she was struggling financially. I felt confident I could lend her money to assist her in the short term and she would pay me back.

'It was not until I suspected Jenna was lying to me that I realised I had paid 9,135 into an account that I thought at the time was owned by Jenna.

'The personal impact that the relationship with Jenna and losing nearly 10,000 has had on my life is significant and has destroyed my mental health.

Mowle, of Harwich, Essex, admitted acquiring criminal property by fraud when he appeared at Ipswich Crown Court

'I felt the need to gamble to try and get something back. This has led to me losing 93,000 to try and recoup the money I paid into Mowle's bank account, going into a deep state of depression and having to seek help via medication and counselling.

'The situation was so bleak that I seriously considered taking my own life.

'This crime has cost me any chance of having a relationship due to my lack of trust and has led to spiralling depression. That then led to gambling that has further ruined my life and future.'

Mr Nunn paid tribute to the victim for coming forward, saying the prosecution was only possible due to his 'courage and determination'.

Mowle used his 'detailed knowledge of the victim's local area to build trust' and had shown 'complete disregard for his emotional and financial wellbeing', he said.

Graham Crisp, head of Suffolk Trading Standards, said after the hearing: 'Mowle has repeatedly shown no regard for his victim.'

Councillor Steve Wiles, Suffolk County Council's cabinet member for public health and public protection, added: 'Romance fraud is a cruel crime which causes serious financial and emotional harm to its victims.

'I would ask anyone in an online relationship to be suspicious of any requests for money from someone you have not met in person.

Mowle's victim handed over more than 9,000 then lost another 93,000 gambling in a desperate attempt to win back his losses when he learned he had been duped

Other potential victims were thought to have been paying money to 'Jenna Smith', Suffolk Trading Standards said, but they 'felt unable to come forward to support the investigation'

'Speak to friends and family to get advice. Stop and think - is this person who they say they are?'

A 2024 survey by Barclays found reports of romance scams had surged by 139 per cent between March to April and May to June that year.

Men reported the majority of romance scams to the bank, while women typically lost the most money.

On average, female victims handed over 8,900, while men gave around 3,500.

Kirsty Adams, a fraud and scams expert at Barclays, said at the time: 'It may be surprising to see that men more often fall victim to romance scams, as stereotypes have often incorrectly painted women as more susceptible.

'This is backed by our additional research, which shows that men are generally more willing than women to transfer money to people they have recently started dating, even if they are yet to meet in person.'
A wealthy French couple who decked out their 2.5million home with colourful metre-high planters have been ordered to tear them down after a bitter planning spat with 'hostile' neighbours.

When Nicolas Joseph and his wife Stephanie revamped the roof terrace of their four-bedroom family home in an exclusive Notting Hill mews, it reignited a years-long feud that began with the previous owner, controversial trans barrister Lady Samantha Kane.

There followed an acrimonious residents' campaign against their plans, and a war of words that spilled into an altercation on the street, neighbours said.

After purchasing the house in 2022, the Josephs first increased the height of the rear wall of the terrace, accessible through a window hatch, and later installed a ring of aluminium plant boxes around the perimeter.

But some among the well-heeled neighbours claimed the towering containers created a 'barricade' and blocked light to the houses behind.

Officials at Kensington and Chelsea council agreed and launched enforcement action last August, claiming the planters had been installed without planning permission.

The couple insisted the containers - filled with a mix of real and artificial blooms - caused no harm and, in fact, improved privacy for their neighbours.

They told the Daily Mail the situation had been 'exacerbated by a small number of hostile neighbours, whose complaints appear to have influenced the decision to pursue enforcement action'.

Tall planters on top of the 2.5million home in Notting Hill have been ordered to be removed following a bitter neighbourhood dispute

Stephanie Joseph, who owns the house with her husband, blamed the enforcement action on 'hostile neighbours'

The dispute is said to have begun with Lady Samantha Kane, believed to be the only person in the UK to have changed gender three times, who lived at the house previously

At the centre of the row is this roof terrace, which is now encircled by aluminium plant boxes

When the Daily Mail visited the affluent enclave, it emerged that the feud had been rumbling for years, and all began when Lady Kane, thought to be the only person in Britain to have changed gender three times, turned the flat roof into a terrace.

Ms Kane, who was born male, had surgery in 1997 to become Samantha, before reversing the procedure and adopting the identity Charles Kane in 2004.

She later sold the property to the Josephs for 2.2million in 2022, and now styles herself Lady Samantha Carbisdale after purchasing a 5million Scottish castle.

One neighbour, who asked not to be named, claimed tensions on the lane first flared years ago under her ownership.

'The whole thing has been terrible, it's been appalling to be honest,' they said.

'It's been going on for years and years, and all started with Samantha Kane, who was Charles Kane at the time.

'Charles turned the flat roof into a terrace, which meant people started gathering on it. They could look straight into my daughter's bedroom, who was five at the time.'

It was claimed the roof was initially transformed into a terrace space without planning permission. Documents show a lawful development certificate - usually issued after the change of use - was granted in 2018, suggesting that may be correct.

The neighbour continued: 'The Josephs moved in a few years ago and applied to increase the height of the wall around the terrace, and there was a big effort among residents to get the council to block it.

'Around ten people turned up to a meeting about it, and there were about 20 complaints in the comments online.

'It actually spilled over into an altercation on the street - they confronted people in the road to say "Why are you trying to wreck our plans?".

'And then with these pots, I think they have just been trying their luck to be honest. I'm glad they have to take them down - they're very intrusive, and create even more of a barricade on top of the wall.

'It's been a nightmare.'

It was eventually ruled that the planters fell foul of planners, and were described by the independent Planning Inspectorate as 'stark' and 'prominent'.

Join the debate Do YOU think the council's ruling was too harsh?

The street was part of an historic slum, called the 'Potteries and Piggeries', but the area is now one of London's most fashionable

This is how the front of the house currently looks, with the planters that must now be torn down

Planning inspector Jason Whitfield ruled the tubs had created 'a substantial increase in the height of solid expanse of built form'.

He said their 'stark appearance, black colouring and solid design' caused harm to neighbours' outlook, concluding: 'In my view, the planters have resulted in an increase in massing that they have a harmful impact on the outlook of neighbouring properties.'

The Josephs have three months to remove the structures from the day the appeal was dismissed, February 11.

Their street, which in the 19th century lay in the heart of a notorious slum known as the 'Potteries and the Piggeries', now lies in one of the capital's most fashionable neighbourhoods.

It falls within the heavily-protected Norland Conservation Area, one of west London's most desirable areas, which means residents are often prohibited from making even modest changes to their properties.

Other residents on the historic street had mixed views on the planters - with some condemning the council for the 'harsh' enforcement action.

One local said: 'I think the planters are totally fine, and it's completely outrageous the council has told them to remove them.

'We need more green on our street.'

Another neighbour over the road added: 'In general, I support the council and bureaucracy, but it seems harsh to make them take the pots down.

'I really don't have any strong opinions on the pots themselves but I wouldn't call them intrusive.'

But others backed the council crackdown.

One said: 'This street was part of an historic slum, it's quite famous.

'So I think the council is right to preserve the buildings here the way they are. You can't just let people do what they want.

'If the pots are bad for the building, then that would be very serious - or if they are dangerous for people walking past.'

Another added: 'This is a close community and I think it's important to maintain the character of the street.'

In a nuanced ruling, the planning inspectorate found the planters did not harm the character or appearance of the area, nor cause a 'harmful loss of privacy' to neighbouring residents.

But Mr Whitfield concluded that, while there was no significant impact in terms of overlooking, there was 'significant harm arising to the living conditions of neighbouring properties with regard to outlook'.

The Josephs said that when they bought the house for their family home, they 'never imagined that having a lawful roof terrace would mean so much trouble'.

They said: 'We replaced our original approved planters with uniform, more discreet ones to create a neater and more harmonious appearance.

'We worked constructively with the council throughout, responding promptly and making the requested changes.

'Unfortunately, the situation has been exacerbated by a small number of hostile neighbours, whose complaints appear to have influenced the decision to pursue enforcement action.

'Our roof terrace is lawful, and there are multiple other roof terraces along the same street.

'In this context, enforcement action against our property is clearly disproportionate and excessive.'

Lady Samantha Kane told the Daily Mail: 'The new owners purchased the property from me as seen, and I have no knowledge of any subsequent development or planning decisions.'
Popular home delivery meal kit firms are cashing in on lazy home cooks by charging nearly 240 per cent more than the ingredients cost in the shops.

Recipe subscription companies, such as Gousto, Hello Fresh and Mindful Chef, deliver food boxes directly to the doors of diners, saving them a trip to the supermarket.

But when the Daily Mail checked how much it would cost to make some of the meals ourselves, we found firms were charging up to 9.78 per portion for ingredients that, in reality, can cost as little as 2.90.

That's an increase of a staggering 237 per cent.

A standard box containing three recipes for six meals, split between two people, costs 50.64 through Mindful Chef, while the ingredients bought individually can be purchased for just 15.24.

A Gousto alternative is priced at 32.25, while the supermarket cost is only 11.24.

While the same sized box from Hello Fresh is priced at 32.99 - before any delivery charges are added - an increase of 164 per cent on the 12.51 it would cost to buy the goods direct.

As part of the experiment, the Daily Mail priced up ingredients for a selection of recipes in each of meal kit boxes.

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The Hello Fresh meal kit analysed cost 164 per cent more than if buying the ingredients direct from Aldi or Tesco

Mindful Chef boxes for six meals cost more than 55 eventhough the individual ingredients can be purchased at a supermarket for under 16, our experiment found

Mindful Chef's smoked haddock kedgeree, with green beans and soft boiled egg came in at 9.78 per portion via the subscription, while the cost of the exact ingredients if bought from Aldi was just 2.90 per meal.

Similarly, their Spanish-style pork steaks with red pepper butter beans and parsley drizzle cost 8.78 each from the home delivery firm, but just 2.08 from the supermarket.

The Gousto recipes included sweet and sour chicken with rice, which cost 5.37 per portion from the box, while the ingredients could be purchased for as little as 2.10 a meal.

Their creamy spaghetti carbonara had an even bigger mark up, with the ingredients costing as little as 1.56, compared to the box price of 5.37.

Similarly, teriyaki pork stir fry from the Hello Fresh box came in at 5.49 per meal, while the Daily Mail sourced ingredients from either Aldi or Tesco for the recipe for just 1.56.

All meal subscription services market themselves as offering value through convenience, reducing food waste and saving time on planning and shopping.

They also use generous introductory discounts to woo customers, but experts say the long-term cost can soon add up once these cut price deals fall away.

People who buy meal kits are also less likely to bulk buy cupboard staples, such as rice, pasta and dried or tinned goods, making them cheaper in the long run.

'There's a heavy price for convenience,' consumer expert Martyn James said. 'Most people don't really how much they are paying in hidden fees for subscription food services.

'If you're too busy to regularly visit the supermarket but want to eat well or more healthily, then these services may seem like the ideal choice.

'But as this research shows, when you price up the contents of the box, you're often paying way over the odds for goods that could be much cheaper.

A spokesman for Gousto disputed claims their meal kits were far more expensive, saying shoppers tended to have less waste by having exact portions delivered to their door

'People should give their wallets a workout instead, by thumbing through a recipe book or finding the best online delivery deals with the supermarkets or local shops.'

A spokesman for Gousto disputed that their meal kits were more expensive for shoppers.

'Gousto makes it easier for households to cook from scratch without the time and effort of a traditional supermarket shop,' he said.

'Because supermarkets don't sell ingredients in recipe-sized portions, shoppers are forced to buy larger quantities than required, driving up costs and food waste.

'When you add up the true cost of buying all 33 ingredients needed for these three recipes, the supermarket shop comes out around 20 per cent more expensive, with much of the excess likely to go unused.

'Precise portioning also helps reduce food waste and associated carbon emissions, delivering benefits for households and the planet.'

A spokesman for Mindful Chef said their boxes only used 'responsibly sourced' British meat and their ingredients typically delivered 51 per cent less food waste than supermarket equivalents.

'Comparing the cost of supermarket ingredients alone isn't a like-for-like assessment and doesn't capture the full value that a Mindful Chef recipe box provides,' he said.

'Our pricing reflects responsibly sourced British meat and fish, high animal-welfare standards, and fair pay for the farmers and independent suppliers we work with.'

Hello Fresh were contacted for comment.
A woman who had a large part of her stomach removed after a negligent GP failed to see her in person spoke of her 'rage' at seeing the doctor had fled to India afterwards.

Oriana McDonald had found a lump on her stomach and discovered her temperature was 36.6C, so she went to see a local GP, Dr Nupur Mittal.

The 57-year-old told how Dr Mittal was stood at a sink in her room at the Waterfield Practice in Bracknell, Berkshire, for the entire 'two minute' consultation on July 6 2018.

Oriana told the Daily Mail: 'I would have been in the room for two minutes, less than two minutes. She was able to diagnose me from the other end of the room, with her back to me and said 'antibiotics', 'cellulitis'.

'I was like, 'you didn't even touch me, take my temperature', she recalled. 'She was not interested in the least.'

Dr Mittal should have been supervised during the appointment, because there were previous patients who had complained, but she was not, Oriana said.

Despite taking the antibiotics, three days later Oriana had begun to feel worse and called the practice again, where she spoke to Dr Mittal on the phone.

Dr Nupur Mittal was hit with a 128,000 medical negligence bill after failing to diagnose 'systematically unwell' Oriana when she called the doctor's surgery

Her partner, Ian Gale, became increasingly concerned and called for an ambulance on July 11 2018

'She said, 'I will give you another antibiotic, if it gets any worse you might have to phone the hospital'. She didn't really care, she was definitely not interested at all.'

Oriana had reported the redness on her stomach had spread, she was sweating and she could not move. Her partner, Ian Gale, became increasingly concerned and called for an ambulance on July 11 2018.

Mr Gale, who is a wheelchair user, said he was unable to get to the hospital, but that he spoke to a doctor, who informed him Oriana was facing 'life or death surgery'.

Oriana was diagnosed with a very large abscess or cyst on the abdominal wall with signs of sepsis.

Medics suspected necrotising fasciitis, known as the 'flesh-eating disease', which is a rare and life-threatening infection that starts in a wound. She had radical surgery which removed a large amount of tissue from her stomach.

'I have got a scar going from my hip bone to my hip bone, from left to right to left, it took over a year to heal completely', she said, adding she often feels conscious of the scar and it makes wearing clothes difficult.

Oriana told how she only began to think of pursuing compensation against Dr Mittal two years after the event.

'I was just happy to be alive and coping and then I was talking with Ian and I was like, 'I'm not happy unless she is struck off', because I did not want it to happen to anybody else.

Since late 2024, Dr Mittal has been running the Ambala Wellness Clinic - in Ambala, a city in northern India - which boasts of her '20 years of international experience in the UK'

'We wanted to save anyone else from what I have gone through, the next one might have been dead.'

The couple instructed BLV Law solicitors and launched a civil claim in medical negligence against Dr Mittal, but the doctor failed to respond to any of their correspondence and did not attend court.

In Dr Mittal's absence, they were awarded a total of 128,204.30 including damages, legal costs and interest.

The court found her liable for medical negligence as she failed to diagnose Oriana, which caused her injuries.

They only learned Dr Mittal had left the UK to go to India when they sought to secure the debt against her home in Reading and Dr Mittal's husband, who is also a GP, responded to object.

On learning Dr Mittal had gone to India, Oriana said: 'I did feel a bit of rage towards her.

'If she had just diagnosed this in the first place I would have had a two-inch scar.'

Ian added: 'She was just burying her head in the sand, she was just hiding from everything and running away from it.

'A doctor doing their job, I know they are very busy, they haven't always got the time, but when they do get to see a patient, they need to see that patient.'

Dr Mittal was working at the Waterfield Practice in Bracknell when, on July 6 2018, she had a face-to-face consultation with Ms McDonald, an NHS patient, who reported having found a lump on her stomach and told the doctor she had a temperature of 36.6C

Dr Mittal, who now runs a practice in India, was contacted for comment and said she was appealing the case against her.

She had interim restrictions placed on her practice by the General Medical Council since February 2016, but these were replaced with an interim suspension following an interim orders tribunal (IOT) at the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service in June 2024, preventing her from practising and treating patients.

At a further IOT hearing on November 21 last year, the interim suspension was ordered to remain in place, subject to review.

A GMC spokesman said: 'The GMC is investigating Dr Nupur Mittal. While this is ongoing Dr Mittal is interim suspended, which means she cannot treat patients.'